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Hey everyone, here's a new chapter. This arc is going to be a bit long before Bell returns to Orario. This was suggested by the people on Discord. Thanks.
Thanks to Rayx2108 for being the beta reader and quality supervisor of this chapter
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Bell was carefully folding one of his shirts and stuffing it into a cloth backpack, though with the same expression as someone packing for an execution. He turned to see Hestia, who was packing some supplies into a bag with a serious expression.
"Do we really have to leave Orario?" he asked quietly. "Just like that?"
Hestia fidgeted as she answered, stuffing a jar of canned food inside before sealing the bag. "Yes. I don't like it… but right now, staying would be crazy."
Bell thought about it for a moment. "Because Freya?"
She nodded bluntly.
"With that kind of obsession, Bell she won't stop. If Freya tried to kill you once, who's to say she won't try again? And this time it might not be just monsters."
Bell fell silent, his expression growing more somber.
"We can't fight her Familia," Hestia continued seriously. "At least not now. We don't even know how much power or influence Freya has, only that she has too much for us to handle. The best thing we can do is stay away until the dust settles. Until she loses interest, or… until we can find a way to defend ourselves without dying in the attempt."
Bell sighed, closing his backpack. "I never thought I'd leave Orario because it was… too interesting?"
"Me neither." Hestia gave her a forced smile, though it was clear she was weighing on her decision. "But I'd rather have you alive and far away than killed by some crazy goddess with a huntress complex."
Bell gave a small chuckle. "That sounds more reassuring than it should."
"It's my talent," Hestia replied, giving a thumbs-up in mock pride.
The two shared a brief, silent but knowing glance. And as they finished packing in that old, abandoned church that was finally beginning to feel like home... they knew that their next destination, wherever it was, wouldn't be peaceful. But they would face it together.
The sun was already beginning to set as Bell and Hestia walked through the church doors, each carrying a backpack. The evening air was fresh, and the bustle of Orario could be heard in the distance, like a world they were slowly leaving behind.
Hestia adjusted the strap of her bag, then turned to look at Bell with a thoughtful spark in her eyes.
"By the way… since we're going to be on the move, we might as well take the opportunity to do a little research on that dragon that appeared at the Monster Feria."
Bell turned his head toward her, curious. "Why? Do you think we can find him?"
"I don't know," she replied, shrugging. "But according to that weird blessing you got…" Hestia glanced at him. "He's supposed to be your companion now right? So in theory, he shouldn't hurt us. And if it's like you said if he really did recognize you…"
Bell stared at the ground, thoughtful. He could still clearly remember the moment the creature rose into the sky, engulfed in flames, and then, its gaze. It wasn't hatred. It wasn't threat. It was… something else. A kind of recognition, as if it were a bond that had been established before they'd even met.
"'Yharon, the Dragon of Rebirth,' right?" Bell muttered. "It doesn't sound like a common monster, at least not like the ones that regularly appear in the Dungeon."
"It isn't," Hestia said with a sigh. "Not one bit. And if such a being really did choose you… then we need to know why. Maybe that will help us understand everything that's going on."
Bell nodded silently. His backpack weighed on his back, but not as much as the weight of unanswered questions. tightening his fingers slightly around the straps, his gaze lifting toward the orange-tinged sky.
"Okay," bell spoke determinedly. "Let's find him."
Hestia smiled proudly and patted him on the back.
"That's what I wanted to hear, Bell."
And so, between the light of dusk and the beginning of a new journey, the saint of the sword and his goddess left Orario... unaware that the eyes of the world—and of something much older—were already upon them.
…
The sky had already turned deep blue when Hestia let out a long, dramatic sigh for the fifth time in the last ten minutes.
"I'm boooooored ..."
Bell, who was walking a few steps ahead of her with a branch in his hand, using it as a makeshift walking stick, gave a small, resigned laugh. "I noticed."
"We've been walking for hours! Hours!" Hestia exclaimed, puffing out her cheeks. "My feet are starting to hurt, and there aren't even any monsters I can watch you fight, no vendors, no decent bathrooms, no—not even ice cream!!"
Bell turned his head slightly to look at her over his shoulder. "Technically, that's a good thing. It means we're not in danger."
"It's not danger I want, it's entertainment!" Hestia protested, giving a little jump and starting to walk backward just to annoy him. "And how long until we get to the next town?"
