Miach Familia Premise Chapter 2 (Patreon)

Hello friends and fans, Kairomaru is bringing you a new chapter! Bell has acquired a powerful new Skill and a new Spell too! With Bell’s jack of all trades mindset desire to be a Hero, and his promise to Miach and Naaza, just how far will Bell go? Things are certainly going to change as Bell has already made quite the impression on the Loki Familia of all groups. Not to mention a certain secretive Best Elf too.

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Chapter 2 – Jack of All Trades Mage

Bell stood outside of the Blue Pharmacy within the courtyard made by the four larger buildings surrounding the smaller building. Behind him stood Miach and Naaza, both wanting to see Bell’s new spell in action.

“Whenever you’re ready, Bell.” Miach smiled at Bell.

Naaza gave Bell an encouraging look. “Start small.” She said with a little grin.

“Right.” Bell nodded back and held out his hand. “Burn brightly. Lasair.” A cloud of flames erupted from Bell’s palm and through the air for a brief instant before disappearing. “Wow…”

Naaza clapped a little for Bell’s first use of his new Fire Magic. “Good job, Bell.”

“That was just a small amount of Mind, correct?” Miach asked Bell while walking towards him.

“Yes, Lord Miach.” Bell said with a nod as he looked at his hands. “I think I can make it much larger, if I try.”

“Hmm…” Miach held his chin with his right hand as he pondered on the information. “A new staff… A Mage’s staff…would improve the power of your casting and help make it more efficient.”

Naaza agreed with a smile. “We have some extra money this month thanks to you, Bell. You should use it to get a Mage’s staff and some new armor.” She very much wanted Bell to be as well prepared as possible before he re-entered the Dungeon.

Bell knew that he did need a new staff and armor; but still felt a bit bad about taking money from the Familia while they were still so deeply in debt. “Is it really okay for me to buy an entire new kit?”

“Of course, you’ve earned us a large amount of extra money this month.” Miach said with a reassuring hand on Bell’s shoulder. “Besides, you can’t go into the Dungeon without weapons and armor.” He certainly wouldn’t allow Bell to do so if he had anything to say about it. Which he did.

“Any recommendations for a shop to buy a Mage staff from?” Bell asked Naaza and Miach curiously. His last staff and armor had just been the simple equipment sold by the Guild to newbies for a discount.

Miach looked at Naaza for a second. “We only ever had the one Healer that focused solely on Magic, but that was years ago. Do you remember where she got her staff?”

Naaza hummed thoughtfully for a moment. “I’m not sure she ever mentioned it, now that I’m trying to remember.” Her fluffy tail waved side to side as she tried to recall if the former member of their Familia had ever mentioned a specific shop. “The shop was somewhere close to Northwest Main Street, I think?” It was almost annoying that she couldn’t recall an actual name.

“I’ll head that way and ask around then.” Bell said with a smile. “Surely someone knows where a good Mage shop is in the area.”

Miach handed Bell a money pouch that was rather heavy and sent him off with a smile. Naaza gave Bell a quick hug and a warning to be careful before she let him go. Bell hugged Naaza back, enjoying the way that Naaza’s tail wagged behind her, before leaving the courtyard area and heading northward up the nearest street.

-Later-

“Excuse me,” Bell approached a small group of people that were sitting at a table outside of a small café. “Would any of you happen to know of a Mage shop around this area?”

The human man sitting at the table shook his head. “I’ve never heard of one. But I’m not a Mage either, sorry.”

“I’m not familiar with all the shops in this area, sorry I can’t help more.” One of the two women, a Werewolf, apologized with a little smile.

“I don’t think I’ve heard of one around here.” The other woman, a Raccoon, looked like she was trying to recall if she’d ever heard of such a shop.

Bell gave the three a polite bow. “Thank you for your time. I’ll keep looking.” He walked away, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs that might indicate a Mage shop.

As Bell turned a corner and went down a different side street, still looking for any sign of a Mage shop, he noticed the position of the sun. It was still early, but he’d spent quite a while now looking for this supposed shop. Still, he continued on his way, looking this way and that for some sign that he was close. He walked almost halfway down the side street before someone called out to him unexpectedly.

