I purposely didn't want to say anything about Lefiya's chapter when I posted it, wanting to see everyone's reactions first. As I expected, lots of dislike.
Without SO, Lefiya is just an annoying, somewhat racist, Bell hater.
With SO, Lefiya is a lot more of a nuanced character and yes, a Tsundere.
In the grand scheme of things, I'm still not sold on Lefiya being a romantic interest for Bell in this story, but she will serve an important role for many reasons.
Most of you will probably dislike he initially and even possibly find her to be an annoying hypocrite in another 10-15 chapters or so, but most of you will start to sympathise, and dare I say it, like her, in about 30 or so chapters, and about 50-60 chapters from now Lefiya will really prove her character.
You might ask why am I explaining so much about someone who isn't even a guaranteed romantic interest and it is because of what is going to happen to another romantic interest.
Freya and Syr are two people in a sense and especially over the next 15-20 chapters or so, you are going to see this duality unfold. I'm already hinting at it in this chapter, but Freya and Syr will have different mindsets, before uniting later on down the track.
Again, because of what Freya does in the coming chapters, some of you may not like her and it is even something that Ais will address to help with her own character development, but there needs to be a catalyst to change people.
I've never been a big fan of people just suddenly behaving differently without some event triggering it. Ryuu out of the three is the one who will most consistently be by Bell's side and that is because that is who Ryuu is. There is a reason even Freya didn't want to charm her, Ryuu is a special character, which again is something all of us have come to see, which is probably a reason so many people think BellXRyuu makes the most sense. Reading SO makes you see Ais as a bit more valid for BellXAis, but honestly, even knowing Ais is endgame, BellXRyuu has the most on screen development.
Anyway, not to stir up shipping wars, as personally I like both, but my point is this. My characters will be more complex than you can see through any one media, since I am using all of them, plus some stuff from games and side stories/spinoffs.
You might not like what comes, especially as I run through the content of the third light novel, but I am currently writing chapter 58, well into the Apollo Familia War Game, so you can trust I have a long game plan for the story and the characters.
If you can't trust that I have a plan, you can complain, you can flame, you can stop reading, but if you want to see some truly complex character development, read on, as you won't be disappointed.
As an extra point, I am going with my alternate War Game plan (so very different to canon) and it should be a great read for those who want to see something different. Not to say it will be completely different, given Bell and Ryuu are still in the fight, but the way things go down and the aftermath will be extremely different.
That's probably enough exposition for now, so read on and enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Hestia would start work at the Hephaestus shop at last, having a small discussion with Hephaestus about Familia recruitment on her lunch break. Hestia would finally bring the divine knife home with her that night, only to find Bell was asleep already. The next morning, Bell would sneak out early to go to his training with Ais, only to run into Lefiya who pursued him and attacked him with her magic. After getting off to a rocky start, Bell would take Lefiya with him to Ais' training. The trio would make plans to meet up for ongoing training, only for Lefiya to get herself into trouble for inadvertently calling Riveria old. Ais and Lefiya would have lunch at the Hostess of Fertility, with Syr expressing her opinion on Tsunderes to Lefiya, unnerving the girl. At lunch, Lefiya would learn of Bell's preference for Elves, causing her to have a mini mental break and run home. Ais would then return that evening with a personally prepared dinner for Lefiya, courtesy of Bell, causing even more mixed feelings to arise in Lefiya.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 22 – Crossroads
Bell made his way home after leaving the Hostess of Fertility, only to run into an energetic storm the second he crossed the threshold.
'Bell! You're here and I'm here and we are both awake, finally!' Exclaimed Hestia, swarming Bell.
'What's wrong, Goddess?' Asked Bell, placing both his arms on the energetic girl's shoulders, causing her to shake her head wildly, her twin-tails swaying.
'Nothing is wrong, I have a present for you!' Cheered Hestia, pulling Bell along and sitting him on the sofa, before making her way to the bed and pulling out the knife from under her pillow.
'This is what I've been working on for the past few days! A special knife made by Hephaestus herself!' Explained Hestia, showing the knife to Bell.
'Goddess… how could you do something like this, it must have cost a fortune?' Gasped Bell, only for Hestia to grin.
