Paralysed by the strangeness of the situation, Bell did not move a single muscle as he stared at his unexpected seat neighbor. It wasn't like he thought he'd never meet Lefiya again. Quite the opposite, he was wondering where she was during Grand Eve. He expected her to be near Aiz, given how much the elf liked her. But since he didn't spot her at the beauty contest, and nowhere else in fact, a part of him simply assumed that Lefiya was busy elsewhere, maybe at her home or some other more obscure spot. So to meet her face to face like this when he didn't expect it threw him a bit out of the loop.
He glanced at the…food she was eating. He especially didn't expect an elf to eat such a juicy, large and rather good smelling combo of meat. Fortunately he ate before or else his stomach would be grumbling right now. Still, something about his gaze seemed to bother Lefiya, as her face turned red just a bit before she pulled her wrapped turkey leg away from Bell, as if she was afraid he was going to steal it. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't care how hungry you are, I had to pay an arm for this and had to stand in line for an hour for the Deluxe Magical Muscle Package!"
Without further ado, she fully turned away from him and the sound of munching reached Bell's ears. He could only feel his eyebrow twitch as he stared at the back of her head in disbelief.
It had a special name?! He glanced downwards at his feet, as a memory resurfaced. Wait, he faintly remembered it. It was a product that was being advertised by several stands of the Ganesha Familia. The lines were way too long for Bell and Hestia to pay it any more attention and they moved on. But he did recall the slogan.
One bite, eternal growth! The Falna is great, but protein is even greater!
Bell looked back up at Lefiya, who was still munching away at the bone. From the speed of her chewing, he couldn't help but imagine a chipmunk going at it. He couldn't do anything but tilt his head just a bit.
Did she actually believe it…? He narrowed his eyes at her before he felt his features flush just a bit. He knew it was improper to hell and back, but he couldn't help but start to notice how much Lefiya has…filled out. Was that the power of a meat based diet for elves?
He could see how her thighs were squishing against her stockings, at the verge of spilling out in some way. Even with her back shown, the way her breast swayed from the subtle movements indicated they were much larger than he recalled. Then there was the healthy glow in her face before she turned away. Suffice to say…he himself was starting to believe the Ganesha advertisement, because when he compared her shape in the past compared to this…it was a rather massive change.
Then he slapped his cheeks, trying to erase those impure thoughts he had about a girl that wasn't even his lover. If Ryuu or Aiz were here, they would scold him and then maybe even cry!
…No, wait, he'd cry. They would just look at him as if he was garbage most likely. Still, he couldn't help his male appreciation of Lefiya's form. Fortunately for him, she finally turned around, having pocketed the bone for later removal. Crossing her arms, she glared at him before pointing her finger at him.
"There, I'm finished!" She wiped the grease from her mouth with a napkin before pocketing it too, a small blush forming. She let out a huff before putting her hands on her hips. "So stop judging me! I know we elves have a vegetarian lifestyle, but I am an adventurer first and foremost! If I have to eat this sort of thing to bulk up and be more physically able, then I will!"
"I'm not judging!" He shouted, raising his hands immediately. Lefiya rolled her eyes before narrowing her eyes at him.
"I felt you staring at me! You were definitely judging!"
"I didn't think anything bad!" Matter of fact, he appreciated her form, but he had a feeling outright stating that would cause her to explode with rage. He cleared his throat, before scratching the back of his head. "So. What are you doing here?" An awkward smile formed. "I thought you'd be at the…beauty contest. With Aiz."
The elf let out a dismissive snort before giving him a wry smile.
"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?" Bell stiffened up. Lefiya did not notice that as she brushed her hair back, eyes closed with a sigh. "Well, I'm not much for showing off my body. It's embarrassing. Not to mention I'd only be overshadowed by the true be-" She opened her eyes. She blinked at his slightly heated face before her own face heated up. She covered her chest, hugging herself before she leaned away. "What? W-why are you staring at me like this?"
"N-no reason! I just think…it's a bit of a shame? I mean…you do have the curves-"
Bell slapped his mouth shut. But it was too late, for it moved before his brain properly processed and realized what he was going to say. With a half open mouth, Lefiya just stared at him, her face slowly turning into a tomato. Then she hugged herself tighter and fully leaned away, not caring she was pushing against a nearby spectator.
It was then that a part of Bell realized that a lot of people were staring at him. But before he could tell Lefiya to calm down, she already exploded at him. She threw her foot out, aiming for his face. Out of reflex, he caught her by the ankle, but it only caused the elf to struggle even more as she shook her steaming head.
"You pervert! I knew it, the more girlfriends you get, the more deviant you grow! And I am the next one on your list to violate, to turn from a cool maiden into a demon that only thirsts for you!"
"I'm sorry, it's just very noticeable!"
Lefiya froze. Bell took that opportunity to stop weaving out of the way of her other leg and gently put her foot down. He thought she calmed down here and then, but then she grabbed him by the collar in that moment of weakness and began to shake him, tears forming in her eyes.
"I knew it, you think I'm fat! It's all muscle, you hear me?! It's all for the sake of the dungeon! I didn't get fat!"
How did she get that idea?! What was up with Lefiya's staggering confidence and staggering lack of it sometimes?! He frantically shook his head, his mind racing and burning as it tried to find words to get out of this situation.
"You-you aren't fat! And if you are, you are in the right places! Very attractive! Like I said, you have curves! Childbearing hips for example!"
Lefiya let out a strangled noise, her fingers twitching inside his collar. Bell felt his soul die, letting out a whine from his throat as he realized what he said, again.
Damn it, grandpa! Damn it, Solaris! Why couldn't he just shut his mouth for one second?! That was all their fault! He was usually not that bad!
"Hey, what did I do?"
"Yeah, we didn't do shit."
Neither said anything, only staring as the other got increasingly more red in the face. The words couldn't be taken back now. He wished Lefiya would act as usual, punching him or choking him or just yelling. This embarrassed silence was worse than any of that. However, that silence wouldn't last, as they were lost in each other's eyes, trying not to read too deep into each other.
"SHUTIT, YOU FLIRTS"
""We're not flirting!"""
Realizing that they were witnessed by dozens of people, they finally managed to tear their eyes away from each other, faces still aflush. He rubbed his temples as he leaned forward. Why did this always happen with Lefiya? She was so…so aggravating! Sometimes he thought they bonded just fine, becoming rather close friends and rivals, and then she went crazy at times!
