"Heeey! BELL!"

Bell turned to see Hestia running towards him. Waving her hand for attention. It had been a few days since he last saw her. His mouth curved upwards.

'So cheerful, so energetic, this is how she should be," Bell thought wearily. He wondered how she even found him in the ocean of people that were attending the festival. "Hestia!"

Hestia stopped dead in her tracks. The way that Bell was looking at her and his smile. It was different.

'He called me by my name,' Hestia thought as her heart pounded in her chest. Threatening to break out. The icor in her body rushing to her cheeks.

"Are you alright, Hestia?" Bell asked as he walked the remaining distance between them. He noticed her sudden change in behavior. Trying to figure out what it is that he had done to cause it.

"Y-yes," Hestia replied. Suddenly feeling shy and unable to look at the only member of her familia in the eye.

"Are you sure?" Bell asked worriedly. He placed his forehead on hers to check her temperature. Ignoring the looks that passersby were giving them.

'Is he doing this on purpose!?' Hestia thought in alarm. Panic and euphoria winning out in the chaos of emotions that were raging through her at the moment. "I'MFINEBELL!Youdon'tneedtoworryaboutme."

"That's a relief," Bell said with a soft sigh before giving a smile. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to you."

Unable to take anymore, Hestia's mind ran away from reality.

"Hestia!" Bell called out. Waving a hand in front of her face. No response. "Hestia!"

"Huh!? What!? Bell!?" Hestia screeched. Jumping back from the surprise.

"Maybe, I should take you home," Bell said worriedly.

"What!? No! I'm fine Bell," Hestia argued.

"But..." Bell said.

"No buts," Hestia interrupted. "This a direct order from your goddess."

"Fine," Bell conceded. Knowing why she did not want to go back yet. "What do you want to do?"

"Let's go on a date, Bell!" Hestia said with a smile that could power all the magic stone lamps in Orario.

'Knew it,' Bell thought.

Not waiting for a response, Hestia grabbed his hand. Dragging the white-haired boy behind her. Attempting to hide the blush that intensified from the physical contact.

"Just look at this place! Everything looks so fun! We'll have a great time!" Hestia said in excitement. "Hee-hee! Let's go, Bell! Let's go!"

'As long as you're happy,' Bell thought. Taking a deep breath before letting the silk-like fingers intertwine with his own.

The street vendors showed no signs of slowing down. They were selling so many things! Meat on a stick, small souvenirs, key chains, accessories with Ganesha Familia's emblem or a monster on them, and weapons (though they're not that great). Fireworks fired off from the stadium into the sky. It barely can be heard over the noise on the street.

"Hey! Mister! Two of those crepes, please!" Hestia said to the person manning to the food stall.

It is strange to think, but she's acting the age she looks. Going from vendor to vendor, her eyes sparkling as she points to a pastry or clothes like a teenager. Completely different to when she's at home, more grown-up. Her smile is always contagious, but now it's… cute. The goddess really is a beautiful young lady. Seeing this side of her proves it.

'What have I gotten myself into?' Bell asked himself. Thinking back to the times that he spent with her in the previous timeline. He could not help but feel grateful to her for all the things that she had done for him.

"Bell?" Hestia called out. "Bell?"

"Ah, yes. What is it?" Bell asked. Coming back to reality.

"Ahh—nn." Hestia sounded. Holding one of the crepes to Bell's mouth with that radiant grin on her face… While she finally let go of his hand, she was on her toes holding the crepe with both hands and trying to get Bell to open his mouth.

Deciding to go along with it this time, Bell took a bite out of her crepe. Hestia looked as though she was going to burst at the seams from pure joy. She took another bite of the crepe before offering to him again. Alternating bites between the crepes. A few more bites later, Bell leaned over to the loli of a goddess.

'Is he!?' Hestia thought. Paralyzed as the boy's face got closer and closer. 'This is so sudden. Wait!? Did I brush my teeth this morning!? Bell! I'm not prepared!'

