Hello everyone. It took my forever to write this, and let me tell you: Work can take the energy out of ya if you let it. Thankfully, I was able to figure out the chapter and also added a few extra stuff that might make it interesting. Few storylines move forward all while getting close to two events coming down.

Hope you enjoy this nice chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi nor the characters.

Chapter 18: Of Magic and Date

He sighed as he laid on his back after a near long day in the Dungeon. The drops have been bountiful and along with how much they managed to gain. Lilli was ready to pay off Soma to free herself and head over to Bell's Familia.

Vesta was already sitting not far from Bell, while Eli was sleeping on her mom's lap. Poor child ran a lot, playing nothing but tag with the children. Then again, eating a bit of more sweets than usual brings so much hyperness on a child, only for the burn out would put any child out.

"In the last timeline, I had to wait until it got into the Hostess of Fertility. Now though, it is given to me like a silver platter. I will start reading it and just be ready for the update."

Vesta nodded and was ready to deal with the update.

He opened the book and began to read.

"There are two types of magic. The first is what certain races are born with. The second, called Falna, is granted by a deity's blessings. The latter is, in a sense, a form of self-expression. What are you interested in? What do you accept? What do you hate?..."

Vesta then noticed Bell's eyes began to get heavy as the book was glowing. She has never seen the process of it and found it interesting. She noticed his Falna was flaring up.

"That's interesting."

She took out a flame and made it dance. She smiled softly as the small fire figure went toward her son. It caresses him as he smiles "Warm."

She caresses his hair as he is still asleep. The fire then distinguished and looked up as Bell was barely getting up. She gently carried her son and placed him on the side of the bed. The white haired adventurer shook his head and looked at Vesta.

"I'm ready."

He took off his shirt and laid on his stomach. She got on top of him and pricked her finger and blood fell on his back. She began to move to his updates as she was impressed by how much he is growing at the rate.

"You are growing faster than I thought…..oh there is the Fireball….huh, interesting….and done."

She the closed his Falna and took a paper and placed it on his back. She traced it and it was done.

"Here you go, love." She laid on his back and he stares at the paper:

Name: Bell Cranel

Str: B 790
End: B 700
Dex: B 710
Agi: B 720
Mag: I5

Skill-
Liaris Freese- Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. As a side effect it makes the user immune to charms.

Vesta's Blessing- Fire magic doubles the damage and group receives the increase. High resistance to all fires. During rest, Hestia's Familia receive a small increase in skill.

Firebolt

Aegis Shield - Releases a shield to protect a short time, blocks all kinds of attacks.
Beleg ancestor, beri- cín gwanur.

Aegis than

Bell blinked as the language was there. "So the chant has to be done in Ancient Elven?"

Vesta nodded as she kissed his cheek. "I would assume you would go and practice it?"

He nodded and she moved to the side. He placed his black long sleeve shirt on and kisses her lips.

"See you in the morning."

She nodded "I love you, Bell."

"I love you too, Vesta."

He went over and caressed Eli's head "Take care Eli."

He took Hestia's knife and left, without his armor. He grabbed a Mind Potion and left the Church

5th floor

He stretched a bit and then smiled "Here we go."

Monsters began to spawn and went right after Bell. He raised his hand and shouted "Firebolt!"

He released a powerful fireball, but it looked larger than his original Firebolt and it obliterated his targets. It left a trail of fire and he blinked in surprise.

"Wow….." then as a child who wanted to play with his new toy more, began to run right at the tunnels as he kept releasing another Firebolt. Then another.

And another.

And another.

It was a non-stop spell he threw for his Fireball and was able to use his new shield move at least a handful a time.

9th floor

Bell panted as he looked at how well his Firebolt worked. He smiled and began to reach for his mind potion.

"Alright, all I have to do-"

He fell on his back and he was out cold. The tunnels of the Dungeon was quiet as no noice was made at all.

Babel Tower

Freya stared in disbelief, while Allen was watching this, laughing and pointing.

"Did…..did my Odr forget about his potion?!"

