Hello! Kwongsongwong here. What was supposed to be chapter 10 is finally here! Without the usual excuses, here we go!
"HAHahaha!"
"I know you will get accepted by any familia. Join whichever to start your journey! If ANYONE rejects that reason without seeing all the work you put in, they don't deserve you."
"But—"
"Bell," Grandpa holds Bell's burnt hand. No matter how hot or rough Bell is, Grandpa is always there to splash water over him. Grandpa has never skipped out on gathering water from the lake for Bell to focus on his magic.
Grandpa treats Bell the same: laughing, joyful and reading him stories. Despite what happened before, Grandpa sticks with Bell through it all.
Enduring the pain of starting all over again.
"Believe me when I say you will find new friends in Orario. You might get yourself a cutie or two. A harem is a man's romance, you know? "
"..."
Bell's silence tells Grandpa how irrelevant love is to the small child. It doesn't matter how often Grandpa repeats the beauty in love. The child has a habit of staying quiet if he doesn't like the topic.
Either that, or he is caught lying and does not want to admit it.
Sneaky child. Bell knows the best method to lie to a god. Grandpa would be lying if he didn't want Bell to learn it.
But closing his heart to any potential love is unacceptable.
"...But if you don't want that, there are other types of love."
"Types of love?"
"In my hometown and language, we break down love into 4 categories: Eros, romantic love… Philia, the love in friendships… Storage, familial love… and Agape, unconditional love."
"But isn't love…love?"
"Ahhhhhhh. You'll get it when you're older." A clue to fuel Bell's curiosity. One day, hopefully, one day, Bell will understand. "There's a bigger world out there, you know? One that is calling your name."
From being bedridden in a dark room to a small cabin, Bell is learning at an incredible pace. But Grandpa must teach this gem the basics before they part ways.
"The city of Orario has everything. If you play your cards right, fame and wealth can be yours, too. But once you set foot there, like it or not, you'll be drawn into the ebb and flow of history. That's just the kind of place it is."
Time is not on their side. If what Erebus said is true, then Bell needs as many comrades as possible. The sooner, the better to fix the one flaw in Bell's thinking.
"But…that's exactly what gives you the chance to be a hero."
Bell Cranel
Level 1
Strength: I0→I49 Endurance: I0→I18 Dexterity:
I0→I89 Agility: I0→I89 Magic: I0→I91
Regeneration: I
Magic
The Primordial Flame
Fire Enchantment—surrounds the body with fire
Release fire at will
Skills
Promothesis Gift
Actively produce fire internally
Heals injuries and diseases
Gif Blessing
Decreases health, mind and abilities over time
Limit Off state active
Survival Instinct
Accelerates growth
Effect based on user's desire and condition
Spirit Exchange
Eyes
"What. The. Fuck." Loki finishes reading out Bell's Status. Her eyes are wide awake, fully recovered from her hangover. Loki pinches herself to confirm if she's dreaming…and blurts a curse word if she's not.
"Language Loki." Riviera condones Loki's inappropriate wording in the presence of a child. She and the rest of the executives wait in Bell's burnt room. Riviera watches Bell's bear back as his Status is updated. She didn't expect to see 4 skills on the rookie's back…all with unique effects.
"Over a 300 increase on the first day, and you didn't sweat yesterday."
"HA! What crazy act yer gonna do with me along? Go to the 10th floor and slay an infant dragon?"
Reading off a Koine translated sheet, Finn and Gareth can/cannot believe their eyes. It seems impossible, utter nonsense, yet they face definitive proof here. They glance at Bell's skills and growth leaps.
"What's an infant dragon?" Bell asks.
"Nothing that you will face anytime soon." Riviera answers, giving a not-so-subtle suggestion to the one in charge today. Additionally, she adds an icy glare to ward off such ridiculous ideas.
Gareth scoffs, disappointed at the stubborn elf who cannot take a joke.
"Does it have two heads?"
"EhhhHH?" Loki raises her voice. Finn's thumb begins to numb. Riviera smiles at Gareth but not in a friendly manner. Her eyes are closed, signaling how pissed the elf truly is. She might summon her strongest magic to teach Gareth a lesson.
"Why do you think that lad?" Gareth sees if he can somehow get away with his joke. Maybe Bell has a wild imagination. It was a joke. Gareth would never bring him that far down.
But turns out what Gareth got was valuable information. Information that would never be shared if Gareth didn't ask.
"I had a vision of 4 monsters last night. One of them was a two-headed dragon."
Most children would say they had a dream, not a vision when sleeping. A dream, or a nightmare, would include imaginary monsters that are not real, unable to harm once awakened.
A dream cannot hurt the dreamer; a nightmare will not leave a sleeper waking up with cuts and blood. If Finn had a nightmare of his arm getting eaten off, his arm would be perfectly fine. Maybe Finn's body is dripping with sweat, but that's all—nothing more.
But Bell woke up screaming, bleeding and on fire.
