The next morning arrived, and the trio prepared to head off towards the Dungeon as a team of three for the first time. Before setting off, they each said their goodbyes to their goddess.
"Be careful, three of you!" Hestia said as she shouts towards her three children.
"See you later this evening, goddess!" Bell said as he waves his hands towards his goddess while walking away.
"Until then goddess Hestia." Lili said as she bow towards Hestia.
"I'll make sure they're in serious danger down in the Dungeon, goddess!" Aurelius said jokingly, giving her a thumbs-up.
"AURELIUS!" Hestia shouts as she then witness their children are gone within her line of sight. *sigh* "I swear that giant of mine is going to be the cause of me going back to Tenkai."
Hestia then went inside once more to get ready for her daily 9 - 5 job.
Meanwhile, the three continue on their march towards the dungeon. However, the rabbit suddenly remembered something important.
"Wait I forgot something!" Bell said as he frantically searching for something.
"What is it kid?" Aurelius ask the panicking rabbit.
"I promise Ms. Eina to give back her pen!" Bell said as he took out the pen mentioned. "Thank the goddess that I have it with me!"
Bell then looked towards the two and asked, "Lili, mister, can we take a short trip towards the guild first? I really promised to gave her back the pen from yesterday."
"Huh?! Didn't she said that she wanted it before evening yesterday?" Lili said with a stern voice. "She's going to be angry at you sir Bell."
"I know! But I was to occupied on Ais' training last night that I forgot to do so." Bell said as he was now panicking from the blunder that he made. He then said with pleading eyes as he clasp his hands together. "Can we please visit the guild?"
Aurelius let a heavy breath hearing the rabbits mistake. "Alright fine. Let's go to the guild first."
"Thank you mister! Lili! I promise this wouldn't happen again!" Bell said he bowed repeatedly towards the two.
"Alright, alright. You can stop now." Aurelius said, a little annoyed towards the rabbits' actions. "Now let's go. We don't want to make the elf wait."
The trio then change their destination towards the guild. Upon arriving, they entered the guild only to find many people present. They then went towards the receptionist area.
"As crowded as ever." Aurelius said as he looked around the place while walking.
Lili nodded as she said, "Indeed, sir Aurelius. Adventurers alike going in and out of the dungeon and doesn't know when they will meet their end."
They continue to walk to the receptionist area where they then see their elf advisor, Eina.
"Ms. Eina!" Bell shouted towards the elf.
"Hmm?" Eina then looked towards the direction of the voice calling her name. "Oh? Bell? Lili and Aurelius too? This is the first time you three are together now isn't it?"
"Hello Ms. Eina." Lili greeted the elf advisor. "That's right. Our first day together as a three dungeon diving Ms. Eina."
"That's great to hear!" Eina said happily upon the trios' first time as a team. She then proceeded to ask, "So, what can I do for the three of you today?"
"The kid here wanted to return your pen here from yesterday when he borrowed it from you." Aurelius explains their sudden visit. "Or so he says."
Eina hearing this turns her head towards the rabbit, somehow having cranking noises from it. She then said, smiling towards the rabbit, "Is that so?"
*gulp*
Bell was absolutely terrified by the elf's scary smile. He then held out his hands towards the elf as he stutteringly said, "H-H-Here you g-go, Ms. Eina. Y-Your p-pen."
Eina then held out his hands to take the pen. Well, that is what the rabbit thinks as suddenly the elf grabbed his wrist instead.
Bell seeing the sudden action of his advisor, turned pale. "M-Ms. Eina? Hehehe your gripping my wrist hard all of a sudden."
"Bell Cranel." Said the elf while smiling...menacingly. She the continues to say, "Didn't I tell you to return it at evening yesterday? Do you understand how long I waited for you to return it until much of my time is wasted not finishing my work?"
Bell then, somehow, went paler. He was about to give a reasoning but his wrist was then gripped tighter by the elf. "No excuses mister Cranel. Punishment must be ensued."
Bell then looked towards the two comrades of his, only to see that the two was already at the billboard, overlooking at anything interesting to take notice of.
"...You two are traitors T_T." Bell said as he awaited his doom.
Meanwhile at the billboard, the two looked towards the the papers that the guild put up as they saw the many things that was on it, such as quests, announcement, notifications and adventurers feats. Speaking of which, they then saw an information about an adventurer that took their interest. It was in fact the Sword Princess'.
Ais Wallenstein.
"Level 6?" A middle age man, possibly a mage, spoke. "Isn't that it has only been about three years ago that she was a level 5?"
"Yeah, she was a level 5 three years ago. To think she leveled up to 6 that fast where I struggle to level up to 2 in that timespan." Another man wearing armor with a sword at his waist said. "I can't even imagine how long it would take to level up that far into that level."
"Well, she was the one who broke the record to level up the fastest from level 1 to 2, nya." A cat demi-human said.
"That's true." An amazonian said. "But do remember that an adventurer broke that record ten times faster."
The amazonian said as she then noticed the person she mentions. "Speaking of which, There's the person who did it."
Then everyone turns towards the man who she mentioned. They then saw two individuals who also looking at the Sword Princess' information paper.
Aurelius however doesn't pay them any mind as he looked towards the billboard. Lili seeing the Ais' level up then turns towards the titan.
"Do you think you can break another record, sir Aurelius?" Lili said as she was curious on his answer. "Everyone interested in seeing how you develop from here on out."
"I will." Aurelius said confidently. "All three of us will....soon."
Lili hearing her captains words, couldn't help but to chuckle as she said, "Hihihi, oh we will."
Everyone hearing their conversation are interested more in the two, more specifically the Hestia Familia.
"Do you think that they would be next Zues or Hera Familia" One of the people in the crowd said.
"There's no way. Those two familias are legendary. Not even the likes of Loki or Freya familia can stood up towards their acheivements." Another said.
As they were debating of such a thing, Bell arrived at their destination after a grueling punishment from their advisor.
"You two *huff* *huff* are cruel..." Bell said as he complains towards his to colleges.
"The more you struggle, the more you grow kid." Aurelius said, trying to encourage the rabbit.
"That's right sir Bell, you need to learn how to strengthen your mentality too if you wanted to become a good knight or a good adventurer." Lili said, her voice stern on her white haired comrade.
"Not helping with my traumatic experience here you two!" Bell said with a tick mark on his head.
