Danmachi Heart of Alfhiem

by Argonaut32

Elf harem story that starts with Bell saving Riveria's life. The timeline won't change much; Loki familia will be involved with Bell from the beginning making Hestia's worst impulses flare up as new events change an older more emotional Bell. The main four women in his life are Riveria, Ryu, Eina and Alicia. Aura, Laurier and Ais will come later. Unsure about Lefiya and Filvus.

4. Monsterphilia

Danmachi Heart of Alfhiem

Note: The anime version of the silverback is not correct. It's not 20-30 feet tall. It's only 8-10 feet tall and didn't have a chest piece.

Riveria uniform Memoria Freese, Astraea Record, 3rd Anniversary

The elven knives look like Aragorn's hunting knife from LOTR.

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Chapter 4 Monsterphilia (edited)

(Day 5)

*Knock! Knock! Knock!*

"Zzzzzzzzz. No Riveria don't get the door! Zzzzzzzzz!"

*Knock! Knock! Knock!*

"Huh." The pounding at the basement door persisted. Finally, I stirred from my dream of being an elf king. The harem of beautiful elven maidens led by the jade-haired elf goddess dissolved into nothingness.

"Huuuuuuu." Cruel reality sank back in as I stirred from the couch. I reached to the air and yawned with half-closed eyes. "Yaaaaa….. one minute."

"Uggh, what time is it?" My eyes gazed toward the magical clock on the table. "330am. Geez." I rubbed my eyes and stand up from the uncomfortable sofa.

"Who is it?" I called out while walking over to the door.

"Bell it's Miach, please open up. I need help."

I opened the door to see the blue-haired god Miach. Lord Miach's familia is small like ours and we have become friends. Lord Miach owns the blue pharmacy near the western wall.

"G-good morning Lord Miach huuuuuyyaaaaa, how may I help y-?" My tired voice was cut off seeing goddess Hestia slumped against his shoulder half unconscious.

"Could you help me carry her to the bedroom? She has been squirming around so much, that I have been having difficulty getting her back here."

"Yes, Lord Miach." I bent down to pick up goddess and carried her to the bedroom. Miach helped me lay her down on the bed and make her comfortable.

"I love you, Bell! Bell, Bell, Bell don't leave me." In her drunken delirious state, she shouted out randomly reaching toward the air.

My fingers were pinched over my nose because of a drunken smell and I dodged her arms. "I am so sorry Lord Miach. I hope she wasn't an inconvenience for you."

"She was a bit of a handful. She racked up a tab of about 6,000 valis." Miach faked a smile to play off the small sum of money.

"I can pay her tab." I lowered myself into a bow.

"It's fine! Hestia can pay me back with her work funds." Miach patted Bell's head until he stood up. "You're probably low on valis as is Bell."

"I did buy some new weapons and I was gonna get some new armor tomorrow after the festival."

"I would rather have you better protected for the dungeon. Whenever you get some extra valis; why don't you stop by the blue pharmacy? I know Naaza values your patronage."

"Lord Miach I will when I am able. Currently, I am forbidden from going into the dungeon."

Hestia cried out from the bedroom. "Bell, you cheater! Bell."

"I need to get home. Naaza will be worried sick about me."

"Lord Miach, I can escort you home."

"That's not necessary Bell."

"It's no problem. I don't think I will be able to get back to sleep. Give me a reason to start my morning run. I can also vouch for you if Miss Naaza is worried."

"Alright Bell, guess that would be helpful." Lord Miach waited until Bell found his running shoes and exited the church soon after. The streets were still illuminated by the magic lampposts.

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The early morning walk started very quiet and awkward until Lord Miach spoke up. "Any idea, why she is acting like that Bell? Out of the countless eons, we have known each other in Tenkai. I have never seen Hestia act this way before."

"I am not sure. She ordered me to stay out of the dungeon. So, I got some help training from an elven waitress at the Hostess of Fertility. She has been extremely nice to me."

"Is that it? Why did she ban you from the dungeon?"

"A first-tier adventurer was making fun of me. I got a little angry and I kind of went down to a floor I wasn't prepared for with no armor. I got a little hurt."

"Hmm, the call to suspend you from the dungeon seems reasonable but doesn't explain why she's acting so weird. Anything else happen?" Miach gazed to the side.

"Ummmm, I paid my tab and volunteered a few days for the problem I cause. I guess Ryu did heal me and let me rest on the floor for a few hours." I was staring at the night sky trying to recall the events leading to my suspension.

"Hmmm, curious." Miach stroked his chin. He shrugged his shoulders and changed the subject. "Seen you a few times staring into the Hephaestus shop windows. How did you afford a new weapon already?"

"I got some help from Lady Riveria from Loki familia. We have been running into each other a lot recently. She was nice enough to help me contract with a smith for a better-quality weapon. I am stopping by later today to pick them up."

"That's comforting to know you will be better prepared for the dungeon." We turned north and continued up a side road towards the pharmacy. "Seems like you have a few beautiful elves chasing after you. Wonder if that's why she's mad."

"Probably just a lucky coincidence. Come to think of it my advisor is half-elf too." A smirk curled up on my face.

"I don't pretend to know much about nine hells but I have never heard her take interest in people outside her familia. Elves generally have trust issues with other races and you have somehow piqued the interest of three. One is a princess no less, He-he." Miach chuckled.

"I don't t-think I am that l-lucky. Maybe I shouldn't tell Goddess about the weapons." I said scratching the back of my head in nervousness.

"I think you should continue to be honest with her Bell. I think Hestia might be jealous and may be developing feelings for you.

"O-oh."

"Depends how you want to respond to Hestia. You don't have to reciprocate her feelings." Miach stated.

"Uhh, I am thankful for Goddess for getting me off the streets and bestowing her blessing upon me. However, I am not interested in her in an r-r-romantic way."

"Bell, there's no need to let your life be ruled by some goddess's whims. But treat her with respect. For most deities, that's enough." Miach reached towards Bell's back. "The choice belongs to you, whether to refuse or accept a deities' love."

I shook my head. "I will be honest with her."

"Good." Miach smiled. "Do you have a partner in mind already?"

"I do but it might be impossible. I am hoping to get strong so the lady I fell in love with will notice me as more than a weak child."

"I think that is a fine goal. Do try to keep yourself alive."

"I will."

We arrived at the blue pharmacy. A brown-haired clienthrope female wrapped in a blue cloak was standing outside waiting around looking distressed. "Do you have any idea how long I have been waiting for you Lord Miach?"

"Sorry Naaza, I got held up with Hestia."

"Sure." Her arms folded across her chest, not sounding convinced.

I revealed my presence from behind Miach which surprised her. "It's true Miss Naaza. My goddess got drunk. I am sorry for the trouble."

"Oh, Bell. Fine, thank you for walking him back." She stared up at Miach. "Hope you didn't spend too much Lord Miach."

"Things kind of got out of hand." Miach stares off aimlessly trying to avoid her cold stare.

Noticing the building tension, I intervened. "I am sorry for the trouble my goddess has caused you. I will make sure she pays it back and I will make a purchase at your pharmacy in a few days."

"Thank you, Bell."

"Good night, Miss Naaza. Lord Miach."

"Good Night Bell." They both walk inside. Naaza scolded her god on the way. "Things are tight around here Lord Miach. Guess I will have to manage the store alone so you can get some sleep."

My face cringed overhearing hearing Naaza reprimand her god. I left for the western wall soon after.

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Peering out from the wall, I could see the city was quiet and the main roads were the only places lit up. Except for the red lights coming from the southern entertainment district. "Maybe I need to focus more on strength ability. It seems to be trailing behind all the others. I do wish I could develop magic soon."

I took a deep breath and started my run. I made one change to my routine by increasing the number of pushups to two hundred every time I stopped, at the main road. Surprisingly everything seemed to be easier with my new status update. "Wow, this feels amazing."

I arrived at the eastern wall a little after 6 am. The Colosseum had quite a lot of people outside setting up stalls and bringing supplies into the huge structure. "I guess the festival is going to be huge. Definitely want to see the monster taming later."

I watched a little while longer, noticing adventurers with Ganesha familia masks pushing cages of monsters into the south entrance of the Colosseum.

I continued my run and finished at the western wall. Many people were on the roads now. The western gate had a long line for people visiting Orario for the festival. I made it back to the church by 730am.

Goddess Hestia was still passed out in her room. I went to get cleaned up and get something to eat. I equipped my metal chest piece and brought my sword. I was planning to go into the dungeon after the festival. 'It should be fun to watch but will get boring watching it alone. Can't hurt to get a few valis in the dungeon afterward.'

I got some breakfast. Poured a glass of water and sat it on the bed stand and placed a wet cloth on the goddess's head. Before 9 am, I left the church to meet the smith Tsubaki at the Hephaestus shops.

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(2 hours ago)

Alicia is sitting on a comfy chair near the window of the library. She wanted to read a book with her coffee while it was still early. She retrieved an advanced-level magic book to control the amount of mind to alter the effects of her spells like Riveria could. Riveria could turn her ice magic into a dome and a bridge.

*Knock! Knock!*

"Alicia." The blond swordswoman stuck her head through the door.

*Cough! Cough!* Alicia almost choked on her coffee. "G-good morning miss Ais." She was surprised somebody else would bother to be in the library this early. "How may I help you?"

"Loki wants to talk with you in the lounge, before breakfast."

"Is it important?"

"Yes, Alicia."

"Okay, I will be down in a minute." Ais leaves the room first. Alicia spoke to herself. "I wanted to be better prepared for future classes." She places the book down on the table and was about to head to the door when something caught her attention out the window. She stares out the window and sees a white-haired boy doing pushups on the wall for a minute.

"Wow, he's dedicated. Still don't like the reason for his motivation, but Riveria would never accept him."

Her mind wandered to recent events. 'Though she has been acting differently of late around him.' She continues to stare at him through the window until he finishes the pushups and bolts down to the western portion of the wall.

"Wow." Alicia's eyes flared wide in shock, with a plain smile curled up on her pink cheeks. Alicia shook her head and patted her cheeks, to distract herself from the rapidly improving cute rookie. "Ridiculous, Alicia." She muttered to herself, before leaving the library.

