So, we are almost there, to a lot of things.
Anime coming soon.
DanChro first anniversary with more original content.
Finally got around to reading the eighteenth light novel. (Why does Omori write his side characters as main characters and his main characters as side characters?)
I've also written chapter 32 and am halfway through chapter 33 already. For context, that means I'm up to the fourth light novel in terms of pacing, but I've probably written a bit more than that, since it is 230K words total so far, where each novel has been around 60-70K words each, but I am incorporating stuff from SO and my own content obviously, as well as bringing stuff from later on in a bit earlier. Various snippets for free on pat reon and if I do get three more SSJ3 members, I'll do two updates a month once the anime debuts, which I can maintain for a year at this point.
In less pleasant news, my own health isn't the greatest so I'm going to be getting some infusions over the next few weeks. Might mean I have more time to write, as I might have to take sick leave, or it might mean I can't write at all because I'll be too tired. We'll see how it goes.
In any case, I'm really excited for us to really get into the story of Bell the Hero, which kicks off next chapter.
As for Bell and his harem, that's what we are really getting into with what I am writing now, not to say there won't be plenty of Ais, Ryuu, and Syr in the next dozen or so chapters, but you will also be getting a lot of other people hinted at (whether I pull the trigger or not remains to be seen). Obviously Airmid is one of them as you can see from the "A Date with Airmid" chapter I posted for free, but of course there are more, accidentally a large proportion of which are Elves of all way, shape, and form, but also deities, waitresses, and more.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell would again venture into the Dungeon to practice his magic, but while leaving it, would stumble upon a Jack Bird. Exchanging the Jack Bird's Golden Egg, Bell would take half of his earnings and split it between the Blue Pharmacy and Hostess of Fertility, before he and Ryuu would head to Monsterphilia, looking for Syr, who had left her purse behind. Elsewhere, Freya and Loki, with Ais accompanying her, would speak, with Loki inquiring who Freya was after. Freya would reassure Loki she had no plans to cause any harm, before spotting Bell and Ryuu in the streets, causing her to abruptly leave.
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 10 – Festival attractions
'Thank you for coming with me, Ryuu. I'm sure I would have gotten lost even with all the signs.' Said Bell, as the pair walked around.
'It is of no concern, Bell. If it concerns Syr, I am always happy to offer my aid.' Replied Ryuu softly, waving off Bell's gratitude as her eyes methodically searched the streets.
'Have you known Syr for a long time now?' Asked Bell curiously, turning to look at Ryuu's profile, only to notice she seemed intensely focused on her task.
'Yes. Many years now.' Stated Ryuu simply.
Bell was momentarily at a loss for words at the curt response, having expected Ryuu to offer something more to work with for their conversation. The pair continued to walk through the streets while Bell tried to think of something to say but felt cowed at Ryuu's determined demeanour.
'Do you know where she might be?' Asked Bell after a while.
'I cannot say that I do, Syr is very unpredictable.' Answered Ryuu, causing Bell to smile softly.
'She really is, isn't she? I don't know how you have been able to keep up with her for so long.' Commented Bell, causing Ryuu to spare a moment to look at the boy.
'I would not say that I have been able to keep up with Syr, I just know that I can trust her in the long term, although that does not mean there have not been problems at times.' Admitted Ryuu, unconsciously placing her hand on her stomach.
'Ah, I was wondering something, before I came along, who did Syr test her cooking on?' Asked Bell, noticing where Ryuu had placed her hand.
'… before meeting you, Syr did not cook.' Revealed Ryuu after a pause.
'Oh, I hope I haven't caused you and the others any problems then.' Mumbled Bell nervously.
Ryuu held her tongue, as she moved her hand away from her stomach, and stopped walking, turning to face Bell.
'Please do not concern yourself with such a thing, Syr enjoys preparing things with you and we also enjoy when the two of you prepare things together. Perhaps even more so when you are present, so please let us know before you go on any long adventures.' Requested Ryuu, deciding on her approach.
'Of course, although I think I probably won't be doing too much adventuring right now, I'm just hoping to practice my magic a bit. I almost caused a Mind Down today in the Dungeon.' Recalled Bell, causing Ryuu to look at him sharply.
