CHAPTER 4: PLAYING IN DANGER
Somewhere at the Coliseum.
"Lady Hestia, I know you're excited but there's still a lot of people," Jean said tiredly as both goddess and former guard waited in line at the entrance to buy some tickets.
As of right now, Jean was tired as she still carried the two bags of stuff and kept an eye on her goddess jumping to see the end of the line due to her short stature. Compared to Jean, she was slightly taller than the average girls in her age so it was easier for her to see the end of the line. Unfortunately, the people behind her back stared due to her large appearance making her uncomfortable.
"Hmm?...!" it was only a slight vibration in the air but Jean being a guard in a valley of dragons where explosions and monster attacks were always frequent, she could feel it was not just her imagination. When she turned around, a surprised expression covered her face as people around her who also sensed the change saw black smoke coming out from one of the streets not too far away from where they were.
"Run a monster escaped!"
"It's a silverback call the Ganesha Familia!"
Jean quickly turned her head as she grabbed Hestia to her side to ensure her safety. She stared at a large ape-like monster with silver fur that appeared in front of the entrance hanging like it was searching for something…or someone. Panic screams erupted from the people who were running away from the coliseum, both goddess and child only stood where they were, one was too scared to move while the other was staring seriously at the monster as it roared upon seeing them.
"H-hey is j-just me or that m-monster staring at us?" Asked the shaking goddess.
Unfortunately, there was no time to answer it as the silverback leaped into the air and sprinted toward them. Without a second thought, Jean quickly threw the two large back at the monster and ran off while carrying the small goddess with her arm while the monster was distracted.
"Our souvenirs!"
"Sorry Lady Hestia, but safety first!" yelled Jean as the silverback started to chase them. Truthfully she could have still carried the two bags while still running away from the monster but she did not want to do that, too much hassle.
Terror swoops in the faces of one of the stall owners as a third of the flower-like monsters that suddenly appeared in the middle of the ground hurled towards them with its mouth opened, showing its own sharp and terrifying rows of teeth.
"Excuse me, isn't rude to attack an innocent stranger?!"
Fortunately for the stall owner, the flower monster stopped mid-air when a voice called out for it. For some reason, the beast sensed something amiss upon hearing the voice. Turning around, the flower monster saw a white-haired human with red eyes as red as rubies.
Upon seeing this…human? The monster suddenly felt an emotion coming from its core. Yes? This emotion…is pure rage, not the sense of rage for survival but the rage of needing it to destroy the abomination in front of it as its mother who created it keeps ordering it to destroy this Human.
With a screech of full anger, the flower monster focused its attention on the white-haired human as it hurled toward the boy who stood there showing a soft smile after getting its attention. However, before could land its giant mouth to the human, he disappeared and was met by the cold floor of the ground as dust and debris were scattered around it.
With Bell, he simply landed safely on one of the roofs of the buildings and observed the current situation. As of right now, the monsters that suddenly appeared were only three of the same species…although he had read about the different kinds of monsters that could be found in the dungeon before, it was his first seeing those types of monsters, especially their plant-like appearance.
It was fortunate that Loki and Astraea Familia were present to handle the unknown monsters or it would lead to people either getting hurt or killed. Although seeing the current situation… Loki Familia was fighting one of the monsters without weapons to deal any severe damage except the orange-haired elf was far from them who was casting her spell. Luckily two of the amazons of the Loki Familia are known for their hand-to-hand combats.
Astraea Familia on the other hand was separated into two groups, one was helping the evacuation of the citizens while the other was fighting the monster to prevent any damage from the surroundings. Although they could take out the monsters without his help there were still people who were still in the area who were unable to escape and were now hiding in fear.
"Hmm," the more Bell observed the more he realized that the monsters were similar to the report from Lord Poseidon about vine-like monsters seen under the water. "I should report this later." He whispered while not paying attention to his surroundings.
RROARR!*
Once again, the third vine monster he had dodged earlier charges in his direction, preparing for another attack. On the outside, the monster's movement was like a snake about to launch at its prey, but Bell calmly stared at the incoming monster upon noticing it and reached for his katana to unsheathe it.
The monster's attack once again stopped when Kaguya suddenly appeared and landed a swift kick at the monster's head making it fall once more.
"You." The oriented eastern woman then pointed at Bell who only tilted his head with a clueless expression on his face. "If you are not helping to defeat them then help the civilians other than doing nothing?" she ordered.
'My-my quite a personality.' Thought Bell as he bowed in front of her." As you order, Lady Kaguya."
"Tch." She then jumped off and fought the monster that she had kicked leaving Bell who stared at his surroundings.
"Well so much for being an observer." He said as he jumped down and made his way to help the people who unfortunately did not manage to evacuate.
