Bell awoke to see the moonlight shining down on him. He sat up and yawned, looking around his room as he did so.
Looking at his clock on the wall, he saw it was around four in the morning. He had fallen asleep at noon, so he had been asleep for just about 16 hours.
"Oh, I needed that. Mhmmm, time for a bath." He yawned.
Bell stood up and realized all his equipment was on him. It seems he didn't bother taking anything off or getting under the covers. Once he saw the bed, he plopped down and let the dreams take over.
He chuckled to himself before taking off his armor and placing it by his bedside. His short sword and saber were next, but Bell took a longer look at the cursed blade.
He hadn't had to use it yet. Or rather, he hadn't wanted to. Curse weapons were a taboo among adventurers, or at least that was something he heard.
But then again, Bell didn't care if it was a taboo when he took it and still didn't now. No, Bell simply wasn't ready to use it yet. Because if he did, he'd be a different person.
He didn't know how, but he knew. It was like an itching feeling in the back of his head. But it was better that he have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
So, with a sigh, Bell set the saber next to his armor and grabbed a clean pair of clothes. He yawned again before making his way to the bath.
Astraea was in the process of getting an extension so he could have one and not have to wait for the girls to use it. Or the other way around.
He entered the bath and took his clothes off, and threw them in the hamper. Then grabbed a towel and walked inside the bath.
He filled the tub with water before sinking in and feeling all the stress in his body leave him. He sighed in bliss as he sunk further in.
"Man, that dive was really tough. I'm just glad I got everyone out ok."
Bell's mind wandered back to the incident. The monster lures, hundreds, if not thousands, of monsters. Lili getting grabbed, Welf getting tossed aside, Karen's fear. The one thing that remained a constant, however, was Emma's bravery.
He knew she was scared. Yet Emma seemed to bury her fear and solider on. Bell found that to be an admirable quality.
Lili also did amazing as well. She was always ready to fight at the drop of a hat.
"Well, they did the best they could given the circumstances. But who would want to kill me is the question?"
He couldn't really think of anyone besides the Soma familia. But they were all in jail, mostly with their god pleading guilty to the charges.
Ryu told him about the Aeshema familia, but he had killed 20 of them. Bell didn't see him having many people left to waste on a petty revenge quest.
Evilus also came to mind, but he didn't know why they'd want to kill him. Maybe it was because he was restarting the Astraea familia?
Again, Bell didn't know. Not with the information he had at the moment. His eyes then shot open as he remembered a very important thing.
"I have a date!"
.
.
.
.
Anya sat on Syr's bed while Syr rummaged through her closet. She pulled out a red tank top and a black skirt.
"How about this? Nice and casual, but it still makes you look nice." Syr said.
"Hmm, I don't know nya. That skirt seems too short."
Syr smiled. "That's the point you want his attention to be solely on you. You want him to want you."
Anya blushed slightly while Syr set the clothes next to her. She then went back to her closet and grabbed another pair of clothes. This time, a white shirt and a red skirt.
"Or maybe this'll be better? Kind of gives you a casual appearance but outlines what's underneath?"
"I-I don't know Syr. I don't really know what to expect for this date." Anya said.
Syr placed the clothes down and sat next to Anya. She grabbed her hands and made the cat-girl look at her.
"Anya, it's just dinner. There's no need to overthink this. Just wear something casual and go over there. Bell probably has something planned out for you two. Just see where the night takes you."
Anya gulped and nodded. "Alright, Syr, thanks for the pep talk, and you're right. Bell probably does have something planned. He doesn't seem like the type of person to not plan things."
.
.
.
.
"Ah shit, what do I even do? Oh, I'll make her salmon. I know she likes that. Ok, what else? Oh, wine, yeah, Grandpa said girls love wine. But does Anya like wine? Do I like wine? Do I light candles, or is that too cheesy? Oh, Grandpa's lessons didn't prepare me for this."
