Hey, I'm back with a new chapter.

AnimeFan13579, I suppose normally that would be the case. But Bell's access to the heroes' abilities is also restricted by the skill and magic's rules. So perhaps it may seem off, but how it works here is that it restricts Bell's access to whatever that is the hero's prominent signature traits first, then if Bell is strong enough, whatever the Hero can do next.

For example, Heracles is best known for his prowess and completing the 12 Labours. Hence Bell gets a restricted version of Nine Lives and Heracles' strength.

In EMIYA's case, I would say Kanshou and Bakuya, followed by his bow and use of Calladbolg II and Hrunting's altered arrowed state. We would also consider Bell's Mind reserves, as Loading a Heroic Spirit takes a constant and gradual drain on them. You are correct in which the Mind drain is relative with what he summons.

But the issue I want to show here, is that despite being a low cost skill, Bell as a Level 1 can't do anything more than barely bring out the signature traits of a Heroic Spirit. So perhaps you would disagree, but for now Bell can't summon any other swords aside from Kanshou and Bakuya until he grows more.

Guest, I suppose this does qualify as a Class Card fic. I have nothing against the concept, but having the user take on traits of the Installed Heroic Spirit with changes to their physical appearance doesn't sit well with me. But I liked the concept of Include, so that's what I'm doing here. Now, don't worry about having the entire F/SN cast show up though, Bell will pretty much only use Servants that classify as Heroes.

Heracles and EMIYA are amongst them, but those like Medusa, Medea or even the Hassans won't make an appearance. Gramps Hassan is something I might consider using if the plot calls for it. However, I make no promises with Alter Servants... hint hint.

animehelpsdepression, in season 1, yeah, I didn't like her too. But season 2 onwards, or at least when Bell gained the title of Rabbit Foot, I guess I sort of found her to be tolerable.

codywhite162, glad you liked the chapter. Honestly with UBW, I suppose it is possible. I mean, with what I have planned, and suppose that nothing happens and I am still working on this fic, UBW would work very well in conjunction to what I'm planning.

BUT, it is still something in progress, so we'll see. Based on the rules of the Magic and Skill I have made for Bell, it is a high possibility though.

Anyway, here's the newest chapter. Hope you enjoy this one.

XXX

The next morning, Bell walked with Lili away from the dungeon.

The boy had been persistent in having Lili as his supporter, much to her surprise.

Which led them to their current situation.

The prum in disguise glanced at him as they walked, making sure her face wasn't revealed, "Are you sure this is okay?"

Bell nodded, "Of course, trust me."

Lili nodded slowly as they headed for the church that Bell and Hestia lived in.

Why were they headed for the church?

The reason was simple.

After their little moment in the dungeon, Bell had reassured Hestia that everything was okay now, and the goddess of the hearth had requested (note: demanded) that Bell brought Lili to meet her to confirm that fact.

Soon, the pair stood in front of the abandoned church, and the girl blinked, "Is this where you're living?"

Bell scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Well, Hestia-sama isn't exactly the wealthiest goddess, and whatever money I have isn't enough to buy a place, and renting a new place would be good, but too costly."

Lili hummed, "I see..."

She understood his reasoning, for she too camped out a lot in the abandoned buildings and rooms that were scattered around Orario.

The pair entered the church, and they quickly saw Hestia waiting for them.

Bell smiled, "We're back."

Hestia beamed when she saw him, "Welcome back, Bell-kun!"

But her smile dropped when she noticed the chienthrope beside him. Lili approached the goddess and lowered her head in respect, "Hello, it's nice to meet you, Goddess Hestia, my name is Liliruca Arde."

The twin tailed goddess hummed, "So you're this infamous supporter I've been hearing about.."

Lili nodded, "Y-yes."

Hestia hummed, "Hmm, I see..."

Bell, unaware, or rather, choosing to ignore his goddess' judging gaze, turned to head down to the basement, "I'll go make some tea, okay?"

The goddess nodded, "Take your time."

The boy made a complicated expression and walked down the stairs, and as soon as he did, Hestia closed the door leading to the basement, causing Lili to jump slightly.

