Chapter 48

Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Bell decided that he did not like the Large Tree Labyrinth, the area that made up the floors nineteen to twenty four. The air was humid. There were too many insect type monsters that tried to poison him. Not to mention that he had to get used to the intense smell of the plants, too earthy for his tastes. He didn't seem to be the only one, as the two elves that were travelling with them seemed to consistently wear the same grimace the deeper they went. Most likely bad memories but from what he wouldn't be able to tell. Still, discomfort or not, they all were fighting rather well as a unit. Though maybe it was because there were several 'teams' that were used with each other. It appeared that Shirou was used to working with Liliruca, as he swung his twin curved blades around, relying more on raw stats than skill. He was still pretty fast though, keeping up with all the level three in the party. He didn't know what level the supporter was, but she used her crossbow at perfect timings to mess up the enemies' rhythm, even if they did no damage. Then there were the elves.

Lefiya showed no hesitation, casting magic with Filvis protecting her with ease, the two working in sync. Honestly, if it weren't for Hans, who literally did nothing but write away on a manuscript, Bell would've considered himself the weak link. The fact he still had to get used to his new status didn't help much. His arms moved faster than he was used to and he got himself into a bad position more often than not, underestimating his newfound strength. Which was why he felt awe when witnessing the two elves fight. The way Filvis fought sort of reminded him of Ryuu. Gracefully dancing around the enemy and unleashing her magic right in their faces. The courage to dive into the chaos that was the battlefield and not even so much twitch an eyebrow. Then there was Lefiya. While she didn't physically attack herself, she was quick on her feet. Her eyes never stopped moving, observing the events around her like a hawk, judging and deciding which magic to cast. Perhaps it was just the difference in experience but to him, they were amazing. Of course then Lefiya, after casting a devastating rain of magic, sighed and turned her head, catching him looking. Immediately her exhaustion gave way to a glare. By now Bell could only sigh in surrender as she pointed her finger at him.

"Don't think you're on our level just because you are level three now!" She huffed, gesturing at herself as she puffed out her chest with a smug smile. "For your information, I can already level up, but I just delayed it for now!"

Honestly Bell had no idea what Lefiya's problem was with him or why she felt the need to point out the difference, one he was keenly aware of. However, he couldn' help but genuinely smile at her admission of having already reached the fourth level. With an encouraging nod, he smiled at her as he raised his thumb.

"Oh, congratulations!"

For some reason, the elf suddenly blushed. Then with a snarl, she turned away, arising her staff to whack a monster down.

"Less talking, more fighting!"

He deflated a bit and sent a helpless look at his fellow front liner. Filvis shook her head, sending him a small glare as well, not as heated as Lefiya though, before she went back into the action. Following her lead, he took a deep breath and dashed forward, his arms moving swiftly as he cut down the insects. Naturally some of them were shooting out their stingers at him, content at staying out of range. However, their bug eyes seemed to widen when Bell aimed his palm at them and unleashed his Firebolt. As the enemies turned into ashes, the group managed to take a breather just before the entrance to the water levels. Regaining their strength with some food and potions as Shirou and Liliruca kept watch, Bell couldn't quite enjoy the lunchbox he had with the way Lefiya glared at him, munching on her food like an angry chipmunk.

"I knew it, I really don't like your magic," she muttered after swallowing her food. Bell tilted his head a bit. He recalled in their first meeting that she practically barred her teeth every time he demonstrated his magic to her. Yet he never figured out why. Then again, it would make some sense, given Brunhilde's dislike for Lefiya's and Riveira's magic. Seems like the methods of Altena and the methods of the elves were mutually hating each other?

"Why not?"

"It goes against everything I learned!" Lefiya shouted, throwing her arms up in the air. "The way you learned it and the way it manifested! No magic should have no chant!"

Bell couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. He was afraid of this happening eventually. The way Brunhilde reacted to him learning magic, it was bound to happen with Lefiya. Though he was surprised she didn't bring it up earlier, this clear animosity for his methods... Then again, Aiz was around at the time so maybe she was holding back? Still, thinking of Aiz, in a not infatuated way for once, he tilted his head in confusion.

"What about Aiz?" He asked, recalling her particular wind magic that only required one word. Yet it was the wrong thing to say as the elf bristled up and pointed at him with a glare.

