DISCLAIMER!
The song used in the chapter is "My Mother Told Me" by SKÁLD! It is intentionally written the way it is! If you want to follow along then look up the song. (you could just look it up 'cause it's a genuinely good song and an even better cover!)
'Argh, my neck.' Sleeping in a dusty old basement doesn't exactly do wonders for anyone. Couple that with sleeping on a chair and the effect doubles.
Waking up to the sun's rays isn't new to him, back in the village or here matters not. However, when he tried to turn his head away something in his neck cracked so ominously that he froze for a minute. After ascertaining that no, his neck isn't going to break –even if it hurts like heck- he took in the room.
He fell asleep in the forge. He hadn't noticed the basement windows before.
Slowly working the kinks out, he went up the stairs to make some breakfast. As he did he mentally went over what needed to be done today
'Maybe I could check out some potions?' The idea has merit, he has been thinking about buying one or two low-grade ones. The only problem was that he didn't want to pay for something that he wouldn't use. Though he learned his lesson after somehow surviving that War Shadow. But where to buy them?
'Hm, I should ask Eina-san.' Speaking of Eina-san, he should visit her today. He still hadn't thanked her for her indirect help against the War Shadow.
The War Shadow he was an idiot to challenge.
Arrogant is a weak word to describe yesterday. Really, what has he been thinking? That knowing his enemy would help him that much, or was it 'not straying from the staircase too far'? Yeah, as if he would do that! His curiosity bit him in the back. And really, not even buying another weapon or even some potions just in case?!
Clearly, he is an idiot.
'Speaking of weapons,' he glanced at his spoils of war. Sometime between the fight and his scolding he managed to turn in his absurd –at least to him- number of drop items plus the cores. Only one remained.
Finger Blade of a War Shadow.
It's- it's a strange thing. It looks just the same as when it was connected, but less… powerful? Biting? Intense? Yeah, intense is a good word. It lost some of its sharpness though it is unmistakable how sharp it once was. It is also interesting how even as a drop item its deep purple color remained the same.
Why did he keep it?
Well, that is a good question. Something in his tired mind urged him to keep it but he doesn't know why. Maybe, as spoils of war? But he is not like that. As interesting as a drop item from a variant is, it would have more worth sold than collecting dust.
Oh well, he'll just sell it later.
'But then again, what time is it?'
Looking out of the window shows him simple darkness kept at bay by the street lights –so it wasn't the sun that woke him. He can also see some people walking. Seems like going to bed earlier woke him up earlier. It's a bit too early –or late?- for him to venture into the dungeon.
Then do you know what this means?
Exploring the house!
'Wait, no. I shouldn't. These rooms have once been others'.'
But, they aren't anymore?
'Still, what would grandpa say?'
Then why are you already opening the door?
"The wha-" the door creaked ajar.
Well, the door is already open. Doesn't that count as an invitation?
'What kind of logic is that?!' Nevertheless, he pushed the door open, careful of its age.
The room is mostly the same as his own. One window with curtains, a bed in the corner, a desk, and quite a lot of room for personal use. What did differ though was the dust and the five, large, bookcases adorning the room's walls. Two on either side of the window, one beside the bed, and two others on the table's sides. They are completely cleaned out, giving a rather strange vibe as he hadn't seen empty bookcases before.
Walking closer to the table –as that's closer- he noticed how worn it is. Scratches and splotches of ink seeped deep into the wood creating strange patterns. Some parts seem to be seeped in deeper like there was something on it for a long time. Now the only thing on it was a small pedestal holding a monster core illuminating the room. The chair looks comfortable, if well worn. The exact kind of worn that just fits the person that once sat on it.
The bookcases on either side of the window look similarly used. Horizontal scratches lay parallel to each other from one end to the other. Some with larger gaps between and deeper scratches than others. Though none thinner than three fingers.
Walking to the window, that is right in front of the door, he brushes away the curtains and looks down at the streets. Just as dark as before, though this time with fewer people.
