Bell held his knife in his hand, stabbing at the makeshift training dummy he had made from straw and wood. It didn't have much of a human shape, but there wasn't much he could do about it.

Truth be told, he had no clue as to what he was doing. He tried to stab the dummy, then slash it a few times, but doing it repeatedly only made him feel stupid.

He walked over to his flask of water and took a quick gulp, before emptying it out on top of his head. "Aah, what am I supposed to do now?"

A part of him wished that Nobunaga were here, if only because he could ask her for some tips. She still scared him to the core, but at the very least she had saved him. Even if he didn't like her very much, he could still respect her strength.

Nobunaga seemed to radiate an aura that made Bell tremble by simply being in her presence. It had been especially strong on the night she had saved him.

Speaking of being saved, his two saviors were so different that it made the distance between Heaven and Hell seem like a leisurely stroll. Where Jeanne was a strong and collected defender, the Avenger was a raging warrior, uncontrolled and devastating. If one was a warm and happy lamp, the other was an all-consuming wildfire.

It was strange to compare the two women, but both of them had saved him from his idiocy in the Dungeon. However, where Jeanne had asked for nothing, offering help without restraint, Nobunaga demanded that he prove himself.

'The will to live,' she called it.

When Bell had woken up late in the morning, he had done so screaming. Hestia had come rushing into the room and hugged him, and Bell accepted her embrace and cried his heart out.

Now that he felt calmer and more collected, he couldn't help but think back. The tears had drowned out most of his emotions and all that were left were his thoughts. The goddess had taken his apology in stride, but Bell could see the tightness in her stance and the worry behind her eyes.

Her posture had been weary and Bell suspected that she hadn't slept well, or at all, last night. He had only himself to blame for that. After all, he was the one who went into the Dungeon like a fool.

He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to return to his misery. He had to get stronger, especially now that he had realized what was at stake.

Bell had admittedly been alone for most of his life, the only person who he consistently spent time with being his grandfather. When he had come to Orario, he had never really realized that he would bond with people the way he had bonded with Hestia.

She was his goddess, and yet something more. Bell admittedly had never had too many friends with his village being pretty isolated. However, he never had the same kind of relationship he had with the others that he had with Hestia.

It was a strange feeling. His heart told him that he should make her happy, and it clenched with worry when he saw her weary face. It wasn't a crush, not the same way he felt with Jeanne, but rather something more powerful.

His grandfather had told him that love was a vital component in an adventure, but Bell didn' think what he felt was love. In the stories he had been told, love was always a result of the hero saving the heroine.

Yet, he had been saved by three different people. The Goddess saved him when he had been on the streets looking for a familia. Jeanne saved him in the Dungeon. Nobunaga saved him (he admitted this begrudgingly) from his own idiocy.

All three of them caused strange emotions to bubble within him. When he saw Hestia, he felt a warm fire, keeping the harsh cold away as well as providing him with reassurance. As if it were wrapping around him like a blanket.

Jeanne made him feel ambition. A desire to be strong like she was and to protect others like she did to him. Thinking of her made him dream of being an unwavering shield against the evils of the world. Just like how she had protected him.

Nobunaga made him feel fear. A part of the fear was directed at the Demon King herself, but the rest came from within. He feared his own death.

It was natural for humans to die, yet when Bell was at that point, he couldn't help but panic. He accepted the reality of being an adventurer, yet he had not understood it.

However, it wasn't just fear of his own death, but fear of the death of others. Fear that someday the people he cared about would die and leave like his grandfather had.

He feared his own death for another reason, wondering what would happen to the goddess when he left. Would she find other familia members? Would she be able to live comfortably? Would she be able to remain happy?

He was worried, but the feeling was unlike what he felt when he had to tell Eina that he had gone past the floor limit she had set. He was worried that he would be scolded, yet it was not to the magnitude he felt now. No, this 'worry' felt as if he was being choked.

Bell had been told that the world was a dangerous place, but this new feeling made him feel like he finally understood what the phrase meant.

He felt like he finally understood the dangers that Eina kept trying to warn him of. It wasn't just his own life at risk after all.

