Chapter 5: Advanced Training

An Unexpected Start

The morning light streamed through the small cracks in the old church walls, casting thin rays across Bell's sleeping form. As the warmth touched his face, he stirred, blinking against the brightness. He stretched, muscles aching from his training and the previous day's encounters. But instead of feeling exhausted, he felt more determined than ever.

Bell assumed today's training would be like the others—more potion-making, or starting archery drills and sparring. As he made his way to the Blue Pharmacy, his mind drifted back to yesterday, when he had spent most of the day with Naaza. It had been surprisingly enjoyable—not just the training, but the moments in between. The way she subtly teased him, the rare smiles she let slip, and the way she was so effortlessly skilled at everything she did. There was a special elegance she had complimented her beauty. He hadn't expected to have fun, but he had. However, when he arrived at the Blue Pharmacy, Naaza was already outside wearing a heavy satchel while adjusting and preparing a quite large backpack. Supplies, a bow, and rolled-up bedding sat neatly beside her.

"Good morning Naaza!" Bell said as he walked up behind Naaza. "What's all of this for?"

Without turning around, she said, "We're going outside Orario today for training. Also, you'll be carrying this backpack."

Bell's eyes widened. "Wait—what?! Outside the city? And I have to carry all that?!"

Naaza turned around and smirked at his flustered reaction. "You didn't think you'd spend all your time cooped up in a shop learning, did you? We're going to be training in, you could say, advanced conditions. You need to learn how to survive beyond just swinging a knife around and making a few basic healing items."

Bell's expected another day of brewing potions, maybe a day of archery lessons. Instead, they were heading out into the wilderness? "But—but I didn't bring—"

"You won't need anything besides what I give you," Naaza cut in. "Then again, you'll probably want your knife and armor. We can head to the church on our way out of the city. There you can let Hestia know that you'll be gone for a few days."

"Wha- what? A few days?!" Bell said flustered.

Naaza smirked, crossing her arms. "We'll need time for you to train. Also, some time for me to see how much you learn, or if you are a hopeless student." She teased.

As they walked toward the church, Bell huffed under the weight of the oversized backpack. "You really packed this thing to the brim, huh? What's even in here?"

Naaza shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Supplies, bedding, training tools… and a few extra things for survival. Don't worry, you'll appreciate it later."

Bell groaned but kept moving. "I feel like I'm already getting a workout..."

Naaza smirked. "Exactly. Consider it, your first lesson of the day—always be prepared for a workout."

With that settled, the two eventually reached the church and stepped inside.

A Journey into the Wild

Hestia was sprawled out on the small couch, her blanket tangled around her legs, snoring softly. He almost didn't want to wake her, but Naaza nudged him forward.

"Hestia?" Bell called softly. The goddess stirred, blinking blearily before sitting up with a groggy expression.

"Bell…? Why're you up so early?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "And why is Naaza here?"

"Hello, Lady Hestia," Naaza said with a slight bow.

"I wanted to let you know—I'll be gone for a few days. Naaza's taking me outside Orario for training."

Hestia's sleepiness vanished instantly. "Wait, what?! Outside Orario?" She turned to Naaza, eyes narrowing. "You didn't mention this before."

Naaza smirked. "You wouldn't have agreed."

Hestia pouted. "You're taking my Bell-kun into the dangerous wilderness? What if he gets hurt? What if a monster—"

Bell raised his hands in an attempt to calm her down. "I'll be fine! Naaza will be there the whole time, and I'll have armor and the knife you gave me."

Hestia grumbled, clearly unhappy, but after a moment, she sighed in resignation. "Fine. But be careful. And when you get back, I expect you to tell me everything."

Bell smiled. "Of course goddess!"

Bell packed the large backpack with his gear. With that, the two departed the church, got through Orario's massive gates, and were heading toward the dense forests that lined the region beyond. Bell had rarely traveled outside the city since he got there, so the sight of the towering trees and the crisp, open air made his excitement grow.

"Remember," Naaza said as they walked, "this isn't just about healing and potions. You need to learn how to survive on your own. That means setting up camp, making use of your surroundings, and staying alert at all times; just to name a few."

Bell nodded enthusiastically. "Got it!"

Camping Training

Thankfully it was just before noon when the two reached their desired campsite. Their first task upon reaching the clearing was setting up camp. Naaza demonstrated how to efficiently construct a tent, start a fire, and find safe plants for consumption. Bell, eager to prove himself, tried to replicate her movements.

He failed—repeatedly.

The tent collapsed on him twice before he even managed to secure the stakes properly. When he finally thought he had it right, a gust of wind sent the entire thing toppling over, earning a drawn-out sigh, and small smile; from Naaza.

The fire? It refused to catch. Bell furiously rubbed flint together, only for the tiny sparks to fizzle out against the dry wood. He muttered something under his breath and tried again, only to get a face full of smoke when the flames finally caught—but then promptly died out again.

The final straw was his attempt at identifying edible plants. As he crouched in the brush, he proudly plucked a leafy green stem and turned to show Naaza. Her expression immediately darkened.

"Bell." She grabbed his wrist before he could even think about putting the plant into his satchel. "That's deadly Nightshade."

Bell turned pale. "Oh."

"Oh," she repeated flatly, snatching the plant from his grasp and tossing it away. "At this rate, the wilderness will kill you faster than the dungeon."

Bell smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm trying! It's just… I'm not used to this kind of stuff."

Naaza shook her head, a rare smirk playing on her lips. "Well, I guess we won't starve as long as I'm around."

Bell watched as Naaza efficiently set up the camp. She worked with a quiet confidence, her hands moving deftly as she prepared their shelters, started the fire with ease, and sorted through their gathered food supplies. She wasn't just an archer or a pharmacist—she was incredibly self-sufficient.

Once everything was settled, Naaza handed Bell a bowl of simple stew she had made from the safe herbs she picked and some dried meat they had brought along. As he took a sip, savoring the warm flavor, he couldn't help but sigh.

"I don't think I've ever felt this unprepared before."

Naaza chuckled, ears twitching slightly. "Don't worry. If you survive this trip, you might just turn into a half-decent adventurer."

Bell gave her a sheepish grin. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

She smirked. "Don't thank me yet. Tomorrow, you're going to be the one gathering the firewood and making breakfast."

Bell groaned, setting his bowl down. "Great… just what I need, more ways to embarrass myself."

Naaza raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking slightly. "Consider it hands-on learning. Or would you rather I let you starve?"

Bell held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll do it! But, uh… maybe you could give me some pointers first?"

Naaza shook her head with a laugh. "Figures. Alright, Bell, listen up. Firewood should be dry, not damp. Look for dead branches that snap easily. And if you burn the breakfast, you're eating it anyway."

Bell pouted. "You're really enjoying this, aren't you?"

Naaza smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Maybe just a little."

The fire crackled between them, casting warm shadows across the clearing. Bell leaned back, looking up at the night sky. The stars stretched endlessly above them, and for a moment, he forgot about all his failures earlier in the day.

"Naaza?" he said quietly.

She glanced at him. "Yeah?"

"…Thanks for teaching me all this. I know I'm a mess right now, but I'll get better. I promise."

"You better. Otherwise, this trip will have been a waste of time." Naaza's expression softened. "Better get some sleep Bell; don't want you to be tired for tomorrow."

Bell chuckled, shaking his head. This was going to be a long but worthwhile training session.