"Speaking"
Individual thoughts/Mindscape talk with the twins
*Ability/Spell*
...
The next morning, Dia seemed to be in high spirits. When asked why, she only responded with, "It's a secret." Well, secrets aren't meant to stay secrets for long. Lady Dia was physically beaming for today. She knew the event that was planned for today. As another layered secret, this was to improve Isaac's mood. Isaac nor Irene brought up the sleeping mishap that happened last night.
"So, Lady Dia, what's so special about today?" Irene asked. "Wait, did a special day pass and we didn't get you anything?! Goddess, we're so sorry, we'll make… it up… to… you?" Irene was confused why Dia was laughing.
"N-No, s-silly. Today is Monsterphilia! The event where Ganesha Familia uses monster tamers to do a show in the Coliseum and today is just what we need! You don't need your weapons, but if you want to take your daggers, then you can. Just please don't go overboard," Dia explained, patting Irene's head with a smile.
Isaac, at this moment, entered the room, already dressed. Irene looked at him, "How are you already ready?"
"I knew about this event in some of those books from the library. Like I said, some things in those books were useful. This was one of them. This event only happens once a year, and we just so happened to arrive beforehand," Isaac shrugged. Thank you, by the way.
Irene tsked, "Well, I don't want you to wait up for me. Give me about fifteen minutes to get ready and dressed, then we can head out. Is that alright with you, Lady Dia?" You're welcome.
Dia was sitting on the couch, legs over the armrest, kicking her feet, "That's fine, but do make haste. The best seats are closer to the action."
Isaac grabbed his longsword, just in case, thinking he needed the extra protection. While Dia did question him on it, he said it brought him safety, since having a little range when fighting gives him space to make quick reactions.
The trio exited their home and made their way out into the streets of Orario and passed by all sorts of people who were all headed the same way. Even on their way, they ran into Nahza of Miach Familia. "Nahza, how are you? Are you headed to Monsterphilia?" The chientrophe flinched slightly, which was noticed by Isaac. "Sorry, I-"
"It's alright, really. I have a bad history with monsters, so I don't go into the Dungeon anymore. I'll tell you the story one day. As much as I would like to chat, I have to get these ingredients back to Lord Miach," Nahza held up the bags in her arms.
"Okay, stay safe, alright?" Irene chimed in.
"I certainly will, otherwise who's going to be the one to try and make you buy potions?" she teased before walking away.
Dia smiled sadly, "Poor Nahza, she endured something I hope you never have to." This confused the twins, and that confusion was furthered as Dia left it at that. No elaboration and no explanation. Then again, it was not their business anyway.
The next twenty minutes could be described as this. Chaos incarnate. The fact is the Coliseum was located on the very edge of East street. Combined with the fact that most non-combatants and civilians were all looking forward to it, so they had the same idea.
Then came the aforementioned chaos. People were screaming that monsters were being released into the City without the Ganesha Familia's knowledge. So, any adventurers who were in the area were conscripted to help. The trio watched as five different monsters were running about the streets.
Isaac turned to his Goddess, "Do you see why I brought my sword? Permission to engage?" He only turned back long enough to see her nod. Irene was already at his side. With Dia's permission, the two took off towards the first monster, which happened to be a lizardman.
These monsters are found in the middle floors, so be careful, Irene warned as she drew her daggers from her greaves mid-jump. The two had found themselves on the rooftops, chasing down this monster because it just kept running. She couldn't trap it, to force it to fight. However, if it made any moves to harm civilians, Isaac was there to take it down.
Hmmph, then let's consider this a trail run. The monster had taken off towards the Daedalus district, which was often remembered as Orario's second dungeon. The roads didn't make a lick of sense, and everything blurred together. Furthermore, no one bothered to try and right this place. The only ones who know how to navigate this place are the ones that live here, at least for more than five years.
The two elven twins leaped across rooftops before the monster made it to an open market, or a kill zone. They assumed that using magic was off limits, since Isaac's Fissure was a physical and harmful attack. They don't want to destroy any of the town.
Two on one?
The twins grinned as they jumped from the rooftops, landing in front and behind of the lizardman. Sure enough, it was angry and attempted to turn around and flee, but a single earthy stone pierced the wall in front of him. While Isaac didn't want to use his magic, this was only to make sure it didn't escape, but he cannot take it too far.