Bell then look towards the billboard, seeing Ais' level up.
"Woah, she leveled up already huh?" Bell said as he was a bit amazed towards the Sword Princess' progress. "To think I'm training with her..."
"That's the sword princess for you kid." Aurelius said. "Learn from her as much as you can while you're still with her."
"Understood mister!" Bell said determined to uphold his promise to become what he wanted.
They headed for the Dungeon, and upon arrival, proceeded directly to the first floor. From there, they descended steadily, floor by floor, until they finally reached the tenth level of the Dungeon.
"So this is the 10th floor? It looks intimidating," Bell said, shivering slightly. "But didn't Miss Eina say we weren't supposed to come this far down?"
"If you want to get better or stronger, rules are needed to be broken." Aurelius said. "Besides, some rules are not much applicable towards strong individuals. Not saying that we are, but we're getting there."
"That's quite.....a bold statement sir Aurelius." Lili said towards the bold claim of the titan.
"HAHAHA! Then get stronger, chumps! Only the strong gets to break the rules!" Aurelius declared with a haughty laugh.
They descended the stairs from the 10th floor, arriving in a misty field where monsters roamed. As they stepped onto the terrain, the distant sounds of approaching creatures echoed from ahead.
"Get ready, you two!" Aurelius said as he began preparing for the battle ahead. "Don't let your guard down for even a second!"
""Yes, Captain!"" Bell and Lili replied in unison, bracing themselves for the approaching monsters.
The trio charged head-on into the swarm of monsters. Lili tore through imps with precision, steadily cutting down orcs one by one using her honed spearmanship. Bell mirrored her progress, weaving effortlessly through the horde. With twin blades in hand, he dispatched every monster in sight, his swordsmanship swift and seemingly flawless. Aurelius, true to his brute nature, bulldozed through anything in their path, smashing monsters aside with raw strength and unrelenting force.
After some time, they concluded their relentless slaughter and descended to the 11th floor. As they are walking down towards the 11th floor, they had a little bit of conversation between each other, mainly about the floor they were on just now.
"That was a bit exhausting," Lili said, pulling out a drink to rehydrate herself. "But fighting all those monsters really sharpened my senses."
"Yeah." Bell said as he wipes sweat that was trickling down his forehead. "It's my first time on the 10th floor, so facing such monsters like that, especially orcs, was a little tiring."
"We are going to face much more than that when we reach the 11th and 12th floor." Aurelius said as he warns the two. "We are going to face a bunch of Hard Armored, Silverbacks and even Infant Dragons. So stay alert."
Aurelius then proceeds to say, "Oh and, you two are on your own."
The two behind them was then shocked and stunned upon the sudden declaration of their captain.
""EH?!"" Bell and Lili said.
"What? You two want to get stronger now do you?" Aurelius said. "Then the both need to do it by yourselves. Get the experience from it while you have the chance here."
Bell and Lili, after hearing their captains words, can't do anything but to accept.
"Yes, Captain..." Bell and Lili said gloomily, their shoulders slumping toward the ground.
"Good, that's what I want to hear." Aurelius said as smiled, satisfy with their answer. "Now then, ready yourselves. We are approaching the 11th floor."
The both of them then straighten their posture as they focused on the path ahead.
They then reached the 11th floor of the dungeon. Right after they entered, They immediately found themselves a horde of imps sitting there as a group, waiting for any prey they can attack.
"Now, you two can choose to fight as a team or go at it individually. As long as you learn from your encounters with the monsters on this floor, that alone will count as good progress," Aurelius said, clearly outlining their objective.
"I'm going to emphasize this again: do NOT let your guard down for even a second. While I'll be watching to ensure your overall safety, don't expect me to step in the moment you're in trouble. I'll only intervene if you're completely out of strength or incapacitated by injuries.
Am I clear?"
""Understood!"" Bell and Lili said in unison as they then ready their stance.
"Good, now attack." Aurelius said, signaling the two of them to strike.
Bell and Lili then strike the imps with no intent of hesitation. Lili was rushing in, using her magic to coat her spear.
"[TEMPEST]"
After casting her spell, a sharp green aura enveloped her spear. With a single strike, she sliced one of the imps clean in two. Without hesitation, she moved to the next target, dispatching them effortlessly.
Bell, on the other hand, was cutting down the Imps with ruthless efficiency. He decapitated them one by one, his strikes slicing through their ranks like a hot knife through butter. With his special weapon in hand, dispatching the Imps was nothing more than light work for him.
After some time, they completed their bout with the imps and settled down to rest.
"One hell of a slaughter, I can tell you that much," Aurelius said with a grin. "But don't get comfortable, there's more company on the way, and they're anything but small."
Just as Aurelius finished speaking, a roar rumbled from the mist ahead.
*ROAAARRR*
Bell and Lili turned toward the source of the noise. From within the mist, four Silverbacks emerged, stepping out of the fog where the sound had originated.
"Silverbacks?!" Bell said, on guard upon the appearance of the gorillas.
"Four of them as well." Lili said as she eyes the approaching gorillas. "I'm guessing we're going to face two of them each?"
"You're right, little girl," Aurelius said, confirming her assumption. "Each of you will be facing two opponents at the same time. Once again, sharpen your senses and focus entirely on the enemy before you. Use any tactics necessary to defeat them. Oh and Bell, Refrain from using your swords ability. I want you to defeat them only by your prowess."
""Hnh!"" Bell and Lili nodded as they saw the 4 gorillas charging at them.
However, before the gorillas could get close, Aurelius used his magic to divide them into two groups, each consisting of two Silverbacks. He then restrained the Silverbacks, giving the two in front of him an opening to act.
"On the count of three.
One...
Two...
Three!" Aurelius called out as he unleashed his magic.
Bell and Lili sprang into action, each charging toward their respective groups, meeting the Silverbacks head-on.
*ROAAARR*
The Silverbacks seeing this starts to charge at the two as well. Each two of them with the intent to kill their respective prey.
Lili charged toward the Silverbacks, spear in hand, poised to strike. The Silverbacks swung their fists at her without warning, but Lili deftly dodged the blows, activating her skill in the process.
"[TEMPEST]"
After she activated her magic, she proceeds to attack one of the Silverback in the stomach, piercing through it.
