Odin sat in his rickety old chair, furthering his knowledge of this world. He had learned quite a bit in his short time here so far.
He knew that the Freya and Loki familia were at the top. Something that left a bitter taste in his mouth even if they weren't the same Freya and Loki he knew.
But he also knew about the Zeus and Hera familia. He knew that even now, they far outclassed Freya and Loki. They couldn't even hold a candle to them.
"How pathetic. If these were the Loki and Freya, I knew they would strive to be better than, whatever these two are."
Despite his hatred for those two, he knew his counterparts of them would be disappointed in this world. But alas, Odin could do nothing but plan.
If the top two familia's were stagnant with where they stood, he would capitalize on it. Soon, he would knock Freya off her pedestal and take his rightful place at the top.
All he had to do was wait. His pawn would get him more information and grow stronger in the meantime.
"He is pretty annoying, though. Being all overly friendly and nice. People like him annoy me." Odin thought.
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Bell continued his walk to the dungeon with a pep in his step. He wore the glove with magic on his left hand and looked at it from time to time.
He was so happy Odin gave him magic. He vowed to head to floor five, the deepest he had ever been at this time. The monsters would spawn more, which in turn would allow Bell to earn more money.
Yes, that was the reason. It's not because he wanted to play with his magic against hordes of monsters, no. He just wanted to earn more money for himself and his god. That was the reason.
All of a sudden, Bell felt a pair of eyes on him. He quickly turned around but saw no one behind him.
"Excuse me."
Bell quickly spun on his heel, his gloved hand closed and ready to attack. But he stopped when he saw a grey-haired girl cutely looking at him. She was dressed in a green maid outfit and had a cute face.
He opened his fist and looked quizzically at the monster stone she was holding.
"I believe you dropped this last night." The woman said.
Bell furrowed his brow as he reached to his pouches and checked for holes. There were none, nor would a monster stone be over here since he would've already cashed them in.
"Go along with it. It's a free monster stone, boy." Odin chided.
Bell was even more confused as his god was nowhere to be seen. But he listened to what his god said.
"Oh, thank you. I wasn't aware I had one more in my pouch." Bell said, taking the monster stone and then put it in his pouch.
"That's ok. My name's Syr. Syr Flova, what's yours?"
"Oh, I'm Bell. Bell Cranel."
"Nice to meet you, Bell. Are you new around here?" Syr asked, leaning forward.
Bell blushed a little at how close she was. "Um, yeah, I've only been in Orario for a couple of weeks."
"Oh, I see. I'm guessing you're an adventurer by the way you're dressed?" Syr asked.
Bell swallowed and nodded his head. Syr was very cute, and Bell didn't know how to deal with girls. At least that well.
"Um, yeah, but I'm just starting out."
Sr smirked. "Oh, you're a rookie. You know, that's pretty cool. I haven't seen much of those lately."
Before Bell could answer, his stomach grumbled. He blushed in embarrassment as Syr smiled.
"Wait here!" She cheered before running back inside.
Bell waited in the middle of the street, looking around as passersby paid him no mind. A second later, Syr returned, holding a small box in her hands.
"Here, have my breakfast for the day."
Bell waved his hands. "Oh no, I can't do that."
"Please. For me, it'd be sad if you died in the dungeon due to an empty stomach." Syr cutely pouted.
Bell blushed again and took the box. "Fine, but what are you going to eat?"
Syr waved him off. "Oh, don't worry about me. I can get something from the pub. Oh, you should come here to pay me back for the lunch."
"Oh ok, I can also return the box as well."
"Yup, and when you do come here, be sure to ask for Syr. Just remember to be here at dinner time."
Bell nodded and started running off while Syr waved goodbye.
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Bell arrived at the dungeon a few minutes later. He easily blew past the first three floors, quickly arriving at the fourth floor with one of his pouches halfway full.
He hadn't used his magic yet, wanting to test it on the fourth floor where monsters would be more grouped up.
