"Awesome improvements Belle! Can't say I'm surprised though. As my dear companion on this journey of ours, power ups after crazy situations are to be expected." I patted her on the shoulder and gave a smile. My eyes glazed over slightly as I scanned the page and decided to turn away for a moment.
I had something to review myself, didn't I? Persona, the word rang through my mind, and with it a screen appeared.
[Social Stats]
[Confidants]
-> [Personas]
Persona:
Hector
Type: Mortal
Reduced Manifestation Cost
Arcana: Fool
Reduced Manifestation Cost
Technique: Pierce, Buff (Defense)
Άθραυστη Τροίαe(The Indomitable Troy): Can only be used in combat. Increase all Parameters of Self for the Duration of Combat. Can not change Personas during Combat. Manifestation cost is drastically increased during Combat. During Combat increase Indomitable's Rank to A+. After Combat ends, lower Indomitable's rank to F until fully healed.
Affinity: +Blunt +Slash +Wind -Pierce
Traits:
Hero of Troy
Increases Parameters when fighting for Family
Increases Resistance when fighting for City
Enemy of Divine (Love) B
Increases Charm Resistance against Divine (Love)
Increases Parameters when fighting against Divine (Love)
Indomitable C+
Increases Resistances as Health lowers
That's a lot of words! Although this does seem pretty important, I should definitely give it a read! My eyes peered over the screen as Belle's head leaned slightly into my hand.
She has really soft hair—I can't get sidetracked right now. Belle is important to me, but if I spend too long looking at these words without reading them, my brain might just fry itself!
Though perhaps with my increased knowledge stat that sort of thing will be less prone to happening.
The thought itself forced me to pause and close my Personas menu for a moment, instead switching to look at my Social Stats.
-> [Social Stats]
Knowledge: Learned
Guts: Dauntless
Proficiency: Decent
Kindness: Selfless
Charm: Head Turning
I wasn't sure where I started. I didn't have the best memory with these sorts of things, but I was sure these values had gone up. I didn't feel any different, but my eyes did narrow at each word.
A confusion started to form as I looked closer, a confusion I started to realize I was only becoming aware of due to my increased knowledge stat. Or at least that was my assumption. And I definitely didn't blush at this thing calling me 'Selfless'! That wasn't true at all! I could be selfish sometimes, I swear!
Though I acknowledged most of the list, my blush deepened a little bit as I spotted 'Head Turning'. I appreciate the compliment, but I look pretty average, to be honest. Basically, everyone I've ever encountered has been either on my level or higher (in my humble opinion), so I wasn't really sure what to say to that.
The warmth of Belle's body and the softness of her hair drew my attention away as she leaned in even closer.
"Belle, is everything alright?"
For a moment, her eyes were pointed, indicating something was wrong. However, the moment my gaze rested upon her, the atmosphere changed. She was content for the moment.
"Everything is wonderful." Her tone carried truth to it, an almost euphoric undertone in her words. She lowered the paper in her hands to her lap and turned to Hestia with a sly smile. Her eyes slightly glazed over as though making a selection in her mind from a list.
"I've never heard of any skills like my own before, I seem to be quite the special individual, am I not?"
Hestia pouted as she stared at Belle, who only leaned closer to me while I smiled at the two of them.
"That you are! Two special adventurers for a very special Goddess!"
I decided to peel away for a moment, taking a seat on a nearby chair. The box of funds was sitting next to Belle as I silently stared at it. We had made a lot of money, but I wasn't exactly sure how to spend it.
Though honestly, that sounded like an adventure for tomorrow. I was still pretty tired.
"Today has been awesome, but as someone who just got half their body crushed and healed right after I think I'm going to head to bed." My tone was slightly drained, but still held my spirit in its cadence. If I hadn't been taught to rest after high-intensity workouts, I'd probably have a victory party!
Hestia gently approached and gave me a light hug, careful not to hurt me in any way.
"Alright Andrew. We'll handle . . . This." She said, gesturing at the money and Belle with a smile. "Get some rest. We'll be waiting for you in the morning." Her features were soft, and it almost made me want to pass out in her embrace. Her whole body was really soft!
"Thank you Hestia. Thank you Belle." My peer simply gave a curt nod and a quick 'Of course' and 'Good night'. As I slowly moved down the ladder, they immediately began to discuss as close friends would.
It brought a smile to my face to hear them get along. Instead of entering the room, I silently sat against the ladder. Their excited chatter acted as a lullaby for my own rest.
Belle, trying to subtly subdue her own excitement, with Hestia stoking the flames, was adorable. They were both very passionate about adventuring and the progress we made. My chest grew warm thinking of the two; these were exactly the kind of people I'd always been looking for, but could never truly find due to the restrictions of my previous world.
People who wanted to go on adventures with me. Adventures in a fantasy world against monsters and villains!