'That is quite dangerous, are you all right?' Asked Ryuu.
'Yeah, I had some potions with me, and I was being careful, it was because I tried to do something different.' Elaborated Bell, patting his thigh, which held his potion holster.
'Something different?' Asked Ryuu curiously.
'Yeah. I was using my magic with one hand or the other mostly, but I couldn't catch the Jack Bird, so I pushed as much mind as I could to make magic come out of both hands.' Explained Bell, causing Ryuu to stop walking.
'You purposely overloaded yourself with an untested technique in a dangerous environment?' Inquired Ryuu carefully.
'Well when you put it like that, it sounds pretty dumb.' Laughed Bell nervously.
'If I may… the next time you wish to experiment with your magic, could you speak with one of us first?' Requested Ryuu.
'Do some of you know magic?' Asked Bell, getting a nod from Ryuu.
'Yes.' Said Ryuu.
'Elves can use magic normally right, like without a blessing?' Inquired Bell.
'Yes. It is through a different method than one acquires magic through a Falna, but it can be accomplished.' Answered Ryuu.
Before Bell could continue his line of questioning, a new voice interjected.
'Bell, I found you!' Exclaimed Hestia, as she ran up to the pair.
'Goddess, what are you doing here?' Asked Bell.
'I was about to ask you the same thing. Again, with an Elf, is there something you want to tell me, hmm?' Asked Hestia with narrowed eyes.
'W-We were just looking for Syr, Ryuu was just helping me around as I didn't know where Monsterphilia was.' Explained Bell quickly, holding his hands up defensively.
'Yes, please forgive us for commandeering Mr. Cranel's time, I will also return once we find our colleague.' Added Ryuu.
'Oh, is that so?' Asked Hestia, eyes narrowed sharply, getting a nod from Ryuu a moment later.
'Well that's okay then.' Said Hestia, relaxing at the Elf's words.
"Although I doubt things are going to stay like this for long. Ha, Bell, why did you have to become a playboy instead of staying my sweet little boy instead?" Internally whined Hestia.
'Why don't I help you look for her too then? It can be like a date, since anyone who comes here would surely look at the attractions too. This way we can find her along the way.' Proposed Hestia.
'Uh, sure, but we should really find Syr before getting sidetracked.' Acquiesced Bell.
'I told you, if we are looking for someone, we need to check the attractions.' Insisted Hestia, taking Bell's hand and leading him through the streets.
'S-Sorry Ryu.' Apologised Bell, as the Elf followed along.
'It is quite all right, we are the ones asking you for a favour, it would be unfair to prevent you from enjoying the festival too.' Commented Ryuu, as she followed along.
'Ah, Bell, let's get something to share.' Decided Hestia, making for a potato popper stand.
'Ah, Miss Ais.' Intoned Bell in surprise, causing Hestia to blink.
'Of all the luck.' Grumbled Hestia, as the group ran into Loki and Ais.
'Oh, what are you up to itty-bitty?' Asked Loki.
'I'm on a date with my precious Bell. What are you doing?' Asked Hestia, grabbing Bell's arm.
'I'm on a date with my adorable Ais.' Countered Loki, slinging an arm over Ais' shoulders.
'Miss Sword Princess, you haven't seen Syr around by any chance, have you?' Asked Ryuu.
'No, but I will keep an eye out for her for you.' Replied Ais, getting a nod from Ryuu.
'Thank you.' Said Ryuu.
'You're looking for Syr are you… ah, you're that boy who ran out on Mama Mia, aren't you?' Asked Loki, finally taking a moment to appraise Bell.
'Yeah.' Admitted Bell quietly, hanging his head.
'Please do not concern yourself with that incident, Goddess Loki. Mr. Cranel has been a tremendous help to the Hostess of Fertility and all debts have been paid.' Interjected Ryuu, her tone firm.
'Oh, is that so? Well, as long as Mama Mia is happy with that. You though, are you still going into the Dungeon?' Asked Loki, directing her question at Bell, who had now raised his head again.
'Yes I am.' Answered Bell.
'Not scared of running into any big monsters anymore?' Asked Loki.
'No. I am still plenty scared of them, but I'm stronger now and won't run from them.' Admitted Bell firmly, causing Loki to open her eyes slightly.
