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, du to 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: Man how far am I taking this off cannon? I look at DanMachi then back to my story and I can't help but see all the differences. Everyone seems to like it too. Oh, I'm looking for a beta. Please PM me if you want the job, also please be a beta. The only thing I'm really looking for is someone who will fix my terrible grammar issues. It's getting really hard for me to do both and my grasp on grammar is pretty poor to boot.

Character quote of the day: "Hello mortal! It's been so~ long since I got to play with one of you. Let's see how long it takes me to make a red smear out of you." ~ Zona


Story: Somebody Up There Likes Me

Chapter Nine: The Goblin That Could


It was early morning. In fact, people would usually call this time dead hour. Everything was quiet, dark, and lifeless. There was no one in the streets, shops, or alleys. This was truly dead hour-

"WHERE IS IT!?" A scream that made the blood run cold bellowed through the once quiet streets. The sheer frustration in the woman's voice was comparable to working an eighteen-hour shift than being told someone didn't show up so you have to work another eight hours on top of that. It was that kind of scream. The one where you just didn't care who saw or heard your anguish as long as everyone knew that you were very upset.

Lights had started popping up throughout the city. People tried for like five seconds to find out what made that sound. They, of course, gave up and went back to their rest since nothing else came. The lights had gone off once again throughout the city, all but one. In fact, if one was to guess, this place's lights might have been on the whole time.

The Twilight House, home of the Loki Familia, was the culprit of the late night disturbance. Something was amiss at the Loki Familia Home.

"Are you sure you heard him right?" Came the frantic voice of Loki as she tore through hundreds of pieces of paper.

The green hair Elf was beyond amused by her Goddess. She couldn't hide the mirth in her voice, "Yes, he told me that he had put in an application here." That verbal reinforcement had given the distressed Goddess a second wind. She was at breakneck speed before but now she was in the realm of light speed.

The High Elf had told Loki that Bell had put in an application right when she was done with her task at the Guild. When she had Loki dragged the both of them in here to find Bell's application. They have not stopped looking since. Loki was devoted to finding that one piece of paper with Bell's name written on it. To be honest it was taking a lot longer than even what she had thought it would. It would also seem the person in charge of having the files organized didn't do their job at all. There were z's in f's, c's in o's, it was a total mess. Riveria was a very organized person and seeing this was giving her a panic attack. She would kill the person for doing this madness. Of course when everything was nice and neat first.

Riveria held in a chorus of laughter. Loki had no idea that she looked so determined to find that boy's application. She looked like a lovestruck teenager trying to get closer to their crush without knowing just how to do so. She continued to sort through the mess. The door to the chamber open as a very tired looking Bete walked in. This didn't stop Loki at all as she pressed on. Riveria did take notice and Greeted the young man, "Bete, Good morning."

The Werewolf groaned, "What's with all the yelling?" He rubbed the dust out of his eyes.

"Oh, Bete, you're here?" Loki said from the main table as she still didn't stop to take notice of him. "Good. You can help us search."

Bete's eyes widened seeing the speed his Goddess was going at. He even pointed at her in disbelief. "Woah," He shook his head and looked at the mother Hen of the Familia, "What's gotten into her?"

"Someone that she wants to join the Familia had put a request in a while ago, now we're trying to find it." The High Elf informed Bete.

"Oh, and who's that?" The guy asked casually.

"Bell Cranel," Loki spoke up once again. Still not paying the two attention.

The man snorted, "Oh that kid? I threw that app out a long time ago." The Werewolf nodded to himself as he rubbed the bottom of his chin. Pin drop silence followed that announcement. Riveria's head snapped in the direction of her Goddess and she could see the steam coming out of Loki's ears. She was going to have to save Bete or they would be down a member for a very long time if she didn't do something.

"What was that Bete? I don't think I heard you right." That was said within a time span of a second.

Yet Bete had heard that and replied, "I threw it out." It was like he didn't understand just how angry his Goddess was.

Riveria stood up from her spot and walked over to a furious Loki with her staff in hand, "I'm sure he meant well, I don-"

"I even help that girl that works in here sort the files too." He said proudly. It was at that point, a snapping sound of wood being crushed filled his ears. Bete than felt looming death in the room. He opens his eyes to see two very upset women staring at him. Loki had stood up from her desk and he knew he was knee deep in shit. Giving a small glance over at Riveria, he saw that she had crushed the wooden staff in her hand. No, knee-deep didn't compare to the trouble he was in.

"Oh, so you were the one that did that." Riveria fumes in anger yet she was somehow smiling. That smile dropped, and She could no longer keep her composure. She looked at Bete like a mother does right before she applies the punishment to a naughty child. "You remember when you were young and caused multiple predicaments that end up with me giving you a spanking?" Bete visibly gulped and nodded. "I think I might have to readminister that back into circulation." She walked forward stepping on the broken staff crushing a piece off of it again. The two women circle the man like wolves. Ready to pounce.

"I-I-I explain!" He began.

"No, you can't!" Loki shot him down. She was not taking any of his excuses now. She had spent many hours looking for her Hase- er Bell's application. A beating was in call for!

That was when Bete was jumped by a High Elf and a Goddess. His screams for mercy went unheard in the early morning. It seemed people knew better than to interrupt the carnage.


The next morning I was ready for the dungeon excursion I had planned since I learned the truth. It was time to put this case to rest. I had already known what I had found out to be true. Yet I felt that this would be closure for me. This would solidify my findings that my grandfather was really Zeus and my parents were two great adventurers. Then that also meant that Zeus would be my adoptive godfather right? Moving past those thoughts, I stood in front of a mirror wearing my new armor. My black shirt and pants really made the white armor pop. The green brace Eina had given to me was on my left arm gauntlet providing extra protection. My blades rested on my sides. "Let's do this."

I grabbed my backpack that was by the door and put it over my shoulders. Marching out into the hallway I came face to face with nothing. It stayed like that as I descended down the stairs and into the main dining hall. Everything was so motionless this early. I didn't think anyone was up at this moment but for me. It wasn't strange, just weird to be up this early at four fifteen. Strolling out into the street I came to utter emptiness.

