The morning sun rose over Hearth Manor as everyone began to greet the day. Now joined by Albert, Haruka and the half elves, breakfast would take longer. This time, it was in the hands of Haruhime and Mikoto. In the middle of it, Haruka walked in and went to help the two. They smiled and welcomed the little girl. The smiles vanished and transformed into surprise as the girl kept pace with Haruhime and perfectly recreated the dishes for breakfast. Haruhime patted the girl's head and felt proud that she picked up this trait of hers.

A few minutes past and as the food was finishing, Bell and the others came down to eat.

Bell: Morning.

Mikoto: Good morning, Sir Bell.

Haruka: Morning, Dad!

Haruhime said nothing at first before walking up to Bell and kissing his cheek.

Kiss*

Haruhime: M-Morning, B-Bell.

Both their faces were red, but they had smiles as their minds were still fresh from last night.

Bell: Morning, Haru.

She blushed at her nickname as happiness filled her heart. Their new lives together were just beginning. Lili saw everything and walked in to greet everyone along with Welf and Hestia.

Lili: Bell, good morning!

Seeing that this would become common, he leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead.

Bell: M-Morning, Lili.

Welf: Woo, smooth Bell. Already being a model husband.

All three couldn't help but blush at this. Next, the rest of the kids came down.

Albert: Morning everyone.

Welf: Morning, Albert. So, what's the plan for today.

Albert: We'll begin training all of you right away.

Alise: First thing's first, we need to assess your current abilities. So me and Albert will fight you all.

Bell: Should we invite Ais and the others?

Ardi: Maybe we should. It could help in the future if they get stronger too.

And so, Bell went to invite them. He was welcomed by Tiona who just gave him a hug before she led him to Finn. Ais met him with a smile and Lefiya had the respect to at least wave. She was still unsure about her actual feelings to Bell at the huge reveal. When asked, Finn decides that it was best to accept their invitation. They all met back up with the others back at Hearth Manor. Loki decides to come as well to watch them train.

Hestia: So, how's this gonna work?

Alise: We'll fight you guys in groups. Make your teams and we'll decide who you'll be fighting.

First up was Ais, Lefiya and the Hyrute twins vs Alise.

Next was Bell, Welf, Mikoto, Lili and Haruhime vs Albert and Haruka.

Last would be Finn, Gareth and Riveria vs Ardi.

Alise: Okay, you four come at me with your best.

With that, Ais made the first move.

Ais: Awaken Tempest!

She used her wind magic right away. Going all out right from the start would be their best bet. Tione and Tiona charged from two different sides. They would try to overwhelm her in a 3v1 fight while Lefiya chants her spells.

Alise: (Not the worst idea.)

Even with three of them, Alise fended them off with little trouble. Lefiya's spells missed their marks and any that did hit didn't do any damage. The three backed off to come up with another plan and catch their breaths.

Tione: *pant* This isn't working.

Ais: Her strength is the real deal. She isn't even using magic.

Tiona: Let's try one more time!

Alise saw this and decided to end things.

Alise: (I've seen everything I need. Time to settle this.)

She got into a stance with her sword in her right hand going behind her and leaned forward on her left leg. Albert saw this and warned the spectators.

Albert: Hey Cel, we need a shield.

Celdia: On it! Let my strength be a shield for others Barrier!

She put up a shield to protect everyone else from what Alise was about to do.

AN: This is pretty much a reskin of Zeldris' Ominous Nebula.

Alise: I am the eye of the storm Gale Force!

When she finished, green winds surrounded her before Ais, Lefiya and the twins felt themselves being pulled towards the girl.

Tione: Wha-

Tiona: Crap!

Ais tried to time an attack when she was in range but as soon as she was she and the others were quickly stuck by something and were sent flying into the rest of the fields.

Loki: Damn, that kid's strong.

Hestia: Of course! Any child of my Bell would be amazing!

Everyone talked about the fight while Alise gave her grade.

Alise: Okay, that'll do. You all did great. You're all in a good place to start with our training.

