Training the Rabbit
As soon the clock turn 5 AM, Bell groggily opened his eyes and looked around the small room. His goddess slept soundly on the bed while Alfia could be seen reading a book while leaning on wall. She appeared to be lost in the books content she did not react when Bell woke up and rub his eyes to rid of the last his sleepiness away.
Sitting up properly on the sofa, he let out a large yawn and scratched his head. "Yesterday wasn't a dream." He muttered as he looked down at his hands. "Doesn't look like it." The command spells were still marked on the back of his hand, symbolizing his connection to Archer and Alfia. However, what Bell did notice was that on his left hand were another set of command spells. However, instead of being crimson these ones were pitch black in color.
These command Spells were in the shape of a lance, surrounded by flames in the shape of butterfly wings. To Bell, it look beautiful as he had never such a design before. These other Command Spells were quite different from their original counterparts, but how they work is for Bell to find out. But that’s a story for another day.
"Well, you're up like you said you would be." A feminine voice spoke from behind him. Bell turned around to see Archer holding a glass of water out to him.
"Is the pantry usually empty?" The huntress asked as Bell accepted it and downed the glass.
"Oh yeah, it is." Bell bluntly admitted. "Most of what we earn goes into taxes and the utilities and what little else we have goes into food. We eat whatever the Goddess can bring back.” Bell took a pause before speaking again.
”However, based on my adventures the past two days, I have more than accumulated the funds to buy ingredients to make some actual food. However, I don't have the right amount of skill to even make something edible. ” Bell said as he rubbed his head awkwardly.
Archer's eyes gained a glint at Bell's words. The rabbit didn’t know why, but he instinctively shudder when he saw that look.
"In that case, we can try and go food shopping for today.” Archer said as she gestured to the door with her head.
"Grab your weapon and follow me. I believe that the minotaur crystals you exchanged yesterday provided a good amount of money?" Archer asked.
"Yeah." Bell nodded as he set the empty glass on the table and grabbed his trusty knife before the two walk up the stairs.
"I got 100,000 valis from it, which added a huge chunk to our savings. The monsters on the upper floors usually only give little shards and the minotaurs crystal was much bigger. They are a lot more useful to the Guild instead of the smaller ones.” Bell spoke with a small smile before letting out a long sigh and turned his eyes to the side.
" First Class adventurers are definitely a different breed to make that much money. In the past eight days I spent adventuring was enough to make around 80,000." Archer nodded her head, quite surprised that her master was able to make that much in just a few days. However, the beginning part of his sentence caught her attention.
"It's most likely due to their weapons as well as their skills.” Archer said. "Having better weapons could mean that maintenance costs for them must be huge. So they have to kill a lot more of those bigger monsters just to break even like you do." Archer said in an attempt to ease her master.
"I suppose you're right." Bell nodded. "Though I think the bigger Familias have enough members to have Supporters.” Bell notice the confused look on Archer so he elaborated on what he said.
“They are adventurers who don't fight but support the front-liners by carrying equipment and carving the magic stones out of monsters. It is so that the front-liners pay attention to the monsters and not worry about leaving the magic stones behind." Bell explained with Archer nodding before thinking more on what her master said and inputting her opinion.
"Sounds like under-appreciated work.” Archer commented as they stepped out into the morning sun. "Now then, let me see your knife."
Bell pulled it out of its sheath and held it out to Archer, handle first. Atalanta plucked it out of Bell's hand and turned it around in her hand for a moment. After a few minutes she turned back to Bell and sighed, shaking her head lightly.
"Something wrong?" Bell asked as Atalanta gained a thinking expression. Her hand on her chin. "Yes, if we were to train using that knife, it would break too soon. Its quality is average and serves the purpose of being “Starter Equipment” but for our training it won’t last long.” Bell had to agree with that as he took in the appearance of the Guild Issue Knife.
The knife has been losing its durability the past couple of days and it look like just a few more swings would cause it to break. “Then what do you purpose we do?” Bell asked.
“You have that Weapon Summoning Skill, I could train you in the arts of using a spear.” Archer responded, but Bell tilts his head in confusion.
