Bell's Game with the Amazons
Bell, after taking the time to think about the situation around him, knew that he had to play a subtle and cunning game to get what he wanted from the Amazons. They were proud, competitive warriors used to dominating. There was no room for brute force or impulsiveness. What he needed was to manipulate their feelings and ambitions, without them realizing it.
The next morning, Bell went to the Amazon training arena, where several of them were training under Aisha's gaze. Aisha's piercing gaze followed him discreetly, but Bell knew he had to act without arousing her suspicions.
He approached the nearest Amazons, smiling with deceptive ease, as if completely unaware of the impact of his words.
"You're all so impressive. Every move, every strike… It's almost like you're controlling the entire fight before it even begins."
Bell's words were subtle flattery, but they hit home. The Amazons, always eager for recognition, began to exchange satisfied glances. Bell, seeing their reactions, continued with finesse, knowing exactly how to nudge them in the direction he wanted.
"If only I could find someone that impressive to train with… You know, I'm sure one of you could make me a true warrior. But I have yet to meet the one who could truly guide me."
This remark, seemingly innocent, was a masterstroke. It piqued their pride and provoked them, without him having to lift a finger. One of the younger ones immediately approached, all smiles.
"You mean you need a real warrior?"
Bell nodded, a slight smirk on his face, but with an almost childlike air of innocence.
"Sure… I wonder if one of you could teach me how to become stronger."
He knew exactly what he was doing. By making each of them compete to be the one who would "help" him, he had not only created a desire in them to prove themselves. He had also sown jealousy among them.
The furtive glances, the little teasing, and the discreet gestures they made to each other afterwards only confirmed the success of his strategy. He knew that in this kind of competition, each Amazon would want to surpass the other, and each would try to capture his attention in a more convincing way.
Bell continued to play on the Amazons' ambitions and pride throughout the day. At each encounter, he would stroke the warriors' egos, while also slipping in comments that created underlying tensions and rivalries. When one of them offered him advice or offered help, he would politely accept it, while mentioning another warrior who he thought seemed even more impressive.
He understood that the Amazons were not blind, but their feelings of superiority and personal pride made them vulnerable to this kind of manipulation. As he involved them in this little psychological game, he began to understand how much each of them craved recognition and validation. Bell now knew how to play with their emotions and make them work in his direction.
As the day drew to a close, Bell made a show of preparing to leave the training yard, as if he was a little disappointed by the turn of events. He stopped at the entrance, turning back to the Amazons.
"It's a pity… I thought that today I would find the one who could guide me. Maybe it's not the right time."
His words were an invitation for one of them to make a final gesture. Bell waited with apparent patience, but in reality, he was watching every movement, every reaction.
Aisha, watching the scene, finally understood that this was not a simple innocent encounter. She knew that Bell was more astute than he seemed. But, to her surprise, she did not intervene. She did not need to protect him. Bell was playing on a whole other level, a game where even the Amazons would eventually understand that their pride could be their worst enemy.
As Bell retreated, a faint smile played on his lips. His plan had worked perfectly. He had not only manipulated the Amazons to get what he wanted; he had also learned to better understand the weaknesses of others. The path to power was not found in training or fighting alone. Psychology, relationships, and subtle manipulation were equally effective weapons.
Chapter 14: Bel's Lonely Fight
Having manipulated the Amazons with a finesse that was his own, Bell knew he had to keep progressing, to become stronger. He couldn't just advance his plans through others. To achieve his ultimate goal, he had to forge his own power. And it was in the darkness of the dungeon that he would decide to test his abilities, alone.
In the morning, after a light meal and a good night's sleep, Bell headed to the guild. He had grown more confident, more assured, but his determination to become stronger had never been greater. He went to the counter where Eina gave him a concerned look, as if she felt the weight of his decision.
"Bell… You're not planning on going down alone again, are you?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Bell gave him a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine, Eina. It's time I figured it out on my own."
Eina wanted to protest, but she knew that once he made a decision, Bell was hard to stop. She nevertheless gave him advice on how to avoid the most obvious dangers, reminding him of the basics. Bell thanked her, and, with a determined step, headed towards the entrance of the dungeon.
When he arrived, the corridors of the dungeon seemed darker, more oppressive than he remembered. The floor was paved with cold stones, and the air was humid. The distant sounds of monsters could be heard. He stepped cautiously into the darkness, his blade in hand, ready to face the creatures that lurked.
A few floors down, Bell came across a group of Kobolds on the 5th floor. Low-level creatures, but capable of causing serious damage in groups. He didn't have much experience soloing yet, but he had learned to use his agility to avoid blows, like a cat dodging a threat before counterattacking.
The Kobolds had spotted him, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. Bell didn't hesitate. He feinted a left move, and as soon as a Kobold lunged at him with its dagger, he rolled under its arm, circling it and striking the creature in the back with lightning speed. A quick, clean blow. The Kobold collapsed without a sound.
