The bromance starts now
Bell POV
"I'm telling ya man the ale here is amazing. One sip and it feels like your insides warm up. But not too warm" he explained. We were heading to a bar called the rosewood inn. I had heard a few comments about it here and there as I walked the streets of Orario.
"Alright. Alright, I get it man calm down we're still gonna get wasted" I chuckled. "Won't Nazha scold you?" Welf asked.
"She scolds me whenever I get into trouble. So we just don't have to get into any trouble and I'll be fine. Hopefully" honestly that girl is like a big sister sometimes. Wait a minute where did that thought come from?
We then arrived at the rosewood inn and I could smell good food coming from inside. We walked inside and took a seat at an empty table near the door. A barmaid then arrived to take our order.
"And what can I get for you two fine gentlemen," she asked with an accent that told me she came from the countryside.
"Two ales to start us off please," Welf asked. She looked at me and I nodded my head in agreement. She then walked off to get us our drinks.
"So how's it feel being a level two?" I asked.
"Don't feel much different but it feels pretty good. Don't really know how to describe it" Welf said.
"Yeah, I get that. I felt the same after my level up"
"Oh I also have another surprise," he said as if he just remembered something.
"And what is that?" I asked.
"I broke into the dark yellow stage," he said his grin getting wider. "Better pick up the slack Bell I'm catching up" he joked. I laughed because I knew I was about to crush his hopes.
"What's with that laugh? I don't like that laugh" he worriedly said.
"Jokes you on 'cause I'm about to break into the dark silver stage," I said. He looked at me in shock and admiration.
"Silver core at 14. Damn what do they feed you" he joked.
"Plenty of meat and veggies"
"Smartass," he said rolling his eyes.
"You asked"
"Here you are, gentleman. Anything else I can get you" the barmaid said as she put our mugs down.
"No thanks we're good for now," I said. She then looked at me and Welf before giving him a smile and a wink before walking away.
"Uh oh looks like I have a lady killer at my table" I joked as I took a sip from my mug.
"You're one to talk" he paused as he also took a sip from his. "Say what's the deal with you and Aisha," he asked.
"I don't know man. A few days after she joined my familia she told me she loved me" I said before taking another sip.
"And what was your response"
"That's the thing I haven't given her an answer yet" I grumbled.
"Dude you know that makes it look like you're leading her on"
"I know man. It's just. I don't know if I can give her the love she deserves. I mean she's a wonderful woman. She's funny and kind. She's playful and strong and by the gods is she beautiful. But what does she see in someone like me"
"She sees the man that saved her and her sister from slavery. She can see the kindness in your heart and doesn't shy away when you need to get violent. She sees you as a person with faults and doesn't shy away from them"
"But this whole time I've been lying to her. To you. To everyone. Why would she like someone like that"
"What you mean the secrets you're hiding from us? Everyone has their secrets Bell even me. But you're still my friend and you won't stop being my friend unless we kill each other or something" he joked. I laughed a little.
"I don't know man I guess I'm just scared. I told you what happened before I came here. I was practically alone. Just me and my talking dog. I'm afraid if she gets too close she'll eventually leave to"
"Bell you reached your hand out to her when no one would. You did the same to Haruhime and you did the same to me. You paid off Miach's debt and you look out for orphans as their big brother. You're one of if not the kindest person I've ever met. We're not gonna leave you that I promise" he stated.
"You know if you weren't in Hephaestus's familia I would've loved to have you in mine. At least that way there'd be another guy"
"Heh heh. I owe Hephaestus a lot. But I think some time apart might do me some good. What's the saying? Absence makes the heart grow fonder" he muttered.
"You sure about this? I mean you know she already loves you" I asked a little worried for my friend.
"I don't know. I've been thinking about it for a while. No one really likes me there. Always saying stuff like I'm a dumbass for wasting my talent. Or I shouldn't get so much of Hephaestus's attention. The only one who's really nice to me is my captain but she plays around too much"
"Well if you ever decide to leave you have a place at Miach's. Besides fuck those guys it's your life your rules" I said. "Oh looks like I finished my drink"
I signaled the barmaid for two more.
