(Thanks for the reviews (-v-)
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Arriving at the top of the walls, I found myself staring at a golden-haired girl. She was moving through a series of odd stances, her focus unwavering.
What is she doing? I asked myself, tilting my head slightly .Practicing? Stretching? Preparing for a fight?
Her movements were strangely graceful yet puzzling. For a brief moment, I considered calling out to her but decided against it, letting the silence linger.
...
Upon returning to the Twilight Manor, Ais wore a rare, radiant smile on her face. It was subtle yet unmistakable, like a warm glow that softened her usually stoic demeanor. As she walked through the hallways, the other members of the Loki Familia began to take notice, their curiosity quickly spiraling into whispers and rumors.
"The Sword Princess is smiling?"
"I've never seen her like this before. Did something special happen?"
"Maybe she defeated a floor boss? Or found a legendary item?"
"Do you think it's related to the dungeon?"
The speculation grew louder, but Ais didn't seem to hear any of it. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the day. Her steps quickened with purpose as she made her way to Riveria's room.
Come to think of it...she thought, her cheeks flushing slightly. I never told Riveria about what happened with Bell during the festival.
The memory of that night surged forward, causing her face to redden further. Her mini-self, somewhere deep in her mind, was flailing wildly, rolling on the ground in an embarrassing display of flustered emotions.
"The Sword Princess is blushing?! No way!"
Her composure wavered momentarily, but she quickly forced herself to return to her usual calm demeanor. She reached Riveria's door, hesitating briefly before placing her hand on the doorknob. Turning it gently, she pushed the door open slightly.
"Riveria, can I come in?"
Inside, Riveria glanced up from the book she was reading. A gentle smile formed on her lips as she noticed the familiar golden hair peeking through the doorway.
"Come in, Ais," she said warmly.
Ais stepped into the room, closing the door softly behind her. She stood there for a moment, her hands clasped in front of her like a child about to share a secret. Her expression was lighter than usual, almost playful, and it reminded Riveria of the little girl she had met all those years ago.
When Ais finally spoke, her voice carried a hint of excitement. "Riveria..."
"What is it?" Riveria asked, setting her book aside and giving the girl her full attention.
A small, almost mischievous smile crept onto Ais's lips. "Heehee..."
The sight made Riveria's heart tighten. She's too adorable sometimes...
Quickly regaining her composure, Riveria replied with a soft chuckle. "Oh?"
"It's about... Bell," Ais said, her cheeks faintly pink as she uttered his name.
Riveria's smile widened knowingly.
"Did the lap pillow work?" she asked bluntly, causing Ais's face to heat up further.
"Mhm! His hair was really soft... and..."Ais hesitated, her voice dropping slightly. "It calmed my flame."
Her cheeks glowed as she admitted this, her hands fidgeting slightly at her sides.
Riveria listened intently, her amusement growing as Ais tried—tried—to explain the complex emotions swirling inside her. At times, the girl stumbled over her words, her expression turning adorably flustered. Riveria couldn't help but let out soft chuckles, enjoying this rare, unguarded side of Ais.
She's still the same little girl, Riveria thought, her gaze softening as she watched Ais. Even after all these years, she still has this pure, innocent side to her. I wish she could stay like this forever, away from harm and the horrors of the dungeon.
Lost in her thoughts, Riveria didn't immediately notice Ais calling her name.
"Riveria? Riveriaaa!"
The elf blinked, snapping out of her reverie, and turned her attention back to the pouting girl in front of her.
"Oh, what is it?"Riveria asked, her tone apologetic.
"You weren't even listening!" Ais huffed, crossing her arms and puffing her cheeks.
Riveria giggled softly, raising a hand in surrender. "I'm sorry. I was just... happy for you. Please, continue."
"Hmph," Ais pouted, but her irritation melted away quickly.
"Tell me about the festival,"Riveria suggested, hoping to lift her mood.
Ais's expression brightened instantly, her smile returning as she launched into a recount of the festival. She spoke with more energy than usual, her tone animated as she shared every detail with Riveria.