Bell looked at the horizon, where the trees seemed to darken even further as the sun set. "About two more hours of walking…"
Hestia dropped her arms with an exaggerated groan. "That's a lot! Bell, be a good follower and carry your goddess. Your legs are stronger."
Bell laughed, ducking his head with an imaginary bead of sweat running down his temple. "Shouldn't you be able to use your goddess powers to give me a ride instead of the other way around?"
Hestia frowned and raised her nose with mock dignity. "Don't mock your goddess, Bell Cranel."
Bell just smiled and kept walking. "If you survive until the village, I promise to find us something to eat."
Hestia glanced at him, considering whether the promise was worth the effort… then sighed dramatically again. "As long as it's better then strawberries.."
The tranquility of the forest was suddenly broken by a distant roar, deep and vibrant like the crack of a mountain splitting. The sound sent birds swarming out of the nearby trees and a gust of hot wind swept along the path, stirring up leaves and dust.
Hestia stopped in her tracks, eyes wide. "What was that?"
Bell was already seeing it.
There crossing the twilight sky with majestic slowness, rose an enormous silhouette wrapped in fire. Its wings were spread like those of a celestial bird, its body glowing with hues of red, orange and gold, as if it carried a burning sun within it.
The Dragon.
It hovered at a considerable height, but close enough to see how the fire didn't consume it, but rather followed it like a living cloak. Its flight wasn't erratic or threatening; rather it seemed to be exploring, observing.
Hestia took a step back, clearly alarmed. "Th-That's him! He's the same one from the Silverback! Is he following us?"
Bell didn't respond immediately. His eyes were fixed on the sky, his body completely still.
Then, as if sensing Bell's gaze, Yharon descended slightly, just enough for his silhouette to cross in front of the moon. His eyes—or what appeared to be them—gleamed for a moment. And then, without another sound, he continued to fly, leaving behind a trail of fire suspended like a comet aimed at the ground.
Hestia swallowed hard.
"Bell…" she murmured, looking at the boy beside her. "You feel that bond too, don't you?"
Bell nodded silently, still looking at the dragon.
The ground shook slightly.
A rumble echoed in the distance: the clear sound of a heavy landing. Followed by the creaking of trees and the dull thud of disturbed earth.
Bell and Hestia stopped instantly, the boy's eyes fixed on the horizon.
"Was that…?" Hestia murmured, swallowing.
Bell nodded.
"…It landed nearby," Bell said. "We might be able to catch up."
Hestia looked at him with some tension on her face.
"I know I was the one who said we should look for him," she grumbled, crossing her arms. "But I didn't think he'd show up like this. It's happening too fast for me to process."
Bell gave a small, almost understanding smile. "He didn't seem hostile."
"For now," she murmured.
They remained silent for a moment longer, staring at the now empty sky. Only the tremor of the earth a few moments earlier reminded them that it wasn't an illusion.
Then Bell took a step forward. "Let's go. Just… carefully."
Hestia let out a long sigh, but ended up following him.
"If we die, I'll claim your soul in tenkai…" she murmured, adjusting the ribbon of her dress as she reached for Bell.
The trees rustled softly in the night wind as they moved toward the clearing where the dragon had fallen. As they approached the clearing, the atmosphere began to change subtly but steadily.
The air became thicker. Denser.
Bell was the first to notice. A drop of sweat trickled down his temple, and his breathing became just a little heavier.
Hestia, for her part, groaned as she shook out her dress. "Ugh… do you feel that too? It's as hot as if we're stepping into a forge…"
Bell nodded, his gaze serious. "Yes. It's like the air itself is… lit."
The branches of the nearby trees seemed dry, more so than usual, as if they had been exposed to constant heat for days, not minutes. The crickets' chirping was slowly fading, replaced by a heavy silence.
"I don't like this…" Hestia murmured, looking up at the sky reddened by the glow filtering through the leaves.
They took a few more steps, and the heat became more evident. It wasn't just physical heat—although that too—but a presence, a pressure that clung to the skin and the soul.
A clear sign that Yharon was near.
Bell tightened his grip on his sword reflexively, not out of fear, but out of preparation.
But still, he kept walking.
With the last crunch of dry leaves beneath their boots, Bell and Hestia emerged from the forest into a small clearing.
And there it was.
Yharon.
