The Price of a Life

Hestia sipped her tea. "So, let me get this straight," she said. "You… and Ais…"

"Yes."

"You did…"

"Yep."

A stir of emotions swirled within Hestia as she looked down on Bell. Anger, pain, sadness, jealousy, betrayal… But she ultimately understood why. It was a hard thought to accept. Bell had run out of time. Desperation spurred him forward. And Hestia couldn't do anything about it. The deal was done and out of her hands.

With a hint of sadness, Hestia pulled down Bell's shirt. She scribbled down the information on Bell's back on a paper. Bell turned over, and she handed the paper to him. "Your status has been updated," she stated as Bell scanned the paper over. "The timer on your curse has also been extended for fourteen days."

Hestia sat down beside Bell and leaned on his shoulder. "Hestia—"

"I want to stay like this," Hestia said, softly. "I nearly lost you…"

Bell was unable to see Hestia's face but was able to guess the sadness that covered it. He reached up to pat her head, comfortingly. She sniffled a few times but didn't cry.

Hestia snuggled her face in between Bell's neck and shoulder and Bell was able to smell her scent. She smelled of charcoal and cooked food. Bell never thought of it, but the smell of slightly burnt wood made her smell like home. Especially during the winter time when his grandfather would put some wood in the fireplace and tell Bell stories about those heroes of old.

Bell reminisced about the heroes that his grandfather would talk about. Argonaut, Ariadne, Ryuulu, Fianna, Feena, and many more. He admired how they faced their demons and persevered in the face of danger. It hurt his heart, how they were able to walk defiantly towards what could have been their deaths while he thought of accepting his death last night.

Hestia's hair tickled Bell's nose as he inhaled. His depressing thoughts cleared as he mentally grasped the chance. He had another fourteen days huh. Ais had pity on him, but he wasn't sure if any other woman would give him the chance. It was utter madness… Bell clenched his fist. That accursed demon…

He took another whiff of Hestia's scent and calmed down. Bell will find a way. If not for himself, for his Goddess at least. He thought to himself as he stroked Hestia's bare back. Her slim body pressed against his but Bell strangely felt no eroticism from this position. It was calm.

Exactly like a home.

Hestia was the first to move. She jumped up and spun to look at Bell. "I-I'm going to get ready for work," she pointed at Bell and gave him a stern glare that was ruined by her red eyes. "Don't do anything stupid and reckless while I'm gone!" she demanded before she left to freshen herself.

"Yes Ma'am," Bell nodded. He scanned his paper up and down again. His stats have increased and he gained a new skill.

[Passive Skill: Inner Fire]

The more injured the user is, the faster he heals and the more powerful his attacks will become.

That would honestly be helpful. Bell thought of all the ways he could use this. It looked like Hestia understood the implications of this, going by the frown on her face earlier, but she chose to say nothing.

Did he really have to get injured for the skill to kick in?

Bell was tempted to test it out but thought better. It wasn't a good idea to worry Hestia after all the time she spent worrying. It was better to test such a skill in the dungeon. Maybe he could try it on the lower level monsters.

"I'll be going now!" Hestia called out. She gave Bell one last glare as if sensing his train of thought. "Don't do anything reckless!"

"Yes, ma'am," Bell saluted. The Goddess of Hearth nodded as she exited the room.

With Hestia gone, Bell was left by his lonesome. He sighed and splayed himself on the couch. Honestly, his body felt like it was burning. He felt it to his bones. Bell felt every movement cause some discomfort or pain, it felt like thorns going through his muscle and marrow.

Bell covered his head, his eyes, blinding himself. His thoughts stewed around in his head. He had fourteen more days to live… He should honestly feel glad, but Bell felt anything but relief. It felt like he had committed some grave sin on his way here. By all rights, he should've died yesterday.

Yet, once again, she saved him. Once again, she gave no thought to what would happen to her as she moved on a single-minded warpath to reach out her hand and grab him, pulling him away from certain death. And yet… And yet…

Bell gritted his teeth as he clenched his fists. The events that happened last night, he shouldn't have let it happen– and yet it did happen. Did he really want to live that much? Go as far as taking something important from her? Was he really that pathetic of a man?

"Bell, you must live," her voice echoed in his head. Somehow, her voice brought comfort to him.

There was no time for regrets now. Bell felt his muscles relax yet the pain remained. His body, mind, and soul needed rest. He needed time to sort things out. The Dea Saint who healed him, Airmid, told him to get some rest. Hestia too, commanded him to rest. That meant no dungeon diving today and probably training too.

Still, Bell didn't want to laze around all day, he wanted and needed to move around despite his aching body. So he got up and put on his going out clothes. He had no plans for the day, but he'd see what he could do.

