Familia Myth: Journey to Hero Chapter 9 (Patreon)

Hey friends and fans, Kairomaru is bringing you another chapter of Familia Myth: Journey to Hero! Training begins now! How will Bell fair in his training with Ais? Better? Worse? What is Hestia’s plan to deal with Soma and get him to agree to let Lili convert? Will Lili still abandon Bell in the Dungeon after robbing him?

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So, without further delay, please enjoy.

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Chapter 9 – Training, Friends, Soma Familia

The sun had just risen over the eastern mountains and began to shine upon Orario. Bell had actually gotten out of bed when his internal alarm had gone off at five this morning. Leaving the warm bed that he shared with Hestia was hard, but he’d already decided to give his all to this early morning training. The fact that Eina had been on his opposite side only made it even more of a shame that he couldn’t lay there longer. The two women snuggling close to each other in search of his missing warmth had been cute to see though.

“Good morning.” Ais greeted as she walked up the stairs to the large space atop the immense wall that surrounded the city. Her golden eyes looked Bell over in his armor as her long golden hair was lightly blown by the breeze.

“Good morning, Miss Wallenstein.” Bell greeted the Level 5 Adventurer politely. If she was going to be teaching him, then he should do his best to show her the proper respect.

“Sorry to make you come all the way out here.” Ais apologized to Bell. “It’s one of the few places that’s out of the way enough to train in without anyone disturbing us.” She motioned to the wide area that was just flat stone with no obstructions.

“Don’t worry about it.” Bell waved off her apology. “It’s alright with me.” He couldn’t complain about an out of the way place to train. The fact that the Kenki herself was actually going to train him was still incredible.

“I have some time before my Familia heads out on our next expedition.” Ais informed him of the amount of time they had to train. “Even so, let’s get started right away.”

“Yes, Miss Wallenstein.” Bell smiled and waited for instruction.

“Ais…” Ais looked at him “Call me Ais.” She placed one hand on her breastplate. “That’s what everyone calls me…does it make you uncomfortable?”

“No, not at all.” Bell shook his head. How could he ever be uncomfortable when he was being allowed to address her as a friend? “…What should I do to start?”

Ais stared at him for a long moment before looking slightly away. “What should you do?” She looked as if she was questioning herself.

“Huh?” Bell blinked at her question. ‘Is…is Miss Ais an airhead?’ While that thought was adorable and made the beautiful Adventurer even cuter in Bell’s eyes, it wasn’t what he was expecting.

“I’ve been thinking…since yesterday…” Ais admitted as she turned to her head back to face him. “…How about practice swings? Show me how you normally use your weapons.”

“Sure…” Bell agreed as he drew both of his knives. He went through the motions he’d worked out in the Dungeon against the various Monsters. He tried his best to move at the same speed he normally did while fighting to give Ais the best understanding of his self-taught moves.

“…Do you only use a knife?” Ais asked when Bell came to a stop.

“Eh?” Bell blinked at the sudden question. “At the moment, yes.” He sighed as she sheathed his Hephaestus Familia knife. “I have a spear as well, but the prices that my Dungeon Advisor has gotten from other Adventurers to teach me the basics have been too costly so far. I’m the only member of my Familia right now, so money is kinda tight.”

“…I see.” Ais looked thoughtful for a long moment. “I have no experience wielding a spear. I’m okay with a knife…and I’ve been told that I’m good with a short sword. I’m considered excellent with my saber, or so I’ve been told by my Familia’s Captain.” She placed one hand on the sword at her hip. “…All the knife users that I know also utilize Martial Arts to fight.” She held out her hand. “May I?” She looked at the Hestia Knife still in Bell’s hand. He handed the black knife to her carefully. “...Like this.”

‘She’s going to demonstrate?’ Bell felt the excitement building up in him at getting to see the skills of a High-Level Adventurer up close. Ais’ golden gaze sharpened and she stepped forward strongly. A pivot on the ball of her foot and Bell only had an instant to blink. “Eh?!” The Kenki’s foot slammed into his breastplate and sent Bell reeling backwards. His feet left the ground entirely and he bounced twice off the stone floor before he came to a stop. “M-Miss…A-Ais?” Bell tried to look up with the wind knocked out of him.

Ais looked shocked at what she’d just done. “Ah…sorry…” She apologized to the whiter-haired teen.

