The white grassy plains of the 12th floor spread out before the two as they were situated on a large rock plateau, up and out of the way. Leo casually sat on the edge with her Greatsword next to her as Iris stood beside her at the ready, watching the trio of Level 1's from their Familia. Clarice, Primo and Gina might have been the lower tier members of their Familia, but that didn't mean that they were weak. In the time that they had spent in their Familia, they had grown stronger.
The 12th floor was the most dangerous for those of Level 1, but for them to get stronger they had to push themselves. That's what Zald had always told them when he was guiding them, even when they had been Level 1 themselves, they had been pushed just as hard and sort to do the same to those that came after wanting them to be prepared for the middle floors when the time came. From what they heard Bell's training under Alfia and Zald had been much more... demonic and they didn't doubt it knowing Alfia.
"It shouldn't be long now." Iris commented softly gripping the sheath of her sword as she watched Gina brandish her twin swords, moving around the battlefield like a dancer, slicing her blades through scores of imp's that had gathered. There were two Orc's starting to approach, but as Iris turned her attention to them she saw a group of Imp's turn and attack the Orc's completely overwhelming it by sheer numbers as Clarice used her tamer ability and rendered the Orc into ash before the Imp's turned on one another, tearing one another apart viciously.
Turning to where Clarice and Primo were standing, Primo with her magic staff in hand as she watched the fight go on, bracing herself for when she would need to use her magic. Clarice herself stood with her own weapon, an umbrella which she had requested from the Goibniu Familia. The custom umbrella had cost a pretty penny leaving her in a large debt which had resulted in Alfia sitting her down and lecturing her about proper use of money and debt. Alfia refused to let anyone help her in paying it back, making the girls punishment to pay it back herself. Currently Clarice was using it to shade herself as she watched the Imp's tear into one another.
Gina dashed over to the last remaining Orc, having defeated the remaining Imp's that weren't under Clarice's control, sliding down between it's legs slicing both it's ankles with her blades as she did so causing it to fall beneath it's own weight to it's knees, Gina leaping up her blades crisscrossing over it's back rending the monster into dust as the magic stone was sliced clean through.
"Ah! Not again!" Gina cried out as she rushed to the now destroyed magic stone, while it still could be sold if it was broken it wouldn't fetch as good a price if it were fully intact.
"It's okay Gina, that's not why we're here." Primo stated as she walked over with Clarice to the amazon, the young girl looking up with tears in her eyes.
"But still, I shouldn't just cut through magic stones if I don't need too." She pouted as Primo crouched down, placing a hand on the girls shoulder as Clarice stood by, looking around with her uncovered eye.
The lack of monsters was only a warning as to what was to come, the very reason as to why they had ventured to the 12th floor. They had already fought through the upper levels and had delved into the 10th floor where other Adventure's were present. If they could accomplish their task today, Iris would permit them into the floors between the 13th and 16th. They had been at it a while, fighting off Orcs, Imp's, Hard Armored's and they had even been able to take down a Silverback, with the help of Iris who had stepped in so they didn't use all of their strength against the beastly ape.
"So it beckons forward to the darkness." Clarice spoke, lowering her umbrella down, shutting the canopy as Gina and Primo turned to look at the oldest of the three only to see her staring off in the distance, across the plains of white grass. They turned and followed her line of site only to swallow nervously. The wall they were looking at was cracking, already the large claws of the Infant Dragon were clawing through the rock as it was birthed from the dungeon. This was the test they had to pass before they could go lower without the stronger members of their Familia.
Gina and Primo both stepped up and stood either side of Clarice, Primo gripping her staff tightly as Gina flexed her fingers around the hilts of her twin blades. It wasn't the first time they had seen the infant Dragon but it was the first time that they were going up against it without stronger members. They knew that if something went wrong then Iris and Leo would step in, but that didn't erase the fear entirely.
The Infant Dragon was estimated to be a Level 2 creature by the Guild, a mini boss on the upper floors before the middle floors and the Monster had killed many would be adventurer's. It's why Alfia and Zald had agreed that for anyone in the Familia to descend below into the middle floors, they had to be capable of defeating the Infant Dragon without any higher level members of the Familia. Everybody else in the Familia bar the three of them had completed the test.
Leo and Iris watched from the small plateau. Leo now more on guard as the Infant Dragon clawed it's way out of the rock wall before it was free, shaking off the debris from the dungeon it looked around with malicious eyes. She stood beside Iris, the cow girl having her hand tightly on the hilt of her sword as Leo held the handle of her greatsword with the tip resting on the rock at her feet, both would act at a moments notice should they see any of the three in danger.
