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There really are no heroes in this world.
Starving, cold, alone. An alleyway is his home –shelter, he refuses to accept this as anything as warm as grandpa's house. Rats are his friends –enemies, bastards will bite and scream for any half-rotten crumbs- and the wind is the whip on his back.
This is not how he imagined Orario.
But can you blame him? He grew up on tales of this city. The opulence, the busy streets with vendors calling for customers, the hole-in-the-wall dinners to the restaurant made of pure marble. The people who protect the world from the horrors of Babel. Legendary Familias made of the greatest heroes. Of the great Zeus and Hera Familias that defeated the walking –or swimming- calamities that razed entire cities above ground. How they were strong, honorable, caring, and adventurers.
Of the Hera Familias monstrous Silence. The Monster of Talent that could battle adventurers above her level and win. A mage so talented that she outshone High-Elf mages like they were nothing.
Or the Obstacle. The great Captain of the Zeus Familia, one of the seven adventurers to reach level 9 in all of history. The very spear and shield that protected his Familia.
And many other people who were strong, kind, who protected their Familias –families- until their last breath.
Heroes.
He- he always thought Orario was supposed to be similar. Perhaps not the same –'There are always villains to defeat, Bell!'- but people that would help their fellow.
People who would give him just a chance!
He didn't ask for much. Shelter, and a deity that would give him their falna so he could grow stronger. That is all he asked for, he would fight tooth and nail for everything else. Grandpa didn't raise no freeloader! Just a chance to begin his journey as a hero!
One familia rejected him. Fine, there are many others. If they don't accept him then others will!
One became two.
Two became four.
Four became eight. Eight became sixteen. Sixteen….
….
He arrived just a month ago with high hopes. His requests were humble.
Here he is, Bell Cranel, trying not to cry himself to sleep again.
'There are no heroes in this world. Heroes are only stories.'
Everywhere he went looks followed. Taking in the dirty clothes, the hunched shoulders, the desperation that slowly crept into him.
He just wanted to be a hero. Save people. Maybe get a girl or three.
He is just so cold.
He woke up for some reason. It's still night –midnight to be precise- so it's not just a natural response. Is he cold? Well, yes but he is used to it now.
Echo-y rattling.
"Who's there!" He jumped up and draw his knife in a reverse grip. It's a slightly chipped thing, he found it in the trash and kept it just in case. If someone threw away a perfectly good knife then it's their loss.
Silence answered him.
His mind calmed slightly as he took in the situation. Maybe it was just a rat? Or maybe just some unstable pile of trash-
"Oya? What's someone doing here?" A smug female voice sounded behind him.
He whirled around –he won't admit to being scared out of his pants- and jumped back slightly to gain distance. As he did he took in the slightly illuminated form of his… attacker?
A small woman with light red hair held back by a small ponytail in… the weirdest –lewdest- clothes he has ever seen. Blue and black clothes –'Are they even clothes? Aren't they just underwear?'- of a tomboyish style that show off her midriff and a bit of her thigh. Though with how much it clings to her there isn't much left for imagination. Her eyes are closed, but they crinkle as her lips form a teasing grin.
"Oh? Did I surprise you rabbit?"
"What do you want?" He asked as politely as someone roused from their dumpster-dream could.
"Hmm," She hummed and locked her arms behind her as she leaned forward slightly. As she did the rest of her face came into view. And oh boy is it the most beautiful face he ever saw.
"Nothing much," the continuation cut off his reverie, "just walking. Trying to amuse myself with something. The more interesting question is why were you sleeping here, rabbit?"
Despite being interrogated by a stranger he found himself blushing, "please don't call me a rabbit." His voice was just short of a whine. He pointedly ignored the question.
"Nope!" She popped the 'p' and took a step forward before he took one back, "but you didn't answer my question rabbit. Why were you sleeping here?"
Call him crazy, call him sleep-deprived, or just plain desperate but he felt compelled to talk. Maybe it's just the simple human desire to share one's woes with someone that even if judged wouldn't matter.