The goddess stared at the girl, "Now that he's gone down, let's talk."

Lili felt nervous, for despite the boy having forgiven her, she was sure the goddess wasn't as forgiving, especially when she knew he was her only Child.

The prum in disguise asked, "W-what did you want to talk about?"

Hestia sat down on the altar of the church, "Bell's told me about you, and I've done some digging myself. Tell me, do you crave Soma's wine?"

Lili's eyes widened, and she snapped her gaze at the goddess, staring firmly at Hestia, "Not at all, in fact, I hate it."

Hestia studied her expression for a while, before nodding, "Good, you're not lying. That means I won't have to worry too much."

She folded her arms, "Now, the next thing, can you swear that you won't make the same mistakes again?"

Lili blinked, and she nodded, "I swear, I swear that I will never betray Bell-sama, ever again."

She looked down, "Despite all that, he still saved me. I don't... I can't betray that trust."

Hestia smiled, "Good to hear."

Her smile dropped, "Now that we've established that you won't turn on him, I can rest easy."

Lili blinked, "Eh?"

The goddess glanced at the doors leading to their basement, "Bell... He wants to be a hero... He adores heroes, and he will do everything he can to join their ranks. But at the same time... He's naïve, he's innocent, and he will always choose to do whatever he believes to be the right thing."

Hestia looked at Lili, "It's frustrating, but that's the kind of person he is. That's why he chose to save you."

The prum nodded, "I know..."

The goddess nodded, "I will be honest here, I don't like you, not one bit. You stole from him, not once, but twice, and that's just whatever that he's told me. You yourself know just how much and what you've done to him. Yet he still chose to help you."

Lili looked down, "I know..."

Hestia sighed, "Seriously, that boy will be the death of me one day..."

She shook her head, "But for now, he's shown to me that he can handle things, if only in a weird way."

The goddess stood up, "So, Liliruca Arde, can I trust you to watch over him for me?"

The prum blinked, "Huh?"

Hestia huffed, "It's really just because I can't be with him all the time, not when he's diving into the dungeon all the time. Besides, you would be more familiar with the shady ass people than the both of us."

Lili blinked again, before she nodded, "I understand, and I'll make sure to keep him safe from those sort of people."

The goddess nodded, "Good, and one more thing..."

The prum blinked in confusion as Hestia got in front of her face, "Yes?"

The goddess made a very serious face, "Know your boundaries, and know your place."

With that said, Hestia pushed open the door, "Now, come on in, we have something more important to talk about, and I don't want to talk about this up here."

Lili blinked in confusion, before she followed the goddess down to the basement.

As she did, the prum blinked again when she saw what was essentially a small studio room.

A double bed sat in the middle of the room, while a couch was placed at the other side of the basement, next to a small counter with a kettle, sink and some cutlery.

Bell smiled as he heard them, "Just in time, the tea's ready."

Hestia chuckled, "Thank you, Bell-kun."

Lili asked, "So, what was it you wanted to talk about? And why couldn't we talk about it upstairs?"

The boy made a complicated face, "Umm, Hestia-sama, do you want me to tell her, or do you...?"

Hestia sighed, "I'll tell her. Besides, she's already seen it in action."

She turned to the prum, "I'm sure during your time with Bell in the dungeon, you've seen him use some sort of skill or magic that boosted his prowess several times over."

Lili immediately realized what they were referring to, "Yes, Bell-sama has mentioned it to me before, that it is something you forbid from telling anyone. I'm guessing it's something that is dangerous or so strong that would put him at risk."

Hestia nodded, "Exactly, and what we're about to tell you is the truth about that."

The prum frowned, "Are you sure you want to tell me? I mean..."

Bell smiled, "I do, if we're gonna work together, I want you to know what exactly I'm doing."

Hestia sighed, "I was against it, but well, it is his choice. And you've already shown to me that you won't betray him again."

Lili nodded slowly, "I guess..."

The goddess sat down on the bed, grabbing a cup of tea as she sipped on it, "To give you brief rundown, Bell-kun has the ability to summon and inherit the powers of famed heroes from the past."