The other two were upon him in an instant, but Bell knew the important thing was to separate them, to not let their attacks overwhelm him. He turned abruptly, took a step back, and launched a kick at the ground, propelling himself further down the corridor. He hoisted himself onto a small ledge, above the Kobolds, and waited for the right moment.
The first creature lunged, but Bell focused and, in one fluid motion, leapt into the air, landing right behind it. With one precise blow, he slit the Kobold's throat, sending it into a final silent scream. The second Kobold froze for a moment, surprised by Bell's speed. But too late. Bell was already behind him. A slash of the blade to the base of the skull, and the creature collapsed.
Bell, panting, sat up, but he was already on guard. His senses were on high alert, even after a low-level fight. It still wasn't enough. He knew he had to do more to progress. For what he wanted to accomplish.
Deeper into the dungeon floors on Level 10, Bell found himself facing a real challenge. A lone Baby Dragon. The creature, much larger than the Kobolds, looked like a smaller version of the dragons he had often heard described in tales, but with bright red scales that seemed to blend in with the dim light of the dungeon. Its eyes glowed fiercely, and its breath seemed capable of melting stone.
Bell knew he couldn't afford to underestimate this monster. It was faster, more cunning than any other creature he'd encountered, and it was probably smarter, too. The key lay in his ability to wear it down, to get around it.
When the Baby Dragon caught sight of Bell, it roared, a guttural sound that shook the air around them. Bell didn't have time to think further. He lunged to the left, dodging the first jet of flame that erupted from the dragon's mouth. The heat of the attack burned his skin slightly, but he remained focused, dodging another jet by rolling behind a column.
He looked for an opening. The Baby Dragon was flapping its wings, making the ground shake with every gust of wind. Bell waited for his moment, ready to strike. But the creature was cunning, it had already anticipated his movements. It suddenly charged, snapping its head toward Bell with surprising speed. Bell rolled out of range, but the creature was upon him instantly.
Bell used a smoke bomb he had in his bag to create a distraction. The explosion of smoke blocked the Dragon's view, but not for long. Bell quickly snuck up behind the monster, seizing his chance.
The creature made another flame attack, but Bell jumped, propelling himself upwards. In a precise movement, he planted his blade into the base of the Baby Dragon's wing, taking advantage of the gap between the scales. The monster howled in pain, flapping its wings furiously in an attempt to free itself. Bell dropped onto its back, dodging a tail strike that passed within inches of him.
At this point, Bell knew he didn't have much time before exhaustion would take over. He had already done a lot of damage to the creature, but he still needed a final touch.
With one last effort, Bell straightened up using speed and agility. He slid behind the creature, grabbed one of its claws with his free hand, and in one swift motion, sliced the tendon at the Baby Dragon's leg joint. The creature lurched, and Bell, with one precise stroke, sank his blade into the monster's throat.
The dragon collapsed with a muffled cry of pain. Bell, exhausted but victorious, collapsed beside it. He had won. The Baby Dragon, a powerful and cunning creature, had fallen, but Bell knew that it could not survive long in this world without that intelligence, that cunning.
He struggled to his feet, panting, and watched the monster collapse. His heart was pounding, but deep down he knew that every victory made him stronger. This was another step toward his goal.
He picked up the dragon crystal, his heart filled with satisfaction. A slight smile played on his lips. << Not bad for a level 1... >> he thought, before preparing himself for the rest of his ascension.
But as he was returning, exhausted and covered in sweat, he heard a soft voice calling out to him.
"Excuse me, you dropped this."
He turned around and saw a silver-haired girl with a warm smile on her face. She was holding a monster crystal in her hand. Bell, surprised, checked his pockets and realized that he had indeed dropped it.
"Oh, thank you! I don't know what I would have done if I had lost it."
The girl, still smiling, handed him the crystal before introducing herself.
"My name is Syr Flova. I work at the Fertility Hostess pub. You're new to Orario, right?"
Bell nodded, a little wary but intrigued by her kindness.
"Yes… I arrived recently. And you, do you work in a pub?"
Syr laughed softly.
"Yes, I often work in the evenings. If you ever want to stop by, I'd be happy to buy you a meal."
Bell, although tired, politely accepted.
"Thanks, I will try to come."
Syr gave him one last smile before disappearing into the crowd. Something in her gaze left him thoughtful, but he quickly shook it off, heading towards the guild.
Upon entering the guild, Bell was greeted by a visibly stressed Eina.
"Bell! I forgot to tell you!"
Bell, surprised by his tone, quickly apologized.
"Sorry, I was in the dungeon… I didn't see the time go by."
Eina sighed but quickly regained her composure.
"It's okay. But listen, someone came to get you."
Bell frowned, intrigued.
" Who ? "
Eina adjusted her glasses before answering.