He was rolling and laughing "Oh gods, that was hilarious. Hahaha."

"My poor Odr forgot his potion…."

She then began to look into anyone close by and was relieved to see Ais and Riveria. She sighed in relief "He's safe."

She noticed Allen calming down and then she had a dark smirk "Oh Allen."

"Yes, my lady." He wiped a tear on his eye.

"I wanted to test out my new cookies and wanted to see how they are."

His eyes widened and grew nervous. "W-what?"

"I do need someone to taste the cookies I just baked. Would you like to try it?" She was coming towards him. Allen was ready to run, until he was caught by Ottarl by his shoulder.

"Good Ottarl. Let's go."

Ottarl had a rare smile on his face and all over the Tower, one would have sworn they heard a scream.

9th Floor
Ais and Riveria were returning back to the surface, with enough valis to pay off the debt.

Just as they kept moving, Ais was surprised to see Bell, out cold on the floor.

She ran right at him as Riveria followed, looking around carefully. So far no traps or monsters. Once there, she went to check up on him.

"Mind down."

Both sighed in relief. "What was the booy thinking of getting a mind down on this floor?"

Ais shrugged and looked at him.

"He was the one that I apologized to and I wanted to spar with."

The high elf realized this must be the boy she talks about. She had an idea.

"How about giving him a lap pillow?"

"Lap….pillow?"

She nodded and began to demonstrate how it is done. She rarely touches someone unless otherwise and she placed his head on her lap. "You do that and then you caress his hair...like a rabbit…."

She began to caress his hair and she began to see the resemblance of a rabbit on him. Ais sat next to her and began to pet him a little as well.

"Rabbit." was all Ais said.

Riveria nodded. She has never seen anything so innocent, sleeping.

He began to stir up a bit and felt something soft. He looked up "Am I in Heaven?"

"No." Riveria answered.

He blinked and realized he was given a lap pillow by Riveria. He was shocked and decided to be calm about it.

"Ummm...hi."

She wanted to laugh at this situation, but she had to stay serious. "Hello. You must be the one that Ais has been talking about."

He turned and saw Ais there giving a small wave.

"Yes. My name is Bell Cranel, miss….ummm…."

She smiled softly "Riveria. Riveria Ljos Alf or better known as Nine Hells."

"You don't look like hell at all, more heavenly to be honest."

She blushed at the compliment. He turned to Ais and smiled, "Still looking beautiful though." This caused the blonde hair woman to blush on the compliment.

Bell was just getting up and sighed "Damn….Mind Down on my end." He then took out a potion and just drank it, just in case. "I tried to reach it, but I immediately just shut down."

He then began to feel his head being patted and saw it was Ais doing it and she said "Don't worry, it happens sometimes."

He nodded and looked around. "I'm on the 9th floor, right?"

Both nodded.

"Could have been worse…."

"And without armor coming down here." the high elf pointed out.

This made Bell chuckle. "Yeah….I overdid it…." as he scratched the back of his head.

Ais began to snicker, surprising Riveria. Ais rarely chuckled and to her, this is a good sign. There is something about this young man that draws happiness around her. She prayed that he might be the one to calm her black flames down.

Bell smiled at her reaction. This is the Ais he began to remember better, her smile and laughter. He was slowly getting there. Just need to keep pushing it more.

"Ais, let's spar tomorrow morning. Is that good for you?"

She perked up hearing it and nodded.

"After our first day, is it okay if I invited two more people to train? I have one that I have confidence is going to do great things, and the other knows hand to hand combat without weapons."

Ais was a bit surprised hearing this, but she nodded. "As long as we spar together."

"Of course." He smiled brightly.

The high elf princess enjoyed the talks and seemed to put his consideration for her and others. She noticed he was looking at her.

"Interested in joining us, Miss Riveria?"

She smiled and shook her head "I have to teach other younger peers."

He blinked "Shame. It would have been nice seeing a nice young woman like yourself teaching me more magic."

She was surprised by his compliment. Never asked her age, just assumed to be young. She did find him to be polite and charming.

