Chapter 5 Building Support

"Get me Riveria!" the red head goddess yells out staring at the piece of paper in her hands.

Luckily the high elf wasn't too far away. She saw Loki take Eina and Alicia up the tower to her room. She heard the goddess's voice scream out her name from down the stairs and jogged up to the goddess Loki's room.

She opened the door to see the red headed trickster with a huge smile plastered across her face; still gripping the piece of paper in her hand. While Eina and Alicia were trying to catch a peak at it.

"What is it Loki?" high elf's alarmed reaction faded seeing the three together. 'Alicia at least kept Loki off Eina at least.' The thought had crossed her mind.

"Riveria take a seat. I got some questions for Eina. I wanted you to be here. Glad you were close bye." Loki turned to her right to where the concerned half Elf was sitting. "Eina, how many times have you been in the dungeon; since you been with the guild over the last three years?

"I haven't been in the dungeon at all. I have been scared of it ever since."

"You're not lying to me. I can sense that Eina. Still how is that not a lie?" The trickster goddess looked utterly baffled as she placed the sheet in front of the three elves.

Eina Tulle

Level One Race: Half Elf Age: 19

Strength: G288 F302 Defense: G275 F316 Dexterity: E483 D597 Agility: H187 G243 Magic: C654 B745

Magic ()

Dio Luna (Healing) - "Respond to the contract, light of the forest. Follow my order and heal the wounds of those that seek your Mercy."

Midgard's Twilight (Earth) - "Earth split asunder. Sheen of iron. Upheave the very rock and stone beneath my toe. Gnome, Incarnate of the land. Rain down your missiles and extinguish the light."

Skill ()

Peredhel's Canon(1) - Enhances Magic Abilities. 1.5x the effect when using attack magic. Passively Gains Spirit healing when not using magic.

The three elves were silent, each amazed by the what they saw on the sheet. When Loki spoke again. "Not only is there a huge jump to your basic abilities but you gained a skill."

"Peredhel's Canon" The high elf's brow raised as she spoke her thoughts loudly.

"You know what it means Lady Riveria." Alicia questioned.

"Yes! Peredhel means half high elf."

"How?" Eina stares shocked into Riveria's face

"Your mother is technically a High Elf. We share a common ancestor in Lady Rishena from 1,000 years ago. It is because of my father King Larfal that she is not allowed to refer to herself as a High Elf. Your father's brown hair must have been more a of a dominant trait."

"Why did your father do that to my mother?"

Riveria was cut off by the red head goddess. "Because King Larfal's an ass!"

Alicia was about to protest when she saw the pursed smile on Riveria's face trying her best to suppress the urge to laugh. "Enough, I can explain me and your mother's history another time. In my father's eyes the blood relation is too miniscule to count. I despise his obsession with purity and wanting to mess with my life."

"Surely we shouldn't talk about King Larfal in this way." Pleaded Alicia.

"He hates and fears anything outside the Alf forest. Even elves like you and Lefiya would be looked down on because you're from the Wishe Forest." Alicia looked down; her ears lowered. "Eina is a perfect example of a half elf and yet she would probably be executed like any other race that enters the Alf forest without a royal invitation, so yes my father is an ass."

Loki smirked that her first daughter agreed with her. She decided interrupt and steer the conversation back to Eina. "Your skill looks similar to Lefiya's Fairy Canon skill. Hers is a little stronger with attack magic but you can recover mind easier with the passive spirit healing ability."

"Conserving mind is very important to a mage. In my opinion it is better than Lefiya's fairy canon skill." Riveria smiled beamingly towards the half elf.

Eina felt warm inside having elf princess think so highly of her. Still a little confused, Eina turns to Loki. "How did my abilities go up this much?"

"That's the thing that is confusing me the most. Maybe half this amount wouldn't be shocking over three years. 320 points and not training, fighting or going into the dungeon whatsoever shouldn't be possible." Loki tilted her head to Riveria. "However, I have seen something similar lately with Riveria and Ais."

"What do you mean?" Now was Riveria's time to be confused.

"You and Ais had quiet the boost after the last expedition."

"True but it wasn't this high."

"Need more information but rabbit boy is my number one suspect." Loki's announcement shocked the three elves.

"Bell? Why him?" Spoke the high elf.

"He's been an adventurer for what three weeks and he's able to help slay an infant dragon and a silverback. Doesn't sound right to me." Loki's suspicion was mounting, even getting agitated that he could break her favorite's record. "Ais is the record holder leveling up in 1 year and this boy's progress could dwarf her feat."

All three elves were taken aback by this announcement. Eina revealed what she knew. "He was asking me during monsterphilia if he could go to floor 7. Then the Silverback broke out."

"See none of you can tell me that's normal."

"Makes sense, I guess. Still, that's got to be a super rare skill." The high elf spoke. "Me and Alicia saw the scorched hall. How did he survive that attack?"

"He hid under the silverback's corpse. I thought he was dead." Eina started to tear up. "It was about to burn me alive and somehow he hooked the chain from the silverback around the mouth of the dragon and forced its head into the wall, burning its eye. You know most everything else."

"Wow. He seems to have some crazy luck of late." Alicia spoke up not wanting to be left out.

"Plus, Itty-Bitty has been obsessing over him. She seems to be afraid of him going near elf women." Loki got an evil grin. "Let me check your statuses."

The elven women were anxious to have their statuses checked. One droplet of blood fell on each of Riveria and Alicia backs. Loki updated their statuses and placed their papers before them.

Alicia Forestlight

Level: Four Race: Elf Age: 25

Strength: E442 E466 Defense: G204 G220

Dexterity: D520 D538 Agility: C607 C622

Magic: E480 E482 Mage: H Abnormal Resistance: H

Magic Resistance: I

Magic ()

Niflhem's Shackles – "Freeze, binding chains of winters

Skill ()

Ranger's Grace – Gains Escape when running away or using range weapons while running.

Riveria Ljos Alf

Level: Six Age: 99 Race: High Elf

Strength: G246 G284 Defense: G280 F302

Dexterity: C656 C675 Agility: C665 B705

Magic: S989 S995 Mage: E Treatment: G

Abnormal Resistance: G Spirit Healing: G Magic Resistance: H

"Riveria has gone up 125 points and Alicia has gone up 75 points." The elven women were gazing at Loki's beaming smile as she dropped the stunning revelation in front of them.

