Changelog:
Removed some text - 7,5,2023
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The purple-haired girl snarled at him as she broke out of his hold, tackling him to the ground. Their position was now reversed, with the albino under her and her forearm pressed to his neck.
He could have moved, but found himself powerless under the spitting image of his former vice-captain.
Bell stared into her purple eyes. He could recognize one single emotion behind them: Hate. Pure unbridled rage. -Yet behind those very eyes, there was a hint of sadness; a bottomless well of remorse and mourning for a loved one.
The expression and emotions were more familiar to him than anyone else, for he saw them every day in his own reflection.
"T-then you're-" Bell said shakily.
...She looks just like Emma...
"I'm the sister of the girl you killed!"
A torrent of memories and dialogue washed over Bell's mind. He recalled a conversation he shared with his former vice-captain, Emma Flores.
The sister of the woman who stood before him.
The girl he killed.
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He strolled to the balcony that overlooked the backyard of Hearthstone Manor, the home of the Hestia familia. He noticed a girl leaning on the white railings.
Her short pink hair at the back was neatly trimmed, while shoulder-length locks were tied with white ribbons to the front. She wore a pink top with red borders that revealed her shoulders, a red skirt, and maroon boots. There was a cherry-red colored bow-tie on her chest, sitting above a rectangular patch of maroon the same color as her boots that ran down from the collar of her top.
-"Oh hi Bell, I didn't see you there."- She smiled as her pink eyes met with his rubies.
Bell made his way next to her and leaned on the balcony as the two watched their other familia members sparring in the courtyard at the back of the manor.
-"Everyone's working hard, aren't they?"- Bell spoke, after a momentary silence.
-"Yes, everyone has dreams they want to fulfill, so of course they're all working hard."-
-"Dreams, is that right..?"-
-"Something wrong?"- Emma tilted her head, looking at the rabbit curiously.
-"It's just that...I feel like I never asked this before, but do you have a dream too? Or some kind of goal maybe?"-
-"If I had to say, I guess there is one... Have I told you why I decided to become an adventurer?"-
The rabbit shook his head.
-"I used to live in the mountains with my sister, in a small village to the west of Orario. Even though she had a bad mouth...and would usually get into fights with the other villagers, she was very nice and caring, always helping people out whenever she could. But when our parents died, she just disappeared one day."- Emma smiled in memory.
-"O-oh.. I'm sorry for bringing up bad memories."- Bell scratched his cheeks nervously.
-"Thank you, but it's alright. Now where was I...right, I asked around the village if anyone knew where she was, but all the adults would dodge the question, or just wouldn't give me an answer. So I decided to come to Orario to become an adventurer so that I could spread my name out there...and that hopefully one day we could reunite again."-
-"That's a nice dream to have."-
She scratched her cheeks. -"Aww thanks, but I feel like it's kinda underwhelming, well compared to the rest of you at least. You want to be a hero just like the ones from heroic tales, Primo admires the Nine Hells, and Leo wants to be like Mr Finn- Ah... Wait, Bell, could you forget I said the last part..? I umm...kinda promised Leo not to say anything about that..."- Emma said, bowing down with her hands clapped together.
Bell chuckled to himself, soon bursting into laughter as he held his stomach. Emma hit his back in embarrassment, before joining him.
-"Out of curiosity, what's your sister's name? I don't think you mentioned it."-
-"Big sister's name? Oh, her name is..."-
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"..Sophia...Flores..." He spoke shakily.
"Oh so you know my name? I'm honored that the great Astrapi knows of me. But, that doesn't change anything. I thought I could trust my one and only remaining family member with you, but look where that got her." She said, sarcastically.
"W-wait-"
"Coward! Just because I'm not a god doesn't mean I can't tell the truth from lies!"
"I-" The words were caught in his throat.
Why couldn't he refute her?
Why didn't he deny her?
Because he knew; Deep down, in his heart, she was right.
Although it was reported as a tragedy, one of an innumerable amount of events that took place in the dungeon, one in which an entire familia was wiped out by an Evilus trap.
He knew that wasn't true. For the truth was known to only himself.
Maybe it was a massacre, one orchestrated by Evilus to get rid of an up-and-coming familia. He may have not been able to change anything had he been there...and some might say that the result was set in stone the moment they accepted the mission-
He hadn't considered the possibility of himself being separated from his familia, when it was his responsibility as their captain to guide them, and to lead them, but he couldn't even foresee a meager trick, a simple diversion.
The Hestia familia was by no means weak, Bell knew that better than anybody else. They were a group of 11 people, a level 5 captain, a level 3 vice-captain, and nine level 2's; more than strong enough to combat the lower floors. But in the end, those were just numbers, nothing more than little old numbers in the face of the dungeon's personal grim reaper.
If only he was faster, if he hadn't left them-
They wouldn't have died.
If only he was faster, if he took her hand-
Alfia wouldn't have died.
If only he was faster, if he could have switched places with her-
Ardi wouldn't have died.
And in the cruelest way possible, he was given that power.
A second magic manifested on his back, following his return from the dungeon without the rest of his familia. One bearing the name of the brightest star of a constellation: Regulus. Through this, he was granted the speed of lightning, and the might of thunder.
As a result of gaining this magic, the gods bestowed upon him the name which meant lightning: Astrapi.
It was known by all that the gods had descended to the lower world, seeking entertainment, and to experience the hardships of living a mortal life with the children that inhabited it. Among the many leisure's they had on Gekai, the naming of their children was one that stood out over others. More often than not, children of low-ranked familia would be given names that made their patron deities cry, and only the members of high-ranked familia being given respectable names.
Yet to those very same children, those aliases were like a badge of honor, because it showed them that the gods recognized them, and believed that they would go on to achieve great things. Some wore their names with pride, and some as motivation to realize their dreams.
But to him?
There was no honor, and definitely no pride. Bell detested his second name, because his failure would forever be a part of him, it would perpetually be what he was recognized for. He wouldn't be known as a hero titled with the name 'Astrapi', but as a failure, a coward, titled with that very same name.
A hero? Who?
Him? Bell Cranel?
The murderer? A hero?
He who couldn't save even his loved ones? A hero?
This was reality, and it was a dream: his dream.
It would only stay that way.
He didn't deserve it, a dream that he didn't deserve to dream. An ideal that was beyond his grasp, an aspiration worlds apart. That is what he believed it to be.
"So you won't deny it? I've had enough of you. Don't you dare show your face anywhere near me you murderer." Sophia growled as she got off of him. The purple-haired girl spat on the ground before turning away and disappearing into a nearby alleyway.
Bell couldn't deny anything, he just didn't have that right, not anymore. Because everything was true, true to him and true to his heart. What Sophia Flores said to him was right, it was the rightful judgment of justice. It was the judgment that he sought, and the retribution he wanted.
