The Rebirth of Bell Cranel
The minotaur roared in Bell's face. In turn, Bell gently curse as he dived out of the way from its hoof, which smashed into the ground and left a small crater. As Bell quickly recovered, he looked towards the monster and couldn’t but shiver. He didn’t know whether it was from excitement or fear, but Bell knew one thing. He was entirely outclass here as not even his Guild Issue Dagger is strong enough to pierce through the skin of the monster.
From his perspective, Bell was left with only two possible choices. He could run away with his tail tuck in between his legs or he could stay and fight. Neither option sat well with him, if he ran away then he was no better than coward and undeserving of being a hero. But if he stayed and fight then that would also guarantee his death.
A newbie Level 1 Adventurer just didn’t stand a chance against a Minotaur. Bell had to think of something fast, he couldn’t waste these few precious seconds. But what does he do? Bell wants to be a hero, he wants to chase that dream, a dream that seems unachievable to most. But to him, he will strive at nothing to achieve that dream. It is his goal, his choice.
Bell’s choice is be a hero. And a hero doesn’t run away from an impossible foe. Even if it may cost his life, there could be other newbie adventurers on the Fifth Floor. He has to keep the minotaur on him and him alone. He couldn’t risk bringing harm to others.
And so, Bell Cranel made his choice. He chose to fight.
"DAAAAHHHH!"Clutching the goblet for dear life, Bell ran towards the monster. He had no idea what he was doing but so long as no one else dies today then that is alright with him. His strikes bounce harmlessly off the grotesque skin, and he was doing no damage but he was keeping the minotaur’s focus on him. “To think I would already face a life or death situation. The Dungeon is not something to underestimate.” Bell mumbled, the Dungeon was showing him its fangs.
The Minotaur wasn’t just letting him attack him either. It threw punches aimed for my head or chest. Luckily, he was able to dodge the strikes but every time he ducked towards the ground, the monster would raised its foot and attempt to stomp on his head. But Bell managed to dodge those lethal attacks, but this fight was quickly turning against him. His breath was becoming erratic and he was having trouble to breathe. He was using so much oxygen just to keep dodging that he’s no longer able to launch stabs at the beast.
Not that it would do him any good, it was a battle of attrition, and Bell was losing that battle. He hope that someone stronger would come along and help him. But for now, he needs to keep dodging!
Unfortunately, because he kept his focus on the creature, he eventually ended up at a dead end and found himself with his back against a wall with the minotaur looking down on him. His breaths were ragged and his muscles were sore.
"You…really…are…strong…." He struggled with his words as he held up the goblet in his hands, as if that could somehow protect him from the monster but he knew it was futile. It was his body’s survival instincts, looking for anything to do so that he could live.
He could do nothing but beg with all of his might. Hoping that something would come and help him. But that light of hope vanished in an instant as the minotaur impaled him through the center of his chest with its horns and ended up spearing him to the wall. Bell could do nothing but cough, blood seeping into his lungs.
’Is this how I die…my story ending before it even has a chance to thrive…No…I refuse to accept that! I won’t die here, I won’t die until I’ve become a hero!’ Bell thought, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth as he felt a metallic taste in his mouth.
His blood ended up falling onto the golden goblet which began to glow…and a calm voice filled with warmth and compassion rang out through the dungeon.
"Servant, Lancer. By your request I have been summoned."
The declaration was followed by the minotaur's roar of pain. The monsters thorns were yanked from Bell’s body which prompted Bell to open his eyes.
Standing in front of him was a tall warrior, clad in a sleek, light-blue and silver armor. The armor features intricate designs, especially around the shoulders and chest, giving them a noble and somewhat ethereal look. The warrior’s armor overall aesthetic is elegant, with engravings along the edges.
In their hand was a a long, glowing spear with a massive, intricate shaft. It has a distinct, radiant appearance, with a light-blue, almost celestial color palette.
The spear’s tip is large and triangular, with sharp, sleek edges that give it a refined, otherworldly appearance.
To Bell, the warrior was…for a lack of better terms…otherworldly.
"I ask of you. Are you my master?" Hearing their voice gave Bell the impression that what stood in front of him was a female warrior. Her voice held compassion and care. When Bell tried to speak, he found himself unable too as too much blood had entered his mouth.
However, that didn’t stop him from coughing out the red liquid which seemed to make the warrior in front of him worried.
“Master! Are you o-“ Lancer finally realized her master’s wound. She notice that the creature she had pulled from her master had managed to impale him through the chest before she was summoned.
‘This isn’t good, my master’s chest is punctured, and I don’t have Avalon with me. I don’t know what to do…how pathetic of me. For all my strength, I can’t muster any of it to help my master when he’s on death’s door.’ The warrior thought as she gripped her lance, frowning under her helmet.
