And the only reason it isn't equal to the Toonforce is because it takes time for the wielded of the spiral power time to evolve to that point.
So yeah, lesser divinities and forces, get pwnd.
-
Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
It Is Alright To Use Spiral Power In A Dungeon (TTGL X Danmachi)
- Thread starter LinkOnScepter
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy
So yeah, lesser divinities and forces, get pwnd.
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Hooray for loophole abuse!
We get it, Spiral Power, you can stop flexing!
Exp Boost is always a good skill.
You could say it... evolved.
Hmm, it seems that the Spiral Power acclimated to the Familia System, but is not always active.
- Location
- Earth, Sol System, Milky Way Galaxy
The Spiral Power bends and breaks space-time by just existing. So yep, a local Rabbit-like Boy pierces the Dungeon.
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Just started Volume 9. Oh boy, this is gonna be a heavy one.
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Chapter 5.1
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Along West Main Street was a certain cafe.
Within the second floor of this cafe, at a table next to a glass window looking out at the street below, sat a lone woman. She wore a navy blue cloak that hid the majority of her snowy-white skin. Yet every set of eyes in the cafe was locked onto her. None could catch but a glimpse of her true features, but they all stared slack jawed at the lone figure. Every movement made their breath hitch within their throats. Even simply tracing the surface of her table with a finger was enough to make all in attendance hold their tongues in anticipation.
The Goddess Of Beauty, Freya, paid them no heed.
She merely sat at her table as her silver eyes watched the children of Gekai below. Humans, dwarves, elves. A few adventurers here and there. Some animal people trying to sell their wares to anyone who walked by.
Freya thoroughly examined them all with her sharp eyes. Never once did the leave the window, even a waiter came by to take her order. She didn't even turn to look at the boy but he was immediately captivated by her beauty. Her request for tea was short and simple, and the waiter moved to fulfill it as soon as possible.
Freya kept her eyes on the street below.
And it's thanks to that, that she caught sight of them.
It was by complete chance. Her gaze just so happened to move to the other side of the street. In the fresh early morning sunlight, the eyes of the Goddess of beauty fell upon a white haired boy and a blue haired man.
And within that instant she fell in love with the white haired boy.
His soul sung to her. A pure, white light that burned with a fire that had to blaze. A soul completely untainted by the cruelties of the world. A young man filled with the innocence of a babe, but with the potential be be so much more. This flame...this will burning within him...it was like a soprano. One that captivated her the moment she heard it.
However, the soul that walked beside him it was somehow the same...yet different.
Where the boy's soul had captured her heart, this man's soul did something else. It confused her.
For one thing, it wasn't like anyone else's soul. It wasn't an orb with a distinct color that detailed the life experiences of its owner. Rather...it was...she wasn't sure. It was green in color but that was where similarities with other souls like it ended.
Because this soul...it was spinning.
That was the best way Freya could describe it. The young man's soul was spinning. Non-stop. Without any input whatsoever. It spun in place, the green light around it flowing with it. The force made the soul transform from just a color into...a...a drill?
Yes, that felt right. Freya didn't know why but calling that soul a drill felt right. And as she examined it further she found her confusion and curiosity growing by the second. For the soul was much like the boy's. Pure, radiant, full of potential. But in some places she could tell it was tempered. Like it had clashed with the realities of the world around it. But, rather than allow the flames within it to sputter and die, it continued to nurture them. To use them to fuel its fire.
A contradiction.
Yet it existed nonetheless.
As the two walked down West Main, Freya noticed something else. Something that, once she was aware of it, made her frown.
The green light of the young man's soul...some it had taken root within the white haired boy's soul.
Was gonna make this longer...but decided to post it now. I'm actually kind of happy with it.
Within the second floor of this cafe, at a table next to a glass window looking out at the street below, sat a lone woman. She wore a navy blue cloak that hid the majority of her snowy-white skin. Yet every set of eyes in the cafe was locked onto her. None could catch but a glimpse of her true features, but they all stared slack jawed at the lone figure. Every movement made their breath hitch within their throats. Even simply tracing the surface of her table with a finger was enough to make all in attendance hold their tongues in anticipation.
The Goddess Of Beauty, Freya, paid them no heed.
She merely sat at her table as her silver eyes watched the children of Gekai below. Humans, dwarves, elves. A few adventurers here and there. Some animal people trying to sell their wares to anyone who walked by.
Freya thoroughly examined them all with her sharp eyes. Never once did the leave the window, even a waiter came by to take her order. She didn't even turn to look at the boy but he was immediately captivated by her beauty. Her request for tea was short and simple, and the waiter moved to fulfill it as soon as possible.
Freya kept her eyes on the street below.
And it's thanks to that, that she caught sight of them.
It was by complete chance. Her gaze just so happened to move to the other side of the street. In the fresh early morning sunlight, the eyes of the Goddess of beauty fell upon a white haired boy and a blue haired man.
And within that instant she fell in love with the white haired boy.
His soul sung to her. A pure, white light that burned with a fire that had to blaze. A soul completely untainted by the cruelties of the world. A young man filled with the innocence of a babe, but with the potential be be so much more. This flame...this will burning within him...it was like a soprano. One that captivated her the moment she heard it.
However, the soul that walked beside him it was somehow the same...yet different.
Where the boy's soul had captured her heart, this man's soul did something else. It confused her.
For one thing, it wasn't like anyone else's soul. It wasn't an orb with a distinct color that detailed the life experiences of its owner. Rather...it was...she wasn't sure. It was green in color but that was where similarities with other souls like it ended.
Because this soul...it was spinning.
That was the best way Freya could describe it. The young man's soul was spinning. Non-stop. Without any input whatsoever. It spun in place, the green light around it flowing with it. The force made the soul transform from just a color into...a...a drill?
Yes, that felt right. Freya didn't know why but calling that soul a drill felt right. And as she examined it further she found her confusion and curiosity growing by the second. For the soul was much like the boy's. Pure, radiant, full of potential. But in some places she could tell it was tempered. Like it had clashed with the realities of the world around it. But, rather than allow the flames within it to sputter and die, it continued to nurture them. To use them to fuel its fire.
A contradiction.
Yet it existed nonetheless.
As the two walked down West Main, Freya noticed something else. Something that, once she was aware of it, made her frown.
The green light of the young man's soul...some it had taken root within the white haired boy's soul.
Was gonna make this longer...but decided to post it now. I'm actually kind of happy with it.
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Oh boy.
It would be more surprising if it wasn't.
Chapter 5: Into the Dungeon
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Along West Main Street was a certain cafe.
Within the second floor of this cafe, at a table next to a glass window looking out at the street below sat a lone woman. She wore a navy blue cloak that hid the majority of her snowy-white skin. Yet every set of eyes in the cafe was locked onto her. None could catch but a glimpse of her true features, but they all stared slack-jawed at the lone figure. Every movement made their breath hitch within their throats. Even simply tracing the surface of her table with a finger was enough to make all in attendance hold their tongues in anticipation.
The Goddess Of Beauty, Freya, paid them no heed.
She merely sat at her table as her silver eyes watched the children of Gekai below. Humans, dwarves, elves. A few adventurers here and there. Some animal people trying to sell their wares to anyone who walked by.
Freya thoroughly examined them all with her sharp eyes. Never once did the leave the window, even a waiter came by to take her order. She didn't even turn to look at the boy but he was immediately captivated by her beauty. Her request for tea was short and simple, and the waiter moved to fulfill it as soon as possible.
Freya kept her eyes on the street below.
And it's thanks to that, that she caught sight of them.
It was by complete chance. Her gaze just so happened to move to the other side of the street. In the fresh early morning sunlight, the eyes of the Goddess of beauty fell upon a white-haired boy and a blue-haired man.
And within that instant, she fell in love with the white-haired boy.
His soul sung to her. A pure, white light that burned with a fire that had to blaze. A soul completely untainted by the cruelties of the world. A young man filled with the innocence of a babe, but with the potential to be so much more. This flame...this will burning within him...it was like a soprano. One that captivated her the moment she heard it.
However, the soul that walked beside him was somehow the same...yet different.
Where the boy's soul had captured her heart, this man's soul did something else. It confused her.
For one thing, it wasn't like anyone else's soul. It wasn't an orb with a distinct color that detailed the life experiences of its owner. Rather...it was...she wasn't sure. It was green in color but that was where similarities with other souls like it ended.
Because this soul...it was spinning.
That was the best way Freya could describe it. The young man's soul was spinning. Non-stop. Without any input whatsoever. It spun in place, the green light around it flowing with it. The force made the soul transform from just a color into...a...a drill?
Yes, that felt right. Freya didn't know why but calling that soul a drill felt right. And as she examined it further she found her confusion and curiosity growing by the second. For the soul was much like the boy's. Pure, radiant, and full of potential. But in some places, she could tell it was tempered. Like it had clashed with the realities of the world around it. But, rather than allow the flames within it to sputter and die, it continued to nurture them. To use them to fuel its fire.
A contradiction.
Yet it existed nonetheless.
As the two walked down West Main, Freya noticed something else. Something that, once she was aware of it, made her frown.
The green light of the young man's soul...some it had taken root within the white-haired boy's soul.
A growl from nearby made Simon and Bell stop walking. Simon blinked before turning to the white-haired boy. Bell stood stock still while doing his best to not look Simon in the eye. He just kept looking at anything and everything that wasn't his blue-haired companion. Simon turned to face Bell fully, both hands in the pockets of his coat. He cocked his head to the side while raising his right eyebrow, "Bell?"
"Y-Y-Yeah, Simon?"
"Did you eat breakfast before you left?"
"Of-Of course I-"
Another growl cut Bell off. The boy's face became as red as his eyes, while his hands went to his stomach. He started to involuntarily rub it while trying to put on a brave face. Simon frowned then crossed his arms, "Bell, don't tell me you were planning to go fight monsters on an empty stomach?"
"No, I wasn't. I just...I just forgot is all," Bell's pride slowly left him in the face of Simon's worried gaze. He started to shuffle from foot to foot while still avoiding Simon's eyes, "I only just now thought about it so..."
Simon's frown remained for a few seconds. Then it shifted to a smile. He reached down and patted Bell on the shoulder, "Eh, it's not that big a deal. We just need to find you some grub. But I can't really tell where you could go to get food around here. Mind helping me out?"
"Well, I don't know if-"
Both Bell and Simon suddenly stiffened. Bell whirled around his eyes wide and adventurer senses on high alert. He swore he could feel someone's gaze on his back over his right shoulder. He quickly examined the early morning West Main Street, but he caught neither hide nor hair of someone watching him. His eyes flitted over the terrace of a cafe, two animal people standing near a corner, and a woman looking down from a rooftop. But he couldn't spot where that feeling of being watched had come from.
The white-haired boy's gaze kept jumping from place to place, in stark contrast to his blue-haired companion. Simon was standing still with his head held high and a frown on his face. His eyes were narrowed as they locked onto the terrace of the cafe to their right. He swore he could see someone up there. Through one of the second-floor windows. Watching them.
He couldn't tell who they were. Nor if they were a man or a woman. But he could feel the malice they were shooting his way. Yet their malice would instantly melt away when their gaze shifted to Bell. Eventually, the young boy noticed where Simon was looking. His head slowly moved to the cafe's window, but by the time they landed on it, the presence was gone. His hands were shaking as he involuntarily swallowed a lump in his throat, "Wh-Who was that?"
"Don't know," Simon stated without taking his eyes off the cafe terrace. His eyes moved from the window to the entrance of the building. He kept watching for anyone particularly noteworthy leaving out the front door. A frown came over his features when he didn't see anyone that caught his eye. Maybe they left out the back? Was there a back door? Why were they-
"Um, excuse me?"
Bell spun around, a fist shooting out before it was quickly caught by Simon. Both turned to look at the newcomer who had called out to them. She was a human girl, wearing a white blouse and a light green knee-length skirt. A salon apron covered her front while her blue-gray hair was tied into a bun with a ponytail sticking out the back. Her eyes were the same color as her hair and they were currently wide as she stared at the arm Simon was holding back.
Despite the odd situation, Simon smiled, "Hey, there. Sorry, my friend here is a bit jumpy. Right, Bell?"
Bell shook his head to clear it, his body relaxing as Simon let go of his arm. He briefly looked at his hand and arm, flexing it as the feeling of Simon's grip faded. He only snapped out of it when Simon and the girl's stares started to get too awkward. Then he quickly apologized to the girl...but a thought remained in the back of his mind.
Simon doesn't have a Falna. He's obviously strong, but an Adventurer who's in a Familia should be stronger than him.
But if that was the case...how did he manage to catch his arm so easily?
