9 Desire & Heartbreak

Achilles had been delving deeper and deeper into the Dungeon for the past few hours. If he wanted to gather 80 million valis worth of magic stones, he would have to delve deep into its bowls and have his way with the monsters on the lower levels. He was making good time as he was now at level 30.

"Hm?" his attention was caught by some movement around him. He watched as a group of moderately sized dragons appeared around him and began to glare down at him with evident rage and hunger.

"Hello gentlemen," he said with a smile. "It appears it's not your lucky day." The monsters growled at him. "After all," his grip on his sword tightened. "I...really...hate...dragons."

After everything that had happened at the Guild, the Hestia familia, plus their soon-to-be newest member, made their way through the city streets, smiling unreservedly and happily chatting away. Ryuu who had a radiant smile threatening to fix itself permanently to her face was trying her best not to cry anymore for, even if they were happy tears, she was a tad embarrassed to be showing so much emotion. However, it appeared that the Hestia familia was intent on keeping the tears flowing as they continued to talk about how excited and overjoyed they were that she was joining their familia and wouldn't be in trouble with the Guild anymore.

"It's all," they all stopped when she began to speak. "It's all so much to take in. I've had to hide my identity for years and now, suddenly, I won't have to do that anymore. And all thanks to someone I held nothing but animosity for only a few hours ago. It's all…" she choked as more happy tears streamed down her face. "It's all so much to take in. Are you sure that you want me in your familia?"

"I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we're very happy with the idea of you joining us, Ryuu," Bell said smiling. "We all make mistakes, that's nothing to be ashamed of. And as for Achilles, he might be a little rough around the edges when you first meet him, but you soon find that he's one of the best, most loyal people you could ever meet."

"I think I'm beginning to understand that."

"All that being said," Lili suddenly cut in. "We expect you to give us the whole truth of what happened in your past, including this part about you 'destroying a familia'."

Ryuu nodded.

"I will tell you everything."

Lili nodded.

"Good."

The familia returned to Hearthfire manor only to find Miach standing outside the main entrance.

"Miach-sama? What are you doing outside?" Bell asked.

"Ah, Bell. Well, I was actually waiting for you all to return."

"You were?" Bell asked, clearly confused.

"Yes. You see, while we were watching your home for the day, Aiz Wallenstein suddenly showed up asking for you."

"A-Aiz-san?!" Bell cried.

Miach nodded.

"Hestia has been trying to get her to explain further. Indeed, she's been grilling her quite relentlessly, Naza's barely been able to keep her restrained." Everyone sweat-dropped. "However, Aiz-san has stubbornly refused to say anything else besides that she wishes to speak to you, Bell-san," he finished.

A silence fell over the group, each of them giving Bell a look, hoping to discern if he had any idea what she could want. But he didn't. Not really. The only thing that seemed likely was that it had something to do with what happened earlier that day. Whatever the case, it was little use to stay out here and speculate.

"Well, I guess we should go inside and find out what she wants," he finally said.

They made their way inside and we're quickly greeted by the sound of Hestia shouting.

"For the last time, what do you want with my Bell-kun?!"

"Hestia-sama, please calm down," Naza pleaded, her voice sounding absolutely exhausted.

"Sheesh, she's so loud," Lili said.

Bell however, said nothing, anxiousness entering his heart as he and the others strode into the adjoining room.

"We're back, Hestia," Bell said, his eyes unable to resist quickly looking at Aiz.

"Bell-kun!" Hestia cried, rushing over to him. "Aiz Wallen-whatsit, said she wanted to talk to you, but won't tell me what about."

Bell nodded.

"Miach-sama told me," he replied before turning back to Aiz. "Good evening Aiz-san."

She stood up and bowed.

"Evening Bell. I was hoping to talk to you," then, noting the many other people there, she added. "Alone."

That did not sit well with any of them, least of all the ladies who held certain affections for the young rabbit.

"As if!" Hestia cried. "Achilles, remove her immediately!"

When no reply came, she turned and found that Achilles was not there, but Ryuu was.

