Is it wrong to be extremely lucky?
Atlas09
Chapter 2: Support
Summary:
His stats were also unreal, it was pretty common for most newbies to have zero across the board when first receiving their Falna. Yet here Bell stood, just who the fuck was he? Bell completely clueless to the internal dialogue his Goddesss was having. Smiled, hmming to himself legs kicking happily. Unaware of what exactly his Flana said. Pleased with the recent turn of events.
He'd done it Grandpa, he thought. He had finally found a new home.
Chapter Text
Loki sat there for a while stunned, getting off of Bell she passed over his Sheet. Bell finally seeing his status jumped up and down in excitement. Getting dressed and feeling excited more than ever. Both were complete caught off guard. Loki for the second time in the last few minutes, as soft blue light of arcanum glowed faintly around the room.
"WHAT!?" Loki asked, looking around for the source in panic. She wasn't using any of her godly powers? So what was caus-THERE!. Rushing over to a stunned Bell, who had just finished putting on his grandfathers heirlooms. They gazed in wonder at the hieroglyphs, Loki just now noticing the priceless treasures the rabbit like boy was carrying.
"Wh-where did you get these? Bell you need to answer me right now". A frantic Loki asked, Her playful and teasing attitude gone. Now full of contemplation as she gazed at a certain pair of gauntlets. Just who exactly is this Bell? What kind of secrets did the boy have? Just who did she allow to join her Familia?
"Goddess? U-uh my Grandfather gave them to me. He said they were from my parents and precious heirlooms that would help me on my Journey. Di-did I do something wrong? Miss Eina told me to not show anyone, yet never before had they shone like that..." A worried Bell said, Eyes darting to Loki and back to his Hands.
'I've only ever seen a handful of weapons like this one before. One of the greatest creations of the god of forges herself, Hephaestus. Come with me Bell we need to get to the bottom of this. DO NOT SHOW ANYONE these outside of your Familia. Only use them in the dungeon, Were going to need something to help disguise them. Come along now Bell."
"Ye-Yes Goddess! Coming!" And so a pensive Loki lead, a confused and concerned Bell. Leaving Twilight Manor at dusk, heading somewhere bell knew not.
It didn't take long before Bell stood before a massive intricate and beyond breathtaking sight. Oh sure he had seen it before, the majestic tower that jutted from the center of Orario. Beautifully designed, architecture of the gods themselves. Spanning for miles above the surface, top not visible as it reached to the very heavens above.
Yet this was the first time Bell had seen the tower of Babel up close. Wonder in his eyes, he turned to Loki.
"Goddess? how come where here? You said you wanted to speak to someone right?" Bell asked, having difficulty looking away from the majestic tower.
"Yes Bell, Hold your questions my little rabbit, Were here to see the person I believe created these gauntlets themselves. Shush now and follow along ok?" Loki, who had regained some of her composure on the walk, was now brimming with excitement. She was the god of tricksters after all, she had calmed down after her unusual bout of surprise. Loki had a sixth sense of knowing when someone was trying to pull a fast one on her. Yet Bell was truly as innocent and clueless as he seemed. No this was simply just pure luck that Loki found him, and boy, could she think of all the fun she could have...
Grinning her trademark mischievous smile, she lead the star struck Bell up floor by floor. Until she stood exactly where she wanted to be. Two large doors engraved with the symbol of the Hephaestus Familia itself. Knocking twice on the door, they slowly opened to reveal the goddess inside. Sitting behind her desk, was a beautiful buxom woman, ruby eyes and a short red hair cut. Not too far off form loki's. Face half covered by a large eye patch on the right of her face.
"Yo Hephaestus!" Loki said stepping into the chamber and greeting the god as her equal.
"Oh? Loki? what brings you here at this hour? I would of assumed by now you'd be a the Hostess or another pub drowning your sorrows as you wait for the expedition to return."
"UGH" Loki who now stumbled at being called out in such a way, regained her balance while rubbing the back of her head.
"Ahahaa, what a funny joke Hephaestus. Anyways, I've come to show you my newest little prize. Behold!" Loki said, stepping to the side and making a grand flourish at Bell. The boy who had gotten side tracked staring at the various weapons all around the office in excited wonder. Completely caught off guard by Loki's antics rushed over to stand by his goddess, Yet tripping as he went. Ended up colliding into Loki sending them both tumbling to the ground.
