"Ah" A tall older man with white hair sighed as he made his way up another mountain. 'I can't have much further to go. It's been nearly six months since I left.'
"I wish I could've raised Bell to be a hero, if he's lucky he made it to level 2 by now and got himself a harem." The older man muttered to himself. "Maybe I should've given him my Falna and trained him back then. Orario needs to be stronger to deal with what's coming, both in the dungeon and that damned dragon. Now that we aren't there anymore they don't have much time."
When the remnants of his once great Familia along with his wife's came back from certain death he cursed himself. The shape they were in was nearly enough to make even a God throw up. But then it got worse once two of the most trusted people said what they saw.
"I'm telling you Zeus. That bastard Dragon talked."
"Quit spouting nonsense Zald! It's a monster, how could it have intelligence?"
"Zeus, he isn't lying. The words that monster said to us still ring in my head."
"Not you too Alfia!" Zeus shouted. After using what little power he could in the lower world he indeed confirmed they were telling the truth. "What did it say?"
"He said…"
"I never thought you humans would make this far." The creature bellowed with a hearty laugh. "I haven't had this much fun for nearly 1000 years but even then, you do not compare to that man."
"What do you want with us?" Alfia yelled in a defeated voice. Despite all her talents she could barely stand at the sight of this. What good was all the talent in the world in the face of this.
Pure evil. Pure destruction. Pure darkness.
After they had beaten the Leviathan and Behemoth together, the the Zeus and Hera Familia's felt invincible. They couldn't imagine anyone or thing that was strong enough to stop the people who had defeated those legendary beasts with very low losses. Until they marched into it.
Hell.
That was the only word to describe it.
No matter how talented these members were, all they managed to do was open old wounds on this beast. With dozens of level 6s, multiple level 7s, two level 8s, and the sole level 9 on the planet, they realized just how big of a gap there was between them and that man.
The Mercenary King. Albert Waldstein. The last hero from the old world.
They needed a hero not an adventure, but alas all they had this time were adventures. Sure they had Zald who was the hero that beat the Behemoth, Alfia who slaughtered the Leviathan, but even then, they were not enough. The hero to beat this monster wasn't with them and they paid dearly for it.
With Zald looking left and Alfia gazing to her right they saw the countless bodies of their respective Familias surrounded by darkness. Those who weren't dead were close to it as their wounds threatened to consume them. The abyss gazed into them and they couldn't bear it, so they gave into the hopelessness that it brought.
"I must thank you for keeping me entertained. The next time I awaken I must complete my duty, but I hope someone appears who will be able to keep me entertained like he did." The dragon said solemnly, reminiscing of a forgotten time. "Since you have managed to grant me some entertainment I shall allow you to leave and she is begging that I spare you. You should show your gratitude to this woman, without her you would be dead."
Before their eyes they saw a beautiful woman who was kept prisoner by the darkness, trapped in a circle of black mist. Her golden hair and perfect figure made her more beautiful than any Goddesses.
'Aria?' The two thought. Since they were going to face this legend they studied anything they could. In the end, one of their Gods had gave them a book, Dungeon Oratoria. They read the depictions of the Mercenary King heroics as he walked alone to face the Black Dragon with the power of his wife, the great air spirit. After singlehandedly driving it off, opening many wounds and taking one of its eyes in the process, the dragon was forced to retreat, stealing the spirit after killing Albert. Afterword's, the Black Dragon was forced into a deep sleep for centuries in order to heal his wounds. Albert was the hero that overcame the greatest calamity known to man and because of his actions, humanity was saved.
When the results of their battle fully hit them the survivors knew what they needed. A power that can overcome even the Gods divine wills in order to break his hold on the spirit and save the world from this monster. The once great Familas crumbled like it was nothing under his power as the remnants turned tail and ran with tears rolling down their faces for their fallen comrades.
"... and after that we survivors talked."
Zeus fell down onto his knees as the story ended. He couldn't believe it. Intelligent monsters? This was unheard of, it would shake the lower world to its core. But not only that, the most powerful monster in the world chose to let a few of his children go. They were spared by a monster. The only thing that story reminded him of was Tartarus in the underworld. The tears rolled down his face as he thought about how he sent his children to fight against that beast.
"What did you decide to do next?" He replied sounding like a shell of his former self that was full of pride. The confident, arrogant, and boastful God was gone.
"Orario won't be strong enough without our power. They need a push to grow. We may not have been the hero's to beat that bastard but we can be the hero's who guide the next generation." Zald replied.
"You don't mean."
