Bell watched as Welf forged his new knife. Seeing the red headed smith put his heart and soul into his craft. Watching as what was once a minotaur's horn become something else, something he would be wielding into battle.
Bell was at Welf's home and at his personal forge, he along with Takeru, who joined him out for her own curiosity, were welcomed warmly by the smith and were invited to look around his wears to see how they liked some of his work.
Wall to wall, Bell was amazed by the sights of so many weapons and armors. Some armor were stout and heavy that looked like they would be suitable for a dwarf, others were thin and light and wouldn't look too out of place on an elf.
Bell found his gaze naturally attracted to the weapons, seeing axes, spears, clubs, swords, and more he didn't even know the names of. Welf saw his look and laughed merrily at his expression, mentioning how he was glad at least someone appreciated his work. Which drew a curious look from both Bell and Takeru. Takeru asked why that is, mentioning that his weapons and armor would be well suited for any beginning or even experienced adventurers. Welf only gave a laugh, one more self pitying than the one Bell heard earlier, mentioning that sometimes people look for something 'more' when his name is attached to it. He didn't elaborate further and just asked for the material so he could get to work.
After some time, Welf was nearly done, finally cooling the knife he forged at Bell's request. Its orange glow cooling into a dark red. A bit more time went into fitting it into a handle, but soon, Welf held up Bell's new knife, much to the joy of said person.
"Well? What do you think?" asked Welf with a grin, "Not too bad if I say so myself," he rubbed his chin with a frown suddenly, as if forgetting something important, "although it is missing something," he held up the blade, watching as the light reflected off the edge, "a weapon like this needs to have a name. I mean look at it," he held it closer to Bell, "something like this has got to have a name, right?"
Bell wholeheartedly agreed, "Yes, but," he paused trying to think of a potentially good name but falling short, he looked over to Takeru but saw she was examining a curious looking sword in an especially wide scabbard with a long handle. He saw that she wouldn't give him advice anytime soon and turned his attention back to Welf, "How about you name it?" he asked, "I'm not too good with picking names. So I think it's best that its creator has the final say," Bell finished with a smile.
Welf was surprised by Bell's words, having fully expected him to name his creation something ridiculous or audacious. He smiled, grateful for the offer, "Sure thing," he said. He held the blade up and analyzed it for a moment, looking at it differently than if he were admiring his craft, trying to find a proper name for it. Eventually he thought of one and snapped his fingers, "I got it!" he exclaimed, "How about Ushiwakamaru?"
Bell blinked at the strange name, he heard the sound of something falling to the floor and looked to see Takeru looking at Welf with wide eyes full of disbelief. Bell was shocked, having never seen her with a face like that.
Welf was smiling, completely oblivious to the reactions of the other two. Proud of his choice for a name, "It's the name of some ancient warrior from the east," he gently twisted the knife so he could catch the gleam of the edge and the curve of the blade, "I think it's appropriate. Did base it on some eastern bladework I studied," he looked to Bell, who gave Welf his attention, "Well? What do you think?"
Bell didn't have much of an opinion about the name, it was honestly better than what he thought of, but still sounded weird for a knife, "I think it works, Mister Welf," Bell replied, not wanting to complicate the matter with a insensitive comment about the name, "thanks again for this! I really appreciate it."
Welf smiled at the thanks but it turned down a bit when he handed the knife to Bell, "Hey Bell," he began, "I know we…only just met and all but," he trailed off, trying to find the proper words, "I'd honestly appreciate it if you dropped the 'Mister' stuff," his smile grew, becoming a bit more sincere, "after all, we're friends now, right?"
Bell was momentarily silent, but returned Welf's smile with one of his own. He reached out a hand and Welf placed the blade in it, "Of course, Welf," answered Bell, "we're friends."
Giving a small laugh, the red headed smith nods his head, grateful for Bell's answer. He gestured to the knife that now laid in Bell's hand, "Well? Tell me what you think. It's some of my best work, if I do say so myself."
Bell tested his grip on the knife, feeling the sturdiness, weight, and balance. He took a few slow practice swings and smiled, satisfied, "It's awesome, Welf," he said, "I can't wait to test it in the dungeon."
Welf crossed his arms, pride in his voice when he replied, "That's what I liked to hear!" he exclaimed, "Ushiwakamaru is gonna go far in your hands, Bell!"
Takeru watched the exchange in bemusement before turning her gaze to the knife in Bell's hand.
'A small knife named Ushiwakamaru,' she thought with some amusement, 'if Yoshitsune found out about this, I doubt her reaction would be a positive one.'
Though the rest of her old comrades would probably burst into laughter at the name before running in terror at their stoic and aggressive companion.
Takeru politely coughed and got the two new friends attention, "if you don't mind…Welf?" she tested, getting a thumbs up from the smith at using his name, "could you tell me about this blade?" she held the sword she was examining earlier, still sheathed in its scabbard.
