Sometimes, I see comments, and it makes it clear some of you don't read the author's notes.

Bell laid unconscious in a pool of his own blood that grew larger with each passing second. The sound of combat didn't reach his ears as a massive force shook the building.

It was then the front door was thrown open, and an angry dwarfess stood tall looking behind her.

"Syr, stay behind me." She ordered.

Her gaze turned inside, and her eyes narrowed in anger. Her bar was a mess. Multiple tables flipped over, with a majority shattered.

Gallons of blood stained the floor from the twenty dead bodies that laid scattered around the building. The railing leading upstairs was gone now, just splinters of wood.

"Whoever did this is gonna get their fucking ass beat," Mia growled.

She marched inside, and the sound of combat reached her ears coming from the back. She threw a broken table out of the way, her heart pounding with a righteous fury.

She stopped, however, as she saw the bleeding and broken body of Bell lying in front of her. A type of motherly instinct filled her as she rushed to him.

"Gods, kid, hang on." She thought.

She picked him up and saw his face was covered in wounds. A deep cut was located on the left side of his face, close to his eye.

Both sides of his temple were bleeding. His left arm was broken with three arrows buried deep inside. One in his palm, the other in his elbow, and the last in his shoulder.

His right ankle was broken, and an arrow buried into his right knee as well. Mia knew Bell would bleed out soon.

"SYR GRAB TOWELS, AND HURRY!" Mia yelled.

She propped Bell up against a wall as Syr ran to the kitchen. Mia followed behind her but marched to the back.

The fighting seemed to stop outside as Mia threw the door open. Anya stood there, petrified in fear as well as Ryu.

"Mama Mia nya hold on-

"Ryu, come here! Anya, I need your help as well! You two wait here. I'll deal with you later!" Mia ordered.

Mia didn't even wait for a response before she dragged the two of them inside. Syr was wrapping towels around Bell to act as makeshift tourniquets in the hope of slowing down the bleeding.

Both girls eyes widened in shock, seeing the inside of the bar. But their hearts filled with fear at seeing Bell's broken body.

Ryu quickly rushed to his side while Anya moved to help Syr. Mia stormed back outside while Ryu had her hand raised and began chanting.

"The song of a now distant forest. The nostalgic song of life. Please bring the mercy of healing to those that seek you. Noah heal."

Her hand glowed green as the most minor of Bell's wounds started to heal. The gash on his right arm and temple began closing.

Anya grabbed a towel and pressed it again, the cut on his face with the towel turning a dark red soon after.

"My magic's barely working!" Ryu panicked.

"Keep trying, nya!"

Ryu focused more of her mind into her spell, trying to get the maximum effect out of it. Yet it barely helped with only his most minor of wounds being closed.

"He needs a hospital!" Syr cried.

Mia then came back, followed by the bounty hunter and assassin. The two girls were practically frozen in fear.

"You two stay here and help clean the bodies! Girls move!"

The three girls listened, and Mia threw Bell over her shoulder. She noticed his breathing was becoming shallower.

"Ryu, find out who these guys are and get Astraea! The rest of you clean this place up!" Mia ordered.

Before anyone could respond, Mia took off running and disappeared like a gust of wind. Nobody else said a word as Syr stepped behind Ryu.

Ryu went over to one of the bodies. A man who bled from his ears, nose, eyes, and mouth. Ryu knew she had seen this magic before. But there was no way Bell had her spell.

Right?

Pushing her fears aside, she turned the man over and lifted up his shirt to see his back. Her eyes widened in shock, seeing the god who owned this Falna.

"Aeshma familia? But that means Evilus. Did I fail in wiping them out?" Ryu wondered.

Ryu didn't have any more time to think as she quickly drew her weapon once more.

"Calm down, Gale Wind." The brown-haired woman said.

"Yeah, that monster said she'd kill us if we do anything to you, meow."

Ryu still kept her guard up as the two women began to clean the bodies.

"Assholes were probably here to try and kill us, thinking we'd be tired." The bounty hunter muttered.

"Meow, hate this line of work, meow."

Ryu picked up Bell's sword before she left.

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Ryu ran down the street as fast as she could. The moon still shone brightly in the sky as the attack was relatively quick.

