Chapter 3 Training with a bit of Luck
(2 days before Monsterphilia)
A few hours later, early in the morning around 530am. I have arrived on the western wall on the city to prepare for my run. I started my morning stretches while admiring lands surrounding Orario, as the sun peaked over the horizon.
'I swear, I feel like I am always being watched.' I thought unaware of the purple eyes staring at me from a top babel. 'Probably just my imagination. I am still new at doing this every day. It's a bit embarrassing.'
"I am glad I have enough things to do for the next two days. Wish I could go to the dungeon but I must respect Goddess's wishes. Still why is she going to be away for two days." Pondering goddess Hestia's divine will.
"Oh well, doesn't mean I can't still train. Better get this run over with before I go to the Hostess of Fertility at 9am." I finished stretching to loosen up. I breathe in the fresh morning air and prepared to set off for another run around the walls.
.
.
.
Few minutes before 9am, I have arrived at the 2-story hostess bar in plain black clothes. The hostess was still closed but signs of life were stirring around the building. The green haired elf Ryu was waiting out front dressed in her normal green and white waitress uniform.
"Good morning Miss Ryu."
"Good morning Mr. Cranell. Come on inside. Momma Mia is waiting." She gestured with her hand to the entrance and proceeding inside with her following.
Mia Grand was standing at the counter already dressed in her blue uniform and apron. "Right on time. Good kid. Ready to work."
"Yes, Momma Mia, what will you have me doing this morning?"
"First, you will be helping Ryu clean the floors and taking out the trash. Around 10am we will be training you strength stat with a huge shipment of fish from Melen."
"I am looking forward to it momma Mia."
"Doubtful kid" her brow raised staring at me.
"My goddess doesn't want me in the dungeon for the next two days as punishment for going to the sixth floor and resting here afterwards."
"Sounds like she's a bit overprotective, but I suppose the first part was pretty dumb kid, ha-ha." Chuckled the dwarfess
"Momma please." A nervous Ryu responded as a few cat heads popped out of the kitchen door.
"Fine Ryu, show him where the cleaning supplies are located. If you get done early you can do whatever before the 2pm rush." She turned around to the kitchen door. "Get you lazy feline asses back in there. I don't care if you don't like water. There are still stacks of dishes leftover from last night." She chased after Anya and Chloe back into the kitchen with a few cat cries heard before the door shut.
"Seems like you have a nice family here, Miss Ryu."
"They have grown on me over the last few years. Syr is still my best friend."
"Where is Syr?"
"Syr and May don't live in the Hostess. They kind of make their own hours during the rushes. Anya, Chloe, Luniore and myself have to constantly keep the placed cleaned up to maintain a residence here."
"Is she okay? She seemed mad the other day."
"She will be fine. I explained to her what happened."
"Good"
"Let's get through cleaning and bring in the delivery. If you wish to, we can spar for a few hours. I can show you a few things to help you in the dungeon."
"I would be grateful for your help."
A little over two hours later the storage freezer. powered by a magic crystal, was filled with crates of fish and meat from the ports and farmlands around Melen.
The dwarfess owner slapped me on the back. "Good job, boy. Rare that I can get the girls to put that amount of effort into their jobs. You and Ryu can play in the yard for a couple of hours. Me and May will be prepping for the lunch rush."
"Thank you, momma Mia."
"Mr. Cranell, do you have your equipment with you."
"No but I can rush home and be back in 10 minutes, Miss Ryu."
.
.
.
At the same time a group of Loki familia executives are walking alongside the southwest road from Babel. The party consisted of Goddess Loki, Riveria, Ais, Finn, Leyfia and Alicia.
"Goddess Loki, we should probably wait until you are sobered up before forcing this meeting." Finn joked
"I am fine enough to handle this plus I brought you all as backup. Besides I recover a lot faster than Bete." Loki joked "Speaking of is that werewolf still unconscious Finn?"
"He woke up yesterday morning. Then Riveria knocked him out again."
The group continued their walk taunting the annoyed elven princess with their laughter. When the loki spoke again, "Why did you do that momma?"
"That mutt needs to learn his place and stop embarrassing our familia in public. I thought I would train his endurance stat with my fist?"
"Is that all?" chuckled the prum captain
"Momma was in full protective mode at the bar. Certain bunny rabbit caught her eye." Loki busted out laughing, causing the elves around her to go on the defensive.
"Lady Riveria is above some lowly human boy." Screamed Leyfia. Alicia shook her head in agreement.
"Enough I left the forest to get away from racial supremacists and see the world. I was alert to your pranks and noticed the boy at the bar with Loki. Then Bete started that story causing that incident at the Hostess." Riveria recalled the events of that night.
"Seemed like more than that Riveria. I only went over to tease him. He got pretty upset when Bete called you a hag and slammed the table hard enough to launch his food at Bete." Now all eyes were staring suspiciously at the High elf.
"Riveria was in a bad mood all yesterday and locked herself in the library all day." Chimed in Ais.
"I noticed that too. I wanted to do some research." Alicia added.
"I was just worried he gotten himself killed in the dungeon. Mia said she saw him running to the dungeon without armor." Riveria said in a shaky voice.
"Is he okay?" Finn question with a raised brow
"He seemed to be okay. Me and Ais both saw him running the walls the next day." The group continued their walk down the southwest road.
"Still doesn't explain why you got so drunk, Loki?" Finn questioned the red head goddess.
"Just dealing with a certain loser goddess last night always angers me. Have to drown out itty-bitty's voice somehow."
"Surely it wasn't that bad Loki."
"Finn, she insulted my girls when I was gonna thank her for her boy's help with Riveria."
"Oh, now you care." Riveria spoke sarcastically behind the two.
"For the thousandth time Riveria. I am sorry for what happened. I won't do it again. Let me make it up to you."
Finn spoke up. "Surely she couldn't have said something that bad. She barely knows anything about them."
"Doesn't matter to Itty-Bitty. She always has to one up me by throwing her boobs all over the place. She had the nerve to call my girls harlots, so I threw her across the room."
"Despicable." Spoke Alicia
"She can keep her boy's eyes away from Lady Riveria and Miss Ais. Nobody from that familia has the right to talk about us in that manner." Leyfia screamed.
"Enough." Ordered Riveria "I can't deny that I have a problem with goddess Hestia. However, the boy is honorable."
Riveria turned to addressed the youngest elf Leyfia. "I will speak to whomever I want too. Mr. Cranell has been nothing but courteous and kind to me, Ais and Eina."
"Why do you bring up Eina?" questioned Finn
"She is his advisor. She also will be coming over after Monsterphilia."
"Interesting"
The group turned west on an upper-class residential road leading to the Hearth Mansion, Home of the apollo familia. When the group got to the front gate. Loki continuously slammed the gate bell to notify the residences. "Wake up you pervert we need to talk."
