I hadn't fully understood why Rose was the Temperance arcana before that interaction, but it all made sense now. Temperance was restraint. While she had told me to restrain myself from doing stupid things Temperance also had another vital component, those of the Temperance arcana often are restraining themselves from a specific event or series of events in their life.
Rose had been hurt before, by what I wasn't exactly certain but I could infer that it was most likely adventurers being assholes and throwing their lives away. I wasn't going to be one of those adventurers, and I'd manage to get a happy smile out of her if it was the last thing I did!
Either way I'd follow her advice. No Dungeon for a week and I wasn't lying to her either. I'd do everything she said, I'd even made a mental list! With a little bit of extra stuff added on.
No Dungeon for a WeekGet a new Party memberGet a new Best Friend SwordGet more Supplies (Especially Potions!)Train my new Party member if possibleThe list covered my bases and also focused on the new companion I would recruit. I had no idea if they'd be properly trained or not, so I'd help them out the best I could. If they were an archer I'd have no idea what to do though. I always sucked with bows, so if they wanted to be an archer I wasn't sure how much I could help them.
Whenever I got my hands on a bow I always ended up being within five feet of my opponent and just hitting them over the head with it or choking them out and switching to martial arts. I sucked with bows because they were nothing like me.
Bows were safe, bows were distant, bows were sneaky, bows were often part of a big group that took away individuality in the favor of a swarm. I wasn't a bow, I was a bombastic blade! I'd exited and spotted my Goddess who still fretted over me despite my wounds already closing themselves as the blood coagulated.
"Alright, now that we have some Vali's let's go buy you a potion alright?" I gave her a thumbs up. It was time to stock up on that good stuff. I'll certainly have to hit Naaza with one of my ultimate techniques: quoting something she'll never understand!
I burst through the door to a surprised Naaza and pointed straight at her while Hestia entered behind me.
"Potion Seller, I require your strongest potions!" She gave me a dull look before squinting at hestia.
"Can you even afford my strongest potions?" I gave a smile and shuffled the backpack on my shoulder.
"I sure hope so!" She eyed Hestia who gave a big smile in response to the look.
"So how is Miach doing?" Naaza clicked her tongue at the Goddess who gave her a confused look.
"He's been running our shop into the ground . . . but he's doing good otherwise Goddess." She set the two potions I'd been offered for free originally and gave me a number.
"Miach originally wanted to give these high quality healing potions to you for free, so I'll be charging you 25,000 Vali's per potion instead of what I'd normally charge." My eyes lit up at the small number while Hestia's jaw dropped.
"I-Isn't that a little expensive for a healing potion?" Naaza shrugged and seemed to consider her words carefully before speaking.
"You can't waste any Vali's on something that might save your life." I gave a nod and smiled to Hestia.
"Don't worry Goddess I made a lot today so we'll be alright!" I opened the backpack causing Naaza's eyes to widen alongside Hestia's orbs.
"H-how much is this!?" I gave a shrug as I tried to recall the total number of Vali's we had now.
"With the 4,000 from earlier we should have about 153,300 Vali's." Naaza gulped lightly and stared at the bag of money before giving me a shrewd smile.
"You said you wanted Mind potions as well?" I gave a nod while Hestia only looked at me in confusion.
"Ah! I forgot to mention it to you Hestia, the inner fire of my soul has been ignited by my dearest Sun! So I can use some basic fire magic now." I held my hands towards the ceiling then pumped my fists. Her eyes widen in complete confusion before she pauses and nods.
"Alright then." Such fast acceptance! Hestia truly is the best! Naaza looked confused for a moment before shrugging her shoulders and eyeing the Goddess for a moment and speaking.
"I normally charge something else for potions like these, but for you? I'll sell these potions for 25,000 per." Hestia let out a strangled groan but I just nodded in solemn acceptance. Consumables were expensive, but we had the funds!
"I'll take two, and thank you Naaza. This really means a lot." She just gave a shrug and snatched the Vali's away after I counted them out with Hestia's help.
"Just make sure you come back with more." I gave a nod, she did care!
"Thanks for worrying about me Naaza! I'll be back after my next Dungeon dive, but I'm taking a week off for some errands!" She gave me a curious look while Hestia looked at me in slight annoyance.
"Oh? Get cold feet for the Dungeon?" I just shrugged with a small smile at her pointed remark. I could hear the slight venom in her tone but I took it in stride.
"Someone I hold dear told me to take some time off to train. It's not like I plan to die or anything so I'll be working hard!"
"Whatever . . . just come back with more Vali's next time."
"Don't worry, we will!" She gave a light hum and Hestia excited alongside me. Then the Hearth Goddess spoke up.
"So who is this person you 'hold dear'?" Asking me about my companion? FOOLISH!
"Her name is Rose and she's my Guild advisor! She's super awesome and makes sure I don't get killed by accident. Honestly I wouldn't be back here without her help, she keeps me grounded. Just like how you push me forward!"
She blushed at my words causing me to let out a joyful laugh and the embarrassed Goddess. She softly pushed me causing me to hug her tightly .Foolish Goddess! Don't you know I'm a master of grappling?
She let out an eep but didn't refuse the gesture. She really was a cute little Sun! I let her go after a moment but she stayed pressed into me with a determined expression. I allowed the gesture obviously, I loved physical contact with my friends!
"Hestia, I'm pretty hungry. We should get something to eat!" She smiled up at me and nodded.
"Of course, you need to eat well and be strong!" We'd wandered through the city for a while before stumbling upon a nice stall that sold family made sandwiches. They weren't anything like in my old world, but the ham sandwich was still pretty good! It was only 600 Vali's too! Though that was because I bought two of them . . .
I was hungry, all right!
We inevitably made it back to the church, Hestia held my hand while we walked and I munched on my sandwich. I put our Vali's under the bed in the basement and held her tight preparing for sleep. Then she asked me a question.
"So what's your plan for tomorrow?" Did I not tell her?
"I'm probably going to look for a new party member."
She looks bothered for a moment before freezing as though she'd recalled something and nods her head.
"It'll be good for you to have someone to help you in the Dungeon."
"I'll be helping them too, Goddess . . . I'll never leave behind the people I care about." At those words my mind went back to my Family and I frowned. I'd left them behind didn't I?
I held Hestia tightly as I considered the thought.
I could easily imagine what everyone would say about my current situation.
My Father would say 'Make some new treasured companions, and move forward Andy. It's alright to feel pain from losing us, but you can't let that hold you back! Grieve, cry, accept, and understand every emotion you feel. To experience those emotions is not weakness, but a mental power-up of its very own! Once you've set the kindling, the fires within your heart will ignite the world!'
My Mother would say 'Someone else will have to take care of you from now on. Don't do anything stupid- Oh, Hell. We both know you will. Just try not to die sweetie, and I hope you can find someone you can count on.'
My Older Cousin would say 'So the Dense Shounen Protagonist finally gets his wish? You better not waste it! Just try to avoid being dense, even though I know you won't. I can only hope you meet someone who is as blunt as I am. See you in the next life, crazy disciple.'
My Younger Cousin would say 'You need to farm aura, and fire off a massive attack that shakes the world. Be badass, be yourself. You've got this, you IRL Shounen Protagonist.'
