Chapter 1 – The Blessed Rabbit
-Ten Years Prior To The Attack On Orario-
Bell woke up beaming. He was excited for today was his fifth birthday. On this day Zeus had promised him that as a present, he'd give him his blessing. Bell, having grown around living legends, and the mighty Zeus, who read him hero stories, always dreamt of becoming a strong hero, like Argonaut or Albert.
The other members voiced their concerns, saying that it was too early to give him a falna. The only other place where falnas would be given to kids being Telskyura.
However, Zeus and Hera insisted and with the permission of Meteria, Bell would be given his falna upon reaching his fifth birthday. Ever since he was born, the members of the two Great Familias trained him. They wanted him to become a strong adventurer that would lead the next generations and like his aunt, he had obtained the ability to nearly copy and master anything he saw.
Already without a falna, the four years old boy had defeated a goblin, after Zeus had left him alone in a forest outside Orario after he had planned a picnic. Goes without saying that it was an accident, an accident that nearly cost Zeus his life when the others came to know about it. Alfia and Zald had become incredibly fond of him, and whenever Meteria couldn't take care of him, one of the other two would.
Having heard what Zeus had done, sent the two on a mission to find and brutally exterminate the God. Zeus barely managed to survive after Bell came to the rescue asking the other members not to kill him, his innocent smile melting their hearts. Zeus swore to never let Bell out of his sight after that.
On the other hand, they were all surprised to hear that Bell had killed the goblin with only the kitchen knife that Zeus had brought. No one know it how led to Bell being alone in a forest and killing a goblin but were happy to see that Bell wasn't weak and that the training was paying off.
From that day on they became convinced to train him as much as possible, though Alfia would often get worried for the boy at the end of the day. The two Familias even took him over to places like the Empire, Altena and the Far East to hone his skills with different types of weapons and magic. Bell learnt to master different weapons and studied hard to learn languages, academic subjects and magic.
One thing that however Zeus never gave up on, no matter how many times it nearly got him killed, was to teach Bell about a 'man's romance.' He kept talking about how a hero should get a harem, he taught him how to seduce and flirt. Stuff that ended up with the executives from both Familias blowing up entire buildings in an attempt to kill Zeus. Nothing made them enrage more than the thought of someone corrupting the pure and innocent Bell.
This was how Bell spent his time over the years until his fifth birthday arrived. Bell had never been more excited, he always dreamt of getting a falna, becoming an adventurer and go on adventures with the rest of the Familia. Bell got up and ran to the bathroom to clean himself. He took his clothes and hastily put them on.
Bell then rushed down the stairs of th huge mansion. Running towards the dining hall and flinging the doors open. There he was met with the presence of the whole Zeus and Hera Familia, who wouldn't miss this day for anything. With them were also Hermes, Ganesha, Loki, Astraea and even Freya.
Loki had brought Finn, Riveria and Gareth, Freya had brought Ottar and her level six captain Mia, while Ganesha brought Shakti, Astraea herself had just descended and hadn't started a Familias yet, all of whom had always been fond of the little rabbit, though Ottar never admitted the fact.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELL!"
Everyone in the room shouted as Bell beamed with a smile that affected everyone. Alfia was the first to go up to Bell and pull him into a tight hug.
"Happy birthday my love."
Zald, Maxim and Europa came up next. At the end were Shakti, Ottar, Mia, Finn, Gareth, and Riveria. By now no one was surprised that Riveria hugged Bell.
Bell was the only person to have touched Riveria other than Loki, even then, Loki had never hugged Riveria, showing how much he loved the rabbit. They all gave him presents, the most notable ones being the mithril dagger he received by Europa and Maxim, the grimoire he received by Alfia and Zald, the hero books from Finn, Gareth and Riveria and finally the silver gauntlets with red highlights given by Ottar and Mia.
Then came what everyone was waiting for. Meteria's last wish was for Bell to get a falna, so Zeus was going to honor the wish by giving him one. Bell's father had died in the dungeon shortly before the birth of Bell. He wasn't very liked in the two Familias but was still a dear companion. Nevertheless, no one ever mentioned him or his name, other than the fact that he was a coward.
Over the time Bell had learnt not to ask about him as Alfia most of all, seemed to have the fire of hate burning in her eyes at the mention. As for Meteria, she was greatly loved by everyone, becoming Hera's number one child.
Meteria was kind and gentle but could get frightening when it came to her food. Hera had stolen her food once, resulting in Hera bowing in a dogeza before Meteria, asking for forgiveness. Meteria like Alfia was stricken by a terminal illness that had no cure.
Unfortunately, unlike Alfia she hadn't managed to use the falna to improve her health. She was sick and weak, not being able to move around like Alfia. Even then, as a level six, Alfia still had her moments of weakness. After Meteria gave birth, she had desired for Bell to get a falna at the age five. Surprising everyone, though they gave in at the end. By the end of the year her health declined and everyone mourned as she passed away the only legacy that she had left behind being Bell.
After several check-ups, they were all relieved to find out that Bell hadn't inherited the illness of Alfia and Meteria. From that day the two Familias made a collective effort to raise Bell to the best of their abilities.
"You ready Bell? You will now receive my blessing."
Bell was giggling and couldn't contain his excitement, which made the people around giggle or chuckle in response to his adorable reaction. Zeus then moved his fingers over his back as he traced his Familia symbol. The falna glowed blue before dying down. He took a paper and put it on his back, transcribing the falna, before locking it.
