"C'mon Syr~ At least let me explain it before you start ignoring me." Bell whined as he was slouching over the bar. Waving his hands to catch Syr's attention as she had her eyes closed. Her face not even looking towards him as she continued with cleaning mugs and placing them away.
It had been a few hours since he first came into the Hostess to assist in helping with their new menu items before whisking Syr away to the orphanage she frequents. Part of his promise to her in helping around today. Yet even then, during the orphanage and playing with the kids, Bell knew she would be pissed at him.
Even if that brief peck he gave her made her happy, the saying about women holding grudges and never forgetting turned out to be true.
Though Syr was placing away and peeking back at Bell who still pouted and whined, secretly, she loved seeing how cute he was when he pouted and whined like that of a child. Smiling as she turned away, as to not let him see herself enjoying the amusement he brought. Finally setting another mug on the shelf, she swiftly turned and had her hands on her hips.
Bell blinked and now got off the barstool. Standing straight up and attention as Syr was walking towards him. Giving him a mock glare and growl escaping from her throat as she continued walking closer. Earning Bell to step back with each step until he now had nowhere to run.
His back against the wall. Both sides blocked with Syr's slender arms slammed against the pub's walls to prevent him to escape. He could only look down at the pouting and glaring barmaid looking up at him with those light grey eyes of hers staring into him.
"Well? Explain it to me then? Who was your first kiss?" Syr asked as Bell sighed. His face flushed and lips pouting outward as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Okay. Well, I wanted to see Lady Hephaestus about a few things. Mainly to find this Welf guy she keeps complaining about. Seeing if there's anything to take note about my knife. And most of all, to give my thanks to her for making my knife."
"Mmhmmm...Keep going."
"A-Alright. Well, I brought her some of those pastries that her familia captain, Tsubaki, mentioned she loved so much. And apparently the God of Smiths apparently gets a bit too excited when it comes to sweets. When I showed them, she tackled me and thanked me over and over, and well...we both kinda took a tumble and...our lips meet." Bell said as he was blushing to the point that he was looking like a red pepper.
Syr's eyes were then shadowed over her silver hair. Her shoulders trembling as Bell's eyes widened and clenched his teeth. Bracing himself what's to come. But he couldn't prepare for anything Syr would do.
"PFFFFFTTTT! G-Gehahhaha! Y-Your face Bell! Y-You look like a tomato!" Syr laughed as she brought her hands to wrap around her stomach. Laughing and struggling to stand up right as Bell growled and looked away, still flustered and earing Syr to laugh even more.
"Don't laugh! I thought you were about to strangle the hell out of me!"
"S-Sorry! B-But from being raised by a bizarre and pervert, who knew you were a flustered romantic!" Syr said as she wiped the tears from her eyes and steadied herself on one of the tables.
"For one, do you honestly think I would be a pervert like my shitty gramps!? I'm not! I know more about than what I should about the topic of sex and erotic, but I don't act or wildly go about doing that sort of stuff!"
"And yet you visit the Pleasure District a lot~"
"That's because I like the company of Lena and the others! They're friendly!"
"Or is it their bodies that you like?" Syr said, now leering at him as Bell came closer to her and leered back.
"I'm a healthy young man and would be lying if I wasn't interested, but they're my friends and I understand their business has some needs, so I won't judge them!"
"So if I worked at that place then would you judge me for how I would act and dress up?"
"I'd question why you suddenly would work there but never judge you."
"Oh!? So you're saying you don't approve of me suddenly switching jobs if I wanted to?"
"I never said that!"
"Well maybe I will work at the brothel then if it'll make you that upset!"
"Like hell it would upset me! And I'd buy you out more than any customer would even think to offer!"
"So the idea of me with other men pisses you off!?" Syr yelled as she pushed Bell back to the wall and grabbed him by the collar as Bell grabbed her by the waist and firmly held her close to him and looked into his eyes.
"Hell yes! Those sleaze balls aren't even worth being with you! You're too pretty and pure to even hang out with jackasses like them!" Bell said as now both of them blinked twice. Recalling their little spat just now, they couldn't retort back as both were flustered and red-faced messes.
"Why are you so upset with me getting kissed. I said they were an accident." Bell asked, wanting to get to the root of it as Syr then turned her head to the side. Leaning forward to where he head rested on his chest. Her hand clenching on the helm of his shirt.
"Hmph...even if they were accidents...it still shocks a girl to hear about a guy's first kiss." She muttered as Bell's eyes widened. Pulling her back and making her look at him as his eyes widened in realization. Swallowing a lump in his throat and felt sweat on his forehead.
"Syr..do you, are you..jealous that I didn't kiss you? And, you like me?" He asked, his voice almost squeaking at what he was asking. But it proved to be correct as a small 'Eep' escaped from Syr's lips as they were then puckered into her mouth.
"Y-You are-"
"Please...stop talking. I-It's embarrassing. A-And...yes. I like-no! Bell, I l-l-love you..." She squeaked out as she covered her face with her hands and whimpered.
"I-I liked you since the day I met you. You're always so kind and cheerful whenever you come by. Helun always talks about how you make people smile even in the familia and how amazing you are when you're off facing the dungeons. You even keep your promises to me by visiting us every day. Even if it's really early!" Syr admitted as she was red in the face to the point steam started to come off her head.
"Syr-"
"Even if I cook for you, you eat it with a happy smile despite it looking like some horrible experiment gone wrong! You still eat it and praise me! Even tip me and ask me to cook for you without knowing the risk!"
"W-Wait...you think your cooking is bad?"
"I'm clumsy. Lazy. A bad cook and I tease you a lot to come back to see me and-" Syr ranted before she felt her shoulders clasped and looked back up to Bell.
"Syr.I-I'm not good at this sort of thing. B-But I understand now why you're acting like this. A-And..would you mind, hearing me out first?" Bell asked as Syr nodded. She felt his hands relaxing and moving down her arms. Gently holding her hands as he rosed them up a bit.
"I, you mean so much to me Syr. M-More than I think I've felt for others in the past. Without you, I'd have probably been homeless and scrapping by for money. Living somewhere on the streets and alone." Bell said as he smiled at her, looking down and turning her hands over, seeing her palms and rubbing his thumbs through them.
"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be in a wonderful Familia. I wouldn't have Pops in my life and meet such wonderful people like Tiona, Helun, the staff, Freya, Ottar, Uncle Hogni and so many others now part of my life. And getting to eat such tasty and warm meals made by you all. And really, I do think you're a good cook, that any man would be lucky to have you."
Syr then widened her eyes as she looked at him now intertwining his fingers with hers. Tears fell from them. But not in which could compare to the beautiful tears falling from Bell's eyes. Flowing like small streams, clear and shining in the dim light of the Hostess as he smiled at her.
"The love you have for me..makes me cry because I gives me relief, that someone feels the same way I do to them. I love you too, Syr-MMPH!" Bell said as then he was slammed back on the pub's walls. His lips locked in with Syr's as she had wrapped her hands around his neck. Pressing herself closer to Bell.
He allowed this instead of pulling her away. Rather, he relaxed and closed his eyes. Enjoying this sensation he felt on his lips and heart now swaying and beating so rapidly and yet calming him. He wrapped his arms gently around her waist. Pulling her in as he pressed deeper into the kiss they shared.
