not ice blade Chapter 2, an ice blade fanfic

Chapter 2: Promise

Albert took his wooden swords and took Bell and Ais in a nearby forest. At first the two were confused to why he is taking them to the forest but later on he explained what they had to do. Albert stood in front of them and started to explain what they had to do.

"Alright kids here is your first assignment!"

He pulls up the wooden sword and take his stance for a forward swing, Bell and Ais carefully observed his movements. After he had swung his sword, he carried on.

"Swing the sword for about thousand times."

"Wait a thousand times!"

"Papa that seems kind of outrageous!"

"Well, if you want to learn then do what I say. You guys swing the sword for thousand times while I go around and do my own training. Also, you have only 4 hours to complete thousand swings."

With that he left the two alone.

"Do you think he would care to notice?"

"I mean he is the sword champion, and its better if we move our hands as soon as possible."

"Okay then."

The two started to swing the swords just like Albert did. Just swinging the sword made them a bit exhausted on their first day. After the timeout, Albert made sure to let them relax well.

The next day, the same happened but with a different swing. The kids followed and practiced the swing another thousand swings.

Another day, another swing. This kept on for a whole year. Around this time, Bell and Ais were clear with basic swordfight and wielding it, since Ais just wanted to learn wielding the weapons she decided to just practice what her father thought whereas Bell on other hand who wants to be like the champion himself went through harsh training.

Even though Ais takes it easy, she watches how Bell tries hard to keep up with her father, also getting praised by him more often.

This kind of made her a bit jealous of him as Albert was spending most of the time with Bell as if he is his own son.

When she heard that Bell stood bravely and swept a horde of low-level monster, she was even more jealous as she could not show her capabilities.

One day Aria noticed that Ais was a bit grumpy that she usually was, starring at Bell swinging the sword. She decided to take up a conversation with her daughter.

"What's wrong Ais? You seem a bit down."

"It's nothing…"

"Oh is it? Is it something related to your papa?"

"Ever since he started training Bell, he has been neglecting me. I am not angry or anything… I just want to spend some time with him."

"Oh… poor girl needs some attention…"

She softly held on to Ais's shoulder and smiled at her, "you do know that your father is determined to make him a fine swordsman?"

"I know… and I admire how Bell works for it, but still…"

"Well, he will definitely make time for you and I am sure of it."

She looks at albert who now patted Bell's hair as he praised how well he did make Ais even more jealous. She just smiled in front of her mother and left, though she now had a feeling to prove that her father could give her more attention and see how capable she is.

"Ah… why don't I hunt down a strong monster? This will make papa proud of me! Just you wait Bell its my turn to take him."

With that said, she left her home silently taking up a steel sword from the basement.

It's been hours since the two kept on training. Aria finally called them to have lunch, while they were about to sit and start eating their meal, Aria called Ais but was not able to find her around the house.

"Where did she go?"

"Did she say anything to you? From when did she disappeared?"

"It's probably been hours; lord why is she like this?"

As Albert and Aria were arguing, Bell broke the news about a steel sword missing from the basement.

"Oh no… don't tell me that she is out to hunt monsters."

"WHAT!?"

Bell called worried, not hearing anything else, he made a run outside with his training sword. Albert from behind yelled at his disciple.

"Bell! You check around nearby cave, I will go find her deeper near mountains."

Unknown to him that kid heard or not he decided to just get himself prepared to find her. He has never been worried but recently, monsters were a little bit stronger than they originally were meant to be. Albert was now freaking out and just hoped safety for both Bell and Ais.

There another slash followed from torso to chest, the sword swiftly moved as the blood burst out from the Kobold which soon disappeared in thin air. Ais seemed to be happy with the result, this must be around fifth kobold that she killed.

"Alright! The he… Papa will be proud of me."

She kept going on as more and more monsters showed up.

"Guess moving throughout the cave was a good idea."

She thought as she quickly slashed most of the Kobolds. She decided to stay around for some time but was intervened by Bell's voice calling for her, she noticed and waited till Bell was finally able to see and reach her.

"Ais! We were so worried about you! It's been hours since you left home!"

"No worries Bell, and guess what I was able to slay all the kobolds."

"Well that is good to hear, but you know you made your father's life hanging on the edge."

"Huh!?"

"Let's hurry back home, they are probably more worried."

"Okay okay… let's go."

The two made their way back home.

What brings home was utter chaos.

"AIS WHERE ON EARTH HAVE YOU BEEN?!"

Albert burst in anger and yelled at her, Bell and Aria just backed away from the two.

"HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE TOLD YOU NEVER LEAVE ALONE! ESPECIALLY NEAR CAVES!"

Ais just stood with her head down.

"YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT KIND OF MONSTER WOULD SHOW UP DO YOU!"

Bell and Aria felt bad as Ais was starting to tear up a bit. After few more minutes Ais just talked back.

"You always spend time with Bell and ignore me all the time I HATE YOU PAPA!"

And then she ran away crying while Bell and Aria just frowned at sight, Albert now feeling guilty just sat down on his chair massaging his forehead. Seeing it was not the right time for him to confront Ais, Bell decided to talk things out with Ais.

Ais was still sobbing, sitting at the backyard. Bell just peeked his head out and just stared at her.

"Are you okay?"

The girl didn't reply but sniffed hard. Bell sat beside her.

"I think iits my fault. I took away your father from you didn't I?"

"no… *sniff*… it's not that… it's just, he is always focusing on you."

"…"

"I also want to show him what I can do! I also want him to praise me! I also want him to spend time with me!"

"I know… I am sorry…"

"Huh… *sniff* why are you apologizing?"

"I am the root cause for this, it's been a whole year and I failed to notice that you were sad because master only looks after me. I shouldn't have come here at the first place. Now I feel like a bad guy who is separating the family."

"It's not like that… you see, you are the first person of my age whom I interacted with…. And I am happy that you came here. I got a friend of my own. It's just… I want papa to look after me too…"

Bell just sat silent while Ais rubbed her now teary eyes. The boy seemed to made his mind on one thing…

"This time, I promise that he would also spend time with you."

"Huh?"

"Would it be okay with you?"

"As long as he gives his time for me… I am fine with it."

"Okay then this is a promise!"

He raised his pinky followed by ais making a seal like kids usually do. Ais gave Albert another chance and boy did he take most time to look after her and spend time with her while Bell just did his own practice with Aria's assistance at some point.

Ais was happy as her father was now giving her time, also training Bell when needed. One day out of nowhere she decided to go and train in the caves, she notified her parents this time. Albert was having second thoughts but seeing how much Ais had grown he decided to let her go on her own, but Bell on other hand had a bad feeling about something bad happening to Ais.

He decided to follow her but before that, he decided to take a new sword from the basement.

It was a pitch-black area, where only a little inflamed lamp could guide him. He just took his time finding a good sword until something felt like calling him.

'Here…'

That's all he said making the boy look from where the sound came. He came across a dirtied-up shelf where there was an object placed underneath a cloth, the voice became even more clear…

'HERE!'

"Here?"

He repeated, he took his approach a bit slow and took off the cloth. Revealing a beautiful shiny sword… even though it was completely pitch black it still gleamed in the darkroom. Bell carefully took the sword and the sheath beside it but then another voice called….

'I am here too'

He turned his neck to a faraway shelf, totally on the other end of the basement which was only a few meters, his eyes widen at the sight that underneath the cloth, there was something that was glowing as if a part of the sun has rested itself under it.

He slowly approached and took of the cloth, this time it was a pure white sword which gleamed like a precious jewel, but it was only for few minutes, the gleaming was slowly hushed down when the boy held both the swords.

"Weird… ah I better get going…"

He decided to drop the white sword at his room and took the black sword with him.

As the boy left informing Albert and Aria that he took a good sword from the basement, Albert decided to check out what did the kid exactly took for a sword in this pitch-black area. The moment he noticed the missing sword made him shiver a bit.

"You can't be serious…. Right?"

"HA!"

"GRWAAA!"

*poof*

Ais took down another monster, have a smile plastered on her face she carried on.

"I have gotten stronger! Amazing!"

Another wave of weak monsters appears. With her confidence, she faced all of them. Soon, for some unknown reason, no monster showed up. Ais still held onto her sword scanning the place. But as the time passed her confidence seemed to just go down, it has been only silence which is now making her tense a bit.

Attempting to get back, she forgot from what way she came. And for hours she was just circling around the same areas.

"Ah…. Where am I now!?"

Scared and feared, or those are the same things… she was now panicking from inside.

'Maybe coming alone was a bad idea…'

She thought but that didn't last long. She heard heavy footsteps, a footstep that can seem that of a high-level monster or some sort. With this she got scared even more, and made her attempt to distance her way from the monster.

But it was not as easy as it might seem, the caves are places where voices can echo by bouncing around the noise coming from any direction, one can't judge from where the sound is really coming and which way the person has to go unless its someone who is experienced.

Ais is still a child and still has it hard to pick up on the sounds, unlike Bell who already have mastered the ability by visiting the same cave for multiple number of times.

The little girl kept her brave heart and decided to stick her back on the wall instead. And there it was, she saw a bigfoot just stomping the ground. A hoof of the bullhead, filled with dripping saliva and blood over its limbs, it's heavy breathing could be felt by the shivering girl in fear.

The monster turned out to be a minotaur… not only any simple one but this one seemed as if it had already won millions of fights and is still looking for a challenger to fight. As it was making a way to find its next opponent, it smelled the presence of a half-human which brought it here.

Through the cornered of its blood-red eyes, it scanned the place as the little girl now is almost terrified to look back at it.

"GRAAAAAAA!"

The monster roared shaking the whole place, Ais slipped from her hiding spot and fell on the ground, her quivered eyes looked at the blood-red blood-thirsty monster making her fear more, she pushed up from the ground and started to run away. The monster just followed the half-human or say its new meal.

It's already been hours and Bell still hadn't encountered with Ais. Bell knew every corner of the cave so it would be easy to find her around…. Unless she accidentally stepped into unknown territory.

The unknown territory in a cave is common, the place where usually adventurers might mysteriously disappear. Bell feared if she accidentally went to the unknown territory where the stronger monster resides, the place where Albert had strictly forbidden them to enter.

As his search kept going on, he heard a ferocious roar, tearing through the ends of the cave. Bell was certain, a high-level monster has appeared. Followed by the roar he heard a faint scream, it was Ais.

Bell panicked, not wasting any more time he quickly rushed towards the sound.

The bull-headed man-beast slowly walked towards the running girl, Ais was not fast enough to even escape from the walking monster. She tripped and fell down, but still didn't stopped, pushing the ground with her palm she again stands up to run away in an unknown direction.

Her breath was stopping her from moving but her mind kept on yelling, forget to breathe and run. The little girl now completely exhausted was met with a dead end. The panting becomes quick and heavy.

Hearing the giant footsteps stopping behind her with a groan, she looked back at the beast who was now drawing its steel axe from its back.

Completely engulfed by fear, the girl sticks herself to the wall, tears now flowing and suddenly the images of her parents and Bell flashing before her eyes.

"W-Why?... why am I seeing this now!?"

Her breath stopped for few seconds…

"Am I going to die?..."

Tears kept on flowing as the bull raised its axe high above to cut the girl in half but before it could even attempt to strike, something tore out through its waist, a sharp black sword penetrating through the tough skin.

