Bell and Airmid made their way into the casino and their eyes widened. The gambling room was massive and filled with tables upon tables of people playing card games, rolling dice, playing roulette, or watching as others played. At some of the tables, those watching would make bets with others on the outcomes.
The casino floor was alive and filled with the energy of the gamblers and the supporters and it was almost overwhelming to Bell who wasn't used to such places.
But Airmid gently squeezed his arm as she nudged them forward. "Come on now, I want to see those gambling skills you told me about."
Bell nervously chuckled as the two entered the floor. "If that is what the lady wishes."
"Oh my are those proper manners? You must really be nervous." Airmid teased.
Bell nervously swallowed as he looked around. Few games he had seen and many he hadn't. He didn't know which was to choose first.
'Go with something familiar and work your way up.' He told himself.
Spotting a table of Santorio hold em Bell gestured to the table as he escorted Airmid. Santorio Hold 'em was a game his Grandpa had taught him so many years ago. Back before his magic had awakened.
A sense of melancholy filled his chest as he thought of home, and he wished Hermes would hurry back from wherever it was he was so he could write a letter to them.
Seated at the table was a woman in a purple low-cut dress. A stout man with blonde mutton chops and a red and gold suit. Along with a burly dwarf in a brown suit. Bell took his seat next to the dwarf and Airmid to her seat next to him.
"Mind if we join?" Bell politely asked. But he and Airmid had already taken their seats.
"Course lad." The dwarf mumbled. His eyes then widened in surprise as Bell handed some of his chips to Airmid so she could be dealt in.
"Say lad, ye wouldn't happen to be the boy who broke the level-up record are ye?"
Bell closed his eyes and groaned while Airmid let out a giggle. A glass of bubbly champagne in her hand. Bell had no idea where she had got it from since an attendant hadn't passed. Not that he had seen at least.
"Yes, that would be me." Bell sighed.
"Thought I recognized ye. Hope you won't take any offense when I take yer money tonight." He japed.
Bell couldn't stop the small chuckle that escaped his lips as he added to the ante. "The night is young. Let's see where it takes us first."
Bell was trying his best to sound diplomatic. But he noticed the amused smirk Airmid was sending his way.
'Stop looking at me with those amused eyes.' He thought to himself. 'They'll distract me from gambling and then I'll make a fool of myself in front of you.'
"Must we continue on with this witless banter? We're here to play not make small talk with some record breaker. Dealer do your job." The mutton-chopped man said. His voice holding an air of unmatched authority.
Bell rolled his eyes as the dealer began to deal the cards. The dealer was dressed the same as the tellers. Yet his expert hands dished out the cards in a quick yet smooth manner.
Bell was given his cards face down as was everyone else. But when he looked upon them Bell had to hide his surprise.
He had gotten two kings and he could see another king of hearts on the table. Along with a queen of hearts and a ten of hearts. Bell had something going for him. But whether or not it could keep going remained to be seen.
The woman in the dress threw out two 10k chips. The dwarf folded while Airmid and the mutton-chopped man placed the same. Bell did as well not wanting to be too aggressive right out of the gate.
Once the bets were settled the dealer dealt the next card. A nine of hearts. Nothing Bell could work with but he kept his composure. The man with the mutton chops showed nothing either as he threw in a 30k chip.
The woman folded while Airmid matched his bet. Bell waited for a second, wondering if he should match it or fold. He had three kings, which wasn't a bad hand, nor was it necessarily a good one.
He decided to match the bet. Deciding to fold if the next card wasn't another king. He didn't want to lose all his money so soon into the night.
The dealer nodded once all bets were in and dealt another card. It was a seven of hearts. Nothing he could work with as he watched the mutton-chopped man throw in a 50k bet.
Bell did the safe move and folded but was surprised when Airmid matched his bet. Either she was a damn good liar or she had a really good hand. Her face betrayed nothing, however, looking more like a dolls.