"You don't think this could be misinterpreted as an act of war."
"I don't care Finn. If they are hiding the leader, I will order you all to burn down the manor. Nobody hurts my girls." Loki's remark brought a smile to elves' faces.
.
.
.
Inside the manor, the red headed god stared out the window. His face visibly concerned on how to handle this matter. When a short blue haired timid girl called out behind him.
"I had a dream of a joker holding a rabbit that consumes the sun. Please Lord Apollo, do not make enemies with them."
"Oh, my lovely Cassandra, you have nothing to worry about. I will not make an enemy of Loki familia. I think you need to push out those dreams. Their clearly not holding a rabbit. Definitely one not capable of consuming the sun. Daphne, would you keep her in line." Addressed the short haired redheaded commander.
"I will lord apollo. Come Cassandra. Stop with your pointless prophecies." Red head girl taps Cassandra on the head causing her to tear up and hold her head in pain.
"My dear Hyakinthos, have Luan escort our guests into the lounge room to talk. Prepare a proper reception for them at the entrance." The red head god addressed his captain. A tall man with a brown haired wrapped up in a pontail. He wore a black uniform with the apollo familia crest and a white cape.
"We do not have to bow to them my Lord." The man was visibly angry at the situation.
"Now …now Hyakinthos, the only one out there we have a chance against is thousand elf. I don't want my precious children to die before I can give you all my love."
"As you wish Lord apollo." The apollo captain bowed to his god and went to give orders to Daphne and Luan.
.
.
.
A nervous prum named Luan opened the gate and greeted Loki familia. "Please follow me, Lord Apollo is waiting in the lounge Lady Loki, Braver."
"About time" Annoyed Loki familia entered the gate and passed two lines of adventurers all wearing black uniforms with Apollo emblem on their chest. A few minutes later they all entered the Lounge area and sat across from the sun god apollo and the captain Hyakinthos.
"Good morning lady Loki. What brought the pleasure of you and your beautiful children barging into my house." Sun god addressed the trickster goddess while hungeringly staring at her children.
"Like you don't know. I had a chat with Ganesha last night at the banquet. He says that two of your children were part of the assault against Riveria."
"Loki, I am saddened and horrified about this incident. I have already sealed the falna of Helios and Asclepius. They are no longer part of my familia and are still locked away with Ganesha."
"What of the third one involved, Lord Apollo?" Riveria pressed for an answer
"I have no idea of who you are referring too, Lady Riveria. I only saw those two in the cell. If there is another, I will come forth right away but I have no evidence to suggest the third one was part of my familia."
"Bullshit!" screamed goddess Loki
"Helio and Asclepius have only been a part of my familia for a few months. It's possible that they have a friend with another familia. Maybe if you interrogate them, they will spill the information on the third?" Apollo stated not giving any ground to Loki.
"We have one eye witness outside the familia that could identify the leader." Spoke the high elf. "We do know he was at least level 2 or 3 and was possibly an elf hiding his identity with a cloak."
"Well, I am sorry Lady Riveria, every last one of my children have been accounted for during that night. The only elves I have are loyal to the Alf kingdom and would not hurt their princess or be dumb enough to risk a war with Loki familia."
Apollo continued is rant towards the Loki executives.
"If you wish to interrogate the men you can do so or you can bring this witness of yours to point out the assailant."
Loki familia spent a few hours questioning each male member of Apollo familia for a few hours before leaving to return home. Lord Apollo walked up to his room where a blonde elven man was waiting. The elf wore a green tunic with a red cape that stretched to cover up his face and an eye patch covering his left eye.
"Are they gone?"
"Yes, my dear Lissos you need to keep a low profile outside of the dungeon. If you do something like that again I can't protect you. The other two had their memory of the night erased with a magical device."
"Dam boy and that waitress. I would have had my bloodline be that of an Alf."
"You are a naughty little elf."
.
.
.
The Loki familia executives were outside the gates to the hearth mansion. Ais and Leyfia walked off to get Jagamarukun stall and planned a secret trip to the dungeon for tomorrow.
"I am gonna take Loki to ganesha's compound to talk with the two prisoners, Riveria." Stated Finn
"Fine me and Alicia will go to the Hostess of Fertility to talk to the waitress and try to find Mr. Cranell.
Both groups split up. Loki and Finn heading east and Riveria and Alicia heading north.
.
.
.
I had arrived a few minutes later back at the Hostess of Fertility with my armor and shortsword to meet Ryu for training. She was sitting under a tree in the back yard, still in her green uniform and apron talking with Syr.
"Hello Bell." Syr welcomed me with a big smile.
"Hello Syr, Miss Ryu. Are you helping with training as well?"
"Oh no I have no skills with weapons. I am just here to watch and I made you some lunch."
"You didn't have to make me anything. Syr."
"Oh, it was no trouble at all."
As Syr handed me the ham sandwich. Ryu eyes seemed to grow bigger; she waved her hands back in forth horizontally behind Syr's back mouthing do not eat the food. Ryu had always avoided Syr's cooking. The one time she did eat her cooking she was testing the limits of her abnormal resistance development ability.
I bit down into the sandwich expecting it to be as good as the last breakfast she had given me. Somehow it tasted like wet sawdust wrapped around spoiled meat. The taste brought tears to my eyes, but continued to consume the sandwich as the waitresses watched me. One with a smile the other looked like she was generally concerned for my health.
Forcing the last bits down my throat. "T-thank you, Syr."
"You're welcome. I will be right back to watch your training." She walked back into the kitchen with the empty basket with a smile on her face.
"Mr. Cranell take one of my blades. I don't think that guild sword will hold up long." She handed me a smaller eastern style Kodachi shortsword. The Kodachi blade was about 70cm long, about 20cm shorter than the guild sword. "Get a feel for the blade. When you're ready to spar, lower yourself into a fight stance."
I swipe a few practice swings with the blade. I actually liked the blade a lot. It was still long enough to reach but easier to wield with one hand like a dagger. "These are very nice Ryu. Oops sorry."
"Its fine you can call me Ryu. Everybody else does. The blades use to belong to a dear friend of mine. They should hold up well as they are second class weapons." Hint of sadness in her voice before she brought up her guard and I did the same.
"You need to bend your knees a little bit Bell and widen your stance."
"Why is that Ryu."
"Locking out your knees will make you unbalanced and tire faster. Also, you are a lot easier to exploit." She lunges in towards me and I try to match her strike. When our blades connected, I tried to parry her attack. An instant later she dissappered and brought a kick to my left side sending me into the tree.
Ryu and Syr's face flinches seeing me go unconscious against the tree.
"Ryu that was way too much." Syr runs up to my side to check on me. Lowers herself to the ground and raises my head to sit on her knees. Blush rising on her face.
"Syr what are you doing to him?" Ryu contemplates the intimate act being conducted before her.
"I heard this was a good recovery position for head wounds. It's called a lap pillow."
