So, a few things to address quickly.
FF site being all over the shop. Due to this, until FF sorts itself out, I'm also posting the updates in my discord. They do also go up on pat reon, but I batch make them free when I finish the LN, so this block of chapters covering LN2-3 won't be open to the public until I post chapter 30, which is the last of the block, but will include chapters from 13 up.
The second is Lefiya, look, cards on the table, I like Lefiya, she's just a parallel Bell, but I'll admit she is an acquired taste, as I also didn't like her at first. What we see of her outside of SO (and not so much the main light novel, but more games and other spin-off manga) isn't very flattering, which is why I have some work ahead of me.
The third thing is that I've finally finished up the Apollo War Game, so I'll be moving on to the Ishtar arc, but it will be a little bit different given how much I've changed characters. After that is the Xenos, which I'll admit, I still don't have my completely solid plan for. I've got a few plot threads running on the side, but I'm not sure yet. If I do find myself stumped, I might switch over to another story until I can figure things out and reread things/plan things out. I think I've almost got most of it though, it's more just how I'm going to start it off really.
Well, that's probably enough for now, so enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Hestia would finally have her chance to give Bell the knife Hephaestus had forged for him. The pair would eventually agree to pay it off together, with Bell naming it the Hestia Knife. In Babel Tower, Freya would discuss with Ottar about Bell's recent hesitation, seeking advice from the Boaz. When faced with the decision of waiting, or having Bell face his fears, Freya would ultimately allow Ottar to decide, with the man deciding to manufacture an adventure for Bell to face. At the Hostess of Fertility, Ais would come to the group with confusion around a discussion had with Riveria the previous night, with Syr suggesting Ais invite Riveria over to the Hostess of Fertility again. Bell would later plan to try out his new weapon in the Dungeon with Ais. Before leaving, Bell would give Ryuu, and later Syr, the jewellery he had commissioned Tsubaki's help for, using his previous blades. Upon receiving Bell's gift, Syr asked him if he wanted to work at the Hostess of Fertility full time and give up on being an adventurer, only for Bell to refuse, citing as her hero, he couldn't do that. Lili would spot Bell's new knife and think about a way to retrieve it, only for one of her former adventurers to target her. Bell would come to the rescue, before refusing Lili's offer to venture into the Dungeon with him. Lili would follow Bell, planning to find an opportunity to steal his newest blade, believing he had thrown her away now, only to see him meet with Ais in the Dungeon, witnessing the power of the knife as it took down an Infant Dragon with ease. Ais and Bell would then discuss the role of a supporter and the perception of them, with Bell revealing the nature of his knife, before the pair would leave the Dungeon, neither spotting Ottar as he embarked towards the middle floors.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 23 – To be a hero
A golden haired Elf looked at the letter she had received. Her deep green eyes narrowed, before she exhaled in resignation. This Elf was Laurier Swall and importantly, a member of the Hermes Familia.
The Elf had questioned this decision in the past.
Laurier thought of herself as a kind person, an honourable person. Despite her thoughts though, she had committed many dishonest acts. Deceiving others to secure information which could then be used to blackmail others later. She had carried out these tasks professionally, but these requests always left a bitter aftertaste behind.
The letter she had just finished reading had come from her God, Hermes.
She had been tasked to find information on a person name Bell Cranel a few days prior. There wasn't much really. He was a new adventurer, the only member of the Hestia Familia. He also worked at the Hostess of Fertility, a popular adventurers pub. That was it. These were the facts. There was nothing else anyone seemed to know about the boy with absolute certainty. Sending this information back to Hermes, Laurier had expected that to be the end of her task, only for the reply she received to surprise her.
Why don't you go work there too then?
A single line. That was what made up the letter. One line.
Laurier sighed again.
At least it wasn't something dishonourable. She was not so proud that she couldn't do a little bit of manual labour for some information. She had done much worse before.
The problem was how to secure employment.
There was the other matter of consideration. Laurier trusted facts, not rumours or gossip… but the rumours were quite something, something she couldn't ignore. In addition to reportedly defeating a Silverback, Troll, and Sword Stag, the reason Hermes had become interested in him in the first place… he supposedly, also wanted a harem… and further to that, seemed to have lots of encounters with Elves. His Guild Adviser and the worker at the at Hostess of Fertility were well known associates of his. Furthermore, it seemed there was some chat among the Goddesses that he was also interested in the High Elf and had recently run into her apprentice, who had caused quite a scene. Lastly, it seemed he also had an Elf for a supporter on a few occasions.
