Good news, I actually have figured out how to bridge into the Xenos arc now which is also why I've jumped back to writing nonlinearly, so I'll be posting some free snippets again on my pat reon as I'll be jumping around a bit. The first bit has already gone up now, and it's about Bell and Chloe's trip to Melen.
I'm going on to nights for a bit too, but I'll have a few more days off next week so might be able to get a bit more writing done.
In any case, now here at the end of season 5 of the anime, I hold hope for an OVA covering both the iconic meeting of Laurier and Horn and/or the Days of Abundance short story from volume 20. If I distil season 5 into at least one goal, that being giving Freya Familia a bit more of a feature, I am glad Horn and Heith have had a good time to shine because I will be making use of both in this story.
That's enough for now, enjoy the chapter!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Laurier would receive word back from Hermes about her report on Bell, with the playful god suggesting she join the staff of the Hostess of Fertility as well. Lili would put into motion her plan to steal Bell's weapons, only to be foiled by running into Laurier as she entered the establishment. After closing, the staff would elicit the truth from Lili, over her plight with the Soma Familia, before deciding to solve her issue in return for her being the newest employee of the Hostess of Fertility. Laurier would then also request work at the Hostess of Fertility, freely admitting her role in Hermes Familia, only to learn that Bell was already level two, something which was not known to the public. Syr would then recruit both Lili and Laurier into being the members of Bell's party. In the Dungeon, Ottar would continue to take out Minotaur after Minotaur, until finally finding a suitable opponent for Bell. The following day, Bell and Ais would speak about Bell's party formation, before revisiting the discussion about Bell's upcoming plans. Bell would reiterate his desire to be a hero, causing Ais to remember the words of her father, with the blonde resolving to help Bell become a hero.
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 24 – Unlikely partnerships
'Bell! You look terrible!' Exclaimed Syr, as the boy walked into the Hostess of Fertility at the end of the lunch rush.
The grey-haired waitress took one look at Bell and her eyes widened to comical proportions. There was a meshwork cuts all over his form, clothing serving no barrier at all.
'Miss Ais stepped up my training.' Explained Bell, as the girl animatedly fussed over him, poking and prodding him with a worried expression.
'Bell, you're really making me sceptical of you not being a masochist like this.' Muttered Syr, causing Bell to blush.
'It's not like that, really!' Squeaked Bell, causing Syr to sigh.
'Okay Bell, but if you are, you should tell me. As your girlfriend, it's important that you tell me your likes, or how else will I know what to do when the time comes?' Chided Syr, causing Bell's face to explode into red.
'S-S-Syr what are you saying!' Stammered Bell, only for Syr to giggle as she covered her lips.
'Oh Bell, you're adorable, I might be teasing, but really, if there is something I can do for you, it's important you let me know.' Said Syr calmly, causing Bell to sigh as the heat left his cheeks.
'Do we have any spare shirts… I probably need one.' Commented Bell, looking at his top.
'Oh, I have a spare!' Offered Chloe, bounding over to the two, holding her serving tray under her chin, eying Bell and Syr hopefully.
'I guess that will be okay, but I should probably supervise then.' Commented Syr, only for Mia's voice to ring out.
'Not before you finish these dishes.' Called Mia, causing Syr to pout, and cross her arms over her chest.
'Mama Mia sure is keeping me on my toes these days.' Whined Syr.
'I will keep an eye on Chloe.' Offered Ryuu, as she walked past the group, holding a full tray which she carried to the kitchen, returning with both hands free and fixing her eyes on Chloe.
'You just want to see Bell shirtless too.' Muttered Chloe quietly, causing Ryuu's ears to twitch, while Syr smiled.
'Okay then, I'll leave him to you, Ryuu.' Decided Syr, before heading back to the kitchen.
The pair then led Bell to the changing rooms, with Chloe pulling a black shirt out of her locker. Bell hesitantly looked at the two girls, one staring at him openly, while the other sent the occasional glance at his form while watching the other waitress. Bell turned his back on the pair and took his shirt off, causing the pair to gasp.
'That's some pretty intense training.' Commented Chloe, once Bell's shirt was off, seeing it was riddled with bruises.