"I don't think that is appropriate Syr." The easily offered skinship was hard concept for any elf to get over.
"That's just elven pride talking. Most men like it. Though my thighs aren't as comfortable looking as yours. He-he." Teased the silver haired waitress
"Syr. Stop it that's embarrassing." Ryu's cheeks burning red.
"Your ears are going red Ryu. Hopefully my other qualities will be to his liking."
"I am sure he will like you. Stop being so vulgar Syr."
My mind was fuzzy and my eyes were having trouble opening up. First thing I saw was sunlight shining through the tree above me. Then found Ryu's concerned face staring down at me.
"Wow that was a good kick, Ryu." Still in a daze from the impact.
"Sorry Mr. Cranell. I tend to take things too far. I need to hold back my strength more."
"Wow what level are you Ryu."
"I was level 4 before I quit adventuring. Sorry it's been a while since I trained somebody."
"Wow Ryu that is amazing. That explains why that was so painful, but it's okay. I might need a few seconds." My head was on something soft and warm. "This tree is surprisingly comfortable." Then I look up into the smiling face of Syr.
Syr chuckles staring down at me. "I think I am better than a tree at least. Ha-ha."
"SYR!" I jumped up as fast as I could. "Sorry I didn't land on you did I."
"No, I just thought it would help you recover."
"I don't think that is appropriate Syr." The remark caused her to go into a pout.
"Enough let's get back to training." Ryu tried to change the subject.
"Now let's try deflecting attacks. None of your weapons will last long if you keep trying to take the full force of attack on the blade. You can also counter bigger weapons better as well. You will want to come at angle or use the side of the blade to guide the opponent's weapon, nature weapons or claws."
"I will try."
"Also Mr. Cranell. I want to see your footwork. You can't focus entirely on the weapons. I will follow up attacks with kicks or punches to test your speed."
"Alright then."
Ryu comes at me again with a horizontal slash. I block it with the flat part of the blade. Then again with a vertical overhead attack. I was still having trouble keeping up and was too slow again and was knocked out with a punch to the face. Again, I wake up on Syr's lap, jumping up really fast screaming her name.
"Your foot work is still bad. You are very easy to counter and land a hit on if you are stiff on your feet."
"Sorry"
An hour and half passed with much the same results. I was getting better at dodging and trying to predict her moves but was still getting knocked out and waking up on Syr's lap.
A window opened up from the kitchen and the dwarfess own Mia stuck her head out. "Oi, Syr get in here to prep the tables. All you are doing is slowing them down."
"Fine momma" Syr rushes off to the kitchen.
Watching Syr run off. A question inspired by my nightmare came to my mind. "Ryu I was wondering how would you go about killing bigger monsters like Minotaurs."
"I think you are a little far away from going after minotaurs. They don't spawn to floor 17 and their category level 2 monsters. However, on floor 10, orcs are very common. I would suggest going after their legs to slow them down if you don't have the power to kill them quickly."
"Thank you."
"You shouldn't worry about those monsters for now. You were still having difficulty on floor 6 a couple of days ago. Probably take you a few months to get down there and I wouldn't go alone."
Ryu could see that was a blow to my pride. "However, the way you are now. I wouldn't worry about you on floor 6. You are growing strong pretty fast."
"No, I still feel very weak."
"You are improving after every fight. Just save up enough valis to buy some stronger gear." Now I can go for another thirty minutes yet before I have to go cleanup for my shift."
"Sounds great, I want to make the most of my training with you, Ryu."
.
.
.
"Lady Riveria why are we going to the Hostess of Fertility." Alicia asked walking up the north side road to the pub.
"Need to talk to the elf waitress if she's not busy. Her and the boy helped me. Plus, I not sure where Hestia familia is located."
"Oh"
Before they went into the front of the bar. Their level 4 and level 6 senses picked up the sound of combat in the back of the Hostess. They walked around to investigate and both peaked their heads around the corner. Both observed the elven waitress Ryu and the white-haired kid bell sparring in the back.
"Should we interrupt Lady Riveria."
Riveria was quiet. Off in her own world watching as the boy named bell had improved so rapidly. Struggling only a few days ago to get to the 5th floor but was demonstrating a lot more skill then required for that floor.
.
.
.
Ryu and I both got into our fighting stances again. I start off this round of sparring with a vertical slash. Ryu blocks it with the flat of her blade and brings herself around for a roundhouse kick to my head. I dodged it by an inch.
I jumped back a foot and came in for a horizontal slash after horizontal slash. She parried each strike effortlessly. She went in for an overhead right strike. I deflected the attack with my blade, rotated my wrist and brought it down into a horizontal slash. Ryu was surprised and put too much effort in her follow up kick. Sending me ten feet away into the tree again.
Ryu approached my unconscious body. 'I was not expecting that at all.' Her hand gliding over the cut in her apron. Then she looked down at my body. Nothing appeared to be broken or to injured but my body was lying in a bad angle.
She reached over my body and sat my head on to her lap. 'Is this how Syr did it?' Ryu began chanting her noa heal spell. Releasing the green healing magic throughout Bell's body. Ryu's face and ears were reddening at the weird act being done by an elf, unaware of the eyes staring at her from around the corner.
.
.
.
"What is she doing to him?" Spoke Alicia.
Riveria's head was spinning at the tender sight before her. Pang of jealousy in her chest. Her thoughts wondered to a white bunny she had as a pet in the Alf forest. She would take care of it and play with it in her lap. Her father, King Larfal got rid of the bunny and scolded her for not acting like an elven princess.
"Perhaps we should come back tomorrow Lady Rive-." Alicia was cut off by a knife being thrown into the wall next to them.
"Sorry for startling you Ryu." Riveria noticed that the blade was only to send a message and was not directed right at them. Both elves walked around the corner.
Ryu was standing up now with Bell's head resting against the tree. Her sword drawn until she saw who was spying on them. "Can I help you Lady Riveria?"
"My apologies for interrupting your session. I was gonna ask you a question about a couple of weeks ago. Didn't realize Mr. Cranell was with you Ryu."
"I accidently hit him too hard. He kind of surprised me." Ryu's finger tracing over the hole in her apron.
"Why are you training this human and so close to him?" Alicia's question only brought an angry glare from Ryu.
"Mr. Cranell is worthy of my time. I don't want war shadows to take advantage of him again."
"Wait he was on floor 6, Ryu?" shocked the high elf.
"Yes, I chased after him. I was gonna intervene but he handled dozens of war shadows by himself but he did get quite a few injuries. Only stopped him before a killer ant got to him."
"Only two in half weeks and he's doing that all by himself."
"He clearly has a death wi-." Agitated Alicia spoke up before being interrupted by groans coming a few feet away.
"Ouch that was a good kick Ryu." My eyes were still adjusting to the light. "Must have hit my head. I see three of you now. Oh-" My cheeks instantly turned red when I figured out there were three different elves in front of me."
