"That's not possible," Finn said, flabbergasted. To hold off a level two monster like a minotaur, you'd need to have been adventuring for at least a year and be a high level one. Hell, even level twos could be troubled by a minotaur if they weren't careful. It simply didn't add up.

"Cranel-san. We mean no disrespect, but your claim is… unlikely to say the least," Riveria chimed in.

Bell struggled in silence, not knowing the words he'd need to say to convince the first-class adventurers. What could he, an adventurer without a Familia, say to these seasoned veterans to make them believe him?

Bell was about to express his frustrations, when miraculously, she came to his rescue again.

"He is telling the truth," Ais said, completely resolute.

"Ais? How do you know that?" Finn asked, shocked by the usually quiet Sword Princess speaking up in Bell's defense.

Bell looked at Ais, with eyes of thankfulness, before averting them once again when she made eye contact. She'd saved him again.

"I just know."

There was a lull in conversation as Finn was speechless.

"Bell-kun, are you telling the truth?" Loki questioned, finally speaking up after being deep in thought.

"Yes Loki-sama!"

"There you have it Finn, Riveria. Ais is right. It's impossible to lie to a deity. You should be more trusting of the boy who saved your favorite Goddess."

"Err, yes, sorry Loki, sorry Bell-san," Finn said, rubbing the back of his head.

Riveria nodded in assent. She definitely needed to talk to Ais. The gold-haired girl who she saw as a daughter was giving her and Finn the evil eye.

Bell didn't notice any tensions between the Loki Familia elite. He was just grateful they believed him.

"Uh, so, what's next?" Bell asked. "When I'm healed up, I can adventure to scrap up the funds to pay you all back for your generosity and treatment?"

This drew smiles from everyone. The boy was pure of heart, that was clear to see. No smile was deeper than Loki.

"Nonsense, Bell-kun. You were the one who saved me! After witnessing your strength and tenacity, knowing you don't have a Familia, I would be a fool to not offer you a place in the Loki Familia! You're also very sweet and cute," Loki explained, the last bit said under her breath as she lightly blushed. Thankfully no one heard it.

"What do you say Bell-san? We'd really love you with us. We'll help you grow and reach your maximum potential as an adventurer," the Captain of the Loki Familia said.

"You'd be an invaluable asset to us. Please consider Cranel-san," added the High Elf.

"Yes," was all Ais said, as she was deep in reverie.

Bell was blushing fiercely. How could he say no? This was exactly what he was looking for. This attention from such a renowned Familia was a dream come true. "When do I start?"

Loki jumped for joy as Finn and Riveria smiled and shook the young boy's hand. Ais was still looking elsewhere, but there was a faint curve to her lips. The Loki Familia didn't know this then, but this decision would change Orario and the greater world forever.

III

Bell was overjoyed. He'd finally become an adventurer like he promised his grandfather. He had the chance to work with incredible, famous adventurers, which was bound to help him grow. Also… he had the chance to work alongside Ais Wallenstein. His savior, who effortlessly slaughtered the minotaur who almost killed him. He wanted to be strong. To be a hero but… to also be strong for her. To be able to hold his own alongside her.

"Now Bell-kun. Take off your shirt!" the Goddess of trickery said, yet it was less mischievous than usual. It almost sounded shy.

Not that Bell knew that. He was ripped from his thoughts by that forward demand. "Wha-what?!"

"It's to add the blessing of Loki-sama," Riveria kindly explained. "It must be etched into your back."

And so, Bell laid down on the bed he was originally lying in. He was happy his face was in his pillow so no one could see him when Loki straddled him. The three executives watched eagerly, Finn and Riveria wanting to see the stats of the adventurer who held his own against a minotaur after two weeks of exploring the Dungeon.

Ais was curious about the boy in general. He was different. She didn't know why, but she reminded her of home. She felt a strong desire to protect the boy. His white hair and red eyes reminded her of… a rabbit? She shook her head. While an apt description, that wasn't wit. Maybe some other time she'll remember.

"All done! Now, your status sheet," Loki started, taking out the piece of paper. Bell sat back up again in his bed. Loki studied the paper closer. Silence permeated throughout the room. "Oh my goodness…"

Ais snatched the paper from Loki, much to the Goddess' annoyance. Finn and Riveria surrounded Ais, ignoring the cries to "give it back".