Loki was sitting on a wide blue decorative sofa in the lounge area with her feet propped up on a wooden table. She was surrounded by four other women. The two amazon twins Tiona and Tione, Ais, and a very upset Lefiya.

"Loki please let me go to the festival with Miss Ais and the twins." Lefiya pleaded.

"Nope, you're spending the day with me and Riveria. It's your punishment for enabling Ais's dungeon obsession and hurting that boy. You're lucky she doesn't want to teach you to swim with an adamantine block attached to your legs." Loki smiled devilishly.

Lefiya was horrified by the thought. Ais was distressed and looking sick remembering her traumatic swimming lessons as a child, for calling Riveria a hag. "Please no!"

Loki rolled her eyes. "Tiona, Tione, I want you to watch after Ais. Keep her out of the dungeon and take Alicia with you to monsterphilia."

"If it's an order from my beloved captain. I will watch over her Loki." Tione pounded her chest resolutely.

"Should be fun." Tiona Cheered

Alicia protested. "Loki, I need to read up more for future training sessions. I shouldn't go to some trivial festival."

"What's the matter? Don't you want to hang out with us and get out of the manor Alicia?" Tiona pouted cutely with puppy dog eyes.

"Miss Tiona I would love to, but I have to be prepared to take responsibility in case Lady Riveria needs help in the future." Alicia stated.

"Riveria was alright with the idea Alicia. You need to get out of the house and have some fun." Loki propped her arms back on the couch. "Or you can be my date instead."

"Uhhh, no thanks." Alicia recoiled.

"Meanie." Loki squinted. "Riveria wants you to go."

"I guess I can go if Lady Riveria wants me to." "Alicia felt warm in the chest knowing her idol wanted her to be happy. She could also get along better with the executives.

"Yahoo." The cheerful amazon Tiona hugs the elf.

"Miss Tiona" Alicia was shocked to be touched by another so casually. "Please stop."

"Fine if you just call us by our names and come get breakfast with us."

"Okay." Spouted the flustered elf.

"Why are you all so loud this morning?" The stench of alcohol emanated from the annoyed werewolf.

"Normal people wake up early Bete and don't get drunk every night." Tiona's cheerful demeanor instantly soured.

"Shut it you annoying amazon."

"You should get out more sleepy head. The Festival might be fun."

"As if watching Ganesha familia wrangle weak ass monsters is gonna be interesting. It's only interesting to weaklings, Loki." Bete barked.

"Guess there's less chance of you trying to kill somebody." Loki smirked

"Little punk was lucky I didn't send him to the infirmary for staining my fur. Owe him a punch courtesy of the hag." Bete batted aside his bangs unaware that Riveria walked in behind him.

"You're lucky Vanagrand that I don't feel like getting puppy blood on my fist again. You will not touch him or anybody else." Riveria's angry aura sent a chill of fear down Bete's spine. All eyes were glued on Riveria's outfit. Between the looks of admiration of women, drooling lust from the goddess, and the utter contempt from the wolf.

"Shut it hag." Bete walked past without a second look on his way back to his comfy sofa.

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The door chimed as it opened into the Hephaestus shop. Tsubaki was at the counter; slightly hungover and tired from helping Welf smith the blades all night.

"Morning Bell. Right on time."

"Good morning Miss Tsubaki."

"I got your blades right here." She pulls out a box from beneath the counter. Inside it was two curved knives wrapped in a leather sheath. She pulls them out of their sheaths. The blades are 40cm long reddish steel, attached to 10 cm polished oak handles. The 0.5cm thick blades curved upwards. There was decorative writing in an old elvish script written up the side of the blade.

"Wow, these blades are beautiful Miss Tsubaki. What does it say on the side?"

"Welf decided to call them Ushi-Shinrin or forest bull. He's kind of passed out right now. I kept him up all night long. They should get you through the upper and middle floors with no problems."

"I can't wait to try them out in the dungeon." My ecstatic smile was clear as day looking at the beautiful knives in front of me.

"Just make sure to keep them clean and bring them in for maintenance a few times a month at the very least. Maybe bring them in for maintenance when you make payment.

"I will try not to ever be late." I lowered myself into a bow.

"Good boy, though you could get them much cheaper if you snuggle up next to me cutie." She leans over pressing her sizable bust against the counter.

"I-I-I d-don't think -" The thought of that offer was sending my head reeling. She was a very beautiful half-dwarf.

She slaps the counter and busts out laughing. "Ha-ha, I am just kidding. You're so easy to tease. Plus, I think you like that elf Riveria. Why else would you switch from an eastern blade to an elf one?"

"….." My face was extremely red at this point.

"Thought I sensed something. Well maybe building a little bit more muscle swinging these around will get her attention. Do be safe in the dungeon, you seem a bit innocent to be going in there."

"I will try. Thank you very much."

"Hey, do you need a shoulder harness for that guild blade? The guild blades are usually trash, but the shortsword should help build more muscle, and it's got more reach."

"Ahh… T-that would be great." Tsubaki helped me attach the shoulder harness for the shortsword. Also helps fit the knives to my waist. Swear she grazed my butt slightly on purpose.

"Now you look badass." She says with a hint of sarcasm. "Test it out wearing it like that on an upper floor first or bring it back for me to smelt down into scrap."

"Thank you, Miss Tsubaki."

"I guess that festival will help a new adventurer out. I still find it boring. Especially alone." She winks at me.

"I-I have to go. T-thank you again." Walk out of the Hephaestus shop.

'Still a little early to go over to the festival. Maybe I should go talk with Ryu to make sure she doesn't make anything today at least.' I started walking south down some side streets towards the Hostess of Fertility. The main roads were incredibly busy with adventurers and visitors.

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After twenty minutes, I managed to make it to the Hostess. A brown-haired cat girl was sweeping the entranceway.

"Heeeey, good mworning. Aren't you Syr's friend nhwa?"

"Yes, I suppose we are friends."

"Could you do me a favor …. nhwa?" Anya held out a purple and gold coin purse. "Could you take this to that silly Syr person nhwa?"

"I am sorry. I still don't understand what you're trying to say."

Ryu walks around from the backyard of the hostess. "You should work on your communication skills, Anya. I think you are confusing Mr. Cranel."

"You're silly Ryu. Syr went to monsterphilia and forgot her coin purse. Could you take it to her meow?"

"I can but how am I supposed to find her if there are thousands of people there. I would be afraid you would blame me for stealing if I lost it or can't find her. Especially since I am going into the dungeon afterward."

"Please don't talk ill about yourself Mr. Cranel. I don't believe you would do something like that." Ryu condemned my behavior. "However, you may be right. Probably safer here, bound to be purse snatchers at a big festival like Monsterphilia."

"Sorry"

"It's fine. If you do see Syr. Let her know we have her purse."

"I will."

"Oh, Mr. Cranel. I can make your lunch now."

"Thank you but I can pick up something to eat at the festival today. Tomorrow I am going to go look for some cheap armor with my advisor. Only going into the dungeon for a little bit after the festival, to test out my new knives." I point to the knives around my waste.

"They look nice. I am glad you can rely on something stronger than that guild blade."

"Thank you. I need to start getting back into the dungeon so I can keep making payments. Sorry again. If I run into Syr, I will point her here or try to help her out."

"Alright, I will see you both later. If I have enough valis, I will stop in for something to eat later."

"Goodbye silly white hair nhwa."

"Have fun Mr. Cranel." A small smile raised on Ryu's face. My cheeks went slightly red at noticing her and turned around and walked to the east.

The two waitresses watch him run off to the east towards Babel. "Ryu meow. Don't you think Syr will be mad at you, for being friendly meow to her boyfriend?"

"Knock it off Anya. Mr. Cranel is a friend and Syr and Mr. Cranel aren't a thing yet either. Plus, it's safer for us to have her purse." Ryu stares coldly.

"Nyha right I guess."

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The goddess Loki and the two elves Lefiya and Riveria were walking up the eastern road towards the Colosseum. The crowds parted around them. They were drawing stares from every man and woman walking down the road. Especially Riveria since she was wearing an old dungeon outfit that showed off her feminine figure.

Riveria wore a white form-fitting one-piece blouse with a brown circular design on the hands. It was held together on the right side by golden threads. Her legs were nearly exposed but covered with black see-through undergarments. She had a black and brown corset with gold trim that made her sizable bust more pronounced. Finally, a dark green cape trailed behind her which made her jade hair and perfect elven features stick out even more.

It was too much for Riveria. First, she had to experience a drooling Loki and perverted stares from Raul during breakfast. Now every person in the city was staring at her with lust as they walked to the festival.

"Goddess this is embarrassing."

"Ah come on, Orario needed to be reminded of that beauty your hell-bent on hiding under that royal elf uniform. Plus, I did say it was your punishment. Maybe next time I will try to get you to wear a bikini." Loki started drooling again.

"I am not a doll to be paraded around and there is no way in hell I will ever wear something like that. I am an elf. Not an amazon."

"I will not allow any man to defile our princess nor Ais. I wish I was there to protect her in her new skirt I bought her." Lefiya trailed off

"Lefiya she will be fine. Ais can take care of herself. You are here for a reason." Riveria ordered. "Don't try and lie your way out of it either. You will apologize next time you see him."

"I am sorry. I overreacted. Why do you care for that human so much?"

"Mama got a crush." Loki teased.

Lefiya angrily berated their goddess. "There is no way a human boy will get near Lady Riveria."

"Then why did she help him get weapons yesterday." The Loki gazed sideways with an evil smirk noticing Riveria's cheeks turn pink in embarrassment.

"Knock it off the both of you. Our familia has been hurting him many times. First with the drunken incident, the minotaur, then at the Hostess celebration, and now on the streets outside our manor twice. All I did was help him find a smith to craft that drop item into a weapon for him."

"Whew." Lefiya sighed.

"Nice of you." Loki snickered. "I agree we might have gone a bit far there. That minotaur horn was some weird kind of luck though."

"I have to agree, but I can 100% say he did not steal it." Riveria glanced toward Lefiya to silence her. "I did offer to let him join our familia but he feels like he owns a debt to goddess Hestia."

"Good," whispered Lefiya.

"Curious." Loki grinned wide. "Even if I wanted to recruit him, we couldn't do so for almost a year?"

