Accidentally posted a chapter for another story here so my bad. Here's the actual chapter four.

Astraea sat by Bell's bedside as the boy's chest rose and fell. She held his hand tightly, fearing if she let go, he would disappear and die.

His breathing was steady, and his body was healed. He even had a new pair of clothes on, and the blood was washed off thanks to the dwarf Mia Grande since Ryu and Astraea both blushed uncontrollably once his clothes were taken off.

Now Bell was dressed in a white short-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans. His chestplate and sword were left at the side of his bed, along with his coin pouch and dagger.

Astraea had started to doze off before feeling Bell stir. Her head shot up as Bell's eyes opened once more, and she saw those red rubies again.

He groaned in discomfort before sitting up and looking at Astraea. "Where are we?" Bell asked.

Astraea didn't answer. Instead, she wrapped her arms around the boy, causing him to wince. Astraea quickly pulled back.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." She apologized.

"It's ok; the Minotaur just hit me really hard. Still feel some discomfort in my chest, but I should be fine," Bell said.

Astraea nodded and went back to holding his hand. Bell was a little caught off guard and confused about why she was so worried. He was a nobody she should be more worried about her lost child than him.

"Are you ok?" Bell asked.

Astraea furrowed her brow. "Why would you ask me that? I'm not the one who was unconscious."

"But you were almost killed by a Minotaur. That must've been scary." Bell said.

Now Astraea grew more worried. Did he not care that he was the one hurt? "Bell, I'm fine, but you were the one who almost died. Not me."

Bell looked over to his chestplate, not seeing a single dent in it. "I would've if it weren't for that chestplate. Took the majority of the blow for me. Now, where are we?"

"The Hostess, Ryu, led us here," Astraea answered.

"Ryu, who's that?" Bell asked.

Astraea's face dropped as she looked toward the ground. "My lost child, she's the elven waitress here. Said you two have met before."

Bell's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, I'm sorry, Astraea. If I had known that was her, I would've brought you here."

Astraea sniffled and wiped her eyes. "It's not your fault. I never told you her name or what she looked like."

Bell looked at his bedsheets and sighed. "Have you talked to her yet?"

"Only a few words. She was the one to carry you back, and I haven't said anything else to her yet."

"Why haven't you?" Bell asked, meeting her gaze.

"Because I was worried about you," Astraea answered.

Bell swallowed a lump in his throat. "I see, how long was I out?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Only a few hours, words spread fast of what you did, and the Ganesha familia is giving us a reward. So good job completing your first quest." She joked.

Bell smiled, but the room was quiet. Astraea had one question she really needed to ask Bell.

"Bell, can I ask you something?" She softly asked.

Bell, noticing her tone, nodded. "Yeah, sure, go ahead."

"That magic you used, how did you get it." Astraea hesitantly asked.

Bell's eyes softened upon hearing her tone. "I don't know, all I remember was trying to catch my breath while blood filled my eyes. But I do remember seeing someone, they were floating, and their body wasn't whole. Like they didn't look like flesh and bone. I couldn't really tell cause I could barely see, but they touched my shoulder, and I felt this surge of power flow through me. Then those words were in my head, and I knew what to do."

Astraea hummed. "Hmm, most odd indeed, Bell let me update your status. I want to check something."

Bell shrugged and pulled his shirt up a bit. Astraea grabbed his dagger and, pricked her finger with the tip of it, and let her blood drop on his back. A few seconds later, Bell's falna appeared, and after changing the numbers, her eyes widened at the sight.

Bell Cranel

Astraea familia

Level 1

Strength- H200-F430

Endurance- I100-E515

Dexterity- I120-G320

Agility- G302-E540

Magic- I0-I50

Skills:

Jigen-Ryū

Spirit Eidolon: %*#!

"Oh my, your stats have made quite the jump. Especially in your endurance and agility. Just how hard were you hit?" Astraea asked.

"Hard enough to go flying through a building and knock the air out of my lungs." Bell joked.

"I see, stupid question. But you've got a new skill, says Spirit Eidolon. That sound familiar to you at all?" Astraea asked, updating Bell's stats.