Once the bets were in the dealer told the remaining players to show their hand. The mutton-chopped man went first. Revealing a simple flush, a hand that would've easily beaten Bell's.
But Bell couldn't help the smirk that moved up to his eyes as Airmid revealed a straight flush. A hand that could only be beaten by a royal flush. Or by five of a kind if the table played with wilds.
"Aye, good hand Dea Saint." The dwarf said.
"Yes indeed." The mutton-chopped man added.
Airmid gave the table a small smile as she took her winnings. Giving a teasing glance over to Bell who had slightly underestimated her. Not that he would ever admit it to her face. But he was sure she already knew.
"The Dea Saint takes the pot." The dealer said.
Once Airmid had all her winnings organized the game began again. This time Bell couldn't help but smile as the cards were dealt.
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The night raged on with Bell and Airmid winning game after game, table after table. When Bell lost Airmid won, and when Airmid lost Bell won. The two only lost a handful of times. But they didn't seem to care that much. They were having fun and enjoying themselves. Taking a break from the duties that bogged them down.
Right now the two were at the bar near the VIP lounge. An open bar for them considering Bell's special guest status. Airmid was sipping another glass of bubbly champagne. Sliding one over to Bell who looked at it skeptically.
"What? It's only champagne." Airmid teased.
"Why's it bubbly?" Bell asked.
Airmid couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. "It's supposed to be like that."
Bell's brow furrowed as he picked up the glass and took a tentative ship. One which immediately caused his face to scrunch up and his tongue to stick out.
"Ugh, ew what is this stuff." He cringed. The bartender was quick to set a glass of water down which Bell graciously took.
Airmid placed the back of her hand to her lips as she laughed. A delightful sound that Bell would never get enough of. The corners of her eyes were crinkled in mirth and she had to set her own glass down lest she spill it.
"I take it you're not a fan of champagne then? Too refined for your tastes?" She teased.
Bell set the empty cup down before smiling. "I have a feeling you're enjoying my plight a tad too much."
He stuck his tongue out again, as if trying to will the nasty taste off his tongue. But it still stuck and the boy was left to suffer the bitter taste.
"Maybe a little, it's the first time I've seen you so relaxed. You always seemed so wound up when we're together."
Bell flagged the bartender down for another water. "That's because I'm your bodyguard. I have to be alert so something doesn't happen to you."
The bartender, who was dressed much like the teller minus the gloves gave Bell his water which the boy drank in hopes of washing the nasty taste out of his mouth.
Airmid couldn't help but find his words sweet. She again had to remind herself despite how handsome he looked in his suit and his fighting prowess he was still only 16. A few years younger than her but those years made all the difference.
Still, she felt touched by the sentiment. Bell wanted to protect her. Not for money or fame or because he had his eyes on her. But because she was his friend and he genuinely wanted to keep her safe.
"So why aren't you as guarded now?" She asked.
"Simple." Bell shrugged. "There's a whole lot of security outside and inside this place. Just don't wander away on your own and we should be fine."
"Why would I want to wander alone when I have such good company?" Airmid cooed.
Bell couldn't stop the blush that came to his face. He could tell Airmid was slightly tipsy, otherwise she wouldn't have spoken to him in such a manner.
Minutes passed with the two sitting at the bar. The hustle and bustle of the casino seemed to grow with each passing moment. But Bell didn't care about any of that. His attention was solely on Airmid.
"I don't think you've ever told me why you became a healer Airmid."
The woman let out a slight hiccup. Her cheeks flushed and smile bubbly. "Oh, I just couldn't stand to see all the strife that befall the city. The dark age was a terrible thing, and I was just a girl who did her best to help those wounded."
"The dark age?" Bell questioned.
Airmid nodded, her grip on her glass seeming to tighten slightly. "An awful, awful time in Orario. Each day hundreds of people were dying, the city was in chaos and everyone lived on a knife's edge. So much destruction, so much death. I couldn't just stand by and watch it all."