The creature stood in the center of the clearing, imposing, like a living statue carved from fire and power. Its body, a perfect amalgamation of dragon and bird, glowed with shades of crimson, orange, and gold, as if Yharon's flesh were made of subdued flames. Feather-like fur covered part of its wings which spread slightly, marking its territory without moving.
The dragon's large, curved claws rested on the scorched earth, while its tail slithered slowly. Yharon's elongated head, covered with a fiery crown, held high, calmly observing.
Majestic. Undeniably majestic.
And yet, that very presence should have provoked pure terror. Anyone else in Orario would have frozen at the mere sight… but there was something else. A solemn, almost sacred stillness in the way Yharon stood there.
Bell stood completely still, almost holding his breath.
Hestia, at his side, murmured softly, as if rising above a whisper would be disrespectful. "He looks like… I don't know. He's terrifying, but I can't stop looking at him…"
Yharon watched them. Without moving. Without growling. Without attacking.
It just… existed. As if it were waiting for them.
Bell took a step. Then another.
The heat increased with every meter he brought closer to the creature. It wasn't like being near a fire, but as if the very essence of the sun pulsed before him. Still, Bell didn't stop.
Yharon didn't move. Its burning gaze like live embers at the bottom of a crater, was fixed on Bell but there was no hostility… no acceptance. Only observation.
Hestia, who had fallen a few steps behind, clenched her fists tightly.
"Bell…" she said softly, tone thick with tension. "Be careful… please."
Bell didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on Yharon's, and for some reason, he wasn't afraid.
The ground beneath Bell's feet was hot, and the air was thick enough to cut through, but his body didn't waver.
Just a few feet from the creature, Bell stopped.
An eternal moment stretched between the two.
Then Yharon slowly lowered his head.
The movement was almost imperceptible at first, as if even the air hesitated to move around him. Bell took a step closer, still not fully understanding… until he felt it.
No fear.
It does not threaten.
The dragon of rebirth, a creature that could wipe out a city with a single breath, had lowered its head. Not in submission. Not in surrender. But as a show of trust.
Bell swallowed, his heart pounding. He hesitated for a moment… but then, guided by an instinct he didn't fully understand, Bell raised his hand.
Hestia watched, holding her breath.
"It can't be…" Bell muttered.
With his palm outstretched, Bell touched Yharon's forehead.
Its skin wasn't scaly, but smooth and filled with incandescent energy, as hot as freshly forged metal… but it didn't burn him. On the contrary, it felt warm, like a winter bonfire. Alive.
Yharon's eyes narrowed slightly, and a rush of air—a deep exhalation—passed through the clearing.
Bell smiled softly.
"I think… this is a yes."
Yharon tilted his head a little further… and without warning, stuck out his tongue.
"Hey?"
SCHLORP!
A monumental lick covered Bell from head to toe, leaving him completely drenched in a mixture of saliva and warm fire that sizzled harmlessly. air was plastered to his forehead, cloak plastered to his back, and even his sword trembled slightly from the impact.
Bell stood motionless, his eyes wide open, a strand of hair dripping in front of his nose.
For a moment, the world fell silent.
And then…
"Pfffft—HAHAHAHAHA!"
Hestia doubled over, holding her stomach. "H-He… He licked you like a dog! HAHAHA! You're… you're a mess, Bell!"
Bell just blinked. "No… I expected that."
Yharon huffed that sounded dangerously close to a satisfied snort.
Bell shook a little, dripping salivaeverywhere.
"Is this… a sign of affection?"
"He seems to love you a lot!" Hestia mocked, wiping away tears of laughter. "Or at least he considers you his friend!"
Bell sighed in resignation.
"Great… from adventurer to dragon cleaning rag."
As Bell dried himself as best he could with his sleeves—though it was a losing battle—a warm, vibrant feeling swirled in his chest.
Then he heard it.
[Yharon has given you part of his essence. He will always know when you're in danger.]
Bell stood still.
"Bell?" Hestia asked, still smiling but noticing his serious expression.
Bell looked up at Yharon.
"He's protecting us…"
Yharon, lying in the clearing, slowly closed his eyes. understanding that there was nothing more to do.
He was a guardian. A silent, fiery, and colossal one… but a guardian nonetheless.
With a deep, low snort, like the stifled roar of a dormant volcano, Yharon slowly raised his head. chest swelling with a lungful of hot air, and then, with a mighty flap of his wings, the dragon lifted off from the clearing.
The gust of wind it generated forced Hestia to hold up her dress and Bell to cover his eyes. The forest leaves danced around them, carried by the heat left behind by their rising bodies.
