Ok, to start with, that was a truly spectacular response! I haven't had such a strong response like that to a new story since I threw up my fairy tail stories and that was with 5 stories at the same time.
Either way, I am a man of my word and the response being so strong means you've all earned monthly updates for this story. This chapter is just a bonus, given I had more than a dozen new patrons within 48 hours.
A few other things, I'll put the challenge out there again, but if I get another 10 patrons in the next week, I'll give you weekly updates for the rest of the month.
The other way would be if I get another 4 patrons to fill up my SSJ3 tier, for which I'll do the weekly updates and give you two updates a month as well ongoing from my batch. Specific thanks to NotableRonin for being the first in a while.
Now I know I said I wasn't actively writing Danamchi right now, wanting to write for TTONU, and after I upload this, I will be cracking on to TTONU, but I just had an idea I had to get out as I couldn't sleep with it rattling around in my head. As I mentioned, I am writing very non-linearly, I've written what I'm guessing will be like chapter 100 of the story and put it up on my pat reon, which is a spoiler of things to come, without spoiling too much. If you like the Astraea girls, you'll want to check it out.
Enough about me though, I am wondering why it is so hard to find decent Syr fics though. There is only 18 including mine (22 if I include stories in all languages) which is super disappointing. Hopefully, as more of my Syr starts to unfold, it might get some more Syr fics going. I dream though. Either way, this chapter will hopefully start to show a different side to Syr, but you'll really have more of an idea by around chapter 5.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell would reaffirm his drive to be a hero and have a harem after his encounter with the Minotaur on the fifth floor. Hestia would update Bell's status and learn of his new skill, keeping it hidden from Bell for now. The next day, Bell would meet Syr Flova and agree to come back for dinner, surprising the girl as he left, as he had seen through her trick. Down in the Dungeon, Bell would have an encounter with a stronger than usual Goblin, before returning to have his status updated, experiencing a significant jump in his abilities.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 2 – Recklessness
Bell awoke an hour later after Hestia had left and pulled himself into a seated position.
"I better get going." Thought Bell, as he got dressed and made his way to the Hostess of Fertility.
Bell let his feet carry him on autopilot, as his mind was still waking up, bringing him to the Hostess of Fertility in no time at all. Entering the establishment, Bell was greeted by a brunette Cat-person, while a light green-haired Elf walked past with a tray.
"This place looks expensive." Thought Bell nervously.
'Bell, you made it.' Said Syr, coming to greet Bell.
'I promised I would, didn't I? Even if you tricked me into it.' Laughed Bell, getting a smile from Syr.
'Was it really a trick though? Or did I just give you an excuse to see a pretty girl like me again?' Countered Syr, causing Bell to laugh nervously as he looked at his feet.
'Either way, you are here now. Now seating one!' Said Syr, before leading Bell to the counter.
'You've got a charming face for an adventurer.' Said the woman behind the counter, once Bell had sat down.
She was big, perhaps the biggest lady Bell had seen so far in Orario. It was an easy guess that she must have been part Dwarf at least, given the strong frame she had.
'Syr tells me you're here for a feast, so just keep on ordering and I'll keep the food coming.' Said the woman.
'A feast huh?' Asked Bell disbelievingly, before looking to Syr, who was innocently whistling as she looked off to the side.
'Does that mean I would have my own personal server?' Asked Bell.
'Of course, it's not so busy right now anyway, right Mama Mia?' Nodded Syr, as she took off her apron and hung it up, before taking a seat next to Bell.
'Sure, sure, what'll you have?' Asked Mama Mia.
'Could I just have some pasta for now?' Requested Bell, getting a nod in return as the large lady went to help organise his order.
'Thank you for the food this morning, I don't think I would have done nearly as well today without it.' Said Bell, causing Syr to smile.
'I'm glad to hear that. It would have made me sad if you didn't come back.' Said Syr.
'This place is really nice though, isn't it?' Said Bell.
'Of course, Mama Mia was an adventurer herself once upon a time. She helps out those who need it and makes sure we have excellent working conditions. All kinds of people come here so it is nice that we can learn from all of them and get to know their stories. It's almost become a hobby of mine.' Said Syr.
