Bell POV
"Well it seems your stats are locked at 1700, looks like that training with Zald paid off" Miach handed me my status sheet and I took a look at it.
Bell Leywin
Miach Familia
Level 2-3
Strength: SSS 1700- I-0
Endurance: SSS 1700- I-0
Dexterity: SSS 1700- I-0
Agility: SSS 1700- I-0
Magic SSS 1700- I-0
Skills
Heroic Will: Provides user with accelerated growth.
Mana Core silver stage: allows the user to use many kinds of magic, proficiency changes on how much the user practices a certain magic.
Draconic Beast Will: Inherited by the user as the Asuran blood in him is too diluted, therefore a beast will manifested in its place.
Argonaut: Unknown
Indomitable spirit: Allows user to remain fighting as long as they are not dealt a crippling or fatal injury.
"You can choose Abnormal resistance or Escape, what's your choice"
"Abnormal resistance, we're about to head to the great tree labyrinth, I'll need that if I wanna keep everyone safe" I handed the sheet back to him as he grabbed another one.
"Always the hero aren't you" he joked.
"Miach the skill on my back says so"
He chuckled before copying my stats on another paper. I took a look at it and saw abnormal resistance at I the lowest rank.
I burned both pages, sure everyone knows my name now, doesn't mean they need to know all of my skills.
"Alright go get ready, training will start soon" he patted me on the back as he stood up. I got off the chair and put my shirt back on.
Ding dong
"You expecting visitors," I asked.
"No, let's go see who it is" Miach opened the door and we walked downstairs. When we reached the main hall we saw Haruhime standing there with the redhead who used to spy on me and a blue-haired woman.
"What's some of Apollo's old people doing here" I was not angry they were here. I didn't even hold any anger to them. I was just confused.
"They asked to speak with Lord Miach, Lady Nazha, and you Master Bell"
"Alright, go and get Nazha, Bell I guess we're going back to the office" Miach gestured for the two girls to follow us.
We sat down with Haruhime bringing Nazha and some tea before she left. Nazha sat next to Miach on the couch across from the two girls. I sat in a chair at the head of them.
Miach's office was lavish as he redid Apollo's old office. The carpet was blue as a little callback to the pharmacy. The couches were white with carvings on the frame and he had a dark oak desk.
"So, what can I do for you ladies" Miach gently smiled. Nazha glared at the two while I remained in my chair indifferent.
"We were, wondering if we could join your familia" the redhead explained.
This caught all of us off guard. Nazha seemed confused as well as I. Miach however seemed pensive.
"I don't know, last time we interacted with you two it was the wargame" Miach put his hand on his chin as if he was thinking.
"I think they'd be useful" I began. Everyone looked at me as I spoke.
"They've been to floors in the dungeon we haven't, they can also help out more in the rearguard if needed, we also need more frontline fighters with the addition of Laurier as a mage" I explained.
"But Lena and Aisha have also been to floors we haven't either" Nazha countered.
"That's true, but more knowledge never hurt anyone, besides think of all the stuff we can carry back if we have more people, we have the space"
Nazha looked to Miach for an answer.
"What do you think honey," she asked.
"I believe you're both right, while we may have been on bad terms last we met people can change, besides more people in the party couldn't hurt"
Miach then looked at the two girls. The redhead looked back at him while the blue-haired one shied away.
"I will ask you one question, the way you answer will determine if you can join" he straightened his back and his eyes bored into the two.
The redhead gulped while the blue-haired started trembling.
"Are you here to get revenge for Apollo" his voice was cold and calculating and it even sent a shiver down my spine. Not that I would ever admit that.
"N-no, we wanted nothing to do with the wargame at all" the redhead sputtered.
"She's right, Lord Apollo forced us to do what he said, e-even I-if we didn't want to" the blue-haired woman closed in on herself.
Miach looked at the two and didn't say a thing.
"What are your skills" I pointed at the redhead.
"I know you have a mana core and can use vines, I also saw a fencing sword so I already have a good idea about you"
I then turned my attention to the shy blue-haired girl.