He continued helping in the evacuation while still paying attention to the battle at hand. Currently, the Loki Familia managed to defeat their monster with the help of the sword princess and the impressive magic display from the orange-haired elf and was now helping the Astraea Familia with their monster. Fortunately for Bell, he was unnoticed by Ais and continued helping the people.
"Help us please!"
Hearing the cries Bell quickly saw three children huddled up in a corner while plies debris was blocking them. Quickly going in their direction the boy removed the debris and helped the three kids, the kids were a blond-haired chienthrope, a brown-haired boy, and an elf.
"You three Alright." Bell softly asked as he patted one of them with a warm smile.
"T-Thank you, big brother." Said one of the kids who hugged Bell upon seeing him.
Bell merely chuckled before pointing them in the other direction. "All of you should run away, it is not safe here." He ordered making the kids nod in agreement before running off in that direction.
The young commander watched the three running kids with a smile knowing they were safe from any danger that was currently happening. Unfortunately, he had no time to relax as the monster that Kaguya was fighting was now slithering toward him once more. Its sharp mouth was widely open as it was ready to devour its distracted prey.
"LOOK OUT!" screamed the far eastern woman at Bell who turned his head seeing the wide mouth of the monster inches away.
A deafening scream echoes throughout the city as a dying sound fills the air. However, the cry did not come from the young commander…no, rather it was from the monster as it screamed in pain before quickly turning into ashes leaving only its yellow-colored stone behind.
Bell who was now holding his unsheathed katana, simply walked to where the monster died and only picked up the unusual magic stone.
"Well, first time seeing this type of stone." He examined the strange object seeing it was a yellowish crystal far different from the usual stones he had seen.
Before he could ponder about the stone he quickly hid it in his pockets upon seeing the far eastern woman running toward him with a slightly surprise look
"Hey how did you manage to kill that monster?" questioned Kaguya who could not believe how the white-haired boy easily killed that monster with one strike. Even though she is a level 4 adventurer, she cannot kill the monster with one strike due to the vine monster's tough skin and can only give it a few cuts.
"Ohh….I just shoved my katana inside and sliced it off." He answered trying to mimic what he had just done earlier.
'Could it be that katana of his' Kaguya thought as she stared at the black-colored katana that somehow showed glowing letters on its blade. 'What kind of blade is that? And what are those letters?'
Seeing the curious stare at his katana Bell let out a cough. "But enough of how I killed the monster, we should focus on the others." He said as he pointed at the others who were still fighting the monsters.
Fortunately, his distraction worked as Kaguya quickly leaped to help the others leaving only Bell behind. Before the young commander could follow a rapid beep suddenly erupted loud enough to be heard by only him. He quickly looked at the bracelet he was wearing on his right wrist seeing the crystal attached to it was red.
/"BELL EMERGENCY!"/ yelled the static scream of his goddess from the crystal.
"Hestia, what's wrong?" asked Bell who was now serious and worried for his goddess's safety. "Is Jean with you?"
/"Yes, she's with me right now. The two of us are running away from a monster who escaped from the coliseum. Jean can't fight right now, she left her spear back at the prison. We're currently in a street called 'Daedalus Street'"/
"All right, both of you just wait after I finish at my end," Bell said before the transmission ended.
The young commander stared at the vine monsters and saw one had already fallen thanks to the magic of the orange-haired elf and the sword princess's intervention who just appeared earlier. While the last one was still alive, he could quickly tell that particular one would be difficult to kill. The monster was using its vines like a whip making it harder to get close as it flailed it around like whips.
"Hmm…" Bell had an idea to finish the monster off quickly but should be careful using it because he was about to use his 'that' ability in a crowded area. "Only a small portion." He whispered.
Letting out a deep breath, he lowered his body while he held his katana in a reverse grip. A heavy steam of air exhaled from his mouth as the round pupils of his red eyes turned into slit.
'Dragon Style: Simple strike' he said in his mind as he leaped and swung his blade at the vine monster.
The cobbled floor is slightly cracked from the wind pressure from his blade before slashing through the vine monster. Landing on his feet Bell sheathed his katana back while the rampaging monster stopped moving before disappearing into ashes earning both Loki Familia and Astraea Familia surprise looks.
"What the?! How did you-" The older twin Amazon asked but was cut off when Bell just jumped to one of the roofs of the building.
"I have to get going," Bell said simply not facing back in their direction before jumping off to a different street.
"What the heck?! Just leaving like that?" Complained Kaguya who wanted to know more about the weird katana.
Her anger was subsided when Alise and Ryu tried to calm her down. While the Astraea Familia were busy calming their companion, a certain blond-haired gaze to where the young commander ran off with only one thing in her mind.
'How can he be that strong…?'