‘Yep…she’s an airhead…cute…’ Bell thought before lying back on the floor and slowing getting his breath back from the unexpected kick. Ais approached after a few moments of letting him recover.

“Can you stand?” Ais asked, a phrase that would become ingrained into Bell’s mind soon enough.

“…Yes.” Bell sat up and got to his feet.

“…Then let’s fight.” Ais drew her sword and set it against the wall. “I’m not as good at instructing as Riveria and the others.” She removed the scabbard from her hip and held it like a practice sword. “I think this is best.” Bell would swear he saw Ais become a black silhouette with glowing golden eyes for a second.

‘Strong!’ Bell thought as he skipped back and drew both knives. The danger that Ais exuded as she prepared for combat had triggered his fight-or-flight response just like the presence of a powerful Monster could.

“Yes…that’s good.” Ais nodded and Bell blinked at the praise. “Just like now, I want you to perceive as much as you can from what’s about to happen.” She set a focused stare on him that made Bell tense up.

‘I can’t move…’ Bell felt himself start to sweat. ‘No matter how I attack, I only see it ending badly…’

“…You’re afraid.” Ais noticed and Bell’s eyes widened at her blunt, but accurate, statement. “I think it’s important for a solo Adventurer to be afraid.” Her eyes seemed to stare deeply into him. “But…there’s something else that you’re afraid of. I don’t know what it is…but if you face it like this, you’ll only be able to run away.”

An image of the Minotaur that had almost killed him appeared in Bell’s mind. The same Monster that Ais had saved him from. The one that he’d been powerless against, no matter how he tried. The beast that he couldn’t so much as scratch, even when giving it his all.

“Guh…” Bell ground his teeth before rushing forward.

“That won’t work.” Ais denied as she swung her scabbard directly into his unguarded side. Bell gasped at the sharp pain and was sent skidding across the stone. “You must never be reckless. Especially not in the Dungeon.” Ais walked over to Bell as he coughed and tried to get back on his feet. “Can you stand?”

“Y-yes…” Bell stood up and exhaled heavily.

“You’ve experienced pain…” Ais thrust her scabbard into Bell’s breastplate before he could react. “That’s why you know to fear it.” The red-eyed teen was knocked off his feet again and slid backwards into the wall.

‘I knew…I already knew, but…she’s really fast…and more than that…she’s strong.’ Bell looked up at the approaching Ais.

“Can you stand?” Ais questioned him, scabbard in hand and ready to continue.

“Yes…I can…” Bell forced himself to his feet and the duo moved to the center of the large open space atop the wall again. His red-eyes widened as the scabbard impacted his breastplate again. He’d seen it coming just a bit and rolled with the force of the strike. This time when his feet left the ground, he rolled his body and performed a back flip that saw him landing a few meters away.

“Just following the attack is good enough for now.” Ais praised Bell’s quick response. “Learn to read your opponent’s movements.” She instructed before her form blurred forward. She was crouched in a low stance and inside his guard before Bell could react. “Adventurers depend too much on their Falna.” She slammed the scabbard into his side. The young man, staggered from the hit, couldn’t react when the next blow struck his left leg and broke his stance entirely. “What would be left if you lost your Status?” She stood up to strike his shoulder, knocking him backwards slightly. “That’s what…” Her next strike caught him under the chin and lifted him off the ground a bit. “…I will teach you.” Her final strike struck the descending Bell hard and made him collapse onto the stone. Both the Hestia Knife and his Hephaestus Familia knife fell from his hands after the rapid beatdown.

“Gkh…” Bell hacked and coughed as his body flared with pain. He strained to at least push himself up off the stone, but it was slow going.

“It seems like your defense is lacking.” Ais noted of their brief exchange. “When you’re able to read and successfully avoid my attacks…I think you’ll be one step closer to your goal.”

“Hah…hah…” Bell panted as he managed to sit up on the floor.

“Can you stand?” Ais asked him again.

‘That’s right…I’m still just a beginner…but, even if it’s just a little…I want to be closer to where you are.’ Bell thought as he wiped the blood from his nose. He picked up both of knives and stood up. “…One more time, please!”

‘Very good.’ Ais felt her heart beat strongly in her chest at the determination and fire she saw in Bell’s eyes. She readied her scabbard for the next exchange with a small smile on her lips.