“Why…why did you summon me?” Lancer asked, her voice stoic and devoid of any emotions. When she asked him earlier, she heard him struggling earlier as the blood stop him from speaking.
But it appeared that this time, Bell could answer her question.
“I-I didn’t want to die…I-I-I want t-to b-be a hero.” His answer made Lancer raised an eyebrow. ‘A hero? The boy wants to be a hero.’
Lancer looks into her master eyes, she was expecting to see desperation or something else that did not match the boys conviction.
But instead, all she was met by was his pure determination and will. Her master’s dream was to be a hero, a foolish and hazardous dream. A dream that contains a journey one rarely comes out alive. But it’s her master’s dream, and as her role as a Heroic Spirit she will make sure his dream becomes real.
’There’s one way I can help him, something that Siegfried told me about. He gave a homunculus his heart and he managed to live. But I don’t know if his mortal body can handle the full extent of it. However, I could block off most of my abilities and allow just a small percentage to be use first.’ That seemed like the most plausible idea to Lancer.
Her master would grow with only being able to use just 50% of her powers. That was alright with her. So long as he lived, then that’s all that matters at the end of the day. With her decision made, Lancer strove forward, bending down to meet her master eye to eye.
She found his eyes to be utterly beautiful, a majestic beauty that held something special in them. As she layed a hand on his shoulder, she truly wondered how far her master would go.
Now in normal circumstances, she would try to console him or otherwise help him through this, but they simply didn't have the time. Her master was fading fast.
"What…are…you…doing?" Bell muttered, his eyes stained wide with confusion.
"I’m saving you, your journey will not end here. Not until you’ve reached your dream.” Lancer explained. Lancer dematerialized her chest plate and took a deep breath. She would talk with her master for the short time she had left.
"You summoned me, yet I couldn’t protect you. I am ashamed to admit but you remind me so much of myself, my naïve foolish self. Back then I thought only for myself, and let others decide for me. I was the cause for the downfall of my nation, but there is something that I would like to present to you." Lancer said smiling under her helmet for what she’s about to do.
She needed to do this. From what Siegfried said it was going to be agonizing but this would save him. She was doing this not because she was asked to.
But because she did not want this young boy to die before he had a chance to accomplish his dreams. Against that what did the time of a person who'd already lived her life matter for anyway.
She took a moment to steady herself, to prepare for the pain. Then…she plunged her hand into her chest.
~~~
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~~~
~~~
It hurt. It cause so much more pain than anything she had ever been subjected to during her lifetime.
Lancer’s legend was possessing a dragon's core, a dragon's heart you could say. It wasn’t enough to turn her fully into one, but it was enough to give her access to immense mana reserves associated with dragons. But right now, her heart was clawing through her muscles and armor. Lancer’s body screamed in agony at the paradox. But she did not stop. She needed to save him. She needed to give the boy a chance.
With a final gasp, she tore her own heart from her chest. Lancer stood over her master, and there, glowing in her hand was her dragon heart.
She held her own still beating heart, glowing crimson. Across from her, an unconscious, wounded boy leaned against a wall. It was time.
“I wish you good luck, Bell Cranel. When I see you again, hopefully you would have achieve your dream of being a hero.” The knight said to her injured master, and plunged the crimson heart into the boy's chest, shifting it into spirit form as it went so as to not destroy the child's body.
Once the process was finished, Lancer smiled as her body started to disappear into small golden flakes. She would be going back to the Throne, and so quickly as well that she would no doubt surprise her fellow knights.
But she did not regret what she had done. she had save her master, and that is all that’s matter to her. Lancer glances towards her spear, and she wondered if it too would disappear.
However as the hand the gripped her spear vanished and dropped to the floor, it still showed no signs of disappearing. “Huh, that answers that question. With her remaining hand, Lancer picked up her spear and gently pressed into her master’s waiting arms. As soon as she left go, the boy grappled the spear and didn’t seem to want to let go. It was there, the Lancer believe her master will be in good hands.
“Goodbye…Master, hopefully one day I’ll see you again.”
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The process was complete and Bell had been save by the Heroic Spirit. If someone were to stumble upon him, they would have seen a young unconscious white hair boy, a giant white lance and golden goblet in his hands.
The monster that had chased Bell was reduce to a mere magic stone and stood just a few feet away from the boy. Fate had intervened in and now, Bell was reborn into something else. He did not know what he is now, but he will soon find out.
It’s time for him to wake up. It’s time to get up, no hero should stay down. No matter how many times Bell will be knocked down, he will find a way to stand back up.
Get Up
Get Up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Don’t lay
Don’t lay
GET UP BELL CRANEL!
Arise!
