Danmachi IF - What if Alfia survived

Chapter ７ - First Training and monsterphilia part 1

"Alfia..."

"I more or less gauged your power already. I'll devise a plan to teach you."

"I might not be able to teach you much about fighting as a frontline, but if you are using a sword, I can teach you a bit. Lend me your sword."

"Are you able to use a sword too!?"

"Just a bit"

Alfia took Bell's sword. It was a cheap sword that was given by the guild on the first day.

Alfia walked to a tree near them.

"This is how you wield a sword."

The moment Alfia swung, the whole place reverberated. The ground was shaking, the tree was cut in 2, no it was also blown away.

"W-Wow..." Bell's response was only simple amazement.

"This was once the swordsmanship of the greatest swordsman that I knew. I will have you learn this, Bell."

The training would resume again, and as a result, Bell would fell unconscious a few more times until they stopped.

When night comes, Alfia came to Bell's room bringing a lot of books.

"Bell, start reading these."

Few days have passed since the training began.

Every day, Bell feels like he broke another bone when training with Alfia without him being able to hit her for once. All his attack was stopped by her fingers.

Her method of attack was simple. All she needs is just one word to make Bell lost his consciousness. He will be dead if he doesn't get splashed by a bunch of potions.

The worst part, Alfia said she already reduced her magic output.

Today, he was woken up by Alfia and was told to enjoy one day holiday for this event called monsterphilia.

"What is monsterphilia?" Asked Bell

"This event didn't exist back then. You should go together with Artemis Bell. You both are new to this town."

Artemis nodded. She then stared at a pamphlet in her hand.

"Monster... philia... Ouranos, what are you thinking?"

"What do you mean, goddess? Monster...philia?"

"Bell, This event is written as "monster festival" and read as Monsterphilia. Philia, or in our language filial means affection, or love."

"Love...? To a monster?" Bell asked with a confusion

"That seems a monster fetish to me. That's disgusting. What is Ouranos playing at?" Alfia, who was listening to both of them, added.

"Of course, it doesn't always mean love, it could be friendship... but what does Ouranos true intention of holding this event? Are you saying we need affection toward monsters? That joke is not funny if it's coming from the first god that descended to the lower world."

"Well, there's no other point than asking the god itself, Bell, Artemis, just in case, but bring your weapon today."

"Alfia?"

"If nothing happens, then there's that Bell, but my hunch is telling me something gonna happen."

=

After waiting for a bit outside, Artemis came out from the abandoned church

"Sorry Bell, let's go."