Bell Cranel's nights were haunted by vivid nightmares, each one a cruel replay of Mr. Leo's body bleeding and dying, the accusing words echoing in his mind. "It's your fault," the voice accused, a constant reminder of Bell's perceived weakness. Sleep became a torment, a realm where guilt and inadequacy held sway.

One restless night, Bell abandoned his futile attempts to find solace on the sofa in the basement of the abandoned church. The creaking stairs whispered beneath his weight as he ascended to the ground floor. Passing a dusty mirror, he caught a glimpse of his reflection, bandages enveloping his body like a shroud. Memories flooded back of the battle with the mysterious women and the fuss Mr. Niel made, refusing to let Bell go despite his injuries.

A bitter laugh escaped Bell's lips as he traced the irony in his desire to be a hero. Despite his aspirations, he found himself repeatedly rescued by others, a stark contrast to the hero he longed to become. The bandages were physical evidence of his limitations, a reminder that he had yet to measure up to the challenges he faced.

Ascending from the basement, Bell Cranel found himself on the ground floor of the abandoned church. To his surprise, he discovered Caster awake, engrossed in the Basics of Magic – the very book Bell had been reading in his restless state.

"Caster!" Bell called out, breaking the silence of the dimly lit space.

Caster looked up from the ancient pages, his stern expression ever-present. "Couldn't get any sleep?" he inquired.

Bell nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Restless night. Nightmares and all that."

Caster closed the book, placing it on the makeshift table. "It happens after intense battles. Your mind needs time to process."

Bell appreciated Caster's understanding. "Have you been reading that magic book all night?" he asked, gesturing towards the worn tome.

Caster's gaze followed Bell's gesture. "Yes. I find it interesting. Magic in your time is different from what I knew."

A laugh escaped Bell's lips. "Is that why you were surprised when Mr. Neil tried to give it to us?"

Caster nodded, his long hair moving gracefully with the motion. Bell couldn't help but wonder how Caster kept his hair so impeccably maintained despite the challenging circumstances.

"It's a different world, different magic," Caster mused. "But learning and adapting are crucial. Knowledge is power, after all."

Bell chuckled, appreciating Caster's wisdom.

Caster cleared his throat, stepping into an impromptu lecture on the magic of his world. "Magic is considered a potent force here. There are two main types: congenital magic, rooted in one's abilities and race, and acquired magic, granted by the Gods and Goddesses through falna. Most spells require specific chants for activation. The length of the chant influences the magic's strength. However, misuse can lead to an Ignis Fatuus, causing an explosive backlash. Magic draws from the mind, and excessive use may induce Mind Down or Mind Zero, where the user faints due to mental exhaustion."

Bell listened attentively as he learned the wonders of Magic. "I see, but what about your magic Caster?"

Caster replied. "Don't worry about it Master as it isn't important at the moment but the difference is that it is more based on belief of the world rather then a Single person."

"But from reading the book Mister Neil gave me it seems that most Magic is quite straightforward in your world. So your magic is quite an anomaly so would you like to talk about it.?" Caster Continued as he talked with a Serious Expression yet their was a sense of desire that bell couldn't quite figure out. It was like when his Grandfather tried to make him peak at The aunty that lived next door.

Bell reminisced about his childhood. "My grandfather, my only family at the time, shared tales of heroes. After his passing, I felt dejected and wanted to keep those stories alive within me. Magic, to me, is a means to achieve what I couldn't on my own. It's a way to carry those hero stories with me. Moreover, I see magic as a narrative, a spell telling the unique story of its caster. Each incantation is like a chapter, revealing something profound about the person wielding it. That's why magic holds such significance for me."

Caster's eyes glinted with a hint of recognition. "Your perspective on magic, Bell, isn't as rare as you might think. At the Clocktower, where I once studied, there were those who believed in the narrative aspect of magic, much like you do."

Bell raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? I thought my view was somewhat unconventional."

Caster chuckled softly. "In the grand tapestry of magic users, each thread is unique, and some share the same sentiments as you. The Clocktower, with its diverse array of mages, held individuals who saw magic as a storytelling medium, a reflection of one's essence and ideals."

Bell felt a sense of camaraderie in discovering that others shared his perspective. "It's comforting to know I'm not alone in seeing magic this way."

Caster nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Magic, in its essence, is a mirror that reflects the soul of the caster. While many might focus solely on its power, there are those who understand the deeper connection it has to personal narratives and aspirations."

As they delved deeper into the intricacies of magical philosophy, Bell found himself fascinated by the different viewpoints that existed within the magical community. It was a revelation that expanded his understanding of the art and reinforced his belief in the profound connection between magic and personal stories.

At that moment, Goddess Hestia returned from her party, and upon seeing both Bell injured and awake at this late hour, she exclaimed, "Caster, what the hell are you doing to my Bell!"

Bell and Caster burst into laughter, trying to ease Hestia's worry.

Bell chuckled, trying to assure Hestia, "It's not what you think, Goddess. We were just having a conversation about magic."

Caster joined in, his laughter resonating through the dimly lit space. "No need to worry, Hestia. I'm not causing any harm. We were merely discussing the intricacies of magic and sharing perspectives."

Hestia crossed her arms, eyeing them suspiciously. "At this hour? Injured? Really?"

Bell scratched his head sheepishly. "Well, the nightmares were keeping me up, and Caster here happened to be awake. It turned into a fascinating discussion, though."

Caster nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Lady Hestia. Bell has a unique and inspiring viewpoint on magic. We were just exploring the depths of its meaning."

Hestia softened, her initial concern giving way to curiosity. "Magic talk, huh? Well, as long as you're not causing trouble. Bell, if you need anything, just let me know."

Bell smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Hestia. I'll make sure to get some rest soon. Caster has been a great help."

Hestia huffed playfully. "Well, just don't keep him up too late. I want my little hero in top shape."

The trio shared a moment of lighthearted laughter, the tension dissipating in the abandoned church. Despite the late hour and the injuries, the camaraderie between Bell, Caster, and Hestia added a warmth to the dimly lit space, a reminder that even in the midst of challenges, there was room for laughter and understanding.

--

A.N : Do remember that it's only been Two days since Bell's last Update.

Name : Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength I82 - H130

Defence I13 - I90

Dexterity I95 - H137

Agility H172 - G200

Magic H100 - H140

Magic:

Record : After seeing a Skill/Spell he can try and record it. Can only Record Up to 5 Skill/Spell. Each Recorded power can only be used once before having to be Recorded again.

"I came, I saw, I record."

Skill

(None)