Bell laid in a hospital bed. Alfia sat by his side, watching the slow and steady rise and fall of his chest. She almost hadn't made it, and if she didn't, she wouldn't know how to live with herself.

The Dea Saint, or as Airmid as Alfia called her, worked around the clock to save Bell's life. Many of his ribs were broken, and his brain was damaged and bleeding. The bones in his right hand were shattered but not beyond repair.

Airmid was able to fix it, but he'd be in a cast for a few days. Surprisingly, his neck was fine and didn't need any repair. To which Alfia let out a sigh of relief.

She ran her fingers through her soft white hair that reminded her of snow. She was grateful he was alright, and she would do a better job looking out for him.

From now on, he wasn't allowed to leave her sight. Even if she had to tie him to her, he would not leave her sight again. Too many risks if he did.

Met laid at the edge of his bed, her head resting on his legs. Silver sat on Alfia's shoulder, looking down at his owner. He let out something akin to a whimper, and Alfia scratched the top of his head to comfort him.

"I know, buddy. But he's alright and will wake up soon," Alfia softly said. Silver let out another whimper before lying down.

The door to the hospital room creaked open, and Alicia poked her head in.

"Um, Ms. Alfia. Is it alright if we visit?" Alicia nervously asked.

Alfia turned her head to the door and stared at the timid elf.

"Sure, come on in children. You are Bell's friends, after all," Alfia said.

Alica, Raul, Aki, and Cruz all walked into the room. Narvi and Lefiya weren't with the group as those two hadn't met Bell yet.

Alicia felt her breath catch in her throat, seeing Bell unconscious and covered in bandages. Raul felt guilty at his lack of action when Bell was being hurt. If only he were stronger and not so cowardly.

Alfia's words rang through his mind again. About him sacrificing himself to save a loved one. He still doesn't know the answer, but he at least wanted to help Bell in his fight.

That had to count for something, right?

Aki placed a comforting hand on Raul's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. She knew he was beating himself up about not helping Bell. Aki herself felt the same, but she knew there was nothing she could do. They were simply outmatched.

She was astonished at Bell's skill in combat to be able to hold out as long as he did, and he would've held out longer if not for their capture. If only they stayed away.

But they couldn't do that. Bell was their teammate and would soon be a good friend. They couldn't just leave him alone to a fate unknown. They couldn't, wouldn't do that.

Cruz gritted his teeth, looking at Bell. He had seen deaths and injuries so many times before, but the pain never went away. He took a deep breath and looked at the unmoving body of Bell. He heard what happened from Aki, but he still had trouble believing it.

A zombie came and kicked his ass. That just isn't possible. But Aki, Raul, and Alicia. All said it was plus Alfia, so he was inclined to believe them. Especially if it came from the silence. She was known not to kid around about anything.

"Is he gonna be alright?" Alicia asked.

Alfia looked at the elf girl and saw the concern she held her in eyes for her nephew. Alfia felt a tiny bit of happiness knowing Bell was able to make some friends here.

He didn't have many back at Hearthome as there weren't many kids his age there. Most women at Hearthome were infertile from the dumb stuff they did when adventuring, and the kids that were there ostracized Bell for his dreams of the long night.

"Yes, child, he'll be fine. He's just sleeping right now. He'll wake up soon," Alfia answered.

"We uh put his weapons back in our room. I made sure to hide them so no one could steal them," Raul nervously said.

"Thank you. Those weapons are one of the only things he has left of his parents and his house. He'll be glad knowing they're ok," Alifa said.

"We'll leave you alone now. We just wanted to make sure he was alright," Aki said.

"Get well soon, Bell," Cruz said.

The four turned and walked to the door, but Alfia called out to them, stopping them in their tracks.

"You can visit him anytime, ya know. He'll be happy to know his friends came to check up on him."

Alfia gave the group one of her rare smiles. She didn't smile much around other people. Only Bell could make a smile appear on her face when he wanted to.

"Oh, uh yeah, no problem. We'll be going now," Raul said, hurrying everyone out the door.

"Did she just smile?"

"Was that really the Silence we just saw?"

"Nah, no way. They said she never smiled and was cold and serious."

"That woman seemed more like a doting mother than a cold woman."

Alfia let out a small chuckle, hearing them walk away. Thanks to her level nine hearing, she could hear pretty far away. Even through walls without trying.

"Hm, seems like you've made some interesting friends, Bell. Hold onto them. Gods know I haven't seen you have this much fun in a long time."

She ran her hand through his hair again, feeling the soft texture of it. She was proud of Bell for holding his own against overwhelming odds. But then again, she'd spent the last seven years training him and preparing him as best she could.

In the end, it whittled down to Bell's remarkable swordsmanship and his ability to perceive any weakness. Too many adventurers these days rely more on numbers and skills than technique.