Realizing the pain the minotaur cried out loud.

Blood sprayed out as the sword was taken out, startling both Ais and the Minotaur.

The girl was finally happy to see Bell, who quickly grabbed her hand and ran away from the injured minotaur. But this was not the end, the beast stood up again and roared making the cave collapse the entrance.

Now it was the two kids and the minotaur with a grin.

"w-what are we going to do now," Ais asked still scared seeing the current situation but Bell, on the other hand, was under pressure.

'We are locked inside the cave, the minotaur is giving an unusual grin, it has its weapon and I also have my weapon…. That means…'

"I have to fight it then…"

"WHAT?!"

"This is the only way we could make it out alive…. And also this monster seems like it just wants to have a fight."

"B-But!"

"I promised you that you will have more time with your dad, and I am gonna keep that promise."

"Bell…"

The albino readied his sword and so did the minotaur with the axe. As the next drop of Minotaur's blood falls on the ground both the human and the beast closed in on a rampage.

Bell sweeping through the oncoming swings as the minotaur does not allow him for any opening, the boy now moved onto consecutively attacking the minotaur but using the axe as its shield, it defended itself and parried his last swing.

Unbalanced by the parry, the minotaur took the chance and cuts off the boy. A deep cup from his waist to chest, pushing him towards the wall and crashing.

"GWAG!"

He coughed out blood, also the blood he was losing was quick. His body quivered but still didn't give up.

Ais cried out loud in tears…

"BELL!"

He pushed the ground with all his might and stood back up, again charging the minotaur with continuous attacks. Again making axe its shield it took the blows and again tried to do the same trick, but this time Bell avoided any more fatal injury and separated the free hand of minotaur from its body.

"GRAAWWW!"

Groaning and in pain, it woken up a smile, the smile had its saliva coming out.

'More!'

That's what Bell had rung on his ears. The minotaur forgot the pain and took the axe, this time aggressively charging the boy, its head-bashing his sword, he took the boy and crashed towards the dead-end which now made a new way.

Breaking through multiple walls the beast threw the human who had now crashed onto the wall. Bell again stood up though his body was giving up on it. Trying hard not to give in to this beast and remembering Ais in mind, he gained the strength to stand up again. Taking up the sword.

The minotaur again smiled at him, taking its axe it just toyed more with him. The heavy blows the minotaur gave blew Bell steps far back. As confident the minotaur seemed, Bell was at his limits.

His vision blurred out, his consciousness is almost about to go to sleep.

'No….'

'Not yet….'

'Stay awake…'

Crying out aloud inside his mind, but the attempt seems to fail him.

The minotaur was closer than Bell could even see. From his view, he was only able to see the shadow of the beast with blood-red eyes.

Bell sure was afraid but he still tried to focus well on his opponent.

…

"quite interesting…"

"!?"

A voice came out of nowhere.

"Am I hearing things?" he wondered.

The voice continued…

"No wonder you were able to handle me and my brother… well then I shall aid you this fight…"

The sword suddenly grew even more dark aura, now the darkness evolved itself into branch like structure engulfing the minotaur.

The minotaur struggled hard but was not able to free itself from the grasp of darkness.

Suddenly, Bell's injuries were slowly healing, his body glows white as the healing took place surprising him.

The minotaur seemed to lose its strength. After few minutes the sword got back to its original form while the minotaur was left a bit skinny. Bell could clearly feel the difference in his power.

"Did I just get stronger?"

His opponent roared in anger; the skinny minotaur tried to lift its axe but failed. Bell didn't waste any time and slashed the beast in two halves leaving it to dust.

As he saw the monster vaporize, he took a look at his sword. Soon Ais called him worried, she finally made it to the place where Bell was smashed towards, seeing him totally fine from being blood-bathed surprised her.

The explanation was impossible for Bell himself but his first priority was to get away from this cave. Bell smashed the blocked path and finally the two escaped from the cave.

When the kids reached home, Ais rushed to hug her mom and dad. She was crying tears of joy seeing them again.

After calming herself down with her parents Ais went to rest in her room while Albert and Aria asked Bell what happened between him and the monster.

Bell told everything, of how he stopped it from killing Ais, of how it was happy to take up a fight and suddenly his sword speaking to him and changing forms, and absorbing its enemy's life energy restoring his own.

Albert and Aria were surprised to hear this, they finally decided to tell him about the swords.

"So… it is you who it chose then."

"Huh? Master… I am not quite catching it."

"Bell, the swords you took were made by the gods themselves…"

This shook Bell to the core, the weapons forged by the gods themselves?

"It was a said legend that these swords were humans. There was a time when there were gods who fought among each other. They were three in total, two of them cared for the balance of the world while the third one only wanted war and chaos. To put a stop to his plans, the two gods used their blood and forged weapons. But whatever they had built failed them. But then, they were encountered with twin brothers. The first one always takes from people while the other one gives. Descending the divine judgment on them, the gods asked the two to aid them in this battle. The young twins agreed and so were made to be forged as living swords. Of course… this story is thousands of years old but the legends stated the truth."

'there will be one person to awake those two who had slept for eternity. And those two who are awoken are destined to aid their new user in times of a big calamity.'

Bell was thrilled as well as amazed by the story. Albert thinks that it is Bell who had awoken those twins and probably he might be the one to….

He looked at Aria who seemed to get what Albert wanted to request Bell.

"Bell… you are already a family to me, Aria and Ais… and that is why… I want a favor from you."

"F-Favor… master you can ask for anything."

"First of… what is Ais to you?"

"Uh… a good friend…"

"Then, would you be willing to risk your life just like you did today if she ever had to be in this kind of situation?"

"I definitely will…"

Albert smiled at Bell's determined reply.

"Then…. Just like that… I want you to be by her side."

"Huh?"

"She had been asking for a hero, and you came in her life. I already have Aria by my side so I could never become her hero, but you, the only person Ais interacted with, the person with whom she enjoys her time. And the person who risked his own life to save her… you are her Hero Bell."

"M-Me? Her hero?!"

"Just like today…. I want you to be by her side till the very end of your life… can you promise me that you will look after her."

"I will…"

Albert was satisfied with the reply then let Bell to check on Ais. Aria smiled as her husband took a look at the beautiful sunset.

"I guess I have nothing to worry about her now."

"Yes…"

"I have to make him stronger; we don't have much time left."

His comment made Aria frown but her husband was right, forgetting about the inevitable stated future she decided to focus on the present time…

As for Albert, he just smiled to himself…

'One day… you have to surpass me Bell….'

A/N: there is the second chapter and please my kind apologies if I bored you with fight scene, I am still not good at writing it.

Chapter 3: Separation

Ais slowly opened her eyes and found herself lying on her bed, as she rolled her eyes, she spotted a white hair lying near her hand. It's been hours since Ais had a good sleep. She smiled as she looked at him, he was fierce but seemed innocent when he was sleeping. As if a little rabbit is taking a nap.

In those moments, Ais remembered what her father said,

"I can't be your hero, because I already have your mother. Someday you will find your own hero."

She took her finger placing on her lips wondering if Bell was her hero, well he did risk his life to save her and to be honest she felt relieved when she saw him.

It was exactly like the story that her mother told her as she sits on her lap and listens to the stories while her father trains Bell.

The though made her blush but also made her happy.

Giggling to herself she smiled at the sleeping rabbit.

The new day arrives, Aria and Ais went to city to get some supplies for lunch while Albert took Bell and his swords to examine how far he could use them.

Since the swords were twins, it would basically make sense to use them together, knowing the fact that one absorbs and one gives the absorbed power. According to the books written by the authors of the legend, they state that the two brothers were used by those two gods separately to greatly use up their power. But in current situation, Bell is the only one who might be able to take out its potential.

Albert was not that much knowledgeable on that topic but he could at least try his best to figure out how Bell could use the sword in maximum potential, he decided to take him to a well knowledgeable person or say, a queen who is well versed in this subject.

The two marched their way to an elven village. Bell was a bit excited as he never saw an elf or elfess, and here he is going to meet the queen of the elves. Though for a queen the forest place seems off. He heard that royalty prefer to live in mansion and would rather stay away from the weaker society. But the person he was going to meet seem like a goddess to all the elves. The elves welcomed us, one of them lead us to the elven queen Celdia.

She was sitting under the tree focusing on her magical power, Albert took some time for her to complete as he does not dare to interrupt her again. The last time he did that, he was met with a disastrous attack with element magic. He got beaten badly and still now is scared to death after that experience.

Celdia finally completed her meditation and slowly opened her eye, seeing Albert surprised her.

"Oh… if it isn't the champion himself presenting here."

"H-Hello Celdia-san, how are you doing?"

"Hm… seems like you are still scared of what I did last time," she giggled freely as Albert grew a bit pale.

Bell just stood silently; the queen later noticed the boy beside him.

"Who is the boy here?"

"Oh… this is Bell… my disciple."

Celdia took some time to process his words; "Your… disciple..."

next moment she burst into laughter, she couldn't believe what he just said. Bell again stood giving an innocent confused look while Albert was getting even more embarrassed.

Celdia knew it very well that Albert never takes someone as his disciple, yet… God knows what this kid did to get his attention. Sure she was curious to what made the sword champion let the boy be his disciple.

After coming back to her queen's dignity, she carried on.

"So… what are you here for now?"

"Oh well… I wanted your help with these," he points towards the twin swords strapped on the boy's back surprising the queen, "Since you are well knowledgeable about these swords, I want you to teach him about its history well."

"Are those…. What I think they are?"

"Yes… they are the living swords that this kid has awakened."

"…"

"I see…"

She closed her gap with the boy who stared at her, slowly kneeling down to his level she asked again looking at Albert.

"He woke up the swords?"

"Believe me… even I was surprised."

Bell was a bit lost; he also joined the conversation.

"I-Is something wrong?"

"Nothing… hm… I think I might give him the idea of using it."

"That would also do… not gonna lie the kid picks up really quick."

"I see."

She stands up and then holds his hand.

"Well then Bell was it… I will help you out with the swords you have."

"You will?"

"Of course…"

"While you help him, I have to meet someone so… may I?"

"Oh well… just be back soon later, you have to take him back you know."

"Yaa… I know."

Albert left leaving Bell with Celdia who now takes him to her house and explains everything about the sword.

The man marched through the forest until he saw a small house, temple to be precise. The ceiling of the temple was just made by placing some planks, having gaps in between where the sunlight penetrates.

There sat an old man with closed eyes as if meditating. Albert stood in front of the man.

"So, you are here… what is it you want to talk about now champion?" The man said as he slowly opened his eyes.

"I am starting to doubt that you purposefully make things go your way…"

"Hm?... what do you mean by that?"

"The swords woke up by a mere kid."

"…"

"You do know that those swords are way to strong and are almost hard to control."

"…"

"And you did say that I will be forced to make someone my disciple."

"…"

"Can you just talk already."

"I have nothing to say about that… things are turning out in their own way."

"What do you mean by that? Look, we know what is going to happen with the dragon situation. There is no way I can make him strong before our doom steps and knocks the deaths door."

"…"

"Again with figure that out yourself look on the face."

"Why did I even try to come here… out of all gods you seem to talk when you need."

"I am no one to interfere between you children, I just watch over you all and just observe from back."

