"Bell, Bell, wake up." Asteaea softly called, shaking Bell awake.
Bell stirred before his eyes fluttered open and looked up at his goddess. Her walnut-colored hair brushed against his face as she was leaning over him.
Bell yawned before sitting up. "Morning Astraea, what time is it?"
"Almost Seven, I was wondering what was keeping you," Astraea answered.
Bell yawned again. "Huh, maybe I was more tired than I thought."
Bell stood up and stretched once more. It was then Astraea noticed the book lying on the ground. She recognized it immediately for what it was, and her eyes widened in shock.
"Bell, where did you get this!" Astraea asked.
Bell glanced at the book. "Huh? Oh, that, Syr gave it to me when I had to drag you home last night."
Astraea set the book down on his nightstand before grabbing his dagger. Her thoughts running with theories on who Syr is.
"Take off your shirt, I need to see your falna," Astraea ordered.
"Uh, ok," Bell said, extremely confused.
He took his shirt off and showed his back to Astraea. She pricked her finger and let a drop of her divine blood seep into Bell's back.
Bell Cranel
Astraea familia
Level 1
Strength- F430- F435
Endurance- E515- E517
Dexterity- G320- G322
Agility- E540- E550
Magic- I50
Skills:
Jigen-Ryƫ
Spirit Eidolon: %*#!
Magic:
Satanas Verion: Gospel
"No, no, no, no, no. How does he have her magic." Astraea internally panicked.
"Everything alright back there?" Bell asked.
Astraea cleared her throat. "Bell, you can never use your new magic."
"Wait, I have new magic? Why can't I use it?" Bell worriedly asked.
Astraea took a shaky breath. Small bits of fear were running through her body as she remembered the original owner of this spell.
"Remember what I told you about the Dark Age?" Astraea asked.
Bell felt small hints of anger at those words but kept it to himself. "Yes, I remember."
"Well, there were two figureheads at the center of all of this. The Silence and Gluttony. They, along with a god called Erebus, led Evilus in their pursuit to see Orario burn."
"And what does this have to do with me not being able to use my new spell?" Bell asked.
Astraea took in another shaky breath. "The Silence was a mage the likes of which the world had never seen. Even now, nobody comes close to her prowess with magic. But the main spell she used was the one on your back."
Bell remained quiet for a second. Before catching Astraea off guard by chuckling. "I really can't seem to catch a break, can I? Alright, I'll only use the spell in emergencies. Don't want some angry mob to descend upon our home because I have the same spell as a terrorist."
Astraea was slightly taken aback by Bell's calm attitude. She didn't know what to expect, but she didn't expect him to be nonchalant about it.
"You're, awfully calm about this," Astraea said.
Bell, who had his back turned to her this entire time, turned to face her. "Well, I'm a little annoyed, but no point in getting angry over unfortunate circumstances. Now, what's the chant for it so I know what to use."
"It's Gospel, but only use this magic if it's absolutely necessary," Astraea told him. She didn't copy his status into a status sheet.
"Alright, say that word, and the magic will work, got it. Now, can you get out of my room so I can change, please?"
Astraea slightly blushed before scurrying out of the room. Bell just chuckled as he walked over to his dresser and began changing. He looked over at the discarded grimoire as he himself began to wonder where Syr got it.
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A few minutes later, Bell exited his room dressed in new clothes and his armor. He had his backpack over one of his shoulders as he walked into the dining room.
Astraea tossed him an apple, which he caught. "Here, I hope you don't mind a light breakfast. I know you need to head to the dungeon to train with that mysterious man."
Bell smiled as he took a bite out of it. "Thank you. So, what are your plans for today while I'm in the dungeon?"
"Tend to my garden some more, then after that, head back to the Hostess and talk with Ryu some more. Wow, it feels weird having a schedule like this."
"What, not used to not being a nomad anymore?" Bell teased.
Asteaea rolled her eyes and playfully shoved his head. "Ha, ha, very funny. But yes, I did a lot of wandering during my time away. But at least I always knew where I was going."
"You trying to say I'm bad at directions?" Bell laughed.
"I never said such a thing," Astraea said, crossing her arms and looking away.
"You're thinking of it."
Astraea smiled, trying to hold back a laugh. "No, I'm not."
"Your poker face is terrible." Bell deadpanned.