-Dungeon ~ Seventh Floor-

“Master Bell…” Lili had been surprised when she’d met up with Bell this morning. The young man looked half-beaten, his armor scuffed up and slightly dirty, but the look on his face was the same as always. Now, she was watching as he demolished a small group of Killer Ants and Purple Moths without much trouble.

“Last one!” Bell cleaved the final Killer Ant’s head in two with a strong downward swing of the Hestia Knife.

“That was faster than usual, Master Bell.” Lili noted as she moved forward while offering him an Antidote to prevent poisoning from the Purple Moths. She set her large backpack down and prepared to extract the Magic Stones. “You’ve already gotten used to fighting Seventh Floor Monsters.”

“Maybe a little?” Bell didn’t seem to think so as he cleaned his knives and sheathed them. He sighed as he uncorked the Antidote and chugged it down. The bitter taste was the same as always and he stoppered the used vial before putting it in his own backpack.

“This’ll just take a second, Master Bell.” Lili set to work as she pulled out her own knife and opened up the first Killer Ant.

‘I spent the early morning being shown just how weak I still am.’ Bell mused to himself as he kept watch for any more Monsters. ‘I got used as a punching bag.’ He sighed to himself before shaking his head. ‘Training takes time! I’ll do my best! I can’t let this chance that Miss Ais has given me go to waste!’

“I should stop being surprised.” Lili shook her head and Bell looked over. In the Supporter’s hands was a Purple Moth Wing, the Drop Item of the poisonous moth Monster itself. He’d only killed eight Monsters in total in this group, five Killer Ants and three Purple Moths. To see a Drop Item was good luck.

‘That’s another thing…’ Bell thought as he looked at Lili. The short girl was in a bad situation with her own Familia. He was hopeful that Hestia would be able to get through to Soma and have Lili converted to their Familia, if she wanted too of course. ‘I’ve just got to believe in Hestia. She said she’d take care of it. I’ll believe in my Goddess.’ He decided as Lili deposited the Magic Stones and the Drop Item into her large pack.

“Ready to go, Master Bell?” Lili gave him a smile as she hefted her backpack onto her shoulders.

“Yeah, let’s see if we can make it to the stairs that lead to the Eighth Floor today.” Bell gave her a smile in return. He’d noticed that Lili’s smiles had looked slightly warmer and more real in the last day or two. He was hopeful that would continue.

-Loki Familia Home-

“Hmm…” Ais had a slight smile on her lips as she sat on one of the benches in the large garden that was on the grounds of the Twilight Manor. She enjoyed the gentle breeze blowing past as she listened to the sounds of the water flowing through the garden. After spending the early morning with Bell, she’d taken these last few hours to mull over their first training session. She wanted to live up to his expectations of what training with her would be like after all.

“Ais…” Tiona giggled as she sat next to the blonde. “You’ve got a happy little smile today.”

“Tiona,” Ais greeted her friend. Tione sat on her other side with a curious look in her eyes. “Tione.”

“Seems like you had a good time this morning.” Tione smiled at Ais, getting in some gentle teasing.

“Was training with the rabbit guy fun?” Tiona grinned as she leaned forward a little.

“He’s still inexperienced…but he has a lot of determination.” Ais mentioned as she thought back to the fire she’d seen in Bell’s red-eyes.

“It sounds like he has some backbone at least.” Tione nodded with a grin. “Nothing worse than a whiny wimp that won’t put in the effort.”

“Yep, yep!” Tiona agreed with her sister. “Did you throw him around a lot, Ais?”

“I…forgot my strength a few times.” Ais admitted while looking down at her lap.

“Hehehe…” Tiona laughed as she pulled Ais into a side-hug.

“But he still got up and asked for more?” Tione looked slightly approving of Bell’s tenacity at least.

“Yes, he didn’t give up at all.” Ais replied from her place being hugged against Tiona. “I do have a favor to ask…Tione.”

“A favor?” Tione actually blinked at Ais in shock. Ais had never asked for a favor from her before. At least nothing of any real importance. “This is new.”

“She’s right, I don’t think you’ve ever asked any of us for a favor before.” Tiona put her index finger on her chin as she tried to recall Ais ever asking a favor from them.