"Why is that Loki?"

"You have to stay in a familia for a year to convert to another or the deity in charge has to voluntarily take their falna off the back of any child. I don't think Hestia will. Itty-Bitty seems shockingly obsessed with him. I am not gonna declare war and be like that pervert on top of babel; especially since we haven't exactly been shining great of late."

"I guess your right Goddess."

"Oh well. Hey, I need to go into this restaurant for a bit." Loki pointed to a menu sign outside the establishment.

"Why Loki?"

"I have a meeting with an acquaintance. Shouldn't take too long. I need to figure out what she is up to." Both elves were confused but followed their goddess up the stairs to the restaurant.

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The restaurant was nothing special. Even regular townsfolk could afford to come here to get a meal. The atmosphere was bizarre, everybody in the establishment was barely eating, staring off into a private room with a window that looked down into the crowded streets. Inside the room was a single woman cloaked in a black robe and hood. Everything was covered except for her flawless perfect face and silver hair, as she sat drinking tea.

"What's going on?" Lefiya questioned.

Loki ignored her and walked straight to the private room. "Yo, have you been waiting long, Freya?"

"No, I have only just gotten here a few minutes ago. Oh, my who have you brought with you today." Freya's gaze was directed at the two elven maidens that trailed behind Loki.

Just being in her presence, your body would react to her divine beauty, regardless of gender. Lefiya and Riveria became flustered and their cheeks reddened. If the goddess of beauty wanted to, she could charm any person to their very soul and change even a thirsty amazon into a lesbian.

Loki sat down at the table and the elves stood behind her. " Riveria and Lefiya. Go ahead and say hi to you two. Technically she is a goddess."

"Good morning, lady Freya." Both elves bowed and greeted the goddess.

"May I ask why you brought these two here with you Loki." Freya smiled.

"What better time for a hot date? Then a festival!"

"More like a punishment." Riveria whispered sarcastically.

"Ha-ha-ha." Freya laughed at her friend's expense after hearing the elven princess's joke. Freya got up from her seat and walked over to Riveria. "Your beautiful elf could be my date for the evening."

"Hell no, you better not try something!" Loki yelled.

"Maybe you should treat her better." Freya rolled her eyes. "I still have to thank you for scaring Aphrodite out of the city twenty years ago. Not surprised she declared war on you back then. She's always been the jealous type."

"I would have rather avoided that outcome." The Riveria looked down to the ground trying to avoid the goddess of beauty's stare.

"You did me a favor. Ishtar isn't much competition. You know Hedin has been distraught that you keep refusing him." Freya faked a sad pout.

"I am not interested in Hedin. I am not obsessed with power or strength. I desire something else than to be used as a weapon or a broodmare." Riveria steeled her nerves and tried to fight back against the goddess's aura and explain her refusal towards the ex-elf king.

"I could help fulfill your desires another way, with me instead. Maybe even share the same man." Freya moved closer almost touching her face to Riveria's.

Riveria's face was burning red and pushed her back against the wall as far back as possible. Her thoughts were running wild. Freya put her hand against the wall and was about to tease the elf further. Riveria's deep jade soul was as alluring as her seductive outfit.

"Knock it off, bimbo." Loki scowled standing up from the table.

"Oh fine. I was just teasing." Riveria raises her head seeing Freya's seductive smile before turning away from her.

Freya passed by Lefiya and only glanced her way for less than a second disinterested by her pale green soul, before turning back to Loki and taking her seat. Lefiya was stunned. She didn't want to fall under Freya's spell but to be ignored completely devastated the young elf.

"So, who is this guy you laid your eyes on, from another familia? Out with it." Loki replied with an annoyed tone.

"He's not that strong. Completely different from any of our children. He's easy to upset. Though Recently he has been determined to achieve his goal at all costs. Very cute and his soul is pure. I found him completely by accident. Just happened to look out a window." Freya's eyes widened and a blush rose on her face as she noticed a familiar white blur race through the crowded streets.

The other three women were entranced by the blushing goddess of beauty. When they looked out the window. All they saw was a crowded street. Freya stood up. "Sorry somethings come up. Let us continue this another time." She walks out of the restaurant immediately.

"What's up with her?" Loki eyed the speechless elves. Then looked down at a paper on the table. "Hey, she left me the check."

Lefiya whispered to herself. "She saw me as nothing."

Riveria replied. "You are very important to our familia Lefiya."

"Probably for the best, that she doesn't have her eye on you Lefiya. She will try to take anybody that piques her interest. Speaking of Riveria, I don't want you going near Freya familia. She has her eye on you, Riveria."

"Yes, Loki."

"I feel sorry for whatever child gained so much attention from her. I don't think I have ever seen her react like that before." Loki shook her head. "Think Monsterphilia is gonna be interesting this year."

"Is that why you had Ais equip her sword and me my backup wand, Loki?"

"Just a hunch. Let's get something to eat then head to the festival."

Riveria thought to herself. 'Hope he is enjoying himself.'

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The streets were packed the closer I got to the arena. Incredibly difficult to move in a rush. 'I had a feeling it would be impossible to find her with so many people walking around.' When I arrived at the Colosseum, I started looking around a little too desperately at all the people at the stalls.

"Beell."

I turned around to see the half-elf Eina walking up to me in her guild uniform. "E-e-eina, what are you doing here?"

"I have to be here for the guild to try to keep order. You look lost for some reason."

"I am looking for a silver-haired girl about our age. She's a friend of mine and left her purse at the Hostess of Fertility. Wanted to try and find her."

"That's nice of you."

"Ryu asked me to find her. Do you know Syr?"

"No sorry I've never been there."

"Why don't you go into the Colosseum already and check out the event Bell?"

"I was going to before I go into the dungeon…." My stomach growled loudly "….."

"…."

"Hehe" Eina laughed. "Maybe you should get something at a stall first. There is a Jaga Maru stand over there. Let me buy."

"I can't do that Eina." Eina ignored his protest and walked up to the stall.

"You bought food for me last time and you didn't even get to eat yours because of your goddess. Surprised she isn't here with you."

"She might have had a late night at a bar last night." A pained laugh escaped my lips. "I kind of been running around since 4 am."

"I refuse to let you roam around all day without something to eat. I am still your advisor." Eina pointed at his face with a stern expression.

A few minutes later, me and Eina are sitting on a grassy hill outside the Colosseum. Both of us bit into a cream-covered potato snack. "Won't you get into trouble, Eina?"

"I didn't have my lunch yet. I am sure nothing major will happen in the next few minutes. Plus, somebody has to keep you from overworking yourself." Eina took another bite into her messy potato snack. The cream stuck to her right cheek.

"Eina. You have some on your right side." I pointed to her cheek. She tried to brush it off but missed.

"Maybe I can help." I reach over to her cheek and scoop it off with one finger.

"Are you trying to put the moves on me Bell? I try to separate work and personal stuff." Eina closed one eye and turned her head away from Bell.

My face went red to the point I felt steam would shoot out if I got any hotter. "E-Eina."

"Ha-ha, If I didn't know that you had the hots for lady Riveria. I would think you were trying to seduce me." She grabs the potato puff cream off his finger and puts it back on to her snack and eats it.

"Wait."

"He-he, Bell you're too easy to tease."

"So, I've heard."

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The crowds were cheering loudly as a battle boar was raised up to the arena where a masked tamer awaited with a whip. A group of four women were enjoying the festival in the stands.

"I guess it is nice to get out of the manor once in a while. Thank you for inviting me long." Alicia smiled.

Tiona hugged her from behind. "More to life than books. We all want to have you around more Alicia."

"Tiona stop please." Alicia was embarrassed to be touched. She cringed from the human contact until Ais lifted Tiona off her.

"I was just playing. Ais, are you mad that Lefiya couldn't see your new outfit?"

"I feel guilty. She did pay for it." Ais looked down at her white skirt with purple and gold floral designs.

Tione rolled her eyes. "I am sure they will be here soon to witness this boring festival."

"Right big sis. I can't wait to get back into the dungeon." Energetic amazon was anticipating swinging her Urga around again. "I suppose rest is good for the body too."

The crowd cheered loudly as the battle boar was subdued and eventually carried out of the arena. The cage raised again with 2 smaller monsters inside it.

"Aw come on. Kobolds. I'm gonna fall asleep." Tione mocked angrily.

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(A few minutes before)

Freya walked casually around the dozen bodies of the guards lying on the ground. She had charmed all the guards underneath the arena guarding the monster cages. Freya snuck off to the shadows when she heard somebody enter the room.

"What are you all doing down here? The kobolds were supposed to be an intermission fight, you clowns." An orange-haired woman entered the room looking at all her comrades lying on the ground in a daze like their strings were cut. "What happened to you all?" She ran up to her closest friend to check on their condition.

Freya made her move. She came up behind the woman and placed her hands over her eyes. "Don't move now." The touch of the goddess of beauty made to girl convulses into an orgasmic frenzy. She was not able to control her body at all and fell to the ground in a daze. Freya grabbed the keys from the woman's waist. "Thank you."

"What is your name dear?"

"Sri."

"Might have to ask Ganesha for you later." Freya bent down and kissed the girl on the cheek. Sri fell unconscious.

Freya took off her black cloak, revealing all of herself in her usual robes to the monsters. The cries of the beasts were instantly silenced. Each was entranced by the full display of beauty from the goddess. She took the keys and went to a cage with a strong-looking silverback. The beast approached her under the effects of her charm.

She embraced the silverback, touching her nose against its forehead. "You will do nicely. The boy is right outside, he has hair similar to mine."

The silverback ran out the southern entrance only used by the Ganesha employees. "I want to see his scared, crying face. I want to see his courage. If he fails, I will follow after him to Tenkai and embrace him closely to my bosom for all of eternity."

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To the surprise of all in the arena, no tamer went out to meet the two small kobolds. Alicia noticed a commotion around Ganesha's private booth. "I think something bad happened." The other three women looked over at Ganesha yelling at his subordinates.

"Smells like trouble. Maybe we should look around the outside." Ais got up from her seat.

The announcer Ibri's voice rang out over the magic microphone. "Please everybody stay in your seats. If there are any adventurers in the stand. We need you outside the arena immediately."