'That sounds nice. I'm glad to hear that. My Goddess has to work really hard too, and I know how important a nice environment is.' Said Bell, causing Syr to tilt her head in surprise.
'Your Goddess works?' Asked Syr curiously.
'Yeah, it is just the two of us and our supply of valis is pretty tight, so she has a part-time job as well. We don't always have the nicest food to eat, but we have enough. That's why I always do my best in the Dungeon to bring back as much as I can for her, so we can have something special every once in a while.' Explained Bell, causing Syr to frown slightly.
'Now I really feel bad about making you come here.' Admitted Syr, causing Bell to quickly wave her off.
'Please don't! I wouldn't have made as much as I did today without the food you gave me and I have enough for today, I even got a few drop items for once.' Said Bell.
'Can you tell me about your time in the Dungeon then?' Asked Syr.
'Well, I don't think it will be so exciting, since I was just on the first few floors, but something strange did happen today.' Started Bell.
'What happened? You can't just bait me like that and not say anything?' Asked Syr with a pout.
'I wasn't, it is just important to tell a story properly. Well, today for instance, I don't know how, but I ended up surrounded by monsters. That's not supposed to happen on the first few floors, as the monsters are supposed to appear a lot slower until you get deeper into the Dungeon.' Continued Bell.
'So is that the strange thing that happened?' Asked Syr.
'No. That was weird, but when I was fighting the Kobolds, the last one… it is probably going to sound crazy, but I think it tried to set up a trap for me, as it led me to a bunch of Goblins when it was running away.' Elaborated Bell, causing Syr to gasp.
'What happened next?' Asked Syr, leaning forward in her seat, her eyes seeming to twinkle in excitement.
'Well, I fought them, and I took out the first two without too much trouble, but then the third one… there was something different about it. Have you heard about irregular monsters before?' Asked Bell.
'I have, but they are supposed to be an even stronger level than the normal version, right?' Answered Syr, getting a nod from Bell.
'Yeah. I don't think this one was an irregular, but it wasn't normal either, almost like something in between… it seemed… smart, almost like it was thinking like a person.' Explained Bell, before a large plate of pasta was set down in front of him.
'I wonder if maybe it was all in my head though. I had a bad experience with a Goblin when I was a kid… but I've beaten a lot of Goblins since, so I don't think that is it.' Admitted Bell, before picking up his fork.
'What can you tell me about the rest of the workers here?' Asked Bell, taking a mouthful of pasta.
'Already looking for your next personal waitress?' Asked Syr teasingly, causing Bell, with his pasta-filled cheeks, to pout, causing Syr to giggle.
'Well, I can at least tell you their names. You've already met Mama Mia. The other workers are Ryuu, Lunoire, Chloe, and Anya. May is our chef.' Said Syr.
'Who is who though?' Asked Bell, after he swallowed his mouthful.
'Ryuu is the Elf, May, Chloe, and Anya are the Cat-people and Lunoire is human. I think the one you need to watch out for would be Chloe, she likes cute boys like you.' Said Syr, pointing out the dark-haired waitress.
'Cute?' Questioned Bell.
'Yeah, she is a total shotacon.' Whispered Syr, leaning closer to Bell, causing him to choke on his food.
'Wait, *cough* how am I a little boy, I'm a teenager?' Asked Bell.
'Well, you don't look like one.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to hang his head.
'Eh? Bell? What's wrong?' Asked Syr in surprise.
'Here I thought I was becoming more manly since becoming an adventurer, but apparently I'm just a little kid.' Whined Bell, causing Syr to giggle.
'Acting like that isn't helping.' Commented Syr, causing Bell's head to slump further.
It was at that moment there was a bit of commotion near the entrance. A large group of people had just walked in.
"It's her." Thought Bell, noticing his recent saviour was amongst the group which had just entered.
'Bell?' Questioned Syr, seeing the white-haired boy had zoned out.
'They're people from the Loki Familia.' Said Syr, placing her hand on his shoulder.
'They are our loyal customers. Loki, their Goddess, loves the pub.' Explained Syr, pointing out the red-haired Goddess.
Bell made himself small, both wanting to approach his saviour to thank her, but also embarrassed that he needed one in the first place. His indecision would leave him rooted to the spot until he heard a loud voice speak up.