Is Bell afraid of those monsters? Yes, any child would be. But from the vague clues Bell said, the two-headed dragon is likely the Amphisbaena, the Monster Rex of the 27th floor. If that is true, the other 3 monsters, although a stretch, are Goliath, Udaeus, and Balor.
Something must have triggered a vision. Can it be from his skills—The Primordial Flame?
Too much is unknown about it, but the more important question is…
Why did Bell see that vision?
Although, there is really only one straightforward answer for why.
"Are you going to try and slay these monsters?" Finn deducts from his throbbing thumb. Riviera's face contorts in anguish, and Gareth massages his brows. Loki crosses her arms and shakes her head. Being extra, the trickster goddess mouths, 'Nooooooo.'
In unison, they silently scream, 'Don't you think about it.' Finn places his chin on his hands, leaning forward in anticipation of Bell's answer.
"I don't know. Maybe."
Plain and straightforward, 3-word sentence. Finn didn't expect that neither did the others. Loki confirms Bell is telling the truth, not lying about his intentions. Whether that's a good thing or subject to change, time will tell.
Silence ensures as Bell remains quiet—he didn't get an answer to his questions, yet he seems satisfied. Finn could have asked more questions, but that would put unnecessary pressure on the young adventurer.
Or worse, another fire in the room. The leftovers on his bed are crying loud enough.
"Well, that's it for now. Raul will be here soon, so have breakfast with him, and Gareth will bring you to the Dungeon later. In the meantime, I'll have your room cleaned and fireproof if an incident happens again."
Bell nods, and everyone leaves his room. Raul shortly picks Bell up and heads to the dining room. On the other hand, the executives move to Twilight Manor's office.
"Well, let's get things started." Loki kicks herself on Finn's desk. Finn sits on his office chair, leaving Gareth a cushion. Riviera, the tall high-elf that she is, remains upright, leaning against the wall (furthest from Gareth).
"Haha~! This reminds me of when Aizuu was still level 1! Everyone would be gathered here for Mama Riveria to lecture little Aizuu about going to wild at the Dungeon."
That sparks a laugh between the top-tier executives. However, the tired vice-captain did not bite the bait.
"Who are you calling mama, Loki? Please don't tease me."
"Gwahaha! I thought Aiz would be the only youngster to bring us trouble. Is every new recruit gonna be like this?
"At least Bell has a simple wish too. I want to be famous. Well, I would be a hypocrite if I condoned his desire."
Finn smiles sadly as he leans back in his chair. Riviera clicks her tongue, not that Finn, or anyone, can blame her. The disappointment in Gareth's eyes is a testament to how pointless fame truly is. Only Loki remains neutral about Bell's desire.
"Bell was clearing the first 3 floors flawlessly. He was not attacked once, even when surrounded." Finn recalls Bell's time in the Dungeon yesterday. Digging into his memory, he views how easily Bell clears the Dungeon. It was like Bell was putting on a show: a display of his control.
"Well, it makes sense, judging from his *ahem* 4 rare skills. Like seriously?!" Loki counters speaking several octaves above her usual tone. "A walking one-in-a-million."
Skills are the manifestation of the user's desire. A reflection of their past and everything they hold dear. Mortals cannot lie before a deity; an adventurer's Status is another way to reveal themselves.
Skills that appear when an adventurer obtains a falna cannot be rejected. The shock Loki experience when Bell had 4 rare skills nearly sent her back to Tenkai. Her tricker intuition knew it was too good to be true.
"Regeneration, Limit Off, and growth acceleration? Did you tell the lad about his skills and their effect?" Gareth
"No, but he might have a feeling of what his skills do already." For two reasons, Loki did not tell Bell about the plentiful skills that appeared on his Status.
If faced by a God, Bell must tell the truth. The Dark Age is still active, although better than before. Any entertaining-seeking God can hide their aura and role-play as an adventurer to Bell. Sure, Bell has babysitters, but extra protection for the golden child is necessary.
Bell wants attention and says, "I will sacrifice everything I have to reach the impossible." If Bell ever announces his skill, he garners attention—good and bad. If Loki can do anything about it, she will prefer Bell gets the good fame.
"But his final skill: Spirit Exchange. Is that the reason why Bell cannot see?" Riviera asks after everyone exchanges thoughts about Bell's prior skills.
"Most likely. This is the skill I'm most worried about." Finn leans back, facing the ceiling.
""Because what else can Bell exchange?"" The dwarf and goddess answer.
An exchange is giving one thing to receive something in return. But who is Bell exchanging with…is it a spirit? Ignoring that Bell is in contact with a spirit, the term spirit is loosely covered.
Spirits, or god's double, are blessed with magic, better than elves. They came before the gods and helped the lower worlds in need.
But spirits also mean curses…and the deceased.
Whoever/whatever is on the other side cannot be good. Anything Bell gains for every exchange will leave Bell broken.
