"Lili! We have everything we need for our trip today?" Bell asked as he turned around in the hallway after closing his door and fixing his equipment. Though he was lacking in armor and wore his usual adventuring clothes with the brown coat and light armor pieces on his shoulders and knees and by the collar of his coat, he didn't have a need to go back in his room to get any armor sets he might've had left over after breaking the other ones.
For today, he had a few places to visit and people to pick up before heading into the dungeon.
He looked back at Lili, now fixing her backpack right and looking up at him with a smile on her face. Happy to see her wearing the new adventuring outfit he bought for her for when they went to raid Soma of all they had. More so, glad she added her own touch to it as by the bottom of one of her coat's ends, was the Freya emblem of their Familia.
She had officially become part of his crew. And his Familia a few days ago. And he couldn't stop smiling ever since they had that celebration for her. Especially how he somehow made Freya gush and embarrass Lili about being Ottar's love child and even surprised Ottar would actually try to play the role as her father.
Of course, it was all in good fun, but something told Bell that it felt fine and he didn't hear Lili say anything otherwise.
"We're all set Master Bell!"
"Extra weapons and potions?"
"Knives! Short swords. Crossbow and arrows and a set of ten small health and mana potions each!"
"Monster repellant and tonics?"
"Three each!"
"Monster Lures in case we wanna hunt big?"
"Two! One as a scent and one we have to lather onto something if we want to hunt from a distance!" Lili said as she saluted up to Bell and chuckled. Digging into her back as she pulled out a smaller bag and held it out before him.
"And don't worry! Lili's prepared snacks and food for later for us to eat in the dungeon! As well as kitchen tools for you to...'experiment' that skill of yours if it's possible and we get lucky with any drops." She said the last part with a shiver crawling down her spine. But soon faded as she felt Bell's arms on her shoulders and grinned at her.
"Lili, you brilliant and wonderful supporter you! Alright, time to get a move on to get some other things and get the rest of our crew coming today. But first, we gotta stop at Mama Mia's for our Adventurer Lunches. *Sigh*...then we have to visit the Guild and next head to Babel Tower's lower shops." Bell said, dejected and with a sad sigh at the mention of the Guild.
"There there Master Bell. We can just cut off Eina's interactions and rantings short by saying we have an appointment to that Tsubaki woman at Babel. Though, might I ask who we're meeting up with at the Guild? Aside from checking in with your advisor." Lili asked as Bell stood back up and patted Lili's head with a smile.
"Someone that I've been meaning to take with us on our dives for a while. A friend of a friend you could say. And we kinda wanted her to get out of her shell a bit, she's sorta shy and distant, but overall, a good person. I think she'll fit perfectly in our crew. Now, off to the Guild and Babel!" Bell said with an excited cheer as he and Lili shot up their arms and let out an enthusiastic roar and headed off out the manor doors.
After what felt like half an hour of walking and grabbing their food and lunches from The Hostess. And Mia having to pry away Bell and Syr from flirting too much and avoid them making her business into a kissing booth, the two adventurers found themselves walking inside the Guild's halls and looked around.
"Master Bell? Mind if I ask who we should be looking for? It's rather crowded today despite it being early."
"Yeah, didn't expect it to be this busy. Well, keep an eye out for a dark-haired elf. She's got red eyes like mine and tends to wear all white. Though, she got a new outfit so maybe anything with all blue and gold in them." Bell said as he grabbed Lili by her backpack and lifted her up to his height as the two of them scouted around the Guild.
"Oh! Master Bell, is that her over there? Sitting by the lounge area." Lili said as she tapped Bell's face a few times and pointed towards the sofas. Both of them seeing a dark-haired elf looking around and checking the Guild's clock and fixing her outfit.
"Yup! That's her alright. Hey! Filvis! Sorry to keep you waiting!" Bell said as he carried Lili and ran over towards her. Startling her, but a smile came on her lips as she stood up to wave at him and Lili.
Slowing himself down and setting Lili back on the floor, they walked over to her and waved. Lili bowed politely at Filvis, who in turn repeated the same gesture. As while Bell grabbed her hand and shook it up and down like a child would.
"Sorry we got here a bit late. Hope we weren't keeping you waiting for too long."
"N-No. I wasn't waiting here too long. It was about five minutes. I kinda wanted to get here earlier, but then my God was worried and nervous when I mentioned I'd be going with a party to the dungeon today. He was a bit frantic and thought I was playing into a cruel prank." Filvis explained.
"Hehe! Bit of a protective god you have then? Well, we got another person to pick up and I need some armor before we get to the dungeon. After I check in with...her...we should be good to go. Oh! By the way, this is Liliruca Arde. A member of our crew and newest member of my Familia. She's our look out and Supporter, and the best one you'll ever meet in your life!" Bell said as he patted Lili's head several times. Making Lili blush and Filvis envious of the small Pallum at being praised.
Though...she had to wonder if this was actually a Pallum he was praising. Seeing how she saw a dog's tail wagging happily behind Lili and swore she could hear whimperings and pantings coming from Lili's mouth.
"Master Bell!"
"Oh, sorry~ And this here Lili, is our newest crew member! She's the one I mentioned before. This is Filvis! And she'll be our magic user!" Bell said as he presented and shook his hands when introducing Filvis.