“Bell…he fights with knives.” Ais started and Tione raised an eyebrow. “But he says he also has a spear.” The second eyebrow joined the first. “I have no experience wielding a spear though.”

“Knives and spears…” Tiona had a wide smile on her face and a giggle in her voice. “Why does that sound familiar, huh Tione?”

“Shush you!” Tione hushed her sister. She wasn’t wrong though. Tione used custom-made Kukri Knives made by the Goibniu Familia as her main weapons. But she often had one of the Supporters of the Loki Familia carrying her spear with them on expeditions. It wasn’t the most common combination of weapons for Adventurers. Most preferred a spear and a back-up sword, though some went a more defensive route with a spear and shield combo.

“I was hoping…if you weren’t busy, that you might show Bell the basics of the spear?” Ais made her request.

“Why doesn’t he just hire someone for that?” Tione questioned her friend. It seemed like the simplest solution to her.

“He’s the only member of his Familia right now, the prices he’s been given are too high for them to afford at the moment.” Ais repeated what she’d been told.

“I think you should do it.” Tiona encouraged with a smile. “It’s not like you have much else to do early in the mornings, right?”

“Getting up that early would be a pain though.” Tione sighed, though she was already considering it. “I wouldn’t want to get in the way of the training you’re giving him either.”

“Hmm…” Ais looked contemplative.

“Just show up later then.” Tiona shrugged at the easy solution. “Maybe not even every day?”

“…That’s not a bad idea.” Ais agreed with Tiona, getting a bright grin in return.

“Maybe…” Tione leaned back on the bench and looked up at the leaves of the tree currently shading them.

“Oh, come on…what else are you gonna do? Challenge Gareth to the thousandth rematch?” Tiona teased her sister.

Tione had challenged Gareth to rematches since they were thirteen. The two Amazon Sisters had arrived in Orario back then and issued and open challenge. They’d join any Familia that had members that could defeat them. All of their challengers had been beaten easily, both of them had been Level 3 back then after all. It wasn’t until Finn and Gareth stepped up that they’d been defeated. The Dwarf had taken Tione’s attacks like a tank and slammed her into the ground over and over again. Finn had out-sped and out-strategized Tiona and beaten her with barely a mark to show for it. Tione had declared that she’d beat Gareth one day, no matter how long it took. The Dwarf had laughed and complimented her spirit. Tione had yet to beat him even after all the rematches.

“Shut up!” Tione reached over to slap at her sister. Tiona fended her off while laughing brightly.

“…You don’t have to do it, Tione.” Ais intervened between the sisters. Their play fighting sometimes became real fighting and the garden wouldn’t survive if the twins went at it.

“It’s a favor for you, Ais, so I don’t really mind.” Tione grinned at the blonde. “We’ll work out a schedule or something.”

“I’ll come too!” Tiona cheered with a big smile.

“Why?” Tione raised an eyebrow at her sister.

“I can help!” Tiona growled at her twin.

“Thank you, Tione, Tiona.” Ais smiled at both of the Amazons.

“No problem, Ais!” Tiona waved it off as no big deal.

“I’ll show him the basics, shouldn’t be too hard with the drive you say he has.” Tione shrugged as she thought about teaching. The guy had survived Ais’ instruction, so he could deal with her methods of teaching too, probably.

-Hestia Familia Home ~ Evening-

“What did that Ais girl put you through, Bell?” Hestia blinked as she saw his Excelia and watched his Falna grow from it. The Defense had spiked noticeably in comparison to his other stats.

“Ahaha…” Bell faked laughed. The training was hard and he was about to see the results of his first day. He knew it would be a step towards getting stronger though.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength – D 532 > D 585

Defense – F 391 > E 487

Utility – D 556 > C 608

Agility – C 668 > B 712

Magic – I 54 > H 109

Magic

-Firebolt-

Skills

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Dual Wield – Significantly increases Strength and Utility when wielding a weapon in each hand.

-Status-

“That’s a full three-hundred points just from today.” Bell noticed his growth, especially in the Defense stat. It made sense after how Ais had easily manhandled him throughout their training.

“If you wanted your Defense to catch up to your other stats, I’d say you’ve found the perfect training for it.” Hestia leaned against him.

“The training may be hard, but this proves that it’s working.” Bell looked at his stats again. “I’ll keep it up until Miss Ais says we’re done.”

