So, we now get to the magic side of things. Bell won't be learning another magic (or at least at this stage) but I will develop his magic with sub-magics, not to the same extent as something like Lefiya's Elf Ring, but his magic will have some different forms while the base stays the same.
This is also the last chapter that has not changed dramatically from the free versions I posted before, so for those of you who have already read the free chapters on pat reon, time to start paying attention/reading properly from next chapter.
I am again posting free parts back on pat reon now and have most of chapter 13 put together and feeding into chapter 14 soon. Again, I am aiming to keep the free parts spoiler free so you can just enjoy them as they are, but if there is anything major that I think serves as a big spoiler, I will not post it for free, so as to not ruin the surprise, until I make them into proper chapters.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan
Previously:
Bell would start his first day of training with Ais after the pair shared breakfast. Bell would quickly find out that Ais had trouble holding back, leading to him being knocked out repeatedly, giving Ais the chance to buy them lunch from Hestia's stand. At the end of their training session, the Goddess Freya and Ottar would approach the two, with Freya providing Bell with a grimoire in exchange for a personally cooked meal. Bell and Ais would then return to the Hostess of Fertility with Ais telling Syr of their training and wish to help him, while Bell prepared them dinner, before heading home to make dinner for Hestia as well.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 6 – Pursuits
Bell had made his way home quickly, holding his bag of groceries in his right hand, while his left held the grimoire to his chest, trying to hide the object as best he could. It would be at least another hour until his Goddess would return, so Bell quickly placed the groceries down and pulled out the grimoire. Bell sat on the sofa and opened the book. The title didn't seem to make any sense to Bell.
"Mirror, Mirror: The Fairest Witch in the Land Is ME: An Autobiography (With Appendix: Awaken Your Magic!). Who even wrote this thing?" Thought Bell, as he turned the next page.
"Chapter 1: Modern Magic Even Goblins Can Understand! Probably shouldn't go around teaching Goblins magic." Thought Bell, before remembering his run in with the Goblins in the Dungeon.
"Is… is it possible for monsters to learn magic?" Thought Bell, placing the book down for a second as he rubbed his eyes, before slapping his cheeks.
"No, I should read this first before letting any weird thoughts run through my head… although I still can't get over the fact that I was even given this… and by a Goddess no less!" Mentally screamed Bell, before picking the book up again.
Reading through the book, Bell learned of the two types of magic: innate and acquired. Bell couldn't help but wonder if Ryuu had magic since she was an Elf, before shaking his head and refocusing on the book again. After a few seconds of reading without letting his thoughts derail, Bell felt a strange sensation coming over him. As he turned the next page, instead of words, Bell was seeing a face made of words.
Magic is interest. This is a vital factor for all acquired magic. What holds your interest, what do you accept, hate, want, grieve for, worship, swear to, long for? The trigger is already within you. Your Falna will carve your soul into a blazing sun.
Bell saw the face on the page taking shape. Red eyes and a pale complexion, a few tufts of a white fringe. It was his own face, or at least, a version of it. The face started to speak; the words now being formed from the mouth of his doppelganger.
"What is magic to me?" Questioned the voice.
"Magic is a powerful skill. A finishing move. Something beyond reason." Thought Bell.
"What is magic to me?" Repeated the voice.
"Power. A great power. Something that shifts the tide of battle. Something that clears all obstacles in my path. Something that elevates me to the level of a hero." Thought Bell.
"What kind of a thing is magic to me?" Questioned the form of Bell on the paper, now appearing clearer.
"Strong, devastating, fire. Something which overwhelms and consumes everything. Something everlasting." Thought Bell.
"What do I seek in magic?" Asked the book, now looking like a slightly serious mirror, Bell now seeing his face in crisp clarity.
"I want to become stronger. I want to become faster. I want to be able to save everyone. I want to be able to become a true hero." Thought Bell.
"…Really?" Questioned the mirror image of Bell, looking almost disappointed.
"Yes, a hero of legend. One who wins over the hearts of others and is looked up to by everyone." Thought Bell.
"You really are a child, but so am I." Said the voice, now looking like a true replica of Bell as it smiled.
Bell smiled too, before his world went black.
-line break-
'Wakey, wakey, Bell.' Said Hestia gently, as she nudged Bell.
Bell roused slowly under the warmth of his Goddess' hand on his shoulder.