He stared up at the bright cerulean sky with eyes lacking their usual glimmer. His body felt heavy, as if he was being crushed by the weight of the world. It may not have been for very long, but he was used to this now: To be looked down upon, to be ridiculed.
But hearing it from the one who looked just like the girl he killed crushed him.
...I have to get back to everyone else...
How he wished it rained. The longing for a downpour that would soak him to the bone consumed Bell's thoughts as he limply picked up the bags of food and trudged his way back to his- the Astraea familia; to those heroes of justice.
The weight of the bags was nothing that a first class adventurer couldn't handle, but they felt like pure blocks of lead in his hands.
His vision was tunneled, and his mind was lost in a haze of sorrow and despair.
His balance was inconsistent, and he found himself shifting his weight from one leg to the other, walking as if he was a Spartoi- a mindless, undead soldier.
As he plodded along, lost in his own thoughts, Bell noticed that the texture of the ground beneath his boots had changed.
It was no longer hard and unyielding, but rather soft and grainy. He found himself coming to a stop, seeing a pair of feet in front of him.
"Ah you're back!" A voice radiating energy spoke.
"Jeez took you long enough, I'm starving." A voice of exhaustion and tiredness spoke.
"I was going to come looking for you if you had taken any longer, but it looks like I was not needed." A refined voice spoke.
"Bell, is something wrong?" A blunt voice spoke.
He couldn't meet their gaze, nor even glance at any of them. Once more reminded by the weight of his sins; the blood on his hands, Bell couldn't look at them, nor did he want to be seen. He felt as if the weight on his shoulders increased with every passing second.
"N-nothing." He pushed the bags into the hands of-
...Who is standing in front of me..?
"I-I'm not...feeling too well so I'm going to get some rest... S-see you later..."
"Wait-"
He turned his back on them, and ran away as fast as he could with tears threatening to spill from his eyes had they not already.
'Didn't something like this happen before?' A reflection of himself asked.
...Oh right...it was when I left them...
The rabbit's body felt heavy as he collapsed onto the bed like a lifeless husk, consumed by a sense of powerlessness that weighed him down like a ton of bricks. He didn't even have the energy to change his clothes or slip under the comforting embrace of the blanket; all he could do was lay there, staring blankly at the wooden ceiling above him.
The world around him seemed to fade into the background as he sank deeper and deeper into his own thoughts, each passing second feeling like an eternity. The weight of his guilt seemed to crush him from the inside out, making it difficult for him to breathe or move.
As he laid there in the stillness of his own despair, his mind raced with thoughts of all the things he had no control over. The overwhelming sense of futility and helplessness left him feeling like he was drowning in a sea of emotions he couldn't even begin to name.
Hours slipped by, the minutes dragging on like an endless parade of misery. Bell had fallen into a melancholic rest, trapped in a world where he felt powerless and insignificant, unable to break free from the suffocating grip of his own emotions.
.
Opening his eyes, he found himself in an empty void, one that was completely devoid of any color or form. It was a strange and unsettling feeling, like he had been transported to a place that existed outside of time and space. The only thing that seemed to exist was the blinding white light that enveloped him, making it impossible to see anything beyond his own body.
Bell tried to make sense of his surroundings, searching for any signs of life or activity. But there was nothing around him, no movement, no sound, nothing. The silence was deafening, making him feel as if he was the last living soul in the world.
He looked down at his hands, searching for some sign of change or difference. But they looked the same as always, with no marks or blemishes. It was as if he had been plucked out of reality and placed in this empty void without any warning or explanation.
"-ell." The sound was faint, almost imperceptible at first. But as Bell strained to listen, it grew louder, piercing through the deafening silence that had engulfed him. It was a melodic sound, a soft and gentle voice.
It was a voice. One that he could never forget.
It was her voice. One that his soul yearned to hear.
"Bell."
A form materialized in the colorless void, one that he longed to see once again.
It was a girl, one with short, slate-blue hair and cerulean eyes. She wore a blue top over a short dress that was black in the center and dark gray on the sides, as well as a pair of black gloves that reached above the elbow. There were two light blue straps around her waist, the smaller one holding a piece of pure blue cloth on her side. On her feet were a pair of brown, metal and leather shoes, with the right one reaching higher than the other, and a pair of black stockings that reached above the knee.
...Ardi...
Bell's mouth opened, and he tried to form words, but his voice seemed to have deserted him. He felt a lump in his throat, and his heart raced in his chest. He tried again, but still, no sound came out as he tried to call her name.
"How could you do that?" She frowned.
...What are you saying-
"Why did you let me die?"
...I-
As the girl slowly made her way towards him, he felt himself instinctively taking a step back, as if to create some distance between them.
...Wait... Why am I backing away from her..?
"Why are you moving away?"
He didn't know either, it was as if his legs were put on autopilot. In the midst of his confusion, Ardi continued to advance. Her cerulean eyes were locked onto his rubellite pair, and he could feel their pressure like a physical weight. It was as if she was reading his very soul with just a look.
As she drew closer, Bell found himself feeling more and more trapped, his back knocking into something- someone, behind him. His body spun around, meeting eyes with a pink-haired girl.
...M-miss Emma...
"Hey, why aren't you saying anything?" The pink-haired girl tilted her head.
...I can't...
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself?" Two, jet-black pigtails loomed behind him. Her sapphire-blue eyes lacked the nostalgic warmth and soothingness of the hearth that he remembered oh so well.
...Mom...
"Because of you, I won't ever be able to become as great of a mage as Lady Riveria." A short elf with blonde hair tied into twin tails and purple eyes materialized next to his former vice-captain.
...Miss Primo...
"I can't believe that I decided to follow your lead, Bell. You should be ashamed of yourself."
"You're a failure of a captain."
...Miss Oriana... Miss Karen...
A cacophony of voices engraved into his memory surrounded him and dug into his ear as if needles were being pushed from the inside out.
"We shouldn't have put our trust in you..."
"Was everything you said about not letting anyone die just a lie?"
"You really let us down, captain."
...Miss Iris... Miss Silva... Miss Gita...
"Why couldn't you come faster..?"
"And you call yourself a hero? What a joke."
"I expected more from you, Mr Bell."
...Miss Lucia... Miss Leo...and Miss Gina...
He felt a large hand push him on the center of his back, forcing him to stumble onto his knees. As he turned around, he was met with the form of a large, crimson-red haired man.
The man sighed, "I guess teaching you was a waste of my time." looking down on the white rabbit at his feet. His face contorted in disappointment. "...To think that I genuinely believed that you could surpass us..."
...Uncle Zard...
"Why aren't you saying anything?" The hearth questioned.
"I thought this is what you wanted." The vice-captain pursued.
"-To be judged." The elf finished.
..Stop...
"Don't you feel any guilt at all?" The hearth asked.
"You let all of us die. If we meant this little to you, why didn't you just kill us yourself?" The predator inquired.
