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
Patreon: Elier01
Chapters 75 (The Star Maiden) and Chapter 76 (Bad Omens) are already available on my Patreon
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.
74: Lunar Wolf
=Northeast of Orario=
"Try to survive, brave barbarian… let the struggle never end, and may it bless you, until the bitter end" Heith stated coldly, golden flames dancing around her frame as the Freya familia barraged the enemy over and over, the thunderous roar of the repeated backlashes from the Aegis shield almost deafening.
Bete, Finn, and Annakitty could only stare in a mix of horror and shock at the absurdity of the actions of their rival familia. It was a borderline suicide charge, but with Heith, it had turned into an endless wave of barrages that had no end in sight… and given the sheer amount of mind reserves that Vana Mardoll had…
But nonetheless… this could not go on forever. Sure it might stress the enemy to a point that they start to panic out of the sheer overflow of information he has to process continuously, but he was receiving no damage at all…
"Is this… what Freya familia is like…? Normally?" Annakitty muttered as she could not quite figure out how anyone could handle that. She watched as the members of Freya familia were sent flying again and again, some losing limbs only to push them back to their stumps the second they could and keep fighting.
How much pain must they be in? Magic doesn't nullify that… how…-?
It was a concept that was utterly, and irrevocably wrong in every way to the catgirl. That wasn't an adventuring familia… it was just… plain and simple, a familia of berserkers who had no regard for personal safety.
"..." Finn was completely silent as he thought. There was one thing they could use… but… getting him to do that was… well, let's just say that he'd only seen him use it a handful of times.
No, the prum understood why that was the case, and figured they'd try to find a different solution, but until then, they had to keep fighting, and try as hard as they might to disarm him.
Getting up, Finn burst forward as Bete followed shortly behind with Annakitty.
"Magic spear, penetrate my forehead offering blood." Currently, he didn't need to think, he only needed to act. A battle like this, which the Freya familia had orchestrated was a battle that did not need a commander. All it needed was combatants and a single healer.
"Hell Fingas!" In an instant, Finn's speed multiplied as even to Bete, who had an excellent agility stat, he seemed to become a blur as he dived in similarly to that of the Freya familia.
That was just what his magic did. It made him into a berserker, a perfect fit for such a battlefield.
=Eastern side, Mage unit=
"-My name is Alf! Cannon!" Lefiya activated her skill, holding her palms outwards as the magic she had stored using her skill, Double Cannon prior to the chant she just finished, released at full force.
"Fusillade Fallaricia!" The arrows of fire burst from her wand before-
"Vas Windheim!" Right after, the strongest magic in Riveria's own arsenal burst from her wand, shooting forward with extreme force as she intended for this to be a finishing blow. Even with her spirit healing, this sucked her mind reserved nearly half dry, as such was the power of Riveria's Extra ultra-long chant magic.
The impact of her first spell was followed by an enormous explosion that rippled throughout the entire fort, the walls crumbling from left to right, making the already considerable breach so much larger, that it couldn't even be called a breach anymore. It was basically a wall-less fort from this angle, and even a good portion of the buildings on the outskirts were completely annihilated.
…
Then that sight of the bright light, followed by the sound of roaring thunder returned, the one that had bugged her for a while, but ignored, trusting in FInn's judgment… but this time- it didn't stop.
The sound and light kept going again and again, as she tried to see where it was coming from… and she saw… golden flames peeking over the buildings. It was not anything she recognized or had heard of, but she turned towards Alicia, before addressing her.
"Alicia, how are we doing?" The elf in question smiled at Lefiya, before looking out once more.
"Good, there are no movements on the walls at all… I think… they are all down" Alicia's words were tinged with surprise and mild shock before a smile spread on her face.
"Good, then the rest is up to them… to finish whatever is going on over there" Lefiya stated, causing the blonde elf next to her to look dumbfounded by the words.
"Wha- what about Finn an-"
"Finn told me that when we are finished, to hold our position. No enemies can be given the chance to escape. The more information they gain about our battle tactics and potential, as well as personal details on our skills and abilities, the more of a disadvantage we'll be at. Those were his words" Lefiya said with confidence. She trusted Finn, He had led them to victory more times than she could count… and if that is what he wanted, and saw was the best course of action to lead to that result, then… so be it, even if she disliked it.
=Inside the Fort=
This… was not working.
That was what was going through Finn's mind as he watched his arm snap back into place for what had to be the hundredth time at this point. They were not making any progress, and as soon as they so much as touched him, they were sent flying, using their own force against them… and that didn't even account for the fact that the Freya familia was just running wild with no strategy at all. Even if they did manage to pin him, they'd only open up an opportunity with their nonstop barrage for him to counteract anything they did.
He glanced back at the healer who was allowing this display to occur, standing there, glare still as powerful as before, but to the perceptive eyes of the level seven Prum, he could spot the way her eyebrows contorted just slightly, as sweat was forming on her forehead… at this rate, they'll burn through her mind reserved in an hour, two tops.
No… they had to find a different solution, and the only thing the prum could think of that could potentially counteract this phenomenon, was one that was near impossible to actually get started.
When was the last time he even used it…? Right… fifteen years ago, to kill that woman.
Veletta Grede.
Turning towards the subject in question, Finn leaped towards him, stopping him from charging in another attack that would undoubtedly lead to another blowback.
"Hey, what're you stopping me!?" Bete growled as Finn shook his head.
"It's no use, at this rate, Heith will run out of mind power within an hour or so, and we are making no progress at all!" Even if the werewolf wanted to say otherwise, looking at where the man was, between the flashes of light, he indeed saw that he didn't have a scratch on him.
"Tch, fine. Do you have any idea what we can do though?" He asked, glaring at the man and speaking more calmly after a moment.
"You're not going to like it, but it's the only solution I can think of… how do you beat something that is compounding infinitely…?" He trailed off as he allowed Bete to come to his own understanding.
The way the werewolf's face contorted from confusion to realization, then to denial and pain was not something the prum liked.
"No…" He growled out.
"Bete…"
"No, is no! I am not using that!" Bete lashed out, causing Finn to sigh deeply.
"I understand, and before you say I don't, I really do. That fang of yours, that wound, I get how it pains and hurts you, but in this situation, people will die if you don't. Currently, you are the only one I can see who can end this in our victory…"
The two were silent for a few seconds, the explosions ruffling their clothes and hair as Bete opened his mouth, but Finn cut him off before he could even utter a word.
"Do you want more people on your conscience? Because if this goes on, that will happen. Perhaps Annakitty? Me? If he gets out there- Lefiya, Alicia, Cynthia, Anna, Cruz-"
"Grr, shut up!"