'Is it really that bad?' Asked Bell, only to feel a gentle hand press on his back, causing him to hiss.
'Yes, it is.' Added Ryuu in agreement, before chanting her healing spell, the magic sending a soothing warmth running through his form.
Bell exhaled in relief, the tension in his shoulders dropping as the various aches and pains vanished.
'Thanks Ryuu.' Whispered Bell, causing the Elf to smile.
'Of course. Although if you don't mind your training being a bit rougher, I could help out as well. I have a habit of going overboard… but if you managed this fine, I think you should be able to withstand my more intense training too.' Offered Ryuu, as she stepped back and let Bell put the shirt on Chloe had provided with him.
'Oh well, I guess I did enjoy it while it lasted. A few more weeks of this and my cute little Bell's body is going to become the body of a man. What a shame.' Sighed Chloe dramatically, before sneaking up on Bell and giving him a little pinch on the cheek.
'You were such a cutie, Bell, I'm sorry to see it end this way. At least now we know what kind of man Ryuu likes though. I'll leave you alone.' Teased Chloe, ducking Ryuu's knife-edge chop aimed at her head, before exiting the room and closing the door behind her.
'I would ordinarily say you will need to forgive Chloe, but I will not and make sure her slight does not go unpunished.' Muttered Ryuu in irritation.
'I mean, in a roundabout way, I don't mind. At least it means my training is working, if Chloe thinks I look less like a boy and more like a man.' Admitted Bell, sitting down on the bench near the lockers.
'If I may ask, why is your image suddenly such a focus?' Asked Ryuu, sitting beside Bell, the two staring at the blank wall in front of them.
'It isn't anything like that… it is more… when we first started training, Miss Ais pointed something out to me. Without a status, the only thing that is left behind is your skill and your body. It's not like I have a particular point in mind that I would stop at, only that I think I should do my best in every category I can. Like you said before, if I can surpass my limits, I need to have the ability to make use of my strengths. So, I need to keep getting stronger, keep learning about the Dungeon, keep getting experience and that includes making sure my body can keep up with the things that I should be able to do.' Explained Bell, causing Ryuu to smile as she tilted her head towards him.
'I know that Chloe may focus only on your appearance, but your mentality is also maturing.' Commented Ryuu fondly, causing Bell to look at her in surprise for a moment.
'Do you think so?' Asked Bell bashfully, looking down at his lap.
'I do. Your growth overall has been nothing short of astounding. Perhaps that is because you have set your sights so high though. You wouldn't be able to accomplish any of your goals half-heartedly. An adventurer needs to go on adventurers, a hero though… I imagine they must perform a heroic feat, which would be infinitely harder than an adventure.' Replied Ryuu, before turning to look back at the wall.
'Could we… would you have time to go into the Dungeon tonight then?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to smile.
'Of course, but in that case, we should get to work then. Mama Mia won't let us leave with the work incomplete.' Replied Ryuu easily, causing Bell to give a small laugh.
'How are your new employees doing?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to cough softly.
'Better than I was in the beginning. You can see for yourself though.' Answered Ryuu as she stood to her feet, with Bell following suit, the pair returning back to the main area of the restaurant.
Bell noticed Chloe and Anya had again made themselves scarce, while Lunoire was wiping down the tables. Laurier was sweeping the floor, a mop waiting beside the wall for after. Despite it being her first day, Laurier didn't look out of her depth. Bell wondered if there was much scope for cleaning as a spy, before shaking his head softly. It was okay for adventurers to be good at non-adventure related things too after all. Looking into the kitchen, Bell noticed Mia, Syr, and Lili doing the dishes, the Prum looking on edge as the smiling girl handed her dish after dish. Bell sat at the counter for a bit, while Ryuu went to throw the rubbish out.
'Well, at least our newest employees don't run away from work.' Commented Mia, as she stepped out to the counter, drying her hands on a washcloth, Lili and Syr a step behind her.
Lili seemed to twitch slightly, feeling suddenly exposed.
'At least the work is not unpleasant.' Commented Laurier, as she finished mopping and brought the mop and broom back.
'Well, I think knowing Lord Hermes, you've got the most eyes on you, but perhaps the scariest are on Lili it seems.' Commented Syr, mildly amused as Lili seemed to flinch.
