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Seeing those eyes brought many memories back. They were the ones I fell in love with, the very ones which I fought through hell for. The day that she died was the day a part of me also died.
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Flashback Start
It was two months before the final battle against the Black Dragon. Five months prior I had finally confessed my love to Aiz. It had taken a week to get a response, but once I did it felt like I was in heaven. Throughout those five months we spent as much time together as possible. We became closer to the point that almost never left each other's side. We were desperately in love until the incident.
The incident occurred on one of our joint familia's expeditions. It was a day no different than the others until we reached the uncharted land, Floor 92. The entire floor was a picture perfect duplicate of glacier paradise. Harsh winds blew against the adventurers making us glad that we brought equipment to keep us warm. It was estimated through scouts that floor 92 should house a Monster Rex that appears in the form of a snow golem. Using this information, we prepared ourselves for a long and difficult battle.
It was not until we were well into the floor when the Monster Rex appeared. It stood around thirty feet in height and carried a pair of axes that seemed to be made of ice shards. Taking command, Finn had the adventurers prepare themselves for battle. He sent the front lines to attack and distract the golem so that the mages could begin their spells.
Along the front lines stood most of the Loki familia, some other members of other familias (Hephaestus, Hestia, Hermes, etc...), and myself. Aiz and I partnered up while attacking the golem. Everything was going fine until the mages released their magic.
When the mages finished their chant, Finn ordered us to back off as we watched the golem be pelted by magic. Smoke covered the battlefield and cheers were heard. We all believed it was over until the smoke cleared. In the new clearing stood two golems. Both of them 25 feet tall and holding one of the two previous axes. And with a roar that shook the entire floor, the massacre began. With a seeming increase in power the golems went on a rampage killing many of the front lines. The first to go was Asfi al Andromenda and Ryuu Lion soon followed in an attempt to save Asfi. It took a few moments for the Finn to get a grip on the front lines. He ordered me to step back and began charging my ability with Aiz protecting me. Finn and the rest of the front lines began to provide a distraction with the mages providing minor cover fire.
Everything was fine for the first five minutes until the golems changed targets. As if sensing the magic charge, the two golems turned towards me and changed targets. They surged forwards knocking everyone out of their way as they headed towards me. Seeing them approach, Aiz leaped forward to provide a long enough distraction to allow me to achieve a full charge.
Aiz was able to maintain a steady barrage of attacks with the help of other adventurers. For a full minute she held them back and then they changed tactics. As if realizing what were to happen if I got my charge off, they surged forward together and knocked Aiz down. She desperately tried to get up but it was too late. The golem was half way through his swing when she realized her fate. She turned her head and faced me before whispering her last words.
"I love you"
I tried to run and save her. To give myself up for her safety. To use my magic to save her, but it was much to late. With a slash of its axe, Aiz Wallenstein was killed on Floor 92. And with a scream of rage I unleashed a wave of magic that completely obliterated the Golems and anything within 20 feet of them. Having sensed my intentions, Finn had ordered everyone to get away from the golems. Having escaped, the adventurers let out a sigh of relief that the battle had finally ended. Even though they managed to win the battle, no one was the same afterwards. After the events on Floor 92 I had gone into a depression in which I was so close to killing myself. Luckily I had my friends to talk me out of it. After some time I dedicated myself to the studies of time travel to find a way to go back and save everyone leading to my predicament now.
Flashback End
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We both remained silent until our 'favorite' werewolf came into view.
"Hey Aiz, who's this guy?" Bete said.
"He was the one who was fighting the Minotaur." She said.
"Hahaha, couldn't believe a weakling like you would think they are strong enough to fight a Minotaur." He said, mocking me.
Now don't get me wrong, I respected Bete. After I had saved him down in floor 74, we had come to a mutual respect and always helped each other out in battles. But this Bete right now was seriously acting like a jerk. Picking myself off of the floor I grabbed Elpízo and began to respond.
"Minotaurs are not meant to be on floor 5. It is not my fault that one happened to appear out of no where." I said.
Bete let out a 'Tsk' and the spoke to Aiz saying, "Come on Aiz we gotta go. No need to be talking to weaklings."
Aiz watched walk away before turning to me and apologizing.
"I apologize for his behavior, he can be a real jerk sometimes. And I also apologize on the behalf of my familia and myself for allowing the minotaur to escape and hurt you." She said
"Ahh no need to worry. Luckily no one was killed and I was able to slow the minotaur down for long enough." I replied.
"Well either way I am sorry. Do you happen to be busy tomorrow night? My familia will be having some dinner and likely will want to apologize to you." Aiz said.
"No it's quite alright. And I am not quite sure I will be able to attend a dinner tomorrow night. I'll see how my plans work out." I replied.
"Alright. If you do happen to find time you can most likely find us at the Hostess of Fertility." Aiz said before leaving.
I watched her walk away before heading my own way back up to the surface. Once I reached the surface I headed to the guild to turn in the stones and talk to Eina.
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After collecting a total of 5,000 valis from the stones I turned in, I walked towards Eina to give a report on my 'adventure'. Everything was going fine until I told her about reaching floor 5.
"YOU WENT TO FLOOR 5 ALL ALONE ON YOUR FIRST DAY!?!?" She screeched.
"Ummm.... Y-Yeah. I wasn't all alone. I met the two members of the Loki familia." I replied
"And tell me Bell, why were two members of the Loki familia speaking to you on the 5th floor?" She asked.
"Because of my charming looks?" I tried.
After seeing the look she sent my way I decided to speak the truth.
"I got into a fight with a minotaur.." I mumbled.
"Y-YOU WHAT?!?! HOW DID YOU ENCOUNTER A MINOTAUR AND WHY WOULD YOU FIGHT IT!?!?!?" She said in outrage.
"Calm down Eina." I started but only received a glare for my troubles. "A couple of minotaurs escaped from the Loki familia on their way back from their expedition and one happened to find me. Luckily Miss Aiz gave me a hand." I replied.
With a sigh and look of defeat Eina finally calmed down.
"Alright Bell, I can forgive you. But don't think I will let this go. Tomorrow you will come to the guild and we will once again have a lesson about the dangers of the dungeon." She said.
With a sigh and nod of confirmation, I gathered my items and made my way back to the church. While walking I began to realize something, it was well into the night. Let us hope that Hestia is asleep because if not, there is no way I am making it out of there alive.
I entered the church and made my way down to the rooms. Hearing nothing but silence I let out a sigh of relief that I was safe. It was all going great until I set my supplies down. That was when I heard a voice behind me. Eyes going wide in fear I slowly turned around to see my goddess standing there with a stern look on here face. Hesitantly I stepped back until my back hit a wall only able to listen to what she says.
"And where do you think you have been young man?" Hestia said in a slightly angry voice.
And with those words I knew it. I was screwed and there was no way of getting out of this situation.
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Hey, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I know it was not very long but I have been making a slight plan with how I want the future chapter to contain. The plot of the story will mainly stick to the normal Anime plot but there probably will be some time changes. Expect the next chapter sometime before the end of this week. If you have any suggestions or criticism please feel free to comment. Other than that, I hope you all have a great rest of your day!