After the Denatus, Hestia went over to Miach and met with everyone else to discuss the plan.
Hestia: Crap crap crap crap crap! *Pacing*
The blue haired god wanted to calm her down, but he understood that he wouldn't be much different in her shoes.
Artemis: Are you sure you kids won't try and help?
Albert: Not directly. I still think there is a chance to win if you play your cards right along with some luck.
Bell: You really think so? I'm not so sure since we have to fight two Familias.
Albert: I see why you have doubts, but just have some patience. In the meantime, Hestia, you should check Bell's status to see where he stands now.
The goddess nodded and did an update. The good news was that he could level up if he wanted, but his current stats paled in comparison to his level 1 stats.
Hestia: You think it's a good idea? He might need it.
Bell: What you you guys think?
While Miach and Naaza left for their privacy when the boy brought it up, Artemis was also puzzled at what to do.
Albert: Might want to wait some more. You are at the D and C ranges, but leveling up now can cause you problems later down the line.
Hestia: *Slightly confused* But wouldn't it be better to level up now so he could get stronger?
Bell: Yeah. Being a level 2 won't be much help against level 3s and 4s.
Masako: Well, you should change your perspective. Suppose you somehow won this wargame by taking your level up now. How would you handle the next threat you face?
Artemis: I don't think we follow.
Masako: Just to clarify, raising your basic abilities becomes more difficult as you level up, correct?
Bell: Yeah. Every adventurer knows that.
Masako: Then why would you move to the next level when your current one is incomplete? The current one being easier to raise the stats of in comparison to the next one.
Bell: Incomplete?
Ardi: Yeah. Your stats can go much higher. You've seen them get to SS and SSS, haven't you?
Bell: Well, yeah. Thats where they were when I was level 1.
Masako: Then you should aim for them with each level before moving on to the next.
Artemis: Why would he do that?
Masako: Think about it. Every adventurer has the same mind set. They would all rather level up as quickly as possible rather than raise their abilities to the max first. Bell is a good example of what happens when you do that.
Hestia: He is? How?
Albert: If he were to fight another level 2 right now, he would win easily in terms of raw stats. His current level 2 stats look average, but if you count his previous level 1 stats, then his total would add to be much higher than another person of the same level.
The message clicked in Artemis' brain.
Artemis: I get it! If Orion constantly raises his stats to the max, he will always be stronger than other of the same level!
Ardi: That's just the beginning. If he gets to the same ranks in his abilities as his previous level, he can even fight things stronger than his level entails.
Bell: You're saying if I get back to SS and SSS, I can fight people who are level 3?
Albert: Exactly. The best way to do that is to train.
Bell: I understand. So, will you help me?
Albert: No.
Bell: *Faceplant* What?!
Albert: We said we wouldn't help directly. Besides, I think you know who to ask instead of us.
In his mind, he remembered gold haired swordswoman, although, his heart beat a few paces slower than usual at the thought of her.
Bell: Wait, what about preparing for the Wargame?
Ardi: Leave that to Goddess Hestia and Artemis. You training is doing that and you probably shouldn't let your mind wander elsewhere.
Bell nodded and ran out of there. He wasn't the only one busy either. Welf was currently kneeling in front of his Goddess' desk.
Hephaestus: Are you absolutely sure you want to do this? You're crippling yourself as a blacksmith.
Welf: I've never been more sure.
Hephaestus: *Sigh* Why do you even want to convert in the first place?
Welf: Because my friend needs help and I'll be damned if I don't go and give him some!
The red headed Goddess couldn't suppress her smile from hearing that. Part of her felt some relief that her friend was getting help as well.
Hephaestus: Before I get started, might I also suggest something?
Welf: That is?
Hephaestus: They might need your expertise, if you know what I mean.
Welf: *Nodding* Yup, once I tell Lady Hestia, I'm locking myself in my forge for the next several days.
She began her part of the process while another God was pacing around inside his house. Takemikazuchi was deep in thought, thinking about how he could help Hestia.
Take: I could give her one of my children, but most wouldn't be of much help. Ouka is my Captain and Mikoto is...
He had a grimace in his face before he heard Mikoto call to him. He turned to her in surprise before she came to him to request that she be converted to Hestia. The god was shocked at first, but slightly relieved that things were beginning to fall into place.
Take: You are aware you'll be stuck there for a year.
Mikoto: I know, but Sir Bell needs help. This is also a chance to redeem our Familia for wronging his. Most of all, he is a trusted ally and a good friend.
Take: I see. Well then, I will respect your decision. Show me your back and I'll open your falna.
Mikoto: Thank you very much!
Thing were looking bright for Hestia, even when she didn't know it. Still, that didn't stop many from thinking she was doomed to lose such as a certain Familia.