Bell shook his head. "No, I've never heard of it before. Does it say what it does?"

"No, it seems like this skill is a mystery. Hmm, I do wonder something, however."

"What is it?"

"If you're able to use Alise's magic, could you possibly have her skills as well?" Astraea wondered.

"Uh, who's Alise?" Bell asked.

Astraea shook her head and cleared her throat. "Excuse me, just my thoughts running wild. Alise used to be the captain of my familia. She was an excellent adventurer and a kind person. She was also my first child."

Bell could hear the sadness in Astraea's voice, and it made him feel bad. But he still didn't comfort her with his touch.

"I'm sorry, I have her magic then. It must hurt to be reminded of her constantly." Bell said.

"Don't apologize, I bet if Alise were still alive, she'd have loved it if you had her skills and magic. If you two met, she would've liked you."

"She sounds fun," Bell commented.

"She was, kind of like a fiery wildcard. Much like yourself. Although you're a little more calm."

"So I'm a wildcard?" Bell joked.

"Oh yes, do you know any other low-level one that can take on a Minotaur and survive?" Astraea asked.

Bell chuckled. "Pretty sure my Grandpa could. Only reason I won is cause he told me how they acted and where to aim. If I didn't have that information, I would've died."

"Well, you lived, and I hate to do this, but I need to ask you for another favor," Astraea asked.

Bell instantly knew what she was referring to. "Right, Ryu, I'll be there for you. But when you two get to talking, I'll leave. You don't need me around for that."

Astraea remained silent at Bell's words. Bell how we got out of bed and grabbed his armor and sword. He put the chestplate back on and strapped his sword by his side. He secured his dagger and coin pouch to his belt as Astraea stood up.

"Are you ready?" Bell asked.

Astraea gulped and nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Bell walked over to the door and opened it, seeing the very elf they were just talking about. She was standing next to the door, her arms fidgeting nervously in front of her as her body shook.

Upon hearing the door open, Ryu jumped in fright and had trouble meeting Bell's gaze. Bell could sympathize with her, and he knew this must be tough for her.

"Um, hello, you must be the youngest now, I'm Ryu." She nervously sputtered.

Bell gave her a small smile. "No need for formalities, we can talk later. She's waiting for you inside."

Ryu took in a shaky breath as she peered inside, seeing Astraea standing behind Bell. Her head quickly went back behind the doorframe.

"Do you, do you think she hates me?"

"No, but I think you should go in there and talk. It'll do the both of you a lot of good."

Ryu took a deep breath and psyched herself up. She then walked into the room and came face to face with her old goddess. It had been five years since the two last saw each other.

Astraea hadn't changed at in all that time. But Ryu, she looked so different from when Astraea last saw her. Ryu was taller, and her hair was shorter. Her child had grown while Astraea ran away.

Not a word was said between the two before both crashed into a hug, fresh tears streaming down their faces. Soon, they were on the ground, their sobs and cries rising in pitch. Ryu chanting sorry over and over again.

Bell somberly smiled before closing the door. He could still faintly hear the cries of the two behind the door, but not at the volume it was at before.

Bell started at the door for one more minute before turning on his heel and walking away. He wasn't needed here, and it was best he wasn't around to eavesdrop. This was a private matter, and it wasn't something that Bell had the right to listen in on.

Besides, he had to go downstairs and thank the tavern owner for her hospitality. It was the right thing to do, after all.

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Descending the stairs, Bell saw the tavern empty with the doors closed. The chairs were on top of the table, and the tavern filled with an eerie silence. However, Bell saw a lone dwarven woman standing behind the bar cleaning a mug.

Hearing Bell coming down the stairs, the dwarf turned her attention to Bell.

"Well, looks like sleeping beauty finally woke up. Take a seat you must be hungry."

Bell did as the woman asked, sitting on a stool at the bar.

"So, fighting a Minotaur, how was it?" The dwarf asked, placing a plate of spaghetti in front of Bell. He quirked his eyebrow seeing this.

"How'd you know I'd like this?" Bell asked.