Syr's cute moans and movement of her head came as soft whispers in his ears. As Bell gently caressed her back and toyed with her ponytail. Making it come undone as her silver hair now was like a drape flowing down as Syr caressed his cheeks with her hands.
A H E M !*
Both of them opened their eyes. Starting into each other's before pulling themselves apart for a moment, but never letting the other go. Turing towards the counter of the pub, with a thin trace of saliva connecting each other's lips and flushed faces. There they saw Mia, grinning at them with a smug look on her face.
"And you were complaining about not getting closer to him like I suggested May and Lunoire? Then what do you call this?" Mia teased as Syr became red once more and covered her lips with one hand and looked away.
"Better get back to your room and calm yourself before the girls come back and wonder what's got your face all red. Don't you even think about getting lazy just because you got your first move with Loverboy here. If anything, I expect you to work triple times as much to satisfy him!" Mia said as even Bell turned red at the mention of him as Syr's "Loverboy".
"Well get going and start with cleaning up the back. We're gonna have a lot of ingredients to stock up the pantry and storage so we'll need space."
"Y-Yes Mama!" Syr said as she fixed her hair back into a ponytail and took a step forward. But not before turning to Bell once again and gave him a quick hug and kissed his cheek a bit before hurrying herself to the back. Bell gently caressed the cheek she had just given him, dazed and couldn't stop smiling.
"*Clack* Come on kid. Drink up and head home." Mia said as she filled a mug with ale and set it on the table for him as he was snapped out of his illusions and went over to the bar and leaned on the counter. Grabbing the mug and taking a sip.
"So, guess this makes you and Syr a thing then. Think you can convince your folks and grandparents to pay us triple for your wedding with her?" She said with a grin as Bell nearly spat out his drink and looked at Mia with a blank look before smiling down at his mug.
"W-well...maybe it does. But, I'll have to see about where she'd be set in with my whole marriage thing. D-Don't get me wrong! She's...she's everything I said about her. And so much more." He said, as he grasped the mug with both hands as Mia saw the look of conflict in his eyes.
"But, it's about having more than one wife that's got you bugging and doubting the idea of marriage isn't it?"
"...A little bit. It-It's just, odd. There are people I do love and have met that I'm grateful and cherish like I do for Syr. But I worry that I'll give more attention to others a lot. And...I feel a bit like my gramps when I think of how many people I do love and want to be part of my life..and maybe...have a family someday." Bell said as he looked down and rubbed his neck in a bit of frustration.
"Y'know, you aren't your gramps right? The shitty one you mentioned. Sure, from what you said he's a pervert and tried to get you making a harem in the dungeon and Orario right?"
"Yeah...he was the biggest dumbass. But he was my grandpa. I know he cares, and wanted me to be strong and have a family someday. I wonder, why was he so fixated on trying to get me to have a harem and be like him. Hunting and peeking on women."
"I can't really explain why or his reasonings. But from that it was clear he did want you to grow up and have a family. Even now, that you are to have your own little harem, answer me this. Do you think its perversive to want to be with your wife in bed? Or in the shower when you get to "that" part in your relationship?"
"N-No! I don't think-"
"Then do you think its wrong to want to cherish those you love and want more a romantic feeling like you had with Syr?" Mia asked as she placed a hand on his head and ruffled it a bit. Before pulling his head up to face her and smile at Bell.
"Bell, coming from a woman that's had her fair share of seeing love and even experiencing it once upon a time. It's not wrong to feel that way towards those you love. It's natural. And it's not something you can stop or control your feelings for them." She said as Bell's eyes widened as she continued.
"If you dream about certain things with those girls that you love, or guys, I don't judge. Then it's alright. You're still a kid, so its just hormones and part of growing up. Your gramps might be a pervert, but you don't go skirt chasing and actively pay those girls in brothels for a good time. You're you, and like you said before about romance, everyone has their own way to experience it. So, have your own romance in your life, and not your shitty gramps's."
"*Sniff* Shit...when did you get good at giving some motherly advice Mia? What happened to the rough and tough barwoman that would make her girls work in hell to drain all my Valis I earn?" Bell said, earning a painful yet playful slap on his shoulder from Mia as she went over to the other side of the bar, going to the cabinet in the corner and taking something from the shelf and coming back to him.
"Don't be getting use to me acting motherly brat! I'll only act like that when it's something serious about my girls or when you start putting rings on their fingers and giving me an army of grandkids and workers. Here." Mia said as she placed a large book in front of Bell.
Giving her back the mug as he took the book in his hands. It was rather large and a red cover with gold borders and designs that of a wand on the front. Reading the spine of it: "Introduction to Magic: Understanding the Blessings of this Wonderful World's Power!". Smirking at such a name as he looked back to Mia.
"Before you came in today. Last night while we were cleaning up some idiot left their book here. We waited all morning for the pore shmuck to come back for it. But never came. Syr was meant to give this to you since she figured you wanted to learn magic like your dear old dad. But..." Mia then turned towards the back door passageway as Bell laughed a bit as Syr was still there cleaning and humming a cheerful tune.
"Y-Yeah...Alright. If you're sure it's not gonna be an issue. Then I'll give it a read. Well, better get back home before Pop's starts to worry about me. See you around Mama!" Bell said as he turned towards the doors and began walking.
"Hey! Don't call me that! Ether call me by my full nickname or my real name! You haven't put a bun in Syr, Ryu, Lunoire or May yet! I'm not old yet to be a Mom or a grandma yet until you get to work! And remember what I just said to you!"
"Yeah! I'm not my shitty gramps, so I'll try my best to make her happy!" Bell said as he ran out the door. Feeling the warmth of the sunset and chill of the air in his face. Breathing in the cold air, relaxing him after his worries recently now seemed to put him at ease more. Letting out a breath of air, he turned to the road and began running. Running as fast as he could without a care in the world back to Folkvangr.
Back inside the pub, as soon as Bell left the sounds of clacking heals echoed in the room as Mia turned back to the storage pantry room. Seeing an all too familiar woman coming out and taking a seat at the bar. Not even facing her as she turned towards the doors and could feel her smiling.
"He's serious about you. What now? In the past, you would've snatched him and make him submit to you and you alone. But since he came to you, the familia's been livelier and he's grown closer to others. Will you still make him yours alone, Freya?" Mia asked as she saw her goddess turn back to look at Mia.
"No. I won't." She said, earning Mia to look wide eyed at the goddess. But what's more, was that she saw tears in the goddess's eyes as she looked back at the Hostess doors.
"His soul, is more beautiful when he's happy and free. I could see, he meant every word about what he said to "Syr". He loves so many people that are now part of his life. Me. Hedin and Hogni. Ottar. Little Helun and Heith. Even Allen of all things considered. And other women that he's close with." She said as she turned back to the former captain of her Famila. Tears freely falling down on her beautiful face.
"I'm a Goddess of Love. I can't deny a person's love and claim it for myself alone. Even if it's love from my Odr. I can't even think to keep his love only to myself, that's too selfish even for me." She said as she heard Mia sigh and could feel the woman rubbing her eyes.
"Then, "Syr" and him better have a talk. You heard about how he feels about this situation hes in. And while I think I did help him about experiencing romance and love his own way. There's still gonna be some doubt and worry about feeling like he's cheating."
