Inari Familia Premise Chapter 3 (Patreon)

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is bringing you another chapter! After the Minotaur Incident and the beginnings of the Shinto District being built, the Inari Familia has certainly attracted some attention in Orario. That can be both good and bad, but perhaps the good will come first. Those of the Far East, or of Far Eastern descent, now know that one of the seven Ōkami resides within Orario! The new Shinto District is about to get an influx of residents! Bell continues to dive deeper into the Dungeon and someone approaches him with an offer.

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 3 – Familia, District, Supporter

-Fushimi Taisha (Inari Familia Home)-

Bell blinked at the long line of people standing patiently outside of the red torii gate in front of the Inari Familia’s home. The vast majority of the large line were clearly Far Eastern just based on their looks, though several were clearly not Far Eastern and instead looked to be from Orario. Clearly A LOT of people had heard about Inari setting up her Familia and were looking for new opportunities in the sprawling city’s newest District. The fact that Bell’s fight and survival against a Minotaur as a new Level 1 Adventurer had spread around and attracted more attention didn’t seem to register with the young man though.

“This is way more than I expected.” Bell said once he returned to Inari’s side.

Inari was beaming at the massive interest being shown for her Familia. “Isn’t it great?!” Her silver fox ears were wiggling happily as were her nine fox tails.

Bell smiled at how happy Inari was. “It is, Goddess.”

“Well, no time like the present! We’re going to be busy for a while today!” Inari laughed beautifully, making Bell feel warm inside from the sound.

Inari quickly welcomed the guests inside, letting the line move into the shrine properly and towards the Main Hall were she’d start conducting the interviews for new Familia members and new residents for the expanding Shinto District. Bell wasn’t surprised to see almost every Far Eastern person bow politely before the torii gate and use the purification trough to wash their hands and mouths before entering fully. The Orario residents that were in line saw this and copied the motions, not wanting to offend Inari in any way as they made their case for residency or to join the Familia.

Bell sat beside Inari as Captain of the Familia, his wakizashi was resting on the floor next to him. Neither Inari nor Bell thought that he’d need it, but if someone reacted violently to a rejection it would be better to have it than not. Once both Inari and Bell were settled on their respective large cushions, the first person in line was motioned forward to sit on the lone cushion before them and begin the first interview.

-Hours Later ~ Late Afternoon-

“That took way longer than I thought.” Inari stretched her arms above her head with a little groan.

Bell nodded as he stood up, holding out his hand to help Inari to her feet. “It really did. But we’ve definitely improved our Familia’s situation.” He smiled warmly at his Goddess.

“Hehe…” Inari looked proud of the work they’d done today. “Just over a hundred new residents for the District and a dozen new retainers for the Familia!”

“Speaking of which, we should probably show them around and let them get settled.” Bell said as they entered the home and moved towards the large common area where the new members were waiting.

As soon as Inari stepped into the room, all twelve new members bowed deeply to Inari in respect. “Inari-sama, thank you for your generosity!”

Inari smiled at all of them and bid them to stand up. “Thank you all for joining my Familia as retainers. The shrine and home will both be under your care, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Yes, Inari-sama.” The twelve people, seven women and five men, gave a shorter bow to the Goddess.

“Great! I’ll give you all my Blessing now and then we can celebrate with dinner!” Inari declared and bright smiles appeared on the new retainers’ faces.

Bell excused himself and headed to the kitchen to get started on preparing the ingredients. Inari started with the five men first so that the women could all be done afterwards while the men were in the kitchen and wouldn’t see the women topless, even by accident. Bell welcomed each man as they entered the kitchen one by one and washed their hands to help prepare the food for the large meal they’d be having. By the time all twelve new retainers were done, the cooking had begun in earnest as Bell was introduced to Far Eastern recipes he’d never known about, even after living with the Takemikazuchi Familia for a while.

The large dinner was a warm meal filled with conversation and laughter. The new retainers drank sake with Inari and Bell, noting the deliciousness and how easy it went down. That was only to be expected as it was brewed by Inari herself, even if it wasn’t the properly aged ‘true’ divine sake.

Only five of the retainers took up residence within the Familia Home, three women and two men. The other seven had family members among the new residents of the Shinto District and would stay with their families, but return to the shrine every morning to work for the day. Inari had happily shown them all their shōzoku (traditional vestments) that they’d wear while working at the shrine during the day. The women would naturally wear white kosode and red hakama as was traditional for Miko. While the men would wear white kosode and light blue hakama with eboshi hats on their heads. Once they had more time, Inari promised to get the formal and ritual robes tailored so that they could hold proper festivals at the right times of year.

After baths in the large bathing area, the five retainers settled into their rooms for the night and Inari and Bell headed for bed as well. The Fox Goddess tempted Bell to follow her with her tails, only to be surprised when Bell gave her a warm hug and kissed her cheek before heading for his room for the night.

“Bell~” Inari giggled softly; her cheeks lightly pink as she entered her room with a bright smile on her face. It seemed Bell was starting to get bolder now, which she definitely appreciated. “He’ll move into my room soon enough.” Inari hummed happily.

-Next Day-

Bell instantly noticed the change in the Familia Home with the new retainers.

Breakfast was ready and served shortly after he awoke and started his day. The cleaning was being done after breakfast as Bell was heading out to the Dungeon for the day, and he noticed that the shamusho (shrine office) had two of the new Miko inside making charms and fortunes to sell to shrine goers. Inari would most likely be helping them with that soon enough too.