Since she could remember, she grew up in a normal family… however, she was called a cursed child by her parents. People blamed her for the misfortune they experienced when they were near her. Only her brother who was praised for his skills and said to be the light of her family noticed her and protected her from harm. Yet, even he was affected by her misfortune.
When he suddenly went missing at the same time he was appointed as a guard, she felt guilty thinking it was her misfortune to blame for his absence. Without any time to think she decided to disguise herself as her brother in hopes for him to suddenly just return. Yet…her hope faded as days turned into months once again blaming herself.
"Jean…"
Even right now her bad luck even affected her new Familia….
"Jean!"
"Ahh?!"
Jean snapped out of her thoughts as she looked at her surroundings. There was her goddess who was crouching beside her while shaking her body frantically. At their backs were piles of boxes and crates as they were using them to hide from the Silverback.
Letting out a deep breath she looked at her goddess and let out a small smile. "I'm…fine goddess sorry I just….zone out for a moment."
Hestia did not comment and patted Jean's back before looking up from the crates.
"Phew, Let's just wait here for a while till Bell gets here." Said Hestia not seeing the Silverback around.
Yet, Jean's instinct went up. She immediately held Hestia and rolled away, and the Silverback came crashing down from the top.
"RWOAAHHHH!"
The loud howl echoed throughout the street making those who were near its range cry out in pain. While Hestia closed her ears in fright, Jean on the other hand only greeted her teeth having heard this howl so many times.
"Hehe, why is it always like this…." Jean said her voice shaking knowing it was her misfortune to blame.
"Jean..." Hestia looked at her child seeing her downcast expression.
Yet before she could reach her hand at her child. The Silverback charged towards them with fury in its eyes. Hestia called out to her child to run away for now but her cries were ignored.
"But who cares!" the Silverback was thrown back when Jean suddenly charged and kicked the monster with greater force. "I don't care if I bring misfortune to others, Is not their fault they can keep up with me, I'll beat you up till you just dust and stone even without weapons!" Jean spat cracking her knuckles.
"GRR…"
The Silverback growled, its broken helmet fell to the ground due to the impact showing the monster's red eyes. Hestia stared seriously at the monster's eyes as something clicked in her mind making a serious expression.
"Bravo! Well said Jean." Bell excitedly said while clapping with his hand. "That kind of attitude is what we need in this Familia."
"Bell!"
"Commander!"
Hestia and Jean saw Bell on one of the rooftops while a clothed object was attached to his back.
"Tsk-Tsk, like I said call me Bell." He said in an oddly excited voice.
"…" Hestia was silent momentarily before letting out a scream. "Bell did you use that skill of yours? You know the side effects right!"
"Don't worry it just enhances my excitement this time!"
"Bell…" the goddess let out a sigh of disappointment.
Jean stared at the two bickering like mother and son dumbfounded and confused at their odd behavior. Too busy watching the two she was too late to sense the Silverback tried to tackle her. However, it was prevented when Bell casually aimed the clothed object between them. The Silverback dodged by backing up and looked at Bell in anger.
"Well, I did ask to teleport that spear to me…so it's better to use it now." Bell landed near Hestia and casually grinned at Jean. "Come on take it."
Jean is surprised to see the clothed spear in front of her. It has a standard-looking handle, and its design features two dragons colliding with each other. Yet, the design of the spear itself bore the sleek, aerodynamic qualities of a javelin. The blade itself shines blue like the sky above while still embedded in the ground.
For a moment, time moved slowly for her as the embedded spear glowed as if urging her to pick it up. Enamored by the glow she quietly held it using her right hand. Upon holding the glowing spear, a melodic symphony was heard as the giggles of an excited kid echoed through her ears.
"So…you are the one." Someone whispered to her in a childish tone.
The sudden whisper made Jean widen her eyes in surprise as time went back to normal.
"Jean Clouse Race: Human, Level 1: Strength D-540, Endurance F-400, Dexterity C-610, Agility B-812, Magic I-0,"
Bell stated making Jean slightly surprised at Bell memorizing her stat when she converted to the Hestia Familia.
"For being a guard at Dragon Valley for two years this stat is impressive…but your skill is much more surprising." Then he pointed at the spear. "That spear is designed for that type of …skill, although that's a prototype it is yours now."
Jean, hearing those words, stared at the spear in awe. 'My own spear…' she thought as she raised it to the sky. The spear's shine once again, as it was happy being held by someone like her.
"RWOWWWH!"
Unfortunately, the moment was shattered by the howl of the Silverback as its fist was swinging toward her.
"Jean-" Hestia tried to reach out but the young commander stopped her by blocking her way.
"Let's just watch Hestia…"
"But…"
"You saw it as well…with that spear, she'll win," Bell said giving all his trust in his new junior.
