Summary: This, is the story of an adventurer named Bell Cranel. Bell isn't your normal day adventurer either, no, he is in fact, an unblessed one. No one would accept him into their familia, due his weak looking self. Leaving Bell with one last option to secure his dreams. Watch as Bell becomes the first unblessed adventurer to enter the dungeon. Tread carefully young hero...The gods are not with you here...Yet.
Disclaimer: I do not own DanMachi or any characters from the light novel. Please support the original release by buying the manga, the Light Novel, and the anime when it's available. Look on google play if you wish to buy the light novel, like I did. I do however, own this story idea, and any new original characters or monsters I use.
Author's Notes: Woah, why did I stop writing all of sudden? College and work being really time consuming, and games being outstandingly the problem! Sorry I'm a bit of large gamer. Now I need to dictate some time to writing like I should be. Now we can move on to the story.
Character quote of the day: "Set me free on this world again! Then we can have a glorious war, full of bloodshed and violen- Where are you going!" ~ Ares
Story: Somebody Up There Likes Me
Chapter Eight: Completing The Puzzle
I had an early start to my day as the sun peeked over the horizon. I had decided that today I was going back into the dungeon. I had rested for about three days since Syr had told me to do so. In that time of rest Syr had made me do most of her own jobs; cleaning, washing, and other frivolous things. Then she proceed to drag me to a store to buy her a new dress. Boy that was embarrassing. My time recovering wasn't all that bad, or boring. I had fun with the staff, Syr and speaking of the girl, she had also repaired all of my equipment now. That was the big reason why I was going back to the dungeon. My gear was packed and ready to go. I was eager to use my new weapons to see how they handled.
I grabbed my backpack and threw it over my shoulders. "I got a good feeling about today." I told myself. I was ready. I opened my door quietly to not disturb anyone. Well I should say wake the hell hounds that were the women of the Hostess. They, all of sudden, had taken a major interest in me when I move in. I turn a corner, someone was there, open a door, someone opened theirs. I mean damn! At least not make it so obvious.
I took a quick look around the hallway. It was silent and motionless. Perfect! I walked out the room and closed the door behind me as quietly as I could.
"Morning Cranel."
I practically jumped out of my skin at my last name being yipped at me. God damn it. I knew that voice as well. It was the Elf. Again. Her and Syr were bloodhounds, I swear. "Ryuu, good morning." I sighed out. I turn and she was standing behind me, "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Going to the dungeon?" she asked, but I could tell she already knew what I was going to say.
"Yep, Its been long enough I think." I confirmed her question. "I should be back around sunset. I plan on looking around the fifth floor."
That seemed to interest a bit, "Fifth floor?"
"I got a gut feeling about it." I informed her. That gut feeling being another one of Grandfather's stories. This story was all about an adventure that had lost his staff to a Goblin. The Goblin disappeared somewhere in a 'cave' and than became the king of the Goblins, all thanks to the magic staff. Now I know the story seemed out of it but there was something that stuck out about it. The fifth floor of the dungeon and the cave something they both shared. That thing was a Goblin rock, or a rock that looked like a Goblin. After seeing Doluk in person, why not follow his grandpa's stories some more to see if they had some merit to them?
She didn't saying at first. She had just chosen to stare at me. She nodded after a bit silence, "Stay safe, Syr would be sad if anything happens to you."
I nodded at her with some embarrassment at hearing that, "It's not like I try to get hurt!" I whined childishly.
She gave me smirk, woah that was new! "Could have fooled me."
I was in awe, she had made a joke! I took a couple steps back in amazement, "A joke, I didn't think it possible."
She frowned and walked away. I chuckled at seeing that. Yep today was going to be a good. I then proceeded to make my exit from the Hostess. Entering the street I could see the early birds walking around doing mundane things. I let out a yawn and pushed forward. On my walk I had then realized I should probably go to the guild to see Eina. Might want to see if she had any recommendations for me or found any leads on just who my grandfather was.
Then again, the Guild wasn't open this early. 'Hm, what to do?' I shrugged my shoulders. 'Might as well just enjoy a nice little walk until the Guild is open.' With that decided, I found myself exploring around Orario. I passed by multiple Familias on my little walk. Two hours came and gone when my attention was then drawn to a lake with a red wooden bridge that led to a large building. The building itself had this foreign design to it. I than realized just what I was looking at when I saw the language being used on it. 'This must be from Telskyura.'
Telskyura is located on a peninsula far to the southeast of Orario and is surrounded by the sea and harsh cliffs. It is a nation type Familia ruled by Kali that is known for being a country of Amazonesses. Men aren't allowed in the country and any men in the country are either slaves or tools used to create new Amazonesses. Telskyura is a closed country compared to those around it and any outside information about the country is limited. The country is also referred to as the Country of Blood and Fighting and the Amazoness' Holy Land.
Telskyura is one of the few world powers other than Orario, their strength coming from the fights to the death that happen every day against monsters and even other Amazonesses at the colosseum. Amazonesses born in the country are said to learn how to kill a Goblin before they learn how to speak, with their first trial involving being placed in front of a baby Monster and seeing whether they kill it or get killed instead.
The building was mostly open, had a lot of decks, pillars, and railings. There was also some banners hanging from some areas. Their emblem was that of a woman with a spear and shield. The roof was most decorated with some cool foreign designs and art.
This had to be a the Kali Familia's building. Since they are a Familia from another nation, they were sure to have representation of themselves here. The dungeon was only located here after all. The outlandish architecture told you just how foreign it was. I narrowed my eyes a bit at the building, I was getting some weird vibes from the place. I knew that the Amazons had a code that they followed, but I wonder if they treated it a strictly here in Orario as they would in Telskyura.
I didn't want to find out, that was for sure. Nodding to myself, I started walking away when I felt someone's gaze on me. I stopped and looked up at the red building again, yet this time I saw a tall woman look down at me from afar on one of the upper decks. She has semi long sand colored hair, brown skin, and was wearing the most revealing outfit he had seen yet. In fact he would say that her clothes were nothing but black straps with dark green, red, and yellow cloth attached to the top and bottom straps that cover her more sensitive areas. They barely did their job covering anything. What a shameless woman. The straps also had dangling blue gems hanging from them. Her legs had more cloth and straps on them as well and nothing on her feet at all. The last piece of clothing she had on was a black veil that covered her lower face.