A somber sigh escaped her lips as she downed her glass. "I could've done more, but Dian didn't allow me to leave the clinic under any circumstance. Afraid that if I stepped outside I might get blown up or kidnapped. So all I could do was sit in the clinic and wait til others came to me."
She sighed again before waving down the bartender for another glass. Bell played the fool well. He had to, even if part of him felt guilt for stringing Airmid along like that.
"But it's all over now. The city is in at least some modicum of peace. One which I am all but too happy to enjoy." Airmid finished.
Bell kept silent, not really knowing what to say or how to say it. Luckily for him, he didn't need to as shouting could be heard from the VIP area. Bell strained his ear to listen but only heard shouting.
Feeling as if something was about to go wrong he stood up and gently grabbed Airmid's wrist. The inebriated woman was about to make a joke before the door to the VIP room flew open and off its hinges.
Bell grabbed Airmid and took her to the ground. His body protectively over her as the door smashed into the bar. Sounds of women screaming and waiters shouting filled the air along with combat.
Bell ushered Airmid up and was getting ready to get her out of there. But stopped as a catman flew behind the bar. A second later a brown haired human slammed his back into it. Before pushing himself up and eyeing Airmid.
His hand shot out, attempting to take her hostage or to harm her in some way. But Bell was quicker as nothing was dulling his senses.
He grabbed the man's wrist tightly before twisting it behind his back. He then grabbed her by the hair and slammed his head into the marble counter. It cracked open almost immediately and Bell tossed him to the ground before picking up Airmid in a princess carry and rushing to the door.
Airmid yelped as chaos overtook the casino. People were screaming, looting, and fighting. It seemed the women from the back room were in some kind of rebellion against the wait staff and casino security.
The Ganesha familia stormed in and joined the battle. Coming in from every entrance and exit like a rushing tide of water. So much chaos and pandemonium.
But Bell pressed on. He couldn't afford to stop and wonder why this was happening. All he could do, all he wanted to do was get Airmid to safety.
So he did.
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"You're not balancing on your hand."
"Yes, I am."
"No, you're balancing on your fingers which is causing you to wobble. Flat palm on the ground."
"Dick I'm balancing on my hand."
The man sighed and shook his head. "You're not, because if you were I wouldn't be able to do this so easily."
Dick swept his leg out and kicked Bell's arm. The sudden force of which made Bell, who was practicing a handstand lose his balance and collapse to the ground.
Airmid laughed while Dick gave the boy an amused look. Bell grumbled as he got up from the ground. Safely away from the casino and under tight Ganesha guard.
Everyone inside the casino had been detained. Being questioned and giving statements as to what happened before being allowed to leave.
It had been well over an hour since the two were detained. Upon finding Bell and Airmid the acrobat decided now would be a perfect time for his pupil's first lesson.
"See, not flat on your hand." Dick smiled.
Bell dusted himself off while shooting a glance at Airmid who was leaning against a wall watching with amusement. She had sobered up a bit if only slightly. Her cheeks were still flushed with a faint red.
"Come on Bell, try again!" She clapped.
"You heard the lady."
Bell sighed but before he could try again Shakti called out to the three.
"Dick, I thought I told you to question people!" She yelled.
Bell took a step back and straightened his suit jacket. While Airmid took her place at his side. Dick just nervously laughed and ran a hand through his jet-black hair.
"Ah you did, but you see I found this to be an ample opportunity to teach my new student his first lessons of balance."
Shakti looked over at Bell and Airmid. Her gaze filled with irritation and annoyance. "How long have you two been waiting?"
Bell glanced to the sky before shrugging. "About an hour close to two I think."
Shakti's glare turned icy as it went back to Dick. The man had a strained smile on his face while his back went ramrod straight.
"Dick." She growled out. "Go and do your job."
The man quickly took off. Giving a wave to Bell and Airmid before disappearing into the crowd. The two watched as he disappeared, Airmid giving him a wave back while Bell focused on Shakti.
"So...what exactly happened inside?" He began. "One second Airmid and I were just talking the next was like the place went into hysterics."
