Jak Bird, and Banquet
A/N: Well here we are with another chapter. I want to say that Jaune is as strong as level 2, with all basic skills at a C-B ranks(Strength, speed, agility, etc.). Jaune's semblance can of course boost himself and others, of course, and his aura gives him a natural shield, which is why those teeth pretty broke on him.
I'm going to try to make him OP, or even too OP, due to his aura and semblance, which is why he is only strong as he is right now. If he would fight Cinder as he is right now, he may be able to stand a better chance, make her really bleed, and she would need to take him more seriously.
I will try not to make Jaune out shine Bell in certain aspects, but, I will try to have them shine together as one. I got to think of how to do the minotaur fight, might make it slightly stronger, or break in a new enemy for Jaune to fight, so they could level up at least around the same time. Since both Bell, and Jaune are fast growers it is a move that makes sense in the long run truthfully, and thanks to his training with Pyrrha, and experience on the road, it really helped him out a lot.
So without a further ado, let's go!
They looked onto one of the most rarest monsters in the dungeon. A Jak Bird, able to drop an egg worth one million valis! That can really keep all three of them fed for months, and even fix up the church to get more beds for themselves, this is a golden opportunity, that they cannot miss.
Jaune looked over to Bell, and whispering to him.
"Listen Bell our only chance is at least one of us getting the killer blow, you are naturally faster in time, but currently I am the best bet to catch this thing." Jaune whispered to Bell, as to not scare the creature off.
Bell looked down in some sadness, he knew Jaune was right, from what he has seen, he is much faster than him, and stronger. But, he perked up hearing that 'in time' he will be able to do more in the future. Bell then looked at Jaune.
"What is the plan?" Bell whispered back.
"We try to corner it, but not to go off too fast, it will panic, and run almost immediately, I don't know how fast it can go, and we will lose it. We can try to find ways to trip it up, anything to slow it down, and either you or I take it out and collect the egg." Jaune gave off his plan.
Bell nodded, Jaune was right, about cornering it, so it won't have any way to escape, they don't have to worry about it fighting them, these monsters only try to run away from adventurers, and it was reportedly fast, so fast that level ones can't catch it, but it is possible.
Jaune and Bell went around the creature, about 15 feet away from it still hidden behind any rocks, and boulder they could, and being as quiet as possible. The Jak Bird can sense danger around it, so hiding is the best option. And it was the right move, it started to walk further away from them, so they started to spread out farther, and surround it, making it go in different directions, they were making go where they want it to go.
It was in a nice rounded off spot, and a dead end, this spot is used by some adventurers, as a resting spot on level one to catch their breaths for a few moments. Sometimes monsters would spawn here but, thankfully for the both of them, no monsters, or other adventurers were around.
The two stayed further away almost 20-25 feet, to make the creature believe that they left it. And it seemed to believe the two adventurer's ploy. It wasn't as skittish as before, and seemed to relax more, and started pecking the ground like a normal rooster would. It was an odd sight for both Jaune and Bell, and they both sweat dropped at that.
Jaune and Bell looked at each other, Bell pointed out certain spots Jaune and him can sneak too, Jaune was glad that Bell is smart too, so he has seen the spots, and nodded his head going to his spot on the left of the monster, and Bell on the right.
The distance was shrinking between them, 25 feet became 20, and so on. Jaune stayed out further, just incase it tries to runs, since Bell was smaller, he can stay out of sight, and he is naturally quicker.
Both Bell, and Jaune quickly realized that, Bell is a speed fighter, he is a hit and run, and a quick attacker. He could probably be able to hold his ground better than most if he had to, but his strong suit was being quick. Jaune was a tank, he is in front more giving support, and taking out the bigger targets. He was thinking of changing up somewhat if he had to. Heal others with his semblance if he had to, and impowering them in battle. But, he was just thinking of the future, whenever they can get more familia members. But first he needs to start, training his semblance. He needs to get better and stronger.
And to start that he started boosting himself, he can feel himself getting stronger, and he was glowing a bit. His normal white aura was starting to turn a pale yellow. He still stayed hidden to not scare off the creature.
The Jak Bird was busy going about before it sensed people nearby, they were going to its position, so it moved away, but still felt them moving about, far away, but still near. It was in a nice spot to roost up for a little bit, and felt them go further away. So it let down it's guard, and stopped sensing them.
It felt someone coming closer, but couldn't tell if it was on the other side of the natural cave wall, or near it, so it slightly kept it's guard up, it was coming closer to it.
Then it seen a light shining, it got nervous, sensing the soul of person, and it's light made it even more skittish, the power was like the opposite of it, it's natural enemy. So it decided to look at it, to make sure that this being wouldn't attack it.
But that would be its biggest mistake.
Bell couldn't believe his luck. This monster was distracted with Jaune! Bell looked back to Jaune's position, and seen a light coming from where he was, he was glowing, that must be his semblance that he talked about. But he was able to give a distraction for him to kill the Jak Bird, Bell was 10 feet away, and slowly pulled out his knife, about to stab it in it's back. It was perfect, but then the creature started to move.
But it was moving towards Jaune's position, it was trying to run!
Jaune was sitting there focusing his semblance to make himself stronger, he even had his eyes clothes to focus. But, that is his mistake for not being aware, because he didn't notice a goblin going near him to claw him.
The goblin sliced down onto Jaune's shoulder, with all it's might, and destroyed it's claws and broke it's fingers. It screamed out for the pain it was feeling, it's finger on its hand were broken and bent in all different locations. Jaune looked over, grabbed it by its head and slammed it down on the ground, and not on the wall area, as to not scare the bird off.
