Leo's eyelids fluttered open, the dim light of dawn filtering through a small window. He blinks a few times, his vision slowly coming into focus. The room was unfamiliar but soothing in its simplicity. The scent of fresh linen and a hint of herbal medicine lingered in the air.
As he tried to sit up, a wave of pain washed over him, forcing him to lie back down. His body ached all over, a stark reminder of the battle with the minotaur and the desperate journey to get Bell to safety.
"You're awake," a soft voice said from beside him.
Leo turned his head slowly to see Ryuu Lion sitting on a chair next to the bed. Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed a deep concern.
"Ryuu..." Leo murmured, his voice hoarse. "Where am I?"
"You're in my room," Ryuu replied, her voice gentle. "You passed out as we came upstairs; I brought you here to rest. You were in no condition to move."
Leo's mind raced, trying to piece together the events. "Bell, is he okay?"
Ryuu nodded. "Mr. Cranel is safe. Hestia is taking care of him."
Relief washed over him, and he closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank the God's. How long have I been out?"
"Just a day," Ryuu said, her tone soothing. "You needed the rest."
Leo attempted to sit up again, this time more slowly. Ryuu reached out to help him, her touch firm yet gentle. He managed to prop himself up against the headboard, wincing slightly as his muscles protested.
"You should take it easy," Ryuu advised, her eyes never leaving his. "Your body needs time to heal."
Leo nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll be okay, just a bit sore."
Ryuu's gaze softened. "You pushed yourself to the limit, Leo. It's okay to rest."
He gave her a small, grateful smile. "I know. It's just hard when there's so much at stake."
Ryuu nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling. But you can't help anyone if you don't take care of yourself first."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the early morning light casting a soft glow around them. Leo took a deep breath and took in the room he was lying in.
Ryuu Lion's room was a reflection of her personality—calm, orderly, and practical. The space was small but cozy, with a minimalist aesthetic that exuded a sense of tranquility. The walls were painted in a soft, muted shade of green, reminiscent of the forest, creating a soothing atmosphere.
He laid upon the single bed that had white linens, topped with a simple but elegant quilt in earthy tones. Next to the bed was a small wooden nightstand, holding a few essential items: a small oil lamp, a leather-bound journal, and a delicate glass vase with a single flower, freshly picked from the garden.
Across from the bed, a wooden desk stood against the wall, its surface clear except for a few well-organized stacks of paper and a set of writing implements. Above the desk, a simple wooden shelf held a collection of books, their spines showing a mix of well-worn favorites and newer additions.
In one corner of the room, a wooden wardrobe stood tall, its doors slightly ajar to reveal neatly hung clothes and a few personal belongings. A pair of boots sat by the door, polished and ready for the next adventure.
The floor was covered with a simple woven rug in natural tones, adding warmth and comfort to the space. A small table near the window held a basin and pitcher for washing, along with a neatly folded towel.
"Ryuu," he said softly, breaking the silence. "Why did you stay with me? You could have left once I was safe."
Ryuu's expression grew thoughtful. "Because I care about you, Leo. You're not just an ally. You're a friend. And friends look out for each other."
Leo felt a warmth spread through him at her words. "Friends? We're friends?"
Ryuu's smile was gentle, but her ears slightly drooped, betraying her expression. "I liked to think we were; if you think otherwise, I'll accept it."
Her voice was calm but slightly wavered; Leo's heart skipped a beat at the sight. It hurt him slightly for her to say that.
"I was just surprised; I figured you thought I was a bother since I'm always putting you and the others on the spot with helping me. Forgive me."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Ryuu said, leaning forward slightly. "You saved your brother. That's what matters."
Leo let a bittersweet smile grace his face as he looked down at his folded-up hands on his lap. "I had to; he's my only family left in this world."
Ryuu looked at him curiously, her mind wandering to what they could have run into in the dungeon.
"What did you fight?" She asks, and her voice holds a tinge of concern. Leo looked up and focused on her face.
"A few days ago, now. When our goddess updated Bell's status, he had somehow acquired a magic skill. Something he's always wanted since our grandfather used it to scare off some forest goblins. Our Goddess knows how excitable Bell can be when it involves something he loves, so she did the rational thing and forbade us for the day of going into the dungeon." He explained that, and Ryuu leaned forward a little more subconsciously as she listened with rapt attention. Leo cleared his dry throat and continued as he balled his hands into fists.