"Then choose!" Finn shot right back. This was the only way he could see to get through to him. The only times Bete even budged in using it, was when he feared that another wound would be imprinted on his fang.
Finn stared as Bete battled with his own emotions, his teeth grinding as his fists clenched. For all of Bete's talk, and rants, the thing he truly wanted was to protect himself from more hurt. Every insult, was aimed to try to stop that wound from happening in the first place…
And if he had to face his wounds that were already made, to stop another from occurring…
"Chained fros." Bete spoke, his eyes glaring daggers at Finn who smiled in appreciation before turning and shooting away towards Hedin.
"The first wound, Gelja. The second wound, Gjöll. The third wound, Þviti." Bete chanted, his fists clenched as his memories, those he tried to escape from returned, the pain… His family… Renee, everyone… the monster… his old familia. It all came back to him.
"The ravenous slaver your only hope."
Finn stopped in front of Hedin who was staring at Bete in confusion.
"Vanargand had magic…? How is it possible for you to have hidden such a trump card?" Hedin asked as Finn sighed out.
"That is not for me to say, but when he finished, your forces have to get back, or they will be caught in the crossfire" The elf simply sneered.
"And they will heal. What is his magic supposed to do that ours can't?" Finn almost deadpanned, but simply shook his head.
"You will see, but this is my only warning. If they don't leave, there is a high likelihood they will die, even with Vana Mardoll's healing magic active"
…
Hedin stared for a long moment before the elf clicked his tongue.
"As you wish, I sincerely hope this isn't some foolishness brought by a whim"
"On the contrary, I am betting everything on this, as it is the only solution I could think of" Finn turned his head towards the healer, whose eyes had turned to meet his, having heard what he'd said.
"Keep healing Bete… you might experience some serious backlash, but it is our best bet"
"Fine, but this better be worth it, Braver" She answered back before they all stared back at Bete who was chanting.
"May it form a river, mixing in the tide of blood, to wash away your tears. Never forget those irreparable wounds." And oh, how he could not forget them… how he'd run around his tribe, looking for any survivors, only to be met with despair after despair.
"This rage and hatred, thine infirmity and incandescence. Denounce the world, acknowledge fate, and dry thy tears." At this point, the enemy too had noticed Bete's chanting and was gritting his teeth at the continuous assault, though he was far more comfortable with it now. He didn't feel fear anymore, and now, a part of him could only think, that there was nothing they could do… what could this magic from a front liner do, which not even the famed mage and healer from the Freya familia could together?
"May the pain become your fangs, the lament your roar-and your lost companions your strength. Free yourself of the chains that bind you, and release your mad howl." At this point, many began wondering what this magic would do, given its ludicrous length that surpassed nearly every magic imaginable.
"O lineage of enmity, pray to use this vessel and devour the moon, drink greedily from its overflowing cup." Bete's glare turned to stare straight at the enemy captain, who was grinning back at him cockily as another Freya familia member was sent flying.
"Bare your fangs-and devour all!"
"Now!" Finn called.
"RETREAT!" Hedin screamed out at the top of his lungs, and without hesitation, the entire Freya familia jumped back.
"Hati!"
Silence ensued as the flames manifested around his arms and legs that looked… honestly pathetic for the amount of time Bete spent chanting.
"..." Hedin stared, and didn't say a word before the enemy captain burst out laughing.
"Is that all!? I am disappointed, Vanargand!" Bete didn't listen and walked forward, but one person, apart from Annakitty and Finn, who were more than prepared for the absolute anarchy that was about to ensure, understood what was going on, and her face was paling considerably, more and more, every second.
Heith felt how her mindpower began draining so fast, that she feared a mind Zero within a minute, and it was all coming from one person. Instantly, in a quick decision, she stopped her magic effect on not only everyone else, but even herself as she focused everything on Bete instead, trying to supplement what she was losing, but to no avail… the moment the magic reached him, it was just… gone… and then she realized what was happening.
His flames were growing, bigger and bigger… was he…
"H-hedin!" The elf looked over his shoulder at her as she looked at him, almost in a panic as her mind was starting to go dry.
"Potions, now!" She screamed, and for the first time that battle, the elf himself was flabbergasted. For Heith to lose her cool like that… did-!
In an instant, he glanced at Bete, then back before realization set in, before he shot towards her, pulling out one of his high mind potions and basically feeding it to her as her mind reserves were reinvigorated, only to start draining rapidly again.
"I'm going to need more, as many as we have! His magic! It's eating mine!"
"So that's what it does… but… how will that…?" Hedin muttered as he got to work… and at the same time, Bete shot forward, throwing his fist onto the enemy and latching onto him in a vice grip as the sound and noise returned with vengeance as the flames tried to burn him to a crisp, only fueling the Aegis shield as it tried desperately to push him off again and again…
But Bete remained stoic, not moving or giving ground, holding on tightly as he threw him onto the ground, smashing it to pieces before pummeling him again and again, every blast from the shield only fueling and feeding the flames, and any injury he received was healed in an instant from the small remnants of Vana Mardoll's magic that managed to take effect before being eaten to fan the flames.
This was Finn's plan, a struggle of attrition because one thing that Bell Cranel had told him that time they'd been at the Hostess of Fertility after his duel with Allen Fromel, was that nothing in the universe was infinite, not even the power of the gods. Even the aforementioned beings could do nothing but admit to that fact.
Everything had a limit…
Which left the question… who would croak first? Bete and Vana Mardoll… or the Aegis shield?
Every second, the flame grew larger than before, and with it growing stronger from not only the backlash from the shield causing damage, but it essentially being magical energy, further fueling the flames as well, it meant that as Bete's attacks and explosions grew larger and more powerful, the backlash did as well, growing Hati's power even faster…
An exponential growth with no sign of stopping.
"B-back…" Finn uttered as he began realizing that this was spiraling out of control… they… they needed to-
"Get back! Everyone, retreat!" Finn screamed as Bete's Hati spread flames everywhere, burning anything and everything as the area looked like a bonafide impersonation of hell itself.
Everyone scrambled to rush back, the visage of a flaming wolf howling could be seen for miles as it grew large enough to tower over the entire fort.
Lefiya who stood outside could only stare in both awe and horror at the sight and feeling of the enormous magical energy that was lashing out at whatever was its opponent.
"Bete…" She whispered quietly as the battlefield had frozen, everyone either running from the flames, or staring at the visage in front of them.
Back with Heith, she and Hedin stood where they had stood before. Her magic activated on herself and Hedin again, healing them from the continuous pain as he fed her potion after potion.
"We're going to run out at this rate!" Hedin warned as she nodded.