My Teacher would say 'The chance to finally achieve the perfection of your style? Don't waste this chance brat. I know a little monster like you will always achieve something great, even if it makes no conceivable sense of how you're able to do it.'
In a way they were still with me, but I'd died in my previous life. I didn't exactly have the ability to go back either. I'd enjoy this new life, and I'd be sure to meet my family's expectations as well!
I had some new goals to achieve!
I gave a joyful smile to Hestia, as we cuddled on the bed.
This life would be one full of adventure, chaos, and awesome new companions who'd help me not only become stronger as a warrior. They would help me become stronger as a person as well.
. . .
I woke up in the morning and rubbed my hand along the fading scars upon my arm. Wow, Hestia makes me heal quickly! She truly is the gentle warmth that restores my body and mind! Such bliss!
I whispered my plan to Hestia and she nodded groggily before passing back out. I don't think the Sun Goddess was ready for the morning just yet!
"Hesta, I'm going to look around the city for a new friend. I'll see you later." She threw her arms around me while asleep and I returned the hug for a moment before letting her go. Tears leaked from my eyes for a moment as I was forced to leave my Sun behind! I grabbed 2,000 Valis just in case I'd need some money and I set off into the city with the Sun only just peeking over the horizon.
I bought myself a kebab for 100 Valis and snacked on it while I walked around the city. The amount of people walking around was low, and I wondered if perhaps I set out too early. I sat myself on a bench and enjoyed my kebab while I glanced around the slowly filling plaza.
Maybe I should just ask someone random who looks 'anime', that could certainly work? Nah, it has to be a fateful encounter! Perhaps I should search for an arrogant young master bullying someone. Then I can add them to our Hestia Familia and we can get revenge! That sounds like a great idea!
I finished the kebab and wandered around for about two hours while searching for any signs of an arrogant young master. However it was harder than I thought, perhaps young master's were a rare breed in this world . . . then I heard it. The signature cry of an arrogant young master!
"So you're rejecting me from joining your Familia then? After hearing what I'll be capable of?" An incredulous high pitched voice echoed out and I perked up at the words.
"Look lady, you can't join the Familia just because you have come from a wealthy family and claim to have great potential, we only accept actual fighters here and we don't provide handouts." I rounded the corner and a tall man with a massive shield was standing in front of a woman with long white hair and stopped her from entering the large building behind him.
Spoiler: Lady of Many Masks
She clicked her tongue before muttering something under her breath and starting to walk away.
"You'll regret this . . ." Then she spotted me and perked up with a smirk and put a hand on her chest while speaking to me.
"You belong to this Familia right? Wouldn't you mind putting in a good word for me? You won't regret such a decision."
She truly was an arrogant young mistress! I gave a small shrug and shook my head.
"Sorry Miss, I'm not part of this Familia. I'm just seeing the sights of Orario right now." She let out a huff and her expression softened from the arrogance as the man went inside. She let out a groan as she held the sides of her head in annoyance.
"This isn't going as planned at all!" I tilted my head lightly at the girl who I only barely noticed, but her eyes seemed to sharpen slightly at my next words.
"What's not going as planned? Is everything all right Miss?" Even if she was an arrogant young lady, I wasn't going to antagonize her . . . yet. I took a seat on some nearby steps and she let out a sigh and took a seat next to me much to my surprise. The dress she wore got slightly dirty from the action
"Sorry, about that whole display. When I get stressed out I tend to act a little bit differently." She let out an awkward chuckle at that and faintly blushed. I gave her a smile.
"I'm actually the same way, when I start fighting it's like my personality changes completely!" She looked intrigued and her smile faded as she put a black gloved hand on the side of her face.
"How interesting . . . so you're an adventurer then?" I gave a nod to her.
"I'm pretty new, and it hasn't even been a week since I've started . . . but things are going pretty smoothly so far." Her expression seemed to fall in disappointment for a moment before she gently smiled again.
"So what you must be from a strong Familia then right?" I laughed at the question before shrugging.
"We actually just started out, just me and my Goddess. I've only been in the Dungeon twice too." For a moment she seemed to lose interest before pausing. Whatever she was thinking about I wasn't sure, but I decided to continue. After all this felt like a fateful encounter! Even though I was apparently recruiting the arrogant young lady!
"You seem new to Orario, and while we don't have much I'd be glad to welcome you with open arms. Isn't this meeting an odd coincidence after all? Like fate has brought us together!" I stood up and pointed down at her as she raised an eyebrow at my finger.
Then like a switch as flipped she let out a laugh and covered her mouth with a hand.
"Alright then, I'll join you. My name is Isabelle Cranel, but please," She gave me a wide smile and her face darkened slightly. "Call me Belle" I gave her a winning smile.
"Andrew Ariti, and the pleasure's all mine, Belle." It truly was, I always loved making new friends!
I am thou, thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the Wings of Hope that break the chains of thy Fate.
With the Birth of the Fool Arcana, You have obtained the winds of blessings that shall lead to freedom and new power. . .
Rank 1: Call to Adventure - Increases Exilia gain of the Fool Arcana.
The Fool. . . I-what? Is that a reference to the Hero's Journey?
AN: Gods and Goddesses have a built in lie detector, luckily the Goddess of Scamming Naaza knows how to play around it! Truly the dog girl has no equal! He didn't get a Confidant Rank up and he didn't mention it either because he only sees the Rank ups as natural progressions of the relationship, not a means to get power. He'll never get mad/annoyed for not getting a Rank up because of that.
Andrew doesn't get edgy of his lost family, instead it ignites his soul! Though now he's got some new goals on the list as his brain delusioned itself into hearing their voices. He is insane to be honest. Also yes the younger cousin did literally say 'eye-are-el' the kid has the brainrot.
Belle is kind of a sociopath, she's a Fool, and as a Fool, she has the ability to wear any face she needs for the situation. Though her actual personality is kind of distorted. She can be cute and fun but turns arrogant and selfish when something bothers her. When she has a goal in mind . . . she's scary. She's a lot like her aunt in a way.
Also our protagonist is only a Fool because of the system and while he does have some Fool traits he is much more fitting with the 'Chariot Arcana' in my opinion.
I read all comments and questions so feel free to drop 'em down below! If you'd like to read ahead you can do so on my Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/BobOfTheHedgeField
Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!
She was my fellow fool? ONE OF MY PEOPLE! I stood stock still for a moment causing her to give me a faintly concerned look. Then I put my hands on her shoulders and she froze as her hand twitched. Then tears poured out of my eyes and her expression distorted in complete dumbfoundment.
"My people . . ." I had found a fellow Fool! My fellow Shounen Protagonist in Training!
"W-what?"
"THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE WORLD TO BEAR WITNESS TO A PAIR OF FOOLS!" I shouted to the Heaven's. The World deserved to know that it was about to witness the BOMB that was the two of us!
"I . . . like the enthusiasm . . . now why don't you take me to your Familia's compound." Ah, so desperate to awaken to her true potential. Why couldn't I see it before!? She wears the face of an arrogant young master, yet is secretly a protagonist like myself!
I turned to her and gave her a massive smile.
"The two of us. We're going to change this world." A dark current floated through her eyes before she slightly tilted her head and smiled.