'Ais, tell us about the scared bunny rabbit you saved.' Said one of the Animal-people.
"No… they can't mean what happened to me." Thought Bell, biting his lip in embarrassment.
'A Minotaur made it up to the fifth floor and had cornered this rookie adventurer. He looked like a little bunny, pressed up against the wall.' Continued the Animal-person.
'Oh, what happened to him? Did you save him?' Asked Loki.
'At the last moment, Ais saved the kid's life and cut down the Minotaur, but then get this, he was so scared, he ran out of there without even saying thank you. I don't know which one he found scarier, the Minotaur, or Ais!' Laughed the Animal-person.
Bell felt himself sinking into himself as the group of adventurers burst out into laughter, causing Syr to look at him curiously.
'What's wrong, Bell?' Asked Syr, not having seen Bell look so small before.
When Syr had first met Bell, he had seemed so innocent and happy, even his words had seemed playful. Now in the pub, he had seemed so serious when discussing the Dungeon. Within a few minutes though, he had now changed into a small, scared child. Syr placed her hand on his arm, trying to get his attention, but he didn't react to the touch, causing her to withdraw her hand and frown.
'That is enough out of you, Bete. It was our fault the Minotaur escaped to the fifth floor anyway. We should have been the ones to apologise to him and we certainly should not be making fun of what was undoubtedly a harrowing experience.' Said a stern-looking, mature Elf, silencing the laughter.
Bell felt the pressure on his neck ease slightly, taking a breath in, not having realised he had been holding it in the first place.
'As expected of a great prideful Elf, but what is the point in protecting a useless brat? He should have known better, going into the Dungeon unprepared.' Countered Bete.
'That's enough now, the wine is going bad.' Said Loki, sending a glance at Bete.
'Minotaur are not monsters that are supposed to be encountered on the fifth floor, Bete. How could you prepare for that anyway?' Retorted the Elf.
'Che, that's just making excuses. Someone should have told him to be prepared. What do you think, Ais?' Asked Bete.
'I think he did the best he could in the situation, he didn't back down.' Said Ais.
'Sure, well then how about this, him, or me? Who would you prefer for a partner?' Asked Bete.
'Eh, what are you saying Bete?' Questioned a less mature Elf girl.
'I can say wholeheartedly that I wouldn't choose you if you were the last person left on earth.' Said Ais.
'How vulgar.' Sighed the mature Elf.
'Shut up you old hag! So, are you telling me if that kid confesses to you, you'd accept him? Someone that weak? Of course not! Weaklings can't stand at your side; you need someone strong.' Continued Bete.
Bell's blood was pounding in his head as he stood up and slammed his hands on the counter, the stool he was sitting on clattering to the floor.
'Next time you won't have to save me! I will be the one protecting someone next time!' Screamed Bell, before running out of the bar, shocking those still inside.
'Bell, wait!' Shouted Syr, making to chase after the boy, who quickly disappeared into the night.
Ais also stood up and followed after Syr, but found the boy had already disappeared. Syr walked into the bar and Ryuu quickly walked up to the girl, leading her away.
'See what you've done now, Bete. That boy heard your cruel words.' Said the mature Elf, pressing her foot on his head, his form wrapped up in rope now, leaving him defenceless.
'So what, my words were scarier than the Minotaur now?' Growled Bete.
'I mean, it'd be pretty scary to find a Minotaur on the fifth floor, even for a veteran adventurer.' Said a slim Amazoness.
'Well don't go in there alone then.' Scoffed Bete.
'He doesn't have anyone else.' Said Syr sadly, approaching the group.
'He is the only member of his Familia.' Continued Syr.
'Apologise, Bete!' Said the Elf, pressing her foot against his neck.
'Tch, geez, lay off me, Riveria. What, are we supposed to hold everyone's hand these days?' Scoffed Bete, only for Loki to whack him on the head.
'Say sorry to Syr, you've upset her. Whatever your opinions are, Syr isn't an adventurer, now is she?' Chided Loki.
'Sorry.' Snorted Bete.
'I will go get him.' Said Ryuu, with Anya trying to hold her back.
'Ryuu…' Muttered Syr, as the Elf broke the hold and ran outside with a wooden spatula in hand.
'You've been long-time customers here, but I expect better manners next time around. You've upset my staff.' Said Mama Mia, approaching the group.
