Disclaimer! Listen to "Danmachi Season 3 Episode 8 Insert Song | Mayuiro - sajou no hana" it makes me fucking cry.

Also, if you recognize it then it ain't mine.

A streak of light flashed through the air, slicing a spine in half with no resistance. The blur holding the light doesn't stop and uses its momentum to land on another's face and slice the light across its eyes. The screaming monster is silenced when its attacker uses it as a jumping board and knocks its skull into the hard wall behind it.

Where the blur was moments before, three light gashes on the floor appear. Courtesy of an enraged Kobold.

Finding purchase on the ground the blur dashes at the Kobold. Moments before the blur reaches the monster the light seem to switch hands, bypassing the shoddy defense put up by the Kobold. Moments later it turns into dust.

Sharp ruby eyes scan the room, looking for any enemy to come forth. He sways and almost slumps down on the floor before remembering the accident with the War Shadow. Still, it's a battle well won so he walks to the corner of the small room and leans on the wall to catch his breath.

Every battle must be rewarded, so taking a break is his reward. One of them at least, the rest will be cashed in later. Even as he starts to regain control of his panting a smile worms its way onto his face. He lost count of how many monsters he killed today but it must be a lot considering how heavy his bag is. But then again, he has been in the Dungeon for a long time now. How could he not be, after being forced to stay at home by a forceful Goddess. Alas, orders are orders.

His smile widens recalling why exactly he was forced to stay confined for a day.

'Liaris Freese...' the name still causes a little shudder of happiness to travel through him, 'my first skill.' And what a skill it is!

After getting Loki-sama to reboot she became a weird mix of happy, proud, and paranoid. After forcing her to tell him why, exactly, she is like that he couldn't fault her. Especially since he felt the same, minus the paranoid part.

His first skill manifested! He denies squealing like a little girl getting a flower crown but he certainly felt like doing so. But then why was Loki-sama so paranoid?

Apparently because of its description.

…

The next thing he remembers is stinging pain on his cheek and hearing Loki-sama laughing her ass off.

Fainting was not his greatest move.

Anyway, after making sure that Loki-sama didn't die of laughter –don't ask how- she finally explained to him, in no uncertain terms, that he must not, at any cost, tell anyone about his skill without her permission. It's better if others don't even know that he has one, to begin with.

Deflated is the best way to describe him at that moment.

Horrified is the best way to describe him five minutes later after she explained why he needs to do that.

(Neither knew but both misunderstood the other. Loki thought he was horrified because of the very real possibility he might get kidnapped and forced into the services of another deity –one not nearly as amazing as herself.

Instead, he looked behind the words to find a meaning she didn't imply. If other deities came knocking at Loki-sama's door forcefully then Orario would crumble. Either because many Familias would disappear because Loki-sama will never give up on any of her children. Or because by some miracle Loki Familia would lose, not only costing him the family he didn't even meet yet but making Loki-sama despair at losing the family she painstakingly built and loves.)

The many divinities in the city who descended to finally experience change would stop at nothing but their own limits to get him. [Liaris Freese] is no ordinary skill –duh- but a rare skill. Meaning never seen before. Not only that but its described effects, as well as whatever else it might hide, are nothing short of game-breaking according to Loki-sama.

Her exact words were, "What kind of noob cheater are you?! Is hacking the game not enough? Must you also break the servers!?"

…He admittedly has no idea what she was speaking about but got the gist of it.

So, in the end, he was convinced to stay at home for a day –it was glorified grounding but he'll hold his tongue.

So to cement the idea of keeping it secret he got house-arrested.

That meant no Dungeon yesterday.

Blasphemy if you ask him, if he can't go adventuring then how is he supposed to grow stronger? To make Loki-sama, and his Familia, proud?

But at least he got compensation in the form of an entire day spent with Loki-sama. They didn't really go out but he enjoyed it nevertheless. The best part about was that she taught him not only the song he asked for –its name is apparently translated as "My Mother Told Me"- but a few others as well. Plus she also told him stories that made it even more unbearable staying out of the Dungeon but he somehow managed.

She also tried to teach him something called Strip Poker but his instincts warned him against it.

No matter, he is back in the game! Fortune smiled upon him as just an hour after arriving –and testing his new strength- a monster party spawned around him on the 3rd floor. He got so many cores from that that if he was anyone else he might've called it quits for the day. But then could he call himself a proud child of Loki-sama? No, so he pocketed whatever the monsters dropped and went a floor deeper where he stays even now.

