Before the Knight could say anything a voice called out from behind him.
"Ah, Miss Virdis."
As Bell turned around he saw another Elf taller than Lefiya walking up to them as she called her. The women had long black hair that went past her shoulders, it made Bell wonder how she fought with so much hair in the dungeon without damaging it. Did Falna enhance hair as well?
The elf also had red eyes similar to him. She wore a frilled white dress with a white coat with light blue edges over it.
The knight, clad in dragon-scale armor, permitted her to leave with a curt nod. Bell watched as Lefiya acknowledged the call and departed, leaving him alone with the enigmatic knight.
The two found themselves in a small, quiet coffee shop, away from the bustling marketplace. The atmosphere between them was charged, tension hanging thick in the air like a fuse waiting to ignite. Bell and the knight sat across from each other, the eerie calmness from the knight contrasting sharply with Bell's nerves.
The knight's cool tone cut through the quiet coffee shop, "Are you also a Master?" Bell, caught off guard, stammered and denied it, though his nervous expression betrayed him.
The knight calmly stated, "No need to lie. I already know you're a Master." With an empty stare into space, the knight called for Caster to reveal himself.
In response, Waver Velvet materialized beside Bell, his presence imposing yet calculated.
Waver Velvet stood beside Bell, his expression unreadable. The enigmatic knight regarded Caster with a detached gaze and spoke, "Caster, I presume. The servant of this young adventurer."
Waver acknowledged with a nod, "Indeed, I am. And you are?"
The knight replied, "I am Saber, and I'm here on official business." The tension in the air seemed to intensify as the revelation of their true identities unfolded.
Saber then turned his attention back to Bell, "I sense potential in you, Master. The Grail War is not a game, and you must be prepared for what lies ahead. Do not underestimate the gravity of your role."
Bell, still processing the situation, nodded nervously, realizing that this encounter held more significance than he initially thought.
Saber's question left Bell puzzled, and he instinctively glanced toward Caster for guidance. Caster sighed and confirmed, Caster took a moment to explain further as Saber observed in silence, his gaze steady. "Master, this Grail War's objective is to gain control of seven key positions. These positions act as anchors for the Grail's manifestation. Once under control, the Grail begins its manifestation process, and the true nature of the war unfolds."
He continued, "Despite the minor differences, the core concept remains intact. The anomalies, while perplexing, do not alter the fundamental objective. It's crucial that we adapt to this unique situation and navigate it carefully."
Saber's presence added weight to Caster's words, emphasizing the gravity of their mission. Bell, now more informed, braced himself for the challenges that awaited in this altered Grail War.
Caster shifted his gaze towards Saber, questioning. "So Saber now that you know of us what do you want?
After a thoughtful pause, Saber expressed his intention. "I wish to form an alliance."
Caster, intrigued, asked, "An alliance? What do you propose?"
Saber explained, "This alliance is unrelated to the Grail War, at least directly. Recently, there has been an increase in people going missing in Orario. As a Hero, I cannot turn a blind eye to such matters. However, my Master's Familia is occupied, so I seek cooperation with you to unravel this mystery."
Bell, without hesitation, declared, "I will Help. We can't ignore people going missing, and if we can help, we should."
Saber nodded appreciatively, "Your willingness is commendable, Bell. This alliance may prove beneficial beyond our initial goals. Let us work together to solve this mystery and ensure the safety of the people in Orario."
As they walked away from the coffee shop, Caster couldn't help but admonish Bell for accepting Saber's request without careful consideration. "Master, you mustn't jump into alliances without understanding the full consequences. The Grail War is unpredictable, and we need to navigate it cautiously."
Bell, sincere but apologetic, replied, "I'm sorry, Caster. But I would have accepted either way. I can't turn away from people who need help."
Curious, Caster asked, "Why?"
Bell hesitated for a moment, then earnestly asked Caster not to laugh. He explained, "It's my dream, Caster. I want to become a hero, the kind that can change the situation just by appearing on the field. Like the heroes in the books I've read."
His voice gained passion as he continued, "No matter who it is, I want to lend a helping hand if they ask. That's what a hero does, right? Even in the face of a Dragon, I can't ignore those in need. It's what I aspire to be – a hero, making a difference whenever I can."
Caster listened silently, recognizing the sincerity in Bell's words.
Caster couldn't resist a chuckle, and as Bell's face turned crimson with embarrassment, he let out a small laugh. Bell, half-jokingly, playfully hit Caster on the shoulder, exclaiming, "You promised you wouldn't laugh!"
Caster, still smiling, raised his hands in mock surrender, "My apologies, Master. It's just... your sincerity and determination are commendable. It's a rare trait, especially in the midst of something as complicated as the Grail War."
Bell, though still blushing, couldn't help but crack a smile at Caster's teasing. The camaraderie between the two, forged in the crucible of their unusual alliance, began to take root, providing a moment of levity amidst the looming challenges that awaited them.