Walking through the (still being constructed) Shinto District, Bell marveled at the people around and how quickly they’d settled in in just a day. New stores were being set up, supplies were being brought in, and many of the new residents were heading for Fushimi Taisha to pray for success, health, fortune, and other things as they started the next phase of their lives here. It was becoming quite lively even this early in the morning as Bell exited the new District and continued on his way to the Dungeon.

-Dungeon ~ Fifth Floor-

“Hup!” Bell cut down a Frog Shooter with his katana, having already hacked off its long tongue a moment ago.

“Gero!” The Frog Shooter’s death croak rang out before it collapsed to the floor.

Bell smiled at dealing with the Frog Shooter without too much trouble. Rolling it over, he sheathed his sword and pulled out his knife to harvest the Magic Stone. “This makes twenty-six, so far today.” It didn’t take long to collect the small purple stone and put it into his backpack with the others.

Making it to the next cavern, Bell spotted a small group of Goblins milling about. They were slightly larger than the ones on the first four Floors, but looking upwards towards the ceiling, Bell spotted a Dungeon Lizard clinging to the stone. Taking out his short bow, Bell nocked an arrow and aimed at the ambush Monster. Once he was sure of his aim, he released the arrow and it flew true, lodging deeply into the Dungeon Lizard’s head.

Thump

The sound of the dead Dungeon Lizard hitting the ground startled the small group of Goblins. Bell took full advantage of their confusion to shoot another arrow, nailing a Goblin in the back and sending it to the ground, dead. The other three Goblins turned to where the arrow had come from and spotted Bell.

“Grah!”

“Grrrhh!”

“Raah!”

The three green Monsters rushed at Bell together, their claws raised to strike.

Thunk

The lead Goblin got an arrow to the face for its trouble, falling to the floor mid-step.

Thunk

The second Goblin didn’t fair any better, taking a head shot and dying instantly.

Bell tossed his short bow into the air, drawing the last Goblin’s eyes to the movement as it closed the distance. With the Goblin briefly distracted, Bell unsheathed his sword and decapitated the Goblin with an Iaido slash. Flicking the blood off the blade, Bell sheathed it and pulled out his knife. “Five more makes my total thirty-one, so far.” He grinned as he opened up the first Goblin. “Maybe I’ll get a Drop Item this time?”

-Later-

“Well… This is new for me.” Bell held his sword at the ready as two War Shadows stalked towards him. The well-known ‘newbie killers’ were uncommon on the Fifth Floor, but not unheard of. “Foxfire!” Bell cast his spell and his blade lit up with flames. “Let’s see…” He swung his sword, controlling the spectral flames, and four fireballs were launched from the arc of flame.

“Gugugu!” The two War Shadows made their odd and artificial-sounding cries as they rushed towards Bell.

Boom

Boom

Boom

Boom

All four fireballs hit their targets, staggering the two War Shadows for a moment. Bell went to the right and closed the distance. The War Shadow closest to him swung its knife-like claws straight for Bell’s face.

Ching

Bell blocked with his sword, the foxfire surrounding the blade burning the War Shadow’s hand in the process.

“Gugugu?!” The War Shadow pulled its hand back quickly, the spectral blue-white flames clinging to it.

“Gugu!” The second War Shadow went around its partner and attacked Bell with both of its claws.

Ching

Bell angled his blade like Mikoto had shown him and the six claws slid down the length of his sword, catching both of the War Shadow’s hands on fire. “Hyah!” Bell swung quickly and precisely, his flame-covered blade passing straight through the second War Shadow’s neck, sending its head flying to hit the ground a short distance away.

“Gugugugu!” The first War Shadow was still on fire, but it rushed Bell anyway bearing both its burning hand and its uninjured hand to attack.

“Yah!” Bell went left, slicing off the uninjured hand of the War Shadow. Filling his hand with more foxfire, he blasted the War Shadow straight in the face, shattering and partially melting its circular ‘face’, killing the Monster instantly.

Two dead War Shadows with wispy smoke rising off their bodies now lay in the corridor.

Bell let out a slow breath that he’d learned from the Takemikazuchi Familia, and evened out his breathing while slowly bringing his heart rate back to normal. “Managed a two-on-one without getting injured this time.” He couldn’t help but to be slightly proud of that fact. It was proof that all of his training was paying off. He pulled out his knife and set about harvesting the two War Shadows for their Magic Stones. “Eh?” Bell blinked when one of the knife-like fingers of the first War Shadow was left behind. “A Drop Item!” He quickly had it stashed away in his backpack. “That was some good fortune.” Bell smiled as he moved over to the second War Shadow.

-Exchange ~ Late Afternoon-

Bell was all smiles again today as he waited for his exchange. He’d once more managed to break his previous record for number of Monsters killed in a day! With the new Drop Item he’d gotten today in the form of the War Shadow’s Finger Blade, he was looking forward to the amount that he’d earned.

“Your Magic Stones were worth 10,983 Valis, and the Goblin Fangs, Kobold Nails, and the War Shadow Finger Blade come out to 12,360 Valis. You’re total exchange today is 23,343 Valis. Please, have a nice evening.” The woman behind the glass pushed the tray back over to Bell’s side.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Bell collected his money and stowed it in his backpack. He left the Guild with a spring in his step, having already given his report for the day to Rose before coming to the exchange.