Bell was pacing back and forth around the kitchen as Astraea and his familia watched. The only one who had seen Bell this nervous before was Astraea.
But that was when the Minotaur was chasing them, and that was four months ago now. Astraea found it funny as she didn't think Bell would worry about something like this.
"What's up with Bell?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, he seems nervous about something," Karen added.
Astraea gave them a small smile. "Bell has a date tonight, and he's making her dinner."
"Master Bell has a date?!" Lili yelled.
Astraea giggled. "Yes, Lili, he does."
"Huh, he looks like the type of person to be slow on the uptake," Lili commented.
"He's not, his Grandpa taught him a lot of things. One of the big ones happened to be girls."
"Bell's Grandpa? He never seems to talk about him." Emma pointed out.
"Yes, I believe this is the first time I'm hearing about him," Karen added.
Astraea gave them a soft smile. "You'll have to ask Bell about his Grandpa. Just know he was very important to Bell, so it might be hard for him to talk about."
The girls nodded while Bell kept pacing back and forth.
"Hmm, should I dress nice? Of course, I should, but not too nice. But what's too nice? Should I wear a tie? But that would be too nice. Maybe a decent shirt? Yeah, that works."
"Should we help him?" Emma asked.
"Have any of you been on a date before?" Lili deadpanned.
The dining room fell silent as Lili spoke again.
"Didn't think so."
.
.
.
.
Welf sat in his goddess's private forge with Hephaestus, looking through a box. After a few minutes of searching, she found what she was looking for.
"At here it is." She said, taking out a chisel.
Welf quirked an eyebrow. "A chisel?"
Hephaestus handed Welf the chisel, and the boy took it.
"Not just any chisel, a magic chisel."
Welf snorted. "A magic chisel? You're messing with me, aren't you?"
Hephaestus shook her head. "No, I'm not, it's one of the ways to make runes. Ready for a history lesson?"
"Sure, you'd actually make history interesting."
Hephaestus blushed off the flirt as she started explaining.
"In the times before the gods descended, runes were used to help buff weapons and armor. They were made using dust from gemstones filled with a person's mind. The creation would be forged, and the chisel would etch in the runes. After that, they would use the dust as a seal, and they would be done."
"Sounds expensive."
"It was, not many were able to perform this craft, and since everyone kept to themselves instead of uniting, it slowly died out. By the time of the god's descent, only a few handful of people knew how to do it. By the time of Zeus and Hera, that number was only four, and after their destruction, it went down to zero. But now it's back with you."
Welf felt a giant weight pile onto his shoulders but also a sense of pride. He was the only person in the world who could use the runes. All he needed to do was learn how.
Hephaestus rubbed her hand along his shoulder as a form of comfort.
"I know this is a big responsibility. But don't worry, I'll teach you all you need to know."
"Alright, but I don't see any of those gems you were talking about," Welf said.
"That's because you don't need them. Your blood is the anchor for this."
Welf frowned and looked away. Hephaestus squeezed his shoulder lightly.
"Welf, you're limiting yourself because of your blood. This isn't magic swords. It's vastly different. You're able to do something not even the original Crozzo could do."
Welf felt a slight sense of shock at her words. His blood was stronger than that of his ancestors. Why was that?
"So why is my blood the final ingredient?" Welf asked.
"It's more that your new skill upgraded your blood to act like that. Or a better way to say that is your blood is now more refined with the spirit that gifted your ancestor the ability to make magic swords."
Welf placed his hands on his head and sighed. "This is so confusing."
Hephaestus crouched down and patted him on the back. "I know, Welf, but if you let me help you, I can teach you what to do."
Welf took his hands back and looked at the chisel he was holding. This tiny tool, normally used for sculpting, held so much power. Over him and for what his future held.
But he'd have to use the blood he hated so much to do it. The blood that had brought him nothing but pain and misery ever since it was revealed he could make magic swords.
