Folding my arms over my chest I leaned back into the bench and let out a sigh. Dang it! This is such a hard situation. Then suddenly I heard faint steps behind me, and after a moment twin hands gently rested over my eyes.
"Guess who?"
Such a test at this early hour? No matter, for when I am undefeatable in this game!
"I recognize that voice, you have to be Syr!"
"Good morning Andrew! It's so great to see you again! How have you been?"
Turning my head over to the voice, it was the poor road safety girl! Who also had a weak stomach?
I felt a hum in my mind, but quickly silenced the dissenting voice as I continued my interaction.
"I'm doing fine enough. Though, Is your stomach doing alright?" My awkward shift to my concerned tone caused her to pause.
She blinked for a moment, then gave a small laugh and waved her hand as though I'd brought up something of such little importance.
"It is! Thanks for checking in, I really don't know what happened . . ." She trailed off awkwardly for a moment, then gave a cheeky smile as she slid in beside me on the bench. An arm wrapping around my shoulder as she leaned a bit closer in.
"Thanks again for the food Syr, my Familia loved it." I turned my eyes down to the smaller woman with a bit of an awkward, but apologetic expression on my face. "Sorry I left you behind." Normally I wouldn't do that, I honestly am still not completely certain what pushed me away.
My mind flashed back to my Persona. That jerk was definitely interfering with my relationship with Syr!
"Then it looks like you owe me, and I know just how you can make it up to me."
I nodded. I did owe Syr, she gave me free food and I bailed on her! That wasn't shounen at all!
"Anything."
Her smile grew a bit pointed as she leaned in even closer, her chest pressing against my side.
"Then how about we go on a date!"
Wha- What!? My face exploded in red as I processed the words. S-Syr liked me like that!? But I barely even knew her!
"Shouldn't we get to know each other a bit more first?" This seriously was way too fast!
"Consider this my way of getting to know you, you saved my life when we were met, and my feelings have only grown since then." She took a breath, the red on her face fading slightly as her expression grew determined. "You are the type of person I could spend the rest of my life with Andrew. Though you barely know anything about me, so let's fix that!"
Her free hand held my own as she pressed ever closer, her breath growing hot as I stared into her grey eyes.
This didn't feel right. Even with Hector screaming at me to not go with her like I was in Interstellar. I couldn't understand his personal vendetta, but I didn't believe in love being like a hurricane.
Love was something you had to grow with collective passion and trust. This was too fast. It just didn't feel right. Nonetheless I did owe Syr, so I stood up, her arms falling off of me in concern as I did so.
"I'm going into the Dungeon fairly soon. Is it alright if you wait until I get back? So you have time to think over if this is all you want."
"I would wait forever."
. . . What? I paused, old memories being dredged up as they started to weave back into my mind. Then I laughed. She reminded me of someone I knew from what feels like forever ago.
"Well, I won't keep you waiting that long! I'll see you when I get back Syr!" I gave her a smile as I waved to her over my shoulder as I made my way down the street.
"You better have an awesome story to tell!" She called out to me as I paced away, and I had the perfect response!
"I'm sure something will happen! I promise!" I was certain of it! In the Dungeon cool stuff happened every time I went in! This time even felt extra special because we were bringing in our dear friend Welf!
Making my way over to Welf, I started to jog, my speed picking up and the feeling of the cobble beneath my feet sending pulses up my leg with each step.
Every time I interacted with Syr I felt weird. It was a really odd experience that I couldn't fully parse. My instincts told me she was dangerous, and my Persona did as well. Though isn't a Persona just another aspect of yourself? So all of my instincts are being weird?
This whole thing is really confusing! But I had a great distraction as I continued to accelerate, shifting my focus away from Syr and how she made me feel and instead to how running made me feel!
Running is great! I arrived in no time at all as I walked up to the front of Welf's smithy and prepared to knock on the door, only to stop myself moments before doing so.
What if Welf hadn't gotten here yet? I paused, bringing the extended hand to my chin and furrowing my brows.
Then I froze. A sound had come from inside the smithy! Praise be to my glorious senses! They may have just found a thief!
That simply wouldn't do. I had to show this thief justice for daring to steal from my friend!
I rolled my shoulder, and grabbed my fist. I think I need to teach this trouble maker a lesson!
The door in front of me cracked open as I slowly extended my hand to grab the thief by the shoulder. I'd prefer to end this without punching them in the face, but that's option three on my current plan!
My hand settled on the individual's shoulder, their slightly sleepy expression stared back at me, our head height similar, and the man's hair red.
I slowly pulled my hand back in embarrassment.
"G-good morning Welf! You aren't who I expected to see!"
His face contorted into confusion as he leaned back slightly, his arms crossing over his chest.
"Who else would you possibly expect to see?"
My face deadpanned as I stared straight into his soul!
"I have no idea."