“Your determination is one of your best traits, Bell.” Hestia hugged him with a warm smile. “Right after your adorable looks and your kindness.”

“Love you, Hestia.” Bell chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Love you too, Bell.” Hestia cuddled close and just enjoyed their closeness.

-Next Morning ~ Atop the Wall-

“Good morning, Miss Ais.” Bell greeted the Level 5 Adventurer with a smile.

“Good morning.” Ais returned with a small grin. “…I hope you don’t mind, but I found someone to teach you the basics of the spear.”

“You did?” Bell blinked and stared at her for a second. “Thank you…but who…how much?” He was happy that he’d finally be able to learn to use the spear he’d bought. The cost was important though. After the prices he’d heard already, he was hopeful that he could at least afford this one.

“No charge…a Familia member of mine is doing it as a favor.” Ais shook her head, her long locks swaying from the movement.

“Oh…thank you, I…I don’t know what else to say.” Bell bowed to Ais formally in thanks.

“…It’s fine, I’m just glad that I didn’t overstep.” Ais smiled and Bell couldn’t help notice how beautiful her smile was. “Are you ready to practice?” She unsheathed her sword and set the blade to the side just like yesterday. Taking up her scabbard as a practice sword she assumed her stance.

“Yes!” Bell quickly drew both knifes and held them at the ready. Ais moved and Bell tried to raise his guard to block.

WHACK

He was unsuccessful.

-Dungeon ~ Floor Eight-

“Um…Master Bell…not to pry, but why’re you beat up before even going into the Dungeon again today?” Lili asked as she noticed the similar conditions to yesterday.

“Just some early morning training, it’s no big deal.” Bell assured her with a small grin. ‘I can’t tell her that I’m being pulverized by Miss Ais’ training. I just can’t…I don’t want to.’ He looked away from Lili’s eyes.

The Eighth Floor was the next cut-off point for the Dungeon. It was where the Dungeon once again changed layout and the terrain was altered entirely. The amount and size of the various caverns increased and the length of the corridors between them became shorter. The ceiling also changed height from the three to four-meter height that Floors One through Seven had, to nearly ten meters high. Moss covered the brown colored walls and the ground was reminiscent of a short grass plain. The strong light from the phosphorescence of the ceiling was similar to the light from the sun. Any Monster that normally appeared from Floor Seven and higher also appeared on the Eighth and Ninth Floors, but all much stronger.

“Rrrrrrr…” Bell recognized that sound well as he and Lili entered the next cavern. Just as he suspected a pack of Kobolds had either heard them coming or sniffed them out.

“That’s quite a few Kobolds.” Lili blinked at the pack. She counted no less than twenty of the dog-headed Monsters.

“Stay behind me, Lili.” Bell stepped between her and the pack as he quickly drew the Hestia Knife. He kept his left hand free as the pack began to charge at them. “Firebolt!” He cast his spell and the flames rocketed forth from his palm. An explosion of fire and smoke followed the impact with the charging Kobolds. When more Kobolds came rushing through the smoke, Bell cast again. “Firebolt!” The second blast of flame was no less potent than the first. More yips and yowls of pain were heard as Bell drew his Hephaestus Familia knife and charged the now scattered and disorientated Kobolds.

“So strong…” Lili stared as she watched Bell fight. His two spells had only killed six of the Kobolds. The remaining fourteen were quickly set upon by the white-haired Adventurer.

The first Kobold Bell reached was slashed through its side. A torrent of blood escaped the Monster as it collapsed. The second and third were both decapitated by one of Bell’s knives. The fourth lashed out with its claws, but even after only two days of training with Ais, the attack looked slow to Bell. The Kobold lost everything below the elbow to Bell’s right knife before it found the left-hand knife lodged into its throat. Bell pulled it out in a spray of red and was quick to skip back to avoid another Kobold. He slid into the Monster’s guard and gutted in with a stab and slice. The Kobolds had clearly gotten over their disorientation and were attempting to surround Bell. The rabbit-like Adventurer didn’t panic this time, he knew how to escape.

