Hey guys! I hope you're doing well. I couldn't release the chapter yesterday due to some issues, but don't worry, I'm still just as motivated to move this story forward.
By the way, thank you for the reviews! I know I reply a bit late, but don't worry, I've been reading them since day one, and I must say I'm really grateful for them.
RebornLikeablackPhoenix: From what I see, your wish came true, huh? Although, I have to say, based on the title and the first chapter, it was kind of obvious. And it looks like your second wish also came true, hahaha. Anyway, I'm glad that the story makes you happy.
RabbitHaremLover24: I'm glad you like it! And to answer your question; although there will be more than one love interest, you'll see in this chapter who the main one is :) and well, I don't plan on making it a harem, even though there are several options. I think Bell is too pure for that.
Frey55639: That's what I thought too. There are stories of all kinds, but where's the one with Bell as a Lycan? I don't know if there's another one, but I wanted to give it a shot, and boom, motivation was born. I'm glad you liked that chapter.
Not much more to say, but I wanted to mention something: This story, while still keeping Bell more pure, will be, in a way, more... "realistic." It will have a lot more blood, death, and stuff like that, which is why it has the "M" rating. Don't expect to see a sudden sexual scene, but you can expect to see our little bunn— I mean, Werewolf— having to face some pretty tough moral decisions in the next chapters.
I know my grammar is not that good, but well, is what happens when you're not a native english speaker. I hope i will get better with the time.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Darkness… darkness? Am I… dead?! No, it can't be. I'm sure I won… Ugh… damn it, my head hurts…
As if responding to his thoughts, a light started to invade his eyes, forcing them to open. When he sat up, he tried to grab a… sword? In his hands, although clearly, he couldn't, for starters, there wasn't even a sword in hand.
"Hey! Move slow." A voice would immediately speak, the smell that came after was something unpleasant to his nose; alcohol.
"Uh?! Loki-sama! Where are we?" The boy would ask, recognizing that voice, and when he turned to see where it came from, he'd realize who it was.
"Ya in the medical wing of our base. The beatin' that Silverback gave ya was somethin' to remember, ya almost died on the way here," she said in her usual teasing voice, followed by a laugh, before setting the bottle down on the table and walking over to the bed. "Well, strip."
"Huh?! Excuse me?!" Bell would say, incredulously, hugging himself like a damsel in distress.
"A pervert goddes?!" That was what Bell thought, but he would be quickly interrupted by a laugh.
The sight was certainly amusing. Loki would let out a Guffaw, hands on her stomach, doing her best not to collapse on the floor.
Now that Bell could see properly… Loki was dressed more masculine; short shorts, a tube top with separated sleeves, long socks, and… heels?
Though, setting aside the embarrassment, Bell would take off the shirt he had on and turn his back, thankfully the bandages were on his abdomen and not his back.
Loki would take a needle and prick her finger, letting a drop of her divine blood fall onto the white-haired boy's back, and he would feel a burning sensation spreading, followed by… pain? Why did it feel like his back was being scratched?
"WHAT?! WHAT IS THIS?!" Loki would shout loudly enough to alert several members of Twilight Manor. However, the most shocked was Bell, as Loki's nails had embedded themselves into his back.
"Ugh?! What's happenin', Goddess?!" He would say, alarmed, turning around to see a startled Loki, her nails now deeply embedded in his back.
"Who the hell are ya?! This ain't possible!" Loki would quickly start updating Bell's Status, becoming more and more surprised, her shock growing as she saw the progress.
But that "shock" would be quickly replaced with happiness… that small fortune she spent on potions and the "Nine Hell" scolding for being so careless and letting a new Familia member get hurt like this… definitely worth it.
"Hehehehe… HEHEHEHEHE! BELL CRANEL! WELCOME TO THE LOKI FAMILIA!" The goddess of trickery would shout to the heavens, handing Bell a paper with his updated Status.
So… uh, sorry for the interruption, but I decided to change how I would write Bell's Status to make it more "in line" with the original work, sorry for the sudden change.
Bell Cranel
Werewolf
Strength: I0 - H101
Endurance: I0 - G210
Dexterity: I10 - G200
Agility: I20 - F300
Magic: I0
Skills: Vilja Einherjar
"Oh, powerful warriors, immortals, rising from the dead once more. Indomitable spirit, unbreakable will, indestructible body, they shall not fall before fear nor despair, and with their last breath, they will free the world from perdition."
Accelerated growth.
When facing life-or-death situations and challenging them, it results in rapid growth.
The effect's effectiveness depends on the battle's difficulty.
Stronger enemies lead to stronger growth.
Immunity to charms.
Cannot pass out as long as the ability is active.
Beastification.
Enhanced senses.
