"Master Bell?" Lili asked, "are you sure you're alright? You've been acting…weird."
Bell gave a slight laugh before replying, "I'm alright, Lili," he patted his breastplate for emphasis and a show of strength, "I've just had a rough morning is all."
Bell and Lili were waiting beside the fountain that was located a ways away from the dungeon's entrance. Both were waiting for their remaining party members to arrive.
Bell did indeed have a rough morning, more accurately, a rough night. Hana and Elbia subjected Bell to a night of sex and passion that Bell didn't have the words to describe. He was all but helpless under their ministrations, going from one curious position to the next. Their creative minds at the forefront of the lovemaking. He didn't know how many rounds he lasted but he at least knew they didn't go much longer after he blacked out.
When he woke up the next day, he was cuddled on both sides by the enthusiastic artists, each with happy and content smiles on their faces as they slept. He would have thought his situation as heartfelt and lucky, were it not for the realization and the following words.
"I can't feel my legs…or my hip."
Needless to say, after an awkward wake up of his two lovers, a call to get some health potions, a firm lecture by both his irate Goddess and exasperated vice-captain, and a promise of taking it easy the next time he has sex or does anything physically demanding, Bell considered himself lucky to walk away with just a small limp.
That wasn't going to stop him from going into the dungeon! It's been too long! Besides, he wanted to get a better feel of his body now that he leveled up. He didn't notice at first but his muscles felt…weird. Like he was trying to call forth old strength he was familiar with but this new power was bursting to get out instead.
He asked about this and Takeru told him that there was a latency sensation whenever an adventurer leveled up and it would take some time to get used to, but it wasn't anything severe. Just further proof he had gotten stronger and it was power that was his, it was power he had to get used to.
It was his power to conquer, according to Koukin.
Bell was grateful for their words but asked how they knew about it. Takeru just shrugged and replied it was information she had already known since summoned, a fact also shared by Koukin and Kallen. Though Chitoge said she knew 'something' about it, but was blurry on the finer details, same was said of Arue.
Could the knowledge they received when summoned be…inconsistent?
Bell shook his head, that matter could rest for now. Now was the time to get back into the dungeon and test his might.
"Master Bell," Lili spoke, drawing his attention. He looked to see the pallum disguised as a chianthrope looking rather sheepish and nervous all the sudden.
"What's the matter, Lili?" he asked.
Lili fidgeted and looked from left to right, as if on the lookout for someone, "I-is Miss Shuyuu going to be joining us?" she asked, her face turning scarlet.
Bell blinked and wondered why Lili asked that and with such an expression, then he internally kicked himself in remembrance. He recalled the last time Koukin and Lili interacted with each other and blushed at the memory.
"Um," Bell weakly began, "sh-she is," this response garnered a panicked jump from the short girl, who looked around with more urgency, "bu-but she wants me to tell you that she is sincerely sorry for her actions at the pub. She would like to apologize to you in person but she was afraid you would…run away."
"Lili would run away!" shouted the supporter, "Lili still might run away!"
Bell waved his hands and tried to placate Lili, eventually stopping her from doing something rash, "Look, Lili," he began, "Koukin is really sorry for what she did and she does want to make it up to you somehow," he rubbed his head and gave her a innocent smile that melted her heart, "I think it's a good idea and…and I hope you can forgive her, she really beat herself up about it."
Lili wanted to say something snippy and quick witted but found her mouth dry at seeing Bell's face in a mask of worry and hope. It should be a crime to be that cute, in Lili's opinion. Nonetheless, she was swayed and gave a sigh of resignation and a nod towards Bell, "Alright, master Bell, Lili will hear Miss Shuyuu out…at a safe distance," she added the last part quickly.
Bell smiled and nodded, glad Lili was open to hear his vice-captain out. Now he hopes the next time they meet it would go well and without issue. He had faith that it would go well, but Lili had one more thing to say, opening a new avenue of conversation.
"Lili is still a little bothered by this new party member you found," she said, "this Welf character you met yesterday. This Welf character you 'just' met yesterday," she gifted Bell with a raised eyebrow, "Lili has faith in you, Master Bell, but sometimes she thinks you're too trusting of people."
Bell felt no insult at her words, in fact he just smiled, as if in agreement. It wasn't the first time he was told this and he was certain it wouldn't be the last.
"Hey, Bell!" a loud voice shouted towards him and Lili, prompting the two to look in the direction. They saw a red headed man come their way, waving a hand in greeting.
Bell smiled as the figure got closer, "Welf," he said in greeting once the blacksmith got closer, "I'm glad you could make it."
Welf smiled at Bell's words, "Glad I could be here to make it," he adjusted the strap across his chest, that was holding the greatsword on his back, "had to do some last minute maintenance on my equipment. Always gotta make sure your gear is ready for the dungeon depths," he finally took notice of the large bag and the pallum that carried it, "Hey there. Guess you're the other party member huh? Nice to meet you!" he ended with a smile.
Lilli gave Welf a deadpan stare, her skepticism of this man before her evident. She looked towards Bell and raised an eyebrow before turning to look back at Welf and gave a slight bow, "My name is Liliruca Arde, it's very nice to meet you," Lili greeted, her tone neutral.
"Don't sound very nice," Welf said, rubbing the back of his head at the awkward atmosphere.
Bell decided to intervene and try to set things on a more optimistic tone, "Lili, this is Welf Crozzo. My and my familia's new blacksmith and our new party member," he gestured to Welf amicably, "let's all try to get along."
Welf's eyes widened at Bell's introduction of him but he looked to the side in exasperation, already anticipating what's to come next.
Lili's eyes widened and she looked up at Welf with renewed focus, "Crozzo?" she asked, "Like the blacksmith family? The ones that are famously known for making some of the strongest magical swords in the world?"
"Or infamous, depending on who you ask," Welf said under his breath, his tone having a bitter edge to it, he put on a smile that was a little too forced and replied, "yeah, that's me. But please, don't think of me because of my family name. I'd appreciate it."
Bell looked at Welf with surprise and amazement, "You can make magical swords?" he asked, his voice full of wonder, "Welf, that's amazing!"
The redhead snorted, "glad one of us thinks so," he frowned, feeling his words were a little too harsh, "Sorry, it's just…I don't like magic swords. In fact, I hate them," he put his hands in his pockets and lowered his head, "they're unreliable if you ask me. Two or three swings and it breaks. What kinda weapon does that? What kinda weapon breaks and leaves its user up and dry like that? Not steel, not iron, not even wood. Magic weapons are brittle and are just…" Welf trailed off, realizing his words were coming out with too much vitriol. He took a deep breath and looked to Bell and Lili, his features apologetic, "Sorry about that," he said, "I know they are useful on occasion. It's just that…it's just that they seem to follow me wherever I go. No one is interested in hearing about Welf Crozzo the blacksmith. They're more interested in hearing about that Crozzo that can make magic swords," he rubbed the back of his head, "it's kinda something I've tried to run away from."
Bell and Lilli looked at Welf, hearing him vent. Neither knew just how burdensome the Crozzo name was to Welf and hearing him talk about it made them look at Welf in a new light.
