Let the comedy begin, again.
Chapter 14:
Riveria blinked, processing what she had just heard. "I'm sorry... could you repeat that?"
"Bell is a Level 1 adventurer..." Eina hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the information she was about to relay. "I... I'm not sure if I'm even allowed to share this, but Lord Ganesha..." Eina trailed off, as if weighing her next words carefully. "Lord Ganesha confirmed that Bell is a Level 1 adventurer—one who's stronger than most Level 2 adventurers. That's why he's on the Guild's whitelist. He can trade in magic stones and drop items typically traded in by higher-level adventurers."
Riveria stared at Eina, her mind racing. A Level 1 adventurer who was as strong as a Level 2—or even stronger? It defied logic, yet the facts were being laid out before her. Eina Tulle is not one to lie.
"A Level 1 adventurer stronger than a Level 2... That's unheard of. Or rather, it's rare, but not without precedent."
Before Falna was introduced, there were mortals who fought powerful monsters without the aid of Spirits or divine blessings. Even today, though long before the Loki Familia was formed, there have been stories of adventurers whose existing strength surpassed their levels, since Falna essentially enhances an existing power.
"The Guild has been keeping a close eye on Bell since he first registered. His unusual strength has drawn a lot of attention. It's been confirmed twice—both times by Lord Ganesha, at the Guild's request, that he is level 1."
Riveria leaned back with a thoughtful expression. "It must have caused quite an uproar behind the scenes."
"It did," Eina confirmed with a nod. "The Guild is trying to manage the situation quietly, but there's only so much they can do. Bell's potential is... alarming, to say the least. But given his claims of facing even stronger monsters before, it's not entirely surprising."
A Level 1 adventurer with the strength to rival those at Level 2—and possibly beyond—was an anomaly in the soft hierarchy of Orario's adventurer ranks. This meant Bell wasn't just a novice. He was something entirely different, and potentially far more dangerous—or promising—than anyone had anticipated.
"This... complicates things," Riveria murmured to herself. "But it also raises many questions. How has he attained such strength? Where has he been to face monsters more powerful than those found in the Dungeon?"
"I wish I knew, Lady Riveria." Eina shrugged slightly and shook her head. "The Guild has been trying to figure that out as well. But from what I've gathered, the monsters he encountered had already been dealt with, and he couldn't recall their exact locations. There wasn't much to go on, so Lord Ganesha recommended that the Guild put him on the whitelist from that point forward."
Riveria tapped her chin thoughtfully. "This mystery goes even deeper than we've expected… If he's this strong as a Level 1, who knows what he'll be capable of as he continues to grow?"
"He's not in any trouble, is he?" Eina asked with a concerned look on her face.
"No, not at all. We've crossed paths with him a few times and were simply curious. For such a remarkable adventurer, he's surprisingly low-profile."
"Low-profile might not be the best way to describe him." Eina chuckled softly, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "He can be flamboyant and a bit unpredictable at times. He attracts attention, but somehow, he always manages to slip under the radar… At least, I think that's how the Gods would put it."
"I see... And what about his partner? A young Pallum woman?"
"Oh, her?" Eina's smile faded into a more serious expression. "She transferred from another familia. The Soma Familia, if I recall correctly." She frowned slightly. "She's actually credited with restructuring Lord Soma's familia. Many of their less savory members were arrested or punished by the Ganesha Familia after it was revealed that their captain had been involved in criminal activities." Eina paused, her eyes widening as she realized she might have said too much. "Ah, I'm sorry. That's all I can provide. The head of the Guild imposed restrictions on that adventurer's information, limiting it to the Ganesha Familia for her own safety. But her alias is Lancer."
The fact that this Pallum had managed to turn the tables on the former Soma Familia captain and even handed over valuable assets to Royman was impressive, if not a little concerning. Royman, ever the greedy opportunist, had been more than happy to accept such a lucrative exchange of keeping Lancer's identity a secret.
