Chapter 49

To say they found a safe spot was an exaggeration. Quite frankly, they were in a bad place, boxed into a dead end of a cave. But it at least gave them some reprieve by only having one opening of being attacked through. The peace of mind it gave them to be in a more enclosed space instead of being wide in the open certainly helped, as well as concentrating the heat of their makeshift campfire into the small area. Bell was never more thankful of his Firebolt, as it was perfect to create a small fire like they had. It wasn't that they were freezing, due to the spirit blessed cloth they received, but it certainly made drying their clothes faster and would make this entire situation a lot less awkward than it already was once that process was done and over with. The way the two elves kept their distance from him while huddling up together hurt a bit more than Bell liked to admit.

"What's our plan?"

At Filvis' words, the other two looked up, blinking at the same time. Silently, they shared some glances before looking back down. Right, they didn't know who should lead. In his mind, Filvis was the most suited for this, but she showed some reluctance in taking the lead if her asking was anything to go by. The way Lefiya fidgeted around didn't help much either. With that in mind, Bell decided to throw out his idea first and hoped they would give their opinions this way.

"I think we should meet back up with Hans and the others, which means going up."

He may not have been a strategist, but if there was one lesson he took to heart was that one should never stay separated if they could help it. Not to mention he was just too worried about them. It would be a lot easier on his mind if he made sure they were alright. Unfortunately Lefiya didn't seem to share that opinion as she let out a hum while frowning at him.

"How?" He flinched at her pointed look. "This place is massive. We might be missing each other if they go down and we go up." She shook her head, biting her lip."And that requires them being up there in the first place. Or being... "

She trailed off, but they knew what she was referring to. Bell felt his stomach lurch at the thought. But to his surprise it was Filvis who let out a scoff.

"They are alive." They turned to her, witnessing her disgusted smile as she closed her eyes, as if remembering something. "Mimir isn't the type to die to this. His kind never does."

His kind? He shared a confused look with Lefiya, but she could only shake her head, equally baffled by her friend's words. Maybe Filvis had prior experiences with Hans and maybe Arash neither of them had? Either way, that disgust quickly vanished as she bit her thumb in thought, narrowing her eyes.

"If only we knew what they were searching for in the first place... "

Nodding in agreement, Bell wondered what they were looking for. They seemed rather tense when it came to their quest and mean as the author could be, he wasn't someone to push people to such danger just for fun. If they knew what they were looking for, they could meet them at the location. But since they didn't know... he let out a sigh and pulled his cloaks closer around him.

"I think we should still head up. Hans seems like a sensible person, so if they recognize it will get too dangerous for them, they would head back up as well." He shuddered as the memory returned, the massive two headed monster crashing down on them. "Not to mention the longer we stay here, the more likely we would have to face the Monster Rex."

The elves flinched at the reminder. Lefiya sighed and hid her face behind her knees as she pulled them up as Filvis stared at the entrance with caution.

"True enough…"

Silence fell between them. The flames flickered a few times, the sparks reflecting in Bell's eyes. Pressing his lips together, a thought came to mind. The atmosphere was as awkward as ever. And this time, he actually had a topic he could use. But it was anything but pleasant. It might even be rude. Perhaps this wasn't the best time... no, Bell shook his head. He might not get a better chance. They still needed to dry up and regain their energy. Not to mention it bothered him. Their current relationship. With a deep breath he turned to the mage, who glanced at him with a frown. Something in his eyes must have been different when she leaned away, eyes wide as if taken aback. With determination Bell stared at her before pointing at her before he pointed at himself.

"Lefiya, why do you dislike me so much?"

As expected, the Thousand Elf stiffened up at his blunt approach. She tried to look away but doing so only led her eyes to meet Filvis'. Her friend blinked at her with curiosity, face closer than what was normal, causing Lefiya to let out a squeak as she leaned away.

"I am interested in that as well." She gestured towards Bell with a frown. "By all means, Bell does not seem like a bad person, even if Lord Hermes is interested in him."

While he was thankful for her support, he had to do a double take at the last part of her words. Filvis sent him a flat look, causing the young man to clear his throat awkwardly.

"Err, what?"

"Usually if he likes someone, that is bad," Filvis muttered, looking away with a dead look. All Bell could do was nod slowly, only somewhat understanding what she meant. Wow, Hestia wasn't kidding then.

