Freya POV
Oh, you dear beautiful boy. How you overcome each and every challenge thrown your way never ceases to impress me. To think you would be a Leywin on top of everything else. Well, I guess it does explain the talent you have for magic. But no you had to take it a step further and use aether to fix your legs. You did something only one percent of mortals can do if even that.
But those girls need to mind their space with you. Or do you enjoy the attention they bring? Hmm, I guess I could incorporate them in my plans if it'll bring you to me. But I wonder. Where did you come from?
Who is this grandfather that seemed to brighten your eyes each time you mention him? Or this aunt you mention with hesitation. Are you afraid of her? Or are you afraid of people finding out who she is?
No need to worry my dear I won't push you away. You are not your family whoever they may be. Oh, how I wished I used my divine mirror when you arrived. I just want to know everything about you.
Your interests. Your hobbies. Things you like or don't like. Hmm, what's this?
Oh looks like you're going to Rye's school. Why you and not Maria? I then switched my divine mirror over from the boy to the church.
So it seems the other two are sick. What's this? Is that the boy's dog watching over them? Ugh, this dog where have I seen you before? You look so familiar yet I can't figure out why. Where have I seen you before?
No matter I'll figure it out eventually. I then switched back to the boy. Oh taking on a brotherly role it seems. Heh yes, Rye was never the best artist.
Oh, so you're the mysterious donor. Maria was pretty tight-lipped about who gave her the money. You seem to care for these kids. But why? You haven't mentioned your parents in your tales of growing up.
So are you like them? An orphan?
Oh looks like you're staying. Very well then I shall stay too. I then watched him for hours as he stood in the back of the classroom a smile on his cute face as Rye answered almost all of the questions correctly. Hmm, maybe I should invite Rye to my familia when he's of age.
Oh, what's this they've stopped walking. Aw, how sweet Rye wants to be like Bell.
Hmm, a deal to make sure Rye stays in school very smart of you Bell. I then watched as the two continued their walk back to the church.
"Bell what was your life like before you came to Orario" Rye asked.
"Well let's see my grandpa raised me for the first seven years of my life and it was peaceful. Then my aunt showed up and turned everything upside down. I started to train and for seven years got my ass kicked. Then gramps died of old age and disease got my aunt a year later" Bell replied.
"Oh so you're like us then"
"You mean an orphan? Yeah. Mother died in childbirth and dad died before I was born"
"Is that why you help us? Is it because you feel bad for us"
"No, I helped you because it was the right thing to do. Also, I want you kids to have a somewhat normal life. A life where you make your own decisions based on what you want not what you need"
Rye was quiet for a moment as he pondered Bell's words. "I'm glad you're our big brother Bell"
"I'm glad I am too. I've always wanted siblings"
They then stopped at the entrance to the church. "Now let's go see if Maria is awake and is doing well. I'll see if Nazha is available to check on the kids" Bell said as he pushed open the door.
"Bell is Miach a kind god?" Rye asked. "He is. If I had to guess I'd say he's one of the kindest in the lower world" Bell replied as they entered the church.
"Do you think he'd let me join his familia when I'm old enough" Bell stopped walking and looked at the kid.
"Rye when I said I'd help you train to become an adventurer do you think I wasn't gonna keep an eye on you when you went to the dungeon," Bell asked.
Rye looked at Bell with shock in his eyes. "Y-you mean"
"Yes, Miach will let you join his familia. Besides all, I have to do is say. Hey, I want Rye to join our familia so I can make sure he doesn't get killed and he'll be like. Ok sure" Bell said.
I then watched as Rye's eye lit up in joy and he started thanking Bell. Maria then appeared and greeted the two and asked how Rye's day was. After telling her he had a good day since his big brother showed up and that he would start training as long as his grades were good.
"I don't know Rye what if you get hurt," Maria said.
"Kid needs to know what pain feels like if he's gonna be an adventurer. But don't worry I won't go too hard on him. Well not as hard as my training" Bell said. Maria still looked worried but said nothing else.
"Well thanks again for doing this I can't thank you enough," Maria said hugging him. "No need Maria if it's for the kids all you need to do is ask"
They then let go of each other as Regis came into the room.
