"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure."

They sat across from each other high above the city, kneeling in their spot on the city wall.

"Okay…"

Ais dropped her gaze to look at Bell's knife.

"You'll be needing a better weapon than that, then."

"Huh? What's wrong with my knife?"

It was the cherished obsidian blade that was probably the most important item in his possession, being the precious gift from his goddess.

"It's strong, but it doesn't have enough reach to take on the Goliath."

To take on the hulking Monster Rex of floor 17 with a knife - no matter how strong - would only end in death. It was a fool's gambit, and she'd be damned if she was going to let him throw his life away like that.

"Yeah… but you'll be there, won't you?"

Ais shook her head.

"At most I'll be assisting you, and I'll be holding back as much as I can at that."

Then, she blinked in surprise and drew her saber.

"Actually, this could work —"

She offered the hilt of her re-commissioned weapon to him.

Desperate Mk. II.

"Why don't we swap weapons just for the time being?"

"But… I don't even know how to use a sword."

She'd seen him fight with the longer weapon several times before. He wasn't necessarily bad at handling it, but in terms of skill, he was still behind some of the level 2's in the Familia.

She smiled as she pressed her weapon into his hands.

"Then you're lucky we have a some time before the Goliath respawns."

The boy grasped the blue hilt with a skeptical look. He handed her his knife in exchange, almost hesitantly.

Take care of it.

That's what his rubellite eyes seemed to be saying as she took it into her hands.

The black blade was light in her hands. The runes etched into the side of the blade spelled out a certain Deity's name, serving as a stamp of assurance that the knife was top quality gear.

But they aren't lighting up.

She had seen the knife in his hands before. When he fought, they pulsed with a light blue glow.

"The power of a blade is all in the rune work."

She remembered Lord Goibnu's words as he once explained the concept behind runed blades. Depending on the power of the creator and their level of craftsmanship, the blade would take on a corresponding level of strength. High level smiths could imbue a blade with unique properties. While Ais wasn't exactly familiar with them, the hefty price tag alone meant that there was something of worth to be found in those blades.

And in this case… if I'm correct, this knife can only be used by Bell then.

Such is the power of a smithing Goddess as highly esteemed as Lady Hephaistos.

She slashed the blade over her palm, running the edge across her skin.

Nothing. Not even a crease.

In her hands, the one of a kind weapon wouldn't even hurt a fly.

But it would be fine to practice with.

She stood, twirling the knife in her hands. It was light, and had a much shorter reach, but she would get used to it.

"Ready?"

Before her, Bell stood with her — no, "his" blade drawn.

"Yeah."

Then let's begin.

He could feel her watching as he swung the blade experimentally.

Heavier than I'd thought.

The fine edge of the sword shone as he slashed it through the air. Just from these first few swings, he could already start to form a picture in his mind about the sword. The longer length meant a larger range, greater leverage - and a resulting greater power. It was an impressive blade, razor sharp and ready for battle.

A Durendal aspect sword - a completely unbreakable blade.

Well, as they had recently discovered, a perfectly breakable blade. Bell grimaced slightly as he remembered that unpleasant memory.

"Ready?"

Ais' words prompted him to draw the blade properly.

"Yeah."

She nodded and held the knife out in front of her.

This shouldn't be too hard, right?

He'd sparred with arguably the best swordsman in the city countless times. Their blades had clashed time and time again, enough so that he could never forget that ringing in his ears. Her technique was quite literally beaten into his body whether he wanted it or not.

I just have to remember the way she moved.

He conjured up a mental image of her in his mind. He saw her standing, her blade at the ready. He saw her posture, he saw her footwork, and he had committed it all to memory.

Was it like this…?

He moved the sword to his right hand and stepped forward with his right foot. He bent his knees slightly, holding the blade steady.

In front of him, Ais nodded approvingly.

Huh…

Ais was holding the dagger blade side up - opposite of how he held it.

So she's using it like a short sword?

Shff.

Without warning, her hair flared out behind her as she lunged forward.

"…!"

He brought the sword blade across his body to parry her strike. Her eyes widened in surprise before she smiled.

Then, she sped up.

She spun, slicing with the dagger to his opposite side.

Clang.

Once more, she smiled as he parried it.

I… I can keep up with her!

His grip tightened on the saber and he stepped forward and slashed down.

Remember…!

A shower of sparks dropped over her body as she raised her knife almost horizontally above her head, sliding his attack off along the length of her blade.

Remember how she moved…!

He continued to attack, his feet shuffling back and forth as they exchanged blows.

Was it like this..!?

He spun, whipping out his leg in a crescent.

Whsh.

Her hair floated in the air as she ducked down, dodging his kick — or, her kick.

I've got her!

He kept his eyes on her, tracing her action. Once more, her eyes widened as she noticed him continue to move.