*ROOAARR*
The Silverback screamed in pain from the piercing stab that the prum did. She then guide the spear to the side, with all her might, as she cuts through half its stomach. Blood was oozing everywhere as its organs starts to seep out of its own stomach.
*ROA-....OR
The Silverback then dropped on the ground as it rapidly looses consciousness. It then took its last breath as it turns to dust, leaving its big core behind.
Lili then looked towards the other Silverback and says, "One more standing."
Meanwhile on Bell's side, He swiftly moving around the silver back, slashing every bit, slowly inflicting damage towards the two Silverbacks he is facing.
The two Silverback was in a difficult position to move as its bleeding injuries from the rabbits constant slashing attacks, going around their bodies, are slowly killing them.
"That's enough damage inflicted." Bell said as he was putting distance between himself and the two Silverbacks. He then was ready to deliver a final blow. "Now, let's finish this."
Bell then charges towards the closest Silverback first as he jumps up on it. He readied a plunging attack towards the eyes of the Silverback as he was near the it head. With the Silverback inability to move freely because of its injury, Bells attack reaches its eyes the pair was stabbed through.
*ROAAARRR*
The Silverback let out a pained scream as Bell drove his blade deeper into its eye. With a final shudder, the beast's body went limp and collapsed onto its back, disintegrating into dust.
*pheeewww* "All those constant attacks have left me a bit sore," Bell said, turning his gaze toward the last remaining Silverback. "But I've still got one more to finish off."
While the both of them continued to battle their respective remaining Silverback, Aurelius was standing observing the fight unfold.
'Not bad. The two of them could take on both Silverbacks at once with little difficulty and still win,' Aurelius said as he examined them. 'Lili was using her magic, sure, but it still relies on her Strength stat, so it helps develop her physically as well. As for Bell, the kid was practically a blur while attacking. The Silverbacks didn't even have time to counter with how slow they were.'
Aurelius continued to watch as the two overwhelmed their adversaries. Before long, they emerged victorious against the two Silverbacks.
"*huff* *huff* that was super tiring *huff* *huff*" Bell said as he went ahead and kneels down in a crouching position.
"You can say *huff* that again sir *huff* Bell." Lili said as she too couch down on the ground from the fatigue she's been through.
"Heh, not bad kiddos. Not bad at all." Aurelius said as grin plastered on his face. "I think that's enough for your first day in the deepest-upper floors?"
"Yeah, I think so." Bell said. "Though, It's a shame that I can't go any further than this."
"I think I'm out." Lili said. "I don't think I can go anymore."
"Alright, alright." Aurelius said as he lend a hand towards the two. "Let's go back towards the surface and go back home."
The two tiringly accepted and proceeded to head towards the surface and back home.
________________________
With the arrival of the new day, they found themselves ready once more to descend into the dungeon.
They said their goodbyes to the goddess and headed toward their destination.
After reaching the dungeon, they then went straight down until they reached the 9th floor where they are going to go ahead and go down further afterwards, much to the ignorance of their advisor.
"We're going down towards the 12th floor now is it, sir Aurelius?" Lili asked the her captain.
"That depends. Let's see how you perform today on the Eleventh Floor first," Aurelius said to the duo. "Yesterday you two did great on your fight against the four Silverbacks. Today, I want to see you go up against the same number again, to see if you've gotten any better. If so, then I'll crank it up to three Silverbacks. Is that clear?"
""Yes, captain!"" The two spoke in unison.
As they walked, they continued chatting about the 12th floor, drawing on their captain's experience. Since he had ventured into the Middle Floors alone, asking questions about what lies below was essential for them.
However, while they were talking, they heard a screaming voice of people coming not far from their location.
"HELP US!" a man's voice shouted, filled with desperation.
"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" came another voice, unmistakably that of a woman.
"PLEASE, SOMEBODY, HELP US!" another voice cried out, this time, it sounded like a child's.
Upon hearing the terrified screams, the trio did not hesitate to rush toward their source.
They continued pressing forward toward the possible location of the victims, guided by their distant voices, while shouting back to reassure them that help was on the way.
"We're on our way! Just hang in there a little longer!" Lili shouted as the trio rushed towards them.
They finally arrived at their destination, only to be met with an unexpected sight.
Two towering minotaurs had cornered a group of four adventurers, their escape routes cut off and fear etched across their faces.
"P-Please, someone! S-Somebody help us!" cried an elven man with dark orange hair, his face twisted in fear and desperation.
Alongside the elf, there were four other adventurers accompanying him: a human woman and three prums, two male and one female.
They all gazed upon the two towering bulls with despair in their eyes, silently resigning themselves to an inevitable death.
The two minotaurs then raised their blades, that isn't something a normal Minotaur would possess, poised to strike down their helpless victims.
However....
"[RULERS AUTHORITY]"
*?!*
The Minotaurs suddenly froze in place, halted by an unseen, mysterious force that rendered them unable to move.
The five adventurers turned their attention to the towering beasts, astonishment written across their faces. To their surprise, both minotaurs were now enveloped in a shimmering, golden aura that pulsed with a strange, otherworldly energy.
"That's was a close one." Aurelius said as he had a sigh of relief. "If I was late even for a second, all of you are minced meat by now."
The five turn their gaze toward the source of the strange phenomenon unfolding before them, only to see three figures, a giant man, a white-hired boy and a prum, slowly approaching from the distance.
"All of you, get out of here, now." Aurelius commanded, gesturing urgently for the five to flee the scene.
"A giant man?" the human woman murmured, her eyes widening as she took in the towering figure before her. "You must be Aurelius! The captain of the Hestia Familia!"
"Yes, yes, I am," Aurelius said, casting an exasperated glance at the woman. "Now, get out of here."
"B-But sir, we should work together! We can't take on two of them with so few of us! If we split up now, you'll—"
"I said go!" Aurelius snapped, his voice edged with frustration. "I appreciate the offer, truly, but in your current condition, you can barely move. Staying here would only slow us down and put you at greater risk."
Aurelius turned to face the five, their breaths ragged and nearly spent. "No offense, but we'd much rather minimize casualties than waste lives in a reckless charge."
The five turned their gaze toward the three, a heavy sense of hopelessness settling within them as they acknowledged their own weakness. Despite the bitter sting of regret, they accepted the offer, though their hearts weighed heavily with reluctance.
