Author's Note: School has started, so updates will be less frequent. But don't worry I'm working on longer chapters, so you'll be eating good! so go ahead and enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 9 : Unexpected reunions
The sun has dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the bustling streets of Orario.
It's been two weeks since I first set foot in this grand city, and my journey to becoming a hero has just begun. After a grueling day in the dungeon, I'm making my way back home, feeling the weight of the day's challenges.
"Two weeks already, huh?" I think, looking around at the busy streets. "Feels like I just got here, all fired up about becoming a hero."
The first few days have been quite tough. Every Familia I approached turned me down, and it's been hard not to feel like I don't quite fit in. But then something incredible happened. "I met Goddess Hestia," I say with a grateful smile. "She welcomed me into her Familia and gave me a place to belong. I'm really thankful for that."
My first venture into the dungeon was, well, not exactly heroic. "I managed to defeat one goblin and then hurried back home," I recall with a sheepish grin. "I thought I'd done something impressive, but looking back, it was reaaally embarrassing."
Over these 2 weeks, I've met some great people. "Miss Naza and Lord Miach at the Blue Pharmacy have been really kind," Remembering their friendly advice and good pricing. "And Miss Eina, my dungeon advisor, has been very helpful. Meeting all these good people has been a real blessing."
Yet, despite all these blessings and encounters, I can't shake the feeling that something is still missing, leaving a lingering emptiness that I can't quite place. "With all these great people and opportunities, why does it still feel like something's not quite right?" I wonder.
And then it hits me. "It's been two weeks since… since she saved me," I say softly to myself, a small smile spreading across my face and a faint blush coloring my cheeks.
"Since she came to my rescue, she showed me something I didn't even know I yearned for or needed."
Her presence remains vivid in my memory. "Her clear white hair was like a guiding light," and I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection, being glad that my own hair shares that same white hue. "Her calm eyes were so reassuring, and the noble way she carried herself made her feel like a princess knight from the stories grandpa used to read me."
The memory of her saving me is still fresh. "I've thought about her a lot since then," I admit, feeling a mix of admiration and shyness. "It's like my mind replays that moment every day."
Lost in these thoughts, I make my way through Orario. The city's vibrant energy merges with my growing sense of purpose, and I can't help but wonder if fate might bring our paths together once more. I smile at the thought, even though I know it's a long shot. "It might be unlikely," I think, "but if there's even a small chance…"
I want to be stronger. If I ever see her again, I want her to see someone who's grown and improved, someone worthy of her respect.
With that resolve in mind, I continue my journey back home, the rundown church I now reside in comes into view. I've grown accustomed to its creaky floors and weathered walls, but it's clear that it needs some serious repairs.
"I really need to start making more money…" I mutter to myself, surveying the church's worn exterior. "The place could use a lot of work. If we could fix up the roof and maybe spruce up the interior a bit, it would make a big difference." With that thought in mind, I push open the church's creaky door and step inside.
The familiar scent of old wood and the soft glow of flickering lanterns greet me. I make my way down the stairs, the weight of the day slowly lifting from my shoulders.
"Goddess, I'm back!" I call out, my voice echoing through the modest space. I see goddess near the table she sometime uses as a desk, her expression lighting up with a warm smile.
"Welcome home, Bell! How was the dungeon today?"
"It was good! I made quite a bit of mon—".
My voice trails off as my gaze shifts to the other side of the table. My heart skips a beat. There, across from lady Hestia, stands Miss 2B. Her white hair and striking presence make her seem almost otherworldly against the backdrop of our humble church.
"—Miss 2B?!" I exclaim, my voice filled with surprise. I freeze momentarily, my eyes widening in disbelief. My face flushes slightly, and I feel my mouth go slack, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected sight. I stand still, trying to process the scene in front of me. goddess turns to look, her expression widened in surprise.
"Oh, it seems you've already met 2B," she says, a mix of surprise and amusement in her voice.
"She joined our Familia today." Hestia looks back at me, curiosity in her eyes. "Bell, how do you know 2B?"
