Bell was sat cross-legged on his bed, holding a note in his hands, a second note was in his lap.
He got the note from Welf, after he showed Hephaistos and Tsubaki the antlers. Both were pretty amazed by the item and Tsubaki demanded to forge a weapon out of it. Fortunately, Welf was able to stop her.
They analized the antlers and got a clue of it´s abilities. Unlike Hakugen, they couldn´t cleanse poison, but destroy everything impure and evil. A weapon forged from that would be very strong against undeads or dark creatures. The substance of the antlers itself was anathema to evil things. Simultaneously, it boosted pure things and since it had a deep bound to the nature, it would be effective for spells like that too. So what to do with these antlers? One option was to sell them, Hephaistos offered to drop Hestia´s debt in exchange for the antlers, they were just that valuable. But that wasn´t an option, Hestia forbid him to do that. Another option was to forge a weapon out of it, but what kind of weapon? In the note, Hephaistos wrote that they could cut off the tiny branches on the sides, leaving the main part intact, that way they could use the main part for a weapon and the branches for something else. Bell gave his okay so the goddess did that carefully, as a thank, Bell left her one third of the branches for her own use. Tsubaki delivered the cleaned antlers and other parts the next day with a note for Hestia.
Since your child was so generously, I will cut off 30.000.000 from your debt. I don´t accept a no.
Hestia had tears in her eyes. "Bell...you are such a good child."
She didn´t cry because of the debt, but because he offered something that valuable just because of his good heart and expected nothing in return.
Bell thought about the antlers many times and finally, when the second note arrived, he got the beginning of an idea. The second note was the information about the tournament.
Now all rules were given out for those who were interested in it. Those of level four and fresh level five were allowed to participate. Adventurers and non adventurers alike. No active skills were allowed, thos that triggered passiv were okay, since no one could do anything against that. The arena would be bound in a huge magical field, that pretended the fighters from getting hurt to bad. Use of magical items was forbidden, but normal tools were allowed.
What triggered the idea in Bell was the price. Not the money, but a weapon forged by god Goibniu.
A weapon hmm...lord Goibniu...
Something in his memories rang by those words.
What was it...
He leaned his head back, took one of the antlers in his hand and whirled it around slowly.
Where did I heard that before...
He thought for a while, then his eyes fell on a letter he got from lady Astrea. The sight of her sigil reminded him of something...
That´s it!
Ryuu´s old weapon "Alf´s Lumina" was custom made by the Goibniu Familia.
He looked at the antler and it´s counterpart.
Hmm...hmm...the curve looks at least similar...
More and more the idea formed in his head.
If I win the tournament...god Goibniu will forge a weapon for me...but it doesn´t have to be for me right?
The idea came together.
They still have to know what "Alf´s Lumina" looked like. Ryuu said it was never finished, like the smith wanted it.
And since the material of the antlers reacted to pure, natural things.
Thats´it! I can give lord Goibniu the antlers and ask him to forge a new sword like Alf´s Lumina.
He couldn't think of anyone he'd rather use the antlers for.
And since lady Astrea wrote me that Ryuu´s birthday is coming up...
She also mentioned in her letter, that Ryuu had left the handle of her sword with lady Astrea so that she would have something from her all the time. Why did the goddess mention that? Maybe she had the same idea as Bell? Maybe it was a hint?
A new sword for Ryuu...with the handle of her old one...would she like that
Bell liked the idea.
Now the only thing left to do...I have to win the tournament...
Otherwise he wouldn´t be able to pay the god for forging a weapon...
And something...selfish?...came up in Bell´s mind. He would fight through hardships and strong enemies for the woman he loved...for her sake...to make her happy.
Because...that´s what heroes do...right?
He grinned because of the thought, he saw an image in his mind, of him kneeling in front of Ryuu, holding the new sword up.
You have my sword, my princess...
Ever since he read that in a book, he wanted to do that at least once.
And Bell had another reason to fight in the tournament.
If I win, everyone will have to acknowledge the name of the Hestia Familia. No one would call my goddess weak again...