Welf saw what she was holding and cringed at the sight of it, "Ooof! That thing?" he began, "that was my attempt at an experiment with new metals I got from some forge buddies of mine. I was told they were special materials that helped in the craft of blade making," he groaned and rubbed the back of his head in frustration, "now I know they were just messing with me but that is the result of my attempt."
Takeru studied the work in her hands, gently running her hand along the length of the scabbard, admiring the knotwork in the handle. If this was a failure in Welf's eyes? Then it was a good looking failure to Takeru's.
Now to see the blade.
She popped the blade out slightly with her thumb and drew the rest partially out, aware of the length of the handle and adjusting her grip to account for the size. Unsurprisingly, it was a wide blade as she suspected. At least two to three inches wider than the usual katana she carried and given the length of the scabbard, longer too. She saw the metal of the partially revealed blade, silver in color like any sword but perhaps a shade greyer than most.
"How is this a failure to you, Welf?" asked Takeru, "This is a fine blade, a bit unique, it must be said, but still fairly fine. Even great I'd argue."
Welf just sighed and replied, "Take the rest of it out and you'll see what I mean."
She did do, drawing the whole sword out of its scabbard and revealing it to Bell's and Welf's eyes. It appeared as Takeru expected, a rather wide and long katana blade. No fancy markings, no engravings, nor enchanted runes, or anything. Just a clean unblemished blade.
Then she realized something, as she fully unsheathed the blade, she quickly adjusted her grip so the bare metal didn't drop to the ground. Takeru was shocked by the sensation she felt. She had thought the blade would be heavy, given its unique size, but not 'this' heavy. She had barely noticed it when it was in the scabbard.
"Notice it now?" asked Welf, "Yeah, the metals I used were pretty dense and I was so focused on my craft I didn't realize the weight until I was finished," he shrugged, "but the weight wasn't actually the problem, I'm sure you could tell now. I've made heavier swords than that. Got a few hanging off my wall."
"How much does it weigh, Welf?" asked Bell, it was curious of him to see the best fighter in his familia struggle a bit to lift the blade up properly, her face a mask of concentration, "and what's actually the problem with it?"
Welf had no problem answering, "The blade itself only weighs about twenty pounds," he held a hand to forstall Bell's surprise reaction, "I know that sounds heavy but trust me, that is a novice weight for most adventurers wielding heavy weapons. My own personal sword is just as heavy if not more so," he looked back to Takeru, seeing her finally lifting the blade up in a proper one handed stance, "the problem is-"
"The center of balance," interrupted Takeru, "it's uneven for a sword this shape and size," she finally reached down with her other hand to hold it in a two handed grip, "one second it's at the base, another it's at the head, and the next it's at the midsection. Constantly changing with the position and grip of the user making it feel heavier than it is," she hummed in thought at the blade in her hand, "quite a problem child, this one."
Welf winced slightly at those words, "Yeah, tell me about it," he said, "no surprise that it didn't sell when I was done with it. Even mentioned its extreme heat resistance to spice up some foot traffic," he gave a laugh, "no luck there, I'll tell you what."
"Extreme heat resistance?" asked Takeru, curious, "How well does it resist heat?"
Welf groaned, remembering the toils of making that sword, "I ain't gonna go into details," he began, "but let's just say I could leave the blade in my forge all day, full blaze, and I'm not sure the edge would even bubble," he winced at an unpleasant memory, "I ain't gonna tell you all how long 'exactly' it took me to make, I'd rather forget the time spent myself."
Takeru turned her attention back to the sword, a smile on her face, "Welf, do you mind if I take this blade for myself? I have a feeling that this sword would do nicely for me."
Welf's jaw dropped at what she said. There was no way, no way that, after telling her the turmoil it took to craft, the poorly distributed weight, and the troublesome center of balance, that she wanted to keep the sword.
Her request garnered only one obvious reaction.
"Are you insane?!" Welf exclaimed, "Didn't you hear what I said? That sword is trouble with a capital 'T'! No sane person would want to keep it as a wall decoration, let alone for fighting monsters in the dungeon," he rubbed the back of his head, "after all I've told you, why would you even want it?"
Takeru was not the least bit bothered by Welf's reaction, instead of verbally replying, she just held the sword up before her in a one handed grip.
A stable and proper grip and stance.
Welf saw this and his eyes widened, "What the-,"
Takeru performed a series of swings with the blade with just one hand on the two handed handle. Each swing of the blade caused the air to stir with the strength of the swings and the weight of the sword. With Takeru performing the motions with no visible difficulty whatsoever.
Eventually she stopped her display and sheathed the blade with a practiced motion, as if she had already wielded the sword many times before.
