Bell and Lili walked down Main Street on their way to the guild. It was the day after the Soma familia all turned themselves in, and the news broke like wildfire.
Their captain was dead, and all of their members were in jail awaiting trial for their hand in the multitude of crimes their familia performed.
Soma himself was also being tried as well.
But the big news was that it was all a level one from the Astraea familia that brought them down. Bell was being hounded in the very street he walked down right now.
"Hey, kid, did you really take down the Soma familia?"
"Is it true the captain killed himself?"
"Are you the new captain of the Astraea familia?"
"What are your opinions of the Gale Wind? She was an ex-Astraea familia member?"
Bell sighed as more and more questions were thrown at him. He and Lili had to stop walking so Bell could answer.
"Alright, first question. Yes, I did take down the Soma familia. They harmed my goddess and kidnapped my friend."
Bell turned to the second reporter. "Yes, the captain killed himself. He had a cursed weapon that, with a chant, could spring vines from the handle. Now these vines work like creep vines, but instead of sucking the water out of trees, it drained him of his blood."
"But his body is missing an arm."
"Well, I cut it off, which sped his suicide up by a few minutes."
Bell turned his attention to the one question he didn't really know the answer to.
"I wouldn't say I'm the new Astraea familia captain. I'm just another member, if Astraea were to offer me the position, I would gladly take it, but at this time, that spot remains vacant."
Finally, Bell turned his attention to the last reporter. He already had an answer, and he didn't care how they spun it.
"My opinion on the Gale Wind is that this city should be thanking her rather than trying to prosecute her. It was thanks to her this city was brought out of the Dark Age. While I may not have been in the city at the time, I've heard how bad that time was. So when someone ends it, the city of Orario decides to persecute its savior? Pretty dumb if you ask me."
"So you're in support of the Gale Wind's actions?"
Bell nodded. "I am, if her actions ended a troubling time in this city's history, I'm behind her all the way."
"Even if some of the people she killed were innocent business owners who sold them equipment?"
Bell didn't miss a beat. "It is the business owner's job to find out what type of deals they are making and with whom they are making them. Taking out known dealers to Evilus limits the damage they can do with said supplies."
More and more questions came, and Bell tried his best to answer them. But eventually, he grew annoyed, so he grabbed Lili and, with his level-two abilities, jumped away.
Once he was in the clear, he set Lili down, and the prum looked up at him.
"Probably not smart for your reputation defending her like that."
Bell scoffed. "I don't care for my reputation. It's just something held up by people I don't know nor care about."
"Alright, but you might have some hecklers." Lili shrugged.
"And I can deal with a few words, Lili. Now let's go get you reregistered, and I'll report my level up. After that, I'm buying you some gear."
Lili held up her hands. "Oh, you don't need to Master Bell. Lili is fine with her wrist crossbow."
Bell stared at Lili, causing the prum to fidget.
"You're not going into the dungeon with me until you get yourself a set of armor and a spear."
"W-why a spear?" Lili asked.
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Because you're tiny and don't have a lot of reach."
"Wow, so Master Bell sees me as some sort of midget?"
"Yes, because that's what you are. Now let's go." Bell teased.
"Huh?! Get back here and say that to Lili's face!"
"I did, and it went over your head," Bell smirked.
Lili pouted as Bell chuckled. The two continued their walk. Once arriving at the guild, multiple pairs of eyes were on them.
Lili seemed to grow nervous under this much attention. But Bell didn't care for the gazes and helped Lili keep walking.
He approached a teller's desk where a chestnut-haired half-elf was working. She was organizing papers in a neat stack and fixed her glasses.
She looked up when Bell was right in front of her.
"Oh, Bell, it's good to see you again," Eina said.
"You as well."
"I assume you're faring well in the dungeon?" She asked.
"Yup, it's tried to kill me but has failed miserably."
Eina smiled. "Well, that's nice to hear. Now, what can I help you with today?"
"Well, I need to report my Level up, and Lili needs to have her papers updated," Bell answered.
Eina's eyes nearly budged out of her head at what Bell had just said. She quickly readjusted her glasses and shot to her feet.
"YOU LEVELD UP??!" She yelled.
Bell held his ear. "Ow, and yes, I did. Damn, you're loud."