All three executives couldn't believe it. This was unheard of.

Status

Strength: S901

Endurance: SS1027

Dexterity: A889

Agility: SS1003

Magic: I0

Skills

Liaris Freese: Enhanced and rapid growth dependent on the strength of feelings and desires.

Ragnorök's Bane: Multiplies statuses and excelia gain in the face of overwhelming adversity.

"Your endurance and agility… rank SS? How is that even possible?!" Finn exclaimed.

"After two weeks, your growth has been exponential. It takes years for most to see these levels of growth," Riveria said, equally as surprised as her superior.

"You have two skills," Ais stated.

"Incredibly few level ones have just one skill, let alone two!" Finn added. "And your skills…"

"Both lead to enhanced growth. No wonder you've grown at record rates," Riveria hypothesized.

Bell's head was like a pendulum clock, swerving back and forth between the two first-class adventurers. The bashful boy could not handle the attention. Most of what Finn and Riveria said were going in through one ear and out the other.

"You are truly special Bell-san," Finn said smiling. "I don't think you should learn why your abilities work as they do, if you don't mind. What do you think Riveria?"

"Hmm… I see. It might give him dangerous ideas or even ruin the effects," Riveria agreed. "Is that okay with you Cranel-san?"

Bell nodded stupidly. What the hell was going on?

"Umm," Loki began. "Bell—"

"His magic skill is obviously low. He needs work acquiring it. Riveria, could you train him?" Finn asked.

"Yes, but perhaps a grimoire might be worth the investment? I believe we have two left in the Twilight Manor Magician's Library," Riveria argued.

"Guys—" Loki tried again.

"And Ais, his dexterity is the only skill lagging behind, if you could even say that. You said you'd train him?" Finn asked yet again.

Ais nodded wordlessly. Usually, lower levels of the Familia handled training the new recruits. But for some reason, she wanted to be the one to teach Bell. Maybe that would force him to look her in the eyes.

"Perfect. Strength training could be handled by Gareth. If Bell reads a grimoire, I'm sure Lefiya would be happy to help him improve his magical prowess. Teaching would be good for her confid—"

"Everyone! Shut the hell up!" Loki screamed. Finn just about fell over. "Logistics come later. Bell is ready for a level up!"

"What!" shouted Finn and Riveria, absolutely astonished. Even Ais joined in with a severe left-leaning head tilt and a look of pure bewilderment.

"A level up?!" Bell couldn't believe it. He heard Finn and Riveria talk about his fast growth skills. But this was impossible.

"To level up one needs to perform a feat that would impress even the gods," Riveria thought out loud.

"Of course, he literally saved Loki. There's nothing more impressive than protecting a deity in danger from a monster higher level than you. And holding your own!" Finn concluded.

"Can you two not bookworm out for once? Bell-kun, you've become a level one in a time that is a fraction of the previous record. And that was Ais!" Loki cheered. "This is cause for celebration."

Bell smiled nervously, but inside he was a wreck. He felt like he cheated. He had heard about the Sword Princess becoming a level two in just a year, which at the time was unheard of. He couldn't understand how he was also becoming a level two in less than a month. He felt like he cheated. He couldn't look at Ais-san's beautiful, golden eyes… he felt too much shame. She probably hated him and was going to ask how he cheated.

"Congratulations Bell-san," Ais said.

"W-wait what? A-Ais-san I'm sorry!" Bell blushed furiously.

"Huh, what for?"

"For… for leveling up so unnaturally fast and beating your fair record?"

Loki, Finn, and Riveria shared a smile.

"You earned your record Bell-san," Ais said, confusion once again adorning her face.

"Um, uh I, err, g-guess?" Bell stammered out, still not confident Ais didn't hate him.

"Enough of that. As a new member of our Familia, we are proud of you Bell-kun. Although we might keep the rate of your level up quiet, there are some people we don't want to know about your uniqueness," Loki lectured. "Now, lie down again so I can account for your level up."

The Goddess blushed lightly again as she etched into Bell's back, updating his Falna.

"Welcome to level two!" she cheered, Finn, Riveria, and Ais voicing similar congratulations.