"Yes Zeus we do. We will attack Orario in order for them to grow." Alfia answered as a few tears silently rolled down her face, making the second God who was there to shake uncontrollably after shedding more tears than possible, she said her first words since what remained of her Familia returned.
"What about your sister? What about her child?" Hera asked desperately.
"The boy's father died in that battle and his mother died during birth. I wish to leave him to you two, raise him how you see fit but make him his own man."
"Why? We already failed once." Hera croaked. The two Gods couldn't believe the overprotective Alfia gave up on her last family member just to give him a shot at a peaceful life.
"We have no right to even see that child. Not anymore." Zeus replied.
"As much as I hate to leave him with a pervert like yourself, I won't be able to face him or my sister in death if I don't complete my duty. He is the last member of the two greatest Familia's in history. If anyone can overcome that dragon he can." Alfia replied, trying to keep her composure as tears ran rampant down her face. She hated herself for saying those words, how could she send him into that? All she wanted to do was to protect her last family member. She wanted to take the infant into her arms and raise him far away from all of the violence as his mother, for he is the last memory she'd ever have of her sister but she couldn't bring herself too. How could she look him in the eyes after she ran away from what she needed to do to help the world survive? "If you raise him to be a pervert I'll kill you, but I believe he will be able to beat that dragon in time. He didn't inherit our sickness so he won't be limited by it like I was."
"I understand." Zeus replied quietly. The four fell into silence and started to cry harder than ever before while they realized just how far the once prideful greats had fallen.
'I can't let that happen again. I'll do something even if I'm sent back up. If I don't I'll never be able to face my children with honor.' The older man vowed as he gazed out to see the countless frozen mountains he was faced with, he prayed. Prayed that somewhere there was a hero capable of saving the lower world since he had already failed once before while he made his way to his destination.
X
Coming back from the dungeon, the group that went down to investigate what was going on with Bell Cranel and Freya decided to go get some food after they informed Finn and Gareth on what the situation was. While walking around aimlessly, the group eventually made their way to a restaurant that was near one of the walls of Orario.
"Do you feel it too Finn?" Riveria asked.
Looking outside and studying the crowd, Finn let out a sigh. "Unfortunately yes. It seems like everyone is expecting something to happen." Verifying the tension his Familia felt walking through the street. His thumb was twitching in pain and the palpable tension he felt seemed to grow larger the later they got into the night.
'My instincts are telling me this isn't good.' Finn thought, inwardly cursing the fact that Aiz wasn't with them. He knew that she would be more than enough to handle almost any problem, and with a level 4 with her he felt even more confident, but after all that has happened in the past few months he couldn't discount the possibility of an irregular situation happening yet again. He preferred keeping his Familia close so he can manage them and make sure that they are safe.
The strengths of the Loki and Freya Familia's were well known throughout the world, people often debated which one of the two was stronger but the biggest factor people brought up in these debates was Ottar. Even though any level 6 is the equivalent of a one man army, no level 6 could compare to the strength he possesses. However, Finn knew a different side of Ottar. He disliked that title people bestowed onto him because in his mind, he isn't the strongest. The Zeus and Hera Familia's had adventurers capable of waging war on the entire city, if not the world, by themselves if they wanted to. He, as well as Gareth and Riveria, knew Ottar won't be satisfied until he is stronger than they were. If Ottar were to go up against any of the level 7s in the either of those Familia's while they were in their prime, he would be hard pressed to defeat most of them, especially Alfia or Zard. If Ottar were to go up against either of those two as he currently is his chances of beating them weren't the best. They were once in a generation talents that very few people had the talent to surpass. He had barely been able to beat a severely weakened Zard as a peak level 6. But after becoming a level 7 Ottar knew he wasn't even close to the level 8s or the sole level 9 who used to live and he kept pushing for that level of strength.
Finn was confident in their chances of beating the Freya Familia but he knew that they couldn't remain stagnant. It had been countless years since Ottar became a level 7 and if Finn had to guess he was close to a level 8. Allen, Hedin, and Hogni are probably close to leveling up as well and if they did, the Loki Familia no longer has the strength to face them. Which is why Finn wished that he, along with Riveria and Gareth, could level up to 7 soon and he hoped that Aiz's growth with her new skill was at the very least double the speed of regular adventurers. He knew he couldn't hope for the same rate that Bell has but if it was even one tenth of that growth he knew they could remain confident.
Despite the confidence in his Familia's power, he couldn't shake the feeling that something major was going to happen tonight that was going to test them.