"Lucky guess, now start eating. You're too skinny for a boy your age."

Bell shrugged before taking a bite. An explosion of flavor filled his mouth, from the noodles to the sauce, it was all blended perfectly.

"Hmm, that's some good spaghetti, compliments to the chef," Bell said, taking another bite.

"She's in the kitchen right now. I'll pass your thanks along since she's shy." The dwarf said.

"That's quite alright, but to go back to your earlier question, it hurt. Hit me right in the chest. Chestplate saved my life. Though it would've been nice to have some more armor so everything else didn't bleed." Bell chuckled.

"Well, head on up to Babel and get some more. They should sell it for a good price."

"That was the plan, now, here's hoping I don't have to fight any Minotaurs anytime soon."

The dwarf laughed as Bell continued eating. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, the dwarf spoke again.

"So, how's it going up there?" She asked, looking toward the ceiling.

"About as well as you expect. Lots of hugs and crying." Bell set his fork down and used a napkin to wipe his mouth.

"Why aren't you up there?"

"Not my place, besides I'm the new guy. They don't need me around to ruin their reunion. I'm also just a nobody to them, so it's best I stay down here."

The dwarf rolled her eyes and took his plate. "No self-deprecating at the bar. House rule."

"My apologies, now I don't believe I caught your name?" Bell said.

"You didn't, name's Mia Grande, but everyone around here calls me Mama Mia, and you will as well."

"Got it, so I'm assuming you're the owner since your outfit's different from everyone else's?" Bell asked.

"Correct, you are, kid, now tell me how a low-level one like you beats a Minotaur, which is a level two monster. I am curious." Mia asked, leaning forward.

Bell tapped his temple. "Things slow and stupid, all I had to do was get it to a place where I could maneuver then sever its tendons, leading to an easy kill."

"Then how'd you end up getting hit?" Mia mused.

"Smarter than I gave it credit for. Threw a piece of rebar at me, and when I dodged, it got me. Then Astraea came in and distracted it, giving me the time I needed to catch my breath and kill it."

Mia nodded, slightly impressed by the kid's story. "So your goddess saved you, eh? Real brave of her running into danger like that."

Bell clicked his tongue and chuckled. "Yeah, especially when I told her to get to safety. Though I can't be mad, she saved my life. So she gets a pass just this once."

"Consider yourself lucky, most people don't get the opportunity to have such a goddess on their side." Mia pointed out.

Bell shrugged and chuckled. "Yeah, I guess your right."

Their attention was drawn to the stairs, seeing Ryu and Astraea descend them. Their clothes were somewhat disheveled, and fresh tear stains were on their cheeks.

"Bell, why don't you join us at this table," Astraea asked, gesturing to one.

Bell looked to Mia, who gave her nod of approval, and Bell was quick to rush over and take down the chairs for them.

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Astraea and Ryu were currently on the ground in the room Bell laid in not too long ago. Heavy hearts and fresh tears reigned supreme as Ryu kept apologizing over and over.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Ryu cried.

"Shh, it's ok, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have left you alone." Astraea cried back.

The two kept holding each other. Letting out five years of pain they had bottled up. They didn't know how long they cried for, nor how many apologies were said.

But by the end of it, the two looked like a mess. Runny noses and tear-stained cheeks. Disheveled and tear-stained clothes. But smiles now replaced the tears.

"You've, you've grown so much," Astraea whispered.

She reached out her hand and touched Ryu's short blonde locks. Ryu let her feeling like a child that hadn't seen their mother in a very long time.

"Y-you're not mad at me?" Ryu stuttered out.

"Of course not, my dear, I could never be mad at you. Not when it was I who left you behind." Astraea cooed.

"But-but I-I did so many horrible things."

"It's ok, Ryu, I'm a terrible goddess for abandoning you. We were both hurting, and when you told me to leave, I saw that as my opportunity to get away from everything. I should've stayed so we could deal with everything together."

Ryu sniffled and held onto her old goddess a little tighter. "But I wanted you gone, I didn't want you to see what I would become."

