Heya people!
I'm sorry I've been absent for so long. Other than IRL problems I encountered another major wall. That is that unlike at the start of the story where I have plenty of ideas to write on, I've run dry on ideas which is why it takes me so long to make new chapters. Once I come up with the ideas I need to think how to develop them and incorporate them with the story as well as keep in mind the effects they'll have in the future. With that said I will no longer give you people a time frame for how long it takes me to make a chapter because I keep on going over deadlines.
I do remember reading that some didn't want this story to go off a tangent and abandon the canon story so with this chapter I bring in some canon content from Sword Oratoria, just modified to suit the story. And no! Hashana doesn't die, he lives. I really like him and it would be a shame to kill him, mostly now since he is going to be relevant to the story.
While I won't be telling you my deadlines, I will say that I am working on the enslaved rabbit, then the Ray x Bell story. That story has been quiet for too long and recently found a viable enough idea. Before now I had run into a wall and couldn't come up with a decent event but I have now found it. Or at least I think, I won't know until I actually try. If any of you have any ideas, good or bad, which you want to try and see implemented or think that will help me do review or dm me them.
Well I hope you do enjoy the story and I hope this was worth the wait.
Chapter 4 – The Red Haired Tamer
As night drew closer, the eighteenth floor darkened. The crystals dimmed, turning slightly orange, mimicking the sunset of the surface, giving a sense of time within the dungeon. The two adventurers eventually made it back on the safe zone, constantly looking out for any signs of enemies or pursuers.
The two covertly entered Rivira and stopped by the centre of the dungeon town. It was late in the afternoon, so there were still plenty of people roaming the roads, making it safer for them. Under the view of the eyes of the adventurers, they discussed how to proceed for the night.
"This one has not the credit for such ludicrous prices."
"Don't worry, I got us covered on that side. Say, that beam of yours, how many more times can you fire it?"
"Twice, a thrice wilt collapse this one from over usage. More importantly, dost thou know the contact?"
"Yea, the robed man told me to find a chienthrope girl in a pub at the end of the main road. I looked into it and the contact is trustworthy. Her name is Lulune Louie, a level three adventurer of the Hermes Familia."
"Ah Hermes, he is indeed someone thou can trust. No sarcasm."
"Haha, yea he might be sly and cunning but he always has the bigger picture in mind. The chienthrope has short black hair, her ears are uncharacteristically light in colour almost cream and has the lass has amber eyes."
"Good let us meet the contact at once."
"You go. I'll get us an inn in the meantime, I'll talk to Bors as well in regards to possible attacks from Evilus."
"Tis truly a good idea?"
"Trust me. He'll reinforce the perimeter of the town. Once we're done let's meet back up here."
"Very well."
Bell turned around as he started heading to the pub before he abruptly stopped. His ears twitched and his nose sniffed the air. Hashana raised an eyebrow when Bell turned to look at him and spoke again.
"Beware Hashana, the enemy lurks in the shadows and tis much closer than one wouldst think."
"Umm, okay?"
The man watched perplexed as Bell walked off with the orb wrapped in a cloth and stuffed in a bag. Hashana had taken such drastic measures in order to prevent the effects of the orb from having an effect on Bell.
The dragonoid vanished in the midst of the crowds of adventurers while Hashana decided to go meet Bors. Unnoticed by black armoured man, a cloaked figure observed him from behind a tree, her emerald eyes glittering under the night of the dungeon, emitting a sense of danger that could terrorize most.
.
Bell made his way across the shabby town of Rivira, that had been already rebuilt a total of three hundred thirty four times since its foundation. Time and time again, the monsters would destroy the town, which would later be rebuilt. Honestly, it was no wonder that the condition of the buildings was pretty much terrible, more so for the ancient dragonoid who had a high standard.
It didn't take long for the cloaked boy to find its target, the pub at which the exchange would occur. He pulled up his hood before entering the establishment that was filled with adventurers. The blonde boy looked around, scanning the people in the pub, some who turned to him to see who it was before quickly returning to their conversations.
Then he spotted an adventurer who stood out. She sat alone at the counter, seemingly distracted as she stared at the mug in her hands. Noticing her chienthrope ears and the features that matched Hashana's description, the dragonoid proceeded to approach the girl whose ears didn't twitch as they usually would since she didn't pick up Bell approaching, despite her experience.
The girl couldn't help but be startled when he suddenly pulled out the chair next to her and he sat down. The chienthrope subtly and wearily glanced at the cloaked man next to her. Given the nature of her current mission she was naturally wary of him, even more so when he turned to her with the hood covering his face. Nothing inside the hood was visible, almost as if staring into a void, like a veil that was made from magic covered the face, to prevent people from seeing the person inside.
"At what time dost thou intend to leaveth for the surface, Lulune?"
The question was blunt and could easily put him under suspicion, but Bell didn't care. The job was a dangerous one and trusting his instincts that foretold of a bad feeling, he intended to find Hashana. Meanwhile, the girl was shocked once again by the question, wondering how he knew her.
"Tis with haste that thou have to move. It is to be brought away from this abyss before tis too late. The more the clock ticks the more danger thou are destined to face. Beware for enemies already lurk around us."
Bell grabbed the wrapped up object he had with him before depositing it on the counter in front of the girl. No one paid them any attention, shady business wasn't uncommon in Rivira and everyone had their own business to attend to. The chienthrope of the Hermes Familia looked at the round item and instantly understood what this was about.
She grabbed the sphere and hid it in her bag. She turned around but was surprised when the cloaked dragonoid had vanished without a trace or sound as if he was never there. However she remembered what he had said and decided to heed the warning, she would go sleep as it was getting late in the night before leaving early in the morning.
.
Bell left the tavern and checked his surroundings to see if anyone suspicious was around, but found only the average adventurer roaming the street. He quickly walked to the intended meeting place, hoping to find Hashana already waiting there.
He was unfortunately let down by fate when he arrived and found no one there. Bell kept on hoping that his instincts would be proved wrong but he couldn't shake off the bad feeling in his heart. Standing there, the blonde boy waited for the level four adventurer to return with the good news of an inn where they could rest in.
Minutes went by until an hour had nearly passed. With each passing second Bell grew worried and decided to stop waiting. Moving around the dark town the dragonoid started searching for any trace of the senior member of his Familia.
It didn't take long to spot the man whose body was clad in a shiny full plated black armour set. However, to his confusion he spotted a cloaked person clinging on his arm. Bell shook his head and sighed, as he saw Hashana being distracted by the girl. He was initially wary but simply played it off as him being paranoid by the lack of power that he lost. However his initial worries weren't unfounded and he froze in place when got closer.
Bell didn't know who the woman was but one thing was certain. Something was off. Awfully so as he remembered the words of Shakti. Despite his looks, Hashana was quite the innocent guy, never having spent a night with a woman.
That was because he wished to find and be with the woman that would steal his heart and be bound to eternally. It was weird and certainly not the wishful thinking he expected from the man who blushed and looked away as he stood there, listening as Shakti revealed his little secret to Bell.
That's when something else caused his body to react and his brain to go on full alert. She was dangerous, extremely so. The boy's eyes narrowed and he began charging forwards. Bell had gotten closer when he noticed something else. Something that made his hand go to the handle of his weapon, ready to strike said girl.
There was a smell in the air, which came from the unknown female. One he was very familiar with and she reeked of it. And that smell was the smell of death. A smell with an intensity that the five millennia old boy had smelt only on the most brutal and savage murderers of old ages now long gone.