"I know, but look!" She nodded towards Bete and the sight Hedin saw almost made him shiver. He looked like a primal force of nature, ready to bite and rip apart any threat in front of him… and the shield… it…
"-cracking…?" He muttered in utter bewilderment. This entire scenario was… it made him almost shudder. To think a frontline, someone that didn't even use magic, would have such a terrifying one at his disposal.
Turning back and focusing on feeding her potions, he mentally counted how many he had left… and he did not have high hopes.
Finn on the other hand had retreated all the way outside the fort, staring at the result of the choice he had made… he just hoped that it would pave away favorable results.
Bete on the other hand, was mentally screaming, remembering every pain and wound he held within his fang, roaring away his sadness and allowing it to be funneled into rage as he continued smashing down again and again, digging the crater larger and larger.
At this point, he could see cracks on the shield growing larger and larger as it continued pouring out backlash after backlash at Bete who ignored the pain and kept going.
As for the enemy underneath him, that fear, had returned. He could feel pain… something that Kaius had said was impossible with the shield… and he saw it crack, which that too, should be impossible.
What the hell was this!?
This is insane!
This is insane!
This is insane!
It was a complete imitation of what had happened fifteen years ago. That day Valetta had the same thought about the absurd magic that seemed to be able to grow without limit.
In a world, where everything had a limit, it was a cheat ability beyond any other under the perfect circumstances.
The only limiting factors to it, were the capabilities of those that helped fuel it and Bete himself.
If it was not fed, it was weak. If it grew too strong and Bete himself couldn't withstand it, it would only become detrimental, potentially lethal, but outside of those points.
Hati, was virtually unbeatable.
And if not for the scars that make this magic so horrible for Bete to use, he would without a doubt, be the second strongest adventurer alive, second only to one hailed as a monster himself.
"RAGHHHHHHHHHH!" Bete let out a thunderous roar as he used all his strength and forced as much as he could into not only the attack, but also the magic as the flames burst and exploded with unforgiving might, engulfing the entire fort in a sea of flames…
*Crack*
The shield shattered as its limit was exceeded… because in the end, while it is an artifact, against magic with no limit, it reacts the same as it does with divine artifacts, because they have the same condition.
The sheer output from them, far exceeds anything beneath it that it overpowers it.
The enemy captain for the split moment that Bete's fist continued down onto him, felt the heat envelop him, how it burned away his hair and skin, and before his eyes were consumed, the last sight he saw was of the explosion of Bete's magic which consumed him entirely.
The final thought in his mind, was that this… was absolutely insane.
=Central Front=
Ais slowly, and groggily woke up, her eyes blinking softly as the light of the sun hit her enhanced eyesight, forcing her to block out the light for a moment to readjust.
'…light?' She thought idly before she realized what had happened.
She'd lost… and badly. She couldn't do anything, even her strongest attack wasn't able to even pierce his shoulder further than a small puncture wound. It was a bit daunting to think that the boy she had been knocking across the Eastern wall all the way back then, had become so unbelievably strong.
She… no, he made it clear that she can't do it all alone… but as she has been reminded time and time again.
She isn't alone.
Getting up, feeling her head spin as the side of it ached. That hit had really done a number on her, even her vision was shaking a little.
Not that she couldn't handle it, she had endured far worse effects and still kept fighting. Getting up on her feet, she slowly limped back toward the direction she came in.
It wasn't until hours later that she hobbled into camp, clutching her head as she looked for a healer… Dea Saint probably, but before she could do that, she walked straight into someone shorter than her, and the two of them fell onto the ground.
"Ow, are you alright?" Ais blinked as she recognized the voice, their eyes meeting as she met familiar red eyes… only with blonde hair and half-elven ears… that, and it was a girl.
"Oh… yes, I am… my head hurts a bit though" Ais answered, realizing she hadn't actually said a word to her before.
She thinks her name was Aralaya… it's strange, now that she actually thought about it, the only one of Bell's children she'd talked to, was Adrienne. Jannor had been limited to short looks of acknowledgment at best, but could that be counted as conversation?
Even little Ais was sitting down with a thoughtful expression before shaking her head.
"Oh! Here, let me help" The girl held out her palms.
"Body worn and tired, mend thy self, be made whole, and rise again. Balm Touch" The green light that enveloped her healed the small wound that remained on her, the tiny scratches on her face, the bruising on her body, and most helpful of all, her headache eased before completely disappearing.
"Thank you" Ais gave a small smile as she thanked the girl who in turn smiled wide.
"Do not mention it. As one of the few apart from Dea Saint that can use healing magic on our front, I want to help where I can" She answered as for a split moment, she saw a younger version of Bell, giving a similar smile when he was younger next to her.
While the hair and gender were off… the resemblance was there, enough for her to feel that clench in her heart.
He had changed so much… and while he wasn't the pure rabbit she knew back then, he was still someone of good heart, who wanted to help others… but that black flame was doing the same thing it did to her.
It was pushing him down a path that was nothing but self-destruction, one she never wanted to venture down on again. She struggled at times with it, but ever since she had freed herself, even if it was only partially, she had felt so much freer… lighter.
Ironically, it made her feel stronger in a way, at times, even her wind felt like it had more power to it.
But of course, her only skill was superior-
No, that didn't matter-
"You know, dad used to talk a lot about you when I was younger" Ais blinked at the rapid change of conversation topic… though there had been a silence for a bit, hadn't there?
But… he thought about her?
"Oh…?" Ais let out, her face betraying a bit of her surprise while managing to hide how that actually made her feel.
"Yeah, he talked about how he would never have been the person he is today, if not for you. That you influenced him deeply enough that he probably wouldn't have recognized himself if he hadn't met you"
Ais could not put into words how that made her feel. A smile spread across her face, one wider than her usual one as her heart began hammering. Despite their… rough recent interaction, it still affected her knowing that even after everything had happened, even after he'd believed that she had betrayed him… denied him, that he still thought of her as a positive influence…
It meant the world to her.
Aralaya on the other hand just stared, blinking a bit at the blonde swordswoman's reaction. In contrast to her, Aralaya didn't know what to feel. It was clear what was going through Ais' head, the way she was smiling and slightly blushing, though it was almost imperceptible.
But the girl couldn't help but to not blame the sword princess. That one time she had seen her in the same room as Bell, she'd noticed how the blonde's eyes had always drifted towards her father, even if she didn't know about it.
Her father had a streak of attracting women's attention, a streak she honestly was a bit baffled by at first. When he wasn't fighting or training, he was the biggest doofus she knew… well second biggest next to her brother… but she supposed she could see how that could be endearing. Even for all the annoyance it caused, it never failed to make her smile in the end… and honestly, that is rare. To never fail to make someone smile…
Okay, maybe it wasn't so weird that her father had attracted so much attention, but still, to see it in front of her never ceased to amaze her.