The prum blinked, and she blinked again, "I'm sorry, what?"

Hestia chuckled, "I know it sounds absurd, but it is true. Bell-kun can call upon the powers of legendary heroes that existed in the past and use them."

Bell smiled, "Yes, I mean, you've seen me use Heracles' sword, and I'm pretty sure you saw Kanshou and Bakuya yesterday."

Lili considered the thought, thinking back onto the times when she'd seen those weapons, "I see... So those weapons, they're part of those powers of these heroes..."

The goddess nodded, "As of now, Bell-kun can use the powers of two different heroes. I doubt you will know of them, for they are heroes that existed so far back in the past, that only the gods know of them."

The prum blinked, "Oh..."

Hestia sighed, "Which is a troublesome thing to hide. If any of the other Familias hear of this, we will be in big trouble."

Lili nodded in understanding, "I can see where you're coming from."

The girl nodded again, "Okay, I swear I'll help keep this a secret."

The goddess smiled, detecting no lies from the prum, "Thank you."

Her smile dropped, "But that doesn't mean you're off the hook."

Bell blinked, "Hestia-sama?"

But surprisingly, or at least to him, Lili just nodded, "I understand, Lady Hestia. I'll do my best."

Hestia nodded in approval, before she did a shooing action as she hugged Bell's arm, "Now get out of here, I tolerate you, but you're interrupting our private moment."

Bell blinked, "E-eh? P-private...? What are you saying?! Hestia-sama!"

The prum blinked, before she giggled, "Understood, I'd hate to impose. I mean, after all, I am spending the entire day tomorrow with Bell-sama anyways."

With that said, Lili turned to leave the church, "I'll see you tomorrow, Bell-sama, and it was nice meeting you, Lady Hestia."

Bell blinked, feeling nervous when he noticed Hestia's seething look, "O-okay, see you tomorrow, Lili."

As soon as the prum left, disguising herself as a chienthrope once more, Hestia fumed, "I am soooo regretting this now!"

She snapped her head to Bell, "Be wary of her, you hear me?! Don't let her get too close!"

The boy smiled awkwardly, "Umm, sure... I guess...?"

Hestia nodded a few times, "Good! Now, go shower please! I'm not complaining, but you're rather sticky."

Bell just sighed in exasperation and nodded, "Okay..."

The boy went to take a shower, leaving Hestia in their shared basement/room. The goddess smiled as he walked upstairs, "He's growing so fast."

Her mind went back to the status sheet she had updated last night, and her lips thinned, "EMIYA... a nameless hero, a hero that shouldn't be known to this world... A Counter Guardian..."

Hestia furrowed her brows, "How did Bell find out about him?"

Heracles was one thing, for there were multiple gods from the Greek Pantheon in Gekai. Stories of the demigod might have been leaked from when the Zeus or Hera Familias existed.

Hell, there was quite a number of Greek gods in Orario itself, and Hestia wouldn't put it past Hermes to spread word of him for fun.

But a Counter Guardian...

Bell had mentioned that he had never really been told the specifics of the nameless hero aside from vague stories. All he knew was the gist of things.

Forming a connection to the hero himself was what gave Bell detailed knowledge about the Counter Guardian himself.

Before, Hestia hadn't been sure how Bell obtained such an ability to inherit the powers of heroes from the Throne. She had her suspicions, but now, she was confident.

A god had forged that connection, a god had told stories of heroes from another world, another history.

Pan-Human History.

The goddess of the hearth massaged her temples. Her Child was just full of surprises.

(Linebreak)

Two days later, Bell walked along the streets alone.

Lili had asked to take a day off, saying that she had something to take care off about her savings and financial assets.

The boy understood, for he had been there when Canoe took the key to her vault.

Hestia, on the other hand, was working for Hephaestus.

That left the hero in training by himself, and Bell decided to take his time to explore the city once more.

As with any other day, Orario was simply busy, bustling with people no matter what.

It was so unlike the village he used to live in, where there were only a handful of people living there, and people only came out if they really needed to.

