Chapter 27

It was by accident that Bell found this spot. As he explored the city a bit more, trying to kill some time as they planned to rest until going down the Middle Floors since Liliruca settled the deal with the Hestia Familia, he found a certain breach in the northwestern walls. It might have been a hideout for someone in the past. It certainly seemed like a living space, since it had a shower and what not. It also had stairs that led up to the top of the walls. The view he saw was rather breathtaking. The wide green landscape, the forests spread out in the distance. With the soothing wind brushing his hair and the fact that only Babel was taller than this wall, it was certainly a great spot for hiding or relaxing. Or in Bell's case, some private training.

Ever since his talk with Hestia, Bell wanted to prove himself. Be ready for anything. And for that, he needed to grow more. So on this wall, he crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He felt he already was making as much progress as he could by taking on the monsters in the Upper Floors. Sparring with Kojiro and occasionally with the other residents of the Stardust Garden improved his martial skill. However, there was one weakness he recognized in himself. One that could only be fixed with magic, magic he didn't have yet but had to acquire.

He lacked a long distance option. He had pride in his speed but he wasn't arrogant enough to believe it would be enough. The ability to increase his reach would be vital for the times his blades and Dragon Fang couldn't hit something. Therefore, he needed to do what he did in Yggdrasil, under Brunhilde's guidance, and learn a second magic. Which was easier said than done. Back then could be considered a fluke. A one in a lifetime chance that just happened to hit. Yet as he lacked the resources or money to gain a Grimoire, he could only try to pull off the same miracle he did back then. If he really was a genius, as Brun proclaimed him as... What other choice did he have but to channel that so-called 'genius' once more? With a deep breath, he sharpened his focus. In and out. Repeatedly, in sync with the wind, he entered that dark space once more. Then he recalled the steps Brunhilde taught him and he forced the image, that mask, to reappear once more. His own reflection. Only this time, some minor things seemed to change. His face was more filled out. Sharper, in a sense. It almost seemed at the verge of glowing actually. He didn't know what those changes meant, but he ignored them and focused on the questions he had to ask himself once more. Answering them in a different way, or else he would just cast Dragon Fang by accident. No, he had to internalize that magic had many forms and shapes, that he had to choose and engrave into his very soul to create a second, distinct magic.

The first question: What was magic to him? It was a rather quick answer, to be honest. After all, in that regard, it didn't change whatsoever. It was immaterial. It was a mystery many did not quite understand yet. And it was power. He recalled the raw might of Excalibur. The sense of victory it seemed to radiate, despite being a light of pure destruction. It only cemented what he thought magic was to him.

The second question: What form did magic take to him? That was a question that needed more time to figure out. The first thought was his own magic, but it was dismissed immediately before it could be "eaten" by his own mask. No, he couldn't answer it in the same way. So he had to ask himself... what other form could magic take? It was then that he remembered. The first thing he imagined magic was when his grandfather talked about it. That memory was reinforced by his first real step in Orario. His goddess Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, radiating a warmth that made him feel safe. The one who told him that he had a spark in his heart. His captain, Solaris, fierce and wild, just like her flames that took down monsters with ease. Those memories created a spark. That spark formed in his mind, flickering into a flame in his image. Magic had to be fire. That was a belief Bell had since a young age, only reinforced by his own Familia. An immortal flame that could take down anything. A guiding beacon, like the heroes of old, that illuminated the hopes in the dark times of despair.

The third question. What did he seek with that fire? The immediate thought was to be a hero. Then however, he remembered Aiz. In that moment where he got a glimpse of her skill, as she took down that minotaur. He wanted to be like her. To be as fast and as strong. To appear like lightning itself to smite down evil. To brighten his world just like she did, to fill his heart with that almost painful heat that Bell felt like he was going to die. He wanted to be the same as her. To give that same impression to others, as he would swoop in, fast and swift fire that would crack like thunder. It was foolish. It was embarrassing... but that was just another part of his dream, wasn't it?