"Honestly, I can't picture my dad the way I have heard he used to be. All bashful, awkward, and formal all the time… okay, maybe awkward, but still. It just seems like such a stark contrast" Aralaya continued, diverting the conversation a bit.
"He has changed a lot. You are right, and I don't know if all of it was good but… he still had that… purity?" Ais tilted her head as Arlaya slowly nodded.
While he was not pure in the being a virgin sense, he was more in the moral sense. He's lost the naivety and isn't completely pure, but… he still has a hopeful view, that is tinted with what he has seen and experienced. He knew the darkness of the world and the cruelty of mortals and gods alike. But he holds out hope that there is good in them, always tries to see that good and draw it out.
That kind of purity still remains, and just like back then, during those blissful times on that wall, it pulled her to him, almost like a moth to a flame.
"I suppose… though as I said, I can't really tell" Aralaya let out a soft smile as Ais returned it with one of her own.
…
"Ehm, Ais-san, have you begun packing your tent yet, or do you need help?"
The golden eyes of the woman slowly widened as a tiny bit of panic filled her. Oh no! She completely forgot they were going to keep marching today!
A moment of hesitation later, she softly nodded, a bit embarrassed by her blunder… though that was quickly washed out as her mind drifted as to why she had forgotten in the first place.
A single part of the interaction she'd had last night played in her mind, when she'd voiced how she felt, and her desire to help him… the way his eyes had shifted, his expression going slack and conflicted.
For that brief moment, she'd seen the Bell she knew underneath all that darkness that sought to consume him.
She may have failed this time…
Ais' eyes turned upwards as Aralaya waved at her to come with, heading towards where her tent was-
But next time, she will win, and help bring him back.
After all… in the end, he is, and probably will always be precious to her.
=Northern Front=
Adrienne, who had been placed in the rear, to protect the mages just in case something might happen, and while it was boring in a sense, it still never ceased to surprise her at the sheer volume of magic that was being shot towards the fort. It was like a never-ending wave of every imaginable element bombarding them as the Empire's forces scrambled to do anything to stop the destruction, only resulting in them either getting killed, or rendered unable to fight.
Honestly, she did not understand why she was here, and not inside the fort, fighting. She'd become used to fighting near the front, not standing guard of someone while they chanted and stood perfectly still.
It was in one word… boring, excluding the aforementioned spectacle.
It didn't help either that she was itching for a fight. She hadn't gotten a chance to right her senses since leveling up. It still wasn't perfectly in sync, and it had begun to irritate her. She'd nearly always had it in sync, since Elora, her mother, or… her father…
She hissed out the word in her mind. She still felt utterly pissed off at him, to the point she wanted nothing to do with him… but that didn't mean she did not love him.
She had so many good memories with him, laughing, joking, playing… despite being absent for long periods of time, he had been an amazing father… just… not the best recently to say the least, and she didn't know how else to handle all the pain she was feeling.
First her auntie… and then her father disappears during that same time…
She could handle physical pain but… psychological pain, especially those that wound deeply…
Mentally shaking her head, she was snapped out of her thoughts as a sound entered her ears… like roaring thunder as she looked to the city… which showed brief flashes of light right before the sound followed.
A frown etched itself onto the Amazon girl's face.
It did not take long for the sound to become more common… then after a brief pause, some golden flames became visible, followed by that sound and light being bombarded as if someone was throwing clusters of bombs without stopping, one going off right after the other.
Clearly, something interesting was happening in there, and she was honestly a bit envious… she was over here bored as she turned and looked at Lefiya who had a few minutes ago launched her final spell onto the wall of the fort, crumbling the remaining ones on this side to dust.
The elf was saying something to Alicia, but she didn't have the mind or interest to listen in as she turned back towards the fort… then she felt it.
It started small, then grew… and grew, and grew with no sign of stopping.
While she was no mage like her sister, or the other mages she was currently ' guarding', she still had magic, and was trained in managing her mind… and that alone made her more sensitive to other magics.
And whatever this was… she knew that it was dangerous, incredibly so… and she instinctively knew what it was simply by the feeling of how it was acting.
Magic drain…
But it was growing too fast… and those explosions of thunderous sounds were becoming louder and louder as well, almost as if desperately trying to do something… and then she saw it.
A large explosion of flames erupted from where she'd seen the explosions of light from the fort as the flames grew and grew, explosion one after another giving rise to smoke and flames more powerful than the last.
Whatever it was, had already set most of the fort on fire, and she saw people running out into the open in desperation to escape whatever was going on… then she heard Lefiya's whisper, not that she wanted to, things had just become so quiet that one could hear a feather rustling in the air.
"Bete…" The elf had whispered as Adrienne instantly frowned… the image of the werewolf came to her mind as she silently wondered why the wolf had hidden such an ability so thoroughly…
As the enormous flames towered over the city, and with a final mighty roar, almost like a howl echoed across the entire field before one last burst of flames that exploded mightly sent a shockwave all around them, rustling everyone's clothes and hair, even sending a few level ones to the ground as a result as well.
With that, the flames, almost as fast as they appeared, died down. Disappearing from view, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.
=Southern Front, Day after the siege=
Mikoto walked out of the tent, not caring in the slightest as the blood that hugged the skin of her hands stuck itself to the cloth as she pushed it over her head.
For a brief moment, the broken form of the enemy captain was hunched over, eyes empty with a multitude of wounds that spoke volumes of the pain he had been in, and the pain he was currently feeling. It was only for that one moment, but then the cloth once more hid his figure.
Mikoto sighed deeply, it had taken all night, and most of the day that had been left after the camp had been set up to bring the answers out of him, but she had. As much as she loathed to have to do this, she took pride in knowing she could put aside her morals to be what Takemikazuchi had taught her to be when the situation required it.
Because as much as the Far East put emphasis on honor, they knew that sometimes, honor had to be put to the side in order to achieve victory… that was why they were known to be some of the most effective warriors out there, not due to their superior physical attributes like the Amazoness country of Telskyura, or magic swords of Rakia, or even high levels of Orario.
It was because they had developed their techniques to such a degree, that they could overturn levels, because in the end, while a level two will almost always be stronger than a level one, the technique and skill that the Far East has developed could breach that gap, and ever surpass it at times.
Of course, this method has its limits, but that is the source of the Far East's strength.
Shaking her head off her thoughts, Mikoto trudged through the camp towards the commander's tent where she knew Lili was. Nearing it, she heard voices within before she walked inside, seeing Lili, Riveria, and Bache by the table as the prum looked onto a small little orb, hoisted at the center of it on a tiny piece of metal before a voice came through it.