"You aren't Aiz! She's different since she-" Lefiya cut herself off, biting her lip. In the end she only let out a small growl before turning away from him. Bell couldn't help but tilt his head. What was she about to say? For a moment he thought she was referring to Aiz being a level six, but that didn't feel right. The way the elf seemed frustrated with herself made it seem like she was about to spill some big secret. Still, for some reason, Hans began to chuckle, looking up from his notes with a mocking smirk.

"If that's enough to piss you off, my magic will give you an aneurysm."

Lefiya's eyebrow twitched and she opened her mouth to say something. But a pointed look from the Pallum was more than enough to make her back off. She crossed her arms, huffing while Filvis gently grasped her hand.

"Lefiya, calm down."

"Ugh... "

Bell cleared his throat, laughing awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. He glanced at the others in their makeshift camp, but to his misfortune, none of the others were planning to lift the mood. Shirou was whistling, spinning his blades while Liliruca was sorting out her bag. With a sigh, he put on a smile and looked at the elves.

"Sooo... How did you two become friends?"

"Why do you want to know?" Lefiya asked with suspicion. His mouth thinned but then he just shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm just curious?"

She opened her mouth, about to retort, when Filvis politely nodded.

"Very well. I don't mind." She paused before sending a worried look at her friend. "Do you?"

"O-Of course not!" With a small blush, Lefiya coughed into her fist, trying to look graceful. "Ahem."

Apparently they had met three years ago, when Lefiya first arrived in Orario. It turned out the Maenads was actually the first person she met. Unlike their relationship now however, Filvis turned out to be rather cold at first glance. Silently guiding the young newbie back then to the guild building before promptly telling her to not associate with Filvis anymore. Bell realized she must have referred to her infamy as the Banshee. Yet even as there was discomfort on her expression as she told the story, Lefiya smiled brightly as she squeezed her hand. Joyfully, she explained how she remained stubborn and kept going out to meet her, as she was touched by her kindness that was hidden behind the icy exterior. Once they went on quests together, by coincidence at first, they managed to warm up to each other. The fact that Lefiya didn't care about Filvis' reputation must have helped a lot.

"You two really fit each other," Bell couldn't help but say out loud. The smiles on their faces vanished as they enjoyed the memories. Instead they were replaced by furious blushes.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Lefiya shouted, shooting up. The young man held his hands up in a panic, looking to the side for help. Yet all he received was laughter from Shirou, while Liliruca raised a dry eyebrow.

"Lili wonders why you allowed this circus act to join in."

"Part time entertainment," Hans responded immediately, not even looking up as he wrote with a shrug. "Besides, the more there are, the less I need to work."

"Seriously man, being lazy is a sin, y'know?" Shirou said in a casual tone, earning himself a dry snort.

"If you want someone without sin, call up a saint."

Well, there was no help coming from there. Gulping at the steaming elves he forced out a laugh as he shook his head.

"I-I just mean you two are similar in how nice and beautiful you are, so I just figured... " He trailed off, realizing that their faces turned even more red than before. At the same time, the two raised their arm as if protecting the other from him.

"D-Don't think flattering me will get you anywhere!"

"In-In what way are you looking at Lefiya and I?!"

Bell felt like crying. Why did every interaction with Lefiya end this way?! He just didn't get it! Grandfather was right when calling elves the most mysterious of women! Even Filvis was confusing! One moment she was professional, the next she was exactly like her friend. Filvis didn't even seem to have anything against him personally, but due to her friendship with Lefiya, she was very overprotective of the latter. Maybe it was an elf thing, to react so aggressively when it comes to their loved ones?

"Okay, enough of the circus, let's go," Hans commanded in a lazy tone, pocketing his writing items and stretching his arms. Bell let out a sigh of relief when they all stood up as well. Great, now they could do something simple and relaxing like taking on water monsters. Descending into the deeper levels now that they had packed up, his ears could catch the noises. At first he couldn't place it, as the rumbling almost deafened him. But then he realized what it was. The sound of flowing water. Heavier than a river. Stronger than the waves of the ocean. His eyes widened when he saw the source of that mighty sound.

"Whoa... "

A waterfall. It was the first one he had ever seen. He heard how they were more common in hill areas and the like, with rivers suddenly dropping in terms of elevation. But this, this was titanic. Give or take four hundred meters wide, this unbelievable force of nature streamed down this floor and the next. At the sight of pathways and caves intersecting between this massive sight, he could believe Eina's words that the waterfall could easily kill most people with its raw pressure alone. With how small the land was for them to walk on... it was certainly a worrying sight to have. He stepped forward, wanting to look into the clear water, but Filvis grabbed him by his collar and pulled him back with a deep frown.