I sighed to myself as I knew I was anxious, but God, did I really get up this early? You see the dungeon was open at any time any adventure wanted to travel down into its depths. It made sense because dungeon raiders that hit the lower floors could come up at any time. It also remained that way for an individual or group needed to retreat if being overwhelmed. It made sense after all. I rolled my shoulder back as I stretch out just a bit to get loose. After my stretching was done I felt ready enough to continue my plans.

I could feel the cold summer morning air falling upon me. It sent a shiver down my body. It didn't cause me any distress. To me, it was better than if it was blazing hot outside. The sun was still hiding behind the tall walls of the city. The darkness of morning made everything seem much more dead. It helped my mind wander.

All the events that had occurred in this city of Gods. I was being followed, being watched by one of the most powerful Familias, I found out that my Grandfather was really a God, I found out who my parents were and how they died. So much has happened in just a few days. It was almost crazy to think about. I sighed to myself trying to keep my nerves down.

My walk to the Tower of Babel was quiet and uninterrupted.

I was close when I noticed someone standing just outside the tower by the bottom of the steps. I had seen this person just yesterday. It was that Amazon I had seen. Her head was down and her arms were crossed. She looked closed off from the world. That was what her body language was telling me. Her amber eyes, however, were locked on me again. I tried to ignore her staring. I was feeling a little bit nervous the closer I got to her. My red and her Amber eyes just watched each other as I passed her. If there was one thing I could see in her eyes, she interested in me. She seemed curious about me. Maybe it was because I had actually had the guts to stare back at her? I can't really say.

I managed to get by her without incident. As I walked up the steps to the tower I noticed a group of adventurers leaving the tower. They were spread all throughout the marble stairway. It seemed like they wanted to take up the entire staircase for some odd reason. It also happened to be a giant group of women with a light brown skin tone and wearing very tribal clothing. Amazons. A raiding party full of amazons. Now that I got a good look at them, I believe the shortest one was my height. Tall ladies for sure. I notice that they all had been talking with each other until they noticed me. Now I had all eyes on me.

God, I'm not that important of an individual. Look somewhere else! It was a bit unnerving having a mass group of beautiful women staring at you. I would feel better if it wasn't Amazons. Amazons were a well-known warrior race that treated men like a tool in their society and that was something I didn't want. Not saying that I didn't like the attention but at my current level and skill, I could not handle one of them right now and these girls looked like high rollers. Adoptive Grandfather raised a player, to be sure, but I don't play that way. Ah, my Adoptive Grandfather sense of humor will always be a part of me.

I noticed one of the taller Amazon's getting closer to me. She had, Much to my nerves unresting fears since I saw them, a weird look on her face. This could go south very fast depending on just who these girls were. If they were bloodthirsty, I would be so fucked. I wasn't an idiot to think I could take on leveled adventurers just yet. I mean I had almost died on all my first encounters with monsters. I really needed to join a Familia and soon.

She was a tall and slender Amazon; her chest wasn't anything to laugh at either. The Amazon has light brown skin, very long sandy blonde hair that has golden ribbons in it. These ribbons kept her long hair in a lion's tail. Her hair was parted in the middle of her forehead and her long sandy bangs fell over that and ran on her shoulders. She had a pair of seductive, narrow, amber eyes. Her clothing was nothing short of revealing. Her top piece of clothing was like a fancy one-piece swimsuit of sorts. It was white, green, and orange and parted right at her breasts showing a lot of cleavage. It also had golden epaulettes on her shoulders which were attached to a golden harness of sorts. Her lower body has a red skirt-like piece of clothing that is made out of some animals scales. On her left shoulder she has blue jewels, and on her right wrist was a golden bracelet. To finish off her appearance was her golden long nails.

She was encroaching on my personal space and I had no doubt that we would run into each other. To my bad luck, I didn't have much room to maneuver around her unless I want to fall or jump off the stairway entirely. Oh, so that's how she wanted it, huh? She wants to make me get out of her way. Hm, how to play this? Do what she wants, bump into and cause a conflict that she could possibly want as well, or somehow become a rabbit slipping through…, That's it! Be the rabbit, er jackalope and slip through the bars.

I stayed on course and kept my eyes on the taller woman who seemed just as interested in me, as I was with her. I had no doubt that the other women were watching as well. We kept on getting closer and closer until I was sure I would be running into her chest. Right at the last moment, I saw a bloodthirsty grin on those lips of her. That sent a chill down my spine. For some reason, it looked like she wanted a fight. Her hand was creeping closer to her weapon. Ready to draw the moment we touched.

I knew I had to move. I twist my body around hers with the very limited space on her left side. I happened to catch her bewildered look as her mouth drop a tiny a bit at my actions. I made it around her without touching her in the slightest. Don't know how I did but I did!

'Freedom!' I cheered from my close encounter of a tall kind. I sighed in relief that I dodge an axe swing.

"You, stop." Someone demanded. It was most likely the Amazon I had just spun around.

'Ahh, fuck me.' I groaned mentally. I turned around and confirmed my- I almost fell backward as the woman was right in front of me. I knew I would be dead if I got into a fight with this woman. She was a high roller at the speed she moved in that short time frame. "Yes." I managed not to stutter, but to say I sounded strong or confident would be a dead lie.

She seemed to understand that I knew she could very well kill me if her smirk was anything to go by. "Quite the agility you have, rabbit."

Once again I was compared to a rabbit. I use to wonder why people compared me to rabbits. After finding out who my mother was, it finally made sense to me. I couldn't help but smile at that a bit, "More like a Jackalope." I admitted.

She tilted her head at me, "Jackalope?" She wondered out loud. She seemed curious at my seeming random statement. Soon a smug look crossed over her face as completely brushed off what I had said. "It would seem that you know of our code, bunny." She stated and I couldn't help but wonder what she was talking about. I also see she switch up the term for rabbit as well.

"I'm sorry, I don't know of any code." I gulped down a swallow of air that had been stuck in my throat. She raised an eyebrow at me as she took me in. I couldn't help but now see that most of the females had gathered around us. Shit, I was circled.