"Erm..I'm Filvis Challia. And erm, I don't think I was specific when I was discussing you about what I can do exactly during our last outing with Lefiya Mr. Bell."
"C'mon~ I said you can call me Bell. But, I though you were like Lefiya. You mentioned that you can chant spells and do a lot of magic like her."
"Yes, but, I'm a bit different. While some of my kind do use magic or are proficient with bows and even spears. You yourself have meet elves that are skilled in sword play no?" Filvis said as she brought out a wand and a sword from her holsters at her hips.
"Ah, yeah! Pops is like a magical sword user and Uncle Hogni is too! Though...Pops falls more into the magician since I've mostly seen him use that sword end of his staff as a means to defend himself or strike in an ambush on monsters." Bell said as he closed his eyes in thought, thinking what category his Pops is.
"I'm what you could consider similar to your father and a mix of your uncle in terms of use. I'm a magic swordman user. While I can use magic like Lefiya. I can also use magic to enhance my swordsmanship and abilities with the blade. As well as surprise enemies by shooting spells with my sword." Filvis explained, though wasn't expecting to hear clapping from Lili and Bell.
"Ohh! That's so cool Filvis! We have a Magic Swordswoman in the crew!"
"That's a pretty amazing skill. Forget your nickname being "The Banshee", they should have given you something that fits your skills." Lili admitted. Thinking that Filvis was more impressive than the rumors about her told. Along with her skills, things in the dungeon would be easier for their party to adapt to the lower levels much easier.
"Alright, let me just get the issue with the sadist over and we'll get our final member for todays dive. Ah, I should ask this first. Fivlis, the person we're going to get might make you uncomfortable. Well, not in a bad way, but from what I've gotten letters from someone I'm writing and getting to know, his family is a bit of a touchy subject for elves." Bell warned Filvis before he could go to the reception desk.
Lili and Filvis blinked at his sudden worry of her. As while Lili figures they were grabbing a blacksmith or another ally or acquaintance Bell knew. She didn't expect Bell to worry or warn them about this person's family being an issue for them.
"Why would their family be an issue for elves? I can't really picture a family or bloodline that elves would have issues with. Well...there is one that-ah! I-Is this person-"
"Yeah. Has the talent for it too apparently. But he hates and refuses to use it. And before you say anything about my decision, let me say this. Does it honestly matter about what something happened so long ago? He's a blacksmith looking for his own way. He hasn't hurt me, Pops, Uncle, Granny or Grandad. And certainly not you or Filvis." Bell said as he saw her hands shaking and her sword loosened in her grip.
"Are you afraid? Be honest with me."
"S-Some what. Based on the stories I've heard what those weapons can do."
"*Sigh* Yeah, I've read and heard about them as well. But it's all about the user of those weapons. Not the creator. Still, if you're feeling-"
"No! W-Well. Okay, I admit this will be a bit...odd for me. But I can try! Remember, I'm going to grow and change myself for the better." Filvis said with fire in her eyes as she looked back into Bell's eyes. Seeing him smile as he raised his hand up towards her.
"What? Come on, don't leave me hanging."
"O-Oh! A-Alright!" Filvis said as she shook her head. Nodding it and then smacked his hand with her own.
"Baby steps Filvis. But, just in case. Say the word and we can call it a day. Sorry Lili, you don't mind that do you?" Bell asked as he looked down at his other member of their crew. Shaking her head as she smiled and saluted back up to Bell.
"Nope! What you say is what we go by Master Bell! Lili knows youre being considerate to our new ally. But I have to ask, what's so bad about this person for elves-"
"BELL CRANEL!" A screeching voice echoed the Guild as wind was practically blown from withing the Guild's halls. Papers flying and the sound of a door slamming open. People wincing and covering their faces and eyes all while their hair or clothing accessories were blown against the wind.
But for Bell, all he could feel aside the wind blowing him a bit forward towards Filvils and Lili, was sheer annoyance to come as he scowled until the wind died down. Turing to see that from the back room of the Guild meant for employees, stood Eina with a scowl on her face as she came marching towards the reception desk. Jumping over it and came closer to him.
"Oh. Hey there sadist."
"That isn't my name and you know it! Do you have any idea what I've had to deal with because of you?"
"Oh!? So it's my fault you decided to open your big fat mouth and spill my Level Up out in the open? That was on you! And another thing, why are you pinning that one on me!? Rather I should hear a thanks from you!"
"Thank you!?"
"You're welcome! I gave you a week off of work, paid and with no worries! That gave you a chance to relax and catch up with your sister right?"
"W-Well yeah me and Nina are set to meet again this weekend and-THAT'S NOT THE POINT! I'm referring to you now being part of Lady Riveria's family, and now what I have to go through because you're now a prince! I've been sent and ordered to become your wife!"
All were baffled at Eina's words as many men's jaws dropped and women covered their faces that were blushing or to cover their mouths in shock at what Eina announced.
"First off! That was Granny's and your mom's idea. If you had already gotten a man before then this wouldn't have happened. You worry your mother too much! This is what happens when you become a work-a-holic! Second, don't you dare put yourself in a high enough position to be my wife! Syr's the top one sofar!"
