The faint glow of the updating ritual lit Hestia's surroundings as she let a drop of her blood fall onto the bare back of her only child.
Her expression shifted to a slight frown of worry; her child was growing exceptionally fast for an adventurer who had only received their falna two weeks ago. Hephaestus had mentioned it herself when Hestia sought advice on how to treat her Familia members.
Gently pressing an empty sheet to Bell's exposed back, Hestia printed his updated status.
---
Bell Cranel, Level 1 Adventurer
Strength: 96 → 112 H
Endurance: 54 → 66 I
Dexterity: 65 → 79 I
Agility: 92 → 110 H
Magic: 65 → 70 I
Skills:
All For One, Fireball, Feral Clarity
---
Troublesome. Her Bell-kun had an extraordinary growth rate that would surely draw unwanted attention to her small Familia, not to mention his rather dangerous skill.
That encounter with the Minotaurs had initially made her worry deeply for his safety. But after Bell's dismissal of the event, And his insist on an update, she was shocked by the leap in his stats, which immediately led her to Hephaestus again, hoping to understand if this was normal.
"Here you go, Bell-kun! Congratulations! You've finally reached over 100 in two of your stats!" She smiled brightly despite her concerns. Her child was working so hard to support them both, and she wouldn't let her worry change how she treated him.
Although, she was a bit concerned about where he'd been getting all that money without venturing into the dungeon these past few days. Perhaps he'd taken up a part-time job until he could afford new equipment? Maybe she should ask Hephaestus for a weapon for him!
No, that's stupid.
Her Bell-kun took the sheet and studied it, his expression turning serious and calculating.
He was just so cute when he does it like that!
"Thanks, I'll be late tonight, don't wait up for me." Oh, he must be in a good mood! But Curses! She had thought about maybe going out to eat with him tonight!
Then again, she also had an invitation to attend herself. Perhaps she could ask him to come with her? Would that be inappropriate? How fun it would be to show off her adorable child to her colleagues!
"No! Bell-kun, I have to attend a party hosted by another god! I want you to attend too!" She cut his plans short, though she immediately regretted it when she saw his slight frown.
Stupid, Hestia! Of course, he wouldn't want to be around so many gods so soon!
"O-on second thought, do whatever you like!" she stammered, quickly retracting her suggestion. No need to do anything silly.
He nodded, then headed for the door.
Sighing, Hestia murmured, "Oh, Bell-kun…" His strange mood shifts were... well, strange, but she adored him just the way he was.
"I should head to the banquet too. Maybe I'll see Hep-chan and ask her for more advice." Managing a Familia was a hard work.
---
All For One exited the rundown church, contemplating the need for a better base for the Familia.
His funds were beginning to stack up slowly, as his steadily growing account under his New Persona "Mr. Shigaraki" suggested. Lady Lia had likely set up the casino he requested; a visit might be in order to ensure the operation was running smoothly. Proper management was vital in every venture.
Today's destination was the Hephaestus Familia's Northern shop district. After Finally getting in contact with Welf Crozzo via a fellow Familia member of his, he had managed to secure a meeting with Welf in a small tavern nearby their shops, and if all went well, he would soon have a skilled blacksmith contracted to him—an asset with vast potential for the future.
During his research, he'd gathered plenty of information on Welf's lineage. He came from a once-renowned family famed for their unique "magic swords"—Basically weapons Staked with magic that release the magic in a devastating attack. Though his family is no longer able to make such weapons.
Welf though, had the skill to create them, but refused to do so. From conversations with irritated adventurers who'd attempted to commission magic swords, All For One had pieced together a clear picture of Welf's disdain for his family's legacy.
While it was unfortunate that He wouldn't be making any magic swords for him soon, their prohibitive costs put them out of reach for now anyway.
Still, a long-term contract with a capable craftsman had other benefits.
---
Upon arriving at the tavern, he ignored the boisterous drunks and gave a curt nod to the waitress's cheery "Welcome!" His eyes immediately locked onto the red-haired man seated at a table, nursing a drink. Seeing All For One approach, Welf stood up.
"Yo! So, you're the one who's been trying to get ahold of me. Guess I've got a little time for fans," Welf chuckled, his tone casual.
"Yes, that would be me, Mr. Crozzo," He replied politely. All For One noted with interest The slight twitch in Welf's eye at the formal address.
"Just Welf's fine," he corrected. "And you are?"
"Bell Cranel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," All For One replied with a polite smile as they sat, acknowledging the necessity of civility in any negotiation.
Welf ordered them both drinks, and they sized each other up in the quiet moments before the waitress returned with their order, leaving them with a warm, "Enjoy your drinks!"