'Yep, I'm definitely never letting you meet Bete again. Well, we will continue on our date for now. Syr wasn't back that way and we're going that way next, so maybe try another direction.' Informed Loki, pointing behind them and off to the right.
'Thanks.' Said Bell, getting a raised eyebrow from Loki, before she walked off with Ais.
'Bell, I don't want you spending so much time with Loki's Familia. I know I gave you a short exemption for your training with Miss Wallenstein, but they are trouble. Not to mention Freya.' Whispered Hestia, as the trio started walking in the other direction.
'What do you mean?' Asked Bell, turning to Hestia, who had a frown on her face.
'If I may, Mr. Cranel, the Loki and Freya Familia are both top Familia in Orario and in a sense, in competition with each other. While it seems you are enjoying assistance from both at the moment, there may come a time where one will no longer be happy with you affiliating with the other.' Interjected Ryuu quietly.
'Yes, exactly. I don't even know which one of them bugs me most really.' Added Hestia.
'But why can't they get along, wouldn't it make more sense for the two strongest Familia to work together to explore the Dungeon?' Asked Bell.
'Your idealism is truly remarkable, Mr. Cranel, unfortunately, very few people would share this opinion.' Spoke Ryuu softly.
'Miss Elf is right, Bell, most of the Gods and Goddesses don't get along, or simply enjoy chaos. Coming together and working as a team would be a rare event.' Added Hestia, causing Bell to sigh.
'Okay then, I just thought it would have been a good idea. Ah, it's Syr!' Sighed Bell, before spotting a head of blueish-grey hair.
'Bell, Ryuu, Goddess Hestia? What are the three of you doing?' Asked Syr, turning to face the group.
Syr was only wearing the green dress which usually made up her waitress uniform, with the collar open and the sleeves slightly rolled back.
'We were looking for you. Anya wanted me to give you your purse.' Revealed Bell, showing Syr the purse.
'Oops, I guess I forgot. Now that we are all here though, why don't we look around together, it can be like a group date.' Proposed Syr.
'S-Syr, I should be getting back now that we have found you.' Stammered Ryuu.
'If Mama Mia let you go to search for me, then she knew it might take you a while, you can spare a little bit of time for me, right?' Pressed Syr, causing Ryuu to nod meekly.
'A group date? So, you are trying to monopolise my precious Bell's time.' Said Hestia, narrowing her eyes at the girl.
'Spending time with Bell is just so much fun though, don't you agree? Even spending some time with him with others around is still very exciting.' Said Syr.
'Is there really much to do around here though?' Asked Bell.
'Of course there is. This must be your first time, so why don't you let me show you what to do.' Said Syr, causing Hestia to frown.
'You'll have to show me as well then, since this is my first time too.' Interjected Hestia.
'Of course, I'd be happy to show both of you how to do things, follow me.' Said Syr, taking Bell's hand and pulling him along.
'Have you had something to eat yet?' Asked Syr, only for Bell's stomach to groan, causing the girl to giggle.
'Come on then, let's get something to eat first, then we can play some of the games.' Declared Syr, before leading them over to a stand.
'Could we have four skewers?' Asked Syr.
'What are we getting?' Asked Bell.
'Crumbed fish skewers. It is important to not get things that will take up both of your hands, so something on a skewer is convenient.' Explained Syr, before the stand owner handed her four skewers wrapped in brown paper.
'Bell, this is my treat since you went to the trouble of getting me my purse.' Said Syr, seeing Bell reaching for his money pouch.
'Are you sure?' Asked Bell.
'Of course. You can just get desert.' Continued Syr, causing Bell to weakly chuckle.
'Here you go, Ryuu, and for you as well, Goddess Hestia.' Finished Syr, offering each one of them a skewer.
'Thank you.' Said Ryuu, as she accepted the food, with Hestia doing the same.
'Yes, thank you.' Nodded Hestia, causing the girl to smile.
'Come on, we can check out some of the other stalls while we eat.' Declared Syr, before directing them down the path.
'So what did you get up to today, Bell, I can't imagine you've spent all this time looking for me with Ryuu?' Asked Syr, as her eyes darted between stands.
'Ah, I went into the Dungeon today to practice my magic a bit more.' Replied Bell.