"Good afternoon Lady Riveria."
"I thought I told you already. You don't need to address me by my title. Goes for you two as well."
"But I must insist." Alicia protested.
"In Orario we are all adventurers. We are not in the Alf forest Alicia."
"I just can't"
Riveria just rolled her eyes at the blond elf causing me to chuckle at the display. "What can I help you with Riveria?"
"I was wondering if you remembered the leader of those three that attacked me a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, he escaped custody."
"That's horrible."
"It's fine. I will never let that happen again, Mr. Cranell. Do you happen to remember any distinctive features?"
"He was an elf with blond hair. He was way stronger than me."
"Is that all you remember?"
"I might have blinded him in the left eye with a drop item from a lucky throw. Not sure if you can heal it though with magic."
"He would have had to get it healed within a few minutes to save an eye completely. Thankyou for your assistance and for saving me."
"Miss Riveria." I bowed with my head low. "Ryu was the one that saved you. All I did was delay them. I would have surely of died if not for her intervention."
Again, the high elf was taking back by his honesty. She was about to protest but was cut off by the waitress.
"Mr. Cranell, I would not have been able to get there in time or even known anything was happening, without hearing the sound of you fighting them off. I do think it was reckless of you but luckily it worked out."
"Ryu is right. If you need to talk or need help with something. Please don't hesitate to come by the twilight manor. Though you might want to hide that from your goddess."
"Sorry, I am not sure why she has been acting so weird lately. It would be an honor to talk to you again, but I am sure you are very busy."
"Just think about it. I have to report this to Loki. See you around Bell." My face went a deep shade of red at her saying my name. They both turned around to walk away.
"Mr. Cranell, I have to go to work. I will see you tomorrow at the same time."
"Okay. I will see you tomorrow Ryu." Ryu walked back into the Hostess.
.
.
.
I went back home to the abandoned church to drop off my armor. I went to get something to eat and got cleaned up. "Wow still not home yet. I almost forgot. I should move all my stuff over to my other bag."
I pulled out some packaged snacks and thirty thousand valis I had left over from the minotaur incident. I thought I cashed in all my drop item. I felt something heavy and sharp at the bottom of the bag. I grab it to see what it could be. To my surprised it looked like a minotaur horn.
"A m-minotaur horn." I was tempted to throw it away because of the memory still gave me nightmares. 'How did this get into my bag? Did it have something to do with that weird luck stat?'
"I can't keep it or throw it away. I need to give it back to Riveria." I gripped in my hand and made my way out of the of the church. The evening sun was a few hours away from setting.
"I think I remember the Loki familia living all the way up north, just off the main road."
.
.
.
Riveria was alone in the library studying up on mind manipulation devices and magic. Apparently the two apollo familia that were captured couldn't remember a thing about the third assailant. Almost as if it was deleted from their memories. Usually, people knew to leave her alone while she's in the library because she gets annoyed when people bother her outside of classes. When a knock came at the door.
"What is it?"
The blond elf Alicia poked her head through the gap in the door. "Sorry to bother you Lady Riveria. You have a guest."
Riveria was slightly excited hoping it was Bell Cranell. "Who is it, Alicia?"
"It's Lord Hedin from Freya familia." Alicia opened the door to the ex-Light Elf King Hedin Selland from Hyazning island.
He was a high level 6 adventurer and one of the executives of Freya Familia. Even the gods admired his handsomeness. His skin was almost a translucent white, long blond hair that went down his back and blue eyes. His attire was a black battle garment with a white cape with gold trim and wore glasses.
"Good evening Lady Riveria."
"What can I help you with Lord Hedin?"
Hedin approaches Riveria and takes a knee and with his hand outstretch presents a ring in order to propose. "Please become my wife Lady Riveria. I would be eternally grateful for your love and to bring high elf heirs into the world."
"How many times do I have to tell you Hedin that I am not interested?"
"I will try until the day you and I are wed. I have already talked to your father and gained his blessing."
Another marriage proposal, orchestrated by her father to try and control her life. As for elves go Hedin would undoubtfully be a good choice. However, just like every other countless proposal, it was not about love. It has always been about power and racial purity. Fated to be turned into a broodmare to pump out children.
"If I cared what my father thinks. I would have stayed locked up in the palace in the Alf forest. I will not let somebody else dictate who and when I fall in love."
"My lady you don't have stay in the Alf forest. Lady Freya would love to see us together. Our familia would become unstoppable with you by my side."
"Hedin, I do not desire power."
"It has been thrust upon you as your birthright. You are the most brilliant mage of this age; no elf could hope to match your beauty and our union will ensure elven royal bloodline remains pure."
"My answer is still no. My family is here. I don't need ivory towers. I want to walk amongst the many races and explore every corner of this world. I am still young by elven standards. I can wait a few more decades for the one to fall in love with me."
Hedin finally got up from his kneeling position, his face visible enraged. "What impossible standard do you have for one to marry you?"
"A man that is strong but humble, determined but compassionate, intelligent but kind and honest, I want to be treated as an equal."
"There is no elven man alive that matches those requirements. The Alf blood line will die out before you can find one. Surely you're not holding out for some uncivilized savage of another race."
"I have had enough Lord Hedin. Please take your leave of the manor."
"I will never give up. Nor will my goddess." Hedin turns around and storms out of the Library passing Alicia. "Out of my way girl." Hedin continued to walked out of the manor across the courtyard to the gate, ignoring all in the Loki familia that came across his path.
"I thought you would have said yes my lady."
"Did you not overhear the whole conversation, Alicia?"
"I did!"
"Is it really too much to ask to find somebody on my own to love?"
"He is a king though."
"Was a king Alicia. He sacrificed his whole kingdom to go with Goddess Freya. I do not care about status or power. I just want to live my life preferably with the family I love here."
A loud commotion came from outside by the front gate. Riveria and Alicia turned their heads to look out the window. "Is that ….?"
.
.
.
About thirty minutes later I managed to locate the twilight manor on the north side of Orario. The manor was even more imposing than I remembered. It was a huge structure consisting of multiple towers but only occupied a small portion of land. I was about to talk to the two gate guards. When the gate was forced open.
A male elf stormed out of the front gate. He looked like a powerful adventurer. So, I tried to avoid eye contact with him.
Hedin was enraged that his marriage proposal failed again. 'I thought I had every angle covered to make her mine.' Hedin looked up to the white-haired boy. 'What is my lady's beloved doing here?' He was jealous of her attention on Bell but personally had no issue with him as long as Riveria became his wife.
"Move aside."
"Okay, Sir."
Hedin stormed off to the south towards Babel to report his failure to his goddess. The guards were still shaken up a bit from letting an enemy into the manor. They were weary of the boy approaching them now.
"Halt, state your name and business."
