The morning light filtering through the windows cast gentle shadows across the dinning room where everyone had just finished breakfast. Erebus leaned forward; his eyes fixed on Bell with a curious intensity.
"Alright, Bell, how about a status update?" Erebus began, his voice calm yet expectant. "We've held off because we wanted to see what would happen with your skill."
"Great idea. I can't wait," he exclaimed as his eyes brightened with enthusiasm
"Alright, Bell, turn around and take off your shirt," Erebus instructed. There was a sense of purpose in his words, a determination to assess Bell's progress and potential.
Bell Cranell
[I didn’t want to rewrite the entire status again, so I just included skill and magic names and one line.]
Human
Age 13
Lvl 1
Strength: I-0 -> I-40
Endurance: I-0 -> H-125
Dexterity: I-0 -> I-50
Agility: I-0 -> I-75
Magic: I-0 -> I-60
Magic
[Satanas Version] (Inherited)
Skills:
[Realis Phrase-Crystallization of Desires]
As long as owner has a strong desire and goal, he will grow stronger according to his desires. Skill automatically applied to those the user has an affinity for. (Does not have to be romantic affinity.
Copy (Inherited)
Allows its user to replicate the movements and actions the user has observed once.
[Inheritance of Talent]
User has monstrous talent and will surpassing the Incarnation of Talent herself.
"Damn" collectively muttered the three adults as they stared at the status sheets, a mix of disbelief and astonishment clouding their expressions. Meanwhile, Bell's face lit up with unbridled excitement at the growth he had witnessed on the sheet.
"This would normally take several months of growth," Zald remarked, his tone tinged with a hint of astonishment.
"Then the answer is Realis Phrase, correct?" Erebus questioned, his gaze flicking between the others as he sought confirmation.
"It has to be. Even with Alfia’s training regime, this amount of growth is not possible any other way," Zald affirmed, his eyes drawn to the fact that Bell’s highest stat was his endurance.
"Bell, you must absolutely never tell anyone about this skill. It is even more potent than we thought. Gods will absolutely wage war for a skill like this. Zald and I can handle ourselves, but if either you or Erebus get taken, we won’t be able to do much," Alfia instructed, her voice conveying the seriousness of the matter.
"Okay, I understand. How long before you think I can level up at this rate?" Bell inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of eagerness and apprehension.
"If you were to level up as soon as possible, I would say no more than two months. And that is being generous. You might accomplish in weeks what takes most years to achieve. However, the first level up is the most important as it affects the quality of the rest of your level ups. In addition, your skill might let you break past the S rank limit. So at a minimum, we need to confirm whether that is possible for you at all. Once we have done that, we can make a plan," Alfia explained, her tone measured and thoughtful.
"Okay, I understand," Bell replied, his gaze drifting out the window where a bob of blonde hair caught his attention. "Oh, it looks like the girl from Loki Familia is here. I will go greet her."
With that, he made his way towards the Midnight Garden to welcome his visitor.
Ais’s Arrival At Midnight Garden:
Ais paced back and forth in front of the Midnight Garden, her footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones as she wrestled with their inner turmoil. Mini-Ais, a personification of their thoughts and anxieties, mirrored her actions, pulling at their hair in a gesture of nervous tension. Ais grappled with the weight of her decision, torn between entering the garden or waiting for someone to come out.
“What if I am supposed to go in?”
.
“But this is their home it would be rude to barge in.”
.
“If I offend them, they might stop teaching me.”
.
“I cannot let that happen.”
.
“I have to get strong.”
.
“I have to save mama.”
.
Her mind churned with questions and doubts, each one a knot in the fabric of her resolve. How could she make a good impression? Would Alfia agree to continue teaching her? The prospect of rejection loomed over her thoughts, urging caution and hesitancy.
Despite her inner turmoil, Ais maintained a neutral outward appearance as she grappled with the weight of her decision. She hadn't confided in anyone in her familia about her upcoming meeting with Alfia and Zald, fearing interference that could sabotage her desires. Alone with her thoughts, she awaited the approaching footsteps with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
As she looked up, she recognized the white-haired boy from before. "Bunny," mini-Ais thought with a hint of amusement, momentarily distracted from her fretting.
"Hello, Miss Wallenstein," Bell greeted her coolly,
Mini-Ais's anxiety resurfaced when a light went off above her head, signaling a potential opportunity or revelation.
"Ais," she replied, her voice steady despite the fretting of Mini-Ais.
"I am sorry, what?" Bell asked, confusion flickering across his features.
