Previously:
Bell and Ryuu would search for Syr, only to run into Hestia instead. The three would continue to search for Syr, before running into Loki and Ais, who would advise them they had yet to see Syr. The three would find Syr eventually, and Syr would then lead Bell, Ryuu, and Hestia around. The four would explore the attractions, before running into escaped monsters. Elsewhere, Ais would ask Loki about the meeting with Freya, before the two learned of the monsters escaping, with Ais providing her assistance in hunting them down. Bell, Syr, Ryuu, and Hestia would escape their initial encounter with the Silverback, Troll, and Sword Stag only to be chased down by the Silverback, with the group then splitting up, with Syr and Hestia travelling underground, while Bell and Ryuu dealt with the Silverback.
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 11 – Heroism
'What's wrong?' Asked Hestia, noticing Syr had stopped walking for a moment.
'I thought… no, nothing, I'm just imagining things. We are almost there now.' Replied Syr, shaking her head, before pushing onwards.
'Why does a waitress know her way around Daedalus Street anyway?' Asked Hestia, narrowing her eyes at the girl.
'What do you mean?' Asked Syr, sparing a glance over her shoulder.
Hestia walked closer to Syr, coming to stand beside her.
'You don't appear to be someone who belongs on Daedalus Street.' Elaborated Hestia.
'Maybe I come by to help those who don't have the option to leave.' Intoned Syr softly, causing Hestia to raise an eyebrow.
'Don't you just feel like you want to help those who can't help themselves? To watch them grow and see what they can become when given opportunities.' Questioned Syr.
'That's a bit of an odd perspective for a young woman to have.' Commented Hestia.
'Well, I never claimed to be ordinary. Ah, it's up here.' Retorted Syr, before picking up her pace.
The two exited the subterranean level and emerged on a cobblestone path, the gate having luckily been unlocked and open already.
'What should we do now?' Asked Hestia, glancing around at the open area, noting that other than a few trees and the waterways to the left, the space was quite empty.
'Let's wait. At least from here we can see if anyone comes and there shouldn't be any way for monsters to sneak up on us. I'm sure they will be here soon.' Suggested Syr.
'Earlier before, you said you could trust Bell would be fine with Ryuu at his side, what makes you say that?' Asked Hestia.
'Ryuu is a good friend of mine, so I won't say anything behind her back, all I will say is what I said the last time we spoke, Ryuu is able to and wants to protect Bell, so if Bell is ever in trouble, you can be assured if Ryuu has the chance, she will help him. That's the other reason I choose for us to come to Daedalus Street. Ryuu likes her privacy too and I know she would risk herself for Bell if necessary, but I'd prefer to avoid that.' Explained Syr, looking to Hestia, who sighed at her response.
'Well, as long as Bell is okay, I won't pry.' Declared Hestia, causing Syr to smile.
'Thank you. I think that's them as well.' Said Syr, spotting the two approaching them.
'Goddess, Syr, you're both okay!' Exclaimed Bell, as he rushed up to the pair.
'Bell, you're okay! Did you really beat the Silverback already? How come you don't have any injuries?' Asked Hestia in surprise.
'Yes, we took care of it.' Answered Bell, avoiding her second question.
'Without getting hurt at all?' Asked Hestia again.
'I healed him, please be assured Mr. Cranel is well now.' Interjected Ryuu, causing Syr's eyes to widen.
'Ryuu!' Gasped Syr.
'I will not stand on the sidelines when I can help at least a little.' Proclaimed Ryuu, causing Syr to smile.
'Okay. Now that we are all here, we better go to the stadium. There is no telling when the other two will show up.' Suggested Syr.
'Wait, before we do that, Bell, let me update your status, just in case we run into those monsters!' Spoke Hestia quickly.
'Here?' Gasped Bell, his eyes briefly passing over Ryuu and Syr.
'There is no one around and we should be safe here for a minute.' Pressed Hestia, moving closer to Bell.
'We will give you some privacy.' Said Syr, walking closer to Ryuu and turning her back on them.