Hephaestus, unable to help herself, started to chuckle heartedly at the scene and Chaos unfolding in front of her. Bell, who had finally freed himself bowing profusely over and over at Loki. Begging for forgiveness as a grumbling Loki rubbed her back side.
"so...hah, I mean, Impressive as expected of Loki... AHAHAHAAHAHA" Hephaestus laughed again and again at sheer absurdity in front of her.
Yet after a few minutes of explanations, a light blush on Hephaestus's face at her out of character response. They now had Bell Gauntlets in front of her. Hephaestus staring at them, recognition crossing her features. Of she knew these of course.
"H-how did you get them?" wonder filling her voice. As she looked at Loki, who simply shook her head nodding at Bell.
"Uh... They were my parents. At least that's what my Grandfather said when he gave them too me. He said they were a family heirloom and that they would of wanted them for me..." Bell responded timidly, why was everyone always freaking out about his gauntlets? Confusion etched on his face as he waited for an answer.
"You Grandfather huh? Can you describe him to me?" Hephaestus asked, with slight hesitation. So Bell did, going into detail and telling his story to both Goddesses in front of him. Only when he finished did Loki and Hephaestus look at each other. Oh they had recognized the description of his grandfather all right. How could they not, with him being one of the most powerful gods in all of Orario for many, many years. Zeus just was exactly where you planning? both goddess wondered.
It was pretty clear that Zeus had cared for the boy. Equally as clear that he never once told him who he was, yet Bell had to be... Yes one of the sons of either the Hera Or Zeus Familia's. Wondering at the other revelations that could possible be revealed, Loki interrupted the silence.
"Bell huh? Here why don't you do me a favor? Why don't we get someone up here to show you around and select a nice set of armor for you. Oh I don't know at roughly ten to fifteen thousand Vials. Hephaestus could you get someone to show him around? You just leave us Goddesses to talk some boring talk. You wanted to be an adventurer right?" Loki who at this point wasn't looking at the boy instead her gaze laser focused on the desk in front of her waited for Hephaestus to jump on the offer.
"ah yes, Uh I'll get Welf to come and help you around. He's a level one like yourself. A skilled armorer he'd probably jump at the chance to help you pick out some armor." Hephaestus who started to ring a bell near her desk waited for one of her Familia to show.
"Miss Ino? Please bring Bell over to Welf's workshop and ask him to help him pick out some armor for him would you? Loki and I have much to discuss." Hephaestus said to a young burly dwarf female. One of the many smiths who was apart of her familia.
"Right away Goddess!" She said first bowing to her matron, then grabbing a confused stuttering Bell away from everything.
Waiting for the door to close, both gods returned to staring at one another. Just what exactly was Zeus planning?
--
Bell who had been dragged unceremoniously towards a small smithy on the second floor of Babel. Unable to break his grip from the blonde dwarf, he had just consigned his fate to what was happening. Yet he would be lying if he wasn't just a bit excited. Holding on tightly to the bag of Money his Goddess had given him his gaze wandering around to the different creations in this smaller size room. Various weapons and armors adorning the walls as he approached someone currently working on his forge
"Welf? Hephaestus says you need to baby sit the kid here. Find him some armor to wear for the dungeon, something in his price range alright? He's you problem now". Ino said dumping Bell in front of a another tall young man. Older than Bell but not by too many years he looked at the person. He was a striking man with short spiked red hair, a tall and powerful build. Wearing a black robe and a blue undershirt, the man who had been in the process of etching something on the a black and silver chest piece looked up at his visitors.
"Ino? Oh, Wait your looking for armor!? Let me get a quick look at you! don't you worry worry. I'll get you sorted out. Thanks Ino I got it from here" Welf said approaching bell, as Ino left the way the came arm waving in acknowledgement.
"Hmm tiny guy aren't you? Not very big, so anything overly heavy is out. Hmmm, yes better to be light or medium armor. Mister...?" Welf said now measuring Bell, with a calculating look.
"Bell, I'm Bell Cranel. Your name is Welf? I don't really know much about armor...Loki and Hephaestus said you could help?"
"Of course! I'm a black smith myself after all! Yes looking at you, I can already some what visualize the type of armor you need. Tell me Bell how do you fight?" Welf asked curiously looking at the boy in front of him.
