Dan machi does not belong to me.
Noticing the Cranels was an accident.
Rather, noticing Bell Cranel was an accident.
She saw it by chance, it was not planned, she did not think of the possibility, she did not think that after seeing her beautiful soul she would be totally captivated.
Freya never considered that possibility. It was not like the soul of her children, anyone in her family completely overshadowed the tiny glow that this person emitted. No, it was not her brightness that made her eyes return to him, it was her color that captivated her, that transparent, almost white color that she had never seen before.
She delighted each time her transparent soul flashed through the city, a transparent color that could take on any color. Describing the feeling was strange, in his thousands of years of existence he would never have guessed that he would see such a pure soul. That purity brought a smile to her every time she saw it, it was…love at first sight.
What color could this soul take? Will it be white? For the gods! She hoped so. Sure, she could take it and dye it how she wanted, after all, who could stop her?
umm…
Freya resisted the impulse to take it now, dyeing her being to her liking sounded interesting, but she refrained, she would let it grow, just like wine, she would only taste it when it had reached its point.
In the meantime I would wait.
Freya was looking at the city, life was boring for her, whatever she wished for would come true, she disliked it and loved it at the same time.
His eyes swept over the city, so many souls passing by, so many different shapes and colors, each one unique in its own way. The souls danced gliding, some glowing, others losing their color, to see that was magnificent… magical, in a strange way. If she had to buy it... it would be with the starry night sky.
And among all that sea of stars, in the firmament that was Orario, one star shone much brighter than all the others, his favorite soul and the boy who had his attention.
His favorite hobby paid off, searching for the soul he was interested in, and since every time he admired her, he only felt ecstasy, how could such a beautiful soul exist?
Surprising it wasn't only his soul that was a strange surprise, the owner's appearance was also attractive in his divine eyes.
White hair and red eyes…so weird…so…cute!
The goddess stifled a small laugh from her lips at the mere thought of being able to hug him, she shook her head happily, everything had its time and place. For now she would just have to watch.
There he was, waiting by the fountain in the central square.
His loving eyes traveled all over the boy's body, he was thin, his face was childish and curious about his surroundings, a child who did not know the city and was amazed seeing his surroundings, all under a nervous smile. His armor, if it could be called that, was leather armor, and an inexpensive dagger at his waist.
He's a rookie...
Looking at her childish face, she couldn't contain a small giggle from escaping her lips. The child was too adorable, if she keeps behaving like this he will force her to take it right now.
Mine, exclusively mine.
The possessive voice in his head wanted to simply take him away, a resigned sigh was heard. No, she couldn't just go and take it, the boy could very well be a member of the family or given the quality of his soul. And besides, she couldn't take him to her family either, not like she was now at least, such a fragile child would be consumed by her children.
Why does everything have to be so unfair?
He loved his children, but sometimes they made it very difficult for him. Looking at him again he could see that the albino's body tensed and he turned his head in all directions. Unable to find whatever it was he had been looking for he scratched the back of his neck then looked back at the adventurers coming and going at the dungeon entrance.
From the top of her tower she could only look amused, the boy was getting good at feeling her gaze. Noticing that the adventurers kept entering the dungeon, she wondered why he still hadn't entered.
Who can you be waiting for? Is it a girl!? No, mind centered Freya, mind centered... but if it's a girl I... No, proceeding with dignity and elegance is what a goddess does, if it's a girl I could always send Allen and … No! I still don't know if it's a girl, it could be a man or he's just stalling before entering.
Freya returned her gaze to the boy and did not seem to have any intention of moving. In short, it was not something you do for anyone, he has already been sitting there for about half an hour.
On the other hand, according to what Ottar told me when I was little, the faster you go to the dungeon the better. No one gets in my way like that, he once heard.
"Fufufu, when he shakes his head nervously he almost looks like a rabbit…"
Orario was still like a firmament, with Bell being a colorless star, but still shining in its own way. There weren't many things that managed to get his attention, but... when a completely different soul entered his vision range and more when that soul was the very fusion of a sun and a black hole in the same star.
Freya's eyes were riveted on this person, her body reclined more on her seat to see him better. Right in front of her favorite soul was another peculiar soul.
Freya was amazed, maybe she didn't feel the same feeling as with Bell, but the emotion was still there.
As with the transparent soul that she had never seen, this soul was also unique, it was a soul that could be called completely strange, a wonderful soul, but also a...disgusting soul.
Freya couldn't help but compare it to Yin and Yang.
This person's soul was like this, white on one side and black on the other.
White in his long experience with souls symbolizes purity, chastity, goodness and innocence. He can also be a symbol of peace and cleanliness
On the other hand, black meant that its owner was a rotten person. He was the representation of evil, death, darkness, sin, evil and everything that was wrong in the world.
Freya didn't know whether to feel, amazed or disgusted, on the one hand it was pure and on the other an aberration.
Too much of one of the two would make his balance lose and that was the magnificent thing, his soul was fluttering, both colors wanted to impose themselves on the other, but neither was able to overcome their counterpart.
For milliseconds one side consumed the other, but instantly its counterpart re-emerged from the other end. It's like he's in a constant fight, a fight with himself.
His surprise increased more and more, the children who talked to each other were totally identical, same complexion, same face, even the way they walked was identical. If it wasn't for the differences in their hair and eyes, it could be said that they were almost the same person.
"No, they are not identical, the hair and eyes are different, but they are still twins..."
Freya whispered, a strangled moan escaping her mouth as she bit her lip.
Letting out a slight moan, he said, "I want to have them... I must have them in my family."
Her voice was full of longing, meeting such rare and unique souls was a one time thing, she would not waste this opportunity.