'Anything exciting happen today?' Asked Syr, as she led them towards a small jewellery stand.
'Oh, I did find a Jack Bird today.' Admitted Bell, causing Hestia to look at him in surprise.
'Is that the golden goose thing?' Asked Hestia.
'Well, I think it was more of a rooster.' Recalled Bell, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
'Oh, did you catch it?' Asked Syr.
'Yes.' Replied Bell, causing Syr to smile.
'Maybe you should have bought the food instead then.' Giggled Syr.
'Ah, don't start trying to dig your claws into my Bell just because you know he has valis now!' Exclaimed Hestia, grabbing Bell's arm.
'Oh that's okay, I'm not interested in Bell for his valis.' Spoke Syr with a smile, causing Hestia to relax her grip for a second, before realising what she had said.
'So you are after Bell?' Snapped Hestia.
'Well can you really blame me?' Countered Syr, rendering Hestia speechless and causing Bell to blush and look away from the two.
'The jewellery here does look quite expensive, Syr.' Commented Ryuu, eyeing some of the price tags.
'Oh that's okay, Ryuu, I was just looking. Besides, it isn't the cost of something that determines its worth, it is who gives it to you. Although I did say I would get some souvenirs for the others, let's keep going.' Explained Syr, before moving on.
'Hah?' Gaped Hestia in surprise.
'Goddess, is everything okay?' Asked Bell, as Syr and Ryuu walked ahead of the pair.
'It's nothing, Bell… your friends are just more interesting than I was expecting.' Muttered Hestia, narrowing her eyes as she watched Syr smile, as the girl looked over the stands.
'Anyway, I was meaning to tell you something this morning, but you snuck off before I woke up.' Continued Hestia, causing Bell to scratch the side of his face.
'I just wanted to give you a bit of time to yourself after yesterday. I did put you through a lot of trouble last evening.' Mumbled Bell.
'Hey you two, don't fall behind!' Called Syr, turning back to the pair, causing them to quicken their steps.
'I would never say spending time with you is trouble, Bell. Freya is just… *sigh* Freya.' Grumbled Hestia.
'Oh, how was your dinner yesterday?' Asked Syr, overhearing Hestia's comment, turning her head back and slowing in her walk.
'It was nice I guess; I didn't really know what to say sometimes though… I also didn't expect to sit with Goddess Freya at the same table.' Admitted Bell.
'Oh, has she taken a liking to you? You really can win anyone over, can't you?' Teased Syr, causing Bell to blush again.
'Of course he can, no one is a match for my adorable Bell!' Added Hestia, causing Bell to blush deeper.
'What did you think of her though?' Asked Syr.
'Uh, I mean, she was quite nice… almost too nice… I mean, it isn't normal for a Goddess to be so nice to people like that, right?' Asked Bell.
'Well, there are some that are nicer than others. I'm sure Goddess Hestia is one of the nicer ones too.' Commented Syr.
'Sometimes I think Freya is too nice as well.' Grumbled Hestia, causing Syr to giggle.
'Well, isn't it better to be nice? You wouldn't want Goddesses with bad intentions chasing after Bell, would you?' Asked Syr.
'Well I guess bad intentions is relative.' Muttered Hestia, causing Syr to smile.
'Sounds like Bell is lucky to have someone looking after him so closely.' Commented Syr.
'Syr, should we get those for Chloe?' Asked Ryuu, pointing at a stuffed toy stand.
'Oh, good idea Ryuu!' Cheered Syr, before walking up to the stand and picking up some small key chain sized plushies based on monsters.
'Why did you get so many of the same type?' Asked Bell, once Syr returned and showed her purchases.
'Well, you've become our unofficial mascot now, so I got a set of Bell-like toys for everyone. I even got one for Mama Mia and a couple spares.' Explained Syr.
'Why did you get Needle Rabbits instead of an Almiraj though?' Asked Hestia.
'Well, I think it makes more sense for Bell to be a Needle Rabbit since he just charges headlong into things.' Rationalized Syr.
'Uh, but the Needle Rabbits I've faced just ended up smashing themselves against the walls when they charge.' Stated Bell.