Sometimes he wished Solaris was still here. She was a social butterfly, more than him after all. He could imagine it, her sitting in a library, a book in hand named "Embarrassing Memories". She wore reading glasses and took a smoke from a fake pipe, steam coming out of it. She glanced up, blinking before letting out a chuckle that suited an old man more. With her legs crossed she closed the book and put it on a small table at her side. Slowly, almost dramatically, she reached for her glasses and took them off. With a wise glow in her eyes, she leaned forward.
"So. You're with Lefiya and she actin' all weird and stuff. Well, here's my advice."
A pause. Then, out of nowhere, the mental image of Solaris threw the glasses and pipe over her shoulder, throwing her arms up in the air with an expression of pure disgust and disbelief.
"Don't fucking asking me of all people! Like, c'mon, I barely interacted with her even when I was alive! How the flipping hell do you think I know what to do here?!"
Bell blinked, the image disappearing. Oh. Right. She wouldn't be much help in this case, would she?
"I know I said that, but phrasing!"
Suddenly, he noticed Lefiya clearing her throat. He looked up at her. The red color was still present, but at least it wasn't there to an unhealthy degree. With her back straightened up, she had her eyes closed, as she coughed again. Then she opened one eye, glancing at him. Her lips quivered before she took a deep breath and put on a polite smile he often saw on the maids at the Hostess of Fertility.
"Let's start over and pretend what just happened didn't happen."
"What didn't happen?" Bell asked innocently, tilting his head as he got the message loud and clearly. It caused Lefiya to smirk just a bit as she fully opened her eyes.
"Attaboy." She whispered, causing something to tingle in Bell's spine. Shaking it off, he paid attention to how she sighed before leaning back on her seat, a tired expression appearing on her face. "I managed to sneak away by saying I wanted to see the competition from Yggdrasil. Pervert she may be, but Lady Loki also wants us to always yearn for improvement."
"Did you? Uhm, visit their exhibition I mean."
"I did." Bell winced at the long suffering sigh that Lefiya let out. Apparently she also talked to them. She rubbed her temples, shaking her head. "They are insane." She scoffed, crossing her arms before giving him a pointed look. "But I suppose that's just what happens when someone is friends with you of all people."
"Are you calling Aiz insane?" Bell asked immediately, raising an eyebrow at her. As expected, Lefiya recoiled as if slapped in the face. Then she raised her finger at him, inhaling sharply through her nose.
"I said friends, not-Whatever!" She let out a huff, crossing her arms again, hunching her shoulders a bit with a pout. "I'm still mad about them claiming you're a better mage than me."
"I have no control over them! I don't know why they are so competitive with you!" Bell cleared his throat before scratching the back of his head. "Do you…hate them?"
As weird as the Valkyries could be, he still considered Brunhilde and the others allies. Friends, even. So he let out a breath of relief when the elf shook her head dismissively.
"Not at all. Whatever complex they have, I don't care." She smirked at him. "My competitors are my fellow adventurers after all."
"Glad to hear it."
Bell noticed that the flow of spectators and visitors were slowing down. He couldn't help but whistle at how packed the arena was now. A part of him was worried that people might get injured, but he spotted Brunhilde and the others in the vicinity, setting something up. Maybe a sort of barrier? She did seem to cooperate with Riveria of all people. Against their will most likely, as it looked like Asfi was doing her best to mediate between the exasperated high elf and the passive aggressive human.
"...Thank you."
He turned his head towards Lefiya. The girl blushed a bit as she kept looking forward. Resisting the urge to clean his ears, he cleared his throat.
"Uh, for what?"
"Being a decent boyfriend for Aiz," she muttered before a weak smile formed on her face. "I haven't seen her so happy and relaxed in ages. No matter what I think about you and your…relationship…you're good for her. Don't take it for granted."
Warmth radiated from his chest. He tried not to be giddy, at Lefiya's words. Especially because he had a feeling that the elf was doing the "thing" again. Shaking his head, he simply smiled at her.
"I'm sure I'm not the only reason. After all, she has Familia like you around."
"Stop making this a competition and accept the compliment already," Lefiya said dryly, her mouth thinning. Bell pointed at her, raising his eyebrow at her.
"Only if you stop putting yourself down."
She blinked before looking forward again. Bell didn't miss the quivering of her lips however, as she resisted the urge to smile. However, she stopped resisting when she suddenly shot up to her feet, clapping her hands in excitement.
"Oh, the fighters are entering the arena!"
Bell rose up as well, leaning over the railing. His face brightened up by a tenfold when he spotted Kojiro wandering out of the entrance, together with plenty of other familiar faces. While some he only recognized from seeing, as they didn't exactly interact, he was aware of the two captains from the different countries. Bache Kalif adjusted her veil, stoically assessing the people next to her, while Fei from the Hachiman Familia politely had his arms crossed behind his back. Meanwhile he only knew about the crown prince of Rakia, Marius Victrix Rakia from hearing when Welf or Solaris talked about their country. He seemed out of place, adjusting his cape nervously, yet he pushed on nevertheless. Commendable in a way.
Meanwhile other, more familiar faces, appeared. His eyes widened in surprise when he spotted Bete and Gareth entering the arena, cracking knuckles and stretching his neck respectively.
"I expected Finn to be down there as well…" Bell muttered, causing the elf next to him to let out a hum.
"I'm certain Tione grabbed the captain for a date. As well as Lyra." She brushed her hair back with a confident expression. "Not that he needs to be down there! Hehe, Gareth and Bete will dominate this!"
Bell felt his eyebrow twitch. He noticed that the commentator of the arena was speaking up, but he didn't care or take note of it. He somewhat realized that a bearded man, similar to a viking, walk into the arena, followed by the King Ottar himself. However, he was too busy processing the sheer audacity that Lefiya just spouted to him. He took a deep breath before giving his seat neighbor a pointed look.
"You do know that Kojiro is down there too, right?"
Acting coy, Lefiya pretended to pay more attention to her hair strands as she twirled them with her finger She glanced at him, letting out a small gasp as if only noticing him now.
"Hm~? Oh, my apologies, if I knew you were suffering from delusions, I would've brought you a drink." She waved her hand dismissively, before a smug aura radiated her, born from her faith in her own Familia. "I'd have understood if you supported your girlfriend or anyone else from the Astraea Familia, but they aren't down there now, are they?
"They wanted to relax." Bell crossed his arms, openly glaring at Lefiya now. "Nevermind that. Did your Familia ever bridge a two level gap? Kojiro did it twice."