"Don't get too close to the water."

"Yeah, all those nasty things will drown you before you can say 'wet'." Shirou let out a playful shudder. "Would be a real shame to go out like that."

"Very morbid but Lili agrees," the supporter in question commented, shaking her head as she tightened her grip on her backpack. "I really hate this place."

"Nobody sane likes this place. Keep your eyes open."

"If you don't like this place then why are we here?" Filvis asked dryly, glancing at Hans as she drew her blade at the same time as everyone else. For some reason, Shirou and Liliruca stiffened up ever so slightly, sharing a look with the quest giver. Then the author shrugged nonchalantly.

"Business."

Naturally the elves and Bell couldn't help but frown. The other three were clearly hiding something. He could sense the frustration from the girls at this but Bell just took a deep breath and walked forward, prompting everyone else to follow him. This may have been weird... but Arash and Kojiro trusted Hans. So whatever was going on, it most likely had to be kept a secret for a reason. Then they pushed forward, facing monsters Bell didn't meet before. After what felt like an eternity, but most likely was only minutes, he decided that he really hated fighting water monsters. Crystal Turtles that acted like small islands to bait adventurers. Blue Crabs whose claws were harder than even steel. Harpies flying around them and shooting their feathers. Not to mention all the fish type monsters that hid away in the river and water fall over and over again when he was about to hit them with a Firebolt. He liked to think that if he got used to his new status things would have gone differently but he assumed this place just had a bad synergy with his type. At least Filvis and Shirou seemed similarly frustrated, despite their own speed, and magic in the elf's case, their targets disappeared more often than not. Which was why it was rather satisfying to witness Lefiya blast those irritating enemies down with her wide scale magic with ease. Sure, she needed a lot more potions than they were comfortable with, but it worked.

Wiping some liquid from his mouth after drinking a potion, he turned to Liliruca who gasped for air as well, having to run a lot to drag the corpses away and cut out their magic crystals.

"Are you okay, Liliruca?"

"Just fine. Thanks for asking." She paused before biting her lip. Glancing at him, she raised an eyebrow. "...Are you okay?"

"A bit exhausted but nothing-"

"No, I meant... " The Pallum shook her head with a sigh before looking down, kicking away at some rock."Hah, Lili just feels like she helped luring you into a trap."

"Eh?" Bell tilted his head. What was she talking about. She looked at him, a look of guilt in her eyes as she clicked her tongue in irritation.

"It was too easy. Lili should've known. Those papers were most likely bait to force you and the Astraea Familia into action."

His eyes widened. Immediately after he shook his head and pt his hand on her shoulder, patting it reassuringly.

"I don't think you can be blamed for that. We were in on this together."

It wasn't like the girl was the only one who saw the information or was in on the operation. They all missed some clues here and there. The fact that the intel she gathered was tailor made to blame Ishtar and leave Eris scot free... honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if this was just a convenient power grab, using everyone else as a tool to achieve it. The thought made him angry but nothing they could change now. Liliruca slowly nodded her head, humming in thought.

"Maybe... "

"I'm just glad you weren't caught."

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks. Then she jabbed her elbow into his side, a smirk appearing on her face.

"Heh. You really are a flatterer, aren't you?"

"Ahahaha... "

Some day his words would get him in trouble, but would he be himself if he didn't just say what was on his mind? If it cheered up girls like Liliruca, embarrassment didn't really matter. But then, he felt a shiver down his spine. Immediately he pushed the supporter out of the way before raising his blade. The force that hit it almost broke his wrist. He hissed as he diverted the attack, whatever it was, to the side. With heavy breath, he looked at what hit him and his eyes widened.

"Is that a swallow?"

Well, whatever was left of it anyway after it launched itself at super high speeds at him. Before he could parse it, he heard Filvis shout her defensive magic, Dio Grail, protecting herself with everyone as she stepped forward. Then, as if rain hit them, the swallows smashed themselves against the barrier, not caring that they all died on impact. It made for a morbid sight as the elf grit her teeth to maintain the barrier while Lefiya charged her own magic to blast at the waterfall. At the same time, Hans scoffed, twirling his hand at the projectiles in question.

"Iguazu, yes. Shoot out in a straight line."