“Yah!” Bell tossed the Hephaestus Familia knife at one Kobold. The blade spun through the air and stabbed into the Monster’s stomach. Bell sprinted towards the injured Monster and removed the top of its head with a swing of the Hestia Knife. He pulled his other knife out of the Kobold’s gut and was on the move again. The seventh Kobold lunged forward and Bell, knowing this tactic of theirs quite well by now, pivoted to the right and cleaved open the dog-headed beast’s side. It thrashed on the floor for a moment as its blood left it rapidly.

“Behind you, Master Bell!” Lili called out and Bell turned to face the incoming attack.

Kobold eight had its throat slashed. Kobold nine had the black blade of the Hestia Knife shoved through its eye and into its brain before it was roughly yanked back out. Kobold ten’s strike was blocked by the green vambrace that Eina had bought for Bell. The Hestia Knife claimed another victim as it passed between the monster’s ribs and straight through its heart. The last four Kobolds were almost upon him and Bell was quick to move so that the Monsters were in a rough line, thereby getting in each other’s way. The eleventh Kobold, and the first in the new line, was slashed open from left shoulder down to its stomach. Bell ignored the blood that splashed on him. The twelfth Kobold was blocked by the vambrace before a blade pierced through its jaws and into its skull. Bell used the dying beast as a meat shield and charged into the next Kobold with it. Moving around the stunned Monster, Bell was quickly in range of the final Kobold. The dog-headed beast lashed out with its claws and a growl. Bell ducked under the swipes and stabbed the Kobold just below the ribcage and then dropped his weight. The blade split the Kobold open easily and Bell had already retrieved his knife before the Monster started falling. The last Kobold didn’t even get to attack as Bell blitzed it and stabbed the Hestia knife straight through its skull. The Monster hit the ground as Bell yanked the knife back out.

“Hah…” Bell exhaled before inhaling deeply. ‘The training with Miss Ais really is paying off. I could see all of their attacks.’

“That was impressive, Master Bell.” Lili praised as she grabbed another Kobold body and dragged it towards the pile she’d already made. “You didn’t even get injured against this many Monsters.” She was honestly a bit envious of Bell’s skills. He could seemingly do it all if he had to.

“Thanks Lili, but it’s mostly because I’m pretty familiar with Kobolds and how they attack.” Bell explained as Lili kneeled down to begin extracting the Magic Stones.

“Still, twenty-on-one is bad odds for any Adventurer.” Lili reminded him as she pulled the first Magic Stone out and the Kobold’s body began to disintegrate into the familiar white-grey dust. “You’re definitely getting stronger, Master Bell.”

“Ah, thank you.” Bell smiled as he started cleaning off his knives. He had three more casts left before he’d need to use the Magic Potion he’d bought. He was ready to take on the day and make another step forward on his journey to be a hero.

-Next Morning ~ Atop the Wall-

“Good morning, Bell.” Ais greeted her student…is that what he was? She’d think about that later.

“Good morning, Miss Ais…” Bell trailed off as he saw the two young women following behind Ais. “M-Miss Hy-Hyrute…and also…uh…Miss Hyrute…?” He was still a little stunned and wasn’t sure how to address both of the sisters respectfully.

“Hello!” Tiona waved with a smile on her face.

“Hey,” Tione greeted casually. Her eyes zeroed in on the spear that Bell was holding. The rapier-like blade that ended in a deadly point, the black haft, the height of the weapon, it looked like a decent spear at least.

“Bell, this is Tione, she’s the one that’ll show you the basics of wielding a spear.” Ais introduced the two. “This is Tiona, and she’s offered her help for whatever we might need today.”

“Th-Thank you both for coming and for your help.” Bell bowed politely even though his face was turning red. ‘I knew they were beautiful, but seeing them up close is different.’

“Aww, he’s blushing, how cute~” Tiona grinned as she happily walked over to Bell to look at him closely.

“Easily flustered?” Tione walked close and grinned at the red on Bell’s cheeks.

“I-I…it’s just…well….” Bell wasn’t sure he should even say what was on his mind.

“Hmm?” Tiona titled her head curiously. “If you’ve got something to say, just say it.”

“We’ve probably heard whatever it is before.” Tione shrugged, not like the sisters hadn’t had admirers before. Not as many as Ais, but still plenty.