Although overwhelming strength could be used like with the Mountian and Bell with five whole levels between them.

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Loki sat in her office with her big three.

Finn Demine, a level seven, also known as the Braver, was a Pallum spearman with an extraordinary mind. Or so he'd like you to believe. His strategies were severely outdated, and he had little combat experience against actual people. He only relied on his thumb for intuition, which was playing a dangerous game.

Gareth Landrock, a level eight also known as Elgram, was a dwarven man who was the familia's heavy hitter. He spent most of his time drinking or looking after the familia on a personal level. He was referred to as the cool uncle who, more times than not, wouldn't care what you did as long as you didn't hurt anyone or yourself.

Lastly, we have Riveria Ljos Alf, a level seven and princess of the Alf forest. Also known as Nine Hells or Hag by those who insult her because of her age. Because she's a high elf, she lives longer than every other race. Right now, she's 99 years old. She's the familia's head mage and vice-captain. She has quite a few students under her. Since she has such a revered status as a princess, many elves have flocked to the city of Orario just to see her.

"So it looks like this Evilus problem has gotten a little out of hand. Attacking the public during one of its biggest events takes some balls. Now I want answers, and I wanted them yesterday," Loki calmly stated.

"Sorry, Loki, but we know nothing. All we do know is they're somehow creating new monsters somewhere in the dungeon. The records from Zeus and Hera say nothing about what Evilus has," Finn explained.

"Alright, so we know jack shit then. So let's organize this expedition, find some answers and kick some ass. Shouldn't be too hard," Gareth said, crossing his arms.

"Gareth, we don't know what we're up against. We shouldn't rush into this," Riveria calmly stated.

"I haven't met a monster that can't take a good ol right hook to go down. Besides, one of our lads is currently in the hospital. We owe it to him to find out what's going wrong."

"You mean Bell? Zeus's boy? He's more Zeus familia than us, and I find it suspicious that Evilus appeared when those two showed up," Finn said.

Loki just groaned. "Finn, enough with your bias against Zeus and Hera. I know you're jealous that they're better than us even now, but this needs to stop. Bell held off three heavy hitters of Evilus on his own and nearly got his head ripped off because of it. If not for him, who knows how many people would've died. Instead of suspecting him of working with them, you should be thanking him."

"And besides Finn, how would them working with Evilus even make sense? They've been in Hearthome for the past 14 years. It's a month's journey away from Orario. Communication would be very difficult if that was the case," Gareth pointed out.

Finn just grumbled but kept his mouth shut.

"Well, if that's all and nobody has anything else to say, let's get this expedition hurried along. How long are preparations expected to take?" Loki asked.

"With the progress we're at now, it'll take us a little under a month. Most of our vendors haven't been restocked yet, so it's forcing us to wait until they do. Until they were stuck up here," Riveria explained.

Loki just sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Alright, the second those vendors are restocked, but what we need and nothing more. We're close to the red, and we also don't need to take everything for ourselves. We're not the only adventurers in the city. In the meantime, I want everyone completing quests to refill our coffers. In other news, Ouranus has given us a mission in Melen. Intel says Kali and Ishtar are having a meeting there. He wants to know what it is, so he's sending us. Meeting's taking place next week, so that's when we'll go."

"So that'll leave Freya and Ganesha to watch the city in our absence then?" Finn asked.

"Yup. City should be fine while we're gone. I don't see Evilus launching another attack after they just did this major one," Loki answered.

With the final questions out of the way, the meeting ended, and Loki's big three left her office. Loki sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"Of all the times Evilus could've shown up, why did it have to be now?"

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"102,103,104. Here it is, 105," Welf muttered as he walked into the hospital room.

When he did, he saw Bell in the hospital bed with Alfia sitting next to him. Met was still lying at the end of the bed, but Silver had moved as was standing on the headboard.

He let out a happy chirp when he saw Welf and flew over to him, landing on his shoulder.

"Oh, um, hey, Silver." Welf turned and faced Alfia, who gave him a level stare.

"I, um, apologize for barging in. I didn't think anyone else would be in here. Are you Bell's mother?" Welf asked.

Alfia shook her head and gestured for Welf to sit. "No, that was my sister. She didn't survive the birth, and I've been watching over him ever since."

Welf nodded as he took his seat. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But he does look a lot like you, though."

Alfia smiled, remembering her sister. "We were twins. However, she was a minute older than I was. She was also very sickly, so I had to take care of her. I was lucky and wasn't born like that. It seems my sister took on all of the sickness so I could live a normal life. Or as normal as adventurers can get."

Welf nodded, and the two began watching Bell as he slept. Silence filled the air as neither spoke. Welf didn't know what to say, and Alfia didn't talk much with strangers. She has the nickname Silence for a reason.

But she did have one question for Welf.

"So Welf, you're a Crozzo, right?"