"Sup short fry how was school"
"You're one to talk dog I'm taller than you," Rye said. I heard Bell cheer before he spoke.
"Yes. I've taught this kid well" Bell said patting Rye on the back. He awkwardly laughed not knowing what to do. After a few minutes everything calmed down and before Bell was about to leave Rye stopped him.
"Before you go can you take this" Rye asked handing Bell his drawing. Bell smiled and took the paper folding it in half and putting it in his pocket.
"Sure kid I'll make sure to hang it up in my room" he then ruffled Rye's hair and left the church.
How cute. I bet if any other girl saw this they would just gush at the display. An older brother willing to do anything to keep the little siblings safe. Almost makes me want to go down there as Syr and introduce myself as their big sister.
But alas I must wait. He can still shine so much brighter. Oh, what's this?
"Uh, can I help you?" Bell asked the woman who appeared right in front of him.
"My lord Apollo wants your god to show up to his gathering," the redheaded woman said handing Bell a letter.
Oh, a ball Apollo. I do hope you send my invitation.
"Uh alright. Is that why you've been stalking me?" Bell asked as he took the letter. The woman said nothing but turned and walked away. Bell rolled his eyes in annoyance as he walked back home.
Stalking him? Just what have I missed? What exactly are you up to Apollo? Bell stuffed the letter into his other back pocket and continued home. On his way home he ran into the elf that saved him.
Hmm, maybe I should reward her. She appears to be a mix between a mage and a rouge. Maybe a grimoire. Or a special dagger or short sword.
"Oh good evening Bell what are you doing coming out of Daedalus street?" Laurier asked.
"Would you believe me if I told you I was visiting my siblings" Bell chuckled.
"But I thought Regis was the only family you had left?" She questioned. "He is. They're just some orphans I met a while ago and they call me big brother Bell. So I'm their big brother now" Bell said shrugging his shoulders.
"So they adopted you then," she asked a playful smile on her face. Bell laughed. "Yeah I guess you could say that"
The two continued to walk together. It seemed as if those two became fast friends. It seems he has that effect on people. Especially with two of my children. However one was so close. Yet so far to him.
"So I assume you haven't run into any Minotaurs lately?" She joked. Bell shook his head. "Nope. We've decided not to go into the dungeon for a few days. Considering the last time didn't go so well"
"Yes, I remember. Did you enjoy the peek you got before you passed out" she asked. "Don't you start I already got Regis, Kaguya, and Nazha teasing me I don't need you as well"
She giggled at this while Bell rolled his eyes. "I know but I thought I'd be a little playful as well"
"So how have things been at your familia? Have any more debates yet"
"No, not yet. When we got back Lady Astraea had a feast prepared for us and then we had to patrol the city today"
"Oh is that why you were out around Daedalus," Bell asked.
"Yes, my patrol route ended there. I was actually heading home when I ran into you" she answered.
"Oh. Mind if I walk you home then" Bell asked. Oh, he's so kind.
"You know I can take care of myself Bell," Laurier said.
"I know. It's just my grandpa said you should never let a woman walk home alone. Also just see it as me paying you back a little for saving my life" Bell said. Laurier seemed to think for a moment before answering.
"Very well I don't see the harm in it. Unless you're trying to use this as a way to seduce me" she teased.
Bell's cheeks turned bright red.
"N-no. One I don't even know how to do that. Two that would be a shitty thing to do considering you saved my life" Bell nervously said. She giggled at his nervousness putting a hand up to her mouth.
"She was joking dumbass," Regis said. Bell just gave a deadpan look to Laurier. "I thought I said I didn't need you teasing me as well"
"I'm sorry but I had to do it at least once" she apologized. "Whatever let's just get you home" Bell grumbled. She giggled again and followed him.
"So was Astraea invited to Apollo's little get-together," Bell asked.
"Yeah. The invitation said she was allowed to bring one of her children as a plus one to show them off and mingle. Are you gonna go"
"Hell no I hate dressing up and dancing"
"Why do you hate dancing," she asked.