"There," Bell said as he wiped the cream off of her face. Looking around for a few seconds before he put the finger with cream on it in his mouth.

'He's doing this on purpose!' Hestia screamed in her mind. Icor pounding in her head. Unable to comprehend the situation. 'He has to be! There's no other explanation for it!'

"Hestia," Bell called his internally fried goddess. "Do you mind if we take a detour after this?"

"Huh?" Hestia sounded as she was pulled from her poor mind. Suspicion clear in her voice. "Why?"

"The waitresses from the Hostess of Fertility asked me to give Syr her wallet," Bell explained. Smiling sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. Her smile immediately turned into a frown. As he expected, his request earned him the ire of his goddess.

"Do we have to?" Hestia whined. Giving the boy a cute pout. "It's not like we could find her in this crowd."

"I have an idea to where she might be," Bell replied.

"Fine!" Hestia complied grudgingly.


Mother Maria's Orphanage, a safe haven for the children that were lost or abandoned by their parents in the land of Orario. A church hidden in the heart of the labyrinth that is Daedalus Street. Encompassed by the buildings on its remaining sides. The open courtyard in front with its broken fountain and cracked stone pathway gave complemented rustic finish of the wooden church. The main chamber that spanned at least ten meters across, and the walls lined left and right with doors that lead to other rooms. An altar all the way at the back. The tile had so many cracks that wild grass was threatening to reclaim the floor. The cathedral ceiling with paintings that gave the place more solemn atmosphere. The architect Daedalus himself would be right at home.

Syr hummed as she stirred the stew in the kitchen. Thinking on how impressed Bell will be when she masters the art. Unfortunately for her, there are just people who are born to cook and there are those that should be arrested for it. The inhabitants of Mother Maria's orphanage and her coworkers would agree.

"Syr-san," a familiar voice called but went unheard. Focused on her task of unconsciously 'poison cooking'.

"Syr-san," a person called from behind her. Placing a hand on her shoulder for extra measure.

"Bell!?" Syr responded in surprise as she whipped around only to come face to face him. "EEP!"

Syr jumped back and almost toppled over the pot had Bell not been fast enough to stop her. She glared at the young adventurer but seeing the apologetic look on his face, was unable to stay angry at him. Still, a question remained.

"What are you doing here!?" Syr asked while tapping her feet and crossing her arms. "How did you even find me!?"

"I kind of followed you," Bell answered sheepishly. Technically, he was not lying. Not wanting to be labelled as a stalker, he immediately took her wallet from his pocket and handed it to her. "You forgot this. Ryuu-san and Anya asked me to give it to you."

"Ah, I see," Syr said. Her expression softening. A smile appeared on her face but a twinkle in her eyes sent chills down Bell's spine. She wrapped her arms around him causing him to stiffen. "Thank you Bell."

"I knew it!" A human boy with brown hair called Lai shouted from the open window. He then turned and cupped his hand around his mouth. "Hey everyone! Bell-san 'is' Big sis Syr's boyfriend! I just saw them hugging in the kitchen!"

With that, an army of children, an elderly woman and one very upset goddess came. The children staring at them like they expected something to happen. Mother Maria giving them an apologetic look. Hestia, glaring daggers, axes, and everything in between at the two. Waiting for one wrong step to give her an excuse to unleash her wrath.

'I'm dead,' Bell thought with a sweatdrop.


It was a dark, dirty room with almost no light. A single magic stone lamp hung from the ceiling, casting long shadows over everything in the room. Boxes standing a square meter tall lined the dusty, dank storage room. Weapons of great variety hanging on the walls. The sound of chains echoed as the beasts inside the cages fought against their restraints. The lattice pattern that the cages were built in. Monsters stuck their snouts out of the openings, baring their fangs and howling.

"What are you doing?" An amazonian woman asked pointedly. "We're ready for the next one! Why won't you raise it?!"