"Some things happened today. I'll explain everything later," Bell stated. "We can talk in the courtyard," he said to Aiz.

No one seemed pleased by this, least of all Hestia and Lili, but Bell quickly held up his hands to calm them.

"If Aiz says she just wants to talk, she just wants to talk," he said gently.

Luckily Welf, deciding to act on his role as big brother, stepped in to help him, though he was no more pleased about the current situation than any of them.

"We'll explain to Hestia what happened with Achilles and Ryuu while you two talk."

Bell gave him a small smile and his thanks before refocusing on Aiz.

"This way."

Aiz nodded and followed after him. A few noises of complaint followed after them as Hestia and Lili tried to prevent their 'talk', only for Welf and Mikoto to prevent them and begin the process of trying to calm them.

Bell and Aiz made their way into the magic stone lit courtyard. When they were deep enough inside to be sure of privacy, Bell turned to her, his cheeks red and having a hard time looking her in the eye as the idea of her wanting to talk to him ran amok in his head. One particular thought, a desperate hope that he didn't dare to even think, quietly whispered in the back of his mind.

"S-So, Aiz-san. What did you want to talk to me about?"

"It's more of a question I have for you."

"O-Oh? What is it? If it's something I can answer, I'll be happy to answer," he said, doing his best to smile.

"How do you grow so quickly?"

Bell was struck dumb. But, after a moment, long enough for disappointment to fill his soul, he realized he shouldn't have been. This question had come up before, and now that he knew not only that he was, unquestionably, growing quickly, but also knew her ambition, he couldn't say he was surprised.

"Does this have something to do with the One-Eyed Black Dragon?"

Surprise colored Aiz's features, but only for a moment, before she nodded.

"Yes. It is my desire to kill that monster. To take revenge for what it did to me and my family. So when Achilles-san said that he believed you were the only person capable of killing it, I knew I had to speak to you."

Bell's eyes widened to such an extent that they looked like they might pop out of his head.

"H-He thinks I could kill it?"

"He didn't tell you?" she asked. He shook his head. "Well, yes. He said that he believes you are the only person that might be able to pull it off. Not him. Not the King. Not Finn. And," a noticeable look of pain entered her eyes. "Not me," her eyes hardened. "Only you. So, I want to know why. How are you able to grow so quickly? Where does your strength come from? How can you surpass everyone?"

"I-I'm not that great," he said, trying to avoid the question. However, one look at Aiz's serious eyes, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to, causing him to sigh. "I told you that it's because I have someone I'm trying to catch up to."

"But that's not the only reason is it?" Aiz asked, a hint of desperation entering her voice as she took a step closer. "I am also trying to catch up to someone, but I don't grow as quickly as you." Another step towards him. "You've advanced to level four in less than half a year." Another step. "There's something else isn't there? A reason for your growth?"

She was now right in front of him, her face now showing a desperation that Bell didn't like seeing on the girl who had won his heart and, in all honesty, kind of frightened him.

"A-Aiz-san."

Snapping out of her trance, Aiz took a step back, but couldn't muster any words for a few seconds.

"Please, Bell. I ask as your friend. Please, tell me how you're growing so fast."

The word 'friend' squeezed Bell's heart so painfully that it felt like it would burst. Any delusion that he might have had previously when she first arrived were now utterly shattered, and a desperate need to flee filled him. However, he knew he still had to answer her. He also knew he couldn't lie to her, even if he had wanted to. Yet, he also needed to protect the secret of his skill. Even if he trusted Aiz, she might let it out unintentionally or be compelled, in one form or another, to tell her familia. All of this weighed heavily on him as he tried to figure out how best to proceed.