Perhaps the most concerning part that made her more inclined to believe them… was the simple fact that Hermes was interested in him at all.
Laurier sighed a final time before standing up.
She would do what she needed to, she only hoped it wouldn't leave her needing to resort to something dishonourable.
-line break-
Lili had waited patiently. Her plan was simple. Accept her free meal, work out where Bell stored his equipment. Take it and run away. Simple. Then she had stepped into the establishment. She spotted the Elf from that time. A pair of Cat-girls, and a pair of humans. Lili felt it. Almost all of them were adventurers. Then she had seen the owner. It was Mia Grand, former member of the Freya Familia. Lili felt her nerve snap. As she prepared to bolt, she was spotted.
'Lili, you came.' Greeted Bell, approaching with the grey-haired girl that Lili identified as the only person who wasn't an adventurer on the public facing staff.
'This one wanted to thank you for today as well.' Explained Lili.
'Well then, why don't we seat you at the bar, so you can have some time to speak to Bell, he is very popular after all.' Suggested Syr, her eyes hidden as she smiled at the girl.
Lili internally cringed. The bar? She would have nowhere to hide. Lili was led to the bar and fidgeted in place. Lili sat down and waited. Bell later brought out some grilled fish, with a leafy green salad, with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing, along with a few roast potatoes cut up into small cubes and garnished with dried basil and parsley. It was very good, Lili noted, before slowing down her eating and surveying the place and those in it. As she observed Bell, she noted he had no armour or weapons on him, but was wearing the same attire he had in the Dungeon. He hadn't gone home, so his weapons were here somewhere, she just needed to find out where.
'Bell, could I get you to give me a hand, for a moment, I can't carry the bag of potatoes back from the storeroom and the others are busy.' Requested Syr cutely.
'Sure thing. Are you okay for now, May?' Asked Bell.
'For now, don't spend too long though.' Replied May easily, moving on to the next order.
Bell took off his apron and followed Syr to the storeroom. Lili's eyes swivelled and locked on to a small flicker of black steel in the corner of the storeroom. She saw his armour. The black shin guards gleamed. He must have stored the rest of his equipment there as well. Lili had her target now. All that remained was time. She needed a bit of noise around to hide her presence, but she couldn't escape with this many people around. Bumping into one of them and being discovered would be a disaster, so Lili waited.
Eventually, the perfect conditions were reached. The tables were mostly empty, a few people semi-passed out or completely passed out. There were still one or two raucous groups in the corner, but not in the direct path from the storeroom to the exit. Lili decided now was her chance. Making her way towards the storeroom, her diminutive form hidden by the bar counter, Lili reached her target in seconds. Pushing the door open, Lili saw them. She thought about taking both blades. That was greed talking. One would be enough. She didn't need them for vanity, they were for freedom. She was not as heartless as those adventurers.
Except for Bell.
Lili paused. No, he had discarded her, he was just like the others. Lili shook her head and grabbed the black knife and sheathe. Pocketing them, Lili backed out of the room, walking as fast as she could to the exit. It was now in sight, causing Lili to pick up her pace. Then she felt it, a cold chill. Lili ran ahead blindly and slammed into something, not seeing what was in front of her.
'Oh my, are you okay?' Asked a voice.
'I'm fine, who is this person though?' Asked another voice.
'Oh? This looks like Bell's knife.' Said the first voice and Lili felt the chill again, a small glance to the side and she saw a silver eye glaring at her.
'You shouldn't play such childish pranks.' Rasped the figure, causing Lili to flinch and shake.
'I'm sorry Master Horn, Lili was desperate!' Squeaked Lili.
'Ara? Master Horn, who is that?' Asked the voice, causing Lili to open her eyes.
The glow was gone. The person looking at her had light grey eyes, not silver.
'You're blocking the flow of traffic, come sit at the bar with your friend.' Called Mama Mia to the girl who Lili had ran into, before fixing a stare on Lili.
Lili nodded, understanding that it wasn't a request, following the grey-haired girl as she led them to the counter.
'Bell, custom order here.' Called Mia, causing Bell to come out of the kitchen.
Bell spotted the knife in Syr's hand, a downcast Lili, and a new Elf he hadn't seen before.