"Well, there is something called a guiding light. How can I be assured that after we leave… what would happen to those two kids?"

"Time will present the result to you, just trust them."

"…"

"Anything else?"

"Nothing… we better get going to start training… all we could do is give our best and weaken that thing. Even if we are destined to die, we have to give it our all."

"May you achieve what you want."

Albert left the old man alone and decided to head back to train for some time before he picks up Bell.

"Only 3 more months… I hope I could teach him enough so that he could figure out how to move on all by himself."

Currently rabbit was with the queen learning about the swords. He learned that he could interact with them and also use their abilities. Bell was able to contact the two souls living in the sword and was able to learn more about them.

Suddenly, the queen was asked by few elfess about a dying tree. Celdia decided to check it with Bell following her behind.

"Is that the same tree?"

"Yes my lady… it's the same one."

"Poor thing, it had already been poisoned because of the unhealthy soil and yet it is fighting hard to live."

"What can we do about it Celdia-sama, at this rate we have to cut this tree down."

"Yes, if it keeps on like this, other trees will get affected."

"But on the other hand, we can't cut down any tree just like that, it's the home of the spirits."

"hm…"

Celdia took some time to think about what could she do. Elves treats tress with respect, not only because spirits reside there but also it is a part of their home. There is no way they would ever be willing to cut them down.

After thinking she finally remembers that there is the boy with swords which could absorb and give out the energy.

Celdia asked Bell if he could absorb the poison from the root and purify it then giving the good nutrients to the tree directly.

Bell still didn't have idea of how he would be able to do it or not, but it is possible the brothers instructed him how to do it.

First, he knelt down and used his right palm, focusing hard on imagining poison (which is usually dark colored) he could feel something being absorbed but at the same time he felt tingling, as if it is getting filtered.

Next, he used his left palm and placed on the tree, his left-hand glows and he feels all the energy that he absorbed is sent to that tree.

The elves were left baffled seeing the sight.

The tree started to repair itself and finally got its trunk back to healthy state.

After getting back up and looking back at his hands in surprise, he then looked at Celdia who just smiled.

"I never expected something like that could happen."

"C-Celdia-sama, did this kid just…"

"Yes, he restored the tree back to its previous glory."

"Amazing… is a human capable of doing this."

"Not necessarily… but he is different."

After helping out the tree, the queen took the boy back to her house and lectured him about nature, balance, and more about magic. All these things will be important for him to pick up on new methods to deal the situation using the living weapons.

Celdia was impressed by how quick he picked up and learned. After she was satisfied with the effort he put and the result he showed, she decided to let him go with Albert.

Bell waved a goodbye to her as he left the forest.

Albert and Aria only had 3 more months left so they decided to spend time with the kids so that they won't regret that later.

Aria was sitting under the tree reading a story book to Ais, the little girl was enjoying her moment with her mother while her father and friend were doing their own training. After few minutes, Albert and Bell came to them.

"Hey there what are you two smiling at?"

"Papa! Mama just read me this story, it's so good."

"Oh, is it?" Bell rushed to check the storybook which Ais took from her mother and showed him.

Aria and Albert just smiled at them, but soon their smile turned into a serious look.

"Aria… it's time we leave."

"Hm…"

"Huh?"

The kids looked at them with a confused look, they can clearly see that Aria was sad for some reason and Albert had a face as if he is going on a big fight.

"Bell, can you come here for a second."

The mentor gave his disciple an envelope and told him to take Ais away from this place. Sure, he had questions on what and why is he doing it but there was no time to explain it.

Bell and Ais left the area, as they moved away from their homes, they could hear a monstrous roar.

'Is this why he told us to leave?'

Bell thought but before he could open his mouth, Ais ran towards the direction. Knowing that the monster might be strong he chased Ais in an attempt to stop her.

They were able to see all the heroes fighting a black dragon, they saw Albert piercing the dragon's eye and getting his lower half separated from his body.

This terrified the kids, Bell caught Ais knowing it was dangerous. Ais just saw her father getting slaughtered by the dragon and her mother disappearing from there because of a black wind engulfing her.

Ais started crying while Bell tried to stay strong holding onto the crying girl. The dragon saw the kids with its other eye and aimed itself at them.

Bell froze while Ais was glaring back at it with bloodlust.

"I won't forgive it!"

"A-Ais!"

"I am going to kill…"

"Ais for now we have to run away! Hurry."

Bell pulled her hand and ran the opposite direction, the dragon decided to chase them but it seemed to be injured already at a level so it wasn't able to chase them.

Bell and Ais were far away from the dragon, currently in a dense forest.

Ais was still crying while Bell tried to comfort her, soon he remembered that Albert gave him an envelope, he took as if this is his first and last letter to him.

Bell opened it and read it through…

Bell… since you are reading this, that means we are already dead. I know you have lots of questions that were unanswered the moment I told you to take Ais and go far away, I am sorry that this is how it was supposed to happen.

I thought you everything I can, and from this point, you are the one who has to grow yourself by learning and exploring things yourself.

You are a talented and quick learner… no doubt about it. I am sure someday you will surely surpass me.

I am leaving Ais in your care, I am well aware that she likes you and you like her back too. I want you to be by her side and always help her, save her if needed. The two of you should get stronger together…

And… I want you to make sure Ais never steps in the darkness. I want my daughter to be happy. You had already earned a place in my family as my son… Bell this is your master's last wish.

Be with Ais till the very end of your life…

After reading it, Bell decided to keep it to himself. Ais finally calmed down and wiped her tears.

"Ais are you okay?"

"How can you… expect me to be okay…"

Bell simply hugged her.

"I know… we saw something that is totally not okay…"

"I won't forgive it…"

"…"

"I will get stronger and take that thing down by myself…"

"You do know you can't do everything all by yourself do you."

"B-But…"

"You are not alone Ais, I will be by your side and help you."

"Bel…"

Suddenly from the bushes, a shadow showed up.

"Unfortunately… this is not the right time for the two of you."

The shadow alerted the kids, Bell drew out his black sword while he holds Ais's hand with his free one.

"This would be the right time now… Let's see the strength of the feelings both of you have for each other…"

"W-What do you mean? Who are you?"

The shadow summoned a big sundial. Unlike the normal one, it seemed to be controlled by that shadow.

The sundial quickly circled the pointer clockwise. As it circled, two black portals on opposite sides formed, pulling Bell and Ais in two separate directions.

Both of them held on tightly together, not letting go as the portals grew wider and the pull became even more strength.

"This time is not set for you for revenge… the two of you still need to get stronger for that foe."

Their grip loosened and slipped out.

"BELLL!"

"AISS!"

The two cried out their names before getting sucked in the portal, as they were completely sunken the portals immediately closed.

"I hope… the two of you get stronger in your own way."

A/N: ya… short story and… boring, I guess. I honestly tell you I didn't have interest in adding details to it anyways. The next two chapters will be about Bell's and Ais's life after getting separated. Just like anime, Ais is in Loki familia and Bell will be in Hestia familia but in this Lily is the first member of the familia, you all will know when we reach there. Already you should know Bell will be way stronger than Ais because… he is Bell who I want to make OP as hell.

Anyways peace!

Chapter 4: Bell's life

As I opened my eyes, I found myself lying on a forest. My head pained a lot, I have a vague memory of what happened. I stood up, pushing the ground and looked around.

As if I was in the middle of an unknown place. After few minutes, it all came. All the memories flooded through.

"Ais…"

I called the name. yes, we were… separated…

It was someone wearing a cloak… I don't have the idea of who it was but… we were separated. What if Ais is around here somewhere. I took both of my swords and called out her name, as I explored the forest aimlessly, I ran into some goblins. They were nothing for me, I quickly finished them off and kept my search for Ais.

I ended up finding a way out into nearby fields. I decided to go back and find Ais but it was darkening. I lost the hope to find her in the current moment until I saw that man…

"Z-Zeus-sama!"

I said aloud as I saw the old man taking up his plow on his right shoulder, he turned his neck as he heard the name.

Some of his co-workers also turned their necks towards the boy who just ran and hugged the old man.

"W-Whoa kid… who are you?" the old man asked as his eyebrows raised itself.

The others were surprised as I called him with the god's name, one of them asks me, "Who are you talking about kid? But first where are your parents? And… are those swords real?!"

"Assuming he came from the forest… and he is slightly injured… did he lose his memory, probably he was given the swords to keep for till someone asks it," another man said as I had a bump on my head which pained and with the sword part, he was a bit disgusted. They were having the image of someone giving me the swords to carry on some kind of journey like a carry bag, but the old man seemed surprised to see the swords. I believed that he is Zeus-sama.

"Oh, poor thing."

"Why is he calling you Zeus, Max?"

The last person comment taking the attention of everyone there.

"Who knows…"

"You are Zeus-sama, I know it."

"Kid seems like you hit your head hard."

"I know you are Zeus-sama!"

"Ah well, guess this kid really lost his memory… though you do look like the rumored old man Zeus. Anyway, this kid seems to be comfortable with you so its better you take him for the time being."

"What about his parents?"

"We can look for them later… first this kid needs some medication."

"Okay everyone leave him in my care."

Max took the kid by his arm and he took the swords too. The group took the plow and then all returned.

The old man brought the kid in and sighed heavily.

"Would you please not call me by that name again Bell."

"I KNEW IT! YOU ARE ZEUS-SAMA!"

"Kid no shouting," he shushed me down. I also kept the finger on my lips.

I have no idea why he is hiding. I mean he is a god as if people would just throw him out like an outcast. Zeus-sama took a breather and gave me some snacks to eat.

"Look Bell, right now, I blended in with people as max. There is a reason behind it and I can't tell you that right now."

"That is okay but… what is going on here?"

"How did you end up here?"

"What do you mean!? There was a dragon attacking the whole area and now there is peace!? What is going on?"

The dragon part took Zeus off guard. He tried to calm himself and ask the boy again.

"What?" that was the only word he said.

Bell explained everything he remembered; from the point, he was advised to be Albert's student to the dragon's attack. His relationship with Albert's family and how his mentor also took him as his own sin.

Zeus heard him carefully and felt pity for the boy. When the kid eagerly waited for the god to reply but the reply shocked him to the core.

"Bell… whatever happened was the story 1000 years ago… (I don't remember it perfectly so sorry if I am wrong about it) but the question is… who was that person who sent you to this time?"

"… all of that was on past?"

"…"

"All in past?"

"Bell?"

The boy was shaking, he can't believe he traveled 1000 years ahead in time, he let his tears out that was sealed when he saw his own family getting murdered and his friend being separated from him.

The god decided to let the kid alone for some time. Bell had it hard for few days learning the fact of him traveling through 1000 years but this rings a question of who did it and why? All he knows was he has to find Ais and just be by her side.

Zeus took in Bell as his own family as he did 1000 years ago and from this point, Bell started calling him grandpa. Faking the story of Bell's parents being dead, people took sympathy for the boy and comforted him. Not too soon the whole village becomes a family to him but… something was off about the kid.

Bell always goes to caves that were present in deeper parts of the mountain to train himself, even though Zeus tries hard to stop him, he just goes on and kills the monster. It was like the regularity of slaying at least 100 monsters per day. At first, the monsters were strong but as the years passed, they grew weaker and weaker.

