Bell flew down the corridors of the dungeon slicing into every monster he encountered on the way. After his update even the quick and deadly war shadows appeared as if they were moving through molasses. With the Hestia knife he could slice through monsters as if they were made of butter. He didn't want to be too cocky though, the dungeon could create disaster at any given moment, but that was hard to keep in mind when he felt so powerful. It made him feel like a real hero.

"Master Bell! Slow down!" Lili-chan cried out from behind. Bell tried hard not to, but watching the small girl run with the giant backpack bouncing on her back made him giggle. More so with the five undead goblins Matthew-san created yesterday running behind her. The zombies were stiff and couldn't run properly so they had to run by swinging their legs a little to the side and it made them look like a lizard.

Being honest, Bell was skeptical about bringing the zombies into the dungeon, but they have proven themselves quite useful. The goblins weren't useful in combat, not even on the first floor, however they made up for it by being great supporters. Bell didn't need to worry about protecting them like he did with Lili. Even if they weren't completely disposable, whatever Matthew-san had done to them made them completely invisible to the Dungeon-chan and her monsters.

Bell effortlessly sliced into a march of Killer ants and stood guard while Lili and the undead harvested the ants with ruthless efficiency. With the ants harvested Bell made his was to the tenth floor. His objective for today was to test the waters of the tenth and bring back the corpse of an orc to bring back to Matthew-san. Matthew-san had said he wanted to see if his crumbling dead were still as weak whenever he used the spell on stronger monsters. Even if they are still useless they could still carry around more than the goblins could.

When he finally reached the stairway leading to the tenth floor Bell noticed that the air felt different. Descending the stairs he could see why. Upon entering the tenth flood his vision became clouded by fog. After just a few moments a large dark silhouette along with seven smaller ones appeared in the fog. Entering a battle stance Bell watched as an ugly pig headed monster charge at him with what appeared to be a dead tree in its hands. Behind the orc seven small imps began rushing their way around him. It looked as if the imps were going to ignore him and go for Lili-chan. Ignoring the orc for the moment Bell blitzed the smaller monsters. They weren't really that much more difficult than the needle rabbits on the higher floors.

Bell heard the grunt of the orc and quickly dived to the side as the tree zipped past his head. Facing the orc Bell drew his knife and readied himself. He didn't need to keep the body in great condition for Matthew-san's magic to work, but if he could kill it without tearing it up, the body would be much easier to carry back. Bell dodged two 'quick' strikes from the orc before jumping to its head and plunging his knife into the monster killing it instantly.

Once the orc fell Lili immediately began ordering the goblins to lift the corpse. It took a moment for the goblins to get a proper grasp on the much larger orc, not that Bell minded. Once Matthew-san raised the orc it could probably carry another orc on its own. By the time Matthew-san's rib has fully healed they should have plenty of these undead. Bell wasn't sure how successful Matthew-san's business idea would be, but at the very least, these zombie orcs would be extremely useful for him.

"Bell." A familiar monotone voice said from behind him giving him a spook.

"Aiz-san? What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Training. You?" She asked. Bell couldn't help but sigh. Her short replies were cute, but it made it difficult to speak to her.

"This may sound strange, but I'm gathering monster corpses." He explained. He wasn't really worried about revealing this magic because Matthew-san was planning on renting out the undead as supporters anyways. In the coming months every familia in Orario would know about this. Aiz just gets to learn a little early. Bell waved pointed over at the five goblins as they carried out their task, "Matthew-san can turn dead monsters into these zombies."

Aiz spent some time looking at the goblins as Lili sat on top of the orc corpse. "Why?"

"Ah well the dungeon monsters don't attack these zombies, so Matthew-san wants to rent them out to other familias as supporters." he said as Aiz put her finger to her chin as if to think about it for a moment before nodding.

"Do you want something stronger?" She asked suddenly.

"Um sure." He responded stupidly. Aiz simply nodded and began walking down the corridors of the dungeon. Bell told Lili to just grab the orc's stone and the two of them quickly began to match Aiz's pace. Aiz for her part was a complete monster. Bell could hardly even see monsters appear, much less see Aiz kill them. She was so fast that she could kill a monster and return to her pace besides him before he could even blink. It was really inspiring. He wanted desperately to reach those heights. After about twenty minutes of making their way further into the dungeon Bell, Aiz and Lili made their way to the twelfth floor. Even by Aiz's side Bell couldn't help but feel a little nervous being this deep. He couldn't help but think back to the pass parade that happened on the first floor.