As his breathing finally evened out he glanced down at his bulging bag hastened to his hip, 'I need to buy a better one. Maybe a reinforced one, there surely is something like that. Food for thoughts.'

His ears perked up at the sound of distant crackling so familiar by now. Smiling, he walked towards the sound.

"Fall back! Support the front!"

The shout filters in one ear and leaves on the other. In a small part because it doesn't include her, mostly because she is lost in the battle. Heat waft from the ground, rivers surround the dead island filled with lava. The air would burn her throat if she wasn't as tough as she was. Every breath came out visibly as she panted.

Only five minutes since the start of the battle.

Even through the static filling her ears she can hear the familiar chanting to her right. Her body moves before her mind and makes distance with the chanting.

Not a moment too soon.

The searing hot is taken over by burning cold. Light mist descends over the whole island, only stopped by the magma encircling it. What could only be described as the worst blizzard of history condensed around a wicked-looking icicle of epic proportions.

Not even completed, yet still this powerful.

"Vas Windheim." The words aren't shouted, barely above a whisper, yet still carry through the world.

For a moment time freezes.

The next moment the coldest wind she could imagine blasts through her haze. The strongest attack magic hits true, piercing the skin and veins of magma like Desperate pierces Goblins.

Her eyes squeeze shut in preparation.

If the preparations of the magic could be called The Worst Blizzard then the detonation could only be described as a cold hell. As if the world fought whether to burn away or turn into a desolate sea of cold and decided on both.

Half a second later her eyes opened, her body moved faster than her mind again.

Three seconds were bought with that attack.

More than enough.

Her lips moved, barely whispering, "Lil Rafaga."

Wind coalesced around her. Avenger flared deep within her, sensing the upcoming end of the Hunt. Around her multiple blurs, similar yet unlike her, moved in tandem. All of them targeting different weak points of Balor. Hers is whatever remained of the heart after Riveria's attack.

The world held its breath.

Not a blink later and all attacks connected one by one. Knees crushed, arms sliced, head pierced, heart destroyed.

Golden mist momentarily blinded her before using the last vestiges of [Ariel] to blow it away. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for enemies and injuries alike. When she found neither she nodded, a job well done.

She flinched as the previous sounds of battle were replaced by shouting. She looked towards Finn to make sure everything is fine who only smiled and nodded. If anyone knows if something is amiss then it's him or Riveria or Gareth.

She searched the ground for the symbol of their victory when an arm slung itself around her shoulder. Surprised, she glanced at the arm and then at the grinning face of her friend.

"Great job, Ais!" Tiona grinned at her before moving away and gesturing wildly, "You were like 'Whoosh' and 'Bam!' and like 'Lil Rafaga.'! You were cool as hell!" She would have continued if not for her sister karate chopping her, surprising both of them.

"You can celebrate later, Tiona. Now, help me get that oversized core onto the carriage."

Tiona stuck her tongue at her sister who responded like any big sister worth their salt would.

By doing the same.

"Good job, Ais." A heavy hand descended on her head, ruffling her hair, "you kept your calm. I'm proud." With his part said Gareth walked away to help carry the Monster Rex's core.

Since Finn didn't ask her to help out she decided to check up on Riveria. As expected, Lefiya is already by her side and fretting. Her eyebrows furrowed, using her completed magics always leaves Riveria winded. Not exhausted –she knows from experience how enduring Riveria is- but definitely out of breath.

"Riveria?"

"Hm? Ah, Ais." Even heavily breathing she smiled, "what is it? Are you hurt?" Riveria's eyes scanned her body in concern, looking for any injury.

She shook her head even as warmth filled her. Instead tilting her head.

As expected, Riveria instantly understood what she tries to say and her smile returned, "Don't worry Ais. I'm fine, just winded."

She, of course, accepted the explanation. But decided to stay beside Riveria since she doesn't have anything else to do.

"Good job Ais. You kept your cool. I'm proud of you." Similarly to Gareth, Riveria placed a hand on her head and ran it through her hair. Losing herself in the nice feeling she didn't notice Finn walking over to them and talking to Riveria. She only noticed him when Riveria stopped her hand.

"…What do you mean?"

"I mean that my thumb is throbbing something fierce."

"…Should we prepare?" Ais unconsciously straightened herself at Riveria's serious tone.