She looked back to Welf, a mischievous gleam in her eyes that only Bell saw, "Sure it's difficult at first," she began, "but once you actually find the proper center of gravity, wielding it becomes a non factor," she gave a modest smile, "though I would have to practice with it a bit more. I found that little show I did could have been done better."
Welf had no reply to that, still shocked that someone could use that cumbersome sword like she did. Slowly, he turned to Bell, who was just as amazed as Welf, only his expression was more genuine amazement than shock.
"Hey Bell," Welf began tonelessly, "are all your familia members like this?"
Bell just laughed innocently at the question, having no real reply to that question.
"I see," Koukin said from her place on the couch, "at the very least, it could have ended worse than how it did."
Across from her, laying face down on the other couch, was Hestia. Who gave a groan at her vice-captain's words, a sadder sound when it was muffled by the cushion.
Koukin sighed at her Goddess's antics, "I mean it, Lady Hestia," she said, "at the very least, you gave no sign of knowing about the additional blessing in the first place and you did your best at not revealing anything hinting about our origins," she gestured to Arue beside her and a concerned looking Ibuki and Chitoge, "all in all, you did much better than I expected."
Hestia turned her head from the cushion, looking Koukin in the eye, "You really think so?" she asked innocently, "you don't think I botched up anything important?"
Koukin shook her head, "No I do not," she answered, "though I wished you didn't raise your voice to ask a question to the lust God, it might have actually worked in our favor."
Hestia rose to a sitting position, curiosity in her eyes, "How do you mean?" she asked.
Arue knew what Koukin was talking about and answered, in her own way, "A damning silence can be far worse than a damning question. You asking a question so innocently potentially kept the wolves from our door by now."
Hestia caught on to the meaning, "You think it would have been worse if I didn't say anything at all?"
Ibuki nodded, "In my experience, absolutely," she said, "the quiet ones are usually the ones that have something to hide. In this case, I think the other Gods and Goddesses are gonna look at those who kept their mouths shut at the meeting."
That did make Hestia feel better, if only a little, "Not many were silent in that meeting," she said, "that's gonna be a small list."
"But one that'll take some suspicion off us," Chitoge added, a small smile playing across her lips, "gonna be fun to see them try, I think. Not many deities in this city liked being snooped on."
She was right about that. Hestia was now all the more glad she didn't raise her voice too much and glad she didn't raise it too little either.
"What do you all think?" she asked her small group of children, "about what I told you."
She imagined that they would have some opinions on their origins. Given they were literally crafted by hand from a God and inserted into a magical ability. Not to mention all the other stuff about the magic.
Though she did keep the hidden origin of the magic to herself…gonna take that to the grave.
"It is what it is," Chitoge shrugged, "I'm 'me', here and now. I don't care if I'm a recreation or whatever," she pumped a fist up, "this is my life now and I'm not gonna be existential about it. Besides," she gave Hestia a rare and honest smile, "this world is too fun for me to think like that. Makes me actually feel kinda bad that my 'original' self is missing out on it."
Hestia was surprised by the blonde's words and was honestly relieved by them.
"Same here," said Ibuki, a thumb pointed at herself, "Ibuki is Ibuki. Whether here or anywhere," she then shrugged, "also, I've seen. A lot of crazy stuff in my life. Well, my old life. Being a replication of well…me, isn't too bothersome."
"In a whole new world," Arue added, "matters not whether I'm the original or a copy," she posed, a hand held in front of her while the other hovered near her sole eye, "a Crimson Demon is not daunted by such things. I exist! That alone is enough for me!"
Koukin chuckled at the words of her comrades, "I have very little to add," she said, "namely because this was something we were already aware of and have accepted it forthright upon our summoning."
Hestia had forgotten about that and felt silly that she did. For whatever reason, anyone summoned automatically knew what they were, essentially duplicates of individuals from across space and time. Hestia thought that it was strange that they knew what they were already but chalked it up to just another thing Eros had implemented into the blessing.
'Maybe it's just easier for them to already realize it,' Hestia thought, 'saves any complications that could come from it.'
Koukin frowned suddenly before Hestia's eyes, "Though I admit," she began, "I have…mixed feelings about our apparent sterilization. On one hand, it eliminates any complications that we are not otherwise prepared for," she brought a hand to her stomach, gently rubbing it, "on the other hand, it also…takes away some future opportunities."
Hestia remained silent as she watched her vice-captain, observing both her and the other two's reactions. Ibuki had a frown upon a complicated expression, like she didn't know what to think about that detail. Chitoge was stern faced, but Hestia could see from her posture that it was a…sensitive issue to be sure. Arue gave nothing away, her expression neutral, Hestia wasn't surprised by that. Arue was best at hiding her real feelings and emotions in any case
She didn't begrudge them for their reactions, it was a complicated thing after all and Hestia admits she wasn't the best Goddess to deal with it. Demeter would be suited for this kind of thing, given her status as a fertility Goddess. Nonetheless, these were her children and she would be there for them.
