Bell was currently walking back to his room at the Twilight Manor. He had a letter to write to his Grandpa and had to ask Raul where his weapons were.
When he arrived back at their room, Raul was lying on his bed reading a book. Bell couldn't see the title, but it must've been something Raul was interested in.
"Yo, whatcha reading?" Bell asked.
Raul looked up from his book, and his eyes widened. "Holy shit, you're awake. When did you wake up?" Raul eagerly asked.
"A couple of hours ago. Couldn't bear being in that hospital for another minute."
Raul set his book down and walked over to his dresser. He laid down and reached his hand under it, grabbing Bell's swords and dagger from under it.
"Not the cleanest place to hide them, but nobody would think to look there first," Raul explained, handing Bell his weapons.
Bell grabbed the belt with the swords and put it around his waist, happy to feel the familiar feeling of his weapons by his side again.
"Thank you for keeping these safe for me, man. You don't know how much this means to me."
"Hey, if I had something from my parents before they died, I'd want someone to keep an eye on it if I fell into a coma. I mean, the only thing I have left are my sailing skills."
"You know how to sail?"
"Yeah, my parents were merchants. Sailed all across the world selling things. One day, a monster attacked our ship and killed everyone but me. I was stuck at sea by myself for a few days before another boat found me and rescued me."
Bell put his hand on Raul's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I'm sorry to hear that. But I'm sure your parents would be proud. I mean, you're a level four. Not many people can say that."
"Thanks, man. It's not something I really like to talk about. But you told me your secret. Only fair I tell you mine."
"Well, you didn't have to, but I appreciate the trust. Now, what happened while I was out?"
"Well, Loki had ordered most of the level fours and above to head to Melen. Something fishy's apparently going on down there. Although she might snag you along for the ride, considering you held off three Evilus heavy hitters on your own. How did you do that, by the way?"
"I wasn't lying when I said I was a good swordsman. Technique will give you better results than numbers, and I had two level nines training me most of my life."
"Still. It was pretty amazing watching you fight that zombie. He had to have been a level eight. Sorry, we got in the way."
Raul rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at the ground. He felt a little guilty for what happened to Bell.
"Eh, don't worry about that. If Alicia hadn't jumped on that guy when she did, my head wouldn't be attached to me anymore. Sure, technique works wonders, but he was five whole levels stronger than I was. Numbers catch up eventually," Bell chuckled.
Raul nodded before looking over at his book again. "I've been looking into some old stories about the Long Night. Trying to see if I can find any way we could stop it when it arrives."
"Any luck?" Bell asked.
Raul shook his head. "No, nothing. It's just stories and tales of old. All it really says is that Azhor Ahai used Lightnringer to end it. But since the stories are so old, I don't know if his story is true at all. I mean a flaming sword against an entire army of the dead. It doesn't make sense."
"Don't worry, Raul. We'll find a way to stop it. Besides, you're a smart guy. If I have you watching my back, I know we'll be fine."
Raul fidgeted in place, looking away from Bell. "Oh, I'm really not that good. Aki's a lot better than I am. She braver, smarter, and more likable than I'll ever be."
Bell smacked his chest. "Nonsense. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for. When push comes to shove, you'll show your skills. I mean, you're already trying to study our enemy. If that's not smart. I don't know what is."
Raul nervously chuckled. "Well, thanks for your words of praise. Not many people really give me that. Especially not Bete."
"Don't let other opinions of you bring you down. They don't know what you've been through and how you've grown from that. Only you do. So if that dickhead says anything, ignore him."
Raul smirked. "Easier said than done. But I'll take your advice to mind."
Bell patted Raul on the back. "Alright then. You got anything else planned for tonight, then?" Bell asked.
"Cruz and I were going to have a boy's night. We normally have these after our dungeon dive. You're welcome to join if you want."
"Sure, I'd love to. Mind if I bring my blacksmith along? He doesn't have many friends."
"Sure, more, the merrier. We're meeting at the Hostess of Fertility at six."
"Alright, I'll be there. I have something to take care of first, but I'll be there."
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Loki sat in her office, looking out her window at the city of Orario. There had been relative peace for almost 15 years.
But all of that had gone out the window with Evilus emerging from the depths of the dungeon to wreak havoc. Now Ishtar and Kali are having a secret meeting in Melen, and that didn't spell anything good.
Just one big headache for Loki in the end.
"Hey, Loki, can you update my stats?" Bell asked, barging in.
