Bell POV
"You were not kidding when you said the dungeon doesn't play nice with you," Welf said as we exited the dungeon.
"Yeah that monster party on the 9th floor was fun though"
"It was, wonder how much Excila I got"
"Should've been there the first time he went in the dungeon and got his ass kicked by a Minotaur on the third floor" Regis said.
"Really that must've sucked. Was probably that monster party the Loki familia let run amuck"
"But Astraea's kids saved me," I said.
"The Loki familia and Astraea familia are friendly with each other"
"Is that because they were one of the main forces in the dark ages?" I asked.
"Yeah along with the Freya familia and the Ganesha familia. Those four familia's ended the dark ages" Welf answered. We walked in silence for a few moments before I picked the conversation back up.
"So Welf I noticed your mana core is light orange what type of magic do you have," I asked.
"Got fire and water magic along with a deviant magic as well"
"Oh, and what magic would that be," I asked.
"I can use metal as well"
"Wow ironic that a blacksmith can use metal magic" I joked. He chuckled and gave me a playful shove. We then arrived at the crossroads separating our two districts.
"So same time tomorrow," I asked.
"Can't man gotta help Hephaestus run a stand Tomorrows monsterphila remember"
"Oh yeah that's right Miach mentioned something about that"
"So I'll catch you later man," Welf said waving goodbye.
"Yeah. Hey maybe we'll see each other tomorrow"
"Maybe"
Regis and I then began our walk back to the blue pharmacy. "You ok Bell" Regis asked.
"Yeah I'm fine just thinking"
"About what"
"I don't know my thoughts are all jumbled"
"You're thinking about the Loki and Freya familia aren't you," he asked.
"Yeah. I mean are they really as bad as we think if they helped these people" I asked.
"I can't answer that you need to find out yourself. Sure Zeus and Alfia told you what happened but you haven't gotten to know either them or their familia's people can change" Regis said. I didn't reply I just kept thinking. Are they really that bad? I mean they did keep Orario safe during the dark ages. But then again Orario is their home so they could've done it for that selfish reason.
"Bell it's best not to think about it right now. Besides if you come up with an answer what exactly will you do you're not strong enough to take on either familia by yourself"
"I know Regis it's. It's just confusing"
"I know Bell I know"
We didn't say anything for the rest of the walk and we arrived at the blue pharmacy looking bigger than it did before. I walked into the shop and noticed that it had been expanded. "Ah, Bell welcome back as you can see we've expanded a bit," Miach said.
"Did you expand into the building next door?" I asked setting my bow down.
"We did you should have a room by tomorrow or the day after," Miach said a gentle smile on his face.
"Did you get Regis his doggy bed" I joked. Miach lightly chuckled at that. Regis said nothing but I could hear him growling.
"Hey, Bell what are your plans tomorrow," Miach asked.
"I don't have anything planned since Welf is helping his goddess run a stand for tomorrow" I replied.
"Alright because I was wondering if you would like to help me run our stand tomorrow while Nazha runs the shop"
"Yeah it's fine with me wanna use Regis as an attraction," I asked.
"Hey I'm not some circus clown you can use for money," Regis said.
"I'll use the money to buy you treats"
"Fuck off you're not tempting me" he paused "fine but they better be the good kind"
"Well, that was easier than I thought," I thought to myself. The rest of the day passed by quickly. Since Miach was expanding into the next building he had closed the shop for a few days. He had said he was gonna expand the available items that he sold. Like spices for food, beauty products, and a few other items. I thought it was a good idea seeing as with a bigger catalog he could attract more customers.
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"Fuck you're fast for a kid," Allen said panting as we all sat under the cheery tree that sat atop a hill overlooking the cabin. We had just finished up a game of tag.
"Allen don't swear in front of the child" Anya scolded.
"Oh uh, sorry kid," Allen said sitting down.
"It's ok Regis says stuff like that all the time," I said.
We sat in silence watching the sunset. A gentle breeze blew on the wind. Allen laid his head on Anya as she laid her head on his shoulder. While I was laying my head on Anya's lap.
"Kids it's time for dinner" Zeus yelled from the bottom of the hill.
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I woke up and smiled sadly. I missed them dearly. It had been nearly eight years since I last saw them.
"I know that look in your eyes. We'll find them" Regis said.
"I know it's just gonna take a while," I said getting off the couch. Today was monsterphila so Miach and I had gotten up earlier than usual. I put on a black shirt with long brown pants. I grabbed my knife and put the sheath on my belt out of sight but easy to grab.
"Well I see you're ready," Miach said as he came downstairs.
"Well you said we have to get up early to get a good spot"
"Yeah, come on let's pick up breakfast on the way I know a place"
"Will they even be open?" I asked following him out the door.
"I know the owner trust me you'll like the food" we walked down the street the early morning fog still on the street. We kept walking until we came upon the hostess of fertility. "Oh I passed this place a couple of days ago when I got my armor," I said. Miach walked up and knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal a dwarf woman. She has brown eyes and long brown hair. She wears a different colored version of the Hostess of Fertility uniform than the others.