Yet, that didn't bring him satisfaction. It brought him more worry and fear.

"Yahoo, Bell! Training already are we?"

The bubbly Astolfo walked up to him, his pink braid fluttering in the air as he jumped about. Bell turned towards the male, his mind still not recovered from the shocking revelation of the paladin's true gender.

It happened when Hestia had been giving each of the Servants a falna. It had been pretty normal for the most part, except when Goddess finished Chevalier D'Eon's falna.

It turned out that the blonde had a unique skill that allowed him to change his gender, a fact that no one at Chaldea had known about.

It led to Gudako stating that "Chaldea has a woman who pretends to be a man, a man who acts like a woman, someone who is both, and one who is neither."

When Hestia's justifiable confusion turned into questions, both her and Bell were shocked to learn that Astolfo and Enkidu were more than what they appeared as well.

Bell had never felt more confused about the revelation and Hestia was muttering incomprehensibly to herself about bored gods and troublesome children. In the end Enkidu had asked everyone to address him the way they felt most comfortable, while D'Eon admitted that he spent most of his time in his male form.

The skill was apparently a result of his legend and not something he truly possessed when he was alive, which the former spy had used wisely in order to seed confusion and doubt among others.

Meanwhile, Astolfo stared at Bell's dagger. "Isn't your blade getting a bit damaged? You should get it fixed. Don't want it breaking in the dungeon now do we?" He took a closer look. "Or better yet, you could replace it. If you are going to be going down to the sixth floor often, then it might be better to get something that hits harder."

Bell nodded, realizing that there were superficial cracks across the steel that he hadn't noticed before. The back of the blade was chipped in some places.

"I guess so. I do have the stones I collected from yesterday… " Bell paused for a second, his eyes glazing slightly before Astolfo patted his back.

"Let's go shopping. That will be fun. I want to see the city in all its glory." Astolfo's declaration left no room for argument and Bell soon found himself walking towards the Tower of Babel.

Astolfo beside him had changed his clothes, now sporting a white top and a red skirt, along with long black socks for his legs. "Mr. Astolfo, may I ask why you are wearing that?" Bell bushed slightly, his mind overheating from confusion.

The paladin gave him a bright smile. "Well it's cute isn't it? I bought it from the funds Jeanne brought up yesterday. In fact there is plenty left, so I'm sure we can get you some good armor as well." The paladin then pouted. "Also just call me Astolfo. I don't want to feel old."

Bell protested feebly. "I can't ask you to do that -"

"It's Astolfo," the paladin said with his arms crossed." Also, of course you can, We're in the same familia so it's fine. Besides, D'Eon and the rest will probably earn more valis for today."

Bell couldn't really protest. He did want that armor, especially with how his breastplate had been flattened last night. He then looked at his dagger, it surprised him that the thing had lasted this long.

I've really been playing it by the ear haven't I?

He sighed, causing the paladin to stare at him with a pout. "Don't act like an old man, Bell. You still have your entire life ahead of you. You'll get all sorts of wrinkles."

"Yeah," he muttered, suppressing the second sigh that almost left his mouth.

Astolfo stopped and turned around, poking Bell in the cheek. "You know, if you're having some sort of problem, I'm willing to listen." The paladin thumped his chest. "I may look like this, but I went on lots of adventures when I was alive, so I might be able to help you with whatever you have going."

"Adventures?" Bell stopped moving upon hearing the word, causing the pinkette to tilt his head. "Were you some sort of adventurer Astolfo?"

Hmm, I suppose I was," Astolfo laughed. "Though it was more of a title than a job. Officially I was one of the Twelve Paladins of Charlemagne."

"But you did go on many adventures, right? Could you share some with me?" Astolfo giggled at the sudden enthusiasm displayed by the boy.

"Sure, why not?" He put his thumb on his lip. "Though, I don't know which tale I should start with." He scratched the back of his head. "You know what, I'll just start talking and you tell me if you like it or not."

And so, Astolfo began to regale the boy with stories of his various adventures, each delivered with suspense and mystery, returning some of Bell's lost spark to his eyes.