If he could rip it out and toss it away, he would. But in the end, that would kill him, and Welf didn't want to die. Not after the vow he made himself in the dungeon to live.
Welf sighed again as his mind wandered to another possibility. If he had carried a few magic swords with him down to the dungeon.
Would the incident down there have been as bad? It could've leveled the playing field quite a bit. With one slash, waves of fire or lighting could've killed dozens of monsters easily.
Welf shook his head. There was no use in thinking about what-ifs. It happened, and they all nearly died. If not for Bell's quick thinking, they would've.
"Welf, the people in the Astraea familia are your friends, right?" Hephaestus asked.
Welf nodded. "I'd like to think so. Bell said I was his friend, at least."
"And don't you want your friends to be safer when they go into the dungeon?"
Welf nodded again.
"Then let me teach you how to use your gift for good. Even if you don't see it as a gift."
Welf sighed. "Ok, Lady Hephaestus, but no magic swords."
"Alright, no magic swords."
.
.
.
.
Astraea and the others watched as Bell set up the dining room for his date. Plates were set across from each other while a candle was set in between the plates.
Two wine glasses were on the left side of the plates, with a bottle of wine settled nearby. Bell was wearing a white buttoned-up shirt and black Kakis.
Bell was currently in the kitchen cooking salmon along with green beans to go with it. As well as mashed potatoes.
"I think that's the nicest I've ever seen him dress," Astraea said.
"He's also taking this more seriously than he does the dungeon," Lili added.
"I think I saw him putting on cologne," Emma said.
"I feel like we're intruding on him by watching him panic," Karen added.
"Well, he'll be fine. If Bell's one thing, it's a quick thinker. Let's get out of his way." Astraea said, walking to the door.
The rest followed her as she called out. "We're leaving now, Bell. Good luck!"
"Thanks, and stay safe!" Bell yelled back.
The group of girls left the house as Bell continued cooking. He was focusing on that to stop the thoughts in his mind from running wild.
Twenty minutes later, he finished cooking and brought the food to the plates. He placed the food on both plates before grabbing a match and lighting the candle.
He stepped back to make sure everything was ok and took a deep breath.
"Ok, Bell, you got this. You got this."
Ding-dong
"Alright, that's her. Alright, deep breaths, Bell, deep breaths."
Bell took another one before walking to the foyer. He could see the outline of Anya through the door and felt his heart racing in his chest.
He opened the door and saw the sun setting behind Anya. Its radiant glow seemed to make her beautiful. Bell gulped while Anya was blushing slightly at how nicely Bell was dressed.
Anya herself wasn't dressed half bad in Bell's eyes. Wearing a simple white shirt and a red skirt. It was her adventurer's outfit without all the other things.
"You, uh, you look nice," Bell said, breaking the silence.
Anya's blush deepened. "Thanks, you look nice too."
Bell stepped back and opened the door wider. "Come in."
Anya nodded and walked in. A tense atmosphere filled the room as Bell shut the door behind him.
Anya could smell the food coming from the dining room as Bell escorted her there. Standing next to him, Anya just realized that Bell had gotten taller.
While she stood at around 4'11, Bell was standing at 5'8. His growth spurt in the hospital did him some good.
Once the two entered the dining room Anya felt her heart flutter. It was like something ripped out of a romance novel. A simple candlelit dinner with one of her favorite foods.
She was surprised Bell remembered she liked salmon since when she told him, he looked ready to pass out.
But he remembered.
Bell walked over to Anya's chair and pulled it out for her. Anya blushed again as she sat down. Bell felt himself growing more nervous as he pushed her chair back. Then, he went and sat down in his.
"I, uh, I made salmon. Hope it's not too bad, it was my first time cooking it." Bell nervously said.
Anya gave him a smile. "I'm sure it'll be perfect."
Bell then grabbed the wine bottle. "I also got wine. I didn't know if you liked it or not. I don't even know if I like it. But my Grandpa said girls love wine on dinner dates."