'Don't worry, we will put Bete in an actual doghouse to make up for this.' Said Loki, getting a huff from Mia as she turned away.
"Alone…" Thought Ais with a frown.
-line break-
'Miach, there you are!' Greeted Hestia as she walked into a small café and spotted the handsome dark-haired God.
'Hestia, we've been waiting for you.' Said the gentle looking man, sitting beside two humans.
'What kept you Hestia dear?' Asked one of the humans, a kind looking lady who was Hestia's boss at the stand which she worked at.
'Bell had a tough day today. He is pushing himself so much though, I'm worried about him.' Admitted Hestia as she sat down.
'Ah, I haven't seen him come by the shop for a few days, is he looking after himself?' Asked Miach.
'He is getting a hurt a lot, but it isn't slowing him down either.' Admitted Hestia.
'Sounds like that boy needs a hand then. Solo adventurers have a rough time.' Said the man beside Miach, another stand owner.
'I don't know what else to do for him? Any ideas?' Asked Hestia tiredly.
'Well, I guess having some training with someone might be useful. I'm not sure if Naaza would be able to help very much though, but she might be able to give him some advice at least.' Suggested Miach.
'Thanks Miach, I don't know what else I can do, but I guess getting some help would be useful… actually, Miach, Naaza is level two, right?' Asked Hestia, causing Miach to nod.
'How long did that take her?' Asked Hestia.
'Hmm, I think it was six years.' Said Miach thoughtfully, causing Hestia's eyes to bulge.
'R-really, six years? Was she taking her time in the Dungeon?' Asked Hestia.
'I don't think so… back when my Familia was larger, it wasn't uncommon for them to get down to at least the eleventh floor on most days. Of course, excelia is hard to come by without going to the higher levels, most expeditions they would only earn a dozen or so points after a full day of adventuring. Why do you ask?' Asked Miach.
'Uh, no reason, really… but Bell seems to be getting quite a bit of excelia even just on the first few floors.' Admitted Hestia.
'Well, if he is by himself, it stands to reason his growth would be more aggressive, as he would be fighting by himself and consequently defeating more monsters and taking more hits. Earning a dozen points alone on the upper floors isn't unheard of.' Said Miach with a kind smile.
Hestia scratched her cheek and looked off to the side.
"As I thought, Bell's growth is super abnormal." Thought Hestia to herself.
'Thanks Miach, I'll be sure to send Bell to the shop sometime soon.' Said Hestia with a small bow of her head.
'Of course, we should help each other out after all.' Said Miach, making Hestia feel a twinge of guilt for a moment, before shaking it off.
'Okay then, let's eat.' Declared Hestia.
-line break-
Bell had run straight into the Dungeon without a second thought. He always kept his knife on him and given how tired he was, had forgotten he was going to get something to eat, so had put on his leather breastplate anyway before leaving home. Entering the Dungeon, Bell noticed the floor was devoid of adventurers. A little voice in Bell's head said that was because it was nighttime so no one would be around and he should get some rest as well, but Bell ignored it.
His entire body burned.
Was it shame?
Was it anger?
Bell didn't know. The only thing in Bell's mind right now was getting stronger. That person in the bar had said Bell was weak, but Bell wasn't going to take that lying down. The weak could become strong if they tried hard enough, that is what Bell believed. Bell finally spotted the first monster, a Kobold. Bell gave a battle cry and sliced the surprised bipedal dog through the abdomen, bisecting it. Almost as if that was the signal the Dungeon had been waiting for, the wall cracked, and another Kobold emerged. Bell didn't hesitate for a moment and rushed the newly spawned monster and stabbed it in the chest, striking its magic stone, causing it to explode into ash, but luckily for Bell, left behind a nail.
Bell heard a rock get kicked over and saw a Goblin looking around the corner. Bell kicked off the ground and charged the Goblin. The Goblin had a small rock in its hand which it threw at Bell. Bell knocked it off to the side with his left arm, but didn't halt his charge, startling the Goblin, before its head was impaled.