Bell Cranel
Age: 5
Familia: Zeus
Race: Human
Alias: none
Level: 1
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Skill:
Liaris Freese – Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. It makes user immune to charms and allows him to overcome the gap of levels
Magic: none
Zeus looked at the status and was blown away, seeing that Bell already had a skill. Not just any skill, but a unique and powerful skill. He moved to show it to Hera, Maxim, Europa, Zald and Alfia. They nearly tripped seeing the skill. Usually no one has a skill at level one, much less a unique one.
The others were curious but respected the privacy of the boy and were not ready to face an enraged Alfia.
"I can't tell you what it is, but I can assure you Freya won't be charming him now!"
Laughed boisterously Zeus. Everyone knew the implication, Bell had become immune to charms, which rendered everyone more curious, mostly Ottar, Finn, Gareth and Riveria but let it be as they respected and loved the innocent rabbit more than anything else.
"Alright Bell, obviously we won't allow you to go into the dungeon straight away."
The rabbit pouted.
"eh? Why?"
Alfia smiled softly.
"because it's dangerous, you'll learn more about the dungeon, train with us, then we'll let you go to the dungeon. Accompanied of course."
Bell nodded.
"besides, I doubt that it will take you much, since you learn so quickly."
Said Zald and everyone nodded at that.
"Well Zeus, you're welcome to borrow Ottar or even Mia if you need someone to accompany him and no one from your or Hera's Familia is available. Ottar doesn't admit but he is fond of the boy. If he were to die, it would make him sad, I don't want to see his soul become dull."
Everyone looked at Ottar who seemed to blush slightly in embarrassment making everyone laugh at the rare display of emotions from the boaz.
Alfia and Zald looked at each other and nodded,
"alright, we think Ottar and Mia are trustworthy."
Mia grinned and Ottar nodded with a small yet rare smile,
"thank you."
Riveria, Finn and Gareth have also offered their help, which was gladly accepted by both Zeus and Hera.
"Remember Bell, until I tell you that you're allowed, you won't be going into the dungeon, and as established not without someone to accompany you. Also they need to be at least level three."
Bell nodded excitedly, soon he'd be able to go to the dungeon and experience his very own adventure like the rest of his friends, as well as exploring the dungeon with his fellow Familia members.
"Also Bell, never tell anyone about this skill, got it kid?"
Asked Zeus, to which Bell nodded. Zeus smiled contently before a perverted grin replaced the smile.
"Remember Bell, you need to have an encounter with a girl in the dungeon. Save her and make her fal-!"
He never finished the sentence as every eye in the room snapped at Zeus, even Loki and Freya, who normally didn't care seemed to be enraged at the God. The next moment Zeus was sent flying into the sky for the whole city to see.
"Bell, never, listen to that old geezer."
Said Maxim looking at Bell, who nodded, clueless to the intentions of the God of Thunder.
"Alright then Bell. Follow me to the training grounds."
Zald started heading to the training grounds as Bell ran behind him, to not be left behind.
"We shall train you for the next few months before we allow you to enter the dungeon. I have never seen or heard of someone as young as you become an adventurer, so we want you to be prepared."
Bell nodded at the explanation.
"In these two months you will be trained hard by me and the others. We will up the intensity in both magical and physical training. Ideally you will reach H status, if you do then we will let you into the dungeon. Supervised of course."
No one seemed to ever stop mentioning the need for supervision.
They all cared for Bell deeply, and the idea of him entering the dungeon alone terrorized them. Matter of fact, even out on the surface, he was never alone. There were always at least two first class adventurers, nearby. That's just how much of a treasure he was to the two Familias.
Not only to the two Great Familias, but also to Loki, Ganesha and Freya. Who always put Ottar or one of the three of the Loki Familia with him whenever the two Familias were on an expedition. Whenever Astraea would walk with Bell, Riveria always offered herself to escort them.
Realistically, reaching all H status within only a month or two would be impossible, but placed that as minimum standard after seeing his skill. They expected him to level up in ten months at the least. Little did they know that their expectations were about to be blown through the roof.
Every morning from then on, Bell was woke up early at six, and brought down either to the training grounds or to the library. If he went to the library then he'd meet Alfia and occasionally Riveria, who would submerge him with books to study about magic, the dungeon or academic subjects. If he went to the training grounds, he'd meet Zald and occasionally Ottar or Mia, who would pummel him into the ground, teaching him and refining his swordsmanship.
After spending all morning training he'd take a break for lunch before being given, strategical and tactical knowledge by Finn, Maxim and Europa. They'd also teach him about all kinds of etiquettes and leadership, as the captains of three Familias, that was their strong point, mostly for Finn.
.
A week later Zeus decided to announce a status update. Everyone was excited to see the hard-work of Bell, and for those who knew, the effects of the skill. Zeus called Bell over to his room and had him sit down on the side of Zeus' bed. Bell removed his shirt as Zeus pricked his finger and started to update his status. The whole manor was shook by Zeus' thunderous shout.
"WHATTTTTT?!"
Alfia, Zald, Europa and Maxim burst into the room weapons at the ready after they heard Zeus shout. They saw Zeus staring wide eyed at Bell's back.
"Oi old geezer what's the matter? You scared us."
Said Maxim calming down, but Zeus took a second to recover.
"This is unprecedented. The strength of the effects of his skill. All his stats are just above halfway to H!"
The four that had entered dropped their jaws at the news.