"Thank you! We will remember this act of kindness from the three of you!" the elf said, a sincere tone in his voice. He then gestured for the four to follow him, prompting them to leave the area with him. Though they complied with the elf's orders, they did so reluctantly, their hesitation clear in their movements. "We'll find help for you!"
The five of them then departed from the scene, leaving only the three remaining to face the two minotaurs in battle.
"Well, they're really nice people," Bell said, a small smile tugging at his lips, feeling a bit of warmth from their sincerity. "It'd be great to have them in our familia."
"Yeah, but... I'd assume they're already part of another familia," Lili replied, her voice tinged with disappointment as the realization sank in. "Such a shame, really."
Aurelius glanced over at the two, his expression serious as he spoke. "Look, the two of you," he began, his tone steady, "I won't be joining you in the battle against these minotaurs. It's not my fight."
"Eh?!" Both Bell and Lili exclaimed in unison, their eyes widening in surprise.
The rabbit, looking puzzled, tilted its head and asked, "What do you mean by that, mister?"
"I meant exactly what I said," Aurelius replied, his gaze shifting toward the two looming minotaurs. "This will be another challenge for you to face today."
Bell and Lili exchanged a brief, stunned glance, both of them trying to process the gravity of the situation. The prum hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper, "You mean... one of us is supposed to fight one of them?"
"Yes," Aurelius confirmed, his expression serious. "Each of you will take on one of the two minotaurs."
"..."
"..."
"Heh, it's about time I finally face the strongest mob of the Middle Floors," Lili said, a confident grin spreading across her face. "Don't you think so, Sir Bell?"
Bell glanced over at the prum, letting out a resigned sigh. "Well, we knew we'd have to face something like this sooner or later. Didn't expect it to be today, though."
A moment of silence passed as they both shifted into a more focused stance.
"Now that's the spirit I was hoping for," Aurelius remarked, his smile wide with pride. "When I say 'go,' I'll unleash my magic. Be ready."
The two adventurers exchanged a brief, determined nod, their focus fixed squarely on the two bulls standing before them, their massive forms ready to charge.
An awkward silence hung in the air, thick with tension, as the two adventurers stood frozen, eyes locked on the looming minotaurs, waiting for the captain's signal.
Without warning, Aurelius spoke, his voice cutting through the stillness.
"Go!"
At his command, the two adventurers surged forward, charging towards the minotaurs, released from their cages by the titans' magic.
*MOOO!!!*
The minotaurs wasted no time, their massive forms charging directly at the two, their thundering footsteps echoing through the arena.
'Let's see what you have to offer my companions here, Freya.' the thought crossed Aurelius' mind, his focus sharp as he watched the battle unfold.
The two then clashed with their respective monsters, each giving it their all to bring down the raging bulls before them.
Aurelius spared a glance toward Lili's ongoing battle. She was weaving through every strike the Minotaur hurled at her, slipping past its brutal swings with agile footwork and launching swift counterattacks. Her form was sharp, her movements precise and she was holding her ground impressively. However, it was clear that, despite her efforts, her blows weren't dealing significant damage against the monster's tough, heavily-muscled frame.
"If she can maintain this pace, she might be able to defeat it, albeit slowly," Aurelius thought, genuinely impressed by her spearmanship against an opponent nearly twice her strength, perhaps even more so, especially with the intervention of the Love Goddess.
Aurelius then turned his gaze toward the other individual, one who was likewise engaged in a fierce struggle against a formidable bull. He observed that the white-haired rabbit was now carefully timing his strikes, no longer launching into reckless, rapid slashes like he had during yesterday's battle. Each movement was more deliberate, more refined. Despite the intensity of the fight, the rabbit was holding his own remarkably well.
Though Aurelius was already certain that the boy would eventually triumph over the minotaur he faced, he couldn't help but remain watchful, curious, even drawn to the way the young adventurer fought with growing precision and control.
'Bell as well is going at it smoothly. No to little mistakes in his decision in a battle to the death.' Aurelius thought as he looked towards the rabbit, having the situation under his control.
As the battle raged on, Aurelius heard footsteps from behind him, seemingly in a group, coming towards the his direction.
He then looked behind him as he then noticed several people, walking closer towards him.
'Oh? Is that the Loki Familia?' Aurelius wondered, noticing the group as they turned their attention toward him. 'What are they doing here? Weren't they supposed to leave for an expedition a few days from now?'
He then spotted the five individuals he had helped earlier. "Ah… could they be the ones who called them to this floor?" he wondered.
Aurelius, perplexed by the sudden emergence of the powerful Familia, wondered to himself, 'Though that doesn't answer my question. Did they change their plans? Has Bell already completed his training?'
Aurelius's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Finn, the captain of the Loki Familia, approached with a calm smile. "Well, hello, Aurelius. It seems we've meet yet again," he greeted, his tone both familiar and watchful.
"It is nice to meet you too, Finn Deimne." Aurelius said, greeting the braver. "May I ask, did these folks ask for help for us?"
Aurelius said as he points towards the five adventurers that his familia saved.
"Indeed, they did." Finn said, confirming the Titan's question. "We had initially planned a route together on the 18th floor before setting out on an expedition toward the 59th floor. However, shortly after, these individuals here called for assistance when three adventurers found themselves battling two minotaurs on the 9th floor."
"Is that so?" Aurelius said, acknowledging his earlier misunderstanding. 'Ah, I see now. So, they are simply making preparations for their upcoming expedition.'
Well, I wish you the best of luck on your expedition," Aurelius said, his gaze shifting toward the five adventurers. "And thank you for reaching out for help for us."
The orange-haired elf waves his hands dismissively, his expression humble. "No, no. Knowing that minotaurs are not easy monsters to defeat, it's logical to call for help from someone strong to defeat them."
"I'm glad to hear that you people are kind hearted by nature." Aurelius remarked, turning his gaze toward the unfolding battle. With a calm yet firm tone, he continued, "However, there is no need for assistance in this matter."
They all turned their attention toward the ongoing battle at the mention of the Titan. Their eyes were drawn to the fierce clash between the two fighters and the pair of minotaurs, their bodies seemingly fueled by an unnatural strength, as they fought with wild intensity.
