Bell POV
"Alright everyone listen up," Alise said her voice cutting through the off-to-the-side conversations that everyone was having. We were surrounding a big pot full of stew. What type of stew I didn't know but it sure smelled good based on the bowl Alise gave me. Once everyone turned their attention to her Alise continued.
"Now some of you may notice we have some new faces amongst us," she said. Sounds of agreement were heard throughout the circle. "Now I assume most of you had heard of their journey. Especially the journey of one adventurer who went through hell and back just to get here. So all I have to say is treat them with kindness and let's dig in!" Alise cheered.
The party then started with everyone socializing and eating. I looked down at my bowl of stew and gave it a try. When I did I felt a mix of flavors hit my tongue. It was a mixture between beef and a multitude of vegetables.
"Woah slow down there Bell don't wanna make yourself sick," Welf said. I turned and looked at him. "Can you blame me for being starving?" I said. He let out a nervous chuckle scratching the back of his head. "Besides I have an iron stomach I'll be fine," I said as I continued to scarf down the stew.
I heard Welf laugh as I finished my bowl. "Man, that was good. Compliments to the cook" I said. "Thank you. Thank you I do my best" Regis said doing a mock bow. "Shut up dog I know for a fact you can't cook," I told him.
"Why just because I have paws and fur that means I can't cook. Someone's racist" he said. "Oh don't you pull the race card dickhead. We both know for a fact that if you tried to cook you'd poison everyone here"
"Regis can cook?" Welf asked. "He attempted to one time and nearly blew up the house" I replied. "We'll gas stoves are confusing if you don't know how to use them" Welf added.
"We didn't have a gas stove" I replied. Welf's head whirled to where Regis was sitting. "How the hell did you nearly blow up a house by cooking without a gas stove!" He yelled. "Cause he sucks at cooking" I replied.
"Alright. Alright. I may not be the best cook" Regis began. "You think," I said cutting him off. "Fuck you. But. Actually never mind I got nothing" he responded. Welf and I both laughed as Regis was muttering curses under his breath.
"Alright you little shits come here I'm gonna bite you!" He yelled. "Shit. Welf Run!" I yelled as I dropped my bowl and ran Welf right behind me. We heard a chorus of laughter behind us as we ran around the camp.
Alise POV
"Should he be running around like that?" I asked Celty. "He walked here just fine and he has all his blood back in him as well as a hot meal so he should be fine" she responded. I nodded my head in recognition. "Still he should be careful for a day or two" I turned to face her. "How come?" I asked. "Muscle fatigue. You have to remember he trekked down the entirety of floor 17 on his own after falling and getting crushed by a Minotaur while also bleeding out" she responded. I nodded my head in agreement. "Yeah that sounds like it'll do it"
"There was also something interesting and concerning about his body" she added. "How so?" I asked. "Do you want the good thing or the bad thing first?" she asked. "The good" I responded. She nodded.
"While I was doing my initial checkup I noticed that Bell seems to have a beast will. Which beast I don't know" she said. "And the bad news," I asked. "His bones have been broken hundreds of times but have always been expertly repaired. I almost didn't catch that with how well they've been fixed" she said.
I felt my heart drop. That poor boy had to go through that and at such a young age as well. Just what exactly happened to him? What isn't he telling us?
"You look, concerned captain," Celty said. "Because I am. Bell's only 14 years old and he had to go through that. Does he even feel pain anymore" I asked. "That's something you'd have to ask him" she replied. I then turned my gaze back to Bell and the other boy who were still running from Regis. Just what happened to you?
Bell POV
After running for a while Regis decided it was too much work to bite us and sat back down in the circle. But the truth was he wanted to provide entertainment and show everyone I was alright. Because if Regis really wanted to he would've bit us before we could even blink. I was now sitting next to Haruhime and the far eastern woman whose name I still haven't gotten.
"So how was it," the far eastern woman asked.
"How was what"
"The journey down here silly" she playfully said.
"Not fun. Got stabbed and fell down a floor with a Minotaur landing on top of me. Then nearly bled out" I replied.
"You forgot one thing," she said holding up her finger.
"What's that?" I asked.
"You landed in a camp full of women who haven't been to the surface in a week. You're not gonna be able to walk when we're don't with you" she said licking her lips.
"I will electrocute your ass," I said.
"Ooh sounds kinky let's try it"
"W-w-w-what" I stuttered out.
She leaned closer. "Yeah, I wanna try it. My level six body against your lighting magic I wanna see what it'll do. Will it tickle or will it feel good" she said in a sultry voice.
"I need an adult!" I yelled.