Bell Cranel
Age: 5
Familia: Zeus
Race: Human
Alias: none
Level: 1
Strength: I0 – I60
Endurance: I0 – I73
Dexterity: I0 – I62
Agility: I0 – I67
Magic: I0 – I58
Skill:
Liaris Freese – Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. It makes user immune to charms and allows him to overcome the gap of levels by transcending the limit of his falna
Magic:
Lord Of The Divum – Creates a thunderstorm that forms numerous massive white tornados and gigantic blue lightning strikes within the tornados frying anything that enters them. Enormous range of attack that devastates the land
I call upon the infinite sky
Domain of the King of Gods
Let the wind tear asunder the land
Let the lightnings scorch the sea
The four adventurers came around and took a look at Bell's falna. They took a quick look at the spell again. Bell had learnt it after reading the grimoire given to him by Alfia and Zald. They remembered how Zeus showed off his new spell, with a stupid smirk, as it was clearly inspired after his mythology, causing many to question how that happened. The four adventurers then went back to take a look at his status which surprised them.
Normally one might get a few points over a week or more at level one. The growth would become slower and for most they'd simply hit a dead end. Which is why nearly three quarters of the adventurers are still stuck at level one. With the skill of Bell they expected him to gain around twenty points maximum while at level one over the span of a week.
However, this was far greater than they had expected, at this rate he'd level up in around three months with maxed stats. They were both worried and happy about the outcome of the skill's effects. Zald shook his head and put the worries aside, telling Bell to get ready.
"Well if you grow that quickly then be prepared, me and Ottar will be making the training even harder."
Bell gave him an incredulous look.
"Unless you want to fight Alfia you better follow."
That was all Bell needed to be spurred forward. He followed Zald out to the training grounds where Bell got another beating for nearly four hours straight. After another week, Bell's status surpassed H on all five stats. As promised Bell could go to the dungeon, but the others were worried. They had hoped to use the two months to teach Bell, but he had advanced much quicker than expected.
Similarly to Alfia, Bell tended to learn everything very quickly. The two captains, Zald, Alfia, Zeus and Hera, wanted to keep Bell out of the dungeon for at least another month, like they said they would. Since his stats had all reached H, they decided to focus on making him hone his technique with the weapons to keep him away from the dungeon.
With the help of all the Familia members as well as the help of Loki, Ganesha and Freya, Bell quickly learnt how to use many different weapons over the course of a week. Everyone watched as Bell quickly mastered every weapon. Deciding to take advantage of this factor, they had Alfia, Riveria, Zald, Finn and Ottar accompany Bell back to the Far East, the Empire and Altena.
Bell spent two weeks in the Far East, before moving to the Empire for a week, concluding the last week in Altena. Through the Far East and the Empire Bell learnt how to use all types of weapons, though the main focus of the two countries resided in the art of wielding a spear and a katana. Those were the most common and traditional weapons of the two countries.
Due to that Bell's weapons of choice had become spears, katanas and daggers, as those were the ones he had the highest proficiency with. Bell had learnt hundreds of different styles; however, he had also learnt that he had to make his own style. He could never reach the peak of his strength by using the techniques of other people.
So using the knowledge of the past two months, he devised, practiced and mastered his own style with the spear, katana and daggers. Within the end of the two months Bell had reached D with all of his stats and was allowed to go into the dungeon.
.
The day had finally come for Bell. Like the day of his birthday, Bell couldn't contain his excitement. Today he'd experience his very first adventure in the dungeon. Alfia wanted to accompany him, but due to the high level of Alfia, monsters wouldn't spawn on the upper floors. Instead they had opted for the level four Finn and Gareth to accompany him to the dungeon.
Bell equipped the gauntlets given by Ottar and Mia, a small chest piece provided by Zeus and took the dagger he had received by Maxim and Europa. Going down, he went to have breakfast and was congratulated by the members for the appearance, making him blush. Bell finished his meal and exited the manor, there at the entrance, Gareth and Finn were waiting for him.
Bell waved and ran up to them. "Good morning Finn! Gareth!" The two smiled at the beaming boy,
"hey Bell-kun. Are you ready?"
The boy nodded, following the two towards the tower of Babel. All around the people looked shocked and confused. His birth was something that had been announced publicly. To see that five years old boy, following two adventurers with his own armor. The citizens couldn't believe it. They were sending a child in the dungeon.
Finn and Gareth accompanied Bell to the Guild where they had him registered as an adventurer, much to the surprise of everyone else.
"Y-y-you're registering this kid as an adventurer?! Of the Zeus Familia nonetheless?!"
The two nodded,
"are you perhaps doubting that he is of the Zeus Familia? Surely you heard the news, or perhaps you'll change your mind if Silence comes here personally."
The Guild advisor paled at the threat of Gareth and proceeded to register him as an adventurer of the Zeus Familia.
With the registration done, Bell followed the two Loki Familia members to the tower of Babel. Finn and Gareth stopped at the entrance.
"Alright Bell, this is the entrance to the dungeon. Be careful, monsters won't hesitate to kill you."
Said seriously Finn, Bell nodded and they proceeded in. Bell was at the front while Finn and Gareth were at the back, ready to save Bell if he needed help.
The first encounter that Bell had in the dungeon was with a goblin. Bell had killed one before, but he knew that monsters on the surface and in the dungeon weren't comparable. That aside, this was the first monster he'd face in the dungeon. It struck Bell differently.