"Oh uh, I fight with these gauntlets? So I guess my fists and maybe legs? I'm kind of a rookie but they are all I have..."
"A melee fighter then huh? So medium armor it is, now what's your price range? Welf said leaning back, only for him to be so caught up in talking and measure the boy in front of him. He didn't realize that he had gotten so close to the armored chest piece that was on the anvil. Accidentally bumping it, for it to fall and strangely enough roll slightly towards Bell. The boy, who reached down to pick it up noticed the small hare on the armor. The very thing that Welf had just finished etching.
"Oh?" he said curiously? it kinda felt like a sign. After all wasn't everyone comparing him to a rabbit?
"Umm, Mister Welf? What about this? it's medium armor right?" Bell asked holding onto the armor in front of him.
"Huh? oh no, that's not good enough for someone like you. I've just a novice smith, I don't even have the skill "Forge" yet. You'd be much better off with a smith of higher quality".
"No.. it's perfect, Can I please please have this Armor Mister Welf!?" Bell pleaded with the young black smith. Eye's wide and charming with his innocence. Welf unsure what to do or say...
"Fine, let's see if it fits Bell. Here try these on". Welf no passing him additional pieces that match the armor. A silver chest plate, Bracers that would sit on his form arms. Large high top plated boots that went to just below his knee. Black sturdy cloth under it all to support the armor. It was a fetching set of gear, Even had some ruby highlights that would match the boy perfectly.
"Yay!" Bell said cheering brightly as they got to work trying on the armor that Welf had made. Humming brightly to himself, his luck really had turned around since coming to Orario! He thought excitement contagious as he continued to put on his new found armor.
--
Meanwhile back with Loki and Hephaestus.
"You know who his grandfather is right?"
"yes Loki, I'm not stupid I recognized him as well. What is Zeus's game I wonder?"
"Still, what can you tell me about these gauntlets? Regardless of his plan it's obvious he abandoned the boy. At first I brought him on with a whim. Letting him join my Familia without a lot of thought involved. Yet I'm just starting to realize just how lucky I gotten. So tell me what, are these weapons? why did the spark with Arcanum?" Loki asked eagerly.
Screw Zeus she thought. The boy was her's now regardless what master plan the Old pervert had in store. She had found him, she had given him her blessing, she was going to be the one that was there for him. Not some lousy no good god who abandoned his own grandson. Dying to monsters? Zeus? As if, She thought darkly.
"It's a living Weapon Loki. Something I had crafted long long ago. Zeus had asked almost a millennia ago for this to be created for his one of his greatest children. A child of old, a hero before the Falna or even Orario had existed the way it does now. Fitting that it would land in Bells hands. Bellerophon, who now that I think about it, I'm sure Bell was named after. One of the original Argonauts and slayer of the great beast. the Winged death Chimera. It's a weapon designed to grow with it's wielder. Gaining power and improving along side its master. I thought it had been lost to the ages. Of course that old pervert still had it."
Hephaestus said in wonder, Loki entrapped by the words she was saying. Could help but ask.
"A living weapon? What can it do besides grow? Is it good enough to for Bell to use?". Loki asked, she had heard of living weapons in fairy tales. Had even seen a knife similar once, yet she did not know exactly what their capabilities were. What did it mean that it would "grow" with its user?
"Listen Loki, it's a weapon that is unbreakable. Even more so then items created with the durandal attribute. Never will it fail the boy, nor will it ever need to be maintained or worked on. It will fit his hands for as long as he wields them and will work for no other. Not until his death, I meant it when I said it would grow. Most adventurers need different weapons throughout their careers, either due to getting more skilled, or stronger. Yet Bell will never have to worry about such a thing, those gauntlets will continue to improve, so that when his body does they will always be the perfect weapon. Even able to channel magic's and act as a focus for him. Should he ever gain the ability to casts spells. Loki these gauntlets if we were to put a value on them would easily surpass six hundred Million Vials."
Loki, jaw dropping at the staggering amount. That was more vials than all the new weapons combined. That she had just commissioned for her strongest children. Six hundred Million vials? My god she was going to beat into her little rabbits head the seriousness of what he had.