"And you call yourself a hero? You aren't allowed to have such a pure dream, you murderer." Another voice continued.
...Please...
The albino leaned forward, cupping his ears, trying to escape the onslaught of voices that surrounded him. He could feel the vibrations reverberating through his body, a relentless assault that seemed to grow louder and more chaotic with each passing moment. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the world around him. But it was no use, as the sounds only seemed to intensify. It was as if the entire world had conspired against him, a relentless assault that threatened to drive him to the brink of madness.
"Not even a month after we died, you already made new friends." The knight stated.
"You also joined a new familia." The hearth added.
"Welf, Alise, Kaguya, Are you going to get them killed too?" Ardi asked
"..t..p..." The boy gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into his scalp.
He felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes, hot and desperate.
He didn't know how much longer he could take it.
He wanted to scream, to justify himself, to beg for forgiveness.
"You aren't fit to call yourself the child of a goddess of justice."
"After all you've done, do you really think you can be happy?"
"They all have promising and bright futures, unlike you."
"...Stop..."
As if in response to his pleas, the sounds stopped.
Slowly, he raised his head, hands still covering his ears, as Bell gazed at the form of the woman in front of him. Her eyes were closed, long silver hair flowing down her back and over her shoulders. A green necklace and black dress clung tightly to her pale and slender frame.
Her voice was as silent as a whisper... "...If only you hadn't been born,"
She knelt down gracefully, tearing the rabbit's hands from his ears with her own, regarding his rubies with her heterochromatic pair.
...And as cold as winter. "-Meteria would still be alive"
He felt a piercing frost stretch across his back, a small hand between his shoulder blades. It was the hand of the hearth, yet it hadn't the warmth of family.
"I shouldn't have accepted you as my child."
His mind shattered, as the deafening cacophony returned with a vengeance, growing louder and louder with every second.
"Hey."
He pressed his palms against his ears as hard as he could, feeling as if they were on the verge of exploding.
"Hey."
He clamped his eyelids shut in desperation, tears burning his face as they trailed down.
"Hey."
In the blackness of his closed eyes, he could see his hands stained in blood, their blood, seeping through the cracks in his fingers, and into a pool of red that he knelt over, as the rotting forms of his loved ones clawed at him.
""""Why aren't you saying anything?""""
"STOP!"
.
"STOP!"
Bell's eyes flew open, his heart thundering in his chest. He gasped for air, the sound of his own rapid breathing echoing in his ears as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.
The room was unfamiliar, with plain white walls and a simple wooden dresser against the far wall. He sat up, his body shaking and trembling, feeling as if all the warmth had been sucked out of him.
The events of the previous night flooded back into his mind like a tidal wave. The nightmare had been too vivid, too real. He had been trapped in a world of darkness, with no hope of escape. The feeling of suffocation had been overwhelming, and he had struggled to free himself from its grasp. The terror of it all had left him drained and exhausted.
He looked down at his hands, which were shaking uncontrollably. They looked the same as always, with no marks or blemishes, but it did little to ease his mind, knowing that he had been pushed out of one nightmare and into another.
He lifted the sheets off of him, lowering his legs off the side of the bed, and shakily taking deep breaths in a futile attempt to calm himself.
The memory of the nightmare was still fresh on his mind, like a lingering shadow that refused to be shaken off.
It was as if he could feel the nightmare gripping him tightly, holding him in its grasp.
Bell tried to stand, but his legs felt like jelly, and he stumbled back onto the bed. The room spun around him, and he felt like he was going to be sick. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the feeling of cold dread that had settled in his stomach.
His thoughts would be interrupted as his door swung open.
"Morning Bell! You up yet?-"
...Please...not now...
"Hey, are you okay?"
The rabbit gritted his teeth. He didn't want her to see him, the pitiful, unworthy mess that she invited into her familia.
"...Alise..I beg you... Please don't..look at me right now..." Bell spoke weakly, forcing his head down as he balled his fists, clenching the blanket.
The red-haired girl approached the rabbit in silence, her eyes fixed on his face. His bangs obscured his eyes, but tears were clearly visible as they rolled down his cheeks, leaving small drops on the white sheets beneath him.
Looking at him up close, she noticed that the corners of his eyes were swollen, and his lips quivered.
She paused for a moment, her hand hovering in the air, unsure whether to touch him or not. Then, with a gentle sigh, she leaned forward and placed her hand on his shoulder, offering him a wordless gesture of comfort.
He turned to look at her, and found her sitting on the bed beside him, his watery rubies meeting her jades.
In the little light that leaked in through the window, she appeared to glow with an otherworldly radiance, and for a brief moment, he was overcome by the feeling that he was in the presence of a goddess.
Her form seemed to be perfectly sculpted, her features delicate and refined. The way the light played off her skin made it seem as though she was surrounded by an aura of warmth and light, a familial warmth that he remembered very well.
Without a word, Alise wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close to her chest. The rabbit flinched slightly at her touch, as he could feel her warmth and her heartbeat.
Despite his efforts to push her away, Bell found himself unable to escape Alise's comforting embrace. His weakened arms lacked the strength to break free, and he soon succumbed to her gentle hold.
"Shh... You're okay now...take all the time you need, Bell." She spoke in a gentle tone, her voice barely above a whisper, as she tightened her hold on the rabbit.
With one hand, she stroked his messy and tangled, but soft and fluffy white hair, running her fingers through the strands with a careful tenderness. Her other hand rested on his back, fingers trailing soothingly up and down his spine.
The room was filled only with the sound of their breathing and the gentle rustling of their movements. The redhead's fingers continued their ministrations, moving in slow and rhythmic patterns that seemed to calm the albino's racing heart.
He closed his eyes and let out a small moan, basking in the warmth and comfort of her touch. The girl leaned closer to him, pressing her cheek against his head and murmuring softly in his ear.
"It's okay," She whispered. "I'm here, and I'll always be here wherever, and whenever you need me."
Bell nodded weakly, leaning into her touch, and returning her hug, just enjoying the comfort of Alise's presence. The voices that haunted him had dissipated, leaving his mind in a soothing and peaceful quiet. He felt as if he had found a safe haven...a place where he could let his guard down and be vulnerable.
.
After what felt like an eternity to the rabbit but was only half an hour, he separated from the redhead. His eyes were still sore and swollen, a testament to the weight of the emotions he carried.
"Are you feeling better now?" She asked, caressing his back.
"...Y-yes." He nodded slightly.
"Bell, did something happen yesterday?"
He opened his mouth momentarily, before closing it. He had finally found somewhere -someone, with a warmth familiar to the hearth. Alise said that he could rely on her, so could he? Should he? Was it really ok for him to?
...No. These are your problems, Bell Cranel. You can't just push them onto her after everything she's done for you...
"You don't have to tell me if you don't feel comfortable, but we're a part of the same familia now, and it's the captain's duty to look after their members." Alise said.