The lizardman roared again as it charged at Isaac, to which he pulled out his longsword from its sheath and in a reverse grip, he parried the lizardman's swords. One hand reached for a throwing knife from his left hip pouch, while Irene was waiting for the cue to switch out. You ready, sis?
Bring it, bro, Irene mentally responded. Isaac whipped the throwing knife forward into the lizardman's chest, its red scales did give it some protection, but at point blank range with a sharp projectile hitting its peak velocity, well, the knife went through it, but not enough to kill it. Isaac then brought up his foot and kicked it away,
All yours. Irene grinned at the chance and brought up her daggers in a forward grip before stabbing the monster in the back. Even still, it didn't die. It roared and tried to shake off Irene, but her strength was enough to hold it in place, but not for very long. Isaac reacted, grabbing a dagger of his and aimed for its neck.
The lizardman was flailing its swords around with little care and reckless abandon. The worst kind of opponent was an unpredictable one. As Isaac entered the fight, Irene withdrew, making the pain from the wounds draw the yellow eyes of the lizardman away. Well, a little unorthodox but it works, Irene thought as Isaac shredded the lizardman's throat, and therefore, killing the monster. The magic stone dropped to the ground with a thunk.
People who witnessed it cheered, but they had other priorities. Cleaning their weapons as best they could, they sheathed them, collected the stone, and it even dropped a nail. After that, they hopped up on the rooftops to see a giant monkey leaping from rooftop to rooftop, seeming to be in search of something. Daedalus street was certainly jumping for joy today, and it had to be on Monsterphilia of all days.
Irene finally spoke as they stopped a decent distance away, "Are we going to chase after it?"
Isaac frowned, "Most likely, but I recommend keeping our distance, only intervening when needed. The problem is, if we try to interfere, it could end up causing more damage."
"You know I don't like that option," Irene grumbled.
"Trust me, neither do I." Isaac turned towards Babel, then leaped towards the Coliseum again. We should meet up with Dia, we might want to give her an update.
Neither twin spoke as they followed the giant Silverback. Isaac agreed to go and update Dia while Irene followed the Silverback. With that being finalized, one leaped southeast towards the monster, while the other leaped north.
Isaac moved as fast as his level three agility could take him, putting one foot in front of the other. The Guild was reacting to this crisis too, as they continued to escort people to safety. However, there were three people of interest to Isaac. His Goddess, Lady Loki, and Ais Wallenstein. The elder twin only debated for a few moments before jumping down, close by to the crowd. Making sure his hood was up, he approached, garnering the attention. A half-elf from the Guild was speaking in a commanding tone, most likely a receptionist. She was beautiful, but that's not the reason he's here.
"All other monsters have been accounted for and taken down, except for a Silverback, a monster from the upper floors, that one seemed to have forcibly broken out from its cage," a pink-haired woman said. She looked to Lady Loki, "Do you happen to know anything about this silverback?"
Isaac had heard this tidbit and decided to speak up, "I have a lead on that."
"Ah, my child, what's the situation?" Dia asked, turning towards Isaac with a smile. He smirked at Loki's exclamation of 'when did he get here?'
"The Lizardman we chased after was taken care of," Isaac patted his pouch, "but we saw the Silverback in question roaming Daedalus street. The problem is, it looked like it was looking for something, but I have no clues as to what it's searching for. She's tailing it right now, but I agreed to go update you. We would have intervened, but we'd rather not cause further damage to the City."
"As expected, go back and help her if she needs it, intercept it if decides to attack civilians," Dia ordered him.
"By your will, Lady Dia," Isaac bowed before turning and taking to the rooftops again, following the sounds of a roaring Silverback in the distance.
Isaac was not surprised by hearing footfalls behind him. A glance over his shoulder told him all he needed to know.
Irene had to watch her step as she attempted to tail the Silverback. It didn't seem interested in her, even though it glanced at her multiple times. Only when it saw a glimpse of a white-haired kid that it got enraged. "It's after him?" Another look confirmed the worst, he was carrying his Goddess in his arms. "Oh no, this is bad. Isaac, where are you?"
Irene thought about casting her spell on the boy, considering how roughed up he looked. She forgoed that decision as the Silverback leapt into the streets where it looked like a new fight was taking place.
Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long as she noticed two figures across the way, on an adjacent rooftop. One was her brother, but the other was a surprise. The Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein. Explanation?
She followed me, so no dice, her brother responded. Irene grumbled before moving to a lower rooftop to watch the action closely.
