The Fallen Argonaut
Rated; M (Blood/Gore)
Disclaimer; I do not own Danmachi or anything created by the author Fujino Ōmori, all rights go to him
Authors: Eli-er01 & ViceroyChalister
Summary: The will of a hero is strong, yet unwavering but all good things must come to an end, even at the cost of one's Heroic Will. Imprisoned and blamed for a crime he hadn't committed, Bell seeks a way out of his predicament so that he can live without fear of being hunted by the people he once looked up to.
30: Harbinger
=Anfesera=
"That's pure insanity…" Bache sat back in her seat placing a hand on Elora's back, who, when she heard that the back of her lover was almost burned to oblivion nearly passed out at the mention of the cursed Dragon.
"Um dad, I- I- I have a question" Adrienne with tear filled eyes and a worried look staring at her father.
"Yes?" His response was sweet and reduced her concerns.
"Why *sniff* why do you always get into trouble like that, you're always almost dying when you go out and you're stronger than most people…"
Bell, about to cry himself gathered his strength to keep a stoic yet gentle face said, "I'm unsure why everything and it's mother wants to try and take me out, but I warned you all that what I plan to do is extremely dangerous" His face is unchanging.
"But at any rate you survived the Black Dragon, and fought something that's about as strong as you are in a cave full of metal thought to be lost to time, not only that but you've done things and been places that even your grandfather's familia and Hera couldn't" Aralaya said excitedly.
"What do you mean?" Bell asked, the statement slapping him in the face with pure confusion..
"Erebus told us while you were gone" Jannor spoke up, trying to explain to his father.
"Told you what?" Bell, becoming more confused by the second.
"Your heritage…" Elora said out of her gobsmacked state.
"It's true and I had planned to tell you earlier, buuut you took 3 years to get back. Sorry" Erebus shrugged as Bell gave him a confused look.
"Details…" Bell said, and with that Erebus began to fully explain the entirety of the untold story that he was aware of.
"That's crazy…" Bell, now sitting down, is next to become speechless. "At any rate, I need to get this letter to Asfi and Hermes. But before I do look at this Erebus and tell me what you think" Bell proceeded to hand him a sheet of paper which Erebus took before beginning to read it.
'Argonaut, the friend and hero that we didn't deserve. A man known to put others first and ask nothing in return. He would give his all in his mission to help people in their times of need. Bells would toll at his coming and going to give him a grandeur of thanks and welcoming. To many he seemed to be an unreachable goal, but let it be known that he was just a man, and a man whose desire reached to the heavens. May he forever be immortalized in our hearts and minds. When his kindness is needed, and he is long past, we pray that his lineage shall rise to meet the challenge that is heading for us all. Sleep undisturbed, until you rise again within a new form.
May the world treat you well, Bell Cranel'
Erebus was drinking water while reading this and Bell could tell he was done reading it because he spat water out of his face at speeds that shouldn't be possible.
"WHAT THE F-" Erebus began
"EREBUS!" Elora yelled.
=Twilight Manor=
"HAH!" A kick was thrown meant to take someone's head off, flashes of black and yellow, going back and forth with the added sounds of clashing metal rang throughout the courtyard.
Ais had taken up the job to train Fiona in melee combat, she had taken very quickly to close melee combat, which to Ais' benefit, she has experience in training knife users. After discovering that Fiona could use the Hestia knife, Loki said it would be a good way to remember her friend, she was sure that Hestia would want people to be taken care of. So she told Finn to allow her to use it, but the final permission went to Ais, who gladly went along with the idea.
They continued to train for a while, Fiona was being prepared for her first trip to the dungeon, and the executives were worried that one of their inside born familia members may not be prepared. Though it mostly boiled down to Tione being an overprotective mother.
"Hah, hah, hah" Fiona, out of breath, was laying on her back complaining to Ais about being too harsh in her training. Ais let out a stifled laugh.
"Come on" Ais put her hand out to help Fiona up to her feet.
"Auntie Ais, when are you gonna teach me some secret move or something?" Fiona batted her eyes.
"There's no such thing as a secret move, there's just knowing more I suppose, like different fighting styles and magic" Ais said, taking a drink of water. Fiona just had a big "Ohhh" look on her face.
"Let's go wash up" Ais said, taking Fiona by the hand.
Loki's head popped up as if someone said her favorite words… in which this case was true.