"You, however, I know nothing about, I can sense a mana core from you, it's weak but it's there, which leads me to believe you're not a fighter, a support type maybe, that would explain your timid nature, of course, I don't mean this in a disrespectful way, just a mere observation"
"I-I'm a healer, I can heal a lot of people at the same time" she meekly explained.
I turned back to Miach with a knowing look in my eyes.
"Well my vote is they join, a healer and another frontline fighter would be invaluable, we're still small and can't rely on Zald and Regis for everything"
"As much as I don't like Apollo remnants here Bell is right dear, Bell won't always be able to use realmheart and potions run out eventually" Nazha put a hand on Miach's shoulder.
Miach closed his eyes and sighed before his gentle smile came back.
"Well if you two agree on this then I can't really say no, Bell can you please-
"Yeah yeah I know, I'll be outside getting ready for training if you need me"
I exited his office and walked to my room to get my armor. I put it on without a problem and strapped my longsword to my back. I went back to the entrance and saw Zald waiting there leaning on the doorframe.
"Where's Welf" I made sure the strap was secure.
"Gave him the day off, with Rakia launching an invasion he seemed a bit troubled" he pushed himself off the doorframe and opened the door.
"Aren't Loki and Freya handling them" We started taking the path that led to the back of the house.
"Yeah, but it's best to give the lad some time off, he looked pretty nervous when he heard the news"
When we reached the back of the house there was a ladder propped against it leading to the roof.
"What's this?"
"We're practicing on the roof today, before you ask the lesson is to teach you to be light on your feet with that longsword while fully kitted, now get to climbing I'll see you up there"
He then jumped up and landed as light as a feather on the roof not even leaving a crack. I let out a long sigh before I started my climb. Once I reached the top Zald pulled me to my feet.
"Alright here are the rules, no magic only swordsmanship, no using mana to reinforce your body, if I hit you once you lose, you fall off the roof you lose, if you crack any of the tiles you lose"
Zald drew his great sword.
"Ok that last one is just petty" I complained as I drew my longsword.
"No this is to teach you to be light on your feet, you have your armor and your longsword, couple that with the fact you will be carrying more things you need to keep a swiftness about you, this will teach you to be light as a feather" he explained, and I hated to admit it made a lot of sense.
"I hate that you're right" I grumbled.
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3rd POV
Zald shot forward toward Bell. He was light as a feather and didn't leave even a single crack on the tiles.
Yet when his sword met Bells a shockwave went out. Bell was just barely able to parry before he fell back, he was focusing so much on being light that Zald promptly knocked him off the roof.
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"Well you didn't break any of the roof" Zald teased. Bell flicked him off before climbing back up the ladder.
"You think you're a comedian don't ya" Bell grumbled as he got ready again.
"I like to think I'm funny yes" Zald chuckled.
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Bell got ready once again and waited. He didn't wait long as Zald charged once again.
Their blades met with Bell parrying it off to the side, Zald was quick to recover and swung the flat side towards him, Bell jumped back trying to remain light on his feet, however, he didn't keep in mind where he was going, and slipped off the roof.
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"You should watch where you're landing" Zald yelled down trying to hold back a laugh.
Bell let out a groan before climbing back up. He positioned himself to be in the middle of the roof so he could have more room.
"Yeah yeah come on let's go again," Bell said eager to continue.
"That's the spirit" Zald cheered.
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Bell once again parried Zalds blade but was now more careful about where he landed when dodging. Zald was also careful not to damage the roof when Bell parried.
Bell dodged again but his foot was on the edge of the roof causing him to lose balance, Zald seeing this took the opportunity to knock him off the roof again, but Bell dropped off the edge before Zald could hit him, Bell's hand grabbed the edge of the roof and flung himself back up and over Zald.
Zald didn't react or even attack as he pointed to the tile under Bell's foot, Bell looked down and saw a tiny crack where he landed.
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"Damnit" Bell sighed as he lost again.
"Eh don't worry about that lad you did good, nice little move you did there" Zald complimented.
"This is a lot harder than I'd thought it be," Bell said catching his breath.
"It's cause you're still not used to using the longsword, don't worry with enough practice you'll get there" Zald patted him on the back.
The two then trained for a few more hours Bell failing many times. Yet he got back up each time. The two decided to take a break after a while, sitting down on the roof and taking in the view of the city.