...
"...And... um..."
Riveria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Ais?"
Ais glanced away, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve as her voice dropped to a barely audible murmur. "I'm... going to train with Bell tomorrow."
Riveria blinked, not entirely sure if she'd heard correctly. "Say that again? "she asked, leaning forward slightly.
Ais's cheeks flushed crimson. She took a small step back, avoiding Riveria's gaze. "I'm... going to train with Bell tomorrow," she repeated, just as quiet, as if saying it any louder might cause her to combust.
Riveria's lips curled into a mischievous smirk. "Oh? You're going to train with Bell?" she teased, her tone light but unmistakably playful.
"Y-Yes!" Ais stammered, clearly flustered now. "Why are you saying it like that?"
The elf couldn't hold back her soft chuckle. "No reason. It's just... unusual. You're usually so focused on your own training. This is quite the change."
Ais pouted slightly, her blush deepening. "He asked me for help," she said, her tone defensive. "I... I just want to help him get stronger. That's all!"
Riveria raised her hands in mock surrender. "I didn't say anything was wrong with it. It's just... well, it's cute."
"Cute!?"Ais's voice pitched higher than usual, her expression a mix of indignation and embarrassment. "It's not cute! It's training! Serious training!"
"Of course, of course," Riveria replied, her smirk widening as she struggled to suppress another laugh.
Ais crossed her arms, her pout intensifying as she glared at her mentor. "You're teasing me, "she accused.
"Just a little," Riveria admitted with a grin.
Ais let out a small huff, turning away to hide her flustered expression. "Hmph."
Riveria shook her head fondly. "You'll do great, Ais," she said more earnestly, her tone warm. "And I'm sure Bell will be thrilled to train with you."
The mention of Bell's excitement only made Ais's cheeks redden further, but she refused to let Riveria see her reaction. Instead, she mumbled something about needing to prepare for the session and quickly excused herself.
As the door closed behind her, Riveria leaned back with a quiet chuckle. "That girl... she's hopeless," she said to herself, a soft smile gracing her lips. Now.. How do I inform Loki about this.
...
The sun hadn't risen yet, but she was already there, standing atop the walls of Orario. The morning air was crisp, carrying a faint chill that brushed against her skin, but Ais barely noticed it. Her thoughts were elsewhere.
How should I teach him? she wondered, her brows furrowed in concentration. She tapped her chin thoughtfully, replaying the techniques she knew in her mind. The problem was glaringly obvious—she didn't really have any experience wielding a knife.
From the moment she first picked up a weapon as a child, it had always been a sword or a rapier. A knife felt… unfamiliar. Awkward, even. Her gaze shifted to her hand as she mimicked the grip of a knife, holding an imaginary blade.
Ais tilted her head. Maybe like this? She stepped into an experimental stance, crouching slightly with her hand extended. It didn't feel right. Adjusting her posture, she shifted her weight and raised her imaginary knife higher. Or is it supposed to be lower?
Before she knew it, she was fully engrossed in her improvised practice, moving in strange, exaggerated motions that she thought might resemble knife techniques.
...
"Ais… what are you doing?"
Her heart jumped at the sudden voice. She straightened up so quickly she almost stumbled, spinning around to see Bell standing a few paces behind her, his head tilted in confusion.
"Oh."
Bell blinked, clearly trying to process what he had just witnessed. Was she... dancing? No, it looked more like she was pretending to fight something... badly.
Ais, realizing she had been caught mid-experimentation, quickly tried to play it off. She coughed lightly and turned away, attempting to regain her usual calm demeanor.
"Oh?" she repeated, this time with a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Bell tilted his head even further, still holding back a laugh. What was that just now?
"Nothing," she said abruptly, her voice flat but slightly higher-pitched than usual. "Nothing at all."
Bell wisely decided not to press further, though the small, amused smile tugging at his lips made it clear he wouldn't forget what he'd just seen anytime soon.
Ais?"