There was no doubt in his mind, she must have been a member of Evilus. Sent to kill them and retrieve the orb they stole. Bell didn't hesitate to let the sharp blade of his sword feel the air as he closed in on Hashana and the girl clinging onto him.
.
"How about spending a night with me big hunk?"
"Well aren't you a beauty? Hehehe, why not?"
Hashana was immediately confused by his answer. Usually he'd decline the offer, no matter how beautiful, he always wished to stick to his dream. Yet for some reason she was strangely alluring, more than anyone else before. He didn't know why he accepted so quickly, he wanted to think, to resist but it was as if his mind was hazy and clouded. The man couldn't think straight and shrugged, he'd just roll with it. Yet it all felt wrong … dangerous even. He didn't know what was going on, he felt powerless as he complied and followed the woman.
That's when the woman suddenly pulled back and raised a sword from under her cloak. This alarmed the man but he noticed that she was looking elsewhere. Just then, a sword smashed into the lady that tried to seduce him, sending her flying away.
"Get a grip on thyself! Tis not the hour or place."
Bell rushed past Hashana and swung at the woman who got up and thought back against the blonde assailant. The level four watched dazed and confused when Bell's words made him reflect, slowly pulling him out from his dream state.
'What am I doing? He's right it's … neither the place or time.'
Feeling a slight sting on his neck, he slapped his hand on it. He felt something sticking in his neck and pulled it out. He brought it up to his face and saw a thin metal needle, a violet liquid coated it. One that due to his line of work as a police force in Orario, knew very well. A powerful drug and aphrodisiac.
'That bitch!'
He snarled and turned to look at the woman with a ferocious glare. He grabbed the handle of the sword and went in to support Bell, slashing at the woman who had to parry. This gave a chance to Bell, who managed to land a shallow cut on her waist before she jumped back.
"Feeling anormal?"
"Not anymore. Sorry I took a while. Now let's kick her ass."
Bell nodded and they both looked at the woman, whose cloak had been thrown aside. She had dark red hair and venomous green eyes. She wore a white and grey swimsuit looking outfit, leaving her thighs and below exposed. Her shoulders and collarbone were also left bare while her hands were covered by black gloves and her legs by tall black boots. In her hand she wielded a black sword that had a shining silver blade. It looked as if it was made out of rock … or bones.
"Hashana."
"Hm?"
"The lady is very dangerous, I smell the horrible effluvium of death upon her body. A smell of an intensity that only few before carried on them. And none were anything short of mass murderers."
Hashana knew very well to trust the words of the blonde teen and got into his stance ready to engage the unknown woman. Even without Bell telling him he could feel a sense of danger whenever he looked at her, more so as he looked at the sword. There was no doubt that it was made out of the bones of spartois and obsidian soldiers. Monsters typically found on the thirty seventh floor. The fact that Bell warned him only made Hashana sure of how dangerous the woman was.
Hashana glanced at Bell who nodded and the two dashed forwards together. They raised their swords and slashed at the woman. Albeit a bit annoying to Hashana and Bell, it was completely expected of the woman to easily block both their attacks with her sword.
Bell swiftly moved his leg to kick her but she was fast, exceedingly so and grabbed his leg, throwing him away. He crashed on the ground while Hashana was pushed back by a swing of the sword before receiving a kick that also sent him flying.
The two though, didn't give up and rushed back in. The red haired woman easily fended off Hashana before turning to Bell. Both sides slashed at each other but the dragonoid was repelled by the greater force. Thanks to his experience though, Bell quickly adjusted his footing and skidded to a stop, his feet digging into the earth that they stood on.
The woman was skilled and aggressive, not allowing the blonde adventurer to rest as she slashed at him. Bell deflected the attack and ducked as the blade had quickly come back in a horizontal slash that would have cut him in half. Leaving herself open, Bell went to spear through her when Hashana shouted.
"Bell she's at least level five!"
The adventurer interrupted his attack and jumped back as he heard his companion's warning. Her blade came down on the place where he had been standing a few moments before, but it landed with strength and speed unlike anything before as it shattered the ground. The woman had been holding back to analyse them, now however, she was out for blood.
Bell held his sword close as he blocked an attack so heavy that it sent him flying back. All of his attacks were blocked and dodged as hers broke the boy's guard every time he tried to block them. Seeing a slash coming down, Bell raised his sword. The impact sent him on his knee before she stopped pushing down and kicked him in the chest, sending Bell crashing on his back.
"Ugh."
Bell groaned before his eyes opened wide as he saw a pointy blade heading towards him.
'Oh crap.'
He rolled to the left and avoided the blade that lodged into the ground next to him. She raised the sword again when Hashana jumped on her back before being thrown off. As she was turned around Bell aimed for her sword but the strength in his arms wasn't enough to hit the weapon out of her hand. Annoyed she looked back and hit Bell.
The dragonoid had blocked the attack with his sword but the attack sent him scarping across the floor with his back on the ground. The frustrated girl frowned harder as she heard people approaching. The sound of swords clashing must have attracted other people's attention.
Three adventurers appeared around the corner and were shocked to see Bell and Hashana on the ground. Recognizing the member of the Ganesha Familia, the three people offered to help them fight off the woman, never thinking it through that they had no chance of beating her when even a level four like Hashana couldn't do it.
Seeing them, the member of the Ganesha Familia shouted at them to run as they would undoubtedly be torn apart. The three of them though didn't pay any attention to the man on his knee. They charged in and were immediately cut apart from the red haired woman in a single slash. Hashana stared wide eyed at the brutal death, their bodies falling in several different pieces to the ground as blood gushed out.
It was an atrocious sight for Bell as well. Or it should have been but it wasn't. To be precise, it used to be one, until three four thousand years before when war first broke out. After the long age of brutal conflict however, the once innocent boy had come out as a completely changed man.
Make no mistake for he was no less heroic and gentle than before, but he was no longer affected by the notion of cruelty, it was only a boring and tasteless scene before his five millennia old eyes. And now, his only reaction was to simply roll his eyes. Some would say that he was cold hearted or outright cruel, but it truly was just as common of a sight as meeting a monster for the ancient dragonoid. Not that anyone other than the Gods could understand this. The red haired woman however, seemed mildly interested by his reaction.
"Pay no attention to the ignoramuses, Hashana lest dost thou intend to perish. The fight lies ahead of thee."
The man was slightly surprised by the indifference shown by Bell but seeing his serious gaze staring down the woman, he shook his head. It was a cruel and inhuman side but he recognised that being level headed and calm despite the massacre, was a necessary trait for a warrior. He knew very well that a slight distraction could cause his death particularly against the dungeon and monstrously powerful people like the woman who stood before him.
They stood again and prepared to face down the unknown assailant yet again. Her attention though, was now fixed on Bell. This didn't go unnoticed but they disregarded it as they surrounded her on both sides. Her eyes didn't leave the blonde haired boy as Hashana moved forwards with his sword aimed at her neck.
The woman didn't bother looking at him as she raised her hand and effortlessly grabbed the blade that was pointed at her. With the hand that had grabbed the sword, the woman swung it towards Bell. The sword along with Hashana were sent flying against Bell and both were thrown back.
Both were on their knees as the red haired woman approached. It was rather irritating for Bell. To have lost his power and lose to such a creature, he never really imagined to be left in such a state. The woman's gaze never seemed to leave Bell, bur as she aimed her sword towards the level four adventurer to finish him off, they were luckily rescued.
A flaming sword slashed at the lady that jumped back to get away from the attack. Finally a group strong enough to fight the red haired woman came to their assistance, standing in between them and the unknown assailant.