Yharon ascended gracefully, his fiery silhouette against the sky. He circled once above them, as if reassuring himself that they were safe… and then, with a flash brighter than the setting sun, flew off into the distance, westward.
Bell followed it with his eyes until it was just a glowing dot on the horizon.
"…And he left," Hestia murmured, still a little amazed.
"Yes," Bell said quietly, with a small smile. "I guess so."
"..."
"..."
"Well… that was something," she said, crossing her arms. "It's not every day you meet a dragon that doesn't try to eat you."
Bell let out a light laugh as he wiped the last of his saliva off his face with his sleeve. "Yeah… it's definitely unique."
With one last look around the clearing—now quiet, though still warmed by Yharon's residual heat—the two began walking back toward the main path.
The forest slowly returned to its normal rhythm. The sounds of nature returned, as if the animals only now dared to return after the dragon's imposing presence left. Hestia walked with her hands behind her head, taking small hops with each step, while Bell maintained a more thoughtful expression.
"You know, as weird as all this is… I feel like we're not alone," she said suddenly, looking up at the sky. "That kind of bond isn't common. It's like… he's accepted you."
Bell nodded with a slight smile. "And I accepted him."
They both let out a short, light laugh. The moment felt peaceful, almost as if they'd left all their troubles behind…
"Heeestia-chaaaan~!"
The voice made them turn almost simultaneously. Coming down a side path, Hermes appeared, waving his hand with his signature charming smile. Behind him came Asfi, wearing her usual expression of stoic patience, and two other members of her famila.
Hestia narrowed her eyes. "Hermes. What are you doing here?"
Hermes raised his hands, as if to say innocent until proven guilty. "Calm down, calm down. We're not spying this time. We're on a reconnaissance mission for the Guild, and just as we were about to move forward, something crossed the sky."
Bell and Hestia exchanged a quick glance, saying nothing.
"A huge creature. Shining. With wings of fire." Hermes shrugged. "Of course, we decided to follow the direction it was flying, to make sure it wasn't attacking anything."
"So?" Hestia asked, feigning disinterest.
Hermes looked at her with a smile that clearly didn't buy her performance. "And... it detoured before reaching the nearest town. So we decided to extend our route. And look at you... what a coincidence to find you right here."
"Pure coincidence," Hestia replied, with a smile too sweet to be genuine.
Hermes smiled even wider, but didn't insist. Instead, he looked at Bell.
"Did you see it too, Bell-kun?"
Bell nodded calmly. "Yes. It was… impressive."
"Any idea what it could be?" Hermes asked in a casual tone, although everyone knew it wasn't so casual.
Bell shrugged. "Maybe a dragon or something. I'm just glad it didn't attack us."
Hermes watched Bell for a few more seconds, then sighed theatrically. "Well, it doesn't seem to have caused any damage so far. But something like this doesn't just happen. You know Genkai, even seemingly random things end up being important…"
Asfi, finally speaking, murmured, "That was almost profound, Hermes-sama."
"Thanks, Asfi!" he replied, ignoring the sarcastic tone.
Hestia snorted. "Well, if you've seen that everything's quiet, shouldn't you continue with your 'mission'? Or are you going to stay here talking about the weather too?"
"You're feeling pretty tough today, Hestia-chan," Hermes joked. "But yeah, we don't want to fall behind. Although…" He looked at Bell again. "If that creature shows up again… let me know. I'm curious."
Bell just nodded, keeping his expression neutral.
Hermes crossed his arms and looked at the path they were following. "Well… now that I think about it, we're also heading towards the next village. Maybe we could go together for a bit. What do you say, Hestia-chan?"
Hestia narrowed her eyes. "Are you going to say it's another coincidence?"
Hermes smiled shamelessly. "Isn't fate wonderful?"
Asfi, behind him, sighed deeply, but said nothing.
Finally, Hestia rolled her eyes. "Do whatever you want, but if you touch me, I'll kick you."
"How nice to hear your sweet approval!" Hermes replied with a mocking bow.
With that, the groups merged together, walking together through the trees as the sky turned warm, orange hues.
After a few minutes of walking in relative silence, Hestia murmured softly to Bell:
"That fool surely suspects something."
Bell responded in the same tone, without looking at her. "Let Hermes suspect all he wants. He has no proof."