His twisting body had disguised his arm's movements. He dropped the sword low, letting the tip barely scrape over the ground as he swung at a low angle - almost like a golf club.

Shkk.

Ais leapt back just in time.

"…!"

"…"

They paused, their weapons lowering as they both looked at the scar on her chest plate.

I…!

It was a groove no more than a few inches long, but it was there.

"Well done…"

She smiled and tossed the knife back and forth between her hands.

"It seems… I can't hold back as much anymore."

Bell suppressed a beaming smile.

"Here I come!"

She rushed forward once more, the black knife flashing in her hands.

She'd been offset by the dagger at first. It was light and small, it had no reach, and it lacked the force of her sword.

But…

As she soon learned, it was fast.

I can move much faster with this…!

Perhaps it was her sudden realization that her speed was no longer hindered by the heavier sword that caused her to smile, maybe it was the fact that her student was able to keep up with her flurry of blows, but either way, she still smiled.

Her body felt light, her mind clear. Her smile wasn't a polite mask, no, it was a true and genuine smile.

She lunged forward, pressing against his sword.

To her pleasant surprise, he blocked her.

As he retaliated, she raise her blade to catch his.

It's… heavier than I thought…!

His strength and skill was growing before her eyes.

Good..!

It could've just been his imagination, but —

She really looks like she's having fun..!

The tip of his sword drew an arc through the air, tracing a silver circle before him.

And this sword…

It clashed against Ais' blade time and time again.

It's not bad…

Chk.

His blade struck the ground, chipping a small dent in the bricks below their feet.

Wait… she—!

Ais had spun, raising her leg and shifting her body to let his attack slide past her.

I can dodge this..!

He ducked low and brought the blade to his side, preemptively crouching low in order to dodge her oncoming familiar attack.

Now..!

He lunged forward, sending the tip of his blade straight ahead like the head of a spear.

"Huh..?"

Like a mirage, she disappeared.

What the…

A shadow of movement fell over his eyes and brought his head to look up.

Above..!

"You— mmph!"

He was too late. The girl had leapt into the air and planted a hand on his head, pushing him down as she vaulted over him.

Clink.

Bell straightened up and lowered his blade as she landed silently behind him, pressing the tip of her dagger to the plate of armor covering his neck.

"…you tricked me."

Behind him, Ais lowered her knife and stepped back with a smile.

She nodded sheepishly.

Alongside his blade-work, she had expected that he would be able to keep up with her standard 'lap-pillow knock out' move, and therefore countered with something he'd never seen before.

Of course she'd be able to pull that off.

"Haaaah…. I was so close, too."

She smiled and flipped the dagger up into the air.

"This weapon…"

She caught it in her other hand.

"…is fun…"

She looked up at him and smiled.

"…Lunch?"

"Sure."

He really is incredible.

"Bell…"

The boy sitting across from her looked up from his plate of food.

"Yeah?"

"…how… well, actually…never mind."

He frowned as she propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her hands.

"…what is it…?"

"Nothing, nothing, don't worry."

I'll find out eventually.

She smiled at him and watched as he looked back to his food.

But for now…

"I-Is there something on my face?"

"Huh? No?"

Oh. I'm staring.

"Ready?"

He nodded and drew Desperate before him.

"Alright."

Last one.

The sun had started to set. It had been almost two weeks since they swapped weapons. Since then, it was the same drills day after day.

Training as usual - sparring, footwork, and bladework.

He need to know not just how to use the sword, but how to command his blade - how to make it his own, to make it listen to his orders. He needed to learn how to move with the sword, how to position himself, how to pace his steps and properly distance himself in accordance to the new weapon's range.

In short, he needed to learn swordsmanship from scratch.

Bell breathed out as he relaxed his body. It would be their last sparring session before returning back to the Twilight Manor.

After this, he'll be fighting a Dungeon Boss.

"Come."

Ais struck first, flying forward and launching a flurry of attacks with the Hestia knife.

Good.

Bell took a half step back, keeping adequate space between them while defending with his sword.

Watch your feet…!

He took gliding steps over the uneven surface, planting his feet stably and firmly.

A good base is your foundation, without it, you have nothing.

His sword swung up between them, flashing as he abused its longer reach.

Good.

She found herself just outside his range looking in, her eyes scanning fruitlessly for any opportunities to strike.

I'll just have to make my own.

She stepped closer, her hand a blur as she knocked his blade aside.

What will you do now?

Bell spun, letting the momentum from her strike carry his blade around into a counter attack.

Good!

She ducked under the strike and continued to step forward.

Fwp.

Her knife sliced up through the air, just barely missing his neck.

Almost…

In an instant, she switched the grip on her knife, holding it with the tip down.

She brought it hurtling down in hand, only to be stopped as Bell raised his armguard to stop her.