Eina blushed and quieted down. "Bell, you've been an adventurer for three months. There's no way you leveled that fast."
"Says who? Eina, I'm telling the truth. You can go and grab a god if you don't believe me."
Eina sighed as she sat back down and grabbed some paperwork. She handed the form to Bell.
"I believe you, Bell. Others won't, but I will. Fill out that paperwork, and I'll post the notice on the board."
"Thank you, Eina, oh and can you-
"Give transfer paperwork you your supporter? Yes, I can do that too."
"Thanks, Enia, you're the best."
"My hair's gonna go gray because of you." She muttered.
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Bell and Lili left the guild as roars of outrage rang out. Bell laughed as Lili shook her head.
"Master Bell, Lili grows worried this will paint a target on your back."
Bell chucked again. "I already have a target on my back. I took out the city's biggest wine distributor. People are gonna be pissed."
Lili nodded in agreement, and the two made their way to Babel Tower. They took the elevator to the fifth floor, where Bell could buy Lili armor.
"Alright, Lili, go and find your midget armor, and I'll pay for it. Don't grab anything cheap, either. I want you safe while we're in the dungeon."
"Lili will look past that short joke since you're paying for her gear. But next time, I will retaliate."
"Oh no, you'll bite my ankles."
Lili grumbled as she entered a shop for prums. Bell followed, laughing to himself at Lili's fake anger.
In this shop was an assortment of mannequins dressed with armor holding weapons of all kinds as well. Bell stayed back as Lili browsed the shop.
Some armor caught her eye, but she didn't want it to interfere with her carrying her massive backpack. She didn't seem to find one that caught her eye.
That was until she felt a strange calling, like something was calling out to her. Begging to be used. Lili followed this call into a back area of the shop.
Bell, intrigued by what she was doing, followed closely behind her.
Lili came upon an armor stand with an armor set up in a strange way. Armguards, a breastplate, gauntlets, a skirt, and some boots. Everything but the gauntlets were gold in color, with the gauntlets being silver.
Lili's eyes widened as she recognized the design of this armor. Bell seemed to recognize it, too, but wasn't excited about it like Lili was.
"Master Bell, I want that one!" Lili excitedly said.
"You wanna cosplay like Fianna? You're missing the visor."
"I can get a visor later, and I want to buy that with my own money. But can I please have this one, Master Bell?" Lili begged.
Bell chuckled and patted her head. "Of course, I said I'd buy you any armor you wanted. Now get this packed up while I go pay for it."
Lili had a beaming smile on her face as Bell walked to the counter. She grabbed a box and began packing the replica of Fianna's armor into it.
Once Bell returned, Lili had finished packing, and Bell picked up the box. Lili went to protest, but a look for Bell shut her up.
He was doing this so she didn't have to carry everything.
"Alright, next item is a spear. Off to a weapons shop." Bell declared.
Lili followed Bell as he walked down to the next shop over. Like the armor shop, this one was also made for prums.
From their wrist-mounted crossbows to daggers and spears, this shop had it all. Just with a glance, Bell could tell these weapons were well made.
Whoever seemed to make them seemed to care for the prums. It was the same for the armor as well. It made Bell a little happy knowing prums weren't looked down upon by everyone.
Someone made this gear to look out for them.
"Master Bell, I want this one!" Lili called out.
Bell walked over to where Lili was pointing and saw a golden and red spear propped up on a stand. He gave it a once over and liked its condition.
He grabbed it and examined it, seeing a familiar name on the spear. This caused him to chuckle.
"Welf Crozzo, huh? I wonder."
Bell looked at the breastplate in the box and turned it over. He let out a small laugh, seeing Welf's name on the back.
"No wonder the breastplate is so tiny. Even for a prum." Bell thought.
"So this is the one you want?" Bell asked to make sure.
Lili nodded. "Yeah, it looks really cool and pretty, and I can't wait to use it."
"Alright, I'll go pay for it."
Bell approached the counter and placed the spear on it. The clerk ran him up, and Bell paid for it. Once it was paid for, Bell placed the spear in the box, and he and Lili proceeded to head home.
Once home, Bell found Astraea sitting in the living room. She sat on a red chair with a small table next to her. A single cup of coffee rested atop it as she read the paper.
Upon hearing Bell and Lili entering, she folded the paper down and looked at Bell with a smug smile on her face.