Astolfo told the boy of his victories and his defeats, of his heroic acts and his terrible failures, but most of all, he described his journey with the greatest detail, recounting every small thing that he still remembered from his journeys.

When he was done, the two of them found themselves sitting underneath a stone statue, a pair of crepes in their hand. Astolfo took a swing of water from his bottle, and then took another bite from his meal, relishing in the delicious chocolate cream that burst into his mouth.

"Say Astolfo," Bell asked pensively. "Whatever you said really happened to you right?"

The paladin gave him an unamused look. "Of course it did. Do I like a liar to you?"

Bell shook his head. "Not like that. I mean that you really failed sometimes didn't you? You had to be saved by others even though you were a hero?"

Astolfo had an uncharacteristically serious look on his face. "I see now. You want to be a hero right?"

Bell flinched, his red eyes staring at the paladin;s pink irises. "I- well- yes. I do, or at least I did."

"You did? Don't tell me it was that stupid Avenger who got you down?" Astolfo scratched the back of his head. "Well, don't listen to her. Nobunaga's the kind of person who enjoys breaking people apart. It's just for her amusement."

Bell shrugged. "That may be the case but what she said wasn't wrong. And after almost dying yesterday I don't know if I can be a hero anymore?"

Why not?" Astolfo pulled him into the light. "So what if you almost died? It's fine as long as you're still here."

"But, what if I did die? I can't stop thinking about what would happen to the goddess," Bell cried out.

Astolfo mused a bit before patting the boy's shoulder. "Let's go and shop for all the equipment you need. I'll tell you what I think once we return." He smirked a bit. "Though, I am betting on the fact that you will probably figure it out on your own."

Bell nodded slightly before allowing himself to be pulled along into the Tower. They traveled up the elevator, navigating through the bustling crowds that had come in search of goods.

"This is a bit too ridiculous. There is no way I can afford any of these," he said looking at an ornate dagger through the glass.

"Come on," Astolo urged, opening the door to an expensive-looking shop. Bell noted that it belonged to the Hephaestus familia.

"I already told you-" "Hey Mister, can you help me a bit?" Astolfo interrupted Bell, rushing towards the counter, while waving his hand.

"Yes, that's what I am here for," replied a gruff dwarf, his face stuffed inside a book.

"Where can we buy equipment for Level 1 adventurers?"

The dwarf looked up at the pair, scratching his long beard as he observed his customers. "Eight floor. All equipment made by beginner smiths can be found there."

"Thanks, mister," Astolfo said as he hopped out of the store.

"I thought my heart was going to burst," Bell said gasping for air. "Why did you just rush into the store?"

"Well, I needed to ask someone for directions didn't I?" Astolfo tilted his head, a confused smile on his face.

"It is rude to enter such high ranked shops and not buy anything," Bell said, still a bit panicked.

Really?" Astolfo gave him a smile. "That old man seemed more lonely to me."

Bell paused for a moment and gave his companion a thoughtful look. "I suppose with the number of high ranking adventurers in this city, he probably wouldn't have many customers." He shook his head. "Still, we can't just act rude like that. We didn't even apologize."

Astolfo laughed. "It's fine Bell. The dwarf didn't mind or else he wouldn't have told us where we wanted to go." He pulled the adventurer to the elevator. "C'mon, we have places to be."

Getting off at the eight floor, Bell took a deep breath as he saw the various weapons on sale, his heart slowing down as he saw their price tags. "Yup, these seem much more affordable," he said.

"Don't they," Astolfo said smugly. "You can thank me later. Let's get shopping."

The pair traveled from store to store, cycling through armor and weaponry. Astolfo however tossed away one weapon after the other. "Too short. Not strong enough. Blunt. Ah I like this one," Astolfo finally declared after sifting through a dozen daggers.

"It's a bit too expensive, Astolfo. If I spend money on this then I won't be able to get a backup and armor."

The paladin stared at the adventurer. "You're getting a backup?"

"Is there some reason I shouldn't?"

"No," Astolfo denied. "It's just I hadn't even thought about that." He gave Bell a grin. "Looks like you're shaping up to be a better adventurer than me."

Bell flushed at the praise. "Not at all. I just realized that I should carry a backup after what happened last night. Besides, Ms. Eina has been telling me to do that for ages. I was just being ignorant of what she said."