*CLANG*
Bell parried the attack of the minotaur with his two swords. He then proceeds to take a distance and decide to charge in once more
"RAAAGGHH"
Bell swiftly dodged the Minotaur's brutal strike, his blade cutting through the air as he slashed at its torso. The force of his attack left two deep, crossing wounds on its body.
*MOOO!!!*
The roar echoed through the Dungeon, and the Loki Familia, along with the five others watching, were left stunned. They couldn't believe their eyes. A low-level adventurer like Bell, standing at a victorious odd against the mighty Minotaur.
"Wasn't the boy supposed to be a Level 1?!" Tione exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief as she watched the ongoing battle unfold.
"They're not fighting like they're at that level, though!" Lefiya, the elven mage with striking orange hair, added in utter shock, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.
"You're right," Riveria remarked, her tone equally astonished. "It's almost as if he's fighting on equal footing, as though he's at the same level as his opponent."
They then looked towards the other warrior that was fighting the minotaur.
*CLING*
Lili lunged at the Minotaur, aiming to pierce its abdomen with her spear, hoping to finish the battle. However, the beast's speed allowed it to deflect her attack just before it reached its target.
"Tch." Lili clicked her tongue in frustration, annoyed at her failed attempt to land the decisive blow.
Determined to end the fight, she quickly backed away, creating some distance between herself and the Minotaur. It was time to use her magic.
"[TEMPEST]"
A swirling, green aura, reminiscent of wind magic, enveloped her spear, empowering it with a newfound force.
"Time to get serious," Lili muttered, her expression hardening with resolve as she charged back into the fray.
The Minotaur, recognizing the shift in her power, wasted no time. It swung its massive sword with deadly intent, aiming to cleave the prum in half. But Lili was quick, ducking low and sliding effortlessly on her knees, narrowly avoiding the lethal strike. In one fluid motion, she drove her spear forward, aiming for the same spot she had before.
"HUP!"
This time, her aim was true. The spear pierced the Minotaur's abdomen, and the magic coursing through the weapon ground into its innards as the tip tore through the beast's flesh, the force of the blow driving it deep.
*MOOO!!!!*
The bull screamed in pain from the attack that the prum gave. Without hesitation, she wrenched the weapon free and swiftly retreated, putting distance between herself and the wounded beast.
"Incredible!" Gareth exclaimed, clearly impressed by the display. "She counterattacked right after dodging. Flawlessly executed!"
Bete remained silent as he watched the battle unfold, arms crossed and gaze intense. His companions, however, could tell he was quietly impressed by the quick decision-making she had shown.
"Aurelius, may I ask who she is?" Finn inquired, eyes focused on the brown-haired prum.
"She's the newest addition to our familia, of course," Aurelius replied with a proud smile. "Her name is Liliruca Arde. Quite the special one, really."
"I see," Finn said simply, his curiosity piqued but his questions reserved. Turning back to the fight, he continued to observe the young adventurer with growing interest.
The battle raged on as the two fought valiantly, each striving to bring down their formidable adversary. Slowly but surely, they chipped away at the strength of their respective bulls, driven by unwavering determination. Both carried dreams they longed to fulfill and goals etched into their hearts like a flame that would not die.
"They look familiar, don't they?" Tione remarked, her eyes locked on the clashing figures.
"Indeed," Riveria replied softly, her gaze sharp and distant. "Just like the heroes from two great tales of the past."
"A-Are you referring to those stories?" a male prum among the group asked, picking up on the elven princess's implication.
Riveria gave a quiet nod. "Yes. The tale of a boy who longed to become a hero... and the story of a saint who wished only to save the weak from the despair of the world."
As her words lingered in the air, the group turned their eyes back toward the fierce, unfolding battle as the prum and the rabbit fighting with everything they had.
"Argonaut... and Fianna," Riveria whispered, her voice filled with reverence, watching history repeat itself before her eyes.
All those present, save for the Titan, widened their eyes in surprise at the revelation.
Aurelius let out a low chuckle, a grin tugging at his lips. "Heh... now that you mention it, yeah. They really do resemble them. How lucky I am to have such ambitious kids in my team."
"Tch, you really love to brag, don't you, giant man?" Bete scoffed, glaring up at the towering figure with a sharp-toothed sneer.
"Hahahaha! What's the matter, wolf? Jealous?" Aurelius roared with laughter, throwing in a mocking grin as he looked down at the gray-furred werewolf.
"Hah! As if I'd ever be jealous of a bunch of losers," Bete scoffed, a mocking grin tugging at his lips.
Aurelius just laughs as he looked back towards the battle. "Well, seems like the battle is nearing its end."
Bell readied his final strike, having already severed one of the Minotaur's arms. Blood stained the floor, and determination burned in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Lili, having just disabled the monster's sword-wielding hand, was preparing her own finishing blow. Her breathing was heavy, but her aim was unwavering.
With perfect timing, the two launched forward, each targeting a vital point with deadly precision. This would be the end.
*MOOO!!!*
The two Minotaurs, seeing their enemies charge head-on, let out guttural roars and prepared to strike, aiming to halt their attackers in a brutal clash.
But just as their attacks closed in, the two warriors twisted their bodies, barely evading the deadly blows.
""RAAAAGGGHHH/HAAAAAHHHH""
Both warriors roared in unison as they lunged forward with unwavering resolve, delivering their final, decisive strikes.
*SHLKK!*
Their weapons found their mark, Bell driving his blades deep into the minotaur's abdomen, while Lili's spear struck true into the beast's heart.
*MOOOO!!*
The two minotaurs let out a thunderous cry of agony as blood burst forth from its wounds, its strength failing under the weight of their combined assault.
"FIREBOLT"
Bell screamed as he unleashed his magic, igniting flames from deep within his body.
"FIREBOLT"
Bell let out another agonized scream as he cast his magic once more.
Seeing that their minotaurs were still standing, the adventurers roared in frustration and charged forward, pouring everything into their next attack.
""RAAAAGGGGGHHHH/FIREBOOOLLTT"
Lili, summoning all her strength, drove her spear upward, cleaving through the monster's body with precision. The sharp tip of her weapon sliced through its flesh, carving a deep wound that reached all the way to its shoulders. At the same moment, Bell's magic being let out inside the minotaur, causing its body to bloat like an overinflated balloon. The creature's top half was engulfed in a fiery explosion, burning away to nothing.
In an instant, the two Minotaurs crumbled to dust, their forms disintegrating as they left behind only their monster cores, ripe for the taking.