"I haven't had wine in a while."
Bell nervously smiled before pouring the wine into her glass. Anya noticed his hand was shaking slightly in nervousness.
He poured himself a glass as well before setting it back on the table. Anya cut off a piece of salmon before putting it in her mouth. A delighted smile breaking out on her face as the flavor exploded in her mouth.
Bell took that as a good sign.
Once Anya was finished chewing, she spoke. "This has to be some of the best salmon I've ever had! Are you sure this is your first time making it?"
Bell nodded. "Uh yeah, I remembered how my Grandpa used to cook it after we caught some."
"You don't talk about your Grandpa much. What was he like?"
"Perverted. But kind as well. He taught me everything I know. From fishing, fighting, camping, how to express myself. I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for him."
Anya smiled as she saw how Bell lit up, talking about his Grandpa. It was like she was seeing a different side to the joking and kind boy she knew.
"There was this one time when we went fishing after training, and we caught this huge bass. Like 19 pounds of pure fish. It caught on my line and nearly yanked me into the water. If Grandpa didn't grab me, I would've been pulled in."
Anya giggled as she ate another piece of salmon. "Sounds like you two had a lot of fun together."
"We did, though most of the time, I had to reel him in because of his perverted antics."
"Oh, so are you secretly a pervert Bell?" Anya asked.
Bell chuckled. "Not as much as he was. But then again, everyone's a pervert really. Some people are just better at hiding it than others."
"I guess that's true. But you're not as bad as your Grandpa, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
"That's nice."
The two began eating once more, and Bell noticed Anya hadn't said her tick yet. He didn't know why that was happening, but he wouldn't point it out.
The atmosphere around them seemed to ease up as the two enjoyed their dinner. The two relaxed and fell into their same old playful banter they were used to.
But it was different this time. It was more romantic in a sense, as both knew the other was looking for something more than just friendship.
"This is going nice. She looks nice." Bell thought
"He looks really handsome dressed like that." Anya thought.
Both took a sip of their wine, feeling their nerves calm down a little. Although, Bell found he didn't like this particular brand of wine. Anya did, though.
"So what made you want to ask me out?" Anya asked.
Bell set his wine glass down. "Well, I did a lot of thinking on floor 18. Mostly because I was awake for a long time. But I remembered all the banter we've shared and the time we've spent together, and I realized I liked doing those things with you."
Anya smiled. "I like doing those things with you too. It always brightened my day when you walked into the Hostess."
Bell blushed and looked away. Anya smiled at him.
"Did I make you flustered?" She teased.
"Maybe."
.
.
.
.
Astraea and the others arrived at the Hostess, where Syr sat them down at a table. The place wasn't too busy as it was just the beginning of the dinner rush.
"So, how long are we staying here, Lady Astraea?" Lili asked.
"Until we see Anya walk through that door."
"And how long will that be?" Emma asked.
"Who knows? But we can't interrupt his first date."
"What's good here?" Karen asked.
"Practically everything," Lili answered.
"My favorite thing is the pasta. But you are welcome to try anything you like." Astraea added.
Karen and Emma's eyes scanned their menu until they found something they liked.
Once Syr came back around Astraea ordered the pasta with Lili ordering the same. Emma ordered chicken nuggets and fries while Karen ordered a platitude of rice with beef. They all decided on water to drink.
Once Syr took their order she made her way to the kitchen leaving Astraea and her girls at the table.
"So, how do you think he's doing?" Emma asked.
"I'm not sure, if I had to say I think this is probably the only thing that comes close to scaring Bell," Astraea answered.
"Master Bell does seem pretty fearless. He stayed calm during our descent to floor 18."
"I'm glad he was fearless there. I don't think we would've survived if not for him." Karen softly added.
The events of their death march to floor 18 deeply troubled her. She was so close to death and would've died if not for Bell saving her and then carrying her down on his back.