"Syr!? From the Hostess!?"
"Of course she is! She's my girlfriend damn it! It's her first, then a few others, and you'd be lowest on the list as maybe a concubine!"
"Why am I reduced to such a bottom position! I'm not one of those indecent women!"
"Well then maybe, you should wash that whorish mouth of yours before you think to spill out secrets! And also control your lust and eye fucking to others in the guild. Add in the fact you've been known to be a sadist, whore doesn't even begin to detail your status in this relationship!"
As they argued more and more, many now uttered how ether brave Bell was. Or idiotic. Seeing him now rolling around on the floor as Eina was trying to strangle him by his shirt collar while Bell did the same and tried to get her in a choke hold. But proved to be difficult with her flailing.
"Okay then! Explain it to me then what am I exactly in this relationship then!? And I am a catch to men! Tell me something about me aside from apparently, being a sadist, that you would think would be attractive!"
"Take away your shitty sadist nature, you do seem like a nice girl. Hard working, considerate of others and your fellow co-workers. You do have this sort of cute yet sexy office lady look. Though a bit clumsy which adds a bit of lewdness into the sexy part of your looks." Bell admitted honestly as he looked dully into her eyes. Making her flush and freezing up. Releasing her hold on his shirt as they stood up.
"L-L-Lewd!?"
"Yup. Who else here agrees that my forced arranged concubine/wife has this lewd sexy office lady appearance to her!? Show of hands, no need to be ashamed!" Bell called out to the guild as Eina now was crimson when she saw nearly everyone raise their arms. Save for Bell, Lili, Filvis and some of her embarrassed co-workers too shocked to raise an arm.
"MISHA!? Why are you raising your hand!?" Eina asked as she crossed her arms around her body as to try and cover herself.
"Not my fault you have such a big rack and plump ass! Sometimes in the locker rooms I see you struggling to fit them in your pants! They're ether caught mid-way or you had to slide them in one cheek at a time!" Misha admitted, making many men and women blush and have nosebleeds at the vivid image she provided to them.
"See, now if you could be nice and less of a sadist, then we would get along better. Contrary to what we have currently, I don't particularly dislike you. I know you're a good person, but you can be really annoying." Bell said with a raised eyebrow and a scowl on his face with his teeth baring.
"And what do we have now? Because you seem to enjoy stressing me to no ends."
"Work-Tease-Hate-Like relationship!" Bell said as he crossed his arms and looked at her, not budging when she grabbed his shirt again and tried to shake him.
"THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE ANY SENSE!"
"It makes perfect sense! I tease and annoy you; you hate it, I like it and you like yapping my ear off on lessons! It's a professional work relationship we have right now. Other than that, associates or familiar acquaintance." Bell said as he then grabbed her shoulders and turned her around, and raised his hand and brought it down.
A loud SLAP was heard across the halls and open space. Eyes bulging out of their sockets as then a loud and lewd moan echoed in the air. Lili had to cover her eyes and ears by pulling over her three hoods over her face. And Filvis cupped her hands over her ears to block out such lewd noise, but that didn't cover her eyes. Rather, she leaned forward to pay close attention to the scene.
Eina was now on the floor. Red faced and dusting her cheeks. Her ears bright red and burning. Cheeks pressed against the cold tile floors as a bit of drool escaped her lips as she bit into them. Placing her hands on her rear and wincing at the touch. Knees touching the ground as her rear end was up in the air and her body twitching. Trying to rub the pain on her rear to soothe the burning and oddly feeling it gave her.
"But overall if you keep acting like an idiot and still become an annoying woman and spilling out of your mouth, then you're my bitch!" Bell said as he looked down at her. Grabbing her by the back of her collar and pulling her up on her own two feet.
Eina trembled and slouched. Her legs wobbling as she had her hands behind and rubbing her butt. Slowly, she looked up to Bell, shivering and blushing at how his gaze at her was cold and down casted.
'H-He looks so much taller than me. And those eyes, looking at me as if I was the lowest of scum. Or disgusted with me as if I was a desperate prostitute of the Pleasure District. I-Is he going to slap me again? O-Or grab me roughly until I bruise? W-Will he do it harder?' She thought, but unknowist to her, she shivered, and a small smile came on her face as drool leaked out of the corner of her lips.
"So start being nice, relax and loosen up! Otherwise, I will keep kicking your ass till you've gotten rid of your sadistic and stiff attitude up your ass!" Bell said as he dusted off his hands and began to leave, with Lili and Filvis soon following in tow and asking him why he suddenly did that in public.
Soon after leaving the Guild, the trio made their way down Babel tower and now arrived into the Lower Shops. Scowering around as to look for any interesting supplies or armor for Bell to wear and need in the dungeon.
"Hmm...Anything interesting for you two yet?" Bell asked as they continued to walk as they followed him.
"Aside from a few extra supplies that couldn't hurt to have, nothing really Master Bell. But why are you shopping in the Lower Shops? We have the funds to get better equipment. Is it because the person we're set to meet before the dungeon has a store down here?"