Before Astolfo could reply, a muscled man approached the pair and gave a warm smile. "Oh customers. How may I help you, sir, ma'am? Do you wish for weapons? Armour? Perhaps something special for you girlfriend?"

Bell froze as he saw the amused look on the paladin's face. "Darling, I want this dagger. Pretty please."

Suddenly the attention of the entire store was on him, jealous men and scandalized women staring at them. Astolfo had put on his cutest face, and all Bell could do was give in to the pressure as he bought the expensive-looking dagger.

As they walked out, Bell counted his remaining valis with a glum face. "Why did you do that Astolfo? I already told you that I didn't have enough money."

The paladin flicked his nose. "And I already told you that I would help you didn't I?" He pulled out a larger pouch from his waist. "Here you go. This should be enough for armor and your second dagger." He put a finger to his lip. "Maybe you can take a page of Jack's book and dual-wield your daggers. Then you would need two more as backups."

"Jack?"

"Jack the Ripper. She's another servant back at Chaldea. A bit creepy, but she's absolutely adorable once you get to know her," Astolfo explained.

"I don't know how I feel about adopting the fighting style of some with the title of 'The Ripper', but it seems to make some sense. I don't know if I can dual wield though. How much harder is it compared to fighting one-handed?"

"Hmm," Astolfo mused. "I haven't really dual-wielded much myself, but it is possible if you can multitask well. Archer is really good at it since he relies on predicting his opponents' movements more than instinct. Maybe you could get some tips from him."

Bell gave a shaky smile. "I wouldn't want to disturb him…"

Astolfo laughed his concerns off. "Don't worry. There is a really easy way to get him to do things. Just whine like a kid and he'll melt into bits." Astolfo paused. "Well, unless he hates you," Astolfo added. "Then he'll be a sarcastic ass and won't take your dinner requests."

"Why do I feel like I don't have a choice here?" Bell asked quietly.

"Well, I will ask him on your behalf either way, but I think he'll prefer it if you ask him directly." Bell grudgingly conceded to Astolfo's judgment.

The pair continued to hop from shop to shop, searching through the various pairs of armors until he found a set that he liked. "What do you think, Astolfo?"

The paladin gave it a quick glance. "It's not really my style, but I suppose it would do a good job. Looks sturdy enough as well. Surprisingly high quality."

"It's called the Pyonkichi - Mk II." Bell blinked twice before omitting that information from his mind. "The blacksmith who made this is Welf Crozzo."

"That's a cute name. You should buy this set Bell," Astolfo urged.

"Because it sounds cute?"

"Because it sounds cute, indeed."

Bell gave out a sigh. "You're going to force me to buy this aren't you?"

Astolfo pouted. "I made you buy the dagger because you were being an idiot. This is your choice to make. I'm just making suggestions here."

Bell looked at the armor. He did like the design quite a lot. "I suppose you're right. Now I just need to find a second dagger."

He paid for the set, trying not to think about the amount of money he had spent today.

"You know, for someone who I thought was getting paranoid, you seem to still be pretty unwilling to spend a bit extra for protection."

"These are old habits, Astolfo. I never had much money in the first place," Bell replied, pain visible in his eyes as he remembered all the valis that had been swindled out of his hands.

"Anyway, here you go," Astolfo said, handing him a weapon.

Bell's eyes widened as he looked at the dagger, his eyes widening at the quality of the piece. " I snagged this when you weren't looking. Did I surprise you?"

The boy nodded shakily, still in awe at the gift. "You bought this for me? Why?"

Astolfo gave him an amused grin. Well, you're a friend, aren't you? I can't let you die so easily. Besides, you're supposed to be saying thank you. Not something pointless like 'Why?'."

"I- Thank you Astolfo. This means a lot to me," the boy said softly. Aah, I'm tearing up again.

"Well, then Bell. Let's go home." The paladin gave out his hand.

Bell took it. "Yeah."

Among all the servants that had joined his familia, Bell found Archer the strangest.

