The group looked at the little girl who continued to pet Regis. They didn't know her name or really what to do with her.
"Um, little girl, what's your name?" Micah gently asked.
"Fena." She answered.
Regis glared at Bell while the boy felt the pain in his shoulder dull. Fena kept petting Regis, liking how soft his fur was.
"Fena, where are your parents?" Alise asked.
"Oh, I don't have any." She answered.
This caused some alarm within the group. They all looked at each other. What were they to do with a girl who had no parents in the middle of the city?
"Same," Bell said, walking over to her.
He crouched down next to her, and Fena turned her attention to him. Her hand resting on Regis's fur.
"You know my dog can talk, right?" Bell asked.
Fena's eyes widened in excitement. "Really!"
Bell smiled and nodded. "Mhm, Regis, why don't you say something."
Lefiya and Laurier looked at Bell like he was crazy. A talking dog. There was no such thing. He was just saying that to comfort the girl.
Regis turned his head and looked at Fena. "I'm a wolf, not a dog."
The two elves widened their eyes in shock. Bell wasn't a kidding he quite literally had a talking dog. Such a thing was magical, but how did a human have it? They weren't specially connected to any magical attributes.
"How do you have a magic dog?!" Lefiya questioned.
"He's my bond," Bell answered.
"No, I'm not! He kidnapped me! I haven't seen my dear mother in over 14 years!" Regis cried.
Bell shook his head while Fena giggled. "Your dog is funny."
"Yeah...funny's the word I'd use," Bell muttered.
Lefiya crouched down in front of Regis and examined him. Bell was a little surprised with how quickly she got there.
"Hmm, he doesn't seem to be made of any magic, I know. Hey, white hair, what's he made of?"
"I have a name, and he's made up of fire." Bell lied.
Well, it wasn't really a lie. But they didn't need to know that.
"Hmm, he's an anomaly, purple fire? I've never seen such a thing before." Lefiya mused as she studied Regis more.
"Yeah, well, I'm all natural, sweetheart," Regis responded.
Bell shook his head and turned his attention back to Fena. He could ignore the eccentric but pretty elf for now.
"I heard that thought," Regis said through their link.
Bell ignored him, giving him the mental middle finger.
"So Fena, where is it you call home?" Bell asked.
Alise and the others noticed how soft-spoken he was with her.
"Hmm, a church," Fena answered.
"Do you know where this church is?"
Fena nodded. "Uh huh, follow me!"
She started skipping away, with Bell following close behind. Miach began to follow him, as did the rest of the group.
The ones in the Astraea familia did believe in justice, after all. What type of paragons would they be if they didn't make sure this girl was safe?
Once Bell arrived next to Fena, she took his hand and began leading him. Bell didn't pull back and let her lead him.
"Hey, Bell," Fena asked.
"Yes?"
"Don't judge."
"Judge what?"
"My home."
"I won't judge your home."
"Ok."
Fena continued to lead Bell down the street. But a slight sense of worry was placed in the back of his head. The others had that same sense of worry as well.
But they continued onward. Taking twists and turns until they arrived at Daedalus Street. Bell grew a little worried seeing the rundown state of this district. It was like the people here were abandoned by the city at large.
Just thrown here and left to suffer. It filled him with sadness, knowing these people had no one to help them.
"I can already feel the wheels turning in your head," Regis said.
"Do you judge me for that?"
"No, but know that not everyone is good. Nor is everyone bad. Remember that before forming opinions."
Bell remained silent and was a little off-put by the members of the Astraea familia. They had no reaction to Daedalus Street. Which made sense since they had been in Orario longer than him.
But they were a familia of justice. Paragons of it. Shouldn't it be their job to help these people as well? It was an injustice to those living in such poor conditions.
He kept his mouth shut, however. It wouldn't be wise to start problems right now. Not with Fena next to him.
Eventually, Fena led the group to a run-down church that seemed to be breaking apart at the seams.
There was a hole in the roof with vines growing all around the building. The bricks look rotten and abused by the elements. The building looked like it would blow over if a harsh gust of wind came through.