That was the problem with the dagger - it wasn't double edged. With only one offensive edge, Bell was free to raise his arm to cross hers and stop her in her tracks.

The dagger had turned into a hook, and Bell used it to his advantage, leveraging his shielded arm against it.

Clever…

His free hand swung forward, holding the sword.

But…

Clang.

"You..!"

Ais smiled as she raised her left hand, and in it, her sheath.

It was slightly shorter that the blade and unruly to handle, but it was something she was more used to.

His blade bounced off her sheath.

She dropped her knife still locked against Bell in her right hand, and tossed her sheath into the air with her left.

"Wha—!"

His eyes snapped between the two moving objects, unsure of what to do next.

Don't stop moving, don't let yourself be confused…!

In one fluid movement, she snatched the knife out of the air and struck the side of his armor, sending him faltering back.
Don't look at me like that.

She wanted to say as he stood, accusing her with his red eyes, yet the faint beginnings of a smile on his face.

She reached out with her right hand, catching her sheath with her dominant hand.

This is more like it.

She bent down and placed the knife on the ground, before kicking it away.

Now… show me what you can do!

Once more, they faced off. They had reset their fight, both of them now standing before each other with more or less equal weapons.

When she pulled out her sheath, he wanted to shout out.

That's cheating!

Her eyes glinted as they looked back at him, a teasing smile playing out on her lips as her golden eyes remained empty of apologies.

But now, as she stood and sank into her familiar stance - the one that had put him on the ground so many times - he couldn't help but feel his heart jump excitedly.

I'll show you…!

He moved into the same position, mirroring her perfectly.

His feet scraped against the ground as he kicked up a cloud of dust, his body accelerating in a flash.

"Ha..!"

He flung his blade out before him, letting it sail towards his target.

Shhk.

Ais raised her blade and deflected his attack, pushing it to the side.

Behind them, the setting sun set a beautiful backdrop. Rich hues of reds blended together with oranges, crimsons, and purples. It bathed the land in its a glorious glow, spreading its light and enveloping their bodies with a warm embrace.

The sun-baked stones beneath their feet, the endless fields of green, the glittering streams of blue; it was a view that they had shared many times before.

But in this moment, he wasn't watching the receding sun as it shrank behind the horizon.

He was only watching her.

I see it..!

Once more, Ais twirled and lifted her leg.

He ducked down as the kick brushed past his hair.

Wait… no, watch!

As he sprung forward from his crouch, he saw it coming.

Her hand…

It was outstretched, her palm reaching to stop him in his tracks. But this time, it was different.

This time… I can go even further!

He raised his own hand, reaching out and grasping her wrist. The instant he touched her, he felt her jerk in surprise.

Not yet…!

He pulled, hard, yanking the surprised girl forward and off balance while continuing his charge.

This time…

He opened his hand, dropping his sword at his side as if placing it gently in the air. He didn't need it.

This time… I'll win!

Thump.

"Ah!"

With a clatter of metal against rock, their swords and armor hit the ground.

"Ack…!"

"Nngh..!"

He lay on top of her, pinning her to the ground. Under his right knee, was her hand holding her sword. In his hand, was her wrist, pinned above her head.

In his hand, was his Hestia knife. In their little fight, she had dropped it behind her, out of her range of sight. He simply picked it up where she had left it.

She swallowed nervously as her eyes fell to his blade, and more importantly, the runes that had come to life with a blue glow.

"I…hah…win…!"

He exclaimed between exhausted breaths with a joyous smile. Beneath him, the girl closed her eyes and nodded as she conceded defeat.

I… I can't believe…!

He released his grip and moved his knee and moved to stand.

"Hahah! I wo— oomph!"

Fwsh.

Her arms shot up, wrapping around his neck and pulled him down into an embrace.

"Well done."

"A-ah..!"

Even though it was kind of uncomfortable, with his face turned sideways as to not be face down against the ground, it was nice.

They stayed still for a moment, his body atop hers. His hands and knees were planted around her, limiting his weight as he tried to avoid squishing the girl.

"Bell…"

She let him lift himself off of her, but kept him close.

Her eyes smiled at him as her lips parted slightly.

She pulled him close, and whispered.

"…Watch out…"

Wack.

"—ack!"

What..!?

He fell sideways, rolling off of her as something hit the back of his head.

"O-Ow!"

"You…!"

Oh no.

Behind them, a familiar group of adventurers stood, smiles on their face. Lefiya stood in front of them, her hands balled into fists at her side.

"I'LL KILL YOU, YOU $# %^&!"

"pfft…"

She stopped.

"Hah… haha….!"

Lefiya loosened her grip on Bell's collar and slowly lowered her raised fist.

"Hahahah!"

Beside them, Ais had pulled herself up and tucked her knees to her chest. Her hand was brought to cover her mouth as her shoulders shook with laughter.

