Leo stirred, the weight of consciousness slowly dragging him back from the depths of sleep. His mind swam through a fog of exhaustion, fragmented memories of the battle against the Minotaur flashing through his head like broken images—Bell's determined face, the Minotaur's roar, the crackling blue lightning surging through his fists.
And then… the Lion.
His body felt heavy, stiff, but there was something different. Something off. He flexed his fingers instinctively, feeling the unfamiliar tightness in his muscles, the way his body seemed to pulse with a deeper strength than before.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, and the soft light of the room filtered in through his lashes. He blinked, his vision adjusting, as the familiar scent of herbs and bandages filled the air. He was lying in a bed—one of the rooms in the infirmary at the Guild, from the looks of it.
How long have I been out?
Leo groaned softly, lifting a hand to his head, feeling the dull ache of his muscles protesting. As he did, he noticed his arm—thicker, more defined than it had been before. His eyes widened in surprise.
"What the…?"
He glanced down at himself, confusion swirling in his mind. His body… had changed. He could feel it. His chest, broader and more muscular; his arms, thicker with strength. Even his legs felt stronger, as if every fiber of his being had been reinforced.
Leo shifted, pushing himself up into a sitting position, wincing as his side throbbed with lingering pain. His hand instinctively went to the bandages wrapped tightly around his ribs, a reminder of the brutal battle he had barely survived.
As his feet touched the cold stone floor, he finally realized it—he was taller. Not by much, but the difference was noticeable. His legs stretched longer, his shoulders broader, his entire frame more imposing than it had been before. His reflection in the nearby basin of water confirmed it—he had grown.
"Is this… because of the Lion?" Leo muttered to himself, his voice still hoarse. His mind flashed back to the dream—the meeting with the Nemean Lion, the warmth and power of its presence, the wisdom in its gaze.
I chose you.
The Lion's voice echoed in his mind, and Leo clenched his fists, feeling the familiar crackle of blue lightning briefly spark around his knuckles. The power was still there, still a part of him. But now, it felt deeper, stronger. He wasn't just tapping into the Lion's strength—he was one with it.
As Leo came to his senses, the door creaked open softly. He turned his head, expecting to see Hestia or Lili. Instead, Bell stepped in, his white hair catching the light. His crimson eyes widened the moment he saw Leo awake.
"Leo!" Bell rushed forward, relief flooding his face. "You're finally awake!"
Leo smirked, his voice raspy. "Yeah, I'm back."
Bell sat down at the edge of the bed, his posture relaxing. "You had me worried," he said, his voice softer now. "You've been out for two days."
"Two days?" Leo blinked in surprise. "Guess I pushed a little harder than I thought." He winced slightly as he tried to sit up, his hand instinctively going to his bruised side.
Bell looked over him, guilt briefly flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Leo. I wasn't strong enough to—"
"Don't start that," Leo interrupted, his voice firm but warm. "We fought together, Bell. We survived, and we won. That's all that matters."
Bell's lips tugged into a faint smile, though the worry didn't fully leave his eyes. "I guess…"
Before the conversation could continue, the door to the infirmary swung open again. Hestia burst in, her long black hair flowing behind her as she rushed over, her eyes wide with worry.
"Leo! You're awake!" she exclaimed, a mix of relief and guilt in her voice. She hurried to his side, barely acknowledging Bell at first as she hovered over Leo, her hands fluttering near his bandaged torso. "You scared me half to death!"
Bell stood to the side, watching quietly as Hestia fretted over his brother.
"I'm fine, Hestia," Leo said, flashing her a grin. "Nothing a little rest won't fix."
Hestia's eyes softened, but she didn't quite relax. She could see the bruising under the bandages, the deep cuts on his side where the Minotaur had struck him. Her hand hovered near the injury but didn't touch it, as though afraid of causing him more pain.
"You fought a Minotaur on the middle floors," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You both—" She turned to Bell, her eyes flicking between the two brothers. "—what were you thinking?"
Leo's grin widened, but it was tired. "We couldn't keep running away, especially not from a challenge like that. And we won, didn't we?"
"We had to prove that we could protect ourselves," Bell added quietly, standing beside Hestia now.
Hestia's gaze softened as she looked at the two of them. She let out a sigh, shaking her head. "You two are reckless, but…" Her voice faltered for a moment before pride took over. "I'm proud of you. Both of you."