Ryu had been thinking about the attack ever since she left. A bounty hunter and assassin tried to kill he'd and claim her bounty. Yet they weren't working together.

Then it seemed those mercenaries were a part of Evilus. But that couldn't be right. They should've been wiped out. But they were there, and it looked like they were going to show up after the fight and kill all four of them. Likely assuming they'd be too tired to put up a fight.

Now Ryu was wondering how Evilus was still around and what she should do to make sure they were snuffed out.

Ryu arrived at the Stardust garden. Her heart beating with anxiety as she entered the house. She swallowed a lump in her throat as she made her way to Astraea's room.

Her hand shook as she opened the door and saw the sleeping form of her goddess cuddled up to a giant teddy bear.

Ryu took in a deep breath and approached Astraea. She shook Astraea, and the goddess woke up.

"Ryu? Do you need something?" Astraea tiredly asked.

"Bell's been hurt, you're needed at the hospital."

Astraea quickly threw off her covers and jumped out of bed. Still dressed in her pajamas, she grabbed a cloak and wrapped it around herself.

"Let's get Lili," Astraea said.

Astraea made her way to Lili's room as Ryu left Bell's sword in Astraea's room.

Astraea was quick to wake up Lili. The prum was on her feet, hearing that Bell was hurt and in the hospital. She didn't know the details, and neither did Astraea.

But that didn't matter to them at this time. All they knew was they needed to get to the hospital and quickly.

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Bell laid unconscious in his hospital bed. His left arm was in a cast and was propped up along with his right leg, which was also in a cast.

His head was healed, but he had a scar going down the left side of his face close to his eye. He had another scar on his right arm as well.

His armor, except for his chest plate, was completely shattered, and Airmid had to dig the shards out of him piece by piece.

"Is he going to be alright, Airmid?" Astraea asked.

Airmid nodded. "Yes, Lady Astraea, he will pull through. But he'll need to take some time off adventuring after he wakes up."

"Ok, thank you, Airmid."

"It was my pleasure, Lady Astraea."

The nurse then walked away as Astraea turned to see Bell's body. She hadn't seen the state he was in before. But hearing his wounds and from Ryu's own testimony, she had a feeling she wouldn't want to.

She took her seat next to Bell as Lili was asleep in a chair on the other side of Bell and across from Astraea.

She hadn't even had the chance to tell him thank you for the dining room table and what his alias would be. But she was proud of him in a way.

He had kept the promise he made to her by protecting Ryu. Even if she could've easily dealt with the mercenaries, Bell still fought them for her. All because he was worried for her safety.

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Two days later, Bell awoke, seeing a white ceiling above him. He blinked a few times, getting his eyes used to his surroundings.

He then remembered everything and tried to sit up. But pain shot through his left arm and right leg, forcing him to sit back down.

"Nya!"

Bell turned his head to his left and saw Anya sitting in a chair, startled. She seemed to be the only one in the room.

"Anya? Where's Ryu?!"

"Nya, calm down, Bell; she's fine. You're the one in the hospital, nya."

Bell felt his breathing and heart rate calm down, knowing Ryu was safe. He took a deep breath and looked at Anya.

"What happened?"

"Well, Mia showed up, nya, and ended the whole situation, nya. She even carried you here, nya."

Bell nodded. "And Astraea and Lili?"

"Astraea had to head back to the Stardust Garden because there's apparently a new recruit nya, and Lili went with her to make sure everything went smoothly. Nya"

"I see, and what are you doing here?"

"Well, we decided to take turns keeping you company in the hospital, nya. Ryu will be by later, nya."

Bell sighed and closed his eyes. "How long have I been out?"

"About two days nya. You gave us quite the scare."

Anya reached out and held Bell's right hand. His new scar was noticeable now that she paid attention to it.

"Are you alright?" Bell asked.

"Again, I'm not the one in the hospital, nya."

"I tried to come back and help."

"I know, Bell, but you did good. So rest now."

Bell felt his eyes grow heavy once more, and darkness overtook him. Once Anya was sure he was asleep, her other hand traced over the scar on his face.

"Oh, Bell, we could've taken them. You didn't need to do that for us." She thought.

She brushed aside his hair and continued to hold his hand as he slept. Her heart aching slightly for the boy laid out in front of her.

