"Firebolt!"
A searing bolt of fire erupted from Bell's palm, tearing through the air before slamming into the goblin. The creature's screech was cut short as it was engulfed in flames, its body reduced to ash in an instant.
Bell stood still for a moment, his hand still glowing faintly, his chest heaving. Then, a grin spread across his face. "This is so cool!" he yelled, his voice echoing through the cavern.
The sound of shuffling feet and guttural growls snapped him back to reality. Monsters were closing in, drawn by the chaos. But instead of fear, excitement surged through him.
"Let's go!" Bell shouted, dashing forward at full speed.
Another goblin lunged at him from the shadows, but Bell was faster. With a quick chant, he raised his hand. "Firebolt!" The bolt blasted straight into the goblin's chest, sending it flying back into the wall, where it crumbled to dust.
More monsters emerged, a mix of kobolds and goblins snarling as they encircled him. Bell's grin widened.
"Firebolt! Firebolt! FIREBOLT!"
The dungeon lit up like a storm of flame and fury as Bell unleashed a relentless barrage of magic. Monsters fell one after another, their bodies incinerated before they could even touch him. The scent of burnt flesh filled the air, but Bell didn't care.
He was unstoppable.
After what felt like an eternity, the floor grew quiet. Panting, Bell lowered his hand, a trail of smoke rising from his palm. He started getting dizzy? But he didn't really know why, so he just didn't mind it.
But his moment of triumph was short-lived.
A sudden whoosh behind him made his heart skip a beat. He spun just as claws raked across his back, grazing him. Hissing in pain, Bell turned to see a kobold snarling, its fangs bared.
"My reaction time's getting slower," Bell muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword.
In a blur of motion, he unsheathed his new knife. The kobold lunged, but Bell was quicker.
THUD!
The dungeon floor trembled as Bell delivered a powerful horizontal slash, the glowing runes on his knife flaring to life. The kobold froze mid-air, its body split cleanly in half before collapsing into dust.
Bell exhaled, his gaze lingering on the blade. Under the flickering dungeon light, the runes glowed like gems, pulsing with an almost lifelike rhythm.
He continued forward, the thrill of combat pushing him deeper. By the time he reached the 6th floor, his steps slowed as he faced his next challenge, a group of War Shadows.
Their ghostly forms shifted unnervingly, their glowing red eyes fixed on him (again what do you call those red orbs on their face). They didn't lunge immediately but circled him like predators sizing up their prey.
Bell took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his knife. [ Vereath Aevum ] His skill flared to life.
With a deafening roar, the War Shadows charged all at once.
"Bring it!"
Bell exploded forward. His blade sang through the air, carving a glowing arc as he swung with deadly precision.
The first War Shadow disintegrated instantly, its body reduced to nothing but ash. Bell spun, narrowly dodging an incoming strike, and retaliated with a sweeping slash that tore through two more.
Their ashes swirled in the dim light as Bell moved like a whirlwind. Each swing of his knife was faster, sharper, more devastating.
The last War Shadow hesitated, its crimson eyes flickering as it realized its mistake. In one final burst of speed, he closed the distance, his blade cutting through the air. The War Shadow vanished in a plume of ash before it could react.
Bell stood amidst the aftermath, his chest heaving, his body pulsing with adrenaline.
But the dungeon wasn't done with him yet.
A new horde of monsters spawned, their howls echoing ominously. Bell looked up, his lips curling into a confident grin.
Taking his stance, Bell raised his palm toward the oncoming horde of monsters. Their snarls grew louder as they closed in, claws scraping against the dungeon floor.
Bell's gaze sharpened. With a deep breath, he focused his energy. "Firebolt!"
A fiery bolt erupted from his hand, crashing into the lead monster. But Bell didn't stop there. "Firebolt! Firebolt!" The words came out in rapid succession, each chant releasing another streak of blazing magic.
The dungeon's air grew heavy with heat, waves of flame scorching everything in their path. The monsters howled as their bodies burned, their forms reduced to smoldering heaps. The scent of charred flesh hung thick, and the ashes of fallen foes swirled around him like a storm.