"Here, take this Loki". Hephaestus said reaching out and handing a strange looking ribbons. White in color, yet with a surprising strength to it she noticed something odd about the lengths. "have your boy wrap these around his Gauntlets until he's strong enough to defend them himself. It should disguise the appearance so none but him can make out the type of gauntlets he has." Hepaestus said, having guessed what Loki was thinking. The boy was going to need something to help him disguise his weapons.
"Hephaestus I owe you one". Loki said grinning.
"owe me one? then you can repay the favor now". Welf needs a companion to dungeon dive. Who better than the soon to be new rising star of the Loki Familia? I know there's more to your brat than just his gauntlets. With the way your arm tightened on his shoulders at the start. Or how you personally are so invested in the boy. You could of simply brought the gauntlets alone after all'.
"UHHH wait wait Hephaestus, there is nothing special about Bell I swear!!!!" loki said now slightly panicked and revealing too much to the goddess in front of her.
Hephaestus saying nothing as she smirked at Loki, about to call out her bold faced lie. At least, she was until they were interrupted with Bell and Welf entering the room behind them.
"Goddess Look look! Welf was able to set me up with his armor! Isn't it great? Also we talked about things and it looks like he's wanting to spend time in the dungeon as well! Can I form a party with him?" Bell said running up to Loki grasping her hands in admiration. Showing off his armor to Loki with his usual vigor and happiness. Loki who had already proven weak to his cute charms, blushing as she patted him gently on his head.
"yes yes, Bell. It looks great... I guess that's ok" loki said, ignoring the Thud-thunk of her heart as the child's smile shone with radiance. Nodding once at Hephaestus agreeing silently to the deal. She couldn't help but smile a bit at her new child's contagious happiness. Ah fuck it, it would be good for him to have help in the dungeon, and Hephaestus was always trust worthy. Seemed her Bell had hit it off well with this Welf individual. Yet she needed to do something with him, now that she realized how valuable he was she couldn't just willy nilly risk him in the dungeon on his own.
No she needed to find him a party, one that could help him in the early floors until he was strong enough to look after himself. But who could she reach out too... Loki wondered in contemplation, as Bell and Welf continued their chats discussing where they would meet tomorrow and their first official romp in the dungeon.
--
Returning to the manor later that night, Bell and Loki side by side. Bell was surpised to find Loki leading him to a different section of the mansion then before. It seemed almost nicer and more upscale then the rooms they had used to imbue his Falna. Confused on where he was going, he couldn't help but ask.
"Loki? Where are we going?" Bell asked wonderingly. " I thought that room we were in early was to be mine?".
"Oh that ole room? nah, common kid you're going where I can keep on eye on you. You'll be sharing with some room with the executives. Well them and Lefiya, another one of Loki's knew childern who she was sure would be a rising star. Called the thousand elf, Before Bell had come along, she had doubted to see someone with so much raw potential. No, better to keep both where Finn and Riveria can keep an eye on them.
Originally she was going to have Bell stay in the lower quarters. It made sense, since as a front line fighter he wouldn't be able to follow any of her stronger children's on expeditions. The only reason that Lefiya could as a measily level three, was due to her magic. She could stafely stay besides Riveria in the back line, Casting her spells and leeching magic off of her mentor. That simply was not an option for bell. Besides the fact that being level one, but anyone lower than level four charging into the the lowest parts of the dungeons? He'd be one shot by the first creature they ran across. No It was good Bell was starting with Welf, Hopefully they could stay entertained on the beginner floors at least until she could talk more with FInn.
Finn would have far better ideas on what to do with Bell. Not to mention with his Luck skill and gauntlets he wasn't letting this boy out of her sight, Except for when he went down into the dungeons. Ah well, sides maybe she could convince him to help her pick up chicks. Would be alot easier if they were in the same quarters He he he, Loki thought slyly to her self.
Bell unaware of exactly just what his Goddess was thinking was almost over whelmed. It's not that the old room had been bad, already it had been the nicest room he'd ever stayed in. Yet here? in these suits? Bell was scared to touch anything incase he broke something.
"Well Bell, my little good luck charm. Here is where you're going to be staying." Now tomorrow i'm going to be out and about so I expect you and Welf to speak to your advisor before going into the dungeon. Do you hear me Bell? You listen to everything and anything she says. Now do you have any Vials left?"