"Let's not think about that tonight, Karen. Let's enjoy the good food everyone says is here." Emma said, placing a hand atop Karen's own.
"Master Bell is odd, though," Lili commented.
The Prum took a sip of her water before setting it back down on the table. Astraea quirked an eyebrow at this.
"Odd, how Lili?" The goddess asked.
"Whenever Master Bell is fighting monsters, I don't see any hatred behind his eyes. All the other adventurers I've traveled with, no matter how terrible they were, always held a sense of hatred in their eyes when fighting monsters."
"And what does he hold behind his eyes, Lili?" Emma asked.
"Indifference mostly. Dungeon diving is more like a job to him than a personal vendetta against monsters."
Astraea was shocked by this. Knowing all about Bell's past, she'd think the boy would hold more hatred for monsters than anyone. Yet she sensed no lie coming from Lili.
"But Lili doesn't care what his reasons are. Master Bell is a friend and has saved Lili's life more than a few times by this point."
She took another sip of her water as the table filled with silence. Syr then returned to their table with the food in her hands.
Slowly more and more people filled the Hostess causing it to grow packed with people. The bar and all the tables were full except for Astraea and her girls. There was still a few more chairs available as there was not a table for four when they arrived.
"Alright, Emma, Karen. Get ready for some of the best food you'll ever have." Syr smiled.
Emma and Karen looked at Syr before looking back at each other. How did Syr know their names? They assumed Bell told her and paid it no mind.
Emma grabbed one of her nuggets and bit into it. Her eyes immediately widened in happiness as the nugget was perfect.
Emma grabbed some rice and beef and ate it as well. Her reaction was much like Emma's. Both girls immediately started to eat faster, causing Astraea to laugh.
"Slow down girls. The food won't run off anywhere."
Emma and Karen didn't seem to hear her, while Lili just looked at the two.
"They're going to feel that in the morning."
.
.
.
.
Bell and Anya sat atop the rooftop of the Stardust Garden. Night had fallen and the stars were out shining brightly in the sky. The night as was cool and chilly as fall approached.
"I never noticed how pretty the stars were." Anya gasped.
"They're beautiful. Grandpa and I used to sit outside and watch them all the time. That star right there is the North Star."
Bell pointed to a single star surrounded by a sea of millions if not billions more. However Anya didn't pay much attention to the stars. Rather her attention was on Bell as he pointed to another set of stars.
"And over there is the Weeping Juno constellation. Over there is Preston's wave. That one right there is the Pegasus."
Bell kept rambling on and on while Anya placed her hand on her chin and watched. She didn't really know what Bell liked. So watching as his eyes lit up while he talked about stars and constellations was making her heart race.
"Oh, and another cool fact is that sailors can use stars to navigate when they're in the open ocean. If their compass isn't working or their maps are wrong, they use the stars to pinpoint where they are."
Anya was slightly surprised. Mostly because that was a pretty cool fact. But also because Bell seemed to really nerd out when talking about stars.
The boy seemed to realize he was rambling and looked at Anya.
"Sorry about that, my Grandpa just taught me a lot about the stars."
Anya gave him a smile. "No, don't apologize, it was kind of cute watching you ramble on about something you're interested in."
Bell blushed and cleared his throat. "Uh yeah, um, well, Grandpa always said that all the stars hold a story. All you have to do is stop and listen."
Anya tilted her head. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Bell nervously chuckled. "I'm not sure. I think he was just giving me pickup lines with that."
Anya laughed and then pointed to a random cluster of stars. "What constellation is over there?"
Bell looked to where she was pointing and quickly figured out which constellation it was.
"Oh, that's Venus's loving gaze," Bell answered.
Anya nodded before pointing to another cluster of stars which Bell answered as well. The two would spend the next hour talking about the stars. With Anya asking questions which Bell answered.
.
.
.
.
Back at the Hostess Emma and Karen had calmed down enough to where they didn't eat like it was their last meal on earth.
"Told you the food was good," Lili said.