As the rescuers looked back, Hashana smiled in relief as the level six's of the Astraea Familia had come to their rescue. Alise and Kaguya now stood in front of them, while Ryuu, Lyra and the rest of the Familia of the Goddess of justice surrounded their sides, protecting them from anyone who might try to attack them.
"Good … to see you … Alise."
"Hashana old man, you're not dying on the beautiful Alise are you now?"
"In your … goddamn dreams."
"Hehe, so who's this chick?"
"No idea … but probably member of Evilus … me and Bell just took something from them. She must have been sent to kill us."
"Evilus?! Good I'll kick her ass big time for trying to kill ya."
"Watch it Alise, she is as strong as a high level five. Don't underestimate her."
"Got it. Now watch me demolish her!"
The fiery girl charged straight at the scantily clad woman with a powerful thrust of her sword. Unlike the two Ganesha members, Alise traded blow for blow, rapidly overpowering the woman with her level six status. She soon activated her fire enchantment and completely surpassed her in speed and strength.
The member of Evilus however, wasn't a fool and seeing the many first class adventurers, she knew she was at a great disadvantage. On the verge of being defeated, the woman made no hesitation in retreating. She threw a smoke bomb down, blinding Alise and everyone around her. The Astraea captain slashed at the smoke, dissipating it. The woman though was long gone and nowhere to be seen.
"Tch, she ran."
Alise looked around with a cute pout as she got ready to send her Familia out to track her down.
"Search for her not."
Everyone turned the blonde haired adventurer who had seemed completely unfazed by the exhaustion and injuries on his body. What no one other than Bell and Hashana noticed was that no blood was running down his injuries, too distracted by the current situation. The level four though opted to keep silent about that.
'Perhaps its just a healing ability of his.'
"Why not? She is a member of Evilus."
"Tis a waste of thy time. Dost thou seriously believe to be able to find her. Evilus is capable at few things, hiding is amongst them. But thou should worry not, for she will be back. She has many a reasons to come back, but few to drop this matter."
The scarlet haired girl tilted her head at the cryptic method of talking of the dragonoid. Hashana sighed, knowing very well how she felt.
"Just drop it Alise. If Bell here says so then we can trust the information."
"Oh? I finally get to meet the famed brother of the Sword Princess?"
"Yes, this is him."
"Oh? What a handsome guy, almost a match for the beautiful me!"
The rest of her companions rolled their eyes as she once again flaunted in front of everyone.
"Yea, yea we get it Alise. Let's not waste any more time here. Hashana and Bell both need to get their injuries tended t-wait what?"
Kaguya stared at Bell with confusion as all his injuries looked to have suddenly vanished from his body.
"Y-you were full of cuts?"
The words of the Far Eastern girl coming out more as a question than a statement.
"There is little to worry for such shallow injuries."
"Umm okay?"
"Leave it be girls, Bell is a weirdo. No point in trying to understand."
"Agreed."
"Come on Bell. Let's get to the inn I got us."
The blonde adventurer nodded and followed Hashana escorted by the level six and five adventurers of the Astraea Familia. The dragonoid sighed in relief as he was given a chance to relax. Other than Alise, the vice-captain Kaguya and the top executive Ryuu were also level six adventurers. That is not to say that the rest of the members were weak as they were all level five. All in all, despite the Familia being only eleven members strong it consisted of a fighting force which was stronger than most in Orario could ever dream of.
Bell and Hashana eventually arrived at their inn without further delays or wild encounters, inn that also happened to be the resting place of the Astraea Familia. This reassured Bell as he was sure the woman would come back in the night, in an attempt to strike them in their sleep.
The two who survived Evilus' assassination attempt bid goodnight to the girls of the Astraea Familia. Bell and Hashana spoke with one another for a while, sorting out and discussing what they witnessed just a few hours prior. With the orb hidden from Evilus, they separated and headed to their own rooms to get a deserved well rest for the day.
.
Nightfall arrived as the crystals of the safe haven obscured. Mirroring the darkness of the world above, the shadows covered the eighteenth floor of the dungeon. The only sounds that flowed through the small town were the sweet sounds of a random couple's passionate night and the faint creaking of wood that bent slightly under the weight of a person, creeping towards a specific inn. Covered by the shades of day's counterpart, the cloaked figure drew closer to its target.
Red hair fluttered as a breeze passed through the floor. Her green eyes fixed on the windows of a specific room. Silently, she moved towards the window. Her soft steps made no sound as she grabbed the window sill and opened it slowly.
The girl climbed in and her gaze focuses on the bed. The blade glistened under the dim light as it was brought out. No sound reverberated in the room as the woman handling the blade was a professional, she slowly closed in on the bed.
The bed bulged up as a body rested under the thick covers. The red haired girl jumped and slammed down the knife, right into the very soft body that was asleep. Far too soft for it to be human. The assassin's green eyes widened in surprise as she couldn't believe she hadn't noticed. She had fallen for one of the simplest traps there were.
"Haah!"
The assassin barely had time to ditch the dagger and raise her sword. Just a second after the fiery scarlet haired captain of the Astraea Familia attacked her, slamming herself into the unknown person with her sword. The impact sent the assassin flying out of the window and they soon started clashing again.
"Huh, just as you predicted Bell."
"Why of course, tis the oldest trick in the book. So far it never failed me."
"So now we just leave it to the Astraea Familia?"
"Quite so. We have not the strength to fight against her. Honestly, tis far more surprising to learn that Evilus still has houses such a strong creature. I had expected them to be vulnerable after their defeat seven years prior."
Ryuu interjected as she overheard Bell speaking.
"Evilus had level six members back then, even two level sevens. Though they all died in the battle, it is indeed shocking to see they still have strong members."
Bell glanced at the elf but made mention of the survival of the two level sevens. The boy then returned his gaze to the captain of the Astraea Familia as she thought the assassin. Ryuu and Kaguya had intended to join the battle but Alise was stubborn to a fault.
She wanted to fight her on her own much to the displeasure of everyone else. However, her desire was accepted as Bell said she'd be fine. With Hashana pointing out that Bell's intuition is trustworthy the fellow members of the Astraea Familia finally conceded to Alise's request.
The assassin slashed at Alise with the long grey blade she carried, her attacks heavy and aggressive. Alise however, was no weaker, with her level six status she was actually much stronger than the assassin and no less skilled than the Evilus member.
The match that was in Alise's favour from the start, thanks to the advantage of the element of surprise, only happened to tilt even more into the captain's favour. Blow after blow, the murderer quickly lost ground as she was pushed back from the fiery upholder of justice.
The unknown red haired woman on the other hand, was smart and as she was made aware of the disparity in power she didn't hesitate to retreat. As someone who only cared about killing people, she had no shame in pulling off a dirty trick. She threw dirt into Alise's eyes before using aa smoke bomb and making a hasty retreat.
Before Alise could recover or the other girls intervene, the assassin had vanished. Alise frowned before pouting and throwing a tantrum. She soon started to whine, like the Alise that everyone knew, at how unfair it was that the murderer played dirty. She was promptly silenced by Kaguya who smacked her and scolded her for getting cocky, lowering her guard as she was stronger and was pushing her back.
"How many times have we told you?"
"I'm sorry … but she played dirty!"
The girls all sighed, holding their foreheads as they felt a headache forming at the antiques of their beloved captain. Bell from his side watched in amusement at the girl who complained whilst swinging her blade around. He turned to Hashana who only shook his head as if it was a normal and daily occurrence.
"Anyways, how did you know she'd come back?"
At the curious question posed to him by Alise, the dragonoid turned his attention back to her.