This caused alarm bells to ring in Bell's head.
"Why are you looking at me like that? What are you planning?" Bell asked, setting the box down.
"Oh, nothing, you're just very bold, Bell. Speaking about Ryu in such a manner."
Bell's face scrunched in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Astraea said nothing but held out her newspaper to Bell. The boy took it out of her hands and read the front page.
"Ah, shit."
Star rookie from the Astraea familia approves of the Gale Wind's actions. What does this spell for the revival of the familia?
"That was fast, I only said this like three hours ago!" Bell exclaimed.
Bell handed the newspaper to Lili, and the prum deadpanned at Bell.
"Nice one, Master Bell."
"Hey, I didn't expect them to print it this fast." Bell protested.
Astraea giggled as Lili handed the newspaper back to her.
"Well, Bell, you have a way with words. But agreeing with Ryu's actions in front of everyone takes a lot of guts."
"Are you saying I said the wrong thing?" Bell asked.
Astraea shook her head. "No, but I wouldn't have quite said what you said. But I do think it's very brave of you to stick your neck out for Ryu like that."
Bell shrugged. "Well, she's my friend. Course, I'd stick my neck out for her. Did the same for Lili, and I'd do the same for you."
Astraea giggled once more. "You already did, Minotaur, remember."
"Oh yeah, fun times."
"Lili thinks Master Bell is reckless."
"Lili is right." Astraea agreed.
"Bell thinks Lili should shut up and go put on her armor."
Lili gave Bell a teasing smile as she grabbed the box and ran to her room. Bell crossed his arms as Astraea put the newspaper on the table.
"So, when are you buying me a new dining room table?" She asked.
Bell smiled and shook his head. "Relentless today, aren't you?"
"You owe me a new table."
Bell chuckled. "I know, I know. Don't worry, I placed an order for one already. Should be ready by tomorrow."
Astraea's brow scrunched in confusion. "Be ready tomorrow? Bell, you can just pick one up in a store."
Bell gave her a knowing smile. "I'm aware, trust me, you'll like this new table."
Astraea playfully narrowed her eyes at Bell. "What did you do?"
"You'll see tomorrow when I pick it up," Bell responded.
Astraea stuck out her tongue. "Meanie."
Bell chuckled as Lili walked into the room dressed in her armor. The armor fit her perfectly, and to Astraea, Lili looked like the spitting image of Fianna. If only her hair were longer.
She'd notice this with Bell looking like Argonaut as well.
"How do I look?" Lili asked, doing a twirl.
"Just like Fianna," Astraea responded.
Lili smiled and looked over to Bell. Bell gave her a thumbs up, agreeing with Astraea. Even though he had never seen a picture or drawing of Fianna before.
"Alright, time for your spear training, Lili. Grab your backpack." Bell ordered.
"My backpack?"
"Yup, you're going to wear it while learning how to use the spear. Chop, chop."
Lili quickly hurried back to her room while Astraea stood up.
"Mind if I watch?" She asked.
"You and your horde of stuffed animals are welcome to."
Astraea giggled. "Alright, but go easy on her. She won't be used to training like this."
"Don't worry, I'll go easy. I'm a gentleman, after all."
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Evening had come, and Lili placed her exhausted head on the table she was sitting at. Astraea, Lili, and Bell were at the Hostess for dinner to celebrate Bell's level-up.
Also because, Bell destroyed the dining room table as well.
Lili and Astraea were sitting next to each other, with Bell sitting across from them.
"Ugh, that was tough." Lili groaned.
"Bell, I said go easy on her." Astraea scolded.
"I did, I only had her do footwork and thrusting with the spear."
"For six hours." Lili groaned.
Astraea stared at Bell with the boy looking away.
"I gave her breaks," Bell muttered.
Astraea shook her head while patting Lili's. The prum seemed to relax a little at the loving gesture.
"Oh, Bell, that reminds me, I'll be at Denatus tomorrow, and after that, Ganesha's banquet," Astraea explained.
"Oh, he finally fixed his supply issue?" Bell asked.
Astraea nodded. "Yes, so either I'll be home late tomorrow or early the next day."
Bell smiled. "Alright, make sure to get me a good nickname. Oh, also, so you won't worry, Lili and I won't go to the dungeon for a few days. I want to drill more basics into her with the spear."