Soon, Bell passed by the Pantheon, the main building of the guild.

"Again?!"

A yell reached his ears, and Bell raised an eyebrow, "What's going on there?"

He walked into the Guild, where a small crowd gathered around the announcement boards.

"This is just bullshit! Another Level 6?!"

Bell turned to look at one of the other not-so-crowded announcement boards, and he blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

The reason was simple.

Ais Wallenstein, the young woman that had saved him from the minotaur, was on the board.

Or at least, her face and name was.

And right next to that, was a statement that reported her having increased her level from 5 to 6.

"Damn, the Sword Princess really is different, huh? It hasn't even been that long since she got to Level 5."

Bell glanced back to see a few adventurers discussing Ais' Level Up.

The boy smiled slightly, happy for his savior's achievement, and he glanced around.

He spotted Misha and Rose, but Eina was nowhere to be seen. Bell decided to approach the counter, and the pink haired girl greeted him, "Hello!"

Bell smiled, "Good morning, is Eina-san not in today?"

Misha smiled, "Nope, her shift starts later in the afternoon."

The boy nodded, "I see..."

The pinkette snorted, "Speaking of which, you really gave her a headache you know?"

Bell grimaced, "Y-yeah... I know..."

Misha giggled, "Well, you'll be fine. Eina's probably gonna be mad at you for a while, but that's beside the point."

The boy made a complicated expression, "No, that is the point, isn't it?"

The pinkette just grinned, but before she could continue, Rose spoke up, "Do you not have more work to do, Misha?"

Misha grimaced, "Ugh... Right..."

Bell chuckled, taking that as his cue to leave, "I'll leave you to it then."

The pinkette and werewolf just nodded, "Bye bye!"

The boy just smiled and turned away, leaving the Guild building. But as he walked, a thought came to mind, 'Huh... I don't think Eina-san has ever told me how to level up...'

That might be a good thing to ask the half-elf the next time he saw her.

But as soon as the thought came, Eina's lecturer-mode face too came to mind, and he was sure the half-elf would admonish him for even thinking about Leveling Up so soon.

Bell grimaced, "Ughh... that might not be a good idea after all..."

He shook his head, if you didn't ask, you wouldn't get.

But before he could continue his line of thought, a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Bell-san!"

The white rabbit turned, only to find a familiar figure in a waitress' outfit running into him, and he felt her hug his arm, "Huh?"

Taking a look at who it was, Bell blinked, "S-Syr?"

The waitress looked up at him, doing her best puppy face, "I need your help!"

A short moment later, Bell stood in the kitchen of the Hostess of Fertility, a deadpanned expression on his face.

The reason was rather simple.

Upon entering the bar, the waitress had dragged Bell to the kitchen, somehow getting him to take off his armor, and brought him in front of a large sink filled with dirty dishes.

He glanced to a side, "So... this is why you brought me here..."

Syr peeked out from the door, a not-so-apologetic smile on her face, "Sorry, but I skipped- I mean I was taking a break! And we had some work pile up, so Mama Mia got mad... and well..."

A forced smile made its way onto Bell's face, "That... has nothing to do with me..."

Syr just smiled innocently, "I'm sorry, but I'm counting on you, okay?"

With that said, she turned and skipped away, and Bell sighed in exasperation, "Seriously..."

He looked at the pile of dishes, and he sighed again, "Might as well..."

Bell had nothing to do, and he had no plans to dive into the dungeon today.

But before he could grab a plate, Ryuu took one from the pile and started washing.

Bell blinked, "Ryuu-san?"

The elf scrubbed the dish with soap, "It'll be hard for you to clean these in time, I'll help wash some."

The boy smiled, "Thank you."

Ryuu nodded, "It was meant for Syr anyway, might as well."

Bell chuckled, "Yeah."

The two started to wash the dishes in a comfortable silence, until Bell remembered how Ryuu had scared Ged away.

The white haired boy asked, "Ryuu-san, were you an adventurer before?"

The elf nodded, "I was, yes. Why do you ask?"