"As this one explained beforehand, we stole something they need. Tis but a given they'd persist in acquiring it."
When Bell and Hashana had been escorted to the inn by the Astraea Familia, the two had given a simple and brief explanation of their current situation. It was a shocking revelation to the girls to learn that they had the key to Evilus' power in their hand. They were unfortunately downtrodden when they asked about the item, which had been handed over to the Hermes Familia for delivery.
"So who gave you the mission?"
"To be fair I don't know. Bell is the only one who knows since he was informed by a God while I was handed the mission by a mysterious cloaked guy. But the cheeky brat here won't tell me who the God was."
Everyone's attention was not turned to the blonde boy who only shook his head.
"I will inform thee when allowed. As of now we must focus solely on the mission at hand. The identity is unimportant."
"Mou, that's so unfair. It won't hurt anyone if you spill the beans."
"Give it up Alise, Bell is a man of integrity. He won't tell you if he says he won't."
Alise gave a pouty 'hmph' before turning around while Ryuu turned to Hashana.
"What now?"
"Well, we rest tonight then set off for the surface once morning comes. We'll inform our mysterious cloaked guy of what happened and hope that Lulune made it to the surface with the orb."
"I see. Then please rest assured. We were also going to head back tomorrow. We'll escort you back."
"Well that definitely reassures me. Thanks ladies. Come on Bell let's go rest for tonight."
"Hm, agreed, me doubts that she will be back again."
.
"Oryaaah!"
Tiona spun her Urga, annihilating eight hellhounds, the bodies flying in all directions. Tiona stopped the blade and her frown of concentration turned to one of disappointment. Her frown disappeared as she looked at her weapon.
"Hmm, I thought I'd be able ta run Urga the second through her paces, but these guys are kinda pathetic."
"Can't expect much from the monsters on these floors."
Coming from behind her, was the voice of her twin sister Tione, who stood next to Riveria, Finn, Ais and Lefiya who acted as supporter. Tiona turned to them with an excited smile.
"Wanna go straight to the nineteenth floor?"
"No, let's rest up a bit first."
Finn spoke as he raised his hand with a large sack in it. The sack, filled with magic stones, cluttered as it was brought up and showed to Tiona.
"We can exchange all these drop items while we're at it."
It was early in the morning as the group of Loki Familia members ventured down in the dungeon, trying to save up money for their expenses, much needed due to the previous expedition, where they had to retreat due to the damage sustained, and the expensive cost of maintaining and repairing their weapons, some of which were melted by the weird monsters they encountered during the failed expedition.
It was unfortunate for them to find that the Goliath had already been fell and didn't seem to be ready to respawn. Moreover, monster magic stones and drops from the upper and middle floors didn't provide enough money.
Without the monster rex to fight, the group of six rapidly progressed through the floor and arrived on the eighteenth floor where there never failed to be a beautiful 'sunny' day. They crossed the vast floor before arriving at the gates of Rivira.
"So where are we gonna rest up? We gonna camp out in the woods like always?"
Tiona tilted her head as she questioned Finn.
"But we didn't bring the proper camping equipment."
Tiona pointed out their lack of gear causing Finn to bring his hand to his chin as he thought for a second.
"Why don't we stay at an inn for a change?"
Hearing him speak, Tione turned to him with a worried look.
"But captain, staying in Rivira is sure to cost us a fortune."
Finn though simply smiled.
"It's fine. It's on me this time."
"Woohoo! You're so generous Finn."
Riveria ignored Tiona's outburst, concerned with the current state of Rivira. She came to a stop as she looked around, her eyes analysing the surroundings. Being behind her, Lefiya and Ais noticed her coming to a stop, prompting Ais to call out to her.
"Riveria?"
Tiona, Tione and Finn stopped and turned to Riveria as they heard the call.
"Hmm?"
"Odd. The town feels off somehow."
Looking around, the town felt empty, few people were out on the streets. Vendors were frowning as they looked around.
"Now that you mention it, the streets do seem quieter than normal."
Lefiya spoke softly and quietly, finishing just in time for a door to open and Bors to come out.
"Gods damnit! I won't tolerate this!"
"Bors!"
Hearing his name being shouted, the buff man turned around his expression soured.
"Loki Familia?"
He face palmed and exhaled.
"Damn, and at a time like this."
"Did something happen, Bors?"
The man grunted before turning to them with a serious look.
"There's been a murder."
The group was shocked by the news.
"Three dead guys and two more were assaulted. The murderer was relentless, came back in the night to finish off the other two, fortunately she failed due to the Astraea Familia being present. Even so, the murderer is incredibly strong. The three that were killed were level three and two. While the other two she tried and failed to kill were level four. Apparently she would have managed easily if not for Alise's intervention."
To hear that even level fours were unable to fight the assassin off caught the Loki Familia off guard.
"Don't look at me like that. It was more shocking for us than you."
"Think we can go meet the two who were attacked?"
"You're going to get involved?"
"Well, we planned to stay at an inn here, so it's inevitable that we'd do something about it."
"I wouldn't worry about that."
"What do you mean."
"Based on what Hashana said, they were being targeted for a reason."
"I see. Wait Hashana? Was he one of the level fours attacked?"
"Yes."
"And do you know the reason?"
"No, said he couldn't tell me. Wouldn't be surprised if he decided to withhold it from you as well."
"Alright. However this gives us another reason to participate. Hashana has been a good friend of ours."
"I see. Though in that case I would be very careful."
"Why so?"
The buff man closed his eyes as he remembered the fight from the day before.
"I've seen the fight between Alise and that assassin. Alise was certainly stronger but not by a large gap and the assassin wasn't any less skilled."
The words sent shivers down their backs as Bors looked at the captain of the Loki Familia before continuing.
"What's even more worrying is that Bell said he estimated the enemy to be very high level five, even low level six."
"Hmm. Bell … Bell? Bell is here?!"
Seeing Finn's surprised look confused Bors.
"What? You know him? Well anyways yes, Bell and Hashana were the two who were attacked after they came back from the thirtieth floor."
This caused Ais to become agitated, she demanded to know where he was before darting off on her own.
"Oh dear Loki, this is becoming more serious than ever. But … to think he already went down to floor thirty."
Riveria nodded.
"I feel like I am looking after a second Ais."
Tiona and Tione tilted their head and spoke in unison.
"Then again they are brother and sister."
The two captains turned to look at amazon twins who didn't know the truth before sighing.
"Oh, right. That's true."
"Bors you said Bell and Hashana were being targeted, right? Do we know how she looks?"
"Yes, Bell said she had green eyes and red hair. Based on what the Astraea Familia told us, the girl resembled Alise to a degree that it was creepy, if not for the darker shade of her hair they might almost look identical."
"I see. Then since she failed, she must still be in town. Once lunch is over, gather everyone in town by the plaza, we'll inspect everyone there and then inform them."
"O-okay."
.
Bell awoke to the late morning light with a yawn, stretching his arms his gaze looked out of the window. He watched as the town was weirdly bustling with people despite the recent attack. His attention then moved beyond the, where there was a scenery you'd expect to find on the surface.
A forest of green trees with a soft breeze blowing through them. The only difference being the absence of wildlife like the birds you'd hear chirping and the stronger and muskier smell of the air. It wasn't unpleasant by any means, but it was not comparable to the fresh air of the surface that the dragonoid was used to.
The calm and rather quiet awakening came to an end as he heard the heavy and frantic steps of someone running towards his room. The only people he could imagine coming to his room now, with the loud footsteps were either Hashana or the far too cheery Alise.
