Episode 3: Is it wrong for an adventurer to train a mage?
(Bell and Lefiya's reunion)
"All right… Lefi it's your turn to find us!"
"First one found will be the next to be finder."
"All right! Everyone… scatter!"
As the group of six split their path I turned towards the tall tree and started counting.
"One…"
"Two…"
"Three…"
I could sense that everyone hid themselves well. After finally reaching the count to 10 I turned back.
"Here I come!"
I announced and made my way to search for others.
The game was quickly over as I saw him sitting on the branch of a tall tree. I smiled and screamed out his name.
"Mr. Human, you are out!"
"Aww... man!"
The boy looked a little annoyed but at the same time he smiled back at me. As he slowly descended from the tree, he gave me a plain smile.
"Now it's your turn to find," an elf boy unhides and says to him with a smile. The rest also showed up and eagerly looked at him.
"Well… fine but… isn't it late for all of you to get back home?"
"Oh ya… we are almost going to hit curfew, Lefi see you tomorrow."
"Bye Mr. human and Lefi, take care."
My fellow elven friends parted ways and went back home but I decided not to go and just spend a little more time with Mr. human.
Though he was against the idea, because the situation at that time was hard. We elves were not allowed to stay out late after the curfew time hit. According to the adults, I was somebody's target so Mr. Human was ordered to keep an eye on me.
Back at the time, I was not aware of what it could cost for not following the rules set up by them. Because of me… Mr. Human got into a lot of trouble… but he never blamed me for whatever happened.
He kept his smile bright which warmed me, assured me my safety, I was happy as he was not mad at me for just being clumsy and careless but… I was sad because… it's because of me he had been through a hard time in our village.
It was not so long that he had to move out on his adventure, and witnessing what had happened to him when he was here… I was more than worried for him.
Hope…
I hope I can see him again…
My eyes slowly opened viewing the ceiling of my room, soon after I sat straight on my bed.
"Was that a dream?"
I took my time and stretched my arms and legs before getting off my bed. Elfy is still asleep and the sun has yet not risen up the horizon.
I got up and quickly changed into my usual mage gear, grabbing my staff and ready to leave the manor.
Ms. Ais invited me to train with her but it's along with that human… to be exact, that human asked for me. I still don't know why he is doing it, probably for brushing up the fact that he is better off with Ais and showing off his skills. That's what I expect but…
I don't think he would do that.
That white haired man is bothering me a little since I met him… I don't know why but it feels as if we have some kind of strong connection with each other…
'Wait... what am I even thinking?'
Quickly slapping my cheeks, I decided to quickly leave and meet them at the walls.
…
…
*clang*
*clich*
*sweep*
Two swords clashed in rhythm along with two fighters who danced along the rhythm of the sound of those clashes.
Bell and Ais have been training for quite some time and Bell was somehow able to get adapted to the Sword Princess's speed and strikes. More likely to say he can almost read her easily but his reaction time and speed is limited because of his level.
The two clashed their weapons while the little elf who entered the scene not too soon was left amazed by the white-haired man's ability to even keep up with the sword maiden.
"Too close."
"It would take you even more to make me open for attack."
"Well, Ais challenge accepted… haaa!"
*swoosh*
*bam*
Bell got a solid flip kick right on his face making him throw back but not knocked out which made the sword princess a little disappointed.
"Gah… you got me good there."
"..."
"What?"
"Why aren't you getting knocked out?"
"Hehe… how am I supposed to know that? Huh?"
The red eyes meet the young elf who just stood there completely baffled, Ais on turning up to see Lefiya broke the silence.
"Ah… Lefiya you are here!"
"Oh… Ms. Ais, yes, good morning," giving a bow to her friend.
"Morning…"
"Hm… so you are Lefiya Virdis?"
Bell stood up tapping his torso to brush off the dirt from the stone, the fact that he called her by full name ticked her a little.
Elves usually don't like being called by their family name, especially if an outsider calls or refers them by that name. Lefiya might give it a blind eye but most of the elves won't even sit calm with that kind of reference.
Elves have taught of themselves as the purest race in the world and thus have pride that they care for.
Unless the elf wants to be hated or be drunk with ill intentions for only destroying his or her own pride, others of their kind just discard them from their own kind.
Elf are termed as forest fairies, and they do look like those in the books filled with fairy tales. It is said that Elves are the ones who have a strong contact with the spirits existing in the lower realms. They also worship them and let them stay in their prestigious forest trees.
Coming all back to the walls, Lefiya did look a little bit intimidated, good thing Bell caught on and apologised for referring to her by her family name.
"By the way Ms. Ais… care to introduce?"
