A/N
Hello, I'm back!
First things first.
This chapter was supposed to be out yesterday, but unfortunately, I had things to do, so here we are today.
I hope it was worth the wait!
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The next thing is that I couldn't find a number for how long Freya had been on the lower world, so I made one up, it's 177 years.
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Finally, you may have noticed I didn't do the 'Getting armor' event with Eina, that's because it would have been in chapter 5, and, well, I didn't like writing that by the end any more than you guys seemed to like reading it, sooo… Yeah.
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Warning: Potential spoilers of the latter Light Novels.
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On with the show! Enjoy!
5,453 words in total.
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Lili ran with all her might, hoping, pleading that she would find the Loki Familia as soon as possible.
She ran, and ran, and ran.
Until a faint gold crossed her line of sight, the vanguard of the Loki Familia. Lili found some of her lost speed.
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Bell was fighting, ducking and weaving his way around the beast's wild swings.
As the fight raged on, Bell could only feel his will to win growing, his need to win growing.
Another swing missed, Bell stepped forward, slashing at the beast's thigh.
He quickly dove out of the way, another swing gone by, dodged all the same.
It roared again.
.
The Loki Vanguard ran at full pace.
Ais carried Lili as she guided, now all of them hearing as a second roar echoed along the stone walls.
Ais and Riveria picked up speed, soon followed by the others.
.
Bell was finally forced to block, bringing both his weapons up. His guild knife shattered on impact, already far beyond its intended lifespan, while the Hestia Knife took the brunt.
Bell was sent back a distance, sliding, but maneuvering to land on his feet.
It charged, not giving him a second to breathe.
Fortunately, he had the wall to his back.
The minotaur brought forth his horizontal slash, Bell ducked, and the sword became embedded in the wall.
Seeing an opportunity, Bell brought his free hand up, only just catching movement from the corner of his eye.
.
The first four to find him were Ais holding Lili, Bete and Riveria.
They arrived just in time to see a bright flash of red and orange, emit from Bell's palm, residing on the snout of the larger beast.
It backed up from the sudden blast, Bell moving around it freed from underneath.
Bell stopped, looking at the four, all watching with concern as the others arrived.
Bete stood at the front.
For a split moment, Bell and Bete's eyes met. In a moment, a message crossed between them, all from an almost unnoticeable nod from Bell, reciprocated by Bete.
Bell turned back to the Minotaur.
Ais stepped forward, intending to kill the beast, before Bete blocked her path.
"Give him a minute." Bete put simply.
The others, including those who've only just now arrived, look at him in shock.
"What?!" A rather shocked amazoness shouted, a tick mark appearing on his forehead.
.
The minotaur ripped the sword from the wall, finding him again, now blinded in one eye.
It lunged, hoping to smash Bell, missing as he sidestepped. Bell slashing back, hitting a tough spot, doing no real damage.
They separated.
Bell and the minotaur stood at odds again, this time with him only having one knife.
Bell breathed, feeling the exhaustion catching up, but charged all the same.
The Loki executives, joined by Lili, watched on in astonishment. Sure, the beast would pose no issue to them, but was in fact a herculean foe at Level One.
They were fascinated as they watched, not daring to look away as they traded blow after blow.
He caught the raging bull as it over swung.
Bell pulled his hand up. "Fire-" he stopped.
'I can win without it.' He thought.
Bell had no reason, no justification, he simply didn't do it, he would win without his magic.
Bell ducked under the counter strike, slashing again at its side, finally getting through.
Bell passed behind the bull after his swing, taking his time to rework his footing, tightening his grip on the now blood slickened mithril.
It once again roared, lowering itself for a frontal charge. As it moved, Bell held his ground, only to sidestep as the sword came down a hair to his side.
Bell wasted no time in forcing the knife into the forearm, twisting violently. Destroying the tendons as they snapped apart.
The minotaur tried to pull the weapon back as it retreated, losing all grip in doing so.
Bell grabbed the hilt, pulling the sword along with him as he pressed his advantage.
He swung at the beast, cutting clean across its stomach.
It reacted by flinching violently backwards again, tripping onto its back in doing so.
Bell moved up with its fall, bringing the heavy weapon down on its right leg, severing it, as it lay in shock.
The minotaur lashed out in its final attempt at a hit.