"Bell!"
His expectations were thrown out of the window as he was surprised by a blonde princess diving right on him.
"W-wha? Litt-ugh!"
"Bell, thank Loki you're fine."
Her face snuggled into his chest before she quickly scanned his body for injuries. Entering the room soon after were Finn, Riveria, Tiona, Tione, Alise, Kaguya, Hashana and Ryuu.
"Heya Ais' onii-chan!"
"Are you okay Bell? I heard from Bors what happened. Me and Riveria were worried."
"I have been generously healed by the forest fairy of the Astraea Familia. Thou needs not to worry little one."
The blonde knight sobbed a little before calming down and a scary visage taking over.
"Now tell me where that assassin is. I'll deal with that foul, wretched bit-"
"Ais language!"
Riveria was shocked that she had to correct her usage of language. More so for everyone else. She was known as doll princess for a reason. To see her be so emotional and vocal about Bell's injuries was unseen before today.
"Either way thou shouldst not little one. If this one were to assess your chances, I wouldst sayeth that thee has a one hundred percent chance-"
Her eyes brightened.
"-to lose."
The bright glimmer immediately vanished and a single word escaped everyone's lips.
""Eh?""
"Thou has heard me. Little one will surely lose against mine assassin."
Finn, knowing well how strong Ais was, was very surprised.
"Are you serious?"
"Hmm, thou has heard me right indeed. Only Finn, Alise, Kaguya and Ryuu may win. Lower your guard for an instance though, and even any of thee will suffer greatly the consequences."
The news left everyone terrified of the assassin.
"Has also come to mine attention the seemingly lively town? Do none here care of the murder?"
"Oh, about that. We're gathering everyone in town to have them inspected and to inform them of what's going on."
"Ah, wise indeed."
"Bell, I was told that you and Hashana were targeted, can I know why?"
"Hmm, I shalt only reveal that it intertwined with Evilus and the assassin after us is such member. We stole something from them but as of now I wilt not say much else."
"Huh, you and Hashana went and stole something from Evilus? Oh Loki, anyways will you join us?"
The dragonoid nodded.
"Good, let's have a quick lunch before linking up with Bors at the plaza."
.
"The killer is a woman with red hair and green eyes, capable of fighting against a level six adventurer! Three people have died and two more were assaulted. But, there are magic items able to change one's appearance and we all know many powerful men have fallen to a woman's allure. Which is why … no one will stop from this happening … all the girls are gettin' a public full body inspection! Strip 'em!"
"OHHHH!"
"HUH?!"
The men cheered while the women shouted in anger.
"Don't be ridiculous. We'll be the ones to inspect the women. Discreetly that is."
Riveria shot a glare to Bors while Lefiya tried to have the women line up only to be shocked at the sight.
"Okay, everyone please … line … up-"
The women had surrounded Finn and Bell. With blushing faces they shamelessly asked to be inspected from the two men.
"Finn! Hurry up and inspect me!"
"Wallenstein-sama! Come on, please?"
"Every inch of my body, okay?"
"Ah! Bell-sama please search me to your heart's content!"
Bell and Finn exchanged looks, a nervous glance, before turning to the ladies surrounding them, not knowing what to do. Behind them Tione and Ais were fuming and soon burst.
"These damn shameless whores!"
Ais and Tione proceeded to push away the women who tried to lay their hands on the two blondes. Riveria shook her head, holding it with her hand, while Lefiya gave up, not understanding what was going on.
"Hmm?"
That's when Bell's keen eyes spotted a terrified Lulune climbing the stairs. The chienthrope watched her back with wide eyes before running off. His noticed that she clutched onto a small brown pouch. Seeing that she was alive and still held the orb caused Bell to sigh in relief.
"Glad I'm not the only one in this predicament."
"Nope. But thou are from now."
"Eh?"
Finn didn't have a chance to turn around before he felt someone push him forwards.
"My fair ladies, Finn is available and has offered himself!"
"What?! Bell?!"
"Good luck to you brave and honest gentleman."
The dragonoid retreated backwards disappearing from everyone's eyesight before giving chase to his mission contact. Spotted by Ais and Lefiya, they too followed after Bell as he dashed up the stairs. What they didn't notice was the ominous gaze that was following them. Clad in a cloak, a person with glimmering green eyes followed them.
.
Lulune started running up the crystal stairs as she spotted Ais and Lefiya chasing after her. She kept running without looking back, a few minutes later, she turned her head to see that only Lefiya was behind her, panting and exhausted.
'Where'd the other one go?'
That' when someone landed in front of her with a soft fluttering of her clothes. Looking in front, Lulune collapsed to her knees as she spotted the Sword Princess barring her way. Clutching the bag in her hands tightly to her chest she looked down to her knees terrified of what might happen to her.
"Ais-san! We finally caught her! But where is Bell?"
Lefiya had managed to catch up and rested her body frame by placing her hands on her knees.
"Anyways, we should leave the interrogation to the captain rather than doing it ourselves."
"Agreed. Let's return to the plaza."
The final sentence snapped Lulune out of her thoughts as she looked up to Ais with teary eyes.
"No! No!"
The poor girl grabbed onto Lefiya desperately trying to stop them from bringing her back to the plaza.
"Please don't! If you take me back there I'll be- I'll be-"
The chienthrope started sobbing, causing the two girls of the Loki Familia to look at each other in confusion.
"Glad that thou yet live Lulune."
The three of them turned to see Bell walking towards them.
"Y-you are- you're the one who gave me the orb."
"Ay, tis me."
"Wah! Please help me!"
The girl went from Lefiya to Bell, wrapping her arms around his waist as she refused to let go. Ais on her side pouted as she saw the unknown woman hang onto her brother.
"Let us move to a better location, then I wilt explain."
.
Having spent a good hour chasing down the brown haired girl, it was yet again evening by the time they found a place to sit down. With Bell, Ais and Lefiya around her, she began explaining to the Loki Familia members.
"My name is Lulune, Lulune Louie of Hermes Familia."
"Why did you run away?"
Lulune looked away from Lefiya as she responded meekly.
"I thought someone would try to kill me."
"Kill you? Why?"
Ais noticed how she clutched onto the bag tightly.
"By any chance do you have something that the assassin wants?"
Lulune looked at Ais with fear in her eyes.
"Bell does that mean she is holding onto the item you and Hashana stole from Evilus?"
"Ay, she got it from me."
"It was a quest."
Lulune continued narrating after Bell confirmed the origin of the item.
"All I had to do was to wait at a tavern for someone who would deliver a package to me. That's when a cloaked person came to me and handed to me the covered up sphere."
"And this one is the cloaked person who has handed the orb over to her."
"Back then Bell had warned me that the enemy was nearby and that I had to leave as soon as possible. That is why when I heard that people were getting murdered and attacked, I got scared. I don't even know who hired me. I was just walking down the street when this random robed figure appeared and offered me the quest. It was shady but the reward was too good to pass on. To think that someone would be killed for this sphere. If I knew I wouldn't have accepted it."
"Then we'll take care of it for you. That shouldn't be a problem, right Bell?"
"No, tis not a problem. As long as it is delivered to the surface then tis going to be fine."
"Alright."
Lulune took the orb out of the bag and showed it to the girls. Bell was momentarily distracted as he felt the gaze of someone stalking them as if they were a prey. In that moment Lefiya wondered if they could take a look, to which Lulune nodded. Ais grabbed the spherical object in her hands. She grabbed onto the cloth around it and unveiled it. Ais and Lefiya were shocked to see a small fetus hidden inside the green orb. That's when Bell noticed and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Ais no!"