"I love the sound of that." She's so committed to changing the world for the better! She's just like me for real!
Rank 2: Meeting a Mentor - Increases training speed when training with you.
Another stage of the Hero's Journey . . .
This was perfect! I didn't know her combat level, but teaching her to fight would only be made way easier by this! We started walking towards the church and Belle followed closely while asking me some questions. Questions I was happy to answer!
"So you're only level one correct?" I gave a nod.
"Yep, but I'm pretty good with a sword and blowing things up!" She looked intrigued at my words as we moved.
"Oh? You're capable of using magic?" I smiled at the girl who stuck close to me.
"Yep, only some basic fire magic but I'm way better with a sword." She raised her eyebrows lightly at my words before she continued to speak.
"Magic is a rare talent. You should really focus on that. I can handle the frontline from now on." Aw, she's worrying about my future! She's so nice!
"Well we can train together then, I'd love to see what you can do!" She nodded with a smile.
"Of course we can spar together. I'd love to see your skills with the blade as well." She let out a slight hum that turned deeply confused as I stopped us outside of the church.
"Home sweet home, it's not much. But it's ours." She turned to me with incredulity for a moment before collecting herself.
"So you live in a Church then?" I nodded at her words and threw her a thumbs up.
"Yep! It's peaceful and secluded so nobody bothers us here." She seemed to ponder it before nodding.
"Alright, I guess it's time to meet your Goddess then?" Hestia walked outside at that very moment and pointed at us.
"You've come home with a girl!?" I gave a small smile to Hestia as she pointed at Belle. Belle gave a joyful smile and a light wave.
"He has!" She then hugged my arm and gave a smile to Hestia who seemed to be incredulous at the display. "He said you'd have a spot for me in your Familia, so here I am." Hestia slowly peeled her eyes to me with a pout. I had to say something!
"I told you I was going to look for a new friend, didn't I?" Belle actually looked surprised at that which only increased my confusion. Was she not a shounen protagonist like I was? We were going to be part of the same Familia so that by default made us friends, right?
Ah, she's probably just confused that I was looking for someone.
"Oh yeah, sorry for not mentioning it Belle, but a friend of mine said I should look for a new party member and I just happened to run into you. Must be fate, right?" She looked intrigued for a moment and her eyes glanced towards Hestia before she nodded.
"Perhaps it was fate that drew us together." I smiled at that. Hestia gave a light sight that turned into a faint smile.
"All right then. Let me give you my blessing." She started grumbling lightly as she went into the church which only confused me. What was wrong with Belle, wasn't she perfect?
"All right then Belle. Let's officially make you part of the team!" She gave me a happy smile and a nod.
"Of course, I'd love to join you!" There's her Shounen side! She was probably just nervous meeting Hestia. I'm sure the Fool and the Sun will get along great soon enough!
We entered the church and Belle was already stripping her top off. Hestia seemed to panic and covered my eyes much to my confusion.
"Hestia, you can't give her a blessing if your hands are on my face . . . at least I think you can't."
"Step outside for a minute alright!" I let out a small sigh. I didn't want to miss this magical moment but I gave her a thumbs up before turning around and stepping outside. I looked up to the noonward Sun causing me to wonder about what was going on inside.
Belle POV
This was interesting. A fledgling Familia, I could easily insert myself into it without much trouble. I knew that the beginning would be difficult, however the long term pay off could potentially exceed joining a large Familia and having no influence there. The Mage could also be a good future asset in my pursuit of power.
Of course if he stopped being useful I'd be able to easily scoop up the position of Captain from him and take this Familia by the reins and claim it as my own. I smiled softly at the thought. Grandmother had told me about the terrible things the Loki and Freya Familia had done, and she'd had me trained in martial arts, assasination, and plenty of different knife skills.
Grandmother was amazing, but she couldn't give me her blessing. No link was allowed to exist between the two of us after all for our plan to work. I'd worm myself into Orario, become far stronger than my Aunt and allow for the Hera Familia to make its return in full force.
Then I'd crush the two Familia's that dared to take advantage of the sacrifices of past heroes who faced against the One-Eyed Black Dragon.
I wasn't a very good person, but they were far worse. I'd always had trouble with my emotions, being able to so easily change them like a wheel of different masks I could select. However my true self showed a faint affection for 'Andrew Ariti' . He clearly wasn't the same type of person as Loki and Freya after all.
He was almost a storybook character with his extreme actions and odd emotions. . . though I wouldn't be surprised if he died soon enough. A shame. I'd take advantage of him and his Goddess for the time being though.
I would have to be careful of her ability to sense lies however. He was a Fool as he made clear, easy to deceive. A Goddess would not be so easy.
"Alright Goddess, I'm ready!" I gave a happy smile, and I truly was happy. My path to power started now.
"Alright, lie on your stomach." She let out a faint sigh before continuing as her warm ichor dropped upon my back. "You're lucky my Andrew found you, he really is a great guy to pick up some random girl without bad intentions."
My expression flattened. I suppose it made sense that this Goddess had a close relationship with her sole Familia member before my arrival. She wasn't completely wrong however. I'd been careful to avoid the 'Entertainment' District so as to not be harassed or worse.
"He is quite nice. Please call me Belle, I'm glad to be here Goddess . . . ?" She spoke up at my leading question.
"Hestia, you can just call me Hestia. He needs more friends anyways . . though I'd prefer it if it wasn't a girl." She muttered the last part but I easily caught it. Grandmother had trained me well, it's part of the reason I was so comfortable challenging my new Familia member in a clash of steel despite his most likely increased status.
However I was also Isabelle Cranel. I wouldn't lose to some random Level One.
"Alright, here's your status Belle!" I was handed a paper and clicked my tongue at the lack of skills.
Level 1
Strength: 0 I
Endurance: 0 I
Dexterity: 0 I
Agility: 0 I
Magic: 0 I
Skills:
Magic:
"Speaking of the Falna I totally forgot! I need to update Andrew's status as well!" Perhaps this Goddess was incompetent? Something to keep in mind, I'd have to keep them safe until I was strong enough to not need them.
She burst through the door and dragged him in as I threw my top back on.
"Hi Hestia! Hi Belle!" He gave me a hug, and truthfully I didn't hate it. "Glad to have you as part of the Family!" I gave a nod and a smile to him. This would be a good chance to look at his status myself. Taking a peek at his Magic could potentially be useful in case he ever decided to turn on me.
"Alright Belle, I'll need you to step outside for a moment!" What? That got in the way of my plans . . . whatever. This wasn't a major setback.
Andrew Ariti POV
"What? Why?" Hestia gave me a sorry look and seemed to be a bit embarrassed for a moment before Belle spoke up.
"I can step outside for a moment if you need me too." Hestia let out a sigh and thanked our new Familia member before she softly pushed me onto one of the pews where I took off my shirt and she ran that same warm liquid down my back. Belle was already gone as I looked over the edge of the pew. She was fast!
"What was that about Hestia?" She grumbled a little bit as she shuffled the paper lightly.
"I don't want anyone seeing your status just yet, especially not her. Y-yeah, and that's b-because it should be a surprise!" Ah, how could I have been so FOOLISH!
