Being a Hero
When the Loki executives followed Ottar to the battle, they were shocked by the 4 who were already watching the fight. There were 2 deities in the dungeon! Freya and Hermes were in the dungeon flanked by Allen the cat person and Asfi. After getting over their initial shock, they turned back to watch Bell fight.
It was obvious that Bell was injured as his armor was gone, he was essentially shirtless and his arm was covered with blood. However, he was having an intense fight with the mino despite his injuries. The battle seemed to have gone on for a long time. Hermes and Freya were both in ecstasy watching the battle thinking about the hero of the age.
Even though the boy was much weaker than they were, the huge group of first class adventurers could not help but watch. It is exhilarating, incredible, amazing, and took their breathe away. For some reason, Bell seemed to be fighting more like an advanced level 2, but they knew he was only a level 1. His technique was good thanks to Ais, and his instant chant firebolt surprised the Loki executives and the Gulliver brothers. But it was more than the technique and the magic. It was his bravery and will to fight. Tiona compared Bell to the argonaut, and the amazon sisters started to fangirl about Bell. Bete, the one who humiliated Bell, was stuttering about how could it be possible. The Gulliver Brothers, fresh from their severe punishment, were also shocked to see how much the newbie improved in a few weeks. They thought he had quit, but they then realized that Bell must have been working continuously. Many were even suspecting Freya may have used her arcanum on her favorite. But in their heart, they knew the truth, as Bell's bravery made the hair stand up on the back of their necks.
Perhaps 30 minutes later, Bell managed to cut off the arm of the minotaur, making it desperate. As it tried to charge, Bell jumped to its backside and stabbed it with his dual black blades. Conducting firebolt through his knives, he caused severe damage to the mino. And after 3 firebolts through the blades, the monster exploded like a balloon, leaving a horn and a magic stone.
After the battle, Bell stood motionless apparently in a mind zero. Everyone was speechless and in awe of the level 1's battle. Though Lili quickly ran to Bell, and Ais also went to check on her unofficial boyfriend. Being able to read the hierographs on his exposed back, Ais quickly realized that Bell was ss and sss in all his stats, which was impossible.
At that point, Ottar used a potion on Bell while Freya gave him a quick update. After the update, Freya was very pleased, and had Ottar carry Bell princess-style.
With everyone shocked about Bell's performance and the presence of 2 deities in the dungeon, there was an awkward silence.
Finn finally broke the ice "Freya-sama, Hermes-sama, may I inquire why you are in the dungeon?"
Freya "I wanted to see my new talented member in battle, so I am blocking my aura"
Hermes "Someone asked me to check on the boy, so here I am. Some think he could be the new hero for the age"
Finn was surprised by Hermes' words "New hero, but he is a level 1?"
Freya announced with a smile "Well, Bell is now the new record holder. He just reached level 2 after this battle. It has only been about 3 weeks after receiving my falna", shocking everyone even more.
Finn "Well, that is good news. We do have a mission so we must now take our leave"
Freya "Would you mind if we join you on your mission?"
Finn "Freya-sama, as you are probably aware, we are heading for the 59th floor."
Freya "Yes we know, but my members are here to protect me."
Riveria "What about the boy, even with his level up, the 59th floor is far too dangerous for him and also for you and Lord Hermes."
Hermes "That is fine. I trust Freya's members can protect us. We will already be in trouble so may as well have the most fun we can"
Ottar "We want the boy to see what real battles are like, so we will bring him there"
Finn "Well certainly we could use the help, so we are grateful for your company"
The group then headed down the dungeon. They decided to have lunch in Rivira. By the time they reached Rivira, Bell woke up in Ottar's arms.
Ottar "Good morning Bell", giving Bell a potion for recovery.
Freya in a disguise "Little one, you fought like a hero. I am very proud of you"
Bell was surprised and slightly disappointed to see Ottar, as he had gotten used to waking up on the sword princess' lap. Said disappointment was not missed by Ottar.
Ottar "We are traveling with the Loki familia to the 59th floor. I trust you would be happy to accompany them"
After that, Freya gave Bell a copy of his stats, including a new skill called argonaut.
Happy Freya "Congratulations on being the fastest ever to Level 2. You are the new record holder!"
level 1
strength: 1350
endurance: 1381
agility: 1508
dexterity: 1327
magic: 1482
magic: firebolt
level 2
strength: 0
endurance: 0
agility: 0
dexterity: 0
magic: 0
skill: argonaut
magic: firebolt
development ability: luck
Freya then explained that argonaut offered the opportunity to change the tide of the battle with a hero's strike. When Bell asked how to use it, Ottar told him that it would become apparent when the skill is needed.
As they walked through Rivira, the idea of the 2 most powerful familias in a joint mission was unthinkable. But no one was about to say anything to the large gathering of 1st class adventurers. After a short lunch, the huge group set off again. They did leave Lili in a pricey hotel in Rivira because they did not want to subject her to unnecessary risk.
On the way down, with the Freya executives there, Ais kept her distance from her unofficial boyfriend. Though Tione and Tiona were questioning her and teased her about the situation. Riveria also joined in on the teasing, as everyone wanted to know how far Bell and Ais have 'gone'. The teasing was quickly silenced when the pout was used.
They did encounter a lot of monsters as they continued on their mission. But those monsters did not stand much of a chance. Bell did get more opportunities against other level 2 monsters including more minotaurs. However, the leveling immediately made the battles against minotaurs much easier.
When the group reached the Water City, there were adventurers screaming that the amphisbaena was rampaging. As the 1st class adventurers prepared for battle, Ottar noticed there were white sparkles forming around Bell's hand. Soon, the amphisbaena used its breathe weapon, forcing everyone to jump away, except Bell. Instinctively he launched an enormous white-hot firebolt at the monster that was much much larger than his normal firebolt. The 'enhanced' firebolt won against the breathe weapon. The magic blew away one of the heads of the monster while damaging the other. Taking advantage of the situation, Tiona and Tione jumped in and quickly turned the monster into a magic stone and a liver...