Danmachi Heart of Alfhiem
( wiki/Orario) – Map of Orario
( wiki/Timeline) – Timeline of Canon
.
(Edited)
Chapter 2 Growing Desire
(Day 2)
Early in the morning before the sun rises. Below is the abandoned church that is home to the Hestia familia. Bell is tossing and turning on the very uncomfortable sofa that is his bed. He is stuck deep in a nightmare. Repeatedly getting kicked out of familia after familia. Constantly being mocked for being weak looking, too young, and inexperienced. Humans are weak and fragile bodies unlike the Boaz or dwarf, most do not have an affinity for magic like elves, or senses like other beast folks.
.
.
.
Rejection after Rejection had led me to an alleyway. I sat down to rest against a wall with my head between my knees, trying to force my eyes closed to avoid tearing up.
"Such a child." Lifting up my head up and opened my eyes to try and find the voice that called for me. The alleyway changed into a black hallway with endless doors.
"Where am I?"
"Bell you are home. You are mine. You don't need any elves. All you need is me." A black shroud in the form of the goddess stood next to me.
"I am sorry goddess. I owe you so much but I want to stand by her side. I want to try."
"No, she will not have you." Hestia crossed her arms.
"Please I want to get stronger so I can become a hero and finally reach out for her hand."
"No, you will not become a hero. You will never leave." The shrouded black form of Hestia started getting bigger and bigger. The small little girl's body rapidly started growing muscles and fur of a beast. Her pigtails shortened and shaped themselves into horns.
The new form before me was a minotaur as black as night. "Uwroooooooooarr." The beast's roar shocked me to my core. The primal fear made my blood run cold. It took all I had to roll forward and jump to my feet. The hallway shook under the pressure of an impact behind me. The beast left a crater where I was sitting and started chasing me down the endless hallway. Every time I reached out for a door; a specter with an evil smile and slanted eyes slammed the door in my face.
"Weakling."
"Get away."
"You will only bring death to my familia."
"Stay away runt."
No matter how fast I was, I would never reach a door in time. The minotaur continued to chase me down the hall. After what seemed like forever of running, a path opened up to my right. My hopes were completely crushed as soon as I turned. It was a dead-end and the minotaur was upon me. I was exhausted and desperate to end this chase. I swung my right fist at its chest. *Crack* My hand broke on contact with its skin. The beast just laughed off the strike.
"You will die for interrupting my feast." The minotaur raised its foot and kicked my chest so hard that I flew back against the black wall. My chest was crushed, my ribs broken and my lungs were desperately fighting for air. The black minotaur went down into a crouch with its horns forward and charged to finish me off. My vision was going blurry as death was upon me.
The world went cold, the blackness of the dream dungeon was instantly filled with blue ice. The black minotaur in front of me was no more. As the ice magic dissipated the form of a jade-haired goddess with elven ears approached me. "Are you okay Bell Cranel?"
The once black halls radiated a light blue from the magic and aura of the elf before me. "I do not wish for my savior to get hurt. Ryu, please heal him."
"Yes, my lady." The voice of the elven waitress came from my left side. I felt her soft hands on my shoulder. "Stop. Let me heal you Mr. Cranel. Noah Heal."
"Hope to see you soon." Riveria turned around and walked down the hall. "Let's go Ais." The blond swordswoman's smile hovered above her potato snack. She took a bite and followed Riveria out of the dungeon.
As they were walking away, Eina whispered into my right ear. "Bell, many women are drawn towards strength. Perhaps a stronger you can find the woman of your dreams."
Eina and Ryu kissed my ears. My body started shaking as both of them disappeared with a smile. A fire roared to life in my stomach at those words. It threatened to burn my very skin with the pure desire pushing me forward. The black halls started to glow orange from the flames.
"I will get stronger to be able to stand by her side and protect the ones that have cared for me!"
.
.
.
The darkness from the hall started to fade. My eyes opened to a dimly lit living room. As my eyes adjusted to the magic lamp; my goal became clear. 'I desire to get stronger. To become a hero and be at the side of the one I love.'
I glanced over toward the magic stone-powered clock, it only read 5:30. "Really early, but I feel wide awake.
I went to get up but felt a weight holding me down. I tried again but couldn't move. My eyes wandered downward, my eyes expanded in shock seeing the body of the four-and-a-half-foot goddess. Hestia was lying on my stomach with her head leaning into my chest. I lay there a minute trying to figure out what to do about her. She shifted in her sleep pushing her E-cupped breasts forward, threatening to spill out of her top.
My face went red, alarmed that she was laying on me. I took a deep breath slid out from underneath her small body in one swift motion. Then pulled the blanket back over her. I started to walk away.
"Stupid Bell." Hestia mumbled in her sleep.
I grabbed some water and my shoes and proceeded to take the winding staircase out of the church basement and walked out of the church to breathe in the fresh morning air. Sunlight was barely peeking from the horizon as I started wandering aimlessly to the western wall of the city. The empty streets allowed me to be alone to my thoughts, trying to determine the best course of action to achieve my goal.
'I need to get stronger. It's too early for the dungeon. Maybe exercising would help make my body stronger looking. I was never able to go too far from my village because of monsters. Still running would be embarrassing inside Orario. Where can I go that will help me avoid people?'
Before I knew it, I had arrived at the west wall near the market district. I looked around to find an entrance and stairway to the top of the walls. It wasn't guarded at all. Guards were only posted at the entrances. I took the stone staircase to the top of the wall. Again, no guards were on top of the wall. The view of the northern mountains and western farmlands looked amazing.
"Wow." I turned around; the true size of the city was breathtaking to behold. Orario seems like an endless expanse of buildings from this viewpoint.
"I don't know if I will get in trouble but this seems to be the perfect spot to go for a run. Maybe do pushups as well." I tried to suppress my nerves feeling like I was being watched. I bent down and started doing pushups. The blessing allowed me to breeze through one hundred pushups with little trouble. Without a blessing, this feat alone would have been extremely difficult for me. Even a level one blessed mortal can easily keep up and surpass the mightiest unblessed warriors.
After the pushups, I raised my warm upper body and stared at the winding wall that encircled the city. "Go!" I pushed off the floor with as much power as I could muster. My body felt heavy, the harder I pushed myself. Still, I pushed past the pain, focusing on the jade-haired princess. I only stopped a few times at each of the eight main roads for another set of pushups.
.
.
.
The twilight manor was located on the north side of Orario, was abuzz as Loki familia woke up. The morning sun shined brightly through the windows, Riveria got up and started preparing for the day.
"Uggggh, 7:30 am already. I was hoping for more sleep. Better get dressed and meet the rest for breakfast." Exchanging her form-fitting nightgown for more layers. Riveria put on her normal multiple-layer royal elven robes and exited her room in the women's tower. Heading down to the dining hall to find most of the familia female executives already eating. She grabbed a plate from the kitchen before going to the table.
"Good morning Riveria. Sit with us." Even this early in the morning the amazon Tiona was as energetic as ever. Even annoying her sister Tione with her cheerfulness.
"Good morning, Tiona. Don't mind if I do." Riveria sat down between Ais and Alicia.
"Good morning Riveria." All the girls responded to the high elf.
"How are you all doing this morning."
"I am okay. The next few days are gonna be boring outside the dungeon. Hope to get some sparring in today." Tiona punched the air excitedly.
"Tiona, we were ordered to rest after the expedition for the next few days. Also, I believe you need a new weapon after that monster's acid dissolved it."
"Oh right, Lady Riveria."
"Sister you will not defy the captain's orders." Tione's face is showing clear signs of rage at her younger sister. "He has given us all tasks to complete today."
Ais was still nibbling on her breakfast watching the conversation. "Tiona, I need to take my sword to Gobinu as well. I will go with you."
Leyfia jumped at the opportunity. "I can go as well."
"Leyfia you are helping me turn in the rare drop items like the unicorn horn. The captain wants me to sell that one to Armid." Tione's ordered.
"Fine Miss Tione." Leyfia's ears droop downwards. "Why don't we all go shopping later for clothes? Monsterphilia is coming up in a few days."
"Sounds like fun. I would like to show off more to the captain. Maybe he will finally make me his wife."
"Hahaha. Desperate much big sis." Tiona's ignored her enraged sister. "Lady Riveria maybe you should get new clothes other than that robe."
"I have no desire to have my body ogled by perverts like Raul. Bad enough my mother keeps sending me outfits."
"Nothing wrong with showing some skin." Tione thrust her chest outwards with her hands on her hips. The jiggle of her breasts made somebody nearby choke on their eggs. Tione rolled her eyes with a smirk on her face. Riveria just shook her head pinched her temple.
"Lady Riveria." Alicia spoke up.