Bell smiled sheepishly, "I mean, you managed to chase that adventurer away that time, so I was just wondering if that was the case."

Ryuu hummed, "I see... Then the answer to your question would be yes. But I've given up that life."

Her eyes dimmed slightly, and she whispered softly, "I don't have that right anymore..."

Bell blinked, "Sorry, what did you say just now?"

Ryuu realized who she was with, and she shook her head, "It was nothing, I was just saying I've given up that life. But I do still keep up with my training."

The boy nodded, "Oh, I see I see..."

He considered the thought, and he asked, "If you don't mind me asking though, do you know how I can increase my Level?"

The elf spared him a glance, raising a delicate eyebrow, "You wish to increase your Level?"

Bell nodded, "Yes, I know it's still very early, but I want to know how."

Ryuu sighed, "I suppose I can answer that."

She took a breath, "To sum it up, you have to overcome a huge obstacle. That usually happens in the form of an overwhelming opponent."

Bell looked at the slowly shrinking pile of dishes, his hands not stopping as he continued washing, "An overwhelming opponent...Is that even doable?"

Ryuu nodded, "Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be. But with skills and tactics, it is definitely possible."

The boy repeated those words, "Skills... and tactics..."

She had a point, many heroes he had been told of, many of them relied on tactics, strategies to overcome impossible obstacles.

Zhuge Liang was one of them, and often commanded smaller armies in battling much larger ones.

But that was easier said and done, for fighting in the dungeon was much different than war.

However, before Bell could continue his line of thought, Ryuu continued speaking, "Of course, just skills and tactics wouldn't be enough sometimes. I know you have a supporter with you, but most adventurers often go into the dungeon with a large party, usually with at least 3 to 4 members."

The boy nodded, taking note of everything the elf was saying, "I see..."

The elf continued, "To put simply, if you want to Level Up, you have to go on an adventure."

Bell nodded, before he spoke, "I guess I should take things one at a time."

Ryuu nodded, "You're young, you have plenty of time."

The boy nodded, before asking, "In that case, do you know where I can learn these skills and tactics? Is there like a book I can read or study?"

The elf blinked, and she thought about it for a while, "I don't... believe so... Usually you'd rely on your senior Familia members to teach you... At least, that was how it was for me."

Ryuu paused, memories of her past quickly surfacing. She shook her head, pushing that unpleasant feeling down in consideration for her younger friend.

But before she could continue, Bell chuckled awkwardly, "Uhmm, I'm sort of the only member of my Familia..."

The elf furrowed her brows, "I see..."

Then, much to her surprise, the boy asked, "If you're willing, would it be possible for you to teach me?"

Ryuu looked at him in surprise, "Me?"

Bell nodded, before he frantically added, "I mean only if you're not busy with work! I don't want to impose when you already have so much to do!"

The elf blinked, surprise once more at his reaction, and she smiled, "I don't mind. I train in the morning anyway, so if you want to, we can try and do a few training sessions."

The boy's face visibly brightened, and for once, Ryuu was glad for the many years of honing her poker face, "You mean it?!"

The elf nodded, "Yes, but well, all I can really teach you is how to better fight and survive in the dungeon."

Bell beamed, "That's more than what I'd ask for!"

Ryuu let a small smile appear on her face, "Very well, then we'll start tomorrow morning."

The boy nodded with enthusiasm, "Of course!"

The elf chuckled, and she looked down at the considerably decreased pile of dishes, "Then let us finish the dishes first, or Mama Mia won't be happy."

Bell just laughed as he nodded, "Okay okay!"

As the pair continued washing the dishes, Syr stood with her back against the wall next to the door to the room, a small smile on her face.

The goddess in disguise held back a giggle, before she walked away to continue serving the customers.

Unbeknownst to all three, Mia had been listening at a side nearby, and she sighed in resignation.

(Linebreak)

The next morning, Bell and Ryuu were in the courtyard.

The boy blinked, "Are you gonna train in that?"

The elf glanced down, and realized Bell was referring to her waitress uniform, and she nodded, "Yes, I won't have time to get changed, so this will have to do. And don't worry about my work later, I can simply wash up before I start my shift."