"But thank you for wanting to protect us."

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Astraea sat in the living room with Lili standing next to her. Across from the both of them was a girl with long pink hair and eyes of the same color. She wore a red and pink top, a red skirt, and red and pink socks.

The girl seemed nervous, and Astraea gave her a comforting smile despite her desire to go back to the hospital and see Bell.

"So Emma, is it? What brings you to my familia?" Astraea asked.

Emma nervously swallowed and answered. "Well, I heard you were a kind and fair goddess. One who stops at nothing to get justice for people."

"And is justice something you believe in?"

Emma's face dropped slightly. "I'm not sure, truth is I'm in this city to look for my sister. She's gone missing, and last I heard, she was here."

"So you were hoping to join a familia while you look for her?" Astraea asked.

Emma nodded. "Yes, ma'am, and since I heard you were restating your familia and that you're kind and gentle, I was hoping I could join you as I begin my search."

Astraea knew the girl was telling the truth since a mortal couldn't lie to a god. But she looked over to Lili for her opinion.

The prum narrowed her eyes at the girl, who fidgeted slightly in her seat. Before turning to Astraea and nodding.

"Alright, then, I shall accept you into my familia. However, you're not allowed to go into the dungeon just yet. I want to wait for Bell to come back and teach you what you need to know."

Emma's face brightened as Astraea stood up and gestured her to follow. Emma did so as Lili remained in the living room, desperately wanting to go back to the hospital.

The two entered Astraea's room, and the goddess told her to take off her shirt and lay on her stomach. Emma did what the goddess said, slightly embarrassed.

Astraea sat next to her and, pricked her finger with a letter opener and allowed a drop of blood to drop on Emma's back. A blue glow radiated from her back as Astraea placed her falna on Emma's back.

Emma Flores

Astraea familia

Level 1

Strength- I0

Endurance- I0

Dexterity- I0

Agility- I0

Magic- I0

Astraea copied Emma's stats down on a piece of paper and showed it to her. The girl felt a sense of pride well up in her chest seeing her stats.

This was her first step of many in finding her sister.

"Thank you, Lady Astraea! I promise I won't let you down!" Emma cheered.

Astraea smiled and patted the girl on her head. "I'll take your word for it. Now put your shirt back on, and I'll show you to your room."

Astraea stood up and walked out of her room. Emma put her shirt back on and followed. Astraea led her down the hallway before reaching the room that said Iska.

Astraea remembered the Amazon, who always had a smile on her face. She took the name tag off the door and handed it to Emma.

"The person who used to have this room always wore a smile on her face. You seem like someone who would do the same." Astraea said. She handed Emma the name tag, and the girl read the name.

"I promise to honor her memory."

Astraea giggled. "There's no need for you to do that. Just promise me not to lose that smile of yours."

Emma smiled brightly. "Ok, Lady Astraea."

Astraea patted her on the head once more. "Once you're settled in, find Lili and go register at the guild. After that, we'll take you to meet Bell."

"Is he in the dungeon?" Emma asked.

Astraea's smile dropped slightly as she shook her head. "No, Bell had an accident, and he's in the hospital. He's alright, though just pretty beat up."

"Oh ok, I'll make him a card so he can get better. I'll need materials, though." Emma said.

Astraea's smile brightened once more. "I'll see what I can find you."

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Bell awoke once more in the middle of the night. He looked to his right and saw Ryu sitting next to him. Watching as he slept.

"Ugh, what time is it?" Bell groaned.

"Around three in the morning," Ryu answered.

Bell rubbed his eyes and yawned. "You in any trouble?"

Ryu shook her head. "No, any evidence of the mercenaries and their deaths was washed away. The two who tried to kill me now work at the Hostess."

Bell's eyes widened in shock. "What! Why!"

"Mia took them in and said they needed to work off the damage they caused. She's actually been putting them to work to repair the damage they caused."

Bell sighed in annoyance. "That just seems like a recipe for disaster. How are you holding up?"

"I'm alright, Mia made sure to take care of everything and told Shakti off when she tried to ask questions."

"Why'd she tell Shakti off?" Bell asked.

"Because she was covering for you and me. Just said she'd deal with it and didn't need the Ganesha familia putting their nose in her business."