After a moment of consideration, Finn shook his head, "I don't think we need. I don't think there is a threat any bigger than we'd usually find. I have a feeling this is different."

Unbeknownst to Ais, the two shared a look of mutual understanding and exasperation. Both arriving at the same conclusion.

'Loki-sama is being Loki-sama even more than usual.'

"Oiii!" A distant shout draws their attention. Tiona waved at them and gestured at the loaded carriage. After that Finn and Riveria started walking towards her with Ais and Lefiya following after.

"How long do you think until we reach floor 59?" Ais' ears perked up at the question. She misses eating Jagamarukun.

"Hm, a few days I think. After that two to three weeks until we get back up."

Unseen by either, Ais quietly fist-bumped behind them.

"Good. I left a few of my business unfinished."

"You mean the book you started hours before the expedition?"

"You stay quiet."

'Hostess… Hostess… Aha! Hostess of Fertility!'

Stepping inside the pub a wild variety of sensations assaulted him. Ranging from the smell of alcohol wafting through the air to the mouthwatering smell that reminds him of the cooking of grandmas back in the village. From the corner of his eye, he can see a large group of adventurers of all races huddling around a table of cards.

Music dances in the air gleefully and lively, inviting all who may be brave enough to venture this deep.

"Welcome nya~" A sweet voice snaps him out of his awe.

Standing before him –how had he not noticed her before he'll never know- was a waitress. One of the Cat People, black hair –and tail, and ears- with kind emerald eyes of a similar shade to Eina-san's. She wears what seems to be the uniform of the staff.

…Whoever designed it needs a raise.

'Is this why you talked so much about girls in uniform, Grandpa? I get it now.'

"Ah- hello. Coul- can I take a seat anywhere?" Arghhhh! Why did he need to ask that!? And did he stutter too?! Ahhhhh! He is an embarrassment to his Grandpa!

Fortunately, the girl seemed to take his question as a joke thus she giggled, "Yes, of course, customer-san. Though if you are going to eat," to his eternal mortification his stomach rumbled as if to say 'I sure as hell will eat!' causing her to giggle again, "I'd suggest sitting close to Mama Mia." With that her ears perked up –'Adorable'- and shouted "A second!" before quickly shooting him a smile and walking towards her caller.

Taking her up on her words he quickly walked –and evaded those that aren't exactly sober- to the closest he could to whom he assumed to be Mama Mia. Not even a second after sitting down a menu was slid to him by another Cat Person –this time with chestnut hair and eyes and a mischievous smile.

Sending back a smile that tried to hide his anxiousness he opened the menu.

He doesn't know what he expected from the place Loki-sama recommended but something that he can actually afford without breaking in half was not very high on the list. Yet, here he is, reading a menu filled with things he never even heard about but makes his mouth water nevertheless. Minutes went by with him simply reading the foods. Something appeared in his peripherals causing him to look up.

In front of him stood what he only heard of in legends sung –that's a strong word- by his Grandpa. The existence staple to almost all heroes, an unattainable existence to all who desire it. Yet, rejected by those who have it.

One of the greatest creations according to Grandpa.

The Childhood Friend!

Or at least someone that looks like she is someone's childhood friend.

"May I take your orders, sir?" With bluish silver hair and eyes and wearing the uniform, she easily fits into the, so far, colorful collection of staff.

"Huh- ah yes! Uh, I would like some roasted chicken with mustard and rice, please. With some fruit juice if you could."

"Right away, sir!" With that said she smiled at him and left.

Left with nothing to do, he awkwardly tried to look around. Though before he could a shout drew his attention from the table with cards. Along with… galloping?

"LEEEEEEEEEEERROOOOOOYYY JEEEEEEEENKIIIIINSSSSSS!"

The entire table exploded with activity. Some screaming to high heavens, others despairing like they just arrived in hell. Mini fireworks flew from the table until they reached eye level and harmlessly exploded. While the two players that he could see –a roguish pallum and a burly dwarf- laughed like there is no tomorrow.

'What are they even doing?' The thought filtered in his mind as two of the more volatile –and drunk- dwarves got into a fight. Before he could do anything an elven lady with blond hair and the same uniform as the other waitresses came forward to gently kick them out.

"Here it is, sir."

He jumped high enough on the chair to hit that painfully sweet spot on his knee. The cute waitress didn't seem to expect him to cripple himself and took a quick step back.

