The Wives of Bell Cranel
"This...this isn't right," murmured Liliruca Arde, her petite frame shuddering slightly. "What the hell is going on here?"
"Who knows," muttered Haruhime, a fox-eared, beautiful girl with a gentle face, long blonde hair, and large green eyes. "Ever since we left the safety of Babel, it has been like this."
"This is terrible," Yamato Mikoto said, her voice solemn. "It's like the Dungeon itself is being drained of life."
"The Dungeon has been transformed into Medusa's stone fortress," Riveria said. "Everything in this place is now her vassal. Whatever Medusa wishes, it shall become so. Destroying Medusa is the only way to put a stop to all this."
"But nobody has found the entrance to her lair," Lilly pointed out. "No one knows where she could be hiding."
"We do have one lead," Riveria said. "We must search for the Eye."
"The Eye?" Welf asked.
Riveria nodded. "Yes, the Eye of the Gorgon, an all seeing eye shared by Medusa's minions. It is said to be the key to finding Medusa's lair. We must search for it within the depths of this corrupted Dungeon."
"Then let's get going already," Aisha said, walking forward. "The longer we sit around here jawing about it, the longer that bitch can keep on turning the Dungeon into her own private nightmare."
"But we have to be careful," Riveria warned, stepping up beside Aisha. "There's no telling what we may encounter on this hunt. There may even be monsters we've never seen before lurking within the darkness. Stay close together and stay alert. Any questions?"
No one spoke a word.
"Good," Riveria nodded. "Let's go."
With the Evergreen Mother leading them, the Wives of Bell Cranel stepped forward into the desolation of Medusa's domain.
The monsters that roamed the corridors were no longer the mindless beasts they were accustomed to battling. They had joined the ranks of Medusa's hordes.
Aiz Wallenstein, her golden eyes hard and unyielding, drew Desperate, its blade gleaming in the dim light. "Fight," she said, her voice as cold as ice. "We have to fight."
Aiz was a woman of few words, but nobody in the party disagreed with her. Fighting was their way of life, especially during these dark times. They had to survive, no matter the cost.
They cut a bloody path through the monsters, their blades and magic flashing in the gloom. But even as they fought, the oppressive silence of the Dungeon seemed to bear down on them.
Riveria, the leader of the expedition, led the way.
As they delved deeper into the Dungeon, each step seemed to echo ominously in the deathly silence. The oppressive atmosphere was almost tangible, bearing down on them like a physical weight.
"How many levels have we descended, Riveria-sama?" Ryuu asked Riveria, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Eleven," the High Elf responded.
Ryuu fell silent again, her eyes flicking around nervously. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, her sense of dread intensifying with each step.
"Keep moving," Riveria ordered as they pressed on. Her emerald eyes were alert and focused, her ears twitching ever so slightly at the slightest sound. "We cannot afford to be caught off guard."
They continued to descend, level after level, deeper into the Dungeon's depths.
Each floor they encountered was more lifeless and barren than the last. The monsters they encountered were not only hostile but coordinated, acting together with a terrifying efficiency.
"The monsters," Aiz observed quietly, her golden eyes narrowing. "They're different."
As if to confirm her statement, one of the monsters let out a chilling hiss before charging at the group with frightening speed. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and it moved with a deadly purpose that sent chills down the spines of the adventurers.
"Stand your ground!" Riveria commanded, raising her staff as she prepared to unleash her magic. "Show no fear!"
A deafening silence descended on the group as they faced the approaching horde, their weapons at the ready.
They were the Wives of Bell Cranel - warriors bound by loyalty and determination - and they would stop at nothing to protect their beloved adventurer from Medusa's evil grasp.
Aiz Wallenstein felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end as she raised her blade to meet the oncoming monsters. Her golden eyes burned with a fierce intensity, and her lips curled into a determined snarl.
She would not fail.
Bell Cranel was counting on them.
Aiz eyes furrowed as she regarded the upcoming swarm of enemies.
They were in for a world of hurt.
The battle was on.
The monsters came in droves, attacking with a frenzied intensity that the party found unnerving. They were no longer mindless beasts driven by instinct, but slaves to Medusa's sinister agenda.