"I won't allow it."
Bell flinched at Eina's intense stare and harsh words. He grabs onto the basket around his arm for support. After the girl, Syr Flover, had given him a magic stone he had dropped, his stomach had given away his hunger. So, she gave him a basket filled with food. While he tried to say no, Simon insisted that he take the offered meal. "A real man doesn't say no to food being given to him. Especially not by a girl," he had said with his confident smile. In the face of that, and Syr's own cuteness, how could he say no?
But the moment he accepted it, she got really close to him. Then she said he and Simon had to eat at the bar she worked at when they got back from the Dungeon. Bell felt a bit manipulated, but Simon just laughed at it. Then he patted Bell on the back and assured Syr they would be happy to do so. Saying it would be a great way to unwind after some Dungeon Diving. Bell could do little more than agree, but he felt good about it. They exchanged names with Syr, then went their separate ways.
Unfortunately, that good feeling of getting some food from a cute girl had just been dashed away by Eina's words.
The half-elf adjusted her glasses with a finger while keeping her glare focused on Simon. The tall human, still smiling, shrugged at the Adviser, "Why not? Is there some kind of rule that says you have to be in a Familia to go into the Dungeon?"
"Not exactly," Eina starts to fall into a tone that Bell was familiar with. The tone she used when teaching him about the Dungeon, "However, there are other factors to consider when it comes to sending someone who isn't a registered Adventurer into the Dungeon. Especially if they plan to party up with another one."
"Does it have something to do with how the loot is distributed? If so, then I've already told ya I'll give it all to Bell. Won't be a problem then, right?"
"Not necessarily, no. But the fact remains that without some kind of assurance of fair play amongst all individuals in the party, you can't go into the Dungeon with Bell. Even if you did, you are not at all equipped to handle such a dangerous place."
Eina stared at Simon's open jacket. He followed her eyes down and held out his arms, "What? This isn't good enough? I'll have you know this jacket has survived its fair share of scrapes. I probably wouldn't still be alive without it."
He patted the slightly tattered jacket for emphasis. Eina didn't look impressed, while Bell could feel sweat drop down his head. Simon shook his head, "And besides, I already came out of there with Bell once. Who's to say I can't do it again?"
"Um, Ms. Eina?" Bell spoke up, getting the half-elf's attention. He spoke while adjusting his grip on the basket, "Lady Hestia said that Simon was an honest person. I think you can trust him to stand by his word in the Dungeon."
Eina's expression softened but she still shook her head, "I'm afraid I can't accept that in any official capacity, Bell. The answer is still no."
Bell's shoulder slumped and he hung his head. He sent an apologetic look at Simon as if to say he tried. But Simon just waved it off, "Don't worry 'bout it, Bell. I appreciate the help, but I got this."
Simon turned back to Eina and threw up his hands, "If the issue is that I'm not registered with the Guild, then just register me. Shouldn't take that long, should it?"
"I'm sorry, but only members of a Familia can register to be Adventurers. It would be far too irresponsible to allow you to go into the Dungeon without a Falna," Eina hoped that her words would make Simon see reason. Even if he seemed capable, the Dungeon was a ruthless and unpredictable place. If a normal person went in there without a Blessing, the only thing they'd find would be a quick death. And that was true even for groups of experienced Adventurers. Simon wanted to go down there with Bell. Such a thing was a recipe for disaster.
Yet, instead of looking discouraged, Simon's lips curled into a smug grin. He leaned forward until his arm was on the reception counter, "Is that right? So, if I were to prove that I can handle myself in the Dungeon without a Falna, you'd let me register as an Adventurer?"
"That...that is not what I meant at all," Eina shook her head.
"But what if I pull it off? I'd be able to go into the Dungeon, right?"
"I suppose..."
He pushed off the counter, "Then that settles it. Let's get going, Bell."
"Wait, what?!" both Bell and Eina said in unison. However, the blue-haired man was already walking toward the entrance of the Dungeon. He stopped to say hello to passing Adventurers, most of which either ignored him or gave him a grunt of acknowledgment.
"Simon! Wait!" Bell run off after Simon, waving goodbye to Eina as he did, "Bye, Ms. Eina! I'll see what I can do about Simon. Wait! Don't go in there!"
Eina watched as the young rabbit chased after the man with the flame on his back. Her brows furrowed in worry. That man...he struck her as the reckless type. Ones who throw caution to the wind, marching to the beat of their own drum. People who charge headlong into circumstances well beyond them without a care in the world.
In some ways, the perfect attitude for an Adventurer.
But one that had a tendency to get them killed.
Unfortunately, she knew there was no point in trying to stop them. He wouldn't listen, even if she told him he'd get in trouble with the Guild. And if he was going to continue traveling with Bell then...
...she had to prepare.
Get Bell better prepared for the Dungeon...and find out who this "Simon" really was.
"So, what's the plan, Bell?"
Bell skids to a stop near Simon's right side. The two of them had made it to the Lower Level One of the Dungeon, having left behind the entrance to the Guild. Simon hadn't stopped the whole way, even when Bell told him to slow down. While he could keep up at his normal speed, he had to stop to get his weapons ready, while putting the basket up so it wouldn't get in the way. It was only now that the blue-haired man had stopped moving. The white-haired boy looked up at the older man. His red eyes blinked as he tried to parse what Simon had said, "Huh?"
Simon shrugged, "I asked you what the plan was."
"O-oh...why?"
Simon walked over and put a hand on Bell's shoulder, "Why else? I'm trusting you to lead."
Bell continued to look at Simon as if he'd grown a second head. After a few minutes, he finally understood what Simon was saying. He shook his head to clear his mind then spoke, "Oh, right! You don't know anything about the Dungeon, do you?"
"Nothing except that monsters are in here. And they drop money," Simon shrugged, "I'm gonna be relying on you to help me out with stuff I don't understand."
"R-Right. Of course," Bell nodded, trying to wrap his head around Simon's words. He was right. With Simon here, he wasn't just a Solo Adventurer anymore. He had a party now. Even if it was unofficial.
And only consisted of him and one other person.
Still, he was the most experienced person in the group now. He had to be the leader.
He felt a shiver run up his spine at that realization. Sweat started building up on his brow as the words really set in.
Him?
A leader?!
There was no way! He couldn't do that! He was too cowardly! He had run away from that Minotaur and frozen up when it cornered him. How could he lead anyone? It would be better if Simon was the leader. He was confident. He could do it!
Bell looked up to tell Simon as much...but the other man beat him to it.
"Hey," Simon crouched down until he was level with Bell. His smile was gentle and understanding, "Don't be nervous. You've been delving into this place a lot, right?"
"Um...for a few days, yes."
"And you know your stuff, right?"
"Fo-For the most part. But I-"
Simon interrupted him by poking him in the chest. Simon chuckled, "Then that's all that matters. That and what you've got in here. Just listen to your burning spirit, and you won't ever be led astray."
"I...I...I still don't know if I can...be a leader though," Bell started looking away from Simon.
Then Simon cupped the boy's cheeks in his hands. He pulled Bell's head up until their eyes met. As Bell's bright red eyes stared into Simon's swirling green ones, he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat. Simon's smile was so radiant that one could mistake it for a sun. The light of the Dungeon reflected off his glasses, making them shine brightly in the dim light.
Without a hint of uncertainty in his voice, Simon said these words to Bell:
"Then, if you can't believe in yourself, believe in me. Believe in the me, who believes in you. Think you can do that for me?"
Bell didn't know why, but something about those words and the way Simon said them...it felt important. He could hardly describe exactly what that meant. After all, they were just words.
But...still...
"I-I-"
"GRAAAA!"
The two were interrupted by a sudden roar. They turned their heads toward a path heading deeper into the Dungeon. There, they saw eight dog-headed bipedal monsters rushing toward them. Their claw-like feet clopped against the floor as they barreled toward the two men.
"K-Kobolds!" Bell shouted, backing up and pulling out his twenty celch long dagger. His body, honed from his time fighting for his life, was already preparing itself for combat. However, he stiffened when he remembered that Simon was with him. Needing to play the role of leader, he shouted, "Simon! We need to deal with them! Maybe if we run we can find a better position."
He was already looking for a place to run to while Simon stood up. However, before he could give any more orders, he heard a strange swishing sound.
Confused, Bell turned to see what was going on-
"Haaaa!"
CRUNCH!
"GGGYYOOOO!"
-And immediately, his body went stiff.
His jaw fell open.
And, despite it being a death sentence in the Dungeon, his grip on his dagger faltered.
For he just saw Simon fall from the sky and crush a kobold's head underneath his foot. Then, leaping off the dead monster, he proceeded to kick hard enough that four more lost their heads in a single blow. Their bodies fell to the ground headless, while the remaining kobolds all stared dumbfounded at Simon.
Simon turned around, his smile wider than before, while he started to crack his knuckles, "So, who wants to go next?"
Bell was speechless.
More than half of the kobolds were dead within seconds!
And that speed, that strength...that wasn't the power of a normal person without Falna! Or even with it! He had a Falna! And he couldn't do that! Not yet anyway. But Simon could-
It was then that Bell realized it.
He knew of the Adventurers of old. Of how they went into the Dungeon without a Blessing. Of how they fought monsters without the power of the Gods behind them. He knew that those Adventurers had to be really strong. Possibly as strong as the top-class Adventurers in Orario. Those warriors could defeat a group of eight kobolds in a single move. Taking them all down with raw power.
Just like what Simon had done to this one.
And he bet those warriors were people who could inspire others. Who could light fires in the heights of their comrades with their words alone.
Just like what Simon had done to him.
It was at that moment that Bell realized exactly what Simon was.
...And it was at this moment that his desire was set.
His desire to stand on the same level as someone like that.
Someone who could inspire others with their words.
Someone who could defeat monsters with their sheer power.
Someone...like Simon.
Finally managed to get this in. Sorry it took so long. Been busy.
Within the second floor of this cafe, at a table next to a glass window looking out at the street below sat a lone woman. She wore a navy blue cloak that hid the majority of her snowy-white skin. Yet every set of eyes in the cafe was locked onto her. None could catch but a glimpse of her true features, but they all stared slack-jawed at the lone figure. Every movement made their breath hitch within their throats. Even simply tracing the surface of her table with a finger was enough to make all in attendance hold their tongues in anticipation.
The Goddess Of Beauty, Freya, paid them no heed.
She merely sat at her table as her silver eyes watched the children of Gekai below. Humans, dwarves, elves. A few adventurers here and there. Some animal people trying to sell their wares to anyone who walked by.
Freya thoroughly examined them all with her sharp eyes. Never once did the leave the window, even a waiter came by to take her order. She didn't even turn to look at the boy but he was immediately captivated by her beauty. Her request for tea was short and simple, and the waiter moved to fulfill it as soon as possible.
Freya kept her eyes on the street below.
And it's thanks to that, that she caught sight of them.
It was by complete chance. Her gaze just so happened to move to the other side of the street. In the fresh early morning sunlight, the eyes of the Goddess of beauty fell upon a white-haired boy and a blue-haired man.
And within that instant, she fell in love with the white-haired boy.
His soul sung to her. A pure, white light that burned with a fire that had to blaze. A soul completely untainted by the cruelties of the world. A young man filled with the innocence of a babe, but with the potential to be so much more. This flame...this will burning within him...it was like a soprano. One that captivated her the moment she heard it.
However, the soul that walked beside him was somehow the same...yet different.
Where the boy's soul had captured her heart, this man's soul did something else. It confused her.
For one thing, it wasn't like anyone else's soul. It wasn't an orb with a distinct color that detailed the life experiences of its owner. Rather...it was...she wasn't sure. It was green in color but that was where similarities with other souls like it ended.
Because this soul...it was spinning.
That was the best way Freya could describe it. The young man's soul was spinning. Non-stop. Without any input whatsoever. It spun in place, the green light around it flowing with it. The force made the soul transform from just a color into...a...a drill?
Yes, that felt right. Freya didn't know why but calling that soul a drill felt right. And as she examined it further she found her confusion and curiosity growing by the second. For the soul was much like the boy's. Pure, radiant, and full of potential. But in some places, she could tell it was tempered. Like it had clashed with the realities of the world around it. But, rather than allow the flames within it to sputter and die, it continued to nurture them. To use them to fuel its fire.
A contradiction.
Yet it existed nonetheless.
As the two walked down West Main, Freya noticed something else. Something that, once she was aware of it, made her frown.
The green light of the young man's soul...some it had taken root within the white-haired boy's soul.
