Emma awoke to the smell of fresh bacon reaching her room. Her eyes fluttered open as she looked around the room she was in.
Her bedsheets were green with red pillows. A nightstand with a lamp and fashion magazines stacked next to it laid untouched as it had for many years.
A single window lit up the room in the sunlight, allowing Emma to see her dresser propped up against the middle of a wall. A closet next to it that Iska had put in herself.
Along with a mirror and lots of makeup to make one look fashionable.
Emma herself didn't really care much for how she looked. But she wouldn't move anything in this room as a way to honor Iska, who was no longer here.
She yawned and stretched as she got out of bed. Before going to the dresser and picking out some clothes.
Astraea had already packed Iska's away and then took Emma shopping for new clothes for her to have while in the city.
She grabbed a red short-sleeved shirt and green pants. As well as blue socks. Emma liked to dress with as many colors as possible to make herself feel unique.
Maybe that way, her sister would have an easier time identifying her.
Once dressed, Emma walked over into the hallway before making her way into the dining room.
Once she arrived, she found Astraea sitting at the head of the table. A newspaper in her hand as she liked to be updated with events in the city.
Lili sat next to her, a book of spear fighting for dummies open with her reading it. Bell was in the kitchen cooking, pleased with his position as the new captain.
Astraea folded her newspaper down, hearing Emma come in.
"Good morning, breakfast should be ready soon, so take a seat." Astraea smiled.
Emma felt a little nervous but took her seat next to Lili. She was still getting used to being part of a familia. Even if she hadn't gone into the dungeon yet.
Bell entered a few minutes later carrying four plates in his arms. He set them down and passed them on to each person at the table before placing his at his seat.
Then went back to the kitchen to grab the drinks. Once the table was finished being set, he sat down on Astraea's left.
"Alright, let's eat," Bell said.
Astraea put her newspaper down, and Lili did the same with her book. Once everyone began eating, conversation picked up.
"So Emma, after breakfast, we'll head to Babel and get you some equipment. Then we'll begin your training." Bell said.
Emma nodded. "Alright, will I be allowed to choose what I want?"
"Of course, it'd be rude to force you to use a weapon you wouldn't be comfortable with. Although I do recommend learning multiple."
"Do you know multiple?" Emma asked.
"Mostly swords and spears," Bell answered.
Emma nodded and ate her eggs.
"Oh, Bell, make sure to get some new armor for yourself as well," Astraea said.
"That was also on the agenda for today. Lili, while we're gone, I expect you to continue practicing your spear training. With your full equipment."
"Got it, Master Bell."
Bell smiled as the group continued to eat breakfast. A peaceful atmosphere filled the room filled with smiles and jokes. It was times like these that made Bell appreciate the good in life.
He felt like he had found somewhere he belonged. A place to call home. Friends who could have fun with and rely on. Fighting in the depths of the dungeon to get stronger.
It was something he enjoyed.
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Bell and Emma were walking down the Main Street on their way to Babel. Since Emma was still fairly new to the city and self-admittedly horrible with directions meaning, Bell had to guide her.
"Sorry, I'm not really good with directions. I have to go to a place ten times before I can get there on my own." Emma apologized.
"It's a miracle you were able to find the Stardust Garden then." Bell joked.
"Hey, I had someone help me." She pouted.
Bell chuckled. "Just make sure you have a buddy with you. The last thing we need is you getting lost in the city."
Emma nervously laughed. "Yeah, that would be bad."
The two kept walking, with Emma looking around and taking in the sights. Bell felt like he was seeing himself when he first arrived in the city.
"So Emma, tell me a little more about yourself."
Bell already knew a few things, thanks to Ryu. But Emma hadn't told him any of that, so he was going to keep quiet.
"Oh well, I like cookies and hate spicy food. Like I said before, I'm bad with directions." She paused for a moment. As if working up the courage or trying to process her emotions.
"And I'm also looking for my sister. She's missing, and last I heard, she was in Orario." Emma looked to the ground and stopped walking. Bell stopped as well.
"I haven't seen her in years. One day, she just up and vanished. So when I heard she was here, I left my village and made my way here. I'll stop at nothing to find her."
Bell didn't say a word as he walked up and patted her on the shoulder. Emma looked up and saw his smiling face.
"Well, then, it looks like we have a missing person's case on our hands. As the captain of a familia of justice, I simply can't let this be." Bell told her.
Emma sniffled and wiped her eyes, stopping the tears from falling. "Thanks, Bell, it's nice to know I'll have help."