Bell raised his dagger and took a stance, ready to face the monster, that didn't look particularly smaller than the tiny five years old. Finn and Gareth stood at the back, weapons at the ready. The goblin approached Bell, with its claws extended. Bell seemed tense, almost scared. He had already defeated a goblin, but he froze, shivering. Maybe it was the effect of it being the first time, maybe it was something else.
The goblin reached the Bell and slashed at him, scratching him on the cheek as he barely dodged. Finn and Gareth were about to jump in when Bell reacted and killed the monster with one swift slash. The monster exploded with a cloud of black dust. The magic stone dropping to the ground.
Finn and Gareth congratulated Bell. They gave him a potion to heal the scratch on his cheek before proceeding. As they moved into the next room, they found a group of kobolds. Finn and Gareth moved up offering to help Bell, thinking that it was a little too much for him.
Turns out that Bell didn't need help as he cleaved through monsters with ease. It seems like Bell grew confident and braver after the first encounter with the goblin. The tiny boy diced up goblins and kobolds for a few hours. Bell wanted to go deeper, but he knew it was a foolish decision, Zald always warned him about being cocky and arrogant. He had warned him about how that over-confidence led many adventurers to their death.
Having spent the day in the dungeon, the group of three retired from the dungeon, passing by the Guild to turn in the magic stones they had gathered for the day. Together with Finn and Gareth, Bell had reached the ninth floor. He had faced war shadows, frog shooters, killer ants, kobolds and goblins. Finn and Gareth observed as Bell effortlessly slayed the monsters. They also noticed the very precise and refined style of Bell.
If they were to compare, only Alfia, Zald and the captains of the Hera and Zeus Familias, would be able to match Bell skill wise when it came to weapon technique.
.
The two adventurers accompanied Bell back to the Hera Familias home, where they left him at the entrance with Alfia.
"Thank you for taking care of him."
The others nodded,
"not a problem Alfia. It was really interesting to see Bell take his first step into the dungeon."
Having finished reporting to Alfia, on Bell's progress, the two parted ways from Bell and returned to their home.
"Come on, let's get you a shower."
Alfia took Bell's hand and led him inside the manor. The Zeus and Hera Familias took turns to take care of Bell. One week he'd stay at the Zeus Familia home, while the following week he would stay at the Hera Familia home. Alfia wanted to keep him at the Hera Familia home permanently, but after a long discussion, Zeus, Maxim and Zald convinced Alfia to agree to the terms.
With Bell's hand in hers, Alfia led Bell to the large bathhouse of the home.
"Umm, Alfia? Isn't that the bathhouse?"
She nodded,
"aren't the other members of the Familia in at around this time?"
Asked Bell, to which she nodded again. The thing about the two Great Familias was that they were like brother and sister. The Zeus Familia was composed of only males, while the Hera Familia was composed of only females.
Regardless, Alfia dragged the boy into the changing room. Bell turned to Alfia who started to undress. Bell yelped and turned around, with his face red like a tomato.
"A-Alfia, I'm still here! Also why are you removing your clothes?!"
Alfia finished undressing and looked at Bell for a moment, before giggling.
She snuck up to Bell who was turned around with his hands over his eyes. Grabbing him in a tight embrace from behind, her large chest pressing into Bell's back.
"Kya!"
Bell shouted but couldn't escape the embrace of the level six adventurer.
Alfia reminded many of an elf, as she never touched a man, nor did she have a boyfriend. She was never interested in romance, until she saw Bell. The rabbit was all that was needed to turn her into a bunny shotacon.
Initially she tried to cut off those feelings but every time they would come back. Every time that happened she'd ask herself,
'what's wrong with me? He's just a child, my nephew at that!'
By the end of a month though she accepted that she was smitten the bunny, though she never admitted it to anyone.
Meteria though had realized and had confronted her. Perhaps the only time Alfia blushed and panicked acting like a freshly in love teen. She was surprised when Meteria said she didn't mind,
"you know Alfia, Zeus and Hera said that we mortals are too restricted by our social morality and I have to agree. What's wrong with a sister loving her brother romantically? What's wrong with an aunt loving her nephew romantically?"
That was the question she had asked Alfia. Even to this day she didn't have an answer, she was too afraid of the consequences, not because of what others would think but because of what Bell might think, would he be weirded out or disgusted?
She never admitted her feelings for him as she was too afraid that he'd reject her. However, that didn't stop her from teasing him and get as close as she could physically.
"Come on Bell, we're going in."
She grabbed his hand and dragged him in the bathhouse. Every girl present turned their eyes to the bunny entering and some squealed happily.
"Oh Bell~ You came here to have fun?"
Asked Alyssa, a fellow level six executive. She had long raven hair tied in a large braid and had bright blue eyes. Bell covered his eyes with his hands again as every female member surrounded the rabbit and he only yelped again in response. The girls giggled at the adorable reaction.
The next few hours would be torture for Bell as he was embarrassed by the girls who washed and played around with the rabbit. None of the girls seemed troubled about being seen naked by Bell, not even the elven members.
The girls just couldn't resist playing with the innocent rabbit and occasionally pressing their bodies against him, though that did make Alfia jealous every time she saw it, she controlled herself, after all she had brought him in there.
If Zeus were to catch wind of this, he'd be incredibly jealous, wishing that he could be in his place. Though no one would ever tell him that. The girls, deciding that they had enough fun, finished their bath. After getting out of the bath Bell was accompanied by Alfia to the dining hall where they all sat down to eat dinner. The dinner was a luxurious buffet. Bell like always ate his fill, avoiding sweet food, as he didn't like sweet flavors.
