For those of you who have read the free parts on my pat reon, but not the completed patron only chapters yet, be advised there is an extra scene at the end of the chapter which wasn't in the original parts.
Also writing chapter 18 right now and I am so excited, have already touched on Airmid but I will be coming up to the Lefiya chapter, looking very likely that it will in fact be chapter 20 and if I am introducing Lefiya… I am of course introducing the other two of the trio *hint hint* far earlier.
Also, we have about 70K words of the Danmachi group story on the shared writer's discord, so check it out.
discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
Lastly, reposting the link to my discord too, if it isn't working, please let me know as I have gotten some PMs about it.
discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Don't forget to remove the spaces for both links above.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell would learn a new magic from the grimoire Freya had given him before explaining what Freya had asked for to Hestia. The next day, Bell would arrive at the Hostess of Fertility and discuss what happened with Syr, with the girl managing to soothe his concerns, before Bell would prepare breakfast and lunch for Syr, Ryuu, and Ais, with Bell and Ais later heading off to train. Bell would practice his new magic with Ais, learning he could produce ten attacks before a Mind Down. Once Bell had recovered, Ais would apologise for the incident on the fifth floor, with Bell apologising in turn for having run away, before the two parted ways.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 7 – Prep time
Bell had made his way straight to the Blue Pharmacy to pick up some potions. He usually came by every few days, but since he hadn't been going into the Dungeon, it had been almost a week now since he had last come by. Opening the door, Bell spotted the perpetually sleeping looking Chienthrope who manned the counter.
'Hi Miss Naaza!' Greeted Bell, causing the sleepy girl's eyes to open slightly.
'Bell? You haven't been by to visit for a while now. Don't tell me you've been going to the Dian Cecht Familia shop to get your potions for the Dungeon?' Asked Naaza with a hint of teasing.
'U-Uh, no, actually, I haven't gone to the Dungeon for a few days now.' Admitted Bell, causing the brunette to perk up, her tail stiffening behind her.
'Did something happen?' Asked Naaza, her concern coming through easily, even to Bell's normally oblivious ears.
'Ah, well sort of, I did get attacked by a Minotaur on the fifth floor a few days ago, but that's not why I haven't been back.' Started Bell, only for the girl to come around the counter and crouch down slightly, looking him in the eyes.
'Did you say you were attacked by a Minotaur? On the fifth floor?' Asked Naaza in disbelief.
'Yeah.' Admitted Bell, causing the girl to sigh as she placed her hand over her face.
'How could you Bell? Do you know how I would feel losing my best customer?' Asked Naaza, causing Bell to smile and let out a small laugh.
'Ah, sorry Miss Naaza, but I'm here to make up for it.' Said Bell, appreciating the change in tone.
'What do you need?' Asked Naaza, walking back to the counter.
'I need some mind potions.' Answered Bell, causing Naaza to tilt her head to the side in curiosity.
'Have you learned magic?' Asked Naaza, getting an excited nod from Bell.
'Yes, uh, oh wait, I was supposed to keep that a secret.' Said Bell eagerly, before realising his mistake.
'Well Bell, it wouldn't make sense for you to buy mind restoring potions if you didn't know magic, but I can keep a secret. How many do you need?' Asked Naaza.
'Could I buy four for now?' Requested Bell.
'Four off the bat? What are you planning?' Asked Naaza.
'Well, I haven't gone into the Dungeon for a while, so I was planning to get some target practice with my magic on the upper levels.' Admitted Bell.
'Well four potions will cost you almost twenty-five thousand valis, but if you buy six, I can make it thirty, what do you think?' Asked Naaza.
'That sounds great, thank you!' Agreed Bell quickly, surprising the girl.
'You said you haven't been to the Dungeon in a few days, are you sure you can afford that many?' Asked Naaza, her usual business-like attitude taking a momentary pause, not wanting to bankrupt the Hestia Familia, as it wouldn't be good for further business.
'Ah, well the reason I haven't been back to the Dungeon is because I cleaned out the first four floors when I got upset, but I made enough to earn eighty thousand valis that day, and my new equipment only cost eighteen thousand thanks to my friend's haggling skills.' Admitted Bell, even as the Chienthrope's eyes opened fully again.