Welf´s name who forged one of his weapons and his armor would be known. It would benefit even Miach and the others.
So far for his plan, time to talk to his Familia.
"You want to participate in the tournament?" Hestia looked at Bell.
Bell had just mentioned his idea to his Familia. "Yes and I wanted to talk with you about it, because I don´t plan to go after the price money."
As the captain of the Familia, Bell couldn´t just do what he wanted. He had to consider the situation of his Familia and their alliance too. 100.000.000 Vals would be an immense help for them.
"I see no problem here."
"Really?" He looked hopeful.
"Of course not, you just cut 30.000.000 Vals from the debt, we cannot expect from you to bring the money we need alone."
"But the debt was for my knife..."
"Sigh.." Hestia got up, went over to Bell and squeezed his cheeks with her hands. "As I said, My-little-Bell, I will pay the debt back, don´t feel guilty about it."
"Yesh, goddessh."
Hestia let go of him at sat down again.
"So let me guess, you want the price to make a new weapon for Ryuu?"
She had seen right through his thoughts. "Oh eh...how did you guess that so fast?"
Hestia puffed her chest and smirked. "Because I know you my little Bell. You wouldn´t want a new weapon for yourself, since little Welf forges your weapons and you wouldn´t hurt his feelings like that."
Bell nodded, she knew him really well.
"You sure make me proud Bell...Ha! If you win I can rub that Loki in her dumb face! Everyone has to acknowledge my little Bell´s strength! And Freya will have to pay for the price...that´s just perfect ha!"
At Babel
"Kchoo!" Freya let out a cute sneeze and rubbed her nose.
Is someone talking about me?
At Hestia Mansion.
"But Master Bell, you know that there will be strong fighters at the tournament, there is no guarantee that you will win."
"Yeah but at least I have to try, even if I would lose."
"Even with the magic field you might get hurt."
"I know."
"Hmm."
"You don´t understand that lil´Lily, a man just has to fight to prove his strength." Welf grinned.
"Why is it always fighting with you men? Geez..."
"Master Bell in a fierce, sweaty fight with another man? Their bodies clash together, muscles shining in the sunlight..both grinning from acknowledging the others strength..they share a manly handshake or hug...Hauuuuu..." Haruhime blushed fiercly by the thought.
"Lady Haruhime, please don´t say things that let others think you are a closed pervert..." Mikoto sat right next to Haruhime.
Lily coughed softly. "So Master Bell, will you tell Miss Ryuu about your plan?"
"No, I want to surprise her."
"We will all come to cheer you on Bell."
"Thank you goddess, I´m sure I will win with the support of you all."
At a certain pub, the night before.
Ryuu was able to hide the fact that she and Bell kissed for about twenty-three seconds.
Bell had walked her back to the pub, where he wished her goodbye for now. There were still a few customers in the pub, but the other waitresses noticed her the moment she came in. Syr was not there at the evening, so Chloe was the first one that saw Ryuu from near.
She eyed her, while she walked past her, instantly having a big knowing smile on her face. Ryuu was a little confused, but she walked in the direction of the stairs. Runoa was the next one, she looked at Ryuu for a few seconds, then she started to smile too. Right when she arrived at the stairs...
"Meow, welcome back."
"Anya, thank you."
"Meow..." Anya leaned forward, eyed Ryuu, then she got a smug grin. "Meowhehehe...you two have kissed."
The blood rushed to Ryuu´s face. "Wha-eh...I mean...eh...huh?"
"Nyahaha...you can´t hide it, it´s written all over your face." Chloe came to them, for the moment all customers had their food and drinks.
"M-My face?"
Runoa was the last one that came, she giggled. "Ryuu...you´re grinning like I have never seen you."
Ryuu touched her face, she didn´t noticed it, but she was indeed grinning.
"Ah..eh..." She looked flustered to the side.
Is it that easy for them, to see through me?
"How was ist?"
"What did it taste like, Nya?"