'Exactly, just like you, charging into the unknown, hopefully you won't get hurt as much as them though.' Commented Syr with a smile, causing Bell to look away in embarrassment, before something caught his eye.
'Oh, it is Miss Eina.' Said Bell, welcoming the chance to change the topic of conversation.
'Miss Eina!' Called Bell loudly, as he approached the half-Elf, waving at her.
'Bell? So, you came to the festival as well.' Queried Eina.
'Well, I was looking for Syr to return her purse to her, but then she decided to show us around as well.' Explained Bell.
'Us? Oh, Goddess Hestia, it is nice to see you again.' Greeted Eina, recognising the small Goddess.
'Yes. Were you at the Guild Exchange earlier today, or have you been preparing things here?' Asked Hestia.
'Ah, yes, Bell did give me quite a surprise today, he has left just under half of his earnings from the day with me if you require access to it.' Recalled Eina.
'Half? What did you do with the rest of it, Bell?' Asked Hestia.
'I left a quarter with Mama Mia and gave Naaza the other quarter since I get all my potions from there.' Replied Bell.
'Well I'm sure Naaza will be thrilled, hopefully Miach can breathe a bit easier now too.' Said Hestia, causing Bell to smile.
'Were you planning to see the monster taming?' Asked Eina.
'Uh, I don't know, I've probably had enough of monsters for today already.' Sighed Bell, remembering the Killer Ants from earlier today.
'In that case, why don't we go down East Main, there are supposed to be some fun things to do there.' Suggested Syr.
'Syr, I really should be getting back soon.' Protested Ryuu weakly, trying to remain inconspicuous in front of a member of the Guild.
'Okay, just one more thing then.' Pouted Syr.
'I'll see you tomorrow, Miss Eina.' Declared Bell, as he waved at his Adviser, before following after Syr.
"Is Bell on a group date?" Thought Eina, as she watched Bell walk away, surrounded by girls.
'Looks like you've waited too long, Eina, your cute little adventurer already has a bunch of girlfriends. Unless that's the selling point and he is actually a secret playboy.' Commented Misha, noticing the group which was slowly becoming smaller in the distance.
'M-Misha, can you at least be professional some of the time!' Huffed Eina.
'Well maybe we should get that dinner then.' Suggested Misha, before there was a commotion.
'What's going on?' Asked Eina, approaching a pair of members from the Ganesha Familia.
'Some of the guards were found unconscious at the western gate. We're immediately sending more staff in that direction, since the monsters are located there.' Said the Ganesha Familia member.
"I'm getting a bad feeling about this." Thought Eina.
-line break-
'Loki, about before, why did you set up that meeting?' Asked Ais, causing the Goddess to turn to face the blonde.
'Freya still on your mind, huh? Well, Freya is basically the most troublesome person in Orario, and she's been acting weird recently. I wanted to make sure she wasn't after us, since we are supposed to be their competition, but since we aren't what she is after, it's fine to leave things as they are for now.' Revaled Loki.
'Leave things as they are?' Asked Ais.
'Yeah, my intuition is tingling, telling me something bad is going to happen today.' Admitted Loki.
"Is that why she told me to bring my equipment? Was this more than just a punishment?" Wondered Ais.
'Ah look, a shortcut, things are getting started in the stadium, let's check it out.' Spoke Loki suddenly, before dashing off as Ais followed behind.
'Hmm, what's going on here?' Asked Loki, seeing a bunch of people panicking.
'Sword Princess!' Cried Eina in relief.
'I'm here too.' Mumbled Loki, causing Eina to cough.
'Actually, this is good timing, could you lend us a hand? Some of the monsters for the Monsterphilia event have escaped from their cages and scattered around the Eastern Quarter, could you please lend us your strength?' Requested Eina.
'Oh, having Ganesha owe me sounds like a good idea. Why don't you help them out, Ais?' Suggested Loki, before looking off in the direction of the Eastern Quarter.
"Over there huh." Thought Loki with a frown.
-line break-
'Syr, where are we going now?' Asked Bell, as the girl led him by the hand through a narrow alley.
'This seems a bit out of the way, we're getting further from the stadium now.' Commented Hestia, noticing that the stalls were now also less frequent.
'There is a great spot up ahead, come on.' Encouraged Syr.