…
Bell Cranel
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When Bell woke up, the first thing he did was looked for the minotaur. His eyes scan the dead end, he expected it to be towering above him but instead found its magic stone a few feet away from him. “What the heck?” Bell mumbled, shock evidently on his face. He stood up, or tried to before remembering that he had two objects in his hands. One was the golden goblet and the other was the spear the female knight was holding.
’Wait…where did that knight go?’ Bell’s eyes darted around in hopes to spotting that unique armor. However, it would appear that she was no where in sight.
‘How strange, wait! How am I still alive?! I know for certain that the minotaur had used its horns to stab right through my heart!’ Bell was very much confused on how he was still alive. He should have be dead, and yet he was alive.
He place a hand on his chest and was surprise to find a heartbeat. ‘H-how is this even possible?’ Bell’s head hurt. Trying to find out why he is still alive is throwing him off and is causing nothing but headaches. ‘I…I will have Hestia update my Status when I arrive back home. This is too much to handle right now.’ Bell thought as his face contorted, his happiness no where to be seen. It finally registered in Bell’s head. He nearly died, he knows that for sure.
His injuries were so severe that he would have die before a Health Potion could have been given to him, but even then, he had doubts that it would have be enough. As Bell grew lost in the confines of his mind, he didn’t notice a presence creeping ever so close to him. With each step the beast took, it shook the floor slightly.
Pure crimson, its eyes locked onto the distracted white hair adventurer getting closer and closer to the boy. The beast would stopped just inches away when the boy had registered the shadow looming over him.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me!?’ Bell yelled in his head. He was honestly wondering if something about him was purposeful attracting minotaurs.
Just as the creature raised its fists, Bell glared at the creature and stood with defiance. He would not falter, he would not run away, he would face death head on again if he had to.
‘Test of a true person’s value? Death, facing it. Staring it down.’ Bell Cranel thought, thinking about how his Grandpa had muttered that sentence when he thought Bell couldn’t hear him. He would not fall here, despite his strange recovery from the brink of death. He will fight, continue fighting, he will fight until he has made his dream a reality. That is his promise. His goal. His dream.
Once again, as if reacting to his wish, the goblet began to glow…and a soft, smooth voice filled with caring rang out through the dungeon.
"Art thou my Master? Servant Archer has come in wake of your call."
Once again, the Minotaur roared in pain, its shadow no longer looming over Bell. Standing in front of him was a woman clad in beautiful green clothing, a verdant green with her cold, sharp eyes containing an almost beastly glint.
Her hair is stretched out long and unkempt, and it is looks to lacking the silkiness that would be found amongst those of noble birth. Bell had the urge to call her a beautiful beast in human form, it befits her appearance.
What drew his attention, however, were the very cat-like features that she sported. Not only did she have a pair of cat ears at the top of her head, she also had a tail that flickered back and forth like a real cat.
"I ask of you. Are you my master?" She asked, a voice filled with resolve. Bell stood face to face with her, clutching the golden goblet and a white lance. Meanwhile the girl held her bow in her hands. The look in her eyes were stoic but also appeared to be judging him, evaluating him with her emerald clad eyes.
"Yes." Bell said meeting the woman’s gaze, not at once faltering that single world.
"Hmm, it would appear you have gotten into quite the trouble, Master." The woman said as she turned back to face the minotaur, who was clutching a bloodied stump of an arm. "My prey never escapes. I won't let my prey escape." Bell was confused what she meant by that. But before she could ask, Archer sprang into battle.
With speeds far faster than Bell could ever hope to match, the woman launched herself forward like an arrow. The monster roared in a bloody mixture of pain and fury as it swung at her with its remaining arm.
The woman dodge the blow with gracefulness. She took aim with her bow, a light blue arrow appeared as she pulled back the string and fired. Her arrow easily punched through the monster’s flesh like a hot knife through butter. She jumped back to her original position in front of the monster.
Without waiting a second to waste, she aimed her bow again. “Target confirmed. I'll bring you down.” She fired two arrows. The force behind such attack blew a hole straight through the monster's chest.
With those three arrows, the minotaur falls back with a weak gurgle, landing on the dungeon floor with a loud thud as it dissolved into black mist. Its magic stone joins its companion, with Archer having sighed as she lowered her bow.
The monster that Bell couldn't even touch had defeated in an instant. He could only sit and watch with awe as the woman released her grip on the bowstring, picking up the two large purple magic stone that had been left behind by the monsters.
"Are you all right?" The woman asked as she turned back toward Bell. Her face showing a bit of concern for her Master. Based on looks Archer could determine that he was 14/15 years old.
"Ah! Yeah." Bell said as he lowered his head but his grip never left the lance. "Thank you for saving me.” Bell was thankful for the woman for saving him, her presence reminding him of the armored woman from before.