The cry of the Infant Dragon rang out, a quick glance around the floor from Leo showed that others that had come down to the 12th floor were already clearing out, not wanting to risk fighting the Infant Dragon. However Clarice, Primo and Gina all stood at the ready.
"For a bunch of kids they have guts." Leo smiled, she had been 12, a year younger than Clarice when she along with Oriana, Vivian and Lucia had gone up against the Infant Dragon when she had been a Level 1 but Gina and Gwen were only ten years old and going up against it. The Dia Familia was truly full of amazing people and no doubt their strength would grow and grow, but Dia herself didn't seem dead set on rivaling the Freya or Loki Familia's, simply content with their daily life as it was now.
"I wonder if it's too early for them." Iris frowned but Leo simply shot her a smile.
"I'll step in if they're in over there head, okay?" Iris nodded as they turned back, Primo was already chanting her spell while the Infant Dragon was still unaware.
"Dazzling stars crossing the jet-black sky. Listen to my immature prayer, guide the flash - Come, shine of tears, defeat the filthy! Lumine Pleiades!" Primo raised her staff up as a magic surrounded her before magic gathered at the tip of her staff. The magic shot straight up towards the ceiling of the Dungeon but stopped just before colliding and hovered there before it exploded.
It looked like hundreds of falling stars as bright lights shot down from where the magic had gathered. The Infant Dragon roared as it was assaulted from the sky, the missiles of magic hitting the ground around the Dragon and the Dragon itself as the Dragon cried out. Dust rose up from the impact of the magic as the spell came to an end, Gina and Clarice both stepped forward in front of Primo. All three knew that this wasn't the end of the fight, it would take more to bring down the Infant Dragon.
Thundering beats came forth as the Dragon charged from within the dust cloud that had erupted. The magic had been effective, the monster covered in wounds but Primo's magic still wasn't strong enough to bring it to a weakened state. Gina brandished her blades as she dashed towards the charging Dragon as Clarice twisted the handle of her umbrella and unsheathed the hidden rapier within.
At the last minute, Gina jumped to the side using her strength to pounce once more when she landed and leapt back towards the Dragon's side. Both her blades sunk deep into the Dragon's side causing it to howl as Gina's blades slid down it's side leaving a large gash. The Dragon howled in pain and it's charge came to a stop as it reared it's long neck back and glared down at Gina. It's head struck towards her, but Gina was agile, planting her feet on the dragon's side she kicked off of it and out of danger taking her blades with her.
"Fufufufu!" Clarice laughed as she cast her rapier to the side. "Such a creature, born in the darkne-"
"Clarice! We don't have time for that!" Primo shouted at her causing Clarice to click her tongue before she dashed after the Dragon chasing Gina. The young amazon was using her high agility to keep away from the Dragon's strikes, it's form was large and it had strength however it's agility was slow so Gina was easily able to maneuverer around it's sluggish attacks. The Dragon however caught sight of the girl in the black dress and rounded on her causing Clarice to smirk.
Primo was their Mage, Gina was their Vanguard while Clarice, despite not looking it, was their tank. Having trained with Zald to parry and defend from powerful blows. The Dragon Reared back with it's neck and lunged towards her jaws open wide, Clarice flicked her umbrella out to the side, the black canopy opening as she raised it up just in time to defend from the blow.
Clarice winced, not having expected the strength that came from the attack and hadn't braced herself properly, her feet skidded back across the dirt as the Dragon's teeth ground against the canopy of her umbrella. Her arm was numb but it was no different from defending against Zald's powerful attacks. Quickly she maneuvered, twisting the umbrella to the left, forcing the Dragon's head with it giving her an opening.
Driving her rapier forward it sank into the Dragon's open eye. Blood gushed out as the blade sank shallowly into the socket, only making Clarice's eyes widen as a large grin came to her face. Her tamer ability let her tame any monster that she had slain before. If she killed the Infant Dragon now she could tame them from here on!
The moment of lack of concentration was enough as the Dragon thrashed it's head around, catching Clarice off guard and sending her sprawling across the field of white grass.
"Clarice!" Primo shouted as she watched Clarice tumble across the grass like a ragdoll. Fumbling with her pouch she reached in and pulled out a vile of healing potion and rushed across the plain towards her downed friend. Gina however still shocked at the sight of Clarice being hit, was still in range of the thrashing Dragon that was writhing in pain. The large tail came crashing down onto her shoulder, crushing her to the ground underneath it's power. Gritting her teeth she did her best to drive one of her blades into the tail but the pressure only grew, causing her to gasp in pain forcing her to release her weapons as her body was being crushed.