'Quickly Bell, sit down and take off your shirt!' Ordered Hestia, causing Bell to blush at the statement, given Syr and Ryuu were in obvious hearing range.
As Hestia quickly searched through his adventures for excelia, Syr whispered to Ryuu, not wanting to distract them.
'Was everything okay, Ryuu?' Asked Syr.
'Yes, Bell did very well, but he did get hurt… I had to heal him though, since even though he is at that level… he was still trying to protect me… apparently, he even knows about… the strength of our staff to some extent.' Whispered Ryuu, causing Syr to look at her curiously.
'He was trying to protect you? Now I'm almost a little jealous. I'm glad you are okay, Ryuu. Are you sure you want to come out of hiding now though?' Asked Syr.
'Out of hiding? No, not quite. I want to help Bell though. I would never be able to forgive myself if he got hurt for our sake due to a lack of preparation, when we could have provided aid earlier.' Answered Ryuu.
'There are other people who can help him though, you don't need to put yourself at risk.' Pointed out Syr.
'This is a risk worth taking.' Asserted Ryuu firmly, causing Syr to smile.
'As long as you are sure.' Muttered Syr softly, before the pair heard a roar.
'Are you almost done over there?' Called Syr, looking over her shoulder and spotting the bright white light coming out of Bell's back.
'Y-Yes one moment.' Stammered Hestia, before the glow faded.
Bell quickly put his shirt on and the two ran over to Syr and Ryuu.
'We need to move quickly, if we run, we should make it to the stadium in about five minutes.' Guessed Syr, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked into the distance.
'Let's go then.' Said Bell, pulling Syr and Hestia along, as Ryuu ran alongside them.
'What's that over there?' Asked Bell, spotting what looked like a large flower with a set of sharp teeth.
'There must be monsters going wild everywhere.' Said Hestia.
'That doesn't look like a monster…' Mumbled Ryuu, causing Syr to look at her curiously.
'What do you mean, Ryuu?' Asked Bell.
'I can't say I've explored the entirety of the Dungeon, but I've never seen a monster like that in any of the floors I've been on.' Said Ryuu.
'Do you think it is a new type of monster?' Asked Bell, getting no response from Ryuu.
'There must be someone fighting it over there then. Do you think we can make it to them?' Asked Hestia.
'Well, it is worth considering, but if they are not strong enough to beat it, we would just end up getting in the way as well, and even make things worse for them if those other two monsters follow us.' Pointed out Syr pragmatically.
Bell felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up again.
'I don't think we are going to get the chance.' Warned Bell, before snapping his gaze off to the side.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, after he came to a stop, quickly letting go of Syr and Hestia, before swinging out his right arm and launching his attack, hitting the floor just in front of the approaching Sword Stag.
'Goddess, Syr, please get back, leave this to me.' Requested Bell, pulling out his sickle.
The two nodded and retreated back towards the entrance of the underground tunnels. Bell braced himself as the Sword Stag started its charge. The one thing going in Bell's favour was that speed was usually his forte, so his eyes were able to follow the Sword Stag, but being able to react to it was harder. The modified sickle gave him a bit more reach, so he was able to keep the horns at bay, but trying to sneak in with his knife was impossible given the sheer size of the horns. Bell dived out of the way of a second charge, before spotting the Sword Stag slowly turn around to face him again.
"That's got to be my moment." Thought Bell.
The Sword Stag charged Bell again, but this time, Bell did something extremely foolhardy, he used his sickle to grab on to the horns as the Sword Stag started to slow down, getting pulled along with the charge. The Sword Stag didn't know how to react and continued to charge forward, speeding up once again. Bell held on with all his strength, drawing his green blade again and preparing to strike. Bell gasped as the Sword Stag bucked its hind legs, sending Bell crashing into the ground.
'Bell, are you okay?' Asked Hestia nervously.
'I'm fine.' Groaned Bell, standing to his feet again.
The Sword Stag pawed the ground, preparing to charge again, before shooting off. Bell watched the charge and prepared to jump again, only to see it was heading off to the side of him.