The Next Day
I woke up from my bed to two warm bodies softly breathing beside me, a small yawn broke from my jaw, but I quickly buried it in order to keep my volume down. I silently crept through the night, being careful to avoid waking my sleeping companions as I moved like a ghost. Sliding my way up through the ladder and out the hatch, I arrived on the church floor silently. Only to freeze mid-action as I spotted something very interesting.
Two large backpacks were sitting against one of the chairs next to the table. I moved towards one and softly hefted it onto the table as I took a seat. They weren't that heavy, but I could still feel they had weight in them. During the movement I noticed the water canteen on the side and smiled even brighter.
Honestly I was pretty thirsty, so don't mind if I do! I poured the cool liquid down my throat, but paused mid action. It had been a while since I'd had fresh water like this. Though after taking a drink, the leather sack interested me a lot more.
Gently opening the leather sack I smiled at the contents within. Clothes! This one seemed to be Belle's though. The sizes were way to small, and I was pretty sure the dresses in here weren't for me.
Nonetheless I couldn't help but let out an audible sigh. It was nice to have new clothes. Most likely the other bag had clothes for me, so I opened it up and took the shirt, holding it out from my chest to see the size. It seemed a little bit tight, but that was fine. It's not like they had time to get my measurements or anything anyways. Honestly I'm already surprised they were this accurate!
I prepared to throw on the shirt, as well as a pair of pants I found. Stripping off the old clothing I frowned. I didn't put these on. They changed me while I was asleep? That's so nice of them! They probably had to return the clothes I left the doctor's office in . . .
Not going to think about that too hard, it's definitely just better if I go for my morning jog! Wait. I'm injured, aren't I? I took a moment to do some light stretches, moving every muscle group I could in a methodical order to catch any hidden injuries, but besides some light soreness I didn't feel any.
Not sure if it was Hestia or the potions, but I felt great! Honestly it was kind of crazy to think about, I got beat within an inch of my life, but the next day I'm nearly back to a full recovery.
Spotting my best friend sword on the corner I picked it up and held it out, running my hand over the blade gently.
The sword failed to draw even a drop of blood, and I could feel a few minor chips. Especially the handle which was dented from when I slammed the Hunter in the head.
I'll need to visit Welf, this sword needs a tune up. Moving forward and out the door into the morning air I took a deep breath, then let out a long exhale.
I wonder if Welf is even awake right now?
Well, I guess I'll find out!
. . .
Welf POV
I gave my body a good stretch as I hopped out of bed. Brushed my teeth, took a quick piss, and hefted my sword over my back. Another day, another attempt at making something worthy of the Hephaestus Familia . . . and Hephaestus herself.
I gave a small sigh as I cracked my back and made my way out the shack, the building right across from me was my forge and I had work to do if I ever wanted to make something of myself. Then I paused mid step as I stared at the back of someone my brain rapidly reminded me I recognized.
The figure, Andrew, turned around and gave me a wave and a smile.
"Good morning Welf!" His hand held Heir tightly, hefting up the battered blade.
My jaw dropped, I had just made that sword for him and it was already damaged to such an extent that heavy repairs would be needed around the base.
WHAT HAD HE DONE TO THAT POOR SWORD!?
Wait. How long was he even out here?
Andrew POV
"Good morning Welf!"
Welf didn't seem that happy to see me. Probably because of what happened with the sword . . . as if reading my thoughts he approached with rapid steps and gently pulled the sword from my grasp as though cradling a child.
He reviewed the damage, and made a sound that resembled a half wheeze, half groan.
"You just got this weapon. How did this happen?" He really did look incredulous.
"Well I got into a pretty big fight in the Dungeon. I'm sorry about what happened to my best friend sword, but I need you to repair it!" My tone was earnest, but I knew this wasn't something I could just brush off.
"I- what?" Welf only grew increasingly more confused, so I decided to tell him what happened. I knew I could trust him anyway.
"Well, there was a big monster called a Hunter. It was a really close fight but I won with Belle's help."
He blinked. Then he blinked again. I let out an awkward laugh, and he started walking past me and patting me on the back while laughing.
"Alright I get it, you're too embarrassed to tell me what happened. Just be more careful in the future, alright? Come on in, let's get your sword fixed up." I could sense a faint sense of annoyance in his tone, and knowing Welf the way I did I knew he didn't believe me, but worst of all he felt betrayed that I wouldn't tell him what actually happened.
So I crossed my arms and stared straight into his eyes.
"Welf. I'm not lying to you." My tone was serious and pressing, but my eyes held a softness only reserved for someone you cared about. I stared at him unblinking, causing him to sigh.
"Alright." He seemed to begrudgingly accept my answer, even though I could tell he still didn't really believe me, he at least believed I thought I was telling the truth.
Welf, sword still in hand, entered the forge and set the weapon on the table in front of him. Its wounded form making him physically cringe. He took a moment to assess the damage before giving me a verdict.
"I can fix it by tomorrow, but it's going to cost you extra."
I froze.
I totally forgot to bring any money!
___
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