Here is the next chapter to continue with the story! I hope you all enjoy it very much! I worked hard on it okay?!
The pair of lovers didn't get up until far into the next morning. Tiona had woken up first, due to her being a much stronger person than Bell. She sat up and stretched, still completely naked though the blanket was still around her waist. She let out a yawn as she stretched, doing things to her chest that would make any man weep for joy. She turned with a big smile, looking down at Bell who was still passed out with his back to her. She had become the big spoon after that night, having literally drained Bell of everything he had. Multiple rounds of… fighting… were had. A total of seven to be exact. Tiona gently stroked Bell's hair a few times, before giving his cheek a kiss.
"I'll see you later, Hero." She cooed, before getting out of bed, getting dressed and leaving the tent. She left with nary a sign of what had happened except a massive ear to ear smile. She had more energy in her step, almost skipping. She was in a fantastic mood. Her life had improved! She was a strong adventurer. She met someone she could call her Hero. She snagged her Hero and showed him just what she thought of Heroes, and she had love in her life too! She had no complaints what so ever.
Bell, on the other hand, was still very much asleep. His energy was completely depleted around round five, though Tiona didn't really give him much choice. She drained him of his fluids and his body, despite not being able to do much on its own, still very much wanted to keep going so she obliged. She had explained to him after the second round that, most female adventurers took powerful contraceptives that lasted for a long time so she didn't have to worry about pregnancy. Bell had voiced his concerns about that, but she doused that fire and with that, Bell doused her fire multiple times.
The lad didn't wake up until about an hour to lunch, with a loud yawn to accompany his rise from slumber. He slowly sat up and let out another yawn, before he noticed that he felt… better. Better than he had in a long time. Sure, he was still a little sleepy but he thought that was just him waking up, but he felt great. He felt like his energy was higher than usual, his happiness surely was, he felt more confident to conquer the dungeon and just felt more confident over all. He swung his legs over the bed, stood up and strolled over to the mirror, staring at himself. As he looked at his reflection, a big smile began to spread across his face.
"I did it… I did it…. I did it Grandpa! I got a girlfriend!" Bell said, laughing heartily as his feet did a little dance. He cheered and pumped both fists downwards in success. "Grandpa! You see that?! I've made it! I got myself a girlfriend and I… I… I had my first time! It was amazing!" He said, looking up towards the ceiling and the sky, as if trying to look his Grandpa in the eye. Unknown to him, his Grandpa was looking down.
High in the heavens, sitting upon a throne of clouds, was a magnificent god. Built like a body builder with a long white beard and hair that went down mid back. His veins were visible along his arms and his neck, pulsating every so often with a lightning blue. He had a bright smile on his face as he looked through a magical portal. He didn't see everything, but saw the aftermath.
"Bell… you've done it. You've reached the point that every man dreams of. His first love… his first time. Your story is only beginning now. You'll find yourself stronger than ever, with more energy to do it. You'll be more confident in your choices and you'll have more confidence in yourself. A woman does that for a man. She gives him the strength to go forward and go farther." Spoke the God. This was the God Zeus. This was the grandfather to Bell, even if not by blood. "I can't wait to see you go even further."
Zeus glanced over and spotted Hermes, who was up to no good again. Hermes was Zeus's best friend and he was the one that Zeus tasked to look over Bell, even if Hermes couldn't do anything. Zeus didn't necessarily like what Hermes had planned for Bell, but Zeus also knew that what lied in store for Bell would be crippling if Hermes didn't push for greater advancement. Zeus had to trust in his Grandson to get through every trial that Hermes had set forth, which included the one down on the 18th floor…
Hermes waited patiently for Bell to wake up and move away from the tent that he shared with his lover. He knew the dungeon couldn't resist such a tempting meal. A God down in the dungeon was too good. He just had to wait to spring the trap on Bell.
Bell finally arrived in the main camp, where Finn, Riveria, Tione, Tiona, Gareth, Ais and Bete were at, as well as Raul and Lefiya. When Bell turned up, Gareth and Tione were smirking at Bell while Tiona turned to face him with a big smile. She waved at him rapidly multiple times, which only got Gareth and Tione to smile brighter. Finn also started to smile, having already figured out what had happened. Tiona wasn't exactly hard to read nor was she shy about telling them that she WANTED Bell. Tiona was very honest which was one of her many qualities, though this particular instance would cause Bell great embarrassment. Bete sniffed the air, before his eyes narrowed. He began to look between Bell and Tiona out of suspicion.
"Well hey, if it isn't lover boy~" Gareth stated, which got Bete to look over at the dwarf. Bell immediately turned red, his eyes averting.
"I don't know what you mean…" Bell said, looking away from the group. Gareth laughed and shook his head, but Tione was the next one to tease.
"Bell, we heard everything. You're quite the loud one but I guess I can't expect anything else when with an Amazon~" She teased, only for Bell to blush even harder. She was lying, of course. No one of the group actually heard any noises. They had all, if they knew about it, stayed away from the tent to give privacy. They had no intentions on messing with the pair, but taking the opportunity to tease their newest member? Oh they had to take it.
"Guys, we should be happy for the pair instead of just teasing." Finn stated. Bell looked over at Finn gratefully, but it wasn't meant to be. "Though I am curious to how you are still alive if the rumors are true… Amazon's kill their lovers after~" Finn teased, giving Bell a grin which got Bell to blush again. Bete blinked.
"Ain't no way. I smell the both of you on each other… Tiona… you would… with him?!"
"Yes you dumb wolf. Took you that long to figure out that Tiona has been pining after him for a while?" Riveria interjected before Tiona could say something. Riveria couldn't stand Bete's attitude sometimes.