"I'm sure "Syr" can put his worries to ease. Besides..."she" got his first real kiss. And I'm very satisfied with the fact that she did and was his first."
"You better. And I better expect "Syr" to help more around so business can get booming and earn us plenty to renovate for a bigger pub for more workers to join in the future." Mia said as Freya giggled.
"I'm sure it'll be filled to the brim with grandchildren for you later on. But as for "Syr" helping out more, that's going to have to take a small raincheck."
"Why? You or Helun can work in here-"
"Mia. I just experienced the most wonderful feeling and first kiss from my Bell. Let me be perfectly blunt, I'm touching myself tonight." Freya said as Mia nearly choked from the air.
"Eh!?"
"I'm touching myself tonight. Or rather...maybe for the next three days of pleasing myself to Bell's kiss and imagining what else we could have done if you hadn't interrupted us."
"OI! I do not need to hear this! And at least warn Helun what the hell you're planning otherwise you'll ruin her! I don't need her broken and unable to handle serving my customers!"
"Don't worry. I plan to have her join me in bed for the next three days!"
"Get the hell out of here goddess! Heavens! I aught to save some side Valis to commission if any of Hephaestus's children can make a bat for me to drive the impure thoughts from you and those moronic cat girls of mine!"
[In Folkvangr]
Bell walked down the halls of the manor towards his room. Thankful that no one was around to stop and asked why he had a book in his hands. Or to ask why he had this bashful smiling look on his face to which he couldn't stop making.
His mind still racing and his heart fluttering at the moment he shared recently with Syr. Butterflies filled his stomach and anxious sent goosebumps throughout his body. It was an odd feeling, but he never wanted this to end.
'I wonder, if this is how it's like for couples to feel like when they first start dating. Maybe I should ask Pops or Miss Fortuna about this if they felt it when they go out together.' He thought as he saw his room up ahead and noticed that Hogni was walking down the hallway and waved at him.
"Hey there oh nephew of mine!"
"Uncle Hogni! What are-omph!" Bell was about to greet him had the dark elf not wrapped his arm around his head and started to give him a light noogie atop his head.
"Hehe, see you got yourself a grimoire in hand. Interesting find, where'd you get a marvel of a book from?"
"W-Well...it was a gift f-from Syr back at the Hostess. A-After I was done helping her..." Bell said, his face flushed and hid his smile from behind his book. Which earned Hogni to look at him in surprise as he shook Bell more and smiled down at his nephew.
"Ooo~ a gift from Syr? Something tells me there's more to it than that? So, what happened oh nephew of mine! Did she give you something else? Have you taken your first step in seeking a bride?"
"...I think I took the first steps to manhood..." Bell squeaked as Hogni gasped sharply. Smiling as he grabbed Bell from under his arms and picked him up. Spinning both of them around as Bell laughed in embarrassment as Hogni let out a haughty and pride filled laugh as he looked up at his nephew.
"Haha! Congrats Bell! Way to take the first step to the path of romance! Make me a grand uncle soon and I can't wait to see the face on brother when he becomes a grandfather!"
"I-It was only our first kiss uncle!"
"Oh but something tells me it was just more than that wasn't it?"
"Y-Yeah..."
"Hehehe! Well congratulations Bell! I-I should probably leave you to your reading and to your thoughts about your new girlfriend." Hogni said as he gently put down the now flustered Bell in front of his room as he waved his hand at them and soon walked away.
"Don't stay up too much reading that grimoire Bell! If you're gonna read it then do it in bed. I'm off to spread the news about your first step of mandom and tell Hedin to be expecting grandchildren!"
"W-Wait, why read this in bed? And tell Pops to give me a little sibling first with Miss Fortuna before he becomes a grandpa! I want a little brother or sister damnit!" Bell exclaimed as he watched the dark elf now laughing and running down the halls.
Turing to his door and opening it as he locked the door behind him. Closing the curtains as it was already now starting to become night and turned on one of the bedside lamps. He got into his own nightwear and sat on the bed. Prompting a few pillows behind his back and head as to get comfortable to read.
Opening the large book in his hands, he turned to the first page and began reading.
"Chapter 1: The Basics and Types of Magic. There are two types of magic in this world which we live in. The first is what certain races are born with. Race specific magic that can appear at any time during a certain race's lifespan. The second type of magic is called Farna, in which is granted by a god's blessing." Bell began as he felt more absorbed into the words.
"The latter is in which a form of expression upon oneself. Questions pertaining to what magic truly means to oneself. What is it you are interested in? What do you accept? Hate? Desire? Sorrow over for? The trigger to this magic is always inside you." Bell's vision changed. In which he was reading the words of the book, he now found himself in a black and white void.
Around what he saw, were familiar buildings and places. A mishmash of Orario and his old village was around as far as the eye could see.
[Then let us begin. What is magic to me?]
A voice called out to him. Sounding alot like himself asking him what it meant and what is magic. Bell then found himself in the fields of his hometown and looking up at the blue sky. The greens of the crops and the brown dirt beneath his feet.
"Magic, is something like an expression of freedom. Coursing through my very blood and body that pushes me forward and grow stronger. It's a part of me and I'm a part of it."
[What sort of thing is magic to me?]
"It's like nature of itself. A fire inside me that burns strong and warm like the sun. The cool and gentle breeze of wind in the air spreading a calm and relaxing wave across me. And the endlessness of the open seas and skies, giving me no limit to what shackles me to wherever i can travel to."
[What do I seek from magic?]
Behind Bell, several faces and figures appeared as he looked towards them. So many he knew and cherished. And one large being he remembered so long ago; tears fell from his eyes as he rested his hand across his chest.
"A promise to keep, to an old friend. And to those I love in my life. I want to keep those promises I made to them and stay by their side, seeing their smiles each and every day. The promise of endless and joyful adventures together."
[Is that all?]
The voice asked as Bell saw the old home he lived in since his birth. A book of an old heroic story on the table as he saw a dusty old recliner near the fireplace. A sad smile plastered on his face as he traced the book with but a finger.
"Back then...I would have wanted to become a hero. To people in need and to those I cherished. But, since my journeys and lessons before reaching here, I've learned this about myself. I'm a bit selfish and stubborn. And that there's no real need to be a hero. I want to have adventures with my crew and my family." Bell said, as he then turned and was now back into the grey and white void. With what looked to be several copies of himself in different colors.
[You're such a child.]
"HAH! You're wrong about that. I'm a selfish and passionate guy for adventure and having my own romance! And I won't apologize for being who I am!" Bell exclaimed as the copies of himself soon faded away. Swirling around him as the dissolved one by one into his body. Bell's vision turned white, and then all he could see was darkness and his eyelids feeling heavier with each second.
Bang! Bang! Bang!*
Bell's eyes were then opened wide. Panicking as he heard loud banging and readied his knife and the book on his chest now in hand. Blinking as to why it was bright for it being night, to then realize it was morning and that his door was looking like it was about to be knocked down.
"BELL! Wake the hell up right now young man! You better explain what the hell happened yesterday!" Hedin's voice yelled from behind the door as Bell froze. Trying to remember if he did anything aside some teasing to Hedin yesterday, however nothing really came to mind.
