One discovery Bell found particularly intriguing was his ability to toggle the visibility of his armor at will. When revealed, he could feel its weight and presence, but the moment he concealed it, it was as if he weren't wearing any armor at all—yet its defensive capabilities remained. It was an ability he chose to keep to himself for now, uncertain of how others might react.
Under Eina's guidance, Bell arrived at the novice blacksmith floor, where equipment was reasonably priced for adventurers of his level. As he browsed through the displayed wares, his eyes landed on a particular set of light armor. It bore the signature craftsmanship of Welf Crozzo, its design both sleek and durable, perfect for mobility without sacrificing protection. The price, however, was steep—it would cost him nearly all his savings.
Still, the thought of wearing armor forged by Welf excited him. When Eina found him, he wasted no time in expressing his enthusiasm. "I want to buy this set," he declared.
Eina raised a brow, sighing at his clear favoritism for light armor. While she wished he'd consider heavier, more protective gear, she couldn't deny the satisfaction in seeing him find something he liked. "Well, at least you're choosing something suitable..." she mused, though her expression soon turned serious.
"Bell, you're still a solo adventurer. No matter how good your armor is, tackling the Dungeon alone will always be dangerous," she warned. "You should think about hiring a supporter—it would increase your efficiency and help you avoid unnecessary risks."
Bell paused at her suggestion. He understood her reasoning, but the idea of relying on someone else for survival didn't sit well with him just yet. "I'll consider it," he answered, though he wasn't entirely convinced.
—
Name: [Crozzo's Emberplate]
Rarity:Rare
Type: Light Armor
Durability:500/500
Physical Defense:+50
Magical Defense:+30
Weight:7 kg
[Item Effects]
Flame-Touched Forging – Grants +20% resistance to fire-based attacks due to the Crozzo bloodline's craftsmanship.
Light and Agile – Designed for mobility, increases movement speed by +5%.
Reinforced Plates – Reduces 3% of incoming physical damage.
[Item Description]
A well-crafted light armor set forged by Welf Crozzo, a skilled but still growing blacksmith. While not enchanted with legendary properties, its superior craftsmanship makes it reliable for novice adventurers. The fire-resistant properties, inherited from the Crozzo family's forging techniques, provide a minor advantage against heat-based threats.
—
That evening, Bell and Eina parted ways. Before she left, she handed him a bracer, a simple yet sturdy piece of gear. "Take this. Consider it a little extra protection," she said with a small smile.
Bell thanked her and continued on his way home. However, as he passed through a quieter street, he stumbled upon a scene that made him halt. A rough-looking adventurer, Ged Raish, loomed over a small cloaked figure—his supporter. His voice dripped with hostility as he raised a hand threateningly.
Before he could strike, Bell swiftly intervened, grabbing Ged's arm. "That's enough," Bell said firmly.
Ged turned, his eyes flashing with anger at being stopped. "You got a death wish, kid?" he snarled, clenching his fists as if ready to take out his frustration on Bell instead.
Just as the tension thickened, a new presence entered the scene. A sharp gust of wind accompanied the arrival of a tall, elegant figure. Ryuu Lion stepped forward, her piercing gaze locking onto Ged.
"Leave," she commanded, her tone calm yet unmistakably dangerous.
Ged hesitated. The weight of Ryuu's presence was undeniable, and he knew better than to challenge her. Clicking his tongue in frustration, he spat at the ground before storming off.
Bell let out a quiet breath, relieved that the situation hadn't escalated further. "Thanks, Ryuu. That could've gotten messy."
She simply crossed her arms. "I was merely being direct," she said coolly before shifting her gaze toward the spot where the supporter had been.
But the girl was already gone.
Bell glanced around, searching for her, but there was no trace. Whoever she was, she had slipped away unnoticed.
With the moment settled, he and Ryuu exchanged a few more words before parting ways, the mystery of the girl lingering in his thoughts as he continued home.