"But of course, what type of captain would I be if I let one of my members suffer."
Emma gave a small laugh. "The captain bit is starting to get old."
"I know, but don't worry. I know another person who's helping us look for your sister right now. Now, enough with the somber attitude. Let's go get your equipment."
Emma sniffled once more before she began walking again. Happy that someone would help her in her quest.
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Bell and Emma arrived at the fourth floor of Babel. The girl's gaze seemed nervous and disappointed.
"This is Babel?" She asked.
Bell merely chuckled. "Emma, it's only the fourth floor. This is stuff for beginners."
Emma blushed in embarrassment and nodded. "I see, yeah, that makes more sense."
Bell smiled and shook his head. "Alright, go explore, find something you like, and I'll pay for it."
This time, Emma didn't protest to Bell paying for her things and began to walk around Babel's fourth floor.
Bell followed behind her to make sure she didn't get lost. Even though the floor was a circle that would lead back to the elevator, he couldn't be too sure.
Emma looked and looked, but nothing seemed to really catch her attention. Everything looked bland or ordinary.
Emma wanted something that would make her stand out. Not to become famous but to make it easier for her sister to spot her if they ever crossed paths.
She entered a no-name weapons and armor store. The same one Bell had bought his armor from before.
A tall, red-haired man was arguing with the shopkeeper. Emma glanced at them, but Bell ushered her along.
"Hey Emma, don't leave the store. I'll be right back. I need to check for something." Bell said.
"OK, I'll be right here. Listening." She said.
"Try and pay them no mind," Bell said.
Emma nodded, and Bell went into the back of the shop. The same place he went to last time when he came here for armor. However, this time was different. This time, there was no armor made by Welf Crozzo.
Bell clicked his tongue. "Well, that's not good. Maybe the shopkeep knows who or where he is?"
He exited from the back of the shop. The arguing was still going on while Emma browsed a shelf with short swords.
Bell walked up to the counter and waited behind the red-haired man to finish up with the shopkeeper.
However, the shopkeeper seemed to be done with the man and waved Bell forward.
"Excuse me, I have an actual customer to deal with." He sneered.
Bell felt as if that was a little rude. But then again, he was just in an argument over shelf space or something.
"Uh yeah, I'm looking for any armor made by Welf Crozzo. Do you happen to know where I can find some, or him, for that matter?" Bell asked.
The shoppers will seem to leave his body as he face palmed. The red-haired man began laughing hysterically, causing Bell to have a suspicion as to who he was.
Emma looked on, puzzled, as the red-haired man stuck out his hand for Bell to shake.
"Name's Welf Crozzo. Pleasure to meet a valued customer."
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Bell, Welf, and Emma sat outside next to a fountain. Emma sat farther away from the two as she felt like this was a talk between Bell and Welf.
"So Alexiares is my number one customer, it seems," Welf said.
"Yeah, I really like your work. Especially the weapons and armor you make for prums. My one criticism, though, is that you make the chest plates too small."
"Yeah, normally, I don't have enough material to make full chest plates. I can only carry so much from the dungeon by myself."
"Eh, fair, I guess. Anyway, I was hoping you could make me some more armor. Circumstances caused my old armor to break."
"Ah, man, how long did it last before that?" Welf groaned.
"It withstood attacks from level two's and three's," Bell answered.
"What type of monster were you fighting like that?"
"Don't worry about it. Anyway, how much will it cost for you to make me a new set of armor, and possibly one for her as well."
Welf glanced over to Emma for a second before turning his gaze back to Bell. "Yeah, I can do that, but instead of payment, why not talk about a contract? You know what those are?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, my Grandpa told me about them. We hash out the terms, and then, in exchange for materials and other things, you produce things for me."
Welf nodded. "That's correct. Is that something you'd be interested in?"
"Yeah, besides, if I get you enough materials, maybe you can make an actual chestplate." Bell joked.
Welf chuckled. "Right, I'll remember to make a full one. My only condition for this contract is that you let me join your party."
Bell quirked an eyebrow. Shouldn't he have people from his familia to party with?
"Um, sure, I will warn you not to try anything, however. I take the lives of my familia and their safety very seriously."
Welf gulped as he felt a shiver go up his spine. "I promise I won't bring harm to them."
Bell shrugged. "Alright, I don't have a problem with it. Just know I'm not heading into the dungeon until I get this one trained. Oh, that reminds me, Emma, come here."
Emma walked over from the fountain to the bench Bell and Welf were sitting on.