-Fushimi Taisha-

“Welcome home, Bell-sama.” One of the new retainer women greeted him with a short bow as Bell entered the Familia Home.

“I’m home.” Bell smiled at the woman, realizing once again how nice it was to have someone to greet him when he came home for the day. It had been something he’d missed when living alone at the cheap inn he’d been renting when no Familia would take him in.

“Dinner will be ready shortly.” The woman said as Bell took off his shoes in the entryway.

Bell nodded at the information, already smelling the food cooking. “What’re we having tonight?”

“Fresh fish straight from Melen with rice, miso soup, and vegetable tempura.” The woman smiled warmly.

“We were able to buy more rice from the Market Area then?” Bell asked as he slipped on the house slippers and followed the woman into the Familia home.

The retainer woman nodded once. “Yes, Inari-sama was very happy that there was plenty to purchase while we wait for the rice paddies to be constructed.”

Bell was just happy that his Goddess was happy, as shown by the small smile on his face.

-Evening ~ Inari’s Room-

Inari watched Bell’s Excelia for the day, noting his improvement with his weapons and his Magic. “Your hard work is really showing itself, Bell. You make me so proud.” She praised him warmly.

“Thank you, Inari-sama.” Bell was happy for the praise from his Goddess. It was just further proof that he was improving. ‘I’ve still got a long way to go though.’ He thought about Tiona, Tione, and Ais and how easily they’d managed to kill the Minotaur that he’d been only been able to get lucky against.

“Here you are, Bell.” Inari handed him the new Status Update paper as the blue-white glow faded away after she locked up Bell’s Falna.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength – E 471 > D 502

Endurance – E 454 > E 486

Dexterity – D 508 > D 540

Agility – E 466 > E 495

Magic – E 460 > E 492

-Magic-

Foxfire – Special Fire Magic – Swift Strike Magic/Enchantment

-Skills-

Han'ei no Yokubō (Prosperity Desire) – Fast growth. Greater desire results in faster growth. Greater effort results in larger growth. As a side-effect, those who work with the user experience faster growth in proportion to their efforts.

-Status-

“Wow…over a hundred and fifty points today.” Bell marveled at his growth. He’d worked as hard as ever in the Dungeon today, but the boost from his new Skill was definitely showing its worth. “Greater effort results in larger growth…” He read over that portion of his Skill again.

“Your Skill can’t make you any stronger by itself, Bell.” Inari wrapped her arms around him with a gentle smile. “Only by your own efforts will you grow and get better. The Skill only maximizes what you put into it.”

Bell leaned into her warm embrace without resistance. “There’s still more that I could do though. Maybe I should train with the retainers a little and see how the second part of my Skill works?”

Inari hummed lightly as she thought about it. “That wouldn’t be a bad idea.” Her tails lazily flicked behind her. “You could also train with Také’s Familia and see if they experience a boost.” She squeezed him closer with a little giggle. “I know Mikoto-chan would love to see you again~”

“Inari-sama…” Bell sighed and looked over his shoulder with a small smile.

“You two are adorable together.” Inari grinned back unrepentantly before kissing his cheek.

Bell would like to see Mikoto again and train with her more, that was true. He wondered a bit about how his heart seemed to be so welcoming towards the women he’d met recently, but put it out of his mind for now. Bell knew, deep down, why he was so open to the idea of a potential relationship. After his grandfather’s death, he’d been alone in the world for the very first time. It was an unpleasant feeling, knowing that you didn’t have anyone left.

‘But Inari made that feeling go away.’ Bell thought as he enjoyed his Goddess’s embrace more. ‘Then the Takemikazuchi Familia welcomed me so warmly, and Mikoto gave me so much care and attention too.’ Coming to Orario to fulfill his dreams had truly been the right decision. ‘Even Tiona and Tione were so kind and affectionate… Miss Ais was nice and interested too, even though I got the feeling that she’s not usually like that.’

Bell left a soft kiss on Inari’s cheek before he headed for his room for the night. The beautiful Fox Goddess smiled at the progress they were making, but then pouted a little that Bell hadn’t asked to stay with her for the night.

‘We didn’t have to do anything… We could’ve just cuddled together all night!’ Inari thought to herself as she flopped down onto her futon. Her fox tails curled around her as she held her pillow and fell into a gentle slumber with Bell on her mind.

-Next Day-

Bell had made the announcement that he’d be sparring with the new retainers in the evening starting today. They may not be combatants for the Familia, but an increase in their Basic Abilities would be helpful and they might develop useful Skills or Magic over time. The retainers hadn’t complained, but had asked Bell to go easy on them for a while until they got used to it.

Inari had laughed softly at the looks of trepidation on her newest ‘children’ while Bell assured them that he had no intention of hurting them.

“I’ll be back later this afternoon, Inari-sama.” Bell told his Goddess as he put on his shoes in the entryway.

“Have fun, Bell.” Inari hugged him softly. “Make sure to say ‘hi’ to Také and the others for me.”

Bell returned the hug. “I will, Goddess.” He pulled back and chuckled when Inari looked him over with an appraising eye.

“You still look great in Far Eastern clothing, Bell.” Inari beamed at him, loving the way Bell looked in the specially made haori and hakama that acted as light armor by themselves. The daisho set of his katana and wakizashi only made it better in her eyes. Part of her Domains and associations were as a protective Deity of swordsman and warriors, so the ‘samurai’ look on Bell was just right in her opinion. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

Bell was heading off towards the Takemikazuchi Familia a moment later.