So he told her. He told her about his hopes, them dying. He told her everything that happened since he took a step into this city and much about what led him here.
She simply stayed silent, a surprisingly comfortable kind of silence that only bolstered him. Unconsciously his body started to relax, his copied stance becoming less ready to defend.
There, under the dying moonlight, a young boy shared his story with a listening Goddess.
Unknowing that a Myth soon begins,
When Loki sneaked out of the Twilight Manor she definitely didn't expect this.
She found herself bored since her Familia was down in Babel, exploring once again. Not everyone went, of course, but the manor is just so silent without most of them around. She wanted some chaos, she wanted some mischief, she wanted some sound! So she went –sneaked- outside to stretch her legs, maybe buy something shiny or find some drinking partners.
Five minutes of walking and she, quite literally, stumbled upon one strange sight. Namely, a mop of dirty snow-white hair peeking out from behind a dumpster. She admittedly first thought that it's a corpse. Why else would anybody sleep in an alleyway in this part of the town? Most homeless are either in the Red Light District or in Soma's District. Just as she was about to check on the corpse she kicked an empty can.
The corpse wasn't as dead as she thought since it twitched into stillness. If she wasn't watching it then she wouldn't have noticed either. She stayed just as still for a few seconds, trying to decide what to do.
In the end, the can decided.
It seemed that she kicked it into the sewer opening where it began falling before reaching the bottom in an echo-y clunk.
The mope of snow-white hair shot up like a startled rabbit and shouted for the culprit –her.
All the while looking in the wrong direction.
When she stifled her urge to chuckle she asked a simple question –never mind that she might have teased him a bit. He whirled around –with the single funniest look of horror on his face- and jumped backwards like a frightened cat. It was quite honestly adorable if you asked her.
He was wary of her, that much she could tell from the knife, and answered her question with one of his own.
She was definitely curious at that point about the odd child in front of her. Sue her if she couldn't hold back from teasing him a bit.
Imagine her surprise when instead of an acidic reposse he whined slightly. She might not like whiners, or just guys in general, but from him, it was slightly amusing. Though, of course, she denied his request. Could you blame her that she wanted to see his face better? Though unfortunately, he stepped back just as she took a step forward so she couldn't get a better look.
Then she asked her question once again, not out of any real expectation of an answer but just to prolong her fleeting amusement.
Then he just straight dropped his emotional luggage on her.
Really, some people!
Then his stomach rumbled and his face literally burned red.
And that led to this point, with him devouring bowl after bowl of food. Oh, her poor wallet!
Still, if she stops being bored then it's fine. Not like she isn't one of the richest people in the city.
And just generally on the world.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" The grateful words snapped her out of her reverie. Bell, an interesting name for a boy, seemed to finish the five bowls of random food he ordered. He actually tried to order five of the cheapest food before she cut in and asked for the top five food the chef recommends. The waiter didn't even wait for her to finish before he sprinted into the kitchen.
"Not a problem rabbit," she opened her eyes slightly to wink, causing him to blush, before closing them again, "So, what will you do now?"
His face turned so downtrodden that she almost saw the little depression cloud him.
"I… don't know. Probably go to the Dungeon. Or I guess I can try another Familia?" His already weak statement tapered off into an even weaker question.
She took a long look at his clothes. Dirty and slightly torn, slightly smelling –though that might just be him. All in all, he probably didn't garner much trust at first glance. Or second, or third.
'Hmm', an idea started forming in her mind as he twiddled with his thumbs, 'yes. That could work.'
"Well then!" She started out as she leaned back on her chair and put her foot on the table to the disapprovement of Bell, "I shall allow you to join my Familia then!"
"EH!?"
She was prepared for the adoration that she would receive by allowing him into her Familia. The stars in his eyes, or maybe even his hands clasped into prayer as she was being her cool self. She saw it play out in front of her mind's eye even!
She did not expect-
"You are a Goddess!?"
Her chair tilted backward dangerously in her sheer surprise. Her hands floundered for help before he snatched them up and pulled her back.
"Are you okay?" His concerned voice broke through her surprise. His hand hovered around her like he wants to help just doesn't know how to.