She was sure that she could take the children from any god, no one would stop her in her desire. Not even Loki would be able to stop her... Before continuing with that line of thought she stopped, she had already decided that she would wait, she would let him grow, she would let them both grow.
"ottar"
"Yes"
The answer to his call was answered in less than a second. A man over 2 meters tall entered the room and the one known as the Warlord made his presence known. Tall and very muscular with rust colored hair and eyes along with a pair of boar ears. He wears a dark blue sleeveless shirt with a red chest part with a necklace-like part, gray pants, and brown and gray shoes.
The goddess didn't even move when she felt the voice behind her, it was almost as if it had always been there. "I want you to watch over 2 children who could be part of our family in the future. Oh, and by the way, they are rookies, let me know how fit they are, they just entered the dungeon."
"Understood," said the Warlord. Without waiting for further instructions he was already walking out the door. Her lady's orders were her priority, if she wanted something it had to be fulfilled, no matter what it cost, she would have it.
As Freya watched him walk out the door she remembered that she herself didn't even know their names, and Ottar didn't know what they looked like either. "Won't you ask how they are?" The goddess asked curiously.
The boaz shook his head. "Lady Freya, if they caught your attention they must have a minimum of skill, I will soon find them"
With those words the man left the room.
"As efficient as ever..." He muttered, the goddess stood up and glimpsed all of Orario, wondering when they would be mature enough to take over.
"Both of them are good enough by normal standards, although they're totally and completely rookies."
From the top of the tower of Babel those words were spoken, coming from the King.
The goddess Freya sweated at Ottar's words. "But they'll learn, they did well with the minotaur, right?" She tried to favor the two boys who caught her eye.
"Were it not for Kenki's help, they would both have died. It will take a long time for them to grow up, they don't even have a guide," Ottar said stoically.
You could help them.
Freya thought, but then she regretted it, it was not necessary to intervene, they would grow up on their own. "And that's what I like Ottar, nobody is going to mold them, they will decide their way. Is not it wonderful?"
At least until she decided to take them. After all, she will, no one will be able to stop her desire.
"Their attitudes are different, the white-haired man is impulsive and mostly a coward." Ottar continued with his stoic posture, revealing nothing on his face.
They may be considered potential members by their god. However, for him, head of the family, he could clearly see that at least one of them did not fit into his family.
"Well…they are children" Freya said. Childishly, her cheeks puffed out, forming a pout. Ottar is too serious, she should have given it more thought before sending it to him. But who else could she have called, Allen? Hedin? Of course that was only if she wanted the children dead.
"The other, for his part, is too reserved, at the first sign of danger he already wanted to get out of there, I don't know if I can call it good sense or cowardice.
The goddess sighed, sometimes Ottar was very strict "Ha~, Ermm, will they learn?" She murmured.
Freya must have assumed that Ottar would take this seriously. And in the King's thoughts, those two children would be consumed by their family, Folkvangr is not and will not be a welcoming place for newbies. His home was many things, but she could never call it cozy.
"Both of them are still too green to join the family." He ended seriously, the King was sure that they would not last in his family, they, telling him, tend to be cruel to the weak.
"I know, that's why I'll let them grow… Oh, and Ottar"
"Yes?"
The goddess's eyes gleamed slightly.
"Who do you think is stronger?"
The King closed his eyes, "At this point, in terms of skill they are evenly matched, they are both almost identical, I couldn't tell who would win since they are both so weak that a fight between them will surely end both of them on the ground."
"But who would you give your vote to?"
"If they fight today, the white-haired man would win."
Freya nodded satisfied with that answer. After all, she was in love with him. Ottar wasn't lying to her, he was one of the few who expressed himself honestly in front of her.
"Hmm..." The goddess was curious, and for a god, that can unleash a lot of evil. "Then it is simple, evaluate them separately." Freya lightly shook the glass in her hand.
Ottar shook his head but did not object to the idea. "What do you have in mind"
"You'll see, you'll see, Fufufu"
With a soft laugh the goddess looked towards the city again, her plans would already be put into motion.
XXXX
cough*
An erratic cough filled the room, continuing for a minute before his breathing returned to normal.
"Ah, ha. Ah, ha. Ahh, hah."
He tried to breathe in and out to regain his composure. When his chest relaxed he could see that he was in his room. It wasn't the church room, it was the bar room.
With his mind clouded he put his hand to his head, his last memory was being in front of the silverback and falling. Her eyes snapped open and her body jumped, what happened to Fina?
With the overwhelming pain he forced himself to get up, his hand went straight to his chest, touching it he was hit by the pain again.
It was clear that that blow left him very bad.
Leaning against the wall he walked to the door, slow and trembling steps, his mind was on one thing, "What happened to Fina?". He refused to believe that she was dead, he fell, but she must have found a way to run.
"Please be okay" thought X53
As his hand was about to turn the doorknob, the door was thrown open without warning.
A shock of white hair peeked out of the doorway. "What are you doing standing up!?" The scream in front of him wreaked havoc on his head, she staggered slightly as if she might fall.
The white-haired man tried to help, but was quickly pushed back by the black-haired man's hand. X53 leaned into the wall.
X53 grimaced noticeably more sour than usual as he regained his balance. "Ear problem, remember?" She pointed her finger at her ear disdainfully. "Leave me alone, Bell. Where is Fine?
Bell showed a look of confusion "I don't know who you're talking about, but you should go to bed, they told me you were very ill." Bell walked over and guided him to the bed, but his brother refused to move.
"You don't understand, Bell. I have to know that she happened to the girl." X53's eyes narrowed, he applied all his strength to move Bell, but it was impossible.
Bell's posture was like that of a mountain, he was holding him down and if he wanted, he could drag him to the bed, another thing that hurt X53's pride.
When did Bell become so strong?