"-I see, events have died down on our end. It is concerning that you experienced an unforeseen complication. Have you learned anything new?" Finn's voice came through as Riveria shook her head, despite the motion not being able to be seen by the legendary prum.
"No, but we ha-" Riveria stopped as she noticed Mikoto enter.
"-Ah, it appears she is here. Kensei, have you managed to get any information?" Riveria continued as everyone's eyes turned to her, she could even hear the interested hum of the Braver from the other end… and a more feminine voice.
"I have, while he held out longer than expected, it appears that our information had somehow been compromised. How I do not know, and I do not believe that he knows either" Mikoto began before quickly continuing.
"But I did receive a few names from him, though none are familiar apart from one"
"Hoh?" Finn's voice came through, clearly further intrigued now.
"Nakul" She stated the name, and didn't follow up. That alone spoke of the rest as Lili glanced at Riveria who glanced back.
"I see… It may appear that we have been compromised" Finn's voice cut through the atmosphere like butter.
"Wait, you mean to tell me that Boaz was right?" Tione's voice piped in as everyone blinked.
"Ottar? What happened?"
"It's complicated, but to be blunt. Bell attacked Narvi, and Ottar called her a traitor" One could see the way Riveria's expression shifted between a myriad of expressions, the main one being disbelief, and that didn't even say anything about how a pained one covered Bache's features at the mention of her best friend… male friend.
"Narvi!?" She instantly blurted out.
"Yes, I didn't believe it either but… damn it!" Tione barked out as the noise of wood splintering was heard. Ah, she probably broke her desk… wait, how did they even carry desks out here… and tables!?
…
The supporters were amazing…
"That is concerning. She's been with us for decades… how did- no, this is a failure on my part. I apologize" Finn stated.
"No, Braver, you could not have known. Now, Jormungand, what is the current whereabouts of the woman?" Lili both reassured her senior prum commander, and asked the amazoness who was sitting in for Gareth at the moment.
"... I do not know. Ottar took off with her, the bastard"
"That would most likely entail that he is taking her to Freya… no, he probably already has. Concerning, but not the worst news. What we need to focus on at the moment, is to reconfigure our current plans, to work around potential countermovements the Empire may enforce. Tione, how is your current progress? Estimate on arrival?" Finn instantly took control of the situation, leading them in a direction that Lili was almost baffled by. She knew that she'd probably focus too much on the concept of a traitor…
I really have much to learn.
"We left the Ardian Forest yesterday, and are estimated to arrive in the ancient Diom Castle in tomorrow afternoon" Tione answered.
"Understood, once you arrive, regale all information you can gather on the potential defenses, weak points, and general structure of the fort, it is imperative that we take it. We need strongholds to maintain the ground we take, otherwise we are marching too far into their territory, and handing the advantage to them. Taliye, I understand your current situation, but do you think it is possible to reach your destination within the next twenty-four hours?" Lili instantly perked up, sitting up a bit straighter.
"If we begin marching within the next four hours, we can make it, though it might reduce some morale, given we'll need to march without rest, and that does not take into account any potential further disturbances we may encounter"
"Acknlowedged, try to make it. Unfortunately, I do need to put my attention on fortifying our first stronghold. It is currently in a sore state, far worse than anything I would have liked, but what can I do?" Finn laughed lightly as Riveria shook her head, the group growing a bit amused. He had regaled what had occurred, and while it was concerning, it was without a doubt a major loss for the empire.
The Shield of Aegis is one of the more powerful artifacts at the Empire's disposal, and with it splintered, and overpowered by Vanargand, something that Lili was a bit baffled at. (She would later learn exactly how that was possible, and to say she was a bit terrified of the werewolf was an understatement)
"Tione, do try to remember to contact me when you arrive" Finn repeated as Riveria pinched the bridge of her nose at the reminder. The amazoness could be a little forgetful at times.
"Of course captain!"
"Now, Taliye, I will put my trust in your judgment, my fellow countryman. Lead the troops to victory, and make the Pallum race proud. It is my utmost belief that you will take my breath away" With that, the group fell silent for a moment before it became clear they were about to break up the meeting, but-
"There is one more piece of information that was disclosed" Mikoto spoke up as all eyes turned to her.
"Oh?" Finn hummed out once more.
"The orders Kaius has given out are for one purpose" Everyone perked up slightly at those words.
"Apparently, he is meaning to delay time for something that Varede has been developing" Riveria seemed curious at that. The enemy mage was a bit of a mystery to them as she doesn't participate in battle that often. She is more content with staying even out of the backline and out of view.
It was a wonder how she was a level seven, but from what they did know, she was a full-on mage.
"Though, I am worried about what exactly the enemy had called her…" Mikoto frowned as her words left her mouth, remembering when he'd admitted to it, the way he'd named her much to her initial confusion.
"The Flesh Welder" That instantly sent alarm bells through everyone's heads as Riveria's curiosity vanished quicker than it came, replaced by aberration at that title, and what atrocities must have been committed to earn it.
"Flesh Welder? That… doesn't bode well, for anyone" Finn's voice answered back to the name.
"Indeed it does not, and whatever it is that mage is up to, can not be any good" Riveria continued his voice of thoughts.
"Lili is in agreement, if Varede has something in the works, then we need to acquire more information" Lili spoke up as Mikoto's eyes went around, following whoever spoke before they landed on Bache, the only one yet to speak.
Was there a reason she wasn't speaking? Honestly, Mikoto didn't know, but it was a bit unnerving. She was so used to her always speaking her mind.
"I'm in agreement, but we cannot make any hasty movements. We are yet unaware of exactly what the enemy knows, as Narvi could have potentially dug up more information than what was given. Currently, I believe our course should remain the same, but to be on high alert for anything out of the ordinary" Riveria slowly raised an eyebrow, something that was not lost to Bache's notice as the high elf stared down at the oculus questionably, but seemingly dropping it for now.
'Something is up' The amazoness realized quickly as she began trying to think. It did seem strange not to try to adapt at all… especially if a level seven mage was working on something as a potential countermeasure to a force as powerful as Orario…
Was Finn…?
Bache was snapped back to reality as Riveria stood up, announcing that she should go and handle some logistics before preparing to depart, suggesting for Lili to join her shortly which the prum nodded.
The green-haired high elf gave a small smile and nod to Mikoto as she passed her, before she walked out of the tent, leaving the three remaining people alone with one another.
"Finn is planning something" Bache spoke up without so much as a warning, instantly causing Lili to narrow her eyes.
"Lili agrees, the plan of action does not make sense to Lili at all" The brunette prum let out in agreement.