“Mr. Cranel?” Lefiya’s soft voice was filled with curiosity.

Bell blinked and turned, seeing Lefiya and Riveria walking down the street from the opposite direction. “Miss Viridis, Miss Ljos Alf.” He greeted both Elves with a polite bow. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Mr. Cranel.” Riveria returned the greeting with elegance and grace that seemingly came as natural to her as breathing.

“Good morning.” Lefiya returned Bell’s bow with a short bow of her own.

Bell gave them both a small smile. “Pardon me, but would either of you know where a Mage shop around this area might be? I’ve been looking for a while now, but haven’t found it.”

Riveria and Lefiya looked at each other for a second before sharing a soft giggle together.

“I believe we’re heading for the same place, Mr. Cranel.” Riveria said as she motioned with her staff towards a short set of stairs that led downwards to a thick wooden door that was partially obstructed by ivy vines.

“Witch’s Secret House…” Bell read off the sign that was half-covered in ivy.

Lefiya nodded with a soft small. “This is the Mage shop that Lady Riveria and I frequent. I’m sure that this is the one you’ve been looking for, Mr. Cranel.”

“I see. Thank you for pointing it out.” Bell said with a sheepish grin. “I was about to walk right past it.” It was somewhat hidden and Bell wasn’t familiar with the area at all, so he could be forgiven for missing it. With a few quick steps, Bell descended the stairs and opened the door for Lefiya and Riveria politely.

“Thank you, Mr. Cranel.” Riveria graced him with a small smile for his politeness as she entered the shop. “Lenoa, we’re entering.” She called out into the shop as she stepped over the threshold.

“Thank you, Mr. Cranel.” Lefiya gave Bell a warm smile. ‘He’s quite the gentleman.’ She thought to herself at Bell’s politeness.

Bell nodded as he entered after the two Elves, his eyes following Lefiya’s flowing orange hair. “You’re welcome.”

An older woman sat behind the counter of the shop. She looked very similar to the witches from fairytales and storybooks for children. A black robe covered her body and a large pointed hat with a wide brim sat atop her head. She looked up from the book that she was reading to smile at her customers.

“Ah, Riveria, so you’ve come… What’s this? Brought the girl today?” Lenoa, the old witch, grinned as she looked at Lefiya.

“I-It has been a long time.” Lefiya greeted Lenoa properly.

Lenoa’s eyes then fell onto Bell. “Hmm? Have you two brought me a new customer as well?”

“Hello, ma’am.” Bell gave Lenoa a short bow. “My name is Bell Cranel.”

Riveria walked up to the counter before looking at Bell briefly, then returning her jade green gaze back to Lenoa. “We met Mr. Cranel after returning from our expedition. He has significant amounts of Mind based on the magical power that I sensed from him when he healed the entirety of our first group with a single spell.”

Lenoa’s eyes focused on Bell with intensity now. “You don’t say. Such power is exceptionally rare in a human Mage…especially one that is clearly so new to magic.”

Bell rubbed the back of his head with a lopsided smile. “I just wanted to thank the Loki Familia for their help in getting me back to the surface after I was attacked by a Minotaur.”

Riveria refocused the conversation as she held her staff out to Lenoa. “The expedition was rather harsh this time around. My staff requires maintenance.”

“Let’s see…” Lenoa carefully set her book aside and took the powerful staff into her hands. Her sharp eyes looked over the magical focus and widened noticeably as she got to the head of the staff. “My word…you’ve cracked four of the magic crystals. These are the special ones that only a Mage like myself can make too.” Lenoa eyed Riveria curiously. “Breaking four at once is unheard of…just what do you get up to on those expeditions?”

“I know the value of the magic crystals; they’re not being wasted.” Riveria said as Lenoa gently set the staff on the counter top. “Lefiya…” She looked at her apprentice pointedly.

“R-Right!” Lefiya stepped forward and presented her staff to Lenoa for inspection. “I don’t think it suffered any damage this time, but I’d like you to examine it.”