"Well, yeah actually. I found his goods in a shop down here. Good quality and cheap. And while I can buy better armor, I prefer this guy's armor. It's apparently strong as some other armor I've seen in the Middle Shops. Plus I've always had somewhat a money management habbit. Traveling around for a year makes me think wisely and save up money for a rainy day." Bell explained as he opened the door to a shop. Smiling as he saw the store owner now arguing to a red-haired kid and next to him was Tsubaki.
"Hehe-Hey! Been a while hasn't it Paulie! And good seeing you again Tsubaki!" Bell called out as he let Lili and Filvis enter in before him as he closed the door behind. The girls' eyes wandered around the shop, seeing the different variety of wears of armor and weapons on display.
The blonde man behind the store counter looked at Bell from his prior conversation and argument to the red-haired kid. His eyes widened as he adjusted his goggles up on his head. Resting on his slicked back blonde hair and bit a little on his cigar in his mouth. Standing up and grinning as he fixed his blue jacket and dusted off his work pants to rid of the cigar ashes that piled on his lap.
"Hah! Well look who's come back for more eh? Trying to bargain me again for a lower price or interested in more practice tools for you to use?"
"Nah, no practice tools this time Paulie. And did you get a chance to check on any blacksmiths willing to make a cooking set fit for the dungeon?"
"Yeah, sad to say those sods thought it was some bullshit prank. Some were willing to make the knives, but once I said it was meant for cooking, they thought it a waste of their talents. Damn morons should take the jobs instead of fiddling by the fire with their dicks in hand and jacking off!"
"Pfft! G-Gehahahaha! H-How is it you can say that stuff and it sounds so hilarious!" Tsubaki cried as she wiped a tear from her one eye and smacked the countertop as Bell joined in on the laughter as he walked over to the counter. Lili and Filvis couldn't help but giggle while they walked around them and looked down the aisles.
"Ah well, sucks for them. They would've made some serious Valis. I'm here to get some supplies and some new armor by that guy I got last time. Did his stuff restock or is he one of those jackoffs?" Bell said, leaning on the counter with one elbow. Not noticing the red-headed guy next to Tsubaki flinching and his eyes widened.
Paulie smirked as he smacked the box that was atop the counter and slid it towards Bell. Looking at the open box, Bell grinned as he pulled out the white chest piece armor of the set inside. Inspecting it and even giving it a test by headbutting it. Smiling as there wasn't a scratch or dent.
"Hehe! Man this guy makes some good armor for cheap. But does he have to make such useless extra crap too? Seems like a waste of metal?" Bell commented as Paulie and Tsubaki smirked, looking over at the scowling red head.
"Well it's up to the smith's designs and craft on the armor. And don't be quick to judge, those extra pieces could prove useful. "
"Yeah...maybe. But Tsubaki, look at this! These are meant for hips? How are they supposed to be attached without any straps or hooks on them? And why the hips? Am I gonna need them? Especially if I attach them, they look like they're ready to fly off my hips." Bell said as he grabbed one of the set's armor pieces and pointed out the flaws.
"And look at this? Shin guards? Sure some enemies might go for the legs, but they're way too tall. I wouldn't be able to walk right without being a stiff. How tall does this guy think adventurers are?"
"Oh, those are actually arm guards. It's meant to be that long to hide hidden weapons or store some potions."
"Then why does it look like it connects to this small piece of armor to what I can assume is for my feet? Isn't that what combat boots are for?" Bell pointed out to Tsubaki, who was smiling, but laughing internally as she could feel the red head next to her shaking with rage.
"Well...these arm thingies are useful. And I could probably kill some monsters with the long ends hanging out past my elbows. Alright Paulie! I'll take the chest piece, the shoulders, the cool arm things and the kneecap armor. The rest you can trash. How does...7000 Valis sound?" Bell said, grinning at the blond shop owner as he returned Bell's grin with his.
"7000? And you're gonna scrap the rest?" The red head growled as he looked at Bell. Furious that he wasn't even paying him any attention. But he was getting looks and leers from Filvis and Lili.
"Miss Lili, do you suppose-"
"Possibly. If he's here with the "Cyclops" of Hephaestus Familia, then it has to be this Crozzo person Bell mentioned. Be on your guard Miss Challia, in case he should do something to Master Bell." Lili said, carefully and discreetly rolling up her sleeves and setting an arrow in the crossbow.
"Hmm...come on kid, I'd be losing some good Valis from losing the rest of this scrap you're leaving me. It'll just sit in my shop and collecting dust. Plus the smith is gonna be whining at me for not selling his crap. Make it 8000."
"Whining..." The redhead growled as he grinded his teeth.
"Come on, I know you yourself can make something better out of the scraps. Besides that's what I paid for the last armor set and it was just the shoulder and kneecaps. The elbow guards and chest plate. And the only thing I left in that was the leg guards. 5000 Valis!"
"Hmm...well. Introduce me to one of those nice girls from that brothel you mentioned, and I'll consider it."
"Ah, there's one girl that I mentioned about you, and your shy and flustered face with scantly clad women. Honestly Paulie, how is it you're trying to get with someone from the Pleasure District but blush and become embaressed with any normal girl that's scantly clad." Bell laughed as Paulie shook his shoulders.
"Shut up! As a man I have my own taste! And plus I'm more of a romantic and you said there were some you knew that was into that sort of thing! If it's a nice girl, then I don't care if she worked in a brothel, I wanna have a chance at least!"