"Oh… hm… Lefiya this is Bell, Bell this is Lefiya."
"It's a pleasure to meet you… Lefiya…"
"Hump…"
"Eh… uh…"
Ais just stared at the two who just seem not to get along, not that soon Bell's stomach grumbled.
"Oopsie… sorry about that. I didn't have breakfast."
"Hm… why not eat some potato puffs?"
"Ms. Ais… potato puffs in early morning?"
"Ya… why not eat something hygienic that could give me some actual energy."
"Hm… for that I have to see, Bell you mind waiting with Lefiya till I get back?"
"Aahhhh! M-Ms. Ais why do I have to stay with him!?"
"I want you two to get along."
"B-B-But!"
"Oh, ya sure… besides I wanted to have a talk with her."
The rabbit cuts the elf off, with that the princess makes her way to get something good and refreshing for the three of them.
Meanwhile, Lefiya denied making eye contact with the person in front of her. No matter how many times Bell tried to get her attention she just tried to ignore him more and more.
This is what he calls an elf's stubbornness, but why though he hasn't done a thing to either piss her or make her mad, or did he?
"I know I referred you with your family name but at the same time I apologise for that… are you mad at me for that?"
"Hump…"
"You know… there is something called a 'mouth' to reply with."
"Don't talk to me… you human."
"And why is that?"
"..."
"Is it because… I am training with your familia member?"
"I still don't get it how you did it."
"So… that's what it is."
He just chuckled a little, though the elf still stood looking away.
"Why did she even agree to help you out with that…"
"You are bothered by that? Seriously it's no big deal-"
"IT IS!"
"Whoa!"
The elf neared herself closer to the rabbit's neck and glared at him with slight murderous intent to which he just sweat dropped.
"O-Okay, keep calm and tell me what is your problem."
"And why should I tell?"
"Because that's how conversation works?"
After that it had only been silence for few seconds, still the elfess denied and just crossed her hands under her small bust. Bell couldn't help but just sweat drop at her. But as far as he had been experienced with the girls, he knew what might be the case.
It's not only for girls but also common knowledge about a person's psychology. In his life, Bell had met many people, formed friendly bonding with them even if he might not remember it well, but he knows how others feel in different situation.
Considering Lefiya's situation, Bell could only think of two reasons, either she is a little offended that he is using Ais as a tool to get strong or… she is jealous.
Yup there are sometimes he had dealt with cases of lesbian but to think Lefiya would be one is hard for him to believe, after all… never minding that, he could tell that she was a little annoyed by the fact that he is hanging around with someone she cares about.
"Well, I think I know… there is nothing to be jealous about this."
"huh," now this gained the elf's attention, bingo he was right.
"I know you are feeling a bit jealous of me because I am having the chance to spar with someone you care for."
"I-It's not like I am j-j-jealous, I just don't know… how did you even dare to ask from a different familia member!"
"Actually, she was the one who offered this…"
Now that Lefiya calmly recalls, yes indeed Ais offered him to fulfil a request so that she could make up to him but still, he had many choices like treating him food, buying him any random weapon but to directly ask her be his party member in need and also a sparring partner, this was beyond what she could even imagine.
If she were bold enough to ask her idol to train her, she would not be mad about it with him. Though her glare was still as it is. She bit her tongue and replied back to him.
"Anything!"
"Pardon…"
"You could've asked her for anything else, you do know that we are different familias right?"
"Yes, it is, but- "
"you think you could come in and swoop our sword princess just to waste her time!?"
"uh… Lefiya..."
"You know, because of you miss Ais might be getting troubled. Who knows you might even harm her regular schedule, even if its early morning? You got no right to ask anyone to be the sparring partner or a party member, if she wanted to repay you does not mean that…."
The little elf kept going on with her ranting while I just stared at her smiling, not minding the words she said. I can't blame her for that. Really...
It's been almost 12 years since I remembered her, yes it was her who gave me her lucky charm pendant that she treasured the most. To think that elf won't even change after all these years.
I just simply pulled my index finger to hush her down, she gave me a cute confused look.
"as expected," I say as she followed up with a hum. I tapped my forehead with hers.
"You are the same good old cute little Lefi I know."
As I said those words, her face burned up. One could see smoke emitting from her pointy ears and the amount of embarrassment she had made her back off in instance.
"Wha- wha- what did you just call me!"
"hmhm…"
"H-How do you know that name!"
She quickly pushed her head near Bell starring dagger at him, how on earth he knows my childhood nickname, wondered Lefiya. Not wasting time Bell just gave it away.
"Well, we used to play a lot back in the time, you forgot that?"
"HUH! ME PLAY WITH YOU!"
