Love

- At the Folkvangr -

After the incredible ordeal of the Xenos and the Juggernaut, Bell hoped to finally have a chance to relax a bit before the Knossos mission starts. That evening, Freya gave him an update that evening and the result was surprising. 3 weeks after reaching level 4, Bell was ready to level to level 5.

level 4

strength: 895

endurance: 893

agility: 974

dexterity: 856

magic: 1080

skill: argonaut, ox slayer

magic: firebolt

development ability: luck, abnormal resistance, escape

Just as it was for level 4, Freya recommended that Bell increase his stats before leveling, which Bell agree with. However, they were all in agreement that he should level before the Knossos mission. Thus relaxation became intense training.

- At the Twilight Manor -

Tione and Tiona were looking forward to training with Bell who looked totally cool in his latest battle. Their fangirling from afar was getting to Ais and Lefiya for different reasons.

Ais was however still very torn about what happened with the Xenos. Her vow to kill monsters had now been shattered so it was difficult for her to move forward. So she did look forward to talk to Bell and see how he will continue to fight and kill monsters.

Loki, Finn, Riveria and Gareth also discussed how they were played in the recent events. Loki was frustrated at being bested by Freya and Hermes. Finn though comforted Loki insisting that it was essentially them against everyone else.

Riveria "So I missed the Bell Cranel show. What really happened at the Babel earlier today?"

Finn "Well, Bell defeated the black minotaur that held most of us at bay. Then instead of killing it after defeating it, he healed it, made friends with it, and thus gained a new ally. All that time, much of Orario was watching and cheering him on, which completely repaired his reputation and actually took it to a new elevated level. Then after most of us were defeated by the juggernaut, Bell and Ottar proceeded to defeat the monster by bouncing it back and forth with their weapons strikes. This was also enabled with a new use for his argonaut skill and his firebolt magic that created some type of flaming sword which shone a brilliant white. That about covers it..."

Gareth nonchalantly "The pallum sounds jealous lol", making Finn wince.

Riveria smiled "That about covers it"

Loki winked "Finn, you need to catch up in the hero race. I am counting on you!"

Finn "And the Xenos"

Riveria "After being saved by Ray and other Xenos, Alicia and the other elves will refuse to fight them"

Gareth "They do look like the peaceful type"

Finn "All except the Asterius, but he is now Bell's buddy"

Loki laughed at Finn again, causing the others to join in.

- In Ouranos' Chamber -

Fels "It appears most of Evilus has been destroyed by the Loki familia and the Xenos.

Ouranos "Did we identify any of the bodies"

Fels "Most were not recognizable"

Fels "Jura Hamler of the Rudra familia was found among the dead. It was originally thought that he perished when the Gale was getting revenge"

Ouranos "Is the Knossos mission ready?"

Fels "I healed Asterius' arm so he will be taking part"

Ourano "We have really come to rely on Bell Cranel"

- The Next Day -

Bell met Ais, Tiona and Tione at the city walls. With Bell now a very advanced 4th level, the training was very very intense. Stats-wise, Bell had caught up or exceed the 3 sisters, when considering the stacked up stats. Thus, there was minimal lap pillowing to be had.

Ottar and Freya continued to train Haruhime in the morning. Haruhime had made a lot of progress even as the Xenos situation was blowing up. She now was able to boost Ottar for more than 20 minutes multiple times with 30 minutes of rest in between. Alternatively, she could also boost 5 people for up to 8 minutes twice with an hour of rest in between.

At lunch, Ais got to ask Bell about his feelings regarding monsters.

Ais "Bell, with your feelings about the Xenos, how do you fight monsters and kill them?"

Bell "Actually, I asked one of the Xenos, Lyd, about this."

Ais "Really?"

Bell "Yes, he said absolutely kill a monster if you come upon one. Assume a monster is dangerous. If it is an intelligent one or Xenos, it will let you know"

Ais "Well, that sort of makes sense"

Bell "I know it is hard to do, but I have already gotten used to it"

Ais pouted "Here is another thing you are ahead of me"

Bell "I still have a long way to go"

Tiona butted in "Little argonaut, you have already caught up to us."

Tione "You sure have. And you still have not shared your secret"

Bell "I dont know what it is..."

For the afternoon, Ottar and Freya had joined Bell's training on the city walls. Ottar took turns sparring with Ais and with Bell. The goal was to help Ais fight Revis and to help Bell learn to fight someone that was still stronger than him.

In the evening, Bell performed argonaut training for both charging firebolts as well as the sword charging technique he discovered in the fight against the juggernaut. This was a great way to ensure he got tired and sleepy for a good night of sleep.

This training schedule pretty much continued until the Knossos mission which was 4 days later.

On Bell's final stats update, he was ss or beyond for all stats before leveling to level 5, which was achieved in a little under 5 months.

level 4

strength: 1135

endurance: 1087

agility: 1213

dexterity: 1068

magic: 1291

skill: argonaut, ox slayer, love

magic: firebolt

development ability: luck, abnormal resistance, escape, magic resistance

Freya then explained the details. Magic resistance was not unexpected, and everyone knew the rules. However, the intrigue was with the unique love skill. When she discussed with Bell, she admitted that she was at a loss of how it would be used in a fight. However Freya did enjoy teasing Bell a bit regarding what it implied for his original intentions to become an adventurer. That was of course followed by a head pat and two kisses on the cheeks.

Freya was curious herself how powerful the love skill would be compared to her charm. But it did make sense given how Bell gained so many fans in the barbelas, the general public and even the Xenos, while not even counting his potential harem members. However, she was also concerned about what effect it will have on the other girls, particularly her rival Ais. Nevertheless, exploring Bell's new skill was probably going have to wait until after the Knossos mission...