Lili was, of course, skeptical and weary of Welf, given her past experience with other adventurers. But she could give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
Bell felt pangs of sympathy for the blacksmith. He had already thought Welf an excellent smith and thought it amazing that he could craft magic swords and weapons as well. But he clearly looked at the later ability with a great deal of shame. Nonetheless, Bell respected Welf, the armor he crafted that Bell wore was testament to that. If magic weapons bothered Welf so much, then there was an obvious conclusion…
"I won't have you make magic weapons for me, Welf," Bell began, surprising the smith, "the weapons and armor you craft for me and my familia are enough," he gave the redhead a smile, "I can tell that you're uncomfortable with them and I won't put you in a bad place because of them. I want you as my smith because you're Welf, not a Crozzo."
Stunned, Welf couldn't even find the words to say to that. He had expected some pushback for him to at least make one magic sword. Yet Bell told him he wouldn't ask for any at all. No one had ever told that to him.
"Lili thinks it a waste," the pallum disguised as a chienthrope said, "magic swords are useful despite their short term use. They are handy in difficult situations and give an edge to almost any monster encounter."
Welf frowned at Lili's words but couldn't find fault in them. It was true, painful as it is, magic swords were useful if just for life and death situations.
Until they broke.
He was about to say this to Lili but she had more to say, stopping him from getting a word out.
"But Lili is willing to give Mister Welf a chance and will respect his choice," she turned to Bell, "if Master Bell has faith in you then Lili supposes she could as well."
Welf blinked at Lili's words before giving a grin and shrugging, "Well thanks for the ringing endorsement," he said, "Miss…what's your name?"
Lili huffed, "Liliruca Arde," she replied in answer, "please don't make Lili repeat it again Mister Welf."
With a smile, the blacksmith replied in kind, "You got it Lil'e!"
Lili's eye twitched at the sudden nickname, an annoying nickname at that, "Please call me Miss Arde, Mister Welf," she said in a cool tone that gave Bell a shiver up his spine.
The blacksmith made a show of considering it, rubbing his jaw in thought, before just smiling and replied, "Nah! Too formal! Guess Lil'e will have to do!"
"Lili refuses to be addressed like that!" the short girl exclaimed, "Lili doesn't need a nickname!"
"But nicknames are cool and they can tell ya about the person. Like how they react to the 'littlest' jokes."
"Was that a short joke? Of course it was a short joke! Lili will not be a victim to a blacksmith with terrible naming conventions and poor humor!"
"What?! I'll have you know I have an uncanny sense of names. Just ask Bell, his new knife has an awesome name and I have the best jokes this side of the city."
"Lili hasn't heard a good joke from you yet! The only joke Lili sees is your face!"
"Big words coming from a pipsqueak!"
The two glared at each other in some kind of stalemate that was quickly devolving into a ridiculous situation that Bell had absolutely no control over. He had hoped this initial meeting would have gone well but now it might look like he would have to stop his two friends from tearing each other apart.
"Well this wasn't how I expected this meeting to go," a familiar voice called out, "I had thought Miss Arde would be more…professional."
Bell turned to see who spoke, missing Lili break off her glare against Welf and scurrying behind him, a look of fear in her eyes.
"Koukin," Bell greeted with a smile, "I'm glad you made it. There weren't any problems before you left, were there?"
Welf finally turned to see who Bell was talking to. Only to have his jaw drop and eyes bulge at the sight of the exotic and stern beauty that approached them. Followed by another beauty with an eyepatch and wizard robes that did nothing to hide the size of the bust or gorgeous figure underneath the material.
"If by problems, you mean the construction efforts going on back home?" Koukin asked in reply, "Rest assured, the operation is going smoothly. Goibniu familia are as reliable as ever. Though we are going to have to wait till tomorrow to see the results."
She and Arue stopped just short of Bell and the others, where Arue went on to explain, "While the work is going on, the others are setting up at a hotel before heading out for the day. Chitoge and a few others plan on heading out tonight into the dungeon and are just enjoying the day to themselves."
Bell nodded in understanding before frowning and looking around his vice-captain, "Takeru didn't come with you?" he asked, perplexed, "I'd thought she would have loved testing out that new sword of hers."
"Believe me, captain," Arue smoothly added, "she was more than anticipating using that new blade, but alas," she tilted her head back and raised her hand to her head, like a tragic performer, "she recognizes that such an amazing weapon requires some…practice at wielding and so she has elected to spend the day training with her blade to better use it."
Bell was slightly sad that he wouldn't see Takeru in action with her new weapon, but understood that, despite her proficiency with the sword, it was still a unique weapon that required a good deal of practice before one got used to it. He tried to pick it up when Takeru and himself returned home, he could barely hold it in front of him without feeling his arms would shake off.
Bell remembered something and quickly gestured to Welf, "Oh, this is Welf Crozzo, the blacksmith I told you about," he turned to the gobsmacked blacksmith, "Welf, this is Koukin Shuyuu, my vice-captain."
Welf finally registered Bell's words and looked to him next in disbelief before returning his gaze to Koukin. He got himself together and gave a polite bow, keeping his eyes closed so as to not ogle at Koukin's chest, "It's very nice to meet you ma'am!" he said loudly, "thank you for accompanying us today!"
Koukin raised an elegant eyebrow at the sudden display of formality. Didn't Bell tell her that Welf was a casual soul and didn't seem too inclined to be overly polite?
She looked closer and saw his ears were red and it didn't take her long to figure out why.
'Maybe I should consider a wardrobe change,' she thought, 'Silly I still get these reactions when there are women going into the dungeon with literal bikinis on them.'
Not dwelling on it any further, she approached Welf and held out a hand, "Pleasure to meet you Mister Crozo," she greeted, "I'm glad to meet the man, my captain and the familia as a whole is, has invested in. Your skills are a welcomed boon to our familia," she ended with a diplomatic smile.
Welf looked up from his bow and at the hand offered. He looked up further at Koukin's face and managed to get himself under control, albeit with some difficulty. He coughed to the side before reaching out and gently taking Koukin's hand and shaking it, "I appreciate the compliments," he began, "I'll definitely do my best to live up to expectations."
Arue giggled from the side, "Perhaps eye contact would be a good start," she commented, "not that I don't understand," she crossed her arm under her bust and gave it a bounce. Causing Welf and Bell to blush and Lili to grind her teeth in clear envy, "a voluptuous body can be a most unexpected weapon, Mister Welf-kya!"
Koukin drew in her hand from the chop she delivered to Arue's head, making the Crimson Demon moan in faux pain and rub at her head.
"Perhaps being professional is a good way to start things," Koukin said, turning to look at Welf, "my apologies, Arue is one of the more whimsical members of our familia. Though trust me, she is a good ally to have," she looked back at her familia's spellcaster, "regardless of her…dramatics."
Welf heard her but nearly turned into a floundering mess at seeing Koukin this close to him in her wardrobe. He took a sharp and deep breath before raising a thumbs up, "It's no problem!" he exclaimed, "let's all get along!"
After a quick discussion and planning, it was agreed that they would venture down to floor twelve, a floor that Welf had his sights on but couldn't get a party to venture with him. As they set out, with Koukin and Arue up front, Welf pulled Bell aside and hanged back out of earshot.