"Knowing my brother, I knew he'd sneak out to try his magic. So we both went into the dungeon. At first, we went to the fourth floor, I think. Anyway, Bell fired off his spell and killed a kobold. Excidedly he kept firing spell after spell as he ran deeper. I tried to calm him down, but he kept laughing and shooting his spell off over and over. We went down further than we should have, and just as he snapped out of it, he passed out, using up all his mana."
A look of anger flashed over Leo's face as his knuckles popped from the pressure of how hard he squeezed his fists. Ryuu took notice of both but chose to let him finish before speaking; she knows that look since she had one similar long ago.
"A minotaur appeared shortly after Bell passed out; it only seemed interested in Bell and Bell alone. I stepped in front of him and tried to protect him, and I fought as hard as I could, but it wasn't enough. I put up a pathetic fight trying to defend Bell; it's laughable how easily it beat me. After I was unable to move, I watched as it slowly walked over to Bell and stood there, standing over him. I felt like that kid who almost got his brother killed all over again; it just keeps looping in my mind on repeat over and over, and all I feel is anger." He finished through clenched teeth as his glare worsened. Unexpectedly, his eyes began to glow a dark red as he kept focusing on the rage.
Ryuu placed a hand on his arm; her touch was light but reassuring. "It's understandable to feel that way, Leo. The dungeon is a harsh place."
"This rage," Leo said, his voice low. "It's still there; I can feel it. I feel like I failed Bell again; I was that stupid boy."
Ryuu's gaze softened, her own past pains flickering in her eyes. "Leo, you can't let that anger consume you. Holding onto the past and focusing on 'what ifs' and alternate routes will only make you think irrationally. That's how the dungeon wins."
Ryuu took a deep breath, a bitter feeling filling her as she spoke. "Leo. It's about accepting that sometimes things go wrong. You did everything you could for Bell. You stood up to a minotaur for him. That's not failure; that's bravery."
Leo nodded, but the burning rage he felt still itched away at him, but he suppressed it and focused on the nice feeling he felt being close to Ryuu.
"Thank you; I feel like that talk helped a bit."
Ryuu smiled slightly and nodded her head as she stood up from her chair. "If you ever need someone to speak with, I'm always willing to listen. Now, rest. The dungeon can wait for another day. I'll grab you something to eat."
Leo watched as Ryuu left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts. That small, warm feeling from before returned but was stronger. The young man slapped himself on the forehead, as he got this feeling from seeing Riveria.
Leo had spent two days confined to bed, per Ryuu's strict instructions. The elven warrior had been unyielding in her care, ensuring that he rested and healed properly. Though grateful for her concern, Leo's restlessness grew with each passing hour. As soon as he felt strong enough, he decided to venture outside.
The air was fresh and invigorating as Leo stepped out of the Hostess of Fertility and made his way towards the large fountain outside the dungeon. It was their usual meeting spot, where he expected to find Bell and their supporter, Lili.
But as he approached the fountain, an unsettling emptiness greeted him. Bell was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Lili. A knot of worry formed in Leo's stomach.
"Where could they be?" he muttered to himself, scanning the area for any sign of them.
Nearby, a group of adventurers were deep in conversation. Leo's ears perked up as he caught snippets of their discussion.
"...let the monsters on floor 10 take care of him."
"...steal his gear, leave him defenseless..."
"...white-haired adventurer..."
Leo's heart pounded as the realization hit him. They were talking about Bell. An indescribable rage welled up inside him, a fury so intense it felt as if his very soul was burning.
Without a second thought, he sprinted towards the dungeon entrance, his mind focused solely on saving his brother. As he ran, the rage within him intensified, acting as a catalyst for something that burned into his very soul. His eyes began to glow a dark red, and a surge of power coursed through his veins.
Leo moved with blinding speed, tearing through the dungeon levels with a single-minded determination. Monsters that crossed his path were swiftly and mercilessly ripped apart with his bare hands. The fury driving him was a force of nature—unstoppable and unyielding. On floor 8, he skidded to a halt, his eyes locking onto a familiar figure. Lili was there, accompanied by the same group of adventurers who had plotted against Bell. They were caught off guard by Leo's sudden appearance, their expressions ranging from shock to fear.
"Lili!" Leo's voice was a growl, and the dark red glow in his eyes made him look almost demonic. "Where is Bell?"