Lili groaned in annoyance as Astraea patted her on the back. It was then plates of food and drinks were set on the table by Ryu and Syr. The latter of which pulled up an extra chair.
"Congratulations on your level up, Bell. Mia's loaning us to you for the night." Syr explained, sitting next to him on his left.
"You mean she wants me to spend lots of money, doesn't she?" Bell deadpanned.
"That as well," Ryu answered, sitting on his right.
Bell chuckled as he took a sip of his ale. The cool, burning liquid stung his throat. He pointed to Astraea and wagged his finger.
"No alcohol for you tonight. You get wasted too easily."
Astraea pouted. "I wasn't going to drink anything."
"Can't be too careful with you."
Lili was eating her pasta while Astraea ate her salad. Bell ate his spaghetti but could feel Syr's gaze on him.
"Yes, Syr?"
"Oh, nothing, I'm just wondering what it's like being the record holder for the fastest level-up in history."
Bell shrugged. "Eh, I don't really care for the fame. I just leveled up through hard work and tenacity."
Plus, cheating the falna. But the little details don't matter.
"Boo, that's a boring answer." Syr pouted.
"It's the one you're getting," Bell responded, taking another sip of ale.
"Still Mr Cranel. Three months for a level-up isn't heard of. The Sword Princess held the previous record of a year."
Bell knew that was a lie. But he kept his mouth shut. Simply because Bell's Grandpa told him Zeus familia members took eight to nine months to level up.
Now, Bell's Grandpa had lied to him before. But Bell was certain he wouldn't lie about this. Mostly because the thing his Grandpa lied to him about was a bad thing.
"Eh, who cares about the Sword Princess? I beat her record big deal. I'm still the same person I was when I was a level one. I just have more strength now." Bell shrugged.
Everyone at the table except Astraea was surprised about Bell's declaration. Him not caring about one of the biggest names in the city was beyond them.
"Master Bell, she's Loki familia," Lili said.
"So, who cares," Bell said once more.
"Your lack of caring is something I like about you, Bell," Syr added.
"Why thank you, Syr."
"Just don't let any of their members hear you say that," Ryu added.
Bell scoffed. "Why, what are they gonna do attack me because their feelings are hurt?"
Ryu was silent as Bell continued eating his spaghetti. The table was soon to get over their shock of Bell not caring for beating a record or his lack of care for one of the strongest familia's in the city.
But Astraea wasn't, though. She knew Bell's subsequent issues with the Loki familia were much more personal than the people at this table realized.
So she changed the subject.
"So, Bell, what alias are you hoping to get from the Denatus tomorrow?" She asked.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. I haven't put much thought into it. But if it's a name you give me, I'll like alright." Bell smiled.
Astraea felt a sense of vigor fill her body. She was dreading going to a Denatus because she knew what they were really like, and since she was at the bottom of the ladder once more, other gods might take this chance to try and bully her.
But with Bell smiling at her and telling her that he would be fine with whatever she brought home. Filled her with a fire to get him a good name.
"You can count on me, Bell." Astraea declared.
"I know," Bell responded.
A comfortable silence filled the table with only eating and drinking. However, Syr remembered something she read in the paper today.
"Oh, Bell, something you want to tell Ryu here?" She asked.
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Uh, not that I can think of."
"Syr, what are you talking about?" Ryu asked.
"Oh, Ryu, did you not see the paper today? Bell said quite a few interesting things about you."
Ryu leveled a slight glare at Bell. "Did you say anything bad about me?"
Bell chuckled. "No, I said I approved of your actions for ending the Dark Age and called out the guild for trying to prosecute you."
He took another sip of his ale as Ryu was shocked and caught completely off guard. She knew Astraea was trying to get rid of her bounty and that Bell would help.
But any time Astraea tried to meet with Ouranus, she was shooed away by the guild employees. Bell calling them out had to have grabbed their attention.
The star rookie who had the fastest level-up in history calling out the guild. Ryu was sure Astraea would be paid a visit by guild staff soon.
Bell, seeing Ryu's stunned face out of the corner of his eye, gave her a smirk and a cheers before finishing his ale.
More time passed with Ryu stuck in her own little world. Conversations carried on as her mind started racing with possibilities. Could she truly be free of her bounty one day, thanks to Bell's help?