When the last monster fell, Bell lowered his arm, his chest heaving. Around him, the once-teeming corridor was silent. All that remained were faintly glowing magic stones scattered among piles of ash.
Bell stepped forward, his knees wobbling slightly as exhaustion began to set in. He reached down, intending to gather the stones, but the moment his fingers brushed the first one, his vision blurred.
A wave of dizziness washed over him, his body swaying. He barely managed a groan before his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground. His mind went blank, succumbing to the fatigue of pushing his magic beyond its limits.
The dungeon grew still once more, its oppressive silence broken only by the faint crackle of lingering embers.
.
.
"Ais, is that who I think it is?"
"Bell!"
The two adventurers approached the boy lying unconscious on the dungeon floor, his eyes closed in a deep sleep. "It's probably Mind Down," said Riveria, scanning the area. The faint traces of magic still lingered in the air.
The Sword Princess knelt beside him, her expression softening as she glanced at his peaceful face. "What should we do?" she asked, her voice quieter than usual. Without realizing it, her hand had begun gently brushing through his hair.
Riveria raised an eyebrow at the scene, an amused smirk playing on her lips. "How interesting," she mused to herself before speaking aloud. "Ais, listen carefully to my instructions."
...
Ais nodded, her focus unwavering as Riveria detailed what needed to be done. The high elf stood, letting out a small sigh as she prepared to leave. But not before noticing how Ais, almost hesitantly, lifted Bell's head and adjusted her position.
Settling herself on the cold dungeon floor, she placed his head gently onto her lap. She looked down at him with uncertainty. "Am I doing this right?" she murmured to herself, brushing a strand of his white hair from his forehead.
Riveria suppressed a chuckle as she walked off, leaving Ais in charge. Alone now, Ais gazed at Bell's face, her fingers absentmindedly combing through his locks. The act felt oddly soothing—her mind eased, her weariness melted away, and for once, she didn't feel the weight of her own burdens.
A distant rumble signaled the approach of monsters, but Ais didn't flinch. With a single, almost casual swing of her sword, the approaching threats were obliterated, their remains scattering into the darkness. She returned her focus to Bell, content to stay as she was. Time passed, but she didn't care. In truth, she wanted to linger just a little longer.
Her thoughts were broken when Bell stirred. She noticed his eyelids fluttering, and she instinctively tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear. His eyes slowly opened, blinking against the dungeon's dim glow.
He looked up at her, his gaze dazed but filled with something gentle. Then, almost instinctively, he murmured, "Mother?"
Ais froze, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at him, her mind blank. Whatever she'd expected him to say, it wasn't that. "Does he also not have a mom?" She thought.
"I'm sorry, I'm not your mom.."
She simply continued to watch him, unsure of what to feel as he blinked up at her, a look of quiet trust in his half-lidded eyes. "Is this an Illusion?" Ais hearing the boy's words made her pout.
"Hmmp.. I'm not an Illusion.." as she continues to comb the boy's hair.
Bell's vision began to steady, his ruby eyes locking onto the pair of golden orbs gazing down at him. "Ais!?" he exclaimed, his face heating up as he realized where he was—his head resting comfortably on the Sword Princess's lap.
He jerked upward, attempting to lift his head, but froze as her voice cut through the air.
"Wait...Don't."
Her words were soft but firm, and they hit him harder than any monster's attack. Bell's body seemed to lose all tension, melting back onto her thighs. His heart raced as if it might burst from his chest. He avoided her gaze, his cheeks burning.
While Bell was busy battling his own embarrassment, Ais's mind was equally chaotic. Her golden eyes widened slightly as the gravity of what she had just said sank in. "What if he thinks I'm weird!?" she thought, panic flickering across her usually composed features.
Deep inside, a part of her, was overjoyed. Mini-Ais, the playful and mischievous version of herself in her thoughts, cheered triumphantly. She reveled in the moment, proud that they had a little more time together.