”But aren’t you an Archer?” Bell asked. Archer merely smiled, amusement being seen in that smile. “I am an Archer, but I have been around multiple Heroic Spirits that wield a spear.” Her admission to that made Bell’s eyes sparkle.
”Then please train me, even though I have some prior training. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a legend of old.” Bell happily said as he held his hands out and began chanting. It was part of the magic spell needed to summon the Lance. He didn't know it before, but in his dream he saw the words appear next to the armored woman he saw riding a beautiful white stallion.
”O Light of the Eternal Horizon, Bearer of the Spear. By the stars' decree and the earth's whisper, I call upon thy radiant power. Manifest thy brilliance, Lance of the End, And guide my hand to victory.”
"Amazing, that spear is….I see now. It was you who answered his call and gave him another chance at life." Archer mumbled. As the spirit gaze upon it, memories of a tall blonde king appeared in her head. Her stoic and calm demeanor was one of the few things Atalanta liked about her. But to think that she willingly chose to give her his heart. ‘Why do I feel like I have heard of this before.’ Atalanta mumbled as Bell twirled the spear in his hands. Archer could see that he had some talent for and wasn't kidding about having proper training prior to arriving in the city.
”How does it feel?” Archer asked. “Surprisingly comfortable. It fits like a glove.” Bell responded with enthusiasm which made Archer chuckled. “Good to know. Now, let’s begin. Try not to get hit too much.”
Before Bell could asked what she meant by that, Atalanta armed an arrows and fired at him. “Eh!!!” Bell let out a squeak as he instinctively used the lance to redirect the arrow to the side.
”What the h-“ Again, Archer fired a bow at him and Bell chose to wisely jumped to the side. But before he could recover Atalanta appeared right in front of him, her bow draw back. “Oh sh-“ Bell was smacked in the face and was launched into the wall of an abandoned building. His body making spider web cracks appeared on the concrete walls.
”Get up, Bell. You want to be a hero, no? Or was your dedication all for show?!” Archer yelled.
While she would train him in what little she knew about spears, which was mostly due to spending a concerning amount of time with Achilles in the Throne of Heroes. She first needs to properly teach him how to defend himself, then show him how to attack. If her master can't defend, then she can't soldifiy his foundations. Luckily for her, Bell already had the basics down to a kettle.
Caster would be the one in charge of teaching Bell how to attack human enemies. She had more experience with hunting monsters than humans anyway, as was her nature as a huntress and follower of Artemis.
She looked as Bell stood up and brandished the spear. While his clothes were a bit disheveled and had a few specks of dirt on him, he looked otherwise okay. Archer was trying to teach him, not kill him. “I hope you have more to show me, self-proclaimed Hero~” Archer teased, making Bell narrow his eyes. But her master did not lash out or let his emotions consume his reasoning.
”Boost.” Bell mumbled, making Archer wonder what he planned to do. Her answer came in the form of electrical fire shooting from Bell’s feet. “What the heck!” Archer yelled as Bell's body seem to blurred and suddenly found himself upon her with his white spear in poise positioned.
However, she wasn’t a Heroic Spirit for nothing. In a manner befitting her status as one, Archer jumped backwards and avoided Bell’s slash. He made a 'tch" at having not able to graze Archer. Before he could attack again, Archer quickly fired three consecutive arrows before planting her knees into the ground, taking a deep breath, and fired one powerful shot that was much stronger than the first three she fired.
Bell took the first three arrows head on with help from the spear, but Archer’s fourth arrow had his instincts screaming at him. He recognized it as an attack he couldn't take head on and come out unscathed.
Thankful, he still had his boost magic working which gave just enough speed to dodge the arrow by the skin of his teeth. “Hm, not bad. Not bad at all. But you still have a long way to go Bell. Don’t disappoint me.” Archer comments seem to give the boy some resolve as he nodded and ready the spear once more. Archer respond in kind and summoned three arrows. She could have smiled when she saw the growing fire in Bell’s eyes.
’I truly have such a persistent master.’ Archer inwardly smirking as she met Bell head on.