"I know, and in my cowardice, I let you do all those terrible things. I hope you can forgive me, Ryu."

"But I killed so many people, I threw my justice away. I should be the one begging you for forgiveness!" Ryu cried.

"No, you don't, because of your actions, the dark age ended. Because of you, people can smile on the streets without worrying about Evilus. I'll talk with Ouranus and see what I can do to get your bounty taken away."

Ryu was shocked that Astraea knew what she did. She was confused about how she did as well. Astraea just gave Ryu a knowing smile.

"What did you think I wouldn't recognize your alias when I heard it? Ryu, what type of goddess do you take me for?" Astraea joked.

Ryu laughed and sniffled. "Right, you're the one that fought for that alias."

"I remember that time, but an 80 million bounty, Ryu. You really must've given Evilus a kick in the pants."

Ryu remained quiet as she held onto Astraea. "Are you planning on restarting the familia?"

Astraea nodded. "In time, but right now, I'm content with just having you and Bell. If you wish to come back."

Ryu was silent as she didn't know what to do. Astraea seemed to sense this and patted her on the back.

"Don't worry about answering that now. I understand it's a big decision, and I won't pressure you into answering right away." Astraea comforted.

Ryu nodded as the two were once again in silence. This time, it was a comfortable one where neither said a word for a certain amount of time.

After a few more minutes of this, Astraea and Ryu pulled away from each other and stood up.

"Come now, I believe it's time you and Bell met each other," Astraea said, wiping her eyes.

Ryu did the same and followed her goddess out of the room and downstairs.

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Bell, Astraea, and Ryu all sat around a table. Astraea and Ryu sat next to each other, with Bell sitting across from them. Mia had excused herself to the kitchen, giving the trio some privacy.

Bell looked between Astraea and Ryu, the two seeming nervous to be next to each other. Astraea then began the conversation so Bell and Ryu could get to know each other.

"Bell, this is Ryu. I know you two have met already, but it's nice to get greetings out of the way. Ryu, Bell is a new member of our familia." Astraea started out.

Bell waved. "Nice to meet you again. Didn't drop a tray of food while I was gone, did you?" He joked.

The tips of Ryu's ears turned red, as well as her cheeks. "N-no." She stuttered.

Astraea looked back and forth between the slightly confused. "Dropping a tray of food, what does he mean, Ryu?"

Bell smirked as Ryu looked away. She didn't want her goddess to know how clumsy she had become.

"Well, when I was here a few weeks ago, she was carrying a tray of food to the table. However, someone had their foot out too far, and she tripped. Luckily, I caught her and the tray, so an accident was avoided." Bell explained, slightly lying. Ryu had tripped on her own feet

Astraea grew a teasing smirk on her face as she turned to Ryu. "Oh, is that true, Ryu? You let him touch you without consequence?"

"Well, it was just him catching me, so I didn't need to harm him." Ryu calmly answered after taking a breath.

"Wait, I could've been harmed?" Bell nervously asked.

Astraea giggled. "Yes, Ryu is known for harming those that touched her. Few have been able to do it, myself included."

Bell felt a slight twinge of fear at knowing how close he was to getting his ass beat. Ryu, seeing this, cleared her throat.

"You touching me was fine at that time. Just don't touch me without my permission." She stated.

Bell quickly nodded. "Alright, noted, but are you fine with me being in your familia? I'd understand a little anger towards me if you feel like I replaced your old familia."

Ryu shook her head. "I feel no such thing. You almost gave your life protecting our goddess. I accept you as a member."

Bell smiled. "Well, that's good to hear. I was a little worried there for a second."

"I do want to ask how you two met. I know you couldn't have met her here." Ryu asked.

Astraea smiled while Bell chuckled. "I got lost on my way to Orario. Astraea found me in a port city about 300 miles from the city. She helped me get here and provided housing for me while I searched for a familia. After a week full of rejections, she offered me a spot." Bell explained. He didn't tell the full story, as that wasn't something she needed to know.

"So you're living at the Stardust Garden again?" Ryu asked.

Astraea nodded. "Yup, Bell here was kind enough to clean the house and replant all of the flowers. Tending to the flowers gives me something to do while he's gone."