They watched as the boy, wearing no armor, armed with only a dagger, fight a Silverback with its mouth guard removed, and its chains shattered, so the monster gave in to its instincts. So, when the boy ran up the arm of the Silverback, to fly into the air, grab a clothesline of all things and send one swift strike down the beast's center, only for it to fade away, it certainly was impressive. Would you look at that…
I like him already, Isaac grinned from under his hood. He turned around and left the scene without another word.
Irene smiled to herself, and immediately went the other way. The Sword Princess watched both of them go in separate directions, but her attention was quickly caught by the white-haired adventurer who just killed a Silverback, unassisted. She wanted to know more about him.
Once she hit ground level, a voice called out to Ais, "Aisie-pooh, don't go running off like that!" Lady Loki, a vermillion-haired Goddess, who was wearing what looked like half a track suit. Ais said nothing. "Did we miss the show?"
"No, I saw what I needed," Ais said before leaving as well, letting the adventurer bask in his victory.
Nothing was sweeter than that, not even the greatest Jagamarukun could compare. Well for Ais, that was a lie. Nothing could beat those. Speaking of, she wondered where the closest stand was...
It was only a few days later on Orario's grapevine that the Loki Familia was going on an expedition soon. Of course, the Dia Familia was interested in going, but they had a strict entrance threshold of level four with basic abilities at rank E or above. Their goal was the fifty-ninth floor, far into the deeper floors. They were planning on checking it out to see them off, then maybe a half-hour after they left, they would follow up until the tenth floor, from there, they would spend the day learning the floors.
Another piece of information was the fact that Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess, leveled up to level six—having supposedly killed the Monster Rex on the thirty-seventh floor, solo sometime between the last four days—which made the Loki Familia even stronger. The overall morale of Orario rose with the information.
Since what was dubbed, the Monsterphilia Incident, the members of the Dia Familia returned to their daily routines like normal. During those four days, Irene and Dia went out for a day on the town like they wanted. Dia got the dress she saw the other day and even convinced Irene to get one as well in case she ever needed to escort her. Which prompted the younger quarter elf to ask why Isaac can't. Dia just smiled at her child's ignorance.
The second day, Isaac watched Bell, Lady Hestia's only child, enter the Dungeon wearing some pretty polished armor. Seeing him after the Silverback incident makes Isaac think why he isn't more excited about his accomplishment but realizes that Bell must be the rare humble breed. Accompanying him was someone with a backpack that seemed double, maybe triple, the size of the person carrying it. As for Bell, the light armor matched his features, white with red accents. The sheath on his lower back was new, and Isaac wondered what dagger it was. Still, as he was returning home, Dia intercepted him and demanded he gets a suit. He didn't ask questions. He just knew if a woman demanded something like that, then it would be in his best interest to follow along. The suit was good enough for him, but he still just went with his Goddess's word on it.
On the third day, the twins spent the day in the Dungeon, from dusk until their pouches were full. They may have double-dipped in the Dungeon and pushed to floor nine, instead of going to floor ten or eleven. The first round of Dungeon diving gave them over one hundred and thirty thousand valis. The second round was slightly less at one hundred and twenty thousand valis. After that, they went to Miach's potion shop, due to Dia's recommendation. Nahza was very kind to the twins, offering the best potions needed for them. She seemed genuine enough.
She mentioned how she got a stern talking-to from Bell's supporter, Liliruca Arde. Both elven twins had to make an effort to meet this Bell officially. They haven't seen him since the incident days ago.
So, after spending close to seventy thousand valis on potions, they both left, knowing Dia would be pleased.
As they were passing through the center of town, they heard a rousing speech from the Prum captain of the Loki Familia, Finn Deimne. The Braver stated that they would be heading in and should be back in one week and that they would meet on the eighteenth floor, to then push to the fiftieth. "Should we attempt to follow?"
"If we're quick enough," Irene said. "We should let Lady Dia know. That, and we shouldn't interfere with their expedition."
Isaac grinned, "Alright then, it's settled. Now, race you home." And then he took off in a light jog just to entice his sister.
"Oh no you don't!" She giggled as she sped past him, holding the potion bags close to herself.
Isaac immediately stopped and chortled louder than he has ever done before. He'll let Irene tire herself out. At least until she came back with an embarrassed frown on her face. She punched him on the shoulder for it, "You ass."
"I'm pretty sure that's not proper elven etiquette," Isaac mocked. Irene didn't have a retort as they entered their home. They put on their armor and equipped their weapons, grabbing some of their newly purchased potions—some Mind and dual high potions—the quality stuff.
