A/N - Yo bros I got some really good news. so basically I had some friends help me with writing and editing and we were able to write up to chapter 6. So for the next few days I'm gonna be rapidly releasing these. Chapter 6 should be up by sunday.
Now, just to be clear this is gonna be a rare occurance so don't expect this too much.
Finally, this is the last set up chapter the next few chapters (especially Ch. 6) Will start getting into the actual plot.
As always enjoy!
The next morning the duo woke up and met at their training spot out by the garden of Hearth manor.
While the two were out training, Hestia had to talk to one of her closest friends about Eina's skill. She quickly walked through the streets of Orario and made her way to the smithing familia of Hephaestus.
Hestia went to Hephaestus' workshop where she was busy filling out paperwork. A knock was her from her door. "Come in." She looked up and saw something that surprised her. Hestia who was usually a happy go lucky person stood in her doorway with a stern face.
"Hestia, something troubles you now spill it. I'm busy right now so make it fast."
"Remember when Bell developed that skill. Well recently someone else in my familia got the same skill."
"There's another? Do you know what triggered it this time?" Hephaestus asked. Before the skill was both a threat and a mystery but now that two people have the skill that threat has increased.
"Here take a look at this." Hestia pulled out a copy of Eina's status sheet and handed it to her friend.
Strength - I 0
Endurance - I 0
Dexterity - I 0
Agility - I 0
Magic - I 0
Skills:
Liaris Freese - Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings.
"Damn it." Hephaestus whispered under her breath before crumpling up the paper and throwing it into a nearby furnace.
"What do you think it is?" Hestia questioned shifting her head to the side slightly.
"I'm not sure. In all cases it has something to do with Bell. Whether it be some kind of connection or what. For right now we need to keep this a secret. We've been good at keeping this hidden so far."
"You're right. Well thanks for the input hephaestus." Hestia excitedly said now in a better mood than before.
"Yeah yeah." Hephaestus said with a wave of her hand as she went back to her paperwork.
A few weeks had passed after Eina joined Hestia familia. Almost everyday Bell and Eina trained until sunset. After their training they sat down on the grass and once again watched the sky.
"Good work Eina. You've been improving fast."
"Thank's Bell. I couldn't have done this without your help. I know this is sudden but when do you think I should try the dungeon?"
"Well to be honest. That all comes down to you. If you would like though you do need armor so why don't we head to Babel tomorrow and check out the shops."
"Sure. Call it a date then." She looked at him and smiled being reminded of when she first took him to Babel. Bell looked at her and started to turn red. Almost on cue Bell was knocked out of his trance as Haruhime called them both to come in.
The next day Bell and Eina left early in the morning and made their way to Babel. Eina took Bell's hand which in turn took him by surprise and she led him to the same store that they got his armor from.
"So Bell. What kind of armor would suit me?" She asked, scanning through the messy shelves.
"Well considering you like to use a short sword. I would recommend some light armor so you can strike fast."
"Alright." She then looked over at a set of armor on a stand. It was your basic set of light armor but it was colored black with red accents on it. She quickly took the armor and tried it on.
"Hey Bell can you come here for a moment?" She called. Bell followed where her voice was coming from. Eina then revealed herself in her armor.
"Woah. Eina that looks really good on you." Bell said with a slight blush. She looked beautiful and looked like an actual adventurer. "How does it feel?"
"It feels easy to move in. I think I'll go with this set." Eina said with a smile while showing off the armor.
After they purchased the armor and a short sword, the two headed back to Hearth manor to prepare for their trip down to the dungeon.
When they got back they saw Hestia sitting outside. When she saw the two walk up her face brightened at the sight of her children.
"Bell, where have you been? You disappeared this morning and I was worried."
"Oh goddess, we were out shopping for supplies." Bell said while scratching the back of his head.
"Supplies? Are you going to the dungeon?" Hestia said in a worried tone.
"Yes. Do you think you could update our status."
"Fine. Come with me Eina. Bell I'll call for you when I'm done."
"Yes goddess." Bell responded. Eina then turned to Bell and took his hand, "Bell thank you again for today." As Hestia heard this she boiled with jealousy but quickly calmed herself down.
"Come on. I don't have all day."
"Y-yes goddess Hestia."
Eina then disappeared into the executive office with Hestia.
"Alright you know the drill. Take off your shirt and lay down on the couch." Eina abided her goddess order and did as she was told.
'Okay let's see what we have here.' Hestia pricked her finger and let her blood drip onto Eina's back.
Strength - F 127
Endurance - E 108
Dexterity - C 226
Agility - E 150
Magic - I 0
'Her skill really is just like Bell's. She only has been training but her stats are already this high.' Hestia was slightly annoyed but she knew why Eina had developed this skill. It was because she fell in love with Bell.
"Alright I'm finished." Hestia copied the stats down to a paper and handed it to Eina. "Eina I have a question for you."
"Yes goddess Hestia?" Eina replied with a slightly worried expression as this was coming out of nowhere."
"Do you love him? Do you love Bell?" Hestia's voice was starting to crack a little.
"Wh-where is this coming from? Though I will admit it. I do love him." She said with a sincere smile while she looked down at her status.
"I see. Well then all I ask of you is to look out for him. He can be a bit of trouble."
Eina giggled at her statement as she knew that Bell often got into trouble.
"Now can you get Bell for me."
"Yes goddess Hestia."
After a few minutes Bell walked into the executive office where Hestia was waiting. As soon as Bell walked in Hestia smiled brightly at him.
"Alright Bell you know the drill. Take off your shirt and lay down." She demanded still with a smile on her face.
Hestia repeated the process of the status update and handed Bell his paper. Once again out of the blue she asked a question.
"Hey Bell. What do you think of Eina?"
"What do I think of Eina? Well I think she is a really nice person. She was one of the first people who were nice to me when I came here. The other was you, goddess."
Hestia smiled when she heard that. "Do you love her Bell?"
Bell jumped up flustered and started stuttering out a storm. "W-w-what. I-I mean l-love is s-s-such a strong word." After a moment Bell relaxed. "Well I guess if I think about it. I might have felt something like that."
"Alright Bell. Be safe and promise to protect her."
"I promise, goddess." Bell then left the executive office to make sure everything was prepared for the dungeon.
The next morning Bell and Eina met outside of the dungeon.
"Hello Bell. Are you ready?" Eina ran up to him.
"Yes, just one thing. I want you to have this." Bell then pulled out a bandana of salamander wool and handed it to Eina.
"Thank you Bell." She then took the bandana and tied it around her neck. "Now let's get going."
At that the two adventurers walked side by side into the depths of the dungeon.