"Are you okay, sir?" The concern is appreciated but he'd rather bury himself in a burning furnace.

"Yhes." He tried not to wheeze like his kneecap wants to leave his body, "Thank you very much."

"Not a problem, sir!" With that cheery note, she placed the wooden plate filled with piping hot food and a cup of fruit juice. He quickly paid for it –with some tip so he doesn't feel bad for scaring her.

"Thank you so much, sir!" His reward for the tip was a blinding smile before she left to serve another customer.

As he took a bite he forced down the urge to moan in ecstasy, he never ate something this good. Other customers seemed to notice his reaction as they nodded in agreement. There is a reason why this place has so many regulars.

And it's not just the pretty girls, though they help.

While eating his eyes roamed the room. The cards table looks just as lively as minutes before, seems like they began a new game. On the other side of the room, there seemed to be an extra-large table that couldn't hope to hold the number of people sitting around it. A Familia perhaps? Some people stumbled up the staircase looking drunk enough to believe they are in another world. Others seemed to be like him, watching others and enjoying the music.

'Speaking of the music, where does it….Aha!' In the corner sits many people of different races with just as many kinds of instruments. From guitars to flutes, drums, and harps. Even a bagpipe peaked through the crowd. They took it upon themselves to set some theme for the pub, or maybe they just play the unheard music filling the place?

Either way, no one disagrees with them.

As he took his last sip of the orange juice his eyes drew to the table with cards. Another round of fireworks sounded coupled with another round of groans and cheering.

'I wonder what they are playing.'

Without meaning to, his feet took him towards the table. As he neared he didn't notice the pitying looks sent his way by other patrons. All thinking the same.

'Poor kid.'

Utterly chaotic is the best way to describe whatever is happening on the table, much less around it. Cards with images –'Are- are they moving?'- set up like two sides of a battlefield. The two players, ruling over the sides like kings, hold five and three cards respectively. Two decks lay close and to the side from where they draw every start of the turn -or sometimes during the turn. Sometimes one of the players puts down a card on the table, and sometimes they use the card as… spells? That's the best way he can describe it.

But you know what is more surprising.

'The cards are alive.' He doesn't know what he should feel, awe or confusion?

Regardless of his thoughts, the crowd roared when another card –golden with a moving image of a dragon and an orange gem below it- was put down on the table. To his amazement, the previously empty side was filled with equally moving dragons- no wait, whelps.

Judging by the despair on the opponent's face he just lost.

Looking around the still cheering crowd he noticed Valis exchanging hands between either grinning or disgruntled people.

'What an interesting game. I wonder if I could play it.'

In a certain Goddess' office, filled with mountains of paperwork she's been ignoring only for a day, the owner of said office felt a chill run down her spine. Shooting up from her desk, where she definitely wasn't sleeping, she looked around the office. Wiping the drool from her face she looked out of the window.

'Why do I feel proud?'

After a moment of deliberation, she nodded her head.

'I should visit Rabbit. Just in case.'

Definitely not because there is no one to scold her for not doing the paperwork.

Nuh-uh.

'But before that,' her head hit the table, 'let's sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.~'

'Argh, my head.' He tried to open his eyes only to get assaulted, degraded, used, and thrown away by the life-giving light, 'ABORT MISSION, ABORT MISSION!'

'Ugh, stop being so loud!'

'Where am I?'

'Why does my mouth taste so bad?'

…

'Also did I talk to myself?'

…

'Nah.'

But really, where is he?

Slowly, very slowly, he pried open his eyes. Ignoring the thumping just behind his eyes he looked around.

'Okay, I'm home. That's good at least.'

He even knows where in the house he is!

In the living room.

On the floor.

Centimeters away from the couch. The same couch where his legs are.

Specifically, everything above his hips is on the floor while his legs are propped up on the sofa.

He groaned and messaged his temples, 'What happened?'

And just like that, like enlightenment, memories of the last night –'or is it still the same day?'- rush into his mind so quickly that it physically hurts him.

He had gone into the Hostess of Fertility after a long day of Dungeoneering since Loki-sama said that the place is good. He stepped in, brought shame to his entire Familia at least five times in just as many minutes, ate, drank, and then checked out the Cards Table. And yes, as he later learned that is its actual name. This part is still clear.

Somehow, someway, he ended up being manhandled into a round of games after watching a few of them. Speaking of the game, he later learned it's called Hearthstone. Good to know.