"I thought she was just joking!" Bete exclaimed, before looking at Bell. His eyes changed a bit, seeing Bell in a new light.
"Yes! It was amazing! Seven times! Ah it was magical." Tiona spoke dreamily, which got Bell to blush but his pride also inflated at that. Perhaps it wasn't so bad? Tione smirked.
"Oh? Well well, I guess I need to give my protective sister speech eh?" Tione teased, only for Bell to look at the elder.
"I won't hurt her. I will cherish her and keep her safe." Bell stated firmly, only to get Finn, Gareth and Tione to laugh. Tiona blushed at that ever so slightly.
"Atta boy. That's what I want to hear." Gareth stated. Finn smiled softly.
"Be sure to do that." Finn nodded. "You have my blessing." Tione snickered.
"Well, I suppose that's all I needed to hear. I'll leave my sister in your hands." Tiona approached Bell and hugged his neck.
"Awww Bell, you're so cool!" Tiona squealed, rubbing her cheek against the top of his head. Bell flushed but gently kissed Tiona's sternum.
"I love you too…" He muttered. Tiona squealed again.
"I love you too!" Tiona exclaimed, getting the three teasing members to start laughing. Bete watched in awe, feeling respect towards Bell. Riveria merely shook her head at everyone's antics and Ais watched silently. Raul and Lefiya also kept quiet, though they were mostly just working around the camp. Finn cleared his throat.
"Now that everyone is here. I want to congratulate Bell once more on reaching Floor 18, despite the harrowing adventure to get here. We're going to start heading back up to the surface, but feel free to stay behind. We'll get the dungeon boss cleared ahead for you and you will be just fine to make it back with the rescue team." Finn stated. "You alright with that?"
"Sure. I should at get with them then… to see about preparing to leave."
"Right. Oh and before you go, I know it'll be harrowing, but try not to restock down here. It's extremely expensive. I can give you some Vali's if you wish if you need to."
"I… yea, I think that would be nice to have a few. I want to purchase Welf a new sword."
"Ah fair enough. Get with Riveria about some spending money. See you up top Bell." Finn stated, leaving Bell to approach Riveria while the rest of the crew moved out to further prep for departure. The Nine Hells elf looked down at Bell and gave him a slight smile.
"Don't worry about being teased so much. They mean well and they actually are just happy for the both of you. You're a valued member of this Familia, even if you don't think so." She replied before pulling out a pouch of Vali's, handing Bell a large sum. Triple what would be needed on the surface.
"I… thank you Mama! I will pay you back!"
"I am not Mama, I am Riveria." She scolded, though she knew Bell wouldn't be able to stop. Damn that Trickster. "You do not have to pay anyone back in this Familia unless they ask you to. You are going to be taken care of because you are family. If you wish to do something for this Familia, then work hard and get stronger." She stated, watching Bell give her a bow before running off. 'Don't die on us.' She thought.
Bell ran further out, heading towards the edge of their camp where the rescue team had camped at. When he approach from the Loki Familia camp, with a big smile on his face and his hair still a bed head hair, Welf was the first to spot him and give him a smile.
"Ay! We were wondering where you were. Camped out with the Loki Familia?"
"Mhm! Sorry! I should have let you know! You are my party and I should be camping with you!"
"Eh, I am not worried about all that. On these safety zones, I think it's okay to break away from your party."
"Okay. So, we're going to go shopping for a bit and get you a new weapon for our travel up."
"Oh… right. Well, let's get going to that. I believe the others are still packing up."
"Oh we should talk to them first! My familia is going to clear the way up past the dungeon boss and we can follow them up."
"Perfect." Welf said, before walking with Bell towards the group. Ryuu was the first that Bell spotted. She was standing along a small cliff overlooking the valley that lead to the city of Rivera. Welf looked at Bell and gave him a smile. "Go. I'll inform the others." Bell nodded without thinking and made his way over towards the Elf.
Ryuu was a crush of Bell's but Bell was also loyal. He wasn't going to go after Ryuu, despite his stated dream of forming a harem. Once he fell in love with Tiona, he realized that his dream was only going to hurt the Amazon and willingly abandoned it. Of course, he had no idea that Tiona was supporting his dream of a harem though she never vocalized it. Ryuu turned as she heard Bell approach, glancing over at him. She had a slight blush on he face, though it was hidden by her green mask. She was ready to head out.
"Ah, Mr. Cranel. I'm glad to see you're all better."
"As am I… but I am eternally grateful to you. You came all this way down just for me."
"I told you before, you don't need to thank me. I had to come down here anyway. You just gave an excuse."
"Still…" Bell muttered, not liking not being able to thank her properly. Ryuu turned her attention back to the valley, ending the conversation. Bell, a bit deflated, sulked away. Ryuu, on the other hand, was blushing quite hard.
'Why does he effect me so?! Why must this body want him so?! This heart?! I am not worthy of him!' She thought, her right hand placed over her heart as she felt it beat rapidly for the boy. She may not know it, but she would be the one making a move on him and it wasn't far away.
Bell sighed a bit sadly, not liking that Ryuu was still so distant and cold. He thought it was just how elves were, but Riveria wasn't cold to him. She was warm and loving, in her own way. She cared for him, scolded him and took care of the group. She really was the Familia Mother! He met back up with Welf who had finished explaining to the rest of the group, which was Hermes, Asfi, Mikoto and Ouka. Welf grinned at Bell.
"Ready to go down into the city?"
"Yea, I am ready. We need to get you that weapon." Bell nodded in agreement.
"Before you go, I wanted to inform you that we are taking off. Start heading up in about an hour." Finn said, coming from the Loki campsite. Bell turned and smiled.