3 Hours Later
Despite Bell’s magic and wielding such a powerful lance, the fight was entirely one-sided. Every move that Bell made was countered by the huntress. She showed no mercy and ridiculed him every time he mess up. But instead of being discouraged, Bell grew more determined as the fight dragged on with his skills improving little by little. Archer took note of this and was impressed by how he was improving, little by little.
Just as they clash for the 15 time, a loud and angry shout erupted from the entrance of the church as Hestia rushed out, stomping past an amused looking Alfia.
"What are you two doing?! This was supposed to be training!!! Not a fight to the death!" Hestia yelled as she walked up in front of Archer with her hands on her hips.
"That's not it, Goddess!" Bell quickly said putting himself between Archer and Hestia. "This is only training! Just training!" Hestia did not look convinced one bit, but said nothing as she huffed.
"Well, we should probably get to the Guild then." Bell said as he brushed off the soot from his clothes. "Have a good day, Goddess!" Bell yelled running to the guild.
"Take care Lady Hestia." Archer said before chasing after Bell who ran off while Caster gave Hestia a simple smile, which Hestia was glad to receive as she left the confines of the Church, before lazily following after the other two. She noticed how Alfia's hair was changed to match"s Bells and that she had changed out of her goth like clothes into something more appropriate to the Goddess standards. She had on a blue corset-like bodice with gold embroidery and trim, featuring a sweetheart neckline. It is layered over a black blouse with puffed sleeves and lacy, off-shoulder details. A black choker adorned with a gemstone, along with black gloves that extend past her wrists. A long, flowing dark green skirt with gold embroidery along the hem. Over this, she wears a black overskirt with an asymmetrical cut, also featuring gold trim. A brown leather belt with a circular buckle, adding a structured element to the outfit and black boots that match the darker tones of her ensemble. How Caster managed to get this outfit and dye her hair is beyond Hestia's understanding and choose to take it as it is.
"Right then." Hestia said as she looked up at the sky. "I think I can make it to Hephaestus to pass along a message before work. All right! Let's work hard today for my new girls!"
And the tiny goddess also decide to try her best for the day but couldn't be think of the black item in Alfia's hands.
'Was that a cloak?'
(XXX)
Bell led the way down the street toward the guild, pointing out landmarks to Archer while they walked side by side with each other.
Caster had decided to wear a cloak over herself so that she is not easily recognized by the general population of Orario. Even with her new change clothes and hair dye, she needs to write down a fake name when she eventually re-registers with the Guild.
She hardly doubt she would ever level up now that she’s a spirit which throws off much of the unnecessary attention she wants to avoid. Currently, there was a topic that Archer and her were discussing about with each other, lowering their voice so as to not drag Bell into it.
"Since you were the one knocking him to the ground, did you notice anything strange about him?" Caster said quietly as to not let Bell hear him.
"I did, I assume that you were capable of doing the same thing?” Archer replied looking at a food stand. "It was only a bit, but he was getting a bit faster toward the end. Is this the Falna doing work or our little Master's own talent?" Archer asked, the amusement in her tone could easily be heard by the former level 7.
"It could be nothing more than a fluke." Caster said before gaining a thoughtful expression on her. "However, considering who his parents where, and how we are family, then it’s not too far fetched to believe that he holds some of my own talent within in him."
"Really?" Caster nodded but before he could explain, their attention was suddenly drawn in front of them.
The two of them stopped walking as just a little bit ahead, Bell had been accosted by a girl in a green and white uniform with gray hair tied in a bun.
She was handing him a magic stone, one that she was thinking Bell had dropped…even though Bell had exchanged all of his stones yesterday when Archer went with him to the Guild.
"Hmm" Caster let out an amused hmm. "It seems my nephew has caught the eye of some server girl." Caster was both mildly amused and annoyed. She would prefer to have not some random girl devour him, and instead one that has earn her approval.
"Where did she get the stone though?" Archer muttered. "Stones are to be traded for Valis by Adventurers. They should be useless to civilians, no?" Archer asked to Caster. "I don't know...it is highly suspicious, keep an eye on her." Archer nodded. Bell gestured to the two of them as he explained to the girl that he was showing his new Familia members to the guild and not to the dungeon as she had initially thought.