Bell was impressed, he finally had Falna! However, while he understood his own excitement, he didn't quite get the goddess's excitement. Maybe… did she get excited about accepting new members into her Familia?
"Umh… goddess… what's so impressive here?"
"Are ya stupid?! Yer abnormal in every way! First of all… startin' with a skill already means a lot, most people only get one at level 2… second, yer growth is unnatural. With that fight, ya shoulda gained about… 70 points total, ya know how many you gained?! 781 DAMN POINTS!"
Loki would let out a sigh. She was sure that such rapid growth wouldn't be seen even with the skill active, that fight was unique. However, the simple fact that it was even possible… scared her. On the other hand, Bell seemed to cover his ears from the sudden loud shout.
She wondered what would've happened if this boy had fallen into Freya's hands… just thinking about it gave her chills.
"Anyway… don't need to stress over that. Congratulations, Bell. I'm happy to have such a promising kid like you in my Familia. Ya slept for two whole days, must be hungry, right?"
She'd say while the boy put on his shirt, indeed, Bell was very hungry… his stomach would growl softly, and he, showing his fangs in a nervous grin, would cause a small smile from Loki; almost like a maternal smile. She definitely cared for her childs, even if she didn't show it much.
"Yeah… actually, I am," Bell would comment.
"Go to the dining hall, it's breakfast time. First rule of the Loki Familia! We all eat together, so dont edge the announcement, you are takin' good sweet time from me. Finn, our captain, knows about ya, so he'll announce ya as a new member." Loki would add, getting up from the bed and licking her finger a bit to stop the blood from flowing.
"Thank you, Goddess Loki. I'll make sure to live up to your expect—" Bell would be quickly silenced by a finger on his mouth from Loki.
"Prove it with actions, not words, 'kay, Wolfy?" Bell would just nod and leave the room, still sore but at least able to move by himself.
After getting lost more than five times in the enormous place, Bell started to hear a conversation... or rather, several conversations. Hoping this was the right place, he hurried inside. The room was huge and full of people; he had to admit that it was... comforting in a way.
His tail betrayed him, starting to wag slightly from side to side. Without realizing it, he was cursing himself for being so "innocent and pure." Although he knew it well, it was as if a divine rule prevented him from being any other way. The first to notice him was a rather sturdy-looking dwarf, and Bell had to admit that he looked imposing.
"Oi, Finn, the lad is excited as you can see!" said the dwarf, accompanied by a rather... unique laugh. If Bell had to describe it, it sounded something like, "FWAHAHAHAHA." Did it make sense? To him, yes, strange as it seemed.
Upon the dwarf's call, a prum stood up with a cup and spoon in hand; tapping them lightly, he caught the attention of the others.
"I am pleased to inform you that we have a new member today," he said in a tone that, despite sounding so young, made Bell feel the need to listen. "Natural leader", he thought.
"Please, give a warm welcome to Bell Cranel," the prum added, gesturing towards the newcomer.
Quite nervous, Bell raised his hand in a tentative wave while his tail kept wagging from side to side. He wished he had some kind of earth magic to bury himself and never come out again from the embarrassment, "how embarrassing!" That was all the boy could think.. This caused some laughter among the crowd: the veterans remembered how it felt to be young, while the younger ones let out genuine laughs. Bell, though embarrassed, couldn't deny the excitement of finally being part of a Familia.
His chest tightened a little, though not from nervousness, but from pure happiness. He was glad for this feeling.
"And by the way, Bete, make sure you behave with your familiar," added Finn with a slight chuckle.
After all, same race… white and gray fur. Bete just let out a simple "Tch." enough to make the dining hall burst into laughter once again.
"I-It's a pleasure to meet you all. Please, I'm in your care," said Bell, bowing slightly to hide the huge smile that was escaping him.
"Hey, come and sit with us!" said a cheerful voice. Bell looked for the source and found what seemed to be an Amazoness. Swallowing a bit, he approached, only to be grabbed with surprising strength and seated between her and a blonde girl.
He didn't know why… but that hair felt strangely comforting.
"So, you're Bell, huh? Cute name! Tell me, tell me! What weapon do you use?" asked the Amazoness.
"U-Uh… well… I used a common sword, but it broke…" the Lycan explained, sounding a bit apologetic.
"Whaat? But you're a newcomer, right? How'd you break it? Have you already entered the Dungeon?!" she asked excitedly, leaning towards Bell, who pulled back a bit, blushing.
"Ehh… umh… n-no…? I faced a Silverback, and… I was too weak for a monster of that caliber."
"You already killed a Silverback?! Which Familia were you with, then?"
"None… I faced it without Falna at first–"
"WHAT?!" Now, with stars in her eyes, she looked at the blonde beside her. Bell would cover his ears again at the sudden shout.
"Aiz! You were the one who found him and goddess Loki, is it tr–?"