But it was too late, the Jak bird decided to start walking fast to Jaune's position to get out of there, because it sensed his movements, his semblance really made the monster aware of Jaune, and not just him, but a nearby goblin.
Bell then sprinted out of his position, but the Jak Bird looked back cawed and stared to run fast, bell quickly switched to a reverse grip, and tried to slice at it.
Bell tried to give a horizontal slice at its legs but missed…or so he thought.
The knife did manage to get its leg, but not too deep, if it was a humanoid, type monster, it would have been a cut on its achillies tendon, it made a loud cawing mixed with a screaming sound, letting Bell know that it was hurting.
Even though it was injured it was still fast, trying to keep itself alive.
"Jaune, it's injured!" Bell yelled out to his friend, and Jaune looked up seeing it run, if was fast, but he has seen faster.
Compared to someone like Ruby, Pyrrha, and any other huntsman, or huntress, this thing was jogging to him. His semblance improved everything on him, Strength, durability, speed. He just discovered now, that the perception of some movement is slowed, due to him improving everything essentially. Jaune ran out with his sword, and quickly sliced it's body, by giving it a downward diagonal slash, it seized slightly, and Jaune grabbed it by its feathered throat, the creature was almost as big as him, and twirled around to give himself momentum to throw the bird!
"Bell heads up, finish it off!" Jaune yelled as he threw the bird toward Bell. Bell then pointed the knife forward to stab it, he ran towards the bird and lunged at it to stab it near the spot the magic stone would be. The bird gurgled due to the birds throat closing from Jaune's grip. The bird slacked and disintegrated.
It's magic stone was almost as big as a big man's fist. That would bring in some good money itself. But the real prize would be the egg, it would be as big as an ostrich(I don't know what other animals are in this world, so I am guessing). Bell looked at the drop, and his jaw dropped, he was utterly flabbergasted.
Jaune walked over surprised by the size of the egg. It was big as his torso, and was almost golden looking with some markings on it!
"Uhhhh Bell, they are not supposed to be this big right?" Jaune asked Bell. The teenager was still in shock but got somewhat of a grip on himself. He had never seen, or heard of a Jak bird egg being this big!
"Umm n-no, no it is not." Bell looked on in shock, seeing this egg this big, was crazy, the normal price tag for selling this egg, is 1million valis, but one of this size, they didn't know the exact price tag, but they guessed between 8 million, and 10 million valis, due to having one so big.
Jaune then knocked on the egg, and it made barley made a noise due to it being so dense, so they don't need to worry about it falling, but they know for a fact that this thing is going to be heavy. Jaune went to pick it up, and was right it was heavy, but not as heavy as he thought, a good 30lbs, he can carry it himself easily, Jaune gave a good natured smile to Bell, and Bell did the same.
This is going to be great for the familia, new weapons, beds, clothes, etc. they can make an easier living with all of this. Plus with the magic stones they have been collecting that is good for them individually.
They were about to walk out before they have seen at least three people walking up to them, with slightly cocky smiles.
They were all human, and looked to be grown adults with one having leather type armor, and the other two with steel plate armor. They each at a symbol on the shoulders of it was a chalice with a crescent moon on the right side. These people was with the soma familia. Jaune hasn't heard much of the Soma familia, including Bell, but they all looked shifty, like they are too tricky, and have to always watch your back with them. They would need to stand in front of you just to keep an eye on them, kind of sneaky, something didn't feel right.
"Well, well, look at what we have here boys, two little rookies, have really taken down a Jak Bird, that is impressive." The leader of the small group spoke up, looking smug, and giving them "praise" of their accomplishment. Both Jaune and Bell looked on suspiciously. They were going to talk about leaving the dungeon and to cash in the money, drop off the money and go back in the dungeon, they just got in about an hour ago, and felt that they could do more.
But, now things feel odd, they don't trust these people.
"That egg looks heavy, never heard of a Jak Bird leaving that kind egg, how about we help you two out, level ones like you two must be tired from that ordeal, let us help, you can trust us." Said, a man with a slight gut on him, he had longer hair, with steel plated armor, and looked like he liked to drink, a lot.
The one in leather armor just gave a smirk, and said nothing except nodding.
Jaune and Bell looked at each other, and Jaune just put the egg down, and whispered to Bell.
"Protect the egg, and run with it if you have to." Jaune whispered to Bell. Bell just looked at Jaune surprised, Jaune may have been strong but, he doubts he can even win this fight.
His sword looked a little bit chipped, the sword was cheap after all, and these three look to be level 2 or at least close to it, he doesn't know if Jaune could even fight them off. Jaune took a few steps ahead of Bell, and stared them down, making them drop what ever smile they had, this guy wasn't intimidated by them, and that piss them off.
Jaune then spoke up, giving them small smile, almost smug.
"It's alright guys, we don't need it, we are just leaving, and it is heavy, but, nothing "little rookies" can't handle. He kind pulled off a Yang right there being cheeky, he needed to show back bone, he learned that the hard way back in Haven when they were all training together.
"Come on Bell, we are leaving." Jaune said to Bell not looking back, Bell just nodded, and hefted the egg on his shoulder, he felt that he could lift this by himself, a tiny bit heavy, due to him being a adventurer, but really manageable.
Bell was about to approach Jaune to stand next to him, when they both seen the three men draw their weapons. They all smiled so sinisterly, and the looks of scum in their eyes.
"We were not asking." The leader said, pointed his sword at Jaune, then pointed it at Bell.
"Drop the egg now, and we will not kill you." The leader said to them. That was a cold faced lie, they were planning to kill them, they didn't need anyone reporting them, and they never seen these people before, and felt that no one will miss them.