Leo caught the flicker of emotion in her eyes. It wasn't just pride—there was something else there. Guilt. His chest tightened slightly. He knew she still carried the weight of her earlier neglect—how, in the beginning, she had focused more on Bell, unintentionally leaving Leo in the background. She hadn't meant to, but he had felt it. And now, seeing her care and worry, he could tell she was trying to make up for it.
"Thank you, Hestia," Leo said quietly, meeting her eyes.
Hestia blinked, startled by the soft sincerity in his voice. She smiled, though a hint of that guilt remained.
"You don't have to thank me."
She cleared her throat, shifting the mood as she clapped her hands together. "Anyway, there's something important we need to do now that you're awake."
Bell and Leo exchanged glances, sensing the shift in tone. Hestia grinned, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "It's time for your status updates!"
Leo chuckled softly, wincing as his side twinged. Bell, however, straightened, clearly excited. After everything they'd been through—after the fight with the Minotaur—this was the moment they'd been waiting for.
Hestia motioned for Bell to come first, and he obediently sat down on the bed, pulling his shirt over his head to expose the glowing Falna on his back. Hestia retrieved a small needle and poked the tip of her finger letting a drop of blood drip onto his back before she began to trace over the familia tattoo on his back.
AS she worked, a familiar glow of magic filled the air, and Hestia's eyes slowly widened in surprise.
"Bell… you've done it," Hestia said softly, her voice trembling with pride.
Bell blinked, confused. "Done what?"
"You're ready to level up," Hestia said, her eyes sparkling with pride. "You're officially a Level 2 adventurer now!"
Bell's heart skipped a beat. "Level up?! You mean... I'm level 2?!"
She nodded, smiling at him. "You're officially a Level 2 adventurer now!"
Bell's heart skipped a beat. "L-Level 2?"
Hestia nodded, her smile widening. "You've earned it. You've grown so much. That battle against the Minotaur pushed you past your limits, and you've become stronger for it."
The weight of those words settled over Bell, his breath catching in his throat. The Minotaur fight—the fear, the struggle, the victory—it had been worth it. He had crossed a major milestone.
Hestia finished updating his status and handed him the sheet of paper with his updated stats. Bell scanned over the numbers, a mix of disbelief and pride swelling in his chest.
Bell Cranel
Level 2
Strength (STR): D 522
Endurance (END): C 606
Dexterity (DEX): B 713
Agility (AGI): A 835
Magic (MAG): B 724
Luck (LUK): ? (Hidden)
Magic:
Firebolt (Chantless Magic)
Skills:
Liaris Freese (Hidden)
Liaris Freese increases the speed of Bell's growth as long as he is in love. The strength of the effects is related to the strength of Bell's feelings. As a side effect, it makes him immune to charms. It also allows him to exceed the limit of his abilities.
Development Abilities (New to Level 2):
Hunter - Improves his combat effectiveness against monsters, especially those he has fought before.
"Thank you, Goddess," Bell said softly, his voice filled with gratitude. Hestia nodded her head with a wide smile before turning her attention to Leo.
"Alright, Leo. Your turn."
Leo nodded and slowly removed the bandages from his torso. His muscles still ached, and his bruised side was still swollen, but the excitement in the room kept him focused. He laid down on the bed, exposing his back to Hestia, and waited as she began tracing the Falna over his skin.
As Hestia worked, her expression changed. Her hand paused ever so slightly as she continued reading the divine script, her brows furrowing in surprise. A soft gasp escaped her lips.
"You too…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Leo turned his head slightly, curious. "What is it, Hestia?"
She hesitated for a moment, her heart racing as she realized what she was seeing. Just like Bell, Leo had reached the threshold for Level 2—but there was more. Buried within his Falna, hidden in the intricate divine script, was a new skill. One that mirrored Bell's Liaris Freese, but was unique to Leo. Her heart clenched in her chest as she read its details.
Heart of the Protector. A skill that responded to Leo's emotional bonds with those he cared about, much like Bell's rapid growth through Liaris Freese, but with a twist. His strength grew when his relationships were strong, but if those bonds were strained, his growth would stagnate. It wasn't just a power boost—it was tied directly to Leo's heart and the people around him.
Hestia's eyes softened. She knew what this could mean for Leo. It was a skill that could be both a blessing and a curse. If Leo knew about it, he might feel pressured to always be the protector, to never allow himself the vulnerability of strained relationships. Or worse, he might stagnate, fearing that his power could wane if something went wrong with those he loved.