His expression fell flat, before he shrugged and pushed the door all the way open, and gestured with a motion of his head for me to come in.
"It's too early for this nonsense. Come inside, I'll grab you some water if you need any."
"Oh, thanks Welf! So how's the progress on Heir?"
"It's damn good, that's for sure." He smiled as he turned towards the mostly pristine weapon resting against the wall across the room.
Its silver sheen shined as the sun rose and cracked through the window. Though I also spotted a clear liquid on it?
He blushed as he scrambled across the room and pulled out a towel and wiped it off.
"Sorry about that, I passed out while putting on the finishing touches last night."
He must have been working really hard to finish it. He even ended up drooling on the sword. My expression turned firm as slowly met his eyes. His face was nervous, but the nervousness became confused as tears leaked from my eyes!
"WELF!" My shout snapped him awake, his hand nearly diving for the weapon before he stopped himself despite his slight panic. "YOU TRULY ARE AN AWESOME BLACKSMITH AND AN AWESOMER FRIEND!"
I held my clenched fists in the air, Welf was awesome! The red head in question blushed under my praise and gave a nod.
"Well alright, I can appreciate the praise." He leaned down slightly and carefully held up the weapon before freezing. "Sorry, I almost forgot."
He moved, opening a leather bag and pouring the water from within into two small metal cups before handing me one of them.
Taking a swig of the warm liquid I couldn't help but sigh with a small bit of pleasure. Cold water was better, but water after a run will always be something I look forward too.
"Thanks Welf, but you don't have to be sorry or anything. I just got a bit excited is all."
"You tend to get a bit excited more often than not."
I snorted and smiled, he returned the gesture with a small laugh.
"It's true! I just can't help it! So many awesome things happening all the time, so many cool people, what's there not to be excited about in Orario?"
His eyes narrowed just barely, quizzically, and slightly in concern as he pulled up a couple chairs to a table which I happily took a seat at.
"Say Andrew, where are you even from?"
My eyes glazed over for a moment. I was from a lot of places. The United States, where I'd lived most of my young life. China, where I'd lived for most of my training, and the countless other places and cultures around a globe I wasn't certain if I could return to flicked in my mind before I settled on an answer.
"Well, I traveled around a lot, but I'd say my home was where my Master taught me how to use a sword." I felt linked to the sword, I took it with me everywhere, and I always felt at least slightly comfortable as long as I held it.
So shouldn't home be what birthed that sword then?
Welf gave a light hum, my answer didn't seem to satisfy his curiosity too much, but he also chose not to press the issue as he slid Heir my direction. I gulped as I eyed up the weapon.
"I'm from Rakia-"
"Welf, this is beautiful work-"
We both spoke at the same time, but I smiled at him and gave a brewed apology before gesturing for him to continue.
"It's nothing, this sword is more important."
My eyes narrowed. I would tolerate that answer! Leaning in, I nearly glared at the poor man.
"Nothing is more important to me right now than hearing what my dear companion Welf has to say!"
Rank 6: Quenched by Flame - Awakens a special magic within the Tower Arcana
"Damn Andrew, you really are a weirdo."
I could only tilt my head in confusion. I knew I was a weirdo, but at the same time how was wanting to know what our dear blacksmith Welf had to say, weird!?
I crossed my arms and shook my head.
"You matter to me. So come on, tell me all about-"
Then my stomach growled, my face turning redder than the man's hair and he barked out a laugh.
"Tell you all about my favorite food? Alright-" Talking about food was a fatal mistake, as his stomach growled as well! He let out an embarrassed groan before continuing. "I haven't eaten in the last day, why don't we settle this over breakfast?"
Welf . . . you truly are one of my people!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone! Thanks' for reading my content and enjoying everything I do. I love writing, but I didn't just come here to yap. I come bearing gifts this year to all my faithful readers. I'm giving out free memberships to my Patreon, where you can read four chapters ahead!
Go ahead and click the following link, but be swift! Only 25 spots are available, so claim them while you can!
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AN: Welf and Andrew meet up for sword plans, only to make breakfast plans instead! Truly the power of not eating is too strong! They bond a bit this chapter, and the ever "nefarious" Syr is up to no good! Well, she is exactly up to bad either?
Syr makes Andrew feel weird. Syr is weird!
I stabbed my fork into the sausage before tossing it into my mouth. Welf had a good taste in food that I couldn't deny! Chewing on it I couldn't help but relate it to a recent meal of sushi I had.
Both of these meals . . . Are perfect in their own way! I just can't decide which one I like more!
Well, it would make sense that I can eat a whole lot then! Thank you my stomach, we are truly both blessed by the Sun Goddess today!
Gulping down the bread roll that quickly followed the savory delight, I asked Welf to continue with what he was talking about. I didn't really get it, but he seemed to be a big nerd about it so I didn't dare interrupt!