Two more Kobolds appeared from behind the Goblin, each holding a long stick. Bell kicked the Goblin's corpse at them, causing them to jump off to the side. Bell then rushed them, using his arm to slam one into the wall, snapping its spine and cracking the wall. Bell then turned around and charged the other Kobold. The feral creature snarled and leapt at Bell, only for him to duck the charge and stab it in the soft part of its underbelly, before it crashed to the floor.
Bell saw another Goblin emerge and Bell threw the dying Kobold at the Goblin, sending both crashing into the wall. Bell then rushed the mess of monsters and tackled them into the wall, a large part of the wall stabbing into the Goblin's back, before Bell stabbed his knife into the neck of the dying Goblin, finishing the job.
'Scared bunny rabbit…'
Bell clenched his teeth remembering those words, before pushing on. Bell lost count of the number of Kobolds he dispatched, before finding himself at the foot of a small staircase. Bell walked down and saw there were already two Goblins in front of him. Bell picked up a nearby rock and threw it at one, striking it in the head, distracting its partner. Bell ran out towards the two, not giving either a chance to think. Bell punched one Goblin to the ground, before he stabbed the other Goblin in the neck.
A Kobold attacked Bell from behind, causing the boy to drop to the floor and lose his knife as his grip faltered. Bell rolled around until he was now squarely under the Kobold, before tucking his legs in and kicking upwards, sending the Kobold into the wall next to them. The Goblin Bell had punched to the floor now stood up and advanced on Bell.
Bell quickly backed up, spotting his knife just behind the Goblin. Bell felt the Kobold pick itself up as well and now the two were advancing on him. Bell narrowed his eyes, before rushing the Kobold, rather than waiting for the two to pin him down. The Kobold was surprised, but the Goblin wasn't, rushing to meet Bell. Bell punched the Kobold, before raising his arm to block the Goblin's punch. Bell winced slightly, but found he was able to absorb the blow a bit better. Bell then grabbed the Goblin's arm and swung with a mighty heave, sending its back crashing against the wall, causing chunks of rock to fall out of the rugged structure. The Kobold, no longer dazed, slowly advanced on Bell.
Bell made his decision and quickly rushed back to his knife, trusting his speed to let him reach his weapon before the Kobold would reach him. The gamble was successful, and Bell raised his knife to block the stick strike of the Kobold, before he swung a kick into the beast's torso. Bell kicked the Kobold in the head, before stabbing it in the chest twice, before rushing the staggered Goblin. Bell shoulder charged it into the wall before stabbing it in the throat. The wall cracked again, but this time a lizard appeared. The lizard's reptilian eyes seemed to widen in surprise, before it had a knife through the head.
'Weaklings can't stand at your side…'
Dungeon Lizards relied on ambush, so seeing the wall crack again, Bell didn't hesitate and struck before they could scurry off. Bell was racing against the wall at this point, as every now and again, the wall would crack, and Bell would rush to it and attack before the monster could escape. This led to his knife taking a fair amount of punishment, often striking the harsh walls of the Dungeon. Almost in response to Bell's actions, multiple cracks occurred on either side of the wall. Bell could only get to one in time, before another monster was birthed on the other side. The reptile scurried away, and Bell started to pursue it, only for the wall to crack again.
"The Dungeon has it out for me." Thought Bell with a snarl, as a pair of Kobolds were birthed.
Bell charged and attacked the first Kobold, not letting it gain its bearings, only for the Dungeon Lizard which had escaped before, to drop down on his form. Bell caught the lizard, abandoning his attack on the Kobold, before smashing it into the ground, followed by a harsh kick to its slender body, sending it flying into the wall.
The Kobolds were now ready, one having picked up a stick, while the other walked towards Bell. Bell charged the one with the stick, giving the unarmed Kobold a chance to pounce. Having expected this, Bell swung his arm out, clipping the canine under the jaw, causing it to whimper as it was knocked away. The Kobold with the stick struck Bell, the boy raising his left arm to block, wincing as the wooden weapon struck his forearm harshly. Bell powered through the pain and pushed his arm up, before stepping into the Kobold's guard and stabbing it in the chest, accidentally striking the magic stone, causing it to explode into ash. Bell then charged the remaining Kobold and stabbed the dazed canine in the head.