If Bell lost his vision, what else could Bell lose? Bell said it himself, he will sacrifice everything to reach the impossible. Bell has a dream—one that he keeps to himself.
Whatever that dream is, it cannot be healthy.
This must be the reason why Finn's thumb is tingling. Not painful but above the threshold to be noticed. If Finn didn't know better, he would have assumed Loki was up to no good.
Yet, Finn can instantly spot potential dangers: from his experiences as Loki Familia's captain. And Bell's skills are brewing major problems.
"Gareth," Finn calls out to Bell's temporary babysitter manager. "Let Bell travel as far as he wants and report everything he says or any odd behaviors."
"Wait, are you serious? He started yesterday!"
"Sorry Riveria, but this is necessary. I'm not suggesting letting Bell face life-threatening situations. All I'm asking is the full extent of his skills."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree, Mama. We know too little to protect him for now."
"No problems here. I'll keep the lad's adventuring safe. Besides, this greenhorn has some experience with monsters. These monsters are surface level, but it's something."
The royal elf understands the reasoning behind the plan.
If Bell continues growing this fast, then the record holder will be overtaken in a month or weeks. Finn and Gareth know this and aim to explode Bell into level 2. Then, they will know what exactly Bell can become or is capable of.
As nice as that could be, that opens many suspicious eyes and problems. For one, the city isn't going to allow a rookie to overtake 50% of its adventurer in a matter of weeks. Rumors are the least of their worry, as other familias will not allow a thriving adventurer to take them over. Their envy and unplaced wrath will be directed at up-and-coming adventurers.
Or worse, Evilus may take an interest in the boy. As strong as Bell is, a level 2 adventurer will fall to a level 4 or 5. Skills and tactics do not matter; in most cases, stronger Status decides the winner.
As much as Riviera can critique Finn's plan, she cannot think of another one. It pains her, but they are blindly walking to their doom without knowledge.
"I don't like this plan, Riviera, but our hands are tied. With our solo missions, Evilus running rampant, and planning the next expedition, time is not our friend."
"When is our next expedition mission?"
"10 days after an extension. When Bell got arrested, Royman was unhappy to see me, to say the least. I negotiated the best I could."
The guild employees' faces were a mix of disappointment, fear, and astonishment. Astonishment as they couldn't believe their eyes as the number 1 familia dared to accept another child into their ranks. The Guild's Pig was ruthless when Finn asked to fill out Bell's form…since the rookie is blind.
It could be worst, as Roymen was lenient to allow an extension for their next Dungeon exploration.
"Rose is going to kill me." Riviera images Rose spitting her venomous critiques the next time they meet.
The question on everyone's mind, but no one asks is 'Should Bell be brought along to the expedition?'The answer should be a clear 'no,' but something unexpected may happen.
A rookie being sent into the deeper levels of the Dungeon? Onlookers would think their captain must be insane, but Finn, and the others, knew something significant might change their minds.
"Anyways, I'll bring Bell and Raul into the Dungeon now. They should be done with their breakfast." Gareth concludes the meeting and leaves the door.
Finn sets out to prepare for their expedition, and Rivera is about to leave but—
"Riviera. Stay back."
Loki's eyes narrow like a snake.
"It's about you, Ais and Bell tomorrow."
"Hurry, girls! We're almost there! Stay strong! We're coming home, Astraea-sama!" A boisterous voice echoes the cramped pathway.
An unspoken rule in the Dungeon is to be quiet because monsters will be attracted to the sounds. The Dungeon hates adventurers and is constantly out for blood. However, in instances of an argument, witnessing a beloved eaten or charging into battle, adventurers scream now and then. Unfortunately, their outburst often leads to an adventurer or party's death.
Despite this, a loud red hair, extroverted green-eyed captain—the member whose duty is to keep their party safe—is announcing to the Dungeon, 'Here we are! Come and get us!'
"You're the one who kept us from leaving earlier, Captain."
"Why did you bathe at the Dungeon if we're going to bathe at home?"
"Come on." Alise caresses her face, her smooth, spotless skin. Hugging herself, her fingertips stroke her cheeks in between lies a smirk. "We were soaked, and the river was right there. Can you blame me?"
""Yes."" The familia agrees, trailing behind Alise.
Composed of 11 members, the Astraea Familia are second-class adventurers- comprised of two levels 3 and the rest, level 4. A familia that defeated countless Monster Rexes, mainly Goliaths but a handful of Amphisbaena.
Alise hurls forward, coughing from the betrayal. She falls down and touches the wall to balance herself, hunched forward and limping. She deliberately slows down…after telling the familia to hurry up.
"Can we hurry up and go home?" Lyra, the pink hair prum and the third member to join Astraea's Familia, asks.
"So idiotic and dramatic. We could have captured that bastard if it wasn't for our useless little elf," Kagyua, the noble lady from the east, vice-captain of Astraea Familia, says.
