• An addendum to Rule 3 regarding fan-translated works of things such as Web Novels has been made. Please see here for details.
  • RIP @Silver Swallow
  • We've issued a clarification on our policy on AI-generated work.
  • QuestionableQuesting has new Moderator positions. To submit your application, please see this thread.
  • Due to issues with external spam filters, QQ is currently unable to send any mail to Microsoft E-mail addresses. This includes any account at live.com, hotmail.com or msn.com. Signing up to the forum with one of these addresses will result in your verification E-mail never arriving. For best results, please use a different E-mail provider for your QQ address.
  • For prospective new members, a word of warning: don't use common names like Dennis, Simon, or Kenny if you decide to create an account. Spammers have used them all before you and gotten those names flagged in the anti-spam databases. Your account registration will be rejected because of it.
  • Since it has happened MULTIPLE times now, I want to be very clear about this. You do not get to abandon an account and create a new one. You do not get to pass an account to someone else and create a new one. If you do so anyway, you will be banned for creating sockpuppets.
  • Due to the actions of particularly persistent spammers and trolls, we will be banning disposable email addresses from today onward.
  • The rules regarding NSFW links have been updated. See here for details.

It Is Alright To Use Spiral Power In A Dungeon (TTGL X Danmachi Crossover)

Reader mode
Simon is tanking Freya's Charm on raw Willpower and his Love for his deceased wife Nia. And the difference between his passive defenses and her Charm is so great there aren't even damage numbers just an Immune pop up every time she tries to affect him with it.
 
Last edited:
LinkOnScepter said:
"No thanks. I'm good."
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
begone-thot.gif
 
Hestia's hands stopped moving in an instant.


As always, she was once again sitting on Bell's rear while using her blood to read the Falna on his back. After the boy had returned unconscious from the Dungeon with Simon, she helped Simon guide Bell into the bed. Afterward, she gave Simon a good earful for doing something as stupid as hit a member of Loki Familia. Followed by the even more idiotic move of saying that he would challenge the entirety of said Familia to a fight. He was lucky that Loki respected Mama Mia enough to not cause a bigger scene. Though she didn't go too hard on him. If only because he had the wherewithal to not involve her Bell in his foolishness.


Once he had left, she crawled into bed with Bell and proceeded to snuggle up with her one and only family. For completely reasonable reasons. Such as making sure he stayed warm after being in the Dungeon for an entire night. Though he didn't seem to appreciate it when he screamed and jumped out of bed after waking up. After he calmed down, they decided to do a status update while it was still earlier. Hestia didn't know what to expect when she next saw Bell's growth...but it certainly wasn't what she was looking at.


Bell Cranel​

Level One​

Strength: H-135 -> G-251​

Defense: I-30 -> H-130​

Utility: H-139 -> G-266​

Agility: G-259 -> F 330​

Magi@#%^#Spiral Energy: ???​

Skills ​

Liaris Free@#$%^Spiral Po@#$%Liaris Power​

Rapid Gro#@Fighting Spirit​

User can Manifest their Willpower and Fighting Spirit as#$%^​

Continued desi#$%evolution results in continued/stronger growth​


She stared at the hieroglyphs on Bell's back with a mixture of awe and slight fear. It wasn't a total surprise. Simon had explained what Spiral Power was and its capabilities to her. If it really could do just about anything, then it being able to affect a Falna wasn't out of the question. But knowing it could do that and seeing it in action were two completely different things. Especially when it was happening right in front of her to her Bell! To make matters worse, it seemed to be...rewriting his Skills and Stats. What was "Spiral Energy" supposed to be? And why didn't it have a stat like the others? Where the numbers and letters were supposed to be were instead a line of question marks that glowed a dull green.


And then there was Liaris Freese. Or at least, what was supposed to be Liaris Freese. Because Spiral Power seemed to fighting it for a place on Bell's back. Which presented two issues, one more confusing than the other.


Firstly, that Spiral Power had rooted itself in Bell deep enough that it could match if not outright overcome the Blessings of a Deity.


And secondly, that Spiral Power was alive and actively trying to give Bell its power.


This was all before taking into account how quickly Bell was growing. This type of growth was completely abnormal when it came to adventurers. The type of growth that, if any other God found out about it, would lead to Bell being approach by all kinds of deities. Liaris Freese alone would attract the attention of those from Tenkai, constantly looking for something new to entertain them. If they discovered that Bell had Spiral Power as well, they would go into a frenzy. Especially after they realize Simon wasn't someone they could convince to join a Familia.


All while Hestia worried for their future, Bell was focused on something else.