"Well I have started making magic swords again," he said as our second round was set down.
"Really. What for?" I asked.
"I have friends to protect. I'm not gonna let my pride get in the way of that" he said with determination. "Besides I'm gonna make the first magic sword that never breaks" he declared. I smiled taking a sip of my drink.
"Well knowing you I know you can do it," I said clacking our mugs together.
"So how's lil bit doing," Welf asked.
"She's doing good. Or as good as she can. Haruhime normally helps her sleep since she has nightmares about what her old familia did to her" I explained.
"Rotten bastards. I'm glad you were the one that took care of it. If it was anyone else they would've just gotten a slap on the wrist"
"Yeah but I don't like that side of me. It's a necessary evil I know. Still doesn't mean I have to like it"
"Hey man sorry for bringing it up. I didn't mean to make ya sad"
"Nah I'm fine I've accepted that part of me a while ago. I don't regret what I did now. They were scum and I treated them as such. Besides, they made her cry and for that, I won't forgive them"
The door then swung open as five members from the Apollo familia sat at a table behind ours. The barmaid walked over to them and took their order.
"So is the unbreakable magic sword gonna be the way you impress Hephaestus" I teasingly asked. He rolled his eyes before signaling the barmaid for another drink.
"Yeah cause that would blow any of her previous kids works out of the water"
"I'm not gonna lie that magic sword is already sounding pretty cool"
"Why you wanna use it to reenact argonaut"
"Ha ha very funny. No, I already got a perfect sword from my friend don't know if you've met him"
"I haven't but he sounds like a really cool dude"
We then ordered some food. Welf ordered wings while I ordered chicken.
"Chicken that's kinda basic," he said.
"Farmboy remember. It was either chicken, pig, or deer for food. Plus the vegetables we grew"
"Yeah makes sense. Hey Bell can I ask you something"
"Sure go ahead"
"After the talk we had are you gonna give Aisha an answer"
"Yeah, she deserves one. You know when I was stuck in that cave with the Minotaur's body on top of me I thought about how unfair I was not giving her an answer. But not right now I need to sort my own feelings out"
"Understandable"
"So what'd you do while we were down on floor 18," I asked.
"Well after I woke up Lena and I went exploring. Or more like she showed me around. Then when we came back a prum was hitting on me"
"That was probably Lyra. Don't take it to heart she was probably just teasing you"
"You mean the way Kaguya was teasing you"
"That woman was scary"
"Man I still can't believe we made it to floor 18 first try"
"I can't believe I didn't bleed out on my way down there solo" he then pointed one of his wings at me.
"Now that right there was impressive. I know for a fact I couldn't have done it"
"Wow, who knew the little rookie was such a liar," a voice said. I turned my head to the voice and saw a prum talking with his arms out to make himself seem bigger.
"Fastest level up in history and making it down to floor 18 solo while bleeding out. Give me a break and stop the lying" he smugly said.
"Uh, who are you," I asked.
"My name is of no importance to a liar like yourself" I rolled my eyes at his arrogance before turning back to Welf.
"There's a good chance I'm getting scolded after all" I joked. Welf got the hidden message and got ready.
"So liar of the Miach familia what do you have to say"
"Piss off I'm trying to enjoy a night out and you're ruining it. If anyone wants a confirmation of my story ask anyone in the Astraea familia as they were the ones who were there" I replied in an uninterested tone.
"Now run along little man. Or waddle whatever it is you do" I said waving him off dismissively. That seemed to have struck a nerve in him. Yet he remained calm.
"Well at least I didn't join a broke god with a debt"
"At least my god doesn't kidnap children and fuck them for his own amusement" that seemed to have ticked one of them off as I easily dodged a mug that was thrown at me.