"Yeah what do ya want Miach," she asked.
"I'd like to order some breakfast to go please I'll pay well Mia," he said tossing her a sack of valis.
"Now you're talking my langue," she said feeling the weight of the sack. "Who's the kid"
"Oh this is my new child Bell and his bond Regis"
She looked at me and squinted her eyes a bit almost like she was looking for something. She looked me up and down and then looked at Regis. Before she turned back to Miach and ushered us inside.
"Well Miach seems like you've got a problem child and boy wonders dog," she said walking behind the counter. I slowly and quietly started reaching for my knife. "Don't reach for the knife kid I won't hurt you" she said.
"Bell it's alright she's trustworthy," Miach said putting a hand on my shoulder. "How does she know Miach"
"Cause you're not the only one who's related to Arthur kid"
I looked at Miach and he gave me a knowing smile. "You brought me here on purpose didn't you," I asked him. He said nothing and still kept that smile.
"So I'm directly related to him on my dad's side how are you related to him"
"His sister was my grandma. Which would technically make us cousins. I think I'm not really sure" she said. I was in shock I looked at Regis and he gave me a surprised look back.
"I uh I don't know what to say really I didn't expect to meet someone else related to him," I said shaking my head.
"Then don't say anything but just know your secret is safe with me," Mia said as she placed a bag of food on the counter. "We're family after all," she said sliding the bag to us. "No get outta here we're closed," she said pushing us out the door.
Mia POV
Huh, so that's Materia's brat. Looks just like her minus the eyes. Well, let's see how long he'll be peaceful before Freya sets her eyes on him if she already hasn't.
"Who was that mama Mnya" Anya said as she walked down the stairs rubbing her eyes.
"No one Anya now go and get dressed we need to get ready for today"
Bell POV
"Well that was a surprise," Regis said walking down the street.
"Regis how come you didn't know about this," I asked. I was still trying to wrap my mind around all of this. "I was always at his side so I guess I never really paid attention to Ellie," he said. We then arrived at our stand. Which was near the plaza next to the arena and saw Nahza waiting there for us.
"I assume it all went well," she said giving Miach a kiss on the cheek.
"It did and here's breakfast for you. Thank you for holding this spot for us" he said handing her one of the biscuits Mia made.
"It seems as if you broke Bell dear," she said giggling. She was right I was still trying to wrap my mind around this.
"He'll wake up eventually" Miach joked.
"We're talking about this when we get home for now we need to work," I said trying to distract myself.
The day went by slowly. Since we had woken up so early practically no one was on the streets. So it was easy to set up. But the downside was we had to wait a while before people were on the streets.
"So how long did you plan that for," I asked him.
"Since you arrived. Let me guess caught you off guard"
"Yeah didn't expect to meet another family member. So thanks" Miach gave me a gentle smile before ruffling my hair. "Well, you've done so much for me and Nahza without expecting anything in return. So I decided to return the favor"
We then sat there for another hour or so having idle chatter with Regis sleeping under the stall. He was grumpy that he had to wake up so early. Wait does he even need sleep?
"You know I expected the streets to be packed by now," I said turning to Miach.
"Bell we got up at 4:00 AM give it a little time" Miach chuckled. So I did and lo and behold the streets were packed not even five minutes later.
"I don't wanna hear it," I said to Miach before hearing him chuckle. It was around 7:00 AM so adventurers were out and about trying to get into the dungeon as early as possible. Since they knew their day would be a short one they wanted to get as much excila and valis as they could before the main event started.
"So excited for your first monsterphila," Miach asked as we had planned to close the stand down at around two so we could enjoy the festival a little.
"Yeah but I don't get this whole taming monsters thing and why bring the dungeon monsters to the surface," I asked.
"You know as much as I do Bell. Maybe it's not to make them afraid of the monster" Miach said shrugging his shoulder. We sat there and served customers a lot of which were women for some reason. We sold a lot of potions and perfumes mostly since that was pretty much all we brought.
"Hey Miach how come it's been mostly women that have showed up"
"Cause of your natural good looks Prince Charming" Regis joked.
"It's because we sell perfumes mostly. We've only really sold a few potions" Miach said.
"Nazha planned this didn't she"
"She has a way to get the most amount of money possible from business"
"Remind me not to get on her bad side"
"Don't worry you're in her good books right now"
"Oh hey it's the Minotaur kid," Alise said as she and Astraea walked up to our stand.
"My name's Bell not that" I groaned hearing Regis chuckle behind me.
"So lord Miach I'm guessing this little cutie is yours then," Alise said brushing me off. I could feel my cheeks flush red and Regis laughing his ass if behind me.
"Alise that's enough teasing" Astraea chided.
"Alright alright, I'll stop," Alsie said backing off.
Miach then stood up. "Lady Astraea, I would like to thank you and your familia for saving my child. As compensation please pick out any item you like from our stand and you can have it for free" he said giving them a bow.
"Oh Miach no need to worry your child was in trouble so my Alise would've helped even without compensation," Astraea said.