As Bell walked through the Shinto District, he once again took notice of the vastly different architecture compared to the rest of Orario. The tiled roofs, the wood and plaster construction, the sliding shoji doors, signs being hung up outside of some of the new businesses showing off names in both Koine (the common language) and in the script of the Far East as well. It looked and was set up differently than anywhere else in Orario.

“Off to the Dungeon, Bell-sama?” One of the new residence asked as the Captain of the Inari Familia walked by.

“Not today.” Bell smiled and waved to the man. “I’m heading over to Takemikazuchi-sama’s Familia for some training.”

As Bell exited the Shinto District he noticed a good amount of curiosity about it from the people of Orario that were looking into it as they passed by. Only a few actually ventured into the partially complete District to check it out, but Bell knew once more was completed, they’d be getting plenty of visitors. It would be a thriving District within Orario given some more time. With Inari residing there, and the residents making use of her shrine, her Domain Divinity would increase in the area and promote Prosperity, Industry, and Worldly Success.

-Temporary Residence Townhouse (Takemikazuchi Familia Home)-

“Welcome, Bell-sama.” Mikoto smiled beautifully as she greeted him, her lovely violet eyes were filled with warmth.

“Thank you for having me, Mikoto-san.” Bell returned her smile with one of his own.

Mikoto walked with him towards the back of the property where the others were waiting for them. “You’re always welcome here, Bell-sama.” The two were walking very close to each other, which made her cheeks turn a light pink.

“Good to see you again, Bell-san.” Ouka greeted as soon as Bell entered the training area.

“Nice to see you again, Ouka-san.” Bell gave a short bow to the Captain of the Takemikazuchi Familia.

Once greetings with Chigusa, Asuka, Shin, and Koda were given, Bell set his katana and wakizashi to the side and picked up a wooden sword to spar with. “I want to try out my new Skill and see how it works, so please don’t hold back too much.” He requested of the more experienced Adventurers.

“As you wish.” Ouka said with a firm nod as he hefted a wooden version of his favored war axe.

The sparring went on for hours until the group took a break for some lunch. But after lunch, it was right back to more sparring as the seven Adventurers pushed hard against each other.

“Hyah!” Bell swung his wooden sword, only for Mikoto to deflect it with her own.

Mikoto thrust the tip of her sword at Bell’s throat, but smiled when Bell pivoted out of the line of attack while bringing his own sword into a counter slash aimed at her stomach. “Very good, Bell-sama!” She still managed to block it without much issue.

“Still not enough!” Bell grinned at her as he moved his feet and tried to take Mikoto’s back.

Mikoto showed her experience as she pivoted and blocked three quick strikes from Bell, before hitting his thigh with her sword.

Thwack

“Ack!” Bell grunted as his leg nearly gave out on him from the blow. He managed a thrust toward Mikoto, almost managing to catch her in the chest, but a quick shift to the side made the thrust miss…almost.

“Eh?!” Mikoto’s face turned red as the tip of the wooden sword caught the fold of her lilac yukata and pulled it open a bit, revealing Mikoto’s sarashi wrap-clad breasts to Bell’s eyes. Thankfully her obi was secured properly, or else the yukata might’ve come open entirely. “KYAAAH!!!”

Bell’s face went slightly red as he saw the semi-exposure of Mikoto’s rather large breasts. He quickly pulled the wooden sword back and bowed at the waist to Mikoto. “I’m very sorry!”

Mikoto, already pulling her yukata back into place with a bright red face while turned away from Bell, tried to speak properly. “N-No it w-was just an ac-accident, B-Bell-sama!”

The two took a minute to calm down from the accident before they were able to look at each other properly again. When they did it was noticeably awkward for a long moment…until Bell smiled at Mikoto. The swordswoman slowly returned the smile as her red cheeks faded into pink. The two then began to laugh slightly at their own reactions to the accident.

“Sorry about that, Mikoto-san.” Bell smiled at her.

“No…don’t worry about it, Bell-sama. I overreacted to such a mild accident.” Mikoto shook her head at her own reaction. Her breasts hadn’t even ben exposed with how she had them wrapped up. ‘I reacted like a child instead of an adult. I hope Bell-sama doesn’t think less of me.’

The two returned to their sparring and the incident was put out of their minds for now.

-Late Afternoon-

“Are they still going?” Asuka asked as she’d just come back from the bath, now wearing a soft yellow yukata for the evening.

“Yep.” Ouka confirmed as he watched Mikoto and Bell continue to spar. “They’re both pushing themselves pretty hard.” There was still sweat on his brow from finishing up his last spar with Bell. Then Mikoto had jumped back in and requested another spar with Bell, the white-haired young man obliged her and they’d been at it ever since.

Asuka shook her head. “If they weren’t sparring so hard, I’d swear they were flirting.”

Ouka chuckled at her observation. “I’m not sure Mikoto would be the type to mix training and romance.”

Bell and Mikoto came to a stop, both bowing to each other in respect and thanks.

“Hah… That was intense.” Bell grinned as he’d worked up quite the sweat today. “Thank you very much for sparring with me so much today, Mikoto-san.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Bell. Even I got in good training today.” Mikoto smiled beautifully at him. Even with some of her raven black hair sticking to her forehead from sweat, Bell still thought she was gorgeous.