They left the Goddess saying they were going to the Dungeon, and of course, she told them to come back safe. As they ran towards Babel, they debated again if they should follow the expedition. Isaac didn't care as long as they were careful. This time, the hairs raised on the back of both their necks, making them glance over their shoulders.
"You don't think it's…" Irene inquired.
"Probably. We should keep moving," Isaac whispered back.
As they burst through the Dungeon doors at Babel, they leaped down staircase after staircase, shocking other adventures, and making others laugh at their enthusiasm. The expedition party had already left, so it was smooth sailing through it all.
So, when they entered and descended down to the ninth floor, that was when they caught up with part of the Loki Familia's forward party and some low class injured adventures. Isaac heard that there was a Minotaur fighting some white-haired kid, but this one was different. It seemed far too aggressive for level two—classified by the Guild as such—this seemed to get a reaction out of some adventurers, but only a few knew who they were talking about.
One of those adventurers was the Sword Princess. She reacted and sped off down the cavern in the direction the injured came from. The twins took off behind her, despite being three levels below her. The entire forward squad saw flashes of green and took off after them, leaving some of the Loki Familia confused as to who these two unidentified combatants were.
As Isaac and Irene were running, they were chatting, "Isn't this what they call an Irregular? A monster meant to be on the middle floors on the upper floors?"
"Indeed, it is," a new voice said. The twins turned around briefly to see a new pair of twins running behind them—Amazon twins— which they could easily overtake the elves. "However, we thought we got them all the first time."
"Who's to say this is the first time?" Isaac questioned skeptically.
"Whatever the case may be, pretty sure Bell's having a tough time," Irene said, pushing herself further ahead to which the Amazon twins kept up with ease.
"So, while we're running, how about we exchange names?" The Amazon with medium-length black hair and brown eyes asked. "I'm Tiona Hiryute, and that is my older twin sister, Tione Hiryute." Tione has her hair in a similar style to Tiona, except it goes down her back, and has a coil around her neck with a silver orb holding it together. The red cloth covers her breasts modestly but exposes all of her cleavage.
Irene answered, "Irene Vlahos, and that is my older twin brother, Isaac Vlahos."
"Charmed I'm sure," Isaac responded poshly.
"Wanna find out~" Tiona and Tione's voice dropped to a sultry tone, making Isaac reconsider. He likes his pelvis where it is… unbroken.
"Don't be offended, but I choose life," Isaac said, suddenly increasingly worried now that Tiona is behind him.
Instead of being upset, Tiona laughed, "Good, a man with some sense in the brain upstairs."
"Thanks, I guess?" Isaac responded after a moment of consideration.
A roar reverberated off the walls, making the group of four halt at a crossroad. Even better, Ais was standing there, her back to the group, head down, presumably searching for the source. However, with the amount of echo, it makes it difficult to discern what's real and what's not.
The elven twins placed a hand on one another's shoulders and opened their hearing to hopefully dissociate what's real and what would be a false trail. That was answered in five seconds. To everyone else, it echoed, not helping in the slightest. For the twins, it reverberated from their right. The two of them snapped up at the same time, looked right at the same time, and took off at the same time.
This prompted the three members of Loki Familia to follow after them. However, Tione commented, "That was weird."
"But it was really cool how they were in sync like that. Why can't we do that?" Tiona whined. Ais said nothing as she ran behind the twins.
"Thankfully, this is mostly a straight shot to where he is, so don't wait on us, we know you're faster," Isaac said. To say 'run like the wind' was an understatement. The three of them blew ahead, proceeding to leave the Vlahos twins in the dust. "Wow, that's something I want to be able to do."
"Well, if we hurry, we might just be able to see the action," Irene giggled, grabbing some of her shurikens while Isaac grabbed some throwing knives from his belt.
When they burst out of the hallway, they heard a voice, "I'm not having Ais Wallenstein save me again!" Well, there's certainly history between them. When both elven twins arrived, they watched in concealed awe as the white-haired adventurer stood up and went right back into the fray. The Minotaur roared again as it charged headlong towards the adventurer.
"He's certainly persistent," a child's voice came from behind. That would be Finn Diemne, holding a spear. "What's this young lad's name?"
Silence—save for the clashing of weapons—until one person spoke. "Bell… His name's Bell Cranel."