The group of four exited the small alley and the ground was now sloping upwards.
'We can get a great view from there.' Advised Syr, pointing in the distance at a raised walkway in the distance.
'You can see almost the whole city and the stadium from there.' Continued Syr.
Bell felt the hair on the back of his neck rise all of a sudden.
'Syr look out!' Shouted Bell, as he pulled Syr into his chest and jumped back with her, moments before a large form dropped down in front of them.
It was a large white furred monkey which was about twice the size of a fully grown man. Dark silver chains were hanging off both wrists, dangling down and pooling around its legs.
'A monster here?' Gasped Hestia.
'Firebolt!' Called Bell reflexively, launching his attack at the creature.
As the attacked slammed into the creature, a cloud of smoke was kicked up, followed by a large thud.
'Is it over?' Asked Bell, only for Ryuu to grab his shoulder.
'Mr. Cranel, we need to move. This is not a good place for a fight.' Advised Ryuu.
'What do you mean? Didn't Bell win already?' Asked Hestia, only for a loud roar to ring out.
'Syr, where should we go from here?' Asked Bell, looking towards the girl, who was looking straight ahead in surprise.
'There's another one.' Commented Syr in astonishment, as a Troll turned the corner and stared the group down.
As the smoke cleared, the monkey-like creature was now standing again, a large scorch mark on its torso.
'Syr, we need to go. Goddess, climb on.' Ordered Bell, dropping down to a knee.
'Syr, we must move. Mr. Cranel may be able to beat them, but not in a space this narrow.' Warned Ryuu.
'R-Right, I can lead us somewhere.' Advised Syr, only for Bell to leap at her again.
'Look out!' Shouted Bell, tackling Syr as the Troll swung its arm down, using the chain as a weapon.
Bell had turned so his back slammed into the ground, preventing Syr from hitting the ground.
'We need to go now!' Cried Bell as he stood up, bundling Syr into his arms and running back to the group.
'Quickly, Goddess!' Urged Bell as he squatted down, with the short Goddess quickly wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs wrapping around his waist.
'Ryuu, lead the way! Syr, give us directions!' Shouted Bell.
'Left!' Directed Syr, causing the group to run off in the opposite direction.
'Where are we going?' Asked Bell, as the group ran through the cobblestone streets.
'We can go towards Daedalus Street; we should be able to split them up and find an open space.' Explained Syr.
'The labyrinth? How are you going to lead us through there?' Asked Hestia in disbelief.
'I know a path, just trust me.' Reassured Syr.
'You can't be serious? You want to charge into a labyrinth with monsters after us!' Shouted Hestia.
'Goddess, let's just trust Syr for now, we don't really have any other options anyway.' Said Bell, taking a small leap forward, as a large chain slammed into the ground where they had just been a second ago.
'Mr. Cranel, look out!' Cried Ryuu as she looked back.
Bell flinched seeing a monster charging him and made a split-second decision.
'Ryuu!' Called Bell, as he tossed Syr towards the Elf, while turning to face the monster.
'No, that's a Sword Stag, you need to dodge!' Warned Ryuu, as she caught Syr easily.
Bell flinched as he had braced himself, preparing to block, before shifting to a dodge at the last second. The first horn of the Sword Stag scrapped against his green blade, while the second horn scrapped his side, leaving a deep cut.
'Bell!' Cried Hestia, still clinging to his back.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, aiming at the feet of the monster.
'Quickly, let's go now. Sword Stag are fast, but they can't change direction easily.' Ordered Ryuu.
'Go towards the right, down that alley.' Advised Syr, pointing in the direction of the alley.
Bell shifted Hestia, so she was now in his arms, while Ryuu carried Syr. Bell followed after Ryuu as she ran, Syr occasionally giving calls for the direction to take.
'I'm sorry, Bell, I'm holding you back now. Even though this isn't the right time for it though, I'm so happy.' Apologised Hestia, looking up at Bell's determined face as he ran.
'You're not making any sense Goddess! You aren't holding me back though, so don't say nonsense like that either!' Retorted Bell, giving a small wince as he leapt over a large crate, before finally catching up to Ryuu.
'I would say something about you throwing me in the air like that, Bell, but I guess now isn't the time.' Commented Syr, as Bell and Ryuu ran through the streets with their passengers.