Bell moved around it, dropping the long blade across its neck, decapitating it.
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They all stood with looks of amazement, the only notable outlier being Bete with a slight upward curve on the corner of his mouth.
Bell huffed in and out, high on adrenaline, looking towards the dead beast as its blood drained from the various mortal wounds. Before suddenly falling back onto his back, exhausted and barely conscious.
They rushed forward, Riveria taking up a position beside him, kneeling down to check his injuries.
"Where are you hurt?" She asked frantically.
Bell panted. "Just tired."
Riveria looked him over, confirming what he said, only finding cuts and scrapes, but no injuries beyond. Regardless though, all of them were still on edge, none more than Lili.
She jumped onto him sobbing, all while throwing slander for making her go off while he stayed behind.
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It wouldn't be till Lili removed the magic stone, did they find the minotaur horn.
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Bell arrived through the door of their hideaway, exhausted beyond reason.
Bell had wanted to come straight back home, instead of to the Guild or even the Blue Pharmacy, which Lili recommended quite strongly.
"Bell?" Hestia called out.
He froze on the stairs, having forgotten that today was one of her days off.
"I-I'm home g-goddess!" Bell tried his best to act fine, though failing miserably.
She walked out from around the corner, dropping Trje at the first sight of him. "What happened?!" She seemingly leaped the short distance between them.
"I'm fine goddess, just scratched up and tired." Bell said, before Hestia put herself beneath his arm, helping him to the bed.
"You do not get to come home looking like this and say 'scratched up', you look like you just ran through a knife shop!" Bell flopped onto the bed, too heavy for Hestia to carry further.
"It'll be okay, just need some sleep-" He passed out from the simple comfort it provided.
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Bell could feel a cold sensation coming and going in small spots across his torso, though he paid it no mind, still too sleepy to care.
"He's fine, though he shouldn't be from what Lili told me."
A voice spoke out after the sensation stopped, Bell didn't have the strength to ponder on who was here.
"Thank you anyways, taking the time to come and check on him."
Bell recognized the voice of his goddess.
"It's alright, after all, what type of monster wouldn't be concerned about a little bunny like him!"
Bell's eyes shot open, finding the source of the voice, not an arms length away sitting on the edge of the bed.
"N-Naaza?!" Bell stuttered out.
"Ah! Finally awake I see, good, now you can explain yourself." Naaza's smile turned to one of outrage.
Bell stuttered. "W-What?!"
"Oh, I don't know. Something about a minotaur perhaps?!" Naaza was very irritated.
Bell shrunk ever so slightly. "Well… What was I supposed to do?"
"Not fight it for one!" Naaza yelled.
"But it was going to catch up to us!" Bell retorted.
"I don't care, that wasn't a fight you should have realistically won! It's a miracle you even lasted as long as you did." Naaza was exasperated.
"But I did, and even so, I didn't have a choice." Bell wasn't letting up.
"You could have kept going till you found the Loki Familia." She countered.
"We didn't know how far away they were, that wasn't a viable option!" Bell was now getting irritated.
"You're being stubborn. Okay then, what would've happened if they weren't close enough." Naaza didn't like saying it, but he needed to understand.
"I still would've won." Bell challenged.
"You didn't know that then." Naaza was starting to feel like she got to him.
Bell didn't respond.
"What if you got hurt, and what if it wasn't something I could fix. Then what?!" She asked again.
"Then Lili would be safe." Bell spoke softly, though stern.
Naaza reached her breaking point. "Damn it... Why do you hold your life's value so low?!"
Bell was caught off guard.
Naaza screamed at him. "Time and time again you put yourself in these deadly situations! It's like Monsterphilia all over again!"
He had to think for a second, but soon found the courage to speak.
"It's because I've lived a good life already…" She flinched.
His tone grew louder and more passionate. "Whether I have more in my future or not, what's the point if I keep losing people. Is it wrong to just want them to be safe for once?!"
Naaza was shocked, not expecting… that.
Second, after second, after second passed.
She spoke softly. "Are- Are you okay Bell?"
Bell didn't respond, staring straight into her eyes. He shook his head, breaking down, slowly but surely.
She pushed herself forward, wrapping him in a hug the first moment she could.
She waited for some time. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked, holding him without sign of stopping.