Lefiya was spooked and turned to Bell, while Ais' gaze was fixed on the creature inside. She stared at the fetus as it opened it slowly opened its eyes.
'This feeling …'
The eyes opened wide and it caused Ais to recoil. She shot back and began falling as she felt weak and dazed. A weird feeling of fear and familiarity struck her, only avoiding to hit the ground as she was grabbed onto by Bell.
'What is this?'
"Ais-san!"
The blonde knight held her head, her eyes wide as she trembled in fear. The dragonoid held her in place as he scanned the orb, studying the effect it had on Ais. He watched as the fetus seemed to go back to sleep and Ais calmed down.
From up above, a figure wearing a dark cloak watched the scene unfold. As orb had been dropped, a smile formed, both the object of interest and the item that needed to be recovered were right there. A leaf was brought to the lips before blowing into it. The leaf emitted an acute sound, almost like a very ominous and distorted whistle.
The sound travelled across the floor, reaching its intended target. Deep inside the lake that was located at the centre of the eighteenth floor, something stirred and shot upwards. The same green flower monsters that Bell and Hashana fought surged from the abyss of the lake.
However, they were not the only ones to hear it. Bell's sense of sound was better than that of any monster or race. Picking up the frequency that no human could, his head shot towards the source of the sound. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the man observing them.
Lefiya, Lulune and Ais however didn't notice his behaviour as they were shocked to see Ais suddenly collapse. Lefiya carefully collected the green fetus and wrapped it back up into the cloth before looking at the Kenki.
"Ais-san are you okay?"
"Haa, haa, I'm fine."
"It is dangerous after all. I mean Hashana and Bell did steal it from Evilus right?"
Lefiya looked at Lulune as she questioned them, then turned to look at the spherical orb in her hands.
"Weird. It doesn't seem like anything happens when I hold it. I'll take responsibility for it until we meet with the captain."
"I'm sorry. Lefiya."
"It's alright. Please let me handle this."
Bell and the cloaked figure gazed at each other. The dragonoid only broke eye contact as his ears picked up on another sound coming from the lake.
"Prepare for battle."
"Eh?"
The three girls all turned to him in confusion before a massive explosion shook the floor. Turning to the origin of the sound they saw massive green flower monsters emerging from the lake.
"!"
.
The flower monsters rampaged across the town of Rivira. Frozen from fear, an adventurer fell to his butt as one of the monsters shot its tendrils towards him. He screamed as his death approached him only to be thwarted by Tione who cut the attack apart. Tiona came flying in with her Urga, slicing the monster into two.
"Yep! Finally a real enemy for me to chop into pieces!"
"Hey idiot, don't just stand there! They're still coming!"
"Eh?"
More and more flowers popped out of the ground, lake and buildings.
"Ehhh? What a pain?"
"Forget Monsterphilia. Where the hell are all of these monsters coming from?!"
The twins felt the ground shaking and jumped out of the way as a flower monster emerged from beneath the ground.
"The flames will soon be unleashed. Creeping war, inescapable ruin. The horn of battle echoes aloud."
From her place Riveria started chanting as a huge and complex, red magic circle appeared beneath her, amplifying its power. Savage mayhem that envelops all."
Finn used his spear to deflect the tendrils that aimed for him whilst relaying orders.
"Bors! Gather a team of fighter while Riveria distracts them with her magic! If we strike in numbers, we can defeat them!"
"R-right!"
Finn finished off the monsters in front of him before jumping up on a building to assess the situation.
"Hmm, there are too many. An ambush like this must have been orchestrated by someone. A tamer … there must be a tamer!"
.
"What are those? What are they doing there?!"
"The town is under attack by monsters!"
"Let's catch up with Finn and the others."
"No."
"What?"
"When one said prepare for battle I meant immediately."
The ground started to shake as the same flower monsters sprouted from beneath them.
"?!"
Bell unsheathed the Ryū Negai and slashed at the monster, this time prepared for the hardness of the monster's scales he didn't hold back. Cutting right through the monster, the corpse fell to the ground, but as one fell down, three more took its place. Bell and Ais nodded and sprung forth into actions, just as before, the more they cut down, the more appeared.
"Lefiya go on ahead of us. Me and Bell will deal with these monsters."
The elf grabbed the hand of Lulune before sprinting away from the battle and towards the town. Whilst running a red beam shot into the sky, as Riveria unleashed a Rea Laevateinn to deal with the dozen flower monsters that assaulted Rivira.
"That's Riveria-sama's magic."
Distracted by the burst of flames and the dirt that the extremely powerful spell kicked up. The two never noticed or heard the crystal wall in front of them collapsing down. Only as the dust cleared did they notice a cloaked man walking towards them. The powerful gust of wind knocked down to reveal the face of a man walking towards them.
"Who … are you?"
The man however, provided no response as he kept walking towards them. Alarmed by the unknown man Lefiya raised her staff, pointing it at the unknown figure.
"S-stop right there!"
The man bent a little as it made to dash, but with insane speed, he shot forwards and the meders of distance were suddenly reduced to a single celch. Lefiya gasped in surprise but had no time to react as the man grabbed her by the throat and started to choak her. She dropped the staff as her wind pipe was being crushed and she suffocated.
"Let her go!"
Lulune jumped on the man with her knife but a single swat of the man's hand deflected her body sending hitting the ground with her back.
"Ugh!"
Lefiya clenched her eyes shut as she began to pass out. The man looked to his right and let go of Lefiya to jump back and avoid the corpse of a flower monster falling towards him. The orange haired girl was sent flying back but was luckily caught by Bell.
"Are you good?"
Lefiya looked up to stare at Bell and nodded.
"Y-yes, thank you."
Ais turned to the cloaked man and pointed her sword at him.
"Watch it little one. She is the foul beast who assaulted us."
"B-but the killer should be a woman."
Answering Lefiya was the man, but with a feminine voice.
"So, what if I am?"
Lefiya and Ais watched confused as he or she grabbed the masculine face and tore it off like paper.
"Hii!"
Lefiya was terrified and Ais too was very disturbed. But just as the man, now woman thought, Bell didn't react.
"Was that from … one of the corpses you murdered?"
"It is easier to get by in a man's form."
She proceeded to remove the cloak and clothes she stole, revealing the skimpy outfit and the bone sword that was latched on the back of her waist.
"Now hand over the seed."
She grabbed the sword and with a loud shing the blade glistened under the light reflected by the crystals. She dashed forwards and swung down on Ais, who blocked the attack but with much difficulty and she visibly struggled to keep her in place. Cloud dusts shot up as the heavy blow landed on Desperate.
"You're a tough one."
The woman moved back and blocked the attack from Ais before sending a kick which the knight dodged. She was surprised by the speed as she saw the assassin swinging her blade again and barely brought her blade up in time to block it. The hit was much heavier than before and sent her skidding back three of four meders.
'She's strong. Onii-chan was serious when he said I couldn't beat her.'
However, she didn't give up and dashed forwards to meet the murderer's blade with her own. The heavy attacks of the first class girls sent shockwaves every time they clashed.
"Unleash a streak of light, bow and arrow of the holy tree. Thou art master of the bow. Fire, o elven archer. May your arrow strike true. Arcs Ray!"
The red magic circle at her feet glowed brightly as the spell activated. At the head of her staff three white magic circles that overlapped each other formed for a moment before a golden beam shot towards the assassin.
"!"
Seeing the attack, Ais withdrew and was as shocked as Lefiya was when she raised her hand to block the magic spell. The beam hit her hand but was stopped in its tracks.