Bell took to the streets, leaving the abandoned building that he had been calling home. The cobblestone road had weeds growing in between its many cracks. Pebbles littered the pathway, making the walkway uneven. Bell had to watch his step so as not to twist an ankle as he navigated his way to the main road.

Dust filled the air as carriage tires rushed to and fro. Farmers from the Demeter Familia carrying the late morning goods, travelers from different lands looking for amusement in this labyrinth city, and adventurers going about their days either looking for money or looking for rest. Yells of irritation, cries of joy, and the stomping of the horses filled Bell's ears.

Bell had no destination in mind and just wandered aimlessly. He passed all the shops, taverns, and inns that he was used to until he came upon Daedalus street. Now, he was in a different world. The streets earlier were rather sunny and had a large walkway that allowed both wagons and walking alike. The streets here were narrow, and the tall buildings on both sides of the walkway blocked any sunlight from touching the ground. Clotheslines were strung from building to building with all accessories hung up upon them.

The sewers were well-made, despite the fact that this was the district of the poor, and all smells related to that were rather muted. The air wasn't clogged with the smell of decay like you would expect. It was heavy, yes, but that was more of the negligence of the people living than a sewer problem.

Bell unconsciously walked faster. After seeing several dark figures lurking in the shadows of the buildings, he made a hasty decision to retreat. Unfortunately, Daedalus street was built like a maze and Bell got lost immediately. Instead of leaving like he intended, he only went deeper and deeper into the district. All the buildings looked the same and different at the same time. Every turned corner led in a circle, and every straight path stopped in a dead end.

Bell took in some breaths. There was no need to panic. It was not like he had somewhere important to be or that someone's life was in danger. He could take his time trying to get out of the maze.

"Stay away," he heard a female voice rise into nearly a shout. He knew that voice.

Bell hastened his footsteps. That wasn't good.

"Girlie, we don't want anything to happen to you. Now if you would just—"

"No," the girl interrupted before the creep could say anything more.

"Then you leave us no choice then."

Bell found them. He ran forward at full force and slammed into the foe. His red eyes scanned around him as he fell on top of the man. There were two girls and three men, including the one he just crashed into. Bell's hands swiftly reached at the man's waist and pulled out a dagger. It was rather rusty and dull, but it would do the job.

Bell rolled over and stood up protectively in front of the two women. His gait was low and ready for action, blade in front and hungry for blood.

The largest man in the group sneered at Bell. "Look, here comes your hero," he had his hand on his hip, ready to draw his own weapon. "Do you know what you're dealing with, boy?"

"I don't," Bell said, his red eyes not wavering for a bit. "But I do know what I'm defending."

The man bent his neck left and right, making his bones crack as he sauntered over to Bell. He drew his blade and attacked.

If Bell was alone, he would've dodged the attack and used that opening to deal his own blow. But he wasn't alone. He had people behind him. So he parried. Steel grated against steel in a horrifying screech as the larger man's sword was sent to the side.

Bell aimed for the man's neck. The blade went in swiftly, cutting through the man's Adam's apple and throat. It lodged itself in the man's cervical bones, the blade too dull to slice cleanly.

Bell's eyes widened as he realized what he had done. It was all in the heat of the moment, and he had acted instinctively. He released his grip in the knife, but it was too late.

Blood and silent cries came spurting out of the man's throat. He dropped his weapon to pull out the dagger, but it was stuck hard to the bone, not that it mattered. The man's eyes were wide and red. Fear, anger, and dread filled them. The man reached for Bell, gripping the boy's neck. He was in his death throes, vengeance was fueling him to kill Bell at least.

Bell's own eyes went wide as he was suddenly deprived of air. His feet left the ground and he was suspended midair. The man gripped one side of Bell's head, while the other was firmly at his throat. He intended to snap Bell's neck!

Bell didn't know what happened, but he was suddenly on the hard concrete road. His whole backside was in pain, and so was the back of his head. He coughed and sputtered, glad to finally have some air in his lungs. His blurry vision slowly cleared, and he saw the blue sky above the buildings of Daedalus street.

"Bell! Bell! Oh good, he's opened his eyes," the familiar voice that Bell heard earlier was now worried for him.

"Miss… Syr," Bell said in recognition.

"Are you okay?" Syr asked, worry filling her eyes.

"I… live…" Bell smiled weakly, trying to alleviate her fears.

Syr smiled softly, although Bell could see a spec of water in her eyes. She bent over and hugged Bell. "When you weren't moving, I thought about the worst!" she released and placed her hands over her chest. "

"How about the man…"

"He's dead," the companion of Syr approached them. "The other two ran away," she added, almost emotionlessly. Bell turned his eyes towards her and was amazed by her beauty. A svelte woman with blonde hair and long ears— an elf. Her sharp, emerald eyes moved to Bell and offered him a small smile. "Thank you for protecting us."

"You're welcome," Bell smiled back. Behind his smiling mask though were tumultuous thoughts.

