The Wandering Devil
Chapter: 6
pa/t reon details below if you're interested, hope you enjoy the chapter.
(Protagonist?)
I stared down at the severely depressed-looking white-haired protagonist of Danmachi. He didn't even notice that I had stopped and looked at him, he had his knees up to his chest that was covered by a worn-down leather chest piece and his eyes were downcast as he sat down on the dirty cold stone floor.
He had messy white hair that fell down to his shoulders and bright, expressive blue eyes. His body was a bit thin but not in overall bad shape. There were others sitting like him at the side of one of the main streets of Orario but they all looked to be homeless beggars.
Bell Cranel.
I took note of his scruffy clothing and the dirt on his face that suggested he hadn't been able to bathe for quite a while. Just what had happened? I had been expecting him to show up at some point but certainly not in this state.
Perhaps my time recovering or well being forced to rest with Hestia had affected the timeline in a way he didn't have a chance to find Hestia. The white-haired boy suddenly noticed my shadow and looked up at me.
"I-I don't have any money." He suddenly spoke. Looking ready to run.
I frowned, just what had happened?
"Chill, I'm not here to hurt you or anything." I quickly assured him, raising my hands in mock surrender.
To my surprise he relaxed, fully believing my words. I felt just a tad bit bad. I'm pretty sure this happened because of me in some sort of way. Orario wasn't as great as it seemed, there were many places that were rough and full of thugs.
I sat down next to him. Uncaring of the dirty stone floor I found myself sitting on.
"You seem to be in rough shape, what's up?" I asked.
Bell looked confused at first, but then his expression turned to one of deep sadness.
"I- just haven't had as good of a time as I thought I would when coming to Orario," he admitted, his voice wavering slightly.
"Really, how so?" I inquired, wanting to understand what was troubling him.
"I wanted to become an adventurer, but no Familia will accept me a-and I can't go without a falna. Everyone knows that's suicide. Then my money was stolen by some guys and here I am, without anything. I guess I'm just not cut out to be an adventurer. I'm too weak," Bell replied, tears streaming down his cheeks.
I briefly considered something. Ah, why not?
"You know I just happen to be in a Familia." I started and his eyes widened, finally noticing the large monster crystal I was carrying.
"O-oh I'm sorry I meant no disrespect." He stuttered out with an embarrassed flush.
I rolled my eyes.
"Calm down, I could give less of a shit since most of the adventurers around here are assholes." I casually remarked much to Bell's shock.
"My Familia is relatively new and as I said a lot of people are assholes. You say you can't find a Familia? Why not come join mine? I'm technically the captain." I suggested.
Having Bell Cranel as my right-hand man could work well, he was extremely loyal and had a massive amount of potential. Of course, he would have to sleep on the couch since only one man could enjoy the insanely soft body of Hestia.
It couldn't be natural, divine flesh perhaps? The way that ass sunk into my hands. Oh right, back to the hand at present. Bell looked shocked.
"R-really?" He shouted, drawing attention to us. I ignored the people looking at us and grinned.
"Sure why not?"
"But I'm worthless and weak?" Bell retorted, looking self-deprecatingly at his delicately thin arms.
Seriously his eyes were beyond easy to read, it was like he was physically manifesting his emotions.
"Says who? Power can be earned later. So, as long as you're loyal to me then there's no need to worry about what you currently don't have. It can be obtained later" I offered, giving him a friendly grin.
I could be friendly when I wanted, I just enjoy acting dickish most of the time.
He looked hesitant before his face turned into one of determination. With his red eyes burning with a fire, he prostrated.
"Thank you so much! I'll make sure to live up to your expectations." Bell shouted, tears of joy coming out of his eyes.
I chuckled awkwardly.
"I need to go make a run over at the guild first, then we can see about getting you blessed by my Goddess," I said and Bell nodded seriously.
After saying this, I stood up from there and then continued to dust off my pants. I then lent my hand to Bell, as he looked pretty roughed up and I was feeling pretty generous. He looked a little embarrassed but reciprocated and I pulled him up from the ground.
I then helped him dust off his clothes, but he gave out a surprised squeak. Was Bell always this scared?
"Oh right, mind giving me your name?" I asked.
I had nearly forgotten that I shouldn't technically know his name.
He blushed deeply.
"Oh uh right sorry, I'm Bell, Bell Cranel." He replied.
I gave him a relaxed smile.
"I'm Zephyrion, but just call me Zephyr," I replied. I felt that only Hestia could call me 'Zeph' since that felt a little more personal for some reason.
A brief memory surfaced of a short-stacked female with her hair in twin tails and beautiful purple eyes staring at me in adoration. My head lay down on her lap as she stroked my hair.
