Bell walks back to his home with his goddess Hestia staring at him the entire time with Pebble on his shoulder.
Hestia finished her work and ran down to find Bell and Pebble walking back home.
"Nothing happened Goddess, she only helped me buy a few items" Bell tries to say, hoping to calm his goddess down.
But it doesn't work, she looks more mad.
"Oh really, what about the green armor arm, did you buy that?!" Hestia points out, seeing the green armour out of place of Bell's normal armour.
"It's a gift goddess, Eina just wants to show how thankful she was" Bell explains, holding the green armour guard with a smile, which hurt Hestia.
"I know it, the half-elf is seducing you, how could you Bell" Hestia cries as she looks mad at Bell as he tries to calm down.
"Please Goddess it's nothing like that" Bell tries to say, Pebble jumps on Hestia's shoulder, giving her a hug while Hestia holds him close.
"Oh Pebble, you're the only one to understand me, my stone guardian, why can't Bell be like you?" Hestia hugs Pebble between her massive boobs; few men look at the little golem with envy.
"Maybe I'll go to Magnus, see how you like it, Bell" Hestia said out, looking at Bell as he rubs his head in embarrassment.
"Come on Goddess don't drag Magnus into this" Bell said, hoping Hestia doesn't try anything to Magnus.
"Why? you jealous if I start looking at Magnus now, maybe you know how I feel Mhm" Hestia crossed her arms, keeping Pebble close as she walked to the church.
"What come on Goddess" Bell whines as Hestia knocks on the now repaired doors.
"MAGNUS, OPEN THE DOOR FOR YOUR GODDESS" Hestia shouted, seeing the door had locked on it before, but the door opens.
"Didn't Magnus put chains on the door?" Bell said, remembering Magnus wrapping chains around the front door to lock the door.
Pebble jumps off Hestia to walk inside.
"Wait Pebble" Hestia opens the door, both Hestia and Bell follow Pebble up the stairs as they hear Magnus talking to someone.
"Really, that much, oh hi Pebble '' Magnus' voice is heard, seeing Pebble running in the doorway, both Hestia and Bell stop hearing another unfamiliar voice.
"Oh is this the golem you created, what an amazing achievement, hello sir Pebble" the female voice calls out, they hear Pebble cheering.
"Who is that?" Bell whispers to his Goddess, haven't heard the woman's voice before, friend of Magnus?
"What? Is there a woman with Magnus too?" Hestia cries out, first Bell going out with a half-elf now Magnus brings one home.
"Guess you two came early, Goddess, Bell" Magnus calls them out, making them both gasp at Magnus already finding them out.
Hestia signs as she walks through the room with Bell behind her, looking on the table to see Magnus seated on a table with tea and briskets out.
Across him is a tall woman with a strong figure and big breast, not as big as hers but still, she wears white and yellow armour looking all noble like as she hugs her little stone guardian. Oh no not Pebble too.
"Goddess Hestia, Bell, I like to introduce you to Darkness" Magnus introduces, the woman named Darkness stands up and bows her head to them.
"Goddess Hestia, Bell, it is a pleasure to meet you" Darkness bows her head, blushing a little while holding Pebble.
Bell steps forward.
"Nice to meet you Darkness, I'm Bell Cranel, but you know that already" Bell said, rubbing his head as Darkness bows her head.
"It is nice to pleasure Captain Bell" Darkness bows, as Bell waves his hand.
"Oh no don't bow your head, wait captain?" Bell asked, hearing the name captain.
"Yes, Magnus told me you're the first member, making you the captain of this familia" Darkness points out, Magnus drinks his tea as Bell and Hestia look at him.
"You are here first Bell, making you the captain" Magnus shrugs, as Hestia shakes her head, turning to Darkness.
"Alright missy, why are you here?" Hestia points an accusing finger at Darkness, making her gasp with a blush.
"Oh Goddess ... .I wasn't aware I was intruding, please forgive me" Darkness said with a blush, catching Hestia and Bell off guard, both have question marks on their heads.
"I'll suffer any punishment…you see fit…for your forgiveness" Darkness bows her head with a blush. Bell and Hestia start to freak out.
"Punishment…?" Bell, confused, Hestia turns to Magnus, seeing him signs.
"We need to work on that," Magnus said, holding his hands in his eyes, Pebble just eating the briskets on the table.
"Darkness, remember what we spoke of" Magnus called out, making Darkness stand up in embarrassment.
"Oh right ... .so sorry…I'm a little nervous …about this" Darkness said, hugging herself not looking at anyone.
"Darkness, you need to tell her why you're here, just as we talk about" Magnus said, looking at her as Darkness takes a deep breath.
"What's going on Magnus?" Bell asked, unsure why his woman was here.
"Just let her finish then we'll talk" Magnus said, watching it all as Darkness got her bearing.
"Ok…Goddess Hestia…Magnus made me aware of your situation.." Darkness said, taking a deep breath, while Hestia gave Magnus a side eye.