After dinner Bell was led to his bedroom, which as always was the one next to Alfia's. He cleaned himself and dropped dead on the bed. Like that, Bell's first day as an adventurer was concluded. That's how he spent the following two months. Spending all his time diving in the dungeon, training and having some occasional embarrassing moment. By the end of the two months Bell had reached the twelfth floor, the entrance to the middle floors.
.
One day, under the supervision of Maxim, Bell ventured all the way down to the fourteenth floor. Since his first day, Bell had upgraded his weaponry and used a long katana, with the mithril dagger strapped to his forearm.
Bell and Maxim walked down several corridors and rooms without meeting any monster, making Maxim suspicious. Bell not having faced any irregularities yet, was clueless to the meaning of the absence of monsters. As they entered a wide room, the ground started shaking, a bulky mass started approaching them from the other end.
Bell got ready to fight, as Maxim stood behind Bell. The figure emerged from the shadows howling. 'A minotaurus.' Thought Maxim, Bell seemed surprised and turned to the captain. Maxim didn't move, "I know this wasn't planned but I want you to face it." Bell's eyes widened to an impossible size. However, with Maxim he knew that he didn't have a choice, so he took his fighting stance and prepared to clash with the minotaurus. Once Maxim decided things he wouldn't budge from them.
The monster howled as it charged towards Bell. The rabbit was undoubtedly scared. He had never faced that monster and wasn't meant to yet. A monster rated level two, that sometime even gave level three adventurers a run for their money. Bell gulped but his desire to become a hero won over.
Bell started dashing towards the minotaurus. He quickly thought, the monster was definitely superior in strength and endurance, so he'd have rely on his agility and his dexterity. As the two were about to meet head on, Bell ducked and slid forward slashing with the katana at his ankles.
However that's when Bell noticed. The minotaurus' hide was incredibly tough and thick. Bell spun around and jumped back, looking at the slash, noticing that he had done only minimal damage. The minotaurus turned around enraged. Bell had also noticed how the minotaurus couldn't stop immediately as the momentum of the charge carried the monster forward.
The minotaurus charged again, Bell put himself against the wall and dodged as it got at meders' distance. The minotaurus slammed its head against the wall. Bell took advantage of the stunned monster and opted to go for its neck instead of its magic stone, as he didn't think he'd pierce the chest of the monster, while the neck had a much thinner layer of hide protecting it.
Bell raised his katana and slashed downwards; the blade came from top to bottom over its neck. However, that wasn't the end. The blade came down and struck the minotaur, getting stuck halfway down over the bone of the monster, but the monster didn't die. As Bell tried to push it down he noticed he couldn't and decided to try and pull it out. The blade, having been put under much more pressure than it could sustain, snapped in two.
Bell threw away the handle of the broken blade and took out his dagger. All the while Maxim stood watching. He had evaluated the battle and was impressed by Bell's battle and didn't intervene expecting Bell to win. The rabbit charged towards the monster as it turned around. Bell aimed straight towards the skull of the monster. As he pushed down the dagger, the monster tilted its head, the blade struck the main weapon of the minotaurus, its horn.
Bell's blade rebounded backwards as it hit the horn, making him lose his balance. The monster didn't waste the chance and shot its head forward. Bell side stepped but was unable to avoid the horn that got his left shoulder. It raised its head, Bell with it and flung him across the room. Bell landed on the floor, rolling to a stop, his shoulder bleeding heavily. Maxim put his hand on the handle of his weapon but didn't intervene yet.
Bell grabbed his shoulder, he felt a burning sensation as the wound kept bleeding. Bell looked at the monster and swore to defeat it, determination flaring in his eyes. He slowly stood up as the minotaurus approached the boy step by step. Bell rushed towards it and threw the dagger, the minotaurus swung its head to the side, using the horn to deflect the dagger.
In doing so, it didn't see the rabbit approach him and as it turned its gaze back, Bell was already a celch from it. Bell used all he had and tackled the minotaurus, latching with both arms on its hip.
"I call upon the infinite sky, domain of the King of Gods. Let the wind tear asunder the land, let the lightnings scorch the sea. Lord of the Divum!"
Bell quickly chanted his spell.
Maxim smiled, he knew Bell had won. However, there was one thing that he hadn't taken in consideration: that being Bell's spell. Bell had never used the spell before, as such he had never seen it. He couldn't know nor judge the precise effect or power of the spell.
A storm of white clouds formed over Bell and the minotaurus. From them five large tornados surrounded the two. Lightning struck the tornados and started swirling with the wind. The five tornados closed in on Bell who was at the center.
As they converged they merged into one. Bell was largely unaffected but the minotaurus was being cut by the wind blades of the tornados while the lightings started burning and electrocuting the monster.
As the tornado grew larger and larger, the lightning struck the monster at full strength causing the whole area to explode with a massive shock that rocked the room. Maxim not having accounted the power of the spell was shocked and couldn't react as Bell went flying from the explosion. Bell flew like an arrow into a wall, slamming the wall to dust before falling to the ground.
"Bell!"
Maxim rushed to the boy and gave him a couple of potions. Seeing that he was stable, Maxim put him on his back and rushed back to the manor.
Business at the Zeus Familia home was going as usual until Maxim burst in through the main gate. Maxim didn't waste time and took Bell to the infirmary, laying him down on a bed, before fetching a few mages to heal him.