'I do wonder what Master Horn would think of your new job.' Teased Syr, causing the girl to tremble.
'Lili has already said Lili will be good!' Squeaked Lili, causing Syr to nod.
'Yes, you did, so tonight you will have a visitor to sort out your Familia situation.' Interjected Mia.
'It won't be… Master Horn, will it?' Asked Lili, causing Mia's booming laughter to echo in the restaurant.
'Ah, thinking Horn is a scary one. You're in for a surprise.' Commented Mia, causing the girl to shudder.
'If everything will be sorted today then, should we go into the Dungeon tomorrow to see what we can do as a team?' Asked Bell, looking to Lili, and turning his head to Laurier at the end.
'I will always be ready when you are, unless I say otherwise.' Replied Laurier easily.
'W-Well, if everything really is sorted today, Lili has no objections. Lili imagines anyone who would come after Lili wouldn't be a match for a member of Freya Familia.' Commented Lili.
'I don't think Horn will be coming with us tomorrow though.' Retorted Bell, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
'Lili meant Master Bell.' Explained Lili, causing Bell to tilt his head in confusion.
'But I'm not a member of Freya Familia.' Revealed Bell, causing Lili to frown.
'Lili has been wanting to ask this for a while now, why do you seem to get along with members of both Freya and Loki Familia? Is your Familia allied with them?' Asked Lili, causing Laurier to look up as well.
'I don't think we are allies… but they are helping me I suppose. I don't think they would gain much by allying with me, since I'm the only member of my Familia.' Answered Bell.
'Do you mean you planned to rob someone without knowing who they were?' Asked Laurier in disapproval, causing Lili to huff.
'Lili has stolen from many adventurers, it is too much work trying to work out which Familia they all belong to. All adventurers are all the same anyway.' Countered Lili defensively.
'The fact that you planned to steal a Hephaestus brand weapon from a no name adventurer didn't give you pause as to how he had such a thing… well, I say no name, but you are developing quite a name for yourself recently.' Continued Laurier, turning her gaze to Bell towards the end.
'You know, you're really being open with the information you dug up.' Commented Mia, crossing her arms over her chest.
'You know I am a former spy, and I know terrible things will happen to me if I reveal anything sensitive. The rules of engagement are clear, so there is no point in hiding what I know. Bell as the only member of the Hestia Familia would of course have easier access to getting Hephaestus brand weapons.' Shrugged Laurier.
'Actually, Bell's Hephaestus brand weapon was just a favour for Miss Tsubaki.' Explained Syr, omitting the explanation of his second weapon, causing Laurier to blink.
'You had a master blacksmith make you a weapon for a favour… what did you have to do in return?' Asked Laurier, almost nervous of the answer.
'A free meal.' Replied Bell, causing Laurier to deflate.
'The rumours around you are truer than not… they are still unbelievable though, even when faced with reality… I almost wonder if any of the rumours are not true.' Asked Laurier, finding she couldn't meet Bell's eyes at the moment, as a particular one sprung to mind.
'Oh, Bell isn't the only one who likes Elves after all.' Teased Syr, causing Laurier to look up at her with wide eyes, before seeing Bell look off to the side.
Laurier felt a conflicting storm of emotions spring up in her mind. She would absolutely make sure this news never officially reached the ears of her God, or she would never have a moment of peace again. She should have known. There was always a reason the enigmatic Hermes did the things he did, always seeming to play both sides and having his own agenda in any situation.
Laurier's shoulders dropped as she exhaled.
'I see.' Muttered Laurier, causing Syr to giggle.
'Don't worry, even if you weren't an Elf, Bell would always help a pretty girl and even I can see you have a different charm to Ryuu, or Miss Riveria. You are certainly more likeable than Miss Viridis at least.' Giggled Syr, causing Laurier to look up at her.
'I will take a brief rest. This conversation has been illuminating.' Muttered Laurier.
'It's never a boring day with you around, Bell.' Commented Syr in amusement, getting a weak smile from Bell.