"Yes Zephyr Sir!" Bell replied dutifully.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts and focused back on Bell.
"Drop the 'sir'" I responded and Bell nodded with a bright grin.
No wonder women were smitten with him, he was adorable in a little brother kind of way. I patted his head and he blinked at me in confusion.
"Let's go."
-Scene Break-
We both entered the guild's main entrance and I quickly told him to stand by while I cashed in all the monster crystals. I took out the large pouch filled to the absolute brim with different shapes and shades of monster crystals.
I handed the overflowing pouch to the receptionist and he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. Probably due to the fact I was registered as a level-one adventurer. He expertly counted and examined each crystal.
"3 Orc crystals, 2 Silverbacks, 8 Killer Ants and 10 War Shadows. With the standard guild price, 3 Orc crystals will come to 450,000, 2 Silverbacks would be 340,000, 8 Killer Ants would amount to 39,200, and 10 War Shadows are worth 50,000." He idly listed off.
"So, how's your day going?" I tried initiating small talk as I stood there waiting.
He stared at me flatly and I gave him a shameless grin.
"All this sums up to 939,200. And after the tax reduction, you have earned 911,024 vali." He finally announced.
18,220 dollars.
That had been from one dive with a pouch that wasn't even able to hold all the monster crystals.
"Oh yeah," I remembered the big monster crystal I was holding.
Silly me.
I dropped it on the counter and his eyes widened just a tiny amount. A level 1 killing an infant dragon? The suspicion that filled his eyes a moment later was predictable.
Nevertheless, he didn't question me.
Carefully taking the large monster crystal and putting it behind the desk.
"One infant dragon crystal, standard guild pricing puts them at 330,000 vali. Total amount 1,231,124 vali."
25,384 dollars in that case.
A massive pouch was given to me and I grinned. Now this was what I was talking about. Letting Hestia work at some food stall? Absolutely not. That divine ass wasn't going to be on display for anyone other than me.
I saw Bell who was looking at me like a lost puppy looking at its leader with a thumbs up. I went to talk back only for the red-headed demon that was Rose Fennett to try to intercept me.
"Shit," I muttered as the view of a very angry hot crimson-haired woman in the standard guild staff uniform came marching out. A piece of paper in her hand and her narrowed cold yellow eyes snapping to my location.
I speed-walked over to Bell as she practically marched past everyone. Luckily it was busy so the bustling crowd of adventurers held her off a little bit. I dragged Bell and aimed for the exit.
"What's going on?" Bell innocently asked with a bit of hesitation in his voice.
"Angry Sexy Red-Haired Wolf," I replied.
Bell looked confused. As soon as we were out of the door and a look back showed Rose now in the process of sprinting towards me. I grabbed Bell, lugging him over my shoulder and making a mad dash away.
"Not today Satan!" I roared as I made my escape.
-Scene Change-
I ran all the way back to the church with a poor Bell confusedly shouting. Hestia came out just as we made it back to the abandoned church. In all her sexy glory. My divine-assed goddess blinked in confusion.
"Uh, Zeph? Why are you running and why do you have a poor rabbit boy lugged over your shoulder? You're not kidnapping him are you?" Hestia questioned me.
I lowered Bell who looked a bit dizzy. Giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Hestia, meet Bell Cranel. I would like for him to join our familia." I announced and Bell straightened up.
In the next moment, he bowed so low that his head was practically touching the floor. "It's an honour to meet you, Lady Hestia."
Hestia looked down at him in amusement.
"So you want him to join us?" She questioned.
I nodded in response, giving her body a once-over.
"You know we don't exactly have the room to house him right?" She asked, a hand on her wide hips.
"He will sleep on the couch for the time being. Plus I made quite a bit of money today, turns out I was stronger than expected" I replied, holding up a massive pouch filled to the brim with vali.
Poor Bell was sweating nervously as we both casually chatted. I think Hestia was just as amused as me.
"Oh? On the couch will he? Want me all for yourself perhaps?" She asked teasingly and I grinned.
"Familia Captain privileges." I shrugged as if it was out of my hands.
He would have to take it up with HR if he had a problem with it.
She gained a small blush and she giggled.
I should probably start looking for a house, one with a private bedroom and maybe a pool. I'll have to start looking into it later.
"Well if the Captain of the Hestia Familia had decided he wants someone to join, who am I to deny his request?" She asked in a teasing voice. A large happy smile on her face.
Bell sagged in relief and nearly fell over. I held him by the scruff like a rabbit and pulled him up to his feet. Giving him another pat on the shoulder and a friendly smile.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" He rambled looking at me as if I was Jesus.