"And when a frog shooter tried to hit him, he grabbed its tongue and started swinging it around like a mace," Bell's voice was ecstatic as he continued to describe the previous night in the Dungeon. Specifically, all the things that Simon did to help them get through their enemies. His lips were curled into a bright smile while his shined with elation at the memories, "Then we found this chamber, and two Wall Shadows were birthed right there in the Dungeon! They charged us and we each took on one. Simon...the Wall Shadow couldn't touch him! He either dodged the attack or blocked it with his cape! Oh, I forgot! Before that, we fought some killer ants! They tried to surround him, but he just crushed them all by stomping their heads in!"


Bell continued to gush about Simon, not once talking about any of his accomplishment during their late night Dungeon Dive. Which made a part of Hestia upset. She didn't doubt that Simon was impressive in a fight, but why was Bell only focusing on him? He obviously accomplished a lot, too. His current Status (regardless of Spiral Power) proves that. But another part of her caught onto Bell's increased focus on Simon. She grinned mischievously and crossed her arms under her chest, "You know, Bell, you've talking about Simon quite a bit. If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush on him."


She expected to see Bell get flustered due to her teasing. Instead, Bell went silent with his gaze locked on the bed below him. Then he shook his head, "No. No. I don't but...but I really want to be like him."


"Eh?" Hestia said, surprised at how Bell didn't fall for her teasing and how easily he admitted that.


"I mean, why wouldn't I? He's kind, confident, strong, inspiring. He's everything that I-that I want to be," Bell pushed himself up on his arms and turned to look at Hestia. His eyes burned with a determination that was rooted far deeper than Hestia had seen before.


She blinked then frowned. She reached over and tapped Bell on his head, "Bell, while I'm happy you have someone you aspire to be like, you shouldn't adopt the bad habits of others. Not even those with you respect."


Bell tilted his head in confusion, "Simon doesn't have any bad habits."


"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that," Hestia looked to the side. In her head, she could already picture Simon getting himself involved in some kind of trouble.




"You're pretty strong, you know that? Fighting you is actually pretty fun!"


"Do not mock me cur!"


Ottar launched his heavy fist at Simon's face. Punch was launched with all the skill, strength, and speed that his towering body had within it. All the aforementioned attributes were honed to the pinnacle. For Ottar was not simply a powerful adventurer. He was The Zenith of the Labyrinth City. An existence above even that of the Kenki, Aiz Wallenstein. He was the one and only Level 7 adventurer within Orario. Standing at the top as Freya Familia's strongest adventurer.


He wore no armor and carried no weapons. For all he needed to defeat an opponent was his pure, overpowering strength.


The punch being sent toward Simon's face was being launched by that kind of warrior. Nicknamed the Warlord, neither adventurer nor monster could withstand even one of those blows.


...Simon met Ottar's punch with one of his own.


The backlash of the clash sent waves of air pressure through the alley. The bricks below them cracked underneath the force of the attacks as dust and pebbles were launched into the air by the exchange. The reason for this?


Because Simon had checkmated Ottar's punch.


As he had been doing for the last five minutes.


With a roar, Ottar launched a flurry of punches and kicks at his adversary. Each one was delivered with the full force of what the angry boar man. All carried the fury that filled his heart after seeing Simon snub and insult his Goddess.


Simon could only smile as he met the flurry of punches and kicks with his own. Dull green flames burned across his skin as he matched Ottar blow for blow, not a single one of them giving ground in the alleyway. Outside the citizens of Orario could clearly hear the battle going on, but none dared to look down the alley. Either because they were too scared to behold what was going on, or because they were led away by the beautiful Goddess standing at the entrance to the alley.


Freya only led people away absentmindedly. In truth, her mind was trying to reconcile what had just happened a few moments ago.


She had brought Ottar with her to find Simon when he, eventually, got away from Bell. If he didn't do it willingly, they would've gotten one of the other top class adventurers in their Familia to draw him away from the boy. After which, they would corner him somewhere and Freya would bring him into their Familia. That was the plan. That's what should have happened. Simon should've have been captivated by her beauty, unable to refuse any request she asked of him. As the Goddess of Beauty, none could resist her "Charm" after all.


...Well, not "none" anymore.


Now it more like "none...save for Simon".


And while Ottar went to defend her honor and fight the young man, she continued to stare at her own hand while trying to make sense of what just happened.

For the record, I know that the Falna part doesn't look like the one from Chapter 6. I plan to fix that in the full Chapter.
 
LinkOnScepter said:
Hestia's hands stopped moving in an instant.


As always, she was once again sitting on Bell's rear while using her blood to read the Falna on his back. After the boy had returned unconscious from the Dungeon with Simon, she helped Simon guide Bell into the bed. Afterward, she gave Simon a good earful for doing something as stupid as hit a member of Loki Familia. Followed by the even more idiotic move of saying that he would challenge the entirety of said Familia to a fight. He was lucky that Loki respected Mama Mia enough to not cause a bigger scene. Though she didn't go too hard on him. If only because he had the wherewithal to not involve her Bell in his foolishness.