"Wait, rabbit, don't you know who I am?"
"Well, you didn't tell me your name…"
"Wha-?"
"Huh?
They stared at each other in confusion. Then, she started chuckling before it turned into full blown laughter and clutched her sides. Idly, she noted him awkwardly chuckling along in confusion.
As her laughter died off she decided that 'yes, this is gonna one hell of a plan.'
She struck her hand out across the table, "Nice to meet'cha," her smile turned into a grin as he hesitantly took it.
"I'm Loki."
"EHHHH?!"
"This really is happening…"
"Come on kid, let's get in."
Kami-sama patted his back and started walking towards the odd house. Apparently, this is her Familia's old base. Based on how good it looks he wouldn't have guessed that nobody lives in it. Above the door is a sign saying 'Welcome to the Tricksters' Hideout! Beware of sticky fingers!'
What the heck does that mean?!
"Rabbit!" Her shout came from inside the house.
"Ah, yes Kami-sama!" Should he call her Kami-sama? Is it too fast? Improper? Oh no, now shewon'ttakehimandhe'llsleepoutsideagain.
"Don't worry kid," She snapped him out of his funk again. Apparently, while he was having an existential crisis his feet carried him into the living room. He stopped just before Kami-sama, "just call me Loki," she shrugged.
"Yes, Loki-sama."
"That isn't- anyway!" For some reason, she looked seconds away from face palming before her voice turned enthusiastic. She turned her back on him and indicated at the very large living room, "This place is your new home! Like it?"
"Huh?" Not his most eloquent response for sure but she didn't seem to mind if her smile is to be believed. She looked at him, then at the room, then back at him with a raised eyebrow. Blushing, –'this is sooo embarrassing!'- he looked away from her and looked at the room.
The first word that came to him is Large with a capital L. Much of the room is taken up by a dining table with at least 20 chairs around it. Right behind it –and a step lower- was a large stone hearth. In front of the hearth was a large animal hide on the floor with comfy-looking sofas surrounding a table with strange carvings. Speaking of strange carvings, almost everywhere is filled with them. The chairs, the tables, the wood beams supporting the ceiling. That is especially beautiful, it looks like vine grew on the wood.
It's a little dusty but…
It feels… cozy. It feels inviting.
"So?" Loki-sama's voice snapped him out. On his left was Loki-sama, she leaned forward slightly giving the impression that she is smaller, and looked up at him –'huh, so it's red'.
"Do you like it rabbit- oof!" Her teasing question was cut off by Bell hugging her for all she was worth. And she was worth a lot.
He really shouldn't be doing this, this is not appropriate. But he just has to say-
"Thank you. Thank you so much."
She stiffened in his arms before slightly relaxing and awkwardly patting his back. This went on for a few seconds before she spoke.
"Come on Bell, you are embarrassing me…"
"Ah," He almost didn't hear her but he still jumped back slightly with his face burning, "I'm so sorry Loki-sama." Fortunately, she didn't mention the tears he is wiping away.
"I guess you like it then." Her voice remained teasing, but it gained a slightly softer tone.
Rapid nodding and muted sniffing answered her. Darn it, this isn't how a hero should behave! Heroes shouldn't cry over the littlest thing!
'But… this isn't something so small is it?'
There are no heroes in the world.
'Wrong. She is my hero.'
'Man, does this place bring back memories!' She plopped herself down on one of the sofas in front of the inactive hearth. She sipped on the little bottle of wine she found in the cabinets. She almost forgot that she left wine here! Heresy.
Her eyes found Bell moving around the room, like a kitten exploring his new home.
'The kid's adorable, I'll give him that.' How long has it been since she simply found a child by herself? Dear sweet All-father, maybe it was Finn? He was always diligent. Combining that with his charisma and general disposition he took it upon himself to find others to be her children. A long, and yet short, 30 years ago that must have been.
She glanced around the room, it didn't change a tad bit in the last 20 years. Or well, it got dustier somewhat. There is usually someone that cleans it up for a small fee, they must've been slacking off huh?! Just wait until she gets her hand on them!