Bell's voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she shifted her golden gaze toward him.
"Yes?"
"Do you prefer to use a knife or a sword when going into the dungeon?" she asked, her voice calm, but inside, she was still trying to figure out how to approach their training.
Bell tilted his head at the sudden question, caught off guard.
"Uhmm—hmm…" He scratched his cheek thoughtfully. "Right now, I'm using a knife, but I think I'd like to use both, honestly. Having options seems better."
"I see…" Ais murmured, nodding as if she'd gained some grand insight. That didn't help at all.
"Uh, Ais?"
"Yes, Bell?"
"What are you planning to do for training?"
A long pause hung between them.
"..."
"Ais?"
"Can I take a look of your knife?"
Confused, he grabbed his hestia knife and gave it to her.
"Ais, what are you planning to do?"
"Knife users I know also use kicks or hand combat skills.."
"Like this."
Bell looked at her curiously, but before he could ask again, Ais spun on her heel and, without warning, delivered a precise, lightning-fast kick aimed directly at him.
She thought it was a good idea to test his awareness—training through real combat might help him react faster in the dungeon. But she hadn't accounted for the glaringly obvious, the level gap between them was immense, and her speed was far beyond anything Bell could follow.
The impact was instant. Bell didn't even have time to blink before Ais's kick connected with his face, sending him flying backward like a ragdoll. He tumbled across the ground before landing in an ungraceful heap.
"BwuAHh" Bell groaned, clutching his face. "A-Ais! W-What was that for!?"
Ais blinked, her expression unreadable, though there was a faint hint of surprise in her golden eyes.
"You weren't ready," she said simply, tilting her head.
"Of course, I wasn't ready!" Bell exclaimed, sitting up and waving his arms in disbelief. "You didn't even warn me!"
"That's the point," she replied, crossing her arms. "Enemies won't warn you before they attack."
Bell could only stare at her in exasperation, the faint outline of her boot still visible on his face. Was this really training, or was she just messing with him?
"Let's try again," Ais said, her tone as calm as ever.
"Wait—again!?" Bell's voice cracked as he scrambled to his feet, already dreading what she might do next.
Bell held up his hands defensively, already backing away. "C-Can't we try something a little less… intense?"
Ais tilted her head, her golden hair swaying slightly. "Less intense?"
"Yeah! Like—uh—tips! Maybe advice on positioning, or how to—"
Before he could finish, Ais lunged toward him with startling speed. Bell barely managed to yelp as she delivered a sweeping kick—not to his face this time, but low toward his legs.
"Ahhh!" Bell jumped, narrowly avoiding the kick, but in his panic, he stumbled and fell flat on his back with a loud thud. She's such an airhead..
Ais stood over him, arms crossed. "Good reaction. But you need better footing."
Bell groaned, staring up at the sky. "Footing won't matter if you keep knocking me over!"
"You'll learn faster this way."
"I'll die faster this way!" he shot back, sitting up and rubbing his back.
Ais stepped back, giving him space, though her serene expression showed no signs of amusement. "Get up. We'll try again."
Bell slowly climbed to his feet, muttering under his breath. "This isn't training.. this is survival…"
She adjusted her stance, clearly preparing for another attack.
Bell waved his arms frantically. "Wait! At least let me—"
Too late. She was already moving.
Bell managed to dodge her next strike—a clumsy sidestep that had him nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Good," Ais said, her tone even. "You're improving."
"I feel like I'm just delaying the inevitable," Bell muttered, barely catching his breath.
Ais tilted her head, stepping forward again. "One more time."
"No, wait! I need—"
Her kick came faster than he could react, catching him square in the side. Bell didn't even have time to yelp before he was sent flying into the parapet with a loud thud.
Everything blurred for a moment as Bell fell down on his back. His eyes fluttered shut, and the last thing he heard was Ais muttering to herself.
"Too much power again…"
"Bell?"
...