"That's it! I'm coming in!"
"W-Wait a sec Pops! I'm coming, just give me a sec-"
"Varian Hildr!" Hedin roared as then his door was blasted to over his bedframe and head. Looking behind him slowly as the door was now indented into his wall. Looking chared and burnt to near ash as it crackled here and there with electrical sparks. Turning back slowly, he saw Hedin with his sword wand in hand. The wand part of it crackling with electricity and the dragon's eye in its core pulsing.
"Are you trying to kill me Pops!?"
"Are you trying to give me grey hairs! Explain! What did Hogni mean when he said you took your first step as a man!?" Hedin asked as he pulled Bell up by his hair as he flailed and cried in pain as he was brought up to Hedin's eyes.
"Gah Pops please! Let me explain!"
"Well get to talking then! He told me about you and Syr! What happened!? What did you two do yesterday!? Don't tell me you two did...that!...Without knowing the risks involved did you!?" Hedin said, pausing as to not mention specifically what "that" was. But it was clear as Bell's face turned bright red as Hedin's.
"W-Wait a second Pops! I just-"
"So you admit to doing those things with SYR!? How has Mia not killed you yet? What kind of an idiot are you? And do you know how hard it's going to convince your grandmother from coming back here and putting out a manhunt for Syr and to then try talking you two to hold the wedding sooner than expected!? The amount of letters you and I have to write will be more than your marriage proposal-"
"WE DIDN'T HAVE SEX YOU PERVERT OF A POPS!" Bell roared as Hedin blinked. Slowly lowering him down and letting go of his hair. Both having steam coming out from their ears as Bell looked away and played with his knife in hand.
"I-It was...my first real kiss. W-Well...our first kiss to be honest. A-And, I um, confessed what she meant to me and hugged a bit with her until Mia came in." Bell explained as he covered his face with his hands and knife. Groaning along with Hedin who did the same.
"A-And that's it? That's all you did right? Nothing else?" He asked, sounding worried and fidgeting with his hands.
"Y-Yeah! I-um...she, might have slipped me her tongue...and I kinda did the same. B-But that was it. I-I kissed and hugged her and was honest."
"A-Ah...sorry. I-I um, just overreacted a bit. It's just hard for me to, get used to being a guardian-"
"Parent."
"P-Parent. Since I'm not use to watching over kids. I-I um...I hope that you know what this relationship means for you right."
"Y-Yeah. Mia, kinda actually gave me some advice about this, situation I'm in. And I promise that me and Syr will talk about what this means." Bell said as Hedin sighed. Kneeling down and placing an arm around Bell as he brought him to a quick hug before pulling him back.
"I'm glad you're being responsible about this. Just, try your best for her and yourself. All I ask, is that you don't make me a grandfather too soon. Otherwise I don't know how to handle your grandmother when she finds out about that." He said as Bell smiled. Then wrapping his arms around Hedin's neck, careful as to not cut him with Endless Sky.
"Thanks Pops."
"Now then, I'll have someone come by and fix the damage later on. For now, I need to go kill your uncle for giving me a heart attack-why is there a grimoire on your bed?" Hedin said as he now caught the sight of the closed book and walked over towards it. Picking it up and opening it to find its pages blank and empty. Even the words on the book's spine were gone.
"Oh, that was a gift from Syr. Apparently someone left it in the pub the night before and they never came back for it. She thought it wouldn't hurt to learn magic. But, I kinda fell asleep when reading it and had the oddest dream." Bell said as Hedin brought the book under his arms and then dragged Bell by his arm outside his room and down the halls.
"We're going to see Lady Freya. This thing is completely bare now, so you might have gotten access to magic. Whoever left this there at the Hostess must have been an idiot to lose such a treasure."
"Magic?! I have magic!? Is that what grimoires do?"
"They awaken magic inside those who read it. But once they do, the book is just a book. No words, no magic enveloped in its pages. Just a blank canvas with a cover. The troubling part now is what kind of magic did you get from reading this."
Walking until they saw Ottar outside the doors to Freya's private chambers. They moved closer to the towering Boaz, grabbing his attention to why Hedin was dragging Bell in nothing but his long baggy shorts and a tank top.
"Hedin, why are you dragging your son so early in the morning?" Ottar asked as Hedin brought up the book to him.
"Apparently, he read a grimoire that was given to him from the Hostess. And when I opened it up, the pages were blank. We're here to see if Freya would update his status and see what kind of magic he gained from reading this."
"Hmm..understood. I'll inform Lady Freya and see if she's available. Though...please be advised about her...she's gone into one of her moods." Ottar said as Hedin shivered and nodded his head. As Bell was grown confused as they watched Ottar knock the door and opened it. Closing it quickly as they were left to wait.
"A mood?" Bell asked as Hedin sighed and pushed his glasses up.
"Bell, you're aware on sexual education, right?"
"Unfortunately, since I was seven. Why-oh...Ooohhhhh. Ouch, is her 'mood' that bad for us?"
"N-No...but...rather it's not, when it's a girl's...time. It's similar. Because she's a god mostly about love, romance and desire. She has to...release...some of those desires in a healthy way. But in private." He said, trying not to make it sound obvious.
Bell could only nod his head, blushing and wiping away the small trickle of blood falling from his nose and trying to compose himself.
Ottar's head then peeked out of the door, having a blank but concerned look on his face as he looked at Hedin and Bell.
"We're in luck. It hasn't started for her yet so she said she willl be able to update his status. But make it quick. She even yelled at me to hurry it up and ordered me to bring Helun to her and spend the next three days away from the manor." Ottar said as he grabbed the both of them from their heads and dragged them inside. Quickly leaving as he ran off to find Helun fast.
Both father and son crashing onto the floor as they got up. Flustered and red both in pain and embarrassment as they now stood before Freya, wearing nothing but a black nightie and somewhat see-through robe as her hair was in a mess with only one eye covered as she looked at the two. Even she was looking flustered and embarrassed.
"S-Sorry if this was a bad timing my goddess. We just need to update Bell's status since he apparently was gifted a grimoire by Syr last night and read it. We didn't mean to intrude on your...privacy." Hedin said as he bowed and forced Bell to do the same.
"I-It's fine. L-Let's just hurry with this. S-Sorry you have to see me in such an unsightly way Bell, Hedin."
"I-I-It's fine Lady Freya. W-We can leave as soon as you update and give us the paper so you can have your...moment." Bell said, taking off his tank top and turning his back to her. Hoping she would do it there instead of him going and lying on his bed.
'Gods damn it gramps! Curse you and your perversive lessons! I'm struggling to keep myself from passing out of blood loss and drooling at the sight of my goddess!'
"Er-Bell..Sorry. I um, can't move as much right now. Would you mind...lying down on my bed next to me?" Freya said with panted and hot breaths escaping her lips as sweat was falling from her forehead.
Bell agreed and slowly laid himself face first onto the sheets. His eyes widened and pinching his legs to prevent him from showing something embarrassing to his goddess if he lost all control. His mind was betraying him, as he then felt the drop of Freya's blood and her bare finger tracing across his back.
'No! No! Bad brain! Don't think how erotic this feels! She's your goddess who you love and-EVIL! No! Stop it with those thoughts! Think of Syr instead! Sweet. Cute. Innocent Syr cooking you a meal and-SHIT! WHY IS IT EVEN SEXIER AND WHY AM I THINKING OF HER WITH HELUN AND FREYA!?'
