Danmachi Emerald Version 3

Chapter 4

Periculi 1: The Rabbit and the Elf.


A/N:

Narration

"Talk"

Monologue

*sfx*


Twilight Manor

Right after returning back to their familia's base, Finn who was at the lobby playing chess with an irritated Gareth who is probably on the losing side for god knows how long called Riveria to his room to have an executive only meeting.

I don't like the looks of it...

Riveria's initial though as soon as she was called.

As soon as she entered the room, she noticed the small round table already have drinks prepared. Two wine glass, a mug and two bottle. One is probably a wine bottle and the other is a grape juice.

"Take a sit," Finn said tote two as he scanned the hallway before shutting the room's door shut.

As soon as Finn sat, the two's attention shifted from the usual small talk of Gareth's losing streak to their leader.

*nod*

Gareth gave Finn a meaningful gaze and a nod before shifting his gaze to the high elf.

"I hope you have an idea bout this meeting, old hag," Gareth began.

With one eye close, Riveria looked from Gareth to Finn before closing her eye as if admitting her surrender. "I'm no fortune teller so it is best if I hear it directly from you."

"Very well then," Finn said with a smile. "That 'little' project that you have." Finn began as he took the wine bottle, opened it and poured wine into his and Gareths glass. "I already discuss it with Gareth during our game. Ais is one thing but you are a familia executive. I hope you are well aware of this."

"Hmmmm... so how did you figure it out?" Riveria asked flatly.

"That fake elf you have as an attendant for starter," Gareth said. "After giving it a second thought, no elf that young whether new comer or guest would seek help to a dwarf like me."

"That incident did struck a cord in more way than one." Finn said, remembering a different scenario. "That and the fact I saw her took a different form before my eyes just as you and that boy went off to a different location."

"Finn," Riveria interrupts knowing what Finn is referring to. "I'll say this in advance but no. As long as she is working as my attendant, my answer is no. Wait... even if that is not the case anymore, my answer is still no. Tione will kill me if I agree to that."

"Very well," Finn sigh. "There was also Lefiya's previous outburst and Ais frequently sneaking out early in the morning. I just connect the dots to what I saw,"

Finn held out his hand and started counting his point

"1. Ais sneaking early in the morning.

2. Lefiya's comment of seeing Ais with a boy

3. You suddenly having a servant the same day.

4. A boy from a different familia is working together with your new servant."

"So? Who's the lil runt?" Gareth asked.

"The Tomato boy Bete was referring to," Riveria answered. "Due to several incident starting from the Minotaur that escape to the fifth floor, he somehow got Ais attention.

*bang*

*break*

Gareth fell from his chair.

"Gareth, you know that you'll have to pay for that," Finn side comment to the now broken mug.

"I know... but still, you serious?" Gareth asked in disbelief. "That is like an event of the century! A miracle of sorts."

"And?"

"She offered him to be train by her."

"Eh?"

Even Finn couldn't hide his surprise this time. That behavior of Ais is new. He was expecting him approaching them for whatever reason and not the other way around.

"As means of payment for Ais' request, I take his supporter who is having trouble in her familia under my wing. The very least, it is a formal request between two familia,"

"Is Loki aware of it?"

"The gist of it, yes," Riveria took a sip on her glass followed by a sigh.

Loki is aware to some degree of Ais' action but if she knew that this wouold help the Hestia familia... I don't know how will she react.

"It is rare for her to take interest on others and if this training prove fruitful then we can apply that to our members as well. At least that's what I though."

"So is the output favorable?" Finn asked.

"So far only Lefiya who is also being trained by her can go through this without gaining a trauma or two. That or anyone who idolize her to the highest degree or have a strong will can survive her innocent training."

"In the end this is just mama bear doing her thing," Gareth gufaw. "Guess no need to worry eh,Finn."

"Please don't," Riveria groan. Loki is one thing but hearing Gareth also calling her mama gave her the creeps "Lefiya is one thing but he is more rekless than Ais was when she was young." she took a smal pause as she take a sip on her glass. "Minus the huge grudge issues. For Ais, he is a bright and pure existance."

"But Riveria isn't he..." Knowing where the conversation is going to head, Riveria glared at Finn. Signaling him to not even go there.