Loki jumped in her chair. Wha- where did you come from? Wait, when did you leave the hospital?!"
"Few hours ago. Sure, the nurse was pretty, but I couldn't stand being there for another minute. So what'd I miss?"
"I, uh, you're taking what happened to you pretty well. Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Kind of became desensitized to a lot of things because of my dreams. So, about updating my stats?"
Loki sighed. "Alright, shirt off and take a seat."
Bell threw his shirt off as he sat down, his back facing Loki. Loki grabbed a letter opener from her desk and pricked her finger, letting her red Ichor touch Bell's back. Her eyes widened at his stats.
Bell Cranel
Loki familia
Level 3
Strength: SS- 1500
Endurance: SSS- 1700
Dexterity: SS- 1300
Agility: SS- 1800
Magic SS- 1500
Skills:
Familial desire: The desire to protect those seen as family allows the user to grow at an accelerated rate based on his feelings for those he sees as family
Analysis: Allows user to analyze any weapon or person and see a weakness. Be cautious of its use
Swordsmanship: SS
Development ability:
Abnormal resistance: A
Magic:
Flames: Chantless magic used to set things on fire. Passed down from the father
Ice: Chantless magic used to freeze things. Passed down from mother
"Damn, you must've really got the shit knocked out of you if your endurance stat is this high. Are you absolutely certain you're alright?"
Bell nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. Airmid's magic healed me a lot. All I'll have from this incident is a scar on my leg from that cursed sword."
Loki patted his back. "Alright, if you say so. But I think you should level up. Is that something you want to do?"
Bell nodded again. "Yeah, I think it's about time. Besides, you'll need all the help you can get in Melen."
Loki chucked as she began updating Bell's falna. "I'm guessing Raul told you about that mission?"
"He did. What you'd think I'd let you leave me here if people needed help?"
"I wouldn't dream of it. I was told how you willingly laid down your weapons and let yourself take a beating to save those three. It's a very admirable trait to have. Alfia raised you well."
"Well, she wasn't the only one. But I was taught to always save the girls. I bet you can guess who taught me that part."
Loki chuckled. "Yeah, sounds like Zeus. That all he taught you?"
"Heh, oh no. I know all about women and how to please them. What to do if one's angry and how to make one putty in your hands. He was very thorough in his teachings."
"Huh, surprised Alfia didn't kill him."
"Because we had the lessons in secret. She doesn't know I learned any of that stuff from him."
Loki finished leveling up Bell and copied his status on a piece of paper. "Well, don't let Alfia find out about that tidbit of information. Or else she will kill Zeus."
Bell Cranel
Loki familia
Level 4
Strength: I-0
Endurance: I-0
Dexterity: I-0
Agility: I-0
Magic I-0
Skills:
Familial desire: The desire to protect those seen as family allows the user to grow at an accelerated rate based on his feelings for those he sees as family
Analysis: Allows user to analyze any weapon or person and see a weakness. Be cautious of its use
Swordsmanship: SS
Development ability:
Abnormal resistance: A
Magic:
Flames: Chantless magic used to set things on fire. Passed down from the father
Ice: Chantless magic used to freeze things. Passed down from mother
"Wow, level four. It feels weird seeing that."
"Well, get used to it, Mr, almost a first tier. Pretty soon, you'll be a level five."
Bell smiled before standing up and putting his shirt on. "Well, I'm off. Thanks for updating my stats. Have a good night, Loki."
Bell left the office a little faster than normal, thanks to his level-up. Loki just watched with a small smile of her own.
"Childlike innocence. It never gets old seeing that."
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"Yo Welf open up," Bell said, banging on the door to his forge.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Welf grumbled as he stumbled to the door.
He pushed the door open and looked tiredly at Bell. But all exhaustion went away when he realized Bell was standing in front of him.
"Holy shit, You're awake. When did you wake up?"
"Today, but that doesn't matter. Are you busy?" Bell asked, waving the question off.
"Uh, no, I already finished up what I had to do."
"Good, you're coming with me, and we're going drinking."
"Um, ok, is anyone else gonna be there?" Welf nervously asked.
"Yeah, some guys from the Loki familia that I partied with. Which you're technically partied with, too, because I'm dragging you along with me. So we're gonna go meet them. Or you are. Whatever, let's just go."
Welf didn't have a chance to respond before being dragged away by Bell.
"So where are Met and Silver?" Welf asked after Bell let him go.
"Oh, they're with Alfia for the day. She said those two rarely left the hospital, so she's taking them around the city to get them some treats."