The amazons cracked their knuckles ready for a fight. "Sounds like something fun is about to happen."

Ais jumped to the top of the arena to look around. As the other three ran out the western entrance. Ais noticed a troll wandering aimlessly through the streets as townsfolk ran away from it. "Tempest." She activated ariel and dived off the arena down onto the beast. "Lil Rafaga." She yelled killing the level 4 monster in one thrust.

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Eina noticed the knives at Bell's side. "Are those the weapons Lady Riveria helped you get smithed?"

"Yes. I could only afford to have a new smith make me something." I handed one of the blades to Eina for her to examine.

"Lady Riveria didn't pay for them?" Eina questioned.

"No. No. I formed a contract for 20k a week for the next 3months. I couldn't accept it, even if she were to pay for it." I said adamantly.

"I guess that means you're going back into the dungeon a lot more by yourself."

"Yes, I will need to. I was actually gonna ask you if I could go to the 7th floor in a few d-." I was cut off by a roar less than a hundred feet away. A huge silverback emerged from the employee entrance with broken chains attached to its wrists.

The white-haired beast was at least 8-10 feet tall. Its muscley body was covered in white fur except for its toned chest and massive fists. Its mouth opened up again, and it directed its roar towards me, showing off its huge sharp teeth.

Eina was trying to pull me away in the direction of Daedalus Street. "We have to run, that thing is from the 12th floor." I was tempted to follow after her because it was extremely intimidating.

A thought crossed my mind of the other day. "All you need is to have confidence. Most heroes have something to fight for to push them to achieve great things." The elven princess's words warmed my heart and I turned around to face the beast who had begun its charge.

"Bell, we need to go. We can't defeat it alone." Eina pleaded trying to pull him away.

"I can't allow it to hurt people. I need to contain it until help arrives." Nervously I pulled the guild shortsword from my back and charged.

I charged towards the rampaging silverback. I barely dodged its large body in time. I heard a loud crash behind me as the silverback crushed a food stall with its body. Vendors and townsfolk were fleeing in every direction away from the overgrown ape.

I jumped back to my feet and launched myself into the air and brought the shortsword down into a vertical slash. The ape raised its hand to block the attack. The guild blade shattered on its skin leaving a deep cut that matted its fur blood red around its arm. The beast became angry and punched me in the chest sending my body into a magical lamppost by the entrance.

The beast celebrated its temporary victory and turned to the frightened half-elf in tears from the attack. She was frantically holding out the knife preparing for an assault.

I was propped up against the broken lamp post. My armor was dented but still intact. My back was sore but thanks to my recent status update. I was able to tank the blow. I looked up to the silverback across the street. It was preparing to kill Eina

There is no way for me to close the gap to the silverback in time with one knife. Until I noticed the intact magical lamp hanging by a thread off the lamppost. 'I refuse to let her die.'

"Einaaaaaaa." My loud angry scream got the attention of Eina and the silverback. With all the strength I could muster, I threw the magical lamp against the back of the silverback. Temporarily igniting the fur in magical blue fire.

The ape was enraged and quickly patted the flames out on its back. It abandoned its target and turned to charge after me. I led it back into the employee entrance tunnel that led into the arena. 'I can kill this thing. It is nowhere near the strength of a minotaur or Ryu.'

"Bell noooooooo!" Eina screamed in horror.

I led it into an intersecting hallway. Ryu's voice rang out in my mind. 'I would suggest going after their legs to slow them down if you don't have the power to kill them quickly."

Lost in thought on how to deal with the silverback. The ape seized the opportunity and propelled itself forward with both feet. I dodged the impact, but one of the chains cut me across the face. The ape left a small crater where I was standing before. I took advantage of its recovering state and stabbed its Achilles tendon in its left foot with my remaining knife. It lashed out, enraged and in pain, raising its injured right hand sideways. I jumped backward two feet against a wall and pushed off. My downward strike cleaved the injured right hand from its body.

Out of desperation, the silverback used the chains to keep me at a distance. The chains smashed against the dirt floor and gouged out the chunks in the stone walls. Each impact forced me further into the tunnel until I could see the light from the arena through a locked gate.

"Aarrrrrrggggggg." The ape cried out in pain again. Eina had stabbed her knife into its back missing the stone by a few inches. She lost control of the knife and backed away from the enraged ape. With all the speed I could muster, I charged the distracted silverback and finished it off by impaling my remaining blade deep into its skull using both hands and twisting it. The monster dropped dead instantly on the ground. I pulled both knives out of its corpse and wiped the blood on the fur. Then sheafed them at my side.

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In a separate room, an infant dragon was thrashing wildly in its steel cage. It was supposed to be the main event for the monsterphilia but no guards were near to keep it under control.

The dragon was ramming the steel cage with all its might. Angry from being caged, the great beast summoned its most potent weapon and unleashed the searing flames onto the steel bars until they were red hot, scorching the room around it. The bars weakened from the heat and the dragon forced itself forward one last time, destroying the cage and the doorway beyond with its might.

"Raaaaaaaawwwwwwrrrrrr." The Colosseum tunnels shook with the titanic roar from the angry dragon.

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The sword princess swan dives off a three-story building onto an unsuspecting BugBear and Swordstag; cutting them both down with ease. As three women watched her from the western entrance of the Colosseum.

"Ahh, no fair. I wanted to have a turn." The energetic amazon Tiona said pouting as she watches her friend tear apart monster after monster.

"I know what you mean sis. My fists are itching to pummel into monster flesh."

"Tiona, Tione, surely you can't be serious. Neither of you has weapons equipped." The nervous elf Alicia watches the sword princess destroy the monsters roaming the streets, wishing she had brought something better than a knife so she could fight side by side with her friend.

"Alicia why are you three standing around outside of the Colosseum?" A familiar teasing voice surprised her from behind. The redhead goddess Loki arrived with Lefiya and Riveria.

"Goddess a few monsters escaped the arena. Miss Ais is hunting them down." She points in the direction of a dying Orc being split in two.

Lefiya spoke up, "Can I go after her to render assistance?"

"Fine but take the twins. They look bored." Loki smirked. The twins got fired up and chased off with Lefiya towards the Sword princess. "Looks like Ganesha is gonna owe me for helping out."

"I think it's more important we make sure nobody gets hurt. Still, why were these monsters not guarded at all?" Riveria said in a panic looking around for others.

"Lady Riveria, Ganesha familia seemed distressed when I was staring over to a private booth. Something awful must have happened. Should we investigate-?" Alicia was cut off by a pink-haired guild employee running up to them.

"Lady Loki please help Eina." Misha begged the goddess.

"What happened to Eina?" Riveria's brow furrowed, her flawless face contorted into a scowl.

"A silverback chased Eina and her white-haired boyfriend into the south employee tunnel of the Colosseum." Misha was distressed.

"Raaaaaaaawwwwwwrrrrrr." A booming roar sounded through the eastern district. Anybody without a status shivered in fear.

"That is no silverback roar." Riveria's eyes went wide in shock. The three Loki familia women raced off to the south entrance immediately.

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.

Eina stood genuinely surprised by what she had done, helping to slay a silverback. She had spent the last three years away from the dungeon. She felt pride for the first time since she cut her hair and broke ties with Loki familia. Eina's eyes welled in tears. Relieved the beast was taken down and both were alive.

"Bell are you okay."

"I am fine Eina. Only a scratch. Thanks to your help."

"I barely did anything." Eina hugged Bell tight overcome with emotions. Her sizable chest pressed into Bell's. Both were red in the face. "Bell I."

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOM*

The wall exploded down the hall where a door once stood. Debris was sent flying everywhere. The cloud dissipated around a huge thirteen-foot-tall infant dragon that appeared through a hole in the wall.

"Raaaaaaaawwwwwwrrrrrr." The roar was deafening in such a closed area.

The dragon was massive by level one standards. Its body filled the majority of the tunnel and radiated a sweltering heat. It stood on four legs each thicker than my body. Atop its long neck was the massive skull of a dragon with huge serrated teeth eager for a meal.

"EINA RUN!" Eina was frozen in terror. I kept shaking her to wake up out of her nightmare or she was going to be killed for real. "Eina wake up! Run!" Even I was terrified and unprepared to take on the dragon.

The dragon charged down the hall slowly due to its immense size taking up the tunnel. Sensing no other option, I grabbed Eina's waist and threw her as hard as I could to the other side of the intersection and barely was able to back up in time to avoid the razor-sharp teeth from biting me.

*Snap! Snap!*

Again, it snapped its teeth using its neck to its fullest extent to reach me. Sensing its size might let me get away, its neck started to glow red hot as it prepared its fiery attack to cook me alive.

The only thing behind me was the locked gate and the corpse of the silverback. I dove on the other side massive ape hoping beyond anything to survive the torrent of flames engulfing the tunnel behind me. I submerged myself completely below the body of the ape as I pulled its body over top of my own. The smell of cooked meat above me was nauseating and the heat started to cook me alive even with my status.

Finally, the beast's maw closed and the intensity of the flames died out. The flames cooked the silverback to its core and the body disappeared into ash above me. The gate behind me was also starting to burn down.

Eina was terrified to her very core. She thought she witnessed a fifth person die of an infant dragon. She lost her friend Maris two years ago when she was starting at the guild. The year before that when she was with Loki familia, Eina had witnessed the deaths of her fellow adventurers Clair, Erik, and Anju on floor ten. Now her heart was broken believing Bell had died too. Eina's ears fell and tears streamed down her face. "Nnnnnnoooooooooooooooooo!"

The dragon pleased with its victory turned around to face the half-elf. Its body still prevents it from turning very well. Every time it shifted the cement walls broke more apart. The dragon had finished recharging its attacked and prepared to blast the half-elf with its flames.

"Uhhh." My heart started beating faster as stirred dazed in pain.

My body was searing hot. Many areas were bubbling up into second-degree burns. My status and the body of the silverback prevented a most painful death. I saw the neck of the dragon glow red once more as it turned in the direction of Eina.

'I refuse to let her die.' My hand reached out for anything to help. Until it found a metal chain used by the very silverback whose body save me.

My back burned where the luck stat was located. I spun the chain around as fast as I could and threw it around the dragon's mouth. Luckily the chain lodged onto a tooth. The beast was still midway from releasing its flame at Eina. I used every ounce of my strength to pull the dragon's face to the side. The dragon smacked its head against the wall at the very second the flame came out causing a blistering impact from the explosion.