'No, Goddess look out!' Shouted Bell, before leaping into the path of the charge.
Bell wouldn't be deterred this time and jammed his sickle into the unprotected neck of the Sword Stag and pulled, sending it careening off course and almost ripping his arm out of its socket. Bell grit his teeth and pressed his green knife against the sickle and pulled. Blood spurted out of the Sword Stag, before it threw its body against a wall. Bell rolled off the Sword Stag and launched a Firebolt before preparing to rush in to the smoke, only to hear a commotion. It seemed the Troll had finally found them and was advancing on Syr and Hestia. Ryuu moved in and launched a kick to its left knee, staggering it, only for the Troll to stand back up moments later and turn towards Ryuu. The Troll swung the silver chains around its wrist at Ryuu, who leapt backwards to avoid the swings. Growing frustrated after a few more swings, the Troll grabbed a nearby sapling and ripped it out of the ground, before slamming it on the ground, causing Ryuu to leap even further away from the two onlookers.
'Ryuu, watch out!' Cried Syr, seeing the Troll was getting ready to swing the makeshift club again.
The Troll swung the tree downwards again, kicking up more dust. Ryuu had leapt outside of the dust cloud, but couldn't see where the Troll was now. Bell got to his feet and saw the silhouette of the Troll, causing him to start running.
"No, it's going after Syr now!" Thought Bell, pumping his legs as hard as he could.
'Syr, duck!' Shouted Bell, as he leapt into the air.
The Troll had swung the tree in a horizontal arc, missing Syr, thanks to Bell's timely warning. The white-haired boy landed on the arm holding the tree and stabbed his green knife into its upper arm, before aiming his now free hand at the Troll's face.
'Firebolt!' Shouted Bell, causing the Troll to stagger, but not fall.
Bell clenched his teeth, leaving the knife in place, before taking his sickle out and leaping for the Troll's head. Bell hooked the inner portion of the sickle around the Troll's neck and pulled downwards, using his weight to drag the beast down. A heavy thud was heard, shaking the water in the nearby stream, and causing it to slosh over the stone ground. Bell tried to capitalise on the Troll's position, only for the Sword Stag to come charging at him again. Bell took out his silver knife and blocked the horn, before redirecting the stag to the side, sending it into the abdomen of the Troll. Bell ran around the Troll and pulled his green knife out of the Troll's arm, before leaping on to the Troll's abdomen and stabbing his two knifes into its chest. Bell's blades groaned loudly in protest as he tried to dig through flesh to get to its magic stone, while the monster roared in anger at the attempt, further irritated from the pain of the Sword Stag currently impaling it. Bell cut through enough meaty flesh that he could see the shine of the stone now, but before he could capitalise, the Troll swatted him off.
'Gah!' Gasped Bell, bloody spittle flying from his mouth.
Bell was sure it had broken at least two ribs, if not more with that strike.
'Bell!' Cried Hestia, Syr, and Ryuu, as the boy landed harshly on the ground.
Bell groaned, before hearing another big thud. The Troll had gotten up and swatted the Sword Stag aside. Bell pushed himself back to his feet and finally started to notice there were some people approaching.
"It's over, help is coming." Thought Bell in relief, before seeing the Sword Stag was preparing to charge again and had Hestia in range, while the Troll was now advancing on Syr.
Bell's eyes widened in concern, before seeing Ryuu rush in and grab the two, leaping away from the attack just in time, as the Troll slammed the tree down on the ground.
"What am I saying? I can't just sit around and wait for someone else, what kind of hero stands on the sidelines and waits for help?" Thought Bell, as he started to run, pulling out one of his mind potions and drinking it as he ran.
The Sword Stag was again winding up for an attack, giving Bell a bit of time to think. Seeing the two monsters were now in close range, Bell decided on his plan.
"I already know I can take that Troll down, now I need to make it count." Thought Bell, as he ran towards his sickle, which was discarded on the floor behind the Troll.
Bell launched a Firebolt at the space between the Sword Stag and Troll, momentarily distracting them from their pursuit. The monsters spotted Bell, before deciding to advance on the three girls instead.
