The same morning Bell left the Dungeon, Cerina was making her way back home. To her surprise, Riveria was waiting by the gates for her. The elf opened her eyes when the half-elf girl came to her with surprise.
Cerina: Riveria? What are you doing here?
Riveria: Waiting for you. Ais told me you left for the Dungeon last night. Now it's daybreak and you only just arrived.
Cerina: Sorry for worrying you.
Riveria: Well, you're safe. You can tell me the rest inside.
The went in and sat in the dining hall. Cerina had breakfast to eat after a hectic night and had to clear things up with Riveria and her sisters before they asked. Once inside, they saw Ais and Esmeralda sitting with a pair of amazon twins along with an orange haired elf girl.
Esmeralda: Hey! Cerina! Riveria! Come and eat with us!
Cerina: *Sweatdrop* We're right here. You don't have to shout.
She turned to the twins and greeted them.
Cerina: Morning. Tione. Tiona.
The older of the two waved to her as she ate.
Tione: Morning. So, where'd you run off to last night?
Tiona: Yeah. We saw you go outside when that guy ran out of the bar. You never came back after.
Riveria: *Sitting down* I'd like to know that as well.
Cerina: Sure.
She grabbed some food and sat with them.
Cerina: So, that kid was basically the one Ais and us saved back on the Fifth Floor. He was just an unlucky victim of the minotaur swarm but also a victim of Bete's insults that time.
Riveria: Hm. I'll have to house train that dog.
Esmeralda: So, what next?
Cerina: Well, it took some time, but I eventually caught up with him. He had already reached Floor 3, but still looked pretty upset. I just let him kill the monsters there and would only step in if he was in danger.
The other elf with them asked something.
Lefiya: Wasn't he supposed to be a newbie adventurer? What was he doing on Floor 3?
Cerina: He may have been, but he handled himself pretty well. After a few hours, he made it all the way to Floor 5.
Tione: You're kidding!
Tiona: For real?!
Cerina: Yeah.
Ais: So, what happened next?
Cerina: Well, by that point, he was pretty worn out from all the fighting. A monster was about to attack him and that's when I stepped in.
Lefiya: I see. As I would've expected. He must've been very grateful.
Cerina: *Sweatdrop* Actually, he tried to run away from me.
Lefiya: *Furious* WHY THAT FILTHY LITTLE...
Riveria: Is that so?
Cerina: I did manage to catch up and clear things up with him.
Riveria: Were you able to apologize as well?
Cerina: *Smiles* Yeah. Thankfully I was.
Riveria: Thank you for doing that. Cleaning up that wolf's messes is a constant pain.
Cerina: I agree.
Esmeralda: Did he say anything else? Like what was his name?
Cerina: His name is Bell Cranel. He seems pretty nice too. He didn't ask for much in return for all the trouble.
Riveria: What did he request?
Cerina: Not much to me. Just that I give him some tips on being an adventurer. Training really.
Riveria: Training huh? When?
Cerina: Two days from today. May I go?
Riveria: It's a perfect way for us to compensate for our mistake. Yes, you may go.
Cerina: THAT IS TOTALLY UNFAIR!!! YOU CAN'T JUST- wait, you said yes?
Riveria: Did you think I would say no?
Cerina: Well, I mean, you have you opinions on us training.
Riveria: My opinion is that you and your sisters train too much. You don't give your bodies enough time to rest. This would be less of a problem if I didn't have to tell you this every time I catch you. That goes especially for you Ais.
The blonde looked away as she finished her food.
Cerina: That reminds me. Ais, you want to join me?
Ais: *Nods* I need to apologize too.
Esmeralda: Now hang on! You can't go without me!
Riveria: Aren't you going with Tiona to get your equipment inspected at Goibnu's?
Esmeralda: Oh yeah. Mind if I tag along next time?
Cerina: That should be for the best. I'll see what else he can do so you'll have an easier time.
Esmeralda: *Smiling* Sweet!
Cerina: Then that takes care of that. If you don't mind- *yawns* I wanna get some sleep.
Riveria: We all have our days off. I feel better knowing you'll take this time to relax.
The half-elf nodded and went to her room to get some sleep. Meanwhile, Bell came home looking in very rough shape, though, his face was telling an entirely different story.
Hestia: Bell!! What happened?! You look... terrible?
She saw the bright smile on his face and wondered what happened last night.
Bell: Ahaha... sorry for worrying you, Goddess.
Hestia: Thank goodness you're alright. After you get yourself cleaned up, I'd like to hear what happened.