"Is that so?" She pondered out loud, "Then why would you try so hard to avoid me then?" She smiled at me. A smile that made me feel anything but happy. Why was she questioning me on some code? That and the question was really a commonsense question to boot. It was basically this, why didn't you run into m? I didn't want bump into you? I mean really. Why would I want to ram into someone for no reason?

"Well other than common sense," She raised her eyebrow at me, "I just felt like I had to."

"Hmm," She hummed in thought. "Your instincts and reaction time is spot on for a low level. A possible small amount of entertainment, you could make."

'Yep, this woman has a more than a few screws loose.' I thought to myself as I saw her trying her best to start something. She wanted a fight. It was like she enjoyed spilling people's blood. "I'm sorry but my instincts are telling me differently. Afterall I am a no level." I said lightly hoping to derail any thoughts of fighting me.

"Indeed," She chuckled before she processed that last part of my sentence. Her surprise faded, "Oh," She said completely uninterested. Okay, now I was lost. Her bloodthirsty aura was gone and she seemed bored with me. I don't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. "Then I guess this your first time in the dungeon?"

I rubbed the back of my head, wondering if I should tell her or not. 'No I should tell her,' I didn't want to get her riled up if she caught me lying. No need provoking something that did not need provoking. "I have been in the dungeon for a couple of months now." She crossed her arms in disbelief, "Just check at the Guild. Look for Bell Cranel." I informed her.

She waved her hand at me, "Not interested." She then snorted, "Bells a woman's name by the way." Shot through the heart with an arrow! Of all the things to say she had to say that?! Really now. Okay. I can deal. Yet I was speechless. How did I go about handling this kind of confrontation? I just settled for not saying anything in the least. This woman was already giving me the chills anyway. She was very frightening for some odd reason. Just having her look at me was setting off warning bells in my head. She motioned for the rest of the girls to follow her. "Move out."

I watched as the encirclement quickly dispersed and I sighed in relief. Boy, these Amazons were trouble. I shook my head and started walking back up the stairs. Yet I couldn't help but feel some eyes following me until I got inside the tower.


Bache Kalif watched Argana try to get the young boy to start something. It was quite obvious. Then she saw as the boy completely defused the situation she had put him in. Bache couldn't help but smirk. She knows very well what her so-called sister was like. Seeing her not get the unnecessary bloodshed she wanted was great. Even if the boy was a drop in the bucket for Argana, it still meant she got more powerful by drinking his blood. Argana had that bloody curse on her that made Bache fearful of her.

Anyone with a falna found themselves with a lot less blood. She didn't want to end up like one of the countless amazons that Argana has killed over the years. Thankfully nothing happens on the steps and…, did Argana look a lot more disinterested with the boy now? What on Earth did he say to her?

Just like that, the conversation was over and the party of Amazons made their way down the steps. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the unexpected turn of events. Argana came right up to her, "Sister," She looked back at the boy as he disappeared into the tower. She stared even after he was gone, "I want you follow him."

'What?' the Amazon thought to herself, 'Why does she want me to follow him?' What was she thinking? Normally she just wouldn't care about such a meer encounter. Bache never really understood her. Argana was always starting things with random people for no reason whatsoever. She was bloodthirsty and enjoyed killing her targets. She said they made her stronger. In truth they did. Bache simply nodded. It wouldn't do her well to disagree.

Bache crossed her arms and wordlessly went after the boy. Bache really had no idea why Argana wanted her to this. Just what did that boy say to her? Better find out what was getting under her skin.


It was odd. Something wasn't sitting right in my gut. What it was I had no idea. I just had this feeling as if there was something not quite right about today. Those Amazons at the steps didn't help me clear my head. They just kept popping back at the forefront of my mind as I descended down into the dungeon. I wasted no time to find this Magical Goblin and his hiding place. From what Zeus told me, that this Goblin had stolen many things from unaware adventures. The Goblin had changed his form due to all the magic that surrounded him. He was taller than normal sized Goblins, faster, stronger. You name it, he was better than the rest.

His location was around Goblin Rock. While most adventurers had searched this rock formation multiple times over. There was something special you had to do in order for the secret passage to open. There was a riddle you had to say in order for the passage to reveal itself. It was the Rat King Riddle. It was kind of amusing to see a Goblin using a riddle as the secret saying to open the door. It was also odd. How did the Goblin know it? There was also the question: how did the Goblin make a secret passage? The dungeon seemed to be this place that things were constantly changing. It was here in this place where everything was not what they seemed. Anything was possible down here. This was just proof of that.

I looked at the familiar portal that would take me into the dungeon. I stopped right before entering it. 'This place has so many unknown secrets. I want to discover them. I'm going to earn my name as an adventurer and show everyone just what this dungeon is. I also want to find out who had made this place. A place for monsters and darkness.' With that thought of determination, I went in through the portal. It was time to pay the Rat King a visit. I also had been wary of him as well. He was intelligent enough to use magic, riddles, and stay hidden from the public eye for a very long time.

It was almost scary to think about. This Goblin might just be more powerful than the last boss I fought. That Silverback was a monster, but that damn Kobold was my first brush with death I had against with something I was in no shape ready to fight. I had a feeling it was going to stay like that. The longer I was without a familia, the longer it would take me to get to the lower floors. I had been lucky. My mother's power being a saving grace for now. I still had no idea how it worked or what it did. If anything, I knew how to activate the power. My problem with that was that I wasn't like my mother. I wasn't a hothead.

The darkness greeted me as I entered the first floor. It was quiet, more so than usual. It took me a second to realize why. The Amazons had just came through here. They probably killed everything on their way out of the dungeon. That made me smile. It seemed it was going to be far less time to reach Goblins Rock. Instead of it taking me forty-seven minute like last time, it would take about thirty-six or so if I threw caution to the wind. The fifth floor of the dungeon was known to be a place where no monsters spawn. Well, that was what was thought. They didn't know what I knew.