=Hephaestus' Smithy=
"Welf… when are you gonna give me more members?" Hephaestus asked, a sinful grin plastered across her face.
"Wh- what do you mean?" Welf blushed.
"You know exactly" Her grin is ever increasing. "I know that we can't, but that doesn't mean that you can't find someone who'd be willing to be your second, and I know that sounds bad but, who can compete with a goddess? She said with a sarcastic hair flip.
"I suppose so but, I feel like that wouldn't be fair" Welf returned.
This seemed to upset the goddess of the forge, her smile retreating from her face. "Unfair… Welf you know how I feel, what I want and desire. You understand my dream, I know that you also worry that your mortality will cause an issue, but I want this and I know you do too." Her eye was saddened.
"Hephaestus… I… alright, I understand, you have been asking me for years now. I suppose it's time to give you your wish." Welf at this point had reached over and placed a hand onto hers.
"Hm, about time" She then proceeded to drag him to the stairs. "Come on, you have orders you need to make and I've got a business to run, we can talk about this later." Hephaestus smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"Yes ma'am" He returned the smile.
=Takemikazuchi Familia Home=
Haruhime was sitting beside some new Familia members that had arrived thanks to Takemikazuchi deciding to adopt some homeless children into his Familia. Not to anyones surprise, Mikoto was quick to brainwash and teach them about hot springs.
It had actually been quite interesting to see the new members struggle to get away from her. It was like watching the weirdest game of cat and mouse, except for the fact that there were multiple proverbial mice and one completely insane cat.
"Haruhime-san… why doesn't Mikoto-san try to get you into hotsprings?" One of the new members, Tera asked. Haruhime smiled at said member before answering.
"Well… I have my ways. Tip number one. Stay away from her whenever she mentions hot springs" She said with a smile as she pinched the 9 year old ex-orphan's cheek.
"Hehe, stop it Haruhime-san!" She giggled as Haruhime couldn't help but smile. Takemikazucki couldn't help but smile while looking at her from across the table.
She had come a long way in the last 12 years. Previously, she had been so shy it had almost been overbearing, but a gem nonetheless. Now, she had gained at least the semblance of confidence, even though he sometimes caught her standing on their balcony with a sad smile on her face.
Anyone who had known her long enough knows better than to interrupt those moments. As much as it pains him, Hestia's first child had meant a lot to Haruhime. So much so that even after so long, she still seemed to drift towards him within her heart.
All Takemikazuchi wanted was for her to be happy, and clearly, she was getting there even though it was quite slow.
Speaking of Hestia. Takemikazuchi really missed her, though for some reason, he couldn't shake the weird feeling in his spine that she was still around. Not in another realm, but here, in Gekai.
It seemed absurd, but his godly intuition was telling him it was the case, and he knew better than to ignore it.
"Haruhime-san! How is your training going? Come on! Tell us! Tell us!" another new member, Itashi exclaimed excitedly, causing Haruhime to laugh.
"Oh, I think it's going alright…" She drifted off as she didn't know what to say. This was what Takemikazuchi meant when it came to the 'Semblance' of confidence Haruhime had gained. The old her would have instantly said she was no good at it and that there was no point.
Now, she at least acknowledged that she had gotten quite proficient with the staff. She even had an alias now, Arogos. It meant 'Booster', a name Loki had suggested on his behalf during a denatus. He had no idea why she did it. She only mumbled something about good friends and shrimps.
It also had made him concerned that she may have known of Haruhime's level boost, but nothing has happened since then and it's been years, so he takes it that she either is keeping the secret with no complaints, or that she just doesn't know.
"Don't sell yourself short, Haruhime-dono! You're doing incredibly well, even giving me a hard time!" Mikoto came out of nowhere, peeking her head through a doorway.
"Mikoto-san! Don't flatter me!" Haruhime exclaimed, red tinting her cheeks.
"I'm simply correcting you when you are undervaluing yourself!" Mikoto exclaimed with passion. Haruhime pouted as Mikoto kept touching her over and over pointedly.
"Haha, that's the spirit, Mikoto! Haruhime, you are indeed doing wonderfly. I have watched some of your sessions and you've improved immensely!" Takemikazuch called out from out of nowhere, startling everyone.
The table fell into silence before a giggle was heard from Chigusa before she covered her mouth, blushing and covering her face with her bangs… Well, more than usual.