One thing he did hate about being an adventurer was having to cut out the monster stones. It reminded him of his Grandpa skinning a deer back home.
It always made him feel nauseous.
Making sure to keep his guard up, Bell explored the fourth floor, eagerly looking for a group of monsters. He didn't have to wait long before coming across a group of Kobolds and Goblin's.
Smiling like a kid on Christmas, Bell held up his gloved hand and aimed at the pack of monsters.
"Ok, Lord Odin said, snap my fingers for a small direct attack."
Bell snapped, and a stream of flame shot forward and hit a Goblin directly in the face. The fire then exploded, causing burns to plague the other monster's skin.
Bell didn't stop to freak out yet. Instead, he snapped his fingers five more times and killed the rest of the monsters in a fiery embrace.
Once the monsters were dead, Bell began to freak out.
"Oh, magic is so awesome! The monsters were standing there, and I was like, snap, and then they weren't standing there! Well, they are, but now they are burnt. Oh gods, the smell is terrible."
Bell dry heaved as he dug inside their bodies before pulling the monster stones out. Bell was glad they turned to ash as the smell started to go away.
Putting the monster stones in his pouch, Bell stood up and looked around.
"Alright, now, with magic, I can take on more monsters. Now it's time to have a fated encounter in the dungeon! Save the girl and then fall in love with her!" Bell thought as he made his way to the fifth floor.
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When Bell thought he'd have a fated encounter, he assumed he would be the one to save the girl. To swoop in and rescue her from monsters like the stories his Grandpa had read him.
He had imagined it so clearly. She would be trapped, her escape blocked by a dead end. Monsters would be streaming down the hall getting closer and closer to her.
Then he would arrive. Dashing down the hallway using magic and a sword to rescue her. He'd kill all the monsters, ensure she was alright, and then fall in love.
At least, that's how he thought it would go. Not with him being trapped in a dead end with a broken sword and a pissed-off Minotaur getting closer.
He didn't know why it was on the fifth floor when Minotaurs spawned on the 15th floor. He tried to fight it at first as he thought it couldn't be much stronger than a Draguer.
He was right but wrong at the same time. It was at the same level as the Drauger, except there was one clear difference between the two. The Drauger was in Bell's head, and therefore, the rules of reality don't apply to it.
So when Bell swung his sword down on the Minotaur, hoping to kill it, imagine his surprise when his sword shattered after the one hit.
"Crap!" Bell thought.
He snapped his fingers and aimed his magic at the Minotaur's face. It burned it and blinded it in one eye. However, this seemed to only enrage the Minotaur as it ran after Bell.
Bell, of course, didn't stay still. The second his magic hit, he took off running. He knew he couldn't fight this thing. At least not without a weapon.
He could feel his heart beating in his ears and his legs not even touching the ground. The Minotaur was right behind him, stomping after him.
Bell could hear it slamming into walls as it was half blind, so at least he had a small mercy. However, his luck seemed to run out as he came to a dead end with the Minotaur right behind him.
Bell turned and felt even more fear fill his body. He clenched his left fist, ready to go down swinging if he had to.
The Minotaur raised his fist and swung down. Bell could see his death coming and knew there was nothing he could do.
The Minotaur's fist was inches from his face and was a second away from connecting. Until a shining white barrier surrounded him, causing the Minotaur's fist to bounce off the barrier.
It went away right as a sword slashed through the Minotaur's torso, and blood spurted from the wound. Of course, to Bell's bad luck, since the barrier went away, he was covered in the Minotaur's blood.
Since the Minotaur's stone was shattered, it instantly turned to ash, and that's when Bell saw her. Beautiful black hair that went down to her back with two bangs in front going down to her waist.
Captivating red eyes much like his own with elf ears and pale skin. Dressed in a frilled white dress with a white coat that had light blue edges over it.
Her face was beautiful and young, with an air of mystery and danger to it. Bell nervously swallowed as looking at her. This woman was the prettiest woman he had ever seen.
She had also just saved his life.