A growl from nearby made Simon and Bell stop walking. Simon blinked before turning to the white-haired boy. Bell stood stock still while doing his best to not look Simon in the eye. He just kept looking at anything and everything that wasn't his blue-haired companion. Simon turned to face Bell fully, both hands in the pockets of his coat. He cocked his head to the side while raising his right eyebrow, "Bell?"
"Y-Y-Yeah, Simon?"
"Did you eat breakfast before you left?"
"Of-Of course I-"
Another growl cut Bell off. The boy's face became as red as his eyes, while his hands went to his stomach. He started to involuntarily rub it while trying to put on a brave face. Simon frowned then crossed his arms, "Bell, don't tell me you were planning to go fight monsters on an empty stomach?"
"No, I wasn't. I just...I just forgot is all," Bell's pride slowly left him in the face of Simon's worried gaze. He started to shuffle from foot to foot while still avoiding Simon's eyes, "I only just now thought about it so..."
Simon's frown remained for a few seconds. Then it shifted to a smile. He reached down and patted Bell on the shoulder, "Eh, it's not that big a deal. We just need to find you some grub. But I can't really tell where you could go to get food around here. Mind helping me out?"
"Well, I don't know if-"
Both Bell and Simon suddenly stiffened. Bell whirled around his eyes wide and adventurer senses on high alert. He swore he could feel someone's gaze on his back over his right shoulder. He quickly examined the early morning West Main Street, but he caught neither hide nor hair of someone watching him. His eyes flitted over the terrace of a cafe, two animal people standing near a corner, and a woman looking down from a rooftop. But he couldn't spot where that feeling of being watched had come from.
The white-haired boy's gaze kept jumping from place to place, in stark contrast to his blue-haired companion. Simon was standing still with his head held high and a frown on his face. His eyes were narrowed as they locked onto the terrace of the cafe to their right. He swore he could see someone up there. Through one of the second-floor windows. Watching them.
He couldn't tell who they were. Nor if they were a man or a woman. But he could feel the malice they were shooting his way. Yet their malice would instantly melt away when their gaze shifted to Bell. Eventually, the young boy noticed where Simon was looking. His head slowly moved to the cafe's window, but by the time they landed on it, the presence was gone. His hands were shaking as he involuntarily swallowed a lump in his throat, "Wh-Who was that?"
"Don't know," Simon stated without taking his eyes off the cafe terrace. His eyes moved from the window to the entrance of the building. He kept watching for anyone particularly noteworthy leaving out the front door. A frown came over his features when he didn't see anyone that caught his eye. Maybe they left out the back? Was there a back door? Why were they-
"Um, excuse me?"
Bell spun around, a fist shooting out before it was quickly caught by Simon. Both turned to look at the newcomer who had called out to them. She was a human girl, wearing a white blouse and a light green knee-length skirt. A salon apron covered her front while her blue-gray hair was tied into a bun with a ponytail sticking out the back. Her eyes were the same color as her hair and they were currently wide as she stared at the arm Simon was holding back.
Despite the odd situation, Simon smiled, "Hey, there. Sorry, my friend here is a bit jumpy. Right, Bell?"
Bell shook his head to clear it, his body relaxing as Simon let go of his arm. He briefly looked at his hand and arm, flexing it as the feeling of Simon's grip faded. He only snapped out of it when Simon and the girl's stares started to get too awkward. Then he quickly apologized to the girl...but a thought remained in the back of his mind.
Simon doesn't have a Falna. He's obviously strong, but an Adventurer who's in a Familia should be stronger than him.
But if that was the case...how did he manage to catch his arm so easily?
"I won't allow it."
Bell flinched at Eina's intense stare and harsh words. He grabs onto the basket around his arm for support. After the girl, Syr Flover, had given him a magic stone he had dropped, his stomach had given away his hunger. So, she gave him a basket filled with food. While he tried to say no, Simon insisted that he take the offered meal. "A real man doesn't say no to food being given to him. Especially not by a girl," he had said with his confident smile. In the face of that, and Syr's own cuteness, how could he say no?
But the moment he accepted it, she got really close to him. Then she said he and Simon had to eat at the bar she worked at when they got back from the Dungeon. Bell felt a bit manipulated, but Simon just laughed at it. Then he patted Bell on the back and assured Syr they would be happy to do so. Saying it would be a great way to unwind after some Dungeon Diving. Bell could do little more than agree, but he felt good about it. They exchanged names with Syr, then went their separate ways.
Unfortunately, that good feeling of getting some food from a cute girl had just been dashed away by Eina's words.
The half-elf adjusted her glasses with a finger while keeping her glare focused on Simon. The tall human, still smiling, shrugged at the Adviser, "Why not? Is there some kind of rule that says you have to be in a Familia to go into the Dungeon?"
"Not exactly," Eina starts to fall into a tone that Bell was familiar with. The tone she used when teaching him about the Dungeon, "However, there are other factors to consider when it comes to sending someone who isn't a registered Adventurer into the Dungeon. Especially if they plan to party up with another one."
"Does it have something to do with how the loot is distributed? If so, then I've already told ya I'll give it all to Bell. Won't be a problem then, right?"
"Not necessarily, no. But the fact remains that without some kind of assurance of fair play amongst all individuals in the party, you can't go into the Dungeon with Bell. Even if you did, you are not at all equipped to handle such a dangerous place."
Eina stared at Simon's open jacket. He followed her eyes down and held out his arms, "What? This isn't good enough? I'll have you know this jacket has survived its fair share of scrapes. I probably wouldn't still be alive without it."
He patted the slightly tattered jacket for emphasis. Eina didn't look impressed, while Bell could feel sweat drop down his head. Simon shook his head, "And besides, I already came out of there with Bell once. Who's to say I can't do it again?"
"Um, Ms. Eina?" Bell spoke up, getting the half-elf's attention. He spoke while adjusting his grip on the basket, "Lady Hestia said that Simon was an honest person. I think you can trust him to stand by his word in the Dungeon."
Eina's expression softened but she still shook her head, "I'm afraid I can't accept that in any official capacity, Bell. The answer is still no."
Bell's shoulder slumped and he hung his head. He sent an apologetic look at Simon as if to say he tried. But Simon just waved it off, "Don't worry 'bout it, Bell. I appreciate the help, but I got this."
Simon turned back to Eina and threw up his hands, "If the issue is that I'm not registered with the Guild, then just register me. Shouldn't take that long, should it?"
"I'm sorry, but only members of a Familia can register to be Adventurers. It would be far too irresponsible to allow you to go into the Dungeon without a Falna," Eina hoped that her words would make Simon see reason. Even if he seemed capable, the Dungeon was a ruthless and unpredictable place. If a normal person went in there without a Blessing, the only thing they'd find would be a quick death. And that was true even for groups of experienced Adventurers. Simon wanted to go down there with Bell. Such a thing was a recipe for disaster.
Yet, instead of looking discouraged, Simon's lips curled into a smug grin. He leaned forward until his arm was on the reception counter, "Is that right? So, if I were to prove that I can handle myself in the Dungeon without a Falna, you'd let me register as an Adventurer?"
"That...that is not what I meant at all," Eina shook her head.
"But what if I pull it off? I'd be able to go into the Dungeon, right?"
"I suppose..."
He pushed off the counter, "Then that settles it. Let's get going, Bell."
"Wait, what?!" both Bell and Eina said in unison. However, the blue-haired man was already walking toward the entrance of the Dungeon. He stopped to say hello to passing Adventurers, most of which either ignored him or gave him a grunt of acknowledgment.
"Simon! Wait!" Bell run off after Simon, waving goodbye to Eina as he did, "Bye, Ms. Eina! I'll see what I can do about Simon. Wait! Don't go in there!"
Eina watched as the young rabbit chased after the man with the flame on his back. Her brows furrowed in worry. That man...he struck her as the reckless type. Ones who throw caution to the wind, marching to the beat of their own drum. People who charge headlong into circumstances well beyond them without a care in the world.
In some ways, the perfect attitude for an Adventurer.
But one that had a tendency to get them killed.
Unfortunately, she knew there was no point in trying to stop them. He wouldn't listen, even if she told him he'd get in trouble with the Guild. And if he was going to continue traveling with Bell then...
...she had to prepare.
Get Bell better prepared for the Dungeon...and find out who this "Simon" really was.
"So, what's the plan, Bell?"
Bell skids to a stop near Simon's right side. The two of them had made it to the Lower Level One of the Dungeon, having left behind the entrance to the Guild. Simon hadn't stopped the whole way, even when Bell told him to slow down. While he could keep up at his normal speed, he had to stop to get his weapons ready, while putting the basket up so it wouldn't get in the way. It was only now that the blue-haired man had stopped moving. The white-haired boy looked up at the older man. His red eyes blinked as he tried to parse what Simon had said, "Huh?"
Simon shrugged, "I asked you what the plan was."
"O-oh...why?"
Simon walked over and put a hand on Bell's shoulder, "Why else? I'm trusting you to lead."
Bell continued to look at Simon as if he'd grown a second head. After a few minutes, he finally understood what Simon was saying. He shook his head to clear his mind then spoke, "Oh, right! You don't know anything about the Dungeon, do you?"
"Nothing except that monsters are in here. And they drop money," Simon shrugged, "I'm gonna be relying on you to help me out with stuff I don't understand."
"R-Right. Of course," Bell nodded, trying to wrap his head around Simon's words. He was right. With Simon here, he wasn't just a Solo Adventurer anymore. He had a party now. Even if it was unofficial.
And only consisted of him and one other person.
Still, he was the most experienced person in the group now. He had to be the leader.
He felt a shiver run up his spine at that realization. Sweat started building up on his brow as the words really set in.
Him?
A leader?!
There was no way! He couldn't do that! He was too cowardly! He had run away from that Minotaur and frozen up when it cornered him. How could he lead anyone? It would be better if Simon was the leader. He was confident. He could do it!
Bell looked up to tell Simon as much...but the other man beat him to it.
"Hey," Simon crouched down until he was level with Bell. His smile was gentle and understanding, "Don't be nervous. You've been delving into this place a lot, right?"
"Um...for a few days, yes."
"And you know your stuff, right?"
"Fo-For the most part. But I-"
Simon interrupted him by poking him in the chest. Simon chuckled, "Then that's all that matters. That and what you've got in here. Just listen to your burning spirit, and you won't ever be led astray."
"I...I...I still don't know if I can...be a leader though," Bell started looking away from Simon.
Then Simon cupped the boy's cheeks in his hands. He pulled Bell's head up until their eyes met. As Bell's bright red eyes stared into Simon's swirling green ones, he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat. Simon's smile was so radiant that one could mistake it for a sun. The light of the Dungeon reflected off his glasses, making them shine brightly in the dim light.
Without a hint of uncertainty in his voice, Simon said these words to Bell:
"Then, if you can't believe in yourself, believe in me. Believe in the me, who believes in you. Think you can do that for me?"
Bell didn't know why, but something about those words and the way Simon said them...it felt important. He could hardly describe exactly what that meant. After all, they were just words.
But...still...
"I-I-"
"GRAAAA!"
The two were interrupted by a sudden roar. They turned their heads toward a path heading deeper into the Dungeon. There, they saw eight dog-headed bipedal monsters rushing toward them. Their claw-like feet clopped against the floor as they barreled toward the two men.
"K-Kobolds!" Bell shouted, backing up and pulling out his twenty celch long dagger. His body, honed from his time fighting for his life, was already preparing itself for combat. However, he stiffened when he remembered that Simon was with him. Needing to play the role of leader, he shouted, "Simon! We need to deal with them! Maybe if we run we can find a better position."
He was already looking for a place to run to while Simon stood up. However, before he could give any more orders, he heard a strange swishing sound.
Confused, Bell turned to see what was going on-
"Haaaa!"
CRUNCH!
"GGGYYOOOO!"
-And immediately, his body went stiff.
His jaw fell open.
And, despite it being a death sentence in the Dungeon, his grip on his dagger faltered.
For he just saw Simon fall from the sky and crush a kobold's head underneath his foot. Then, leaping off the dead monster, he proceeded to kick hard enough that four more lost their heads in a single blow. Their bodies fell to the ground headless, while the remaining kobolds all stared dumbfounded at Simon.
Simon turned around, his smile wider than before, while he started to crack his knuckles, "So, who wants to go next?"
Bell was speechless.
More than half of the kobolds were dead within seconds!
And that speed, that strength...that wasn't the power of a normal person without Falna! Or even with it! He had a Falna! And he couldn't do that! Not yet anyway. But Simon could-
It was then that Bell realized it.
He knew of the Adventurers of old. Of how they went into the Dungeon without a Blessing. Of how they fought monsters without the power of the Gods behind them. He knew that those Adventurers had to be really strong. Possibly as strong as the top-class Adventurers in Orario. Those warriors could defeat a group of eight kobolds in a single move. Taking them all down with raw power.