"You missed," I said as I calmly stood up setting my mug on the table as I did so. Everyone in the bar was quiet as they waited with boated breath to see what happened.
"Now then. Those of you who leave will be spared" I looked and saw the prum run away. "Only one taker?" I asked. No one else moved from their spot.
"Very well. Let's take this outside. No need to damage this fine establishment with the blood of degenerates such as yourselves"
A man who was a giant tiger person then charged at me. I smirked as my taunting had worked. He was trying to use his superior size to his advantage but it didn't work.
While he was running I appeared right next to him and kicked his shin. The force of the blow knocked him off balance and he fell flat on his face.
"Wow is that the best you can do? That's sad coming from the mighty Apollo familia" I said using air quotes. Another two then charged at me catching me in a pincer.
They both threw punches which I was easily able to predict. I blocked one while I redirected the other causing the one on my left to get hit.
I kicked the other man in the kneecap causing it to go back. I then swung my leg and kicked the man on the left side of the head. The tiger man got back up and grabbed me from behind. The other two seeing their opportunity walked toward me.
I slammed my head into the tiger man's nose feeling his blood get into my hair. I pushed my feet off the ground and kicked the man closest to me in the chest.
Welf then grabbed the tiger man in a chokehold allowing me to be free. I ducked under a punch and sent my own to the man's stomach. He hunched over and I brought my knee to his face.
I threw him to the ground done with him and leaned back. Dodging a punch from his friend. I then kicked the man in the ribs causing him to stumble. He threw a punch which I caught and pulled him to me.
I closed-lined him causing him to slam on the ground. Then stomped on his chest feeling his ribs crack under the pressure.
I turned around to help Welf who was done with his guy.
"Look out!" He warned.
I didn't react quickly enough taking a punch to the face. I stumbled back tasting blood in my mouth.
"Well little rookie looks like your opponent is me," the leader of the group said. I recognized him almost immediately. The bastard who had followed me and Lena a few days ago.
"So I assume we're to fight next," I asked spitting blood out of my mouth.
"Oh, we are not to fight. You are to lose while I am to win" he smugly said.
"Cocky aren't you"
Doing a quick sense of his strength I could feel he was a level higher than me as well as having a light yellow mana core. So it'll be a fair fight.
He shot toward me at lightning speed. I ducked under his punch and hit his gut. He flinched but didn't keel over. He backhanded me hitting my ear and causing blood to leak out.
I blocked his flurry of punches with ease. He was fast but predictable. I ducked once more and unleashed a haymaker into his solar plexus.
He hunched over but elbowed me in the head. I headbutted him and broke his nose. He sent a kick that hit me in the ribs. I grabbed his leg before he could move it back.
I brought my elbow down on his shin feeling some it creak. He then headbutted me causing me to lose my grip on his leg.
I felt pain shoot across my back as he drove his elbow into it. I swung my fist and backhanded him before kicking him out the door. He shot back in and tackled me breaking a table.
My head shot up and bit his bloodied and broken nose causing him to get off me.
But before any more fighting could happen a werewolf got in between us.
"Knock it off you weaklings you're ruining my drink"
"Bete Logia get out of the way and let us continue our fight," the man said.
"No. Now go home before I kick your fucking ass and you" he turned and pointed at me.
"Go get yourself cleaned up and accept Ais's training" he demanded.
"Like I told your two friends I can take care of myself" I spat.
"Yeah 'cause you look just peachy right now" he mocked.
"You have a mana core and I know you can sense mine. Notice how neither of us used magic. It's cause we didn't want to blow up the bar. Now take your head out your ass and don't go demanding shit from me"
"Oh someone got a level up and thinks they're hot shit. Well, you're not kid you're a level two. A bottom feeder. Now fuck off before I kick your ass myself"
I could feel my anger building up but felt a hand grab my shoulder.
"It's not worth it Bell. Come on let's get you home" Welf said acting as the voice of reason. Seeing as the Apollo familia was already gone I decided to listen to him.