The twin stares from the Amazon Sisters eventually got to Bell. “I just wasn’t prepared to meet more famous Adventurers and I’m pretty sure I developed even more appreciation for Amazons after seeing you two back when Ais saved me from the Minotaur.” He blurted out before almost instantly slapping his free hand over his mouth. His red eyes were wide that he’d just said all of that.

“Oh~” Tiona burst into giggling laughter.

“You’re something else, kid.” Tione had a wide grin on her lips.

Ais looked between the Amazons and Bell curiously. She’d seen Bell get a little flustered before, but this was new. Tione and Tiona would definitely enjoy having someone new to tease.

“I think we gave him a case of Amazon Fever, Tione.” Tiona grinned at her sister.

“There’s only one way to cure that.” Tione grinned back.

“Well, cure it or make it permanent, one or the other.” Tiona laughed brightly.

“Fifty-Fifty odds.” Tione chuckled as she and Tiona eyed Bell up.

“I…I…um…huh?” Bell was pretty sure he knew what they were implying and his face was getting hot.

“Cute~” Tiona teased as she smiled at the white-haired teen.

“Like a bunny.” Tione nodded and Bell looked down. Both sisters laughed at their teasing. It looked like they had someone new to tease now.

“We should probably get to training.” Ais stepped in for Bell’s sake.

“Alright,” Tione agreed as she gently placed her hand on Bell’s spear. “May I?”

“Sure…” Bell let go and Tione took the weapon in hand.

“Not bad, balanced, seems durable, at least for its Grade.” Tione nodded as she got a feel for the spear. She held it with both hands and adopted a stance. In the blink of an eye the tip of the blade was pointing at Bell’s throat. “Neck,” The spear nearly blurred as Tione moved it again. “Shoulder,” The next movement dropped the spear lower. “Chest,” Tione trailed the spear down without touching Bell at all. “Stomach,” Lower still. “Groin,” Bell felt his body lock up a bit. “Legs.” The flat of the spear blade tapped each of his legs. “The targets of a spear are similar to any other weapon on a humanoid target. The design of a spear merely lets you reach them from a distance. I’ll be showing you how to maneuver the spear to hit those targets with accuracy. I’ll also show you blocks and how to make the most of the type of spearhead that you have. That is the basics that I’ll teach you.”

“Y-Yes ma’am!” Bell called back as he stood straight like a soldier.

“Oh, right, still between your legs, sorry.” Tione pulled the spear back so that the blade wasn’t near Bell. The rabbit-like Adventurer sighed in relief.

“How’s your hand-to-hand?” Tiona asked him with a smile. “I’m pretty good at that if you want to learn by sparring!”

“Try not to kill him, sister.” Tione smirked at her twin.

“I wouldn’t! You shush!” Tiona waved off her sister with a glare.

Bell blinked at the sudden offer. He wouldn’t be opposed to learning some hand-to-hand incase he was ever disarmed. The death part, which he really hoped was just a joke, was concerning though.

“Let’s begin, Bell.” Ais drew her sword and set it aside just like the previous two days. She took her scabbard in hand as Bell drew both of his knives and assumed a stance.

“Ooh, I wanna watch.” Tiona happily sat down on the wall between two of the merlons.

“Maybe we should bring snacks next time?” Tione sat next to her sister with a chuckle.

THWACK

“Gahk!” Bell went flying backwards as Ais looked surprised.

“A little too hard there, Ais…” Tiona winced as Bell lay on the stone floor.

“Sorry…” Ais walked over to Bell and saw he was unconscious. She really did hit him too hard. With a guilty look on her normally calm features, she knelt down beside the boy and set her scabbard to the side. She gently lifted his head and shoulders before laying his head on her thighs. Her hand was soon trailing gently through his soft white locks.

“A lap pillow, Ais?” Tiona giggled at the scene. Who knew Ais would be so quick to do something like that?

“How bold~” Tione grinned at the blonde. Inwardly she thought it was a rather cute sight.

“Huh?” Ais cocked her head to the side in confusion. Her hand continued to slowly run through Bell’s hair even as she looked to the sisters for an explanation.

-Soma Familia Home-

“Uh…can I help you, Goddess?” The man acting as guard outside the gate tot eh grounds asked Hestia as she approached and stood in front of the building.

“I need to speak to Soma; would you mind getting him for me?” Hestia requested politely.

“I’m sorry, Goddess, but Lord Soma doesn’t just see people.” The guard shook his head.