"How I have barely done anything but fight that plant monster and punch Bete?" Riveria was surprised at the increase as a warm feeling lingered in her heart.

"I have never seen a jump like this before. How is mine lower than both of their statuses? I went on the expedition too." Alicia shouted happy but frustrated that hers was the lowest.

"Still need some more information to be certain." Loki scratched her head recalling the events of the last three weeks. "Eina and Riveria have been around him more. We will see the results from the mini expedition. However, Eina is his advisor. So, she can provide a baseline to confirm, if Bell has a rare unknown skill."

"I don't want to use Bell. His progress has been worrying me. He is coming in to train for floor 7 soon. He's been running the walls every day before too." Eina addressed Loki with a worried look.

"You don't have too. Just be your normal beautiful self Eina. Now you have a huge decision to make. Do you want to level up?"

"WHAT!" Eina was shocked. She thought she would never be able too.

"Your fight with the dragon has made you eligible for level 2. It's up to you but I would like it, if your magic was at least an A rank. If you got a cute excelia battery. Why not work on getting your agility up by running with him?" Loki stated.

"I can wait Goddess."

"If you get the chance maybe take a peek at his backside. Itty-Bitty probably not smart enough to lock his back up." Loki flashed an evil smirk.

"Loki we can't ask Eina to do that." Riveria scolded her goddess "That would not be proper and you know it."

"What should be easy for Eina to check her boyfriend's back?"

Eina's face went red and looked like steam was about explode from her ears. "Bell's not my boyfriend."

"Not what Misha told us. You seem to care a lot about him."

"I do worry about him a lot. I am his advisor." Eina stares off in the direction of Riveria. "Besides he fancies somebody else."

Riveria didn't pick up on it. 'Who is she talking about?' She thought Eina was referring to somebody else. For some reason that information hurt. "I think we should call it a night. Alicia, can you walk her home."

"Sure, Lady Riveria."

"Eina can always stay with me." Loki patted her bed.

"NO" all three elven women shouted and left the room.

An Alicia walked Eina home through the dark streets and at the entrance of her apartment they stood outside at the steps.

"Hey Eina I am surprised you didn't tell Lady Riveria."

"It's not my place too. I will respect Bell's resolve to get stronger so he can try Alicia."

"Still think he is wasting his time to go after our princess. I feel like he will just get hurt or killed by other elves or offend her." Alicia stares Eina in the eyes. "I can tell you like him a lot. Why not try to spend more time with him? I seen him running the walls in the morning. Usually ends up on the west wall close to 9am."

"I never been good at running because of these things." Eina points to her chest.

"Hah Hah. Probably end up falling off the wall if you ran next to him." Eina was red in the face. "I got to get back or the guards will run after us. Be safe."

"You to Alicia. Please don't get hurt in the dungeon." Eina looked at her friend with teary eyes. "Bell encouraged me to come see you all again. I have missed everybody."

"Seems I owe this Bell a debt of gratitude for helping you and becoming your hero. He even saved me from the plant monster." Alicia's warm smile eased Eina's mind. "Good night Eina."

"Good night Alicia."

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(Earlier)

I spent the remaining of the afternoon fitting my armor. Somehow it fit me, nearly perfectly. The light armor didn't encumber me much and allowed for flexible movement. My body was still sore from yesterday. So, I fell asleep on the uncomfortable couch. I slept well into the evening before being shoved awake by the goddess.

"Bell" I opened my eye. "Can we talk?"

Slowly opened my eyes and sat up next to the goddess. "Hmm, uh sure goddess."

"I am sorry I freaked out. I just don't want to you to leave me alone."

"Goddess you got me off the streets. I am most grateful for that. I just want to be allowed to have friends."

"You can but I don't want people to take advantage of you."

"Nobody is taking advantage of me. I will keep my eyes open and trust in the wisdom of my goddess."

"What about Loki's Elves that keep harassing you?"

I started to get little annoyed. "They have been helping me. I found a drop item from the minotaur and Lady Riveria helped me find a smith. Eina is my advisor and has been teaching me a lot about the dungeon. She was so worried that she took time out of her day to help me find some armor."

"You don't think their trying to seduce you." She said with teary eyes.

In my head. 'I wish.' My face went red. "No goddess I don't. Their helping to keep me alive. Please try to start recruiting, with any luck our familia will grow as fast as I seem to be and we can be a strong and stable enough to move into a bigger house."

'He realizes somethings off.' She thought worried. "You're too naïve Bell. Try trusting me for once. I believe in your strength. Let's see how much you grew."

Bell Cranell Age: 15 Race: Human

Level One

Strength: E425 D571 Defense: D502 C620

Dexterity: E460 D585 Agility: D550 C656

Magic: I-0 Luck: I

Magic ()

Skills ()

"Geesh what did you fight."

"A silverback and an infant dragon. If it wasn't for Eina. I would have died to the dragon."

"Why not run away?"

"I didn't want the silverback hurting people. I thought I could at least hold it off until help arrived. The dragon somehow broke out on its own after I finished off the silverback."

"You're lucky to be alive. Stop acting like a hero. You're being reckless all to impress an elf."

"I did it because I didn't want people getting hurt. If I can help people, I will goddess."

Hestia gripped me in a hug. Squeezing her chest tight against me. We wished each other a good night and went back to sleep for a little while longer.

Having slept all day. I woke back up around 9pm.

"…" my stomach grumbled loudly. 'Maybe I should check in with Ryu and grab a bite to eat.' Again, as I walked down the street, I felt like somebody was watching me. "Is this paranoia or am I actually feeling something?" I didn't have time to dwell on that thought. My stomach gurgled again as I had not eaten all day.

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********** (Spoiler in this section) **********

Freya had been watching from the top of Babel all evening at her dear Odr wondered the city. She was delighted that he was driving a wedge between his own goddess because it will make it easier to steal him later when he gets stronger. She took a sip from her wine glass. 'Still he's spending too much time around Loki's women.'

"Ottar what have you found for me?"

The giant boaz was standing next to her as imposing as ever. "He successfully trapped the silverback in the tunnel. It's hard to believe but there has been rumors from the townsfolk that he beat an infant dragon, with the help from a rookie mage."

"You're not getting jealous are you my dear Ottar." She eyed up her boaz champion.

"No, my lady. Your love embraces us all like the wind. Some may get embraced harder but it is fair. Just seems unlikely that a level 1 could beat a dragon. We had nobody positioned inside the arena."