"It is not!" Astraea pouted.
Bell just shook his head. "Alright, well, I'll meet you at the Hostess again then. Don't drink anything til I get there. I don't need some low life taking advantage of you in your drunken state."
Astraea turned back to look at Bell. "Oh, Bell, you know Ryu will protect me. You don't need to worry about that."
"And what if the restaurant gets busy? What if Ryu can't keep an eye on you because she's swarmed with work? What then?"
Asteaea was quiet for a moment. "Hmm, you bring up a good point. Alright, Bell, I won't consume anything alcohol related until you arrive."
Bell smiled before taking another bite of his apple. "Thank you. That'll ease my worries a bit while I'm in the dungeon."
"Aw, you care about me." Astraea teased.
Bell rolled his eyes. "Keep it up, and I'll take Belly away."
"You monster! Belly has done nothing to you!" Astraea protested.
"Oh, so you love him more than your other dozen stuffed animals?"
"Ugh, well, no, I love them all equally."
Bell just laughed before looking at the clock. "Well, I should be going. Make sure to take care of yourself while I'm gone. I don't need to be going on recuse missions to save you."
Bell exited the dining room and began walking to the dungeon while Astraea watched him leave. She chuckled before shaking her head.
"Such an interesting child I have."
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Bell arrived at the dungeon a few minutes later. He had finished his apple and was looking for a trash can to discard it in. After finding one, he discarded it and began walking to the entrance of the dungeon.
"Excuse me, Mr adventurer." A voice called out.
Bell stopped and turned around, seeing a massive backpack in front of his face. He looked down and saw the same Prum from yesterday. She was wearing a white coat with red streaks and had her hood drawn up.
"Aren't you the same girl I saved yesterday?" Bell asked.
The Prum shook her head. "No sir, Lili's a Chienthrope see."
Lili took her hood off and showed him two dog ears on top of her head. Bell narrowed his eyes in suspicion. He knew for a fact this was the same prum for two reasons.
One Chienthropes aren't that small, even the children aren't. The second reason is because she had the same face and facial features as the Prum he saw yesterday.
But Bell guessed she had her reasons for hiding her identity. To which he didn't really care what she was.
"Ah, my mistake, so what can I do for you?" Bell asked, playing coy.
"Well, mister, I was wondering if you were looking for a supporter. You seem to be alone." Lili said, gesturing to his backpack.
Bell decided to play along some more. If anything really bad happened, he could try and make it to Ryu for help.
"Well, in a sense, I am, just started adventuring in the dungeon not too long ago. It would be very useful for me to have some support. My goddess also wants me to find someone to watch my back as well."
"Then would you consider taking me on as your supporter? I'm in between parties at the moment." Lili asked.
Bell just shrugged. "Sure, I don't mind. Just know I like to push myself and go farther down than I should."
"Well, you haven't died yet, so Lili thinks she'll be fine."
Bell smiled. "Alright, well, let's get going then. We're heading to floor eight."
"Wait, I don't even know your name!" Lili said.
"Oh, it's Bell, and I'm guessing your name is Lili?"
"Yes, that's correct, oh, and you can put your backpack in mine if you want."
"Thanks, that'll be helpful," Bell said, taking his off.
He walked over to Lili and opened her massive backpack, which was nearly three times her size. He opened the top of it and placed his smaller one in there before closing it and making sure it was secure.
"Alright, let's get going. Oh, and don't be alarmed when we meet Ratto on floor eight. He's expecting me."
"Ratto?" Lili asked.
"It's a fake name, so don't look too much into it."
Lili just shrugged and followed Bell. She'd thought he'd be a good target to rob, but she was unsure.
He looked and acted dumb. But the way he held himself told her otherwise. Lili was going to have to be cautious around Bell.
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Bell and Lili went quickly through most of the upper floors. Bell made sure she was safe as he was moving faster than what she was used to.
So anytime a monster got close to her, Bell was there to kill it and make sure she was ok. Once they reached the eighth floor, Bell saw Ratto waiting for him.
"You're late," Ratto stated.
"Sorry about that. I overslept and picked myself up a supporter. You can take a break, Lili, we're gonna be here a while."
Lili collapsed to the ground after taking her backpack off and panting. "You move was too fast, Master Bell."
"Sorry about that, I just wanted to get down here quickly. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."