'Well I'll get you those six potions then.' Said Naaza, her tail wagging slightly, happy at the large sale.
'Miss Naaza, I just had one question, do I have to wait until Mind Down before using a potion, or can I use part of a potion after a few attacks?' Asked Bell.
'Well, it really depends on how big your magical capacity is to start with, but one of these potions should be enough to completely recover at your level. If you want, try and use up half of your magic and then try half a potion to see.' Suggested Naaza.
'Thanks Miss Naaza, I'll come by again sooner.' Said Bell.
'No worries, thanks for your purchase, Bell, I love you.' Teased Naaza, even as the boy stammered and ran out of the shop.
-line break-
After getting his potions, Bell had made his way to the Guild to find Eina and let her know he planned to go into the Dungeon as he had promised.
'Miss Eina!' Greeted Bell energetically, seeing the receptionist was free at the time.
'Bell? What are you doing here at this time?' Asked Eina, noting Bell usually headed off early in the morning and it was only two hours from midday now.
'I wanted to come and see you before I go into the Dungeon today. It is my first day going back in.' Said Bell as he approached Eina.
'I seem to remember you were supposed to come and find me before that so we could buy you weapons and armour first.' Said Eina, crossing her arms over her chest.
'Sorry, Syr kind of tricked me into getting them one day when I was working at the Hostess of Fertility. She helped me get a good deal though, so I managed to get armour, a sickle, and two knifes for a good price, see.' Said Bell quickly, showing his armour and weapons to his adviser.
'Well, I can't really say anything to that… who is Syr though? Did you say you were working?' Asked Eina, processing what he had said.
'Oh, Syr is a waitress at the Hostess of Fertility, and I was working there as well for a few days because… well you know.' Admitted Bell, trailing off at the end.
Eina decided to lead Bell away to their private consultation room, given what he was alluding to. Once the pair were seated, Eina continued the conversation where they had left off.
'So you were working as a waitress?' Asked Eina in amusement, picturing Bell in a frilly skirt.
'N-no, I'm not pretty like all of them, I was the cook.' Confessed Bell, causing Eina to tilt her head to the side.
'I didn't know you could cook.' Commented Eina.
'Yeah, they all seemed to really like it too. I could make you something if you come by one day, but it is an adventurer pub. I would cover the cost though.' Offered Bell, causing Eina to smile.
'Well I'll have to take you up on the offer some time. So why are you planning to go back to the Dungeon now then?' Asked Eina.
'I learned a magic and I want to test it out!' Exclaimed Bell, unable to keep his excitement in any longer.
'You learned a magic?' Asked Eina in surprise.
For a half-Elf like Eina, magic was not something she was unaccustomed to, given her own kind had a propensity for magic, but for Bell, a novice adventurer, and a human at that, learning magic was huge.
'Yeah, uh, I guess I can tell you since everything I tell you is a secret, right?' Said Bell questioningly.
'I won't give away any of your skills or secrets, that is correct.' Said Eina reassuringly, as she nodded to the boy.
'The Goddess Freya gave me a grimoire and I learned a cool magic from it. It doesn't even need a chant or anything.' Revealed Bell excitedly, practically bouncing in his chair.
Eina's mouth dropped. Freya approaching Bell was shocking enough for a few reasons, but that she had given him a grimoire on top of that.
'B-Bell, grimoires are expensive!' Stammered Eina.
'I-I know, but it was a trade. Goddess Freya said she wanted a home cooked dinner in exchange.' Said Bell, his earlier excitement now somewhat subdued.
'Oh Bell, you're going to give me a heart attack one of these days, I'm sure.' Muttered Eina.
'S-sorry.' Apologised Bell, causing Eina to sigh.
'Are you sure you will be okay going back into the Dungeon alone then? Especially if you haven't been for the past few days.' Asked Eina in concern.
'Oh, I've also been getting training from Miss Ais and Goddess said my status is really improving even without going into the Dungeon.' Revealed Bell, causing Eina to start again.
'Bell, are you really trying to give me a heart attack? You have the Sword Princess training you as well?' Asked Eina in disbelief.
'Yeah, it's all thanks to Syr really, she said my food was really good and used it to get Goddess to agree to letting Miss Ais train me and Miss Ais liked my food as well, so she is training me for free meals cooked by me.' Elaborated Bell.
