Chapter 3

Author's note: I switched Suicia with Laurier in the last chapter since it makes more sense for a level 2 to get sent to find that Kobold than a level 3 Suicia to do it. Also, they are both equally cute and LN vol 16 spoiler alert: (LaurierxBell is Canon in vol 16).

"I need to get it! There is no way around it" said Bell to himself while he was running closer and closer to the dungeon's entrance.

As he was entering the dungeon, Bell felt as if someone was looking at him and stopped to look around. After inspecting the area around him, he thought it was probably just his imagination and turned back to the entrance.

Meanwhile, one lonely goddess from Folkvangr was quite surprised to see that her chosen one was able to see her peeking at him and started blushing heavily.

"Ohhhhh, my Odr! You caught me! Hee-hee"

As Bell was clearing floor after floor to get to level 8, he finally understood that Miss Eina was right, and it was too early for him to be here alone. It was when he was already at the staircase to the 8th floor that he felt how his power was already leaving him. Even with his new agility boost, it wasn't enough. In addition to that, his cheap dagger was also getting worn out. Neither him nor his equipment were ready for what was to happen later.

"Man, I am killing these high-level Kobolds for hours now! My dagger is about to break. Why hasn't I found the Blue Kobold yet?" said Bell after killing yet another Kobold out of pure frustration.

"But I can't give up. What would my grandpa think if I would do it. It isn't like I am in a live-or-death situation yet. Giving up a dream to one day stand by Asfi's side as an equal just because I wasn't able to find some rare Kobold on level 8. That would be a nice story to tell my grandpa in heaven. Haha" said Bell to himself when tried to collect his last will to keep going forward.

Little did Bell know that he was heavily watched by someone who was not only level 2, but also had elven pointy years that were able to catch everything he mumbled thinking that no one can hear him.

'Hmm, he came here for a Blue Kobold. Interesting. It's not like no one knows about him, but no one besides Asfi should be interested in the drop item. People don't even buy it or pick it up without a strong reason because it is so disgusting.' thought the elven swordsman to herself.

'Wait, he is now talking about Asfi. Is he a new member of our Familia? I don't remember seeing him. He wants to stand by her side as an equal. Haha young man, that will take a while for you. You are pretty swift, but you are still level 1'

As she was looking over what Bell was doing, she saw that the Blue Kobold finally spawned behind his back. He wanted to kill him right there since as a level 2 swordsman he wouldn't be a big challenge for her, but she wanted to see what this new Asfi's follower was capable of. After all, he somehow managed to come so close to his goal.

Since Bell was so tired from killing Kobolds for hours on end, his vision and hearing started deteriorating. Before Blue Kobold was able to kill Bell with a sneak attack, Laurier yelled "Behind you!" from the bush she was hiding at.

As Bell heard the someone's voice asking him to look back, he immediately turned back and parried the Blue Kobold's attack.

"Thanks whoever called it!" yelled Bell while still in the fight with the Blue Kobold.

"You know, I already almost gave up, but here you are Blue Kobold. Just came right into my arms!" said Bell as he was starting fierce counterattack with his dagger that already had chunks of it falling apart.

As the battled continued for few minutes, Laurier saw that the kid's dagger was on verge of collapse. When it almost looked like the level 1 outsmarted Kobold, his dagger broke in the most unfortunate moment – when he was about to pierce his neck.

Dumbfounded and with no other weapons on him Bell was kicked by Kobold in his stomach and flew around dozen feet away from Kobold. Tired, hardly able to move, Bell thought this was his end. That was when he saw Kobold slowly walking to him with a psychopathic grin on his face.

"I have no choice…"

As Bell was cornered with no possible escape on the 8th floor of the dungeon, he decided to call for backup like a true hero would,

"AAAAAAAAAAGH, someone help me!"

That was when he saw a sword's tip that was about to pierce his throat, come out straight from Kobold's neck. All he was able to say was,

"Thanks…" as he suddenly fell unconscious.

"Well, young man. You put a good fight here, but I don't want you to die."

…

As Laurier was desperately trying to bring this level 1 adventurer back to his conscious state, she thought that he looked like bunny with his eyes closed.