Alicia was a very timid and prideful elven beauty. She was in her mid-20s and often thought of like a big sister in the familia. She was also steadfast in her reverence of Riveria and swore to kill any man that was to see the princess naked. Alicia had long flowing honey-blond hair, a curvy body, and green eyes. Usually dressed in her pink form-fitting blouse held up by a brown corset with matching boots.
"Yes, Alicia."
"Could you show me the Witch's Secret shop in western Orario? I need to replace the magic stone in my wand."
"Sure Alicia, I can take you there." Riveria looked off to the side. "Though, I do need to place food orders for the familia in the market district before going to the hostess first."
"Lady Riveria, I can accompany you to the market district as well." Alicia smiled wide. "I do need to pick up a quiver of arrows while we're in the area."
"Alright then Alicia." Riveria hid her annoyed smirk. "I will see the rest of you tonight at the Hostess."
The Loki familia women finished up their breakfast and walked out of the twilight manor and split into their respective groups to accomplish their tasks.
As Riveria and Alicia crossed the main street in northwest Orario by the Dian Cecht Pharmacy. Alicia noticed a white blur running on the walls. "Lady Riveria, are we allowed on the walls."
"Hmm, I don't know Alicia. The walls are never guarded. They're only to prevent people from leaving. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, I just saw somebody running the walls."
"That is no small feat. I am pretty sure the circumference of Orario is at least twenty miles. He must have been at it for a while."
.
.
.
"Two hours, I don't think that is too bad for my first attempt." I tried to smile through the pain as I walked into the church. My muscles were sore all over and my stomach was crying out for food. "He-he. I need to get something to eat and head to the dungeon."
*Creak! Creak! Thud!*
Not even a second after I open the door to the basement. The small goddess tackled me at the waist, taking me to the ground. "Bell where have you been? You have been gone for hours."
I sat up pushing her up off of me. "M-my apologies goddess. I didn't mean to w-worry you. I just went for a run."
"Fine!" Hestia pouted. "I would appreciate it if you would tell me. Don't need someone to take my precious Bell from me."
"Goddess, I have to grow sometime." Seeing her eyes narrow, sent a chill down my spine. "W-won't you be late for work?"
"Guess it's almost 9 am. Be safe and I will see you tonight."
Goddess left shortly after while I cleaned up and changed into my dungeon gear. I went to raid the pantry. Only to find that it was empty. My stomach growled louder. "Guess I will need to buy breakfast and a new bag. I think there is a shop by that bar down the street." I reached into the destroyed backpack blindly and retrieved a small pouch coin.
Thirty minutes later I stopped at a store down the street and bought a new backpack near the hostess. I bought a backpack for five thousand valis and noticed my coin bag was empty. "Oh man, I think I left the rest back home."
I stared up to the west toward home and then towards Babel. It was the same distance, but I didn't want to go back home. "I can always get food later by selling monster drops and stones."
My stomach tensed up. I started turning around rapidly to find the source. I had the feeling that somebody was watching me again. "I must be going crazy. I feel like I am being watched." I turn around in the direction of babel to find a really cute silver-haired human girl in a waitress uniform.
"Um, excuse me."
I jumped a little from her sudden appearance. "S-sorry, I was just a little surprised. Must be tired still."
"No, I am sorry for startling you." She giggled at my reaction.
Your name is Bell Cranel right."
"Y-yes."
"My name is Syr. I remembered you from the other week. I was hoping you would stop by."
"Really."
"Yep." She nodded smiling wide. "I think you dropped this monster stone." She held the stone up.
"Thank you for going out of your way Miss Syr."
"Oh, no it was no problem. Are you heading to the dungeon?"
"Yes, I was about to go into the dungeon." I was trying to end the conversation but my stomach growled.
"….."
"….."
She briefly covered her lips. "Oh, my, going into the dungeon would be dangerous on an empty stomach."
"Probably right, I forgot to bring enough valis with me. I can just get a few monster kills then get some lunch."
"I have an idea. Be right back Bell." She ran into the building really quickly before I could question her. A few seconds later, she exits with a small basket as if it was prepared for me. "The kitchen is currently closed but you can have my morning rations."
"No no. I can't do that Miss Syr."
Syr begins to pout. "Please take it. I don't want you to get surprised by a monster because your stomach is betraying you. Please….."
"How can I say no to that?" I gave in seeing her cute smile.
"Just call me Syr. Since I will go hungry. Maybe you can make it up to me and come eat dinner tonight at the bar."
My eyes go wide in shock. I had fallen into the trap set up by the waitress. "You don't play fair. Guess I will see you tonight, Syr."
"I will reserve a seat for you Bell. Hopefully, I will make a lot of money tonight." She teases me before going back into the Hostess. "See you later bell."
"Uhhh. I fell for it." I held my head low with an embarrassed smirk. Before heading towards the dungeon.
"Even though she tricked me. I probably would be in trouble if my stomach was distracting me." I made sure to sit at a bench outside Babel eating breakfast. The food was very filling, much more than my normal diet. I sat around for a few minutes in awe of passing adventurer groups. Many were wearing armor or wielding weapons, that I couldn't fathom with my current funds. I proceeded down the stairs to the dungeon when the traffic ended.
.
.
.
Within an hour I managed to get to the end of floor four. The amount monsters in my way to this point were extremely diminished with the heavy foot traffic. The staircase to floor five was enticing me to continue my adventure. An image of Eina's beautiful worried face flashed through my vision.
"I don't have to tell her I went down to floor five again. I will just go down a few rooms and keep track of every turn. S-s-surely there won't be another m-minotaur."
Floor five looked nearly identical to floor 4. I proceed a hundred feet down the tunnel until I reached the first room along the path. As I entered the room, a long tongue jabbed into the dungeon wall, taking a small chunk with it. The six-foot tongue coiled back into the frog shooter's mouth. The frog shooter was only three feet tall but it stood on four muscular jagged green-skinned legs. Its sole giant bulbous black eye was extremely intimidated as it eyed up a weak point on my body.
Again, it released its tongue. I sidestepped the attack and brought my shortsword down onto the slimy piece of fleshing; severing it from its body. The tongue disappeared into ash and an angry scream came from the frog. It backed up onto its hind legs and launched itself forward. My legs were a little shaky from the run earlier. Instead of dodging, I dived into a roll, tumbling underneath the body of the frog. With a thud, the frog landed behind me. I pulled out my blade brought it down on the backside of the frog. The body of the frog collapsed to the floor dead.
Before I could celebrate my victory against the new monster. Another tongue wrapped around my sword hand. The frog's tongue was incredibly strong, shaking the sword out of my hand. I tried to catch the sword but was yanked in the direction of the frog shooter's open mouth. Luckily the frog didn't have any teeth but the force of its mouth; biting down on my arm still shot pain through my body. My status prevented a beast of this level from breaking my bones.
"Get off me. I will not be killed by the likes of you." I raised my left hand and slammed it down on the frog's eye. Repeatedly punching with all my strength down onto its sole bulbous eye. After thirty seconds of pounding the eye burst open. The frog was blind and yelling in pain, freeing up my hand. I ran to my sword that was still lying on the ground picked it up and grabbed a potion out of my bag and drink it.
My arm started to regain its old strength as it recovered from the assault. The frog still blindly lashing out with its tongue, trying to find the adventurer that took its vision. I readied my blade and charged toward the blind frog. Like the first frog, I cut off its tongue and brought the blade down onto its head. Killing it instantly.
"Whew, the was a close one." I was shaking my throbbing hand. Upset that the frog's saliva chewed away parts of my shirt. I began cutting out the stones and putting them into my backpack. As the frogs' bodies disappeared into ash, a crackling noise was coming from multiple sections of the wall. A few seconds later eight Kobolds popped out each looking at me with hungry growls.
"These numbers are bad." Being surrounded by eight hairy dog-like monsters with sharp teeth and claws made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I looked back behind me to the hallway that brought me into the room, that was guarded by two of the kobolds. "That's the only way."
I lunged toward the two Kobolds guarding the hallway. Killing the first with a sideways cut which took off its head. The second kobold lost its balance as I dodged its claws. I spun around and brought down the blade into a downward chop onto the back of its head, splitting it open down the middle like a watermelon.
The other six Kobolds bared their fangs ready to get revenge for their fallen brothers. They charged after me while I raced towards the tunnel forcing them to fight each other in order to be able to kill me in the narrow space of the tunnel.
"I can't just run away and let them surprise another."
I turned around to face the six kobolds forcing themselves into the tunnel one or two at a time. Pulled out my secondary cutting knife. One of the kobolds tried jumping over the front two. I threw my knife between its eyes and it collapsed on the back legs of the front two. Both of the kobolds on the vanguard were pinned under the weight of the dead comrade.