Ryu quickly looked back to Bell, her eyes wide. "You cleaned that place up? Why?"

"Well, it seemed important to Astraea. So I thought, why not clean the place up a bit so she could feel more at home? Although I didn't expect to keep her here permanently." Bell chuckled.

"Yes, Bell cleaned the place in a single night," Astraea added.

"That fast! How?"

Bell shrugged. "I'm good with my hands. I always like to keep them busy if I'm not doing anything else."

"Yes, a certified handyman." Astraea joked.

"Hey, life in the mountains teaches you a lot of stuff," Bell added.

Ryu took a deep breath and laid her hands on the table. "So, who's room did you take?"

Her tone was somber and regretful. Bell could tell that much. These people had once been her friends and probably family, and she lost them all. Bell could understand her pain.

"I hope it's not too much of a problem, but I took Kaguya's. Astraea said she had no shame or care for things. Said she's probably try and do things to me too."

Ryu's face went slightly red again as she blushed. "Well, she would say some choice things to you. But if she would've tried anything, you would've died."

Bell quirked an eyebrow and looked to Astraea. "Kaguya have a thing for corpses?"

Astraea lightly chuckled. "No, she doesn't, Kaguya came from a clan in the Far East. They were nobles and were involved in all kinds of shady things. One of which was putting a poison in the female members so anyone who had intercourse with her would die."

Bell grew a disgusted look on his face. "That's absolutely disgusting. I'm sorry she had to go through something like that. Ugh, it's disgusts me how people can do something like that."

Both Ryu and Astraea were slightly taken aback by how Bell spoke. Kaguya was long dead, and Bell was speaking like she was still alive and they were friends.

The trio then spent the rest of the night talking. Astraea and Ryu caught up on lost time while Bell and Ryu got to know each other more. The two seemed to bond slightly, thanks to their connection to Astraea.

But the goddess could see Ryu was trying to keep Bell at arm's length. Bell didn't seem to mind, though, as he stayed within the boundaries she set.

This again caused Astraea to smile at how well the two were handling each other, and by the end of it, Astraea had convinced Ryu to train Bell whenever she had free time.

Ryu would also stay at the hostess as she wasn't fully comfortable going back to her old home. Not just yet, which Astraea was fine with. It took her five years to come back. Ryu just needed more time than her, it seems.

"Well, it was lovely talking with you again, Ryu. I'll be sure to come by and visit every day." Astraea said, hugging Ryu.

Ryu hugged her back. "And I look forward to your visits."

The two hugged for a minute more before pulling away. Bell watched, holding all the prizes he had won for Astraea earlier in the day.

Saying another goodbye, Astraea departed along with Bell back to their home. With the lonely elf watching them until they left her sight.

She let out a sigh once they were gone and headed back inside. Mia was back, standing behind the bar with her hands on her hips.

"So why didn't you go with them?" Mia asked.

Ryu looked away from the dwarf. "Because I still owe you and Syr for everything, and I'm not ready to go back. Not worthy."

Mia scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Course you are, and you don't owe me or Syr anything. You free to come and go as you please."

"But my debt-

"Was a load of bullshit I made up. You needed a place to stay, and I got free labor out of it. You're welcome to leave whenever you want. Your goddess is back in town, now I don't mind her coming by here every day as long as she spends money. But if you want to move out, that's fine with me. Just make sure you show up on time for work."

Ryu was quiet, grabbing the hems of her maid uniform.

"Now go and get some sleep, it's late, and I need you rested for the morning," Mia ordered.

Ryu nodded and scurried upstairs, with Mia sighing.

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Babel tower. The seal of the dungeon and the tower of the gods. Only the richest and top gods of the city could live in this tower, and on the very top was the goddess Freya herself.

Her familia was the strongest in Orario. The ones who stood at the top. The only ones who could really stand a chance against them were Baldr and his familia, but they were out of town at the moment.

Loki and her little band of misfits would cause Freya some trouble. But with her familia and the only level seven in the city, she could beat them with some difficulty.