That was before the tail holding her down turned to ash allowing her to take in breath as the weight was gone, her body aching from the Dragon's power, her bones themselves were aching. However as she looked up past the worried Iris she witnessed Leo take the Dragon's head in a single swing with her greatsword turning the rest of the Dragon to ash, the magic stone hitting the floor with a soft thud. Tears sprang to the young amazon's eyes as Iris crouched beside her.
"I-Is... Is Clarice okay!?" She sobbed as Iris helped her sit up and raised a potion to her lips.
"She's okay, Primo's with her now." Iris stated as she helped Gina swallow the potion. She looked over to where Clarice and Primo were, Leo already there with them helping Primo administer the potion to Clarice. There was a lot of blood, but with a confirmation nod from Leo it seemed that Clarice would be okay. Iris helped Gina up to her feet, the young amazon leaning against her for support as they walked over to where Clarice lay unconscious, the potion already having done it's work, but the blood that had seeped into her dress was still present.
"We should get back to the surface." Leo suggested. "Best to let a healer give her a once over." Iris nodded in agreement, Leo carefully picking up the unconscious blonde in her arms. "Let's go."
Karen let out a breath as she sat on a bench outside of the Dia Familia home in the back garden. She was drenched in sweat, her morning training with Oriana more intense than her usual bouts with Lucia, there was no doubt Oriana was on the cusp of Level 4. Karen's own Level Up to Level 2 had only been recent, she knew she was stronger because of it, but going up against the Level 3's of the guild showed just how much she was lagging behind. While Bell and Haruhime were the only Level 4's of the Familia, she still felt like she'd never catch up to them. Alfia and Zald were just an impossibility altogether. It was almost as if Bell would be the only one to catch up to them.
Having joined the Familia just under a year ago, she was still amazed that she had already reached Level 2. There were so many more Adventure's in Orario that had been Level 1 for years diving into the Dungeon, without ever progressing forward. Everyone in the Dia Familia grew at such a rapid pace that it seemed impossible, there had to be something behind it, right? Alfia told her not to wonder about stupid things while Zald just laughed it off.
Dia might only update their Status's from time to time, but Alfia had told them it was so that they could build up skill and strategy rather than rely on the numbers that showed on their status. If they didn't know their true strength, then they had to approach the Dungeon with caution. Something that should always be done, regardless of what their Falna showed. The gap between status updates also let them see their progress. Each Level Up showed them great leaps in improvement which only pushed them to keep going.
"You're getting better." Oriana smiled over at her from where she was still standing with her spear, Karen herself had wobbly legs and needed a break but Oriana's increased status let her be unaffected by such minor fatigue. "Lucia's teaching you well."
"Yeah." Karen nodded, Lucia was a great teacher. Before coming to Orario she had instructors teach her, Lucia was much easier to learn from. She was kind and patient, never overbearing but still firm and guiding all at the same time. Karen had no doubt that if she wasn't preoccupied with her Family's shop, Lucia would be up there with Oriana on the cusp of Level 4, or perhaps having already achieved it. But Lucia wasn't solely dungeon focused like the rest of the Familia spending a lot of time with her Family's shop.
"Would you two like some lunch?" Dia called from the door getting a smile from Oriana as she saw their goddess with a tray of some sandwiches she had prepared for the two.
"You didn't have too." Oriana stated as she walked over as Dia smiled and placed the tray down next to Karin, her stomach grumbling slightly causing her to blush as Dia smiled at her. Quickly Karen grabbed a slice and began to eat it as Oriana sat beside her doing the same.
"You didn't have any plans today Goddess?" Oriana asked, usually Dia would be in her vineyard but they had just planted their newest crop and harvested the previous a few days ago which Dia had made into Wine so there wasn't much to do other then tend to the seedlings.
"I did want to go somewhere with Bell today, but he had his own errands to run so we decided we'd go tomorrow." Dia explained.
"Anything important?" Oriana asked.
"No, not really." Dia waved her hand before herself with a smile. "I just thought it would be nice to take a chance and go on a date with Bell." She smiled causing Karen to choke on the mouthful of bread she had just taken a bite of. Dia laughed gently as Oriana clapped Karen on the back. "Without Alfia around you have to take your chance when you can." Dia winked at them before she stood up and lightly dusting off her dress. "I'll be inside checking on Daisy she stayed up last night with her potions, don't go too hard on her Oriana."