"For her own safety, huh?" Riveria mused, almost scoffing at the thought.
A Pallum capable of besting Finn, and supposedly without revealing her full strength, didn't seem like someone who needed protection. It was more likely she was intentionally keeping a low profile.
"Um... did something happen?"
"It's a trivial, but private matter," Riveria assured her. "More of a curiosity than anything serious. There's no need to worry." She paused, then added, "Can you at least tell me this Lancer's level?"
"Level 1," Eina answered hesitantly, "although I believe she's ready to Level Up..."
Riveria resisted the urge to sigh. "Just like Bell Cranel, then?"
Eina looked momentarily confused, then understanding dawned on her.
"Just like Bell?" she echoed, realizing that Riveria was comparing the Pallum girl's situation to Bell's—stronger than her level would suggest.
"Indeed," Riveria said, her mind already racing with the implications. "It seems both of them are anomalies. Adventurers who defy the usual expectations of their levels."
"You don't think they're hiding their true levels, do you?" Eina asked while frowning. Hiding one's level was a serious offense, strictly punishable by the Guild. "That shouldn't be possible, at least for Bell. Lord Ganesha can testify to that."
Riveria quickly shook her head. "Ah, forgive me. I didn't mean to suggest anything of the sort. I wasn't accusing anyone."
"Oh, no, I'm sorry for even implying it... It's just that Bell is so... honest, almost to a fault. He's a bit pure-hearted, and it makes him easy to read, for the most part."
"That's what makes him so intriguing. His honesty and straightforward nature don't align with someone who would deliberately hide their strength or intentions. But strength doesn't always come from deceit. Anything else I can know about Lancer?"
"Lancer... she's a different story. She avoids people for the most part, keeps to herself. It's like she's trying not to stand out."
"An interesting contrast," Riveria mused. "One who is open and pure, the other reserved and distant. Yet both are incredibly powerful in their own right."
There was a moment of silence between them until Eina finally broke the silence.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Lady Riveria?"
Riveria shook her head, "No, I think that's it for the time being," she turned to leave, heading towards the door. "Thank you for your help. You've given me much to consider."
Eina stood, offering a polite bow. "It's always a pleasure, Lady Riveria. If you ever need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask." Just as Riveria reached the door, Eina added, "Oh, and I heard that the Loki Familia will be launching an expedition to the Dungeon in a few days. I wish everyone well. May you return safely."
Riveria paused at the door, turning back with a slight smile. "Thank you, Eina. We'll do our best."
With that, she stepped out of the room, her mind already shifting to the preparations for the upcoming expedition.
/-/
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the field where the cast was preparing for the next scene. It had been a day since the waitresses from the Hostess of Fertility first embarked on their "filming" adventure. By now, they had settled comfortably into their roles, embracing the playful chaos of acting as heroes and heroines. The open field, set a good distance from Orario's walls, had been transformed into a grand stage. Ornate banners fluttered in the breeze, and the false sounds of a bustling festival filled the air. Bright lanterns hung from every corner, casting a warm glow across the dusk-lit scene—a makeshift festival ground prepared for the next fight in their story.
Ryuu, clad in a princely outfit with her hair tied back and an eyepatch covering one eye, stood at the center of the makeshift 'filming location' of the scene. In her hand, she wielded a sword that gleamed in the fading light. Her expression was one of stoic determination, perfectly embodying the Elf prince she was portraying.
CLANK!
Across from her, Bell—or rather, the Storm Knight—stepped into view, fully armored in black and yellow, his face obscured by a fearsome helmet. In his grip, a sword crackled with electricity, each step he took sending arcs of lightning spiraling around him. He was the embodiment of the mysterious warrior who sought to steal away the kingdom's most precious treasure: its princess, played by Syr.
"Prepare yourself," Ryuu declared, her voice carrying the weight of the moment. "You will not take another step toward the princess!"