I try to gather my thoughts, my mind races to piece together the fragments of this unexpected encounter "I—I told you before about the lady who saved me, before I came to Orario," I manage to stammer, my heart still racing. "Well, that's her… She's the one who helped me back then."
goddess's eyes widen even more. "So, she's the one you mentioned?! That's incredible!"
But unbeknownst to me, a flicker of jealousy crosses her face. "Wait, she's the one who triggered Bell's skill?!" Her heart tightens at the thought. "The one who saved him back then?!" She clenches her fist, trying to keep her composure. "Geh!then that makes her the competition for Bell's affection!"
Meanwhile, my own thoughts are spinning out of control. "What is she doing here?!", my heart pounding. "I didn't think I'd see her this soon! I haven't even had the chance to improve myself yet!"
"Wait, Goddess said she joined the Familia. Does that mean she's going to live with us too?!".
The thought hits me with sudden clarity, "I'm going to live with Miss 2B?!"
Before I can spiral any further, Miss 2B's voice cuts through my thoughts. "It seems our paths cross again" she says in her usual calm tone.
"I am 2B YoRHa. I didn't introduce myself properly during our last meeting. As the newest member of the Hestia Familia, I look forward to working with you."
I blink at her in disbelief, still grappling with the shock of the moment. As the reality sinks in, a genuine smile starts to form on my face. "I—I'm really glad you've joined the Familia. And likewise, I look forward to working with you and seeing what we can achieve together!".
Goddess claps her hands together, her face lighting up. "How about we celebrate this new addition to our Familia with a nice dinner? I'll start preparing!".
She heads to the small kitchen area, her cheerful humming fills the room while she begins cooking. The aroma of a delicious meal soon wafts through the air, adding to the growing warmth and coziness of our home.
Meanwhile, Miss 2B takes the initiative to set the table, carefully arranging the dishes and utensils.
When we sit down for dinner; the atmosphere is filled with warmth. goddess eagerly chats about her day, and I find myself enjoying the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with both goddess and Miss 2B. There's a sense of familiarity and comfort that makes the evening pleasant and reassuring.
After dinner, as the last of the plates are cleared away and the warm glow of the magic stone lantern flickers softly, goddess turns to address the sleeping arrangements. "Since we're a bit short on beds, we'll have to make some adjustments. 2B, you'll be sharing a bed with me. Bell, you'll be on the couch as usual."
As night falls and the sky outside darkens, we all begin preparing for bed. The shift in our evening routine adds a new layer of comfort. goddess and Miss 2B settle into their shared bed, the soft rustle of sheets marking their transition to rest. Meanwhile, I make myself comfortable on the couch, trying to find a cozy spot among the cushions.
The room falls silent, and I stare up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Thoughts swirl in my mind as I lie awake, my thoughts drift back to the journey I've had so far. I remember the warmth of meeting goddess Hestia, who welcomed me into her Familia with open arms when no one else would. Her unwavering support has been a beacon of hope and belonging in this vast city.
Then there's Miss Eina, who has guided me with such patience and kindness as my dungeon advisor. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, making each challenge feel a little less daunting.
And now, Miss 2B is here too, a reminder of the bravery and kindness I once admired from afar. Her presence gives me yet another reason to grow and improve myself. I want her to witness my growth and see the person I can become.
As sleep starts to take me, I take a deep breath and let my gratitude wash over me. With a contented sigh, I mutter softly into the silence, "I truly am blessed…." The weight of exhaustion and satisfaction melds into a gentle embrace, pulling me deeper into the comfort of rest. The quiet serenity of the night holds me close, cradling me in its peaceful cocoon.
As the morning light gently nudges the room awake, the first rays of sunlight seep through the cracks of the ceiling. The tranquil silence of the night gives way to the soft hum of a new day.
Bell stirs from his sleep on the couch, his eyes fluttering open to find the room bathed in early morning light. He glances around and notices 2B already up and sitting at the table, eating breakfast with her characteristic impassive expression. Dressed in a simple white nightgown, a stark contrast to the sleek black dress he's used to seeing her in, giving her a surprisingly softer and homey appearance.