Aiz knew she was putting him in a tough position. Quite frankly it was unfair of her to make this demand. She knew that, but she was desperate. Before her was the person who, according to the one person who had ever fought the Dragon and lived, might be able to kill the monster. Part of her was thrilled by this. Another part hated the idea. She had worked all her life towards the goal of killing that beast. Of avenging her father and rescuing her mother and yet, here was this brand new adventurer, not even in Orario for a year, rising impossibly fast through the ranks and quite possibly becoming the person that would one day kill the creature. It made her feel happy and hollow at the same time. To know that the Dragon's days might very well be numbered, but that it was someone else that would strike the blow. She tried to take solace in the fact that it was someone she knew. Someone she trusted and had become close to, but, in a way, that made it even worse. She had trained him. Helped his rise. Protected him. Yet here he was, possibly taking her vengeance from her. As much as she hated herself for it, that made her angry. It made her jealous.

"You remember what I said to Ottar today."

She was pulled from her thoughts when Bell spoke again. She looked into his eyes and her breath caught in her throat. Previously his eyes held a spark to them that was stunning to behold. Sometimes it was blazing, like when he fought the minotaur. Other times it was a slow burn, like when they had trained together. But now, that spark, that light which seemed to radiate from him was gone. Extinguished, leaving only a tired, burnt out husk in its wake.

"I-I...do," she finally managed.

"There's someone I love. Someone who means more to me then I could ever put into words," he continued, his voice unnaturally stoic. "I want so desperately to catch up to her, to be worthy of her that I push myself harder and harder to reach her. To stand next to her. To show her I'm a man. That I'm worthy of her." She watched as tears filled his eyes and a sad smile appeared on his face. "I just want her to look at me the same way I look at her."

Aiz was speechless. The desperation in his voice was overpowering. She understood that this was his life goal. This was as important to him as killing the Dragon was to her. That truth shook her to her core. She wanted to say something, anything, in response to this goal. This needed end. It deserved that much. Words of encouragement. Friendly statements and warm feelings. And, most of all, they needed the person, this 'she' whom he spoke of, to respond, and to return all his feelings in kind. This is what she thought, but no where in the mind of Aiz Wallenstein did she recognize just who this 'she' was. Thus she could not answer.

"So you see, Aiz," Bell continued, unaware of her internal struggle. "That's why I advance so quickly. Because I have to catch up to her. To be worthy of her. I've never wanted anything as much as I want her. That's why I have to keep pushing myself further and further. For her."

Things fell silent in the courtyard, the only sound being that of Bell's tears slipping from his chin and hitting the ground with a miserably quiet, yet all too audible, 'plop'.

They stayed like this for some time, far too long in their minds, when Aiz, not knowing what else to do, finally backed away.

"I see," she bowed. "I apologize, Bell-san. I hope you will forgive me for my intrusion," she turned and began to walk away as quickly as possible without running.

"Aiz!" She stopped and turned. "It was nice to see you," he said, giving her the best smile he could muster.

Her heart skipped a beat, causing her to grab her breastplate. She didn't know it, but Bell was pushing all his feelings into his words and smile, hoping beyond hope that she would feel what was in his heart and understand just how much she meant to him.

She stared at him for a long time. The effect of his words and smile taking their toll on her. Soon, though neither of them saw it, a dusting of red covered her cheeks.

"I-It was good to see you too, Bell," she said, her voice shaky for a reason utterly beyond her comprehension. What she did comprehend was the feeling of her body weakening the longer she looked at his smile and the more his words bounced in her mind. "Good night," she quickly declared, bowing again before turning and making a hasty retreat from the manor.

The moment she disappeared, Bell's smile dropped, soon followed by his body as his knees gave out and fell to the ground. The tears soon after returned to his eyes.

He looked up at the night sky, the tears now flooding down his cheeks and dripping onto the stone below with deafening crashes.

"I love you, Aiz."

Bell stayed like that for some time, waiting for his tears to stop. When they finally did, he slowly got up and wiped his eyes to begin the process of making himself presentable. He didn't want Hestia or the others to ask him about his now much redder eyes, tears stains, or distraught appearance. He knew he didn't have long to do this as the others would be wondering why he wasn't returning now that Aiz was gone. So, doing his best, he cleaned himself up, took as many deep breaths as he dared to, before heading back inside.

"Bell-kun," Hestia called when he reentered, going up to him. "What took you so long?" she asked immediately. "Aiz Wallen-whatsit left some time ago."