Welf looked at Bell, confused. "What does a dragon eat for a treat?"
"Anything. Just throw something edible at him, and he'll eat it."
"So he's a glutton?"
"Yup. The little guy is gonna be massive when he grows up. Won't be able to bring him with us to the dungeon when that happens."
"It's gonna be hard to imagine him not fitting on my shoulder anymore. What about Met? Will she grow any bigger?"
"Gods, I hope not. She'd be as tall as a Minotaur if she stood on her hind legs. Don't need to imagine her being any bigger."
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After a short while of walking, Bell and Welf arrived at the Hostess of Fertility, where they saw Raul and Cruz sitting by the bar.
"Hey, Bell over here," Raul waved.
Cruz's head couldn't have spun around quicker at Bell's name being called.
"Holy shit, you woke up!" Cruz smacked Raul in the shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me he woke up!"
Raul chuckled as Bell and Welf sat down. "I wanted it to be a surprise. So surprise"
Cruz elbowed Raul in the ribs. "Dick"
Cruz then looked at Welf incredulously. "So, who's your friend?"
Bell gestured to Welf. "This here is Welf. He's my blacksmith buddy I told you about. Welf, this is Cruz and Raul."
Raul and Cruz both waved to the nervous Welf.
"Pleasure to have you. Don't be too scared of us," Raul greeted.
"No, be terrified. I'm a big scary monster," Cruz exaggerated.
Welf let out a nervous chuckle when a waitress appeared at the bar. She had bluish-gray hair that she kept tied with a small knot in a ponytail. Her eyes are the same color as her hair, and she has light peachy-colored smooth skin. She was dressed in a green maid outfit, which all the waitresses seemed to wear.
"Hello, my name is Syr Flova, and I'll be your waitress today. Raul, Cruz, who are your new friends?"
Cruz threw his arm around Bell. "This right here is Bell. Now, no need to brag, but he's a hero."
"Oh? How so?" Syr asked, putting a finger to her chin.
"Well, he fought up multiple high-ranking Evilus members during the attack a few days ago. But Raul has the juicy story."
Cruz gestured for Raul to speak, and he did so. "When we arrived to help Bell, we were more in his way. We got taken hostage by the other two, and Bell was told to take a beating or else they'd kill us. So Bell put his swords down and took the beating like a champ."
"Don't forget I taunted the guy," Bell added.
"Can't forget that"
"Oh well, what level was he?"
"At the time, I was level three. The other people were a level five. A level six and a level eight," Bell explained.
"Oh my, that's quite a feat. Are you alright now? No lasting injuries?" Syr asked, worry in her voice.
"Oh yeah, I just got out of the hospital earlier today."
"Which he didn't tell anyone about. No one else knows he got discharged," Raul added.
"Yeah, who cares about that? Anyway, to reward Bell's actions, Raul and I are paying for his food and drink. So go crazy, Bell!" Cruz cheered.
"Now, wait a minute."
"Shut up, Raul."
Bell chuckled as Syr kept looking at him. Bell didn't notice, but Syr's gaze was drawn to him the moment he and Welf entered the bar.
His snow-white hair and boyish face made her find the boy very cute. He carried himself like an experienced fighter yet had a look of wanderlust in his eyes.
"So what can I get for you to be started on," Syr asked, holding a notepad.
"I'll have a fish filet with an ale," Bell answered.
"I'll have some wings and a whiskey," Welf added.
"Alright, I'll get that ready for you. Don't worry about your friends. They already ordered."
Bell thanked Syr, and she walked off to the kitchen. Cruz leaned in and smirked at Bell.
"So what do you think of Syr?" He asked in a teasing tone.
"She seems nice and caring. Oh, she's also pretty cute too."
"Ah, pretty cute, you say," Cruz teased.
"Yup. Her eyes are really pretty as well. Oh, and she has a nice smile."
"What else?"
Raul and Welf watched the situation unfold with amusement.
Bell put his hand to his chin. "Hmm, she kind of reminds me of spring. I don't know why, but her personality just seems to radiate it."
"Any else you want to comment on?"
Bell shook his head. "No, not really. Why is there anything else I should say?"
Cruz just chucked before downing his ale. "Nah, there's nothing else you gotta say. But enough talking tonight, we drink."
The night continued on as Welf grew more comfortable around Raul and Cruz. He talked to them about blacksmithing, and the group let him ramble about what he was passionate about. Bell told the group about his level-up, and they cheered.