Her words stung like a bee, but he knew she was right. "...J-just a bad dream, really, nothing happened at all." He shook his head slowly. It wasn't as if he was lying, but it wasn't the complete truth either. His nightmare was the result of…
Bell avoided her eyes, looking down and twiddling his fingers.
"U-umm.. I'm sorry for staining your shirt." He hung his head low to the red-haired girl.
"There's no need to lower your head. As long as you stop crying, you can use as many of my shirts as you want." Alise said, giving him a warm smile. "Oh, but I only have four sets with me right now." She mused.
"..A-Alise...what time is it right now..?"
"Hmm, it should be about 10 in the morning." She said, pausing as the rabbit tilted his head in confusion.
"-But didn't we arrive in Melen at 12?"
The redhead giggled into her palm, as the albino was left worried if he said anything weird. "Yes silly, we arrived here at that time yesterday. I came to check on you last night to tell you that we were heading out for dinner, but you were already sleeping so I decided to let you be."
"Wait, w-was it you who pulled the blanket over me..?"
Alise nodded. "Mhm. It wasn't easy, you know, since you kept rolling around the bed." She said, in a joking manner.
"...I-I'm sorry for having to trouble you.." He bowed his head.
"Don't worry about it! We wouldn't want you to catch a cold while we're on a trip." Alise nodded.
From the corner of the eye, she could see the rabbit stealing glances at her. She had a rough idea what he wanted to ask next. "If you're wondering where the others are at, they're out sightseeing right now."
"..A-ahm...Then w-why didn't you go with them...?"
"I was wondering if you were up, and I left my wallet behind."
"I-I see.." He nodded lightly.
The room was filled with an awkward silence. Bell wasn't sure what to say next, or how much longer Alise would stay with him for, but before those thoughts could finish, the red-haired captain hopped up to her feet, stretching her shoulders.
"Okay I've decided!" She spun around, looking the rabbit in the eyes with her hands on either side of her hips. "Let's go on a date!"
His face burned bright red, his embarrassment reaching his ears. "E-eh!? A-a d-date!?" He stuttered.
"Yep." Alise replied curtly.
"J-just the two of us!?"
"Just the two of us."
"B-but mom said that...y-you should only do that after you've confessed your feelings to the person you like behind a school building...or during a festival as the fireworks are setting off in the distance...o-or even during spring, as the cherry blossoms are blowing in the wind- Aaaahh! What are you making me say!?..." The albino buried his face in his hands as he cried out.
"Uwahh...I never took you for such a romantic... Has Kaguya been feeding you her Shojou-manga?" She asked.
"Big-sister hasn't been feeding me anything! A-and what even is 'Shojou-manga'!?"
"She's the expert so you should probably ask her." Alise shrugged. "Well in any case, just ignore the small details."
"A-are you sure though..? Because, I think you could definitely find someone more interesting, or fun to go with..." His shoulders shrunk.
She smiled brightly. "Mouh! I already said it was okay, and I want to go with you."
"...But I mean...is that really something you should do with someone like me..?" He looked down, wallowing in self-deprecation.
The redhead sighed, "Bell, we really need to work on your self-esteem." taking his hand and pulling him to his feet.
"A-Alise?"
"Come with me for a sec." She ushered, holding his hand tightly in her own.
Bell kept his head low in an attempt to hide from his embarrassment. His attempts to walk on his own were futile under the red-haired captain's unyielding grip.
She had an inkling of an idea of why he held such a low opinion of himself, even though his accomplishments were many. The Scarlet Harnel was determined to help him improve his self-esteem, one step at a time.
Alise led him to one of the bathrooms, and had him stand in front of the mirror. "Watch closely now, because I'm only going to do this once!"
He tilted his head in confusion. "A-alright."
She turned on the tap, letting the water run. She put her hands together, scooping up water and washing her face. The redhead then slapped her face three times, as she looked into her reflection in the mirror. "I'm the best!" Alise smiled, with her hands on her hips and nodding, before turning to the albino. "Okay, now it's your turn!"
Bell nodded wryly, before repeating her actions. He scooped up water in his hands, and splashed his face. The albino slapped his cheeks three times, then wiped his face down with a towel. "I-I'm done."
"Not yet." She shook her head.
"Mmh… D-do I really have to..?" He looked away with a slight tint of pink to his cheeks.
"Captain's orders!~" She said, patting him on the head.
He tried his best to put on a smile. "I-I'm the best!"
"Umu! Very good Bell!" Alise slapped him over the back. "Huhuhu! I do this every day to motivate myself, so I hope it helps."
Bell whimpered, covering his face. "Hauuu... That was so embarrassing..."
Alise giggled. "Ehehe, I'll be waiting outside, so hurry up and get dressed!" She said, as she skipped out of the bathroom cheerfully.
.
Although he didn't feel like he deserved her attention, Bell was aware of her attempts to make him feel better, and the sentiment made him just a little bit more happy.
He groaned as he stretched his stiff shoulders and put on a fresh pair of clothes before slipping on his boots and brown jacket as he exited the house.
The redhead turned to the albino, as he locked the door behind him. "Ah Bell, are you ready?"
"Y-yeah...did you wait long..?" He said, scratching the back of his head, as the red-haired girl shook her head.
"Now then, let's get going!" Alise grinned.
Bell followed closely behind his captain, the sounds of the bustling port city filling his ears. The streets were crowded with people, each going about their own business, with vendors shouting out their wares and the smell of fresh seafood wafting through the air. He couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by it all as he took in the sights and sounds of the city.
As they walked, Bell took in the colorful buildings that lined the streets. The buildings were painted in various shades of blue and white, with bright red rooftops that stood out against the clear blue sky. The streets were paved with cobblestones, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage rumbled by, adding to the already chaotic atmosphere.
Alise led him through the winding streets, past market stalls selling everything from fresh fish to exotic spices. The people of the city were diverse, with sailors and merchants from all over the world mingling with the locals, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Despite the chaos, there was a certain charm to the city that Orario didn't have. Melen had the same liveliness as the labyrinth city, but as the land was not restricted, the port city felt less suffocating.
Bell noticed small gardens and parks tucked away between buildings, with flowers in full bloom and fountains providing a calming oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The occasional stray cat would dart across the street, forcing some carriagemen to stop abruptly and yell.
"Alise, do you have somewhere in mind that you want to go to..?" He tilted his head.
"Nope!" She said simply.
Bell sighed, smiling lightly at his carefree captain. In the following seconds, the rabbit came to a halt, as the redhead stopped abruptly. A small blush settled on her face as she was unable to ignore her hunger anymore.
"Have you eaten breakfast yet..?" He tilted his head, as Alise shook her head subtly. "If that's the case then, Miss Rose recommended a few good restaurants, so should we get something to eat first?"