'Ah… Goddess. I keep having you wake me up, don't I?' Mumbled Bell, before his head snapped up quickly, causing Hestia to involuntarily take a step back.
'Oh no, I was supposed to have dinner ready before you came home!' Exclaimed Bell.
Hestia's eyes widened, before she descended into a fit of giggles.
'Oh Bell, you had me worried there for a moment. That's nothing to get worried about, we can prepare it together.' Smiled Hestia, causing Bell's expression to relax.
'But I wanted to do something special to thank you.' Admitted Bell, causing Hestia to smile as she stepped towards him again and placed her hand on his shoulder.
'What is more special than spending time with my dear Familia?' Questioned Hestia, causing Bell's heart to speed up.
'Okay then, let's get started.' Said Bell, setting aside the grimoire.
Hestia noticed the book, but decided to ask about it later.
'So how was your day?' Asked Hestia, as she washed some of the vegetables in the sink.
'Uh, I think you have some idea already.' Chuckled Bell nervously.
'You mean the Sword Princess knocking you out and then coming to buy potato snacks from me? Yes. I am aware of that. What I asked though was how was your day, in your own experience.' Said Hestia with pursed lips.
'It was good. I don't know how much stronger I got yet, but my endurance probably went up a lot.' Said Bell in amusement.
'Bell, you're not a secret masochist, are you?' Asked Hestia with narrowed eyes.
'W-what? No! Goddess, how can you even ask that?' Spluttered Bell, turning to face his Goddess in disbelief.
'Most people don't smile and laugh about being knocked out.' Pointed out Hestia, to which Bell conceded the Goddess' point.
'It was just nice to have some sort of direction or plan. I don't want to be a laughingstock of an adventurer; I could never let anyone look down on you like that. Since I am the only member of your Familia, being seen as a joke is something I can't let happen.' Explained Bell looking down at his hands, causing Hestia to smile.
'I don't ever have to worry about that, Bell, and neither should you. I'm basically already a laughingstock amongst some of the Goddesses, but that doesn't matter to me. As long as you are with me, I don't care about what anyone else thinks.' Said Hestia warmly, causing Bell to blush.
'All the more reason for me to get stronger. I will always respect you Goddess and I can't let anyone disrespect you, not after what you've done for me.' Said Bell, as he placed two pieces of crumbed fish and some potato snacks on a small tray, which he put in the stone oven, before moving on to preparing some soup.
Hestia chopped up some cucumbers and tomatoes while getting some lemons and olive oil to make a dressing.
'Was your day okay, Goddess?' Asked Bell.
'Well, I wasn't happy to hear you were getting thrown around like a ragdoll… but otherwise it was okay. Aside from getting knocked out, did you do anything interesting with the Sword Princess?' Asked Hestia carefully.
'What do you mean? All we did was train, and I made her breakfast and dinner.' Said Bell.
'So you didn't discuss anything else, just training?' Asked Hestia.
'Well, Miss Ais was also asking about you.' Said Bell, causing Hestia to flinch.
'M-me? Why? What did you tell her?' Asked Hestia nervously.
'She just wanted some more insight into a Goddess other than her own.' Explained Bell.
'…What did you tell her?' Asked Hestia again quietly, staring at the knife in her hand.
'That you are the kindest and most caring Goddess around. Actually, she knew more about you than I did, I never asked you what you were a Goddess of, but Miss Ais knew.' Admitted Bell.
'You really said that?' Asked Hestia quietly.
'Of course!' Said Bell, turning to face the diminutive Goddess.
Hestia put down the knife she was holding and walked over to Bell, before wrapping her arms around his torso and hugging him.
'I'm very happy I found you that day, Bell.' Whispered Hestia, only for Bell to pat her on the head.
'Me too.' Whispered Bell, returning the embrace with his left arm, leaving his right on her silky hair.
The two held their embrace for a few seconds, before the soup started to boil, coming dangerously close to boiling over.
'I need to take the soup off the stove.' Said Bell, causing Hestia to reluctantly release her hold.
Hestia then quickly moved back to the salad, while Bell took the soup off the stove. A few minutes later, Bell took the fish and potato snacks out of the stone oven. As the pair sat down for their meal, sitting across from each other, there was a pleasant atmosphere around them.
