Bell's Jealousy

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I actually did not have fun writing this one no matter how much I changed it around so hopefully it comes off okay.

Regular text

Venom talking

(Thoughts)

[Health Bar]

ON TO THE CHAPTER

Oliver POV.

The week that followed since defeating the Goliath and fighting Bete was filled with nothing but a rigorous training regimen. All orchestrated by Skullduggery as a mean of. Improving myself. 

Skullduggery though okay with the fact I liked adventuring was upset with how I went about fights. He also stressed how I should've relaxed before jumping right into more fighting after we defeated Margit. 

I had underestimated the skeleton's combat expertise; he possessed a depth of knowledge that was greater than my initial assumptions. He sat me down and told me about my fighting style, telling me about my flaws and offering solutions for my training. That'll in the long run help my development. 

His understanding of magic was equally profound. Skullduggery emphasized the strategic application of my abilities, urging me to move beyond instinct and consider the nuances of each situation. He stressed the importance of anticipating threats and reacting accordingly.

One particularly demanding exercise involved navigating an obstacle course while blindfolded. This forced me to rely on my other senses and Venom's enhanced awareness to anticipate and evade traps and projectiles.

"Anticipation is paramount," Skullduggery's voice rasped, a chilling whisper that seemed to permeate the darkness behind the blindfold. "The world reveals its secrets to those who are willing to listen."

Easier said than done, I thought, as I stumbled over an unseen obstacle.

Venom's guidance became my lifeline, directing me through the treacherous maze. Gradually, I began to perceive subtle shifts in my surroundings, my body reacting with increasing autonomy. Mastering this heightened awareness was a slow, deliberate process.

By the third day, I moved with a newfound fluidity, navigating the course with greater precision. I avoided traps with increasing ease and leaped over pitfalls before they could impede my progress. Skullduggery even launched fireballs at me, which I managed to evade without taking a single hit. By the end of the week, I was consistently dodging the majority of projectiles.

"Remarkable," Skullduggery's voice crackled, a hint of approval in his tone. "I confess, I did not anticipate such rapid progress."

I removed the blindfold, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the dim light of the training area. My breath came in ragged gasps, my body slick with sweat, but a grin spread across my face. I had never felt so attuned to my surroundings.

"Now," Skullduggery continued, gesturing towards the others with a bony hand, "Let us see how you fare against a real opponent. Your new objective is to evade or redirect Bell's attacks."

He nodded towards Bell, who grinned and assumed a fighting stance. "Ready when you are," Bell said, his voice laced with anticipation.

The training shifted, focusing on adapting to a live opponent, learning to redirect attacks and strategically evade them. Bell's speed, while not comparable to Bete's, was still not something to scoff at. Skullduggery would sometimes interfere by throwing rocks and fireballs at us. 

During times Skullduggery wasn't instructing me he would train Bell on utilizing his speed and daggers more effectively. Making Bell learn how to attack correctly and train him on his endurance.

As the days progressed, the training intensified. Skullduggery introduced new challenges, such as fighting both Bell and Welf while blindfolded. Another hurdle was learning to coordinate defense and offense with Stone Monkey, a task that demanded exceptional multitasking.

I noticed Bell had been unusually quiet during our downtime. I wondered if something was troubling him. I tried to engage him in conversation, asking about his progress, sharing strategies, and even joking around, but he seemed distant, his responses short and distracted.

The next during a break in the training, I approached Bell, intending to have a heart-to-heart. "Bell, is everything alright?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. "You have seemed a little off lately."

He hesitated, avoiding my gaze. "I'm fine, Oliver," he said, his voice flat. "Just... thinking."

"About what?" I pressed gently.

He shrugged. "Nothing important."

I could sense a tension between us, a growing distance that I couldn't quite understand. I wanted to bridge the gap that was beginning to widen.

Despite his withdrawal, I continued to train alongside him, hoping that our shared experiences would bring us closer. But the more I tried, the more distant he became. The camaraderie that had once been so strong seemed to be fading, replaced by an unspoken tension.

That evening after Bell and the rest of his party left training, Riviera approached, asking if I would be willing to discuss a potential alliance with Loki Familia. 