"I don't sense you lying but why do you look uneasy Ottar."

"It is my fault you don't have him already." The boaz knelt down before his goddess. "I found his application to your familia in the junk pile. I did not think he looked like a capable fighter nor did I think he would appeal to your heart."

"Its fine Ottar. Our time in the desert has taught me to be patient with my dear Odr." She turned around to look down at the clear soul. Lightly pulsing where his stomach was located. "Ottar I am going out for a little walk."

"Yes, my lady."

********** (End of section) **********

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I walked back up the western road to find the hostess of Fertility. It wasn't as busy as the other night but was still lively. "Out front of the bar was the brown-haired cat. Good meow evening to you adventurer. Oh, wait I meow your face white hair." The catgirl had her finger to her face trying to recall me.

"Evening my name is Bell. Miss Anya right."

"Meow awe you remember."

"Can you place me in Ryu's section?"

"Sure thing. Meow this way."

She led me to a booth by myself and walked over to annoy the beautiful elf waitress. "Ryu Meow, silly white hair wanted to be your customer meow." She pointed the elf to the booth where I was sitting.

"O-okay Anya. Thank you." Clearly flustered, nobody asked for her personally before. She walked up to my table.

"How can I help you Mr. Cranell?"

"Hello Ryu, nice to see you again. I kind wasn't able to show up the other night. I wanted to be your customer tonight."

"I was wondering if you were still gonna stop bye. Starting to think you were ignoring me. It's not a problem to make you something before you go into the dungeon. Hope my lunch wasn't that bad."

"I loved your lunches. I wasn't able to physically show up. I have been kind of recovering." I scratch my still sore back.

"What happened Mr. Cranell?" Her normal expressionless face starting to show concern.

"You might not believe me. It was a bit of a wild day. I can tell you later if you get a break. Have you had Lunch yet?"

"Not yet. I would have to ask Momma Mia. What do you want to eat?" I placed my order. I wanted to try the fish mixed with some greens. Thirty minutes later Ryu came back out of the kitchen with my order. The food as Hostess is always amazing. I finished it up.

After about an hour later, Ryu overheard a few drunks at the table talking to Mia. "Did you see that kid take down that dragon?"

"Yeah, that was the best fight I have ever seen. If it wasn't in the arena, I thought it might have been a death match." Takes a swig of his whiskey.

"Ganesha doesn't host death matches. Heard monsters broke out." Mia spoke to the two drunks.

"*Hic* Then that white hair kid was pretty ballsy. *Hic*"

Ryu approached the giant dwarfess. "Momma can I take a break."

"It's slow anyways. Go ahead."

Ryu sat down at the table with a plate of salad for herself and a drink for me, a few minutes later.

"Don't think I ever got to sit in these booths during a shift. I usually eat in the back." She muttered reaching in for a bite.

"I like having you around Ryu. Do you want anything else? I can pay."

She chokes on her food a little. Coughing up in surprise.

"Are you okay?"

"I am fine. I wasn't expecting that."

"It's the least I can do for all the help you have giving me. Your lessons kind of saved my butt at the festival." Her smiling face warmed my heart. 'Gods she's beautiful. Need to stay focused on Riveria. Though Eina complicates things too.'

Before I could tell her, what happened, the silver haired waitress Syr came into the restaurant and noticed us sitting together. She was not in her uniform. She was dressed in a casual white blouse. Ran over to sit next to us.

"Ryu, Bell."

Ryu spoke up confused "Why are you here Syr? I thought you had the weekend off."

"I was wondering if you have my purse. I haven't been able to find it since yesterday."

"Yes, I have it." She reaches into her apron and pulls out the purple coin purse.

"I couldn't buy anything at the festival yesterday."

"Sorry Syr, I was trying to find you."

"Awe we could have had a date." Syr pouts.

"Probably a good thing that I didn't take your purse to the festival or meet you. I got pretty roughed up by a couple of escaped monsters."

"Wait were you the white-haired kid fighting the dragon in the arena that I keep hearing about?"

"That can't be possible Syr. That is a level 2 monster—" Ryu stared into my nervous face. "Bell"

"I had help from my advisor Eina. She use to be an adventurer."

"Why were you facing it in the arena?" her brow raised high.

"I was kind of trapped by a silverback in the tunnel. Your training helped me beat that ape, then we got surprised by the dragon."

"That just raises more questions."

"The ape wasn't too bad of a fight. The dragon really kicked my butt. I just woke up this morning. My back still hurts but that might be the sofa."

"Why do you sleep on a sofa?" Syr changed the conversation

"Kind of all I have at the moment. I am the only member of Hestia familia. Though Ryu's floor is more comfortable than that thing."

"Mr. Cranell." Ryu let out a cute little embarrassed shriek.

"Sorry Ryu."

"You could sleep upstairs Bell. Momma Mia might let you rent out the extra bedroom." Ryu veiled her response.

"Pretty sure my goddess would burn the place to the ground. She has been a bit possessive of late." It pained me to refuse her.

"How about the three of us spend tomorrow morning getting a new sofa?" Syr teased.

"Syr, I can't." Ryu tried to protest.

"Ryu you spend too much time at work. You need to get out more. Will you please go with us?" Syr made a sad little pout to her friend.

"Fine I will go." Ryu resistance broke seeing her friends face.

"I can't take advantage of you like that. Plus, I only have 50k in savings."

Ryu spoke "That should be enough to upgrade. Plus, it will be cheaper if both of us use our blessings to carry it than have it delivered. Meet here at 11am."

Syr cut me off. "Surely you're not gonna refuse spending the morning with the two of us." She teasingly smiled towards me.

Her smile cutting through my hopeless resistance. "How could I refuse my two beautiful friends?"

I spent another hour explaining to them what I remembered from the festival. Both went pale in the face when I mentioned some of my injuries. Then walked back home to the church.

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I woke up early to find goddess Hestia lying on top of me. I rolled out from under her and headed to the wall around 6am like usual. This morning was different, somebody was waiting for me at the top of the wall. The half elf Eina was leaning out looking out at towards the west in a blue running outfit.

"Eina." I said shocked.

She turned around with a smile on her face. "Good morning Bell."

"Eina, what are you doing here?"

"Enjoying the sight, I was wondering if I could spend a few mornings running with you Bell. Sorry."