True. Wether or not Ais is aware of it, Ais is attracted to him in some ways and him fawning over her is not a very good thing for Ais.

To Finn that is the meaning of her glare.

I hope that's all there is to this...

Finn though as he look at his right hand. An action that does not go unnoticed by the two executive.

"So who's the munchking anyway?" Gareth asked. Hearing this much, he too can't help but be curious of this mysterious individual only to be met by a mischievous grin from the high elf.

"I'll let Ais introduce him to us when the right time comes."


The next day,

After my morning session with Ais, I headed to the guild to report to Ms. Eina and there I saw an announcement of Ais's level up.

To be able to defeat a floor boss...

Bell though after his giving his report. In deep though, he walk into a familiar alley, passing a familiar maid with a frown on his face.

A Udaeus all by herself.

Bell can't help but be proud and envious at the same time.

Ais is really something... compare to her I am just...

*sneak*

Just as he start to reminise the small skirmish last night, two hands cover his eyes as as he suddenly felt a soft sensation bmon his back while the sweet aroma of the person? behind him started to invade his senses.

"Guess who?" the person behind him whispers to his ears in a teasing manner.

"S-Syr!" Bell jolts and quickly free himself from the said made who made a weak "Kyaaa" from his sudden movements.

"You finally noticed me," Syr said gleefully.

Noticed?

"Ah..." Scratching the back of his head with his right hand, Bell bowed and apologize to Syr. "Sorry... I was just lost in thought."

"I understand," Syr replied. "Now that I got your attention, Bell, are you free today?" With puppy dog eyes, Syr bent slightly forward and asked.

"E...Eeeeeeehhhhh?!"


"I should've seen this coming..."

Bell sigh as he washes the dishes.

He should've seen this coming. His heart is already dedicated to the Regal High Elf and yet in that slight provocation, his mind caves in.

What Syr meant when she ask him if he is free is Is he free to help at the Hostess of Fertility. What he understood on the other hand is Syr asking him out on a date.

After having his hopes up, Syr crush it like a common pest in the kitchen the moment she lead him into the kitchen and ditches him there.

I curse my naive and weak self..

I lament as I took a new plate to wash.

Then again washing the dishes made me forget about that even for the time being.

"Are you alright Mr. Cranel?" the elven beauty Ryu said as soon as she enter the kitchen.

"Ah! Ms. Ryuu..."

Taking a pause, I looked at Ms. Ryuu who just entered the room.

"There's too many to wash," Ryuu continue as she walks beside him. "Allow me to help."

"Thanks..."

"No problem. This is Syr's fault in the fist place"

While staring at Ryuu, I quickly panicks as I felt daggering stares from the head honcho of the pub. Mama Mia is not pleased. Then and there, I noticed that my hands stop moving in cleaning the dishes.

"So what happened?"

"Eh?"

"Syr explained to me that you looked dejected after exiting the guild."

"Oh?! Then d-did Ms. Syr did this to help me?"

"So what happened?"

"Uhm... Ms. Ryuu," Bell said as he try to pick the right words to say. "Were you a former adventurer?"

The elf continue watching the dishes but Bell noticed on his peripheral vision that her ears twitch ever so little.

"I was a long time ago. What about it?" Ryuu ask while having a general idea of his inquiry.

Though I have no intention of inquiring about Ms Ryuu's past, I push through and asked her the problem I am having.

"Level up... how do you achieve it?"

No matter how long and hard he train, no matter how many experience points he gained and how much he wish to rank up, he finds the idea of leveling up a tall wall for him.

*nod*

"You go to an adventure and earn an achievement."

"...Eh?"

"You go to an adventure and earn achievements that the people and even the Gods would praise." Ryuu began as if talking in monologue.

"Adventure... and achievements..."

"Defeat an enemy stronger than your self, earn a high experience points, once you reach a certain amount, level up is possible."

"I see..."

So no matter how many weak opponents I beat, I will not level up. Remembering Ais achievement made me realize that if I do not defeat a strong enemy, if I do not perform well like the heroes of old then I will be stuck in my current level.

"To level up, one needs a strong body and a strong heart. By over coming obstacle, the Excelcia, God's grace will provide the path for the adventurer to level up."

"What about basic abilities?"

"Gradually earning basic abilities is not enough."