The sun hadn't fully risen yet, the city below still quiet in the early morning light. Ais stood on the walls of Orario, staring down at Bell's unmoving figure sprawled across the stone. For a fleeting moment, guilt crept in. Did I kick him too hard?
Mini-Ais popped up in her imagination, hands on her hips, glaring. You kicked him too hard!
It was necessary, Ais reasoned silently, but Mini-Ais pouted, holding up a banner that says "No to Animal Abuse!" which made Ais froze in shock for a moment before crouching down, gently lifting Bell's head and resting it on her lap. "This… is proper, right?" she murmured, glancing at the peaceful, unconscious boy. Mini-Ais reappeared, nodding vigorously and waving a banner that read Lap Pillow Approved!
As she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, Ais found her thoughts wandering. Bell was reckless, clumsy, and hopelessly inexperienced. Yet, his determination burned brighter than anyone she had ever met.
Her fingers idly ran through his hair as she gazed down at him. "Why do you keep trying so hard, Bell?" she whispered softly.
Mini-Ais floated onto her shoulder, cupping her cheeks and sighing dreamily.
To be your hero…
"...My hero," Ais murmured under her breath, cheeks warming slightly at the thought.
Bell groaned suddenly, his body stirring as he slowly regained consciousness. His eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, confusion flickered across his face.
"Ais?" he mumbled groggily.
Then it hit him.
"Lap pillow?!" he squeaked, bolting upright so fast that he nearly collided with her face.
"Yes," she replied, blinking at his sudden movement. "You were unconscious. It seemed practical."
"Practical?!" Bell clutched his head, his voice pitching higher. "You kicked me off my feet!"
"To test your awareness," Ais said matter-of-factly.
"That's not testing! That's—... ," Bell groaned, flopping back down onto her lap with a resigned sigh.
Mini-Ais reappeared above his face, shaking pompoms. He's back! Mission success!
Ais's lips twitched into a faint smile as she gazed down at him. "You're resilient," she said softly, brushing another strand of hair from his forehead.
Bell mumbled something unintelligible, too embarrassed to respond. For a brief moment, as the city stirred far below them, Ais felt something she couldn't quite place. Whatever it was, it made her want to stay just a little longer.
...
After recovering, Bell stood up, his determination sharpening. "Ais," he said, his voice steady. "Can we spar again?"
Ais studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright."
She handed Bell his knife, and he adjusted his stance, ready. Ais, in contrast, simply held her sword's scabbard, her movements calm and deliberate.
She took a step forward, and Bell instinctively took a step back.
"You're a coward," Ais observed, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Bell's heart skipped. He wasn't expecting her to comment on his caution. "What…?" he asked, trying to mask his confusion.
Ais didn't seem to care about his hesitation. Instead, she continued, her voice unyielding. "I think it's important to be cautious in the dungeon, especially when you're by yourself. But…"
Bell's breath hitched as she paused, her eyes locking onto his.
"…you're afraid of something."
The words stung more than he expected. Bell froze, a jolt of unease rushing through him. "What are you trying to say…?"
Ais took another step forward, not rushing, but with a quiet, unshakable presence. "You hold back. Not just now, but in moments that really matter." Her voice dropped slightly, as though she was choosing her words carefully. "When that time comes, I think you'll run away."
Bell's body stiffened. Her words hit deep, and for a second, he couldn't breathe. Run away? The idea twisted inside him, like a question he didn't know how to answer.
Ais's gaze didn't waver. She wasn't trying to insult him, but there was a quiet intensity in her words, a worry he couldn't ignore.
"Why would you think that?" Bell forced himself to ask, his voice tight with the sting of her accusation.
Ais tilted her head, eyes searching his. "Because I've seen it before. You hesitate when it matters. Fear holds you back." Her voice was calm, but each word carried weight. "A hero doesn't hesitate when it's important. They don't run."
Bell's mind raced. Memories flashed—moments where fear paralyzed him, where survival felt like luck, and when his instincts told him to flee, not to fight.
But he wasn't that same person anymore… was he?
"I won't run," Bell said, his voice stronger now. He clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. "Not anymore."