"You saying it was my fault?" A masked elf ask while gripping her personal wooden sword made from the holy tree of her hometown. Hitting a Dungeon Lizard off the wall, the magic stone shatters from the anger of her vice-captain.
Although the newest member, Lyu is on the same level as her captain and vice-captain. Lyu is ahead of the party to cut down any monsters, but she wraps back around.
"Oh? Our useless little elf thinking?" Kaguya unsheathes her short sword, not taking back her statement. "Of course, it is your fault, you idiot!"
"That bastard, Olivas Act, was planning something. His name has been popping around, and he's been sighted several times. Today we comforted him, but we let him escape, which will bite us in the ass later." Lyu's face flustered at Kaguya's inappropriate comment.
Olivas Act had several cuts and bruises along his arm and was at his rope's end. So he tripped his 'allies' for a distraction. A swarm of Iguazu, crimson swallow monsters faster than second-tier adventurers can see, spawned, threatening to murder anyone in sight. Lyu abandon chasing Olivas to protect those criminals and her familia from the second-most feared monster in the Water City. Scoffing, Kaguya gave a murderous stare before heading back.
In return, Olivas flashed a shit-eating grin and escaped laughing.
Even though Astraea Familia ventured much deeper, all the way to the Deep Floors, protecting someone requires much more care than protecting oneself. Those fallen members would have perished if not for the mercy Astraea Familia, more specifically Lyu, had bestowed on them. The captured members are placed under custody in Riviria for the Ganesha Familia to retrieve them.
"If we kept chasing, we could have captured Olivas Act, but no. You had to save those pieces of shit.
Although it was more logical to capture the head, leaving someone to die—even a criminal— will not happen under Lyu's watch.
"I would have kept chasing, but I knew you couldn't handle Iguazu and protect those garbage beings. I get it. You want to save everyone without any sacrifices. But how many lives did you endanger because of your decision? "
Regretfully, Kaguya had to protect the downed Evilus members while Lyu attacked the main swarm. The two-level 4 adventurers endured long enough for the rest of Astraea Familia to clean up the monsters. The rest of Astraea Familia was held back due to a pass parade that Evilus members orchestrated.
"Are you happy with your decision?"
"Yes," Lyu answers immediately, causing Kaguya's eyebrow to raise. While Kaguya expected Lyu to be pigheaded, she didn't expect the noble elf to respond that quickly and confidently.
Alise smiles, and the other members make an 'O' with their mouths. Even Lyra, who expected Kaguya to win the verbal fight, couldn't believe Lyu's straightforward answer.
"I believe that our justice should aim to save everyone. While they are our enemy, if they need saving, then I will do so without question." Lyu expands on her decision.
She knew that capturing Olivas Act was the best thing to do. Olivas' allies, who were betrayed, could have been left on the 27th floor to die as karma. They chose to join Evilus's side and are aware of the risk.
Kaguya is right, as Lyu allowed a bigger monster to run away.
But leaving them to die without giving them a chance for forgiveness is wrong. One must start the chain of justice for the future to look bright.
"Because justice goes and comes around."
"...Hmm. Well, you've grown a tiny bit…" Kaguya concedes, not bashing Lyu's foolishness and stubbornness. While Lyu's justice is lovely to talk about, it is unattainable in the real world. Lyu's strength cannot carry the weight of her words. If Lyu had tried to take on the entire pack of Iguazu while protecting others, she would have perished.
Yet Lyu sticks to her justice wholeheartedly. No matter the circumstance, she stubbornly forces her ideals onto others like a weed latching to every inch of a garden. Even facing death, she would never take back her ideals, admit to her wrongdoings, but never turn her back to those in need.
Lyu's belief in herself remind the girls of their captains.
Which irks Kaguya just enough to blow everything up.
"...Unlike your flat chest."
"Kaguya!"
Lyu crosses her arms to shield her pure body. Her face immediately turns red as "Ooooo" echoes from the wall. Lyra snickers because she knows Kaguya hit a low blow.
Lyu can talk about justice for hours, but she's an innocent girl without experience! Any attack in that area will render the elf totally useless!
"What? You're 15, yet you have walls as tits. You're as innocent as a little baby."
"Don't say t-tits!"
"Flat tits. Small tits. Itty Ti—" "ARRGG."
A battle has begun between a stubborn Elf and the far east princess.
"They still have energy?! Come ON!" Lyra sighs and impolitely elbows her captain to end the quarrel.
"Aha! Two ideals crashing against each other! Forged by their past, these competitors set forth their beliefs and make them a reality! "
"You idiot captain! Make them stop so we can go home!"
"Nope! Better to let them talk it out than staying silent." Talk is used vaguely when they are using sharp metal swords to fight. "In fact, you do you girls think?"
"Do this at home!"
"Well, everyone is returning home, so I'm happy."
"But we spend a full two days for nothing!"
"We captured Vendetta's comrades, don't we?
"As if they will know anything important. They're lackeys."