Looking at Bell again she took note of his red eyes. Not the color, mind you, but the fact that he just cried.
'How long has it been that I consoled a child like that?'
She loves her Familia. She loves how strong they are and how many people are in it. But she sometimes misses the smaller size, where everyone was equal outside of the dungeon. She stifled a chuckle as she thought of how rusty she became.
"Now then!" She put down her glass and clapped her hands to draw Rabbit's attention, "first, I'll tell you the Do's and Don'ts of Dungeoneering!" She motioned for Rabbit to sit down in front of her.
As he sat down she put her foot on the table and counted on her finger, "First! Don't be an idiot!"
Oh, how she wants to immortalize that face!
Rolling her eyes she explained, "Basically don't get overconfident cause that's what kills most rookies like you. Be always wary and watch your opponents' moves. If it takes you twenty minutes to kill the bastard then it takes twenty minutes don't rush it. If you see something weird in the Dungeon then it will probably kill you. Or at least try." She eyed him to make sure he is listening –he is.
'I wonder if he'll notice…'
"Second!" A second finger joined the first, "check your stuff! Check your weapons for wear, check your armor for dents, check your food for rot, check your drinks for poison, check if you still have your leg! Even if you can't do anything about it it's still better if you know than if you don't!" She notes that he is rapidly nodding.
"Three!" Third joins second, "more is better than less but only if you aren't an idiot! Don't overpack yourself, you'll be cumbersome! If that happens you are better off dead than living an idiot life!" This kid has the best reactions! The sheer horror would make her feel bad if she was anything other than herself.
"Question!" Not a question. If he wants to be worthy of his place in her Familia then he needs to ask that question.
He blinks in confusion before looking down and adopting a thinking expression. She waited for a few seconds before his head shot up and tilted in confusion.
"Opponents? Do you mean monsters, Loki-sama?"
'Smart boy,' She smiled her trademark predatory smile –still effective based on his reaction- and opened her eyes to give gravitas to the situation, "Rule number four," instead of the earlier shouting, this time her words were quieter though perhaps even heavier, "don't trust anyone that isn't you Familia. In the Dungeon everything is your enemy. The chances of some random thug killing you is just as likely as a goblin doing so." He is about to intervene when she puts up a hand, " I get it that you still want to be a hero and whatnot," He blushes at being so see-through. Something like that is easy for the Liesmith herself, "and you can be. But only if you are strong. The only real rule of the Dungeon is that the strong can do whatever they want while the weak bend to their whims. You want to save people like some white knight? Fine, be so strong that no one can take advantage of you. You get it?"
He nods slowly. She suspects that some of these rules he already knew instinctually even if he couldn't put it into words by living on the streets.
"Anything else you want to ask?"
He shakes his head after a moment, "not yet Loki-sama."
"Ehh, just call me Loki kiddo when we are alone," would do for Riveria to scold her for favoritism.
He blushes again –'where does he get so much blood from?'- before stuttering, "L-L-Lo-Loki…-sama!"
This time she face palms.
"Oh well!" She claps her hands and leans forward, "it's time for the most important part." Seriousness overtakes the previous atmosphere causing Bell to fidget. She holds the stare for a few moments longer before a grin breaks out, "it's time that I Bless you!"
"Oh," He stops, "Ohhhh!" An absolutely adorable smile forms on his lips and his hands start doing that 'Overexcited Child' thing, "Really? Really, really?"
"Really, Really!"
"YES! What do I need to do Loki-sama?"
"Strip."
"Eh?"
She has this weird urge to pinch his cheeks but she pushes it down with an eye-roll, "I need to drop some of my blood on your back then do my magic."
"Ohhh." His forming blush retreats to wherever it always comes from, "Wait, blood?"
She waved a dismissive hand, "The blood is used as a medium for Falna. Now, take off your shirt and lie on your stomach."
"Yes, Loki-sama."
As he striped –much to his embarrassment- she picked up some paper. After he laid down she walked around the table and sat on his hips, eliciting a squeak and squirming from him. Her response was a chop to his head and a scold to "Stop moving damn it!"