The elf stood in disbelief as well as a little bit angry. Well not blaming her, its been 12 years alright.
I quickly pulled out the pendant and hung it in air for her to clearly see it. Lefiya too narrowed her eyes in recognition.
"T-This is… my lucky charm."
She takes it from my hand and carefully observes it.
"W-Wait… so… you are that Mr…"
"yup… it is me your good old Mr. Adven-"
The moment I was about to complete, Lefiya flung over, wrapping her small hands around me. At first, I was a little surprised by the act but soon let her do her thing. I could actually hear her sniffing and slightly sobbing, the reason is still unknown to me all I could do was just hug her back and pat her head.
After few moments we separated, Lefiya wiped out the slight tears and then smiled at me.
"so it's you… no wonder you felt a little familiar at first."
"ya… all that is fine but, why are you crying?"
"I wasn't crying, it was just I am happy to see you again."
She again gave me the smile but that smile hid the pain within. She just constantly stared at my chest area. The more the time passed as she starred the more her face drowned with guilt.
"ah…"
I took her attention, unzipping my jacket and pulling my shirt down to a level where she could see the right half of my collar bone, her eyes widen in surprise to find nothing.
"no need to worry… the mark is gone."
"…"
"you still worry about that in our reunion," I chuckled to make the environment a little light.
Back then, Lefiya was the target of Evilis member, I was assigned to be her bodyguard. When I encountered him in battle, I was way too weak to buy time for Lefiya to escape.
The man planned to pierce his sword through Lefiya for which I quickly rushed and took the hit. In that time, I felt as if I am going to die. But now here I am all fine but Lefiya still blames herself for what had happened to me because of her stubbornness.
Lefiya lifts her hand and feels my collar bone area, indeed there is nothing there anymore yet she still let lose of her tear trailing down her chin.
"now now, I am totally fine here. All thanks to your lucky charm."
I cupped her face with both my palm and wiped the tears off, then patted her head again.
"I feel terrible… because of me you almost died."
"But look here I am still alive."
"hm.."
Finally she smiles.
But not too soon, her mind kicks in with a question.
"say… you have been going on adventurers right… after you left Wishe."
"ya…"
"so… why did we not hear about your level… I mean if you are higher level then you should be the hot topic right now."
"ah… well"
The question to which even I don't have the correct answer. Lefi eagerly waited for my reply but what am I supposed to say about it?
I sighed and just spoke the truth.
"well, truth is even I don't know."
"huh?"
"I mean, I am still Level 1 for unknown reason."
"W-Wait what!"
"hm… but I have a feeling that I am not a level 1… instead I feel like I am a little higher level, say around… 3?"
"uhm… how could this be possible, when I hugged you I definitely felt a rock like sensation to which you could be more stronger, like Level 5!"
"huh!"
That was unexpected, my cheeks burned on the way Lefi just expressed my body, after seeing me getting flustered, her normal face slowly levelled up to red upon realisation.
"I-I D-DON'T MEANT THAT IN A PERVERTED MANNER! BELIEVE ME!"
"Y-Ya… I know be cool with it."
"ahhhh…"
She held her head with both hands in a way to express the amount of embarrassment she is having right now. It we were to talk about this as kids it wouldn't matter but right now, we are almost adults, so this sort of thing is little embarrassing.
I cleared my throat and jumped back to the topic.
"Well… I have to get to Level 2 to find out myself."
"find what?"
"my real Level."
"Real… Level?"
"hm… for some reason, I feel like my level is supressed to 1. I can't be sure about that though. This is mystery to myself, also… for some reason I am not able to remember what I did in past. It's like I only have a wavey or blurred memory of all the happening."
I continued by crossing my arms upfront and trying to remember everything I could. Lefi just lent her ears.
After I completed, she asked if its okay for me to discuss this kind of stuff with her. Well I honestly don't mind if it's Lefi, but I still have my worries. Say if she is bad at keeping thinks at a moment, she would just let them flow. But for the time being it would be better if I just let it go on minor details.
"the only one who could fix my problem is Hermes, but he would do that only if I rank up to Level 2."
"you… trust that cunning god?"
"hm…"
"N-No, I am not trying to just say he is the worst to trust, it's just his cunning nature."
"no need to worry about that, he is my best friend. He would never try to put me in trouble… sometimes though who knows," I kept the last part to myself.
After all that discussion, Lefi and I started to remember our days that we spent together. It has already been fifteen minutes and we have shared a lot of what we did.
For some reason, as I spoke to Lefiya about the past, I was somehow able to remember the happenings that I have been through… but only few of them. We were too much in our chatter that we totally forgot about the princess who just stood there starring as us while holding a bag.
We noticed her once our eyes met.