"It really does feel like a family…" Thought Bell with a small smile, before remembering what Freya had said, making him wonder what kind of family he could form with his Goddess.
A moment later, Bell remembered a crucial topic he still needed to tell Hestia about, Freya herself.
'Um Goddess, there is something strange that did happen today… do you know the Goddess Freya?' Asked Bell, causing Hestia to choke as she accidentally swallowed her potato snack whole.
Bell's eyes widened at seeing his Goddess choke and quickly came around the table to pat her back. The busty goddess grasped for her glass of water and drank the entire thing, before a ball like lump passed down her throat.
'Why *huff* are you *pant* asking about Freya?' Asked Hestia between gasps.
'Well, I met her today…' Started Bell, before Hestia turned around and grabbed him by the shirt with both hands.
'Did she do anything to you?' Asked Hestia urgently.
'N-No!' Spluttered Bell, causing Hestia to sigh.
"What am I even worrying about? Bell can't be charmed in the first place." Thought Hestia, as she remembered Bell's skill.
'Why did you meet Freya today?' Asked Hestia.
'Should we finish eating first before I explain?' Asked Bell nervously.
'It's fine, let's pause for a minute.' Said Hestia, before walking over to the couch and patting the seat next to her, once she had sat down.
Bell nodded and picked up the book on his way, causing Hestia to notice it again.
'Well, she gave me this. She said it was a grimoire and would help me learn some magic.' Said Bell, causing Hestia's eyes to bulge.
'And you took it! Do you know how much they are worth?' Asked Hestia in disbelief.
'I know, a lot, but it was a trade. She said she would give it to me in exchange for something.' Said Bell, causing Hestia's hair to stand on edge.
'What did she ask for?' Asked Hestia anxiously.
'She just wanted to come over tomorrow for a home cooked dinner.' Said Bell, causing Hestia's hair to deflate.
'Eh? That's it?' Asked Hestia in confusion.
Bell nodded his head, looking at Hestia in confusion.
'Yeah, why is that so surprising?' Asked Bell.
'Freya… is known for her specific hobby. She is not known for being interested in food.' Said Hestia carefully.
'But is that because no one else can be around her?' Asked Bell, causing Hestia to tilt her head to the side.
'What do you mean?' Asked Hestia.
'Well, it seems like she can't just walk down the street like you or I… she seems lonely.' Said Bell.
Hestia tried to wrap her head around the fact that Bell thought the Goddess of Beauty, who bent all races and sexes to her will, could possibly be lonely.
'Bell, Freya is a Goddess who is constantly surrounded by admirers, I find it hard to believe she could be lonely.' Said Hestia carefully.
'But an admirer isn't a friend.' Said Bell, causing Hestia's mouth to open slightly in surprise.
Hestia sighed after a minute and shook her head, her ponytails swaying slightly.
'So in exchange for a grimoire, Freya is coming over for dinner tomorrow, is that it?' Asked Hestia.
Bell wanted to say something else, to speak about what Freya had said concerning the relationship between the deities and their followers, but thought better of it and settled for nodding. Hestia then picked up the grimoire and leafed through it, noticing it was blank.
'Just as I thought. A grimoire is single use only, this is worthless now.' Said Hestia, before placing the book down.
'Come on then, let's finish dinner and update your status, unless you have any other surprises to tell me about.' Suggested Hestia, sending Bell an inquisitive glance.
Bell shook his head before the pair returned to the table. Dinner concluded quickly and quietly after that, before the pair moved to the bed. Bell rested his weight on his arms, before his Goddess sat on his back.
Bell Cranel
Level One
Strength: H-175 - B-725
Endurance: H-120 - B-798
Dexterity: G-210 - A-824
Agility: F-332 - A-888
Magic: I-0
Magic:
(Firebolt)
• Swift-Strike Magic
Skills ( - )
After a few minutes had passed, Bell turned his head to the side.
'Is something wrong, Goddess?' Asked Bell.
'I… forgot… we never updated your status after those four floors… now with your training on top of that.' Mumbled Hestia in disbelief.
'Is something wrong? Did I lose excelia because we waited?' Asked Bell nervously.
'No, Bell, your status has increased by more than two thousand points.' Said Hestia.
'What?' Asked Bell, turning around until the Goddess was now sitting on his abdomen, so he could look her in the eye.