Ouka had a small smile on his face as snorts were heard. Soon enough, everyone burst out laughing as the god just looked around confused.
"Did I do something?" He asked, the situation causing continuous questionmarks to appear around him.
"Takemi- haha- Takemikazuchi-sama… that was too good!" Mikoto laughed as everyone else nodded.
The gods' confusion just increased tenfold from that as he couldn't figure out anything at all. What was so funny? He just gave his input.
After a while, Mikoto picked herself together before turning to her god with a smile.
"It was so unexpected, Takemikazuchi-sama. You had been so quiet for dinner today that we werent expecting you to call out like that all of a sudden" Mikoto tried to explain as a lightbulb lit up in Takemikazuchi's head.
"Ah…" He muttered as his brain caught up.
"Anyway…" Ouka spoke out, the hint of a smile still on his face "I was wondering where your statuses lay now Mikoto, Haruhime. I'm nearing my ascension to level 5. Ouka revealed, making many around the table gasp out.
"Ouka, that's incredible! We'll probably earn a B-ranking as a familia then! That's more expeditions!" Haruhime exclaimed as Mikoto groaned.
"NOOO! MY PRECIOUS BATHTIME!" She called out while the others laughed at her expense.
"Well, I'm nearing level 5 as well Ouka, better watch it or I will surpass you!" Mikoto challenged after a minute, causing the two to throw a competitive grin at each other.
"Uhm… I can level up to level 4!" Haruhime added quietly, surprising everyone as Takemikazuchi felt like punching himself in the face at his child, ruining the surprise of the night.
"That's amazing! You've been a level 3 for so long now Haruhime-dono! You deserve it" Mikoto smiled as she was showered in praise.
"Well, as Haruhime already spoiled the surprise, today's dinner is in honor of her accomplishment!" Takemikazuchi announced as he put up his glass as everyone did the same.
""KANPAI"" Everyone exclaimed as their cups clanged together. The night flew away from there with congratulations and even some gifts. Eventually, Welf and Lili joined in alongside Hephaestus bearing their own congratulations and gifts, as a testament for their deep friendship.
From there, the night became a haze of jokes and laughter. Most could barely remember a time they smiled so much.
Then why… does it feel so hollow… like something is missing
=Anfesera, next day=
*Bang*
Bell put down a bar of the metal he had refined with the help of the village smith for everyone to see. Right in front of all their eyes was a metal that's worth enough to make the Guild's budget look like pocket money.
"Bell… this material…" Elora tried to get out, her voice failing her because of what she was seeing and feeling radiating off of it.
"I know. It's radiating magic. Spirit magic to be exact" Bell said as he looked down at it's shining features. It was mesmerizing, if not for the fact that two thirds of it was blocked by a mop of blonde hair.
"Aralaya… What are you doing…?" Bell asked with a deadpan look as his daughter had stars in her eyes.
"Oh, it's shiny…" She said, practically drooling "And the magic it's radiating, could it be used to power spells instead of mindpower? Perhaps use it to enhance the effect of magic swords. Oh! Maybe-" her mouth was covered as Bache pulled her close with a chuckle.
"Maybe take it a little slower there princess" She jokingly said as the girl's red eyes pouted for her mouth at her aunt.
"Mom… I don't think her ideas were that bad…" Jannor said as he tapped his chin, a thoughtful expression plastered on his face.
"I agree! Maybe we should test it!" Adrienne grinned as Elora started throwing her ideas and thoughts back at them. Bache let go before joining in. Meanwhile, Bell frowned, thinking about it.
"They have valid points… but that's not what this is meant for, is it?" Bell looked up, Erebus standing next to him, looking at the metal with a knowing look.
"Yes… this metal…" Bell said as everyone fell quiet "I'm giving it to Asfi for her to give the soul masking property to my mask" Bell said as everyone nodded.
"Guess we only need a strong magic stone and-" Elora was interrupted as Bell pulled out one last item before twirling it between his fingers.
"Well… about that magic stone…" Bell grinned as Elora's eyes widened.
"Is that…!" Bache gasped as the children looked at it in confusion before it hit them.
"It's from the monster you fought!" The three kids exclaimed simultaneously. Bell nodded, his grin only widening.
"Yep, it should be more than enough… Now, the only issue is the last part…" Bell muttered as Elora frowned, hard.