"How … with her bare hands?!"
The red haired woman pushed back and the spell recoiled, sending Lefiya flying back again. Ais shouted the elf's name but had little time as the unknown woman attacked her again.
"Ais-san is getting pushed back."
"I grasp use of the calefaction of the thousand stars. The celestial bodies that are thwarted by none. Star blade!"
The dragonoid swung his sword, sending an arc of golden light flying towards the attacker. Seeing the attack, she raised her hand again to block it, but at the last second she remembered how unusual Bell seemed to be. Her body screamed danger, causing her to jump out of the way as the arc flew past and cut into anything that stood in its way.
The woman had no breathing space as Ais engaged her again. Lefiya took the chance to also start her chant again, wanting to support the pair of siblings. Seeing the elf pick up her staff, the red haired woman steered to the left and rushed Lefiya.
"Stay down like a good girl."
"Tempest!"
Ais was covered by a sphere of green wind as she summoned her spell. The wind enchantment increased her speed, which she used to dart past the assassin and in front of Bell and Lefiya to protect them.
Unseen to them, the green orb in the bag reacted to both Bell's and Ais' magic spells, glowing red but dying down soon after the activation. The red haired woman was surprised and got knocked back upon clashing with Ais. She landed on her back, but got up unfazed.
"That wind … I see, so you must be Aria."
Hearing that caused both Bell and Ais to gasp, while Lefiya looked confusedly at Ais, whose body trembled.
'What did … she just call me?'
"Interesting I've found myself two souvenirs."
Just then Lefiya shrieked causing both Bell and Ais to turn. The orb that was in the bag started floating and left the bag. It flew up in the sky for all to see. The fetus inside awoke with a long grunt. His eyes expanded open to an impossible degree, its body enlarged and the sphere shattered. The little green creature shot towards Ais who dodged it.
It went past the group of three and landed on the head of the corpse of one of the flower monsters. Veins started rippling the surface like wrinkles around where the creature landed, its head bloated and body mutated. With a sound that was akin to putting pressure on metal to point of shattering, the body rose up and tendrils grew out of the body.
"Tch."
A look of pure irritation made its way on the assassin's face. The monster kept growing as the upper body of a woman appeared on top of the monster. The woman figure that had formed began shouting. The head had no eyes but as it turned to Ais and Bell, it was as if they could feel a gaze from the monster.
"Run!"
Ais grabbed Lulune's and Lefiya's wrists and started running with Bell right behind them. Just then a barrage of tendrils landed around them as the monster levelled the entire area. The monster then chased down the four, roaring as it continuously shot its tentacles at them. The noise attracted the attention of the Astraea, Loki and the Ganesha Familia, who were busy finishing off the flower monsters.
"What the hell is that?"
Hashana turned to see the large beast chasing down four adventurers.
"Oh a new monster!"
"You shouldn't be happy about it Alise!"
"Man what a pain."
"Hmm, I agree with Tiona-san."
"That has got to be the first time you agreed with my idiot sister, Ryuu."
Riveria and Finn also finished the flower beasts on their side when they spotted the new giant.
"I'd love to figure out where these came from, but perhaps extermination should take priority."
The blonde pallum nodded.
"That would be wise."
"H-how the hell are you two so calm?! Learn to panic a little!"
Bors shouted incredulous at their behaviour. On her side, Ais activated Ariel again, which the monster noticed causing it to focus its attacks on her.
"It can sense magic."
"It seems like the monsters from before evolved into something new."
Riveria and Finn analysed the monster as they rapidly closed in on Bell and Ais. The two people from the age of Heroes faced the half woman half monster while Lulune and Lefiya kept on running. The screaming monster unleashed another attack with several tendrils, much larger and armoured with scales, which was thwarted by the arrival of reinforcements. Tiona slammed her Urga into the ground while Hashana, Tione, Ryuu and Kaguya cut up the green tendrils.
Lulune ran past Riveria while the orange haired elf came to a stop as her name was called out from her mentor. Despite Riveria's sharp look she still emanated a regal beauty befitting of a princess. The high elf's eyes never left the target as she readied her staff to chant a spell.
"Lefiya, remember the combo we've used in the past? We're using it!"
"G-got it!"
Ais and Bell watched as everyone pitched in to fight against the monster when they were attacked by the red haired assassin. Jumping away to avoid the attack, the two were separated by the rest of the attack force.
"There's nothing else I can do about the seed … but I'll be taking the two of you with me at least."
"The hell is going on?"
"Who is that?"
Confusion spread across the main battle group as the assassin went after the dragonoid and the Kenki.
"It's best we leave this to the spellcasters. Focus on defending Riveria and Lefiya, we'll go support the Wallenstein siblings after we deal with this!"
.
'Could I overtake her with Aerial? No, I can barely keep up with her as it is.'
A kick from the red haired woman sent Ais flying against the wall, the impact caused Ais' wind enchantment to dispel. Taking over the fighting spot was Bell who charged in with a more aggressive than usual battle style.
The woman was sure that the dragonoid was much weaker compared to Ais but his skill made up for all the gap that was between raw power. Precise and fluent, his attacks felt heavier than they should be and were relentless.
They never stopped and she realized that a slight distraction could result in losing an arm. She had to recognize that he was skilled, exceedingly so, to the point that it was abnormal how powerful he was through technique alone. He demonstrated experience that none before had, but the boy looked no older than sixteen.
'Is it talent? Or is there something more to him that meets the eye?'
As hard pressed as she was whilst fighting him, the gap in speed and power were too great for the dragonoid to overcome on his own. Luckily, he wasn't alone as Ais forced the red head back, her wind once again at her disposal.
"Pretty useful wind you've got there, Aria."
"Where did you hear that name?"
"I wonder."
Anxious at the prospect that someone knew about her mother, Ais started to get angry as she dashed forwards again.
.
A bright light blue magic circle glowed beneath Riveria as she chanted her ice spell, her strongest behind Rea Laevateinn. Her Magna Alfs glowed brightly as the magic stones in the stave were used to conduct the magic. But the glow died down as the chant was cut short.
"Lefiya now!"
As it no longer sensed the magic, the monster was left confused as the spell was never released. However that was a ruse to cover up for Lefiya. Riveria's stronger magic power covered Lefiya's chant, which was better suited as it was shorter but also deadly.
"Make them fall like rain and turn the savages to ash. Fusillade Fallarica!"
The thousand red magic circles shot their darts into the sky which then rained down on the titanic monster.
"Yea! Go Lefiya!"
"To think they'd use Riveria-sama's magic as decoy. An excellent display."
The monster shouted defiantly as the upper body, now severed from the rest of its form, used its hands to rapidly escape.
"Ah! It's trying to run! Get it!"
.
Ais was pushed back before she went in, swinging her blade down using Ariel to maximise her speed. The red haired woman however, was fast and stepped to the side, dodging as she watched Ais sail forwards with struggling face.
"Here I thought you're face looked like that of a doll."
The woman got ready to kick and the foot which she placed her weight on cracked under the pressure of the strength that was used. Desperate was brought up to block as the kick sent her flying. The countless crystal pillars that were part of the eighteenth floor were knocked down by her body as she crashed into them. Stopping only as she reached the wall.
The impact nearly knocked the Sword Princess out, as blood dripped down and covered the entirety of her left face. Bell who had just recovered from a hit got in the way of the assassin with his sword aiming for her neck. Taking over Ais' role, the clashing of blades resumed.
.