Charming? She mentally shook her head. "He must be the same age as Ais."

She then had an idea "I might have Lefiya teach your magic." this surprised hearing both Bell and Ais, as Riveria then continued " I am doing this as a test how well she could handle patience and you can learn from her in the process."

He liked the idea of learning how to expand his magic properly. He did have training, but not in the way the elves did. "That would be great."

All three kept walking as they were getting close to the surface.

They arrived after a few hours, as the sun was rising.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Was all Bell said as he stared at the sun.

Both women nodded. It was indeed after being in the Dungeon for days. It is wonderful seeing the bright sun and sky.

"Take care and don't over do it again." Riveria looked at him.

"I promise." He bowed.

Ais then patted his head "See you tomorrow."

He nodded as they left. Bell stretched and went back to the Church.

As he walked on, he began to hear a conversation that occurred two nights ago.

"A few members of Soma got beat up. And one of them had a stick up his ass."

"No way! Is that even possible?"

"Oh yeah. Poor bastard won't be the same again."

"Wonder which person they messed with?"

Bell blinked and looked back at the Babel Tower. "Really, Allen? The old 'putting a stick up the ass' trick? Really?"

He shook his head in disappointment. Be at least creative or something. A sign would be great, Allen. Maybe others will get the idea, but sure, a stick on the ass….wow….Pathetic, 5 out of 10 for that."

He kept walking home as more murmurs were made about the incident.

Hestia's Church, hours later

Lilli and Bell arrived at the church, as Lilli looked nervous. She was going to meet his goddess. He tried to ease her mind that she already liked her, from the way he told her. It did help a little, but I was still nervous.

Once inside, they went downstairs and were greeted by a werewolf child.

"Dad!"

He went as Bell hugged him, surprised Lilli.

"M-Master Bell is a father already?" she had some second thoughts on seeing this as a date if he is taken already.

"How are you, Eli?" he smiled happily.

"Good dad. I was able to learn how to write properly. Look!" He showed a paper filled with writing, albeit a bit crooked, but legible.

"Looks great. Keep practicing!"

The child nodded as he looked over to see a 'chienthrope' " Is this aunty Lilli?"

She blinked hearing this. "Aunty Lilli?"

"Yes, can you bring your mother out?"

He nodded and immediately went to retrieve his mom.

"That was Eli. He is my adopted son, his family is not alive due to an incident back where he lived. I took him in and both the goddess and I became his parents."

She felt saddened to hear it, but was happy that he is in good hands with someone like Bel and his goddess. She also noticed he was wearing a blindfold of sorts. "What's with the blindfold Master Bell?"

"He's blind, so the blindfold allows him to see in a way."

"Oh."

Then Eli brought Vesta, wearing her goddess clothing, as Lilli blushed a little "Wow….she cool and beautiful!"

Vesta then went over and kissed Bell on the cheek "Hello my champion."

He smiled and kissed her cheek. "Hello Vesta. I brought Lilli over to help her with our dinner tonight."

Vesta looked over to her eyes. Lilli looked down for some reason and felt a slight guilt. Not a judgement look, but something else. She can't put her finger on the why.

Vesta simply said "Follow me, as my champion cleans himself up and prepares himself."

She nodded and followed her as Bell went to get himself ready. Eli followed his father while he went to grab another paper to practice.

In the other room, Lilli was surprised at the number of different clothes that were on the bed and some were hanging not far off. Each different colors and styles, she was surprised how well they were going to help her out.

"Let's figure out what for you to wear."

She nodded and they began to look at the various dresses to wear. Lilli was surprised it fit her well. However, she was nervous about the presence of Bell's goddess, sometimes as she looked at her. There was no menace at all, just looking at her.

"You can take your disguise off."

This caught off guard "W-what?"

She looked at her with a smile "I know you are using magic of sorts to disguise yourself. You are safe here, so the disguise is off."

She closed her eyes and touched her ears "Echoing message of midnight, Cinder Ella." her chienthrope ears, along with her tail were gone and she has normal ears.