X53 clenched his hands tightly in frustration. "The girl is in her home." A voice from the door startled the Cranels. It didn't take long for their owner to be noticed. From the door a stoic Elf announced herself.
X53's eyes relaxed and he let out a sigh. "You say the truth?. Wait how do you know about the girl, Ryuu" she asked towards the elf.
"Why did I bring you here. After the defeat of the monster and I made sure that she arrived safely."
"Thank you." X53 bowed deeply, more than he thought he would.
"Now you will go back to bed, don't be silly, Tim." Frowning slightly, Bell began to move it. Bell did not know what girl they are talking about
"Whatever you say" X53 gave up and refused Bell's help.
Bell could feel in the Synesthesia connection how Timer's emotions were, and although his brother tried to hide his emotions within himself, it was not possible. Anger, humiliation… those two things were present inside him, what could he do to help? Did he hurt that much that he couldn't defeat the monster?
The white-haired man and the elf watched as the black-haired man crawled to the bed with difficulty, he refused Bell's help, even though his steps were slow, he walked by himself. He wouldn't let anyone take him.
He lost. That word was so strange to Timer… he wasn't strong enough to fight the monster, it was the first time he experienced something like that. It was the first time that he had experienced such a crushing defeat, such an unequal defeat, in his previous life he could have lost a few times, yes. Many of which his teacher had to do with it, but she hadn't made a fool of herself like today since he was 10 years old in Exoterre
"How did you end up like this, Tim?" X53 was pulled out of his thoughts when his brother's voice called out to him.
X53's eyes moved in confusion, his gaze fell on the elf "Didn't Ryuu tell you already?". The white-haired man shook his head and then scratched his head. "Let's just say we didn't have time..."
X53 He narrowed his eyes "What happened". Bell's behavior, even without Synesthesia was like an open book, he was hiding something.
"I-it's nothing serious." Bell cursed his stutter.
"Bell" Timer insisted, deepening his voice.
"The goddess Hestia was injured" Ryuu interrupted the conversation again, at his words, Bell paled, instantly X53 tried to get up again.
Ryuu raised her palm in front of X53. "You must stay in her place, her condition is worse than that of the goddess, she is just exhausted. Instead, you, Cranel-san, have your entire ribcage crushed."
"But-" X53 tried to protest back, but was again silenced by the High Elf Archer in front of him.
"Don't worry Tim, she's fine, she'll wake up soon." Bell spoke animatedly. Whatever X53 had, Bell noticed, his behavior is being colder than usual, that was normal with others, but not with him.
He noticed it, but he didn't know how to act, his brother never acted like that. Her behavior during most of their life together was calm, seeing him so angry was so rare that she didn't know how to behave in front of him.
"Why don't we focus on the reason for your condition, Cranel-san?" The elf didn't know what exactly happened, Mama-Mia gave her the order to go after him, she obeyed, it was lucky to arrive on time, X53 would have died If not.
X53 opened her palm, he stared at her, "I heard the customers say that Bell and Hestia-sama were attacked and I went to their aid." Bell and Ryuu listened carefully, in their conversation X53's eyes did not leave the palm of his hand.
X53 picked up the conversation after a pause. "I tried to get to them, but I was forced to stop, a girl was being attacked, one of the monsters went after her and I had to help her."
He didn't mention that he was about to abandon her, he had inadvertently mistaken the cry for help for an adult, and if he had to choose between the life of a stranger and his blood brother, he would have chosen Bell without a doubt.
Protect those you hold dear, that's what her teacher taught her. He himself doesn't know why he went to the girl's aid, his conscience simply responded, that shouldn't have happened, he wasn't that soft.
Since when did it become so soft?
Bell smiled slightly, his brother's intentions were kind. He may deny it all he wants, but he knew that deep down, deep down, his brother wanted to be a hero too. Though he may never admit it.
Ryuu nodded calmly, his judgment was not wrong, the Cranel brothers were respectable people. His actions today only proved that fact, rescuing a girl even when the chances of survival were slim. And the other brother charging his goddess and killing the monster.
"We managed to escape, but the monster continued to chase us, until the time came when I was defeated." X53's expression didn't change, his vision remained in his palm.
"But the girl is alive, Tim. That was thanks to you." Bell's attempts to comfort would not work, X53's problem was something else.
"If it wasn't for Ryuu we would have died, I was defeated by that monster... I felt your joy and pride, surely you defeated your monster." The look of disappointment in his voice was imperceptible, he said that he would let Bell take center stage, so why did he feel this way? He shouldn't feel this way, this is no longer his original world, he would only support Bell.
Looking at his palm he could see the clear difference between this and his previous life, this hand was not that of a warrior, it is not the hand of a person who strives.
This was the hand of someone lazy, who let the world decide what he would do with his life. His hands used to be hard, full of calluses, they constantly caused him pain, but it was a symbol of his effort, that his original brother would never defeat him.
But not now, not with these hands.
X53 was confident against the monster, despite taking into account every aspect, the monster's speed, strength, intelligence and movements. But he did not take into account an important factor, this was not his old body, this body as Timer Cranel does not move the same as his life as X53.
He may be faster, tougher, and stronger with the Falna, but those qualities don't make up for his previous abilities. X53 didn't notice it before against weak monsters, but his reflexes are stunted, years of not training took their toll, his body forgot how to fight, his body forgot how to act in battle.
It is as if an athlete left the competition to live a life of excess, and suddenly wanted to resume his career. Maybe X53 didn't have the excesses with him, but of course, he literally changed his body, everything about him was different.
Bell could only sigh, the ability of Synesthesia allowed him to feel his brother's pain, and right now he still feels it, his brother Timer felt a deep disappointment with himself. One way or another he would find a way to help him, he would not sit idly by. "Tim-"
"No, not Bell, not now. Please let me sleep, I'm tired and sore."