I went deeper and deeper into the dungeon. I had finally made it to the fifth floor. It took me about thirty-nine minutes to reach the dead end known as Goblin Rock. Examining the rock, you could tell it was special due to the way the face of Goblin looked. It was thinner and much narrower. It looked something like a High Elf. It 'looked' something like a High Elf, not exactly like a High Elf. Its eyes were much smaller than a regular sized Goblin. It also Had two large fangs hang outside its mouth.

The Rat King. I wonder if he really had a pack of rats with him? It might just be possible he had others with him that could make this how engagement much harder. Keeping that thought in mind I cleared my throat. I looked around to make sure no one was listening in or watching me. I couldn't give up secrets until I told the Guild about them first. I had to make money to live you know. "The Rat King's Crew runs to and fro, good girls and boys know where to go, pick up your toys and daron your socks, on errands of woe, on errands we walk." Nothing happened. I didn't expect it to.

I moved on to the second verse. "The Rat King's Crew goes arm in arm, to fight as one, to do no harm, so have your fun and run outside, rally the flag and we'll never die."

I felt a small tremor at the rock in front of me shifted to and fro. I continued to the third verse, "The Rat King's Crew goes four and four, with good good fights they learn to score, then three as one they stand upright, return from past the wall and wanting more."

Now the eyes of Goblin were glowing a bright red light and they bore down on me. It was like it was watching me, No, it was watching me. I tested this theory by moving around a bit. The eyes followed. The mouth had also changed as well. It was grinning at me. This rock could tell what I was here for. It seemed to be greeting me. It almost dares me to turn around. I could feel the magic flowing through the rock. It was amazing that this could be possible. It also confirmed everything I had discovered. My parents belong to the Zeus Familia. My Godfather was really an exiled God known as Zeus. That and the chances that man had died that day were now none. That bastard left me. Well, he did have a reason to do it. I probably would have never left if he was still there. He gave me the necessary push to make this journey and become what I am now.

That doesn't mean I'm still not mad at him! Asshole!

I then spoke up the last and final verse, "The Rat King's Crew stands three as one, they see Night's fall and fear it none, but watch the clock as you scale the wall, lest five remain hope comes for none" The Rock sprouted hands that reached outwards, and a portal of Red formed from them. Those glowing eyes were following me as I moved towards the red doorway that was going to lead me to a whole new world on the other side. What waited on the other side could be anyone's guess. Steeling my nerves, I entered the glowing red gate. It was time to face the Rat King and his crew. I was ready for this.

I stepped through to the other side. I was greeted with a well-lighted hallway thanks to the torches that hung on the wall. The ceiling was arched and decorated with many different things. Bones, weapons, sticks, and colorful gems. The floor of the cave had been carved out to look like a stone path. The walls of the cave had been hand carved out to be smooth to the touch, and there was six lines crystal on each wall. They were lined with small animal bones. Looking at these lines of crystal I noticed that they were tunnels. That was when I saw them. Rats. Rats were everywhere I looked. They stuck out due to the fact that each one was wearing something. All of them had bone armor on, and a cape with a rat skull and behind the rat skull there was two magic staffs on the back. They looked at me before running off to hide in one of the many holes in the wall. That was when I also noticed there were two smaller paths on the sides of the main walkway. These little roads were definitely for the rats.

I pulled out my map journal. It would be for a good use that white down everything I see. It would help other adventurers as they came to explore this area as well.

I walked down the path following the tunnels of crystal. Those tunnels led me to see something that really shocked me. A whole part of the wall had been cut out and a thin layer of crystal had been placed over a section of both walls. Inside these crystal displays, it gave off the view of a cavern below. Much to my utter shock, there was a city under down there. Walkways made of bones, stones wood, and cloth. This was a Goblin stronghold. I could see multiple Goblins walking around down there doing nothing in particular. It was odd. Deciding to not let myself get caught up in the moment of this discovery, I pushed forward. It was time to meet the Rat King.

I made a mental note to figure out just how intelligent these Goblin actually were. If they could make a place this than I know they were a lot smarter than what people give them credit for. I push forward down the long hallway. I made notes to explore the other areas that branched off the main path. There was also this part of the main path that had made a sharp turn to the left before going straight again. That was very odd.

As I continued down the hallway I notice that for some reason, there were no lights down at this end of the hallway. It was dark, very dark. I push through the darkness and moved forward. Walking for a bit long I finally came to the sight of a door at the end. This was it. Beyond this door laid a powerful enemy. An enemy that could use magic. I had never face a magic user before in my whole life. I had seen very few spells displayed out here in the Labyrinth City Orario as well. I had no idea what I was going be facing. Zeus was never specific about just what kind of spells this Goblin could use.

I also would like to bet that this Goblin hasn't been challenged for quite some time. His magic abilities might just be off the damn charts. Not good. I might not be ready for this.

Like something had read my mind, the door started opening slowly. I could hear chains being raised meaning that there was a rope pulley system to this door. I watched as the door was raised upwards. I took a deep breath and entered the room. The room was large and well designed. There was no cover to be found in the room except six large pillars. At the very end of the room was a chair, no that was a throne. There were red drapes hanging behind the stone throne. It was raised off the floor by steps. There was also a large chandelier hanging high above the throne. Its frames were burning bright covering the room with reddish light.

Off to the sides, there were two doors, above those doors was a balcony. It was a good spot for archers. I really did hope that they did not have archers. Of to the sides of the throne, there were two more doors that led to I don't nowhere.

There on the throne was a Goblin staring at me. He was freakishly tall for a Goblin, standing somewhere near six foot eight inches. He was thin as you could see his bones through his skin. His skin was more grey than green. He was wearing some kind of animal fur around his shoulders like a cloak of sorts. It looked like an ox fur. That was an odd- 'Shit that is a Minotaur fur. Not ready for this at all.' Then I saw the staff. Red ambers licked at the air. It was a fire staff, thus meaning the Goblin was a fire user. There were two bone blades on his waist. That meant he could fight up close as well. Then there was his bland face. He didn't seem interested in me. He was just watching me. Something that was putting me on edge. This Goblin was thin more so than the usual ones.