"I heard you say Bell Cranel beat the Goliath, would you mind telling me more about that?" Finn asked, trying to get rid of the thoughts and worries that clouded his mind. After being informed that Bell was not taken by Freya he felt an immense weight lifted off of his shoulders as they wouldn't be enemies in the future.
"Oh! Oh! I know!" Tiona replied loudly, practically jumping out of her seat. "He was amazing, he took it on all by himself with his two knives and was beating it."
"That lad faced it with only knives? Impressive." Gareth commented. It was well known that the Goliath, despite being a level 2 boss, was a difficult opponent just because of its size, much like every other floor boss. While it couldn't beat any first class adventurers, some second class adventurers struggled on the best way to go about beating a monster of that size and what weapon they should use. Hearing that he only took it down with only two knives was unheard of.
"I wonder what his status looks like." Finn wondered aloud. If his hunch was correct then Bell Cranel might be even more impressive than they currently believe. As Tiona continued her story, many thoughts started to pass through Finn's head as he heard how Bell fought and a certain thought came to his mind. 'It sounds like he is able to pass the race barriers that often limits people. I assume he'd be able to due to his skill and how hard he works but even then its hard to believe he can pass those. He did do it when he was a level 1 so it's not unheard of for him, but if he continued to do it every time he leveled up since then...'
"Well at the start he really only did flesh wounds right? He didn't have the right weapon to land a killing blow. But after he messed up and got hit he started to charge his skill."
"Did he enhance his magic?"
"No, it seemed that he was charging it directly into his knife." Riveria replied.
"To be expected that a Hephaestus weapon is able to withstand that. After charging it, what did he do?"
"Well that's the most interesting part-" Riveria continued before getting interrupted.
"After charging it he shot his magic at his knife and he made a fire sword!" Tiona shouted. "It was like his magic and skill combined and formed a new weapon! Then he raced at the Goliath, he looked like an advanced level 5 in speed, and once he got up to it he just cut the monster in half like it was nothing!"
At this comment Finn was forced to choke on his drink a little bit. The Goliath has incredibly tough skin that challenges second class adventurers, basically forcing them to work in parties to defeat it. Hearing this basically confirmed that while Bell was an agility based fighter, he also had incredible strength, possibly even rivaling some Dwarfs.
It's common knowledge that Dwarfs had strength advantages and Elves had magic advantages over other races. The biggest problem most adventurers face is being forced into a category that fits their race, almost no one could overcome those differences. Hearing the case of what Bell Cranel was capable of, Finn started to wonder if a challenge for the king of Orario was inevitable.
Most adventurers don't go through all the hassle of leveling up their status fully, it takes too long. Even in the Loki Familia, the elites normally level up whenever they could as long as they felt that their status was high enough. The only two cases he had seen of this was Ottar when he was a maxed out level 6 except for magic and Bell Cranel when he was a level 1. If his skill made it possible for him to level up everything at around the same pace, he would become much stronger than anyone. If you were to mix that in with the new adventurer creativity he fought with and how he uses his other skill, Finn realized it wouldn't be long before those two challenged each other.
However, with all of this excitement, a certain fear started to be built up in Finn's heart.
If Bell Cranel were to ever turn against Orario like the Zeus and Hera Familia did, would they be able to defeat him should they need to? The almost ludicrous idea of someone beating Ottar without help slowly started to seem possible, though it would take awhile for Bell to become that strong. Thankfully, it seemed that their Familia's were on good terms but they had to keep it that way. Taking on Ottar with three level 6s was challenging enough but if Bell were to become stronger than that, who could stop him? At this current moment Finn began to consider Bell Cranel to be a threat that has the potential to surpass Ottar.
"Captain?" Tione asked in a concerned tone while the rest of the Familia started at him while he was deep in thought.
"He certainly is an anomaly." Finn sighed. "I think we should push for an alliance with them in the future."
"Why?" Riveria asked curiously, she knew Finn never said anything without sound reasoning to back it up but she was curious as to why he'd bring that up now. She knew how powerful the Hestia Familia was. No low tier could stand against them and they could give a decent chunk of mid tier Familia's a run for their money, but they were still a long ways away from being a top Familia. If they didn't have the debt from Bell Cranel's weapon they would probably be the most attractive choice for new adventurers.
"The Hestia Familia is more useful than their levels lead to. They have Mikoto who you all saw the magic she is capable of wielding plus her sword techniques rivals ours despite being a level 2, Welf is a fantastic blacksmith though that might not go over well with the elves and he has anti magic which will be useful for dealing with some monsters, that Renard who possesses very strange magic."
