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The large group returned to Orario with the mission completed. They learned that the second dungeon entrance was not near Melen, but that some unknown group is responsible for transporting the monsters out from the dungeon. And there may be unknown trump card that Ishtar did not play before returning to heaven.

Bell was really looking forward to sleeping in his own bed, though the mouth-to-mouth actions was quite stimulating. Upon reaching Folkvangr, he immediately reported to Freya, who soon gave him an update showing showed good progress from the mission.

level 2

strength: 708

endurance: 813

agility: 832

dexterity: 687

magic: 805

skill: argonaut

magic: firebolt

development ability: luck

- The Next Day -

Bell started training with Ais, Ottar and Tiona again. With the Loki familia looking for the 2nd entrance to the dungeon, Ais and Tiona were able to train every morning. In the afternoons, Bell would adventure in the dungeon with Lili and Welf. The Take familia would also join in whenever possible. After a week, Bell's stats had almost reached s and ss levels. Reaching the desired goal, Freya finished Bell's leveling to level 3, less than 6 weeks after receiving his falna.

The news of Bell reaching level 3 hit Orario really hard. Most adventurers were completely shocked and jealous. But with 2 level jumps, everyone knew Bell was not misleading everyone regarding when he started to adventure.

- At the Loki Familia -

Lefiya and Bete were fighting over who got to read the news release first. Both were frustrated. Bete was jealous about Ais, and gaining a level in 2 weeks was too much to bear. Lefiiya was also jealous over Ais, and Bell catching up to her level was really painful. Even though she knew that she could level to 4 whenever she wanted, her darkest fear was that Bell would make level 4 in less than 1 month. Oh the humiliation. Meanwhile, Ais was happy for her boyfriend as was Tiona for little argonaut. Loki though was not surprised by the news with the way Bell destroyed that ship in Melen...

- At the Hostess -

Syr was very happy with the news, but she was again teased by Ryuu. Mia was also surprised by the boy, but hit Syr on the head to try to 'convince' her that the boy was taken...

- At the Folkvangr -

Before going off to train, Bell ran into Haruhime. She was happy report to Bell about all the training she has been receiving. Apparently, Freya had done a lot of work to help her grow. She joined a group of level 2 and level 3 adventurers who were assigned to a new adventuring simulation investment. With a lot of magical construction technique, a large building was already constructed at the edge of Orario. A special feature was a 'danger room' in an enormous basement with walls simulating a labyrinth.

At that point, Freya and Ottar wanted Bell to meet with them. Freya asked about the 2 level 1 adventurers that Bell made friends with. After telling Freya about Lili and Welf, Freya asked Bell a direct question.

Freya "Would you be in favor of having them joining our familia?"

Bell "?"

After thinking it over, Bell "Lili is in the Soma familia and Welf is in the Hephaestus familia."

Freya "I can handle the mechanics of it. But would you be in favor of it if I can get Soma and Hephaetus to agree to it?"

Bell "Well, that would be nice because Lili does not get along with those in her familia. And Welf is in a similar situation though far less bad."

Freya "Little one, that is fine. Go train and I hope to have good news tonight"

- At the City Walls -

Ais and Tiona were already there, though Ottar would be unable to train for the day as he had to accompany Freya today.

Ais "Bell, congrats on the level up"

Tiona "Little argonaut, you must let me know your secret!", but Bell had no answer for her.

Suddenly, Tione also showed up and put her assets in Bell's face to convince him to help them advance faster. That show of force was too much for Ais, as her jealousy took over with mini-Ais in war mode. Bell watched in horror as Ais beat down the amazon twins...

After the fun and games were over, it was time for serious training with Tione essentially replacing Ottar for the day. With Bell's level up, the training got even more intense. As a beginning level 3, he was fighting like a beginning level 4. The difference in fighting strength was 2 levels, so the gap had closed. Also, for the first time, they asked Bell to incorporate firebolt in the sparring, despite Bell's concerns. With a more aggressive sparring, they used quite a bit of healing potions, but it made the training much more realistic. Still, the 3 sisters had their contest to see who would give Bell the most lap pillows. Poor Bell was seeing stars by the end of the day, but that did help with his endurance stats.

- At the Hostess -

Welf and Lili had to cancel that afternoon, and fortunately, Ais and the twins were available for training all day. After training, Bell, Ais and the twins went for dinner. It just happened that the Loki, Finn, Riveria and Gareth were also eating there.

Loki "Hey, Aissy-poo, are you going to ignore your goddess?"

Ais "No, but we need a larger table", which Mia was happy to accommodate.

Finn "Congrats on the level up, Bell, you are really amazing"

Bell "Thanks Finn. I still have a long way to go"

Riveria teased "So you mean Ais has not given you what you desire?"

That made Bell totally tomato-red while Ais was curious.

Ais "What do you desire, Bell?", which made Bell even redder.

Tione teased "Ais, would you give Bell whatever he wants?"

Ais "Certainly, he is my boyfriend", Bell was ready to hide under the table at this point...

Tiona teased "Little argonaut, she is ready to give you everything. Are you going to disappoint her?"

Bell was so embarrassed that he was literally tearing up "..."

Ais "Bell, why are you crying?", which drew more laughter.

Bell "Oh, because you are making me very happy"

Tione "Really Bell, how happy has Ais made you?"

Bell "..."

Deciding that the teasing should embarrass both of them, Riveria "Bell, we have been talking about wedding preparations.", which made both the boyfriend and the girlfriend look down and unable to answer.

Finn "Well, I think we have teased them enough...", making Bell respect Finn even more...

After the teasing, the conversation got more serious. Apparently, the Loki familia was making progress in finding out where the 2nd entrance to the dungeon was. They believed they have narrowed it to the Daedalius street area. When they asked Bell whether he wanted to take part, Bell was very interested, but he would need Freya's permission.

Having feasted at dinner, Bell walked Ais back home in a roundabout route to avoid more teasing from the Loki executives. Of course, little did they know that the twins and Riveria were up to no good. Nevertheless, they had a nice good night kiss and then Bell headed home.

- At the Folkvangr -

It was a good training day. A lot of healing potions but a lot of progress. After getting home, Bell went to discuss the possible mission with Freya and Ottar. They were approving of the mission, but they wanted Bell to be accompanied by all 4 Gulliver Brothers. In addition, they were going to meet with the Loki executives to discuss planning in detail...

After discussing the mission, there were 2 surprises for Bell. Apparently, Freya went to Soma and Hephaestus and convinced them to agree to transfer Lili and Welf. Lili's transfer was permanent while Welf had a temporary 1-year transfer. Bell was really happy to see his friends join the familia, and they went out to have a late night snack afterwards. Over the snack, they told Bell that they would be training with Haruhime in the adventuring simulation investment. Also, Freya also recruited Aisha to help with the training...