Bell chuckled. "Sounds like Mia. How much do I owe her for damages?"

"Well, you broke nearly all of her tables and a railing. So a lot." Ryu answered.

"I'll pay her back once I start dungeon diving again. Oh, and you can let her know she's not putting me to work in her bar."

Ryu softly smiled. "You can tell her that yourself."

Bell looked over and saw Ryu holding a small card in her hands.

"Didn't take you for the arts and crafts type."

"I'm not, the new member of our familia made it. Here, she wanted you to read it, but you were asleep."

Ryu handed him the card, and Bell opened it.

Get well soon

Hey, so I don't really know you, but my name's Emma. Anyway, Lady Astraea said you got in an accident, and well I joined the familia while you were out, so I hope that's not a big deal.

Anyway, get well soon, and I hope for a speedy recovery.

"She seems cheery," Bell commented as he set the card down.

"She is, Lady Astraea tells me she's looking for her sister. Apparently, she's missing."

"Well, that's not good. Does she have any idea where to start looking?" Bell asked.

"The city of Orario," Ryu answered.

"Well, that's a big search area. Right then, I'll help her after I get out of this damn hospital. Wanna help me break out?"

Ryu did something that surprised Bell. She lightly laughed.

"Maybe another time."

"I think that's the first time I ever heard you laugh."

Ryu was silent for a moment before speaking again. "I guess it was, but Bell, I have a question for you."

Bell noticed Ryu's tone turned serious, so he straightened himself up as best he could.

"What is it?"

Ryu took a deep breath before answering. "Many years ago, there was a mage called the Silence. She used to belong to the Hera familia, and she, along with a knight named Gluttony, helped plunge Orario into a Dark Age."

"I know Astraea told me."

Ryu nodded. "Good, that saves me an explanation. Bell the Silence had a certain type of magic that caused her victim's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth to bleed when hit by it. Do you understand where I'm going with this?"

Ryu knew Bell wasn't an idiot. He might be passionate, but he was far from stupid. She knew she didn't have to spell it out for him.

"I have an idea, yes," Bell responded.

"Good, then how long have you had her spell for?"

"A while, I haven't used it because Astraea told me not to. Not unless I absolutely needed to." Bell answered.

"And have you used it at any other time?"

Bell shook his head. "Nope, that fight was the first time I used it, and if I didn't have her magic, I'd be dead."

Ryu was quiet for a second. "I see, and this is the only time you have used it?"

"Yup, and it came in handy. I'm guessing you're mad at me for not telling you?" Bell asked.

"No, you're allowed to keep your secrets just like I am mine. But in the future, I'd like for you to be able to share such things with me."

Bell gave her a small teasing smirk. "You know that means you can't keep me at arm's length anymore if I do."

"I'm aware, but that means you can't die either."

"Please, death won't take me until I allow it." Bell joked.

Ryu smiled once more. This time brighter than any of the previous ones Bell had seen. Bell yawned again, his body still feeling weary and exhausted.

"You should get some more rest. Your body is still recovering from your injuries."

Bell yawned again and closed his eyes. "I'll do that, make sure you get some sleep as well, Ryu."

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A week passed with Bell's body healing quickly. Anya and Astraea were by his side the most, taking care of him and getting him the things he needed while in the hospital.

Eventually, he fully healed, and Airmid discharged him, but not before warning him to not come back for a while.

"I'm serious, Mr Cranel. I treat you for blood loss, and not two days later, you are back in here again." Airmid scolded.

"Hey, you make it sound like I intentionally picked a fight." Bell protested.

Airmid quirked an eyebrow. "Did you?"

"No, I was attacked."

"And how come I have no other patients?"

"Take a guess."

Airmid's face lost a little color as she realized what Bell had done. She nervously gulped but kept herself calm.

"I see, very well, Mr Cranel, you're free to leave. I'll let you get dressed."

Airmid left the room, and Anya handed Bell a change of clothes. Astraea was back at the Stardust Garden, helping Emma study the monsters of the upper floors while Lili focused on her spear training.

"Thanks for staying with me all week. I'm surprised Mia let you have all this time off." Bell joked.

"Nya, I've been working for Mama Mia every day for nearly six years. I've earned some days off, nya."