"Oh wow, this place looks like shit," Regis said.
He didn't say it aloud, however
"Well, this is where I live," Fena mumbled.
"Huh, it's unique," Bell responded.
Fena started shuffling to the door, still holding Bell's hand. Bell followed without a problem while the rest of the group stood there in shock.
Bell knocked on the door to the church, and a woman who looked to be in her late 20s with black hair and a pink sweater tied around her shoulders opened it.
"Yes, may I help you?" She asked. A hint of worry in her voice.
"I believe this one is yours," Bell said, gesturing to Fena.
The woman's eyes widened as she quickly wrapped Fena in her arms.
"Oh, Fena, I was so worried! Oh, please tell me you're ok!"
"I'm ok, Maria, Bell saved me," Fena answered.
The woman who Bell now knew as Maria looked at him. Her eyes full of relief and joy.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"It's fine, just did the right thing."
Maria then looked at Fena once over, checking for any injuries but finding none. Once she was absolutely sure Fena was alright, she sent her inside.
After that, she stood up and looked at Bell.
"Thank you so much for keeping Fena safe. I can't offer much, but I am in your debt." She bowed.
Bell quickly raised his hands in a panic. "Woah, woah, hold on. I just protected her because it was the right thing to do. I didn't do it for any reward."
"Then you are a very kind boy," Maria responded.
Bell nervously laughed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Uh, thanks, are the...are the children alright living here?"
Bell had already guessed what this place was. An orphanage.
Maria's face dropped slightly. "Well, they're fed and have at least some shelter from the elements. But in terms of an education and medical care. There's not much."
Bell nodded as he processed the information. He knew what he needed to do. He had already made the decision the second he saw the building.
"Well, you're in luck. My god happens to be a medical one. Miach, come here."
Miach approached the door, and Maria gave another curt bow.
"Lord Miach." She greeted.
"Please, there's no need to bow." Miach greeted. Maria straightened herself out as Miach looked at Bell.
"The kids here don't have great access to medical care. Or medicine at all."
Miach nodded, catching Bell's meaning. "Very well, I shall take a look at the kids if that's alright with you."
"Oh, but we can't afford that." Maria protested.
Miach raised his hand and smiled. "Free of charge, please allow me to take a look at them. I would like to make sure the youth are alright."
Maria looked hesitant at the proposition. But with a nod from Bell, she stepped back and allowed Miach inside.
"Regis," Bell called out.
"I know, I know." He said, walking to the church.
Bell turned his attention back to Maria. "I'll be right back. I need to get something. In the meantime, Miach and Regis here will keep you company."
Maria nodded, and Miach and Regis entered the rundown church. Bell turned around and started walking away. The Astraea familia following behind him.
"So what's your plan here?" Kaguya asked, leaning forward.
"A little lifeline to help them. Don't worry, it's something I can do on my own." Bell answered.
"Oh really, and you don't want your big sister's help?" Kaguya mused.
Lefiya and Laurier were confused. They didn't know Kaguya had a younger brother. But Bell looked nothing like her either.
"Kaguya!" Alise chastised.
"Oops." Kaguya giggled.
Bell shook his head as he exited Daedalus Street. Kaguya still following him along with the others.
"I don't need a babysitter, Kaguya."
"We just happen to be walking the same way."
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Bell arrived back at the Blue Pharmacy after saying his goodbyes to the Astraea familia. He opened the door to the shop and saw Nazha nervously pacing back and forth.
When she saw Bell enter, she rushed to him. Her eyes and posture full of worry.
"Bell, where's Miach?! Is he alright?!" She worriedly asked.
Bell placed a confronting hand on her shoulder. "Yes, he's fine, Regis is with him. I just came back to get my vault key."
"Vault key? Why would you need your vault key?" She asked.
"Well, I saved a kid who lives in an orphanage, and the place she's staying at is super rundown. So I want to give the caretaker some money to help those kids out."
"Oh wow, that's very kind of you."