'Sorry Syr, I couldn't let you get hurt either and I trusted Ryuu to catch you.' Apologised Bell, before Syr directed them to the left again.
'Mr. Cranel, how far have you gone into the Dungeon so far?' Asked Ryuu as they ran, neither looking back, but both hearing the occasional clink of chains behind them.
'I only went down to the seventh floor today.' Said Bell, before the group turned another corner.
'In that case, you may be able to beat the Silverback. Your magic seemed to be effective against it. The other two are from below the twentieth floor. I don't think you will be able to overwhelm them, but you do have some options. The Sword Stag is fast, but doesn't have much in the way of defense. Its main weapon is its horns. The Troll on the other hand is very slow and very hard to damage. If possible, timing things so they run into each other will give you an opportunity to fight against them. Finally, for all of them, you can target the magic stone in the centre of their chest. This will be hard for the Troll, given how thick its chest is, but you should be able to do so for the Sword Stag, and the Silverback if you need it.' Lectured Ryuu.
As the group was about to turn right, the Silverback dropped down in front of them. Bell shifted Hestia over his right shoulder, causing her to squeal, while raising his left hand up.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, aiming at the Silverback's torso again.
Bell rushed forward through the smoke and leapt to the side of the building beside them, before dropping down, with both feet landing on the Silverback's torso over the right shoulder, which was now severely burned, before jumping off and running ahead.
'Bell, come back this way, that's a dead end!' Shouted Syr, causing Bell to turn towards the voice.
Bell pivoted and brought Hestia back from his shoulder into a princess carry again.
'Sorry Goddess. I needed to buy us some time.' Apologised Bell.
'Don't apologise, Bell, just warn me next time!' Cried Hestia, as the boy leapt over a pile of rubble.
'Quickly, before the others reach us!' Said Ryuu sharply, before turning the corner to the left.
Bell followed Ryuu and felt the back of his neck tingling again, instinctively ducking, Bell noticed a large wooden bench fly over his head.
'I thought Trolls were slow!' Cried Bell, having spotted the green creature in the distance, indicating it had thrown the projectile quite a distance.
'It is slow relative to the Sword Stag.' Retorted Ryuu, causing Bell to inhale sharply in frustration.
'Up here on the left now!' Directed Syr, causing Ryuu to change direction quickly.
'Bell, don't fall behind!' Added Syr, seeing the boy was now almost two metres behind them.
Bell grit his teeth and pushed himself as much as he could.
"I'm supposed to be the hero and protect everyone, but I can't even run away fast enough!" Thought Bell disparagingly.
Bell ducked under a low hanging clothesline and kicked off a wall to avoid the metal fixture the line was attached to, noticing a pair of eyes at the edge of a window widened in surprise at the manoeuvre. Bell noticed the path suddenly sloped upwards and opened up into a wide area, surrounded by a few large buildings. It looked like there was a small gate nearby as well.
'If we go through there, we can go below the street.' Explained Syr, lifting herself out of Ryuu's hold.
'Goddess, please follow Syr, Ryuu and I will be right behind you. We just need to make sure the monsters aren't nearby.' Advised Bell, lowering Hestia to the ground.
'Syr, where does this lead to?' Asked Bell, while his Goddess rubbed some feeling back into her legs.
'It has a few paths, but if we go straight through, we will end up close to the stadium, so we should be able to get help from there.' Answered Syr.
Bell nodded and opened the gate. Hestia and Syr walked in, with Bell and Ryuu preparing to follow, only for the roar of a monster to stop them in their tracks. The Silverback had caught up to them again. It glared at them angrily, its heavy breathing reverberating through the area, causing a few windows from the nearby buildings to open a fraction.
'Go quickly, we'll meet you on the other side!' Commanded Bell, closing the gate behind the two, as he prepared to face the Silverback.
'Wait, Bell, you can't face that thing alone!' Cried Hestia anxiously.
'Trust me Goddess, I can do this. I promised you didn't I, I won't leave you alone? I'll see you on the other side of the building, please look after Syr as well.' Declared Bell confidently, causing Hestia to look at him in concern.