'White hair looks really good on you, reckless rookie' she thought in her head.

As Bell finally woke up, elven swordsman started questioning him about his whereabouts.

"Why were you looking for a Blue kobold? What Familia you are a part of?" she said with an emotionless face

"I am a member Hestia Familia. I was looking for a Blue Kobold because I was looking for a sweaty Blue Kobold's armpit drop item." Said Bell, while balancing on the verge of collapsing again.

He knew that it would be better to tell the truth to whoever saved him, even though his vision still hasn't returned to him completely he was already able to see what looked like an elf standing in front of him.

"How much do you know about us?" she said as she put a blade to his throat making him suddenly become a lot more conscious.

"I am sorry, I didn't know this would end up this way. All I wanted is to get this item for Asfi. I heard she needed it for something, and she saved me yesterday from a minotaur on level 5. I just wanted to say thank you to her because I dashed off last time. I don't even know who you are. That's all" he said as he was trying to give her everything he knew at that point so that she won't end his life right there.

As Bell finished his rant, he was finally able to see who was standing in front of him – a beautiful female elven figure with deep green eyes and sun colored hair matching the color of her sword. She even had bangs that flowed down to the middle of her forehead and 2 relatively long braids extending to the middle of her chest, making her look a lot more mysterious than she would otherwise. Though, she clearly was a master swordsman, her charming feminine face made her look a lot less threatening. That is, until she is pointing a blade to someone's throat.

"Ohh, I see. But how did you know that she needed this item?" said Laurier as she was remembering that Asfi only told it during their Familia's meeting.

Confused about if he should say that it was Hermes' doing, Bell stopped talking, further enraging the Laurier.

"I will repeat once again. How did you know about this? There is no way a level 1 like you would end up here without someone guiding you" she said as she made sure Bell felt the blade touching his Adam's apple with the smallest drop of blood coming out.

Though, Bell was scared, some part of him was also excited that a pretty adventurer like Laurier found and saved him.

'I keep getting saved by pretty girls in the dungeon. Grandpa would be disappointed in me.'

"Ok, I confess! I was approached by Lord Hermes yesterday. I told him that I was saved by Asfi and wanted to thank her, and he told me I should come here and get this item. Please don't kill me, I am an adventurer for just 2 weeks!" Said Bell hoping that she would believe him.

'Why is it always Lord Hermes doing strange things…' thought Laurier to herself.

"Well, I see that you are saying the truth," said Laurier, while removing the sword from his throat.

"Yes, yes! Only the truth!" exclaimed Bell after finally being able to breathe normally.

"So, why would you risk your life and come here for this item? I don't think Asfi really expects anything from you, even if she saved you. Does she even know your name?"

"No, I ran away after she saved me, and I wanted to thank her ever since."

Laurier started rubbing her forehead while trying to come up with a reason why would Hermes send this guy here.

'Why would Hermes help this guy.'

'Does he want him to end up with Asfi?'

'But he is just a level 1.'

'Does he want to recruit him into our Familia?'

'Is he special in any way?'

'Doesn't look like it so far, though he can run pretty fast for a 2 weeks old level 1.'

As she was thinking, she saw what looked like a new status update sheet coming out of Bell's pocket.

"Can I see your new status update sheet?" asked Laurier after starting to be genuinely interested in who exactly was this guy.

"I am sorry, but you can't. My goddess said that no one should look at my status updates." Said Bell as if he was a 5-year-old child telling her that he shouldn't talk to strangers.

"Relax, I won't tell anyone. Just let me peek at it. It's not like you have much choice right now since you don't have a weapon and you are on the 8th floor" she said while also pointing her hand to the hordes of Kobolds and Goblins roaming around.

"Ok, I will give it to you, but don't look at it for too long please" said Bell knowing fully well that he wouldn't be able to do anything if the elf would decide to take away his status update paper.

"Don't worry, I will just peek at it." She said as she was taking away the new status update sheet away from his hands. What followed, was that her jaw practically dropped to the floor.