"Well you've gotten better than when we first started, although we'll have to repair the roof," Zald said as he looked back and saw the many cracked roof tiles.
Bell let out a nervous laugh seeing the damage.
"So you send your response to King Larfal yet," Zald asked.
"Yeah," Bell sighed.
"What'd you say"
"I said I'd think about it"
"Huh, that's a surprise, I would've thought you refused outright" Zald commented.
"Well no matter what way you look at it I'm screwed, I say no and I have him and the high elves hounding me for not marrying their princess, I say yes and I'm hounded by high elves because I'm their new prince and have to do all that shit" Bell leaned back and groaned.
"Must suck to be you, remind me to never get involved with elves" Zald laughed.
He then looked down towards the gate and saw Hephaestus standing there looking worried. Zald tapped Bell's side getting his attention.
"What's she doing here," Bell asked.
"I don't know but she looks worried, let's see what she needs," Zald said as the two jumped off the roof. When they got to the gate Hephaestus spoke.
"I need your help"
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Welf POV
"Hey lad, why don't you take the day off, you seem a little troubled" Zald told me. I shook my head in agreement and went to my forge.
I sat there for a while not really wanting to make anything. Seeing as no creativity would come to my mind I decided to take a walk.
I walked the streets of Orario my hands in my pockets as I wandered around to clear my head.
Rakia.
That name makes me uncomfortable. Being born there and then forced to make magic swords so my family could get their nobility back. Thinking of those days makes me sick. There was no family there the only one who really cared for me was Phobos.
My fist clenched.
Damnit woman, why'd you have to do that? We could've escaped together. Hell, what am I thinking? She got me out of there at the cost of her own life. I should be grateful yet I'm mad. She would've liked Bell, no matter what he always seems to keep going.
I wish I had his determination. Yet he and I aren't so different. We both didn't feel the love of our parents and only had one or two people looking out for us.
Yet our childhoods were also different. While I was forced to make magic swords. Bell was beaten until he couldn't stand. Only to be healed and told to endure it again. Then once his aunt is revealed and people he cared about left him.
He can make all the bullshit excuses he wants. Only sees them as acquaintances my ass. Bell may be a good lair but I knew he lied to himself to not be hurt as much.
Still those girls. Ditching him just because he's related to the silence. He didn't ask to be her nephew he just was. I get that they fought her and nearly died multiple times because of her but still. Bell isn't his aunt and never will be.
"Son"
My blood ran cold and a shiver went down my spine. What is my father doing here? He was standing in an alleyway with a cloak covering his body. The hood pulled up to cover his face.
"What do you want" I spat.
"I'm here to bring you home" his voice was calm and collected. Yet held an underline of authority.
"Yeah fat chance of that, go back to whatever hole you came from and fuck off," I told him as I began to walk away.
"There's still 50 magic swords in existence and we have them"
I stopped in my tracks. No way. Not 50 of them there can't be.
"And we will use them to get to you, understand"
That many magic swords could wreak havoc in Orario leaving many dead in their wake. I couldn't let that happen.
"Fine, where to asshole" I growled.
"Please Welf, that's no way to talk to your father," he said voice full of sadness.
"I don't see one around"
I followed him through the back alleys of Orario, we walked in silence. I didn't speak and he knew I wouldn't respond to him if he spoke. We walked for about an hour the noon sun shining bright in the sky.
He opened the door to an abandoned warehouse which I assumed to be his rendezvous point. We walked in as he shut the door.
"We'll wait here til nightfall, then we're going home" he sat on a chair that was there and sighed.
"Come on Welf, at least talk to me"
I didn't say a word and just glared at him.
"Fine whatever be that way, we'll have plenty of time to talk once you're back home"
"Who says he's going home" a woman's voice called out. Wait I know that voice.
"Tsubaki?" I quickly turned around and saw her plus the high-ranking members of the Hephaestus familia come out of the shadows.
"Hey Welfy" she flirtly cooed. For once I didn't bite back at the nickname.
"For once I'm glad to see you," I said a smile breaking out of my face.