I nearly jumped out of my skin as the door slammed behind me. It was just like that, my fate had been sealed. I now had to fight my way out of this mess. Why did I always end up in bad situations? Swallowing my rising fears down, I approached the monster's throne. This was the Rat King. There sitting right next to Goblin was a little rat. The Goblin spoke something to it and the little rodent scurried off into one of the holes in the walls. The moment the little guy did things took quite the turn.

The Rat King waved his staff and a fireball flung from it. Much to my surprise, it fell short and land in front of me. My surprise was quickly replaced by shock as the mass of fire on the floor became intelligent and circled me. I was circled by a wall of fire that grew to about four feet tall. The heat was making me sweat. The heat was becoming unbearable. I pulled my knives out of their cases. I would find a way out of this. 'Just don't panic.' I told myself.

The creaking of doors caught my attention. To my left and right there were two doors that led into the main chamber. The doors were opening and I could hear the scampering of feet. A horde. A horde of Goblins was making their way to me. I tore my eyes away from the doors and looked at the Rat King. He was wearing a grin. I now knew what he had told the rat. Rally the troops. I was about to get swarmed.

They flooded into the room. They were quick to circle around me. I was surrounded by a horde of at least thirty goblins. I gripped my blades tighter. This was going to be a Hell of a fight.

The wall of fire dropped a couple seconds after. I reacted before the Goblin horde did. I couldn't allow them time to rush me. I had to put space between us so I could narrow down the little army.

I lunged forward without a sound.


Bache Kalif has no idea where Argana got her ideas from or how things always worked in her favor. This one of those instances where she was right. It had been a good idea to follow the teen. He had led her to something that was outright impossible to believe. Her wide eyes showed just how much of a shock this was. This was unexpected. The Goblin statue was actually a portal to another area of the dungeon? If that was true whatever was on the other side wasn't a low floor level five monster. No, a portal meant that it could take you anywhere.

Amazing. She hadn't seen what the boy did to activate the portal. Did he use magic? Say a special code? Wipe blood on it? Hmm. it was quite the sight to behold. She had seen this statue countless times beforehand. It never once did anything special. It was just there. Now she knew why it had been there. It was waiting for someone to do something that triggered it.

Now the real main question she had was how did the teen know what to do? If he was fresh as he looked, there should be no way he would know anything about the dungeon at all. It was odd and unthinkable. She just couldn't understand how he had done this. Did he know someone that knew of dungeon secrets? If so, why hadn't they told everyone else? What was that person hiding? They had to be hiding something because the money one could make for discovering things in the dungeon could make you rich and famous.

She narrowed her eyes at the glowing portal. It was obvious this led to an area with Goblins. The question was, just how strong are these goblins? They wouldn't be those ones she would find on the upper floors that if she lightly kicks one they would die instantly. These had to be a special group. Now the teen was in there by himself. That meant he was most likely going die. Now she really didn't care too much about the boy. No, he was just that, a boy. What she did care about was what he knew.

If the boy died than those secrets and whatever he knew died with him. She wouldn't allow that to happen. This might also distract Argana for awhile as well. It would keep her away from her. It would be a win. Well of course not for the teen. He would probably feel a lot of pain. There was also the possibility of Argana killing him too. After a second of thought, he changed her mind. She shouldn't take him to Argana but to Kali her Goddess instead. Kali would definitely be able to get out as much information from him as possible for doing any drastic decisions.

She had better get in there. No telling just how powerful this Monster Rex was or not. She stalked forward making sure that no one was following her in. She was being very cautious as she didn't know if other monsters might start pouring out from the other side. Looking at the statue gave her a weird feeling. 'It's creepy. That grin and the way the stone face is twisted makes it all the more unsettling.' Even though she felt a little creeped out by the hideous statue, she couldn't help but feel excited. She always loved the rush of battle, good hard earned fights. If there was a fight, she would be there. She loved battle. Battle was the only thing she was good for, the only thing she wanted to do.

If this kid could point out high-value monsters, new enemies for her to slay, he would be good in her books. That also may be a reason to keep him around. There was no telling what he knew or didn't know. Yes, she would bring him back that was for certain. It was finally time for her actually do something since their trip from Telskyura. She had been stuck getting ready at the Orario base for her new occupation. To say she was excited was the understatement of the year. She had gone from warrior to adventurer. Some might have seen this as a step-down, she saw this as an opportunity to fight as many high-level monsters she wanted. There was also the chance that someone dumb might actually try and fight her or her group.

Kali wanted to have a group of Amazons here in Orario from now on to help bring in more money for their country. She got lucky that Kali wanted her to do it and lead the new recruits that were coming up from Telskyura in about two months, give or take. She would get to do whatever she wanted with the girls. She would turn them into some of the strongest Amazon's north side. Still, she had a lot of planning to do. Rooms to get ready. Ugh, the price of being a captain. Maybe after all that was done she could come back into the dungeon and explore a bit.

No, she was getting sidetracked and getting ahead of herself. 'Save the boy first, give him to Kali, then I can think about this later.' She shook her head for a moment. She rolled her shoulder back, got into a more relaxed fighting stance, and enter after the boy.

Page Break

This was madness! These Goblins were as tough as nails! I mean sure they were wearing armor and had weapons, but their bodies could take a beating, and they knew how to use their weapons. This was not good at all. How did I get out of this mess? 'There is no way out.' My mind told me.

Well' thanks for the morbid thought! It was really appreciated at this time me! These little devils were doing everything in their power to force me being surround again. I had broken through the line with way more difficulty than I first thought I would. I managed but I paid the price. There was a hole, a hole in my bloody shoulder. An arrow had stuck me through. That and I had multiple cuts over my skin as other weapons found my unarmored parts. They were targeting those parts on purpose. These guys were smart.

I had made it my life's mission to kill those archers. They seemed to have the same thought in mind as they fired at me. There was no telling how many Goblin there were. The fight had started seven minutes ago and I had killed a total of four Goblins. That happened a minute ago when I used my Jackalopes Rage. Now I had to dodge arrows. These archers were keeping me pinned down and they kept me from attacking their brothers. I had to deal with them first or I was screwed. There was a total of four archers.