"Haruhime." Bete interrupted in an annoyed voice which drew many eyes to him as he was silent for most of the dinner. "What? She's a weakling but she isn't a coward. When she cast it on me it felt like I gained a shit ton of power. I don't know how much but it felt like a level up."
"Exactly and then they have Bell Cranel. I think he'd be most useful to us on our future endeavors in the dungeon."
"But captain, wouldn't Bell be the only one that would be able to go with us to the deep levels?" Tione asked.
"I suppose you are right. Maybe we should wait until they have two first class adventurer or another second class one."
"Well even if they get that, do you really expect Loki and Hestia to-" Riveria chuckled until she was interrupted by an explosion that shook part of the city. If she had to guess it was magic fired from a level 5 adventurer with the force from the wind.
As soon as the explosion hit, Finn's thumb entered a world of pain as he threw money onto the table while his Familia got into position. He quickly barked out orders before rushing towards the explosion. "Tight formation! We don't know what we are dealing with."
"Wait isn't that the direction where Aiz and Bell went off to?" Tiona asked after leaving the restaurant.
'This isn't good.' Finn thought as no one bothered to answer the Amazon, instead they increased their pace to figure out what happened.
X
The streets of Orario were packed as usual with all of the bustling noise that the citizens grew accustomed to. However, tonight it felt different. Normally there was an underlying happy mood that ran across the city spanning from the orphans to the gods. But tonight it almost felt like people were waiting for something to happen. Adventures clutched their gear tightly, children stuck close with their parents, and the guards felt their throats grow dry whenever they saw any strong adventurer. The Hestia Familia is among those who remained on guard. The group of five quickly surrounded their Goddess as soon as they made their way onto the street, determined to protect her. Without their nearly level 5 member with them, they knew that one of the safest spots in the city was within the Walls of the hostess.
"Do you feel that too?" Welf asked.
"Yes, it feels like a fight is going to break out any second." Mikoto replied. "I don't think we should stay out late tonight, let's eat and then return home."
"I hope Bell is okay if something happens." Haruhime added in. With Haruhime's magic, very few lower tier Familia's could stand against them even though Bell wasn't with them and when he was, they could take on most of the mid tier ones. He already fought like a level 5 and with her level boost he seemed like a level 6. Having three level 3s and one level 6 allowed them to beat almost all of the mid tier Familia's as well, even if they had that power for only 15 minutes.
"He'll be fine, he's probably with the Loki Familia now since they left to look for him." Welf replied, earning a groan from the supporter and Goddess. "Let's just get our food and go back."
As the five made their way to the hostess, they realized that they had become the subject of many gazes and conversations of the people whom they came across.
"How do you think they reacted to Rabbit's Foot meeting with Freya?"
"You think he really left them?"
"I mean do you see him anywhere?"
"So maybe he really did leave? If he is getting trained by the King and Vana Freya he's going to become unstoppable."
"Well wouldn't you leave your Familia for Freya's if you grew as fast as him?"
"Of course I would! He'll become a level 7 in no time with them training him."
"If he really did leave wouldn't that mean they are now a F tier Familia again?"
"Maybe that's why they look so on edge. They feel ashamed that they couldn't provide enough for him and he left. I doubt anyone's gonna wanna join that debt ridden Goddess now, without the star of their Familia they are going to fall apart."
"I never thought he'd be the kind of guy to do that though."
"Yeah maybe his loyalty lies elsewhere like it did with those monsters."
It was clear that not everyone had forgiven Bell for all of his incident with the Xenos but they all gained respect for him. Unfortunately, a certain short Goddesses veins started to pop out of her head in anger, getting ready to jump down the throats of all those who said those things. Before Hestia could cause any more problems, their smith grabbed her.
"You know he didn't leave, just ignore them."
"How can I do that! They are bad mouthing us and my Bell!"
"You rushing into things got us in this situation in the first place, just calm down and let it pass."
"Mphm, fine." Hestia pouted angrily. After the group finally made their way to the Hostess of Fertility a wave of relief washed over all of them as they figured no matter what happened tonight they'd be safe with the waitresses and Mama Mia. However, upon opening the door the color drained from all their faces as they came face to face with people who could destroy the waitresses, Mia, and the Hestia Familia should their Goddess wish it. Even the general loud and rambunctious mood the place normally had was gone and in its place was silence and fear with barely any customers.
Freya and her Familia.