"But it's something. And who knows?"
"Maybe they will tell us something since we saved them."
"Magic?"
""-?!""
Celty, the other elf, slips out. The timid elf glances at her surrounding to pinpoint the source. Her green hair wonders until her eyes settle to stare straight ahead.
Expect nothing is up ahead. The narrow brown path does not reveal a single monster or presence.
Kaguya and Lyu have stopped fighting and taken a defensive stance. The carefree Astraea Familia hardens their guard.
Attacks in the Dungeon are common and unmonitored. Astraea Famila is a prime target for Evilus; one moment of letting their guard down will lead to a fatal wound or death.
That is the life of adventurers—going to the Dungeon at any moment can be their last.
"It's not aimed at us, but should we check it out?"
Concentrating all her senses on her ear, short explosions and cracking is in the distance. With every burst, Lyu's ear twitched like a cat.
"A beginner with fire magic, it seems." Celty does the same. Lyu and Celty are not on the same level, but when it comes to magic, Celty is a cut ahead. Especially when it comes to fire magic.
"A reckless noobie flaunting magic? Mind Zero will be a cruel teacher." Kaguya snaps a fan to blow the air away. Completely aware that a disty fan will not shoo away the smoke, Kaguya use her other hand to block her mouth.
But a gust of air flies past Astraea Familia.
"Captain!" "Alise?" Astraea Familia calls out before following Alise outburst.
Alise does not answer but continues to run to the source of magic. Is something that important on the 6th floor that demands Alise's attention? Is it her 6th sense acting up, warning her of a victim?
"Give us a break!" A prum yells to the roof, begrudgingly following the detour delaying their return home.
The 6th floor is the transition from beginner-friendly to a newbie-killing zone. Easy prey, such as goblins and dungeon lizards, are replaced by frog shooters and war shadows. Frogs that attack from a distance and a humanoid monster with sharp claws is a steep curve that overzealous newbies.
Every step starts with a crunch from the specks of dust and ash. They lifted off the adventurer's shoe and sprinkled it on the ground. The walls are clean of blood but darker than the typical brown setting. The walls get blacker the further they walk.
The path Astraea Familia is running on is a dead zone that is supposed to be riddled with monsters. Days or weeks of monsters will pile in this detour, threatening to chase after an unfortunate victim or party, leading to a pass parade. The guild assigns "Cleaning Duty" for large familia to clean out these "Dead Zones" for the safety of new and level 1 adventurers.
The monsters screaming and magic stone dropping would indicate a cleaning in progress. Further exploration can be noisy and impeding on an adventurer's prey. Unless there is a cry for help, adventurers should not go out of their way.
The monsters' cries cease, and brief chatter occurs—two sentences at most. The mage isn't alone because two other presences are there. Alise waits for the party to pick up the magic stone and hones on the shadows moving on the wall. Kaguya, Lyu and the rest of the familia catch up and are surprised their captain hasn't waltzed in.
Instead, Alise takes her time scouting as if she was on a mission. Kaguya and Lyra narrow their eyes—being the closest to Alise—they know Alise is hiding something. The Alise they know would have entered, talked herself up, and moved along with her day. Yet she waits for the two adventurers to leave the dead-end.
Side-by-side, one spiky raven hair human teen and a brown-haired dwarf emerge. One is geared with the finest metal, while the other has mediocre armor. The human carries a sizeable brown supporter bag, reaching his hair and down to his waist. Magic stones and drop items are up to the supporter's neck.
"Ah. It's just you ladies...Astrea Familia," a low voice comes out. But a squeak from the supporter echoes from being watched.
"Elgram and High Novice," someone whispers. A level 6th and a level 2 of Loki Familia.
"Hello, Uncle Gareth! And… Raul, is it?" Alise snapping her fingers to remember the plain-looking boy of Loki Familia. Raul flinches and scratches his neck, shocked from being recognized. Unused to the attention, he blushes from all the stares from teenage girls.
"Did we interrupt your training session? Our bad," Alise apologizes, but Kaguya & Lyra are sharper than to believe that.
There are no accounts of Elgram and High Novice processing magic. If they are battling with magic swords, that would be a waste of money.
No, there is something—someone—behind the magic.
Crackles of fire are heard behind Gareth. Celty and the other members unconsciously grip their weapons from the magic exuding.
The magic density is thick to warren caution, but the magic itself is a light breeze. The fire grazes against the justice familia like a curious cat.
It is as if the air pats down all who are watching. An invisible line that was crossed, so they pass through an unseen guardian.
A robbed individual shorter than Lyra. Two War Shadow's Finger Blades— wielding like a two-bladed sword— come out coated in fire. Light breezes sway the girl's long hair as if they were on a beach in Melen. Heat latches onto anything, making the phosphorescence shine brighter than ever.
"More monsters?" The fingers ignite in flames, burning bright red and smoke darkening the edge. Brisk fireballs detach from the prime source but stay afloat like bubbles.