"Yeah that sounds good. Lead the way, Bell." Alise replied, following behind him.
As they filed down from one of the branching roads into the main street, they were met with a large crowd of people. In an effort to avoid walking into the mob, they kept to the sides.
A warm sensation spread through her hand, as Bell took it in his own, leading them through the bustling streets. "I-it's just so that we don't get separated."
She smiled mischievously as she interlocked her and Bell's fingers. Alise could see and feel him tense up at the sudden action, which she found rather cute.
"Don't let me get away now~" She teased, giving his hand a small squeeze as he squirmed under her hold.
After another half hour of walking, they arrived at a restaurant that overlooked the port. There was a wooden sign hung outside the entrance that read 'T-Café, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner'. The building was two stories tall and had an open front terrace that was lined with white circular tables and chairs, with waiters greeting patrons and taking orders dutifully, carrying trays of food in and out of the restaurant.
"Umm.. A-Alise, you can let go now." He said, looking at their interlocked fingers.
A teasing grin formed on her face. "Ara? But what will you do if I get lost?"
"P-please don't tease me... I-it was just in the heat of the moment, a-and I wasn't thinking straight." Bell looked away abashed.
"Ehehe. You're so cute when you're flustered Bell." Alise giggled.
"Alise!"
"Okay, okay I'll stop." She said, separating their hands.
Walking up to the restaurant, they were met with a waitress by the reception. "Good morning! Welcome to T-Café, will it just be you two dining with us this morning?"
"Yes." Bell nodded.
"Would you like a seat inside? Or on the patio?" She asked.
"Hmm... How about the patio?" Alise turned to Bell, as he shrugged.
"Very well then, please come this way," The waitress said as she gestured for them to follow her. She led them to a table towards the corner of the open patio that offered a perfect view of the docks. From where they sat, they could see countless ships of all shapes and sizes, from small sailboats to large fishing vessels bobbing gently in the waves.
As they settled into their seats, they watched as fishermen bustled about their work, loading and unloading nets and barrels, while others carted crates of fresh fish towards the nearby market. Meanwhile, sailors scurried up and down the masts, washing the decks, and chatting with their fellow crewmates.
It was a bustling scene, filled with the sounds of creaking ropes, flapping sails, and the occasional shout of a captain barking orders. Yet despite the chaos, there was a sense of calm and purpose that seemed to permeate the air. The waitress handed them menus, and they settled in to enjoy the view.
She bowed, leaving the albino and redhead to their own devices.
"I thought the boats in Orario were big but they look tiny compared to those!" Alise pointed to the large ships by the docks, eyes gleaming with wonder.
"You sure are excited, aren't you?" Bell chuckled.
She nodded, smiling. "Of course! It's not every day we can see these things."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but will you two be ready to order?" A different waitress came around, holding a pen in one hand and a notepad in the other.
"O-oh sorry for not noticing, I'll have an omelet and orange juice." Bell replied, after looking over the menu quickly and handing it over to Alise.
She flicked through the pages, seemingly deep in thought.
…I wonder what Bell would like…
The waitress traded glances with Bell for a moment, the albino laughed dryly in reply.
Then, after a weighted silence, Alise answered. "I'll have the morning special and an apple juice."
"Great! I'll have that out to you shortly." She nodded, taking the orders down on her notepad as she left.
Bell and Alise leaned back in their chairs, enjoying the soft hum of the bustling cafe around them and the gentle coastal breeze brushing against their skin. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon drifted over from the open kitchen, and Alise's stomach rumbled in anticipation. They chatted about everything from their favorite books to their latest adventures in the dungeon, enjoying each other's company.
When Alise asked Bell what his favorite hero story was, his face beamed with joy, like the shining sun on a cloudy day. He showed his vast and expansive knowledge as he retold countless stories with passion, his expressive gestures punctuating his words with excitement. Alise couldn't help but laugh at his animated storytelling and soon found herself grinning from ear to ear, listening intently.
As they talked, she noticed a change in Bell's demeanor -he had seemed somewhat tense when they first arrived, but now he looked relaxed and content. His smile was radiant, brighter than ever, and Alise soon found herself satisfied with the change.
Their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, each of them taking turns sharing stories and thoughts. Bell felt a sense of ease and comfort with Alise, and he knew that it would be the beginning of a deep and meaningful relationship.
The more they spoke, Bell's heart raced longingly. He couldn't understand why he felt so drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. He shook his head, suppressing those familiar feelings that reminded him of her.
"Thank you for waiting, here are your orders." The same waitress from earlier said, placing two plates of food in front of the albino and redhead. "Feel free to give us a call if you need anything else!" She bowed and left.
Bell ordered a simple omelet, fluffy and golden. Its surface was speckled with diced green peppers and red onions, adding a pop of color to the dish. The redhead had a stack of fluffy pancakes piled high, each one perfectly circular and golden brown, sausages, bacon and eggs in the adjacent plate. The butter on top slowly melted, forming a small pool of yellow liquid in the center.
"Well then...shall we eat?" Bell said.
Alise nodded, "Yes, I'm starving." taking the small cup of maple syrup, and drizzling a generous amount down the sides of the circular tower. She cut the pancakes into bite-sized chunks, before taking a bite.
The light and airy pancake melted in her mouth, giving way to a warm, slightly sweet flavor with hints of butter and vanilla. The edges were slightly crispy, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasted perfectly with the soft, pillowy center. The gentle sweetness was balanced by a subtle tang from the buttermilk, creating a delicate dance of flavors on her tongue.
She held her left cheek, sighing content with her meal. "Mmmm!~ This tastes amazing, Bell!" She said, smiling after swallowing a bite. "You should try some too!"
"Thank you, but it's fine. And aren't you hungry yourself?" Bell shook his head.
"Oh come on don't be shy!" She said, "Here, say 'Aah'." holding her fork out to him.
Bell gulped, "A-ahm..." as his lips came around her fork. "I-It's very good, the faint vanilla and butter aftertaste adds extra flavor." He commented, in an attempt to push past his embarrassment.
"Ehe, that's good then!" Alise grinned, taking a bite of her own.
...Wait...Alise also used that fork...so then t-that an i-indirect k-kiss..!?
"Bell, your face is red. Are you feeling okay?" Alise leaned over the table, putting the back of her palm up to his forehead.
He shook his head in desperation. "N-no -I mean, Y-yes, I'm fine, honestly."
"Really? Well if you say so." She said, with a hint of doubt in her voice as she sat back down.
.
After finishing their breakfast an hour later, the albino and redhead began to wander the streets without any particular destination in mind. Bell strolled closely behind his bubbly captain as she lightly skipped between her steps, humming a soft tune.
Luckily, she was spared the embarrassment of having his fingers interlocked with hers since the streets weren't as crowded as they were earlier...and he couldn't even if he wanted to, as she was snacking on some food she bought from a food stall they passed by earlier. He was quite surprised that she could still eat, given how much she ate for breakfast.