One bath later...
Hestia: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!
Bell: Sorry!!
Hestia: Bell, you already almost died! Why would you feel the need to go down that far and at night?!
Bell: I... I want to get stronger. I realized yesterday that I'll never get what I want if I don't work for it.
Hestia brought the boy into a close hug.
Hestia: Even if that's the case, I can't accept you putting yourself in that much danger. Promise me you'll take better care of yourself from now on.
Bell: *Nods* I will. I'm sorry again.
Hestia: Now, why don't we get you status updated.
One earth-shattering update later...
Hestia: (What the hell? His stats climbed up so much!)
Bell: These are really my stats?! The total doubled from my last update!
Hestia: I-It just seems you've been rewarded for all your hard work!
Bell good another big smile on his face as this was a major step towards his new goal. That of being a hero and possibly landing one of the sisters, though, Cerina made the only impression on him so far.
Bell: Oh, by the way, I'll be leaving early in two days. I have to meet with a friend.
Hestia: Well, alright. Don't have too much fun.
She didn't detect a lie, but the boy neglected to inform her of the whole truth.
Bell: Oh wait, I forgot!
Hestia: What's wrong?
Bell: Nothing, I'll be right back!
He took his bag of money back to the Hostess and went to apologize to the owner who was a massive dwarf woman.
Bell: This should cover my meal expenses! I'm sorry for not paying!
Syr: It's a good thing you came back. Mama Mia would've hunted you down if you didn't.
Mia: She's not lying either.
Bell: Eep!
Mia: Look, I'll go easy on ya since those folks were pretty hard on ya. Listen up, adventurers don't reach the top by trying to look all fancy and cool. You waste your time doin' that and you'll end up like most do trying to live like that, dead. Don't let their words keep you down, kid. Remember, the real winner is always the one who comes back alive. Once you can keep yourself from dyin', they you can start getting fancy. Now, run along.
She lightly pushed him to the door and he left feeling much lighter than when he went in.
Bell: Phew! Good thing she wasn't too mad. I should probably go again and do things right to make up for it properly.
Since he didn't sleep that night, Bell would relax as well and resume his adventuring the next day. Although...
Eina: Floor 5?! I only just cleared you for Floor 3 and you nearly died on that same floor not that long ago!
Bell: Th-That was just unlucky. Besides, my last update says I should be able to handle that. If not than Floor 4?
Eina went with him to a private spot and looked at his stats. She was shocked to see that he was able to go down a little deeper.
Eina: *Sigh* Well, your stats do agree. However, I only want you to go down to Floor 4!
Bell: I did almost die on Floor 5. I guess I should slow down a little.
Eina: Hmph. Good idea.
He took her advice and stayed on the 4th floor. Nothing of note happened though he felt fine compared to last night. The next day was much the same and then the next day was his "date" he was looking forward to. In the early morning, he left and headed for their meeting place.
...
Bell: Wait, did she even say where this would be?
The boy started panicking as he only now realized there was no set place to meet up.
Bell: Wait, I'll just go to the Loki Familia's place! They should know where she is!
He raced over there.
With Cerina...
Cerina: *Pale* I made a little mistake.
Ais: Huh?
Cerina: Ahaha... I may have forgotten to set a meeting place with him...
Ais: Oh... that's not good.
Cerina: Agh! I can't believe I forgot something so simple!
Ais: *Looking out the window* Wait, is that him?
Cerina: Huh? Wait, Ais!
She jumped out and the half-elf quickly followed. Out by the gates, they saw Bell looking nervous as the guards by the gates questioned his business here. When told he was looking for Cerina, the guards, very aggressively, shot him down and claimed he was lying. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait to long before the girls came and saved him from being thrown like a ragdoll.
Cerina: Hey, put him down! He's with us!
Guard A: You can't be serious! You really had business with him?
Cerina: Yes, now put him down, Orba.
The beastman let the boy down before they both return to their posts with a grunt.
Cerina: Are you ok, Bell? I'm sorry. I ended up causing you more trouble.
Bell: *Blushing* No! I'm fine!
Cerina: Well, I apologize for not laying out all the important details. Anyway, if you follow us, we'll take you to where we can train properly and with no prying eyes.
Bell: We?
Cerina: Yes. My sister will be joining us.
Ais: Hello, my name is Ais.
Bell: *Blushing more* I-It's a p-p-pleasure to m-meet you, Miss Ais!!
Ais: You call my sister Cerina, right? Just Ais is fine.
Bell: R-Right!!