"Plenty of times! And my Familia has a lot more experience than yours!"
"Kojiro was a Heroic Spirit!"
"He called himself a Phantom, it doesn't count!"
"How does it not count?! I'm sure he knows more about dismantling people than anyone here!"
"The dungeon is way more dangerous than any individual! You rookies haven't even reached the fortieth floor on your own!"
At this point they were on their feet, pressing their foreheads at each other with heated looks. Their fists were shaking as their respective Familia was being slandered. The air was crackling between them, with none of the onlookers having the courage to interfere this time. However, then something broke the equilibrium.
"Take your bets! Take your bets now!"
They did not bother looking away from each other. Instead, at the same time, they reached into their pockets and pulled out their money bags and raised them into the air.
"One million valis on Sasaki Kojiro dominating!"
"One million each on Bete Loga and Gareth Landrock!"
With their words, the flood of bets breached the dam of tension they created. Coins were raised and accepted by guild workers, for the sake of Orario's economy. It was only when Bell and Lefiya suddenly felt bloodlust spike from the arena that they tore their eyes away from each other, heads snapping towards the center.
They almost missed the start of the exhibition match! No longer suffering from tunnel vision, Bell now was able to hear and see what was going on.
"Aaaand it looks like we have our first matchups! Not a chaotic free for all, but a couple of duels here! Ragnarok Gregor is facing our very own Gareth Landrock! Up against the Poison King, we have this city's Bete Loga! Last but not least, we got a match up between Rakia and the Far East, Marius against Fei!"
He was certain most people wouldn't be able to keep up with the speed of the chaos that was unfolding. But at this point, he wasn't like most, just like Lefiya. While the audience around them frantically moved their heads around, trying to keep track of everything, the two sets of eyes that belonged to elite adventurers blurred after the fighters with ease.
The slowest of the duels was between Rakia and the Far East, but not for a lack of trying. The gap in levels was simply too high in comparison to the other matches, but it was still enlightening. The hands of the Gentle Fist appeared to move too slowly in the eyes of the audience, but it was not that. In those fists of his, Bell saw the level Haruhime yearned for. A smoothness that was out of place in the wildness and chaos in the battlefield, as it seemed to give mere love taps to the attacks directed at their owner. With that same seeming slow and soft movement, a palm was about to touch the chest armor of the Rakian Crown Prince. But despite the gap, he managed to jump back in time, only leaving a crack on the previously pristine armor.
Level four, against level five, if Bell judged them correctly. Marius must have studied well under Romulus, as he twirled his spear, sweat drenching his body. Still, it was clear to anyone, that even his solid basics meant nothing against the mystery that was the Divine Arms Martial Arts. However, skill alone did not decide a battle. Awareness was a major factor too, and as the future leader of a country, his awareness was second to none on this battlefield.
Without warning, he suddenly moved his upper body to the side. Fei could only widen his eyes before he barely leapt back, while crossing his arms. In that very same moment, Bete's leg smashed into the Far East representative, uncaring about his existence beyond as footing for another jump. Bell leaned forward, straining his eyes. As expected, after his level up, Bete grew even faster now. But it was clear to him that he was hiding some ace in the hole at this point, as he glanced at Lefiya. The elf blinked in confusion before shaking her head and refocusing on the battles.
Despite his impression from his first meeting with her, the veiled amazon let out a furious roar, worthy of being a warrior, a follower of Kali and the Asura. Even though it was akin to a fly buzzing around a child, the latter unable to catch the insect hitting with the force of a Monster Rex, she still swung her arms, her bare hands trying to grasp her opponent just once. Just one touch with her poison would be enough to change the tides. Thus, she pushed herself beyond rationality, incarnating the philosophy of her king. Foolishly, stubbornly, she endured the onslaught of Bete Loga, just to close the gap between each strike she missed.
Meanwhile, Gareth fought a more even match. While his brawn must have skyrocketed after his own level up, his opponent was by no means that much weaker. Contrary to his borderline fanatic grin at the joy of combat, he wasn't swinging his twin axes blindly. It spoke of a level of self preservation that the eye patched man didn't exactly represent with his appearance. Perhaps a philosophy born from being the one and only frontline against the monstrous dragons that wished to cause mayhem on the surface world. Still despite his weaving and bare dodges, the fight was nevertheless a sight that made any man feel the boiling of their blood. Axe against axe, boisterous laughter against boisterous laughter. It was a true match between raw strength, one that Gregor seemed to lose out on, barely compensating with defensive techniques.
However, out of all the things that caught his attention, it was the silent footsteps that Bell knew the best. His head snapped towards the one individual that seemed to not be aware of the conflict around him. Almost like a serene spirit he stepped towards his destination, sword drawn and resting on his shoulder. Amidst the combat, it took a moment for others to realize where he was headed. Eventually, even the commentator noticed the murmuring and shock in the audience and caught onto what was going to happen.
"W-What is this?! Sasaki Kojiro has at last moved himself and he is moving towards-!"
Even the fighters in the arena seemed to notice something was off. With soem distance between each other, they were all taking the chance to take their breaths, their eyes wide at the audacity that Kojiro displayed. For he stopped just short five steps of his designated opponent. Standing in front of the sole individual who had not moved a single muscle since the start of the fight. With a chuckle, Kojiro moved his sword, taking on his all too familiar stance as he held the handle right next to his head.
"Allow me to face you as the first challenger, o King."
Deadly silence filled the arena. People were unable to comprehend what this man just stated. But eventually, their brains managed to catch up…and thus exploded in volume as they let out cheers of anticipation and excitement.
"What audacity! The record holder against the strongest of Orario, the King! Is this the audacity of the young?! Will his arrogance prevail, or will his dreams be crushed by reality?! The highest of level seven against the fastest rising level five!"
Ottar didn't show any reaction at all. He stared down the tip of Kojiro's sword before reaching for the clothed weapon on his back. Unholstering a bit, it revealed a deadly black sheen, causing Bell's spine to freeze.
Supreme Black Sword. A weapon forged from Udaeus' sword that it draws when facing a sole opponent. One of the few items that could match the king's strength. Yet something about it seemed…different. As if something was added to it ontop.
Before Bell could ponder about it more, Ottar let out a soft exhale, closing his eyes. A deadly mistake if in combat, but in the lull of the situation, the king was more than allowed this minor gesture.
"You misunderstand, Sasaki Kojiro."
The swordsman tilted his head in confusion. Then his eyes widened in shock, his body already moving as his eyes glowed.