"Ah… Ais when did you arrive."
"A few minutes ago."
"oh… you could've just said so."
She smiled at us.
"what?"
"it is good to see you two get along quickly."
"Oh ya… Ms. Ais, I know this person."
"You do?"
"Yes, he is the first human friend I have made."
"I see… no wonder you were enjoying his company."
"uh… it's nothing like that though… ah what did you bring us?"
The blonde pushed the bag upfront showing the potato croquet peeking from it, we just sweat dropped and just ate them. Ya, knowing Ais no matter what she only favours potato croquets.
After we ate, we got back to our training, Lefiya was just told to sit and watch for the day. Compared to the time before I ate, this time Ais seriously knocked me out, taking her chance she gave me lap pillows which did triggered Lefiya.
Does not matter if Bell was her childhood friend or whatever, she would still be jealous of the fact that she is not treated the way he is being treated. It took both of them to explain the agreement which completely blew Lefiya out.
After some more sparring, Ais felt tired and Bell offered her a lap pillow. She enjoyed and drifted in her sleep while Lefiya cutely pouted at him with a little pissed off vibe.
"uh… Lefi are you mad at me for this?" Bell spoke out with sweat drop.
Lefiya didn't know what to say, in some way she does want to scream how lucky he is to get Ais's lap and also be the one offering her lap for her to sleep but at the same time, she didn't like it.
In a way, her mind failed to accept the fact that she was indeed jealous to see Bell give Ais a lap pillow, her heart kind of wanted it to be her in Bell's lap.
No surprise for Bell, he already knows he is popular among girls of all ages, especially older woman's who love to mess with him.
But for the time being thought of her getting jealous of Ais made her face turn red, now that she knows who Bell really is and what he actually meant to her, she would have trouble choosing over either one of them.
She just gave him a pout.
"I also want one from you huh…"
Bell sweat dropped, well he read her way too easily. He looks back at the sleeping sword princess and pets her hair comforting her.
After few minutes, it clicked Bell.
"say Lefi."
"hm…"
"did you ask Ais to train you?"
"hm… yes, does it matter?"
"…"
"I think it's better if you ask someone else."
"huh… why though?"
Bell sighed. It seems like Lefiya wants to follow where Ais is walking but it is practically not possible. Bell discussed this seriously with her.
Lefiya and Ais are two different adventurers, Ais is an adventurer and Lefiya is a mage. Usually, it is the adventurer's job to protect their mages and the mages support their adventurers from the rear.
The amount of experience gain is simply vast and visible, it takes much more time for a mage to reach a higher status than those adventurers who are constantly engaging in close combat.
To make Lefiya understand, Bell just gave her the direct example to Lefiya taking himself and Ais's battle. Clearly it was seen that both of them went all out with each other. If she were to face Ais just with her magic, she would end up getting hurt just by a slight push from the level 6.
Truth was bitter which Lefiya totally hated.
"I also want to be self-dependent."
She said out her feeling, she hates to be weak always getting saved by others. But what could she do, only focus on raising her magic attacks? She almost went to tears as she explained to him of how useless she is, even doubting herself to succeed Riveria.
"… Lefi, after Ais leaves… could you join me in the dungeon?"
"huh…"
"it will be quick."
"Okay… I guess."
The sun is overhead, the gate which is being protected by Ganesha familia members encountered with a green robed person.
"state your business traveller!"
"nye—he?"
"Do you have any proper identification proof with you?"
"Look who is askin' for a proof."
The robed figure raised its head, almost enough to see the lower half of its face.
"here… take t'is."
The person handed over a sheet, as the Ganesha familia member scanned over the sheet noticing the signa of Hermes Familia, he let the person in.
"Welcome to the land of adventurers."
"he nye— pleasure's mine."
The robed figure took back the sheet, revealing the body wearing a green chest plated armour and green pants with the undershirt of same colour, their body was feminine.
As she entered the gate a smirk grew wide on her face, her sharp canines could express some kind of excitement, excitement to meet someone.
"I know t'at I must give em tha report first, but… I wonder where Bel-boy would be right now!"
She shots an eye on the tallest tower in the adventurer's city, taking off her hood, she reveals her cat ears with short straight hair.
"well, then… Bel-boy, ya wait for me while I go give Hermes tha documents he asked me for."
She marched her way towards the traveller's inn.
Bell and Lefiya entered the dungeon and made their way to fourth floor. After seeing off and separating ways with Ais, as Bell's request Lefiya joined him in dungeon.
Lefiya still does not know the reason to why Bell asked her to join, not only that but he is just stay put till floor 4.
"so… why did you call me Bell?"
"hm… to train you of course."
"huh?"