"...Then what do you need to beat an opponent far stronger than you?"

"Tactics, techniques and adaptability will aid you in your adventure but that will bot be enough." taking a pause, Ryu turn her eyes on him. "Do you know what is missing?"

Thinking long and hard, I look back at Ryuu who is waiting for my response.

"If my over all abilities is not enough to beat an opponent. Forming a party to beat that opponent is what I need."

Ryuu smiles bitterly before shifting his gaze back to the pile of dishes. "Forming a party is correct. Relying on mutual cooperation to fill what you lack necessary. By repeating the process again and again, Orario adventurers gradually become stronger.

"I see..."

"But you need to consider the members of your party. Having a strong party member is not enough. A knowledgeable party member is not enough. What is important is the mutual trust that you have with your party members. To know that you have each other's back. If you wish to survive the dungeon and get stronger you need them all Mr. Cranel."

"Okay..."

It dawns to me that all this time, I only focus on my goal while not thinking properly on how I would reach my goal.

"I hope I did not over step my bound,"

"Ah no actually I am glad Ms. Ryuu."

Seeing that I still have my doubts Ms Ryuu sigh.

"Mr. Cranel, different people have different views of an adventure."

"...?"

"I do not know what kind of adventure you will have but please do not compare or look away from that adventure. From the meaning of your adventure."

We continue our small talk until we finish washing the dishes and just as the new batch of dirty dishes arrive Mama Mia called the two of us as Anya and Chloe took our place.

"Bell, I'm sorry for fooling you," Syr said. "I'm no adventurer that is why..."

"It's okay Ms. Syr." Bell replied. "In fact, I really am grateful to you."

"Bell..."

"Yes?"

"... isn't it fine to not go on an adventure?"

Towards those words, I widen my eye.

"Please don't force yourself," Syr continue trying to hold back her tears. "I... That's what I wanted to say."

She then gave him his luch before going back to the customers.

"Guess you're back to your old self," Mia said as she pats his shoulders. "Kid what is the best kind of adventurer?"

Ah! This line...

"Those that survive are the best!"

"Hmph! Good now stop standing there and scram!"

"Yes!" Bell exclaim as he sprints to the exit.

"What? you forgot something?" Mia asked as she saw him stop at the door steps.

Turning back to them I bowed and smile.

"Ms. Syr , Ms Ryuu and Mama Mia, thank you very much! I love you all!"

I exclaim innocently before finally dashing out. Little do I know that that comment, that innocent comment full of gratitude will come back bitting me in the ass.


The pub just as Bell dashes out,

The customers cheered and laughed as loud crashing noice can be heard in the kitchen while the three that were confessed to by the pure boy let the information sink in before... One massage her temple in irritation that is more concerened on the broken plates (Mia), one left in embarrassment (Ryuu) and one continue to serve the customers with a more radiant glow of a maiden in love (Syr.)


After returning back to my familia to pick some supplies, I ran across Naza of the Miach familia. She then drag me back to her familia and showed me a new potion they made.

"Uhm... I don't think I... well this is kind of expensive."

"Considering that you're getting injured and fainting in the dungeon" Naza persuade. "You will surely need this."

Injured... Mind down in the dungeon...

I recalled back the time that I faint from overusing my magic.

From time to time, Goddess has been going to Miach to drink and complain. No wonder Ms. Naza is well aware of this...

"So how effective is it?"

I ask curiously as Ms. Riveria's image flash in the back of my mind.

"This is more effective than Dian Cecht 's over priced mid tier potions.

"Sorry but I can't afford it."

I bowed as I tried returning to Naza the new potion.

"Hooooh... but you want to...right?"

"Uwuuùu..."

"Well how about you pay it in installment?" Naza pushes through seeing the rabbit adventurer is about to give in.

"Installments?"

"Yeah, no interest as well considering you are one of our best client."

"Really?"

With said question, Naza's smile went wider.

*nod*

"Really,"

"O-one please." Bell mumbles.

"Thank you," Naza said in a satisfied tone. "That's why I loooove you Bell. Well how about getting the regular items as well?"

"... c'mon now, Ms. Naza" Bell replied shyly. "I won't fall for that again."

After signing a contract of payment and receiving the item in question, Bell joyfully leaves their store.

"So easy..." Naza teasingly mumbles.