"Was he gentle, Meow?"
"Where did you do it?"
"Did he take the initiative, Meow?"
"Nya, did you kiss him first?"
"Did he push you down, Meow?"
"Nya, have you used your tongues?"
"Was it good?"
"Did you touch his butt, Nya?"
"H-Hey..hey..n-not here...n-"
"What are you girls doing?! You have work! I don´t pay you to stand around and chat, you can ask Ryuu when we´re closed!" Mama Mia yelled from the kitchen.
"""Yes!"""
"We will come to your room later, we want to hear everything." Runoa winked.
"Ah..eh.."
""You can´t say no, Nya/Meow!""
There was no point in trying to evade that, her friends were really curious about love, it was a late evening. Ryuu kept some details to herself, but she didn´t mind telling her friends about the date.
Ryuu was humming while she cleaned the floor, although it was a very late evening, she had an excelent sleep.
"Well, someone is in a good mood." Mia came from the kitchen to clean the counter.
"Mama Mia, good morning." Ryuu showed her a gentle smile.
Mia was as amazed as the girls, it was rare to see Ryuu smile so openly, but that smile...it seemed so natural on her face now.
Mia smirked. "Was it that good?"
Smiling sheepishly, Ryuu nodded.
Making Ryuu smile like that...the boy is good.
The front door opened and Syr came in. "Goooood mooooorning everyone!"
Her mood was as good as ever.
"Good morning, Syr." Ryuu greeted her friend and continued with her work.
"Oh hey Ry-.."
Ryuu looked up when Syr stopped midsentence.
"Hmmmm..." Syr eyed her and came closer.
"W-What is it?"
"Hmmmm..." She had put on a suspicious look.
"S-Syr?"
A big grin appeared on her face. "You did it."
"Hm?"
"Don´t even try to hide it...you kissed Mr. Bell."
"Oh that...y-yes.."
"Hehe, I knew it! I knew it would happen."
Syr leaned to Ryuu´s ear and whispered. "Did you enjoy it?"
Unable to answer, Ryuu only nodded.
"Hehe...I bet he took you in his strong arms and hugged you."
Again, Ryuu nodded.
Syr threw her arms around Ryuu and laughed. "You lucky girl!"
"S-Syr..I´m working."
"I want to hear everything when we´re on break."
"E-Everything?"
"E-ve-ry-thing!"
In the backround Mia sighed. "You girls and all that about kissing..."
Syr wanted to know every detail about the date...and Ryuu told her nearly everyhing.
After they returned from their break, they saw Chloe, Runoa and Anya standing by a table and looking at something.
"Something interesting?" Syr walked over and waved Ryuu to follow her.
"Look, look, Meow."
It was a flyer, with the headline "Big Tournament.".
"These are the rules and the day of the event."
"Nya...100.000.000 Vals..that would be something..."
"I could buy so many snacks with that, Meow."
"Or a house...that would be nice."
The price sure sounded interesting for Ryuu and she had to make sure to stay in top form, so the tournament would be a nice training.
"Hmm..."
"Ryuu do you want to participate?" Syr looked at her.
"I'm thinking about that..."
"Hey, I want to participate too, Nya!"
"Meow, me too!"
"I would also like too..."
Mia heard them from the counter. "Forget it girls, I will allow one and I mean only one of you to take a day off for that on that day. But I expect one of you to do that, we want to entertain the customers."
The four looked at each other.
"Only one, Meow.."
"Nya..."
"Hmm.."
Ryuu´s face got serious. "Then...there is only one way."
"Yeah...only one..."
"Like we always do, Nya..."
"Meow...let´s do this!"
Syr took a few steps back when they all got into fighting position.
"Ready?"
"You bet, Nya!"
"Meow, I´ll make you regret, challenging the mighty Anya!"
"Enough talk!"
They all had grim faces when they raised their fists.
""""Here we go...rock, paper, scissors!""""
They always decided things like that and like most of the times, Ryuu won. It was thanks to Lyra´s teachings from the past, she felt a bit bad to use them against her friends. The only one she could never beat was Syr.