Lili shook her head as she leaned against the wall. "I'm fine, just do whatever it is you do. I'll just catch my breath."
Bell then turned to Ratto, who already had his sword drawn.
"Have you worked out like I said?" The giant man asked.
Bell unsheathed his as well. "No, my goddess and I went out for dinner, and she got drunk. Then I fell asleep because I was tired."
"Hmm, I see understandable. But enough talking, now we fight."
Ratto swung down, which Bell dodged by moving to the side. He kicked off the wall and aimed at Ratto's helmet, but his gauntlet knocked him away.
Bell spun midair before landing on his feet and running forward. He kept his body low and swung up diagonally, aiming for his chest.
Ratto's sword slammed into Bell's, knocking it toward the ground. Bell kept his grip on it and slid under Ratto.
He grabbed some of the dungeon floor and tossed it in Ratto's face. The dust blinded Ratto for a second, which Bell took advantage of.
He maneuvered behind him and kicked him in the back of the knee. It did absolutely nothing as Ratto still stood tall.
Once the dust cleared, Ratto swung his sword backward, aiming at Bell's chest. Bell brought up his gauntlet and tanked the attack.
He skidded back, and his back hit the wall of the dungeon. Before he could react, Ratto's sword was impaled into the wall right next to him, inches from his face.
"See what I mean by you needing more muscle," Ratto said.
Bell chuckled and did a mock surrender. "Yeah, I do, damn your legs must be strong."
Ratto pulled his sword away, and Bell pushed himself off the wall.
"It took many years to reach what I am today. If you start young, it should build on quicker. You also need to eat and get more protein as well."
Bell nodded, digesting his words. "Alright, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Ready to go again, or do you need a break." Bell smirked.
"You're a cocky one, I like it," Ratto answered, giving Bell a small smirk of his own.
Lili just watched as the two engaged in a spar once more. Her eyes widened slightly in shock as she started to rethink her plan about robbing Bell.
"So the stories of him killing a Minotaur were true. Oh, I might be in over my head."
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Astraea sat on her stool at the bar. The Hostess wasn't too busy now, as the breakfast rush just ended. Ryu was seated next to her with a teacup in front of her. Astraea had coffee.
"So, are you planning on coming by every day, lady Astraea?" Ryu nervously asked.
"Circumstances willing, yes," Astraea answered.
She was still nervous about Astraea's return as she thought she'd never see her again. She also still believed she wasn't worthy enough to be in her presence after what she had done.
But Astraea, despite Ryu's protests at first, was always around. Speaking to her and trying to catch up on lost time. It made Ryu extremely happy.
But it also made her heart hurt, knowing she was the only one who got to experience this reunion.
"So how is Mr Cranel treating you? Do I need to have some words with him?" Ryu asked.
Asteaea giggled and took a sip of her coffee. "He's just fine, Ryu. Bell is a very kind young man, and he's treated me well. You should get to know him better."
Ryu shook her head. "I don't know, it feels weird seeing a new member of the familia. Besides, I could bring unwanted attention upon him and raise suspicion on who I am."
Asteaea sighed as she set her mug down. "Right, your bounty. Don't worry, I'll try and figure out a way to get rid of it."
Ryu took a sip of her tea but remained quiet. She enjoyed Astraea's presence but didn't know what to talk about.
Astraea giggled as she took another sip of coffee. "It's funny, Bell offered himself up to get rid of your bounty. What does that tell you about his character?"
Ryu was slightly taken aback by this comment but quickly composed herself. "It wouldn't really matter. He's a level one rookie, not much the guild would want with him."
"Oh, but you underestimate him, my child. Bell holds something very valuable to the guild." Astraea mused.
"Like what?" Ryu asked.
"Get to know him better, and you'll find out," Astraea answered.
Ryu stared quizzically at her goddess, wondering what Bell could have that would help her.
"Well, then, why haven't you used him yet?" Ryu hesitantly asked, hoping not to overstep any boundaries.
"Because he'll be in danger, and I don't want that for him. Yet despite knowing the risks, he still offered himself up."
Ryu again was quiet as she processed her thoughts. Why would Bell do something like this? She barely knew him, and yet he was willing to put his life at risk to clear her name.