"Did he now" Hestia gave her second child a side glare, Darkness pants while taking deep breaths.
"But I see this as my true calling…as a crusader…" Darkness closed her eyes as she kept taking breaths.
"Please let… Please let me…" Darkness shakes her head, opening her eyes and stare into Hestia's eyes.
"j-j-join you're Familia" Darkness begs with a heavy blush staring at the goddess.
"Really?" Bell asks in shock, a new member joining!
"Wait wait wait, join my familia!" Hestia asked in shock, her frown turned slowly into joy seeing his woman in front of her.
"Yes…I was inspired by Magnus defending all those monsters in the festival, as a Crusader I promise you, I pledge my life to you, defend your home and familia without any hesitation, use me as you wish, Goddess Hestia!" Darkness shouted, pledging one knee as she stabbed her sword to the ground.
Hestia and Bell look at her in awe, seeing a woman wanting to join their little familia.
Bell is happy at the new member joining the familia, and a pretty woman at that.
Hestia frowned for a second, while she was very happy to get another member in her familia, she was a little defensive because she was a very pretty woman that could seduce her Bell, and she said 'use me'. That gave Hestia a few bad thoughts.
"that great right Hestia, another member to the familia, look at her armour and sword, amazing, she'd be a great addition to the famila" Bell smiles happy at the such a high armour woman with a master crafted sword, Darkness smile at the praise.
Pebble claps his hands in support, praising Darkness.
Hestia looks to see Magnus cover his mouth, seeing his eyes not looking all into Darkness joining.
"I see, I love your enthusiasm, Magnus can I talk to you for a second, Bell keep Darkness company" Hestia said, Magnus stands up as both she and Hestia go into a room while closing the door.
Darkness looks unsure standing up.
"Don't worry Darkness, Hestia will love to have you" Bell said, trying to encourage her, Darkness smiled at the young adventurer.
"I can see Magnus was right about you, always protecting his younger brother" Darkness smiles as Bell smiles a little unsure.
"Not related" Bell points out, making Pebble laugh as Bell and Darkness smiled.
LINE
I'm glad Hestia came to me before recruiting Darkness.
Honestly, I was expecting her to recruit her straight away.
"Ok Magnus, tell me about this Darkness' ' Hestia asked me, knowing I've been hosting her.
"She is a newbie, her armour and sword are more a show of wealth than practical" I said honestly.
"Really, they look brand new" Hestia said in slight shock, if they do, but my observe saw the truth, I'm sure other blacksmith with a falna could see its value.
"That's not the worst part, she is a masochistic pervert" I warned her on the main issue, seeing Hestia blush and look down.
"A Masochist? So when she said "use…" Hestia asked me, I nod that what Darkness truly meant.
"I can't have a masochist join, she could corrupt sweet Bell, offering herself to him, wait we need to get her out" Hestia said, about to storm out but I stop her.
"Hold up Hestia, that is only one side to her" I stopped her making her turn to him.
"What do you mean?! She is a pervert that could corrupt Bell and Pebble" Hestia spoke out, outrage at me stopping her.
I hold my hands out to calm her down.
"I am aware of her faults, but her potential otherwise out way few faults" I point out, getting Hestia attention.
"First she has a lot of money, her armour may not be much but it's high value" I said, getting a nod from my goddess.
"Second she fought before, training all her life and building up great strength and defense" I explained to her, Hestia looking at me.
"Bell's speed, Darkness's defense, and my magic, we'll get valis from the dungeon and kill more monsters, if we get her decent armour and a weapon, a shield between us we can create a great set up party, even be a support as well" I explain the benefits to having Darkness join the familia.
"I see your point, but Bell" Hestia wines at the mention of Darkness being a pervert and could corrupt Bell.
"Like it or not Darkness is actually a nice person, we talk for quite a bit for a few hours, beside her feelings, I believe she would be helpful to the familia" I said to her, after talking to Darkness I found out how nice she was, despite a few weird moments I say I could be friends with her.
Hell, I had weirder friends with mercenaries that would stab me in the back so compared to Darkness.
Hestia looks at me for a second before turning out the door.
"You think I should let her join?" Hestia asked me, I looked at her with a sign.
"It's your choose Hestia, I was hesitant at first due to our current standing, but I think we should take all the help we can get" I said to her, knowing it was her choice in the end.
I told her the benefits and the downside to having her, hopeful Hestia can see it a good idea to have her join.
"It would be rude to judge someone without knowing them, and she seems nice and noble," Hestia said to herself as she opened the door to see Bell, Pebble and Darkness talking.
"Wow you hold the line against a Raven Swarm?" Bell asked in awe, Pebble seating next to him looking in awe as well.
"In town Axel, everyone few months a horde of Ravens swarm the town, eating everyone foods and hurting the innocent, Adventurers all around fight them off, I show my strength as a Crusader, swinging my sword around" Darkness spoke about herself, Hestia and I came in listening in.