"T-There you are! I-It's done!" Freya squeaked out as she handed the sheet over to Hedin and patted Bell on his back. Making him roll off the bed and next to Hedin as they could hear Freya's breath becoming heaver and thought the room was becoming hot.
"Goddess, h-here's Helun like you request-"
"Thank you Ottar! Now, all of you aside Helun, out! Go! GoGoGoGoGoGoGoGo!" She yelled as Ottar instantly threw Helun, who was still in her own night attire, onto Freya's bed as they narrowly avoided being hit by a chair she threw at them. Slamming the door shut behind them as they walked away slowly from it and soon ran away from Freya's room.
"P-Pops...is Helun gonna be okay in there?" He asked, worried as they literally saw her being thrown into a den of lust.
"This has happened before...she'll be fine. Though every time this happens, she looks closer to death and Heith has to watch over her health for a day or so."
"Honestly, she's the reason why the manor isn't in a frenzy. The last time Lady Freya had her...moment...she couldn't exactly relax in private. So, that day, we all witnessed why she's also a Goddess of War." Ottar said as a cold shiver ran down Bell and Hedin's spine.
"Those days were utter hell. Even Mia was a victim to the beatings and anger tantrums she had." Hedin muttered as he felt Bell cling onto him for dear life. And instinctively he clutched onto Bell as well.
"Scary."
"Well, good luck to both of you in hopes you avoid seeing our lady for a few days. I'm off to the dungeon." Ottar said as he then ran out of the window. Both father and son seeing him mad dash out of the gates as now the shattered window still dropped glass by their feet.
"Let's...just see what magic you have and go on from there."
"Y-Yeah...I kinda have to get ready soon to meet up with Lili for our dungeon dive today. Oh, think I can test my magic while then?" Bell said as he felt his forehead being lightly smacked by Hedin's fingers as the elf sighed.
"Bell, I understand the excitement of testing your magic. But you need to learn to keep things a secret for now. And then there is practice in how to use it and learn about the repercussions of overusing and over relying on it if it's useful."
"Aw come now brother! Let him have some fun with it!" They both turned to see Hogni smiling and waving at the both of them. Bell laughing a bit sheepishly at the sight of Hogni, as he embarrassed him a bit yesterday. While Hedin handed Bell the new status sheet and clutched his wand and glared at the incoming dark elf.
"So~ What kind of magic did you get oh nephew of mine!? Is it something cool? Something that calls forth the darkness to vanquish our enemies? Or maybe something more enticing for your little girl-"
S M A C K !*
"Don't you dare think you can just waltz up to us and act like nothing is normal you idiot!" Hedin said as he smacked Hogni upside the head with the blunt part of his sword and then grabbed him by his collar. Pulling him close as he gave Hogni the coldest stare to the point it felt like fire and ice combined staring into his soul.
"Do you think that telling me Bell was about to become a father so soon was humorous? The amount of planning and aid I'd have to do for him? And how to handle the fact if Larfal and Anistasia came here to see his wife?!"
"H-H-Hey now Hedin. Come on, just relax. It's just a little harmless teasing! N-Now come on, ease off the scary eyes alright?"
"How about I ease off your useless babble by cutting off your tongue and-"
"Frijahlsi Galdr? Is that how I pronounce it?" Bell asked as Hedin and Hogni turned to him. Seeing him read his new status sheet as they looked at it with him. At the sight of his Magic, Hedin's glasses cracked and Hogni's eyes sparkled in excitement.
Bell Cranel
LV.2
STR: G 347--F 451
VIT: F 206 -- E 303
DEX: D 501-- D 600
AGL: B 145-- B 483
MAG: I 0-- I 50
SKILL:
Liaris Freese: Increase on growth based on feelings and driven goals
Wild Child: Alternates user's status in combat based on emotions. The user has the heart of a pure hearted wild child out on an adventure!
Delicious in Dungeon: Higher rate of monster corpse/limbs being dropped. User gains analysis of edible food and ingredients for cooking. Monster limbs being edible and eaten successfully are randomized odds. Eating cooked meals in the dungeon recovers for new adventures!
MAGIC:
Frijahlsi Galdr: Swift/Chant Magic. Freeform magic to use any compatible element taught/discovered.
[Compatible Elements: Fire/Wind/???]
-Firebolt: Swift-strike Magic
*Notice: Use of this magic is more taxing to new discovered magic the user has not learned or swapping for another use in a different element. User's gain/learned magic will result to slight exhaustion in Mind Down than normal rate.
"I-I can't even...I don't even know where to begin with this!" Hedin said as he looked baffled at Bell and his head moved from him to looking at the status sheet.
"It's amazing Bell! It's such a rarity Swift Strike Magic for some adventurers to gain! But yours gives you the ultimate power and ability to cheat the whole system!" Hogni said as he was shaking Bell over and over as Hedin stopped him and held Bell by his shoulders.
"W-Wait..cheat how?" Bell asked, a bit dazed as Hedin kneeled down to face him straight in the eyes.
"Bell, technically what the idiot just said is correct. This is technically cheating. Your magic, bypasses a restriction adventurers have to learning or gaining magic. Adventurers only are able to learn three Magic Spells. If they want to learn something else, they would have to drop or forget one of the ones they have already."
"Really?! But isn't that a bit restricting? Like say you have a spell to heal, but you found one that can do some damage. You would have to ether drop the new spell or keep the healing one?"
"Exactly. There's other ways to use spells even if your maximum ability to learn is full."
"Sad to say, but brother is right. We're restricted but there's methods to bypass it. Such as magical tombs. Magic items. Enchanted staffs specified to having a certain spell embedded into them. Adventurers have a limit on how many types and different magic they can learn depending on the race they are sometimes. Even us elves have a limit." Hogni said adding in his own teachings to Bell.
"So it's another thing I have to keep hidden huh?" Bell said with a pout on his face as Hedin stood up and replaced his cracked glasses with another pair he had in his robes.
"Technically...yes. But later on, we could say it's an unspecified type of magic you learned. While normally this would need to be kept lock and key. The aftermath of using it could make it seem like you're a glass cannon so to speak."
"A glass cannon?"
"If you use too much of a Magic Spell. You'll undergo what is called Mind Down, meaning you've run out of mana, the energy which is used to cast magic. Mind Down is the aftermath of using too much magic, you'll pass out and become weakened." Hedin said as he pointed to Bell's new magic skill and made him look at the warning.
"With the restrictions and drawbacks you have on this magic, then it does mean that eventually it will be something you won't have to hide. Sure, adventurers will think it's useful. But if the results end you suffering to exhaustion and mind down faster than a normal spell will, then it will be seen as something usable but to take caution of."
"But look on the bright side! It just means that with spells you have and later on gain and practice, it'll still be quite the versitile magic you can master! You at least have one spell you can test today!" Hogni said as Bell's eyes brightened and smiled at Hogni.
"You're right! I gotta test this out asap with Lili in the dungeon! I better get ready!" Bell said as he ran past both elves back to his room. Letting the status sheet flutter in the air before it was caught by Hogni as he looked to Hedin.
"We're going to join him?"