"No, it's okay. You just surprised me is all. How did you know I was running up here?" Nervous seeing the unexpected beauty before me.

"A few of people of my familia noticed you run up here. I knew you lived in the western district."

"I come up here because it's kind of embarrassing to run in the city."

"Sorry. I should have asked you yesterday."

"It's fine. What changed?"

"You did silly. I kind of eligible to level up from the dragon fight, but my agility stat is really low. I was wondering if I could tag along some mornings."

"Wow congrats Eina." I smiled nervously. "Are you sure you want too? It takes me a few hours."

"I would like too unless you don't want me too." She looked at me with a pout.

"No. I would never refuse having your around Eina."

Her smile shined brighter than the sunset. "Let's just try today. See how it goes."

"Ok" we both set off down the south wall.

First 2.5 miles were difficult to maintain pace. I had to focus forward to avoid staring at the bouncing coming from Eina. "Bell please wait up." I slowed myself down.

She was falling behind until I stopped to do pushups. "Why are you stopping."

"Just trying to catch my strength up to my agility. So, I do a few of these." She did about 50 and started to struggle. While I was still trying to do 200.

"Bell how many you gonna do?"

"I upped it to 200 each time."

"Each time." Her eyes flared in shocks as her she yelled loudly

"Every major road I stop. Ready to continue." Cheerful huge smile trying to lighten the mood.

As we passed the southeast district. "B-bell…" Her breathing a little labored from the run.

"Yes Eina."

"Please don't ever go near the pleasure quarter. Many awful things happened there."

"I was wondering what that place was. Red lights really light up over there in the morning. I would never want to look bad in Riveria's or your eyes."

"I am glad." She started to picking up her pace filled with renewed purpose.

By the time we got to the north of the city I was starting to feel a little winded. Eina was breathing heavily walking around a little dizzy.

"Eina are you o-okay."

"Y-yes. I am f-fine."

"Let's head back." We left the wall and walked down the north road. She started to fall over but I caught her and leaned her against my shoulder. "Eina where do you live?" No response. "Eina" Her body starts to lose the will to stand. "Eina wake up." Still nothing, her skin was going pale and she was unresponsive but breathing. I bend down and pick her up into a princess carry and run towards Twilight Manor.

I ran down the streets with her in my hands, ignoring the strange looks from people walking the streets until I made it to the gates of the twilight manor.

The guard noticed me immediately holding one of their own. The new girl he was interested in meeting. "Let her go immediately."

"She needs medical assistance. Please let me in." I was distressed at the situation.

"I said get off her or I will cut you down where you stand." Guard pulled out his blade. "She is our familia. I will take her in." His eyes wondered to Eina's chest with a hungered look. "She can thank me later."

"I will give her to one of your captains or a female." I stared into the guards' eyes. Not trusting what I was seeing.

"Fat chance." The guard charged.

'The gate' I bent down at the knees and used all my strength to jump over the gate, narrowly dodging the guards strike and ran to the door. My pant leg caught on one of the spikes.

The guard recovered and ran around and was about slam his blade into my back. When a sword parried the blow. It was the beautiful blonde swordswoman Ais Wallenstein. "Stand down Hod."

"But Ais he attacked he-."

"Liar, I seen what happened." Ais did a roundhouse kick and sent the guard twenty feet, knocking the guard out. She looked towards me with a blank face. "Follow me."

I followed her into the manor and dropped Eina on a couch in the lounge. "Sorry for the trouble Miss Wallenstein."

"Just call me Ais. Don't move." She left the room and came back in two minutes with Riveria, Alicia and Loki. Riveria and Alicia went to Eina's side to check her condition.

"What did you do to Eina, boy?" Loki barked aggressively.

"We were running the wall. She was dizzy and short of breath. I didn't know where she lived and she passed out. I brought her here. Please help her." I bowed to the goddess.

Ais spoke. "Hod attacked him for carrying her into the manor. I seen them at the gate, while I was practicing."

Loki seemed to calm down a bit but was still bewildered by what happened. "Why would he do that Bell?"

"I care for Eina too much to just abandoned her on the ground, at the gate. Especially with his eyes on her. I didn't trust him."

"Eyes." Loki's brow raised. "We will look into it. Thank you for bringing her back. Would be nice if one of you two were not unconscious next time."

My face went red. I bowed again before the goddess. "Sorry."

"I will take her upstairs, Loki. Looks like heat exhaustion." Riveria reassured her goddess. Before bending down to pick up Eina and taking her to an empty room." She turned back to me. Thank you, Bell." She smiled and ran off with Alicia.

Her smile made my face go red like a tomato. Loki chuckled, "Lets walk you out." I followed goddess Loki and Ais out of the manor. The two amazons were gathered around Hod on the ground. "Hey Tione and Tiona."

"Yes Loki." They replied in unison.

"Take him to Gareth. We need a talk about punishment. Then get ready for the expedition." Before the guard could recuperate on the ground. The oldest smacked him unconscious and carried him off.

"Try to use the gate next time."

"Yes Goddess." I turned to the sword princess. "Thank you Ais."

"Mmmmm." The warm smile of the blond made my heart skip. I walked back to the church to get cleaned up before meeting Syr and Ryu.

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I walked down to the staircase. "Bell you're back later than usual from your run."

"Sorry Goddess."

Her gaze fell on my ripped pants "What happened Bell?"

"Just a little trouble with Eina."

"I new she was trying to steal your chastity." She shrieked

"No goddess. She accompanied me on my run. She passed out from exhaustion and I ran to the Twilight manor. My leg just caught on something and it ripped." I tried to leave what happened with the guard out of it.

Hestia could tell he was telling the truth but felt like he was leaving something out. "I don't think you should be around that half elf outside the guild. It's completely unprofessional. She has a whole familia to back her up. She doesn't need you."

"But Goddess-"

"No buts or I will call off work to follow you."

"Goddess you can't do that. You need to pay Lord Miach back." Tried to change the subject.

"Eh."

"You racked up a tab of 6,000 valis the other night. I overheard Miss Naaza complaining about money problems."

She looked mortified. "Ahhhhh …. right, I guess I should get to work to pay that back." She hugged me and ran away from the church.

"Pew" Relief filled me as I look at the clock. I hurried to change clothes into my dungeon outfit without the armor and rushed off to the Hostess of Fertility.

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Eina stirred after a few hours later, opening her eyes to a room that wasn't hers. "Where am I?" Her voice dry. Her head moist from a wet rag. She started to sit up in bed. "N-not again."

