In the end, I couldn't catch up.
I was pretty confident in my [Status] skill, but since that guy ran without paying attention to his surroundings, I was stuck trailing just behind him the whole time. People really do show power beyond their limits when they focus on something.
Anyway, the blood-soaked red blur, Bell, had sprinted all the way from the Dungeon to the Guild at full speed. Man, I wanted to stop that from happening…
Honestly, the real reason was simple, I didn't want anyone I knew running around town covered in blood.
I thought maybe I'd just pretend he's a stranger starting tomorrow. But if I did that, I'd have no one to party with. So, it looks like I'm heading back into the Dungeon with him tomorrow, too.
…
"So, that's what happened, Misha-san."
"Wow, sounds rough." my advisor, Misha Flott, replied with a sympathetic nod.
By the way, what am I doing right now? Waiting for Bell.
Bell belongs to the [Hestia Familia], which currently only has him as a member, just starting out. Because of that, all his Dungeon knowledge and training comes from his advisor, Eina Tulle. She's really dedicated to new adventurers like Bell and gives detailed, careful advice, so it always takes time.
I, on the other hand, have plenty of senior members in my own Familia, and get decent advice, so things move faster for me.
Misha says I'm a very low-maintenance guy.
Oh, and another thing: I'm waiting for Bell to give him his share of today's loot. Since we belong to different Familias, we have to properly split the cash after converting the Dungeon treasure.
…
"...Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Ah, finally… You look kinda down, though?"
"...Yeah, just a little."
Bell returned with Eina, clearly not his usual self. But Bell's simple, he'll be back to normal if something good happens.
"Here's your share from today."
"...Thanks."
Bell took the money slowly.
"1,200 Valis, huh…"
"Well, we didn't spend much time in the Dungeon today. I also got 1,200 Valis."
I showed him my earnings, signaling that I wasn't cheating him out of his cut. Normally, I'd convert the treasure with him there, but today felt like it would take too long, and I already had magic shards on me, so I cashed it in early.
"Alright, let's call it a day."
"Yeah, same time tomorrow?"
"Yeah, looking forward to it."
"...Bell-kun?"
"Y-yes? What is it?"
On the way out, Bell was stopped by Eina who had come to see him off. I wasn't so lucky, but hey, having a beautiful woman see you off isn't something to be jealous about! (Not at all!)
Anyway, I couldn't help but eavesdrop a little.
"You know, women are attracted to men who are strong and reliable…"
I was surprised. I'd thought Eina would prefer someone more like Bell, less reliable, but maybe that's just me.
"Just keep trying without giving up, okay?"
Bell listened seriously to Eina's advice. I might've never seen him this earnest before.
"...Maybe even Wallenstein-san will notice you once you get stronger."
Ah, so that earlier conversation was a love consultation, and as an advisor, Eina was telling Bell to be realistic. That's why Bell looked down before. And now she's giving advice as a friend, not just an advisor.
...Eina really is a great person.
Hearing that, Bell's face lit up with a big smile. He took off running, then turned back and shouted:
"Eina-san, I love you!"
"...Eh!?"
"Thank you!"
Eina's face flushed bright red. Bell laughed and left. She stood there dazed for a moment. She looks like she needs someone to snap her out of it.
Trying not to smile, I approached her.
"But... what you just heard, "
She whipped around to face me.
With a big grin, I said:
"That sounded like a confession, you know."
"N-no way, n-no way!"
She quickly spun around and hurried off.
"D-don't tease your seniors!!"
I ignored Eina's shout as she stormed off.
Looking forward to your thoughts, feedback, and critiques
--------
Notes: Apologies, I didn't get around to introducing the [Status] system yet. Sorry about that! I promise I'll introduce it next time!
If you guys want to read up to 20+ chapters in advance of the current story, you can support me on Patreon. You can read up to chapter 23 there! Patreon.com/Veltoria