"Wow... "
Battered and injured as they were, Bell had enough energy to feel awe as they reached the seventeenth floor. At first he was confused why they were going deeper even with their state, but Solaris explained that it was better to heal up in Under Resort than risking going all the way back to the surface, especially with her arm as it was. Thus they decided to go into the eye of the storm, metaphorically speaking. Thus they reached what was nicknamed the "Big Wall of Grief". It certainly deserved the name. The smooth, long wall that stretched across like a giant hallway was...
"Yeah, intimidating, isn't it?" Bell turned to Solaris who smirked at him, rolling her shoulder before letting out a wince. "Ouch."
"Is your arm okay?" Haruhime asked, tugging at her clothes as her eyes seemed to be quite exhausted. Yet it was nothing compared to Solaris, who swayed a bit, her eyes bloodshot as she giggled a bit, shaking her head.
"It'll be way better once I drench it in a tub of health potions!" She paused before looking at her bandaged up arm before raising it with a flat look. "Is it normal if it feels a bit numb?"
Bell was not a medic, but the way Kojiro's eyes twitched with worry he nodded at them before looking back to their front with a determined expression.
"We should hurry to Rivira."
"Even if they want ludicrous prices... " Solaris groaned before running her good hand through her hair. "Beggars can't be chosen. Good thing we didn't ditch the bags."
"Honestly I'm surprised they lasted as well as they did all things considered," Haruhime muttered. Sure, the backpacks were in a sorry state, the seams straining and having several burn marks... but they did their job of carrying magic stones. They shared a small laugh at the silver lining. Though Bell was a bit concerned how much Rivira might demand in terms of money. After all, prices depended on competition, if he recalled Nyx' words right. And since there literally was no competition down here... He could only shudder how much a weapon cost compared to the surface.
"Wait." They all turned to Kojiro who raised his hand, eyeing his surroundings with suspicion. "How much time has passed since the Loki Familia started their expedition."
The younger trio shared a confused look. Solaris scratched the back of her head with a casual hum.
"Puh... Give or take two wee-" Her eyes widened in shock, her body tensing up. "Oh shit."
Haruhime's ears twitched, unsure what was going on. But Bell realized it. He recalled the information beaten into his head. The Monster Rex of the seventeenth floor. The Goliath, a massive humanoid monster... that respawned every two weeks. Considering the Loki Familia must have passed through here for their expedition, they would have dispatched it around that time. Which meant…
Clenching their weapons, they raised them, looking around warily. Haruhime followed their lead, raising her hands as she sensed the wariness in the air. Silence reigned, oppressive as ever, as they waited for the slightest hint of danger. After what felt like an eternity, they all let out a collective sigh of relief, lowering their arms and weapons.
"Phew." Solaris wiped her forehead before snapping her fingers at the group. "Okay so if it gets out, we ru-"
A loud crack.
Their heads immediately snapped towards the source of that noise. A wide fissure formed on the wall. Yet another crack. The damage grew bigger and bigger.
"Oh come the fuck on... !" Solaris snarled as she whistled at the group. "Move those legs, ladies!"
They didn't hesitate. Even with their speed cut down to half due to exhaustion and thirst, they ran with all their might as rock and stone gave away. Bell knew he shouldn't turn around. That was how people in the stories usually died. Yet his morbid curiosity got the best of him. At least he wasn't alone, everyone else also turning their head to witness the birth and rage of the Goliath. Seven meters tall, grey skin and white hair, with eyes glowing with fury. It spotted them immediately and chased them, the ground rumbling with its steps and roar. It was then that they all realized one simple fact.
"It's too fast!" Haruhime shouted. Solaris growled, lagging behind a bit as she shook her head before turning to Bell a bit to her left.
"This is all your fault, Bell!"
"Why?!"
"You are the one with 'Luck', why isn't it working?!" She shouted, causing Bell to throw his arms up in the air.
"I have no control over it!"
"Gah, screw it!" Solaris slid over the ground as she spun around, raising her arms as she snarled. The others did so as well, weapons raised with determination. "Change of plans, stand our grou-"
"-faga!"