"But the Ravens prove too powerful, left and right Adventurers were taken down and getting hurt, dropping my sword to run to the center of the swarm, taking the full mast of the swarm" Darkness spoke with a little blush on her face.
Oh boy here we go.
"Taken attack after attack, assault after assault, other behind me yelled at me to run, but no, I said how could I abandon those who fallen, even when they swarm me, destroying my armor, even when …. uncultured men looked at my skin…. getting aroused….it was shameful, but I couldn't back down" Darkness holds herself while her cheeks blush red, is she moaning?
Hestia deadpans at her as well.
Why is Bell eating this up? I get Pebble but Bell comes on man, she moans about it.
"While the Swarm surrounded me ...pelting me at all side…..a mage used a great spell to destroy all the ravens at once with me in it" Darkness moans out, Hestia frowns as do I.
"WHAT! But you were holding them off, how could that mage blast you?!" Bell spoke in outrage at Darkness getting blasted; I'm more impressed she survived.
"It had to be done Bell, if I must suffer myself to ... unspeakable pain ... .so others won't get hurt, I do it every time" Darkness spoke with passion, hitting her chest with vigor.
"That incredible Darkness, I can't believe you would go to such lengths to protect everyone" Bell said in awe, Pebble clapping as her story.
"Oh, it was nothing to a crusader like myself" Darkness said, a blush on herself.
"Impressive story Darkness" Hestia spoke out, getting the three attentions.
"Oh Goddess, Darkness is so incredible" Bell praises her as does Pebble with Hestia nodding turning to Darkness.
Let's see what Hestia chooses.
"After discussing it with Magnus and hearing your ... true story" Hestia hesitantly said, wait it was a true story?
"Despite Magnus only knowing you for a day, I can tell you are someone we can rely on" Hestia said, Darkness, Bell and Pebble smiled.
"You mean" Darkness said,
"Yep, from this day forward you are now a proud member of the Hestia Famila!" Hestia spoke with a proud smile.
"Really? Yes, another member to join" Bell shouted in join, Pebble jumped up and down in excitement.
"Thank you, Goddess Hestia, I promise I won't disappoint you," Darkness said, hugging Hestia with tears of joy.
"Who said you can Darkness, we have a lot of work to do with you" I said to her, making her smile at me.
"I'm looking forward to it, Magnus" Darkness smiled at me, Pebble jumped to Darkness giving her a big hug.
"Pebble's welcoming you to the familia" I said, Darkness hugged Pebble back.
"Group hug" Bell shouted, joining in on the hug, hugging Darkness side.
I also joined the group hug, welcoming another member to the Hestia familia.
LINE
Hestia stands on top of Darkness' back, taking her armor and top off as Hestia watches her.
Pricking her finger Hestia puts a drop of blood on her, a blue light glow on Darkness's back. Revealing her symbol and mark of her Falna.
"Hmmm" Hestia said, looking at information.
"What wrong Goddess?" Darkness asked her, Hestia looked at her back.
Lalatina Ford Dustiness
Strength: I 0
Endurance: I 0
Dexterity: I 0
Agility: I 0
Magic: I 0
Magic:
Skills:
[Strong Defence: Naturally increase the Endurance and Strength of the User when being attack]
[Defence Assist: When attack increase past the users Endurance, negate 5% of the attack]
"Your name is not Darkness is it" Hestia stated, seeing her child pale under her.
"WHatttt..no I'm Darkness" Darkness said with a quick breath, Hestia raised an eyebrow.
"Your name is Lalatina Ford Dustiness" Hestia states, getting off Darkness as she signs, looking around before turning to Hestia.
"Please don't tell anyone, no one can know my name" Lalatina begs, confusing Hestia.
"Why? It's a beautiful name, why change it?" Hestia asked, seeing her child nervous.
"I don't like it, it reminds me too much of my bloodline," Lalatina explains to Hestia.
"Bloodline…wait you're a noble!" Hestia points out in shock.
Noble and royalty are big names in these lands, despite gods walking among them, royal blood lines carry with them lands, titles and other benefits compared to a commoner.
While Gods and Goddess get worship and familia's, nobles are known to house even join familias. Using their influence mixed with the gods.
Like Ares and his close relationship to the royal family, leading him to be one of the leaders in charge of the kingdom.
"Please don't mention it to anyone, I don't want to be mentioned at all" Lalatina begs as Hestia looks down.
"But why, Lalatina, you're a noble" Hestia asked, noble Adventures carry the best gear with them, money or influence to get the best stuff for themselves or their familia.
"I don't want to be known as another noble playing adventurer, I want to be an adventurer," Lalatina said, sitting down on the bed, looking sad.
Hestia sits next to her child.
"Tell me Lalatina" Hestia asked, giving her a hug, Lalatina signs.
"I come from the Dustiness house of nobles, nicknamed the Shield of the Kingdom, and the family in charge. I grew up with nobles and got close to them. As I grew older my father kept trying to arrange marriages for me, but I didn't want to be tied down, I wanted to be like my mother" Lalatina explains her story, Hestia listens in.