Letting the curtain fall back in place he examined what lay on either side. Thinner than the previous bookcase but just as tall. The scratches are deeper with wider gaps between them. Larger books laid here. Nothing else.
Walking once again right he arrived at the bed. Meticulous and prim are the best adjectives to describe it. Rich grey with slight accents of green –which follow the room's accent. He leaves the bed alone, he already feels like violating someone's privacy, no need to add more fuel to the fire. Instead, he searches the odd bookcase beside it.
As thin as the ones' beside the window but a shelf taller than the other four. Instead of plain, like the others, this one is decorated with tasteful carvings, similar to the one in the living room though less. The scratches are different here. No gaps larger than three fingers besides a few outliers. Nevertheless, he notes curiously, the scratches are just as deep as the others. Maybe the books on this shelf were more for enjoyment than the others?
Looking towards the last corner –the one blocked by the door when he opened it- he saw an armor stand and a few chests. Whoever lived in this room was very organized.
But, he doesn't really want to touch anything more. That would simply feel too wrong.
Sighing at how he already felt bad he left the room, no need to pull an already taut string further.
But then what to do?
He doesn't want to go to the dungeon yet, and anything open at this hour is not something he wants to experience. He already ate, and he is not sleepy either. His preparations are done too.
Hmmm.
Well, there were a few books in the living room. Lazing around a bit while reading something nice sounds rather nice.
With that he started walking back to the living room, completely ignoring the inviting door of the forge.
'Man, these potions are amazing!' There is not even a scratch on him! Granted, he didn't get injured very much since he only explored the first three floors but still! Whatever little scratches he had disappeared like they were never there.
'I should stock up on them.' A good way to spend money if he does say so himself.
Seeing an adventurer trudging tiredly and yawning made him do so as well. Stretching slightly his body satisfyingly popped. It was another good day In the Dungeon. Unlike the first day which was mostly spent on exploring or the second day which was cut in half, today he relentlessly searched for monsters. As a result, he got quite a lot of small cores and even two drop items.
As he walked towards the Guild he recalled the happenings of the morning.
After spending a good hour engrossed in a monster manual he noticed the streets growing brighter. After packing everything he needed he took off towards the Guild.
Why the Guild?
To give some gifts to Eina-san.
He counted on the facts that not only was she there –at that hour- but that it was early enough that she didn't eat yet. His little thanks aren't much, just some sandwich from the best ingredients he could find at home.
"A way to a woman's heart is through her stomach!" As grandpa would say. He hoped grandpa was right.
Turns out, he was!
Well, from her smile he thinks she was happy.
Yawning, he took in the night streets of Orario.
If you asked, he would say he loves the atmosphere. Buzzing with energy, with people going from place to place. Though this is different than what it is in the afternoon. Unlike even a week ago, he could tell that the feeling was different. Instead of the vendors shouting prices, housewives gossiping, hardworking assistants running up and down, or even merchants arriving or leaving, at this time Orario is just as different as in the morning. At this time the main street is packed with tired adventurers, restaurants packing chairs outside that only open at this time, and a drunk group celebrating another hard day with merry songs. Wait, now that he looks he sees no less than three groups of five swaying left and right and holding onto each other. Whether preventing them from falling, losing each other, or even just for giggles he can't tell.
Truly, Orario is a beautiful city.
The Sleepless Guardian indeed.
Chuckling under his breath he watched as another group fell into a heap of laughter. They are familiar with each other, he can tell.
'Are they from the same Familia?' He blinked at that thought, previously not even considering it before. As he walked he watched peoples' behaviors', how there is scarcely any adventurer alone. How these pairs and groups have a certain… wall around them. Paper-thin and not riddled with spikes they may be, but walls nonetheless. Now that he looks deeper he can sort of feel the unspoken rule hanging in the air.