"We should let Cranel-san sleep. He should meet the rest of the Familia tomorrow," Riveria suggested, much to the enjoyment of Finn and Loki as the two shared a look. Her motherly instincts were a running gag with the executives.

Ais smiled too, more so because she was often the object of Riveria's mothering, as the youngest of the Familia. Well, the second youngest now. Her smile deepened.

"Yes, it's been quite a long day for you, Bell-san. Let's keep him joining our Familia and his level up a secret until he meets everyone. I want to see the looks on their faces," Finn said, a mischievous look in his eyes.

"I knew I made you Captain of the trickster Familia for a reason," Loki laughed in agreement.

The four of them gave Bell one last welcome to the Familia and congratulations on the level up before shuffling out of the room to return to the dining hall.

Although Ais, Finn, and Riveria kept quiet, the members around the Ulterian table couldn't help but notice Loki downing beers and devouring her meal like all was well again. Tomorrow was certain to be interesting, with whatever happened with the white-haired boy who they learned was named Bell.

Meanwhile, Bell tossed and turned, excitement boiling inside him preventing him from falling asleep. So much had happened in such a short span, he didn't know what to do. It didn't help calm him when he nearly tossed his pillow across the room with the strength from the level up he was still adapting to. He finally had a Familia, which meant friends and mentors to help him on his way. And being close to Ais-san… what an incredible person she was. Even though he still felt wrong about the rate of his level up, he felt better knowing the gap between him, Ais, the other executives, were all closing. He was getting closer to being a hero.

III

Bell was exhausted. He'd never met so many people in rapid succession. When he woke up, he went downstairs to the dining hall to see the executives of the Familia. He of course knew Finn, Riveria, and Ais.

But he also met a sturdy dwarf named Gareth, who was also one of the original three members of the Familia. Bell could tell the dwarf was usually serious, but he received an earnest, grateful thanks from the dwarf for protecting Loki.

He met the twin Hiryute sisters, the Amazoness' Tione and Tiona. Bell was incredibly embarrassed to admit he could only tell the difference between the two via chest size, at least for now.

Last of the executives he met was a werewolf named Bete, who simply ignored his presence and called him a weakling under his breath. Bell didn't know what to make of that.

Riveria introduced him to her pupil, an Elf named Lefiya. He also got the vibe that she didn't like him, as she gave him a short welcome and proceeded to give him a dirty look whenever they made eye contact.

Then, Tiona happily introduced him to the rest of the Familia, as he met the beautiful cat-person Anakitty, or Aki, as well as Raul the "captain-in-training", Alicia the Elf, the red-haired human Narvi, the Chienthrope Cruz, and so on and so forth. Bell couldn't believe the amount of adventurers in the Familia (not to mention the amount of beautiful women).

Aside from Bete and Lefiya, he was welcomed with open arms. Mostly due to the fact he saved Loki, but also because he was a level two adventurer. Only Finn, Riveria, Ais, and Gareth knew that Bell became a level two in less than a month. Finn thought it best to not inform the rest of the Familia, for what reason Bell wasn't sure, although the Captain made him mention his level up was from "outside of Orario" if anyone asked, which got him quite a few looks of awe during introductions. It was quite hard to level up without the Dungeon. Bell felt guilty even though Finn and Loki were forcing him to lie.

"Well, how do you like my Familia?" Loki asked, grinning. The question shook Bell out of his thoughts.

"Oh, uh, they all seem very nice Loki-sama!" Bell answered, flustered.

Bell sat at the other end of the desk in Loki's private office. Finn, Riveria, and Gareth were standing behind Loki, smiling at Bell's kind words. They had built this Familia from the ground up after all.

"I'm glad you say that Bell-kun," Loki said, her smile growing mischievous. "It's tradition for all new members to perform a task or go on an outing with each of the executives of the Familia."

"It is?" Finn asked, giving Loki an innocent look.

"Shush Finn. It's been awhile since we've had a new Familia member, and even longer still since we've had one with as much potential as Bell-kun here."

"Mmhmm," Finn responded, still looking innocent. Riveria and Gareth couldn't help but chuckle. The Captain and Loki always messed with one another.

"Anyway," Loki began. "I'm thinking we start with you and I first! I have a surprise for you!"

"Uhhh, what!" Bell shouted, face beet-red.