Although Ottar and Allen weren't there for whatever reason, Freya herself had come down from her tower and was sitting in the center of the room with all of the attention drawn towards her and her children. Hogni, Hedin, Grer, Alfrigg, Dvalinn, and Berling. Six of the eight elites in her Familia. Mikoto and Welf could feel the pressure that the four level 5s and two level 6s brought with them. They silently prayed that they would be able to eat quietly in the back and not draw attention to themselves tonight but alas, luck was not on their side.
"Oh my, if it isn't Hestia." Freya called out. "Why don't you all come share a table with me?"
"Ugh." Hestia groaned in response while the rest of her Familia quickly went into a bow. They understood what Bell meant earlier when Welf explained to them that their captain wanted to keep them safe and out of her way but standing in front of her they felt the sheer confidence that she carried herself with.
"We'd be honored Lady Freya." Haruhime replied nervously.
'Well, well, well, there is another cute one in her Familia. Her soul isn't nearly as beautiful as Bells of course but while his shine is overpowering hers is more like a calming flame. It's making me want to stay with it.' Freya thought to herself internally smiling. "Well don't be so scared! Come!"
With their throats dry and heads riddled with sweat, the group carefully approached the table in the center of the room, normally reserved for large scale gatherings but no one wished to tell her that. After making their way over they sat on the side opposite Freya and her Familia but they were extra careful to not show any signs of disrespect.
"Well Hestia, I believe I have never met these children before. How about you introduce me to them?" Freya asked.
"Huh? Oh these are the rest of my Familia, Mikoto, Welf, Lili, and Haruhime." Hestia responded shortly, trying to limit how much talking they had to do with the Goddess in front of them.
"Now that we have plenty of time tonight, how about each of you tell me about yourselves?" Freya requested, ignoring Hestia's rude remark that threw everyone in the building for a loop, for she was still gazing at Haruhime. Freya was already aware of everyone in the Hestia Familia due to being up to date about information regarding Bell but seeing Haruhime in person was different than gazing at her soul from a distance. Her soul was a warm violet color, almost like staring into a crystal. It belonged to one who was willing to take care of their loved ones, much like an older sister, and Freya couldn't help but be drawn to it as no others in her Familia possess it. Welf's was a crimson red and she assumed it was due to him being a blacksmith and his hot headed nature. She enjoyed it but not that much, she already had a lot of similar ones. Mikoto's was a soft gold, it was similar to the Sword Princess but not nearly as sharp. It was more inviting due to the fact that it didn't seem like it was going to cut you when you got too close and was pleasant to have around but, Freya had dealt with that color before and she didn't want to create another Sword Princess. Lili's was a chestnut color but it provided no attraction for Freya. Still she was surprised to find a soul that could rivals Ryu's, who had a beautiful jade green color, from Haruhime. Truthfully these two possessed the only souls in the city that could rival Bells and just the thought of that made her mind go wild.
"Ah well I'm Welf Crozzo." Welf told her taking the lead in place of his Familia while trying to calm their nerves. However, upon hearing his last name the two elves that Freya was with narrowed their eyes and had an intense killing intent radiated off of them. Trying desperately to calm them, he put his hands up and explained. "I don't sell magic swords, don't worry. I hate what my ancestors did and I refused to make them for a long time."
"What changed?" Hedin demanded.
"I don't want to lose my Familia over my pride. I'll only make them for my Familia."
"How noble of you." Freya commented, interrupting her children. Withdrawing their killing intent, they let out a small click from their tongues and reluctantly went back to their meals. "So I take it you are the blacksmith?"
"Yes. I make all the gear but it's difficult sometimes with Bell destroying everything almost every other week." Welf replied with a laugh.
"He really is something else isn't he." Freya chuckled causing most women in the bar to fear for that rabbit and the men to want to kill him out of jealousy. "And what about the rest of you?"
"Ah Lady Freya!" Mikoto stuttered out. "I am Mikoto Yamato, I transferred to this Familia after Apollo declared a war game in order to help out."
"Why did you do that?"
"Um a while ago we passed a monster party off to them because we had a lot of injuries and it was my way of repaying them."
"Hm, so are you going to leave after the year is up?" Freya asked, drawing all of the attention from the Hestia Familia to turn towards Mikoto. Internally she had been struggling with this question for a long time. She did not want to leave her best friend, Haruhime, again and her new family after all they had done for her, but she didn't want to leave her old Familia forever.