'You underestimate my negotiation skills; besides, it isn't something you have to worry about, I'll pay the whole thing back myself.' Declared Hestia proudly, puffing out her chest.
'Return it.' Retorted Bell immediately, causing Hestia's expression to fall.
'What? Why?' Asked Hestia indignantly, stamping her foot.
'Goddess… a weapon from Hephaestus herself? I can't let you pay something like that off, it would take the rest of my life and probably even longer. I can't leave you with a debt like that.' Answered Bell.
'Already thinking of leaving me?' Quipped Hestia, causing Bell to frown as he looked down.
Hestia sighed and walked over to Bell, sitting beside him.
'Bell… you are a member of my Familia, my only one. My job is to make sure you have everything you need. Whether it is something you need for one day or many, I will provide you with what you need. That is my role.' Explained Hestia patiently.
'Besides, this is a one of a kind and only works with someone who has my Falna. So, it is basically a paperweight unless you use it.' Continued Hestia.
'It will grow with you and will be a dependable weapon for you. I can't be by your side in the Dungeon, but with this, a little part of me will be. Please accept it, for my sake.' Finished Hestia softly, placing her hand on his back.
'Fine, I will. We will pay it off together though. Just like it is your role to provide for me, it is my role to provide for you too. We are a team, right?' Declared Bell, causing Hestia to sigh.
'I can see I won't change your mind on this. I'm not telling you the cost though, we can set a little aside each day, but your own needs come first, since my work will pay it off soon enough. Your contributions are only to speed up paying it off. I am responsible for most of it, got it?' Pressed Hestia, causing Bell to smile.
'Okay then. I don't have that much left anymore after the Salamander Wool, but I can go deeper into the Dungeon now, so I will make it up soon. Are you sure you are okay with this though, Goddess?' Inquired Bell.
'Absolutely!' Nodded Hestia, causing Bell to smile, before he hugged her.
'Thank you very much for this, Hestia.' Whispered Bell, causing Hestia to smile and snuggle up closer.
'Of course, I would do anything for you, Bell.' Whispered Hestia.
'Does it have a name yet?' Asked Bell, breaking off the hug after a minute.
'No, I thought we could name it together. Do you have an idea?' Asked Hestia.
'Of course, there can only be one name for it, the Hestia Knife.' Declared Bell, causing Hestia to sigh.
'Oh Bell, you really know how to make a Goddess feel special.' Commented Hestia, a wry grin on her face.
-line break-
'Ottar… Bell is getting stronger, but there is something wrong. He is scared. Do you have any ideas on how to help him?' Asked Freya, looking out across Orario, from her room at the top of Babel Tower, a cup of tea held to her lips.
'It sounds like it is quite clear. He has faced a traumatic encounter more than once now. The memories of weakness linger and eat away at one's self esteem. A person will grow stronger, but they will always remember being weak.' Explained Ottar.
'Do you think it is the Minotaur only? I have heard of a story of trauma with a Goblin too.' Queried Freya, getting a nod from Ottar.
'The monster itself is not the problem, it is the feeling of powerlessness associated with it.' Clarified Ottar, causing Freya to hum as she sipped her tea.
'So what do you think he needs to do then?' Asked Freya.
Ottar blinked, it was not often that Freya would ask a question like this, so he took his time thinking it through.
'There would be two options, train him until he is immeasurably strong, or thrust him into the path of his own trauma and force him to overcome it.' Answered Ottar, echoing the sentiment of a certain blonde swordswoman.
'Can I leave this matter to you then, Ottar?' Asked Freya, causing Ottar to raise an eyebrow.
'Milady?' Questioned Ottar in surprise.
'Bell already has my support, but I think this is something I cannot help with. It seems you understand him better than I do right now, I'm a little jealous in fact.' Admitted Freya.
'Jealous?' Questioned Ottar.
'That boy, I am enraptured with him and I'm spending more and more time with him, and less time with all of you, but it seems I cannot understand him as you do. What if one day he surpasses even you and I ask him to take your spot at my side, in order to understand him better?' Asked Freya.
'Whatever your heart desires, Lady Freya.' Replied Ottar, causing Freya to look at him curiously.
'You wouldn't be jealous if that were to occur?' Asked Freya.