"It is! It's like nothing I ever tasted before!" Emma cheered.
"Yes, I do like the food here. I'm looking forward to coming back in the future." Karen added.
Syr then appeared at the table. A smile on her face.
"Lady Astraea, would it be alright if we seated some people at your table? As you can see, we're very packed today."
Astraea offered Syr a smile back. "Of course, we have the room."
Syr thanked the goddess before heading back to the front door. A few seconds later Astraea was really glad Bell wasn't here as a few members from the Loki familia arrived at the table.
"Lady Astraea, thank you for allowing us to sit with you," Riveria said.
Accompanying the high elf was Lefiya, Tiona, and Tione.
"It's no problem, Riveria, please join us. It's been a while since we last spoke."
Riviera and her small group sat at the table. The high elf was next to Lili and Lefiya was next to Karen. While the twins sat across from Emma.
"So, what brings you here today?" Astraea asked.
"Lefiya advanced her magic. So, a few of us took her out to celebrate." Riveria answered.
"Yeah! Good job, Lefiya!" Tiona cheered.
Lefiya blushed slightly in embarrassment at the praise.
"Well, that's very good. Magic is always fascinating to see." Astraea said.
"Oh, can I see it?!" Emma asked.
Lefiya was taken slightly aback by this random girl's excitement. Karen put her hand on Emma's shoulder.
"Calm down, Emma. We just met them it's rude to already ask things from them."
"Oh, sorry."
"I am surprised you're back in the city Lady Astraea. It's been a few years since I last saw you." Riveria said.
Astraea faced the high elf and spoke.
"Well, I intended to stay away for longer. But then I met a boy on the road who got lost, and now I'm here." She explained.
"And this boy is Bell, correct?"
Astraea nodded. "It is, he took a wrong turn and ended up in a port city nine days away from Orario. It's quite funny looking back on it."
"So you escorted him to the city then?" Tione asked.
"Yes, I did. Originally, I was going to leave once he found a familia to join. But every single one of them rejected him."
Lili chuckled. "I bet they're regretting not accepting Master Bell now."
"Well, he has taken the city by storm. Shame we didn't get him." Riveria lamented.
"Oh, Lady Astraea, can we meet him?" Tiona asked.
"Maybe another time. He's on a date right now."
"A date!" Lefiya shrieked.
The table turned to her while Lefiya sunk in her seat.
"Something wrong?" Astraea asked.
"Lefiya here doesn't like Mr record holder here." Tione teased.
"Yeah, her glorious Ms Ais had her record broken," Tiona added.
Lefiya sunk further into her seat and buried her face in her hands. Astraea merely laughed.
"Oh, I see you're jealous. Oh well, Bell doesn't really care that he broke the record."
"He doesn't?" Riviera asked shocked.
"But he leveled up in such a short time," Lefiya added.
She now felt even more jealous that the person who broke the record didn't even take it seriously."
"Yeah, Bell doesn't care much for fame. He'd rather help people than fill his own Ego." Emma said.
"That's true, and he also doesn't care for the danger. He's also a very good leader." Karen added.
'So he's in a familia of only females. There's no way there isn't more going on there.' Lefiya thought.
"Oh, and Master Bell paid for all of our equipment so we'd be safe in the dungeon."
'And he makes this prum call him master. Curse you, Bell Cranel.'
Little did Lefiya know that Lili called him Master out of her own volition. Not because Bell forced her to. But in a way he also was her master since he was teaching her how to fight."
"Anyway, I don't think we've really exchanged names. Girls, introduce yourselves." Astraea said.
"I'm Lili, Master Bell's supporter."
"I'm Emma. I'm kind of new to the city, and Bell helps me not get lost."
"I'm Karen. I'm new to the city as well, and Bell has taught me many things about the dungeon and this city. He's really opened my eyes."
'Wait a minute, they make him sound like a nice person.' Lefiya wondered.