"…Miss…Ais…?"

Her voice carried on the breeze atop the wall, light and gentle as it spread through the group. Tears seemed to be a second away from falling from her eyes.

"Haha—Ah!"

She stopped as Tiona ran forward, diving to envelope her friend in a tight hug.

"Aiiiisss!"

Behind them Tione stepped up, crossing her arms with a smile as she pulled Lefiya away from Bell.

"We came to see how you were doing, since tomorrow's the day and all…"

She smirked and rose an eyebrow as she kept Lefiya at arm's length.

"Buuut… imagine our surprise when instead of finding you guys training, we find you…?"

Bell buried his face in his hand as his face lit up red.

"I-I…!"

"Huuuh? We can't hear you!"

"Ack!"

Their relentless teasing lasted the entire walk home. His victory had been swallowed by their endless torments and laughter.

But…

As they walked, he found Ais' hand creep into his, her fingers interlocking with his own.

He glanced quickly at her face, smiling as he realized that it was as red as his own.

In the end, he decided that even with the others poking fun at him, it was still a nice way to end the day.

After all, as long as he had her, he would be fine.

"Are you awake?"

"Y-Yeah! One second!"

He fumbled with his armor straps as he opened the door where she stood waiting.

Her eyes flicked up and down, scanning him thoroughly.

"…your armor is a mess…"

"A-ah… yeah… I kinda rushed…"

She took his hand into her, turning it palm side up as she adjusted his armguard straps.

Next, her eyes rose to his hair.

"…and your hair…"

Her fingers curled slightly.

"…My brush…"

He stopped her, pulling her down the hall.

"Lets go!"

The walk down was unbearably silent. Aside from a few warnings or monster call outs, they barely spoke. They slashed their way through any unfortunate monster that came across their path as they walked through the dungeon. They'd even taken a few longer routes to find monsters for Bell to warm up on.

Everything was being set for his encounter.

Shff.

They stopped, their feet scraping against the light blueish white stone floor.

Finally, they had arrived at the 17th floor.

"…The Wall of Despair…"

Bell murmured as he looked at the shimmering curtain before him. As soon as he crossed it, the Dungeon would awaken. The Goliath would spawn, and the fight would begin.

The last time I was here…

He smiled sadly as he remembered the weight in his arms of Welf and Lilli's bodies as he barely managed to drag them through the dungeon. He was sure that somewhere far above, they were watching him.

Last time, I could only run…

He breathed steadily as he reached out and touched the shimmering wall of light before him.

But a lot has changed since then…!

The dungeon grew colder, and light tremors began to shake the ground.

I'm stronger!

A hand reached out to grasp his own.

And… I'm not alone…!

She squeezed his hand once before letting go.

"Good luck…"

He nodded and stepped forward. Through the light and out into the middle of the dungeon.

"GRUOOOHH!"

The dungeon shook and trembled as the monstrous cry came faintly through the wall.

Kshh.

Cracks began to form on the wall in front of him, spiderwebbing as the fractures grew more and more.

It's here.

A faint red glow pierced through the icy wall. A large fissure formed in the wall, reaching from the ground to the ceiling.

Then, it exploded.

Shards of debris rained down from above, an avalanche of dungeon fragments caused by the sheer size of the figure in the wall.

First, came the arms. Then the legs. Then its body and head.

Boom.

The Goliath stepped out from the wall.

Boom.

Its steps sounded like the clap of thunder in his ears.

"…"

It stopped and turned to face Bell with its glowing red eyes. The Goliath stood around 7 meters tall. Its hulking figure rippled with muscles beneath its grey skin as it moved its newborn limbs for the first time.

Then, it smiled. A mouth full of razor sharp teeth opened to reveal a menacing grin as if to say I remember you. The one who ran.

Far behind them, Ais rolled the dagger Bell had handed her in her hands nervously.

Her golden eyes stared through the Wall of Despair, locked onto the two figures.

This was a fight she couldn't afford to miss even a second of.

"OOOOAAAAHH!"

"AHHHHH!"

Bell screamed out as the Goliath roared.

He began to run as the Goliath stepped forward.

There!

It raised its arm, balling it into a massive fist larger than his entire body.

Boom.

He dove into a roll as the fist accelerated into the ground, smashing a crater into the floor behind him.

Keep moving…!

He kept sprinting forward, weaving his way closer.

It's big… but it's slow…!

He jumped as the Goliath swiped a meaty fist at him, cleaving through the air and digging another hole in the ground.

I have to get close…!

His hand fell to his side, drawing Desperate out of its sheath with a metallic shing. He grasped the familiar sword in his hands and continued to run.

Shrk.

Blood splattered the floor as he blew past the Goliath. His hand flung out behind him, holding the sword in his grasp as the flesh of the floor boss resisted the cut and held onto the blade.