The walk home was quiet and tense. Before I saw the familiar entrance to the blue pharmacy I apologized to Welf.
"Sorry your celebration was cut short"
"Eh it's fine I still had fun with my buddy so that's all that matters," he said. "Thanks for your help with the big guy I could've gotten hurt more if you didn't jump in"
"No problem man," he said as we reached the door. I opened it and saw my familia eating dinner. I heard Miach sigh as he set his utensils down and walked over to the potions.
"Did you go to the dungeon without armor again?" He asked. Welf and I sat down at the table as Aisha grabbed her napkin and started cleaning my face.
"No I had a gentleman's disagreement at the bar" I replied. I saw Welf cleaning his face with a napkin Lili had handed him.
"Who did you fight with," he asked as Aisha moved out of the way. He handed Welf and me a potion which we both drank feeling the effects almost immediately.
"Apollo familia," I said setting the bottle on the table.
"Why in gods name would you fight them," Nazha asked. "They were talking shit about me and Miach. We ignored them but they still kept talking so I talked shit back. Next thing I know is that a mug was thrown at me and that's when the fighting started"
"So you didn't start the fight then," Miach asked.
"No, but he did kick some ass. Would've kept fighting if Bete Logia didn't get involved" Welf answered.
"The vanaguard got involved?" Nazha asked.
"Yup and Lena I don't know what you see in the guy he's an asshole," I said as I saw her face darken. "Bells right. After he broke up the fight he started making demands of him" Welf said.
"What type of demands," Miach asked.
"Something pertaining to earlier today that I need to talk to you about"
"Alright. Well, I think we should all get some rest and think things over in the morning. Welf you're welcome to stay the night if you want. Bell let's talk in my office" Miach said.
Welf decided he would head back home saying he'd be fine. We said our farewells and I followed Miach into his office. He took a seat in his chair while I took a seat across from him.
"Well this will certainly be a problem," Miach said as he sighed.
"Are you mad at me" I nervously asked?
"No none of this is your fault. However, I think it's a smart idea to not take you to Apollos ball in a couple of days"
"I wouldn't have wanted to go anyway" I replied. "So what's this about the Vanaguard demanding something of you" he tiredly asked.
"The sword princess and nine hells visited while everyone else was away. Sword princess asked if I wanted to train with her I declined nine hells tested me and I passed"
"And how exactly did nine hells test you? You didn't accidentally out yourself did you" he asked.
"No, it was just a simple test of reflexes. I passed with flying colors"
"And knowing you. You rejected the training for a personal reason"
"Yup"
"So the way I see it is Loki and Apollo are gonna be a problem," Miach said. "Uh this is so annoying" I groaned.
"I'll deal with Loki. Apollo we'll just have to wait and see what he does"
"Well I'm off to bed need anything else from me Miach"
"No, you're free to leave. Send in Nazha however I need to speak with her"
"Got it," I said standing up and opening the door. I walked back into the main room and told Nazha to head to Miachs office.
.
.
.
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A few days later
"Alright we're off," Miach said as he and Nazha were getting ready to go to Apollos. He was dressed in a blue suit with a white dress shirt. While Nazha was wearing a red dress with frills on the bottom.
"Have fun" Haruhime said. The two walked out the door and entered their carriage which was driven by Aisha and Lena. Which left Lili, Haruhime, Regis, and me at the pharmacy.
"Oh man, I've always wanted to go to a dance like that. It would be like one of those hero stories" Haruhime quietly complained.
"Maybe next time lady Haruhime," Lili said. Haruhime then left for her room her ears pressed against her head in sadness. Since she was a slave she had no freedom to do anything. Now that she was free she could do anything she wanted now. So if she wanted to dance I'll let her dance. Hearing her door shut I looked at Lili and she understood the unspoken message.