'Your love is not something that can be tied down and contained. It is like the wind, ever flowing and gracing each and every one of us with only a fleeting moment, but it is treasured all the same. Even if I were to lose my place at your side, I do not believe your love for me would disappear.' Explained Ottar, causing Freya to look at him in surprise.
'Forgive me, I have said too much.' Apologised Ottar, bowing his head.
'If anything, I find you even more entrancing yourself now, Ottar.' Replied Freya pleasantly, smiling at the words of her most trusted subordinate.
'Well then, while you are speaking your mind, tell me, Ottar, am I being impatient? Am I worrying for no reason?' Asked Freya.
Ottar again took a moment to provide his response.
'With his rate of growth and your support, I am certain he in fact will surpass even me in no time at all, to speak nothing of some insignificant monsters that have bested him in the past. Time is indeed all that he will need, assuming he continues to pursue strength.' Explained Ottar.
'And if he should pause? If he were to stop pushing?' Asked Freya.
'… then perhaps he will never overcome his fears and break out of his shell.' Admitted Ottar.
Freya placed a hand over her chest. Her indecision made itself apparent as her soft smile shrunk.
Time was different for the mortals. Their time was limited, while the deities had time immeasurable. What was enough time for Bell to overcome this challenge? A few days, a few weeks, a few years… a few lifetimes?
'What would you suggest, Ottar, as a fellow adventurer who understands him?' Asked Freya softly.
'An adventurer needs to go on adventures to grow stronger.' Stated Ottar simply, causing Freya to sigh.
'And what of a hero?' Asked Freya, catching Ottar off guard.
A hero? What was it that made a hero, a hero?
'I cannot say, Milady, I am only an adventurer, I am no hero.' Admitted Ottar, causing Freya to smile softly.
'I see. Then I will leave Bell's development in your hands.' Conceded Freya.
-line break-
Bell was working at the Hostess of Fertility the next morning, only to see Ais enter a bit later than usual.
'Morning Miss Ais, is everything okay?' Asked Bell, seeing her thoughtful expression.
'I think so.' Answered Ais, only for Syr to pop up from the storeroom.
'Did something happen with Miss Viridis yesterday?' Asked Syr, only for Ais to shake her head.
'It is Riveria, she had some odd questions yesterday.' Admitted Ais, her brow slightly furrowed in confusion.
'Does she require assistance?' Asked Ryuu, pausing in her task of setting up the tables for the day.
'I'm not sure…' Mumbled Ais, looking down at the counter.
'Well why don't you tell us what happened and maybe we can help?' Offered Syr, with Ais nodding in turn, before beginning her recollection.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
'So, Ais, can you explain what happened with Lefiya today?' Asked Riveria, coming to Ais' room that night.
Ais froze, only for Riveria to sigh.
'I've never known Lefiya to be anything other than severely deferential to me, perhaps almost as much as Alicia… so something must have happened for her to say such a thing.' Continued Riveria.
'I'm not sure myself… she did meet Bell today though.' Revealed Ais, causing Riveria to let out a small laugh.
'I see, so that attack today… was she fighting Bell?' Asked Riveria, only for Ais to shake her head.
'No, Bell was trying to keep our training secret, so he tried to run away from her, she was losing him, so she tried to slow him down.' Admitted Ais, recalling what Bell had told her after Lefiya had returned home.
'So a fresh level two was able to outrace a person who has been level three for years?' Asked Riveria, causing Ais to nod.
'I will need to correct this. So, her outburst was due to feelings of inadequacy?' Asked Riveria, only for Ais to shake her head.
'I don't think so, we had made plans to train together in secret, and she mentioned she would join us from now on, so I think she was motivated enough before we returned home.' Answered Ais.
'I see. Then I come along and give her a curfew… how did the training go?' Asked Riveria, only for Ais to smile slightly.
'I got to try out your new technique today.' Reported Ais, causing Riveria to smile in amusement.
'And?' Asked Riveria.
'It seemed to work, for Lefiya too.' Revealed Ais, causing Riveria's eyes to blink repeatedly, before she gave a small giggle.
'I see. Now I truly understand what happened.' Sighed Riveria, a small smile on her face.