Its tough…!

He slashed with his blade, cutting a thin red line on the Goliath's leg. Not even Desperate was able to inflict more than a scratch on the massive beast's hide.

No… not Desperate… me…! I have to cut deeper!

He grit his teeth as he tightened his grip on the handle.

"Raah!"

Once more, he engaged the monster. His eyes filled with determination as adrenaline pumped through his veins.

Thump.

He could hear his pounding heart echoing in his ears. As of right here, right now, he had to focus on nothing more than the fight. One false move would spell the end. Just one misstep, just one blink at the wrong time. That was all it would take.

Bell continued to run, circling the monster as he searched for an opening.

"Firebolt!"

He had to use everything in his arsenal to overcome this monster, this hurdle. He shouted out as he cast his magic, five, six, seven times. Pillars of flame spewed from his hand and blew up in the face of his enemy.

No effect…?!

Saying that the Goliath's hide was tough was an understatement. Hundreds of weapons had lost their edge just trying to pierce its skin in the past. Thousands more had broken entirely in the face of its overwhelming strength.

Not even his magic had any lasting effect. He simply lacked the immediate firepower needed to deliver a decisive blow. He knew that his magic lacked the strength of a mobile artillery battery such as Lefiya, but seeing it firsthand was only disheartening.

If there's one thing that can kill it…

His hand pulsed lightly, his fingers twitching slightly as he began his charge.

Nothing less than a full charge will work.

Four minutes. Victory or not, in four minutes, the battle would be decided. Light began to flutter around his hand, at first in the shape of only one or two orbs of light. But as time continued, the fluttering sound of wings increased as light continued to focus in his hand.

As if sensing the approaching danger, the Goliath began to increase its rate of attacks.

Boom. Boom.

Rocks were sent flying as the Goliath wailed on the ground, bringing down its fists like massive hammers over and over again. But Bell continued to move. He danced out of the way of the fists, he leapt over the Goliath's hands, he did everything he could to avoid a direct hit. His rubellite eyes traced the beast's movements, following its steps, following its hands.

But he couldn't avoid everything.

"..ghh!"

He cried out as shrapnel cut through his skin, cutting through his clothes and carving red lines across his body.

Wait…!

He landed on his feet, sliding to a stop from where he jumped to avoid a particularly close blow.

I… I can't see a thing!

The hammers that swung without halt from above had ground the rubble into a fine powder, effectively creating a smokescreen of dust that blinded him. Whether it was by accident or proof of intelligence that lingered just behind those glowing red eyes, it worked.

Where is it…!

Boom.

Damnit!

A fist burst through the cloud, scraping the ground as it soared towards Bell. The boy saw stars as the fist slammed into his body, sending him flying.

"GAH!"

He coughed as he rolled along the ground, his armor peeling off in his wake. Ground, wall, then ceiling spun in his vision, all melding into a blur of grey.

Drip.

Blood flowed from a gash above his eye as he lay there for a second, winded and exhausted.

Get up!

He blinked away tears as he struggled to breathe. Above him, the Goliath let out a deep rumbling noise that could've been mistaken for laughter as it stepped closer to its prey.

Damnit… that hurt…!

Bell stumbled to his feet just as the Goliath reached him.

I can't take more than one of tho—!

His thoughts cut off as the sound of an object whistling through the air reached his ears.

Shit!

He swerved back just as a fist brushed past him. Just the brief force of its skin barely brushing against his body was enough to send him falling back again.

But, he had avoided a direct hit.

"Hah…!"

He stumbled back as he fought to regain his footing.

"You…!"

His eyes fell to the remains precious armor that Welf had made for him. Once again, he had let the armor be reduced to scraps.

Tsubaki is going to kill me once I bring those back to her.

Clang.

"Almost there…"

The sound of his 'bell' began to cry out, resonating through the room.

Just a little longer!

Once more, he began to run.

"Firebolt!"

He reached out with his free hand, shooting bolts of flame into the Goliath's face.

First I'll blind it…!

"GWOOOH!"

It released a deafening howl as the flames reached its eyes, covering it with a cloud of smoke and fire. Every second it was blinded was another second he had to prepare.

Then, keep it from moving…!

He stayed low to the ground, this time using the clouds of dust to his advantage.

If my flames can't burn its skin, then I'll have to break it first!

"Hah!"

In a blur, he lashed out in a flurry of strikes. Desperate gleamed in his hands as he struck the Goliath repeatedly behind its right kneecap.

If I can just…!

He leapt back as the Goliath turned, swinging a hand back at him.

Take advantage of my speed!

Before the Goliath finished turning, Bell was already moving. He circled the massive creature, using his vastly superior mobility to stay in the boss' blind spot.

Shrk.

Once more, red painted the floor as he dashed close, slashing at the same spot.

It's working!