The elf's eyes seemed to catch onto Bell's emotions, but she said nothing. She reached out, hesitated, then patted him on the shoulder. "Was it your first time?"

Bell glanced to where the body of the man lay. The image was burned into his eyes. The cloak covered the upper portion of the body, but Bell still saw the blade and the blood beside it— him. The man didn't move, not even the slight sign of breathing.

The elf gave him a wry smile. "Justice was served to him. He was prepared to kill," she said.

"I know…" Bell felt his stomach churn as the thought cemented himself. He had just killed a man. He just killed someone. The world spun itself and Bell found himself vomiting into the canal by the roadside. Tears filled his eyes as acid burned his throat. His sight was swimming and images of what he did to the man flashed in his vision. How the man's eyes widened when the blade sunk in, how the blade felt as it slowly severed his flesh, the thwack feeling when the knife hit bone, and the accomplishment that Bell felt, knowing that the threat was basically neutralized.

It made him sick.

"There, there," a calming voice said as Bell felt a comforting hand on his back. "Let it all out," Syr rubbed his back. "Shhhh, shhhhh," she whispered silently.

Bell gasped as he fell to his knees, exhausted.

Was this the price to pay for taking Ais' virginity?

"Come, let's get you checked out," Syr coaxed Bell, lightly pulling on his shirt. "We also need to get you a change of clothes."

Bell nodded slowly. He wiped the leftover spit on his lips with the cuff of his sleeve. He stood up slowly and nearly toppled over. A strong grip on his arm is what saved him from meeting the floor. Bell turned to see the elf holding onto him and pulling him towards her. She slung Bell's arm around her shoulder.

"Syr, can you get the cart?"

"I can."

"I'm sorry for leaving it to you."

"It's no problem Ryuu."

'Ryuu' turned to Bell. "It doesn't look like you can walk properly. Just follow Syr, I'll match your steps."

"Thank you," Bell said weakly.

Ryuu said nothing but kept in pace with Bell's steps. It was an awkward situation for Bell, being supported by the smaller elf, but this was not the time for complaints.

Ais woke up that morning feeling the most refreshed she had ever been. Sure, her nether regions were slightly aching in a way she found so alien, but she felt so alive— if not a bit sticky. She was a bit disappointed in not being able to see Bell first thing in the morning but soon found his letter. The words of the letter didn't give her much solace, but she would let it be. She sighed softly before slipping off the blanket and putting on her clothes. Her armor came up next, the cool steel fitting perfectly.

Ais would have liked to take a bath since she stank of sweat. The problem was that the room had no such luxury. It looked like she would have to go back to the Loki Familia before she would be able to clean herself. Ais' good mood was shattered when the thought of Goddess Loki finding out that she had sex. She knew the Goddess' selfishness and greed when it came to members of her Familia… This was definitely going to be problematic.

"Haaaaa…" Ais sighed. The pleasant thoughts and feelings that she had were now gone as she planned on what to do. There was always the riverside, but that was quite a ways away from where she was right now. She didn't enjoy public baths, either. It looked like she would have to go back to the Loki Familia and hope that she wasn't spotted. It was highly unlikely though with the number of adventurers training outside and lounging inside—nevermind the guards at the entrance.

Goddess Loki was bound to hear about this one way or another, but Ais decided there was no harm in trying. She glanced one last time at the bed that she and Bell shared last night. Thoughts entered her head. What if we do it again? With those thoughts in mind, Ais left the room with Bell in her mind.

Bell sank into the bed. He was given a room at the Hostess of Fertility. Not just any room either, somebody probably lived here going by the dresser with a mirror, a small weapon rack with a couple swords, and the sweet scent of what Bell assumed was cornflower.* If not for the scent of the flower, Bell would have assumed this was a man's room. Well, that and…

Bell glanced at the underwear that hung from the metal hooks that were screwed to the door. His memories fresh from last night entered his mind and his cheeks blushed crimson. Ais' white panties and her bra, how smooth her skin felt, how fragile she felt under him. It made Bell somewhat ashamed that knowing he made the legendary Sword Princess squirm in pleasure under him. Her moans as his mouth feasted on her breasts. The salty addictive taste of sweat on her supple, pale flesh…

Bell Jr. saluted, and Bell's embarrassment grew tenfold.

The door opened and in stepped Ryuu Lion and Syr Flova, Bell's saviors.

"Oh my," Syr covered her mouth. Her wide eyes turned into smug slits as she openly glanced at Bell's hardon and back at Bell.

"..." Ryuu Lion stayed silent… judging Bell with her eyes.

"It's not what it looks like!" Bell felt that he could die from embarrassment. He jumped up and turned around so they wouldn't see his soldier at attention, even if he was wearing pants.