Bell was going to feel a bit fearful, knowing that he can't win this fight, but, Jaune stood closer to him and stood in front of Bell protectively.
"It's still no." Jaune said fearlessly towards them. Jaune knows that he probably not going to win this fight. But, he will not let his new friend be hurt, not while he can fight!
"You're an idiot, do you know how much that thing is, you should take all the money for yourself! Being an adventurer is about getting all the glory you can, and the money, it doesn't matter who gets in your way!
It's all about you no one else!" The leader went on a tirade, trying to find the reason for Jaune and Bell to turn on each other. So they can take the egg for themselves.
Bell and Jaune's hair covered their eyes with frowns on their faces. Jaune then looked up with anger in his eyes.
"Being an adventurer is more than the glory and the riches. It is about the connections you make, the journey you take. Being an adventurer isn't about the glory, or the riches, those can always come and go, but having others in your life, is forever." Jaune said to them. Then Bell spoke up.
"WE are a familia, we are friends, and family, that will never change, we look out for each other, it's about helping those in need, and uplifting each other, and if you three can't see that, you don't deserve the right to be in a familia!" Bell said to them. This caused the three to flinch slightly, and step back a little, these two were different from other adventurers that they have met.
And that pissed them off.
"You are both idiots, give us the egg now damn it! Kill these fools!" The leader said in a crazed look. Bell was about to run but Jaune put his hands up about to fight barehanded.
To Jaune these guys were fast, but, for some reason, he was able to see their movements and dodge accordingly. Jaune weaved to the side to avoid a stab from a spear that was going for his head, and Jaune gave a left cross to his face and knocked him out due to a counter, and momentum.
The other was shocked. But went forward to kill this hopeful adventurer.
"You little bastard!" One of them yelled out to him, slicing diagonally, but Jaune simply moved to the side, and kneed him in his gut, causing the guy to throw up due to the hit, and then Jaune, gave a right upper cut to his jaw, lifting the guy off his feet doing a small back flip.
Bell couldn't believe his eyes, a level 1, was able to beat such a high ranking level 1 or even level 2 just like that. He could have sworn he saw teeth being thrown about. Jaune then looked at the leader with wide eyes seeing this rookie taking out his team mates.
"Surrender now, and leave with your teammates, and you will not be hurt, and don't mess with any adventurer like you did here, ever again." Jaune said in a authoritative voice. His time as a leader has helped him out, and reigning Nora certainly helps.
The thug got angry and ran towards Jaune.
"Screw you, your dead!" The idiot ran towards Jaune. But Jaune widened his eyes slightly, and drawn his sword. Their blades collided, and sparks started to fly.
It was almost a stale mate, and the guy was gritting his teeth, pissed at these naïve adventurers, pissed that the biggest score that they had in awhile is flying out the window, and pissed that this rookie, is holding. him. back!
Jaune grit his teeth slightly, this guy is stronger than the others, and that is not good, if he had Crocea Mors, he could be able to shrug this guy off easily. But, the sword is cheap, and not that good, and he can feel the blade giving way, it was already chipping due to the fighting he had earlier, and his strength was too much for the blade. And could feel the blade would break in two.
Jaune was very sure he was almost even with this guy, if only he was stronger. Wait…that's it!
Jaune then started to glow, surprising the man, and he can feel him getting stronger, pushing him back! How?! How can this guy push him back, he's a level two, while this young guy is a level 1! He pulled out something out of his pocket and threw it at Jaune, it was grounded up peppers, and threw it at Jaune's eyes, that caused Jaune to faulter slightly, and that slight moment was what the guy needed.
He pushed forward making Jaune stumble, and about to cut Jaune's head off, it was full proof, and he grinned crazily, but then felt a blow to the side of his head, and lost his balance!
His head was spinning, probably a concussion, he looked over, and seen the white haired adventurer at the spot he was at previously. The brat saved his team mate instead of running off with the egg, and that pissed him off, he got up about to cut him down, but, was stopped when he felt a hand on him. He looked to his right to see a fist flying to his face, he then felt a gloved, and armored hand essentially cave in his nose. He was sent flying into one of the cave walls, and his face bloodied, nose caved in, and slightly imbedded in the wall. The man was unconscious.
Jaune was breathing heavy, with his eyes shut tight. He was able to open his eyes slightly seeing the man about to attack Bell, while slightly blinded due to the spices, he opened his eyes again burning, watery, and very red. Jaune then closed his eyes again, activated his semblance to quickly clear up the pain. In about two seconds he was better.
He quickly ran to Bell and gave him a brotherly hug.
"Good job Bell, and thank you for the save, I didn't know if my aura could have stop his blade." Jaune said to Bell. The blade could have damage the aura, but with his semblance up and running, it would have felt like getting hit with a blunt weapon.
Bell composed himself and returned the hug.
"Your welcome, I couldn't just stand there and do nothing." Bell said to him, and broke the hug, and looked at the downed adventurers. He noticed some of them were going to wake up soon, seeing them twitch slightly.
"What should we do about these three?" Bell asked Jaune.
Jaune just looked on in thought, but then spoke up.
"They are waking up soon, and will leave, let's get out of here quickly, I don't want us to get in a fight again." Jaune said. With Bell nodding.
Jaune then grabbed the egg, and told Bell to be in front fighting, Bell agreed to that. On the way back to the surface, they ran into a few goblins and Kobolds. Bell was able to take down the goblins easily, but the Kobolds were tougher due to being faster, it took some time, and Bell got scratched a little, but nothing serious enough for a minor potion.