"But it can be nice," Alsie said picking up a bottle of perfume that had a scent of roses to it.
"Careful Bell said he liked that kind," Regis said. I said nothing but kicked him causing him to jump and hit his head on the underside of the counter.
"Then I'll take this one then," she said putting the bottle into her pouch. Astraea looked at Alsie with a look of knowing. Like she knew something I didn't.
"Well it was nice to see you again Miach we should get together sometime to get drinks," Astraea said.
"That sounds fun I'll keep that In mind since we're doing renovations," Miach said.
"Oh, you laid off your debt," she asked.
"Well I had a hero come along and help me out," Miach said looking at me from the corner of his eye. Astraew seemed to realize what he was inferring and smiled.
"That's wonderful I'm glad. But I must get going the rest of my children are around somewhere"
"Bye Bell maybe I'll see you around," she said giving me a wave. I said maybe and waved back. Once they were gone Mjach turned to me.
"I hope that wasn't too bad for you," Miach said.
"Was she flirting with me?" I asked referring to Alise.
"I believe she was Prince Charming," Regis said.
"Wow, Bell not even in the city for two weeks and you already have Astraea's captain showing interest in you" Miach teased.
"Nah no she wasn't there's no way," I said looking away.
"I don't know she did pick out the perfume Regis said you liked," Miach said.
"I said it smells nice not that I liked it"
"That's the same thing dumbass," Regis said.
Boom
I quickly shot up to my feet seeing a cloud of dust coming from outside of the arena. "Regis take Miach home I'll check it out," I said unsheathing my knife, and started to run towards the arena. "Bell catch" Miach shouted. I turned around not breaking my stride and caught a health potion that Miach threw. I continued to run until I reached the plaza and saw a silverback on a rampage. "Shit It must've broken out but how," I thought.
I saw it approaching a chienthrope child. She was backing away and trying to run but she was too scared. I took off in a sprint and slid under the silverback slicing one of its ankles with my knife before I picked up the child and ran. She grabbed onto me tightly afraid to let go. I could hear the silverback chasing me but it wasn't catching up. I could hear the child whimpering.
"Don't worry I won't let it get you" I told her. I then pushed my foot off a wall and jumped on top of the roof. That's when I realized I was on Daedalus street. Seeing a pathway leading to a door with bars on it I decided to head there. But then I felt a slam in my back causing my shoulder to break. I fell forward from the force and had to spin around. I landed on my back hitting my broken shoulder but the child was safe. I quickly got back up and ran for the door. Using my foot I kicked the latch up and opened the door. I put the child down and shut the latch.
"Now you'll be safe in here alright," I said comforting the child.
"B-but what about you," she asked crying.
"I'll be fine don't I'm a hero so I'll win," I told her. "A hero protects the innocent after all," I said smiling at her.
Crash
I turned around and saw the silverback had landed right behind me. Its shackles that were attached to its wrists had blood on them. My blood. I took my knife and got ready to fight. Fighting with a broken shoulder reminded me of training with Alfia.
"Alfia you broke his arm," Zeus said.
"Get up Bell we're not done yet," she said.
I shakily stood up feeling the tears in my eyes from the pain.
"You still have another arm use it," she said charging at me.
Looks like her training paid off here. I then charged at the silver back. It swung its chain at me which I blocked causing it to shatter. I then activated static void and appeared at its side. I deactivated it and drive the knife deep into its side. I then ran behind it my knife still in hand. I carved a deep cut along the hip to the back of the silverback. The silverback then grabbed my leg and threw me in the air. I lost hold of my knife. But I wasn't worried. Using the thin and nearly invisible string of mana I pulled it back to me. I put the knife in my mouth and grabbed a clothesline with my only available hand.
I pulled back and caused myself to slingshot forward driving the knife still in my mouth down its chest. The silverback howled in pain before convulsing and turning to dust. I spit the knife out and it clattered on the ground.
Freya POV
The people of Daedalus street were cheering for the boy. I watched him from a top of a rooftop just out of his view but I could see him perfectly. I did feel bad for Fina however she wasn't supposed to get caught up in this. I saw her being let out of the tunnel Bell put her in. Once she was let out she practically ran to her hero and cried out in relief. I then saw both the sword princess and the red-headed fury cross an alleyway and saw the cheering. Ais didn't care for it and left while Alise had a smile on her face. "Hmm, I wonder how bright he'll shine now," I thought to myself as I left the area.
Bell POV
"Why is it whenever I take my eyes off you you get into trouble," Miach said.
"Hey, you watched as I ran towards it this time ow," I said as he set my shoulder back in place. He then used the potion he gave me earlier and splashed it on my shoulder.
"There all better he said" patting me on the shoulder.
"Now young child what should we do with you," Miach said looking at the young chienthrope that was currently petting Regis.
Wow, what a chapter am I right? Anyway, I enjoyed writing this one as I enjoy exploring the idea of Bell not being the only descendant of the Leywins. Anyway hoped you enjoyed bye.