Wide and innocent blue eyes locked with his red, no trace of deceit in them, only a flicker of disbelief.
'Even taking out four floors I wouldn't have expected this much. Sure, if the Sword Princess was knocking you out completely, the endurance boost makes some sense… but the rest… have you been sneaking training in somewhere else?' Asked Hestia.
'Not really, I've just been working at the Hostess of Fertility… and one time we went to buy me armour and weapons, that's it really.' Said Bell slowly, thinking that his day-to-day activities would hardly count as a form of training.
'Bell, once we've dealt with dinner with Freya tomorrow, I think we need to have a chat about something. For now though, we should focus on your magic.' Said Hestia, bringing his attention to the new magic he had gained.
'Oh, that reminds me, Goddess Freya asked if I could show her my magic tomorrow, do you think that is okay?' Asked Bell.
'Well, considering it is thanks to her that you have this magic at all, I don't really think we have the choice to refuse really.' Said Hestia.
'Is that okay though?' Asked Bell again.
'Let me speak with Freya tomorrow, just be prepared in case. I think that is enough excitement for tonight though. Let's go to sleep now.' Said Hestia, sliding off Bell and lying down next to him, before grabbing on to him.
'What are you doing, Goddess?' Asked Bell bashfully.
'You spent all day getting beaten up, just let me comfort you like this tonight, it will ease my heart too.' Said Hestia, resting her head on his chest.
'If it's for your sake then I will not refuse.' Said Bell, causing Hestia to smile.
It was warm enough that Bell only needed to pull the blanket up to their waists, before resting as well, the two falling asleep peacefully minutes later.
-line break-
Waking the next morning, Bell made his way to the Hostess of Fertility, before the sun was even fully visible over the horizon.
'Bell, you're here so early.' Commented Syr, her face looking slightly sleepy still, even as she smiled at the boy.
'So are you though. I wanted to get in early today, because I have something special I need to do this afternoon.' Said Bell.
'Oh, do you have a date?' Teased Syr, her eyes lighting up in amusement.
'No, I need to prepare dinner for a guest tonight.' Said Bell, causing Syr to tilt her head to the side.
'Bell, that sounds like a date.' Pointed out Syr.
'It's with Goddesses though… I don't think I could date a Goddess.' Mumbled Bell.
Syr walked over to Bell and held his face in her hands.
'If you ask me Bell, I think you are very special, I'm sure even a Goddess would fall for you.' Said Syr softly, causing Bell's cheeks to flare to life.
Syr giggled and let go of Bell, before continuing to set up the pub.
'Syr… do you have someone… special… in your life?' Asked Bell curiously.
'I have lots of special people in my life, but if you mean do I have a special someone… no, I don't. I guess I am waiting for someone very special.' Said Syr with a wink, causing Bell to flush.
'Actually, I wanted to ask something else.' Started Bell, before Ryuu descended the stairs.
'Mr. Cranel, I thought you weren't going to be here today.' Commented Ryuu in surprise.
'I still have to make Miss Ais breakfast at least, but I probably won't be back for lunch. Also, why am I Mr. Cranel again?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to look off to the side, while Syr giggled.
'S-sorry, Bell. I was surprised to see you here today and misspoke.' Said Ryuu.
'So what was the other thing you wanted to ask about, Bell?' Asked Syr, as she pushed a chair under a table, taking the heat of her blushing friend.
'I learned a magic yesterday, but I don't know how to use it.' Admitted Bell.
'Were you not going to ask Miss Ais about it?' Asked Syr.
'Well I was, but… I don't think she uses magic.' Confessed Bell.
Syr spared a glance at the green-haired Elf, before answering.
'Well why don't you see if she has any advice, I'm sure there are some people in the Loki Familia who use magic, so she might have some suggestions. If not, I'm sure I can find something or someone to help you out.' Suggested Syr.
'You always seem to know what to do Syr, thanks.' Praised Bell with a smile, causing the girl to smile as well.
'Of course, I'll always do my best to help out our favourite chef.' Said Syr.
'Ah, that reminds me, have either of you had breakfast yet?' Asked Bell.
The two girls shared a look, before shaking their heads.
'Then I can at least make something for all of us now. I'm sure Miss Ais will be here soon as well.' Offered Bell.
Bell went into the kitchen, leaving the two waitresses alone.