"Call me Ais; everyone does," she clarified
"Alright, Ais. It is then. You can call me Bell. Our training grounds are around the back," Bell stated, his demeanor relaxed as he took the lead, gesturing for Ais to follow.
Mini-Ais nodded in satisfaction, pleased to have succeeded in getting Bell to address her by her name as they headed towards the training grounds, where Alfia was waiting for them.
As Ais followed Bell to the training grounds, Mini-Ais's earlier worries resurfaced. What if she didn't perform well in front of Alfia? Would she be a disappointment? These doubts were quickly silenced as they arrived at their destination.
Alfia's voice pierced through the quiet, "Listen closely, little girl. I have no interest in coddling you. You will learn, or you will suffer for your mistakes." Her eyes drilled into Ais, unflinching. "But don't worry, I will ensure that you improve both in status and skill. If you are willing to accept these terms, draw your sword and we will begin."
Ais drew her sword with determination. "I accept. I will do whatever it takes."
"Good," Alfia responded, "First, I will evaluate your abilities and provide personalized instruction. Then, you will spar with me. Later you will work with Bell to spare with me."
Ais nodded once more, mentally preparing herself for the upcoming challenges. "Okay," she replied confidently.
"This will serve two purposes," Alfia declared, her voice unwavering and resolute. "It will fulfill my promise to train you and improve your teamwork for the Dungeon."
"I understand," Ais replied
"Then let us begin," Alfia commanded, her gaze never wavering as she closely observed Ais.
Ais wasted no time, charging forward with determination imbued in every step. But her eagerness was met with a swift and definitive blow. With a loud CRUNCH, Alfia's fist connected with Ais's stomach, causing her to stumble backwards, gasping for air.
Alfia commented in a cool tone, "You left yourself vulnerable."
Ais clenched her teeth, refusing to show any sign of weakness despite the pain.
She forced herself to stand up straight and charged forward with even more determination, determined to prove herself.
"Hmm, slightly better," Alfia acknowledged “However, Gospel.”
The impact of Alfia’s magic sent Ais hurtling backwards and crashing into a wall.
“You must learn anticipate your opponent’s actions.” Alfia ordered as she gazed down at Ais.
And so began Ais's training under Alfia's watchful eye. Eventually, Bell joined in, the two of them working together to improve their teamwork.
Arrival of the Astraea Famila:
Zald welcomed the Astraea family as they arrived, and then led them to the back of the training grounds. The group consisted of Alise, Kaguya, Lyra, Ryu, Neze, and Maryuu. As they approached, they greeted Ais with nods or waves, but their attention was clearly focused on Bell. It was evident that most of the girls had a fondness for Bell, as they either gave him a hug or playfully ruffled his hair with a smile.
"Greetings, Miss Alfia," Alise exclaimed, her voice pulsing with excitement. "We are beyond thrilled for the chance to train with you."
Alfia grimaced and nodded curtly. "Very well. Let us waste no time and begin immediately. Who among you will accompany Bell and Ais into the Dungeon?"
With a sly grin, Alise spoke up; "Ah, me and Lion will be taking Bell's first time together."
Bell's cheeks burned bright red at her suggestive words, while Ryu let out an indignant shriek; "Alise! What are you talking about? How can you be that lewd?"
Kaguya's mischievous tone was full of playful energy as she teased; "Arr, arr. To think it would be the little Elf who'd be popping Bell's cherry first."
Bell blushed bright red, his embarrassment visible in the tips of his ears.
"Me lewd, Lyon? No, no, no. I am the noble, beautiful, innocent, and just Captain to the equally pure and beautiful Lady Astraea. Everything I say is just, pure, and completely innocent. I could never be lewd, and those that interpret what I say lewdly are already lewd themselves. Blaming others for your lewdness. Shame on you, Lyon. You should just accept your lewdness, Lyon. Accept being a lewd and naughty elf," Alise replied with mock innocence as she playfully poked Ryu on the nose.
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"Ahhh, I give up," Ryu conceded defeat, unable to keep up with Alise's verbal antics, while Bell continued to avoid eye contact, his blush deepening.
"Muah. That is better, Lyon. I knew my genius would convince you," Alise boasted, tapping her breastplate confidently. The other girls’ smirk at Lyon's surrender.
"Just remember, Bell, if you ever need some luck in the Dungeon, just give Lyon's ass a good smack like this," Lyra declared mischievously, playfully delivering a swift swat to Lyon's rear. This caused the elf to jump in surprise.