-line break-
Lili had been told to wait for a guest after work today. The girl was unsure what to expect and the smile the grey-haired waitress seemed to give her was anything but reassuring. A golden-haired Elf entered the establishment, which now only had Mia, Syr, and Lili inside.
'That kid busy or something?' Commented Mia, getting Hedin to push his glasses up slightly.
'Indeed he is, and our Vice-Captain was not inclined for, as he put it, "grunt work".' Commented the Elf, looking to Mia, before turning his gaze on Syr who smiled at him.
'Well then, Lili, Sir Hedin here will help you with your situation.' Explained Syr, causing Hedin to strangle a gasp.
'Please do not refer to me as such, Lady Syr. My past is not relevant to my current role.' Countered Hedin, causing Syr to giggle, while Lili furrowed her brow in confusion.
'Fair enough, although I wonder if Lili is disappointed Master Horn won't be accompanying you also.' Teased Syr, causing the Prum to flinch.
'I see. I will pass on the events of today then.' Commented Hedin knowingly.
Lili sighed, finding herself entirely mentally exhausted already, but resigning herself to her fate nonetheless.
'Come along.' Ordered Hedin, causing the short girl to follow after him.
There was no small talk as the pair walked, coming into view of the steel gates of the Soma Familia in no time at all. The eyes of the two gate guards widened upon spotting Hedin, before noticing Lili. One of the guards quickly opened the gates and ran in, while the other watched on nervously as they approached.
'Take us to your Captain.' Demanded Hedin.
The nervous looking man gulped and gave a small nod, before leading the two into the home. The grey brick building seemed to flinch once Hedin stepped foot onto the cobblestone path, almost recognising the power the Elf carried within.
'Oh my, Hildrsleif himself has brought our wayward member home. This is truly a great honour.' Commented a man wearing a white and grey suit, with a pair of spectacles.
His grey hair was parted smoothly to the sides, his thin face looking slightly amused.
'You have misunderstood. This is not a return, this is a transaction, this person is now a member of the Hostess of Fertility and will no longer be a member of your Familia. We are merely here to have your deity open his blessing.' Explained Hedin, catching the man by surprise.
'Oh, is this the case, Arde? Do you really intend on leaving us?' Asked the man.
'It is Master Zanis.' Answered Lili coolly.
'I trust you understand the cost of such a thing.' Continued the man known as Zanis, only for Hedin to withdraw a sack from his coat pocket.
'This will be sufficient for both conversion and a status update. Please alert your deity.' Advised Hedin, throwing the sack towards the man beside Zanis.
Zanis looked at the bag as it was opened and felt his eyes widen, before schooling his features.
'I see. Yes. This does seem to be the appropriate amount from our previous rates, but they have increased recently.' Started Zanis, only to feel a cold sweat go down his neck.
'Are you of the mistaken perception that there is room for negotiation? We have destroyed stronger Familia for far less. Take us to your deity now.' Ordered Hedin.
Lili finally realised what Syr had meant. Horn was scary. That wasn't wrong to say. Compared to the Elf beside her now though, Horn was practically affable. The disdain he had been expertly hiding oozed out and it was obvious he thought of this entire farce as tedious and all of them as insignificant ants not worth his time. Zanis quickly pulled himself together and nodded, before leading the pair to Soma's suite, where he created his wine.
'Master Soma, we require your services for a status update and conversion.' Informed Zanis, as the group came across the scene of a long-haired man using a large wooden utensil, to stir an equally large stone jar, filled with a dark liquid.
'Conversion?' Muttered Soma, pausing momentarily in his stirring, before resuming.
'Yes, the fee has been paid in full.' Continued Zanis, causing the man to stop.
'Who is it?' Asked Soma.
'Miss Liliruca Arde.' Answered Zanis, causing Soma to finally turn around.
The God noted the unfamiliar member whose presence carried with it a far more regal and powerful presence, which made Zanis appear insignificant in comparison. Standing nervously between them was the chestnut-eyed girl.
'Will she be joining Freya Familia?' Asked the deity, looking to Hedin.
'No, her services will be put to use as a staff member of the Hostess of Fertility. Should she find a Familia to convert to in the future, she will be free to do so, but there is no immediate plan.' Explained Hedin, offering the deity a succinct explanation.