Right now she believes silence is the best thing to do right now. Comforting words only went so far in topics like these and Hestia didn't even have the words to say in any case. Nonetheless, she sat there, along with her children. Being there with them and ready to offer something to help them, should they need it.
"To a different matter of discussion," Koukin began, wanting to change topics, her voice serious, "this meeting may have us reconsider our plans to summon more allies."
Hestia's face turned serious, "Yeah, I wanted to touch on that," she began, "you think we should cancel our plans, or at least push them off to a later date?"
Koukin didn't respond at first, her face in a mask of careful thinking. She eventually responded, "I would think, with the upcoming renovations and construction, that it would be suspicious if we don't have 'some' new members join us after all that," she rubbed at her chin, thinking of the variables before her and looking for any deviations, "we have already hinted at the arrival of new familia members to some Guild staff like Miss Tulle and the Goibniu familia are coming to help us for that reason. Theoretically, we have a decent alibi."
Hestia didn't need to be a genius to see what's wrong, "'Decent' doesn't mean guarantee though, does it?"
Koukin slightly winced at the blunt statement but offered no words of argument but agreement, "Yes. I'm afraid. 'A child somewhere in the city is blessed with a gift from the very Heavens themselves? To summon allies across space and time?' Frankly I'm surprised there hasn't been a big reaction to it already and our alibi may not hold itself well to such an event."
If Hestia were to guess why that is, she imagined that, after the scolding Eros gave to all the Gods and Goddesses in attendance, plenty of deities simply returned home and reflected on his words. While some returned home to scheme and plan on locating the wielder of such a blessing. She knew she saw frowns and smiles in near equal measure when she left the tower.
"But there is plenty reason for us to continue also," Koukin said, snapping Hestia's attention back to her, "namely, the present threat of Freya familia. We need the numbers and the strength of more allies if we are to face her in the worst case scenario. In the best case," she shrugged, "she continues to watch us from afar, gaining what amusement out of it? I can't say."
Hestia thought about what she was told, trying to come to a decision. With the renovations that are coming tomorrow, it was certainly to be expected that she was going to get more members. Then again, all it would take is one snooping child and one greedy God to really put the spotlight on them.
There was really no right or wrong choice, only potential results she would have to react to. In addition to another thing that again crept into her mind.
'For the coming times, you all will need all the help you can get. From far and wide. I wish you luck in the days to come.'
That warning was still in the back of Hestia's mind and she couldn't ignore it. Not when it came from the creator of Bell's summoning magic.
She made her decision, "We'll summon more allies," she stated, "I know it's risky but after Denatus, we can't just get scared and decide not to do anything. We have threats we're gonna face, whether it's a God or Goddess, monsters in the dungeon, or whatever weird threats Eros hinted at. We can't just get cold feet now, not when there's so much coming our way and so much we still want to do. In this city and in our lives."
Silence greeted the short Goddess's proclamation, she looked to see her children's reactions.
Wide eyes and a few open mouths greeted her. Her little assembled crown surprised by their Goddess's resolve and steadfastness.
Koukin recovered first, "I admit Lady Hestia," she began, "you surprise me. I didn't expect you to have some steel in your words."
A soft clapping came from Chitoge, "Not gonna lie. That was impressive, didn't know you had it in you."
Ibuki just gave her a thumbs up, speechless.
Hestia tried her best not to preen under her children's praise, but she did stick her chest out in pride, only a little bit though.
Soft laughing graced her ears and she turned to look at Arue, who was softly chuckling, "Well done, Goddess Hestia. Well done indeed," she said, in a tone of voice that Hestia only had bad feelings for, "now you only need to work on your timing and your pose."
"My pose?" asked Hestia, "What are you talking about?"
Arue just laughed openly, as if the question was the most ridiculous thing she had heard today, "I'm talking about when you're ready to finally take the path you were destined to take!" she got up from her seat and dramatically posed and pointed at Hestia, "the path of the illustrious, noble, and voluptuous Crimson Demon!"
Hestia finally understood what she was getting at…and she did not like it at all!
"No way!" Hestia exclaimed, standing up herself, "No way am I walking down whatever weird path you choose to walk on!"
"Foolish!" replied Arue, "After such an amazing speech, it would be nothing less than foolish for you to deny it!" she held out a hand to the Goddess, a cunning glow finding itself in her visible eye, "Come, Goddess Hestia! Where the powerful and the bold rule! With our talents and our assets," she made her breasts bounce a little, "we can make the fates themselves bend before us with our mighty charisma and our bountiful chests!"
"Everything you just said was weird, crazy, or both!" Shouted Hestia, "No way! No how! No chance!"