He shook his head, only being able to mouth a silent 'no'.
Naaza stayed with him for as long as he needed, Hestia watching from the side with intense sympathy for both Bell and Naaza. Knowing why he was like this and wanting to comfort him too. But also for Naaza, who had no idea, and Bell not being ready to tell her just yet.
Though, if Hestia had to guess. That time would be soon.
She waited, letting them have their moment.
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After a while, Bell and Naaza parted. With it being late already, Naaza headed back to the Blue Pharmacy, though wishing she could stay to make sure Bell really was okay now.
In the meantime. Him and Hestia spoke for a bit, before he was finally comfortable enough to get his Falna updated.
When the normal amount of time had gone by, and Hestia was still looking at his statue, Bell became worried.
"Goddess?" Bell called.
"..."
"Is everything alright?" Bell called again.
Hestia broke from her stupor. "Huh?! Ah, uh, Bell?"
"Yes goddess?" Bell was concerned, though not fearful.
"You- You really are amazing aren't you…"
That in fact did make him scared.
She handed him the paper once finished.
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Bell Cranel
LV 2
STR : 971 - 1112 - 0
END : 989 - 1100 - 0
DEX : 956 - 1105 - 0
AGI : 1002 - 1367 - 0
MAG : 1110 - 1191 - 0
Development Ability: available
MAGIC :
Cure Wound Enhanced - Utility - Short Chanting Magic
Pure Spring - Utility - Short Chanting Magic
Candle Light - Utility - Short Chanting Magic
Cinder - Long Chant Magic
Firebolt - Variation - Instant chant
Dark Matter - Long Chant Magic
SKILLS :
Second Sight (Sixth Sense) - passive
Liaris Freese - passive
Argonaut - active
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Bell sat in silence, Hestia watching him for his reaction.
"Bell…" She called, after he had been staring for some time.
He looked up. "Maybe there really is a chance-" Bell said. "-that I could protect everyone."
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Later that night, after much consideration.
Bell chose the developmental ability 'Luck'.
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Three days later.
Bell walked up to the tower of Babel, though having no intentions of entering the dungeon.
Instead, he was on a mission to find the one person in Orario with answers.
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The elevator came to a halt in front of him, though there was nobody onboard. He looked up, feeling her watching with anticipation.
Ever since his level up, 'Second Sight', the next version of 'Sixth Sense', had become more powerful. The main thing he'd noticed was the ever more common feeling of being watched, though, unlike before, he knew it was coming from Babel.
Another ability 'Second Sight' granted was aura detection, which made him able to see the souls of people around him, though they needed to be in basically arms reach.
It had frightened him though, before he could control it, to see Hestia's divine aura circling her in such a beautiful fashion, befitting of a goddess.
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Bell reached the top of the elevator, not expecting the bulky figure he found there.
Bell at first froze, feeling power radiating off of him, before hearing an amused 'hmph'.
He spoke with a deep voice. "Your weapons, please disclose them."
Bell didn't hesitate, pulling the Hestia knife out, still needing to find a replacement for the guild knife.
The man nodded, motioning for him to enter the door behind him.
Bell was confused. "Aren't you going to take them?"
Ottar spoke. "I could deal with you before it left the sheath."
Bell gulped, believing him, before entering the door.
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Bell entered. The midday sun coming through the window to the left, lighting up the room.
"Hello." A soft voice washed over him. "It's nice to finally speak with you, Bell."
He could only stare at her, sitting on a comfortable looking couch, sipping tea in a long steel-blue sundress.
"Lady Freya?" Bell asked, trying to be polite.
She smiled, setting down her cup. "Yes, that is I."
Bell stood there, not sure what to do.
"Please sit!" She quickly noticed his discomfort. "Don't be worried, I'm a friend."
Bell sat opposite of her, not sure where to start.
Freya spoke. "You seem tense, is everything alright?"
"I-I don't know…" Bell shook. "...I want to ask you about some things..."
Freya was interested, though weary of what could come.
"Has Orario been treating you well?" Freya started some small talk, hoping to calm him a bit.
Bell thought quickly. "Y-Yes, I suppose."
"And Hestia?" Freya asked.
"The best I could hope for." Bell didn't hesitate.
"Good, I was worried." Freya had a genuinely relieved smile.