"My mother was once part of the Zeus familia" Lalatina said, making Hestia gasp, Zeus familia is once the strongest familia in the city.
"She was known as the Shield of Zeus, taking attacks from the 3 great beasts herself, she died defending the city from them" Lalatina looks down,
"I'm sorry for your loss," Hestia said, but lalatina smiled.
"Don't be, she died doing what she believed in, defending the people against a greater threat" Lalatina spoke with admiration.
"I love my mother, and I will follow her path, defending those who can't defend themselves and prove myself worthy of her title" Lalatina spoke with a passion to Hestia awe.
"Wearing the name or my noble title will hold me back, people protecting me and expecting favours, no I won't sit as Lalatina Ford Dustiness, I will stand as Darkness the adventurer" Lalatina spoke, standing with pride in herself and her goals.
Something spoke in Hestia's mind, seeing Magnus was right.
There is more to Lalatina than just a pervert masochist.
"No your Darkness of the Hestia Familia now" Hestia cheers for her, making Darkness smile at her accepting her name.
"Thank you, goddess," Darkness bows to her, as Hestia hugs her.
"You won't tell the others" Darkness asked, feeling her shake her head.
"It's your story to tell, but you have my full support Darkness" Hestia said, letting go as she took a page from the side, pressing it on her back before pressing her finger on it.
Showing the paper to Darkness, seeing her name is blanked out.
"So the boys don't know your name" Hestia winks, the boys are in the other room due to Darkness being topless.
Darkness nods, putting her top back on as they walk out of the room.
Bell and Pebble look egger with Magnus sitting.
"Welcome Darkness, member of the Hestia familia" Hestia cheers, showing them the paper.
"YEaHH New Member" Bell cheers, Pebble jumps too, Magnus grabs the paper.
"Two skills! Both in defences" Magnus nods, getting Bell and Pebble to look at it too.
"Wow Darkness, so strong already, it's great that you join" Bell said with Pebble clapping.
"Oh thank you, I'm happy to join this familia" Darkness said, bowing her head.
Magnus claps his hands.
"Ok new member, tomorrow Darkness we're going to check you out" Magnus said, making Darkness blush.
"Really" Darkness said, Magnus nods, turning to her.
"Checking your skills, how to use you and how you fight" Magnus mentions, taking Darkness' mind out of the gutter as she looks nervous.
"Yes Darkness the Crusader" Bell cheered, happy to a new member and how good she was.
"Don't go overboard, Magnus" Hestia warns him.
"I don't mind goddess, if it helps the famlia…and makkke me strongerrr, then I'll take whatever he cann give" Darkness moans a little, making Bell concern.
"Are you ok Darkness?" Bell asked, concerned about making Hestia and Magnus deadpan at him not noticing it.
"I'm fine Belll, justtt tried" Darkness quickly said, getting Magnus' attention.
"That's a thing, who's going to sleep where?" Magnus said, getting everyone to look around.
There three bedrooms in the church, Hestia and Bell used to sleep in the same room but Magnus fixed up the place, making Bell have his own room. To Hestia frustration but keep Pebble to cuddle with.
"You don't have to move anything from me, I'll sleep on the floor" Darkness said, blushing a little.
"No Darkness you take my bed, I'll sleep on the couch" Bell offers, but Hestia jumps up.
"Wait Darkness need a bed, she takes mine while I share with Bell" Hestia calls out, making Bell blush and Darkness gasp,
"Oh my, Goddess I couldn't" Darkness amazed by her goddess generously, Pebble looks around lifting his little hand up.
Magnus shakes his head.
"No Pebble, Darkness can't sleep in your bed, better she uses my bed" Magnus said, Hestia sulks at Magnus denying her Bell time.
"But Magnus I wouldn't mind" "No" Magnus cut Darkness off.
"Tonight, you sleep in my room while I make your bed in another one, just for tonight" Magnus orders her, Darkness blushes as she obeys Magnus.
Magus snapped his fingers.
"Oh, that reminds me, Bell, that Rune is ready" Magnus said, pulling out a rune from his pocket, tossing it to Bell.
"Ohh what's this one do?!" Bell asked, excited about the rune, looking it over.
"The Dash Rune, helps quickly dash in the direction you're moving, a boost in your speed and help dodge attacks" Magnus explains, making Bell excited.
"Wow" Bell pressed the Dash rune, feeling himself move from one spot to another.
"OH Wow" Bell steps out, amazed with the rune, trying to press it again.
"It recharges every 5 seconds, work on that" Magnus advises, making Bell stop as he waits for the glow to come back.
"Amazing, you made that?" Darkness spoke in awe, as Bell pressed it again, seeing energy surround Bell as he dash at fast speed, as Pebble tries to catch him.
"One of them yes" Magnus nods to Darkness' question, Hestia got Magnus' attention.