Loki Familia...
They heard what happened to Bell and his Familia, and they couldn't lie about feeling nervous. Loki especially after recalling her visit with the kids. Ais was a close second. Even after recalling what was going in with Bell and Artemis, she still felt the boy was special to her and seeing him in this predicament made her feel sick. Finn saw this and made things clear right away.
Finn: I understand some of you are concerned about the upcoming Wargame. Let me be clear and say that we will not be helping him.
Tiona: Huh?! But he has to fight Apollo and Ishtar!
Tione: You heard the rules right? Even if we wanted, we can't because we just rose to level 6.
Ais lowered her head seeing how her quest for strength locked her away from helping her friend.
Finn: Look, this upsets me just as much as it does all of you, but this isn't a matter of our concern. Do not try anything that could jeopardize our Familia, got it?
Bete : Yeah yeah, can we just go?
The prum nodded and everyone left, leaving only the four top executives plus Loki.
Loki: You sure about this, Finn? Ais ain't gonna wait around for much longer.
Finn: We have no choice. We can't just go and give Bell Cranel our aid.
Lanette: Maybe, but what if we didn't? Nothing's stopping us if only a few members act out on their own.
Riveria: I suspect Ais try to will pull something like that soon.
Lanette: Relax, it won't backfire. It's not like she'll be fighting there, so we can bend some rules and let her train with him.
Gareth: Looks like it'll be sooner rather than later.
He pointed outside the window and saw Bell being thrown out by Tione.
Finn: Ouch, she could have been a little easier on him.
Riveria: Well, lets get back to work. We just got back from Melen and we have more catch up work to do.
They were about to leave the office as well when they heard someone knocking on the door.
Finn: Come in!
The person let themselves in, but none of them were expecting the person on the other side.
Loki: What are you doing here?
With Bell...
They boy ran into Ais and Tiona on his way away from Twilight Manor. The two offered to help him in the Wargame by training him, so Ais led them all to the spot they used last time.
Bell: Please treat me well!
The three got to work right away. They had 10 more days to use and they would use them all.
Meanwhile...
Hermes: *Begging* Please? This is really important! I know it hasn't been that long since last time, but we really need your help, Ryuu.
The elf was unsure about leaving again. Even for the short time of the Wargame.
Ryuu: Mama Mia won't be happy about it.
Syr: Please, Ryuu? Bell needs all the help he can get!
She was very conflicted on the decision until the dwarf woman came.
Mia: Just go.
Ryuu: Mama Mia?!
Mia: We can hold down the fort until you get back. I'll just give your jobs to Syr for now. The boy is a valued patron and he can use your help.
Syr: (Bear it.) We'll be fine. You go and give Bell a hand in the Wargame.
Ryuu: Very well. Though, I doubt I will be much help against Ishtar's Captain.
Hermes: Anything is better than nothing. We'll also make sure your identity stays a secret. Just do your best and thank you for helping.
Ryuu: I'm sorry about this, Mama Mia.
Mia: Yeah, don't worry about it. I'll make plenty during the Wargame to make up for you not being here. Just take care of yourself and the others.
The elf nodded and she left to prepare herself for the Wargame.
Back with Bell, he just finished the lasted spar with Ais and Tiona.
Bell: Hah... hah... hah...
Ais: We can take a break now.
Tiona: You guys can stay here. I'll go grab us some food!
The amazon didn't leave. As luck would have it, Artemis found where they were and had two large baskets. She finished walking up the stairs and her footsteps echoed from the entrance to the top of the walls.
Artemis: Hello, everyone!
Bell: Lady Artemis? Why are you here?
Tiona: Well, wasn't expecting this.
Artemis: Hestia told me this was where you would be. Or, that the others told her and then she told me. Anyways, I brought some food for everyone.
Tiona: *Drooling* Great, I'm ready to eat!
The goddess pulled some sandwiches out and gave one to each of them.
Bell: *Swallows* Wow, these are amazing! Where'd you get these?
Artemis: *Blushing* Actually, I... made them.
The boy's face reddened at unintentionally, yet now intentionally, praising her cooking.
Bell: *Blushing* Y-You did? They're great!
Tiona: *Mouth stuffed* They sure are!
Ais: *Nodding* Mhm.
Artemis: *Smiling* Thanks.
After finishing their food, the sun was nearly done setting.
Ais: We will go put the equipment away while you two get ready to sleep.
Bell: Okay, I'll see you guys tomorrow- wait, sleep?
Tiona: Yeah, we're staying here the whole time. We brought blankets, though.
Bell: Well, I guess I'll get some rest. *Sore* Ow... if tomorrow will be anything like today, I need all the rest I can get.
Ais: *Nods* We'll join you soon.