Bell looked in on himself, feeling he was ready to start asking questions.
"You've been watching me, haven't you?" He asked.
Freya was ready for this, having decided to be upfront before he even arrived.
She nodded. "Yes, you caught my eye some weeks ago. I believe when I found you, it was when you first came to the Blue Pharmacy."
Bell's eyes widened a bit, not unnoticed by Freya. "You've been watching for that long?"
She sighed. "Yes, I wanted to watch over you, so that nothing may happen."
Bell thought for a second.
"Then why did they?" Bell asked.
Frey flinched. "What do you-"
Bell cut her off. "You know."
Freya remained quiet, not having been ready for that. "I don't know what to say."
"Yes, or no." Bell wouldn't let this slide.
Freya was panicking slightly. "They were meant to help you improve, to grow."
Bell slowly shook his head, remaining calm. "You put both Hestia and Lili in harm's way, my family in harm's way." Bell tried to remain calm, but his emotions were leaking through.
Freya countered. "I understand what I did was wrong, but at no point were you or them in real danger, Ottar was always waiting to intervene if something went wrong, but thankfully, you didn't let it."
"That doesn't make it better." Bell said.
"They weren't in danger."
"That. Doesn't. Make it. Better." Bell spoke slower, more dangerously.
Bell was disappointed. "Don't you get it? It doesn't matter if he was there or not, what you did was wrong."
'Why can't he see it?!' She was frustrated. "I just want you to be strong."
"Why?!" He asked.
"You're all that's left!" Freya fought back tears from having to say it out loud. Ottar held himself back from running to her. "I thought you were all gone." A tear broke through, sliding down her cheek. She looked down to try and hide it.
Bell sat for a moment, confused, before a faint memory surfaced.
"I remember your name." Her eyes opened. "I remember them talking about you, but I was still too young for it to sink in. Why did they talk about you?" Bell asked, giving her a chance.
She did her best to stop her tears. "Ear- Early on, I-I created the Snow Elves.
You were meant to be a monument of capabilities as a goddess, nothing more.
But I got attached.
I felt the need to guide your people.
I loved them… You…"
She stopped to gain her breath and wipe her face.
"I taught them everything I could, how to hunt, survive, build…
Eventually, the other races were created, but they were not the same, their souls were imperfect, they didn't properly attach to their bodys.
Soon the other races found you, the Elves especially could feel your souls, how they fitted you perfectly, so they began to worship you.
They thought of you as deities come down to guide them.
That was until the other gods, spiteful gods, found out about this worship.
So they sent a human kingdom to destroy you, and I retaliated.
But- But now you are here, among us again, and I will not allow you to fall again, even if I have to protect you myself."
Freya was shaking, her heart racing.
Bell was silent, he felt lost in the tidal wave of new information.
He felt conflicted, the same drive to protect what was precious to him, was the same reasoning behind her actions.
Bell finally found something to say. "You didn't know I survived?"
She spoke in an absolute tone. "No. Had I known, I would have been looking for you the moment I set foot on Genkai."
Bell stared into her eyes, sensing that her words were true.
He didn't know what to say, she was sincere, just as much as him. How could he be mad at her for trying to help in her own way, it was wrong beyond any measure, but she tried, and that's all she saw it as.
After some time in thinking, Bell looked back to her again. "I need you to promise me something."
"Anything." Freya spoke without hesitation.
"You will never put those I care about in danger again, that means everyone. Hesita, Lili, Naaza, Eina, Ryuu, everyone, everyone I care about."
Her eyes widened a bit at the names, but she did as asked. "I promise, by my hand, nor my Familia's, will you or your loved ones ever be endangered. I swear." She meant every word of it.
Bell sat on her words for a moment. "Thank you."
.
Time passed, and conversation picked up again, Ottar had now left, seeing as the hard part was over.
"So." Bell started. "My soul is what creates that aura I suppress."
Freya was happy to talk of something she knew what to say about. "Your soul is directly linked to your body, instead of it being a lifeboat of sorts, moving between bodies until their souls have 'fermented' enough to be welcomed in Tenkai.
Whereas a Snow Elf soul will remain in their body until they die, already at the point for acceptance into Tenkai."
Bell thought on this concept, amazed that the knowledge he'd chased for centuries, was right here before him now.