'I'm sorry, Goddess Hestia, but we will only be in the way. You can trust him with Ryuu at his side.' Syr softly whispered, attempting to placate the deity, placing a hand on the small Goddess' shoulder.
'You better be on the other side of this building in the next ten minutes, Bell, or I'm not letting you go into the Dungeon for a week to make it up to me!' Threatened Hestia, causing Bell to smile.
'Of course. Please be safe.' Whispered Bell softly, before Hestia and Syr ran off.
'Mr. Cranel, be cautious. As I said, you can beat the Silverback, but you will need to be careful of those chains. I will distract it for you as best I can, aim for its shoulder, it looks like you have already damaged it.' Appraised Ryuu.
'Got it.' Said Bell quickly, drawing both of his knives and holding them forward.
Ryuu quickly darted off to the left, causing the Silverback to follow her with its eyes, before raising its hands and bringing them down on the ground. Ryuu leapt into the air and landed a small kick to the monster's chin, before pushing off, staggering the beast. Bell charged in and stepped up on a small ledge, before leaping at the ape, bringing both blades down on the beast's neck. The Silverback roared in pain, spinning in circles, trying to shake Bell off. Bell held on to his knives currently impaling the Silverback and leaned his legs back, before bringing them forward, kicking it in the ribs. The Silverback roared in pain, before throwing its back against the wall. Bell gasped as his back slammed into the brick wall behind him, his knives dislodging from the jarring impact.
'Bell!' Cried Ryuu, seeing Bell's form had crashed down to the stone floor ungracefully.
The Silverback glared at Ryuu, before charging at the Elf. Ryuu prepared to leap away, only for the Silverback to recoil and fall backwards.
'Don't you dare try and hurt Ryuu!' Roared Bell, having gripped the chains of the monster and given them a harsh tug, even as blood trickled out of his mouth.
The monster rolled over, now resting on all fours, preparing to charge Bell.
"I'm ending this now." Thought Bell, rushing the monster head on.
The Silverback lumbered towards Bell with speed, arms outstretched, the left straight out, while the right drooped slightly. Bell put away his silver blade and raised his right hand.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, targeting the right shoulder.
The attack slammed into the injured area and sent the Silverback onto its back. The Silverback's eyes widened as a white-haired boy leapt through the smoke and drove a green blade into its throat, before giving a harsh tug. A torrent of blood spurted out of the beast's neck, before it stilled, turning to ash a few seconds later.
'Well, I've never been one to leave a magic stone behind.' Sighed Bell, grabbing the stone and pocketing it, before looking over to the stunned Ryuu.
'B-Bell, you're okay.' Said Ryuu quietly, her voice carrying over the now silent battlefield.
'Of course, uh, well, mostly.' Muttered Bell, wincing as he held his left ribs.
'I'm sorry. We shouldn't be putting you through all of this, especially since I am here.' Started Ryuu, only for Bell to wave her off.
'It's okay, Ryuu. After training with Miss Ais for a little bit, I realised something. Other than Syr, I think all the other waitresses at the Hostess of Fertility must be at least Second-Class adventurers.' Said Bell, causing Ryuu's eyes to widen.
'Why is that?' Asked Ryuu.
'All of you move the same way as Miss Ais and I can barely hear most of you coming sometimes. Chloe especially actually.' Admitted Bell, putting his knives away.
'I see… all I will say… is that we all have our stories. I would like to help you after this if you will allow me to. I would just request that we keep it a secret. Among the waitresses, my identity will cause you the most trouble.' Offered Ryuu.
'That's okay, all I need to know is that you are Ryuu, and you are my friend, everything else is up to you.' Replied Bell with a smile, causing Ryuu to smile as well, a small blush on her cheeks, as she walked towards Bell.
'Thank you. Please let me do at least this much though. I sing now of a distant forest, a familiar melody of life, Noah Heal.' Chanted Ryuu, placing her hand over Bell's chest, a warm yellow glow radiating from her hand.
Bell felt the pain in his ribs disappear, with the cut on his abdomen that he had sustained after the Sword Stag charged him from earlier also closing up, leaving unmarred skin behind.
'We must find Syr and Goddess Hestia quickly. Follow me.' Declared Ryuu, once the glow had faded.
'Let's go.' Agreed Bell.