Having Zeus's falna on his back he trained with the twin swords exploring more stuff's that he could do. And he did, learning to absorb from a life form and making its power your own. Bell was like a demon as he sucked all the strength of the monsters and filtered the powers as his own status.

Zeus was now terrified by the power of the swords; Bell could literally be a monster to finish the whole of humanity if he wanted to.

in three years, the kid grew as the strongest level 4, he helped the villagers in odd jobs for clearing a mob of monsters and help in the field. Bell seems to be calmer and kinder while he mingles with the people which made Zeus happy but in private… that kid was an intimidating person.

Whenever Zeus tried to get him into harem stuff, he always gets the blade pointed at him, sometimes Bell causes an explosion, and villagers grab Zeus for an explanation. In all, after meeting Albert and having a special someone separated… Bell was like a mad man who does whatever seemed right to him, not caring about the consequences of the mess that he makes.

It's been 15 years already and Zeus is already half-dead… yes already half dead. He updated Bell's status for the final time before he puts his falna on conversion state.

Level 7

Bell Cranel

STR SS 1010 – SS 1025

END S 988 – SS 1000

DEX SS 1239 – SS 1250

AGI SSS 2985 – SSSS 3000

MAG S 900 – S 950

[SKILLS]

Heroic Liaris – Increases falna limit rank from 1000 to 3999

Blade of Demon – An invisible dagger that could be formed to attack the user's intended opponent currently can make up to 1000 blades.

Undefeated Warrior – user's status gains a massive boost when dealing with over-leveled enemies.

[MAGIC]

Thunder Tempest – covers the body with lighting energy.

Firebolt – swift strike magic

Adamas – makes user invisible.

[Developmental Abilities]

Swordsman S

Escape A

Ailment Resistant S

Hunter S

Luck B

Abnormal Resistance C

Regeneration A

This was just his own status. Along with the swords he was the strongest person alive in this world.

According to Zeus's connection, he can find Ais in the land of adventurers.

Finally, after a long journey of training and making himself strong, he can see her, he can finally be by her side.

Bell quickly packed up his belongings and waved goodbye to the thunder god.

Chapter 4 and 5 are going to be short… I will post 5 when I get the time, it's just a light explanation anyways… Adamas in greek means invisible (according to google) So I took that, the thunder tempest is the thing you can say a one for all type when his body is covered with electricity and last... his own good old firebolt cus I ran out of ideas.

Also, no comments on status boost I already told you Bell will be OP and now I add that he is a different person in this world…

Till then peace!

Chapter 5: Ais's Life

I don't know where I was. It was just darkness all around.

"Bell?..."

I called out for him but I got no response. I called him again but it was of no use. I sat down crouching and tightening my legs.

I am scared…

Where am I?

Where is Bell?

I sat there still, not knowing what to do, until I heard some footsteps.

It got, even more, stronger, I just sat quietly so that it won't find me.

"Huh? What's this?"

The person's footsteps stop as they speak. I looked at them. It was a short human with blonde hair with a polearm.

"A kid… in the dungeon?"

Behind him were two more people, one was an elf and the other seemed to be a dwarf.

"How come a kid is in the dungeon… also this young."

"W-Who are you?"

They can clearly tell that the girl was scared, they decided to take her with them.

"Don't worry little girl… we won't do anything bad," the blonde person gave his hand to the girl, "you can freely trust us."

At that time, I could feel somewhat safe with the person in front of me, I took his hand and stood up.

"Bell…"

"Huh?"

"Where is Bell?"

"Was there any other person who was with you?"

"Hm… Bell."

"Seems like there is another kid trapped here." The dwarf said.

"First it would be better to take her back to the surface first," the elf said to which the short human agreed.

The three took me back to the surface, I was surprised to see how different everything was. They could tell that I am confused to see the current surrounding but decided to just keep quiet about it.

Finally, we reached a small house.

"AH YA ALL FINALLY CAME!"

Someone burst out from the front gate with a cheerful voice, it was a flat-chested woman who tried to jump towards the elf only to get whacked by her staff.

"Loki, I told you not to touch me."

"Hehe… my bad… huh?"

The woman's eyes opened as she saw me hiding behind the elf.

"Uh… Riveria who is that?"

"Oh… we found her in the dungeon."

Loki's eyes widened upon hearing it. They decided to head in and talk.

I told them everything I could remember, about mama and papa, about Bell, and about what happened before I blacked out.

Since Loki is a god, she could tell if Ais was lying or not, but to her surprise, it was the truth. After leaving Ais with Riveria, Loki discussed this with Finn the blonde-haired hobbit, and Gareth the dwarf, and told them to look for a kid named Bell.

They searched every part of the dungeon that they could look for but weren't able to find him. They finally came to the conclusion that he might be dead by now but Ais denied the fact, she knows that Bell is strong and can't be killed easily. He is her hero, there is no way he can die easily.

Loki could just hope that the kid they were talking about must've been sent to another location so they could just hope that he is alive and safe. Loki tells Ais that she can join the familia so that one day she could find him after growing stronger. Ais agreed to it, Bell has been by her side for a long time and always protected her, now it's her turn to get strong to protect herself and her hero.

But the determination was ice-cold, whenever she raised her sword, she was always reminded about the incident with the black dragon turning her even darker.

As time passed, she grew a flame of hatred inside of her that Albert feared, she kept on getting opportunities for getting stronger, stronger so that she could find and protect him this time.

She has always been feeling guilty of not doing anything for him and that made her flames even stronger. Finn, Riveria and Gareth observed the girl and could tell that she is going in the wrong path.

To reduce those flames, Riveria calmed her down at times. As the time passed and familia grew bigger, Ais got herself friends who keep her calm at times but still, she could only feel at ease when he is with her.

Her friends didn't know about her past, but Riveria did tell them that she already has someone dear to her and she is getting stronger to find him. Though this made them curious about the person that Ais is interested in as in current time (canon) she had already rejected hundreds of proposals.

They don't even know if the person Ais is interested in would ever care to show up or not but still they supported her with that.

"Lift up your shields—"

Commanded the hobbit with blonde hair to all the shield units who readied up the shield to block the horde of monsters.

"Vanguard! Don't let the concentrated formation collapse, Rearguard keep the attack!"

The formation set up by Finn was barely hanging on, the executives on the vanguard took charge and headed to kill the monsters.

"Tiona! Tione! Support the left-wing quick!"

The amazons named Tiona and Tione followed the order and charged on the mob.

"Ahhh… no matter how many times we do it, more of them keep on popping up."

"Stop murmuring and just get rid of them."

"Oye! Less talkin', more fighting!"

"WE KNOW!"

The amazon sister and the Beast-human bashed the oncoming mob, but few of them were getting out of the hold. Finn looked at Riveria who was currently chanting her strongest spell hoping for it to be done on time.

"Kyaa—"

The enraged monsters cornered an elf and were almost about to kill her, before it even laid a finger it was sliced into two halves by a wind.

"Ah— Ais-san!"

The girl looked back at her; "are you okay?"

"Ah… about that…"

Before she could even reply back Ais nodded and jumped towards the group.

"HEY AIS WAIT!"

Tiona yelled from the sides but she didn't listen to her.

The blonde girl went on a rampage with the monsters as the shield group saw how amazing the girl was.

"So… this is sword princess."

"Amazing…"

"If she weren't here then we are good as dead."

Sweeping the group she jumped and sliced them.

'Stronger…'

The group circled around her.

'No…still not strong enough.'

She swooped the monsters again, cutting away the torso and dancing with her blade.

'Stronger… I have to get… even stronger! Till I reach the limit of infinity heights!'

The thought made her kill even more of them before Finn took her attention.

"AIS! RETREAT!"

As the girl looked at Finn then at Riveria who was all ready to unleash her magic, she jumped high.

"REA LAEVATEINN!"

The ground was covered with a giant magic circle, the ground burst up with beautiful crimson fire eliminating the whole group.

Ais landed smoothly on the ground and everything was done.

"Ais…"

Finn called her placing his hand on her shoulder.

"We need to talk."

Floor 50 safe zone

"Do you know why you are called here Ais?" Finn

"I… do…" Ais

"Great then let's get to the point," Finn

He placed his hands crossing under his chin.

"Are you feeling restricted in the current position?" Finn

"I…" Ais

"I know your desperate need to get stronger but Ais… this is dungeon and anything can happen," Finn

"…" Ais

"I hope you understand this, even though I told you several times before too," Finn.

"I… I will make sure that never happens again," Ais

"Hm… now you are good to go," Finn.

Ais nodded and took her leave while Finn and Riveria sighed.

"Growing strong is one thing but…" Finn.

"She is too absorbed in it," Riveria.

"This really is worrisome you know," Finn

"You two are acting like old people, despite yer looks," Gareth commented with the sweat drop.

"Well, she is doing her best so that she could see him again," Riveria.

"Bell… wonder what kind of guy he is if Ais is going this far for him," Finn.

"Ah… they do say love is blind," Gareth.

"Were you ever the person who experimented that first handedly?" Finn

"Nope, but I heard that the saying is true," Gareth.

"Oh well," he massaged his forehead, "I hope that Bell shows up this time."

"At this point, he is the only one who could calm her down," Riveria.

"We dunno if the boy would've been this timeline," Gareth's point did make the two to rethink again but all they could do is believe that he exists in this timeline.

Loki just had a hunch of him possibly sent to the same timeline but chances are slim, but he is the only hope for them to get this girl back to normal.

Meanwhile, Ais was feeling down as she was seen through again by Finn. Even though she knows the place is dangerous, she wants to get strong. Strong enough so that one day she too could fight alongside him.

As Ais gazed at the view of the forest from atop, Lefiya called her.

"A-Ais-san!"

"Hm… Lefiya…"

"T-Thank you for saving me back then, although it is my fault I always drag you down."

"N-No it's fine Lefiya there is no nee—"

"That's why… Let me carry your tent!"

She quickly took the tent and started to place it.

"A-I-S!"

"huh!?"

Tiona jumped and hugged her from behind.

"What ya comforting Lefiya?"

"Huh! I-it's nothing like that Tiona-san, and… could you just make the distance between yourself and Ais-san."

"Eh? What's up with that?"

"Even if it's about being same-sex… it's still…"

"Oh, there you are, Ais are you done talking with the captain?

"Ah Tione…"

The girls engaged with her, Finn and Riveria who saw this got a bit relieved.

"Well, she did make some comrades…" Finn said with a smile.

"Sure but…"

"But what Riveria?" Finn asked as he raised his eyebrows then he looks back at the group.

Now they can see the werewolf joining the group.

"Loudmouth as always… can't ya'll take a break?"

"Eh… Bete why are you even here? Is it because you want to try hitting on Ais again" Tiona said with a mocking grin.

"HUH? Where did that come from," he said though he was red by the skin.

"Besides, Ais already has someone she likes so you have a no-go chance," She carried on.

"Huh… A-as if I care about that… besides…" his tone becomes mocking, "What kinda brat would just leave her like that?"

Everyone stiffened from his comment.

"I mean… that guy must be someone weak who probably ran away leaving her all by herself, Ais are you still planning to wait for—"

Before Bete could even complete, he could sense Ais's anger from far. He shut his mouth as she drew a knife in front of his face.

"Don't… you dare… talk ill about him… If he were here then he would just wipe you out with ease…"

Everyone silenced as the sword princess finished her statement and took the knife back to its sheath.