"R-Right." Oriana blinked as both girls watched the goddess head back inside. There was silence between the two for a moment before Oriana hung her head with a heavy sigh. "Even Goddess..." She breathed out. "I guess she's kept quiet because of Alfia too."
"Or maybe she's just teasing us." Karen interjected, Dia was well known to the members of her Familia for stirring the pot, trying to tease them best she could aware of the feelings her members held towards a certain Almiraj looking boy, all in good fun of course. "How'd it end up like this?" Karen questioned, not directly to Oriana but the question was open.
"If I had to warrant a guess..." Oriana began leaning back against the side of the building. "Because Alfia was always around, she kept the rest of us at bay, meaning we rarely got one on one time with Bell, other than Haruhime." She admitted. "Meaning, Bell didn't really catch onto our feelings plus some we haven't exactly been open with Bell either, because of Alfia."
"Plus he is kinda dense, considering Haruhime's time with him." Karen chuckled lightly. "Plus, Alfia probably put the fear of hell into him if he ever did something ungentlemanly." Oriana nodded in agreement. A hand landed atop Karen's head pushing her head down, Oriana pushing off the wall and Karen as she walked a few feet from the seat back to where they had been training and turned as Karen rose her head and glared at Oriana.
"Now that Alfia's gone, don't think it's going to be any easier." Oriana stated twirling her spear around with expert precision before pointing the tip towards Karen. "This is a chance we might not get again when Alfia comes back, we're on a limited time to make Bell fall for us now and we're not going to make it easy on him." Karen smirked as she stood, drawing her rapier from her belt and walked forward.
"Like I'd make it easier for you either!" Karen dashed forward, Oriana lunging with the tip of her spear, Karen easily side stepping the thrust only for Oriana to spin and sweep causing Karen's vision to spin before her back collided with the ground, her ankles aching from where Oriana had tripped her up with her spear. Oriana stood over her with a smirk of her own now adorning her face.
"It won't be easy on any of us." Oriana told her before offering her hand out. "What happens, happens." She said as Karen took the offered hand and was pulled to her feet. "Bell might not choose any of us, but we won't know until we try."
The bell above the door chimed as the young Adventurer entered the store. The shop was quiet which honestly wasn't a surprise to the teen, it was only mid morning and to be honest, not many people visited the Blue Pharmacy to begin with. But ever since he was young, Miach and Naaza had always treated him well. It was true that Naaza had cheated him out of plenty of Valis in his youth, she soon stopped, whether it was because she was a good person or because Alfia scared her, he wasn't too sure. He looked over to the counter to see Naaza resting her head on her arms with her usual tired look.
"Welcome Bell." Naaza greeted with a yawn before she stretched her arms out in front of her. "Did Uncle Zald and Auntie Alfia head off okay this morning?" She questioned, she'd never say it directly in front of either of them but she treated the two like family, Zald often went drinking with Miach and was always kind and while scary as hell, Alfia was kind to her at times.
"Good morning Naaza." Bell smiled as he approached the counter, taking his bag off his back in the process and placing it at his feet once he reached the counter. "They headed off early this morning."
"It's okay." Naaza smiled as she reached up and patted Bell atop his head. "You'll be lonely for a while, but they'll be back before you know it. I'm sure you'll have plenty to keep you busy in the meantime." She stated tussling his hair slightly as Bell smiled sheepishly, ever since he could remember Naaza treated him like a little brother. "So, what do we have today?" She questioned gesturing to the bag at his feet, pushing forward the business that he had come here to do.
Naaza inspected the drop items and materials that Bell pulled from his bag. Naaza wasn't able to purchase everything he had, unable to use the items from the lower floors but she was happy to take what she could off his hands to fill her own stocks that were running low. The Dia Familia was Naaza's main source of materials and the like, Miach's Familia wasn't well known and Naaza's ruthless business etiquette left many people turning away. Bell himself however could vouch for Naaza and Miach's potions and would always support them.
"I'll be heading back down to the Water City after tomorrow." Bell told Naaza as she began sorting through the items that were now on the counter. "I'll be about a week, I should be back by Monster Feria. Is there anything you need from the Dungeon?"
"A week?" Naaza pondered aloud. "Another request so soon?"
"Yeah, I got it when I was at the guild earlier." Bell admitted.