Name: Bell Cranel

Familia: Hestia Familia

Race: Human

Level: 1

Strength: I-75 → I-82

Defense: I-13

Utility: I-95 → I-96

Agility: H-102 → H-172

Magic: I-0

Magic

( )

Skills

( )

'Wow, so much agility. This kid is growing like crazy. And it is just 2 weeks in? Hermes would like to hear about this, but I think he already knows something if he is making schemes like this.'

'Did he expect me to be here today, too? I was supposed to come here later in the evening, not right now.'

'Heh, I am going to corner Lord Hermes about this, but I have to take care of this guy first.'

'Should I let him keep the drop item? Uhmm, I don't know. I guess it doesn't matter who gives it since we both want to give it to Asfi. If Hermes wants him to be with Asfi, then he probably wanted him to give it to her. I should probably let him have it, I will confront Lord Hermes later.'

"By the way, you can keep the drop item. Give it to Asfi yourself."

"Really?!" he said with the most innocent and excited voice possible.

"Yes. Now, follow me we will go back to the surface."

"Yes, Ma'am!" said Bell finally relieved that he would be able to get back to the surface.

'I am not that old to be called a 'Ma'am'. Or does he think I am that unattractive compared to Asfi? I am just 19. I am even younger than her. Why am I even thinking about this…' said Laurier to herself, before taking a stoic look at Bell before turning and letting him follow her to the surface.

As Laurier and Bell marched through numerous monsters on levels 8 through 1, Bell was quite amazed with Laurier's skill with a sword.

As they set their foot near the entrance to the dungeon, Bell said,

"I think I can go alone from here," wanting to give an item to Asfi by himself once he would find her.

"My mission was to get that drop item. If anything, I just want to make sure you give it to Asfi so I will go away when you give it to her." She said in a reassuring, but at the same time doubtful voice. In the end, she still thought that he may be not who he says he is, and she has to be on guard if anything happens.

"Ok"

As they started walking towards the exit of the dungeon, Laurier was heavily thinking to herself.

'Now the only question is, what should I tell Asfi when I meet her.'

'Hey, Asfi. Yes, I almost got that item, but this guy got it first.'

'Or no, I should probably say …'

As they were walking, and Laurier was deep in her thoughts about what to tell Asfi she suddenly thought about Bell's name.

'Wait! I don't even know his name. I should probably ask him before we meet Asfi and …' thought Laurier to herself before she saw Asfi standing near the entrance of the dungeon as they met with their eyes.

"Asfi?"

"Laurier?"

"What are you doing here, Asfi? Weren't you supposed to be in the Traveler's Inn today?"

"I was actually going to the Rivera to buy some rare materials since I was done with all my paperwork for today. Why are you here, Laurier? Did you already find what I asked for? Oh, and who is this guy with you?"

"Wait a second" thought Asfi, as she noticed familiar white hair and red eyes.

"I remember you from yesterday. Weren't you the guy who was chased by the minotaur?"

"Yes, my name is Bell Cranel" said Bell with an embarrassed voice.

"Why are you here with Laurier, Mr. Cranel?" said Asfi.

"Well, I just heard before you needed this one thing and thought it would be a nice way to say thank you for saving me yesterday in the dungeon."

Asfi immediately remembered her yesterday's encounter with a minotaur on 5th floor and became worried for this young adventurer who went to the level 8 to get the drop item, but Asfi was still confused why would he know about the item in the first place. However, Laurier's mind was already trying to find the best excuse she can come up with to keep Lord Hermes out of this.

'Hgggggh, Lord Hermes. You are giving so much trouble with this boy of yours!' thought Laurier to herself, before finally interjecting the conversation

"Yeah, I just needed a little help on level 8 and asked Bell if he could have come along with me today." Said Laurier while blushing.

'She is definitely hiding something. And why did he come here to get a drop item – to thank me? Someone from our Familia clearly is leaking information. Or maybe it is what I think it is. Let me check' thought Asfi.

"Sorry guys for appearing here without notice. I probably should have told you that I didn't have much work for the day and would go to Rivera. But if you wanted to spend a day by yourself or with someone you could have just asked, Laurier." Said Asfi.

"No, it's not like that, Asfi!" Laurier started blushing even more.

'Seems like I hit the spot right there. Well, I don't want to disturb their time together anymore' thought Asfi as she started smiling and opening one of her smaller bags to pick up the item they were supposed to find.