"Aiz Wallenstein. She asked to see you."
Bell was surprised. He clearly remembered the blonde swordswoman, her impressive power. But another question burned on his lips.
"Could I know which Familia she comes from?"
Eina hesitated for a moment before answering.
"She belongs to the Loki Familia."
Hearing that name, Bell's face darkened slightly. He suddenly remembered the notebook he had retrieved from a group of adventurers from the Ganesha Familia. In that notebook, he had read passages mentioning Zeus and the families that had betrayed him during his exile from Orario. One of the names that came up often was the Loki Familia.
Bell quietly clenched his fists.
"Thanks for the information, Eina. I'll think about it."
Eina, worried by his expression, tried to reassure him.
"Bell, be careful. Aiz may be famous, but the Loki Familia can be… complicated."
Bell nodded, hiding his confusion behind a smile.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
On the way back, Bell thought hard.
"Loki Familia… So, they were part of those who betrayed Zeus. Why? And why does Aiz seem interested in me?"
He knew he had to play his cards right. His grandfather's secrets, the notebook, and now the attention of one of Orario's most powerful Familias… It all added up to a complex puzzle.
Bell clutched the lightning-shaped pendant under his tunic.
"I will find out the truth. No matter what it takes."
Bell, still exhausted from his fight against the baby dragon, went to Ishtar's Quarters to have his skills upgraded. After all, even though he had won a tough fight, he knew that his skills were still not enough to compete with the most powerful adventurers in Orario. To do so, he went to Familia Ishtar, where he knew that the goddess could help him improve his abilities.
Ishtar greeted him as usual, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. Bell had come to know her as a strong figure, imbued with charm and intelligence. Today, however, she seemed more focused than ever on what she was going to accomplish for him. The process of upgrading Bell's abilities required him to put himself under a certain magical device that analyzed his skills, allowing them to be improved. This time, Ishtar would handle this upgrade personally.
Bell lay down on the table, while Ishtar positioned herself behind him, preparing the necessary instruments. Her hands slid over his back, and Bell felt shivers run down his spine. A quiet sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes, concentrating on the sensation. Ishtar, sensing his tension, let out a soft laugh.
"Don't worry, Bell. It won't take long. Just let me… make sure everything's in order." His soft voice grew more intimate, each word seeming to caress her skin.
Bell just nodded, a little unsettled, but he knew it was part of the process. Ishtar brushed his back, activating the magic to scan his abilities. As the numbers and details scrolled by, Bell could feel the magical energy enveloping his body, analyzing every fiber of his skills. One by one, the attributes began to increase. Ishtar handed Bell a piece of paper.
•Strength: B222
•Endurance: B340
•Dexterity: B245
•Agility: B 311
•Magic: 0
•Intelligence: A
•Luck: C
•Abnormal Resistance: C
•Escape: G
•Chain Attack: I
Special Skill:
Magic skill:
Ishtar, leaning close to him, murmured as she observed the data. "That's impressive, Bell. You've improved a lot. But... I see that you have a very particular evolution, even with little experience." She placed her hand on his shoulder, a deliberately intimate contact. Bell, in spite of himself, felt a shiver in his body, a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
She continued her analysis while gently caressing him, her fingers sliding slowly over his skin. The updates began, but Bell, more aware of Ishtar's proximity, felt a strange pressure on his shoulders. His mind was in turmoil, analyzing every movement, every gesture. He had to concentrate, but the proximity of the goddess, her sensual voice guiding him through this procedure, affected him in a way he had not anticipated.
Ishtar took this moment to add a little of her own touch to the experience. With a mischievous smile, she let her hands move lower on his back, whispering near his ear. "You are more than just an adventurer, Bell. You are a man in the making, a man who could reach great heights." Her lips briefly brushed his ear, and Bell felt a warmth flood his face.
The process continued, but Bell had trouble focusing. The new abilities were updating, but his mind was torn between his ambition and Ishtar's spellbinding charm. He knew it was all part of the game, but a part of him couldn't help but be unsettled by the intensity of the moment.
Finally, Ishtar finished the update, and Bell felt the wave of energy coursing through his body. His senses were heightened, his abilities amplified. He knew this process was making him much stronger. But he couldn't ignore what had happened during the process. Ishtar had manipulated him in ways he hadn't anticipated, ways that had somehow strengthened his desire to always push himself further, even if it meant playing a dangerous game.
Ishtar, seeing the effect she had on him, leaned forward slightly, an enigmatic smile on her lips. "Well done, Bell. You are becoming powerful, but remember that this world can be as seductive as it is cruel. Don't fall for appearances."
She straightened up, leaving him in a state of intense contemplation. Bell had reached a new peak in his quest for power. But this was only the beginning. He knew that his manipulations were only just beginning, and that he must always remain one step ahead, both in the dungeon and in the game of deities and adventures.
To be continued