Bell didn't respond with words; instead, he raised his sword, the electricity dancing along its blade illuminating his form. Without warning, he lunged forward, and the 'festival grounds' erupted into action.
SHING! CLANG!
Ryuu met his charge head-on, their swords colliding with a sharp, metallic ring. Sparks flew from the clash, and for an instant, it seemed the 'prince' might hold his ground. But the Storm Knight's power was overwhelming, each electrified strike forcing Ryuu to retreat, step by step.
WHOOSH!
From the sidelines, Anya and Lunoire surged into the fray.
"We're not letting you take her!" Anya, spear clenched tightly, let out a fierce battle cry as she lunged toward Bell's side.
"Hold still, tin can!" Lunoire followed closely, her metal-gloved hands poised for a devastating strike.
Their combined assault aimed to overwhelm the Storm Knight, but Bell was ready.
BZZZZZT! CRACKLE!
With a powerful swing of his sword, he unleashed a crackling blast of electricity that forced them to scatter. The surge of energy knocked them off balance, their weapons slipping from their hands as they struggled to regain their footing.
Regaining her balance, Ryuu made another attempt to strike again, only to find Bell already moving. He swiftly knocked her sword from her grasp, sending it skidding across the courtyard. Ryuu stumbled back, breath coming in short gasps as she took in the gravity of the situation.
"D-damn it!"
Then Anya appeared, her spear a blur of motion as she launched herself at Bell.
"Take this!" she yelled, aiming for his blind spot.
CLANG!
But the Storm Knight effortlessly parried her attack without even turning to face her. He countered Anya's strike and swiftly dodged Lunoire's barrage of fists, her punches cutting through the air with a fierce intensity.
SWOOSH! CLING!
"Oough!" Lunoire grunted as she was knocked back by a powerful swing of Bell's sword. She spat on the ground, her eyes blazing with frustration. "Seriously, how strong is this guy?! Hey, incompetent guard!" she called out to Anya, who looked rather annoyed by that. "We'll hit him together!"
"That's enough from you three..." Bell's voice rumbled from beneath his helmet, the modifier adding an eerie resonance.
He raised his sword skyward, summoning a bolt of lightning that crackled through the air, charging the atmosphere with electricity.
RUMBLE!
"S-scatter!" Anya screeched in panic.
Ryuu, Anya, and Lunoire scrambled to avoid the strikes of lightning as they crashed into the ground around them, sending up plumes of black smoke and leaving scorch marks in their wake. The air hummed with energy, the battlefield becoming a chaotic storm. Bell moved through the aftermath with unyielding focus, his attention now fully on Syr.
Syr watched the battle with stunned awe, her heart pounding as she took an involuntary step back. As the princess, her power was both a gift and a curse, one that had drawn the Storm Knight to her. She knew there was no escape. In one fluid motion, Bell swept Syr off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. The princess let out a soft gasp, her hands instinctively clutching at his armor.
"Please… let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling, though deep down, she knew it was futile.
Bell, clad in his intimidating Storm Knight armor, didn't respond. With Syr securely in his grasp, he turned away from the battlefield, heading back to his domain.
"Princess Silvia!" Ryuu cried out, struggling to her feet, her hand reaching out in desperation.
RUMBLE! CRAAACK!
Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, and with a dramatic flash of lightning, the two figures were obscured from view, leaving behind only a cloud of dust and the echoes of their departure.
"CUT!" The voice of the director rang out across the set, and the tension in the air immediately dissipated. One of the artisans manning the magic recording device gave a thumbs-up. "Clean shot! That was perfect!"
"Yay! We nailed it on the third take!" Syr cheered, still comfortably cradled in Bell's arms. She flashed him a bright smile, her earlier fear completely replaced with excitement.
"Haha! Third time's the charm, right?" Bell chuckled, gently setting Syr back on her feet. He removed his helmet, revealing his flushed but pleased expression.