"Stand your ground!" Riveria commanded again, her voice ringing out above the chaos of the fight. "Do not falter!"
The party held its own against the overwhelming force, with Aiz in the lead, her blade flashing through the air like lightning as she cut down foe after foe.
Ryuu was close behind, her wooden sword a blur as it felled monster after monster, her resolve firm.
Her words seemed to spur the others on, and the Wives of Bell Cranel fought back with a ferocity that belied their size.
The deeper they ventured into the Dungeon, the more unsettling their surroundings became. The once-familiar paths were now a twisted labyrinth, the walls pulsing with an unnatural energy that seemed to sap the very life from the air.
Suddenly, a bone-chilling screech echoed through the corridors, and a horde of Gorgon-Spawn emerged from the shadows. Their serpentine bodies writhed and coiled, their eyes glowing with a malevolent red light.
"Brace yourselves!" Riveria shouted, her staff glowing with arcane power.
The Gorgon-Spawn advanced on the party, their serpentine bodies undulating with each step. But these were no ordinary Gorgon-Spawn: they were the Militispes, the armed infantry of Medusa's army.
Each one was clad in a suit of armor, their serpentine forms encased in metal and leather. The suits gave them arms and legs, allowing them to stand upright and wield weapons with deadly precision. They carried rifles, with bayonets attached.
Riveria's eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of the Militispes. She had never seen anything like them before.
"By the gods," she whispered. "What has Medusa done?"
The Militispes charged forward, their weapons at the ready. Aiz met them head-on, her sword flashing in the dim light of the Dungeon. She moved with a speed and grace that was almost inhuman, dodging and weaving between the Militispes' attacks.
Welf Crozzo, wielding magic swords, blasted the Militispes with waves of fire and ice, depleting their numbers and wiping out entire groups.
The other members of the party held their own.
Ryuu leaped forward to join the fray, her wooden sword slicing through the Gorgon-Spawn with brutal efficiency.
The battle raged on, and the Wives of Bell Cranel proved their worth, refusing to give in to the seemingly endless waves of Gorgon-Spawn.
"Don't give in!"
"Keep fighting!"
But the Militispes just kept on coming with seemingly infinite numbers. The Wives risked being overwhelmed.
"Stand fast!" Riveria called out, her voice strong and steady amidst the chaos.
"There's no end to them!" Tiona cried out, her voice strained with exhaustion.
Riveria knew that they couldn't keep this up forever. They needed to find a way to break through the Militispes' lines and continue their descent into the Dungeon.
"Lefiya!" she called out. "Use your magic to clear a path!"
The young elf nodded, her eyes glowing with arcane power. She raised her staff.
"Arcs Ray!"
A blast of energy erupted from the end of her staff, slamming into the Militispes and sending them flying.
For a moment, the way forward was clear. But the Militispes were quick to recover, regrouping and charging forward once more.
"We need to move, now!" Riveria shouted.
"This way!" she shouted, gesturing towards the passageway. "We have to keep moving!"
The others responded instantly, following Riveria's lead as they battled their way towards the passageway.
The party didn't need to be told twice. They broke into a run, racing down the corridor as the Militispes gave chase. The sound of their armored feet echoed through the Dungeon, a relentless drumbeat that spurred the party onward.
As the Wives of Bell Cranel raced through the winding corridors of the Dungeon, the sound of the Militispes' armored feet grew louder behind them. Suddenly, the serpentine soldiers came to a halt, their rifles raised and aimed directly at the party.
"They're preparing to fire!" Riveria shouted, her eyes widening in alarm.
The Militispes' fingers tightened on the triggers of their rifles, ready to unleash a deadly barrage of bullets. The party braced themselves, knowing that even their strongest defenses might not be enough to withstand such an onslaught.
But just as the Militispes were about to fire, a figure burst forth from the shadows, his white hair gleaming in the dim light of the Dungeon.
It was Bell Cranel, the new Perseus, and in his hand, he held the legendary mirror shield, Lampas.
"Bell!" Aiz cried out, her voice filled with a mixture of relief and surprise.