Whatever last stand they planned didn't occur. One moment the Goliath raised its arm, intending to smash them. The next moment, its entire upper body was eviscerated by what could only described a shooting star made of wind. As the body disappeared into dust as the monster crystal was brutalized into shambles as well, an all too familiar girl landed on the ground with amazing grace. Brushing her hair aside, Aiz Wallenstein turned to them, sheathing her sword as she tilted her head.
"Are you alright?"
Bell blushed. Ah. So cute. Solaris laughed, waving her bandaged arm with a tired smirk.
"Aiz! Good to see ya!"
The Sword Princess smiled slightly before her eyes widened, taking in their condition. Her gaze wandered to Solaris' bandaged arm. With a frown, she nodded at them.
"Follow me, you need medical treatment."
"Not gonna say no to that, I can't feel my arm anymore, haha!"
Suffice to say they moved as fast as they could. Bell could barely take in Rivira, the beautiful nature and the sun like light caused by the crystals. Soon enough, after throwing greetings around, they managed to get a tent to tend to their wounds, or more specifically to Solaris'. With new bandages attached, they were relaxing in the tent, as much as they could anyway. People, specifically the amazon twins, visited them and pretty much bombarded them with questions. Who was the cute blonde girl? Why were they injured? How did Kojiro and Bell level up so fast? Suffice to say it was mentally tiring, but eventually the crowd dispersed.
"See ya around, Little Argonaut!" Tiona waved at him playfully before leaving as the last person, with Aiz and Riveria being the only Loki members left behind. Bell sighed as Kojiro chuckled in amusement.
"How cute."
"At least it's better than White Fool I guess... ?" Bell muttered. The elf politely chuckled before standing up, having done whatever magic and healing she needed on Solaris. With a nod, she pushed past the entrance of the tent but not before glancing back at them.
"When you are rested up enough, Finn wants to have a word with you."
Sighing in relief, Bell finally allowed himself to relax as he leaned back on the sleeping bag they were given. But just as he did so, he heard a soft giggle. Feeling his face heat up, he saw Aiz smile softly at them. Maybe even only at him but he wouldn't presume.
"You are already here... " She shook her head before tilting her head at them. "You are really strong."
"Ahahaha... " Bell scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I wouldn't have gotten this far without everyone supporting me... "
"Have some pride in yourself! Two months and already in Rivira, whooo!"
Bell and the others glanced at the captain, her eyes being weirdly dilated as she swayed left and right a few times. The White Fool turned to Aiz, pointing at Solaris with his thumb.
"Is she okay?"
"Sometimes Riveria's magic makes some people... " Aiz trailed off before tapping her chin in thought. "Woozy?"
"Hey, Brojiro, didn't know you had twiiiiiin... "
Her eyes rolled up and her head hit the pillow. The tent was filled with her loud snoring. Awkwardness filled the air as they looked at each other. It was Kojiro who shrugged nonchalantly.
"I suppose the pain caught up to her."
Bell laughed for a moment before his eyes widened. He shot up, standing on his feet in a panic.
"Wait, who's meeting Finn then?!"
Haruhime and Kojiro looked at each other before tilting their heads at him as if he said something confusing.
"The vice captain, obviously," Kojiro stated, pointing at him. The Renard nodded, blinking innocently.
"I thought you were going."
Silence reigned as Bell gaped at that betrayal. Then he heard soft clapping. He turned to Aiz, who seemed confused as she clapped her hands.
"Congratulations?"
That shocked him out of his daze. Pointing at himself, he shook his head frantically.
"Eeeh?! Since when am I the vice captain?!"
"Since now." Kojiro shrugged off the glare he received from Bell. "I do not much care for administrative positions."
"Err, I'm too new?" Haruhime said with an awkward giggle. Bell bit his lip. He wanted to say something about how they needed to hear Solaris' input... yet knowing her, he knew for a fact she'd agree. Ah. All he could do was lower his head in surrender. Then they heard movement from outside and saw someone enter the tent.