"We?"
"Oh come now brother! You wanna see what he can do so you can start thinking how to teach him. A bit of father son bonding in the dungeon and for later on. Plus, you can't say you're NOT interested in seeing about what this Firebolt spell does. You need to be there for Bell's first crack at a spell."
"Tsk! How is it you're able to get a read on me just like he does."
"Don't forget that Fortuna woman!~"
"You better not act like an idiot when we join him. And invite Heith and prepare some Magic Potions in case he becomes dumb and overdoes it."
"I promise nothing about the idiot part and I'll bring them along. And Heith too and get her to look more after Bell."
"Is this your way to get them closer?"
"What? You don't think I don't know about that plan of yours with Lady Freya and little Helun to prevent that sadist to marry Bell now did ya? Besides, you do see how protective of him she can be. Remember back at the hospital with Airmid?" Hogni said as Heith sighed and walked away from the grinning dark elf.
"Don't try to mess it up. He's already courting Syr. You know that, so wait a bit for them to have a talk about this matter and then we'll see."
"Fair enough. Well, better tell Heith to get ready and join up with Bell to meet this supporter of his. Wonder how far deep he travels with her?" Hogni chimed as he too left from his spot in the hallway and went to ready himself.
[Two Hours Later: Fountain nearby the Dungeon Entrance]
One day had passed by for Lili. Very slowly did it pass by for her since Lena's little 'talk' and 'goodbye' present she gave to her. Flushing at the memory of it, she wiped her cheek still as she shook her head. Looking around to see if any of the Faes were still watching, one of them made an appearance in her view of the area before they disappeared with a wave of their hand.
"At least she was true about them keeping an eye out for me." She muttered as she sat down by the fountain and waited for Bell. Thinking about him Lili had to wonder why she never heard about him until Lena's talk.
'He's the child of Hildrsleif and Nine Hells. Now that I think about it the resemblance is uncanny on Hildrsleif's side. Meaning he's also part of Freya's familia. I should be careful with dealing with him now.' Lili thought before she tightened the straps of her bag.
"Four days left. And even then, would he even accept Lili? I wouldn't blame him if he decided to stop hiring her and we go our separate ways. I should be at least thankful he's willing to work with me for a whole week." She said as he heard a familiar laugh coming closer and closer.
Looking from her view of her own feet she saw that familiar mop of white hair and armor running towards her. Along with what appeared to be a dark elf with white hair as Bell's. Wearing a black robe that covered part of her lower face with grey and purple armor and clothes underneath as the cloak flapped along with his run alongside of Bell.
Behind them, Lili could see two others following behind them. One she recognized instantly as Hedin, the Hildrsleif she was thinking about recently. His warning from Lena still fresh in his mind. And next to him walking with a small messenger bag, was a woman around her and Bell's age with red flowing hair tied in twin tails.
"Heeeyyy! Lili! Look who else is joining our dive today!"
"Your next line is, 'Master Bell! Why are there so many people of your familia coming along?!' am I right!?" Hogni said as he and Bell posed dramatically at her after he made his prediction.
"Master Bell! Why are there so many people of your familia coming along?! E-Eh!? How did he predict Lili's words!?" She said, startled and stepped back a bit from the dark elf as Bell and Hogni laughed.
"Oh they wanted to see what I've been doing lately and to watch me test out something that came up on my status. First, let me introduce you to my uncle! This is the incredible, amazing, master of time and prediction...Hogni Ragnar!"
"Nice to meet you tiny supporter!"
"And coming up behind us is my Pops! Hedin Selland and next to him will be our second hands and main healer of our group Heith Velvet. Hey pops! Come on or we'll be missing out what I can do!"
"The dungeon isn't going anywhere idiot. And I should ask what floor are we going to stop at. What, you've been sticking around the lower levels or have you decided to go to the middle floors yet?"
"Hey there supporter. Let me warn you now, things are going to get...kinda stupid and funny with these boys. So, try not to be too startled." Heith said as she placed her hand on Lili's shoulder and gave her an awkward smile.
"O-Oh. T-Thank you Miss Velvet. I-I'm Liliruca Arde, call me Lili. B-But with how I see Master Bell now with his uncle and father I think that's to be expected." Lili said as she pointed to the three men now struggling with each other in seeing who can pull who in the same spot they were in.
"Ah already started huh? Word of advice, given I've spent a few times in the dungeon as part of Bell's little motley crew. Here's a phrase that I think you'll have to stick by its words."
"What's the phrase?"
"Welcome to the Crew, leave your sanity behind and prepare your heart for fear, excitement, death and fun!" Heith said as she chuckled at how bewildered Lili looked. Clapping her hands to get the boys' attention as Hedin was clutching onto Bell's hair. His other arm chocking Hogni. Bell was then looking to try and bite of Hogni's leg while Hogni was busy using his hands to stretch out Hedin's cheeks and taking his glasses.
"Alright idiot family! Time's wasting and we're here to see results and earn some Valis. Bell, what floor were you planning on stopping at today. And are we going to use...ya'know?" Heith asked, as to not mention Bell's little shortcut as there was a outside member of his party and crew here with them.
"Hmm...truth be told I was thinking maybe go about...the ninth floor. Kill some War Shadows and Killer Ants. See if they're edible and how I can cook them while along the way I can test out my new special move." Bell said as Heith and Lili shivered at the sound of him wanting to eat Killer Ants.
"You haven't gotten to the middle floors yet? Come on Bell! This is a chance to see what you can really do now that you're a Level 2! Let's go deeper into the depths and test out your new flame!" Hogni whined as he shook Bell by the shoulders as he groaned from the vertigo.
"As much as it pains me to admit, he's right. If you test this now in the early floors, you won't get a good grasp where you stand. This is beneficial to seeing how much you would need to improve and what I can help with." Hedin said as he pulled Bell away from Hogni as he pouted.
"Well...I kinda wanted to wait for you guys, Helun and Tiona to explore the Middle Floors. But Helun's stuck in hell. Tiona I heard she was on a dive recently with her sister to help with funds for their next dive. And I was gonna invite Lefiya and Filvis if they wanted to come, but Lefiya is with Tiona and the others, and I don't know where Filvis's familia is at." He said, pouting at the stubbornness of his of wanting to go as a group again and the fact they didn't have enough free time in their schedules.
"Hmm, yes I can understand that issue quite a bit. But how does this sound, we go only to the first two levels of the Middle Floors and then we can explore those areas only. It'll be just a test and to show you what else you might be facing down there if we're unable to go with you." Hedin said as Bell looked up at him and nodded.
"Alright...wait! Lili! Is that fine with you? Sorry, I forgot to take in your opinion just now." Bell said as that surprised Lili as she blinked and cleared her throat.
"L-Lili doesn't mind at all. You are Lili's client, hence whatever plan you have Lili will follow through with you." She said as Bell came closer to her as he looked worred.
"But still, even if I'm your client I don't want to force you to do anything that could get you hurt or uncomfortable with. Is the Middle Floors fine with you today?" Bell asked as Heith giggled and patted his head. Runing through his locks of hair and shook her head.
"Come on Bell, I know you can protect her just well for the earlier floors and if there's anything dangerous in the Middle Floors. Plus, you have us and me! The Level 4 Golden Witch of Healing! Crap...Hogni I blame you for influencing me!" She said as she covered her face and turned away in embarrassment.