Two Goblins suddenly appeared from behind a wall, each wielding a club of stone, causing Bell to mentally curse. Bell was panting slightly at this point. While his agility was top notch for his frame, his endurance was not quite up to the same level. Bell relied on hit-and-run tactics, and this drawn-out skirmish, without any rest breaks, was particularly tough for him. Bell took a deep breath, trying to settle his breathing down, before spotting what looked like an abandoned mace with a broken chain. Bell quickly thought of a plan and picked up the mace, before charging at the Goblins.
The two green-skinned creatures raised their clubs in response. Bell didn't falter in his charge and once he was about two metres away, threw the mace at one of the Goblins, catching both of them off guard at the sudden action. Bell didn't relent in his charge and stabbed his knife into the abdomen of the Goblin he hadn't thrown the mace at, getting a shrill scream of pain from the creature, before he kicked it back. Pivoting on the spot, Bell was suddenly upon the other Goblin, but this one was ready and swung its stone club at Bell. Bell quickly stopped in place and jumped off to the side, landing in a crouch. The Goblin seemed to blink in surprise, before Bell rushed it again. Again, swinging its club at Bell, the boy instead settled for strafing to the left, before plunging his knife into the Goblin's neck.
The victory was short lived, as a Dungeon Lizard dropped down on his head. The weight of the beast pushed Bell to the ground, only for the boy to stab his knife above his neck, stabbing the lizard in the eye, causing it to squeal and leap off him, blood and saliva dripping onto Bell's back. The Goblin which Bell had stabbed but not finished off, approached Bell bare handed, injected eyes glaring at Bell. Bell didn't hesitate and picked up the thrashing lizard with some difficulty and threw it at the Goblin, catching the monster off guard and sending both tumbling over.
Bell then rushed them and gave an upwards slash, beheading the lizard and cutting the throat of the Goblin. There was a pause after this, with no more cracks appearing just yet, giving Bell a chance to orientate himself. The boy saw another set of stairs ahead and pushed on slowly, taking a chance to regain his breath.
"Floor three now." Thought Bell, looking himself over.
Despite the battles he had so far, most of the blood covering him wasn't his and he didn't have any significant injuries other than a throbbing left forearm from blocking the Kobold earlier.
'I can keep going.' Muttered Bell, entering the third floor and spotting a large number of monsters already spawned, including two Kobolds and four Goblins, with what looked like two Dungeon Lizards, hiding just at the edge of the illuminated area of the roof, high in the centre of the room.
Bell decided to try and split the group up a bit this time, some of his adrenaline being tamed by the pain in his left arm.
"The Dungeon Lizards will try to ambush me, so I can just wait for them. I should take the Kobolds out first, they are faster, then I can focus on the Goblins while waiting for the ambush." Thought Bell, sneaking around so he was behind the Kobolds, partially obscured by shadows.
Bell chose his moment and when one Kobold started to walk away from the other, Bell pounced on the stationary one, stabbing it in the neck quickly, ending it in seconds. A faint gurgle was all that escaped the dying Kobold, but the other Kobold heard it and turned to face Bell, only to find a knife coming for its neck as well, in the form of an upward slash. The blade struck true, and the Kobold staggered backwards.
Bell felt the next attack coming seconds before it reached him and spun around, stabbing his blade into the Dungeon Lizard that had leapt at him, before throwing it at the dying Kobold. The Goblins seemed to notice the commotion and started to approach the area. Bell picked up the form of the already dead Kobold and threw it at the wall near the Goblins. The harsh sound distracted them, allowing Bell to strike as he punched one Goblin in the face, staggering it. Bell pushed on and tackled the Goblin he had just struck and rammed it into the wall, causing spittle to fly from its mouth, before Bell stabbed it in the head. The other three remaining Goblins surrounded Bell.
"Just like before." Thought Bell, holding his knife in front of his chest.
Bell ducked the first strike from the Goblin on his left, before giving a quick stab to its magic stone, vaporising it. Now facing two enemies, Bell took the offensive and rushed the one closest to him, going with a stab for its chest. The Goblin staggered as the attack struck, before swinging the stone club it held against Bell's own chest, causing him to cry out in pain, before he slashed up, cutting the throat of the Goblin. Bell spun around and threw the corpse at its last living companion, before he leapt upon the mass and stabbed wildly. Bell sat on his behind and noticed the Goblin who had its magic stone struck had left behind a fang luckily.