Shaking his head once, Bell tried to get his thought away from how pretty he found Mikoto.

Seeing Bell shake his head, Mikoto grew curious. “Is there something wrong, Bell-sama?”

“N-No.” Bell said as he focused again. “Just thinking a bit.”

“I see.” Mikoto said, but her curiosity was plain on her face. “Would it be rude of me to ask what you were thinking about?”

Bell tried to think fast for an acceptable answer… “My feelings for you.” And failed spectacularly.

“Eh…?” Mikoto’s eyes widened and her face went dark red in seconds. “F-Feelings…for…me…?”

Bell wanted to punch himself in the jaw for blurting that out. “I mean, yes…but also…not quite…but, still yes…” He decided to shut up before he said something even worse.

Mikoto took a few long breaths, noticeably looking down at the ground instead of at Bell, before she spoke again. “C-Can we sit down and talk?”

“S-Sure.” Bell agreed and the two went and sat next to each other on the wooden walkway/porch that circled the Takemikazuchi Familia home.

After sitting in silence for almost a minute, Mikoto spoke up. “What feelings…about me…are you having, Bell-sama?”

Bell took a breath and decided to rip the bandage off. “I have feelings for you, Mikoto-san…but I’ve come to realize that I have feelings for another too. Maybe the beginnings of feelings for others…but I don’t know for sure.”

Mikoto took a long moment to think over Bell’s words, though the first several moments were used to calm her heart which had started beating wildly when Bell admitted to having feelings for her. A part of her wanted to jump for joy that her feelings for Bell were returned. “I have feelings for you too, Bell…” Mikoto admitted with a smile after a long moment to get her thoughts together.

Their hands touched on the wood before gently taking hold of each other, both Mikoto and Bell smiling softly at each other.

“What am I supposed to do about my other feelings?” Bell asked as Mikoto looked at him. “My grandpa talked about harems and such when I was growing up…he was a bit of a perv…but I never expected to have feelings for multiple women like this.” He’d thought about it, sure, what young man didn’t? But for his heart to desire so much companionship and love wasn’t something he’d ever expected until now.

“Why would you need to do something about your feelings?” Mikoto asked curiously. Bell looked at her blankly, not having seen that response coming. “Men of high status; nobles, generals, warriors, wealthy merchants and the like are bound to have a wife or wives, mistresses, or even concubines. That’s just how things are in the Far East.”

Bell blinked once, then twice. “They are?”

Mikoto nodded, seemingly not understanding what Bell’s problem was. “Of course. It’s how the world works, isn’t it? Only the men of the peasantry have a single wife and no others to provide heirs to carry on their names.”

“Well, in the village that I lived in…” Bell began to explain how marriage and relationships in the western part of the continent were mostly monogamous among the people.

The cultural differences were only slightly surprising to Mikoto (who had lived in Orario for about two years now) and she admitted to not having been interested in looking into the relationships of others since the Takemikazuchi Familia had come to Orario. “But I know I’ve seen Adventurers and some merchants with more than one woman before…”

“I think the Kaios Desert region has similar relationship norms to what you described, Mikoto.” Bell had only learned a bit about the other regions because of the merchants that traveled to Orario to sell their wares. “The merchants that’re rich have multiple wives…or maybe a wife and a concubine or two? Maybe it’s the same for some of the Adventurers too?” It wouldn’t surprise him, honestly. Adventurers could die any day that they set foot in the Dungeon. An entirely new system of social norms would definitely be born from such a lifestyle in Orario, which owed its massive wealth to the Dungeon that took so many lives.

Mikoto leaned her head on Bell’s shoulder with a gentle smile. “I never thought that a commoner girl like me would be chosen by any nobleman, general, warrior, or merchant anyway. Honestly, marriage was never really on my mind growing up. I devoted myself to the Takemikazuchi Familia, and thought as a warrior, rather than as a girl.”

“But I like how skilled and amazing you are, Mikoto.” Bell said without a thought.

“Bell…” Mikoto blushed cutely at the honest words. “I’m glad that you think like that. I know that one day you’ll be a man of great renowned, and to me it’s normal that you’d have multiple wives, or some mistresses, when that time comes. Being one of them was a fantasy of mine for the last little while.”

Bell was blushing just as red as Mikoto now, but he gently pulled her into his side with his right arm and softly took her hand again with his left. “Wives… I’d never want to make any woman that I love feel like she’s inferior in any way to any other woman in the world. If I love a woman, and she loves me, then it’s only right that we would be husband and wife, not master and concubine.” He spoke his true feelings on the matter as he held Mikoto close.

Mikoto’s smile was gorgeous as she snuggled into Bell’s side, her heart nearly bursting with love for the man holding her. ‘I shouldn’t have expected anything less from Bell.’

The two sat cuddled up together for a while longer, the Takemikazuchi Familia all spotting them having their moment and giving them space. Every member had a little grin on their face though. Asuka even saying ‘About time!’ jokingly.

“Mikoto, would you like to go on a date on our next day off?” Bell asked while giving her a bright smile.

“I’d love to, Bell-sama.” Mikoto agreed eagerly. “Where would we go?”

Bell gave her a little squeeze. “How about I show you around the new Shinto District? It’s getting bigger and more complete every day. We can get lunch at one of the newly opened restaurants and I’ll try whatever Far Eastern cuisine you recommend.”