"You're absolutely right, Goddess! That's an amazing idea!" I shot up and she handed the paper to me with a smile. She truly was a genius! My Sun was amazing! Especially with the new power surging through me as a reminder of how great she was!
Level 1
Strength: 65 I -> 132 H
Endurance: 31 I -> 72 I
Dexterity: 42 I -> 85 I
Agility: 33 I -> 74 I
Magic: 0 I -> 35 I
Skills:
μακρινός ταξιδιώτης: Increases Excilia gained.
Magic:
"I feel stronger already Hestia, thank you!" I gave her a hug then held her upwards to the sky! She seemed resigned to her fate as she hung limply in the air. I set her back down and thanked her again.
"Knowing you're always looking out for me makes me feel safe. I love you Goddess!" Her eyes widened and her face blushed like a tomato before she punched me in the stomach and pouted.
"Yeah, yeah. I know you do." That doesn't mean I'm not going to say it! I loved my treasured companions after all! My smile widened at her words causing me to plop a hand on her head and laugh.
Then I threw on my shirt and stepped outside, I found Belle leaning against the wall and she smiled at me upon noticing my presence.
"Alright then. It's time for the first official meeting of the Hestia Familia!" I pointed a finger at the sky with a radiant smile. Belle looked curious and raised an eyebrow.
"Hm? Shouldn't we just get some weapons and go to the Dungeon?" I blinked dumbly at that and shook my head.
"No. I made a promise I wouldn't go to the Dungeon for a week." He narrowed her eyes at that before her expression went blank and shifted into a smile.
"Alright." I scratched the back of my head awkwardly.
"Sorry, I know it can be exciting to want to go on a Dungeon dive. I think it would be good to do some preparation first too!" She blinked at me and smiled softly.
"I suppose preparation would be good. Though considering where you live, do you even have enough Vali's to last a week without making money some other way?" Hestia's head dropped in shame for a moment as I smiled.
"We have about 52,000 Valis left over after buying potions using the money from the last delve in the Dungeon." Her eyes widened and she looked at me like I was insane before coming to a realization.
"You caught the Jackbird? You must have bought a lot of potions . . ."
The what?
"The what?"
She tilted her head in confusion.
"Small golden bird monster on the first floor? Dropped an egg when you killed it?" I blinked and looked at Hestia who shrugged.
"Uhm, no. I killed a Dungeon Chameleon." She stared at me for a moment and slowly nodded her head without saying a word. A flat look on her face.
"Anyways, we have plenty of money so let's go shopping for some stuff! I need to commission a new Best Friend Sword after my old one broke anyways." She let out a hum and nodded at me.
"Alright then. I suppose we should get you a new weapon then." I actually looked at her with some surprise.
"Well we need to buy you weapons and armor as well!" She smiled at me.
"Some armor would be useful, but I have no need for a weapon." My eyes opened slightly as she flicked her wrist revealing a small black dagger with a jagged blade.
Hestia's eyes widened at it before turning to Belle.
"That's a high quality weapon, how'd you even get that?" I looked at Hestia in surprise. How could she tell?
"It was a gift from my Grandmother." Hestia blinked her eyes in surprise before smiling.
"She must have been quite the adventurer back in her day or something like that!"
"Or something." She smiled with nostalgia at Hestia's words, as though recalling her Grandmother.
"After that would you be alright with facing off against me? I'll make sure to hold back of course. I don't want to hurt you by accident." Her smile fell at my words and Hestia gave me a weird look causing me to look confused.
"My status just got updated right? So I'm stronger now I think . . ." Belle smiled at me.
"Don't worry, this is only your first week so that shouldn't be a problem." I nodded at her. That actually made a lot of sense! I smiled and gave her a thumbs up.
"Awesome! I won't use magic though. That might set everything on fire." She nodded at my words with a faint smile again.
"Anyways let's go to Babel and find some stuff! I have a backup knife you can use as a sidearm if need be, but I'll need to commission a Best Friend sword so we should go there even if you only use one knife." Her eyes danced with amusement at my words while Hestia just looked confused.
However I didn't give them the chance to react as I rushed into the church and grabbed our FUNDING! I quickly made my way back up and presented the pouch full of money as though it were some secret treasure causing Bell's eyes to widen in intrigue.
"Well then, let the Hestia Familia's second official shopping trip begin!"
AN: Andrew can NOT read subtext. Belle is trying to manipulate him but he's too stupid to be affected by it. FOOLISH, MENTAL ATTACKS DON'T WORK IF I HAD NO MIND TO BEGIN WITH!
Bell is sort of crazy, but she'll dial it into hero worship once she awakens Liaris Freese for Andrew around rank 8 or 9.
She also has zero faith in him currently and thinks he's a robber or has brain damage lol. After all defeating a Dungeon Chameleon is basically impossible for a level one . . . right?
We entered the novice blacksmithing area within the Tower of Babel and I was already on the prowl for that familiar emblem of Welf Crozzo. The emblem was that of a rabbit if I remembered correctly. However I just couldn't find a Best Friend Sword of his make! I approached the shop keep with a determined expression on my face.
I'd spoken to Belle earlier on the subject of purchasing weapons and she was confused as to why I was so dead set on this 'Welf Crozzo' when I wasn't buying a magical weapon from him. The answer was easy! Not only had we bonded through a fateful encounter, I was certain that I didn't need a magic sword to succeed!
Would it be the coolest thing ever to have one? Absolutely. I wanted a magic sword, but if I could barely afford a potion there was no way I could afford a magic sword!
"Hi there! I'd like to commission a weapon from Mr. Welf Crozzo!" The man at the counter let out a laugh and started smirking at me with a knowing look.
"If you're looking for a magic weapon, then you're out of luck. He refuses to make them." I blinked with slight intrigue at that. There was probably a story there but I wouldn't pry without even meeting the man, after all I'd assumed it wasn't that he was 'refusing' but instead that he was 'unable.'
"I'm not looking for a magic sword, he makes good stuff so can I put in a request for a specific type of non-magical sword?" The man waved his hand towards me dismissively.
"Tons of people ask him to make the thing he refuses to, the man has been harassed out of the workshop. Not even I know where he makes his weapons anymore. If he stops by I'll let him know, but that could be days to weeks of waiting." I let out a groan. This wasn't right at all! The simple truth was that if I couldn't get a weapon I couldn't properly train with my new friend!
I knew forging could take days as well, what a nightmare! I slumped onto the ground, before shooting back up to my feet. I had no choice but to continue forward.
"Thanks for your time. Please let him know if you see him, I'm a fan of his work." He let out an affirmative hum before turning away and starting to work on something else.
I'd returned to my companions with a light shrug and a smile. Bell was in far more casual clothes than the dress she'd previously worn. She looked a lot more like an adventurer now!
"No luck today, but we can always come back tomorrow!" Belle smiled at my words and tilted her head slightly.
"Of course, but can we still spar without weapons?" I gave a slightly disappointed nod and she gave a beautiful smile. She was actually quite pretty. I perked up after mulling over the details of the spar. Hestia seemed intrigued by words, but also a bit nervous as I spoke before her face morphed into extreme confusion.
"What sparring rules do you want to use? First Blood? First Touch? Kill?" Even Belle seemed a bit surprised at my words causing me to raise an eyebrow. Those were pretty standard?