Pressing his lips together, Bell slowly nodded with a blank look in his eyes before glancing at the author.

"...I can't let Kojiro go near this place, can I?"

"Good luck with that." With an equally empty look, Hans shook his head. "But I agree."

It was hopeless. The moment the Hestia Familia would reach this place, they would never see Kojiro again. He would vanish into the waterfall itself, aiming for every swallow within. He would become an urban legend, the wraith of a samurai exterminating the monsters. A new legend would be born. Taking a deep breath after Lefiya momentarily froze the waterfall, before the rest of the water smashed the ice down into the abyss, he turned to Liliruca, forcing a smile as they spread out a bit once more.

"Say, how did you get to meet Shirou?" He asked with curiosity. The man was wrapped in mystery, literally and figuratively, as he held his own rather well next to Filvis at the front. Liliruca in response shrugged nonchalantly.

"One day he just showed up with Pa-I mean, Hans. They seemed to know each other so I didn't ask any questions."

He would have left it at that. But then he saw it. The worried glance. The minor tension in her body as she looked at the disguised man, letting out an excited wohoo as he jumped around with his twin blades.

"Something wrong?" He asked with concern. She opened her mouth before forcing it shut. Shaking her head, she put on a smile.

"...It's not my place to say."

Before they could say anything more, with an acrobatic leap, Shirou, the man in question, landed right next to the Pallum. He patted her head a bit, his deep black eyes shining with amusement.

"Hey, Lili, why so mopey?"

"Hmph!"

Liliruca shook the hand off herself and went back to work. Shirou let out a wistful sigh, crossing his arms in the momentary peace they enjoyed.

"Cute kid. Kinda rough around the edges, but who doesn't have those?"

"She seems a bit... weird around you," Bell said carefully, causing the man to shrug nonchalantly.

"Most people are. Would be concerning if they weren't."

"Is something wrong with you?"

He blushed when he realized how that sounded. Shirou stared at him for a moment before he let out a laugh-

"Hahaha, pretty blunt, huh?"

"S-sorry."

"It's fine," the man waved his hand dismissively "And yeah. You could say that. Reason why I dress up like this." A snort escaped him. "People usually freak out when they see the real me, ya get me?"

He sounded so accepting of it, despite the fact that no one should. Bell frowned at the implications.

"That sounds... exhausting."

"It sure is. But hey, can't change human nature," Shirou replied with a shrug.

"Why not?" Bell asked, feeling a bit angry at the words. Why should one just accept the way the world worked? Didn't perception change every day? Weren't heroes meant to change nature itself? As he thought those things, for the first time, Shirou stared at him with surprise. Then a small chuckle escaped him, sounding a lot more genuine as he ruffled his hair.

"Heh. Yeah. Why not? The big question."

"Bell, get to the front right now!"

The White Fool yelped before rushing forward, sending an apologizing look at Lefiya. The girl huffed, shaking her head before focusing back on her casting. He rushed forward, stabbing repeatedly at the monsters that were starting to surround Filvis. The latter nodded at him approvingly before they covered each other's back. Filvis danced like a fairy through the enemies while Bell bounced off walls and platforms like a rabbit, slashing at anything in his path. It almost became a routine for them.

It was then that it happened. The heavy vibrations, that surpassed even the waterfall. Everyone stopped where they stood, looking around with wide eyes.

"Do you hear that?!" Bell shouted. In response, Liliruca furiously nodded her head.

"I feel that!"

"Incoming!" Hans shouted, his head snapping up. They all followed his gaze and time slowed down when something emerged from the water, leaping into the air. The first thing he thought was that it had to be an infant dragon. A reptilian monster with four legs soaring through the air. But no, he then saw how much bigger it was. Sturdier looking. Not to mention the two heads roaring. His body moved on instinct. He jumped forward, wrapping his arms around Lefiya who was stunned at the sight. The next moment, the world around them broke apart when the Monster Rex smashed down. Bell had no idea where he was, what up or down was, but he kept an iron grip on Lefiya as they screamed and flew through the air. The next instance, he felt the force of water taking away his breath. He felt like his inner organs were being crushed, as the very air was taken away from him.

He had no idea how long it lasted, this chaotic mess that they were in. The only thing he could hear was the rush of water all around him. But even amidst his confused mind, he could recognize the words that were being shouted by a set of two female voices.

"Become a shield, holy grail of crushing evil! Dio Grail!"