"Oh you hear that guys, Welfy's happy to see me" Tsubaki cheered. I took a look back at my father and saw him scared. Why is he scared if he has 50 magic swords? The things that hold such power they're highly sought after.
"S-s-stay back you h-hear, I-I-I h-h-have magic swords" he stuttered.
"No, you don't, you only have one that's about to break" Tsubaki clarified.
This bastard. He lied to me. I could feel my rage building. The door to the warehouse opened and Hephaestus, Bell, and Zald were there.
"Welf, this whole war was just a distraction to get to you, they were willing to sacrifice a lot of people just to get you back" Hephaestus explained.
I turned back to my father. The color had drained from his face at my angry stare. I felt all the rage from over the years build up and lunged at him. No one stopped me as I tackled my father breaking the chair he sat on. It shattered under our combined weight.
I got on top of him and started wailing on him. My fist hitting his face over and over again.
"YOU BASTARD, ALL THOSE PEOPLE DEAD FOR YOU GREED, MY CHILDHOOD ROBBED BECAUSE OF YOUR GREED, WHERE DOES IT END WITH YOU" I yelled as I continued to hit him.
His face was starting to bleed but I kept hitting. Until a hand grabbed my fist and stopped me. I turned my head and glared at the person. But saw it was Bell holding my arm back.
"That's enough Welf" he calmly said. His voice was even and his eyes looked at me in worry. I growled trying to break free of his grasp.
"Let me go Bell he needs to pay!" I shouted trying to yank my arm free.
"Welf, calm down, take a deep breath, and look at him" he refused to let go, seeing as I couldn't break his grip I did what he said. I then looked at my father and saw the broken and bloody mess below me. Yet I didn't feel any pity.
"You keep beating on him like that you'll kill him" Bell explained.
I looked back at my father again and saw he was right. But I really wanted to keep going.
"Brother, take another look at him, what do you see"
I took another look at him, then felt pity. I felt Bell's grip on my wrist loosen as I stood up.
"I see a pathetic old man who's trying to hold onto the glory years, not even worth killing"
Bell then let go of my arm as I started walking away, I passed Hephaestus but I felt too guilty to look at her. Let alone talk to her. So I kept walking.
"Give him some time" I heard Zalds voice behind me.
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I was sitting on the stairs leading into our house. We had two new familia members that used to be Apollo's but I didn't care. I just felt ashamed. I almost killed my father.
Sure I might hate the guy but that doesn't mean he needs to die. I let out a sigh as I buried my face in my hands. I heard someone sit next to me. I took my hands away from my face and saw Bell.
"Are you disappointed in me?" I asked.
"No, you got angry, and rightly so" Bell shook his head.
We sat there in silence feeling the afternoon breeze.
"I almost killed him, I almost beat my own father to death" I let out a wry chuckle.
"You did, but you didn't kill him and that's what matters"
"Have you ever killed anyone?" I asked. He was quiet for a moment before answering.
"No, I've been close multiple times though, and the thought did cross my mind when Uto tortured me, but I've never killed anyone"
"What would you have done if that was you in that situation" I sat up straighter.
"The same as you, but I'd know you pull me back"
Again we sat in silence just enjoying the quiet. Until I spoke.
"Back there, you called me brother, did you mean it"
"Yes," Bell didn't hesitate to answer at all.
"Looks like I'm the older one then" I chuckled.
"I'm the better-looking one" he laughed.
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Bell POV
A week had passed since Welf had the incident with his father. His father was now rotting away in a Ganesha cell. Both the Loki and Freya familia were still holding off Rakia which meant Astraea and Ganesha were keeping security like usual.
I reported my level up to the guild and was recognized as the real deal. Leveling up again in a month was rare but leveling up twice in one year was unheard of. Yet some of the general populace was still weary of me because of my aunt.
Daphne and Cassandra were welcomed into our familia with open arms. While none of us held a grudge or were even mad at them, it was awkward at times. But they were useful with Daphne helping Lili with strategies and Cassandra being a healer they were welcome additions to our familia.
Lucky for us they joined when they did because today we were fighting to Goliath. Aisha is close to leveling and wants to fight the Goliath to do it. So her being a welcome addition to our familia we of course will help her.