Once he had left, she crawled into bed with Bell and proceeded to snuggle up with her one and only family. For completely reasonable reasons. Such as making sure he stayed warm after being in the Dungeon for an entire night. Though he didn't seem to appreciate it when he screamed and jumped out of bed after waking up. After he calmed down, they decided to do a status update while it was still earlier. Hestia didn't know what to expect when she next saw Bell's growth...but it certainly wasn't what she was looking at.


Bell Cranel​

Level One​

Strength: H-135 -> G-251​

Defense: I-30 -> H-130​

Utility: H-139 -> G-266​

Agility: G-259 -> F 330​

Magi@#%^#Spiral Energy: ???​

Skills ​

Liaris Free@#$%^Spiral Po@#$%Liaris Power​

Rapid Gro#@Fighting Spirit​

User can Manifest their Willpower and Fighting Spirit as#$%^​

Continued desi#$%evolution results in continued/stronger growth​


She stared at the hieroglyphs on Bell's back with a mixture of awe and slight fear. It wasn't a total surprise. Simon had explained what Spiral Power was and its capabilities to her. If it really could do just about anything, then it being able to affect a Falna wasn't out of the question. But knowing it could do that and seeing it in action were two completely different things. Especially when it was happening right in front of her to her Bell! To make matters worse, it seemed to be...rewriting his Skills and Stats. What was "Spiral Energy" supposed to be? And why didn't it have a stat like the others? Where the numbers and letters were supposed to be were instead a line of question marks that glowed a dull green.


And then there was Liaris Freese. Or at least, what was supposed to be Liaris Freese. Because Spiral Power seemed to fighting it for a place on Bell's back. Which presented two issues, one more confusing than the other.


Firstly, that Spiral Power had rooted itself in Bell deep enough that it could match if not outright overcome the Blessings of a Deity.


And secondly, that Spiral Power was alive and actively trying to give Bell its power.


This was all before taking into account how quickly Bell was growing. This type of growth was completely abnormal when it came to adventurers. The type of growth that, if any other God found out about it, would lead to Bell being approach by all kinds of deities. Liaris Freese alone would attract the attention of those from Tenkai, constantly looking for something new to entertain them. If they discovered that Bell had Spiral Power as well, they would go into a frenzy. Especially after they realize Simon wasn't someone they could convince to join a Familia.


All while Hestia worried for their future, Bell was focused on something else.


"And when a frog shooter tried to hit him, he grabbed its tongue and started swinging it around like a mace," Bell's voice was ecstatic as he continued to describe the previous night in the Dungeon. Specifically, all the things that Simon did to help them get through their enemies. His lips were curled into a bright smile while his shined with elation at the memories, "Then we found this chamber, and two Wall Shadows were birthed right there in the Dungeon! They charged us and we each took on one. Simon...the Wall Shadow couldn't touch him! He either dodged the attack or blocked it with his cape! Oh, I forgot! Before that, we fought some killer ants! They tried to surround him, but he just crushed them all by stomping their heads in!"


Bell continued to gush about Simon, not once talking about any of his accomplishment during their late night Dungeon Dive. Which made a part of Hestia upset. She didn't doubt that Simon was impressive in a fight, but why was Bell only focusing on him? He obviously accomplished a lot, too. His current Status (regardless of Spiral Power) proves that. But another part of her caught onto Bell's increased focus on Simon. She grinned mischievously and crossed her arms under her chest, "You know, Bell, you've talking about Simon quite a bit. If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush on him."


She expected to see Bell get flustered due to her teasing. Instead, Bell went silent with his gaze locked on the bed below him. Then he shook his head, "No. No. I don't but...but I really want to be like him."


"Eh?" Hestia said, surprised at how Bell didn't fall for her teasing and how easily he admitted that.


"I mean, why wouldn't I? He's kind, confident, strong, inspiring. He's everything that I-that I want to be," Bell pushed himself up on his arms and turned to look at Hestia. His eyes burned with a determination that was rooted far deeper than Hestia had seen before.


She blinked then frowned. She reached over and tapped Bell on his head, "Bell, while I'm happy you have someone you aspire to be like, you shouldn't adopt the bad habits of others. Not even those with you respect."


Bell tilted his head in confusion, "Simon doesn't have any bad habits."


"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that," Hestia looked to the side. In her head, she could already picture Simon getting himself involved in some kind of trouble.




"You're pretty strong, you know that? Fighting you is actually pretty fun!"


"Do not mock me cur!"