As a fellow nerd, it was my sworn duty to allow my friend to continue his rant! Though our passions were related, they weren't exactly the same. I loved using swords, and he loved making them!
I kept eating as he continued, what can I say, I'm hungry!
"-and that's why it's better to make a custom hilt for a weapon to help balance out the amount of weight you use for the blade rather than make mass produced junk that's generally useful, but overall unreliable for different wielders." He let out a small breath as he picked up and started taking a drink of his water. His meal was finished, but only I had gotten around to ordering thirds!
It's a bit hard to eat and talk at the same time after all, and Welf certainly did a lot of talking! I sort of feel like I learned something today, even if I have no idea how to use this knowledge.
Setting down my own empty glass I gently patted my stomach.
"That was great Welf! Are you going to be getting thirds too?"
He casually waved me off with a smile.
"I don't want to overstuff, seconds is enough for me. We can always swing by tomorrow with the rest of our party if we'd like too."
I couldn't help but nod. While Belle struck me as the type who preferred more expensive cuisine, I'm certain my adorable companion would at least give the humble Fox & Boar a try!
It was run by a super cute couple of a fox woman, and a boar woman- gah. Why am I picturing Belle and myself like that!? Get your mind out of the gutter Andrew! Even if did start dating Belle, public handholding would be way too soon!
No, I must stay focused for now! First, dungeon dive! Then I can worry about this!
It's still interesting to see the different species of people around though. I don't really know the actual names, but I've seen people with animal traits, and just straight up elves and dwarves!
This world really is awesome!
Maybe I should take some time to learn more about it once I leave the Dungeon. Though I've got to spend time with Syr first!
"Speaking of the rest of our party, we still need to pick up Belle. Hestia and Belle are probably wondering where I disappeared too. I'm normally back by now."
I wish I could just text them where I was! Maybe this world isn't as awesome as I thought.
"Alright then, we can do that and then finish up our final prep for our first dive as a team."
Alright, scratch everything! This world is super awesome! I nodded in response to Welf, and he awkwardly looked to the side before giving a small sigh, and a smile.
"Thank you for partying with me."
"Of course! Honestly I'm glad you're coming with us, it never hurts to have an experienced blacksmith on hand." I gave the redhead a smile, Welf was a good guy.
Wait a second, I should just say that to him!
"Welf." I leaned in, over the table slightly as I stared into his soul! He moved back slightly, his body tensing up. "You're awesome!" I held a fist to the sky! Fork in hand, meal consumed, friend reminded he's awesome!
All three tasks complete!
He flashed a grin as he stood up and cracked his neck.
"Alright then, let's get going." He reached down to pull up his weapon, but his eyes widened as he looked over my shoulder. "Hey isn't that-"
"Found you." I raised an eyebrow and turned around, a menacing rabbit was standing over me!
"Hi Belle!" Turning back to Welf I flashed him a thumbs up. "Looks like she can eat with us here before we head out!"
Welf slowly nodded, only to look more confused as he stared at Belle.
"How did you even find us?"
Welf, that doesn't matter! What matters is that she's here now!
"I followed his scent." Her tone was deadpan, as she looked up at Welf's taken aback expression.
"That's amazing Belle, you have a good nose." I couldn't help but nod my head, from what I understand of humans, it was fairly hard to track with smell. She must be a really impressive tracker to be able to do that! The more I learn about her, the cooler she becomes!
Or maybe it's because of her increased stats? Either way, it's still pretty cool! Either way, she puffed out her chest from the praise.
"That's . . ." Welf decided to stop speaking after saying that, and instead engage with a staring contest with Belle which he swiftly lost. He coughed a moment later as I handed Belle the last buttery bread roll on my plate.
Which she swiftly devoured like a ravenous beast!
"We should prepare some food before we get in. If we plan to be in there for a while, food will be critical."
Welf reached into his bag and pulled out small wrappings of cloth with something hard inside, presenting them to the group. Could it be what I think it is?
"This is hardtack, it's not great, but it works."
I had to wipe away my drool for a moment. Welf had hardtack, and he didn't tell me! It wasn't as good as the meal I just ate, nor was it as good as sushi, but it's still quite good!
Turning to Belle with an excited expression, I froze. Her entire existence permeated gloom! I paused, thoughtfully analyzing her behavior, before remembering a critical detail. Don't most people not enjoy hardtack? I patted Belle on the shoulder with a faint sigh.
"Do we have any other rations that won't spoil easily? I don't know if Belle wants to eat the biscuits." I'd posed the question to Welf, but Belle shook her head before turning to me with her own answer.
"No, it's fine. That sort of thing is fairly expensive."
Tears threatened to break free from my eyes. Eating something you don't like . . . Belle truly is brave!
"Money is just a number compared to your comfort Belle! After this delve, we'll get super expensive food!"