'Hi there, do you have any special requests?' Asked Bell curiously, not knowing anything about the woman in front of him.
'Whatever you recommend. I understand that is your speciality.' Replied the girl, causing Bell to grin.
'Leave it to me.' Declared Bell, before heading back into the kitchen.
'We'll have a chat once things quiet down.' Spoke Mia with finality in her tone, directing her statement to Lili, who meekly nodded.
Syr then moved away as well to clear a table.
A short while later, Bell returned with some stuffed zucchini flowers, lightly sautéed green beans, with fresh basil and grilled venison on a bed of rice.
'I never got your name by the way, I'm Bell.' Said Bell, introducing himself as he returned with a glass of water with a lemon wedge.
'My name is Laurier.' Answered the Elf, causing Bell to nod.
'Well then, Laurier, I hope you like it.' Said Bell, before popping back into the kitchen.
The Elf tried a piece of the stuffed zucchini flowers. They were filling without being heavy and contrasted well with the freshness of the basil and the green beans. The venison was extremely tender, a rarity for meat from game. Laurier mentally nodded to herself, that was one more rumour confirmed, he was a surprisingly good cook. While Laurier enjoyed her meal, Lili was in a downward spiral. There was no way she could talk her way out of this, and all the waitresses were sending her occasional glances. Lili knew it was their way of saying they were watching her, and she knew she was no match for them either. As the night reached its eventual end, the place almost empty now, save for those at the bar and the workers, the last remaining passed out drunks being carried away by their companions, the group migrated to the bar.
'You not going to head off?' Asked Mama Mia, looking to Laurier.
'I was hoping to speak with someone here actually.' Explained Laurier, causing Mia to narrow her eyes.
'Fine, you can be next.' Decided Mia, before turning her eyes on Lili.
'Now, what have you got to say for yourself?' Asked Mama Mia, standing behind the counter, Bell and Syr either side of her, while the other waitresses hovered behind her.
'Lili is extremely sorry! Lili needed money badly so she could leave the Soma Familia. Master Soma only cares about making wine and has left leadership of the Familia to Master Zanis who only cares about valis. Everything is dependent on how much money is brought in. To have a status update, you need to provide five hundred thousand valis a week. To leave the Familia, you need to provide a payment of ten million. Lili is all by herself though and the other members of the Soma Familia take Lili's savings, while the adventurers Lili works for as a supporter always find ways to not pay Lili. Lili isn't strong though, so Lili can't fight back, so Lili does whatever Lili can to save up and survive. Lili has a safe with all of Lili's savings and Lili has saved almost five million valis at this point, but that has taken years… Lili thought… if Lili could sell Master Bell's knife… she would have enough and finally be able to leave the Soma Familia.' Admitted Lili, the words rushing out of her without pause.
'So you say adventurers don't pay you? How much did Bell give you?' Asked Syr.
Lili looked down in shame before she answered.
'Master Bell always gave Lili an equal share.' Admitted Lili.
'And how much did you make on you last trip with Bell?' Asked Syr.
'Fifty thousand valis.' Answered Lili.
'So if you had spent three months as Bell's supporter, you would have had enough. So why did you try to steal his knife?' Asked Syr, causing Lili to feel horrible.
'Lili was scared. Master Bell has many connections, and Lili was sure Master Bell would not need Lili for much longer. Especially after today, Lili felt there was no turning back. Lili is really sorry for targeting Bell… Lili just hates adventurers.' Apologised Lili.
'Well it is a good thing Bell isn't an adventurer then.' Commented Syr, causing the girl to look up.
'What do you mean?' Asked Lili.
'Bell is a hero, and a hero always helps a girl in need, isn't that right?' Elaborated Syr, causing Bell to nod.
'Sorry Lili, you should have just told me you needed money. I could have spent a bit more time in the Dungeon for you if that was the case. I won't figure things like that out unless you tell me.' Added Bell.
'What do you think, Mama Mia? Do we have space for one more?' Asked Syr, confusing the small girl.
'Ten million, that's going to take some time, you sure she will follow through?' Asked Mama Mia.
'Well let's find out. Lili, we can help you escape the Soma Familia, but only if you do something first to prove yourself. You need to try and cut yourself with the very same knife you just tried to steal.' Decided Syr.
Lili blinked, was this a joke…
Their expressions looked stern.
'Can you really help Lili?' Asked Lili.