Did he want something in return? Yes, that had to be it. But the boy she met didn't seem like the type to want a reward for his actions. But maybe that was all an act.
"Ryu, Bell isn't the type to do things for a selfish reason," Astraea said, cutting Ryu out of her thoughts.
"Wh- how did you know what I was thinking?"
"It's written all over your face. Did you forget I'm very good at reading you?" Astraea asked.
Ryu blushed slightly and looked away. Astraea just laughed again and finished your coffee.
"Ryu, I do have a request for you, though," Astraea asked.
"Anything, just ask, and I'll do it." Ryu quickly said.
Astraea softly smiled. "If Bell is ever in trouble. Will you please help him? I know his type he'll be too stubborn to ask for help. But please, if he's ever in trouble, can you help him."
Ryu was silent for a moment, hearing her goddess request. Despite the smile, it sounds like Astaea was begging Ryu to keep Bell safe if he ever found himself in trouble.
Ryu was quiet for a minute longer before responding. "Ok, I'll keep an eye on him. Although my capabilities might be limited while I'm here."
Ryu was gesturing to the Hostess, to which Astraea understood.
"Thank you, Ryu, it makes me feel less worried. Bell has a safety net to fall back on should he need it."
"Anything for you, lady Astraea."
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Bell stood in the middle of the hallway in the dungeon as Lili was cutting monster stones out of Killer Ants out of the way.
Bell was waiting, his sword sheathed, as he heard more Killer Ants coming his way. He told Lili to leave a few of them to draw more and more to them to get more kills and money.
Bell saw a group of Killer Ants down at the end of the hallway. There couldn't be more than 20 of them.
Bell placed his hand on his handle and waited for them to get closer. He waited and waited.
Once they were close enough, he shot forward and quickly unsheathed his sword. He cut through those ants like a hot knife through butter.
All were dead within that single swing.
"Ugh, still not where I need to be. Starting to feel like I'm stagnating. Maybe I need to level up first to make more progress." Bell thought.
Meanwhile, Lili grew more and more doubts about stealing from Bell. Because even if she did succeed either, he would tell Ratto, and that giant of a man would hurt her down.
Or Bell would simply catch up to her faster than she could blink. But she needed the money. Now more than ever since she was so close to her goal.
Bell's gear looked to be worth a lot. Despite his chestplate being burnt black. But would it really be a good idea to rob from him? Especially with how fast he is.
"Well, I think that's enough for today. Time we head back." Bell said, sheathing his sword again.
Lili was snapped out of her thoughts and saw another pile of corpses Bell had made. There had to be at least 40 more Killer Ants there.
"I'll take care of this pile you keep working on yours," Bell said, taking his dagger out.
Before Lili could protest, Bell had already started carving into the ants, leaving Lili dumbfounded. Why was an adventurer helping her do a supporter's job?
She didn't ask any questions, though, and proceeded to finish up her stack of Killer Ants.
Once the two were done, Bell placed his monster stones in Lili's pack, and the two began heading back to the surface.
Bell made sure to go slower his time so Lili wouldn't be gasping for air as they ascended. He still had his suspicions about her but kept them to himself.
If she tried anything, he would be ready to react. Although right now, she was playing the kind and innocent little supporter.
Bell was aware women used a tactic like this to get a man's guard down. Or maybe that was just another lie his Grandpa told him.
Didn't mean he wouldn't keep his guard up.
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Bell and Lili arrived back on the surface to the sunsetting. The two walked down to the guild, making small talk in the meantime.
"So, Lili, was I an alright candidate for you to support today?" Bell half-jokingly asked.
"Master Bell is an odd adventurer. Training in secret with a man with a false name. But he is good at killing monsters."
Bell shrugged. "What can I say? Guess I have a talent for it."
"Lili does wonder why Master Bell helped me get the monster stones?"
"Simple, it looked like you needed help. It was a lot of bodies to carve up."
"So you helped Lili because it looked like I needed help?"
"Yup."
"You're a weird adventurer."
Bell chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The two then arrived at the guild, and Bell cashed in the monster stones. Lili stood back and watched as Bell counted the money. She was preparing herself to get scammed.
Adventurers did it to her all the time. Always underpaid her and then beat her once she protested. It happened every time she joined a new party.
Bell came back with two pouches in hand. He handed one to her, and Lili thought the weight felt odd. It was heavier than she was used to.