"Ye-Yes Goddess! I will talk to Miss Eina with Welf before I go. I promise, and Yes! The armor Welf gave me was only nine thousande vials so I still have six thousand on me." Alright then, I want you to find a support the entrance of the dungeon. Offer to split your total vials that you will earn as payment. Make sure Welf agrees It's important to have a support help you with looting, Drops, and awarness of your surroundings. I don't want you to get in over your head ok Bell?" Loki said starting at him. Poking patting him repeatedly on the head as they walked in the upper levels.
"Of course Goddess! What ever you say" Bell, who was gazing up and admiration of Loki took everything she said to heart. Holy his Goddess sure was knowledgeable. As expected of a Goddess. Loki, who undenounced to Bell was simply just repeating the words that Finn always told new recruits. Though she was sure, that she was missing something. Oh well whatever she'd double check when Finn was getting back. It shouldn't be too long. She was sure that Bell could stay out of trouble at the beginning. Specially with his companion and new found armor.
"Anyways Bell this is where you'll be staying. You have an early day tomorrow and it's late. Get some rest and remember. DO NOT SHOW YOUR GAUNTLETS to anyone, even Welf or who ever you get to support you tomorrow.". She warned, Pausing slight before she left him to the room alone. She decided to add on, "Come back safe alright? you're my new good luck charm so no foolishness tomorrow. Take things slow and take things safe ok?" She said mild concern showing.
Wait, why would she be concerned. Bell wasn't a pretty girl with a huge rack, so what that he was unusual she still had Ais, and the rest of her executives. Yet, she had grown to care for the boy this quickly? Her the groping Goddess claimer of ten thousand gropes!? Geeze she was losing her edge. Or she thought, until she gazed down at the adoring Bell. Wide eye'd with wonder at his room, Bowing so happily to his Goddess. Damn it, he really was a cutie wasn't he. She mumbled, saying good bye to and good night as she left. If she had hugged him before she left? Well no one could prove it other wise.
Bell, once again so thankful for just how lucky his day had turned out. Slowly took off his armor, Un packing his clothing as he got ready for bed. He couldn't help but think.
Grand Father? I can't help but feel you have been helping me from where ever you are. So thanks for looking down on me, and thanks for what ever it is you did to make me so lucky. I'm really happy Grandfather and tomorrow? Well tomorrow I start my adventure!
Crawling into bed, it wasn't much longer before Bell drifted off to sleep. Dreamed filled with stories of Heroes of old, as if almost a sign that it was his turn.
--
Still, even though him and Welf had listened intently to Eina's advice. They had also gotten a supporter, a little chienthrope support named Lili! He didn't know the dungeons would be like this. He said to himself dashing in at a wolf, Gauntlets newly wrapped in that special ribbon hiding their effects.
With a quick one two punch, the wolf exploded in a pile of ash. Bell who was still getting use to killing living creatures, was almost slashed by a second before Welf. Who was swinging around his massive great sword cleaved the monster in two. So far they had done surprisingly well. With Lili giving advice on how to best to harvest the crystals, as well solid directions and intel about the type of creatures they would be fighting. Thinking back to things they sure had gotten lucky that she joined.
Miss Eina who had fully gone over what to expect down below, was now leading a more subdued Bell and Well when they saw it. Noticing a little cheinthrope supporter being asked to joina a party by a unpleasant looking man. Long greasy hair and red dirty coat the man had looked at her with malice, predatorily demanding her services. Bell who didn't even notice before he intervened had walked up to the group. Grabbing the cheinthrope who looked to be unsure and saying.
"Sorry Sorry, we actually already booked this supporter! Here have a thousand Vials for your trouble." Bell who pulled her behind him. Offering the Money to the man, who greedily snatched the bag before walking off to harass someone else. He didn't want to cause a fight so soon, better to smooth things over from the money his Goddess had left him.
"Sorry Miss Supporter, you looked like you were uncomfortable. I just couldn't help myself for intervening. My Grandfather always said to help pretty girls in need!" Bell said triumphantly, before blushing a deep scarlet. Smoke coming out of his ears at what he just said. Oh MY GOD! I wasn't support to say that last part, stupid Grandfather, Stupid lewd thoughts.
The supporter, who was confused by the sudden turn of the event's couldn't help but stare at the rabbit looking dork in front of her. Yet, at least he seemed nicer than the guys before. Still she shouldn't ever get her hopes up, she knew how adventurers were. Always treating her like crap, always taking the lions share of the profit. Sighing to herself, it seemed like this was going to be her only choice today. If things really got dicey she could always leave them to rot down below and escape. Sides she needed to get vials as she was already behind in paying the Soma Familia. Her Familia.