Putting on the best smile he could, making sure to close his eyes, he replied.

"I'm sorry, Hestia. I just felt like staying outside for a little longer."

It wasn't a lie. He had felt like staying outside, but the reason certainly wasn't a reason for smiling.

Hestia, naturally, detected that something was wrong, but didn't know what precisely it was.

"Did something happen with, Aiz Wallen-blah? If she did anything I'll-!"

"No, no, Hestia, everything was fine. She was just asking me about something that happened with Achilles today. That's all."

"Does this have something to do with what the others told me involving Ryuu?" she asked.

"Not really. But, let's go sit down. It's probably best if I explain to everyone."

Hestia was still uneasy about the state Bell was in, and wanted to press the issue, but she feared that if she pushed him now, she might cause a reaction that she didn't want to see.

"Alright. Let's go sit down."

Bell's relief was plain to see, but she let it slide, at least for now.

The two joined the others and sat down together with Lili quickly taking his other side.

"We told Hestia what happened and Ryuu explained her past to us."

Bell turned to Ryuu who, though she looked tired from her explanation, smiled and gave him a nod, signifying that she had been accepted.

Bell's smile finally turned genuine and he turned to all his familia who each gave him a smile and nod showing their support.

"I'm glad everything worked out," he said, smiling brightly.

"Quite," Hestia said. "But now it's time you told me us what the Sword Princess wanted and then explain what happened with Achilles earlier today."

Bell's smile faltered, a fact that no one missed, but he quickly recovered and began.

"Well, they're kind of connected, so it's probably best that I begin with Achilles and what happened in the Dungeon. But, before I begin, I should say that Achilles was fully intent on telling all of you, and he apologizes for what happened."

That made everyone a bit nervous.

"Alright, Bell. I think you have our full attention," Hestia said.

Aiz ran all the way home. Her heart was threatening to beat out of her chest and that had nothing to do with the current physical exertion. Seeing the Loki mansion in the distance she actually called on her magic to finish journey.

"Tempest!"

Within moments she was back within familia walls, practically smashing her way inside, catching the attention of none other than Tiona and Tione.

"Aiz?" Tiona called, seeing her current state. "Are you alright?"

Aiz wanted to respond, but her heart was still beating erratically, causing her to grab her breast plate again.

"I...I don't know," she answered.

The words mixed with the sight of Aiz grabbing at her chest alarmed the sisters and they rushed over to her.

"Did something happen? Were you attacked?" Tione asked.

"No. I-I-."

"What's going on?"

The three turned to see Riveria walking into the room.

"Something's wrong with Aiz!" Tiona cried.

Rivieria quickly turned to Aiz and noticed her current state, namely the hand over her heart.

Rushing over to her, Riveria began her own questions.

"What happened?"

"I-I went to the Hestia familia home to talk to Bell," Aiz began.

"So that's where you went," the elf said.

"Did Achilles do something to you?! I knew we couldn't trust that guy!" Tione said, looking ready for a fight.

"No," Aiz quickly said, shaking her head. "He wasn't there."

Tione calmed down, though now her anxiousness returned.

"You went to Hearthfire manor to speak to Bell Cranel. Did you find him?" Riveria asked.

Aiz nodded.

"And, what did you talk about?"

Aiz fell silent. She looked like she wanted to say something, but seemed ill-at-ease to say it out loud. Noticing this, Riveria's next course of action was simple.

"Come with me," she said.

Aiz followed after, the Amazon sisters looking ready to do the same when Riveria turned to them.

"Just Aiz," she said.

The two shared a worried look, but nodded nonetheless. If there was one person that was good to talk to, it was Loki familia's Mama.

The two walked through the mansion until they came upon Aiz's room. The two entered, Riveria knowing full well she wasn't going to find anything embarrassing in the room that Aiz would want kept private, before sitting down on the bed and signalling for Aiz to do the same.

"So, you talked with Bell Cranel," Riveria restarted.

Aiz nodded.

"About what?"

