No one's POV
Sora and Bell were currently heading towards the hostess of fertility to celebrate their rank up with Lili and the others. When they arrived Lili called out to them.
Lili: Master Bell! Master Sora! Over here!
Bell and Sora made their way to their table and saw that Lili, Syr, and Ryuu were all ready sitting and Lili had an annoyed look.
Lili: Geez! It's a great party and the two of you just had to be late! And where's Goddess Hestia?
Bell: It's a bummer but she can't make it.
Sora: She has something to do with other Goddess.
Some of the adventurers heard Lili called out their names and they recognized it right away.
Guy 1: Wait Sora? And Bell? From Hestia Familia?
Guy 2: The "Lightning Flash" and The "Little Rookie"?
Guy 3: Seems like they're the current record holders.
Guy 2: Yeah, level 7 in 2 years!
Bell and Sora just sweats drops due to people talking about them.
Lili: It seems that the both of you have gotten popular, Master Bell. Master Sora.
Sora: -_- That's why I don't like to stand out to much.
Bell: Especially, being chased around by Goddess is pretty tiring.
Ryuu: Being the people you two are it's destiny.
Syr: Well now that the two guest of honor have arrived, why don't we get started?
Sora and Bell: Right?
Everyone: Cheers!
Everyone picked their drinks and cheers and Anya handed Sora an Alcohol and he was surprised.
Sora: I don't dri-
Before Sora could finished his sentence Anya put a finger in his mouth shutting him off.
Anya: Ah...ah...ah... Mama Mia wants you to celebrate properly~nya! And make sure to spend money! It's good to loosen up and try your hand at some drinks~nya!
Sora: Well then, thank you Mama Mia!
Sora and Bell talked and had fun with the others and Syr flirted with Bell and Lili got jealous and pinched his thigh. Sora was talking with Ryuu and she was congratulating Sora and Bell for their improvement. After a while Lili started flirting with Bell too, saying about how cool he was. After a few more talking Ryuu spoke up.
Ryuu: Sora, Mr Cranel, what are you both planning to do from now on?
Sora: Me and Bell were planning to get some new equipment since our old equipment were busted.
Bell: Yeah, my last armor set I bought was pretty much destroyed. Sora was the one who bought that for me, so I want to get something similar.
Syr then offered Bell and Sora about tagging along with them, but Lili protested about using them as a pack of mules and suddenly Mama Mia hit Syr with a tray.
Mama Mia: Don't spout nonsense, you delinquent girl. Do you think you can get off work that easily? Ryuu keep an eye on Syr tomorrow!
Mama Mia then left and everyone sweat drops and Syr started fake crying and asked Bell to comfort her, but Ryuu asked Bell and Sora another question.
Ryuu: Well yes after you two go get your armor, do you three plan to go to the middle floor?
Bell: Right. Of course, we'll see how it goes, but...
Ryuu: I see. I hate to sound like I'm meddling, but other than Sora, you two should avoid going deeper than the 13th Floor for now.
Bell and Lili looked surprised.
Sora:...
Lili: Do you think that Master Bell and I can't handle the middle floors? We have Master Sora with us...
Ryuu: No, that's not what I meant at all. I know you three can handle it, but what if Sora isn't around when you go to the middle floor? Because the upper and middle floor are very different.
Sora: She's right. It's not that you both can't handle it. But the strength and their numbers and the encounter rate of the monsters change.
Ryuu: Right, the issue isn't your ability. You should expand your party.
Bell: I see. We will most likely need to get new member for the party.
Syr: But wouldn't it be better if the three of them just ran?
Sora: I get what your saying, but Ryuu's point here is better to plan ahead, right Ryuu?
Sora gave Ryuu a warm smiled and Ryuu had a small tint red on her face and looked away.
Ryuu: Y-yes, back to the topic. You three should expect everything. If Sora isn't around, I think a party of 4 would be sufficient.
Bell: But, I can't think of anybody that I could add on as an essential member...
Suddenly, everyone heard a laughter and they all looked back and saw 4 drunken adventurers walked up to their table.
???: Having trouble with your party, Lightning Flash, Little Rookie?
Mord: My name is Mord. If you want someone to go with, how about joining us? We're all level 2. We can handle the middle floor, too.
Sora: Is there a catch?
Mord: No, just let play along with these ladies? These beautiful Elf babies!
Everyone looked at them disgusted and Sora spoke up.