"…"

"I remembered I had something to do," Bete said as he left quietly.

"W-Whoa… Ais you said it," Tiona was still terrified the moment she saw her friend pointing a knife on her own familia member. Just… how important is this guy to Ais? All of them wondered.

From afar, after witnessing the current event…

"Whenever someone tries to talk ill about him… she does that," Riveria said with a sweat drop.

"Ha..hahaha…"

Finn could just laugh… or try to laugh it off.

The Loki familia was sure of one thing, whoever this guy is, he is probably one whom no one can mess with else it's just doom.

Just like that Ais continued her expedition and it finally came, the day when they leave for the surface.

Aight… that is it and sorry if there are any grammar mistakes… anyway, I will try to make the next chapter a little bigger so ya… peace to all!

Chapter 5: Ais's Life

I don't know where I was. It was just darkness all around.

"Bell?..."

I called out for him but I got no response. I called him again but it was of no use. I sat down crouching and tightening my legs.

I am scared…

Where am I?

Where is Bell?

I sat there still, not knowing what to do, until I heard some footsteps.

It got, even more, stronger, I just sat quietly so that it won't find me.

"Huh? What's this?"

The person's footsteps stop as they speak. I looked at them. It was a short human with blonde hair with a polearm.

"A kid… in the dungeon?"

Behind him were two more people, one was an elf and the other seemed to be a dwarf.

"How come a kid is in the dungeon… also this young."

"W-Who are you?"

They can clearly tell that the girl was scared, they decided to take her with them.

"Don't worry little girl… we won't do anything bad," the blonde person gave his hand to the girl, "you can freely trust us."

At that time, I could feel somewhat safe with the person in front of me, I took his hand and stood up.

"Bell…"

"Huh?"

"Where is Bell?"

"Was there any other person who was with you?"

"Hm… Bell."

"Seems like there is another kid trapped here." The dwarf said.

"First it would be better to take her back to the surface first," the elf said to which the short human agreed.

The three took me back to the surface, I was surprised to see how different everything was. They could tell that I am confused to see the current surrounding but decided to just keep quiet about it.

Finally, we reached a small house.

"AH YA ALL FINALLY CAME!"

Someone burst out from the front gate with a cheerful voice, it was a flat-chested woman who tried to jump towards the elf only to get whacked by her staff.

"Loki, I told you not to touch me."

"Hehe… my bad… huh?"

The woman's eyes opened as she saw me hiding behind the elf.

"Uh… Riveria who is that?"

"Oh… we found her in the dungeon."

Loki's eyes widened upon hearing it. They decided to head in and talk.

I told them everything I could remember, about mama and papa, about Bell, and about what happened before I blacked out.

But the determination was ice-cold, whenever she raised her sword, she was always reminded about the incident with the black dragon turning her even darker.

As time passed, she grew a flame of hatred inside of her that Albert feared, she kept on getting opportunities for getting stronger, stronger so that she could find and protect him this time.

She has always been feeling guilty of not doing anything for him and that made her flames even stronger. Finn, Riveria and Gareth observed the girl and could tell that she is going in the wrong path.

They don't even know if the person Ais is interested in would ever care to show up or not but still they supported her with that.

"Lift up your shields—"

Commanded the hobbit with blonde hair to all the shield units who readied up the shield to block the horde of monsters.

"Vanguard! Don't let the concentrated formation collapse, Rearguard keep the attack!"

The formation set up by Finn was barely hanging on, the executives on the vanguard took charge and headed to kill the monsters.

"Tiona! Tione! Support the left-wing quick!"

The amazons named Tiona and Tione followed the order and charged on the mob.

"Ahhh… no matter how many times we do it, more of them keep on popping up."

"Stop murmuring and just get rid of them."

"Oye! Less talkin', more fighting!"

"WE KNOW!"

"Kyaa—"

The enraged monsters cornered an elf and were almost about to kill her, before it even laid a finger it was sliced into two halves by a wind.

"Ah— Ais-san!"

The girl looked back at her; "are you okay?"

"Ah… about that…"

Before she could even reply back Ais nodded and jumped towards the group.

"HEY AIS WAIT!"

Tiona yelled from the sides but she didn't listen to her.

The blonde girl went on a rampage with the monsters as the shield group saw how amazing the girl was.

"So… this is sword princess."

"Amazing…"

"If she weren't here then we are good as dead."

Sweeping the group she jumped and sliced them.

'Stronger…'

The group circled around her.

'No…still not strong enough.'

She swooped the monsters again, cutting away the torso and dancing with her blade.

'Stronger… I have to get… even stronger! Till I reach the limit of infinity heights!'

The thought made her kill even more of them before Finn took her attention.

"AIS! RETREAT!"

As the girl looked at Finn then at Riveria who was all ready to unleash her magic, she jumped high.

"REA LAEVATEINN!"

The ground was covered with a giant magic circle, the ground burst up with beautiful crimson fire eliminating the whole group.

Ais landed smoothly on the ground and everything was done.

"Ais…"

Finn called her placing his hand on her shoulder.

"We need to talk."

Floor 50 safe zone

"Do you know why you are called here Ais?" Finn

"I… do…" Ais

"Great then let's get to the point," Finn

He placed his hands crossing under his chin.

"Are you feeling restricted in the current position?" Finn

"I…" Ais

"I know your desperate need to get stronger but Ais… this is dungeon and anything can happen," Finn

"…" Ais

"I hope you understand this, even though I told you several times before too," Finn.

"I… I will make sure that never happens again," Ais

"Hm… now you are good to go," Finn.

Ais nodded and took her leave while Finn and Riveria sighed.

"Growing strong is one thing but…" Finn.

"She is too absorbed in it," Riveria.

"This really is worrisome you know," Finn

"You two are acting like old people, despite yer looks," Gareth commented with the sweat drop.

"Well, she is doing her best so that she could see him again," Riveria.

"Bell… wonder what kind of guy he is if Ais is going this far for him," Finn.

"Ah… they do say love is blind," Gareth.

"Were you ever the person who experimented that first handedly?" Finn

"Nope, but I heard that the saying is true," Gareth.

"Oh well," he massaged his forehead, "I hope that Bell shows up this time."

"At this point, he is the only one who could calm her down," Riveria.

"We dunno if the boy would've been this timeline," Gareth's point did make the two to rethink again but all they could do is believe that he exists in this timeline.

Loki just had a hunch of him possibly sent to the same timeline but chances are slim, but he is the only hope for them to get this girl back to normal.

As Ais gazed at the view of the forest from atop, Lefiya called her.

"A-Ais-san!"

"Hm… Lefiya…"

"T-Thank you for saving me back then, although it is my fault I always drag you down."

"N-No it's fine Lefiya there is no nee—"

"That's why… Let me carry your tent!"

She quickly took the tent and started to place it.

"A-I-S!"

"huh!?"

Tiona jumped and hugged her from behind.

"What ya comforting Lefiya?"

"Huh! I-it's nothing like that Tiona-san, and… could you just make the distance between yourself and Ais-san."

"Eh? What's up with that?"

"Even if it's about being same-sex… it's still…"

"Oh, there you are, Ais are you done talking with the captain?

"Ah Tione…"

The girls engaged with her, Finn and Riveria who saw this got a bit relieved.

"Well, she did make some comrades…" Finn said with a smile.

"Sure but…"

"But what Riveria?" Finn asked as he raised his eyebrows then he looks back at the group.

Now they can see the werewolf joining the group.

"Loudmouth as always… can't ya'll take a break?"

"Eh… Bete why are you even here? Is it because you want to try hitting on Ais again" Tiona said with a mocking grin.

"HUH? Where did that come from," he said though he was red by the skin.

"Besides, Ais already has someone she likes so you have a no-go chance," She carried on.

"Huh… A-as if I care about that… besides…" his tone becomes mocking, "What kinda brat would just leave her like that?"

Everyone stiffened from his comment.

"I mean… that guy must be someone weak who probably ran away leaving her all by herself, Ais are you still planning to wait for—"

Before Bete could even complete, he could sense Ais's anger from far. He shut his mouth as she drew a knife in front of his face.

"Don't… you dare… talk ill about him… If he were here then he would just wipe you out with ease…"

Everyone silenced as the sword princess finished her statement and took the knife back to its sheath.

"…"

"I remembered I had something to do," Bete said as he left quietly.

"W-Whoa… Ais you said it," Tiona was still terrified the moment she saw her friend pointing a knife on her own familia member. Just… how important is this guy to Ais? All of them wondered.

From afar, after witnessing the current event…

"Whenever someone tries to talk ill about him… she does that," Riveria said with a sweat drop.

"Ha..hahaha…"

Finn could just laugh… or try to laugh it off.

The Loki familia was sure of one thing, whoever this guy is, he is probably one whom no one can mess with else it's just doom.

Just like that Ais continued her expedition and it finally came, the day when they leave for the surface.

Aight… that is it and sorry if there are any grammar mistakes… anyway, I will try to make the next chapter a little bigger so ya… peace to all!

Chapter 7: Reunion

The first thing in the morning was to take Bell to the guild and register him as the Hestia familia member. Hestia took off for her work while Lily took Bell to the guild.

"So… this Eina person is your advisor."

"Yes… Eina-san is nice and always helps me out when I need it. Also she always warns me about the monsters in the dungeon."

"Seems like a well-known person to me."

"Yes, she is."

The two finally reached the guild, Bell was a bit surprised to see how big was the hall looked from the inside rather than how small it seemed from the outside. Lily waved her hand towards an elfess who was stacking some documents on her table. The lady noticed her and waved her back.

"Ah… Lily-kun what brings you here today this early? Again going to the dungeon."

"Well, I will but before that I want you to register my new familia member as an adventurer."

The elf glanced at me and smiled.

"Lucky you, you got your second member that quickly."

"Well… it was because of a situation so he is helping us out."

"Oh…"

"Uhm… not to be rude here but I want to get over with this as quickly as possible."

"Just a minute."

She quickly makes her way inside the guild halls and comes out with an application. Handing it over to Bell, she told him to fill out his details and add his level sheet with it.

Bell quickly filled it up and handed it back to the advisor. As the advisor kept on reading her eyes slowly widens, her hands start shaking. She screamed out loud.

"A LEVEL 7!?"

Her scream tore through the guild making everyone surprised as well as baffled. Did they hear her right?

Lily who stood beside Bell just sweatdropped while Bell just stood crossing his arms like its nothing special.

"T-this is not fake is this?"

"Why would I fake my own level?"

His direct answer now made others lose their footing. He is level 7 and is casually talking like it just takes few months to achieve the level.

"H-Howcome… you are level 7?"

"Why can't I be one?"

"…"

"Uhm Eina-san is he done?"

"Y-Yes he is but…"

"Oh well Lily let's go to dungeon then."

Bell and Lily left the guild while all the staff and adventurers present there were just left baffled. Yup no one is going to mess with Hestia familia from this point. Eina took the sheet and updated the adventurers' list and the guild board for announcing the higher-level adventurer.

Bell and Lily took a tour in the dungeon, floor one was not that impressive but as they keep going deeper, a variety of monsters spawned from time to time. Bell decided to let Lily fight the weak-level monsters.

Bell could see the determination in Lily's eyes to get stronger and keep on honing her skills. He was quite impressed by seeing her progress.