"That should be half of it. If not, I'll give you some of mine to even it out." Bell said, reaching into Lili's bag and grabbing his backpack.
Once Lili processed what he had said, her eyes widened. "Wait, half! Why did Lili get half?!"
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Because you did half of the work? Why wouldn't you get half?"
Bell placed his pouch in his pack and threw it back over his shoulders.
"But Lili's just a supporter. She doesn't deserve half!"
Bell shrugged. "Eh, who cares? You did half the work, you get half the loot. Only fair."
Lili's mouth opened and closed to protest. But no words came out. Bell took this as his chance to leave.
"Alright, well, I'll see you tomorrow. Meet me by the fountain at seven." Bell said, waving goodbye.
Lili wasn't able to respond in time, and Bell left.
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Bell headed back home to the Stardust Garden and discarded his armor in his room. He placed his sword next to his nightstand and grabbed a new pair of clothes.
Bell made his way to the baths and discarded his dirty clothes, putting them away. He took a quick bath, washing off all the dirt and grime from the dungeon as well as the blood on his hands.
Once he was finished, he got out, dried himself off, and got dressed. He went back into his room and grabbed his sword and coin pouch before leaving the house.
Bell made his way to the Hostess as the street lights turned on and the moon rose. After a few minutes, Bell arrived at the Hostess, where he was greeted by Anya.
"White hair, nya. Welcome back, nya."
"Hey, I can understand you better now." Bell joked.
Anya frowned. "Are you making fun of my accent again, nya?"
"What'd you say."
Anya growled and clenched her fist. "White hair, nya."
Bell smiled. "Well, I enjoyed this conversation. But I'm just gonna go to the bar where Astraea is."
"Oh well, better hurry, nya. Someone's hitting on her, nya." Anya pointed out.
"What?" Bell growled, seeing a man hitting on Astraea at the bar. Astraea, of course, was trying to decline, but he didn't seem to take the hint.
"Oh, so now you understand me, nya."
Bell didn't respond as he walked over to the bar.
"Come on, just one drink." The man said.
"No, thank you. I'm waiting for someone."
"I don't see them, come on, one drink can't hurt."
Astraea sighed in annoyance and was looking for Ryu to help her.
"She said no, now back away from my goddess," Bell demanded.
The man scoffed. "Go away me and-
The man didn't finish his sentence as Bell grabbed him by the collar. "In case I didn't make myself clear. Back off."
The man gulped in fear as Bell effortlessly held him up.
"Hey! Put him down he's a paying customer!" Mia yelled.
The man smirked while Bell glanced at Mia.
"He was harassing my goddess," Bell said.
Mia looked to Astraea, who nodded. "Alright, toss him out."
The man's face paled as Bell marched him to the door. Before he could even protest, Bell tossed him down the street and walked back inside. He took his seat by Astraea, who smiled at him.
"My knight in shining armor." She teased.
Bell rolled his eyes. "He didn't bother you too much, I hope."
Astraea shook her head. "Nope, just some hopeful young man who can't take a hint."
"Not really a hint if you said no." Bell pointed out.
Astraea nodded. "I guess so, but he wasn't the first one to try something like this. Nor will he be the last. But enough about that, how was your day in the dungeon."
"It was good, you'll be pleased to know that I finally got myself a supporter."
Astraea let out a cheer. "Ah, that makes me so happy. It means someone's finally watching your back."
Bell just rolled his eyes. "Yes, well, I knew that would make you happy. Her name's Lili, by the way."
"Oh, so it's a girl."
"Don't even start."
"Right, Anya's the one for you."
Bell slammed his head on the counter. "You're not gonna give this up, are you?"
"Give what up?" Syr asked.
Bell raised his head and looked at her. "My goddess is trying to hook me up with a girl."
"Oh really?" Syr asked.
Astraea looked warily at Syr. "Yes, that's correct, I want Bell to find happiness."
Syr looked back over to the slightly peeved Bell. Before a devious smirk spread across her face.
"Oh well, mind if I throw my hat in the ring. When I heard about the Minotaur fight, it made me fall for you." Syr cutely said.
Bell groaned and buried his head in his arms. "I hate this more and more."
Sry giggled while Astraea kept her eye on her.
"I'm just kidding, Bell, now, can I take your order?" Syr asked.