"I don't think so, I owe them a lot, especially Bell. I don't want to abandon him after all he has done for me and we are already pretty close with the Takemikazuchi Familia so it's not like I will never see them again." Mikoto responded. 'Bell reunited me with my best friend and he even fought off Ishtar with me because I wanted her back. He also never complains about training with me no matter how tired he is. If I stay with him I'll be able to become stronger to protect people. Plus Take still sees me as a child, when doesn't I can return in peace.'
"I see. I watched your performance during the war games, your magic was quite impressive. In time I believe you will be equal to how Hedin is now if you keep improving." Freya commented while the mentioned Elf just gave an approving nod. Mikoto got flushed and nearly passed out at the praise that she was receiving. While never seeing him in action, she heard he was a warrior like Ryu. After being saved by her and seeing her fight the Black Goliath, Mikoto made it her goal to become a warrior who could fight as beautifully as her one day. However, the next person that was up was not too ecstatic about facing this Goddess after their run in earlier today.
"Well, Lili's name is Lili Arde, I'm the supporter."
"I see." Freya responded, honestly she wasn't sure how to deal with the person in front of her. She didn't seem afraid of her like everyone else, in fact it almost seemed like she was angry at Freya. She wanted to talk to her a little more to figure out why but Freya knew her children would kill Lili if she said the wrong thing. Deciding to not ruin her own mood after seeing Bell's soul shine brighter a little bit ago and not wanting to cause an incident, she decided to skip over it for now, turning her attention to the one she was curious about from the second she walked in.
"I-I'm Haruhime." The Renard muttered trying desperately to not anger the Goddess.
"Tell me more." Freya asked seductively, using her voice to calm the nerves of everyone present. Seeing Haruhime act this nervous made Freya go even more crazy, wanting to know everything. Her violet soul was drawing Freya in as it held the kindness Bells had but lacked his brightness and many other attributes like his strength, but it felt like a place you could go to, a place to escape to.
"I joined Hestia after a lot happened with my previous Familia, the Ishtar Familia, and they have been taking care of me ever since. I normally just do the cleaning and I act as another supporter while they defeat the monsters."
'Is this girl that Renard Hermes told me about? The one who was to be subjected to the killing stone?' Freya wondered. "Did you leave after they got destroyed?"
"Yes, Bell saved me that night and afterwards I wanted to repay him so I joined his Familia."
'That settles it, she is that girl. How dare Ishtar even attempt that in the first place and to think she would resort to killing such a kind girl.' Freya shook with anger internally. "So is he something like a hero to you?"
"Y-yes, Bell is my hero." Haruhime declared, earning her many threatening gazes, specifically from a Goddess and Pallum.
"He certainly is heroic. I can't wait for him to become stronger."
"Freya." Hestia said, interrupting their conversation.
"Yes?"
"What did you want with my Bell today?"
"He isn't your Bell." Freya chuckled at Hestia's usual antics. "I wanted to know about your expedition and I invited him to join my children on theirs in a few weeks."
'See it's as I thought.' Welf smiled proudly at this revelation, however his Goddess heard a different part to zero in on.
"What do you mean he isn't my Bell?" Hestia asked, causing all the blood to rush out of Welf's face as he could guess what was coming.
"I believe his heart is currently set on another."
"That doesn't matter! He won't ever date her!"
"Why not?"
"She isn't good enough for my Bell."
"I see, well even that doesn't matter. Bell is destined to end up with another." Freya declared causing a shock to go over everyone present.
"What do you mean?" Hestia stammered out fearfully.
"Exactly what I said. Bell Cranel is destined to be with another."
"Why?"
"His soul is rather beautiful, I've never seen a color like his before. The way he shines and his own actions, how he pushes himself forward no matter what make it clear, he needs someone that has the means to support him while he fulfills his destiny."
"But what about the girl he loves?"
"That silly girl? She'd throw him away if it meant she would be able to accomplish her goal."
"Who is it?" Hestia asked.
"Why does that matter?"
"Because I need to make sure they are good enough for My Bell! Now tell me!" As the words reached the ears of Freya's Familia they got ready to spring into action, planning to punish the person who disrespected their Goddess.
"Where is the fun in that?" Freya laughed as she waved her hand dissuading her children from butting in. She couldn't believe how naïve the Hestia Familia was if they couldn't even figure out who she was talking about, deciding to have a little more fun she continued to tease them. "Besides, he will end up coming to that person one day of his own volition."
"What kind of person is she?" Haruhime asked, careful with her words. Freya's eyes turned stone cold after going back and forth with her other Familia members, but as soon as Freya turned towards her, those ice cold eyes were replaced with warmth.
"She is one who seeks enjoyment and one who will be able to provide him with anything he would ever need."