"The challenger is and always will be…" His arm stretched out, sword imbedded into the ground. Bell rubbed his eyes, before he felt his heart stop as realization hit him.
He didn't see Ottar swing his weapon.
"Me."
A single syllable. Like a spell that released the world from its stopped time…the consequences of the King's attack finally came to bear after a moment of delay. Bell barely processed the sound of steel grinding steel, a moment of several clashes echoing in his ear, before he had to cover his eyes from the dust exploding into existence. Screams echoed in the audience, before a barrier flickered into existence, catching the dirt in its tracks before the people were drowned in it. Coughs and groans sounded among the spectators before they rose to their feet, wanting to see what happened.
The sight was mindboggling. It was not a crack. It was not destruction. It was a hole, extending meters, tens or even hundreds, down towards the dungeon. The other warriors leaned and pressed themselves against the walls, with their hands and feet, breathing heavily from just the aftereffects of the strike. Bell bit his thumb and his eyes chased after his friend…only to let out a sigh of relief.
Kojiro was laughing. A nervous one, a shaking one, shaking just as much as his arms and sword, his back pressed into the wall of the arena, reshaping it with his own form by a bit. Blood flowed out of his mouth which he slowly wiped with his sleeve. Ottar raised his sword once more, humming as he looked at the swordsman.
"Hm…so you have managed to defend. You struck my attack several times in that moment, to divert it." He gave Kojiro a subtle nod. "You truly are one of a kind, Mugen."
He exhaled. And immediately, the pressure increased within the arena. Civilians stumbled backwards, some even foaming from the mouth. But adventurers like Bell could sense a lot more than this. Sweat ran down his neck as he couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle, his eyes wide as saucers.
"No way…!"
"You feel that too…?!" Lefiya shook her head, not even bothering to glance at Bell as she covered her mouth. "No, of course you would! But that's-!"
Kojiro stumbled forward, catching himself as he leaned forward, tightening his grip on his blade. With a wide grin that was unlike him, he coughed a few times before he started to laugh in delight.
"Haha…hahahaha…! I see…my instincts were correct…" He straightened up his back and raised his right hand with his sword. "You have reached it, haven't you?"
Ottar did not move, as confusion spread among the ranks of the spectators. But among those that were blessed like him, they anticipated the answer to the mystery. They realized what had happened. Yet their minds, their pride, they could not accept it, as their muscles tensed, their teeth clenched together. Alas, the King was not bothered by their rejection. Instead he merely looked up at the heavens, as if pondering the wide distance between him.
"The Radiance has accomplished the feat first. I am not aware if she received her update before me or not." A small smile formed on his otherwise stoic expression, as he shook his head. "Nevertheless, it does not matter."
Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he raised his fist into the air, before he made his declaration with a boom of his voice.
"In Orario, I am the one who reached the next level first!"
The reactions were immediate. Screams of fanatic celebration, roars of outrage. But it was the arena itself that was borderline silent, as each adventurer, each blessed warrior, showcased their own frustration at this reveal.
"Level…Eight…?!"
"You gotta be shittin' me…! We just got to seven!"
"Why y'all complainin'?! Some of us aren't even there yet!"
"What the hell does he mean the Radiance is there too?!"
"The gap keeps widening I see…"
Each of them were vibrating with anticipation, with the lust for blood. Yet before they could move, Kojiro cut through the air with his blade and shifted his feet, widening his stance.
"Yes, that is the least I should expect from Orario's King!" His eyes glowed with a spark never before seen, a giddy expression on his face. "I shall go all out then!"
Without hesitation, he leapt into death's jaws. Ottar merely hummed and readied his own massive sword with one hand. What followed was an exchange so stress inducing, Bell could no longer feel his heartbeat, so rapid and fast did it move.
Straining his vision, his Prism Trance, to the utmost limits, each swipe of the King was narrowly dodged and parried by a hair's breath. Akin to building a street while a carriage was driving on it at full speed, he used every single trick of his body language, every gesture and facial expression to lead Ottar to his desired destination. But one could see the toll it took on the Mugen, as each swipe of Ottar was strong enough to shatter dozens of buildings in one go. If not for the barrier surrounding the arena, there would be countless casualties at this point. Yet while right next to it, Kojiro prevailed, moving his sword as beautifully as ever. Not only that, he started to cut away at Ottar. While nothing more than faint bruises appeared on the man's skin, that Kojiro found the time to twist and cut with his blade amidst the never ending explosions of strikes, it was a miracle.
However, there was one fact that was present in the back of Bell's mind, as he cheered and hollered for his brother in arms.
Ottar grimaced as he lashed out with a kick. Narrowly dodging to the side, Kojiro cut upwards, downwards and to the side while midair, sliding backwards before steadying himself and dodging a haymaker aimed at his face. The King's frown deepened. Not due to the attacks inflicted to his leg…but because of his body in general.
The only reason Kojiro had not lost yet…was because the usual perfection of Ottar, his absolute defense, was flawed in this moment. For an adventurer had to get used to their new level first, a process that could take days of trials and tribulations. Indeed, today was the swordsman best and only chance to land good blows on the King without immediately being defeated himself. Nevertheless, the King's body was still harder than even adamantite. At most, he was starting to feel a faint sensation of pain with the dozens and hundreds of cuts Kojiro landed, all while fleeing with all his might.
After mere seconds, an eternity for Kojiro, the swordsman was pale. His body heavy, from strain and the sweat weighing down his clothes. His eyes were bloodshot, straining from the endless paths he had to navigate through in the world of the Kaleidoscope. And yet, his opponent was more dirty than hurt. He exhaled slowly before holding his blade up next to his head, in his signature position. Ottar hummed, lowering his sword, before striding forward with purposeful steps.
There was no intent to dodge. No intent to block. Mocking in most situation, but was it not within the King's rights to mock? Kojiro chuckled weakly. He had not much energy left, for more exchanges. Thus, he made his decision…to bring forth his entire arsenal!
Ottar entered his range. Kojiro's sword blurred into motion, splitting itself up into three.
"Hiken! Tsubame Gaeshi!"
Blades from outside of their current existence aimed for the flesh of the King. Yet he merely tensed up his muscles, neck, shoulder and stomach. Kojiro grit his teeth as his physical blade bounced off, while the otherworldly cuts shattered on impact, as if they hit Lord Camelot itself. His certain kill technique failed to certainly secure the kill. Still, his smile did not fade, for he expected nothing less from this opponent!