Loki Familia was surprised that Ais spoke, as she never really does unless prompted with a question. The Sword Princess didn't look at anyone else, she only looked at Bell, watching him fight, watching his moves, taking mental notes for improvement.
"Lady Hesita's only child," Irene murmured.
Isaac noticed something, "I can't find myself interfering. Sis, we're seeing an adventurer embarking on their first adventure." The fight would have been over already had it been anyone else, but the fluidity of Bell's moves enraptured everyone's attention. The rest of those present agreed with Isaac's words.
Irene noticed a bloodied Prum latching to a werewolf's leg, Bete, begging him to save 'Master Bell'.
Irene quickly moved herself to the Prum's side, alongside another Elf. A High Elf to be specific. The elf whispered something before a green glow covered the girl's eyes. The elf spoke, "She will be fine, her injuries aren't that severe."
With that taken care of, Irene turned back to the fight. The last thing she wanted was more insults. Isaac glanced at the Elf critically before turning back to the fight.
Bell dashed and slashed at the Minotaur, cutting its thicker hide, which was impressive for a level one, spraying blood around the area. What shocked everyone else, sans the elf twins, was Bell's shout of, "Firebolt!"
Flames lit up the Minotaur's body, the monster's mouth filled with blood. The flames seemed to have damaged the internal organs of the monster.
"You want some more?!" he shouted. Shout he did, as seven more firebolt flashes happened, each one filling the monster's body before the whole room burned a bright bloody crimson.
The monster was no more—save for its magic stone and the drop item—and there stood Bell, his armor in tatters, his upper body had cuts and scrapes all over, his black shirt was basically falling off at this point. Even so, he still held onto his weapon. The dagger in his hands glowed a light violet before fading.
"He's in Mind Down, and quite possibly unconscious," Finn summarized in only a few seconds.
Tiona whispered, "It's the Argonaut! Just like the story!"
"What are his stats?" Bete asked, looking at the exposed falna on Bell's back.
Tione scolded him, "That's not our business to know."
Bete gestured to Bell's back, "Well, it's not like he's in any condition to tell us. Riveria, can you read this?"
The High elf hummed before facing her familia, "Well, according to this, all of his stats are level SS, some even SSS."
Everyone's eye fell into disbelief. The highest one could go was S at nine hundred and ninety-nine. So that means Bell's basic abilities were over a thousand? That shouldn't be possible. Hell, that is impossible.
Shaking it off first, "Irene, you think your new spell will heal him and bring him back from a Mind Down?" Isaac questioned off to the side. He and Irene stood back from the rest to whisper.
"I mean it could, it won't heal him fully, but the worst of it should go away," the younger twin said. A magic circle appeared under Irene, because of her Mage development ability, and it brought the attention back to her as she started her chant. "Oh, humble Goddess, I beseech you. Bless thy vessel with the strength to carry on. Allow this extension of your will to be thrusted into a new age."
"I'd recommend moving away from him, in order for this to work, she needs a clear line of sight," Isaac warned. Everyone moved quickly as the magic circle became bigger and bigger, lighting the room in a green divine glow.
"Heal, I beseech you. Through the stars and sky, I wish the light of day be graced upon those worthy. Heal. Even if I fall, let those who receive live to fight. I beseech you, oh humble Goddess, Heal!"
*Orb of Divine Healing!*
A magic circle formed under Bell, and as it did, a sparkling pillar of light appeared, and from the roof of the cavern, a literal ball of light shined as it descended and entered Bell's body. As soon as it did, the magic circles faded, and Irene stumbled. Isaac used his agility to catch her. "Okay, we'll need to work on that."
"Did it work?" Tiona asked. Riveria mentally repeated the spell's chant, not recognizing it, but the energy from the spell, she did.
"Won't know yet, but it should heal his-" as Isaac was speaking, he saw wounds on Bell's body close up, but the blood remained, "wounds are healing just fine. We should get him and his supporter back to the surface. His Goddess will want to know what happened."
The High Elf, Riveria, eyed the two of them, "Which Familia are you two apart of?"
"Dia Familia," the twins answered in sync. Ais realized that these were the two figures she saw from Monsterphilia and watched with slight interest.
"A new Goddess in Orario?" Tione asked.
"Indeed, registered no less than a week ago, and it's been quite eventful, if you ask me," Isaac said, getting his sister to stand properly.
Riveria still wasn't done, "What are your names?"
Irene started, patting her brother's chest, "He's Isaac, the older sibling by six minutes."