"I wonder why I am getting more drop items from the monsters I kill with their magic stones." Thought Bell.
Deciding to test his theory, Bell waited for a monster to spawn from the wall, before quickly stabbing its magic stone, only to find no drop item appeared.
'Must just be luck.' Muttered Bell after testing his theory on the third Kobold to spawn, before deciding to move on.
It almost seemed like the Dungeon was tiring along with Bell, as the third floor didn't spawn any more monsters after Bell had killed his fifth wall spawned monster.
"Does the Dungeon need time to make monsters?" Wondered Bell, before seeing the staircase leading to the fourth floor.
The floor appeared empty to Bell, so he ventured further in, cautiously surveying his surroundings.
'This can't be it.' Muttered Bell, only for the walls around him to tremble.
Bell's eyes swivelled rapidly, counting the number of cracks.
"Six cracks… all at once…" Thought Bell uncomfortably, before seeing two Kobolds creep out into the area.
'What is the point in protecting a useless brat?'
"I don't need anyone to protect me, I'll get stronger." Thought Bell, as he prepared to face the onslaught.
-line break-
Bell sat with his back against the wall, looking at the chaotic scene around him. There were now two dozen monster corpses littering the floor. There were even more cracks along the Dungeon wall now though, some from the Dungeon's birthing process, some from Bell's own attacks, having piled monster upon monster to cause the newly spawned monsters to be trapped once they appeared, allowing him to take them out quickly.
Bell reached up to his deformed breastplate and threw it off to the side, having felt its hard edge pressing against his shoulder. Bell groaned as he stood up and looked over the monsters. It seemed trying to catch monsters before they spawned was the easier option for a solo adventurer, as the hardest part was dealing with the initial onslaught of eight monsters. After that it was a simple matter of striking first and striking decisively and the monsters didn't have a chance.
Bell looked at his knife and noticed the tip had chipped off. It wouldn't be much use for stabbing now, but it could still cut. With this in mind, Bell set about harvesting the stones and drop items. It was slow going with how fatigued Bell was, but it seemed the Dungeon had conceded defeat and didn't spawn any more monsters. Noticing the amount of drop items around him, Bell took off his coat and tied the arms together to form a small sack. Bell harvested the stones and placed them in his pouch, while throwing the drop items into his makeshift sack, before dragging himself to the third, second, and first floor, repeating the process. Once everything was harvested, Bell took a second to look at the walls of the Dungeon. They seemed to be healing, closing over slowly, but at this rate, the Dungeon wouldn't be spawning any monsters for at least a few hours.
Bell sighed as he dragged himself, and his sack of drop items and magic stones that didn't fit in his pouch, up the spiralling staircase. Bell guessed it was two in the morning, meaning he had been in the Dungeon for almost six hours. Bell took a deep breath in as he reached the surface, before deciding to head home, expecting all the Guild employees to be asleep as well, or at least not enough to help process things for him. That and he was tired. Bell opened the door only to find he felt some resistance on the other end, followed by a squeal.
'Ah, Goddess, I'm sorry.' Said Bell tiredly.
'Bell… what happened to you?' Gasped Hestia in disbelief.
'I was in the Dungeon. I cleared out the first four floors… and I lost track of time I think.' Admitted Bell.
'What happened to you, why were you in the Dungeon late at night?' Asked Hestia worriedly, only for Bell to purse his lips.
The boy's face changed, appearing as though he had tasted something bitter, before he clenched his right fist and turned his gaze off to the side.
'Okay then, let's not get into that now, we need to get you cleaned up first, then patch you up.' Declared Hestia, before walking over to Bell and slinging an arm over her shoulder, as she led him towards the bathroom, the weary boy dragging his sack of items in with him.
'You can sleep on the bed tonight, okay?' Said Hestia.
'I can't do that to you.' Protested Bell.
'Well, I guess we could share then. I was so worried about you, you know.' Suggested Hestia.
'Okay then, together would be better for tonight.' Conceded Bell, much to Hestia's shock.
'Really?' Asked Hestia.
'Yeah… Goddess, please bear with me, I will become stronger.' Said Bell.
Hestia noticed the resolution in his eyes and smiled softly.
'I know you will.' Whispered Hestia.