I was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of her. 'It's like she felt me staring at the building. How?' I thought to myself. I could sense some unneeded tension growing. I scratched the back of my head, and threw out a nervous wave and smile. She only reacted with a title of her head. I took that a my cue to leave. 'That was... , Odd.' I ponder the weird event in my head. After leaving the amazon resting place I headed to the Guild. It was most likely open now. It took me a bit to get to the Guild building with the morning rush taking place. The once dead empty streets were now teaming with life around every ben.
The Guild also seemed to be booming with life also. Man these lines were totally ridiculous.
"Bell?" I turn to where I heard my name. I grinned seeing the person I was looking for. Eina, was a few feet away from me.
I proceeded to walk up to her, "Eina, just the person I was looking for."
She smiled at me, "Oh, and how can I help you today?" She took in my appearance before I answer her question, "But before that, how are you feeling? You were badly injured after your fight with the Silverback."
I nodded at her, "Well it took me a couple of days to get back to full health." I told her honestly. "I heading back into the dungeon today, fifth floor," I saw Eina bite her lip for second, clear not happy hearing that, "so I wanted to talk to you a little bit about it. You know, get advice and stuff."
She brightened up a bit at that, "Excellent, we have much to discuss!" She turned away from me and that was when my smiled died.
"Yay." I said bitterly. Well at least I get to spend more time with a cute half-elf. I followed after her to a booth. I sat down across from her, "Before we start, did you find anything on my grandfather?"
She looked thoughtful. "Well there were a couple of people that could fit, however most of them have been dead for quite a while. Was your grandfather an elf by chance?"
I shook my head, "No, he wasn't."
"What gets rid of that option." She sighed in tiredness.
"What option?" I asked being curious at her dismissal of an idea.
She push her glasses up, "You remember when I talked about exotics skills, and Lady Falcon?"
"Yes, wait what does Lady Falcon have to with this?" I caught onto what she was talking about. It was odd that one of the legendary champions of the dungeon was related to my grandfather in some way. A Legendary Champion of the Dungeon was someone who was high revered in the dungeon for acts of strengths, bravery, justice, and achievements.
"Well before she joined the Freya Familia she traversed the dungeon with another adventurer. That adventurer ended up with the Zeus Familia, once the Zeus Familia was destroyed he disappeared. No one has seen him since." The half elf explained the history of man.
I rubbed my chin in thought, "What happen to Zeus?"
"No one knows, he just dropped off the grid when his Familia broke apart." She told me.
"No one knows what happened to him? How long ago was that?" I asked intrigued with the current developments falling before me. 'I think I'm getting close to figuring something out.'
"Fourteen years ago, I believe."
Everything had suddenly stopped…
It couldn't be a coincidence, no this was something that was very important to finding out the truth about everything. I was very close to finding out about my grandfather, my parents, and my life story. It was right before my grasps.
"How did the Zeus Familia fall apart?" I almost yelled startling Eina.
She was quick to get back to her professional attitude, "They had planned a raid against the One Eyed Dark Dragon. They had been torn apart, most of the high levels within the Familia were kille-"
I slammed my fist against the table shocking the older girl, "Sorry!" I was quick to apologize.
"What's wrong?" She asked with concern.
"Does the Guild have any Familia pictures on file by chance?"
She nodded at my question, she seemed to get that I had discovered something with her story. "Yes, I'll be right back." She was quick to get up and disappeared into the back looking for what I wanted.
I already knew what I was going to find, 'My family, that's what I'm going to find.' I was an unsettling kind of feeling. That and it wasn't some kind of cliche way of finding out who my parents were. No I just had to ask the Guild to see a damn picture after find out my Grandfather was an adventurer that is well over three hundred years old. How anticlimactic. I guess that's how the real world works right?
There was no villain gloating about kill them, no one deliberately trying to stopping me from finding out, no this was for your own good. It was just: "Hey can I see picture?" Followed by: "Yeah let me go get it!" This was a bittersweet moment. I was finally going to find out who my parents and Grandfather was before they died. Better of knowing than never finding out.
I waited for Eina at the booth just watching the people enter and leave the Guild going about their business. Much to my surprise I saw some I wasn't expecting enter the Guild building. It was that green haired Elf from the Loki Familia. "Riveria!" I called the woman over. She looked me over and headed towards me.
"Mr. Cranel." She greeted me formally, "I see you are in good health."
"Ahh, Bell is fine" I scratched the back of my head sheepishly, she really blindsided my with the Mr. Cranel. "Well that's thanks to you, so yes. Gifted in the art of healing?"
She crossed her arms, "I wouldn't say gifted, but I have experience in the art."
'Wow, she's humble.' I thought to myself. "Well regardless, I really do appreciate it."
"It wasn't a problem, after all I do believe my Familia wronged you."
"Well I wouldn't say that, Bete just can't hold his beer." I laughed awkwardly.
She either didn't find what I said funny or didn't think to much of it, "Be that as it may."
'She agrees!' I yelled mentally.
"It was still wrong of him to make fun of an adventurer who is just starting out." She told me seriously. Yep that settles it, she was Mother Hen of the Loki Familia.
"It's okay, I don't hold it against anyone, life's too short." I then realize who I was talking to, "Well for me anyway."
"Agreed, stay safe young one, the dungeon isn't for fun or glory no matter what anyone tells you." She warned/shared her wisdom of the dungeon.
I nodded at her just as serious, "With the little time and experience I have had, I believe I have learned that much." I smiled at her, "Xina ups y geetra.' She looked rather surprised at me speaking an old elven language.
"Nixion tebse Fifia?" I tried my best not to grin. It seemed Grandfather's lessons were actually spot on. She just asked me if I knew elven.
Shrugged my shoulders as my answer, "Well I know a bit. I'm not a master at it."
"I can tell, your pronunciation on some syllables went great." She told me, "It still surprising you know as much, that language is considered dead."
I snapped my fingers, "My Grandfather taught it to me, and I knew he had screwed something up. He had a tendency of doing that when in the middle of teaching. Believe me when I tell you it was a very tiring process. Don't get me started about trying to read it."
"I believe it," She paused, "Would you like to learn?" She, Riveria Ljos Alf, was asking me if I wanted to learn from her? Hell to the yes.