As they walked, Alise came to a sudden halt, her eyes fixated on a shop by the street. "Bell, there's something there that I wanna check out."
"Should I come with you?"
Alise shook her head. "No, it's okay. I won't take too long." She said.
"Alright." He nodded lightly in reply, "I'll wait for you outside." as Alise's form disappeared behind the shop doors.
Bell unconsciously crossed his arms, leaning against the towering metal streetlight. His eyes scanned the stream of passersby, lost in their own worlds, as he let his weight press against the cool metal. His thoughts wandered, and his gaze lingered on the bustling street scene, his mind deep in contemplation.
...Can I really keep going on like this..?
As far as the public was aware, he was pardoned of his crimes under the condition of repaying Alise for crippling their familia in debt, albeit temporarily. But It wasn't the money he was worried about since it was an amount he could easily make back with an overnight trip to the casinos, not that he had been or ever intended to go. But was that really enough?
If a murderer like him could be excused of his sins through money, could that truly be called redemption? Could he genuinely hold his head up high in the air and say that he's changed for the better?
Then what about after that? What would he do after he does eventually repay them?
Continue to be an adventurer? -No. An adventurer without any reason or goal was the same as a mage without any magical energy, a swordsman with no blade.
As good as dead.
He had a reason, had a goal, but even that was out of his grasp and now, he, Bell Cranel, no longer held any desire, no longer held any purpose.
Even at this moment, with every passing second, he felt his debt to Alise increase.
She gave him a new home, a new family, and the chance to make new friends. Those were things that were priceless -things that couldn't be repaid with money, no matter how endless an amount.
And with that new home, he had been given the task of upholding Justice in the name of the Goddess Astraea.
But was it alright?
For someone who had yet to find his own justice to uphold that very same ideal?
For someone who chose vengeance over justice?
Bell took a slow breath, closing his eyes and trying to clear his mind.
Kaguya's words rang through his mind like a ripple in a pond, -that only he could find an answer for himself, and no one else.
As he watched the countless civilians passing by, he caught a glimpse of a familiar insignia, one that he never expected to see outside of the Labyrinth city: The veiled courtesan of the Ishtar Familia. The faction that ruled the entertainment district under the Goddess of Beauty, Ishtar.
It was common knowledge that the Ishtar familia operated within the entertainment district, so seeing them outside of the city was rather unusual to say the least.
The amazoness was speaking to a cloaked figure in an alleyway, handing the figure what appeared to be a bag of valis, before flowing back into the street as if they had done it several times before. Given how swiftly she moved and the woman's caution, he presumed that the woman was likely a part of the Berbera, a group of prostitutes from the Ishtar familia that also explored the dungeon outside of the...'nighttime activities.'
Ishtar's Berbera were well-renowned within Orario, being known to have dozens of second-class adventurers and even a single level five.
...What could they be doing in Melen..?
He knew that he shouldn't stick his nose into another familia's business, but the Ishtar familia was known for conducting shady business...and had ties to Evilus. The name of the Ishtar familia came up plenty of times during his rampage on those affiliated with Evilus.
Regardless of the reason why they were outside of the city, Bell's instincts urged him to investigate further. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something nefarious might be at play. He mentally apologized to Alise, knowing he was deviating from their original plans.
Bell began to shadow the Berbera, deftly navigating the rooftops with rabbit-like agility, keeping his presence concealed as he tracked their movements.
"Thanks for your business!"
"Sorry for the wait-" Alise exited the small shop, looking around for the familiar patch of white hair. She sighed, walking up to a passerby on the street. "Excuse me miss, but did you see a guy with white hair and red eyes by any chance? Oh he should be about my height."
The brown-haired chienthrope woman shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I saw anyone like that."
"Thank you." Alise nodded as the woman left. "Mouh, Bell! Where did you go!?" She yelled childishly.
.
Night had descended upon the city, and Bell found himself several hours deep into trailing the Berbera. The darkness cloaked the streets, casting shadows that seemed to dance with an eerie rhythm.
Bell's senses were heightened as he carefully maintained his distance, navigating through the labyrinth-like alleys and narrow passages, his eyes fixed on the Ishtar familia's movements.
The Berbera was clad under the night sky, but he was able to make out her form with his heightened eyesight and the momentary flickering of lights from lanterns. Despite the fatigue that gnawed at his muscles and the growing hunger in his stomach, Bell's determination remained resolute. His mind raced with questions, his heart pounded with anticipation, and the adrenaline coursed through his veins, driving him to continue his pursuit into the night.
...She has been using hidden passageways and sticking to the alleys...
Bell mulled over the idea of ending his investigation and reporting his findings back to the others before apologizing to Alise for leaving in the middle of their...'outing'. Still, he had already come so far so he would see it through.
As he stood hidden from view on a rooftop, Bell watched as a woman approached a small warehouse that was guarded by a man holding a bottle of wine in one hand and a spear in the other. After quickly surveying the building, Bell realized that there was no other entrance besides the single door that was being guarded. The warehouse was located in an abandoned shipyard surrounded by other similar buildings, and there were no windows or sources of ventilation, which added to the already unsettling feeling.
Bell couldn't make out the exact words being exchanged between the man and the Berbera, but he could hear bits of their conversation. The man seemed to be asking the Berbera for some kind of proof before letting her inside the compound and then locking the door behind them. It appeared to be an unregistered trade center, and if that was the case, Bell knew he had to investigate it further.
With practiced finesse, Bell jumped down from his concealed position to the back of the unsuspecting guard. With a swift and precise chop to the guard's neck, he rendered him unconscious. Carefully, he lowered the man to the ground, making sure not to cause any noise or draw any attention, and ensured that the man's bottle of alcohol remained secure in his grasp.
Bell's movements were fluid and silent, honed by his training and experience as an adventurer. He knew the importance of being stealthy and avoiding detection, especially in a situation like this where he was gathering information covertly.
With a quick glance around to confirm that no one had noticed, he fished the keys off from the guard's hip, unlocking, then pushing open the rusted metal door. Entering the warehouse, he found it devoid of any signs of life and merchandise.
The Berbera woman he saw only a few minutes prior was also nowhere to be seen. Scanning the open area, he noticed a dim light shining behind a tarp draped over a wall and approached it cautiously.
With a sense of curiosity and caution, Bell pulled aside the tarp that concealed a stone entrance, revealing a narrow stairway that descended into darkness below the complex. The flickering light of several magic stone lanterns dotted the pathway, casting a dim glow that illuminated his way. Bell's steps were light and careful as he descended the stairs, mindful of potential hazards or traps.
As he ventured deeper into the underground passage, he noticed the stone walls gradually widening as if leading into a larger chamber. The air felt colder and damper, and the faint echoes of his footsteps bounced off the walls. Bell's senses were heightened as he pressed on, his curiosity driving him to explore further.