She held her right thumb to her canine and pressed it upwards making it draw blood. She let no less than three drop on his back. This part she always loved.
As the last drop impacted his back it created an intangible ripple that slowly form into her emblem. A taunting clown before of a tilted card.
Bell Cranel
Human
Lvl 1
Strength: I-0
Endurance: I-0
Dexterity: I-0
Agility: I-0
Magic: I-0
Skills:
Painfully empty.
All according to the plan.
"Here you go rabbit," she passed him the paper while climbing down her impromptu seat, "Your very own stats!"
"This is…"
"Painfully bad, I kn-"
"Awesome! I'm part of your Familia now Loki-sama!"
'Huh?'
His face, previously shadowed, shone with childish glee. And did he-
Yup, he is doing that boyish giggle.
'Adorable.' Hey, she might swing for less dick usually but boys' giggles are cute as fuck alright?
"Loki-sama," her eyes refocused on his, now painfully grateful, face just before he bowed deeply, "thank you so much."
If she were any less than herself she would have probably waved it away.
But she is Loki. Or have you forgotten?
She laughed lightly, making him look up in confusion, before grinning down at him, "You could say anything and I wouldn't believe you. Show me how grateful you are. You need to be as strong as your limits can be stretched before breaking through them. Become the strongest and bring my Familia glory!"
Her challenge wasn't met with a scowl, confusion, or anything she expected.
It was like the blazes of Ragnarök.
Those albino rabbit-like eyes gained a depth of sheer fire that threatened to swallow her whole. A beast made of only fire and determination.
She knows those eyes.
"I will, Loki-sama." The words contrasted her image. Instead of the flames of conviction that coursed through his very being, his words were firm. A simple statement like the sky is blue or water is wet. An unmovable mountain.
She gazed into those eyes and remembered a child. Eyes blue instead of red, belonging to a blonde pallum, just as dirty as little Rabbit, twelve years of age begging on his knees wearing rags to take him in. To be the first child of her non-existent Familia. A child that didn't even have a name.
A warrior – He wasn't an adventurer yet but those eyes could only belong to someone that gambled his life and won- she named Finn.
And look where it got her. Basically the royalty of Orario.
'Yes,' she looked deep into those eyes that threatened to burn her and welcomed it with open arms and a smug smile, 'this was a good plan.'
The morning came to him sluggishly yet fast. One moment he was blearily looking at the dancing dust in the early morning rays. The next he was jumping out of his bed and reaching for clothes he found yesterday –earlier?- after bathing.
Seven days.
The words echoed in his head like a chant. Every seven days Loki-sama will come back and update his status.
Seven days.
In those seven days he will grow. He will become stronger.
'I'll make Loki-sama proud.'
That said he bought himself a few sandwiches and took the same first step as every adventurer.
Register at the guild.
Anxiety is not a word that can describe what he is feeling right now. Some mix of anxiety, nervousness, social fear, determination, happiness, and doubt are just a few. Though fortunately the notes that were left to him mostly detailed the proceeding, the ominous letter that he is to give to the receptionist doesn't help his festering emotions. He doesn't like strangers okay?
Imagine being scared of people… Okay! Who are you Bell!
'A member of Loki-sama's Familia!'
Then what are you waiting for?! Just open the damned door and hope for the best.
He rapidly nodded his head –much to the bemusement of the early risers- and stepped into the guild.
Grand is a good word to describe it. Even if there aren't many people yet.
In front of him was the receptionist area –scaling from wall-to-wall- with a few receptionists behind it.
On the right side was what he thinks to be the exchange counter manned by the single burliest man alive if you asked Bell. The guy's built like a brick house.
On the left was a staircase leading up to the second floor's balcony with doors below it. Perhaps the private rooms?
Look around as much as he wants to, he can't stop the inevitable. Grasping for whatever determination he had left from yesterday he took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and took off to the nearest receptionist.
"Good morning adventurer," the slightly aging man greeted with a nod, "how may I help you today?"