"Alright, we should be done before then! I'll make sure we get moving right after!"
"Good. See you back at the manor." Finn stated, leaving the group. Welf turned to the others.
"You heard it! Finish up with your packing and let's get out of here!" Welf declared, before leaving with Bell towards the city below.
Hermes hummed and made a disappearance from the group, finding his way into the forest. He looked around before flashing a bit of his divine energy, making sure that it was nigh undetectable by any of the other deities, including Ouranos though he was sure he could convince the head of the guild and the supreme God that reigned over the others that he had good reason. The other few God's that reigned as supreme as he were either back in heaven or missing. Hermes put his cloak back over his face and quickly made his way back to the group, hoping to not arouse any suspicion.
Bell smiled as he spotted Hermes.
"Ah Lord Hermes! We were just about to go looking for you! It's time to head out!"
"Ah so soon? I was really enjoying this place. It's quite peaceful, don't you think?"
"I agree! I hope I can come back down here again soon!"
"I have no doubt that you could." Hermes said with a smile, only for the entire floor to shake.
"What the?!" Welf exclaimed, only for Ryuu to look around.
"It's a quake… and an evil one at that…. Wait!" Ryuu declared, looking up in the sky which got the others to look. Out of nowhere, a massive beast appeared in the crystals as if falling.
"What is that thing?!" Ouka demanded, only for Ryuu to move closer to Bell and speak.
"That… it's Goliath." Ryuu stated before the crystal roof shattered, plunging the floor into darkness. The massive creature, twenty five feet in height with arms the size of massive tree trunks appeared from the sky before slamming into the ground.
"Since when is Goliath black?!" Asfi demanded only to gasp. "No…"
"Yes… It's an irregular. This is not the same Goliath from the floor above…" Ryuu said calmly. The Beast stood up and let out a roar, shaking the floor with its voice. The shockwaves created by the beast began to cause cave ins, completely sealing off the entire floor from the outside. The same roar began to turn all the peaceful monsters on the floor into ravenous creatures. Every monster and Goliath began to converge on the city as well as the campsite where Bell and his team were located.
"It's coming…" Welf said quietly.
"We gotta help!" Bell stated, immediately beginning to run towards the fight. Ryuu stood in Bell's way, though she kept her side to him to stop looking at him.
"Don't…"
"What?"
"Are you sure you'll be doing them any good? You're only level two and those floor bosses are level 4 at minimum… and this is an irregular." Bell looked around, looking at Mikoto, Ouka and Welf. Each of them stared at Bell in return, before Welf gave Bell a grin and a thumbs up.
"It doesn't matter. If we do nothing, they die. I will not stand idly by as people are trampled." Bell stated firmly. "I am… No. We are going."
"I'm not so sure about your skills as a leader but that doesn't make you wrong. I will fight with you." Ryuu stated, drawing her wooden blade. Hermes turned to Welf.
"Here. Your Goddess wanted you to have this. I should have gave it to you sooner." Hermes said, producing something wrapped in a cloth. "She also told me to tell you this. 'Don't sacrifice everything you hold dear, for the sake of your pride.'"
Welf took the blade and frowned, before placing it onto his back.
"I'll be the one to decide that." Welf growled out, before drawing his sword and rushing after Ryuu and Bell who had darted forward. Hermes turned to Asfi and smiled.
"I believe it's time for you to shine right?"
"And who is going to protect you?"
"Ah I'll be fine. I'm just going to enjoy the show." Hermes said with a grin. Asfi glared at him.
"Why do I get the feeling… oh never mind." Asfi stated before she rushed out to join the battle that was starting against the Black Goliath.
Ryuu and Bell ran alongside each other, heading off towards the front against the massive beast together. Ryuu glanced over at Bell who was keeping up with her, though she didn't go at her full speed either.
"Any plans?" Ryuu asked.
"None that come to mind." Bell admitted without hesitation. "I don't know what to do."
"Then allow me to distract it and see about its weaknesses." Ryuu said, darting forward ahead of Bell, leaving him behind as she went off to start causing some pain for the beast. Bell gave a nod to Ryuu, despite her not going to see him. Asfi joined the fray as arrows and artillery began to rain upon the beast from the cliffs surrounding the area.
Bell looked around, watching as the adventurers from the city began their own attacks… but the beast was strong. It was swatting away adventurers like they were nothing but flies. Nothing could break through to deal lasting damage. The beast bled, but it kept on moving and fighting. 'What can I do… I can't… No. I can… but first I need to make sure we keep the causalities at a minimum!' Bell thought, before he rushed towards the battle field.
"BELL!" Welf exclaimed, seeing Bell rush forward towards the monster without a care. Bell didn't listen to Welf, too busy focusing on the task. Bell's eyes began to hyper focus as he activated his skill, Thousand Image Defense. Bell was now the target of the beast, having found a delicious rabbit to feast on. Bell began to dodge side to side, avoiding powerful blows without even coming close. His skill was a powerful ability, but it wasn't perfect. The beast was slow in its movements, attacking with more power than any sort of speed, allowing him to dodge, but the beast could use magic.
Bell was focused on rescues, moving fallen adventurers out of the way with tosses towards the side lines. He felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up as the images began to flow in his head, but they suddenly stopped. They couldn't read this attack! Shockwaves began to form around Goliath's mouth as it began to charge a powerful magical attack at the rabbit that had saved multiple of its victims from death. Ryuu huffed and shoulder slammed Goliath in the side of the face, forcing the beast to miss Bell by aiming at the walls of the floor instead.
"You need to pay more attention!" Ryuu scolded. Bell looked at Ryuu apologetically.