Mikoto smiled happily and snuggled into Bell again. “I’d like that very much, Bell-sama.”

“You can just call me Bell, Mikoto.” Bell smiled as he held her close.

“Y-Yes, Bell.” Mikoto hid her face, feeling her cheeks warm up at addressing Bell so informally. ‘But that’s normal for people in a relationship…right?’ She’d never been in one, but that seemed correct to her.

A bit later and Bell had to leave, Mikoto walked him to the front gate hand-in-hand a gentle smile on her lips.

“I’ll see you soon, Mikoto.” Bell said with a smile.

“See you soon, Bell.” Mikoto agreed with her own smile getting bigger.

Bell leaned forward.

Mikoto leaned in.

Their lips met and both of them lost track of the rest of the world.

It was Mikoto’s first kiss and she didn’t really know what to do. But she continued to gently press her lips to Bell’s and they both found out what they liked together. Several long moments later and their lips finally separated. Mikoto’s purple eyes were hazy as she leaned into Bell’s embrace, their bodies flush against each other. Bell was the same, his rubellite eyes filled with warmth and love for Mikoto.

“Wow…” Bell whispered out, surprised that they’d kissed each other, but incredibly happy about it too.

“Yeah…” Mikoto agreed as they held each other close.

When they separated again, Mikoto watched Bell walk down the street with a warm and loving expression while she leaned against the gate. It would be Chigusa that came to get her a couple of minutes later as Mikoto seemed to be in her own little world.

“Takemikazuchi-sama wants to give everyone a Status Update, Mikoto.” Chigusa explained while leading Mikoto inside. “Congratulations, by the way.” She blushed cutely for Mikoto’s new relationship.

“Thank you, Chigusa-dono.” Mikoto smiled a little bashfully since everyone in the Familia definitely knew about it already.

When Mikoto arrived, the last of the Familia to do so, she noticed the odd level of excitement in the large room. “Is something wrong?”

Takemikazuchi looked at his daughter in all but blood with a gentle smile. “No, just a bit of a mystery, though a good one.” He motioned her over to the cushion in front of him.

Mikoto sat down in front of her God and father figure and shrugged off the top of her lilac yukata. Being behind a folding screen meant there was no chance for Ouka, Shin, or Koda to see her as she undid her sarashi wraps and let them fall to her waist, leaving her topless. She still covered her breasts with her hands for modesty’s sake, but relaxed as she always did when she felt Takemikazuchi’s finger softly touch her back.

The normal blue-white glow appeared as Mikoto’s Falna appeared on her skin, the emblem of the Takemikazuchi Familia being a sword stabbed into the ground. As Takemikazuchi watched Mikoto’s day of training with Bell through her newly gathered Excelia, he looked for anything out of the ordinary. “Hmm, about the same as the others, but you and Bell sparred a bit more.” The War God hummed thoughtfully as he moved the Excelia over and watched the numbers of Mikoto’s Basic Abilities rise far more than would be expected, even after a day of hard training. Not seeing anything new manifest in her Falna, Takemikazuchi placed a blank paper onto her back and copied the new Status over.

Mikoto pulled her yukata back on properly and placed her sarashi wraps onto her lap, leaving her breasts bare beneath her yukata since she’d be heading to the bath soon. “Thank you, Takemikazuchi-sama.” She accepted her new update with thanks and looked over the paper.

-Status-

Yamato Mikoto

Level 1

Strength – B 719 > B 740

Endurance – B 703 > B 724

Dexterity – B 789 > A 813

Agility – B 741 > B 765

Magic – D 570

-Magic-

Futsunomitama – Gravity Magic – Incantation: “I respectfully speak to you, my War God that can break through anything, lead me from the precious heaven. Give my petty body divine power of your grand body. Rescue them light of purification, sword of crushing evil. Sweep sword of suppression, sacred sword of conquest. It arrives here now by my order. Descend from heaven, rule the earth - shinbu tousei.” Magic that crushes a set area with heavy gravity. Area of effect is determined by the amount of Mind used, intensity is determined by the Magic stat.

-Skills-

Yatanokurogarasu (Three-Legged Black Crow) – Enables the user to search for enemies within a set effect range, including hidden enemies. Only works on Monsters. Active Trigger.

Yatanoshirogarasu (Three-Legged White Crow) – Enables the user to search for other Familia members within a set effect range. Only works on those with the same Falna as the user. Active Trigger.

-Status-

“But…this is…” Mikoto was stunned by how much she’d grown. “This is more than I gained from our day on the Eleventh Floor.”

“It’s a bit of a mystery why everyone grew so much from a day of sparring more than they did from a day in the Dungeon.” Takemikazuchi nodded as he looked over the Status Updates of his ‘children’ again. “But it’s a pleasant surprise, at the very least.” He smiled proudly at the six of them. “I’m very proud of all of you and your hard work.”

“Thank you, Takemikazuchi-sama.” The six of them smiled and gave short, respectful bows to their God.

Mikoto looked over her growth again and spoke. “Is this what Bell meant when he said that he wanted to try out his new Skill?”

That got everyone thinking and Takemikazuchi held his chin in thought. “I’ll speak with Inari about it later. For now, let’s keep this to ourselves. A Skill that lets the user accelerate the growth of others through sparring would be something that many of the Deities in Orario would be willing to fight over.”

“Yes, sir!” All six members of the Familia agreed to keep Bell’s potential Skill a secret from all others.