Clop-clop-clop. Sharp steps in high heels echoed off the stone floor outside the storage room just before the door opened the woman followed by her assistants entered the room. The event had been running smoothly under her charge. So when the next cage failed to show up on time, she rushed to investigate. Ready to scold the four men who were supposed to be working in the room, but no one responded.

"W-what's wrong?" She asked but got no response. "Hey!"

Going further into the room, she found her team members were on the floor. The men she had left in charge were sitting down, leaning against boxes with absent looks on their faces. Fearing the worst, she ran to the closest one. He was breathing, no injuries either. Checking the rest of the team, they were in exactly the same aloof state; however, they were alive. The only problem was that all of them looked like puppets that had their strings cut. There was no strength in their bodies at all. They were beet red, unresponsive and all of them murmuring something incoherently.

'Monster poison…? No, it can't be…' the woman thought in alarm. A chill crept through her body as she realized she didn't know how to help them. How could she cure what she was seeing for the first time? 'What the hell did this!? What happened here!? '

"—"

The air behind her suddenly shifted. It was not an aggressive sneak attack, more like one friend creeping up on another. There was no intent to harm, which was why the woman was too slow to react. Falling victim like the rest of her comrades.

"—ah."

A quick swish of cloth, and suddenly she couldn't see. Her eyes were covered by delicate fingers that were smooth to the touch. A heartbeat later, her whole body froze in place, limbs shaking ever so slightly. A sweet smell licked her nose, a soft body pressed against her back, warmth enveloped her skin. All of her senses were paralyzed. It was overwhelming. A "charm" she couldn't comprehend. She couldn't fight back, she couldn't resist. Her mind was going blank, thoughts evaporating all at once. Her freedom lost in mere moments.

"Where is the key?" A feminine voice asked her. A voice that sounded as sweet as honey yet laced with temptation.

"—e." The woman responded in her daze.

"The key to the cages," her assailant whispered into her ear. "Where is it?"

The sound consumed her consciousness. It was intoxicating. Unable to fight the words in her head, she obeyed. Her shaky right arm reached behind her back to grab a key chain strapped to her belt. The keys shook violently in her jittery hand. Raising it over her shoulder.

"Thank you," her assailant said.

The hands covering her eyes left as the keys were taken from her hand but her eyesight did not return. All she could see was unending darkness even when presence behind her withdrew. Her knees buckled. Unable to support her own weight. Landing softly on her rear end.

"I'm sorry," she apologized to her fallen comrades. Tears leaking from her eyes. Knowing that she too had fallen victim to the same "charm" and would be suffering the same fate.

"My apologies," her assailant said.

The intruder lowered the hood of her cloak. Revealing Freya. She left the girl and walked further into the storage room. Guild staff and the fierce members of the "I am Ganesha!" Familia had been guarding the west gate. She rendered them all helpless.

Freya did not have abilities that can be used in combat. She was just one of the many gods on Gekai. She had no special powers; however, she was beautiful. So much so that she could be considered as the living incarnation of beauty. She had a power that couldn't be controlled by reason. Gods fell under her spell. How could humans and demi-humans stand a chance? Gender did not matter. Her 'charm' was overwhelming, enough to put anyone in a trance on a whim. Their consciousness would leave them and their bones would turn to jelly. This time she was using it to have a little fun. As long as she was careful not to be seen, this level of infiltration was well within her power.

"…"

Freya stopped in the middle of the storage room. Monster cages were lined up all around her, their occupants howling with renewed vigor. She listened to the explosion of beastly roars around her; however, as soon as she looked at them, all of the beasts went silent.

"…"

Her beauty had ensnared them, too. Skin the color of freshly fallen snow filled their eyes. Freya's silver hair and silver eyes hypnotized the monsters into a passive state, their muscles shutting down. Even vicious monsters were not safe from her "charm."

She looked over all of them individually before stopping at one particular cage. That monster was covered in a thick white coat of fur. Its arms were massive and its shoulders broad with bulging muscles. A line of longer, thread-like fur that matched Freya's hair color perfectly ran down its back ends in what looked like a stubby tail. The wild silverback locked eyes with the Goddess of Beauty, its breathing getting heavier and heavier with each passing second.