Now that I have all I need, I rush back to the wall where Ms. Ais said that she have something important to tell me before we part ways earlier.

There I saw Ms. Ais with Ms. Riveria, Lily in her elven form and... and...

"Eeeeeeeeeehhhhhhh?!" Bell shriek as he saw who is standing next to Ais. The savage forest fairy is there and is glaring at him.

*sigh*

Massaging her temple, Riveria walk forward to the startled rabbit and hit his head with her staff.

"Bell, you need to mind your manners."

"I-I'm sorry Ms. Riveria," Bell replied with a small bow.

"Ms. RIVERIA?!" the forest fairy exclaim. "Why you little rabbit!. How dare you disrespect Lady Riveria like-"

*thud*

Just like what Ms. Riveria did to me, she also hit the beautiful yet savage forest fairy with her staff and from the looks of it, a lot stronger than what she did to me.

"Lefiya! You are also being rude here."

"I-I'm sorry Lady Riveria..."

"So uhm... Ms. Ais," Bell asked the tense sword princess. "Why am I here again?"

"I don't fully know myself." Ais replied as she look at her familia executive. "Riveria just told me to call you here."

"Before we start," Riveria said as all focus are on here. "Let me introduce you to Lefiya," Riveria then made a hand gesture towards the savage fairy. "She just like your self undergoes Ais' training."

"Uhm... nice to meet you... Ms. Lefiya." Bell meekly greet as he stretch his right hand for a hand shake.

"Like wise... hmph" Lefiya replied which earned her another blow from Riveria.

"Now that the formalities are done," Riveria said, turning her back at them and signalling them to follow her. "This place is too narrow. Let's change location."

"So... uhm... Lady Riveria," Lefiya asked. "So why did you call us here along with that outsider?"

"Finn and Gareth wants result," the moment Riveria said this, Ais tense up. "So I'll assess how you train them."


Base from Riveria's explanation, the wall is narrow to fully conduct an assessment so she led them outside of Orario and into a forest where she thought Bell how to hunt.

"The trees will be a hindrance," Ais said as she inspect the area. "Riveria, isn't the plain a much better stage for this?"

"I know," Riveria answered. "But the dungeon are also full with obstacles and uneven field. This should compensate for that."

"In that case... Bell, get ready."

"Y-yes!" Bell nervously replied as he felt the glare of the forest fairy Lefiya the moment Ais called his name.

Hmph! I doubt that rabbit would even last move than five min- no I am sure he will fall flat on his face in a minute.

Lefiya thought as she continiously glared at Bell not noticing a fellow 'elf' is also glaring at her for her action.

"Ely, in a situation like this, what is the best way to deal with the opponent?" Riveria asked after pinching Lily's ears to stop her from glaring at Lefiya.

"Mast- err Mister Bell could use the trees to launch a surprise attack."

"It's no use," Lefiya countered. "He is using two knives. The moment that rabbit goes out of hiding, the noise it'll make would gave his position away. If it is any other weak adventurer then it would be fine but not a level six like Ms. Ais.

As the two began bickering on the right strategy to use, Bell focus her sight on Ais.

Lily and Ms. Lefiya have a point but in this situation it is best to attack head on and uses the trees to my advantage when the right time comes.

Bell though as he remembered the lessons Ais provided him and some advice he got from his beloved high elf when she took him hunting for the first time.

"So how should we proceed, Riveria?" Ais asked.

"Stay on the defensive in five minutes." Riveria replied with an amuse tine as she shifted her gaze from Ais to Bell. "Don't mind the injuries as I can heal them. After five minutes you can attack."

"Okay," Ais replied.

What comes next is something Lefiya didn't expect.

Bell attacks Ais head on where she just block most of his attacks. Evade some that leaves the rabbit adventurer wide open for a counter that he barely evaded. To her surprise he even uses some attacks that landed to his advantage. Such as one instances that Ais countered with a clockwise kick. The rabbit could not block nor evade it so he let the kick send him flying back as he timed the rotation of his body to land into the threes and uses the force of that landing to sling him back towards Ais's location.

What? is he really a newbie adventurer?

As he launch forward, Bell throws his knife that was quickly block as he attacks at her with his other knife.