Bell was quickly silenced by X53.
In the same way, the black-haired brother was capable of receiving Bell's emotions, and no matter what happened, he was unwilling to receive his pity.
The albino's gaze went to the elf, she didn't change her stoic expression, instead, she left the place with a quick step.
"Get well, Cranel-san" He said from the door as he left.
Bell's sad gaze rested on his brother, the dark-haired man didn't look at him, his eyes were still fixed on his palm.
"I will return when Hestia-sama wakes up. Rest, Tim."
With those words Bell also left the room.
Thus leaving an X53 who was still looking at his palm. It continued like this for several minutes before stopping, there would be no answers now.
With the incessant pain in his chest he lay on his back, little by little his eyes were closing.
After all, his body was still weak and like everyone else, it needed to heal.
"This can't go on like this, I won't trust myself again, this just opened my eyes. I will not be pathetic again, I must stop being a waste.
DAY OF THE SILVERBACK ATTACK*
Freya, the goddess of beauty, the most beautiful even among the goddesses.
Using her captivating beauty, she managed to enchant the monsters, all to test the twins. With such dangerous monsters she had to be careful who she sent, if the level was too high they might die, so she chose two Silverbacks.
They could die, that was true, but she didn't care, as long as Bell came out on top she wouldn't care about the others. She might feel an interest in Timer, but she doesn't compare to her feelings for Bell.
Once the goddess sent the monster in search of the goddess Hestia, she observed the fight, although Bell was superior, and the monster's attacks did not affect him, he did not attack with everything to take care of the goddess Hestia.
That bothered her a bit, she didn't let him show his potential.
Letting out a sigh, she went in search of the other monster, Ottar told her that he would send it to the black-haired man, she accepted it.
Arriving at the place, Ottar was in the distance, the monster in the streets was wandering aimlessly.
"Lady Freya"
At his side appeared his loyal servant, The King had clear knowledge of what his goddess could achieve. That's why he knew for sure that she was safe, the monsters followed the orders that she wanted. However, he would be there to defend her against any possibility.
"Ottar, the boy hasn't appeared yet?"
"It's on its way, it won't take long."
Ottar was considerably, much, much faster than X53, with that he saw the direction he was running, if the route he was passing was the same, he would be there soon.
Freya nodded in confirmation. "I take care of it from here"
"But-" Boaz tried to refuse.
"Please" Freya's pleading voice was hypnotic, and although Ottar was not under the effect of her charm, he could not resist her plea.
His walk was directed towards the monster, before this the silverback charged towards the hooded figure. Ottar's muscles tensed, a single movement of his hand would be enough to finish off the plague in front of him. To think that this happens in front of him, but he is not allowed to move.
In his run towards the figure, the monster made a mistake, the moment he looked into the eyes of the goddess he was lost. Those were the eyes that could charm anything.
"Seated"
The eyes of the female figure shone, it was all over for the monster, now she was under the charm of the goddess.
Following the order his body was forced to stop and put his weight on the ground, his enamored eyes were only fixed on one thing, the goddess.
"Go, and find a person and chase after him, anyone is fine. Someone will come, take care of whoever comes."
The monster staggered slightly before taking off into the streets.
Freya stood on the street, smirking. "See, there are no problems" It seemed that she did not speak to anyone, it was not like that, from the shadows appeared her loyal dependent. The figure of the king made prescience.
"Because she's sure the boy will listen, or even come to help."
Freya raised an eyebrow "Huh, what do you mean?"
It was clear that he would come, his soul of light would force him to help anyone who needed it. Why wouldn't he come help if someone needs it?
"Have you thought that the child might just not come?"
"You have very little faith, Ottar. I know it will come." The goddess smiled slightly, the White side of hers would have to kick in, she hopes it will.
.
.
.
"It is leaving…"
The surprised voice in the Goddess was clear.
In front of his eyes the dark-haired man did not stop at the cry for help. Instead, he kept moving forward. Her shock was so great that her mouth dropped open.
How could he not come to the aid of a girl.
"So it seems". Stoic as always, the King's expression did not change.
"It's a girl". Said the goddess in anger.
Fury seeping through his pores, the boy was still running. She could only watch as the silverback cornered the girl, and he who was supposed to help was not.
AID!!
Again, the desperate cry for help sounded again, the delicate forehead of the goddess began to sweat, the dark-haired man stopped, but he did not decide to help.
Determined, Freya could not trust the boy to return.
With his eyes like ice he said: "... Ottar, help her if you see it necessary." The goddess's voice became flat.
"Yes"
AID!!
The monster has cornered the girl, not just any girl. That girl was Fina, one of the girls from the orphanage that she visits as Syr.
Freya wouldn't forgive herself if Fina got hurt, trusting Timer was no longer an option, only one of the brothers was worth it.
"He has stopped, he is hesitating." Ottar's voice made her look.
"I see him, but he doesn't seem to deign to go help." Freya's voice stopped being friendly, when she saw the boy hesitate, her eyes lost all love.
Both watched as in his desperate attempts, the dark-haired man took the girl away from danger, and then fled with her to an elevated area.
"HUMP! At least he's smart, he managed to escape from the monster." The goddess snorted.
"A good strategy, as I mentioned, he seems like the type to avoid direct confrontation, or maybe it's because of the girl."
Seeking higher ground was the right choice, Freya had to give him that, however, she wouldn't forgive him for what he did.
"Bring the monster Ottar," he said. (Will you be able to deal with this? Or will you only disappoint me even more.). She knew that the child was vastly outmatched, her twin was too, even with that it was a mockery to see. So pathetic, her soul showed no signs of change, no shine, no dimming.
He wasn't even able to entertain her, it was all physical.