Suddenly a loud noise brought Bell out of his thoughts and his hands to his ears. A bad bat had spawned nearby and screeched at him. Briefly he had wondered why Aiz hasn't killed it before seeing the disappointed look on the girls face.

"Distracted." She said with a frown. Bell had wanted to explain himself, but realized there was no excuse. In the dungeon you could die at any moment. Getting distracted meant you could be easily brought down by some random monster.

"It won't happen again." He said with a demined look. Aiz stopped frowning and nodded after he said that, so it must have been the right thing to say. She continued to guide him down the twelfth floor until a new monster began to form at the walls.

Aiz took a step back confusing Bell before she spoke, "Good luck."

Quickly turning back to the monster Dungeon-chan had just spawned he didn't recognize it off the top of his head. He would have to ask Eina-san for information on monsters in the middle floors soon. The Monster was bipedal and had a flat face with large fangs and was covered head to toe in silver hair. Once the monster saw him it let out a mighty roar and ran at him with speeds he wasn't prepared for. After facing monsters so much weaker than him Bell wasn't prepared for one that would match his speed. Diving to the side he thought about chanting, but he wanted to see if he could beat it without Booming Blade.

Meeting the monster's charge with his own he dodged out of the way of its punch and sliced at it's side with his knife. The knife still did it's job wonderfully, but Bell noticed the cut wasn't quite as clean as they have been on the weaker monsters. Hestia did tell him this blade would grow with him.

While Bell was recovering from his attack the monster struck him with the back of its arm sending him to the ground. Bell got off the ground seconds before he was struck by the monsters fist. He made a slash for its neck, but the creature blocked it with it's arm. Bell couldn't help but scowl as red blood ran down the silver fur of the beast. That was supposed to kill it! Ducking beneath the arm of the monster as it made its next swing Bell made several fast cuts and darted back.

The silver beast didn't seem to be bothered by too Bell's attacks though. The beast feigned and attack at him making him dodge only to hit him with it's other fist sending him back a few steps. Bell knew that the monsters would become more difficult to fight on the lower levels of the dungeon. He didn't expect them to fake attacks.

Dodging an incoming strike he aimed his blade to the beast's side and plunged his knife into it as deeply as it would go before twisting, causing the monster to cry out in pain. Bell continued his assault slashing into the monster again and again. The fight continued for over a minute before Bell saw his opening. After a downwards strike from the beast It's neck was left wide open. Taking advantage of the mistake Bell was able to finish off the monster.

Looking at the fallen monster Bell felt himself swell with pride. It wasn't the most difficult thing he's ever done, not with his update, but it gave him a sense of progress. That he could go further and fight stronger monsters than he could last week.

"You did well." Aiz said softly with what looked like a feint smile on her face. Bell couldn't really tell for certain though. despite her unmatched beauty, Aiz wasn't very expressive.

"So I suppose you'll be heading further down now? It was nice meeting you again." He said. He briefly considered asking to meet her again, but he didn't want to be too bothersome.

"I want to train with you."

Huh?

"I'm sorry, I must have misheard you." Bell said as he and Aiz watched the goblins finally manage to pick up the monster.

"You're strong. I want to see why." She said simply.

Bell didn't quite understand why Aiz would care about his strength. She was one of the strongest adventurers in Orario, and the one who held the record for the fastest level up. It didn't make any sense for her to want to train with him. He wasn't going to refuse this once in a lifetime offer though.

"Of course I'll train with you. Though I need to get this back to Matthew-san first." He said gesturing to the monster. Aiz didn't respond other than a quick nod as she began to leave the floor. It didn't take any longer for the group to make their way out of the dungeon than it took them to get to the twelfth floor. After leaving they made a quick stop at the guild... or at least what should have been quick.

"I could ignore the goblins... But why do you have a whole silverback!? And why are you with the kenki?" Eina screamed drawing the attention of every single adventurer in the guild.