"Hehehe! Embrace it Heith! Embrace the inner pride you have for your namesake and desire to tell the world you are the greatest Healer of all! And she's right about that part nephew! For you have the Dainsleif to Hedin's Hildrsleif! The White and Black Knights of Freya! Hogni and Hedin!"
"Do I need to kill you again? Tsk! Rest assured Liliruca, we are capable adventurers that will protect you should we see you're in any danger. Now, Heith is right. Let us be off quickly to the thirteenth floor."
"That-wouldn't that take a few hours? Even if you're quick like Master Bell, where lately it's taken about two hours to reach to the twelfth floor, we are a larger party. So there would be more monsters that could spawn because of our size." Lili asked as Bell then closed his eyes to think. Opening them and looking to Lili and noticing the size of her backpack today. Inspecting it from all sides as Lili was confused until Bell gently grasped her shoulders and smiled.
"Lili, how well do you do in tight spaces and the feeling of wind in your face?"
"You took me back and forth from here to the Pleasure District in ten minutes each trip Master Bell. I'm used to the feeling, but you should warn me. And I've had to go through a few tight places in the dungeon with other clients. Why do you ask?"
[Five Minutes Later...]
"I SHOULD NOT HAVE ASKED! LILI SHOULD NOT HAVE ASKED MASTER BELL THE REASON WHY HE WAS ASKING!!!!" Lili yelled at the top of her lungs. Holding onto Bell for dealt life from behind. Her tiny hands gripping his chest and armor tight as she felt the wind blowing against her hood and hair at high speeds while feeling Hogni's arms being her rails on the side of the stripped piece of stone slab they cut from the dungeon walls on the first floor.
"You're lucky that these are stones we're using! Otherwise, if it was wood, we be going a heck of a lot faster Lili! And good job! You're hanging in great and learned to lose your sanity!" Heith yelled from behind them as she was hanging to Hedin's shoulders who was operating the stone slab they were on to follow Bell and Hogni's as they went down the slopes of Bell's hidden shortcuts, The Open World.
"Look Pops! I'm steering this with no hands!" Bell said as he raised his arms in the air and waved them. Hogni proceeded to follow his lead as they both cheered on as they were going faster. Causing Lili to shriek more in fear for her life as she latched herself onto Bell even closer than before.
Her legs wrapping around his waist and crossing her arms over his chest. She was biting the back of his shirt to muffle her screams and to soak in her tears as she wanted to cry into his shoulder. Wishing this would end soon.
"Steer that correctly idiot! What if we crash back into the eleventh worse than when you first took us!"
"Don't worry! I tested this with stone slabs! And when we get to the eleventh it comes to an okay stop! It gets a lot slower, but still fast. It's just enough to pay attention and hop off before it bumps into the dungeon wall. Oh! We've passed the ninth marker now! We're coming up close!" Bell said as he put his arms down and leaned forward, making the slab they were on travel faster as he guided it along the slopes and curves ahead.
"Tell Lili when this is all over!"
"Oh! It's almost done tiny supporter! We're at the eleventh entrance waypoint!"
"Ready Lili!? I'll get you when we jump!"
"Nooooo!"
"Jump now! You too Pops! Heith!" Bell exclaimed as he turned his body to adjust Lili in his arms. As he grabbed her and covered the back of her head with his hand. Jumping off the slope as he landed on his back and rolled over to where Lili was safe and on top of him as Hedin jumped and landed on his feet with Heith under his arm and Lili's backpack in the other.
However, Hogni's landing ended up him being face first into the dungeon floor and his ass in the air. Groaning and wobbling his way back up as Bell, now carried Lili in his arms to where she was looking down at him with a red face and watery eyes.
"Shhhahahahaha! Gotta act quickly there uncle!" Bell said as he was then promptly smacked across the face and now on the floor with his ass in the air similar to Hogni. Lili was fuming as Hedin and Heith had to hold back from smirking at the sight of both of them on the floor while the tiny supporter had small puffs of clouds coming off her as she shook her hand violently.
"Warn me next time you're going to do something that gives me a heart attack damnit! I don't know how much my heart can take!" She yelled as the two of them groaned and raised up one of their arms. Flashing a peace sign towards Lili as they got up and shook themselves off and smiled back at the three.
"Sorry Lili! But hey, we're here on the eleventh! Meaning now's the time for the adventure to really begin! Yahoooo!"
"Hey! Wait for me Bell! Don't start killing monsters without my mystic arts in stopping time!"
Both of them soon ran down the flight of stairs before jumping off it. Landing in the eleventh floor's pale white grasslands and ran around searching for any monsters nearby to begin their game.
"Feh...two peas in a pod. Are you sure that they arent your love children Hedin?" Heith asked with a smug look and crossed arms as they walked down the flight of stairs to the eleventh.
"Hmm...oh look. It appears that Bell and Hogni found another Baby Dragon in the distance." Hedin said as Heith's eyes widened and Lili's was blinking rapidly. Rubbing them to see if what she was seeing was correct. As in her view, she saw Bell and Hogni now riding and trying to steer the dragon from the head.
"Hey! You bastards don't you dare do anything to that dragon before I get some of its drool and scales! And are you riding that thing! Let me join!" Heith shouted as she jumped down and now ran towards it. Yelling for a turn on the dragon as Hogni and Bell were knocked off it once more.
"She's just as bad as they are..."
"Quite. Now Miss Arde, I take it Lena sent you my message?" Hedin said as Lili flinched from his gaze and tightened her hold onto her bag.
"Be at ease. If I was going to do anything to you, I'd have done it by now. But, while it's been a day since she told you, care to be honest with me. Genuinely honest about what you plan to do?" He said as their pacing down the stairs went a lot slower as to talk.
"She...Lili thinks, she will tell Master Bell. He's too good for Lili to be partnered and contracted with. I'm..I'd have just cheated him out on Valis and honestly, I was tempted to steal away that knife from him to sell it. Just to get out and be free." She said, laying her cards out on the table for Hedin to read.
"Free from Soma, no that's not quite it. More like free from your captain Zannis." Hedin commented as Lili looked at him. Puzzled as to why he referred to her captain rather than her own god.
"The Faes keep track and info around the city for her majesty since Bell became part of the family. When we heard about him hiring you, we did a background not just on you. But to all of Soma. And frankly, you have one pitiful god. He's dedicated to his craft, but that just makes him a puppet on a string for your captain to control."
"So-Soma is just a puppet to him?"
"Gods, while divine and have power, are no more human and mortal just as us on this lower world of ours. Even they have their desires and wishes. Zannis manipulates your members to gani the funds for Soma. And in return, he provides their intoxicating swine of a wine they drink themselves to death over."
"Y-Yes...Zannis is a bastard. But majority of Soma is just after the wine. If I'm honest, there's only a handful that are in the similar position and viewpoint to leave him. Even our Vice Captain doesn't trust Zannis or have any faith in his plans."
"The dwarf...Chandra Ihit, correct? And three others I've heard come from the Far East. Indeed. That's quite a small handful of members that are genuine and not puppets to the wine or Zannis's lies."
"Can I ask...why are you telling Lili all of this?" She asked as they both stopped all while the dragon's roars and cries were echoed in the floor.