"At your service"
In a flash Ottar disappeared. His figure came back out next to the monster, with his weapons still on his back, his figure, despite being smaller than the silverback's, was imposing. The king jumped and using his right arm hit the monster on the back of the head.
From one moment to another the silverback was on his knees, just as a dog began to be dragged from his head, all to be brought in front of the goddess. With his abysmal strength he flung the monster in the direction of the goddess, bringing it to its knees in front of the goddess.
His voice rose above the beast, and the charm was cast again "Change of plans, don't look for random people, go and attack the girl."
With her hand on his head, she caressed him, that only fueled the fire inside the beast, like a runaway animal it let out a roar and went in search of its prey
And yet the expression on the goddess's face was angry. "Will you say nothing, Ottar?"
"It's your wishes, so that's fine."
"Ha~ If you can't handle it... help the girl."
"And the boy?"
"With him… if he is unable to defeat the creature… do as you please"
The goddess passed sentence, it was Ottar's decision if he lived or not, he disappointed her, he is no longer worth her time or attention. She now she is just another soul, peculiar, yes, but a disappointment in her eyes.
.
.
.
"He lost, the monster won"
"…"
Freya felt dissatisfied, he did not meet any of her expectations. Compared to Bell, he was nothing. Today Freya verified it, only Bell was worth his interest. "... Go her, save the girl from those two useless ones."
Referring to the boy and the monster, Freya sent her attendant. Ottar nodded, But just before leaving the situation changed. An Elf entered the battlefield. That person Freya knew very well, with her here, there was no reason to stay. "Let's go, there's nothing to do here."
The boaz didn't say anything, he just followed the goddess from the shadows. Freya ordered the withdrawal, the elf would take care of helping, they were no longer needed there, but that bad taste in the mouth will last.
(Let's see if the bunny is doing well)
¥¥¥
PRESENT*
"Timer-kun!!"
X53 had already been awake for a while staring at the ceiling. The impact of the door spun him around.
The figure of his goddess entered his field of vision.
X53 looked her up and down looking for injuries, everything seemed to be in order, she unconsciously released a sigh that she didn't know she was holding. Her goddess showed a look of concern on her face, he bowed slightly to greet her.
"Hes-. Gah!"
The goddess's body slammed into his side. Hestia widened her eyes as she realized what she did. "Oh, I'm sorry Timer-kun, I forgot that you're hurt." Hestia slowly withdrew, then sat on the bed.
X53 made a face. Wrinkling his brow he said, "Okay, I'm getting better now..."
Hestia looked him up and down and gulped. He wasn't wearing a shirt, his entire torso was covered in bandages, on one side of the bed were several bottles that could only be healing potions. The vision of him began to blur, without being able to avoid it the tears were peeking out of his eyes. "I'm very sorry, they already told me what happened, if I had updated your status you wouldn't be like this." Hestia couldn't take it anymore she openly wept.
X53 got flustered, then waved his hands and tried to stop her. "Wait, this is my fault, I lost because… because she wasn't strong enough."
"Exact!"
This was his fault and only his fault, if he had done the same as with Bell and updated his status he could have come out safe and sound. With such a jump in Bell's stats she was more than certain that Hace could have dealt with the monster with no problem.
But no, silly sloth goddess. Dump dump!
The goddess bolted to her feet on the bed, her finger pointed at herself. "If I weren't an irresponsible goddess, the situation would be different... I'm really sorry." She can only lower her head in shame.
"I don't understand" X53 said confused.
"Because you do not understand it!. Fool!." Hestia began to jump on the bed furiously. "If I had upgraded you would have won, my job is to help them become stronger and I still couldn't be there for you"
"But-"
"I'm so sorry, Timer-kun." The goddess slowly approached and hugged him.
X53 froze, how should he act now? They taught him that in defeat there is no consolation, when you lose you only bring shame to yourself and others. "I…" X53 decided not to say anything, just returned the hug and let his head fall on his shoulder. It was relaxing for him, helped clear his head. X53's arms tightened.
"Timer-kun?..."
hic*
X53's eyes widened at the moisture on her cheeks. Without noticing the prickling behind her eyes she had begun to cry.
How could he be crying?
He had never done anything like this. Not in this life and much less in the previous one. That wasn't how he was raised, not in this lifetime at least.
"Timer-kun" The goddess loosened her arms and leaned back breaking the embrace. She smiled slightly, remembering her relationship with her siblings she realized something about her, while Bell had opened up to her almost instantly, it wasn't the same with Timer.
The black-haired brother was considerably more closed off, bordering on the point of being aloof. Hestia wondered over and over if she would eventually open up the way she does with her twin.
Maybe it wasn't the same, but it was definitely progress.
"Y-yes, tell me"
In his head X53 cursed for his hesitation, in two days he had hesitated more when speaking than in his entire current life.
First for Mama-Mia, and now for her goddess. With that in mind, what could be the connection they both had to have that effect on him?
"I have a gift for you". The goddess's smile only grew larger.
Maybe it was because of the sweet voice the way she spoke? No, that wasn't possible, Mama-Mia's voice wasn't especially sweet and even so she managed to have that effect on him.
"A gift?" she asked her curiously.
"That's right, wait here"
Before he could ask more, Hestia ran off. He didn't have to wait long, a moment later the little goddess entered with a cloth-wrapped object. "What's that?" The still wounded X53 couldn't get up, from his position he could only wait for his goddess to tell him what he was bringing.
"Guess, Timer-kun, guess." In a childish voice the goddess smiled widely.
X53 sighed as usual, he could play along "Uh… Food?" He said the first thing that came to mind, and he was clearly hungry. The last time he had eaten was at breakfast, the absence of light told him that it was already night.
Right, it was sensible to think about food at this point.