Freya found something more to say. "Once in Tenkai, there's a place where you go, though I know not what has become of the souls there since my descent one-hundred-seventy-seven years ago. But I trust they are safe."
Bell was awestruck, finally having answers which always eluded him. It wasn't everyday that a mortal learns of the afterlife.
"So then dear Bell." Freya spoke up. "You have asked me many questions today, I would like to ask a few of my own, which I assume is alright with you."
"Uh… O-Okay…" bell wasn't expecting this.
Freya clasped her hands, looking new and refreshed compared to herself earlier.
"Well then, as a goddess of love, I must ask!" Bell's eyes widened as he guessed her next words.
"You seem to be pretty popular around town, surely a boy such as you has someone your interested in, right?" Freya was beaming with curiosity.
"W-What?!" Bell was lost, her words not reaching him fully.
Freya sighed, not losing her smile. "Oh come on! Which girls do you have a crush on!"
Bell turned a brighter red than found in nature. "Wh-wh-wh-"
It would be a long day for Bell.
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Four days later.
Hestia made her way through the various halls of babel before the denatus.
Her stomach was in knots over the subject matter they would discuss this evening. Though she was helped tremendously by Trje rubbing up against her as she carried him.
She was an oddity carrying a cat in babel, by far not the only pet owner among the gods, but certainly the only one who brought them along for the evening.
She naturally drew looks, not bad ones, but looks nonetheless because of this.
Though there was one goddess who acted differently, one who seemingly wanted the cat for herself.
"Hestia!" Freya called from some distance away.
"Hello Freya." Hestia smiled, having heard about her and Bell's meeting, she felt somewhat relieved to see her actually, knowing she had an ally in getting Bell a decent alias.
Freya went through the expected pleasantries, before doing what she was really here for.
Freya scooped Trje out of Hestia's arms, not caring for her reaction as she held him up in the air. Freya was glowing with joy.
Hestia was a bit peeved at this, though she was more fascinated with Trje, he was normally wary of strangers, but showed no agitation when Freya held him.
.
Hestia observed the room which held nearly every god in Orario.
It was clean though barren, holding only the seats and tables for its occupants.
The walls seemed white yet light blue at the same time, along with a large glass wall showing the clouds below.
If the night had been clear, one would see a brilliant sight, that of Orario glowing its never ending light as the citizens mingled and celebrated on their own occasions.
.
The denatus began as usual with its normal reports from more essential Familia's, those being the Ganesha, Demeter and Jarylo Familia's. There were others, but after three lengthy speeches about their work ethic, efforts to improve, yada yada yada, nobody really cared anymore.
Some other topics were the closing in festivals, as well as information regarding a possible upcoming war with Rakia, though that wasn't of much interest to many, being months away if anything.
Eventually, the gods started to come back to life, as the event on everyone's mind made its way to center stage.
They would be deciding on aliases for those who leveled up since last time.
Various other gods were here for the same reason as Hestia, a few of them being Set, Takemikazuchi and even Loki.
Numerous names were given, one after the other.
Naturally, the two smaller Familia deity's were shucked off, given idiotic, and borderline offensive names, all in the name of a good time for the gods who weren't in the crosshairs.
Eventually though, Hestia's, or in other words, Bell's turn arrived.
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Hestia was sitting on pins and needles, fearing that she wouldn't be able to live up to her promise to protect him.
Everyone froze when his time adventuring was noticed, by Loki nonetheless.
"Hestia." Loki called, eerily calm at the news. "Explain."
She was scared, though she did her best to hide it. She looked over to Freya, who sat next to Hestia so she could hold Trje, Freya gave a supporting nod, which for some reason calmed her greatly.
Hestia stood, meeting Loki's gaze, though her eyes appeared closed.
"I'm aware that this is… Weird at best, but I can guarantee you that I didn't manipulate his Falna, he has had a difficult life, experiencing more strife than any mortal should. He isn't strong because of a fluke, he earned this." To the other gods, she seemed rather convincing.
Loki was silent for a moment. "So his Falna hasn't been tampered with in any way?"
"Correct." Hestia responded. "He's worked hard since day one, fighting tooth and nail every battle. I will admit that you aren't the only one among us who is baffled by his progress, I honestly hope it calms down soon. I fear his experience in the dungeon isn't keeping pace with his status, I can only hope he stays safe down there."