"Yes! I would like to learn." She managed a smile that almost seemed motherly, I think it was from my eagerness to learn.
"Do you know where the Twilight house is?"
"Of course, I actually applied to join the Loki Familia when I got here." I shared a little information with her. She put her hand to her mouth and snickered for some reason at my response. "What's so funny?"
She was full of mirth as she looked at me, "Nothing you need to worry about, Cranel."
I nodded reluctantly. I always like a good joke; something that made a High Elf laugh had to be funny. I clapped my hand together, "So how do you want arrange this."
"Fridays and Saturdays when I'm at the Twilight house."
"Sounds good to me." I agreed with her. I didn't really do anything on my weekends anyway. It sounded like a good way to get out and meet new people. "So this Friday?" I pondered aloud.
She shook her head for yes, "Yes this friday is fine. We don't have our next raid planned until next month."
I grinned, "Great! Have a wonderful day Miss Alf."
"You as well Mr. Cranel." My eye twitched all on its own. I watch the High Elf walk toward one of the counter to her business. I hadn't noticed Eina had made it back to the table.
"You know Miss Riveria?" She asked me as she sat down. I also noticed her holding a file under her arms.
"Yeah we have met each a couple of times before," I explain my relationship with the Green Haired High Elf. "I see you have found it."
She smiled, "Of course, the Guild takes pride in knowing all the history of the dungeon and its explorers."
"I bet."
She hand me the file, "Well here you go, I hope this helps."
I shook my head, "As do I."
I opened the file to see a whole bunch files and common knowledge. The Familia picture though was what stuck out for me the most. My eyes widened as a saw someone I knew immediately. He had long white hair, blue eyes, white lightning bolt eyebrows, a large white beard, and wearing a white toga held together by a golden pin with a glowing blue lightning bolt. His arms were draped over two people, a man a woman. I pointed the man out, "Who are they?"
"Oh that was Zeus and his two champions." I wanted to yell out at that. My Grandfather was fucking Zeus?! My Grandfather was Zeus! Wait a damn moment! A bust of rage enter my body. that meant that bastard wasn't dead either! He ditched me! He made it look like he had fallen to his death when fight a bear! That could probably just touch the bear and it would die! You know what it doesn't matter at the moment because now I knew my parents where in this picture. In fact going out on a limb, they were probably the ones with Zeus's arms around them. '
The male, my father, has short messy brown hair, green eyes, and was somewhat tall, probably six foot even. He was wearing a green cape with a hood, long green pants, and a brown button up shirt. Under said shirt mesh armor could be seen and a bow on his back. He also had his arm around the woman's waist.
The woman, my mother, was short about my height. She has red eyes much like my own, shoulder length, straight white hair. Popping out of her hair was two large rabbit ears, making her be a rabbit person. She was wearing white light armor with a broadsword on her back. Yet there was something else about her, something I have seen many times now. Antlers, my mother was a jackalope. A jackalope. It was starting to makes sense now. All these times, I wasn't just seeing a random Jackalope for no reason. I was seeing the spirit of my mother perhaps?
How…, Why…, It didn't make any sense at all! I put a hand up to my eyes. I had found them. 'Father, mother, I finally found you.'
As I wiped a couple of tears away from my eyes hoping that no one saw them. Thankfully Eina had become distracted thanks to someone from the Soma Familia yelling saying the Guild was ripping him off. I tried my hardest conceal my emotions, but it was down right hard. I managed, and thankfully that guy kept up his rant. I continued to look through file to find my parent's information. I found my mother's file right away. Her name was Sarah Raincraft, she was a level six adventurer, her Alias was 'Jackalopes Fury'. She was one of Legendary Champions of the Dungeon holding an exotic skill. The skill gave her the 'Jackalopes Fury', which allows the the person to double or even triple their power when enrage.
It almost sound like something I had. In fact I think I may have been given this skill by her. Though that didn't make sense since skills can't be passed down, or could they? My head was pounding. All this information was clouding my mind making it hard to think. Emotions were trying to overflow to the surface. I still had to press on.
I kept reading her file. She was known for being angry most of time, and even quick to attack. She was only clam around other rabbit people or the Zeus Familia. She was also the leader of the twentieth leader of the rabbit people. It was odd that each leader of the rabbit people were all jackalopes. Wait! Then it makes sense! The leaders of the rabbit people shared the same skill because it was always passed down to the next! It was coming together, the pieces were falling into place!
So my skill I had gotten wasn't from the dungeon, but it was from my mother. That but my skill had to be different. The reason I thought this was because that my skill worked differently than hers. Sure when I got mad I got more powerful but I had also noticed that I had become much faster in everything I did, had better eyesight, hearing, and my memory was far better if that was possible. This skill, it was different but the same. I wouldn't know for sure however unless I joined a Familia. Than my skill would become visible by the Falna. A falna is the grace given by Gods and Goddesses to their Familia members which displayed their skills and status.
I could look at her picture for hours, but I had still yet to read up on my father. I found my father's file near the bottom. Joey Cranel, a level three adventure. He was given the alias 'Prideful Hunter'. He also had an exotic skill of the Hunter based skill. It was called 'Hunter's Pride'. The skill allowed him to become invisible while crouched, and to enemies he already defeated including Monster Rexs. In fact he was an upcoming adventurer at his time.
Both them were killed in the raid against the good ole one eye. Well, now I definitely didn't want to go to the dungeon to day. I wasn't in the right state of mind for that any more. I looked over to Eina who was looking at me in some form of curiosity, "Did you find anything?"
'Everything,' I wanted to tell her, or at least I wanted to tell someone. However I had this nagging feeling telling me otherwise. I shook my head, "I did find some things interesting but it's no cause for concern." I could see something in the girl's eyes. I had a feeling she knew I was hiding something. "Well, at least nothing I want say aloud."
She seemed to get the message. Eina sighed, "I see," I could see that this conversation was going down the tubes fast, time to change the subject.
I snapped my fingerings getting her attention. "Hey, so what am I going to need for these lower floors?"
She looked up at me like she had just remember something, "Oh yes, the lower floors…," She pondered to herself for a bit. "How much money do you have?"
I rubbed my chin in thought, "About two hundred thousand vails."
Her mouth dropped, "Long have you been here?"
"Almost two mouths."