Aiz was silent for a moment, which was fine with Riveria. She knew how to patient with the girl.

"I asked him how he grows so quickly."

"I see. You've asked him that before haven't you?" Aiz nodded. "I'm guessing this time it's because of what Achilles said?"

Aiz nodded again.

"No one has made it as far as he has so quickly. Level four is less than half a year. It took me a year to get to level two."

"It is quite impressive," Riveria conceded.

"So I asked him again. This time I wanted a real answer. It couldn't just be he was trying to catch up to someone. That's the same reason I'm trying to get stronger, but I'm nowhere near as fast as him."

Riveria's eyes narrowed. She knew it would do little good to point out that they were two different people and whatever method he was using to grow so quickly was unquestionably unique to him.

"He told me it was because he was in love," Aiz continued.

That caught Riveria's attention.

"Did he now? Well, love can certainly motivate someone to do the impossible."

Aiz's hands clenched into fists so tight, her knuckles bled white which, again, Riveria did not fail to notice and a tinge of fear entered her heart.

"He looked dead."

Now Riveria was alarmed.

"Dead? What are you talking about?"

"When he told me how much he loved her. How he wanted so desperately to stand next to her. To be worthy of her. To have her look at him the same way he looked at her. That that was why he was pushing himself further and further," Aiz turned to her, tears in her eyes. "His eyes were so empty. It was like looking at a dead body," misery filled Aiz's golden eyes and to Riveria it was as if she was watching a star die. "He was crying. I wanted to say something. To respond to those words somehow, but I couldn't. I didn't know how."

This was a great deal to take in for Riveria who was lost for words herself. However, she wanted to understand what happened and was intent on getting answers.

"Aiz, can you tell me exactly what happened before he said all this? Did you say or do anything?" she asked.

"I asked him, as a friend, to tell me the truth of his growth."

Now Riveria understood.

"'As a friend', words as good as poison for someone in love."

"I see," she said, nodding solemnly. "And how did it end?"

Something happened then that not only outright shocked Riveria, but which she viewed as a miracle.

Aiz blushed.

"I-I don't really know. I turned to leave when Bell suddenly called out to me. I turned to him a-and-"

Riveria actually leaned in.

"And…?"

"He...he smiled at me and said, 'It was nice to see you'," she stopped as if trying to figure something out. "There was something...different in the way he said it. It was so bright, so...I don't know. Like there was some sort of power there that I didn't know. It," she grabbed her heart. "It made my chest feel funny and my cheeks heat up and I felt like I desperately needed to get away from there. From him. And I don't know why."

Riveria's mouth was unabashedly open. What she just heard was a mixture of the saddest, most shocking, and most wonderful things she had ever heard.

"Well I'll be."

She smiled and placed her hand on Aiz's shoulder, catching her attention.

"Aiz, you shouldn't worry."

"I shouldn't? But what about what I'm feeling? What if I'm sick?"

"You're not," Riveria said gently. "In fact you might be the exact opposite of that."

Aiz tilted her head in clear confusion.

"Then...what am I?" she asked.

"I want to tell you, I really do, but this is one of those things that's best left to the person it's effecting. In this case, you. What I can say is that I think it would be wise if you went back to Bell tomorrow and talk to him. Apologize for tonight, then spend some time with him."

"But...he was crying."

"All the more reason to go to him."

"What if he doesn't want to see me?"

"Oh I doubt he won't want to," Riveria said with a knowing smile.

"What if Achilles is there? He doesn't seem to like me."

"If you see Achilles, tell him I want to talk to him."

"You want to talk to him?"

"Actually, yes, but in this case it's more to get him out of the way so you can talk to Bell."

"But, what about the rest of Bell's familia? They didn't seem to like me being there. His goddess is kind of scary."

Riveria chuckled.

"Then try to catch him while he's out and about. Whatever you do, just find a way to talk to him. That's the only way for things to get fixed and, in case you need more encouragement, it may actually cause you to grow stronger."

"Really?" Aiz asked, excitement and skepticism mixing in her voice.