Ottar launched his heavy fist at Simon's face. Punch was launched with all the skill, strength, and speed that his towering body had within it. All the aforementioned attributes were honed to the pinnacle. For Ottar was not simply a powerful adventurer. He was The Zenith of the Labyrinth City. An existence above even that of the Kenki, Aiz Wallenstein. He was the one and only Level 7 adventurer within Orario. Standing at the top as Freya Familia's strongest adventurer.


He wore no armor and carried no weapons. For all he needed to defeat an opponent was his pure, overpowering strength.


The punch being sent toward Simon's face was being launched by that kind of warrior. Nicknamed the Warlord, neither adventurer nor monster could withstand even one of those blows.


...Simon met Ottar's punch with one of his own.


The backlash of the clash sent waves of air pressure through the alley. The bricks below them cracked underneath the force of the attacks as dust and pebbles were launched into the air by the exchange. The reason for this?


Because Simon had checkmated Ottar's punch.


As he had been doing for the last five minutes.


With a roar, Ottar launched a flurry of punches and kicks at his adversary. Each one was delivered with the full force of what the angry boar man. All carried the fury that filled his heart after seeing Simon snub and insult his Goddess.


Simon could only smile as he met the flurry of punches and kicks with his own. Dull green flames burned across his skin as he matched Ottar blow for blow, not a single one of them giving ground in the alleyway. Outside the citizens of Orario could clearly hear the battle going on, but none dared to look down the alley. Either because they were too scared to behold what was going on, or because they were led away by the beautiful Goddess standing at the entrance to the alley.


Freya only led people away absentmindedly. In truth, her mind was trying to reconcile what had just happened a few moments ago.


She had brought Ottar with her to find Simon when he, eventually, got away from Bell. If he didn't do it willingly, they would've gotten one of the other top class adventurers in their Familia to draw him away from the boy. After which, they would corner him somewhere and Freya would bring him into their Familia. That was the plan. That's what should have happened. Simon should've have been captivated by her beauty, unable to refuse any request she asked of him. As the Goddess of Beauty, none could resist her "Charm" after all.


...Well, not "none" anymore.


Now it more like "none...save for Simon".


And while Ottar went to defend her honor and fight the young man, she continued to stare at her own hand while trying to make sense of what just happened.

For the record, I know that the Falna part doesn't look like the one from Chapter 6. I plan to fix that in the full Chapter.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Excuse me while I go bounce around in excitement, indeed HYPE
 
Kenrio said:
Another ball licking bell fic? Nah I'm out
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Not sure what you mean. If you mean if Bell is gay or I'm shipping him with Simon, that's not happening. Bell is straight, Simon has Nia, and I'm not good at writing Same-Sex Relationships.

If you mean Bell being impressed with and looking up to Simon...I mean, why wouldn't that happen?

1. Bell only just got to Orario and didn't get saved by Aiz in this fic.

2. Simon is basically the exact kind of Hero Bell reads/has read about in the Dungeon Oratoria. Confident, strong, inspiring, and generally a...well...Hero.

3. Simon has been the only person to really tell him to follow his Dream and try to become a Hero. Meanwhile. everyone else would've told him to give up his Dream or "Face Reality".

Why wouldn't he become impressed with him to this extent? Bell's a young, inexperienced, young man who's only other role model is his absent Grandfather.
 
LinkOnScepter said:
Not sure what you mean. If you mean if Bell is gay or I'm shipping him with Simon, that's not happening. Bell is straight, Simon has Nia, and I'm not good at writing Same-Sex Relationships.

If you mean Bell being impressed with and looking up to Simon...I mean, why wouldn't that happen?

1. Bell only just got to Orario and didn't get saved by Aiz in this fic.

2. Simon is basically the exact kind of Hero Bell reads/has read about in the Dungeon Oratoria. Confident, strong, inspiring, and generally a...well...Hero.

3. Simon has been the only person to really tell him to follow his Dream and try to become a Hero. Meanwhile. everyone else would've told him to give up his Dream or "Face Reality".

Why wouldn't he become impressed with him to this extent? Bell's a young, inexperienced, young man who's only other role model is his absent Grandfather.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
I mean one of these fic where mc become bell super frien or mentor and go helping bell become better and helping him with his harem, sometime even giving him power. The fic are the worst for me because mc is basically not the mc and only a side character like these old man in Chinese novel that help the real mc become stronger. Why waste time on reading a fic where the oc is not the mc? If I want that I Wil simple to and read a bell ooc or si fic
 
Kenrio said:
I mean one of these fic where mc become bell super frien or mentor and go helping bell become better and helping him with his harem, sometime even giving him power. The fic are the worst for me because mc is basically not the mc and only a side character like these old man in Chinese novel that help the real mc become stronger. Why waste time on reading a fic where the oc is not the mc? If I want that I Wil simple to and read a bell ooc or si fic
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

Because it's a Crossover Fic? In a Crossover Fic it's expected the two characters will meet and work together. If the objective is to usurp Bell as the main character, then they might as well just write something else.