'Now I really need to try your cooking sometime if you used it to win over two Goddesses and the Sword Princess… although you never did explain who Syr was before.' Pointed out Eina.
'What do you mean, I told you, Syr is a waitress at the Hostess of Fertility?' Questioned Bell in confusion.
'It seems like she is more than just a waitress though.' Pressed Eina.
'Oh yeah, Syr is my friend too. She is a little sneaky, but she's really trying to help me as well, just like I know you are as well. Syr is just a bit more roundabout in doing it.' Explained Bell.
'And she isn't taking advantage of you, is she?' Asked Eina, worried at how highly Bell was speaking about someone who he admitted was openly manipulating him.
'Oh it isn't like that, Syr is really helpful, she just… likes to have fun at other people's expense sometimes, she wouldn't ever hurt me, I'm pretty sure.' Said Bell, causing Eina to exhale in relief.
'All right then. Going back into the Dungeon though, how far were you planning to go?' Asked Eina, narrowing her eyes.
'I was going to go down to the sixth floor. I think the Frog Shooters will be good target practice.' Said Bell, causing Eina to frown.
'Bell, you haven't even explored the fifth floor properly yet and the sixth also has War Shadows, which are very dangerous.' Chided Bell.
'I'm sure they won't be as strong as Miss Ais though, I've gotten a lot stronger, Miss Eina.' Whined Bell.
'Ok, I'll let you go on two conditions. The first, we spend the next thirty minutes going through the sixth floor again and I will tell you about the seventh just in case… the second condition, can I please see your status to make sure you really are stronger first?' Requested Eina.
'Of course.' Said Bell brightly, before standing up, turning around, and pulling his shirt up, showing his status to Eina.
'H-How do you have abilities in A rank already?' Asked Eina in surprise.
'Uh, Miss Ais' training is pretty harsh.' Admitted Bell sheepishly, before he lowered his shirt.
'Well, with a status like that, I can't really deny that you should be able to handle yourself on the sixth floor. After this though, I want to go through the next twelve floors with you all the way to the first safety point. You definitely should not be going past the twelfth floor by yourself and will need special equipment, but especially since you met a Minotaur on the fifth level, I better tell you a bit extra in case.' Conceded Eina.
'Of course, your lessons are one of the only things keeping me alive in there half the time.' Admitted Bell, causing Eina to give a strained smile, knowing that it was meant to be a compliment, but also knowing the reality of what happened to unprepared adventurers.
'Well then, we can go through things tomorrow. Oh wait, I just remembered, tomorrow is the Monsterphilia Festival so we will have to do it the day after.' Decided Eina.
'Miss Ais also mentioned that today. What is Monsterphilia?' Asked Bell.
'It is an event run by the Ganesha Familia where they show their skills as tamers with real monsters from the Dungeon.' Explained Eina.
'Is it really that easy to tame a monster?' Asked Bell curiously, wondering if they could be taught magic as the grimoire suggested.
'No, it is an uncommon skill, but the Ganesha family are also the experts in taming, with many of their members having the Tamer skill.' Revealed Eina.
'Okay, can you tell me about the sixth floor now then?' Asked Bell, causing Eina to smile.
-line break-
Bell had made his way reasonably quickly through the first few floors. He had tested his Firebolt on a Goblin first, and later a Kobold, and found it was an instant one-hit-knockout. The Dungeon Lizards were harder to pin down, but they also didn't last more than one hit. Having used five Firebolt attacks now, Bell drank half of the mind-restoring potion and felt as though had had just had an hour-long nap, finding his mind was fresh again, as though he had just entered the Dungeon. Making his way through the fifth floor, his progress only being impeded by three Kobolds, which he dealt with using his knives, wanting to conserve his mind, Bell finally arrived on the sixth floor. The number of monsters around was less than Bell had been expecting, given his last run in with almost a dozen at once. Bell spied the first pair of Frog Shooters on the floor. They were facing the right sided wall and were yet to notice Bell. Bell noticed the large eyes and decided those would be his targets. Treating them like a big red bullseye, Bell raised his hand as he stepped closer. Bell crept as close as he could, now standing about six metres away.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, letting loose his electrified conflagration at the monsters.