And so, with a new but familiar companion, they resumed their journey to the next town. The sky was slowly beginning to darken, but the atmosphere, for now, felt… almost normal.
As they walked along the forest path, the silence was beginning to feel a little awkward, so Bell, in an attempt to ease it, turned slightly toward Hermes.
"And what is the mission you're on about?" he asked with genuine curiosity.
Asfi, who was walking just behind her god, immediately frowned. "It's classified information."
But Hermes casually raised a hand, cutting her off before she could say anything else.
"Oh, come on, Asfi. It's not like Bell's going to go around shouting it." Then he smiled, turning to Bell. "Actually, we're investigating an area not far from here… a place where several families disappeared. Near the Antares seal."
Bell blinked once. "Ah…"
He didn't know what "Antares" was, and to be honest, it didn't sound like much to him. But he also didn't have the energy for any more questions, so Bell stayed silent.
Asfi crossed her arms in frustration. "Why are you telling him that?! It's sensitive information. Do you think it's funny to share details in the middle of the woods with the first person who asks?"
Hermes gave a carefree chuckle. "Of course. It's part of my charm."
Hestia, for her part, just muttered something about "charismatic idiots" and shook her head.
And so the group continued on their way, the atmosphere a little more lively… although Bell couldn't help but feel a slight chill at the "Antares seal." Though he didn't ask, something about the name didn't sit right with him.
The group moved forward without much haste, the crunch of leaves under their feet and the occasional bird's song giving the forest an almost soothing air. The atmosphere was peaceful, and although they were walking slowly, no one seemed to be in a hurry… except for one.
"At this rate, we'll be there in a month!" Hermes complained dramatically, his arms raised as if appealing to the heavens. "A month! What are we, a caravan of old men?"
Hestia burst out laughing, her hand going to her mouth. "And weren't you the traveling god, the great, fleet-footed adventurer? What happened to that?"
Hermes put on a pained expression. "My swift feet don't work miracles when the group is walking as if they're on a stroll!"
Asfi ignored him completely, while the rest of Hermes's entourage barely contained their smiles.
Bell, for his part, just smirked. He couldn't help but remember that just a couple of minutes ago, Hestia was complaining just as much or worse with every kilometer they traveled.
She, noticing his gaze, lifted her chin with mock pride. "I've had my complaining phase! Now I feel like a true seasoned traveler!"
Hermes raised an eyebrow. "You? Experienced?"
"More than you when you complain about everything!"
Laughter and small, friendly jokes continued to float in the air as they continued along, the sun slowly sinking below the horizon. Although the journey was long, at least the company wasn't boring.
As the laughter faded and the group continued on its leisurely pace, Bell felt that familiar tug at his mind, gentle but unmistakable, like a thought that wasn't quite his own.
[Divine Blessing of the Rabbit Hole]: Allows you to create tunnels underground, anyone in these tunnels will move 10 times faster.]
Bell frowned slightly. He leaned slightly toward Hestia, lowering his voice so no one else could hear.
"I just received another blessing… it says I can create a tunnel. And whoever uses them… moves ten times faster."
Hestia, already tired from the slow pace of the journey, raised an eyebrow, then smiled with something between surprise and relief.
"Are you serious? Bell, that would be perfect! We could use it to move faster. I'm already sick of walking like a turtle!"
Bell gave a small, nervous laugh. "I thought you might say something like that."
"Of course! That blessing sounds like a gift from heaven… well, literally."
Hermes, a little further ahead, turned around for a moment when he noticed them murmuring something, but seeing their normal faces (at least in appearance), he shrugged and continued walking with his hands behind his head.
Bell looked back at the road ahead, but now with an idea swirling around in his head… and a faint feeling that this journey would be far more interesting than he imagined.
Hestia looked at Hermes with a playful smile as she walked beside him.
"Well, Hermes," she said, "Bell has an ability that could help us move much faster. It might be just what we need to get to that place you spoke of faster."
Hermes raised an eyebrow, his interest clearly piqued. "Really? You've got me intrigued, Hestia. Tell me more."
Hestia smiled contentedly, looking at Bell for a moment before continuing. "It's an ability that allows him to create tunnels underground. And the best part is, those in those tunnels will move ten times faster than on foot."
Hermes paused for a moment, quickly processing the information, and then his face lit up with excitement.
"That sounds perfect! We're saved! I thought it would take forever to get there… and now, with this ability, the trip is going to be much more interesting!"