'I won't let you hurt them!' Roared Bell, as he picked up the sickle and launched a Firebolt at the Troll's left knee.
Having been injured by Ryuu earlier, the Troll fell down to a knee again, and took just too long to get back up. Bell leapt into the air and hooked his sickle around the Troll again and pulled, drawing the large form downwards, right on track to crash on top of the Sword Stag. The sickle snapped on impact between the weight of the Troll and the tough horn of the Sword Stag. Bell pulled out his knives and stabbed one into the partially exposed back of the Sword Stag and one into the back of the Troll over where Bell knew the magic stone was hidden. Bell gathered all of his mind, gambling everything on this last attack. Bell felt his hands starting to tremble as he forced his next attack through.
"It's all or nothing!" Bell mentally shouted, before calling his finishing move.
'FIREBOLT!' Roared Bell, pulsing his two Firebolt attacks right through his knives.
Bell could feel them heating up in his grip, before a snap was heard, followed by a wave of heat. Two columns of fire blasted into the ground, with some wisps flying into the air. The entire area was hidden in a mix of dust and ash, as a new group of onlookers arrived on the scene. It was a mix of Guild Advisers, members of the Ganesha Familia, with a few members from Loki Familia as well.
'What happened over here?' Asked a woman, with azure coloured hair.
'It looks like some more monsters got away. I heard there was a group running through Daedalus Street and someone took one down, but the other two got away.' Said a member of the Ganesha Familia.
'Is everyone okay?' Asked Eina.
'Who did we send over here?' Asked a slim Amazoness.
'We didn't send anyone over here.' Responded a bustier Amazoness.
'Look, there are some people there.' Commented a young Elf girl who appeared injured, blood staining her dress.
'Oh geez… I am never, ever letting Bete meet that kid if it is the last thing I do.' Sighed Loki, as she sat down with her legs crossed.
'Is that… Bell? Bell!' Shouted Eina, before running towards the group.
'He did it.' Said Ais.
'Huh? What are you talking about, Ais?' Asked the slim Amazoness.
'Tiona… that boy… that is the boy from the Minotaur and the restaurant. Do you remember what he said when he left that day?' Asked Ais.
'What do you mean, what did he say?' Asked the bustier Amazoness.
'He said, next time, we wouldn't have to save him… that next time, he would be the one protecting someone.' Said Ais with a small smile.
'Ugh, never ever, ever letting him meet Bete.' Groaned Loki, holding her head in dismay.
-line break-
'Bell, are you okay?' Asked Hestia, as she ran towards Bell, with Syr and Ryuu close behind.
Bell was on his knees, his shirt and most of his pants to his knees having been burned right off. His skin was covered in light burns with multiple bruises on his back and torso. His forearms and shin guards had been warped from the heat and were completely misshapen, while his breastplate had shattered. His knives had both snapped in half along the shaft, the damaged weapons still held firmly in his grip, even though his hands were now an angry red with blisters all over them. Despite all of this though, he had a small smile.
'Bell, say something!' Pleaded Hestia, placing her hand on his shoulders.
'It is Mind Zero. He put everything he had into that attack. He is unconscious.' Appraised Ryuu, before seeing what was on his back.
'Goddess Hestia, Syr, we need to cover his back.' Urged Ryuu, taking off her apron and moving to place it over his shoulders.
'Why Ryuu?' Asked Syr.
'Bell stats should not be seen as they are now.' Whispered Ryuu, as Syr looked at his back, before Ryuu covered it up.
'Why not?' Asked Syr.
'Because some of his stats have gone beyond his limits. We need to keep this secret.' Explained Ryuu.
'You can read hieroglyphs, Miss Ryuu?' Asked Hestia nervously.
'You have my word that I will not tell a soul.' Promised Ryuu, causing the Goddess' shoulders to slump.
'I guess there is no helping it anymore, at least it is only the two of you who know, all things considered.' Sighed Hestia.
'Bell! Is he okay?' Asked Eina, running up to the group, before seeing the state he was in.