"Slow down Eina." Riveria was sitting to the right of her with Alicia. Alicia got up to retrieve a glass of water next to the bed. "Drink."

She took a swig of the glass of water. "W-what happened?"

"You collapsed due to heat exhaustion. Would have been worse if Bell didn't carry you back here."

"Eh."

Alicia spoke. "Your body isn't use to intense exercise after all your time in the guild. You need to hydrate more too."

"I am sorry." She stared up to the two elves.

The high elf stared her in the eye. "Apologize to Bell the next time you see him. He was in such a hurry that one of the guards almost attacked him."

"Is he okay?" Eina was worried.

"Yes, he's fine. Do me a favor and stay away from Hod?" Riveria commanded her.

"Is he the guy that kept bothering me at the dinner hall? Brown haired human?" she tilted her head in confusion.

Alicia confirmed. "Yes"

"He was a little creepy." Memory made her skin crawl.

"Bell, thought the same thing and didn't trust him. He almost got stabbed with a sword. He jumped over the gate to get away from him."

"I will."

"Good Hod's being punished right now, if he tries anything let me or Loki know right away." The high elf smiled. "We need to get going to the dungeon for our mini expedition. I also need to take Lefiya to Lenoa's shop beforehand.

"Lady Riveria. I will stay here until the rest are ready to leave to monitor Eina a little more."

"Okay then. See you in a week Eina."

"Good bye Lady Riveria." She walked out of the room.

Alicia lightly tapped Eina's head with her level 4 strength causing her to wince in pain. "Don't scare us like that again Eina."

"S-sorry Alicia." She pouted still holding on to her head.

"So how was it like to be carried like a princess?" she joked towards Eina.

"I was unconscious. How was it for you?" She fired back making Alicia's face gored. Eina chuckled at her friend's embarrassment. "Oh my."

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The two waitresses Ryu and Syr came out of Hostess in their normal green uniforms without the headwear or the apron, to see me waiting outside.

"You're early Mr. Cranel." Ryu was surprised.

"G-good morning Syr. Ryu." Still nervous to spend the afternoon with them both.

"Trying to impress us, are we Bell?" Syr teasingly asks.

"N-no. My grandpa always told me to never make any woman wait or make them angry." Recalled his lessons.

"Sounds like quiet the playboy." Syr chuckled. Before I could protest, she grabbed both of our hands to our shock. "Let's go. I think theirs a furnishing store near the guild hall to the north. She started pulling us both in the direction of the guild.

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Riveria and Lefiya were walking up the northwest road to the witch's secret house.

"Hurry up Lefiya."

"Why can't I go with Ais?" Lefiya was saddened she couldn't protect her friend.

"Because you would never get anything done. You couldn't even retrieve a book without going near her this morning. We're all going to be spending a week in the dungeon. I think an hour with me at the Leona's won't hurt you."

"Fine. I am sorry."

"Miss Syr, you don't need to hold my hand the whole way." Out of the corner of Riveria's eye she sees the white-haired adventurer being pulled along by a human and elf waitresses.

'Wonder if that's the girl he's dating?' She thought to herself as she stared at the trio go into a shop.

"Filthy human seducing every woman he meets. I don't know why you care about him so much." Lefiya fumed.

"His love life is none of our concern. He seems to be a genuinely nice person. Only natural women would be interested in him. He's saved Eina twice." Riveria stated.

"Can't even go a day without hearing about him." Lefiya gritted her teeth.

"Stop it Lefiya, he has not shown any disrespect and is a stand-up young man."

"Oh no, he's seducing you too. I will end him."

"You will do no such thing." Riveria smacks her on the top of the head. "Either learn respect or ask him out already."

"I would n-never go after somebody so weak." Shocked and still in pain.

"Enough we need to get to Babel by 1pm." Riveria cut the young elf off as they entered the Witch's secret house.

"Good morning Lenoa." Riveria greeted the very old fragile woman wearing a witch's robe behind the counter.

"Ah Riveria, it's been a long time. Looks like you brought the girl today too." She stared up from her book still stirring a cauldron.

"Have the crystals been replaced?"

"Yes, Its unheard of to break four crystals at once." She eyed high elf suspiciously.

"They are not being wasted on the dungeon." Riveria picked up her staff slightly annoyed at the witch.

Lefiya was staring at a Grimoire in the cabinet selling for hundred and thirty million valis. "That price is astronomical." She stated.

"Hard to believe you created that Lenoa." Riveria expressed

"I got it from a friend in Altina. Can force one to learn magic but it's completely useless for you two outliers sense you can cast more than four spells." She pointed at the two elves. "Many in Altina have their eyes on you two."

"M-me too?" Lefiya recoils in fear.

"You have the title of thousand elf. I would watch your back at night." She warned the Lefiya.

"Enough with your pointless threats Lenoa." Riveria ordered

"You're no fun Riveria." The witch chuckled before going back to her book.

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Me and Ryu were carrying a white sofa I bought for 45,000 valis. It was not as nice as the one in the twilight manor but it was far above the broken brown one in the church. For fun Syr jumped on to the sofa.

"Carry me my hero." Which caused me to almost drop it.

Ryu was use to Syr's teasing. "Did you have to jump on Syr? I am level 4 and the extra weight was not welcomed. I can imagine the strain being put on Mr. Cranel as a level 1."

"They both looked up to me." My breathing labored and my back strained a little. "I am fine. Think of it as training."

"B-bell you're not calling me fat, are you?" Syr sat up and pounded on my back.

I was determined but slipping due to being nervous. "N-n-no. You both are very beautiful and slim." Ignoring the awkwardness of the two blushing young women behind me. "I-It's not that far up ahead. T-thank you both for coming along." As I turn down a back alley towards the church.

"Your welcome Mr. Cranell. Why are we walking through these ruins?" She eyed the back of my head.

"uhhh, I kind of live in the basement of the church up ahead. S-sorry." Felt nervous sweat going down my back as I felt a menacing pair of eyes on me.

"Its fine. Just a little worried about you is all." Ryu stated.

Syr blew in my ear. "You can stay at my place." Causing me to blush furiously and almost drop the couch. Sending Syr flying backwards on Ryu's side.

"Did you have to tease him?" Ryu looked down at her giddy friend, slightly annoyed.

Syr just stuck her tongue out in a playful manor towards the elfess.