"You are giving me the option of fighting you to the Death?" Eh?
"I won't allow that Andrew! I thought better of you!" Ehhhhhh?
"Sorry! I'm used to my old training friends' rules. Kill just means landing a strike in a lethal area with nonlethal force. Hestia let out a sigh of relief before staring at me with a determined fire in her eyes.
"Never scare me like that again!"
"I really am sorry Hestia! I would never kill my friends!" Hestia nodded but Belle just silently stared at me for a moment before smiling.
"I think a spar would be quite enjoyable between the two of us." I let out a sigh of relief, my lack of weapon becoming a faint memory as I smiled at her with a thumbs up.
"Alright then! Let's get back home and do this!"
"Just be careful not to hurt each other . . ." I picked up Hestia by the armpits and held her into the sky.
"Don't worry Goddess! We have potions!"
"T-that's not the point!"
"You're quite close with Goddess Hestia." Belle chimed in as I set Hestia down on the cobble of Orario.
"Yep! We're all a part of this Familia, and I hope we can have a relationship like that someday, Belle!" She let out a curious hum while Hestia looked appalled then hugged my side while narrowing her eyes at Belle.
"Perhaps. Anyways, let's get to the spar." Hestia looked up at me with faint concern before speaking.
"If either of you get hurt I want you to stop immediately and if I see anyone get seriously hurt we have potions . . . I'd prefer to save them but my children's health comes first!" Hestia truly is so kind! Thinking back on it, many of the Greek gods were assholes. However Hestia never did a single thing wrong . . . the Sun is truly radiant!
I threw up a combat stance towards Belle and she glanced at me with a smile.
Isabelle Cranel POV
"So what rules would you prefer?" Giving me the option of choosing then? This is where I could prove myself as a far more valuable asset than him to Hestia. While they clearly had some sort of relation outside of power alone this would still be an opportunity to prove myself as the one more worthy of investment from this tiny Familia.
"I'd prefer the Kill rule you spoke of earlier." Hestia let out a strangled groan and he smiled.
"Alright! You said I should use my enhanced strength, right?" I nodded. I would show how wide the gap between us was.
"Amazing! Such commitment to training, to face a foe that holds more strength than you!" My eyebrow twitched at that and I nearly chewed him out for daring to look down on me. However I had a part to play at the moment. I'd play my role and he'd play his. I'd show him that not playing to his talents would just be throwing his life away, for what little it was worth in comparison to my mission.
He slowly approached and his footwork was decent, however that wouldn't matter to an assassin. I'd poke his liver with my finger, within said sleeve lurked my dagger though I had no intent to kill an innocent man like this. It was simply playing along with his 'rules'. My arm struck like the talon of a peacock only for me to suddenly be flipped sideward from the rapid leg sweep jutting towards my leg.
He caught me to prevent me from falling onto the dirty ground of Orario. Before I could react I felt the soft poke of a finger on the side of my neck. What? How could he have been that fast!?
Rage overtook me for a moment before I calmed myself.
Perhaps I'd underestimate the strength the Falna provides, even for a mage. I'd need to enter the Dungeon soon and get stronger, however I also could not show such weakness. I needed to prove myself here and now. So with gritted teeth I spoke.
"Lower your strength down to mine, let's try that again." He gave a jovial smile, and replied earnestly. He reminded me of a hero, but I knew better than that. He wasn't like me or my Aunt. He was doomed to die, just like countless other adventurer's in this hellish city.
"I'd be glad to! It's been ages since I've seen someone with such interesting martial arts!" He saw my movement and recognized it as a martial art? Perhaps there was more to him than I first believed.
"Belle are you alright!?" Hestia ran over holding a high grade potion, a look of concern upon her face. An odd feeling strangled in my chest from her action. I was obviously fine, there was no need for such concern yet she showed it nonetheless. It was odd to see a Goddess act so differently from her own Grandmother when she was allegedly in pain.
Grandmother commanded so much of her in pursuit of their ultimate goal. She looked over to Andrew who also looked at her in gentle concern causing her face to distort and push the small Goddess away.
"I'm fine. Let's continue." Hestia's eyes narrowed before she let out a small huff and handed me the potion anyways. I pocketed it in my belt without a word.
"Well I'll just leave this to you then." She skipped away with a smile causing me to raise an eyebrow. I was fine . . . I was fine. I ignored the thought in favor of Andrew. I'd defeat him here and now, these thoughts had no place in my mind and I'd prove here and now that he was fated to die and this Familia would certainly collapse within the year.
I wouldn't hold back this time. I'd show him the cruel reality of Orario. He was a new adventurer after all.
"Belle, my treasured companion! Let us commence this sacred duel!" He was certainly an odd one.
I rushed towards him and threw a feint which his arm came up to block. I rotated my body and struck my other hand towards his throat. He couldn't move out of the way enough- my knee was bending inwards as he moved past the strike and pressed into me.
I pushed off the ground and flipped in the air while shoving my hands off the ground to catch myself. His eyes opened slightly in interest before I dashed towards him and threw a kick towards his stomach. His arms moved towards my leg and I pulled it in. Using the momentum of the attack I jumped in the air and threw a spinning kick towards his chest.
Only to find myself shoved out of the air. He'd called my feint.
WHAT? How could he be able to read me after only that first engagement? I rolled on the ground and quickly shot up, however he didn't press the advantage.
What a cocky guy. However even I could admit he had some talent.
"You're doing amazing Belle! I'm so proud of you already!" My breathing grew heavy and my body heated slightly, was I winded already? I clicked my tongue. The only person I had to make proud was Grandmother.
That was it.
I moved around him as though stalking my prey and he kept that signature smile on his face. How could I get an opening? I idly thumbed the thick glass vial that had been given to me by Hestia. It wouldn't easily break, so I could use it as a distraction without accidentally getting glass in his skin.
There were no rules against outside tools anyways. I threw the potion causing his eyes to widen as he caught it easily with a hand before it slammed into his face. I took advantage of the momentary blinding of his vision to send a punch into one of his kidneys while rotating my body.
Only for him to rotate his body with my attack and use my momentum against me to throw me to the ground again. I stood stunned for a moment before hearing an . . . apology?
"Ah sorry! Are you alright Belle?" How did he know I was going to rotate like that? He couldn't even see me. My leg ached in a mild pain from the torn flesh I'd received as my reward, however I was used to pain far worse than this. This was nothing- why is he wasting a high rank potion on a wound like this!?
He poured the potion out and it rapidly stitched itself together and he let out a relieved sigh. Hestia ran over with concern over not the wasted money, but my pain.
"Belle! Does it hurt anywhere?" I shook my head in pure bafflement at this scenario. I shifted the topic entirely.
"How did you know I was going to attack you like that?" He let out a light laugh at my words.
"After throwing a feint you seemed to like those rotating attacks on the opposite side of your body. I just assumed you'd be going for the same thing after that awesome feint I could have never predicted!" My expression twisted at that. The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
"You aren't mad I threw the potion at you?" He tilted his head while Hestia finally noticed the empty potion vial mostly poured onto the ground.
"What? Why would I be? It was an awesome technique! The way you angled it perfectly to block my vision for your punch was something out of a storybook!" Me? Out of a storybook? I blinked and looked to Hestia who seemed to be gently looking at the formerly wounded knee in relief.