Ignoring the screams of pain, the kobolds were still desperately trying to claw at me as I charged forward. I brought my blade up to sever one of the arms reaching out to me. Spun the blade around and sliced the neck of the right one. Another claw came from the left narrowly missing me. I jumped back against the tunnel wall and kicked off the wall. Propelling my blade into the stomach of the other kobold on the frontline.
'Three left to go.'
The back two hesitated to charge after seeing the others die in front of them. The middle one jumped over the corpses but tripped over the bodies. I was able to finish it off with a horizontal slash.
My confidence increased ten-fold after reducing the numbers to a quarter of the threat from before. It was my turn to go on the offensive. I used the back of the kobold as a ramp to charge the other two. I jumped in the air and brought my blade down into the shoulder of the right one. I backed away with the blade avoiding a desperate strike that skidded across my chest plate. The last kobold didn't see the final swipe coming. The blade split the top of its head off as a horizontal slash severed it from the jawline.
"Whew, it's all over."
While I was hunched over going for magic stones. I was surprised by another Kobold that spawned in the tunnel. I barely had time to react. The claws carved a deep into my back. The rookie armor I bought only had front protection. I forced myself into a roll on my right side, my hands found the carving knife still embedded in the skull of a dead kobold. I ripped it out and sank it into the right eye socket of the newcomer. Its body went limp and collapsed in front of me.
"That was mean…. Eeeh." I grimaced in pain by the injury. Luckily it wasn't severe, but I didn't have any potions left. Nor could I reach it on my back to patch it up. "Maybe Lord Miach can take a look at it on the surface."
After about thirty minutes later. I cut out all the magic stones and found nine kobold claws that I added to my bag with the other drop items and crystals. I walked back up to floor 4 and spent another two hours killing smaller groups of Kobolds and Goblins before exiting the dungeon.
.
.
.
As I made it to the top of the stairs. I glanced at a clock on the wall reading 330pm. "Oh, I need to get to the guild. Eina wanted me over for lessons." The evening sun was still decently high in the western sky. Always blinding to the eye after you spend a long enough time in the dungeon.
The exchange was always busy in Babel and I didn't want to be late, so I ran up the northwest road in the direction of the guildhall. The exchange in the guildhall was being operated by Rose.
"Good evening Miss Rose."
Rose always looked surprised to see me when I exited the dungeon. "E-evening Bell, did you bring in a nice haul?"
"I think I did a good job today." I scratched my face nervousness, before dumping my bag of magic stones and drop items into the collection bin.
Rose's red eyebrow shot up seeing the amount in her bin. "Looks like somebody doesn't like listening to their advisor." She picked up the bigger stones. "These two monster stones look like they're from frog shooters on the fifth floor."
"Ahhh." A guilty smirk appeared on my pink face.
"Naughty… Naughty. You will have to explain that to Eina."
"P-please don't tell her. I like being alive."
"Ha-ha-ha." Rose chuckled noticing movement across the hall. "Looks like you have nearly twenty thousand valis worth of items here Bell. Impressive, but you might want to spend some of it to calm down Eina."
"Eh." My face went pale.
"BBBEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLL!" A loud piercing scream came from the beautiful twitching face of Bell's half-elf advisor.
"Um, h-h-hello Eina, h-how are you doing this evening?" Frantically searching for an exit in fear, while pressing my fingers together.
"Don't hello me… Bell. Do you even respect my orders?" Eina was angry with her hands on her hips.
"O-of course."
"Doesn't seem like it. You have a giant kobold claw strike on your back and your arm looks like it was down the throat of a frog shooter."
"Aaaaa…. It was." I hid my guilty smirk. "I got bored again."
"Oh, it's my adventurer already Eina. Getting a little possessive are we dear. Need to separate work and pleasure." Rose winked at the wide-eyed Eina through the exchange window.
"Knock it off Rose. Bell, please stand still now." Eina ordered.
"O-okay." I was nervously shifting in place expecting to be hit when Eina raised her arm.
"Respond to the contract, light of the forest. Follow my order and heal the wounds of those that seek your Mercy. Dio Luna." The green light radiated from Eina's hand and encircled my body. The scratch marks on my back healed over and my arm was even in better condition than when I used my potion. "Bell get yourself cleaned up and meet me in the training room. Now!"
I stared into her eyes still in awe of her beautiful magic. "I will… Eina! T-t-thank you."
"No problem." Eina's cheeks turned a little red. "G-go." She ordered with an embarrassed grin.
.
.
.
About twenty minutes later we are once again seated across from each other on the comfy couches inside the training room. Still nervous awaiting my punishment. "Bell how many times do I have to tell you to not seek adventure? You almost died the last time you got lost down there."
"Sorry Eina. As I said I got bored on floor 4. I went down to the first room on floor 5. Miss Ais showed the best way to kill frog shooters. The second one kind of surprised me but I bashed its eye in with my fist."
"Sword princess." Eina's brows raised. "Oh, that was nice. What of that claw mark on your back Bell?"
"I got surrounded by eight Kobolds. I used the tunnel to the room to reduce their numbers. I was able to take care of them but was surprised by a ninth one that spawned in the hallway."
Eina was rather impressed but still angry. She stared forward at him with soft eyes. "Bell the reason I didn't clear you for floor five is the number of monsters increased dramatically. They will only get smarter, more numerous, and deadlier."
"Sorry to worry you, Eina." I hid the grin on my face.
Eina's hands tightened on top of her hip. "Glad you at least came back."
My eyes locked with her beautiful emerald eyes. "Miss Eina, I want to get stronger. I don't want to sleep through my dreams."
Eina's face grew a light blush. "Okay, Bell but you need to be smart about it or you will only be awake for the nightmares." Her words cut deep as the memory of the minotaur gripped my heart.
Eina spent the next two hours teaching me about the various monsters on the fifth and sixth floors. Frog shooters, Kobolds, war shadows. The tactics they are known to use to kill adventurers and study maps of the floors. After I passed the test, I glanced over to a clock, it was 5:30 pm.
"Bell, it is getting late. We should both be getting home."
"Miss Eina, w-would you like to get some Jaga Maru potato snacks. My goddess runs a stall up north."
"I do actually live up north."
"Really." I smiled seeing her nod her head. "I would love it if you could meet her. Sure, she would thank you for healing me up and it would be a good opportunity for her to get to know my advisor."
"That sounds like a fun idea Bell. I was supposed to be eating dinner right now, but somebody was late getting here." Eina teased with a hint of excitement in her voice.
.
.
.
I and Eina walked out of the guild ignoring the wide grins of her coworkers and jealous stares of passing adventurers. We cut past the Hephaestus's familia shops in the northwest and past some Clothing shops on the north road. Awkwardly walking side by side in silence.
"Bell, I noticed you were looking at those weapons in the Hephaestus Familia window. I am surprised you haven't replaced your starter gear yet. You seem to be making enough valis."
"Uhhh. The prices are way too much for me to afford."
"Bell, there are cheaper options." Eina shook her head.
"Huh."
"One of these days I will have to show you around the lower-tier shops. The first-tier weapons are always on display, but those take years of hard work and a strong familia to help afford.
"That would be amazing Eina. I don't want to get you in trouble spending time with me outside of work."
"I won't Bell." Eina's glanced sideways with a sly grin. "Was there another reason you wanted to take me to get potato snacks and walk me to my place?"
"I-I wanted to try to put your mind at ease. I want to keep pushing myself but I don't want to worry you. Plus, I would like to get to know more about you."
"Bell will get in trouble if I am healing you at the guild every day."
"Sorry for that Eina. I will try to be safer. I don't want to force you to use your beautiful magic." I noticed Eina's face getting slightly redder. "D-did you use to be an adventurer?"
"Mmmmhmmm." Eina shook her head. "I-I was three years ago. I never made it to level two. I decided to stop and chose to work in the guild."
"Did you use to be part of Loki familia? You seem to know Lady Riveria and I remember my goddess saying something."
"Yes, to both Bell. Lady Riveria and my mother are best friends. She use to serve her as a handmaiden in the Alf Kingdom. They both fled the kingdom twenty-eight years ago with Loki and Finn."
"Wow." My heart fluttered sensing a minuscule chance to decide fate. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to Eina. What happened to make you stop adventuring?"
"It's okay Bell." Her voice height for a second. She cleared her throat. "It's been three years since I quit. The rest of the Loki familia was on an expedition to the deep levels. I was leading a group of level 1s on floor ten. We got cornered by an infant dragon. They are extremely rare but are basically the unofficial monster Rexes of the upper floors."
Eina rubbed her forearm nervously. "T-three of my friends died that day. I would have as well. I was lucky that the expedition showed back up early and Lady Riveria destroyed it with her magic. Ever since then, I have stayed out of the dungeon."
My mouth was agape in shock. "S-sorry, you had to go through that Eina."