Around the corner, Hestia was staring at the three moving the couch into the church. She suspected something was up with Bell and took off from work. She knew he was hiding something.

She was slightly relieved when they came back up to move the old couch outside. However, she quickly felt alarmed seeing the three go back down. After twenty minutes there were no signs of them.

"I don't like this at all." She was angry seeing the silver haired girl flirting with him earlier. Rage was building as she waited, imagining what might be happening with the two girls alone with Bell. She charged towards the church at a blistering pace.

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Down inside the basement. Ryu was helping me move the couch into position. Syr was snooping around the basement living quarters. Both of them seemed a bit uneasy seeing the condition of the basement.

"Are you sure you don't want to bunk in the extra room at the hostess Mr. Cranell? Mia would probably let you stay for a modest fee." It pained Ryu to see the living conditions and gently pleaded to reconsider.

I scratched the back of my head nervously. "My goddess would freak out. I don't want her to yell at you. You have been of great help to me. Besides its definitely better than sleeping in the street."

"Barely." I heard Syr whisper

"It's fine for now. Hopefully Goddess is recruiting and we can upgrade when its not just me in the familia." I bowed before the two women. "Thank you both for helping me out."

"You're welcome Mr. Cranell. I do hope your back gets better."

Her smile made me blush. Until I seen Syr rummaging through my armor box. "Oh, this is cute. Pyonkicki. Ha! You do look like a rabbit hehe."

Ryu made a playful laugh and locked eyes with me. "Sorry, have you tried it on yet."

"Once yesterday. I just got it."

Syr picked up the box and carried it over to me. "Try it on. Please."

"I guess I was gonna go to the dungeon soon. I didn't want to take all your time up." I spoke.

"Its fine Mr. Cranell. Rather not see you comeback with a hundred cuts like last time." Ryu took out the chest piece and examined it. She stood still when she saw the name on the back. 'Crozzo'

"You alright Ryu."

"I am fine." She starts pulling out pieces as I fasten them on myself one after the other.

"Wow it looks nice. Should hold up better." Ryu was surprised at the quality of the low tier armor but kept her personal opinion about the smith to herself.

"I couldn't pass it up. It was cheap and the smith made my blades too. I would be dead to that dragon without them. Especially without your training." I smiled

'Wow he could sell that smile for a million valis.' Ryu was a little flustered but remembered how dishonorable of an elf she had been in the past and buried those feelings deep. "Maybe when I get some more time off. I can train you some more."

"That would be amazing. I can't wait." My mile got bigger.

"You got a loose strap on your back." Ryu came in close to tighten it.

Syr was getting a little jealous. "No fair. You get to train him and make him f-." The door swung open with tremendous force scaring Syr who was closest to the door. She jumped right at me. Tackling me and Ryu to the ground.

Hestia's mind was dizzy seeing me between two girls on the ground. "Beeeelllllll." The 4'7" goddess was full of rage.

A slight whimpered whisper came from behind me. "M-mr. Cranell p-please let go." My hand seemed to have found its way to one of her soft thighs the other her right hand. Panicked I raised my hands immediately and she rolled me and Syr to the side with her level 4 strength.

I gently unwrapped Syr's hands from my neck and rolled out her grasped and went into an immediate dogeza pose towards Ryu. "I am so-so sorry for touching you Ryu."

She was red in the face. "It's o-okay. It wasn't y-your fault."

"You should be doing that to me Bell." The goddess look like a blood vessel was gonna burst in her head. "I thought something was off with you. Now I see you trying to sneak two women back into the basement."

"G-goddess this is Syr and Ryu. They are my friends. They helped me replace the couch and they have been there for me sense I started adventuring."

Ryu was a little annoyed. "Hope it helps your back."

"It will thank you."

"You're welcome." Both smiled towards me.

"Miss Ryusomething, are you trying to seduce my Bell."

"Uh" Ryu didn't know how to respond to that question.

"Bull you were crawling all over him."

"Goddess you just surprised us. They just wanted to see my armor."

"How did you pay for all of this stuff?"

"Eina gave me 50k valis from the dragon crystal."

"You could have taken me on a date." Hestia rubbed her eyes. "You only need one woman in your life and that's me. Stop trying to create a harem."

"Eh" Ryu stared at me.

"Bell are you being a little pervert." Syr teased.

"I am not trying to create one. I swear." I pleaded towards the two waitresses. "That's just something perverted my grandpa told me."

"I think we should go Mr. Cranel. Come Syr." They quickly left the church.

I was mortified thinking they would never want to see me again. "You should be at work. I am leaving for the dungeon." I picked up my knives and ran away from the church.

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At 1pm the Loki familia expedition part met at the north side of Babel.

"Are you ready to get back in Miss Ais?" Lefiya tried to cheer up

"Mhmm. I need to raise 40 million valis to replace that sword." She was still reeling from the amount of Gobinu said her broken temporary sword had cost.

"At least its not 100 million for this blockhead's Urga." The older amazon pointed to her younger sister Tiona.

"HEH! Tiona shouted at her sister Tione. "How was I suppose to know that the acid of that new species would melt adamantite?"

"Good thing the captain picked up a few quests sister."

"Are we ready to go?" The prum captain cut them off. "Good want to try to get out in a week." They started walking down the spiral staircase. They noticed a few agitated adventurers coming up from the depths.

"How are we suppose to make any valis or gain excelia when an upper-level adventurer is destroying the 6th floor."

"I know he seems pissed. Why not go down further at least so we can get something?" The group of new adventurers steered clear of the 1st tier Loki familia.

Alicia thought it was odd. "Wonder who their talking about."

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I raced down to the dungeon as fast as I could. The first five floors disappeared in a blur. I skewered the goblins and kobolds right to the stone without even caring and ran down the ramp to floor 6.

The dungeon tried to bare its fangs against the solo adventurer. Nothing on these floors could stand in my way. Dozens of war shadows fell upon my blades. Their black void apparitions dissolved after I cut them down. The stones and drop items left to the ground.

The light armor barely encumbered me and the minotaur blades cleaved straight through any beast in my path. A completely different situation from when I was in the dungeon almost a week ago.

"Why does she do this to me? Do I have to go through the rest of my life without family? Gods cannot have children." Again, I continued with my onslaught against the dungeon hordes as painful past images invaded my mind.