Neither had a chance to react, with the one hit on impact crumbling away into ash, while the one beside it was electrocuted and burned by the aftermath of the explosion. Bell crept forward and picked up their magic stones, before looking for more targets. The Frog Shooters seemed to congregate in groups, much to Bell's frustration. Bell had yet to find one alone, which made his target practice a bit harder. Bell felt himself stagger a bit after his last attack, before counting and realising he had launched nine now since his last sip of potion.
"They are always in groups, so I can't really afford to wait until I hit ten." Thought Bell, drinking the other half of his first potion.
"Five more now, but I don't want to use them all up either and I have to get back soon to start dinner." Thought Bell, before feeling his stomach growl.
'I didn't have lunch yet either.' Sighed Bell, before walking through a small passage and finding no way forward.
'Is this a dead end?' Mumbled Bell, before the walls around him started to crack.
Two vaguely humanoid forms emerged from the wall. They each had long arms with three knife-like claws instead of fingers.
"War Shadows." Thought Bell, quickly raising an arm towards one.
Bell waited to see if they would move and neither did, eyeing Bell off.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, his attack catching the War Shadow off guard and tearing through its body with ease.
Its comrade moved into action, charging Bell, and swinging his claw down towards Bell's shoulder. Bell blocked the attack with his silver blade, before bringing his other hand to the monster's chest.
'Firebolt.' Said Bell quietly, as the fire blast ripped through the monster, shattering its magic stone, and turning it to ash instantly.
Almost as though in response to Bell's vicious attack, the three walls surrounding him all cracked simultaneously.
"Sometimes I think the Dungeon has it out for me." Thought Bell, before doing a quick headcount, noting nine enemies; six War Shadows and three Frog Shooters.
Bell took out another potion and drank half of it, giving him enough attacks for each monster.
"Can't miss." Thought Bell, before focusing on the one closest to him, the War Shadow having its face obliterated with the remnant of the attack scorching the Dungeon walls an instant later.
One of the Frog Shooters extended its tongue at Bell with speed, but having been faced with the speed of Ais Wallenstein over the past few days, it may as well have moved in slow motion. Bell let the tongue soar over his shoulder before he gripped it.
'Firebolt!' Cried Bell, as the attack burned right through the tongue, before exploding on impact with the stunned monster.
Two War Shadows had now reached Bell's position, one on either side of him. Bell sheathed his knife and put his hands up into the poor boxer stance he had been trying to work on with Ais. It seemed the War Shadows didn't care too much for Bell's stance, thinking they would have an easy time with an unarmed opponent and ordinarily, they would have been correct. Bell smirked as they approached him, before he threw a quick punch at the War Shadow on his right, opening his palm seconds before impact.
'Firebolt.' Said Bell viciously, as the attack ploughed through the abdomen of the creature.
Quickly snapping his gaze to the other War Shadow which had leapt at him, Bell opened up his left fist and repeated his attack, using his other hand this time. A similar result was achieved, with the throat and upper torso of the War Shadow being obliterated, as the attack continued on towards the roof of the Dungeon and caused it to tremble on impact.
"Five to go." Thought Bell, as he rushed his enemies.
The two Frog Shooters were the next to go, getting blown away one after the other in quick succession. The remaining three War Shadows cautiously approached Bell, forming a triangle around him. The first leapt at Bell, only to find itself blasted through its magic stone, crumbling to ash moments later. The other two then rushed Bell at the same time. Bell ducked the tandem attack and kicked one of the War Shadows into the form of its comrade, sending them sprawling into the wall. A quick follow up Firebolt evaporated both of them.
'Nice, even have one to spare.' Thought Bell, before the wall cracked again.
'Firebolt!' Screamed Bell, destroying whatever monster was about to emerge before it could, instead, only allowing a magic stone to pop out of the scorched wall.
Bell felt his eyes go glassy as he wobbled down to his knees, but knew he had to act fast and pulled the remaining half of his second potion out and gulped it down quickly. Bell shook his head quickly as he felt his senses restored with the potion. Bell didn't waste any more time and harvested the stones quickly, finding he had managed to get three Finger Blades from the War Shadows, before making his way upstairs and out into the city. Bell only needed one Firebolt on the way out to scatter a group of four Kobolds, sending them running, except for the unfortunate one that had been struck, who left Bell a Kobold Nail as a parting gift. Making his way to the Guild, Bell spotted Eina again and gave her a quick wave.