"… You'll do well." Freya said with a small smile before opening the cage. "Come out."

The monster obeyed Freya's instructions and stepped out of the lattice cage. The chains restraining its arms and legs jangled at its feet. She had released a monster. She knew how dangerous this could be. While she was pulling the strings, little details like that meant nothing to her. She had come here for one reason… Bell Cranel.

"It's a pity. I wanted to watch him grow a little while longer…" Freya said. Thoughts of Bell's growth on her mind. She didn't know why, but she could see he was improving by leaps and bounds. Freya laughed to herself like a little kid. Licking her lips. "… I want to play with him."

She wanted to play a joke on the one she loved, just as if she were an immature child. Like those children that bullied the person they were attracted to. She knew she shouldn't, but she couldn't stop. She had fallen in love with the boy the moment she saw him. When she had heard that the boy wanted to become an adventurer, she planned to take him into her familia… personally. Unfortunately, once she had found him, he was already taken in by Hestia. Unconsciously twirling her hair. The thought of her love in the arms of another angered her. Every moment she could not be with him had sent a twinge of deep pain in her chest. She wanted to talk to him. Get to know him. His likes, dislikes, fears and aspirations. She wanted to know it all. She wanted to share in his happiness, comfort him when he cries, to see his courage in the face of adversity, but above all else, she wanted to see him grow. She wanted to see how far he could go.

"…"

"Fhaa… fhaaaa…?" The silver back grunted.

Freya lovingly stroked the cheek of the silverback, its nose flaring with each swell of air. She paused for a moment as a new thought went through her mind.

'What if this monster accidentally killed Bell because she let it loose?' A stray thought came to mind. Hesitation appeared on Freya's face for a moment but was shrugged off. Her eyes glowed with love and tenderness but the smile on her face was ominous. 'If Bell died today… I'll go after him. If his spirit left Gekai, I would chase it to the ends of time and space. I will hold him… forever.'

She held the silverback's head with both hands. Every muscle in the monster's body pulsed with energy. Leaning forward, she placed her lips on the creature's forehead and whispering something in its ear.

A roar erupted from the storage room.


"If you have time, would you play with the children?" Mother Maria asked as soon as the pain in their stomachs subsided. "They seem to have taken a liking to you, Cranell-san…"

"Sure, but don't you need some help with these?" Bell replied. Gesturing towards the dishes.

"It's alright Bell," Hestia said as she began picking up the plates. "I'll help Maria-san with these."

"Oh no it's quite alright," Maria tried to decline. "I can't have a goddess do that."

"Nonsense!" Hestia countered strongly. "It's the least I could do."

"Big Sis, story time, story time!" One of the children said excitedly.

"Bell, adventurers and monsters!" Lai said. His eyes twinkling.

Bell hunched over as the children grabbed his arms and pulled him out of the room to join Syr and the others out in the main chamber. Syr was with the girls in the corner, telling nursery rhymes and singing songs. The boys corralled Bell into the open space in the middle of the chamber. The children running around on the grass-sprouting tile floor, smiling and laughing. Dragging the two teens all over the place.

"Hey, Bell, are you sure you're not Syr's lover?" Lai asked suddenly.

"Not really," Bell replied but was betrayed by the slight hint of red on his cheeks. Something that the child did not miss.

"Why not? Big Sis Syr's really cute. Not much of a cook, but, yeah…She's thinner than she looks. And her boobs are pretty big, too—" Lai endorsed.

Bell turned to the subject of their conversation. Lai was not necessarily wrong. Usually when he saw Syr, she was working at the hostess. So seeing her laugh like this, playing games with the kids, giving them hugs and whatnot…it felt so different. The kids absolutely adore her; it can be seen in their eyes. Bell watched her playing with the kids for a little while, entranced. He could not help but imagine her playing with children with white and silver hair, silver and crimson eyes. All laughing happily as they tried to chase each other. Noticing his gaze, she peered over her shoulder and giggled. Cute and beautiful at the same time…

'She'd make a great mother,' Bell thought before catching himself. 'The hell am I thinking!'