He barely raised his foot in time to meet Ottar's own front kick. Using the force he was flung away. Mid air he sheathed his sword and lowered his body the moment his feet touched the wall. His bones creaked as his flesh screamed but he maintained his form as he slid down. The moment his feet landed on the ground, he inhaled sharply before drawing his trusted weapon over and over again.
"Hiken! Tengai!"
Ottar flinched as a cut manifested just before his eyes, dodging in the nick of time. At that moment, Kojiro paid no attention that this was supposed to be a friendly match, a mere exhibition. He was aiming to kill. Ottar cracked a small smile…before clenching his fists and moving forward, only avoiding the cuts that aimed for his soft spots. Other than that, it was as if the large man was taking a stroll through the rain, as cut upon cut upon cut manifested in the world from different timelines, trying to sink their teeth into the King to no avail.
Suddenly, the cuts ceased. Kojiro collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily with his eyes half lidded. Yet his grip on his sword was still tight, unyielding. Ottar gave him a subtle nod, not ceasing his walk towards him. But then, his eyes widened as his instincts screamed at him.
"Hiken…!"
The tip of his sword aimed at the captain of the Freya Familia. His hand was shaking. But his aim was true, as his half open eyes focused on Ottar, on his stomach, on a singular cell he declared his target.
"Zuki!"
A singular strike. Nay, several ones, but condensed into one. The attack that took down the Creature Revis and one of the Demi Spirits. Not spread out, imperfect, but perfected. For if one stab would be stopped by an obstacle, the others would keep moving forward in a world where there was no obstacle, dragging its siblings from other timelines with it.
The sound of flesh being pierced. The otherworldly strike disappeared, at the same time as Kojiro's head fell down, his eyes rolling over. A grunt of pain, before another thud sounded in the area. He clutched his stomach, before raising his hand. Gasps and shock spread around in the audience, as they saw the crimson red color staining his hand. But then, they saw what that bleeding hand was covering, and the sight was against all common sense.
"The…The King…! HE HAS A HOLE IN HIS STOMACH!"
The perfect body of the King had been harmed. No, it had been disfigured, with a hole that one could easily peak through. It was a clear injury, inflicted by a level five, against a level eight. A gap of three levels. A gap between the strongest and a rising talent. A gap that was ignored in this one miracle of a moment. Ottar chuckled to himself, before rising to his feet. To the shock of everyone, the hole closed up as if time reversed itself, the only sign of injury the damage to his shirt. He gave the unmoving body of Kojiro a subtle nod.
"Magnificent. In swordsmanship alone, you stand at the top." He closed his eyes before reaching for the unconscious swordsman. "I am still lacking, I see. I thank you for showing me this."
With a flick of his hand, he threw Kojiro by the collar into safety, through the entrance of the arena. Several guild members barely caught the man in time before pulling him away. Just as he finished his throw however, he raised his arm and tensed up.
Just in time for the explosive impact of Bete's diving foot to smash into it. The werewolf let out a feral growl before leaping out of the way, before Ottar could catch him. Sliding across the ground, he leaned forward, about to dash in once more. But just as he was about to jump, a foot swept his legs, causing him to spin in mid air. He crossed his arms to protect himself from the palm strike sending him flying.
Bete blinked away the pain as he slammed into a nearby wall, before spotting the culprit. The representative of the Far East flexed his fingers with a smirk, causing Bete to bare his teeth.
"Ya little fucks!"
"This is a free for all, remember?!"
"Correct."
Fei barely had time to blink before he almost got his face melted off by a vicious poison filled kick by the amazon in the arena. Thus, chaos was let loose once more within, as the other fighters took Kojiro's exit as a signal to no longer be picky about their targets.
Frustration was welling up in Bell's chest, unable to pay attention to the battle at hand. Instead, his eyes tried to track where the guild workers moved Kojiro, but to no avail, as they disappeared into the background of the arena. He pressed his lips together. Maybe if the man had a better weapon, modifications from Welf for example…or maybe if he had learned magic to enhance his capabilities…
He shook those thoughts off, realizing how insulting that was to the swordsman himself. He prided himself to rely on nothing but his skills alone. Making excuses for him would only shame him. Still, it was hard to see the strongest person he knew, his first role model, lose like that with barely a mark left on his opponent. A dry laugh escaped him.
The world truly was far bigger than that farm of theirs, huh?
"Guess you just lost one million valis."
Bell felt his eye twitch. He inhaled sharply, trying to force a smile…before deciding to not even bother with it. With a flat look, he pointed at her smug grin.
"You're a sore winner, you know that?"
"Still a winner~!"
"Bete and Gareth can still get kicked out before they defeat anyone, y'know?"
Lefiya's mouth thinned. He knew it was rather childish of him, but he took great joy in taking the winds out of her sails. He wondered why the elf was the only one he felt this way. It couldn't be a healthy relationship to have. Yet he couldn't exactly call it 'wrong' either.
Nevermind that, he had a match to follow…which got a lot harder now that everyone decided that everyone else was fair game.
Ottar was chasing down Bete, as if challenging the werewolf to a contest of speed. Bete was naturally increasingly enraged by that, but was unable to fight back as he was forced on the defensive. With the two fastest individuals in the arena being tough targets to hit, the other contestants were throwing their fists and weapons at each other. One would think that the prince of Rakia would be easily eliminated, but he was just capable enough that any other contestant would actually have to put in more effort. Said effort would leave an opening to someone else. Thus, a deadlock was created, as they probed each other with damaging, but relatively "light" attacks.
Gregor especially seemed frustrated, his sole eye switching between different targets, keeping his axes moving like whips with his long arms. One moment he managed to catch the amazon, cutting into her thigh just a bit before he had to cancel his follow through and parry a blow from Gareth sending him flying. Gareth on the other hand couldn't chase after Gregor because Fei aimed straight for his vital parts between his legs, causing him to back off. Fei in turn barely ducked under a coincidental synchronized attack of Bache and Marius, whose blows met in mid air and sent the prince flying backwards.
Bell felt pity for the commentator needing to make sense of this mess, his voice nonstop in use as any moment of faltering would make him miss out on other action.
It was then however, that something changed. Time slowed down. Bete was right in front of them, soaring through the air. With his back shown to them, Bell could still see his opponent chasing him, Ottar. The King seemed to grow irritated from the way his forehead furrowed. As if chiding himself for being too slow to catch Bete, despite the difference being rather marginal. Not to mention his attacks were rather "telegraphed", for he either aimed downwards or upwards. Barrier or not, a blow from the captain could injure many civilians if done poorly.