'Although she did return looking quite flustered earlier, what happened?' Continued Riveria.
'We had lunch at the Hostess of Fertility. Lefiya ran away when we were speaking about you, so perhaps she got scared.' Suggested Ais.
'Oh? What was being discussed?' Asked Riveria curiously.
'Lefiya mentioned that she hadn't apologised to you yet. Bell asked why Lefiya needed to apologise, so I explained Lefiya had called you old.' Continued Ais, causing Riveria to nod.
'I see, so was Lefiya scared at the thought of apologising to me?' Asked Riveria, only for Ais to shake her head, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
'What happened next then?' Asked Riveria.
'Bell was confused at Lefiya calling you old, he thought you were in your twenties. Syr then said something about Bell liking Elves. Lefiya ran away after that.' Finished Ais, causing Riveria to let out a small cough.
'Oh my. That is not what I was expecting.' Commented Riveria.
'What do you mean?' Asked Ais.
'It's nothing for you to worry about, I will speak with Lefiya. Get some rest, Ais.' Redirected Riveria, before leaving Ais' room.
-line break-
End Flashback
-line break-
'Hmm, I think I have some idea. Why don't you invite Miss Riveria to come by some time.' Suggested Syr, even as Bell and Ryuu seemed to look confused.
'Is there something I can help with, Syr?' Asked Ryuu, with Bell nodding as well.
'Oh no, I don't think it is anything serious.' Replied Syr, waving them off.
'Miss Ais, do you think I could go into the Dungeon with you today?' Asked Bell quietly, catching the three girls off guard.
'Bell, our training is supposed to be a secret.' Whispered Ais, glancing around at the still largely empty, but not entirely unpopulated, restaurant.
'Goddess got me a new weapon today though and I was hoping to test it out, but I don't think it will be much use against you, you're still too strong for me.' Admitted Bell.
'A new knife already? Isn't that three now?' Asked Ais.
'This one is special.' Whispered Bell.
'Ah, that reminds me, I have something for you, Bell.' Recalled Ryuu.
'Really? I have something for you as well. Why don't we meet up after lunch then? After that, I can go into the Dungeon and meet you on one of the floors, Miss Ais.' Suggested Bell, getting a few nods.
'Making plans without me, I feel left out.' Pouted Syr, only for Bell to smile.
'I have something for you as well, Syr, don't worry.' Countered Bell, surprising Syr.
'Well I'm looking forward to it then.' Replied Syr.
'I will meet you on the twelfth floor where I saw you last time. There is less chance of anyone else seeing us there.' Declared Ais, her eyes darting around carefully as she spoke, getting a nod from Bell.
Ais would finish her breakfast, before heading out for the Dungeon, leaving the Hostess of Fertility workers behind. The breakfast rush would come and go, the aftermath leaving Bell and Ryuu washing up the dishes in the kitchen. As the pair dealt with the last dish, Ryuu dried her hands and retrieved something from the storeroom, asking Bell to wait patiently while she did so.
'Your gloves are ready.' Said Ryuu simply as she returned, showing Bell a pair of dark brown gloves.
Bell carefully took the gloves, looking them over, before slipping them on, they literally fit like a glove, moulding to his hands. His expression of astonishment was spotted by Ryuu who smiled.
'How did you get such a good fit?' Asked Bell.
'Only a few people have held my hands before, Bell. So of course, I remember what they feel like.' Explained Ryuu, before blushing at the realisation of what she had said, causing her to look off to the side.
'Well, I'm not sure if this will be as good of a fit, so I really need to thank Miss Tsubaki then.' Admitted Bell, causing Ryuu to look back at him.
Bell pulled out a small metal string which had a small piece of silver shaped into a diamond in the centre.
'I can't really say I know what size would fit you best, but this is adjustable, so it can be either a bracelet or a necklace if you want.' Explained Bell, holding out the metal chain towards Ryuu.
'What is this?' Asked Ryuu, taking the piece of jewellery carefully.
'Well, after my blades broke, I didn't really want to get rid of them… so other than making a blade, I asked Tsubaki if she knew any jewellers who could turn some of the shards into something else. She gave it to me last night, but I didn't have a chance to give it to you. Sorry it isn't anything special, but I hope you like it.' Answered Bell.