"Bell," the blacksmith hissed, "you didn't warn me that your vice-captain was a babe and that you had a hottie mage as well!"
"Welf!" Bell whispered back, outraged, "That's incredibly inappropriate!"
"Sorry," Welf said, looking up at Koukin and Arue, making sure they didn't hear them, "can't help but call it as it is. I'm a man, Bell," he gave a smile and patted the young adventurer's shoulder, "still, give a guy some warning next time. Don't want a first conversation with them to start with my own foot in my mouth."
Bell just chuckled and nodded, somewhat awkwardly. He supposed Welf had a point. He wasn't blind to how gorgeous Koukin, Arue, or any of the other women in his familia. He was just used to their presence by now…somewhat. There were still moments where his familia members' beauty really shined and he would be reduced to a blushing mess when that happened.
"Still though," Welf's voice interrupted his musings, he looked to the blacksmith who was giving Bell a grin, "lucky you eh, Bell? Got a familia of gorgeous women around ya. Were I a lesser man, I might've been jealous," he nudged Bell with his elbow, seeing his friends face blush crimson, "c'mon now. Don't be shy, be confident. I know I would."
Bell elected not to comment but found himself smiling at the light teasing and friendly conversation. Bell had only known Welf for a little over a day, but already felt that he and him were friends.
So far…this day is starting off great.
"So far, Evilus actively has been light on the surface. Ever since Finn and the others left on their expedition, there have been few to scant sightings of the suspicious white robbed members affiliated to them. Not enough to even get a trace on them."
A rich and smooth voice spoke to the occupants in the dark room, its origins coming from a blonde man whose features could only be described as otherworldly beautiful. He was recognized as a God because of that trait and more.
"I'm afraid it's close to the same on our end as well. Despite my darling Asfi's talents and abilities, gaining any worthwhile information has been a fruitless effort to say the least. Plenty of hearsay and rumors but nothing worth investigating…I must say Dionysus, the news could be better."
Sitting at a table inside a well darkened room were two Gods. Dionysus and Hermes, both well known and respected in the city of Orario. Dionysus for his wine and compassionate personality and Hermes for his professional delivery services and hearty demeanor. Neither of the two were there usual selves however, given the topic of discussion. Or more accurately, the problem they were facing.
The return of the Evilus. After all this time, an old enemy had returned to Orario and with it new threats. From new forms of clandestine operations, to the appearance of the new flower like monsters, violas. Threats that needed to be vanquished before they inevitably got worse.
As of now though, the situation has been bleak but not terrible. Ever since Loki familia went down into the dungeon for their expedition, activity of Evilus on the surface had all but disappeared. A logical conclusion would be that they were putting their focus on Finn and the others, viewing them as a greater threat and deciding to capitalize on the chance to eliminate them in the dungeon.
A sound strategy…were it such a simple task.
Without a question of doubt, Finn and the others were aware of this potential danger to their expedition and would have prepared for it, without losing focus on their task. To reach further down the floors of the dungeon and find the source of the new monster spawning.
Some would be daunted by such threats and opposition, but Loki familia were no stranger to difficult tasks or impending threats. They weren't one of the strongest familias in the city for nothing.
Without a doubt, they will face the dangers that await them and Hermes, Dionysus, and Loki herself were confident in their success.
Speaking of Loki…
Both God of wine and the messenger God turned to stare at the room's other occupant.
Laying face down on the table, her arms stretched out in front of her, was Loki herself. The trickster Goddess, known far and wide for her cunning nature and having a powerhouse of a familia. Was laying face first on the table, groaning all the while with the occasional sobs here and there. Around her were several bottles of alcohol ranging from modest beer to sophisticated wine.
And she had downed them all like they were water.
Since arriving at the meeting, Loki had not added anything of note, simply drinking and sobbing from where she sat. Bemoaning having 'lost her dream to that 'perverted dolphin'.'
Needless to say, it made quite a pathetic sight. Nonetheless, Hermes and Dionysus considered Loki an ally during these strange times and had faith that she had to have done her own investigation into Evilus activities…even if she was wasted right now.
"Loki," Hermes spoke gently, "you still here with us?"
The redheaded Goddess gave a groan as an answer.
"Excellent," Hermes said with a smile, "then could you share any findings you may have come across since our last meeting?"
Again, Loki groaned and waved a hand about in the air, gesturing to everything.
"We need a more…accurate answer than that, I'm afraid," Dionysus said, reaching into his wardrobe's chest pocket, "I usually detest using these but I have to admit, they are useful when needed."
He withdrew a small item, Hermes couldn't make it out but watched as Dionysus approached where Loki lay, an apologetic smile on his lips.
"That's nothing dangerous, I hope," Hermes commented, keeping a close eye on what was happening.
Dionysus laughed, "To Loki? Unlikely. To us?" he looked at the trickster Goddess, a feeling of trepidation sliding over him, "let's just say when I give her this, I'm going to jump back before she punches me," he leaned down and brought the item close to Loki's head, "Loki, look over here. I have a gift for you."
Another groan and Loki turned her head to face the wine God, about to ask for more booze.
Dionysus snapped the ammonia tablet into powder underneath her nose and Loki reeled her head back with a shout of surprise, followed by a great many coughs.
Dionysus quickly returned to his seat and out of range of Loki's potential area of attack. Though he didn't have to worry, given Loki fell out of her chair the very next second, coughing all the while.
Hermes stared in surprise at what happened and turned to face Dionysus, who had a look of pity on his face as he observed Loki's coughing fit. He turned to look at the messenger God and gave him a hopeless shrug, "I carry these tablets on me whenever I get…occasionally inebriated," he patted at his chest pocket, "very handy to get one to sober up real quick," he cast a pitying glance at Loki, "a bit of a tough pill though, it must be said."
"And it was your idea to carry ammonia tablets for such occasions?" Hermes asked.
"Oh no," Dionysus replied, "my sweet Filvis thought of this amazing method. Said it was better than her dragging me back to my room to cry until I'm sober."
'I get the feeling your child wanted to punish you in a way for making her humiliate herself and you during your drunken fits,' Hermes thought.
"You *cough* bastard!" Loki said, coming to her senses and sitting in her chair properly now, "you'll pay for that *cough*!"
"A price I'm more than willing to pay," Dionysus said, not at all perturbed by Loki's aggression, "but please, Loki. This meeting is vital for our efforts against Evilus, something I shouldn't have to tell you."
Loki gave a groan and leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms behind her head, "Drunk though I was, I still was listening to what the two of you were saying," she grimaced, "and it's the same on my end as well. Nothing new has popped up as of late and I even took a few of my children to the spot me and Bete saw those violas at," she sniffed in dissatisfaction, "bastards must have gone back there and cleaned up any evidence I would have found. Place was spotless, even the walls and floors were fixed from Bete's fight with those things."
She looked up in thought, "other than that, nothing else," she said, "sure, like Hermes said, rumors are whispered here and there, but ain't nothing of substance," she paused, thinking, "they definitely went underground, at least for now. Though I hope that they are dumb enough to attack my children," she smiled, "it would take care of two goals then. Explore the deeper floors and cut those freaks down to the quick."