"well if you remember, you said you would let me be your mentor in future," a teasing smile grew on his face as he folded his arms.
"W-WHEN DID I SAY SUCH A THING!?"
"Ah… Mr. Adventurer, I promise, if I ever be an adventurer… will you please be my mentor?" He imitated exactly the way Lefiya said back then embarrassing her even more.
Bell enjoyed to see this but then stopped teasing her.
"look, Lady Riveria will always be your mentor no doubt. What I mean to say by being your mentor is… I am mostly gonna focus on making you strong enough to be self-dependent."
"you just said that mages can't me self-dependent," her shoulders dropped following with her ears.
"well, you do know there is someone who is self-dependent."
Bell's serious eyes did remind her of a high elf who is strong on dealing with his enemies all by himself. For Bell he knows well, it is none other than a certain royal elf who is the strongest mage as well as adventurer he met in his life.
Lefiya stood up straight, determined to go with Bell's proposal.
"I am ready to do as you say mentor!"
"just Bell is fine."
"oh okay… so what am I supposed to do now."
"okay then firstly…"
He quietly moves behind her and takes away her wand.
"H-Hey!"
"your first lesson is, eliminate the monsters without your magic want."
"What! Why?"
"do as I tell you."
As Bell completes, the kobolds reborn and were ready for an ambush, Bell quickly ran away keeping a distance from Lefiya.
"YOU ARE LEVEL 3 SO IT WILL BE EASY FOR YOU!"
"EVEN FOR THAT I NEED MY WAND! Ahh"
In no time the kobold jumped at the elf, Lefiya dove to the other side and rolled towards the wall, she looked at the kobold which was already running towards her.
"Ahhhhh!"
Lefiya stood up and ran in circles, crying and waving her hands on air, the kobolds also ran in circles. Bell just facepalmed looking at the situation.
"Seriously… she is that hopeless?"
"I can't chant without concentration!"
"THEN CONCENTRATE YOU IDIOT!"
"How am I supposed to do that in this state!?"
"then how does Riveria do? Stay calm and face your enemy!"
"Ahh!"
She trips down hitting the floor, the kobold jumped to slash its prey but it was sliced into halves by Bell who drew his sword on time.
"I… I am sorry…"
"geese… seems like you need time… Let's go back home for now."
"hm…"
"And ya could you just say this to Ais to give me a whole day tomorrow for sparring with me?"
"O-Okay."
"Also, the day after tomorrow, I think it's the day before you guys go to expedition right?"
"yes…"
"good, then you alone come to the walls. Since you are not gonna join tomorrow, I want you to practice your chanting understand, if possible do it without your wand."
"Okay… I will try my best."
With that said, the two returned to the surface
It's almost the time when the magic stone lamps lit through the pathways, all the adventurers returning back from their exploration as well as citizens taking their evening stroll.
Bell currently followed through the pack of humans who were visiting the central park.
He wanted to see if Hestia is still busy with her work or not, if he found it would be better to talk to her about Lefiya. He already knows that she has feelings for him but Bell can't accept them.
Also, that means he has to constantly explain as knowing Hestia, this would turn out to be a big mess. Hestia will surely be possessive at times but it is better than having calm before the storm, besides he intends to tell her anyway.
Whenever there is a new thing, Bell always shares it with Hestia. They are a family after all.
As Bell made his way through the crowd. Someone pulled his pant, gaining his attention.
"Mr. Bell, it's Lily."
"Lily… what are you doing here?"
"Lily was here to prepare for our next exploration, Mr. Bell Lily hopes you would join her for tomorrow."
"Oh... I am sorry Lily but I already have a personal work to do."
"oh… It's okay, Lily understands Mr. Bell's problem."
"Also, don't you think your familia members will learn that you are still alive."
"Worry not, Lily already made herself a beast human."
"hm… well then later."
"ah yes…"
As Bell disappeared from her sight, she gave out a pout.
"I wished Mr. Bell would give some time to spend with me, I hope its not about him and his goddess. Knowing Mr. Bell, it's definitely his own personal reason."
She sighed heavily, "Now what should Lily do?"
Nothing in mind came so she decided to get back to the old gnome shop. The convo between Bell and Lily was heard by the robed person who just gave a smirk.
"man… my Bel-boy is really good at pikin' up girls, no wonder he is a potential harem maker. Anyhow… Bel-boy seems to do good fer now."
She then takes her leave and disappears in the alleyway.
…
…
"Thankyou have a nice evening," Hestia bowed to give are greeting to the customer who just left with his potato croquet.
"phew… all done for the night."
"You finally free from your work?"
Hearing the voice that she wanted to hear whole day, she quickly leapt hugging the person.