"It's okay, Bell." Eina decides to change the subject. "What do you think of Lady Riveria?" The walk up the north road went quiet once again. Eina noticed his face turning a deep shade of red and looked away nervously. Eina chose to tease him further and softly rammed her shoulder into Bell's. "Come on Bell, you can't hide it from me?"
"I-I am in love with her."
"Oh, my Bell." Eina giggled loudly while Bell stopped walking hiding his face. "I was just teasing." Eina walked back.
"No, you weren't I know it's impossible." I hung my head low.
"Who knows what she likes? She refuses every suitor and isn't seeing anybody."
"Surprising."
"Lady Riveria is very strong-willed and doesn't like listening to her father. She also is bogged down with her co-captain responsibilities for the familia. Still, that might be a Herculean task to overcome?"
"I know. I can't help it."
"You sure it isn't from the minotaur."
"uuh-oh." I shook my head. "I am grateful for being alive. I felt like a fire was lit inside me upon meeting her. Strong and beautiful like my advisor."
"Thank…you." Eina's face went a deep red. She wanted to change the subject to prevent any complications. "Bell, goals can help push us to be better. Even the gods can't tell the future. I want you to be successful, but I want you to be careful if I clear you for floor five. Okay!"
"I-I will Eina. Maybe someday I can help you overcome floor ten when I get stronger. If you ever desire too?"
Eina's eyes filled with fear. "Oh, here we are. Is that your goddess with the pigtails?" She points to the big-chested small child-like figure of goddess Hestia behind the Jaga maru stand.
"Yes, that's her."
"Beeeeeeeellllllll!"
.
.
.
Surprised by the angry aura coming from her. "Oh, hello Goddess, can I buy two potato snacks for me and Eina?"
"Fine but I want to talk immediately." She reached into her stand and gave Eina two potato snacks and took my valis. As soon as she finished. She put a closed sign on the stall and grabbed me by the ear and dragged me to an alleyway.
"Bell what are you doing with that Half-elf!?" She shouted loud enough that some people walking by turned their heads.
"Goddess please calm down!" I cupped my hands together. "I just wanted I wanted you to meet my advisor, Eina."
Eina nervously stepped forward to introduce herself. "Hello, goddess Hestia. As bell has said, I am his advisor. My name is Eina Tulle. Nice to meet you." Eina bowed her head.
"Miss Einasomething, are you sure you're not using your position to corrupt my dear Bell or drag him to that flat-chested goddess of yours?"
"Goddess please don't be rude to Miss Eina. Her classes have been extremely valuable to me. She is a very nice person." I was offended by her reaction and didn't notice the deep blush on Eina's face.
Eina's reaction did not go unnoticed by Goddess Hestia. "I knew it, Bell. I will not allow her to take your innocence."
"Goddess, what are you implying? Please stop it."
"No, I will not let her take you away from me." I felt goddess's hands grab onto my arm and pull me away to the abandoned church. Leaving the half-elf confused and alone in the alleyway.
"Eina are you okay?" She was startled and turned around to see two elves standing behind her.
"Lady Riveria, Alicia. I am sorry for that. Yes, I am okay."
"What happened Eina?" Riveria asked with a brow raised.
"Bell Cranel wanted to introduce me to his goddess after our classes. Her stall and my apartment are up this way, so I agreed. I am not sure why his goddess reacted like that. I just wanted to talk to her about his progress."
"Don't worry about it, Eina. He is a good kid but I had the same reaction from his goddess yesterday."
"Bit of an overreaction." Alicia mumbled. "I think that was the same boy I saw running the wall this morning too."
"A twenty-mile run before going into the dungeon." Eina's eyes were practically bulging. "No wonder he got hurt on floor five."
"Is he alright Eina?" Riveria asked innocently.
"Yes, Lady Riveria, it wasn't too bad. I healed him."
"He-he-he." Alicia giggled.
Don't tease me." Eina pouted. She held out one of her potato snacks. "I can't eat both of these. Would one of you like this potato snack?"
"Sure, better not to let it go to waste." Riveria reached out for the snack. "Give me enough energy to deal with Loki and Bete at the Hostess of Fertility tonight. Would you like to come along Eina?"
"No, I couldn't do that, lady Riveria. I am not an adventurer. I am glad you're all okay."
"Nonsense, the rest of the familia would love to see you again."
"I am sorry." Eina bowed her head. "I have to get up early for work. I can stop by after monsterphilia, if you wish."
"Fine, we will expect you in a few days for dinner.
"Thank you, Lady Riveria. Please don't let goddess Loki get you drunk. I don't want Bell to risk his life to save you again." Eina teased the princess to try and help Bell. She was surprised to see a blush appear on Riveria's face.
"I-I will not let our annoying goddess trick any of the women tonight." Riveria turned around. "H-have a good night, Eina?"
"Lady Riveria."
"Yes, Alicia."
"Would you mind if I walk Eina home? I want to chat with my old friend a little. I can make it back to the Hostess of Fertility in an hour or two."
"That is fine by me. Take care you two." Riveria quickly walked around the corner, avoiding eye contact.
.
.
.
An hour later Eina and Alicia are sitting in Eina's apartment drinking tea and chatting. Alicia always felt comfortable in Eina's apartment, it was meticulously organized style elven décor and furnishings.
"Wow, I love your apartment, Eina. Reminds me of my room but with a lot more space.
"Thank you, Alicia." Eina places her cup down on the table. "What did you want to talk about with me?"
"Is it wrong to want to catch up with my old friend? You would probably be a level 4 if you didn't quit adventuring three years ago. I miss teaming up with you. Always felt bad that I leveled first and went on the expedition."
"It wasn't your fault, Alicia. Just how the dungeon can be!"
"Still could come over more often. You are always hiding in the guild." Alicia pouted.
"Sorry, everybody keeps forcing their work on me. Doesn't help that Bell is stressing me out too." Eina smiled staring at the window.
"Why is that Eina!?"
"He's only been an adventurer two weeks and he's been to floor five. Eina massaged her forehead. "He has been the only one to make it through my classes but he's all alone."
"Alone!" Alicia looked dumbfounded. "Wow, usually people are at it for a month or two before progressing as a group."
"I don't know why I cleared him for floor five so soon after the minotaur."
"That was an accident, Eina. Minotaurs only spawn below the seventeenth floor. Luckily Riveria saved him." Sips her tea.
"Oh, she actually gave him the stones to apologize and thanked him for rescuing her at the Hostess two weeks ago?"
Alicia spits out the tea. "Sorry, are you serious? That was him."
"Yes, Bell almost died holding off three criminals as a fresh level one until a waitress came to their aid. Both Bell and Lady Riveria have confirmed the story."
"Amazing." Alicia was incredibly shocked. She had an overwhelming desire to hug this kid for saving Riveria. "Wish he tried to get into our familia."
"He tried but Bete threw him out."
"Dam mangy beast." Alicia was shaking in anger.
"I am worried he's gonna die." Eina buried her face.
"You keep talking about him like he's your lover." A sly grin appeared on Alicia's face.
Eina's face is red and in shock. "Absolutely not! I am his advisor. Our relationship is strictly professional."
"Hard to believe with your face like that Eina." Alicia's grin widens.
"I am just his advisor. Plus, his goddess is overprotective and he's in love with Lady Riv… Oh no!"
Alicia's brow furrowed. "Well, I can't allow a human, no matter how honorable, to defile our princess."
"He is aware of the near impossibility. Please don't hurt him."
"Fine! He better not try to push his luck." Another hour passes before Alicia leaves Eina's apartment and heads to the Hostess of Fertility.
.
.
.
After being forced home and cleaning up from the dungeon. I am lying on goddess's bed with my shirt off and my blessing glowing white from her divine blood. "No more backtalk Bell. You will not be sneaking off for more dates with that half-elf."
"D-d-date!? Please don't be rude to Eina. She's a wonderful person."
"I don't trust her intentions."
"Goddess nothing is going on. All I wanted was for you to meet my advisor. I don't even think Eina sees me as anything other than an annoying kid." My heart rate was betraying my feelings for the beautiful half-elf.
"Urggggh." Hestia still had the knife in her left hand. Hestia had been noticing through their conversation that his ability scores were jumping heavily due to the skill. Then her arms tensed up in anger feeling the pounding of his heart. The knife slipped from her fingers and fell down, impaling an inch into his back.(1)
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
"Sorry. Sorry. Sorry."
"G-ggg-goddess did you d-do that on purpose?"(1) The pain in my left shoulder was sudden and excruciating. Tears were running down my cheeks as I reached back to cover the wound with my hand.
"Of course not! Bell it was an accident." Hestia's voice was more high pitch than normal. She reached over to the end table and retrieve a bandage and a potion from the drawer. "Please forgive me. I lost my balance."