'Is this what Familias are like? Protecting each other from everything?' He couldn't help the thought arising in his mind. Nor the subsequent questions of why he isn't with his Familia.
He knows, he knows, that most of them are in the dungeon, testing their boundaries and risking their lives for another day. But there should be a few that didn't go down right? People he could meet. People that he may even make friends with!
Why is he not with them, then? Why is he not exploring the famous Twilight Manor and its secrets? Why is he not training with them so that he may become stronger –less worthless? True, killing monsters is much more efficient for status increase but normal skills are just as important, no?
Why is he living alone, hidden from his own Familia like some blemish?
…
Is he- is it another joke? Another cruel 'prank' from someone to make him believe he is accepted? Just to be cast aside again?!
'No!' His own mind, voice so similar yet so different to the questioning one, screamed, 'Loki-sama wouldn't do that! Loki-sama took us in, gave us a home, helped us!'
So then why does he live in a place most of the Familia doesn't even know?
Sighing deeply –miserably- he walked faster home. Fortunately, as he was having his… debate he sold everything he got from the Dungeon. Not even the little compliment for making so much as a rookie helped his mind.
He just wants to get back to the place Loki-sama gave him and relax. Take a bath and maybe clean the forge a bit more.
He opened the door and muttered a downtrodden "I'm home," to the empty house. Walking towards the kitchen he prepared some sandwiches for himself.
As he put the finishing touches on his dinner he stopped. A sound caused him to sharpen his ears. He stood still for seconds –not even breathing. Just as he almost wrote it off as a hallucination he heard another sound. Quietly putting down his poor, uneaten, sandwiches he unsheathed his trusty knife. But, instead of moving towards the source, he kneeled behind the counter. Waiting for whoever was idiotic enough to break into the house Loki-sama gave him.
…He also took the sandwiches off the counter. It's better if the burglar doesn't see it.
It's totally not because he is hungry.
He waited, and ate, for a minute before the sound approached and grew louder in volume. Noting that the, surprisingly light, footsteps came from the stairway leading up to the personal rooms, bath, the forge, and just a few other things he hadn't checked out yet.
He inched closer to the edge of the counter to take a look at the burglar. A risky move since the kitchen is almost directly in front of the stairs. Or at least it would be a risky move if he tried to use his eyes to look, instead, he uses the little trick he learned in the dungeon and used his knife's reflection.
In the end, he did neither.
Why?
Because the burglar –'a girl.' He noted dumbly- started humming a song.
Then she started singing.
And oh gods.
He never you could fall in love with a voice.
"~Þat mælti mín móðir, at mér skyldi kaupa.~"
He couldn't understand the language but he didn't care either. The voice was simply too beautiful for him to care.
"~Fley ok fagrar árar.~"
She sounded regal and soulful in ways he never knew voices could do. Calm, yet tribal. Clear, yet filled with emotions he couldn't imagine.
"~Fara á brott með víkingum, fara á brott með víkingum.~"
Beautifully rich like the endless treasury of kings. Peerless treasures would pale in front of this voice.
"~Standa upp í stafni, stýra dýrum knerri.~"
Hypnotized as he was, he almost jumped when more voices joined the first. After a moment of panic, he realized that the voices were the same as the first, just different pitched. No, wait- not only different pitched but also with different levels of passion. He can't understand the lyrics, but he can feel the meaning.
"~Halda svá til hafnar.~"
'Wait,' a moment of clearness descended on his mind, 'I know this voi-'
"Höggva mann-"
"LOKI-SAMA?!"
"HOLY, FUCK!"
Jumping out of his cover might not have been his proudest moment.
If the 'I just had a heart attack' expression on Lok-sama's face is anything to go by then she agreed.
"Wha- Rabbit?! The hell you hiding for!"
"I thought you were a robber!"
"And you decided to scare me to death?!"
"I'm so so-" He couldn't finish his half-shouted sentence due to Loki-sama chopping his head upside-down.