"Tche...next time, Nya."
"Meow...I was so sure..."
"Well nothing new."
The three that lost started to work again.
Syr looked thoughtful. "Say Ryuu.."
"Yes?"
"Do you want to participate as yourself...or in disguise?"
"Hmm...I don´t want to much attention on myself...I think a disguise would be the..best..."
As she came to the end of her sentence, Ryuu noticed the light in Syr´s eyes.
"Hehe...I just have the idea for that."
"W-What do you mean?"
"How about...the manly Ryuu?"
Syr meant her disguise from the casino in the past.
"I´m..not so sure about that.."
"Oh of course we will have to change it a bit, no one will recognize you, I promise."
Ryuu knew that Syr had just too much fun on such things.
"Okay..I...will leave it to you..I guess."
"You won´t regret it!"
About a day trip away from Orario, two figures rode in the direction of the city. That itself was a normal sight, but they stood out for two reasons. One was their mounts, instad of horses, they rode huge lizards. About as big as a horse but massive, they walked on their hind legs that each had a giant claw. The front legs were smaller and seemed to have another use, their massive tails swung from side to side. They weren´t in a hurry.
The riders were the other reason why they stood out. Although it was quite warm, they wore full armor with their helmets on. Except for a few differences, they looked similar. They wore plate boot, thick leather pants with extra plates at the front, chest plates, leather jackets with plate gauntlets and a long scaly cape.
They distinguished two things, their helmets and their weapons, both helmets had cut crystal helmet lenses, this and the dark color was the only similarity the helmets had.
The first one had a massive helmet with something that looked like respiratory equipment in the front, from time to time there was a faint hissing sound. That figure had tiny orbs and flasks in every bag and pouch of the armor. The hilt of a sword loomed between it´s shoulders, the wide scaly cape may hid more weapons.
The second figure´s helmet was a bit smaller than the first one´s, it was pointed like a plow and a ridge of tiny hydra heads rose above it. The figure also had a sword on it´s back, but the main weapon was a long two-sided spear with split heads. She had placed the spear across the pommel of the saddle, the scale cape might also hid more weapons.
"I hope it won´t get boring..." The figure with the bigger helmet leaned itself back in the saddle.
"I doubt it, Orario´s adventurers are strong." The hydra helmet turned slowly to the other figure, while the rider scratched the neck of the lizard, with claw like gauntlets.
Their voices were muffled because of the helmets.
"How did our mistress get the information so quickly?"
"I guess with her mirror."
"Hmm...makes sense."
After a while, big helmet spoke again. "She even gave you "the Spear"?"
"Obviously."
"Have you ever used it?"
"A few times."
They came along travelers that eyed the big lizards and the full amored riders.
"So I guess when she gave you "the Spear", that means that there are future heroes in Orario?"
"Possible future heroes, yes."
A dull gasp came from the helmet of the first one, maybe a laugh?
"Then she will watch you fights with her mirror...she really hates heroes."
The second one shrugged her shoulders. "I just fulfill our mistress´ wishes."
The first one gasped again. "Quite the good princess.."
"Hey...I told you not to call me that.."
"Do you prefer big sister?"
"Sigh...just call me by my alias, Venom. We´re outside of the sanctum after all."
"As you wish, Alpha."
The lizards started to speed up, they were in the mood for a little run.
"One thing prin-...Alpha...will you be okay in the arena?"
"I guess.." Alpha knocked lightly on her helmet. "As long as I have this, shouldn´t be a problem."
"I hope so."
"What, do you think I´m weak?"
"Weak? By the great Gorgon no!...But I´m slightly worried...since I know how you are."
The lizards were getting faster and faster, after a short while they nearly reached the speed of a galloping horse. They may be not as fast as a horse, but they could run like that for a long time.
"I´m thankful for that...but don´t forget who I am..."
"I would never...princess." Venom gasped again.
"Sounds like someone needs a training fight in the evening..."
"Urgh..."