Just like what Simon had done to this one.
And he bet those warriors were people who could inspire others. Who could light fires in the heights of their comrades with their words alone.
Just like what Simon had done to him.
It was at that moment that Bell realized exactly what Simon was.
...And it was at this moment that his desire was set.
His desire to stand on the same level as someone like that.
Someone who could inspire others with their words.
Someone who could defeat monsters with their sheer power.
Someone...like Simon.
Finally managed to get this in. Sorry it took so long. Been busy.
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Unfortunately, Simon's eyesight is not based on movement.
Listen to him, Bell. This is one of the first steps in picking up girls in a dungeon.
Normally, you'd be absolutely correct. Not your fault that you don't know how broken Simon is.
That's the danger, that Simon being here will trivialize everything and make your journey non-existent or a cakewalk with no growth.
And it was that moment that thousands of fangirls screamed in delight.
No, bad Simon, bad, you just put Bell in charge and already disobeying. Shame on you.
Chapter 6.1
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Ms. Eina had drilled many lessons into Bell's head. Ever since he became an adventurer she made sure he understood where he stood as a Level 1 Solo Adventurer. That place being at even more risk than the average adventuring party. So, he had to take a certain adage to heart when it came to fighting in the Dungeon.
Fight smart, not hard.
If the monsters were in a group, he should run away and find a better position. If the monster was stronger than him, he should get as far away from it as possible. If he encountered a monster that wasn't strong but he couldn't handle, he should run in the other direction and see if he could get an advantage.
All of Eina's strategies involved him running away and for good reason. Out of all his stats, his Agility was the one that he had made his own. While not something he took pride in he couldn't deny that running away from his foes played a big role in his continued survival in the Dungeon. It was the only reason he had survived for so long against the minotaur. If he tried to stand his ground and fight, he had no doubt he'd be dead by now.
One could say that majority of his career as a Solo Adventurer had been one long sequence of running away from threats.
Which was on of the biggest reasons why he couldn't look away from Simon as he battled the four remaining Kobolds on his own. The blue haired man was surrounded on all sides by the dog-headed bipeds. The pack was uncharacteristically coordinated in their attacks. One would charge in with its claws at the ready, swiping at Simon as the human dodged the blows. Any attacks he couldn't dodge, he'd block by clashing his arm against the Kobold's. But the monster wouldn't relent, continuing its assault while its comrades moved around to Simon's back. Once in position, the three rushed in with their claws out and ready to rend Simon's back open.
Bell's grip on his dagger tightened when he saw the Kobolds. He ran forward as he shouted, "Simon watch-"
His words died on his lips as the Kobold's claws reached Simon's back...then were deflected by his cape. Bell nearly tripped over his own feet as his mind tried to understand what just happened. The Kobolds were equally surprised, all three falling back as they stared at the fluttering blue cape on Simon's back. The one attacking Simon paused in shock. A mistake which cost it dearly.
Simon dashed forward and grabbed the Kobold by its right arm with his right hand. Placing one foot in front of its own, he span around while his left hand grabbed onto the monster's arm. Too late it realized what was happening as Simon threw the Kobold over his shoulder and onto its back. Simon let the monster go before moving to the side and lifting his foot up. Grinning he looked up and shouted, "Bell! Heads up!"
"Wha-what?!" Bell had no time to think as Simon kicked the Kobold hard in the stomach. Its choked scream echoed through the room as it rocketed across the floor. Its body skipped along the floor, flipping as it crashed against the rocky earth on its way toward Bell. The young man panicked, instinctively raising his dagger as the monster got closer and closer. Ruby red eyes filled with confusion, he nonetheless swung at the Kobold once it was in range of his blade. His attack sliced cleaning through the Kobold's neck as the body landed a few feet behind him. He briefly stopped to look back at the now dead monster as it stopped moving.
"Mind giving me a hand over here, Bell?" Bell turned back to see Simon backing away while the remaining Kobolds gave chase. Though it didn't look like they were pushing the man back. Moreover, it seemed that Simon was jumping away on purpose. He was leading them toward Bell who was still trying to make sense of everything that just happened. Simon looked over his shoulder then smiled, "Could use some help dealing with them."
"Uh-Ugh-Right," Bell shook his head to get his focus back. He moved forward to reach Simon. The blue haired man grinned and stopped running from his adversaries. The closest Kobold moved in with its claws flashing in the light of the Dungeon. Simon ducked under the monster's outstretched arms then followed up with three hard punches to its torso, ending it off with a hard uppercut to the stomach. He drove the Kobold's breath from it before spinning around to its back. His cape fluttered behind him as he kicked the Kobold in the back. Using the momentum to boost himself toward the other Kobolds, he held out both of his arms to the side. The Kobolds, already running to him, were unable to avoid his double lariat. His arms curled around their necks before he dragged them to the ground with him.
The Kobold he kicked was left off balance, letting Bell move in with his dagger. With a battle cry he drives his weapon into the monster's heart. It died instantly but Bell continued on, charging forward while throwing the Kobold off his weapon. Ahead of him Simon got to his feet and turned to look at the remaining Kobolds. The one on his left was dead and its neck was bent at an odd angle. But the one on his right slowly got with one hand on its head. Simon looked beyond it and locked eyes with Bell for but a moment. He grinned before running at the lone Kobold. Fear flashed in the monster's eyes as it realized it was alone and about to die.
Bell didn't waist the opportunity. With one slash he cleaved deep into the monster's back, carving a dark red line into its furred flesh. As it fell forward, Simon punched it in the face hard enough to make its neck snap backwards with a loud snap. The Kobold fell to its knees then onto the floor, completely lifeless.
"Haa-haa-We-We won," Bell said, panting as he stared at the dead Kobold before him. He felt the tension leave him as he sat down on the Dungeon floor. He could hardly believe that just happened. He'd never fought that many Kobolds at once before. Nor had he ever fought with anyone. Yet...it all worked out.
He was suddenly pulled to his feet as Simon wrapped his arm around Bell's shoulder. The older man laughed, "Good job back there, Bell! Sorry I jumped in like that. Didn't really do a good job following my own words did I?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, don't worry about it!" Bell shook his head while trying to avoid looking into Simon's eyes, "It's my fault. I should've been more decisive and-"
Simon flicked Bell's forehead, making the boy squeak in pain. He placed both hands on his head while Simon shook his head, "I'm the one that didn't wait for your orders. I'm the one at fault here, Bell. Don't you go blaming yourself over this, alright?"
"A-Alright," Bell said while rubbing the center of his forehead and nodding to Simon.
Simon smiled then stepped away from Bell, "OK. Then where to next, leader?"
"Um," Bell looked at the dead Kobold near his feet for a few seconds. Then he nodded, "We should start taking the magic stones from these monsters." He knelt to be next to the Kobold nearest him, raising his dagger up to cut into the monster's flesh. But something made him stop before the tip even reached flesh. He looked at his dagger then down at one of his pockets. Frowning he sheathed his dagger and pulled the Drill Simon had given him from within. He placed it against the Kobold's chest and started to drill into it.
Simon smiled and gave Bell a thumbs up, "You got it, Boss."
Fight smart, not hard.
If the monsters were in a group, he should run away and find a better position. If the monster was stronger than him, he should get as far away from it as possible. If he encountered a monster that wasn't strong but he couldn't handle, he should run in the other direction and see if he could get an advantage.
All of Eina's strategies involved him running away and for good reason. Out of all his stats, his Agility was the one that he had made his own. While not something he took pride in he couldn't deny that running away from his foes played a big role in his continued survival in the Dungeon. It was the only reason he had survived for so long against the minotaur. If he tried to stand his ground and fight, he had no doubt he'd be dead by now.
One could say that majority of his career as a Solo Adventurer had been one long sequence of running away from threats.
Which was on of the biggest reasons why he couldn't look away from Simon as he battled the four remaining Kobolds on his own. The blue haired man was surrounded on all sides by the dog-headed bipeds. The pack was uncharacteristically coordinated in their attacks. One would charge in with its claws at the ready, swiping at Simon as the human dodged the blows. Any attacks he couldn't dodge, he'd block by clashing his arm against the Kobold's. But the monster wouldn't relent, continuing its assault while its comrades moved around to Simon's back. Once in position, the three rushed in with their claws out and ready to rend Simon's back open.
Bell's grip on his dagger tightened when he saw the Kobolds. He ran forward as he shouted, "Simon watch-"
His words died on his lips as the Kobold's claws reached Simon's back...then were deflected by his cape. Bell nearly tripped over his own feet as his mind tried to understand what just happened. The Kobolds were equally surprised, all three falling back as they stared at the fluttering blue cape on Simon's back. The one attacking Simon paused in shock. A mistake which cost it dearly.
Simon dashed forward and grabbed the Kobold by its right arm with his right hand. Placing one foot in front of its own, he span around while his left hand grabbed onto the monster's arm. Too late it realized what was happening as Simon threw the Kobold over his shoulder and onto its back. Simon let the monster go before moving to the side and lifting his foot up. Grinning he looked up and shouted, "Bell! Heads up!"
"Wha-what?!" Bell had no time to think as Simon kicked the Kobold hard in the stomach. Its choked scream echoed through the room as it rocketed across the floor. Its body skipped along the floor, flipping as it crashed against the rocky earth on its way toward Bell. The young man panicked, instinctively raising his dagger as the monster got closer and closer. Ruby red eyes filled with confusion, he nonetheless swung at the Kobold once it was in range of his blade. His attack sliced cleaning through the Kobold's neck as the body landed a few feet behind him. He briefly stopped to look back at the now dead monster as it stopped moving.
"Mind giving me a hand over here, Bell?" Bell turned back to see Simon backing away while the remaining Kobolds gave chase. Though it didn't look like they were pushing the man back. Moreover, it seemed that Simon was jumping away on purpose. He was leading them toward Bell who was still trying to make sense of everything that just happened. Simon looked over his shoulder then smiled, "Could use some help dealing with them."
"Uh-Ugh-Right," Bell shook his head to get his focus back. He moved forward to reach Simon. The blue haired man grinned and stopped running from his adversaries. The closest Kobold moved in with its claws flashing in the light of the Dungeon. Simon ducked under the monster's outstretched arms then followed up with three hard punches to its torso, ending it off with a hard uppercut to the stomach. He drove the Kobold's breath from it before spinning around to its back. His cape fluttered behind him as he kicked the Kobold in the back. Using the momentum to boost himself toward the other Kobolds, he held out both of his arms to the side. The Kobolds, already running to him, were unable to avoid his double lariat. His arms curled around their necks before he dragged them to the ground with him.
The Kobold he kicked was left off balance, letting Bell move in with his dagger. With a battle cry he drives his weapon into the monster's heart. It died instantly but Bell continued on, charging forward while throwing the Kobold off his weapon. Ahead of him Simon got to his feet and turned to look at the remaining Kobolds. The one on his left was dead and its neck was bent at an odd angle. But the one on his right slowly got with one hand on its head. Simon looked beyond it and locked eyes with Bell for but a moment. He grinned before running at the lone Kobold. Fear flashed in the monster's eyes as it realized it was alone and about to die.
Bell didn't waist the opportunity. With one slash he cleaved deep into the monster's back, carving a dark red line into its furred flesh. As it fell forward, Simon punched it in the face hard enough to make its neck snap backwards with a loud snap. The Kobold fell to its knees then onto the floor, completely lifeless.
"Haa-haa-We-We won," Bell said, panting as he stared at the dead Kobold before him. He felt the tension leave him as he sat down on the Dungeon floor. He could hardly believe that just happened. He'd never fought that many Kobolds at once before. Nor had he ever fought with anyone. Yet...it all worked out.
He was suddenly pulled to his feet as Simon wrapped his arm around Bell's shoulder. The older man laughed, "Good job back there, Bell! Sorry I jumped in like that. Didn't really do a good job following my own words did I?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, don't worry about it!" Bell shook his head while trying to avoid looking into Simon's eyes, "It's my fault. I should've been more decisive and-"
Simon flicked Bell's forehead, making the boy squeak in pain. He placed both hands on his head while Simon shook his head, "I'm the one that didn't wait for your orders. I'm the one at fault here, Bell. Don't you go blaming yourself over this, alright?"
"A-Alright," Bell said while rubbing the center of his forehead and nodding to Simon.
Simon smiled then stepped away from Bell, "OK. Then where to next, leader?"