"Sorry, my name is Bell Cranell from Hestia familia. I was wondering if I could speak to Lady Riveria."
"Why would our vice-captain speak to a nobody like you?" spoke the second guard.
"Riveria said I could stop by and speak to her."
"I highly doubt that."
"It's the truth sir."
Two women came up from behind the guards. One was a flat chested amazon wearing a strip of cloth across her chest and battle skirt. The other was a blond elf with a ponytail. About the same age as myself. Dressed in a white shirt and pink corset and cape tied together by a blue ribbon.
"What's going on here?" Spouted the elf
"Leyfia and Tiona, this kid says is requesting to speak to Lady Riveria." The first guard stated.
"Why would our elven princess want to talk to you?
"Hush Leyfia. I recognize you from the bar. You threw that meatball at Bete. That was hilarious?" chuckled the amazon.
"My name is Bell Cranell. That was kind of an accident."
"Rrrright. What do you need with momma Riveria?"
"Momma" tilt my head confused.
Tiona joked teased again. "Just a pet name because of her helping to raise Ais and the rest of the familia as a captain."
"She seems to young for that title. Anyways, I am not sure how, but I found this in my bag." I presented the minotaur horn to the amazon with both hands.
"Wow that's some weird luck."
"To weird. I think you stole it from her." Spouted Leyfia.
"I doubt he could of stole anything from her, Leyfia."
"I didn't take it. I was switching out my old bag and found it inside. She told me at the Hostess of Fertility to come speak to her if there was anything I needed."
"Fine I will take the horn and give it to her." Leyfia approached me determined to prevent me seeing her.
The amazon could see the look on my face. "Awe come on he wants to see his crush Leyfia."
"What" The elf continued walking towards me and when she heard Tiona. She mistepped and tripped on the cobblestone landing forward on top of me. One of my hands grab her shoulder the other found its way to her breast. The softness in my hand made my face go red.
"Sorry. Sorry.
"I have been defiled by a human. I can't marry anymore. You will pay for that with your head." The elf was enraged.
"Leyfia its your own fault for tripping." Tiona was laughing. "With luck like that, I can see how you accidently got the minotaur horn"
Leyfia was furious and started chanting. Her magic circle growing around her feat. She recited the incantation at a furious pace.
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree. You are the expert of the bow. Shoot, sniper of the fairies- -"
"Run" Tiona screamed while jumping on the enraged fairy.
As soon as I saw the incantation. I knew I was gonna die. I bolted northward as fast as my legs could manage. I heard an explosion behind me.
Leyfia lost control of her magic causing an Ignis Fatuus. Both Leyfia and Tiona were knocked out from the blast.
.
.
.
A minute later Riveria flew through the gate. She quickly healed both of them.
"Owwy my head." The amazon was starting to recover on the ground. Still lying on top of Leyfia's back.
"What happened Tiona?" ordered the eye elf.
"Leyfia fell on the white hair kid. His hands found something accidently. So, she freaked out and used her magic on him. I stopped her but she lost control and he ran north I think."
"Tiona take her inside. I will punish her later."
The elven princess ran off at full speed in the same direction.
.
.
.
I made it to the top of the walls. I stopped and sat down on top of the battlements. I was lost in thought staring at the Beol mountains to the north. "What am I doing? Why did I run?"
"Bell"
Hearing that voice surprised me. I shifted my weight on the battlements and started to fall off. I turned to grab ahold of the battlement. When a soft gentle hand caught my own and pulled me up with surprising strength. It was the beautiful jade haired elf Riveria, pulling me up and over the battlement, landing at her side.
"Thank you Riveria." I bowed to the high elf.
"I think that was both our faults. Seems my familia can't stop hurting you, Bell. I am sorry." Her hands were clasped together and her head tilted downward, feeling the guilt.
"No, it's my fault for being weak and shy."
"No, you are not weak Bell. Everybody starts from somewhere and I saw your training with Ryu. You are improving incredibly fast."
"Still don't think so."
"All you need is to have confidence. Most heroes have something to fight for to push them to achieve great things."
"Heroes" looked up at her with my brows raised surprised by her answer.
"I may have found your application. Loki might have let you join if you're interested."
"I would be honored, but I owe it to Goddess Hestia for getting me off the street. Also, I don't think that werewolf would be thrilled to see me."
"Ha-Ha, no he wouldn't. Still if anything changes. You would probably get accepted. Enough about that why did Leyfia get so angry at you?"
"She kind of fell on me." I was hoping she wouldn't hate me for touching an elf. I was nervously shifting my hands. "I wasn't exactly prepared for her to do that and I may have grabbed something. I am sorry."
"Matches the story Tiona told me. Sounds like an accident. Why did you stop by so soon Bell?"
"I found something that belongs to you." I reached to my side where I strapped the minotaur horn. "I am not sure how this fell into my bag. I didn't feel right keeping it."
Riveria stared at the horn in my hand. The odds of a minotaur horn dropping weren't that high but to fall inside a bag without anybody knowing for a few days was some weird kind of luck. The honesty also surprised her. Most people would just cash it in for some easy valis.
"Bell, can you meet me by the guild around 3pm tomorrow."
"I can meet then. Ryu will train me to 2pm. Eina's gonna probably be angry at me though for being down to floor 6. Why the guild?"
"I am sure it will be fine. We can find a smith near the Hesphaistos familia shops to make a weapon out of that horn. Probably won't be high quality but it would at least be stronger than your guild sword."
"I had no idea you can make weapons out of it drop items. Won't that cost a lot of valis?"
"It should be a reasonable price since we have the raw material. You can always sign a contract with Hesphaistos to pay it off yourself. Could also use a lesser well know blacksmith to lower the price. Helps both you and the blacksmith get stronger."
"Wow, wish I knew that earlier. I keep staring hopelessly at the weapons in the store front. Though Eina did mentioned something about cheap armor."
"I can ask her to show you around Babel. A couple of the floors in babel are rented out to Hesphaistos smiths of all skill levels."
"That would be great."
"This view is amazing. I have to check out the wall more. I never realized how beautiful everything was from up here." She stared out to the Beol mountains for a few more seconds. "I need to get back to my familia. I will see you tomorrow then Bell."
"I can't wait. Good night Riveria."
I was so excited to see her again tomorrow. There was no way I was gonna get any sleep without burning off this excitable energy. I ran the walls once more before going back to the church to fall asleep.
.
.
.
Riveria took her time walking back. Her thoughts were running wild in her head. 'Why am I doing this? I have never cared about people outside the familia this much. Is he hoping this is a date? His skin was so warm and he's so nice and pure.'
Riveria's face was blushing and she was excited. She brings her hands up to her head and slap's her face to get her mind under control.
'Stop it Riveria. Something like that would cause too many problems for him. Besides he probably thinks I am as old as his grandma.'