The fire and lightning in his mind swirled. The mask opened its mouth. And with a startle, his eyes slowly opened, as a heat burned in his back, his very soul. He smiled softly as his eyes were lidded, the world still blurry to him. He might not have visual evidence yet. Not until he would meet up with Hestia. But the feelings he felt? It was the same as it was back then in Yggdrasil. He had gained his second magic. Opening his eyes, he stared at the ground, looking down at his palms. He wanted to shout out the name he felt in his mind. He wanted to use that magic straight away. Then however, he felt two things. The first that his cheeks felt weird. As if they were repeatedly poked and stretched. Then he realized there was a shadow over him. Which was weird since he was on a wall, with nothing being able to create such a shadow that wasn't a cloud. Slowly, he raised his head... and saw her.

Aiz Wallenstein, holding her sheathed sword over her head, freezing like a predator having been spotted by its prey. She blinked at him. He blinked at her, glancing at her weapon before back at her.

"Uhm. Hello," she said awkwardly, her body not moving as if afraid she would scare him away by any motions. Bell felt a blush creep up on his face as he leaned backwards, hands resting on the rock beneath him.

"A-Aiz?" He pointed at her sword, Desperate. "Err... why are you... ?"

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks as she coughed and lowered her weapon. Averting his eyes, she didn't see how Bell almost swooned over her cute reaction before reigning himself in.

"...You weren't reacting when I tried to get your attention so I thought... " She trailed off before putting her sheathe back to her hip. "Are you okay?"

He let out a strangled noise. He could picture it now. Him, sitting cross legged, seemingly dead to the world. Aiz eventually walking up the stairs, maybe seeing someone in her favorite spot. Calling out his name. Poking and stretching his cheeks. Before worry would boil over and desperate measures had to be taken. A hard shock, to make sure that the young ignorant man was actually still alive. Then he would suddenly open his eyes, leading to this awkward situation. Bell pressed his lips together before standing up. Letting out an awkward laugh, he scratched the back of his head.

"Uhm, yeah, I'm fine. I was just... figuring out new magic."

"New magic?" Aiz looked around before tilting her head, blinking blankly at him. "I don't see a Grimoire."

Bell coughed. Right. Brun did mention that his method was weird to begin with. Or rather how easy it worked. Not sure how to explain it, he awkwardly wiggled his hand.

"Err, I learned some things when I was in Altena, Yggdrasil. It worked the first time, so... "

"Hm." Aiz smiled ever so slightly, causing Bell's heart to race. "I'm surprised. I didn't take you for a mage."

"I'm more like a magic swordsman... ?" He trailed off before shaking his head furiously. He couldn't allow a misunderstanding to form. "J-just a novice, really!"

For some reason the Sword Princess frowned at him. He flinched back before her features softened as she looked at the landscape beyond the wall.

"I'm not aware of anyone learning magic like this. Either they gain magic when they gain their Falna or through a Grimoire." She turned to him, nodding with approval. "I thought only Kojiro was special but... you are talented as well. I'm surprised."

It was supposed to be encouraging. Up until those last words. Bell lowered his head, a dark cloud forming above him. Aiz seemed to realize her mistake, raising her hands in a fidgeting manner.

"Surprised... ?"

"N-not that you look weak. Just... " She struggled for the words. Then tilting her head, she pressed her lips together. "Average?"

Average. The girl of his dreams called him average. He knew that training with Kojiro and the others wouldn't bulk him up or give him a warrior's look. He knew he wasn't exactly the brave muscular leader ever since he accepted armor that was meant for Solaris from Welf. Yet to hear it confirmed once more... ! It was just too depressing!

"...Want to spar?"

"Eh?"

Bell looked up in surprise as Aiz touched her sword's handle. She twirled her hand at him, or rather his Daisho.

"Since we both are already here... And you seem a bit down. "You don't have to if you-"

"N-no! I'd be honored!" Bell shouted a bit too quickly. Then he realized something and scratched the back of his head. "But is it okay?"