Lenoa took the shorter staff from Lefiya and began to look it over with a critical eye. “The Seiros doesn’t show any signs of damage…” The witch ran her wrinkled fingers along the length of the staff, slowly turning it over and over to try and find any cracks or nicks within the material. “And the Thousand Year Tree Sap crystal doesn’t appear to be cracked either.” Lenoa mumbled as she closely examined the gems atop the head of the staff. “Your staff is still in good condition, girl.” She handed Lefiya’s staff back.

Lefiya let out a little sigh of relief. “Thank you, ma’am.” She glanced over at Bell and got a smile from him which made her cheeks turn a little pink.

“How long will the replacement of the magic crystals take, Lenoa?” Riveria asked the old witch.

“Five or six days.” Lenoa said as she looked at the four cracked crystals in the head of Riveria’s staff. “I only have three of the special crystals on hand, and it will take that long to create a fourth.”

Riveria nodded in acceptance. “Very well, I’ll leave it to you.” She nodded to Lenoa as the witch took her staff into the back.

“I’m glad that your staff is undamaged, Miss Viridis.” Bell said with a small smile.

“Yes, I’m glad as well, Mr. Cranel.” Lefiya returned his smile with her own.

Lenoa returned to the counter and her gaze fell on Bell. “Now, the young man…” She grinned as Bell visibly straightened up and stepped up to the counter.

“I need a Mage’s staff that can be used in melee combat, ma’am.” Bell explained as concisely as he could, not knowing enough about staves to request anything beyond what he knew that he needed.

“I see,” Lenoa’s eyes ran over Bell appraisingly. “I did think you were a bit more…well-built…than most Mages.” She chuckled as Bell looked off to the side when she eyed up his muscled body that had been honed over many years of farmwork.

Unseen by Bell, Lefiya’s dark blue eyes gave him a once over as well, making the cute Elf blush as she realized what she was doing. Riveria, having seen Lefiya looking Bell over, barely managed to hold back a bright laugh at the clear attraction forming.

‘Perhaps these two will be good for each other?’ Riveria thought to herself with a tiny smile on her lips.

Lenoa walked back into the slightly darker area of her shop and the sound of something being opened was heard. The witch returned with three different staves under one arm and set all three on the counter for Bell to inspect. “These are good staves that I made myself, boy. They should also be within the price range of a Level 1 Adventurer.” She revealed that not only could she pick up on Bell’s newness to magic, but that he was still new to being an Adventurer as well.

Bell looked over the three staves, not knowing exactly what to look for in them. One was a brown wood with a white gem at the head, another a grey-ish white with a green gem, and the final one was black metal with a blue gem atop the head. “I’m not sure how to choose, honestly.” He admitted as he looked back at Lenoa.

“What kind of Magic do you use, boy?” Lenoa asked simply.

“I have a Healing and Cure spell and a Fire spell.” Bell answered without giving away too much.

Lenoa hummed for a moment before removing the black metal staff from the counter top. “Then this staff would not be the best choice for you. You need a staff that can balance between different types of magic.” She tapped the magic crystals of the remaining two staves. “A Mage’s staff increases not only the wielder’s magic power but their magic’s intensity as well. Magic crystals are the conduit.” She explained to Bell as she saw his eyes looking at the two magic crystals. “Mages like myself are the only ones that can make them, so they’re quite valuable.” It was an unsubtle way of telling Bell that no matter which staff he chose, he’d better have the money for it.

Bell looked between the two staves for a moment before lightly touching both of them, one with his right hand, the other with his left. “Gather the herbs to heal the body. Banish the evils of pain and sickness. Restore the body to wholeness, succeed where the father failed. Heal all who seek wellness.” Bell chanted the full incantation for his Healing and Cure spell while pouring Mind into both staves.

Lenoa took a step back in shock as magic power poured off of Bell in amounts that she’d normally only expect from an Elf with a high magic affinity. The two magic crystals atop the staves glowed brightly, the white one shing with the same light as Bell Leigheas spell.

Riveria’s jade green eyes examined Bell closely, once more curious as to how a human like Bell had such depth of Mind reserves without any training in magic. It was such a rarity to see in most other races, and yet Bell seemed to be just such a rare outlier.