"The seeds have been planted," Lai whispered. Leaving the rabbit-like adventurer to stew on his thoughts. "Big Sis Syr! Let's play!"

"Aww, I wanna play, too!" One of the children whined.

"Everyone will have a turn, so don't fight, okay?" Syr said. Continuing her rounds through the main chamber of the church, playing games with all the kids.

Bell overheard her talking with a few and caught a glimpse of her being pulled in a different direction. Not just the girls, the boys want to play with her, too. It seemed that it was going to turn out to be a nice day. Unfortunately for him, the universe had different plans for the young time traveller.

"…?"

It was as if time had suddenly slowed. The sun was shining. The birds were singing. The children laughing. For the first time since he came back, Bell felt at peace… then a strong gust of wind blew Syr's dress up.

"EEK!"

His eyes widened. Hyperfocusing on the familiar event that was happening. His mind burning every detail of the scene to memory. The ruffled white fabric that went up past her belly button. The milky white skin that looked soft. Her panties that were the same color as her dress. The cute little squeal that filled the chamber.

'I saw it again gramps! The legendary…' Bell thought. Eyes glued on Syr as she struggled to push the fabric back down. 'Yep... I've totally become a lech. Damn it gramps! This is all your fault!'

Syr turned to face him before freezing in place. Looking him straight in the eye. Her cheeks the color of ripe strawberries. She stormed towards Bell.

"Did you see?" Syr demanded as she stared him down.

"No, not really, well, I…!" Bell replied. His eyes looking everywhere except for the silver haired girl's eyes. It was an odd feeling. Syr was usually cheerful and laid back but can be downright terrifying when she wanted to be. And right now, Bell wanted to be anywhere but near her.

"You saw, didn't you?" Syr asked aggressively.

"Y-yes, but…!" Bell answered.

"You're horrible, Bell!" Syr shouted. Her cheeks puffing into a pout.

"How was that my fault?!" Bell tried to reason.

Her eyes filled with fire and the tip of her nose bright red, Syr lets the accusations fly. Bell's blush deepened as he desperately pleaded his case. Making Syr more hysteric.

"A boy…A boy saw my panties…" Syr said in embarrassment. Looking towards the accused. Condemnation in her eyes. "Bell, as punishment, you have to do whatever I say!"

"I—What?!" Bell stammered. 'Again!?'

"If you don't…I'll tell Ryuu and the others you peeked up my skirt!" Syr threatened.

'I'll be dead by morning if she does that! She's blackmailing me with false charges! Again!' Bell thought but looking at Syr's beet-red face, the desperate tears that were beginning to leak from her eyes caused him to wavered. His panic and irritation disappeared. Replaced by an overwhelming sense to comfort and protect. His entire being screamed at him to make her happy. Closing his eyes. He took a deep breath. When they opened, his eyes blazed with resolution. Smiling at the Syr with all the warmth he could muster. "You know… you don't have to blackmail me to get me to do something."

"Huh?" Syr said. A little taken aback by the sudden change in the adventurer. Was this really Bell? The boy was as embarrassed as she was a moment ago. Enabling her to control the situation but this boy… man in front of her was different. The confidence he exuded was both alluring and intimidating, his gaze was so captivating that it caused her mind to go blank, and that smile… it was causing her heart to beat so fast that she felt it might explode. "I-i uh... W-what I m-mean to s-say was…"

"I've never seen Big sis Syr like this," Fina whispered to Lai.

"I know right," Lai whispered back in amusement.

"He's good," Ruu inputted.

"Besides," Bell said. For some odd reason, he could imagine his grandfather smiling proudly. Leaning in towards Syr and whispered in a sultry tone. "I liked what I saw~"


It felt solemn with him kneeling in front of the altar. His goddess standing behind him. Syr, Maria and the children watching them from a distance. Expectant looks in their eyes.