"My condolences?"

"We cannot choose our gods sometimes." Shaking her head, Filvis turned back to Lefiya with a frown. "Anyway, an answer would be appreciated, Lefiya. I will support you no matter what, but knowing would make things much easier."

The Thousand Elf looked around in discomfort, hoping to find anything to distract them, anything to buy time. Yet as there was nothing, all she could do was bite her lip, trying to figure out a way to avoid this topic. But with how he and Filvis stared at her, she knew it was futile. Then all of a sudden, she shot up, the spirit blessed clothes falling off her and pointed at him with a heated glare.

"I'm jealous of you!"

Filvis raised an eyebrow at the explosion of emotions. Bell on the other hand gaped, unable to process what he just heard. Then he pointed at himself once the words finally sunk in.

"Ehhhh?!"

Why was she jealous of him?! It wasn't the same as it was with Solaris! With Solaris, he caught up to her and even surpassed her in terms of status fast enough, so he could understand her frustration. But Lefiya still had a heads up! Not to mention that their roles were completely different, so he couldn't fathom feeling jealous of a front liner warrior if he were a mage himself! His confusion only seemed to irritate her more as she bit her thumb, looking down.

"Getting Aiz' attention like that, earning her admiration and compliments... !" She puffed up her cheeks, ignoring how Bell turned red at her words, and slapped her hand agianst her chest. "I want that! I'm in her Familia, yet she is spending so much time with you! It's not fair!" She pointed back at him as she walked up to him before starting to poke his chest. "You already have all those amazing women in the Astraea Familia paying attention to you!"

"I... " Bell licked his lips before tilting his head. "I don't think I'm worth being jealous of?"

It wasn't like Lefiya didn't have her own role models and veterans helping her out, Riveria getting a special mention in that regard. So it couldn't be her taking out some feeling of neglect on him. While yes, he was growing fast, so did she. He heard how fast she leveled up herself, outside Orario to boot. The amount of magic she had, potentially surpassing Riveria herself. He just didn't understand how someone like that could be jealous of someone like him. This wasn't like with Solaris. They had similar roles at the front line, she was someone he actually surpassed. Lefiya didn't have any of those reasons herself. Yet his reaction only caused her to bristle up before she deflated, shaking her head with a sigh.

"That attitude only makes it worse…!" She grumbled before ruffling her own hair in frustration. "Agh, forget it, this won't change anything anyway!"

Bell wanted to sigh. Why was this always so difficult? Before he could open his mouth however, they all heard it. The earpiercing scream of a little girl. Immediately, the trio snapped their heads to their only entrance, their eyes wide. Just as Bell was about to move however, Filvis dashed right in front of his path, spreading her arms with a defiant glare.

"Don't even think about it! This is suicidal and you know it! Who knows what we might rush into! A monster party! Or the Amphisbaena!"

He grit his teeth. She was correct of course. Running in without information of plan was the height of stupidity. Not to mention that this might just be a false alarm. A group very well might have this handled, also doing an expedition in this level and someone just screamed out of panic. However, that was it. It was just a chance that everything was fine. There was also the chance that nothing was fine. And that scream... it sounded way too horrified for him to ignore.

""We have to go!""

He snapped his head towards Lefiya, who stared at him with wide eyes as well. Did they just say the same thing at the same time? Yet he sent her an appreciating nod, which she returned, stiff as it was. Filvis let out a long suffering sigh, rubbing her temples as she eyed them.

"You two are truly fools of the same level."

The two culprits blushed at her words. To their surprise however, the Maenads drew her blade and motioned with her head at them with an exasperating shake of her head.

"Let's go. We were planning to move anyway."

They didn't hesitate to draw their twin blades and staff respectively before they rushed out of their little cave, their campfire left behind and forgotten. The scream sounded a few times more, causing Bell's heart to clench with each time. But it also meant that she, whoever it was, was still alive. Rounding around the next corner, they entered a wider area. A lake in the middle, connected by the river that flowed through it. What he saw caused his eyes to widen.

A hooded figure, cowering against the wall with her back against it. In front of her, looming over her, was exactly what Filvis feared would be there. The Monster Rex of these levels, its two heads salivating, the four eyes twitching with rage as a soft crimson mist seemed to cover it. Bell didn't think about his next move. Raising his arm, he fired his flames at it. To his frustration, but not to his surprise, the flames helplessly dispersed against the mist, though he did note that the barrier seemed to become thinner. Nevertheless, his attack did exactly what he wanted it to.