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Bell stood frozen for a few more seconds before realizing what just happened. A girl had just saved his life from a monster using magic and a sword.
He was so embarrassed he was getting ready to run away without thanking her. Flexing his legs, he was about to take off before a voice rang in his head.
"You better stay where you are, you little bastard. Stay and thank her. I will not have you sully my name because of your cowardice."
Bell stopped what he was doing, and before he could question how Odin knew what he was about to do, the elf spoke.
"Are you ok? My barrier went up in time, correct?" She asked, tilting her head.
Bell nervously swallowed before nodding. "Um, yeah. Just wish you would've kept it up a second longer." Bell joked.
"I do apologize for that. I must conserve as much mind as I can for my dungeon dive."
"Oh no, that's ok. I was just trying to make a joke?" Bell said, unsure of himself.
"Well, it's good you're okay. Now I must take my leave."
The elf turned to walk away, but Bell called out for her.
"Wait! I don't even know your name. Allow me to thank you."
He stepped forward and felt his foot kick something. He looked down and saw a Minotaur horn on the ground. The elf stopped and turned around.
"My name is Filvis Challia, you can keep that, by the way."
Bell quickly waved his hands in front of him. "Oh, I can't take this, Ms Challia. You earned this fair and square."
Filvis narrowed her eyes at him, causing Bell to nervously sweat.
"Take. It." She demanded.
"Alright, alright," Bell answered, a little scared.
"And call me Filvis as well. No need for formalities between us."
"Um, alright, Ms Filvis."
Filvis sighed in annoyance. "What's your name, kid."
"Um, Bell, Bell Cranel."
"Bell, take that Minotaur horn and go back to the surface. Sell it or make a weapon from it I don't care. Just go back to the surface for the day. It's too dangerous for you to be down here without a weapon."
Before Bell could respond, Filvis walked away, leaving him alone and covered in blood. Bell looked down at the Minotaur horn in his hands and sighed.
"I should ask Lord Odin what I should do." Bell thought.
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When Bell returned to the surface covered in blood, it was safe to say he was laughed at. A rookie who got into more than he could handle and nearly paid the price for it.
They weren't exactly wrong, but Bell's circumstances were a little unique. He has the Minotaur horn hidden in his jacket as he heard Odin tell him to.
He doesn't know if Odin is truly talking to him or if Bell was just going crazy. So he just kept walking home, lost in thought and covered in Minotaur blood.
However, luck seemed to still not be on his side as a certain werewolf was on her lunch break and saw the boy covered in blood.
"Bell!" Rose yelled. She quickly set her fork down and rushed over to the boy.
Bell's head perked up, and saw Rose approaching him.
"Oh, hello, Ms Rose, can I help you?" Bell asked.
"You can explain why you're covered in blood!" Rose chastised.
"Oh, Minotaur, I, uh, I need to go home," Bell answered in a daze-like state.
Rose scoffed. Why did she care about some stupid kid? "Fine, just make sure to clean up."
"Ok, bye, Ms Rose."
Rose walked away and went back to her lunch while Bell went home. When Bell arrived, Odin was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs.
"Stay still," Odin ordered.
Bell did as the god said, and Odin drew a rune in the air. A second later, a giant torrent of water washed over Bell, soaking him from head to toe but washing the blood off. Odin then drew another rune, and a strong gust of wind immediately dried Bell off.
"Good, now show me the Minotaur horn," Odin demanded.
Bell reached into his coat and pulled it out, dropping it in Odin's palm. Odin examined it as Bell spoke.
"Lord Odin, are you somehow able to speak to me when you're not around?"
"Yes, I need to make sure you don't do anything to ruin my good name. Now please be quiet while I examine this."
Bell remained silent as Odin carefully studied the Minotaur's horn. After a few minutes, he tossed it back to Bell, who fumbled with it before catching it.
"Go and find a smith to make you a new weapon out of that," Odin ordered.
"Um, ok, should I cash in my monster stones after?"