Cerina: Let's go.
They led the boy over to the walls and climbed up. There, they set their things down and were ready to get to work.
Cerina: Now, I can give you the basics of adventuring, but in terms of weaponry, Ais is a lot better than me, so she can help you with that.
Bell: I understand.
Cerina: Well, from what I can see already, you'll probably want actual weapons and armor soon. The stuff the Guild provides won't last past Floor 6 or 7.
Bell: O-Okay, but I don't really have that kind of money.
Cerina: You don't have to worry about it now. I just wanted to put it in your head to think about in the future. Now, as for fighting, Ais can help.
The blonde got up and put her sword to the side. She held its sheath in her hands as Bell drew his knife.
Ais: Hm, that was more reactive.
Bell: Huh?
Cerina: You want to be more proactive. Take initiative and stay on guard.
The boy nodded and the girl went in to start their spar. Immediately, they all saw the boy had little talent in combat, at least, versus people. Within a few minutes, Bell had fallen on his butt several times.
Cerina: Don't be so stationary. Focus on dodging than blocking.
Bell: Right!
An hour passed and they took a small break. In that time, the albino had absorbed a great deal of the tips Cerina and Ais gave him.
Ais: Sorry about going so hard on you. I'm not really used to this.
Cerina: He didn't get knocked out, so it's fine. Still, I'm pretty impressed, Bell. We went over a lot of basics and you learned them all really fast. You have a knack for this.
Bell: *Blushing* N-No, I'm not that good. You two are good at teaching.
Ais: I'm not the best teacher. I still have trouble holding back properly.
Cerina: I noticed it too. Bell, you surprised her a few times and almost paid the price for it.
Bell: Sorry!
Cerina: Oh no, don't be sorry. That's a good thing because you're learning really fast.
Bell: You think so?
Cerina: Yeah!
Ais: I just had a thought, but maybe you should move away from knives and daggers as your main weapon.
Bell: Sorry?
Ais: It's not that they are a bad thing to have. Weapons like those are convenient to have ready, but they won't serve as good main hand weapons.
Bell: I see your point. I only have these because I couldn't afford anything bigger.
Ais: Hm...
She went over to the crate she brought and came back with a slightly worn looking sword.
Ais: This was something we picked up at a clearance box when we went shopping. Low ranking smiths sell these often and they make for good weapons to have more practical sword training. Here.
Bell: For me?
Cerina: That's a great idea! They may be just training fodder for us, but for a new adventurer, they'll be much more useful!
Bell: I-If you're fine with it.
Ais: *Nods* We have plenty and I can train you in swordplay.
Bell: Alright, thank you.
He took the sword and held it in the same stance Ais had taken when they started. For the next several exchanges, he would learn how to wield sword properly along with refining his skills with daggers and knives. After some more time, they would stop that and Cerina would take over.
Cerina: You feeling ok?
Bell: Y-Yeah, just a little sore...
Cerina: *Giggle* Well, that's normal. It's a shame you have no magic since that's more in my field. Though, I can give you a basic intro in how magic works.
Bell: *Blushing* O-Okay. (Her laugh is pretty too.)
Cerina: The first thing is that magic is either acquired or innate. The former refers to magic gained by your Falna. The latter is more race specific so a human wouldn't likely develop magic compared to say an elf.
Bell: Is that the only difference?
Cerina: No. Actually, acquired magic has the benefit of almost no restriction on what one can attain. Still, magic is magic and it's rather rare. Most people are lucky to get one spell much less fill all three spell slots.
Bell: I think I remember hearing adventurers only get up to three spells.
Cerina: Correct. Another thing I should mention is Mind Down. Magic is powered by mind and over taxing your capacity results in you losing consciousness at the very least. You don't need to worry much about it now, but for when you can cast magic, be aware going beyond what you're capable of is very dangerous.
Bell: I see.
As they talked, the initial awkwardness the boy felt faded away and their little study session continued. Ais simply sat back on the wall and only part of her wished she could join in. Though, she felt her sister deserved a turn since she had taken up a lot teaching the boy how to fight. After several hours and the morning sun was well above their heads, they decided to call it a day there.
Bell: Thank you again. Both of you were a big help and I can't express how grateful I am.
Cerina: *Smiling* We did this because we wanted to. Now that this is all set, I'll expect you around the same time tomorrow.
Bell: Tomorrow?
Cerina: Yeah. It wouldn't do to just leave you high and dry. Unless you're busy.
Bell: N-No! I'd love to do this again! Thank you!