"Well I'm glad you're alright Belle. I think we should call the training there for tonight. You two can get back to it tomorrow, but first we are eating ham and Jagamarukun!" Andrew pumped his fist in response.
"Yes! I love those potato things!" He held out a hand and pulled me to my feet with gentle precision. As though he'd practiced the movement to not accidentally hurt his sparring partners.
This 'Andrew' character certainly was an odd one. A strange sensation brewed in my chest as I stared into his eyes for a moment. However I had to shake the feeling away. No matter what he showed here today would be insignificant to what I'd become.
Some day I'd have to leave him behind.
The hurt in my heart went ignored as I followed them inside for a meal.
Andrew Ariti POV
Rank 3: Crossing the Threshold - Increases Growth of Guts. Awakens a special skill within the Fool Arcana.
Oh? She has a cool power like mine now! Hell yeah! I gave Belle a hug and a radiant smile. She was awesome on the battlefield. She would make a great ninja or rogue type character I was sure of it!
"You're so awesome Belle!" Hestia let out a squeak and clutched my side causing me to turn to her.
"So are you Hestia! Now then, let's eat!"
AN: Belle gets confused by Shounen Aura and it is revealed that she's supposed to be the dark and edgy rogue with a hero complex who expects everyone around her to die . . . luckily a shounen protagonist is here to change the genre!
Also Belle gets a special skill!? What could it be? Spoilers: It's not Liaris Freese! That comes later. Feel free to take your guesses > : )
I love reading your questions and comments so go ahead and leave some! If you'd like to support me and read some advanced chapters you can go ahead and do so on my Patreon here:
The church didn't really have another place to sleep. I'd given the option for Belle to sleep with me and Hestia but they both seemed opposed to the idea. I couldn't really see why, we were family after all!
I slept with my parents when I was a kid, and Hestia was basically my second mom with Belle being my new sister! I'd always wanted a sibling . . . and I didn't even have to deal with my new sibling being a tiny flesh goblin for at least four years. Belle was even a part of the Fool Arcana.Truly Belle was my sister in Shounen!
Anyways that brings us here to our current predicament.
Belle needed a place to sleep, and she refused to sleep on the pews of the church which she most likely found uncomfortable. I found the soft wood nice, but I had specifically trained to fall asleep anywhere. Belle wasn't like that.
So we'd gone on a side quest to find a place for her to stay.
A small inn of which I'm paying for because Belle seemed to not have that much money despite her previous rich girl outfit. I tend not to ask people why they have a problem, and I just help them with it instead. If they want to tell me they can . . . but if I get really concerned I might ask in case it ends up becoming a problem again.
Problems that come back are the worst! Just like debt! Ah, Belle was saying something.
"Ah, Belle, you don't need to pay me back or anything." Her eyebrow twitched. She'd been insisting on paying me back for this but I used my Forbidden Technique: Brick Wall Transformation.
The technique was simple, I just repeatedly rejected someone repaying me! I only used it for small things like this though, also I didn't want Belle to spend her first hard earned Vali's on paying me back for all the things I planned on buying her with Hestia!
Essentially, I didn't want Belle to go into debt. I wasn't an evil overlord intended on spreading debt to the masses after all.
"You're an odd one." I just shrugged. The two of us were Fool's, people who walked a path and would meet countless others along the way who would change us for better or worse. To be a Fool is to be on a journey. I knew the two of us could make it to our happy ending someday, but I was certain we'd be a pair of oddball's along the way.
"It takes one to know one, let me know if anyone gives you any trouble. I'll give them a stern talking to!" I let out a light laugh and patted her on the shoulder before turning away, leaving the girl with the pouch of Vali's and an odd expression I had trouble describing.
I left back to the church in the dead of night and a light smile on my face. Tomorrow was going to be amazing! The Moon shone brilliantly upon the world and I decided that before I got back I'd enjoy the view of the sleeping city.
I started climbing the wall of the city only to pause once I'd gotten high enough to realize there was a set of stairs rising up the wall. That was embarrassing! However I had to fully commit, I was always an amazing climber anyways. With my newly enhanced stats I couldn't help but easily make it up in about twenty minutes.
"It's beautiful."
Spoiler: Night View
"Why did you climb the wall?" I leaned on the stone railing and perked up at the woman's voice next to me. I didn't look over my shoulder to spot her, instead I just stared at the moon hanging in the sky.
Its beauty had enraptured me, and I simply could not look away. I let out a gentle sigh and spoke to the passerby.
"I climbed it because I wanted to see the beauty of the City." Hopefully she wouldn't call me out on my shounen fueled madness.
"There are stairs." Called out so easily! I dare not show my face!
"The increased effort of the climb, the danger of the fall, and the desire to not give up on myself . . . all of them contributed to making this view far more beautiful than I could have ever imagined." My words hung in the air for a moment before she spoke like a whisper.
"I see." We settled into a gentle silence. However I decided to break it with a question.
"Did the beauty of the city draw you here as well?" She answered instantly.
"No." Such a fast rejection!
"Then what brought you here?"
"I saw you from the window." I was up here for a minute at best, she got here fast! She probably lives nearby . . . though I guess she could have started moving while I was mid-climb. That would explain a lot. I'm surprised she saw me in the dark though.
"Do you think this city is beautiful?" She didn't respond immediately, she took a breath for a moment and her words drew a dramatic sigh from my mouth.
"No."
"In a way that's both a good and bad way of thinking."
"Why?" Back to the one word responses I guess. Doesn't she know this is just an opening for a shounen monologue? Foolish random woman! You've fallen into my trap!
"Not liking something is the first step on the path to making it better. I haven't even been in Orario for a week and I can see its countless faults already on display. The death, the pain, the greed, and the unsubtle sting of hate emanating from the core of this city . . . all of them are ugly. But on this canvas stained in red and black ink, I can't help but admire the tenacity and hope that is still present in little pockets of this city . . ." At this point I was standing on the edge of the thick fall guard, then I stopped talking as I had a thought that would be quite embarrassing if it were true.
"Though if you were just talking about aesthetics I'll probably sound really stupid right about now." I put my hands on my hips and stared at the moon. The last time I was this high in the air I was on a plane. Had to fly out for an MMA tournament. It was a fun experience, even if I only got second place. I was a swordsman, not an MMA fighter anyways! Also he was like double my age. My tangential thoughts are cut off at her words.
"The Dungeon can never produce something beautiful." I gave a shrug. I didn't fully disagree, but I didn't fully agree either.
"True Evil does not produce beauty. That's true . . . however, by overcoming that evil and living with love in our hearts something else can occur than destruction that infects everything around it with the same disease of Evil. Perhaps we can change those drops of ink from ugly stains to a joyful picture someday." I took a breath and continued as I sat on the edge of the wall and lightly kicked my legs against it.
"It'll be a lot of work . . . but I choose to help make this city better with a smile rather than hatred tearing my heart apart."
We sat in silence before I heard the woman start to walk away. I gave a small sigh of disappointment but her next words surprised me and brought a sense of melancholic to my heart.
"You are strong." I blinked at that and caught her dark figure disappearing in the distance with the faint sound of wind at her back. She really is fast . . . A shame I couldn't see her too well in the darkness.