However, at that moment Bell's stomach started growling, much to his chagrin as his face started reddening.
Caster let out a sighed at her nephews expense while Archer chuckled. "Did you not have breakfast yet?" The girl asked.
"No, not yet," Bell admitted as he looked at the building that the girl was next to. "Do you work here? 'Hostess of Fertility?'"
"Yes, ah…but we're not open yet, my apologies." The girl answered lowering her head in apology.
"It'd probably be a good idea for you to get something to eat before we meet with the advisor if you're hungry.” Archer said.
"You don't want your stomach growling in front of her too, do you?" Archer keeping the smirk hidden and not breaking the stoic expression that she usually had on her face.
"I suppose so."
"In that case, please wait a moment.” The girl said before running back inside the building. A few minutes later she came running back out with a small wrapped boxed. "It's not much but please accept this."
"Eh?" Bell let out a surprised shout as the girl forced the box into his hands. "No way, I can't accept a free meal from someone I never met before. And this is your breakfast right?"
"Don't worry, once the pub opens I can just get something to eat." She says, gesturing back inside the pub where a pair of waitresses with cat ears were running around cleaning.
Most likely they were preparing for the long day ahead. "But in exchange, you have to eat dinner tonight at the pub, okay?"
"So that's what she was after.” Caster said with a sigh. "Accept it, Bell. We'll have a celebration of the addition to the Familia here alongside the goddess." Caster spoke, managing to alter her tone so that she didn’t sound like her usual self.
"Ahaha…that's true," Bell said with a smile as he looking back at the waiting girl.
“Then, I'll take it. We'll be back tonight if all of our errands are finished. If not, can you accept us coming tomorrow night instead?"
"That's fair," the girl nodded. "But still, I hope to see you tonight."
At these words, Bell's face flushed once more as Caster rolled her eyes. He has his father’s looks but also inherited her weakness for compliments from cute girls. ‘It’s no wonder my sister was able to tame that monster of a female. Truly there is not stronger weapon than a cute girl crying.’
"If you are going to seduce a girl you only met five minutes ago,” She began, causing both of them to go red, even redder in Bell's case. "Then they at least need to earn my approval before you do such lewd things."
"Ah, right!" Bell nodded before clearing his throat. "I'm Bell Cranel, inspiring hero. What's your name?" Bell held out his hand and could see the girl smile grow.
"Syr. Syr Flover. It's nice to meet you Bell." They shook hands and soon went on their respective ways.
(XXX)
"It would seem as though you got your special meeting after all, Bell." Archer said as they continued to walk to the Guild while Bell was munching on the bread and cheese in Syr's lunchbox.
"Please don't bring it back up…" Bell said with a nervous laugh. "Ah, we're here."
"It still hasn’t changed at all I see." Caster said, a hint of nostalgic in her voice.
The three members, consisting of two spirits and one half spirit/human, walked through the doors. Bell spotted Eina at her usual counter and ran up to her.
"Good morning Miss Eina!"
"Good morning Bell.” Eina answered to Bell’s energetic greeting with a smile.
"Are you here to register Miss Atalanta?"
"Yes!" Bell nodded. "Also another person as well!"
"Two new Familia members?" Eina asked in surprise. "My…your Familia's is growing so suddenly. Good for you Bell."
Bell scratched his head with a smile as Archer and Caster walked up to the counter.
"Here you are Miss Tulle," Archer said handing her form over. "And we'll need another one for this one."
Caster looked at Archer at her referral but didn't say anything.
"There's no problem," Eina said as she pulled out another folder and made her way around to the other side of the counter to the other three. "Do you mind following me? I can give the two of you the orientation while you fill out the registration form."
Eina led them to a private booth where she began to give the Guild approved orientation of the dungeon to Archer and Caster. She briefly went over the history of the dungeon, how it spewed monsters out constantly in the pass before the Gods descended and placed the Tower of Babel over it to seal it and keep the monsters at bay.