Bell smiled as he walked to the bathroom. "Didn't have to waste them on me."

"I wanted to, nya."

Bell shut the bathroom door and locked it. He got out of his hospital gown and put his underwear and pants on. Then he stopped and looked at himself in the mirror.

He saw the scars on his face and arm. But he saw no scars on his chest. Bell chuckled as he put his shirt on. It was a black short-sleeved shirt.

"Thanks for keeping me alive, dad." Bell thought.

He unlocked the bathroom door and exited back into his hospital room. His boots and socks were by his bed. Anya stood by the door.

"Bet you're ready to leave, nya."

"Oh, you have no idea. Hated being cooped up in here."

Bell tied the laces to his boots and stood up. He stretched, and Anya began to tease him.

"Do you need help walking, nya? Because the great and strong Anya will happily carry you NYA-

Bell had made his way over to Anya and easily lifted her up in a princess carry. Her face was blushing red in embarrassment as Bell cockily looked down at her.

"I can walk just fine, also, you're pretty light."

"Nya put me down, nya!"

Bell laughed as he set Anya back down. She playfully smacked him in the chest.

"That wasn't funny, nya." She pouted.

"Not to you, now come on. I want to get out of here."

Bell walked out into the hallway, and Anya soon followed him. As she walked alongside him, there was one thing she noticed, however.

"He got taller, nya."

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Bell and Anya said goodbye to each other once the two passed the Hostess of Fertility. They parted with a smile and a wave, and Bell continued his walk back home.

He arrived shortly after and entered his house. He took off his shoes and sensed Astraea in the living room.

Bell walked into the living room, seeing Astraea and the new girl Emma with books all around them studying. Astraea lifted her head as she heard him come in and immediately shot to her feet.

"You're back!" She yelled.

She ran and jumped at him, wrapped her arms around his neck. Bell chuckled as he hugged her back. Astraea squeezed him tightly, but Bell barely felt it, thanks to his level.

"You knew I was coming back today." He chuckled.

"I know. I'm just so happy you're back." She responded.

Astraea let go of Bell, and the boy looked to Emma.

"You can expect something like that if you ever get hurt. Name's Bell."

Emma stood up and made her way over to him. Bell stuck his hand out, and Emma grabbed it and shook it.

"Hi, I'm Emma. Everyone's told me so much about you, and it's nice to finally meet you while you're awake. Lady Astraea described you as some super cool badass, and Lili says you're really good at fighting, and I'm rambling, aren't I."

Bell merely chuckled as Emma stopped shaking his hand. "It's fine; it's nice to see an eagerness in adventurers. You'll fit in nicely. Now, what floors of the dungeon have you studied?"

"Oh, we've studied floors one to five. But Lady Astraea says you know a lot more than the books the guild provides."

"That I do, but did Astraea also tell you to keep that a secret?"

Emma nodded. "She did; she said if that information got out bad, people would want to hurt you."

"That's correct, now, let's begin your actual education now. No need for books as well. They're kind of useless."

"How so? They tell you what you need to know about the monsters?" Emma asked.

"Correct, they tell you of the monsters. But not their weaknesses, their spawn rates, the rate and irregular could show up, their anatomy nor their behavior."

Emma's face paled slightly at all the things Bell listed off. The book didn't cover any of that. Bell just gave Emma a kind smile.

"Don't worry, you at least have a head start. Also, do you know how to fight? Do you have any weapons at all?" Bell asked.

"Uh, no." Emma nervously responded.

Bell nodded as Lili walked into the room. "That's alright. I'll just have to teach you. I'll be heading back to Babel to get some new armor. I'll make sure to buy you some equipment as well."

"Oh, you don't need to do that." Emma protested.

"Nonsense, you are a new member of my familia, and as such, it is my responsibility to make sure you're well-equipped to tackle the dungeon."

"Don't protest, with things like these, he won't take no for an answer," Lili said.

"Ah, Lili, how goes your spear training?" Bell smiled.

Lili felt a chill go down her spine. "It goes well, Master Bell, Lili thinks she's improved at least a little bit."

Bell nodded. "I shall see your progress tomorrow. Emma, are you ready for your lessons?"

"Yes, sir!" Emma quickly responded.