"I am an adult"
"I need another adult!" I panicked as I could hear Regis laughing through our mental link. "Regis little help here," I asked. "Nah you're on your own for this one boy" was his reply.
"Come on we can go into my tent and you can give me a little shock. Lightning deviants are pretty rare you know" she said crawling towards me. I tried to back up more until I felt arms wrap around me from behind and pull me close. My head was put somewhere very soft and squishy and I froze having a feeling as to what it was.
"Lady Kaguya I believe you have gone far enough!" Haruhime said pulling me closer. She smelled like roses. "Master Bell has shown clear discomfort of the situation yet you continue to press on. I ask that you please stop" she firmly said not letting me go.
The far eastern woman whose name I now knew was Kaguya backed up and then started laughing. Putting her sleeve up to her mouth.
"You should see the look on your face" she giggled. I looked at her utterly confused. "She was joking dumbass," Regis said through our mental link.
"That's not a funny joke. I thought you were about to jump my bones" I said. She then looked at me with a predatory glint in her eyes. "Who says I'm not"
"Alright Kaguya leave him alone you're scaring the boy," Lyra said walking up to us. "Oh alright I'll stop," she said playfully waving Lyra off. Lyra then turned to me and a mischievous smile spread across her face.
"So lover boy are you comfortable" she grinned. It was then I remembered where I was and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. Haruhime quickly let me go and turned away from me while I looked at the ground.
"S-sorry m-master B-Bell I shouldn't have grabbed you like that" she stuttered. "N-no it's fine you were just trying to help" I replied.
"Aw look Kaguya you embarrassed them" Lyra teased. "Oops" Kaguya replied in a sarcastic tone. Haruhime and I didn't say a word for a while we were getting teased. "That's it little sister stake your claim!" Aisha yelled.
At that moment I was starting to wish I was still making my trek down to the 18th floor.
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It had been a few hours since dinner had passed. Everyone had gone to sleep in their tents. I tried but I couldn't probably because I had already slept most of the day. So I just sat in an open field and looked at the crystals on the ceiling that imitated a day and night cycle. The dinner was nice and fun and I enjoyed it even though I was the butt of most of the jokes.
I brought out my knife and looked at it under the fake moonlight. The runes shone beautifully as the light hit them. "I wish you were here. I wish you could've watched as I grew up. I wish you could've given me more advice in life. I wish you could've helped me with the current scenario of having two girls after my heart. But knowing you, you'd say have both of them. Sometimes I wonder if you even made the right choice in saving me. But knowing you if you somehow got a second chance you would've done it again in a heartbeat. Well, gramps can you believe I made it to the 18th so quickly? I might've set another record"
As I let my thoughts run wild I didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind me until I heard a voice call out.
"Can't sleep" the woman said. I tilted my head back so I could look at her. The woman who called out to me was Laurier. At least I think that was her name.
"Yeah spent the whole day sleeping so I'm not tired," I said putting my knife away. "Mind if I join you," she asked pointing to the spot next to me. "Be my guest" I replied. I sat up as she sat down on the grass next to me.
"You're looking much better than when I found you," she said. "I feel a lot better" I paused and looked at her. "Thanks for saving me and I'm sorry I walked past while you were bathing" I apologized.
"Don't worry too much about it. You were injured and needed help who cares if you saw anything" she replied. I looked at her shocked. Here I thought she'd be a normal stuck-up elf who was a giant racist at heart. But to my surprise, she wasn't and that was a welcome sigh of relief.
"Also I finally have a chance to talk to you alone," she said. "What is it you want to talk about," I asked.
"Just want to pick your brain is all" she replied. "Well then ask away"
"Alright, my first question is about your methods" she started. "Let me guess I was too brutal and need to be thrown in jail" I stated.
"No, I don't believe so. Sure your method was brutal but sometimes brutal is what is needed. However, I do believe you went too far with Zanis but I don't think you should be thrown in jail" she began. I nodded telling her to keep going.
"Sure I do believe that he should've had the beating of a lifetime but blowing his balls up was too brutal for me. But then again everyone has their own beliefs on what should happen to rapists. But let me stop there for a moment. Do you mind if I ask you a question Bell" she said. "Go ahead" I responded.
"What is justice to you," she asked. I thought for a moment before I answered.
"Hmm. Justice to me is something that people hold onto in hopes of being protected from something bad. Or if something bad happens to them it's a chance at revenge. Sometimes it can also be blind and not help the people that need it and let the bad people go free. Sometimes it takes too long and the person that needed the help is gone. So justice to me is a whole bunch of bureaucracy that can either work or doesn't. Like all things it has its pros and cons," I explained.
"And if justice doesn't work what then," she asked.