"Nyaaaah... Lightning is still scary, even if it's just ticklish," Anya said, her tail twitching as she shook off the remnants of the magical effects.
"Oh please, you try getting tossed around like a rag doll," Lunoire muttered, rubbing her shoulder. She shot Bell a half-serious, half-playful glare. "You hit harder than someone at level 1 should."
Bell rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry about that. I got a little too into character."
From the sidelines, Chloe and Lili watched the scene unfold, exchanging knowing glances. They were slated to join the action in the next scene as the heroic thief and the stern, knightly Pallum. The story was far from over, and both women were ready to dive into their roles.
"Your swordplay was amazing, Ryuu! You really looked like you were going to cut him down." Syr complimented her friend.
"Thank you, Syr. I was, in fact, trying to cut him down," Ryuu replied, her tone as flat as ever, though there was a subtle gleam in her eye as she slid a glance at Bell.
"A-as expected of a veteran adventurer who knows how to provide... realistic customer service," Bell stammered, trying to mask his nervousness with a shaky smile. His mind raced with the realization that Ryuu's sword swings had been a bit more genuine than he initially thought.
"Nyahahah! Makes it feel more realistic!" Anya snickered, her tail flicking with amusement as she imagined the scene from the audience's perspective.
"Alright, folks! We're moving on to the next scene soon. Let's get ready!" the director called out, clapping her hands to refocus everyone.
The crew quickly moved into action, adjusting props and setting up the next part of the story. As the flurry of activity swirled around them, Chloe leaned over to Lili, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.
"You know, this acting gig isn't half bad. I can see why the Gods are so obsessed with it. It's like being a part of one of those epic tales they love to watch."
Lili, however, looked less than impressed. She rested her cheek on her palm, her expression bored as she watched the preparations.
"Honestly, the only part I truly enjoyed was seeing Bell play the helpless Princess Bella. Now that was worth every minute." A smirk tugged at her lips as she recalled how flustered Bell had been, forced into the role of a damsel in distress.
Chloe chuckled, adjusting her thief costume. "And I never thought I'd be a thief again, but hey, we all have our roles to play. And if it means I get to see you all take out your frustrations on that 'clown' in the next scene, then I'm all in."
Lili's smirk widened. "The combat scenes are the best part. We get to be a little more... authentic. And after what Ryuu just said, I think he's going to have to watch his back."
The two shared a conspiratorial grin before turning their attention back to the set. The next scene was about to begin. Everyone readied themselves to dive back into their roles, especially since the upcoming sequence promised plenty of action—and a little bit of payback.
"Why do I suddenly feel like I am in danger?" Bell asked himself with a shiver.
/-/
"There's some interesting talk about your children going around," Hephaestus remarked with a light but curious tone as she eyed Hestia across the table.
"Of course there is..." Hestia replied with a deadpan expression, barely pausing in her rapid consumption of dinner. Her fork moved with a speed that suggested she was more focused on devouring the meal than the conversation at hand.
The two Goddesses had chosen to dine out at a well-known restaurant, opting for a private dining room—a luxury Hestia insisted on paying for, much to Hephaestus' surprise. Hestia usually wasn't one for lavish spending, but tonight seemed to be an exception.
"One of those rumors," Hephaestus continued, "is about one of your children—apparently a Level 1 adventurer—defeating monsters far above his level. Monsters that would give even a seasoned Level 2 pause."
"Mmhmm." Hestia responded, her mouth full, not bothering to look up.
Hephaestus studied her friend's expression—or lack thereof—and couldn't help but be intrigued. "Judging by the look on your face, it's not as outlandish as it sounds, is it?"
"Mmhmm."
"Where did you find this extraordinary child of yours, then? I heard the other one transferred from the Soma Familia and restructured it after turning in their captain for some rather shady activities."
Hestia finally paused, swallowing a particularly large bite before answering. "Oh, you know, he just sort of... appeared one day. Out of nowhere, really. Almost burned down the entire church in the process."