'Quickly, we should get him to Dian Cecht Familia!' Declared Eina, before the azure haired woman approached them.
'What happened here?' Asked the woman.
'He saved us. We were chased all over by a Silverback, Troll, and a Sword Stag. We couldn't get away, so Bell fought them off and won. He protected us.' Explained Syr in a sombre tone.
'But Bell is level one, how could he do that?' Asked Eina in shock.
'Because Bell is a hero who would go to any lengths to save a pretty girl. Good grief.' Sighed Hestia.
'Do you really expect me to believe a level one did that?' Asked the azure haired woman sceptically.
Ryuu whispered something to Syr, before taking a step back, trying to make herself look inconspicuous.
'You could ask any of the people in Daedalus Street, but if you want proof, he has the Silverback's magic stone in his pocket.' Said Syr, before reaching into Bell's pocket and pulling out a fist sized magic stone.
'This is genuine.' Commented the woman in disbelief.
'Miss Varma, we need to get him healed.' Interjected Eina.
'Fine, take him to Dian Cecht Familia. Ganesha Familia will cover the cost, since it seems he cleaned up our mess when he shouldn't have even been involved in things.' Decided the azure haired woman.
'I can take him.' Offered Ais, walking over to the group, with the rest of Loki Familia close behind her.
'I can't believe this is your kid itty-bitty. To think a shrimp like you has a kid like that.' Commented Loki, once Ais had picked the boy up and leapt off with him.
'Don't tell me you're jealous of my amazing Bell.' Huffed Hestia.
'I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little. That is some kid you've got there. You better look after him.' Admitted Loki, surprising Hestia.
'Of course I will, who do you take me for?' Snapped Hestia hotly.
'A useless, lazy, shrimp of a Goddess who brings nothing to the table, that boy though… you are the only one who can do things for him as a Goddess, so you better work hard. Tiona, Tione, Lefiya, let's make sure nothing else has been missed and head back to the stadium.' Berated Loki, before turning away from the trembling Goddess.
"That kid… his growth is impossible…" Thought Loki, opening her eyes slightly, looking in the direction Ais had carried the boy.
-line break-
Bell woke in an unfamiliar environment. He was on a soft bed with a pillow under his head and a blanket over his torso, which was wrapped in a roll of bandages. Bell heard a door open and spotted a beautiful girl enter.
'You're awake. Good.' Said the girl, who had silver hair, coupled with purple eyes, and was wearing a vertically stripped shirt, with a horizontal stripped skirt and a cap.
'Where am I?' Asked Bell.
'Dian Cecht Familia shop. You were brought here for medical attention.' Answered the girl, her mature voice impossibly soft, but still audible.
'Where are the others? Is everyone else okay?' Asked Bell, sitting up with a wince.
The girl narrowed her eyes and quickly walked over to him, before pushing him back down.
'Please rest. No one else was injured enough to need to come here. Only you.' Ordered the girl firmly, causing Bell to sigh in relief as he smiled.
'I'm glad.' Sighed Bell, as he closed his eyes with a smile.
'You are glad that you were injured and needed more healing than a potion could provide?' Asked the girl with a frown.
'I'm glad that no one else was hurt. It's okay if it was just me that got hurt.' Clarified Bell, opening his eyes again and meeting the disapproving glare of the girl.
'Actually, I would prefer if you avoided hurting yourself in the future. I was not expecting to need to heal such significant burns on a holiday.' Countered the girl, her eyebrows knitting together as she frowned.
'Sorry, even if you are pretty girl, I can't do that. I'll gladly get hurt and deal with getting healed afterwards if it means saving someone else.' Declared Bell, with a smile.
The girl looked at Bell with a hint of exasperation, before she gave a small smile.
'What is your name?' Asked the girl.
'Bell Cranel.' Replied Bell.
'Well, Bell Cranel, I am Airmid Teasanare, and it seems like I will be seeing you again in the future, but please ensure it is not too soon. I will let your guests come in and see you now.' Finished the girl, before exiting the room.
Moments later, Hestia, Syr, and Ryuu entered, the former rushing to his bedside, while the other two walked at a more sedate pace.