"I'm sorry! I'll try to do better!" Bell exclaimed, before Ryuu once more jumped into the fray, aiming for the ankles of the beast. Bell once more jumped into the fight, rescuing more and more adventurers while Ryuu distracted him with powerful blows to the back of the ankles. Asfi began her own attack, attacking the beast in the face to keep the attacks off of Bell who was finishing up the rescues.
Welf watched as Bell tossed the last injured adventurer away from the fight, only for a booming voice to be heard.
"VANGUARD. CLEAR THE AREA. WE'RE ABOUT TO RAISE HELL!"
Bell, Ryuu, Asfi, Welf and multiple other adventurers ran off, leaving the area. It was a few seconds later that a massive barrage of spells went off. Fire, ice, water, as well as just massive explosions and shockwave's began colliding with the Goliath, shaking the floor from how big of an explosion the combined magic created. After the dust and smoke cleared, the large beast fell down to its knees with multiple holes in its body as well as large chunks just missing. It was heavily injured and the warriors from the city charged in but everyone stopped as the beasts body began to sizzle. Steam poured from the wounds of the Monster Rex, slowly beginning to regenerate.
Ryuu gasped. 'That's… this is not a level 4… It's level 5… with regeneration!' She thought incredulously.
Bell watched with astonishment as the monster began to heal. 'This is… a floor boss…' Bell then watched as the beast raised its two fists into the air, before swinging it down quickly right into the ground. The ground was ripped apart as a shockwave traveled through it. The ground exploded, turning into dust and debris as every warrior within a hundred feet on the ground was knocked away. Ryuu and Asfi had kept their distances, avoiding the attack from the monster.
Ryuu looked out on the battlefield, seeing the entire battlefield littered with adventurers who were defeated with a single blow. She knew that most of them weren't above level 2, so it wasn't surprising. Even the normal Monster Rex would have done similar. She knew she wasn't strong enough to defeat this monster. She probably could have taken on the regular Monster Rex on her own, but she'd be pretty banged up at the end of the fight. This Floor Boss? He was far beyond her. She spotted movement in the battlefield, spotting Bell who slowly got up to his feet. She smiled at that, seeing that Bell's willpower is strong. She watched as he darted away from the monster, keeping his distance.
Bell groaned as he recovered from the attack. He felt multiple bones had been broken from the attack, though it wasn't anything debilitating for him. Most adventures could handle a few broken ribs especially when their life was on the line. He stood up and looked up, looking at the monster. 'What can I do? What should I do? I can't defeat this on my own… If I provide a distraction, maybe Miss Ryuu and Miss Asfi can take care of it?' Bell thought. He decided to run away from the monster before leaping over the last group of front line adventurers who were being pushed back towards the Goliath. They were being pincered by a group of monsters that were roaming the safety point. He leapt into the fray without a single thought, immediately sending both of his blades into the Minotaur that lead the assault. The Minotaur fell within seconds, before Bell darted in between Monsters, doing hit and runs. 'I can at least do this much.' He thought bitterly as he opened up a hole for the other adventurers to retreat through. As soon as the other ones got clear, Bell was surrounded, but it wasn't by enemies. It was by his last two friendly, Ryuu and Asfi.
"Your friend is fine. He's just knocked out but he's safe over there." Ryuu said, pointing towards Welf. Bell hadn't even asked yet, but she knew him well enough to be concerned about his friend. Bell nodded.
"I'm thinking of distracting him." Bell thought, looking around. "You guys are faster and can clear the area of the wounded. If I can keep him-"
"No. You cannot do anything. We are going to distract."
"No." Bell said firmly. "I need you both to get the wounded away. I cannot allow any death today. Never."
"Mr. Cranel." Ryuu started, trying to convince Bell to think otherwise, but Bell was adamant.
"You two get the injured out." Bell stated, before darting towards the Goliath. Asfi glanced over at Ryuu.
"He's trying to be a leader." She commented. Ryuu nodded before shaking her head.
"He's stubborn is what it is." Ryuu stated before she and Asfi went off to collect the injured, though that didn't stop the pair from glancing every so often at Bell.
'I can do this. I know I can.' Bell said, convincing himself as the pair of cables, one on each arm, dropped, holding his weapons in the tip of the cable. 'I can do this! I CAN DO THIS!' Bell said, before flinging out the minotaur sword, sending the blade right into the Goliath's forearm. The creature roared and attempted to swing his arm to get the cable out, but Bell used his own strength and yanked on the cable before going airborne with it. The cable sent him flying into the air, where he removed his blade with a flick of the wrist, before sending out the knife that Loki had given him. This one connected with Goliath's shoulders, where Bell began to swing around, distracting the Floor Boss. 'You can hit me if you can't catch me!' Bell thought, repeating this process over and over, avoiding Goliath's blows.
Ryuu glanced over and watched as Bell effectively distracted the beast. Asfi finished with her last adventurer before grouping up with Ryuu.
"He's doing better than I expected." Asfi commented. Ryuu nodded.
"He is using very unorthodox weaponry which allows for such… strange maneuvers." She replied, before both nodded at each other. They both rushed into the fight against Goliath, hoping to assist Bell in taking down this irregular Monster Rex.
Welf had finally woken up and watched as Bell, Ryuu and Asfi were the last remaining fighters against the Goliath. The rest of the adventurers were dealing with their own problems, an onslaught of monsters were converging on the wounded. Welf grit his teeth, looking around before he grabbed his blade and rushed to help the wounded.
'Sorry Bell. I wish I could have helped you.' He thought bitterly.