"What the hell happened to Bell-kun?!"
Asked Theo startled to see Bell in that state. Theo was a level five mage that primarily focused on support or healing spells.
"He faced a minotaurus."
Stated Maxim. Alfia happened to be in the manor when Maxim returned and hearing that Bell was injured she had rushed to the infirmary with Zald.
"He what?!"
Everyone parted as Zald and Alfia came up to the bed of Bell. "And you let that happen?!" He nodded with an apologetic look, as he realized his mistake.
"I told him to face it."
Alfia burned with rage but seeing Bell in the bed, she instantly went to his side, grabbing his hand.
Zald looked at the boy before going up to Maxim.
"Are you seriously telling me you made him face one?"
He nodded,
"you are being too reckless with Bell. So? At what point did you have to intervene?"
Wondered Zald.
"I didn't."
That caused everyone to turn to Maxim.
"You didn't intervene?"
Maxim nodded,
"he defeated a minotaurus at level one?!"
Asked a level four member, to which Maxim nodded with a smile.
"Truly an amazing boy, isn't he?"
Zeus then entered the room and laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, my Bell, he truly never stops amazing me! Hahaha!"
Everyone nodded,
"alright tomorrow when he wakes up I will update his status."
Maxim agreed with a nod.
The following morning, Bell woke up. He was currently in Zeus' room. Today all executives from both Familias, as well as Hera, were waiting just outside the door of the room.
This day, they expected Bell to reach the cap for all his stats and maybe even level up as he had achieved a massive feat. The fight with the minotaurus had to have given him a massive boost if not even the level up. If not, then the next day, the executives would plan a challenge for Bell to overcome so that he could level up to two, marking the fastest level up in history.
However, things weren't meant to go the way they wanted to, as they could hear Zeus shouting in surprise again. Telling the others to wait outside, Hera, Alfia, Zald, Maxim and Europa entered the room.
"What now? We really wanted to have Bell level up around today or tomorrow."
Stated Zald. Zeus turned to them and handed them the status sheet.
Bell Cranel
Age: 5
Familia: Zeus
Race: Human
Alias: none
Level: 1
Strength: S998 – SS1239
Endurance: S994 – SSS1295
Dexterity: S996 – SSS1286
Agility: S999 – SSS1298
Magic: S978 – SS1249
Skill:
Liaris Freese – Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. It makes user immune to charms and allows him to overcome the gap of levels by transcending the limit of his falna
Magic:
Lord Of The Divum – Creates a thunderstorm that forms numerous massive white tornados and gigantic blue lightning strikes within the tornados frying anything that enters them. Enormous range of attack that devastates the land
I call upon the infinite sky
Domain of the King of Gods
Let the wind tear asunder the land
Let the lightnings scorch the sea
The five, now present in the room, went over the paper but didn't notice anything of wrong initially.
"I don't see where the problem is. They are all at S rank as predicted"
"No, they are at SS rank, have you seen what the points per stat are?!"
They went over it again and their eyes nearly choked as they realized that the points were going over 999 which was supposed to be the cap.
"WHAT?!"
Bell turned to them,
"is that not meant to happen?"
Asked innocently the clueless boy. The others turned to him and explained how the maximum value of points that an adventurer could gather per stat was meant to be S999.
"You have just broken that rule, going past the limits of your falna. This is the first time I hear about this. Though don't get me wrong, this is very good."
Said Europa with a smile.
"Well that means that his level up has to wait right?"
Asked Europa and Zeus nodded,
"let us see what the limit is with his skill."
The others nodded before giving the rabbit his status paper. Following the status update, Maxim announced that Bell wouldn't level up for a while. That left everyone confused,
"ehhhhh? Why is he not levelling up?"
Asked Ashley, a level six werewolf of the Zeus Familia.
"Well, we can't tell you exactly why, but it happens that he hasn't maxed out his status yet."
The others' shoulders all slumped as the excitement evaporated, confused at how the minotaurus hadn't allowed a level up.
"We presume that it will take at least a few more days."
With that Maxim dismissed the executives and returned to his office, thinking of a way to speed up the growth of his falna even further. Meanwhile, back in the room of Zeus, Bell was looking through his status sheet.
"What now?"
He asked. Alfia came up to him patted his head.
"We'll have to wait a bit more, dear. Maybe you'll have a chance to level up in a few more days."
She reassured the rabbit, with a gentle smile.
.
The following morning Bell left for the dungeon like usual, this time accompanied by Ottar.
"Hey Ottar?"
The boaz looked at the boy,
"how long did it take you to get from level one to five?"
The boaz gave him a small smile and started thinking about it,
"around seven years." Bell was shocked and started understanding how monstrously fast his growth was. No one outside of the Familia was aware of how quick Bell was growing though they did see that he seemed to be getting stronger by the day.
As Ottar escorted Bell, a discussion was going on at the manor of the Zeus Familia.
.
"Have you gone mad?!"
Shouted Alfia,
"I have to agree with her, that is unnecessarily risky."
Pointed out Zald after hearing Maxim's idea.
"I know, but I want him to experience the fear of the dungeon, the minotaurus wasn't enough. When it bears its fangs at you when you are at your weakest. I want him to be ready for that in the future."
Europa contemplated the idea,
"still, Maxim. Don't you think that running a pass parade on him is a bit excessive? Besides, he just recovered and he's already back in without a break. At least not today."
He shook his head; he was dead set on the idea.