"No Bell! They're adventurers like us!" Raul yells and swats the fireballs down. Popping without a sound, sparks fall to the floor. Raul's hand turns red, but not from the heat…he smacked them too hard.
Two steps ahead of Raul, Gareth grabs the top of Bell's head and neck. The dwarf's large hand, overwhelmingly so, has his thumb and pinky touching Bell's ear. The other three fingers press against Bell's neck and the palm on Bell's forehead.
Once let go, Bell drops a fighting stance and pulls off the hood. White hair emerges, giving a stark contrast to the black walls.
The fluorescent light shines directly on Bell's face if the fire isn't bright enough.
Some gasped but covered their mouth; others had shivers sent down their spine. Yet they remain silent.
The Vice-captain and prum did not react; they forced themselves to stay still. As veterans of the Dungeon, they grew numb to passerby's injuries. However, one injury or condition would demand brief attention—no matter how rude it is to stare.
One lesson that an immature elf did not learn yet.
"Your eyes—"
*THUNK*
A jab into Lyu's ribs and chop on her neck. "Dumbass" and "...kidding me" are whispered while Lyu realizes her blunder. Even Alise clicks her tongue and shakes her head.
Then again, Alise would have done something similar if not for their prior meeting.
Alise met Bell already—a lucky coincidence that she and Lady Astraea were at the right spot. After leaving Bell at the Twilight Manor, they went home to follow a drastic Evilus lead on the 27th floor. Within minutes, Astraea Familia sets out to capture a high-ranking officer, Olivas Act, Vendetta.
It's been 2 days since Alise met Bell, and one question remains: Where did his mask go?
Without letting go of his 'weapons,' Bell steps up to Alise. Without letting go of his magic, he bows 90 degrees.
"Sorry. I thought you were all monsters." His white hair flutters like tree branches in heavy wind.
He stays in that position, not offering further explanation.
Alise didn't have time to think about it before, but how could Bell exactly see without his pupils or iris? He called the Astraea Familia monsters so he could sense things around him.
And it was only after a coat of nonlethal fire touches everyone did Bell identify them.
Using the lack of information and the belief moments they had together, Alise develops a theory.
What if Bell's fire makes up for Bell's lack of sight?
A rare skill that replaces his sight with flames? The magic provides a better overall 'vision' and huge amounts of firepower.
However, the main point is that Bell is apologizing for his action. Alise appreciates adventurers owning up to their mistakes: a primary factor for inviting Lyu into the familia.
Bell's sincerity is shown—bowing 90 degrees is an act of asking for forgiveness in the Eastern country.
"Beelllllll?" Alise crouches to the floor and brings her face closer to Bell. She squats so low she has to look up at Bell. Alise leaves an inch difference from their face.
Even at the source, she barely feels Bell's all-encompassing fire— acting like a sonar. Testing her theory and showing her familia that Bell is not dangerous, she speaks like she always has.
"You don't remember me? I thought we were friends."
At first, Astraea Familia thought Alise was doing her typical nice introduction. But at this moment, all of Astraea Familia knows their captain has met Loki's newest member before. Her closest friends, Kaguya and Lyra, suspected something off when Alise didn't immediately hug the kid.
"...Miss Lovell, captain of the Astraea Familia?"
"Aliiisssee. Al…ise! Alise! Call me by my first name!" Alise pouts immediately.
"Huh?" Lyra blurts out.
"I cannot, Miss Lovell. I have to respect my elders. And as a low level of Loki Familia, I must respect the level differences," Bell straightens himself, putting all finger blades onto one hand.
"I-I do?" Raul asks, thinking of all the times he didn't call his elders by their last name or formality.
"We didn't tell him that," Gareth, utterly confused about where Bell learned that. Alise's loud voice and antics aside, she is close to Bell. Gareth sucks in his teeth if that is for the best—for both parties.
"Fine! As your elder, I command you to call me by my first name."
"Alise Miss Lovell."
"What the—?!"
"Ahem." Gareth coughs to gather everyone's attention. Alise was with Bell when he entered the Twilight Manor, so she knows Bell (somewhat). But the other Astraea members do not know Bell. Loki Familia is not formally allied with Astraea Familia, but they are closer than most familias. A little introduction wouldn't, would it?
At the very least, it would raise less suspicion.
"Astraea Familia. Meet our newest member, Bell Cranell. Bell, say hi."
"Hi. My name is Bell Cranel. I'm eight years old. I'm from Loki Familia."
Empty-handed, Bell waves his hand. The spotless dark robes flap making a 'thumping' sound. Covering most of his skin, his rough burnt skin lays bare for every spectator. His white eyes— empty blank eyes— match his cloud-like hair without a drop of blood or dust to sully the appearance.
""EIGHT!""
Astraea Familia was expecting a prum but a kid?! The girls are losing their minds, and one noble elf is dying inside!