I can't tell him yet. The thought echoed through her mind. She wanted to protect him, to give him time to grow without the weight of that knowledge on his shoulders. He needed to focus on healing and getting stronger, not worrying about a skill that was so deeply tied to his emotions.
Hestia forced a smile, finishing up the update on Leo's Falna. "You're Level 2 now, too."
Leo's eyes widened. "Wait—really?"
She nodded, keeping her voice light and proud. "You've earned it, Leo. You and Bell fought together, and you've both crossed the threshold. You're stronger now, and this is just the beginning."
Leo sat up slowly, his heart pounding as he took the sheet of paper with his updated stats. His eyes scanned the numbers, the confirmation of his growth sinking in.
Leo Cranel
Level 2
Strength (STR): A 802
Endurance (END): B 710
Dexterity (DEX): C 645
Agility (AGI): B 710
Magic (MAG): B 780
Luck (LUK): ?
Magic:
Lightning Bolt evolved into Raging Thunder
Raging Thunder (Chantless Lightning Magic)
Giving Leo greater control over Lightning. He can now channel more powerful Lightning bolts or imbue his fists and weapons with electricity for devastating close-combat attacks.
Skills:
Blood Rage of the Nemean Lion
Leo's bond with the Nemean Lion strengthens, and he gains better control over his Blood Rage. While it still enhances his raw strength and speed, Leo can now tap into the rage without losing himself to it as easily. He can unleash a portion of the Lion's strength while retaining more clarity in battle.
Heart of the Protector (Hidden)
Leo's growth is directly tied to the strength of his emotional bonds and relationships with others. When he forms a deep connection with someone, whether it's through friendship, camaraderie, or romantic affection he gains more Excelia from his experiences and battles. This accelerates his growth, much like Bell's Liaras Freese. However, if his relationship with someone becomes strained or distant, his ability to grow weakens as well.
Development Abilities (New to Level 2):
Brawler (Development Ability)
Increases the power of his unarmed strikes and grappling techniques. This ability further complements his use of lightning-infused punches.
"I'm a Level 2 adventurer," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "We did it."
Bell smiled from his spot on the bed, pride swelling in his chest. "We did."
But Hestia's eyes lingered on Leo for a moment longer, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the skill hidden in his Falna. She still felt the weight of guilt from how she'd unintentionally overlooked him at times, back when Bell had first joined her Familia. She had been so focused on Bell's rapid growth that Leo's quieter presence had sometimes gone unnoticed.
But not anymore.
Hestia walked over to Leo, her gaze soft. She gently cupped his cheek, much like she had done with Bell earlier. "I'm so proud of you, Leo," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You've grown so much… and I'm sorry if I didn't show you that enough before. But I see you. I see how strong you've become."
Leo blinked, surprised by her words. "Hestia, you don't have to apologize."
She shook her head, her hand still on his cheek. "I do. You deserve to know how much you mean to me. I'm not just proud of Bell—I'm proud of you, too."
Leo's heart tightened, warmth spreading through his chest. He hadn't realized how much he needed to hear that until now. "Thank you, Hestia.."
She smiled, though there was still a flicker of guilt in her eyes. But for now, she pushed it aside. They had grown—both of them—and that was what mattered.
As the brothers sat together, both newly leveled-up adventurers, Hestia looked at them with pride. This was only the beginning, but she would be there for them both—no matter what came next.
The two brothers can be seen walking towards the Guild, now that they are Level 2; they have to report it to their advisor and update their standing in the Guild.
The two make their way towards Eina who is writing with a quill on some papers, she glances up to see the two and her smile widens seeing them
"Bell, Leo. Has something food happened to you?" She asks with a small smile.
Bell's smile hasn't left his face since he heard that he's now Level 2, Leo chuckles and ruffles his brother's hair.
"Yeah, you could say that. We have some information that the Guild would like to know." Leo states with a smirk of his own.
"Whatever it is, it must be good from Bell's expression." Eina says before a giggle escapes her, Leo glances at Bell to see he's off in his own world with a giddy air that hangs over him.
"Well, his status just got updated. That's why he's like this." He says motioning towards Bell with his thumb, the half-elf giggles and leans forwards on the counter.
"So, what happened?" She asks intrigued, Leo lightly elbows Bell in the side getting his attention.
"What's up, Leo?" He asks finally coming down from the clouds, Leo sighs and runs a hand through his hair.
"Come on, Bell. I get that it's exciting. But Eina asked you what's got you in a good mood. Be polite." Leo lightly scolded him.