"Ehhhh." I winced in pain pulling out the knife. Goddess quickly through the potion on it and cleaned up the wound. The whole procedure was painful and slightly traumatic. "Hu-hu-hu."
"Sorry…."
"I-it's okay now."
She went over to the sink to get cleaned up and was searching through her wardrobe for an outfit. I glanced over at my status sheet lying on the bed.
Bell Cranel Age 15 Race Human
Level One
Strength: H108...H159 Defense: H101...G201
Dexterity: I96...H147 Agility: H192...G250
Magic: I-0 Luck: I
Magic ()
Skills () ********
Blood still covered the bottom half of the paper, but something was off with what was shown on the status paper. 'How is this possible? What's with this huge growth? It's more than the last two weeks combined.' My mind was spinning as the goddess entered my room with a shocked look on her face.
"Goddess is there something you're not telling me? How did my status go up by TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY POINTS?"
"I am not sure Bell. It might just be a growth spurt. Maybe you are pushing yourself too hard?" Hestia explained hesitantly like she was hiding something.
My mind was racing. 'I am happy about my stats but I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that she's not telling me everything.'
"I never asked before, goddess. What is the luck I next to the magic ability?"
"Oh, that's just a developmental ability. A lot of people get them. Just helps you with drop items." Hestia faked a smile and playfully waved him off.
"Wow." I smiled looking back down at the paper.
"Hope it helps you out a lot." Hestia lunged in for a hug, her eyes bulging in fear unable to maintain the facade.
"G-G-Goddess I am going to the Hostess of Fertility. I p-promised a waitress that I would eat there."
"Huh." Hestia pulled back with an angry pout on her face. "What is that waitress doing to you?"
"Nothing. I just promised Syr, I would eat at the hostess tonight to thank her for the free breakfast."
"Better be it!" Hestia warned.
"Just food. The pantry was empty this morning and she was nice enough to give me food when she heard my stomach rumble. One second." I through on my shirt and went out to my new bag and grab the coin pouch out.
"Could have gotten food with me." Hestia mumbled as she jumped to her feet.
"Goddess Here is half my earnings. Wondering if you would be able to get some food. Or I could tomorrow after the dungeon?"
"I will. Just put it over there." She quickly threw on her coat and headed for the door. "I am going out with a few work friends tonight. You better be home early mister."
"I will goddess." I waved as she slammed the door. 'What is going on with her recently?'
"Oh well, I am starving. I will use the remaining valis I made today to go eat. I can search through the rest tomorrow when I convert all my stuff to the other bag." I left the basement around 8 pm. The city was already illuminated by the magic stone lamps. I started walking east towards the Hostess.
.
.
.
A little while later after the sun had gone down. I found the two-story building, Hostess of Fertility. The place was packed with people aside from a giant empty table in the middle. The waitresses were all female from what I could see. The large dwarfess owner was serving at the counter talking to the silver-haired girl Syr. Her presence was as intimidating as ever.
I was still too nervous to enter the bar. I am too young to drink and I was basically going to a rowdy place with no friends. Feeling nervous about the situation, I was about to turn around and go home.
"Hello, Mr. Cranel." The soft voice of a waitress called out from behind him. "It's been a while since we have seen you here!"
"I-I-I am surprised you r-remembered me, Miss Ryu." I was flustered seeing the beautiful elven waitress approach me. Her long slender ears and piercing blue eyes were making my heart sweat.
"Why wouldn't I remember you?" Ryu's stoic expression showed signs of confusion. "You selflessly put your life on the line to save the princess. A lot of girls talk about you."
Really!"
"Of course! That event may have been a bit traumatic. Would you like to come in and eat?"
"I actually promised Syr that I would stop in for dinner. She was nice enough to offer me her breakfast and gave me back one of my stones."
"I see her tricks have lured you in as well. She talks about you endlessly." A grin curled up on Ryu's lips that made my chest warm over. As beautiful as it was quick.
"Rrrryyyyuuuu, don't embarrass me in front of Bell." The silver-haired girl shouted from the door.
"Sorry, Syr. I will let you take care of him. I have to get back in before Momma gets angry."
Syr had a huge smile on her face. "Bell follow me into the bar. Now seating one."
"Okay." She leads me to the bar right in front of the owner at the L-shaped counter.
The dwarfess owner leans over to eye me up. "So, you're Syr's guest. You have a cute face for an adventurer. Surprised you were able to hold those men off of that dizzy high elf."
"T-thank you, ma'am."
"Just call me momma, momma Mia. Just give me a holler if you need something. I will keep the food coming your way. You need to gain some meat on those bones."
"Thank you."
Syr stood next to me ready to take my order. "Syr this bar is amazing but I only have a few thousand valis to spend. I am just starting out."
"I know, but I will at least squeeze a little out of you. Ha-ha. Just a joke bell I won't bankrupt you."
I ordered a big plate of pasta and a non-alcoholic beverage. I was comfortable with spending so much on food. My normal expenses for food were much lower. 'Perhaps the luck ability is paying off.' I was starving from spending all day in the dungeon. and quickly wolfed down a plate of pasta. Mia came back out to give me a second plate of pasta and Syr asked her if she could sit alongside me.
"What about your job?"
"The kitchen is busy and we're waiting on a big party." Syr waved away without a care. "Did you like the food?"
"It was much needed. It gave me the energy to bail myself out of a tough situation on floor five."
"Oh good." Syr held her chest. "Then my empty stomach was worth it."
"Do you want something to eat?" I offered in a panic.
"I can get something later before the kitchen closes. A nice tip wouldn't hurt though."
"Are you in love with money?"
"No, I just like meeting new people. Bell."
"The party with the nwa reservation is here." A brown-haired catgirl calls out.
.
.
.
The bar went quiet as the Loki familia entered the hostess, each one radiating an aura of strength. Every race from amazons, dwarves, elves, humans, and beast folk were represented in their ranks.
"Wow, they seem like Royalty."
Syr just rolled her eyes. "As if? Look at their emblems. Their Loki familia." Syr just rolled her eyes. "They come in here pretty often Bell….. Bell!?"
I was starting to tune her out. The gorgeous blonde Ais Wallenstein walked in which drew many stares and mumblings from the surrounding bar patrons. She was extremely beautiful. 'In another life, I would propose to her in an instant.' The one that had my attention was the jade green-haired high elf behind her. I didn't realize she was royalty. Now I cursed myself for being so blind and hopeless.
Riveria Los Alf, her beauty was refined and sophisticated. Those beautiful elf ears sticking out of her long shimmering green hair were making my heart pound like crazy. Many ignored her because the cloak she always wore was unflattering to her female form, but I could tell she did that on purpose to maintain her prideful and intimidating status as royalty. Also, she held a protective motherly aura that could be mistaken for a cold indifference if you were not the object of her affection. Still, my body got hot all over just seeing her enter the bar.
As they all seated and gave their orders of food and ale to the waitress. A red-haired woman stood at the front of the table. "Great job out there in the Dungeon today, people! Time to cut loose and get our drink on."
The normal atmosphere was restored once the celebration started. I never expected to see her again. Now I had a chance if I came here more often.
I was staring too long again. My eyes widened when our eyes locked across from the room. My smile curled up uncontrollably and went a deep red. Out of embarrassment, I turned around and buried my head in my food.
.
.
.
'He's here as well. Why do I want to talk to him? I shouldn't he's not in my familia. He did have a cute smile when he got embarrassed. He-he.' Riveria held her thoughts to herself and condemn herself for thinking this way. 'Ah, what is wrong with me? He's human and young.'
"What are you looking at Riveria?" Loki approached the dazed high elf.
"Nothing goddess Loki. Just making sure you're not planning something."
Loki sensed the lie immediately and turned around to look at the bar where a white-haired teen was sitting with a red face. The silver-haired waitress got up to check something. 'Hmm, interesting she couldn't keep her eyes off the little bunny.'
"Nothing huh!" Loki's eyes slanted and she smiled evilly down at Riveria. "I am gonna get a drink at the counter, mama."
"Don't…" Loki already took off. Riveria was held the bridge of her nose, annoyed thinking about what trick she would pull tonight.
"Yo barkeep, a pint of the good stuff." Mia raised an eyebrow at Loki's response sensing something was off.
"Sure thing." Mia grudgingly passes a pint of ale to Loki; suspicious of her concealed aura as she sat down next to Bell.
Loki was eyeing Bell up and down. "Hey squirt anybody ever tell you that you look like a bunny rabbit."
"Y-y-yes." I looked down at my plate with a blush.
"Ha-ha-ha." Loki laughed. "I was just teasing. I know a couple of people that like little rabbits."
"I h-hope that doesn't become a thing, Ma'am. I am trying to build on some muscle."
"Oi, struck a nerve their kiddo." Loki edged closer and whispered. "Seen you staring at my friend Riveria. Have a thing for elves, do you?"