"Emp!!! Lyra, how could you?" Lyon screeched, clearly taken aback by the unexpected gesture.
"What? It's for good luck," Lyra replied casually, grinning as the other girls giggled at Lyon's reaction.
Lyra's words lingered in the air, causing a stunned hush to fall over the group. Alfia, usually composed and collected, stood in shock with her mouth hanging open. Zald couldn't contain his laughter at Alfia's expression, wheezing uncontrollably. He had never seen her react like this before. Erebus, attempting to maintain a neutral facade, struggled to keep the corners of his mouth from turning up into a smile.
“Alright, I think we've had our fun with Lyon and Bell for today," Alise declared, her tone returning to its usual lightness. "It’s time to head to the Dungeon."
Bell and Ais both nod in agreement, and the group of four makes their way towards their destination.
Dungeon Exploration
As the group approached the great stone staircase leading down, a hush fell over them, anticipation crackling in the air. Alise's demeanor was serious, her tone commanding attention from both Ais and Bell as they straightened up, ready to absorb her words.
"Before we enter the Dungeon, there are five absolute must-follow rules that you need to know," Alise declared, her voice carrying weight and authority.
"One: your weapons and armor must be in good condition," she began, raising a finger to emphasize the importance of her words.
Bell tapped the newly forged sword and daggers from Hephaestus, along with the shining armor he had acquired from the shop. Ais mirrored his actions, double-checking that her own equipment was good. The glint of metal caught the light and reflected it back.
"Two, a loot pouch without any holes," Alise continued, her expression serious as she moved on to the next rule.
Both Ais and Bell nodded in unison, confirming that their pouches were secure and free from any potential leaks.
"Three, at least one mind and health potion. Preferably two and securely strapped in," Alise instructed, raising a third finger to underscore the importance of preparedness in the face of danger.
"Four. The caution the Dungeon deserves. The moment you enter the Dungeon, you are putting your lives on the line. You are not there to play. Your lives will be in danger every second," Alise emphasized, her words carrying a weight of seriousness that resonated with both Ais and Bell, who nodded in solemn agreement.
"Now, Number Five. The Most Important Rule. Especially for you, Bell. Since you are a boy," Alise said with a playful wink, causing a shiver to run up Bell's spine.
"A harem of beautiful maidens to watch over your back!"
Alise's voice rang out echoing through the corridors. She lunged forward, pulling Bell into a tight embrace that caught him completely off guard. His head slammed against the cold, unyielding metal of her breastplate, the impact leaving him momentarily stunned. Ryu's cheeks turned a bright crimson at Alice's wording, while Ais tilted her head in confusion.
Meanwhile, Bell struggled with the discomfort of the freezing breastplate pressing against his face and the embarrassment of being publicly buried in Alise's chest. But as if that was not enough, his mind flashed back to Stardust Garden and the night he had spent there. He could not help but be reminded of Alise's warmth and tenderness as she hugged him that night. The memory only added to his embarrassment in this moment.
After a few second Ryu intervened and pulled Bell from Alise's embrace, as she did so, Bell noticed Ryu's flushed face and bright red elven ears. A single thought crossed his mind before he could stop it:
cute.
As Ryu's grip pulled them apart. She quickly cleared her throat, trying to regain some composure.
"Thank you for the advice, Alise, but I believe you said something about seriousness" Ryu said, her voice slightly strained.
“teehee. I did but that is in the Dungeon and we are not quite there yet.” Alise countered with a beaming smile causing Ryu to sigh.
The group cautiously descended the massive spiral staircases that led to the dungeon's first floor. The carefree energy they had earlier dissipated as they entered the dark and foreboding atmosphere. Ryuu and Alise wordlessly agreed to let Bell and Ais to take the lead, allowing them to absorb everything at his own pace while they kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
With each step he took, it felt like the world was shifting around him. The warm caress of the sun and cool breeze of Orario were replaced with an eerie light that offered no warmth and a suffocating wind filled with the stench of death, rusted iron, and dust. As they descended deeper into the dungeon, the once familiar sounds of bustling adventurers and clanging weapons were replaced by an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional skittering of unseen creatures.
Bell couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over him as he realized just how different this new environment was from the one, he knew above ground. But he was determined to press on, eager to uncover the mysteries lurking within the depths of the dungeon.
A sense of unease washed over him as he stepped into what was known as the first level of the dungeon, accompanied by the menacing growls of creatures coming from various dark corridors.