Without preamble, All For One leaned forward. "I'd like to discuss a contract with you."
The direct approach caught Welf off guard. "A contract? And why's that?" Welf's suspicion was apparent; he likely assumed it involved requests for magic swords.
"I recently had the chance to test one of your light armor sets, and the quality is impressive—especially for a level-one blacksmith," All For One complimented, subtly positioning himself as unassuming. "My current equipment was destroyed in a recent dungeon dive, and I'm seeking someone with your expertise for a contract. I'd appreciate regular access to your craftsmanship if you're open to it."
The mention of his level status seemed to soften Welf slightly, as did the unassuming compliment. Welf's wary demeanor shifted as he assessed the proposal.
After a moment of thought, Welf asked, "And what kind of contract are you proposing?"
All For One took a careful sip from his drink, then set it down before replying. "Simple terms: exclusive discounts, priority on commissioned work, regular repairs on weapons and armor, and special loot privileges. Here," he continued, pulling a pre-written contract from his bag, "I had it prepared by the Guild. It requires only your signature to be official. Either party can terminate it at any time, should it become necessary."
The offer was exactly what Welf would want, and the red-haired man's broad smile confirmed his satisfaction. "Phew, you had me worried there, Bell. Thought you might be after magic swords. Sorry for the suspicion," he laughed, relaxing considerably.
He then continued "Of course! I'd be glad to work with you, Bell." He paused, raising a finger. "But I've got two conditions before I sign. First, never ask me to make a magic sword," he said with a fierce intensity, treating the term like it was a curse. He lifted another finger. "Second, I want to team up with you. Let's form a party."
His request took All For One by surprise. Although he'd heard of Welf's frequent changes in party members, he hadn't anticipated such eagerness to work together immediately.
Still, this arrangement had potential; after all, being comrades-in-arms might serve his goals more effectively than a mere contract.
"Your terms are acceptable," he replied, rising from his seat and extending a hand.
Welf grasped it, grinning. "I look forward to working with you, Bell!"
Yes, this had gone even better than expected.
---
"I'd appreciate it if you respected my personal space, ma'am," All For One said, his tone as flat as the chest of his current nuisance.
The fair-skinned Human with Brown hair clinging to him—lacking in certain "assets"—let out a childish whine. She was obviously inexperienced, and an older human woman stood a little further behind her, watching their interaction, likely as a supervisor.
"Oh, come on, mister! Let's have some fun!" The girl tightened her grip, unwilling to lose a potential customer.
She was met with a cold stare—one that could make a minotaur turn tail.
"That's not how you do it, you idiot!" the older woman scolded. "You should say, 'Hey, mister, wanna buy me for the night?' That'll make 'em blush and cooperate!"
This place was filthy. Perhaps he should have Reconsidered having Miss Lia open a casino here, of all places.
Still, plenty of morally questionable clientele frequented this district, which meant money would flow easily.
"Shut up! I'll say what I want, you expired cow!" his nuisance snapped back at her superior. Such a lack of discipline.
Fortunately, the two continued their squabble, and the girl let go before he was tempted to break her hand.
Ignoring the comedic duo, he moved toward the coordinates Miss Lia had provided for their meeting. Ahead was his newest venture—a decent sized two-story building with a sign reading "Lady Fortune's Casino." Not the worst name he'd seen.
Approaching Miss Lia, who stood nervously near the entrance, he took in her appearance. She wore an elegant blue dress that sparkled under the red district lights, her blonde hair and blue eyes blending well with the color.
"S-Sensei, welcome," she greeted him with a polite bow. How adorable—she'd probably practiced that gesture a dozen times.
"Lady Lia," he greeted back. She rose slowly, waiting for him to speak further.
He held his right arm to his chest. She looked confused until he lifted an eyebrow, signaling her. Understanding, she walked to his right and linked her left arm with his.
"Umm…" she stammered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, uncertain of what to do next.
"Shall we go inside? I'd like you to inform me of any challenges you've encountered in managing this place," he said, leading the way.
The sight of a human "teen" and an elf arm-in-arm drew some stares from the patrons,
a few even glancing at him with jealousy. How amusing.
As they headed toward what he assumed to be Miss Lia's private office, he noted the same two incompetent lackeys stationed outside.
---
"Oh gods, it's Boss's boyfriend! He's back for more!" Bob whispered, still haunted by their boss's last encounter with him.
"Shut up! You'll get us fired!" Mike hissed, not eager to get on her bad side.
The boss and her "boyfriend" walked past them into the private room.
"It's happening again," Bob snickered, the idiot unable to keep quiet.