"Ah… Bell you are here!"
"Hestia, this is public place behave!"
"whoops, my bad," sticking her tongue out she winked at him.
"anyhow… I am free, the shift was over way too quick than I expected it to be."
"good then, might as well eat at the place where I go, also I have something to discuss."
"Discuss? What is it about?"
"First lets head to eat."
The two then made their way to where Bell usually eats his dinner. Reaching the gate of Hostess of Fertility (dunno cus in LN I think it was Benevolt mistress but I am gonna use anime name) they were greeted by an animal person who leaded a way to two seat table.
They were lucky to get a seat as it was not crowded, but soon after they entered a wave of adventurers followed them.
Bell and Hestia placed their order and waited for their food, for the time being Bell just told his progress in sparring as well as dungeon crawling to her.
After their order arrived, they enjoyed their dinner.
"Ahh… if feels like a date," Hestia bluntly puts her emotion on spot making Bell choke a little.
"Well, up to you to thinking that."
"Anyway, Bell you said you wanted to talk about… a girl?"
Her tone of amusement lower as she reached to the word girl.
"Ya… its about someone I know from childhood."
With this comment Hestia's eyes spread throughout her face, who is this person? she wondered.
"You know the thousand elf of the Loki familia."
"Ya… I have seen her around my stall. Wait, are you saying she is your friend?"
"hm… it's been 12 years since I met her."
Hestia got back to have her food as she carefully listened to Bell. As the conversation went on, Hestia could tell that Bell cares for his friend even after all these years, minus the fact he didn't tell of what exactly happened back then with him.
Hestia is his goddess but Bell still thinks to keep her in dark for her own good, so he didn't dare to give out anything that would make her worry for him. After all he knew Hestia sees him as a man and is in love with him, he can't just put her in hard place. Heck he does not want to ruin what their relationship is now.
"I want to help her."
He said as he placed his cup down on the table. Hestia just looked at him.
"She has talent but she is scared to face her enemies. If possible, I want to give her courage to stand."
"… If you had already decided that, why don't you just go on with it?"
"well, if I go on without telling you, you would probably scare off the customers."
"Huh? Why?"
"Cus whenever you would find the reason yourself, you would probably be angry thinking about me and Lefi."
"H-Huh? W-w-why would I be mad."
Bell closed himself near to Hestia's ear and whispered.
"I know my goddess is scared that I would be taken away by another woman."
"HUH!?"
This made her lose control, her face exploded with crimson blush. Her mouth was wide open, wanting to give him a response but what could she do, no matter how hard she tried to pull out the words, it felt like her voice ran away after hearing a direct and bold statement from him. She did nothing and just quickly drank her glass of water then left the pub, whilst Bell almost laughed his stomach out.
From atop the floor reaching the peak of the heavens itself, she continuously tapped her glass in annoyance.
"The first one was not enough, and here comes the second one."
She bit her lip in frustration, seeing him around the sword princess was already bad, worst case there is now the elf of Loki's who is having fun with him.
Freya clearly saw everything from the very beginning. She couldn't hold her frustration.
"I wish to just throw them away but I can't vague a war with Loki."
She elegantly sat on her throne, sighing heavily. He has been in her mind before she even knew it.
"Is it possible to get them killed by a monster Ottar?"
"…"
"Oh, I forgot, he is still in lower levels."
She was so into jealously that she even forgot about her child. This again pleasured her, never in eternity she had been made to think of someone that much.
"It's all your fault Bell… ah but what can I do… just watch you glow with that beautiful soul."
Freya might have been just thinking about him but she did have a question in the mind of how Ottarl is doing down there.
.
.
The walls of the dungeon were the same as he entered.
In front of him stood the wyren who had still held on to beat his foe.
"Interesting…"
Ottarl commented.
"You are perfect to bring him back."
"GRAII"
The wyren roared and readied to attack but Ottarl just stood there.
"I want you to climb up and meet a person with white hair and blood red eyes, he is way stronger than me."
"…"
"I shall see who would be victorious."
With that said, he turned his back on the monster and leaves while the monster just growls, more like growling in excitement to meet this warrior that his foe speaks of.
The new day arrives and like always, two swords clashed their swords with high speed. This time there was no knockout or nap time, Bell and Ais went all out without rest until it's almost afternoon. Their training finally ended, for now that is.
"This is enough, I think. Thank you for helping me out Ais, now I think I can be good with my sword."
"hmhm… thank you."
"huh, for what?"
"I had fun sparring with you," she gave a small smile to him, even slightly blushing. She honestly does not want it to end here, instead she wanted to just spend time training with him.
"Well, I too had fun. You guys are moving out day after tomorrow for expedition, right?"