Neither of the other two Gods refuted that, both having a good idea of how strong Loki familia was and how lucky they were to have an ally with them.
They only hope that they are strong enough to deal with whatever threat awaits in the depths of the dungeon.
"On to something else," Loki called, "despite not seeing any movement from Evilus, I have noticed a certain Goddess that rivals me in perverseness has had her children move about a lot lately."
"Freya," Hermes said, "yeah, I've seen them mobilizing in small squads and running about the city and even outside it," he reached a hand up to his hat and fiddled with the feather on it, "you think they're looking for Evilus as well?"
Loki hummed in thought about it before giving a snort and replying, "Nah! If she wanted to go after them, she would have done so already and probably get them too," she paused for a moment, "though not without flipping a few chunks of the city. Bitch acts all suave and elegant but she's the type to use a hammer to solve her problems," she opened her narrow eyes slightly, showing the two Gods the red orbs in them, "and she has the biggest hammer in the city. Which begs the question-"
"Why would she be sending out her children and what could cause her to do so?" Dionysus finished for Loki, coming to the same conclusion, "have there been any attacks or provocations upon her territory?"
"If there were, I'd be one of the first to know," Hermes said with a grin, "to my own knowledge, no one has made a move on them. Even ambitious Ishtar has been quite so far. Well…for now at least."
Loki hummed and leaned side to side on her chair, "You said you've seen them 'outside' the city?" Loki asked, "Like how far we talkin?"
Hermes shrugged and answered, "Around the forest for the most part but none have strayed too far from the city. Half a day out is the farthest my children have spotted them."
"Any of the executives?"
"Bringar, Hildrsleif, and Dainsleif have been spotted, and as far as I know, neither Vana Freya or the King have left the city."
"Good news about that," Dionysus added, "If either of those two left the city and searched the forest, we wouldn't have a forest before too long."
"We might not have a forest in any case," Hermes said, "my children found an odd clearing that was thoroughly burned to a crisp. Used to be a bloodsaurus nesting ground. Someone destroyed it with magic fire."
"Ya think it was one of the elves?" Loki asked, "I know those two are loyal to a fault to that oversexed Goddess, but burning a forest? I can't imagine any elf doing that."
Hermes nodded and continued, "I agree and neither of those two would use magic that recklessly. Besides," he learned forward, steepling his hands, "I don't think it was them in any case."
"You think it was whoever they were lookin for?" Loki asked, "think it might be Evilus or another branch of them?"
Hermes frowned and lowered his gaze to the table, "I went to this sight myself, wanting to see the damage firsthand. When I got there I…sensed something wrong."
He paused, recalling the sensation, the moment he stepped his foot on that blackened earth, the stench he smelled, it was all strange.
"This is just a theory, so please keep calm for what I'm about to say," he looked at both Loki and Dionysus, seeing their stern faces, awaiting his reveal, "I think whoever set that fire wanted to hide something. What that is, I don't know. One things for certain," his gaze grew more intense and even a bit…frightful, "whatever was there, it did not sit right with me as a God. There was just something…wrong about it," he sighed and leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling, "and for the life of me I have no idea what it could be."
"Great," Loki said with frustration in her voice, "not only do we have the Evilus raising their ugly heads out of whatever hole they crawled out of, but now there's some weird shit going on outside the city," she crossed her arms and huffed, "and it's bad enough to get Freya investigating. Am I missing anything else, or can we all agree that our days can only get shittier."
Dionysus gave a polite cough and a sympathetic and curious smile, "Well there is another matter to discuss. Namely, the identity of whoever was lucky to receive Eros's gift."
At his words, Loki gave a loud groan of emotional agony and flopped her head back on the table. Much to the other two Gods' exasperation.
"Loki," called Hermes, "come on! I know you're still sad that someone has your," he struggled to find the words, " 'dream made manifest', but you need to calm down about it. What's done is done."
"You wouldn't say that if you had my fantasies," Loki bemoaned, "to literally call upon otherworldly beauties at a moment's notice, to have a harem of near infinite babes, to enjoy a flat chest by breakfast, a modest chest by lunch, and a large bouncy chest by dinner. Think man! All of that joy in the palm of your hand!" she raised herself up and raised her arms to the sky as if reaching out for something that isn't there, "and to know it is in someone else's hands! Tell me truthfully Hermes! Tell me you wouldn't be the same!"
"Come now, Loki," Dionysus said placatingly, "surely you're exaggerating. I get that the gift is powerful but surely it isn't worth this embarrassing display," he turned to his fellow God, expecting support. Only to blink as he saw Hermes with his hat tilted down and…tears trickling down his eyes.
"She's right," he said with a sob, "I probably would act the same after losing such a dream."
It would take a few minutes for Dionysus to get his two allies back on track. Once he did, it was time to discuss the matter properly and without alcohol in Loki's case, much to the trickster's dismay.
"Any clues on who it may be?" Dionysus asked his fellow deities, "as far as I'm aware, there haven't been any signs of 'otherworldly' characters walking through the city."
"Yeah but 'otherworldly' and 'strange' go hand in hand on Orario," Hermes added, "we could have brushed shoulders with them a dozen times by now and not tell the difference between them or any other denizens in this city."
"The city is a melting pot of personality, that's for sure," Loki said, "finding them will be like finding a needle in a haystack and that's only 'if' they're still in the city."
Loki and the others wouldn't put it past any God or Goddess to leave the city when they found their child with such a unique magic on them. At the same time, they knew that the only way for them to obtain summons would be to complete 'tasks' according to Eros. She was willing to bet good money that a great deal of those tasks meant traversing the dungeon and facing whatever foe lay there. Incentive for whoever had such magic to stay.
"How about any familia's of note?" Hermes asked, "any that stand out and received a sudden influx of members from out of nowhere?"
"Or those that have a familia that is more one sex then the other?" Dionysus added, "that could thin the crowd I bet."
"Not as much as you think," Loki said, "we all know that there are no few Gods that descended just to live out a Harem fantasy," she pointed at herself, "hell, I was one of them at one point before I decided to put my focus elsewhere. Not for a lack of trying though," she leaned back and propped her feet on the table, "and there are Gods that literally try to 'make' a harem familia for a favored child of theirs and are more than happy to watch on the side. Like watching a rom-com or something."
Let it not be said that the Gods didn't know how to entertain themselves. Even if the entertainment was ridiculous to say the least.
"This does bring up a unique question though," Loki turned her focus from the ceiling to the other two deities, "what do we do if one of us finds this blessed child?"
Silence.
Neither Hermes or Dionysus had an answer to her question. Frankly, they didn't know what they would do should they find this person and they may just be afraid of 'what' they would do. Would they fight over them? Blackmail them to leave their God or Goddess?
Or challenge them to a war game and decimate them into joining.
"I'll tell ya what I would do," Loki said aloud, "I'd work out an alliance and bring them into this mess of ours."
Both of her fellow deities blinked in surprise at the answer and from Loki of all people. The two shared a look of shock and Loki grumbled, already having a good idea of what they were thinking.
"Don't look so shocked and surprised ya jerks!" she exclaimed, "I can be rational anytime I want! It's just I don't need to be rational all the time because I'm awesome!"