"No, do that before and go get dinner at that pub you passed earlier. It will be a great source of information for me."
"Alright, well, later, Lord Odin."
"Oh, and I have things to do today, so if I'm not home when you get back, that's why."
Bell nodded before turning around and leaving. He put the Minotaur horn back in his coat to keep it hidden from everyone else.
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"Alright, well, if I'm hiring a smith, I'll need money, so it's best I head to the guild first, like Lord Odin said," Bell muttered.
After walking for a few minutes, Bell arrived at the guild and headed to the teller's station. Rose wasn't there as she was still on her lunch break, but Misha was.
"Wow, you're later than usual today. Not many monsters for you to find?" Misha teased.
"No, Ms. Misha, I just ran into a Minotaur today, and my weapon broke." Bell calmly said.
Misha's eyes widened while Bell pushed the bin toward her.
"A Minotaur on floor four!" Misha panicked.
Bell shook his head. "No, it was floor five. It was really scary, though, but I was saved."
"What were you doing on floor five?!" Misha screeched.
"Playing with magic, uh, Ms Misha, can I have my money?"
Misha shook her head in disbelief before giving Bell his 12k valis from two full pouches.
"Honestly, Bell, you're moving way too fast. Slow down a little." Misha groaned.
Bell smiled as he took his valis out. "Well, I have to go now since my weapon shattered. Thanks for your help, Ms Misha."
Bell left the guild, leaving Misha confused on why he wasn't more panicked that a Minotaur nearly killed him. Until her brain caught up to what he had just said.
"Wait, he has magic!"
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"Hmm, maybe I should've asked where blacksmiths were before leaving the guild." Bell wondered.
As it stood right now, Bell had no idea where to go. He was lost in the big city. A country bumpkin with no one to turn to for help. Just like a story his Grandpa read him. However, Bell didn't like the romcom genre of books.
"Hmm, well, maybe my best bet is to ask someone, but who?"
Bell looked around the street, seeing random passersby of vendors and non-adventurers roaming around the street. He didn't think they would know where a smith was, so he kept looking around until landing on two blue-haired women.
The first one was a beautiful azure-haired woman. She was tall and looked to be a high-level adventurer of sorts. She wore an orange dress with black stockings and boots.
The other woman was the younger of the two. Like the older one, she too had blue that went down to her shoulders. She wore a blue coat that went down to her knees with a light black shirt under it.
However, the younger one seemed to have burn wounds on her arms and legs. Bell assumed she must've been in an accident during her time as an adventurer.
Judging by their weapons and armor, he assumed they knew where a good smith was. So he hesitantly approached.
"Excuse me, ma'am, can you help me?" Bell asked.
The two women stopped and turned around. The older of the two quirked her eyebrow and spoke.
"Yes, what is it you need, citizen?"
"I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of a blacksmith. My weapon kind of shattered in the dungeon, and I need a new one."
The older woman grabbed his shoulder and pointed toward Babel Tower. "Head to Babel Tower and use the elevator. On floors, 4-8 are Hephaestus familia-owned shops where you can buy a weapon from."
Bell nodded and turned back around. "Thank you for your help, Ms-
"Shakti, this right here is my younger sister Ardee," Shakti answered.
"Thank you, Ms Shakti, Ms Ardee. I'll be going now." Bell bowed before running off.
The two sisters watched him run away, and Ardee chuckled.
"He has no idea who we are."
"No, he doesn't. Although I do wonder about that glove on his hand."
"Ooh, maybe he's one of those people who thinks he's in a novel and fights against a secret society. Careful now because if I take my glove off, my power will be unsealed." Ardee mocked.
Shakti smiled and rolled her eyes. "Don't make fun of someone you don't know, Ardee. The boy was being kind and respectful."
"Careful sister, his dark urges will be unleashed into the night once his glove comes off."
Shakti laughed and playfully pushed her sister. "Alright, that's enough now, Ardee. Who knows, maybe you and the boy will be friends in the future."