"Better. So tell me, how interested are you on my champion?"

The Pallum Supporter knew she had to be honest with the goddess. "Liili thinks Lilli love him…."

She smiled "Good. You do realize that I am already in a relationship with him." She noticed Lilli looking down, feeling defeated until she heard "However, I am willing to share him."

This surprised her hearing this "Share?"

She nodded "Share." She looked around and found a dress that would work for her "Lilli, I know I shouldn't tell you this, but Bell does love you as much as he loves me. And I already told him, I don't mind sharing at all, as long as he still loves me as equally as you."

Lilli was listening as she tried the dress.

"There is another goddess that I am willing to share with, but at the moment her duties make it difficult to go out. In time though, she might go out with him."

She stopped putting the dress on for a moment and trembled "Why me? Lilli not worthy of him. After Lilli stole that diamond necklace, then sold it, and Lilli was planning to steal more from him, but I just couldn't…..he kept saving me and protecting me…." tears were coming out "Lilli is used by adventurers, treated lower than a dog….Lilli was exploited….hated adventurers for treating Lilli…..Lilli began to trick adventurers and steal from them…..then Master Bell came to Lilli and was treated better than anyone….Lilli doesn't deserve him….Lilli doesn't-"

She was then hugged by Vesta. She held onto her, while caressing her back "Lilli. The past doesn't matter anymore. You can't change that. You can change today and I am glad you are slowly doing that. Plus…" she wiped her tears away "You are worth being with Bell. Give your heart to him and he will give his as well."

She looked at the goddess' teal eyes and nodded "Thank you Goddess Vesta….Lilli will try to be better."

"I know you are. Now…" she took out a small handkerchief and gave it to her "Wipe your tears, and let us make Bell droll the moment he sees you."

She giggled as she began to clean her face up. Vesta said "You do look amazing on that dress, just need to work on the hair a little."

One hour later

Bell looked at his green button shirt with dark brown pants and boots. He placed his Hestia Knife on his left side. Knowing how Orario is, anything can happen.

He saw Eli looking at his clothes. Despite not knowing the colors he gave a thumbs up.

"Ah, you like it, eh?" He smirked.

"Yes. You look great, dad."

"Thanks."

Then the door opened and Vesta smiled and said "And here is your date."

He looked over and was awed at how she looked. Wearing a red knee length strapless dress with her hair somewhat longer than usual and she looked at him, shyly.

"H-how do I look like?"

"You look amazing, Lilli."

She looked down and blushed, "I can make this work."

"Have a wonderful night, both of you!"

They nodded as Bell went and patted Eli and kissed Vesta on the cheek. Then both left the Church.

Spoon Aqua

"This is a nice place." Lilli said as she felt the more romantic atmosphere as she saw a few people are around.

Bell nodded. The idea of a ship that turned into a chic restaurant, really smart move on their end. "Let's see how dinner is."

"Oh yeah." She looked down and blushed a bit. She couldn't believe she was on a date with Bell and so far it has been good.

"Bell."

"Yes Lilli." He grabbed a roll and took a bite on it.

She looked at the few flowers on the table "Why me?"

He chuckled hearing that question. "Lilli. What are you afraid of?"

She had a bit of a sad look "I….I don't want to lose you….just like the others…."

He held her hand and smiled "You won't. I promise you that you won't lose me at all, until I am old and wrinkly."

She looked at their hands "I already lost people who protected me or watched over me, just for my happiness. They never lasted long."

Bell had a determined look "You won't Lilli. I will do all of my power to make sure I live many years and be by your side."

She prayed he was right.

The food was served as Bell ate his steak and Lilli her small chicken. Both were enjoying dinner together as both were all smiles in the evening.

Some were noticing a human and pallum enjoying their dinner night. It was an interesting sight though, and cute in a way.

Lilli was enjoying the chicken "This is so good! Do you want to try it, Bell?"

He nodded and he took a bite. "Pretty good. A little spicy, but good." He cut a piece and said "Try mine."