"Right… it's in… That place" she almost hissed at the mere thought.
"Ehm… I know it's a sensitive subject, but is there a reason you don't like the high elf forest?" Bache asked as Elora looked at her for a second before nodding.
"Yes…" was all she said as she peeked at Bell, who gave her a comforting smile.
"Bache… it's better if we wait a while. This… it's incredibly sensitive" Bell advised as Bache looked between the two before nodding.
"I get it. I have my own secrets either way" She said with a smile.
Aralaya couldn't help but look at her mother in concern as her brother did the same. Adrienne grabbed ahold of her hand as Elora noticed it, eyes momentarily widening before she gripped it.
"Elora…" The elf looked up at the god who uttered her name and nodded at him "Whether you tell us or not, we are here. We are your family, nothing will change that" He said with a smile.
Bell pulled her into a hug before he whispered something to her, so quiet only they heard. It caused her to shiver before clutching his clothes before he tightened the hug.
"A-alright…" was all she said in response before everyone fell silent. It stayed that way for a while. Eventually, Elora dislodged herself from her husband, returning to her usual self.
"Bell! We were so focused on tomorrow that we forgot something!" Erebus called out a couple of minutes later.
"Oh?" Bell responded as he thought about it "I can't think of anything…" he said with a frown as Erebus chuckled.
"You haven't updated your status for over three years now. How about finally getting it done, admittedly three years overdue" He grinned as lights lit up Bell's eyes. Everyone's focus turned to the status update as they got to work with the usual business.
Eventually, when Erebus pushed back the light from Bell's back, he heard a sigh as Bell looked back with worry in his eyes.
"A no go?" He asked in fear. As Erebus' expression was unreadable. The pause was killing everyone with anticipation.
Erebus couldn't hold out any longer as a grin spread across his face.
"Congratulations Bell, you're Gekai's newest level 7" He announced as the entire house broke out in cheers.
"Dad! That's incredible!" Adrienne launched at him like a miniature missile as Bell laughed. She wasn't wrong. Reaching level 7 outside Orario from level 3 is beyond difficult. What if he had help from Liaris Freeze? He still needed great feats and the skill didn't affect those!
"Guys… that reminds me… did anyone level up in Orario?" Bell asked as his voice went from excited to cautious in the matter of a second.
Everyone looked at each other for a minute before smiling at Bell.
"Well, honey…" Elora said as Bell nodded, understanding from her tone it wasn't the best news.
"Stop being so dramatic! Aiz Wallenstein, Tione Hiryute, Tiona Hiryute and Bete Loga of Loki familia reached level 7" Bache bluntly told him as Bell blinked. Once. Twice, thrice before gaping.
"What…" He muttered in a disbeliveing tone as everyone stared at the amazon.
"BACHE!" Elora scolded as Bache just gave her a shrug
"That would mean Loki Familia has… seven level seven's… ironic…" Bell muttered again as he added the last part to lighten his own mood.
"Yes. Also, Freya familia's Allen Fromel, Hogni Ragnar and Hedin Selland are now level 7" Bache continued as Elora sat down on the sofa, giving up completely on her amazonian friend.
"Oh! Dad!" Aralaya jumped forward as he nodded at her
"Yes, sunshine?" He said, not able to resist the smile that his children always managed to put on his face.
"Your friends have leveled up as well! Lili, Welf and Mikoto are level 4!" She said as Bell's eyes widened. They had gotten that far!? Bell laughed out loud, completely forgetting the previous news at what Aralaya had said.
His friends… they had actually managed to become second class. Incredibly… just incredible!
He was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder, reminding him, and everyone else that they were still in the middle of the status update.
"Bell… What development ability would you like?" Erebus asked with a chuckle "I already have an idea, but I want to check with you" Bell smiled at Erebus before giving him the goahead to list them all.
"The first one is Explorer. It basically improves your ability to navigate around" There were no questions as to how he got that one…"
"Next one is… Hunter… again… really? How many dragon type monsters did you kill?" Erebus asked as Bell nervously chuckled.
"Third option is Survivor. It allows you to go longer periods of time without eating, drinking or sleeping without tiring" Erebus explained as Bell nodded.
"Laslty and surprisingly is the thing you've worked for a long time to obtain" Erebus said, causing Bell to turn to him in curiosity.