It was now the Loki familia's turn to introduce themselves.
"Hi, my name's Tiona, and I really want to meet Bell. He sounds really cool."
Tione sighed. "And I'm her twin sister, name's Tione. Forgive her she's easily excited by things that she thinks are cool."
"You may already know me. I'm Riveria Ljos Alf. Also known as the Nine Hells."
Lefiya then cleared her throat, calming down her rambling mind. "My name is Lefiya. It's nice to meet all of you."
Now that everyone at the table was fully introduced they began talking and enjoying each other's company. Lefiya and Karen seemed to become fast friends while they spoke and Astrara and Riviera caught up.
Tiona and Tione asked Lili and Emma stories about Bell which they happily shared. All in all the night went well for all of them. Eventually the bar began to empty leaving just the table shared by the Astraea and Loki familia remaining.
That was until Syr called out.
"They're coming back!"
The Astraea familia quickly rushed to the window while the Loki familia stayed in their seats.
.
.
.
.
Bell and Anya walked down the street. It was around ten at night, and the streets started to become empty while the moon rose higher into the sky.
Once they arrived at the Hostess the two stopped outside and spoke.
"I really enjoyed tonight, Bell," Anya said.
"Oh well, that's good. I was worried I was going to mess up." He nervously chuckled.
Anya stepped closer to him. "I think you did alright."
Bell stepped closer. "Maybe we can have a second one so I can give you a better time?"
"I'd like that."
Anya reached up and wrapped her arms around Bell's neck, and pressed her lips against his. Bell was slightly taken back for only a second before his arms wrapped around Anya's waist. He kissed her back while those in the Hostess had their jaws dropped.
Once the kiss was done Anya pulled back. Her face was scarlet red from her blushing. Bell's face was a little red as well.
"That was nice." He whispered.
"It was," Anya replied.
She then pulled away. "I'll see you around Bell. I had fun tonight."
"Yeah, I'll see you. Just be prepared for an amazing second date." He replied.
Anya then walked back into the Hostess while Bell pumped his fist and jumped in the air.
Nice Anya walked back in she saw the Astraea familia and her fellow waitress minus Ryu looking at her with teasing smiles.
"Oh, you saw us, nya."
"We did. Atta girl, Anya." Mia replied patting her on the back.
.
.
.
.
Welf panted as sweat dripped down his back. He had just finished his practice with Hephaestus and it had taken a lot out of him. He had to carve the rune with no errors or else it wouldn't work.
However by the end of the day he had learned two runes. One was a locator rune so he could be tracked in case he goes missing. The other was a self-destruct rune.
Why Hephaestus taught him that he's not sure. He was only confused why he needed to make a rune with the locator rune for both him and Hephaestus.
"You did good today. With this rune, we'll be able to keep track of each other's location. So if something like the 18th-floor incident happens again, I'll know."
"That was tiring." Welf groaned.
"I know, but you learned two of the beginner runes today. Tomorrow, I'll teach you more beginner runes so you can get a handle on the carving. "
"Alright, see you tomorrow, goddess," Welf said.
He stood up and went to leave her private forge but was stopped.
"Put the ring on." She said.
"Now? I'm only going to my room."
"Just do it."
Welf sighed but did it anyway. Once the ring was on his finger he felt a connection to Hephaestus. Even with his back turned he could feel her behind him.
"This feels weird. I can feel where you are." Welf said.
"And it's the same for me as well. This way, I know where you are and can act swiftly if you need help. Make sure to have the ring on you at all times."
"Ok, goddess. I'll see you tomorrow." Welf yawned.
Welf then left her private forge and once he was gold Hephaestus looked at the golden ring that was on her finger.
She smiled and sighed blissfully. "Dense idiot. But that's what I like about him."
Well, this took a while since dates are really hard to write, it turns out. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed as we're now moving onto a mini-arc, then a big one, so get ready.
Anyway hope you're ready and I'll see you later.