"It's no problem." The woman said as she tossed the magic stones to Bell. "Here, catch these."
"Huh? W-what!?" The crystals bounced around in Bell' hands for a moment before he managed to catch it. He had set the golden goblet mere moments before.
"W-wait a minute. I can't take this!" Bell said quickly. "You're the one who defeated it."
"Consider it a gift." The woman said, not really caring about it.
"A gift?" Bell asked, confused. The woman nods her head while her bow looks to dematerialized into small light green particles.
"I don't know where I am." The woman said as she looked around. "Despite having keen eye sight, I can't tell where the heck I am." Archer said, causing Bell to stare blankly at the woman.
"Are you saying you don't know how to get back outside the Dungeon?" Bell asked as the woman look to think about his question before nodding her head.
"You would be right, Master." The woman replied with another shrug. Bell really wanted to ask her why she was calling him Master, but chose to do it after they leave the Dungeon. "Do you mind leading the way? You can keep the crystal as thanks."
"I still think that that's still too much for payment." Bell muttered as he led the way for the woman.
Bell’s mind went into overdrive, trying to explain just who was the woman. At first he believe that the woman was from a more well off Familia that had enough members where a Minotaur's magic stone was more or less pocket change. But after a few minutes of ‘feeling’ the woman’s presence, he deduced that wasn’t possible. He believe that because Bell had felt that same type of pressure with that armored woman from before.
Despite the confusion, with the money he would receive from the magic stones Bell would be able to help Goddess Hestia just a bit more.
Making their way through the dungeon, the strange duo passed by a few Adventurers going in the opposite direction of them. They came across no monsters, making the trip rather quiet. Bell had put away the goblet, but he couldn’t do nothing for the white spear so he just relented on to carry it.
"Umm…" Bell spoke up, drawing the woman's attention away from a passing Chienthrope.
"If it's all right, can I get your name? I'm Bell Cranel."
"Atalanta.” The woman replied after a moment's silence. Bell’s eyes lit up a bit.
"That’s a nice name." Bell said sincerely.
"I-I guess. " Atalanta replied, showing just the barest of smiles.
"Mhmm" Bell mumbled. "Umm…Miss Atalanta?"
"No need for that." Atalanta quickly said.
"Then…Atalanta?" Bell tried again and the woman nodded. "Which Familia are you from?"
"Familia?” Atalanta replied tilting her head as she didn’t understand. However, thankful, what vague information she did receive after being summoned was just enough to give her some clue into her master’s question.
"What would you do if I were to say that I am currently between Familias?" Bell could see a look in Atalanta’s eyes that greatly reminded him of when Hestia teases him every time he brings up the topic of being a hero.
"I would ask that you not tease me like that, I already lived with one." Bell said with a laugh as Atalanta looked at him with a smirk. "…you're not joking are you.
"I am, in fact, not joking." Atalanta said, nodding as she continued walking past Bell.
"Then can I ask you to join my Familia?" Bell asked as he ran up to her side and kept pace with her. Archer turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised.
"I mean, we're not very well off and it's only me and the Goddess, but if you join I think we'll be able to become a great Familia.” Bell spoke such enthusiasm that Atalanta found adorable. Her master looked like such an adorable rabbit. She also found his eyes unique. His right eye was a bright lime green, with glowing, yellow pupil while his left eye was a pure black iris with an X shaped cross into it.
"Great Familia, huh?" Atalanta repeated with a chuckle.
"Well, we will see about that. Your goddess is the one that decides, isn't she?" Archer asked.
"Yes." Bell says with a reassuring smile. "We aren't that big of a Familia yet so there's no way she'll turn down a potential recruit." At that mention, Atalanta raised an eyebrow and show a wryly smile.
"…that doesn't fill me with confidence."
(XXX)
Before heading to the old church, Bell wanted to cash in the Magic Stones and report to Eina.
Said guild advisor was looking through some files at the reception desk when Bell entered the Guild. After asking Atalanta to wait by the door, Bell ran up to the half-elf woman with a smile.
"Miss Eina, I'm back!" He said as she looked up.
"Welcome back, Bell." Eina said, a surprised looked in her face, tilting her glasses up slightly.
"You're back rather early today. Did you change your mind on going to the dungeon today?"
"No, I did go into the dungeon." Bell replied. "I just had an incident of sorts is all." Bell said as he prepared himself for the fallout. Eina was most definitely going to yell at him.
"Huh? What happened?" Bell sighed as he told Eina of the incident from finding the goblet to being jumped by two minotaurs and then being saved by Archer who showed up in the nick of time. He chose to leave out the part of the female warrior, figuring he would find out what happened later once Hestia updated his status.
"Putting aside the fact that you met not one but two minotaurs, monsters from the middle floors, on the upper floors…" Eina began, rubbing her forehead.