Lili's eyes widened in terror, but she didn't respond. The adventurers around her shifted nervously, realizing that the situation had spiraled out of their control.
Leo's hands tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white with an audible popping sound as his body began shimmering with an ominous energy. "Tell me where he is, now!"
One of the adventurers, emboldened by fear, stepped forward. "We... we left him on floor 10. The monsters were supposed to"
Before he could finish, Leo grabbed him by the throat, the rage in Leo's eyes promising death if he didn't get answers. "WHY? WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!" His voice roared in fury, causing them to flinch at the intensity of his shout.
"W-We wanted his gear to sell. We heard about a-a white-haired adventurer who had a special knife that was alive! W-We planned on selling it to get Soma's wine!" One of the terrified adventurers said it in fear.
Leo growled at the answer, and his eyes began glowing a darker red as he stared at the potential murders of his brother. The aura around him seemed to grow and suffocate them in intensity, like being in the presence of a predator about to pounce on its prey.
"If my brother dies, all of Orario will hear your screams, and I will personally rip each member apart with my bare hands! You better start praying." Leo growled out as he violently shoved the man he was holding into the group. He glanced at Lili, causing the little woman to flinch in fear from the gaze.
Leo's eyes held nothing but rage and disappointment. Looking at her, the young man shook his head before taking off down the way the group had come from. His steps were heavy as his suffocating pressure slowly descended to the next floor.
Thoughts begin going through Lili's mind: did she make a mistake? Did she make the right decision? She put her life first, so why did she feel nothing but guilt for doing that to the two brothers who showed them nothing but kindness?
Leo's heart pounded with a mix of fear and fury as he descended deeper into the dungeon. The dark red glow in Leo's eyes intensified with each step, and the rage within him burned hotter.
As he neared floor 10, the sounds of battle reached Leo's ears—grunts, roars, and the clash of metal against flesh. His pace quickened, with every fiber of his being driven by the need to protect his brother.
Bursting into the cavernous room, Leo's eyes widened in horror. Bell was surrounded by a horde of orcs, his movements desperate and exhausted as he fought for his life. His weapons were gone, and he was using whatever he could find to fend off the relentless attacks.
"Bell!" Leo's shout echoed through the chamber, drawing the attention of the orcs.
Bell's eyes widened as he saw his brother, a flicker of hope in his expression. "Leo!"
The sight of Bell fighting for his life, surrounded by towering orcs, ignited an even deeper rage within Leo. He didn't hesitate. With a primal roar, he leapt into the fray, his eyes blazing with dark red light.
He leaped into the fray, his bare hands striking with the force of a storm. The first orc he encountered was caught off guard, and Leo's fist connected with its jaw, shattering bone and sending it sprawling to the ground. The other orcs turned to face this new threat, but Leo was a whirlwind of rage and power. His rage fueled his strength, turning him into a force of nature. He grabbed the nearest orc by the throat, lifting it off the ground and slamming it into the dungeon floor with a bone-crushing impact. The orc didn't stand a chance, its body crumpling under the sheer force of Leo's fury.
The other orcs turned towards Leo, but he was unstoppable. He tore through them with his bare hands, ripping and smashing with a ferocity that left Bell in awe. Leo's movements were a blur of red and violence, each strike fueled by the burning need to protect his brother.
He grabbed one orc by the arm and ripped it from its socket. The creature's scream cut short as Leo drove his fist into its chest, crushing its ribcage. Another orc swung a massive club at him, but Leo dove under the blow and seized the creature's throat, lifting it off the ground before snapping its neck with a sickening crunch.
One by one, the orcs fell. Leo's hands were stained with their blood, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he destroyed each monster in his path. The chamber echoed with the sounds of battle, the orcs' roars turning into screams of pain and terror.
Finally, the last orc fell, its body torn apart by Leo's relentless assault. Leo stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving and the dark red glow in his eyes slowly fading. He turned to Bell, who was still catching his breath, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and admiration.
"Bell," Leo said, his voice hoarse and filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
Bell nodded slowly, his eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and fear. "I... I think so. Leo, you... you were incredible."
Leo's gaze softened as he took in his brother's battered form. "What happened? How did you end up like this?"
Bell took a shaky breath, his hands trembling as he wiped sweat and blood from his face. "Lili, she betrayed me. She threw a monster lure to summon more orcs, and she stole my weapons. I tried to fight them off, but there were too many."