They came to an abrupt stop, the whiplash almost breaking his bones. In a daze, he could recognize the shield, double layered, causing them to actually bounce around a few times before hitting actual solid ground. The shields cracked, but in the end, they withstood the forces they were subjected to. As the magic disappeared, Bell's body went slack as he rolled away, letting go of Lefiya at last, coughing ou the water that entered his lungs. With a wince, he held his stomach. Yet despite the agony, he forced himself up and looked around.

"E-everyone okay... ?" He wheezed, spitting out the last of the water. He saw the hand holding potions presented to him. He accepted the gift from Filvis with a grateful nod and downed the medicine, relieving himself of some pain.

"Yes. Lefiya?"

"I-I'm fine," the girl responded in between her gasping. She looked at Bell before pushing herself up from the ground. With a faint blush, she pushed her hair back and looked away as her voice became a mumble. "T-thank you... "

Then, at the same time, the trio looked up with deep frowns. If Bell was a betting man... they fell down at least one floor. Or even two. The twenty sixth or twenty seventh floor then. Separated from Shirou, Hans and Liliruca. He felt worry for them, not wanting to imagine what could've happened to them. Did they manage to get away? Did they fall as well? Overall, it caused him to grit his teeth in frustration.

"This is bad, isn't it?" He muttered to himself as he patted himself down. At least Homebringer was still on him, but he didn't have any potions left.

"Separated from the rest of the group, including the supporter that carries the majority of our items, in an area where the Monster Rex can wander around?" Filvis raised an eyebrow with blank eyes. "However do you get that idea?"

Bell winced. Why did elves have to be so sarcastic and mean sometimes?

"W-We shouldn't stay here! Who knows how bad it is with the others!" Lefiya shouted. Her words would have a greater effect if she didn't sneeze immediately after. Despite their special cloth protecting them from the cold, the water was more than enough to tickle her nose. Speaking of water, Bell immediately looked away before his brain caught up on what he was seeing.

"W-We should find a place to dry up... " He muttered in embarrassment. He heard the confused noises from the elves. A beat later and they let out an embarrassed yell, most likely trying to protect each other's chastity.

"Don't you dare look!" Lefiya screamed at him and Bell clenched his eyes shut for good measure as he felt his face heat up.

"I'm not!"

/

"Something along those lines," Hans lazily explained, twirling his hand as their group snuck through one of the many pathways. Shirou let out an amused laugh while Liliruca sighed in exasperation, shaking her head with a wry smile herself.

"Lili is worried that this is the most likely scenario."

"Talk about bad luck though." Shirou rolled his shoulders, twirling his blades in his hands as he looked around while taking the lead. "Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk. At least this way we can focus on the actual mission."

"Knowing Bell's luck, he's the one who will actually find her... " Liliruca muttered, causing the air to tense up. After all, having been split up was not the plan. It was pure luck that none of them was smashed into a paste by the Amphisbaena. Or that they managed to get away, escaping into one cave entrance that was too big for the two headed monster. Still, the others weren't that lucky, which meant they had to find them, fast. This way, they would lose valuable time. Not to mention the risk of Bell and the others finding her instead of Hans and the others were high. Which would mean there was a chance they would just ki-

The Pallum let out a yelp when Hans poked her sides. Staring at him, the author patted her head before raising an eyebrow at her.

"They'll be fine. All of them. Worry about yourself. Lili."

The girl felt her cheeks warm up before she nodded in determination. Right, paranoia wouldn't help at all. Smiling back at him, she hefted her bag once more, adjusting to its size before looking forward. She gulped when she saw the monsters emerging from the rivers. Shirou let out a dry snort before glancing back at Hans, his eyes filled with expectation.

"You do know I am not going to handle everything myself, right?"

"Ugh...Didn't you get stronger, weakest servant? " Clicking his tongue, Hans pulled out his feather and his stack of papers. "Screw it, time to get to work I guess."

"Hey, stronger doesn't mean strongest!" Shirou laughed, starting to roll his shoulders as a sort of dark miasma seemed to exude from him.

Liliruca couldn't help but jump a bit, giddy at what was about to come. Magic surged out of the author as he raised his writing utensil, causing Shirou to laugh in excitement. Even the monsters seemed to be in awe at the energy radiating from the two men, both eyeing their opposition with glee and annoyance respectively.

"Bring it on, you side encounters."

"Attack me if you think you're hard enough!"