Bell didn't hesitate. He raised Lampas just as the Militispes fired, and the shield flared to life, its polished surface glowing with an otherworldly light.
The bullets struck the shield and ricocheted off its surface, flying back towards the Militispes with incredible speed and force. The serpentine soldiers were caught off guard, their own bullets tearing through their armor and sending them tumbling to the ground.
"Incredible," Riveria breathed, her eyes wide with awe as she watched Bell wield the shield with such skill and precision.
Welf counterattacked with his magic swords, taking out the rest of the Militispes.
"I've got your back, Bell," Welf said, a grin on his face.
"Thanks, Welf," Bell replied, his grip tightening on Lampas.
The Militispes' formation broke, their ranks thrown into disarray by the unexpected counterattack. Bell pressed forward, Lampas held high as he deflected bullet after bullet, sending them back at the enemy with unerring accuracy.
The Wives of Bell Cranel rallied behind him, their weapons flashing as they cut through the remaining Militispes with renewed vigor. Aisha stood beside Bell, her blades slicing through the Gorgon-Spawn like butter.
"Nice of you to join us, Bell Cranel," she said, grinning up at him.
"I'm glad I made it in time," he replied, returning her smile.
"I'll reward you in bed tonight, for your timely arrival," Aisha promised.
"Is now really the time for that, Aisha?" Welf groaned. "Geez..."
Ryuu grunted at this. "Keep your disgusting desires to yourself, Amazon."
Aisha chuckled. "Oh? What's this? Are you jealous?"
"Ugh," Ryuu muttered. "Enough of this...let's keep moving."
More reinforcements swelled the ranks of the Militispes. Their bayonets glinted in the dim light of the Dungeon as they rushed towards the party, their serpentine bodies coiling and uncoiling with each step.
At the same time, they raised their rifles and began firing at will, the sound of gunfire echoing through the corridors like a thunderous drumbeat. The bullets whizzed past the adventurers' heads, ricocheting off the walls and filling the air with the acrid scent of gunpowder.
Bell Cranel stood at the forefront of the party, Lampas held high as he deflected the incoming bullets with incredible speed and precision. The mirror shield flared to life with each impact, its surface glowing brighter and brighter until it seemed to shine like a beacon in the darkness.
Riveria backed him up with her defensive magic, Via Shilheim, creating an impregnable barrier around the party that was strong enough to withstand even the Militispes' salvo.
Bell took advantage of the opening and pressed forward, his weapon flashing as he cut through the Gorgon-Spawn with ease.
Aiz Wallenstein and Ryuu Lion moved to flank Bell, their swords flashing as they met the Militispes' bayonets head-on.
Tiona Hiryute let out a fierce battle cry as she charged forward, her massive urga spinning through the air like a whirling blade of destruction. Her boisterous charge sent the Militispes' formation into disarray, forcing them to scatter and giving Bell and the others an opening to press forward.
The other members of the party held their own, their weapons clashing against the Militispes' bayonets in a brutal melee. Yamato Mikoto's katana flashed like quicksilver, cutting down foe after foe with deadly precision. Haruhime's fox ears twitched as she was unnerved by all the chaotic battling.
"Wynn Fimbulvetr!"
Riveria's cry echoed through the corridors as she unleashed a blast of cold air, enveloping several Militispes in a freezing maelstrom that slowed their movements and brought them to their knees.
"Now!" Riveria cried out, gesturing towards the frozen Militispes.
Aiz Wallenstein sprang into action, her sword cleaving through the air with blinding speed as she cut down one Militispes after another.
The battle raged on, the sound of clashing weapons and gunfire echoing through the Dungeon like a symphony of chaos.
The Militispes kept coming, their armored forms surging forward like fanged tendrils. Aiz fought at the fore, her sword an ever-moving blur of motion as she cut down one opponent after another.
Ryuu was a whirlwind of action, her wooden sword a blur as it slashed through the ranks of Militispes with unerring accuracy.
Bell Cranel stood at the center of the fray, Lampas held high as he deflected the Militispes' bullets with incredible speed and precision. The mirror shield flared to life with each impact, its surface glowing brighter and brighter until it seemed to shine like a second sun.