Koukin watched as her Goddess and her fellow familia member argued back and forth on Hestia's initiation into the Crimson Demons with disbelief and exasperation. Though, she had a smile on her face when she realized something.
'Well done, Arue,' she thought, 'this will at least get her mind off any troubling issues for now.'
She felt someone tap her shoulder and turned to see Ibuki, "Yes, what is it?" she asked.
Ibuki rubbed the back of her head and played with her long ponytail, "Yeah, I know now might not be the best time," she started, "but how are we gonna go about the summoning this time around?"
Koukin blinked, surprised by the question at first before suddenly understanding, "You mean whether or not we should go big with the Tier five summons or not?"
Ibuki nodded, "Yeah, I mean, I would love to have some powerful friends to have my back," she winced and continued, "but I know that it could-"
"Put more suspicion on us if someone that powerful showed up in our familia," Chitoge cut in, having heard their discussion, "especially if that person is a level one on paper only?" she shrugged, seemingly nonplussed, "I'd say we go for it. Could always use the extra power. Especially if we're gonna have trouble down the road anyway."
Ibuki didn't argue against that, it was a good point but so was hers. She and Chitoge both turned to their familia's vice-captain, awaiting her reply or her own suggestion.
Koukin was silent for a good moment, contemplating her answer to their opinions and observations. Both had good points and both had solid reasons but ultimately, Koukin decided on an action.
She leaned down and picked up a cup of tea sitting on the coffee table. She slowly sipped it, enjoying the aroma and taste, letting it calm her mind and body.
"I'm leaving the decision up to Bell," Koukin said, her voice calm but firm, "he will decide how we proceed with the summoning, when the time comes," she gave both ninja and blonde a rueful smile, "it is his magic after all. Who else better to decide to use it?"
She didn't get a reply to that, both just nodding and accepting the decision as it was. They would no doubt offer their opinions to Bell, just as she would, but she imagined they will ultimately respect whatever decision he decides upon.
Time for a change in any case, to a topic that Koukin felt should be addressed, "Though I would like to remind everyone about our shared skill," she said with frankness, "if you have worries about lacking strength, there is a 'helpful' way to go about it," she smiled, it wasn't innocent, "I would recommend it myself, given the results and the…enjoyable aspects."
Ibuki and Chitoge blushed scarlet at Koukin's words. They knew she had a point but still, both had trouble garnering the courage for it.
"I'm not disinterested in it," Ibuki said, fiddling with her fingers along with her hair, "it's just that, I want to be treated…nice before we do it. You know, like a date," she gestured to Chitoge with a nod, "me, Chitoge, and Kallen feel the same," she gave a chuckle, one more self admonishment, "though I should probably just go ahead and ask him out instead. I like Bell, but I think he needs a bit of a push for something like this."
Chitoge nodded rapidly, turning her red face from a grinning Koukin, "Yeah!" she agreed, "If I want to do 'that' with him, it's gonna be on my terms!" she huffed and crossed her arms, "not my fault he gets distracted by every pretty face in this familia, preventing me from asking."
She realized she just said too much and her vice-captain and giddy ninja friend were quick on the uptake.
Koukin looked at her with a grin, "So you mean you've tried to ask Bell out already," she said, "that's certainly a surprise."
Ibuki nodded, bobbing her long ponytail, "I'm surprised. I thought you would need more convincing."
Chitoge looked at both of them, embarrassed and angry, "Well I don't!" she exclaimed, "I've had a lot of time to think about it and I've been around Bell for a long while too," she crossed her arms with a huff, "longer than you Ibuki and just as long as you Koukin! So I've had…time to think about it and I…I," she grew a deep blush and her anger was overcome by her embarrassment by her next admission, "and I want to thank him…I want to thank him for saving my life," she finished, modestly.
Koukin and Ibuki lost their teasing demeanor, understanding taking over their expressions. They remembered that it was thanks to Bell that both Chitoge and Elbia made it out of the dungeon alive only a few days ago. His actions definitely had an effect on Chitoge, whether she admits it or not.
Deciding that teasing would be the wrong choice, Koukin just smiled kindly at her, "Whatever or whenever you decide to act, know that Bell will be most accommodating to you. His kindness is always apparent, as you know," she gave a light chuckle, "honestly, I'm tempted to have him tonight. Were it not for another wanting a time with him."
Chitoge looked comforted by her words before curiosity graced her features, "Oh? Who wanted a night with him?"
Ibuki leaned closer herself, her curiosity peaked, "Someone actually told you? Who? Who?" she looked towards Hestia and Arue, who were locked in grips with each other. Hestia was doing her best to push against Arue, but falling, while Arue watched on with an amused smile, "Is it Arue?" Ibuki asked.