"Uh, yes, ma'am."

Alfia liked his manners. "You can also create magic swords but refuse to as well, correct."

"I can. But I don't want to. I despise magic swords and what they stand for."

"Why is that?" Alfia asked, her curiosity peaked. If she could learn his reason, maybe she could push him to make them. They would be needed for the long night.

"Because it's not a true weapon. Eventually, it'll break and leave its owner behind. Weapons aren't supposed to do that. Weapons should stand by their owner through thick and thin. It should be an extension of oneself, not a tool that you throw away. Once that weapon breaks, its owner is left alone. I don't want to create something like that."

Alfia nodded her head, her chin in her hand. She had a way that could possibly motivate Welf into making them again.

"Well, I can understand your reasoning. I won't be some angry mother type who demands you make swords for Bell. But have you ever tried changing your mindset about magic swords as a whole?"

"What do you mean?" Welf asked, his eyebrow raised.

"Well, you say that magic swords break after a while and are discarded as tools. You, however, don't see them as tools, correct."

"Yes, ma'am"

"Well, why not change your mindset? Why not see them as tools to be used to help the ones you care about?"

"Because it's not how a weapon should be seen. Weapons are extensions of oneself. Like how a bow is made for people who like to fight from a distance. Or a dagger for someone who really likes to get up close and personal. A weapon is just another limb of its user, like it's a part of them. Not something to be thrown away after use. I know my way of thinking is dumb, but to me, a weapon is just another one of my limbs."

Alfia nodded and changed her approach. If he didn't want to see them as tools, she'd give him a challenge.

"Alright, I get your reasoning. Don't let that go. A person is only as strong as their beliefs, so don't let yours go. So you won't see them as tools, that's alright. But have you ever tried to make a magic sword that would be unbreakable?"

Welf perked up at the idea, but Alfia could see he was apprehensive.

"The thought has crossed my mind. But I don't even know where to begin making it."

"Well, lucky for you, I'm a mage. I know a lot about magic and mind manipulation, so I can help you. If that's something you want, however?"

Welf was quiet for a moment as he thought about the pros and cons of this situation. On the one hand, he'd be making groundbreaking work in the blacksmithing and magic communities at the same time.

But on the other hand, it'd paint a massive target on his back. He'd be sought after by everyone from Rakia to Athens for his talent. The elves would lose their minds if such weapons were being produced again, and this time, they didn't break like normal. It would make them furious with a murderous rage.

But if he did take Alfia up on her offer, he'd have one of the most powerful people in the world as his protection. Along with Bell and his pets.

Alfia's voice broke him out of his thoughts. "You don't have to answer now. Just some food for thought. I'm just asking these questions because I want Bell to be as safe as he can when he goes into the dungeon with you and everyone else."

"I'll think about it. I'm kind of in a damned if I do, damned if I don't situation. On one hand, I get ridiculed and bullied for wasting my talent. On the other, I'll have everyone from Rakia to Altens wanting my skills. Plus, a bunch of murderous elves wanting my head."

"Well, you don't need to worry about people messing with you. I know this little one won't let anyone mess with you. It's just who he is," Alfia said, referring to Bell.

Welf looked back down at the sleeping boy and smiled. He hadn't known Bell that long, but he already saw the boy as a friend. Bell just had that effect on people.

"Once he wakes up, I'll make him some armor. He's been diving into the dungeon without it, and that's dangerous," Welf chuckled.

"Oh, you can start now. I have Bell's measurements memorized since I've sewed him new clothes. Let me write them down."

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Bell lay in a grass field surrounded by a lush and vast landscape. The sun was shining high in the sky, and a gentle breeze was blowing. Bell stood up and looked around, seeing miles upon miles of plains.

It wasn't dark and cold, and there was no army of the dead around, which Bell found odd. It was just a vast emptiness full of beauty.

"Where am I?" Bell wondered as he looked around.

In the distance, Bell could see a tree with red leaves atop a hill. Seeing as he had nowhere else to really go, Bell walked began walking to the tree.

It took him a while but no time at all, which Bell found strange. Wasn't he just over there? How was he already on top of the hill? He doesn't even remember climbing it.

He examined the tree further and noticed something odd about it.

"Is that a face carved into it?" Bell thought.

"It is boy."

Bell quickly reached to his hip for his swords but found they weren't there.

"Careful now. I mean, you no harm. I only want a conversation with my descendant."

"Descendant?"

Bell examined the man in front of him. He had short blonde hair and purple eyes. His face was smooth and unblemished, without a sign of stubble or facial hair. His skin was pale but also without blemish.

He wore a black and red tunic with a three-headed dragon on his chest. A black crown was on his head, signaling he was royalty. Perhaps a king.

"Take a seat, boy. We have much to discuss," The man said, patting the spot next to him.