He reflectively nodded back, "Hi," He didn't stutter! Is this what victory tastes like? "I- I was told to give this letter to a guild employee." Nevermind. As he mentally cursed his tongue he passed the letter to the now curious man. The man took it with an amused eyebrow raise before looking at the stamp. He looked up sharply, scrutinizing, before making a sharp nod and asking him to wait for a moment.
Not even a minute passed before he come back with a very eye-catching companion in tow.
A beautiful woman, perhaps twenty, with chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes framed by glasses and said hair. She wore what looked like the standard guild uniform. Also worth noting her ears –a half-elf.
If Bell wasn't so nervous he would have blushed.
"Good morning adventurer," She echoed her colleague's earlier actions, "I believe we should take this talk to a private room." With that, she indicated to what he correctly assumed were the private rooms and started walking towards them. Bell, of course, followed her into the, rather business-like, room where they sat down face-to-face.
"According to the letter you are Bell Cranel, member of the Loki Familia, correct?" Has she already read it? It felt rather thick and heavy.
Catching his thoughts before they got out of hand he nodded to the question, not trusting himself not to stutter.
She nodded, like she expected it, "do you know the contents of the letter?"
He shook his head.
She nodded again, "In accordance with your Goddess' wishes your status as a member of the Loki Familia will be hidden until further notice. In addition," she stood up and walked to one of the cabinets before retrieving it and putting the small bad on the table between them, "Loki-sama requested Guild-issued equipment and an advisor. With that said," her face noticeably softened as she smiled and held a hand out to shake, "my name is Eina Tulle. Your advisor."
He shook her hands and responded with a smile, "hi, I'm Bell Cranel." He spoke, too late to realize his mistake.
She held a hand to her mouth and giggled lightly, "Yes, I know that already."
"Ah- uh- well… sorry?" Here he is, hoping to be a hero even though he can't talk to one person.
Another giggle escaped her before she calmed herself and adopted a more serious expression making him sit straighter, "as your advisor it is my duty to prepare you for what is to come. First, let's start with your equipment." She indicated the simple brown bag between them, prompting him to open it.
In it was a simple battle knife, in much better shape than his sketchy one, and nothing else. Plus the simple leather sheath is a nice touch.
"The knife you are grasping is the standard Guild-issued knife. It was designed to be both durable and sharp, at least sharp for the first four floors. It should have no trouble cutting, and surviving, your foes as long as you took good care of it." She pushed up her glasses, "the bag has two hooks on each side." now that she mentions it there really are two little hooks on the topside, "you can either attach it your belt or other equipment you wear. It is generally used to carry small monster cores of the beginning floor but it should fit some potions as well. It shouldn't be easy to tear apart but it's better if you are wary. Also, be careful as it can be grabbed mid-battle."
"I see, you are the best Eina-san!" he bowed deeply, missing her flushing.
"Second," When he looked up he noticed that she brought out a blackboard from… somewhere(?) full of drawings and notes, "The layout of the dungeon." Her pointer –where did she get that too?- underlined one of the drawings.
Something tells him that the glowing glasses aren't a good thing for his health.
And that was the beginning of a 5-hour long lesson on the Upper Floors. Ranging from the mapped layout to how monsters spawn. She not only hit him with that pointer –ouch!- if he spaced out, but she also turned it into an impromptu quiz! Don't get him wrong, he is very grateful but most of the things she said were just confirmation of what he already guessed. Though knowing if you break a monster's core they instantly die is good.
His head felt like mush by the end of it.
"You got that?"
"Yeeeeeeees." It took all his willpower to stay upright.
A deep sigh, "well, you should know everything you need now. I think you can go to the first floor today."
His eyes snapped down as he jumped up, 'Finally!' just before he rushed out he remembered the good manners that Grandpa hammered into him. He focused on Eina-san –who looked rather amused- and bowed deeply.
"Thank you for teaching me Eina-san. Bye!" Call him a coward but he rushed out before she could begin another lesson.
On his way out he noted that there are many more people now than it was earlier. It makes sense though, he couldn't really sleep so he got to the Guild at dawn. Most of them were probably sleeping.
