Bell sat on the ground with his legs crisscrossed. His head felt woozy, and he was struggling to keep his eyes open.
A strange mist filled the room, laced with ingredients to make one fall asleep. It was a heavy dose of the sleeping mist that Bell was fighting against.
His eyes grew heavier by the second, yet he forced himself to stay awake. Five minutes, ten minutes. His eyes still remained opened.
However, at the 15-minute mark, his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he fell backward, embracing the sleep that crept into his system.
A few minutes later, he was woken up by his Grandpa rubbing his sternum and giving him a smile.
"You did good, Bell, lasted 15 minutes this time."
Bell, who was around 13 years old, stared quizzically at his Grandfather. "Grandpa, I don't really understand the point of this. Why are you making me resistant to sleep?"
Bell Grandpa chuckled before ruffling his hair. "I'm not making you resistant to sleep, my boy. I'm making you resistant to sleep-inducing items. You never know if someone will try and use them on you."
"But why would they do that?" Bell asked.
"Well, they might want to kill ya in your sleep. Or do something worse while you can't resist." His Grandfather answered.
Bell nodded, understanding the innuendo. "But how would I know if someone's trying to make me sleep, Grandpa?"
"Well, did you notice the odor of what I was using?" His Grandfather asked.
Bell nodded. "Yeah, it smelled like mint."
His Grandfather smiled. "They pay attention to that. Or a smell of fruit where there is none."
His Grandfather then stuck out his hand to Bell, which the boy grabbed. He was lifted up to his feet, and his Grandfather brushed the dust off his shirt.
"But enough about that today. Let's go fishing."
Bell smiled. "Ok, Grandpa."
The two then grabbed their fishing equipment and headed to the lake.
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Bell awoke to rays of sunshine hitting his eyes. He blocked it with his hand as he sat up and stretched his arms.
His mind wandered back to the dream he just had. The memories of his Grandfather's death still fresh in his mind. Tears stung the corners of his eyes, but he held them back.
He wouldn't cry, not when there was work to be done. But that was a lie, and he knew it. Truth is, if he cried, it meant accepting the reality of his Grandpa being dead.
His only family being dead. Even if he was a lair.
"Enough thinking about that. Time to get ready for the day." Bell thought.
He got out of bed and threw his armor on. He didn't feel like changing his clothes because they were just gonna get dirty when he went down to the dungeon.
Bell had been adventuring with Lili for close to a week now. The two had fallen into a comfortable routine.
They would go down to floor eight, where Bell would train with Ratto for a few hours. Then Ratto would leave, and Bell would spend the day killing monsters while Lili harvested their stones and drop items. Then, at the end of the day, Lili would get her half and rinse and repeat.
Bell finished putting his armor on and exited his room. The smell of fresh pancakes filled his nose as he entered the dining room and saw Astraea cooking in the kitchen.
To her disappointment, Ganesha's banquet was pushed back due to some supply issues. Astraea felt disappointed, knowing it would be a little while longer before she could see her friend again.
"Morning Bell, breakfast is almost ready. Take a seat," Astraea greeted.
Bell smiled as he took his seat. A few minutes later, Astraea placed two plates of pancakes on the table. There were already cups of water there beforehand.
"So, same plan you've had for the past couple of weeks?" Bell asked.
Astraea nodded. "Yes, tend to my garden and visit Ryu. I assume your plan remains the same as well?"
Bell shook his head. "Nope, Ratto said he was busy today, so it'll be just me and Lili. He also said I'd be meeting someone new tomorrow to continue my training."
Astraea took a bite of her pancakes. "Hmm, someone new. I hope it pans out well for you."
Bell shrugged. "Maybe, I've been meaning to ask you something. Been slipping my mind with me falling into a routine."
"Oh no, don't tell me having a life seems scary to you." Astraea lightly teased.
Bell chuckled. "No, it's not that. It's just, the other night when we were at the Hostess. I heard this weird ringing in my head. I only felt it at the tavern and when I was taking you home. Did any of your old familia have a skill like that?"
Astraea stopped eating and cleared her throat. Images of an ash-haired werewolf flooded her mind.
"Yes, her name was Nezhe. She was a werewolf, and she had a sensory skill that allowed her to detect ill intent directed toward a familia member. Downside is it didn't apply to her or work on monsters. Only people."
Bell nodded. "I see, then it seems Ryu is under threat. But shouldn't she be safe at the Hostess? You said it was a safe place during the dark ages."