"What were you thinkin'!" Her enraged shout resounded in the ear she caught making him wince. She started dragging him by the ear towards the sofas, all the while scolding him for scaring her halfway to Heaven.
Two high-level scoldings in two days. That must be a record.
Still, he doesn't fancy de-earing by the hands of his goddess so he needs a way to distract her. In fact, he already has the perfect idea!
"I- ouch!- didn't know you can sing Loki-sama!" And just like that the crushing pressure ceased and allowed him to caress his poor, poor ear.
"Of course you didn't," he could practically hear the eye roll as she plopped down on the sofa in front of him, "it's not like we knew each other for years." She indicated for him to sit down, which he did, "Though please don't tell others about it, aigh't?" If he didn't know better he'd have sworn she blushed slightly. Must be the light.
"I won't tell anyone, Loki-sama! I swear on my name!" Anything just to avoid another scolding!
She waved her hand dismissively, "don't be so stiff that even a spear looks curly. Just don't run up and down the main road naked while screaming that I can sing and we'll be fine."
That's a horrifying image.
"Now," she leaned forward, like a Queen curious about her newest servant, "some little birds chirped about a certain War Shadow variant you run into. Care to explain what part of 'Don't be an idiot' was unclear?" Her smile, until now mischievous, turned into something that could give Eina-san a run for her money.
'I'm still getting scolded!'
Admittedly when she first heard about her youngest running into a variant War Shadow she started preparing a casket. But can you blame her? A wet-behind-the-ears adventurer encountering a War Shadow –a newbie killer? Not only that, but he was also a variant, ergo certain death.
Then she received a report from his advisor –Eina if she remembers correctly- that not only is he alive, but also killed the bastard dead. Oh, and also without losing any limbs or other important parts.
That would have been enough for a heartfelt "What the fuck?"
But then she got to the part of the report where he just straight up walked back to the Guild with a mangled back –and high as fuck on pain if she reads between the lines- to report an already dead variant?
What the fuck?
Not even three days in her Familia and he is already giving everyone –even her- grey hair.
'Fuck, I'm so proud!'
Deciding to go back to the Tricksters' Hideout to see if he is still kicking was easy. But slipping past the increased guards –both to keep everyone out and her in- was slightly difficult. But she is the Goddess of mischief, not even changing their rotations randomly could stop her!
'No matter how you try you won't stop me, Riveria-chan!'
Still, she ought to reward her for coming up with something so clever! Why, she already has an idea.
Hehhehhe. She won't see it coming.
Anyway, so she decided to pay a visit to the Hideout. She knows she said she'd come every seven days to update his status, but this is a bit special occasion since he did what most would consider insane -and others impossible. Plus, it would be nice to check if that one fight gained him enough high-quality excelia to level him up once he gets enough low-quality excelia. Who knows, he might even become the Record Holder.
Not like she would let him.
No, she knows how to read people. Unlike others, this brush with death won't stop him. Hell, it might even push him to be stronger. No, if she is right then it's better if she lets him reach his limits before leveling him up. Her Familia is strong enough to go without weak level up, planning for the future is how they became the dominating presence they are today. Even if some idiots say that Freya's is better 'cause she has a level 7.
'Pah, the slut might have quality but I have that and quantity!'
But it'd be hard if she suffers a heart attack, courtesy of one certain Rabbit.
"So let me get this straight, instead of running away you decided that your best course of action would be to fucking deck the bastard?" This much exasperation hadn't been in her since Ais decided to fight an Infant Dragon alone to level up.
"Uh- well- I- I- it blocked the entrance!" He is grasping at the last straws now to avoid getting punished. Not like a punishment is in order. The fight was a good wake-up call, plus he did everything according to the book. He couldn't run so he fought. In the end, he even reported back to the Guild.
But making him sweat is far too amusing.
"Uh-huh, and shouting for help is for the weak?" Yes, it is actually.
"But it was my fight!" The indignation in his voice was similar to when someone stole her beer.