"We should head into the Dungeon as soon as possible."
That seemed to give her a bit more of a pick me up, now with our group finally convened, we decided that now was the time to head to the Dungeon!
Moving through Orario was relatively easy, the roads easily guiding our way to the passive tower at the center, as well as what lay beneath.
The Dungeon wouldn't be so easy to navigate, but I was certain the three of us would be fine.
"So, do we actually have a proper plan? Or are we just going to be stuck on the first floor?" Welf spoke up, and I couldn't help but consider his words.
We didn't exactly have a plan, but we also sort of did?
"We can just continue at our own pace, if we feel comfortable going to the next floor, we should!"
We continued talking as we made our way down the gigantic stairs, the memory of meeting Welf upon them was still fairly fresh in my mind and I couldn't help but smile as we descended. It's good to be surrounded by friends.
We made our way down and into the first floor, its blue hue reflecting slightly off the walls as adventurers came and went. The side tunnels splitting off the path practically called out to me, we couldn't fight monsters with all these people in the way!
"Alright team, let's continue!"
As we entered the side path I sucked into a breath as the walls cracked.
This was it! This was our moment! My best friend's sword held in hand almost seemed to quiver with anticipation. Goblins, eight of them, clawed from the Dungeon walls and flopped down onto the ground before turning to us. At the same time Belle moved, her speed surprising even myself for a moment as she danced between the different goblins until nothing but headless corpses remained. I was certainly still faster, but at Belle's rate of growth, she'd catch up in no time!
"Good job Belle!" I patted her on the shoulder, her hands and arms covered in blood as she gave me a small smile. We turned to continue moving, but I couldn't hear Welf following us!
Turning around I stared at the red head who was glaring at the magic stones and three goblin fangs on the ground in shock.
"What?" He kneeled down after a moment, staring at the monster drops in sheer bafflement to the point of repeating himself. "What?"
I frowned faintly at him, but he didn't seem to notice. What had our dear companion confused? Could it be that he didn't know how to split up the drops? I shook my head slightly in amusement. I was similar long ago, but then I learned about division!
Picking up one of the fangs I passed it to Welf, who still seemed to be a bit dazed. Then I tossed one to Belle, and pocketed the last one.
"Alright, let's keep going. We're wasting precious time just standing around." Patting him on the shoulder was an easy task, but I couldn't help but feel a rabbit staring at my back as I did so.
I continued down the hall, but it took Welf a strange amount of time to catch up. A whole five seconds!
"Are we just not going to talk about what just happened?" He seemed a bit desperate, but I could only tilt my head.
"Talk about what?" We killed some Goblins, got some drops. That's how it works! His lips twitched before he let out a small breath and nodded.
"Alright, I get it. Just let miracles be miracles. Don't question them I guess."
Our descent into the second floor was mostly uneventful, two more Kobolds tried to jump us, but I think the Dungeon realized at a certain point it was just feeding us free stuff!
Then we got to the second floor. It took me about half a second to realize things were off, before laughing slightly. Silly Dungeon, do you seriously think that will work twice? I've already faced invisible foes before!
Belle didn't seem to immediately clock the Dungeon Chameleon skulking towards us, but I couldn't have that. Pointing my sword right at the beast I smiled towards my companion.
"Belle, I've killed one of these before. Now it's your turn!"
Isabelle Cranel POV
A Dungeon Chameleon. Invisibility, a crushingly powerful bite, and everything else that made Dungeon Lizard's dangerous. I shifted my mask from Luck to Sense. The Developmental ability warped, along with my soul. The mask I wore became something else entirely as I locked eyes with the beast now revealed to me.
I am curious however. How must a Dungeon Chameleon experience its own powers used against itself?
I whispered under my breath as I locked eyes with my lover. He was a pure soul, so pure that he could dye my black heart the colors it once was. Whether the feelings he felt for me were romantic, or familial. He was still my lover. Nonetheless, I was certain of which he would end up selecting.
That much was obviously true.
The whisper of words confounding from my mouth manifested in reality.
This was my Silence. That which was inherited from my Aunt.
"Σιωπή"
For a moment the lizard froze, confused. The drain of magic upon me was an interesting experience, but one I took in stride. Welf, the foolish man, began to awkwardly ask my lover questions of what he could be referring too.
Didn't he know that he was in the presence of a Hero? You shouldn't ask questions. Simply accept.
The Lizard turned its gaze over to the redhead, perhaps sensing that he was our weakest link despite his stats being the highest in our party. Or maybe it was the terror of the encroaching beast that I knew Andrew could reveal if need be.
Either way, it seemed to have forgotten about me for the moment. Did Invisible Face do more than just suppress physical presence? But Mental Presence as well? For a moment my heart clamored, would Andrew forget me- No. He was staring right at me in fact. I blushed faintly as he gave me a thumbs up.