"Emma, this is Welf. Welf, this is Emma."
Both greeted each other.
"Emma, tell Welf what type of weapon you want," Bell said.
Welf quirked an eyebrow but didn't protest. She was a part of Bell's party, and he was joining. Besides, it made more sense for him to craft for the whole party instead of just one person.
"I'd like two short swords, please."
Welf placed his hand on his chin as he nodded. "Alright, yeah, I can make those. Should have some extra material lying around, so it should be easy."
"Right then, we should be heading into the dungeon after this week. Will that give you enough time to make what's needed?" Bell asked.
"I can make it in three days. However, does Emma want any armor?"
"I do, but I'd have to give you my measurements." She blushed.
"Welf cleared his throat. "Alright, I'll get started on everything. It was a pleasure meeting the two of you."
Welf stood up and began to walk away. But Bell called out to him.
"Hey, Welf, I don't need a chestplate. Also, swing by the Stardust Garden when you're done. Emma should have her measurements for you at that point."
Welf gave him a thumbs up but kept walking away. Bell chuckled as Emma sat down next to him.
"Nice going, Emma. You scared him off." He joked.
"I didn't mean to." She grumbled.
"So, two short swords, huh? What made you choose those?"
"Well, you carry one, and I was wondering if maybe I had a short sword to it'd be easier for you to teach me. Also, I'm small, so speed seems more ideal for me."
"Well, I can teach you how to use them. But being quick and agile will fall down to you. Tell me, how long can you run for?"
"Uh, about an hour or so before I get tired." She answered.
"Hmm, not bad, not bad. You'll need to raise your stamina up, but we already have a good start. Now it's time for your education."
"Aw, but I liked exploring the city." Emma pouted.
"We can explore another time. But filling your head full of knowledge to make sure you don't die in the dungeon is my responsibility as your captain. Now come on."
Emma groaned but followed Bell anyway. She knew he was just looking out for her, and in a way, it made her happy knowing someone had her back.
Ever since her mom died and her sister went missing, Emma had been alone. So, after she arrived in the city, she had nobody to rely on.
But after she joined the Astraea familia, that changed. She now had her goddess, Lili, and Bell to watch her back.
She had friends.
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A few days passed, and Welf arrived at the Stardust Garden. He was a little nervous being here as he heard the stories of the once-famous Astraea familia bringing justice for all.
But he also knew they were wiped out, and the survivor was fueled by anger, causing her to go on a rampage. But that happened a long time ago, and the Gale hadn't been sighted in years.
Welf knocked on the door and waited for a few minutes. He adjusted the box in his hand as the door opened.
His eyes widened slightly as Astraea opened the door. He found her extremely beautiful. But his heart already belonged to someone else.
"Oh, you must be Welf. Please come in. Bell said he was expecting you today."
Astraea stepped back and opened the door wider, allowing Welf to walk in.
"Please make yourself comfortable," Astraea said.
"Thank you for your hospitality," Welf answered.
Astraea shut the door behind him, and Astraea led him to the garden. Outside, Bell, Emma, and Lili were training.
Or it was more like Bell was acting as a drill sergeant to Emma and Lili. Lili was attacking a straw dummy with her spear that Bell had set up, and Emma was running around the garden in laps.
Both looked exhausted as they had been training for a while, basically non-stop. When Bell saw Welf and Astraea, however, he signaled for the two to stop.
Both immediately fell to the ground, with Lili throwing her backpack off as she did so. Bell grabbed two water-skins and handed them to the girls. Who then began to greedily drink down the cool liquid.
While they were taking a water break, Bell and Welf began talking.
"You weren't lying when you said it would take you three days," Bell said as he shook Welf's hand.
"Well, it was an easy request. Armor without the chestplate and two short swords. Reason it took that long is because I wanted to make sure the gear was good."
Bell reached into the box and held a gauntlet in his hand. He tapped his knuckle against it and smiled.
"Yeah, this is well made, alright. Emma, come here. Your weapons are here." Bell called out.
Emma was still out of breath as she approached the box. Bell was already holding her short swords in his hand as he handed them to her.
"Now I feel like I don't need to say this, but they're not a toy. Be careful with them, or you could accidentally cut yourself." Bell cautioned.
"Don't worry, I won't play with them. Only use them when I need to, right?" Emma said.
"Correct, now go on, take a look at them." Bell urged.
Emma unsheathed her first blade, only for her eyes to be met with an orange gleam as she took the entire blade out of its sheath.
As Emma took a further look at it, she realized this sword was made from a rather unique material that gave it a reddish-orange glow.