That was poor reasoning and the deadpan stares of the two told Loki that. She took her feet off the table and rubbed her head, "Fine! You want to know the reason?!" she asked the other two Gods, who nodded, somewhat eagerly, "then here it is! Despite being more of a pervert than me, despite spying on anyone getting it on with each other, despite being arguably more stubborn than Freya, and despite being the first man I slept with!" That made Hermes and Dionysus eyes widened and their jaws to drop. Making Loki realize she may have told too much but it was too late to stop now.
"Despite all of that and more!" Loki exclaimed before suddenly sighing, looking tired, "Eros is right about one thing. We have failed in our duty."
Both messenger and wine God looked at her, still in shock but different this time. More somber than before.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm more than proud of what I've accomplished here on this world," Loki said, "I've put down nearly all my would-be rivals and built a familia that is close to rivaling Zeus and Hera in their glory days. But after all of that, look at where I am, look at what we're fighting, and what could we have done differently to have avoided this in the first place."
Hermes twitched at that last sentence, feeling the bite of a promise he made to an old friend long ago. An old friend that shrouded Orario in darkness in order for new light to shine towards a new legacy.
A promise he may be paying for even now.
"So I decided," Loki continued, face firm, "That whoever the lucky bastard is, I'll get an alliance out of them. Even if it kills me! As much as I hate to say it, that perverted sex addict was right! Time to stop fighting each other and start fighting together!"
She ended this statement by slamming a fist on the table, the sound ringing in the room with finality.
Clapping soon echoed in the room as Hermes and Dionysus applauded their ally.
"Well spoken," Dionysus said, "I couldn't have put it better myself," he laughed, "and I'm surprised that it came from you of all people, Loki."
"Quite so," Hermes agreed, "I'd have thought you'd be quick to go on the warpath. Didn't expect you to do something so…rational."
Loki stuck her tongue at her fellow Gods, "Bleh! Don't get all sweet and gushy on me! I'm still a trickster at heart and just because I won't fight over this child, doesn't mean I'm above tricking him into joining my side eventually," she gave them a smile, "I do have to live up to my reputation after all."
The other two shared a look before Hermes asked, "Which reputation? The perverted one or the trickster one?"
"Right now it's the one about to kick your ass!"
"Peace, peace," Dionysus said placating, "Loki, while I'm relieved that you won't savage the city in search for this child. I fear our fellow deities might not hold themselves to the same level. Especially ones that rival you in power."
Loki waved a hand, as if brushing the worry aside, "Don't ya remember? Freya is looking for something with the intent to destroy, not take. Suffice to say, if she were actually looking for the kid, she would have flipped over a few buildings to find them. For now at least, we don't have to worry about her…yet. Ganesha shouldn't be a problem at all. He's always focused on the populous. Doubt he'd take time to do some sleuthing for this kid, tempted as it might be."
"That still leaves a good number of other familias to worry about," added Hermes, "and we have our hands full with Evilus, very little time to look for the lucky soul, I'm afraid."
Loki sighed in agreement, "yeah, that's the bitch of a fact all right," she said, "we could take 'some' of our attention from the investigation, but…"
"But that could potentially open a chance for Evilus to act," finished Dionysus, "something we must avoid at all costs. We've had too many close encounters so far and the risks are arguably greater than they were all those years ago."
With a sigh, Hermes rubbed the bridge of his nose, a headache coming on him. It would be nice if the city, hell, the world were peaceful. Then they wouldn't be having discussions like these.
"For now, let's just focus on Evilus," Hermes said, "we can worry about Eros's lucky chosen one some other time when we have room to breathe. Besides, over a month has passed since this child received his gift and we have no clue who it could possibly be. Needless to say, they seem smart enough to remain unnoticed, at least for now."
The other two nodded. Whoever had the gift definitely was smart enough to keep quiet about it. A sentiment definitely shared with their deity.
For a moment, silence reigned in the room, the three waiting to see if there was anything more to discuss. When it didn't seem like there was, Dionysus stood and reached down to the floor to pull up a bottle full of purple liquid.
"If there is nothing else to discuss," he said, "then let us end this meeting with a drink."
Loki smiled and stood up herself, "Here here! I could get behind that," she took a glass on the table and held it up to be poured, "fill'er up!"
Hermes held out his own glass, nodding in thanks.
When the glasses were filled and a toast was made, the three Gods drank deeply of the wine.
Except it wasn't wine…
Hermes and Loki spat theirs out in shock, while Dionysus contentedly finished his.
"Juice!" Loki exclaimed, "We had this intense meeting and to take the edge off you give us juice? What kinda wine God are you?!"
"A refined one," answered Dionysus, "my spirits are saved for evening dinner, when it is actually appropriate to drink. Not simply after noon."
"Bastard! You just wanted to play a prank on us! Subvert our expectations!"
"Loki, I can assure you I would never do such a thing."
"I can see and hear that smile! That's it, get ready for an ass kickin!"
"Loki, calm down," Hermes said, placatingly, "It was just a harmless joke. No need to spill blood."
"I'll spill that and his wine!"
Needless to say, the meeting between this trio of Gods had ended on a ridiculous note but not an unpleasant one. Despite the threats.
Welf cut down an orc trying to flank him, his greatsword splitting the monster from shoulder to hip. It disappeared into ashes after a burst of blood and a heavy fall, leaving only its magic stone and landform weapon.
How many did that make? Ten? Twelve? He'd lost count some time ago in this place. His excitement to finally arrive on this floor dampening his focus somewhat. He looked around himself to see how the others were fairing.
If he had any worries at all, they were swiftly dismissed and replaced with an abundant enthusiasm.
He heard the sharp sound of a whip cracking in the air and turned to see Koukin dispatching a few flying monsters in the area with amazing focus and precision. Welf had some doubts of Koukin's skill with the whip, given the weapon's fickle nature, but she had proven to him some time ago to be amazingly skilled with it.
A distance away, he saw the tiny chienthrope girl, Lili, digging around some ashes where fallen enemies once were, looking for magic stones and potential drop items. Just behind her was Arue, looking casual as she watched the area around herself. Her wand smoked with magical discharge from several fireball spells she launched previously.
All in all, this trip so far has been an incredible success. He'd been trying to get to this floor for weeks now and he was worried for the longest time that he wouldn't be able to. Between his own time forging equipment, his fellow familia members' busy schedules, and the lack of interests of other adventurers. Welf just couldn't find the opportunity to travel down to this floor by himself, safely anyway.
Now, that was no longer the case. He had a party that had his back and them his. Though no one seemed to be under any threat. Given the capabilities of his new party, he wasn't surprised.
What did surprise him was his new friend and exclusive client.
Turning to see Bell's battle, he saw the young man fighting a silverback of all things. The beast trying to crush the red eyed adventurer as if he were a bug. Bell kept out of its range and dashed about it with speed that made Welf do a double take. Soon the monster roared as two cuts landed on the back of its knees, bringing the monster down. Bell soon appeared in front of it, where it made one last attempt at attacking by launching down, mouth agape and fangs bared.
"Firebolt!"