The monster turned its heads around at them, snarling at the new arrivals. Bell felt a shiver down his spine, at the pressure the creature exuded but he swallowed down his nervousness, keeping his eye on the girl that gasped in surprise. Twirling his blades, he exhaled slowly before turning to his elven companions.

"Please distract it!"

He barely had to wait for a response, as Lefiya and Filvis moved immediately, even if the latter frowned for just a moment.

"Fine!"

"Split up, Lefiya!"

In sync, they began to chant their short attack magic and shot it at the monster. The beast growled and turned its attention towards them, rushing through the water in the lake and trying to crush them with its necks. During that time, Bell moved as fast as possible, trying to not lose his footing from the massive vibrations the Monster Rex caused with each attack. He grit his teeth when he saw the magic of the powerful elves barely reach the skin of that thing, most of their power lost to the damned mist. But he had to focus. Just as he thought that, his eyes widened, when the other hand began to open its maw, blue flames flickering in its mouth, unlike the crimson mist in the other.

"Incoming!"

Then the entire area was set on fire. The rock. Any flora left. Even the water itself. All of it began to burn with the fire. Instantly, he could feel the heat on his skin. In his mind, he thanked Hans for his foresight, of giving them the Salamander Wool. Still, he leapt through the air, picking up speed before he more or less tackled the girl away from incoming flames. She let out a squeak as he rolled on the ground and held her in his arms. With his back against the wall, he saw for a moment how Lefiya and Filvis moved as quickly as they could, despite sweating like crazy, shooting magic after magic to pierce through the mist. But when it got thinner, the second head merely reapplied the mist. Shaking his head, he looked around, trying to find a way to get this girl to safety. Looking up, he couldn't help but smile. Right above his head, on the wall behind him, was a hole. Not a particularly big one, but big enough for the small girl in his arms. Nodding to himself, he turned to look at the victim in his arms.

"It's al-" He got a good look at the face underneath the hood and he felt himself choke up, his words strangled and his smile wavering. "...right... ?"

Not human. He didn't hold a human. Nor an elf nor an amazon nor a dwarf or any race from the surface. Long silver blue hair. Amber eyes, the pupils being slits instead of orbs. Scales on several spots on her skin. A big red jewel in her forehead. His mind immediately recalled the monster information supplied by the guild. A vouivre. A humanoid dragon monster, with its 'tear' on its forehead being worth a fortune. But this one looked... too human. Arms. Legs. Not the serpentine body he believed vouivre were meant to have. It was only then that it hit him.

He saved a monster. The one he thought was a poor girl. And that monster... stared at him with tearful eyes, her lips quivering as she seemed at the verge of escaping, raising her arms in a pathetic self defense. If that weren't enough, he could see intelligence in her eyes. Everything that he learned so far demanded that this was fake. That this couldn't be real. Yet his heart screamed to ignore what his mind demanded. It still burned to help her despite everything. It was then that the monster girl opened her mouth, shaking in fear.

"P-Please... D-D-Don't hurt me... !"

His eyes widened in shock. She could talk. She was sapient. She could feel fear. Shaking his head, he took a deep breath. Alright. That was more than enough for him. He shouldn't have had those thoughts to begin with. This entire situation... It was simple enough. He raised his hand, causing the girl to flinch. But then she let out a confused noise when he adjusted her hood, pulling it down deeper. With a gentle smile, he raised his finger against his lips and winked at her. Before she could ask anything more, he picked her up and pushed her up against the hole. The girl got the message and pulled herself up. But instead of leaving immediately, she turned her head around, staring at him with wide eyes of wonder. Just like a child. He smiled back before picking up his swords again.

"Go! My companions and I will handle that thing! You'll be safe!"

The girl sniffed, tears welling up. But then a bright smile appeared on her face and she nodded at him in gratitude.

"T-Thank you!"

The girl in monster form then turned around and crawled through the hole. Bell pressed his lips together, but still let out a sigh of relief, some of the tension leaving his body. What a cute smile. This wasn't just a monster that he had to kill. He was right from the start. That was just a girl that needed saving. Even if he was worried where that path led, anything was safer than this place.