He could see his hit and run efforts paying off. The skin behind the Goliath's knee was slowly being shaved away. Its armor had been pierced, and its bare flesh was left vulnerable.

Its weakened!

Using his left hand, he reached to his side holster, drawing his baselard. Desperate trailed behind him as he bolted across the ground, his body turning to a mere white flash among the rocks and debris.

Above him, the Goliath tried to move away, to turn its body to face Bell, but it was far too slow. Bell evaded its fists, spinning as he ran, and slid under the Goliath's legs.

Here's my chance!

He sprung up from the ground and sank his baselard to its hilt in the Goliath's leg.

"Firebolt!"

He shouted out his magic, channeling the fire into into his blade and turning the metal red hot.

"GWUOOOOOOHHH!"

The Goliath roared in pain as its leg boiled and burned from the inside. The putrid smell of burning flesh reached Bell's nose, causing him to wince and gag.

Don't stop…!

"Firebolt!"

He continued to cast repeatedly screaming out as the Goliath above him shook in agony. Then, with a final shudder, it bent its leg and fell to its knee.

Yes!

"Don't be fooled by its lack of sheer power - your magic can be highly effective against regenerative enemies."

Lyu had told him once after fighting the Black Goliath.

"Cauterized wounds and carbonized cells - Goliath or not, nothing can regenerate from those kinds of wounds very quickly."

Her keen eyes had seen the effects of his flames up close. According to her, the wounds from her sword that were bathed in flames until they were black didn't regenerate as fast as the other types of cuts.

Thank you..!

He silently whispered words of gratitude as he once again rotated to the back of the Goliath.

"Grruoooh!"

He sprinted forward and leapt into the air, raising the baselard above his head.

"GRAAAHHH!"

The Goliath screamed out in pain as Bell brought the blade down on the perfectly vulnerable target. In one single blow, he sliced through the already barely attached leg, separating the limb from its main body.

Lets see you walk that off!

He smiled as he backed away. He threw the baselard behind him, sending it skidding somewhere safe to be collected later.

And now.

Clang.

The sound of the Grand Bell echoed in the dungeon, its vibrant sound reaching Ais' ears where she stood.

Clang.

The Goliath turned as Bell darted around it into its blind spot.

I'll cut you in half!

He rushed forward, his hands holding the glowing sword behind him.

"RUOOOH!"

The beast howled as it stumbled to turn on its stump of a leg. Once more, its glowing eyes bored into Bell's.

Now!

He had charged for a full four minutes. This was his max power, his strongest skill - The Hero's Blow.

"—!"

Desperate gleamed as its edge was adorned with fluttering orbs of light. It flashed through the air as Bell swung it with all his force.

However, the Goliath wasn't simply going to stand still and take the hit.

What…!?

It opened its mouth into a toothy grin before opening its mouth.

What is it… doing!?

A dark orb of light had begun charging in its mouth.

This is just like… the one on the 18th floor!

Bell grimaced as he skidded to a halt. The Goliath stared at him, its eyes burning as it challenged him.

"Hit me with your best shot."

Thats what the massive beast seemed to be saying.

Let's go!

He released his magic in a blinding explosion of light, swinging the sword with everything left in his body. Just as he played his final card, the beast roared and shot its projectile from its mouth.

A deafening explosion filled the room as the two forces met. From where Ais stood, not even her enhanced vision could see what had happened. All she saw was the air itself shimmering and the ground being reduced to dust as their final attacks clashed.

"…"

Breath escaped his lips as his body began to fall numb.

"Wow…"

His cloudy red eyes turned to the looming figure in front of him.

"You really are tough…"

The Goliath had fallen to its knees. Its right leg still hadn't fully formed back, but Bell could make out the shape of tendrils of muscle and flesh being wound together as he moved. However, the main damage was above.

From halfway up its chest, its body was simply put, missing. Sticking out from the massive gap in his body was a gleaming purple crystal.

He had missed his target.

If… If I can just destroy that…!

Taking one step at a time, Bell moved his wobbling body forward, until he stopped and pitched forward.

Clang.

Bell gasped for air as he lurched forward. He dug Desperate into the ground, burying its tip into the floor as he leaned on it for support.

Damnit…

His knees were a bloody mess. His shin and knee guards were gone, blown apart and scattered across the field.

"I was… so close...!"

Just before the final blast had gone off, the Goliath dropped its aim low. It fired its attack at the ground, blowing the floor below Bell's feet to smithereens. Without his armor, the wave of debris and shrapnel that ensued had utterly shredded through his lower body, riddling him with holes and puncture wounds, covering his skin with cuts and slashes.

The resulting tremor of pain had shook his body, sending his attack higher than intended.

Whether it was a calculated, intelligent maneuver, or just the savage instincts of a monster, it worked. Bell could barely take another step.