Shakti pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't give the full details. But the owner of this establishment was involved in some...quite frankly deplorable businesses. But I need you to tell me exactly what happened in there."
Bell pondered the night for a moment. Trying to recall everything he did during his time in the casino. Once recalling all he could Bell recounted the night to Shakti. About how he and Airmid spent most of it gambling. One or the other winning time and time again. Though Airmid seemed to win more than him. Then afterward they were relaxing by the bar and just talking before he heard yelling from the VIP room before the door flew off its hinges. After that two men flew at the bar and one tried to grab Airmid but Bell stopped him before he could. Then he grabbed Airmid and took her out of there.
"And that's everything that happened? You didn't see the one who caused the fight in the back room?" Shakti asked.
Bell shook his head. "No, I was too focused on getting Airmid out of there to focus on anything else."
Shakti nodded, writing down his words in her notepad before turning to Airmid. "And if needed you can attest to all of this? You didn't wander off by yourself at all tonight?"
Airmid shook her head. "No ma'am, I was with Bell all night."
Shakti gave a final curt nod before closing her notepad and placing it in her pocket. "Alright, then I see no more reason to keep you here. You two are free to leave."
The two smiled at Shakti who bid them goodbye and went back to her duties. Once she was gone Bell offered his arm to Airmid again which she gladly took.
"So, back home?" He asked.
"Back home." She answered.
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The walk back home was quiet and peaceful. The streets were much quieter and less lively than the casino district. A nice change of scenery from the hecticness the night had brought.
"So how come you didn't tell me you were such a good poker player?" Bell asked.
Airmid gave him a simple shrug. "There's a lot of things you don't know about me Bell Cranel. Just like there's a lot of things I don't know about you."
"Fair point." He said.
The part of the city they were walking was quiet. The streetlights bathed the city in an ethereal yellow glow, and seemed to make Airmid's skin look radiant.
The Saint was laying her head on Bell's arm. She was too short to reach his shoulder. But she didn't really mind.
"I think this is the first time you directly protected me." She said breaking the silence.
Bell glanced down. "Yeah guess so. I did kind of pass you off during Monsterphelia."
"For good reason, and you were ok in the end." She mumbled, seeming to hold his arm tighter.
They walked in comfortable silence the rest of the way home. They wouldn't get their winnings for a while since the casino would be closed until further notice. But neither really cared about the money.
"I had fun tonight," Airmid said entering her house. Bell smiled as he closed and locked the door behind him.
"I did too."
The two made their way to the couch and sat down. Letting out sighs of relief feeling the tension leave their bodies.
It was late, and the two would need to head to bed soon. Both had work in the morning. With Airmid running the clinic once more and Bell having to teach.
"Hey Bell, have you ever seen the ocean?" Airmid asked.
"No, I haven't. Why do you ask?"
Another hiccup left Airmid's lip. "I was just wondering. We should go and see it sometime, it's so vast and pretty. I think you'll like it."
"Now if only we can convince Dian." Bell snorted.
Airmid let out a laugh as well. A sound so pure and sweet it was like listening to the heavens. She yawned and laid her head on his shoulder. She was able to do so with them sitting on the couch.
Bell felt his heart start to race. She smelled good, like really good. He quickly brushed the thought from his mind.
'She feels soft.'
He quickly shook his head. 'No, no! Go away! Bad thoughts! She's your friend don't think like that!'
"You're comfy." She slurred.
'You are too.'
"Perhaps it's time we go to bed. We have work tomorrow."
Airmid let out a mumble Bell couldn't decipher as she stood up. She stretched and yawned before leaning down and kissing Bell on the cheek.
"Good night my knight in shining armor."
She turned around and didn't notice the scarlet blush that broke out on Bell's face. But only one thought ran through his mind.
'She just kissed me!'
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Day 39
Not much has happened these past few days. I've just been taking Rye and Welf down to the dungeon to teach him better. In other news, my armor is finally done. Luckily for me, there was enough left over so Rye can get one as well.