"So… you seem to pick things up quickly, is there something that you want that badly?"

"Oh… well yes, there is someone whom I want to reach."

"Ho… then who is that?"

"Uhm… well he is called a hero."

"Hm?"

"You see…"

Lily told Bell about the time she almost got killed by a raging minotaur, she was just slaying monsters like she usually did but out of nowhere a minotaur showed up. It chased her and she tried to escape from it but got cornered at the end.

Trembling in fear she almost cried, already thinking that she was about to die she closed her eyes but then the monster screamed in pain. She opened her eye and saw a sharp point tore through the torso of the monster. The blood splashed all over her body covering it with blood.

"Are you okay?"

At that moment I was just awestruck to see the person himself, she said to Bell.

After getting back to the guild and getting information about the man who saved her, it was turned out to be the braver of Orario, one of the heroes in this land.

As Lily was telling all of this happening, Bell chuckled to himself and just said one thing.

"In other words… you are crushing on your hero?"

"Uwa!"

Her cheeks redden and Bell laughed hard seeing now so worked up adventurer.

"I can relate to that… years ago I also saved someone from a monster. After that incident… I became her hero."

"Her?"

"Yes… but someone separated both of us. I don't know what was wrong or what was the need to do this but… I heard that I could find her in here."

"I hope you find her too… and… do you like her?"

"What? like is an understatement, I love her. She means everything to me. I just want to be by her side and protect her with my life."

"That is so sweet of you."

"Well… it's been years since we got separated. I hope she recognizes me instantly."

"I don't need to tell you this but if a girl feels the same for you then surely, they would remember about you."

"Haha… well that is true alright."

Bell gave me a warm smile as he continued.

"I was doubting that you guys will take it easy once I join your familia… but seeing you all determined to get stronger and stand beside someone special I am assured that you will work hard and not slack off. You see I am only interested in working with those who put on efforts for their goal and not let any other person to carry them for that goal."

"Well… our goddess might slack at times but rest assured. Besides, you will be only helping us for a year so as the captain I must get stronger to hold my familia high as it grows."

"Lily… I will help you out with your training, but I warn you I am a strict instructor."

"Haha… I will try my best to reach your expectations Bell-sama!"

"Well then," he places his hands casually on his hips and just looks up at the ceiling, "both of us have got someone to be with, yours is a bit long road though."

"But just like you walked through the road… I too will do my best to reach him."

"That's the spirit."

The floor monsters started to spawn back taking the attention of the two.

"Okay then Lily… today I will just sit back and observe how well you do. Now go!"

"HAIK!"

"Airmid!"

Yelled the grey-haired old man as he came rushing towards the room

"Is he good?"

He quickly asked his child as she was tending to one of their fallen members of the familia who was almost in death's gate thanks to a certain white-haired rouge adventurer who just punched the person in his gut strong enough to make him spit blood.

Airmid sighed and calmly replied back.

"He is alive… his lungs were squeezed up from its diaphragm because he got a strong hit on his gut and because of that couldn't even breath. Good thing all of you brought him back on time. "

"So… what adventurer did this eh?"

"Probably someone who is around Level 5 or Level 6… you sure you didn't run into some high-class adventurers?"

"No, we did not, as we said already when we were going to take payment from Hestia familia, this random guy shows up and beat us just like that."

"Who is he who dares to attack my children!"

Soon from the entrance one of those men who went to take payment rushed in and panted heavily before giving the news about that adventurer. It was turned out to be a Level 7 adventure that just had joined Hestia familia.

"Drats… she got a strong member hidden?"

"That explains everything I guess…"

"HIGHER LEVEL OR NOT I AM GOING TO TALK TO HESTIA! SHE STILL HAS TO PAY ME MY VALIS"

"D-Dianchet-sama!"

Dianchet leaves his familia and makes his way to the church.

"Seriously… I don't get why he is having ill behavior with both Hestia-sama and Miach-sama…"

The saint sighed to herself.

/Meanwhile at Hephaistos shop\

"AAACHOOO—"

Hestia sneezed hard startling her best friend by her side while she was placing some weapons to be kept on the display rack.

"Hey… make sure your saliva does not touch the armors. It is a fresh set made by my children."

"I-I know… someone seems to be angry at me."

"Oh, I have heard that you found another member… and an overly powerful one too."

"Oh yeah, guess the news spreads like wildfire eh… hahaha"

"Hestia…"

"Well I can't hide anything from you can I Hephaistos, he is just with me for a year. Actually, he came here to find someone and join the familia of that person but because of some harsh treatments that my familia is getting he decided to help us out… only for a year though."

Hephaistos sighed deeply and only said; "In other words, he felt sorry for you because you got wrapped up in Dianchect's arm with a ridiculous amount to repay."

"Ha... hehehe…."

"Anyway, get back to work… you can't slack off even if you have a stronger child with you… but wait a minute."

"Hm? What now?"

"You do know that you have to pay tax for having high-level members, don't you?"

Hearing the statement, the loli goddess's face grew pale and she was frozen at one place…

"I totally forgot about that!"

"Judging from your expression, you really don't have any idea about that. You really are hopeless."

"uh…. I think Bell will handle it."

"Well, he is level 7, if he soloes the deeper floors just like king, he might earn more than enough for your familia."

"I want him to get used to this place, I will talk to him about this later on."

"Okay then, you better move your hands quick."

Hestia quickly got back to her work and just hoped that they would get out from this dept of trouble quickly, also about the tax for having higher level adventurer.

The day in the twilight manor passed by but it almost felt like an eternity. Ais and her friends decided to rest inside the manor. The higher-ups were in Loki's room discussing the expedition.

Everything seems to go fine but Braver seemed to be in trouble.

"Oye Finn… FINN!"

"Hm?"

"Ya lookin' a bit off here, somethin' happened?"

"Don't tell me you are still bothered by the fact that the girl ran away from you after you saved her."

"Eh? Whaddaya mean Riveria?"

"Well… while we were heading to the surface, a horde of Minotaur escaped from our hands and they started to get to upper floors. We eliminated most of them and Finn went for the last one. He reached there in time as there was a girl who was cornered by that monster."

"Oh… what's wrong with that?"

"Next part is quite funny. The moment he saved her and asked her if she is okay, she screamed and ran away."

"What?"

"Ever since then Finn is getting bothered whether he was a scary monster himself or not."

"HAHAHAAH!"

Loki was literally rolling on the floor and laughing to her fullest.

"It's probably the first time I ever see you this much zoning out."

"Gyahahahah… probably the girl stole yer heart hobbit."

"Gareth quiet."

"Oh is it?"

Now Riveria also joined the tease as Finn's face get mild red color. He quickly calmed and composed himself and carried on with the discussion.

"About the event that happened to cause us to get back from our Expedition. It seemed like a totally new species, an unseen one too."

"Hm… you are right though… we were in big trouble with those acid-spitting monsters."

"Anyway… we gotta get some info about them so that we could deal with em later."

"Hmm…"

"Anythin' else?"

"Nothing in particular, guess we will take a bit of rest for now."

"Oh well then, rest easy cus we will be having a dinner party tonight!"

"For what?"

"Eh? Our expedition had a meanin' no? we were able ta find a new species!"

"You just want some cups of Beer right."

"HAHA mommy knows me well does she not?"

"Haaa…. Guess the rest will be a bit heavy one."

"you just keep your comment with yourself, I am going to sleep for the time being."

"See ya later Finn."

Finn left the room and made his way towards his room, the thought still bothered him.

Why did she run away? Am I really that scary? But seems like the rest of the girls are over trying to come close to me… but this girl… is she really scared?

"Wait… why am I even bothered by this?"

"Captain!~"

His body felt chills as he looked back to see a busty amazoness coming his way.

"O-Oh… Hi Tione."

"Captain are you done with your meeting?"

"Yes, I am, right now I feel tired so I am going to take some rest."

"Oh… let me give you a massage... oh or something that might relax you. You want a body pillow you can freely use me!"

"Uh… Tione I am fine as it is, besides weren't you planning to spend time with Ais and your friends?"

"Oh ya we planned to go shopping after some time. Ah… I wish to help you though."

"No need to feel sorry about that, you just enjoy your time with your friends, we would be planning for our next expedition sooner than later. Also a reminder, tell others that Loki has planned for a dinner party at Hostess of Fertility."

"HAI Captain~"

With that Tione happily left Finn on his own, he gave himself a sigh of relief and massaged his temple.

"Ah… my head hurts, better rest for the evening."

The duo made it to the thirteenth floor. From the seventh floor on Bell takes on all the incoming monsters and Lily collected the magic stones.

"I guess… this would do for today."

"Wow Bell-sama, you didn't even break a sweat."

"Well what would you expect from a Level 7, this is child's play. But still, you have to keep the guard up even if you are stronger."

"Hm? Why is that so?"

"You see, even if you are strong, you might possibly be weak against mobs which totally take over you by outnumbering. I already experienced it first hand."

"ohh…"

"Also… no matter how strong you grow, always think of yourself as a weak person."

"?"

"This is so that you will always remember where you started off from and will keep you motivated to push past your limits."

"Hm… understood."

"We will start your training from tomorrow onwards okay."

"Haik!"

Bell and Lily decided to head back to the surface to end a successful day. As they headed back, Lily asked Bell about his training and hobbies. As they chatted Lily brought out the topic about his armor and weapons.

Bell said he is better off having his own weapons instead of using anything else. Both the twin swords had already become an inseparable part for him, or say they are his closest friends he made after the tragedy and losing Ais, though he didn't try to explain Lily about the swords so he just spoke a little about it. But he agreed to Lily's point of having armor for protecting his organs and prevent fatal injuries. Bell did think about this and decided to go look for an armor well suited for him taking his time.

They finally reached the surface; it was almost evening. The two quickly cashed out their magic stones and for the first time, Hestia familia got a great start in funds. Almost around 100,000 valis. Lily was happy as she held the stash and was celebrating while Bell just gave a warm smile.

"Oh since we earned this much shall we have dinner out tonight."

"Sounds good but what about Hestia-sama?"

"Well, she said she will be late tonight so we better have ourselves dinner."

"Cool then… you know any place?"

"Of course I do. Hostess of Fertility, the closest place from here. They serve the best meal."

"Ho… then I am looking forward to it."

The duo decided to get back home and drop the weapons and just take few stashes for the dinner.

Bell and Lily now stand before the restaurant, Hostess of Fertility. A waitress came to attend them.

"Hello, welcome to the Hostess, seats for how many people?"

"Just two."

"Okay miss, we have seats. This way."

She led the way towards the seats beside the counter. The pub was filled with adventurers gossiping about how their day went, sharing facts with each other and just doing their stuff.

"So… what do you want to eat?"

"Hm…"

Lily took a look at the menu but the food seems costlier. She smiled with a sweat drop, they didn't take enough funds with them which they didn't know yet they decided to order their dinner.

After eating and getting to pay, Bell checked that he was 500 valis short.

"Shoot we don't have enough."

"What I thought we had enough."

"Hm… If you don't mind Lily, you stay here till I bring the remaining sum."

"It's okay sir you can pay tomorrow," the waitress said with a smile.

"Oh no... I would just pay right now miss…"

"Syr… I am Syr Flover."

"Syr-san, give me a moment. Lily stay here I will be back quick."