Her heart once more yearned to grow closer to the boy. Wanting to at least try and be his friend. But another more cynical part of her thought it would be better to keep him at arm's length.
That way, if he died, it wouldn't hurt as much. He'd just be another person in the long line of people she had lost. Just another name that wouldn't fade her memory.
But her heart still screamed at her to be his friend. He was doing so much for her by working with Astraea to get her bounty cleared. Calling out the guild to get their attention.
But there was also something she didn't know. She didn't know about the information Bell possessed about the dungeon. The information that not even the guild had.
He was willing to give it up and paint a target on his back all so she could be free from the blade that hung over her neck. Such a gesture shouldn't result in the person being treated coldly.
"Bell, would you like to train with me tomorrow?" Ryu blurted out. The words left her mouth before she could stop herself.
Bell stopped his conversation with Lili. Something about making training harder for her if she didn't stop complaining.
He turned to her with a delighted smile on his face. "Of course, I would, but what brought this on?"
Ryu blushed slightly in embarrassment but continued speaking nonetheless.
"Mama Mia and Syr have something to do tomorrow, so the Hostess will be closed for dinner. So I was wondering if you would like to stop by here and train with me?"
"Sure, that's fine, but why here and not our house?"
"Because Anya will most likely throw a party, and Ryu needs to make sure it won't get out of hand," Syr added.
Bell nodded. "Ah, alright, Lili, are you up for coming as well?"
"Lili has a feeling she'll be very tired tomorrow, so no." The prum deadpanned.
Bell chuckled. "Alright, that's fine, we'll just work your stamina up."
Lili groaned once more at the thought of more training. But she knew Bell just wanted her to stay alive.
"Oh, that reminds me. Lili, we're heading to the middle floors next week, so get ready for that."
Lili nodded and started thinking of the supplies she would need to buy for them to be ready. Ryu, on the other hand, spoke up.
"You should be careful on the middle floors. They're nothing like the upper ones. Down there, it'll lure you into a false sense of security, and that's when the dungeon jaws will clamp down." Ryu calmly said.
These words seemed to scare Lili a little bit, but Bell merely shrugged.
"Don't worry about us, Ryu. Anything the dungeon throws at us, I'll throw right back." He boasted.
Ryu allowed a small smile to grace her face. "Well, good luck then, Mr Cranel."
"Yeah, kick the dungeons butt Bell!" Syr cheered.
The rest of the night passed by peacefully and in good spirits. Tomorrow, however, things would change once more.
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The next day arrived as Astraea was standing at the door saying goodbye to Bell and Lili. Ryu had already left for work. But in reality, she was hiding on a rooftop nearby to make sure Astraea made it safely to Denatus.
"Well, I'm off, I'll see you two later," Astraea said, giving Bell a hug.
"The new dining room table will be ready by the time you get back," Bell said as Astraea knelt down and hugged Lili.
"Bye, Lady Astraea." The prum said.
With a smile, Astraea left her home and started heading to the Tower of Babel. Followed closely by Ryu without the Goddess's knowledge.
Once she was gone, Bell told Lili to grab her equipment and meet him in the backyard. Lili was quick to do so, being in the backyard five minutes after Bell told her to.
He gave a small clap. "Good job, got out here quick. Now assume position."
Lili assumed her ready position and had her spear at the ready. She could feel her giant backpack weighing down on her, along with her armor.
Bell then gave her the go-ahead to start practicing. She thrusted her spear forward, then pulled it back. Before thrusting it forward again and again.
Bell stood next to her. His arms crossed as she did nothing but thrust her spear forward. Sweat began to pour down Lili's skin as she panted, and her arms began to feel heavy.
Yet Bell hadn't told her to stop, so she kept thrusting forward. Again and again, her arms growing heavier and heavier with each thrust.
"Stop," Bell ordered.
Lili stopped and started panting. Taking in lungfuls of air as Bell stood next to her.
"Good job, you did mess up in one aspect, however," Bell explained.
"And…what's that?" Lili asked.
Bell grabbed her spear and kicked her legs out from under her. Lili fell to the ground, her backpack sliding off as she landed on her back.