The girl stared at him, not sure what he meant before she let out a soft "ah". After all, they belonged to different gods. Different Familia. It was usually an unspoken rule that what happened in a Familia remained in the Familia. Interactions between different Familia was kept to a professional level. Sometimes there were close friendships, like between Astraea and Hestia, that allowed for their children to spend time together with no issues. The same could not be said about Hestia and Loki however.

"Our Familia are allies." Aiz paused before narrowing her eyes in thought. "I think."

Bell recalled their goddesses' interactions with each other. He sweated a bit. Was Aiz joking or actually that ignorant? He hoped for the former but the way she innocently tilted her head a few times, mulling over the current situation, all Bell could do was mentally apologize to Hestia for not asking for permission first. Maybe the excuse of Astraea acting as the middle woman worked enough to justify sparring with Aiz? If nothing else, he was kind of hoping for a situation like this to occur. Putting on a smile and trying to suppress his own blush, he drew out his two blades.

"I'm ready then!"

Aiz smiled a bit at the sight before taking out her sheathe as well, Desperate hidden within it. Then the smile disappeared, leaving behind nothing but the hardened visage of a warrior.

"Good. I need some stress relief myself."

Before Bell could ask what she meant, Aiz moved. If it was the old him, if he came to Orario straight away without any experience whatsoever, he was sure he would be immediately knocked out by now. But having seen top class warriors in person, even if they were nothing more than a blur, his body reacted on instinct, recognizing the same pressure individuals like Oryou exuded. Raw strength. Pure speed. The sheathe was barely diverted from its path to smash his head by his right blade, nudged upward. At the same time, Bell ducked and moved his second blade, aiming for Aiz' stomach. The girl's eyes widened before smiling in approval.

Then he was promptly kicked in the face with the sole of her foot. It was only by making his body go limp the moment he saw her smile that he was pushed away instead of kicked in a sense. Rolling on his back, he rubbed his face. Thankfully nothing was broken. It seemed Aiz managed to hold back at the last second, as she stared at him in shock before lowering her head as if in shame. That small exchange that happened caused Bell to laugh awkwardly. This really reminded him of Artoria. Aiz also didn't know the concept of "holding back" in a sparring match. Unlike the Radiance however, Aiz seemed to genuinely lack the knowledge for it, while Artoria decided to never hold back because it was just her style. The Sword Princess shook her head as she stared at the ground.

"Sorry. I... don't know how to hold back."

"It-It's fine!" Bell shot up and hit his chest a few times, unable to see her sad like that. She stared at him as Bell smiled at her. "Let's continue."

She nodded slowly before smiling in return. Raising her weapon once more, they exchanged blows again. This time, there was some awkwardness in Aiz' action, as if she was trying to find the skill level appropriate enough to give Bell a challenge without beating him mercilessly into the ground. Even with that however, it felt just like always as he trained with Kojiro or all the other amazing fighters he met.

No matter how hard he tried, how many blows he barely deflected or how many cuts he performed himself... he never got close to hitting her. The gap really was this big between them. But if this day would end without him ever actually hitting her once... ! He breathed out and swung his sword upwards. At the same time, his mouth opened, causing Aiz to hesitate from meeting his right sword with her own weapon.

"Dragon Fang!"

The second half of the jaw appeared from above. The fangs ascended and descended at the same time. But just as Bell expected, the Sword Princess didn't falter. His right wrist was grabbed, stopping the lower fang. She raised Desperate, letting the upper fang shatter against it uselessly. Just as Bell planned. After all... Both her hands were preoccupied. Unlike Bell, who still had his left! He stabbed at her with all his might. The shortest distance that was possible. He could see the tip of his blade poke into her side where her black dress was hidden behind the armor. A smile appeared on his face. He touched her! Then he felt the world shift as a painful pressure hit his chest. Sliding over the ground, he groaned as he touched his armor that Welf gave him. Shaking his head, he looked up, to see Aiz extend her hand towards him with a smile. Embarrassed, he accepted it as Aiz nodded at him in approval.