Koukin just smiled knowingly, "It's not my place to say. While I have no issue proclaiming my intention, I know there are others in our familia that prefer subtlety and silence on it," she made a zipping motion at her mouth, "my lips are sealed."
Ibuki couldn't really argue that and with a sigh, she let the matter drop, same as Chitoge. They both knew it really wasn't their business but still…they were curious.
Then something came to Chitoge's mind and she asked, "How do you think Kallen, Hana, and Elbia are doing right now? They've been gone for a while."
"I would imagine they'd be home soon," Koukin said, watching as Arue was brought low by Hestia, who removed her hands from hers and was now pinching the Crimson Demon's cheeks, laughing in victory until Arue did the same to her, "They were adamant on aiding in the recovery of our funds but I don't see them gone all day."
The trio of Kallen, Hana, and Elbia had volunteered to get the jump on earning money for the familia. Or at least enough to comfortably stay in a hotel while the construction goes on.
Koukin imagined they had earned quite enough of the day by now and were already on their way back right now.
Eina Tulle could say for certain that Bell's familia was probably the most unique she has had the pleasure of advising.
'Unique' being a…generous term.
"So," she began, with as polite a tone she could muster, "just to go over the series of events again, to make sure there are no errors. You went into the dungeon today to procure more funds for your familia after purchasing a significant amount of renovations to make room for some new members coming into the city to join your familia, correct?"
"Correct," Kallen agreed, her tone exhausted.
"So, with your team, you venture down to about the fifth floor and hunted down as many monsters as you could see, correct?"
"An accurate description, yes," Hana added, her tone plain.
"Then, while you finished up and collected a good deal of magic stones and drop items, your teammate, Elbia, smelled something suspicious in the air upon your return to the surface, correct?"
"Yes I did Miss Eina," the werewolf girl said, her voice low and embarrassed.
"Going off the path to the surface, on floor one, you follow the scent and find a small group of slimes milling about in a secluded area, correct?"
No verbal reply this time, but a trio of simultaneous nods.
"After sniffing about the area, Elbia found the source of the smell and after scaring off or killing a few small slimes in the way. You found the source to be coming from a large rock in the walls, correct?"
Again, the trio nods.
"And, for some unfathomable reason, Elbia decided to attempt to pull the rock out of the wall and find out just what exactly that smell was, correct?"
No nods this time, instead, nervous looks.
"And in the process, you discovered a brand new monster in the dungeon, one related to the slime no less," Eina tapped her pencil on the sheet of paper for emphasis, "and would any of you mind telling me, again, in your own words, what happened next?"
No one spoke or moved for a moment, but Hana slowly raised her hand, "To be fair," she began, her face neutral, "we had no idea a flood of slimes would happen once the rock was removed."
Eina nodded, conceding the point, "Yes, but these weren't normal slimes, were they?" she looked down at another piece of paper, one containing notes, "these slimes, one could argue, are actually more harmless than normal slimes," she looked up and pushed up her glasses, "though, given the incident, I would debate the 'one could argue' statement."
Kallen rubbed the back of her head and had a tinge of red on her face, "Out of curiosity," she began, "are these a previously known monster or did we discover something new."
Eina sighed and shook her head, "No," she answered, "these are a known monster type, one that was thought to be wiped out by Hera familia through means unknown," she looked down at her notes again, " red-slimes, they are called, for obvious reasons. Slimes that are unable to digest most organic material, unlike blue slimes, and instead eat something unconventional for any monster type," she coughed, trying to hide the tinge of red on her own cheeks, "namely, cloth, silk, wool, and some types of leather. Clothes to put it simply."
The trio in front of her had different reactions to the news. Kallen blushed redder, Hana stayed neutral but for a spot of pink on her cheeks, and Elbia looked down with embarrassment and shame, her ears and tail drooping as well.
Eina continued her report, "Like I was saying, a flood of red-slimes emerged from the wall and swept down the floor in great and vast numbers. Somehow you three managed to avoid being swept up in the flood."
"I reacted quick," Kallen said, "when I saw the first wave of monsters," and it looked almost like a wave, "I grabbed Hana and Elbia and got us to higher ground near the spawning point, the monsters passed us and went on their way."
"On their way to the main pathway of the first floor," Eina continued for Kallen's sake, "surprising both veteran and novice adventure alike," she pushed her glasses up and her cheeks got even redder, "surprising them more so when, upon contact with the adventurer's clothing, they began to dissolve the clothing in mass," she rubbed the bridge of her nose, "and when an all female party of elves happened to be passing by as well."
Resulting in an unfortunate series of events of not only the exposure of maiden elves, but those virginal elves seeing countless other people around them losing their clothes alongside them. Anyone and everyone in the way of the rampaging horde of slimes found themselves bereft of their clothing and in some cases, their armor, where even straps of leather holding plate mail were swiftly devoured.