"You've got this Belle- Sorry Welf what were you saying?"
I channelled Argonaut into my weapon as the Chameleon stalked towards the pair. Perhaps if Welf became afraid of the Dungeon, he wouldn't wish to be in here anymore and I could continue my date?
That would be excellent. Ideal even!
I continued to channel power into my blade, the stalker became the stalked as it continued. I sucked in a small breath of air as the drain on my mana grew more intense, perhaps I would need to finish this sooner than I thought.
No. I needed to do this right.
In the name of Love.
A claw began to descend, but Andrew didn't flinch. He had complete faith in me. And while a small part of myself was willing to get Welf injured to stay out of my way, I didn't want him to die.
Andrew would be sad after all.
My vision turned grey for a moment as time began to feel as though it slowed down, my form moving like a wraith as I took a step. Then, with a rotation of my entire body strength I tore out its throat.
Blood cascading on the ground as it uselessly clawed at nothing, my spell broke, I reappeared in the eyes of Welf who took a step back in shock for multiple reasons. The glassy eye of the Dungeon Chameleon stared up at me as it returned from its invisibility, hate in its eyes.
I was like that once. Full of hate. But I get it now. Love is far stronger than hate. After all, if hate truly did have the ability to give such immense power, then how could someone like Andrew exist?
Suddenly I found myself in a hug.
"Great work Belle! I knew you could do it! That was super cool timing as well!"
Welf turned back and forth, his eyes flickering between the massive dead body in front of him, a blood soaked Hero, and his lover in his arms.
I couldn't help but give the blacksmith a smile. This was a good moment.
Though for some reason, he gulped as though seeing something scary.
He just didn't understand cute things I suppose.
"Huh."
Welf awkwardly stood there with his mouth agape, the dead body of the Dungeon Chameleon rapidly disintegrating before our eyes and leaving behind its large magic stone. Unfortunately no drop this time, but I guess that was bound to happen. Drops were rare, even with increased drop rates!
Patting Welf on the shoulder I gave him a smile.
"Don't worry Welf, you'll be killing Dungeon Chameleons in no time flat! I have faith in you!"
"Huh." Staring down at the magic stone on the ground he was simply struck with awe at Belle's achievement! Belle seemed to take the opportunity to hug me tighter, causing me to blush at the act.
I hadn't forgotten our earlier conversation, and smiling up at me while her hands were covered in red like this was weirdly cute!? She looked like a rabbit that had found a big bucket of strawberry jam and ravenously torn into it, only to be super satisfied with herself after the feast!
"So let me get this straight, you haven't even been in the dungeon ten times and you've encountered two Dungeon Chameleons? And a Hunter?" Welf, my companion. My friend. My pal.
You have made a terrible mistake! I could feel Belle's arms tighten around me at the word 'Hunter' and it occurred to me at that moment that I didn't exactly inform her about that little detail being given to Welf!
"Yes!" Simply be confident! I gave a bright smile to my companions, and Belle gently pulled away with a sigh, muttering a small insult under her breath. I quickly wiped a tear from my eye as Belle whispered about me being an 'Idiot', truly this fate was worse than death!
If Rose found out I might even receive a beating worthy of making my Master have sympathy!
Letting out a small cough I picked up the stone and handed it to Belle. She definitely earned this one! After sliding the stone into her bag she closed it tight. There wasn't room for anything else after that giant rock!
Awkwardly turning towards Welf I gave him a casual grin while leaning on my blade.
"You can have the next one."
A bead of sweat fell down his face as he stared at me. He certainly was contemplating what I had said, but let out a defeated laugh instead of what I expected.
"I think I'm alright."
I couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder. Poor Welf thought he was stealing our thunder! Truly adventurers who've experienced the Dungeon before are strong!
"Don't worry, there's enough Chameleons for all of us to share!"
Belle took that moment to interrupt, gently tugging me in her direction, causing me to turn my head.
People were coming this way! I wondered for a moment if they'd seen the Chameleon, but they came around a corner so probably not. Unless they had a cool scouting skill I'd never heard about before.
That would be cool!
"Well, well, well." I instantly frowned as the front of the posse spoke up, six allies following close behind. That word said three times in that voice always leads to trouble! "The Crozzo runt actually is part of a damn party? Who woulda fuckin though?"
The group began to laugh, eying us up like we were fresh meat. Gently titling my head I couldn't help but wonder where Belle went? Did she go on a walk or something?
Well, I was certain she'd be back soon. Or maybe she just did that sneaky thing and I couldn't see her because I didn't watch her do it?
"-hey brat, I'm talking to you." The man's voice was gruff and tinged with anger as he moved towards Welf and I. I looked to the side at Welf who . . . Turned away?
Was Welf afraid of these jerks!? Were these jerks trying to scare my companion!?
"-I said I'm-" he was yelling at this point, and I noticed he was moving towards me, and not Welf.