She had never seen a material quite like it before.
"It's beautiful, what's it made out of?" She asked.
"Hihiirokane. It's a rare material from the Far East that my goddess gave to me and challenged me to make something out of it. So I thought, why not try and make you a weapon out of it."
Emma brightly smiled as she sheathed the sword again. "Thank you, Welf, I promise I'll use it well."
Emma then looked at her other sword, and Bell could tell it was made from a Minotaur horn. Bell quirked an eyebrow.
"Where'd you get that from?"
"Oh, my captain gave it to me. She just kind of threw it at me and said make something that's actually good from it."
"Sounds like a lovely person." Bell sarcastically commented.
"You have no idea," Welf muttered.
Lili walked over and looked up at Welf. "So you'll be joining us in the dungeon at the end of the week?"
"Hmm, yeah, I will be."
"Just know Lili will have her eye on you."
"Can you even look up that high?" Welf asked.
"Hey, I was getting ready to say that too," Bell added.
Lili grumbled but said nothing in return. Bell was already starting to like the idea of having Welf in his party.
"Now, boys, don't use too many short jokes on Lili while you're in the dungeon," Astraea warned.
"Don't worry, we won't. The dungeon is a place where you can't always joke around." Bell answered.
"That is correct." Welf nodded.
"Gods, it's like you two think the same," Lili commented.
Bell chuckled, turning to Emma. "Go and get your measurements so Welf can make you armor."
Emma nodded and placed her twin swords back in the box. She ran to her room and opened the door, heading to her nightstand. She picked up the piece of paper and ran back to the garden.
She knew Bell would be timing her.
Once she arrived, she handed the paper to Welf.
"17 seconds. Not bad." Bell said.
Welf placed the piece of paper in his pocket and turned to Emma.
"So I'm guessing you want light armor?" Welf asked.
Emma nodded. "Yes, I'd like to be quick and agile in the dungeon."
"Alright, I'll see what I can do. Well, I best be off, better I get started now so I can have it ready by the end of the week."
Bell shook Welf's hand again. "Thanks for coming by Welf. Make sure you take care of yourself as you work."
"I'll take that thought into consideration," Welf answered.
Everyone else said goodbye to Welf as Astraea led him back to the front door. Once he was gone, Bell picked up one of Emma's swords.
"OK, first lesson is going to be how to take care of your sword properly. This weapon is your lifeline, and lack of proper care could cause it to wear down and shatter." Bell explained.
Bell sat down, and Emma sat next to him. He placed the sword on his lap as he started to explain to Emma how she could take care of the sword.
Meanwhile, Lili went back to practicing without instruction. Something that made Bell inwardly smirk. She was shaping up to be a good spearman one day.
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Emma went flying through the air and landed harshly on her back. Her twin swords landing at her sides.
Bell stood in front of her unarmed, with his hands behind his back and a small smile on his face. He knew she was trying her best, and Bell wasn't really the type to believe in harsh love.
Tough love, sure, but harsh. No, he couldn't see that having much effect.
"Well, you lasted a second longer than normal. Has to count for something, right?" He said, offering a hand to Emma.
She took his hand, and Bell easily lifted her up. Lili sat on the ground nearby in the garden and was watching the two. Bell had told her to take a break for today so she doesn't strain herself.
"Ugh, is this how training went for you? I feel like getting thrown around isn't teaching me anything." Emma said.
Bell gave a small chuckle. "When my Grandpa trained me, I was normally blindfolded. But that was the more advanced part."
"Sounds brutal."
"Not really, he also gave me a good lesson as well. Taught me your eyes can't always be trusted. They can be easily tricked."
"And has that lesson come in handy?" Emma asked.
Bell nodded. "A few times, tell you what you land a hit on me, and I'll tell you the story of how I beat a Minotaur at low-level one."
Emma's eyes brightened, and her body was filled with a renewed vigor to at least land a hit on Bell.
He smiled, still holding his arms behind his back as Emma charged.
She swung down with her left sword, which Bell dodged by leaning back. But she used her right hand to thrust at where Bell's back was.
He pivoted on his foot and spun around, and leaned back, avoiding another slash. He jumped back as Emma's right sword almost got him in the stomach.
Bells smiled brightened as Emma seemed to stay calm and not grow angry at her lack of success. Signaling a strong mind during combat.
Bell swatted Emma's left hand away before jumping back and avoiding her right sword. He sidestepped her and stuck out his foot, causing her to trip and fall flat on her face.