"Well anyways, I appreciate that you guys found what I needed. I still have to go to Rivera. See you later Mr. Cranel and Laurier" she said as she put the rare smelly Blue Kobold's armpit into her bag and winked to Laurier, to which she started blushing again.

As Asfi swiftly dashed away on her way to the dungeon's 18th floor, Bell was amazed with her speed and graciousness and even had his heart skip a beat and his mouth open to inhale more air.

Laurier was standing as red as tomato, still shocked after everything that just happen to her.

"So, I guess I can go?" asked Bell.

"No, you are coming with me!" she grabbed Bell's right hand with her left hand and started dragging him, making him blush because he knew that touching someone's hand was something elves did very rarely, and made him follow her to the Traveler's Inn where she thought she can find Lord Hermes and ask him about Bell. Another two things that briefly crossed Laurier's mind were why Bell reacted to Asfi with such awe and why it had to be Asfi out of all people that Hermes wanted to set up Bell with.

As they were running together to the Traveler's Inn, Asfi was still analyzing the situation:

"I still wonder how Bell learnt about the Kobold's armpit. And from the looks of it, he was in the dungeon for quite some time. He probably was there since morning at the very least. But when I think about it the most likely person who could have leaked that would be Laurier. Perhaps she wanted to have some time with Bell by herself and told him to tell me he wanted to thank me if they would get caught? I mean, I don't blame her since he looks really sweet. Reminds me of a bunny with all that white hair. Though, I am still happy that I bumped into them since I wasn't able to see his face when I saved him yesterday." said Asfi as she was slowly arriving at the ultimate conclusion that this was a secret dungeon date - exactly what Laurier wanted her to think.

When sun was already about to descend and let night reign over day, Bell and Laurier were approaching Traveler's Inn.

'We would have to use backdoor straight to the Hermes' office.' thought Laurier when they were close to the Hermes' Familia building.

'I am so sorry, Lord Hermes. I didn't fulfill your expectations. I had to be saved once again… Grandpa, I am so sorry' thought Bell to himself while following Laurier when she opened the secret door leading to Hermes' office

After passing through the complex labyrinth of corridors, Laurier stopped in front of the regular wooden door, knocked, and asked,

"Can we come in, Lord Hermes?" said Laurier.

"Yes, Laurier"

As they entered the Hermes' office, Hermes was unable to hide his utter shock when he saw Bell covered in cuts and wounds, though nothing major, still making him look like he was a practice doll for a swordsman academy,

"What happened to you, Bell?" yelped Hermes, as he rushed in to see if Bell needs a healing potion.

"Ohh, I see you know him, Lord Hermes. I guess you will then kindly explain why you sent him to level 8, where he would've died, if I wasn't there earlier than usual."

"Well looks like you know everything already, Laurier. Let's just keep this all secret, ok? Just between me and you."

"Well, I am least intrigued what was the real reason why you sent him there. If you won't tell me, I don't think a gentle and innocent girl like me would be able to hold a secret…"she said with a mischievous smile while putting a finger on her lips and nodding slightly.

"I guess, there is no way around it. Heh-heh" said Hermes as he also started smiling as a retaliation for being cornered by Laurier. "But I can only tell you that if Bell won't be listening."

She nodded, and they moved closer together and started whispering,

"I wanted to set up Bell with Asfi and thought him finding that item would make her notice him. You know it is a long-term project of mine."

"Why would you do that, Lord Hermes? Not only, he is in a different Familia but also, he is just level 1. It is so unlikely she would want to do anything with him. He should at least be a level 3 or 4 for her to notice him." Said Laurier, as she still wanted to help her god, Lord Hermes, in whatever task he was trying to accomplish. After all, Hermes took Laurier in his Familia when many rejected her for the lack of experience and debts that she owed.

"Yes, and this is all part of the plan. You did meet Asfi with him today, right?"

"Yes, how do you know that?" when she said that she saw how happy Hermes was.

"Let's say I have my methods. Anyways, all I wanted at this point is to put Bell on Asfi's mind as things would go on. Bell himself is already in love with Asfi, and you could have already told that by yourself. Heh-heh"

"But why Asfi, Lord Hermes? And why Bell? Do you know something important about him? Do you want him to join Hermes Familia?"