Sighing deeply, she leaned back before springing back up and walking towards the kitchen. She perused through the wines she bought before settling on one that is slightly special, though not enough for anything important. On the way back she also grabbed two wine glasses.
She poured for the both of them before sitting down, "Drink up Rabbit! You brushed with death today! This calls for a celebration!" She ignored the confused mutter of "But it was yesterday?". She needs to keep her flair, when it happened is just a minor detail, "You are half a man now!" The wine in the glass came dangerously close to spilling during her toast
"Why only a half?" He muttered under his breath even as the glasses' clinked nicely. Wasting not even a second she down the wine in one swing.
"Pah! That hits the spot!" Not her usual quality but sometimes it's nice to drink something more normal if only to remind her how much better Soma's wine tastes. Peering over her cup she noticed him only looking and playing with the wine, lost in his world. Blasphemy! Wine is there to drink, not to watch! "What's up Rabbit? Don't tell me you never drank any?"
"Huh?" He looked confused for a second before processing her question, "Oh! I- uh- well- I mean- so what was your day like, Loki-sama? Let me pour you another cup." Gosh, he can't even change the subject without blushing! Oh well, she'll let him have this one.
She wanted to complain anyway.
"Ugh! Don't even get me started. Do you know how much feckin' paperwork I have?"
And just like that hours went by, her slowly and comfortably draining the bottle while Rabbit tried out his own glass before quietly sipping it away. It was a surprisingly nice atmosphere. With her complaining just about everything she could and him listening, even commenting after going halfway through his cup. She was genuinely astonished at how comfortable she was with someone she only met three days ago. Don't get her wrong, she regularly makes drinking buddies but that's that and this is this.
It's… nice, relaxing even. Or that might just be the wine.
"…and that bastard tried to swindle me out of my money! That absolute bastard!"
"Err, didn't you do that to him first, Loki-sama?"
"Yeah, but he didn't know! Scamming me was just him being a bastard. Heh, it was actually a pretty good plan. Shame I'm awesome though." She laughed high into the air while his chuckles followed along.
"I still say it's your fault Loki-sama." Sometime after finishing his glass he has gotten cheeky enough to smirk at her. But it's fine 'cause his hiccups are adorable.
"Hell. Nah! His fault, him and his prices! Honestly, a simple repair costs ten million? Does that bastard Goibniu not know I keep him in business?!"
"Really? It costs that much?" She glance at him, blinking at how interested he sounded, before nodding.
"Yeah, high-class weapons cost a lot. Even more if they need to be constantly repaired."
"Ohhhh. That-" Aww, a hiccup, "that sucks."
"It really does! Man, what I wouldn't do to get my hands on Sindri or his brothers." She sighed and lay down on the sofa. Huh, now that she focuses on it the couch has a wonderful scent. Turning inwards of the couch she took a deep sniff before relaxing. And the sofa is so soft too.
So soft that she could even sleep here.
She is a bit sleepy too. No wonder, actually working tires her out.
It was with that last thought that her breathing slowly evened out.
'Something smells delicious.'
It was with a heavy heart –and head- that she was roused from her warm sleep. For a few moments, she simply lay wherever she lay, debating to pros and cons of waking up. In the end, the decision was made by the combined efforts of her empty stomach and horrible-tasting mouth.
Rising from her impromptu bed –'the sofa' she unconsciously noted- and, without bothering to open her eyes, she followed the mouth-watering scent. Though she hesitated a moment, vacillating between losing her blanket or wrapping it around herself. She couldn't, in good conscience, leave it thrown around the room. So, like the good person she is, she wrapped herself up.
The old wood creaked under bare feet, obstacles evaded expertly and blindly. Soon, she arrived at the kitchen and slightly opened her eyes to find a mop of white making something on a pan.
"Good morning Loki-sama." She slightly jumped when it called out to her, "Breakfast is ready soon. There is a glass of water on the table, according to Grandpa it helps with hangovers." It –he?- said without bothering to turn around.