Sora: Then I'm sorry, we won't join you! We don't need a drunken party members whose only objective is woman. People's are not item, you can't just use them as they were some sort of property. You must treat them with respect, no matter who they are.
All of the Maids that were on the hostess of fertility looked at Sora and smiled at him, but Mord ignored Sora's warning and went to grabbed Ryuu and Syr.
Mord: Hey Elf lady, why don't you spend some time with me?
As they were about to touched them, the presence in the pub changed and they all looked Sora who was glaring at Mord and the rest of his party and Sora was releasing a very suffocating aura.
Sora: If you lay a finger on her! You're going straight to hell!
Mord quickly back away feeling terrified.
Sora: I suggest you leave!
Mord quickly left the hostess of fertility and Sora apologized to Mama Mia for causing a ruckus, but Mama Mia said that he did a right thing in throwing them out and she thanked him for protecting Syr and Ryuu.
Sora: I'm sorry for causing a ruckus.
Bell: It's alright. I mean this is supposed to be a special celebration.
Syr then clapped her hand to get everyone's attention.
Syr: Well! Let's start over shall we?
(Timeskip)
Sora and Bell were currently on Babel 8th floor. "Hephaestus Familia" Armory shop. The two of them wandered around hoping to get some new equipment. Sora and Bell went their separates ways hoping he could find something. As Sora was searching he saw a commotion going on and saw some random adventurers hogging a woman.
Guy 1: Come on pretty lady!
Guy 2: Hang out with us!
???: No wait, I'm looking for someone.
Sora: That voice?
Sora was surprised by the voice and approached her and as he arrived he saw a familiar faces.
Sora: Rin...?
The girl name Rin looked at Sora completely shocked and she run towards him and hugged him tightly.
Rin: Sora, I miss you so much!
Sora smiled at her and hugged her back.
Sora: I miss you too. To think it's been 7 years since I last see you. But why are here? You left the kingdom of Azbaya?
Rin: I've decided to come here and go on adventurers with you, since Goddess Brigid is no longer...
Rin had a sad looked and Sora just pat her head.
Sora: It's alright. Even if she's no longer here, she's still watching you from Heaven.
Rin looked at Sora with tears on her eyes and hugged him and he hugged her back. After a few seconds they broke up and Rin looked at Sora.
Rin: If you don't mind me asking? Where's Asuna?
Sora: She went on an expedition with her Familia...
Rin: So why aren't you with them?
Sora: Me and Asuna are not apart from the same Familia...
Rin looked surprised.
Rin: Really...?
Sora nodded his head.
Sora: I'm apart of the Hestia Familia. With one other member. So I take it that you want to join as well.
Rin: Yeah...
Sora and Rin made their way and search for Bell and Sora saw that he was talking to someone with red hair.
Bell: I didn't think I'd get the chance to meet you in person, Mr Crozzo.
Corzzo: Hey, would you mind not calling me Mr Crozzo? I can't say I care for it.
Bell: Then... Mr Welf?
Welf: Mr, huh? Guess it'll do for now.
Bell then heard Sora called out to him and Bell saw Sora walking towards him and he was surprised to see him with someone else.
Bell: Hey Sora, who is she?
Sora: Right, let me introduce you! This is Rin Azumi, she is one of my friend who I met when I was on my journey. She is a very strong mage users.
Sora then looked at Rin.
Sora: Rin, this is the other Familia member that I was talking about. His name is Bell Cranel.
Rin looked at Bell and bowed her head.
Rin: Is nice to meet you, Bell. If you don't mind I would like to join your Familia.
Bell looked surprised and stand up and grabbed Rin on her hand and started thanking her for joining. Sora and Rin just looked at him dumbfounded and Sora looked at Welf.
Sora: So who are you?
Welf: My name is Welf Crozzo.
Sora: So your the one who made Bell's previous gear. Nice to meet you, my name is Sora Yatagami.
Welf looked completely shocked when he heard Sora's name.
Welf: What?! Sora Yatagami? As the "Lightning Flash"?! So you're the other record holder that reach level 7 in 2 years. And is nice to meet you too, Rin was it?
Rin: Nice to meet you too, Welf.
Welf then looked at Sora and Bell.
Welf: So, Bell Cranel. Sora Yatagami. Want to make a direct contract with me?
Bell: A direct contract?
Sora: It means that he will only work for us.
Rin: It also means that he will make weapons, armor.... whatever you want.
Welf: Right, but in return, can you both help me with something. Of course, I'll properly thank for for it.
Bell: What is it?