He was a strong warrior like the rest of them, able to project swords, or at least that's how he described his abilities. Yet, when not fighting, he would cook and clean, often buying enough groceries to feed the entire familia.

Not to mention that his food was to die for. Bell had not known that meat could taste so good before. Even the Hostess of Fertility didn't cook as well as Archer did.

He was a gruff man, often making sarcastic comments as he walked about the house offering snacks and tea to different people. When he was free he would spend his time reading books, silver eyes jumping from page to page without stopping.

Yet, he was terrifying when he fought, all of Bell's instincts failing him when their blades clashed. He would perceive a weakness in the Archer, only to have it ripped away at the last moment and find himself hit with the butt of a white blade.

"You are still acting like you are fighting a monster Bell," the Archer said after their fifth spar. "You don't think before you attack and that is what's causing you to lose."

"Huh? I don't really understand Mr. Archer," Bell said panting, his eyebrows rising in confusion. "I do think. It's just every time I find a weak point, you always seem to be able to counter me."

"Just call me Archer," the man replied before projecting a blade. He got into a stance. "Now tell me, what weak points do you see in me."

Pulling himself up, the boy stared at him carefully, before pointing at his side. 'You've left your side open. I could slide underneath when you attack and directly stab you there."

Archer nodded. "And what would you do if someone did that to you?"

Bell thought for a while. "Well, would preferably roll away and separate myself from my enemy."

"Not a bad idea. Now assume that you know that your opponent is going to slide underneath your attack and stab you at your weak point."

Bell's eyes widened as he realized what Archer was trying to say. "You do it on purpose, right? That's why I've been losing. I keep falling for your trap."

The man gave him a light smile. "Yes. However, it is not a style you should replicate."

"Why not?"

Archer gave a sigh. "Figure it out yourself. I'll tell you if you are right."

Bell tubbed his head, forcing his brain to work. "Well… "

It took a few moments till the bulb lit up. "Is it because more skilled fighters won't fall for your traps? I mean if they know that you are purposely showing weakness and use it against you?"

The man rubbed his chin. "Well, I can't say you're wrong about the fact that my style works out better the less my opponent knows about it. However, there are ways to counter that. No, I'm telling you that my style won't fit you for another reason."

Archer sighed at Bell's blank look. "You're an adventurer kid. You fight against monsters. I, on the other hand, fight humans. Monsters aren't going to fall for tricks like the ones I use. To beat them you need more power and less skill."

"Aah, I get it now. So you're then what exactly are you teaching me, Archer?"

Archer charged at him, two blades in hand. "First, you need to learn to read your opponent. Look at my muscles and try and figure out what I am about to do. Whether it be monster or human, being able to instinctively understand your opponent's movements is an important boon in combat."

Bell jumped back, only for Archer to throw his blade at him. Dodging it, he found another set of weapons at his throat. "You need to keep my abilities in mind. I'm still fighting at your speed and strength, however, your enemy won't do the same."

Archer dismissed his weapons. "Anyway I suggest that you look into increasing your escape options. If you can't win, then retreating is the best decision you can make. Keep some sort of backup ready."

Bell pondered the man's words as Archer put on an apron and stepped into the kitchen. He had a second dagger. What else could he use as a backup?

He decided to enter the newly refurbished and refitted church, courtesy of Tamamo's space-bending magic, wondering if Astolfo would have any ideas.

"Hey, Astolfo I need your help again."

The pinkette turned towards him, a cookie sticking out of his mouth. The paladin quickly swallowed it. "Don't tell Archer that I stole a cookie," he begged with his hands together. "He canceled my dessert privileges for a month last time."

Bell looked at the paladin with surprise before nodding his head. Astolfo gave him a smile. "Thanks a lot. Here, a cookie for your efforts." He slid into Bell's mouth, and immediately a burst of taste filled him.

The chocolate chips melted in his mouth, mixing effortlessly with the cookie itself creating a blend worthy of a gods palette. "It's really good, isn't it? Now do you know why I steal them?"

Bell nodded happily, licking his lips as he tried to grab the stray crumbs of his cheeks. "Anyway Astolfo, I was wondering if you knew any equipment I could use to escape from Monsters who are too strong for me."