Bell was still swinging and flying around the Goliath while Ryuu and Asfi began their assaults. The ankles were the target of Ryuu, who would use her footwork to dart around the Goliath again. Asfi would use her creations to bombard the eyes, nose and mouth to hinder the monster as best she could. Bell continued swinging around, but would start attacking with the other hand while swinging. So if he would swing around the back, his blade would glide with him and cut deep into the monster.
Unfortunately, the Monster was learning. Ryuu was the true pest as Bell's weapons would not cut deep enough to cause any lasting damage especially due to the regeneration. Asfi was annoying for sure, but continuing to be forced to his knees by the elf was too much. Getting up from regenerating the last of the damage to his ankles, he lifted his right leg up just as Ryuu went for it, forcing her to almost stumble before the foot came down into the ground, sending another powerful shockwave along the dungeon floor. Ryuu screamed in surprise as she was launched upwards, before a powerful back swing from the Goliath struck the elf mid air, sending her rocketing into a cliff.
"RYUU!" Bell screamed, looking over towards his friend who collapsed half-conscious from the impact. She rolled down the cliff until she came to a crumble at the foot of the cliff. Bell then watched as the Monster turned its attention to her, opening its mouth for a powerful magical attack. Bell's eyes went wide, noticing that Asfi was unable to stop it and Bell wasn't sure his own magic would do anything at this time. Bell immediately used the momentum of his swings before flying into the air into the direction of Ryuu as the Irregular began to fire. With a mighty roar, a blast of energy left the Goliath's mouth and rocketed straight for the unconscious level 4. Asfi turned.
"Bell don't!" Asfi roared, trying to prevent Bell from trying to protect Ryuu. She knew that Hermes was relying on this boy and she did want to help her deity, even if Hermes was a pain in the ass. Bell wouldn't listen as he flung himself on top of the Elf, his unarmored back immediately taking the blow from the magic, sending the boy and the elf flying off into the forest. Ryuu was unharmed from the magic. "Damnit!" Asfi was now alone against the monster.
Ryuu's vision and hearing began to clear, but she was aware that someone had rushed over and took a powerful magical blow to protect her. She looked around and noticed that it was Bell, who was laying on his stomach a few feet away, bleeding out of his mouth, ears, nose and eyes. He was unconscious and he was barely breathing. Ryuu got up to her hands and knees, noticing that her injuries were relatively minor, except for the extreme headache.
"Damnit…" She swore, crawling over to Bell who was once again on deaths door. "Why would you do that?!" She demanded, feeling emotions that she had long buried began to rise up. "You stupid man! Stupid! You shouldn't risk yourself for me! I am no good! You hear me?! I'M NO GOOD!" She yelled at the unconscious man as tears began to form in her eyes.
"I don't think it is fair to say that you get to judge yourself as worthy or not." Spoke Hermes who appeared from the forest, his eyes watching Goliath and Asfi have a duel. "I believe Bell has told you multiple times of your worth, so take his word for it. He's an honest boy."
"He's naive." Ryuu spat, glaring up at Hermes for having saw her in such a moment.
"That he is, but he still thinks with his heart. Now then, you need to get going." Hermes stated, looking down at Ryuu finally.
"What…?"
"Bell will be fine. He'll get up soon and then he'll show you what he's made of… but for that to happen, you need to get out there and help bring the beast to a halt otherwise, everyone will die. That'll destroy the boy."
"What are you… He's almost dead and you want me to abandon him?" Ryuu asked in a low dangerous voice.
"Yes. I am asking you to do that… because he's not going to die. He's going to get up and kill that monster… or do you not have faith in the man that has clearly won your heart?" Hermes asked, staring down at Ryuu intensely who stared right back before she got up. She looked once more down at Bell, staring longingly at the man who had clearly won her heart, before she ran off towards the battle.
Hermes sighed and looked out at the battle, before looking down at Bell.
"You know… everyone is counting on you. Me, your friends… and your grandfather too. We're still waiting for you to show us what you can really do." Hermes stated.
Up in the heavens, Zeus was gripping his seat with his full strength, nearly cracking the cloudy throne.
"Come on! You have to get up Bell! I know you can do it! Fight!" Zeus declared, only to lean forward, his hands folded together as he thought. "Though perhaps… hmm. Perhaps I can give you a little boost… especially considering what awaits you further down. Hmmm. I think Ouranos will forgive me for this, seeing as I want the same thing he does… Yes… I think it's about time for your bloodline to make an appearance." Zeus said out loud, before standing up. He gathered powerful lightning in his hands, his divine arcanum spreading through his body. "RISE MY GRANDSON! RISE AND SHOW THEM ALL WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF!" Zeus roared, before sending the lightning through the heavens, right towards the dungeon.
Bell was in a similar dream world to where he was when he was gaining his first magical spell. "Am I dead…?" He spoke only to shake his head. "No… I'm alive… I can hear everyone. I can hear Ryuu fighting and Asfi… I'm glad Ryuu is safe… but what about me? Am I dead? Dying?"
"You aren't dead." Spoke a familiar voice. It was Zeus, but it wasn't the Zeus from the heavens but the Grandfather that Bell was used to. Smaller beard, smaller build. This was Bell's grandfather.
"Grandpa?"
"You have a choice. You can either die where you are laying my boy… or you can get up and defeat that monster."
"I don't have the strength to do it." Bell admitted.
"Perhaps not as you are now." Grandpa admitted, before looking around. "Tell me. What are you willing to give to save your friends?"
"Everything! I'll give my own life if I have to. I'll give my life in order to let them have theirs." Bell said without hesitation.
"And why is that?"
"Because… you once said that a hero…" Bell started, only to stop.
"Hmmm?" His Grandpa urged him to continue.