'Syr, I…' Started Ryuu, only for Syr to raise her finger to her lips.
'I won't tell, it is up to you.' Said Syr with a wink.
Ryuu clenched her hands for a moment before relaxing, her impassive façade remaining in place. Syr was perhaps the most important person in her life right now, but the girl never asked anything of her. Syr had done so much for Ryuu already, but Ryuu felt she had not done anything in return. As Ryuu helped Syr set up the tables while wrestling with her indecision, Ryuu's thoughts shifted to the dynamic between Syr and Bell. It was clear Syr cared for Bell, perhaps more than the boy realised. It was also clear that Syr wanted to help Bell, but didn't have the means to do so herself. Ryuu did have the means to do so, but was crippled by her own fears. Ryuu gave a deep sigh as she finished setting up, before Bell came out of the kitchen.
'Almost done.' Said Bell, getting Syr and Ryuu's attention.
The two made to sit down, only for the front door to open. Given the early hour, it would have been very unlikely that it could have been a customer, so the pair settled for turning their heads to the door, instead of standing up. Their suspicions were justified as it was not a customer, but was in fact the Sword Princess, who had gracefully entered the establishment.
'Ah, that's good timing.' Said Bell, as he came out with two plates, one in each hand.
Bell set the plates down before entering the kitchen again, with Syr patting the seat next to her, indicating for Ais to sit beside her. Bell returned and then placed a plate down in the spot Ais had just sat, before placing a plate opposite the three. Bell then came out with a pot of tea and four mugs. Finally, Bell brought back some milk, sugar, and honey, before grabbing a stool and sitting in front of the three.
'I'd thought I'd make something simple this time.' Said Bell, as he added a spoonful of sugar to his tea, before he poured some milk in.
'Simple? It looks pretty special to me.' Said Syr, as she picked up her sandwich appraisingly.
Bell had made them all grilled cheese sandwiches, but had added some things in for each person. Ryuu's had some fresh basil leaves, Syr's had some dried mint, and Ais' had some chilli sauce. Each sandwich also had some thinly sliced pieces of fresh tomato. If anything, they could have passed for a rudimentary pizza, especially looking at the bread, since it seemed Bell had spread a generous amount of olive oil along each piece, giving the bread a nice, bronzed look.
'I agree, this looks difficult.' Added Ais, taking a bite of her sandwich, enjoying the tingle on her tongue.
'I suspect you need to redefine what your definition of simple is, this is splendid.' Finished Ryuu, enjoying the freshness of the basil.
'What did you put in your sandwich, Bell?' Asked Syr, taking a bite of her sandwich.
'I put everything in, I try to pack as much flavour in as I can, but I know that can be a little overwhelming for some people.' Said Bell.
'Well how can we know if we don't get a taste?' Asked Syr.
'Okay then.' Said Bell, popping back into the kitchen again.
Syr smiled, thinking she would have a chance to tease Bell, only to see him return with a knife, before he cut his sandwich into four pieces and handed each of them a piece, before eating his own.
'What about your breakfast?' Asked Ais, eyeing the piece curiously.
'I'm making another one, it only takes a few minutes.' Said Bell.
Syr pouted at being foiled in her attempt, with Bell remaining none the wiser.
'I must admit, it is a lot to take in at first, but with a bit of time, it does break down into a few distinct flavours.' Appraised Ryuu.
'So what did you prefer the most?' Asked Bell.
'I will admit, I preferred the one specially made for me.' Admitted Ryuu.
'I agree.' Said Ais with a nod.
'I don't know, I like trying new things out, I think I liked your version best.' Said Syr, even as Ryuu felt a bead of sweat go down her neck at the thought of Syr trying out more of her own recipes.
Bell smiled before going back to the kitchen and bringing out his second sandwich, taking a bite out of it.
'Maybe we can make something together later then.' Suggested Bell, causing Ryuu to relax her shoulders in relief.
'But I want to surprise you with something I made up myself.' Said Syr, causing Ryuu to freeze again.
'Uh, why don't we think about it later then.' Said Bell, taking another bite of his sandwich.
After the group had finished up, Ryuu volunteered to collect the plates and went to wash up.
'So Miss Ais, Bell was wondering if you had any experience with magic.' Started Syr, as she poured herself some tea.
'Magic? Do you have a magic?' Asked Ais in response to Syr's question, turning to face Bell questioningly.