'Now then, I just need to follow the big path to the Dungeon, right?'
It only took a few minutes –due to the Guild's closeness- to arrive at the Dungeon's entrance. If he had to describe it, it would look like an arrow's tip leading to a drilled hole with large steps holding the stairs.
Weird but it apparently works.
The first floor is a strange place. Well, strangely normal. Even after his lesson, he expected something more… brutal. Maybe not traps on every square step but still, maybe some stalagmites.
That doesn't mean he is any less excited though.
The first floor is a simple cave, with tunnels that go on infinitely. Really, the only strange thing apart from the monsters are the bluish tint of the walls. That and the lightning that comes from above.
He just left the Beginning Road –the safest place on the first floor- and ventured astray. He can't fight monsters if there are too many people nearby. And if no monsters then no excelia. No excelia and he can't get stronger to make Loki-sama proud.
Cracking sounds caught his attention and he whirled behind. On the wall before him were cracks running from the center. Stilled silence enveloped him before the cracks started up again, spreading from the center until something burst forward.
Still, he was prepared. He took a stance he was comfortable with and held both of his knives. He might not know how to dual-wield –or just wield a weapon- but it made him feel safer. The Guild knife in his right facing forward while his chipped one occupied his left in a reverse grip.
So when a blurring shape came at his face he dodged.
-"Always dodge if you can. Blocking looks cool an' all but less so if you break your arms."-
The shape flew past him and he whirled around. Small, green, and ugly. A goblin.
As the monster regained its bearings Bell took a deep breath, 'This is it. My first step.'
Bell rushed at the goblin, lashing out with his right hand to blindside the confused monster. But just before he could cut its head off the goblin moved its wooden club to block. Bell widened his eyes and the goblin –surprised at its success- grinned up at him.
A shame it hadn't noticed the other knife whirling for its neck.
Bell's chipped knife stuck into its throat. The monster barely had the time to squeak before it vanished into dust, leaving only it's core behind.
He just stood there, panting and disbelieving.
He did it. He slayed his first monster.
'YES!' He almost hollered out loud. Warmth filled his entire being and a smile split his face so wide it almost hurt!
He crouched down and inspected the core. Deep purple along the edges brightened into almost white as it got closer to the center. It was the size of his nail at most. He wasted no time and put into the bag at his right hip.
'Where to next, where to next?'
Cracking sound behind him again. This time the cracks were bigger and louder.
He isn't nervous anymore. Only determination remained.
Three goblins, identical to the first, burst forward a fair distance from him.
"Come!" The shout bounced off the walls as he took his stance again, "I'm right here!" Smart they are not, but taunting still works.
The closest of the three rush at him, it's brethren a step behind. Bell stayed as still until-
'Now!'
He danced out of the first one's reach by a hairbreadth and instead attacked the right one. The maneuver surprised it enough that Bell could sink his knife into its skull.
'One.'
The other two roared in anger and rushed at him again side-by-side. The previous leader raised the club high above. Bell, seeing his chance, threw the chipped knife at it. It hit reacted too late and got hit in one shoulder thus slowed down.
The other, unheeding of its brethren, ran straight at Bell who only had a moment to dodge. But dodge he did, and in that same moment sunk his remained blade into its skull.
'Two.'
Wasting no time he rushed at the remaining goblin still wreathing in pain and kicked it as hard as he could. The goblin flew until it impacted the wall. It must have hit its head because it vanished into dust as well.
"And three." He panted out. Adrenaline coursed through the newbie's body. He could barely hear due to the blood in his ears.
This is his first step.
The beginning of his Myth.
"Ugh…!"
Everything hurts. His legs can't decide if they want to turn into one giant cramp or explode, let's not even talk about the soles on his feet! His arms not only look like, but feel like noodles. Honestly, who gets cramps in their palm? Hell, even his neck has a crick in it!
It doesn't help his mood that his old knife broke!
The sofa creaked slightly as an adventurer dropped himself on it face first.
The good thing about summer is that the hearth isn't needed. Less work for the weary.