'What about Syr?' Asked Ryuu, causing Bell to tilt his head to the side.
'I had one made for Syr too.' Admitted Bell, causing Ryuu to nod her head.
'I see, did you also make one for your Goddess and Miss Ais?' Asked Ryuu, not even sure where she was going with this line of questioning.
'No… do you think I should have?' Asked Bell in confusion, causing Ryuu to look up at him.
'Why just Syr and I then?' Asked Ryuu curiously, holding her breath in anticipation.
'Because both of you are very important to me and have helped me a lot… not to say that Goddess and Miss Ais aren't important to me either and they have helped me too… but I wanted to make sure the two of you knew how much I appreciate both of you as well for everything you've done, even though you didn't need to. The two of you have both been helping me and not really getting anything back in return… so I just wanted to express my gratitude.' Rambled Bell.
Ryuu smiled. Bell was one of a kind in more ways than one it seemed.
'Thank you, Bell, I will gratefully accept it and your gratitude. If you ever need me, please just ask and I will be there for you.' Said Ryuu softly.
'Of course, and if you ever need me, I'll be right there beside you.' Commented Bell.
Ryuu held the bracelet carefully, before slipping it on her wrist and adjusting it to a snug fit, before dropping her sleeve back down, hiding it.
'Good luck today.' Finished Ryuu simply, before walking off to help reorganise the tables for lunch.
Bell would get his equipment sorted, securing all three of his knives, the Hestia Knife secured to the back of his belt, before grabbing his backpack. Bell looked for Syr and saw her sweeping outside and made his way towards her.
'Going into the Dungeon now?' Asked Syr, to which Bell nodded.
'Yeah, I'll be back by dinner time though.' Replied Bell.
'So what's the special reason for going into the Dungeon, I thought you wanted to spend some time training?' Asked Syr curiously.
Bell looked around carefully, surveying the area. Seeing no one was around at the moment, Bell relaxed slightly, dropping his tensed shoulders, before taking the Hestia Knife off his back and showing it to Syr.
'Goddess had Goddess Hephaestus make this knife for me. I wanted to try it out.' Revealed Bell, showing the knife to Syr.
'Goddess Hephaestus made this knife for you?' Whispered Syr in awe.
'I know, I told Goddess she should take it back as I can't even imagine the cost, but it only works for me.' Explained Bell, handing Syr the knife.
Syr furrowed her brows in confusion as she withdrew the blade from its sheath. It looked unremarkable, almost dull. She doubted it would even be able to cut a boiled potato.
'It doesn't look very sharp.' Commented Syr, only for Bell to smile.
'I can show you then.' Grinned Bell, holding his hand out.
Syr placed the blade into the palm of Bell's hands, only for it to light up with hieroglyphics and gain a metallic sheen. It looked beautiful all of a sudden.
'Goddess told me it will only work for someone who has her Falna.' Explained Bell, before putting the blade away.
'Your Goddess must really care about you.' Commented Syr, an inscrutable expression on her face.
'Yes, I'm very lucky to have Goddess Hestia supporting me, but it isn't like she is the only one.' Agreed Bell, before pulling something out of his pocket.
'This is for you, Syr.' Continued Bell, holding a piece of jewellery, similar to the one he had given to Ryuu.
'What is this?' Asked Syr, her eyes looking at the green metal in the centre.
'I asked Miss Tsubaki if she could help me make the blades you and Ryuu got me into a present. It can be either a necklace or a bracelet if you want.' Explained Bell.
'Can you help me put it on then?' Requested Syr, turning her back on Bell.
Bell unclipped the necklace and placed it around Syr's neck, fastening it securely. Syr turned around again, her fingers resting on the cool metal, before looking up at Bell. His kind, innocent gaze, bringing a small smile to her face, before her smile shrunk slightly.
'Bell, you know… you don't have to go into the Dungeon. If you wanted, you could come and work with us at the Hostess of Fertility full time. Mama Mia would pay you very well.' Suggested Syr, only for Bell to shake his head.
'I'm sorry, Syr, I can't do that. You said it yourself, I'm your hero, so I can't just stop.' Apologised Bell softly.