"That's…, incredible. To think you made that much after a two months of dungeon crawling." She praised aloud.
"Ah, I don't think that it's praiseworthy." She smile as she shook her at me.
She cleared her throat as she got ready to give me the rundown, "Well to get back on topic, I believe we should find you suitable armor that will better protect you from heavy hits, and the elements."
"Logical, and what can I expect on the lower floors?" I asked.
"More dangerous monsters, and they appear in much greater numbers. There is also the chance you might run into not so friendly adventurers. How are your weapons?" She questioned looking at me.
I pulled one of my knives out and showed it to her. The red glow of the words were bright. "I believe these are good enough."
She blinked in surprise/awe at the weapon. "It beautiful, how did you-" She stopped herself when she saw the Familia emblem on the knife. "The Freya Familia!" Her voice had told me that she was quite stunned.
"Yeah it was a gift. I can't say I know why but I got them."
Eina pinched the bridge of nose, "To think one of strongest Familias is going after you…" She muttered to herself. "I have never seen such a knife before, may I?"
I nodded at her question. "Of course." I let her hold the weapon. Much to our surprise the weapon's glowing red words dimmed and disappeared completely. In fact the weapon looked quite useless in her hands. "Well that's odd." I stated plainly. She continued to stare at the weapon.
She gave the weapon back to me and came to life once again. "Incredible. That knife only lets you use it. Do you know who made it?"
"Yeah I saw a name on the cover, it said Hephaestus. I'm not sure if-" Eina cut me off.
"Yes now it makes sense!" She declared.
"Well okay then." I said not knowing what she was talking about.
She looked sheepish, "Hephaestus is the Goddess of Smithing." Oh now I get it. "Well I think you quite the big names looking after you," Gave me a playful smirk, "Looks like you attracting quite the attention, eh Bell. I mean even Loki looked interested in you."
I blushed at her words, "H-hey even I don't how." I lost my train of thought when I heard Loki, "Woah woah hold it right there, What do you mean even Loki?"
That smirk of hers grew wider, "Well she did come down here a couple of days ago demanding to know about a certain adventurer~."
"I think demanding is a strong word." I told her get more embarrassed about this conversation.
"Not when she says 'I demand to see this up start Bell Cranel.' You have been creating quite the fuss." She explained.
"It not like I'm trying to, I'm just doing my thing." I told her.
She nodded, "However your thing is whats causing it isn't it."
I buried my head into my hands, "Damn it."
She laughed at my actions. "It fine Bell, I'm just surprised is all. Most no levels never get any attention at all. In fact there is the same amount of no levels as there is level sevens."
"Which is?"
"One." Eina enlightened me. Now that shocked me like an electric eel.
"I had no idea. I thought there had to be more no levels." How disheartening that was! I was the only poor sap that couldn't get into a familia!?
Eina shook her head, "Nope, just you. It's highly recommended you join a familia before going into the dungeon. Most people find a God or Goddess that will take them." Her explanation left me depressed. Oh so I was the only unlucky sap that got rejected by everyone? Well except the Freya Familia, I was still being tested by them. It was highly likely they would be coming to me soon if these knives were anything to go by.
"Okay so we need to get me some armor." I said trying to get back onto subject.
Eina smiled at me and could tell I was trying to get off that topic, "Yes, I do believe that is a good idea. Were you looking to go to the dungeon today?"
"I did plan on it, but…," I looked at the files, "I rather not." She caught my drift.
"Good. Going into the dungeon with your mind cloud could be disastrous." Couldn't disagree with that logic. "So how about we meet up at Amor Square tomorrow and I will assist you in picking out your armor?"
I liked the sound of that, "That sounds great!" I said full of energy. Eina's cheeks turn a tad red at my outburst. "What time do you want to meet up?"
"Seven in the morning should be fine." She said as I started putting the file back together. Once I was done I gave it back to her.
"Well I'll see you then," I smiled at her and I got up to leave. I felt a little need for some payback, "I can't wait for our date." I made sure to say that a tad bit loud. The look on her face was priceless.
"H-hey!" She protested as I kept walking. Her face was all red and squirmed under the gaze of several people. Two can play at that game.
Once I was outside the Guild, my energy quickly left me. I turned into the alleyway next to the building. I kept walking until I saw a spot where no could see me. My hand tightened into a fist, I hit the side of the building with the bottom of my fist. My eyes were burning, "Damn it, damn it all." I kept muttering to myself. The mask I had made in the Guild was completely ripped off. If i could compare this to anything it would be like the leader of the nation telling his people it was alright and they were winning. Only to fall apart behind stage knowing the real truth of the mater.
Now I was a complete, utter mess of myself. Why did things have to be so complicated? I kept hitting the wall until my hand was numb from the constant bang of my fist. I put my hands to my hair as felt ready to pull some out from the stress. I put my back to the wall and slide down it. My eyes kept the water works up as now I didn't feel anger, but sadness. I had done a damn good job of push, well holding these feelings back for as long as I did.
Now was a different story. I was alone, no one to see me in this state. I was overwhelmed by the dam holding back all the emotions; suddenly breaking unleashing flood. I just sat there and cried.
My eyes fluttered open and the first thing I noticed was that it was dark. I looked around and noticed that I was still in the alleyway. That's right I had fallen I sleep here. I started to stand up only to feel even more tired and stiff. Just my luck, huh? I pressed on and saw that the streets were still busy which meant it wasn't all that late, eight o'clock at best.
I moved my way through the crowd and head back home. The Hostess had to be busy at this time. Tine seemed to drag on forward as I made my way over to the Hostess. It felt as if some giant weight had been placed on my shoulders. Just knowing who my parents and Grandfather were, it was heavy.
My eyes caught the sign I was looking for. It told me home was right in front of me. All I wanted to do was lay down. I didn't even feel hungry at all. I just felt sore, aching yet I wasn't hurt. It was an odd feeling. I entered the Hostess through the main doors. The place was crowded as ever, packed even. Was this place never busy?
"Welcome back Bell!" I almost had a heart attack when I noticed a black haired cat girl behind me. Chloe has green eyes and black hair with cat ears and a tail of the same color. She has on the Hostess of Fertility uniform.