"Oh, like smoke bombs and stuff like that right?"

"Smoke bombs?" Bell tilted his head?

Astolfo gaped at him. "Oh my god, you have never seen Batman in your life, have you? C'mon, this is horrible."

The paladin once more pulled Bell to Gudako's room, opening the door with a kick. "Master," he proclaimed. "We must have a movie-night today! Bell doesn't know of Batman."

Gudako, who had been tying her hair, raised an eyebrow. "We don't have any electronics you numbskull. Do you think I don't want to go back to T-bagging noobs in Halo? I want to go back and play video games so bad. But Archer can't project a game. He might be able to give us a TV but what use is that without having the game we want?"

She gave the paladin an evil grin. "When we get back, I'm planning on having him learn how to project consoles with working internet and games, but until then we have no choice. Why do you want to watch Batman anyway? The Arkham games are way more fun."

Astolfo pouted. "Bell here has never seen a smoke bomb, so I was hoping to show him a live demonstration."

Gudako put a finger to her lip. "You want to show him smoke bombs, yet you forgot that we have someone who can make them."

"I would rather not go to her," said the paladin with a sour expression. "Besides Nobu is a meanie. She wouldn't give us bombs."

Gudako gave him the 'Are you and Idiot' face, then promptly realizing that he was, decided to explain. "Nobu loves bombs. I'll bet you my set of cookies on the fact."

Astolfo took the deal. "I'll take it."

Bell gulped loudly. The entire exchange had gone right over his head.

The pair then found themselves in front of Nobunaga's room, Bell slightly shivering as he found himself a bit apprehensive. Astolfo didn't share his sentiments and burst inside.

"Oi Nobu," he called out before pausing. Nobunaga was posing in front of the mirror.

"Oh, Astolfo you're approaching me? Despite what happened yesterday, you're still approaching ME?"

The pair just stared at her with blank expressions. "Seriously, I didn't think much of an airhead like you, but to think you were so much of an uncultured gaijin," she said shrugging. "So what do you want?"

Astolfo was about to speak but Bell beat him to the punch. "Um… Ms. Nobunaga. Astolfo told me that you could show me something called a smoke bomb. It is-"

"Say no more," said the Demon King with a grin. "I knew saving you was the right option after all." She grabbed his hand, her eyes staring into his. "You've come to become my apprentice haven't you?"

Astolfo whacked her on the head. "Cut it out Nobu. After the shit you pulled yesterday, you don't get to pressure Bell into being your apprentice. Besides, he's only interested in smoke bombs. Not the rest of your loud firecrackers."

"Oh?" Nobunaga gave the two a challenging grin. "And what you say about these bad boys." She pulled out three different kinds of spheres, each with a strange flamboyant design on them.

She pointed to the first one. "This one creates noise at various frequencies and would definitely puzzle any monster that primarily uses sound to move around. I call it the 'Roar of the Demon King.'"

"The second one is a flashbang. Here I'll demonstrate. "She tossed it at the edge of the room, turning around to avoid the blinding lights. Astolfo on the other hand wasn't so lucky, barely managing to cover Bell's eyes before the bomb lit up.

"Aaah," he cried, trying his level best to not remove his hands from Bell's face.

When the light faded, Nobunaga only chuckled at the paladin writhing on the floor.

"Ah, Astolfo, are you okay?" Bell's concern was apparent on his face.

"He's a servant kid. He'll be fine." Nobunaga said with amusement. "Be careful though. That flashbang can probably make you permanently blind if you are not careful. I wonder if potions can fix that?"

"Nobu, you ass. I'll get you for this someday," the paladin cried out from the ground.

"Get in line," she replied. "Anyway, the last one is a bit special. You see, it turns liquid into a gas and disperses it."

Bell blinked. "Wait, so it turns water into mist?"

"Indeed. Or if you want, you could use poison or knock out gas. Depends on you."

"Ms. Nobunaga, if I knew any better then I would say that you had already prepared these earlier," Bell said softly, his eyes widened

The girl gave him a demonic grin. "Figured that out did ya? Well, since I took the effort of saving your life, there's no way I'm going to let you go back to the dungeon without any support now am I?"