"Well?" the supporter asked, not quiet friendly. "Are you going to take responsibility and hire me today? You did just chase away my clients after all." The supporter said smugly. Maybe she could convince the doofus to give her a large portion of the profits from today. After all, most adventures refused to even share ten percent with her. Fucking bastards as they were.
'O-oh!" Bell recovering from his embarrassment as Welf and Eina looked on in bewilderment. "Of course I need a supporter today anyways! My goddess told me to get one! So yes! I'll hire you, does a three way split between Welf and myself work?"
"Bell!? That's alot higher then what most supporters are paid" Eina said worriedly not liking the look of the little Cheinthrope.
"You sure Bell? I don't mind as this is your show. But there are other supports here" Welf said, wanting to ensure Bell thought through his options.
The supporter who had heard this all before, started to look down. Slight tears forming on the edges of her eyes. Why did everyone treat me like shit? Why couldn't adventurers ever be good people. Huffing to herself and willing for the tears to fade. She wasn't going to show weakness to strangers, Fuck what was she going to do about the money she owed? She began to leave before this Bell person spoke.
"Of course I'm sure! I'm sure Miss supporter will be a great help! Sides, she looks like she could use a friend!" Bell said beaming. Both Eina, and Welf smacking their foreheads at the nativity the boy was showing. And the supporter who soon told them to call here Lili, couldn't help but gaze at him in shock. Was this guy an Idiot!?".
Yet despite Welfs reservations he had been wrong about Lili. They had only been in the dungeon for an hour and already they had made it to level two. The biggest surprise was Bell, sure he was unrefined with his movements or attacks. Even still his attacks had a surprising amount of power behind them. Welf had assumed the boy would be all speed and agility. Sure the boy was fast and was agile, yet if anything he was strong too. Throwing out punishing blows with his weirdly wrapped knuckle bladed gauntlets. Welf had never really seen the like before, yet Bell use them well. They had progressed at an extremely fast pace. He had assumed they would spend the most of the day hanging around level one maybe just barely reaching two. Yet here they were, already about fifteen monsters down and onwards to next level.
He had to admit him, with the supporter Lili covering their weaknesses with her cross bow, then grabbing the crystals while they rested. The three of them worked well. thinking to himself he really was going to be able to reach level two and get the forge ability. At a much faster rate than the thought, He had offered to join Bell, since it was very difficult to find a party. He just never would of believed at the ease the group was having.
Taking a breather before moving on, fully rested they continued down. Walking down a narrow corridor that snaked left and right. Choosing to go left then soon found themselves facing a tight group of goblins. Not especially scary a foe, yet could be tricky in large numbers.
Bell, having seen them first, launched at them with a gusto. Using his speed to dart past a swinging stick the lead goblin had swung at him. He landed a vicious upper cut in the opening created by his dodge. Not waiting to finish off the monster, trusting either Lili or Welf to finish things. Bell continued onwards dashing into the stunned faces of the goblins behind the leader. With another three quick cracks of his knuckles slamming into vital areas the monsters all puffed into smoke. Drops falling on the floor, as Welf clashed with another. Great sword easily cleaving through the flimsy made axe the goblin had. Making short work of the rest, soon their area was filled with crystals galore. Wait? Was that?
looking down Welf noticed a rare drop. A goblin fang left behind by the group. Sure they weren't overly rare or valuable but still they fetched a few hundred vials. Damn, pretty lucky for them to have gotten any drops at all not to mention on their very first outing.
The group moved on Lili, efficiently grabbing the crystals and fang surprise also showing on her face.
"uh, Bell? I thought you were a novice? didn't you say that today was your first ever trip in the dungeon?" Welf asked, he had to make sure. The way Bell was handling himself didn't not seem like a first timer in the dungeon.
"Yep that's right Welf! Sorry if I'm screwing up anything! I'm starting to really get the hang of things!" He said grinning brightly.
"HUH!?" Lili exclaimed. "Your moving way too good for being a first timer. What Familia are you a part of? did you get some special training?" A incredulous Lili asked. Suspicion already forming on her face.