Bell chuckled and held up this hand. "No need to call me sir. We're close to the same age."

Emma nodded, and Bell gestured back to the living room table. Astraea watched with a smile on her face as Lili walked next to her.

"Lili has an idea of what you're thinking."

"There's a possibility you're right. But I'll ask him after he's finished up here."

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A few hours later, Bell ended his lessons for the day, and Emma slouched over, mentally exhausted.

"So much information." She groaned.

"And that was only the first floor. Get ready because the following week will be training in the morning, lessons at lunch, and then training before dinner."

Emma felt a slight feeling of dread creep into her, but she pushed it away. She knew all this training would pay off once she was in the dungeon.

"Bell, can you come here for a minute?" Astraea asked.

Bell turned around and saw his goddess gesturing for him to follow her. Bell did as she asked and stood up before following her.

Astraea led him to her office and shut the door behind her.

"What's up, Astraea? Do you need anything?" Bell asked.

Astraea smiled as she sat at her desk. "No, Bell, I'm fine. Also, I like that you're so helpful, but take it easy. You just got out of the hospital."

Bell chuckled as he took a seat across from her. "Don't worry, I'm fine, and before you ask, mentally, I'm sound. I've long accepted I'd need to get my hands bloody. I'll do it so Emma and Lili won't have to."

Astraea was silent for a second before reaching out and placing her hand atop Bell's.

"Bell, you don't need to do that. But I know once your mind is made up, there's no changing it. Just remember I'm here to talk to you. Even if you don't want me to know about the death."

"Ok, Astraea, now what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Bell asked.

Astraea cleared her throat and took her hand off Bell's.

"Right, well, I've been thinking since we've grown two members in such a short time and that legally, you're the most senior member of the familia. How would you like to be the captain?"

Bell's eyes widened in shock as he sat up straighter. He was having trouble believing what he had just heard.

Astraea wanted him to be her new captain?

"You..want me to be the new captain?"

Astraea nodded. "I do, the familia is steadily growing. It'll need someone at the helm, and as the strongest and most legal senior member, that position should fall to you."

Bell blinked rapidly as he digested the information.

"I uh…sure I'll take it. Who will be the vice-captain?"

"That position shall remain vacant for the time being. Until we get more members."

Bell quickly stood still, surprised by the situation. Astraea found his shock adorable as it was one of the only times she had truly caught Bell off guard.

The only other time she could recall off the top of her head was when they first arrived in the city in what felt like a separate lifetime ago.

"Thank you, Astraea, I truly don't know what to say."

Astraea got up and hugged him. "Then don't say anything. Just take the trust I'm putting in you and prove me right. That's all I ask."

Bell hugged her back. "I won't let you down. I promise you."

Astraea giggled as she pulled back. "I know you won't, oh, and another thing, you got a good alias."

"I did? What is it?"

"Alexiares. He that guards from death and ruin."

Bell smiled and started laughing. "Oh, that sounds badass. I like that name."

"I thought you would. But Bell, I have a confession to make."

Bell quirked an eyebrow, noticing the change in Astraea's tone.

"Everything alright?"

Astraea shook her head. "Not exactly. At the Denatus, I got overwhelmed, and I just froze. They were saying so many terrible things about you and Ryu, and I just said nothing. After the meeting ended, I had a panic attack in the halls and-

Bell stopped her talking by hugging her again.

"Hey, it's alright, you're ok. I don't blame you for freezing up."

"But I promised I'd fight to get a good name, and I just froze. The only reason you got that name was because of Freya."

Bell felt a small well of anger but pushed it down. "It's fine, Astraea, like I said, I wouldn't care for my alias. Be it good or bad."

"I know, I'm just sorry that I froze. I feel like I failed you."

"You didn't fail me. You just got overwhelmed. It happens to everybody, just know I'm here if you need me."

"Thanks, Bell, but can you not tell anyone else? I already feel ashamed that it happened."

Bell patted her on the back. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

Well, another chapter comes and goes, and a new member has appeared. For those curious, Emma is from a failed Danmachi game, and the commissioner gave the idea to add her story into this.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed I know this one kind of felt all over the place, but this was kind of like a calm-down chapter. An actual one, Bell's not gonna get jumped again.

I promise.