"Well be careful Bell, and with this little exchange of ours, our stock is back up so we shouldn't need anything new for a while." She began before a glint came to her eye. "But, seeing as you're heading out on another expedition there's no reason you can't spend a few of that hard earned Valis on a few things that you might need now is there?" She grinned.
"Sure..." Bell knew without Alfia, Naaza was going to overpower him with her sales technique.
Just as he expected, Naaza had gone into sales mode and he was a few Valis shorter then he ought to be. But Naaza was in a good mood so that was a plus. Leaving the Blue Pharmacy with the remainder of his drop items and materials from the deeper levels he walked through the commercial district of Orario, greeting a few people who called out to him as he past them by. It was approaching midday now, he'd spent a lot more time with Naaza than he thought he had.
Reaching his next destination he smiled, Naaza really didn't like him coming considering her conflict with them but they offered better rewards then the Guild offered for drop items and materials and they could buy the items that Naaza and Miach didn't generally use. Being a Familia that focused on medicine and the crafting of potions along with magical items, the members were also well versed in drop items from the lower floors considering most of the cities highest ranking Familia's came here to do business.
Unlike Naaza and Miach's small shop, the Dian Cecht Familia storefront was bustling with adventure's and ordinary residents of Orario alike. Members of the Familia acting as shop clerks helping out some customers while others finished up sales behind the counters. He even knew them to be working behind the scenes as a medical ward, healing injuries and treating the sick.
Bell walked through the crowd of customers, heading for the exchange bench which was quiet considering the time of day, it generally got busier in the afternoon when parties from the Dungeon came back to the surface after a long day, or early in the morning after several days of diving into the Dungeon's depths. Reaching the counter Bell looked around, not seeing anyone manning the exchange. Reaching over he went to press the bell on the counter to signal that there was a customer however two soft hands with silk like gloves enveloped his own stopping him from doing so.
"No need for that." The familiar voice or Airmid spoke gently, her hands lingering on his as the usual stoic Dea Saint smiled softly over the counter at him. "What can I do for you today Bell?" She asked.
"I have some things to exchange." Bell smiled happily. "I didn't expect you to be behind the exchange counter though." He admitted. Airmid tilted her head slightly to one side before placing her elbows on the counter top and interlocking her fingers together as she rested her chin atop them as she stared up at him with an expression he could only call cute.
"Would you like for me to find someone else for you?" She questioned.
"N-No, you're perfect." Bell smiled causing a small tinge of pink to dust Airmid's cheeks before Bell's eyes widened slightly as he opened his mouth to try and rephrase what he said however Airmid placed a gloved finger to his lips.
"Shall we?" Airmid stated getting a quiet nod from Bell, believing it would be best if he shut up for the moment until he wasn't dying of embarrassment. Airmid smiled as Bell hefted the bag onto the counter, Airmid quickly opening it and beginning to take the drop items from within. Bell simply watched her work, the young woman inspecting everything over with a calculating gaze that she was known for.
Bell watched her work, he didn't much care about the Valis that they received he knew that Airmid would be fair in her assessment of the drop items, she always had been. It's why Alfia preferred coming to the Dian Cecht Familia rather than to Naaza who was always haggling with prices. It wasn't much longer before Airmid was finished with her assessment of the items.
"Everything is in good order like always, Zald and Ms Alfia had taught you well in harvesting monster items." Airmid complemented. "I believe we'll be able to accommodate you for all the items here, Bell." Bell smiled softly as Airmid turned. "I'll be back in a moment with your total and a receipt for you. Please, look around if you need anything. I'll be with you shortly." Airmid told him as she gestured for some help in clearing the drop items as Bell looked around the store before deciding to go and have a look at some of the Dian Cecht wares.
The glass cabinets he passed were filled with items that were created by Airmid herself, with her Miracle skill that allowed her to craft magical items she had made a name for herself in Orario. It was Airmid who had helped craft Naaza's artificial arm when she had lost it in the Dungeon. Each item had a small parchment with a detailed explanation of what each item did.
Bell knew that Daisy had gained the Miracle skill when she had reached level 2, along with her mixing skill she was capable at making potions and bombs of all kinds that benefited the Familia, Alfia was teaching her the ropes with magical items. He had seen some of the attempts that Daisy had made and Alfia had criticised them harshly, she was still training her ability in creating magic tools and he had to wonder how long it would take her to reach Airmid's level of skill.
Not finding anything of interest he continued on, finding several drop items for sale from the Deep Floors along with several high grade potions, antidotes and even poisons that could be applied to weapons. All of them cost a small fortune. No doubt other high Ranking Familia's such as Loki and Freya came here to purchase and sell the items from floors Bell had never been too.