'You're back already Bell? I didn't think you'd be back so soon.' Appraised Eina.
'Well I got my practice in, and I can't mess up dinner, I also didn't have lunch yet either, so I got hungry.' Admitted Bell, causing Eina to sigh.
'For someone who is supposedly such a good cook, I can't believe you would forget lunch.' Said Eina.
'Well, Syr was the one who made me lunch before I went to the Dungeon last time, but I didn't pick anything up today.' Admitted Bell, causing Eina to narrow her eyes imperceptibly.
'This Syr sounds like a very good friend then.' Said Eina.
'She really is, she's just too playful sometimes.' Admitted Bell.
'So how was the Dungeon today then?' Asked Eina, as the pair moved to the item exchange.
'I think the Dungeon has a grudge against me or something. I walked into a room and after beating two War Shadows, the room spat out six War Shadows and three Frog Shooters, almost like an ambush.' Answered Bell, surprising Eina.
'Nine monsters spawning at the same time on the sixth floor? That is terrible luck!' Exclaimed Eina.
'I know, I've had ambushes before, but never nine.' Said Bell, before he placed the drop items on the exchange.
After ringing up Bell's total, he had earned himself twenty thousand valis, almost enough to recoup how much the potions had cost, while still having four potions left. After bidding Eina goodbye and planning to come to the Guild at ten in the morning in two days for more lessons, Bell headed off to the Hostess of Fertility.
'Bell? What are you doing here?' Asked Syr, spotting the boy as he entered an hour after the lunch rush had finished.
'Ah, I forgot to have lunch.' Admitted Bell with an embarrassed laugh.
'Oh, I'll make you something then, but you can't eat lunch like that, at least go and clean yourself up a bit first.' Chided Syr, noticing his clothes were covered in dust and soot from the looks of things.
'Oh I'll help Bell get cleaned up.' Offered Chloe, only for Lunoire to interject.
'He'll probably end up dirtier after you are through with him.' Said Lunoire.
'Bell, please follow me.' Offered Ryuu, as she led Bell away from the bantering Chloe and Lunoire.
'Thanks Ryuu.' Said Bell, as she led him to a bathroom the waitresses used, which was attached to their changing rooms.
'Uh, there isn't anyone else in there right?' Asked Bell cautiously.
'No, you will have privacy. If Chloe comes by, I will beat her back.' Said Ryuu, causing Bell to chuckle and smile.
'Thanks.' Said Bell.
'Also, Syr's lunch will be surprising.' Warned Ryuu.
'That's right, so you better keep coming here and helping her out, or my poor tummy is the one that gets it.' Added Anya, as she carried a box of napkins to the front, having emerged from a nearby pantry.
'It is improving… but is a work in progress.' Admitted Ryuu, causing Bell to smile.
'Ok, I won't be long.' Said Bell, before going to clean himself up.
Ten minutes later, Bell reemerged in his now clean clothes, but had taken off his armour which he held under his left arm, with his hair also being slightly damp. Ryuu gave an approving nod before leading him back out, neither spotting as Chloe snuck in and stole the towel Bell had used to dry his face.
'Ta-da.' Said Syr, showing Bell a plate with a grilled cheese sandwich on it.
'What do you think?' Asked Syr, as Bell sat down.
'It looks good.' Said Bell, before taking a bite.
Bell felt his tastebuds recoil as the unmistakable taste of black pepper assaulted his mouth, causing him to cough and take a sip of the orange juice that was next to him. Giving himself a little shake, Bell ate the rest of the sandwich without issue, much to the awe of the other waitresses and Syr's visible delight.
'How was it?' Asked Syr eagerly.
'I wasn't expecting so much pepper without any kind of meat in it, but it was unique.' Said Bell honestly.
'Well, you said you like lots of flavour so I thought I would try something out.' Admitted Syr, causing Bell to smile at Syr remembering that about him.
'Well I think you nailed it then, but it might be worth adding a more complimentary flavour next time, like some grilled meat to help balance the flavour a bit. The cheese you used doesn't have a strong flavour and black pepper does, so the first bite was surprising because of that.' Explained Bell.