I am thou, thou art I. Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the Wings of Hope that break the chains of thy Fate.
With the Birth of the Justice Arcana, You have obtained the winds of blessings that shall lead to freedom and new power. . .
Rank 1: In the Name of Hate - Increases Exilia gain of the Justice Arcana.
I blinked at that. I didn't even know her name! I wondered if my ability would tell me? Also she was probably an adventurer with a confidant like that!
Alos that's such a sad ability name! Nobody should fight for Hatred! Hatred only makes you miserable . . .
[Social Stats]
-> [Confidants]
0 Fool - Isabelle Cranel
Rank 1: Call to Adventure - Increases Exilia gain of the Fool Arcana.
Rank 2: Meeting a Mentor - Increases training speed of the Fool Arcana when training with you.
Rank 3: Crossing the Threshold - Increases Growth of Guts. Awakens a special skill within the Fool Arcana.
VIII Justice - Mysterious Stranger
Rank 1: In the Name of Hate - Increases Exilia gain of the Justice Arcana.
IX Hermit - Naaza Erisuis
Rank 1: Precise Potioncraft - The positive benefits of potions are increased on you.
XIV Temperance - Rose Fannett
Rank 1: Preparation is Key - Increases Growth of Knowledge. Increases chances of recalling relevant information while in danger.
Rank 2: Reliable Service - Increases Drop Rates.
Rank 3: Quality Insurance - Wielded equipment becomes more durable during combat. This effect ends after combat is finished.
Rank 4: Advisor's Guidance - Increases training speed. Increased training speed for all allies while training with you.
XIX Sun - Hestia
Rank 1: Resting by the Hearth - Increased recovery while resting in an allied location.
Rank 2: A Warm Embrace - Increases Fire Magic Affinity. The positive benefits of allied effects are increased on you.
Rank 3: Passion Behind my Eyes - Increased Sensory Perception. Effects increased with Emotional State.
Rank 4: Stoke the Embers - Grants basic Fire Magic.
Rank 5: Those Moments we Share - Increases Growth of All Social Stats.
Rank 6: Next to the Sacred Fires - Increases Fire Magic Affinity. Increases the strength of Rituals.
Rank 7: Eternal Flame - Increases Endurance when Health is low. Effects increased with Emotional State.
Rank 8: Flames of Passion - Increases Fire Magic Affinity. Effects increased with Emotional State.
Rank 9: Family by the Fire - Increased Parameters when fighting for Family. Effects increased with Emotional State.
It looks like the answer is no. Well, I'm sure we'll meet again! Perhaps I should come up to this wall more often. She'll probably spot me and we can hang out! I'm not completely certain about what type of person she is, but considering she's the Justice Arcana she's probably someone who needs a healthy dose of SHOUNEN!
The Justice Arcana represents a deep commitment to a singular ideal/goal and the refusal to change no matter how much it harms those who follow the path of Justice. Yet at the same time their ideal is both an obsession and a facade. Deep down they know their ideal will not make them truly happy, however they use it as a mask to avoid their actual problem.
I made my way down the stairs and back to the church. It was a long walk and a sleeping Hestia rested on the steps. She waited for me . . . Truly my Sun shined even in the darkness of night! I softly picked her up and into the church. She didn't awaken from her slumber, but she held me back and slightly drooled on my shirt.
Tomorrow I might just do some more chores . . . like laundry. Tucking the woman into the bed I allowed her some rest as I clutched her tightly under the sheets.
. . .
Day Two of the Dungeonless Week
I woke up the next morning with a small yawn. I'd only gotten about 6 hours of sleep but Hestia's warmth had made me practically fully refreshed and ready for the day. I allowed Hestia to sleep in, for I had a Belle to pick up!
I walked through the city with a pep in my step, I'd ended up arriving at the Inn she was staying at and waited outside. Ah, she's probably still asleep. I let out a light hum as I decided to get some breakfast. I'd brought 5,000 Valis with me in total and I could certainly spend some of it on food. Thinking about food made me think about one of the few dishes I could make.
Soft Tacos, probably my favorite food. Easy to make, you could eat them on the move, and they were a great food to have with your companions! They also tasted really good! Alright, looks like I've got a new side quest. I've got to find some soft tacos . . . even if it's the last thing I do!
. . .
I couldn't find them. I spoke of tacos and people just looked at me confused. Is the food of this city so lacking? Not exactly, there were plenty of other dishes . . . but seriously? No soft tacos? I could even settle for hard shell tacos, but alas this was my fate.
My journey lasted an hour and a half so it was about seven and I'd made my way back to the Inn Belle was staying at. The Inn was named the Golden Stag and I gently made my way inside. It was a nice place, giving a real homely vibe!
I sat on a hard wooden chair in the lobby while I waited for Belle to arrive. However my musings would be cut short by an older man's words.
"Any business here?" I looked up to him, the large man approached me with an intrigued expression. His attire was not that of a warrior, but instead that of a cloaked innkeeper.
"I'm waiting for a friend, she stayed the night here." He let out a hum and pulled out the chair in front of me. Somehow the small thing held his massive weight. He slid an unfamiliar board between us and smiled.
"Care for a game?" I tilted my head back for a moment, then nodded.
"Not sure what it is, but I'd love to!"
"You ever heard of Tabula?" As in the Tabula Rasa? I knew Tabula Rasa meant blank slate, so the carved stone board in front of us probably referred to the 'slate' part.
"I've heard the word, but never the game."
"Then I'll show ya lad."
. . .
The game was fun, and I'd been defeated many times and even managed to pick up a win in the chance based game. It was pretty fun to spend time with this old fellow.
"You got any other games old man?" He let out a snort at that and stood up using a nearby cane as a support. He pulled out a different board and smiled.
"This is my favorite game lad, it's called Fidchell. You've haven't heard of it I'm certain."
He was right, I hadn't!
"How'd you know?" He let out a jovial laugh.
"It's from far away, and you don't speak like any of the children from over there." I rested my chin on my hand as I watched him set up the board.
"So how do I play?"
. . .
I hadn't won. Not a single time. This game was all about strategy, and I'd gotten walloped! Either way it was still something fun to do while I waited for Belle.
Just as we finished up our game I got a notification that shocked me.
Oblivious -> Learned
I felt my mind race and I felt many of the math classes in my head actually make some sense! I felt as though I might just be able to get a B in class for once in my life! I turned up to the old timer and gave him my honest thoughts.
"Thank you for these games."
"Bah, my children rarely ever come around. It's good to have a young lad who's willing to play a game with me." I held out a hand for him to shake and he returned the gesture.
"I'm Andrew, and I'm an adventurer." He let out a laugh at that.
"Dagda, and I'm just a humble innkeeper. Don't die in a stupid way lad." That was certainly Irish, if I couldn't have already put that together from the way he spoke.
"Dying in a stupid way would make quite the story. Though I don't intend to die on my adventures. I intend to die surrounded by those I love with a smile on my face."
He let out a booming laugh that nearly shook the building.
"That's a good way of thinking lad!" I spotted the mop of white hair slowly descend down the stairs and for a moment she threw a glare in my direction that morphed itself into a smile.