'If you can prove yourself.' Replied Syr expectantly.
Lili took the knife from Syr's hand and unsheathed it with her right hand, before bringing it to her left palm. Lili clenched her hand around the blade and pulled it through quickly, only to feel no pain.
Syr started laughing, while Bell sighed.
'What happened?' Asked Lili in confusion, only for Syr to take the knife and repeat what Lili had done, also leaving unblemished skin behind.
'This knife is Bell's in every sense of the word. If Bell is not the one using it, it is useless. You wouldn't have gotten even fifty valis for it.' Explained Syr, handing the knife to Bell, causing it to glow, before Bell highlighted the truth of Syr's statement by slicing an apple on the table through in one clean motion.
'So Lili's plan was doomed from the start. Lili truly has rotten luck.' Muttered Lili sadly.
'I don't know about that. I'd say it was lucky that you found Bell at all and didn't succeed with your theft, because if you left this place with Bell's weapon and did manage to sell it, we would have hunted you down to the ends of the earth.' Explained Syr, giving a closed eye smile.
Lili finally felt it in full. The pressure from all of the waitresses hit her all at once. Her breathing became laboured, her hands started shaking, her body went cold and then it stopped, but Lili felt it. That same chilling glance. Coming from the girl whose eyes were still closed.
Lili resolved two things that day. To never betray Bell ever again and to never upset anyone who worked in this establishment.
'Well, you heard her shrimp. You're my employee now and you will need to work off your ten million valis debt. You can also add in earnings from the Dungeon to speed up your payments.' Declared Mama Mia.
'Why are you helping Lili?' Asked Lili.
'Help? I'm not helping you; I'm employing you. You work; you get paid. That's the way it works.' Countered Mia.
'Lili should be honest too then, Lili is not actually an Elf, this is Lili's magic. Stroke of midnight's bell.' Admitted Lili, just before chanting her magic, her pointed ears vanishing into grey dust, her hair and eyes turning a chestnut brown.
'I'm actually a Prum.' Admitted Lili, causing Syr to cross her arms under her chest.
'Aw, and here I thought we had another Elf to balance out the numbers.' Pouted Syr, causing Bell and Ryuu to sigh softly in amusement.
'Perhaps I can help then.' Interjected Laurier, drawing everyone's attention to her.
'I was hoping to speak to someone about working here. I am a member of Hermes Familia. The tasks I have to complete however… can be at times unsavoury and are not things I enjoy, often needing to compromise my own honour. I am also a level two adventurer, but combat is not my strength, as I am usually used for espionage instead.' Revealed Laurier.
'So you come right out and tell me you are a spy and want me to hire you? Did you think that through?' Snorted Mia.
'I will not deny that I will likely be asked to do something I dislike in the future… but perhaps if I had a regular location to gather information, I would not need to resort to more unscrupulous behaviours.' Elaborated Laurier.
'What do you think, Ryuu, since this means you won't be the only Elf around?' Asked Syr.
'I trust what was said. I do not trust the intentions. Elves are not known to be… honourable.' Commented Ryuu.
Laurier frowned. Nothing Ryuu had said was wrong, but she hadn't expected to be called on what she had omitted.
'What do you think, Bell?' Asked Syr curiously.
'Well, she is asking for help in a way too.' Pointed out Bell, causing Mia to sigh.
'Not so fast, I'll run out of dishes at this rate. You said you've been a spy, does that mean you can act like a proper waitress who doesn't break half my dishes and run out on cleaning duty?' Asked Mia, causing Laurier to nod.
'Yes, I have masqueraded as an artisan, cleaner, stagehand, and a noblewoman.' Revealed Laurier.
'Fine. You break one dish or skip out on cleaning duty even once and I'm booting you. That Hermes is nothing but trouble.' Grumbled Mia, causing Syr to cheer.
'We have two Elves at last.' Cheered Syr, before getting an idea.
'There is one more condition though, for both of you.' Added Syr, causing the others to look at her curiously.
'When you are not working, you will be Bell's party and accompany him into the Dungeon.' Decided Syr.
'I may be a level two adventurer, but I haven't seen combat for quite some time. I don't think I could provide much instruction.' Commented Laurier.
'Oh? I think you misunderstood, Bell doesn't need someone to help instruct him, that part is covered already, he just needs a party to watch his back in the Dungeon, it is hard to explore the middle floors alone.' Explained Syr.