"Yes, that's true, but still warn Ryu so she knows. If she already doesn't suspect something, of course." Astraea asked.
"I will, do you still plan on going to the Hostess?" Bell asked.
Astraea nodded. "I do, it hasn't been attacked yet, and Mia will keep me safe if things go awry."
"Alright, I trust your judgment. Just stay safe, Astraea." Bell softly said.
Astraea giggled. "Shouldn't I be telling you that? You're the big, strong adventurer who goes into the depths of the dungeon. Trying to be my hero, Bell?"
"If the need arises, yes. I don't want anything bad to happen to you." Bell stated.
Astraea giggled again. "Oh, how sweet. Knight in shining armor, you are. But please take care of yourself as well. You can't be my hero if you're hurt or worse." Astraea trailed off.
Bell looked Astraea in the eye. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, besides, I can take a hit, remember."
He was referring to the Minotaur.
Astraea smiled. "Yes, I do, scared me half to death when you collapsed."
"Well, I have armor this time. So I won't bleed that much." Bell stated.
The two then finished their breakfast, with Bell taking the dishes into the kitchen before leaving. Once he left, Astraea let out a somber sigh.
The silence of her home filling her with grief.
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Bell walked down the streets of Orario. His thoughts wandered back to his Grandfather. Wondering what was the truth and what wasn't.
It was really throwing him for a loop, not knowing. But he could think of it later. Right now, he needed to get his head on straight and focus.
He was heading into the dungeon, after all. One wrong move or a second he wasn't focused could spell his and Lili's death.
But before he did, another thought entered his mind. How did he have a skill from Nezhe as well? He didn't see any weird floating people this time.
Maybe it happened in his sleep?
Whatever was the case, Bell pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind. He saw Lili up ahead, waiting by the fountain. The place where they always met.
However, something seemed to be wrong.
"Hey, everything alright, Lili?" Bell asked.
Bell could see the bags under her eyes. She also looked skinnier as well. Was she not eating?
"Fine, Master Bell, let's head to the dungeon," Lili mumbled.
Bell took another look at her and shook his head. "We'll go later, come with me let's get you some breakfast."
Lili went to protest, but Bell was already walking away. So as to keep up with him, she followed.
Nothing was said between the two. Bell made sure to walk slow so Lili could keep up. After a few minutes of walking, the two arrived at the Hostess.
Which was just opening for breakfast. Bell smiled as he walked in. One reason was he was lucky today. The other was he could warn Ryu about a threat against her life.
"You're early white hair, nya. Who's your friend, nya." Anya greeted.
Bell smiled as an idea came to him. "This is Lili nya. She's my supporter, nya."
"That's not funny, white hair, nya." Anya deadpanned.
"What's not nya."
"You know what you're doing, nya."
"Doing what, nya?"
Anya glared at Bell, who started laughing.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop. Can we have a table, please?" Bell asked.
Anya continued her glare as she grabbed a menu. "Of course, follow me, nya."
Lili just looked at the two, confused. Was there something she was missing here? But with Bell following the brown-haired catgirl, she followed him.
Anya sat the two at a table while handing Lili a menu. She could also see the bags under Lili's eyes and that she was pretty skinny. Even for a prum. She wasn't falling for Lili's disguise.
Despite her playful bickering with Bell, she was glad there was a kindness to him.
"Pick anything you want, I'll pay for it," Bell told Lili.
The prum looked warily at Bell. "Are you sure, Master Bell?"
Bell nodded. "Yes, Lili, I'm sure, and don't pick the cheapest thing either."
Lili gulped before looking back at the menu. She had made up her mind not to rob Bell. Mostly because he could easily catch up to her.
But also because Bell seemed different than all the other adventurers she had encountered. He was kind.
"Hey Anya, can you go and get Ryu? There's something I need to talk with her about." Bell asked.
Anya grew a teasing smirk. "Oh, gonna ask out Ryu nya. Playboy Bell nya."
Bell chuckled and rolled his eyes. "It's not that, but can you go and get her, please?"
"Anya's on it, nya," Anya said, giving a fake salute.
Anya then left, leaving Bell and Lili alone at their table. Lili kept cruising through the menu while Bell waited for her to order.
"How come that waitress didn't give you a menu?" Lili asked.
"Because she knows I get my breakfast at home. Now go ahead and order something. We're not going to the dungeon today until after you eat something. Maybe have you take a little nap as well when we're down there."