Hephaestus raised an eyebrow. "Really? That doesn't sound like your usual recruiting method. What exactly happened?"
"Would you believe me if I told you that some artifact in the shape of a grail summoned a poor farm boy and a peculiar type of Spirit, fusing them together to create an individual who can only be described as a perverted, yet innocent and pure playboy?"
Hephaestus blinked, then burst into laughter, her amusement echoing through the private dining room.
"I didn't know you had such a vivid imagination, Hestia! If that were true, your status as a Virgin Goddess would be in serious jeopardy—though I suppose it would be fitting to have a mischievous childlike that under your care."
"That child is impossible to restrain, believe me." Hestia sighed dramatically, her fork hovering over her plate. "No matter what I do, he's always finding some way to get into trouble."
Hephaestus shook her head, still smiling. "Sounds like a handful. But I won't pry into the details. Some things are better left to the imagination."
"Oh no, please, feel free to ask."
"I think I'll pass. I know trouble when I see it, and with my one good eye, I can tell that your little familia is full of it." She chuckled softly, before shifting to another topic. "Speaking of trouble, I've heard that one of your children wields not just one, but two magic swords. Is that true?"
Hestia hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. Hephaestus was a trusted friend, someone who had helped her countless times in the past, but there was a lingering hint of resentment from the time she had been kicked out of Hephaestus' home. Still, a small hint wouldn't hurt, right?
"Yeah, he does. But! His swords are very special. I doubt even your best smiths could replicate them. In fact, I think you're the only one who might be able to craft something similar, and that's only if you used a teeny tiny bit of your Arcanum."
Hephaestus' eyes narrowed, her pride as a Divine Smith suddenly on the line. She might have been amused moments before, but now, her competitive spirit had been ignited.
"Oh? Is that a challenge, Hestia?"
"Maybe it is." Hestia grinned, leaning back in her chair. "But I'm not saying it lightly. Those swords are... unique. There's something about them that even I can't fully understand. But if anyone could come close, it would be you."
"Flattery won't get you anywhere."
"I'm serious. You're the best smith in all of Heaven. If anyone could create something on par with what he's wielding, it's you. But even then, I think his swords are more than just weapons. There's something... mystical about them."
"Now you've got me curious. I'll have to meet this child of yours one of these days. Maybe I'll take a closer look at these swords of his." She paused, her gaze sharpening. "But let's be honest, Hestia. You're still upset about me kicking you out, aren't you?"
Hestia didn't miss a beat, maintaining her smug expression as she munched on her seasoned vegetables.
"I'm not sure what you're talking about," she replied, her tone dripping with feigned innocence.
But inside, Hestia's mind was already whirring with a plan. If she could drag Hephaestus into her current chaos, it would be the perfect way to get back at her. After all, what's a little friendly revenge between goddesses? Misery does love company, and Hestia wasn't about to face her challenges alone if she could help it.
"Well, aren't you just the picture of pettiness?"
"Nah, that's Ishtar."
"Fair. Picture of pettiness, fifth place."
/-/
"They're both Level 1?!" Loki's voice echoed through the room. She leaned forward, staring at Riveria as if waiting for her to admit it was a joke despite being able to discern lies from mortals. "You sure that receptionist wasn't pulling your leg?"
"Keep your voice down," Riveria chastised her Goddess. "And yes, Eina isn't one to lie, especially not to me. Unless the Guild itself is hiding something, she wouldn't look me in the eye and lie about their levels."
Gareth, who had been quietly observing, crossed his arms thoughtfully. "It's surprising, I'll give you that."
"But not entirely unheard of," Finn interjected, his sharp eyes narrowing in thought. "We've seen exceptional cases before. Remember Ais? She was reckless, and considering her age at the time, I believe even at Level 1, she could've taken down a Minotaur. Not without difficulty, of course, but it wasn't outside the realm of possibility."