'Goddess Freya gave me a grimoire yesterday and wanted me to learn a magic from it.' Explained Bell, only for the stoic swordswoman to blink.
'You should never tell anyone else that.' Said Ais sternly, surprising Bell.
'W-why not?' Asked Bell.
'For your own safety. A grimoire itself is something adventurers would fight and possibly kill over. The fact that you got one from a rival Familia, especially one as prominent as the Freya Familia, would cause an uproar.' Said Ais.
'But Miss Ais, aren't you helping Bell as well? Furthermore, isn't the Loki Familia just as prominent?' Asked Syr, taking a sip of her tea and smiling.
'Exactly. Which is why I am going to great lengths to hide it.' Said Ais.
'To answer your question though, I would not be very much help with magic. The most skilled magic users in our Familia would be, Riveria, and behind her, one of our newest members, Lefiya. I do not think I would be able to secure their help in teaching you though.' Admitted Ais.
'That's okay, worth a try, I guess. Is there anything I should know though?' Asked Bell, finishing up his sandwich and having a sip of his tea.
'Magic depletes your mind. It causes mental fatigue rather than physical. Unfortunately, the only real way to work on this is to use your magic often and push yourself to the limit. It is very dangerous and why people usually do not develop their magic very far, if they even acquire it in the first place.' Said Ais.
'How do you recover your mind then?' Asked Bell.
'There are potions. Otherwise, rest.' Said Ais, causing Bell to nod.
Bell then drank the rest of his tea, before going back to the kitchen. Bell came back out with a few objects wrapped in foil.
'Since I won't be back for lunch, here are some extra sandwiches. I'm not sure where Ryuu went, but I made some for her as well.' Said Bell, placing down two bundles next to Syr, before placing one in front of Ais.
'Should we get going now?' Asked Bell, getting a nod from Ais as she picked up her sandwich.
'I suspect this will be the last time I can train you for a few days. As my punishment for going off by myself in the Dungeon last night, I need to attend the Monsterphilia event with my Goddess tomorrow. I am not sure if I can train with you the day after that either, as we will need to go and get our weapons repaired following our last expedition.' Said Ais.
'Why would you be punished for going into the Dungeon by yourself?' Asked Bell, furrowing his brows in confusion.
'It is dangerous to go into the Dungeon alone, so it is important to stick with a group.' Said Ais, before noticing Bell's expression fall.
'Oh. I didn't know that.' Admitted Bell, as he looked off to the side.
"He is alone… I forgot." Thought Ais, noticing Syr's expression also had fallen.
'That's okay though, I'm sure with your training, I should be fine now. I probably need to start going back into the Dungeon again anyway, I can't let my Goddess do all the hard work.' Said Bell, plastering a small smile on his face, but both could tell it wasn't genuine.
'We should get going soon.' Said Bell, coming around the counter.
'Bell, make sure you come back to get your ingredients for dinner tonight, they've already been paid for.' Said Syr.
'Sure, I'll be back in a little while.' Said Bell, before he left with Ais.
'Are you okay, Ryuu?' Asked Syr, as her fellow waitress came to join her.
'I'm fine…' Said Ryuu, causing her friend to sigh.
'If you say so.' Said Syr, before the two continued to get things ready for the breakfast rush.
-line break-
'Do you want to practice your magic today?' Asked Ais, once the two reached their training spot.
'Yes, if you don't mind. I would have tested it out in the Dungeon first, but if I can pass out while using it, I would like to know my limit first.' Rationalised Bell, getting a nod from Ais.
'That is smart. There are two outcomes from magic overuse. The first is Mind Down, which is essentially being mentally exhausted. Mind Zero however is essentially fainting from magic overuse. You can use a potion during Mind Down, but hitting Mind Zero in the Dungeon alone is almost certain death.' Explained Ais, to which Bell nodded.
'Okay. So how do I use my magic?' Asked Bell.
'What was the chant on your status sheet?' Asked Ais.
'Uh, it didn't have a chant, just the name… it said Swift-Strike Magic under it as well.' Said Bell, causing the normally expressionless Ais to widen her eyes again for the second time this hour.