And besides, Bell and Simon are here to share the MC position. Both are their own unique characters, and both will have their own moments. Yeah, Bell is gonna get Spiral Power. Because...why wouldn't he? That shit is contagious and Simon is the exact type of person who would be out to help Bell.

However, I can say that Simon isn't just gonna be there to help Bell get stronger and better. Simon's got his own character and is gonna fuck with the Canon in his own way. In the process he'll inspire Bell and the rest of Hestia Familia to their own new heights...and gain a group of his own.

I don't want to spoil anything, but lets just say that Simon is gonna be getting his own team. It won't be a Familia or anything, but it'll be a group that hangs with him and helps him out.
 
Chapter 9: Around Orario 1.0
  • Threadmarks
    • Hestia's hands stopped moving instantly.


    As always, she was once again sitting on Bell's rear, using her blood to read the Falna inscribed on his skin. After the boy returned unconscious from the Dungeon with Simon, she helped Simon guide Bell into bed. Afterward, she gave Simon a good scolding for doing something as foolish as hitting a member of Loki Familia. Followed by an even more idiotic move of saying that he would challenge the entire Familia to a fight. He was fortunate that Loki respected Mama Mia enough not to cause a bigger scene. Though she didn't go too hard on him. If only because he had the foresight to not involve her Bell in his foolishness.


    Once he had left, she crawled into bed with Bell and snuggled up with her one and only family. For entirely justifiable reasons. Such as making sure he stayed warm after staying the entire night in the Dungeon. Though he didn't seem to appreciate it when he screamed and jumped out of bed after waking up. After he calmed down, they decided to do a status update while it was still early. Hestia didn't know what to expect when she next saw Bell's progress, but what she was looking at certainly wasn't it.


    Bell Cranel
    Level One
    Strength: H-135 -> G-251
    Defense: I-30 -> H-130
    Utility: H-139 -> G-266
    Agility: G-259 -> F-330
    Magi@#%^#Spiral Energy: ???
    Skills
    Liaris Free@#$%^Spiral Po@#$%Liaris Power
    Rapid Gro#@Fighting Spirit
    User can Manifest their Willpower and Fighting Spirit as#$%^
    Continued desi#$%evolution results in continued and stronger growth


    She gazed at the hieroglyphs on Bell's back with a combination of awe and slight fear. It wasn't a complete surprise. Simon had explained to her what Spiral Power was and its capabilities. If it really could do just about anything, then it wouldn't be out of the question for it to affect a Falna. But knowing it could do that and seeing it in action were two completely different things. Especially when it was happening right in front of her, to her Bell! To make matters worse, it seemed to be...rewriting his Skills and Stats. What was "Spiral Energy" supposed to be? And why didn't it have a stat like the others? Where the numbers and letters were supposed to be, there was instead a line of question marks glowing a dull green.


    And then there was Liaris Freese. Or at least, what was supposed to be Liaris Freese. Because Spiral Power seemed to be fighting it for a place on Bell's back. Which presented two issues, with one being more confusing than the other.


    Firstly, Spiral Power had deeply rooted itself in Bell, allowing it to match or even surpass the Blessings of a Deity.


    Secondly, Spiral Power was alive and actively trying to give Bell its power.


    This was all before considering how rapidly Bell was growing. This kind of growth was entirely abnormal for adventurers. The type of growth that, if any other God found out about it, would lead to Bell being approached by all kinds of deities. Liaris Freese alone would attract the attention of those from Tenkai, who were constantly seeking new entertainment. If they discovered that Bell also possessed Spiral Power, they would go into a frenzy. Especially after they realized Simon was not someone they could convince to join their Familia.


    While Hestia worried about their future, Bell was focused on something else.


    "And when a frog shooter tried to hit him, he grabbed its tongue and started swinging it around like a mace," Bell's voice was ecstatic as he continued to describe the previous night in the Dungeon. Specifically, all the things that Simon did to help them overcome their enemies. His lips were curled into a bright smile while his eyes shined with elation at the memories, "Then we found this chamber, and two Wall Shadows were born right there in the Dungeon! They charged at us, and we each took on one. Simon...the Wall Shadow couldn't touch him! He either dodged the attack or blocked it with his cape! Oh, I forgot! Before that, we fought some killer ants! They tried to surround him, but he just crushed them all by stomping their heads in!"


    Bell continued to gush about Simon, not once mentioning any of his accomplishments during their late-night Dungeon Dive. Which made a part of Hestia upset. She didn't doubt that Simon was impressive in a fight, but why was Bell only focusing on him? She leaned forward and poked Bell in the back, "That's nice and all, Bell. But surely you did some impressive things as well, didn't you? You were right there with Simon after all."