"How many times do I have to tell you that an adventurer shouldn't go on an adventure? You need to be properly prepared in order to explore the lower floors." Eina said with her guild voice, which made Bell’s body shiver instinctively.
"Ye-yes…" Bell said, feeling a bit ashamed. He did try diving deeper into the dungeon with the hopes of finally being able to rise above the poverty line.
But also, he still wants to save people, not just cute girls. The image of Atalanta’s back was engraved into his mind.
Steadfast, strong, and unflinching in the face of danger. Like an invincible wall that would protect everyone that stood behind her.
Bell wanted to be someone like that too, though protecting girls thing was a distant second, he wanted to be someone who, just by showing up, can make it so the person in danger could feel safe and relieved. That they had been saved.
The word Adventurer didn't really fit that kind of feeling. The word Hero though, sounds much more fitting.
"Anyway…where is this Atalanta?" Eina said, taking Bell out of his thoughts. Bell waved over toward the door where Atalanta was resting against the wall with her arms folded across her chest. Spotting him, she pushed herself off the wall and walked over to him.
"What is it?" Atalanta asked as she looked from Bell to Eina. "Hello Miss. You're Cranel's Guild Advisor?"
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Atalanta, my name is Eina Tulle." Eina said with a slight bow. "First off, please let me express my thanks in helping Bell Cranel in the dungeon." Archer nodded her head to show that she accepted the thanks and for Eina to continue.
"I also would like to tell you since you appear to be a newcomer to the city, you will not be able to exchange any magic stones for Valis until you register at the Guild."
"Got it.” Atalanta nodded. "Sorry for the hassle."
"It's fine if you understand.” Eina said as she pulled out a large folder and place it on the counter with a loud thud.
This made Atalanta take a step back. A look of horror appearing before she show a stoic face.
“Here are all the proper materials to read, sign, and turn into the guild. By the way, which Familia are you in?"
Archer replied by pointing a finger at Bell. "Oh my, Bell!" Eina looked happy as she clapped her hands together with a smile. "You didn't say you got a new Familia member."
"Well, it's not official." Bell replied, scratching the back of his head. "We haven't met with Lady Hestia to welcome her in yet."
"Then I won't keep you any longer," Eina nodded. "Oh and don't forget to exchange any Magic Stones you collected before you leave."
"Got it. Come on, Atalanta. I'll show you how it works."
(XXX)
After exchanging the Magic Stones, netting Bell a good chunk of money he guided Archer to their Familia Home.
"It's not much since we're kinda poor…" Bell admitted as the two of them stood in front of a run down church. The walls were crumbling and the goddess statue on the roof was riddled with more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese.
"But it's really comfy. We have running water and a kitchen at least."
"Just having a roof is enough for me." Archer said as she followed Bell inside. She truly did not care where they lived so long as they had a functional roof of their heads. If they didn’t, she would have immediately attempted to build one just to keep Bell and his Goddess safe from the weather.
The duo went pass the broken pews to a small room behind the altar. It was once a storage room lined with empty shelves which opened up to reveal a stairwell.
The two of them descended down the stairs where Bell opened up the door at the bottom and announced himself.
"Goddess, I'm home!"
At his call, a person that had been sprawled out on the sofa sits up.
"Bell, welcome back!" Hestia yelled, excited her child is home earlier than usual. "You're back early today…and who's that with you?"
"Goddess, this is Atalanta. She says she wants to join our Familia!" Bell excitedly replied.
"Really?" The Goddess Hestia shouted as she jumped up from her couch and ran up in front of the emerald huntress. "Do you really want to join my Familia?" Hestia asked as her eyes lingered on Archer’s ears for a second longer.
"Yes, if you'll allow me, Goddess Hestia." Archer answered, bowing her head a little.
"Hurray!" Hestia cheered before grabbing her by the hand and pulling her over to the single bed in the room. "Now, take off your top and lie down on the bed and I'll bestow my blessing upon you." Hestia then turned to Bell and motioned for him to turn around. Nodding his head, Bell turned around and allowed Hestia to do what she needs to do.
Looking amused, Atalanta did as she was told, stripping off her green top and laid herself down on the bed, with her legs poking off the edge.
"Hoh hoh…even without a blessing, you've taken good care of your body, Miss Atalanta." Hestia said as she got onto her back with a silver knife in her hand.
"I suppose." The huntress said moving her body a bit rocking Hestia slightly.
"Hee hee, even though your not female Bell, you've got a lot of catching up to do." Hestia joked while Bell let out a small chuckle. "All right, now hold still. This might tickle a bit."