"…It would be good for you… but no. Forget that, I'll show you."
The goddess's hands unwrapped the object, when she unwrapped the cloth was a knife. A totally white knife, from the handle to the tip of that color. Totally straight, without any curvature.
"A knife" He said, it was certainly a strange knife, was the white necessary? He couldn't say, but he didn't care, it was a gift, he would treasure it anyway.
"Could you sound more lively you know?" The goddess rebuked.
Taking the hilt with her hands, the goddess extended it to her son, X53 took it slowly, looking at the whole knife, he noticed that a symbol was engraved on its sheath.
"Ephaistos... Where did you get this from?" X53 could only stare blankly.
"If you would at least say it as if I hadn't stolen it that would be nice." She pouted. Okay, she could be poor and her family was, but don't she dare think that she stole it from her. "How rude, Timer-kun. Hmph!" Hestia snorted looking away.
"My apologies. That was not my intention, but where did he get this knife? Any item, no matter what, as long as it bears the Hephaestus family mark is going to be incredibly expensive." He didn't want to insult his person in any way, but making sense of things was his way. The Hestia family, his family didn't have the resources to finance this, so he was asking, his goddess might as well have gotten into trouble by acquiring the knife. "So where did she get this from?"
(Of course Timer-kun would ask) The goddess thought.
That didn't happen with Bell, he could be quite easy to convince, and considering the situation, he couldn't question either. Now, however, he had to find a reasonable excuse or tell the truth. "...It was made at my request by a friend, and now I give it to you, they are twin knives, just like you and Bell."
X53 didn't believe him, but decided to put the matter aside for now. Such an expensive gift... she'll have to worry about it later, she hoped it wouldn't be a problem, who knows what she had to trade her Goddess for two knives no less than first class. "Twin knives?"
Hestia smiled, "Yes, yours is white and Bell-kun's is black, it's so they remember each other when they look at the dagger."
At his words I can't help but think that he said it as if he and Bell were in love. X53's gaze fell on the dagger, with his hands he removed the sheath, the dagger made a sound as it was wielded. Hestia's smile only stretched further. "Is she not she is she beautiful?"
"I see"
"And it's not just to look at it, this dagger is linked with you, it will be as strong as you are and it will grow with you."
Something so incredible that according to the words of his goddess it levels up to his statistics was simply incredible and therefore very expensive. He looked at the goddess worriedly, what if whoever gave him plans takes advantage of this? "Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. But seriously, where did he get this from?
If it was something so wonderful, it must have had a price, and much more if it had the mark of Hephaestus. The goddess became nervous again, "Hee-hee-hee... I'll be right back Timer-kun, rest."
And just as he came running, he ran away. "...I wasn't exactly a dagger lover, but this was a gift...and one that may or may not be very expensive for the family."
A sudden thought came to her mind, she said that Bell also had one, so it was two daggers. And if her assumption is correct, a single dagger is going to be expensive, she can't imagine what two daggers would be.
His hand went to his face, hit harder I know what he thought. "Bah, I'm not up for this today." As she was about to turn over and go back to sleep, the door was opened again.
"Hmm… this, Timer-kun."
X53 raised his head again to Bell to his goddess at the door again. She was slowly approaching with a needle in her hand.
Oh yeah, you probably want to update my status.
"What is it, Hestia-sama?" Timer said.
"Well, will there be a problem with me updating your status now?" He asked her tilting her head. "If your stats go up you will recover faster."
X53 saw nothing wrong with that, "Sure, I'd like to."
"Good!" The goddess almost shouted as she climbed onto the bed, "Turn around." Hestia said with a smile.
Letting out a sigh, X53 rolled onto his stomach, his ribs clenching as they landed in that position. "Arg, um... Could he not get on top of me?"
The goddess gave him a compassionate look before nodding, then she pricked her finger with the needle, the drop of blood that came out of her finger fell on the boy's back and incidentally she also put her blessing on the knife that was on the boy's back. table next to the bed. With that fact she continued with work to later start tracing her hands on the boy.
"And I thought Bell's state jump was big..."
If Hestia remembered, she hadn't updated Timer's status since Bell escaped to the dungeon and came back wounded. That time Timer couldn't come back, and a day later she left to make the twin weapons, no wonder her status went up so much.
Cranel Timer
Lv.1
•Strength: H 173 — D 507
•Resistance: H 102 — F 397
•Dexterity: G 288 — E 493
•Agility: G 243 — D 574
•Magic: I0
"Ha~… I shouldn't be surprised anymore, you just raised over 1000 points in a single level up" A resigned Hestia said.
She should get used to it, but she can't, in a single update she just did what normal people would take months to do.
How unfair for them, but well, good for my family
"...The upgrade leveled me with Bell's stats, right?"
That was the conclusion he could come to, it was the only explanation, he had stayed out of the dungeon for several days, Bell was the one who was constantly going every day. How not to go up so much if he almost killed himself in there.
"More or less, your stamina stat is almost 100 points higher than Bell's." He said as he took the paper from her hands. "The monster hit you pretty hard."
"Yes…"
Hestia smiled before shaking his hair. "Cheer up, tomorrow you should be able to stand up." As she got up she stretched her back. "Ah, have a good night, I'm going to sleep, I'm exhausted"
X53 smiled slightly as the goddess walked out the door, "Thank you for the knife, and for everything."
The goddess's smile grew wider, "Hehehe, you're welcome!"
X53 looked towards the door as the goddess left. She went back to lie down while thinking about the events of the day, the new plan for the next 2 days would be to rest, and maybe look for the girl and apologize for being useless.
But once healed he would go back to training, no matter how long it takes, he would regain his abilities. Regardless, this situation can't go on like this, you can't leave all the heavy lifting to Bell.