Lili slowly nodded before going back to her menu.
"Mr Cranel," Ryu called out.
Bell turned his attention to her and saw her staring at him with an impassive gaze. Quite typical of her.
"Ah, Ryu, good to see you. Do you have anywhere we can talk privately?" Bell asked.
Ryu's cheeks slightly flushed. "Mr Cranel, I'm flattered, but I'm not looking for that kind of relationship."
Bell's face filled with confusion. "Huh, what are you talking about?"
Ryu's face turned slightly redder. "Y-your confession."
Bell narrowed his eyes as he slowly turned his head to where Anya was standing. She was peering from the kitchen, placing a hand to her mouth to suppress her giggling.
"Nya nya nya. Who's the fool now, white hair."
Bell shook his head and turned away from Anya. "Anya pulled a little prank on you. Besides, I have something important you need to know."
Ryu's face flushed slightly red with anger, but she quickly recomposed herself. Clearing her throat, she spoke.
"Very well, my apologies for believing her. What is it you need to tell me?" Ryu asked, her face going back to being stoic.
"Got a quiet place I can tell you?" Bell asked.
Ryu gestured to the corner of the bar. Bell followed her over there while telling Lili to stay. Lili grew slightly nervous, thinking it was something about her.
But calmed herself when Anya came back and took her order.
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Bell and Ryu stood in the corner of the bar. No one was around them, and the only customer was Bell and Lili.
But Bell didn't want to risk someone hearing their conversation by walking in. Mostly because it would expose Ryu was the Gale Wind, and Bell couldn't let that happen.
"So what is it you need to tell me, Mr Cranel?" Ryu whispered.
Bell took one last look around. "Someone's after you and intends to harm you."
Ryu nodded. "And how do you know this?"
Bell took a deep breath. "You know how I have Alise's magic?"
Ryu nodded. "Yes, I do."
"That's not the only thing I have. I have a skill from a woman named Nezhe. The sensory one where she can sense ill intent to her familia members."
Ryu took a second to process his words. She felt buried emotions rise up from hearing Nezhe's name and Bell using her skill. But she knew it wasn't something he could control.
"Ok, and when did you sense this, and who's after me?" Ryu asked. She would take this threat on her life seriously.
Especially if the blowback could harm Syr.
"A woman with brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a short white top and green shorts along with a red scarf." Bell answered.
Ryu put her hand to her chin. "I see, I remember her being here. Are you certain it was her?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. That annoying ringing didn't start until she entered. She also kept her gaze on you for the longest time as well."
Ryu hummed and nodded. "I see. Thank you for informing me. I should be safe here, but I'll keep an eye out. Mama Mia is pretty strong, after all."
Bell nodded. "Alright, just stay safe, Ryu. Astraea would hate it if something happened to you."
Bell then walked back to his table where Lili was sitting. She had a plate of waffles and bacon with a few biscuits on the side and a glass of orange juice.
Ryu watched as he sat back down. A single thought running through her mind.
"She'd hate it if something happened to you too."
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Bell sat back down at the table with Lili. The prum eating her food like it was her last meal on earth.
Bell just smiled at the scene. In the corner of his eye, he could see Ryu talking with Mia and the dwarven woman nodding her head.
"So how did your confession go, nya?" Anya asked, giving Lili a refill of her orange juice.
"That was a good prank, I'll admit. Be a shame when I get ya back, though." Bell answered.
"Nya sounds like a threat, white hair."
Bell shrugged. "Take it the way you want. Just watch your back, Anya. No telling what I'll do now."
Anya playfully narrowed her eyes at Bell. "Nya, then I shall await your challenge, white hair. The great and magnificent Anya will not be-
"There's a spider on your shoulder."
Anya shrieked and swatted her shoulder. "Nya! Get it off! Get it off! Nya!"
Anya stopped, however, when she heard Bell laughing. She looked at the white-haired boy with an embarrassed look on her face.
"Low blow white hair, nya. Low blow."
"Told you I'd get you back. Scared of spiders, nice to know." Bell laughed.
Anya's face slightly paled. "Don't you dare, nya. We can talk about this, nya."
Bell gave her a cheeky grin. "Talk about what? I'm simply returning the favor, Anya."
Anya gulped while Bell turned his attention back to Lili.
"Enjoying your breakfast, Lili?" Bell asked.
Lili looked up, her mouth full and crumbs on her face. She gave Bell a bright smile and nodded her head.