    Some of Bell's enthusiasm seemed to wane. He shrugged as best he could from his position on the bed and said, "Y-Yeah, I guess. Though I can't really remember much. I just fought some monsters, and that's it. I can hardly remember which floor we reached before stopping."


    "But you can easily remember everything Simon did?" Hestia could hardly conceal the skepticism in her voice.


    Bell's enthusiasm returned in full force as he nodded and exclaimed, "Yeah! Even while I was fighting, I made sure to keep an eye on him. I didn't want to miss a single moment of his fighting styles. I wonder how he's able to move his body so effortlessly like that. His every attack is swift, yet powerful, each carrying enough force to penetrate a killer ant's exoskeleton. And his coat provides excellent defense against attacks."


    Hestia grinned mischievously and crossed her arms under her chest, "Well now, Bell. If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush on him."


    She expected to see Bell get flustered due to her teasing. Instead, Bell fell silent, his gaze locked on the bed below him. Then he shook his head and said, "No. No. I don't but...but I really want to be like him."


    "Eh?" Hestia said, surprised that Bell didn't fall for her teasing and how easily he admitted that.


    "I mean, why wouldn't I? He's kind, confident, strong, and inspiring. He's everything that I-that I want to be," Bell pushed himself up on his arms and turned to look at Hestia. His eyes blazed with a determination that ran deeper than Hestia had ever seen.


    She blinked, then frowned. She reached over and tapped Bell on his head, "Bell, while I'm happy you have someone you aspire to be like, you shouldn't adopt the bad habits of others. Not even those with you respect."


    Bell tilted his head in confusion and said, "Simon doesn't have any bad habits."


    "Oh, I wouldn't be too sure about that," Hestia said, looking to the side. In her mind, she could already envision Simon getting himself involved in some kind of trouble.




    "You're pretty strong, you know that? Fighting you is a lot of fun!"


    "Do not mock me, cur!"


    Ottar launched his powerful fist at Simon's face. The punch was launched with all the skill, strength, and speed that his towering body possessed. All the mentioned attributes were perfected to their highest level. For Ottar was not just a formidable adventurer. He was The Zenith of the Labyrinth City. An existence surpassing even that of the Kenki, Aiz Wallenstein. He was the sole Level 7 adventurer in Orario. Standing at the top as the strongest adventurer of Freya Familia.


    He wore no armor and carried no weapons. All he needed to defeat an opponent was his pure, overpowering strength.


    The punch aimed at Simon's face was thrown by a warrior of that caliber. Nicknamed the Warlord, no adventurer or monster could withstand even a single one of those blows.


    ...Simon countered Ottar's punch with one of his own.


    The backlash of the clash sent shockwaves of air pressure through the alley. The bricks beneath them cracked under the force of the attacks, launching dust and pebbles into the air. The reason for this?


    Because Simon had checkmated Ottar's punch.


    As he had been doing for the last five minutes.


    With a roar, Ottar unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks at his opponent. Each one was delivered with the full force of the angry boar man's rage. All of them carried the fury that filled his heart after witnessing Simon snub and insult his Goddess.


    Simon could only smile as he met the flurry of punches and kicks with his own. Dull green flames burned across his skin as he matched Ottar blow for blow, not yielding an inch in the alleyway. Outside, the citizens of Orario could clearly hear the battle raging on, but none dared to peek down the alley. Some people were too scared to witness what was happening, while others were drawn away by the beautiful Goddess standing at the entrance to the alley.


    Freya absentmindedly led people away from the confrontation. In truth, her mind was trying to reconcile what had just happened a few moments ago.


    She had brought Ottar with her to find Simon after he eventually got away from Bell. If he hadn't done so willingly, they would have enlisted one of the other top-class adventurers in their Familia to lure him away from the boy. Afterward, they would corner him somewhere, and Freya would bring him into their Familia. That was the plan. That's what should have happened. Simon should have been captivated by her beauty, unable to refuse any request she made of him. As the Goddess of Beauty, no one could resist her "Charm" after all.


    ...Well, not "no one" anymore.


    Now it was more like "no one...except Simon".


    As Ottar went to defend her honor and fight the young man, she continued to stare at her own hand, trying to make sense of what had just happened. She did not panic, nor did she overreact to the outcome. She simply wanted to understand what caused him to reject her. She raised her head and fixed her silver eyes on the quickly intensifying confrontation between Simon and Ottar. Another clash of fists separated the two, until Ottar used his speed to move in close to Simon. Grabbing his opponent's waist, he lifted Simon and prepared to slam him to the ground. Simon responded by slamming his elbow into Ottar's head. Although not enough to knock the boarman out, it did make the towering Ottar flinch.