Speaking of this place, he twirled around and wiped some sweat from his forehead. Rushing forward, he took advantage of the fact that the monster focused solely on the elves. He leapt over the lake as much as he could, flying past the monster and swung his arms as often as he could before he had to land on a rock that wasn't burning too much and jump off from there. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. The good news was that his swords weren't stopped by the mist and actually did some damage. The bad news was... it didn't do a lot of damage. There were cuts, yes, but skin deep at best. Sliding over the ground, he came to a stop next to the elves. Nodding at each other, they then moved as one, dashing away from two necks trying to smash down on them.

"Where's the girl?!" Lefiya asked before firing a beam of fire at one of the heads, while Filvis attacked the other. As expected, no real damage, but it did the job of blinding it for a moment to give them some breathing room.

"I pushed her up there! She should be able to run away now!"

"What was she doing here alone anyway?!"

"No time to think about it, brace yourselves!" Filvis shouted, before chanting her barrier magic. Bell and Lefiya immediately moved behind her before blue flames once more shot out of the Monster Rex.

"The mist makes magic attacks useless! I doubt any of us have the physical power either!"

The Maenads had a point. The Amphisbaena was classified as a level five monster in terms of raw status, two levels above any of them. Though due to its maneuverability in the water, something it didn't use yet fortunately enough, it was actually considered a level six. So basically they were fighting a giant monster that was theoretically as hard to fight as most top tier adventurers in Orario. Still, when Lefiya added her own version of the barrier spell to Filvis, Bell began pushing them from behind by instinct. At the same time, he bit his lip at the Maenads statement before shaking his head.

"Magic isn't useless. It's just weakened." He recalled how the mist got thinner with each magic and that the monster had to reapply it. With that in mind, the solution was rather simple, something Kojiro often beat into his head. No need to make anything complex if straightforward was the way to go. "If we hit hard enough, the mist won't protect it completely!"

The flames stopped from the monster's mouth and the barrier fell. Immediately the renewed scorching heat managed to pierce even through the Salamander Wool, causing the trio to wince. But they didn't hesitate for too long as they moved. At the same time the monster suddenly dove into the lake causing them to grit their teeth in frustration.

"Lefiya, what do you think?"

"M-Maybe I can put out enough power?" Suddenly the Loki member took a deep breath before nodding with a grim but determined look."No, Lady Riveria's magic can definitely do it!"

"I think I can overpower it too," Bell muttered before activating Argonaut already. The white particles gathered around him, earning him surprised looks from the elves. Filvis gathered her wits quickly however as she eyed the burning lake with a slow nod.

"Very well. I shall do my best to work interference in the meantime."

Suddenly the necks emerged, shooting out like whips. The trio split up, their tired legs being urged on once more by their willful minds. Filvis moved forward, starting to visibly float around the lake as she cut away at the monster when it exposed itself and attacked with its necks while chanting at the same time. Lefiya, the slowest of them, split her focus between incoming attacks and her chant.

"The flame will soon be released."

And Bell? He kept close to her while concentrating on his charging. Escape wasn't an option. If it wanted to, it would just chase them down and monsters, especially the floor bosses, weren't known for having mercy. No, they would have to fight here and now and win. With that in mind, Bell picked up all he could from Filvis and his memories of Ryuu and began to join Filvis in cutting the monster up. The closer he got, the hotter it became. The flames raged violently. He could only imagine how scorched they would be without the spirit blessed clothed. How his concentration would have broken by now if he didn't face even hotter flames, courtesy of Solaris. Still, this didn't mean it was an easy fight.

"Creeping war, unavoidable destruction."

It was like cutting into a mountain. Each time he leapt away from a smashing attack from one of its neck, his swords barely dug millimeters into its skin before he had to pull Homebringer out and jump over the sideway attack. The one time he couldn't dodge, he was forced to parry the massive slap of flesh as best as he could. His arms felt like they were about to break before he pushed it away enough for him to get thrown away from the impact. Despite the pain however, he kept his focus on Argonaut. He couldn't afford to lose it after all.

"The horn of battle sounds aloud, the cruelty of conflict will envelop all."

Three minutes. That was the time he needed to charge. At best one or two went by as Lefiya chanted, her words strained and exhausted as she had to dodge incoming debris thrown at her by the monster or renewed fire aimed to end her life. But she still kept her focus. They all did. But it didn't mean it was perfect forever.