"…." My face went red to the point that steam might come out of my ears. My response didn't go unnoticed by a certain elven waitress walking by.
"Why not go talk to her?" Loki nudged his shoulder.
"I am not worthy of that honor. She's royalty! It would probably be seen as an insult to other elves. Ma'am."
Loki smirked watching him glance at Riveria out of the corner of his eye. "Aren't you the one that rescued her?"
"N-no." I shook my head. "All I did was delay those three guys, I would have been a goner without a waitress here and still failed at being a hero."
'Interesting humble and cute. Still don't want him near my Ais, but it would be a shame if he died under Itty-Bitty's watch. He would live longer.' Before Loki could start to introduce herself. A loud booming werewolf voice filled the bar.
"Ais, Riveria, tell us about the tomato brat that got his ass handed to him in the dungeon." The grey-furred werewolf was completely drunk and being obnoxious.
"Tomato boy?" both looked confused.
"Yeah, from yesterday when all those minotaurs ran from us on floor seventeen. By some miracle, one of the ugly suckers made it to floor five and cornered this newbie like a trapped bunny rabbit?" Bete laughed and took another swig of his ale.
Tiona recalled. "He seemed fine to me. Just resting against the wall."
"Open your eyes amazon. Riveria freeze blasted the beast and shattered it on top of him. He was so scared when he woke up that he tripped and knocked himself out. Covering himself in blood."
Anger was filling my body. I released my hands from my fork as I was about to consume one of the meatballs in my pasta. My knuckles balled up into fists turning white from the pressure.
"Oi, calm yourself kid." The redhead reached out for his forearm.
Riveria was angry at the werewolf. "Shut your mouth already, Bete! It was our mistake that let the minotaurs escape! The boy had nothing to do with it! You shouldn't drink if you can't handle it, you mangy mutt!"
I was happy that she spoke out against him but it hurt when she called me a boy. 'Will she ever see me as a man?'
"Oh! You elves and your dam pride. Trash is trash! He had no reason to be in the dam dungeon or even be an adventurer in the first place."
"I don't blame him for the circumstances that were forced onto him. We all start from level one just like any other, Bete!"
The prum captain hit the table. "Bete, Riveria, relax! You're killing the mood in here."
Bete was too drunk to ignore Finn. "You think some crotch sniffing little boy is gonna land the sword princess or some stuck-up elven princess?"
"There is no reason to answer that question, especially to a puppy who can't hold his liquor. Stop being absurd…"
"Quiet, hag!"
.
.
.
That was the final straw. I could not control my body anymore. My fists slammed down onto the table. The right one landed on the fork that was dug underneath a meatball. The meatball launched like it had a mission across the bar. Everybody but the wolf noticed the tomato sauce-covered meatball fly through the air like a projectile.
*SPLAT!* The meatball slammed into Bete's face and sauce splattered his fur.
"Ha-ha-ha!" The flat-chested amazon Tiona was laughing uncontrollably. "Look who the tomato boy is now!" She rolled back on her chair and fell to the ground. Her infectious laughter spread to everybody in the bar. Each pointing at Bete laughing uncontrollably.
The werewolf locked his bloodshot eyes on the white rabbit ready to pounce on his prey. He omitted a murderous aura of a first-tier adventurer. "You're a dead man!"
"Bete don't!" Finn ordered too late as Bete jumped from his chair and drunkenly stumbled after the kid.
I jumped from my seat as well and bolted for the door, fearing my life was about to end. By an inch, I escaped his claws because of a support beam. I ran to the east as fast as I could to get away from him.
Ryu quickly intercepted before Bete could hurt him. She stuck out her foot and tripped up the drunk and belligerent wolf. The wolf collapsed to the ground.
Immediately the laughter died out as Bete jumped to his feet and cornered the elf waitress; focusing all of his rage on Ryu. She was forced into a corner.
"OIIIIIIIIII!... I don't think so Vanagrand!." The massive dwarven fist of Mia raced towards Bete's skull. He froze in place only seeing Mia before his vision went dark.
*BAM*
The bar shook and the wolf fell unconscious to the ground. She stared around at the fearful patrons. "You assault my girls, chase out my patrons, or destroy my pub. I will end you." Mia's words sent chills down the spines of all in the pub.
"Ha-ha. Nice punch!" Gareth laughed drunkenly before taking another swig of his huge mug.
Mia smirked. "Loki get your dam wolf out of my pub. He's banned.
"That's fair. He's been a real ass lately."
"What are you all standing around for? Drink! Eat! Now!" The mood in the bar was restored to its vibrant atmosphere once more each going home with a fun little story.
Mia noticed the direction he ran. "Ryu, I think he went towards Babel. Go… chase him down!"
"Yes, mamma!" Ryu took a minute to gather herself, bowed before the dwarfess, and ran out of the pub.
.
.
.
Alicia was down the street from the Hostess of Fertility when the white-haired boy sped past her. His speed surprised her this late into the evening.
"What got into him?" Alicia saw the panic on his face.
A minute later she was at the entrance to the Hostess when a green-haired elf in a waitress uniform raced off in the same direction. Thinking the worse she entered the bar to see Bete lying on the ground unconscious and members of her familia tying him up.
"Is everything okay Lady Riveria?"
"No, the idiot wolf caused an incident. Would have been better if I went with you and Eina!" Riveria wanted to so much hurt the wolf for his actions. "I am going back to the manor."
"I will follow you, Lady Riveria."
"Going to like down." Riveria dismissed the overeager elf. She had a headache and a sinking feeling in her chest. 'Hope Bell will be okay. Ryu should be able to catch him before he gets too far.'
.
.
.
Without thinking, I threw myself at the dungeon; annihilating packs of kobolds and goblins with a vengeance. I was filled with anger and running on adrenaline. Even failing to notice the beautiful blue eyes watching over me as I cut my way through floor after floor of monsters.
I continued my pace until I didn't recognize the floor I was on. "This isn't floor five. I went down five sets of stairs. This must be floor six."
Ryu was watching from around the corner. Stunned by Bell's progress. 'It's only been two weeks and he made that look so easy. I will have to intervene soon.' She gripped on her shortsword under her apron, ready to back him up at a moment's notice.
Three frog shooters started crawling up to me. I dealt with the first one quickly before it could attack. The second one sent out its tongue. I dodged and sliced it off and closed the distance to stab its head. My reaction was too slow, the third frog shooter wrapped its tongue around my mid-section and prepared to swallow me whole. I stabbed my blade upwards through its jaw piercing its brain and eye. When it died the tongue rolled off me.
'That was a close one.' Ryu thought still watching the fight. 'Does he notice the war shadows on the ceiling about to form?!'
Ryu instantly recognized the black liquidly masses accumulating on the ceiling. They started oozing down to the floor and started molding into bipedal humanoid-like monsters. Each was over six feet tall with sharp appendages and skin darker than a starless sky.
"War shadows!" I was shocked by their appearance. Their screams were loud and intimidating.
Without Eina's lessons, I would be completely in the dark about them. War shadows have low defense but deadly claws and high speed. I still remember Eina telling me I had no chance of dodging them with my current stats. It took all I had to dodge their claws. Many landing deep cuts along my torso. Once every couple of dodges, I landed a hit and killed one of the war shadows.
"You will not kill me. I will do anything it takes to be by her side!"
Ryu again was startled by his desperate and powerful war cry. She saw the burning determination in his eyes and relaxed her blade arm to watch. She watched over the next hour as Bell's anger decimated the ranks of the war shadows.
"Ahhh." The last shadow died with a horizontal slash to its chest. I thought I was done when I heard a shuffling noise of something new coming from deeper.
It was a huge dangerous-looking ant that came up from floor seven. It was only one and a half feet tall but four feet long. I didn't even think my weapon would penetrate the monster's tough-looking skin. Its pincers clanged repeatedly ready to snap into my body as it charged forward.
I was ready to stand my ground, but in an instant, it was killed. The green-haired elven waitress impaled her shortsword into the killer ant's head. Killing it instantly.
"I think that is enough Mr. Cranel. I don't want you getting killed." Ryu warned.
I was shocked by the sudden help from the beautiful elf woman. "R-Ryu. Thank you."
"Don't mention it."
"H-how l-long have you been w-watching me?" I stuttered out feeling weak under the gaze of her blue eyes.
"I was ordered by Mamma Mia to chase after you. I may have gotten been watching for a few hours." She noticed his face go a deep red. "I w-was just amazed by the progress."
"Sorry I should of went back to Mamma Mia and paid my tab. I feel awful." I bowed low to apologize and hide my face.
"It's fine Mr. Cranel. Let's head back to the Hostess and talk with Mamma Mia. You can have all these monster crystals in my apron."
"I can't, Miss Ryu."