With that in mind his mind went back to the world of dreams.
¥¥¥¥
He spent a whole day in which he had to be bedridden without being able to do any kind of physical exertion, not that he intended to anyway, his chest still hurt when he moved too much.
The girls visited him at home once, some like Anya and Chloe joked about their situation. Again, they are too confident to have been here for a couple of days.
Ryuu and Lunor were more pleasant and respectful, Syr continued with her usual joking attitude.
It was nice to say the least, I can't go down yet, but he had company, Bell came to say hello in the morning, turns out the guild advisor would help him buy better armor than he had. Bell told him that he would take him when he was recovered so no problem.
And to end the day Hestia-sama came to say hello, offered to update the status, but since Bell hadn't come, there was no reason to do so.
So after conversing for a bit he also left.
Being in bed all day was boring but manageable, though he didn't think he could last another day.
.
.
.
By the second day he was on his feet, and although there was some discomfort in his chest it was manageable. Stretching slightly, she suppressed the groan of pain, she quickly put on her uniform and went downstairs.
Walking down the stairs, he met Anya, who was sweeping.
"Oh! Dishwasher! So you gave up laziness and finally came to work, it was about time." The cat nodded approvingly up and down.
X53 stifled a sigh as he shook his head. "As nice as always, Good morning."
He said hello before continuing to the bar, he met some of the workers and after a quick greeting he continued on his way.
The woman, like every day, was busy. Her hands moving barrels of what appeared to be wine.
"Boy, don't you think it's early to go back to work?"
He said as he looked the boy up and down, then shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.
"I think by tomorrow I could be recovered."
"Even for an adventurer, your recovery was too fast."
It could be true, one day for smashed ribs was too fast. The only thing that came to mind is that Bell is moving the Equity percentages towards him. But that also served to heal wounds?
How convenient.
"I might have an idea…"
"That is your business, today you wash the dishes and serve food, in the afternoon I will teach you how to cook. It is understood?."
"Yes "
"You look looser"
"And what does that mean?"
"Interpret it however you want"
After that brief conversation, he did as he was told, washing the dishes in the morning was easy, the problem came in the afternoon and evening. Those hours where you constantly needed to use the plates, spoons and everything you needed.
Another thing was that he was getting uncannily good at serving food, especially among women. And while he didn't have Bell's innocent looks, he did have her own face, so in some way he may or may not have had an influence.
The biggest problem came when the cooking classes started.
Mama-Mia was unperturbed with her hands on her hips as she frowned. She with her right hand she took a knife and extended it towards X53.
Inevitably, X53 trembled when Mama-Mía pointed the knife at her, it seemed that that strange feeling had not gone away.
"Prepare your best dish, I will evaluate you on that."
Without being told twice, X53 was already moving into the kitchen, 30 minutes later a meatloaf was on the table.
Mama-Mia picked up a fork as she slowly brought a piece to her mouth, so slowly that it made X53's heart beat like a drum.
boom
boom
boom
boom
She began to chew while closing her eyes, as a result, the dark-haired man sweated uncontrollably on his forehead.
boom
boom
boom
boom
She swallowed the food and looked towards Timer, who by inertia swallowed hard. She opened her mouth to reply and said:
"It's not great, but it's good enough, like something you'd find in a regular restaurant.
"It's okay"
"Well, from today let's focus on improving everything, you barely use the spices."
"It's okay"
.
.
.
After using the knife so much and trying again and again, Mama-Mia said that one of her dishes was acceptable.
So the lessons ended for today. They could have been around 5 in the afternoon.
As he rested on top of the bar a voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Boy, Ryuu and Syr are going to buy food, go with them. Having a guy who does nothing does not help the morale of the workers." Pointing at Anya who was about to sit next to her, then mewled and went out to sweep again.
He nodded, then walked to the door to find Syr and Ryuu waiting outside.
"You have to hurry up or Mama-Mia won't scold everyone." Syr said before walking on. Ryu followed by her side, so he had to pick up her pace.
.
.
.
Nearly 300 minutes later they were back at the Hostess of Fertility. Ryuu was carrying two bags, while Timer and X53 only had 1.
Despite Timer's refusal, Ryuu said that he couldn't let an injured man exert himself unnecessarily. So against his will, I can only carry one bag.
Well, in the end it was good, since that's how he managed to see some cats while they were walking down one of the streets. He approached them slightly, causing the cats to look at him. It wasn't long before one approached and Timer reached out, thus beginning to pet the kitten on the head.
X53 didn't smile, but his eyes were happy. Ryuu didn't say anything, she didn't even try to walk safely, she too was hooked coming to the scene in front of her.
A pretty cute scene until Syr leaned close to Ryuu's ear and said, "Don't you think it's like a cat playing with another cat?"
Ryuu slightly opened her eyes understanding what he meant, nodding slightly. Timer with his black hair and green eyes could easily pass himself off as a Catman if he wanted to. A small smile spread across Ryuu's face as he thought about Syr's prank.
It was quite the opposite for X53, this situation already happened to him once in the previous world, and he did it again in this one. He stopped petting the cat and looked at the girls to say.
"Let's keep going"
Syr covered her mouth to hide her laughter as she was about to continue walking, Ryuu hid her expression better so it wouldn't show.
When he was about to get up, a girl of at least 8 years old passed by on the street. No, looking at her, those features were a bit mature, possibly a Hobbit.
He was about to ignore her and get up until the white knife located on the back of his belt began to vibrate. Taking it in her hand, she observed how it shone, just after a glow emerged in the girl's left hand.
Of course it had to be you, Bell.
X53 moved towards the girl, not noticing that Ryuu was about to say something. Her right hand lifted the Hobbit's left hand causing the girl's entire body to be suspended in the air. The girl opened in amazement, for a moment she stared at her face before opening her eyes in fear.