That was, until Ottar met Bell's eyes. As if only now realizing he was there, the King's eyes widened ever so slightly before narrowing with…determination?
A shiver went down Bell's spine, time slowing down even more…something that usually only happened if he was having a near death experience.
…He wouldn't, right?
As if reading his mind and wanting to prove him wrong, Ottar reared his arm back, clenching his teeth. Bete's eyes widened. Bell's eyes widened. The werewolf roared and twisted his body in the last second. However, with him out of the way…the shockwave had free reign to reach Bell himself. And his instincts screamed at him that the barrier would not hold. Thus, he moved.
Thus, Lefiya moved as well.
"Watch out!" She shouted, as she rapidly grabbed nearby spectators and threw them away into safety. Meanwhile, Bell gathered the magic from within his soul and called it forth as he extended his palm.
"Morgenglocke!"
The next moment, with a loud crack, the blow blasted through the defensive measures of the mages and inventors within the city. Bell felt his head ringing, flaring up with pain as his defensive magic strained under the attack of the King, weakened as it was. Fortunately his magic held.
Unfortunately, the seats did not. With no solid ground left, gravity took a hold of him and dragged him down before he knew it. Within the dust cloud, he coughed violently. To his surprise, he was not the only one.
"Pftui! Ugh, it got into my mouth…" Lefiya muttered, wiping her mouth. He raised an eyebrow at her.
"Are you alright? Why didn't you escape?"
"Why didn't you?" She huffed, dusting herself off before rising to her feet. "I had to get everyone else out first. I just wasnt't fast enough to get away myself."
"You're a good person, you know that?"
Lefiya narrowed her eyes. Bell blinked. What, he gave her a heartfelt compliment! Instead of thanking him or anything like that, she merely looked forward, as if ignoring him…only to freeze up for some reas-
"Fresh meat!"
He reacted before he saw it. The axe thrown at his head. He unsheathed Homebringer in a blink of an eye and parried it with both blades. Feeling the force behind the attack, it was certainly thrown with intent to kill!
With the axe imbedded to the ground, the dust cleared up, revealing the large barbarian Gregor rolling his shoulder, practically salivating at them. Lefiya immediately raised her hands and waved them with wide eyed panic.
"We aren't participants, this is a misunderstanding!"
"Don't give a fuck!" He pointed his finger at Bell, tapping his shoulder with his axe as he showed a toothy grin. "Stefan and Lulu been hyping yer up kid, same with the cap and the boss! I'm having a taste!" His finger moved to Lefiya, causing the girl to stiffen up. "That girl next to ya gotta be tough too, 'ight?!"
Lefiya shot Bell a glare. Bell shot a defensive one back. A myriad of insults and words were exchanged without saying anything before they snapped their heads back to Gregor and crossed their arms while furiously shaking their heads.
""WE DO NOT CONSENT!""
"WELL, THAT'S TOO DAMN BAD! C'MHERE!"
Headfirst Gregor smashed into the broken space behind them as they both jumped to the side. Swiftly, they shot up after rolling on the dirt and escaped behind Gregor. However, Bell had to sway his head to the side, almost tackling Lefiya by accident. Stumbling and almost falling over each other, the elf was about to snarl before she let out a squeak. Bell on the other hand gaped openly before pointing Homebringer at the new attacker who just threw a damn roundhouse kick at his head.
"You too?!"
The amazon cracked her knuckles, a faint smirk behind her veil before raising her fist into a combat position.
"Let's see how much you've grown, chosen of Penthesilea!"
Bell blinked. Then he felt horror creep up in his soul, remembering one of the strongest and most terrifying women he knew of. He pointed at himself, almost poking his eye out by accident as he stared at Bache with wide eyed fear.
"Chosen?!"
"She has defeated you and respects you! You are her mate, obviously!"
"Since when?!"
The Amazon cracked the ground with her forward burst and Bell barely dashed to the side to avoid the knuckle. It just happened to hit Gregor as well, who finally got out of the rubble and caught the fist in time. The two bloodthirsty warriors growled at each other before fist struck fist over and over again.
Unbeknownst to them, the Asura in the lands of the Amazons felt an irrational burst of absolute rage during a simple sparring session. Argana would never find out that it was her very own sister that caused her broken bones and bruises that day, instead of anything she herself did.
Anyway, Bell wisely created some distance from the now clashing fighters, only to see Lefiya stare at him, wide eye, with a furious blush on her face. Then, with a shaking finger, she pointed at him.
"You scoundrel!"
"Not now, Lefiya!" He shouted back, raising his sword. Lefiya blinked before she pulled out her staff from her back, spotting the new challengers.
From the left, Fei. From the right, Marius. And behind them, Gregor and Bache. They were surrounded.
"Well, I am intrigued myself what Haruhime's friend can do…" Fei said politely before flexing his fingers a bit. Meanwhile Marius shrugged before pointing his spear at them.
"Better you than me. And Welf has been singing praises about you lately."
How did things escalate like this?! How could Bell ever anticipate that his past journey across the lands and the bonds he made would lead to this result?! He ignored the death stare that Lefiya sent him over her shoulder before she clicked her tongue and inhaled sharply.
"Gareth, Bete, some help?!" No response. She looked around. "Hello?!"
She could only gape at the sight of the two of them assaulting Ottar at the same time. Gareth was visibly straining with each clash of his axe against his sword. If it weren't for Bete's hit and run tactics, the King could have exerted even more strength, instead having to tense up and take the kicks and blows from the werewolf head on in order to keep his posture against the dwarf's attacks.
"Are-are you using me as bait?!"
Obviously they had no time to respond. With nothing else left, Bell pressed his back against Lefiya's, causing her to yelp for a moment. Without looking at her, he raised his blades in preparation, narrowing his eyes.
"Truce?!"
"Truce, truce, truce all the way!"
That was the signal of every other fighter not busy with Ottar to jump at them. Twisting his blades, Bell stepped forward to meet Fei first, blocking her barehanded attack. The martial artists' eyes widened before he ate Lefiya's staff to the face, causing him to flinch. Using that opening, Bell shot out with a kick, moving her in the way of Fei and Marius before they could join in. Without hesitation, Lefiya grabbed his arm and spun herself with him, just in time to avoid Bache and Gregor slamming their fists and axes into the ground where they stood.
Creating some distance, Bell widened his stance, feeling magic surge up within him, before he unleashed it across his body, cutting his blades through the air crosswise with a snarl.