Nevertheless, she quickly found the glass of water on the small table of two beside the large table made for feasts. She sat down and, reluctantly, reached out with her hand hidden deep in the warmth of the blanket. As she quietly sipped away at the heavenly-tasting liquid her mind started working. The report of the War Shadow, her being bored –concerned- and visiting her youngest, the scolding and subsequent drinking that stretched into the late night –or is it early morning?
"…Rabbit?" Her throat creaked slightly and softly.
An exasperated sigh, "Yes Loki-sama?"
"…You can cook?" Not her best moment, she admits, but her mind isn't exactly working to its usual capacity.
He chuckled lightly, fitting for the morning atmosphere, "I can. Grandpa taught me the moment I could hold a frying pan. Good too, he wasn't exactly… the best cook in the village. Never realized it until I tasted one of the grandmother's cooking." Deep nostalgia settled in his voice and, though she couldn't see, in his eyes. She didn't pry. Jokester she is, but scum she is not.
Even if some from her pantheon would say otherwise.
"Would you like some fried eggs, Loki-sama?" Glad to move away from such a topic she nodded. It took a moment of silence to realize that he couldn't see her. Quickly voicing a "Yes," she put down the glass and retreated back into her blanket. Still, she couldn't help but stare curiously at the ever-moving Bell.
'Something changed.' She couldn't tell what, but she knows something did. He seems… more relaxed, less wary. She hadn't noticed it before but now remembering the 'Before' and looking at the 'After' she can tell that something has changed. For the better too.
Before long he finished preparing the breakfast and turned around-
"Pfff-" He almost managed to hold in the snort.
"What?" Her head tilted unconsciously in confusion.
"N- pff- nothing Loki-sama. I just like your new fashion sense." He smiled and put down the two plates before sitting down.
Looking down she realized that her whole body is still wrapped in her warm blanket. After a moment of thought, her usual smirk returned, 'Is that how it is? Laughing at your own Goddess? This calls for punishment.' Her eyes flashed with unholy light.
"Ho? Is that so?" She leaned over the table, careful of the food and drinks, and looked deep into his eyes, "Then, tell me, what is it that you like the most?" She positioned the blanket in a way that would be less adorable and more seducing, just hinting at what might lay beneath even if both of them know that she has clothes underneath. The effect was instantaneous, blushing to the tip of his ears his smile fell, and started stuttering. Job well done, she leaned back on her chair and took a bite out of her eggs.
Her eyes widened at the taste, 'This- This isn't horribly bad!' Okay, she might've been expecting the worst but can you blame her? Whenever someone close to her cooked her something it was either bland –Riveria- or just straight up something the buffoon Thor would've cooked –Tiona. Otherwise known as poison strong enough to burn through her skin.
In contrast, Bell's cooking is actually pretty good. Nothing like the cooks back home but certainly has that 'Home-cooked meal' feeling.
As they ate, a comfortable silence descended on them. Both just enjoying the meal and the morning atmosphere. In the end a few minutes after they finished Bell broke the silence.
"Loki-sama? What was the song you sang yesterday?
"Hmm? Ah, that old thing? Just a little song my worshippers used to sing on the battlefield."
"Worshippers? Not children?" His head tilted curiously like a rabbit.
"I guess you could call them that, but not like how it is today. It was sung before we descended, back when wars happened yearly. Back then, when the battle lulled and the people scattered on the battlefield, it was sung for hope. Telling everyone, brothers and enemies alike, that 'I am still here, the battle is not lost!' " as lost in memories as she was, she didn't notice the awed gleam entering Bell's eyes, "Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe it, you know. To hear one start and others join one by one, to see their face turn from resolute despair to hope." She sighed wistfully, "It gave them strength. Strength like no other, strength to fight until victory fills their very soul." Chuckling, she looked at the starry-eyed Bell, "Oh-so-many battles won just because of a song. Can you believe it? They went above and beyond what should've been possible just because one of them was strong enough."