"That is too early to speak about. But yes, I do know something important about Bell. What about you, Laurier? You look like you want to tell me something."

She moved even closer and started using her quietest possible whisper,

"Yes, I wanted to tell you something about Bell. I was able to peek at his new status update and he already got something around 170 agility in just 2 weeks of being an adventurer. This is not normal, Lord Hermes."

"Haha, it sure isn't. Well, now that we shared some secrets with you Laurier, I hope that you won't leak any secrets of mine, am I right?"

"You are right, Lord Hermes. I would never do anything like that. But, again, I get that Bell is special, but why would you want him to be noticed by Asfi?"

"Every hero needs a princess, Laurier. Haven't you read any hero stories?"

"Lord Hermes, but why is he a hero? I don't understand, he is just level 1 although with some freaky growth speed."

"I can't tell you that yet, Laurier."

"Is it because Asfi was a princess from that maritime country she came from? Is it about the formal title?" as she said that Hermes instantly understood the hidden meaning behind the words 'formal title' that Laurier said.

"Title has nothing to do with it. To be honest, it doesn't matter to me what girl would become his princess, but I thought he and Asfi would look cute together and Asfi is a good girl that won't let Bell to anything bad. That is about as much thought as I put into it." He said as he pulled his hat from the top, closed his eyes, and smiled.

'You got to be kidding, Lord Hermes…' thought Laurier in her mind as she rolled her eyes and rubbed her forehead while looking at Lord Hermes.

"Why are you asking so many questions about Asfi, Laurier? Why Asfi this? Why Asfi that? It isn't like I said no one else can be his princess, right?" said Hermes while nodding to Laurier, after which Laurier blushed, with the tips of her elven ears turning red.

"Noooooooooooo, it is not because of that. Stop teasing me, Lord Hermes."

"Hah-hah, fine. Again, I wouldn't mind him ending up with anyone else. [winks at already tomato red elf] It's just that I am following a goal I made at the beginning - to see if I can make him and Asfi a couple. Heh-heh" he said with the biggest smile Laurier has ever seen on his face.

'Oh my god, why is my god always doing something strange. We could have been 3rd strongest Familia at this point, if Lord Hermes wouldn't run around all the time and try to have fun everywhere he wants. I don't even want to talk about his trips to Entertainment District that we all pretend never happen.'

"I see that you are thinking about something, Laurier. But I think we should end our conversation here. This would be a secret between the two of us, alright?"

"Yes, Lord Hermes. It would be our secret." Said Laurier with a face that was no longer red, but only slightly pink.

As she said that, she moved away from Hermes and started walking to Bell.

"So, what did you guys talk about. You were talking for so long" said Bell with his iconic innocent voice since he was tired of looking at the wall.

"Nothing major, I just told him what happened. I think you can go back to your Familia, they are probably worried about you. If they ask for details, you can just say everything that happened. I don't think there's anything to worry about. Ohh, yeah and try not to talk about coming to Traveler's Inn. If they push for details, make them think we were on a walk together" she said while blushing as she tried to recollect if there was anything she missed. After 5 or 6 seconds of ruminations, she said,

"Ohh, and I think Asfi would definitely start to notice you now!" said Laurier in a teasing voice while pushing Bell away from her.

"I said, I don't like Asfi! I just wanted to thank her, that's all!" said Bell

"It's all written on your face, Mr. Cranel. No need to lie about it. Anyways, I think you should go because it is already dark outside."

"Thanks, Miss Laurier. I really appreciate that you saved me today and, again, sorry for giving you a lot of trouble today."

"That's ok. See you later, Mr. Cranel!"

As Bell went out of the Traveler's Inn and tried to find his way back to the abandoned church, one elf looked at his figure from behind and said,

"I should probably ask him to just call me Laurier next time."

Well, this is it for chapter 3. I hope guys I redeemed myself from my epic OC failure stunt from chapter 2, so please leave good reviews.

Also, vote in the reviews for who should also be competing with Asfi for Bell's affection.

Thanks to everyone for helping me to write this chapter.