Ardee shrugged. "Maybe, but who knows, maybe he's some secret villain, and his glove keeps himself contained."
"Alright, that's enough with those jokes." Shakti chided.
"Oh, alright, but I do hope he finds what he's looking for."
"Who knows, maybe we'll see him again someday."
The two sisters then went back on their patrol. Lucky for Bell, he did find what he was looking for that day. A smith and a lifelong friend.
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Bell entered the fourth floor of Babel Tower, amazed by the elevator and how it worked. He'd never seen anything like it before. He was starting to love life in the big city more and more.
Bell wandered around the floor that was full of beginner-level smiths and their wares. None really caught his eye, but the prices were cheap and affordable for someone like him.
He kept wandering and got distracted by the secret around him. Smiths haggling with customers on how much they should charge or people like him just browsing.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he accidentally bumped into a redheaded boy. Bell stumbled back and quickly corrected his footing before apologizing.
"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't see you there, my bad," Bell said.
"Nah, it's alright, man. Say, what had you so distracted?"
"Oh, I was just browsing around the store. I was actually looking for a smith to make me something."
The boy quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Well, what is it you were hoping to be made?"
"Well, I was hoping to either have a short sword or two knives. I'm leaning toward the knives more so I can have a backup weapon in case I need it."
The red-haired boy nodded and gestured forward. "Well, why don't you follow me so we can discuss this more away from prying ears? Name's Welf, by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Welf I'm Bell. By any chance, are you a smith?"
Welf smirked and nodded. "Yup, now why don't we talk some business away from everyone else."
Bell agreed, and the two boys walked outside, where there were less people. The two were standing on a balcony overlooking the city. Bell was a little taken aback by the view. Something which Welf pointed out.
"Amazing view, I know. Now let's talk business."
Bell shook himself out of his stupor and spoke. "Um, yeah, I don't really know how to do this. I just have some material I need made into a weapon. I can pay you for your work if you want."
Welf nodded before raising his finger. "Or we could enter a contract."
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"It's where a smith and an adventurer enter into a deal where the adventurer provides material and the blacksmith provides them tools from said material. Therefore, both can earn experience in their respective fields." Welf explained.
Bell nodded in understanding before speaking. "Yeah, that makes sense. If we do enter a contract, what would your commission rate be?"
Welf waved the question off. "Don't worry about our contract would be something different."
"Oh, how so?"
"Simple, my only clause in the contract is that you allow me to join your party so I can venture further into the dungeon and get more materials."
Bell was silent as he thought about it. He didn't really see any downsides other than he didn't really know Welf. But it would be nice to have someone watching his back, and he could earn more money. Sure, it would have to be split between the two of them, but he'd still earn more than as a solo adventurer.
"Yeah, that's a good deal. Besides, it'll be nice having someone watch my back from now on." Bell said, sticking out his hand.
"Well, it'll be a pleasure working with you then," Welf said, taking Bell's hand.
"Alright, now show me what you want made into a weapon." Welf excitedly said.
Bell reached into his coat, pulling out the Minotaur horn, causing Welf's eyes to widen in shock.
"How did you get this?!" He hissed, getting closer to Bell to hide the horn.
"It's a long story, but the short version of it is someone gave it to me after killing it and saving my life."
"Damn, you must be pretty lucky then."
"Well, I'd say I was unlucky since I was nearly killed by a Minotaur and then covered in its blood."
"Fair point, but you got a Minotaur horn out of it."
"Yeah, but I was saved by a girl," Bell mumbled.
"Was she hot?"
"Yeah."
"Then look at the bright side. You got saved by a hot girl and got a Minotaur horn out of it. I'd say it's a win."
"Yeah, I guess, think you can make anything out of it?"
Welf scoffed. "Course I can, I'll have your weapons ready by tomorrow morning. Wanna meet up by the fountain at seven?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, that works for me. Well, see you tomorrow then?"
"Yeah, see you tomorrow, say you want the knives, right?"
"Yeah, I think I'll go with the knives."