Lefiya was looking at Bell with wide eyes as his magic power brushed past her, lightly moving her long orange hair in a slight breeze. While she could feel that she had vastly more magic power than Bell did, it was still a bit nostalgic to see a Level 1 that had Mind reserves capable of producing so much magical energy. ‘It reminds me of when I was a Level 1.’ Lefiya thought to herself with a fond little smile as she looked at Bell’s back. She didn’t have the confidence to say it, but there was a part of her that wanted to nurture Bell’s potential, just as Riveria had nurtured hers. ‘A bond between master and apprentice… Or more…’ Lefiya thought, only for her cheeks to burn red at her own mind and the brief daydream that had played out in her head.

Bell lessened the Mind he was pouring into both staves and picked up the simple-looking brown wood one with the white gem that was still glowing with his magic energy. “Leigheas.” He finished the spell, giving the magical power somewhere to go as the spell was completed. Lenoa, Riveria, and Lefiya were briefly covered in the light of Bell’s spell and any injury or pain disappeared instantly.

“My word…” Lenoa had clearly benefitted from Bell’s spell. The old woman rolling her shoulders a little and flexing her fingers. “Even the tiniest of pain or soreness is gone.”

“Your control is rather good for someone new to magic, Mr. Cranel.” Riveria gave Bell some praise. “It’s still a little rough, but experience and dedicated practice will remedy that.”

Bell accepted the praise from Riveria with a short bow and a smile. “Thank you very much, Miss Ljos Alf.” In his head he was rather thrilled that he’d gotten praise from the High Elf. When Nine Hells Riveria Ljos Alf, the greatest Mage in Orario, praised you on anything related to Magic, it was a big deal!

“It felt nice…” Lefiya murmured to herself, still enjoying the feeling of Bell’s spell. Realizing that Lenoa, Riveria, and Bell were looking at her, Lefiya blushed to the tips of her Elven ears and quickly looked off to the side. What she saw locked up in the display made her blue eyes widen in surprise. “I-Is that a Grimoire?!”

Riveria looked into the display, as did Bell, and both eyed the book inside. It was a tome bound in what appeared to be light grey leather. The cover was filled with script that Bell couldn’t read, but there was a five-pointed star near the center of the cover, and the book was held closed by a clasp on the upper right hand side.

“You don’t expect us to believe that you created it, Lenoa.” Riveria looked at the witch flatly.

“Hehehe… I’m not that powerful of a Mage.” Lenoa chuckled with a shake of her head. “I have an acquaintance in Altina who was gracious enough to share.” She saw Bell recoil in shock as soon as he saw the price of the Grimoire. “Hehe… I’ve got several regulars bidding on this one. Getting up there, don’t you think?”

Bell nodded as he stared at the newest bid, number nine if he counted the other papers attached to the glass case below the current one. The newest bid was a whopping 130,400,000 Valis! That amount would completely eliminate the Miach Familia’s debt in one go!

“It’s astronomical…” Lefiya breathed out at the price of a single Grimoire.

“Of course. One learns magic simply by reading it. It is a book that forces magic acquisition.” Lenoa said, explaining what a Grimoire was for the clearly clueless Bell. “Should its origin truly be from the Magic Kingdom of Altina, there’s a chance that it could grant another slot within the reader’s Falna as well. Though that’s assuming they have less than three slots to begin with…” She pointed at Riveria and Lefiya. “But it’s useless to outliers like you two that can cast more than three.” Lenoa gave Lefiya and Riveria a crooked grin. “Many in Altina have their eyes on you two.”

Lefiya held her staff close to herself while looking at Lenoa in surprise. “M-Me too?”

Lenoa chuckled darkly. “Come, young girl, have you forgotten that you possess the flashy Title ‘Thousand Elf’? Ehehe… Watch your back at night.”

Bell took a half-step between Lefiya and Lenoa, his rubellite eyes staring the old witch down until she relented and stopped pointing at Lefiya.

“Enough with pointless threats, Lenoa.” Riveria broke the tension easily with her dismissive tone. “Lefiya, do not take her seriously.”