The plan was simple. Head down to floor 18 wait a few hours for it to spawn then kill it. After she leveled up we would head down to the 19th floor and if shit hit the fan Zald or Regis could easily kill the Goliath.
As I was strapping my longsword to my back, since I now have my bow in my dimension ring I heard a knock on my door. I finished strapping it and walked to my door opening it. To my surprise, it was Cassandra who was timidly looking at me.
"Oh hey Cassandra, what's up" I opened the door for her so she could come in. She walked into the room and her hands were fidgeting.
"Something wrong?" I asked a little concerned about her behavior.
"I-I had a vision" her voice was quiet but I heard her.
"And what did your vision entail" I carefully guided her to a chair for her to sit down.
"I saw a girl with a red Ruby and she was scared, there was also a woman in black that will bring ruin" She looked at me with pleading eyes hoping I would believe her.
"A girl with a red Ruby and a woman in black, do you know my chances of winning against the cloaked woman"
"You lose, no matter what you do she will win"
I sat there for a second pondering my thoughts before I smiled.
"Well lucky for me I have a healer" I gave her a soft smile telling her I believed her. Her face turned red as she blushed.
"T-Thank you for listening" She then quickly scurried out of my room.
"So a woman in black, looks like you got a rival kid" Regis chimed in.
"Yay lucky me" I rolled my eyes.
I then did one last equipment check, making sure my salamander wool was secure before walking out of my room. The pitter-patter of Regis's feet trailing behind me.
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We made quick work of the first 17 floors, with three level three multiple level twos and only two level ones and no injuries this time we made it to floor 18 in three hours, leaving us with an hour to kill before Goliath spawns.
"Alright kids you have an hour to kill, I'll go let Bors know we're taking care of the Goliath" Zald bid us farewell as he went into Rivira.
We just sat around in a circle exchanging small talk and getting to know Daphne and Cassandra better. Daphne told us she liked flowers and that when she uses her vine magic it makes her happy. Cassandra was shy at first but she told us she liked books and her favorite stories were fairy tales.
I asked her what her favorite fairy tale was and she told me Cinderella. She explained how she like the extravagant ball and how the prince found her because he loved her. It was all very romantic and that's why she liked it.
Daphne explained the reason for her love of flowers is that when Apollo first forced her to join she closed herself off in her room. So she looked out at the flowers growing in the garden across from her. She saw how pretty and vibrant they were and it made her day just a bit easier.
The hour passed quickly and when we were getting ready to head up.
"There's a firebird breakout on the 19th floor" someone called out.
We all looked at each other before I spoke.
"Regis and I will head down there, the rest of you focus on the Goliath" I ordered.
"But Bell-
I cut Laurier off.
"Look we don't have time for this, Welf and I are the only ones with water attributes, you're gonna need his metal to trap the Goliath, those people on the 19th need my help, now go" I ordered before I took off running.
I ran as fast as I could. If that fire spread there's a possibility of a juggernaut spawning. While yes it would be a weaker one I'd be damned if I let that happen. It would tear through the adventurers down there like paper.
So I kept running until I finally reach the 19th floor. A vast expanse of trees met my eyes. They were twisting and turning with some meeting up with each other while others intersected.
A firebird popped up on my left and opened its mouth. I saw the fire building up in its mouth, I used my water magic to douse the flames. The bird fell to the floor wounded and tired from the water. I walked up to the bird and stuck Dawn's ballad into its throat killing it.
I continued my journey killing firebirds wherever I saw them. The dungeon still didn't like to play nice with me after my stint away. Multiple battle boars and lizard men attacked me, yet fell to dawn ballad.
I dodged an overhead swing from a battle boar, before I stabbed its monster stone with dawns ballad. I twisted it causing the stone to shatter.
"Fuck…you…human" it then turned into dust.
"What the hell" I took a step back my eyes wide in shock.
"Regis did you hear that" I looked at him and saw him just as confused.
"Something fishy's going on here, keep your guard up and eyes peeled" he commanded.
I did what he said as I continued running.
I saw a firebird in front of me. Yet it has its back turned and was about to attack someone. Before it could unleash its fire I cut its head off causing the monster to drop dead.
I turned to look at the person it was attacking and saw an unexpected sight.