"Good morning, Miss 2B," Bell says, stretching and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "How was sleeping with goddess?"
2B looks up from her meal, her expression thoughtful. "It was… interesting," she replies. "Goddess Hestia can be quite clingy during the night."
Bell chuckles, nodding in understanding. "I guess that's something to get used to," he says. "I'll start preparing. We need to head to the guild to finalize the paperwork for you joining the Familia."
2B nods appreciatively. "Thank you. I'll finish up here, and then we can head out."
As Bell gears up, he dons his adventuring gear—the familiar brown coat, chest piece, and his two trusty guild issued knives. Meanwhile, 2B puts on her black dress and grabs her, sword the Virtuous Contract. She also adds a pair of blindfolds, which Bell hasn't seen before.
Bell notices and raises an eyebrow. "Why are you wearing those blindfolds, Miss 2B?"
2B adjusts them slightly and replies, "They're a type of magic item that enhances my vision. They help me see clearly in the dark amongst other things."
Bell nods in understanding, though there's a hint of disappointment in his expression. He can't help but feel that the blindfolds obscure 2B's striking beauty. "That sounds handy. I guess it's a good tool to have."
After exchanging farewells with their goddess, Bell and 2B head to the guild to finalize her membership. The early morning air is brisk as they make their way there, and once they arrive, they're greeted by the bustling activity inside—lively chatter and the clatter of adventurers filling the space.
As they make their way inside, Eina looks up from her desk. Her gaze settles on 2B, and she smiles with recognition. "I see you're with Bell Miss 2B, so you must have joined Goddess Hestia's Familia then?" she says warmly.
2B nods, her expression calm and collected. "Yes. We're here to turn in the paperwork for my membership."
Understanding the situation, Eina gestures for them to follow her to a nearby counter. "Understood. Let's get that sorted out."
The process is smooth; after handing over the completed paperwork, Eina reviews it quickly. With a warm smile, she looks up. "Congratulations, Miss 2B, on becoming an official adventurer within the Hestia Familia."
2B nods in appreciation. "Thank you."
Eina continues, "Since you're new to dungeon diving, you'll need a dungeon advisor. Given that I already handle Bell's adventuring career, I'd be happy to take on that role for you as well."
After a brief moment of consideration, 2B agrees with a nod. "I appreciate that. It'll be helpful to have your guidance."
"Great," Eina says, her smile widening. "Let's get everything set up so you can start your adventures smoothly."
With the paperwork complete and Eina's explanations fresh in their minds, Bell and 2B head toward the dungeon. The shift from the guild's warmth to the dungeon's colder, more ominous atmosphere marks the beginning of their adventure.
As they descend, the air grows cooler and distant monster sounds echo through the stone corridors. Bell leads with a mix of excitement and surprise at how quickly things are progressing, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming battle and the unexpected presence of 2B by his side.
Noticing Bell's distracted behavior, 2B tilts her head slightly toward him and asks, "What's the deepest floor you've reached in the dungeon?"
Bell, caught off guard by the sudden question, hesitates before responding. "Um, I've made it down to the fifth floor," he admits, his face reddening slightly. "It's, uh, been a bit of a challenge, but I've managed."
2B responds with a nod. "That's where we're headed today. It's a good place to start."
She then adds, "I'll let you handle the first few monsters we encounter. I want to see how you fight and gauge your skills."
Bell's heart skips a beat at the opportunity to impress her. He nods eagerly, a determined smile spreading across his face. "Got it! I'll show you what I can do."
The pair continues deeper into the dungeon until they reach a small clearing. The shadows shift, and a group of two Kobolds, three Goblins, and a Dungeon Lizard emerges, snarling and preparing to attack. The atmosphere grows tense, signaling the start of their first test.
Bell's pulse quickens with a mix of excitement and nerves. He steps forward, drawing his knives with a flick. The Kobolds, their ragged fur bristling as they close in on Bell, snarl menacingly, ready to strike.