"Okay…"

With that Bell left the pub. After few minutes Bell left a cat person danced her way in announcing the guest of the night. As the figures entered all the adventurers just stared at them.

"Oh wait… is that the familia?"

"Yes, it is them… look at their badge!"

"Hoho! Loki familia is joining, eh?"

The Loki familia enters with their goddess coming upfront with their leader beside her. Lily's heart stopped at the moment when she saw her hero. She stared at him until his eyes tried to look around as he felt eyes on him, Lily hid herself from him, she was still nervous around him.

Everything was going great until a certain werewolf started a topic.

"Ya cap… won't ya tell all of em of what happened that time?"

"Hm… what time?"

"ya know the time when ya killed the last minotaur on the fifth floor? That tomato girl."

Lily froze on her seat, the wolf continued.

"Ho… what happened?" Tiona asked.

"Well you see… as the minotaurs escaped from us, we eliminated as fast as we could. When we reached the seventh floor, we saw a minotaur cornering a girl. Ya have ta see how scared she was trembling there."

"Oh… what happened, did you guys made it in time?"

"well Finn just went and killed the minotaur but that girl, instead of thanking him ran away with a scream gyahahaha—"

Few adventurers laughed but the girls didn't like what Bete said.

"Bete behave," the high elf spoke in the girl's defense, "It's our fault to let those minotaur escape."

"Shut it hag! That defenseless girl should've not even entered the dungeon without knowing the consequences."

"…"

"Say Finn, if that girl comes to you and says that she loves you what would ya say huh?"

"…"

"I can bet there is no way someone weak like that would take your interest."

"Bete… seems like you are drunk."

"And remember she has to face a certain someone before she even dares to confess to the captain."

"T-Tione calm down will you."

"Hahaha…. Finn I know what are you going to say, you would just say don't waste my time and just get lost hahaha."

"Bete, Finn isn't like that."

"oh so you are saying that he would accept her? If someone like her were to confess to me I won't even consider her."

"Bete…"

"Say it Finn… you deserve better women than that if you are ever gonna find one."

Lily had it enough, she broke in tears and rushed out from the pub, Syr tried to stop her by calling her name but it was useless. Finn also saw that girl and decided to go chase after her but he couldn't as he already had a mad wolf to stop from blabbering stuff.

Just the moment Bell arrived, seeing Syr all worried he asked what happened. After learning the situation, he quickly handed over the payment and went to find Lily.

The wolf was getting tied by other members, Ais and Tiona just were done with covering the wolf's mouth with a piece of cloth, that is when her eyes landed on a familiar hair which quickly took off from the pub.

"It can't be…"

She quickly left the pub to follow him while leaving everything else behind.

Bell quickly made his way towards the dungeon only to hope to catch Lily before she enters, and he did. He caught up to Lily who still was in tears. Bell calmly spoke to her and comforted her.

"Lily don't let anyone tell you that you are weak and ill stuff. Let them speak for now. You promised me that you will do your best to get stronger right?"

Lily wiped her tears and hugged him tightly. After few minutes she calmed down.

"Now… let's go home…"

"Hm."

As they were about to take another step, a blond girl stopped in front of Bell, his eyes widen seeing the girl.

The girl's eyes were almost in tears, her lips curled up. Ais threw herself in his arms.

"Bell!"

The sudden act took Lily by surprise, she saw Bell starting to tear up as well.

"Bell… Bell… Bell… thank goodness…"

"Ais… finally… I found you."

"I always believed that you will come to find me. I am glad you are alive."

"Idiot… I am your hero… I swore to protect you and be with you. There is no way in hell I am going to die easily."

AS the two did their own conversation of reunion, Lily tried to spit out the words but was not able to say it but finally said it out.

"So… Bell-sama… the person you were finding was Kenki?"

Ais noticed the hobbit and then let go of the hug.

"Who is she Bell?"

"Ah… she is my familia member… the one who was cornered by the minotaur."

"Y-your familia member?"

Ais was surprised to hear the word 'familia'.

"Uhm… Lily… if you could."

"ah… okay… this is much I could do for you."

"Thanks… get home safely, I might take some time."

"O-Okay you can take as much time as you want."

Lily left the two alone, Bell decided to freely talk to Ais so they headed to the central park bench.

Ais seemed upset hearing about him being in another familia. Bell explained everything about how he ended up joining Hestia familia. Ais just chuckled as she heard.

"You are just like you were back then… always helping others when they need you."

In this night light she gave a bright smile to him, he was in a way assured to see that Ais seemed to be normal.

"Beautiful smile as ever…"

"huh?"

"Haha… you have grown a lot and beautiful too."

"huh… it's nothing you too have grown like a handsome man."

"Haha… I am happy that I was able to find you."

"And I am happy to see you alive… I was scared when I was not able to find you."

She holds onto his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. Bell gave her a smile and places his palm on her hand.

"It's a relief. But I am curious about the person who separated us."

"Can we just forget about that… let me just be with you like this."

"Hm…"

The two sat for an hour just like that feeling themselves, they still didn't believe that they were able to see each other. Even if they sat for an hour, for them it was just mere moments.

"Say Bell, I can convert to your familia too."

"I say just be in your own familia."

"But…"

"It's just a year, and I am sure with the level you are probably you are needed for the familia."

"If you say so… but on one condition."

"What is it?"

"You have to visit at times… how about come tomorrow I will introduce you to my familia members."

"Oh well not a bad idea, it would be good if I know a bit about your familia, would be easy for me to get along in the future when I join."

"Hm…"

Ais gleamed with a smile, since it was already getting late Bell dropped Ais back at her manor and he left to get back home.

Ais can't wait for tomorrow to come and so does Bell.

A/N: I feel like I made Tione a bit more aggressive or it is just my way of looking at her character. Been a while since I looked at the characters other than Bell , Ais and other who are in main series. If something felt off do tell me. Also ya as the story is focused mostly on BellxAis, some rare pairings that I have already planned will also be shown. Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter till next time!

Chapter 8: Meeting Loki Familia

A/N

….

Some of you guys really are a bit of what, stubborn I say, especially some random guest spamming for the next chapter.

Well I am not mad at you all only few of you readers knew who follow me or my alternate season 1 cus I posted of me quitting fanfiction for a while over there.

I was somehow able to grab time and mood to write this chapter but please don't expect me to keep the updates as I will be getting even more busier.

Let's say this chapter is my way of just saying that I won't be active or writing for quite a time in fanfiction.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter, the story is just on hiatus and will be updated when I get a little bit loose on my schedule. Same goes for other stories.

Hope you all understand this.

It hasn't been a proper start of the morning already and I am hearing someone banging at our doorstep. I woke up and glanced at Hestia and Lily who were still asleep on the bed.

I took a look at the old pendulum clock with dirtied magic stone showing it to be around 4 am in the morning.

"Just… who the hell is disturbing my sleep damn early in the morning."

Complaint won't do anything, I got up from the couch and attended the door.

An old man stood almost seemingly ready to yell out anytime soon. I scanned the person well; he had a grumpy facial expression.

"Who the hell are you and why are you disturbing us this early?"

"HUH! Don't speak to me that way, I am here for my payment!"

"…"

"Bring Hestia to me."

"Do you know what time it is right now?"

"That doesn't matter I need—"

I slammed the door on his face and stretched my arms readying myself to sleep. I could still hear his voice shouting at the door going on "Bring Hestia here."

This guy seems not to have a perfect time, even after reopening the door and telling him to come later he insisted on calling Hestia.

I went a bit extreme and just knocked him out on the doorstep itself.

"Ah well I am leaving for work!"

Hestia wore her work outfit and had opened the door to see Dianchet totally out cold at their doorstep, Hestia screeched out loud to call Bell and Lily to look at the medic god.

"Why the heck is he sleeping out here?"

"Ah… that there is my fault."

"W-What did you do Bell?"

"Well, he was banging at the door early morning and… even though I said that he can come later he insisted on waiting for you so I got a little pissed and knocked him out cold. Anyway, who is this guy?"

"Uh… this is Dianchect-sama."

"Wait… the person you are in debt to?"

"Yeah…" Lily dragged her word.

"Well… this guy is a pestering one… where does he lives, I will go drop him off."

Bell carries him and makes his way to the knocked-off god's home while Hestia leaves for her work and Lily went to the dungeon. As instructed by Bell, she has to just be perfect and get adapted to the first four floors.

He had already given them notice that he will be visiting Loki familia. Hestia was surprised when she found out that the person, he was finding was the child of Loki and clearly, her bonding with the trickster is not that well but she can't let that ruin the relation of her child with Loki's.

After dropping the fainted god back to his familia and handing over the 20,000 valis, clearing the debt at once he made his way to the twilight manor.

Speaking of the manor, Ais had a smile plastered on her face which is kind of unexpected for every member of the familia to witness it, no one has ever seen the sword princess have a smile on her face.

Mostly it was an expressionless plain face and today it's overly showing the emotion of being happy. Her friends especially took note of that, this happened just today early morning.

It wasn't soon the reason was revealed when Raul brought shocking news at the doorsteps of their captain's room.

A new adventurer named Bell Cranel is here in the land of adventurers and is a Level 7 adventurer of the Hestia familia.

The ground beneath the leaders slipped as they heard of the news.

"W-Wait… what?" Finn got gobsmacked on the first hit of the news.

"Bell Cranel… wait is that…" Riveria in the same state.

"The boy Ais was always talking about," Gareth.

"THE BRAT GOT THE LUCKY TICKET" Loki bites her cloth in anger.

"This is… now that explains everything," Finn finally gained his composure.

"So that time Ais left the pub because she saw him," Riveria.

"And that explains why she is so happy today," Gareth with a nod.

"Why go to her familia when he could join mine!?" Loki argued.

"L-Loki, we can't help it can we?" Finn.

"NO… this can't be happening," Loki.

"What?" Riveria.

"If he is there, Ais-tan will blackmail her beautiful, loving, caring, non-pervert goddess~" Loki whined.

"The way you put yourself… she hasn't talked about transfer yet, did she?" Riveria.

"Not fer now but, she can come anytime asking fer that," Loki got paler as she started to visualize her favorite child with Hestia's child all happy and Hestia sticking her thumb out and showing tongue to her in a way to piss her.

"No… no way I am lettin' my Ais-tan taken away from me!" Loki declared to which the leaders just sighed.

The man of the topic had finally reached the manor, guarded by two guards who just stood a bit nervously.

Word spread faster than anyone could think of that a certain High ranked adventurer had joined a low-stated familia. Yeah, people really don't want to mess with him for sure.

Bell looked at the guards who seemed to be stiffed; they had their job so they did as they always do.

"G-Greetings… what brings you to the twilight manor?" Guard A.

"Haha… relax, you can talk to me freely," Bell chuckled and waved it off.

"O-Oh… uhm i-its just…" Guard B.

Bell knew they would be wrecking their nerves so he quickly just told them his business.

"I am here to meet the sword princess, may I?"

"Oh, business with the sword princess…" Guard A.

"We are friends and she told me to come to visit her today," Bell.

"F-Friend?"

The guards looked at each other.

"A-hem, still I need to re-confirm about that," Guard A.

"Oh no probs, I can wait here," Bell.

