Rolan: Now, before we move on to the next one, I have some guests that need reintroducing.
Bell: Guests?
Rolan: You should already be familiar with them. They were here before, but I sent them somewhere safer until it was time and that time is now.
Bell: You mean?
Rolan: Yes, and don't worry, they won't be able to die here.
Everyone wondered what the two were talking about while Bell's familia was sweating a bit.
Hestia: You sure that's a good idea, sir?
Rolan: It's fine.
Meteria: Sorry to butt in, but what are you talking about?
Rolan: Let me try to keep it simple. First, I'm sure everyone here recalls the incident where armed monsters invaded the city.
Many recalled that incident and had mixed feelings.
Finn: That's right. They managed to slip past us somehow thanks to Bell Cranel.
The boy just looked sheepishly at him.
Bell: Sorry about that.
It wasn't long before his family had questions for him.
Alfia: What do they mean? Did you do something?
Gareth: A rare monster was running wild in the city. The boy claimed it as his prey and attacked anyone who got in his way.
His family looked shocked at the boy for hurting adventurers for doing their job.
Hera: Bell!
The boy winced before the god stepped in for him.
Rolan: Calm down, there is a reason for this.
Riveria: What could possibly justify his actions?
Rolan: I believe Ais and Tiona can elaborate.
They turned to them as they flinched at the sudden shift in attention.
Aria: Sweetie, what are they talking about?
The blonde was nervous at revealing the information. She looked at Bell who did his best to show that he supported her decision. She gave a small smile before telling of her experience with the dragon girl.
Ais: I thought it was a monster at first, but the things it did told me otherwise.
Bete: Huh, but they were just monsters.
The younger amazon spoke up this time.
Tiona: No, they were more than that.
Finn: Oh?
Tiona: There was this little voivre girl I found. She was staring at another girl who was standing under a bridge that was about to collapse. She spread put her wings to save her. I didn't know until it happened, but that was enough to show me that they weren't just mindless monsters.
Ais: It was the same for me. She told me of all the things Bell did for her and her friends. Part of me is glad because I almost killed her.
Bell: Ais...
They were all shocked to hear this until Riveria caught on to the girl's words.
Riveria: Hang on, you said she "told" you. As in the monster was speaking?
Ais: That's right, she could talk.
This shocked everyone even more at the idea of monsters smart enough to speak the same language as them.
Alfia: So you're telling me that there were talking monsters in the dungeon?
She was looking at the god as she pointed to Bell.
Alfia: And Bell was helping them?
Rolan: That is correct.
Hera: Bell! Why would you do that?!
Bell: Because they aren't what you think they are!
Meteria: But son, they could be dangerous.
Alfia: She's right, you can't afford to trust them.
The boy's temper was starting to build as they insulted his friends, and his familia wasn't far behind him.
Bell: Why are saying all these things to people you haven't even met before?!
Hera: Those monsters aren't people they're-
Bell: Don't you dare call them that!!!
They jumped in shock as the boy snapped at them. It was a rare sight to see Bell so angry. Rolan took the opportunity he saw in front of him.
Rolan: Do you really think that?
He asked the three woman who were trying to scold the boy.
Hera: Humanity has lost too much to those monsters. This must be some kind of trick.
Alfia: I won't allow Bell to associate himself with creatures like that!
Rolan looked to the last woman who was shifting nervously after seeing her son snap at her.
Meteria: I... I still think it's wrong, but I'll at least hear it out for myself.
Rolan smiled.
Rolan: That's good. I'm bringing them in now.
He snapped his fingers as the xenos reappeared. Naturally, many were on guard as the armed monsters came back.
Lyd: Huh? Are we back?
Ray: I'd say so.
Many were surprised that what the girls had said were true, they were capable of talking. The xenos themselves were confused before they found a familiar sight.
Lyd: Bellchi!
Bell: Mr Lyd!
The two greeted each other like they were friends forever. Bell's family was surprised to see this before a tiny dragon girl ran and hugged him.
Wiene: Bell!
Bell: Wiene!
The rest of the Hestia familia soon joined in and greeted their friends.
Welf: Yo, you guys made it.
Lili: It's nice to see you all.
Ray: In a place we aren't familiar with, it's nice to see some friends here.
Mikoto: Likewise.
Haruhime: Lady Wiene!
Wiene: Hi!
The whole room, save for a few, were shocked to see the monsters being friendly to the Hestia familia.