"Mystery" Was all he said as Bell's eyes widened. A grin formed on Bell's face as he made a victory jab at himself. All that time tinkering, all that time with late nights trying his hardest to modify different types of weapons and gear to lead to this moment.
"Erebus…" Bell said as he already felt Erebus touch the last line "Pick Mystery please" Bell said as Erebus fingers instantly moved.
"Done. Congratulations Bell, your level is now officially 7!" Erebus said before handing him his status sheet. Bell eagerly read it over. As his eyes got further down, they completely bulged.
Name: Bell Cranel
Lv 6 - 7
Status:
{STR} SS-1198 - SSS-1322 - I-0
{VIT} SS-1176 - SSS-1243 - I-0
{DEX} SSS-1232 - SSS-1399 - I-0
{AGI} SSS-1312 - SSS-1399 - I-0
{MAG} SSS-1365 - SSS-1399 - I-0
Magic:
Firebolt: Swift strike magic. Casts a bolt of fire and electricity on command that explodes on impact upon contacting any surface.
Legacy's Rebirth: Catalyst Magic. Generates a shroud of lightning around the user that interacts with the body, strengthening it and protecting from outside dangers. May also be used offensively as magic but takes a strong toll on the body if doing so.
Requires a Storm Crystal as a catalyst to activate.
Skills:
Liaris Freeze: Precocious Maturation. The effect is maintained so long as the user maintains their feelings, and the effect is heightened depending on how strong these feelings are (Current Bonus: 0%/Deactivated)
Argonaut: Heroic strike, the possibility of turning any situation around with an overwhelming amount of force. Able to be dual charged but drains massive amounts of mind power.
Scourge: Raises the power of the user exponentially depending on the amount of Malice the user lets out
Blade Master: When the user uses a bladed weapon, increases proficiency of the weapon and technique that is currently used
Dragon's Bane: Dramatically increases all basic abilities when fighting draconic type monsters. (+1000 to all stats)
Development Abilities:
Luck: C - A
Abnormal Resistance: C - B
Psych: F - D
Intuition: D - C
Strong Body: H - F
Mystery: I
"EREBUS! ALL MY DEVELOPMENT ABILITES HAVE GOTTEN STRONGER! MY PSYCH, LUCK AND STRONG BODY JUMPED TWO LETTERS!" Bell screamed out as everyone leaned over to read the paper before basically spitting out their drinks. Bell was about to ask him how before his eyes found something that he missed at first…
"Dragon's… bane…" Bell muttered as Erebus smiled. Elora read over the skill before a smile spread across her face. Eventually, everyone was sporting them as Bell grinned, hard.
"Another skill! Holy, this has to be one of the best status updates I've ever had!" Bell exclaimed as Erebus nodded.
"It definitely is. Leveling up, increasing all development abilities, getting Mystery and a new skill? Beyond incredible!" Bache nodded at her own words, confirming that she didn't miss anything.
"Dad… what's so special with mystery?" Jannor asked as he smiled down and ruffled his son's hair.
"It will allow me to make that item I was talking about. The one that helps mask my soul" He explained as Jannor nodded.
"That makes sense… but… wasn't that girl you mentioned, Asfi, going to make it?" He asked as Bell nodded.
"Yes… but I'd rather make it myself" Bell said as Jannor nodded once again. Bell smiled as no more questions were asked.
He finished up by burning the status sheet and quickie getting back out to the smithy. Elora stayed inside, something about making a meal she had practiced. Bell had simply shrugged with a smile.
Now, he was in his work area, sitting on a table with a pen and paper, writing down ideas upon what to do with the metal.
"Maybe… make new swords…" Bell muttered as he began thinking about the possibility. He was about to write it down before stopping. Perhaps he could ask Bache to go to Orario and commission a smith with the blacksmith development ability to make them or…
Bell smiled at the thought of having Welf make the swords. As the idea settled in his mind, he couldn't get rid of it. After a while, he sighed, writing down new swords before writing Welf's name to the side.
As he continued to brainstorm, he ended up with quite the list of possible applications for the spirit steel he would have left over.
Firstly and as already mentioned, two new swords. A new spear… god he needed a new one after that humiliating stunt. He also wanted to infuse the metal into his armor. It would make it sturdier and give him a massive boost to magic defence. Next up would be to make weaponry for everyone with spirit steel as a component so that they could more effectively channel their magic through it.