"A Vouvire?"
I took a look at it, my brows furrowed in confusion. It looked scared and hopeful at the same time. That's when I saw the red gem in her forehead and
Cassandra's words flashed through my mind.
Hearing footsteps behind me I quickly threw my salamander wool over her. To give her some modesty and to hide her. I quickly turned around and saw a party of men walking toward me. Their leader wearing some form of glasses with a strap. I could tell he was powerful. It didn't matter however as I had Regis with me. But his flames could also set the whole floor on fire.
"Hey kid, you seen a Vouvire around," he asked. His voice dripped with cockiness as a smug smile appeared on his face.
"Nope, I've been dealing with the firebirds, say can you spare a potion, my friend here got burned pretty bad" my voice was calm as I spoke. This man didn't intimidate me.
"Hmph that's too bad, sorry kid no potion to spare, they'll have to make do til Rivira"
He and his gaggle of shits then walked past me, me and the other man's eyes met for a brief second as we glared at each other, sizing the other up.
Once I knew they were gone I crouched down in front of the Vouivre. I pulled the hood back and looked at her face. I wasn't like the normal ones where their faces looked disfigured or demonic. No, this one just looked like a scared little girl.
"What's the plan kid" Regis's voice cut me out of my thoughts.
"We're taking her back" I threw the hood back over her head and threw her over my back.
"The others might protest" he pointed out.
"We'll deal with that later, besides you're technically a monster, and Arthur was technically a tamer with Sylvia (Slyvie's mother) so I can just say I tamed it if we're caught"
He didn't respond to that and after dodging multiple parties who all seemed to be looking for this Vouvire, we made it back to floor 18. I went back to the meeting spot where my party was.
They looked tired all covered in sweat and bruises but with smiles on their faces. Zald stood there and saw me approaching and called out to me.
"Is the situation under control Bell?" He waved causing everyone to look at me.
"Yeah it's taken care of, I take it the fight went well" I stopped about 15 feet in front of them which they seemed to notice.
"Yeah it went fine, why are you standing so far from us Bell" Aisha stood up and took a step, I took one back which seemed to hurt her.
"Do you all trust me" I hesitantly asked. They all gave me a look of confusion.
"Master Bell what are you talking about" Haruhime's tail wagged in a way indicating she was nervous.
"Do you all trust me?" I asked again.
They all looked at each other. Apprehension on all of their faces before Aisha answered.
"Of course, we trust you, now what is this about," she asked desperate for an answer. I took a deep breath and let it out before stepping out of the way and pulling the hood back.
Everyone's weapons were drawn except for Zald's who stood there with his arms crossed.
"Step away from the monster Bell" Aisha ordered.
"Sir Bell what is the meaning of this"
"Master Bell what's going on"
More and more questions and orders were given out yet I couldn't answer any of them. I just stared at them with my hands out to calm them down.
"B-b"
I turned my head to look at the Voivire.
"B-b-Bell"
It spoke just like that other monster.
"What the hell" Welf's eyes were wide.
"Did it just speak?" Daphne asked just as confused.
"The red Ruby" Cassandra stepped forward and got closer. The Vouvire hid behind me. Cassandra stopped and put her hands out.
"Cassandra, did you have another one of your silly dreams again" Daphne complained.
"What dreams," Zald asked having finally decided to speak.
"Before we left Cassandra came to me and said she had a dream, a dream of a girl with a red Ruby, and" I paused for a second not sure if I should continue.
"And what Bell" Zald asked.
"And a woman in black who will bring me to ruin" I answered.
Everyone looked at me with worry and concern. Ruin in stories could mean a lot of things. Like a kingdom falling and a hero needs to save it. Or someone accidentally ruined a shirt by spilling something on it. But in my case, everyone knew what it meant.
The woman in black would kill me.
What a way to end the chapter. Bell and Welf have a moment after Welf nearly killed his dad. Daphne and Cassandra join and Zald teaches Bell in a new training style. Cassandra has a prophecy that Bell will die and everyone's scared. Also, we finally met Weine. We also got to see Bell's status sheet finally.
So all and all a good chapter, anyway I hope you enjoyed and I can't wait to write this arc.