"Obviously, we will be nearby if things go wrong. However, this is a necessary step that he needs to take, alone. As I said when he is at his weakest, making today the most suitable day."
He emphasized the word 'alone.' Zeus and Hera then raised their hands and voiced their opinion.
"We agree with Maxim."
The other three looked at the Gods incredulously.
"Look, we understand your doubts. We love Bell, he is like a grandson to use, and that is actually exactly why we are agreeing. We want him to be strong. To put it simply, we won't always be there to support him. He needs to become stronger and learn how to support himself and the others around him."
The three adventurers saw the validity in Zeus' point, they didn't need any more explaining they knew the meaning behind Zeus' words. While it didn't lessen their worries, they knew he was right and couldn't do anything but agree.
"He should be inside with Ottar right now. In seven to eight hours me and Europa will gather monsters and prepare a pass parade. You and Alfia go to Ottar and have Ottar go back. Take over the supervision and set it up so that Bell will run into the monsters on the tenth floor."
The others nodded and proceeded with the plan albeit reluctantly.
Bell was fighting monsters as usual while Ottar observed from the back. The boaz turned around when he noticed someone approaching.
"Alfia, Zald, what are you two doing here?"
Asked Ottar.
"Hey Ottar, thank you for taking care of Bell, but we'll take over from here. He seems concentrated so let's not disturb him, we'll tell him you left."
Ottar was confused by the sudden change in plans but knew better than questioning them, so with a nod he left.
Luckily for Zald and Alfia, Bell and Ottar were already on the tenth floor as they were heading back for the day. Zald and Alfia went around making sure that no one was around. Their job now would be to observe and intervene only if necessary. Maxim and Europa should bring in the monsters and block anyone from coming down to the tenth floor so that Bell is alone.
Bell had just finished taking down the last orc with a downward slash from his new katana, the magic stone falling down to the ground. He stood up straight, panting before he took a deep breath. He had been slaying monsters non-stop for nearly five hours and was exhausted, the limits of his level one body now showing.
He turned around,
"how was it Ottar? … Ottar?"
Bell looked around but Ottar was nowhere to be found.
'Heh? Where did he go?'
Bell started looking around for Ottar,
'maybe he went up and is waiting for me there?'
Bell started heading back towards the ninth floor but he stopped and looked around, when he noticed the eerie silence, no monsters, no adventurers, there was nothing but the fog of the tenth floor. Bell had learnt about irregularities from Alfia after the accident.
Just as he thought that the ground started shaking, Bell turned around and looked at the entrance to the eleventh floor. He was prepared to face another minotaurus or an irregular silverback, what he wasn't expecting was a wave of nearly a hundred monsters of all kinds charging at him.
'Ehhhh? What's going on?!'
Bell screamed in his head, then he noticed a howl coming from behind him, snapping his head in the heading of the ninth floor, he saw another wave of monsters approaching him. Then he noticed, he was in the worst situation possible, as he was surrounded on all sides. There were all kinds of monsters, every monster from the first to the twelfth floor was in the wave of monsters, even a singular minotaurus.
Bell had barely managed to defeat the minotaurus last time. Bell started to pant as fear gripped him. He was surrounded, exhausted and heavily outnumbered. Without any clear thought Bell just stood in the middle as every monster's eyes bore into him.
A third wave of monsters joined the surrounding monsters. Bell was frozen to his spot, when the howl of monsters signaled the start of the fight. Goblins, kobolds, frog shooters, war shadows and killer ants moved towards Bell. The rabbit didn't react, as he was deep in thought.
Time slowed down as he saw the monsters closing in. In his mind he screamed for help, for Alfia and Zald to save him. He was scared … no … he was terrorized.
Bell then stopped every thought and asked himself a question.
'How will I have to ask to be saved?'
Bell looked up to Albert and Argonaut the most our of everyone. They symbolized everything Bell saw in a hero. He wanted to be like them. He always wished to venture the dungeon with his Familia, to fight and stand with Alfia and Zald.
Bell also realized that they won't always be around to save him and how could he call himself a hero if he was the one that always needed saving?
'I need to prove myself to my Familia and this is my opportunity.'
Bell thought, as he saw the monsters entering the range of blade. Bell shook thoughts away and unsheathed his weapon. Bell slashed sideways in a circular motion, goblins, kobolds and war shadows fell and dropped their magic stone.
He dodged the frog shooters and charged at them, jumping over the killer ants. As he landed in front of a frog shooter, Bell barrel rolled to the side avoiding its tongue before jousting the katana into the side of the monster killing it.
Bell moved faster than any level one could, as he ran towards the next frog shooter, he jumped and did a front flip. He left his right arm extended and as he did the front flip, extended blade cut the back of the frog shooter killing it.
He dashed to each frog shooter killing them with precise and swift strikes. As the last frog shooter dropped dead, Bell turned around to the fifteen killer ants. Monsters kept pouring in, the minotaurus and the silverbacks being the only ones staying behind without charging.
Bell kept going, slashing and spearing monsters with his katana, he moved around and killed the monsters gracefully. Every monster that got too close was killed instantly, but Bell was exhausted from before and the continuous movement was draining him quickly.
Bell then tripped over a small rock before getting bashed by the club of an orc. Bell went flying and found himself on the ground. Bell looked up and around, he saw that the number of monsters didn't seem to decrease at all.