I agreed and went with her, deciding it'll be a good way to relax before getting into night training. We walked towards their main tent, passing members of her Familia cleaning their weapons or engaged in quiet conversation.

"The dungeon has been acting strangely," Riveria remarked casually. "The middle and upper floors have been eerily quiet. No monsters have been spawning at all, which is why we've been here for an extended period."

A chill ran down my spine. "That's concerning," I muttered, Venom's unease mirroring my own.

Riveria nodded, her expression grim. "We're investigating the matter," she said, "But we are hoping it's a temporary anomaly." A tense silence fell between us as we continued walking.

We reached the tent, and Riveria held the flap open for me. As I entered, the conversations ceased, all eyes turning towards me. Finn, Gareth, Tiona, Tione, and other high-ranking Loki Familia members awaited, the air thick with anticipation. Finn gestured for me to take a seat.

"Oliver," he began, his voice calm and measured, "Your battle with Bete was, to say the least, impressive. We did not anticipate a novice of your stature to contend with him for such a prolonged duration." A chuckle rippled through the tent, and even Bete, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, cracked a smirk.

"I am still in the process of learning," I admitted, feeling the weight of their gazes. "I have dedicated the past week to honing my abilities and strengthening my connection with my summons."

Finn nodded, his expression understanding. "It is commendable that you prioritize practice over mere strength acquisition. That is precisely why we are interested in establishing a mutually beneficial arrangement. We can offer compensation, resources, and support in exchange for your assistance on certain expeditions."

Tiona and Tione chimed in, "We could certainly use someone of your caliber on the front lines!"

Gareth added, "Your ability to create portals could be invaluable for reconnaissance and emergency evacuations."

I took a deep breath, the image of Castle Morne flashing in my mind. "I will need to consult with my Goddess, Hestia, and Bell, the captain of our Familia," I said firmly, "But I am open to hearing your proposal."

Finn smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Naturally," he said, "We are prepared to offer a fair contract. And to demonstrate our sincerity, perhaps a demonstration of your portal ability would solidify our trust."

A wave of nervous energy washed over me. Demonstrating my abilities to outsiders was a daunting prospect, but I recognized the potential benefits for Hestia.

A shimmering portal, swirling with purple energy, materialized before them. The scene beyond revealed the landscape of Castle Morne. Gasps of awe filled the tent.

The scene shifted, revealing the interior of my throne room. Nicole stood amidst tapestries and gilded pillars, her eyes widening as she saw me through the portal. A wave of surprise and relief washed over her, and she offered a hesitant wave.

More gasps echoed through the tent. The ability to control the destination of portals was extraordinary.

"Fascinating," Riveria murmured, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"Incredible," Gareth admitted, a note of respect in his voice.

"I can maintain this portal for a limited duration," I explained, 

Finn's voice, laced with newfound respect, cut through the silence. "Oliver, with this demonstration, we are even more eager to establish a partnership. Let us discuss the specifics of a contract."

He motioned towards a table where a parchment lay waiting, the terms meticulously outlined. The Loki Familia offered financial compensation, access to their extensive resources, advanced training, and protection during expeditions. In return, I would lend my unique abilities to their exploration efforts within the dungeon.

As I perused the contract, the benefits were undeniable. Loki Familia's support would undoubtedly accelerate my growth and provide invaluable experiences. However, a lingering unease settled within me.

"This is a significant decision," I said, my voice laced with caution. "I cannot agree to anything without consulting my Goddess, Hestia, and Bell, the captain of our Familia."

A flicker of understanding crossed Finn's face. He nodded, respecting my loyalty. "Of course," he replied, "Family always takes precedence."

Before anyone could speak, Ais, with her characteristic swiftness, vanished from the tent. Moments later, she reappeared, accompanied by a slightly flustered Bell. He looked around the tent, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Bell," I said, a wave of relief washing over me, "I am glad you are here."

Bell's presence shifted the atmosphere within the tent. The Loki Familia members, though curious, recognized the weight of his position as captain of the Hestia Familia. Finn gestured for Bell to take a seat beside me, a silent acknowledgment of his importance in the decision.

"Bell," Finn began, his tone respectful, "We have a potential partnership we would like to discuss between our two Familias."