"Gha..ghehehehe…."

A deep growling filled his ears, causing him to look up.

The Goliath had begun to move once more. It dragged its body closer to Bell, its leg still lying lame behind itself, and reached out with a hand.

W…wait…!

Its head was still missing, but by now, its regeneration had brought back its flesh all the way up to its lower jaw. Its teeth and lower lip curled into a gruesome smile as its hand wrapped around Bell's body.

No… move… move…!

From the waist down, his body simply wouldn't listen to his commands.

"AAGHH!"

He screamed out in pain as the Goliath gripped him in its fist, squeezing as it raised him into the air.

"Nnngh!…Aggh..!"

He lifted his one free arm that had managed to escape the clutches of the Goliath and clawed at the rough skin that enveloped him.

No… no… no..!

The Goliath raised him over its still half formed smiling mouth. Then the fist began to close.

"AAHHHgkkk—!"

Crack.

His voice cut off, dying in his throat as something inside him snapped. An audible crack that only brought on more laughter from the Goliath holding him.

"BELL!"

Through half lidded eyes, he saw her running out into the dungeon holding something in her hand.

Ais..!

Then, he saw it.

Below him, the slightest peak of the purple crystal poked through the base of the unformed Goliath's throat.

Then… I can still…!

Fwish.

Her voice had reached him.

Somehow, he had heard it.

Somehow, he had seen it.

He reached up with his hand blindly, his fingers grasping at thin air, and he caught it.

My…

In his hands, through his blurry tear covered vision, was his Hestia Knife.

As if greeting an old friend, the blue runes came to life and winked down at him.

That's right… I can't die here!

"GAHHH!"

He screamed with everything he had left and drove the blade down into the Goliath's thumb, piercing the skin and twisting the blade. With a sickening pop, the thumb knuckle fell loose as the obsidian blade carved through the joint like butter.

This is it!

He pulled himself out of the loosened grip, and let gravity take care of the rest.

"GROOOOUUUUUHH!"

Below him, the Goliaths' smile was gone. Behind him, Ais' panicked eyes widened as he fell. But Bell didn't see either of those. All he saw was that small rapidly fading glimmer of purple - that fading glimmer of hope.

Then.

Crack.

Bell drove his blade into the crystal, cutting through it as if it were paper.

"GGhhh….ruuoo…..hhh…"

"Gah…hah…!"

He blinked away tears as his fading vision returned. Beneath him, the Goliath shuddered and stiffened as Bell's dagger pierced its magic stone.

"Got…you…!"

Kshh.

Like the sound of a million glass panes breaking, the Goliath's body exploded into a cloud of ash. He fell alongside the fragments of the boss' crystal, hurtling towards the ground.

But before he could hit the ground, she caught him.

She sprinted across the room and leapt into the air. Her golden hair flowed out behind her gracefully, covered in glittering particles from the crystal that exploded behind them. She took him into her arms easily, cradling him close, careful not to move his legs too much.

"Bell…"

He saw her smile down at him through his fading vision.

"…Well done…"

"Is he still asleep?!"

"I wanna see!"

"Let us through!"

Bell opened his eyes slowly.

I'm back… in my room?

Outside, he recognized the voices of his comrades at the door.

This feels… familiar…

Then he looked to his side. Curled up next to him, lying on his sheets, was Ais. Outside, a a fading ray of light cast a golden glow over his room like a drop of holy light.

This feels really familiar…

But he smiled nevertheless.

Reaching out with one stiff, aching arm, he gently brushed a strand of hair that had fallen over her closed eyes.

It's my turn to wake you up now…

"…Ais…"

He called out softly.

"…mmm…?"

She stirred, pressing her head further against his shoulder.

"Ais…"

"…hmm..? What…?"

She looked up at him with tired eyes.

"…Oh…"

Her lips curled into a smile and she rose, rolling her shoulders forward and stretching.

Fwoomp.

She all but fell forward, throwing her arms around his neck.

"O-Ow!"

Bell cried out as she sprawled out over his sore body, but she silenced him quickly with a quick press of her lips to his cheek.

"…congratulations…"

She fell back down, closing her eyes as she pressed her face into his chest.

"A-ah…"

He smiled as she lay there, gently breathing as she resumed her sleep.

He remembered the Goliath, he remembered her crying out his name, and he remembered blacking out in her arms.

But there would be time to remember the rest later. For now, he just closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment.

"Gods help me…"

Riveria whispered as she again stopped Lefiya from kicking down the door. She dropped her staff in front of the doorway, blocking the way from the overly excited Amazoness and her own student. Even Bete stood leaning in the back of the hallway, his arms crossed and his eyes closed as if he didn't care. But the sound of every step near the door brought him to lift his head and open an eye, checking to see if it was open.