Bell raised his head and looked to Astraea. "Only one ale, considering that's all it takes for you to get drunk."
Astraea scoffed. "It does not."
"You're right, only half of one."
Astraea pouted while Bell sat up. "I'll just have what I normally get. What about you, Astraea?"
"I'll have my usual as well."
Syr nodded and wrote down their orders before heading back to the kitchen. Bell glanced at Astraea, who kept her gaze on Syr until she was out of sight.
"Something wrong?" Bell asked.
"She's an odd one, and I find it suspicious how a waitress was able to afford a grimoire." Astraea pointed out.
"Oh, so that's what that was. Yeah, I find it suspicious as well. But I don't really care."
Astraea furrowed her brow. "What, why? It's kind of odd that she gave it to you, of all people. I mean, where would she even get the funds for it?"
Bell shrugged. "No clue, but the way I see it, she's trying to help me in some way. So I don't see the harm in it."
"But what if it was a way to extort money from you? Grimoires go for a lot." Astraea pointed out.
"That's true, but with this new supporter, I make 60-70k valis a day after giving her half. So it would be difficult, but I'd be able to pay it off. However, Syr doesn't seem like the type of person to do this."
Astraea looked over to the kitchen. Then back to Bell. "Alright, I'll trust your judgment. But if she takes one step out of line, let me know."
"Yes, and you'll bring down the hammer of justice on her. Ah, you there, stop. I am the goddess Astraea, and I'm here to bring you to justice."
Astraea giggled. "Oh, come on, I do not sound like that."
Bell smiled. "Hey, never said you did."
The two laughed as a woman with brown hair entered the tavern. She was a human and had brown eyes. She was wearing a white short top with brown shorts and a red scarf.
She scanned the tavern almost as if she was looking for someone. Not finding her target, she made her way to the bar and took a seat.
She took notice of Bell and Astraea but paid them no mind. She made sure to sit in the corner and tried to keep a low profile.
"Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility nya. What can I get for you, nya?" Anya asked.
"Just a tea, please." The woman asked.
Anya nodded and wrote the order down before talking away. The brown-haired woman looked around the bar and the tavern, almost as if she was looking for someone.
Bell saw her come in, and when he did, he felt an incessant ringing sensation in the back of his head. Like the woman he was staring at had ill intent of some sort.
But why did he have this feeling? Why was it telling him specifically about this woman and not the monsters in the dungeon?
Did it only work on people, and if that was the case, why didn't he feel it from others? Why only her?
"Is something the matter Bell?" Astraea asked.
Bell saw the woman staring at him, so he looked to Astraea. "No, everything's alright. Just have a weird feeling."
Bell kept the woman in the corner of his gaze while Astraea spoke.
"Is it something you want to talk about?" Astraea asked.
Ryu walked behind them, carrying plates of food in her arms. The woman's gaze followed her, and Bell noticed.
"No, it should be fine. Could be nothing more than a feeling." Bell answered.
"Oh, alright, just making sure. Oh, I almost forgot, but I'll be gone for a few days next week."
"Oh really, why's that?" Bell asked.
Ganesha is hosting a banquet of the gods, and I'm going to attend. It's been such a long time since I've seen my friend that I figured I would be over for a while."
"Just a friend, huh?" Bell teased.
Astraea playfully slapped him. "Oh, don't you even start."
Anya then arrived with their food and drink. "Here you go, nya."
"Oh hey, I understood that." Bell joked.
Astraea giggled while Anya frowned.
"You already made that joke, white hair, nya."
"Did I?"
Anya clenched her fist. "Nya white hair."
Astraea giggled while Bell kept teasing Anya.
Meanwhile, the woman at the bar looked at the two.
"Hmm, it appears the rumors of goddess Astraea being back in Orario are true. So that means the boy next to her is the one who beat the Minotaur at low level one. I'll need to be careful around him."
"Hey, Anya, I'll give you a thousand valis tip if you can say something without nya at the end," Bell said.
"You're an asshole." Anya deadpanned.
Bell laughed before fishing in his pouch and tossing her a thousand valis coin. "A deal's a deal."
Anya smiled as she pocketed the coin. "Thanks, white hair. You're the best nya."
Bell chuckled as she scurried away. Astraea meanwhile looked at Bell with a teasing smirk. To which Bell picked up on before she could tease him.