Leo's jaw clenched, the rage within him flaring up again. "Lili did this?"
Bell nodded; his expression hurt. "Yes. But! Before coming down here, I ran into a man, and he asked me to join up with him to get back at Lili. I think she might be in trouble, Leo."
Leo's rage seemed to increase as he looked at his brother. "I know that look; you want to help her! Don't you?!" Bell hardened his resolve and nodded.
"Yeah. It looks like there are bad adventurers after her."
Leo's eyes narrowed, but he took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within him.
"Bell, she put your life at risk! Do you understand how serious that is?! I don't think I can trust her again after this. If I wasn't here, you'd be..."
The storm of emotions inside of him seemed to increase as his rage swelled. Bell stepped forward, placing a hand on Leo's arm.
"Please, Leo. She might need help; I know you. You're just like me; we always help people in need. That's what our grandfather taught us."
Leo's rage slightly began to subside, replaced by a weary sense of acceptance. He looked at Bell, his expression stern but not without compassion. "We'll talk about this later. Right now, let's go help her."
Bell nodded with a large smile on his face. "Thank you, Leo."
Bell and Leo moved swiftly through the dungeon, their steps echoing in the dimly lit corridors. The memory of Bell's near-death experience fueled their urgency as they made their way back up to floor seven, determined to find Lili and get answers.
As they reached the entrance to floor seven, the air grew thick with the sounds of battle. Bell and Leo exchanged a glance, both knowing what they had to do. They followed the sounds, weaving through the labyrinthine passages, until they came upon a horrifying sight.
Lili was surrounded by a swarm of killer ants, their massive pincers snapping dangerously close to her. She was backed into a corner, her face pale with fear. The ants were closing in, and it was clear she wouldn't last much longer.
"FIREBOLT!" Bell shouted as a large orange glow filled the room. The spell shot forward, took out a direct line of killer ants, and made a path for them.
Lili's eyes widen as she looks to see the brothers standing at the tunnel entrance. Tears fall down her face as the fear of death slowly vanishes.
Without hesitation, the brothers charged into the fray. Bell darted forward, his agility and quick thinking allowing him to maneuver through the swarm and draw their attention. Leo, his strength and fury rekindled, followed closely behind, cutting through the ants with ruthless efficiency.
"Get away from her!" Leo roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. He smashed his way through the swarm, each swing of his fists smashing through the tough exoskeletons of the killer ants. The red glow in his eyes returned, his anger giving him strength.
Bell used his quick reflexes to avoid the ants' pincers, striking at their vulnerable joints with precision. He stayed close to Lili, making sure she was protected.
Lili watched in awe and terror as the brothers fought. Despite her betrayal, they were risking their lives to save her. The realization hit her hard, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"LIGHTNING BOLT!" Leo roared as both of his hands were coated in bright blue electricity. The spell crackled with power before shooting off around the room. It arced around the killer ants, filling the room with a bright blue glow.
Within minutes, the swarm was decimated. The last of the Killer Ants fell to the ground, its pincers twitching in their final moments. Leo and Bell stood over Lili, their breaths heavy but their resolve unwavering.
"Lili, you're safe, right?" Bell asked, turing towards the girl with a smile, "Did they hurt you?" He asks, kneeling down in front of her.
"Bell... Leo... How'd you get here?" She asks, shocked at what just happened. Leo stood off to the side with his arms crossed and a netural expression.
"I found Bell on floor ten and fought some orcs." Leo said. Bell let out a quiet chuckle and nodded his head.
"Yeah, Leo saved me. So we were able to follow you quickly. I'm glad we made it in time."
The dam broke for Lili, and her emotions were a mess. She looked up, her eyes red from crying.
"Why? Why did you save me?! Why aren't you abandoning me?!" She shouts as tears pour down her face. Bell is taken aback, but before he can respond, she continues.
"Wait, do you not understand that I was tricking you?! Do you think I stole your knife as a joke?! What is wrong with you?! Are you a moron?! An Idiot?!" She shouts more; her voice is shaky from the guilt and sadness she's feeling.
"Lili, calm down," said Bell. Lili stands up, unable to calm herself as her emotions still run rampant.
"I can't! You didn't notice anything! I lied to you about how much money I got from trading in the magic stones! Our share wasn't 50-50! It was 40–60! Some days I got cocky and even made it 30-70! And when you asked me to go pick up items, I told you the items cost more than twice what they really did! I even said really mean things about you behind your back! Don't you understand? I'M A BAD PERSON!"