Finn: That explains it.
Gareth: It's no wonder they had a hand in letting them escape.
Alfia: Huh? What does that mean?
Rolan: Bell and his friends helped them escape back into the dungeon.
Finn: Yeah, they all escaped back without us getting any of them.
Rolan: You should count your familia lucky that there weren't any casualties.
Loki: Why's that?
He pointed to the Hestia familia.
Rolan: You can see that they are all very close friends. Had any of them died, a rift would have formed between your familias that would never close. Bell would never be able to see you as his allies.
Ais and Tiona couldn't help but shudder at the idea that Bell wouldn't be their friend.
Zeus: Mr Rolan...
Rolan: Hm?
Zeus: Just what are they?
Rolan: Well, as you can see they are intelligent monsters born from the dungeon, but you shall know them as Xenos.
Ais: Xenos...
Rolan moved to where Zeus and the others were.
Rolan: So, what is it you see now?
Hera and Alfia were speechless at the sight. The monsters were not only intelligent, but were clearly close friends with Bell.
Hera: I-I...
Alfia: This is... a lot to wrap my head around.
Rolan: Haha. I'm sure many share that feeling.
The god turned to Meteria who had a sad smile on her face.
Meteria: I guess... I was wrong.
Rolan: About what exactly?
Meteria: About these Xenos. I wasn't being fair with them and I assumed the worst of them, but I see that they aren't the monsters they look like.
Those who were allied with the xenos smiled at this.
Zeus: Still, I'd like to know where they came from.
Finn: I would as well.
Many others agreed with them.
Rolan: I thought they were just monsters, why the sudden change?
The blonde prum paused before talking.
Finn: I realize now that I haven't been living up to the title I have. I guess I thought that they were just monsters in the end, so killing them was harmless. I see now that there is more to them then meets the eye. I can't justify that they will be our allies just yet, but I won't be a coward and get rid of them just for looking like monsters.
He turned to the xenos who were looking cautiously at him.
Finn: Since I'm aware of their intelligence, I'm willing to hear them out.
Lyd gave him a smile.
Lyd: Thanks for that. We want to resolve things peacefully if we can.
Finn: As do we.
Bell and his friends were relieved and happy at the progress the xenos have made in their short time here.
Bell: (It's happening! They're all getting the chance they need!)
His happiness was cut short when something crossed his mind.
Bell: Mr Rolan?
Rolan: Yes?
Bell: I think someone is missing.
Rolan: I'm aware. I intentionally delayed that one for obvious reasons.
Bell: *Memories of Vietnam* Y-Yeah, that would be for the best.
Meteria: Is there another that's missing?
Bell only sweated more as his family grew more curious.
Hera: Beeelll?
Finn: Ah right, the black minotaur.
Rolan wasn't paying attention as he snapped his fingers and brought Asterius in. The minotaur observed his surroundings until a certain rabbit came into view. He smiled and sucked in as much air as he could.
Lyd: Nonono, wait!
Asterius: UUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOHHH!
Thud*
All the level 1 adventurers passed out along with those who had no blessing which would be Meteria along with all the guild workers.
Welf: (Here we go again...)
Asterius then walked up to Bell who saw him with a neutral expression. Many of his friends were worried about him, but the god assured them that no harm would come to him.
Asterius: Bell...
Bell: Asterius...
The minotaur took a look at the god before turning back to the rabbit.
Asterius: We will settle our score one day.
Bell: Yeah, so no hard feelings when I win.
The bull gave an amused huffed before walking off to a seat and crushing it under his weight as he sat. Many sweatdropped at that. Bell's friends were confused at their conversation and his family were worried at what they meant by settling the score. That is until Meteria started stirring on Alfia's lap. Thankfully, those who passed out came to as Rolan started the next show.
Rolan: There is more to the Xenos, but I'll fill everyone in later. Time for the next world.
Tione: I wonder what'll be shown this time?
Rolan: If you want to know, it will be about Bell's life with the xenos.
Lyd and the others were excited to hear this.
Wiene: Yay! Bell is gonna live with us!
Hestia: This should be a good one.
Bell: I wonder how I'll end up this time?
Rolan gave a sad smile as he watched on with them..On Screen...The screen lit up and immediately there was a loud roar.
ROOAAAR*
Strangely, the whole Astraea familia shuddered in their seats along with Bell and Ryuu.