Syr closed her eyes, giving a small exhale, before opening them and giving Bell a bright smile.
'Then do your best today, I'll have something waiting for you when you return!' Declared Syr encouragingly, giving Bell the brightest smile she could.
'I will, I'll see you later, Syr.' Nodded Bell, before jogging off.
Syr remained standing on the sidewalk for a minute, her fingers tracing the green metal of her necklace. Her face bore a small smile as she watched Bell's back shrink in the distance, but her brow was furrowed, her eyes showing a hint of sadness.
"I hope I'm doing the right thing… please be careful, Bell." Thought Syr, before heading back inside the Hostess of Fertility.
-line break-
Lili sat at the fountain in disbelief. She had been keeping an eye on Bell, planning an opportunity to approach him to try and get her hands on his brown blade, only to see something unfathomable. Bell had what looked like another First-Class weapon. Lili had no idea where someone like him could be getting such amazing weapons made and a sharp pang of jealousy struck her.
Why was his life so easy?
Lili tried to contain her emotions, but even she couldn't help making comparisons between Bell and her and it was absolutely not fair how everything seemed to go right for him, while nothing went right for her.
'Found you this time.' Commented a voice Lili recognised.
It was her last mark. An arrogant, rude adventurer, who had barely given her a cut most days for the most ridiculous of reasons.
'I'm sorry, Master adventurer, I don't believe we have ever met before.' Replied Lili coolly, already looking for a way to escape.
'Don't give me that, I know your secret, girl.' Hissed the man, causing Lili's eyes to widen.
He had to be bluffing. Lili had been an Elf every time she had set foot outside this past week. She hadn't let her disguise slip even once. Then she saw him, her escape.
'Ah, Master adventurer, this one had been hoping to see you.' Greeted Lili loudly, causing Bell to pause, before making his way over to the girl, noticing the disgruntled man beside her.
'Hi Lili, who is your friend?' Asked Bell, thinking he recognised the man, but unsure where.
'Friend? As if, I've been trying to get back what this girl took from me, ever since you stopped me with your Elf before.' Spat the dark-haired man.
Bell's eyes narrowed in confusion, before spotting the sword and looking into the man's eyes.
'You were the one who was chasing that girl before.' Realised Bell, causing the man to scoff.
'That girl? You mean her! You're just her newest sucker. I saw her with items from the middle floors, bet she stole them right from under someone else.' Accused the man, his black eyes radiating contempt.
'Lili didn't steal them, it was her share.' Countered Bell, causing the man to look at him strangely.
'Her share? What did she even do?' Asked the man.
'She supported me. Without her, I would have left more drop items behind. Why shouldn't she get a share?' Asked Bell in confusion.
Both looked at Bell in disbelief. Was he serious right now?
'Why would you give her anything, it's not like she fought any of the monsters, so why should she get a reward?' Asked the man.
'That's not her job. She is a supporter; I am an adventurer. How bad are you at being an adventurer that you need to take your supporter's share too?' Asked Bell flatly.
Lili couldn't help it and let out a small laugh. The man's face burned in anger and embarrassment as Bell's words were overheard by some other people nearby, who started whispering about their discussion.
'You'll regret this sooner or later.' Grumbled the man, before walking off.
'Are you okay, Lili?' Asked Bell.
'This one is fine, Master adventurer. Would you like this one to accompany you into the Dungeon today?' Asked Lili, only for Bell's response to surprise her.
'Sorry Lili, I was only planning to go into the Dungeon today for a bit of training then leave.' Explained Bell.
"Training in the Dungeon? What a blatant lie. This must be his true face. He spoke his kind words, but his actions show he is just like the others, discarding me already." Thought Lili bitterly.
'This one understands, Master adventurer.' Responded Lili quietly, causing Bell to frown.
'If you want, you can come by the Hostess of Fertility, and I will treat you to a meal. Maybe we can go to the Dungeon another time.' Suggested Bell.
Lili's eyes gleamed. This could be her opportunity.
'This one appreciates the kind offer, Master adventurer. This one will come by this evening then.' Agreed Lili, getting a nod from Bell, before he headed off to the Dungeon.