Eina also went over details of the monsters that appeared on the Upper Floors, recommending that they, as new Adventurers, shouldn't venture passed the Fifth Floor until they got a better handle on things.
"I see." Caster said, looking up from her paperwork. "So the Dungeon can be considered a living entity with an extreme hatred for mortals and the divine alike." She said this in an effort to understand it from the perspective of a spirit and not as human.
"Yes.” Eina nodded. "That is why it is forbidden for Gods and Goddesses to enter the dungeon. If they do, the dungeon causes irregularities and spawn powerful monsters in an attempt to kill them and make a break to the surface."
"And no one's ever been to the bottom?" Archer asked.
"No one." Eina confirmed. "The furthest anyone has ever gone down was the Zeus and Hera Familia before their defeat and loss of power fifteen years ago. I believe they made it to around the fifty-ninth floor during their thousand year tenure."
"I see…" Caster nodded. Despite what her tone said, she was immensely disappointed by the lack of progress being done by the “strongest” Familias. ‘Is this really all our sacrifices could do? Zald, I fear that everything was for naught.’ Caster dangerously thought but shook her head. She would deal with that another time, for now she’ll continue to play the part of a new adventure.
"It was through their effort and sacrifices that the Guild has so much more information about the dungeon to pass on to the newer Familia that came after them?" Caster asked, which made Eina nod smile with a sad expression.
"Not many people see it that way anymore but I believe so." Caster nodded before passing the form out to Eina who accepted it with a smile.
"Everything seems to be in order." She said as she looked through both his and Archer's forms.
"Hmm? The two of you are going by different names than what's written here?"
"Is that a problem?" Caster asked.
"Not at all.” Eina replied quickly. "I apologize if I offended. It was merely a comment. As long as a name is given then that is fine." Eina said as she collected the papers.
"Then is there anything else you would like to know?" Eina asked. The three members of the Hestia Familia looked at each before shaking their heads. “Alright, then. Good luck in there you three.”
The three nodded as Caste and Archer stood up and left the room followed by Bell.
"See you later Miss Eina!" Bell said as he ran after the spirits.
"Good luck with your new Familia members.” Eina said, waving goodbye with a smile.
Once outside, Bell quickly ran up to Caster. “You didn’t put your actual name, didn’t you?” Bell asked to which Caster nodded. “Of course I didn't, I put down a fake name. I’m not going to ‘reveal’ myself right now, I’ll do when I have a big enough crowd.” Caster said in a rather amusing tone. Archer shrugged her shoulder upon hearing that as she looked up at the sky, a cloud catching her attention.
"What time does Goddess Hestia get off work?" Archer asked. "Do we have time to go to the dungeon?"
"Huh? Oh…" Bell said looking around for a bit. "I think we got done rather early so we could try going down into the dungeon for a few hours.
But first we could head to Goddess's stand…but didn't you want to buy groceries, Archer?"
"Well, since we're going to probably be eating at Syr's place, I think we can put off groceries for another day."
"I see. Then follow me. Goddess's stand is this way."
Bell led them through the marketplace until they stopped at a small stand where their tiny Goddess was standing behind, wearing a frilling pink apron and a headband that had two little balls bouncing around on the end of wires.
Caster and Archer fell silent at the sight as they watch Hestia happily spread some cream onto a potato puff and hand it to a customer.
"…Bell…" Archer began. "When you said 'Hestia's Stand' I thought you meant that she was the owner…not…an actual worker."
Caster, on the other hand, had one hand over her stomach and the other covering her face as her body shook from holding in her laughter.
"Our goddess selling street food to make money…" Caster said as she regained her composure. 'Truly, if you lived long enough you can see some very absurd things'. Although, Alfia preferred if it was Hera who was put to work behind the stand.
"This would be infinitely more amusing if it were Hera or heck even Ishtar." Bell could only sigh to his aunt’s response as they walked up to the stand.
"Welcome!" Hestia greeted them with a bow before she realized who her customers were. "Oh, hey there guys! Done with orientation already? How was it?"
"It was just as boring as I remember the first time being, even though I have a keen memory of the monsters ranging from the 1st Floor all the way down to the Floor 50.” Caster admitted.