Ais: See you tomorrow, Bell and you can keep the extra swords.
Bell: Mhm! Thank you!
They went their separate ways and Bell returned home with his new bounty. Hestia was getting ready for work when she saw Bell looking just a bit dirty.
Hestia: Bell, you're back?
Bell: Uh-huh.
Hestia: What's with the swords?
Bell: They were extra and they said I could keep them. Now I can start using better weapons in the Dungeon.
Hestia: You're going down to the Dungeon?
Bell: Yeah, just after I dropped these extra here.
Hestia: Be safe. I gotta get to work.
Bell: Later, goddess!
He left to test out his new skills in the Dungeon. Once there, he tried them out on some goblins and kobolds and was surprised by the difference now that he had more reach.
Bell: Wow, this really is a huge difference. Maybe I should save up for a better sword?
He put that thought to the side as he went about his day.
Meanwhile at Twilight Manor...
Ais and Cerina returned after their appointment with Bell and the others were curious. They lounged about with the others in Riveria's office and the questions started rolling in.
Tiona: So! So! How was it?!
Ais: It was fun.
She had a small smile that the others ate up in their enjoyment.
Riveria: Is that so?
Cerina: Yes.
Riveria: And how did the boy grasp your lessons?
Cerina: Really well. I'm quite surprised by how much he improved.
Tione: Was it really that much? I thought you said he was supposed to be a newbie?
Cerina: He was. In every respect he was a fresh rookie.
Esmeralda: Yet he made a big impression on you.
Cerina: Pardon?
Esmeralda: I mean, you looked like you enjoyed yourself there.
Cerina: Well, I can't really deny that. He's an interesting one to put it mildly.
Esmeralda: Oh?
Cerina: He takes everything very seriously. He's a fast learner and a hard worker. He took my lessons with no complaints and absorbed all the information like a sponge. Same with Ais. Also, he's very nice and humble for an adventurer.
Tiona: Hehe. If Ais wasn't there it could've been a date.
Tione: *Smirking* It sounded like you enjoyed your alone time too.
Cerina: Wha- hey!
Ais: That is kind of what it looked like. I saw you smiling plenty of times when you were teaching him about magic.
Riveria: You taught him about magic?
Cerina: I-I just gave him a few pointers in case he ever got a spell of his own. Fighting is more of Ais' thing and I wanted to give him something too.
The high elf was quite happy about the timing of all this. Having Alicia and Lefiya fill in for her class was a smart play with how this was going.
Ais: I'll give him more training tomorrow.
Tiona: Careful Cerina, Ais might take your boyfriend from you.
Cerina: Will you give it a rest? Bell is just an acquaintance.
Esmeralda: You expect us to believe that when you're on a first name basis?
Cerina: Be quiet! You'll only rile her up more!
Tiona: Relax, I'm just teasing. Besides, the best time for a date with him would be in a few days when Monsterphilia is here.
Esmeralda: Oh yeah, that's here again.
Riveria: It's still a bit a ways away but I won't say no if you wish to take him with you.
Cerina: *Blushing* Riveria!!
Riveria: Hahaha!!
Tiona: What the?!
Tione: She really laughed?
Riveria: Come girls, I'm not some ancient relic. I can have moments like this too. Besides, it's only if you're going to humor it, Cerina. For now, I can only tell the boy is genuine because I trust your judgement. If you wish to keep training with him, I won't interfere. Though, Loki might have some complications.
Cerina: Oh, right. I'll find some way to tell her.
Esmeralda: It should be fine since she likes Ais the best.
Ais: *Begging* Please, switch places with me.
Cerina: Haha. Good point.
As they talked more about that, the hours went by and Bell finally returned back home. His new sword still felt a bit weird, but he knew he'd get more used to it with time.
Bell: Goddess, are you home?
Hestia: Yup! Welcome home, Bell! How was the Dungeon?
Bell: It was something else! I had no idea how different a sword would make the experience. I only wish I could afford a good one but these should be fine until I make more money.
Hestia: Hm, if you say so. Well, now that you're here, I should tell you I'm leaving tomorrow for the next few days. There's going to be a party at Ganesha's so I'll be there.
Bell: Okay then.
The next morning, Hestia left and said goodbye as Bell went back to the wall for training. It was going to be an interesting time for him going forward.
AN: That'll do for this chapter. Bell has made the tactical switch to a sword and who knows what happens at Monsterphilia. Nothing bad I hope. Anyway, thanks as always for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Leave behind your thoughts and I'll see you in the next one.