Bell did as he asked but made sure to keep some distance between the two should he need to defend himself.

"Who are you?" Bell asked.

The man smiled softly before answering.

"Why I'm Aegon Targaryen. Or, as history knows me, Aegon the Conqueror. I'm your greatest of grandpas in a sense."

Bell's eyes widened in shock at the man's answer. Aegon the conqueror, was long dead. So, how was Bell talking with him now?

"I know you must have a lot of questions, but we don't have a lot of time. I'm here to give you a fabled warning."

Bell leaned in closer as he listened intently. He knew what Aegon said would be very important.

"Winter is coming. The long night is upon the world once again. This time, the whole world is at risk. The Night King's armies will spread across the entire world. But the Night King himself will be coming after you. He knows where you are since he touched you. In 10 years time, his army of the dead will land upon your shores, and your battle will truly begin. You must stop him, Bell. Or else the world will be covered in darkness for a millennium."

Bell felt his heart hammering in his chest. The stakes were so high this time around.

"But why is he coming after me? Wouldn't it make more sense for him to stay in Westeros, and why me? Why is it my job to stop it? I'm just a kid."

"For the time being, you are yes. But Bell, you're an extraordinary young man. You are a Targaryen with a dire wolf and a dragon. I don't know any Targaryen who can say the same. But to answer your question on why it should be you. It is because I had a vision that someone from my line would end the White Walker threat for good. You're the last of my line, so it has to be you, Bell."

"And my other question? Why doesn't he just overwhelm me with his forces? Why come to me directly?"

"That I cannot answer for I do not know. I never faced the Night King, as my dragons were too scared to go over the wall. It could be a thing of pride, or perhaps he likes killing people himself. But make no mistake, he will come after you. So gather who you can and fight back. No matter what, you must kill the Night King above all else. If he dies, the long night ends. Only then will you know peace."

Bell nodded as his mind started to wrap around all this information. It was up to him to save the world. If he failed untold millions, perhaps billions could die.

He swallowed a lump in his throat and took a deep breath. He needed to prepare. He had a decade to gather his forces and make a stand.

But he had one last question for Aegon.

"Were you the one that told me to look without seeing?"

"No? Wait, if he spoke to you, then that me-

But Aegon and the surrounding landscape around Bell disappeared, replaced by florescent lights and white wallpaper.

"Ah, my head hurts," Bell groaned, sitting up.

His right hand felt heavy. He looked down and saw it in a cast.

He didn't have much time to think of anything else as Met jumped up and started licking his face.

"Ah, alright, alright, Met, that's enough!" Bell chuckled.

Met hopped off him, but her tail was wagging, indicating she was excited. Silver let out a happy chirp before flying down and landing on Bell's shoulder, nudging him on the cheek.

"Alright, I love you too, buddy."

Silver flew to the door right as Alfia walked back in with a tray of food. When she saw Bell awake, she immediately dropped it and ran, wrapping the boy in her arms.

"Oh, thank the gods, you're ok." She pulled back and looked at him.

"Uh yeah, I'm fine. You hit a lot harder than he does anyway," Bell nervously joked.

"You stupid boy, don't you realize you almost died? Shouldn't you be more concerned with that!" Alfia yelled.

"Eh, you saved me, so it's fine," Bell waved her off.

"How can you be so calm about this? Shouldn't you be angry?"

"Why, none of my friends were hurt, and you know what my dad said. Revenge is a fool's game, and I'd rather not be a fool."

Alfia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she sat down. "You know I have half of mind not to let you go out and adventure anymore. But I know I can't hold you back from doing what you want. You somehow always seem to make me say yes. All I ask is that you be more careful, Bell. You're the only thing that I have left of Meteria."

Bell placed his hand atop Alfia's and gently squeezed it. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere soon. I'm still very young, so I won't be leaving anytime soon."

"Are you calling me old?" Alfia asked, a dangerous edge in her voice.

"Those words did not come out of my mouth at all," Bell deadpanned.

"You were thinking it."

"No, I wasn't. You're still young and beautiful."

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

"It'll get me a head start."

Met barked and nudged Bell's cast before any more arguing could ensue. Alfia let out another sigh and ruffled Bell's hair.

"You just focus on getting better. Oh, also, Zeus wrote you a letter. You can read it when we get back. Now I'll go get you some food. Be right back."

Alfia walked out of the room, leaving Bell alone with his pets. He reached down and pet Met's head.

"Good girl. You distracted her and saved me from a beating."

Met let out a happy bark before laying back down at Bell's feet. Bell let out a deep breath as he laid his head on his pillow.

"Really cut it close there, Bell. Really close"

Well, that's the end of this chapter hope you enjoyed Bell's little prophecy. Anyway, I ain't got much else to say so. Oh, except I finally got my first hate comment after almost three years of writing. So that was pretty cool and funny at the same time.