"Hello Eina." Aiz said not paying attention to the atmosphere.

"Matthew-san would be able to explain the monsters better and Aiz is going to train with me." Bell explained as Eina began to make a pouty face.

"I joked about Matthew being dead but I'm having doubts now? Where is he? He does know that you need to report things like this to the guild right?" She asked pointing to Lili and the goblins that were carrying her and the now named silverback.

"He got injured during the Monsterphilia and was ordered by Goddess to stay home until he's healed." He explained.

"Then I suppose he wouldn't be against a house call then? I need to file a report on his magic and skills anyways." She said exasperated before handing him a bag of vals. "You've earned fifteen-thousand three hundred vals today."

"Thank you Eina-san. Do you need directions, or would you rather just follow us?" Bell asked earnestly. Eina seemed to cheer up slightly after his question and did say she would follow them. Bell felt a bit strange bringing two girls back home with him, even for innocent reasons. Although if his grandpa could see him now he would certainly be proud.

"So what happened during Monsterphillia anyways? How was Matthew injured?" She asked as they made their way to the church.

"I was enjoying the festival when suddenly a large plant monster appeared and started attacking everyone. I tried to fight it, but my knife broke. Before the monster was able to kill me, my Goddess returned and gave me this knife." He explained holing the Hestia knife out. Eina's eyes widened like saucers when she say the intricate Hephaestus made knife. "After some fighting, the monster some more Aiz was able to save the day and finish it off. Matthew-san found a second one as well apparently. Matthew-san and some other Loki members killed it."

"What are the odds of that?" Eina mussed. Bell hadn't really thought of it, but it did seem strange that there were seemingly only two monsters and he and Matthew-san both ran into them. Did he do something to upset Dungeon-chan again?

"Who knows. The important part is that we survived." Bell said thinking back to what Mia told him. It was also a good thing he sent Syr away as well. That monster was way too strong for him on its own. He couldnt imagine if he had to protect Syr as well.

As the four entered the church Bell had to get close to the hatch to whisper the new password. "Hestia is bestia." And with the phrase spoken the hatch made a soft popping sound and Bell was able to open it. Waving the two girls in Bell was greeted with an unexpected sight. Wasn't that the pallum girl from Monsterphillia?

"Hey Bell, you brought friends?" Matthew's said with a confident smile.

"Eina needed to talk to you and I was going to train with Aiz. Why is that girl here?" Bell asked

"The magnanimous Madam Medior has... fallen on hard times after her shop was destroyed. I wish to join your familia." The small blonde girl said boldly.

"Our newest member, pending Hestia's approval." Matthew-san followed up.

"Ah I get it, Matthew-san has a thing for pallums!" Bell smirked evilly. He watched as Medior wore a devious grin of her own, Matthew choke and Lili look at him with a deep blush.

"Oh my Matthew, you're that kind of man? I don't mind, but you should be more forward about it." Medior teased causing Matthew-sans face to go red.

"That's not it at all! I don't have a thing for pallums!" Matthew-san foolishly denied.

"Aww, you shouldn't get a girl's hopes up like that mister Matthew." Medior teasingly admonished.

"Do you not like pallums?" Lili asked in a hurt tone causing Bell to lose his grin.

"No that's not either, I still like you Lili. Just, not because you're a pallum. Or rather there's nothing wrong with you being a pallum, I just don't like pallums specifically." Matthew-san stumbled trying, and failing, to find the right words.

Maybe that wasn't the best thing to tease about. Looking around trying to find something to divert the conversation Bell's eyes fell upon Medior. The more that he looked at her the less she looked like someone who could fight in the dungeon. Her stature wasn't a problem as Lili could handle herself well in the dungeon. Lili was lean and had visible muscle despite how skinny she was. Medior on the other hand was pudgy, not so much that she lost her womanly figure, but she was most certainly not an adventurer.

"By the way Medior-san, no offence, but you don't seem like the adventuring type." Bell said trying to divert the conversation.

"Good thing I'm starting a business then." Matthew-san quickly joined, also wanting to change topics.

"And just what sort of business are you planning on starting anyways? You know you need to report things like this to the guild right?" Eina asked in an annoyed tone.

"Why?"