Loki frowned, still not entirely convinced. "But a Level 1 able to move faster than Allen and Bete? Even winning out against Ais and her wind magic, that seems far-fetched."
"There have been those in history who possessed strength far beyond their levels, like the Mercenary King, Albert," said Riveria. "He was said to have the power of a Level 6 or higher. And let's not forget his companions."
The heroes of old did not possess the Falna granted by the Gods. Instead, they relied on their own innate abilities, magical weapons, or the blessings of Spirits. Albert, for example, was believed to have been aided by the Great Wind Spirit, Aria, but his prowess was well established long before Aria came into the picture.
"Albert's strength was legendary, even without Falna." Finn nodded in agreement, his mind clearly working through the possibilities. "It's not impossible for someone to reach that level of power through sheer determination, skill, or other external factors. The same might be true for this Bell Cranel and Lancer."
Loki leaned back while sitting cross-legged on Finn's desk, still looking skeptical but clearly invested.
"So, we might be dealing with anomalies—adventurers who defy the usual expectations of their levels. But that still doesn't explain how they're managing feats that should be impossible for someone at Level 1."
"Maybe they got some magic tool or something?" Gareth said with a shrug. "Could be a deal with a Spirit, or just plain old talent that got 'em strong before Falna. Dunno, you'd have to ask 'em yourself."
Loki tapped her chin thoughtfully before a grin spread across her face. "Not a bad idea. Which familia are they from, anyway?"
"They're part of Hestia Familia."
"… Come again?"
"Hestia Familia," Riveria repeated, more slowly this time, clearly annoyed by the necessity of doing so.
The room went completely silent, the weight of the revelation sinking into the Goddess. For a moment, it seemed like Loki was trying to process the information, her usual playful demeanor slipping away. Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, Loki grabbed her head in exasperation.
"Gaaaah! That short-tiddy Goddess has them as her children?!"
/-/
The shoot had wrapped up just moments ago, but both Ryuu and "Princess Bella" remained frozen in place, their faces buried in their hands, both flushed from cheeks to ears in a deep, embarrassed red.
"Syr, did you somehow curse their costumes? It's like their personalities completely switched whenever he puts on that dress and wig." Lunoire asked her silver-haired friend with both amusement and concern.
Syr giggled, shaking her head. "I promise, I'm not capable of anything like that. Nor do I know anyone who could do such a thing. But I have to admit, the two of them gave a rather incredible performance."
"I-I don't know what came over me…" Ryuu, still curled up and hiding behind some of the stage props, whimpered from behind her hands. "This has to be some sort of divine punishment, right? There's no other explanation."
Bell, equally mortified, had pulled his black cloak over himself as if trying to disappear entirely.
"My dignity as a man…," he muttered, echoing Ryuu's posture and tone. He peeked out from under the cloak just enough to shoot a pleading look at Syr. "Why did you give me more lines? And that voice-changing collar… Please, Syr, just make my secondary character a minor role again. A few appearances at most, nothing more!"
Syr offered a kind smile, though there was mercy in her eyes. "Now, now, Bell. You're doing wonderfully. It's not every day you get to explore a different side of yourself. Besides, the audience is going to love it."
"I feel like we're moving into dangerous territory there…" said Lunoire.
"Explore a different side?" Ryuu peeked out from her hiding spot, still red as a tomato. "Syr, I'm a former adventurer and waitress, not an actor. This… this was beyond me. I felt like I was channeling something… otherworldly."
"Well, whatever it was, you two certainly brought the characters to life." Chloe couldn't help but grinned. "Maybe too much life, if you ask me."
Anya, who had been watching from the sidelines, jumped in with her usual exuberance. "Nyahaha! You both were amazing! Maybe the costumes really do have some kind of magic to them, huh?"
"Who's the flustered one now, huh?" Lili teased, a smug grin playing on her lips. She leaned against Bell, resting her arm casually over his head and giving him a playful poke. "After all the embarrassing antics I've had to endure, it's definitely worth seeing you squirm like this."