Ryuu: W-What... why is that there?
Astraea: Ryuu? Girls?
Their looks alone had the goddess worried, but it only got worse when the monster came into view.
Many who saw this were terrified.
Eina: W-W-What is t-that?!
Kaguya: T-That damn monster.
The screen zoomed out and showed the Astraea familia still on their fleet, but injured. They all rushed the monster once again and managed to force it back before it used its claws to attack, but was blocked.
Alise: We're able to fight back?!
Rolan: Your counterparts in that world are much more powerful than you all here.
Lyra: Really?
Rolan: Yes, I'd say they're all about a level higher than you.
This gave them a sense of relief that they wouldn't be taken out so easily, but it was still the monster that wiped them out, so they still had their doubts.
The fight went on, but the girls were slowly worn down by the monster, much to the surprise of everyone after learning how much stronger they are.
Asfi: What even is that monster? I've never seen it before and it's fighting evenly with them!
Rolan: Ouranos?
The old god stared at him before giving him a nod.
Rolan: This is highly confidential information that I'm about to give.
Ouranos: Yes, and everyone is currently looking at it, so you might as well tell them.
Rolan: Very well. You see, this monster is known as a juggernaut. It's what you'd call the defense mechanism of the dungeon.
Tiona: How strong is it exactly?
Rolan: That depends on where it comes from. This one is still on floor 27, so it's safe to say that it's about level 5 at the end of the road.
This caused many to tremble at how strong it was for a monster in the middle floors.
Finn: If that's the case, we'll just have to be careful on that floor.
Rolan: Oh? And what about the other floors?
Finn: What?
Rolan: You think that appears only on that floor? So long as the spawning requirements are met, it can appear on any floor.
Everyone trembled harder at the idea of it just showing up on any floor.
Lili: How does it spawn then? If we know, then we can avoid it.
Rolan: It spawns from breaking too much of the dungeon. It takes a lot of damage, but there is a breaking point, and that thing will appear to kill everything.
Alfia: They can't just detain it and kill it with magic?
Lyra: Not unless you want you speel to come back at you.
The silver haired woman looked at the prum confused before the god spoke.
Rolan: Magic is useless against its armor. It can reflect all magical attacks back at the caster.
Many gasped at that.
Bete: Then you just have to use brute force.
Rolan: Nice try, but despite its looks it's quite fast and those claws can cut through almost anything.
Misha: How the hell is anyone supposed to beat it?!
Rolan simply smiled and looked at Bell and Ryuu who looked nervous.
Astraea: Ryuu?
Rolan: They should know since they killed one.
Everyone: WHAAAAT?!!
Ryuu's friends all went to hug the elf.
Alise: Aw yeah! Nice Lion!
One by one they gave her their praises as she blushed more and more. Bell was no different as his family did the same.
Zeus: That's my boy! You beat the monster and saved the beautiful girl!
Ryuu turned redder before they were brought back to the screen. They could see the girls knocked into the ground as it stared down at them.
Ryuu: NOO!!!
The monster was about to charge until Ryuu charged and dislocated one of its legs and slowed its movement.
Alise: HAAAAAH!
Not wanting to waste the chance, Alise quickly followed up by enhancing herself and dealing with the other leg. Now that it was immobilized, they quickly went to neutralizing its arms and dealing blow after blow until it died. Ryuu and her friends were relieved to see that it all worked out.
Ryuu: They made it.
Alise: Ha! Seems my beauty and perfection in that world were more than enough to deal with that monster!
Kaguya: Just shut up with that already.
The girls on screen were also celebrating their victory until a familiar rumbling met them.
Neze: Uh... captain?
Alise: Hm?
Neze: Up there...
Everyone followed her finger as they saw another purple liquid drop and form another juggernaut.
ROOOAAR*
Alise: Another one?!
Lyra: We have to retreat! We can't handle another!
Ryuu: But then that thing is gonna kill all the adventurers in the upper floors!
Alise: Lion is right. We can't just leave.
The audience was also stuck. Ryuu was in despair once more at the next juggernaut.
Ryuu: They're all too injured to fight again.
Astraea: Girls...
She started crying at the hopeless situations her children found themselves in. Alise saw this and still felt happy that the her in that world prioritized the safety of the other adventurers. The girls on screen stood firm as they stared down their impending doom. That is, until the juggernaut was smacked aside by something.
*CRASH*
Alise: Wha?