All of the people present were stunned upon seeing them defeating the two minotaurs. What they saw was truly out of a fairy tail.
"Unbelievable" Gareth said, not believing his eyes.
"Amazing..." Lefiya said, at awe towards the two.
Lili, having just slain the Minotaur, collapsed to the ground, her body succumbing to unconsciousness after the sheer exertion of her glorious victory.
Meanwhile, Bell remained standing, eerily still. It soon became clear that, despite his upright posture, he had passed out while on his feet.
"Seems they've both reached the point of Mind Zero." Aurelius observed, a knowing smile curling on his lips as he gazed at their success. Pride radiated from his expression as he surveyed the exhausted duo.
With a soft chuckle, Aurelius made his way toward them, intent on carrying them back to safety. The rest of the group, having watched the scene unfold, followed closely behind the towering figure.
All of a sudden, Bete turns to Riveria and asked her a question, his curiosity evident.
"Riveria, what's their status?" Bete asked, his voice filled with determination as he sought to uncover the hidden strength beneath their falna.
Riveria looked at him incredulously, her disbelief evident. "Are you serious, Bete? Their captain is standing right here in front of us." she replied, astonished by the bold and reckless question coming from the gray wolf.
Aurelius, standing nearby, spoke up, surprising everyone. "It's fine," he said, his calm demeanor catching the attention of those around him.
The response left Finn visibly concerned. "Are you sure, Aurelius?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry. "A Falna's status is strictly private, especially to outsiders. You, as a captain, should understand the gravity of this more than anyone else."
Aurelius smiled at Finn's words, but there was a quiet confidence in his gaze. He turned to the blonde prum, his voice softening as he spoke directly to him. "I trust you all," he said, offering a sense of reassurance. "I believe in your judgment."
Finn paused for a moment, contemplating the decision, but ultimately, there was a silent understanding between them.
Upon hearing the words of the titans, Riveria immediately stepped forward to check both of their statuses. What she saw left her utterly stunned.
"So?!" Bete's voice was thick with impatience, his tone sharp as ever. "What are their stats?! Just say it already!"
Riveria slowly turned around, her expression one of disbelief, before she revealed a mind-boggling truth.
"All of their abilities are ranked above S." she said, a small chuckle escaping her lips. The revelation hung in the air, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
All of them were left in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. Never before had they heard of such an event unfolding.
As they remained frozen in place, Aurelius stepped forward, effortlessly lifting them up. Without a moment's hesitation, he began making his way toward the exit. His destination was clear. He would ascend to the surface and head straight home.
As Aurelius walked, a voice called out to him from behind.
"Aurelius," Finn said, causing the titan to pause and turn his gaze toward him. "Can I assume you possess abilities similar to those of your companions?"
Aurelius smiled at the remark. "Who can say?" he responded casually, then turned back toward the direction of the floor's exit.
"Though," he added, his voice turning more serious, "there is one thing I will say."
He stopped again and slowly turned back to face the group.
"Either you make an enemy of us, or you choose to have us as future allies, once you truly understand our strength," Aurelius said, his golden eyes glowing with intensity as his gaze swept over them. "The choice is yours."
With that, he turned away once more, his footsteps echoing as he walked off into the distance.
For a long moment, the group stood in silence, the weight of his words hanging in the air as they processed the titan's message.
It was Finn who finally broke the silence, a wry smile spreading across his face. "He's one cunning giant, isn't he?"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
'I didn't got the chance to ask him out...' Tiona thought, saddened by her inability to tell her feelings.
'Bummer.' She said as she secretly pouts.
________________________
After some time, Aurelius finally arrived at the guild office to exchange their earnings.
It would've been a smooth process if not for the desperate wailing of their elf advisor.
"WAAAAHHH! Bell! Lili!" Eina cried out, her tears streaming down her face as she knelt beside the now unconscious duo. Her loud sobs quickly attracted the attention of many nearby. "Aurelius! Didn't I tell you to protect them as their captain?!"
"I did!" Aurelius responded, his words only half-true. He was, after all, the one who let the two of them fight the Minotaurs alone. "They pushed themselves too far and didn't know their limits. So, I knocked them out."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN, YOU KNOCKED THEM OUT?!" Eina shouted, her voice filled with fury as she stormed up to him. "You could've reasoned with them or at least forced them to come back! What kind of captain are you?"
"Eh, no fun," Aurelius shrugged nonchalantly, casually picking his nose. "My way works. They'll learn their lesson the hard way, and that'll teach them to stop if they're close to collapsing."
Eina, upon hearing such an absurd method, collapsed to her knees, her hands instinctively reaching for the ground to catch herself.
"I swear, you're going to give me a heart attack with your reckless actions ToT" she exclaimed, tears comically streaming down her cheeks as she shook her head in disbelief.
Aurelius glanced at her, unfazed. "Oh, don't be such a drama queen," he replied with a smirk. He then gently placed the two on a nearby sofa, before moving to exchange their loot, clearly unbothered by her theatrics.
After Aurelius finished what he was doing, he turned to head back toward the two, only to find Bell already awake.
"Ah, you've woken up, Bell!" Aurelius said with a smile, genuinely pleased to see his companions conscious and well. "And here I thought I'd be explaining things to the goddess alone, wondering why you both were out cold."
"Ugh, what happened?" Bell asked, still confused by the sudden change in scenery. "Am I in heaven? Why does it look like an office?"
"No, you idiot brat," Aurelius replied, rolling his eyes. "You're at the guild office. We're already back on the surface."
"Oh, really?" Bell's expression softened into relief. "That's a relief."
At that moment, Lili also stirred, groaning as a headache pulsed through her.
"Ow, my head," Lili muttered, slowly sitting up and glancing around. "Are we really back on the surface?"
"Yep, you're perfectly safe now, little girl." Aurelius replied with a thumbs-up.
Bell looked around the room, his eyes scanning for something. "Where's Miss Eina?"
"Oh, she went off to do her work," Aurelius said with a grin. "You should've seen her face, though! She looked like a drunkard, spouting nonsense and crying for you two. HAHA!"
At this, both Bell and Lili chuckled softly.
"That's Miss Eina for you," they said in unison, their smiles matching.
They both got up, ready to leave the guild office. However, just as they were about to head out, a voice called out to them.