Welf: Let me join your party.
Bell: Well what do you think Sora?
Sora: Of course, we would love to.
They all shook hands and Welf raised Sora and Bell's hand on to the air and started teasing the other adventurers in the area. After that Bell and Sora took Rin to their Familia's home and during the way, Bell told Rin that they were still poor and don't have that much money, but Rin just smiled at him telling him that she doesn't mind at all. They finally arrived at the church and they saw Hestia sitting on the bed reading a book.
Sora: Goddess, we're home!
Bell: And we have good news!
Hestia: Welcome home you two, but who is she?
Hestia looked at Rin behind them and Rin greeted her.
Rin: Nice to meet you, Goddess Hestia. My name is Rin Azumi, and I would like to join your Familia!
Hestia looked completely shocked and her eyes had stars on it and looked at Rin and hugged her tightly thanking her for joining the Familia. Rin was confused by the sudden hugged and looked at Sora who was smiling at her and Rin hugged her back. Sora and Bell waited outside so that Rin could get her blessing from Hestia and after awhile Hestia called them back and Bell looked at her status.
RIN AZUMI STATUS LEVEL 3:
STR: G 200
Endurance:H184
Dexterity:G210
Agility: G271
Magic: S960
MAGIC:
Fire Magic:
•Fireball: release a massive ball of fire
•Red Carpet: a shield of barrier mad out of flame
•Fire Arrow: a multiple barrage of fire attack
•Flame Lance: a fame attack like a spear
Wind Magic:
•Thunder: Offensive Lightning magic
•Sword of the Lightning God: A Sword Made Out Of Pure Electricity
•Railgun:A Beam Of Lightning
•Aero Armor: A wind wall Defense magic
•Air Hammer: feels like a massive wind gush
•Dust Whirlwind
Earth Magic:
•Stone Bullet: turn some rocks into multiples bullet and fire them at high speed
Water Magic:
•Water Crusher: A massive wave of water that could swallow the opponent
•Minor Heal: Used to heal minor injuries, but cannot cure anyone suffering from poison or restore lost vitality.
•Protection: Allows Priestess to create a magical barrier that shields her (and her party members) from attacks and projectiles.
Skill:
•Fairy Anthem: Fairy Anthem increases the effects of users magic, increases attack range, and increases the power of the magic by a large amount based on the chant length.
•Abnormal Resistance: Abnormal Resistance negates the effect of abnormalities such as poison.
•Spirit Healing: Spirit Healing automatically begins regenerating users mind at a low rate after using magic.
•Instant cast: No need for casting.
Bell looked at Rin surprised by her status and that she's level 3 and the 4 of them spent the rest of the night talking with each other and both Bell and Hestia listen on how Rin and Sora met. Sora told her that he and Asuna met her 7 years after the fight against the black dragon and how they quickly become friends with Asuna said she was going to Orario and Sora was on a journey. And as they were talking Bell and Hestia couldn't help but smiled at them.
(Timeskip)
The next day arrived and all 5 of them head towards the dungeon. And along the way Sora and Bell introduced Welf and Rin to Lili and she welcomed Rin with opened arms, but she was still skeptical about Welf.
Welf: I'm finally on the 11th floor! Sorry to make you do this for me so soon, Bell, Sora.
Rin: I'm excited too. This is the first time that I'm in a dungeon and I already made it to the 11th floor.
Bell: Oh, no. If this is what it takes for you to get the Blacksmith ability, it's important to us, too, since we've got a contract.
Sora: And How could we refused after you made this new set of gear for us.
Rin: looking sharp, both of you!
Sora: Thanks...
Lili: Well, I'm sure it's great for him, but... why doesn't he go adventuring with his own Familia?
Sora: Come on now don't be like that. He's a good person and a fighter, that's why I agree to it.
Welf: See Lil Lili.
Lili just sighed.
Lili: If you say so Master Sora!
Bell then introduced Lili to his full name is Welf Crozzo, and Lili was surprised by the name Crozzo and she started explaining Bell about the history of Crozzo and while she was explaining, Sora and Rin saw that Welf looked a bit conflicted and Sora spoke up.
Sora: All right that's enough.
Rin: Come on, the monsters is already spawning.
They were broke out from their daze and the 5 of them started taking out monsters left and right.
During the fight Sora saw that Rin was launching multiple spells at the incoming monsters and he just smiled and continued to fight his own battle.
Welf: It really is nice to be in a party.
Bell: Yeah... moving around feels so much easier.