Every god in the room who questioned Hestia found themselves sympathizing with her rather unique plight, knowing the real meaning behind her words.
'I just hope he comes back alive.' They all corrected in their thoughts.
All was silent for a moment.
"Very well." Loki seemed upset, but she believed her.
Hestia was feeling better, until a sinister grin appeared upon Loki's face.
"So then! What shall we name him!"
Hestia's stomach flipped instantly.
.
Various names came about, they were actually quite tame for a bit.
Until an unknown goddess mentioned his likeness to rabbit, sighting a picture which seemed to appear from nowhere.
That's when the names got weird.
"Bunstoppable!"
"King Carrot!"
Hestia felt more and more hopeless by the second.
"The Chosen Bun!"
She felt herself cringe at that one.
Loki pitched in. "What about 'Snow boy'?"
A number of gods, including Hestia and Freya looked to her for an explanation.
"Look at the kid, he's pale as a ghost, and his hair is like snow. You'd think he was stuck inside for the winter!"
Not many people agreed, but it was a new direction, so Hestia appreciated it.
People were brainstorming when...
"Little Rookie?"
Everyone in the Room looked at Freya. It was odd for her to even be here, usually skipping out at the last second, so many didn't expect her to contribute.
"Little Rookie?" Hestia asked.
"Yes, the debate was going on for such a long time that I feel we need to come to an agreement and end this for today."
Many of the gods, mostly the males, agreed with the name. Regardless, most of the gods felt it was goofy enough anyways.
And so it was decided.
Bell's Alias would be 'Little Rookie'.
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For Bell, it was a first to not sit at the bar, being at a table instead.
Beside him was Ryuu, across was Syr, and diagonal was Lili.
"Little Rookie?" Lili asked.
"Yeah, it wasn't my first pick, but what can you do?" Bell shrugged his shoulders.
"Hmm! I like it!" Syr spoke out.
"Naturally." Ryuu commented quietly.
Lili turned to the additional guests, thinking for a moment. "So she just lets you guys take a break as long as it's with Bell?"
"Wait what?" Bell was caught by surprise.
"Only for Ryuu and Bell." Syr giggled, they both flinched. "Though sometimes I join them."
"That's ridiculous Syr." Ryuu tried to keep her embarrassment down, though she slipped a touch.
"Wait, you do always eat with me, don't you?" Bell came to the realization, never having thought about it before.
"So Level Two, are you both going to head deeper now?" Ryuu asked in a panic.
'She totally dodged that' They all three thought.
"Oh, well, only if master Bell thinks he can handle it?" Lili both stated and asked.
Bell scratched his cheek, thinking on the subject.
"Eventually, yes. But I think we should spend a few days getting used to Floor Twelve. If we think we can go down an extra floor, maybe only for an hour or so, just to get a feel for it." Bell concluded, though he'd think about it some more.
"Mh." Ryuu nodded. "The middle floors are a different environment to the upper ones, not just in their design, but in the monsters as well. They get much stronger, smarter and numerous, it isn't a place for those who lack experience. Please remember that."
Bell listened closely. "So what do you recommend?"
Ryuu shifted, sitting a bit taller than before. "I recommend that you find more party members, though they can't be just anyone, they need to be competent."
Bell thought for a moment. "That's gonna be difficult on short notice…"
Syr was about to say something, before an abrupt laugh was heard towards Bell's left.
"Having some trouble 'Little Rookie'?" The broad shouldered man barged right up to the table, Bell, sitting on the end closest to him, could smell an overabundance of alcohol from him.
"We go down to the middle floors all the time!" He inched closer.
"After all, we're all Level Two's here, why don't ya join us!" The man leaned over the table, breathing on Bell, who was not enjoying the stench.
"Can you please give me some space." Bell asked, trying his best not to offend, but also not to gag at the same time.
He leaned in closer, not even hearing Bell. "But to join us, you need to bring these pretty little ladies-"
The entire pub, which was already watching them in minor annoyance from the drunk's volume, fell silent at the sound of splintering wood crossing the face of the offender.
Everyone watched in shock as the short white haired adventurer sent a veteran Level Two crashing down in one swift motion.
Bell now stood, only his back visible to the wide eyed Ryuu and Lili, but across from him, Syr could see the dangerous look in his eye.