Quite the opposite actually but I'll accept the worship.
"Let's get you your Falna shall we?" I said and Hestia giggled as she took my arm.
Bell followed behind us without hesitation down into the shady entrance of the abandoned church. He was too trusting for his own good.
Bell was lying face-first down on the couch as Hestia performed her blessing on him, kneeling beside him. Bell shuddered as a golden energy spread through him and his physique noticeably improved.
He got up and marvelled at his new six-pack. Poking his abs experimentally. He had a massive smile on his face. I noticed his eyes seemed sharper and his movement more agile.
"Lookin good Bell, the ladies won't be able to get enough of you," I said with a laugh.
Bell blushed and stuttered.
"So, I made quite a bit of money lately. Wanna go shopping?" I idly proposed and Hestia glomped on me a moment later, her soft body melting into mine.
"I'll take that as a yes?" I further asked and she pouted.
I effortlessly picked her up, setting her down and giving her head pats. I swear for a second she purred like a cat but when I looked down the sound was gone and she was still looking up at me with a cute smile.
I looked over to Bell.
"You'll need to get some new clothes too." I mused aloud.
Bell perked up before quickly shaking his head.
"I'm fine w-wearing these! I ju-ust need to wash them." He replied with a wave of his hands.
I internally patted myself on the back for so easily gaining the protagonist's loyalty. I could corrupt him later.
"Nonsense, you can pay it off in the dungeon if you really feel bad." I waved off his concerns.
Bell thought about it before nodding.
"I'll make sure to work hard!." He said enthusiastically.
I gave him a devilish smirk.
-Scene Break-
Hestia had a twirl as she left the small changing room, wearing a casual dress. A dress that hugged her curves a bit too well. Two large mounds stretching the dress. I gave her a whistle of appreciation.
She blushed.
We were currently in one of Orario's most popular clothing stores. It was a quaint little building nestled between two cobblestone buildings, it possessed a wooden sign adorned with intricate carved lettering showing its name: "Orario's Finest Clothing."
The clothing shop was much larger inside than it was outside, with a few random people browsing around.
I admired Hestia. The dress she wore was a simple yet chic design, with a sensible scooped neckline that accentuated her perfect collarbone. Delicate cap sleeves that provide just the right amount of coverage while still allowing for ease of movement. The dress was a beautiful white colour that made Hestia stand out with flower patterns emblazoned on it.
This was the tenth dress I had watched her wear. She gave a curtsy. The bashful blush on her face as she kept averting her eyes made her seem like the epitome of innocence. She quickly stepped back into the changing room and closed the curtain.
The curtain next to her's opened a moment later and Bell came out wearing a basic top and pants.
"How do they feel?" I asked.
He stretched.
"They feel really good," Bell replied, a happy smile on his face. He was trying on much less expensive clothing since my Goddess was the only one who was allowed to be spoiled.
"Oh does it now?" An unfamiliar voice called out. A thuggish-looking man wearing armour that was more expensive than appropriate for such a man strolled out.
A bunch of other men followed behind him. Bell froze and I looked on in curiosity. The man looked to be in his thirties with a scar around his neck, which admittedly did look pretty badass. The man possessed dark brown hair and dark eyes. A chained pendant was wrapped around his neck.
"Spending so much money on clothes Ay, must have some cash on ya." He said with a nudge.
Ah, so that's what was happening. I looked toward the guard who immediately looked away. Was this common around here? Everyone browsing for clothing seemed to ignore the thugs and even seemed to gravitate away from us.
Bell backed away from him and over to me. He finally acknowledged my presence.
"You two friends or sumth?" He grinned.
"I'm going to let you piss off as an act of mercy since It doesn't feel right to pick a fight with a couple of retards." I replied.
"It would leave a bad taste in my mouth," I added with an infuriating grin.
I was used to scenes like this, rough childhood and all. I had been in many fights due to my uncontrollable need to piss people I didn't like off. I had won quite a few but also lost my fair share.
"The fuck you say?" He growled.
I strolled over to Bell.
"Alright Bell, you've got this," I said, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Bell's eyes widened as he looked between me and the adventurers who had picked a fight.
"W-what?" Bell replied.
"Time to go show me that courage and beat their asses." I elaborated. He paled.
"Mr Zephyr I can't, I-I'm too weak." He stuttered, looking genuinely afraid.
"Then give it all you got, I'll have your back if you fail. Don't worry." I replied with an easygoing smile.
Giving him a little push he raised his fists hesitantly.
Taking a calming breath and the fire I had seen earlier reignited. Letting out a cry he ran forward and swung.
I cheered.
Only for him to be bitch-slapped and being sent away, rolling on the ground.