Pricking her finger with the black mythril dagger, Hestia's blood ran down the sides of the blade. The hieroglyphics on the blade glowed with a soft hum. Hephaestus' words repeating in her mind.

"Alright Hestia, now listen to me carefully," Hephaestus said while pointing to the knife. "That knife generates a status that accompanies whatever hieroglyphs you happen to engrave on to it. So what I'm telling you is… the knife is alive."

"It's alive?" Hestia repeated.

"As soon as Bell Cranel receives this weapon it will draw its first breath and start growing along with him." Hephaestus continued.

'Thanks Hephaestus,' Hestia thought in gratitude. 'Now I can help Bell.'

A drop of icor fell on the boy's back triggering his falna. Drawing a line on his back with her divine blood, displaying his status.

Bell Cranel

Level: 1

Strength: H120 → E403

Endurance: H110 → H199

Dexterity: H140 → E412

Agility: F350 → D521

Skills

Liaris Freese: Rapid Growth

Continued desire results in continued growth

Stronger desire results in stronger growth

'His stats had grown over six hundred points!? How is this possible!?' Hestia shouted internally. The flames of jealousy toward Aiz burned in Hestia's heart, but she also felt reassured.

Syr's eyes travelled from the goddess to Bell. Wondering what it was that could surprise a goddess like that. More questions kept forming as she waited there with the others. Her cheeks warmed as her eyes settled on the rabbit like adventurer. Her eyes travelled around his body. Etching every nook and cranny in her memory. Wiping a bit of drool that managed to escape her lips. His words earlier echoed causing her fidget. A sight that none of the spectators missed.

Any form of gossiping stopped the moment Hestia sheeted the blade. Putting a piece of paper onto Bell's back and copying his status. Still unable to believe what was written on it.

"That should do it," Hestia said. Tapping the boy on the shoulder. His new blade waiting in her outstretched hands.

"Thank you, Hestia," Bell said as he put his shirt back on. Giving her a look of gratitude, he reached out for the knife.

The moment his hand made contact with the knife, the hieroglyphs glew as it came to life. Shifting and changing to adjust to its new master. A pillar of light erupted from Bell blinding the other occupants of the room.

Hestia was surprised. Hephaestus said that the knife was powerful but this was something else. There it sat in Bell's hand. Exuding power that it did not have prior. She found it odd that she could feel more than just her divinity in it now but chalked it off to Hephaestus' skill. Completely missing the changes that were on the knife.

"Flashy," the half elf named Ruu said.

"Yeah! That was awesome!" Lai stated. Turning towards Maria with eyes that were twinkling in excitement. "Do you think I'll be like that when I get my falna?"

"Eh? I don't know," Maria answered. Seeing the surprised look on the goddess' face told her that she did not expect it either. So she was not sure what to say.

"That's my Bell-kun for you!" Hestia said after getting over the shock. "Always full of surprises!"

'You have no idea,' Bell thought sheepishly. A little nervous at the irony of her words.

"Here," Hestia said. Handing him his status.

"I see," Bell said indifferently as he looked at his status. The lack of surprise and gushing caused alarm bells to go off in the goddess's head.

"Bell," Hestia called cautiously but was cut off.

A loud roar was heard from outside causing the occupants of the main hall to exit the building. A Silverback was on the rooftops of Daedalus Street. Looking for something.

People screamed as they ran away from the monster. Completely ignorant of the odd behavior that the ape like beast was exhibiting. Not caring if they trample over others just to save their own skin.

Catching a glimpse of white, the silverback turned towards the source to find its target glaring at it. With a loud roar, it pounded its chest before jumping towards its supposed prey.

"Everyone, get back!" Bell said.

The change in demeanor in the young adventurer caught the others by surprise. Gone was the hesitance that seemed to plague most of his action. Gone was the air of naivety. Replaced by unrelenting steel that could only be forged by overcoming struggle after struggle. Here stood in front of them was an adventurer.