Bell: Are you guys okay?

Bell ran up to each of them to see how they were doing. Apart from being roughed up, Alise held back enough so that there were no serious injuries.

Tiona: I think I'll be fine... ugh.

Tiona fell on her sister's shoulder as they tried to support each other.

Lefiya: The world... it's spinning...

Ais was still stumbling so Bell placed her head on his lap to help her.

Bell: Just try to relax. You did a great job, Ais.

Ais just blushed as she felt her head being stroked. It felt relaxing and she almost fell asleep before Albert called for the next fight.

Albert: Okay, it's time the Hestia familia showed us what they're made of.

Welf: Let's try to put up a decent fight guys.

Lili: Lili will always try her best but this is a level 26.

Haruhime: Even with my level boost, we still don't stand a chance.

Bell: Doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Mikoto: Right. Nothings on the line here so we should give this our all and hope for the best.

Bell: Okay son, we're ready!

Albert: Just a minute. Haruka, do your thing.

Haruka: Okay! Starlight!

A bright light that was familiar to the Hestia familia floated up. What surprised them was that it split into 5 and hovered over each of them before descending.

Loki: The hell's goin' on?

Hestia: Is she?

Bell and the others suddenly felt a burst of strength.

Bell: What the?

Welf: This feels different than Haruhime's magic.

Mikoto: Yeah, it feels stronger.

Albert: That's because it is. All of you just had you levels doubled. Everyone: DOUBLED?!!

Albert: That's right, Haruka's magic here specializes in level manipulation. She can raise or lower a person's level as much as she wants.

Haruka: This is gonna help with training later. Just fight like usual for now.

And so, the fight began. Bell, with his level 8 strength, opened with his knives to strike Albert who caught them with his hands. To his sides were Mikoto and Welf who hoped to land a blow while his hands were preoccupied.

Albert: Too slow!

He let go and dodged out of the way while Lili tried to pepper him with crossbow bolt. This didn't work as the bolts just dented off of the boy's body.

Lili: (What is he? Master Welf forged those from metals even harder than usual and they dented.)

Before they could regroup, Albert got ready to rush them by leaning forward before immediately leaning back. The instant he did, Bell and the others were knocked to the ground.

Albert: That should do it.

Bell: Owww...

Welf: Well that hurt.

They helped each other up as the others gave their thoughts.

Finn: Seems they're a lot better than I gave them credit for.

Riveria: They did outsmart us during the monster incident.

They were getting themselves ready for their beati- their turn, but Ariel chimed in.

Ariel: Is there a need to test them? Me, Cel and Karmi already fought them.

Ardi: Well, how were they?

Karmi: Old man Gareth's still got it.

Gareth grinned at the child's compliment.

Celdia: Riveria just takes too long to chant.

Riveria raised an eyebrow at this.

Riveria: And just how would I chant faster without risking ignus fatus?

Celdia: Don't worry, I'll be sure to train you and mom in all the new chanting methods.

Lefiya sweated at this as she could barely concurrent chant. Now she hears that there was more than that. She shuddered and prayed for her safety.

Ariel: I think Finn's only problem is he's overly cautious.

Finn: Hmm?

Ariel: There were many times I gave you a small opening and you never took it. If you don't try to take them, you'll just be stuck blocking the whole fight.

Finn: But what if it makes the situation worse?

Ariel: How would you know? What if I didn't try to block? There's no way of knowing unless you try.

Finn: This is something about my expeditions isn't it?

Albert: You hardly let people try to challenge themselves by fighting stronger monsters. It's no wonder why Mom will be stronger than all three of you.

Alise: You can be cautious, but taking risks could be very rewarding.

Finn: Thank you, you've given me much to think on.

Albert: Don't mention it. Well, we can end training today. Tomorrow is where things get real.

Everyone went their separate ways as most were dead tired after their beatings. They ate a big meal and mentally prepared themselves for tomorrow.

AN: Just a transition chapter for the next one and an opportunity to show off the skills and spells of the kids.

Hope you enjoyed and see you in the next one.