Luckily the balconies had steps to get up them. I dashed up the right side balcony. One of the archers pulled out a sword and ran to intercept me. I cut him down by slicing his neck. I barely escaped an arrow aimed at my head. I continued my mad dash for the archer. I grabbed the little guy off the ground and used him as a shield from the left side archers. Two arrows hit right in the belly of the poor goblin before the life faded from its eyes. I dropped the dead Goblin and leaped off the balcony onto the floor. Much to my surprise, the Goblins had tried following me up the stairs and now they had to come back down to get me. That gave me enough time to knock off the final group of archers.

As I ran to the left side I couldn't help but see the Rat King himself. He seemed to be getting angry the more I killed a Goblin, yet he still hadn't jumped into the fight. These two archers seemed to catch on to what I was doing and quickly stood atop the stairs with their bow ready. I hadn't even started climbing the steps yet but I had a backup plan. I threw two regular knives at them. They both fell backward in a pool of their own blood. I pulled my knives that were gifted to me by the Freya Familia. I have still not named my weapons. I just couldn't think up of something cool.

Now the horde was on me but we were on even playing ground now. I cut into those little fuckers. Somehow they still felt tougher and stronger than all the other Goblins I have faced. Just what was the deal? Surely a floor level jump couldn't make them this strong, could it? This simple outrageous. By the time I had cut down twelve of them, the Rat King made his move. He roared, he roared at me in rage. I turned to face him and met a fireball to the chest. I was blown clear off my feet. I slammed into a pillar and felt the marble crack from my impact. Spittle flew from my mouth. I slumped against the wall. The wind was completely knocked from lungs.

I was lucky that I got blown into the furthest pillar away from the army of Goblins. I had some time to recover. It wasn't much but I would take what I could get. I had to reevaluate the situation. I wasn't going to allow myself to die to here of all places. Who would have thought that this place was on an upper floor? This felt fifty times harder than anything I'd ever faced. I rolled to the side dodging a wave of fire. I need to find a way to distract that guy.

I had spoken too soon as he began throwing fireballs like they were going out of style. I did everything my power to not get hit again. I saw what happened when one Goblin had jumped in the way of one of them by accident. He was dust and ashes. Ashes! I had to get out of here. The doors all round were opening to the room now. Wait! The door I came in?! I turned to see that, it was in fact opening. However, the good news ended at that because now the room was filling with Goblins! I was knee deep. This could only get worse from here. I needed to fight my way out before they close the door.

The Rat King had seen where my gaze was and quickly did something I wouldn't forget. "Close the door!" It had demanded in common. I need to get out of here but there was this one Goblin that kept kicking my ass! He really needed to stop shooting five fireballs a second. I had enough. There had to be a way to- I noticed where he was standing. He was right under the chandelier. I place my right knife back in its home and pulled my friend's blade out. It was a gift that I didn't want to part with or use really. I glared as I threw the blade at the chandelier. It cut the rope and like time stopped everyone that wasn't the Rat King froze and watched as bones, wood, and fire fellow on him.

That was my opening. I ran for the closing door as I heard the Tall Goblin scream. I past, through, over Goblins until I was out the Room. The door closed. I was breathing real hard as I caught my breath. The white aura had died off and I could feel the strain that power did to me. Then I heard laughter coming through the door. The started opening, and I started running.

Yet I had caught a glimpse at the what was coming. Fire. It was the Goblin King himself. He was completely covered in fire and he was laughing as if being engulfed by flames didn't hurt him. Then I heard its voice as it and its army gave chase. "Fire is my ally. Hurt me not. Run you better."

Oh, I don't think I needed any more motivation to run. That voice it has was so raspy and you could tell he didn't often use it. I chose not to linger on that thought as escaping was my main focus. Of course, this wasn't the easiest task in the world either. The Rat King was still firing balls of fire at me as he was dashing after me. His horde of Goblins not far behind. Much to my horror the doors and other hallway were being filled with Goblins as well. Their chattering voices and monking stares bore into my soul.

I wasted no time killing anything that got my way. I did it quickly and didn't stop to confirm if I had killed them either. I dodged some, fought others, and ran over a few. They were only making my chances of escape worse. They had almost managed to let the Rat King catch up. He was hot on my heels. I feel the heat coming off of him. He was right behind me.

'What the Hell is this place!' I questioned myself in a panic. This just kept on getting worse! The had to be something to help me in this damn place.

On my way by, I grabbed a torch and flung it at the ceiling. I was aiming for the wood. Maybe I could distract them with that. Much to my luck, it did the job. The Goblin King stopped his army to put the flames out as he called the fires to him. Interesting. Next time I came back, water. I needed a mage with water or ice abilities with me. This solo shit was going to get me killed one day soon. Every torch I came across met the same fate as the first. I need time to escape. An outraged scream followed me.

Yep, I had pissed off the Monster Rex pretty bad. "Your ashes will scream for mercy when I'm done with you!"

The Goblin stopped taking his time putting out fires and was now in some sort of blood rage. I had really pissed him off. Once again the chase was on and I had a good lead on him, and a mile from the horde. I could work with this. I might have a chance. I managed a glance over my shoulder to see something far more terrible than what I had once seen. The fire around him was licking the walls around him. He was almost the size of the hallway.

I saw him through the flames. He was grinning at me as if he knew something I didn't. What was it up to- My eyes widened when he disappeared, He vanished. "What?!" I looked forward and to my immediate horror, where he appeared out the last torch. However, the flames that consumed him were dying down. The flames seemed to be his source of power. It would also appear that he could teleport himself if he has enough flames to another fire source.

This was not a very good situation that I was in. I had an army at the rear and the leader at my front. Even if I managed to fight the leader off, I would be surrounded by a Goblin swarm. The only way out that I could see was dodging the initial strike and keeping moving. If I stopped moving for even a second I lost. There was no telling if the Rat King could collapse the portal to the dungeon. I head to get ahead of him if I wanted to live.