Lili winced, seeing this as that trip didn't look gentle. Emma lifted her face and blinked, getting rid of the blurriness that plagued her vision.
Bell crouched down next to her and offered his hand.
"At least you're getting better and predicting where I'll be."
Emma huffed and took Bell's hand. He pulled her to her feet, and she reached down to get her swords.
"But you also need to be careful not to overextend your reach. That's the drawback of having short swords. You need to get up and close to your target, and that means things can and will get nasty. Understand?"
Emma nodded. "Yeah, I do."
She sounded disappointed in herself. Bell couldn't have that, so he walked up to her and brushed some of the dirt off her face.
"Don't beat yourself up. Mastery doesn't come in a few days. It took me five years to get where I am. Have patience, and you'll see a difference in a month or so."
Emma smiled slightly as Bell stepped back.
"And another piece of advice my Grandpa gave me. Treat every loss as a lesson and not a setback."
Emma nodded. "Ok, Bell."
Bell then stepped back and gestured. "Well, come, land a hit on me, or you won't get a story. Oh, and don't try asking Astraea for it either."
Emma pouted but didn't protest as she charged at Bell once more.
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The end of the week arrived, and the party of four stood outside the dungeon. Emma was shaking in excitement and nervousness, staring into the abysses full of monsters.
All of Bell's lessons about the dangers that lay down there ran through her mind. But she remained slightly calm as she knew their weaknesses as well.
She was dressed in a bright pink plate armor that matched her hair and eyes. Blending in with the bright assortment of colors she liked to wear. Her swords were strapped at her sides.
The one on her left was named Gekka, as it sounded like a cuter version of gecko to her. The one on her right was named Ushiwakamaru by Welf.
This was when the group found out Welf was horrible at naming things.
"Alright, Emma, you ready for your first dive?" Bell asked.
Emma excitedly nodded. "Yeah, I'm ready."
"Alright, but remember, if you get overwhelmed, fall back. We'll clean up behind you."
"Ok, I will. Now, can we go in now, please?"
Bell chuckled. "Alright, come on, you heard her. Let's go."
Bell began marching forward, followed by Emma, Lili, and then Welf. The four descended down to the depths of the dungeon, quickly reaching the first floor.
Emma looked enchanted by the light blue walls that seemed to glow and light up the floor. Bell quickly tapped her on the shoulder.
"Don't lose focus down here. One wrong move, and you're dead." He warned.
Emma quickly shook herself out of her stupor and nodded.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to get distracted."
"It's alright, Emma. I'm not mad. But just remember, this place isn't a playground. Staying focused is key to your survival."
Emma nodded. "Right, I'll try and stay focused from now on."
"Good, now go and kill that goblin," Bell ordered.
Emma looked forward and saw a goblin looking around. It made a chittering sound and glared at Emma as she approached.
Like a wild animal, it charged at her with reckless abandon, wildly swinging its arms. Emma took a deep breath and slashed down with Gekka.
The goblin's head flew off from its shoulder, and its body dropped like a brick.
"I did it! Did you see that I killed it!" Emma cheered.
"Good job, Emma, you killed your first goblin. Now kill the one that just spawned."
Emma quickly spun on her heel and slashed down across the goblin's chest with Ushiwakamaru.
Purple blood spurted from the fresh wound as the ground stumbled back and collapsed dead against the wall. Bell gave a small clap as Lili walked forward and began to dig out the monster stones.
"Nicely done, Emma. Now, you and Lili will switch once we reach the second floor. Then again at the third."
Emma's face paled slightly. "T-t-the third floor. But I'm not ready for that floor."
"You are, it's just Goblins and Kobolds. Nothing for you to be worried about, and don't worry, I'm here to protect you. I won't let any harm to come to you."
Emma blushed and nervously gulped as Lili shook her head.
"Maybe word things better, Master Bell."
Bell gave it a thought before nodding. "Yeah, that can be taken out of context real easily. What I mean, Emma, is I'm not going to let anything happen to this party while I'm here. You're my responsibility."
"Ok, I'll trust you," Emma said.
"Good, now let's head further down. Time for Lili to put all that spear training to use." Bell joked.
"Let's see how you do little bit." Welf joked.
"My name is Lili!"
The group continued their journey downwards and soon arrived at floor two. Once arriving at the second floor, Lili took the lead with her spear at the ready.
A Kobold stood in front of her. Its dog-like face sniffed the air before its gaze landed on her. It growled before charging at her in the same way that the goblin charged at Emma.