"Um," Bell looked at the dead Kobold near his feet for a few seconds. Then he nodded, "We should start taking the magic stones from these monsters." He knelt to be next to the Kobold nearest him, raising his dagger up to cut into the monster's flesh. But something made him stop before the tip even reached flesh. He looked at his dagger then down at one of his pockets. Frowning he sheathed his dagger and pulled the Drill Simon had given him from within. He placed it against the Kobold's chest and started to drill into it.
Simon smiled and gave Bell a thumbs up, "You got it, Boss."
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Running is always an option. Not that you need to do that anymore with Simon there.
Simon lied as easily as he breathed.
No, none of that, now.
Wait, maybe I'm misremembering, but the monsters disintegrate when killed, leaving behind the stone. No need to carve into them.
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Running is always an option. Not that you need to do that anymore with Simon there.
Simon lied as easily as he breathed.
No, none of that, now.
Wait, maybe I'm misremembering, but the monsters disintegrate when killed, leaving behind the stone. No need to carve into them.
Huh. Guess I got mixes up cause they keep mentioning Lily dealing with the stones once she joins. So I always imagine her carving them out.
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
From what we see in the anime, her job is to collect and carry them after the fight is over. Considering the hordes of monsters Bel and Co. take out later in the series, that is always a lot of stones.
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Well, I'm following the Light Novel and already established that the minotaur needed Bell to drill its stone out. So, I'll think I'll stick with the way the manga does it.
Wait...found it. Page 68 of Volume 1:
Last edited:
Chapter 6: First Team Dungeon Run
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Ms. Eina had drilled many lessons into Bell's head. Ever since he became an adventurer she made sure he understood where he stood as a Level 1 Solo Adventurer. That place being at even more risk than the average adventuring party. So, he had to take a certain adage to heart when it came to fighting in the Dungeon.
Fight smart, not hard.
If the monsters were in a group, he should run away and find a better position. If the monster was stronger than him, he should get as far away from it as possible. If he encountered a monster that wasn't strong but he couldn't handle, he should run in the other direction and see if he could get an advantage.
All of Eina's strategies involved him running away and for good reason. Out of all his stats, his Agility was the one that he had made his own. While not something he took pride in he couldn't deny that running away from his foes played a big role in his continued survival in the Dungeon. It was the only reason he had survived for so long against the minotaur. If he tried to stand his ground and fight, he had no doubt he'd be dead by now.
One could say that majority of his career as a Solo Adventurer had been one long sequence of running away from threats.
Which was on of the biggest reasons why he couldn't look away from Simon as he battled the four remaining Kobolds on his own. The blue haired man was surrounded on all sides by the dog-headed bipeds. The pack was uncharacteristically coordinated in their attacks. One would charge in with its claws at the ready, swiping at Simon as the human dodged the blows. Any attacks he couldn't dodge, he'd block by clashing his arm against the Kobold's. But the monster wouldn't relent, continuing its assault while its comrades moved around to Simon's back. Once in position, the three rushed in with their claws out and ready to rend Simon's back open.
Bell's grip on his dagger tightened when he saw the Kobolds. He ran forward as he shouted, "Simon watch-"
His words died on his lips as the Kobold's claws reached Simon's back...then were deflected by his cape. Bell nearly tripped over his own feet as his mind tried to understand what just happened. The Kobolds were equally surprised, all three falling back as they stared at the fluttering blue cape on Simon's back. The one attacking Simon paused in shock. A mistake which cost it dearly.
Simon dashed forward and grabbed the Kobold by its right arm with his right hand. Placing one foot in front of its own, he span around while his left hand grabbed onto the monster's arm. Too late it realized what was happening as Simon threw the Kobold over his shoulder and onto its back. Simon let the monster go before moving to the side and lifting his foot up. Grinning he looked up and shouted, "Bell! Heads up!"
"Wha-what?!" Bell had no time to think as Simon kicked the Kobold hard in the stomach. Its choked scream echoed through the room as it rocketed across the floor. Its body skipped along the floor, flipping as it crashed against the rocky earth on its way toward Bell. The young man panicked, instinctively raising his dagger as the monster got closer and closer. Ruby red eyes filled with confusion, he nonetheless swung at the Kobold once it was in range of his blade. His attack sliced cleaning through the Kobold's neck as the body landed a few feet behind him. He briefly stopped to look back at the now dead monster as it stopped moving.
"Mind giving me a hand over here, Bell?" Bell turned back to see Simon backing away while the remaining Kobolds gave chase. Though it didn't look like they were pushing the man back. Moreover, it seemed that Simon was jumping away on purpose. He was leading them toward Bell who was still trying to make sense of everything that just happened. Simon looked over his shoulder then smiled, "Could use some help dealing with them."
"Uh-Ugh-Right," Bell shook his head to get his focus back. He moved forward to reach Simon. The blue haired man grinned and stopped running from his adversaries. The closest Kobold moved in with its claws flashing in the light of the Dungeon. Simon ducked under the monster's outstretched arms then followed up with three hard punches to its torso, ending it off with a hard uppercut to the stomach. He drove the Kobold's breath from it before spinning around to its back. His cape fluttered behind him as he kicked the Kobold in the back. Using the momentum to boost himself toward the other Kobolds, he held out both of his arms to the side. The Kobolds, already running to him, were unable to avoid his double lariat. His arms curled around their necks before he dragged them to the ground with him.
The Kobold he kicked was left off balance, letting Bell move in with his dagger. With a battle cry he drives his weapon into the monster's heart. It died instantly but Bell continued on, charging forward while throwing the Kobold off his weapon. Ahead of him Simon got to his feet and turned to look at the remaining Kobolds. The one on his left was dead and its neck was bent at an odd angle. But the one on his right slowly got with one hand on its head. Simon looked beyond it and locked eyes with Bell for but a moment. He grinned before running at the lone Kobold. Fear flashed in the monster's eyes as it realized it was alone and about to die.
Bell didn't waist the opportunity. With one slash he cleaved deep into the monster's back, carving a dark red line into its furred flesh. As it fell forward, Simon punched it in the face hard enough to make its neck snap backwards with a loud snap. The Kobold fell to its knees then onto the floor, completely lifeless.
"Haa-haa-We-We won," Bell said, panting as he stared at the dead Kobold before him. He felt the tension leave him as he sat down on the Dungeon floor. He could hardly believe that just happened. He'd never fought that many Kobolds at once before. Nor had he ever fought with anyone. Yet...it all worked out.
He was suddenly pulled to his feet as Simon wrapped his arm around Bell's shoulder. The older man laughed, "Good job back there, Bell! Sorry I jumped in like that. Didn't really do a good job following my own words did I?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, don't worry about it!" Bell shook his head while trying to avoid looking into Simon's eyes, "It's my fault. I should've been more decisive and-"
Simon flicked Bell's forehead, making the boy squeak in pain. He placed both hands on his head while Simon shook his head, "I'm the one that didn't wait for your orders. I'm the one at fault here, Bell. Don't you go blaming yourself over this, alright?"
"A-Alright," Bell said while rubbing the center of his forehead and nodding to Simon.
Simon smiled then stepped away from Bell, "OK. Then where to next, leader?"
"Um," Bell looked at the dead Kobold near his feet for a few seconds. Then he nodded, "We should start taking the magic stones from these monsters." He knelt to be next to the Kobold nearest him, raising his dagger up to cut into the monster's flesh. But something made him stop before the tip even reached flesh. He looked at his dagger then down at one of his pockets. Frowning he sheathed his dagger and pulled the Drill Simon had given him from within. He placed it against the Kobold's chest and started to drill into it.
Simon smiled and gave Bell a thumbs up, "You got it, Boss," before walking toward the bodies of the other Kobolds. Bell glanced at Simon as he walked away, eyes glimpsing the symbol on it as he walked away. A blazing fire in the shape of a skull with two white glasses for eyes that resembled the glasses Simon wore. He stared at the symbol Simon moved out of sight, wondering how it managed to block three direct attacks from Kobolds. Even if they were born on a level with weak monsters, their claws should've easily shredded through something as tattered at that cape. So, how did it deflect them? Did he actually have magic? Or a skill?
"Hey, Bell?" Bell awoke from his musings, absentmindedly pulling the Kobold's stone from the hole he made in its chest. He turned around as the monster's body turned to ash in front of him. Behind him stood Simon, with four magic stones in one hand and two Kobold Claws in the other. He held up the hand with the claws in it, "I took the stones out, but these didn't disintegrate like the others. Something different about these?"
Bell's eyes widened in surprise as his lips split into a grin. He rushed over to Simon and pointed at the Claws, "Those are drop items! When you remove a monster's magic stone, sometimes parts of its body remain behind. They don't degrade or disappear, so they can be sold to the Guild or used to make special items. They're rather uncommon even among the weaker monsters."
"That so? Guess it's your lucky day you got two then," Simon said while tossing the claws and stones to Bell. The white haired boy fumbled with the thrown objects, managing to catch them all by pure luck. Sighing with relief he put them back into his bag while Simon turned to the remaining three Kobolds. He jerked his thumb toward them and Bell nodded. The two walked to the corpses, Simon putting his arms behind his head, "So, how long have you been at this whole Dungeon Diving thing anyway?"
"Um, a couple of days?" Bell said sheepishly while trying not to look directly at Simon. He shrugged, "I'm still a rookie and have a lot to learn. It's just that Ms. Eina helped me study the essentials of being an Adventurer."
"Hmm, guess you've got to thank her for a lot them," Simon said as he knelt next to one of the Kobold corpses.
Bell smiled wistfully, "Yeah. I do. Wait, never mind that! Simon, how did you deflect the attacks from those Kobolds?"
Bell gave Simon his full attention while the other man had placed his Core Drill against the Kobold's chest. Simon raised an eyebrow, his eyes focused on Bell while his hand idly turned his Core Drill, "Oh that? Spiral Power."
"Spiral Power?" Bell couldn't hide his confusion, "What is that? It is magic? Or a skill?"
"Not exactly. Hmm, the best way I could describe it is Fighting Spirit!"
Bell's confusion only got worse, "F-F-Fighting Spirit?"
Simon smiled, took his hand off the Drill, then grabbed his cape with both hands. He lifted the end it up so Bell could see it. Then he tapped on it with a finger, "Go ahead and feel it."
Still confused, Bell did as asked. He gently ran his finger along the dark blue fabric but felt nothing out of the ordinary. When he took his finger off, the cape suddenly flashed a bright green. Simon waved for Bell to touch it again, so the boy did. But when his finger touched the cape-
"Huh?!" Bell recoiled, shaking his head while his finger lifted off the cape for a moment. Curiosity getting to him, he placed his whole hand on the cape before running it up and down the object. Then he looked up at Simon with his mouth agape, "It-It-It feels like armor!"
"Yep!" Simon chuckled before pulling letting his cape go. There was another flash and it returned to being an inert piece of fabric. Simon focused back on the Kobold, his Core Drill having mad a hole in its chest while he wasn't looking. He reached into the hole and pulled out both his Drill and the magic stone, "And it doesn't take much. So I can just think about it whenever I'm about to get hit. And bam. I've protection from just about anything the world can throw at me."
Simon got to his feet while Bell tried to make sense of what he just saw and heard. He began to stutter, "Bu-Bu-But how?! It would make sense if you had magic, but...but that's just your fighting spirit? Tha-that can't do that! You can't just will fabric into being metal unless you're a God. And you're not so...it's just impossible."
Bell swore he saw Simon's grin get wider. The man walked over to the second to last Kobold. He stood with his back straight and head held high, "Impossible? Ha!"
He span on his heel, planted his feet into the ground, and crossed his arms while his cape fluttered as a sudden gust of air blew passed him. His glasses shined in the light of the Dungeon while his face was split in a confident grin. His voice echoed off the walls as the spoke, "Listen up, Bell! You need to remember this as long as you're hanging with me! To people you and me, there's no such thing as impossible! If there's a wall in a way, then we break it down! If there's no path forward, then we'll blaze the trail for others to follow behind us! And if someone tells us we can't do something, we tell them to shove it and do it anyway! Cause that's the way Team Dai-Gurren rolls!"
Bell sat transfixed by Simon's words. Partly because he didn't understand most of it. Partly because it didn't really answer his question. But also because, and he didn't know why he felt this way, something about it felt...right. There was no words, sensible or otherwise, to explain why he felt that way. Even he wasn't entirely sure why. But part of him just knew that Simon was telling the truth.
Even if that truth didn't make any sense to him.
Temporarily stunned by Simon's speech, he kept silent while Simon knelt down and started to drill through second to last Kobold's chest. However, Bell managed to latch onto the last thing Simon said, "Wait...Team Dai-Gurren? Who's that?"
Simon turned to look at Bell. His smile had turned from confident to wistful and serene, "My friends. Good people that I'd go to hell and back for. And, in a lot of ways, I did do that."