Bell glances at Leo with a knowing look. The white-haired adventurer puts a hand on her head and gently pats her.
"I didn't abandon you because you're you. I don't need another reason to save you. I didn't want to leave because you're you. I can't find another reason."
The small prum girl begins to sob loudly as tears begin to pour down her face. She tries to wipe them away, but more replaces the ones she dries.
"Lili, if you're in trouble, talk to me or Leo. I'm an idiot, so I won't understand unless you say something. But I'll save you."
Lili barrels into Bell's chest and tightly holds onto him. Leo gives a small smile at the heartwarming scene, but deep inside, his trust in the girl is fractured, and she'd have to work hard to repair it.
-XXXX-
On top of the tower of Babel sits a beautiful woman. She holds a glass of wine in one hand as she stares out into Orario and focuses on two souls. That of Bell and Leo Cranel.
"He's gotten stronger again; they both have. He's shining even more brilliantly than before. But there's a smudge that's getting in my way."
She lets a breathtaking smile grace her face as she focuses on the dungeon and sees a large red minotaur roar loudly. Her eyes narrowed on the creature before she took a sip of her wine.
"He'll get strong. Someday, he'll be strong enough to be rid of it. But..." She trails off. The man standing off near the door opens his eyes and speaks up.
"This shell can only be broken by those who go on adventures."
The woman holds up her glass of wine and looks at the sunset through the glass, painting the sun a red hue.
"I'll leave this in your hands, Ottarl." She says it with a devious smile.
-XXXX-
A few more days have come and gone in the blink of an eye. The two brothers walk along side their support Lili, Bell curiously looks over at the small prum and sees her ears twitching slightly. Unknowingly he reaches his hand out and gently pokes her small ears, they wriggle at his touch causing the girl to turn red.
"Bell..." She says embaressed as her face turns crimson, Bell realizing what he did retracts his hand and takes a few steps back.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to..." He trails off, Leo chuckles and gives his brother a knowing look.
"My dear brother, it looked like you were trying to propose to Lili." Leo says meschiviously. Bell's eyes widen as he shakes his head.
"No! no! no! You know that's not what I was doing! I was surprised to see she used a transformation spell to hide her appearance!" He shouts embaressedly, Leo chuckles and shakes his head.
"I'm just teasing you little brother. It sure as hell surprised me as well, no idea she had that in her repertoire."
The small woman still with a crimson face keeps twitching her ears and wagging her small tail.
"Yes. So unless they know about this ability, no one can recognize me now. If they don't see me for a whole, they'll probably think I died in the dungeon." Lili explains, Bell nods his head a few times slowly understanding that reasoning.
"I see. But are you okay with that?" Bell asks. Lili smiles up at the two brothers and nods her head.
"Yes. As long as Bell and Leo know who I am. That's enough for me. More importantly, are you two okay with this?" She asks, the two brothers share a look.
"I was tricking you! I took advantage of your kind hearts and betrayed both of you. If you just forgive me like this, I'll..." Lili trails off as she looks to the side with guilt, Bell gives the girl a kind smile while Leo remains netural.
"Don't worry about me." Bell said, Lili sneaks glances at Leo unsure of how to regain his trust. The young man sighs and lightly pats her on the head.
"Come on, let's go." He says in a gentle tone.
Lili looks up at the brothers and watches as they walk a little ways away, she cast her gaze downwards as she follows behind.
The two brothers lead her to the old church where they currently live, Hestia comes up the stairs to great them but gains a stern gaze looking at Lili. The small prum woman bows before their goddess to show some manners.
"My name is Liliruca Arde. Nice to meet you.." She says meekly, Hestia keeps her stern gaze as she inspects the small woman.
"So you're the supporter I've heard so much about. Bell told me all about you."
"I'll go make tea downstairs. Oh! But we only have two cups.." Bell said, Hestia's eyes suddenly flash with an idea as a smile graces her face.
"Oh, there's no need to worry about that! You and I can use the same cup!" Hestia said hoping he would accept, Bell smiles kindly towards her and sliently stands up.
"I guess even you tell jokes like that, Goddess." Bell said, disappearing downstairs to their living quarters to prepare the tea.
As Bell descended the stairs, Leo turned to Hestia. "Lady Hestia, I'm going to head out for a while. I need to do a few things."