Bell shrugged. "Well, I have more than I'll ever need anyway. Might as well spread some of the good fortune."
"That's a good mindset to have. Just remember to take care of yourself first."
"Nazha, it's over four billion valis. I can stand to lose a few million. Wow, it feels weird saying that."
Nazha smiled. "Well, let's get going. I want to make sure Miach is alright."
Bell rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. He walked to his bag and grabbed the key before placing it back next to the couch.
Bell and Nazha then left the Blue Pharmacy, with Nazha flipping the sign to close and locking the door.
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Bell and Nazha arrived at the guild, which seemed to be pretty busy. Employed were running about trying to figure out what the hell had happened and how those monsters broke free.
Bell and Nazha just waited by a desk until a pink-haired woman approached them.
"Hello, my name is Miasha Flott. How can I help you?" She panted.
"Oh, I just need to make a withdrawal from my vault. Shouldn't take too long." Bell answered.
Misha nodded and escorted the two. Once arriving at the vault, Bell opened it, and Misha's eyes widened in shock.
"H-how much would you like to withdraw?" She asked.
"Ten million, please."
"R-right, I-I'll be right back."
Misha scurried off as Nazha spoke.
"That's a lot of money."
"I know."
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Bell and Nazha arrived at the church with Bell carrying a sack over his shoulder. Nazha was a little disturbed seeing the state the church was in.
"Now I see why you brought all this money."
"Yup, I'm also thinking about investing in some projects to make the living situation here better. People shouldn't live like animals. Nobody should."
"How kind." Nazha joked.
Bell pushed the church door open, and the sight that filled his eyes was something he would never forget.
Three kids surrounded Regis. Two boys and one girl. That girl being Fena. Miach stood off in a corner talking with Maria while Regis suffered.
He was sitting down while the kids pet him. Fena had put a pink bow around his head, causing Bell to stifle his laughter.
"Not a fucking word," Regis growled.
"Whatever you say. Pretty princess."
Regis let out a strew of curses that Bell ignored. But the shit-eating grin on his face told his companion he was enjoying his plight.
Miach saw Nazha over Maria's shoulders, and his eyes brightened. He excused himself and hugged her.
"I was so worried." She whispered.
"I'm fine, Nazha, Regis, and Bell wouldn't let anything happen to me." He comforted.
Bell rolled his eyes at the public display of affection and handed the sack to Maria.
"What's this?" She asked.
"Ten million valis. Should help with repairs on this place and give the kids an education."
Maria's eyes widened in shock and surprise. Her mouth opened and closed, but words failed to form.
"I-I-I don't know what to say."
"Then don't say anything. Take it and give these kids a better life. It's not like I need it. Trust me, I don't."
Maria hesitantly took the sack from Bell. Feeling its considerable weight both physically and mentally.
"Now give these kids a good life. Take in more if you find them. If you need any more help, just let me know. I live in the Blue Pharmacy."
Maria placed the sack down and wrapped her arms around Bell. He was slightly caught off guard but her patted her on the back as tears of joy streamed down her face.
They spent a few minutes like this until Bell'a group had to leave. He did get the other kids' names.
Rye and Roux.
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Once they arrived back at the Pharmacy, the group had dinner and then went to sleep. It was a long day for all of them. However, as Bell lay down on the couch, Regis spoke.
"Alise lied to you today."
"How so?"
"She lied about knowing what that monster was."
"Oh, so you're looking through my memories again?"
"Pssh, I've always looked through your memories. We're bonded that's how this works. I can feel your emotions and thoughts, and you can feel mine."
"Yet all I ever feel from you is indifference."
"Live as long as I have, and you'll understand. But back to the topic at large here. She lied to you."
"How can you tell?"
"Because I've known the girl since she was little. She has a tell when she's lying. It's small but noticeable." Regis explained.
"Care to tell me what her tell is."
"Her left eye has the tiniest of twitches. But that's not the only way I know she's lying."
"What's the other way?"