Loki leapt up to her feet, and waltzed on over to the office exit. She had one foot out of the door, when she peeked back in. "Well? Come on Bell-kun! We have to go."

"Uh, yeah, c-coming Loki-sama!"

Bell got up to follow, leaving Finn, Riveria, and Gareth to laugh amongst themselves. They had forgotten that they too would have a turn as well.

III

Bell trailed after his Goddess. His Goddess. That was going to take some getting used to. They were heading to the Western Gate of Orario.

"Loki-sama, where are you taking me?" Bell asked nervously.

"Be patient Bell-kun," Loki laughed. "I'm giving you a present after all. Don't act like I'm about to drag you behind an alley and kill you."

"Um, are you?"

"Ha! You're a riot! Now c'mon."

Bell was looking from side to side, until he saw some tents up ahead. Each one was manned by a young man or woman. Beneath the tents laid a furnace, a grindstone, a whetstone, and a large hammer.

'Blacksmiths,' Bell realized. He could tell the difference in seniority of each smith based on the materials they were working with. The novices toiled with steel, while more experienced smiths worked with adamantium. Suddenly, they reached a tent far bigger than the others. In fact, it was more like a house, and a big one if that. It was a crimson red with bulky iron columns supporting the brick roof.

Bell and Loki entered the doorless archway of the structure. Inside, it was far more cozy, with stone brick tile and smooth silver walls. There was a front desk, with a massive furnace behind it, as well as similar smithing tools and equipment as the tents outside. There were bars of metal and ore scattered about, some were dark green-black and others silver and bright… what exactly were they?

"Mythril and orichalcum. The strongest metals known to man," answered a woman, as if she could read Bell's thoughts. "I work with them exclusively for high-grade weapons, although I work with adamantium from time to time."

"Bell-kun, meet Hephaestus, Goddess of the Forge," Loki said, smiling. Hephaestus was average height and slender, with crimson-red hair. She wore an eyepatch over her right eye. Her other eye was as red as her hair.

"H-Hephaestus-sama. It's nice to meet you!" Bell said, blushing. The Goddess was very beautiful.

"So Loki, this is the new addition to your Familia. And your savior?" she teased, warranting Loki to stick her tongue out. The two were close and allied, prompting Loki to tell Hephaestus about Bell. Albeit, she kept the rate of his level up and the torture Bell endured to herself and her Familia's top executives. "It is nice to finally meet you, Bell-san. You're cuter than I thought!"

Bell blushed deeply.

"Knock that off," Loki said with good humor, although she had to suppress some acidity from deep inside from seeping into her words. That was certainly new.

"So Bell-san. I'm sure you know why you're here," Hephaestus stated, although it was more of a question.

"Well, um—" Bell started.

"No, I kept it a surprise," Loki giggled, so excited she was jumping from foot to foot. "You said it was finished?"

"Sure is," Hephaestus smirked. "Come, right over here."

Hephaestus led Bell and Loki behind the counter, where she pulled out a slim, dark sheathe. "This is made of the skin of a horned dragon from the deep floors."

"Woah," Bell said. That was really all he could say.

"Take it Bell-san. Time for the main event."

Bell gingerly took the blade in his hands. Slowly, he unsheathed the weapon. Bell and Loki gasped. It was a dagger around a foot long. The edge of the knife was a brilliant silver, the sides a coated black. Carved on those same sides were magic runes that glowed a shimmering blue-white.

Bell practiced a slash and a stab before putting it back in its sheath. It was perfectly balanced and fit his hand like a glove. He could tell this weapon was made from him.

"Well?" Hephaestus asked.

"How do you like it?" Loki added.

"Kami-sama, I love it!" Bell cheered, setting the knife down as his arms flew around Loki's body.

"Wha-what the!" Loki said, loosely hugging the boy back as she blushed furiously. She hadn't expected this kind of response.

Bell pulled away, and looked her in the eyes. "This is the greatest gift ever! I can't imagine how expensive it was."

"Haha, it was nothing really," Loki started, still flustered from the boy's enthusiasm.

Bell turned from Loki to Hephaestus, bowing deeply. "Thank you Hephaestus-sama! To possess a weapon crafted by you personally is an honor! The craftsmanship even to my untrained eye is beyond what I thought was possible."