"hm… I won't be around for weeks, depends on how far we go…"
A few moments of silence as the wind blew towards the pathway, their hairs flowing as the cool breeze passes through.
"I might not be of worth for saying this but… come back home safely, I want to keep on training with you."
Ais smiled at him, it has been long since someone said this to her, and coming from Bell it made her feel a comforting vibe around him like this has its own warmth.
"Well then, see you later I guess."
"hm… later."
With that the tow of them went on their separate ways. Ais went back to take a look on stock she has for expedition, Bell pretty had nothing much to do so he went back home for a status update.
Hestia updated his status and was impressed with the results, she handed him his status sheet with a proud smile.
"In no time you will be Level 2 Bell."
"Ah… great, most of my stats are S."
"hm… and hey do you have something to do now?"
"uh… I guess I will go and look for what to do with Lefi's training."
"oh…"
She gave a pout to him, well she indeed agreed to let him train her good. After learning his status Bell kept his status back on desk and left, while Hestia just pouted at him.
"That Bell… I thought we could spend more time… huh?"
Her eyes rolled on the desk where he kept his status sheet, her eyes were widened to see a blood like liquid printed on it.
Curiosity peaked her interest, she quikly took the sheet and looked at it. Her eyes shrunk in shock as she witnessed what those Blood like liquid imprinted in his status.
(A/N: the bold part is the status written in Blood)
Level 1
STR: SSS 2950
END: SSS 2450
DEX: SSSS 3901
AGI: SSSS 3999
MAG: I 0
SKILL
(LIARIS FREESE)
Rapid Growth
Continued desire result in continued growth
Stronger desire results in stronger growth.
(HYPER AWARENESS)
Body acts on its own when the brain can't process
the solution of tackling a particular situation.
MAGIC
(FIREBOLT)
Swift-strike magic!
(FLAMEBURST)
Fire element enchantment power.
(A/N: If you are confused about the insanely high stats, would be better if you check that out in alternate progressive or get through the end of episode for explanation)
"W-W-WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?"
The page dropped from her hands, her body was shaking as she saw the blood still lies on that new and unbelievable status.
It's been evening and Bell was just simply exploring the shops that sold clothes especially for mages, a protective elemental coat is what he was going for but the pricetag took away all the hope away from him. Ultimately he was just doing window shopping for the rest of the day.
"Ah…"
A surprised and familiar voice stopped him on his tracks, he spun around to look for who that was.
"It is you."
"Oh… Shakti…"
The person who called him was the captain of the Ganesha familia. Bell have known her from long ago. She was not the only one who knew who he is. The only people who knew Bell's identity were Finn, Ottarl, Amid, Astrea familia (minus Ryu), Shakti and her sister.
Outside of Orario, they go on mission to eliminate any suspected Evilis reminiscence or any common task asked by the guild. Seeing her after a long time made him smile.
"How are you doing nowdays?"
"I am doing fine… just another day with my loudmouth god."
"haha… Ganesha will be same as ever eh…"
"ya right… haha."
They talked for some time, though she know that Bell might not want to get attention of him friendly talking with the captain of Ganesha familia, he quickly ended with a quick chat and left.
Not too soon he felt a familiar presence circling around the surrounding. He rolled his eyes but soon he figured out who that was. As someone launged from behind, he quickly spun around grabbing the persons hand and locking it.
"KYA—NYA!"
"Hehe… got ya, naughty cat."
"Owe—Bel-boy leave me!"
The person's hood drops revealing her short blonde hair and her cat ears, she had tear already coming out of her eye.
"B-Bel-boy!"
"it's your fault that you tried to lounge at me."
Bell released the person free and she just graced her arm.
"Yer locking is strong as ever."
"haha… It's been long time my dear info-breaker."
"Argo it is for ya, hehe," she grinned.
"So, what brings the cat here?"
"As ya know already I serve Hermes, why that question comin from ya?"
"well, you said you won't step here in the land of adventurers… So I was just curios."
"yup, I know… but to know dat… I need the payment," she grinned as she gestured for handing some valis.
"Cheeky as ever eh? Well I still have the discount rate don't I?"
"Yup, for my Bel-boy its lower cus Argo loves ya."
"I know…"
"I just wanted to see what ya have been upto, seems like things are going good at yer end."
"hm… and I hope it goes good tomorrow."
"Oh cus of the training date eh *giggle*"
"It's just training and not date, well no surprise that you know of it."
"Anyway… Best of all for ya Bel-boy."
"you mean to say all the best?"
"whatever ya thin' of!"
"haha… anyway, I would be needing my cheeky info-breaker at times."
"Yup.. Imma free to help ya."