Isaac gestured with his head, "She's Irene, the younger sibling by six minutes."
"We're twins," they said in sync. The two of them shared a small laugh. Even Tione and Tiona giggled at their antics.
Finn chuckled, shaking his head, "Well, you two certainly act like it."
Riveria narrowed her jade-colored eyes, that magic felt vaguely familiar to the High Elf. Her travels to the Far West come to mind. So, she looked at the twins, "Last name, now."
Both twins froze. It wasn't a question, but a demand. Does she recognize us? Isaac thought first.
Or our last name? Irene thought second. The sweat became visible on their faces as they'd rather not answer that question. It was one thing for others to know their name, but for Elves, it was different. The tension rose as their fight or flight instincts kicked in. The Loki Familia had them outclassed, so both options were pointless.
Tiona raised her hand like a child wanting to get called, "Ohh, pick me! I know!" She lowered her hand, "It was Valhoose or something."
"Nice one, Tiona," Tione said sarcastically, noticing the twins' wince.
Riveria seemed to have an epiphany and stared directly at them, "Vlahos."
Irene and Isaac's jaws hit the floor, "How do you know that?!"
"Your… Grandmother… judging by your age, was a very well-known High Elf back then," Riveria explained, walking closer to the twins. "She was known for being one of the strongest mages of her time, and my mentor."
"Grandma was your mentor?" Irene screeched. Isaac held the same sentiment, but she vocalized it quicker. Even with the time they asked about their Grandma's adventures, she never spoke of them.
"At least you got to know her," Isaac grumbled unhappily.
The jade elf opened her mouth to speak, but the sound of a spear impacting the cave echoed in their ears, "I hate to interrupt, but we should be getting him back to the surface," Finn said, looking at his vice-captain with a new perspective.
Isaac and Irene were still processing the information. However, in his stupor, he received the supporter in his arms. Ais, meanwhile, paid attention and looked at the two Dia Familia members inquisitively, her golden eyes piercing them. She soon had Bell on her back, and she found that he was light. Her level advantage over him was certainly a factor. With his forehead on her shoulder, his hair was brushing her cheek. It was really soft, even though some Minotaur blood and sweat were mixed in. It made a small heat flare to her cheeks. No one hopefully noticed, thankfully.
Or so she thought. Riveria noticed and smiled slightly to herself. Something could brew there. However, she needed to talk to those two twins, see what they know of their Grandmother. She can tell that they are not full elves. Moreover, she doesn't know if they are half-elves either.
Isaac glanced at his twin, didn't expect this, did we?
What else did our family hide from us?
"You three, head to the surface, find his Goddess, and Ais," the golden-haired warrior turned, "make it quick but do not leave them behind. They are not as fast as you."
"Okay," she said simply before jogging out of the tunnel, and back onto the main route out of the Dungeon.
"As for you two, were you planning on following us to the fifty-ninth floor?" Finn asked, his child-like eyes gained a serious undertone, despite the tone of his voice.
"No. We were heading into this floor actually, so this development was a surprise to us all," Isaac answered, staring down the captain. "Maybe one day, when we level again, we might join you, if you'll have us when the time comes."
Finn smiled, "I look forward to it, then."
Riveria couldn't hold back her curiosity, "Miss Vlahos, how long have you had that spell?" It certainly couldn't have been long.
Irene flinched at being addressed but quickly hid it with a beaming fake smile, "One-week, post-arrival in Orario. It just appeared and this was the first time I was able to use it."
"I haven't felt that kind of spell in decades, it must be from your Grandmother," Riveria commented, mostly to herself.
At the mention of their Grandmother with such fondness, the twins' expressions darkened. "Yeah, sure," Irene said. "Come on, Isaac, we better catch up to the Princess."
"Right behind you," he said before they disappeared and headed for the exit.
A few moments of silence passed before Finn spoke up, "Is there anything you want to talk about, Riveria?"
The vice-captain looked to the captain, "Nothing that's relevant to the current expedition."
Turns out, exiting the Dungeon is far easier than entering it. Ais waited patiently at the entrance to Babel, right before actually exiting the Dungeon before she asked softly, "Do we know where Lady Hestia is?"
"Probably by the Jagamarukun stand," Irene said, her normal attitude returning. Isaac said nothing the entire way up. Ais's eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite snack but made no other emotional responses.