Once the food arrived, another cheer was let out, and more conversation took place.
"Alright, Bell. How, how many upper-level adventures do you think you could take at once?" Cruz burped, slightly drunk.
"Hmm, let's see. I could take a dozen level fives. A few level sixes. A couple of level sevens and one level eight. Now, with the level eight, it'd be a coin toss if I'd win."
"Wait, so you mean to say at level four, it'd be a coin toss against a level eight for you? How come?" Raul asked, his face slightly flushed.
"Well, I have a few skills specially made for combat. One example is my eyes. If I can see them, I can react and look at their weaknesses. Another is my swordsmanship, and the fact I've gotten my ass kicked over 2,000 times by two-level nines. Everything else seems minuscule."
"Man, I'm glad you're on our side. I would not want to fight you," Welf muttered.
Bell then gave the group a playful smirk.
"Oh, he's messing with us," Raul complained.
Bell started laughing as groans and cures were let out.
"OK, be serious, Bell. If you were stuck in a room with level fives, would you win?" Cruz asked, pointing at Bell.
Bell nodded. "Level fives, yes."
"What about a room full of level sixes?" Raul asked.
"Would be a bit more testy, but I'd win."
"What about level sevens?" Welf asked.
"Nah, they'd overwhelm me. If it were one or two, I'd have a slim chance at winning but a roomful, and I'd get my ass beat."
"And level eight is where we draw the line?" Cruz asked.
"Level eight is I'd either stall for time and wait for Alfia to help me. Or I'd run like hell. Either way, I'm not taking one on by myself and winning."
"Ok, but two level sevens and you could win. What are the odds?" Raul asked.
"About a 25 percent win rate. Which means I'll need luck to be on my side, such as they're exhausted or a brand new level seven. Or they're the type to play with their food, giving me time to come up with a plan. All in all, it's luck and chance that I'll win."
"Yeah, but we can't do that, so it's badass to us," Cruz deadpanned.
"Yeah, you're kinda a special case here, Bell," Welf added.
"Not really. My aunt could spar with her captain and win at level seven."
"Ok, she doesn't count because she's a literal incarnation of talent," Welf said.
"Oh, and what does that make me?" Bell asked, quirking an eyebrow.
Cruz snapped his fingers and pointed at Bell. "A reincarnation of talent"
Bell groaned and rolled his eyes. "That sounded so cheesy."
"What, come on, it has a nice ring to it."
"It sounds so corny, though," Bell groaned, putting his head on the bar.
Welf patted his back. "Was it a good idea to let Bell get wasted after just getting out of the hospital? Like he hasn't even been out a full twelve hours."
Bell groaned again and lifted his head back up. Only to fall off his stool and onto the ground.
"Alright, let's get him home. Welf, you good enough to make it back to your place?" Raul asked, throwing Bell's arm over his shoulder.
"Yeah, I should be good. I'm only a little tipsy. Thanks for having me."
"No problem, we should do this again after we come back from our mission," Cruz said, paying for everyone.
"Well, good luck. Come back safe," Welf said, waving goodbye. He stumbled down the street but made it home safely in the end.
With the other three, Raul and Cruz had to drag Bell home as he refused to use his legs. Syr giggled at the sight as she watched them leave.
"Ha, he's so cute. Like an adorable little rabbit. We'll see each other again soon, Bell."
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Cruz and Raul were currently carrying Bell up the stairs at the Twilight Manor. They had been dragging him the whole time.
"Damnit, Bell, will you use your legs?" Cruz complained.
"Mr legs don't wanna work."
"Ugh, we really should've thought this through."
"Well, at least he had fun. That's all that matters, right?" Raul asked.
"You call hauling his drunk ass back fun?"
"Hey, screw you dog boy. You and your little ears and tail."
"My ears and tail aren't little!"
"Cruz, quiet. It's the middle of the night," Raul hushed.
"Hello, boys. Care to explain why Bell is drunk?" Alfia asked, appearing out of nowhere.
The two let out less than manly screams and almost dropped Bell.
"Oh uh, well, you see, it's um. It's all Raul's fault."
"Dude"
Alfia gave Raul an icy glare. "Raul, care to explain why Bell is drunk."
Raul gulped. His body shaking as he answered. "Well, Cruz and I have a guy's night every so often, as our party is mostly girls. I told Bell about it, and he and Welf joined us, and uh, Bell kept drinking since Cruz was paying for his drinks as thanks for saving our lives."