Hestia proceeded to prick her finger with the knife and then traced her blood onto Archer's back. Once that was done, Hestia placed a piece of parchment onto Archer's back where she traced her finger and pulled it back, leaving several words and numbers on it.
Hestia turned the parchment toward herself and frowned slightly.
"Hehehe, truly if you live long enough, you can some very interesting things.” Hestia began as she hopped off Atlantan’s back and held the parchment to her face. Atalanta looked at Hestia with a tilt to her head before taking the paper from Hestia's hands and skimmed through it.
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Atalanta
Level 1
Strength: I0
Defense: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Magic: I0
Phoebus Catastrophe: Nocking two arrows, a complaint to the gods, user aims them at the sky as they begin to shine, before releasing them at a great enough speed that they pierce through the clouds leaving behind a glittering trail.
With my bow and arrows, I pray for the protection of the God Apollo and Goddess Artemis.
I offer thee this Calamity
Phoebus Catastrophe!!
Skills:
Independent Action: Parameters Increase when fighting alone.
Crossing Arcadia: Allows user to quickly move over the field of battle.
Aesthetics of the Last Spurt: Can anticipate the enemy by letting them take the initiative and then confirming their actions.
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“This is interesting. You have a connection to both Apollo and Artemis and to think you'd have magic without Falna. That’s not even including your Skills.” Hestia said. She should be more shocked, but having lived with Bell for 8 days at this point, her expectations for these types of things to occur was normal.
"That's amazing, Atalanta!" Bell said as he looked over Hestia's shoulder at the stat sheet while the huntress was getting redressed. "I guess I’m not the only one with absurd magic.” Bell chuckled while Hestia sighed.
"Still, I always thought Humans couldn't use magic without a Falna. With Bell being the exception to that rule.” Hestia mumbled. "I suppose there are exceptions to everything."
"Well…so long as we're being honest…" Huntress said as she finished putting on her top. "I'm…not exactly human."
"Hm?" Bell gasped as he and Hestia looked at her. "What are you talking about? You look like a Demi-Human to me."
"Did you forget, Master?" Atalanta asked. "About a certain item you picked up in the dungeon?"
"Picked up? Ah, I see. I forgot about that!”
Bell quickly opened his bag and pulled out the golden goblet he found in the chest earlier.
"Bell? What is that?" Hestia asked as she stared at the golden glowing grail. "It doesn't seem like a normal cup."
"It’s called the Holy Grail.” Atalanta said.
"Under normal circumstances, it is able to grant the wish of anyone who possesses it."
"Under normal circumstances?" Hestia asked while Bell looked confused. "What's not normal about this one?"
"Considering that it was found in the dungeon, for one.” She pointed out. "I also believe Master made a wish on the grail to be saved from the minotaurs that attacked him."
"WHAT!?" Hestia shrieked as she wheeled around toward Bell. "You got attacked by some Minotaurs?"
"I’m fine though!" Bell quickly reassured her. "Atalanta saved me and I wasn't hurt at all! But wait, does that mean it can't grant any more wishes?" Bell asked, but inwardly he wonder about the knight that appeared before Atalanta.
"I don't know.” Archer said with a shrug.
"Normally, the grail summons seven servants who battle under seven masters. The last pair standing is granted a wish. However, the fact that it materialized before I was summoned means every normal thing I know about it doesn't apply anymore."
"Servants?" Hestia repeated. "Are you saying you're one of these Seven Servants? What is a Servant anyway?”
"A Servant is the physical manifestation of the aspect of a legend of a 'hero,' usually.” The huntress replied. "In theory, all those myths and legends of heroes of the past and those that have yet come to be, can be summoned into a physical form."
"You mean I can summon one of the heroes from one my Grandpa's books and stories?" Bell asked with suddenly gaining stars in her eyes.
"Supposedly.” Atalanta shrugged again as she pointed to herself. "Normally, you only get one though."
"A manifestation of a legend…" Hestia mumbled. "A spirit of a hero…I see, rather than a human, you're closer to a Spirit. I didn't think a Spirit could be graced with the Falna. But then again, all the Spirits I know about don't want to choose Adventurer as their profession.” Hestia concluded as Bell thought of something.
”When you called yourself Archer, did that name mean as a title of sorts?" Bell asked, with Atalanta nodding in response.
"Yes. Saber, Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Assassin and Berserker. These seven classes of sorts act as containers to hold Heroic Spirits. A Saber is usually a hero well known for their swordsman ship or one that carries a famous sword, Archer is usually a peerless bowman but any kind of projectile would work such as a sling, Lancer is one that wields a polearm and usually are known for their speed as well, Rider has a famous mount, Casters are peerless mages, Assassins are feared and famous killers and Berserkers are heroes who lost their reason and went mad at one point in their lives." How did the Huntress know about all these things, well she became great friends with a servant called Emiya. "Hey, Atalanta?” Bell said as he held up the grail. "Do you think I can summon another Servant with the grail?"