Bell sheepishly rubs the back of his neck and gains a red hue in embarrassment.
"Well, when my status updated..."
Leo's attention is suddenly gained by a commotion to their left, a man around his size is talking loudly with Misha another advisor at the guild. The small woman has a smile but seems a little uncomfortable at the man.
"I said, I'm looking for a party to join! You've got to know a few that are recruiting, right?" He asks losing his patience a little, Misha shakes her head.
"I don't-" She's cut off by Eina sudden scream, Leo turns back to his brother and advisor to see her wide eyed and mouth agape.
"WHAT?! Level 2 in a month and a half?!" She exclaims, this gets the attention of everyone present in the guild. The once lively place full of conversation now falls deathly quiet at the suden wave of information.
"Trust me, your not the only one that's shocked. Me and Bell couldn't believe it either, we both are Level 2 now." Said Leo.
Eina looks between the two with even more shock, all that escapes her is confused noises. Bell and Leo look at one another and let out a shared laugh at the expense of their advisor.
The two brothers can be seen cleaning their little home, Bell sweeping away dust and grime that built up on the floor; while Leo cleans out cobwebs and dust that slowly built up.
"Bell, do you know where Hestia is?" Leo asked curiously. Bell glanced up from sweeping with a large smile.
"She's out getting us titles. Speaking of that! Maybe I'll get some new armor to go with my title!" Said Bell with his eyes closed as he begins to fantasize about what title he'll recieve.
"I wonder what kind of cool title I'll get?" Bell says as he spins the broom and holds it like a spear.
"Fire Blizzard!" He exclaims before spinning in a circle. "Tornado Typhoon!"
"Burning Fighting Fighter!" He shouts out as he stabs an imaginary enemy, Leo sweat drops at his brother's antics.
"Those... are unique titles, little brother." Leo says. He turns and wipes away the dust that had slowly built up on the small dresser where they store their clothes. Bell sheepishly rubs the back of his neck embaressed.
"Aw, yeah right... those were pretty dumb." He says before his eyes turn towards his and Leo's destroyed armor that lays in a few crates.
"This armor was good stuff. Yours took multiple attacks from the Minotaur while I destroyed mine from using my magic." Bell said as he picked up his chest piece and a broken piece of metal that came from Leo's chest piece.
"For how light it was, it sure was durable. " Leo said, Bell nodded his head in agreement.
"Mine was light and easy to move it." He says before turning his chest piece over to see the smith insignia.
"Welf Crozzo, huh?" Bell said quietly, Leo stretched his arms and yawned. The rapid sound of footsteps approaching along with a voice calling out caught their attention.
"Leo! Bell!" Hestia said excitedly as she came into the room breathing raggedly, the small Goddess leaned up against the wall as she tried to regain her breath.
"You're going to love this!"
Bell's eyes light up in excitement as he tightly holds onto his broom with anticipation.
"Goddess... Then!" He says with a large smile as he leans in excitedly, the small Goddess stands up and gives them a shaky thumbs up.
" I did it! I got something normal."
The two brothers share a look before glancing at their Goddess.
"Huh?" They said in unison.
2 Hours Later...
The warmth of the Hostess of Fertility spilled out into the night, laughter and the clinking of mugs filling the tavern with a lively energy. Bell and Leo sat at a long wooden table, surrounded by their companions—Lili, Syr, and Ryuu—while Mama Mia barked orders at the staff, making sure the adventurers were well-fed and kept the money flowing.
"Cheers to Level 2!" Lili raised her glass, her eyes sparkling with pride as she grinned at the brothers.
Bell laughed, lifting his own mug high. "To us! Level 2!" His voice was light and full of excitement, a stark contrast to the shy boy who had first set foot in the Dungeon. His white hair shimmered in the flickering lantern light, his eyes glowing with the thrill of his newfound strength.
Syr, sitting across from him, smiled warmly. "You both did an amazing job. It's not every day you hear about two adventurers reaching Level 2 at the same time, and from the same Familia!"
Bell's cheeks flushed as he scratched the back of his head. "We had to fight pretty hard to get here, but Leo and I couldn't have done it without each other."
"You both earned your titles, that's for sure," Lili added, a playful glint in her eyes. "Little Rookie and Twin Guardian, huh? Pretty fitting."
Syr giggled, leaning in closer to Bell. "Little Rookie is such a cute title for you, Bell. It suits you."