"I heard you the first time, you don't need to yell in my face." I frowned. I didn't like this guy very much. He only scoffed in response.
"That Crozzo runt is bad news, you should dump him and surface before he lures you in with promises he won't keep." He was starting to get in my face now, a bead of saliva from his mouth landing on my chest armor as he continued.
"You'll be all buddy, buddy with this fucking asshole, and he won't make shit that's actually goddamn useful like he says! He's got a skill no one else has, but he won't use it! He's a damn coward is all he is!"
I took a deep breath, then spoke clearly, but also loud enough to silence them.
"I don't care." I awkwardly scratched the back of my head as I explained myself. "If Welf doesn't want to use a skill he has, I'm not going to make him."
"Hah? Then why in the hell would you party with him?"
I pat the man on the shoulder, even though he refused to meet my eyes. My smile was radiant as I answered their question.
"Well, he's my friend of course!"
For a moment it was quiet. Then the laughter came from their mouths like a tidal wave. I frowned at these goons, before I began muttering to Welf, and presumably Belle wherever she had scampered off too.
"Let's not waste anymore time on these clowns." Some people just didn't understand the power of friendship, no matter how many times you told them.
All they did was laugh at a bond they would never be capable of forming with another person.
In another situation I might try to explain myself a bit more, but Welf clearly wanted to leave.
I wasn't going to let my personal desires to help others become better people overwrite what my friend needed right now.
Selfless -> Angelic
I didn't really feel like an angel right now. I just wanted to help my friend. Shaking my head I began to walk away, but Welf didn't follow.
He just stood stock still. Guilt carved into his features as though it had been sitting upon his face for years.
"They're right." A hush had fallen over everyone present, the laughter even subsiding as he spoke. "What I've done. What I can do." He turned his head, gazing deep down into the abyss that was the Dungeon.
The pit seemed to swallow him whole in just one look. Welf didn't like this place, I could tell it was bringing up some really bad memories.
So why did he seem excited to explore this place with Belle and I?
"It should just be buried in this wretched place-"
I'd grabbed Welf hard. Pulling him towards me as I stared into his quivering eyes, my stern expression unflinching during the act. His hands quivered as an expression of rage began to overtake his mental spiral into despair. Being buried here? His journey shouldn't end like that.
"I don't know what you did. I don't know who you used to be. All I know is that right now my friend is saying some not so nice things about himself, and needs to stop!"
I didn't like grabbing him. I didn't like doing it at all. But if he wanted to die in this place, he'd have to go through a lot more discomfort than just that. Setting him back down I rested a hand on his shoulder, but he batted it away with a weak hand.
"You don't understand what I'm capable of, Andrew. You don't understand at all." His voice was shaking, almost like he was begging for me to just have mercy on him, and let this all end with him ceasing to be.
I'd never just let that happen.
"Welf. You're right." I took a breath as I continued. "I don't know what you're capable of, but honestly it doesn't matter what you can do or have done. Whatever it is, I know the Welf that stands before me wouldn't let the person you used to be do whatever bad stuff you are talking about."
He bit his lip as his eyes met mine again, and I couldn't help but smile and put my hands on my hips.
"Your death in this Dungeon won't fix a thing Welf. The only people who can make things better are those who are still alive."
Rank 7: Forged in Wildfire - Equipment will have increased quality after being forged by the Tower Arcana
I didn't really catch what one of the people from the other group had said while I was mid monologue. It was honestly sort of surprising, I normally have great hearing after all.
I was so focused on being there for my friend, that whatever insult they had said was instantly silenced in comparison!
"Hey." Turning back to Welf as he spoke, who was leaking tears from his eyes I couldn't help but give my bro a hug. His breath hitched for a moment at the closeness, and I pulled away a moment later. However he pulled back in, and returned the favor.
He wiped away his tears and let out a breath.
"After we finish this dive, I'll tell you a bit more about my past. You deserve to know, and then you can decide whether you'd rather find a different smith or not."
I gave the man a smile and a thumbs up. I already had my answer. I softly pulled away from him, and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.
"Sounds fun! I'll do the same!"
His lip twitched, then he let out a small chuckle, then he exploded into full born laughter.
"You- I don't know what I expected you of all people to say." He patted me on the shoulder as he turned around towards the group of fellows before freezing. His teary expression had gone from downtrodden, joyful, exasperated, and now just plain confused.
"You can count on it." I followed his gaze and froze as well.
Where did they go?
I felt a tap on my shoulder as Belle appeared next to me, a small smile on her face and her hands holding her blade behind her back.
"They left, let's keep going."
Belle really was reliable. I'm fairly certain she scared them off! She can be quite fierce after all!
"Awesome! Let's keep going then, I have a great feeling about our adventure today!"
Welf hefted his blade over his shoulder, side eyeing Belle for a moment before letting out a huff that morphed into a small smile.