They eventually made it to the surface, and gave a deep breath of fresh air. It was good to be back up, and they quickly went to the guild. On the way there just about every adventurer was looking at them, more looking at the Jak Bird Egg. They have never seen an egg at that size, they could not believe their eyes. And looked at the rookies incredulously, how could these…..rookies get an egg that big, let alone kill a Jak Bird?!
Both Bell and Jaune entered the guild with everyone looking at them with wide eyes, including some of the receptionists. Eina looked on in shock, and Rose had slightly wide eyes. They went over to the desk and turned in their magic crystals, and drops. It came up to 3000 valis, in magic stones alone, and with the drops of all Goblin, and Kobold Fangs came up to 3900 valis! This gave them a total of 6900 vails, and they seen it was a good haul. But then the bigger prize came in. This surprised the receptionist at first and carried the egg in, the person was gone for a few minutes.
In those minutes, both Bell, and Jaune paced back and forth waiting with bated breath. When the person returned, they came back with a huge bag for them, the egg was worth 10 million valis! That caused both Bell and Jaune to drop their jaws along with the rest there.
Both Jaune and Bell fell backward, fainting.
"Bell/ Jaune!" Both Eina, and Rose yelled out, running towards them. It looked like they had swirls in their eyes, and fainted from the shock.
It took 15 minutes for them to wake up. And they apologized to Eina and Rose. Eina scolded Bell for scaring her, and Rose just simply gave him a small kind smile, and chopped him on his head. Saying "don't startle me like that again." Jaune just laughed awkwardly and apologized. Eina clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
"Now with all that is taken care of, come with us, and give us a report for coming back, and cashing in your earnings." Eina said to both of them. They both nodded, and followed both Eina and Rose. They all sat down and discussed of what happened in the dungeon.
When they got to the Jak Bird, they were impressed with their plan, because a lot of level 1s, or very overzealous adventurers would just run in, and try to catch the creature without a plan. They were so glad to have two new adventurers with good heads on them, it was a truly beautiful thing.
But, they froze in hearing about what happened afterward.
"THEY TRIED TO KILL YOU TWO?!" Eina yelled out, with great fear for them. And Rose with wide eyes too, she was actually really worried for them, especially Jaune. Jaune just nodded.
"Yeah they did." Jaune said looking down with a serious face. Rose just stood up almost furious at them.
"Why didn't you just drop the egg and run away, no amount of valis is worth your lives like that!" Rose was angry at Jaune for not running away, this was exactly why she didn't want to be an advisor for adventurers.
Jaune looked up with the same serious look again, that caused Rose to be stunned for a little bit.
"It's because we couldn't, or rather they wouldn't let us." Rose, and Eina looked at him in shock.
"They said if we dropped the egg, they would let us go, but I know that was a bold faced lie. I saw it in their eyes, they were going to kill us, even if we did drop the egg." Jaune said to them, with Bell looking down sadly.
"They were set in what they wanted to do, and I will not let them take advantage of us, and I couldn't let Bell be in danger either, they were level 2 I believe, or at least close to it, they would try to go after him first, and I wouldn't let my team mate get hurt, not while I can do anything about it." Jaune said with conviction, Bell was so glad to have a familia member like him, they look out for each other.
That made Rose calm down due to hearing the reason why, and she knew he was right. Getting away from people like that, was almost impossible without using your head. And they way he spoke about protecting someone was real good breath of fresh air, they were good people, and seeing Jaune like that made her heart flutter a little bit.
Rose cheeks turn pink, and widened her eyes and she shook her head to get her bearings back. She let out a sigh, and sat back down.
"I'm really glad that you didn't abandon your familia for your own self, but I am still worried about you Jaune. You said you believed to be a level 2, you fought him and won, that does not make since. How were you able to win?" That caused Eina to look on confused too.
Bell and Jaune looked at each other almost nervously. But Jaune, closed his eyes and took a breath and nodded his head.
"Ok listen please, I heard that this is rare, but it is my skills that I have." Jaune said to them. This caused the two women to widen their eyes in such surprise it looked like they would bulge out of their skulls. To hear a new level 1 to have not one but two skills, is just almost unheard of, so very rare, it would be historic!
"It essentially, makes me stronger, and I can make myself to continue to get stronger, I can do it for other people too, it can heal me quicker, and with one of the skills, again, I can heal people, and myself, make them stronger, and essentially boosts, everything on them."
The two advisors were just flabbergasted, to have something like that, can make him a juggernaut, and a healer to some degree. That then got them thinking, people will just take advantage of that, and try to use them.
Both Bell, and Jaune seen the looks on their faces, but Bell beat them to the punch of giving them advise.
"You two don't have to worry about us letting people know about this. Our goddess had told us about the risks of letting people know about Jaune's skills, and we only use it sparingly, or at least when no one is around us." Bell said to them, making them sigh in relief that they already thought ahead with this. But they do need to know who did this.
"Do you two know what the familia the three men were in? Did they have anything on them that can tell you anything?" Eina asked them, she wanted to make sure these people were punished, and to make sure that the people who attacked them, won't twist the story.
Bell and Jaune got a thoughtful look, and after a few seconds of they gave an answer.
"Well I seen a chalice on their armor for one." Bell said, getting a thoughtful look, he didn't know anything else besides that. Jaune then nodded at that.
"Yeah Bell's, right, and there was a crescent moon right by it too, does that tell you anything?" Jaune finished giving his explanation.
Both Eina and Rose both had a wide eyed expression, realizing that they know who they are talking about. And, again they both got a disappointed expression of realizing who they were.