'I should take a bath.' As if waiting for those thoughts his entire body throbbed in a pain, from his grime-filled hair to his toes. Maybe he shouldn't?
'I really should though.' who knows how long he has the option. Who knows how long until Loki decides that he isn't worthy anymore?
And just like that, his mood worsened. He hates these thoughts with passion. These intruding, darned worms in his head made him think the worst of people. But… he can't help it. He tried. Oh, how he tried to curb these yesterday. He thought that it was a success, no negative thoughts popped and the ones that did were easily ignorable. So swarmed in feelings of gratitude he was.
Now they are back with vengeance.
Bell Cranel is not one to hate easily. Even takes pride in that fact.
But those Familias –his nose curled in distaste- did this to him. Took him in one morning and threw him out the same day with only mocking laughter to accompany him. Oh, how he hates them.
The worst part is that it made him question Loki-sama's kindness.
Nodding into the sofa, he stood up –ignoring the very loud protest of his body- and walked toward the in-built bathhouse. At least what once was the bathhouse.
'What's that?' just as he walked down the hallway he noticed a door on the other end. One that looked very out of place with the previous clean, if slightly dusty, doors that made up the house.
He really shouldn't look into it. This place was someone else's a long time ago.
'A long time ago,' his mind echoed, 'but why is it so reinforced then?'
Well, a hero is always too curious for their own good, no?
With that reassurance –one that sounded suspiciously like Grandpa- he abandoned his trek to the bath and instead walked towards the towering door of reinforced and dirty wood inlaid with heavy metal.
The doorknob resisted slightly as he opened it. The door creaked ominously as the smell of dust and… coal? He pushed open the heavily, and loudly, resisting door.
A little platform and steps leading down greeted him. Unfortunately, it was so dark that he could only see the first see steps of the descending staircase.
'Okay,' his drowsy brain analyzed the situation, 'I will either die here or find some treasure.' He never said anything about it analyzing correctly though.
It's already an unquestionable fact that he will go down.
Yeah, maybe he should sleep.
'Treasure here I come!' with that he took his first step down. Then the second. Third. Before taking the fourth, though, a flash of harsh light made itself known.
'My eyes!' Instincts took over and his hands clutched his burning eyes. After a few moments, his eyes blinked open and tried to focus. Soon he regained the light of his life –heh- and took in the room.
Before him were eight more steps down. But that wasn't what interested him, instead, it was the-
"Whoa…"
The room was about the size of the living room, though you couldn't tell how clustered the whole place is.
It's a forge.
There was one of these back in the village. It's etched into his memories, what with how much time he spent there. He never admitted this to Grandpa but after seeing how amazingly cool blacksmithing is he had half a mind to become one.
That one paled in comparison to this.
Though he notes that there isn't much equipment, and what remained is rusty and old. The tables are so dusty that after running a finger down on it he couldn't see the skin anymore. Though everything seems fit for use its far from optimal. The rather large amount of coal drew his attention too.
All in all, this could word just fine, if a bit old.
'I wonder if I could use it.' Loki-sama did say that the house is his new home…
In the end he shook his head. Cutting into Dungeon time is not something he can afford yet.
Maybe once he is stronger?
'Yeah, that would be nice.' Shooting one last look at the forge he closed the door.
Now then, where was he?
Ah yes, that glorious bath!
And that's a wrap folks! Did you like it? Hate it? Found it boring? Please tell me in the reviews!
A little question, would anyone be interested if I made a new plot? What I have in mind is not quite set in stone but since I don't really know the happenings after Vol 7 I'm thinking of making my own. I would incorporate most things that happened until Vol 7 (with changes to fit my fic) but after that I'm pretty much lost.
Also, the pairing is undecided but if people say that there shouldn't be then there won't be. Though I'm partial for Loki for the simple fact that she will be taking important roles in the future.
This fic takes some inspiration from 'A Tricksters Secret Rabbit' by Alpine992. Check that fic out, its one of my favourites!
Also, shameless self-promo, please check out my other fic 'Red Hair and Red Eyes'!
Until next time!