-Bell-

“Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to take a shortcut?” Bell mused as he’d tried to cut through the backstreets to reach the Shinto District faster. But instead, he’d ended up not sure of where exactly he was.

As he walked around a corner he briefly heard the sound of footsteps on the stone street before he was run into by someone.

“Whoa!” Bell staggered back a step.

“Waah!” The person cried out as they tripped and fell.

Bell caught the short person carefully right before they painfully impacted the ground. “Sorry about that! I didn’t look to make sure the path was clear!” He gently helped the person to their feet.

He was met with the wary, chestnut brown eyes of a Prum girl. She wore a red and white top with a solid red hood, the hems were torn and ragged though. Her marron skirt was in slightly better condition, but appeared too small for her as it the belt holding it up was left unbuckled and the skirt itself was unbuttoned in the front. She had on thigh high stocking, worn and with holes near the tops, and simple beige-colored boots on her feet.

Bell also noticed that she was rather curvy for a Prum woman, with generous breasts and nice hips.

“Are you okay?” Bell asked with a polite smile.

Before the Prum could answer, a loud shout filled the air.

“Found ya, bitch!” A black-haired man yelled as he rushed towards the Prum girl.

Bell’s eyes narrowed when he saw the girl visibly flinch from the man’s shout.

“Piece of shit Prum…” The black-haired man in the red coat and beige pants huffed out. “You’re not getting away!” He took another aggressive step forward. “Don’t even twitch!”

“Stay behind me.” Bell whispered to the girl with a serious expression. He turned and faced the man before he could see the Prum’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s far enough.” He said to the angry man.

The black-haired man looked at Bell and scoffed. “Who the hell are you? Beat it, you’re in the way!”

“I don’t know what happened, but you need to calm down.” Bell said in a controlled tone, his rubellite eyes staring the man down.

“Shut it! Who the hell are you?! One of the bitch’s friends?!” The man demanded.

Bell never broke his gaze with the man. “Just met her.”

The other Adventurer blinked at the reply. “Then why protect her?!”

“Because she’s a girl that’s in clear danger.” Bell answered simply.

Behind him, the Prum girl blinked and felt a little warmth on her cheeks, not used to anyone giving her any consideration.

“The hell are you saying?” The man reached up and took hold of the hilt of the sword strapped to his back. “Whatever, I’ll kill you first…” He drew the sword from its scabbard.

“Leave her alone, I won’t ask again.” Bell said as he took his stance and placed his hand on the hilt of his katana. He pushed the tsuba with his thumb, freeing the first bit of the blade from the sheath before rotating the sword and sheath slightly so that he could perform Iaido.

“You wanna die?!” The man roared as he took a strong step forward to close the distance between them.

Bell unsheathed his sword and swung it in the same motion, a blur to the eyes of the other Adventurer and the Prum behind him.

“Stop!” A sharp and firm voice ordered.

The man stopped his overhead swing.

Bell’s blade stopped just short of the other man’s side.

It was clear who would’ve come out of the exchange alive between the two Adventurers.

A beautiful female Elf with sky blue eyes and golden-blonde hair stood at the intersection of another sides street and the one that the three others were currently in. She had beautiful, blemish free white skin that looked soft to the touch. Her hair was cut short and looked cute in Bell’s opinion. Her attire was a white shirt with two green lines that went down the center and over the swell of her breasts before continuing to the bottom hem, the shirt hugged her figure quite well, she had a green cloak over her shoulders, brown shorts that stopped at mid-thigh with a teal and gold belt. She had black stocking on her longs and silvery-white greaves and boots, on her arms were long brown gloves that went up to mid-bicep. At her waist was a wooden sword.

“Another one?! Who the hell are you?!” The Adventurer demanded with a growl.

The Elf woman narrowed her eyes at the man. “Ryu Lion, Astraea Familia, put down your weapons.”

Bell lowered his sword, but didn’t sheathe it just yet.

The other Adventurer, however, nearly dropped his sword as he shook in place. “T-Th-The ‘Gale Wind’?!”

‘Apparently this Elf woman is well-known.’ Bell noticed as he looked at the man’s reaction. Bell briefly wondered if he’d heard the Title before and just couldn’t recall it at the moment.

“Yes.” Ryu confirmed and the man promptly returned his sword to the scabbard on his back. “Now you.” Her blue eyes looked at Bell.

“As long as she’s not in danger.” Bell nodded as he sheathed his sword. He glanced behind him to see the Prum seemingly frozen in shock.

Ryu looked between the three of them. “What’s your name?” She asked the man in the red coat.

“G-Ged Raish.” Ged answered with a stutter.

“Why were you accosting these two?” Ryu had clearly seen who’d drawn their weapon first.

“That piece of shit Prum stole from me!” Ged’s anger returned a bit as he pointed at the Prum behind Bell.

Ryu’s eyes locked onto the Prum girl. “Is this true?”

The Prum shook her head. “He didn’t pay me for my Supporter work in the Dungeon! I just took my cut that he agreed to beforehand!”

“You broke your contract with a Supporter and then chased them down with intention to kill them when they took the payment that was agreed upon?” Ryu clearly saw who the criminal was in this situation.

“I…I…n-no…that’s not how it went!” Ged tried to backtrack. “She’s just a thief!”