"Wait! A-Aurelius!" a soft, feminine voice called out from behind them.
The three turned around, and to their surprise, standing before them was none other than the redheaded werewolf.
"Huh? Rose?" Aurelius asked, his brow furrowing as he looked at the flustered werewolf. "What are you doing here?"
"W-Well, I wanted to give you something," Rose stuttered, her hands nervously clutching a small box as she stepped forward.
Aurelius, slightly confused, took the gift from her. After a quick inspection, he realized it was a box of chocolates.
"For me?" Aurelius asked, genuinely surprised by the unexpected gesture.
"Y-Yes," Rose answered, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "I... I heard from E-Eina that you really love chocolates, s-so I thought I'd buy them for you."
"Thank you so much, Rose," Aurelius said warmly, his voice softening as he smiled at the embarrassed werewolf. "But I don't have anything to give you in return."
"It's... it's fine," Rose mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't need anything in return."
Aurelius, seeing the nervousness in her demeanor, couldn't help but feel a bit mischievous.
Stepping closer, he reached out, and without warning, gently patted her head.
"You're such a good girl, Rose," he said with a smile, ruffling her hair affectionately, almost as if she were a cat.
At the sudden, unexpected touch, Rose froze, her face turning an even deeper red, matching the color of her fiery hair.
Aurelius chuckled softly at her reaction, then gave a slight bow of his head as he stepped back.
"Well, I'll be heading back now. Thank you very much for the gift, Rose. I truly appreciate it," he said, giving her a final, reassuring smile before turning to leave with the two others, both of whom were still stunned by the captain's boldness.
After they left, Rose remained in her stance, her gaze still fixed. But suddenly, she overheard the whispers of her co-workers, who were discussing her situation.
"Wow, to actually see the stoic Rose Fannett make a face like that?" an elf employee remarked in disbelief.
"Fufufu~ This is definitely worth teasing her about." Misha Flott, a pink-haired prum, chimed in with a mischievous grin.
"Somebody's got a crush~." teased a demi-human employee, their voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
Hearing this, Rose turned her head sharply, her hair rising up as though defying gravity itself. Her face transformed into an expression so terrifying that it could only be described as the embodiment of nightmares.
"""Eeekk?!""" The teasing employees shrieked in unison before quickly scurrying off, returning to their work with newfound urgency.
Rose let out a long sigh as she turned back toward the place where the titan had been standing moments ago. A strange emptiness lingered, but before she could dwell on it, she suddenly grabbed her cheeks, her ears twitching.
'He patted my head! Kyaaa~!' she thought, her tail wagging uncontrollably, as her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and happiness.
In that moment, Rose was the happiest woman in the world.
________________________
Upon their return home, they were warmly greeted by their goddess, who welcomed them with a smile.
"Welcome home, all three of you!" Hestia beamed.
"Hello, Goddess!" Bell replied cheerfully, waving at her with a smile. "Ah, it feels so good to be back home~"
"It really does, Sir Bell," Lili added, a soft smile on her face as she echoed his sentiment. "I never thought I'd miss this place as much as I did."
Hestia placed her hands on her hips, her voice taking on a playful tone. "Now, now—what's gotten into you two? Don't tell me you missed me that much~"
"That's... one of the reasons, Goddess," Bell said with a sheepish laugh. "But there's something else too."
"Oh?" Hestia tilted her head, intrigued. "And what might that be?"
Bell and Lili exchanged glances before both turned toward their captain, silently urging him to speak.
Aurelius sighed at their not-so-subtle gesture and stepped forward. "Alright, alright... I'll explain, Goddess. Just give me a moment."
Aurelius then recounted everything that had happened in the Dungeon.
Hestia wasn't surprised. However, there was still a flicker of frustration in her expression.
She let out a long sigh, finally absorbing the full weight of her children's recklessness. "Honestly, you three can do whatever you want at this point," she said, her voice soft but tired. "As long as you're safe, that's more than enough for me. But to think you'd actually let them face a monster far beyond their capabilities, alone, Mr. Captain..."
"In my defense, Goddess," Aurelius replied calmly, "that's exactly how they'll grow stronger. With the kind of skills they possess, it would've been a waste not to seize the opportunity."
The two watched with a shared sweatdrop as their captain and goddess bickered with each other yet again.
Letting out a long sigh, Hestia waved her hand dismissively. "Ugh, whatever. Enough of this frustrating topic." She turned toward the bed and gestured for them to follow. "Come on, all of you. Let's get your statuses updated."
The process proceeded as usual, and before long, each of them was handed a freshly updated status sheet.
________________________
AURELIUS
LVL 2
STR > SSS 1523 ---> SSS 2045
END > SSS 1489 ---> SSS 1992
DEX > B 724 ---> S 912
AGI > B709 ---> S 901
MAG > SS 1123 ---> SSS 1497
MAGIC:
- TAUNT
- RULERS AUTHORITY
SKILL:
- VIRTRUS TRANCENDENS
- IUSIURANDUM GOLIATHIS
- POTENS VOLUNTAS
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
________________________
________________________
BELL CRANEL
LVL 1
STR > SS 1212 ---> SSS 1529
END > SS 1045 ---> SSS 1372
DEX > SSS 1321 ---> SSS 1662
AGI > SSS 1347 ---> SSS 1686
MAG > S 921 ---> SSS 1242
MAGIC:
- FIREBOLT
SKILL:
- LIARIS FREESE
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
________________________
________________________
LILIRUCA ARDE
LVL 1
STR > SS 1129 ---> SSS 1721
END > S 902 ---> SSS 1201
DEX > SS 1026 ---> SSS 1404
AGI > SS 1043 ---> SSS 1424
MAG > B 702 ---> SSS 1289
MAGIC:
- TEMPEST [LVL 2][96/3000]
SKILL:
- ARTEL ASSIST
- ARS ASCENDENCE
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
________________________
"Phenomenal increases across all your stats—each of you," Hestia said proudly, her voice warm with pride as she looked at her Familia.
"Ooooh yeah! Now we're talking!" Bell cheered, fist pumping in the air at his success.
"Wow... I never imagined I'd see numbers like this," Lili whispered, her gaze fixed on the paper in her hands. A single tear rolled down her cheek, unnoticed even by herself. 'Finally... I've come so far.'