Alise maintained her friendly smile but kept a hand on her sword and occasionally twitched in the direction of the others, ready to protect them if needed. Ryuu, usually stoic, had a glint of determination in her piercing sky-blue eyes as she scanned their surroundings relentlessly. Her hands were also fidgeting restlessly, poised for any potential danger.
“Bell, which floor would you like to visit?” Ais asked.
“Alfia said I was allowed to go up to the 5th floor alone. But since I am with you, I am permitted to go deeper than that, but not lower than the 10th floor for now,” Bell replied.
"Wait, Bell seriously? Are you sure that will be, okay?" Alise's voice was filled with concern as she gazed at Bell. Thinking that there should be no way for Bell to be able to make it to the 10th floor. Meanwhile, Ryu's eyes had grown fretful, worry etched on his face.
"Yeah, I got the okay. Do not worry Alise. I won’t push myself too far and besides, I trust both of you. So, I know that I can count on you if anything happens," Bell's confident response caused a slight blush to rise to Alise's cheeks and a small wiggle of Ryu’s ears.
"Of course you can count on me, Bell," Alise exclaimed, trying to cover up her embarrassment.
"Thank you, Mr. Cranel," Ryu added quietly, a hint of shyness in her tone.
“Alright well if Alfia gave the okay than you must be pretty good Bell. So we will go along with it but I reserve the right to call it off if I think you are getting too tired.” Alise says as she looks bell in the eye.
“Okay. I understand.” Bell replied.
As the reached the final steps Bell drew forth the sword that Alfia had commissioned for him. An ebony black longsword. Ais looks on with a mixture of envy and awe at the quality of the blade. Meanwhile the other two are slack-jawed at the quality of the weapon.
“woah. Bell where did you get that?” Alise asks wide eyed
“Oh. Umh. Auntie Alfia had it commissioned for me.” Bell
“Mr. Cranel that is a top-class weapon, what smith forged it?” Ryuu asked.
“Uhm well. Alfia had is commissioned by… uhm.. Goddess Heapthaus herself.” Bell said.
Each of the girls goes bugged-eyed at the mention of Goddess Heapthaus.
“I can’t even begin to imagine the cost of that sword….” Ryu says
“UHM. Yeah. I nearly fainted when I heard the price.” Bell responded
“Welp that just proves how much faith Alfia has you, Bell. So let get going.” Alise Says
As the group followed closely behind Bell, their eyes scanned the dimly lit corridors for any signs of danger. The shadows seemed to crawl along the walls, reaching out with tendrils of darkness that threatened to swallow them whole. The flickering light cast eerie shadows on the walls, causing Bell's grip to tighten around his sword, his red eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of movement. As Bell was monitoring the darkness he heard the noise of the two women behind him shifting their position ever so slightly
"Something's coming," Alise whispered, her keen senses picking up on the faintest sounds of skittering footsteps drawing near.
"Get ready, Ais" Bell said, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. Ais nodded as she readied her sword.
As the goblins charged towards the group, Bell and Ais sprang into action. Bell's sword glinted in the dim light as he swung it towards the goblin on his left. The monster let out a high-pitched shriek as Bell's blade sliced through its flesh, causing it to collapse in a heap before vanishing to ash.
Meanwhile, Ais effortlessly dodged the goblin's clumsy attacks, her swift movements almost dancing around the creature. With one swing of her sword, she decapitated the goblin, its head rolling to a stop at Bell's feet before disappearing into ash.
The group took a moment to catch their breath and assess their surroundings. It seemed like they were safe for now, but there was no telling what other dangers lurked in these dark corridors.
"Good work," Alise said with a smile, patting Bell on the head.
"That was quite impressive for new adventurers," Ryu added
Bell couldn't help but grin at his companions' praise. He felt proud of himself for successfully taking down his first monsters without any help from anyone.
"Let's keep moving," Ais said, her voice breaking through Bell's thoughts.
“Me and Lyon will focus collecting the stones and drop items. You focus on fighting.” Alise said.
As the group continued their descent, the fought effortlessly against any of the monsters they encountered.
Eventually they had an encounter with pack of goblins. Goblins emerged from the darkness, their twisted forms snarling and gnashing their teeth in anticipation of fresh prey. Bell and Ais moved as one, their years of training manifesting in swift, coordinated attacks that cut through the goblins with deadly precision. Alise and Ryuu stood at the sidelines, weapons at the ready, prepared to step in if needed.
