Chapter 15 - Looking Into the Abyss
Next morning at the secret headquarters, both teams arrived for the level boosting. Having never experienced Haruhime's magic before, the Freya team was amazed with the experience. Both teams then headed outside to practice together so that the Freya team can get adjusted to their new abilities. Some first-aid was needed after Leifya accidentally used too much power...
Later that day, Bell and Ais returned to the Hestia home, only to find a happy Welf with a shiny new set of armor. When Bell donned his new armor, he commented it fitted better than the previous set. Welf smirked and said that is because he has been eating too many jagumarukuns. Ais then commented that she did not think so, and Welf quickly added that Ais should know... It was 3 days before the trip down to the dungeon, so Welf needed to get back into the forge to finish Ais' armor. He was in a particularly good mood today, and everyone suspected it was because Hephaestus will be returning to work on the armor with Welf.
The next day, Bell and Ais went to a joint practice with the Freya familia team. They wanted to scrimmage to figure out all the details about each other's strengths. Also communications and logistics needed to be tested in live exercises so that minimal time is wasted if the first team is attacked. Meanwhile, Takemikazuchi needed to attend a city defense meeting with Ganesha, who is now concerned with city security after hearing about a potential threat at level 9 or above.
After the joint exercise, Bell and Ais went for a private dinner at a nice restaurant. It has been a long time since they had the chance to enjoy a private dinner. All eyes were on them, with more rumors flying around the city. After dinner, they spent another night under the stars. Ais fell asleep during lap pillow again outside under the stars.
Watching from heaven, Hestia was melancholy. She envies Ais' time with Bell, yet she wants Bell to be happy. She is worried about Bell, but there is not much she can do in heaven. What she would not do to be in Ais' place...
The next day, Bell and Ais again worked out in a joint practice involving both teams. He and Ottar had a good exchange, and he had to hold back from using argonaut. Sensing the magic gathering around Bell, Ottar asked if that is argonaut. When Bell acknowledged that it was, Ottar said not to hold back even if it was against the rules. Freya and Loki quickly came in and admonished both of them "This is not the time for fun and games".
Back in Ouranos' room, Ouranos and Fels agreed that Fels will secretly follow the 2nd group so he could keep an eye on Bell and Ais.
At the Ganesha home, Ganesha signed off on the new city defenses. All remaining magic users with useful attack magic (level 4 and higher) would be gathered for some joint training while the 2 teams are in the dungeon.
In the evening, Bell and Ais returned to the Hestia home and found Welf and Hephaestus waiting for them. Apparently Ais' armor is completed, and now is the time to test it out. Ais donned the armor, and Bell had to strike her on her breastplate simulating a reasonable attack. The armor successfully reacted to Bell's attack, which made the 2 smiths very happy. Welf told Bell and Ais that Ais' armor is actually superior because of Hephaestus' help. They were able to attach a thin armor plate on top of the primary armor. As a result, each armor piece has 2 magic charges and able to react to 2 separate attacks. Bell said he could definitely tell when the armor reacted to his attack and any opponent should also be able to tell. Ais did not say much but the magic charge did give her a feeling she has not felt before. Since the trip starts tomorrow, there is not enough time to upgrade Bell's armor. However, both sets of armor should be all charged up for their visit to the dungeon.
After the test, Hephaestus went back home, but she did say to Welf that he may have surpassed her...
That night, Ais fell asleep during lap pillow again while Bell was thinking about what will happen when they descend into the abyss tomorrow. As Bell carried Ais back to her room, Bell wondered if life can get better than this...