"Thanks." We continued onto the next floor with little resistance, the relatively easy descent to the third floor had me a bit confused, but nonetheless I was excited! This was my first time on the third floor!
Now, according to Rose, this place wasn't too much different from the second, but I had a feeling a new adventure was upon us!
After a while of walking around though, I'm not going to lie, I did get a bit bored?
If monsters didn't show up anymore, I might just have to ask Welf about his past before we even left the Dungeon!
"Where did all the monsters go?"
Welf had frowned at my question, a small sadness lurking in his eyes. It's not like this would be our last time here together!
"Well, we can always come back tomorrow."
"You haven't even heard what I had to say, and you've already decided I'm sticking with you?" The red head had only gotten more confused as time went on. I think I needed to spell it out for him!
"Welf. You're my friend. There's no reason to act like this is goodbye."
His flat expression was my only response, deep contemplation rested behind his eyes as he considered what I said.
"Alright." There was agony in his words. Guilt mixed with regret, hatred twisted by pain.
"Welf-" I didn't want him to be like this for another moment, but as I spoke up, we all sensed the danger suddenly looming over us.
Perking up towards the direction it was coming from, moved not one monster, not ten, but hundreds.
"Oh! So that's where they were!" Gazing at the horde of lizards, goblins, and kobolds, I couldn't help but smile. Finally some action! Belle also chipped in with a bunch of words I didn't know the meaning of!
"It's not a Pass Parade, it's a Break Parade."
Welf's eyes widened at that, shock turning into the grin of a man staring at an opportunity.
"Don't those have increased drops?"
Increased drops you say? Rolling my shoulder slightly, I raised my best friend sword while staring at the incoming tide.
"All right everyone. It looks like we're about to get paid!"
Belle disappeared into the fray, Welf started casting some kind of fire magic, and I charged forth.
I wanted to feel what I'd felt before! That rush when facing off against the hunter! It's like my soul had ignited!
Slash scars, piercing knives, burn scars, and cracked bones littered the battlefield as we rampaged.
Fighting multiple foes at once was always a bit difficult, but with our newly enhanced stats we were doing great!
Then I heard the sound of an arrow. A spear. A hammer. Other weapons began to join in as other people started to join our little group of monster hunters!
Luckily I seemed to be the focus, so none of them got hurt too bad! I wouldn't want any passerby who stepped in with good will in their hearts to get hurt!
After thirty minutes of shedding blood, I reconvened with our party, and they looked a little bit drained.
At least the sea of drops was enticing! Even the twenty or so people who'd gathered around were in shock.
"By the Gods, I've never seen this many drops in one place before!"
"This isn't normal. Even for a break parade."
"Maybe it's something to do with it being on the third floor? Break Parades up this high are unheard of."
Then one of them asked a burning question I hadn't even asked myself yet.
"So how are we splitting all of this up?"
Immediately the atmosphere became tense. Though it's not like my party could even carry the drops out. Our bags were full of other things at this point.
Gazing over the crowd I saw different groups forming, each with a person with a big back pack, pouch, or other container held closely.
That would be really confident if I had one of those!
I'd locked eyes with one of them for a moment, a shorter girl with a big backpack, and I could practically see the dollar signs in her eyes as she stared over the pile of loot.
"Alright. Belle, Welf, let's just go."
Welf was taken aback, though Belle didn't seem to question it.
"And just leave all these drops for people who barely even did half the work the two of you did?"
"Don't count yourself out of that either Welf, but yes. We don't really need all that extra anyways. We can come back tomorrow and just do the same thing again!"
Unfortunately he wasn't convinced!
"Even if we do stick together, this amount of drops is unheard of, we should at least try and grab some and sell them before the market is flooded and their price drops. Break Parades never happen this high, this is basically our only chance to make some extra money like this."
He was being pragmatic, but he was also talking as fast as he could. Despite that, I could understand him, but that's just not how I liked to do things.
It just wasn't my Shounen Way.
"That's ok Welf, I'm sure we'll make it back in no time at all! We can always just keep going deeper anyways. Adventures may need funds, but look at everyone over there."
His gaze slowly turned to the group, his expression not seeing what I'd exactly meant as they argued over the drops.
"To them, it's a once in a lifetime chance, but to us?" I looked at Belle, her frame brimming with confidence as I stared at her. She was my fellow hero in training, we might not be there yet, but we were getting there fast!
I'd looked at Welf, he had potential, even if he didn't see it. His smithing had far exceeded what I'd seen in my home dimension, and I knew that was just barely scratching the surface of what he'd be able to do once he believed in himself.
"Jeez, don't stare at me like that." He faintly blushed and heel turned before letting out a small series of noises that I could only assume that he meant he agreed with me!
"Welf. This isn't a once in a lifetime chance for us. This could be any day of the week we feel like."