"Sorry to say but the one I know that's a romantic and a nymphomaniac is with my Pops. Who knows, maybe she might be my Ma someday!" He said as Paulie groaned and slumped down on the countertop. Banging and crying on the desk.
"Damnit, your Pops is one lucky bastard!"
"But, she has a friend that's more into the "open love" type. She's lazy and wouldn't mind you doing anything with her. And I mentioned to you once with her in one of our talks when I visited and she said she was kinda interested in how you are with a girl." Bell said as Paulie stood straight up. And to everyone's surprise, he inhaled majority of his cigar until it was now in half and the ashes fell on the counter. Smoke leaving his nose as he looked straight into Bell's eyes and grasped his shoulders.
"Name and what's the place where she works?"
"Sekhmet Mete, she works at the brothel I visit to talk with my friends that work there called the Midnight Veil. She's free often and one of the few that will take a clinet if they request her."
"Deal! I'll sell this for 4000 Valis!" Paluie said as Bell gave him a thumbs up and a handshake to confirm the deal. Bringing out his pouch and grabbing the amount of Valis from the bag.
"Oh, might wanna go some other time though. I lost a bet and had to pay for one of my Familia members a favor, and he wanted to get laid. So for the next three days he's stuck there." Bell warned Paulie as he had his jaw hung and looked in awe at Bell.
"You set your Familia member up with a night with your friends over at a brothel?"
"Hey! It's their work! Plus I told them about it before I set him up. And besides, it's more of a revenge and payback to that bastard. He's getting something rather...extreme done with in those three days." Bell said, with a sickening grin as though he was smiling evilly. The others swore they saw Bell in all black and cackling evilly with his eyes and grin glowing red.
"THIS IS BULLSHIT!" The red head slammed his fist on the counter. Causing it to crack and all to pay attention to him now. His snarling face looking at Bell who blinked and smiled. Even when the guy suddenly grabbed him and pulled him up by his collar.
'Huh...getting pulled a lot on my shirt today...'
"I worked my ass on making this gear! It took me two sleepless days to make everything, and I had to use several different types of materials to make it. No way am I going to sit by and let my work be sold so cheaply to the cost where it's worth one of these crappy leather armor sets here!"
"It would be wise to unhand Master Bell. Unless you want to be less of a man." Lili whispered as the red haired man flinched. Looking down to see Lili aiming her crossbow at his crotch. To then shiver when she felt a cold metal rod tapping at his neck. Turing to see Filvis tapping her wand at his throat, the gem glowing as she leered.
What made him scared, was that he recognized that it was an elf that was behind him.
"Lili, while I'm proud to see that you're going so far to protect me. And knowing how Ottar will be proud hearing about this. Lower your arms, there's no need to make him a woman." Bell said as he saw Lili back away and hid behind Bell, but peeking over him and leering at the red head.
"You too Filvis. Remember what I said before? Besides, I'm fine see? And Tsubaki and Paulie would've stopped him. I'm surprised it took this long for him to lose it." Bell admitted as the red-haired guy looked startled and at Tsubaki and Paulie. Now snickering and laughing as Filvis put away her staff and leered at the man.
"Wait...you mean you two knew he'd try and buy at a lower cost than what I made it!? And went along with it?!"
"Kid, who in the world asked us about the maker of this crap? This guy is the reason you've been making Valis and getting decent with your work." Paulie said as he poked the top of Bell's head with the unlit part of his cigar and Tsubaki shoving his face to the side of her chest as she petted his hair.
"Not to mention he's the one that's been talking about you with our goddess and myself. And is part of the reason why I drag you away to help me with some of the new projects he gave me ideas for!"
"He's why I've been up three nights making your stupid ballista drill canon?!"
"Oh awesome! You're actually working on the Dagonator!?"
"Yup! I'll be swiming in Valis for when Loki Familia buys those babies for their next expedition!" Tsubaki said as she patted Bell's head more.
"Oh! I've got a idea I want your help on! I've had this in mind for a while, and I bet while Pops will think it's useless, I can't help but want it even more! Money won't be an issue since you can make majority of it with some decent material. But I know a few places where we can get the good stuff and make this possible!" Bell said, poking his head from between Tsubaki's breast as her eyes practically turned to twinkling stars.
"Oh!? Come on! TellmeTellmeTellme! What's this idea!" She cheered for excitedly like a child as she brought up Bell to meet her face to face. Sliding her hands under his armpits and carried him. Bell motioned her head as he cupped his hands over her ears, leaning in and whispered to her the ideas.
Everyone needed to shield their eyes at the sheer brightness and wide grin Tsubaki emitted as she and Bell were in a laugh filled fit.
"Yes! YES! Oh sweet goddess yes! I wanna do it! What do I need and tell me I can add a cannon onto that thing!"
"No! Not just a cannon. Me and my uncle thought up this idea for a cannon beyond cannons! A cannon where in his words said: "Bitches wished they could handle this fucking cannon! A cannon where bitches wished they could love it! No, they want to fuck it! Figuratively and Literally!" That kind of cannon is what we want on it!" Bell exclaimed as he was pulled into a hug. Laughing as he saw Tsubaki's face now red and starry eyed. And could tell she was beyond excited and practically like a lust fueled Amazon from the Pleasure District.