"I am no longer an adventurer, with my circumstances, I cannot cash in the stones. Plus, you killed all the monsters." She pointed at his weapon. "By the looks of it, you need a new weapon to go any further."
"You think so."
"Yes, the killer ants' natural armor will break any blades of that level with its skin. The head is the best way to kill it, but you can go for its spinal column between the armor segments. However, it will alert more with its antennas if you don't kill it fast. They are not as fast as war shadows but can climb walls."
"Thank you for watching over me and the free lesson. Can I make it up to you somehow? Mia will probably be mad at you for taking so long."
"Run it buy Mamma Mia, but first let me heal you up." She walked closer and held out her hand.
"The song of a now distant forest. The nostalgic song of life. Please bring the mercy of healing to those that seek you – Noah Heal."
A green light radiated through floor six. The magic flowed from her hand into my body. The many cuts on my torso healed over and disappeared as nothing happened. The only indicator of my wounds was the many gashes and stains in my clothes.
"Thank you very much, Miss Ryu. Elven magic is always beautiful to witness." I looked over my body admiring the work of her magic. Ryu's face went a light pink with an embarrassed smirk on her face. "I will try not to make this is a reoccurring problem."
"I somehow doubt that is in your control Mr. Cranel." Ryu couldn't maintain her normal stoic expression as a grin curled up on her face. "Now let's get out of here. You will be in the vanguard. I will your rear support."
We both fought our way through the dungeon within the hour. A thought in the back of Ryu's mind. 'She had to agree with Chloe. He did have a nice butt.'
.
.
.
When we surfaced inside babel. I noticed the exchange center was opened still. I exchanged the monster stones and drops items for another 20k valis. While the clerk was busy, counting all the drops. An old piece of paper on the back wall caught my eye.
Wanted
Gale Wind 80 million valis
Race Elf. Long Blond Hair. Blue eyes. Murderer
My eyes go wide at the last line. 'She looks like Ryu but I couldn't imagine her being like that. Her eyes always show a hint of sadness. I hope I am wrong. Best not to ask.'
I walked out of the tower to find Ryu was standing under a tree on the west side. I offered her a bag with an outstretched hand. "Miss Ryu please take half of the valis for helping me down there in the dungeon."
"Are you sure Mr. Cranel?"
"Yes, I might have gotten myself hurt or worse and probably would have left the stones even in my foolishness. Plus, your lesson was very valuable. Plus, I got to see something new."
"Are you talking about the killer ant?" Her eyes narrowed.
"That and I got to see your smile." Ryu stumbled when reaching for the bag and I accidentally grabbed her hand.
"Mr. Cranel p-p-please." Her face was going a deep red and she was breathing slightly hard.
"uh…. sorry. I didn't mean to touch you."
"L-lets h-head to the h-hostess." Ryu stuttered out.
.
.
.
The mile walk to the Hostess of Fertility was quite awkward. Neither one of us said a word. My thoughts were running wild, trying to figure out how to apologize to the Dwarfess owner. Ryu's confused look was worrying me too.
It was more than confusion to Ryu. Her mind was doing somersaults. 'Why did I let him touch me? Usually, I hurt people that try too?' Elves were known to get offended by unwanted touch and yet she didn't fight it at all.
We both arrived at the two-story structure early in the morning and entered the bar. It was quiet. "They're probably all asleep. Can't blame them." My voice sounded extremely tired.
"Mr. Cranel if you promise not to do anything you can get a few hours of sleep in my room…."
"…." My mind went blank.
"On the floor." Ryu immediately corrected herself. "I-I have an extra pair of linens in my room."
"No, I couldn't…."
"Just do it." Ryu nervously ordered. "Momma Mia is bound to tear apart the city trying to find you and you look like you might not make it to your place."
"Are you sure I don't want it to look negatively on you?"
"Come…. just keep it quiet. As soon as they get up to start cleaning. You can jump out my window. Come around to the front, apologize and pay your tab."
"Okay." I nodded my head.
We both went upstairs to her room. I fell asleep on the floor in the corner of the room. Ryu had her back to me on her bed. Her ears were a bright red. 'Why did I do this? I won't ever hear the end of this if they find out. Please forgive me Syr!'
.
.
.
(Day 3)
Four hours later the other women in hostess were waking up. A knock came at the door to wake up Ryu. Syr pushed open the door cheerfully.
"Good morning Ryuuuuuuuuuuuu …. ahhhhhhhh… Bell!" Her shocked voice rang out through the hostess. Naturally, every woman in the house heard about a man in Ryu's bedroom and came to investigate.
"Does Ryu have a boyfriend?"
"Does he have a nice butt?"
"Ssssyyyrrr, it's not what you think." I was too late, Syr just ran downstairs to tell Mia.
Ryu closed the door immediately to block the catgirls and Luniore from questioning Bell. She was in a panic with a red face. "G-g-get dressed." Within ten minutes we headed down to the bar.
"Ryu, I told you to stop him from doing something stupid in the dungeon not join him." Mia shouted from her bar.
"Sorry, Mamma!" Ryu cringed in fear. "Just got carried away in the dungeon and let him sleep on the floor."
"If this becomes a regular thing, then you're bonking elsewhere. I don't want little half-elf babies everywhere."
"….." both of us were blushing messes at the mention of half-elf babies.
"M-momma Mia, please don't be angry with Ryu. She was kind enough to watch over me on floor six. N-nothing else happened." I reached out with both hands giving her a pouch of valis.
The mention of floor six already surprised Mia. She grabbed the pouch and pocketed it while looking at Ryu. Ryu just nodded. "Your little stunt created a mess in my bar last night. Still cleaning out bits of a wolf from my fist too and you took one of my girls away for the night making it difficult to serve people."
"I am sorry. Can I help out around here to make up for it?"
"Fine!" Mia smiled raising her chin up with her eyes staring down. "The next two days, you can work a few hours carrying in crates of food and clean the bar."
"I can do that."
"Alright show up at 9 am." Mia's eyes wandered back to Ryu. "Who knows maybe Ryu can help train you too ….. with a blade?" She winked at the alarmed elf.
"I don't want to take advantage of….
Ryu interrupted, "I can do that. You did well down there. However, your form was very sloppy and you left way too many openings."
"That would be amazing." A smile curled up on my lips.
"Fine then." Mia rolled her eyes. "Do try not to get yourself killed? Doesn't matter what people say about you. As long as you come back alive you win."
"I will." Mia grabbed me by the shoulders, turned me around, and pushed me lightly towards the door. "Felt like I was leaving home." I was overwhelmed thinking that is how a mother would say goodbye to their son. I was walking towards the church, fearing what the goddess might do to me.
.
.
.
I entered the church and made my way down the steps. As soon as the door opened, I was tackled to the ground. "Bellll. I have been looking all over for you." Hestia had tears in her eyes as she berated me with questions. "Where have you been? Why do you look like you were attacked?"
"Goddess I…..I went into the dungeon."
"Are you crazy? You went into the dungeon at night without armor. Do you have a death wish?" She was outraged by my recklessness.
"No goddess. I just want to get stronger and I had to vent off some frustration."
"Why does it look like you were healed. You left your bags here."
"Oh, an elven waitress followed after me. I got chased away from the pub by a mean werewolf from another familia. She came down there to watch after me and to make sure I paid for my food." I told her while omitted that Bete was from Loki familia.
"You should be dead tired right now. Why does it look like you got some rest?" Her tears were gone, but her voice was rising with anger.
"I-I f-fell asleep at the pub for a few hours to make sure I paid my tab."
"You spent the night with an elf!" Hestia was angry and looked like she was about to explode. "Did she take your innocence?"
"I slept on the floor. N-Nothing happened." I was both confused and fearful as to why she was angrier about that than being in the dungeon at night.
'He's told the truth but I feel like he is not telling me everything.' Hestia's eye was twitching as she examined Bell closely. "Bell, I forbid you to go back to the Hostess."
"I can't goddess."
"What!?"
"I told momma Mia I would help work there for two days for the trouble I caused them." My hands were up in the air and my eyes scanned for a blade or needle.
"Fine!" Hestia was fuming. "No dungeon for a few days."
"O-okay." My chest sunk.
"Get cleaned up and go to bed."
"Yes, goddess."
.
.
.
Five hours later I woke up and goddess ushered me over to her bed to update my status again.
Bell Cranel Age: 15 Race: Human
Level One
Strength: H159...G260 Defense: G201...G280
Dexterity: H147...G242 Agility: G250...F345
Magic: I-0 Luck: I
Magic ()
Skills ()
Heart of Alfhiem
'He's growing too fast all because of this skill. This isn't fair. It's all because of these dammed elves.' Hestia kept these jealous thoughts to herself.
"Everything alright goddess." I was tensed up underneath.