“Y-Yes.” Lefiya stopped looking at Bell’s back and shoulders and turned her gaze to Riveria instead. She hadn’t expected Bell to get between her and Lenoa like that, as if he wanted to protect her… Lefiya shook her head once before another daydream could form in her mind.

“You’re no fun, Riveria.” Lenoa chuckled as she sat back down behind the counter. “Are you buying that staff, boy?” She pointed at the staff that was still in Bell’s hand.

Bell looked at the staff that he was holding and, to the surprise of the three Mages, began to spin it around in his hand. The experience handling a staff as a weapon clearly showed as Bell easily found the perfect balance point of the staff and let it spin around the back of his hand and into his palm in a flowing movement. He even switched hands without the staff’s spin slowing down as he performed the same maneuver with his left hand. A thud from the butt of the staff tapping the floor as the impromptu test ended snapped the three women out of their intense focus. “I’ll take it.” Bell nodded to Lenoa.

“400,000 Valis.” Lenoa gave Bell the price.

Bell flinched just slightly, but opened the money pouch that Miach had given him and started counting out the coins, stacking them up on the countertop in front of Lenoa. Once he reached 400,000 Valis, Bell stopped and closed the, much lighter, pouch and attached it to his hip again.

“Come again.” Lenoa smiled as she took one stack of coins after another and put them into her till.

Riveria led the way as she, Lefiya, and Bell left the Witch’s Secret House. Once the three of them were outside, Riveria and Lefiya turned to Bell.

“It was nice to see you again, Mr. Cranel.” Lefiya smiled at Bell.

“I’m glad that we got to meet today, Miss Viridis.” Bell said back with a smile.

Riveria managed not to grin at the two of them, seeing how Lefiya’s cheeks were a cute pink color. “We’ll be on our way, Mr. Cranel. There is much to be done after an expedition.”

Bell gave Riveria and Lefiya a short bow. “I hope you have a good day, Miss Ljos Alf, Miss Viridis.”

“You as well, Mr. Cranel.” Riveria said with a half-nod as she turned and walked away.

“I hope to see you again, Mr. Cranel.” Lefiya said with a cute smile.

“Come to the Blue Pharmacy in the late afternoon and I’ll usually be there, Miss Viridis.” Bell said with a warm laugh that made Lefiya feel a little flutter in her tummy. “I’d love to see you again.”

Lefiya’s pink cheeks quickly turned a dark red. “I-I…y-yes, of course.” She gave Bell a quick bow before practically rushing after Riveria. She couldn’t even stop her mind from conjuring up another daydream of Bell waiting for her at his Familia’s shop.

Once Riveria and Lefiya were out of sight, Bell headed back towards the Blue Pharmacy with his new staff. He couldn’t wait to practice his spells with a proper magical focus and see how different they would be in terms of power and control.

-Blue Pharmacy ~ Later-

Fwooosh

A cloud of flames burned through the air within the courtyard. Bell marveled at how much stronger his Lasair spell was with a Mage staff.

“I don’t have to supply as much Mind, and I still get an effect just as good, if not better, than when I used to cast without a focus.” Bell smiled at his new staff before spinning it around. “Burn brightly. Lasair.” He cast into his spinning staff.

Wooooosh

Waves of flames erupted from the spinning staff and flared out in a wide wave in front of Bell. They vanished shortly after being released, but they cleared a good six or seven meters in their short cast.

“Huh…” Bell hummed thoughtfully at seeing how different the spell reacted to his staff spinning. “I know Lasair is a simple spell that just conjures fire…but maybe that’s also a strength?” He pondered on how his new spell might react to other motions, and how it might be further affected by more or less Mind while moving.

“Bell,” Naaza called out to Bell from a safe distance.

Bell turned and smiled at Naaza. “Naaza, did you need something?”

Naaza shook her head, her cute dog ears flicking upwards slightly. “No, but you still do.” She said in her normal ‘sleepy’ tone.

“I do?” Bell tilted his head slightly as he tried to figure out what he needed.

“Armor, Bell.” Naaza said with a grin as she approached Bell with a little smile. “You still have enough money to get a full set of armor. You should take this time to get fully equipped.”