Bell ended the last attempt on his life by shooting a magic bolt of fire into the creature's mouth and blasting its head apart. A second later, the monster burst and collapsed into ashes, leaving behind its remains of a magic stone and mid-sized pelt of silver-white fur.
"That makes three," Welf said with an impressed grin, "damn, three silverbacks and three pelts. Usually you have to kill twice that many for those kinda results."
"Perhaps chance is being merciful to us this day," Koukin said from behind him, she coiled her whim back into her hand and walked next to Welf surveying the area, "we have had a good deal of encounters so far but nothing overwhelming and most of the monsters we have slain have dropped an item," she looked back to see Lili picking up a large chuck of orc hide, her eyes sparkling as she imagined the exchange they would get for it, "much to our supporters delight, I'm sure."
Welf laughed at her words, "Short sized, big greed! Now there's a combination," he looked for any more monsters, the misty environment making it somewhat difficult, "can't help but say thanks again. Didn't think I'd ever get down here until after I leveled up a ways away. Saved me a lot of trouble in getting some resources and giving my own stats a big boost," he clenched a fist, feeling his strength, "I can feel the boost already, I can tell."
"Glad you appreciate the support," Koukin replied, "the feeling is mutual. Myself and the rest of our familia are certainly glad to have a reliable smith on our side," she gave Welf a pitying smile, "though I should apologize in advance, some of my fellow familia members might have some…odd requests every now and then."
Welf just smiled, hefting his greatsword on his shoulder and walking to a wandering Orc, "Odd is something I'm good at! Don't apologize for giving me a challenge. A blacksmith can't grow without challenge. Same as any adventurer."
A time passed and soon the party elected to have a little break and see what resources they collected. They sat next to a large boulder that offered them a good view of the land around them, with the mist being clearer here as a bonus.
In total, they had ten orc hides, five orc fangs, and six silverback pelts. A hefty bounty when one added the magic stones they collected alongside it. Lili was absolutely full of glee, her chienthrope tail wagging happily at the haul.
"Damn," Welf said, drinking some well earned water, "pushed ourselves a bit hard, didn't we?"
"Our captain has been absent from the dungeon for quite some time," Arue said with a smile, "not since his level up in fact. He wanted to test his new abilities in earnest this day," to Welf's shock, she posed, one hand extended out with the other to her face, fingers spread so her crimson eye could peek through, "our captain's burning will cannot be left idle. For if he doesn't continue fighting, his body will burst into flames at his souls' passionate fire!"
"Eh! It will?!" Bell exclaimed in shock.
"Of course not," Koukin said, giving Arue a reproachful look, "our familia's mage is one to…exaggerate stories, to put it mildly. She can be a little too creative in her explanations."
Welf nodded, as if some puzzles fell into place, "Ah, I get it," he said, "I've heard of people who did that. I think they are called…what's the word? Chuunibhou!" he snapped his fingers, "yeah, that's it! Someone who talks like that and wants to stand out. I've heard a couple pals talk about that. Apparently it was coined by the Gods at some point and some encourage their followers to act like that. I think Freya has a famous one like that in her familia."
Bell blinked in surprise at the explanation and turned to ask Arue if that was true, only to lean back in shock at the sight of his comrade.
Arue, with a full blush across her face and fidgeting in place, clearly embarrassed.
"To think, such an embarrassing definition would exist here as well," she spoke quietly but loud enough for Bell to hear, "how can I weave my tales if I'm known as an overdramatic weirdo?"
Bell didn't know what to say to that and instead just put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a soft reassuring squeeze.
"I don't think you're weird," Bell said with a soft smile, "I always like hearing the fun tales you can come up with on the spot. I think it's amazing that you can do that so quickly."
Arue stared at her captain for a moment, processing his words, before a smile appeared on her face and she gave Bell a hug.
His face pressed right into her chest.
"Oh captain!" Arue said dramatically, "Truly, your words smooth this savage demon's heart," she gently began stroking his white hair, "how will I repay you for such kind words?"
Bell couldn't give her an answer, considering he was trying to pry himself out of the soft bosom of a prison he found himself in, his face a cherry scarlet. He tapped at the side of her arms, as if yielding to a submission hold, begging for release.
Bet Arue was having too much fun, especially when hearing her party's reactions.
"Ahhh! Let go of master Bell!" Lili loudly cried, "Lili won't stand by while you suffocate him you red eyed succubus!"
"Again with this?" Koukin asked with a tired voice, "You really should reconsider your ways at showing affection to our captain, Arue. Heaven knows that Hestia has certainly told you that, with interest."
Welf laughed at Bell's predicament and the reaction of his party. It sounded like this wasn't the first time this has happened, which made this all the more funny. He was about to comment, when he noticed something strange.
"Hey Bell," Welf began, "you know your hands' glowing, right?"
Bell extracted himself from Arue, who gave a faux sound of disappointment, and looked down at his hand, the one 'glowing' according to Welf. Only now it seemed to shine more than anything.
Everyone in the party looked at this new development, wondering what it meant. Koukin made a sound of interest, but before she could say anything, a sound cut through the air.
It was the sound of a scream.
Freya did not like going down into the depths of her home, Folkvangr. She found the basement levels and subsequent lower levels to be rather dreary and uncouth areas. Which was why she was shocked that she was asked to come down here by one of her executives, Hedin.
Given what she saw laid out upon the ground in an empty room, she could understand why she was asked to come.
Her silver eyes looked down at what lay before her, her face a mask of calm neutrality. She was silent for a few moments, looking down at the creature.
Then she spoke, "What…in all the burning stars is this, Hedin?"
Her voice was calm and neutral, but the elf could feel the power in the words and fought the urge to shiver from the sensation. He answered swiftly and clearly, "My lady," he began with a curt bow, "we were patrolling the forest in search of who upset you, as per your request. It is to my regret that we didn't find any sign of anyone matching the…unique description you gave us."
Freya wasn't at all surprised to hear this. A few days after her initial sighting of that…abomination. She made the decision to investigate the first surrounding the city, in an effort to locate the person who's soul offended her greatly. Upon finding them, her children had their orders.
Kill on sight.
Heavy handed? Perhaps, but it was an order her children would follow to the letter, without complaint. She had given far worse orders in any case.
But finding whoever it was turned out to be next to impossible. Despite her children scouring the forest for days and nights, they couldn't find any trace of the mortal she saw. Though, given she described nothing short of a monster when describing the person's soul, she wasn't all too surprised to find out her children had no luck in finding them.
What they did find however…could arguably be worse.
Bell and the others looked around the boulder to see a pallum running from something. Dodging out of the way of an exhaust of flames that nearly roasted the helpless soul.
Bell acted on instinct and leapt over the boulder and dashed to the pallum and his attacker. He heard Koukin curse and Welf shout as they moved to catch up to him.
He saw a large reptile creature, prowling towards the pallum. Its green scaly hide, licks of flame, and small wings on its back told Bell exactly what this is.
An infant dragon, arguably the strongest monster on this floor.
And possibly moments away from eating a luckless soul.
Bell wouldn't have that, not while he could do something about it. He had to get the creature's attention first though. Raising his hand out, he momentarily started at seeing his hand shining with an even brighter light.