The memories get fuzzy after the third round of winning. People pushed more and more beer into his hands with every round won.

'Idiots, what were they thinking?'

After the tenth victory, someone suggested that the players should bet something. Drunk-Him thought it was a brilliant idea so he brought out that day's rewards- a whopping 12,620 Valis.

And bet all of it.

His headache intensified with the myriad of courses he inflicted on himself.

But, if his memory is correct, then not only did his opponent bet too, to not look like a wussy, but he bet a Legendary Golden Card –Golden means that the artwork moves. At that point, he had enough knowledge of the game to determine not only its worth but also that betting Onyxia is worth quite a bit more than his budget.

Sucks for the other guy –'or was he a she?'- since he didn't realize it, so drunk was he.

And what did he do? What did Bell Cranel, youngest child of the Loki Familia, secret of Loki, and freeloader of the Tricksters' Hideout do?

He won.

He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Should he expect a buff, and scary man riddled with scars to break down his front door?

Either way, now he has a Golden Onyxia in his collection.

…Collection that only grew from then on out.

After that, he only remains constantly winning. Constantly betting what he won earlier only to double it.

Should he- should he return his winnings?

After a moment of thinking he decided that 'No, I won them fair and square.' And if he squints his eyes –bad idea, his head hurts- and tilted his head –worse idea- then the game could be considered a battle. And every battle has a reward.

…

Absolutely not because those cards look cool as hell. Yeah, no, that's not the kind of person Grandpa taught him to be.

Uh-uh, absolutely.

Anyway, the taste in his mouth won't go away by simply lying there. He gathered every bit of courage and consciousness left in his body and stood up-

'BAD IDEA!'

Vertigo hit him like a War Shadow. Taking a moment to contemplate the meaning of life –and stop himself from barfing- sounds like the best idea he ever had. After he swore himself off alcohol for the rest of his life he walked towards the kitchen for a cup of water. After drinking it he managed to gain back enough mental faculties to open his eyes for more than a second, thus gaining the ability to look at his living room.

What greeted him was a crime scene.

Many different things, that he has no ability to process yet, thrown around haphazardly, the couches moved from where they were previously, some broken cups, and no less than a mountain of Valis peeking from a bag on the table.

'I'll never drink again.'

Ultimately, there is one thing above all that heroes share. No matter if the hero is royalty or beggar, warrior or healer, adventurer or researcher. The start of every journey, and sometimes its end as well. Where they begin, they end.

Is it empathy? To be a hero is to help others after all, no?

Is it perhaps strength? One needs to be as strong as one can be to protect others after all, no?

Talent?

Drive?

A cool-ass weapon?

No!

What every hero shares is their curiosity!

At least that's what Bell Cranel tells himself as he glares at his ill-gotten gains.

…That makes him sound like a criminal.

He has delayed long enough. He cleaned, bathed, ate, and drank –water!

There is nothing else but to confront the glaring pile of winnings he somehow managed to gain.

He knows he shouldn't, these aren't his. Grandpa raised him with morals. He needs to keep his hands to himself.

Why? You won them fair and square.

'Still, they were drunk.'

So you say you weren't?

'That's different.'

How so?

'…it just is. It's not right to take what isn't mine.'

Tell that to the knife you trash-dived for.

'Exactly. It was in the trash so it wasn't anyone's.'

Whatever helps you sleep at night. Either way, we won them. The game was a battle, you said so yourself, and every battle begets rewards. What if there is something that could help Loki-sama?

'What if there isn't?'

What if there is?

'…You make a good argument.'

His hands were already wrapped around an unopened leather-bound deck of cards quickly opened it. Five simple cards greeted him. All of them are common besides the one guaranteed rare card. Surprisingly, he recognizes all of them.

That's how the two hours went by. Looking through whatever he won. The first pile, and most numerous beside Mountain of Valis that he isn't looking at for fear of fainting, are the things relating to Hearthstone. These come in two varieties. Either unopened packs that were mostly thrown in to round out the bets, or important cards ranging from game breakers to iconic ones. Needless to say, the last category was mostly made by the kind of cards that has moving images. He even managed to get the card that shouts "Leeroy Jenkins" in a dramatic voice! All in all, even without the packs there are more than enough cards to make a ragtag deck of thirty. Out of the two hours around a quarter of it went to make a deck. Hey, he knows that too much betting isn't good but the game is fun by itself!