'But aren't surprising things good?' Asked Syr, causing Bell to chuckle uneasily.
'Sometimes, but it is also nice to have something balanced too.' Conceded Bell, getting a nod from Syr.
'Ok, I'll try for balance next time. Are you going to pick up your ingredients for dinner now?' Asked Syr, causing Bell to nod.
'Yeah, that was the other thing I had to do.' Said Bell.
'Why don't I help you pick things then; I can't imagine you're only going to pick simple things if you are cooking for not one, but two Goddesses?' Offered Syr.
'Sure, I could use some help, but there isn't anything wrong with simple things either. You can make some really nice things with a few ingredients, it only takes six to make an apple pie after all, even though you can add other stuff to it.' Said Bell.
'Hmm, why don't you make an apple pie then, that isn't something many people have around here, and we just got some fresh apples from Demeter's farms today?' Suggested Syr.
'Sure, that sounds like a good idea. I was planning on making a chocolate cake, but an apple pie would have a nicer smell.' Agreed Bell, causing Syr to smile.
'Besides, if you still want to make a cake, maybe we can make one together in the next few days.' Suggested Syr.
'Sure, that sounds fun.' Agreed Bell easily, as he kept looking for ingredients, missing the way Syr's eyes seemed to twinkle with happiness.
After a few more minutes, Bell had gathered all his ingredients and placed them in a bag. Grabbing the bag with one hand and his armour with the other, Bell set off for home, ready to prepare a meal fit for two Goddesses, as a pair of light grey eyes watched him leave.
-line break-
Ais had made her way into the Twilight Manor and was seeking out her former instructor. Riveria would either be in Finn's office, her room, or the library. Trying the library first, Ais found it empty. Making her way to Riveria's room, Ais held out hope that she would be there, but alas, she was not. Ais sighed and made her way up to Finn's office and knocked on the door.
'Come in.' Said a soft voice.
Ais entered and as she had expected, Riveria was there, as well as their Captain, Finn Deimne.
'Ais, what can we do for you?' Asked Finn.
The Captain of the Loki Familia was more than he seemed, giving true meaning to the words that looks can be deceiving. His appearance was that of a young boy with delicate features. This was not the case however, as the boy was in fact in his forties. His appearance was due to his race, that of a Prum. The key thing to note though was that his intellect was truly frightening at times. Ais was concerned that speaking in front of him would expose what she had been doing with Bell. It didn't sound like much, but Finn put the Familia and his reputation above even what someone else may consider the right thing to do. Ais helping another member of a technically rival Familia would not be something he would approve of.
'I wanted to speak with Riveria.' Said Ais.
'May I ask what about?' Asked Finn.
'Training.' Said Ais, getting a raised brow from the pair.
'I don't think there is very much I can offer you there.' Said Riveria.
'No. Our previous training.' Said Ais, causing Riveria to give a small nod.
'I see. Please excuse me, Finn. We can continue our conversation later.' Said Riveria, getting a nod from Finn.
Riveria and Ais then exited the office and made their way outside, coming to sit on a bench next to a fountain on the estate. After sitting there for a few minutes, the pair simply watching the water spurt out of the fountain, Ais spoke.
'Was I a bad student?' Asked Ais, causing the Elf to look at her curiously.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Riveria, watching as Ais' expression went still.
'Could I have grown faster if I listened to you?' Asked Ais curiously.
'Faster? Ais, you have the fastest level up on record, how much faster did you want to grow?' Asked Riveria curiously.
'Could I have grown faster if I listened to you?' Repeated Ais, somewhat more insistently this time, causing Riveria to sigh as she looked upwards.
'Ais, you were one of my most difficult students. You were aggressive, disrespectful, rude, reckless, and only cared about getting stronger, ignoring everything else. Could you have grown faster if you listened to me? Perhaps.' Started Riveria, causing Ais to look down.
'Perhaps not though.' Continued Riveria, causing Ais to look at her curiously.
'Despite all of that, you were motivated and absorbed everything you thought was useful and used that to grow. The evidence being the speed with which you reached level two. If you had been a better student, listening to my instructions, and not throwing yourself into dangerous situations, you may have ended up a better warrior in the end… or, your progress may have stalled, and you would not have progressed as far.' Said Riveria honestly.