Lili waited patiently as the Kobold got closer and closer. Until finally, she thrusted her spear forward. It impaled the Koblod in the mouth and came out the back of its head.
Purple blood stained Lili's spear as it dripped onto the ground. Lili took her spear out of its mouth, and the monster dropped dead.
"Nice going, Lili." Bell congratulated.
"Thanks, Master Bell."
This situation rinsed and repeated, with the group going deeper and deeper. Lili and Emma switching positions as the floors started to grow harder for them.
Eventually, the group reached floor six, with Emma and Lili having killed more than a hundred monsters each at that point.
"Alright, this is as far as we're going today. Now, this is where Frog Shooters and War Shadow's spawn. Keep your eyes out for them." Bell ordered.
The two girls nodded and began their killing spree of monsters while Welf tapped him on the shoulder.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to bring Emma this low to fight? I mean, Lil Bit is a supporter and is used to dealing with these things, but Emma's a beginner."
"I'm aware, Welf, but they can't grow quickly if they take an easy route. They need to push themselves to their limits if they want to grow strong. That's what I did, and I snagged the fastest level up in history."
Welf was wondering where he got this mindset from. But in the end, he shrugged his shoulders, not caring as it wasn't his business.
"Alright, if you say so," Welf said.
Bell and Welf watched as the girls had some form of decent teamwork. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't terrible either.
Lili was able to take things out at a range with her spear, and Emma killed anything that got too close to her for comfort.
Neither seemed to notice the war shadows that hovered above them about to drop on their head.
Bell's sword was already unsheathed, and like the wind, he disappeared before Welf's eyes.
His sword cut through them and shattered both of their monster cores, causing them to fizzle into ash.
Both Emma and Lili were surprised by Bell's appearance above them. They had just finished killing a horde of Goblins and Kobolds, and the next thing they knew, he was there.
"Remember how I said to keep an eye out for War Shadows?" He asked.
Both sheepishly nodded.
"Make sure to look up from time to time. Lili, don't get too focused on the battle to where you forget your surroundings."
Lili nodded, slightly ashamed of her rookie mistake. Bell didn't say anything else to make her feel bad, however.
"Well, I think that's enough for today. Sorry, you had a somewhat boring day, Welf."
The blacksmith shrugged. "It's fine, it's better if these two get used to their new roles instead of pushing too deep. Don't want any accidents to occur."
Bell nodded, and the group got their loot before heading back to the surface.
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The group chased in their monster stones and drop items, getting around 60k valis for their troubles. Mostly because they had more drop items than monster stones for some reason.
The profits were split equally among them, with the group going their separate ways soon after. Emma, Bell, and Lili went back home while Welf went to his forge to create new things.
Bell's group soon returned home to a smiling goddess waiting by the door for them.
"So, how did it go?" She asked.
"It was awesome, Lady Astraea. I was all like slash and stab, and Lili was thrust and stab while carrying her huge backpack, and then Bell killed two War Shadows that almost got us. He was so fast you should've seen it." Emma excitedly explained.
Astraea quirked an eyebrow and looked at Bell. The boy gave a simple nod, confirming it was true. Not that Emma was lying, of course.
"Well, that sounds like a good day then. Go and wash up because dinner will be ready soon." Astraea said.
Lili and Emma quickly headed to their rooms to take their armor off before rushing to the bath. Looking forward to Astraea's cooking. Said goddess looked to Bell with a smile on her face.
"So, how'd she do?"
"She did well, if she keeps on her current path, she'll be a great adventurer one day."
"That's good, and how was Welf?"
"He was alright, didn't do much as we didn't go past floor six. But he was understanding as to why."
"I see, well, I think it's nice you have a friend that isn't a girl for once."
Bell chuckled. "Yeah, maybe you should put in another bathroom since this place is steadily growing."
Astraea gave Bell a smile. "I'll see what I can do. You do deserve some privacy, after all."
Bell nodded and smiled. Glad that the Astraea familia was slowly building itself back up from the ground, and that he was the one to lead it.
Welf not making a full chestplate doesn't make sense. I mean, the guy was a noble saw how the Rakian army dressed and is a blacksmith. He should know how to make a proper chestplate. But that's just another decision made by Omori that doesn't make much sense.
Anyway, another chapter comes and goes with Bell falling perfectly into his captain role. Emma also seems to be a willing student willing to take whatever Bell throws at her, like Lili.
Welf also finally made an appearance, and the homie is here now. Anyway, that's all I really have to say so I hope you enjoyed.