"Yes, Bell." Her voice shifted from anger to an oddly cheerful tone. "Is it okay if I tell you your status today?"
"I guess that's okay goddess."
"You grew a lot this time. Why do you think that happened?"
"Would it be because I went down to the sixth floor?"
"Do you have a death wish? Are you that desperate to leave me that you charged down there with no armor on because of some fantasy about being a hero or getting with an elven princess?"
"I just want to get stronger. Please support me."
"You will rest for a few days. You are pushing yourself too hard. You are still recovering."
"Okay goddess."
"Please Bell." Her eyes started to water over. Her plea had an instant effect. "Please don't leave me alone."
"I won't goddess. I will stay out of the dungeon for a few days."
"Good." Hestia smiled. "I am heading to a celebration of the gods being hosted by Ganesha. I should be back in a few days."
"How long is the celebration?"
"I have some things to do." Hestia smiled smugly. "Don't break your promise."
"I won't goddess."
While goddess prepared for her party. I went out to the walls and ran two laps before coming back to sleep.
.
.
.
(Twilight manor)
The evening sun was high in the sky. Ais was practicing her swordsmanship in the second-story roof garden in the middle of the twilight manor. She was worried about the boy that went into the dungeon and wanted to distract herself. She couldn't talk to Riveria all morning because she locked herself in the library all day. She thought it weird that her mother figure was acting so distant to everybody after what happened in the bar.
"Hey, Ais-pu." Goddess Loki called out from the other side of the garden. She walked up to the blonde.
"Loki, what do you want?" Ais tilted her head to the side.
"Can you go get Riveria out of the library? None of the others are able to get into the Library and I want you both to stop mopping around before I go to the banquet."
"Alright Loki, I can go try again."
Loki's hands started wandering behind Ais. "Grabbing this might help get her out here."
*Swish*
"Awwwwww." Loki shrieked in fear.
"No means no." Ais swipes her blade by Loki's face, sending a piece of red hair to the floor.
"Ah your no fun." Loki's eyes watered over. "Fine! I need to get dressed up so I can make itty-bitty jealous."
.
.
.
*KNOCK. KNOCK.*
Ais knocks at the door to the library. "Riveria" Ais's soft voice came through the door.
Riveria closed her book. She was failing to concentrate anyways. She opens the door. "What Ais?!"
"Can we talk outside?" Ais innocent smile melted away Riveria's headache.
"Ahhh…. Fine!" Riveria sighed. She followed Ais out to the roof.
"Are you okay, Riveria? You have been moody all day."
"Guessing Loki put you up to this, Ais." Riveria was leaning over with her hands on the wall glancing up at Ais.
"Yes, but I wanted to see you to Riveria."
"Sorry, Ais." Riveria dipped her head forward. "I am just worried. I should have chased after the boy to stop him from going into the dungeon. Second time Bete has made an ass out of himself and our familia in public."
"I was thinking the same." Ais confessed. "Sure, the waitress found him before he went into the dungeon without armor."
"You think so"
"Yes!" Ais points to the walls.
"Oh." Riveria's face relaxed. She stood up and watched the Bell stop his run on the walls to do pushups. Then he immediately bolted out of view at a surprising speed. Riveria just stared at the empty wall lost in thought.
"Riveria."
"We can bother him some other time and apologize. Let's go get something to eat in the dining hall, Ais." Both of their moods had improved dramatically. They both went downstairs to join their familia for dinner.
.
.
.
"Hail, welcome one and all. I am Lord Ganesha" The muscular elephant masked god Ganesha was inviting all to his celebration under the gods. Underneath a 3-story metal sculpture of himself. The banquet hall was extravagant at the expense of his children's hard work. Ganesha was a god of the masses and spared no expense to host events like monsterphilia and events for the gods.
Loki was dressed in her black dress with red trim. Talking about her familia's deeds to Lord Dionysus and Lady Demeter. All the while trying to keep an eye out for Hestia who was her enemy. Until she saw her tiny child-like body standing on a stool emptying a few plates of food into her bag from the banquet table.
"Nice talking to you two. If you would excuse me." Loki cut the conversation immediately. She was relieved that she didn't have to talk with boring Dionysus and ran downstairs to a group of three goddesses.
"Hey Fei-Fei, Freya, Itty-Bitty!"
.
.
.
"Why the hell are you here Loki?!" Hestia sneered angrily.
"It's a celebration Itty Bitty. It would be rude not to come. If anything, I am surprised to see Freya here. Where you been hiding perv?"
"Ha-ha. Very funny Loki." Freya chuckled. "I have been feeling a little down lately. I decided to get out for once. How's the familia?"
"My children are my pride and joy. I could brag all day Freya."
"Bet you could." Hestia mumbled.
"You got something to say shorty." Loki bent down at eye level with Hestia.
"Yes! I would appreciate it if you stop having your children harass my Bell." Hestia pouted.
"Oh, right you finally got a child." Hephaestus wondered aloud. "White hair, red eyes."
"Amazing what happens when she stops mooching off you Fei-Fei." Hephaestus rolled her eye with a smirk on her face at Loki's mockery.
"I found him on my own. Keep your women away from him, especially that Riversomething."
"Weird that you get hung up on a man Hestia." Loki wondered.
"My bell is special. Keep your women away from him, especially that Riversomething."
"He would be lucky if I allowed one of my girls to go after him shrimp. She only wanted to apologize for what happened and thank him for the incident a few weeks ago."
"Oh, kind of prank did you pull on that beautiful elf princess of yours?" Freya's revelation made Hestia's eyes bolt open wide.
"They're both fine. Just an accident."
"Doubtful. You are the real pervert." Freya mocked.
"Nowhere close to what you do Freya."
"Knew it." Hestia mumbled while backing up against Hephaestus. "Oh, right I wanted to ask you something later Hephaestus."
"What is not Hestia?" Hephaestus was trying to enjoy herself and get over the stresses of the weak. She pinched her nose, sensing that Hestia would beg her for something.
"Fei – Fei wait for it she's gonna ask for handouts."
"How rude?!"
Hephaestus ignored the Hestia. "Loki that is a very beautiful dress."
"Awe thank you Fei-Fei. I figure some nobody goddess would be here so I got dressed up."
"Too bad you don't have any Boobs to hold it up, Loki." Hestia mocked while heaving out her chest forward. "How many men have tried and failed to climb that sheer cliff?"
"Itty bitty just because I don't have giant cow utters like you doesn't mean I am a virgin like you. Plus, I like women."
"Fine, then you keep those harlots away from my bell." Hestia was desperate to get an edge.
Loki's face furrowed in rage. "Kiyaaa." She lunged forward gripping Hestia by the face. Both women were making a spectacle during the celebration. The male gods were waiting for Hestia's strap to untie holding her breasts in place. They started betting who would win, but Loki's anger won out. She threw Hestia across the room and triumphed in victory watching Hestia run upstairs.
"Guess I should go up to check on her." Hephaestus held her head.
"Telling you Fei-Fei that she will only try to get free stuff out of you. She just abuses her friendship with you." Hephaestus walked away ignoring Loki's taunts. Loki wiped the tears from her face. "Uhh, I am gonna need a drink after dealing with her."
"Well, I am leaving. I think everybody has had enough time taking me all in." Freya yells loud. Disappointing all the drooling male gods around her. "Night Loki."
"Good night Freya." Loki looked around the room for the elephant masked god. "Guess I should ask him the oof."
"Hey, Ganesha."
"I am Ganesha! What can I do for you Loki?"
"Always the same I see. Anyways what happened to those three assholes that tried to hurt Riveria."
"Two of them are still locked up Loki. I regret to inform you that the strongest one got away."
Loki's face contorted in anger. "How the hell did that happen?"
"I am Ganesha. I am sorry Loki, but I do not know how he was able to get out. If it will help at all. The other two belonged to Apollo familia. He sealed their falna."
"What do you know about him?"
"All I know is that he was an elf. He had some help getting away from my guards and the other two don't remember a thing."
"Dam it. Guess that's a lead. Going home." Loki stormed out of the compound cursing Ganesha for his incompetence.
.
.
.
Hephaestus walked upstairs holding her head for the migraine to come as she approached the crying Hestia. "Did you really have to insult her children like that Hestia? That was too far."
"They are trying to steal Bell away from me."
"I very much doubt that Hestia. Probably just a harmless crush."
"Bell is mine."
"Mortals are not possessions. Doesn't matter how much we love them. Mortals control their own hearts."
"I know."
"What did you want to ask me, Hestia?" Hephaestus tried to smile.
Hestia lowered herself to the ground in the dogeza position. "Please make bell a weapon."
….
(1) DM2 Page 141-142. Hestia intentionally stabs bell over and over with a needle because of his growth. Just upgraded it to a butterfingers knife.