"So you let him drink as much as he wanted when he hasn't even been out of the hospital for 12 hours?!"
Cruz and Raul were shaking in fear as Alfia started them down.
"Alfia, calm down. The ale was tasty, and the waitress was cute *hic* besides, I'm not hurt," Bell muttered.
Alfia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose before grabbing Bell. "You two off to bed. I'll overlook this incident tonight because it's late, and you let Bell experience a guy's night. But next time, monitor his drinking. Got it!"
Raul and Cruz quickly nodded and scurried off, leaving Bell hanging off of Alfia. She sighed and started dragging Bell to her room.
"I'm keeping an eye on you tonight. You're lucky I'm not kicking your ass right now. The hangover will do that to you tomorrow," Alfia muttered.
"Eh, there's three of you. Which one is the real one?"
Alfia rolled her eyes and pushed open the door to her room. Bell giggled at the wallpaper.
"This can't be your room. It's too girly for you. All pink and shiny."
Alfia tossed him on the bed before setting a trash can next to him. She crawled in and laid behind him, her back facing the wall.
"If you're gonna throw up, do it in the trash can," She ordered.
Bell's mumbling was incoherent as he drifted off to sleep. Alfia sighed in annoyance.
"Honestly, getting drunk right after the hospital. What possessed you to be so dumb?"
No answer came as Bell soundly slept, his hair a mess but his breathing steady.
"Well, you'll regret your drinking in the morning. Maybe then you'll learn to pace yourself."
Alfia then turned over and went to sleep herself.
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"You guys look awful," Aki said, rubbing Raul's back.
"Yeah, how much did you guys have last night?" Narvi asked, doing the same to Cruz.
"Uh, the light hurts," Raul groaned, his head against the table.
"Oh gods, this sucks. Hangovers are the worst."
"I thought the two of you knew how to pace yourself. What happened?" Alicia asked.
"We met up with Bell's blacksmithing friend and invited him along. Had a lot of fun with that guy."
"I wonder how he's feeling. He drank more than us," Raul said.
"Morning everyone. Man, you guys look terrible," Bell greeted, taking his seat next to Alicia.
Alicia, Aki, and Narvi all looked at Bell with widened eyes.
"How are you not hungover?"
"You were so drunk you couldn't stand."
"I don't know, but I'm glad I'm not going through what you guys are. Anyway, what's for breakfast?"
The table was silent as Bell looked around and saw the girls staring at him.
"Oh yeah, I'm awake, by the way."
"Yeah, we can see that. When did that happen?" Aki asked.
"Yesterday"
"And you didn't come by and tell us?!" Alicia screeched.
"Yeah, I went drinking like right after I woke up. Whoops"
Alicia's eyebrow twitched, and her face was turning red from anger. Seeing this, Narvi and Aki covered the ears of Raul and Cruz in preparation.
"Whoops? Whoops? Do you have any idea how concerned I was about you?! Being forced to watch as you took a beating that should've killed you! Hearing your bones break and your face be covered in blood. Watching your broken body lay in that hospital bed unmoving, and then when you do get out of the hospital, you don't tell anyone, and all you have to say is, whoops?" Alicia yelled.
Everyone in the cafeteria turned their attention to the commotion and waited with bated breath to see how Bell would deal with the angry elf.
Bell stared at Alicia and let his brain soak in her words. "You're right. I apologize. I should've come and told you I was released from the hospital. Especially you because had you not jumped in when you did, I would most likely be dead. So thank you for your help, and I apologize for my actions."
Alicia leaned back, not expecting an apology or to be thanked for her help. She was a little caught off guard.
"Oh, um, well, just don't let it happen again, alright," She sternly answered.
Bell gave her a thumbs up. "Got it. Now, where are Met and Silver? They should be around here somewhere."
Bell looked around the cafeteria, not being able to see either of them.
"Eh, screw it."
Bell put his fingers to his lips and let out a whistle. A few seconds later, he heard running footsteps and wings flapping.
Met skidded to a halt right next to Bell's legs while Silver landed on his shoulder. Bell reached down and pet Met.
"There you two are. Have you been exploring the manor?" Bell asked.
Met barked and nodded while Silver chirped in agreement.
"Alright, well, stay by my side so I can keep an eye on you."
Narvi and Aki took the hands off Cruz and Raul's ears since the shouting was done.
"Are they done?" Raul asked.
"Yes, Raul, they're done," Aki answered.
"Thanks for covering my ears, Narvi."
Narvi said nothing and just patted Cruz's back.