He'd frozen. A bead of sweat rolling down his arm and gently hitting the Dungeon floor as time seemed to freeze along with his body. Seemingly not able to hold back his past from both Belle and I any more, he began to speak as he refused to meet my gaze.
"4,209."
I blinked.
"What?"
"That's the number of people I killed with my magic weapons." He let out a weak cough, like the mere number was a blight upon his soul. "At least that I'm aware of. It could be upwards of three times that."
Gently taking a seat next to him, I put a hand on his shoulder. Belle had tensed up a little bit, but she joined me at Welf's side.
"Why don't you start from the beginning, Welf." My eyes were already starting to leak. Whatever had driven him to kill so many, it must have been something truly horrible.
"My name is Welf Crozzo, as I'm sure you're aware. The Crozzo family was something I was once part of. Hailed as a genius by others for my ability to create magic weapons."
His hands shook as he stared at the dungeon floor, a small puddle starting to form as he stared back at his own tear stained face.
"It felt amazing. To create something no one else could. To do something no one else could do." His expression grew angry as he slammed a hand into the puddle beneath him, the salty water scattered across the cold dungeon floor as he rose upwards and glared back down at me.
He wasn't glaring at me I realized, but instead the mirror of himself captured in my eyes.
"Then I was brought to see the fruits of my labor."
He let out a see depreciating laugh.
"It's almost funny how stupid I was. It was me. It was all me." He turned back to our pairing, despair in voice as he continued. "Everything I made, every spear, every arrow, every drop of my power was used to burn and slaughter all those that would oppose the warmongers of my home nation."
"Welf that wasn't your fault-"
"YES, YES IT WAS!" He'd screamed it, as though trying desperately to reaffirm his previous beliefs. Welf was about my age. He was just a teenager like myself. When he'd been through all of this, he was probably a lot younger.
His voice had seemed to draw the attention of some onlookers, but they quickly ignored us in favor of picking apart the loot.
"Once finding all of that out, do you know what I did?" He didn't give me the chance to answer. "I ran. I didn't do a thing to help anyone I'd hurt. All I did was flee."
He was inches away from me now, the fire in his eyes burning away at his own soul as he continued.
"I'm a coward. I'm a monster."
I wasn't sure how to reach him. I'd tried telling him he could be better earlier, I'd tried telling him that it wasn't his fault, but nothing seemed to work!
Then it hit me.
"No Welf. You were weak."
He took a step backwards, quite literally taken aback by what I'd said. I understood. I knew exactly how it felt to be called weak.
"You don't do anything because you couldn't, not because you didn't want to. You're a smart guy, a lot smarter than me, and if I was in your situation, I'd have probably ended up dead." His eyes widened but he wasn't fully convinced yet.
"That doesn't change the fact that I-"
"Those warmongers you speak of would have done the same thing anyways. Even if that weren't the case, you find yourself on a diverging path Welf." I gave him a hug, what else could I do to comfort the man about the following words I would give him?
"You can either give up here, ending your story with nothing but ruin, or you can do your best to make things right by standing up against those horrible people who misled and used you."
Rank 8: An Inferno of Regret - Dramatically increases resistance against the effects of magic weapons
". . . Try telling that to the burned bodies. I'll never be strong enough to make things better either way." His voice was weak. He'd lived like this for so long a single Shounen speech couldn't break him out alone.
No, he needed something far stronger.
"Group hug!" I held the man tightly as I smiled, Belle hesitated but using my patented 'pleading stare' she caved and joined us!
"Welf, to Andrew even the worst person could change, and trust me, you aren't even close to the top of that list."
That was such a Shounen line from Belle! She was awakening to 110% of her potential!
"Welf, Belle and I, two Fools stand before you today, the word 'never' isn't ever going to be on the table!"
Belle pulled away, instead choosing to go around Welf and lean into my side. The group hug was strong, but it looked like it was time for it to end.
However Belle said something I hadn't fully anticipated!
"Welf. You're part of our party. That isn't going to change because you did something stupid before."
Rank 9: Blood, Fire, and Steel - Equipment properties will have increased effect after being forged by the Tower Arcana
"Jeez Rabbit Girl, you really have a way with words." His tone was dry to her acceptance speech, but the rabbit did not give up so easily!
"What did you just call me whelp?" Her tone was frigid, the young mistress once sealed away had awakened.
He only smiled as I blushed at the name.
"I think it's a cute title." Crap. Did I also have a crush on Belle!?
"W-well then I suppose, I can allow it just this once."
Welf didn't let up though, sneaking in a few more jabs as we made our way back to the surface. Our party was drained, and quite dirty from sitting on the ground and fighting monsters!
"Whipped."
"You best stop speaking lest you lose the ability too."
Their banter was amazing! Perhaps- could it be? Was Welf, Belle's Shounen rival!?