"So, they're more than just friends?"
"Yeah, they are."
"Would they be like your Familia?"
"Suppose so. Though, we don't have a God or anything like. Just our combined want to make the world better in our own ways," Simon stood up, tossing a magic stone in up and down in his hand. As the Kobold's body disintegrated, he turned his head toward a path deeper into the Dungeon, "But I'll have to tell you more about that later. Looks like we've got more company."
"GRAAA!"
Bell tensed up as he heard the roar of more Kobolds approaching. He groaned, "Give me a break!"
"Want me to take care of these guys, Bell?" Simon tossed Bell the magic stone before cracking his knuckles.
Bell caught the stone before turning to the Kobold corpse near him, "Uh, sure. Just hold them off while I get this last stone. Don't push yourself and be careful."
"You got it," Simon said as he ran toward the sound of more Kobolds. As Bell focused on taking out the magic stone, he paused for a second. Then he stared after Simon with a single thought in his head.
Did he just give a clear and concise order? Without over-thinking it or stuttering?
"So," Simon grunted as he kicked a goblin so hard its head came off. The green humanoid's body slumped to the ground while its head hit the floor next to it. He lowered his foot and turned to Bell, "this Dungeon thing has always been here?"
Bell shrugs, "I guess. It's at least been here as long as I can remember. Though I don't think it's originally part of this world. We mortals didn't build it. Neither did the Gods."
"And the monsters are born here? Like they just pop out of the walls?" Simon placed a hand on his chin in thought.
Bell nods while walking over to the downed Goblin, "Uh huh!"
"How though?"
"No one knows. Not even our best scientist have any ideas. And the Gods don't tell us anything concrete. They just say that 'The Dungeon is a dungeon. What else would you find here other than a dungeon?'"
Simon scoffed and crossed his arms, "Sounds to me like they're just not telling you guys everything."
"M-Maybe. But I'm sure they have their reasons. Oh, a goblin fang," Bell picked up both the drop item and the magic stone before turning to look at Simon, "I mean, they're Gods. They have to know better than us mortals."
"Eh, I guess," Simon shrugged and walked passed Bell further into the floor. He put his hands behind his head while Bell moved to catch up with him. Then Simon yawned, "So, if this place gives birth to monsters...does that mean it's alive?"
"That's what our scientist and otherwise say. Mainly cause there aren't any other explanations. If you destroy a part of the Dungeon, it'll be repaired by tomorrow. It automatically regrows or recreates any resources taken from it. And it somehow manages to have a day/night cycle despite the sun not shining down here. It's all so mysterious and many people have dedicated their lives to finding out how the Dungeon works. But they've gotten nowhere," Bell explained while adjusting the bag on his back.
Simon chuckled, "That right? Leeron would take that as a challenge if he was here."
"Leeron?"
"One of my friends from Team Dai-Gurren. He was basically our go to guy for anything science related. Was responsible for a lot of the stuff that let us do our things," Simon sighed a wistful smile coming over his face.
Bell frowned and he turned his gaze toward the floor. His grip on his backpack tightened as he spoke, "Simon...how did you get so strong?"
"Huh?" Simon stopped walking to stare at Bell.
Bell stopped as well, his gaze moving to look at Simon, "You keep talking about Team Dai-Gurren as your friends or family. But you say they're not your Familia, cause you don't have a blessing or a God behind you. But...I've seen you fight. You're strong. Way stronger than me or probably even most rookie adventurers. And I-I just want to know how? What made you this powerful?"
Simon blinked at Bell who was staring at him with an intense look in his eyes. Then after a few minutes of silence, Simon grinned. He walked over to Bell and started to tousle the kid's white shock of hair. Bell stiffened as he did so, but Simon just chuckled, "Same way as you did, Bell. Lots of training, experience, and continually trying to improve myself. None of it came all at once. I had to work hard to get where I am now. Not to mention I had plenty of help along the way."
"I...I see," Bell didn't look reassured. His gaze fell to the floor as he started to turn away from Simon, "Thanks for sharing."
Simon hummed before moving his hand from Bell's head to his shoulder. Then he smiled again, "Tell you what? I do still owe you some stories about where I come from. How's about I tell you some once we get back to Hestia's place? I'll even tell you about Gunmen."
"Gunmen? What's that?" Bell's spirits visibly lifted as his eyes started to shine with curiosity.
Simon chuckled, "I'll tell ya when we get out of here. Speaking of which, when do you think-watch out!"
Simon pushed Bell aside as a Goblin stepped out from behind a pillar with its blade at the ready. The squat, green humanoid screeched as it kicked out at Simon's stomach. Simon blocked the attack with his knee while Bell struggled to stay on his feet. Simon punched the Goblin's outstretched leg, snapping the appendage in two at the knee. It screamed in pain as it fell to the ground with both hands holding its shattered knee. Simon turned to look at Bell with worry, "You alright?"
"Y-Yeah. Damn it, I let my guard down. Ms. Eina warned me not to do that," Bell said while walking over to the writhing Goblin. He pulled out his dagger and put it out of its misery with a clean cut to its neck. He sighed before turning to Simon, "Guess that should be our tip to head back. I should've been able to sense that attack coming."
"Don't beat yourself up over it. The thing was hiding," Simon points out as Bell removed the Goblin's magic stone.
"The most dangerous thing an adventurer can think is 'Ah, whatever.' That's what Ms. Eina told me. And if I started thinking like that, then it's time for me to stop for today," Bell put the stone in his bag then turned to start walking back to the Guild.
"If you say so," Simon said as he followed after Bell. He looked up at the sloping ramp they were ascending, "You don't happen to have anyway to cut our trip back short, do you?"
Bell shook his head, "Leaving the Dungeon instantly is something no adventurer can do. We're not Gods."
Simon went silent as the two kept walking. He reached up and thumbed the warm metal of his Core Drill as he mumbled, "Yeah. We're not Gods."
"Lady Hestia! We're back," Bell announced as the two of them returned to the room under the church. Bell carried with him a bag full of Vals from their recent trek. Hestia was sitting on the sofa in the main room, and got to her feet the second she spotted Bell and Simon. Bell moved to greet her but paused when he saw the dark expression on her face. However, her eyes weren't focused on him. They were completely locked on Simon. Bell stared at his Goddess with worry etched on his face, "Um, is something wrong, Lady Hestia?"
"Bell, could you head upstairs for a moment?" she said without taking her eyes off Simon, "I'll update your status after I have a talk with Simon."
Still confused, Bell turned to Simon and silently asked if he knew what was going on? Simon just shrugged but waved to indicate that Bell should go on. Taking one last glance at Hestia, Bell did as his Goddess asked and head up to the second floor. Once he was gone, Simon spoke up, "Something wrong, Hestia? Did I do something to make you mad?"
Hestia crossed her arms while her eyes seemed to bore into Simon. Her ponytails were whipping back and forth, barely being stopped from striking out at Simon. Hestia remained silent in an attempt to make Simon sweat and try to guess what was wrong. When no such thing happened she spoke up, "I'll come straight out with it. Simon, what is Spiral Power and how did you give it to my Bell?"
Fight smart, not hard.
If the monsters were in a group, he should run away and find a better position. If the monster was stronger than him, he should get as far away from it as possible. If he encountered a monster that wasn't strong but he couldn't handle, he should run in the other direction and see if he could get an advantage.
All of Eina's strategies involved him running away and for good reason. Out of all his stats, his Agility was the one that he had made his own. While not something he took pride in he couldn't deny that running away from his foes played a big role in his continued survival in the Dungeon. It was the only reason he had survived for so long against the minotaur. If he tried to stand his ground and fight, he had no doubt he'd be dead by now.
One could say that majority of his career as a Solo Adventurer had been one long sequence of running away from threats.
Which was on of the biggest reasons why he couldn't look away from Simon as he battled the four remaining Kobolds on his own. The blue haired man was surrounded on all sides by the dog-headed bipeds. The pack was uncharacteristically coordinated in their attacks. One would charge in with its claws at the ready, swiping at Simon as the human dodged the blows. Any attacks he couldn't dodge, he'd block by clashing his arm against the Kobold's. But the monster wouldn't relent, continuing its assault while its comrades moved around to Simon's back. Once in position, the three rushed in with their claws out and ready to rend Simon's back open.
Bell's grip on his dagger tightened when he saw the Kobolds. He ran forward as he shouted, "Simon watch-"
His words died on his lips as the Kobold's claws reached Simon's back...then were deflected by his cape. Bell nearly tripped over his own feet as his mind tried to understand what just happened. The Kobolds were equally surprised, all three falling back as they stared at the fluttering blue cape on Simon's back. The one attacking Simon paused in shock. A mistake which cost it dearly.
Simon dashed forward and grabbed the Kobold by its right arm with his right hand. Placing one foot in front of its own, he span around while his left hand grabbed onto the monster's arm. Too late it realized what was happening as Simon threw the Kobold over his shoulder and onto its back. Simon let the monster go before moving to the side and lifting his foot up. Grinning he looked up and shouted, "Bell! Heads up!"
"Wha-what?!" Bell had no time to think as Simon kicked the Kobold hard in the stomach. Its choked scream echoed through the room as it rocketed across the floor. Its body skipped along the floor, flipping as it crashed against the rocky earth on its way toward Bell. The young man panicked, instinctively raising his dagger as the monster got closer and closer. Ruby red eyes filled with confusion, he nonetheless swung at the Kobold once it was in range of his blade. His attack sliced cleaning through the Kobold's neck as the body landed a few feet behind him. He briefly stopped to look back at the now dead monster as it stopped moving.
"Mind giving me a hand over here, Bell?" Bell turned back to see Simon backing away while the remaining Kobolds gave chase. Though it didn't look like they were pushing the man back. Moreover, it seemed that Simon was jumping away on purpose. He was leading them toward Bell who was still trying to make sense of everything that just happened. Simon looked over his shoulder then smiled, "Could use some help dealing with them."
"Uh-Ugh-Right," Bell shook his head to get his focus back. He moved forward to reach Simon. The blue haired man grinned and stopped running from his adversaries. The closest Kobold moved in with its claws flashing in the light of the Dungeon. Simon ducked under the monster's outstretched arms then followed up with three hard punches to its torso, ending it off with a hard uppercut to the stomach. He drove the Kobold's breath from it before spinning around to its back. His cape fluttered behind him as he kicked the Kobold in the back. Using the momentum to boost himself toward the other Kobolds, he held out both of his arms to the side. The Kobolds, already running to him, were unable to avoid his double lariat. His arms curled around their necks before he dragged them to the ground with him.
The Kobold he kicked was left off balance, letting Bell move in with his dagger. With a battle cry he drives his weapon into the monster's heart. It died instantly but Bell continued on, charging forward while throwing the Kobold off his weapon. Ahead of him Simon got to his feet and turned to look at the remaining Kobolds. The one on his left was dead and its neck was bent at an odd angle. But the one on his right slowly got with one hand on its head. Simon looked beyond it and locked eyes with Bell for but a moment. He grinned before running at the lone Kobold. Fear flashed in the monster's eyes as it realized it was alone and about to die.
Bell didn't waist the opportunity. With one slash he cleaved deep into the monster's back, carving a dark red line into its furred flesh. As it fell forward, Simon punched it in the face hard enough to make its neck snap backwards with a loud snap. The Kobold fell to its knees then onto the floor, completely lifeless.
"Haa-haa-We-We won," Bell said, panting as he stared at the dead Kobold before him. He felt the tension leave him as he sat down on the Dungeon floor. He could hardly believe that just happened. He'd never fought that many Kobolds at once before. Nor had he ever fought with anyone. Yet...it all worked out.
He was suddenly pulled to his feet as Simon wrapped his arm around Bell's shoulder. The older man laughed, "Good job back there, Bell! Sorry I jumped in like that. Didn't really do a good job following my own words did I?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, don't worry about it!" Bell shook his head while trying to avoid looking into Simon's eyes, "It's my fault. I should've been more decisive and-"
Simon flicked Bell's forehead, making the boy squeak in pain. He placed both hands on his head while Simon shook his head, "I'm the one that didn't wait for your orders. I'm the one at fault here, Bell. Don't you go blaming yourself over this, alright?"
"A-Alright," Bell said while rubbing the center of his forehead and nodding to Simon.
Simon smiled then stepped away from Bell, "OK. Then where to next, leader?"
"Um," Bell looked at the dead Kobold near his feet for a few seconds. Then he nodded, "We should start taking the magic stones from these monsters." He knelt to be next to the Kobold nearest him, raising his dagger up to cut into the monster's flesh. But something made him stop before the tip even reached flesh. He looked at his dagger then down at one of his pockets. Frowning he sheathed his dagger and pulled the Drill Simon had given him from within. He placed it against the Kobold's chest and started to drill into it.