The dragon melted one of its eyes and singed some of its scales with its attack. The whole southern portion of the arena shook violently and started to crack from the impact. Driving many of the people in the stands to flee in terror.

The dragon was enraged, the explosion helped to free up its body. It turned his body and charged its half-dead prey and wanted revenge.

The wooden gate was severely weakened in the middle of the earlier attack. I propelled my body like a projectile through the center of the gate falling out on the other end into the middle of the arena. The crowd went quiet until the whole gate exploded on impact from the infant dragon bursting through. It reared its hind legs and lifted itself in the air to smash me with its front feet. I rolled to the left avoiding being crushed. Only to be smacked in the chest by its tail.

My armored chest piece shattered and my body flew to the center of the arena against the cage with the kobolds. A few seconds later, claws were being half dug into my backside by the kobolds stirred into a frenzy fighting each other to reach through the bars to disembowel me.

*Booooosssssssshhhhh*

When the dragon for the third time rained hellfire. Again, I rolled to the side and sprinted off to the side, my backside seared by flame. The infant dragon only had one eye; it focused the flames on the cage where I was laying. The two kobolds were burned alive and desegrated into ash. The crowd must have thought the show was back on as there was a loud cheer mixed with a few worried screams from inexperienced adventurers that were still in the crowd.

"Bell!" Eina stirred hearing the shouts of the crowd. The explosion had thrown Eina back but she was alive. Slowly she got back to her feet and limped off in the direction of the arena. "I can't let him die. I will do anything to see him alive."

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"Get a suppression squad in here immediately." The elephant masked god addressed his attendants.

"Yes, Lord Ganesha." The level one attendant bowed and rushed out of the arena.

"Hold on boy for two minutes." Visibly concerned that an inexperienced and unarmored boy from outside his familia was barely escaping death in the arena.

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I surprised the infant dragon by whizzing around on its right side. Staying out of its eyesight. I jumped into its back right leg impaling my blades deep into its skin between the scales. The minotaur horns went through the skin with only slight difficulty. The dragon thrashed around wildly not expecting the boy rabbit to have fangs of its own, trying earnestly to shake him off.

The skin felt like the inside of an oven or fireplace, easily outputting in excess of 300F degrees to the touch. The dragon forced its weight on its front feet and kick out backward sending me flying along with my blades. I landed next to one of the four pillars near the outsides of the area.

The dragon was injured and could still move well. It wanted to end this right now. The dragon charged to where I was laying. My body was slow to respond.

"Earth split asunder. Sheen of iron. Upheave the very rock and stone beneath my toe. Gnome, Incarnate of the land. Rain down your missiles and extinguish the light – Midgard's Twilight."

Eina concurrently chanted her only attack spell while limping to the arena entrance. She unleashed her hand at the charging infant dragon. The earth cracked open around her feet, and dirt and rock raised into the air forming two brown mounds of earth compressed into harden rock the size of a human's head.

She launched the rock missiles into the dragon, slamming into the beast with enough force to make it lose its balance. One pierced its back left leg. The other broke a rib on its left side.

"No, it barely did anything." Eina was close to mind down, pleading for the beast to die already.

The dragon was staggered but very much alive. Its attack was halted but slowly turned around to face half-elf.

"You will not hurt her. I will end you now!" I was angry. The terror I felt earlier in my heart was washed away with the desire to end this beast.

I jumped to my feet and climbed the pillar in two seconds. I pulled out both knives and jumped onto the dragon's back. My minotaur horn knives plunged deep into its back. The dragon was thrashing around desperately trying to get me off. It tried to use its neck to reach over to bite me narrowly avoiding biting my legs off. I climbed its back slowly impaling the knives again and again as I made my way towards the neck.

Eina stood up again and prepared her magic once more. Drawing the attention of the dragon.

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Alicia, Riveria, and Loki arrived inside the damaged hallway of the south entrance. They noticed two giant bloodstains that did not belong to a human. The cheers of the arena and the roar of a beast drew their attention. The two elves raced up the ramp to the destroyed wooden gate.

"Eina"

"Bell"

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Eina finished her spell as the dragon was closing in on her. I found the energy to pull out the knives and stab both blades back into the dragon's shoulders causing it to halt its charge in pain. It raised onto its back legs trying to throw me off.

"Midgard's Twilight!" Eina unleashed her earth magic into the dragon's exposed stomach.

Massive wounds opened on its soft belly. The dragon was close to death. When its front legs landed on the ground. I got up to my feet and raced up to its neck, kicking off the top of its skull. The dragon raised its head slowly to try to bite me. I was too fast and dropped down impaling my knives in its throat. My strength and gravity did the rest. Cutting its throat long ways down for five feet. The dragon's body went limp and I was tossed a few feet toward Eina.

Eina was unconscious due to a mind down and I was barely holding on from my injuries. I crawled over to Eina's body. "Eina!" My hand reached out for hers.

*Thud!*

"Bell please stay still." I heard a familiar elfess voice above me as my consciousness was slipping.

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A group of five Ganesha familia members, led by Shakti Varma, rushed into the arena. "What happened here, Riveria?"

"We just got here Shakti. We were told two friends were chased into the tunnel by a silverback. We saw a lot of damage done to the tunnel. They must have killed it and got surprised by the dragon." Riveria guessed what happened.

"Very well." Shakti agreed.

"How did the monsters get out?" Alicia spoke up after checking on Eina.

"Not sure. Should we carry them to Dian Cecht hospital?"

"No heal them up and take them to the twilight manor." Loki walked up behind the two elves. "Eina is with us but we don't know where Itty Bitty's kid lives. We can look after the boy."

"I will leave them in your care, Goddess L….." The blue-haired woman was cut off by a loud explosion to the west. "What?" Then another in the arena. A giant green stalk that looked like a snake popped out of the middle of the arena.

*BOOM*

"What is that thing?" The announcer Ibri yells over the microphone.

Riveria pulled out her wand, Alicia her knife, and the Ganesha familia their weapons. "Is that not one of yours Shakti?"

"Negative. I have never seen that thing in my life." Shakti was alarmed. The Ganesha squad fanned out around the snake, but none of them could get close because it had a 20-foot reach to it. Many of the weaker members' weapons shattered against the adamantine-like skin.

"Harbinger of the end, the white snow. B-." Riveria's chant was cut off. The snake lunged with all its might in her direction. Riveria was able to dodge in time because of her level 6 reflexes

"That thing locks on to magic." Alicia spoke slightly distressed by the new species before them.

The ground shook again and start to split apart where the snake-like creature surfaced. Many smaller tentacles sprouted from the ground and a head like a fly trap with huge teeth in the middle rose out of the ground.

"That isn't a snake. That's a plant." Shakti was shocked that they were fighting just the tail.

Again, the plant lashed out at Riveria to prevent her from casting. One of the vines caught her in the stomach and set her back into a wall. She was shaken up but survived the impact completely intact.

Alicia and Shakti charged together. Batting aside the many vines to knock off the head on top of the main stalk. Alicia broke her knife on the body of the plant. Both women were entangled in the vines within seconds. Each struggling to break free.

"Blow with the wind before the twilight. Closing light, the freezing land. Blizzard, the three severe winters – my name is Alf." The high elf concurrently chanted while running around the arena dodging the long tail. She had finished her chant and was waiting for an opening. Shakti was able to fight her way out and jump to safety. She was a high level 5 but Alicia was only a mid-range level 4 and was struggling.

Riveria's mind, "Alicia I will not allow that thing to kill you. Please give me an opening." She continued her running around while maintaining her blue magic circle at her feet. The longer she can keep the plant distracted. The less likely Alicia was to get eaten.

I regained my consciousness and looked up at the dire event happening before me. "I need to help them." Slowly my hands found my knives and started to get up. I didn't think I was strong enough to kill it if 1st tier adventurers were having trouble with killing the plant monster, but maybe I can help free her.

My body was charred from my earlier fight. I pushed myself as fast as I could towards the plant, while it was distracted fighting the three women. I made it to the tentacles that were holding up the elf Alicia and started to hack away. Surprisingly my knives were strong enough to cut the lesser vines. Alicia felt a sense of free-falling as the weight of the vines gave way underneath her. I threw my daggers aside and caught her in my arms.

"Huh." Alicia blushed a deep red. She was so surprised and relieved to be out of the plant's grasp, that she was unable to be offended by my touch.

I only made it ten feet before I felt a vine impale through my mid-section. Missing my heart by centimeters. My body went numb and the elf was launched from my arms.

The plant's vine retracted from my wound and blood came gushing out of my midsection. My vision was going blurry and couldn't breathe, barely holding on to life in front of the crying elf.

"WYNN FIMBULVETR!" Riveria screamed her spell as loud as she could and three spiraling blizzards froze the plant in place. She used her speed to jettison herself at the plant and punched the frozen maul with her level 6 strength. Shattering the plant and its magical crystal into thousands of pieces.

.The last thing I remember of the arena was a giant green magic circle and the healing magic Van Alheim. The many second-degree burns bubble downward and the cuts up and down my body sealed as the green magic healed over the damage from the fight. The hole in my chest healed over and my lung was repaired with the magic.

"We need to get these two home Shakti." Riveria started feeling the impacts of her consecutive spells. She looked down at Bell's unconscious body trying to hold back tears.

"Thank you for your help, Riveria."

Loki stood up from over the top of the Eina that she pulled out of the way. "Oh, I did some snooping earlier. You have a couple of people unconscious in one of your cage rooms down there Ankusha."

Shakti was visibly shocked by the information. Loki continued. "Have Ganesha meet me at the plaza diner in the amor square tonight." Shakti bowed and ran off with half of the Ganesha squad down to the south tunnel.

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Many hours later in the evening, Eina woke up in an empty bedroom that wasn't hers. She looked around wondering where she was until she heard Alicia snoring across from her. "Alicia."

Alicia's eyes flickered open at the mention of her name. She located the voice from her friend and jumped up from her seat to bring her into a hug. "Eina, you had me worried so much."

"I am sorry. What happened with the dragon?" Eina's eyes were still fuzzy trying to adjust to the light. Alicia's hug brought a slight pink to her cheeks.