"That was good. If you had reacted fast enough with your other sword, you would've landed a more solid hit on me."

"R-really?"

"It is an excellent tool for surprise attacks. Taking on assaults from two sides at once is always unpleasant. With your other arm free, you could hit from three sides, even." She hummed in thought before raising her finger. "While it lacks power, I assume it makes up for fire rate and efficiency?"

"Y-yeah," Bell confirmed. It felt kinda nice, being complimented like that by his first love. Aiz crossed her arms after she put her sheathe back to her hip.

"What is the other magic you have? The one you learned here?"

Bell stared at her before realizing what she meant. Right, he almost forgot about it! The fire in his soul almost seemed to pout at being forgotten, returning to the forefront of his mind as it begged to be released. He gulped, about to raise his arm before stopping. He glanced at Aiz who looked at him with expecting eyes. While it would most likely do nothing to her...

"C-could you stand back?"

Aiz blinked before hiding her mouth, a giggle escaping her. Heeding his words, she took a step back. Exhaling slowly, he raised his palm, the motion feeling natural. Then he focused on the words that came to mind as he recalled the image of fire and lightning. The words immediately flowed out naturally as power built up in an instance from his chest and flowed through his right arm.

"Firebolt!"

The fire, together with lightning, caused a loud crack in the air as it shot out and disappeared above the outside of Orario. Bell couldn't hold back his awe at the sight. Awesome! He suppressed the urge to fire it off a few times as he turned to Aiz, jumping a bit in excitement. She seemed to enjoy his reactions before holding her chin thoughtfully.

"Another quick chant magic. Decent power and good speed. It shores up a weakness when it comes to opponents that keep their distance." She frowned at him. "How did you learn new magic again?"

The young man licked his lips in thought. Well, here went nothing.

"I was mediating. Clearing my mind, then craft a mask of myself in my head and then ask myself the three questions of 'what is magic to me, what form does it take, what do I want to do with it'."

Only the wind howled during the silence between the two of them. He could see Aiz process his words with a blank expression, the dots slowly connecting before she narrowed her eyes and looked down. It was rather adorable to see those expressions. He never expected to see them in fact.

"...Is it really that easy... ?"

Bell laughed awkwardly. He really didn't know how else to explain it. Still, as he scratched the back of his head, his body wobbled a bit. Aiz noticed it as he had to support himself against the wall's railing. Immediately, she sat down on her knees. She pat her lap. He looked at her, in utter confusion. Her patting intensified as she huffed with expecting eyes.

"Lie down on my lap."

Hardly believing the words he was hearing, his face turned red.

"Eeeeeeh?!"

Ignoring his reaction, her eyes seemed to sparkle as she patted her lap once more.

"Riveria told me it restores one's energy faster. Come on."

What was the high elf teaching her?! She was basically an innocent girl being taught deviant stuff! What was wrong with the Loki Familia?! Of course he couldn't say anything like that and he saw how Aiz seemed to become sad with each second he was not putting his head on her thighs. With a gulp he approached her, face steaming by now.

"E-excuse me... "

With that he was resting his head on her, receiving a lap pillow from his crush. How did it all end up like this? The worst was, his embarrassment began to fade as she gently began to stroke his hair, causing him to relax immensely. If he didn't control himself he might actually doze off or, worse, expect this to be a regular thing.

"You are still in a slump," Aiz suddenly said. Bell stiffened up at her words but he only saw her smile down gently at him. "I assume you are not happy with your current progress."

"How do you know?" Bell asked quietly. The girl giggled before nodding at him.

"I know that look. I saw it often enough with myself in the mirror."

His eyes widened at her words.

"Even you... ?"

"Especially me. It's only natural to feel... inadequate in growth if you are stuck in one place for too long."