"I don't know about that… I know exactly what it looks like," Syr said in a teasing tone. "I could help with that, you know…" she made a lewd gesture with her hand that flew over Ryuu's head but Bell understood.

"Miss Syr, please stop teasing me…" Bell covered his face, even when he should be covering his lower body.

"But I was being serious here," Syr said sweetly.

Ryuu watched this exchange silently. Ever since he had arrived at Orario, Bell had been coming almost dutifully to the Hostess of Fertility. Apparently, he was brought there by Syr. Ryuu had been friends with Syr for quite a while now, and she had picked up some of her friend's habits. Her coworker would approach any of those troubled or in pain and try to help them— she had a knack for that kind of thing, like she could read minds; after all, it was her who brought Ryuu back into seeing the light. —Many people have already been helped by Syr, some have stayed and some have gone.

That being said, Syr's actions with Bell have been… odd. Ryuu considered Syr an odd girl (in the good way!) but so far Syr's interactions with Bell have been different, so to speak. With others, she was a sweet and charming girl. Quite straight-laced but a happy-go-lucky oddball that was willing to assert herself when she wanted to. But when it came to Bell, her actions seemed… off, somehow. There was still that kindness that Ryuu was used to seeing, the slyness of a fox that was hidden under her bright smile, and the happy tone that she used to cheer everyone up. But it was mixed with something erotic. Whenever Syr talked to Bell, she would flirt with him, turning the presumed innocent boy red.

Was there something about Bell that Syr paid special attention to? Ryuu thought to herself. Maybe there was indeed something about Bell, after all, he was able to touch Ryuu without her flinching away.

"I promise, I'll be gentle~" Syr purred as she pushed Bell onto the bed.

"Miss Ryuu! A little help here, please?" Bell's cries for help finally reached Ryuu's ears.

"Syr," Ryuu said calmly.

"Alright, alright," Syr raised her hands in defeat and got off the young man, who still had a noticeable bulge that attracted Ryuu's curious eyes. Syr patted herself down before flashing a more serious expression. It was only for a mere second, before she turned back to her jolly self. "Oh, it's about lunchtime," Syr snapped her fingers. "Ryuu, don't let Bell go anywhere, I'll be right back!" with that, the girl closed the door behind her, leaving Ryuu and Bell together.

Bell scratched his neck awkwardly. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Thank you," Ryuu said curtly.

"That's good."

"When is that… thing going to calm down?" Ryuu spoke slowly, eyeing his pants.

"G-G-Give it a few minutes," Bell stuttered in shame. Little Bell had grown stiff and tired from saluting and calmed down but was still alert and awake. "I-It gets like this when I wake up sometimes, I s-swear, Miss Ryuu," he added, not exactly lying.

"I see," Ryuu nodded. The room went silent as Ryuu chose her next words carefully. Killing… Killing wasn't easy, Ryuu would know. Monsters were very different from humans. They didn't feel, nor did they live. Bell might have been an adventurer that slayed monsters in the dungeons, but judging from his violent reaction earlier, it was his first time. "Cranel," Ryuu began, "Thank you."

Bell's face was inquisitive. "For what?"

"For jumping in to save us earlier," Ryuu said. While it may not have mattered, since Ryuu was strong enough, the thought behind the action was what mattered in this instance. It was always nice to confirm that kindness and justice still existed outside her existence.

At once, Bell's countenance darkened and his expression fell. He glanced back at Ryuu and gave her a smile, but the pain behind that was easy to see. "You're welcome anytime."

"...that said. You do not have to feel regret," Ryuu continued. "The man was ready to kill, he should have been ready to be killed."

Bell's eyes dropped and he stared at his empty hands. "There may have been another way though," his voice cracked. "I didn't want to kill him," Ryuu could hear the tears being stifled.

"There may be, there may not," Ryuu said. "That doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that you fought to protect, and you won," Ryuu bit back the emotions inside her as memories and emotions resurfaced.

Bell turned his eyes back to Ryuu. Tears were flowing down. "I don't feel like I've won."

Ryuu didn't know what happened next. Or more like, she knew what happened, but it all happened so quickly that she couldn't process it. One moment she was standing a healthy distance from Bell, the next, his head was buried in her bosom as he cried. Her fingers stroked his hair softly while her other hand patted his back. She silently made shushing sounds. Bell's arms wrapped around her but Ryuu didn't push him away, even as his fingers creased her neat waitress uniform.

*For those wondering. Cornflower is the flower that represents justice and fairness. I could have gone with Ryuu's hair color or theme color and chosen sunflower— But I believe that the blue cornflower of justice suits her better. Not in the ironic way either; knowing her backstory.

That was… quite the whiplash of emotions huh? I couldn't help myself. That's just how life is at times.

Also, I just realized that my editor for this is Aes… Is Aes my Ais? Nei-sama?

Join the Discord: discord. gg/5TaUq3brxa