"Good execution but a naive one,"

To Bell's surprise, Ais left her place and meet with him mid-air where she grab his arm, rotate clockwise once and fling him to the ground.

"Be mindful of you time... oopps..." Ais said as she lands to the ground and notices that the rabbit adventurer is now unconscious.

Several minutes later,

"Urg..." Bell groan as his consciousness returned to him.

This soft sensation... this fragrance...

Slowly opening his eyes, he saw her emerald greed hair

This is...!

With eyes wide open, Bell realize that she is giving him the lap pillow. It is one thing if they are alone but Lily, Ais and the savage forest fairy Lefiya are there as well.

But before her can jolt back up, he felt intense pressure from his forehead where her right hand is placed.

"You need to fix that bad habit of yours of suddenly running away from such situation, Bell." Riveria said, not looking at him.

Following where she is looking, Bell tilts his head side ward and saw Lily, Ais and Lefiya sitting in a seiza position.

He also noticed the three looking at him now that he is awake. An accusing one(Lily), condemnation( Lefiya) and for some reason, Ais is pouting.

"Now that you are well rested," Riveria said as she assist Bell from raising up. "Bell, you will face Lefiya, understand?"

"Yes!"

"Don't get cocky you cheeky brat," Lefiya grumbles.

"The rules are simple. Bell prevent Lefiya from finishing her chant." Riveria continued.

The training continue in this fashion. Bell v Lefiya where Bell prevents Lefiya from completing her spell, Lefiya v Bell where Bell evade the magic aimed at him followed by Bell & Lefiya v Ais where Ais must defeat Bell and stop Lefiya in completing her spell in five minutes followed by a Bell v Lefiya and Lefiya v Bell one more. What comes next to that is the actual assessment. Bell & Lefiya v Riveria where Riveria must finish her chant while preventing Lefiya from completing hers.

The training continues untill the sun fully set with following outcome.

Bell v Lefiya: 2-0 for Bell

Lefiya v Bell: 1-1 for Bell and Lefiya

Bell & Lefiya v Ais: Bell got a draw, he remain standing in the time period given while Lefiya loses as Ais manage to prevent her from completing her spell more than five times.

Bell & Lefiya v Rivera: Bell failed to stop her from casting her spell while she manage to prevent Lefiya from casting her spell five times.

"Don't get too cocky rabbit! I won't lose to you next time!" Was Lefiya's parting word as they head on separate path after returning to Orario.


Twilight Manor

That night Lefiya had her status updated and was delighted on its increase.

Yes! Thus must be the fruit of my training with Ms Ais and Lady Riveria!. Take that rabbit.

Looking at her status update once more, she noticed a smudge in the skill section.

"Uhm... Loki... the skill section..."

"Oh that? sorry bout that." Loki replied nonchalantly. "Was surprise at ya status and made a mess there."

"Okay..."

Just as Lefiya left, Loki took a hidden sheet in her shorts.

"Just what the heck is this?" Loki said as she one more look at the skill corner of Lefiya's status.

Rabbit Season:

Passive: Temporary increase all status by 100 when the white haired ruby eyed rabbit is nearby. A 1/10 chance to double the power of magic.

"I'll be a laughing stock if I release this information on this rare skill," Loki sigh as she crumbled the status sheet. "So she get strong against an Almiraj?"


Late that night, in the dungeon

"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh" terrified screams of adventurers echoes within the wall of the dungeon as a terrifying bull move ever so slowly on them.


Aaaaaannnnndddddd Cut!

And with this, the chapter came to a close. Due to some unfortunate incident, I was forced to start this chap from scratch. The major difference here compared to previous arc is that this doesn't end in 4 chapters. Made huge changes compared to initial draft. Minotaur fight didn't happened here and I remove kagebunshin elf's scene that was present in initial draft and replaced it with the rabid forest fairy.

I also want establish here the start of the rivalry of Bell and Lefiya. The rivalry is not just a one sided one in Lefiya's pov. There are few instances where Leyfiya saw him fight in canon story and fewer time where they fight together or against one another outside of Grand day and game only scenario. Here she develop a rivalry strong enough to develop a skill after losing to him in the joint training session.

Outside of that skill everything bout her will stick near to its LN and Manga counter part.

For the review, likes and follow, thanks.

Made some minor changes. Corrected some grammar and spelling err. v3