"Alright, keep eating. Then, once we reach floor eight, you can take a nap. Or take one here, better if you take a nap here."
Lili didn't respond as she kept eating her food. Anya, on the other hand, went back to the kitchen. Scared of what he would do next.
Bell, on the other hand, continued watching as Lili kept eating and watching as more patrons entered.
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Down in the depths of the dungeon, a group of adventurers lied in wait. Led by men named Canoe and Ged. They had been watching Bell for a few days.
Watching his schedule and waiting for the opportunity to strike. They couldn't for a while. Not while that strange man trained him. He would sniff them and their intentions out a mile away.
He never really left when he said he did. Always stayed out of sight but kept an eye on Bell. However, today was different, today, he wasn't going to be there.
Today, they would strike.
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Freya sat atop her lavish chair on the top floor of Babel Tower. She sat with her legs crossed as she watched with glee at the kindness Bell was showing.
To his supporter and her wayward child. Such a sight filled her with happiness. It almost made her regret what was about to happen.
"Is everything ready, Ottar?" Freya asked.
"It is my lady. Ratto had some business to take care of. So those adventurers who have been waiting for an opportunity have it now." Ottar answered.
"Hmm, Ratto. It's such a lovely name. I'm glad I came up with it."
"I wear it with honor, my lady."
Freya giggled. "You can't lie to me, Ottar dear. But that's alright. I just want to know how his training goes."
"It went well, however, he seems to be stagnating with his sword style. Perhaps he needs a level up?"
Freya hummed. "Perhaps you are right. Maybe this will be enough to level him up. How long has he been adventuring for now?"
"About two and a half months, my lady. I have also finished my investigation into the Zeus and Hera records."
Freya quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, now tell me what you found out. Was my suspicion correct?"
Ottar nodded. "He does look like the Silence. But there is no record of him in the Zeus or Hera familia records. Just a close resemblance to the Silence and her sister."
"And what of his father?" Freya cooed.
"The only one who comes close is the Cowardly Hero. Their eyes are the same with bright ruby red eyes. Other than that, no mention of him or his birth."
Freya swirled her wine glass. "Hmm, I see, so we still only have suspicions on who his parents are and no real concept of when he was born."
"I'm sorry for not doing better, my lady." Ottar apologized.
Freya waved him off. "Nonsense, Ottar dear, you've just given me more questions to this mystery. Ah, I do love a good mystery. Especially with him, the mystery makes him all the more intriguing."
Freya then turned her attention back to Bell. "Oh, Ottar, look, he's on the move. It's almost time for his test."
Ottar watched impassively as his goddess fangirled. He hoped his student would do well.
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After Lili had taken a small nap in the Hostess, which lasted about an hour, Bell and Lili left. Bell paid for her meal like he said he would and left Anya a good tip for annoying her.
Now, with Lili looking a little rested and with a good meal in her belly, the two headed to the dungeon.
It was around 10 am when they finally started heading down. Unaware of the situation the two were about to find themselves in.
They started descending the floors, with Lili starting to ask Bell questions.
"Hey, Master Bell, what's it like being a part of the Astraea familia?" Lili asked.
Bell somberly smiled. "Quite mostly. Everyone else that used to be a part of it is dead. I'm the one that has to restart it."
He wouldn't tell her about Ryu.
Lili frowned. "Must be lonely."
Bell shook his head. "Not exactly. Astraea's around to keep me company, and I'm around to keep her company."
"Hmm, so are you like a firm believer in justice or anything?"
The two arrived on floor two. Bell kept up the conversation.
"Not exactly, but I do believe that justice doesn't always help the people affected who need it. Sometimes, bad people do bad things and don't face any consequences. But if we resort to an eye for an eye method, it's just senseless killing."
Lili nodded. "Lili thinks everyone should be tried in court with a fair and equal trial. That way, everyone gets treated equally."
They reached the third floor, then the fourth.
"Well, that's a way of looking at things. But sometimes, trials don't work out. Bad people walk free because of lack of evidence."
"But if we use the gods, people can't lie to them." Lili pointed out.
"Not if they answer vaguely. The god's lie detector isn't as concrete as we were lead to believe." Bell stated.
"And how do you know that Master Bell?" Lili asked.
They quickly passed through the fifth and sixth floors while they continued their conversation.
"A little something my Grandpa told me. I don't know how he knows it, and I never bothered to ask."
Lili could tell by Bell's tone he didn't want to say anything more about that. So she decided to drop it.