Jean leaped to her right as the monster's fist collided with the ground causing debris and dust to splatter around. Her eyes, full of fury and determination use her new spear to stab the arm of the silverback.
It yelled in pain as anger swelled up as it used its other hand to grab the little insect that stabbed it. However, before it could grab Jean, she quickly took out the spear and swung it to pierce through to palm of the other hand.
Blood dripped to her face as a manic grin started to show on her face. She turned her face at the angered monster as she showed her wide smile and teeth.
"How's that?" Jean taunted.
The Silverback's response was only a growl. Yet Jean was caught off guard as the monster clenched its pierced hand and hurled Jean to the sky. Her spear was separated from her hand due to the sudden force, but Jean was not detoured as she flipped midair and landed on the ground.
The spear landed far from her making it difficult to grab it as the monster charged at her upon landing. Hestia screamed for her child in worry, yet only Bell watched in excitement and just hummed.
Jean just opened her hand as if reaching for something. Hestia was confused by her gesture while her commander on the other hand smiled.
"I guess she managed to grasp it." Bell stated. "Will you use your skill?"
In a surprising turn of events…the spear that was lying far from her suddenly moved and swiftly levitated toward her hand.
"What!" Hestia was shocked to see the spear move on its own Jean caught it in time as the Silverback was getting close to her.
"Misery…. is a rare skill that can only be obtained by those who experienced loneliness and sorrow throughout their lives. Can allow the user to use all their negative emotions and feelings to increase an attack of the user." Bell said. "Quiet sad, even though she shows a positive attitude…guilt and sadness would always be there in her."
"…" Hestia was quiet as she watched Jean as she used her skill as a final attack.
A dark blue flame engulfed the tip of her spear as her eyes let out tears yet her wide grin was bigger than before.
"May misfortune strike you down." With those words, she leaps charging at the Silverback head-on.
The scene of the battle was like a showdown from a fairy tale. A monster of strength and size, and a human whose life was in misery yet carried on. A beast whose fist can shake the earth versus a spear that was not made to be used. A sight to be held for those who were witnessing it.
The Silverback curled its fists and raised it to the sky. Jean inches away from the monster and pulls her spear back to gather momentum. Unfortunately, the Silverback's fists were faster and were about to crush down on Jean.
"Yet, unlike any other skill…Misery has a very unique effect. Turn the people and monsters around her experience momentary discomfort to unexpected misfortune at them." Bell explained.
Back to the fight. The Silverback's fists were about to crush down on Jean's head. But a sudden pain in both of its hands from the injuries Jean inflicted earlier. Those pains caused a momentary hesitation in its momentum.
CRASH!
Dust and debris scattered around as the air became still. Bot goddess and Commander watched as the dust settled down. The fight between the guard and the monster had ended.
"I guess…it's done," Bell said in a neutral tone, his previous behavior gone without any warning.
Hestia only clenched her hands and let out a huge sigh…
Dark dust flies throughout the air as the hand raised in triumph emerges. Her spear shines as if it is satisfied in the end. The dark-colored crystal rolled to her feet as she let in a huge breath.
"HAHAHAHA eat that you hulking monster," Jean screamed in victory.
Not a second later loud cheers from people who were hiding earlier clapped at Jean's victory as some threw petals of flowers at her. The scene was now a beautiful site with petals of different colors slowly falling to the ground.
Amidst the cheering crowd, Hell and Hestia watched with happy expressions glad the danger was no more. However, Hestia's face turns serious once more as she already has a suspect who is behind this danger.
"Hmm, I guess this incident was an intentional one…." Bell calmly said knowing the look of his goddess.
"Bell, can I ask you a favor?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
Later that night.
In a certain café, two goddesses meet. One was a red-haired whose appearance could be mistaken for a man. The other was a beautiful silver-haired woman whose clothes were covered in a very large cloth around her.
"Hehe…So why the heck did you release those monsters haa?!" The red-haired ask as she slammed the table.
"Fufu~ I was just bored and felt sorry for the monsters who were locked, that's why I released them." The silver-haired teasingly said.
"You are lucky that my Ais and the rest of Astraea's were there to control the incident." The red-haired said as she sat back on her chair. "But releasing those plant monsters was overkill, nearly killing all the people who were there."
This time the silver-haired woman was surprised at what the red-haired said.
"I didn't-"
Unfortunately, her words were cut off as someone placed three milkshakes at their table.
"Here's your orders dear goddesses." Said the one who placed the three drinks.
Before both goddesses could deny the three drinks they did not order, turned their heads and were surprised.
"Please help yourselves, Loki and Freya."
Loki was the one who screamed and yelled.
"What are doing here shrimp!" she said angrily.
Hestia only let out a smile while her eyes showed calmness.
"I'm just here to talk." She said as she sat and sipped at one of the milk shakes. "After all, the night still young.