Maybe he could play with his Familia? 'That would be nice.'

The next pile was mostly just monster drops from a hard day in the Dungeon. Nothing really spectacular, though he did see a few that he hadn't before so that's nice.

The third pile was adventuring gear. Apparently, a lot of people have what they call backup equipment. Though, as he learned, that is just a nice way to say 'Things I can gamble if I need to'. Knives, daggers, a few belts –he doesn't want to know how he got those- a used sword, some rather nice bags that he will use from now on, and other miscellaneous things. Only two low-level potions though. A shame but he is still happy.

The fourth pile is the Valis which he has no patience to count right now. But from a quick count, he would go ahead and use a phrase that Loki-sama did.

"A fuckbajillion."

And all that left the last pile. The strangest of all. To call it a pile is a gross overstatement.

It's just a book.

Olive green cover. Darker accents decorate it as if it was carved wood. Beautiful patterns of blooming flowers and crowns of thorn adore its entirety. The front and back would indistinguishable from each other if not for the title written over the artwork. He can't read it, must be some foreign language. Makes sense since Orario is a cooking pot of many different people and just as many cultures. While Orario has its own language that doesn't mean others will stop using their own. The book is around two fingers thick and as tall as his forearm. It's new to boot, the pages look pristine and he can't see any scratches on it.

But why would someone bet a book?

Better yet, why would he accept the bet?

From what he remembers of himself last night he definitely wouldn't have accepted playing just for a book. Ahhhh! It embarrasses him to just think about what kind of person he was last night! He doesn't even remember the game that won him this!

But now he is curious and there is no stopping him when he is like that, according to Grandpa at least.

Besides, a quick peek won't hurt, right?

Of course not, the cat may die but curiosity brings it back.

Opening the book he read the first sentence out, "There are two types magic-"

He is in the living room. It feels…

Wrong.

Voices whisper questions in his ear.

What are you interested in?

What do you accept? What do you hate?

Desire? Mourn?

Worship? Or vow?

What do you truly long for?

To me, Magic is?

"Hope. The ability to inspire hope in the darkest moments. To me, the most Magical thing that happened is Loki-sama's helping hand."

How does Magic feel like?

"Burning from the inside. The sore throat after screaming victoriously. The shaking hands that created Victory. The Pain pounding away at my body numbing until only Victory remains. The moment I realize everything led up to this. The drums of war sounding in my ear."

What do I seek from Magic?

"Acceptance. I don't want to be alone anymore. I want to catch up to the Treasure of the one who accepted me. I want others to hear me, I want others to place their Hope in me."

Is that all?

"…If possible," childish glee colored the words, "I want to be a hero. The same heroes Grandpa told me about. Someone that he would be proud of."

But that's not all, is it?

"No, like the Heroes before the ones in Grandpa's tales. The ones She told me about. I want to be spoken of by Her like them."

How…Childish.

"I know, but-"

"Isn't that what we are?"

"You should've died that day, ya know."

He choked on his food, 'Why did you have to save that until I took a bite?'

Unheeding, or more like uncaring, of his throat's attempt to choke him she continued, "I mean, it's complete bullshit that you survived. You fought against what was basically a War Shadow on steroids alone. You only had the Guild's knife, and it's not like you had any armor either. Much less any skills or Skills. And didn't you get injured too?" He nodded, "Plus you didn't just beat the fucker but also walked back up, which means you went through other monsters too, to report an already dead War Shadow variant. So, like, you're bullshit." With her piece said she took another bite out of some ancient food whose name he can't pronounce.

"…Thanks?" For really, what can he say? It's not like she is insulting him. And he's kinda proud that The Goddess of Mischief called his actions "Bullshit".

Is It Wrong To Be Proud of That?

Wait, wasn't there something he wanted to talk about-

"Oh!" He jumped out of his chair, garnering an eyebrow raise from Loki-sama, "I wanted to ask you something."

After a minute of rummaging around his winnings –which he is not mentally stable enough to explain- he came back with the Weird Book. It got that name since the words –which he can remember very well- completely disappeared from its pages. Thus making a book without any words beside on the front. Which is still illegible to him.