Moving the table out of the way to make room we started hanging up decorations. Then dimmed the lights to set the mood. Once we saw that everything was set Lili and Regis moved off to the side and pretended to be party guests.
I then walked up the stairs to Haruhime's room and knocked on her door.
"Haruhime can you come here I have something to show you" I gently asked. It was quiet for a moment and I thought she might've gone to sleep. But I heard the sounds of footsteps coming to the door.
"What do you have to show me, master Bell," she asked. "Close your eyes and follow me," I said taking her hand. She closed her eyes and I gently began to guide her to the main room.
"And no peeking," I said. "I won't master Bell" I carefully walked her down the stairs making sure not to go too fast so she didn't fall. Once we reached the bottom step I led her to the middle of the room.
That was when Lili turned on the music and pretended to have a rich-person conversation with Regis.
"So have you heard about the stock market? I tell ya those peasants need to stop investing" Lili said faking a highborn accent.
"I concur my dear. If these peasants keep investing we can take their money" The two then faked a rich laugh.
"Really that's the best you two could come up with," I asked through our mental link. "Hey fuck off you put us on the spot here," Regis said.
"Master Bell what is this" Haruhime asked as she looked around.
"Well, it's not as grand as Apollo's ball. But it's still a ball so may I" I asked as I stuck out my hand to her.
"Master Bell" Haruhime whispered as she took my hand. "Now I may not be a good dancer but I had Lena teach me a few things"
I pulled her close and put my hand around her waist and began to dance. It was odd at first as neither of us knew what we were doing. I stepped on her toes she stepped on mine. I tripped. She tripped. But eventually, we found our rhythm. I remembered Lena's lesson and Laurier's advice.
One step. Two step. Three step. Twirl. That pattern was done over and over again in succession. Nearing the end of the song I gave her a twirl and she leaned back.
That's when I saw a bright light shine outside of the window.
Miach POV
We arrived at Apollo's ball late. The party was in full swing. Aisha and Lena went to go park the carriage while I took Nazha's arm in mine. We entered his mansion which had extravagant decor as well as statues of Apollo. The floor was white marble as well as the ceiling.
We walked into the ballroom seeing all the gods and their favorite child. I didn't have any favorites. I just brought Nazha here for a fancy date.
"Oh, Miach I'm glad you could make it" Take said as he walked up with Mikoto.
"Yes Nazha and I thought it'd be nice to get out again and leave the kids on their own"
"How is lady Haruhime doing," Mikoto asked. The two girls hadn't seen each other since the middle floors.
"She's doing well. She said she wanted to come but told me today. Had she said so a couple of days earlier I would've taken her instead.
"And I wouldn't have minded. That girl needs to get out and enjoy the wonders of life" Nazha said.
"Why don't you two have another sleepover after this? They are taking a break from the dungeon for a couple more days" I said.
Mikoto looked to Take who only shook his head. Mikoto's smile brightened when she got confirmation.
"Take. Micha hello you two" Astraea's voice called out. Astraea was wearing a pearly white dress that was puffy at the hem. She had brought along her captain Alise who was wearing a bright red dress that matched her hair.
"I heard that some of you're children got rescued by mine in the dungeon"
"They did and I can not thank you enough. Anything you need from my shop will be yours you need only ask" I said.
"I also thank you. My warrior pride demands that I repay the favor. Should you need help you need only ask" Take said as he bowed.
"I must ask how Bell is doing. I heard he arrived at the camp in pretty bad shape" Astraea asked.
"That boy is a trouble magnet. However, he is my trouble magnet and my child so I will protect him" I stated.
"Oh no, what did Bell do this time," Astraea asked. I heard Nazha sigh before I spoke. "Got into a bar fight with some of Apollo's children" I heard Alise snort before Astraea gave her a side-eye.
"That boy. Sometimes I think he's related to Loki" Astraea said pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Did someone say my name?" the redheaded goddess said. I could feel Nazha's arm tighten around me in anger.
"Yes hello Loki," I said with disinterest in my voice.