"Cause he can't dance to save his life" Regis responded. Bell sighed and kicked the side of Regis.
"Shut up" he muttered. Laurier giggled once again.
"You can't dance?"
"No, I can't. I grew up in the mountains and didn't need to dance" he grumbled.
"Well do you know how to fight?" She asked.
"Of course, I know how to fight I've been doing it for half my life"
"Well, it's just like fighting. Except for the part where you try to hurt people," she explained. Bell nodded in understanding.
"One of my familia members has incorporated dancing into her fighting style maybe I can ask her to teach me," Bell said not noticing the look Laurier gave him.
"Well, she seems like she would be a good teacher" Laurier stated. "What about you? Are you gonna go" Bell asked.
"I would love to but lady Astraea would most likely take Alise as she's her captain and most likely show her off"
"Knowing Miach he might take Nazha. It'll be a fancy date for them" Bell joked.
"Well, I enjoyed talking to you. Thank you for walking me home you really didn't have to do that" Laurier said as they arrived at the stardust garden.
"I enjoyed talking to you too. You're fun to be around and it was a pleasure to walk you home" Bell responded.
"Careful little rookie I might get the wrong idea" she playfully said. Bell rolled his eyes.
"Think of it the way you want I was just doing what my grandpa taught me and being a gentleman"
"That's not all he taught you," Regis said.
"Shut up Regis"
"Funny and a gentleman how hasn't a lady picked you up yet," Laurier said.
It's because he's scared, my dear.
"Heh heh. It's uh complicated" Bell said rubbing the back of his head. She looked at Bell almost expecting something more to be said. When he didn't say anything she bid him farewell.
"Well get home safe Bell. Don't run into any more Minotaurs" She said pointing at him.
"Ha ha very funny. I'm gonna do it now because you told me not to" she rolled her eyes and waved goodbye to him as he walked away.
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Bell POV
I opened the door to the blue pharmacy seeing that Miach wasn't back yet I went to his office and placed the letter on his desk. I then walked to my room and took Rye's drawing out of my pocket and hung it up on my wall.
"Why is my snout massive? He can't draw for shit" Regis complained.
"So Roux and Fena doing any better," I asked.
"Yes. Thanks to my excellent nursing skills they should recover soon"
"Did you use aether on them?"
"Maybe"
"You gotta be careful with that. What if Maria saw"
"I know I know. I just couldn't stand to see the kids like that"
I sighed. "I know Regis. I know"
"Are we alone here? I haven't heard anyone since we got back" Regis asked.
"Guess so," I said shrugging my shoulders.
"Well, I'm taking a nap. Need to replenish the aether I lost" Regis said as he laid down in his dog bed.
"Well might as well cultivate my mana core while I wait for everyone to come back," I thought. I took a meditative pose on my bed and felt the mana around me.
I called it to me. To my mana core and I felt it getting stronger. I could feel that I was close. So close to silver stage. I just had to be patient and wait.
Knock knock knock
My eyes opened up as I heard someone knocking on the door to the pharmacy. I got off of my bed and walked to the door. When I opened the door to my surprise I saw the sword princess as nine hells.
"Regis get up Loki familia," I said through our mental link.
"Excuse me but are you the little rookie," the high elf asked.
"Yeah. What can I do for ya" I asked as I let them inside. I had to play this smart to not seem suspicious. Did they find out who I was?
"My protege has a few questions to ask you," she said gesturing towards the sword princess.
"And what would the sword princess want with a bottom feeder like me?" I questioned.
"Bell be careful the elf's a white core and the blonde is a mid-silver core," Regis said through the mental link.
"Would you like to train with me?" she asked.
"What?"
"She was wondering if you wanted to train with her. She has taken a fascination with you since you are the record holder"
Now, why would the sword princess take an interest in me? We've never met before.
"Why. Doesn't she have her own familia to train with her" I asked.
"That she does. But look at it this way. You're a rookie a brand-new adventurer without much experience. You can have the best swordswoman in the city train you and you don't have to pay a dime" the elf explained.
Oh, it's gonna hurt her ego so much when they find out I'm a better swordsman.
"No thanks," I politely said. A look of shock was plastered on both of their faces.