Lili had no doubts. The kind façade was clearly a lie, a disguise. Just like her disguises of an innocent supporter, Bell was playing the act of a kind adventurer. A true oxymoron. There were no kind adventurers. Lili would act today. Now that that other adventurer had showed up, she needed a new disguise. She doubted he would really be able to find her, but she would change her appearance and her attire again. It wasn't the first time someone had gotten close, but she always escaped them in the end. Once Bell was almost out of sight, Lili started to follow him. He was alone, so Lili doubted he would be going to the middle floors, so she would be able to manage to follow him by herself in the upper floors. Her eyes would keep her from being cornered. Lili followed Bell as he made his way down. He seemed to be in a rush, making it difficult for Lili to keep up with him while staying out of sight, but her years of experience helped her maintain the distance without losing him. Years of experience couldn't prepare her for what she saw next though.
"Is that the Sword Princess?" Thought Lili in disbelief, as Bell greeted the blonde.
"Is he really on a date in the Dungeon?" Pondered Lili, before the two wandered off.
Lili followed as best she could, leaving even more distance between them, not wanting to be spotted by the First-Class adventurer. Then an Infant Dragon spawned. Lili would have screamed in fear if she had been the target, but it seemed no one had noticed her. The boy pulled out the new blade she had seen today. If she thought the brown knife was something special, this knife blew that out of the water.
Two hits. Two!
One slash of the blade had amputated the Infant Dragon's left claw and then a second slash had beheaded it.
Lili knew she had to get that knife. No matter what cost they charged for her freedom, that knife would be enough. Lili retreated quickly, not wanting to be caught, planning how to acquire the key to her freedom later today. As the girl left, she didn't notice the pair glance at the spot she had been at before.
'Someone was watching us.' Commented Ais, causing Bell to nod as he picked up the Infant Dragon Hide.
'I'm pretty sure it was Lili. There was an adventurer hassling her today.' Stated Bell.
'Why?' Asked Ais.
'She is a supporter, so I think they were trying to take her things. She always seemed to look at me funny when I gave her an even share. I didn't really get why though. Do people think less of supporters?' Asked Bell.
'It is not that being a supporter is necessarily a bad thing. We have people who serve as supporters in our Familia too, but even they can be level two, three, or four. There are some people who see the role of a supporter as lesser though and look down on them, even more so a level one supporter.' Explained Ais.
'Is that like that Werewolf in your Familia… Bete, I think I heard his name was…' Questioned Bell, causing Ais to nod before freezing.
"He is looking for information on Bete… was I wrong? Is he really trying to reach Bete after all?" Thought Ais, Mini-Ais placing her hands on her head in dismay and running around in circles.
'Yes, Bete does think like that… did you run into Bete again?' Asked Ais curiously, holding her breath anxiously.
'I saw him once when I was trying to help Goddess Loki get home from the Hostess of Fertility. I ran into him and gave Goddess Loki to him. Lefiya also mentioned his name when we met and said he was the one who made fun of me… sounds like he must do that often then.' Commented Bell, a small frown on his face.
Ais nodded, unsure what to say to that, but inwardly relieved. It seemed Bell didn't approve of Bete's mentality, making her think it was less likely he was pursuing strength for his sake.
'That knife seems very special.' Commented Ais after a lull.
'Yes, Goddess Hephaestus made it for me at Goddess Hestia's request.' Explained Bell.
Ais blinked. Then Ais blinked again.
'Can I hold it?' Asked Ais, with Bell passing her the knife easily.
'It's dull.' Commented Ais, pressing the blade against her hand and noting there was no edge.
'It's special, it only works when someone with Goddess Hestia's Falna uses it, otherwise it is a paperweight. Or at least that is what Goddess told me.' Explained Bell, moving to take the blade from Ais.
As Bell's hand touched the blade, Ais felt it. The blade came alive under his touch. Ais pressed her finger against the blade. It was sharp. Not sharp enough to bypass her endurance without force, but it was certainly not dull anymore.
'Should we go back now then, I didn't have lunch yet either, so maybe we can have something together?' Suggested Bell, getting a nod from Ais.
As the pair exited the twelfth floor of the Dungeon, neither noticed the large Boaz who was advancing further into the Dungeon, heading towards the middle floors.