"Remember how they were positioned. Their mages in the front, with Alise and Kaguya covering their flanks. They knew how to fight that thing."
"But Alise had a Mana Core. She could use her magic and take that thing down herself if needed." Bell pointed out.
"Bell, she's a deviant. Her magic is sound and ice."
"That still could've killed that thing easily."
"True, but the magic used by the orange-haired elf was explosive. You saw the way its head popped. Now, would ice or sound have made its head pop like that?"
"No."
"Correct, meaning Alise and Kaguya protected the flanks while that blonde elf had defensive magic ready. Flanks covered and protection from a stray vine. Gives good ol pretty elf, as you would say, the perfect opportunity to attack."
"Alright, so Alise lied to us. What's the plan?"
"Nothing, we're doing the same thing."
"Not exactly, her memories of you are erased. Not exactly lying by not telling her."
"Not how she'll see it."
Bell sighed and shut his eyes. "Well, it's over and done with. Nothing we can do about it now. I'm gonna get some sleep."
"Good night, sleeping beauty."
"Good night, princess."
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Bell awoke the next morning and ate breakfast with his familia. After breakfast was done, Miach decided to update his status. It had been a few days, and in that time, Bell had fought a Minotaur and took out a small horde by himself.
Bell Leywin
Miach familia
Level 1
Strength- A835- S900
Endurance- A885- S950
Dexterity- A820- S900
Agility- S960- SS1030
Magic- S990- SS1013
Skills:
Heroic desire: accelerated growth based on the user's desire to become a hero
Magic:
Mana core light yellow: Allows user to use many types of magic.
Draconic beast will: Inherited from the user's bloodline as the Asuran blood in them is too diluted.
"Uh, Bell, you've done something amazing!" Miach exclaimed.
"Huh?"
Miach handed Bell his status sheet, and the boy's eyes widened slightly in shock.
"Huh, well then. Regis, I beat Alfia in something."
"You did, let me see."
Bell showed the paper to Regis, and the dog nodded in approval.
"Hmm, very good, she'd be proud of you for breaking the stat limit. Especially so high."
Bell then burned the paper to ash and put his black shirt back on. Micah was slightly perturbed at Bell's lack of reaction.
"You're oddly calm at breaking the stat limit. Especially for something that high."
"Alfia broke the stat limit. So, I knew it could be done. I just broke it higher than her."
"I-I see," Miach said.
Miach just shook his head. He was used to surprises coming from Bell.
"So you're a Leywin, your aunt is the Silence. She left you a lot of money, and you have a talking dog. Plus, you break the stat ceiling on the Falna. Anything else you wanna tell us?" Nazha asked.
Bell shook his head. "Not that I can think of."
Micah sighed. "Good, now what's your plan for today?"
"Head to Babel to see if I can find a smith to make this Minotaur Horn into a weapon. Then come back here and help out with anything."
"Alright, we'll await your return. Try not to run into any Minotaurs on the way." Miach teased.
"You're not funny," Bell responded, shutting the door.
Miach let out a small chuckle as Nazha wrapped her arms around him. He placed his on her shoulders.
"He's kind of like our child, isn't he?" She mused.
Miach chuckled once more. "I guess he is. Come now, let's open up the shop. The contractors should be here later today."
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Bell and Regis made their way to Babel as the sun rose. Their mission was to look for a blacksmith to turn Bell's Minotaur horn into a weapon. A back up he could use in case he dropped his other knife and didn't have time to get it back.
Alfia always told him it was smart to have a backup. She gave him a lot of good advice.
"You're thinking of her again." Regis pointed out.
"Course I am, it's only been ten days, Regis. She was important to me."
"You wanna talk about it?"
"Nope, no need. She's gone, and I need to move on. She wouldn't want me to put my life on hold since she's gone."
"Don't mean you can't confront what happened."
"Doesn't matter in the long run. She's dead, and I'm not. I'm the one who lived. My only regret was that I couldn't help her."
Regis went to respond, but he could feel Bell's emotions, and it was clear the boy didn't want to talk about it anymore.