Ryuu: What just happened?!
Loki: The hell was that?
Her question was answered when a familiar albinoncould be seen when the dust cleared.
AN: Bell has a similar outfit to Meliodas on the right.
Hestia: Is that?
Haruhime: It looks like-
Rolan: You are correct. That is Bell.
Many were surprised to see him there, even more so dressed like that.
Aisha: Dies he seem to look more wild there?
Rolan: You'll see.
Back on screen, the juggernaut grumbled a bit before getting up and charging Bell as he just stood there.
Alise: Is he crazy, move!!!
Bell, in fact, did not move and simply caught the claws in his hands before crushing them. The juggernaut cried out in pain before Bell jumped and gave it a kick to the head which did located its lower jaw. The monster was still dazed and just laid on the ground as Bell slowly walked up to it with a neutral expression. He then proceeded to put his foot in its head and stomp down hard. A loud crunch could he heard before the monster died. Naturally, everyone was shocked to see the boy dispatch the monster like that.
Lyra: H-He just beat that thing! It was like a toy to him!
Ryuu: How is that possible?
Bell: Wow...
Hestia: YEAH!!! That's my Bell!
Back on screen, Bell could be seen with a bored expression on his face. He could then feel himself being watched so he turned and saw the Astraea girls looking at him with relief and awe. Unfortunately, that wasn't shared as he then gave them an icy glare which sent a shiver down everyone's spines.
Meteria: W-What?
She was shocked to see her son have that look.
Alise: Hey! Why's looking at us like that?
Rolan didn't say anything as the show went on. He kept his glare as Alise tried to mend the situation.
Alise: Um, thank you for saving us. We appreciate it.
Bell grit his teeth at them.
Bell: Save your worthless thanks. I only came here to find something strong to fight, but whatever that was turned out to be a disappointment.
Everyone was dumbfounded at the fact that Bell basically called that monster weak. The atmosphere suddenly turned heavy when Asterius and Lyd appeared.
Lyd: Bellchi!!!
They ran to him as Bell's eyes widened along with the girls. They were on guard as a lizard man and a black minotaur approached them.
Ryuu: I-it's them, the monsters with bounties on the guild's quest list.
Neze: They're paying a hefty amount for their heads.
They tried to whisper, but Bell heard every word. He turned to them with an annoyed look on his face
Bell: What are you doing here?!
The lizard man was confused until he saw the Astraea girls looking at them with wide eyes.
Lyd: Ah crap.
Bell then turned to the girls with a dark look on his face and a demonic aura around him.
Lefiya: Uh oh.
Welf: I don't like that look.
Even if it was another world, the Astraea girls still shook in their seats.
Bell: Too bad, I guess I'll kill you after all.
This put the girls on guard as he walked towards them.
Alise: H-Hang on, let's talk about this!
Bell: What's there to talk about? You're like every adventurer out there. The moment you saw them you only saw a way to make money off of their lives. The fact of the matter is that Idon't see a reason to let you all go.
Lyra: What?! But your an adventurer too, right?!
That had only increased his anger.
Bell: DON'T YOU DARE TRY TO COMPARE ME WITH YOU ADVENTURER GARBAGE!!!
They all recoiled back as he grabbed his great sword from his back.
AN: Funny notice, I'm making Bell at least stronger than Ottarl here. He is still 14 as of this moment by the way. And since he's stronger, he'll have a notorious reputation of jumping Ottarl and stealing his weapons everytime he goes down into the dungeon.
They tried to rearm themselves, but they were too hurt from their last fight. This left them defenseless as the albino walked towards them with the intent to kill them. Luckily, Lyd tried to talk him out of it.
Lyd: Bellchi, you don't have to do that!
Bell: Hm?
Lyd: Think about it, you'd be no different from those rotten adventurers if you kill them now.
Bell: Don't try to stop me, Lyd.
Lyd: BELL!!!
Asterius: Bell, you don't have to kill them now.
The boy stopped and looked at the minotaur. This wasn't like him so that caught him off guard.
Bell: What do you mean?
Asterius: We can use this and have them owe us.
The bull then turned towards the girls.
Asterius: They keep this secret, and they can live.
Lyd: That'll work. How about it?
Alise thought about it and it wasn't the worst deal. They'd live to see another day while having more information about the armed monsters for later.
Alise: Alright, then.
Lyd: Good. Now, lay off Bell.