"Punishing Leyfia will have to wait. I need to distract myself from these ridiculous thoughts with a good book and go to bed." Riveria regained her composure and rushed back into the Library trying to avoid everybody else in the familia for the rest of the night.
.
.
.
(Day before monsterphilia)
I started the morning just like the last one. I woke up for a morning run around the walls. Helped momma Mia and the waitress clean up the bar and store away a food delivery from Demeter's farms.
Ryu had time to train me again for a few hours. I brought my armor with me this time.
"Mr. Cranell, I think we should eat lunch before we start." We both walked over to the tree and sat down in the shade. Ryu retrieved two small boxes from inside a basket. The premade lunches consisted of a leafy green salad with cut up bits of leftover chicken with sliced apple at the side.
"Wow Ryu you didn't have to make me anything."
"I thought you could use something healthier. Syr is wonderful but she does lack any skill in the kitchen. I noticed your lie yesterday." She shot a smirk at me causing me to scratch the back of my head out of nervousness.
"Please don't tell her but it was a bit rough to eat." Gulp recalling the memory of eating her lunch.
"Mr. Cranell, if you force down her food. You might not live to put this training to use."
"I actually wasn't expecting her to continue making food. I just forgot my valis that day and she was nice enough to help me."
"I see."
We started to consume the lunch. It was delicious and filling. "Wow this is amazing Ryu. I am surprised you don't prepare food."
"I am kind of clumsy in the kitchen." Ryu spoke in a lower tone as if embarrassed, as her ears started to warm up at the compliment.
"It's as good as Momma Mia's"
"The chicken is from Leftovers. If you would like, I could continue making you lunch for the dungeon."
"No, I couldn't ask that you Ryu."
"It wouldn't be much trouble. I make my own anyways. Maybe just pay half price for the cost of the ingredients so Momma doesn't complain."
"If, you're sure. I don't want to take advantage of your kindness."
"It will be fine." Ryu insisted.
"Maybe beating me up will help you control your amazing strength in the kitchen." I started to chuckle at the training to come.
"Oh, you might regret that." She flashed a beautiful smirk.
"Before we begin. I noticed on floor 6 that you were wasting too much energy in each of your attacks. Each of your attacks has to be delivered with the intent on stopping the person or monster in front of you. Especially when the dungeon. You can easily get tired from over exertion and get yourself surrounded and unable to fight."
"I will try Ryu."
We continuously sparred for the next two hours. Whenever I got knocked down, Ryu went to check on me and was surprised to see me get up again. The two hours of training was relatively uneventful. I continued to practice dodging drills for the first hour. The second hour was spent with me on the offensive trying to push Ryu back and land a hit.
Ryu had to call it quits to prepare for her shift and I went home to clean up and get into fresh clothes. Thinking to myself, 'She probably doesn't think of this as a date. How do I get her to stop thinking of me as a little boy? I am technically old enough to drink and I risk my life in the dungeon too.' I walked off to meet her at the guild hall.
.
.
.
Riveria slept in incredibly late. One of the best sleeps, she has gotten in a long while. Her dreams of taming an Al-Miraj bunny so strong that the Alf kingdom was forced to bow to his might. Riveria finally stirred when a knock came to the door.
Loki swung open the door hard. Stirring the elven princess from her rest. The red-haired goddess entered the room in her usual blue sporty attire. "Geesh it's two in the afternoon Riveria. I heard of beauty rest but this is ridiculous."
"Two o'clock already." Riveria sat up alarmed
"Don't have a prince around here but if you need a smooch to wake you. I guess I can help." Loki's was anxiously shaking her hands like they were groping thin air with an evil smile.
"Knock it off Loki. How did I sleep this late?" Still adjusting her eyes and glancing over to the clock to confirm the time.
"Guess you needed it Mama. Don't worry about your classes. Alicia took over in your stead."
"What of Leyfia? I am not training her to be my replacement for nothing and I have to talk to her about using her magic on people when she gets mad."
"Oh yeah I heard about the incident with the rabbit from Tiona. Seems like punishment for Leyfia will have to wait. She and Ais snuck off to the dungeon alone. Guards seen her with a supporter pack on."
"Silly girls can't even take a break from the dungeon for a few days." She pinched the bridge of her nose preparing herself for the headache to come.
"We can stay up to deal out punishments late tonight. I will be punishing you too for sleeping so late."
"That's hardly fair Loki."
"True but I want a date for tomorrow's festival. Guess now I will have two. Wear that old dungeon outfit. You may be the mamma of our family but you're not that old. Your normal robes kind of suggest otherwise."
"People stare at me with perverted looks in that outfit. Especially that weasel Raul."
"I can get Aki to torture Raul if he does do anything. Pretty sure she likes him. Pity I was hoping to be the first one hold her tail."
"Stop it Loki."
"Can you blame me? My women are the best in the world." She puffed out her flat chest with pride. "I will not take no for answer tomorrow."
"Fine!"
"Now hurry and get up. I can think of a few other things you can do for the rest of the day."
"Um about that. I have plans later around 3."
"You got a DATE!" Loki's voice rang out through the halls of the manor. Many in the manor overheard Loki's voice; leading to Two eager amazons barging into her room.
"Riveria's got a man." Spoke the energetic Tiona
"About time." Spouted Tione.
"No, it's not a date. Mr. Cranell found a minotaur horn from the expedition in his bag. I was gonna help him contract with a smith to make a weapon out of it."
"Oh yeah I forgot about that item. Still sounds like a date to me." Teased Tiona
"Anything with weapons or sparring you would consider a date you crazy battle junky." Tione yells at her sister.
"That's not fair sis. I beat up Bete all the time and could never stomach dating him." Tiona screams back.
"Better not wear that outfit today at least. You might kill him. Ha-Ha." Loki fell on the floor laughing.
"OUT, out all of you!" Riveria was so embarrassed she sprung up and forced the three out of the room and slammed the door shut.
.
.
.
(Flashback to the Banquet of the Gods)
Hestia bows to the floor in front of Hesphaistos in the dogeza position, head and hands flat on the ground begging her fellow goddess. "Please make Bell a weapon."
A goddess submitting in front of another one in such a way was shocking to witness. Hesphaistos however knew Hestia was gonna try something. The stance only made her angry.
"You're lucky you even have a familia and you want me to make you a weapon for free. You spent the last three months taking advantage of my familia. I provided everything for you to start your own. You didn't even care to start one until I kicked you out and had to get a job."
Hesphaistos angry voice carried throughout the hall. Drawing the attention of every person in the halls as wells as the rolled eyes of a trickster walking away from the banquet. Hesphaistos turned around to leave herself but Hestia jumped in the way again and back down into the Dogeza position. Hestia continues this process and follows Hesphaistos to her home trying to plead her case.
.
.
.