Never once meeting my parents. No extended family or siblings. I don't even remember their faces. Only person I had was my grandpa and when he died. I became desperate to fill the void in my heart. A piece of me has been starving for family.

The heroic tales comforted me and gave me a drive to fight onward. I fell in love with the forest fairies of old and have been drawn to them ever since.

'I refuse to allow this flame to die out.' As I seen the warm smile of the jade haired eleven princess in my mind. Warm feelings mixed for both Eina and Ryu. 'I must stay the path and not stray.'

Dozens of war shadows disappeared instantly as I carved my way through them like a knife through butter. I saw a trio of frog shooters up ahead. The middle one's tongue lashed out. I severed in completely and used my strength to jump ten feet forward and bring both of my knives down on the frog's crystal.

The two surrounding frogs lashed out in unison. Each of their tongues wrapping around an arm. "Like hell am I gonna be done in by you two." I shouted out loud in anger. I pulled both of the frogs towards me by curling my arms. They were both losing the tug of war match.

I spun my hands around and gripped the tongues. I pulled them with all my might until they smashed into each other in front of me. I pulled my knives out of the ground and brought them down into their chests simultaneously killing them. I breath a sign of relief as I stare out towards the empty floor. The ground was littered with war shadow crystals and claws.

"Looks like you should hire a supporter." The voice startled me. It was the blonde prum captain of Loki familia.

"Sir Finn."

"What did I tell you last time Bell?"

"Sorry Finn."

"Its fine. Had to find out who was taring up the floor. Was told it was somebody higher leveled."

"I guess I was just a bit angry." I scratched back of my head nervously as I noticed a few heads pop out from around the corner. "What's a supporter?"

"Somebody that carries the bags, who collects the crystals and provides back up equipment and rations. While also helping to fight. Guess it's a bit difficult to find somebody when you're alone." Finn pondered the situation.

"Kind of. For some reason my goddess hasn't recruited anybody yet."

"That's absurd." The elven princess approached in a more revealing outfit then I have ever seen. My face went red as my heart beat steadily increased. I forced myself to stare directly into her eyes. "You seem to be improving quickly. Surprised you're not deeper down."

"I promised Eina I would come to see her for training first. Is she okay?" I was still worried about her.

"She is fine. Thanks to you. Just heat exhaustion. She will probably be away from the guild for today at least. She wasn't use doing strenuous exercise being in the guild for the last three years." She stared down to my concerned face become flushed with relief.

"I am glad."

"Are you mad at us?"

"No. No. never. Just my goddess keeps scaring off people that help me. Though I am hoping the guard stays away from Eina."

"He will not go near her. He's being punished right now."

"That's a relief. Sorry if I keep causing your familia problems."

"I seen nothing yet that you have caused Bell." Finn jumped in. "We need to get going for our expedition. We will see you around Bell."

"Hope to see you again too. You probably don't need it but I hope everyone stays safe down there."

"You too. You can't enjoy the fruits of your labor if you get yourself killed. Mama Elf would be very mad at us if you did pass." Finn chuckled.

"Finn knock it off." She was annoyed at the prum.

"She's a bit young to be a mother for somebody my age."

"Hah" Finn just laughed out loud and walked off holding his side.

"Thank you." She walked off after the prum. While I was hiding my red face. The rest of the women walk bye smiling in my direction.

"Wow he really improved." Tiona spoke to Ais. "Only 3 weeks ago that we saw him killing his first goblin."

Ais just thought to herself. 'How is he growing so quickly?'

I started picking up the stones and placed them in my pack thinking they all left. "Excuse me." I looked up to see a young beautiful elf with gold hair, green eyes and a pink outfit.

"Hello, I recognize you from the arena. Don't think I ever heard your name."

"I am Alicia Forestlight. I wanted to thank you for convincing Eina to come back to the familia. Even if it's for a little bit. Also, for saving me from that plant thing."

"She has helped me out a lot. Anything I can do for her. I will." Then I recalled my actions during the arena. "I am sorry for touching you in the arena."

A light blush appeared on her face. "I-it's fine. It was an emergency and you were very brave."

"I am just glad you're okay."

"You are the one that almost died." His response baffled her. She decided to intervene against Eina's wish. "Please stop trying to pursue the princess."

I look up to her in shock. I felt my eyes tearing up and stared back down towards the ground.

She felt hurt at my response but had to put a stop to this now. "I don't want you to get hurt Bell. Keep doing your best. I am sure you will catch another woman's eye." She dumped a pile of crystals at my feet from another room and walked away after the rest of her familia.

What she said hurt me to my core? Of course, she's right. Riveria is royalty and amazingly strong. Still, I did not want to let the flame die out. "I have to try." I felt like her name was inscribed on my heart. I pondered my next goal as I picked up the remaining stones on the ground. The floor was surprisingly quiet as I walked out of the dungeon.

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(Summary of floor 18 events)(2)

Hashana a level 4 from Ganesha familia was murdered by Revius. Bors uses status thief to find out who the faceless corpse is while Loki familia examines the city of Rivira. Ais and Lefiya track down Lulune who has the demi spirit seed. Revius using the face of Hashana attacks Lefiya and summons a horde of Violas plant monsters to attack the city. The demi spirit seed hatches and infects a Violas plant. Revius defeats the level 5 Ais even with Ariel.

Riveria and the twins kill the demi spirit infected viola plant. Finn and Riveria step in to save Ais. Revius retreats into the lake after being defeated by Finn.

(End of Summary)(2)

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The next day, I approached the wall unenthusiastically. A bit demoralized, I slowly ascended the stairs to start my run.

"About time you got here Bell." The gentle voice of beautiful half elf Eina was relaxing against the wall.

"Eina your okay." I was relieved to see her smiling face.

"Yep. My fault. Three years of shuffling paperwork did not do me any favors to prepare me. Here I thought my training regime was spartan-like."

"Sorry if I cause you any problems Eina."

"No. None at all. I am more prepared for today. I could never be mad at my hero." My face went red as a tomato at her teasing. "Though for the second time I thought you might stand me up again."

"S-s-sorry. I just wasn't feeling motivated this morning."

"Why is that?"

"I had a talk with Alicia."

"I am sorry Bell. She is very overprotective of Lady Riveria. I accidently blabbed to her when you told me."

"Its fine. She is right. What chance do I have at elf wife? Let alone a princess."

"The first one is very doable if you keep being yourself. I can think of a few elves that might like you." My eyes lock with hers.