Bell, still slightly disoriented from his abrupt arrival, nodded. "I... I will endeavor to participate in this discussion. I must admit, this is my first experience with such negotiations."

The discussion resumed, with Bell actively participating. He asked insightful questions, his concern for the well-being of our Familia evident in every word. The Loki Familia members, in turn, were patient and forthcoming, explaining the potential benefits and risks of the proposed alliance.

Just as it seemed an agreement was within reach, the tent flap was abruptly thrown open. Hestia burst in, her usual cheerfulness dampened by a worried frown, followed by three figures who were unfamiliar to me.

"Oliver, Bell!" Hestia exclaimed, rushing to our side, relief washing over her features. "I was so worried!"

The sudden entrance startled everyone within the tent. The atmosphere shifted, the focus now on the unexpected arrival of a goddess within the dungeon.

The air in the tent crackled with tension. The presence of a goddess within the dungeon was a rare and unsettling occurrence, and it left everyone, even the seasoned Loki Familia members, on edge.

"Hestia," Finn's voice was laced with concern, "How did you manage to enter the dungeon?"

Hestia, still slightly out of breath, gave a sheepish grin. "Well, Hermes here has his ways," she explained, gesturing towards the messenger god, who merely winked in response.

"We received reports regarding a party that sustained injuries from a floor boss," Asfi, the captain of the Hermes Familia, stated, her voice commanding attention. "Hestia was concerned it was you two, so she decided to attempt entering. We intercepted her before she was caught and assisted her entry with Hermes's guidance."

Loki, ever the boisterous one, chimed in, "And of course, I couldn't resist the opportunity to see what all the commotion was about! So I ended up following behind, as I knew Hestia would attempt to sneak in." Loki's eyes then narrowed, her gaze sweeping over the gathered members of her Familia and settling on Finn. "What is the nature of this gathering, Finn?" she demanded, her voice laced with a hint of suspicion.

"We were discussing a partnership between our two Familias.", Finn replied, gesturing towards everyone in the tent.

Hestia's expression turned skeptical. "A partnership?" she repeated, eyeing Loki suspiciously. "I would prefer my children remain distant from the flat-chested Familia's influence."

Loki scoffed, "As if I would desire any interaction with your minuscule Familia!"

The tension in the air was palpable. Finn, sensing an impending argument, intervened. "Now, now," he said calmly, "Let us not allow past grievances to cloud our judgment. We are all here because of Oliver's unique abilities and the dungeon's anomalous behavior."

I stepped forward, my resolve firm. "I believe I can demonstrate my value to both Familias," I declared. "I am prepared to engage one of your high-ranking members in a spar. If I can prove my capabilities, perhaps then we can discuss a potential alliance without the shadow of past conflicts."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the tent. Finn's eyes gleamed with interest. "A bold proposition," he admitted.

I nodded, the weight of his words settling on me. "Yes, instead of arguing, I can simply demonstrate why the Hestia Familia is worthy of a partnership," I replied, my voice unwavering. "This is also an opportunity for Loki to witness my abilities firsthand, rather than relying on hearsay."

"I think... perhaps we should prioritize investigating the dungeon's strange behavior first," Bell suggested tentatively, his voice barely above a whisper.

Hermes chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Wise counsel from the young hero," he remarked, "Though I must confess, I am curious to witness what the new rookie brings to the table." Asfi nodded in agreement with her god.

"Could someone please introduce me to these two individuals?", I asked.

Hestia gestured to her companions. "Everyone, this is Hermes, the Messenger God, and this is Asfi, the captain of his Familia." I offered a polite nod in their direction.

Finn addressed the room. "We can table the contract discussions for the time being," he said, his tone authoritative. "We will schedule the friendly spar between our two Familias for tomorrow."

The meeting eventually dispersed, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on everyone's minds. As the Loki Familia members filtered out of the tent, Hestia pulled me and Bell aside, her expression a mix of worry and determination.

"Oliver," she began, her voice soft but firm, "I know you want to prove yourself, but please be careful. The partnership is not worth you getting injured,"

I nodded, reassuring her with a smile. "I won't push myself too far, Hestia," I promised, "But I need to do this. Not just for me, but for our Familia."