"We know what familia they are from, they are from the Soma Familia. They are a familia known for producing wine, and for some reason, a lot of their familia members are so eager of getting valis. Honestly it's like rabid dogs, fighting over meat, that's what it's like for that." Rose said to them, getting an annoyed and slightly disgusted look.
She seen how some of those familia members act, honestly it was scary how eager they are to make valis. And, she has heard rumors that the members of that familia will steal, and even kill other people from different familias just to get a quick coin, or take all they have. She even heard a few times they would kill there own familia members just to get an edge.
That is the true terror, and the question for both her and Eina is…why?
Why go that far to make money, if they get 200 valis, would be a god send for them, it was dangerous.
Jaune and Bell gave them the best description of the men as best as they can. Granted they were just so focused of getting away that they didn't bother to remember their faces all like that.
But Jaune did mention that he caved one of their noses in recently so there is that.
After they gave all the information, they got up and left, and promised to keep their eyes open if they remembered what they looked like.
Both Rose, and Eina said they will contact the Ganesha familia, to have a close eye on those who are in the Soma familia. Almost like a miracle happening, they have blessing in front of them.
"Those damned brats, when I find them again, I will gut them, and make them watch as goblins eat them alive!" The man yelled out to himself, a man with a caved in nose. With other injured people walking with him, saying obscenities about them too.
The Hestia familia members and their advisors, along with the members stood there almost frozen looking at each other. They all blinked a few times.
"You/ You brat!" Jaune, and the leader pointed at each other.
"Jaune, are these the men who attacked you and Bell?" Rose asked with her arms folded over her chest, and giving a surprising seething look at the men.
"Yes they are, I can't believe we ran into these people like this again!" Jaune yelled out, with Bell nodding with wide eyes.
This caused the men to panic, and gain a manic look, and pulled out a magic knife. This knife was able to shoot out lightning, and went over to stab Bell. He felt that Bell was the weakest link and figured that their lives are over, and felt that since their lives are over, might as well take one out with them. And what's better to do it to the ones who did the same thing to them.
Bell was about to jump out of the way, but Eina was behind him and she would have been hit. So he decided to try to redirect it.
But he was too fast and Bell was going to be stabbed, Jaune then went in front of Bell, and Jaune put up a guard and felt the knife hit him, and shocking him.
"AAAAHHHH!" Jaune yelled out, in pain, the stab didn't hurt him really, but the lighting was very painful. It wasn't enough to bring him to his knees, so he pushed through the pain, and grit his teeth. He gripped the guys wrist, and twisted, making the guy to drop his knife, it still had juice in it, and the man tried to reach for it. But, Jaune twisted the man's arm again and put it behind his back, and Jaune kicked the back of his knees to make him kneel, and subdued him.
Jaune looked up to the other two, and gave a deep glare that promised pain, which caused them, and a few others behind them to flinch slightly.
"Surrender now!" Jaune ordered them, twisting the man's arm again making him yell out in pain, Jaune could break his arm if he put more effort in but, he wanted to avoid hurting him anymore than necessary, he didn't want to stoop to their level.
The other gave each other a brief look, and dropped their weapons and got on their knees in surrender.
A few adventurers came over and subdued them, and waited for Ganesha familia members to show up to subdue them. Jaune let go when one adventurer said they had him. The adventurer gave Jaune the magic knife saying that "better in your hands than his", so Jaune took and stored it.
Jaune flinched a little still feeling the electricity, he wasn't stunned, but the current hasn't fully left him yet.
"Jaune! Stop doing that like that, I know you have protection, but that was dangerous!" Bell said staring his friend in the eye.
"Mr. Cranel is right about that, that could have ended really badly for you what were you thinking?!" Rose almost yelled at him in surprising concern, she even held the arm that was hit by the blade. But then she noticed his arm.
'How doesn't he have a stab wound, I thought the blade wasn't as powerful, but it failed to enter his body entirely!' Rose mentally yelled, surprised that Jaune doesn't have any outward injuries.
She looked at the young man, wondering how can this level 1 take the damage, even a level 3 would be at least bleeding, and they would be stunned a little, probably sluggish movements like him right now.
Jaune just smiled.
"I care about the people around me, and Bell is my friend, and familia member, I will protect, and help all those I care about." Jaune said to her with a smile, while electricity still going around him slightly.
That caused Rose to look surprised, and for her to blush slightly, and gave a smile towards him, that surprised Eina, Rose never smiles like that towards an adventurer!
Speaking of Eina, she checked on Bell to make sure he was alright, Bell reassured her that he was fine, but still felt fear for Jaune. He didn't know how magic would affect him, sure he has aura, but he didn't know what it could still do to him, but he sees that he didn't take any piercing damage, and the lightning didn't affect him too much, besides the pain of course.
He also wasn't stunned so that was a good sign, but he was sluggish, that's probably why because he is a level 1, and his aura helps him out.
With all of them seeing the adventurers being taken away, all awhile yelling obscenities at them, swearing revenge, to kill them, etc. It was truly shameful, Both Bell and Jaune quickly left with their riches, and eager to get home and tell their goddess.
Both Jaune and Bell rapidly entered the church, and ran down stairs eager to surprise their goddess, with their haul.
"Goddess/ Hestia!" Both Bell and Jaune yelled out, but what stood there shocked them.
Hestia stared at them in shock, surprised to see them back so soon. But that wasn't what also shocked her, and them for that matter. She was stark naked. She was seeing what clothes she could wear, thankfully due to her job she was able to buy herself, a nice looking dress for the banquet.
There seen her boobs, amazing big, and hips that were wide and beautiful, and a butt, that Jaune felt that could almost compete with Blake(Yes I am making the girls thicker in this, because Japan hasn't seen the appeal of big butts and hips, but are starting to see the goodness of it, and in the books, the women are thicker too).