"Really"

"Yes, though your goddess might be a problem."

I nervously chuckled. "Right."

"As for the other, I cannot pretend to know Lady Riveria's mind, but she has shown a surprising interest in you of late. Usually, she only keeps to Loki familia and rejects every elven suitor that her father forces to chase after her."

"She should be allowed to find love on her own. I wish you both happiness."

"Both."

"Yes, though I hope that Hod guy doesn't hurt you. I didn't like how he looked at you."

"He was acting a little creepy at familia dinner, but he isn't in the picture at all. I have higher standards then him at least." She smiled beautifully towards me. "Let's start our run shall we. Please don't kill me this time. Hehe."

"I would never. I enjoy seeing your beautiful smile every day." She turned her head and blushed a deep red behind my back.

We both set off south down the wall. Today I kept pace with Eina and kept track of her condition because I was paranoid. We reached the north wall around 9am. "Are you okay?"

"Y-yup just a bit w-winded. Mr. Spartan."

"Hahaha, can I walk you home at least?"

"Sure, if you're worried about me." We left the wall and started making our way down south. "I do need to get ready for work. Royman will already be mad at me for missing yesterday."

"Can't that be excused since it was emergency." Bit confused.

"No, he doesn't like me much."

I stared at her in disbelief. "How is that possible? Your lessons helped me stay alive. You always seemed to excel at your job."

"He's not your typical elf. He looks down on everybody that isn't a god. He is a greedy pig of man. Also, he doesn't like half elves at all." Eina explained.

"Why, does it matter that you're a half elf?"

"Thing about elves is their very prideful. Lady Riveria is the only example of a high elf that I know that doesn't talk down to people. There is a lot of animosity between pure elves to halves and quarters. It's not as bad in Orario but in the homelands I hear its pretty awful, to the point of a possible execution."

"That's horrible."

"Surprising your interested in elves though." We turned down a western road to a residential area.

"I might have read a lot of hero stories when I was younger. Never know any other race being from a small village. I haven't been disappointed yet coming to Orario. Would prefer that one young elf girl to not try and kill me again." Shiver goes down my spine. "Scary."

"I think you're talking about Lefiya. She seems to be overprotective of every girl in Loki familia at least. She seems a bit tightly wound." She made a mental note to talk with her in the future.

A few minutes later we arrive at the steps of her apartment. "Thank you for allowing me to come along Bell."

"No, you made my run a lot more entertaining. I am going down to floor 6 later today."

"Do you still want to go to floor 7?"

"Yes I would like too. Can I stop by the guild tomorrow?"

"Sure, I will set aside a few hours to train you. Sorry I really have to get going."

"See you later Eina."

"Bye" She walked into her apartment to get ready for work and I ran off to the church to prepare for the dungeon.

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I walked east towards Babel. I tried to avoid the Hostess thinking they wouldn't want to speak to me.

"Stop Mr. Cranell."

"R-ryu."

"I thought you said you liked my lunches."

"I do very much. I didn't think you would want to speak to me ever again."

"I have no reason not to stop. You did warn us about your goddess being overprotective. Though the harem thing was interesting." She chuckled.

"I swear I am not trying to make one. Really just something that stuck in my head from my grandpa. If I ever found a woman to fall for me. I would be two worried about hurting her to pursue a perverted dream of my grandpa."

"Sounds like an odd man to be teaching someone so young stuff like that."

I nervously laughed. "He was a great actually but yes he was rather odd."

"Sorry for your loss."

"It's okay. I am glad you don't hate me. I really enjoy talking with you Ryu."

She smiled. "Maybe next week I can train you some more. You definitely have potential."

"Thank you. I can't wait." I turned around and rushed off to floor 6 of the dungeon.

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I ended my trip early in the dungeon. The combine profit of 40k over the last two days. I started walking down the west road. Maybe I should go check in with Lord Miach. I did promise.

I made it to the blue pharmacy as the sun was beginning to set. I entered to find the brown haired clienthrope female wrapped in a blue cloak. "Good evening Miss Naaza."

"Oh Bell. It's been a while. Was starting to think you weren't gonna show up."

"I had a rough couple of days. I would like to stock up on a few health potions."

"Have you learned any magic yet Bell?" Her tail wags a little bit.

"No not yet. It's frustrating to see that blank ability."

"Might want to try reading more. Could help you out. Would help me two if you learn magic. Oh well do you just want normal health potions."

"Normal?" I tilted my head confused.

"There are high tier health potions used by 1st tier adventurers. They cost 25k each though. Though if you buy 1 I can give you give you 5 regular ones for 30k." She held up the different flasks in her hands.

'The best adventurers use high potions. I must be prepared for any kind of misfortune.' I thought to myself. "I will take them."

'All too easy.' Naaza thought.

I hand her the valis. She counted. "B-bell this is 36k valis."

"Oh, I was concerned that goddess didn't pay Lord Miach back yet."

"Lord Miach said that Goddess Hestia would pay him back." She was shocked.

"Its fine. I just want to pay our familia's debt."

"Thanks Bell, I love you." She teased but still felt bad about stiffing him on the quality of the potions.

"I will see you around Miss Naaza. Tell Lord Miach I said hi." I walked out of the shop back to the church.

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I got back before the goddess and cleaned up and started to make dinner. A few minutes later the goddess entered the room tired from her shift.

"Evening goddess, dinner almost done."

"Oh, what are you making?"

"Chicken and rice. How was your day goddess?"

"Long that blond girl from Loki familia ordered 20 different combinations of Jaga Maru."

I chuckled remembering that she love those potato snacks.

"Seriously how does she stay fit eating all that?"

"Dungeon and training. Miss Ais isn't a first-tier adventurer for nothing."

"Uh how am I not surprised you know her?" Hestia said.

"She is very nice." In the back of my head, 'she is stunningly beautiful and powerful too.'

"Goddess, please calm down, I want to stop this back and forth. I purchased a lot of potions from Lord Miach and while I was there I paid off the debt as well."

"Thank you, Bell." She rushed up and hugged me .

We ate our food and cleaned up. Goddess Hestia updated my status again.

"Am I still growing as fast Goddess?"

"Yep full speed ahead for my Bell."

"Why can't I learn magic? Seeing that empty slot and ability stat is depressing."

"The only books you read are hero stories. Humans generally aren't naturally gifted magic like other species."

I thought to myself 'Like elves.'

...