"Magnus, do you think you can make more of those runes, Hephaestus really like them, it could help with my 'job'" Hestia winks at Magnus, hoping he got the message that Hephaestus likes the runes and wants more to lower her debt.
Magnus nods, winking as well.
"She can wait, I'm busy tomorrow, and now let me show you your bed Darkness" Magnus said, getting a nod from Darkness.
WHAMM
Everyone turned to see Bell hitting a wall, Hestia ran to him.
"Bell! Are you ok?" Hestia calls to him, concerned as Bell rubs his head.
"I'mm fine, didn't watch here I was going" Bell said, wince as he rubs his head, looking at the Dashstep rune.
"Be careful Bell" Magnus said, lifting his gauntlets up, as water came out of it, putting it on Bell's head as Bell signed in relief.
"Thanks Magnus" Bell spoke with relief,
"You can heal too!" Darkness spoke in shock, Magnus nodded, grinning at her.
"Hope you are ready for tomorrow, Darkness, it is going to be fun" Magnus grins at her, making her blush in excitement.
LINE
The next morning, I waited down the main hall of the church, clearing enough space for a little fighting arena.
"Ok this should do" I said, Pebble claps seating in one of the long seats.
After waking up on the couch I used the Chronomaster Rune to fix up another room in the church, putting another bedroom for Darkness to sleep in tonight.
She didn't have much stuff oddly as I watched both Darkness and Bell walk up the stairs.
"Morning Bell, Darkness" I greeted them,
"Good morning Magnus" Bell greets back, as does Darkness.
"A very good morning to you Magnus, what is this?" Darkness asked, looking at the open space I made.
"Nothing, just thought if you do a test with me?" I asked, need to see how Darkness fights.
"A test? What did you have in mind? Are you planning to tie me up and see how high my pain threshold is?" She leaned forward and looked eager; Bell looked confused as did Pebble.
"Why would we test that?" Bell asked, I waved my hands.
"Easy girl" I said to her, arms out.
"Now it is important for Familia members to know what one another can do. So, let's see how well you perform as a crusader" I said to her, " Darkness stood proudly.
"Of course, Magnus! It would be my pleasure to demonstrate my skills to you!" Darkness states
"Right come here" I said, grabbing two wooden swords from the corner, I kept them just in case, handing on a wooden sword to Darkness.
"This is exciting" Bell said, seating with Pebble watching us.
"Okay, nothing too big, I won't use my magic or anything, you don't need to prove anything to me, just need to get a rough idea of how you fight, got it?" I said, I won't use magic, just basic fighting skills only.
"Understood." Darkness nodded,
"Very good, ok to start, let me attack you and you defend, no hitting me. Then it'll be your turn to attack. Is that fair?" I said, just basic, nothing too complex.
"In that case, please wait a moment." Darkness said putting the wooden sword down She then began removing her armor
"Uh, what are you doing?" Bell said with a blush, Pebble looked to the side, and I watched with a raised eyebrow.
"My armor is mostly decorative to allow others to know my station. I have complete confidence in my defensive skills even without it. I want you to know you can depend on me Magnus" Darkness said, taking off her chest armour.
"We might get some better armour then, the dungeon isn't a forgiving place" I said to her, she's going to need new armour for the dungeon soon.
Her armor was soon piled up at her feet. She stood there in nothing but a black bodysuit and long skirt. She threw her arms out to either side.
"Please attack me! You don't need to hold back! Strike me as hard as you can for as long as you like!" Darkness said, I looked concerned.
"Uh, you sure?" I asked, while I'm aware women are just as dangerous as men, hitting a woman full force in front of Bell might not look good.
"Yes! Show me no mercy!" Darkness cried out, ready to take the attack.
"So brave" Bell said in awe, looking at Darkness which I notice, guess he has no issue with it.
"Okay, I'll heal you after, don't hold it against me if you feel it" I said, walking forward raising the wooden sword over my head. I brought it straight down into her chest with my strength.
CRACK
I felt the impact back in my arms, grunting a little, the wooden sword stuck her but the girl hadn't so much as flinched.
"More please," Darkness sighed with a joyous expression blossoming across her features.
I obliged standing there and wailed on her, hitting her in the chest, ribs, arms, shoulders, and legs. Pretty much everywhere but her head.
But Darkness stood there, taking each hit without any reaction but a smile and content sighs, mind you I wasn't using mana but I'm pretty strong myself.
After about five minutes of this, I stopped my attacks and took a deep breath.
"Okay you got very high endurance" I took a moment to breathe, seeing Darkness smile.
"Thank you." Darkness said, Bell and Pebble looked at her in amazement.
"She took it all without flinching" Bell spoke, Pebble nodding as well, seeing how tough Darkness is.
I took a minute to recover then stood straight and held the practice sword in a good defensive position I learned from Teresa.
"All right, it's your turn. You attack and I'll defend." I said to her, as soon as I noticed she looked uncomfortable.
"You know Magnus, we could just stop here. I don't really feel the need to demonstrate what I can do with a sword." Darkness said I looked confused, so did the other two.