Simon smiled and gave Bell a thumbs up, "You got it, Boss," before walking toward the bodies of the other Kobolds. Bell glanced at Simon as he walked away, eyes glimpsing the symbol on it as he walked away. A blazing fire in the shape of a skull with two white glasses for eyes that resembled the glasses Simon wore. He stared at the symbol Simon moved out of sight, wondering how it managed to block three direct attacks from Kobolds. Even if they were born on a level with weak monsters, their claws should've easily shredded through something as tattered at that cape. So, how did it deflect them? Did he actually have magic? Or a skill?
"Hey, Bell?" Bell awoke from his musings, absentmindedly pulling the Kobold's stone from the hole he made in its chest. He turned around as the monster's body turned to ash in front of him. Behind him stood Simon, with four magic stones in one hand and two Kobold Claws in the other. He held up the hand with the claws in it, "I took the stones out, but these didn't disintegrate like the others. Something different about these?"
Bell's eyes widened in surprise as his lips split into a grin. He rushed over to Simon and pointed at the Claws, "Those are drop items! When you remove a monster's magic stone, sometimes parts of its body remain behind. They don't degrade or disappear, so they can be sold to the Guild or used to make special items. They're rather uncommon even among the weaker monsters."
"That so? Guess it's your lucky day you got two then," Simon said while tossing the claws and stones to Bell. The white haired boy fumbled with the thrown objects, managing to catch them all by pure luck. Sighing with relief he put them back into his bag while Simon turned to the remaining three Kobolds. He jerked his thumb toward them and Bell nodded. The two walked to the corpses, Simon putting his arms behind his head, "So, how long have you been at this whole Dungeon Diving thing anyway?"
"Um, a couple of days?" Bell said sheepishly while trying not to look directly at Simon. He shrugged, "I'm still a rookie and have a lot to learn. It's just that Ms. Eina helped me study the essentials of being an Adventurer."
"Hmm, guess you've got to thank her for a lot them," Simon said as he knelt next to one of the Kobold corpses.
Bell smiled wistfully, "Yeah. I do. Wait, never mind that! Simon, how did you deflect the attacks from those Kobolds?"
Bell gave Simon his full attention while the other man had placed his Core Drill against the Kobold's chest. Simon raised an eyebrow, his eyes focused on Bell while his hand idly turned his Core Drill, "Oh that? Spiral Power."
"Spiral Power?" Bell couldn't hide his confusion, "What is that? It is magic? Or a skill?"
"Not exactly. Hmm, the best way I could describe it is Fighting Spirit!"
Bell's confusion only got worse, "F-F-Fighting Spirit?"
Simon smiled, took his hand off the Drill, then grabbed his cape with both hands. He lifted the end it up so Bell could see it. Then he tapped on it with a finger, "Go ahead and feel it."
Still confused, Bell did as asked. He gently ran his finger along the dark blue fabric but felt nothing out of the ordinary. When he took his finger off, the cape suddenly flashed a bright green. Simon waved for Bell to touch it again, so the boy did. But when his finger touched the cape-
"Huh?!" Bell recoiled, shaking his head while his finger lifted off the cape for a moment. Curiosity getting to him, he placed his whole hand on the cape before running it up and down the object. Then he looked up at Simon with his mouth agape, "It-It-It feels like armor!"
"Yep!" Simon chuckled before pulling letting his cape go. There was another flash and it returned to being an inert piece of fabric. Simon focused back on the Kobold, his Core Drill having mad a hole in its chest while he wasn't looking. He reached into the hole and pulled out both his Drill and the magic stone, "And it doesn't take much. So I can just think about it whenever I'm about to get hit. And bam. I've protection from just about anything the world can throw at me."
Simon got to his feet while Bell tried to make sense of what he just saw and heard. He began to stutter, "Bu-Bu-But how?! It would make sense if you had magic, but...but that's just your fighting spirit? Tha-that can't do that! You can't just will fabric into being metal unless you're a God. And you're not so...it's just impossible."
Bell swore he saw Simon's grin get wider. The man walked over to the second to last Kobold. He stood with his back straight and head held high, "Impossible? Ha!"
He span on his heel, planted his feet into the ground, and crossed his arms while his cape fluttered as a sudden gust of air blew passed him. His glasses shined in the light of the Dungeon while his face was split in a confident grin. His voice echoed off the walls as the spoke, "Listen up, Bell! You need to remember this as long as you're hanging with me! To people you and me, there's no such thing as impossible! If there's a wall in a way, then we break it down! If there's no path forward, then we'll blaze the trail for others to follow behind us! And if someone tells us we can't do something, we tell them to shove it and do it anyway! Cause that's the way Team Dai-Gurren rolls!"
Bell sat transfixed by Simon's words. Partly because he didn't understand most of it. Partly because it didn't really answer his question. But also because, and he didn't know why he felt this way, something about it felt...right. There was no words, sensible or otherwise, to explain why he felt that way. Even he wasn't entirely sure why. But part of him just knew that Simon was telling the truth.
Even if that truth didn't make any sense to him.
Temporarily stunned by Simon's speech, he kept silent while Simon knelt down and started to drill through second to last Kobold's chest. However, Bell managed to latch onto the last thing Simon said, "Wait...Team Dai-Gurren? Who's that?"
Simon turned to look at Bell. His smile had turned from confident to wistful and serene, "My friends. Good people that I'd go to hell and back for. And, in a lot of ways, I did do that."
"So, they're more than just friends?"
"Yeah, they are."
"Would they be like your Familia?"
"Suppose so. Though, we don't have a God or anything like. Just our combined want to make the world better in our own ways," Simon stood up, tossing a magic stone in up and down in his hand. As the Kobold's body disintegrated, he turned his head toward a path deeper into the Dungeon, "But I'll have to tell you more about that later. Looks like we've got more company."
"GRAAA!"
Bell tensed up as he heard the roar of more Kobolds approaching. He groaned, "Give me a break!"
"Want me to take care of these guys, Bell?" Simon tossed Bell the magic stone before cracking his knuckles.
Bell caught the stone before turning to the Kobold corpse near him, "Uh, sure. Just hold them off while I get this last stone. Don't push yourself and be careful."
"You got it," Simon said as he ran toward the sound of more Kobolds. As Bell focused on taking out the magic stone, he paused for a second. Then he stared after Simon with a single thought in his head.
Did he just give a clear and concise order? Without over-thinking it or stuttering?
"So," Simon grunted as he kicked a goblin so hard its head came off. The green humanoid's body slumped to the ground while its head hit the floor next to it. He lowered his foot and turned to Bell, "this Dungeon thing has always been here?"
Bell shrugs, "I guess. It's at least been here as long as I can remember. Though I don't think it's originally part of this world. We mortals didn't build it. Neither did the Gods."
"And the monsters are born here? Like they just pop out of the walls?" Simon placed a hand on his chin in thought.
Bell nods while walking over to the downed Goblin, "Uh huh!"
"How though?"
"No one knows. Not even our best scientist have any ideas. And the Gods don't tell us anything concrete. They just say that 'The Dungeon is a dungeon. What else would you find here other than a dungeon?'"
Simon scoffed and crossed his arms, "Sounds to me like they're just not telling you guys everything."
"M-Maybe. But I'm sure they have their reasons. Oh, a goblin fang," Bell picked up both the drop item and the magic stone before turning to look at Simon, "I mean, they're Gods. They have to know better than us mortals."
"Eh, I guess," Simon shrugged and walked passed Bell further into the floor. He put his hands behind his head while Bell moved to catch up with him. Then Simon yawned, "So, if this place gives birth to monsters...does that mean it's alive?"
"That's what our scientist and otherwise say. Mainly cause there aren't any other explanations. If you destroy a part of the Dungeon, it'll be repaired by tomorrow. It automatically regrows or recreates any resources taken from it. And it somehow manages to have a day/night cycle despite the sun not shining down here. It's all so mysterious and many people have dedicated their lives to finding out how the Dungeon works. But they've gotten nowhere," Bell explained while adjusting the bag on his back.
Simon chuckled, "That right? Leeron would take that as a challenge if he was here."
"Leeron?"
"One of my friends from Team Dai-Gurren. He was basically our go to guy for anything science related. Was responsible for a lot of the stuff that let us do our things," Simon sighed a wistful smile coming over his face.
Bell frowned and he turned his gaze toward the floor. His grip on his backpack tightened as he spoke, "Simon...how did you get so strong?"
"Huh?" Simon stopped walking to stare at Bell.
Bell stopped as well, his gaze moving to look at Simon, "You keep talking about Team Dai-Gurren as your friends or family. But you say they're not your Familia, cause you don't have a blessing or a God behind you. But...I've seen you fight. You're strong. Way stronger than me or probably even most rookie adventurers. And I-I just want to know how? What made you this powerful?"
Simon blinked at Bell who was staring at him with an intense look in his eyes. Then after a few minutes of silence, Simon grinned. He walked over to Bell and started to tousle the kid's white shock of hair. Bell stiffened as he did so, but Simon just chuckled, "Same way as you did, Bell. Lots of training, experience, and continually trying to improve myself. None of it came all at once. I had to work hard to get where I am now. Not to mention I had plenty of help along the way."
"I...I see," Bell didn't look reassured. His gaze fell to the floor as he started to turn away from Simon, "Thanks for sharing."
Simon hummed before moving his hand from Bell's head to his shoulder. Then he smiled again, "Tell you what? I do still owe you some stories about where I come from. How's about I tell you some once we get back to Hestia's place? I'll even tell you about Gunmen."
"Gunmen? What's that?" Bell's spirits visibly lifted as his eyes started to shine with curiosity.
Simon chuckled, "I'll tell ya when we get out of here. Speaking of which, when do you think-watch out!"
Simon pushed Bell aside as a Goblin stepped out from behind a pillar with its blade at the ready. The squat, green humanoid screeched as it kicked out at Simon's stomach. Simon blocked the attack with his knee while Bell struggled to stay on his feet. Simon punched the Goblin's outstretched leg, snapping the appendage in two at the knee. It screamed in pain as it fell to the ground with both hands holding its shattered knee. Simon turned to look at Bell with worry, "You alright?"
"Y-Yeah. Damn it, I let my guard down. Ms. Eina warned me not to do that," Bell said while walking over to the writhing Goblin. He pulled out his dagger and put it out of its misery with a clean cut to its neck. He sighed before turning to Simon, "Guess that should be our tip to head back. I should've been able to sense that attack coming."
"Don't beat yourself up over it. The thing was hiding," Simon points out as Bell removed the Goblin's magic stone.
"The most dangerous thing an adventurer can think is 'Ah, whatever.' That's what Ms. Eina told me. And if I started thinking like that, then it's time for me to stop for today," Bell put the stone in his bag then turned to start walking back to the Guild.
"If you say so," Simon said as he followed after Bell. He looked up at the sloping ramp they were ascending, "You don't happen to have anyway to cut our trip back short, do you?"
Bell shook his head, "Leaving the Dungeon instantly is something no adventurer can do. We're not Gods."
Simon went silent as the two kept walking. He reached up and thumbed the warm metal of his Core Drill as he mumbled, "Yeah. We're not Gods."
"Lady Hestia! We're back," Bell announced as the two of them returned to the room under the church. Bell carried with him a bag full of Vals from their recent trek. Hestia was sitting on the sofa in the main room, and got to her feet the second she spotted Bell and Simon. Bell moved to greet her but paused when he saw the dark expression on her face. However, her eyes weren't focused on him. They were completely locked on Simon. Bell stared at his Goddess with worry etched on his face, "Um, is something wrong, Lady Hestia?"
"Bell, could you head upstairs for a moment?" she said without taking her eyes off Simon, "I'll update your status after I have a talk with Simon."
Still confused, Bell turned to Simon and silently asked if he knew what was going on? Simon just shrugged but waved to indicate that Bell should go on. Taking one last glance at Hestia, Bell did as his Goddess asked and head up to the second floor. Once he was gone, Simon spoke up, "Something wrong, Hestia? Did I do something to make you mad?"
Hestia crossed her arms while her eyes seemed to bore into Simon. Her ponytails were whipping back and forth, barely being stopped from striking out at Simon. Hestia remained silent in an attempt to make Simon sweat and try to guess what was wrong. When no such thing happened she spoke up, "I'll come straight out with it. Simon, what is Spiral Power and how did you give it to my Bell?"
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"Kid always had it, I just caused it to awaken within him."