"Inferno…Bolt!"
Fire and lightning surged through his veins, before covering his body. As expected, it still ached to wrap himself in those dangerous elements, but he couldn't help but grin that it was a lot less bothersome and painful than when he utilized this skill against Argonaut. All thanks to the new skill he gained from his battle with the ancient hero. It was as if the jester himself passed on his will to Bell.
Jupiter Sanguis: Increases Affinity with Lightning Based Magic. Increases Endurance and Mind.
It was the least he could do to live up to those expectations! His fighting spirit was not alone however, as Lefiya inhaled sharply, standing her ground as well. Extending her staff forward, her eyes shone as if something activated within her. Then a ghostly veil extended out of her body, like a cloth, before a tendril shot out and touched on Bell's magic. Suddenly, her veil changed form, taking on the properties of Inferno-Bolt.
"You could've at least asked!" Bell blinked before he cracked a smirk. "Are you copying me?"
"It's called being efficient, don't flatter yourself!"
Covering each other's blindspots, Bell was quick on his feet, leaping around to cover Lefiya as she began to chant. She wasn't slow herself, but in comparison to the speedy types around her, she could barely dodge and parry attacks of her physical superiors, only uninterrupted by Bell's efforts. To the eyes of the audience, two adventurers of different Familia were working together perfectly in sync. But they themselves knew better. Just like Ottar, their movements were slightly off, for they too had to get used to their new status.
Still, has Bell let loose the fire and lightning, swinging his swords as guidance, he couldn't help but grin as his blood began to heat up in the midst of this battle. After all, how could he not get excited at matching his skills with so many different styles?
The wild beauty of the Amazons. The evolution of Haruhime's throws and gentle attacks. A style that was forged alongside Artoria. Lessons taught by Romulus himself.
He wanted to learn more from them. Adapt more of their experiences into his style. No matter how much his bones strained from the raw force of their attacks, a force he could only match by throwing his entire body weight and speed into his blocks to protect Lefiya. He kept moving, until he heard Lefiya finish up her chant. Immediately, he dashed to her side, to the safe zone of her deadly magic.
"Fusillade Fallarica!"
The large scale magic was unleashed upon the arena, causing the crowd to go wild at the devastation. It forced all of the other participants back, if only because the flames blinded them if they didn't damage them. Hissing and shaking their limbs to get rid of the fire that touched them, Bell took note that those who wouldn't have been able to take it managed to hide behind those that could. Primarily Gregor, Gareth and Ottar. The former snarled, throwing a blind backfist against Fei and Marius who backed away in time, before the Cerberus shook his wrist violently.
"Fucker, that burns!"
Lefiya didn't get to celebrate the damage she caused however, as Bell tackled her and flicked his wrist, leg greaves clashing against Homebringer. Almost flailing to her knees, the elf spun around only to look positively offended at the attacker.
"Why are you coming at us now, Bete?!""
"Cause I got caught in the blast zone, you shit!" The werewolf snarled, pointing at his smoking head. Pushing away from Bell, he jumped against the wall and dashed towards Lefiya from another angle, only for the Albion to blur into his way and blocking his punch with the flat sides of his twin swords. Sliding over the ground, he and Bete began to jump in place, eying each other.
"What, you think you're faster than me?" Bete growled quietly. Bell narrowed his eyes, twirling his blades a few times before readying himself.
"Fast enough to stop you."
"Then let's see what you got!"
Bete had better instincts than Bell. The man was just a bit faster than him. Fortunately, he had experience with people being faster than him, being more unpredictable than he was used to. Thus, he let his own mind go and merely reacted with his blades.
Blow to the neck, parried. Counter with stab to stomach. Bete shifted his body, lashing out with a right kick at the same time. Hit it down with an elbow before cutting with the left.
Again and again their limbs moved, hitting each other with afterimages in the eyes of the untrained. Faster and faster they escalated, frustration growing in both of them. In Bell, as he felt his lungs scream for air, as he was forced to take a few steps back from the flurry of exchanges, at the fact that his magic was being absorbed by those greaves of his. In Bete, for not being to clearly outspeed someone else, for not being given any time to use that magic he was absorbing. Not only that, Lefiya was there too, stuck in this makeshift cage they were forming with their running and jumping around. Instead of shivering like a scared animal, she actually tried to lash out herself, with those Ether Tendrils of hers. A cut against his face was too close for comfort, as it caused his body to spasm from the heat and electricity. Backing away, he shook his arms a few times, feeling the numbness grow in them before glaring at them.
"Stupid magic, it's like fighting Aiz all over again…!" He glanced at Lefiya with bared teeth."And you taking potshots is annoying too!"
"Then go away!"
As if obliging her specifically, Bete felt his fur stand up, only to narrowly sway backwards from a cutting kick by Bache. The Amazon snarled before her midsection suffered from a nasty body counter by Bete. But as he was in mid attack, he was unable to avoid the vicious swing of Marius' spear slamming him down from above.
With their opponent taken from them, Lefiya and Bell quickly retreated. But then Lefiya's Ether Veil flickered and ceased to exist, causing the elf to groan as she wiped the sweat off her forehead.
"Damn it, it eats so much Mind…! And…I'm getting tired…Gah!"
She almost didn't jump forward in time as Gregor slammed his axes down on where she stood on.
"Wakey, wakey~!"
"That's gross!"
"The fuck you say?!"
Another axe and Lefiya barely managed to hit his right wrist to stop that blow short, while Bell quickly joined her side and blocked the other axe. As one, they pushed the axes aside and lashed out with a front kick, their combined force pushing the man away. But Bell realized that Lefiya was starting to run low with how much she was heaving for air.
Then a light turned on in his mind. He ignored the utter horror within Solaris' and grandpa's faces when the plan formed.
"Wait, I have an idea!" He turned towards Lefiya. "How strong is your grip with your legs?!"
"Pretty good, why?!"
He told her his idea.
She thought it was genius.
Thus, without hesitation, Lefiya jumped up and wrapped her legs around Bell's face, starting to chant immediately. With her thighs squishing his cheeks, he wobbled for a moment before compensating for the additional weight. He grinned, as the plan worked like a charm.
Now they could combine his speed with her magic without sacrificing anything else!
Naturally, it was a completely ludicrous idea no sane person would come up with. Unfortunately, combat and the adrenaline that came with it, pushed creativity to its utmost limits. At the same time, one's personal boundaries, as well as considerations of social conditions and the like, were dismissed.