"So Bell will be happy with her?"
"Of course. After all he is my-." Freya said softly before getting interrupted by an explosion that blew a strong gust of wind across the city.
"What the hell was that?" Welf asked after he and Mikoto tried to keep out of that conversation.
"That explosion sounded a lot like Bell's magic." Mikoto commented, bringing a wave of concern across everyone in the bar.
'Allen is watching him. Did something happen?' Freya wondered before she got up. "Go find out what that was, I will be there shortly. Ryu accompany me while I go."
"Ah yes Lady Freya!" Ryu responded and arrived immediately at her side, she didn't know why but she felt rather close with this Goddess.
"WAIT A MINUTE!" Hestia shouted. "I'm coming with you Freya. If Bell is there I won't let him be alone with you."
"Very well, Ryu is more than capable of protecting us."
"You guys go check out if it really was Bell's magic. Don't get involved if it is dangerous though that's an order!" She snapped as the two groups raced off with Freya's taking a resounding lead. But as they left, a Elf was curious how Freya was aware of her in the first place.
X
While watching them, Allen was formulating a plan for the expedition after Freya put him in charge and as leader, he needed to know what Bell could do. 'He's the one that Freya invited on the expedition but after seeing him barely put up a fight against her, is he even good enough to go to the deep floors?'
He welcomed anyone who he had the potential to be as strong or stronger than him to fight so he could see if they had the resolve to back it up and right now he needed to test Bell.
'She looks distracted enough right now, but if she hears us fighting she is going to interfere. That'll cause a lot of problems with the Loki Familia if she does.' Continuing to watch them, he formed a plan to make sure the expedition went as smoothly as possible. 'I'll need to tell the Sword Princess to not get involved otherwise I won't be able to test him. He's level four but he moves a lot faster than the average ones. I need to see his limits without her getting involved.'
X
On top of the wall, two heads lay there. The sun was getting close to setting which meant that both of the people would be leaving soon, but neither were too happy about that.
"Hey Bell?" Aiz asked with her head still resting against his shoulder.
"Yes?" Bell replied as he was fighting off the urge to fall asleep.
"Let's train tomorrow."
"I'd like that. I'll be here at the usual time."
"Let me know when you are going to your village."
Hearing her say this made Bell release a small groan. "I still have to make up with Hestia before I go. I don't want to talk to her yet."
"It'll be fine."
"I hope so. I should probably get back so they don't get too angry at me."
"They have nothing to be angry about though." Aiz said as mini Aiz finally woke up from her nap.
"But that's how they are."
Sighing reluctantly both of them stood up and gathered their gear that they took off once they finished sparring. After getting dressed again, they turned towards each other preparing to say their goodbyes.
"Thank you Aiz, for everything." Bell whispered out as his head went into a bow.
Seeing this somehow made Aiz upset. She was getting the feeling that Bell was treating her the same way he would treat anyone and she didn't like that. She already got irritated when other girls crowded around him and forced themselves onto him. She felt her childish desires of wanting special treatment from him rise to the surface. Eventually she fully gave into them and just when Bell was coming back up she pulled him into a hug, bringing her arms over his shoulders.
"Of Course. Be careful Bell. I'll see you tomorrow." Aiz said with a voice that was barely able to be heard. If not for her being right next to his ear, Bell would've missed it.
"You too." Bell replied while wrapping his arms around her waist, and Aiz responded by pressing her body closer to him after some cheering from mini Aiz. As the two finally left each other for the night, they both walked away in a state of happiness they hadn't felt before.
With this unfamiliar sensation of vertigo running through her body, Aiz walked slowly after she got lost in thought thinking about all that had transpired between her and Bell a few moments ago with a bright red tint on her face. She was sad they couldn't walk together but they lived in different directions and she didn't want to take the time away from him that he needed to make up with his Familia. So deciding it was for the best she made her way back to her Familia home walking down a deserted street.
Normally, she would be able to feel slight changes in the air around her as her level 6 status granted her abnormal perception, but while being lost in her thoughts for a few minutes and walking aimlessly in bliss, she wasn't away of the ever so quite sound of footsteps following her until it was to late as the assailant threw a spear. After her adventurer senses came back she noticed the sound of it flying through the air and she jumped upwards to dodge.
But it was too late. The spear, which was originally aimed at her head, managed to slam into her right knee. After getting hit with it, Aiz made the realization that whoever was attacking her either was not aiming to kill her or they didn't have the right equipment. The force of the spear managed to knock her into a wall creating a rather loud impact.