Bell hummed as she played with a few of his hair strands. It certainly made her seem more approachable as she revealed that to him. Maybe he was putting her on a too high pedestral. Who knew if Kojiro, Romulus, Artoria or Oryou felt like this? Not knowing where to go from a certain point?

"What do you do when you feel like that?" He asked. Aiz pressed her lips together, her forehead furrowed in thought.

"...Last time I felt like that was weeks ago," she said after a small silence. At his stare, she shrugged. "Then I leveled up."

"You mean I should solo a Monster Rex?" Bell asked in amusement. Weirdly enough the Sword Princess hummed at his words.

"You have the skill. You are more skilled than most newcomers. Your growth is amazing." Ignoring his blush she looked up at the sky. "I guess I am saying you should solo a Monster Rex. Or something like that. Perhaps you need to challenge yourself like Kojiro did?" She tapped the ground with a thoughtful expression. Then she nodded at herself. "If you are dissatisfied with your current level, you need to challenge yourself. Push beyond what is safe. You need to face a real, tangible goal, that faces you and threatens your life in a sense."

Just like Kojiro, Bell thought. Just like Aiz. Didn't the girls from the Astraea Familia explained it like that? In order to reach a new level, it needed a feat worthy enough to gain even the gods' attention. Just slashing away at the monsters of the Upper Levels wouldn't do it. He narrowed his eyes in thought. The Middle Floors... Seeing his expression, Aiz cleared her throat, worry entering her expression.

"You don't have to. Even I know how dangerous it can be."

In response, Bell shook his head. He made up his mind as he grabbed onto that hope, that flame that could guide him further down his path.

"No, I think you have a point. If I don't do something like that... I can't be like them... "

Like you, Bell said in his mind.

"Them?" Aiz asked, tilting her head.

"Err. Yeah. T-Them," Bell stuttered, unwilling to name her. The Sword Princess laughed lightly.

"I'm sure whatever you want to accomplish, you will get there eventually." Her smile turned sad in a way as she looked away. "As long as you don't overdo it. You aren't like me after all."

For a moment he was hurt by her words. But then he realized that she thought it was a good thing. With worry, he raised his head from her lap. Sitting on his knees just like her, he raised an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean?"

She hesitated. Then with a sigh, she touched her chest with a somber expression.

"You are... pure. Untainted. Unlike me, who is like a monster to others."

There it was again. He recalled what Odin called him. A pure soul. He didn't have the faintest idea what that even meant. What it would even mean. But he knew one thing. He was offended by the mere thought of Aiz being "tainted" in any way. Feeling indignation, he shot up on his legs, swiping the air in front of him with his arm.

"That's wrong!"

"Eh?"

"You aren't a monster! You are just like a hero! You saved my life after all!" He nodded in determination, ignoring her baffled face as he recalled the many individuals he saw at the peak of the mountain he wanted to reach. "I should know, I met plenty before I came to Orario! Sure, they may have done some things I don't approve but that doesn't mean I respect them any less!"

Aiz stared at him for a moment. Then a bright smile showed itself as she brushed her hair back.

"Hehe... Thank you."

"N-No problem!" BEll shouted with a blush, feeling his heart flutter as he saw the small blush on her cheeks. Then he stiffened up when she suddenly hugged him and ruffled his hair. He didn't know what to do with his hands, hanging around in the air. He couldn't help but note how nice she smelled at that moment.

"By the way... Kojiro, your…teacher?" Bell nodded and Aiz bit her lip, hesitating as she pushed him a bit back to look into his eyes as she held his shoulders. "Do you know wh-"

"Aaaaaah!"

They both flinched and Aiz let go off him as Bell jumped back in a panic. They both turned to the source of the shout, only to spot a certain orange haired elf pointing at them in utter horror. Aiz blinked before tilting her head at her.

"Lefiya?"

Lefiya completely ignored Aiz, instead pointing accusingly at Bell as a snarl formed on her face.

"I knew it, you are an enemy!"