The guard quickly went inside and informed the arrival of Bell Cranel for which Ais personally attended him (in words I say she just rushed at the doorstep)

The princess jumped on his arms hugging him.

"You came!" she said with a smile.

"Well ya, I did say that I will be visiting your familia."

"Come on in then."

She held his wrist and guided him whilst the guard who just witnessed the happening was almost about to faint out of shock.

Are they just friends or more than that?

The princess and her Hero took some rounds in the manor before Ais lets Bell meet up with their captain. While taking a walk the members did shot an eye on that new adventurer who seemed kind and friendly but he had hidden his intimidating side very well.

Finally the two arrived at Finn's room. Ais softly knocked on the door.

"Come in," Finn.

As she opened the door Finn could finally meet the person that Ais admires or say likes.

"So… you are Bell Cranel," Finn still keeping his cool said as he confronts the second strongest adventurer after the King.

"Yes, a pleasure to meet you Braver," Bell.

A moment of awkward silence between the two as some sort of tension in the room rises.

"So… you have already dealt with someone like king why are you all a bit surprised here?" Bell.

"Oh sorry… it's just a little hard to believe that there are adventures who actually made it to level 7 outside Orario," Finn.

"Mostly it is impossible for one to achieve such a feat, take Ais for the example… it took her a year and a half just to get to Level 2," Riveria.

"Yeah, let me tell you I am quite different from any normal adventurer," Bell said as he crossed his arms up straight.

"That I could feel from you… even my thumb is kind of warning me not to mess with you," even though Finn said it he let out a little laugh of his own.

"well, no need to stress out after all I will be your future familia member."

The word took the attention of the leaders and their goddess.

"What do you mean by that?" Riveria.

"Well… I signed up with a low-ranked familia for a year only so I can transfer hereafter the term," Bell.

"Okay… mind if I ask you the reason for joining a low-ranked familia, I mean you could've joined us from the start, no?" Finn.

"Ah well I was about to ask about Ais around but something just pulled me up and help a goddess and her child. They were basically chased by some adventurers because they weren't able to pay them up. Couldn't help it so I stepped in and saved them," Bell.

"There was no need to save itty bitty though… she is not worth it," Loki pouted as she whispered to herself.

"Well, I ended up making the deal with the goddess for helping them out for one year and transfer to Ais's familia, I already talked out with Ais that there is no need to convert to Hestia familia so no worries there," Bell ended his explanation.

"Well, I appreciate your thought on that, we need our sword princess at times," Finn.

"I hope you treated her well…" Bell stopped for the moment and suddenly his nature changed, a bit of an angry one; he continued "one of your familia wolf loves to rant about the weak does he not?"

They could feel chills running down their spine seeing his intimidating side.

"W-We apologize on behalf of that idiot," Riveria.

"The wolf was drunk as hell ta even look around his surroundings," Gareth.

"None the less he talks like that but does not really mean it," Finn.

"Well fine… I will leave it at that," Bell returned to his normal self and the group sighed in relief.

They just had a light chat among themselves, Bell told them he was grateful for Finn to save her fellow familia member and he said that she wanted to thank him but was in a spur of a moment and so she ran away.

Finn was in a way relieved that he didn't scare of a girl, more like it was unusual for him to even care about these sorts of things. He already had much more in plate to look for.

After having the chat, Ais took Bell to meet him up with her friends. The reaction was just priceless when they saw him in person.

So someone this amazing is Ais's best friend. They thought.

"Bell this is Tiona, Tione and Lefiya, and this here is Bell," Ais introduced him with an everlasting smile.

"So… you are the one who Ais was referring to, she did mention you but now that I see for myself… you really are amazing," Tione.

"WOW Ais so is he your boyfriend?" Tiona asked childishly, the two just looked at themselves and Ais simply replied back.

"You can say that too."

"Wait what?!" the elf broke out in between startling her friends, Bell giving a sweat drop.

"Is… something wrong with that?" He asked with a sweatdrop.

Lefiya calmed down and apologized for screaming out of nowhere, the fact that the sword princess, who had rejected thousands accepted him as her boyfriend. Oh now that if she remembers, this must be the person that Riveria might have told them about.

In all honesty, Lefiya was surprised as well as impressed to meet such an amazing and handsome person.

The girls decided to have a quick chat with their new friend or say, soon-to-be familia member. Tiona and Bell got along quickly while it took Lefiya a little while to act normal around him.

As Bell was having his conversation with them, he suddenly felt eyes fall on him, slowly rolling his eyes he spotted the high elf looking at him eagerly as if she wanted to have a private talk with him.

"So… want to go shopping? Ais we also planned to go, no?" Tiona said with a grin.

"Hm… let's go Bell," Ais.

"Excuses but I still have something to chat privately with your leaders," Bell said apologetically.

"Aw… okay well Ais lets go," Tiona.

"If Bell is not going, I am not going too," Ais.

"Ais you can go with them, don't call off your plans for me," Bell.

"But…" Ais.

"Come now Ais, I am going nowhere," Bell said with a smile.

Ais agreed and then left to go shopping with her friends while Bell attended Riveria.

The two decided to talk in the library, both of them sitting opposite to each other.

"Firstly, thank you for noticing me, I was about to come and call for you," Riveria.

"I get it… if you were finding me then it must be important," Bell.

"Correct… I am here to talk about Ais," Riveria.

Bell raised his eyebrow, Riveria started to explain everything about her life and growth as an adventurer.

As Bell kept on hearing the story, he felt a slight weight of guilt over him. Even after promising that he won't let Ais bear any of that pain caused by that damned dragon but he failed. He grasped his fist, tightening it expressing his frustration, Riveria just shot an eye on him. After she completed Bell just sat with his head down in disappointment.

"So… the same happened that I feared," Bell.

"What do you mean?" Riveria.

"I promised her father that I will make sure to keep her away from the dark flames because of the dragon incident. I… I failed to save her," Bell said as a teardrop decides to show up and leave his eyes, soon he started to cry for a bit.

"Ais has been suffering for long and I… I couldn't be by her side," Bell wiped his tears away.

Riveria just gave him a smile and placed her palm on his white hair and started to comfort him.

"You couldn't help it anyway, could you?" He looked at the elf, "Since now you are here, I hope you protect Ais and prevent her from continuing to march to that path."

"…"

"I haven't seen her this happy ever since you arrived, she holds you dear and so do you… am I right?"

"haha…" Bell smiled at her and continued, "you… really are a suitable mother figure Riveria-sama."

"Riveria… just simply call me Riveria, after all, we are fellow adventurers."

"Okay… thanks for telling me everything, and thank you for calming her down at times… Riveria," Bell gave her the sincerest bow he could've given at the time.

"I hope… this time you stay by her side."

"I will…"

She cuts down another kobold with her trusty knife and focused on the oncoming foes. Another kobold came in to cut her from the waist but she was able to duck from its slash and strike it from behind. The monster falls exploding into ashes as it dropped yet another magic stone.

"Ahh… finally a bit of a break," the hobbit said as she relaxed her arms hanging and looking at the ceiling, later her eyes followed the magic stones in her surrounding.

"I think this much would be enough for now," she spoke to herself as she began to collect the drops.

Oh ain't she lucky she got a monster drop after a long time, her smile glowed in the fact. This might be useful in the future for forging some kind of weapon.

Recalling what Bell instructed her, she did what she could. Just stop the moment when you feel fatigued is going to hit you, his words were just sealed with a concrete wall inside her head.

Getting fatigued at the wrongest time, especially in the dungeon could cost you your life.

It's been 3 weeks for her to get used to the first four floors thanks to her advisor and now her new mentor. The girl smiled as she felt for making some progress in her path to get stronger and be independent.

The hobbit left the dungeon with a smile, showing that everything was worth it, making her way to the guild. The visible scratches on her breastplate and her armguard was a sign that she really did take a number of monsters even if it's the upper floors.

For a Rookie adventurer it is a feat to be proud of. Many rookies who tried to overdo died even accomplishing it.

Lily finally reached the guild and exchanged the currency.

"hm… 5,000 valis, well that is much I could do alone without Bell-sama…"

She slipped her payment in a bag and decided to pay a visit to her advisor who was handling an arrogant adventurer. As the arrogant red-haired man left the counter Lily made her way there.

"Ah Lily you are back," Eina.

"Yes I am and today I was able to hang on by myself," Lily.

"Huh? Wasn't Bell-san with you?" Eina.

"Ah well… actually, he went to visit Loki familia," Lily.

"Why is that so?" Eina.

"Well… actually it turns out that the person he was looking for and joining familia was the sword princess," Lily said as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Wait… what?" Eina's glasses slide down from her nose, her eyes widen with a bit of disbelief.

"So… is he, her boyfriend or some sort?" Eina asked to confirm.

"Yes… I think," answered the hobbit unassured.

The reply made the advisor lose cool for a bit but then returned back to her normal self. Now that explains why Sword Princess rejected hundreds of proposals, but the thing is… he is stuck with a weak familia for a whole year.

Eina had no intention to meddle inside familia's business so she ended off just by seeing Lily off as the sun started to set sooner than later.

Bell was still hanging around in Loki familia and had some talk with other members so that they could be acquainted with each other. Though some of the lowest ranking members were still a bit careful while talking with him. Finally he bids farewell to the executives and made his way to his familia home.

Ais and her friends returned home only to find that Bell had already left, the sword princess was a bit upset but now she knows he won't disappear anymore, yeah he will be with her.

"Ah… what a long day."

Said the goddess who entered her home welcomed by her children.

"Welcome back Hestia-sama," Lily.

"You sure look beat," Bell.

"Ah… yeah, today there were a lot of customers so I had to work overtime," Hestia.

"Well, we brought you some food to eat, this would do would it not?" Bell said as he showed her some noodles and steak on the table.

"huh wait is that a steak? How much did it cost," the goddess asked while hiving the drool.

"Don't worry about the cost, we covered that up."

The goddess had a nice meal after a long time, sure the left potato croquet or say jagamarukun were the ones the two always ate at times but this was something that seemed like a blessing.

Later on, Hestia talked about how the city works, also including the familia's and the forms of taxes to be paid.

Bell assured her that he would pay the tax by himself only if the two work hard because he only works with people who actually put in some effort.

Also the two adventurers decided to hit the shop at babel for some armor tomorrow and head towards the deeper floors.

FINAL STATUS

Lilirruca Arde

Level 1

Strength H 100

Endurance I 61

Agility I 28

Magic I 0

Skills []

Magic []

Bell Cranel

Level 7

Strength SS 1025

Endurance SS 1000

Agility SSS 3000

Magic S 950

Skills

[Heroic Liaris] –

Increases falna limit rank from 1000 to 3999

[Blade of Demon] –

An invisible dagger could be formed to attack the user's intended opponent. Currently can make upto 1000 blades.

[Undefeated Warrior] –

User's status gains a massive boost when dealing with over-leveled enemies.

Magic

[Thunder Tempest] –

Covers the body with lightning energy.

[Firebolt] –

Swift strike magic.

[Adamas] –

Makes user invisible.

Developmental Abilities

Swordsman S

Escape A

Ailment Resistance S

Hunter S

Luck B

Abnormal Resistance C

Regeneration A

Ah well that is it for the chapter… and again I am quitting fanfiction for a while so don't worry, stories aren't abandoned but on hiatus.

Well everyone take care and PEACE!