Bell considered the state of his light armor breastplate after the Minotaur attack. “That’s true. My armor is riddled with cracks now.” With a smile he held out his arm to Naaza. “Would you accompany me, Naaza?”

Naaza blinked at the offer but before she could say anything, someone else did.

“She’d love to, Bell.” Miach said from the doorway of the Blue Pharmacy, a laugh in his voice. “I can hold down the shop for the last couple of hours. You two go enjoy yourselves.”

“Thank you, Lord Miach!” Bell smiled at his God before turning to look at Naaza with a warm smile. “Would you like to go with me, Naaza?” He asked again.

“Yes.” Naaza looped her arm through Bell’s with a smile. The two exited the courtyard under the happy eyes of Miach.

Miach chuckled to himself once Naaza and Bell were out of sight. “They’re good for each other.” It brought his heart some relief that Naaza was beginning to open up more since Bell had joined the Familia.

-Neith’s Textiles-

The shop operated by the Neith Familia was famous for amazing clothing, but also for their cloth armor. Naaza and Bell had been looking around the large shop at various materials, styles, and the prices to see what they could afford with the money that Bell had left.

“Why did you choose cloth armor first, Naaza?” Bell asked curiously as he looked over a set of dark green and brown armor on one of the mannequins.

Naaza turned to look at Bell, setting down a black cloth that she’d been looking at. “Most Mages don’t wear much metal armor, Bell. They need to be quick on their feet to maintain distance normally, so extra weight is reduced as much as possible. Cloth armor is also a good backup for metal armor in case a Monster manages to get into melee range.”

Bell understood where Naaza was coming from now. “I see. So for me who fights in melee range and can now cast from afar…should I mix a bit of both?”

“It couldn’t hurt.” Naaza said as they walked a bit further into the store together. “We want you to be as safe as possible in the Dungeon, Bell.”

Bell stopped in front of a mannequin that was dressed in red cloth armor. A long-sleeved top with white cuffs and white hems on the bottom along with a white collar with a few buttons undone below the collar. The pants were a slightly darker red and tucked into black leather boots. There was a short cloak over the back that attached to the jacket and was a solid black on the inside while the outside was a matching red to the shirt, making them look like one garment. The mannequin also wore a red hat with a narrowed brim and a white feather on one side.

“Do you like that one, Bell?” Naaza asked as she looked at the red armor set.

“It’s kind of cool.” Bell admitted with a chuckle. “I’m not sure that I can pull off the hat though.”

Naaza imagined Bell wearing the armor on the mannequin and felt a little heat on her cheeks. “Well, you won’t know until you try it.” She smiled at him and called over one of the Neith Familia members that were working in the shop.

A short time later and Bell emerged from the dressing room in the red cloth armor.

“Huh, it feels pretty nice.” Bell said as he looked himself over in the full length mirror.

It had taken a little bit of time to find this particular style of cloth armor in Bell’s size, including the boots and the hat, but now that he was wearing it, Bell found himself liking the design.

“Not going to put on the hat, Bell?” Naaza teased lightly as she looked him over.

Bell let out a fake sigh as he put the red hat on and pulled the brim to right above his eyes so that it wouldn’t block his vision. “So…what do you think?” He asked after not hearing anything from Naaza for a moment.

Naaza blinked and swallowed once quickly before Bell noticed. “I think you look very good in that, Bell.” Her tail swayed behind her at the, rather dashing, figure that Bell cut in the cloth armor.

“Thank you, Naaza.” Bell smiled at her as he looked himself over in the armor again. “Maybe another breastplate just to be safe…some vambraces and greaves too?” He looked over the armor and the areas that could use a bit more protection.

“Uh huh…” Naaza agreed absently as she looked Bell over again. ‘Calm down… Get yourself together. Just because he looks very handsome in that armor doesn’t mean you have to be so…thirsty.’ She internally chastised herself, before swallowing once more.

Bell smiled at his reflection one last time. “I think I’ll take it.”