Ais studied him for a moment longer, her gaze softening just slightly. "I don't want you to fail when the time comes," she said quietly, her words almost a whisper, but filled with concern. "I want you to be ready."
Bell's chest tightened, but he knew one thing for certain now. He wouldn't let his fear control him. He wouldn't let it define him.
"I'll prove you wrong," he said firmly, meeting her gaze. "I'm not going to run. I'm going to keep moving forward."
He raised his blade, his grip tight and his heart pounding. Bell met Ais's gaze, the weight of her words still lingering in his mind. This wasn't just a spar. This was a test.
Without another moment's hesitation, Bell launched himself at her with full force, aiming to overwhelm her with sheer speed. Ais, however, was already prepared. She sidestepped effortlessly, dodging his attack with an elegant twist of her body.
"Useless," she said, her voice calm but filled with sharpness. "Charging head-on without a plan is a bad idea."
Before Bell could adjust, Ais was behind him, her scabbard thrusting towards his side. Bell's instincts kicked in, and he spun mid-air, anticipating her move. To his surprise, Ais's guard was down just long enough for him to act. He reached out, grabbing her scabbard with both hands and pulling her toward him. His knife flashed in the air, ready to strike.
"Too slow," he muttered, but just as the words left his mouth, Ais leapt back, leaving her scabbard behind. She spun behind him again, but Bell wasn't fooled. His head whipped around just in time, his eyes locked onto her position. This time, Ais used her speed to her advantage, dropping low and kicking him hard in the abdomen.
Bell grunted, the pain shooting through him as he was knocked back, his grip on her scabbard loosening. It hit the ground with a dull thud as Bell stumbled, struggling to regain his balance.
Ais approached him again, picking up her scabbard with a fluid motion, ready for the next phase of the spar. Her stance was perfect, her focus unwavering.
"Get ready, Bell," she said, her voice calm but assertive.
Bell took a step back, his breath heavy. But her words echoed in his mind. Coward...
The thought stung. He couldn't let it linger. He couldn't back down.
With a quick movement, Bell shifted his weight and launched himself forward, using the momentum from his retreat to fuel his attack. His knife cut through the air in a flurry of strikes. Each blow came with full force, but Ais moved with an effortless grace, dodging each strike like a breeze dancing around him.
Bell's frustration grew. His attacks weren't landing. But he wasn't about to give up. He drew on every ounce of his strength and swung once more, leaving a gap in his defense—a fatal opening. Ais, with the swiftness of a phantom, struck with precision, the tip of her scabbard finding its mark in his side.
"Don't let—," Ais said, her voice sharp.
Bell gasped, stumbling backward, pain coursing through his body. He could barely hold his balance as Ais followed up with a series of quick strikes, each one landing before he could even think to defend himself. In a matter of seconds, he was on his knees, struggling for breath.
Ais stood tall before him, her expression unreadable. "—Your emotions take control of you," she finished, her words cutting through the air like a cold wind.
Bell's chest heaved as he fought to regain his composure. He looked up at Ais, his body aching, his mind clouded by the sting of failure. But as her words echoed in his mind, something within him ignited. A fire sparked, burning through the exhaustion and doubt. He couldn't let this be the end. Not like this.
With a grunt, Bell pushed himself up, his fists clenched. "I can still stand up!" he shouted, his voice full of raw determination.
Ais paused, her back still turned to him, but her lips curved upward in the faintest of smiles. She could feel the shift in his presence, the surge of resolve in his voice. There was no turning back now.
She turned slowly, her expression softening. "You never give up, do you?" she said, her voice a mixture of admiration and challenge. The fight wasn't over yet—not by a long shot.
Bell's breath steadied as he faced her again. He might not have been able to beat her this time, but that didn't matter. Not anymore.
...
"Aghh.."
Ais studied Bell closely, her expression unreadable, but the faint smile lingering at the corner of her lips spoke volumes. She could feel the determination radiating off him, stronger than ever before. It was clear—he was not going to give up. Not today, not ever.