I breathed out a sigh of relief only to remember just who was behind me. I was quick to face her, "Chloe, it's good to see you as well." My eyes were narrowed at her. Now out of all the staff in the Hostess, she was the most direct towards me. The main reason was because she seemed to like younger men. She was a damn shotacon. I also had overheard her talk about my butt multiple times.
"Oh I'm sure it is," She purred getting close. Now I was taller than Chloe by three inches. "So how does your adventurers go?"
I shrugged, "I didn't good to the dungeon today."
"Oh?" She asked curiously. Curious as a cat huh?
"I went to the Guild to see what I was going to need for the lower floors." I explained.
She nodded in approval, "That's good to hear. You need to prepare for the lower floors. We wouldn't want anything to happen to you." She tilted her head at me with a smirk on her face.
I petted her on the top of her head. "Thanks for your concern." I said honestly happy at hearing her say that. She seemed delighted at my action. I could tell this by her purring.
I heard a cough from behind me. A weird look crossed over the cat girl's face as she tried to find an avenue for escape. What could have scared her like this…, I tuned to see Syr looking less than pleased at Chloe. 'That explains it.' I grew happy seeing the girl I owed a lot too, "Syr! I'm glad to see you!" I gave her a hug which she wasn't prepared for but returned it all the same.
Her cheeks were a little red, "My, what got you so happy?"
I shrugged, "I guess I'm just happy to be back home."
If Syr grew any brighter I might think she was the sun. "Ah that makes me happy to hear."
I could help but smile as well. "I'm sorry to cut this short but I'm really tired."
She nodded in understanding, "I see, please rest well."
I walked away from her, "Of course, good night."
"Night, Bell!" I heard her call out after me. I still could only smile at the cheerfulness she shows. I marched up the stairs and found my room. I unlocked the door, entered the room, and put my backpack on floor by the door. I took my boots off and dropped ungracefully on to be bed.
I had a hell of day today, and seemed like I was in for another nerve racking day tomorrow as well. I yawned and soon fell asleep.
I was dressed, and stood at the golden statue of a Goddess at Amor Square. I had made sure to be early. It never looked good to be late. It made people feel like they were unimportant. I took a good look around my surroundings again, hoping to find Eina.
The square had some nice decorations, the tiles had a pleasant color to them, a wonderful garden, and the mighty statue. A nice little meeting spot. Looking around the area I happened to see at least five couples meeting in the same area.
A realization had hit me at this point. This was a date. The atmosphere was just right for one, the people were dressed for one, hell even I was dressed for one!
I had a date with an Elf/half Elf? My God! Grandfather- er Zeus would be pleased right? In fact I think I need to dig around after this date to find more information on Zeus or my parents. That could wait and there was no need for depressing myself. The only thing that remained was for what Eina was wearing. That would tell me what this really was.
I didn't have to wait long as I saw her appear around a corner. She was wearing a white blouse with a ruffled up collar, a red bow around her neck that matched her red skirt, a brown handbag, long black stockings, and brown boots on her feet. I also notice a lack of glasses. All in all, my mind was blown clear out of my head. 'Wow,' That was all my brain could come up with.
If I hadn't been nervous, I sure was now. She looked like a completely different person. It was a date, there is now way this couldn't be a date. I waved to her rather nervously. She noticed me waving at her. She smiled at me as made her way over to me. "Hey you." She greet me. She sounded so casual while talking. Damn, I was gonna sound like a stuttering communist.
I had to say something smooth, what would Zeus say? 'I like your Ass!' Nope that option was out the moment I thought it. You know if Zeus actually followed his own instructions, he had written down, he might have had a harem. He was for too blunt about his wants and came off as weird as hell. "E-Eina, is that you?"
She grinned at me, "Oh, you don't recognize me huh?"
"W-well I wouldn't say that," I squawked, "More like I feel really lucky."
"Whys that?"
"I don't think there's a lot of people that get to see you all dress up, you look wonderful." I complimented her appearance. She really did look great.
Her face redden at my compliment, "Oh your such the charmer." She grabbed me in a hug and pressed me into her. My head was pressed against the right side of her chest. My already red face grew much more red and my eyes widened. 'She's got the Man killer V-Two hold on me!' She let me go and sighed, "I got all dressed up," She eyed my clothes with a mischievous look crossing her face, "and you came wearing such regular clothes, so unreliable." I notice who that smirk became more sincere at the end when she said unreliable.
'Ah!' First she compliments me than tears me down right after! What the hell! "Hey these are my cleanest clothes!" I complained, "I could have come here wearing nothing, you know." I cross my arms over my chest. What a silly comeback. What was that supposed to prove. God I'm an idiot when I nervous. She looked at me as if giving the idea some thought, yeah right.
"That might have been better."
I lost my composer completely at this point, "W-Wha- What!?" I fumbled over a single word like it was the hardest thing I had ever said. She started laughing at me right away. "H-hey!" I tried to get her to stop laughing. I didn't think she was listening to me. Oh I had to get some payback, I needed to get retribution for this humiliation! I stared at her as she started to apologize, "You done?"
"I'm, I'm sorry it's just your reaction was priceless." She told me in good humor. Oh how you already dug your grave already.
"It's fine," I wiped some sweat off of my hand onto my pants. I was still nervous but now I wanted to get back at her, but the question was how to do it? She wasn't as easy to tease like Syr was. Then how to get to her? Hmm, there has to be something. "Well at least I know your preferences and fantasies; I'll makes sure to to that for our next date." I smiled at her while she had stopped laughing and looked at me in some form of shock. I don't know if it was from the absurdity of my comment or implying there was going to be a next date. "But for now you stuck with this young, sad, unreliable adventurer of yours. Now with that said," I grabbed her hand, "I believe there is an armory calling for us."
Her face was a nice shade of tomato! I still got it Grand- Er Zeus! Oh forget, he still is my grandfather, adoptive, and an asshole for leaving me, but still.
"R-right," She tried to calm down by breathing in and out, "T-this way," She pointed shakily with the hand that was not in my own, "I-I think." And failed! I had staggered her!
"Oh," I started again seeing that I could dump oil on an already lit oil fire, "Isn't a weapon shop?" I questioned her looking at her curiously. She flushed and turned her head away from me, hook line, and sinker!
She shocked her head, "Sorry, not the shop, the tower behind it."
