Three Months Ago
Her voice wasn't berating, though it wasn't soft either. It was stern, and I couldn't understand a word of what she meant despite my best efforts.
"Light allows us to see the physical world, and through it we perceive what is Real. We see the Sun, the Moon, the Sky, and all Creation- but Light also blinds us to the immaterial. Only with this Darkness can we see past Reality and into Immaterial." She took a breath as she stared over the lake in front us. Her breathing was steady, but I could sense the turmoil within.
"That alone isn't enough." She grit her teeth. "Your Darkness must break past the barrier, and Eclipse the light of the World, even while the World itself declares such a thing to be impossible. That is what I intend to teach you."
I gave her a smile and a thumbs up!
"But Master! I want to be a shining beacon of hope! I won't eclipse the light of the world in shadow, I'll be the blazing star!" I was pointing my finger high into the sky, a pose struck while my Master sat on the ground.
She didn't speak for a moment, and a gust of wind blew by- revealing her exhausted frown.
This wasn't the first time we'd had this conversation, but it was by far the most somber.
"If you can not see into the immaterial, you will never be able to cut through the ruinous Fate that drags you ever deeper."
"I don't know what that means." I spoke my heart to someone who I cared for deeply, my voice laced with sadness of someone who couldn't form a connection to someone they held so dear.
An exhausted sigh left my Master's lips, running a hand down her face and catching a few graying hairs in the movement. She paused as she glanced at me, her gaze slightly flinching as though suddenly moving her vision into the sun. She then muttered a few weak words that couldn't escape my ears.
"I know."
Her next words would stick with me for far longer than I'd care to admit, but inevitably I'd forget them.
Those words were counter to everything I was, everything I wanted to be. Even if Master said it was so, I just couldn't believe it.
??? POV
Interesting. A child defeated his Hunter in single combat. This wasn't a common occurrence among this realm, and truth be told I was surprised that such a thing has happened twice in the past decade. First the Sword Princess, and now 'Andrew Ariti'. The death of a Hunter alone wasn't enough for this type of reaction though. A solo kill was what made it so important.
From a Familia with no precedent for this either? No high ranking equipment as well? If I recall correctly the Sword Princess had quite the unique sword when facing her Hunter, unfortunately she has a habit of breaking things- she even broke the sword I gifted her after her victory.
I'm getting distracted.
While the Sword Princess is impressive, this new child can only be described as a monster. To be able to overcome the adaptability of a Hunter. That takes more than talent, and it takes more than luck.
It takes someone truly special. Or perhaps someone truly dangerous.
I can't get caught up in old memories. Especially not when the resemblance between his companion and her is plain as day to see.
I set down the piece of paper next to me as I silently stared at one of my best employees. She'd done good in finding such a valuable asset. Someone who'd apparently had dreams of grandeur.
"He is set on getting to the bottom of the Dungeon?"
"From our previous interactions he has made abundantly clear he has no intention of stopping. I recommend granting him a potential stipend in order to support his continued survival."
That's good, though perhaps a bit reckless. Her eyes reveal much of how she feels for the boy, and I had to bury a smile.
"Grant him a defensive artifact from the treasury, one of grade three."
Her eyes widened slightly, before she returned to her stoicism. She cared for the child, of that I could tell, for she was akin to myself in many ways. From her stoicism, to her mask, to her ability to remain calm despite the madness of this world . . . though that other child has changed things slightly as of late.
Rose Fannet was one of my best employees. Of that I was certain. She softly rested on a single knee, and gave me thanks before departing. I watched her form as she left, and the smile that once kindled itself was forced to be buried once again as the Dungeon thrashed against my power.
Thus was my fate. Thus was my duty.
. . . Though what has enraged the Dungeon of late?
Andrew Ariti POV
"So then I said 'The Unbreakable Troy!" I struck a pose as I pointed straight at Hestia, before I let out a joyful laugh at her dumbfounded expression. "I've always wanted to call out my ultimate move, I've just never had the chance before!" I couldn't help but nod as Belle slowly took off her sweat covered shirt and tossed it to the side. I couldn't help but put a hand on her shoulder and nod with acknowledgement of my dear companion as she 'attempted' to collapse face first on a pew.
Foolish Belle! You can't collapse yet, I haven't finished praising you!
"Then I turned to Belle all dramatically and said 'Our Promise." My tone fell a few octaves to reflect the moment as I smiled at Belle who slightly shuddered from exhaustion as she stared at me. I awkwardly coughed, "Well we know how that turned out." My bravado of course returned moments later! "Belle valiantly saved the day!"
I turned back to Hestia who was massaging her temples.
"So you two fought a monster that's apparently not only super rare, but also ridiculously powerful. You got an unfathomably rare drop, nearly died, and then Rose gave you a ring!?"
Why do I feel like she's most mad about the last one?
"Defensive magical artifact." Belle's voice was monotone, and I decided to gently set her on the pew so she could get some rest. I'd practically run home, and forced the exhausted Belle to chase me! She was concerned about my wounds reopening, but I was very careful . . . and very fast! Honestly I'm surprised she didn't catch me when I bought some new clothes. I definitely felt someone watching me while I changed.
I had half a mind to call them over so they could get a better look, but I had to get back to Hestia and Belle. Whoever has been watching me must be really shy! Fear not mysterious friend, we shall meet someday, of that I am sure!
However the mysterious friend was not the most important thing in my life, instead it was giving Hestia a big hug to know I was alright.