"Why tell me all of this when I know it already? I have time to tell Master Bell the truth, but you seem to be looking for something from me." She asked as Hedin sighed and looked down at the Pallum girl.
"Liiliruca Arde...do you want to leave Soma and join us?" Hedin said as then he could feel the small prick of her hidden knife in the palm of his hands. Not even making a scratch on his skin as she looked at him with an angry and teary-eyed expression.
"Don't give me that! Don't give me false hope! Even if I say yes, leaving Soma isn't easy! What makes you think it is?" Lili asked as tears fell from her face as she wiped them away. Hedin dropping her knife poked her shoulder and pointed back at the dragon.
The two of them watched as Hogni and Heith were running around it. Cutting off its scaled and laughing. All while they saw Bell leaping back onto its tail and running up its backside to reach for the head once more. Being knocked off but still laughing as Heith opened her arms and caught him like a princess.
"During these three months since he came to Orario, and since he joined us. I've watched over him. Worried and even admitted, he's my idiot son in all but blood. There's something about him that changes things. Tell me Liliruca, it's been only now three days since your contract, but what can you describe about Bell to me."
"Describe him?"
"In your own words. Or anything that comes to mind when you see him."
Lili paused as she looked back at Bell. Seeing him act so childishly with the other two as they all posed and taunted at the dragon. Running away from it in a joke and attacking it once more. Her heart beated erratically for a moment, and she felt as though butterflies were crawling up her throat.
"Master Bell, looking at him I think he's too naive. An idiot that hasn't seen much of the darker parts of life. He's odd, and at times Lili wonders if he was always born like that or wonder how weird he must have become. But he's kind. He's always willing to listen to me and my advice. Even offering to spend more time with me when we're done for the day, just to eat and talk." She said as she swallowed a lump in her throat. Feeling it quite painful as tears came out of her eyes.
"H-He's the first adventurer that's been so kind to Lili. She doesn't know if it's a cruel joke at how honest and positive he is. H-He makes me feel like, even if I wasn't going to do my plan, that everything will be better." She said as Hedin patted the girl's shoulder, giving her a moment to wipe away her tears and finish her sobbing.
"That's what Bell somehow does. I've seen him turn things from worse to better. I can't really describe it, but it's as though he makes things that seem impossible for many, as possible for him. No normal unblessed adventurer could make a Level 5 bleed, but he did. No Level 1 could take on three Silverbacks and an Enhanced Species on his own, but he did."
"Brother! Hurry up! Bell decided to test it here with the dragon!" Hogni called over to Hedin as they both continued to walk closer to the group now that they were at the base of the stairs. Looking up to see Bell once again hurled in the sky by the dragon as this time it was readying for a blast of fire to escape its maw.
Bell, above the air smiled as he saw Hedin and Lili watching him. Heith and Hogni cheering him on to kill the dragon as they already snatched and peeled off some of its scales and got some drops of its drool. Seeing the bright light coming from the dragon's mouth, he aimed at its lower jaw.
With one eye opened and the other closed. His hand with the knife reeled back as he had the other outstretched as if to measure and aim. Smiling he threw the knife at the monster. Watching in amazement as it sliced through the creature's lip cleanly and landed by Hedin's feet.
The dragon cried out in agony as the light died in its now split maw. Bell's outstretched hand now aimed at the dragon, as he held it by the wrist with his other. Taking a deep breath in as he was coming closer to the monsters' head.
"Alright then, here goes! This is it guys! Bear witness to my awesome and explosive magic! FIREBOLT!" He cried out. Watching as a large flame built in his hands before it rocketed out to the dragon. The blast recoiled him further back up in the air as the magical blast hit the dragon's head.
Causing quite the explosion as Hedin put Lili behind him as to shield her from the blast. Hogni's eyes now becoming like giant twinkling stars and Heith smiling as she looked up in the air further to watch Bell now cheering in the air with his hands out. The smoke from around the dragon's head died, as now it was but a charred skull with chunks of burning flesh lingering on it.
Soon collapsing on the ground and exploded in a plume of black smoke and all that remained was its large magic crystal. Hedin smiled as he stepped away from Lili and had his arms outstretched as the cries of Bell's cheers came closer quite fast, until they died when Hedin caught him.
"Gyahahaha! That was so awesome!" Bell cheered as Hogni ran up to him and began hurling him up and down in his own arms.
"Yes! Yes! That was explosive! A wonderful and truly powerful magic you've gained Bell! Together with brother, we'll become the Magical Destruction Force of Freya!"
"No wait! What about if we call ourselves The Invokers of Destruction!"
"Ohhh~ That actually sounds awesome Bell!"
"I agree with Heith! You have a knack at naming things very well!"
As Hedin looked back at the awestruck Lili, now walking closer to him as the trio were now posing and suggesting other names to call themselves. Or to see if they could include Heith into their group of powerful magic users. He smirked as he notices the small smile she was having on her face and a twinkle of admiration to Bell in her eyes.
"Liliruca Arde, do you see any doubts when you look at my son?" He asked, watching as the Pallum shook her head.
"No...I don't have any doubts in Master Bell. I-Lili trusts him."
"You say Soma is impossible to break free from. But to Bell, if you tell him that. He wouldn't believe it. He sees you as his friend. His comrade. And odds are, he sees you still as part of his little crew he wants to make. If you're hurt or in any trouble, my idiot of a son will go through any lengths to help you or anyone he cares about."
Lili's eyes were now crying as she watched Bell being teased and cheered on by Heith and Hogni. His red eyes gazing to hers as they looked so bright and cheerful. Dragging the other two with him as he got closer to her with that goofy smile of his.
"Did you see that Lili! That's my new magic! Sorry if I went overboard, still getting use to it. But, what do you think!? Still up for some adventuring with me down to the fourteenth floor? I'll need your help to watch my back in case I suffer this Mind Down thing that comes with using it." He asked as he had his hand out to her. Smiling as Lili, through wet tears and a smile of her own, grasped and shook his hand.
"Yes! I'm still good to go to the fourteenth. And...Master Bell."
"Hmm?"
"There's somethings...I have to tell you about Lili soon. But, I've made up my mind. Lili will join your crew starting today." She said with a wide grin through her tears as Bell's smile softened as he patted her head.
"Then, welcome aboard my crew Lili. Though...we still have four days left. So the party for celebrating you joining is gonna have to wait. Do you mind waiting that long?"
"I-I don't mind but why would you wait until-"
"So that way, we can collect a lot of Valis to throw you the biggest welcoming party that which the world has ever seen before!" Bell said as he raised both his hands in the air and smiled wide. With Heith and Hogni joining him and now spouting about cakes and decorations.
And even Hogni was smiling as in his mind, he was thinking about how to assist in not making this a complete mess, while also preparing to tell Freya about Bell's new addition to his crew and new addition to their familia.
"Alright! I'll wait till then! And there better be a giant cake with strawberries and mountains of food!"
"I'll make it happen! It'll be a smorgasbord of tasty food and a giant cake high as Bable!"
"Let's not get overboard you idiot..." Hedin said as he smacked his son on the head. As Lili giggled. For the first time in a long time of her life spent living and surviving each and every day, she was truly happy in this moment with Bell.