Hestia chuckled at Hermes's overreaction. "I figured you'd be thrilled."
"Of course!" Hermes replied, clearly relieved. "Who wouldn't be excited by the prospect of moving ten times faster? Well, Bell, just tell him when to start! I'm ready for the adventure."
Bell nodded, a slightly nervous smile on his face, but pleased to see Hermes was so willing to use the new ability. "Anytime, Hermes-sama. I'll only do it when you need me to."
Hermes gave him a knowing look, smiling back. "Let the fun begin!"
Asfi raised an eyebrow at Bell, her gaze filled with distrust. She stopped in her tracks and pointed her finger at him, not hiding her suspicion.
"Wait a minute," she spoke, clearly questioning the situation. "If you have an ability like that, why were you walking like everyone else when we met? Why didn't you use it right away?"
Bell blinked at the question, somewhat surprised by the accusation, but Hestia quickly intervened, her tone confident and a smile on her face.
"Hm, well, Asfi-chan," Hestia said, "it's just that I wanted to have the walk until I got bored. Isn't that right, Bell?"
Bell nodded, without elaborating.
Asfi didn't seem entirely convinced, but at least she remained silent for a moment, staring at him. She wasn't stupid, and she found that the details didn't add up.
"Well, I guess it doesn't matter," she muttered, turning back toward the road. "I just thought it was weird. But we'll see how useful that skill is later."
Hermes, who had been listening attentively, laughed softly.
"Wow, Asfi, you're more suspicious than a trapped cat! Maybe Bell just didn't think of using it before. Not everyone has those kinds of reflexes, you know?"
"Yes, of course, Hermes-sama," Asfi replied with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "I just hope he doesn't leave us halfway so we can see how this all plays out."
"No way!" Hermes exclaimed, playfully punching Asfi on the shoulder. "Come on, the fun is just beginning!"
Despite her words, Asfi continued to look at Bell with a slight hint of distrust, but soon continued walking, with the rest of the group following her.
Bell smiled slightly, knowing it was the right time to show off the skill. Without warning, he stamped his foot on the ground twice in a row. The earth shook for a moment, and in the blink of an eye, a deep hole appeared before them, revealing a dark tunnel leading beneath the surface.
Hermes, always the first to react to an opportunity, didn't hesitate for a second. "That's just what we needed!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, and without further ado, leap into the tunnel, quickly disappearing into the shadows of the earth.
Asfi, surprised by Hermes's speed, shouted from the edge of the tunnel. "Hermes, don't be so hasty! We don't know how safe this is!"
But seeing that her god had already disappeared into the darkness, Asfi had no choice but to sigh in resignation. "Damn Hermes! Always so impulsive!" she muttered before rushing into the tunnel without a second thought, clearly worried about Hermes, despite her usual cold demeanor.
Hestia, who had been watching the scene with some amusement, looked at Bell. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" she asked with a playful smile, though curiosity shone in her eyes.
Bell nodded firmly. "Yes, it will be quick. Besides, they asked for it."
Hestia couldn't help but laugh. "Well then, let's see how fast we can go," she repied approaching the edge of the tunnel.
Bell followed Hestia, jumping into the hole without hesitation. Right behind them, the Hermes Familia followed suit, with Falgar following their leader without question, while Lulune muttered something, being nervous about the fall.
The group plunged into the darkness of the tunnel, and within seconds, the daylight disappeared completely.
Instead of being a regular tunnel, as he had imagined, it turned out to be more of a gentle dirt slide that sent them hurtling down the slope. The drop wasn't as steep as he thought, but the speed was impressive.
Behind them, the Hermes Familia followed excitedly. Hestia's laughter filled the tunnel, voice filled with amusement and excitement as she enjoyed the experience. "This is more fun than I thought!" Hestia shouted, clearly delighted by the speed. Her laughter vibrated in the air, echoing throughout the tunnel and making the atmosphere much lighter.
Hermes, with his characteristic mocking laugh, was also enjoying the moment. "This is perfect! Let's go full speed ahead!" he exclaimed, voice distorting slightly due to the speed at which they were descending. Despite the swiftness of the journey, he didn't seem to be concerned about speed; quite the opposite, he enjoyed the chaos of the situation.
Meanwhile, Falgar, the Hermes familia member, followed his leader without question, clearly accustomed to Hermes's antics. Lulune, on the other hand, seemed a little more cautious. "Is this safe?" she murmured between giggles, her voice slightly strained. Although her tone betrayed some nervousness, she couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she let herself fall.