—
The next morning, Bell donned his newly purchased light armor, feeling its snug yet flexible fit. The bracer from Eina rested comfortably on his arm—a silent reminder of her guidance. With everything in place, he set off for the Dungeon.
Just as he reached the entrance, a familiar figure stepped into his path.
"Looking for a supporter?" the small girl asked with a bright yet practiced smile.
Bell blinked, recognizing her immediately. It was the Pallum girl from the night before—or at least, that was what he had assumed.
"I'm actually a Chienthrope," she corrected as if reading his thoughts, her fluffy ears twitching.
The two moved to the fountain, where Lili wasted no time making her pitch. She weaved words with the ease of someone well-versed in persuasion, gently guiding the conversation in her favor. Bell had been considering hiring a supporter anyway, and before he knew it, he found himself nodding.
"Alright, just for today," he agreed.
Lili grinned, her sharp eyes glinting with satisfaction.
Their partnership was soon put to the test within the depths of the Dungeon. A swarm of Killer Ants emerged from the cavern walls, their mandibles clicking menacingly as they surrounded Bell. Without hesitation, he charged forward, weaving between the creatures with practiced agility. His blade carved through their tough exoskeletons, ichor splattering against the stone floor.
Behind him, Lili called out quick, precise observations.
"One on your left!"
"Another emerging from the wall!"
Bell pivoted, dodging just in time. The battle was swift but intense, and by the end of it, he stood victorious, panting slightly as he flicked the blood from his blade.
"That was amazing, Mister Bell!" Lili clapped her hands together, admiration gleaming in her eyes. "That knife of yours—it's incredible. Where did you get it?"
Bell hesitated for only a moment before offering a half-truth. "It was a reward for something I did."
Lili hummed thoughtfully but didn't press further. Instead, she shifted the topic.
"You never asked which Familia I belong to."
Bell glanced at her curiously. "Right... I guess I didn't. So, which one?"
Lili's cheerful expression didn't falter, but there was something guarded in her tone as she answered, "Soma Familia."
Bell had little time to dwell on the name before she clapped her hands together. "Well, let's gather the rest of the magic stones and call it a day!"
That evening at the Guild, Bell sat across from Eina as she filled in the gaps regarding Lili's affiliation.
"The Soma Familia..." Eina's voice carried a hint of concern. "They're... complicated. Their god, Soma, is more focused on his wine than his followers. Most of the members are obsessed with getting their hands on it—enough to resort to anything, even thievery or betrayal."
Bell mulled over her words but remained firm in his decision. "I think I'll keep her as my supporter."
Eina sighed, clearly uneasy but unwilling to outright forbid him. "If that's what you've decided."
Just as Bell turned to leave, she suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Wait... where's your knife?"
Bell smirked. "She took it."
Eina's eyes widened in alarm. "You knew? And you're okay with that?"
Bell shook his head. "It won't be in her possession much longer."
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit shop, Lili stood before Bom Cornwall, displaying her stolen prize.
"A fine blade," the shopkeeper mused, his eyes gleaming with greed. "I'll offer you a fortune for it."
Lili barely had time to celebrate before the knife vanished from her hands. Her breath hitched.
Back at the Guild, Kasaka's Fang materialized in Bell's palm as if it had never left. He turned it over, satisfied.
"Guess I'll have to confront her soon," he mused.
Back at the shop, Bom Cornwall's demeanor turned dark.
"You trying to rip me off, girl?" he growled, slamming his hand on the counter. "I don't deal with swindlers!"
Before Lili could protest, she found herself unceremoniously tossed out onto the street.
Lying on the cold stone pavement, she grit her teeth. Damn it.
—
Name: Bell Cranel
Job: None
Title: Wolf Assassin
Level: 23
Fatigue: 0
HP: 2887
MP: 455
Strength: 55
Health: 35
Agility: 55 (+20)
Intelligence: 35
Sense: 55 (+20)
Available Ability Points: 12
—
Next: Deception and Trust