"Aiz! Here you are, I was-" The individual stopped before pointing a finger at Bell. "Aaaah, it's you!"
"Uhm, hello," Bell greeted Lefiya awkwardly. The elf huffed, turning away from him and looking at Aiz with a pout.
"Why are they here?!"
"They were injured so we decided to help them."
Lefiya blinked. She looked at them with a closer view. With wide eyes, she stepped back, only starting to realize how exhausted they must have been. In shame, she lowered her head.
"You must have gone through a lot... " She glanced at Bell before looking back down again. "Amazing... "
Ah. This was a bit embarrassing. Bell laughed awkwardly. It was then that Lefiya seemed to notice she was talking out loud. With a red face, she straightened up and pointed at Bell with a glare. It would be a lot more intimidating if it weren't for the blush.
"It-It's not like I was w-worried or anything for you! Don't misunderstand!"
For some reason Kojiro and Haruhime looked away, choking on something. Bell could only look at Aiz helplessly, who shrugged, just as confused as he was. In the end, all he could do but nod obediently.
"Uhm, sure."
"What's with that reaction?!"
"I'm sorry?!"
The elf huffed, backing off after she got right up to Bell's face. Stomping away, she was about to leave before turning back around, pointing at him once more.
"And don't get cocky! I'm still ahead!"
With that, the elf left them. Bell laughed, shaking his head. What was that about?
"Lefiya must really like you," Aiz stated, pumping her fist with a sparkle in her otherwise emotionless face. He felt sweat run down his skin.
"Did we witness the same scene... ?" He muttered. Suddenly Kojiro patted his back, his cheeks slightly puffed up as if he tried to hold back his own laughter. Haruhime was flat out covering her mouth, twitching in the corner.
"Well, no time like the present." He nodded at Bell before motioning towards Solaris. "We will be watching her."
With that, since he didn't have anything better to do, he followed Aiz out into the camp. Suffice to say, it was awkward. Not because the silence between them was heavy or anything, but because of all the stares, or rather glares, were directed at him. Aiz, as clueless as she could be sometimes, seemed to notice it too. Biting her lip, she cutely tilted her head a few times, as if trying to come up with a topic. Then she glanced at his hip, her eyes shining as if an idea came to her.
"...nice swords."
"Oh, uhm, yeah!" He patted them affectionately. "My goddess reforged them!"
"Ah. The ones that broke." Aiz nodded with an approving smile. "You must really care for them."
Bell sighed, thinking back to the memories.
"It was kinda sad that they broke... they were my first weapon after all." A laugh escaped him as he scratched the back of his head. "And Kojiro did always tell me that those that allow their blades to break should be ashamed of themselves, ahahahaha."
It was meant as a joke, sort of. Yet he felt a shift in the air, showing him he made a mistake.
"..."
Aiz said nothing. Yet the subtle slumping of her shoulders. Her mouth being half open and allowing a weird sound to escape her. The dark oppressive energy that radiated from her. Bell cleared his throat, about to touch her shoulder before stopping himself with a blush. Instead he snapped his fingers at her a few times.
"Aiz? Are you alright?"
The Sword Princess blinked before shaking her head slowly.
"...Yes. Just... reflecting."
Well, Bell thought with a frown, if that wasn't putting his foot into his own mouth, he didn't know what was. However he did that, he stepped on a sore spot for Aiz. He was almost glad they reached the captain's tent, with Aiz politely nodding at him.
"It... was nice to see you again."
With one last genuine smile that caused his heart to flutter, he turned around and entered. Suffice to say he felt a bit nervous facing the top three of the Loki Familia. But after interacting with them in a tavern, seeing them get drunk and be casual, they were not as intimidating as they could be. Still, respect was the name of the game and he bowed his head.
"T-Thank you for helping us."
Finn casually waved him off, motioning for Bell to raise his head with a laugh.
"A friend of Astraea is a friend of ours." He shrugged. "Besides, I'm sure Lyra would be quite mad with me if I left you guys on the ground, so to speak."