"I think I might just fall in love with your uncle!"
"Go on a date with him! I think the two of you would be perfect for each other! You do that, and I can get the main material for the project!"
"Enough with getting my idiot Familia captain excited! And why would you even set your Uncle up with a gearhead like her!? I wanna know who the hell are you, and were you the reason I've been making more armor sets!?" The red-head yelled as Tsubaki set Bell down as he walked over to him.
"Yup! That was me. Name's Bell Cranel, and I've been wanting to meet you for a while now. Welf Crozzo." Bell said, as the man now identified as Welf froze up. Blinking until he fell on his ass and now looked up at Bell in bewilderment.
"Bell Cranel? The newest record holder for fastest level up? The Free-Spirited Wild Child: Boundless?" Weld asked as Bell tulted his head in confusion before he looked back and Lili and Filvis ahead of him.
"Boundless? That's what my nickname means? It said I was called Aperion."
"W-Well Mr. Bell, sometimes the gods use their old language usually from their homelands or nations. Greek, Roman, Spaniard and even names from the Asian continent are used to give us nicknames by the gods after a Level Up. I believe, Aperion is the Greek word meant to mean 'freedom' or 'infinite'. So the nickname 'Boundless' isn't exactly wrong."
"Ah! I see, thank you Filvis. Still feels kinda weird to hear it instead of Aperion. But Infinite sound's kinda better. But I never got to ask why is that Free-Spirited part of my nickname."
"Master Bell, though rare to be given by a new Level Up. Titles can be given sometimes to adventurers that have performed quite the impressive feats or accomplishments. Though, it does requite witnesses of said events to prove if it was true or not. Perhaps you've made some noteworthy actions that impressed the gods." Lili explained as Bell nodded a few times.
"Okay so that means I have a better name to go with myself. But yeah, back on topic. I've been wanting to meet you for a few reasons." Bell said as he offered his hand to Welf as he took it. Now being pulled back up and shaking his hand.
"Why do you wanna meet me?"
"Well first of all-*B O N K*" Bell then jumped up higher than Welf, who was a good few inches taller than himself. Reared his head backwards and then slammed his skull atop his forehead. Sending him crashing back on the floor and now groaning in pain and holding his forehead as he felt a large bump was starting to form and burned.
"THAT'S FOR YOUR CRAPPY NAMING SENSE! I promised I'd try to knock some sense into that thick skull of yours for your shut-in habit and naming problem. Seriously, you make some cool armor but give it some crappy name. No wonder you have crap luck with selling it. Who in the world would name it Pyonkichi?" Bell said with shark teeth and scowling at Welf, pointing to the armor on the counter.
"...H-He can't be serious? That's the name of the armor he makes Master Bell?!" Lili asked as her eyes trembled and looked back and forth at the armor and Welf.
"I thought it wasn't possible. But there's someone else out there that's even worse at naming things than the very gods themselves when bestowing them to new Level Up Adventurers. Scary, how the world is." Filvis said shocked as she covered her mouth as Paulie took a drag from his cigar and Tsubaki squatting and poking at Welf's face and laughed.
"Shut up damnit! Besides, I doubt you can name it better than I could. It's white like a rabbit so I thought it was a good play on words to what's know about rabbits!" Welf said as he sat back up and looked at the others. Lili looked at him still startled, Filvis stared down at him in disappointment and Bell crossed his arms with a raised eyebrow.
"I thought that the armor was named 'Collapsing Star' based on how the red on it looks like cracks on a bright star that was dying." Lili admitted. As Welf felt an arrow piercing through his chest.
"You could have named it something to prove its defensive and sturdy durability. Such as 'Corundum Ashes'. A connection to the mineral corundum, which is on the hardness scale below diamond and ashes linking to volcanos and creating obsidian." Filvis said, again piercing Welf in the back.
"Personally, I'd have called it Vizardos Espada. That makes it sound cooler and way badass." That was the final straw and shot to Welf's pride as he was now on his hands and knees. Punching the ground and cursing at himself.
"Vizardos Espada? What's the meaning of that name Master Bell?"
"Ah, well I've traveled to a few places around before coming here to Orario. That also included other countries and continents if you can believe it. Vizardos is a pronunciation in the country of Japan, a part of the Far-East Region. Its a name meaning "Masked Army" in their language. And from a warm and costal area in Spain, I had heard the name Espada meant sword and other arms."
"But doesn't the meaning make it sound odd? Masked Army Sword? I admit it's better than Pyonkichi but it's a bit odd to sound out." Filvis said as Bell waved his hand and pointed back at the armor.
"Not really. Think of it as this, you could call armor and other equipment that's meant to protect you a mask for your body. Just like a mask protects your face from identification or for medical applications. And some would go about the best offense being the best defence, hence a shield better than the sword."
"Ahh~ It actually makes sense now! A defensive armor meant to practically be strong as a sword! Vizardos Espada! The armor that strikes down the enemy in its shining light and stained with the fallen's blood!" Tsubaki said as she hit her palm with her fist as Bell smirked.
"Exact ally! See we can think of better names than you. Maybe you should read or get inspiration from some other stuff or places to name your next work."