Soma seemed to shrug at this, before looking at Lili again.
'Very well then.' Agreed Soma, before Lili stepped forward.
Lili's form was hidden behind Soma's as she removed her shirt and allowed her deity to update her status and unlock her blessing. His eyes hidden under his bangs swivelled slowly, as Soma sifted through the girl's experiences, nothing particularly noteworthy jumping out, but seeing a trend nonetheless.
Then something stood out.
Soma felt a small sliver of the emotion Lili had experienced in that moment, before continuing on with the status update. The status was then unlocked, and Lili was allowed to place her shirt back on.
'Zanis, our Familia is not to have any further contact with Miss Arde, is that understood?' Instructed Soma, causing both Lili and Zanis to look at him curiously.
'Ah, of course, Master Soma. I shall see to it that the others are aware also.' Replied Zanis easily.
'So to it that you do.' Commented Soma, before returning to his wine.
As Lili walked back from Soma towards Hedin, the Elf turned on his heel and started walking away. Lili spared a glance at Zanis, but the man made no move to stop her, so the girl followed. Once they exited the Soma Familia home, Lili felt herself deflate.
She was actually free. It was both mind boggling and somehow anticlimactic.
Was this the power of prestige? Of wealth?
It would be days from now when Lili would finally realise the reality of her situation, but her mind at this moment was overwhelmed. Hedin led Lili back to the Hostess of Fertility, finding Mia and Syr were waiting.
'All done?' Asked Mia, getting a nod from Hedin, before the Elf left.
'Good, then starting tomorrow after your Dungeon dive, start looking for a place to stay, you've got five days until I charge you rent.' Instructed Mama Mia, causing the girl to nod.
'And make sure you look after Bell in the Dungeon, or Master Horn may have to come join you again.' Added Syr, but the Prum girl was too dazed to react, causing Syr to raise an eyebrow.
'Make good use of your new life, as not many people get a third chance.' Added Syr softly, causing Lili to actually look at the girl for once.
Empathy?
Lili was now extremely confused.
Was this girl actually nice and just teasing her for reactions all this time? That piercing stare from before though, that was not a gaze of kindness.
Lili felt a sense of fatigue overcome her. This day had destroyed all of her expectations, and she was unable to process things adequately. Resolving to deal with mentally reviewing the day tomorrow, Lili looked up at the pair.
'I will.' Mumbled Lili, before going to her room to rest.
-line break-
Ryuu and Bell had snuck into the Dungeon once again. Bell's speed now even greater than it had been during their last attempt, making the task a simple feat to accomplish. As the pair walked in a comfortable silence, the monsters gave them a wide berth, feeling an innate sense of self-preservation overriding their instinct to fight. A few minutes later, Ryuu stopped in place, before walking towards an opening. The pair were now in an empty room on the eighth floor.
'Please stay behind me for a moment.' Instructed Ryuu, breaking the quiet atmosphere.
Bell did as Ryuu requested, before hearing her chant. Her soft voice ran through the words quickly, before dozens of green orbs materialised and exploded out from her in the shape of a crescent moon, pulverising the walls of the room in front of them.
'We will take turns doing this every hour for the rest of the training session. In order to make the most efficient use of our time though, what is the Sword Princess training you in, so I do not repeat unneeded lessons?' Asked Ryuu, turning to face Bell.
'Well, we have mostly just been sparring and there was the nap training that one time.' Recalled Bell, causing Ryuu to raise an eyebrow.
'I see. You also receive lessons from your Guild Adviser, correct?' Asked Ryuu, getting a nod from Bell.
'Yes, Miss Eina focuses on the monsters found on each level, their weaknesses, and the geography of the Dungeon.' Answered Bell, getting another nod.
'I see. Then it will be my role to bring these two things together and fill in the gaps. We should start with a spar. Do you need a period to warm up first?' Asked Ryuu, drawing her wooden blade.
'Well, Miss Ais doesn't really do warm-ups, so I'm ready to go when you are.' Replied Bell, drawing his brown and two-toned knife.
Ryuu's eyes softened momentarily, seeing the multicoloured knife, before her eyes hardened. She had her role to play, and she would do it well. Yes, she was denying her true desires, but for now she would bear with it.