"It's dead, you only had minor cuts and burns. You were knocked out from a mind down." Alicia spoke still embracing her friend.

As they separated from their embrace. Eina looked around and cried out, "Where is Bell?"

"He's alive. He just unconscious downstairs in the lounge. Lady Riveria and Finn are tending to him. He is healed but he lost a lot of blood." Alicia tried to reassure her friend. "What happened?"

"We were having lunch when a silverback came charging after us. I wanted Bell to run but he charged after it. First, he got knocked around but lured it to the tunnel to finish it off. I helped a little but then the dragon broke free in the tunnel."

Eina's eyes started to flood with tears recalling the events to her friend. "I couldn't move. I was terrified, Bell pushed me out of the way and got its attention. I thought he died to its fire breath. He was trapped. I don't know how but he used a chain to prevent it from frying me. Then it chased after him into the arena."

Alicia pulled her close again, ignoring the awkwardness of touching other people. She just wanted to assure her friend that they were all safe. "You two finished it off. Bell did something amazing. He even saved me from this weird plant monster."

Eina pushed her friend back in surprise. "WHAT!?"

"It spawned from the ground after you both slew the dragon. It was very powerful. I was wrapped up in its vines and he cut me down and carried me off to safety." Alicia's face tinged pink remembering the incident. "The plant monster impaled him in the chest. Thankfully Lady Riveria finished it off and healed him in time."

"Please be okay." Eina pleaded.

"He will Eina." Alicia reassured her. "Where does Bell live? We don't know where Hestia familia is located."

"All I know is in the western district near the Hostess. I didn't recognize the address."

"Hopefully his goddess won't freak out. We put a notice in at the guild a few hours ago after he stabilized. Get some rest, with any luck your boyfriend will be back up soon.

"Huh." Eina's eyes and mouth opened in shock. "Did Misha tell you that? I told you he loves Lady Riveria." Eina tried to deflect her accusation with the truth.

"I still can't let him touch our princess. What do you think of him?" Alicia teased her friend. Eina just buried her red face into the sheets behind her trying to avoid the answer.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha." Alicia laughed out loud.

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Across the city in the plaza diner located in the Amor square, three deities sat around a formal dinner table. The elephant masked god and red-haired trickster goddess sat on one side with the goddess of beauty sitting across from them.

"Care to explain yourself, Freya." Loki eyed her rival sensing she caught her in a trap.

"I have no idea what you are talking about Loki." Smiled Freya.

"Liar I saw Ganesha's kids lying on the ground like their strings were cut. You made them your puppets with your charm and let the monsters loose." Loki's eyes narrowed into slits.

"This is an outrage. Why did you do this to my children? Imagine how many could have gotten hurt." The elephant masked god was angry.

"The festival was a little boring. They were all under my control."

"Oh yeah, three children got hurt. Two of them were mine?" Loki was angry at her rival.

"Hurt?" Freya tilted her head sideways in confusion.

"Don't play a game with me, Freya."

Freya shook her head still confused. "What are you talking about? All of them were under my control. No monsters I let lose could possibly hurt our children."

"What about the dragon and the plants? Ganesha spoke up not believing the goddess of beauty.

"What about them? I didn't let a dragon lose nor do I know what you mean by plants. I let lose eight monsters and lifted the kobolds to the arena." Freya was growing genuinely interested as she revealed her sabotage. Did her love kill a dragon too?

"The boy and half-elf guilds woman put down the infant dragon. These weird plants came out of the ground next." Ganesha recalled the events that transpired. "Where did these plants come from?"

"No idea."

"Why shouldn't we report you to the guild?" The elephant god smacked the table outraged.

"If you do, I will take poor little Sri from you. She melted to my touch after a second. Wonder what would happen after some more time?" Freya looked up to the stunned elephant god with a seductive smile.

"No please don't touch my dear Sri." Ganesha pleaded.

"Then keep quiet." Freya pressed her pointer finger against her lips. "Seems like nobody got seriously injured or hurt. Sounds like your event was more entertaining."

Freya turned to her rival Loki. "If you tell I will take my eagle feather robe back and look into your high elf with more interest."

"You will never touch her and that robe is in Tenkai." Loki's temper flared up.

"Then enjoy the extra excelia your people earned and find out what these plants are that attacked. I did not see any of those under the Colosseum." Freya grew tired of the discussion and got up from her chair. "You two enjoy yourselves. I have to get back home."

Freya had many things to ponder and she wanted to tease herself at the thought of Bell taking down a dragon as a fresh level one. "Oh, my I can't wait to see him grow stronger. He did surprise me by luring the silverback into the tunnel."

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.

(Day 6)

My consciousness started to return to me. I could sense I was lying on something very comfortable. My eyes opened up to confirm my surroundings. I was lying in a very beautiful lounge on a very comfortable blue sofa. I started to get up.

"Slow down Bell. You lost a lot of blood." The voice came from a pair across from me. The beautiful and refined high elf and a blond prum sat on the opposite couch.

Slowly I got up feeling over my body for a hole in my chest that was no longer there. Then I looked over to the window to see the morning sun creeping through. "What? Where?"

"Good morning Mr. Cranel. Seems I finally get to meet the new adventurer who I keep hearing about from Riveria." Finn saw Bell's face go red. "Ha-ha-ha. Welcome to the Twilight manor, home of Loki familia. I am Finn Deimne."

I remember that name and tried to get up to bow. "Sorry if I cause you trouble, Sir Braver."

"Stop it, Bell." Riveria was annoyed knowing what he would do.

"We are all adventurers here. No need for formalities. Just call me Finn." Finn glanced sideways at Riveria. "Seems like you two are well acquainted."

"Don't you start Finn?" Riveria's eye twitched in annoyance.

I sat there watching the two when a pair of arms came up from behind me and down my chest. I was embraced by a redhead woman behind me. "Thank you for saving them both."

"Y-y-you're the woman from the bar." My face went red as a tomato not expecting to be embraced.

A genuine smile of affection came across the trickster's face. "Don't recognize me do you. I am Loki." Loki hopped over the sofa and sat beside Bell. "Seems like I missed out on getting you into my familia.

"I tried to apply here and -."

"Bete!" All three of their voices rang out at the same time.

"Sorry about that. My little puppy is a bit rough around the edges." Loki's arm reached over Bell's shoulder and pulled him in close.

"I-it's okay Lady Loki."

"As if?" Loki bit her cheek in annoyance. "Now I got to be a little jealous that Itty-Bitty got a good kid like you."

"Itty-Bitty?" My brow raised in confusion.

"Goddess Hestia. Me and her don't get along well for obvious reasons."

Still confused trying to understand what she means. "You seem nice to me. I don't know why Goddess wouldn't like you Lady Loki."

"Too bad you're not a girl. I could fall for that bunny face then. Hehe." Loki slapped my knee and chuckled.

"Loki knock it off."

"You need to calm down for once Riveria." Loki turned to me. "She's always tightly wound. Might be my fault. The familia does force a lot of responsibility on her. Maybe you could help her with that."

"Uhhh." Now my face was steaming red.

Riveria was looking at the interaction on my face in surprise but tried to cut off Loki. "What can I do to make up for all the trouble we have caused you? I would ask if you would like to join but I doubt Itty-Bitty would let you convert."

"Is Eina and that other elf lady, okay?" Guess they were expecting me to ask for valis or a favor. Each of them seemed surprised.

"They are both healthy because of you. Alicia was relatively unharmed and Eina only had minor injuries and overused her magic." Riveria broke the silence.

I let out a sigh of relief towards the floor. "I didn't want the silverback to hurt people."

"Somehow you took it down without too much trouble. That alone was surprising but the infant dragon too after only three weeks is an amazing feat." Riveria answered.

I shook my head. "Eina stabbed the silverback in the back and her magic saved me from the dragon."

Loki smirked seeing Riveria taken aback by the truth. "Still you killed the silverback and saved her from the dragon. You also helped Eina face something that scared her away from my familia three years ago. That's a hard debt to repay. You even freed Alicia from that plant thing.

"I don't need anything. Your friendship is more than enough." I looked at the three sincerely. "I hope Eina isn't too mad at me. She wanted to take me to Babel to look for armor. I don't want to keep worrying her."

"I think she is still sleeping. It's only 7 am. I will ask if she's okay to meet you there at 10 am." Riveria stated.

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"Bell let's get you cleaned up in the showers." Finn stood up.

I looked down at the stained couch. "Sorry about the couch."

"Don't worry about it. Just furniture." Riveria assured me. "Plus, you were near death."

"Thank you."

"Finn, I can show him." Loki suggested. "I was gonna go up and check on Eina anyways. She should wake soon."

"Ok, Loki. I will try to find a change of clothes for him and meet him there."

"Follow me, rabbit boy." Goddess Loki joked

"Eh"

"Don't be sensitive. You're cute as a rabbit. Plus, elves like rabbits." Loki gazed upon Riveria's widen jade eyes. "He-he." Loki chuckled.

"Come on." I followed Loki down the hall. I was stunned by the many different people in the hallways and the beautiful artwork that decorated the walls. "Like my place do you Bell?"

"Yes, it's amazing Lady Loki."

"Thank you." Loki pointed back to a hallway. "This is the one. Get cleaned up and meet us out here in ten minutes."

"Yes, Goddess Loki." I bowed low.

"Cut that out." Loki ordered. "Awkward."

"Sorry."'

Loki smirked before walking off towards the stairs. I walked into the empty shower room.

"Weird paint scheme for a boy's shower." I stared at the floral patterns on the wall. "She is the trickster goddess." I shrugged my shoulders and disrobed admiring the huge showering room. I quickly found an empty shower stall and pooled up a stool.

"Wow, they have running water like the guild." I turned the water on and started rinsing off in the shower and sat down on a stool. I poured a bucket of water over the top of me and started scrubbing the dirt from the arena off me.

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Loki walked back into the lounge where Riveria was drinking tea. "I thought he would be out by now."

"I haven't seen him Loki." Riveria was patiently waiting. "How is Eina?"

"They are doing fine. Eina, Alicia and Lefiya are about to get in the showers. Good time to see some elf booty." Loki started drooling.