She nodded and tried it. She liked the taste of how well the steak was done.

"Wow….this is amazing!"

"It is."

Both were enjoying their dinner as both continued chatting about their future plans, once Lilli leaves Soma.

Two hours later….

Bell and Lilli arrived back at the Church. Once downstairs, both were in the hallway and Bell got in one knee.

"Glad you had a wonderful time, Lilli."

She nodded "Tomorrow, will be a long day."

"I have something to take care of early in the morning. I have….training and well, I wanted to see if you wanted to join me?"

"Training?"

"Yes. I am going to be training with another adventurer. Interested?"

She was hesitant on the idea of training, due to her being a Supporter role. However, she wanted to get better in combat and wanted to stay fighting side by side with Bell.

"Yes. I am in."

"Great!"

"Now...that date ends….I have to do this…" She went over and gave a small peck on the lips. She smiled shyly.

Bell pulled her close and began to kiss her on the lips softly.

Her eyes widened by the kiss, but then began to kiss back. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she began to moan from the kiss. He picked her up as he caressed her back.

The kiss ended as Lilli looked lovestruck and giggled. "Wow….my first kiss…."

Bell smiled "I'm glad you loved it. Just as I love you."

Few tears escaped on her eyes as she hugged him "I love you Master Bell…."

He caresses her back, as she began to cry a little. "I love you Lilli….I love you…."

Those words meant a lot for Lilli and the actions that came with it as well. She then stopped hugging him and said "Thank you Bell….thank you."

He gave a bright smile "You're welcome, Lilli."

He placed her down and went to her room "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

She then went inside and closed the door. She got on the bed and laid there as she giggled to herself "My prince…."

The kiss felt so great as she felt warmth on her body.

Bell smiled and went to rest for the next day of training.

Unknown location

"I am surprised you are joining us." a dark haired man stared at the person in question.

"I do have unfinished business here. After all" the person had a sadistic grin "Those monsters didn't shed enough blood on the streets."

"You will get the chance soon."

"Good."

As soon as the dark haired man or more god, the person frowned "I just needed to play nice to this pathetic god….I will see if I can find it and begin to watch both gods and mortal's blood being spilled in Orario again."

Just as the person left, Revis looked at the person in question and felt no trust on this person at all.

Sure, this person was notoriously cruel in the past and being brought to cause chaos again, but the person in question seemed almost hesitant to have a Falna on its back.

Almost.

"Humans are strange people. Fighting each other for power that is nonexistent." She looked at the glowing magic stone and swallowed it "I fight for a purpose and that is you, Aria….I hope you will come soon…."

She stared at the ceiling and pondered about her strange dreams.

Dreams of a brown haired goddess smiling at her.

Dreams of women that she felt she knows them.

Dreams of a young blonde haired elf who she held hands with.

Such strange dreams.

To be continued…..

A/N: Yeah, I am going to put Revis is Alise in this universe. The author of Danmachi did want to do that, but then the editor pointed out how cruel that is. I do, however, believe that a change could occur with the right people in play, for a memory of Ryu and Astraea returning in future chapters. It is going to be of a slowburn, until that moment happens.

As for the new shield move, this will be Bell's to go move. Later on, a few more spells or skills will be added on his arsenal in the future, due to that book in question. I know magic spells work differently, and I decided to try the whole 'recite it by heart' type of magic. One where the more he understands it than just the words, the more it becomes his spell.

I would say that Bell had dormant magic to be able to pull off Argonaut and Aedes Vesta. I would thank his mother side for that, I mean Alfia is OP in power and magic. So it could be assumed he had it more dormant than anything, well in theory.

We still have Lilli confronting the Soma familia left and then the Minotaur. I already have the idea ready for it, just playing out how the days will go before hand. So, let's see how much changes will occur.

Next chapter: Bell, Mikoto, Lilli, Ais and Lefiya train on the first day in a wall. Vesta gives a certain Hermes familia something to keep. And Soma's Captain plans to trap Lilli and Bell. Don't miss it!