And why was he hearing chimes coming from the glow?
He shook his head of questions and focused on the task he set out to do, save the pallum. Bell carefully aimed at the Infant dragon and steadied his breath, hoping to make a clean shot.
As if sensing Bell's intentions, the infant dragon broke off from chasing the pallum and looked towards Bell. It gave a snarl that caused a bark of flames to leave its mouth and moved towards Bell, now the new focus of the monster's attention.
Bell swallowed and prepared to fire, too late to retreat, now was the time to fight.
"Firebolt!"
With a shout, Bell fired his magic from his shining hand. His spell launched faster, brighter, and stronger than Bell had ever done before. With the sound of a thunderclap, the bolt of fire impacted upon the creature's head, detonating in a loud explosion that Bell felt in his teeth.
The monster was still as the smoke from the spell cleared. When it did, Bell was treated to the sight of a headless dragon. Its stump cauterized by the heat. Slowly, the creature toppled down and soon burst into a cloud of sparkling ash. Leaving only a good sized magic stone behind.
Silence covered the area. Stunned and amazed silence. Bell looked down at his hand, the one he fired his spell from, the one that shined. It was completely normal now, no sign of light or the sound of chimes coming from it.
Was this…was this from his new skill, the one that appeared after he leveled up?
Argonaut.
He felt a hand slap across his back, making him jump. He turned to see Welf there, looking at him with a wide smile.
"Damn, Bell!" he exclaimed, "Didn't know you had that little trick up your sleeve."
Bell looked back down at his hand before looking back to Welf, an embarrassed smile on his face, "Neither did I," he said, "I'm just as surprised as you are."
"Almost as surprised as we were when you jumped into the fray?" Koukin asked, pushing up her glasses and making them gleam in an ominous light, "again?" she finished, in a tone that made Bell feel a chill up his spine.
'How is it that Koukin was scarier than the dragon!' Bell thought.
"Lili agrees," Lili said, coming alongside Bell's vice-captain, "master Bell, please remember that next time you decide to fight a dragon."
Loud laughter came from Lili's side and Arue appeared. Looking amused and amazed at what she witnessed Bell do, "Pay them no mind captain," she said, "they were just as amazed as I when they saw you vanquish that beast," she reached down and gently patted Lili's head, "this one looked at you like you were a legend from a precious fable of hers," she gave Lili a smirk, "maybe one to sweep her off her feet and carry her to-"
She was cut off when Lili began to smack at her leg with a full blush on her face, the disguised pallum shouting words of denial while striking the mage who was thoroughly enjoying teasing Lili.
Welf just laughed at the sight and patted Bell on the back again, congratulating him.
Bell soon heard a different sound, the sound of clapping. He turned to see the pallum that ran away was walking towards him. Now that Bell got a better view, he saw the pallum was an older man, much older actually. If Bell had to guess, he'd say this man was as old as his grandpa was.
"Well done! Well done!" the pallum said coming to a stop near Bell, "I must say, you dispatched that beast with quite the technique. I must say, I haven't seen anything like it in all my years!"
Bell rubbed the back of his head, flattered by the praise. He looked the older pallum over, taking in his appearance.
He…he didn't look like much of an adventurer at all. In fact, he looked more like a…scholar?
Freya stared down at what could only be called a creature of some kind.
It was the size of a wolf, possessing a canid shape as well. But it was…warped with many creatures as well.
It was covered in dark fur, with quills like a porcupine running down its back. Near its neck, there were hairless patches that revealed the appearance of three sets of gills like a twisted fish. Its paws were covered in some kind of pale bony material that made the long black claws stand out all the more. Looking at its tail, Freya could see that, though a coat of fur covered it, there was no hiding the disturbing sight of a bony stinger sticking out at the end of the tail, looking eerily like that of a scorpion's.
Freya stared at the head the longest, her disgust undisguised. Its head seemed to mix between a wolf and a reptile. Though wolf shaped, its snout was absent of fur and instead covered in thick scales, forming somewhat of a horn near the tip. Its mouth open, Freya could see the teeth of the creature. A maw that was bereft of fangs or anything wolf-like, instead a steady row of small, serrated, triangular teeth took their place. Teeth like that of a shark.
Leaning down, Freya did something unusual. She normally wouldn't get her hands dirty if she could help it but her horror and curiosity overwhelmed her and she had to find out one more thing.
What did the eyes look like?
Hedin seemed about ready to stop her but a gesture from his Goddess silenced his protest. Freya continued her examination and lifted the creature's closed eyelid.
She nearly jumped back. Instead of eyes, the creature's fur and skin continued underneath the eyelid as if eyes never existed in the first place. As if the eyelids were an accessory and nothing more.
Freya removed her hand and stood, fighting the urge to gag at this poor disgusting creature. When she finally had a better grip on herself she asked, "Where did you find this thing?"
Hedin answered quickly, "Near a small creek bed just east of the city. It was already dead when we found it," he looked at the creature, his eyes going from disgust at its existence, to analytical and neutral, "we found tracks from where it came from but they were a different shape at one point along the trail and came in a group. The tracks scattered at one point, making guessing an origin difficult."
Freya turned her eyes to the elf, "Are there any more sightings of these creatures? Have we found any?"
Hedin shook his head, "no, my lady," he answered, "we followed the trail this beast left behind and scoured the surrounding area for miles. There have been no sightings or reports of any other beast like this one, dead or otherwise."
Freya looked back at the corpse on the ground, her features stern and calculating, "I don't have to ask the next question," she said, "you can already tell me the answer in any case."
Hedin nodded, understanding at what his Goddess was getting at, "Yes," he began, "as horrifying as this creature is, one unique thing stands out," his gaze turned to the wretched thing, "this is a creature of the world, born and raised before it became…this," he turned his gaze back to his Goddess, "not a monster like in the dungeon. We know this because-"
"Because there is no magic stone to be found on or around the body," Freya continued, "even if there were, this creature would be nought but ashes and dust some time ago."
"Indeed," Hedin said, "which begs an uncomfortable question, my lady."
Freya nodded and her silver eyes began to glow a fierce violet as she looked at the wretched thing.
"What could have made this thing?"
Freya remembered that night she looked into the woods outside the city. Recalling that twisted soul she saw out there. That chimera-like abomination she saw, not too dissimilar to the thing that lay before her.
Could that soul she saw…had a hand at making this thing before they vanished?
"Perhaps, Hedin, it's not 'what' did this," Freya said, moving to leave the room, "but 'who' did this?"
"I must say, thank you young man for your timely intervention," the old pallum said with a smile, "I must say, were it not for you, I would be dead and the world would be robbed of an earnest scholar," the old pallum gave a cough and cleared his throat before speaking, "I must say, that though this experience was life threatening, it was worth it to gather the knowledge I gained from it."
Bell and the others looked at this strange short man with disbelief. After just barely surviving a fiery ordeal, Bell imagined anyone would be a bit scared, if not a little timid, but this man looked at his near death experience with almost casual indifference.