"Mord?!" He party members went to him, having fallen back towards their table.
The offender, Mord, pushed their attempts at aid away, pulling himself back up. "How dare you!" He shouted.
Bell stood in starch defiance of his senior adventurer. Bell said nothing, only glaring at Mord.
"I'll kill you!" Mord screamed.
He moved to grab at Bell's neck, Bell brought out Hestia knife, ready to use it.
-CRASH-
Everything stopped.
The two turned in an instant, eyes trained on the shattered counter of which Mama Mia's fist lay across.
"You dare cause trouble in my establishment?! This place is for food and drink! Not for your little ballet recital! Get the hell out!"
The three said nothing, only turning to leave.
"THE TAB?!"
A bag of valis hit the table, before they went running.
Unfortunately, Bell knew better.
"Here. Now." Mama Mia called him, staring him down with all the malic a Level Six could muster.
Bell quickly moved, not making her wait.
It wasn't pretty, but she grabbed his arm, dragging him through the kitchen door, then out into the center of the courtyard.
"You care to explain yourself?!" She was livid.
Bell hesitated, but spoke his mind. "They spoke ill of my friends and your employees, I couldn't tolerate that."
Mia sighed, not knowing quite what to say. "Look, I can't speak for your one friend, but the girls can handle themselves. Even then, they know they only need to call for me. I won't tolerate others handling my business in my house, got it."
Bell nodded.
"And if that same thing happens." Mia asked.
Bell spoke flatly. "I'd do it again." Bell's heart stopped for a second, having spoken without thinking.
Mia chuckled.
"Good."
Bell was slightly taken aback, though he soon breathed a sigh of relief.
"Don't stand by when something like that happens, especially if they mean that much to you."
He nodded, daring to meet her eyes. That was when he saw the residual malice from earlier.
"However."
Bell gulped, his knees now shaking as her hand slammed down onto his shoulder.
"You've got three nights labor to do before the end of next week. Got it?"
Bell shook his head vigorously, daring not to speak a word.
'Ten nights to show up before dinner rush, better than my head at least.' Bell thought.
Oh how wrong he'd be.
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Bell walked back into the dinning area, finding his table again.
Ryuu spoke first. "Are you alright?!" Doing her best to hide the ever mounting concern.
"Yes." Bell spoke, though a bit paler than earlier. " She's having me work three nights, between now and the next weekend."
Bell was too distracted to notice Ryuu's eyes widen with surprise, and happiness.
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Bell sat, eating away at his pasta, anxious as could be after his encounter with Mia.
By chance, he had lost control of Second Sight, not being totally used to it yet.
Bell noticed something startling.
He first saw Ryuu, her soul being a gentle, soothing green that pulsed with her heart beat.
Then Lili, a warm golden brown, also pulsing rhythmically.
But it was when his eyes met Syr's soul, did he freeze.
Just like Hestia, it was an intense, overpowering golden brilliance, pulsing along with her heart. But it had one major difference.
That being the large silver and grey iris in the center, pulsating and shaking as though it were someone else's entirely.
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A/N
Jarylo - a deity which is from pre-Christian Poland, among other things, in Orario she is known for natural Vegetable farming outside the wall. Added into the story for no consequential purpose, just to fill a space.
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Sorry if the Minotaur fight wasn't what you all were expecting, I didn't want to have him pass out and then (Especially Riveria) see his status just yet. Especially since they don't have a real grasp of how powerful his magic can be.
Don't worry, we're getting closer and closer to that reveal, I think you'll all like it. ;)
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Hope I didn't push it with both Naaza and Freya in this chapter, but both were events I wanted to happen.
For Naaza, it was to push the idea that they have a sibling-like relationship a bit further.
For Freya, I want to push a caring personality with her as well, just a bit twisted due to the centuries of thinking her pride and joy were wiped out, though she will recover.
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One final thing, it occurs to me that you all might think I am creating this story as I go, but I assure you that my-
8 pages of storyboard.
2 pages of Snow Elf info.
3 pages of timeline.
3 pages of magic info.
Are all real and out to get you.
I have many, MANY plans for this story, and it ain't going away anytime soon.
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Hope the chapter turned out well!
Thank you all for reading, and giving me this slice of your day!
Have a good day!