It was not as if he had shouted. His tone was even and calm yet the authority in them caused them to follow. Filing inside the wooden structure.

Landing upon the courtyard, the creature charged the young adventurer. Swinging its arms around, using the chains on its wrists like whips. Relentlessly attacking its opponent.

Bell weaved through the attacks. Gracefully dodging while leaving cuts on the beast. Slipping below one of the attacks, he plunged the Hestia knife into monster's arm. Letting the creatures momentum to make the damage worse.

The creature howled in pain. Its right arm hung limply at its side. The once white fur was now dyed crimson.

The spectators watched in worry and awe as the boy danced around the large monster. It was not a fight. To them, it seemed like the rabbit like adventurer was picking apart his opponent. Never underestimating it. Not allowing for the slight chance of error that could cost him his life.

Bell slashed at its chest. Relieving the monster of its armor. Dashing to the side as it slammed its still functional arm to the ground. He lept towards the ape and thrusted his knife into its chest, hitting the magic stone that was hidden beneath its skin. The creature's body exploded and turned to ash. The only remaining proof of its existence was the magic stone left behind.

An explosion of cheers erupted as the inhabitants left their hiding places. Showering the boy with praise and thanks. The orphans from Maria's orphanage surrounded him. Eyes sparkling at the adventurer, animatedly describing his feat. Syr stood behind them gazing at him with a warm smile. A hint of red on her cheeks.

"Bell-kun!" Hestia screamed before slamming into the boy. Crying into his chest as the worry from seeing the boy fight wash over her.

Bell patted her head. Comforting her with an apologetic look on his face. He wanted to say that it was all going to be alright but that would be a lie. They would be facing challenge after challenge from here on out.

Feeling a familiar gaze, he looked towards the source. Freya stood in one of the rooftops. Smiling at him. With a smile, he mouthed the words he had read from her lips during the Ishtar Familia incident causing the goddess of beauty to be taken aback. Her body spasmed, eyes dazed and her cheeks rosy from his words.

A few more explosions caught everyone's attention. Gone were the cheers from earlier. Replaced by looks of apprehension and fear.

"Stay here," Bell said to the others before taking off towards the source of the explosions. Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head.

Exiting Daedalus Street, his eyes widened at seeing what it was that caused the commotion. He did not want to be in the spotlight this early but he just could not let people die if he can help it.

'Violas!' Bell thought in alarm. Running through alleyways to avoid the crowd. Bounding off walls and jumping over any obstacles in his way. 'What are they doing here!? Were they here last time too!? Wait! If they're here, then there must be a Viscum somewhere nearby!'

Turning a corner, he saw Aiz, Tione and Tiona fighting the monsters. He was about to join in but stopped when Aiz jumped over a box. A young chienthrope crying while crouching behind the box, her hand over her head to protect it. When Aiz jumped forward to avoid getting the girl caught up in the crossfire, Bell dashed and took the child away to a safe distance.

"You should be safe here," Bell said as he patted her head.

"Thank you mister," the girl said in between sniffles. Which was answered with a smile.

Turning back to the fight, Bell saw a scene that brought the nightmares that plagued him since he came back to the forefront of his mind. Nightmares that would probably haunt him for the rest of his life. Nightmares he would rather not relive.

More Violas had sprung forth from the damaged road. Aiz was cornered by a few of the plant like monsters. Attempting to fend them off with a broken sword. His body moved before he had the chance to think. Charging towards the monsters that had converged on Aiz. He could see Ariel beginning to fade as she felt the side effects of the enchantment.

The sound of a sharp object cutting through air filled the area. Everyone could have sworn they blinked. One moment the violas were about to finish the Sword Princess off, the next they were slashed to pieces.

"Are you alright?" Bell asked with a small smile. He was shocked by the expression on Aiz's face before she nodded and succumbed to mind down. "You've done your best. I'll save you now."