"You told me that a Hero isn't a title that is given because someone carries a sword or a shield… or wields powerful magic. It's not a title given to someone who is selfish and only acts for their glory. Strength, speed or any sort of ability has nothing to do with being a hero. You told me that a Hero is someone who sacrifices himself. Someone who is willing to lose their life for the ones they love. You always told me to get up… no matter how many bumps or cuts I get, to always get up and carry on with my heart."
"I see. So you listened… Good. Then I will give you strength." His Grandpa said, before approaching Bell. He quickly wrapped his arms around his Grandson, who hugged him back, before whispering into his ear.
"Show them all." He spoke, before disappearing into particles.
Hermes stepped back as the crystal roof that remained began to spark. The crystals then shot down powerful lightning bolts, all ascending upon Bell. Hermes watched with fascination as three lightnings bolts a second began striking down upon Bell's bare back.
"You old bastard… you are really going this far?!" Hermes declared, completely surprised at the sudden surge of divine energy being sent from the heavens.
Ouranos who was unaware at the time of the issues on the 18th floor, immediately felt the powerful divine energy. He looked towards where the energy was coming from before frowning.
"What are you planning Zeus…?" He asked, mostly to himself.
In that dream world, Bell was alone in a bright white. It was just an empty space of white. He was walking around, despite there not being actually anything solid to stand on. A piece of paper materialized above him and floated down into his hands.
"This here is your new spells, created for your purpose of being a hero. You declared your resolve so now you must show it."
"My life force is going to be taken away…?"
"You can't have extreme power without drawbacks. Either they are long casting spells, massive mind drain that guarantees an instant Mind Down, life force draining, or even instant death. Magic isn't something always positive. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Spoke the voice of his grandpa.
"I…"
"Are you saying you aren't willing to do what it takes to be a hero?"
"No. I…"
"If you do not wish to sacrifice yourself in order to save the ones you love, then you have no right to call yourself the Hero." His Grandpa scolded. "You think being a hero is easy? That it'll just be roses and sunshine? You think the Argonaut didn't have to go through trials and tribulations? Or the mighty Hercules and the Twelve Labors?"
"No… well."
"Is saving your friends worth your life? You declared that it was before or are you second guessing your resolve?"
Bell clenched his fists in the piece of paper, his eyes clenched shut as he shook. He opened his eyes suddenly, glaring down at the piece of paper.
"O', Heavenly Father of the Skies, I beseech you to bless me with the power to stop the cries. The power to succeed with my dream, as I wish for power supreme. The power to blow away the night and to bring about the force of light! Let the ancient power from the past, breathe again with a lightning crash! Now I beseech you for that ancient power, for this is our finest hour!"
Hermes watched as Bell's veins lit up with a lightning blue. His body torqued almost in agony, bending backwards as he screamed. Bell's eyes flew open as his scream echoed through the dungeon as his body began to arc all over, as if he was casting Lightning Bolt. Hermes looked up as a touch of water landed on his nose, which got him to squint.
"Rain…..?" He questioned as rain began to pour from the crystals above as clouds began to form at the roof. "Zeus… what did you do…?"
Bell felt unimaginable pain. Pain he's never experienced before as his muscles began to rip apart and reform, over and over. He felt hot lightning course through his veins, boiling his blood as he began to transform. His eyes were open but he was still in the dream world, screaming as his Grandpa appeared to watch over.
"Keep your chin up and your head in the clouds of your dreams. You'll make them come true." He said to Bell. "Don't forget that it is your heart and your will that make you strong, not your muscles or your magic. Your muscles and magic, without heart, is weakness."
Bell couldn't respond as he torqued in multiple ways as his body was destroying and repairing itself over and over. His Grandpa smiled as Bell slowly calmed down, the energy having finished its course through his body. He stood up in that white dream world, looking at his Grandpa who had a proud smile on his face.
"You can see and feel just how much stronger you are. It's mostly temporary, though the reformation of your body is permanent. Your life span has decreased by half due to the spell. So if you were to die in a year originally, now you will die in six months."
"What will kill me?"
"Well now? The magic that you have taken will consume you. Your heart will deteriorate as well as your mind." He admitted. Bell frowned.
"Is their a way to repair this life span?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I do not know. I am just a figment of your imagination after all." He laughed, giving Bell a grin. "Just know, that each time you cast this spell and depending on how much power you desire, you will find yourself with more life span deteriorations."
"As long as I can keep my friends safe, I will do what I must."
"Good… now I believe you have a Monster to kill." Grandpa said. It was with that, the white world ended and Bell's eyes opened. He was on the ground on his back, staring up into Hermes's eyes. Rain was pouring down hard as lightning lit up the sky and thunder crashed. A Thunderstorm had formed on the 18th floor.
"Ah, you are awakened. I was worried."
"What's going on?"
"Asfi, Ryuu, your blacksmith friend and a few other adventurers are still fighting. They have kept Goliath busy, but the injuries are piling up." Hermes replied. "You going out there?" Hermes gently wiped some rain from his eyes, watching Bell stay completely dry due to his electric 'armor'.
Bell clenched his fists, watching as lightning began to arc from his fists, up his arms, over his shoulders before encompassing his entire body in the bright blue lightning. He began to radiate the divine lightning, before looking at Hermes.
"Yes." Bell said, before turning to the Monster.
"Good luck. I hope to see what you have in store for us all." Hermes said before watching as Bell ran, faster than ever, towards the battle.
Bell leapt off the cliff that separated him from the others, leaping over the injured adventurers who were being taken care of with basic first aid care. They all watched as Bell, covered in arcing lightning, would pull his arms in an X over his chest, before flinging both arms outwards. As soon as his arms were released, a powerful X shaped blast of lightning flew out and over to the beast.