"Babel?" I repeated. I should have known we would have been going there. It wasn't just a tower where the dungeon or the Gods were. No, the first twenty floors are filled with Familia business, facilities, and money exchanges. Above that are living areas of the most prominent Gods in Orario, known as the Private Rooms. "I wonder what kind of armory is up there?"
Eina had regained her composure when I was deep in thought about the tower, I hadn't noticed she had started walking until I felt a pull of my arm. I saw her looking at me with a smile. "One of the best armories there is, thanks to Hephaestus."
"Oh so her stores are located here?" I saw her nod in affirmative, "That's pretty cool." I motioned with my free hand, "Please lead the way." She smiled and led me through the streets with ease.
It took us longer than I thought it would to make it to the large tower. I think Eina was taking the scenic route, trying her best to prolong our trip. I was fine with it; spending more time with Eina was a good thing. Eina then started pointing out different things as if I didn't know where I was or what each store was. We made it into Babel, she lead me through the upper floors until we came to a stop outside a store, 'Dian Cecht's Remedies'. Dian Cecht was a God of healing. His Familia handled potions, medicines, and other health related things.
"This is one of the best places to get health, stamina, and magic remedies." She told me letting go of my hand, "You can also get quests from them as well."
I looked at her with interest, "What kind of quests?"
"Well they need special plants or even monster loot to make some of more higher quality potions. They don't have their own adventurers so they pay top dollar to anyone who brings in items that they are requesting." She explained to me simply.
I nodded in understanding. "Okay, I think I got it." I got a closer look at the shop. It has many different potions in colorful bottles, health kits, and glassed herbs in the window on display. I nodded to myself.
"Why don't you have a look inside, it might have something you may need for trips in the dungeon." She told me, "I'll be back shortly."
I raised my eyebrow at her, 'I wonder where she's off to?' I thought as she walked away I saw her disappear into a shop, 'Elvish Works'
I decided to follow her advice and went into the shop. As expected the place was full of many different elixirs. There was a girl that was probably around the same age as Eina, work on one of the shelves before me. She has long silver hair, purple eyes, and was short four eleven by the looks of it. She was a great beauty and looked oddly similar to an elaborate doll with that porcelain white skin of hers.
She had on a white nurse's cap that had two golden stripes at the top that ran horizontally. Her dress was blue and white that had a small collar blue collar, white fringes at the bottom which were separated thanks to a single golden line on the bottom. The dress had short blue sleeves with long white gloves that covered her arms completely and attached to the dress. The gloves were decorated with gold stripes. Around her collar was a neck piece that match her gloves, and a red handkerchief with a gold line near the bottom. There was also an apron on her front that was white with light blue stripes that ran vertically, and at the bottom was another piece that looked like it wasn't apart of apron but was. It had two horizontal light blue lines on the bottom of it. Her boots were very long, thigh high and had the same design as the gloves. The only skin I could see of the girl was her face and thighs.
I smiled at her quite cheerfully when she noticed me, "Hello!" I waved at her as came to her.
She smiled at me in greeting, "Good day sir. I'm Amid to Dian Cecht's Remedies, how may I be of service?"
"Bell Cranel," I introduced myself to be respectful. Woah, she is really cute. Her voice was as soft as cotton. "I-I may- I'm sort of new to buying potions and such. I usually just buy the ones the guild has to offer, so I guess I'm looking for some better stuff with less side effects."
She looked at me perplexed for a moment, "Do you know what you are looking for?"
I shrugged, "Not entirely, what do you have?"
"Many things!" She expressed spreading her arms. She put her index finger up, "It all depends on what you want and need." She waved motioned me to follow her to the counter. This girl was cute as hell and I don't think she was even trying. "Like what are you looking for, health elixirs, potions of stamina, herb modifiers, monster poisons, antidotes, or limiting juices?" As she was listing the items her fingers count each item.
I blinked at all that information being thrown at me, "Woah there doll!" I stopped her and had also let an affectionate name roll on out of my mouth, "That's a whole lot of things I have never heard of before you are dumping on me. Could you explain a bit please."
She nodded, "Of course, what do you want me to explain?"
'I already know about health and stamina potions.' I told myself. "I would like to know more about herb modifiers."
"Herb modifiers are specialized ingestants that cause your attributes to increase for a certain amount of time. Depending on how much you take the large the outcome of the increase attribute is. They increase your states for minutes to about an hour. The downside is that some of the more powerful ones have large health drawbacks, such as heart attacks, kidney poisoning, losing the ability to breathe, loss of coordination, memory loss, and other large health concerns." She paused from explanation. "Might also cause a slight rash if allergic to any ingredient. The warning labels on each glass bottle tell how much is recommended before it becomes life threatening."
I made a look with my face as I started to back away. She seemed to understand look right away, "I can tell you're no longer interested in those."
I shook my head, "What are limiting juices?"
"Think of it as the opposite of herb modifiers. They cause the selected target to lose a portion of their states for a limited time. They are helpful for fighting other hostile adventurers or monsters. They can be eaten or thrown on target." She helpfully explained once again. "They do have some drawbacks that harm the target or you if in range, read the warning label before using them." She warned me of the dangers.
That would leaps and bounds more helpful! I didn't want a short power boost! No, being able to bring a monster down by lowering its power, making it easier to kill. That sound a lot better. "I'm also guessing that some monster will be immune to some of these?"
"Yes, but those would be stronger monsters, or Monster Rexs. There a few adventurers that are a immune to them as well." She clarified my concerns.
"So…, Monster poisons?"
"Monster poisons are just that. Poisons that are potent enough to affect monsters. Poisons from monsters are very rare drops that anyone would pay well for. They help make monster poisons and antidotes."
I smiled, "Okay, I heard you guys offer quests? Could you explain those?"
She nodded at me sharing a smile, "Yep. The quest we offer are to adventurers that going into the dungeon. We basically want certain monster loot, minerals, and herbs from the dungeon. We offer are quest to anyone should we have any."
"Do you have any for the upper dungeon floors?" I wondered out loud. It would be good to make more money alongside the magic stones I collect.
"Hm, I'll have to check. Please wait here." She instructed me politely as she disappear into the back room. I waited for about a minute or two before she came back with a paper. Her face was completely natural as she looked at the paper. She than picked up a quill and started writing on the sheet. "We didn't have any quest for the upper levels," She looked up at me, probably trying to what my reaction would be.