"Don't worry. I attack you, now you attack me, it's only fair. You told me to go all out, now you do the same" I said to her, ready to take the attack.
She gave a glum nod and wrenched her sword out of the ground.
"Understood. Then here I go!" Darkness charged in, holding the wooden blade with both hands. Her form is excellent, and she didn't seem to be holding back.
I gritted my teeth, ready for the blow.
"This can't be good," Bell said, hugging Pebble who held him as well.
"Yaaaahhh!" She cried out and swung, making the air whistle.
Her sword missed me by about a foot.
Darkness remained where she was, her face turning red. Bell and Pebble blinked at what they saw.
"What was that?" I blinked, thinking I was missing something.
"I… I missed it." Darkness nervously said.
"I'm aware, Why?" I asked her.
"Ah, you see, I-" Darkness tries to explain.
"Darkness, I'm aware you're a little clumsy, that's fine, but I really want to know how good a fighter you are. It's fine if you hold back, but go ahead and land your attack, I have armor underneath my shirt, and I have good healing, so it'll be okay. Please take this seriously." I said to her, hoping to make her take this seriously.
"Understood," she sounded miserable.
She launched another attack. Then another, and another and another. She swung at me half a dozen times and didn't connect once.
Bell and Pebble look more confused as each miss, I'm getting annoyed.
"What's wrong with Darkness?" Bell asked, Pebble looked confused at Darkness not hitting me.
After six missed attacks I stared at her.
"Are you shitting with me?" I asked, getting annoyed at this.
"N… No, while I have full confidence in my defences, my offence has always been somewhat lacking." Darkness admits,
"Lacking? I'm not even moving" I called out, annoyed at her, she hung her head.
"Maybe you shouldn't come to the dungeon" I thought out loud, shocking Darkness and Bell.
"What!? No Magnus please let me come" Darkness begs me,
"Magnus, why can't she come, you see how strong she is," Bell said, wanting to help his new member.
"Taking a hit won't help in the dungeon Bell, you know how dangerous it is down there, if she can't hold her own, we can't take her" I said to him, he knows how the dungeon works, he knows we shouldn't take her.
"But we can help her, Darkness, why can't you hit Magnus?" Bell asked her, wanting to know why the crusader can't hit me.
"Bell…a crusader defends those who can't defend themselves, I will always put myself between the enemy and who they attack" Darkness said to him, Bell looks at her in awe.
A nice statement but not a good one in the dungeon.
"That nice Darkness, but we are not defending villagers, we are attacking the dungeon to get stronger and earn valis as well" I point out, while I see her point as noble but not worth taking downstairs if she can't attack.
"Please Magnus, you can use me in any way you like. If you need me to distract our enemies by having me as a tempting target you can leave me helpless! You can even strip me first if you think that will help!" Darkness spoke with a heavy blush, making Magnus back away.
"Darkness you don't need to go such lengths, we can help you learn to attack" Bell said, not wanting to see Darkness do it, Bell she wants to go through it.
"Come on Magnus, you saw how strong she is, we can help her please" Bell begs me, Pebble does to Darkness, jumping on her shoulder, begging position too.
I sign at this, ok I have a tank that can't attack and is willing to be bait, that could work, but I rather not leave her for dead or anything, Hestia will kill me.
This is going to be exhausting.
"One day, a day in the dungeon, if you can prove your worth, I'll consider letting you stay in the party" I said to her, giving her a chance, both looking happy.
"Thank you Magnus, I swear you won't regret it" Darkness bows, as Bell looks happy.
"Don't look so happy Bell, we now need to keep an eye on her today" I point out, making him nod as Pebble looks happy.
This is going to be a long day.
LINE
Bell followed behind Magnus and Darkness, Pebble is seated on Darkness' shoulder as they make their way to the city.
Bell looks concerned for Darkness, seeing her holding Pebble.
He doesn't want Darkness to leave, she is so strong and selfless.
But Bell can see Magnus's point about the dungeon, Bell doesn't want to lose a member of their familia, as she follows up to Magnus.
"Why are we going this way?" Bell asked, seeing there going the other way.
"We ran out of Anti-Vemon, need more" Magnus said, Darkness looks interesting.
"Anti-vemon, a cure for poison?" Darkness asked, Magnus shook his head.
"Sort of, it cures the blight, but you still feel the pain" Magnus said, making Darkness smile.
"Such a potion sounds wonderful" Darkness moans, Bell looks at her.
"Why?" Bell asked her, Pebble seat on her shoulder looking at him.
"Cause it increases your resistance" Magnus points out, making Bell nod.
"Oh, right, good point Darkness" Bell nods to her, seeing her in a positive light.
Darkness is amazing, she spoke about her adventures outside the city, her fighting bandits and protecting innocents. Someone that stands against the worse to protect those that can't.
Just like the heroes in the story, Bell wished he did the same as her. Using the skill he learned to fight bandits and outside monsters, maybe he could earn more with Hestia.