But I'm leaving that as a surprise for him. I think I remember Maria telling me his birthday is coming up soon anyway. So I'll surprise him with that since he liked how my armor looked.
Other than that not much has happened, and I've been somewhat distracted of late. Airmid kissed me, well not kiss kissed me. It was more of a peck on the cheek but she still did it.
I've tried not to think about it much. I mean she was intoxicated, I don't think she even remembers it. But I don't know how to feel about it.
Airmid's my friend, and she looked so pretty in that dress, and she saw our trip to the casino as a date. So does this mean she wants to be something more?
Ah, I don't know! Looking at the fact she was tired, slightly drunk, and had nearly been attacked an hour earlier. All those variables can correlate into a sense of gratefulness which led to her actions.
So I'm going to do the only thing that makes sense and forget that it happened. She clearly doesn't remember it as I've noticed no change in her behavior towards me.
So it's best I just forget about it and not bring it up as to save her some embarrassment. I know Grandpa would tell me otherwise but he's not here so I need to figure things out on my own.
Her lips were pretty soft though.
Bell was quick to shut his journal after that last sentence. He quickly tossed it aside before shaking his head. Hoping to banish the thought from his mind.
With a sigh, he pushed himself off his bed and made his way to a box in the corner of his room. Reaching into it he picked up his chestplate and smiled.
It had an orange-scaly look to it. Giving it a kind of draconic air to it. He traced his finger down the scales and felt how smooth they were.
Tsubaki and Welf had done an amazing job smelting the scales down and then attaching them to steel.
Bell chuckled as he thought of a name for himself. 'I can be the Dragon Knight. Or the Healing Dragon. Something to do with a dragon.'
The childlike wonder of Bell's mind began to churn with more names as he put on his armor. Fitting the gauntlets and greaves to his limbs he finished with the rest of his armor soon after.
He could still hear Airmid in the shower. So he grabbed his dagger and pouches and attached them to his belt. Once he finished putting all his gear on did he heard a knock at the front door.
Curious as to who it was he made his way downstairs and opened the door. Only for his eyes to nearly bulge out of his head seeing who it was.
"Ah Bell, it has been too long. Mind if I come in?" Hermes asked.
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Bell was quick to usher Hermes inside. The messenger god chuckled as Bell closed the door behind him. Once the door was shut the boy looked upstairs and still heard the shower running.
"Oh my, what's with all the secrecy Bell? I thought you wanted to meet me after all." The god said.
"I did, but somewhere private." Bell hissed. "Not where Airmid can see you otherwise she might grow suspicious of who I actually am."
"You mean you haven't told the woman who gives you a free room who you truly are. My, my Bell I thought you were raised better than that."
Bell shot Hermes a glare but kept his focus upstairs. "Now is not the time for your jokes Hermes."
"Fine, fine." Hermes conceded. "Thing is I need your help as well. A little job for you, top secret."
Bell glanced back at the god. "What's the job?"
Hermes' eyes went hard as he explained. "Somethings causing monsters to act weird on the 24th floor. I've already sent most of my familia to investigate, but I'd feel a lot safer if you were there with them. On account of your healing magic and all."
"How many people should I be expecting?"
"14 people give or take. You'll be meeting them at a hole-in-the-wall bar on floor 18. Upon entering you are to take the third stool and repeat the phrase A whiskey on the rock, flipped not dipped."
Bell gave Hermes a bugged-eyed look. "That has got to be one of the weirdest code phrases I have ever heard."
"It rhymes." Hermes shrugged. "But do this for me and I'll see you properly rewarded. You know I'm good for it Bell."
Bell sighed. "Fine, but I need to make some arrangements first."
"I understand, but do be swift Bell. Time is of the essence, the longer you take the more people could die because of the erratic behavior."
"I'll be quick."
"Good, now what is it you wanted to meet me for?"
Bell then blushed in slight embarrassment. "I-I wanted to send a letter home."