"No worries, use it well, Bell-san. It will grow with you and become more powerful as you do. That's what the runes are for," Hephaestus explained. She was absolutely going to talk to Loki about Bell. Loki was flustered. Did she have a crush?

"I'm ready to test it out! Loki-sama, can I go to the dungeon?" Bell shouted eagerly.

"Hold on Bell! Don't you remember our deal? Gareth volunteered to see you next, he has a task for you."

"Okay, can I bring my knife?"

"Of course, it's yours!"

Hephaestus covered her smile with her hand seeing Bell running off, Loki yelling to head to Babel as she tried to keep up.

III

"I see, ye got a weapon. A good one as well. Treat her well, clean her often," Gareth instructed.

Bell nodded, still holding the sheath at his belt as if the knife could disappear forever. He'd taken to calling it the Loki Knife.

"So Bell-san. My task for ye goes hand-in-hand with Loki's. We need to get ye fitted for some armor. You need to be able to take some damage to dish it out, if ye know what I mean."

"Yes sir," Bell responded. The two were walking to Babel after Loki dropped Bell off. He felt like he was being passed from babysitter to babysitter, but he wasn't really complaining.

"No need to call me sir. Ye could call me Gareth-san if ye wish."

"Yes si-Gareth-san."

"Attaboy!" Gareth laughed, slamming Bell's back in a friendly manner. But it seems the dwarf misjudged the strength, as Bell face-planted on the floor.

"Ah shit. Sorry Bell-san!" Gareth said, picking Bell off the floor and plopping him upright.

"Ouch. It's okay, I'm fine! New level two and all!" Bell insisted.

"I like ye lad. Ye got sport. I am sorry though, promise I'm not hazing the rookie. Yer the same height as Finn you see, guess I used the same amount of power thinking that…" Gareth stopped himself., looking sheepish "Let's go to Babel, get ye some armor."

Bell laughed. "No worries Gareth-san. Thank you for using your task to help me instead of making me sharpen your axe or something."

"Ha! Don't give an old dwarf any ideas."

The two had calmed down by the time they got to Babel. Gareth allowed Bell to gaze at more Hephaestus weapons and armor before taking him to the higher levels where the novice smiths practiced their craft.

"Now Bell-san, my task is quite simple. Choose anything ye like on this floor and I'll buy it for you. But I'm only giving you a loan. Yer gonna pay me back come the end of the month. Is that clear?" Gareth questioned.

"Crystal! Can I look now?" Bell said, excitedly.

"Scram," Gareth replied, unable to hide his smile watching Bell run from box to box, digging like a dog for something to use. As energetic as the boy was, Gareth couldn't forget that he became level two in three weeks. He nearly passed out when Finn and Riveria explained that to him.

Eventually, one pair of armor caught Bell's attention. It was white, with a chest piece, shoulder piece, and wrist and knee guards. Red streaks decorated each piece of equipment.

"This one Gareth-san!"

Gareth lumbered over, before inspecting the set. "Ah. You've got a good eye. There's a lot of rubbish, but this here looks like a gem in the rough. Light armor eh?"

"Yes, I feel it will allow me the most mobility and dexterity possible," Bell said, pointing to his knife.

"Ye are the nimble type. How much for this? 9500 Valis? Not bad at all. Let's go check out."

Once they bought the armor, the two prepared to head back to the Twilight Manor.

"Thanks again Gareth-san," Bell said appreciatively as the two walked.

"Eh remember this isn't just out of the kindness of my heart lad. This is a loan. And every day you're late paying me back, maybe I'll charge you that axe sharpening you were talking about."

The two laughed together at that. Bell was surprised. He was intimated by the dwarf. He was huge, and embarrassingly, his battleaxe reminded him of the minotaur. Yet Gareth-san was nothing like the beast; he was jovial and good-spirited. Bell was glad he fit in with the executive. Maybe it was a sign of good things to come. If anything, he'll at least have one person in his court if all the other executives hated him.

"Now then. Let's get back. I believe Riveria mentioned you and some magical affinity training. Good luck with that, she can get strict," Gareth said, chuckling.

Bell smiled and nodded, enjoying the small talk on the way back, the sun barely having risen.

III

Attached to the left wing of the Twilight Manor was a quaint, magical garden. Magical being literal. A pond with swirling blue water shimmered with the late afternoon sun blazing above.