"But… what could Braver-dono gain from not sharing such information?"
"Simple, he does not want to cause panic. My guess, is there is more to be worried about with the preparations Varede is making… was that all the guy said?" Bache stated, before asking Mikoto her question.
"Indeed, it appears that Kaius isn't forthcoming with the details of his inner operations, which is smart, but does not bode well for us-"
"A smart opponent is never an easy one" Lili chimed in. That was something that was universal. Someone who is smart about their approach, and can take advantage of even the slightest of discrepancies is annoying to try to outmaneuver.
…
And that means that whatever this ' project' of Varede's is, it must be far more dangerous than it seems.
Does Finn have information about what this could be? Perhaps… a project that is-
"Perhaps an Artifact is at the core of it? That is, and has always been mentioned to be the Empire's advantage" Mikoto cut the prums thoughts off.
"You do have a point. Lili?" Bache agreed, seeking the prums advice.
"Lili… is reluctant to agree, but all logical conclusions lead to such an assumption, unless this project has been in the works for a long time" Lili honestly was a bit scared to think of the possibilities. If an artifact was used for research to a potential countermeasure against Orario's forces, and whatever it was, it had led her to gain a nickname as disturbing as ' The Flesh Welder'...
"Lili is not too well versed in the Artifacts of old, but of those she knows of, Lili cannot think of any that would fit the circumstances" Lili continued. Bache knew that Lili had researched artifacts as much as she could when she had found out she'd be taking part in the war, especially when she'd been informed she'd be taking charge of an entire front with Nine Hell as her vice-commander.
"So, an obscure one then" Lili nodded at Bache's statement.
"Lili believes it is best to follow Braver's suggestion for now, until we know more of this project… but stay on guard. Lili has a bad feeling about this" Lili warned, biting her lip. This just did not seem right, and she did not like it.
Before long, they departed to do their duties, Lili checking up on Welf who was working overtime smithing with some other Hephaestus and Goibniu smiths, while Mikoto went and assisted Haruhime with the cooking.
Bache, well, she went on a patrol, taking the ' Stay on guard' seriously, keeping her eyes out for anything at all, despite knowing that logically, things would not happen so quickly.
Four hours later, the camp was packed up and their march had continued. No one felt good about what Kaius had in store for them…
=Ardian Forest, Eastern Edge, that night=
Bell sat down, leaning on a tree as he glanced over to the side, his vision perfectly looking over the treeline at the top of a cliff with a beautiful view of Orario, just tall enough to see over the walls slightly to the buildings.
The city looked beautiful like this, the generous lighting from the various establishments still open, mostly pubs and other nightly… amenities. Babel Tower stood out above the rest though, the large structure was lined up by various lights that stretched all the way up… and together with the city lights, created an atmosphere that lit up the surrounding area like a beacon.
Like the center of the world
Just another reason to call it that, Bell supposed… turning his gaze back down to what he held in his hand, he stared at the gemstone in his hand, the brilliant emerald green gleaming as the fire he had made cackled, washing it in its light.
It felt good having something that once belonged to someone of his own blood, excluding his children. This wasn't roots he had set in the world himself but… it was the roots which he had sprouted from instead. It was something of the past, the place his origins were connected to.
He had heard so much about Alfia, about who she had been, and he had difficulty picturing the image before him.
…
Perhaps after all of this is over, he should look into finding out where the Hera familia's old home was, and see if someone had purchased it or not. Perhaps he would get lucky and find a portrait of their familia there, one that had his aunt in it… and maybe even his mother.
The idea of that warmed his heart, the possibility of having an actual idea of what they looked like instead of descriptions that did not do them justice, at least to his own beliefs…
What he did know though, was that the both of them were described as true beauties, one with love and kindness, and the other with a calm indifference.
Two differing ends of the spectrum in a way, but he supposed there is beauty in everything if one looks for it.
Thinking back to how Erebus had described Alfia, he looked up into the sky, closing his eyes and trying to picture it.
Silver hair and heterochronic eyes, one green and one grey, a black intricate dress with the very gemstone he held in his hands attached to her neck, a serene expression on her face as she rarely opened her eyes.
Bell did not know it at the time, but he came quite close to the actual reality, but was a bit off… but the ruffling of the bushes stopped his thoughts as his eyes opened, following the noise with one hand on his knife, just in case…
But he felt no hostility-
And when footsteps walked forward, his ringers wrapped tighter around the hold of the weapon, his heart hammering slightly as he remembered the last time she saw her, wondering why she was here… why… again!?
'YOU KNOW NOTHING!' his own voice echoed in his head as the green-tinted hair and blue eyes met his own, her long pointed ears twitching slightly as he could hear how her heart was beating a bit faster, clearly nervous but suppressing it.
"Cranel-san…" Bell got to one knee before putting on his hardest glare, aiming it straight at her as he spoke.
"Ryuu… what are you doing here? Are you going to try to stop me again?" Bell's words were laced with a warning, that if she did, it would not end well for her… but he blinked as she put her hands up softly and shook her head.
"No… I am here to simply talk- if you would allow me the courtesy"
Bell stared at her for a long moment, seeing her patiently waiting for his answer… then eventually, he relented, letting go of the knife on his belt and motioning to the ground across from the campfire, straight in front of him.
He didn't know why he agreed but… it was like something inside of him was begging him, pushing him to allow her, despite the black flame whispering in his ear that he couldn't trust her, not after she had already tried once to go against him.
"Fine, do as you wish" He stated before turning to look out towards the city once more as Ryuu nodded, walking over and sitting down.
"Thank you"
The two fell into silence, the elf looking Bell over, the way his armor had become unrecognizable compared to when she'd seen him in Orario. Where it had been meticulously taken care of back then, now it was worse for the wear, bent and buckled in spots, dirt, and grime covering it, and the color weather with scratches and burns… probably from battle.
His face on the other hand… he looked almost the same. The tiny bags under his eyes she'd seen back at the information post were gone, but that hard look was still there. One she knew all too well.
Then… she saw it, that gemstone clutched in his hand as his thumb rubbed it softly, with care.
"Apologies if I am overstepping but… any particular reason you have a gemstone with you?" Ryuu asked, her expression not giving too much of her curiosity as Bell's eyes snapped towards hers before he looked down.
For a moment, she saw his expression soften, lost in thought before he came back to the world, looking up at her.
"It belonged to my aunt, one that is no longer part of this world. It is the last proof I have of her existence, despite having never met her" He answered truthfully.
"You never met her, yet you show so much care for it? It seems strange"
"Not really, as someone who never met his parents, and was raised by a god, this is precious to me. It is the only proof that I had people I was related to… and it acts as a reminder of what could have been"
Ryuu couldn't help but feel pity, and lucky herself. She had grown up with her parents in the Ryumilua Forest, caring for the sacred tree. She had been given love and care, even if she ended up leaving due to her disgust with her own race at how they treated the other races.