A traumatic sight for conservative and chastity driven elves to see, Eina could hardly imagine what their reaction was.
Though no one died, Eina was grateful for that, it was still considered a serious incident, given the many parties involved.
Which brings us to the three unwilling perpetrators, though that last word was a stretch.
"To aleve you of any worries," Eina said, bringing attention upon her, "the Guild has already decided to label this incident as an accident. So no one will be punished."
She saw their faces relax and some smiles were already forming. She wasn't done though.
"But," she continued, her voice stern, "that doesn't mean I'm letting you off easy," she turned her attention to Elbia, who saw her stern features and seemed to sink in upon herself, her ears drooping further and her eyes widening and glistening with moisture.
She knew it was a faint. She had fallen to many a trick like this from chienthropes before her, she wasn't about to let it happen now, "Elbia," Eina began, "I want you to promise me something."
Elbia lost the moisture in her eyes and sat ramrod straight at the tone Eina used, sounding like a angry teacher trying to remain calm, "Yes ma'am!" Elbia said loudly.
Eina smiled at her, it was a smile that made her tail tremble, "Do try your best to control your instincts next time," she said, "otherwise I'll have you be the one to plug the hole in the dungeon and write me a novel length essay on your mistake."
The werewolf girl nodded rapidly in agreement and fear, "Yes ma'am! Won't happen again ma'am!"
Eina's smile became more genuine at the response she received, "Good," she said, happily, "just what I wanted to hear," she turned her attention to the other two, "are there any other questions? If not, you are free to go."
Kallen and Hana were briefly still after seeing the otherwise friendly receptionist turn into a frightening figure for just a few moments, they recovered quickly enough and Kallen asked, "So, is that opening getting closed up?"
Eina nodded, "Yes," she answered, "the Guild dispatched an urgent quest order and a few groups of adventurers answered it," she grew a bit red in the face, "these groups had no problem fighting in…less than appropriate attire for such things. It shouldn't be too long before it is sealed, the only problem that could remain is the number of red-slimes that spawned. There's a great number of them that were unleashed but I can't see adventurers staying multiple days in the dungeon clearing them out," Eina shrugged, "they'll most likely be wiped out, given enough time."
Together, the trio breathed a sigh of relief, glad to hear that the problem they were a part of would be dealt with in time and wasn't so severe. Though from now on, Kallen would be more cautious with Elbia. After this incident, it would probably be best that she and a few others keep a careful eye out for her.
She wasn't sure, but it seemed Elbia had been acting more…primal lately. An odd change given her artistic muse of a personality. This incident in the dungeon was a weird divergence from her usual behavior, but noticing how she reacted prior to it was telling.
For starters, Kallen saw how she was watching every corner with caution, even the ones they passed by with no signs of life. She saw Elbia sniff the air far more often, seemingly relying on her senses of smell and hearing more and more. Then she saw her fight, with a surprising amount of aggression she had never seen from the werewolf before. Sure, Kallen had seen her fight like an animal before, using her claws and bare hands to defeat monsters in the dungeon, but she didn't act so…beastial when she did. She even saw her snarl and bare her teeth to some monsters before attacking them.
Then she started to 'really' sniff the air when they were all returning to the surface, found a scent that smelled 'sweet' and 'tangy' and promptly caused the series of events that led to this little meeting.
Kallen wasn't sure what was going on with Elbia all the sudden but it could wait till they got home.
With a few kind words and well wishes, the trio left the Guild hall and made their way home, only to be stopped by Eina's voice again.
"Oh! By the way! Do let Bell know, congratulations on his alias!"
The three looked at each other, each with a curious gleam in their eyes. Hana turned back to Eina, "What happens to be our captain's alias by the way?"
Eina told them. Kallen's mouth dropped open, Hana's eyes widened greatly, and Elbia blushed nuclear scarlet.
Hestia familia reunited together at the dinner table later that night. Bell and Takeru arrived late, with new weapons in their possessions and were greeted by an enthusiastic Hestia, glad to see her first child again.
Little later, Kallen, Hana, and Elbia also returned, with a good deal of valis from their journey into the dungeon. Before they could explain their day, they were encouraged by Hestia to take a shower and get ready for dinner. The trio wanted to say more, but the hearth Goddess was firm about it, wanting everyone to be ready together for dinner, for she had announcements to make, or at least an explanation to give.
They all sat at the table, the entire Hestia familia, with the Goddess herself taking the head of the table and beside her are her captain, Bell, and her vice-captain, Koukin. She took a breath and began to recount her experience at Denatus to everyone. Those who had already heard gave little reaction, those that didn't were surprised and shocked at what transpired at such an event.
Kallen whistled,"So the maker himself attended," she commented, "from the sound of things, he caused quite the scene."