"Ais Behind you!" Alise shouted, her green eyes narrowing as she spotted a goblin attempting to sneak up on Bell. As she prepared to jump in Bell was the first top respond.
Bell spun around as he chanted "Gospel,"
A surge of magical energy from his outstretched hand and towards the goblin. The monster let out a blood-curdling scream as it was crushed in shockwave before disappearing into ash.
"What the fu-" Alise starts before receive a smack that cuts her off
Bell heard more than saw the sound of Alise's head getting smacked and cutting her off, he turned around to see both women giving him astonished looks. While Ais was also looking on in awe and curiosity.
"Nice move," Ais said, a hint of approval in her golden eyes as she felled another goblin with a swift slash of her sword.
"Thanks," Bell replied, taking a moment to catch his breath as the adrenaline coursed through him. "But we can't let our guard down."
"Indeed," Ryuu agreed, her blue eyes focused on the remaining goblins. "There are still more of them."
The battle intensified, goblins lunging at the group with relentless ferocity. Bell and Ais danced a deadly ballet, their blades cutting through the air in perfect harmony as they dispatched the creatures one by one. The sound of steel meeting flesh filled the corridor, punctuated by the goblins' dying screams.
"Is that all of them?" Bell asked, his body tense with anticipation even as the last goblin fell to Ais's sword.
"For now," Alise replied, her red hair slick with sweat as she surveyed the carnage around them. "But there will be more."
"Then we press on," Bell said, as he gazed down the corridor.
"Bell, what was that?" Alise asked after the fight while her and Ryuu were picking up the magic stones, her eyes wide with awe.
“It is magic that I received upon getting a falna.” Bell Said.
“Bell that is incredibly rare for anyone let alone a human to have magic when they first receive a falna.” Ryu said
“Yeapers it just goes to show how awesome Bell is “ Alise says as she pats Bell’s head while Bell blushes at the girl’s praise.
“Bell how do you have the same magic as Alfia?” Ais asks
“Wait what do me the same magic?” Alise ask curiously
“During training with Alfia used the exact same magic that Bell just used.” Ais replies while Ryu and Alise have gone wide-eyed.
“Ahhh. I am sorry but that is related to my status and I cannot reveal the details to anyone.” Bell
“That is fair Bell. I am curious but we are all entitled to our secrets.” Alise says
“I want magic too” Ais says as she pouts.
“ahh. I don’t know if you will get it but Auntie knows a lot about magic so you should talk to her about it.” Bell says, He is putting forward his best effort to get along with Ais even if he does hate the executives and goddess of her familia he is trying to sincerely take Alfia’s word to heart. He also knows that his mom wouldn’t want him to be consumed by hatred either.
As the pressed onward he darkness thicker as Bell led the group further into the Dungeon. And then they heard it - the unmistakable growling sounds of kobolds.
Ais's golden eyes narrowed in concentration as she whispered, "Kobolds."
Bell's grip tightened on his sword as they advanced, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He had faced goblins before, but these kobolds were a new challenge.
"Ryuu, Alise," he called out, his voice determined. "Can you cover us?"
"I'll focus on softening them up for you," Alise stated confidently, her eye glinting as she eyed the monsters
The pack of kobolds snarled and jeered, their gnarled claws lunging at Bell and Ais.
"Be careful you too” Alise warned
Together, they lunged forward, swords poised to strike. But the kobolds were too agile and easily dodged their initial attacks. Realizing they needed a new strategy, Bell suggested, "Ais, stay close. We'll attack in tandem."
Ais nodded in agreement, her determination burning bright as they prepared to take on the kobolds.
As the duo fought on the front lines, Ryuu and Alise were in the rearguard standing watch. Ryuu watched carefully to make sure that none of the monsters were able to sneak up on either of them. Alise held a set of stones that she rubbed together in the palm of her hand. Anytime a monster looked like it would get to Bell or Ais, a stone shot out from her palm directly at the monster. Alise kept her promise and focused on wounding the monsters mostly by taking aim at their limbs and putting enough force behind her throws to break or blow off their limbs.
With this support, Bell and Ais were able to focus on the kobolds in front of them. As the last kobold fell, the group took a moment to catch their breath, their bodies slick with sweat and dirt. The battle had been intense, the kobolds' agility and cunning pushing them to their limits
"We did it," Bell said, his voice filled with pride and relief.
“That was good.” Ais says
“Yeap. You both did well.” Alise said “So do you want to keep going or head back?”
“Further.” Bell and Ais reply in unison.
“Alright, By the looks of it both of you can keep going.” Alise says as she surveyed the duo.