"Mmhm," Riveria said, smiling.

Aiz went quiet for a moment, thinking on what Riveria had said and suggested.

"Alright," she said. "I'll go to him tomorrow, apologize, and talk to him."

"Good. Now," Riveria got up. "I think you should get some sleep. You've had quite the day and perhaps have an even bigger one tomorrow."

She turned to leave when Aiz called out to her.

"Riveria!" The elf turned. "Thank you."

The mother of Loki familia smiled.

"It was my pleasure, Aiz."

Hestia familia sat quietly as they took in what Bell said with more than a little surprise. Ryuu, as the newest de facto member of the familia, was playing quite a bit of catch up and her head was just one more surprise away from spinning off her shoulders.

"So, Achilles threatens Loki familia," Welf began.

Bell nodded.

"Loki then orders her familia to try and kill him," Mikoto continued.

Bell nodded again.

"And an opportunity arises to do just that when they find him and Ottar fighting on level 10," Ryuu said, her mind putting the pieces together.

"Yes," Bell said.

"You then intervene and order Achilles to withdraw his threat and for Loki to withdraw her order," Haruhime said, her voice filled with admiration.

"Correct," Bell said, a hint of a modest blush on his cheeks. His pleasure was short-lived however as the next part came.

"You then challenged Freya to prove her affections to you?!" Hestia cried, an irate Lili right beside her.

Bell nearly jumped out of his skin as the two whirled on him.

"U-Um...yes?"

The two glared down at him.

"Why would you do that Bell-kun?!" Hestia demanded.

"I-I thought it was for the best."

"You thought it was for the best?!" Lili demanded.

Bell sank deep into the cushions of the couch.

"You are effectively handing yourself to her on a silver platter!" Hestia screamed. "In all my years I've never heard of anyone demanding that she prove her affections," she slapped her forehead. "Oh gods, I can just picture how she reacted. She probably took pleasure from it."

It took a moment for those around her to realize what she meant, but then they did, more than a few eyes widened.

"Y-You don't mean what I think you mean, right, Hestia-sama?" Mikoto asked.

"Oh I mean exactly what you're thinking. When I say Freya probably took pleasure in that challenge, I mean she took pleasure."

Blushes appeared on most cheeks at this, but Hestia wasn't done.

"And now she's just going to want you even more, Bell-kun! She's probably already thinking of some devious plan to steal you away from me," she said, breathing heavily.

Bell was sweating nervously now, unsure of what to say.

"When I get my hands on Achilles I swear he's going to learn why goddesses are something to fear."

"A-Achilles isn't to blame for this," Bell tried to defend.

"He's the reason this entire situation came about. If not for him and his temper you never would have had the chance to make your challenge to Freya, so he will be punished accordingly. As for you, you are in big trouble," she said, looming over Bell. "It appears I need to teach you in what you should and should not do with regards to goddesses and what you should and should not say to them!"

Bell's forehead was now practically raining sweat as the fury of his goddess came crashing down upon him.

A cough pulled everyone's attention away from the cowering rabbit to a red-headed smith.

"Maybe we should save that for another time. We do, after all, have a new member for our familia who needs a proper welcome," he said.

Gratitude poured out of Bell's eyes to his older brother figure who gave him a subtle smile letting him know that he had his back.

"Well, I suppose you're right," Hestia admitted, turning to Ryuu. "We've already met, but for the sake of formality, I'll reintroduce myself. I am Hestia, goddess of the hearth, and I welcome to our home."

"Thank you, Hestia-sama," Ryuu said, willfully setting aside what she had just seen in order to be polite and start off on the right foot. "I would like to join your familia, not only because Caesar-san ordered me to do so in exchange for paying off my bounty, but also because I think this is wonderful familia filled with kind, just people," she said.

"Well, you're certainly right on that front," Hestia said with a smile. "That said, given all you've told us, I'm expecting a lot from you. You've helped us in the past, which earns you points in my book, but if you're going to be part of this familia, simply being helpful or a good fighter isn't going to be enough. You're going to have to be honest and upfront about everything. We don't keep secrets here," Hestia stated. "We know how those can tear people apart and hurt in ways we never meant for them to," a hint of guilt entered her eyes. "So, if you're to join us, you're going to have to give us 100 percent. Think you can do that?"