"Then I'll take matters into my own hands. If justice won't help then I'll take care of it myself. If someone was wronged and justice was not available to them then all they need to do is ask for my help and I'll help them" I replied.
"So you would take the law into your own hands?" She asked.
"If that is what is needed then yes I would" she was silent for a few moments as she was thinking. "Thank you. That's all the questions I have for now" she said. "So what was with the questions," I asked.
"I normally have debates with my familia members about justice. Then you came to town and turned the entire thing upside down on its head for a few members. So I guess I just wanted to understand your way of thinking on the matter" she answered.
"Well I hope my answers were to your satisfaction"
"They we're you've given me a lot to think about for my next debate," she said putting her hand to her chin as she was lost in thought.
"Laurier" we both turned to see Alise standing behind us. "Yes, captain" Laurier responded. "Would you mind if I talk to Bell alone for a moment" she kindly asked. "He's all yours captain," Laurier said as she stood up and brushed the dirt off her pants. She then gave Alise and me a smile and walked back to camp.
"Hello, Bell. Mind if I sit" she asked pointing to the spot next to me. I shrugged my shoulders. "Sure go ahead won't bother me" I replied. Like Laurier, she took a seat next to me.
"So what is it you want to talk about? Here to have a debate like Laurier" I asked. She giggled. "Not today. Although I would like to see how you'd hold up against Lyra in a debate" she responded.
"No I'm here to apologize and ask a few questions of my own," she said. I turned my full attention toward her.
"I'm sorry that me and my familia did not offer protection to yours during the whole Soma situation. I as a captain should've thought of that and I didn't. For that I apologize" she said. "Apology accepted" I replied instantly.
"That fast?" She asked. "Alise this is the second time your familia has saved me I'd be an asshole to not accept the apology. Was I pissed that you brushed my familia aside? Because I was. If Soma decided to attack only Aisha or I could've defeated his captain and we can't be everywhere at once" I said not mentioning Regis as he told me she was already suspicious of him.
"But you've saved my life again and apologized so you're forgiven" I heard her let out a sigh of relief. Probably because she thinks she failed justice before I forgave her.
"Thank you and again I'm sorry. Now onto my questions or question," she began. She looked me in the eyes and I could see something akin to sadness enter them.
"So while Celty was doing her exam on you she found something. Troubling. I was wondering-
"Why my bones have been broken hundreds of times," I said cutting her off. She said nothing but nodded her head. "Training" was my simple reply.
She gave me a look of disbelief before concern filled her eyes. "Bell are you just calling it training to hide the abuse" she gently asked. I laughed at the question. "I'm pretty sure you'd have to ask my trainer. I don't know if she took joy in beating my ass or not" I replied.
"And where is your trainer," she asked. The way she spoke almost made me feel like she was talking to a victim of abuse. Was I one? Maybe.
"In a hole in the ground where I buried her," I looked at Alise who looked at me with shock and worry. "From natural causes. It'll happen to everyone eventually" I said.
"I'm uh sorry for your lost" Alise stuttered out. "It's fine it'll happen to everyone eventually" I replied. "It's still sad," she said.
"Never said I wasn't sad. I've just accepted that she's gone and eventually I'll move on" I replied. It seemed Alise didn't know what else to say. It was quiet for a few minutes before Alise stood up and brushed to dirt off her pants. "Well, I'll leave you alone now. Try and get some sleep before we leave tomorrow" she said. When I didn't reply she just walked away. When I knew she was gone and wouldn't be able to hear me I put my arm to my eyes.
"Move on. You're such a liar Bell" I said to myself as I felt the tears run down my cheeks. "Such a goddamned liar"
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The ascent back up to the surface was very easy. With first and second-class adventurers clearing the way it was made easy for the rest of us. We didn't even encounter a single monster on the way up. The entire time up Regis and I were talking through our mental link.
"Is now a good time to ask about the sword?" Regis asked. "Yeah, I guess" I replied. "How did Welf know what Dawn's Ballad looked like? Let alone have the material to remake it" Regis asked.
"He said when he got back to his forge there was a material he'd never seen before as well as a schematic in his forge. Not knowing what the material was he took it to Hephaestus where they made the weapon together" I answered.
"So it seems we have a mysterious benefactor"
"Seems we do. We'll need to tell Miach and Nazha when we get home"
"Who do you think it is," I asked after a moment of silence. "Could be an asura. I don't know Bell if Welf didn't see the person there we have no leads to go off of" Regis said. "So just play by ear," I asked. "Seems like that's the only option we have at the moment"
When we reached the surface I had to block the sun for a moment while my eyes readjusted to the surface.