"Good morning Belle!" She gave a casual wave as I shot up to my feet. However the old man raised an eyebrow.
"This is your friend?" His tone was measured, as though appraising my loyal companion.
"Yep! Isn't she awesome?" He gave her a once over and she seemed to freeze under the old man's gaze, then he planted a hand on my shoulder and pushed me in her direction.
"You brats run along, just follow my advice." I let out a laugh as I grabbed the tired hand of Belle.
"Of course! Now let's go Belle, we have to keep training!"
I pulled her along as the old man ran a hand through his beard as he watched our departing figures through the window.
"What an odd duo. A dark hearted faker and a joyful souled fool. I wonder what will become of them in the future?"
. . .
Belle lay exhausted on the ground and let out heavy breaths from our intense training. I let her rest for a moment as I let out a sigh. Her progress was insane, she wasn't at my level yet when it came to swordplay in context of her martial artes . . . but even still. I was aware I was very good with the blade, for me to speak of her progress in relation to my sword techniques spoke volumes.
"You're amazing Belle!" I gave her a smile and pulled her into a princess carry causing her to softly glare at me in exhaustion. She let out a small hum, she was way too tired to even think straight. Of that I was sure!
Instead I walked down the street in search of FOOD! Alas no soft tacos were found, but I did find a stall that sold gyros. A type of greek sandwich I'd had before, and Belle seemed to like it with how she ravenously ate the thing up.
"Are you enjoying it?" She glanced at me as she finished it and then she started to speak. However her words mostly went over my head as I realized she looked like a cute rabbit!
"I'm just hungry . . ." I smiled at her and she softly gripped the paper in her hand that once held the food. Then it looked as if all emotion drained from her face for a second, then she smiled.
"Shall we get back to training?" My eyes widened at her sudden request. We'd just trained for four hours. That wasn't a small amount . . . but if it's what she wanted. Then how could I refuse a treasured companion? I bought an extra gyro for Hestia as we made our way to the church.
"Where were you two?" I let out a light laugh as I handed Hestia the gyro.
"We were up on the wall, I found it's a good place to train. It's a good view of the city too!" She pouted lightly at my words.
"We still need to get Belle a proper place to sleep! You can't go disappear to train for half the day!" Ah, I'd completely forgotten!
"I'm sorry Belle! I'm sorry Hestia! I'd completely forgotten!"
The following shopping trip was short, but we'd managed to buy Belle a futon to sleep on for 3,500 Valis. All we had to do now was carry it back! I lifted up the back end and gave Belle a smile.
"Belle, this is going to be our first opponent working as a team. Can I trust you to have my back?" She gave me a conflicted look for a barely noticeable moment before nodding with a smile
"Of course! Let's do this!" We lifted up both ends and started moving the futon as Hestia walked next to us with a smile.
"This is good team building! You two are going to be working together for a long time so this is good!" For a moment Belle nearly tripped but I pivoted and started holding the entire futon by myself with some slight effort before she recovered.
"Don't worry Belle! I've got your back as well!" She didn't respond, perhaps she had 'locked in' as my cousin would put it!
We eventually made it and we sat the futon down on the church floor, of which Hestia seemed to claim it as a temporary throne while staring at Belle.
"Belle are you alright?" Belle blinked for a moment before slowly panning her expressionless face over to the Goddess. Then she tilted her head in confusion and smiled.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Hestia frowned and I was confused. I was definitely missing something! I sat down next to Hestia and looked at Belle with widened eyes.
"Belle, if this is about you briefly messing up, you don't have to worry about that. No matter how many times you may stumble, the two of us will be there to catch you if you fall. We're your Familia, your family you can count on us . . . and I know that with a little bit of hard work we can count on you as well."
Rank 4: Tests, Allies, and Enemies Within - Increases Mind. Increases Mind for the Fool Arcana.
Belle slowly closed her eyes and nodded without a word. Then she turned around and muttered something.
"I'm going to the bathroom." Hestia blinked at that before her jaw dropped.
"Huh." I raised an eyebrow at Hestia's sudden change.
"Is it really so weird? We had a long day with only a few breaks."
"S-sorry, I'm just surprised that she really is going to the bathroom . . ." My head tilted in confusion. What did she even mean by that?
"What?" Hestia looked surprised for a moment, before she turned shocked.
"You know Gods and Goddesses can tell when people lie, right?"
THEY CAN!?
"THEY CAN!?" She let out a light laugh and hugged me. Her expression turned gentle as she looked at me.
"You've never once lied to me without even knowing that? You really are a special person."
"Thanks Hestia! You're a special Goddess too!" She slammed her face into my side and started laughing weirdly causing me to decide that it was time for bed. Everyone is acting weird and I'm starting to get sleepy!
. . .
Isabelle Cranel POV
I lay awake and my fist clenched on my dagger. She had told me that these brittle friendships I might form would only hold me back, they would make me weak and get in the way of my mission. She had told me that such people should be eliminated. You do not form attachment to a tool you use. Such attachments may make you use it when something else should be used instead.
You should replace it with a similar tool, as long as it wasn't the same per- tool, then it was alright. That was what she had taught me.
Yet Andrew was unlike any tutor I'd ever had. He'd made me excited to train, and my improvement had skyrocketed like never before. My 'mentors' had berated me, beat me senseless, and drilled techniques into my very being in the name of forging me into the perfect weapon.
So why had this random individual made so much progress in so little time? With such a gentler hand than anyone else before?
I blinked as I realized I was staring down at the hatched door with my knife gripped tightly in my hand.
She told me to get rid of them, so why did I hesitate? I reached a hand for the hatch only for it to freeze before pulling it up.
What?
I tried to move it but it refused. Ah, why was I crying?
Oh. I understood. I didn't want to hurt them. I didn't want to break those faint bonds we'd forged. It hurt to feel this way so the tears continued to flow from my crimson eyes. Picturing the corpse of the per-Andrew I couldn't help but consider his personality.
She had told me that all adventurers were the worst type of people, monsters who would do anything in pursuit of power. That the Gods and Goddesses were no better. However the two of them were like an open book, Andrew even more so.
He wasn't like the other adventures, he wasn't an awful person, he wasn't like me.
My mind floated back to the time I'd been given a book by a strange old man. He'd disappeared shortly after that but promised me that if I read that book someday I'd be able to come to an important realization with the help of a true hero.
That book was Dungeon Oratoria. A book recounting ancient heroes fighting against the Dungeon. Their personalities conflicted with everything she had taught me. Personalities I'd seen in him.
I moved back to my futon and stared at the church roof with blank eyes.
I-if I was going to get her-my revenge then perhaps I could stick with this Familia for a while longer.
I didn't need to abandon them so readily, after all wouldn't it be wrong to abandon a hero in the Dungeon?
Andrew Ariti POV
Rank 5: Approaching the Innermost Heart - The Fool Arcana has increased Agility. Effects increased with their Emotional State.
What? I literally just woke up!
AN: The Belle hero worship/yandere arc begins. With a mysterious stranger making her appearance! For anyone wondering why she isn't on an expedition right now it's because she leaves in about ten days. Lot's of progress is made and we make it to Day Three of Golden- I mean Dungeonless Week!
Could it be a Persona fanfiction without referencing Golden Week at least once?