Ryuu smiled and nodded.

"I can," she said.

"Alright. Then I welcome you to Hestia familia. We'll do all the official stuff tomorrow, for now, I'll have Haruhime find you some clothes that aren't meant for servers."

Haruhime happily stood up and walked over to Ryuu.

"I would be happy to assist you."

"Thank you."

"Now, I don't know about all of you, but I'm beat and I think it's about time for us all to go to bed," Hestia declared.

"Agreed," Welf said.

"I think I'll take a bath first, but rest does sound lovely," Mikoto said.

"Alright, then, goodnight everyone!" Hestia declared.

"Good night!" they all returned, breaking off from each other.

As everyone went their separate ways, Bell made as hasty a retreat as he dared without raising suspicion, quickly entering his room, locking the door, and throwing himself into bed so as to muffle the sounds of misery that were quickly escaping from him.

Achilles had made it to level fifty and decided now would be as good a time as any to rest.

Sitting down, Achilles let out a sigh.

"How many years has it been since I've done this? How long has it been since I've been this far down the Dungeon? Ah, too many by far. Whatever the case, this should be as far as I go. Even a level seven would be foolish to delve into the fifties alone. Guess I'll head back to wreak havoc after some shut-eye."

He closed his eyes and laid back on the ground, taking comfort in the soft grass beneath him.

He didn't know how long he'd been asleep, only that it wasn't that long, when the sound of movement and the shaking of the ground awoke him.

"This is a safe level, so you'd better have a good reason for waking me," he said as he stood up only to find himself face to face with an army of caterpillar like creatures.

"Well. You're new."

The one closest to him spewed some purple liquid at him. He quickly dodged and looked at the spot it hit, watching as it melted before him.

"Acid. Well isn't that lovely. Guess we're going the magic route," he said, cracking his knuckles.

The monsters began to advance on him, but he wasn't worried and simply began to chant.

"I call for the heavens to darken and the wrath of the king of Olympus to awaken."

Several caterpillars spewed acid at him, which he effortlessly dodged.

"Hear me, your faithful servant. I call upon you to bring ruin to my enemies and leave their armies as naught but dust."

The monsters attacked again, this time, after he dodged, he jumped up and kicked one in the head, sending it flying at a group of its nearby comrades.

"Let the world be filled with your terrible light and let all before me fill with fear. Let none question the power and fury of those on high. Come, and bring about utter destruction that only ye gods can inflict. Olympian Wrath!"

The once light filled room, darkened as clouds appeared high above, touching the ceiling with their blackened fingers. The room grew darker and darker until finally, when it was nearly pitch black, a roar of thunder shook the floor before a barrage of lightning struck down upon the helpless monsters. One after another the creatures were hit by the relentless fury of Achilles's magic, the lightning strikes piercing their bodies, reducing them to ash. This went on for some time and only ended when the last of the monsters was destroyed.

"Well, with that out of the way," Achilles said, walking over to the nearest magic stone. "Hm?" he looked at the stone. "Well isn't that something," he said eyeing the oddly colored stone. "I wonder what's up with you."

Not far from where Achilles stood, two figures looked down on him with malevolent eyes.

"Should we kill him?" Revis asked.

"We don't have enough information to make such a move, and anyone who can make it this far down the Dungeon by himself is not someone to take lightly," Ein replied.

"So we just leave him?" she asked, giving Ein a look.

"For now. If he keeps progressing further down or snoops too close to something, then we can take care of him."

"Hm," Revis replied, turning back to Achilles. She froze when she saw his eyes pointed directly at them. "He sees us."

"That's impossib-," then Ein noticed Achilles as well, and the unwavering gaze pointed at them. "We should leave."

For once Revis had no complaint.

Achilles watched them go, his eyes narrowing as they disappeared.

"Hm."