Ais looked down at her lap at this, thinking over what Riveria had said, while the Elf sent her a sideways glance.
'Do you think I would… if someone did not have anyone to guide them, do you think they could become strong?' Asked Ais.
'I suppose it depends on what you consider to be strong. Finn, Gareth, and I, all received guidance and mentoring, even though we were of a reasonable level of skill at this time. While it would not be wrong to say that we are no longer being mentored, we do still help each other to grow. I can't speak for the others, but I also learn new things through my students as well. Have you learned something new about yourself through a student of yours?' Asked Riveria, causing Ais' eyes to widen.
'Did you think I wouldn't notice you've been acting differently and then after that, disappearing for the past few days with no one knowing where you had gone? Considering it started the day after that night in the restaurant, I had wondered if it was in part due to Bete, but then later that day you seemed to be back to your old self, with the help of Tiona and the others. The next day though, you missed dinner and came home later. The next day after that, you were gone in the morning before anyone could see you and you returned late in the evening. I had considered that you were sneaking off to the Dungeon, but you returned each day pristine and your armour and weapons untouched. While you are very skilled, at the very least, if you were exploring the Dungeon alone for days, you would have needed something in the way of supplies, but you didn't take anything with you, other than your temporary weapon and armour. Then, last night, when you disappeared again, you did return looking like you had traversed the Dungeon late at night. So now it was clear you were not going to the Dungeon before, so what were you doing before was now the question.' Finished Riveria.
'Do you remember that boy from the restaurant?' Asked Ais after a moment.
'The one from the Minotaur incident that Bete insulted? So, it was still about him after all?' Asked Riveria, almost seeming disappointed.
'I have been helping him train these past few days.' Said Ais, surprising Riveria.
'I see.' Said Riveira, giving a small sigh as she looked up at the building, her eyes finding the room which was Finn's office.
'What have you learned then?' Asked Riveria.
'He listens to me. His growth is faster than my own. I don't think I am a good teacher though.' Said Ais.
'And he reminds you of your early days. I see.' Commented Riveria.
'Was I a bad student?' Asked Ais again.
'Let me answer that with a question of my own. Was I a bad teacher?' Asked Riveria, causing Ais to look at her oddly.
'You ask me if you were a bad student because you have found a student of your own. You think this boy is a good student, but doubt your own skill as a teacher. Therefore, if you believe a good student can learn from a bad teacher and are asking if you are a bad student, then does that make me a bad teacher?' Explained Riveria.
'I do not think you were a bad teacher. Except for swimming.' Said Ais, causing Riveria to laugh openly.
'I see.' Said Riveria, wiping away a tear in amusement.
'Then let me answer your question. A teacher is only bad if their student does not learn from them, and a student is only bad if they do not learn from their teacher. That is all that matters.' Said Riveria, causing Ais to smile softly.
'I see.' Said Ais.
'If I can pry for a moment though, why are you concerned with your teaching ability? I can understand wanting to improve your learning skills to grow stronger, but why do you care about your ability to teach?' Asked Riveria, causing Ais to look at her lap again.
'That boy has a goal… I don't know what it is, but I want to help him reach it.' Said Ais quietly.
Riveria stood and moved so she was now in front of Ais, before placing her hands on her shoulders, causing the girl to look up at her.
'Then you will be an excellent teacher.' Said Riveria, causing Ais' eyes to widen slightly.
'The only thing you need to be a good teacher, is a willingness to teach. You can learn everything else along the way, but as long as you want to help someone, you will. That is what matters.' Said Riveria, causing Ais to smile.
'Thank you, Riveria.' Said Ais, causing the Elf to nod.
'Remember Ais, you can always come to me if you need to discuss things, but I would also say to trust yourself. When you follow what is in your heart, rather than you head, you can find something truly rewarding.' Said Riveria.
Ais nodded, only to see Riveria raise a finger to her mouth and give a small wink.
'But let's keep this between us for now.' Said Riveria, getting another nod from Ais.
'Well then, you had better get your rest for tomorrow.' Said Riveria, getting a final nod from Ais, before walking off, leaving Ais to watch the fountain, a small smile on her face as she did so.