“It’s rather important that I speak with Soma.” Hestia reiterated while looking the man dead in the eye. “Either go ask him to come speak with me, or lead me to him, please.”

“I can’t just let everyone that comes to our Familia through the gate to speak to Lord Soma.” The guard denied her again. “Do you know how many people come here trying to get more of the wine Lord Soma makes?”

“I’m not here for his wine, I’m here to talk to Soma about another matter entirely.” Hestia had patience, but this man was starting to wear on it. Sure, he was just doing his job, but how hard was it to pass a message to Soma?

“Regardless of your reason, like I said before, Lord Soma doesn’t just ‘see’ people that show up out of the blue.” The guard stated as strongly as he could while still being polite.

“Do I need to make an appointment or something?” Hestia raised one of her delicate eyebrows. She’d do so if it would get her face-to-face with Soma.

“What’s going on?” A new voice spoke up and Hestia noticed the guard flinch slightly. The speaker was a man with glasses and slate-gray hair. He wore a light-blue shirt with a white stole and collar over it. His pants were the same light-blue color and his shoes were dark-brown leather.

“Captain, sir, I was just telling this Goddess that Lord Soma doesn’t meet with random visitors.” The guard nearly saluted the Captain of the Soma Familia. Hestia didn’t like the fear she could practically feel rolling off the guard.

“I see,” The man pushed up his glasses. “I’m Zanis Lustra, Captain of the Soma Familia, Goddess, what is your business with Lord Soma?”

“I need to speak with him about an important matter.” Hestia stated plainly. She didn’t like the feeling this man was giving off at all.

“Is this about Lord Soma’s wine? We get quite a few people coming here trying to get some directly.” Zanis mentioned with a grimace.

“No, it’s not about his damn wine.” Hestia was getting tired of repeating herself now. “I need to speak with him about a different matter entirely.”

“I’m afraid Lord Soma is too busy right now, your Ladyship.” Zanis refused her outright. “Our whole Familia is as a matter of fact. Every member is doing their best to meet their quota this month, you see? We can’t just accept visitors whenever.”

“Do I need to make an appointment?” Hestia asked for the second time. She almost wanted to smack Soma just for this run around his Familia was giving her.

“I’m sorry, Goddess, but unless you have direct business with our Familia or one of our members, I’m afraid that I’ll have to ask you to leave.” Zanis’ words were polite, but his underlying tone spoke of annoyance. Hell, the man’s overall posture and attitude practically screamed that he thought this whole conversation was beneath him.

“I see…” Hestia narrowed her eyes. “Very well then, I’ll return at a later time.” She turned and started walking off. She felt the Zanis’ eyes on her until she turned the corner. That man was definitely up to something. Her Divine Intuition was practically buzzing while near the guy. ‘So, I just need to have business with a member of the Familia, eh?’ Hestia knew exactly who she could talk to for that.

-Lili-

Lili suddenly sneezed with no warning as she was preparing her large backpack for the day. Shaking her head a little, the Prum looked around to see if anything near her could’ve caused the reaction. Not seeing any culprit in the small room, she rented from the elderly shopkeeper, she put it out of her mind.

“Maybe someone is talking about Lili?” Lili guessed at the old superstition. “I wonder if it was Master Bell?” Her cheeks went pink a moment after she realized what she said. She quickly went back to packing for the upcoming day in the Dungeon. She had to meet Master Bell soon enough.

-End Chapter-

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The training has begun and Bell is already getting knocked around!

Bonus, Ais has gotten Tione to agree to teach Bell basic spearmanship!

Will Bell survive the training, or will the teasing of the Amazon Sisters finish him?

Bell and Lili also made progress in the Dungeon! Down to the Eighth Floor now! This is the final cut-off point before the Middle Floors! Once you step onto the Tenth Floor the Large Category Monsters begin to spawn, like the Orc, the Hard Armored, and very rarely the Infant Dragon.

Not to mention Monsters that have different Status Effects like paralysis or ones that travel in groups with other Monsters. It’s going to be one hell of difference! Good thing Bell is learning to wield a weapon capable of dealing with larger Monsters, huh?

What’s next for the rabbit-like Adventurer that wants to be a Hero?

Keep reading to find out!

Let me know what you think with a review!

Until next time, later!