Bell… never had that, never had a family apart from his grandfather- huh?
"You were raised by a god?" She asked, a bit confused. He had told her fifteen years ago why he had become an adventurer, and why he had come to Orario alone… so, it was only natural for her to be confused when he said he was raised by a god, and not his grandfather.
"Yes, though I did call him grandfather. He never told me he was a god before he left. He's probably still out there, and if I meet him, I'll probably give him a hard smack on the head" Ryuu let out a small snort as Bell turned his gaze towards her, softer than before as he smirked slightly at making the normally stoic elf hold back a laugh.
"I can understand why… though can I ask for his name?"
"Zeus" He said it so nonchalantly that it took her a second to connect the dots as she almost did a double take.
"W-wait, what!? You were raised by Zeus? The god of thunder Zeus? The patron god of the Zeus Familia?" She floundered with her words, having not expected that development at all.
"Yeah, one and the same. My father was apparently part of his familia as a supporter, the weakest of them all… though even that was level four"
Ryuu blinked, having a hard time imagining that. Her own time came after their fall, so she never had the opportunity to witness the legendary familias at their peak, but to think that she would most likely have been put on Supporter duty as compared to their normal adventurers, she'd be considered weak.
She almost laughed at the idea. The sheer absurdity of it. For a moment, she truly wondered what that time was like, but quickly squashed that thought out as she heard Bell continue speaking.
"But funnily enough, he was the most similar to the god, being a pervert and all, going and peeking on women with the perverted old geezer" That… sent a shiver of disgust down Ryuu's spine, but she didn't say anything. She knew Bell wasn't like that, and knowing a bit more now, she was a bit baffled as to why.
How had someone who had been raised by a chronic pervert turned to be so pure when he arrived in Orario, fifteen years ago?
"And he had the guts to secretly date and eventually put me inside of Hera's favorite child" Ryuu blinked, listening as she became intrigued. She didn't know why Bell was going on about his past so openly, though it was… nice in a way. He seemed much calmer now, far more like the Bell Cranel she knew.
'So he's in there after all…' she thought with a smile.
"That could not have ended well. I have heard a little of how possessive Hera could be from Astraea. Apparently, it had been a sight to behold" Ryuu commented as Bell let out a small chuckle.
"Oh, yeah. Apparently, the reaction of my aunt was one too. She supposedly nearly blew apart a large portion of Orario in retaliation when she found out" Ryuu's smile widened as she laughed slightly, feeling a bit lighter as she felt far better with the current situation.
She had been skeptical at first to try this approach, to try to talk to him instead more calmly… and try to understand what he thought she didn't.
'To think it would lead to a conversation such as this'
"I do not know about blowing up a part of Orario, but it sounds to have been a sight to see" Ryuu glanced back down at the gem, wondering who it had belonged to if they had been powerful enough to potentially do that. He didn't sound like he was exaggerating.
"May I ask her name?" Bell turned and looked at her for a moment, seemingly appraising her.
"My mother or aunt?"
"Both I suppose" Bell nodded before sighing.
"My mother's name was Meteria" He stopped for a moment as Ryuu nodded. "As for my aunt… you know her" she stopped, looking at him with a tilt to her head and a small frown as he gave her a meaningful look, letting her figure it out herself.
"What? But the only woman from Hera familia tha-...!" Ryuu froze, her face paling as she realized the implications.
'She… she had-' Her brain stopped functioning for a moment as she felt she was in danger at that moment, despite no danger being present. The trained senses that told her that the man sitting in front of her had power far above her own, which made her look inconsequential compared to him, spurred her fear on as she realized what his previous words meant.
'She had killed his aunt… ' She thought as her hand instinctively went to the small blade at her hip without realizing it. Seeing this Bell quirked his eyebrow, almost as if telling her there was no reason for her to do so.
"Why are you-?" He asked before he took a sharp, quick breath in understanding.
"I don't blame you, Ryuu" He spoke softly as he turned and looked at Orario "She knew that her actions would lead to her death, and so did Zald. They were dying, and watching Orario stagnate while the threat of the Black Dragon loomed over the horizon still" He spoke as Ryuu listened, slowly calming down and refraining from interrupting.
The memories from that time were still vivid, how Alfia had picked them apart, and the sheer power she held, even weakened.
"They knew their time had passed, and wanted to push Orario to rise above what they were and to grow. So they prepared themselves to embody evil, and sacrifice themselves for that growth"
"I- wait, so all that pain I went through… it was for us to-" Bell turned and looked at her with a nod.
"Zald, Alfia and Erebus. The three of them did not want to destroy Orario, but to see you all grow, and to give rise to a new hero… for all the good that did. Orario simply grew one level and then stagnated again… while I lost my last remaining family"
Ryuu looked down, eyes shaking as she tried to come to terms with that… remembering all those she'd watched die… and… Ardee… she died, for that… she… it was hard to accept and-
"How do you know? If you never met them, then… how?" She asked, even though she knew the answer to it, but wanted to hear it from him.
"Erebus told me… just as he told Ouranos, Hermes, and Astraea" Instantly, Ryuu's heart for a moment was filled with betrayal, knowing that her goddess had known, and never said anything for those two years before that fateful day with Rudra Familia… no, she shouldn't judge. She too, had betrayed her…
"I… if I am perfectly honest, Cranel-san, I do not know how to handle that information, but despite that, I am still sorry. Because of us… you never got to meet her" Bell stared at her for a long moment, momentarily wanting to tell her that it didn't matter, but refraining from doing so.
Eventually, though, he let out a small sigh with a smile.
"As I said, I don't blame you, but thank you nonetheless" He spoke sincerely as she matched his smile.
"Hmm? Ryuu… do you happen to be blonde?"
…
The elf let out a small confused noise as she wondered where the hell that question came from as she reached up and patted her hair instinctively at the question.
"Yes, why?"
"I just noticed that your hair is blonde at the roots… though I suppose that makes sense since you can't dye it when you are out here" He commented, smiling slightly as he tilted his head, his hand holding the gemstone putting it back in his pocket.
"Ah, I should probably head back and do that…" Ryuu muttered as she looked up, despite knowing she wouldn't be able to see.
"Why? You should let it grow back to its natural color. You would look far more beautiful than you already do that way"
The only noise that followed was the crackling of the fire as Ryuu's face slowly heated, turning bright red as her heart began hammering.