...These are...cages!?
Reaching the bottom of the stairway, Bell found himself standing in a vast chamber full of metal cages illuminated by bands of flickering magic stone lanterns.
As Bell's eyes adjusted to the dim light of the underground chamber, he heard faint voices echoing in the distance. With careful steps, he approached the source of the sound, peering inside the cages as he went.
What he saw made his heart tighten with a mixture of anger and sadness. The sight of numerous girls and young women, chained and confined, struck him deeply. Their eyes reflected fear and dread, revealing the direness of their situation.
He balled his fists at the sight, even more determined to bring whoever was responsible to justice.
Approaching the voices, he knelt behind a wall of wooden crates, peering through a small gap. There was a stout man talking with the Berbera from earlier. He wore a purple tuxedo, a similarly colored bowler hat atop his shaved head, and a pair of small circular glasses. Bell presumed the man was a dwarf, given his long brown beard and broad size.
The Berbera opposite the dwarf had tan skin and long black hair that covered the right side of her face revealing a sharp purple eye. She was dressed in clothing reminiscent of that of a dancer, with gold ornaments adorning her chest and belly.
Her 'clothing,' if it could be called that, was much like many other amazoness, where lots of skin was exposed. A single purple piece of cloth held her large chest from spilling out, and she wore a purple 'veil' that was connected from her waist garments to her ankle cuffs.
Behind the dwarf was a large group of women standing in another cage. Among the humans and demi-humans, Bell found his eyes falling onto a young demi-human girl.
A pair of fluffy triangular fox ears were perched above her blonde hair. She had soft green eyes and wore a pink kimono with a simple design. Her ears twitched at the slightest noise, betraying her heightened senses.
Her bushy tail faded to white towards the ends, which clung tightly to her waist as if trying to shield herself from the cruel reality she was trapped in.
"A renard..?" He muttered to himself.
The blonde girl's ears twitched, turning in his direction. She had a confused look on her face, convinced that she had heard someone speak.
...Did she hear me..?
Although the Berbera didn't have naturally heightened hearing like the renard girl, her senses were enhanced by the falna on her back. She gripped her podao, lunging towards the wall of crates that Bell hid behind.
Fragments of wood and dust littered the room as the amazoness carved a vertical slash into the ground.
Bell somersaulted backwards, landing on his feet and shielding his eyes from the particles of dust in the air.
"Now how did someone manage to sneak in here?" The amazoness pulled her weapon out of the ground, resting the large curved weapon over her shoulder.
"What are you trying to do with these girls?" Bell asked, ignoring her question.
"HIIIIII!" The dwarf man screeched, falling on his rear. He scrambled to his feet, trying to run away.
-But his escape wouldn't bear fruit, "Jupiter." A bright actinic stream of lightning momentarily illuminated the dark chamber, as it hit the dwarf square in the back.
The man fell flat on the ground, stunned. "Don't worry, it won't kill you. Just enough to incapacitate you until I'm done with her."
The amazoness sweat dropped at the pressure he exuded. "I'm not going to get away without a fight, am I?"
"Not until you explain to me what the Ishtar familia is doing in the human trafficking business." He said, withholding his anger.
She held her weapon in both hands, leaping at him and reinitiating her attack. Then, with a fierce swing, she brought down her podao in a sweeping arc, aiming to deliver a decisive blow to his head.
Unflinchingly, Bell caught her blade in his left hand.
...Level three..? -No, high-level two at best...
Her eyes widened in shock."Never seen you around here before, you got a name?" The berbera asked in an attempt to make the white-haired teenager lose focus.
"Me? Just a passing through tourist," Bell said with a smirk. "You better remember that." He swiftly followed his words with action, delivering a powerful lateral kick with the heel of his foot to the woman's stomach. The force of the kick sent her body vaulting across the dark chamber, crashing into one of the cages with a loud clang.
He released his grip on her podao, sending her weapon clattering to the ground with a loud thud. She stared in shock, unarmed and vulnerable, as he stood tall, calm, and in control. One second she was in front of him, thrusting her blade with all the strength in her arms, and in the next, she was on the floor, holding her stomach in pain.
As she coughed violently, she felt as though all the air had been forcibly expelled from her lungs. The impact of the kick had left her feeling like a stampede of minotaurs had trampled her.
Her instincts as an amazoness were screaming at her, warning her that the seemingly harmless rabbit in front of her was leagues stronger. She believed that even if she were a level or two higher, victory was unlikely to be within her grasp.
"Gh... Now that I get a closer look at your face, *cough* white hair and red eyes, aren't you that brat who joined the Astraea familia? Why does a murderer care about saving people..?"
The Astrapi closed his eyes, taking a moment to collect himself. "Because it's right." Bell replied, knocking the woman out with a swift kick to the head.
He turned his attention back to the dwarf, striding over.
The man shook in fear as he looked up at the Astrapi from the ground. "P-please don't kill me! I-I'll do anything you say! -O-or, how about I give you money? Y-yes let's do that, now name your price, I'll pay any amount! -No, even more!"
Bell's eyes narrowed with disgust as he gazed upon the dwarf, whose avarice had led him down a path of treachery.
In a scared and submissive tone, the dwarf stuttered as he tried to bribe the rubellite-eyed rabbit. "P-please, take whatever you want! How about one of those girls? No, you can have all of them! And the renard girl, too. That Ishtar lass bought her, but why don't you take her?"
But the rabbit remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"You won't find someone as rare as that in a million years! A-and she's still very young, I can assure you that she'd grow into a fine beauty with a few more years on her." He said, licking his lips.
"Keys."
"I-I'm sorry?" The dwarf stammered.
The Astrapi commanded, "Hand the keys over." The dwarf hastily reached for the ring of keys jingling in his pockets, shakily handing it to the white-haired 'tourist.'
"S-so then..."
"This world would be far better if people like you didn't exist." The Astrapi said coldly, making the dwarf shiver in fear.
He glanced towards the blonde renard girl, who had a look of fear and confusion. His red eyes met with her green momentarily before turning back to the dwarf. "-But I don't want to traumatize a child, and it isn't my place to enact justice over you." Bell finished.
Exhaling for dear life, the man passed out knowing that his death wasn't imminent.
Bell turned to look at the cages, walking towards them. He lined up the keys to the metal door, twisting it as the rusted metal doors creaked open. Some of the girls in the cages recoiled at his entrance, their faces a blend of different emotions.
"It's okay, I won't hurt you." He stepped away from the cages, allowing the women to file out. Bell made his way to the other cages, freeing the slaves from their constraints.
"W-what's going to happen to us?"
"I'm sure all of you have homes to return to, so that's up to you. But for now, I'll escort you out of here." He said, before glancing at the unconscious Ishtar familia member and dwarf. "And I also have to hand those two over to the Guild."