Almost two days later, Hestia was still in the dogeza position in front of Hesphaistos office desk. Hesphaistos didn't want to give in at all. Hestia was her greatest friend from Tenkai but she has been abusing her friendship during her time on Gekai.
Hesphaistos was at her breaking point. She snapped, "Hestia how long are you planning on doing that? It's interfering with my productivity."
"As long as it takes."
"Hestia, I told you over and over. I am not forcing the best smiths in the world to forge a weapon for free. I cannot give something away made from my children's blood and sweat as a favor for a friend." Hesphaistos was trying to regain her composure hoping this would be enough for her friend to stop acting this way.
Hesphaistos continued "And what is up with this position anyways?"
"Takemikazucki said this was a powerful technique to ask for forgiveness and ask for a favor."
"Ugg, this is going to be a real pain. Why are you going this far?"
"Because I want to help him. He's growing so fast I need a weapon to clear a way for him." Hestia was still begging in the dogeza position.
"There are thousands of adventurers in Orario that are wishing for the same exact thing. What makes your child so special? Why haven't you tried recruiting anybody else in the last 4 months?" Hesphaistos commented.
"To show Bell my love. I don't want anybody to take him nor do I need anybody else." Hestia pleaded.
"So, you want brand new adventurer to explore the dungeon alone and you think giving him a weapon, that neither of you will every be able to afford? In order to force your love on this boy." Hesphaistos asked demanding answers from her friend.
"Yes" Hestia pouted raising her head.
Hephaistos's headache was getting worse. "You do know that adventurers spend years of their lives going deep into the depths in order to get stronger and to be able to afford 1st class weapons."
"Shouldn't take Bell long to get some valis with his luck s-" Hestia cut herself off realizing what she
"Luck?" Hesphaistos tilted her head in general curiosity. "Well then he can comeback with a ten million valis down payment"
"Ten million down payment." Hestia said in shock.
"If you're wanting a first-class weapon from me, it would cost at least 200 million valis." Her one eye focused on her friend
"That's outrageous." Hestia screamed.
"OUT, get out. Don't come back to you learn to respect somebodies craft." Hesphaistos got up and pushed Hestia out of the room. The red haired goddess headache was aching, "I need to lie down."
Hestia stormed off back home to the empty church basement. She was mad at her friend but now she was furious that Bell wasn't home. "Probably snuck off to the dungeon to impress that elf."
.
.
.
Bell was standing outside the guild hall 15 minutes before 3. Standing around nervously watching adventurer groups enter and leave the hall. Thinking of my grandpa's words. "Bell never make a woman wait. They will appreciate it more if you show up early."
"Bell"
"Eina"
"What are you doing outside the guild Bell? I haven't seen you in a few days."
"I am waiting for somebody."
"Are you on a date?" Eina teased
My cheeks went red. "No, no, just getting help."
Eina was about to inquire further; when the jade hair elven princess noticed the two talking. My heart was racing at the sight of her approaching.
"Hello Eina. Hello Bell." Riveria greeted the two
"Lady Riveria what are you doing here."
"Oh, I am here to meet Bell. I was going to help him talk to Hesphaistos smiths about a converting a drop item to a weapon." Riveria stated not thinking it was a big deal.
"HUH" Eina screamed but Riveria put a finger against her lip to quiet her down. "Sorry why are you doing that?"
"Bell here found a minotaur horn in his bag. Seemed like a good idea to help him set up a contract with a smith to reward his honesty. Should make floor 6 easier than last time." Riveria replied without realizing that she threw Bell under the wagon.
I picked it up right away. My mouth was open in shock. Eina stared at me like she wanted to wrap me up in chains so I would listen to her. Chill of fear was tingling up my spine.
"What did I tell you Bell? How did you even survive against war shadows? Why?" Spouted the angry half elf.
"I was in a bad mode and just kept going until I saw something new. If anything, your lessons helped me out a lot in dealing with them. Ryu saved my butt against a killer ant though." I bowed in front of the elves. "I am sorry. I want to get stronger."
"Enough Eina. I want to get over to the Hesphaistos shops to order a weapon. If you're worried, help him get some armor on your day off." Riveria commented.
"Fine. Bell in two days we will go get some armor. Meet me by the north side of Babel around 10am." Eina ordered.
"I can do that Eina."
"Well, we need to go. See you later Eina." Eina bowed to Riveria and watched us walk away to the eastern side road to the Hesphaistos shops in the north west district of Orario.
.
.
.
The half dwarf Tsubaki was running the counter of a Hesphaistos shop. She had dark skinned like an amazon but was shorter in stature. Her busty chest was wrapped up in bandages to help her back when forging weapons and had an eye patch over her left eye to mimic her goddess. She usually follows around her goddess Hesphaistos or is in the forge most days when not in the dungeon. Hesphaistos was busy all day so she volunteered to help a level 1 smith out at the shop.
*Yawn* "Can this day go buy any faster?" She speaks out loud before the bell above the door rings and two people enter the shop. Tall jade green hair elf and a shorter teen boy with white hair.
"Heh Riveria, been a while since I seen you around. Usually, it's Finn that submits orders." Cheered up at the sight of a co-captain from one of her allied familias.
"This is not a familia matter Tsubaki." Riveria stated
"Does it have something to do with him Riveria."
"Yes, this is Bell Cranell. He has been very helpful and found a this drop item from a runaway minotaur that got away from our expedition. I was wondering if you could use this drop item." Riveria hands the minotaur horn to the half dwarf.
"Minotaur horn! I could probably make a second class weapon out of that horn. Sure, you don't want something better." She say's examining the horn uninterestingly.
"I can not use familia funds for this but I want to help Bell get a better weapon then his guild weapon."
"Wow you're cute. Are you a new adventurer?" Tsubaki says eyeing me up and down.
"Yes Ma'am. I have been at it for three weeks."
"I guessing you don't have a lot of valis."
"No ma'am." I said nervously.
"Just call me Tsubaki. I have two options for you. I can give it to a beginner smith to work on. He could probably make a third-class weapon. Since you provided the material, I can have you sign a contract for 500k valis."
"The second option." Confused Riveria questioned the half dwarf.
"I could forge it for him if I can snuggle up with the cute rabbit. These things hurt my back and get in the way of my blacksmithing." She points to her ample chest.
"Tsubaki don't be so vile." Riveria was annoyed as she always propositioned Finn when he came to talk to her. Her eyes wondered over to Bell's face, expecting him to take the second option.
I was speechless. My face was all red. I gulped staring back over to Riveria. Which made Tsubaki cackle with laughter. "I was just joking. I can have my guy make you a weapon. He's new but reliable."
"Whew" I said nervously. My thoughts were running wild at the proposition, but I didn't want to lose any chance, no matter how small, with the high elf princess.
The half dwarf Tsubaki continued. "What kind of weapon do you want?"
"Would you be able to make a pair of Kodachi." I spoke.