'Bell, you're okay, aren't you?' Asked Hestia, looking him over carefully.
'Yeah, my ribs are just a bit sore, but otherwise feeling good. Can you help me sit up though?' Requested Bell.
Bell winced again as he sat up, even with Hestia's hands on his back and left shoulder supporting him, helping to push him up into a sitting position.
'You were amazing Bell, it was like seeing a real hero in action.' Praised Syr, causing Bell to smile.
'I'm just glad you were all okay.' Admitted Bell, causing Syr to walk over to his other unoccupied side.
'Well, I still need to tell you off for throwing me like that. I didn't know you were strong enough to do something like that anyway.' Giggled Syr.
'Well, after that night… I started doing some extra strength training.' Admitted Bell, causing Syr to giggle.
'Well Chloe's not going to be happy to hear that.' Joked Syr in amusement.
'Please tell me not another one.' Groaned Hestia, causing Syr to giggle.
'Oh don't worry, Goddess Hestia, I don't think Chloe feels that way about Bell. She just has a thing for cute little boys, but it seems like Bell doesn't want to stay one.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to blush.
'Well, before Bell charms another girl.' Started Hestia, causing Bell to look off to the side, while Ryuu looked down at her feet, making her grit her teeth.
'Before he charms another girl that I don't know about yet, I should update his status before I tell you something, Bell. I suppose since you've seen his status now, you should know the truth too.' Finished Hestia, looking to Ryuu, before turning back to Syr.
'Here, let me help you, Bell.' Offered Syr kindly, taking Bell's hands in her own and helping him swing his legs off to the side, letting Hestia access his back.
'I'm okay Syr, you can let go now.' Said Bell, as a bright light emanated from his back.
'No, I don't want to. I need to stick by my hero's side after all.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to blush.
'Can you at least not do that in front of me when I am trying to do something important?' Growled Hestia.
'Sorry Goddess Hestia.' Apologised Syr with a small giggle, but didn't let go of Bell's hands, staring into his eyes.
'Miss Elf… sorry, Miss Ryuu, could you find me a piece of paper?' Requested Hestia, getting a nod from the Elf, as she quickly sourced a few pieces of parchment for the Goddess.
As the glow started to fade, Hestia took one of the pieces of paper Ryuu had given her, before starting to fill it in.
'Here you go, Bell, your complete status.' Said Hestia, handing Bell the paper, once Syr let go of his hands.
Bell Cranel
Level One (Level Two available)
Strength: S-970 - SSS-1250
Endurance: S-998 - SSS-1214
Dexterity: SS-1065 - SSS-1480
Agility: SS-1185 - SSS-1560
Magic: S-903 - SS-1190
Magic:
(Firebolt)
• Swift-Strike Magic
• Can be overloaded to add explosion on impact, causes recoil damage in close range
Skill:
(Amplified Liaris Freese)
Rapid growth as long as the users desires remain strong.
The strength of the effects and the growth compounds with the degree of the user's feelings and number of desires.
The stronger the overall desire, the stronger the growth.
As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
(Argonaut, Heroic Desire)
Allows a charge for an active action.
'What does this even mean, Goddess?' Asked Bell in confusion.
'Before I explain, Miss Ryuu, have you ever seen a status like this?' Asked Hestia, getting collateral support.
'I can honestly say I have never seen anyone achieve a SS rank in any skill, let alone multiple.' Answered Ryuu, a hint of confusion in her tone.
'What about SSS?' Asked Syr curiously, sitting on the bed beside Bell, as she looked at the status sheet.
'SSS? I don't believe it.' Gasped Ryuu, walking over to the pair, with Bell holding the sheet up to her.
'Bell, you told me something the day you faced the Minotaur. You said that you realised you could, and would, achieve all your dreams. You told me you couldn't tell me what they are but with these skills of yours, I think they have become clear. Can you now tell me what those dreams are?' Asked Hestia.
'Uh, do I have to, it's kind of embarrassing?' Asked Bell nervously, looking around the room and sparing a glance at the two waitresses.