Aralaya did have a point earlier, maybe not enhancing the effects of a magic sword, but maybe a spell cast by a user. It was a legitimate possibility.
Bell was about to continue with the list before a knock echoed in the hut he used as a workplace.
"Come in" Bell said as the door opened. Bell turned around, expecting to see someone from his family but blinked when he came face to face with a stranger. It took him a moment to come to the realization that she was leaning heavily on the frame of the door, panting deeply with… blood over hand, clutched to her stomach.
Bell instantly shot up with wide eyes, more concerned for the womans health than the fact that he didn't have a mask on.
"Are you alright?" Bell asked as the woman collapsed forward, trying to utter something but the darkness of unconsciousness taking her over.
Bell instantly caught her with gentle ease before picking her up bridal style. He wasted no time rushing back to the house, practically kicking the door open, startling everyone as swords were drawn on instinct.
"Bell! Why did yo-" Bache exclaimed, withdrawing her sword before noticing the woman he was carrying, bleeding at a constant rate from her wounds.
"ARALAYA!" She instantly called out as the girl peeked out from the bath, uttering a tame 'Yeah' before noticing what was happening.
Elora, Adrienne and Jannor who had been upstairs came down at the noise. Jannor gasped at the blood as Adrienne and Elora instantly sprung to action, practically throwing away all obstacles between Bell and the sofa.
Bell carefully placed the stranger down on the sofa as Aralaya came out from the shower in a rush, only a towel covering her infant body.
"Body worn and tired, mend thy self, be made whole and rise again. Balm Touch" Adrienne chanted as the glow completely enveloped both her and the stranger.
Her breathing softened as the bleeding slowed down. A finger that had been missing was slowly reconstructing as Aralaya focused and continued to pour her mind power into her spell.
"Bell… who is she?" Elora asked, breaking the silence as she didn't recognize the stranger within their humble abode.
"I haven't got the slightest idea. She just came, knocking on the door to my workhut. She arrived like that so I rushed back here since all our medical supplies are here. By the way… when did Aralaya learn that healing magic?" Bell asked as Elora smiled.
"Oh, she learned it over two years ago now. It just hasn't been mentioned is all" Bell nodded.
The magic stopped after a while, the bleeding completley stopping but her finger still needing attention.
"I'm about to run out of mind power…" Aralaya said as she clutched her head. Bell kneeled down to her, supporting her as she instantly grabbed ahold of him.
"It's alright. We can continue later. At least the bleeding has stopped" Bell said as Aralaya nodded. The wounds had been severe so it took everything she had to save her.
If she had arrived only a minute late, she would have probably died. Bell looked at the stranger's face, more peaceful now that the pain is subsiding. She would wake up later. He'd ask questions then.
He was about to look away before he noticed a hint of black on sticking up from her back near her shoulder.
Bell frowned as he took a step closer, pulling at the hemn of the shirt, being stopped by Elora who glared at Bell.
"What do you think you're doing…" She hissed as Bell smiled lightly at her.
"Don't worry, I just want to see what's on her back… I think…" He said as Elora peeked at the little skin Bell had managed to expose.
Elora's eyes widened for a split second before looking back at Bell, nodding.
He carefully pulled the shirt up as Elora moved the woman to her side.
"Erebus… can you read this?" Bell asked as he nodded, stepping forward before his eyes skimmed the details.
"Rethusa Bloom, Artemis Familia, Level… 3?" Erebus frowned before blinking and wiping his eyes, confirming that he read it right.
"Level 3… are you sure?" Bell asked as he glanced back at the woman's finger, still partially healed.
"Yes… but what could hurt her this bad out here? Vikings?" He asked as Bell frowned.
"No… they were driven back to their island…" Bell quickly shut down that theory.
"Kali?" Elora asked, looking towards Bache as she knew her the best. She simly shrugged her head as everyone looked between each other before Bell looked back at Erebus, then the woman.
"Then what could possibly do… this… to a level 3 outside Orario?" He asked a question most would like an answer to.
A question, they would soon find the answers to.
=Shortly before=
The world was dark, she barely knew what was happening as she was running through the woods. All she knew was that she couldn't stop or… that thing… would catch her… dissect her.
God, she hoped that Artemis got a way. Thankfully, her Falna still remained, so she was at least alive… hopefully not within it's grasp.