Bell's blush deepened, his nervous laugh mixing with the chatter of the tavern. "I'm not sure if 'cute' is what the Guild was going for, but I'll take it."
As the conversation swirled around them, Leo sat quietly, his gaze resting on Bell. The lightness in his brother's voice, the way he smiled so easily, how much he had grown in strength and confidence—it was exactly what Leo had always wanted for him. Bell was becoming the hero they'd read about in stories as kids, back when their grandfather would spin tales of bravery and adventure.
And yet… there was a strange, hollow feeling in Leo's chest.
His title, Twin Guardian, had been bestowed upon him for his role in protecting Bell—his strength, his fierce loyalty, always standing at his brother's side. It was fitting. But watching Bell now, laughing and growing more independent, Leo couldn't help but feel a flicker of uncertainty. What would happen when Bell no longer needed a guardian? When he outgrew the shadow Leo had been cast in?
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice beside him.
"Leo," Ryuu said quietly, her eyes studying his face with that same calm, unreadable expression she always wore. "You've been silent for a while. Are you alright?"
Leo blinked, realizing how quiet he had become. His eyes shifted to Ryuu, her cool demeanor a comforting contrast to the lively atmosphere around them. She had always been perceptive, seeing through people's facades without prying too deeply.
"I'm fine," he said automatically, though his voice lacked conviction.
Ryuu raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. "You don't look fine."
Leo hesitated, glancing at Bell, who was in the middle of an animated conversation with Syr and Lili. Bell's eyes shone with excitement as he spoke, and the way he gestured with his hands made it clear he was enjoying every moment. Leo's heart clenched.
"I am happy for him," Leo said softly, almost to himself. "This is what I've wanted for Bell. To get stronger, to grow into the hero we always dreamed about when we were kids. I've always known he had it in him."
Ryuu listened in silence, her gaze steady, waiting for him to continue.
Leo sighed, his voice lowering. "It's just… I'm afraid. I've spent my whole life protecting him, being by his side. But now… now he's growing stronger, faster. I can see it. I won't be needed forever."
Ryuu's expression softened ever so slightly, though her voice remained calm. "You're his brother. That will never change."
Leo shook his head, his hands gripping the edge of the table. "But what if it does? What if he doesn't need me anymore? If he becomes strong enough to stand on his own, what happens to me? What happens to us?"
The words were bitter on his tongue, but he couldn't hold them back anymore. Bell was everything to him—his brother, his best friend, the one person who understood him better than anyone else. The thought of Bell moving on, of outgrowing the bond they shared, terrified Leo in ways he hadn't fully admitted until now.
"I'm scared, Ryuu," he whispered. "I'm scared that one day, I'll just be left behind. That I'll become a reminder of who Bell used to be, instead of someone he needs."
Ryuu was silent for a moment, her green eyes flicking toward Bell, who was still deep in conversation with Syr and Lili, his laughter filling the tavern. Then, she turned her gaze back to Leo, her voice soft but firm.
"Bell will always need you," she said. "Not because you're his guardian, but because you're his brother. The bond you share isn't something that fades just because one of you becomes stronger. If anything, it will grow stronger with time."
Leo's heart ached at her words, but he couldn't fully shake his fear. "What if it doesn't?"
Ryuu's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, the stoic elf let down her guard. "Then, if that day comes, you will accept it. But until then, you shouldn't doubt your place in his life. You're not just the one who protects him, Leo. You're the one who has helped him become who he is today. That will never change."
Leo stared down at his hands, his mind swirling with her words. He wanted to believe her. He wanted to believe that no matter how strong Bell became, their bond would remain. But the fear still lingered, like a shadow he couldn't quite escape.
"You know," Ryuu continued, her voice quieter now, "I think Bell would say the same about you. He's proud of you. He looks up to you more than you realize."
Leo glanced up, meeting her gaze. There was something in her eyes—something warm, understanding. It was rare for Ryuu to show this side of herself, but in this moment, Leo felt the weight of her words.
A small, tired smile tugged at his lips. "Thanks, Ryuu. I guess I needed to hear that."
Ryuu nodded, her usual stoic expression returning as she glanced over at Bell again. "You're welcome."
The lively chatter of the tavern continued around them, the warmth of celebration filling the air. Leo's chest still ached with the weight of his thoughts, but Ryuu's words had settled some of the turmoil inside him.
Bell turned toward them then, his eyes bright. "Leo! You okay over there?"