"She's lying-" Nobunaga stamped Astolfo's face.

"Besides, I am impressed that you came here now. I thought you would have to nearly die again before asking for extra equipment. Here."

Bell looked at the pouch with the bombs that the girl handed to him. "Despite everything, you really are a nice person aren't you Ms. Nobunaga?"

"Ha, me, nice?" She chuckled at that. "I'm a Demon King you know? Anyway, see you."

As she left the room, the pair twitched as they heard the ticking of a timer.

"Goddamn, it Nobu," Astolfo screamed as their eardrums were blasted off.

As the day came to an end, Bell and Astolfo sat on one of the broken stone walls of the church that they called home, staring at the night sky.

"You think you're ready to go to the dungeon tomorrow?"

Bell looked slightly hesitant to answer, taking a bit of time before responding. "I don't really know. I mean I am really grateful that you, Archer and Ms. Nobunaga helped me out so much but a part of me is still worried."

"Ah, that's what we discussed this morning no? I guess I told you that I would give you my answer after the day was over, didn't I?"

Astolfo looked up and raised his hand, pretending to grab the moon in his hand. "You know how I told you that I flew to the moon right?"

Bell nodded, but Astolfo kept staring at the sky. "There were so many things that could have gone wrong with that. Everyone told me that it was a stupid idea, but I couldn't just leave Roland's common sense up there. He was my buddy and he was suffering as a madman."

The paladin gave a light laugh. "Having a curse that takes my sanity away, those thoughts never really occurred to me when I was flying up, but on the moon, I found my own sense as well. When I drank that, for a few minutes I could feel my brains filling me up with so many worries and regrets that I couldn't even breathe. Eventually, my sense went away, but the fear I felt back then nearly killed me."

Astolfo grabbed Bell's arms and looked at him. "Listen to me Bell. Going to the dungeon might be scary, and if it is then you don't need to do it. I'm really the worst person to give this advice, but I think that it is true regardless. Make sure that you do things you know you won't regret and make sure you never regret the things you do in the first place. Do you understand'?"

Astolfo gave Bell a wry grin."I cannot really regret much of what I do, but even when there is no moon in the sky, I stay true to the advice I gave you."

"Maybe," Bell said shakily. "But sometimes I feel like I shouldn't become an adventurer anymore."

Astolfo smiled. "Say Bell, why did you want to become an adventure in the first place?"

"... "

Bell murmured something while blushing uncontrollably.

"What was that?"

"I said, I became an adventurer to pick-up girls in the dungeon."

Astolfo stared at Bell for a second before bursting into laughter. "Hahahahaha, seriously? That is a crazy reason even for me."

Bell squirmed in his seat. "I know that it is stupid. Please don't tease me about it."

Astolfo tried his level best to stop, only to burst out again. It took several turns for him to calm down. "So do you still want to pick up girls down there?"

"No- I"

"You're lying Bell," the paladin said, poking his cheeks.

"I-"

"Nope, you're a crappy liar."

"Yes," Bell admitted reluctantly. "My grandpa told me stories about it all the time. And… even if it is stupid, I want to do it."

"Then that's all you need,' Astolfo said happily.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Think about it Bell, all of us servants became heroic spirits by doing legendary things didn't we? Sure, there are some of us here who have played it very safe, but in the end, we all did crazy things. Sure we may have done crazy things 'safely', but that doesn't change the fact we did them." He put an arm around Bell's waist. "Besides, if you live you win. That's my rule in life."

Bell spent some time in thought. "You know Astolfo, I think I'm finally getting why people keep calling you an idiot."

"Oi!"

"But, I think I finally understand what you said. It reminds me of what I felt when I fought that War Shadow." Bell clenched his fist. "I wanted to come back home and see the Goddesses smile once more. I wanted to make her happy."

"She was the one who took me in after all. Without her, I really would be nothing. So, if anything else, I want to be strong enough to protect her."

"You have a good reason after all, don't ya?" Astolfo said with a gentle smile.

"I guess I do," Bell responded with a wide smile.

Suddenly, a horrified expression appeared on Astolfo's face. "Master is going to take all my cookies."