Holding her wine glass that was filled with red wine, she looked out upon the city, keeping her eyes on the pure white soul that was Bell.

She swished the wine around before taking a sip and setting it down on her table.

"Hmm, you further interest me. Beating that Minotaur as a low-level one. Just where have you been all this time, my dear?" Freya wondered aloud.

Behind her was her captain. A boarman named Ottar. The only level seven in the city who had devoted his life to Freya.

"My lady, if I may, why send such a creature after someone who would normally be too weak to beat it?" Ottar asked.

Freya let out a small hum and turned to face Ottar. "Why, it's simple, Ottar dear. The way his soul shines shows me he's used to the danger. Who else do you know goes to floor six while too weak for said floor."

"But that still doesn't explain the Minotaur, my lady." Ottar pointed out.

Freya turned back around. "Well, it's simple, Ottar dear. Notice the gear he's wearing. A chestplate charred black and a Xhipos. Such weapons are expertly crafted, but a boy like him who came from the mountains should have no means possessing."

"What are you inferring, my lady?"

"Well, after seeing his fight, he knew exactly where to aim to cripple the Minotaur. Which means he knew about its anatomy beforehand. Add to the fact he seems to know the dungeon's tricks despite never coming to Orario makes me wonder."

"Wonder what, my lady?"

"If he's a legacy of the Zeus familia. The way the chestplate was made and the Xiphos were both staples of the Zeus familia. Add to the fact his armor is burned further adds my suspicion."

"So what do you plan on doing to find out if he is or isn't my lady?"

"First, I want to see the records of both the Zeus and Hera familia's. I want to see if the boy resembles anyone from said familia's. I have a suspicion about one of them. But she was, as you say, the monster from Hera."

"You don't mean-

"I do, Ottar dear, but let's test this theory out, shall we."

Freya walked over to her massive bookshelf and dragged her finger along the spines of said books. Finding the one she was looking for, she grabbed a gray book with a musical note on the cover.

"Ah yes, this should do quite nicely, I believe this book will enter his possession soon enough." Freya mused.

"My lady, if I may, if this boy is a legacy of the Zeus familia. Would he not hold a grudge against you and Loki for throwing his family out?" Ottar asked.

"Perhaps, but it would be much more fun bringing him to my embrace if, at first, he resists it. The chase would be such fun." Freya cooed.

"So we shall not take him from Astraea then, my lady?" Ottar asked.

"Heavens no, Astraea is important to Ryu, and Ryu is important to me. We'll simply make Bell come to us of his own volition."

"And how will you do that, my lady?"

"Simple, bring Astraea and Ryu over to my side, leaving Bell with no options but to enjoy my loving embrace."

Ottar remained silent as his lady's plan didn't make much sense to him. But if she asked, he would help her enact it.

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The next day arrived, and Bell was walking down the streets of Orario. The sun was covered by clouds, and it looked as if it could rain any moment.

Bell didn't mind, though, as he walked toward Babel Tower dressed in his adventurer gear. If he remembered correctly, his Grandpa said the beginner smiths would be on the fourth floor of Babel.

Astraea already knew what he was doing today, and Bell also took this as a chance to take a break from the dungeon as well. His chest was still slightly sore from the Minotaur's attack, and he didn't want to head down to the dungeon where that annoying little pain in his chest could cost him his life. Not if he has the chance to avoid it.

Entering the tower, Bell saw the adventurers going down into the dungeon. But not him, Bell walked over to the elevator and entered it. He took a second to gather his bearings at this strange machine he had never seen before.

But thanks to his Grandpa explaining it to him, Bell understood enough of how it worked to figure out what to do. Pressing the button with the number four on it, the elevator lurched before ascending.

"Ok, this feels weird and cool at the same time." Bell thought.

After a minute of ascending the tower, the elevator stopped, and the door opened. He stepped out onto the floor covered with stone. All around him were beginning blacksmiths and rookie adventurers much like himself.

Looking at weapons and armor to buy. Some were walking to the elevator with their purchases while others haggled with the clerks on their prices.