"Anyway, I don't think I've met you yet. My name's Bell nice to meet you," Bell greeted.
"I'm Narvi. Nice to meet you as well. Hopefully, we'll get along."
Bell smiled and nodded. "Alright, now I'm hungry. Let's go see what's for breakfast."
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Two days later, the group was heading to Melen by carriage. They could've easily walked as it was only three kilometers away from Orario, but Loki said they were taking a carriage.
Alfia had to stay behind as a liaison between Hearthome and Orario as she had to organize the travel of the stone masons between the two settlements.
Bell had yet to read the letter from his grandfather saying he'd do it when he got back from Melen so he'd have more stories to recount for him.
He knew his Grandpa would like the situation he was in now, even if Bell wasn't fully comfortable with it.
"How in the hell did I get placed in a carriage full of girls? Damnit, Loki, this was your plan, wasn't it?"
Bell was currently sitting in a carriage with two Amazon twins. An orange-haired elf. A jade-haired high elf. A blonde human that had no emotion on her face, and Loki herself.
The rest of the group was in the second carriage behind them. The carriage that just so happened to have all of his friends and Met. Silver was with him on his shoulder.
"I'm so smart. Bell will be attracted to my girls and won't want to leave my familia. Then I can take the first place spot with his extraordinary skills," Loki thought with a devilish smirk.
"I don't wanna be here," Bell thought, looking out the window. He watched as the grassy fields blow in the wind, not paying any attention to the people in the carriage.
Silver nudged Bell on the head and gestured to the window. "What, you wanna stretch your wings, buddy?"
Silver nodded his head and gestured to the window again. Bell opened the window and motioned for Silver to fly out.
Silver let out a happy chirp before jumping out the window and flying above the carriage.
"Hey, hey, white hair, white hair. Where'd you get the dragon?" Tiona happily asked.
"Tiona, he has a name, you know?" Tione said.
"I know, but I can't remember it. Hey, white hair, what's your name?" Tiona asked.
"Bell, and I found Silver's egg when I was seven. He hatched when I was twelve."
"Uh huh, uh huh! But where did you find the egg?"
"In the middle of the forest, in this strange black container that was warm to the touch. Probably shouldn't have taken the egg out, but I was a dumb seven-year-old."
"And why can you use the dragon? Why does it respond to your call?" The orange-haired elf asked with an attitude.
"Because I'm a Targaryen, and you should watch the tone if you know what's good for you," Bell answered.
Lefiya gritted her teeth, but Riveria raised her hand, stopping the elf. "I do apologize for my student, but I do ask you don't threaten her."
Bell kept looking out the window, not paying her any mind. "I made no such threat. I merely stated she should keep her attitude in check. Cause one day she'll do that to the wrong person, and I don't need to explain what will happen."
"Eh, don't listen to Lefiya. She's just jealous about you holding off high-ranking Evilus members and taking attention away from Ais," Loki said.
Bell rolled his eyes while Lefiya blushed in embarrassment.
"And what about you, blondie? You've been staring at me this whole time," Bell said, looking back in the carriage.
Ais was quiet for a minute as she kept her gaze locked on Bell. Her eyes held no emotion. Her face was the same. She looked like a rock to Bell.
"You should get rid of your dragon. They're evil creatures and need to be put down."
Bell's hand quickly shot to the hilt of his sword, causing the others to grab their weapons as well.
"You wanna repeat that? I don't think I heard you correctly," Bell growled.
Loki's hand rested on Bell's, and she pointed at Ais. "Ais, be quiet, and Bell, stay calm. No one needs to be hurt over some words."
"Words, Loki! She just threatened my dragon! A part of my family! She's lucky Alfia didn't hear her. She's lucky my sword isn't already out of its sheathe."
"I know, Bell, and I'm asking you to leave it there. Ais has her problems with dragons just like you have problems with, you know what?"
"What she lose her parents to them or something? Guess what? I lost a majority of my family to one, too, and you don't see me taking my sword to Silver's head just because he's a dragon, do you?"
"Bell, I am asking you to calm down. Can you please do that for me?" Loki asked, her eyes open a sliver and still keeping her hand on Bell's.
Bell clicked his tongue before letting go of his sword. "Fine. But if she says something like that again, I'm cutting her hand off, and I'm not kidding."
Loki let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Bell. Ais, keep your mouth shut about killing his dragon. The rest of you keep your mouths shut about what happened in here. I don't need distrust being sewn because of someone's loose lips."