Regis was a little worried about Bell. The boy had lost so much in rapid succession. Yet he just pushed it all aside and moved on.
Once they arrived at Babel, they entered the elevator and went to the fourth floor. Once arriving, Bell knew who he wanted to make his weapon.
So he went back to the shop where he had found the armor made by Welf Crozzo. He made good armor minus a chestplate. But Alfia said it was best to find beginning smiths and help them grow.
Especially since Bell himself is a rookie as well. Well, as a rookie as one can be after being trained by one of the strongest adventurers to ever live.
Not even the ones of today come close to the Zeus and Hera familia. Which also meant no one could scratch the One-Eyed Back Dragon. A being of absolute destruction.
The monster nearly killed Alfia and wiped out the Zeus and Hera familia's. What followed next was a banishment from the Loki and Freya familia.
Such a thought made Bell's blood boil, but he kept his anger in check. He would need to get stronger if he wanted to take his revenge. But for now, he needed to remain calm.
He could think more clearly with a calm mind.
He let out a breath as he arrived back at the shop whose name he didn't bother to remember. He approached the front desk but saw a redheaded man arguing with the shopkeeper.
"Hey, what the hell, man! I risk my life to make this stuff. The least you can do is give me some better storage space!" He yelled.
The shopkeeper paid him no mind and waved him off as his attention turned to Bell.
"Yeah, whatever, now if you can go away. I have an actual customer to deal with."
The redhead growled while Bell frowned.
"That's not a nice way to treat someone," Bell said.
The shopkeeper shrugged. "Who cares? Besides, if you knew this guy, you'd do the same thing. Now, what can I help you with?"
Bell rolled his eyes. He'd deal with this after he got the information he needed.
"I'm looking for a Welf Crozzo. I need him to make something for me."
The redhead began to laugh as the shopkeeper grumbled and threw his hands up. Bell had a guess as to who the redhead was.
"Hear that asshole. Looks like I have a customer." Welf gloated.
"Yeah, whatever." The shopkeeper mumbled as he went to the back of his shop.
Welf stuck his hand out for Bell to shake. "Names Welf Crozo."
Bell took his hand and shook it. "Name's Bell, just Bell."
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Bell and Welf were sitting on a bench outside of Babel. Regis was with them, resting at Bell's feet and pretending to be just a normal glowing purple dog.
"So, what made you decide to commission my work."
"Well, I bought your armor a few days ago. It's served me well by my one complaint is the chestplate is way too small."
Welf put a hand on his chin. "Hmm, I see, sorry, I didn't have enough material to cover the whole chest, and I was on a deadline to get that done."
"A deadline? Was your god or goddess breathing down your neck or something?"
Welf nervously chuckled. "You could say that."
"Well, anyway, all that really needs to be done is make the chestplate bigger. I mean only thing really covered with that chestplate is my heart. Everything else is kind of fair game."
Welf nodded. "I see, I see. Moving on, what is it you want me to commission?"
Bell handed Welf the Minotaur Horn. Welf's eyes widened in shock as he examined it.
"How did you get this?"
"My dog killed it."
"Wolf."
"Did he just talk?"
"Don't mind him," Bell answered.
Welf nodded as Bell began explaining what he wanted.
"I don't think there's enough material for a sword, so I was hoping you could make me a backup dagger."
"Yeah, I could do that. Should be easy enough for me to be done by tomorrow."
"Alright, and money's no issue. So give me a price, and I'll pay it." Bell said.
"Actually, I was hoping we could have a different arrangement." Welf countered.
Bell quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, and what did you have in mind?"
"Well, since you've already bought the armor, and I'm making you a knife. I was wondering if you would like to make a contract with me. That means I'd only produce you things while you get your equipment from me."
Bell nodded as he thought the deal over. It wouldn't hurt to have a blacksmith in his corner. Someone he could go to for repairs and new equipment. But if he made a contract with Welf, the smith would want something in return.
"I'm not opposed to the idea. What would you like in return?"