"You don't know the half of it," Hestia said with a sigh, "I had no idea what kinda reaction he could have caused with his announcement. I'm frankly amazed that all the deities didn't just run out and search for who had the magic," she turned her head and gave Bell a smile, "lucky us, huh?"
Bell just nodded, his own mind racing at what he was told. In Bell's impression of him, Eros didn't seem like a bad God at all. From what he could tell from Hestia's report, Eros seemed more…whimsical than most Gods he met. Never unkind, but always cunning, and seemingly having an answer for everything with a smile on his face and a joke on his lips.
He reminded Bell of his grandfather in a way.
Bell remembered something that caught his attention and looked at Koukin, catching her eye. His vice-captain nodded towards him, "Yes Bell, what is it?" she asked, seeing the question on his face.
"How do you feel about…you know," he looked down, trying to find the right words, "not being able to-"
Koukin cut him off, "Before you think too hard about this, Bell. Know that we all already knew about our sterilization from the moment we were summoned," she shot him a kind smile, "you needn't worry about our feelings on the matter."
Bell had mixed feelings on that. On one hand, he was glad they were aware of it and didn't seem bothered by it. On the other…he felt like they deserved better than that.
Hestia spoke then, "Now for another new announcement," she gave a smile, "it's time to announce Bell's new alias!"
Everyone turned their attention to the Goddess with renewed focus, eager to hear what kind of name their captain had earned.
All except three, who had a different opinion to the news.
"Ummm," Kallen began with a nervous sweat, "Maybe that's not a good idea."
"Indeed," Hana added, her tone serious, "I'm all for eccentric things but the name," her cheeks flushed but her expression remained the same, "might not be what you think, Goddess."
Hestia wasn't to be deterred but gave them a curious look nonetheless , "What do you mean?" she asked, "I'll have you know I fought really hard for Bell to get that name."
"You fought for that name?" Kallen asked, incredulous, "y-you do know what that name means, right?"
"Of course I do," Hestia said, "I wasn't sure at first but after some harsh debating, I and my fellow deities came to a compromise," she pouted then, "though I wanted something a bit cuter. Tried to get 'Little Rookie' as a title."
Bell blanched at his Goddess, shocked that she would even fight for such a humiliating title.
"Now don't you all spoil the surprise," Hestia said to the two, "I don't know where you heard it from, but I want to be the one to tell Bell his new alias," she looked to her first child, "are you ready?"
Bell wouldn't lie, he was nervous. At first he was excited at his Goddess's announcement but now, after hearing the concerned voices of his friends, he now had a few reservations.
Yet still…a part of him was curious.
"I'm ready, Goddess!" Bell said with more enthusiasm than he felt.
Hestia nodded and continued with a smile, "Then without further ado, Bell Cranel, I present your new title. 'Fire Rabbit'!"
Bell's expression froze on his face, Koukin spat out her drink in shock, Takeru's eyes widened considerably, Arue's smile widened in mirth, Chitoge's face burst into crimson, Ibuki blinked rapidly in shock, and both Kallen, Hana, and Elbia just sighed, having already anticipated the reactions.
Hestia looked around the table, her expression curious and surprised, "What? What's wrong?"
Koukin recovered quickly and dabbed a napkin to her lips. She coughed, gaining Hestia's attention, "If I may, Goddess," she began, "are you aware of the…meaning of that name?"
Hestia blinked at the question but replied, "Meaning? Isn't it obvious? It's a combination of Bell's appearance and my domain as the Goddess of the hearth. What other meaning could it mean?"
…Dammit, sometimes Koukin forgot that oftentimes Hestia could be as oblivious as Bell.
"I believe, Goddess," Koukin began, "that you may have been played. That name doesn't mean what you think it means."
"Huh?"
"It's a nickname or euphemism for a," Koukin coughed, "well, a rabbit in…heat," she finished, giving Bell a pitying look.
"What?" Hestia asked, tonelessly.
"It's a name given to rabbits that are…in the mood," Bell added in a dead tone, "my grandfather called them that back home. Whenever we saw one rabbit one day and the next three more with him, my grandpa would call the original rabbit a," he slumped back into his chair, a defeated and embarrassed air about him, "'Fire Rabbit', in honor of its success."
Hestia didn't have to guess what 'success' Bell was referring to and she was too shocked at what she had done.
Now that Hestia thought about it…the Gods and Goddesses did seem a little too earnest when the idea popped up.
She'd been fooled!
"Bell!" Hestia cried, launching herself at her catatonic child, "I'm sorry! I was tricked!"
Bell gave no response, not even blushing at the Goddess pressing herself against him. He was still trying to process his new alias.
The remaining members at the table watched on with various expressions and unconsciously agreed on one thing.
That their captain and summoner was going to have a rough time ahead with that name.