"You. Said no?" Ais asked confused.
"Yeah I can take care of myself just fine" I replied. "Besides our gods aren't friends so I don't wanna cause trouble for Miach," I said with a shrug.
"Are you sure? Many would kill for this opportunity" Riveria asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure. My fighting is fine the way it is" I said nodding my head.
"Very well then may we see a demonstration. You against me" Riveria asked. "Ok, what do you want the demonstration to be" she looked at me confused. "Do you want a demonstration of my swordsmanship? Or see how well I cut with a knife. How well I do in archery. How good of a mage I am. Go on pick one" I stated.
"You're such a dumbass" Regis chimed in through the link.
"That's quite the résumé," Riveria said as she walked to the door. "However. I don't want to see any of those" she then turned her back to me. "I want to see your reflexes," she said.
Her staff then came flying at the side of my head. I barely registered it in time to activate static void. Freezing time for everyone but Regis and me I took a step back to avoid the staff. I then deactivated static void and watched as the staff flew harmlessly by.
"You missed," I said leaning on the counter. Riveria looked at me surprised.
"Hmm very well. Sorry for bothering you as compensation we will buy an item from your shop" Riveria said putting her staff on the ground.
"Alright pick something out and I'll ring you up," I said stepping behind the counter.
"These ladies are weird," I told Regis.
"There are weirder" he replied.
"Can you hand me the moonberry perfume?" Riveria asked pointing at the perfume behind me. I turned around to grab it when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Quickly activating my hidden blade I blocked the staff from hitting me in the head. I grabbed the perfume and handed it to her giving her a 'are you serious look'
"I apologize again just wanted to see if the first time wasn't a fluke"
"Do it again and I'll bring it up with the guild" I threatened. That seemed to get her attention and she decided to stop.
"Alright, sword princess what do you want," I asked wanting to be done with this whole situation. She looked around the store for a moment before she grabbed our most expensive health potion.
I rang up both of the items bringing the total to 4,000 valis. They paid and then left finally leaving me alone.
"Well that was odd," Regis said coming out of our room. "So I'm guessing you're calling bullshit on the whole sword princess taking an interest in you," he asked.
"No, I think that was true. She looked hurt when I rejected the offer. My guess is she wants to know how I got strong so fast so wanted to use training as an excuse"
"Well, whatever it was we'll need to tell Miach about this" I put my head on the counter. "It's just one problem after another here" I grumbled.
Knock knock knock
"Regis if it's them again bite the elf," I said as I went to the door. I was already a little pissed off by the visit so I wasn't in the mood for anyone else at the moment. However, when I opened the door I saw a friendly face.
"Hey, Bell" Welf said.
"What's up man come on in," I said opening the door wider. He came in and sat down in a chair while I shut the door.
"You know you can just open the door right," I said as I sat across from him. "I know but it just feels wrong barging in," he said.
"So what brings you around," I asked. I watched as a giant smile spread across his face. "I leveled up," he said.
"Ha ha ha ha no way really," I said overjoyed. "Yup looks like our middle floor fiasco gave me the push I needed" he responded.
"Nice man I'm happy for you" I snapped my fingers and pointed at him. "We need to celebrate. Just the two of us. Let's have a guy's night" I offered.
"That's actually why I came over so I'm down. I know the perfect place to go" he said standing up. I followed what he did.
"Trust me you're gonna like this place the ale is amazing" he began.
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Freya POV
So the little sword princess has taken an interest in my Odr. Hmm, how troublesome. But why did he reject her offer? Anyone in their right mind would've accepted training from the sword princess. So why didn't you?
Is it pride? Do you not want to be taught by a girl? No that isn't in your character. You seemed annoyed by their presence. Do you not like the Loki familia?
It will be of little matter once I have you, my dear. But I will continue to watch from afar.
Oh, what's this? Oh, how delightful.
Uh oh, Freya knows one of Bell's secrets and a wild sword princess has appeared. What will this entail for our hero?
Well, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. The next one is when the storm is brewing and will hit in the chapter after. Also, Riveria was holding back a lot in case you couldn't tell.