"Just one request, please allow me to join your party."
A simple request but one that Bell couldn't ignore. Other than barely knowing Welf, he didn't really see any downsides to this. Besides, if Welf tried something while they were down in the dungeon. Regis would swiftly take care of it if the situation called for it.
"Yeah, sure, that's good with me. It'll be nice not going solo anymore."
"You went solo?"
Bell chuckled. "It's a long story."
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After a productive meeting with Welf, Bell headed back home. Welf said he'd have the weapon finished in two days so Bell could meet him by the fountain in front of Babel.
Bell shook his hand once more and bid him goodbye, planning on seeing him again in two days.
Dark clouds filled the sky as Bell arrived back at the shop. He saw Miach packing a box while Nazha talked to a man with a clipboard.
He approached the counter, and Miach smiled, seeing him.
"Ah, good, you're back. Hey, can you do me a favor and take this delivery to the White Lotus?"
Bell grabbed the box and looked at the order form. Inside, it was a hundred aphrodisiacs. He chuckled and quirked an eyebrow.
"Planning on having a party Miach?"
"The client is in a way. The delivery is in the pleasure district."
Bell nodded. "Alright, yeah, I can do it for ya."
"Good, thank you. Normally, I'd go, but with the contractors getting ready for the expansion, I need to stay here."
"Don't worry about it, it's fine. I did say I'd help out around here after all."
Micah smiled. "Thank you again, oh, and Bell. Finish the job before you take any detours on your way back."
Bell laughed. "I'll take that under advisement. But I'm not that type of guy."
Miach shrugged. "Hey, you never know. You might find someone who catches your eye."
Bell laughed again as he and Regis exited the building. The dog having a maniacal grin on his face.
"That's a little worrying," Bell commented.
"You're goddamn right it is. Now follow me. I'll show you where you need to go."
Regis broke into a slight jog, with Bell following as the clouds grew darker. After ten minutes of jogging, passing vendors and canals that ran through the city.
Bell and Regis arrived at the entrance to the Pleasure District. Bell hadn't even broken a sweat.
"Wow, some stamina you have. You'll make a lady very happy." Regis teased.
"Shut up."
Bell approached the entrance where two amazons stood guard. They inspected him, and one licked her lips.
"Well, welcome, young stud. How can we help you?"
Bell blinked in surprise. Did this woman really call him a young stud?
"Uh, I'm here to deliver a package to the White Lotus," Bell responded.
"Oh, a package, huh? Maybe after you deliver it, you can come pay me a visit."
Regis snickered as Bell blinked again.
"No thanks. I just want to do my job and go."
"Oh, what a shame, well, go in and take a right. Should be a straight shot from there."
"Thank you."
Bell entered the pleasure district and saw many scantily clad women from every race looking at him. He tried to pay them no mind but was struggling.
Regis, meanwhile, was enjoying the view.
"Damn, I missed being here. Bell, you gotta come back here sometime."
"No, Regis, we're here to work, not play."
"Yeah, but Miach said you could play after."
Bell ignored him and saw a building with a giant sign on it. It read the White Lotus.
Bell stopped walking and knocked on the door as rain started falling. The door opened, and Bell's eyes widened in shock at the beautiful Renard standing right in front of him.
She was dressed in a bright red kimono with golden blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She was one of the prettiest girls Bell had ever seen.
"Your heart just skipped a beat." Regis mocked.
"Um, hello, would you like to come in from the rain?" She shyly asked.
Bell nodded. "Um, yes, I also have a delivery for you."
The Renard nodded and opened the door wider. Bell walked in, still enamored by her beauty. But he snapped out of it once he noticed the slave collar around her neck.
Well, here's a good stopping point. Bell helped some orphans, met Welf and a certain Renard.
Anyway, I've been thinking of doing a What If for White Core in which Alfia decided to go with Bell to Orario. Haven't thought out much of the details but the idea's there.
Anyway I'll see you guys later and I hoped you enjoyed. Also, I'm doing alright for those still wondering.