'I won't judge you, Bell, but it is important to explain your skills.' Advised Hestia.
'You can trust us, Bell, we would never hurt you.' Added Syr, with Ryuu nodding.
'Okay then… my dreams… my dreams are to become a hero, meet and save many girls, and form a harem of pretty girls.' Admitted Bell quietly.
'I thought as much.' Sighed Hestia, causing Syr to giggle, and Ryuu to blush slightly.
'I had overheard you mention the hero aspect before, but not the other part…' Mumbled Ryuu.
'But to want to go after so many girls, what ever are we going to do with you, Bell?' Giggled Syr.
'S-Sorry.' Apologised Bell, only for Syr to place her hand on his forearm.
'Don't be, Bell, I'm sure your charm will win many girls over in the end. Although I claim exclusive rights for you being my own personal hero after today.' Reassured Syr, causing Bell to smile, even as he blushed.
'Now Bell, I need to confess something, you've had the first skill since the day with the Minotaur. I didn't know what to make of it and I didn't want to tell you about it in case someone else asked you about it. Gods and Goddesses are troublesome in that anything new and exciting makes them uncontrollable. As for how it appeared, it seemed to manifest from a strong desire you had that day, but I didn't know what it was. After how fast your growth was when you were training with Miss Wallenstein, I thought it was about your pursuit of her and her alone, but… it seems as you started to pursue more girls… the rate of your growth increased. I suspect this skill has manifested because of your desire to meet pretty girls and form a harem. Honestly, it's quite shameful really that you are growing for the sake of cute girls, but I guess I will have to accept it.' Explained Hestia with a sigh at the end, causing Bell to blush.
'Oh, I think it's quite cute, especially with a face like this.' Teased Syr, pinching Bell's cheek.
'You look so innocent, but you're actually something else on the inside.' Continued Syr.
'The other skill though, you only manifested it when I updated your status just now. I suspect that is your burning desire to be a hero. Both of these skills though… I have never heard of them before. The best guess I can make is your abnormal growth and exceeding of limits is because of your first skill. Seeing how much growth you had fighting to protect us and seeing the jump in such a short time makes it clear now. The more girls you save and protect, the faster you will grow. You really are going to keep me busy, aren't you?' Finished Hestia with a tired smile on her face.
'Oh that's okay, Goddess Hestia, I'll give you a hand too, I wouldn't want anyone to take advantage of Bell after all, he is such a pure boy, even though he wants a harem.' Added Syr.
'Well, that is why I decided it was okay for the two of you to know as well. As a Goddess, there are some things I cannot do, but between the two of you, I am hoping you will also help guide Bell and protect him. Especially considering he now has both Freya and Loki keeping an eye on him. If Loki ever finds out about his training with Miss Wallenstein, I'm going to have to deal with a massive headache.' Groaned Hestia.
'Why don't you leave Goddess Loki to me then, Goddess Hestia? She is a regular, along with her Familia, at the Hostess of Fertility.' Offered Syr.
'Hah, I will take what I can get then. I'll go and see if Hephaestus has any advice too. It looks like you have some developmental abilities to choose from, I'll ask Hephaestus about those too.' Sighed Hestia.
'What abilities are available?' Asked Ryuu, taking a step closer to the trio.
'Hunter, Abnormal Resistance, and Luck.' Said Hestia.
'I see… I have the first two myself, but I have never heard of Luck before.' Revealed Ryuu, surprising the members of Hestia Familia.
'You have two developmental abilities? Doesn't that mean you are at least a level three adventurer?' Asked Hestia, getting a nod from the girl.
'What do you think then, what ability should he pick?' Continued Hestia.
'If I may, Hunter and Abnormal Resistance are essential skills for an adventurer, but Mama Mia said something today that I think should be considered. Just before we left to find Syr, right after you told us about the Jack Bird, she said anyone who has good luck like that usually gets an equal dose of bad luck not too long after. Considering what has happened today, I think Luck may be the best option for you.' Explained Ryuu.