Climbing the large tree that was located at the centre of the eighteenth floor, the humanoid monster used its large hands to climb its was up. It looked back hoping to lose its pursuers but Hashana, Tione and the Astraea Familia were close behind it.
"You're not getting away!"
The monster looked back up just in time to spot Tiona who had gotten ahead. The amazon girl fell down towards the monster with Urga in her hands. As she flew towards the monster she prepared to strike before slashing right as she past the monster, slicing its entire body in half. The monster crumbled into dust as the magic stone was pulverized.
"Stupid Tiona! You cut apart the magic stone along with the body!"
"Ah. Oops."
.
The red haired woman kicked desperate out of the way as she approached Bell who stood in front of the downed Ais. Knowing better than to try and beat him with technique, the red headed girl dashed forwards swung her blade down with all her strength to overpower Bell with her superior strength.
Seeing the powerful slash coming Bell slanted the blade down to deflect the strike. The strength pushed Bell off balance and barely missed his waist, however, it cut the artifact that kept his appearance hidden.
The dragonoid jumped back as slowly his hair became longer and turned white, his hair moved as horns grew, a tail grew longer and his wings sprawled out with all its majestic beauty. His ferocious golden eyes darkened in tone before becoming brilliant rubellite red eyes which only made him more intimidating.
"Tch."
Bell was irritated as he felt his appearance reverting while the assassin jumped back shocked to see him transform. Ais too was shocked to see his artifact break and looked around worried that someone might see him or that the opponent might use it against them. So she forced her body to move with all her will but she was too exhausted.
'I c-can't … move my body.'
"W-what is … going on?"
"Rraagh!"
Bell landed a hit, slicing the woman's cheek, as he managed to pull of a surprise attack on her.
"Damn it!"
The Evilus member slashed at Bell who rolled to the left to avoid the attack before trading blows with the red haired woman again. She smiled as the battle prolonged, which annoyed Bell quite a bit.
"You're an interesting being, I'm starting to like you, so I won't kill you. I'll bring you back together with Aria there. That however doesn't mean that I won't hurt you!"
The two were blade locked when the red haired woman pushed back with all her might causing Bell take a few steps back before spearing with her sword. She aimed at a non vital spot around his midsection and expected the blade to hit.
The sword in the red head's hands collided with Bell's forearm, which he used to guard himself. But where it should pierced the skin it was met with an impenetrable white scale. The blade hit and an incredibly loud metal ringing resounded across the floor. As the sword was blocked, the pressure on the blade built up until it snapped in half. That's when she lost her balance and fell forwards.
The dragonoid didn't let the chance go, he moved his arm away and swung up his own blade upwards, slicing her chest where the heart would be. However, the strength and speed of the woman wasn't the only thing that matched a level six adventurer. Her body too was incredibly tough and the attack only managed a shallow cut, not penetrating deep enough to do any significant damage.
"Ugh! Not bad but don't get cocky!"
Bell raised his sword again just in time to block the punch that sent him flying back. Ais saw the dragonoid soaring through the skies and willed her winds to catch him. He never crashed on his back as the green winds enveloped him and deposited him in Ais' arms.
"Onii-chan, are you okay?"
"Hm, I am mostly fine little one."
The blonde princess then spotted the red haired person walking towards them. She came to a stop in front of them and raised her fist ready to end the fight.
"It's over."
Bell however smirked as the punch shot towards him and Ais. As he expected, the only sound that rang through the floor was yet again the contact with metal.
"What?"
The red haired woman looked shocked as she hadn't noticed the two people, who overlapped the shafts of their weapons to block her punch, arrive on the scene.
"You won't harm another hair-"
"On our prince's and princesses' head."
The assailant jumped back to dodge the spear and stave that were swung at her, just as Lefiya arrived.
"Ais-san!"
"Lefiya wait!"
The jade haired high elf couldn't stop Lefiya in time from witnessing something that shocked her. Bell in his true form. Beautiful and pristine wings that shone dimly, a long and majestic armoured tail and a pair of curved and elegant horns. His hair a pure and unblemished snow white while his eyes a pair of brilliant and ferocious rubellite red.
The thick and tough scales that covered part of his body reflected the light of the crystals that provided light to the eighteenth floor. It truly made the dragonoid seem like an ethereal entity with a beauty that rivalled the deities. Despite the resemblance to a dragon, to call him a monster would be blasphemy as his appearance couldn't be described as anything short of heavenly.
The orange haired girl stopped in her tracks as her life was shocked out of her body by the scene laid bare before her eyes. As everyone was distracted Bell charged forwards, he spun his body around, confusing the red haired murderer only to spot too late the tail and understanding his intention.
The tough tail slammed into her abdomen with force that didn't match with the boy she fought half a minute before. Blood and air escaped her lips as the merciless woman was sent crashing against a large crystal. Exhausted as he pushed himself beyond his current limit, he fell to his knee. Seeing this Finn jumped into action and began fighting against the woman that had been knocked away while Riveria assisted the two who were thought to be siblings by everyone else.
"Lefiya, I need you to heal Ais. We'll explain to you later."
"Yes ma'am!"
Riveria got up and approached Bell, starting her healing spell on the injured boy. Finn meanwhile clashed against the monstrously strong woman, experiencing first hand how capable she was. He certainly understood why Bell was wary of her and how the two had ended up beaten up.
"Are you the tamer who commands those green monsters?"
"Confident enough to chat, are you?"
"Why, not nearly as much as you."
Finn smiled as he led the battle. Seeing his opportunity he distracted her with a feint thrust before striking again with speed that caused the air to hiss. The attack successfully landed albeit it only sliced the cheek of the woman opposite of Bell's injury.
"Damn little brat!"
With a simple but powerful kick, the woman hit the shaft of Finn's spear, shattering the weapon in two. Finn seemed initially surprised but soon turned into a smirk as he brought out his dagger and slashed her across the abdomen.
"You son of a-"
The enraged woman was stopped from finishing the sentence as the pallum turned and slammed his fist in her face. The body shattered a crystal that was in the way while Finn inspected his hand.
"Finn."
Riveria ran to his side as she saw him punch her.
"She broke my finger."
That surprised Riveria as Finn was a high level six with strength and endurance that few could dream of. Even so, hitting the woman in the face broke his finger, showing that the assassin was no pushover. The captain and vice-captain of the Loki turned to the body that got up. Wiping off the blood off her lips she seemed to assess her situation.
"First class … level five, no, six."
She spit out blood as the hit she took managed to deal significant damage.
"The odds aren't in my favour today."
Ais frowned as she saw her jump back before turning and retreating.
"Ais-san!"
The green winds surrounded her as she gave chase. Seeing her stop at the edge of a cliff she extended her hand to catch her, only to miss as she dropped down the landform and landed in the lake below.
"She got away."
Bell, Finn and Riveria caught up with Ais staring at the water ripples where the red haired woman had jumped down. No one other than Bell noticed the small frown that was on Ais' face. Bell stared at her before turning back to the still rippling water.
'Since returning to Orario times have seem to grow hectic by the second. Darker times than ever before are upon us and chaos will follow once the horrors do befall us. Oh cruel mistress of fate, wherefore thou art so difficult a lady to please? What trial has thee set for this one and the little one next?'
~To Be Continued
If you got to this point my sincere thanks for reading the story.
For the next chapter I will be incorporating even more Genshin elements and two more characters, though only one appears as the other is solely mentioned.
This leads to my only question I have, which is should I add more Genshin characters, references and elements other than what I already have planned? (Obviously doing so in a way that the original story is maintained that is.)
That is all, I hope you enjoyed and see you next time, bye :)