"Alright, I'll have a pair of knives for you by tomorrow then."
With their goodbyes said, both boys parted ways. Since the sun was setting, Bell decided to stop by for dinner at the pub he passed earlier. What was its name again?
Oh yeah, the Hostess of Fertility.
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Bell arrived at the pub a little while later. He had the box that Syr had given him earlier. He had eaten it, and he quite enjoyed what was inside. Just a basic sandwich that wasn't too heavy on the stomach.
Lucky for him, when he walked inside, Syr was waiting by the door. Almost as if she was waiting for him. But that probably wasn't true. It was probably her turn to stand at the door today.
"Oh, you actually came back! I'm glad to see you!" Syr cheered.
"Well, I did say I was coming. I also need to return this." Bell nervously said, handing her the box back.
She gave him a cute smile before putting the box in her apron. "Here, come with me. I'll lead you to the bar."
She grabbed his arm and made sure to put it in between her breasts. Bell blushed at this hut. Syr didn't seem to care as she dragged him to the bar.
"Here's a menu, and be sure to spend a lot of money for me."
Bell then looked at the menu while Syr walked to the kitchen. He decided to order the spaghetti with garlic toast and some juice. Syr came back a minute later and took Bell's order.
Which left Bell by his lonesome at the bar with no one to talk to. He looked at the restaurant, seeing tables full of people drinking and having a good time.
Bell wondered what that was like. He had been alone ever since he came to the city. Well, he wasn't technically alone anymore since Odin took him in, but he had no friends.
His mind wandered back to the girl who saved him earlier today, and a slight smile appeared on his face. She was so beautiful that Bell was sure he fell in love.
He wondered what her favorite food was. Or her favorite color, her hobbies. Wait, does she have a boyfriend? Someone as beautiful as her probably did.
Before Bell could sulk anymore, a giant plate of spaghetti was placed directly in front of him. Bell's eyes widened in shock, seeing the serving size before his juice was placed next to the plate.
"So you're Syr's new friend, are ya?" A tall woman said.
Bell looked up and saw the dwarven woman towering over him. She had brown hair that she kept tied into a ponytail, and her arms looked more like bulging muscles than arms.
She wasn't dressed in a maid outfit like the other staff. Instead, she wore a blue shirt with black pants and a white apron over them.
"Uh, I guess? That's a lot of food."
"I know, someone as skinny as you needs some meat on your bones, so eat up."
"I don't think I can eat this much," Bell mumbled.
"Eh, don't worry about that kid. Anyway, name's Mia Grande, but you'll call me Mama Mia like everyone else."
"My name's Bell. Nice to meet you. Man, how am I going to eat all this?"
Bell was still shocked by the sheer size of the plate. Seeing his disbelief caused Mia to let out a hearty laugh.
"Just go ahead and eat up, kid. Once you start, you most likely won't stop."
Bell nodded and, picked up his fork, and began eating. Once the flavor hit his mouth, his body seemed to take a mind of its own as mouthful after mouthful was shoved into his mouth.
Mia just laughed and kept her eyes on Bell as he continued scarfing down on the spaghetti, forgetting his garlic toast existed for a few minutes.
Remembering that he had to breathe, Bell slowed down and took a sip of his juice to wash everything down.
"So I guess you like the food then?" Mia asked.
Bell set his cup down and answered. "This is one of the best things I've ever tasted! I can't even remember the last time I ate something this good!"
"Well, if you stop by more, you can eat as much as you want. If you have the money, of course."
"With food this good, I'll be sure to swing by more often."
Mia chuckled before noticing the glove on Bell's hand.
"Say, kid, what's with the glove?"
Bell looked down to his left hand and remembered he hadn't taken the glove off since exiting the dungeon.
"Oh my god, gave that to me so I could use magic."
Mia quirked an eyebrow. She knew that wasn't how magic worked.
"Uh, kid, I think your god was pulling your leg."
"How so?"