'Bell, you should absolutely only tell that to your allies. Swift-Strike Magic has two strengths, speed, and the element of surprise. The more people that know about it, the less chance you have of surprising someone. Especially now at your level, you need to keep as many secrets up your sleeve as possible.' Explained Ais, only for Bell to twitch.
'Uh, Goddess Freya asked to see my magic as well though.' Added Bell.
Ais seemed to scrunch her face up slightly, almost showing displeasure with this.
'I suppose I cannot forbid you from doing so, considering that it is only through her you have magic in the first place… never mind then. Just make sure when you are against an enemy, save it for when you need it most.' Instructed Ais, getting a nod from Bell.
'Well, I guess here goes…' Said Bell, aiming his hand upwards.
'Firebolt.' Chanted Bell, before a ruffled beam of fire with sparks running along it, exploded out of his hand with such force he fell on his behind.
Ais had followed the attack into the air with her eyes, noting it lived up to its name. A bolt of fire with a swift speed. It would be an excellent surprise attack, but didn't seem to be particularly damaging at this stage, although that was likely due to Bell's inexperience.
'Bell, aim at me.' Instructed Ais, causing Bell to look at her in disbelief.
'What do you mean? I can't attack you!' Protested Bell.
'This is training, just like before. I do not think your attack will cause me much damage, but I will block or dodge. This is training for both of us.' Explained Ais.
Bell still looked reluctant as he stood to his feet, nervously stretching his hand out.
'Are you ready?' Asked Bell, getting a nod from Ais.
'F-Firebolt.' Said Bell with a small wince, as his fiery attack sought to engulf his mentor.
The blast of energy was split in half by the Sword Princess, the turbulent energy dissipating quickly, but not without scorching the earth below them first.
'Again.' Said Ais.
Bell obliged, but this time, Ais deflected the attack into the air with slightly more difficulty. It seemed given its chaotic nature, redirecting the attack completely was harder than partially nullifying it.
'Now, do as many as fast as you can, I will dodge, try to follow me.' Said Ais.
Bell took a deep breath in and prepared himself, at least now knowing Ais could deflect his attack easily if needed, but he still wasn't thrilled.
'Firebolt.' Said Bell, before Ais vanished from his eyeline.
It took two seconds, but Bell then spotted a wisp of blonde hair off to the right and quickly moved his arm in that direction.
'Firebolt.' Repeated Bell, only for Ais to vanish again, but now she seemed to be moving closer to him, reducing the time she had to dodge.
Three more attacks and Ais was now only two metres away. Bell felt a cold sweat go down his neck.
"Is this what a First-Class adventurer is capable of?" Thought Bell nervously.
'Firebolt.' Called Bell, only to find Ais was now within arm's reach.
'F-Firebolt.' Said Bell one last time, only to find his arm was pointed up into the sky, his elbow in the grip of the Sword Princess.
'You almost got me with that last one. This is a very good close range trump card for those stronger than you.' Appraised Ais, only to see Bell now looked dazed.
Ais tilted her head to the side, before carefully lowering Bell's arm and pulling him along, before sitting him down against the wall.
"Ten attacks until Mind Down. That is quite a good starting point." Reviewed Ais as she looked down at the boy, before sitting beside him.
Ais looked at her hand, noticing it felt warm.
"It was reasonably powerful too, even for a novice mage." Thought Ais.
Ais stared up at the sky, contemplating things. It was hard for Ais to rationalise if the boy beside her was strong or not. With each level up, it became harder for Ais to remember what she had been like in the beginning. Ais recalled when she had first met Riveria and had been a level one adventurer herself. She was no match for the strict Elf and found herself frustrated with her often. Glancing at the boy beside her, Ais rationalised the dynamic was far different, with Bell accepting whatever Ais imparted on him without doubt and taking her teachings to heart.
"Was I a bad student?" Wondered Ais, questioning if that was the reason for her delayed growth compared to Bell's.
Bell's eyes still seemed to be zoned out, causing Ais to take advantage of the situation and pat his head.
"He is running ahead now, not away. I… I stopped running somewhere along the way." Thought Ais, withdrawing her hand.
"A goal. I have a goal too… did I lose sight of why I want to get stronger?" Thought Ais, before noting a strange feeling welling up inside her.
Looking back at the boy who was starting to rouse beside her, she looked at his form and saw the same overlap she had the first time they met.