Lyu's stomach is near retching—her mind is in shambles. Lyu hated Elves for not recognizing others and looking down on other races. They are prideful, fastidious, and eschewed, revealing themselves to any they deem unworthy. But being the same race, Lyu bore these characteristics until she met Alise —
—is what Lyu wants to think, but she comments on a blind human missing eyes. And to top it off…he's a child.
And being the only one to mention it, Lyu never cursed her lack of awareness this much until now.
"Another kid? Loki Familia must have an eye for talent." Kaguya narrows her eye on the rising star. A runt, no taller than her waist, can cast magic and reach the 6th floor. Not to mention, his clothes…not battle armor…are clean and intact.
If Bell was a caster, then it is expected that he would remain out of harm's way. But by observing him: no magic staff, finger blades in the shape of a weapon, and a magic enchantment like her captain, it is safe to assume that Bell fights in melee range.
If Bell hunted that many monsters to fill a half-full bag, he is already a monster. Even though he looks burnt and blind, he is an eight-year-old monster that will only grow in power and technique.
"It is nice meeting you all, but I'll be heading further down. Bye Astraea Familia." Bell bows slightly but is stopped immediately.
"So quick?!" Celty asks. She didn't get the chance to ask about Bell's unique magic! He is from a different familia than her but still! Her curiosity has peaked, and her desire to learn about her favorite subject is flaring!
"Don't you want to know our names or something?" Neze, the werewolf, asks. As one of the oldest members at 18 years old, she tries her best to get along with Bell, one of the youngest adventurers she has ever met. Her staggering height at over 170 celches towers over Bell's meager 90 celches.
"We're friendly! You can rely on your Onee-sans (Big Sisters) Bell!" Iska the Amazon adds.
"W-why a-are they acting t-that way?"
"Use your head, idiot elf. That kid; he's special."
"Tell me about it. I heard when the Doll Princess was exploring, she had a high executive with her. This boy has 2!"
"-!"
"...High Novice is a high executive?"
"No thanks." Bell rejects the offer. A series of 'awws' mainly from Celty echos in the Dungeon. Most children will run and gush over second-tier adventures like Astraea Familia. Kids would shout their names to get their attention, even for a second.
But Bell doesn't bother. Is it because he cannot acknowledge the beauty of the 11 members? Maybe. He recognized Alise's voice but not when he saw her first.
But wait! Does that mean, without their looks, they are noth—
"Let's talk when we are on the surface. I will be exploring Orario, so maybe we can hang out then," Bell brings his crusted lips into a smile. Bearing his white teeth, his empty eyes sparkle just like the fire. "If you're not busy, of course."
The white-hair boy speaks no lies, but his smile is not natural. More rehearsed to appear genuine. His offer is sincere, and his want to explore Orario is crystal clear.
But why did Bell make a face like that? Is that Bell's happy face, or is he testing strangers? Was that an invitation?
"Sure!" Alise smiles brightly back. She gives a 100,000 valis smile that would make any adventurer drop on their knees, flustered. Unbothered by Bell's action, she turns to face her familia.
"Ladies. Please make way for Loki's newest member!"
With nothing else to say, Astraea familia clears a path for the adventurers. The narrow path made the justice familia split into two and touch the walls. Bell leads, followed by Raul, then Gareth. The burning fire blows onto the girls, their hair flowing like gentle waves.
But Bell snaps his head to the right, stopping before Lyu. Locking eye contact with her, Bell mouths something and then walks away. Gareth scratches his ear, a sign that he heard something. Raul looks dumbfounded and awkwardly follows the boy out.
One member heard what Bell said. Her sharp earring paired with level 4 status is enough to listen to Bell's unprecedented words.
"Leon," Neze faces the noble elf, who made not a good first impression on the boy. Although, Bell didn't react when Lyu commented on his lack of eyes.
With the trio gone and away, the werewolf asks:
"Why did he call you, Ryulu?"
A Finger Blade is thrown and tears the wings of a Purple Moth. Leaping into a perfect arc— nearly scrapping against the extended ceiling— Bell twists to jam a Goblin Fang into the moth. Intercepting the falling month, Bell winds a foot and hands up.
Blasting his hands, Bell delivers a crushing axe kick to Killer Ants on the ground. Its hard shell shatters on impact. Blood bursts around a circle, leaving the impact area clean. The following killer arts and needle rabbits charge at the out-of-place adventurer.
Chasing the fire source, The killer ants clink their jaw, anticipating their next meal. The needle rabbits tunk down and jumps like a spider to its prey.
Seconds before impact, the fire blinds the monsters. Blinking, even for a second, creates vulnerability. Bell sidesteps the needle rabbit and spin-kicks the monster's behind. Bell's sole had fire bursting out to accelerate his speed and increase its power.
*BAM*
The rabbit's body explodes, its needle penetrating the Dungeon wall. The body blows up, spattering blood all over Bell's robes; the needle launched far past where it was supposed to hit. The killer ants respot the adventurer and charge as a group.
