The March

With all stats beyond s level, Bell elected to level to level 4. Afterwards, Freya gave him several meaningful kisses on both cheeks, making Bell feel very stimulated.

Freya "Little one, you earned a new skill and a new development ability. The skill is ox slayer, probably from your battle with the heavenly cow demi spirits. The ability is escape, probably from you running away from the demi spirits..."

Bell "Wow, thank you goddess!", which earned him another kiss on the cheek...

The historic level up to level 4 made many angry in Orario. Lefiya refused to come out of her room, even for Ais. Bete ran amok again but this time went to the dungeon to take out his frustrations. Many adventurers, who were still in disbelief about his level 3, were in mourning yet again. Even those in his familia were frustrated as they knew they could never compete in Freya's eyes. Rumors were rampant about what happened in Freya's chambers... Freya took it all in stride, and planned to tease the other gods about it at the next Denatus.

Bell did have a private celebration with Lili, Welf and Haruhime at the hostess. Besides Bell's level up, Welf also reached level 2, so there was much to celebrate. Syr and Ryuu joined them in the party, and Welf got so drunk that he had to be carried back. As he was being carried back, Welf made comments about winning Hephaestus over...

- The Next Morning -

Bell wanted to get as much training in before the war with Rakia starts in earnest. Ais, Tione and Tiona were all training with Bell for the morning. Their standard begging were tried again but Bell was still unable to tell them how to improve faster. After more asset-based begging, Ais got angry again bashing the twins...

With Bell's level up, the battle became yet even more realistic. After receiving a few lap pillows, Bell finally earned a knock-out of Ais, and gave her a lap pillow. The twins were shocked that a new level 4 managed to actually defeat a level 6, even if it was a lucky strike.

Ais woke up on Bell's lap "Oh Bell, you managed to defeat me for the 1st time"

Tiona teased "Ais, you are getting too easy for Bell"

Ais gave Bell meaningful look and then pouted "You are going to surpass me Bell-kun"

Bell was embarrassed by the complement "Ais, I just got lucky"

Ais looked needy "Are you going to be my hero?"

Tomato red Bell "But you are stronger than me. Of course I would want to be your hero if I can be strong enough", making Ais blush deeply...

For the rest of the morning though, Bell did not earn any more knock-outs but the sisters continue to have their contest about Bell lap pillows...

After lunch, Bell, Lili, Welf went into the dungeon with Mikoto, Ouka and Chigusa. They reached the 13th floor but returned to the surface for dinner.

That night, Freya made an announcement at dinner.

Freya "Mars and Rakia have started an attack on Orario. The fool still has not learned his lesson. So we will have to put a hold on the Knossos and march to the battlefield tomorrow morning. We are responsible for the northern front of the battle, while the Loki familia has the responsibility for the middle, and the southern front will be manned by the Hermes and Hephaestus familia."

Ottar to Bell "You, Welf and Ais will be together at the border between the north and the center fronts.", making Bell excited as he will be in a camp with Ais...

That night, Freya gave Bell a last update before the march to war.

level 4

strength: 27

endurance: 23

agility: 31

dexterity: 22

magic: 23

skill: argonaut, ox slayer

magic: firebolt

development ability: luck, abnormal resistance, escape