Bell nodded slowly, "I... see..."

Ryuu hummed, "That aside, let us get started. I don't know how strong you are, so show me everything you can do."

She drew a wooden sword, much to Bell's surprise, "A wooden sword?"

The elf smiled ominously, "Don't underestimate this sword, it is easily as strong as any sword you can find in the market."

Bell looked uncertain, but he nodded as he drew the Hestia Knife, "If you say so."

The boy took a deep breath, "Okay..."

Ryuu nodded, "Come at me whenever you're ready."

Bell blinked, "Oh... Okay."

He took a stance, and studied the elf's posture, readying himself to start.

As he did, the other waitresses were watching them from inside the building.

Chloe grimaced, "That boy has a death wish..."

Lunoire nodded, "That boy has a death wish-nya..."

Anya smiled awkwardly, "I myean... he's different, right?"

The two other waitresses just stared at the cat-person with deadpanned expressions, and Anya grimaced, "Okay-nya... I get nya point..."

Back with Bell and Ryuu, the boy dashed forward, swinging his knife at the elf.

Ryuu's eyes barely twitched, and she batted the knife aside, before landing a crushing blow to Bell's abdomen, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The boy winced in pain as he crashed to the ground, gasping for air.

The elf held back a frown, "I said to show me everything you can do."

Bell regained his bearings, "H-huh?"

Ryuu sighed, "You defeated a silverback, and you've gone down to the 10th floor if I remember correctly. That couldn't have been all you are capable of."

The boy fell silent, before he responded, "That... that was because of my..."

Bell trailed off, and the elf guessed, "Magic? Or perhaps a Skill then?"

The white rabbit nodded, "Yes..."

Ryuu nodded, "Then show me that as well. If we're going to train together, I need to know just how much you can truly do."

Bell nodded, "Sorry..."

The elf shook her head, "Don't be. Now, let us continue."

The boy nodded, and he sheathed his knife, much to Ryuu's surprise.

But Bell didn't respond to her expression, and instead focused on the hero he had recently contracted, 'I guess no better time than the present.'

He took a deep breath, and spoke, "Load: EMIYA."

The air around him gave way, as a small barely visible transparent aura appeared around him, and Bell chanted once more, "Trace on."

In the blink of an eye, Kanshou and Bakuya appeared in his hands, and Ryuu nodded in acknowledgement, "Whenever you're ready."

Bell nodded, and he dashed forward with much more speed than before.

The elf's eyes widened when the boy was almost immediately upon her, and she raised Alvs Lumina just in time to block the married blades.

Narrowing her eyes in focus, Ryuu pushed back, noting the sudden increase in strength from Bell's strike, before kicking him back.

But this time, the boy didn't fall to the ground, and instead, quickly regained his footing and broke into a dash to circle around Ryuu.

The elf easily followed his movements and swung her blade at him when he got close, immediately going onto offense.

The young woman easily overwhelmed Bell, who quickly found himself doing his best to fend off her strikes.

The pair traded blows constantly, which generally involved Bell trying, and somewhat failing to block or dodge her strikes.

That went on for a short moment, until Ryuu found Bell starting to block and dodge more and more of her strikes.

The elf held back a frown, 'What's going on?'

Ryuu guessed the boy was using some sort of enhancement magic or skill, his increase of strength and speed was proof of that. If she had to gauge him, she would put him on the level of a top tier Level 2 adventurer.

Hell, she would even go as far as to say he could fend off a Level 3 adventurer with some effort.

But people could never develop techniques like that in the few months after starting as an adventurer.

The elf backed away as she dodged and parried a few slashes from the boy, before she returned her own attacks.

Again, Bell blocked them, almost as if he knew where she was going to strike.

The same process repeated again and again, until Ryuu realized what exactly was happening.

She didn't like what she found. Not a single bit.

The elf stared at Bell's stance once more, the boy holding the married swords in a slightly strange stance.

Ryuu had seen dual wielding swordsmen before, she'd faced them before.