Leo blinked, forcing a smile onto his face. "Yeah, just taking it all in."
Bell grinned, raising his mug again. "Here's to being Level 2! We're just getting started!"
Leo lifted his own mug, though the smile on his face held a bittersweet edge. As the two brothers toasted their victory, the clinking of their glasses was drowned out by the laughter and celebration around them.
I'll always be there for you, Bell, Leo thought to himself. Even if one day you no longer need me. I'll still be your brother. I'll always be proud of you.
The lively atmosphere of the Hostess of Fertility continued to hum around them. Bell and Lili were deep in conversation with Syr, who laughed softly at something Bell said. Leo, though quieter, was still engaged with Ryuu, her calm presence a welcome relief from the noise. The earlier tension in Leo's heart had softened slightly, though it still lingered at the edges of his mind.
But as he sat there, savoring the brief moment of peace, a group of adventurers near the bar began to catch his attention.
A group of four, burly men—clearly seasoned fighters—stood drinking together, their voices growing louder with each round of ale. The leader, a tall man with a thick beard and scarred knuckles, turned toward Leo and Bell's table, his gaze flickering with amusement.
"Hey," the man called out, his voice slurred but sharp. "You two... the Cranel brothers, right?"
Bell looked up, blinking in confusion. "Uh, yeah?"
The man smirked, glancing at his companions. "Heard you both just hit Level 2. Fresh meat on the middle floors, huh?"
Leo's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the taunting undertone in the man's voice. He exchanged a quick glance with Bell, who looked more confused than anything else.
"We're still learning, but we've fought hard to get here," Bell said, his voice polite but firm.
The man let out a bark of laughter, his companions chuckling along with him. "Learning, huh? Well, I'll tell you what—you need to stick with the right crowd if you want to survive down there. You two are rookies compared to seasoned fighters like us." His gaze flicked over to Bell. "But hey, if you're looking for help, maybe you should join up with us. Level 2's like us know how to handle the middle floors."
Leo felt a flicker of irritation but kept his expression neutral. "We're doing fine on our own."
The man's grin widened, a lecherous gleam in his eyes as they shifted over to Syr and Ryuu, who sat quietly beside them. "Oh, I bet you are. Especially with those two beauties hanging around."
Ryuu's expression remained calm, but Leo noticed the way her jaw clenched ever so slightly. Syr, on the other hand, shifted uncomfortably under the man's gaze.
"You know," the man drawled, voice thick with mockery, "friends should share. You let us take those two lovely ladies"—he jerked his chin toward Ryuu and Syr—"and maybe we'll let you rookies hang with real adventurers on the middle floors. Fair deal, right?"
The room fell into an eerie silence. The laughter, the chatter—all of it vanished. Bell sat frozen, shock plastered across his face. Lili's face twisted into disgust, and Syr visibly recoiled, discomfort clouding her usually warm features. Ryuu's calm, composed expression faltered for just a split second, her jaw tightening.
But Leo… Leo's world turned red.
His heart pounded in his chest, every pulse sending a wave of fury crashing through his veins. He didn't hear the rest of the man's words. All he could focus on was that smug, lecherous grin, and the way his eyes had shamelessly roved over Ryuu and Syr like they were prizes to be passed around.
Before he knew it, he was on his feet, the chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor. His fists were clenched tight, his knuckles white as he glared at the group.
"What did you just say?" Leo's voice was low and dangerous, like a storm ready to break.
The leader raised an eyebrow, amused by Leo's reaction. He gestured to his companions with a mocking grin. "Looks like we hit a nerve. What, you don't like sharing, kid?"
Leo's jaw tightened, his body trembling with barely contained rage. "Take it back."
The man's smirk deepened. "Or what, rookie? You gonna cry about it?" He took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with sadistic glee. "I've been fighting in this Dungeon longer than you've been alive. You think a little punk like you can take me?"
In an instant, the thin thread of Leo's restraint snapped.
With a roar, Leo lunged at the man, his fist crashing into his jaw with a sickening thud. The man staggered back, a look of shock crossing his face as the force of the blow sent him stumbling into the table behind him, knocking over mugs and plates. The tavern erupted into chaos.
"Leo!" Bell shot up from his seat, but the warning came too late.
The leader's companions were already on their feet, and in an instant, they swarmed Leo. One of them grabbed him by the shoulder, trying to pull him back, but Leo was a blur of movement. He twisted out of the man's grip, slamming his elbow into the adventurer's ribs. The man let out a grunt of pain, doubling over, but another grabbed Leo from behind, locking his arms.