"Not satisfied with me, Master?"Atalanta asked looking offended, but inwardly laughing. Her master’s panicked expressions reminded her of a frightened rabbit.
"No no, nothing like that," Bell said quickly. "I was just thinking that if I could summon more Servants, we could use them to fill the ranks of the Familia and explore the dungeon better. By doing so, we'll be able to make more money to help out our goddess." Bell said.
"Bell…" Hestia said, looking at him for a moment before tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry we are still poor…"
"Nonononono! It's not your fault! You're doing your best at your job too!" Bell quickly said.
"If…there isn't any other Masters out there…" Atalanta began, ignoring the two's amusing antics.
"It should be possible for you to try summoning another Servant. However, it's not as if it's free. The costs for summoning a Servant is burdened by the grail, the cost for keeping that Servant bound to the physical world is on the Summoner."
Atalanta turned her head to look behind her toward her back. "I don't know exactly how the Falna interacts with that. But I feel as though I'm getting the mana from two sources. Both from you and Lady Hestia.”
"How exactly is this upkeep paid for?" Hestia asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.
"Well, with the Master's magic power." Hestia and Bell shared a look before she motioned for Bell to take off his shirt, he did so without any hesitation. Hestia got on top of Bell's back and pricked her finger with her knife again before repeating the same process on Bell's back like she did for Archer.
"….Bell….you almost died?" Hestia’s voice was eerily calm and cold. Hearing her tone sent both shiver down his back and warning bells in his bed. “I-I, well…just show me, once I see what happened I’ll explain the story.” Bell said, feeling Archer’s intense gaze on him. Hestia place some parchment onto Bell's back and pulled it off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bell Cranel
Level 1
Strength: I0-G-212
Defense: I0-F-389
Dexterity: I0-H-157
Agility: I0-G-335
Magic: I0-E-405
Magic:
Boost: The ability to ignite, control, and utilize flames from his feet
Crimson Semblance: Summon a keen-edged weapon, luster dazzling as the crimson moon made from the blood of the user.
Weapon Summoning: Summons forth the Lance That Shines to the End of the World.
Fusion: Bring two bodies together for ten minutes and forge a completely new being that retains aspect from both people.
Join these bodies and souls Bend their powers and talents, May they be united evermore, Unleash thy power of harmony!
Servant Summoning: Summon a Heroic Spirit into one of Seven Servant Containers. Requires upkeep once servant is summoned.
Let silver and steel be the essence.
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation.
Let red be the color I pay tribute to.
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall.
Let the four cardinal gates close.
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate."
"Let it be filled. Again. Again. Again. Again.
Let it be filled fivefold for every turn, simply breaking asunder with every filling.
My dreams form the body
Your Spirit shall show me the path as I walk it by my own power
And so I hereby swear,
That I shall be all the good in the world
That I shall defeat all the evil in the world.
You seven souls who reside at the fate I wish to reach
Come forth from the binding circle
Oh Keeper of the Balance!
Skills:
Desire to be the King:
Description: As long as user desires to become a hero and Artoria’s Successor, growth of stats will increase exponentially. Effect increases by intensity of determination and desire to become the King’s successor. Makes the user immune to all charms and seductions.
Spirit Surge: Temporarily boosts users parameters when in close contact with spirit's.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bell let out a cry of joy as he read through his updated status sheet. Meanwhile, Hestia gained a look of pure fear and shock.
"His numbers are better than mine…" Atalanta noted blandly.
"That's not how it usually works!! It’s rare for someone to gain over 50 points in a single trip into the Dungeon! Let alone 1,500 points!!” Hestia said, trying not to yell that much.
"Having zero doesn't mean your status is zero. Everyone starts at zero whether you're just a baby or a grown adult that can lift a cart over their heads with one hand. Bell's stats are what they were due to him being eight days your senior and cause of the absolute bullshit of his apparent new skill.” Hestia was just absolutely done sugarcoating it. It was absurd, just absurd. The skill alone is enough to completely destroy the status quo.
"I see…so that's how that works…" Atalanta muttered. Atalanta now understood why she could feel her master had such mana reserves.
It was just…absurd.
"In any case, it seems like your magic status will grow on its own so long as I'm around and you providing my upkeep." Atalanta said with a smile.
"I see." Hestia said with a nod. "So Bell's magic status will continually grow even if he doesn't do anything.." The huntress nodded at Hestia’s implication.
"So? Do you think I can summon another Servant?" Bell asked again as he stood up and walked up to Atalanta.