Rin: It seems that you haven't gotten rusty at all, Sora...
Sora: Come on now...
Welf: That's one of the benefits of partying up.
Sora: You've got much more time to breath.
Rin: And the way you move and deal with monsters changes, too.
Sora saw that Bell's hand is glowing.
Sora: Bell what's wrong with your hand?
Bell, Rin, and Welf saw that Bell's hand was glowing and they looked confused.
Bell: What's this?
They then heard a scream and saw that a baby dragon was chasing multiple adventurers and they saw Lili was in danger and Rin was about to shot a magic spell to kill the dragon, but Sora stopped her.
Sora: Wait!
Rin: Huh? If we wait then Lili's gonna be in danger?!
Sora: Leave this to Bell!
Bell then cast his Firebolt and the spell was a lot stronger than it usually is and everyone other than Sora was shocked at how much power it possessed.
Sora: I knew it...
(Timeskip)
After they were done with the dungeon, the three of them returned back to the church and Bell explained about what happen and Hestia looked surprised.
Hestia: No doubt about it. That was your Argonaut skill.
Sora: Like I say, Bell. It's a possibility to overcome any difficulty. The trick is when you thought to be a hero the skills help you charge up your attack depends on your feeling.
Rin: I see, so the deeper the feelings about wanting to be a hero. The stronger the skill become.
Bell then asked Hestia about the Crozzo and she explained that the Crozzo was the finest of creating the best magic sword in the world. And Sora and Rin also helped. Hestia then told Bell that Welf doesn't like creating Magic Swords due to personal reasons.
(Timeskip)
Bell and Sora had arrived at Babel in the morning and they saw Welf and Welf saw them as well, but wonder where Lili and Rin was.
Welf: Where's Lil Lili and Rin?
Bell: Lili says that the gnome who runs the place where she's staying is sick, so she wants to take care of him.
Sora: And Rin says that she wants to get accustom to Orario, so she's walking around town. So, sorry for today...
Welf: Oh, I see... Hey, Bell, Sora, would you mind coming with me today? I promised you both that if you let me into your party I'd thank you, right? I'll make you all-new equipment.
(Timeskip)
Both Sora and Bell made their way to Welf's workshop and they saw that it was a small hut.
Bell: So this is your workshop?
Welf: Sorry it's so filthy...
Sora: Actually, it's a lot more tidy than other blacksmith that I'd been through...
Welf: So Sora, do you have any interest in Magic Swords?
Sora: Nah, I don't need it. It's a great weapon and all, but I'm fine with just the way I am.
Welf than saw a item drop on Bell and Sora's pocket and it was a minotaurs horn and a juggernauts tail and Welf said that he could turn them into a weapon.
Bell: Really?
Sora: Then would you mind?
Welf: Of course.
Welf then started forging the weapons and while he was forging he spoke up about why he doesn't create magic swords.
Welf: I don't like Magic Swords. I used to have plenty of customers. But they were all people who learned that I was a Crozzo, and asked me for Magic Swords. I really got sick of them. They want a tool to make them stronger. To make them famous. Everybody said the same thing.
Welf put the item in the Oven and continued to talk.
Welf: But that's not right. That's not what a weapon should be. It's not just a tool, or a way to get famous. A weapon is a part of it's wielder. No matter how bad things get, your weapon will never betray you. That's why I don't like Magic Swords. They'll shatters and leave their wielder behind. Their power wasted human talent. Neither a wielder nor a smith can take pride in them. So now, I don't make Magic Swords.
Sora(mind): So that's why? But it still a waste though. But he will regret not using that power...
Welf the cooled down the temperature of the swords and after he was done Bell and Sora looked at their new weapons.
Welf: It's probably because the material was good. It's without a doubt the best thing I've ever made. Okay let's give it a name. For the knife should be, Ushiwakamaru? No, since it's a minotaur dagger, maybe Mino sword?
Bell quickly denied.
Bell: No,no,no! The first one fine, isn't it?
Welf: Fine! So for the sword?
Sora: I already thought about it.
Bell and Welf looked at Sora and he was smiling.
Sora: I would like to call it Elucidator!
Welf then handed Sora his new sword and when he was about to give Bell he stopped and Bell looked confused.
Welf: I know that we've only known each other for a few days, so I won't ask you to trust me completely. But... Treat me more like a companion, like Lil Lili does. Just like Sora and Rin.
Sora and Bell smiled and looked at him.
Sora: Why of course...
Bell: Alright, Welf.