When Ais burst through her door, holding the crumpled boy in her arms, she only sighed as she readied her healing magic once again for the boy who seemed to have a knack for coming back curled up on Death's door.

"Coming…"

Ais smiled as Riveria cut away his shirt, again, and prepared to clean his wounds, again.

Wait.

The emerald eyed elf stopped mid process and looked sideways at the girl. Ais sat next to her, obviously fighting to keep a straight face but horribly losing to to the growing smile on her lips.

"You peeked, didn't you."

The girl blushed and paused before nodding sheepishly.

Of course you did.

She raised her eyebrows and sighed, shaking her head.

"…"

Bell lay face up, his shirt in a bloody pile in the trash next to them.

She's really happy…

Curiosity ate away at her. It gnawed at her mind, even more so since it was the boy lying before her.

"…you seem impressed, or happy…"

She asked sideways, as nonchalantly as she could.

Ais folded her hands in her lap and looked down, dropping her eyes to the ground.

It would come out eventually. So she determined that she would ask.

"…fine, I'll bite. How big?"

She felt stupid for even asking. Normally, Loki would be the one in charge of this stuff, but the boy - being as naive and trusting as he was - didn't put a lock on it.

His status, that is. (How big of a growth in status you pervs)

"Look."

Riveria sighed and did as she was told, turning the boy to lay on his back.

"…"

She lifted her eyes to look at a blank spot on the wall.

"…excuse me…"

Her politeness wouldn't allow her to look without first saying something, anything, at all.

"This is—!"

Her eyes widened as she read his stats, taking in the numbers and letters written across his back. Due to her countless. Years of studying, she knew how to decipher the cryptic writing on adventurer's falna, almost fluently. It took some though, but that was just for deciphering the skills and traits at the bottom.

The traits listed above and the numbers and grades next to them, she knew by heart.

And so does Ais.

The girl behind her had studied her own falna so intensively that she had unconsciously picked up a slight understanding of how to translate the language of the Gods.

It was pure luck that she didn't know enough to read his skills though, otherwise, there might then be a situation to deal with.

These ratings… are absurd!

It was only on Bell himself that she had seen such consistent numbers.

All… abilities… rank S and above!

Even his magic was rank S - a feat hard enough for battle mages and healers to attain. And yet this boy, with only one spell, had surpassed them all.

Bell Cranel

Level 4

Strength: S 997

Endurance: SS 1100

Dexterity: SS 1083

Magic: S 991

Riveria's eyes widened as she read his values. But that wasn't even the end. A cold shiver ran across her shoulders and she blinked fervently, believing her eyes to have mislead her.

Agility… rank SSS… 1295…!

These values were beyond incredible, they were beyond "Increased Growth", they went against all logic, and yet she knew her eyes hadn't lied.

"…Ais…"

She turned back to look at her.

"…?"

"Keep this to yourself… At least until he wakes up."

Ais nodded. Her lips were sealed.

As Riveria finished cleaning his wounds, she had Ais leave the room for the delicate part - healing below the belt. Even though he was covered by a cloth, it still felt improper to have more eyes than necessary in the room. (Pun intended)

Good grief… you kids are growing too fast…

Her eyes softened as she lightly rested her hand on Bell's forehead.

Slow down a bit, would you?

And now, as she stood in front of his door once again, she sighed as Tiona bounced off her magic field set up in front of her.

"Let us in!"

The girl pressed her face and hands against the glowing barrier as she whined aloud.

I can't believe I'm wasting Mind on this…

"Riveriaaaaa!"

"No means no. Let them - let him rest!"

By no means was she going to these measure because Ais was in there as well.

There was no chance that she was using her most sacred defense just so that they could have a moment of peace together.

Riveria sighed for the hundredth time that hour as she lied to herself.

Loki was Gods know where, Finn was still doing paperwork for the Guild, and Gareth was probably still passed out drunk in his room.

These… idiots..!

"Enough!"

"Huh?"

The barrier fell, and Tiona fell forward.

Whack.

"O-Ow!"

"Go back to your room!"

"Okay, jeez mama."

Whack.

"OW! I'm going!"

Behind them, Tione and Bete snickered. But they weren't safe.

"Wait, R-Riveria…! Don't!"

Whack.

Whack.

She smacked them with her staff, sending them on their way with bumps on their heads.

Then, she turned her eyes to look for her apprentice.

"…"

The girl was already long gone, a mere tussle of orange hair in the distance. She had wisely decided to retreat after Tiona fell to Riveria's staff.

"I… want… to retire already!"

She shouted out to no one in particular. The 99 year old High Elf truly was getting older.

All these kids running around like it's a playground…

She walked off, grumbling something along the lines of feeling her age or getting too old for this $#!7.

And with that, the space outside Bell's door was empty.

And the two adventurers silently nestled together inside, resting from their long day in the dungeon, were left in peace.