'A level one is already exploring the middle floors?' Asked Laurier in surprise, only for Syr to grin.
'Now who said Bell was level one? Are you sure you are a spy?' Teased Syr, causing Laurier eyes to widen.
'You're level two?' Asked Laurier in surprise, only for Bell to nod.
"This is definitely not common knowledge!" Thought Laurier, only to feel a chill.
Syr had leaned forward slightly, coming closer to Laurier's personal space.
'But if this news manages to get to Lord Hermes… we will know who told him.' Teased Syr, causing Laurier to see it.
This woman was the most dangerous one here.
'Of course, I won't say a thing.' Agreed Laurier quickly.
'Great, then now we have two new waitresses and Bell has a party! I think I've done my job as both an employee and a girlfriend.' Declared Syr, getting mixed reactions.
'Oh no you haven't, not until the rest of those dishes are done.' Admonished Mia, whacking Syr's head with a wooden serving tray.
'Bell, comfort me please.' Whined Syr with a teary expression, causing Bell to smile softly and gently grab her arm.
'Come on Syr, I'll help you.' Whispered Bell reassuringly, rubbing Syr's head, causing her to give a teary smile.
'I will help too.' Added Ryuu, causing Syr to cheer.
'Thanks Ryuu!' Exclaimed Syr.
'And where do the two of you think you are going? Get the mops!' Ordered Mia, seeing Chloe and Anya looking to slink away.
'Guess I'm getting the tables again tonight.' Commented Lunoire, before going to get a towel to wipe the benches.
'As for the two of you, do you have a place to stay?' Asked Mia, getting a nod from Laurier, while Lili shook her head.
'Fine, you can take the spare room for the week, any longer and I'm charging you rent as well. That should be enough time to sort your Familia out.' Decided Mia, surprising Lili.
'Will it really be that easy?' Asked Lili, only for Mia to smirk.
'You're one of my employees now. No one messes with my employees.' Replied Mia, causing Lili to smile.
'I will be here tomorrow morning.' Informed Laurier, standing from her stool.
'Be here by sunrise.' Demanded Mia, to which Laurier nodded before leaving.
As the Elf made her way home, she realised she hadn't confirmed as many rumours as she would have liked, but she had learned something new.
Anyone who tried to hurt Bell Cranel would have the Hostess of Fertility to contend with and they were not to be trifled with.
-line break-
It had been almost an entire day in the Dungeon and Ottar had yet to find a suitable monster. The middle floors were filled with Minotaur, but it would take more effort to bring a Minotaur down from the seventeenth or sixteenth floor than the fifteenth. It would also be easier to pass it off as the Minotaur having simply bypassed him and worked its way up. Ottar had carefully planned things out. After securing a Minotaur, Ottar would herd it to the ten, eleventh, or twelfth floor, where it seemed the boy frequented lately. If he were to lay in wait on the fourteenth or even thirteenth floor, there was no telling when the boy would next come down to the middle floors, but the upper floors? He would be back soon. Ottar knew why his Goddess was interested in him. Even Ottar himself was interested in him. A boy who managed to attract both sides of his Goddess and had such rapid growth. This boy was a catalyst.
Freya's question came back to him. A hero. The age of heroes had ended with the Loki and Freya Familia forcefully expelling the Zeus and Hera Familia. Ottar continued to push himself out of sheer devotion to his Goddess, but no one else was. No hero would grow in such an environment.
Ottar didn't know if Bell would become, or already was, a hero, but Ottar would first test his mettle as an adventurer.
Ottar exhaled through his nose, preparing to make his way deeper, only for a meaty hand to grip the wall around the corner. A Minotaur bearing a landform axe had appeared. It looked at Ottar, then it stepped forward, axe raised high. It slashed downwards, looking to crush the shorter being. A loud crash was heard. Instead of the man being crushed, the axe was, having been smashed to pieces against a wrist guard.
'Finally, one of you with a little backbone.' Commented Ottar, causing the Minotaur to back up slightly, as Ottar threw a large Zweihander in front of the Minotaur.
'You are strong as you are now, but you can become stronger. You will be a fitting test.' Continued Ottar.
"As for if you are a fitting test for a hero, we shall see." Thought Ottar, as the Minotaur grasped the blade.
-line break-
'So you have a party now?' Asked Ais, sitting on the walls of Orario beside Bell, a temporary break in their training.