Bell placed a hand on my shoulder, his gaze earnest. "We're with you, Oliver," he said, his voice filled with unwavering support, "No matter what happens."

The warmth of their belief in me filled my heart with a renewed determination. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, I knew that I wasn't alone. I had my Familia by my side, and together, we would face whatever challenges the dungeon, or the gods, threw our way.

As the evening settled over the Loki Familia's encampment, Hestia, Bell, and I retreated to the area we'd been allocated. The air hummed with a strange mix of anticipation and unease. The looming threat of the dungeon's anomaly, the potential alliance with the Loki Familia, and my impending spar all weighed heavily on my mind.

Determined to face the challenge head-on, I turned to Hestia. "I'm ready," I declared, my voice firm. "It's time to update my Falna."

Hestia nodded, her expression a mix of concern and resolve. "Alright, Oliver," she said, her voice gentle but steady. "Lie down on your cot."

I did as she instructed, the cool fabric of the cot a stark contrast to the warmth that was about to course through me. Hestia positioned herself on my back, her small hands tracing the intricate lines of my Falna. It glowed faintly in the dim light, a testament to my journey thus far – a few basic skills, a smattering of magic, and the stark reminder of my E-rank status in the glaring gaps between the lines.

A hush fell over our little corner of the camp. Bell watched with bated breath, his eyes wide with anticipation.

Hestia took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper as she began the ritual. A soft, golden glow enveloped her hands, and I felt a tingling sensation spread across my back, where my Falna resided.

When the glow subsided, Hestia's voice, filled with awe, broke the silence. "Oliver," she breathed, "Your stats... they're all SSS-rank now, except for your magic and stamina, which are still infinite. And... you can level up to Level 2."

I sat up, feeling the newfound power coursing through my veins. My senses were sharper, my reflexes quicker, my connection to Venom and Stone Monkey even stronger. The world around me seemed to vibrate with a newfound clarity.

Bell's eyes were wide with excitement. "That's amazing, Oliver!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration.

A grin spread across my face. With this newfound power and the unwavering support of my Familia, I was ready to face any challenge, any opponent. The Loki Familia's strongest fighters awaited me, and I was eager to prove that I was worthy of their respect, and more importantly, that I was worthy of protecting my Familia.

Falna Status

Name: Oliver Kanto

Level: 2

Strength: I0

Endurance: ∞

Dexterity: I 90

Agility: F 350

Magic: ∞

Development Abilities: 

Heir of Wukong:(B)Venom:(B)Stone Monkey (C)The Force(B)

Skills:

Bullseye (A) Hone (C) Hud(C) Water Rock Smashing Fist (A) 

Magic:

Portals(C)Magnet Release (B)Rika (A)

The next morning, the air thrummed with anticipation. The training grounds were cleared, a makeshift arena formed for the spar. Members of both the Loki and Hestia Familias gathered, their gazes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Even a few members of the Freya Familia had shown up, their presence adding another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.

Standing across from me was Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess, her expression as stoic as ever. Despite her reserved demeanor, I could sense the power radiating from her, the honed skill of a seasoned warrior.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd as Ais Wallenstein stepped into the arena. Her presence was unexpected; many had assumed a high-ranking member like Gareth or Riveria would be my opponent. Murmurs of disbelief and concern rippled through the onlookers.

"Finn, why Ais?" Hestia's voice was laced with worry, her gaze fixed on the stoic Sword Princess. "Surely someone else could have-"

Finn raised a hand, silencing her concerns. "Ais has been eager for this since she witnessed your fight with Bete five days ago," he explained, his voice calm but firm. "She believes you have the potential to be a worthy opponent."

My heart pounded against my ribs. Ais Wallenstein, the legendary Sword Princess, wanted to fight me? A mix of trepidation and excitement coursed through my veins. This was a challenge beyond anything I had imagined, a true test of my newfound abilities.

The collective gasp that greeted Ais's entrance was quickly followed by a wave of murmurs. As the whispers swirled around the makeshift arena, my attention was drawn to two figures standing at the edge of the crowd. Bete Loga, his usual scowl softened into an expression of respect, nodded curtly in my direction. Beside him, Bell Cranel's gaze held a different emotion - a flicker of jealousy, quickly masked by a forced smile. He had always admired Ais, and seeing her choose to face me stirred a complex mix of emotions within him.