Ryuu took a small breath in before exhaling quickly and dashing forward.
Ryuu tried to hold back as best she could, but even she was surprised when Bell parried her attack with only slight difficulty. Was this the result of training, his status, or had Ryuu gotten better at holding herself back? There was another option Ryuu considered before discarding it quickly. Holding back because the boy in front of her was important to her and her friends was doing him a disservice ultimately. Ryuu ran off to the side before jabbing towards Bell again. The boy leapt to the side, dodging the strike and preparing to counterattack, only for Ryuu's leg to swing out to the side, causing the boy's eyes to widen as he took a heel to the chest. Bell stumbled back, but Ryuu dashed off again, before reappearing behind him with a beheading strike. Bell ducked the attack, only to find himself kicked in his left side and launched away. Bell rolled with the momentum and stood up, knives at the ready, only to see Ryuu was already in front of him. A horizontal slash came at his chest, causing Bell to lean back, only for Ryuu to sweep his legs, dropping him onto his back, her wooden sword smashing into the ground beside his head, the little puff of dust causing Bell to close his eyes tight and give a small cough.
'The Sword Princess is not training you in physical combat, only swordplay, is that correct?' Asked Ryuu.
Bell slowly opened his eyes, to see Ryuu's gaze was no longer sharp and her shoulders hung loosely at her sides. Bell sat up on the ground, crossing his legs, before speaking.
'Yeah, the only times she does anything physical is when she loses control and reacts by accident. Usually, one of her kicks knocks me out completely for at least a few seconds. One of her stronger ones can take me out for almost an hour.' Explained Bell, causing Ryuu to nod.
'I see. Then on that theme, it seems what I can teach you best will be efficiency in physical combat. You are quick enough to respond to my attacks but wasting far too much extra energy. You have the right idea to parry rather than block… I suspect that was learnt through experience, as I can imagine trying to block the Sword Princess's strikes would be futile. What work are you doing for your body at the moment?' Asked Ryuu, sitting in front of Bell.
'Push-ups, sprints, stairs, and practice swings while holding my breath.' Answered Bell.
Ryuu hummed at this thoughtfully. He had covered most bases, but there were some still missing. His core could be targeted more, and his practice swings were with knives rather than something heavier. His frame was also not very heavy, so even sprints and push-ups would not have as much of an impact, but there was an easy fix for all of this.
'Then I will join you in your physical training from now on.' Declared Ryuu, causing Bell to look at her curiously.
'What do you mean?' Asked Bell, only for Ryuu to stand up.
'Do a push-up for me now.' Requested Ryuu.
Bell furrowed his brow in confusion, before putting his knives away and getting into a push-up position. Doing one push-up, Bell then craned his head up curiously, only for Ryuu to move to his side.
'Now do another one.' Continued Ryuu, placing her hand on his upper back.
Bell obliged, only to feel Ryuu exerting downwards pressure. He felt his arms shake and burn as he tried to push himself back up for a few seconds, the veins in his neck sticking out as he strained, only for the pressure to ease, letting him finish the push-up.
'That is how. Your routine is a good one, but you need more of a challenge to keep up with your rate of growth. You should also use something heavier than your knives for practice swings, but that is something we can easily source. We should get you some longer-range weapons to strengthen your grip with as well, as the weight is distributed differently than a knife, on the occasion that you do need to use a longer-range weapon.' Explained Ryuu quickly.
'Do you think it is a problem that I am only using knives now? I did have the sickle before, but it is kind of hard to use with knives?' Inquired Bell curiously.
Ryuu seemed to stare at Bell for a moment, almost wondering how to phrase her response at the wide-eyed boy looking up at her for guidance.
'The Dungeon is unpredictable. This is not a saying or a cliché, it is a statement of fact. In response to this, one needs to prepare for the unpreparable. This sounds impossible, but really it is a requirement of a Third, Second, or even First-Class adventurer. Even the strongest fighter can be taken by surprise… even with the support of allies… that is why you should have every possible advantage you can in the Dungeon. Not to say you should carry cumbersome, unnecessary things, that will reduce your efficiency, but you should never have a thought "if only I had that", when in the Dungeon.' Elaborated Ryuu.