"Ah, sorry, that was a bit insensitive of me-"
"No!- gah! I mean, it's alright. Thank you, Cranel-san, but I am blacklisted by the guild with a large bounty on my head for what I did" She smiled, her blush receding as Bell frowned.
"Wait, no one informed you?" He asked.
"Informed me?"
"I paid it off"
…
"What…?" Ryuu was flabbergasted, and confused. He… paid it off? Hadn't her bounty eventually risen to one hundred million before staying there!?
"I paid it off. It felt wrong that you had to stay in hiding despite everything you did for this city. Eina was more than happy to do the paperwork on that particular subject" It had honestly been a bit funny to Bell. Eina seemed quite happy to have removed the black-listing of the gale wind.
Guess there were people who understood that while what she did was definitely morally grey, it did create chaos in Evilus' ranks to the point that it crippled them.
"Cranel-san, you did not have to do that! One hundred million is far too much-" Bell shook his head, holding up his hand to stop as her voice did just that, weakly letting out a noise before he spoke.
"Ryuu, one hundred million valis is a lot, yes, but for a friend I hold dear to my heart and who has saved me multiple times in the past, it's nothing"
"I… I still think it's too much but… thank you" She spoke softly as he smiled and nodded.
"Do not worry about it, it was done a few days after I arrived in Orario, but as such matters aren't posted on the bulletin board, I do not think there are many, if anyone that know of the delisting of the Gale Wind from the bounties" She nodded weakly, still a bit overwhelmed.
Bell looked up at the moon, before back at Ryuu.
"I am going to get some sleep now, Ryuu-" he spoke as she noticed that that edge had returned to his voice as she looked up-
'Ah, did… had he just let his guard down for that conversation?' She wondered as he stared at her.
"Don't try anything" He finished before leaning back against the tree, closing his eyes, and getting comfortable.
She did not respond but remained where she sat, watching as he slowly drifted off before she turned and looked at the dungeon city.
She did not know where to go from here… but… she was glad that the Bell she knew was still there… even if she had already known that he was buried underneath the pain.
She just hoped that she could do something to help him heal and return to the good, and respectable human man she knows.
'You should let it grow back to its natural color. You would look far more beautiful than you already do that way' Bell's praising voice echoed in her head as her blush returned, but she couldn't help but bitterly think that he was wrong.
She wasn't beautiful, far from it… but she was glad that he thought so… at least she wasn't unwomanly to everyone…
With that, she leaned back as well, letting herself fall asleep as well, drifting off into the night.
Chapter 74 is done. That's chapter number three of the month, one more and I have achieved my goal for August! I wanted to get this one out a bit earlier though, but was held back.
Now quickly, skip over this part if you want, but time for my chapter(ly?) shamlessness. Chapters 75 and 76 are already available on my Patreon, named above.
Anyway, there isn't anything else I (Eli) wanted to say, so I won't keep you any longer and get right into the reviews!
BChuggs: Amazing chapter. I'm glad you kept Ottar strong as hell with his interaction with Gareth and the twins. The man's a beast in his category especially now he is a level 8.
I recently got back into JJK again, so if Aki dies here, or eventually during this ark, I won't be surprised. My pity goes towards Raul...
Bell has progressed so much since his last encounter with Ais. Sucks to sucks that she won't be able to drag him back forcibly, at least for now.
I'll take a gamble and say this is the second if not third to the last ark before we conclude the final. Ahead of time, I want to say, this was a great read. You guys did amazing work, and hopefully, we get to similarities in the future when this is completed. Writing is fun and enjoyable, but it can be a pain when forced.
Author: Yeah, we wanted to keep Ottar really strong and oppressively so for others around him apart from Bell as we find the character dynamic that births to be interesting, something we hope to explore later in the next ark. Speaking of arks, you're almost right. On my Patreon, in one of my monthly reports, I stated and detailed every ark that has passed and a bit about those to come with basic details. This ark, The Empire Arc is the fourth to last ark. Next is the Einhente Ark, then the last two arks are technically one, but split in two, but its name has not been revealed for... well, spoiler reasons.
Now, it's really nice to hear that you have enjoyed reading TFA and I hope to not disappoint in the future (Chalister says the same... I think?), especially since we have The Progeny of Talent in the works... I really don't wanna disappoint :internalscreaming:
Mairsarmy321: Hmm it's an amazing chapter although I'm surprised that Aiz could only hold a candle to Bell. I know he leveled up but usually, her wind blesses her with firepower above her level or am I tripping?
Author: You're not tripping lol, it's less that Ais couldn't hold a candle to a level 8 and more that she couldn't to Bell. Basically, as a level 7, Bell was as strong, if not stronger than Ottar, who was at the peak of level 8. Now that he's leveled up, if Bell actually went all out, it'd take everyone to potentially take him down ;)
fallendemon248: I wonder if in that moment of intangible that Nakul uses, if Bell left something behind like a charged catalyst or maybe poison would it affect him? I mean every time we see a fight like this usually the person just becomes faster or makes the ability useless but has anyone ever thought to just leave basically a grenade inside the body?
Author: I don't wanna spoil anything, but I have a few ideas personally, and no, it doesn't include Bell out-speeding the effect or the such, but he does something else. You'll see... man, holding my words to keep from spoiling kinda sucks at times... oh well.
stevenpiskunov2: I like how Erebus walks about how if things would have been different if Alfia and Zald raised Bell. Did you add that on purpose to reference that future story you said you would make? Or was this just pure coincidence?
And will that other story be in the same world? Only with that one difference of Bell being raised by Zald and Alfia? Or will it be a completely different world with different things and different characters?
Author: I did add that in to reference The Progeny of Talent. We thought it'd be a nice tie-in reference in the future as I quite enjoy those, but enough on that. To answer your questions, it will not be set in the same world as TFA, as in no Keepers or original ideas which were included in TFA alongside its original characters. It'll all work from scratch with Danmachi's canon world and build its own world from there.
So basically no Elora, no Keepers, no Kita or Asuka etc. I don't want to reuse worlds for convenience, and instead push my creative mind to build new ideas.
Manfred Rebello: Honestly, screw that black flame that Bell has, man!
I really want him to be happy, but the author is piling on my emotions by not letting me be satisfied with him being happy!
Argh!
Author: Sorry...? Will it make you happier to know we are getting closer to finishing this character development ark of his? Because we are, and it'll be glorious! hahaha
Hector Basulto: Hey will u be continuing heroic will?
Author: No, unfortunately not. I see that story as having accomplished what it was meant to do for me. It's been so long that my desire to write that story is just non-existent... and basically all my ideas for it are pretty much gone. Like, I don't remember them at all. It is up for adoption though, as long as I am credited for it.
Now, that's all for the reviews, and as always, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and to see you all next time!