“Excellent choice, sir.” The Neith Familia member that had been assisting them smiled and led Bell and Naaza towards the front counter. The sale was rung up while the woman briefly went over the cloth armor’s resistances once more with Bell. “It’ll protect well against slashing and piercing attacks, but bludgeoning will still do quite a bit of damage. It’s also resistant to magic, up to a certain point, but it's best not to try and stand in the path of spells or magical attacks from Monsters regardless.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Bell smiled, not noticing how the woman’s cheeks turned a little pink when he did.

Naaza, however, did notice, and her purple eyes narrowed just slightly.

When the purchase was complete, the money pouch was practically empty, and Naaza quickly looped her arm through Bell’s as they left. Bell gave Naaza a warm smile as they left, not noticing Naaza’s fluffy tail swaying happily back and forth.

“That took a bit longer than I thought.” Bell looked up at the sky, seeing that the sun was just past the midway point. “Should we get some lunch while we’re out, Naaza?”

“I’d like that, Bell.” Naaza agreed as they walked arm-in-arm together down the street. Every time that she saw other women looking at Bell, most stealing brief glances at him, Naaza would feel a little annoyance. She kept her expression her normal ‘sleepy’ look, but she walked as close to Bell as she could without impeding their pace through the streets.

She did get a bit of satisfaction from the other women that muttered things like ‘Lucky’ and ‘Where do I find a man like that?’.

‘You won’t. Bell is one of a kind.’ Naaza thought to herself as she enjoyed her stroll through Orario with Bell.

The two stopped on West Main Street as a wonderful smell filled their noses.

“The Hostess of Fertility.” Naaza was somewhat familiar with the tavern, having been there a few times with Miach since it was somewhat close to the Blue Pharmacy. “Do you want to eat here, Bell?”

“Sure.” Bell agreed and the two walked into the tavern.

“Welcome…” The waitress that approached them greeted, only to trail off.

Bell blinked at the Elf that had saved him from the Minotaur.

The Elf woman blinked at him in return, clearly not having expected to see him again so soon.

“Bell?” Naaza spoke up as Bell and the waitress just stared at each other.

Bell smiled at the Elf and bowed properly. “Thank you again for saving me, Miss.”

Naaza’s eyes widened as she looked at the green-haired Elf waitress. Her stunned surprise only lasted a moment though before she bowed properly as well. “Thank you for saving Bell.”

The waitress felt her heart thump in her chest, the genuine gratitude from Naaza and Bell rousing the feelings that she’d shared with her comrades years ago. “You’re welcome. It was the right thing to do.” She bade them to stand up properly. “Two now seating.” She called over to the bar and quickly led Bell and Naaza to a free table near the stairs that led up to the second floor. “My name is Ryu and I’ll be your server today.” Ryu introduced herself as she slipped into her routine on the job. “May I start you off with drinks?”

“I’ll have some tea, Miss Ryu.” Bell said after a second to look at the menu.

“The same.” Naaza nodded to Ryu.

“I’ll return shortly.” Ryu gave them both a nod and hurried into the back.

Naaza followed Ryu with her eyes for a moment before looking back at Bell. “So, that’s the Elf that saved you from the Minotaur?”

Bell nodded once. “Yeah, I wouldn’t forget that face or her voice. I didn’t expect her to be a waitress at a tavern though.”

“Orario is full of all types of people, Bell.” Naaza smiled softly at him. “Everyone has a story; but it’s sometimes best not to ask about it.”

“Right.” Bell nodded after a second to think about that. He’d come to Orario after losing his grandpa, the last of his family. It was still a somewhat painful memory for him. Bell could imagine that others had similar, or perhaps even worse, experiences that had led them to the ‘Center of the World’.

-Kitchen-

“Hmm?” Anya, a cute brunette Cat Girl looked at her coworker and friend, Ryu. “Are you okay, Ryu? You seem a little flustered, nya.”

“I’m alright, Anya.” Ryu said as she poured tea for Naaza and Bell.

“Maybe she’s all flustered by that handsome man that just came in?” Lunoire, a pretty human girl, teased her friend and fellow waitress playfully.

Ryu looked at Lunoire stoically. “It’s not that.”