'So what should I have with me then?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to sigh and sit down in front of Bell.
'First and foremost, you should have a reliable weapon. I'm sure there are others who may say armour is more important than a weapon, but you can defeat a monster without being hit, but defeating a monster without a weapon is much harder. There are options of course, landforms, physical attacks and so on, but a good weapon is better than the most powerful armour. Following this, again, is not armour, but rather a balanced body and mind. You must know your limits, but also know how to go past them. Once you have these, then everything else follows, such as armour, rations, magical items, recovery items, and everything else you may need. You have a weapon now, that is true, and you are working on your body and mind, but your rate of growth exceeds all of this, meaning you have not had the chance to hone your skills yet. This is your real weakness, which we will cover for in this training. Shall we continue now?' Asked Ryuu, only for Bell to raise his hand weakly.
'If I am growing too fast, should I slow down?' Asked Bell, causing Ryuu to softly smile.
'No. An adventurer should slow down in order to not do anything reckless, which I imagine is what your Guild Adviser tells you, but your rate of growth, while being a weakness in some ways, is also your greatest strength. While beating a thousand Goblins means you will be very skilled at beating a Goblin, it is not the same as beating five hundred Goblins, three hundred War Shadows, and two hundred Killer Ants. Your speed will let you face more and more difficult challenges, allowing you to hone your skills across multiple threats. As I told you before, you can truly become an amazing all-rounder, but you will need guidance, which is where I come in.' Answered Ryuu.
'I see… but you're not just there to guide me though.' Muttered Bell as he got to his feet, causing Ryuu to look up at him.
'I also want to get stronger for you too. I know I have a lot of work to catch up to you, but just like you are there for me, I need to be there for you.' Finished Bell with a smile.
Ryuu blinked, unsure how to process Bell's words, before standing up herself.
'Then prepare yourself, as I do tend to overdo things.' Warned Ryuu, causing Bell to smile.
'I'm ready!' Affirmed Bell, causing Ryuu to smile slightly.
"Not yet, but I'll make sure you are." Thought Ryuu, before rushing at Bell.
-line break-
Ottar was training the Minotaur he had found earlier, having dragged it down to the twelfth floor and set up a small camp, shrouded in the mist, out of the way of the common paths of adventurers, when a Goblin stumbled upon the scene. The Goblin looked at the scene and didn't immediately flee, getting Ottar to raise an eyebrow. Sparing it a second look, Ottar noticed a black ring-like mark around the Goblin's neck.
"Is that the one from before?" Thought Ottar, being seeing the Goblin flinch when he narrowed his, gaze, but not running away.
'You will do as well.' Declared Ottar, advancing on the Goblin.
-line break-
'Loki, is there something you forgot to tell me?' Asked Finn, entering his dazed Goddess' room.
'What do ya mean?' Drawled Loki, rubbing her eyes as she pulled herself from her bed into a seated position.
'The Gulliver Brothers are at the gate.' Answered Finn pleasantly, causing Loki's eyes to widen.
'Shit. They move fast. So, Finn, I was thinking you could have some more firepower in the Dungeon, and since Freya has learned to play nice, I asked her for help. I really wanted her healer, but she said your fellow Prum would be more inclined to join you… but they wanted to test you first.' Admitted Loki sheepishly.
Finn couldn't help himself and raised his hand to his forehead.
'I see. I can tell you are working hard, Loki, but please don't leave too many surprises for me to stumble on if possible, or I may have to agree with Riveria on restricting your alcohol intake in the future.' Sighed Finn, causing the deity to strangle back a whine.
'Sorry Finn, you know I'm just looking out for you. Besides, do you disagree that having them on the next expedition will be helpful?' Queried Loki.
'Of course not, but this is Freya Familia we are talking about. Even if you say the Goddess is different, I don't think the Familia is, but I suppose we will see. That being said, I hadn't planned on another expedition so close to the last one, but I guess we will need to organise one now.' Replied Finn, before making his way to the gate, spotting Riveria and Gareth already waiting.
'What's this, Finn, you recruiting any and all of your people nowadays? Should we start doing the same?' Joked the robust dwarf, who was wearing a simple brown tunic.