"Hold him down!" the leader barked, wiping the blood from his lip. "Let's teach this little rookie a lesson."
The adventurer holding Leo tightened his grip, but Leo was running on pure adrenaline now. With a sharp twist, he broke free, driving his fist into the man's stomach. The adventurer let out a choked gasp, but before Leo could recover, another fist came from the side, slamming into his cheek.
Leo's head snapped to the side, his vision flashing white for a moment. The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth, but the pain barely registered. He staggered but didn't fall, his body instinctively moving back into a defensive stance, his fists up.
"Still standing, huh?" The leader sneered, wiping more blood from his split lip. "I'll give you that. But you're still a rookie. You don't know what real power is."
Leo glared at him, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His eyes burned with cold fury, the Nemean Lion's spirit roaring inside him. He felt the weight of the stares around him, but none of it mattered. His mind was focused on one thing—protecting Ryuu.
"You don't know anything about me," Leo growled, spitting blood onto the floor. "You don't know what I've fought for."
The leader chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement. "What, you think you're some kind of hero? You think protecting those girls makes you special?" His gaze flicked to Ryuu and Syr again, and his smirk widened. "They're just pretty faces. You'll learn—adventurers like us take what we want."
Something in Leo snapped.
With a roar that echoed through the tavern, Leo charged again. This time, the leader braced himself, swinging his fist toward Leo's head. But Leo ducked at the last second, his body moving with a speed fueled by pure rage. He slammed his shoulder into the man's chest, driving him back into the nearest table with enough force to crack the wood.
The leader's companions surged forward, fists flying. Leo blocked one punch, then another, his movements sharp and precise, but they were starting to overwhelm him. One of them caught him with a hard punch to the ribs, sending a shock of pain through his body. Another grabbed him by the arm, yanking him back as a fist connected with his jaw again, the impact sending stars flashing across his vision.
But Leo didn't fall.
He staggered, his breath ragged, but he stood his ground, his eyes burning with unrelenting fury. He wasn't fighting for himself. He was fighting for Ryuu. For Syr. For the people he cared about.
Across the room, Mama Mia watched the chaos unfold, her sharp gaze narrowing as she heard the disgusting taunts thrown at her girls. Her large hand flexed, ready to intervene, but something made her stop.
She looked at Leo, his eyes blazing with cold, protective rage as he stood his ground against the group of adventurers. There was something in his gaze—something fierce, determined. It reminded her of the strength she had seen in warriors before, a protector who would fight to the end.
Let him handle it, she thought, her hand lowering. He needs this.
Leo blocked another punch, his arm screaming in pain from the impact. His knuckles were raw, blood trickling down his hand, but he didn't care. His vision tunneled, his focus entirely on the leader of the group, who was still smirking despite the beating.
"You're gonna regret this, rookie," the man spat, staggering to his feet. "You think you're tough just because you're Level 2? You're nothing."
Leo's breath came in ragged bursts, his body aching from the blows, but his eyes remained locked on the man. "You don't get to talk about them like that," Leo growled, his voice low and filled with a dangerous calm. "You don't get to treat them like objects."
The leader snarled, lunging at Leo with a wild swing. But Leo was ready. He sidestepped the punch, his hand snapping out to grab the man by the collar. In one swift motion, he drove his fist into the man's stomach, the impact sending a shockwave of pain through the adventurer's body. The man gasped, collapsing to his knees.
"I warned you," Leo said coldly, his voice dripping with rage.
With one final, brutal punch, Leo sent the man crashing to the floor, unconscious. The tavern fell into a stunned silence, the remaining adventurers backing away from Leo, fear flashing in their eyes.
Leo stood over the fallen man, his chest heaving with every breath. His knuckles were bleeding, his body battered, but the fire in his eyes hadn't dimmed. Slowly, the adrenaline began to fade, the full weight of what had happened sinking in.
Across the room, Ryuu watched with quiet intensity. Her calm demeanor never wavered, but something in her eyes softened as she looked at Leo. He had fought for her, for Syr—without hesitation, without fear.
Bell finally approached, his expression filled with both concern and awe. "Leo… are you okay?"
Leo wiped the blood from his lip, his breathing still labored. "Yeah… I'm fine."
Mama Mia, seeing that the fight was over, finally stepped forward, her booming voice cutting through the silence. "Alright, that's enough! Someone get this trash out of my tavern!" She barked at the remaining adventurers, who quickly scrambled to drag their unconscious leader out the door.