Both Bell and Jaune's faces grew beet red, and ran out of the room.
"I am so sorry goddess/ I am so sorry Hestia!" Both Bell and Jaune yelled running out. Hestia face grew red, but not as extreme as her familia children. She then collapsed on her knees, holding her dress close to her, looking down in thought.
'Bell saw me naked!' She thought in mortification, but it quickly turned to lust, and happiness.
'Oh I hope this gives him incentive to at least pounce to make a move!" Hestia's mortification turned to a lustful smile, and genuine happiness. But then she thought of Jaune.
'I'm so sorry about that Jaune, don't worry I'll forgive you, and with what you have been through, you deserve any kind of reward.' Hestia thought to herself, hoping that Jaune can move on from this.
Hestia sat on the bed, now fully clothed, and with both Bell and Jaune, bowing, to ask for forgiveness.
"We are so sorry goddess, we didn't know, we were so excited in showing something that would make you happy." Bell said to her, face still red.
"Yeah what Bell said, we should have said something the minute we came in, I was raised around girls all my life, and I made the mistake of not knocking." Jaune said, his face a little red, but not as bad as Bell's.
Hestia's cheeks were red from the incident, but was grateful for their kind hearts. She took a breath and got off the bed, and went to them and got on her knees in front of them, she put her hands on their heads.
"Hey you two it's ok, I forgive you guys, it was an accident, I know you two wouldn't perve on me, or anyone else for that matter and do that on purpose. So please raise your heads." Hestia said in a calming voice.
The two boys looked up to her, with a loving, and comforting smile and look, she really was a good goddess, who loves them whole heartedly. She's not the goddess of the hearth for nothing, after all. She then dropped that smile, and gained an excited grin, because the two were so excited before.
"So tell me, what's got you two so excited, it has to be something good!" Hestia said in utter joy. Both Bell, and Jaune looked at each other with a smile, and Jaune walked back to the entrance, and pulled out a big sack, of valis. Making Hestia scream in shock.
"How did you two get all this valis?!" Hestia yelled out almost hysterically, she just hoped that they haven't stolen it from anyone.
Both Jaune and Bell gave her a smirk.
They went into detail of how they got in the dungeon and what they did, by killing goblins, a few kobolds, and how they got drops. Hestia got happy knowing that they are doing well. But in her mind she thought of Bell's hidden skill, of how fast he grows, due to his emotions. It was all for Ais Wallenstein!"
'Why can't you have that big of emotion for me Bell?!" Hestia yelled to herself, and pouted mentally.
She was a little surprised with how Jaune was able to beat and kill monsters that easily. Even as a level 1 he was powerful, and the monsters natural weapons can't hurt him, at least the level 1 monsters, she fears about the monster on the lower floors. Jaune seen that look, with how the Kobold bit him, but reassured her, that his aura was still a shield, but he knows that, he will not always have a good chance to defend himself with just aura, and he will not get cocky, or overconfident, he has seen what that can do to someone.
Jaune sadly thought of Yang, as cruel, and messed up as he thought, Yang was always overconfident in her abilities, and the end result was her arm, but she learned that lesson, too bad it was the hard way. So, he knows his limits now, and feels that the monsters on the first few floors will not harm him, at least not too much physically.
But, poison fog, and other weapons can probably still harm him in a way, well at least chip away his aura. He learned that with that magic knife, while his aura can protect him physically, but internally, still damaging, and his aura heals him but still.
They then got into he reason, of that much valis. How they ran into a Jak Bird, and their plan. Hestia was enthralled with their tale, she listened on in awe, to see how smart her children was in her familia! How they made the monster go where they wanted it to go, and cornering it. One goes in and the other stays out, just in case the creature runs.
She heard how Jaune was training his semblance, she was glad that he was being careful in not letting others see him use it. At least wait until he is of a higher stats, heck, even if he becomes a level two. She was impressed on how they managed to catch the bird and kill it, her eyes widened like saucers when she heard of how heavy the egg was. That explained why they got so much valis!
She was about to congratulate them when they confessed to her, that some Soma Familia members tried to rob them. That made her freeze, their lives were in danger, and they are ok?!
"HOW ARE TWO OK?!" Hestia yelled out, causing them to wince.
"I was able to fight them back, I wanted Bell to run, while I at least distract them, and I could try to lose them." Jaune said to Hestia. But before Hestia could say anything Jaune continued.
"They essentially jumped at me, but what was surprising was, they were some what slow? I was able to fight them back easy enough. But then it was their leader. He was a tough one, I had to use my aura, and part of my semblance to make myself stronger, to push him back. And get this, we found out he was a level 2! But, he threw grounded up pepper at me, and was about to slice me, but Bell here, saved me." Jaune said to Hestia, and smiled with Bell helping him. Bell looked a little bashful.
"I just needed to do something, you have already done a lot so far, and I couldn't just not do anything. I was able to distract him, when Jaune punched him in his face sending him flying and knocking him out." Bell said to Hestia.
Hestia was panicking internally, Jaune let his semblance be shown, and not only that, a brand new adventurer beating a level 2 is crazy, and unheard of. But she was also worried about said adventurers getting revenge on them.
"Listen you two, I want you two to lay low for a while, I don't want those men to come at you again for revenge. Please I don't want anything to happen to you two." Hestia practically ordered them. Jaune just raised his hand in reassurance.
"It's alright Hestia, you don't have to worry about those two." Jaune said to her. This caused Hestia to tilt her head in confusion. What happened? Bell nodded with him.