Bell's current strength cannot penetrate the Killer Ant's hard shell. Normal punches and kicks bounce back, and boosted fire attacks merely chip the exoskeleton. Only big-winded attacks will one-shot the ant; using a drop item is a waste because it breaks after one attack. The tendency to attract companions is too much for Bell.
With no other options, Bell raises both hands.
"Burn."
*FLOOOMMM*
The fire rises from the ground and leaves the floor burning. Latches on what it can touch, the fire swallows the ant's feet. Ashes are formed from the skinny leg, leaving the main body and head cooking like meat on a pan. The loud cries because the ant's head is raised as high as it can.
Reinforcement arrives as Killer Ants are summoned from the pheromones. Chasing the burning mage, the monsters couldn't even attack the evading adventurer. Running to their doom, they suffer the same fate—a cycle that only ends when every Killer Ant on the seventh floor dies.
"This is my limit." Bell sighs, plucking the Needle Rabbit's Tusk out of the wall. The level 2 adventurer, Raul Nord, is picking the magic stones that rest on the ground. Bell would pick it up, but Gareth insists Raul should.
Bell didn't like that since Raul was level 2—higher than himself. Raul says it's okay, so Bell stubbornly picks drop items. They let Bell do his thing, not wanting to deal with an obstinate child.
"You sure, lad? You slay those monsters better than any level 1 veteran would."
"Y-Yeah Bell. I'm not sure I can kill these monsters as well as you can."
"These short things are immune to my normal attacks. If I had a hammer or a higher strength, I could one-shot these things faster than reinforcement can come."
Oh yeah. Bell cannot identify any monsters at all.
Bell can go further down, maybe down to the 10th floor. But he is a newbie without Dungeon experience. Fighting the unknown and blind will overwhelm Bell and force his magic out.
Bell only uses his magic once absolutely necessary. Bell would rather fight hand-to-hand than burn everything in the room. Granted, Bell fights with a magic enchantment, but he does not blast fire outright. A good habit because magic should be a last-resort tactic to clear a swarm.
"A hammer as a weapon? I thought Finn was joking."
"Do you need a short sword? I have a few spares in my room," Raul finishes gathering all the magic stones. The support bag is 96% total capacity.
"No thank you, Raul. I'll buy a real weapon soon. We should head back." Bell's fire enchantment diminishes, leaving him appearing powerless. Putting on his hood, he faces the ground to cover his scarred face. The ashes dirty his feet, making Bell look even poorer and defenseless.
"O-okay!" Raul heaves the bag over his shoulder. Bell didn't fight when they were on the main route. Not a single spark or punch was thrown by Bell. Gareth flicks most of the monsters charging at them but leaves Raul to deal with the stragglers.
The upper-tier adventures, composed of level 1, stare at the bulging bag of items. In fact, the sheer thickness of the bag and a glimpse of the first-tier adventurer distract all the adventurers from the robbed adventurer trailing behind Loki Familia. The adventurers couldn't pick up on Bell's silent steps as the trio exited the Dungeon.
The Guild rounds the total earnings to be 25,000 valis. An astounding amount of money made by essentially one adventurer. More impressively, nearly half of the earnings stem from drop items. Gareth drops his jaw and mentally punches himself, thinking of all the weapons Bell 'broke.'
Bell offered Raul a 33% cut of the earnings because Raul was supporting Bell. Every room Bell cleared out, Raul picked up the magic stones. When Bell's weapon broke, Raul swiftly threw replacements. Raul didn't talk much to Bell, but High Noivce was a top-tier supporter.
But Raul didn't accept any money, and neither did Gareth. Bell offers Gareth a 33% cut for the time spent with a level 1 adventurer. But despite what Bell said, they adamantly refuse Bell's payment all the way to the Twilight Manor.
Bell told the top-tier executives his finding—mainly the 7th floor is Bell's limit, and he made a considerable amount of money. When they were satisfied, Bell took his money to his room.
The new room had salamander wool bedsheets. The walls were repainted and clear of ashes. The open window had a nice breeze that kept the room cooler.
All irrelevant things.
Not bothering to eat or shower, Bell climbs on his bed. Sitting upright, he stares at his empty dark room.
Raul knocks on the door asking if Bell wants to shower and eat. Bell refuses, but Raul already has a tray of hot food. Accepting the tray, Bell eats this…liquid dish?
Soup? Thanking Raul for his time today, Raul turned into a stuttering mess before yelling.
"Anytime!" and leaves.
Bell eats his meal in silence. A simple taste but is much different from how his Grandpa makes it. But there's no chair for Grandpa to sit…or read Bell a hero story.
A dark room without any life in it…no Grandpa, uncle, or stepmom. An idea has popped into Bell's head.
Bell knows how he will spend his day tomorrow. A change of pace because tomorrow, he will not be entering the Dungeon—
—at all.