My arms wrapped around her warm body and I pulled her down with me as I sat on the pew next to Belle.
"Thanks for worrying Hestia, but with Belle by my side I knew we'd get out alright!" Hestia was on my lap now, and her eyes flicked back to us with a sigh. She broke free from my grasp and pointed at Belle and I.
"Both of you need to get your Falna updated, so let's get this handled right now!"
Oh! I totally forgot about that. Belle was lying face down on the pew, and the only thing that was poorly concealing her Falna was the back of her bra.
She really did work hard today, we both did!
Hestia was frowning, her eyes narrowed and slightly puffy from earlier- but that wouldn't stop our determined Goddess from blessing her children! Hestia held out her hands, and Belle quivered slightly as a warm light began to seep into her back. The Falna distorted under the light, and changed from the stylish hearth tattoo, and instead into some kind of video game screen.
Weird.
Then the words started flowing and my eyes nearly rolled into the back of my head from the amount.
Belle immediately took into a deep breath, her head shooting upwards in surprise as she brought a hand to her chest.
"I feel so much more powerful."
Hestia sat in silence, her jaw dropping so far it looked like it was going to fall off her face and down into the Dungeon.
"Wha-WHAT!?"
My eyes peeked over at the giant list and I couldn't help but smile. This was awesome!
"Belle you got so much cool stuff!"
Isabelle Cranel
Level 1
Strength: 0 -> 143 H
Endurance: 0 -> 98 I
Dexterity: 0 -> 184 H
Agility: 0 -> 171 H
Magic: 0 I
Skills:
Χίλια Πρόσωπα (Thousand Faces): You may have an additional Development Ability that you qualify for. This Development Ability may be changed at will. Current Face: None
Αργοναύτης (Argonaut): Allows a charge for an active action. It can be used for any type of attack but the effects will dissipate when the user is attacked or they lose focus.
Ολόψυχη Φιλοδοξία(Wholehearted Aspiration): Increases Growth as long as feelings remain. Growth is further increased with strength of feelings.
Magic:
Αόρατο πρόσωπο (Invisible Face): Suppresses presence. Chant - Σιωπή (Hush)
Δεκατρία Δαχτυλίδια της Ασημένιας Καμπάνας (Thirteen Rings of the Silver Bell): Generates a magical silver ring and an increasingly loud Bell sound. Each Ring requires an increasing amount of Mind and another line of the chant. Each Ring increases the power of an attack based on the original attack potency, and must be used before the Rings dissipate. Usage of Argonaut increases the duration of the Rings without costing additional Mind. This Spell may be cast without completing the chant if the End of the chant is used after any of the lines.
Chant -
I - I was born as a single chime, with a single purpose recalled by the inky shadow that surrounded my soul with her abducting hands, each tendril corroding my heart to become just like her.
II - A mold, and a rot needed to be excised as I was taught, through a flood of blood that would cause the Labyrinth City to fall unto Ruin.
III - From Ruin would come something beautiful, from our Hate, Love would be born and dawn a new era once thought erased.
IV - Twin Stars were stolen from my infantile hands before I could see them shine for even a moment, the Loveless Heart I held corroded ever deeper.
V - For I am the rightful heir, chosen as a shade of vengeance so that my silver spear may break the Heart of those who have wronged us.
VI - Sent by the Heavenly Queen, whose gaze is cold and heart is a gaol, one of self fueled arrogance and hate I descended with arrogance and malice.
VII - I who has arrived in the Labyrinth City shall carve it apart with my bleeding fingers and melting blood.
VIII - I met a companion, a Fool who blinded me with his Emerald Heart, Breaking and Unbreaking the task I had set out to accomplish with his morphotic words.
IX - Prepare, and Prepare we did, we who sought the Hearth who glowed with Sunlight and through her compassion the fires began to light underneath my feet with a soft warmth.
X - Each exchanged breath and smile warmed my cold flesh and peeled away the skin that clung to my face like a vice, the Mask falling away to reveal my black heart.
XI - Yet still I was not turned away by the Fool, his face had shifted and I realized I did not stare into the eyes of a Fool, but a Hero, My Hero.
XII - The Heart of which I had worn had broken, and from it a new face was born, one that had chosen its path of its own volition, not at the will of another.
XIII - I was Filled with Love, a new feeling I could not comprehend, yet through it I sought the happiness and joy in this world with a smile on my Face rather than Hatred tearing apart my Heart.
End - Sealed Silver of the distant past, Rapture and Break Free, Unleash the Havoc of my Pure Heart turned Black, and Pure again, thus declares I, Argonaut.
Hestia shivered slightly at the wall of text, clutching her head and muttering about Belle and myself while rocking back and forth over and over again.
"My children are crazy, my children are crazy!"
That was a good thing!
"Now do me Hestia!" Hestia blushed, and it only got worse as I took off my shirt. After a brief struggle Hestia had given me back my status, and truth be told the growth wasn't bad for what we fought through together!
Level 1
Strength: 132 H -> 384 G
Endurance: 72 I -> 460 F
Dexterity: 85 I -> 321 G
Agility: 74 I -> 452 F
Magic: 35 I -> 311 G
Skills:
μακρινός ταξιδιώτης: Increases Excilia gained.
Unfortunately I couldn't help but frown at the F score I got, reminding me of most of my teachers!
My eyes peeled over to Belle, and it looked like she was studying for a test as she read her Falna over and over, as though she couldn't possibly believe what she was seeing.
___
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