Bell began to aimlessly wander around the floor. Popping into shops here and there to browse their selections.

None caught his interest, and he continued searching. He was drawing eyes because of how he was dressed. With a chestplate made of pure mithril, he stuck out like a sore thumb.

But Bell wasn't here for a chestplate. He was here to find armor to cover everywhere else on his body. Something to cover his arms, legs, elbows, and maybe his head if he really wanted to go with the night look.

But he quickly discarded that idea as his sword style needed him to be able to see perfectly without anything blocking his vision.

Entering another store, this time without a clerk at the desk, Bell wandered around looking at the shelves. Not seeing anything that caught his eye, Bell wandered into an area hidden away by the shelves.

He saw items mostly discarded and poorly made, but a crate in the back caught his attention. He was curious as to what was inside it.

Approaching the crate, he peered inside and saw a clean silverly looking chestplate. Curiosity overtook him as he picked it up and examined it.

"Welf Crozzo, huh? Little too small to really protect anything."

Bell tapped his knuckle against the chestplate. "Doesn't seem too bad. Although I'm not in the market for a chestplate, the rest of this armor doesn't look too bad."

Bell put the chestplate back into the crate and walked to the counter. The clerk still wasn't there, so Bell set the crate down and rang the bell.

A few seconds later, a bald man with a brown mustache came out. He was wearing a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black pants.

"Yeah, what do ya want?" The shopkeeper asked.

"To buy this armor," Bell said, gesturing with his head.

The shopkeeper looked over at the price tag. "9,900 then."

Bell fished around in his pouch and pulled out a 10,000 valis coin. He handed it to the shopkeeper and grabbed his crate.

"Keep the change," Bell said, walking away.

The shopkeeper shrugged and went back into the back room as Bell descended into the elevator.

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Back home, Bell stood in front of a mirror wearing his near armor. It was a stark contrast to what his chestplate looked like. Shiny silver compared to charred black.

Maybe he could paint it to match?

Stepping outside of his room, Bell entered the living room where Astraea was waiting. Sitting on the couch and holding her giant teddy bear.

"So, how do I look?" Bell asked.

"Like a knight, go on and give me a twirl," Astraea said, moving her finger in a circle.

"What am I a model?" Bell joked, doing as she asked.

Once he turned back around, Astraea gave a small clap. "Looks very good on you, Bell, how does it feel?"

"Fits perfectly, and it's very maneuverable too. Now, when I get hit by a Minotaur again, only my head will bleed."

"Don't joke about that!" Astraea chastised.

"Sorry, sorry. So what are we doing for dinner tonight?" Bell asked.

"I was thinking of making some grilled chicken. Then tomorrow, we can have dinner at the Hostess?"

Bell smiled as he started loosening his gauntlets. "That sounds good to me. I'll get me some spaghetti tomorrow, though. One of the best things I've ever tasted."

Astraea quirked an eyebrow. "Oh really, I guess I'll have to try someone myself then."

"Should I bring a bib so you don't make a mess?" Bell joked, dropping the gauntlets on the ground.

"I'm not a child." Astraea pouted.

"I'm kidding, besides I'm sure Ryu would smack me for embarrassing you."

"That she would. Now, before I get started on dinner, I do have one thing to ask you?"

Bell quirked an eyebrow as he started taking off his greaves. "Yeah, what is it?"

"Can you please try and find a party, and if not a party, at least a supporter? I worry about you going alone into the dungeon. Even if you're aware about all its tricks."

Bell smiled as he took the greaves off. "Yeah, sure, no worries. I'll try and see who I can find that isn't completely shady."

Astraea smiled back as she stood up. "Thank you, I'd feel much better if I knew someone was watching your back down there. Now go and put your armor away while I make dinner."

Bell nodded. "Oh, Astraea, try not to burn anything." He laughed, picking his armor up.

"That was one time!" Astraea complained as Bell moved out of her sight.

Bell just laughed and didn't give her a response as Astraea walked to the kitchen, grumbling.

Well, another chapter comes and goes, and I hope you enjoyed. Also Jigen-Ryū is Bell's sword style.