The taller Goblin charged down the hallway both his weapons drawn. I glared him down the entire way. I had very little time to prepare myself. This happened in a matter of seven seconds. If I got past him, the turn that leads into the hallway to the portal was there. I would be home free. Our blades collided into each other. I gritted my teeth at the impact. This Goblin was far more powerful than I. I would have never won against this foe today or anytime soon.

As our blades clashed I moved my body to the left of the taller Goblin. Standing this close to the Giant of a monster, that was on fire, was unbearable. The heat alone was eating at my skin. I withdrew my blades from him and I felt a pain in my right side belly and my chest. It stung, burned, screamed at me to take notice! But I couldn't stop for anything. I glanced out of the corner of my eye to see the Goblin holding the side of the wall. It was panting and the flames had died down to the point that there was just a faint red glow coming from him. His eyes still burned, calling for my blood.

Whatever the Goblin had done, the injuries it had inflicted killed my speed and but a whole lot of stain on my stamina. I needed a health potion but I couldn't pull one out of my pack before stopping to get it. I was on my last legs. My power at the moment was a double edge sword. I had to figure out more about before using it or at least have someone watch my back. Yet these thoughts were useless if I didn't get out of here. I turned the corner only to almost run into a somewhat familiar face.

It was the Amazon from this morning. Now that I was right in front of her I saw just how tall she actually was. She was easily six foot since she was a whole head taller than I just like the other one on the steps. What was she doing here? Did she follow me in? Did she know about this place too? I just couldn't understand why this Amazon was here. Did it matter? Yes, this mattered. In fact, I should be concerned. She might start asking questions about how I knew of this place. That was some information I did not want anywhere but in my head.

She held a curious gaze on me as she looked me over. Then she looked behind me. That was when I realized I had been running from an army! "We need to go. There are literally hundreds of them." I wheezed out a warning. God, what had that Goblin done to me? I felt so damn weak right now. The stampede that was behind me was getting louder and louder. I started to jog my way to the red portal that was all the way down the hall. It would seem that I was more drained.

Much to my shock the woman had stayed behind and waved me off. I noticed that her curious eyes had become a bit more excited as the horde turned the bin. She pulled the whip out of one of the strings holding her little clothing together. She muttered something I couldn't hear from my position as stumbled away from her. I did see a faint greenish glow for a second. I think she might have casted something of which I'm not sure.

I heard the cracking of a whip, but I decide not turn around and see the damage. I need to get out of here. The pain in my chest and stomach were growing with each step I took. I moved my hand away from my chest and saw dark colored blood. I was hurt really bad! This was a deep wound. I bleeding like a pig! I leaned against the wall to hold myself up as I almost tripped over my own feet. I coughed some blood up from my lungs.

I struggled to get my pack in front of me. I opened it to see something that made my eyes widen in sheer terror. All the potions I had bought were broken and spilled all over the inside of my bag. It ruined my map book, all that hard work I had done…, 'OH MY GOD NO!' Zeus's book! With urgency. I pulled the book out and inspected its contents. It was fine. As if by some divine…, my face became blank as I stared at the book. 'He put a charm on his didn't he?' Yep, that was the case. I wonder what else this so-called book could do or what he did to it for that matter.

I grunted putting the pack on my back. I had no way of healing myself now. I pressed on, I could see the red glow of the portal getting closer and closer. I was almost there, 'Come on Bell, I'm almost there, almost there!' My mind kept chanting. I couldn't hear anything else. No sounds of combat, no roars, only my heartbeat and my mind pushing forward. Mind wasn't going to quit on me. My mind would fail me before my body would. I saw it portal start flickering, It was closing! The only escape was closing. I pushed myself harder, faster. It shrunk in size again. I was in front of the portal, just a few feet away, "Keep moving for-" Before I could cross into the portal I felt a hand give my back forceful push. I flew the rest of the distance to the portal.

I heard a spell get flung, 'Fortificare.' I passed through the portal. There was a feeling of falling for a second- "Ugh!" I grunted as I hit the grass. Wait, what? I opened my eyes to see the portal above me. It was about a ten-foot drop. Above the portal, there was bright blue crystals and shined light all over the area. There was trees, plants, and other wildlife. I was still in the dungeon. I could tell due to the fact I could see the ceiling of the dungeon or the walls that reach up to it. I wasn't on the fifth floor. No, I was somewhere even deeper than that.

Did the collapsing portal bring him here? Or did the portal start off on the fifth floor only to go to the boss room? Then It would bring you somewhere else? Too many questions to be answered and not enough time to answer them. Man, why can't things ever be so simple or less painful! 'You know what, I want more pain. Come give me more pain! I can surely take it!' I yelled sarcastically in my head.

As if the dungeon was alive, I was believing it was because the dungeon had granted my so-called joke wish. That very same Amazon that had saved me was flung out of the portal as well. It closed right after she was out. In less two seconds I saw light, darkness, and then I was out like a light. She had landed right on my face. I was going to feel that in the morning or when I woke up from a six foot five woman falling right on your head. Well, I at least I got a good view of that rear before everything went black. A win for sure.


'Hmm, these Goblins are tougher than they look. My poison is actually taking time for it to kick in.' Bache pondered as she fought the Goblins back. There may have been many of them, but she herself was a level, Six Warrior. They couldn't keep up with her attacks, or speed for that matter. She was dropping them faster than they could fix their lines. It was surprising to see the Goblins armored and armed. It was something very new. While seeing armed Goblins with bone or primitive weapons wasn't odd, but seeing them using swords, bows, shields, axes, and spears were.

Though they still weren't that much of a threat. The goblin lines dropped back from their assault seeing that their overwhelming numbers weren't affecting her in the slightest. The was a yell from one of them, a higher ranking Goblin, and two new lines form in front of the infantry. These Goblins held their shields in front of them and marched as a moving wall. The second line held long spears that stuck out from the front.

Bache was beside herself at the intelligence of the monsters. They were adapting to the situation they found themselves in. She grinned behind her mask, 'And here I thought that they were stupid. This battle is far more enjoyable now.' The tall woman thought about how the battle was changing. She was a warrior and this was getting her blood boiling. I had been awhile since she found herself in an enjoyable battle. This is what she was born to do since she first killed her first monster when she was a mere toddler. The only thing she wanted to do. 'Time to step it up a notch.' She picked up a discarded sword from the floor. It was a small sword compared to her but that didn't matter.