"I said shut up before I shove my sword up your ass!" Mike snapped.
"Geez, a lot of people seem to love you," Bob muttered, arms crossed like a sulking schoolgirl.
"Fuck you," was all Mike managed in reply.
---
"So, you're paying the Ishtar Familia a 'protection fee' to ensure this place doesn't turn into a dump?" All For One asked, his tone steady.
He sat behind the desk, while Lia fidgeted in the guest chair opposite him. In a nervous voice, she replied, "Y-yes. We're forced to pay this...fee to keep our business running in their district."
He hummed thoughtfully. He wasn't in any position to challenge the Ishtar Familia yet; their levels and numbers were far beyond his current reach.
"Keep paying it, We can't do anything about it...yet." He instructed her, already planning to change that soon.
"How's business?" he asked casually.
Lia blinked, slightly thrown off. "Uhh...good? It's only been a few days, so it's hard to say for certain," she replied, a faint stutter in her voice.
"Stop stuttering around me. If I intended to harm you, I would've done it right after I smashed Fang's head," he said so nonchalantly it was as if they were discussing the weather.
"Y-yes!" Her eyes widened. "I mean, yes, of course, Sensei," she quickly corrected.
"Good," he replied, offering a small smile. "I'll leave you to your work." With that, he headed toward the door, while Lia simply stared after him as he left.
Aside from the Ishtar Familia meddling, the small casino seemed like a promising start.
---
"Where were you last night?" Hestia asked. They were sitting down for breakfast, mercifully spared from fried potatoes, now eating boiled eggs—a minor improvement, but still a step toward freedom from the Brown colored devil.
"Busy," he replied, focusing on his food and planning out his day. Welf had mentioned he'd have a good-quality sword ready at the dungeon entrance for him. Apparently, No one wanted it because it didn't shoot out walls of flames.
"Busy where?" Hestia pressed. Could she just stop already? He was trying to focus on the interesting breakfast of boiled eggs and hot tea.
"At the Red District," he replied flatly, unaware—or uncaring—of the storm he was about to unleash.
Her reaction was immediate. "W-what!? What were you doing there?! Is your innocence gone? Oh, Bell-kun, my sweet boy, what have they done to you?!" Hestia leapt at him, inspecting every inch as if searching for evidence of lost innocence.
Annoying.
"Nothing happened. I just passed by on the way home," he replied with a deadpan tone. She looked at him, her face blank before sighing in exasperation.
"Dammit, Bell, try to be less blunt," Hestia muttered.
He hummed in response, continuing his intense stare-off with the boiled eggs.
---
Arriving at the dungeon entrance, he was waiting for Crozzo when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Excuse me, Mr. Adventurer! The one with the white hair!"
Familiar, of course, because of a few casual observations of her visits to various shops—and the presence of two abilities behind him.
Turning to the voice, he was met with his future pawn, Liliruca Arde.
Ah, so she'd finally decided to make her move. About time; he'd begun to consider approaching her himself.
"Yes? How may I help you?" he asked, keeping up his polite facade.
"Lili was wondering if Mr. Adventurer would like a supporter! She noticed your bag and thought you might need help collecting monster stones," she said in a cheerful tone, trying to seem friendly and harmless.
So, this was her game.
But what was so valuable about him that she'd seek to be his supporter? He didn't earn much, nor did he have expensive equipment… unless someone was directing her.
Hmm, that could be it. But who would be behind this? And for what purpose? He'd have to stay vigilant for any unforeseen complications.
"I'll need to check with my companion first, if that's alright with you," he said, aiming to seem unsuspecting—always a good tactic to keep spies and traitors be more Clumsy.
She brightened, "Of course! Lili doesn't mind waiting!" She was overplaying her part just a little.
He heard Welf call, "Yo! Bell!" and turned to see him approaching.
When Welf reached him, he asked, "Who's this?"
"A supporter seeking a contract. Would it be a problem for you, Welf?" he asked, adding, "She could help us go deeper into the dungeon; we wouldn't have to worry about gathering stones, either," as if it were a mere suggestion.
Welf looked momentarily conflicted, then decided. "It's fine. The deeper we go, the better. I'm aiming to get past the eleventh floor," he said with a smirk, then looked to Lili. "I hope you can keep up with us until then!"
Lili's face lit with determination. "Lili won't let Mr. Adventurer down!"
Perhaps today, they'd skip right to floor nine—his status wasn't for show, after all.
---
AN: I thought this chapter would be at least 3k word, but after tons of editing this is what it's Left.
I think the slow and steady building of All for one businesse Persona is going well, I hope you guys like it this way.
Next chapter will be fire!