Most, if not all of them, generally had their swords level to their chest or shoulders, one would always be facing the front, the other always guarding their sides. Some would have them spread out to form a wider guard.

But Bell's stance had something else, or rather, lacked something. There were openings in his guard, glaring openings.

It was as if he was goading her into attacking those spots, and when she did, he would parry those strikes.

But that would only work if Bell was fast enough to stop those blows.

And that wasn't the only problem she'd found. This particular way of fighting, it was clearly meant for human opponents, or at least, intelligent humanoid species.

It wasn't designed for monsters or dungeon diving.

Ryuu narrowed her eyes, and she moved.

This time, she moved with her full speed, and as expected, Bell couldn't keep up.

Kanshou and Bakuya tried to intercept Alvs Lumina, but they were too slow, and the wooden sword found its mark on Bell's waist.

The boy almost immediately sprawled to the ground, groaning in pain as his magic wore off.

Ryuu let out a breath, "Let us stop here for now."

Bell groaned, "O-okay..."

He got up, but before he could get off the ground, he found the elf staring at him, almost coldly, "Now, what was that?"

The boy blinked, "Huh? What do you mean?"

Ryuu spoke, "That manner of fighting. Who taught you that?"

Bell blinked in confusion, "I don't understand..."

The elf recognized his genuine confusion, and she let out a deep breath, "Cranel-san... that style of combat you used, do you know what you were doing?"

The boy blinked again, "Umm, sort of? I don't know what you're talking about though?"

Frustration filled the older girl's mind, "You had a lot of openings in your guard, very obvious ones. An enemy would obviously take advantage of that, just as I have."

Bell blinked in realization, false realization at what the elf was referring to, "O-oh... I guess that is bad huh... I mean, I guess I do need to cover my bases..."

Ryuu frowned, "I'm not talking about that. You're doing it subconsciously I suppose, but you're leaving openings in your guard for the enemy to strike, and you would use that to predict where you'll be hit."

The boy blinked again, and only then did the information flow into his mind.

Bell blinked again, "Oh..."

The elf sighed, "That... is a dangerous way of fighting. If you face someone, or something that is faster, then you will die."

The boy nodded, "Y-yeah, I suppose that would happen."

Ryuu nodded, before she asked, "Then why do you fight like that? I don't believe you to be so foolish or suicidal. Did someone teach you to do this?"

Bell furrowed his brows, "I don't..."

He took a deep breath, and he spoke again, "Ryuu-san... That ma-ability I have... It lets me... inherit the abilities of certain... warriors."

Ryuu blinked, "Huh?"

Bell nodded, "I have this ability that allows me to use powers I don't have, that includes their techniques and abilities."

The elf hummed, "I see... Like the Thousand Elf, but you can copy their physical prowess, not just magic."

The boy nodded, "Yes..."

Ryuu let out a breath, feeling ashamed that she had judged him too quickly, "I can see why you didn't use it when we started before, I apologize for being harsh on you without knowing."

Bell blinked, and he quickly shook his head, "Nonono! I'm sorry for hiding it from you! It's just, it's something my goddess forbid me from telling anyone."

The elf nodded, "Then you shouldn't apologize if it was something your goddess forbid you from doing."

The boy furrowed his brows, "But still..."

Ryuu sighed, "We're getting sidetracked. Can I assume you wish to be able to fight without relying on that ability?"

Bell blinked, "Huh?"

He looked down at that question. Did he want to fight without having to use his inherited powers?

It was a question he didn't have before. Bell genuinely didn't know if he should always rely on their powers.

Ryuu noticed his expression, and her face softened, "I see... Cranel-san, skills and magic are good and all, but they should be used to supplement your basic abilities. Using them mainly in a fight is dangerous."

Bell blinked, "W-what do you mean?"

The elf explained, "Take mages for example. They have the power to fight enemies with range, but they lack the ability to fight in close combat. Of course, the same could be said for adventurers with long ranged combat."

She showed him her wooden sword, "Your ability enhances yourself, but if your basic abilities are low, then there wouldn't be much to boost. If I wasn't strong enough, then this wooden sword would never have stood up against your swords."