“Freeze.” Ryu’s voice was like ice and Ged stopped moving instantly. “You’re coming with me to Ganesha Familia.” She drew her wooden sword as a warning of what would happen if he tried to resist. “Prum, what is your name?”

“L-Liliruca Arde…” The now-named Lili answered quietly.

“Come with me as well to give your testimony on this matter.” Ryu instructed and Lili nodded with her head down. Everyone that lived in Orario for very long knew the Astraea Familia, and there weren’t many that could hope to try and outrun the ‘Gale Wind’.

“Do I need to do anything, ma’am?” Bell asked politely.

Ryu looked at Bell, even staring into his rubellite eyes for a long moment. “I’ll need your name and your Familia, just in case we need to ask you some questions.”

“Bell Cranel, Captain of the Inari Familia.” Bell said promptly and gave Ryu a short bow.

“Bell Cranel… I’ll remember it.” Ryu nodded to him before she led Ged and Lili away.

Bell let out a sigh at what he’d just gotten caught up in. “I hope that Lili girl will be okay.” Looking down the side street that Ryu had taken the two down, he saw a familiar sight. “I was close to West Main Street!” He jogged down the alley and stepped onto West Main with a smile. It was just a quick walk down the street to get to the entrance of the Shinto District.

-Fushimi Taisha ~ Evening-

“You almost got in trouble with the Astraea Familia?” Inari looked at Bell with worry. “They let you go home though, so nothing is wrong, right?”

“Miss Ryu said they might have questions for me later and asked for my name and Familia, but other than that I’m not in any trouble from what I can tell.” Bell explained as he shrugged off the top of his beige and black yukata to expose his bare back to Inari.

Inari let out a relieved sigh. “That’s good. We don’t need any problems between us and either of Orario’s two peacekeeping Familia.” She pricked her finger and touched the blood to Bell’s back. The blue-white glow appeared as Bell’s Falna became visible. Watching a full day of training with the Takemikazuchi Familia almost felt nostalgic for Inari, even though it wasn’t that long ago that she’d seen the same thing almost daily. “You all put each other through your paces today, didn’t you?” She giggled at seeing the hard work and the effort the seven of them had put in.

“Yeah, I hope my Skill helped them out like it helps me.” Bell smiled, both for hopefully helping his friends in the Takemikazuchi Familia and for his new relationship with Mikoto.

“Here you are, Bell.” Inari handed the new Status Update to him before hugging him close. “I can’t believe they wanted you to use your Magic so that they could work on their Agility.” No one could ever say Také’s children didn’t give their all to their training.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength – D 502 > D 556

Endurance – E 486 > D 541

Dexterity – D 540 > D 598

Agility – E 495 > D 550

Magic – E 492 > D 547

-Magic-

Foxfire – Special Fire Magic – Swift Strike Magic/Enchantment

-Skills-

Han'ei no Yokubō (Prosperity Desire) – Fast growth. Greater desire results in faster growth. Greater effort results in larger growth. As a side-effect, those who work with the user experience faster growth in proportion to their efforts.

-Status-

“Huh… That’s more than I expected.” Bell said as he looked at the growth for the day.

“Ouka is Level 2, Bell.” Inari reminded him with a giggle as she hugged him from behind. “Of course you’re going to grow more while sparring with someone that’s a higher Level than you are.”

Bell nodded in agreement; it did make sense after all. “I need to tell you something else that happened today, Goddess.” He turned around and smiled at her softly, taking her hands in his as he told her about his new relationship with Mikoto and her feelings on the situation.

“I see.” Inari hummed thoughtfully as she took in the new information. “What does that mean for you and me?”

Bell smiled and leaned forward.

Inari met him halfway and the two shared their first kiss together.

“Mmm~” Inari moaned lowly as Bell pulled her close and the two fell back onto her futon. “You’re not leaving me tonight, Bell.” She gave him a foxy grin.

“Yes, Inari.” Bell smiled at her before their lips met again.

Nothing sexual happened between them that night. Bell did find out that he very much enjoyed sleeping snuggled up with Inari with her fluffy fox tails draped over them both. Inari had held him close all night with a smile on her lips, joyous in the beginning of their relationship.

Bell had no idea that today had introduced him to people that he would not only meet again soon but two people that would become very important to him as well.

-End Chapter-

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Wel, well, well…Bell! Heh!

Bell is growing quite well as he pours all of his desire and effort into improving and getting stronger!

But that’s not the only thing on the young man’s mind!

Bell and Mikoto have started their relationship! Woohoo! So adorable!

After a day of training the Takemikazuchi Familia sees surprising growth for all six of them! Také quickly decides to keep the potential revelation a secret to protect Bell and Inari, not wanting to risk their safety when it comes to the other Deities in Orario.

Bell met Lili like he did in Canon, only this time a new factor has changed in Orario as I once more shatter Canon over my knee!

Astraea Familia didn’t die in the Dungeon!

Ryu is still a member and helps police Orario along with the Ganesha Familia!

She takes both Ged and Lili in for questioning! Ryu and Bell seem to have a decent first impression despite the circumstances. Will she come to question Bell soon?

Maybe Bell will like having the attention of a beautiful Elf ‘cop’ on him.

Will she break out the handcuffs? Hehehe~

Inari and Bell also start their relationship! Yay! Fluffy Fox Girl love!

Just how far will Bell go when he has more desires and unending determination?

Keep reading to find out!

Let me know what you thought!

Until next time, later!