'Well said, Miss Ryuu. I can't be sure, but Luck sounds like a skill close to an extra blessing or divine protection.' Agreed Hestia with a nod.
'And since you don't really want to be an adventurer but want to be a hero who saves lots of pretty girls instead, maybe Luck is what you need.' Added Syr.
'Well, I guess I can't really say not to that then.' Admitted Bell.
'Then let me do it now, knowing you, I'm sure you will get into more trouble sooner rather than later.' Declared Hestia, grabbing a needle and pricking her finger again.
A few moments later and with a new piece of paper in hand, Hestia handed Bell his new status.
Bell Cranel
Level Two
Strength: I-0
Endurance: I-0
Dexterity: I-0
Agility: I-0
Magic: I-0
Luck: I
Magic:
(Firebolt)
• Swift-Strike Magic
• Can be overloaded to add explosion on impact, causes recoil damage in close range
Skill:
(Amplified Liaris Freese)
Rapid growth as long as the users desires remain strong.
The strength of the effects and the growth compounds with the degree of the user's feelings and number of desires.
The stronger the overall desire, the stronger the growth.
As a side effect, it makes the user immune to charms.
(Argonaut, Heroic Desire)
Allows a charge for an active action.
'Congratulations Bell, you are now level two.' Announced Hestia, hugging him from behind, as he looked at the new status.
'I'm level two now… thank you so much, Goddess… thank you as well, Syr… I couldn't have done this without you… and thank you, Ryuu, I probably wouldn't be sitting here and talking right now without your help either. Ah, I guess I need to thank Miss Ais too.' Spoke Bell gratefully.
'Just make sure you take some time to rest, Bell. You've been working so hard. Three weeks. It only took you three weeks to get to level two, so please, at least take a few days to rest and celebrate.' Requested Hestia, causing Bell to nod.
'I will, I already promised Miss Eina that I would come by for some lectures about all of the floors down to the first safe zone.' Admitted Bell.
'Although I do wish you weren't going in alone, especially after seeing what your magic can do to you. Maybe Hephaestus might have an idea.' Muttered Hestia, breaking her hug and standing to her feet, grabbing the status page back and placing it on top of the first, before rolling them up.
'Oh, I know, we should celebrate tonight.' Suggested Syr, clapping her hands together.
'Ah, I left my stuff with Mama Mia, and it is past lunch time now! She's going to be mad!' Gasped Bell, causing Syr to giggle.
'I believe once we tell her what happened today, she will understand.' Commented Ryuu reassuringly, successfully calming Bell down.
'Besides, I still need to give everyone their souvenirs. They are extra special now.' Added Syr, showing Bell one of the Needle Rabbit toys she had bought.
'Then I will leave him in your care for now, but you better make sure he doesn't try and save any more girls, at least for today.' Said Hestia, before making for the door.
'Don't worry, we will look after him. Although we might need to get you some clothes on the way.' Commented Syr, causing Bell to realise he was still shirtless and left in only his torn-up pants, with his damaged equipment and weapons collected and placed in a box by his bedside table.
'Make sure you pick something up from home first then, Bell, and remember, don't do anything dangerous tonight.' Cautioned Hestia, before heading out, leaving Bell behind with Syr and Ryuu.
'We better get going then, are you feeling okay to walk, Bell?' Asked Syr softly.
'Yeah, I think I'll just need to be careful not to go too fast.' Replied Bell, causing Syr to smile.
'I think fast should be your middle name at this point, Bell. Three weeks and you're already level two. You know, Miss Ais was the previous record holder, and it took her a year.' Joked Syr, causing Bell's eyes to widen.
'Really? Even Miss Ais took a year?' Asked Bell in disbelief.
'Well, not everyone has such a strong desire to become a hero who saves girls, Bell. Like I said, you are really very special.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to laugh softly.
'I really didn't think that I was, but I guess I can't deny that something I'm doing is working.' Relented Bell quietly.
'Come on, let's get going so we can celebrate your level up.' Suggested Syr, helping Bell stand.
'Sure, whatever you say.' Replied Bell, causing Syr to smile.