Maybe it was the water that hadn't evaporated yet. Maybe it was just exhaustion catching up. The lack of air due to it being burned in this enclosed space. But Filvis, her eyes half lidded and dazed, slipped. The shock caused her eyes to widen, when one neck didn't hesitate to aim for her life. It was only pure luck that she was in the middle of chanting her barrier instead of her attacking magic. It was raised in time. But the sheer physical force still slammed into her and she crashed against the wall, the barrier shattering. She spat out blood before sliding down the wall.

"C-come, crimson flames, the ruthless inferno!"

Bell could feel nothing but respect for Lefiya. Despite witnessing her friend being hurt like this, there was nothing more than a slight stumble in her chant. Still, with Filvis out of commission, he was afraid it would go in for the kill. But apparently the Monster Rex was 'smarter' than this. Because Filvis was out of the fight, she was no threat. Not compared to Bell and Lefiya, whose magical energy has been surging. The necks disappeared into the water once more and the White Fool didn't hesitate in his decision.

Lefiya was their ticket out of this situation. But there was no way she could handle being directly attacked like Filvis and he did, not when she was preoccupied with her own magic. So he did the only and dumbest thing he could. In no time he was in front of Lefiya as she ran as well. He could feel the incredulous stare at his head. But he didn't care. With his gritted teeth, he braced himself, internally wishing he had his own protection magic, something to look into for the future. And then it came.

"You are the avatar of hellfire! Sweep completely, bring a close to the great war!"

A few seconds at best. That was how long he had to protect Lefiya. But those seconds felt like agony when he did the foolish thing and stood his ground against the physical onslaught of the Monster Rex. But he remembered his promise. To return home safely. He imagined Lefiya and Filvis promised to do the same to theirs. So what else could he do but ensure that to the best of his capabilities? He recalled Kojiro against that sea monster in Melen. It was different. Quantity over quality, thin over thick. But it was a close enough comparison to copy. Keeping track of Lefiya, even if she was behind him, he put everything on parrying the necks as his life depended on it. His entire body had to move in sync. Every bit of power had to be forced out of his body and used to protect himself and the elf into a full power strike with both his blades to knock the necks off course. A moment of distraction. An instance of faltering. If he would lose focus, if he would give in to the agony of his body as he diverted the most powerful strikes he had to protect himself in his life, they would all die. Still,when it swung down, he diverted it to the left while Lefiya moved to the right. When it swung sideways, he would dig in his legs and lift it barely over their heads. It was a powerful monster. Stronger than anything he ever had to face like this. But he saw and felt more powerful individuals than this. Those who could overcome this monster with ease. Did he have any right to not overcome this as well?

"Burn them through, Sword of Surtr - my name is Alf!"

The sudden stop of attacks almost interrupted his focus, his Argonaut almost slipping out of his grasp. But he grit his teeth, trying his best not to lose the tension that kept him up and saw how the monster spat out as much crimson mist as it could before diving into the water. But it was too late. Or rather, it made the wrong choice, focusing on defense like that. Lefiya raised her staff, taking a deep breath before screaming out the magic that belonged to the strongest mage of Orario.

"Rea Laevateinn!"

The mist. The water. All of it disappeared in an instance when the fire pillars were born into existence, violently tearing apart the area like a vicious storm. For a few seconds, it burned and burned, hotter than even the blue flames, before disappearing from the world. Then they saw it, in the steam that couldn't hide its massive frame. Lefiya let out a growl before casting once more as quickly as she could.

"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree!"

The Amphisbaena was scorched despite its protection. A part of Bell felt fear, imagining Lefiya using that kind of power against him. But he pushed that thought aside when one of its head opened its mouth, the crimson mist glittering within it. Despite the burns all over its body, despite the exhaustion it showed, it still tried to fight and protect itself. But before it could cover itself up, making their magic attacks weaker, it appeared.

"Sweep, holy staff of crushing evil! Dio Thyrsos!"

The light smashed the back of the monster's head, interrupting it. The other head seemed to widen its eyes before opening its own maw, realizing that it wouldn't be able to use the crimson mist in time. Bell raised his arm, not willing to lose now. Three minutes had passed by now. At the same time, Lefiya stood tall right next to him.