"Hey, Master Bell. Can Lili ask you a question?" Lili asked.
"Sure, I'll try my best to answer."
Lili took a deep breath and nodded. "If Lili was in trouble. Would you help her?"
The two passed through seven and shortly arrived at eight.
"Of course, why are you asking me this? Are you in trouble, Lili?"
Lili went to respond but was suddenly grabbed by her backpack and dragged backward. It was thrown off, and an arm wrapped around her neck, pulling her into the air.
Bell quickly spun on his heel and blocked a knife aimed at his face with his gauntlets. It slid across, leaving a scratch as he punched a man in the face.
He went to reach for his sword but was stopped.
"Hold it shit head. Else, I'll break her neck." Canoe ordered.
Bell left his hand hovering over his pommel as four more men came out. One of them being Ged, the man Bell arrested.
"Remember me, brat?" He goaded an arrogant smirk on his face.
Bell narrowed his eyes as he counted six men. Canoe and Ged, plus four others. He looked over to Lili, who was struggling in Canoe's grasp.
"Well, it's nice we finally meet, kid. Ged's told me a lot about you. Unfairly arresting him and all."
"Wasn't unfair, he tried to kill someone. I'd say he got off light if he's down here with you." Bell responded.
Ged shrugged. "If you have enough money, nothing can keep you down for long." He reasoned with an arrogant smile.
Bell paid him no mind. He kept his eyes on Lili, who looked terrified. Canoe, seeing, tightened his grip.
"Now, here's what's gonna happen. You're gonna hand over that sword and armor of yours. Someone like you doesn't need expensive equipment like that. You're going to give it to us, and we'll go sell it for a nice sum of cash. If you don't, I'll break Lili's neck here and then kill you. Ged just leveled up to level two after all."
Bell looked over to the man, who gave him a mocking wave. He looked back to Lili, who had a defeated look in her eyes.
She looked at Bell and spoke. "I'm sorry, Master Bell. Lili never wanted you to become involved. Forgive me."
Canoe just laughed. "Ha, you hear that. The little bitch says she's sorry. It looks like she didn't rob you yet to make you want her dead. But since I'm merciful, I'll let her live once you hand everything over."
That was a lie, and Bell knew it. Once he handed his weapons over, both Lili and Bell would be killed. It was kill or be killed now.
"Fine, you want my shit. Take and let Lili go." Bell coldly responded.
His hand grasped the handle of his sword and tightened around it. Lili's eyes widened as she knew what he was going to do.
Before Canoe even blinked, Bell was right in front of him, his sword unsheathed. He swung upward, slicing Canoe's arm off.
Canoe screamed, and Lili dropped to the ground. Bell sliced down and severed Canoe's head from his shoulders.
His body dropped before his head hit the ground. Ged charged at Bell in rage at his friend's death.
"You fucking brat!" Ged yelled.
He swung his sword down at Bell, aiming for his neck. Bell parried before driving his sword into Ged's neck. Blood spurted out and covered Bell's face and hands.
Ged choked on his own blood and dropped his sword to the ground. Bell drove it deeper, and the light faded from Ged's eyes as he fell to his knees.
Bell took his sword out and looked at the four remaining men. They didn't even stay to collect their friend's bodies as they ran away in fear.
Bell sheathed his sword and walked over to Lili. Blood was dripping from his hands, and a thousand-yard stare was on his face.
Lili was breathing heavily as Bell approached her. Once he reached her, he stuck out his hand.
"Come on, let's get out of here," Bell said, his voice monotone.
Lili gulped but took his offer for help. He pulled her to her feet, and Lili saw the aftermath. Canoe with no head and Ged with a slit throat.
"Master Bell, Ged was a level two. How did you-
"I stabbed him in the neck. Level two or not, this sword is made from Mithril, and his neck wasn't durable."
Bell walked to Lili's backpack and grabbed it. He gave it back to her, and she placed it on her back. She looked at Bell in worry. Not because she was scared of him. But because of how quiet he was.
But when he started walking away, Lili followed behind him. The two didn't say another word until they were out of the dungeon.
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Freya looked at the scene in horror. She watched the encounter from her divine mirror with wide eyes.
"No, it wasn't supposed to go that way. He was supposed to beat them and send them running, then I would kill them. Oh, that poor boy."
She wanted nothing more than to go down there and comfort him. But she couldn't it would raise suspicions about her.
"Oh, I've made a mistake. I should've just had Ottar kill them before they caused any trouble for Bell. Oh, what have I done."