Quickly getting back onto her feet and drawing her sword, Aiz turned her senses onto full alert in order to make sure she got out of whatever situation she was in. Aiz knew she had to get back to her family, she couldn't afford to lose them for a second time.
Turning her attention to the spear that flew at her, she saw that the end was blunted. It caused some damage to her knee but it wasn't enough to knock her out of the fight. It managed to create a small tear in her boot and draw some blood from her knee but it wouldn't do much more than that to her level 6 body. She figured her hunch was correct and someone wanted to test her but she couldn't figure out who. Until she saw him.
On the building opposite her, she noticed a single cat man in front of it and after that it wasn't hard to guess who threw the spear.
Allen Fromel, Vana Freya, the one called the fastest in the city.
"Sword Princess." Allen said curtly. "Please do not-"
"What do you want?" Aiz asked, interrupting Allen with a punch to make up for him messing up her knee.
"What was that for?"
"You threw your spear at me."
"It's a blunted spear and I barely did anything to you, quit being so weak."
"So what do you want?"
"I plan to test Rabbits Foot, do not get involved."
"If you are planning on hurting Bell, I'll stop you."
"You dumbass." Allen sighed. "I need to see what he is capable of for our expedition. We leave in three weeks. Ottar is going off trying to level up to 8 tomorrow and Freya tasked me with making our formations and strategies for our expedition since the boar bastard is going to be getting used to his strength during that time. If I don't know what he is capable of I can't put him in the right place."
"Why can't I test him?" Aiz asked. She was shocked that Allen told her about Ottar's adventure but it would be common knowledge by tomorrow if the king went into the dungeon with a large stock of supplies. After relaxing her stance she watched as Allen went over to pick up his spear.
"Because neither of you will take it seriously. I won't be able to see what he is capable of. If I don't know then he dies during it."
"Fine, I am going to watch."
"Do as you wish, just don't get involved. How far do you normally push him during your training?"
"It depends. Normally we just spar."
"I see and how does he do during those spars?"
"He does well for a level 4, he fights like a level 5 now. What are you planning on doing?"
"I plan on attacking him to make him fight me seriously. Since you would have heard the battle you would have rushed over and defended him if I didn't tell you." Allen said when suddenly his ears perked up. "Go hide somewhere, he'll be here soon."
"How do you know that?"
"When does that brat not stick his nose into trouble? Besides, I hear him."
"Right." Aiz replied, quickly dashing to an alleyway opposite the wall where she crashed into. She watched Allen jump to the roof where he originally threw his spear.
The two of them watched in silence, waiting for Bell to emerge and check what had happened. Aiz felt confident in trusting Allen since he didn't bring out any spear that could do too much damage to Bell, still feeling worried about sending him to fight a level 6 but if it helped his chances of surviving in the deep levels then she would take the risk. She didn't want him to go through another experience like last time. With her here she knew Allen couldn't kill Bell and that wouldn't put them on good terms for their upcoming expedition, but she couldn't be too careful.
After waiting for about another minute, she saw the flash of white hair come into her view and stand in front of the impact she left within the wall. Looking at it she felt rather embarrassed that she even messed up in the first place but another flash of movement snapped her out of her thoughts as Allen lunged at Bell.
Bell quickly snapped around and brought out his knives to block the spear. With the Hestia knife holding Allen's spear in place, he swung Hakugen towards his attacker's face, leaving a small scratch near Allen's eye.
Clicking his tongue, Allen leapt back with a satisfied smile on his face while Bell got into his fighting stance. After the two fighters finished sizing each other up, they launched themselves at each other tearing up the street until the two of them collided.
X
Authors note:
Sorry that this one took longer to get out, I was busy with some stuff and I wasn't happy with how a few parts of this chapter sounded so I kept rewriting it.
I'm considering giving Bell another weapon that is capable of long range attacks. I'm not quite sure how to work it into danmachi and the future of this story but who knows. Bell is still going to use his knives as his primary weapon. I just thought giving him more variety might be beneficial in the future. He is going to get at least one more weapon and I have that one all planned out but it's the other one that is giving me some trouble with my decision. I'll think about it a little more and then get your opinions before finalizing it.
Also I'm thinking of adding some more mature themes in the future just to spice some things up, but I'll also decide that later.
Sorry for taking so long again, I'll try to get out the next chapter as soon as possible but there is going to be a lot that goes in the next chapter, honestly I might split it up into two different ones but who knows. I'll try to get it out as soon as possible but we will have to wait and see.
That's all for this one. Thanks.