Aiz Wallenstein and Ryuu Lion fought at Bell's side, their swords a blur of motion as they cut through the Militispes' ranks. Tiona Hiryute's massive urga cleaved through armor and bone alike, while Lefiya Viridis and Liliruca Arde provided support from the rear, their magic and arrows finding their marks with deadly accuracy.
Riveria Ljos Alf, her staff Magnas Alfs, glowing with arcane power, unleashed another frigid blast of Wynn Fimbulvetr.
But even as the Wives of Bell Cranel fought with everything they had, the Militispes kept coming. They surged forward like a relentless tide, their bayonets glinting in the dim light of the Dungeon as they sought to overwhelm the party through sheer numbers.
Suddenly, a bone-chilling screech echoed through the corridors, and a new wave of Militispes emerged from the shadows. These were different from the ones the party had faced before - their armor was thicker, their weapons more advanced, and their movements more coordinated.
"They're evolving!" Riveria shouted, her eyes widening in alarm as she took in the sight of the new Militispes. "We need to fall back and regroup!"
But there was nowhere to go. The Militispes had them surrounded, their rifles raised and ready to fire. The party was trapped, their backs against the wall as they faced down Medusa's most fearsome warriors.
Bell Cranel gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on Lampas as he prepared to make his stand. He knew it was a longshot, but if they were going to get out of this alive, they had to push back the advancing hordes.
"Medusa must know that we're after her head," Riveria deduced. "Her hand has stretched far."
"Good," Ryuu answered with a feral smile. "I'd prefer to kill her sooner rather than later."
"She must not be aware of Bell's exact location, or else we would have ran into her stronger minions by now." Riveria eyed the young Perseus. "That's the only explanation I have for all this."
"Then we should exploit it," Bell responded with a sharp nod.
As one, the Wives of Bell Cranel began unleashing the full might of their magic and abilities upon the Militispes in a bid to cut a path forward.
Riveria invoked her Rea Laevateinn, summoning a wall of flames that incinerated any Gorgon-Spawn who dared get too close. Aiz's Desperate sliced through the ranks of Militispes with deadly precision, while Bell Cranel deflected their bullets with Lampas's uncanny abilities.
Lefiya fired her Arcs Ray, a flash of light from her staff reducing several monsters to cinders.
Ryuu's wooden sword whistled through the air as she cut down Militispes with inhuman speed and skill.
Tiona swung her urga in wide arcs, sending Gorgon-Spawn flying in all directions.
But the numbers of the Militispes were too great. Many emerged as ordinary Gorgon-Spawn from the debris of their armor.
Bell Cranel continued his desperate attempts to keep his party together, fending off attacks with Lampas while guiding them towards the exit.
"We must push forward!" Riveria yelled as she unleashed another blast of Wynn Fimbulvetr on her foes.
Bell Cranel stood at the center of the fray, Lampas held high as he deflected the Militispes' bullets with incredible speed and precision. The mirror shield flared to life with each impact, its surface glowing brighter and brighter until it seemed to shine like a beacon in the darkness.
Suddenly, a sharp cry of pain cut through the chaos of the battle. Bell's head snapped around, his eyes widening in horror as he saw Riveria stumble, as one of the Gorgon-Spawn emerging from its destroyed armor struck her in the shoulder in the blink of an eye, its fangs sinking deep into her flesh.
"Riveria-sama!" he shouted, his voice raw with fear and desperation.
But Riveria grabbed the serpentine monster and pulled it off her shoulder like it was a minor inconvenience. She demonstrated her remarkable proficiency in melee combat by shattering its skull with her staff Magnas Alfs, scowling at her injuries as though it were an inconvenient stain on her clothes.
"Don't worry about me!" she shouted back. More Militispes, bayonets shimmering, tried to rush her. Riveria effortlessly fought them off with Magnas Alfs, using it as a bludgeon when she needed to crush their armored skulls and using magic when her opponents proved fast enough to avoid her staff strikes.
One of the more cunning of the ranks of the Militispes tried to sneak attack her from her blind spot whilst using its comrades as decoys, its rifle raised and ready to fire.