"Tiona, you're making too much noise… focus on eating." The only response was a small "Hmmp…" in the background, which made Bell laugh nervously.
"A pleasure to meet you, Bell Cranel. My name is Tione Hiryute, and this is my sister, Tiona Hiryute," added the Amazoness with a more calm smile. Bell, however, alternated his gaze between the two sisters, thinking about "how unfair the world was". He quickly corrected himself, shaking his head. No, I don't want to be like my grandfather…
"N-Nice to meet you…" said Bell as his tail swayed slightly. He felt something bumping against it and, turning, noticed Aiz had his tail right in her face.
"Fluffy…" was all the blonde murmured before Bell, blushing and nervous, pulled his tail back. For some reason, the blonde pouted. Something that didn't go unnoticed by Bell. "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't notice. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?"
"Ais" she replied in a stoic tone. Bell couldn't think of anything else; she seemed clueless, or at least that's what he perceived. But, when he looked at her, his heart began to race. Could she be that beautiful? No, no, it was just his perspective… or so he wanted to think, to avoid admitting he'd been interested in a girl at first sight. How embarrassing! He didn't want to be like his grandfather at all.
Ais broke the awkward silence.
"How did you fight that monster right after receiving Falna?"
"Eh…? Well… I don't know…? I just thought I had a duty, something I had to do, and I did it. I couldn't leave Loki-sama unprotected."
"So it was true! What's your secret?!" Tiona shouted again, drawing a small sigh from her sister.
"As I said... none, just... did I? I felt powerful, and that's it... I felt like I had to win." He said, with a smile that showed his fangs, a smile worth easily a million valis.
"Hmmm, you know? You're the opposite of Bete. He's grumpy, scary, and bad-tempered. You're cute, adorable, and easy to tease." The Amazon said, earning a small "Huh?" from the white-haired boy.
"You look like a bun-" She would be quickly silenced by a hand from her sister over her mouth. Tione didn't know why, but she was sure that phrase would hurt the boy for a few days.
"What do I look like...?" Bell said, incredulously. Aiz couldn't help but hold back her curiosity, although she didn't show it, there seemed to be a mini version of her in her head. "Right, Tiona, what does he look like?"
"Now's not the time to be a complete airhead, Aiz...!" Tione, trying to find the words to express herself, would be saved by Loki, who spoke loudly.
"Oi, Finn, need ya in me office in a few mins, an' make sure ya bring Riviera and Gareth along, yeah? Good, don' be takin' yer sweet time!"
Finn, sighing, would stand up and look at Bell for a moment. "Aiz. Take care of teachin' the new kid how things work, and... I hear his weapon broke, buy him one, the Familia will cover the first weapon." He said, heading to Loki's office along with Gareth. Before Aiz could look at Bell thoughtfully for a moment. He didn't know why... but the white-haired boy could feel some bad vibes at that moment.
Meanwhile, in Loki's office, she was looking at a paper, incredulous.
"What do you need, Loki?" The blonde Prum would say, entering the room with the other two Familia executives.
"Take a lil' look-see at this, bet there's somethin' ya'll be keen on." Loki would say, handing them the paper with Bell's Status.
However, the first to speak would be the dwarf, Gareth. "HAHAHAHA! How'd the lad manage that kind of boost? And what's that skill of his? Guess these young ones are dead set on leaving us old folk behind."
"Loki, are you sure you didn't go overboard with the ink? This is impossible," Riviera would comment.
"Huh? Ya doubtin' yer own goddess? Sayin' I mighta had a drink before doin'—wait, please, don't answer that," Loki would say, already knowing the response she'd get from the High-Elf.
"Sure you found a diamond in the rough, Loki, this skill… Vilja… 'Einherjar'?" Finn would leave the paper on the table and start thinking a bit.
"I've never heard of anything like that," the Prum would add, looking at his goddess. "I'm tellin' ya! A real hidden gem."
"Well then, guess there's nothin' left but to back the lad, eh? Might just break Ais's record if he keeps growin' like this." Gareth would stroke his beard lightly, letting out a small chuckle now and then.
"I doubt it! Nobody's better than my Ais-pu! Plus, that fight was one of a kind—ain't likely to happen again."
"Umh… Ais-san, what are we doing in the Tower of Babel? Isn't this the Dungeon?" said a certain white-haired boy, somewhat nervous.
"Ais."
"Huh?" He'd tilt his head to the side for a moment, with some girls passing by looking at him—he seemed too cute to be a Werewolf.
"Ais, call me Ais. That's what everyone calls me."
"But we've just met, I can't call you that Ais-sa—" He'd be cut off by Ais's cold stare, though she didn't realize it herself. She seemed slightly annoyed, just enough to make her pout.
"Ais…" the white-haired boy would say, surrendering.