Ais's inner turmoil was interrupted when Bell's voice broke the silence. "Ais?"
Her gaze snapped back to him, her flustered thoughts scattering. He looked up at her, his crimson eyes shimmering with sincerity.
"Yes, Bell?" she replied softly, a faint pink dusting her cheeks.
Bell's face softened into a bright, genuine smile. "Thank you, Ais... You saved me again."
The words sent a flutter through her chest, a warmth spreading that she wasn't accustomed to. Her lips curved into a gentle smile, and before she could stop herself, she let out a quiet giggle.
"You're welcome, Bell."
Her response only made his smile grow, his expression filled with gratitude and admiration.
"Bell?" Ais's soft voice cut through the stillness of the dungeon floor, her golden eyes gazing down at the boy resting on her lap.
Bell blinked a few times before replying, his voice warm and curious. "What is it, Ais?"
Tilting her head slightly, Ais studied him with an expression that was equal parts calm and inquisitive. "Why were you in the dungeon at night? And... unconscious on the floor?" Her tone wasn't scolding, but there was a trace of concern in her voice that made Bell feel a twinge of guilt.
Scratching the back of his head sheepishly, he let out a nervous chuckle. "Well... you see, I got magic!"
Ais's golden eyes widened ever so slightly, the faintest hint of surprise flashing across her face. "Magic?" She repeated, her voice a mix of wonder and disbelief. "You've already got magic, and you're still a fresh Level 1?"
Bell nodded eagerly, raising his palm toward the dim light of the dungeon. He whispered the words, "Firebolt," and a small ball of flame materialized on his palm, flickering in the cool air. Ais watched, entranced by the sight, her fingers gently combing through his white hair. A soft smile spread across her lips as she observed him.
"You've gotten so strong in such a short amount of time, Bell," she murmured, her tone warm and filled with quiet admiration.
Bell's flame flickered out as he clenched his fist, a serious glint in his eyes. "I want to get even stronger..."
Ais's gaze softened as she looked at him, but then her expression shifted. A small pout appeared on her face as she tilted her head slightly, her lips forming a slight frown. It was subtle, but it was there.
"Hmmm..." she hummed thoughtfully, tapping her chin as if deep in contemplation. Bell, noticing the sudden shift in her mood, called her name softly.
"Ais?"
She pouted more dramatically now, her cheeks puffing up just a little. "You're always pushing yourself so hard, Bell," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration mixed with concern. "Why can't you just... relax a little? You're gonna wear yourself out at this point.." Her gaze softened as she stared at him, her golden eyes filled with an endearing, protective warmth.
Bell blinked at her, his cheeks warming a bit. "Ais... I'm fine," he said, his voice reassuring. "But I appreciate you worrying—"
Before he could finish, Ais cut him off with a playful "Hmmph!" Bell's heart skipped a beat as she looked straight into his eyes, and then, to his surprise, she covered them with her small hands.
"Hey, what are you—?" Bell stammered, feeling flustered.
Ais, her voice barely above a whisper, replied softly, "I don't want you to disappear..."
Bell froze at her words, confusion mixing with his surprise. She slowly removed her hands from his eyes, revealing his widened gaze. The words she spoke next made his heart sink.
"I don't want you to disappear like Mom and Dad..." Ais's voice trembled with an emotion Bell couldn't quite place, her golden eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
He felt the air grow heavy with her pain, and instinctively, his hand moved to cup her cheek. Ais looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. His thumb gently brushed away the tear that had escaped her eye, and he spoke in a tone softer than before, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
"Then... Can you please teach me how to get stronger?" he asked, his bright smile returning as if to reassure her.
Ais's expression softened in response. Her tears faded as she gazed at him, her heart calming in the comfort of his gentle touch. After a moment, her lips curved into a small, affectionate smile.
Ais felt joy, he had accepted her previous offer to train him! with a cute giggle, she replied with a joyful "Sure!", as they got up and headed back towards the surface
.