Ryuu and Asfi were still fighting with the beast, distracting it as they were waiting for Bell, though both had their doubts that Bell was going to return. Bell had taken a severe amount of damage protecting Ryuu's life. Both were distracted momentarily as rain began to pour hard on the floor.
"Rain…?" Asfi asked as she met up with Ryuu on the ground for a breather and to discuss plans.
"Looks like… it's not natural."
It was then Ryuu and Asfi noticed the incoming magical attack, watching it arc through the sky. The lightning struck the Floor Boss hard in the chest, which sent a powerful electric wave up and down the beast, ending at the base of the skull and right above the waist line. It roared in pain and fury, turning its attention to Bell. It began to regenerate, steam rising from its entire torso. Ryuu and Asfi spotted Bell who was now on the ground, staring down the monster.
"Mr. Cranel?!" Ryuu exclaimed, completely shocked at what she was seeing.
"We can beat him now!" Bell stated. "But I can only do this for so long!" He roared. Ryuu and Asfi nodded, before engaging the monster once more, attacking the ankles and the face. Bell roared in fury. "Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt! Lightning Bolt!" Bell chanted in rapid succession sending eight bolts of lightning out before he rushed forward to chase his own lightning. The monster took each hit hard, the bolts striking the chest and stomach area. Each strike punched a cavern inside of the beast, who was sent stumbling backwards with a roar of pain. Bell followed up by leaping into the air and slamming both feet in a drop kick into the beasts chest.
Powered up by his lightning, Bell's feet which impacted between two cavernous holes, immediately caved in the monsters chest as well as sending it stumbling back twenty feet. It fell down backwards, destroying a few trees in the process. Bell watched in frustration as the monster began to stand up, its wounds healing but Bell caught a look at the massive monster crystal that was visible at the base of the wound he created with his drop kick.
"There! I saw the crystal! We just need to get it revealed and puncture it!" Bell declared. Bell leapt into the air once more, flinging a small ball of lightning out of his hands after charged it for five seconds. The ball flew through the air and smacked dead center of the chest, right where Bell had saw the crystal. When the ball struck, it exploded, ripping open the chest to reveal the crystal. "NOW!" He ordered. Ryuu rushed up the body of the beast, taking her wooden blade and angling it downwards. The beast noticed its danger and began to twist to his left, while swinging his right arm with a back hand. This forced the beast to hide its face with its arm. Ryuu narrowed her eyes and leapt over the hand, only for her eyes to widen. The beast was using it to block the view of its magical attack!
"RYUU!" Bell cried out, seeing Ryuu in danger. "Lightning Bolt!" Bell exclaimed, aiming his right hand up towards the Monsters mouth. The bolt of lightning flew from Bell's fingertips, arcing its way through the air before colliding with the beasts chin from underneath. It forced the Monster to look up and fire, striking the clouds ceiling above the clouds. Bell already had leapt into the air, catching Ryuu who was completely frozen in surprise and fear. He landed on the ground shortly after, holding her like a princess. "Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine." Ryuu stated, climbing out of the hands of her crush, trying to hide the blush from being carried in such a way. Asfi arrived and huffed hard.
"What's the plan now?"
"It's still the same. Reveal the crystal and destroy it with a strike."
"It's risky getting so close to the monsters chest like that. He's learning and adapting. He's protecting it." Asfi stated. Ryuu nodded.
"Then what we need is an overwhelming attack." The Elf stated before Bell nodded.
"I can do it. I just need time to charge."
"Then we will grant you this time." Ryuu stated, standing up tall with her wooden blade out before nodding as Asfi who returned it. They both rushed off, heading back into battle.
Asfi and Ryuu both began their assault on the still healing Floor Boss. Bell put both hands together before slowly pulling them apart. As he did so, multiple arcs of lightning form between his hands, starting to form a ball of lightning. Sensing the danger from Bell, the Monster Rex began to make its way closer and closer to Bell, swatting at the two women who were attacking it.
"Oh no you don't!" Welf roared, unwrapping the cloth around a large sword. He had jumped in front of Bell without any hesitation before swinging his magical sword down in a vertical arc. The blade ignited during the swing before sending the flame outwards in a maelstrom of heat. The Blade cracked down the center, signaling that one more attack would cause it to fail.
"Welf!" Bell exclaimed, surprised and happy to see his friend was alright!
"You think that it'll be that easy to take me out?" Welf asked with a grin before nodding. "We'll cover you. Just keep fighting!"
"Right!" Bell thought as he continued to charge the ball of lightning. Bell looked out around him, watching as Ouka was escorting the wounded away from the battle. So many people were injured and Bell couldn't even think about how many were possibly dead. How many wouldn't be able to return home… how many would leave their friends and family behind. That was the danger of being an adventurer. 'I can't stand it… my weakness… I allowed so much pain and misery… when I could have been stronger. I could have stopped it all… No more. I will no longer allow people to die if I can prevent it!' Bell declared, as white particles began to form around Bell's hands and his ball of lightning. A Bell began to ring out, echoing through the dungeon floor.
"Limit off…" Hermes stated, before he started to grin. "I see… Well Bell Cranel. I think we're about to see something spectacular."
'So many people are relying on me to win this day. I will not let them down. I want to become worthy in everyone's eyes. I want to get closer to her.' Bell thought, thinking of Tiona and her immense strength. He blushed as he remembered the night he spent with her, but he shook that thought away. He thought of his Goddess, who took him in and cared for him. He wanted to be worthy of his Goddess. His red eyes began to shine an ethereal white as one of his new skills began to take effect.