"Shut up and drink your ale. I already know I'll have to carry you back home."
Astraea scoffed. "No, you will not."
"You say that now," Bell muttered, taking a bite of his spaghetti.
But Bell kept his eye on the woman in the corner of the bar. Something about her felt off. So it would be better to be safe than sorry.
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Lili crouched in her tiny apartment away from her familiar home. Her face had fresh bruises as she had just been robbed beforehand.
She grabbed a potion from under the floorboard and drank it, feeling the pain dull, and the swelling go down.
She sighed in annoyance and looked at her savings.
"Still not enough, that money from today would've helped had they not taken it. Greedy assholes."
Lili placed the floorboard back and leaned against the wall. She wished for a better life. One away from the Soma familia.
"Maybe if I just steal his sword, that will be enough. But who knows how well that will go." Lili thought.
She spent the rest of the night thinking of what to do before falling asleep.
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Bell sighed as he threw Asteaea's arm over his shoulder again. He paid his bill and took Asteaea out of the Hostess before she caused too much of a scene.
"Bell, hey, Bell," Asteaea slurred.
"Yes?" Bell asked, walking down the street.
"You look like a rabbit."
"No, I don't!" Bell protested.
Astraea giggled. "Yes, you do, like a little Al Mirage. You want a carrot, little rabbit."
"You think you're so funny, don't you."
"Little bunny Foo Foo hopping through the forest. Scooping up the field mice and bopping them on the head."
"I'm gonna bop you on the head."
"No, don't be mean to me, bunny. I'm not a field mouse."
Bel sighed, regretting his decision to let Astraea drink. He wondered how bad it would be at Ganesha's banquet. Where he wouldn't be around to bail her out if she drank herself silly.
But Bell believed she had enough self-control. Well, he hoped she did.
"You're thinking something mean again." Astraea slurred.
"What, me think something mean about you. Never."
Astraea booped his nose. "Bunny's a liar."
Bell clicked his tongue. "Did you just boop my nose?"
"Uh huh, look, I'll do it again. Boop."
Bell sighed. "I'm not letting her drink again if I'm around."
Tow figures watched as Bell entered his home with Astraea in hand.
"So that's him, right?"
"Yeah, that's the little bastard that arrested me."
"Good, he's also was seen with that stupid prum earlier today. Looks like she's his new supporter."
"So what's the plan?"
"Wait a few days and rob him and Lili. Then, if the monsters get them, oh well."
"Heh, heh, good. This little bastard will know he shouldn't have fucked with me.
.
.
.
.
Bell led Astraea to her room. He still felt a slight ringing in his head but brushed it off for the time being. He'd ask Astraea about it in the morning.
He deposited Astraea on her bed and watched as she cuddled up to her giant teddy bear.
"Belly! Mr Rabbit was mean to me. Make me feel better with cuddles."
Bell rolled his eyes as he grabbed the cup he left on Astraea's nightstand last night and refilled it with water.
When he returned, Astraea was still muttering things to the bear while Bell set the cup down.
"Alright, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Astraea."
"Goodnight, meanie rabbit." She slurred.
Bell allowed himself a small chuckle as it was a little funny when she was drunk. Not that he would go out of his way to make that happen, however.
Shutting the door to Astraea's room. Bell walked back to his and opened the door. At this point, the ringing had gone away, and it was quiet.
He took his sword off his belt and placed it by the nightstand before kicking off his boots. He looked at the grimoire on his nightstand.
It was now rendered useless since he had read it. Whatever Syr's intentions were, he didn't pay them much mind. They didn't seem harmful or malicious by any means. So, he discarded the thoughts after throwing the useless book away.
Before he went to sleep, however, he opened the drawer to his nightstand and grabbed Kaguya's name tag. His fingers softly traced the letters of her name as he became lost in thought.
"Is that ringing you? Are you trying to warn me of something? If so, what?"
Bell didn't receive an answer, however. He took one last look at the name tag before putting it back in the drawer and closing it.
He then leaned back onto his bed, feeling the softness of it allow him to sink in. He then closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Well, another chapter has come and gone. Anyway not much happened other than meeting Lili and a strange woman with an interest in Ryu.
I wonder what'll happen there. Anyway, I'll see ya guys later.