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Out in the middle of the ocean, a boat bearing the crest of Kali sailed. It was a big ship with black sails meant for carrying cargo across the world.
However, Kali and her familia confiscated it to make their journey to Melen. Sitting atop a makeshift throne, the goddess Kali watched as the sea went by her.
Kali was a goddess with long red hair that is a color similar to fresh blood. With brown skin and a revealing outfit like the members of her Familia, along with a necklace made of bones, and a mask with fangs. She was skinnier than most people, but she didn't seem to mind.
"Argana, how much longer til we reach Melen?" Kali asked.
Argana was an Amazon with long, sand-colored hair and brown skin. She is wearing a revealing outfit. With a red skirt-like piece of clothing
"12 hours, lady Kali. We should reach the port by sunset," Argana answered.
"Good, and has Ouranus and Loki received word of us coming?"
"They have my lady. The trap should be set."
Kali cruelly smirked. "Good. Good. Soon, our familia will have two new level sixes in our mix. Let's make sure they're welcomed back Amazon style."
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"Hmm, this is a nice place," Raul said, looking at the beach.
"Boy, I'll say. Hey Bell, I bet this is your first time seeing women in bikinis. I'm guessing you don't have any beaches in Hearthome?"
"You should know the answer to that. But wow. I'm not forgetting this sight anytime soon," Bell answered.
Cruz let out a chuckle before Bell felt a strong arm clasp his back. He looked up and saw Gareth staring down at him.
"Don't stare for too long, lad, else you'll be called a creep. You don't want that happening, do ya?"
Bell shook his head. "Nope, that would suck. Although I'm not really sure how to react. This is my first time seeing something like this."
Gareth let out a laugh before patting Bell on the back. "Don't worry about it. As long as you don't make your staring creepy, you should be fine. I, of course, won't be looking at any of them cause I'm an old man. Don't need creep added on to that title."
Gareth let go of Bell, walked to the ocean, and jumped in. A big splash was seen before Gareth's face was seen above water again.
"So Raul, you have the fishing gear?" Cruz asked.
"Yup, right here," Raul said, holding the rods and buckets of bait.
"Nice. Alright, it looks like we're catching dinner tonight," Cruz cheered.
The three boys walked off to another side of the beach and away from the girls. All their splashing around would scare the fish away. Bell had left Met and Silver back with the carriages, but he told Silver to be wary of Ais.
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The girls watched as Bell, Cruz, and Raul walked to a small pier a little bit away from them. They could still hear and see them, but it was far enough away that it wouldn't scare the fish off.
"Look at them. Instead of swimming and having fun, they decide to go fishing. What is wrong with them? Don't they see how we're dressed?" Aki complained, her hands on her hips.
"Ugh, exactly like hello, Cruz. I want you to look at me," Narvi complained.
Alicia remained quiet, and the two women looked at her teasingly. "Oh, Alica. You wouldn't happen to want a certain rabbit to look this way, would you?" Aki asked.
Alicia's face flushed red with embarrassment. "N-no, I just t-thought I'd go swimming with you all."
"Uh huh, sure. You're not hoping for, oh, I don't know, Bell to see your womanly charms? So he'll see you more as a woman than a teammate?" Narvi asked.
Alicia's face turned even more red, and she shook her head, not trusting her voice.
"Alright, we'll believe you. Besides, they'll look at us sooner or later. Well, I have something to keep Raul's attention on me," Aki said.
"I have nothing for Cruz, but I have a feeling that if I'm around him enough, he'll notice me."
Alicia remained quiet and watched as the boys were fishing in lawn chairs they acquired from somewhere.
The day slowly passed by, with the girls having fun playing while Gareth swam up and down the beach. Bell, Raul, and Cruz remained on the pier and continued fishing.
"I wonder what they're talking about over there?" Alicia wondered. She was currently sitting on a towel enjoying a sun tan.
"Probably guy stuff. Like how many push-ups they can do or how many chickens they can fight at one time," Aki answered, doing the same as Alicia.
"Or making a bet that requires them to do something stupid," Narvi added.
They continued watching the boys, wondering what was going through their minds.
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"Who do you think can annoy the women the most without getting hit?" Bell asked.
"Like, are we talking about being timed, or how many of them we can annoy at once?" Cruz asked.
"How long you would last before they smack you?" Bell answered.
"I'd have to say Raul. They wouldn't even notice what he's doing for like a good 20 minutes."
"Oh, and why do you say that?" Raul asked.