Bell's initial excitement over my Falna upgrade and the prospect of a spar with Ais quickly gave way to a more complicated emotion. As the reality of my rapid progress and newfound strength sank in, a pang of jealousy gnawed at him. He had always been driven by his desire to catch up to Ais, to become a hero worthy of her admiration. But now, it seemed that I had surpassed him, effortlessly reaching a level of power that he had been striving towards for years.

He tried to mask his feelings, maintaining a supportive facade, but a subtle bitterness crept into his voice, a hint of resentment in his eyes. The camaraderie that had been building between us wavered, replaced by an unspoken tension.

The tension in the air was palpable as Ais and I stood at the center of the makeshift arena. The silence was broken by Finn's voice, "Begin!"

I took a deep breath, channeling Venom's power. A black, swirling mass enveloped my right arm, forming a sleek, protective hand wrap from where my hand would be to my elbow. Then, with a surge of energy, a staff materialized in my hand, quickly warping and solidifying into a blunt, formidable sword. A gasp rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the transformation.

Ais's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her stoic features. She had clearly not anticipated this transformation, and a thrill of excitement coursed through me. Ais moved with the speed of a lightning strike, her blade a blur as she closed the distance between us.

"Whoa, she's fast!" Venom exclaimed in my mind, his voice laced with a mix of awe and excitement.

I barely had time to react, my instincts kicking in as I parried her strike with the blunt side of my transformed staff-sword. The impact sent a shockwave through my arm, Venom's enhanced strength barely containing the force of her blow.

"She hits hard too!" Venom added, his voice now laced with a hint of respect.

I countered with a sweeping strike, aiming for her legs, but Ais was already moving, her agility unmatched as she danced around my attack. The air crackled with energy as our weapons clashed, the rhythmic clang of steel against stone echoing through the arena.

The crowd watched in rapt attention, their cheers and gasps a testament to the intensity of the battle. Hestia and Bell stood at the edge of the arena, their expressions mirroring the mix of awe and worry that churned within me.

Ais was relentless, her attacks a whirlwind of precision and power. I was forced onto the defensive, relying on Venom's enhanced reflexes and my own adaptability to keep up. But I wasn't just defending; I was learning, analyzing her movements, searching for an opening.

"She's good, real good," Venom admitted, his voice laced with a grudging admiration. "But don't worry, we'll figure her out."

I hope you're right, I thought, dodging another lightning-fast thrust.

"She's leaving herself open on her right side. It's subtle, but it's there." Venom hissed, his voice eager.

With a burst of speed, I feinted a high strike, drawing her attention upwards. Then, in a swift motion, I twisted my body, bringing the blunt edge of my sword crashing down towards her exposed flank.Ais's eyes widened in surprise, but she was too slow to fully evade the attack. The blunt edge of my sword connected with her side, the impact sending a jolt through both our bodies. A collective gasp rose from the crowd, their disbelief palpable.

"Yes!" Venom roared in my mind, triumph lacing his voice.

I had landed a hit on the Sword Princess. Ais stumbled back, a grunt escaping her lips, but her expression remained stoic. She quickly regained her footing, her gaze hardening with a renewed determination.

From the sidelines, a cry of anger pierced the air. "Oliver, you bastard!" Bell's voice was thick with fury, his face contorted in rage. "How dare you hurt Ais!"

His outburst shocked the crowd into silence. The friendly rivalry between us had shattered, replaced by a raw, visceral emotion. The sight of Ais stumbling back from my blow had ignited a fire within him, a jealousy that had been simmering beneath the surface, now boiling over.

I met his gaze, my own expression a mixture of surprise and regret. The last thing I wanted was to hurt Bell's feelings, but the spar was a test, a challenge I had to meet head-on.

Ais raised her hand, silencing Bell with a stern look. "I'm fine, Bell," she said, her voice steady. "This is a spar. We both knew there would be risks."

Her words calmed the tension slightly, but the atmosphere remained charged. The friendly spar had taken an unexpected turn, revealing hidden emotions and unspoken rivalries. The fight continued, but the dynamic had shifted, the stakes now higher than ever.