"Magic requires a spell and a chant to work. Not being imbued into a leather glove."
Bell tilted his head in confusion. "But the glove works just fine. I killed a bunch of monsters with it earlier today."
Mia was now skeptical. Who was this kid's god?
"Oh really? So who's your god then?" Mia asked.
"Lord Odin."
"Hmm, wasn't aware he descended. Well, you enjoy your meal. I need to get back to work."
"Ok, bye, Mama Mia."
Bell then went back to eating his Spaghetti as Syr took a seat next to him.
"I see you've met Mama Mia."
Bell nodded. "Yeah, she seems nice, although I think she wants me to spend a lot of money."
Syr giggled. "I do, too, I want you to tip real good."
Bell rolled his eyes before going back to eating. "I will say the food is pretty good, so I'll probably be coming back here a lot."
Syr placed her chin on her hands and leaned forward. "Well, that's good, it means I'll get to see you a lot more."
"You mean you'll get more money from me?" Bell joked.
"Oh heavens no, I just enjoy your company." Syr cooed, placing her hand on his shoulder.
Bell blushed and looked away while Syr giggled.
"Oh, has Bell fallen for my lovely charms."
"Please don't tease me, Ms Syr."
"But you're so cute when you blush."
While Bell was teasing Syr, the door opened, and a waitress shouted.
"Nya, the Loki familia has arrived, Nya." A cat girl said.
Bell turned his attention over to the Loki familia and watched them strut in. He saw the redheaded goddess and knew who she was based on her divinity. But the others, he didn't know who they were.
To be honest, he didn't know any big names in this city besides Loki and Freya. Not their executives or aliases.
"Alright, everyone! Good job kicking that dungeon's ass! Now it's time to get drunk and funky!" Loki yelled.
The familia all sat around a table while Bell and Syr watched the rowdy group. Bell began to sulk a little more, seeing how the familia acted. He wished he wasn't the only one in his familia. He wished he had a friend.
"Ah, the Loki familia. They pay pretty well, so Mama Mia lets them make a reservation whenever they want." Syr explained.
Bell paid them no mind and picked at his food. "Must be nice being a part of a big familia. Get to be one big happy family that kills monsters together."
Syr noticed the change in Bell's attitude and started comforting him. "Hey, it's not all it's chalked up to be. There's bound to be a lot of people that don't like each other in big familia's. It's how people are, so don't think too much about it."
Bell smiled slightly before finishing his spaghetti. "Say, Ms. Syr, are you a part of any familia."
Syr shook her head. "Heavens, no, I wouldn't be able to deal with the whims of a god or goddess. So I work here to help pay the bills."
"What about the other waitresses? Some of them feel like adventurers."
"Yes, all the waitresses here are adventurers. However, we have a few who have today off, so they're not here right now."
Bell nodded before biting into his garlic toast. "Well, I'll probably meet them when I come back. But it's probably best I get going. I have to be up early tomorrow."
"Aw, but I like talking to you." Syr pouted.
Bell smiled and placed 3k valis on the bar. "Well, I'll be sure to come by again then. Thanks for the meal, and you should have a good tip in there."
Bell then got off of the stool and walked home.
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When Bell arrived back home, the house was empty and quiet. Odin wasn't around, most likely still taking care of the business he was on.
Bell somberly sighed as he went upstairs to his room. Upon seeing the bed, Bell didn't bother to take his shoes off and just collapsed onto the bed.
He felt like he had a long day, even if he wasn't in the dungeon for most of it. Just a bunch of meaningless tasks he had to accomplish.
He closed his eyes and allowed his body to be lulled to sleep while he went to his mindscape to train. Upon arriving in the misty land, he noticed a key difference.
He didn't have his short sword anymore. Just his glove and bare hands. Bell was about to freak out but took a calming breath. He couldn't be hurt here, it was just his mind.
"Well, looks like I'm fighting the Draugers barehanded tonight."
The figures in the mist soon surrounded Bell, who simply closed his fist. He was ready to fight.