I sighed dejectedly, "That's fine. You must have a lot of high level adventurers shopping here." You could easily tell by how much some of these items costed.
"That maybe true but," she spoke up getting my attention again, "I did notice while I was in the back that we are running low on Goblin Horns, so I'll make a quest for some." She finish writing on the paper and hand it to. "Here you go!" She sound a little excited.
I looked over the paper. True to her words the quest said that they need Goblin horns from any level of the dungeon. She was also paying a grand for each horn, that was a one hundred percent markup! I would be stupid not to take this quest. "Thanks, I'll make sure to bring plenty back!" I rejoiced at the quest, it was money making time.
"Got any light-weight health potions with minor drawbacks?" I inquired. That was one thing I did need. I had run out of them so I-
"We have instant health and regeneration health, which one would like?" I blinked at her. 'What?'
"Um…, What?" I asked dumbly.
She tilted her head at me, I felt my breath hitch. 'I'm blinded by her cuteness!' She flutter her eyelashes at me and put her hand to her mouth, "Do you not know the difference?" She sound amused by my lack of knowledge. She tried to cover up her mirth, but did a terrible job at it.
I bashfully scratched the back of my head, "Not really, I'm really just a new adventurer."
"I can tell," she commented playfully then waved it off, "Well instant health automatically brings you back up to full health. It tends to heal heavy damage, but anything lethal will still be lethal no matter what you do. Health regeneration brings your health back at a set rate even when not hurt. It wears off after a certain amount of time."
"Drawbacks?" I asked you trying to find out everything I could. I wasn't going in blind anymore. I had almost got myself killed due to it.
"Both potions cause drowsiness if excessively used which will eventually knock the person out. There is also a slight chance that they might cause migraines or headaches." She explained helpfully.
"Okay, sounds good. I'll take one of each." I eyed the prices of the potions based off of the quality and the materials they were made from. My pocket didn't run that deep. "Lowest yield should be fine."
She turned on her heels to the wall of potions behind her. It didn't take her long to find the ones I wanted. "Here you are." She put the items on the marble counter. "That will be fifteen thousand vails."
I pulled out my sack of vails and gave the girl the asked amount, "Here you are."
"Excellent, is anything else I can help you with?" She inquired still trying to be helpful.
"No that should be it," I inclined before thanking her for the help, "Thanks for all the help."
"It's not a problem, have a wonderful day!"
"You as well." I said my goodbye and left the potion shop. I looked around for a bit still wondering why Eina had left me by myself. I finally went to the Elf Goods store and waited outside for a bit. I didn't have to wait long as she exited Elvish Works.
She smiled at me, "You haven't been waiting long have you?"
I shook my head at her, "Nah," I waved my hand, "I've been here for about a minute at best."
"Alright then, let's go find you some armor." She gave me a knowing smirk, "Maybe this way you might not look like a mess when you leave the dungeon."
I raised an eyebrow at her and crossed my arms unimpressed by her humor, "Now that would be impossible."
She laughed at that, "So you like looking some kick the stuffing out of you?"
"I believe the term you're looking for is masochist."
She shook her still giggling, "Oh Bell, there no way you're a masochist."
"I have a high pain tolerance just so you know!"
"Sure you do!" She started walking away from me giggling at my reply.
"Is that sarcasm or sincerity?!" I exclaimed in mock anger. Eina was laughing fully at my display. Good, if the girl was having fun I was doing my job on the date. I followed after her. "Let the window shopping begin." I groaned to myself.
"Oh it won't be that bad." She heard me and commented on it.
I should have been surprised by that, but I wasn't. No I saw this a prime opportunity to make her red in the face. "Yeah you're right, I got you with me." I looked at her, she gave me a nudge and looked away. 'Target destroyed.' I jested at myself. "So know of any good stores that sell armor?"
"Plenty," she said easily, "It all depends on what you want and much you're willing to spend." I nodded at her reply and looked around at the stores in front of me. Just looking at the prices I knew I was in over my head. I mean some of the asking prices were way out there. Three million, yeah okay there bud. I haven't even mad five hundred thousand yet.
"Well you know place that has, oh I don't know, affordable armor." I grunted in irritation.
"Oh don't you trust me?" She jested at my comment with that grin of hers.
"Yes." I acknowledged my faith in her. I had made the right decision at picking her as my advisor. She had a great depth of knowledge of the dungeon, she knew where things were, and she was fun. Yep, no regrets in choosing her at all. "Why is the armor and weapons so expensive here?"
"That is because weapons and armor you see here are made with high quality metals and magic. These items are also made by well renowned blacksmiths from many Familias. In fact the Hephaestus Familia rents the 4th to 8th floors of the tower." She informed me.
"Oh I see," I started, "So where are we heading?" I just had to ask her.
She gave a sideways glance at me, "We are heading to the eighth floor, that is where the new blacksmiths usually sell their equipment." She explained our destination.
It really wasn't a long trip up to the eighth floor even with window shopping. You could see the shift in quality and piece drop as you went up in levels. In fact the eighth level looked like a slum almost. As we explored the level I couldn't help but notice the way the people acted on the floor too. They were all low level adventures and blacksmiths. Not surprising but it was way more crowded on this level. Eina led me through the crowd with the grace of a High Elf. We entered a shop called The Gathering. On the inside there was different armors and weapons. Like the name implied, it was a gathering of different low level blacksmith works. It was quite interesting to see so many different armor and weapon styles. Most of the equipment was in good shape and look like it would last in plenty of engagements.
"Alright Bell, all I have to say is that you have to find armor that fits you. I wouldn't just pick something because it looks cool." She narrowed her eyes slightly.
My head jerked back a bit at her as a unamused smile crossed my lips, "What do you take me for? Fourteen?" Funny thing, I was, and I probably would have picked the coolest thing I found. What can I say, you have to look the part! No one's going to fuck with a bad-ass with cool armor. Yet, looking around a second time, most of the armor I saw heavy armor. I wanted light armor, armor that would protect me but also provide enough mobility that it wouldn't slow me down. My whole fighting style was: attack, dodge, evade, slide, attack, flip, jump, attack, back flip, and then start the whole process again. I was meant for speed attacking, and using said speed to escape harm.