"Arrgh! Aside from you trying to split my head open and trying to give me naming advice-"
"Which you should take into consideration~!"
"SHUT IT TSUBAKI! Why else were you looking for me?" Welf asked as he stood up as he saw Bell thumbing towards Tsubaki again who was waving goofily at Welf. Smirking back at Welf as he had his hands now on his hips and chest puffed out.
"I owed it a favor and promise to her that I'd take you into my crew. You gotta get out more and toughen up! Word from her is that you barely reach the ninth floor alone and it takes you hours. You kinda worry her and your goddess dude, take their feelings into consideration." Bell said as Welf was now red in the face with embarrassment and growled at his captain.
"Plus, I want more stuff from you." Bell said as Welf blinked and looked at him in surprise.
"Wait...really?"
"Duh! You make good quality stuff that's even on par with some of the Middle Shop's goods. Sometimes even better than theirs. Plus, I get the feeling that if you found more materials you might even put the Upper Shops out of business." Bell said as he put his fist onto Welf's chest and smirked.
"You've got the potential. But you gotta stop being an idiot and half assing your craft. If you went all out, then you'd be making unbreakable armor and weapons! They'll be raking in so many customers and you can make anything to your heart's conten-"
"I will never make a magic sword!" Welf yelled as Bell stopped smiling as his hand was smacked away from his chest.
"I figured that's what you were after! Magic swords, magic armor, was it because I'm a Crozzo and you heard rumors!?" Welf roared as he glared at Bell then looked at Tsubaki who looked at him with disappointment.
"You must have set him up to this! I said it before I won't make those stupid magic items for selfish bastards like this-" Before Welf could even finish, Bell punched him. Sending Welf flying as Filvis had to dodge. His back hitting a shelf behind him. Breaking it completely in two as armor fell on top of him.
Welf raised his head, holding his nose as it was bleeding alot and saw Bell scowling at him with his blood dropping from his fist. He tried to get up, but was pushed down by Bell. He clenched his teeth, weather to brace himself for another hit or by fear as he was forced to look into Bell's eyes.
"You think I wanted magic crap from someone that half asses things? You think I only asked for you by your name? I didn't even know about your family only until a few days ago! And before then, I've been trying to meet you for days and weeks!" Bell said as Welf's eyes widened in surprise as he was slammed back down again by Bell until he was pulled up by his collar.
"How is it your so blinded by your own stupidity you can't see how sad and frustrating you're making Tsubaki and even your own goddess by holding yourself back! Phae talks about how you're someone that will surpass the other members of your Familia soon! Maybe even be considered a legendary smith like her legends say about herself!"
"L-L-Lady Hephaestus...has that much faith in my skills?"
"Yes you idiot! And Tsubaki's been trying to push you to make one, even if its crap or to spite her or prove her wrong. Putting her at the risk of you hating her for the rest of your life!" Bell said as he pulled Welf closer, snarling and his teeth clenching as he bore into Welf's bewildered and scared look in his eyes.
"Phae even cried when she sees you struggling and holding back! She wants to see what you can really make if you pour everything into your work. Even if you think it's crap, she wants to see just one thing you make with your very heart in it!" Bell said as he threw Welf back down on the broken shelf. Seeing him stumbling back up and seated upright.
"I-I didn't mean to...make her cry. Or hate that idiot Tsubaki. But..I don't want to make them for greedy bastards or gain recognition and be hounded by my shitty old man-"
"Who cares! It's up to you to decide who you make and sell them to! If greedy fat idiot bastards want them, make a shitty weapon and rob them blind! If your dad or whoever raised you talks crap, they're not here! You don't have to listen to a thing they spew out of their mouth!" Bell yelled as he pointed at Welf.
"You're you! You're your own man! It's up to you to decide who to sell. Who you can trust to take care of your weapons and goods you make. What you want to build and when you wanna build it! And no one can tell you shit cus it's your work! Not theirs!"
Welf looked up at Bell in awe. Blinking as he felt a wind of relief and relaxation blowing throughout his body. Biting the inside of his cheek as he stood up, and looked back down at Bell. Silence ensued the two of them, until he reached out his hand to Bell.
"If I can join your party? Would you mind making a contract with me to be your guy's personal blacksmith? Fair warning: I'm a stubborn idiot and will likely have a hard time to accept making something magical. And odds are, if I'm gonna make something good, we'll need to do alot of dungeon dives for the materials I want and will use." Welf said as he bit his lower lip, but smiled and winced as Bell grabbed his arm and shook it with a grip to it.
"Believe me, we find all sorts of goods and drops in the dungeon. We'll find treasures the likes you can only dream of. And sure, I'm not in a hurry to ask for any magical items. But I'M the stubborn idiot of this crew! So get use to being sensible! Being an idiot is my role!" Bell said as Welf gawked.
"HUH!? How can you be an idiot! You're the captain of this party aren't you? Shouldn't you have a better sense of command and a level head!?"
"It's a crew! Not a party! Crew mean's your stuck with us whether you like it or not! And I can be an idiot and have a level head!"
"No you can't!"