"You are an expert of the bow. Shoot, sniper of the fairies. Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy!"

"Firebolt!"

"Arcs Ray!"

Blue flames rushed against the red and white light. Fire against fire, the beams of energy pushing against each other in a wild struggle. The monster roared. Bell and Lefiya screamed their hearts out, pouring as much power as they could into their attack.

"Gooooooo!" They screamed at the same time, attempting to push their arms. Their beams started to push back the blue flames, but it was too slow. By now, Bell could feel his consciousness starting to fade. But then he saw a glint from the corner of his eye.

"Sweep, holy staff of crushing evil! Dio Thyrsos!"

Once more, Filvis attacked, even as she coughed and her voice was filled with pain. And once more, the monster was hit from the side. Its flames stopped, interrupted by the attack. Immediately after, it was engulfed by the two attacks of the rookies. Silence reigned after the two collapsed on their backs, energy leaving them completely as they breathed heavily. But they smiled. All of them, despite the exhaustion, the blood on their faces in Filvis' case and their very bruised muscles. The monster was gone, a half melted magic stone being slowly drowned by the water that flooded back in. It would still make some good money, but at the moment, none of the three were in any mindset to pick it up, instead allowing it to float away into the depths of the dungeon.

"This is what I hate about you the most."

Bell stared at her in a daze as Lefiya adjusted her clothes, burned a bit but still present enough to protect her modesty. She wasn't looking at him, instead staring at the almost too quiet lake in front of them.

"You're strong. And you will only become stronger. It's like getting left behind in the dust by someone my own age... " She muttered before closing her eyes with a deep breath. "You don't need anyone protecting you like I do. You can already do your own Concurrent Chanting while fighting yourself." Her hands formed fists. "You-You can just push forward on your own while I have to trail behind everyone... that it includes you is so frustrating... !"

"Lefiya... "

So this was what it was all about. Their differences in roles were the cause. She felt inadequate not only because of his growth and their similiar backgrounds as rising rookies, but because she felt like a burden compared to him. It was wrong in his eyes to think so, but he recognized her feelings on this topic. But before he could say some words of comfort, to say it's alright, she suddenly showed him a challenging smile. It was actually quite nice, none of the dislike present as she pointed at him.

"But you better believe I won't give up that easily!" She jabbed her thumb at herself. "From now on, you are my rival, got it?!"

A rival. He couldn't help but feel excited at the thought. There were many stories of rivals pushing each other to new heights. To have something like this in his life... ! What an honor! He stayed silent. but smiled brightly as he nodded at her. Lefiya smiled back, genuinely in a way that made her look very cute and the two shook each other's hand. But just as quick as the good mood appeared, the glare returned to Lefiya's face as if it never left, her hand squeezing down on his.

"And don't get any weird thoughts! Especially with Aiz!"

Aaaand there it was. Though it seemed she was less angry than she usually was, her mouth seemingly twitching as if trying not to smile. He was shaken out of his musings when he saw Filvis approach them, holding her side with a tired smile.

"You are quite talented, Bell. I can see why Lord Hermes has his eye on you now." She politely lowered her head. "You have my respect."

He blushed, unable to handle the attention he was gaining. Sure, he knew his growth would catch eyes, but he would never get used to this. Before he could reply however, Lefiya shot up and began shaking her friend's shoulders almost frantically.

"Oh no, not you too! Look at me, Filvis! You cannot allow yourself to be drawn in by his charm! I can't lose you too!"

"L-Lefiya, this is embarrassing!" Filvis shouted, her cheeks tinted red. Bell on the other hand gaped in horror before standing up and waving his arms frantically.

"Listen, I am not that kind of guy!"

"Explain Miss Lion then!"

"Ryuu initiated the kiss!"

The silence that followed was deafening. The elves stared at him, mouths hilariously wide while Bell slapped his hand over his own. But it was too late. He could see how the gears were turning in their heads. Their face slowly turned red, but it was nothing compared to the indignation that filled their voices.

"She what?!"

In that moment, Bell was not more thankful for the sounds of movements approaching them. Yes, they were monsters, but they didn't ask questions about something he still had to wrap his head around.

"Guess we were too loud... " He joked quietly before forcing his aching arms to pick up his blades.

"Don't think this is over!" Lefiya shouted and to his misfortune, Filvis nodded in agreement, equally irritated.