As those words left his mouth, he felt a sinister gaze bore into the back of his head and heard the sound of loud footsteps shaking the underground cavern.
"Ghegheghe... I knew I shouldn't have let Aishaaa handle it on her own." A large woman came stomping out of the shadows, towering over the rabbit.
...A frog!?
She swung her large battle-ax down in an arc, causing rubble and dust to fall like rain.
Bell jumped back to create distance. He instinctively reached for Vesta, grimacing, as he grasped air. "Androctonus, Phryne Jamil."
"Gheghe... Looks like I missed. Well whatever, I'm going to have to kill you now that you've seeeen..." The large frog-like woman looked him up and down, licking her lips. "But I guess I could have some fun before I kill you..."
"Unfortunately I don't have any plans of dying anytime soon, I still have a debt to repay!" Bell turned his head back towards the group of women. "It's not safe here, so get back."
...It doesn't look like I can get away...
As the women dispersed, Bell took up the discarded podao lying on the ground, wielding it with both hands, facing the Androctonus as he stood before the fleeing crowd.
...Not exactly the shape of Uncle Zard's sword, but it should work...
"Regulus." Electricity ignited from his body and danced around his limbs, his silhouette glowing a soft blue light. "You're on."
.
In the blink of an eye, the white-haired man reappeared in front of the large woman. Streaks of silver cast the room in a melody of cold steel on steel.
As the other slaves dashed for the stairway, my legs refused to move, and I stood frozen in place. My tail trembled as it clung to my waist, and I held my ears down to prevent the gusts of dust from settling in my sensitive fur.
…I can't follow their movements…
The white-haired man moved like a bolt of blue lightning, darting around the woman who swung her battle-ax in frustration.
"Stop moving around you damn rabbit!" The amazoness horizontally cleaved through an electric-blue afterimage, the wind of her slash rattling the cages.
Leaping into the air, he held the long curved sword reversed in his left hand, while his right hand was outstretched and aimed at the woman. With a shout, he cried, "Jupiter!"
His magic pierced through the fog of dust and smashed down like roaring thunder. My tail wagged in awe at the surreal sight. I had never seen magic in person, only in Heroic stories, so it was quite magical to put it in a few words.
"Gaaahh!" She screamed in pain, waving her ax around blindly.
As the white-haired man started falling down to the ground, he held his sword high above his head in both hands, making use of gravity to accelerate his attack.
"Yaaah!" The toad raised her gold bracelet to block his attack, shattering as the curved blade made contact.
He took advantage of his opponent's opening to push his assault, spinning the podao with the tip of the blade facing the floor, before it rose in a sweeping diagonal arc and carved a large gash in the woman's face.
The white-haired man jumped away, waiting for her next move.
"You...you bastard! How dare you cut my beautiful face!" Her hand stroked the streak of blood on her cheek. "I'm going to kill you, you fucking rabbit!" She roared in a mad rage, smashing the wide battle-ax into the ground as she charged in my direction.
I fell onto my rear, still unable to move in the face of an imminent death. I clamped my eyes shut, biting my lips as I shielded my head with my arms, my tail coiled around my waist.
-Yet, that pain would never come.
Opening my eyes, I stared up at his back. The wide blade was used as a makeshift shield, parrying the toad's strike. Even though I wasn't directly facing the large woman's attack, the sheer force behind it was blinding. Just the gusts of wind released from her slash made me feel as if it could cleave me clean in half.
"Run!" He forced the blade forwards, pushing against the woman's powerful attack.
While my mind raced with a myriad of emotions and observations, my body felt shut-down. In spite of the man's words and my position, I couldn't lift even a finger nor utter a word.
"Haa! Jupiter!" The blue glow disappeared as a thunderous torrent of lightning exploded from his body.
The toad-woman was sent flying backward a few meders, wiping her face of sweat.
As he fell back into a stance, the blade shattered in his hands, leaving him with only a handle.
"Ghegheghe... Now that you don't have any weapon, what're you gonna do huuuh?" The toad said tauntingly.
He sighed, throwing the handle away. "Bearer of wills, Bearer of dreams. Rise, for your time hath come. Hypocritical hero, foolish hero. Rise-"
"Don't think using magic will change anything now you brat!"
*Ring*
...This noise...are these bells..?
A faint ringing noise emitted from the man's right palm, which was held out to his side.
"For the grand bell tolls a new dawn. Rise-"
*Ring*
"For the vessel of heroes has sailed. Rise, 'o prophesied hero, for your legend hath begun."
The amazoness charged at him, her instincts telling her to prevent whatever he was trying to do. "I won't let youuuu!"
"-Stave three: Rea Memoria!"
*Gong*
Just as the woman's battle-ax was about to make contact with the man's head, she was sent flying back as an ethereal grand bell materialized above him. Upon its toll, the white bell cracked into millions of fragments, settling on his body.
Yet, as the bell shattered, its toll never ceased. Particles of white and blue fluttered around his right palm.
"Die!" The woman leapt at him, her large form cascading like a meteorite.
He stood calm and collected, bending down to his knees and clenching his fist.
"HAAAHH!" His body twisted as he rose to his feet, punching the woman in the stomach as the impact sent ripples across her skin. "JUPITER!"
A large white circle materialized beneath his feet as pure white lightning crackled from his fist, creating a small shockwave as it combined with the punch's force.
"GAAAAHHHHHH!" The woman screamed in pain as her body was sent flying through the cave's roof like a baseball, tearing a wide hole through the many layers of rock.
He stood atop a pile of rubble. The ringing of bells and the white light around him disappeared as he basked in a circle of moonlight.
"...A hero..." I felt my vision become foggy, and my body fell flat on the ground.
.
.
Authors notes:
Whew, 11.5k words. Sorry for the late update, I was stuck on the writing the fight scene but I think it turned out pretty good in the end. What do you guys think?
Bell has learned how to divide his 'Elegia' skill into three separate parts, each composing of the core buffs he receives. I doubt that I will actually explain this in the story so I'll just explain it here, Stave 1: Laimargia, gives him the usage of the spell 'Satanas Vesta'. Stave 2: Gia Siopi gives him the magic-nullifying armor. And as shown above, Stave 3: Rea Memoria gives him the 'Mage' development ability.
Writing the second part of this chapter, although I think came out good, wasn't really what I had the most fun writing...which oddly enough was writing the actual nightmare Bell had. Personally not too big a fan of angst, but I feel this weird rush or kind of high whenever writing it.
As for why Phryne slurs her words, the light novel is translated so it shows that she slurs her vowels so I decided to add that.
For the visuals of the underground slave trade, I'm sorry if the imagery wasn't really that good. I believe that being able to imagine the scene in your mind when reading a story is the most important but honestly I couldn't picture it in my mind either lol.
Writing that Alise comfort scene was satisfying...
Welp with my pointless rambling over, thanks for reading!