The two walked off to the side and put the crates of training equipment by the outside entrance before walking back inside. Though, they were greeted by quite the sight when they returned. Bell was out like a light as was Artemis, who had her arm across his chest.
Tiona: Hehe, looks like that rumor was true, eh Ais? ...Ais?
The girl didn't say anything, but she had a frown on her face. Tiona tried talking to her, but she just went to sleep and Tiona quickly followed.
Timeskip 4 day, night (5 days remaining)...
Clang* *Clang*
Artemis had left after the four of them ate a quick breakfast. Now, it was back to training and Bell gave it one hundred percent all the way. Around noon that day, Hestia came to give Bell a status update. When she did, Ais and Tiona left to give them privacy.
Hestia: (Well, that's weird.)
Bell Cranel
Hestia Familia
Level 2
Str SS-1158
End SS-1196
Dex SSS-1255
Agl SSS-1378
Mag SS-1182
Magic
Firebolt
Skills
Liaris Freese
-Look it up on the wiki if you don't know what this does by now.
Argonaut
-Gee wiz, what could this possibly do?
Development Abilities
Luck - H
Hestia: (He grew this much this quickly? I thought his skill was because of that Wallenwhatsit girl, but he clearly loves Artemis now.)
She thought to herself before an idea came to mind.
Hestia: (Could the conditions have shifted because of Artemis? No, this isn't the time for that, Hestia! Bell needs support and I have to give it to him!) Bell, looks like your stats are ready.
Bell: Great, then level me up.
Hestia: Coming right up!
As it finished, his stats reset once more and Hestia put the finishing touches in.
Hestia: Let's see, no magic or skills this time.
Bell: Aw man.
Hestia: Sorry, Bell, but we can get you a new Development Ability.
Bell: Is Abnormal Resistance an option?
Hestia: It is. You want it?
Bell: Yeah.
Hestia: Well, it's either that or Physical Resistance.
Bell: Hm, that other one could be useful, but Lili was always worrying about poison in the Dungeon. Still, there's the Wargame.
Hestia: About the game, Hermes came over and told me we'd be getting some extra help. I guess either would work, but you get the final choice.
Bell: There's no telling what other tricks they might pull. I've spent a lot of time training with Miss Ais and Miss Tiona, so I think I'll be fine without Physical Resistance. If they try anything weird like some strange potion or spell, I might want to have Abnormal Resistance. Lili also told me it would save us money on antidotes in the Dungeon.
Hestia: Well, if that's what you want, I'll do it.
With that, she finished and Bell was now level 3.
Hestia: I gotta head back, but congratulations! I'll tell Artemis for you!.
Bell: Bye, Goddess!
Ais and Tiona saw Hestia leave and went back to Bell.
Tiona: So, how'd it go? Did your stats get higher?
Bell: Yeah, it went great! Goddess just finished leveling me up!
Tiona: WHAT?! You leveled up again?!
Ais was in the same amount of shock as her. Part of her felt even more curious about how Bell grew so quickly, yet another felt very happy for him.
Ais: Good job, Bell. You worked very hard to get this far.
Bell: T-Thanks, that means a lot. Being level 3 won't be enough though.
Tiona: Yeah, so let's get back to it.
They spent much of that day helping Bell get acquainted with his new level up, but also kept a speedy pace with their training. Since two days ago, Artemis made an effort to join them every evening and to also sleep with Bell which annoyed Ais much to her confusion.
In the last few days, Hestia also completed the conversion of Welf and Mikoto, but ran into some trouble when they heard something happen to Lili. Her Captain, Zaid came to her with another bribe and one she couldn't ignore, so she went with him. Welf along with some of Take's Familia and Naaza broke into the Soma Familia home and busted her out. Well, that was the plan, but Lili wanted to pay Soma a visit, all the while Zanis tailing her. She eventually reached her god and begged him to let her leave. Soma decided to humor her one last time, and gave her a cup of his wine. She was free so long as she could drink it and ask the same question of him. Lili took her chance and downed the wine right away before falling on the ground in bliss. Soma looked disappointed and not surprised either, that is, until she got back on her knees and begged him in tears again. His eyes widened and Zanis grew nervous at this interaction. He tried to dissuade his god, but Soma quieted him before grabbing a container of wine and throwing it outside. He ordered the fighting to stop, and everyone did. Seeing his plan fall apart, Zanis made one final attempt for Lili before he was forced back by an arrow followed by Welf knocking him out. Hestia met with them inside and the conversion of Lili was complete. Right now, they were at Miach's again to review their progress.
Hestia: Alright, we have some good news. Now that the conversions are done, we have Miss Supporter, Welf and Miss Mikoto joining.
Welf: How's Bell doing on his end?
Hestia: I went recently to update his status and he leveled up.