The spar continued, a whirlwind of movement and clashes. Ais adapted to my new weapon and fighting style, her movements becoming even more unpredictable. Each strike was a testament to her skill and experience, pushing me to my limits.

Yet, as the battle raged on, a hollow feeling settled within me. The cheers and gasps of the crowd seemed distant, the clash of weapons a discordant echo. Bell's outburst still rang in my ears, a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of my actions.

(This is pointless.) The thought surfaced, unbidden and unwelcome. (I'm not here to prove anything to them. I'm not here to hurt Bell's feelings..)

With a suddenness that surprised even Ais, I lowered my weapon. "I yield," I declared, my voice echoing through the stunned silence of the arena.

Confusion rippled through the crowd. Whispers of "What?" and "Why?" filled the air. Ais, her sword still raised, looked at me with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Before anyone could react, Skullduggery appeared beside Ais, his bony hand gently resting on her arm. "The battle is over," he declared, his voice carrying an air of finality.

Bete scoffed, his disappointment evident. "What a waste of time," he growled. Tiona and Tione echoed his sentiments, their excitement replaced by frustration.

Finn's expression was unreadable, but a flicker of disapproval crossed his eyes. Loki, however, was openly displeased. "I knew it," she sneered, "All bark, no bite."

Hestia, though worried, stood by Bell's side, her expression a mix of concern and unwavering support. Bell himself remained silent, his gaze fixed on me, a storm of emotions brewing within his eyes.

I met his gaze, my own filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "I'm not here to upset anyone." I said, my voice laced with exhaustion. "I'm done with this."

With that, I turned and walked away, the weight of expectations and the sting of betrayal heavy on my shoulders. As I left the arena, Skullduggery vanished in a swirl of spectral energy, returning to the sanctuary of my ring. The alliance with the Loki Familia was off the table. 

I walked with my head down, the weight of Bell's anger pressing down on me. I had hoped the spar would be a friendly exchange, a chance to test my new abilities and perhaps even bridge the gap between our Familias. Instead, it had driven a wedge between Bell and me, exposing the raw jealousy that had been simmering beneath the surface.

The silence was finally broken by Bell's choked voice, raw with emotion. He spun around, his eyes blazing with fury. "Why, Oliver?!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty corridor. "Why would you hurt her? You know how I feel about Ais! How could you do that to her?!"

A flashback surged, a memory of a quiet evening in the Hearth, Bell and I sharing a drink, our conversation drifting towards our motivations.

"Why do you push yourself so hard, Bell?" I had asked, genuinely curious about the drive that fueled the young adventurer.

Bell's cheeks had flushed slightly, his gaze turning towards the ceiling, a wistful smile gracing his lips. "I want to be a hero," he had confessed, his voice filled with a boyish earnestness. "I want to be someone Ais Wallenstein could be proud of."

The memory faded, replaced by the harsh reality of Bell's anger. I had forgotten his feelings for Ais, overlooked the depth of his admiration. Though I feel his anger at me was more than just Ais

'I looked at Bell, my expression a mixture of sadness and understanding. "Bell," I began, my voice surprisingly calm amidst the storm of emotions, "Is this really about Ais, or is it about the fact that I leveled up faster than you?"

Bell's face contorted, his anger momentarily faltering. He opened his mouth to retort, but words failed him. The truth in my question stung, a painful reminder of his own insecurities.

Hestia, sensing the shift in the argument, stepped forward, her voice firm but gentle. "Bell, honey," she began, her hand reaching out to touch his arm, "It's okay to feel frustrated. But Oliver's right. You have to ask yourself what's truly bothering you."

Bell's gaze wavered, his anger slowly giving way to a conflicted expression. He looked between Hestia and me, his silence speaking volumes. The truth was laid bare, a raw wound exposed for all to see.

"It's both," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm... I'm happy for you, Oliver. Really, I am. But it's hard seeing you achieve so much so quickly, when I've been struggling for so long. And then... seeing you hurt Ais..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

I sighed, understanding washing over me. Bell's jealousy wasn't malicious; it was born from his own insecurities and his deep admiration for Ais. I had been so focused on my own goals that I had failed to see how my actions might affect him.