"Yes, as if the Royal Gale would act like that!"

"Is this really the time?!" He asked loudly. They didn't even hesitate to nod in sync.

"It is the only time!"

It was then that Bell's ears picked up the... strange noises that didn't match up with monster movements. Instead they sounded like flesh being torn apart. Screams of agony. It was then that they saw it. The monsters. Or rather, fleeing monsters. Those fleeing monsters were suddenly preyed upon by a blurring figure. His eyes widened when the twin swords stabbed into one of the birds. Shirou, laughing like a maniac, seemed to glow a bit underneath his clothes, in a weird blue light before he sped away, faster than he ever saw someone move unless they were level six or seven. At the same time, more figures emerged, slaughtering the monsters. He gaped, hearing Lefiya choke at the sight as well.

Fire. Ice. Wind. The heralded the march of silver knights, transparent like ghosts as they cut their way through. Right behind them was Hans, writing away on his scroll, his arm barely visible as it was writing at high speeds, radiating magical energy as he sweated a bit. At the same time Liliruca waved at them lazily, her bag filled with items, stretched to the limit.

"Good to see you three clowns are as healthy as ever."

"C'mon, Lili, a bit more manners!" Shirou said in a joyful tone, dispatching the last monster. Hans scoffed, flicking his wrist with a sigh and causing all magical effects, including the knights to disappear.

"Nah, she's doing fine." He eyed the group with a tired smirk before pointing back at the path they came from. "Alright, that was a nice walk, let's go back."

"You better write the most amazing book!" Lefiya shouted, unable to hold back her emotions due to the many things that occured. The author scoffed before pointing at himself.

"You know who you are talking to, right?"

Wearily, they marched towards the stairs that would lead them back to the surface. But as they walked, with relative peace back, Bell recalled why they got into a fight with the Monster Rex. A lone, strange creature, sapient but scared, capable of human emotion. He stared at Hans' back. He wrote about sapient monsters as well, calling them Xenos, didn't he? And unlike before, where they seemed worried about something as they searched... now they seemed at ease. The lines were drawn. Gulping, he moved next to Hans, getting closer to whisper to him.

"Hans... " The man just glanced at him with a lazy look. Bell took a deep breath. "Did you ever meet a sapient monster?"

His eye twitched. It was just for a moment, but it was there. Then the author scoffed and shook his head, waving his hand dismissively.

"Don't ask stupid questions. Especially when others can hear you."

Sharp words. But no actual denial. Bell couldn't help but smile and nodded. He wasn't sure what to think about this... but he could see Hans was a good person, if he was willing to stage a rescue mission for the vouivre girl.

/

It took them a while to return to the surface. To their surprise, Shirou decided to stay back in Rivira, claiming he had private business to do. Seperating from him, they were now in Babel, taking in the fresh air. Hans was long gone by now, apparently having to report to the guild and leaving Liliruca behind to give out the money they were owed.

"It was... enjoyable," Lefiya admitted with a tired, weak smile, something that Filvis mirrored with a nod.

"Indeed. Almost relaxing."

"Getting seperated and having to fight a Monster Rex while bickering is relaxing?" Liliruca asked with a raised eyebrow. The Maenads frowned at the supporter.

"For a supporter you have quite the cheek."

"It's one of my charming points, Miss Challia," the small girl countered back. Then the two cracked a small smile at each other. Bell chuckled a bit. It was nice, forming new relations like this. But then he heard the frantic breathing as footsteps approached them. He turned around, his eyes widening at the one who approached them.

"B-B-Bell!"

"Nyx? What's wrong?"

The elves and the Pallum flinched the goddesses' presence, a reaction Bell long ignored by now. He looked at the heaving woman with worry, patting her shoulders with concern. Nyx looked up, panic in her eyes as she pointed down the street.

"It-It's your Familia! T-They a-a-a-re in trouble! S-someone's picking a fight with them!"

His eyes widened in shock. The girls behind him gasped and he was about to ask where they were. But then he saw it. The flames that rushed up into the sky, followed by an enraged scream that sounded a lot like Solaris. He didn't look back when he rushed out. He didn't care that Lefiya and Filvis chased after him while leaving behind Liliruca and Nyx. No, all that was on his mind was one question.

What the hell was happening while he was gone?!