And Bell doesn't want Darkness to leave.
Bell realized where they were going.
"Magnus, is this your plague doctor friend?" Bell asked, looking concerned about the plague doctors.
"Plague doctors? You know the plague doctor Magnus?" Darkness asked, making him nod.
"I learned from them, and did a few quests for them," Magnus explains to her.
"Like what?" Darkness asked, looking curious.
"Gathering herbs, gutting monsters for parts, getting roots and digging into the other parts, dealing with patients, getting infected with various diseases, giving my blood and magic harvested" Magnus explains to Bell's horror and Darkness's joy.
"Can't I join as well?" Darkness asked, blushing red, to Bell's shock.
"To ...learn howww to heal ...yeah" Darkness said, seeing Bell looking at her.
Bell can't believe Darkness is feeling to go through that to learn how to heal, Bell can't believe she could do that.
As they go into the building with a weird symbol on it.
"This is the place," Magnus said, entering the place as Bell looked scared.
"Come on" Magnus said, opening the door, Darkness turned to Bell.
"Come on Bell, we need to learn about this" Darkness asked, Pebble nodded to him, as Bell took a deep breath before entering with Darkness and Pebble.
Bell enters to see the store-like place with different potions and monster parts all over the wall and benches.
But that didn't surprise Bell, what surprised Bell was who was manning the front.
"Lord Miach?!" Bell said, seeing the god of healing Miach here.
"Oh Bell, you came here too?" Miach spoke, seeing Magnus enter with Bell, Pebble and someone else.
"What are you doing here? Where's Paracelsus?" Magnus asked, looking for the plague doctor.
"The captain is working on the construction of the Blue Pharmacy with the Goibniu Familia" , Miach said, another surprise as well.
"Captain? Paracelsus is a captain of your familia! What happened to Naaza?! Is she alright?!" Bell asked, concerned for his friend but Miach waves his hands to calm Bell down.
"Naaza is fine Bell, she is inside learning how to make medicine" Miach said with a tight smile, why doesn't Lord Miach look happy.
"NO NO, if you put too much bone and it will ruin the medicine" Abby's called out from behind the door.
"Sorry, didn't count the bones needed" Naaza's voice is heard.
"Getting scowled by Abby, she is a perfectionist" Magnus said with a smile, Miach nods.
"Yeah, Abby knows her potions, better than my last familia" Miach said looking at Darkness with Pebble on her shoulder
"Oh hello, are you with them?" Miach asked. Darkness bows her head.
"It's great to meet you lord Miach, I'm Darkness, member of the Hestia familia" Darkness said, Miach eyes widened in surprise.
"Another member, good for Hestia to get a lovely woman to join" Miach complements as Darkness blush.
"Oh, thank you my lord" Darkness said, but Magnus got his attention.
"Anyway, we need anti-vemon" Magnus said, getting a nod from Miach as he looks around.
"Ok Anti-vemon? It should be…" Miach wandered around the store, still looking unfamiliar with the place.
The door opens, revealing Paracelsus the Plague doctor.
"It's behind you Miach" Paracelsus points out, making Miach turn to see the green potion.
"Oh right" Miach said, grabbing the anti-vemon to give to Magnus.
"Thank you, here the payment" Magnus gave the valis as Paracelsus stood before them.
"So now you join a familia?" Magnus asked, getting a nod from Paracelsus.
"Miach proved to be worthy despite being a fool," Paracelsus said, making Miach smile.
"I'm not that bad Paracelsus" Miach said, rubbing his head.
"You were giving potions away for free, all that hard work for nothing" Paracelsus looks at him, making Miach look sheepish.
"Why are you a captain?" Magnus asked the plague doctor.
"Of course, once Naaza regeneration is completed we will discuss who will lead, since I already teach and run this, it is only natural I take charge, compared to some absent-minded gods" Paracelsus said, turning to Miach who smiled.
"Always the honest one captain" Miach said, nodding to her.
"You sure you're ok with the plague doctor lord Miach" Bell asked, seeing Plague doctors as bad news and now one of his friends as two of them is his familia.
"It's fine Bell, Paracelsus is a fine captain, already settling our debt and increasing the size of the Blue Pharmacy, Abby has so much energy it hard to keep up and Allyn prove to be a capably healer, they may be plague doctors, but I wouldn't replace any of them" Miach said, smiling at Paracelsus who look a little shaken by the gods' words.
Miach does seem happier with the plague doctors then Bell last saw him.
Footsteps are heard as a little Plague Doctor gives Miach a hug, to his smile.
"You're an awesome god lord Miach" Abby said hugging her god as Miach smiles, looking to see Naaza watching from the doorway with a smile.
"Hey Bell..Magnus" Naaza said, seeing the Hestia members, Pebble waves to himself.
"And you too Pebble" Naaza greets as Pebble sits down on Darkness shoulder.
"Another member?" Paracelsus asked, getting a nod from Magnus.