A screech made her legs go faster before she coughed out blood again, not stopping for a single second. God, was there no one out here? Was there no help she cou-
She came out into the open, meeting face to face with a village, one that she never saw on a map. Did she head in the wrong direction without realizing?
Who cared, she began limping forward, struggling to stand up and remain conscious as she headed towards the nearest building for shelter and hopefully some help.
As she got closer, she fainly saw a dim light escaping the doorway to the hut. Good, someone was there… hopefully not someone bad.
As she reached the building, she leaned on the door for a second, biting her lips to force back the pain before painfully banging on the door, praying to everything sacred that a serial killer or a rapist doesn't live here.
When a voice echoed, telling her to come in, she pushed the door open, leaning her shoulder heavily on the door, her clouded eyes staring back onto shocked rubetille ones.
She panted heavily, trying to force words out. To help her goddess… to alert Orario. The man stood up, asking her something that she couldn't quite hear in her half conscious state.
Weird… why was the world spinning… and the world went dark.
=Anfesera, the next day=
"Ugh…" her voice surprised herself as she sounded like complete dogshit. As she reached out to push herself up, she quickly noticed that she felt light, warm, covered in a blanket and most importantly… no pain.
She pushed it off of her before inspecting her body. All the cuts were gone except for the deep wound on her stomach that had been carefully bandaged. It hurt a little when she moved, but otherwise it was alright.
'Huh… why… am I glowing?' She asked herself before looking around, noticing that she was in a cozy house. As her head drifted, it soon landed on a very young half elf, glowing as well.
Was she… healing her? Wow… what luck she has…
The girl stopped glowing and so did she. With it went that feeling of lightness disappeared as exhaustion made itself known.
The girl's eyes opened, revealing mesmerizing red eyes before she smiled.
"Oh! You're awake. Let me get the others" She said in a happy tone, making Rethusa blink.
Not a minute later, an entire group of people walked in and at the center of them all, was the very man she had seen before passing out.
"Hey there. It's nice to see you're awake. How do you feel?" The man asked as the elf to the side whispered something to him.
"She already saw my face. No need to hide it" He answered as the elf nodded. He turned back to Rethusa, causing her to jolt, remembering he had asked her a question.
"Oh… I'm… fine. Just a little tired" She got out in a raspy voice, as Bell smiled, looking towards a young amazoness who seemingly disappeared and reappeard with a glass of water, holding it out to her.
"Thank you" Rehusa nervously said as she took the water. The moment the liquid hit her throat, she greedily drank it all.
"Is there anything else you need? Perhaps something to eat?" The man asked as Rethusa appraised him once again. Why was he being so friendly? No one was this open to helping others unless they had a personal connection to them. It was just not how anyone behaved.
"Who… are you?" She asked as the man seemed to blink before chuckling.
"Oh… haha, my bad. My name is Bell…" He hesitated for a second before looking back at her "Bell Cranel. May I ask for your name?" Rethusa would normally push upon someone hesitating with giving their name, but with how hospitable he was being, it seemed rude.
"Rethusa Rose…" she answered before remembering to place her glass on the table next to her.
"Good… I just wanted to see if you would lie or not" Bell said as the Rethusa frowned, did he…
"Did you read it…" She muttered as Bell looked sheepish.
"Yeah… sorry, but when someone shows up bleeding all over your house, one tends to get curious" he explained. Rethusa supposed it was a valid answer and so far, he didn't seem like the type to take advantage of anyone.
"I understand. By the way… where is my gear?" She asked as Bell smiled. Before much like the amazoness, disappeared and reappeared in front of her, only that it almost seemed to be two Bell's for a split second.
"Here. I cleaned and repaired it back in my workshop. Don't worry, you don't have to pay us. Free of charge" Bell grinned as she nodded dumbly, staring at him in shock from his inhuman level of speed.
If only he had helped back when the-
Her eyes widened as she remembered her original goal, she shot up and grabbed Bell's shoulder, startling him.
"Please! You've got to help us! A creature… no, a monster attacked us… It was after Artemis-sama! She fled but… I don't know where she is! Please!" She begged as Bell nodded dumbly.
"Alright… I'll help but could you calm down a little? I need more details" Bell stated, still trying to process the information.