"So I wanted to ask if you know what this book is." He passed it to her over the table, "I started reading it since it was about magic but I fell asleep and had a weird dream about it. When I woke up the words just disappeared so I'm kinda confused…?" His rambling tapered off when he looked at Loki-sama's face. Emotions filtered through it rapidly before setting on the 'I want to teat my hair out' kind of astonishment mixed with 'I know I shouldn't laugh at this but I am anyway' reluctant amusement.

"…Loki-sama?"

"Bullshit," She sounded like she arrived at some great conclusion, "I call Bullshit."

[Omake: The Adventures of a Drunk Almiraj.]

'How had it come to this?' She never felt so much terror in her life.

It started out as usual. The 'frontline' set up and ready, support just behind them.

In front of her lay a wasteland.

Bodies –dead or alive, she knows not- strewn across the ground.

She can smell it in the air, poison. Some call it alcohol.

The night started out just as usual. The battlefield primed to perfection, paths made to deliver the blows against the hordes.

What hordes, you may ask.

Adventurers.

The tavern soon filled with people, music, laughter, and just general merriment. The music, just like always, draw even more people in until they were full.

The problem started at the Table of Cards.

Just like usual.

The table, as its name implies, is mostly used by two to four people playing whatever deck of cards is popular at the moment.

And gambling on it.

There have been many attempts both by the people outside and inside to introduce new games to Orario.

Boredom is an unexpected enemy in the Dungeon.

Either way, a few hours went by without accidents. The occasional drunk fight doesn't even register on her radar anymore as an accident, more like a part of life. And no one is brave enough to leave without paying.

Mama Mia will find you.

And then he came.

Like the evil twin of Uranos, he descended. He was easy to spot with his snow-white hair.

It started simply. Being drawn into a few games and then leaving with no money is not a new thing. You win some then lose everything. Such is life.

The problem was that he didn't lose.

One thing led to another and now she is here, staring at the devastation wrought.

A body groaned near her causing her to jump.

By one simple boy.

She can still hear that accursed song sung by the boy and his group of drinking friends.

Like a taunting laugh in the air, knowing that whatever may happen to him matters not for he completed his missing.

"~When she sings, she sings "come home"~"

And That's a wrap people!

Phew, lotta things happened today huh?

Okay, first, let's address an issue I can smell a mile from here. Am I making Bell OP? I don't think I'm doing so but you guys might feel like so. To those people that do, don't worry! At this point Bell barely started his journey so it is expected that he grows and gains abilities fast. This arc (Prologue arc, Lvl 1 arc call it as you will) is mostly grounding for what my come in the future. There are two other skills (one developmental, one normal) that he will get soon but neither have any direct combat application. So no steamrolling Floor 59 Juggernauts for now. (Though with Liaris Freese and some time….)

Next question! From me to you, the readers. Is the pacing okay? I feel like I'm going on a decent pace but how do ya'll feel? Too slow, Too fast? I don't know if I can write slower but I can try. But writing fast shouldn't be a problem.

The Loki Familia is going strong down in the Dungeon. I wonder what'll happen when they get back up. ;)

By the way they were fighting Monster Rex Balor for anyone curious. They are currently around Floor 50, soon reaching their destination.

Also, how many of you play(ed) Hearthstone? I just stumble on a very good cover of its main theme and got hit by Nostalgia™ (The cover is from Alina Gingertail, check her out 'cause she makes banger covers). I decided to incorporate it into the World of Danmachi for what is a fantasy world without fantasy games? How did you like it?

What do I spy? Some magic? From a Grimoire no less? I wonder where he got it from?

About the Omake. I decided to make a little collection of semi-canon stories about Drunk Bell. How'd you like it? Would you like some more?

Just to clear up some confusion, Bell and Loki are not in love yet. Neither even have a crush on the other.

For Bell, Loki is someone that he sees as a savior, someone that accepted him when no other would.

For Loki, Bell is someone that reminds her of a young Finn. Someone that'll bring change and glory to her Familia. Someone that will cause some much needed chaos in Orario.

Also, I don't support underage drinking nor gambling! This is a fantasy story, please treat it as such.

I got a lot of scene ideas from everyone, for that I am thankful.

Special shout-out to Hashirama 1710 for introducing both me and Bell to the glory of MCU Loki singing.

Special shout-out to Zasun as well for helping me finish Bell's first magic. It was first supposed to be a skill but after I read your review I simply had to make it into a magic. You also almost nailed the effects so congrats.

I love ya'll and every one of your reviews!

And with that said.

Until next time.