"No blacksmith could make two shortswords out of this much material. Could make two knives. If you're looking for a similar style of blade. There is the eastern style Wakizashi knives and an elfish variant fighting knives. They are about 20cm shorter than a Kodachi." Tsubaki stated.
"Can I try out the elfish variant? I prefer to have two weapons than one sword." My eyes shifted over to Riveria watching the conversation.
"Sure thing. Do you think you can make 20k valis a week Bell?"
"Oh yes I can do that in a day if I push myself Miss Tsubaki." I handed her 20k valis as a down payment and signed a contract.
"I think he can get it done before the festival starts tomorrow. Stop bye around 9am."
"What Festival?" I asked
"Right, you haven't been in Orario for more than a month." Riveria commented. "Monsterphilia is a monster taming festival at the coliseum. I have to escort goddess Loki around all day. You should go check it out. It can be helpful for newer adventurers to learn how to handle different monsters."
"Sounds like fun."
Tsubaki was bored. "Guess I am just use to seeing it. I find it boring. See you tomorrow morning."
Me and Riveria left the shop. "Bell, I have to get back to my familia. I hope these knives will help you better defend yourself in the dungeon."
"Good night Riveria. Thank you for everything." I turned around to run to the wall and complete my routine and head back to the abandoned church after a few hours.
.
.
.
Tsubaki walked to a back room where a 6-foot-tall red head man was sitting looking over a longsword he got back earlier that day. He was about 17 and was wearing a black overcoat.
"Hey Welfy-boy I got a commission for you."
"I already told you over and over, I am not making magical blades. Nobody wants my regular weapons and armor." He stared down at the blade that didn't sell.
"Its not a magical blade. I found a new adventurer that wants a few weapons made out of this minotaur horn. I didn't tell him your name. I just said it was a new smith." Tsubaki smiled at the red headed blacksmith.
"What kind of weapons?"
"Oh, two elfish fighting knives. I can help you Welf."
"Oi Cyclops, you're gonna get me killed by an elf. My ancestors brought death to their people with our blood." Welf was angered by the Dwarf woman's games.
"Don't worry, it's for a human kid. Just let me watch and if you need my hands, I will help you." Teased Tsubaki
"Stay off the booze Cyclops. I will start up the furnace." The human man and the half dwarfess worked the forge the rest of the night. Many cries could be heard from the red head smith as the Tsubaki was constantly teasing him and fixing his work.
.
.
.
"Godess. Godess." I called out hoping she would be back by now when I arrived at the church.
"Bell" The crying goddess jumped on me as soon as I entered the room. "I missed you."
"Finally, your back. I thought the banquet of the gods was over 2 days ago."
"I was trying to beg my friend for help. We got into a fight." Tears gathering in her eyes.
"Goddess you don't need to do that. Just apologize to your friend. We will find our own way. Please update my status."
"You didn't go to the dungeon did you." She pouted trying to look for a lie in my face.
"No, I didn't go to the dungeon but I have been busy."
"Fine" she growled looking over me in suspicion.
I got cleaned up and was lying down on the bed with my shirt off and the goddess was once again straddled across my backside. Let a drop of blood fall to my back to update the falna.
Bell Cranell Age: 15 Race: Human
Level One
Strength: G260 E425 Defense: G280 D502
Dexterity: G242 E460 Agility: F345 D550
Magic: I-0 Luck: I
Magic ()
Skills ()
'He went up over 800 point. How is this possible?' Hestia's thoughts were running crazy trying to come up with an answer.
"BELLLLLLL! Did you lie to me somehow?" Hestia was angry
"Never goddess. I been training hard outside the dungeon. I been running the walls morning and night. I also met this amazing elf waitress that found me on floor 6 a couple of days ago. She has been training me for a few hours over the last couple of days." Try to recall the events of the last few days.
Hestia pounded on my back with her meager strength. "Bell you cheater. You said you were helping out at the Hostess of Fertility."
"I did goddess. You can ask the owner of the hostess, Momma Mia. I spent a few hours helping out. Spent the afternoon training with Ryu. What is wrong with that?" I begged my goddess to see reason.
She stormed out of the church to find her friend Miach. They both went to drink at a pub. Hestia got completely drunk sitting on stools around a wooden box table outside the pub.
"Miach, Bell is cheating on me." Hestia is crying with her head down on the table surrounded by empty mugs of cheap alcohol. Her hand still gripped on a fresh one; she began to pound on the table over and over. "Bell is mine! Who is this girl anyways?"
Miach is staring down at his drunk friend while sipping his own. "Now, now, Hestia. Bell is not a possession. He doesn't belong to anybody."
"I know that!" Hestia kept drinking more and more. She was starting to imagine her life with Bell. "Bell, Bell, Please, don't leave me alone!" Tears running down her eyes. "I love you, Bell."
"Hestia, keep it down." Hestia passed out at the bar. Miach had to pay the tab and carry her home.
.
.
.
Late at night about 1am, Ais and Leyfia made it back from their secret trip to the dungeon. They walked past the gate guards and into the main hall of the twilight manor. They continued to the winding double staircase, where a very upset jade hair elven princess was waiting for them to return. Both of the girls stopped in front of her.
"Do you two have any idea how worried we are about you? Can you not even take few days rest?" Riveria maintained a serious face trying to stop tears come out of her eyes while express her anger at two young women she considered family.
"Sorry lady Riveria."
"Sorry Riveria."
The red head goddess walked down the right staircase, still a little tipsy. "Ais my sweet you will be going to Monsterphilia with me and Riveria."
The young elf spoke up. "No we are going to the festival with the twins tomorrow."
Riveria intervened. "Loki let Ais go with the twins. They can hold her down for the day." She turned her gaze to the younger elf. "Plus we need to have a long chat with Leyfia for attacking people and avoiding her duties."
"He grabbed me." Leyfia tried to protested, drawing the eye of Loki.
Riveria stopped her before she could continue with her lie. "That is not what Tiona and the guards recall. You were clumsy, tripped and fell on him. Then you had the gall to threaten to kill him. It's bad enough that Bete embarrasses the familia. I will not allow you too."
Leyfia was about to protest further when Loki intervened. "Fine I will have to pretty elves follow me around for the festival. Alicia had to take over for the both of you, so that is my punishment."
"Yes goddess" Both elves agreed reluctantly
Loki continued. "Ais you are to take Alicia with you. She is acting too much like Riveria. She is in the library to much and needs to get outside more. You are not to go near the dungeon until Finn and Riveria order it. Am I clear?"
"Yes, goddess Loki." Ais accepted her goddess's will.
"Great I will see you two lovely elves in the morning. I have a breakfast appointment to keep with an acquaintance then we will have fun at the festival." All four ladies walked off to bed to get rested for the festival tomorrow.
Both elves having trouble falling asleep with mixed emotions about a white rabbit on their mind. Riveria found it even more difficult only being up half the day.