"Oh, why so cold Miach," she asked. I turned the look at her and saw the sword princess beside her.
"Because two of your children barged into my home yesterday and asked one of mine to train with them. When he refused nine hells attacked him in the guise of a test" I spat.
"Really Loki bullying smaller familia's who are you, Freya," Astraea said. "Honestly attacking a boy in the name of a test just to get your way is dishonorable," Take said. None of our kids said anything as they were off to the side conversing amongst themselves.
"Woah why are you attacking me it's not like I attacked the kid," Loki said putting her hands up.
"Yet your child did. If you don't even have enough control over your own children then you're just as responsible" Astraea said.
"Ok calm down. Ais just wanted to train with the boy. Wasn't expected that he would decline"
"So you think that just because Bell comes from a low-level familia he would be over the moon to train with the sword princess," Take said.
"Well yeah. He's a level two and a brand-new adventurer. In my opinion, he's kinda stupid for rejecting the offer"
"Watch it Loki. You don't know Bell at all so don't go making assumptions when you know jack shit about him"
"Well based on what I've heard your kid ain't the brightest. Fighting a silverback with a broken shoulder. Beating a level three as a level one. Fighting an irregular Minotaur with two broken arms. Nearly dying on his first trip to the middle floors. So tell me Miach why does your child always seem to find trouble everywhere he goes" Loki said her voice getting more and more serious.
"Because he is a hero dear Loki," Hermes said clapping his hand together. We all turned and looked at him and his captain who was already walking toward the other children.
"Oh, and how do you know that Hermes" Loki asked her voice full of disgust. "Messenger god my dear. I know everyone's deep dark secrets including yours" Hermes cheerful attitude then became dark. "So I recommend you leave the boy alone or else you won't like how this ends trickster"
Loki turned pale at the threat and quickly left. I turned the Hermes and looked at him in shock. Did he know about Bell? Hermes sensing my gaze turned and looked at me.
"Yes, Miach I know. But don't worry the secrets safe with me" Hermes playfully said. I felt fear course through my body as I didn't know if I could trust him or not.
"Do not worry Miach. A mural friend asked me to keep an eye on him and I intend to do so" he said. He then tipped his fedora and walked away.
Take looked at Astraea and me and grew suspicious.
"I guess this has something to do with the boy," he asked. "It does. It's not my secret to tell. But by the way, the wind is blowing it may get revealed soon" I said.
"Then we must prepare for the worst my friend" Take comforted putting his hand on my shoulder. "I know me and him have had our differences but you have my support as well," Astraea said.
"Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention please!" Apollo called out from the top of the stairs. We all turned and faced him. "I am oh so glad you all could attend. Especially you Freya I do hope you have enjoyed the evening. Now with that out of the way, I come bearing troubling news"
Everyone gasped and seemed troubled. Except for Freya.
"It appears that the little rookie had savagely attacked members of my own familia. I mean just look at what he did to my captain" Apollo then gestured to his captain who had bruises all over his face. "So in response to this Miach I the great Apollo challenge you to a wargame," he said as the spotlight shone on me.
"And if I say no," I asked.
"Then I'll move on to the second declaration," he said in a menacing tone. The lights in the building then flickered on and off a few times. I was confused. What was he trying to-
KABOOM
An explosion rang out from across the city. I quickly ran to the balcony and I could see the smoke rising from where my shop was supposed to be.
"You see Miach" I turned around to face Apollo. "The war had already begun"
Oh, we're so close to the wargame and I'm excited. Big things will happen. Challenges arise and our hero will have to face them. He will not be alone however as he will get help from expected and unexpected places. Also, I know Haruhime hasn't gotten a lot of screen time recently so I gave her this moment. I had this moment planned since her rescue arc and was glad to finally write it.
Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed it. Leave a comment saying what you liked or didn't like about this chapter and for those of you who want the reunion with Anya it's very close. That's all I will say.