"Yes goddess Hestia, you don't have to worry, when we went to the guild we explained to them about what happened, and agreed to keep an eye out. The adventurers who attacked us came by, to the guild when we were about to leave. When we confirmed that it was them, the leader tried to stab me with a magic knife." Bell said to Hestia. That caused Hestia to jump on him and inspect him for injuries.
"Oh my goodness Bell! Are you ok, he didn't hit you anywhere did he?!" Hestia yelled out holding onto him, and looking him over. By now they all stood up, and Bell calmly put her down.
"Yes I am fine goddess, Jaune here protected me. Though he got hit by the knife, and took the blow for me. I guess his aura protected him than I thought, and Jaune subdued him, and the other two surrendered, and some kinder adventurers came by and restrained them, until the Ganesha familia arrived to arrest them." Bell said to her easing her fears.
Hestia sighed in relief. But then she ran to Jaune and did the same thing to him, like she did for Bell.
This caused Jaune to giggle slightly, it reminded him when some of his sisters would try to climb on him, and it also reminded him of Ruby, and Nora, short stacks, adorable, and dangerous.
He put her down and reassured her he was fine, he felt the pain of the electricity going through him, but the blade didn't pierce his skin at all. That still didn't ease her fears of him being in pain. He also assured that the lightning went away after a minute or two, he just felt a little sluggish. That again surprised Hestia.
Normally when people are effected by lightning, they are paralyzed for a little while depending how strong the lightning magic is. His aura must have cleared it up clearly, that some what eased her worries somewhat. She was worried for him, with people knowing that he is a level 1, to take down a level 2, people will start looking, and wanting him. He will be hunted, and pretty much forced to join them in the dungeon, and some greedy gods, will want him, and will even kill him, if they don't get what they want.
For now, she is going to let this go for now at least. Hestia just gave a sigh.
"I'm glad your safe Jaune, and I am so glad you protected Bell, something really bad would have happened, I don't what I would do if I lost you two. But, please be more careful with being around other people." Hestia said to Jaune. Jaune raised his eye brow slightly, wondering why.
"Jaune, you took down a level 2, while you are a fresh new level 1, that is unheard of, with people seeing that you can beat someone like that, people will become curious, and try to take advantage of that, so please be careful in the future." Hestia told Jaune, and advised Jaune to keep quiet and be careful, that's almost something that Rose, and Eina told them to do.
Jaune looked down, and thought of it. She was right, who knows what people would do just to get to him, and do wrong just to have his power, he will have to be careful, and learn how to dodge more.
Jaune then nodded and agreed with her. With that out of the way, they celebrated before she was leaving, they were essentially rich for now. She had a plan, fix up the church to make it more livable, get beds in the place so Jaune won't have to sleep on the floor or couch. New clothes will help also, and get materials to set up a garden if they need to.
They will think of stuff later but first, Hestia wants to upgrade their status'.
"Alright you two, shirts off, and backs to me!" Hestia yelled out in excitement. Bell and Jaune did as she told, and still marveled of how much muscle her children has. The rewards of hard work, Jaune was the most biggest, but he wasn't muscle brained, but the right kind of muscle to fight, and Bell, getting stronger, it filled her with pride and joy.
But that didn't mean that she wasn't jealous, that his feelings was towards Ais Wallenstein and not her! Not one bit.
She did Bell first. She was impressed with his growth
Strength: F-78
Endurance: E-58
Dexterity: E-53
Agility: E-80
Skills: -
Magic: 0
Bell seen his stats, and they went up a lot again, his strength was lower before but it went up a letter, that's even better! Bell was smiling, he feels one step closer to Ais, and be able to fight by Jaune's side better, to have a better life for Hestia, and the future for the familia.
Then came Jaune's
Strength: E-80
Endurance: E-88
Dexterity: G-50
Agility: G-40
Skills: Aura-Manifestation of ones soul, able to be a barrier for the bearer. Gives user super human strength, speed, durability.
Aura amplification-Able to amplify the stats of others, including own self continuously. Able to heal, strengthen, reinforce, and rejuvenate others, and one self. Can't amp self while boosting others, and vice versa. Increases aura to make one stronger.
A/N: Please correct me if I did anything wrong with Bell's stats, I know that his agility was D rank after he got the Hestia knife, but I don't know if this is right.
And do you think this makes sense with Jaune's stats, he is a tank, and sorry for the info of skills and magic being consistent, I have to constantly go back to old chapters to see the info that I wrote, so again I am so sorry about that.
Above all, his stats went up high, and fast, just like Bell's! His strength and endurance is so much more higher than, due to his fighting style. All of them were both confused on why he went up so much. But, they were guessing because he was able to defeat multiple higher stat, and a higher level adventurers, he was able to gain such huge stats. And his skills probably gives him an even bigger boost. If he was trained like others when he was younger, he would be even more powerful!
This impressed Hestia to no end, she really did have golden geese in her familia. Not just with their skills. But, with their drive, kind heart, and all around good people. She found herself blessed, and now she will return the favor!
It was night time now, and the banquet was under way. Bell and Jaune went back into the dungeon since they have a lot more energy to burn off, and felt that they can go on further, they won't be able to update their status' for a few days but, it should be ok, they just know that they will make a huge jump then!
Hestia brought Jaune's weapon with her in a cloth, the gods asked why, and said, "it's for a very important meeting I will have, I need someone to look at it."
She was going to find Hephaestus, and beg her to make Bell a weapon, and to have her look at Jaune's weapon, to make it more better, so he could never be without something from his home something, from his family, and friends, and she will do anything to do this!