"Yes I can! I'm the captain! I'm an idiot and I'm one greedy bastard! I can choose what I want to be whenever I want! Now get ready! We're heading out to the dungeon right now!" Bell said as he turned back to see the other's smiling at him as he grabbed the armor pieces and started to put them on.
"W-Wait right now? But I didn't even bring my sword or bad! Look at me!" Welf said as he moved his hands up and down his body. Showing that he wore some sort of scarf or bandanna around his neck. A long sleeve blue shirt, underneath his black baggy kimono he had to tie a belt around his waist. Though sloppily tied, it didn't hinder his movement as he was seen wearing white tanned pants and tall brown boots going up to his shins.
"So? I went in the dungeons before wearing nothing but the clothes on my back. As for a weapon..Paulie!"
"Fine~ Pick a greatsword out from the back kid. That's gonna cost you extra you know that right? 5000 Valis for the shelf you broke and 6000 for a sword."
"Fine~ Here!" Bell said as he handed Paulie more Valis as Welf was looking lost, staring at Bell in bewilderment as he had Filvis pick out a broadsword for Welf as he dragged him along with them as they left the shop. Bidding farewell to Tsubaki and Paulie as they made their way to the dungeon.
During their trip heading towards the dungeon, introductions and small talks were being made within the crew. Getting to know Welf and trying to make things seem less awkward with him and Filvis. It wasn't as if she was trying to avoid him, though even he could understand the issues with elves and his family.
Welf was surprised to hear how that the infamous 'Record Breaker' was younger than him. Which almost caused another fight to happen. As Bell told him to not mention about being young like a kid and never to call him anything like a rabbit. For he hated that dumb comparison to himself, and being called young reminded him of the jerk gods that didn't accept him into their familias when he first started and judged him by his age.
Finally, they had entered the dungeon floors and were descending down at a normal pace. Banding together close as from Bell's warning from Tsubaki that even if they were a large group, more monsters could still spawn and there was this odd thing with Welf each time he went in the dungeon.
"Mr. Bell, I forgot to ask but what floor do we plan to stop around at for today? Or perhaps are you seeing to maybe explore more of the Middle Floors?" Filvis asked as Bell shook his head and looked back at her as they continued walking around the fifth floor.
"No, we have a new crew member with us. So maybe we stick around the upper floors, mostly leaning towards staying around the twelfth and thirteenth floors to get some experience fighting as a large group and teamwork with-where's Welf?" Bell said as he turned around. Looking between Lili and Fivlis as they turned and now moved their heads back and forth to scopw out the area to find no red-haired smith behind him.
"Huh? Where could he have gone? We were sticking together since we entered?"
"Hello? Mr. Welf Crozzo? Are you still around here? I swore he was just behind us a second ago. And I felt his prescense with us until you pointed it out Mr. Bell?" Filvis said as Bell looked around and went to check some of the fifth floors tunnels that connected to the walls and other pathways on this level.
"Hey Welf, where did you go?! Lili, is there monsters that snatch people away on this floor?"
"No, the only monsters that could surprise us would be War Shadows. But they're visible and we can handle them with ease. Do you think that maybe Welf was caught by surpri-"
"Hey! There you guys are!" A voice called them as they turned to see Welf coming from the opposite side of the tunnel they were looking at. Watching him run and dirty now as he leered at them once he stopped in front of them.
"What's the big idea? You said to stay in a group but the next thing I notice was you guys were gone?"
"Us!? You were right behind us until a few seconds ago?! How could you not notice us in front of you the second we were gone?"
"You guys should keep an eye out with each other on this floor, it's like a maze here." Welf said, now getting into an argument with Lili as the two bickered back and forth. While watching this, Filvis and Bell looked at each other from the sides. A frown on their faces as they looked back at Welf and then to each other.
"Filvis...I think I have this idea as to why he suddenly wasn't behind us. Though...part of me is inclined to think it's just my imagination."
"Yes. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. But even so, this is the fifth floor. It's not like the lower levels like the tenth or below where you can get lost easily. Still, better test this to see if we're wrong. Or if it's correct." Filvis said as she stepped forward and cleared her throat. Stopping Lili from about to bit his head and Welf from biting her leg.
"Mr. Welf. Could I ask you to test something for me?"
"Um...sure? What do you need me to do?"
"Well, as odd as this sounds. Could you walk back into the tunnel from where you came out from. And then take ten steps back and come back out again? It's to test my detection magic to see if there's something wrong with it." Filvis explained as Welf nodded his head and dropped Lili. The three of them watched as Welf entered back into the tunnel and heard the sounds of footsteps echo in the dungeon floors.
Ten steps taken, and then they heard nothing.
"Wait, shouldn't he come back out now after the tenth step? Or is he waiting for Miss Challia to give the signal to-
"Huh!? Wait, why did you guys move to the opposite side of the area?" The three of them turned around to see Welf was now behind him looking confused. Lili's eyes were now moving towards the tunnles and Welf. Pointing back and forth at Welf and the walls as murmurings and mumbled noises escaped her lips.
"Mr. Bell. I fear that our worst hypothesis turns out to become true." Filvis said as she shook her head. Making Bell smack his hand into his own face and sighed. Rubbing his forehead as he looked at Welf with a dull look.
"How is it that you have a shitty sense of naming things. But also have a shit sense of direction?"