Hestia hummed, not at all suprise by what Caster said as she wrapped up some of the product in front of her when Archer plucked Bell's wallet from his waist and pulled out some coins. "Even so, be sure to have Bell get familiar with each and every one of them." Hestia said.
Even though Bell possesses quite the an amazing growth skill, it doesn’t make up for the experience one usually gets when they play the Dungeon the normal ways.
Caster merely nodded but otherwise didn't say anything as she took it for what it was and just quietly accepted the potato puff Hestia had put out to her.
"The three of us will head out to the dungeon after we're done here." Bell said as he also took one. "Goddess, we got a…reservation at a pub tonight so let's have dinner there. Or we can go tomorrow if it's a better time."
"Reservation?" Hestia repeated. "Ah of course! Let's have a party to welcome Archer and Caster to the Familia! We got a lot of money from the minotaur crystals so let's celebrate properly!" Hestia said with a cheer. Bell let out a cheer alongside Hestia while the other two remained stoically silent.
"You two are no fun." Hestia said with a pout.
"On that note, I won’t be home for a couple days since Ganesha is throwing a big party for all the gods and goddesses and I got an invite to it. I believe it said it will be held tomorrow night at his Familia Home." This surprised Caster as she let out an small smile.
"Really? Even the goddess of a small Familia would be able to get an invite?" Caster asked, honestly rather surprised. It just goes to show her how things have definitely changed since her time.
“Ganesha’s Familia is the largest one in the city and handles various things from guarding the city walls to being private guards?"
"Well…Ganesha can be a weirdo sometimes, but people like him in spite of…or rather because of it.” Hestia admitted.
"In that case things should go smoothly then." Caster nodded.
"So we'll meet back home then head off to the pub tonight then?" Bell suggested to Hestia.
"That's fine with me." Hestia nodded. "You're going to the dungeon then?"
"Yes. I want to show Archer and I want to see how Caster fights." Bell said, eagerly awaiting to see how his aunt fights.
"Dear nephew, do not expect anything if the enemies do not warrant my attention." Caster simply answered. "I will most likely used my first chant magic only for the Upper Floors."
"If that is the case, we'll get out of your way.” Archer said, taking a bag from Hestia. "Good luck, Lady Hestia."
"Bye! Stay safe you three!"
XXX
The dungeon was the same as it ever was. It was dreary, slightly chilly, with strange sources of light coming from the walls making it seem like one brightly lit tunnel instead of something deep underground. The trio had barely walked ten minutes into the first floor when cracks began to form in the walls.
"I see…" Archer muttered walking right up to one as a goblin's hand was forcing its way out of it.
"Hearing it from Eina is one thing, but seeing it for one's self is another. What a strange-" As the Goblin's head appeared, Archer brought down an arrow straight onto its head, with the goblin turning into ash. "Phenomenon."
"Yes." Bell nodded as he dodged a swing from another goblin and slashed it straight through the chest. He was using the spear as he had left his guild knife at home. He figure it was time for him to hung the old blade up.
"Monsters are born in the dungeon full grown. Every monster found on the surface comes from this dungeon or are descended from the ones that had reached the surface in the past."
"How are other places handling them?" Archer asked she summon forth her bow with arrows appearing in her hands. She took aim and fired at the goblins, her arrows doing more than enough to cleaved through several of them in the same instant as Bell took a breath.
"Not all Gods live in Orario. They're spread out all over the world. This city just happens to have the most number them since the dungeon is here."
Bell bent over the dead goblins and carefully carve into its chest and pulled out a small magic stone. Once he did, the monster's corpse turn to ash and was absorbed back into the dungeon.
"So that's how it works.” Archer noted.
"Yes.” Bell nodded as he placed the stone into his pouch.
"Remember how I mentioned supporters before? This is one of their duties. Of course…we can't afford one right now so I'll do it. I can't ask you two to do so."
"No, it's fine." Archer said. "Right now it is imperative that you grow stronger so I'll support you for today."