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Yes, Spiral Power is literally bullshit. But glorious bullshit.
Well, there was a bit of hesitation, but yes.
Yes. And it doesn't like people that mess with it or try to break it too much.
Just use Escape Rope.
Simon: Memes son! it hardens in response to physical trauma!
Kinda funny she asks him like it's some kind of disease ngl
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
As far as she knows, it could be. Bell got it after hanging with Simon and Skills don't just jump from one person to another like that. Let alone replace already established Skills.
Chapter 7.1
LinkOnScepter
The One who Strangles Concepts to death
- Location
- Interwebs
Bell sat on the edge of the upstairs bed watching the door to his room. There was no sound save for the light buzzing of the magic lamp above him. He resisted the urge to kick his legs back and forth, not wanting to make the bed creak. He wasn't sure what Simon and Lady Hestia were talking about downstairs, but he didn't want to disturb them by making any noise. If Lady Hestia needed to talk with Simon alone then it was likely important. And she'd tell him all about it later.
A part of him did feel some temptation. The want to crack the door open and sneak downstairs. Hear what was so important that he had to leave the room before they could talk about it. But that part was swiftly dashed by his complete trust of Lady Hestia. She was his Goddess and a great one at that. She was probably just explaining more about how Orario works to Simon.
Simon. The thought of him made Bell smile. Though he hadn't known the man for long, he did think he was a good person. He knew that sounded naive but it made sense to him. Simon had saved his life twice now, had accompanied him into the Dungeon without needing a formal contract, and kept letting him have all the money. Even if Bell felt bad about taking Simon's own share of the vals, he couldn't deny that it was helping his Familia. They were in a much better position than they used to be. Lady Hestia could even afford multiple potato snack dinners now! He had given them so much, yet he asked for nothing in return. Just like a Hero...
Smiling, Bell reached into his pocket and pulled out the drill that Simon had given him. He held it up to the light, the little bronze object dangling from a piece of string. Simon had done that for him when they left the Dungeon today. The string had come from his cape and he had placed it into Bell's hand. When Bell asked what it was, Simon had called it a "Core Drill". At the time it hadn't been much. Just a normal drill.
But now, as he stared at it, he swore he saw a the dimmest of green lights pulsing within its core. He turned the slightly warm object around in his fingers eyes transfixed by the light within. He was certain the thing was some kind of Magic Item. The type that the Heroes in stories get that always helps them win the day. Though he wasn't sure how this one worked, he had a theory over what it was supposed to do. And that came down to the color the Core Drill was giving off.
Because it was the same shade of green he had seen Simon use in the Dungeon.
Which meant that it was connected to...
"Spiral Power," Bell tested the words on his tongue. His eyes kept staring at the Core Drill as he thought on his theory. Simon had said that Spiral Power was "Fighting Spirit". Bell figured he meant "Willpower" or something close to it. If that was the case then...was Spiral Power the ability to manifest your Will into reality? Or make things happen through willing them to happen?
Because if so then...what could it not do?
Bell started to frown but then shook his head. He was probably overthinking things again. Spiral Power couldn't be that strong. If it was then everybody would be using it, wouldn't they? But this is the first time he's heard of it. Maybe it was something that the Heroes of Old used before Falna became a thing? He'd have to ask Simon about it later.
He lowered his head then put the Core Drill around his neck. The item fell to the middle of his chest still glowing with a faint green light. He sighed before falling back onto the bed as his mind once more drifted to the conversation happening downstairs. As they did he briefly wondered if Hestia would know anything about Spiral Power.
Hestia, the Goddess of Hearth and Home, currently had her eyes closed as she massaged her temples. She leaned back against the living room sofa, taking a deep breath before sighing, "Oooookkkkk. Let me see if I've got this straight."
Simon sat across from her with his legs crossed. He didn't look perturbed by her mood in the slightest. If anything, his unconcerned expression made Hestia more upset. And his casual tone didn't make it any better, "Sure. I'm all ears."
Hestia frowned but continued, "So, Spiral Power. It...it's a power source that just exists in the world."
"Yep. Well, it does for me."
"You can sense it?"
Simon shrugged, "Yeah. Passively, I can feel any Spiral Power in a radius around me. If I concentrate, I can sense it all across the planet."
"...You can...sense the presence of Spiral Power...across the entire planet if you try?"
"Uh huh! Pretty handy trick, huh?" Simon smiled and put his arms behind his head.
Hestia took a moment to breathe and calm herself down. Her ponytails were trembling as she tried to keep her emotions in check. After a few moments she continued, "OK. Lets put that to the side for now. Spiral Power. It just plainly exists, and represents evolution. But less evolutions and more the concept of improving and overcoming all obstacles."
"That's one way to put it."
"And it's powered by someone's innate Willpower."
"Fighting Spirit."
"Same difference. Anyway, there's no limit to the amount of Spiral Power someone can have. Or what it can do. Someone with Spiral Power can go from digging holes in the ground one day, to defeating someone who is many years their senior in combat the next day. And it only gets crazier from there? Am I getting that right?"
Another shrug, "Pretty much. Though it's not a free ride. Everyone can have Spiral Power, but you actually have to ACT in order to make use of it. If you're a passive person, then you're not gonna get very far. Think it like a drill. Every time it rotates, it gets further and further down the hole it's digging. Just like how someone becomes different from who they were before every moment they spend improving themselves. That's Spiral Power."
Hestia blinked.
Then she spoke in the flattest voice she could manage, "Simon, are you a God?"
For the first time since she had met him, Hestia saw Simon frown. His answer was short and decisive, "No."
"And you're not lying to-"
"Why would I ever lie to you, Hestia?"
Hestia was silent for a few moments. Normally, she wouldn't have asked if Simon was lying to her. After all, the Children can't lie to the Gods. It's just impossible.
But Simon basically told her that Spiral Power looks at things that are supposed to be "impossible" and says, "Fucking watch me do it anyway."
And it tends to work.
Meaning that, if he wanted to, he could lie to the Gods.
And, truth be told, a part of her wished that he was lying to her right now. Because that would be preferable to the truth of the matter.
Unfortunately, she knew he wasn't. Because Simon was similar to Bell in many ways. And one of those ways was that he was honest to a fault. He wouldn't lie to her, because the idea of lying to her for any reason at all would never even cross his mind.
Which meant that everything he told her was true.
....
"You doing okay there, Hestia?" Simon asked, tilting his head to the side.
Hestia was silent.
Then she slowly fell back into the sofa until it looked like her body was being eaten by the fabric. It was only when she was halfway into the sofa that she finally spoke, "Th...bull..."
"Hmm? You say something?"
"I said that's bullshit!" Hestia rocketed out of her seat. She shot to her feet, ponytails whipping up a storm while angry eyes fixated onto a stunned Simon.
A part of him did feel some temptation. The want to crack the door open and sneak downstairs. Hear what was so important that he had to leave the room before they could talk about it. But that part was swiftly dashed by his complete trust of Lady Hestia. She was his Goddess and a great one at that. She was probably just explaining more about how Orario works to Simon.
Simon. The thought of him made Bell smile. Though he hadn't known the man for long, he did think he was a good person. He knew that sounded naive but it made sense to him. Simon had saved his life twice now, had accompanied him into the Dungeon without needing a formal contract, and kept letting him have all the money. Even if Bell felt bad about taking Simon's own share of the vals, he couldn't deny that it was helping his Familia. They were in a much better position than they used to be. Lady Hestia could even afford multiple potato snack dinners now! He had given them so much, yet he asked for nothing in return. Just like a Hero...
Smiling, Bell reached into his pocket and pulled out the drill that Simon had given him. He held it up to the light, the little bronze object dangling from a piece of string. Simon had done that for him when they left the Dungeon today. The string had come from his cape and he had placed it into Bell's hand. When Bell asked what it was, Simon had called it a "Core Drill". At the time it hadn't been much. Just a normal drill.
But now, as he stared at it, he swore he saw a the dimmest of green lights pulsing within its core. He turned the slightly warm object around in his fingers eyes transfixed by the light within. He was certain the thing was some kind of Magic Item. The type that the Heroes in stories get that always helps them win the day. Though he wasn't sure how this one worked, he had a theory over what it was supposed to do. And that came down to the color the Core Drill was giving off.
Because it was the same shade of green he had seen Simon use in the Dungeon.
Which meant that it was connected to...
"Spiral Power," Bell tested the words on his tongue. His eyes kept staring at the Core Drill as he thought on his theory. Simon had said that Spiral Power was "Fighting Spirit". Bell figured he meant "Willpower" or something close to it. If that was the case then...was Spiral Power the ability to manifest your Will into reality? Or make things happen through willing them to happen?
Because if so then...what could it not do?
Bell started to frown but then shook his head. He was probably overthinking things again. Spiral Power couldn't be that strong. If it was then everybody would be using it, wouldn't they? But this is the first time he's heard of it. Maybe it was something that the Heroes of Old used before Falna became a thing? He'd have to ask Simon about it later.
He lowered his head then put the Core Drill around his neck. The item fell to the middle of his chest still glowing with a faint green light. He sighed before falling back onto the bed as his mind once more drifted to the conversation happening downstairs. As they did he briefly wondered if Hestia would know anything about Spiral Power.
Hestia, the Goddess of Hearth and Home, currently had her eyes closed as she massaged her temples. She leaned back against the living room sofa, taking a deep breath before sighing, "Oooookkkkk. Let me see if I've got this straight."
Simon sat across from her with his legs crossed. He didn't look perturbed by her mood in the slightest. If anything, his unconcerned expression made Hestia more upset. And his casual tone didn't make it any better, "Sure. I'm all ears."
Hestia frowned but continued, "So, Spiral Power. It...it's a power source that just exists in the world."
"Yep. Well, it does for me."
"You can sense it?"
Simon shrugged, "Yeah. Passively, I can feel any Spiral Power in a radius around me. If I concentrate, I can sense it all across the planet."
"...You can...sense the presence of Spiral Power...across the entire planet if you try?"
"Uh huh! Pretty handy trick, huh?" Simon smiled and put his arms behind his head.
Hestia took a moment to breathe and calm herself down. Her ponytails were trembling as she tried to keep her emotions in check. After a few moments she continued, "OK. Lets put that to the side for now. Spiral Power. It just plainly exists, and represents evolution. But less evolutions and more the concept of improving and overcoming all obstacles."
"That's one way to put it."
"And it's powered by someone's innate Willpower."
"Fighting Spirit."
"Same difference. Anyway, there's no limit to the amount of Spiral Power someone can have. Or what it can do. Someone with Spiral Power can go from digging holes in the ground one day, to defeating someone who is many years their senior in combat the next day. And it only gets crazier from there? Am I getting that right?"
Another shrug, "Pretty much. Though it's not a free ride. Everyone can have Spiral Power, but you actually have to ACT in order to make use of it. If you're a passive person, then you're not gonna get very far. Think it like a drill. Every time it rotates, it gets further and further down the hole it's digging. Just like how someone becomes different from who they were before every moment they spend improving themselves. That's Spiral Power."
Hestia blinked.
Then she spoke in the flattest voice she could manage, "Simon, are you a God?"
For the first time since she had met him, Hestia saw Simon frown. His answer was short and decisive, "No."
"And you're not lying to-"
"Why would I ever lie to you, Hestia?"
Hestia was silent for a few moments. Normally, she wouldn't have asked if Simon was lying to her. After all, the Children can't lie to the Gods. It's just impossible.
But Simon basically told her that Spiral Power looks at things that are supposed to be "impossible" and says, "Fucking watch me do it anyway."
And it tends to work.
Meaning that, if he wanted to, he could lie to the Gods.
And, truth be told, a part of her wished that he was lying to her right now. Because that would be preferable to the truth of the matter.
Unfortunately, she knew he wasn't. Because Simon was similar to Bell in many ways. And one of those ways was that he was honest to a fault. He wouldn't lie to her, because the idea of lying to her for any reason at all would never even cross his mind.
Which meant that everything he told her was true.
....
"You doing okay there, Hestia?" Simon asked, tilting his head to the side.
Hestia was silent.
Then she slowly fell back into the sofa until it looked like her body was being eaten by the fabric. It was only when she was halfway into the sofa that she finally spoke, "Th...bull..."
"Hmm? You say something?"
"I said that's bullshit!" Hestia rocketed out of her seat. She shot to her feet, ponytails whipping up a storm while angry eyes fixated onto a stunned Simon.
Last edited:
Icipall
Don't worry, we can fanfix that!
- Location
- Cold snow fields of Finland
Basically the same thing.
Yeah, Spiral Power is a bullshit power. It basically lets you do anything, as long as you put your mind to it.
Understandable reaction.