Light armor was the way to go. Oh there was also the fact that I probably wouldn't be able to even lift the heavy armor in the first place too. That, that was so just a small reason. I mean I could, but would want to walk around with a tree on their back.
Not seeing anything I wanted, made me a little irritated. 'Why isn't there any light armor!' Okay, very frustrated would have been a much better description of how I was feeling. Eina was also looking for some light armor as well and even pointed out some medium armor that would have worked. Once again though I felt limited to my movements. I finally got fed up with looking and went to the guy behind the counter.
The guy has blond hair and was a Chienthrope. A chienthropes are a Demi Human race that have dog ears and a tail. He was wearing a yellow vest, a dark blue long sleeved shirt, dark blue pants, and brown shoes. "Hello there sir, find something to your liking?"
I shook my head for no, "No, I'm actually looking for light armor."
He looked a little taken back, "Light armor?" He put a hand to his chin, "Uh…, I think I might got something in the back."
I brighten up at that, "May I take a look?"
Gave me the thumbs up, "Go on head." I went on ahead to the back room he told me about, "It should be in a box in the corner at the end of the room." He called after me.
"Got it!" Following the man's instructions, I found a box but it was covered by a brown blanket. Why? I wouldn't know. Who puts a blanket over items you're trying to sell? That's just asking people to not buy it. I removed the blanket and found the armor the man had mentioned. I got a wide grin from what my eyes were showing me.
The Pyonkichi Mk-II was the armors name, it was crafted by a Welf Crozzo. The armor provide no limitations to movement, and came in multiple pieces that were strapped on to the body. It offered protection to the bulk of the chest, the front of the neck, shoulders, elbows, forearms, hips, and the knees. The armor was colored in white and had red zigzag lines on the right side of the armor. This armor actually matched my weapons perfectly. I lifted the armor up to hold it in my hands. It was light and wrap my hand against it. 'Good quality, weight, now the price…,' I looked at the price on the box, 'It costs nine thousand nine hundred vails.' It was perfect.
I put the chest plate back into the box. This was the armor I wanted. I picked up the box and walked back up to the front. "I'll take it."
The man smiled, "Excellent, that will be ten thousand three hundred vails." Boys those damn taxes killed.
I pulled my pouch out placed the money before the shopkeeper. Eina had slipped up next to me when I wasn't paying attention. She was gazing at the armor I had chosen. "Nice choice." She complimented me. I picked up the armor and we left the small shop. I heard the cashier call out a 'Have a good day!'
"Was there a doubt?" I questioned arrogantly. She acts like she needs to hold my hand at everything. I'm not a child!
She knocked me off my high horse right away, "Yes there was."
"Ouch, I feel bummed out now." I muttered dejectedly staring at her. She was grinning at me with mirth. Well it's been a hell of day. "Man," I said as I started stretching out my neck, "I could go for something to eat."
"Oh, trying to upgrade this to date huh?" Eina murmured coyly. I blushed at the face she gave me. Damn elves always being cute, adding coyness was just overkill.
Oh ho ho, trying to play coy are we? "W-well it-s it's…," Eina what have you done to me! "Only i- you want to." A mess…, that is what she had turned me into. I was probably as red as a tomato. "No-not trying to for-ce you." What?! 'Shut up, shut up!' I kept telling myself.
"Bell," I stopped my stuttering and looked at her again, "I thought we already agreed this was one?" That heartwarming smile of her was poisoning me.
Great, I look like an idiot, thanks Eina. "We did," I chimed in, "Just a bit of nerves is all."
She sighed and shook her head, "I guess it was too much to think you could handle this, so unreliable."
I cocked my head at her, "Are we on this again? What, you got a thing for unreliable people or something?" She had the decency to blush and look away from me. Who would have thought that the reliable Eina Tulle had a thing for unreliable people.
We walked out of Babel and went down Kilo Street which was one of the many market streets of Orario. There was various peddlers trying to sell their wares, shops with employees waving people down, and smells of all kinds dragging customers to them. I was curious for our destination because Eina had decided to stay quiet for some reason. All my attempts of trying to start up a conversation had failed. She settled to only giving me one word answers for now.
'What are you hiding my dear?' I thought to myself. We ended up making it back to Amor Square and standing in front of the golden Goddess statue. I guess this meant that our little date was coming to a close. She reached into her bag and pulled something out. It was a gift obviously that was wrapped in brown paper. "For doing so well in the dungeon I decided to get you a little gift."
She offered me her gift. I took it into my hands, "You didn't have to get me anything. Coming along was more than enough."
"I know, but I wanted to." She told me honestly.
I smiled at her, "Thanks, its much appreciated." I opened the wrapping to find a gem green arm brace. It was clearly of an elvish design and it looked like it could hold an extra blade. It was a nice a nice gift. "I love it." I told her giving her a hug.
She embraced me back, "I'm glad you like it. I hope it keeps you safe."
"I'm sure it will." I told her honestly. In my case any extra protect was a Godsend. "I really enjoyed today, we should do this again."
The half-elf shared my thoughts on the matter as well, "I would like that."
I smirked at her, "After all, we both know this armor will last me about a week." I jested.
I had apparently opened a can worms with that joke, "More like a hour in your case." The girl giggled in response.
"Hey I'm not that bad." I muttered dejectedly.
"Right, right, you're worse. A few minutes at best." She shot back just as fast.
"You're breaking my heart…," I whined back at her. Boy she was quick with her tongue that was for sure.
"Not as broken as your last outfit." A kill shot she shot back with!
"Eina!"
Author's Notes: I'm back baby! Back with a whole chapter on Bell as well! Yes, I hope you all enjoy this. This should also help everyone figure out what Bell's special skill is. Now am I moving too fast with revealing Bell's parents and such? Probably, but who cares! Harry Potter found out who his parents were like first chapter into the first book. I mean why can't Bell? It's not like anyone is hiding the information from him or something. Sure he knows who they are but what good does that do? Nothing, he just knows who they are. Anyway I planned on this in the early stages of my notes so no this was not just a random thing I threw in. Moving on, I been playing a lot of Kantai Collection and I must say…, Kriegsmarine girls are best shipfus. I finally got all of them and my German fleet is complete! I might just make a story about that. I can already see those giant ship girls now, what a glorious sight to behold. Your thoughts on that? Oh and chapter Nine has already been started too. Yay!