'I guess so. I imagine this is not how most parties are formed.' Replied Bell, causing Ais to nod.
'Inter-Familia parties are uncommon, more so one put together by a waitress… this might be the first of its kind.' Commented Ais, causing Bell to laugh.
'Well maybe that fits better then, I don't think anything that's been happening to me is normal. Even the people helping me out… I… I guess I'm really lucky when you think about it.' Pointed out Bell in amusement.
Ais smiled at this. It seemed no matter what, Bell did somehow maintain a sense of optimism. He kept trying no matter what happened to him. Ais envied that about him. Her thoughts were more often than not, dark and defeatist. When she was with Bell though, things didn't seem so bleak.
'What do you plan to do now?' Asked Ais curiously, turning to face Bell.
'I was thinking since I know about what's happening with Lili now, I might try to spend some more time on the tenth to twelve floors. I did sell the Infant Dragon hide we got yesterday, and it did get a reasonable price… I think focusing on getting drop items is best now, as I don't think I am ready to go back to the middle floors yet.' Admitted Bell.
'You're scared.' Said Ais simply.
It wasn't a question. It was a simple statement of facts. Bell didn't deny this and nodded, looking down at his lap.
'I am… I know I'm stronger now but… it's like this feeling in the back of my mind. I might not be strong enough; I need to run away now. It was how I felt the day I met you as well… but then I realised I had to keep pushing forward. I couldn't back down. I want to achieve… my goals. It is still there though, in the background.' Explained Bell.
'What changed your mind then?' Asked Ais.
'My Goddess. She was doing everything just so I could have a chance to pursue my dreams… now she's gone even a step further with this knife… I honestly owe her so much, but at the same time, I don't want to leave her behind.' Answered Bell, looking down at the Hestia Knife.
'Syr asked me if I wanted to work at the Hostess of Fertility full time. She said Mama Mia would pay me well and there wouldn't be any risk of my Goddess losing me like that.' Continued Bell, causing Ais to tilt her head to the side.
'So why don't you do it?' Asked Ais, causing Bell to look at her for a few seconds, before looking down.
'I… I still want to pursue my dreams! I know it is selfish of me, but I want to keep trying, I don't want to give up, even though it would be easier and probably safer.' Replied Bell.
'I think you are unsuited for the life of an adventurer.' Stated Ais bluntly, causing Bell's eyes to widen.
'You are very kind and naïve. I do not think it is a bad thing. An adventurer though… they are greedy, sometimes even cruel, motivated by selfish desires and pride. They risk their lives for wealth, fame and ambition. You… you smile when you are happy, you get flustered when something bad happens, you get embarrassed when someone teases you. You do not have the mindset of an adventurer.' Continued Ais, causing Bell to smile, confusing the girl.
'Well I guess that's true… but that's okay, since I don't want to be an adventurer, not really.' Confessed Bell, causing Ais to furrow her brow.
'That what do you want to be?' Asked Ais, holding her breath in anticipation.
'I want to be the person who saved Goddess Hestia, Syr, and Ryuu. I want to be the person who saves someone else from a rogue Minotaur. I don't want to be an adventurer, because they wouldn't do those things… I want to be a hero.' Revealed Bell.
Bell's words triggered a memory in Ais' mind. A memory she had recalled once in her dreams after meeting Bell, only now it was clearer.
'I hope that one day, you will find a hero, your hero.'
Ais looked at Bell. The image was not the same, but Ais could tell. This boy would become a hero… but not by himself. She would help him become a hero though.
'Stand up.' Ordered Ais, getting to her feet, causing Bell to look up at her.
'I need to apologise. I have been training you to be an adventurer. Now that I know you don't want to be an adventurer, this training won't work anymore.' Explained Ais, causing Bell to look at her in confusion.
'What do you mean?' Asked Bell, rising to stand.
'Now, I will train you to become a hero.' Declared Ais, causing Bell to smile.
'Yes! I will do my best.' Nodded Bell, giving a smile, causing Ais to return it.
"Yes, this boy isn't an adventurer. Someone who is this kind and innocent can never be an adventurer. A hero… yes, they will be a hero." Thought Ais, before drawing her blade rather than the sheathe, causing Bell's eyes to narrow.
'This will be how we train from now on, are you ready?' Asked Ais.
'Yes!' Affirmed Bell, causing Ais to smile, before she rushed at him.