Aurelius glanced at his own sheet, a small, satisfied smile on his face. "Not bad," he said coolly. "Though there's still room for improvement."
Hestia giggled, her eyes lighting up as she looked between the two who were still celebrating. "That's not all. You two are ready to level up now!"
""Really?!"" Bell and Lili exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with disbelief and joy.
"Yes! You both can officially reach Level 2! Just like your captain here!" Hestia beamed as she joined their excitement.
"After defeating a Minotaur on your own," she added proudly, "you've more than earned it!"
""Hooray!!"" Bell and Lili shouted, jumping with joy like children receiving the best gift imaginable.
"Alright then, come here you two!" Hestia said, waving them over with a smile.
They stepped forward eagerly, and the ritual began once more. Hestia placed her hands on their backs, activating the blessing, and carefully transferred the updated Falna onto fresh sheets of parchment.
"And... done!" she said, holding out the papers to them. "Congratulations—you are now officially Level Two adventurers!"
The two of them nearly snatched the papers in their excitement, eyes scanning their new status with wonder and disbelief.
________________________
BELL CRANEL
LVL 1 ---> 2
STR > SSS 1529 ^ I 0
END > SSS 1372 ^ I 0
DEX > SSS 1662 ^ I 0
AGI > SSS 1686 ^ I 0
MAG > SSS 1242 ^ I 0
MAGIC:
- FIREBOLT
SKILL:
- LIARIS FREESE
- ARGONAUT
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
- SWORDSMAN > I
- LUCK > I
________________________
________________________
LILIRUCA ARDE
LVL 1
STR > SSS 1721 ^ I 0
END > SSS 1201 ^ I 0
DEX > SSS 1404 ^ I 0
AGI > SSS 1424 ^ I 0
MAG > SSS 1289 ^ I 0
MAGIC:
- TEMPEST [LVL 2][96/3000]
SKILL:
- ARTEL ASSIST
- ARS ASCENDENCE
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
- SPEARMAN > I
- PIERCING > I
________________________
"Oh? What's this?" Bell said curiously, eyes widening as he scanned the new details on his updated status. "I have Development Abilities now?"
"Same here!" Lili chimed in, leaning over with surprise written all over her face. "And I have two of them!"
"You both received Development Abilities?" Aurelius remarked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced at their Falna. "That's quite fortunate. Most don't get that lucky when they level up."
"Lucky?" Bell echoed, tilting his head in confusion. "What do you mean, Captain?"
"Well, Bell," Hestia said, stepping in with a soft smile, "Development Abilities usually start to appear once you reach Level 2. Sometimes only one shows up, and in some cases, none at all."
"But when two appear," she continued, folding her arms thoughtfully, "the adventurer has to choose one. Only one can be selected during the level-up process. So for both of you to receive two at your first level-up? That's extremely rare."
She tapped her chin and added, "To be honest, I've never seen it happen before. So I'm not exactly sure why it happened, but it's definitely something special."
""That's awesome!"" Bell and Lili said in unison.
Hestia then took a moment to carefully explain the new magic, skills, and abilities they had gained.
Once everything was said and done, they went to bed that night, their hearts light and their dreams filled with joy.
________________________
MAGIC:
TEMPEST
- This skill allows an adventurer to envelop any object in a swirling, green-hued aura reminiscent of wind-based magic. The aura enhances the object's cutting or piercing capability, sharpening it in proportion to the user's Strength stat. As the skill develops and levels up, additional techniques and special moves become available, expanding its versatility in both offense and utility.
> Level 1 : Tempest
- Description has been said above.
> Level 2 : Gale Wall
- It grants the adventurer the ability to conjure a barrier of wind, forming a shield that stands two meters tall and three meters wide. This wind-like wall can protect the user or designated allies, and its strength scales with the user's defense stats.
> Level 3 : Locked
> Level 4 : Locked
________________________
SKILLS:
ARGONAUT
- Allows the user to charge power for a single active action. The process takes five minutes to fully complete, during which the user must remain focused. Once charged, it produces a distinct sound, ranging from a soft chime to a resonant bell, depending on the intensity of the power being gathered. The charge can be applied to any type of attack, however, the effect will immediately dissipate if the user is struck or loses concentration.
ARS ASCENDENCE
- It allows an adventurer to surpass the usual stat limit for their level, enabling them to exceed the standard cap of 999 in all attributes. While it does not function as a direct multiplier, it provides a noticeable boost to both Strength and Magic growth, making them easier to improve, much like lower-ranked stats. Additionally, the skill significantly enhances the amount of excelia gained, especially when the adventurer is driven by strong emotions or a deep desire to achieve a specific goal.
________________________
DEVELOPMENT ABILITIES:
SWORDSMAN
-The Swordsman ability improves an adventurer's skill and efficiency with swords, enhancing their combat performance when wielding any bladed weapon. It doesn't directly boost stats like Strength or Dexterity, but it amplifies the effectiveness of sword techniques, allowing for cleaner strikes, faster movements, and better control.
SPEARMAN
-The Spearman development ability improves an adventurer's proficiency with polearm-type weapons, such as spears, halberds, lances and glaives. This ability enhances overall combat performance when wielding spear-type weapons by boosting attack power, accuracy, and technique. It significantly improves the effectiveness of spear-based skills in both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Additionally, it likely refines reach control, increases penetration force, and optimizes stamina consumption during prolonged engagements, making the user far more proficient in spear combat.
LUCK
- An adventurer will significantly enhances his fortune in critical moments. It improves the user's chances of finding rare and valuable items after defeating monsters, boosts the likelihood of landing critical hits in combat, and increases the user's odds of surviving otherwise lethal situations. Additionally, Luck improves the user's ability to make miraculous escapes or avoid serious harm, often turning the tide in the user's favor when the odds are stacked against him. This ability ensures that the user's combat skills are complemented by a higher chance of favorable outcomes, especially in dire circumstances.
PIERCING
- Allows its user to ignore a portion of the target's defense, calculated as a percentage. This percentage increases as the skill ranks up. The user can improve the effectiveness of this skill by consistently landing piercing attacks against their opponents. Below is the breakdown of the defense-ignoring percentage per rank.
(I > 3%/H > 6%/G > 9%/F > 12%/E > 15%/D > 18%/C > 21%/B > 24%/A > 27%/S > 30%)