"Alright. Babel has sections that sell armor and weapons," Ais would say, simply taking Bell and dragging him to the elevator, which Bell, by the way, didn't complain about at all.
Upon reaching a higher floor, they'd enter what seemed to be a section with armor and weapons, but the price was too high.
"This is pretty expensive… Ais-sa—Ais."
"Don't worry, higher up there are shops with more affordable prices," the girl would say, and Bell could tell she didn't express much, just enough. Nodding, he'd follow her to what seemed like a shop on a higher floor. The atmosphere was dark.
"I'll be back in a moment, find some armor." And just like that, she'd leave him behind.
"Eh?" Bell didn't even know where to start. It wasn't that hard to find armor that was just durable and resistant, but he didn't even know where to look. He had a few Valis given to him by the captain, enough to buy some decent armor, but still…
While searching, he found a box at the back. He decided to look aside, as there were two men constantly arguing at the counter—an absolute headache for Bell.
Noticing the armor, he'd lightly tap what seemed to be the chest plate. It felt hard to the touch, but not rigid, it caught his attention, even though the chest plate was somewhat small.
Sighing, he'd pick up the box and carry it to the counter, placing it there.
The two guys, a redhead and the shopkeeper, turned to look at him, incredulous.
"Hey, are you sure you want to buy that armor?"
"Don't be nosy, let him make his own decisions," the redhead would respond to the shopkeeper, silencing him for a moment.
"Yeah… this armor is what I want, it looks durable, good quality, and it's light," the Lycan would reply.
"Tch, whatever. That'll be 9,900 Valis."
"Hmm…" From what Ais had told him, the price seemed like a considerable amount, so he wouldn't complain and would simply hand over the money. The redhead would smile faintly before letting him go and watching him leave through the door.
"I told you."
"Your poor-quality armor is going to be the reason that boy dies."
"Hey, don't jinx it, alright?"
Bell was wandering around the area with his newly bought armor. He couldn't find Ais anywhere, until she approached him from behind.
"Hey."
"AGH!" The Werewolf would scream, his tail puffing up and standing straight. The shock was enough to make the box fly slightly through the air, causing the chest plate to hit his head. He would crouch down and rub his head, a tear falling from his eye. A rather curious scene to watch.
Ais would just turn to look at him, confused. Had he been scared by that? He definitely seemed more like a rabbit than a wolf. "Are you alright, Bell?"
"U-Uh… yeah, sorry, you just surprised me." The boy would respond, slowly standing up with one hand on his head, his ears down and one eye half-closed. "Well, at least I know the armor is tough," he'd say, laughing a little, enough to make Ais give a small smile, though it was more of a grimace.
"Where were you? I couldn't find you anywhere."
"Secret." She'd say, pulling a box from behind her back, something Bell had just noticed.
"It's a gift from the Familia, you can't go to the Dungeon without a weapon."
Bell would take the box after leaving the armor on the floor for a moment, opening it.
He expected to find a sword or daggers, but… he found metallic gloves, somewhat heavy, with spikes on the knuckles. They were shiny and looked like very durable metal.
"A-Ais… isn't this too expensive?" The boy would comment, nervously.
"As I said, it's a gift from the Familia. You don't look for the price of a gift."
"Haah…" The boy would sigh. Although he had to admit, they were really nice, he couldn't wait to put them on.
"But why gloves?"
"Uh… well… I saw your fight earlier and I assumed you perform better in close combat… because of your race and all… Did I judge wrong?" The girl would say. So far, that was the longest sentence she had managed to form, though Bell didn't mind, hearing her beautiful voice was like a melody he wished would never end.
The white-haired boy, shaking his head, would look at Ais.
"They're perfect, thank you so much. I'll make sure to take care of them."
Ais would nod, thinking for a moment, then remember something.
"Finn said you should go register at the Guild, the path isn't far from here. You should go."
"Right! Thanks, Ais-san." Before leaving, he'd remember something. "I-I mean…! Thanks, Ais." He'd say with a sincere smile, not wanting to upset the girl who had been so kind to him.
The girl would simply nod, again with that smile that seemed more like a grimace. "It's nothing. When you register, come find me or Tiona, we'll train you."
"Of course! Thanks again!" He'd say, taking both boxes in hand, heading out of the Tower of Babel, directly to where Ais had told him.
The only thing Ais could think about was that he was a strange boy, but pleasant to be around. Without thinking much, the girl would just head to Twilight Manor, waiting for the sunset.
Well, I hope you enjoyed today's chapter. I tried to make it a bit more chill, feeling things out so that in the next chapters, I can deepen Bell's relationships with the other characters. I hope you liked it! And don't hesitate to let me know what you think, I really enjoy hearing if you liked it or if there's something I can change to make the story more enjoyable for you. In any case, your Konig says goodbye once more, byeee!