    Simon took advantage of Ottar's loosening grip. With a grunt, he placed a hand on the boarman's head and flipped over him to land on the other side. As soon as he landed, he kicked out behind him and struck Ottar in the back. The attack caused Ottar to stumble, but the damage was otherwise minimal. As Ottar turned to glare at Simon, the latter hopped around on his feet while making the "bring it on" gesture with his right hand. As he did so, Freya noticed a green light shining from something on his right ring finger. Her silver eyes focused on the light and quickly found its source.


    A single, bright white ring.


    Then everything fell into place.


    "Ottar," the boarman froze in place when he heard Freya's voice. Him and Simon were staring each other down, with both of their fists aimed at each other's faces. Ottar's eyes shifted from Simon to his Goddess, but his body remained tense and ready. Freya put her hood back up as she continued, "We're leaving."


    And that was all it took. Just those two words made Ottar release all of his tension. All the anger he had directed toward Simon dissipated. He transformed from a towering, raging boar into a simple, imposing man within moments. And while the furious fires of indignation and rage still smoldered behind his eyes, he did not act upon them. He simply stood up straight and placed his arms behind his back.


    Simon blinked, but slowly let his guard down as well. He smiled, crossed his arms, and tilted his head, "Ah, I see what's happening here. So, that's your Goddess then? Mind telling me what all that was about? All I did was refuse to join your Familia. And while the fight was fun, I still don't get why you did it."


    Ottar did not answer Simon. He simply put on his own cloak and moved to stand by his Goddess' side. The two turned to leave the alley, but Simon stepped forward and grabbed Freya's shoulder. Ottar nearly struck Simon with the back of his fist, and only controlled himself because Freya didn't seem to mind Simon touching her. Simon gently gripped her shoulder and asked, "Oh no, you don't. You're not leaving until you give me some answers. What was all that about? Why did you come after me like this, and why are you so interested in Bell? And don't try denying that last part. I felt the way you were looking at him from that cafe terrace."


    Freya didn't respond. She remained silent for three tense seconds, avoiding eye contact with Simon. Then, slowly, she turned her head to look at Simon over her shoulder. Her voice had only the slightest hint of annoyance as she spoke, "All I will say is this: That boy is of interest to me. But I shall allow you to guide him. For now. Goodbye, Simon. And when you return to your wife, be sure to tell her how much you love her."


    Simon raised an eyebrow and asked, "Saw the ring then? Thanks for that. But you can keep the rest of your advice to yourself. I wouldn't listen to it anyway."


    Then Simon stepped past the two of them. He stared at Ottar as he passed and winked at him, "But I meant what I said to ya, man. You're a great fighter and helped me shake off some rust. If you ever want to have a real fight, just come find me. I'm always open to a good scrap."


    Simon waved goodbye to the Goddess and the Warlord, with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Looking for all the world like he hadn't just tussled with the strongest adventurer in the city and come out without a scratch on him. Not to mention getting away with touching the Goddess of beauty without her permission, and his ability to resist her "Charm" without any apparent effort on his part. Though if such a thing bothered the aforementioned Goddess and Warlord, they did not let it show. They simply turned their backs on Simon and continued on their way.




    Simon's continued walk through Orario helped him gain a bit of perspective on his current location. Particularly in terms of its construction compared to Kamina City. Where they focused on building upwards toward the sky where he was from, Orario was built outwards toward the horizon. The buildings were typically of similar size, with only a few exceeding two or three stories. The main features distinguishing different areas in the city were the long cobblestone streets and alleyways. This sort of split the place like a pie. Each major section of the city represented a different slice. Whether those slices had their own "taste" and themes, he wasn't sure.


    Yet. He planned to find out.

    ...As long as he didn't get himself lost in the process.


    Thankfully, there was one prominent landmark he could always use to keep track of where he was going: Babel Tower. No matter where he went in the city, he could always see the large white tower from anywhere. Just one glance up is all it takes to reorient yourself in this place. Which made sense, considering that this place was clearly built around it. It was the focal point of the city in more ways than one. That lone, large tower connected to "Tenkai" and the Dungeon.


    "The World of the Gods above the clouds, and the strange World of Monsters below the earth," Simon murmured, pursing his lips as he walked through one of the districts of Orario, gazing up at the tower. He wasn't sure which one. He was simply strolling without any specific destination in mind. As he gazed at Babel Tower, he shifted his eyes back to the sidewalk in front of him. He hummed, "Sounds a bit too coincidental. Maybe Hestia would know what's really going on?"