"Because you're running a business through your familia. Even if Hestia-sama has registered her familia as an adventurer type, you will still owe the guild taxes and a breakdown of any income you make." Eina explained to a rather sour looking Matthew.

"Ew taxes. Also what if I'm running the business on my own?" He asked.

"You aren't and you would still owe the guild taxes." Eina said scowling at the wizard. "I just need to get the basics done today, tell me what business you're planning to start and I'll need to review your skills and magic for documentation."

"Do you need to know my skills and magic? That information is sort of sensitive Ms. Eina." Matthew-san said worriedly.

You don't need to worry about that. The guild has records on everyone and nothing has been leaked before." Eina said proudly puffing out her chest.

"Then you wouldn't mind me placing a defensive spell on any records you create right?" He asked.

"You can do that?" Bell interjected. He knew Matthew-san had been studying his spellbook while he's been homebound, but it seemed like he had some new worldview breaking magic every other hour. He already placed a magic lock on the basment hatch which made it completley unusable unless you knew the password.

"I can as of an hour ago." He said smugly. Ah so this is a recent addition Bell realized. Even with with his own crazy stat growth Bell couldn't help but feel a smidge of jealousy. Matthew-san can only use tier three magic and can already do so many amazing things, he could only wonder just what was possible at the higher tiers.

"That's fine ugh." Eina sighed deeply.

"Hey Aiz, Bell. You two can get out of here and do your training, I'll stick back and do all the boring paperwork with Eina."

"It may be boring, but it's important and you need to actually do it! And you also need to check into the guild once in a while while you're at it!" Eina shouted angrily. Matthew-san just chuckled and shoo'd him off. Bell not wanting to stay there any longer grabbed Aiz's hand and made his hasty retreat.

"So Aiz, how do you want to train? Just spar?" He asked once they were outside of the church. Aiz didn't say anything, instead drawing her blade. Actually she didn't pull the blade from the sheath, she just pointed the sheath at him as if it were the sword itself. Bell responded in kind. Before he could even react he felt his chest collapse and a sharp pain in his right arm.

Aiz sat with the rabbit boy's head in her lap. She felt bad for overdoing it. She had thought she held back enough, but she neglected that the boy was still level one despite his growth. Aiz had hoped he would still be willing to train with her once he woke up. Riveria did say that you could give boys lap pillows as an apology.

It didn't take long for Bell to wake up. When he opened his eyes and saw her his face became red. Aiz wondered if she would need to postpone training due to the boy being ill.

"Aiz!" He shouted while jumping up suddenly.

"I'm sorry." She said with a tinge of embarrassment.

"Sorry for what?"

"I hit you too hard." She said feeling her cheeks heat up slightly. She wanted the boy to get stronger, to show her how he got so strong, but that wouldn't happen if he was scarred of her. "Will you still train with me?"

"Yeah of course. Maybe we hold off on sparring though." He chuckled. Aiz didn't know why but his laugh made her tummy feel weird. Something she would ask Riveria about later.

"I can move slower. Defensively." She said hoping the boy wasn't afraid of sparing her again. Bell gave her a contemplative look before nodding. She was happy he wouldn't give up.

She once again stood and drew her sword, still sheathed of course. She watched carefully as Bell entered a fighting position. The boy oddly enough held the blade outwards with his right hand. A stance that would only allow for slashing from the right and stabs from the left. She would correct this.

Bell ran towards her faking a right slash before moving for a left stab. It wasn't an inherently bad idea, but it's not something that would work on monsters on the lower floors. She grabbed his arm as he went for the stab disabling his arm and hit him on the side of the head with her sword. Much more carefully this time. Not enough though it seemed.

I try to aim for 4k a chapter but the next few may be a little bit short sorry. This has been fun writing. It's nice to have something to look forwards to working on.

Necrogod: Yeah I didn't want this story to be one of those 'actually OC has a super busted Exp gain skill like Bell on top of their other unique busted ability' lol. Bell is the only one in my story that will have super Exp gain. I feel like Matthew is already strong enough as is anyways. He isn't limited to three spells like most in Orario and a lot of the spells he can learn would make him look like a god in his own right. Even if he's 'weaker' with the flana, he won't be left behind.