"Mmmh, hmmm," the supporter in Isaac's arm was waking up. "Master Bell…" she mumbled. "Ah!" her eyes opened with a jolt. She thrashed in Isaac's arms, but with his level advantage, he was able to hold her in place.
"Will you please calm down?" Isaac growled. "Bell's fine, halfway lucid over on the Princess's back. Be grateful, you're the first person outside of anyone I know who gets to touch me."
She looked incredulously up at him, "You're an elf?"
"If you want specifics, quarter-elf, but who's keeping track?" he quipped.
"Isaac don't be rude," Irene chided him.
"Do you think you can walk…" Isaac didn't want to call her 'supporter'; sure, it was her job, but she deserved more respect than that.
"You can call me Lili, and I should be able to walk now, uhm…" Lili said, her hood blocking most of her features. She looked embarrassed.
"Isaac, and the other one over there is my twin sister, Irene. It's a pleasure," Isaac said to Lili before gently putting her on the ground. Ais observed this before looking back to Bell.
"Does anyone know where Lady Hestia's home is?" Irene asked.
That turned out to be a resounding no. So, Isaac suggested the Hostess of Fertility. Heading down Adventurer's Way, they entered the bar. It was around the middle of the day, meaning it was lunch rush. Once Ais entered the room, all conversation stopped. However, two waitresses noticed the person on her back.
Lili, Isaac, and Irene hung back, at least until everyone was gazing at Ais. The elder twin let out enough killing intent to make everyone, except Mama Mia and the waitresses, flinch. "Afternoon, Mama Mia," Irene greeted.
"Ah, the twins, how have you been?" Mia asked from behind the bar.
"Rolling with it. Listen, could we borrow a room for a bit, we have," Isaac gestured to Bell, still passed out, "this to deal with."
"Sure, as long as he spends money later. The boy seems too thin," Mia agreed easily. "Syr, help them get situated."
"Yes, Mama Mia," Syr, the silver-haired waitress, said. She guided them all upstairs to an empty room. With help from Isaac, Ais gently lowered Bell onto the bed before realizing how warm he was. The feeling that replaced it was cold, and the Princess didn't know how to properly cope with this sudden rush of emotion. "So, what happened?" Syr looked to Ais for an answer.
"Ais has to get back to her expedition, so I'll answer what I can," Irene said, giving Ais an out, while Isaac opened the door, gesturing for her to exit. Today was a madhouse, but the members of the Dia Familia did not want rumors to spread about her.
Ais did so, but not without one last glance at Bell. Once the door shut, Isaac turned around and helped Syr with the first aid, since she had the foresight to bring it. The male quarter elf quickly cleaned any remaining visible wounds and wrapped the bleeding ones. Irene's spell is strong, and if she gets her magic skill High enough, then how strong will it be? Lili watched with awe at how fast and efficient he was at this. That meant he had experience at this, but he didn't look a day over twenty.
"Irene, could you go find Lady Hesita? Her stand is right by Babel, closer to East street," Isaac said, not taking his eyes off Bell or Lili. Syr watched on anxiously, but also with respect.
"Okay, you'll be fine?" Irene asked. Are you still processing?
Isaac waved off her concern, "Yeah, I'll be good. If you somehow see Dia, let her know what's happening." Honestly, I haven't even started. Meanwhile, we better come up with a good explanation.
Irene left the room right after that, but not before asking her brother, For Lady Hesita or Lady Dia?
Neither. Riveria. She wants answers and so do we. Call it a mutual exchange of information. Isaac cleaned the last of his wounds, at least the visible once. He was not undressing him with two women in the room. He respects Bell's privacy and his dignity.
Lifting Bell off the bed, "Could one of you move the cover?" Both Syr and Lili reached for the bed at the same time, blushed, and then glared at one another. "Today, please," Isaac gently chided.
They both ended getting the covers off, much to Isaac's relief. He spoke aloud but the words were directed at Syr, "Tell Mama Mia I'll pay for his stay. I just know this is going to go wrong."
"How so?"
"Male's intuition," Isaac retorted sarcastically.
Both women glared at him. However, one asked the question, "So, what happened?"
Isaac beamed, "Simply put," he pointed to Bell, "this guy killed a Minotaur at level one."
"What?!" Syr shouted.
Ignoring the outburst, he continued, "He went on his first adventure. If his stats were high enough, then we might be looking at a new record breaker."
Lili tilted her head, making the hood shift back. Isaac noticed chienthrope ears peeking out. So, she's not a Prum like he assumed. However, he didn't comment on it.