“So we are at the entrance to 5th Floor now what do you say to going the 6th floor today?” Alise proposed.
Bell and Ais nod in agreement.
And so the group continues their descent.
Dungeon 6th Floor
As the group proceeded across the 6th Floor, a new noise permeated the air.
Crack.
Crack.
Crack.
A spiderwebbing of cracks formed along the Dungeon walls.
"Ais. Bell. Get ready, we're about to have a monster party," Alise said, her voice steady as she and Ryu drew their weapons. Each scanned the cracking walls carefully, preparing to cover for any impending threat. While they had been letting Bell and Ais handle most of the fighting, a monster party may prove too much for the duo.
"Alise, let us try to handle it," Bell suggested.
Alise's eyes flickered with concern but nodded. However, neither sheathed their weapons, their bodies tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Monsters began to emerge.
The first to appear was the group of Frog Shooters, a grotesque blend of slimy green amphibian and sharp, predatory creature. Its massive eye, distended and bulging, seemed to follow the group's every move. With hop each one, left a trail of mucus in its wake.
Then came the second monster, the 6th floor resident known as Newbie Killers.
War Shadows, terrifying sights to behold, emerged from the wall. Their dark and twisted bodies seemed to be made of shadows themselves. Tall and lanky, they almost blended into the dungeon's shadows. Their long arms ended in three razor-sharp claws, each glinting with a deadly edge. Their eyes, a deep red, glowed with malice and hunger for fresh prey.
As the monsters began to emerge Bell and Ais charged.
"HIYA." Bell shouted as he attacked the nearest War Shadow.
The War Shadow eyes honed in on Bell. The back of one its hands aimed for Bell's shoulder but is intercepted by Bell's sword. Bell and the War Shadow exchange a series of blows until Bell forced an opening and drove his sword through its chest.
The blade tore a clean through the War Shadows, causing it to explode into dust. As Bell surveyed the surviving monsters closing in, he saw Ais cutting through the Frog Shooters with precision.
Meanwhile, Ais had been dispatching the Frog Shooters with ease. Until upon striking a War Shadow in the chest, Ais heard an unpleasant sound.
CRACK.
Ais's sword shattered as a nearby War Shadow lunged at her, its arms raised swooped in.
However, before it could strike, even as Alise and Ryu were already moving to intercept, an ebony black blade emerged from the center of the War Shadow's chest, piercing its magic stone. The creature let out a strangled cry before bursting into dust, as the sword clattered to the ground.
Whack.
Having thrown his sword, Bell was left momentarily vulnerable. A Frog Shooter seized the opportunity, shooting its tongue and piercing Bell's shoulder. Blood began to seep from under Bell's armor. As Bell moved to draw his dagger, Alise's shout cut through the chaos;
"Lion, now."
Alise and Ryuu sprang into action, decimating the remaining monsters in seconds.
"Alright, that's a wrap for today. Ais's weapon is broken and Bell is injured. Bell, drink a potion. We will be heading back now. Bell, drink a potion. Lyon, keep watch," Alise ordered, and Bell immediately did as he was instructed.
"But…" Ais began.
"Yes, Ais?" Alise interrupted.
"I want to fight more. I need to borrow a weapon," Ais insisted.
"Well, Lyon and I only have our primary weapons. Bell may have a sword and daggers, but if you break them again, you are going to have to pay Bell back. Plus I guarantee that those weapons are not cheap," Alise said sternly, her eyes fixed on Ais.
"Bell, I want to keep fighting. How much would a replacement cost?" Ais asked, her determination evident, while mini-Ais stacked up all the coins she had and counted them.
"Haha. The sword cost 300 million valis. And each dagger was 25 million," Bell replied, his eyes dead at the thought of what Alfia would do to him if he broke the sword or either of the daggers.
All three of the women freeze. Ryu and Alise's eyes bugged out, while Ais's mouth hung open and mini-Ais has collapsed as the words 300 million hit her on the head followed by a double tap of 25 million valis daggers.
Ais immediately handed the sword back to Bell.
"Here, use the daggers," Bell said as he passed them to Ais.
"Oh... um, I will be careful," Ais said as she gently holds the daggers.
"Okay. Um, Ais, why don't you stay in the middle and only fight when you have to," Alise suggested, finally recovering from the shock of the price tag. "So, we should get out of here now. Before anything breaks."
The group returned to the surface. Everyone not wanting to incur Alfia's displeasure focused on reaching the surface quickly.
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