"Cause you're too timid to be annoying. Well, you'd annoy Bete, but no one really cares what he says."
"The more and more I hear about this Bete guy, the more of a dick he sounds," Bell said.
"Trust us, you don't wanna talk with him. He's the type of guy to think strength is everything. Real douche bag if you know what I mean. Ever since he got to level six, it's like his douchebag levels have skyrocketed."
"Man, I hate people like that. Hey, Raul want me to knock him down a peg. It'd be pretty humiliating for him to get his ass kicked by a level four."
Raul shook his head. "No, I'm good. I don't want to cause any trouble."
Bell shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, but if I see him doing it, it's no holds barred."
Raul didn't say anything, and the three kept fishing for a few more minutes before Bell stood up.
"Alright, let's make this interesting. Raul, hand me my dagger," Bell asked.
Raul unsheathed the dagger from Bell's belt that was laid down on the pier and handed it to Bell.
"So what are you proposing?" Raul asked.
"Simple, we each take turns jumping in and snagging a fish. Whoever catches the least has to cut and cook them."
"And you plan to catch a fish with your bare hands?" Raul asked.
Bell nodded before taking his shirt off. "Yup. We each get one breath to catch a fish. After you come up for air, your turn is over. Now watch and learn, boys."
Bell put the handle of his dagger in his mouth before jumping off the pier and into the sea. When he opened his eyes, he saw a colorful array of coral and fauna. Multiple species of fish swam around him, all colored differently.
Bell grabbed the handle of his dagger and remained still. He patiently waited until a fish got close to investigate him before grabbing it and stabbing it. He swam back up and gasped for air, holding the dead fish up in victory.
"And that is how it's done, gentleman."
"Alright, alright, just get back on the pier," Cruz muttered.
"Show off"
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"Oh, looks like something interesting is happening with the boys," Aki said, tapping Narvi's arm.
The three turned their attention to the pier and watched Bell take his shirt off. His locket and rabbit pendant hung off his necklace and were pressed up against his chest.
"Damn Alicia, you sure know how to choose them," Ali commented.
"Wonder what's in his locket, though?" Narvi wondered.
Alicia watched Bell, her face burning bright red. Sure, she thought he was cute and resembled a rabbit. But she didn't expect him to be ripped underneath his clothing.
Her heart skipped a beat when Bell put the dagger in his mouth.
"Woah. Hey Alicia, you good over there. You're bright red," Aki teased.
Alicia buried her face in her hands and heard a splash of water in the distance. She could already feel the teasing pokes of Aki's tail.
"Hey. Hey Alicia."
"What?" she groaned.
"You don't have to be ashamed if you like Bell. He seems like a good person."
Alicia's head shot up, and she started at Aki with wide eyes.
"W-what n-no I-I don't like Bell like that. H-he's t-too young for me"
"Don't talk about age. You're an elf." Narvi complained.
Alicia grumbled and covered her face again.
"And that is how it's done, gentleman," Bell cheered.
"Oh, they're having a fishing competition."
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The day dragged on, and after a while, the boys packed up their fishing gear and put it back with the carriages. Bell gave Met a few pets before walking back onto the beach.
"So, looks like you're cooking us dinner tonight, Raul," Bell cheered.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just hope I don't burn them."
"You do, and I'll beat your ass."
"Don't worry, Silver will help you cook them. Now, let's get you ready to cook."
Bell whistled, and Silver flew down and landed on Bell's shoulder. But before the cooking could start, however, a loud crash was heard from the ocean.
The group looked out at sea and saw the sunset and a ship on the horizon. But they also saw a giant sea creature floating dead above the water.
"Shit looks like the twins ran into Kali before she arrived," Loki said.
"Want me to go and help?" Bell asked, grabbing his sword belt.
"No, they're coming back now. But keep your weapons close. Who knows what'll happen in the coming days."
Bell nodded and secured his belt around his waist. "Well, boys, look like fun time is over."
"Damn, and here I was looking forward to eating some fish. Looks like you got lucky, Raul."
"I'd rather cook the fish than fight some amazons. But it looks like we got no choice."
Gareth appeared behind the boys, his body dripping wet. "Stay close to each other. Don't let them get you alone, no matter what."
The three nodded before everyone packed up and headed back to the Njord familia's headquarters, where they were staying.
They would be in for a long couple of days.
Well, another chapter has come and gone. This one is probably pretty boring as it was talking and romance stuff, but fighting will come soon.
Anyway hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time.