Seeing his situation couldn't get worse he decided to take a gamble, he was low on mind as he had tested his spell before, but it's utility couldn't be more compatible to the current situation, he just hoped that he wouldn't pass out from a mind down.
"I call upon the infinite sky, domain of the King of Gods. Let the wind tear asunder the land, let the lightnings scorch the sea. Lord of the Divum!"
Casting the spell, pure white clouds formed overhead.
The next moment tornados spun and crash landed on the ground, picking up every monster into the funnel. The wind blades and the lightnings annihilated every monster in the surrounding. The five tornados that had formed all exploded as the spell came to an end.
Unfortunately one monster didn't die and much to Bell's annoyance, it was the one he hated the most. The minotaurus. Bell fell to his knees as he was on the verge of a mind down. His vision started to become black, but his will kept him conscious.
Bell looked up and his eyes widened as he saw the unusual minotaurus, he was bigger than the one of the day before. Its hide was black and its horns were bright red. Its entire left side and face had been burnt by the spell, its left eye burnt shut while its right arm was cut by the thousand wind blades of the tornados.
Bell was near a mind down and bleeding heavily as he had taken occasional hits during the fight, but the orc had opened a wound on his head, the blood trickled down and forced Bell's left eye closed. The minotaurus was also on its knees panting, as it tried to stabilize its breath.
Alfia and Zald, looked from their hiding place shocked. The scale and power of Bell's spell they had just witnessed, was something they hadn't imagined.
'What a tremendously powerful spell.'
Thought the two adventurers. Then Zald turned to Alfia,
"oi, what's with that minotaurus?"
Alfia shook her head,
"probably some dumb idea of Maxim."
The now only two remaining on the battlefield stood up and faced each other. Both were in terrible conditions and on the verge of collapsing. The minotaurus grabbed a landform axe off the ground, left behind by one of the now dead monster. Bell grabbed his dagger as the katana had broke when he was hit by the orc.
They raised their weapons and got ready to charge at each other, Bell's dagger glowed white as he used all the mind he had left to cast a weak version of his spell into the blade, as he couldn't summon a full powered version. The only thing keeping him being his will, to survive and defeat the monster.
The two looked at each other straight in the eyes and charged at each other. As the minotaurus raised its axe, Bell made one last push and dashed forward. As the axe came down, Bell was already under his arms, Bell stabbed the monster in its gut and let the weakened spell do the rest.
"Lord of the Divum!"
Unlike usual, a single tornado was formed from the blade. The blade having been stabbed into the monster, caused the tornado to from inside the monster. The tornado made the whole upper body to contort and twist before it exploded and the tornado roared upwards. The lower body fell on its knees and disappeared in a cloud of white ash.
Bell, having defeated the monster and with a mind creeping up on him, started to fall backwards. Just before he could pass out and land on the ground, Bell felt a warm embrace enveloping him and strands of silver hair.
"Good job Bell."
Said a soft voice before he understood he was safe and the darkness took over.
Bell was brought back to the Zeus Familia manor by Alfia, Zald, Maxim and Europa. The last few days all executives from the Hera Familia stayed over at the manor, as Bell could level up any day now and they all wanted to see it happen.
All members ran up to them as they saw them return with a yet again destroyed Bell over Alfia's back.
"We'll explain later, let's get Bell to the infirmary."
Everyone nodded and waited in the main hall. As Bell rested with Alfia by his side, Zald, Maxim and Europa came back to the hall where the others were worried as to what happened.
There Maxim explained his plan, which earned him many shouts as people weren't happy with the decision he took. Though that changed to surprise and cheering as they heard the events from Zald, who had witnessed the whole fight.
"Look Maxim, I know you're doing it for Bell, but seriously tone it down a bit. What were you thinking with that enhanced minotaurus?!"
Alyssa shouted looking at the captain of the Zeus Familia.
"I know, I got ahead of myself. I just wanted to see how far he would get."
The others sighed in relief.
"However, this might mean that he will level up tomorrow."
Said Zald getting many excited looks,
"really?!"
He nodded,
"if even that isn't enough I don't know what is. We might have to make Bell take down the Goliath."
.
Bell Cranel
Age: 5
Familia: Zeus
Race: Human
Alias: none
Level: 1 – 2
Strength: SS1239 – SSSS1500 – I0
Endurance: SSS1295 – SSSS1500 – I0
Dexterity: SSS1286 – SSSS1500 – I0
Agility: SSS1298 – SSSS1500 – I0
Magic: SS1249 – SSSS1500 – I0
Skill:
Liaris Freese – Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings. It makes user immune to charms and allows him to overcome the gap of levels by transcending the limit of his falna
Argonaut – A heroic strike, an attack that charges up with time, white and blue sparkles appear when active, the longer it charges the stronger the power. Current charge time: 3 minutes. Concurrent Chanting: Not Achieved
Magic:
Lord Of The Divum – Creates a thunderstorm that forms numerous massive white tornados and gigantic blue lightning strikes within the tornados frying anything that enters them. Enormous range of attack that devastates the land
I call upon the infinite sky
Domain of the King of Gods
Let the wind tear asunder the land
Let the lightnings scorch the sea
Developmental Ability:
Luck: I
Zeus got up and gave the status sheet to Bell. Hera, Alfia, Zald, Maxim and Europa stood beside Zeus as Bell read the status paper and his eyes went wide in excitement. He snapped back at Zeus who nodded,
"congratulations Bell, you are the fastest adventurer to level up. You are now the record holder and level two!"
To Be Continued~