A monster lunged toward them, its claws gleaming under the dim dungeon light. Bell immediately stepped forward, readying his stance. "Ai—..!"
But before he could even finish saying her name, it was over. In a single fluid motion, Ais cut through the creature, her blade flashing like lightning. The monster's head dropped to the ground, its body collapsing with a dull thud.
Bell froze, his eyes wide in astonishment. The sheer gap between their strength was undeniable. "Woah..." he breathed, unable to say anything more.
Ais calmly sheathed her sword and turned to face him, tilting her head ever so slightly. "What's wrong?"
Bell quickly shook his head, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "It's nothing... It's just that you're so strong!"
Her lips curved into a soft, almost shy giggle, a rare display of emotion from the Sword Princess. Without another word, the two continued their journey through the dungeon, moving side by side. Each monster that dared cross their path met its end in moments, the synergy between them unspoken yet seamless.
As they reached the dungeon's surface, the first light of dawn broke across the horizon, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. The bustling city of Orario was just beginning to stir, but their paths were about to diverge.
They paused briefly, the quiet morning air wrapping around them. They had already decided to meet again soon—on top of the city walls, a secluded spot where they could train away from prying eyes.
"See you tomorrow, Ais!" Bell called out, his voice brimming with anticipation and energy.
Ais turned slightly, her golden hair catching the sunlight. "See you," she replied simply, her tone steady yet carrying a warmth he rarely heard.
Bell stood there for a moment, watching as she walked away, her figure disappearing into the distance. His heart raced with a mix of admiration and determination. Finally, with a deep breath-...
He ran back inside the dungeon, he was already well rested. His determination had lit up again upon meeting Ais, there was no better time but now.
Bell moved like a whirlwind through the dungeon. Every goblin in his path fell to his blade without hesitation, their cries echoing briefly before silence reclaimed the first floor. He didn't stop. The second floor, then the third, fourth, and fifth—all the way to the eighth—blurred together in a relentless advance.
"Firebolt!" he roared, his voice ringing out in the darkness. A burst of crimson light shot from his hand, crackling with raw power.
The Frog Shooter leaped, narrowly avoiding the blast, its grotesque tongue snapping toward him with incredible speed. Bell's eyes sharpened. In one fluid motion, he dove to the side, unsheathing his blade mid-slide. The tongue lashed past him, and with a swift horizontal swing, he severed it cleanly.
The monster let out a guttural screech, writhing in agony, but Bell didn't let up. Using the momentum of his dodge, he lunged forward, his knife glinting as he drove it deep into the creature's bulbous eye. A sickening crunch echoed before the Frog Shooter erupted into shimmering dust, the remnants of its existence scattering into the air.
Bell landed on one knee, his breaths ragged. Sweat clung to his brow, and fatigue began to weigh on his limbs. Still, he pushed onward.
As he descended deeper into the dungeon, a new challenge awaited him—a horde of Killer Ants swarmed around their nest, their mandibles clicking in unison like a war drum. Their crimson eyes gleamed with malice as they encircled him, cutting off any chance of retreat.
Bell tightened his grip on his knife, his knuckles white. "Let's go," he muttered to himself, determination burning in his chest.
The first wave charged, their sharp claws glinting in the dim light. Bell met them head-on, his blade singing as it cleaved through the nearest ant. Another came from his left, but he pivoted, slashing upward and splitting it apart. Each swing of his sword was precise, lethal, but the sheer numbers overwhelmed him.
One ant lunged while his guard was down, its mandibles snapping dangerously close.
"Firebolt!" Bell shouted, releasing a burst of flame that sent the creature flying back in a smoking heap. The explosion created a momentary gap in the swarm, giving him precious seconds to recover.
The ants didn't relent. More surged forward, their bodies pressing against one another in a relentless tide. Bell steadied his breathing, his eyes scanning the horde for any weakness. Sweat dripped down his temple, but his resolve didn't falter.
"Come on!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber. The fire in his veins burned brighter, fueling him as he prepared to face the overwhelming odds once more.