She adjusted her stance, raising her scabbard once more, this time with an even sharper focus.
"Get up, Bell," she said softly, her voice a mix of encouragement and challenge.
Bell's hands trembled slightly as he pushed himself up, his body still aching from the onslaught, but his spirit was unbroken. His eyes locked onto Ais, not with hesitation, but with resolve.
He breathed deeply, centering himself. "I'll show you I can do better."
Ais didn't respond with words. She simply stepped forward, moving with the grace of a predator closing in on its prey.
This time, Bell was ready. His mind cleared, the anger and frustration of before replaced with focus [Vereath Aevum ]. As Ais moved toward him, he made the first move, feinting to the left before quickly switching to the right. He swung his knife, hoping to catch her off guard, but Ais was faster, sidestepping with a casual ease that made Bell's attack seem sluggish in comparison.
Her scabbard whistled through the air, aiming for his side. Bell barely managed to twist his body, narrowly dodging her strike, but the wind from the blow still sent a shiver down his spine. He was getting slower, his energy draining.
"No," he muttered under his breath. "I won't let it end like this."
With renewed vigor, Bell pushed forward again, launching into a series of rapid strikes, his speed increasing. Ais met each one with a calculated dodge or deflecting parry, her movements sharp and deliberate, but Bell wasn't giving her an opening. His strikes were no longer wild; they were purposeful, driven by the desire to improve, to learn.
Ais tilted her head slightly as she observed him. This was different from before. The reckless aggression was gone. Bell was starting to find his rhythm.
But then, just as he thought he had her, Bell over-extended himself. His knife swung wide, leaving a gap in his defense. It was exactly what Ais had been waiting for.
With a swift motion, she spun, ducking low and using the flat of her scabbard to strike him across the abdomen. The blow was forceful enough to send Bell stumbling back, breathless.
"You're getting too confident," Ais said, her voice calm but firm. "Don't let your guard down."
Bell's knees wobbled, but he caught himself before he fell. He looked up at Ais, panting heavily, but with a smile. He was learning. He could feel it.
"I'll do better next time," Bell said, determination in his voice.
Ais nodded, not in approval, but in acknowledgment. She didn't respond immediately; instead, she positioned herself once again, her stance unwavering.
Bell took a moment to compose himself, wiping the sweat from his brow. His eyes never left Ais, studying her movements, looking for patterns. He wasn't going to fall for the same tricks. Not again.
As Ais lunged forward, he was ready. This time, he anticipated her moves. He parried her strike with precision and pushed forward with a series of controlled jabs. Ais was forced to step back, her eyes widening just slightly. Bell had managed to land a few clean hits, a small but significant victory.
"Good," Ais said, her tone still neutral, but there was a hint of respect in her voice. "You're improving."
Bell didn't have time to bask in her praise. He immediately pressed on, closing the distance between them, and unleashing another series of strikes. He was faster now, sharper. His exhaustion began to fade as he found a second wind. He wasn't fighting with blind anger anymore; he was fighting with purpose.
Ais adjusted her strategy, matching his speed and precision, but for the first time, Bell was starting to feel like he was on the same level. Each clash felt more balanced, each dodge and strike more intentional.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Bell found his opening. He saw Ais's posture shift just slightly, a hint of fatigue in her stance. In that instant, Bell dove in, his knife flashing toward her. Ais managed to block the blow, but it was clear she was momentarily taken aback by his resolve.
She leapt back, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "That's enough for today."
Bell stood there, breathing heavily, a mix of exhaustion and triumph coursing through his veins. He hadn't won—he knew that. But he had improved. And that was enough for now.
Ais looked at him, her eyes softening ever so slightly. "You're not the same as when we started. I can see it now."
Bell didn't know how to respond. His heart was still racing, his body aching, but there was something inside him that felt more alive than ever before.
"Thanks, Ais," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
She nodded, offering him one last look of approval before she turned away, leaving Bell standing there, more determined than ever to keep fighting, to keep growing.