To sum it up, as Bell and Lefiya were in complete survival mode, their eyes spinning as their brains steamed from exertion. They were being utterly ignorant of how embarrassing their current position was.
To sum it up even more, they were being absolute idiots that would definitely regret what they were doing once the battle high subsided. Alas, that was a tragedy to be told in the future. For now, only those that were spectators had enough sense to recognize their actions for what it was.
Riveria covered her face, feeling shame for her magic student. Others hollered and laughed at the sight. Meanwhile Hestia slammed her head against the spectator railing, letting out a long suffering groan. Then her head snapped towards her coincidental seat neighbor, who cackled, tears forming in his eyes…while he still waved that damn flag of his.
"Is this really the time to advertise your stuff?!"
"Hey, gotta take my chances when I get them!" Welf shrugged before letting out a whistle. "You doin' great down there, buddy!"
"Don't encourage them!" She pulled at her pigtails, shaking her head with a whine. "Damn it, I should've tied him to myself with a rope!"
"You should have."
She let out a panicked scream at the sheer disappointment in the voice that spoke up. Slowly turning her head, she stiffened up as she saw two sets of completely dead eyes. Not staring at her but at the arena itself. She looked past them, seeing their Familia members gathered, nervously laughing as the miasma grew around the two girls in question.
"To think I'd be betrayed by my own Familia," Aiz muttered, looking at Lefiya sitting on Bell, squishing his face with her fat thighs, as if she was looking at garbage. Equally seething in silence, Ryuu nodded, running her shaking hand through her hair before gripping a batch in frustration.
"It's the closest ones that hurt the most."
Hestia knew exactly what was going to happen next. Their feet already pushed against the railing, as they leaned forward, ready to jump in as well. Fortunately, the more sane individuals with power managed to react in time and tackled them before they could get in there too.
"Down, Lion, down!"
"This shitshow is bad enough without you two!"
"Aiz, I raised you better than this!"
The two girls struggled fierce, more akin to savage animals from the wild than respected adventurers. Then they suddenly ceased any movements before their heads hung low, dark clouds forming above their heads.
"He doesn't even notice us…"
"Lefiya…why…"
Kaguya, with her arm around Ryuu's throat in a chokehold, looked at Alise, who was doing the same with Aiz.
"Is it just me or did they get dumber?"
Lyra, next to Tiona, pushing down the girls' knees, shot her best friend a dirty look.
"Oi, I'm your snark partner, what you asking Alise for?"
"Cause you are part of the love dumbass demographic."
"Bite me!"
"My title isn't Braver."
"I just know the guild will go insane over this…" Riveria muttered under her breath, before looking back at the arena with a wince. As much as she hated the sight of it, the impromptu Bell-Lefiya combo worked way better than it had any right to be. One wouldn't think it was their first time pulling something like that, with how Bell ran around, as fast as ever, while Lefiya calmly chanted and even lashed out with her staff if her ride was too busy with another opponent, swinging his swords against that target instead of hers.
Over and over the arena was torn apart even more, not helped by the devastation that Lefiya's magic caused. Again and again, people switched targets the moment they smelled blood, turning an exhibition match into a pure circus. Cuts and bruises piled up as they were completely cutthroat in their desire to win this match.
However, stalemates had to end eventually. A furious scream got everyone's attention, causing everyone to look at Gareth, his fingers interlaced with Ottar's. Despite the comical size difference, nobody could dismiss the raw power exuding from them. Yet even the most blind individual could tell the result of this match of brawns.
Ottar pushed Gareth down more and more, despite the latter straining and breaking every single muscle and bone in his body to push upwards. But to no avail, he was pushed down to his knees, painfully starting to bend his back in an unnatural way.
"Damn it…all…! The gap still that big, ey…?!"
Sliding across the ground with his lungs burning, Bell came to a stop. He witnessed Bete aim for the back of Ottar's head only for him to take it head on as he spun around, headbutting it. The werewolf let out a scream as a painful crack sounded in the area, before he was smashed with Gareth himself, sending the two of them flying. He glanced around, seeing the other contestants busy with each other.
Thus, he made his foolish decision. He stabbed Homebringer into the ground and grabbed onto Lefiya's thighs. Pulling her off his shoulders, he put her down, an apologetic expression on his face.
"Lefiya, I-"
"Yes, yes, I know!" The elf cut him off, her forehead wrinkled with focus as magic build up within her. Her face was terribly pale, while also rather dry. She must have run out of sweat at his point. "I can't say I wasn't tempted myself!"
Bell gave her a nod of gratitude. Then he fully turned to Ottar…who faced them, observing them quietly. Then, he nodded slowly.
"So you too wish to test yourselves. Commendable." He grabbed his greatsword that was stabbed into the dirt next to him and raised it high up above his head. "Do not blame me for what is going to happen."
Inferno-Bolt. Maximum output. The flames and lightning crackled and roared in excitement.
Dragon Fang. The Dragon's maw formed around him, like jaws of death that yearned to bite into their prey.
Morgenglocke. A protective aura that would allow for more reckless speed.
One by one, he summoned forth his magic. Three individual spells stacked together, their unique effects separate, yet synergizing perfectly due to Bell Cranel's being. He leaned forward, inhaling sharply.
"Eiyuu no…!"
"Arcs…!"
Then, he forced the earth between himself and the King to shrink.
"Shukuchi!"
"Ray!"
Two beams of light shot out at speeds that no sound could chase after. The dragon's head, shattered by the Minotaur in the past, roared with more radiance than ever. At its side, a magic cast by one of the most talented elves in history. In response against such overwhelming power unlike most adventurers, unlike most level five even…
The King merely took a deep breath. His muscles bulged, his veins pulsated as his grip tightened on his weapon.
His fellow veterans gaped at the sight before they moved themselves, casting their magic, not for the sake of victory, but survival, for the sake of the innocent.
"Ottar-!" Alise began to shout after casting her own magic, but it was too late.
"HIT THE DECK!"
No one knew who screamed those words. But it did not matter. That split second of warning gave many civilians a chance.
After all…
The captain of the Freya Familia…swung his sword down.
And Bell no longer knew where he was, as his body was flung away, his strongest attack broken like a leaf in the wind. His vision darkening and blurring, he could barely make out debris and his fellow adventurers flying as well. A part of him felt horror at the sight of Lefiya flying as well…before darkness completely overtook him, as well as frustration.
He still had such a long way to go…
"Welp, at least you tried."
With those words of Solaris in his head, he completely lost consciousness.