The passageway that led to the 17th floor was finally shattered. Tiona, Tione and Gareth had finally busted through, leading the way for the Loki Familia to enter.
"Is that what blocked the way back in?!" Tiona exclaimed, pointing out to the black Goliath that was currently under attack.
"It looks like it." Tione said, before narrowing her eyes. "It looks like Asfi and a few other members of the rescue team are alive and fighting still."
"We need to go help them." Finn said. "Let's get moving and assess the situation."
"RIGHT!" Spoke the entire team of the Loki Familia, who rushed out towards the battlefield. It took them less than a minute to arrive, but they all stopped when Finn stopped since he led the charge.
"Captain?" Tione asked curiously. Finn and Riveria were both staring ahead of them as the massive energy signature ahead of them.
"Is that… Bell?!" Tiona exclaimed, watching in surprise as Bell was lit up in a white light as well as lightning. He was raising his hands above his head with a Ball of lightning about two feet in circumference above his outstretched fingers. It was growing in size and density.
"Shall we assist?" Riveria asked her captain, though she knew what he was going to say.
"No. Not yet. Let's help the injured out the best we can, but I want to see this. We'll step in if things get too hairy." Finn declared. Tione, Tiona, Bete, Ais, Raul and Lefiya all darted off to the wounded, due to them being the faster of the group. Gareth, Riveria, and Finn stayed behind to watch.
"He's full of surprises that young child." Gareth said with a laugh.
"This was -not- listed under his magical spells. What kind of insane growth is this?" Riveria asked, narrowing her eyes at Bell who was exceeding all expectations.
"I'm not sure, but, I think Tiona has had a massive effect on him." Finn stated. "Either way, I think we're going to see something spectacular. Bell is going to beat this Floor Boss."
"That much faith huh?" Gareth asked but Finn didn't reply. He merely smiled.
The Ball of Lightning had grown to three feet in circumference and the irregular Goliath began to feel actual fear. It began to retreat, backing away from Bell before beginning to turn to retreat.
""Oh no you don't!"" Spoke Welf and Mikoto from opposite sides of the beast. Welf swung his magical sword, striking behind Goliath in order to keep him from leaving while Mikoto began to chant.
"Shinbu Tousei!" Mikoto declared at the end of the spell. The Spell triggered and gravity began to pull down on the Goliath, forcing it down to its knees though the beast struggled greatly, which drained at Mikoto's mind.
'I will surpass all limits. I will show everyone my worth! I will save everyone! I WILL BE A HERO!' Bell thought before he threw the ball of Lightning. "IONIC BOMB!" Bell roared as the Ball flew from his hands, aiming right for the monster. Ryuu, Asfi, Welf and Mikoto immediately ran away in opposite directions, clearing the area as the four foot ball of energy flew directly towards the monster who put his arms over his chest in a cross, trying to protect itself.
A bright light filled the sky upon impact. The light forced most of the lower level adventurers to avert their eyes, including Ryuu and Asfi. When the light cleared, a mushroom cloud of electric energy grew and grew to the clouds. A massive crack of thunder echoed through the dungeon floor, while also creating a shockwave. The shockwave ripped apart the ground in all directions for a hundred yards, sending rock, dust and debris into the air. In the center of this massive mushroom cloud was the beast who's body was being disintegrated at a molecular level. Its flesh, muscles, bones from its hands were going first, turning to ash before its head and chest began the same process. The energy rotted the body around the crystal, until nothing but the lower part of the waist and legs remained. The massive ten foot crystal was unharmed. The mushroom cloud dissipated after a full minute, in which the beast fell down to its knees… before steam began to form as its regeneration still was active.
Ryuu turned her attention to Bell, watching with horror as Bell had fallen to his knees, his lightning armor beginning to fade away into nothingness. The light in his eyes had went out, showing that he had a mind down. He put everything he had into that attack and then some. She focused once more on the monster, deciding to take the offensive. She darted off towards the beast, her wooden sword in hand. Asfi went with her from the other side, both reaching the beast at nearly the same time. Ryuu swung her blade down in a stabbing motion while Asfi threw out a few bombs. Ryuu's blade struck first, sinking deep into the crystal on the left side, while Asfi's bombs struck on the right. When the bombs struck, cracks formed around Ryuu's blade before the crystal shattered entirely. The beast had been defeated. Ryuu landed on the ground, breathing heavily before collapsing to her right knee. The adrenaline had worn off after having defeated the beast, leaving her to realize just how tired and injured she was. It wasn't fatal, but she wouldn't have much more in her.
Riveria, Gareth and Finn walked over to Bell who was resting on his knees with his butt on his ankles. Riveria was the first to get on her knees next to him, holding him by the back of his head to give him some support.
"He's fine. He's just having a Mind Down. I'm sure he'll wake up when we get back to the manor." Riveria stated. Finn frowned.
"Something isn't right… that energy was way too strong… We need to see his stats with Loki." Finn stated. "I know you can read his stats, but we need Loki to update."
"I agree." Riveria nodded.
"I don't think it's such a big deal." Gareth chimed in. "He's always been trying to get stronger and his growth was anything but natural. I just think its par for the course." Neither Finn nor Riveria attempted to argue. It was just time to go home.
After settling everything on floor 18, the Loki Familia and the rescue party were moving together, leaving the 18th floor and the dungeon… Bell had gained new strength and had a temporary power up at the cost of his life. What awaits him when Loki finds out about this?
Read. Review. Moo.
So yea, Bell has a new spell and will gain a few skilsl to go along with it, including Argonaut. This new spell is a high risk-high reward kind of spell, sacrificing his life force in order to be of use.
I hope you enjoyed the story!