Freya felt a pain in her chest as her heart filled with turmoil. Had she known the situation would've gone like that, Ottar would've killed those men before they even breathed in Bell's direction.
But now that he had killed them. Only one person would be able to get through to Bell now.
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Bell and Lili arrived back on the surface. His face and hands were covered in blood. But no one gave him a second glance as they all assumed it was monster blood.
"Lili, do you have a safe place to stay for the night?" Bell asked.
Lili jumped slightly at hearing Bell's voice. It sounded so…dead.
"Um, yes, Master Bell. I do."
Bell blinked, still not looking down at Lili. "That's good. But swing by the Stardust Garden in a few days. That way, you can tell Astraea about this."
"Ok, Master Bell, thank you."
Lili then scurried off, leaving Bell alone. Bell blinked again and started walking him. His eyes were bloodshot, and he wandered aimlessly.
He was home after ten minutes of this. He opened the door and saw Astraea waiting for him. Or not waiting for him, she looked ready to head out.
Wait, what time was it?
"Bell? You're back early- oh good gods, what happened?!"
Astraea quickly rushed over to Bell, who had a dead look in his eyes. Like he wasn't registering anything or anyone.
"I uh- Lili, we uh- I uh- I killed two people," Bell answered.
Astraea looked horrified while images of what he had done flashed through Bell's mind. The arm and head flying off. Him jabbing his blade into someone's neck.
The look of fear as they died. The smell. The blood covering him.
Bell felt nauseous, and Astraea, seeing this, stood back as Bell threw up on the floor. He started shaking as the images kept flowing in his mind over and over again.
He threw up once more as Astraea rubbed his back. Tears filled his eyes as he kept chanting the same thing over and over again.
"I killed someone. I killed someone. I killed someone." He repeated.
Astraea kept rubbing comforting circles on Bell's back as she led him away from the foyer. Bell's body shook as tears streamed down his face.
"I killed someone. I killed someone. I killed someone."
Astraea led him into the bathroom and left Bell for a second. She started a bath and immediately went back to Bell's side.
"Bell, let's get you out of these clothes ok." Astraea cooed.
Bell nodded as his body kept shaking. Astraea began the process of removing his armor. She needed to wash the blood off of him and check for any injuries.
Normally, she'd be embarrassed by this, but she steeled herself. Bell needed her, and she would help him.
Once Bell's armor was gone, she took off his shirt and saw more blood plastered on his chest. Some of it seemed to run down his shirt without him realizing. But no injuries.
Next was his pants and underwear, and she braced herself. Once they were off, she saw no blood or injuries, which was good.
All the while, Bell kept crying and repeating the same thing over and over again. Astraea kept her eyes up and led Bell to the bath, helping him inside it.
Bell sunk down and closed in on himself. His eyes were still wide, but he had stopped muttering. He was just quiet now as Astraea ran a washcloth over his body.
She was nice and gentle, cleaning the blood off Bell. Whispering words of comfort as she dragged the washcloth up and down his chest.
Bell didn't seem to react to any of this. He just kept staring in front of him. Astraea knew Bell wouldn't be the same after this. She knew what killing a person could do to someone.
But she stood by Ryu after she went on her murder spree and rid the city of Evilis. She also knew Bell wouldn't kill someone just because he could.
So she stayed by his side. Washing the blood off him as he remained catatonic. Even if her words didn't reach Bell, she would keep comforting him.
He was her dear child, after all.
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At the Soma familia manor, four men rushed inside. Nobody paid them any mind as they ran through the halls, looking terrified.
They kept running and running until arriving at an office. They didn't bother knocking as they threw the door open, startling the man inside.
"What is the meaning of this?!" He demanded.
The four men caught their breath as one spoke. "Zanis, Canoe…Canoe is dead.
The man named Zanis eyes narrowed as he picked the man up by the throat.
"Explain how this happened, or you'll join him, you incompetent rat!"
The man clawed at Zanis's hand as he tried to speak.
"Some kid…killed him…protecting Lili." The man gasped.
Zanis dropped him on the ground, and he landed with a thud. Zanis turned his attention to the other three.
"Tell me who this kid is now. He'll pay for killing my best friend." Zanis growled.
Well, here should be a good stopping point. Anyway, Bell killed some people, and now he's traumatized. I know can't let him be happy for long, can I?
Well anyway, I hope you enjoy and I'll see ya next chapter.