Hestia nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Take your time, Leo. If something urgent comes up, please speak with me. And most of all, be safe."
Leo gave her a grateful smile before heading to his room to grab his gear. He quickly donned his armor and checked his weapons, ensuring everything was in place. With one last look around, he left the house.
10 Minutes Later...
The Guild was bustling with activity as adventurers came and went, reporting their findings and receiving new assignments. Leo spotted Eina Tulle, the half-elf advisor who had been a great help to both him and Bell since they started their adventuring careers.
"Eina," Leo called out, approaching her.
Eina turned, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Leo, it's good to see you. How are you feeling?"
Leo shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Better, thanks. I needed to get out and clear my head."
Eina's expression grew more serious. "Is it about your supporter from the Soma familia?"
Leo shook his head. "No, it's not. I was curious, do you have any books on the skills adventurers can get from leveling up? Or by chance? Or something?" He asked.
The young elven woman tilts her head to this side as she thinks, before her eyes light up with an answer.
"I think so, let me go check our records. Find us a quiet booth and I'll be back in just a moment." She said with a smile before dissappearing into the back of the guild.
Leo found a booth in the back right corner of the guild, away from the hustle and bustle of adventurers reporting in and out. Eina had opend the small door and stepped through with a few thick tomes from the Guild's extensive library, placing them on the table between them. Each book was filled with detailed information about various skills, magic spells, and monsters encountered in the dungeon.
"I think we should start with these," Eina said, opening one of the books to a page that listed skills related to combat.
Leo leaned forward, his eyes scanning the pages. The books were meticulously organized, with each skill described in detail, including the conditions under which it could be activated and its effects. "Thanks, Eina. I need to understand what happened to me back there."
Eina nodded, her expression serious. "It's important to know exactly what you're dealing with. But, may I ask? What was it you felt in the dungeon?"
Leo looked up from the page he was reading, he thinks back to the exact feeling he felt and pinpoints it. The same burning feeling returns but he shuts it off before it can consume him.
"Rage. Pure blood red rage, it filled me with a burning feeling that slowly began to fill my whole body." Leo explained, Eina put on a thought filled expression as she thinks back to all the books she had read from the guild, but nothing about that skill comes to mind.
"It could be linked to a number of skills. Let's see if we can pinpoint it."
They began flipping through the pages, Eina reading aloud the descriptions of various skills related to combat fury and berserker states. Some were more common, while others were rare and required specific triggers.
"Here," Eina said, pointing to a passage. "This one is called 'Berserk'. It's a skill that increases an adventurer's physical abilities when they're enraged, often at the cost of their rationality."
Leo shook his head. "That doesn't quite fit. I still had some control over myself, even though I was furious."
Eina continued to search, her brow furrowing in concentration. "Hmm, let's try another angle. What about skills that are triggered by a need to protect others?"
After a few more minutes of searching, Eina's eyes widened as she found another entry. "Leo, take a look at this. It's called 'Blood Fury of Nenmea'. It's a rare skill that activates when an adventurer is driven by a desperate need to protect someone they care about. It amplifies their strength and speed, but it also leaves a mark on their soul—a burning desire for release that gnaws away at them until it erupts in pure, blood-red rage."
Leo read the description, a sense of recognition washing over him. "That sounds like what happened to me. I felt this overwhelming need to protect Bell, and it just... unlocked something inside me. But even now, I can still feel it. It's like a fire in my blood, and it wants out."
Eina nodded, her expression turning serious. "Blood Fury of Nenmea is a powerful skill, but it comes with a heavy burden. The rage it unleashes doesn't just go away. It stays with you, simmering beneath the surface. If you don't learn to control it, it could consume you."
Leo sat back, absorbing the information. "So, it's not just about rage. It's about my need to protect Bell, but now it's like this burning feeling in my soul, waiting to explode."
"Exactly," Eina said, closing the book. "Understanding this skill will help you manage it. You need to be aware of its power and its potential consequences. The mark it leaves is not just physical but emotional and spiritual. It can drive you to incredible feats, but it can also push you to dangerous extremes."
Leo nodded, "Thank you, Eina. Knowing this will help me a lot. I need to be stronger, not just for myself, but for everyone who depends on me."
Eina smiled, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "You're already strong, Leo. Just remember, you're not alone. You have Bell, Hestia, and all of us here to support you."