"I would tell you not to overdo it." Hesita said quickly. "Remember I told you what happens when you overuse magic. You get affected by something called 'Mind Down' and collapse. In worst cases, it could kill you. But your magic stat is so high that I don’t think you’ll be so severely affected.” Hestia said, brighting up Bell’s mood.
"Then can I?" Bell asked looking at Atalanta, but notice hesitation in her eyes. “It's dangerous, isn't it, even with my high magic stat.”
"It is.” She nodded. "However…as I said, since I received the Falna, I feel like I am getting magic power from both you and Lady Hestia. Based on how things go, I believe you may be able to summon another one so long as Lady Hestia gives them her blessing as well. That is, if they accept it. Some heroes are rather arrogant and would refuse it after all."
"What class would you say then?" Bell asked, perking up again as Hestia sighed and shook her head.
"Caster would be my recommendation.” The huntress answered.
"Being magic users themselves, they should hold a lot of magic power inside of them so that there isn't as much upkeep required for existing and using their abilities. They also have skills for creating and holding territory so they could be useful in tidying up this church a bit."
"Is it okay if I try, Goddess?" Bell asked, turning his puppy dog eyes toward Hestia who looked away as if his gaze was too cute for her handle.
"…" Hestia groaned as she glanced at the huntress. "Is there any way to reduce upkeep even more?"
"If I do this…" Atalanta began before disappearing from view causing both of them to jump.
"Atalanta?" Bell called out as he waved his hand at the spot where she had been standing only to touch nothing but air. "Where are you?"
"Over here."
Both Bell and Hestia turned around to see that she had made herself at home on the couch, her arms resting on the top of the couch with one leg over the other. Again, she couldn't help but feel she was copying a certain faker.
"Dematerialization.” Atalanta said.
"Most servants can do this. It temporarily shifts our bodies from the physical plane where we can't interact with anything but it helps reduce the cost. If it's too much for Bell to handle, I'll spend some time like this until he can handle it."
"Mumumumumu…" Hestia seemed both unwilling to let Bell take on such a risk while at the same time not wanting to deny her first Familia member something that would help their Familia grow. "Fine! But if he falls unconscious you are dematerializing right away, got it?" Hestia asked.
"Thank you Goddess!" Bell said as he picked up the grail again and looked around. "Umm…so how do I…?"
"Follow me." Atalanta said as she took the grail from Bell's hands and headed up the stairs with the two of them following her.
Up on the altar of the church, she began carving a strange magic circle into the wood. As she worked, she explained the command spells that symbolized the connection between Master and Servant. Bell was confused for a second before he took off his glove and saw a red marking had etched themselves on the back of his left hand in the form of a flame made up of three lines. Archer explained that those three lines were spells that could be used to give a servant an absolute order that couldn't be disobeyed, even for the servant to take their own life if need be and were very valuable as it meant that the Servant would think twice before betraying him.
"I don't want to make anyone do something like that." Bell muttered as Atalanta shrugged.
"Consider it insurance of a sort," She replied. "It's not like that's the only way you can use it. It can be used as a power up to let a Servant cast a spell immediately or for them to warp to your side if you are in danger. If it's an order that both you and the Servant agree upon like 'Take down that monster' then the Servant will get a power boost as they fight the monster you direct them too. The more specific the command, the more powerful the spell will be."
"I see. That's good then," Bell said, looking a bit happier that it wasn't just a tool to order someone to their own death.
"It's done," Atalanta said as she stood up and placed the grail on the pedestal at the edge of the alter. "Now say your chant clearly beside the circle and a Servant should appear."
Bell nodded at her instructions as she held out her left hand with the command spells on them and began his chant.
With each verse the circle began to shine and a gust of wind began to blow from it. Behind Bell, Atalanta stood in front of Hestia to shield the goddess from the bellowing winds as Bell continued undaunted.
As the lights began to shine in a golden color, Bell hit the final verse.
"You seven souls who reside at the fate I wish to reach, Come forth from binding circle, Oh Keeper of the Balance!" Bell shouted as the light exploded.
"Did…did it work?" Hestia asked as she peered around her new child’s back while Atalanta could only gape at the cloud of dust in front of Bell.
Bell meanwhile had his arms in front of his eyes to shield himself from the dust. As the dust began to dissipate, he lowered his arms and saw someone in front of him.
A fair-skinned woman with silver hair, that was very reminiscent of Bell’s own hair to some degree. She was dressed in a dark goth-like dress that went all the way down to her feet. Around her neck, she had a necklace decorated with a green gemstone. She also wore dark, semi-transparent gloves.
It may be Bell’s imagination, but he felt as if she was staring so intently at him.
“Servant…Caster.” The woman said. Bell felt something towards the woman, it couldn’t quite grasp what it was, but he felt as if she was family member.
"Alfia of Silence has come to your request, nephew."
’What!?!?!!’