"Why?!" Bell screamed, recoiling from the accusation. Instead of explaining however, the elf shook her head before rushing forward, spreading her arms almost protectively as she forced herself between Aiz and Bell.

"The Astraea Familia, your captain and goddess, they aren't enough for you?! You want to have Aiz as well?!"

What was she implying?! Bell recalled how he first met Ryuu and the others. The crimson color entering his face was completely involuntary. Yet the elf spotted it, her eyes widening before she actually growled, taking what she saw as indisputable evidence. At least Aiz seemed more confused than anything. Then she let out an "ah" sound, hitting her palm with a fist as she nodded in understanding.

"I don't mind if other women do it with him."

Scratch that, she had no idea what they were talking about. Lefiya gasped, paling at her words while Bell choked before violently shaking his head.

"Phrasing!"

"What phrasing?"

He didn't want to ask such a cute and innocent question while his crush tilted her head! Lefiya muttered something under her breath, a miasma forming above her head. Then she snapped her head up and jabbed her finger at his chest one more time.

"I... I won't lose to you!"

"At what?!"

Aiz hummed, completely ignoring the hostility in the air. Patting Lefiya on the shoulder, the elf turned around to see the Sword Princess point at her staff.

"Do you... want to join us too?"

Behind Lefiya, Bell crossed his arms and shook his head furiously. Unfortunately his prayers were unheard. The mage turned to him, her expression turning positively feral.

"Yes! I suggest I spar with Bell Cranel to beat the cra- I mean, test his abilities!"

It wasn't too late to run away, right?! He looked past the two girls and let out a silent scream. No chance, they cut off his escape route! He wouldn't survive jumping down the walls either! The worst was Aiz allowing this, thinking it was actually going to be a friendly sparring and not venting rage of an unreasonably angry elf!

"Alright. After that it's my turn with you?"

"Gladly!" Lefiya exclaimed, for a moment her eyes sparkling with joy. Then she turned back to Bell, laughing like a villain as she grabbed her staff and began to hit it against her own palm. "I may not be Filvis, but I know enough!"

"Uhm, can I get a say in this?" Bell squeaked out. In response Lefiya raised her staff up, forcing him to yelp and dodge the blow. She clicked her tongue in irritation before chasing after him, swinging her staff widely.

"No! Now take your beati-training like a man!"

"Eeeeeeh?!"

"You two seem to hit it off well."

In what world did this seem like 'hitting off well'?! Not even her cute, warm expression was enough to hold back Bell's indignation at his current suffering! Aiz' words only seemed to throw firewood into the flame that was Lefiya's frustration, her swings intensifying.

/

The wall cracked in the depths of the dungeon. In an instance, the all too familiar minotaur left its birthplace, roaring to the skies. It was one of many, not special at all as it was a common creature in the Middle Floors. Yet suddenly, there was a change. A change that scared the other minotaurs, their instincts telling them it was dangerous. But they were rooted in place, as they witnessed it. That one minotaur was covered by a golden shin. Then it began to scream in agony, as its muscles bulged and grew, its face distorted in pain. Its brown mane turned white. Its horns turned red. And its eyes, a pure red before, gained a black sclera around it as veins seemed to almost burst with blood, just like the rest of its body. Fearfully, the normal minotaur knelt in submission as the monster towered over them, steam escaping its mouth as it seemed to twitch.

Witnessing all of that were two hooded individuals. The one of the left, stroking their katana, tilted their head at the "leader".

"Feels like a waste of resources, using this thing on a mere minotaur. We believe it would be more efficient summoning more of", the grating voice hesitated before sighing. "...those."

"Experiments are important for a reason, Gojouno. It's because we did not do that that we failed in the past." The female voice giggled. "If we can figure out how this possession works, it opens up so many more possibilities than relying on those spirits! The flesh is strong and what not! I have a good feeling about this unlike the Infant Dragon!"

The golden cup in the woman's hands glistened in the darkness of the dungeon, vibrating as its target let out yet another heavy scream.