Bell sat crossed legged with eyes closed. Around him were the strangest flora he had ever seen, though he did come from the countryside where grass and plain trees were all the eye could see. Dragon irises from the Raterra Forest were purple, spiraled coned flowers that, once a minute, erupted a plume of orange pollen, like the fire breathing beast it's named after. Willow poaceae from the Wishe Forest were dark cyan bladed ferns that luminesced brilliantly. They encircled the pond, providing a mystical glowing ambience that felt, well, magic. Other equally whimsical and colorful plants were scattered around the pond and garden. Bell was sure the huge, red-leafed ferns and the yellow shrubs with twinkling white fruits had names and locations of origin, but he couldn't recall them.

He really should've, however, as Riveria pointed out most of the plants in the garden. Known straightforwardly as the Magical Garden, the magic users of the Familia use it to meditate, practice the arcane, and increase their mind reserves. The magical plants were said to aid in creating that magical atmosphere that magic users prefer.

"Your concentration is slipping, focus," the aforementioned High Elf stated, eyes shut close as she meditated next to Bell.

"Yes, sorry Riveria-sama!" Bell winced, trying to empty his mind and focus on his breathing. Gareth-san wasn't kidding, the beautiful, regal High Elf took her teaching seriously.

Riveria, meanwhile, was amused by Bell's formality and his trepidation. She'll have to warm him up later. She might have some fun keeping up the charade of strict teacher and nervous pupil for this training at least.

That isn't to say this exercise was practiced in jest. Riveria instructed Bell to meditate focusing on the mind and breath, paying special attention to the course of magical energy throughout his body. For Bell, that last part would be impossible, as he has no magic. Riveria and Lefiya, however, would feel the flux of their magical auras, ready to be called on using chants. Nonetheless, this would be good practice for a complete and utter novice like Bell to get familiar with magic.

Bell channeled his breathing. He was desperately focusing on any acquired magic from his Falna or congenital magic from birth. Nothing. What was Riveria-sama talking about? What "flow" should he be feeling? Bell couldn't understand such a foreign, abstract concept.

'What if I envision my dream of becoming an adventurer, a hero, and being worthy of Ais-san?' Bell thought. He knew Riveria said to clear his mind, but that really wasn't working. And so, he breathed deeply, focusing on distant aspirations, feeling that hope weave his mind, body, and soul together.

Like a single strum of a lyre, he felt something reverberate inside him. Something powerful and meaningful. He was going to achieve his hopes. Yet, as quickly as it came, it went. He felt a poignant emptiness.

"Bell-kun, Riveria, how's it going?" an excited Loki interjected, snapping Riveria out of her focus and soothing Bell's short-lived sorrow. The Goddess of trickery was leaning against an Ulterian tree much smaller than the one that the Dining Hall table was fashioned from.

"Loki-sama. We were just finishing up," Riveria muttered, annoyed at the interruption. Loki knew how seriously she treated her meditation.

"Well Bell-kun, ready to blast monsters with spells yet?" Loki asked with a smirk.

"I'm not sure about that," Bell laughed nervously. "I may have felt something, but I doubt it."

"Unlikely, considering you can't use magic," Riveria said, warmly, as she had no expectations for Bell to feel what he didn't have. It just wasn't possible.

"Well let's check your Falna!" Loki chirped, half in jest.

"That won't be necessary Loki," replied Riveria, her patience running thin. "Bell was just learning what it may feel like if he ever develops magical abilities."

"You can check Loki-sama," Bell said, just going along with a request from his Goddess. He pulled off his shirt, causing Riveria to look away in embarrassment and Loki to blush a little bit.

"O-okay, alright!" said Loki, beginning to update Bell's status as he laid down on the grass.

There was the status sheet, that Riveria grabbed out of instinct, expecting no change for the new leveled up adventurer.

Status

Strength: I0

Endurance: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Exactly as she expected. Bell had done neither training nor adventuring since leveling up. There was no way—

Wait.

"Unbelievable," Loki said under her breath, as she peered over Riveria's shoulder.

"Cranel-san, it appears once again you have bested even the most generous expectations and have done the extraordinary," Riveria praised calmly.

The last basic ability read:

Magic: I1