"I will hurt you if you go there now Loki." Riveria warned.

"Ah, no fun." Loki pouted at the high elf.

Finn entered the lounge holding a pair of clothes. "You see Bell. He wasn't in the shower."

Riveria spits out her drink. "Loki do you even know where the boy's bathroom is located."

Loki's eyes go wide in panic. "Oh crap. Riveria, save the rabbit again."

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My body was lathered up with soap and I was about to rinse it off when I heard the door open. My eyes opened wide in shock when I heard three women giggling.

"Nice to get cleaned up in the familia shower for once. I forgot how big it was in here." Eina giggled.

"Speak for yourself." Alicia joked looking at Eina's huge chest. Lefiya was slightly intimated looking at them too.

"Geez stop staring you pervy elves." Eina tried her best to cover her chest before jumping into the main bath. The other two walked in with her."

*Splash!*

"Awwwww, so relaxing." Eina surfaced from the pool and looked over to the showers. Eina saw a person covered in soap not moving. She moved to the size of the pool. "Are you okay miss?"

"Did we get a new female recruit?" Lefiya asks Alicia.

"Not that I am aware." Alicia replied.

Hearing nothing all three women approached me. My head was hidden by my chest and the soap. I was frozen like a statue thinking my death was assured.

"You must work out being that skinny and toned." Lefiya admired with a smile.

"Don't make Eina right Lefiya." Alicia scolded the younger elf. "Are you okay? Were all girls here….!" Alicia bent her naked body down to look the person in the eyes and froze in shock seeing bulging red eyes.

Alicia fell backward in shock covering her chest. "B-B-Bell."

"Eep." both Eina and Lefiya cover themselves with their hands in shock.

"Bellllllll, what are you doing in here?" Eina shouted.

"I-I-I was told this was the men's bathroom." I was shaking in fear. All three girls thought they were hearing a loud heartbeat.

"You lying lecherous scumbag." Lefiya screamed. She started to chant. "Harbinger of the end!!" A blue magic circle formed under her feet. Eina fanned out to protect him. Lefiya's cheeks were burning ready seeing the bouncing mass of Eina's chest.

Alicia having noticed the spell jumped Lefiya, tackling her to the ground and sending Eina flying over top of me. My foot launched a bar of soap to the entrance. Me and Eina tumbled over one another naked. "Ow." I place my hand over my head and another to my side. Grabbing something heavenly soft and huge with a point.

"B-B-Bell." A soft moan stuttered out. "N-not t-there." Eina stuttered out feeling her breast in his hand and something poking her leg.

"S-s-sorry." My face went redder than my eyes, as I nervously let go of Eina's breast.

Lefiya jumped up and was about to hit me over the head with a stool. When I dived into the bathing pool and hid behind a statue.

"Eeep Lambton." Alicia fated to the ground caught by Lefiya

Eina got up covering herself and spoke calmly. "Bell who told you this was the men's bath?"

"Goddess Loki pointed down here. I am sorry. You are all very beautiful. Please don't kill me." I begged.

Lefiya screams. "YOU SAW! I can't get married anymore. I will never forgive you."

"Knock it off Lefiya. If was an accident. Obviously, that pervert doesn't know where the men's bath is located and this is Bell's first time here." Eina walked over to a towel rack grabs a bunch of towels to cover all 4 of them up. Alicia woke back up feeling a towel cover her.

"Uh Eina."

"Yes, Bell." Eina squealed back.

"Do you have a bigger towel?" I pleaded.

"EH," All three women were speechless.

"I-I will g-give you mine. D-don't look." Eina said red-faced. She tossed it over towards Bell

"I am really sorry." Finally, I was able to cover myself. Slowly I walked to my clothes. Swear I saw one or two of them spread their fingers to peek. I managed to put my boxers on when I heard the door open.

The jade-haired high elf entered in a hurry and walked in to see the three stun elves. "Have you three seen Bell anywhereeeeee?" Her foot came in contact with the soap bar and flew in the air about to land on her neck. I raced out to catch her in my arms.

*Thud!*

Riveria was in as much shock as I was especially because she didn't know what tapped her head, but was glad to not be injured.

My eyes were nearly bulged out of my head. "Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, I am so d-dead."

"B-Bell please release me." Riveria stuttered.

I help stand her up and immediately dropped into the dogeza pose. "Sorry anything you want from me. It's yours."

"His head!" Lefiya screamed.

"E-enough!" Riveria directed her gaze at the two elves with bloodshot eyes. She turned to me. "Get dressed quick Bell." She pointed at the clothes on the floor.

I grabbed them and ran around the corner to get dressed.

"Are you done?" She said in a calm voice.

"Y-yes am I gonna be executed for seeing four beautiful elves." I nervously squealed out.

Three of the elves blushed while Lefiya was fuming. "It was an accident. Our perverted goddess Loki has never been to the men's bath. Now follow me, Bell. You three go about your day." Riveria ordered.

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.

Riveria entered the room and lightly smacked Loki on the head. "Why did you do that Riveria?"

"You almost got Bell killed for seeing them all naked." Riveria stared her goddess down.

"What you're dead?" Loki fumed towards me. I hid behind Riveria.

"No, you will not. If you touch him, I will hurt you much harder. It was your fault."

"Fine control the elves. Me and Finn will go straighten this out with Itty-Bitty." The goddess looked like she wanted to do anything else. "Sorry for reacting like that. At least you got to see the sights while your here." Loki winked at his blushing face.

Finn chuckled. "Let's go!"

"Where do you live Bell?"

"I live to the west of Hostess of Fertility." I was genuinely nervous to show them where I lived. The sofa I was sitting on was probably more expensive than everything we owned a few times over. I think they sensed something because I didn't give a complete answer.

Loki's brow was raised. That was the first time he avoided telling the complete truth. "Alright let's help you get back home. You're probably still a bit tired from the blood loss."

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A little while later we were approaching the three-way intersection that led to the abandoned church off the main road. "I can make it from here lady Loki."

"Bell, you never lied but it's kind of obvious you're hiding where you live." Loki saw through Bell immediately.

"Sorry. F-follow me." I led them north through the alley.

"What are you doing here? This is a ruin, Bell."

"We live in the basement." I said nervously.

"BBBBBBEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLL!" The small goddess ran and jumped towards me, tackling me to the ground and rubbing herself over me to check if I was okay. Still smelling like booze.

"Geez Finn do I smell like that a lot." Loki whispered to the prum.

"You have your moments but you're always sneaking off to the showers to spy so it doesn't last long." Finn chuckled.

"Why do you have my Bell, flatty?" Hestia jumped up immediately realizing they were there. She rested her hands on her hips and had a murderous look on her face.

Sensing trouble I interrupted. "Goddess please don't act that way. They helped me recover from my wounds when monsters broke free, during the festival."

"You went to a festival without me. You could have taken me out on a date." Tears accumulated in the corner of her eyes.

"Goddess you were still recovering from the other night. You were still out of it when I came back from escorting Lord Miach home."

Finn stepped in to interrupt the unnecessary drama. "Good morning Goddess Hestia. My name is Finn. I am Loki's captain. Bell just woke up this morning. He risked his life to save two of our elf women. We wanted to thank Bell and yourself personally. If he needs any help, he is welcome to stop by."

"I don't want him going near flatty or having his chastity stolen by some elf woman." Hestia stared down at the prum captain. "Stay away!"

"Goddess!" I passed out.

"Geez, obsession and jealousy are new for you Itty Bitty. I feel bad for the boy. Be glad I am not like Freya or Apollo." Loki contained her anger.

"I will never let anybody take him away from me. I forbid him to go near you." Goddess stared up at the trickster.

"Whatever! Let's go, Finn." Loki and Finn walked away and Hestia helped move me downstairs.

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I woke up two hours later. "Goddess. Goddess. Where did she go?" I stared over at the clock. "9:45 I gonna be late." I brushed my teeth really fast and put on a new pair of clothes and knives and rushed off towards babel as fast as possible.

Eina was waiting out front of the western entrance of Babel tower. She was wearing a white blouse tied together with a brown ribbon. She had stockings that went up to her thighs and a red skirt showing off a little bit of skin. Eina glanced over at the clock. '10:10 I guess he forgot or -.'

"Eina. Eina." I was shouting out loud for the half-elf as I raced up the western street. I was looking around for her in a guild uniform.

Eina tapped Bell on the shoulder. "I thought you were gonna stand me up for a second their Bell."

I turned around. "Sorry Eina. Please Forgive me...?" I stopped middle of my sentence stunned by how beautiful she was out of her guild uniform.

Her cheeks-tinged pink. "You like what I am wearing. I thought about trying something else since it was my day off."

"Wow, you look younger somehow."

"I am only nineteen Bell." Eina grabbed his head and started rubbing him against her chest to tease him.

*Boing*

I was unable to fight back against heavenly softness rubbing against my face. My whole body was getting hot and my face was going red. My mind was racing a thousand miles a second but I knew I had to stop her in public. "Please Eina, Stop!"

An embarrassed smirk curled up on Eina's face as she realized how fast that teasing got out of hand and how inappropriate that was to do. "Sorry."

"I-I-I met to say you l-l-look amazing. I d-didn't know you take off your glasses outside work." Flustered I tried to change the subject. "Sorry I had trouble getting up."

"It's okay. Glad you showed." Eina's smile was beautiful. "Follow me."

I thought to myself. 'Grandpa keep me strong. She is really beautiful but I'm in love with Riveria.'

Surprisingly a voice responded in his deep tone. 'My boy create a Harem. Surely you don't want to see either sad.'

My mind was spinning. 'How is that even possible without making either cry? I can't. Let alone do I have a chance.'

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I followed Eina up on a magically powered elevator to the 8th floor of Babel. Unlike the clean expensive stores on floor four, floor eight had dozens of lowered-level smiths trying to sell their weapons. "Wow, I had no idea that all these shops were up here, Eina."

"Lady Hephaestus rents out floors four to eight, for all of her smiths. Floor 8 is for newer smiths. The prices are low so new smiths can sell their weapons and armor and have their work evaluated. Some of them are really good!" Eina giggled seeing his stunned face. "Come follow me."

We entered a dingy shop that was filled with unsold cheap equipment. "I am gonna look back here for a minute Eina."