"Oh… sorry" She said, red tinting her cheeks in embarrassment from her outbreak "Well… it all started last night. Everything was normal. We were guarding… a certain cage and it was quiet. Eventually though, around midnight, those… things attacked. Black scorpions like monsters. We stood no chance and I was lucky to have an antidote on me or the poison from the stinger would have killed me… The others…" Her face scrunched up as she fought back tears.
Bell put a soft hand on her shoulder, giving her an encouraging smile.
"You don't have to say it if you don't want to… but I think we can help. Do you know where Artemis might be?" Bell asked as Rethusa nodded.
"Yes… we had a camp at the edge of the forest the attack took place in. We told Artemis to wait for us there for two days… if we hurry we should be able to meet up with her. She should also… have 'that'..." She finished as Bell nodded, wondering what 'that' was.
"Alright, you're still wounded. Let's wait until noon. By then, Aralaya here should be able to finish healing you" Said girl nodded with an enthusiastic huff, making everyone smile at her.
"Alright… by the way, I don't want to pry but… what levels are you?" Rethusa asked as Bell smiled, back turned to her.
""Level 2"" Jannor and Aralaya said in unison.
"Level 3" Adrienne gave with a confident smile.
"Level 5" Elora told her evenly.
"Level 6" Bache's voice came, the hint of a smile on her face.
Rethusa just gaped at them all, two first class- unless…
"Level 7" Bell finished as Rethusa's eyes popped out of her skull. Level 7? But… shouldn't he be world famous by now if that was the case… Why hasn't she heard of any of these people? They are neither known for bad or good things.
"Well, I'm the mercenary, rogue or whatever they call me now, wandering around helping villages, towns or anyone in general" Bell answered as Rethusa blushed. Had she said that out loud?
"Huh…? You're him!? Apollyon!?" The redhead exclaimed as her brain seemed to hit a certain piece of rumor she had heard in passing… quiet a lot actually.
"Yep, that's me. Guess my reputation proceeds me" Bell grinned once again before Elora punched Bell on the arm, causing him to let out a yelp.
"Stop acting cocky!" She scolded as Bell shiften and glared at her.
"I was not! And even if I did, I would have a damn good reason for it!" He shot back.
"Oh? Fine! If you don't stop acting cocky, you are sleeping on the sofa!?"
"I slept on the ground for three years! A sofa is practically royalty for me!" The two began to bicker as the redhead just looked at the group.
The man in the background with the suit, laughing at the situation alongside the two amazons, the two children trying to break them up and the elf and human bickering.
'What a strange group' She thought, unbeknownst to her, a fond smile on her face, amused at their antics as well
=Camp outside Artemis Familia forest=
A woman with gorgeous flowing lightblue hair sat down next to a pond, looking out towards the water, fish flopping in and out of the calm waves.
It was a serene environment, one that would catch anyone's attention. The woman, known as the goddess Artemis, had a bitter smile on her face.
Just a single day ago, she had lost the connection to all her familia members apart from one, but it had been weak. She had truly believed that her last member, her last child would leave this world, all alone because she had been selfish… because she had left them there to fend for themselves against those abominations.
Thankfully, the connection had gotten stronger somehow. All she could hope for was that she would be able to contact help. Help that might be able to wield 'it'
Her fingers traced the lines of a long, streamlined handle, adorned with text that would light up from her touch, but not to it's true potential.
Her gaze shifted towards the tip, almost stretching out like a trident, but converging back together to form a sharp, pointy spear that could pierce virtually anything.
"If only… I had found him sooner…" She muttered with regret. If only she had searched earlier to find the one destined to wield it.
The spear, much like mythological weapons like Mjolnir, could only be utilized by one it choses. The spear, originally meant to be an arrow, was created with the sole purpose of killing the unkillable, even the gods if it so required as all things in the universe should have a way to be stopped.
Such a weapon should only be used by someone who wouldn't abuse it's power. Someone of pure motives.
All she could hope for was that such a person existed out there as such a character was exceedingly rare, only popping up once every thousand years or so.
Artemis let out a sigh before standing up, pulling her feet out of the water before heading abc towards the camp. The sun should rise soon, and her search would begin once it's midnight once again.
The search for the one that can wield her ultimate weapons.
'The Spear Of Orion'
That's chapter 30 everyone! I hope you all enjoyed xD
Anyway, I forgot that there were technically two more sub-arcs, and the next one is starting now.
Now, there isn't really anything important to say, so I hope to see you all next time!