'Oh, ummm. Well I guess I shouldn't hide it from you. I'm uh.. from the Loki familia." Bell said dead panned as he gazed over at his comrades.
Lili, who had passed out in shock at the turn of events, didn't know how to handle things. While Welf was simply impressed. I guess that's whats expected out of one of the top Familia's in Orario. Even their rookies were on another level.
Bell who was embarrassed decided to lead on deeper and deeper they went. At least, After Lili recovered from her shock.
--
The three party members now stood, after having a long day of dungeon delving. Staring at the loot in front of them. F-Fi-Fifty thousand Vials!? are we dreaming? the group asked in amazement. The three of them never seeing so much money before in their life. Lili who was flabbergasted at the results was even more shook. When Bell seemingly without a care pushed over a full third of the Vials towards her and Welf.
Jumping excitedly Bell had no idea of the internal struggle Lili was going through. The group promising to meet tomorrow, left for the day each going separate directions and off to home.
Lili how ever was deep in though, She knew that there was no chance in hell she could sabotage this group. With Bell being apart of the Loki familia they would crush her in a heart beat if something bad had happened and it was her fault. She knew that even though Bell seemed to be genuine that a lot of adventurers were absolutely ruthless. Willing at times to destroy those beneath them without a moments thoughts.
Yet for the first time in days she had been able to easily pay off her Familia fee's. Zanis glaring at her in contempt the entire time. She couldn't just give up this cash cow. She never heard of a supporter getting equal pay as the fighters of a party. At least she'd never personally experienced it until now. The lower level groups were very dog eat dog. No she needed to keep this up for as long as possible.
In fact, a thought entering her head. She needed to make herself invaluable to Bell. Not many people would dare pick on a member of the most powerful Familia in Orario. At least unless they were apart of the Freya familia or something. So if she made herself important to Bell then maybe, that protection would come towards her too. Yes, plan forming in her mind as she thought of the days to come. She was going to have to do what ever it took to make Bell need her. What ever it took...
Welf, who after arriving home visited shortly with Hephaestus. He'd never tell anyone or her of course, but he was madly in love with her. Yet him a mortal, and a foolish one at that. What could he ever have to offer to a Goddess like her. Still he enjoyed the precious moments he spent in her company. It was extremely kind of her to always offer her valuable time with him. Especially after he had made his childish and foolish claim "that he would make weapons superior to magic swords". He admired her so, and she seemed to enjoy his stories as well. Listening as he told her about his adventures with Bell.
Bell, Welf thought. Man was that kid a surprise. He was so innocent and naïve. Yet he a inner strength or power, Especially when fighting. He'd never seen a rookie pick up on things so well. There had been something strange with the boy as well. As if he was hiding something, yet Welf knew already. He trusted Bell, the boy had a strange genuineness to him that was really difficult to ignore. If Bell was hiding something, then it was most likely for good reason. Sides Welf was hiding something too, he wondered how Bell would react if he ever found out who the Crozzo's were.
Ah well, Welf was starting to get fired up thinking about what exactly their adventures would bring. Not bothering to let his past or family history get him down. He started to work in his forge. A smiths work was never done!
Speaking of which Bell, who had returned happily to the twilight Manor and was once again shirtless while Loki updated his stats. Was regaling his Goddess about the fun and exciting adventure they went on.
Loki Amused by Bells antics was curious to see just exactly how much his Luck skill would increase his over all stats. Once again the warm blue light of her Arcanum revealing his updated abilities as she etched them onto the paper before her.
Wait!? THE FUCK!?
Bell Cranel
STR-G-148
VIT-H-40
DEX-G-115
AGI-G-105
MAG-I-0
SKILL: Luck of the March Hare. Bell has greatly increased luck, gaining increased Experience, Growth, Monster drops, and Probability. This skill is effected by each increased level. This skill also gives Bell an increased chance to learn new skills at a greatly increased pace..
No it wasn't possible. In a single delve into the dungeon Bell had gone up two ranks in strength, Dex and Agi? with one rank in Vit? Had anyone in the history of adventurers ever skilled up so fast?
Bell once again oblivious to his Deities Dilemma, only noticed when Loki Collapsed in a heap besides the bed.
"Uh, Goddess? GODDESS!? are you ok???" He asked in panic. Just what the hell was she going to do with this kid. Unreal, she thought unsure what to think at the turn of these advents.