I walked off looking at all the heavy armor. 'I don't think I can move around in those too well.' Then I noticed a box covered with a cloth. I pulled it out and lifted the cloth to see silver and red armor that looked pretty sturdy for light armor.

"I think this is perfect for me." I flipped it around to see the signature of the smith written in Koine. 'Welf Crozzo, that looks familiar.' I placed the armor down and took out my blade. The same smith crafted the blade and armor.

"Wow, what a coincidence. I would be dead without these blades. Surely the armor would be great too." I read the name of the armor. 'Pyonkichi, maybe that's why they didn't sell but 10,000 valis is cheap and just about everything I have on me.

Eina walked up behind me. "Hey, Bell I found some leather armor. Oh, what did you find?"

"I want to get this armor."

"Oh, bell I forgot to tell you. I cashed in the dragon stone for you. You can spend up to 50k. You can get something stronger."

"Wow, I forgot about the stone. This armor is made by the same smith that crafted my blades. We might not have lived without them."

"Okay if you trust that smith. I will feel better knowing your safe." I purchased the armor and Eina took me down to the 4th floor to check out the higher-end stores.

"Why are we down here Eina?" The incredible craftsmanship and huge prices were very intimidating.

"I just wanted to show you around. It may take a while to afford this level of equipment, but with hard work and dedication. Anything is possible. You can even get magic weapons down here. There are also quests at the guildhall for blacksmiths requesting rare materials."

"Really."

"You would be surprised what you find down here. Let's browse around some more. Surely you don't want to leave so soon." Eina had a very cute pout on her lips that was irresistible.

"I would love to."

We continued window shopping throughout the floor for thirty minutes. Until we saw a red-haired woman with one eye covered with a black patch force a small woman out of her shop. "Hestia, how many times do I have to throw you out? No means no."

"Come on Hephaestus. I am sorry!"

"Goddess!?"

"Bell what are you doing here…. with this half-elf?" Hestia's shout alarmed many adventurers and annoyed the redhead more.

"Eina has been helping me find new armor." I held up a box with a smile on my face. The redhead goddess was genuinely surprised when she recognized the armor.

"My Bell deserves the best. I can't allow you to get killed wearing cheap armor." Hestia pouted.

"Goddess, I trust this smith. He made the knives that Riveria helped me order."

"Why did that elf buy you knives?" Hestia's fists were balled in anger.

"No." I shook my head. "Riveria just helped me find a smith because I found a minotaur horn in my bag. I am very grateful to her. The knives saved both our lives at monsterphilia."

"Wait what were you with Eina yesterday?" Hestia eyed Bell suspiciously.

"I ran into Eina by the Colosseum. I guess it kind of turned into a date since we got Jaga-maru. Then we got attacked by a silverback and a then a dragon." I scratched the back of my head nervously unaware of the red-faced Eina behind me.

"Bell you, cheater!"

Hestia looked like she was going to explode when I said date, but the redhead goddess stepped in front of her. "Wait so you're the kid at the arena I keep hearing about?"

Eina replied. "Yep, that was him. He charged the silverback and then saved my life from the dragon. Together we took it down it down in the arena."

"Wow, you are growing fast. I know the smith who crafted those knives and armor. He has been having trouble selling his stuff, lately."

"I don't see how. These knives killed the dragon and the armor looks great to me."

"Bell don't address goddess Hephaestus like that." Eina warned.

I looked a bit confused. "Goddess…. Hephaestus..." I was taken aback by the smile on the redhead's face. "I am sorry?"

"Yep, that's me. Are you disappointed Bell?"

"No, not at all. I am just surprised. I thought a smithing goddess would have huge muscles like Mamma Mia." I pictured the giant dwarf in my head hammering a weapon at a forge. "I thought you might be a goddess of beauty."

Hephaestus had to cover her huge smile with her hand. Hestia had enough. "You blockheaded playboy rabbit. Stop trying to seduce every woman you see."

"I wasn't." My face went pale, hoping Eina didn't get the wrong idea.

"Hestia knock it off. Bell's telling the truth. Thank you, Bell, for the compliment but I am the smithing goddess Hephaestus. Hestia got lucky finding you. You found your own equipment and upgraded already by yourself."

"I found him first." Hestia pouted

"Well, he does seem to be rather gifted and cute. However, I only take smiths Hestia. How about you help out around the shop part-time to help pay for his weapon?"

"I can keep up with the payments myself Lady Hephaestus."

"I do not doubt that but Hestia has been begging me to help you. If she wants to help you then she can stop being lazy and work for it as you have been."

"Why have you been doing that goddess?"

"I want you to be safe. So, I wanted to get a good weapon for you." Hestia frowned.

"I need to work my way up to the higher tier stuff. Maybe trying to recruit people will be better at keeping me safe."

Hephaestus looked down at her friend. "See he seems to understand how things work. It's been four months, surely you can find some other people."

"I just want it to be the two of us."

"Then I will keep trying to get help from my friends until you decide to recruit. Nice to meet you, Lady Hephaestus." I bowed to the red-haired goddess and turned to Eina. "Let's get out of here Eina."

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Me and Eina walked out of the tower and took a quick break on a park bench. "Sorry, you had to see that Eina."

"It's fine Bell."

"Would you like to get something to eat, Eina?"

"Hmm, next time for sure. I already promised I would be spending the rest of the day with my familia. I guess they miss me."

"Oh, that's nice."

"I sort of have been ignoring them." She looked down at her feet.

"I understand you went through a horrible experience in the past, but I don't think you should ignore the people that love you, Eina."

"You're right Bell." Eina's cheeks blushed. "Can I ask you something? How did you survive that fire blast?"

"I kind was…. hiding under the silverback corpse. Hope I don't still smell like that thing."

"I don't know of anybody who would have done that. Ha-Ha-Ha." Eina busted out into an uncharacteristically loud laugh that drew a few stares. "I'm sorry."

"I have to get going but before you go to floor seven come meet me in the guildhall for training." Eina ordered.

"I was gonna take it easy and learn to fight better with my knives for a few days on floor 6."

"Okay, I will see you around Bell." Eina waved before walking up the north road.

"Guess I should get back home. I am still exhausted from yesterday and I need to fit this armor on."

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(Twilight manor)

Later that night Loki's familia was sitting around the dinner table. Finn stood up in front to address all of them. I have two announcements to make. "Eina Tulle has come back to us for the evening. Some of the newer people might not know but she was in our familia three years ago. Make her feel welcome. She has always been family."

Many of her old friends were cheerful to have her around and some of the men were more than happy to have another beautiful woman near the familia.

"We will be doing a mini-expedition to raise money for Tiona and Ais swords. So far Riveria, Ais, Lefiya, Tiona, Tione, and I are going down. Does anybody else want to come along? We could always use supporters." Aki and Alicia raised their hands. Rakta the hume bunny volunteered to be a supporter.

"Alright, then it will be the 9 of us will be gone for a little over a week. Gareth will be acting Captain while were gone. Don't slack off too much." Finn smirked. "Alright, let's eat."

The familia filed through the dinner line where Aki and Alicia were serving. A browned-haired human man was extremely overeager to chat up Eina in the line. Every time the line moved; the man would inch closer almost touching Eina trying to ask her out on a date.

Eina was wary of him. He was handsome but something about him rubbed her the wrong way. "Sorry Hod, I don't try to get too close to adventurers. It would conflict with my job."

Hod leaned his head to the side with an eager smirk on his face. His eyes were shifting back and forth along Eina's voluptuous curves. "How about you go back into the dungeon with me? I can get you use to adventuring again. Then we can go out."

"No! No! I can't." Eina leaned over to retrieve a ladle for her soup. She was hiding her pained expression not wanted to offend a familia member.

"Oh, come on!" Hod leaned in closer.

*Tap! Tap!*

Alicia angrily smacked the counter with a spatula in front of Hod. The man jumped back in fright. "Hey! The line is for food only!"

Eina slipped away in a hurry, thanking Alicia. She sat down next to Ais and leaned over low over the table to hide. The rest of the familia was busy socializing to notice. Ais was quietly nibbling on a Jaga-maru she snuck into dinner. "You okay."

"Yep. Just hungry." Eina lied as she blew on her hot soup.

Lefiya and Alicia sat down across from Eina. Alicia could see the nervous look on her face. "Did he say something to you?"

"Don't worry about it. Still trying to get to know everybody."

"Always happy to make another friend." Lefiya smiled wide. "I heard you left the familia. If I may ask, what happened?"

Alicia replied. "It's not a pleasant story Lefiya. We lost three of ours before you joined us."

"Oh, I am sorry." Lefiya apologized.

*Woosh*

Ais noticed Loki sneak around behind her. Loki's fingers were flexing as she got closer to Eina. Loki was eager to grasp Eina's chest. Ais grabbed a cup of water and splashed Loki. Loki's blue tracksuit was drenched. "Why did you do that Ais!?"

"No perving." Ais warned clenching a fork in her hand. Loki backed away and stood up.

"eeeeeeh." Eina leaned away holding her chest trying to prevent the pervert goddess from touching her. "No."

"Can you blame me?" Loki eyed Eina with an hungered look. "Eina, it's been three years. Want to get a status update? You and Bell did something interesting yesterday."

"What did that human do to you?" Lefiya screamed.

"He didn't do anything. Things just kind of got out of hand at the festival with the monsters and he saved me. Please don't jump to accusations about Bell. He is really nice." Eina's reply stunned Lefiya.

Alicia cleaned her lips with a napkin. "I haven't had my status updated after the expedition, Loki. I will go along to protect Eina."

"Two for the price of one. Can't beat that." Loki smirked.

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A few hours later Eina was sitting in front of Loki's bed, nervously awaiting her status update. "Where did I place my knife?" Loki mumbled looking around her bed

"Here, try this one goddess." Alicia brought up a steak knife from the dinner table and tossed it at the goddess nightstand worrying the trickster.

"Alright! he-he-he."

"Only my status." Eina warned as she lifted her blouse and exposed her back to her old goddess. A single droplet of blood fell on Eina's back. What she saw on Eina's back made her dizzy and fall over.

"Goddess are you okay?"

Loki's hands were glued to the status sheet in her hand. "Get me, Riveria."

….