"Yeah this is Darkness, new member, she has great defences but also very poor attacks" Magnus points out, making Darkness moan and Bell frown sadly.
"OH so brutal" Darkness moans out, Bell gets concerned.
"Magnus you shouldn't say that" Bell said, see Darkness hurts, but she holds Bell shoulder.
"No Bell, I need to hear this, he right" Darkness nods with a heavy blush, Paracelsus turns to Magnus.
"I see you got another one with issues, now Magnus I have a quest for you" Paracelsus asked, making Magus frown.
"Not sure if we can do it today, a new girl to focus on" Magnus said, staring at Darkness who blushes at the attention.
"It won't be difficult, I need to gain excella to improve myself, the best way is to kill monsters in the dungeon, while I'm there I can gather certain material I need" Paracelsus explains the quest.
"Which floors?" Magnus asked.
"Only up to five" Paracelsus states, Bell gulps.
"But you haven't been to the dungeon, and we need to focus on Darkness" Bell points out, unsure about going to floor 5 with Darkness and Paracelsus only starting out.
"It no issue Bell, I won't hold back on this quest Plague doctor, as a Crusader I will shield you as you harvest to help heal the sick" Darkness vowed to her, getting looks of awe from everyone.
Except Magnus and Paracelsus.
"Bold words Crusader, let's hope you live long enough to back them" Paracelsus said, turning to Magnus.
"I'm no weakling, my potions are helpful and any monster's gems or loot you can keep except any items I may require for my potions" Paracelsus offers, giving the guy's skills, another member to the party and they get all the loot plus the payments the doctor is paying.
"I'll pay you 15000 Valis for the escort and back while helping me fight monsters" Paracelsus said, making Magnus think.
"What's your opinion Bell?" Magnus asked, putting Bell on the stop.
"Ahhh…well…you are paying…us and letting us haave the loottt butttt" Bell said, unsure how to work this.
"I won't hurt you or anything Bell, only heal you when necessary" Paracelsus said, Naaza steps forward.
"You should accept Bell….you get a healer and get pay either way today" Naaza offers her advice with Miach nodding as well,
"It would help us a lot, Bell and Hestia too" Miach said to him.
"We need to help the Plague doctor Bell, otherwise she can't grow stronger and can't heal others " Darkness cries out with Pebble nodding as well.
"Come one Belly, Master is the best to have by your side" Abby calls out, Bell winces at everyone looking at him.
"Ok…well do the quest" Bell said, getting a cheer from Darkness and Pebble while Magnus smirks.
"Was going to accept anyway" Magnus said, making Bell turn to him.
"Magnuss" Bell complains, as Miach, Naaza and Abby laugh at Magnus' tease.
"So cruel of you Magnus, as I expected" Darkness said looking at Magnus smirk, Pebble laughed at Bell as well.
"If we are done messing around, I'll get my equipment" Paracelsus said, heading to the back as Magnus turns to Bell.
"Why did you tease me?" Bell complains, Magnus shrugs.
"Better for you to learn to put up with your grief with Plague doctors for the Hestia familia" Magnus said, Bell spit take.
"Whattt! I'm not against Plague doctors" Bell spoke out, looking at the plague doctors in the room.
"That's great Bell, then this should work out great" Abby give a thumbs up,
"What Hestia is going to say?" Bell signs with her shoulder downs,
"I'll talk to Hestia, beside Miach already working to become one" Magnus pointed out, seeing Miach wearing the black robe of a plague doctor.
"I would prefer my own but this has more pockets and is more helpful in making potions" Miach opens his vest to show all the items and tools he has on his person.
"You need to wear the mask Lord Miach, you get sick from the sick people here" Abby scowls him with her finger making him chuckle.
"Gods don't get sick Abby" Miach points out, which is true gods and goddesses are immune to any dangerous disease, they might get minor colds but that's more exhaustion than catching a virus.
"You can still carry the disease on you" Paracelsus comes out, carrying a bag in person, with a few weapons and potions as well.
"Your immunity will carry many diseases, which is why you must wear your mask," Paracelsus said, picking up a few potions.
"Come on Paracelsus, I'm not near any patients" Miach rubs his head,
"Doesn't mean you shouldn't wear protection, who knows what you're carrying" Paracelsus scowls making Miach signs, before grabbing his mask.
Putting it on.
"How do I look?" Miach jokes, looking at them, Magnus and Darkness chuckle as does Bell, Pebble claps his hands at Miach.
"Thank you, Pebble, I do look good, don't I?" Miach jokes, getting a laugh from his own familia.
Seeing Miach wearing the bird-like mask is funnier than frightening.
"Are we ready to go?" Paracelsus asked, looking at them.
"We are come on guys, let's head to the dungeon" Magnus calls out, every one of the Hestia familia plus one Miach familia follow Magnus out the door.
Bell smiles at this, walking with Magnus followed by a blushing Darkness and Paracelsus looking at potions and Pebble jumps between everyone.
Bell feels like a real adventurer.