    He nodded to himself and prepared to return to Hestia Familia. But as he turned the corner, he heard someone grunt in pain. Coming to a stop, he looked to his right and saw a man standing in front a building's open door. The building was rectangular and had a large sign hanging over the front door that read "Brax's Bar and Brewery". The man, supposedly Brax, was a slender figure dressed in a black coat, white shirt, and black pants. In front of his place of business, there were large stacks of boxes. Each stack had ten boxes on it, and the stacks were two heads taller than Simon. Brax moved to grab another box from the stack, but grunted in pain and put a hand on his back. His pale skin glistened with sweat, and his dark eyes scowled at the stacks.


    Humming, Simon walked over to the man and called out, "Hey, buddy!" You good over there?"


    Brax looked up, his shoulder-length brown hair whipping around his face. His eyes widened and then narrowed when he saw Simon. He turned back to the boxes and made a point of ignoring Simon even as he spoke, "Yes, I'm fine."


    "You sure? It looks like you're just gonna hurt yourself," Simon observed, stopping a few steps away from the man and the crates.


    "I said I'm fine. I can-argh!" Brax grunted in pain as he tried to crouch and grab the stack of boxes. He shook his head and started to grumble, "Damn it. First, Erica doesn't show up to help me, then I trip and hurt my back, and now this. This just isn't my day."


    Simon looked at the stacks of boxes and then gestured toward them, "Well, if you want, I could help ya out. Could probably handle this myself."


    Brax sighed as he straightened up. His back popped as he turned to look at Simon, "Look, whoever you are, I'm not going to give you a reward for this. I haven't been able to open up shop yet, and I'm not going to submit a Quest at the Guild for something like this. So if you're hoping for earn some Vals then-".


    Simon interrupted Brax by walking over to one of the stacks of boxes. He crouched down and grabbed the bottom with both of his hands. Then, with a short grunt of effort, he lifted the whole thing up. He turned to Brax and smiled, "So, where do you want these?"


    Brax blinked, his mouth hanging open in astonishment. He pointed at Simon and said, "Uh, didn't you hear me? You're not getting a reward for this."


    "I know," Simon responded casually.


    "...You're okay with that?"


    "Why wouldn't I be? You need help, and I want to help you."


    "...Aren't you an adventurer?"


    "Nope!" Simon said happily. Then he tilted his head as he thought about something, "But, well, I would like something in return. I'd like to be your friend!"


    "F-Friend?" Brax said, completely taken aback by Simon's words.


    Simon walked over to him, carrying the boxes with ease as he continued, "Yeah. I don't have many friends at the moment, and you can always use more. Name's Simon. You're Brax, right? I assume that's your name on the sign."


    "R-Right. That's me. Brax. And, uh, you can take those around to the back. Just follow me," Brax said, turning his back to Simon. He led the peculiar man with blue hair around the side of his building, looking over his shoulder every now and then. As if he couldn't believe what was happening.


    Simon followed him and asked, "Cool. So, what's in these, anyway?"


    "Just some fruits and other ingredients that I'm going to use to help me brew my drinks, while Erica prepares the food."


    "That sounds great. I'll have to visit the place sometime and try it out."


    "You'd better bring Vals with you if you're going to do that. Even if we are 'friends' now, you're not getting anything for free."


    "Deal," Simon said with a smile as he disappeared behind the building with Brax. His first friend in Orario, aside from Bell.




    "...Okay, I'll play your game. What. Is. Your. Request?"


    Hestia took a deep breath as she prepared herself for what she was about to ask, "I have...two actually. The first is that...I would like you to make a weapon for Bell...a member of my Familia."


    Hephaestus, the Goddess of the Forge, narrowed her singular eye and asked, "And the second?"


    Hestia reached into her pocket and held up a small, conical, golden object. It seemed to emit a dull green glow as it sat in the palm of her hand. She mustered all her confidence and asked her friend, "I want you to look into this. And tell me...have you ever seen a metal like it before?"


    Finally, got this in. Sorry it took so long. Will admit, kind of forced myself through this. I think I'm a bit burnt out on writing. So, not sure when the next Chapter is coming.
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • Hesphaestus starts salivating over the impossible Tenkai Adjacent material born from the mortal world.
    Heck this sort of thing is exactly what she would love to discover in order to advance her craftsmanship while being proof that she made the right decision to leave Tenkai all those centuries ago.
     
    LinkOnScepter said:
    Ottar launched his powerful fist at Simon's face. The punch was launched with all the skill, strength, and speed that his towering body possessed. All the mentioned attributes were perfected to their highest level. For Ottar was not just a formidable adventurer. He was The Zenith of the Labyrinth City. An existence surpassing even that of the Kenki, Aiz Wallenstein. He was the sole Level 7 adventurer in Orario. Standing at the top as the strongest adventurer of Freya Familia.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    ... simon wtf xD
     
    Reader mode
    You must log in or register to reply here.

    Users who are viewing this thread

    Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)
    Back
    Top