Bell looked the man over, taking in his appearance. He wasn't dressed as an adventurer nor a scholar now that Bell looked closely. Short, like his race usually was, he wore long brown khaki pants, a blue dress shirt with a green camo vest, drown boots that were steel toed, and he had a large monocle that seemed to stay on his right eye no matter what direction he turned his head. Bell saw the large backpack he carried on his back, nowhere near the size of Lili's but still considerable and that was in addition to the two bags he had dangling across each shoulder. More personal features were the green eyes glistening with curiosity and a well kept black goatee, the same color as his hair,that was speckled with specks of gray, giving it a salt and pepper look.
All in all, Bell didn't know what to call this man. An adventurer? No weapons and the only armor were the tips of his boots. A scholar? Didn't have anything to suggest it besides his word. Were those bags full of notes and research tools? Maybe but…if you have all that space for notes and stuff, why not take a weapon just in case?
"I must say, I can already see the gears turning in your head, young man," the old pallum said, stroking a salt and pepper colored goatee, "I can assure you that I am a scholar but not one you have a proper name for."
Bell blinked at this, surprised that he was so easily read, "You are?" he asked, "Then what kind of scholar are you?"
With a huff of pride, the old man puffed his chest up and held up a finger as if to point out an obvious fact.
"I must say," he began, "I am a 'genius' scholar of course!"
That answer was…underwhelming to say the least.
"Master Bell," Lili said from his side, tugging on his arm, "Lili thinks it's time to leave this strange and weird old man alone. He said thank you and Lili thinks that's enough. Let's go."
"I must say, 'weird' and 'strange' you say? I'll have you know I'm the very definition of 'proper' in polite society," he stuck his chin out high, an air of confidence around him, "and 'weird' and 'strange' are together an oxymoron. I must say, please use a different descriptor for myself if you would, my fellow pallum."
"Lili will stick to just 'weird' then," Lili turned her attention back to Bell, "Lili still says we should leave now, master Bell, before his weirdness infects us."
"Lili!" Bell said aghast, "that's so rude!"
"I must say, not inaccurate!" the old pallum said with a proud smile, "Weirdness is just another form of genius," he tapped at his monocle, his green eyes shining with mischief, "through a different lens of course."
Bell was speechless at the old man's seemingly proud enthusiasm at being called weird. He noticed Lili lean up to him and in a whisper said, "Like Lili said, weird."
"I'm glad my captain was able to assist you," Koukin said, coming to Bell's side alongside Arue and Welf, "I confess however, why are you in the dungeon in such a state and by yourself no less? Surely you know coming into the dungeon bereft of weapons or armor is a poor choice, especially this deep down into it."
Bell looked the man over again and found Koukin was right. This man had no sign of carrying any weapons on him or even possessing the simplest of armors. It greatly surprised Bell that anyone would come down here without the basic necessities to defend themselves. Especially a scholar of all people.
The old pallum laughed off the question, "I must say, you are correct. It would be foolish to come down here without a means to defend myself," he reaches into one of his side pouches, "I must say, which is why I brought this with me," he retrieves a small glass bottle holding a amber colored liquid, "I must say, I would be a fool if I didn't go on this dangerous journey without my trusty monster repellent with me. I must say, this trusty item has kept me safe all throughout my journey down here!!"
Welf looked to where the infant dragon once stood and looked back to the old pallum, "Until today you mean, old man?"
Coughing an embarrassed cough, he replied, "I must say, well yes. I must say, the repellent's effects chose a poor time to where off and just when I was confident in my breakthrough," he uncorked the bottle and dripped some of the liquid on his hands, patting it on his exposed skin areas before tapping at his clothes, "I must say, nothing ruins good science then unexpected surprises."
"Good scientist," Arue began, "what sort of research were you conducting before your life was nearly snuffed."
"I must say, a harsh way to put it," the old pallum said with a shiver before giving a smile and explaining, "I must say, I was researching the spawning locations of various monster species."
Arue rose an eyebrow at that, prompting the man to explain, which he happily did.
"I must say, I was monitoring known monster spawn locations upon this floor and trying to find a correlation between the type of monster spawned from one location to another, especially the more rarer spawns such as," he gestured to where his near killer once was, "the infant dragon your captain slew. I must say, my findings are interesting…but incomplete given my near death experience," he rubbed the back of his head, "I must say, again, the repellent had poor timing to wear off just when the monster finished spawning."
"This guy says 'I must say' one more time, I'm gonna lose it," Welf said in a whisper to Arue who looked at the old man with a polite smile. Arue just shrugged lightly, she wasn't bothered by the strange speaking habit, she had known people who were far more strange in their speaking habits then this old man was.
Besides, she actually liked it!
"Well, if it's too dangerous, would you like us to escort you back to the surface?" Bell asked politely, "I don't want to bother your research but I don't want to leave you facing danger unarmed."
The old man crossed his arms and made a deep humming noise, as if contemplating. Before shaking his head softly and giving Bell an apologetic smile, "I must say, young man, the offer is appreciated but unnecessary," he replied, "though this hiccup seems bad, it's not the first time this has happened to me. I must say this repellent will keep me safe enough as I travel deeper into the dungeon."
Bell looked shocked at this. This man just survived a near fiery death and was going deeper into the dungeon? Why?!
Seeing his expression, the old pallum gave Bell a smile, a smile Bell was more familiar with and one that drew him up short in replying to the scholar's decision. It was a smile that was both confident and gentle, with enthusiasm hidden behind the eyes for all to see.
It was the same smile his grandpa gave him so many times during his childhood.
"Do not fear for me young man," the old pallum said, shocking the others by not starting with 'I must say' , "this isn't the first time I've done this. This wouldn't be the tenth in fact. I promise you, I'll be just fine," he secured his backpack with a shrug, "what's that old saying? 'Beware the elderly in a profession where men die young'. Believe me, it is I that should be worried about you down here."
Bell found some comfort in the man's words and gave him a smile in return, "Thank you but I'll be fine as well," he extended his arms to the sides, gesturing to his party, "I have good friends to help me out down here."
His party members all smiled and Lili even wagged her shapeshifted tail happily at the confidence Bell had in her.
Bell saw the old man's face change somewhat, becoming more…brittle, as experiencing an old pain. It didn't look right on someone that had spoken with such enthusiasm and joy just moments ago. It was gone a moment later and Bell wondered if he saw anything at all with how happy he seemed.
"A good party is scientifically proven to make a difference in both exploring the dungeon and living a happy life," he smiled at them all, "good to see the youth are still learning well to this day."
He coughed and gestured to a random direction on the floor, "I must say, I'd best be going now. I must say, I still have plenty of work to do down here and I'm all the more eager to see it done," he gave them all one last smile and a wave, "I must say, until we meet again, be safe, cautious, and scientific!"
With little heeding, the old pallum turned and walked into the direction he indicated, humming a soft tune all the while.
Bell then remembered something he forgot to ask, "Wait!" he called, prompting the scholar to stop, "I forgot to tell you, my name is Bell Cranel, it's very nice to meet you," he ended with a small polite bow.
The old pallum stared at Bell for a moment before another smile made its way to his face. He bowed in turn and introduced himself.
"I must say, pleased to meet you, Bell Cranel. I must say, my name is Montgomery but for the sake of scientific professionalism I ask you to address me by my last name and profession. So please, call me Dr. Moreau.