I wanna get stronger.
...
-The next day-
Name:Bell Cranel
Level:1
Race:Human
Familia:Hestia Familia
Strength: D 533 - C 607
Endurance: D 578 - C 645
Dexterity: E 426 - E 440
Agility: D 520 - C 604
Magic: G 297
Skills:
[ Vereath Aevum ]
(Eternal Ascension)
Effect:
Accelerates the growth of a focused stat based on activity (strength in combat, agility when running). The growth speed depends on the situation.
If the user enters intense concentration, all stats can grow rapidly. In addition it also enhances the users over all power providing a power boost, but losing focus ends the effect.
[ Heroic Desire ]
Effect:
In the heat of battle or at moments of peak emotional intensity, the user's heroic will ignites, manifesting as an aura of unstoppable resolve. This ability doesn't shield the user from harm but instead turns every wound or setback into a source of power.
The stronger the desire, the more potent the effect, manifesting as a radiant aura that temporarily neutralizes curses including charms, and enhances allies.
MAGIC:
[ Firebolt ]
Hestia stood in the corner of the room, her gaze fixed on the newly updated status sheet in her hands. Her eyes widened as she took in the rapid growth of Bell's stats.
His stats are growing so fast… What did he do this time? she thought, her fingers tracing the lines of the sheet. The speed of his progress was nothing short of astounding. Vareath Aevum, the phrase echoed in her mind—a sign of growth beyond the ordinary.
"G-Goddess, what's up?" Bell's voice broke through her thoughts, and she turned to see him standing awkwardly by the door, a nervous smile plastered on his face.
She narrowed her eyes, taking in his guilty demeanor. "Bell, what did you do yesterday?" Her tone was casual, but there was a quiet intensity behind her words.
Bell shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his neck. "I-uhmm, went to the dungeon?" He chuckled nervously, clearly trying to cover up something.
Hestia raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "What else?" She crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "You're a bad liar, Bell."
Bell's face turned a shade of pink as he looked down, feeling the weight of her gaze. His guilty expression faltered, and he sighed in defeat. "I… trained with Ais… Wallenstein."
"Training with Loki's child, huh?" Hestia repeated slowly, her voice quieter now, though there was a hint of something else beneath her words.
Bell shifted nervously, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. "I-I mean, it's not like I planned it, it just happened…"
Before she could respond, Bell suddenly froze, his eyes widening in realization.
"Crap! I'm supposed to meet with Lili and Welf today!" he exclaimed, panic flooding his voice.
Hestia raised an eyebrow, watching as Bell scrambled to gather his gear. His usual calm demeanor had evaporated in an instant.
"Wait, Bell, slow down—" Hestia began, but he was already halfway out the door, a look of determination on his face.
He stopped for a moment to look back at her, an apologetic expression in his eyes. "I lost track of time! I'll make it up to you later, Hestia!"
...
After a few minutes of running, Bell finally arrived at the entrance to the dungeon, scanning the area for any sign of his companions. He looked left and right, but couldn't spot them at first. Just as he was about to turn and search another path, he felt a tug on his shirt.
He spun around quickly, startled, to see a familiar face—Lili, standing there with a huge backpack slung over her shoulders.
"Oh? Lili!" Bell called out, relief flooding his chest.
Lili narrowed her eyes at him and put her hands on her hips. "You're late, Bell-sama. You better have a good reason for it."
"Ah, sorry! I lost track of time," Bell said sheepishly. "Where's Welf?"
Lili sighed, adjusting her bag. "Welf had some personal stuff to take care of, so it's just going to be the two of us today."
Bell nodded, understanding. "Got it. Thanks for letting me know." He looked at her again, scanning her gear. "You ready to go?"
Lili gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Of course. Let's get to it."
As they approached the entrance, the familiar eerie glow from the dungeon's opening greeted them. Bell steeled himself, knowing that this day would be another step in his journey to grow stronger.
-𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒆𝒗𝒖𝒎-