'Well, I don't think it would be a bad idea, Riveria does have the Fairy Force after all.' Joked Finn, causing the jade-haired Elf to sigh.
'Must you two joke when there is a very serious situation in front of us?' Huffed Riveria.
'Oh it isn't, it seems Loki just forgot to let me know. We will also have Freya Familia supporting us on our next expedition it seems.' Commented Finn, stunning the two, as he went to open the doors.
'You ready for your test?' Asked the tallest of the four, possessing light-blue eyes.
'I never thought we could meet under such amicable circumstances, please follow me to our training area.' Greeted Finn, before turning his back on the pair and walking deeper into home of the Loki Familia.
'Showing us your back.' Spoke the Prum with yellow eyes, before his brother continued on.
'Is pretty arrogant.' Added the green-eyed Prum.
'But what do you expect from a self-declared Hero.' Finished the red-eyed Prum.
'I do not mean any disrespect, Dvalinn, Berling, and Grer, I hold all of you and Alfrigg in great esteem, but I do not expect allies to stab me in the back. I apologise if that is the reality you face. Loki Familia is not like that.' Commented Finn, causing the three to bristle.
'As I understand, one of your own actually is quite rough with strangers and even you own allies.' Retorted Alfrigg.
'Bete's tongue is known to be sharp, yes, but it never meets the back of his comrades.' Quipped Finn, the pair reaching a small training ring.
The four Freya Familia members stood in place as Finn grabbed a spear from the equipment area.
'Not even using your real weapon.' Commented Dvalinn.
'Really, thinking so little of us.' Added Berling.
'Is going to get you hurt.' Finished Grer.
'Oh no, I need to set a boundary. The fight is over once my spear breaks or the four of you yield. If I were to use my best weapon, we would be here all day, as I doubt any of you will yield.' Replied Finn with a smile, twirling his bronze spear behind him, letting it stand in the dirt.
'Well you are right there.' Started Alfrigg.
'We aren't going to hold back.' Continued Dvalinn.
'Since we aren't thrilled.' Added Berling.
'That you are supposed to be our hero.' Finished Grer.
'Even a hero needs subjects to protect.' Quipped Finn with a smile, causing all four them to harden their expressions, as they pulled their visors down.
'No more talking, fight.' Declared the four in unison, before they rushed Finn as a group.
-line break-
'What do you mean the entire Familia is going on a quest without me?' Asked Laurier, standing across from the Captain of her Familia.
'Your mission comes first and besides, your job is more important than ours. We are simply cleaning up a mess.' Commented the elegant aqua blue-haired woman.
The woman carried herself with an air of nobility, but her eyes showed a lingering fatigue. Asfi Al Andromeda, as the Captain of the Hermes Familia, was also subject to the whims of their patron deity and they were truly fickle.
'Please be safe at least then, do you know where you will be going and for how long?' Asked Laurier.
'We will be going to the twenty-fourth floor after meeting reinforcements in Rivira.' Answered Asfi, seeing Laurier's lips thin.
'So you understand then, it would be dangerous to bring you along and you have a more important job to do. Please look after yourself also.' Finished Asfi, getting a small nod from Laurier.
'I will, and I will join you next time.' Declared Laurier, causing Asfi to raise an eyebrow.
'Is that so? Is your current job that dangerous?' Asked Asfi curiously, a hint of worry in her eyes.
'The job itself, no, but this is a truly sticky situation.' Answered Laurier, causing Asfi to sigh.
'Of course, nothing is ever easy in the Hermes Familia, is it? I wish you luck.' Said Asfi, before leaving Laurier behind.
The blonde Elf was left by herself in the Traveler's Inn. She pulled herself together and attached her short sword to her hip, strapping it in place with her two leather belts, before putting her dark blue robe on over the top. She was going into the Dungeon today for the first time with her new party. Laurier would later look back on her time over the next few days with conflicting feelings, but she couldn't know that being excluded from the Hermes Familia mission and being with Bell would be one of the key defining moments of her life. Now though, Laurier could only sigh to herself as she set out towards the fountain near the Dungeon, where she was to meet her team for the foreseeable future.