But Bell was faster. He brought Lampas down in a sweeping arc, the mirror shield flaring to life as it deflected the Militispes' bullets. At the same time, he lashed out with his foot, catching the Militispes in the chest and sending it flying backwards.
Riveria looked at him, her emerald eyes shining with something that looked almost like pride.
"Bell Cranel," she whispered, her voice echoing with the authority of a goddess, "You've grown so much."
"I-I just want to protect everyone," Bell stammered out, his face flushed with embarrassment at her praise. "Like you all have done for me."
Riveria gave him a faint smile before turning back to the battle raging around them. "We've no time for chitchat. Come! Let us continue our fight."
And Bell followed her lead without hesitation. The two of them fought side by side, their weapons flashing as they felled down Militispes left and right.
Finally, the Militispes began to fall back. They retreated into the shadows, their weapons flashing in the dim light of the Dungeon one last time before vanishing from sight.
Bell let out a sigh of relief as he watched them disappear into the darkness.
The Wives of Bell Cranel took a moment to catch their breath, their weapons lowered but still at the ready. They had survived the Militispes' onslaught, but they knew that their journey was far from over.
Riveria winced as she examined the wound on her shoulder, the fangs of the Gorgon-Spawn having left deep puncture marks in her flesh. She could feel the venom coursing through her veins, a burning sensation that threatened to overwhelm her senses.
But she refused to let it show. She was Riveria Ljos Alf, the Nine Hell, and she would not let a mere flesh wound stop her from completing their mission.
"Is everyone alright?" she asked, her voice steady despite the pain.
The others nodded, their faces grim but determined. They had all taken hits during the battle, but none of them were willing to back down.
"What about you, Riveria?" Tiona asked, concern written all over her face. "Your shoulder..."
"I'm fine, I have strong resistance to nearly every poison including Medusa's venom. It's already fading."
"What do we do now?" Bell asked, his eyes searching the gloomy halls for any signs of danger. "The Militispes might return at any moment."
"We must continue our search for Medusa's lair," Riveria replied. "We must find the Eye."
"We're being led into a trap," Haruhime said quietly. "Medusa knows we're here. She wants us to come to her."
Riveria was silent for a moment, her eyes scanning the shadowy corridors before she answered. "That may be so," she said slowly. "But we cannot let that deter us from our goal. We must not falter in our mission."
The group was silent as they all contemplated Riveria's words. They knew that she was right. Even if they were being led into a trap by Medusa, they had to keep moving forward. They had to complete their mission and stop Medusa from taking over the Dungeon and spreading her evil across Orario, and then the world, and then every world.
Bell Cranel and the Wives of Bell Cranel stood in the dim light of the Dungeon, their weapons at the ready as they caught their breath after the fierce battle with the Militispes. Riveria's shoulder still ached from the Gorgon-Spawn's venomous bite, but she refused to let it slow her down.
"We must press on," Riveria said, her voice steady and determined. "The Eye is our only hope of finding Medusa's lair and putting an end to her evil once and for all."
The others nodded in agreement, their faces grim but resolute. They knew that they were walking into a trap, but they also knew that they had no choice. The fate of Orario, and perhaps the entire world, rested on their shoulders.
"Then let's go," Bell said, his voice filled with a quiet determination. "We'll face whatever dangers lie ahead together."
And so they set off once more, their footsteps echoing through the shadowy corridors of the Dungeon as they searched for the Eye that would lead them to their final confrontation with Medusa.
As they walked, Riveria couldn't help but glance at Bell, her heart swelling with pride at the young man he had become. She knew that he was the key to their success, the one who would ultimately face Medusa and put an end to her reign of terror.
But for now, they had to focus on the task at hand. They had to find the Eye and make their way to Medusa's lair, no matter what obstacles stood in their way.
The Wives of Bell Cranel walked on, their weapons at the ready and their hearts filled with a grim determination. They knew that the road ahead would be long and perilous, but they also knew that they had no choice but to see it through to the end.
***
The Wives of Bell Cranel moved cautiously through the twisted corridors of the Dungeon, their senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Riveria led the way, her keen elven ears straining to pick up any sounds that might indicate the presence of enemies.