Bell's breathing grew heavier as the swarm pressed in. His sword felt like lead in his hands, but he refused to falter. Each swing of his blade cut down an ant, their bodies bursting into dust and leaving behind magic stones.
"Firebolt!" he roared, unleashing another blast of flame that scattered a group of Killer Ants. The fiery explosion bought him a moment's reprieve, but the remaining ants surged forward with renewed fury.
Bell sidestepped an incoming lunge, his blade flashing as he cleaved through an ant's head. Another lunged from his blind spot, its mandibles grazing his arm. He grunted as a sharp pain shot through him, blood dripping down his sleeve.
"Not yet," he muttered, gritting his teeth and ignoring the sting.
He fought fiercely, the horde dwindling with every swing of his knife. When the last ant fell, Bell staggered back, clutching his bleeding arm. The chamber fell silent, save for the sound of his ragged breathing. He glanced around, surrounded by shimmering dust and scattered magic stones.
But then, a low clicking sound echoed through the chamber. Bell's gaze snapped to the source.
One Killer Ant had survived. Its battered body dragged itself toward the pile of magic stones left behind by its fallen kin.
Bell's eyes widened in alarm. "No, don't—!"
It was too late. The ant seized the first stone in its mandibles, devouring it hungrily. One stone turned into two, then three. With each consumed gem, the ant's body began to change, growing larger and more grotesque. Its exoskeleton darkened to a menacing black, glowing veins of red pulsing across its body. Scythe-like limbs sprouted where its claws once were, and its eyes burned with a terrifying crimson light.
The mutated ant let out an ear-piercing screech, the force of its cry shaking the chamber.
Bell staggered back, gripping his sword tightly. "Shit.." he muttered bitterly. "I need to focus.."
[ Vereath Aevum ] "Activated"
The ant charged with frightening speed, its scythe-like arms slashing down at him. Bell dove to the side, but not fast enough. One of its limbs grazed his side, tearing through his armor and leaving a deep gash.
He cried out in pain, clutching his side as blood seeped through his fingers. The mutated ant turned to him, its mandibles clicking hungrily.
Bell pushed himself to his feet, his vision swimming. "Come on, Cranel... focus!" he growled, forcing his legs to move.
The ant lunged again, its scythe crashing down. Bell managed to parry the blow with his knife, but the force sent him skidding back, his injured side screaming in protest.
"Firebolt!" he shouted, aiming a blast of magic at its face. The flames hit their mark, but the creature barely flinched, its hardened exoskeleton absorbing most of the damage.
Bell cursed under his breath, his mind racing. His magic and Hestia knife weren't enough as they were. He had to find a way to turn the tide.
His eyes darted to the scattered magic stones on the ground. An idea formed in his mind, risky but the only chance he had.
He sprinted toward a cluster of stones, the mutated ant chasing after him with relentless fury. Its scythe-like limb lashed out, slicing across his leg. Bell stumbled, barely catching himself before falling. His leg throbbed, blood dripping onto the floor, but he refused to stop.
Grabbing one of the stones, he turned to face the oncoming creature. He threw it high up unto the air.
"Firebolt!" he roared, aiming directly at the stone.
The explosion was deafening, the combined force of his magic and the volatile stone creating a blinding blast. The mutated ant screeched in agony as the flames consumed it, its massive form cracking and crumbling under the intense heat.
When the dust settled, Bell collapsed to one knee, his sword slipping from his grasp. His body ached, blood trickling from his wounds, but he was alive.
Panting heavily, he glanced at the charred remains of the mutated ant. "That... was too close," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
He forced himself to his feet, each step a struggle as he made his way deeper in to the depths of the dungeon. The pain in his side and leg burned with every movement, but a faint smile crossed his lips. He'd survived, and that was all that mattered, although he had broken his promise to his goddess again, he nervously laughed just thinking about what Hestia will do to him.
-𝔇𝔞𝔫𝔪𝔞𝔠𝔥𝔦-