"You let your guard down. Always keep your balance steady and your mind ready. I know you're used to keeping your guard up a different way, but this is fighting Lili. Not using your magic to disguise yourself and run." Bell calmly explained.
Lili nodded as Bell helped her back up. The prum wasn't used to such exercise. Sure, she could carry a giant backpack. But to wear armor on top of that and to fight tired her greatly.
"Here, drink this." Bell offered, handing her a water-skin.
Lili quickly took it and greedily drank from it. The cold water soothed her dry throat. Once she was done, she handed the water-skin back to Bell, and he put the cap back on it.
"Alright, put your backpack back on, and let's get back to work."
Lili nodded and quickly ran over to her backpack. She hoisted it back over her shoulders, and Bell handed her spear back.
With her once more thrusting her spear back and forth. Again and again for hours on end. They took a break for lunch, and it was back to training.
Lili did get a small break, however, when the delivery people dropped off the new dining room table. Lili thought she'd be done for the day, but Bell put it together in less than an hour.
Then, it was back to training for Lili.
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The evening sun rolled around with Lili plopping down exhausted on her bed. A plate of cheese and crackers was at her bedside with two glasses of cold water.
Courtesy of Bell, of course.
"Eat those and get some rest. Good job for today." Bell said.
Lili didn't verbally respond but gave Bell a thumbs up. Bell smiled and closed the door to her room. As he walked to the entrance, he saw the new dining room table he had custom-made.
The craftsman worked very fast. Mostly because he left a massive tip for such a short notice order.
It caused a smile to spread on his face, knowing Astraea would like how it looked. He then exited the Stardust Garden dressed in his armor with his father's sword and Zanis's Sabre.
He reasoned he would need to get used to the weight of his new weapon by his side. The saber was longer and heavier than his short sword, and Bell had a feeling he would need to use it soon.
As he walked down the street, his mind wandered to Astraea. Denatus was over by now, so she was probably at Ganesha's having fun at his banquet.
He wondered what those were like. But then brushed the thought from his mind. High society sounded boring.
Bell arrived at the Hostess but could see it was closed. He just simply knocked on the door a few times like Ryu told him to do.
A few seconds later, Anya opened the door, and she smiled.
"Nya! White hair's here!" She cheered, dragging Bell in.
Bell laughed as she shut the door behind him.
"It's good to see you too, Anya."
"Nya, are you here to celebrate the tyrant leaving as well, Nya?" Anya asked.
Bell laughed again, knowing she meant Mia. "No, Anya, I'm here to train with Ryu."
"Oh, training with the clumsy elf nya. Alright, she's in the back follow me, nya."
Bell didn't follow as Anya practically dragged him there, holding his hand. She made her way through the kitchen and pushed open the back door leading outside.
Bell saw buildings connected together with the Hostess, and he assumed these to be part of the dorms. Ryu was waiting outside, dressed in her white short-sleeved shirt and jeans.
Attached to her belt was a piece of wood carved like a sword but could also be used like a club if needed.
When she saw Anya dragging Bell out, she sighed. Anya was always eccentric.
"Here she is, nya. Have fun, and don't go too hard on him, Ryu nya."
"You're not gonna stay and watch?" Bell asked.
"Nope, nya, as fun as it would be to watch Ryu kick your ass, nya. I'm gonna go party and celebrate having the night off, nya."
Anya quickly ran back inside while Bell turned to face Ryu. He noticed her gaze on his newly acquired saber.
"You kept that?" She asked.
Bell nodded as he drew his short sword. "Yeah, it'll be useful eventually."
"But it's a cursed weapon." Ryu cautioned.
"I know, and as such, it's better in my hands than someone criminal."
Ryu still worriedly looked at Bell but said nothing more. She saw that Bell was ready and charged forward.
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A brown-haired woman watched the Hostess of Fertility from a tower close by. Waiting and watching as Ryu and Bell sparred down below.
She grew nervous about the job she was about to do. Killing the Gale Wind to claim the 80 million Valis prize on her head. But she waited patiently as the sun dove lower over the horizon.
"Once everyone's gone to sleep. That's when I'll make my move."
Well, another chapter comes and goes. Bell finally had a modicum of peace for all of five minutes.
Anyway, next chapter will cover Denatus for all of you who wanted to see that. But yeah, I don't really have much else to say, so I hope you enjoyed and I'll see ya later.