"Find anything that catches your eye?" Airmid questioned surprising Bell at her ability to sneak up on him like she did. Turning he smiled as he awkwardly scratched at the back of his head.
"No, no just looking around." He stated, he knew Alfia would be mad if he bought anything here without her order, she always lectured him on how the Famila's money should be spent wisely and always with hesitation, he just hoped Dia wouldn't lecture him, about being coerced by Naaza. Airmid nodded and gestured for him to follow her back to the exchange desk.
Like always, Airmid showed him his receipt for the items before counting out the valis for him to show that it was the correct amount. Bell knew Airmid to be trustworthy as several times she had corrected his own errors when he had been younger and left to deal with the familia's transactions by Zald or Alifa, to teach him what he needed to do. They had been preparing him for the time they would no longer be around.
"Thanks for everything Airmid." Bell smiled at her. "I'll be going back down to the Water City again in a day or two, if there's anything you need write a list and I'll get it for you while I'm down there."
"Another request so soon?" Airmid questioned. "I figured you'd have some time off with the guild having already sent you a request this month."
"It's fine." Bell smiled. "I don't know why, but I really like it deeper down in the Dungeon then on the surface, I feel kinda lost up here sometimes." Bell admitted sheepishly before Airmid leaned over the counter and flicked her finger against his forehead surprising him.
"If that's the case Bell, a certain special someone will just have to show you there's more to life than diving into the Dungeon." The way in which she smiled caused a swell of nerves to wallow up in Bell at the sight of the smile. His cheeks grew red in embarrassment as he hurriedly looked down, grabbing the payment for the exchange along with the receipt. He risked a look up and that smile was gone. "Bye Bell." Airmid simply stated.
"B-Bye!" Bell stuttered before hurrying out of the store, swearing that he could hear a light giggling coming from the Silver Saint but dared not look back. Standing outside the Dian Chet Familia store Bell rose a hand up to his chest, Airmid hadn't teased him like that in a while, it had caught him off guard. Taking a breath he looked up at the sky, an awkward smile coming to his face.
Deciding that he had done enough for today and had no other errands to run, he decided to head home back to the Familia. If he was going back to the Dungeon in a few days he should rest properly before hand. Dia wanted him to accompany her tomorrow so the day after that he would head back down to the Water City and begin his search for the singing. He was starting to get excited, it was a brand new adventure.
Dia frowned as she sat down at the table, Bell seated next to her. The incident on 12th floor with the younger members of the Familia dawning on them. Clarice was healed and stable, resting after her injuries by the Infant Dragon, Leo and Iris had given their report after they had made sure Clarice was okay. There hadn't been a situation like this for a long time in the Familia, where they had almost lost one of their own.
"Bell..." Dia breathed out softly as she turned to face him. "Don't let this weigh on you. Everyone made it out alive, everything is okay. Clarice will be okay and she will undoubtedly learn from this."
"I know but..." A hand rested on his shoulder as Dia offered him a small smile.
"What we discussed this morning, about your skill, it had nothing to do with that." Dia explained already sensing Bell's train of thought. "You know as well as anyone else, more so in some cases just how dangerous and unpredictable the Dungeon can be, no matter what your skill or level. There are so many ways that something can unfold, there is no way to predict the Dungeon."
"You're right Goddess." Bell smiled softly. "I guess at times like these, I rely on Alfia and Zald a whole lot." Dia nodded softly. "But until they get back, I've got to deal with it."
"Not on your own." Dia reassured him. "We all make up the Familia, you may be the Captain, but we're all here to support you Bell." Bell nodded as Dia reached over and placed her hand on his. "Don't let this cloud your mind, just believe that Clarice, Primo and Gina will become stronger despite the outcome. They survived, that's all that truly matters."
"Yeah, when I get back from the Dungeon I'll set some time so that I can help train them more." Dia smiled and nodded.
"I think they'd appreciate that." Dia stated. "But still Bell, it's a little odd for the Guild to administer you such a strange request like this." She commented, Bell having given her the letter he had received at the guild to investigate the Singing down in the Water City all on his own. "Are you sure you want to accept the request?"
"I'm sure Goddess, I'll be back before the start of Monster Feria."
"Good, I'll hold you to that." Dia told him. "You're still accompanying me tomorrow yes?" Bell nodded his head. "Good, then go get some rest, I'll see you in the morning."
"Right, goodnight Goddess."