As the chaos began to subside, Ryuu approached Leo, her eyes locked on his battered form. "You didn't need to do that," she said softly, her voice steady.
Leo met her gaze, his heart still racing. "Yes, I did."
Ryuu's expression softened, and for a brief moment, the cold mask she usually wore slipped away. There was something warm in her eyes—something that told Leo he had done the right thing.
"Thank you," Ryuu said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The tavern, though still chaotic, slowly began to settle. Mama Mia's booming voice cut through the air as she barked at her staff to clean up the mess.
Leo nodded, though his heart was still pounding, his eyes drifted back to Ryuu, he realized the truth.
He had fought for her. For them. And he would do it again.
The next day had came in the blink of an eye, the two brothers are now inside one of the many armor shops looking for replacements for both of their destroyed sets. Bell's eyes glanced over each set on display and winced at the steep prices they had, he looked down at some of the more discounted sets that lay inside crates and shook his head.
"Not this one... not this either." He says looking over multiple sets of armor. Leo stood behind him and glanced at a full set of knight armor and shook his head.
"Too expensive and not my style."
Bell sighed in a defeated manner as he stood up after setting the chest piece down.
"Maybe he doesn't sell his work anymore..." Said Bell as he walked towards the front of the store. Leo followed suit and patted him on the back with a small smirk.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find some more armor from Welf Crozzo."
A sudden argument caught their attention, both saw a medium sized man with fire red hair arguing with the clerk of the store.
"I said, why do you keep putting them in the corner!? I'm risking my life to do this! Can't you treat me a little better?" He complains to the hunched over man, the store clerk noticing the two brothers peers past the fiery red head.
"Welcome! Are you two looking for something?" He asks politely as he ignores the man before him for the two brothers. Leo and Bell share a glance as they make their way towards the counter.
"Oh, yes. Did you stop selling Welf Crozzo armor?" Bell asks politely, the shop-keeper is taken aback and glances at the man with red hair.
The two brothers gain a confused look and look at the man and watch as he slowly breaks out into laughter. The man's laughter gets louder as he kneels down and picks up a crate.
"If you're looking for Welf Crozzo's armor, I've got it right here." The man said with a cheerful smile.
"Hell yeah, look at that Bell. We got you the armor you like." Leo said with a small smile, the red haired man let out a chuckle and picked up the crate.
"Follow me and we'll discuss the price." He says before walking towards the door. The two brothers shrug and follow after the man.
He leads them for a good while before they stop near a bench, they watch as he sets the crate down and takes a seat next to it.
"I can't believe the Little Rookie and Twin Guardian everyone's talking about came to buy my armor."
"And I didn't think I'd get the chance to meet you in person, Mr. Crozzo." Bell says cheerfully. The man's smile slowly vanishes as a serious expression graces his face.
"Hey, would you mind not calling me Mr. Crozzo? I can't say I care for it." He says with a somber tone, Leo picking up on his change in demeanor smirks and looks at the contents of the crate.
"That's some nice armor, Welf. Where'd you learn how to make it?" Leo asks curiously trying to change the subject. A flip seemed to switch in his head as he looks at Leo with a smirk.
"Hold on, before I go revealing my secrets. Now, Bell Cranel, Leo Cranel. You've come to buy my work twice now! That makes you regular customers, right?"
"I guess it does..." Bell responds slightly confused, Leo glances around to see the people that were staring at them slowly begin to disperse and go about their days.
"Sorry 'bout that. Just a little bit of a turf war. So, Bell, Leo, want to make a direct contract with me?"
"A direct contract?" Bell asks curiously. Welf's smile widens slightly as he looks at the two brothers.
"It means, I'll only work for you, and make weapons, armor... Whatever you want." He explains. Leo nods his head and ruffles Bell's hair with a smile of his own.
"I'm okay with it, if you are Bell." Said Leo. Bell nodded his head agreeing with Leo.
"We'd like to form a contract with you." Said Bell, Welf ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"Hold on! I didn't even explain what would be on the contract! Don't just agree without reading the terms!" Welf said in a deadpanned tone. The two brothers share a look before Welf continues.
"Okay, so since I'll be making anything for you two. In return, you can help me out with something. Of course, I'll properly thank you for it." Welf explains.
"What's it you need help with?" Leo asks curiously. Welf's expression turns serious as he glances between the two.
"Let me join your party."