As the party was going on Hestia was eating the food, and grabbing any food in containers for back home. She was introduced to the most powerful goddess in all of Orario, The Goddess of love and beauty, Freya!
"Oh hello there Hestia, it's surprising seeing you here." Freya said to Hestia, a genuine greeting, but filled with an ulterior meaning. Hestia looked over with slight annoyance.
"Freya." Hestia said, evenly. She didn't hate Freya perse, she was just not the person should would out right talk to.
They had a brief conversation, about things but was interrupted by Loki. Saying that she wanted to wear a good dress just to spite Hestia, due to her not being able to afford a 'proper' dress. Hestia made her come back about coming in public while having no boobs.
Loki was actually pissed at that, that was her true anger spot, not having boobs, and she couldn't stand that coming from Hestia. Hestia, and Loki got into a little cat fight, by that Loki, just squeezed Hestia's cheeks painfully, but admitted defeat due to her getting nowhere, and just stomped away.
"Well it seems like you haven't changed much, have you Hestia?" In came the goddess of the forge, and fire, Hephaestus. She was beautiful, even with her eye patch, doesn't hide her beauty, if anything it just enhances it, saying that, even though something bad has happened to me, I am still me.
"Hephaestus it's so good to see you!" Hestia cheered out. She was so glad to see the goddess who originally took her in, when she had descended into the mortal realm.
"I've been wanting to see you!" Hestia continued. She was going to ask for the biggest favor of her existence currently.
Hephaestus just looked at her questioningly.
"Me? If it is about money I am no lending you a single valis." Hephaestus said to her sternly. Hestia felt slightly offended.
"Excuse me, I am not trying to mooch off of you, those days are behind me, but I do want to apologize for that, so I am so sorry, I am trying to be better than that, and do right by you, and others." Hestia said in pure honesty.
That surprised Hephaestus, to see this little goddess to be so humble, something must have happened, but she wasn't fully convinced yet.
"I appreciate the apology, seriously I do, I'm glad you did. But you did free load of my familia." Hephaestus said to her. That made Hestia wince in pain.
"You came back to me crying that, "I don't have money, I don't have a familia, I don't have a job!" And, that is after I kicked you out!" Hephaestus said to her, showing her frustration. That caused Hestia to feel pain in her heart. The guilt was strong, and her blows were equal to that.
"It's only natural that I'd expect you to want something!" Hephaestus finished giving Hestia a verbal beat down, which defeated her for a moment. But, Hestia got her bearings and stood tall.
"Yes, I did use to do that, that's why I am apologizing to you. But, I no longer do that, I can relatively stand on my own two feet now! I also have my own familia now, so I will not be alone anymore!" Hestia cheered, while holding up a victory sign.
Hephaestus looked uninterested at first, thinking of just Bell, but then remembered she has two, which impressed her whole heartedly.
"Oh yeah, with that kid Bell, or whatever, and that other one named Jaune if I recall." Hephaestus thought of it, Hestia did improve.
"Well, a lot of gods change after they form a familia, and for you, it was for the better it seems. Since I heard of the Jak Bird. Truly rare indeed, and unheard of for an egg of that size. Truly impressive." Hephaestus gave her compliments, which Hestia beamed at.
Freya's servant came to her, and whispered something in her ear.
"Hephaestus, Hestia, I must go now, something has come up for me, I must take my leave." Freya said to them, getting slightly shocked and confused looks from them.
"Already?" Hephaestus asked. Freya simply nodded.
"Yes, there was something that I wanted to check on, but that's all done now." She looked at Hestia, must to her confusion. And Freya gave her usual teasing, and flirty demeaner.
"Besides, I've given all the men here all the taste of me that they're going to get." Freya said. Implying that all the men are going to get some 'special time' with her.
That caused all the men around to freeze up, and just run away.
"See you." Freya said, taking her leave. That caused both goddess to look at her in a tired look, knowing what this goddess meant.
'Wow.' Was all Hestia could think of Freya. That goddess just loves to do everyone. Hephaestus just got the two back on track. She just cleared her throat to get Hestia's attention.
"So, what did you want to see me about?" Hephaestus asked getting down to business. That caused Hestia to perk up about to ask what she wanted. But Hephaestus beat her to the punch.
"And depending on what it is that you want, I may never speak to you, again." Hephaestus said to her sternly. Hestia just stood her ground, but a little nervous now.
"I…I understand that! The truth is!" Hestia said running to the side of the table grabbing Crocea Mors, wrapped in cloth, so no one could see it. She then got on her knees her forehead touching the floor, while gripping the weapon.
"Please, Hephaestus I want you to make a weapon for Bell! And, I would like you to look this weapon, it's my newest child's, and I would like you to see if you can improve it!" Hestia begged Hephaestus.
Little did they know that this interaction, will give way to two of the most famous adventurers that Orario has ever seen.
A/N: This took a while, this is by far the most longest chapter that I have ever written in a story. Again I want to apologize for not putting in unique dialogue when Bell and Jaune were fighting. Again thanks to Jaune's aura, he is more powerful than most people at his level. His semblance also makes him even more stronger, and others too. Almost like Haruhime, able to give level ups, but different, improving their stats, making them stronger, faster, and heal them essentially. I know Aura amp just amps the healing property of aura, but here it is different, since it is a skill now.
And the Jak Bird was worth a lot more, than usual, it seems that blessings, and luck were on their sides today. And I do believe, Jaune was able to get improved stats faster, due to fighting essentially level 2 adventurers, but let me know if you think that the ranks are too low or high for both Bell and Jaune.
With that being said, see you all in the next one.
And May God Continue To Bless You All!