The first Kobold lunges at Bell with slashing meets the attack with a swift sidestep, ducking under its claws. A quick jab with his knife catches it across the shoulder, eliciting a pained yelp. The creature stumbles, and Bell swiftly follows up with a second strike to the throat, finishing it off.
The second Kobold lunges at Bell with an ominous growl. Bell rolls to the side, avoiding the creature's sharp fangs, and slices upward with his knife. The blade finds its mark, cutting through the Kobold's chest. It howls in pain before collapsing.
With the Kobolds dispatched, the Goblins rush forward, their clawed hands swiping at Bell. One Goblin leaps at him, but Bell dodges to the side, delivering a quick slash to its side. Another Goblin charges, but this time Bell catches it off guard with a well-placed punch, stunning it momentarily before driving his knife into the back of its neck.
From the background, 2B observes with a neutral expression. She analyzes Bell's performance, noting his quick reflexes and adaptability but also the rudimentary nature of his knife skills. While his agility is impressive, she sees areas for improvement, particularly in how he plans his attacks and maintains control in combat.
The remaining Goblin hesitates, momentarily thrown off by Bell's swift moves. Regaining its composure, it launches a final, desperate assault. Bell meets the challenge head-on, his knives flashing as he weaves between the Goblin's attacks. He ducks under a wild swing, sidesteps a thrust, and counters with a precise jab to its eye that finishes the Goblin off.
With the last Goblin dispatched, Bell's attention shifts to the final enemy: the Dungeon Lizard. Clinging to the ceiling with its tough, shining scaly hide and sharp claws, the creature prepares to strike from above. Bell quickly adjusts his stance, eyes scanning for the incoming attack.
The Dungeon Lizard lunges downward, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Bell reacts with a swift sidestep, narrowly avoiding the Lizard's bite. As the creature descends, Bell seizes the opportunity and thrusts his knife upward into its gut. The blade cuts through the Lizard's tough scales, and it hisses in agony as it begins to fall.
While the Dungeon Lizard is falling, Bell keeps his knife embedded, the Lizard's insides spilling out with a sickening sound. The Dungeon Lizard crashes to the ground, gutted and defeated, leaving Bell standing amid the aftermath of the battle.
Breathing heavily, Bell wipes sweat from his brow. His knife work, though effective, is still a bit rough, and his reliance on quick reactions over strategy is evident.
As the battle ends, 2B steps forward with a measured nod. "You did well," she says, her tone steady and thoughtful. "Your speed and adaptability are strong assets. We'll focus on refining your technique and strategy to enhance your effectiveness."
Bell, catching his breath feels a surge of pride at her praise, his heart skipping a beat. "Wait, we'll focus on refining my technique? Does that mean... Miss 2B will be training me?!" The thought sends a rush of excitement through him, and without hesitation, he blurts out, "Miss 2B, does that mean you'll be training me?!"
2B looks at him, her expression calm as always. "Yes, if you wish to."
Bell's face lights up with enthusiasm, and he nods vigorously. "Yes! I'd love that!"
Before he can say anything more, the atmosphere around them suddenly shifts. A chilling presence fills the air, and Bell's instincts scream danger. From the shadows, three ominous figures emerge, their bodies dark and smoky with a single eerie glowing eye—War Shadows. Behind them, four Dungeon Lizards crawl out, their sharp, jagged teeth gnashing as they slither closer.
Bell's blood runs cold. "War Shadows?!" His heart races, and he takes a step back, feeling the weight of the situation crash down on him. "Th-That's impossible," he stammers, his voice shaking. "They don't spawn on this floor… They only appear deeper in the dungeon!"
The realization hits him hard. Rookie killers. His mind reels as the memory of Eina's warnings flashes through his thoughts. "Miss 2B, we need to run! War Shadows are known as rookie killers. You can't hurt them unless you strike their middle eye or use magic!" His voice is desperate, his body trembling at the sight of these lethal creatures. "We have to get out of here!"
2B, however, remains perfectly calm, unphased by the impending threat. She steps forward without hesitation, her hand moving to the hilt of her sword. "No," she says, her tone steady and resolute. "We're not running."