"W-What are you doing! Let go of me, you're hurting me!"
"Timer-san?!" Syr yelled not to be heard.
Timer didn't respond to him, instead tightening his grip on his hand, causing him to let out a shriek of pain and drop what was in his hand.
X53 looked to the ground, and there it was, a completely black knife with runes engraved on it, strangely the knife seemed to have lost its shine, as if the life had been taken from it.
"I will, if you tell me where you got that knife from."
"…I-I found it near a sewer- Agh! Hurts!."
"You lie, look at me, tell me your name and family. ." Said X53, his voice sounding more and more sinister, in the eyes of Syr and Ryuu this was not the boy they had known, he was not the quiet boy who didn't get annoyed by the teasing they did to him. What was the reason for this sudden change?
Syr crouched down and passed the knife to Timer, upon contact with the dark-haired man's hand, as if it were magic, and it was, the knife regained its vitality.
The Hobbit watched in amazement as the knife regained its edge. She then looked away, refusing to look at her face.
"I said look at me" This time her voice sounded different, as if it were ethereal, as if two people were speaking at the same time.
Her body trembling in fear, the girl looked up at him. She shuddered to see that the color of her eyes had changed to red with snake-like slits.
As if her body screamed that she should do it, she spoke.
"I am Liliruca Arde, Soma Family."
Only she could see him, he had his back to Ryuu and Syr. Only she could see those terrifying red eyes.
"You recognize this face, I know you do, you fooled my clumsy brother after all.
The innocent adventurer Lily thought. Harming good people does have its consequences, I just hope it doesn't hit me too hard.
She was unable to defend herself, the two women made no effort to move. They must be acquaintances of his, why would they help a pathetic support?
There was no way to escape, the force with which he was holding her wrist was too much for it to be that of a normal person.
An adventurer, ha ha ha. The reason for all my misfortunes
She laughed to keep from crying, maybe if she curled up she wouldn't hit her in the stomach.
This boy was perhaps at Mr. Bell's level and didn't want to think of a hit from him.
"You didn't just mess with my family. You committed an even greater sin, it wasn't just any guild knife you stole. This knife is a gift from my goddess, the same goddess that my brother and I worship. You stole a treasure from my family."
Those red viper eyes that seemed to be looking into his soul. So similar to Mr. Bell and at the same time so different, like two sides of a coin.
I earn what I deserve, I guess.
She wailed.
"Now, now- Hmmm"
Lily saw how the boy closed his eyes before opening them again, when he was about to kick to escape, the dark-haired man moved in the direction of the women.
He didn't say anything, just looked in that direction. She took a closer look at his face and noticed that her terrifying eyes were gone, instead they were replaced by the emerald eyes she had noticed earlier.
A flash was seen in the direction of the road, so that later a body entered his field of vision, the only thing he managed to do was bow his head in shame.
Bell Cranel was running in their direction.
The women noticed and were surprised to see him, how lucky he was to show up here of all places.
The white-haired man arrived agitated as he watched Timer's entire body scanned.
To which the dark-haired man reached into his pocket and pulled out the black knife before handing it to him.
Right after, Bell noticed the girl who was hanging in the air. She was so familiar yet different at the same time.
Lily now noticed the great resemblance and at the same time the great difference in the twins, while Bell was the innocent, kind and gentle twin. Timer was the calm, cold and ruthless twin.
Lily may not have gotten both of them right, but she could only see the cruel side of Timer.
"Lilly? Tim, what's going on? Why do you have it like this?
"…"
The girl didn't say anything.
"What's happening, is that the little girl here, she stole your knife." Timer said with some slight contempt. "You were very careless."
"…D-Did you really do it? Lily."
Whether out of embarrassment or not, she just hung her head. X53 couldn't be more willing to figure this out himself, but he felt like a thread telling him where Bell was, which is how he contacted Synesthesia and led him onto this little traveled path.
"I'm going to take you to the Ganesha Familia, maybe some time in the dungeon will change your mind about stealing."
Lily's eyes widened in terror. No, she could take the beating, whatever it was, it would pass in a few days, but if they took her to the Ganesha family they might ban her from the Dungeon.
"I'm sorry, please don't take me there. I beg you Mr. Bell." Lily had begun to tear up, real or not. She was affecting Bell, who tightened his grip on her fist.
"Tim…"
"Nope"
"T-"
"She stole the knife that Hestia-sama gave you."
Bell closed his eyes as he looked away.
"I know, but please let her go, I'll take care of it."
"…"
"Please Tim."
"Tch, fine, but I'll tell Hestia-sama about this."
Saying that, Timer released his grip and dropped her to the ground, Lily must have run, her instincts were screaming at her to leave and never communicate with these brothers again. But she didn't make it, not after Mr. Bell helped her.
X53 turned on his heel before going back to the girls who were looking at him in surprise.
"Something happened?" she asked her with her usual calmness.
"Well, finding out today that playing jokes with you might not be for the best," Syr said, smiling nervously. "But of course, then I'd just have to bring Bell-San and your attitude would calm down."
"… Any way at all."
"Either way, I think Cranel-San handled the situation well," Ryuu said. "If she were in her place, I would have been more violent."
"I can't imagine that situation, it's always so calm..."
"The same could be said of you. Right, Timer-san"
"I'd rather they just forget about this, I got madder than I thought I would."
Let's change the subject then. Hmm, what do you expect Mama-Mía to tell us when we come back half an hour late.
Both Ryuu and Timer stopped in their tracks and widened their eyes.
"Shit" Timer said before walking faster.
"Yes, there is no hope for us." Syr said cruelly as he ran past Timer.
"Hurry up" Ryuu said as he passed like a blur in front of them.