Author's Notes:

Hello readers,

I am alive and happy new year to you all. Sorry for the long wait. This chapter was actually done a few months back but I went into depression because of flames to one of my other stories. Anyways, thank you for the support and I hope you guys enjoy the chapter. Better yet, who do you guys think should be 'officially' dragged into his harem first? I know the silverback fight was short but what do you expect when it wasn't a challenge for him anymore. Again, thank you for the support. If you have comments (not flames), ideas, or just find some errors as you read, feel free to let me know because that would help improve my work. Also, what do you guys think should be the title of this chapter? I honestly have no idea what to call it.

Corrupto:

Gracias. Intentaré actualizar todo lo que pueda.

Beowolf 43:

I don't know. For some reason I can see Lillie, Hestia or Freya just going full yandere and just rape him for his first time. Haruhime would be good too after he saves her from Ishtar but that would be for a subset of Maximan Naga.

Shin Hyo Joon:

Thank you. I'll try to continue the story as much as I can.

Guest:

Thank you. The LN was quite detailed to so describing scenes to the story was actually easier than I thought. I could only imagine the blunders I would be doing trying to write how I imagined a scene. Not really good at communicating my own thoughts. Well there is BellxAis in it but there will be complications that would come up because Bell had matured a bit in the future. Not that I'm saying that it won't happen. It's still part of the story but don't expect them to get together right away. Bell is still definitely in love with her but he doesn't see her as this idol to be worshipped anymore. There are also things about them that conflict. Example: Aiz's view on monsters.

LordOrlando:

It will still be hidden. Yeah, do not need people to ruin things for him. Not to mention the entirety of women from the pleasure district after him.

1995hzq:

Thank you, I'll try to continue this story as much as I can. Hehe, Bell and Lefiya have a lot in common. I thought what would happen if we redirected even a little of her unhealthy/ Loki like obsession with Aiz to Bell and I saw fireworks.

Guest:

Thank you. I'll try to continue this story as much as I can.

MysticSSJTwin:

4-5? Wierd I thought I raised more than that. Let me reread that chapter and get back to you on that. You're going to have to wait a little longer on that fight. I'm still working on it.

No problem, time travel can be extremely disorienting. Yes, you are correct.

Thank you, that is very encouraging and motivating to read.

Nope, she will not be sacrificed. Can't make promises on something bad happening to her though, two if not more gods are already in love with Bell and they can be possessive. Reference Freya, Hestia and Apollo for examples.

ElMagoMagico2:

=)

KatsForKiwa:

I'll try.

Joe:

Thank you. The LN was quite detailed to so describing scenes to the story was actually easier than I thought. There is BellxAis in it but there will be complications that would come up because Bell had matured a bit in the future. Not that I'm saying that it won't happen. It's still part of the story but don't expect them to get together right away. Bell is still definitely in love with her but he doesn't see her as this idol to be worshipped anymore. There are also things about them that conflict. Example: Aiz's view on monsters.

OverLordRevan:

Thank you. I'll try.

Tsolda:

Yeah, I was worried about that. Hmm, I'll need to take some psyche classes to get a better handle to that guilt part. Hehe, there will be fighting, they're just a bit lackluster in the first few chapters because he doesn't see the silverback as a challenge anymore and it would focus more on the interactions.

Orion-Sacred Arrow:

Thank you, I'll try to continue the story as much as I can.

True, but the violas are still strengthened species and it was depicted in Sword Oratoria that she was having trouble with a few of them in the beginning. Now imagine her fighting them in waves, without her usual gear, backup from Lefiya (poor girl's walking around in the opposite side of the city looking for Bell), and a broken sword. Yes, that realization was both for past and present Aiz. It seemed like an important part of her character. I find it odd that the anime never even showed it at the bar scene in Sword Oratoria.

That is an interesting idea. Just imagining him firing Artemis' bow with Argonaut is very tempting. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for the idea.

.Genn:

Thank you for your kind words. I'll see what I can do.

ValiantMaelstrom:

Thank you for the kind words. They are both very encouraging and motivating.