Bell, who was more focused on the situation, began to feel his body glide effortlessly through the tunnel, the speed of his movement truly impressive. Despite everything, he felt Hestia's familiar presence by his side, and he couldn't help but smile at the chaos and fun the situation generated.
Finally, the tunnel began to smooth out and become less steep, signaling their descent was almost over. Everyone's laughter mingled with the sound of the air rushing past them, creating a fun and carefree atmosphere as they descended into the next leg of their journey.
The earth slide began to veer upward, bringing everyone back to the surface. In the blink of an eye, everyone felt the angle change, and just as the exit appeared before them, Hermes was the first to be launched. His speed and the momentum of his descent caused him to fly out of the tunnel with a force that seemed almost comical, landing face first on the ground with a resounding "Poof!" like a rag doll, leaving everyone staring at him for a moment before he stood up with his characteristic enthusiasm.
"That was spectacular!" said Hermes, dusting himself off and quickly getting up, as if nothing had happened, without losing an ounce of his energy.
Asfi, being the next to leave, maintained her composure, landing nimbly on her feet. Her face showed slight surprise at the impromptu landing, but she didn't lose her professionalism. She looked at Hermes and gave him a somewhat critical look, but didn't say anything about it.
Hestia, who was right behind her, fell to her feet with a small cry. quickly getting up, laughing as she brushed the dirt off her clothes. "What a way to arrive at a village!" she exclaimed with a laugh, looking over at Bell to see how he had landed.
Bell, with a small smile, had also landed on his back, but didn't seem to be hurt. He stood up, raising his eyebrows at the strange sensation he'd experienced on that landing. "I guess this makes travel... interesting."
Falgar, who had continued calmly, exited the tunnel with impeccable precision, landing firmly on his feet without any problems.
Lulune, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. The momentum of the slide propelled her forward with such speed that she didn't have time to react. She shot into the air and ended up crashing into a low branch of a nearby tree, colliding rather comically. "Ouch!" she exclaimed, rubbing her head and brushing leaves out of her hair.
Everyone looked at Lulune and couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight. "Are you okay?" Bell asked, reaching out for her.
Lulune, a little dazed but smiling, nodded. "Yeah, everything's fine… just a little shock," she said with a nervous laugh.
Despite the minor setbacks, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and fun. Everyone settled in, and the group finally found themselves at the entrance to the village, ready to continue their journey, feeling that, although the arrival was somewhat chaotic, the journey had been worth it.
As they walked through the town streets, Hermes couldn't help but comment on Bell's skill, clearly impressed. "That's amazing, Bell!" he said, with a mischievous grin. "With that skill, we've saved a ton of time. If we had gone on foot, it probably would have taken us an hour and a half longer. And with that tunnel, it only took three minutes!"
Bell smiled slightly, not wanting to boast too much. "Well, it's just a skill that lets me move quickly… but I'm glad it came in handy."
Hestia, who was walking next to him, nodded, also smiling. "You see! With Bell, there's always something surprising. Although…" she paused, looking at Hermes with a more playful tone, "if you keep talking about his abilities, he's going to start thinking you're an admirer."
Hermes laughed and raised his hands in surrender. "None of that, none of that! I just appreciate the time savings. Since we're in a world full of chaos and monsters, the faster we can move, the better!"
Asfi, who was walking behind, let out a sigh. "Typical… Taking advantage of every opportunity…"
Hermes didn't seem offended; rather, he seemed to enjoy the interaction. "Anything that helps me advance is a bonus Asfi! Besides, it seems like that Bell ability could make this whole trip a lot more entertaining."
Lulune, still somewhat embarrassed by her collision with the tree, laughed softly. "Well, if we keep this up, I'm sure this trip will be more of a testing ground."
Bell looked around as everyone moved through the town, noticing that the atmosphere was calm, almost peaceful.
Despite the jokes and light conversations, Bell couldn't help but feel a little calmer. Being surrounded by friends, even with the dangers they faced, gave him a sense of security he hadn't felt before.
"Well, we'll see how this all plays out," Bell said, looking ahead. "But for now… let's enjoy this little break."
And as they walked toward the center of town, with the sun already beginning to set, the atmosphere felt a little more pleasant, with the laughter of their group accompanying their steps.