Bell looked down, and he nodded, "I think I understand where you're going."

Ryuu nodded, "Good, then I believe we have an idea how to continue with your training."

The boy blinked, "We do?"

The elf nodded, "We will spar, experience is the best teacher, as they say. And we will do so without you using your enhancement ability."

Bell blinked again, before he grinned, "Okay!"

He got up, but much to his surprise, Ryuu turned away and walked towards the building. Bell blinked again, "Umm, where are you going?"

The elf glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, "To wash up, why?"

The boy blinked in confusion, "But aren't we gonna continue?"

Ryuu looked at the clock nearby, "Times up, and I have to start my shift soon."

Bell followed her line of sight, and he realized it was already almost 10am, "Oh..."

The elf nodded, "I'll see you later then."

The boy blinked, before he nodded, "Y-yes, of course. Thank you for your time, Ryuu-san!"

Ryuu just smiled as she walked towards the washrooms, and Bell went to leave the establishment, only to find Mia standing in front of him.

Bell blinked, "Mia-san?"

The dwarf stared at him, as if contemplating something, before she sighed and held out a uniform, "Here, go put this on."

The boy looked at the uniform in her hands, "I'm sorry, I don't follow."

Mia snorted, "What, did you think I'll just let you and that dumb elf train in the courtyard for free?"

Bell blinked, "Eh?"

The dwarf huffed, "One time is one thing, but if you're gonna be doing this every now and then, then you will have to work for it."

The boy nodded, "I-I guess that's fair..."

Mia nodded in satisfaction, "Good, now go put this on."

Bell made a complicated expression, "Umm, it's a girl's outfit..."

The dwarf raised an eyebrow, "And?"

The boy pointed to himself, "I'm a guy..."

Mia scowled, "Your point? This is the Hostess of Fertility, we don't hire males, and for good reason. Now are you going to put this on, or do you want to stop training with one of my girls?"

Bell closed his eyes, he was so gonna regret it, but he really wanted to train with Ryuu now that they had started.

The boy made a decision, and he grabbed the uniform, "Okay."

Mia nodded, "Good. Oh, and don't worry, I just need you to at least work the night shifts for three days a week, so you can go dungeon diving when you're not here."

Bell nodded, a conflicted expression on his face, "I... I understand..."

A short while later, Ryuu stood at the bar in shock, "Cranel...san?"

Bell's face flushed as he stood there in the Hostess' uniform.

Anya and Lunoire were laughing their assess off, and Chloe was leering at the cross-dressed boy with a smile.

Anya laughed, "Nya look good nya!"

Syr smiled, "Yep, I fully agree."

Bell sighed, "How... how did you know what size I needed?"

Mia snorted as she put some clean plates away, "Thank Syr for that."

The 'girl' gave 'her' fellow waitress a look, "How?"

Syr just smiled and giggled, "Trade secret."

Bell ran his hands through the long silky hair he now had, "And a wig too? Seriously?"

Chloe giggled, "Well, we can't have people recognizing you now, can we?"

The boy sighed, "I guess not..."

Ryuu palmed her face, "I am... having conflicted feelings about this... But I guess I should've seen it coming."

The three other waitress just laughed, while Syr smiled not-so innocently.

But before they could continue, Mia yelled, "Now that's enough! We're opening shop in 3 minutes! So get your asses to work! And Ryuu, show our newcomer how we do things here!"

The previously five, now six waitresses, nodded, and Bell sighed, "Might as well... What's the worst that can happen?"

The boy sighed once more and went to follow Ryuu to work.

As he did, Bell felt his back grew warm slightly, but he ignored it as he focused on following the elf's instructions.

XXX

So that's it for this chapter. I've hinted another potential Heroic Spirit we may see in a not so combat-oriented manner at that last part.

It may even be a good one for the Haruhime arc.

So let me know what you think might be that Heroic Spirit.

On that note, the next chapter is the Quest x Quest short arc, so do look forward to that.

Until next time. Read and review please.