After having their chat they went back to their base.
*BAM*
*BAM*
*BAM!*
"Ahhhh!"
Lefiya wailed in pain and was knocked unconscious. The next moment she woke up she found herself resting on Bell's lap.
"Again?"
She questions getting a nod from Bell. Lefiya sighed again. It's almost past the noon and she still hadn't made any progress in her chanting skill without her wand.
Just as Bell said her, she practiced her concurrent chanting with her elf friend from a different familia. Even though she used her magic wand for that.
It is almost time to conclude their training. Lefiya tried her best and was able to do a little progress without using her wand.
After their training ended, Bell decided to take her to treat for her first step up, though she didn't felt that deserving, but Bell made sure she is happy with her current progress.
Bell explain Lefiya how wand does make a difference. For him it is common to see it as a magic item, an item which gives courage for the mages to focus and point the direction to which they release the magic attack. It is like a support material which can be said as handicaps for those mages who are not that strong on their feet facing a strong foe ore a fearful one.
Riveria uses a staff, that too is a handicap in actuality but instead, she uses it as a support. Lefiya could tell that Bell was confident about Riveria's magic and the use of her staff. He himself said that she would cast her spell even without her staff.
As Lefiya kept hearing this, she was a little happy. In terms of not using wand for magic, she did make a little bit progress on that. Thanks to Bell's example of showing his triggering magic which surprised her, as well as him fixing her posture for aiming.
Though he had to touch some areas that might've been uncomfortable for an elf to even bear the embarrassment but Lefiya just let it as she knows that Bell was doing it for her own good. And he ultimately did. The power that she shot without her wand was way stronger than she could expect, and her posture made sure to hit the right target without any misses. He said to remember that same feeling whenever she plans to use her magic without wand.
They went to the same stall where Hestia works, luckily, she had one of the limited edition of potato croquet, that Bell and Lefiya shared together but making her fluster of the fact that she had taken an indirect kiss from Bell, but for him it seemed like she was not good with spices as her face was beet red.
After everything was over, Bell, Hestia and Lefiya made their way back home. Bell being her mentor just told her to be confident on herself and gave some useful tips that could come in handy. Hestia seemed annoyed but at the same time she was happy to see Bell happy.
"Okay… this is where we part."
"hm… take care of yourself Lefi."
"I will," she bows, "thank you for helping me out."
As she makes her way Bell stops her and gives one last advice to her.
"If you ever get fear, forget about the enemy in front of you and fight fear itself."
"…"
"because if you were able to beat the fear, then you can easily beat your enemy."
"HM! Understood, Bye Bell! Bye Lady Hestia!" She runs back waving bye to him and his goddess.
"Bye!"
The two waved her back as she disappears. The two looked at each other and smiled.
"guess we gotta leave too."
"hm…"
Bell looked at Hestia, she seemed to be troubled by something, he dared to ask but he just let it go. It was already night and he had promised Lily that he would join early tomorrow.
With all that, the goddess and her child went back home.
"I am back my lady."
"oh… so how are the preparations?"
"Everything is done my lady, I assure you that you will find pleasure."
"hm…"
She giggled to herself and stood up from her throne.
"Well then, I can't wait for tomorrow."
She makes her way to her bedroom while the boaz stood near the big glass showing the whole land of adventurers.
"Indeed… even I can't wait for it myself my lady."
The forever expressionless face surprisingly grew a smirk for excitement.
"I want to fight you again… but at your utmost strength. I hope to look forward for ending the battle that we left 7 years ago… Black Swordsman Bell Cranel."
Uh… honestly, I don't know what had gotten into me, I just kept on writing till the episode seem to end so I decided to just end it off and not drag it too long, and now I am tired as hell. Anyway…
For those who are seemingly confused about the level concept for Bell here can take a look at this.
The Basic Abilities are Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, Agility, and Magic. Each one is shown with a rank and a number from 0-999.
0-99 is I,
100-199 is H,
200-299 is G,
300-399 is F,
400-499 is E,
500-599 is D,
600-699 is C,
700-799 is B,
800-899 is A, and
900-999 is S,
1000-1999 is SS,
2000-2999 is SSS,
3000-3999 is SSSS rare case. [falna Limit for Bell due to Liaris Freese]
That is it for Episode 3. Upload time is mostly set on weekends. So just gonna say I would go for a monthly update rather than making you expect a week or two but it depends on how I can do it though. Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it.
Take care and Peace!
P.S: If you wanna put something like this is totally out of sense or status is too OP, you guys please don't put that on review. Ngl that is sometimes annoying and this is fanfiction literally anything can happen. In other words, if you like it then read it, if not then just drop it and pass it on.