Bell: Hmph.
He put his sword away before looking back at them one last time.
Bell:You kind isn't welcome here. I don't ever wanna see you again.
Alise: O-Okay.
Taking their stroke of luck, they quickly picked themselves up and limped their way out as the screen blacked out. Back in the audience, everyone was in shock at how ruthless and cold Bell was being.
Ryuu: What the hell was that all about?!
She shouted at the god who simply looked at her.
Rolan: To provide back story, Bell was apparently kidnapped in an Evilus attack as a baby. They figured they could mold him into a tool for the organization so they smuggled him into the dungeon until Lyd and the other found and killed them. Seeing how Bell was just a baby, them took him in and raised him like a Xenos.
Everyone had trouble wrapping their heads around the whole idea.
Bell: I grew up in the dungeon?
That would only be the start as Ais had a nervous look on her face.
Ais: I-I have a question?
Rolan: Shoot.
Ais: Why does Bell there hate adventurers?
Rolan: Hmm, that won't be easy for anyone to hear.
This didn't ease their worries, but the god continued.
Rolan: You know what? Itll be easier to show it then tell.
He snapped his fingers against the screen lit up to show a much younger Bell, possibly no older than 5 years old, sitting down next to a black wyvern. Everyone would later learn the the old wyvern's name was Akka and was like Bell's grandfather.
Bell: So I grew up with him?
Rolan: That's right. You were very attached to him early on.
Zeus: What happened to him? Bell looks normal there.
Rolan: Just wait.
The show went on as Lyd and the other had to change locations again. They had been in that cavern for too long and were making preparations to move. All that remained was to pick up some of their allies from a deeper floor and inform them of the move. Seeing that it would be too dangerous, Bell would stay behind with Akka volunteering to watch over the child. Sadly, things would go well for them as there would soon be intruders.
AN: I'mnot exactly sure how this played out in the novel so I'm gonna make this up on the fly.
Akka was able to sense four figures: an elf, a prum, a dwarf and what seemed like a human girl. Sensing the danger, he quickly had Bell hide.
Akka: Stay hidden and don't come out no matter what.
Bell: But grandpa-
Akka: Bell please, be a good boy for me.
He was hesitant, but listened and hid. This allowed the wyvern to hid above the adventurers until Finn sensed something above them. He brought their attention above abs they saw the black wyvern who roared at them. Ais saw this monster and looked at it like the chance to level up she was looking for. As such, the battle began as the three stood at the side and helped to defend the girl when she needed it. It was even until Ais started using her wind to turn the tables. Slowly, the wyvern was covered in cuts and blood, but stood before them as Bell was still there. Ais decided to end the fight with her new magic attack. She channeled her wind into her sword and drove it into the monster's chest. It cried out in pain before exploding into ash as she celebrated with the others.
Ais: I did it.
Riveria: You did, good job. Maybe you'll level up from this.
Finn: Let's head back up.
Little did they know, the small albino had been watching the whole time. He saw how they cut down the grandfather he loved so dearly. He also heard how they thought nothing of his death, and how it was just for their own gain. This would light a dark flame in Bell's own heart as he swore vengeance against all adventurers. Bell would still be crying by the time everyone returned, but it was too late, the innocent boy was long gone as the screen blacked out. The whole theater was silent as they saw what happened to Bell in that world. Bell was speechless and Ais was crying as she saw what she did to Bell in that world.
Aria: Dear, please, calm down.
Ais: No! I can't after what I did to him!
With Bell, his family was trying to see how he was doing.
Hestia: Bell?
Artemis: Orion?
Bell looked at them and gave a warm smile.
Bell: I'll be fine. That isn't our world and I know you're all here with me.
They all sighed in relief.
Welf: That's good to hear.
Everyone took a break before Rolan made another announcement.
Tiona: Is it another world?
Rolan: Not quite. It's actually because Christmas is around the corner. So we'll all be taking a break to celebrate.
Everyone: YEAH!!!
They all left the theater and went to make their preparations.
AN: Okay, that turned out to be longer than I thought, but oh well. Hope that was interesting to you guys. If you haven't read my message, I'll be doing a story request from a fellow writer so look forward to that in the future. Another thing is that I'll be working on holiday specials for this story so this isn't over, but I remember the next chapter of Black Rabbit was almost done so expect an update for that story this week.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this one. Thanks for reading and see you in the next chap.