"Velgus," she quickly placed her poison spell on the weapon. her whip more than enough to rip through the army, but she wanted to be up close and personal. She started to close the distance between them when another Goblin called something out. The front lines stopped moving forward and kneeled down. Behind them were two roles of Archers.

The first group fired. Luckily she had chosen to pick up the sword. Bache deflected two arrows before the second group fired. Oh, these guys were quite good. This time she deflected six of them. She was at the front line right after. She cut the spear up as she passed by it. The first Goblin she met head-on. Her foot slammed into the shield. It sent the goblin into the other ranking knocking them down with him. Her whip cracked at the neck of the Goblin on her right. The Goblin on the left swung his sword at her. She blocked it with the sword she had picked up. Showing off her strength, she ripped the blade right from his green hands before plunging her sword through its skull.

Just like that, Bache had destroyed their frontlines. She kept pressing on them. Any Goblin that dared to try and get behind was cut down stiffly. My whip had become useless as more heavy armored Goblins started arriving at the scene. She had to put it away and pick up another weapon. It was an axe. She tossed that axe at a Goblin that seemed to be calling the shots. It cut right into the side of the Goblin's face. Much to her dismay, it didn't kill him. It only ripped a part of his face off along with his left ear. It did take him out of the first though as Goblins hurried to get him out of there.

She narrowed her eyes, 'Far smarter than they look.' She growled mentally. That couldn't do. She gave chase as quickly as she could, cutting Goblins down to reach the retreating Goblins and their leader. It started becoming much hard as the Goblins kept pouring in. She found herself surrounded by shields. She kept herself claim as she took it in. Looking down she found herself another sword. She cast her spell on the blade. She spun the blades around with a flick of her wrists. 'This quite fun, I might just have to thank that kid.' She thought to herself. It had been a good battle so far.

There was a scream. Bache turned to see a Goblin covered in fire. The frames were high enough that they were almost touching the ceiling. He was far taller than all the other Goblins. Bache;s eyes widened for a second as it teleported right to the side of her. What?! She dodges an outrageously fast swing for a Goblin. She also took it in into account that he was covered in frames. 'A Goblin that can use Magic?! Impossible!' It was common knowledge that most monsters from the dungeons around the world couldn't use magic. This was beyond unbelievable.

Bache couldn't use her swords to block his attacks either due to the fact that his weapons were on fire. Blocking would burn her. Now she was frowning. 'So this is the Monster Rex? Definitely not what I was expecting. I need to pull out. I can fight him and his horde at the same time.' She confirmed this when the Goblins to try and stab her when she was engaged with Monster Rex. She did the smart thing and got out of there. She leaped off the floor with the grace of a leopard and used the closest Goblin as a springboard. There were three Goblins that were blocking my path to getting to the exit. She also saw the boy leaning against the wall putting his bag back on.

I use the first Goblin's head to soften my landing, crushing it. The two were quick to get in front of me. I threw both swords at them. One had brought up its shield in time while the other wasn't that lucky. The unlucky one found a poisonous sword sticking out of its chest. She grabbed the other by its neck. She squeezed hard until there was a cracking sound and smashed him against the wall. It dropped both its weapon and shield. The Amazon picked up the shield and ran with it.

The boy was almost to the portal. Bache's eyes widened when she heard a voice in common that wasn't hers or the boys. "Closure!" She spared a glance back to see the Monster Rex giving chase. There was a flash. I turned to look in front of me and I saw what was happening. The Goblin could close the exit portal. It could close a portal! 'That's not Good. Ugh, this kid needs to hurry up or I'm gonna run him over at the speed he's going.'

"Fires of mine-" Bache turned her head to see the Goblin casting another spell. The flames that were surrounding him came to the palm of his hand that was outstretched at her. "Consume and combust thy enemies! Rock the earth, echo in the sky! Vanish in light and death!"

Her eyes widened as the ball of fire shot from its hand like a comet. She was right behind the boy, with her free hand she sent the boy flying with a harsh push. The heat from the fireball was right on her back. She cut off momentum, turned and cast her fortification spell. "'Fortificare!" The shield glowed white until the ball of fire slammed into the shield. Much to her shock, the fireball combusted. It sent her off her feet as the flames completely dissolved the shield like it was paper, not steel.

She was flung from the hallway through the portal behind her. She felt like she was falling for two seconds before she landed. Her ears were still ringing from the explosion. Her arms felt like uncooked noodles and her and were numb. She sat up and opened her eyes. She shook her head a couple of times because this wasn't the fifth floor. No, this was the eighteenth floor. She had seen this place far too many times to not know what this place was. The question was why did the portal take them back here?

Speaking of them, where did the kid go. In his condition, he couldn't have gone that far. That was when the numb feeling in her hands and arms finally ended. Her nerves focused on telling her something else. Why did feel like there was something up her- She got up from the ground and turned her head to look behind her. Much to her irritation, but relief she found the boy. That was the relief. The irritation came in as she probably killed him. She rubbed her face. All that hard work of trying to save him went out the window.

She checks his pulse. Okay, he has one. Good. He wasn't dead. Looking him over she frowned. He was injured pretty badly. His body was cut up, his armor was scorched black, two serious deep cuts on his chest and belly, some bruising, and red face. That last one came from her and what was probably what knocked him out. She picked the boy up and tossed him over her back. She had done her fair share of carrying injured Amazons back home plenty of times. Nothing new to this. She had better take the boy to Rivira to get him patched up. She could then ask her questions.

Another scarier thought crossed her mind. She wasn't going to see Argana off. Hmm, she wonders just what that might bring? She'd cross that bridge in time. Right now she had more important things to do. Like, make sure the boy lives. She really didn't want the boy to die. There was a secret the boy knew and that she wanted. There was a slight grin on her face. If this kid could provide her some decent battles if he knew of secret areas in the dungeon. Maybe having a male around would be that bad for a bit.