"Ah I see, you're homesick. Fine give me the letter after your quest and I'll see it delivered post haste."
With those final words Hermes left Airmid's house and a few minutes later she came down.
"Everything alright Bell? I thought I heard talking from downstairs."
"Everything's fine, I've just taken on another job. Let's get breakfast on the way because I need to be quick."
Airmid didn't protest as she grabbed her little hat and headed out the door. "Then I wish you well."
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It took Bell an hour to get all his affairs in order. Airmid had two guards again, Dian was informed of what was happening and Welf and Rye were told as well. Minus a few details of course.
The two accompanied him all the way down to the 10th floor before Bell bid them farewell. He couldn't help but notice the worry in Rye's eyes. But he promised the boy he would be alright and come back safe.
It took him another hour to reach floor 18. Having to stop multiple times fighting the middle floor monsters. Hellhounds were starting to annoy him a tad bit.
But once he reached floor 18 he started looking for the hole in the hall. The one Hermes had given him a map for at the dungeon's entrance. Which was lucky for him or else Bell would've never found this place.
Upon walking in he noticed a group of people of varying races. Humans, a catgirl, a few elves, a tiger man, some prums, a chienthrope, and one unknown thanks to his armor and helmet adorned with horns.
The human woman with blue hair and glasses eyed Bell warily yet with a sense of familiarity. Bell had never seen this woman before. So wondered why she looked at him in that way.
But quickly pushed the thought to the back of his head as he made his way to the bar.
"Woah! You're that guy from the battle! The one with the wired healing magic!" The chienthrope said.
"I am," Bell confirmed as he took the third stool.
"Wait are you-
"A whiskey on the rock, flipped not dipped," Bell said. Feeling a rush of heat run down his neck at the code phrase.
The chienthrope jumped out of her stool and onto the ground while the bartender merely nodded and poured the boy a glass of whiskey.
"So you're one of our allies then." The blue-haired woman said. She calmly took her seat on the second still while looking at Bell.
As if she was trying to burn his features into her mind.
"You've grown since I've last seen you." She said.
Bell's brows furrowed almost immediately as he looked away from his drink. "Since you've last seen me? I've never seen you in my life."
A small smile adorned her lips as if expecting that answer. "It's to be expected, you were only a toddler when Lord Hermes brought me with him. I don't think you could even walk yet."
Bell sighed as he ran his finger along the rim of his cup. "Let me guess, Hermes told you I was coming."
"He did, he said the boy you met so many years ago would be helping us today. Though it took me a second to realize he meant that boy."
Bell chuckled before sliding his glass over to the Chienthrope who was sitting next to him. "Here, you have it. I'm not the type to drink before a big mission."
The Chienthrope grabbed it and quickly gulped it down. Not seeming to be bothered by what Bell knew was a burning liquid.
He then surveyed the rest of the bar. Noting all the tables and booths where everyone else sat. Getting to know all of them might be quite difficult. But these were the people who would be with him down to the 24th floor.
"Wait, you said one of your allies, who are the others?"
As if the heavens themselves deigned to answer his question a blonde-haired swordswoman walked in. Bell had seen her long blonde hair and dead golden eyes before. He had seen her pitiful excuse for armor and had seen her sheathed rapier as well.
A long drawn-out sigh escaped his lips knowing now he would have to keep his mouth shut.
'Maybe that drink wouldn't have been so bad after all.'
Yes I know Airmid would've been super young when the Dark Age happened. There were a lot of child soldiers during that time.
Anyway, this chapter has quite frankly been a pain in the ass to write. I can't count how many times I had to go back and forth to check the poker hand rankings and then think of the cards to match it to get the desired effect. So that's why the gambling scene was so short and also because I've written like three different gambling scenes throughout my stories. Can only do the same thing so many times.
Other than that I hope you enjoyed this chapter. We're going to be in the dungeon for a while so get ready. So I'll see you later and I hope you enjoyed.