Bell couldn't help but laugh at that, the mood relaxing quite a bit. Riveria cracked a smile while Gareth coughed, yet even Bell could make out the words.
"Whipped."
Finn's eyebrow twitched before he turned to Gareth with a fake smile.
"I'm sorry, did you say 'yes, captain, I want to clean up all the dirty clothes'?"
"Yeah, yeah." The dwarf cracked his neck before patting Bell's shoulder, causing the boy to wince a bit at the strength. "Good to see you, laddie."
With that, Gareth left the tent. Finn sighed, rubbing his temples before folding his hands and leaning forward.
"Now then. I'm sorry to ask you this so soon but... " He raised an eyebrow at Bell. "Could you tell me why Aiz found you in such a state?"
"Err... " He took a deep breath before pressing his lips together. "We were investigating a gut feeling of Solaris. Like... something called her on the sixteenth floor." As he wasn't interrupted yet, Bell decided to move on. "What we found was... A spirit of sorts. Attached to what we believe to be an Infant Dragon." Their eyes widened in shock. Bell nodded, agreeing that was weird. Crossing his arms, he closed his eyes as he recalled more details. "It wasn't exactly that strong. Uhm, compared to the one in Yggdrasil." He covered his mouth thoughtfully. "At least I think they are the same... "
"Yggdrasil?" Riveria asked with curiosity. Bell nodded, coughing awkwardly as he recalled that event.
"Yes, they had a... weed problem as well. Violas, I think they were called? And a massive monster that required the Radiance to defeat."
Immediately the high elf turned to the Pallum with a serious frown.
"Finn."
"I know. It's certainly interesting...If anyone can take such a thing on alone, it would definitely be her... " Nodding in gratitude, he smiled slightly at Bell. "This is valuable information. Thank you."
"Did you encounter something similar?" Bell asked with worry. Finn shared another look with his fellow executive. The White Fool realized his mistake. Ah. Right. This was probably classified. As expected, the captain seemed a bit sorry as he shrugged.
"Let's call it something worse." He shook his head with a sigh. "Sorry. This is a joyous occasion." Clapping his hands together he smiled at Bell."Feel free to treat this camp as your own during your stay."
"We are in your care!"
Thus began their "little vacation" on the middle floors. It was quite fun actually. While the prices on their one shopping trip were way too high, high enough for Solaris to pick a fight before she had to be stopped, it was still quite the beautiful town. Bell could appreciate the grit and determination required to rebuild a town hundreds of times. The little feasts they had, while the food was getting repetitive, had quite the good mood. Even if Bell felt that half the Loki Familia despised him by now since Aiz always sat next to him, insisting on feeding him once Haruhime started that trend first. At least she didn't force him into a lap pillow or else Lefiya might've killed him.
Speaking of might've killed him, he was glad he ran into the 'guards' first as they protected Solaris, Haruhime and others from the Loki Familia as they were bathing. Why anyone would want to bathe in the dungeon was beyond him, but girls wanted to be clean so who was he to judge? It was good that he managed to clear the misunderstanding, as he was just walking around aimlessly. Still, he really needed to figure out why Lefiya disliked him so much, even going as far as doing the "I got my eyes on you" move as Kojiro affectionately called it. Wandering through the forest, Bell enjoyed nature until he came across a clearing, causing his eyes to go wide.
Weapons buried on a small mound of earth. His memories went back to the Astraea Familia. How they often visited Rivira. This was... he carefully walked forward, approaching what could only be a grave and clapped his hands together. This was a symbolic place, as the bodies were most likely long gone. Yet he still prayed for the Astraea Familia that did not make it. He could only imagine the pain that was making this grave. The agony and guilt of being the one left behind. He felt the same kind of pain when his grandfather perished... but he wasnÄt there to see it. The Astraea Familia wasn't as lucky.
All he could do, as he put down flowers he plucked from nearby, was that he never had to do this. To make a memorial, a grave, for those he loved.