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Flashback
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The Loki Familia was returning from their expedition from the deeper floors. A large group of Minotaur had approached them on their way back to the surface, but almost seconds later after engaging them in battle, they had suddenly started to flee from the Loki Familia. Despite the absurdity of the situation, it made sense on paper, the Loki Familia had level five and level six adventurers, in addition to a plethora of others, while a Minotaur really only matched to a level two at best. The herd of Minotaur split up across the floors, with a member of the Loki Familia staying behind on each floor to clear them out.
"Fifth floor… there is one more." Thought Ais.
'I smell it up ahead!' Said Bete, running forwards, with Ais quickly following.
Ais and Bete spotted a rookie adventurer who had just ducked to avoid an attack and rolled away from the follow up. The pattern repeated until the boy was now pressed against the wall. Ais moved like the wind and sliced the Minotaur apart.
'Are you… all right?' Asked Ais, her eyes widening as the boy's image changed to hers from many years ago.
'Can you stand up?' Asked Ais, holding her sword against her thighs, as she squatted down slightly and offered him her hand.
The boy looked shocked, he opened his mouth to try and reply but couldn't, his face started to turn red for a reason unknown to Ais, before he stood up and ran away without a word.
That night, Ais dreamt of something she hadn't for many years. The day she was in the same position as that boy and also required someone to save her, her father. The boy with white hair had reminded her of happier times. Times she had forgotten. Memories that were precious to her.
That next night though, her precious memories started to be smothered again, knowing she would not be able to have a peaceful life like that again. Then the boy had run away from her and her Familia a second time, but this time Ais had made to follow, before she had stopped herself.
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End Flashback
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'Miss Ais, is everything okay?' Asked Bell, snapping Ais back to the present day.
'Yes. Ten. You managed ten attacks before a Mind Down.' Said Ais curtly.
'How long did it take for me to recover?' Asked Bell, seeing the sun was still quite low in the sky.
'One hour.' Said Ais, causing Bell's eyes to widen.
'S-sorry for making you wait for me for so long, I should have gotten some potions.' Apologised Bell.
'Sorry? Ah, yes.' Said Ais, making to stand.
Bell watched as she stood in front of him and bowed her head.
'I'm sorry for what Bete said about you that night. I did not feel the same and what he said wasn't right, but I did not defend you, only Riveria did.' Apologised Ais.
'N-no, that's nothing you need to apologise for… I should apologise too. I wanted to thank you for saving me that day, but I… I felt so embarrassed, I didn't know what to say.' Apologised Bell, causing Ais to raise her head.
'You ran away… because you were embarrassed? I thought I scared you.' Said Ais, her head tilted to the side.
'W-What? No, I… you were the hero who saved the day, why would I be scared of someone like that? I was embarrassed that I needed to be saved at all.' Stammered Bell, before clamming up as he looked to the ground.
'I see.' Said Ais, as a silence engulfed the pair.
Bell spared a look up and noticed that Ais had a small smile. Bell found himself drawn to the delicate looking face. Ais rarely seemed to express much in the way of emotion, but right now, only one word came to mind as Bell stared at her.
"Cute." Thought Bell, even as the wind lightly swayed her blonde locks behind her, looking every bit like the princess she was dubbed to be.
'I'm not sure if you heard what I said, but that attack is a very good close range trump card for those stronger than you.' Repeated Ais, getting a nod from Bell.
'So try and keep it for emergencies or strong enemies?' Asked Bell, seeking clarification.
'Yes, but you should keep practicing it as well, even if it is against weaker enemies, so it can get stronger.' Added Ais, getting another nod from Bell.
'I will. Thank you again very much for all of your help.' Said Bell, bowing at the waist.
"Thank you for reminding me about those important memories... even if… I can't chase those happy feelings anymore." Thought Ais, a twinge of regret at the back of her mind.
'If you need help…' Started Ais before stopping.
'I'm sure I'll see you at the Hostess of Fertility another time and I can tell you how much stronger I've become.' Said Bell, cutting off the girl.
Ais smiled and gave a nod, leaving whatever she wanted to say unsaid, an understanding passing between the two. Ais turned on her heel and walked off, with Bell jogging away as well.
"I want to see what you will become… maybe you will have the answer I need." Thought Ais, as she glanced back for a moment, before heading back to Twilight Manor, the home of the Loki Familia, sensing she needed to speak with Riveria about some things.