"That feat alone would be enough to impress the Gods," Isaac said. During their research, he found out that once an adventurer gets a basic stat to at least rank D, they are eligible to level up, but the action or event has to impress the Gods or surpass your limits. For Bell, the Minotaur was it, his golden ticket.
"So, he didn't look that hurt when you got here," Syr commented worriedly.
Isaac smirked, "My sister is awesome, that's why." He still didn't let it show, but a conversation with a High Elf was intimidating, not because of her level, but for other reasons.
At that moment, the door opened again, but this time, it wasn't Irene. It was the elf waitress. Syr questioned it, "Ryuu, what's up?" Oh great, the other elf, Isaac thought to himself. If Irene heard him, then she'll be confused.
"Mia was asking for you, stating that she doesn't want you to slack," the deadpan tone certainly helped with its delivery.
Syr huffed, but brushed off her apron, fixed her hair, "I'll be back around closing time to check on him." Isaac waved her off with a smile.
Ryuu was looking at Bell, then shifted to Lili, narrowing her eyes before speaking, "I apologize for the other day. I had thought you were someone else."
"It's fine, Lili's not holding a grudge," Lili said, referencing herself in the third person, what is this, a story?
Ryuu nodded, "I heard what happened."
"Hmm?" Isaac mumbled, feeling exhausted now. After that adrenaline-filled adventure—heh, the irony—Isaac needed a nap.
The door opened again, and this time it was Irene, Lady Dia, and Lady Hestia. The latter was at the side of the bed in an instant, spouting off questions so fast that they all blurred together. Even Dia gave a bewildered look to the twin-tailed Goddess.
This chair felt really comfortable, so Isaac took the opportunity to rest his eyes, just for a few minutes. Irene ended up pulling another chair next to him and resting her head on his shoulder.
Hestia immediately turned-on Lili, "Supporter, explain."
So, she did, while the twins were asleep, however, they were very alert to their surroundings. "So, he killed a Minotaur at level one and none of you helped him?" Dia asked, turning her sharp gaze towards the twins.
Isaac groggily stated, "Adventurer's code, we cannot interfere in a situation where someone called rights on a monster." Then he was out again. Irene adjusted her head, and she was on alert.
"He went on his first adventure, Lady Dia, Lady Hestia. You may want to update his status when he's awake and recovered. Isaac believes that he's leveled up or eligible to do so.
No one spoke, but Irene's sleep slurred sentence radiated confidence. She believed he did. After the Silverback and this, she'd be surprised if he didn't level. "Of course," Ryuu sighed. "I shall be leaving; I hope Mr. Cranel recovers soon."
"He should, I used my new healing spell, which hopefully recovered some of his Mind power. I should probably take a potion for that."
Dia looked at her children with a questioning eye but chose not to start that when they aren't fully rested. She watched as Isaac reached into his hip holsters below his short swords and returned a potion, holding it to Irene who took it with her eyes closed and downed it. There was a murmur and then they fell asleep again.
Once Lady Hestia was thoroughly satisfied with Bell's state and Lili's explanation, she stood and looked at Dia. "Thanks to your children, mine is safe." She shot a look at the supporter, "Thank you as well."
"Lili told you that she was going to serve Master Bell faithfully," Lili beamed with determination.
"Hesita, do you think he's level two now?" Dia asked, going to her children, and slowly stroking both of their heads. The twins subconsciously smiled at the contact, bringing a soft smile to the emerald-eyed Goddess.
"If I recall his last status sheet correctly, he was more than eligible to level, so… my little Bell is probably level two!"
Dia stopped rubbing the twins' heads, "Come on, let's head home where you can relax."
Isaac opened his eyes, nodded, and stood up, getting Irene on his back. Dia looked at him in confusion. "She's still 'sleeping' but I want to carry her. I know she's awake and is choosing to be lazy."
"Am not," the younger twin murmured.
"Case in point," Isaac said as the Dia Familia left the Hostess of Fertility with goofy smiles on their faces. Lady Hestia and Lili remained with Bell throughout the day, neither one wanting to leave Bell's side, and arguing about who loves him more.
...
Sooooo? How'd I do? I will say combat scenes are not my forte, so I had to be vague yet a little descriptive.
On the bright side, I have the next chapter prewritten. I have all this because of sheer will. No doubt a plot hole will appear, as to be expected. It isn't a story without one.