Ok, so the leader was a Level two adventurer. The rest were probably level one judging by the less-expensive-looking armour. I looked down at Bell groaning on the hard wooden floor.
It'll heal.
One of the guys from behind the level two adventurer stepped out. A grin on his face. "Let's see what ya go-"
I didn't let him finish. Sending a well-practised kick into his sternum, causing him to bend over and fly back. Through several rows of clothing, I may add.
The next guy who had been beside him swung and I sent two quick jabs making him fold over completely unconscious. The level two adventurer growled and much faster than anyone else sent an armoured-clad gauntlet towards my face.
I swivelled out of the way, sending a powerful punch into his ribs. Denting the armour and sending him skidding back. The other three attempted to close in but they found themselves all disabled as I practised my masterful level of martial arts on them.
The adventurer wearing the expensive fully covered shiny silver armour glared at me, taking his sword out of its sheath. I nodded despite myself, if the others had used their swords they would have been a lot more dangerous.
He swirled it with some proficiency. Giving me a nasty sneer.
"I'm going to carve that pretty face up, perhaps your eyes will go for some money on the black market." He chuckled darkly.
Behind him, many customers left. The staff looked worriedly between us. I glanced back at the changing room, luckily Hestia hadn't exited yet. The thought of her getting hurt nearly sent me into a rage.
Let's see what a level-two adventurer is made out of.
-{Hestia}-
Softly she admired herself in the mirror, she couldn't remember the last time she had changed from her usual set of clothes. Divine bodies didn't produce any scum or sweat so she usually didn't need to clean them. She curled a strand of her hair as she looked at the new dress on her.
She had felt bad for spending so much money but Zeph had been insistent on spoiling her.
'Zeph is such a good boy.' She thought.
Many times she had thoughts of how she was unworthy of him. The dress she wore was a lot more form-hugging than the others. She felt a bit embarrassed but she would admit she loved the way Zeph looked at her.
'Hopefully, he will like this' she thought with a smile.
Ignoring the massive fight going on outside.
-{Zephyrion}-
I dodged the rapid sword swipe, sending a kick he barely avoided. Only to fall prey to an even faster punch sent at his chest. The armour dented and he growled, another sword swipe that I deftly bypassed. Sending three rapid jabs at his body.
He coughed out a glob of spit and jabbed his sword a moment later, recovering masterfully. I suppose being in the dungeon will force you to develop that.
I bent my body to the side and allowed the sword to pass. Giving him an elbow to the face for his efforts, a crack could be heard as his nose broke and blood started gushing out.
He winced, though I noticed a change in his eyes. They focused and he seemed to assess me properly. He backed away before sheathing his words and quickly exited the building.
I dropped my fighting stance.
Well, okay then. I looked down to Bell who was looking up at me in awe. The side of his face was only a little bit red.
Hestia chose that moment to exit the changing room. Her dazzling smile faded as she spotted the unconscious men and the disarray of the once-tidy clothing shop.
My satisfaction at defeating these thugs disappeared.
I am going to kill that bastard if I ever see him again.
-{Keeth}-
Keeth scowled as he chugged down a potion to heal his broken nose, snapping it back with a small crack. He sat on an alleyway floor as he fixed himself up. Cleaning up the copious amount of blood that had been coming out of his nose.
A cloaked figure came from out of the shadows. Keeth glanced at him and snorted. Only to wince as his freshly healed nose sent him a surge of pain for his action.
"Interesting, I'm guessing you got your assessment of him?" The cloaked figure asked. Leaning on the wall. A large pouch filled with vali being tossed in the figure's hands casually.
Keeth's eyes snapped to the pouch. Letting out a huff of annoyance as a cold breeze passed through the desolate alleyway.
"You could have warned me ya'know," Keeth replied gruffly. Gently rubbing his red nose with his calloused hand. "Fucker packed a punch."
The figure turned to him. "I can see that, I must admit I'm surprised."
Keeth scowled.
"Surprised that you sent me to get my ass kicked by a skilled adventurer?" Keeth gritted his teeth.
The figure let out an amused chuckle. "No, the fact that a supposed level one was able to defeat you so easily."
Keeth's eyes widened.
"Bullshit, the pure strength on that fucker suggested he was at the peak of level two perhaps even level three." Keeth instantly responded in indigenous fury.
Keeth would never allow himself to be beaten by a level-one adventurer. The mere thought was absurd to him and an extreme hit to his pride.
The shadowy figure didn't respond, tossing the pouch which Keeth caught. Turning around and disappearing within the shadows. Keeth looked at the dead-end of the alleyway uncertainty.
Getting up and dusting himself off, Keeth left.
-END-
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