Syr, a cute human girl with gray-blue hair and matching eyes, giggled behind her hand as she looked between Ryu and the two people that had come into the Hostess. “He is quite handsome. But I think the Chienthrope woman that he’s with might be interested in him already.”

“Nya, I’m sure Ryu could wrangle him if she wanted to.” Chloe, a black-haired Cat Girl, laughed as she peeked out from the back at Bell and Naaza.

“I’m not looking for such a relationship.” Ryu said simply as she took the glasses of tea out to Naaza and Bell.

The other four waitresses all looked at each other for a moment before little grin appeared on their faces.

“If you lazy girls have time to gossip, you have time to work!” A large woman in a blue version of the waitress outfit shouted back into the kitchen at the women. She had brunette hair done up into a ponytail, a strong build, hinting at her Dwarven heritage despite her height, and her brown eyes were currently glaring at her waitresses. This was Mia Grand, known by most as Mama Mia, the owner of the Hostess of Fertility.

“Yes, Mama Mia!” Chloe, Lunoire, Anya, and Syr yelped as they quickly got back to work.

At Bell and Naaza’s table, Ryu set their drinks down. “Your tea.”

“Thank you, Miss Ryu.” Bell said as he took a sip from the tea before setting it back down.

“Thank you.” Naaza nodded to the Elf.

Ryu took out a pad of paper and a pencil. “Do you two know what you’d like for your meal?”

Bell and Naaza ordered and Ryu quickly headed back into the kitchen to relay the new order to the cooks. The meal was eaten with warm conversation between Naaza and Bell, while Ryu occasionally refilled their tea. When the bill was paid and the two headed for the door, Ryu followed them and thanked them for coming.

“Mr. Cranel…” Ryu spoke up just as Bell and Naaza walked out of the Hostess.

Bell turned to look at Ryu with a small smile. “Yes, Miss Ryu?”

“I’m glad that you made it back home safely.” Ryu said as she gave Bell the smallest smile along with a short bow.

“It was all thanks to you, Miss Ryu.” Bell smiled at her brightly. “You’re my new goal as an Adventurer. I really admire you.” He said honestly, speaking from the heart.

Naaza smiled at Bell’s genuineness and honesty. She looped her arm with his and even laid her head on his shoulder.

“N-Naaza…” Bell stumbled over her name as they began walking back towards the Blue Pharmacy. He didn’t make even the slightest effort to move Naaza though as a soft smile crossed his face.

Ryu was relieved that Bell didn’t look back, as she could feel her face burning with a blush as he heart thumped in her chest. ‘W-Why would he ad-admire me?! I’m his g-goal?’ Ryu had grown used to the lecherous come-ons from the half-drunk (or fully drunk) patrons at the Hostess over the years; but Bell’s words had practically shattered her normal stoic behavior and reached to her heart in an instant. ‘Calm down. It’s nice, and Orario could always use more good people in it, but we barely know each other.’ With her heart slowing down to it normal rhythm and her blush fading away, Ryu let out a slow breath before returning to work as she always did.

Neither she nor Bell knew just how close they’d begin to grow from here.

-End Chapter-

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Bell has a new staff, a Mage’s staff this time! His spells are about to reach a new level with a proper focus!

He also has that Red Mage drip! Woo! Gonna style all over the Dungeon and Orario!

More than a few ladies certainly seem to like what they see! Heh!

Naaza certainly does!

Happy little sleepy puppy has feelings for Bell! Too cute!

Bell meets Riveria and Lefiya on his quest to find a proper Mage shop. Lefiya is flustered and getting a bit daydreamy about Bell! Adorable little Bi-Elf Disaster!

Riveria certainly finds Lefiya’s obvious interest quite amusing!

Bell meets Ryu again! He certainly didn’t expect his savior to be a waitress! But now that he knows where she works, perhaps the two will run into each other a bit more often?

Oh no, Bell has that Red Mage Rizz! Hide the beautiful women, Orario!

Now that Bell is kitted out properly, just what kind of progress will he make in the Dungeon?

Keep reading to find out!

Let me know what you thought!

Until next time, later!