Welf: Seriously?! Man, I'll never catch up now.
Lili: Lili feels happy for him, but even a level up now won't be enough.
Mikoto: She has a point. How are the magic swords doing, Sir Welf?
Welf: I've got three done and a fourth on the way. I'm hoping to get at least six before we have to leave, but we do need to leave a day in advance. I saw at the Guild that we would be fighting at a castle outside the city. Might not have enough time to make them.
Hestia: Just do what you can. Even four or five should be a lot.
They talked for a bit more before breaking off againnto prepare. While Welf was forging his weapons, Lili was putting strategies together for their Wargame and Mikoto was doing her own training with Take. They had only a few days left until the fight of their lives.
Timeskip the day of the Wargame, Early morning...
Everyone was waiting outside the ruins of the abandoned church. Bell had still not yet arrived and Hestia was waiting on two other people. Ryuu had already arrived and was ready for the game. They turned when they heard footsteps and saw Bell walking to them, dressed for battle.
Bell: Sorry I'm late.
Welf: Now that you're here, we've only got two left according to Lady Hestia.
Just then, they heard another pair of footsteps coming their way. Hestia already told everyone ahead of time except Bell, so he was shocked to see one familiar face along with a new one.
???: Apologies, we're here now.
Two more elves came and joined with their group.
Bell: Miss Lefiya?
The first was the orange haired elf of the Loki Familia and a level 3.
Lefiya: Yes, who do you think I am.
Bell: No, I mean, what are you doing here?
Lefiya: I'm joining your team for the Wargame.
Bell: But why? You aren't apart of our Familia.
Flashback...
Loki: What are you doing here?
Lefiya: Goddess, I wish to ask for your permission in joining Bell Cranel in the Wargame coming up.
Loki: Say what?!
Finn: That's... unexpected of you. What brought this up?
Lefiya: Well, you see...
Riveria: Is what happened during Melen still bothering you?
Lefiya: I-I... *sigh* yes, but it isn't just that. I've just felt so useless lately, like I've been holding everyone back.
Riveria: You can't use that as an excuse, you've grown a lot recently.
Loki: Yeah. Don't beat yourself up over it.
Lefiya: T-That isn't the only reason I want to go. That's just a personal doubt I want to deal with, but also need to pay Bell Cranel back for something else he did recently.
Gareth: What, did he show you a good time or something?
Lefiya's mind: *Embarrased*
She recalled the instance when Bell got more than a little handsy after seeing Hermes' beat up body back in Rivira. The elf couldn't hide the red forming on her face.
Bonk*
Riveria: Enough of your jokes dwarf!
Gareth: Hey, I was just kidding!
Loki: It better be! No one's laying their hands on my girls! Ahem, well, if that's your reason, I don't see why not. You are sure about this, right?
Lefiya: I am.
Loki: Finn?
Finn: Let her do it. She's clearly committed ti her choice. Just be sure to ask Goddess Hestia for permission.
Lefiya: *Bowing* I will. Thank you!
With that, she left and made her way to find Hestia. When she did, the goddess was happy to hear she got another helper and a strong one too. Lefiya was surprised to hear someone else also join and that there was one spot left. Hestia wasn't sure who else to invite, but Lefiya told her she had someone in mind. The following day, she brought her friend, Filvis, to join with her. The other elf still had a few doubts, but trusted Lefiya's judgment. That's how the two of them came to be part of Bell's team.
End of Flashback...
Lefiya: Hmph, I'm simply going to make us even after what happened on Floor 18. I've also got some more personal reasons. *Muttering the last one quietly*
Bell: I-I see. Well, I'm glad to have you here.
Lefiya: Don't let this go to your head! This wasn't just for you! Miss Ais would be sad if anything bad happened, so I'm doing it for her!
Bell: R-Right! Um, is this a friend of yours?
He pointed to the black haired elf in white next to Lefiya.
Lefiya: She's Filvis, a friend of mine.
Filvis: A pleasure to meet you.
Bell: Same here. I'm glad you were willing to help, but I'm sorry you got dragged into this.
Filvis: No, this is fine, just don't think I'm looking to be friendly with you. I'm only cooperating because Lefiya is here.
Bell: R-Right...
After that, they went to the carriages that would bring them there and they begun their trip to the site of the Wargame. In just a few hours, their hardest adventure yet would begin.
AN: Excuse the shortness. Again, this was originally supposed to be one chapter with the last one, but I decided to split them up. Though, now Bell has three elves helping him. The kuudere, the tsundere and I'm not sure what dere Filvis is. Now all that's left is to attack a castle guarded by Apollo and Ishtar. They got this, right?
Hopefully you guys enjoyed. Thanks for reading. Let me knowwhat you thought and I'll see you in the next one.