Neither said anything, herself lost in the glorious days and him imagining it.
Neither knew, but at that moment something clicked into place.
The last push achieved to awaken something that was always a part of Bell Cranel.
Warmth filled his back, the symbol of him being accepted as he is grinning wider.
The many writings and hieroglyphs changed, joining and rewriting until something new came to be. Naming and amplifying what was already a part of him.
"Could you teach me?" His voice snapped her out of her reverie.
"Hm?"
"Could you teach it to me? The song."
She blinked in bewilderment before chuckling that later turned into full-blown laughter. Just before Bell could voice his indignation she answered, "Sure Rabbit, why not? But first," she smirked and pointed at him, "it's time I update your status."
"Eh? But I thought you would do that only once a week."
Her eyes rolled so hard he worried they would fall out, "yeah, I thought I'd be a good sport and let you gain a few points but you go ahead and fuck up a War Shadow so bad it drops you a finger. Now, c'mon I don't have all day. Chop chop!"
He hastily, and clumsily, took off his shirt and lay down on the sofa. Just like a few days ago, she took her place on his butt and sat cross-legged. As she cut her finger and dropped it on his back she spoke, "I know that you newbies think that you can get to level two in like a week, but don't get your hopes up. It'd be pretty good if you got like twenty points in everything, and that's counting…the…War… Shadow?" Her teasing voice tapered into confused awe as she got a glimpse of his status.
Bell Cranel
Human
Lvl 1
Strength: I-0 I-17
Endurance: I-0 I-25
Dexterity: I-0I-34
Agility: I-0 I-32
Magic: I-0 I-0
'Wha- what in Odin's beard. Does he live in the Dungeon or…' Her already bewildered thoughts just straight up stopped when she glanced at the next section.
Skills:
[Liaris Freese]
Fast growth as long as the user doesn't give up.
The strength of the effect is equal to the user's will.
…
…
"Huh."
That's a wrap!
Okay, so, this chapter fought me hard. I couldn't decide whether to give Bell Liaris Freese now or later but, then I couldn't decide how to give it to him, then I needed to write it. All in all I'm very sorry for the week-long delay!
Speaking of the game breaker skill, by tweaking the skill (but still keeping) it I wanted to show that Bell is still Bell, just changed a bit. I wanted to keep his Greek Mythology heritage but with a bit of Norse values, thus making this skill.
Also, the large growth of Bell even pre-Liaris is somewhat canon. Even before he got the skill he got a lot of points. So combine that with him fighting everything that comes his way, spending every waking moment in the dungeon, his determination, and fighting with no stats to speak of (thus explosively gaining more points since everything is stronger than him), and let's not forget the whole thing with the War shadow, made him gain far more points than he should've. Not abnormally so, but still above what Loki expected. But now with the Most Broken Skill Of The Series he will grow fast, faster than even canon-Bell.
I should address the Loki Familia, but I think I'll leave that up to the future chapters ;-)
A lot of you been giving me ideas for skills or just generally where I want to take the story. Some of you even got real close to guessing what will happen. Safe to say that I'm real pumped up about it!
Also, this fic has been getting far more attention than I thought it would, ya'll are making me warm and fuzzy!
Also, just like how I asked for skill ideas, I would also like to ask for scene ideas, and if you were even interested in it? I'm an uncreative bastard who has no idea how to write so instead I just ask ya'll. If you have any little idea –omake, shortstory, fluffy moments, these kinda stuffs- to write. These little things would either be at the end of the chapter or woven in between plot moments.
Speaking of which, how did you like the song? Please tell me your opinion since it might or might not be an important thing in the fic depending on the reception. I really want to add my idea, but I'm not sure if people would like it.
Anyway, in the immortal words of Atlas and NeonZangetsu.
Review, would you kindly?
(seriously, your comments give me life.)