"You want to summon more of us, do you not?" Caster added. "These creatures are the barest of the weakest. There is no point in either of us fighting them. You, on the other hand, need to grow to let your body be able to support more Servants.
Archer will handle cutting out the crystals while you focus on these weaklings. I will make sure your fights are not interrupted. Use this wisely."
Caster said as she cracked her knuckles.
"Yes!" Bell nodded as Archer walked from corpse to corpse easily fishing out the crystals before holding his hand out to Bell. "Huh? Oh right!"
Bell unhooked the bag he used to hold magic stones and tossed it at Archer who dumped the crystals inside.
"I see.” Archer noted as she looked inside the bag. "The minotaur stones were indeed much bigger than these ones."
"Yeah.” Bell nodded with a frown. "I'll be lucky to get 75 for these compared to the fifty thousand from the minotaur's stones."
"I see" Caster said, her voice filled with irritation. "We will not waste our time here. Let us move on to the lower floors at once! Your status will improve faster the stronger your opponent. I will have you face those that can kill you!"
"But I haven’t even reached Floor Six yet!"
"No excuses! As long as both of us are here you will not die! Now go!" Caster will be hard on her nephew, she did say she would push him into his body breaks. He may end up hating her, but she will not let stop until he has grown into a hero she could be proud of. A hero that will correct their mistakes.
And march they did. Archer and Caster both stood back when monsters appeared to let Bell fight them alone. No matter how much appeared though, Bell never particularly had trouble fighting them before despite being alone, just the fact that there were two people watching his back made him feel more confident.
Eina had told him that if he was ever outgunned, he should run. However, even though he was fighting ten kobolds at the same time, just being watched by Archer, the woman who saved his life, made him want to prove himself. Being watch by Alfia brought an even more intense feeling of wanting to improve herself.
He can't always be protected forever. He wanted to be someone worthy to stand beside her.
Someone that was good enough to lead his aunt. Who is a legend herself.
But even so…compared to Archer, these monsters were so much slower.
"Do you see now, Bell?" Caster asked as Bell tried to catch his breath while being surrounded by monster corpses.
"You can do it if you put your mind to it."
"Yes!" Bell answered with a nod of his head as Archer gathered the magic stones.
"However…" Caster began as she looked upward. "I suppose we should stop here for today."
"Huh? But I feel like I can keep going," Bell said.
"You will descend more another day.” Caster declared. "Tonight however, we are to dine with the goddess at that girl's restaurant remember? It will not do to drag your ruined body there and spoil the meal for the other patrons."
"What she means is that you shouldn't push yourself too much just yet." Archer said with a sigh. "Prepare a bit more before diving any further than this today."
"Oh…all right," Bell said feeling just a tad bit disappointed. He felt like he was just reaching his stride too.
"Do not think I am going soft on you," Caster warned him. "Today we have reached the Fifth Floor, but we will force ourselves down to the Tenth Floor once we hire this Supporter you speak of to take care of trivial matters such as harvesting these stones as well as more supplies for you. As it is, we are making sure you haven't taken any damage from these beasts but once we have enough supplies to heal you…" Caster trailed on, a devilish smirk appearing on her face.
Bell felt a slight chill at Caster's words. He now understood that while his aunt did have high expectations for him, she was letting Bell take an easy route by letting him fight by himself without much chance for a break.
Bell had noticed a few monsters had been injured behind his back and knew they had stepped in once or twice to save him from being injured but once they had enough money to buy potions then they would stop protecting him.
Rather than be scared of that prospect, he was instead filled with anticipation.
"Yes! I won't fail you." Bell said, hitting his chest with his hand.
"I know you never could.” Caster said with a smile.
"Come on then.” Archer said, smacking Bell on the back. "Let's head back so you can clean up before dinner. Unless you plan on meeting your date covered in monster blood."
"It’s not a date!" Bell quickly shouted, face turning as red as the monster’s blood.
"So you plan on having a one night stand with her then?" Caster asked, joining in on the fun.
"I can’t say whether to be annoyed or upset at you. And to think I believe you had such purity."
"No I'm not!" Bell's crying shout echoed through the halls of the dungeon floor as the group made their way back up to the surface.