Bell looks at her, wide-eyed. "B-But, Miss 2B—"
Before he can finish, 2B unsheathes her sword with a sharp, metallic ring. The gleaming silver blade catches the dim dungeon light as she holds it with precision, her stance unwavering. "Stay close to me," she commands, her eyes narrowing under her blindfold as she focuses on the War Shadows. "We're in this."
2B tightens her grip on her sword, the tension between her and the advancing War Shadows thick in the air. As she prepares to strike, she recalls an earlier conversation with Hestia.
"Mmmhmh… strange," Hestia had murmured, her brow furrowed.
2B had raised an eyebrow at that. "Strange?"
"It's your magic," Hestia had said, looking at her with a curious expression. "It's… different."
"How so?" 2B had asked, her voice calm, though curiosity flickered in her eyes.
"Well," Hestia began, "magic typically requires a chant—some incantation or phrase that channels and releases the energy. It can range from a single word to lengthy sentences. But you… your magic doesn't need a chant." She paused, her tone shifting to one of intrigue. "Your magic is unique because it's chantless. That's almost unheard of."
2B had simply nodded, unfazed. "Of course", she had thought." I've never needed words to use my powers."
2B steps forward, her gaze fixed on the War Shadows and Dungeon Lizards advancing steadily. As she walks, a radiant golden light begins to envelop her blade, her magic—Seraphische Macht—activating. The glow spread and intensifies, casting a faint shimmer across the dungeon walls.
The monsters, undeterred by the dazzling display, continue their advance with sinister hunger. Claws and fangs bared, they lunge toward her, ready to strike.
2B's expression remains impassive, her stance lowering slightly as she channels some of her magic into her legs. In an instant, she bursts forward with blinding speed, her movements fluid and precise. Her blade slices through the air in a series of sharp, graceful cuts, each stroke as elegant and deliberate as a ballet dancer's pirouette. The monsters barely have time to react.
With a final, noble slash, 2B comes to a stop behind the creatures leaving them standing is a suffocating silence, her back turned to them. The monsters freeze for a moment, seemingly unharmed. In one swift motion, she wipes her blade clean of blood and sheathes it with a soft metallic click.
The silence is then shattered by the sickening sound of flesh being cleaved, a brutal symphony of meat and bone being severed. The War Shadows and Dungeon Lizards collapse, their bodies split and torn apart with a visceral crunch. Blood splatters across the dungeon walls, filling the corridor with a strong stench of iron and gore, yet 2B remains untouched by the carnage, her form immaculate and composed, unfazed by the filth around her.
Bell watches in stunned silence, his heart racing as he takes in the scene before him. His wide eyes dart from the blood-soaked dungeon walls to 2B, who stands calm and pristine amidst the aftermath, not a single drop of blood on her. "H-h-ha… How… How did you—?" he stammers, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief.
His jaw slackens, unable to process what he just witnessed. "She cut through them all before I could even blink". His mind struggles to catch up. "Sh-She's incredible," he breathes, barely above a whisper.
The golden light that had enveloped her blade fades, leaving behind only the aftermath of her devastating strike. Bell's knees feel weak, both from relief and awe. "She didn't even flinch… didn't hesitate…" He swallows hard, his admiration for 2B swelling as he watches her standing there, calm as ever.
"I want to be like that. Strong. Fearle—"
Bell's thoughts are interrupted by 2B's calm voice. "How much?"
He blinks, confused. "Huh?"
2B turns slightly, her expression as calm and unreadable as ever. "How much do you usually make in a dungeon dive?"
Bell scratches the back of his head, still coming down from the adrenaline of the battle. "Uh… around 3,000 valis, give or take."
Without missing a beat, 2B nods. "30,000. Today we'll be making 30,000 valis before we return home."
Bell's eyes widen in disbelief. "thirty thousand?!" His surprise is evident, but the way 2B says it—so matter-of-factly—makes it sound like it's already a sealed deal.
He swallows hard, the thought of earning that much in a single dive filling him with excitement. "Miss 2B really doesn't hold back..."