"W-well… it's nice to see you entertained and smiling, at least."
"Touching sentiment, but don't think that's going to work on me," her grin widening as she tapped his head lightly with her finger and leaned closer. "If you really want to see me laugh and smile, then maybe you should keep embracing that flustered, shy damsel persona."
Bell's eyes widened in alarm. "N-no! There has to be another way! I can't keep up this act forever."
"Is that not your purpose? To make everyone smile and laugh? Watching you stumble and blush has been quite the entertainment for all of us."
"This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I agreed to this!"
Syr, kneeling down to comfort him, offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Bell. Our next scene will be a lot more adventurous. We're going to film the heroes navigating through monster-infested lands and eventually finding the Storm Knight's domain. It'll be more in your element, I promise."
"Hold up," Chloe interjected, looking concerned. "Where are we going to get monsters for this? It's not exactly safe for the crew, all of whom are level 1. Are we using surface monsters? But even then, controlling and managing them can be a challenge."
"Actually, you'll be filming in the Dungeon itself. I'm sure the audience will appreciate the exotic terrains down there, and they likely won't mind if the action is set in the Dungeon rather than the surface. Of course, most of the crew, including myself, won't be going down there. But Bell can handle the filming and directing, and we can edit the rest."
Bell's eyes lit up with excitement as he jumped up, striking a dramatic pose. "Ah-hah! Now that's something I can get behind! I'm ready to tackle the Dungeon scenes!"
Lunoire raised an eyebrow. "We're all level 4. The upper to mid-level floors shouldn't be too much of a problem for us. But what about you two? Aren't you both level 1?"
"Stronger than all of you, except for Bell, of course." Lili glanced at Bell, who pouted slightly at being mentioned in the same breath. "But let's keep that between us, shall we?"
Chloe's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Stronger than all of us? When was the last time a Pallum leveled up?"
"Would you like to test yourself against me?" Lili challenged; her tone nonchalant but with a hint of annoyance.
Chloe smirked. "Big words from someone so… compact."
Anya, unable to resist a joke, laughed and gave Lili a playful pat on the head. "No offense, but… nyaaaah?!"
Before Anya could react further, Lili grabbed her hand and performed a swift, graceful flip, sending Anya flying through the air before landing expertly on her feet. The sudden move left everyone in stunned silence.
"Would you like to try that again?"
Anya blinked; her eyes wide with surprise. "You're not just talking big, are you?"
"I suggest you don't underestimate me," Lili said with a shrug.
"You... okay, I won't even ask," Lunoire sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm all for going down into the Dungeon and letting loose, but are you sure this is—"
"HEY! There you two are!" Mama Mia's voice boomed across the field, cutting Lunoire off mid-sentence and startling everyone within earshot.
"I-it's Demi Ymir!"
The 'filming' crew immediately scattered like frightened mice, clearing a path as the towering Dwarf made her way toward them. Everyone but Lili shrank back in fear.
"You're late!" Mama Mia barked, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the group. Then her gaze landed on Bell, who was still in his costume. "Oh? You're... that boy. Almost didn't recognize ya! This gives me an idea!" Before Bell could react, Mama Mia grabbed him by the collar with one hand, and with the other, she snagged her waitresses, dragging them all closer. "Yer all gonna make up for lost time. Especially you, boy."
"M-m-me?!" Bell stammered, realizing what was about to happen. "Oh no... W-wait!"
Mama Mia laughed heartily, ignoring his protests. "Not to worry! I'll leave it to the girls to teach ya the ropes!"
With that, she marched off, dragging a bewildered Bell and her equally stunned employees behind her. Lili, trailing behind with a smug grin, watched the scene unfold.
"I take it back," Lili murmured, her grin widening. "Today's a blessing in disguise. I'll make sure Syr records every bit of this for Lady Hestia."
Revenge is sweet.