"Well Bell it was fun but I guess this is where we part ways for now," Welf said offering his hand to shake. I firmly grasped it and shook it. "Hey maybe this whole ordeal pushed you to level two," I said. He laughed before answering.
"Maybe. Then I'll be one step closer to catching up to you" he replied. We let go of each other and Welf walked away back towards his familia home. I then turned and faced my familia. "Shall we head back home?" I asked to a chorus of agreement.
It didn't take us long to reach the blue pharmacy. When I opened the door Nazha and Miach were there holding a big tray of food and drinks for us.
"Seems like y'all had an adventure," Miach said his voice full of care. I then looked towards Nazha. "I won't scold you this time if that's what you're worried about Bell" Nazha said. Her voice was also full of care. I smiled at the two before I heard a third voice call out to me.
"It seems you have all returned safely. Which is good" Artemis said as she was sitting at the table with her captain having tea. I gave Miach a look and he answered my unspoken question.
"She stopped by to visit and she wanted to talk to you," Miach said. I turned and looked at Artemis. "Am I in trouble?" I asked.
"No you are not I just needed to speak with you about something," she said. "Can it wait until after we've settled down we had quite the journey" I asked.
"You especially" Regis cut in. I glared at him as I could hear Nazha shaking behind me. "Hey you promised not to scold me this time," I said pointing at her.
"That I did. That I did" she angrily muttered. "Oh now you have to tell us your journey," Miach said as he set the tray on the table. I rolled my eyes and sat down grabbing a sandwich before I began.
As the story began I could see Miach and Nazha as well as Artemis and her captain leaning in just a little closer. As the story went on however I saw the color from Miachs and Nazha's faces drain more and more.
"And then I passed out from blood loss but got lucky as I was saved by two elves from the Astraea familia," I said finishing my story.
"And how much blood did you lose again," Nazha asked as some of her hair was sticking up. "3 liters" I replied.
"Bell when I said go and have an adventure I didn't think that would be your adventure" Miach exasperated. "Well if it makes you feel any better I think everyone will agree to take a break from the dungeon for a few days," I said seeing everyone quickly nod in agreement.
Miach and Nazha said nothing for a moment before Miach laughed. "You never make it boring around here Bell," he said while laughing. Nazha stared at him horrified.
"Bell I think you broke him," Regis said.
"Nice going Bell," Aisha said.
"Master Bell broke a god. I don't know if that's scary, amazing, or both" Haruhime said.
"Now let's see if the boss man can break Nazha," Lena said.
"Lili thinks he's close with the amount of stupid stuff he does"
"Oh don't you go turning on me" I protested. Artemis then cleared her throat and pulled our attention to her. "While I'm glad you're alive and back home safe I really need to talk to you," she said.
"It has been about an hour. Alright follow me to Micah's office" I said getting up from my seat. She did as well and followed me to the back of the building where Micah's office was. It wasn't anything too fancy. Just a desk with a chair behind it and two in front of it. As well as a few bookshelves full of books. To the right of the room pressed up against the wall was an old leather couch. I let Artemis inside and shut the door behind us.
"Alright what is it you need to talk about," I asked as I leaned my back against the wall. Artemis took a seat right across from me. She took a deep breath before she spoke.
"I have come to apologize for my earlier behavior" I quirked my eyebrow in confusion. "A couple of weeks ago when I barged in here and interrogated you" she answered. I nodded for her to continue.
"I did it because you were rude to my captain. But I will admit Rethusa was rude to you first. I was biased toward that fact. So when I heard the rumor that you were involved in the war at the pleasure district I thought I had my chance to get payback. It was immature and wrong and for that I am sorry" she said. I stood there in silence for a moment before I spoke.
"It's fine," I said forgiving her.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yeah. I mean it was weird when you did that but I got to annoy you in the end so I wasn't even mad" I replied. She looked at me dumbfounded for a moment before she sighed.
"You confuse me" she muttered.
I chuckled. "I confuse a lot of people" I replied. She then stood up and stuck her hand out to me.
"Then let us start over. My name is Artemis it's a pleasure to meet you" she said. I took her hand and shook it.
"Nice to meet you Artemis. My name is Bell however something is confusing me" I replied. She looked at me confused.
"And what could that be"
"I thought you hated men. Why are you being cordial to me" I asked. She looked me in the eyes for a moment before she spoke. "Because you're one of the good ones" she replied.
And I'm gonna end it here so it doesn't drag out. I hoped you enjoyed this part 2 to the last chapter.
Anyway, we had a few surprises with a confident Haruhime and Artemis apologizing. Also, Alise and her familia know Bell is hiding something. Well, I'll see you next chapter where things will calm down a little before the storm. Later.