Suddenly, she froze, her hand raised in a silent signal for the others to stop. They all tensed, their weapons at the ready as they scanned the shadowy passages for any signs of movement.
"We're being followed," Riveria whispered, her voice barely audible even to her own ears.
The others exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in their chests as they tried to determine the source of the threat. Was it another group of Militispes, or something even worse?
Aiz stepped forward, her sword drawn and her eyes narrowed as she peered into the darkness. "I don't see anything," she said, her voice low and tense.
But Riveria shook her head, her instincts telling her that they were not alone. "They're there," she said, her voice filled with certainty. "Watching us from the shadows."
Bell gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes darting back and forth as he tried to spot their unseen pursuer. "What do we do?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Riveria was silent for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan. They were in enemy territory, surrounded by traps and ambushes and worse, and the enemy had the home ground advantage.
Finally, she spoke. "We continue on," she said, her voice calm and confident. "We have a mission to complete, and we will not allow anything to stop us."
The others nodded in agreement, their shoulders set in a determined line as they prepared to continue their journey into the unknown.
Riveria paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and steadying herself before giving the signal to move out again. Bell Cranel was beside her in an instant, his body tense and ready for action.
"Stay close to me," she said, her voice low and urgent. "And be ready for anything."
Bell nodded, his grip tightening on his dagger as he fell into step beside her. Together, they set off into the darkness, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination as they prepared to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
The Wives of Bell Cranel followed behind Riveria and Bell Cranel, their weapons at the ready and their faces set in grim expressions. The once familiar tunnels now seemed alien and hostile, twisted by Medusa's dark influence.
"I don't like this," Bell whispered, his eyes darting nervously from shadow to shadow. "It's too quiet."
Riveria nodded, her own senses on high alert. She knew that the Dungeon was never truly silent, and the absence of the usual sounds of monsters and adventurers was deeply unsettling.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye, and she whirled around just in time to see a dark shape lunging towards them from the shadows. "Look out!" she cried, shoving Bell aside as she raised her staff to block the attack.
But to their surprise, it turned out to be none other than Bete Loga, having broken away from his own group.
"Bete?" Riveria exclaimed, lowering her staff as she recognized the werewolf. "What are you doing here?"
Bete scowled, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Tryin' to keep your dumb asses alive, that's what," he growled. "The hell're you doing, wanderin' around down here on your own like a bunch of lost sheep with all the weird shit goin' on in this place."
Bell blinked in surprise, not quite sure how to react to Bete's sudden appearance. He had never been particularly close to the werewolf, and Bete's gruff demeanor had always been somewhat intimidating.
But Riveria seemed unfazed by Bete's attitude. She regarded him with a cool, appraising gaze, as if trying to determine his true motives. "I appreciate your concern," she said at last, her voice calm and measured. "But we can handle ourselves. You should go back to your own group."
Bete snorted, his eyes narrowing as he met Riveria's gaze. "Like hell I will," he said, his voice low and fierce. "I ain't lettin' you idiots run off into a trap on your own."
Riveria sighed, recognizing the stubborn set of Bete's jaw. She knew that arguing with him would be futile, and deep down, she was grateful for his support. "Very well," she said at last, her voice resigned. "But you follow my lead, understood?"
Bete grunted in acknowledgment, his eyes flicking briefly to Bell before settling back on Riveria. "Fine," he said, his voice gruff. "I'll play along... for now."
Bell couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief at Bete's arrival, knowing that they had an additional ally in their quest to defeat Medusa.
"Come on then," Riveria said, gesturing for them to follow her. "Let's keep moving."
Bete fell into step beside Bell as they followed Riveria through the shadowy corridors of the Dungeon.
The silence was deafening as they made their way through the cavernous underground labyrinth that was once a bustling metropolis full of monsters and adventurers alike, now reduced to a shadow of its former glory under Medusa's dark influence.
As the Wives of Bell Cranel continued their journey through the twisted corridors of the Dungeon, a sense of unease settled over the group. The once familiar tunnels now seemed alien and hostile, as if the very walls were watching their every move.
Riveria led the way, her keen elven senses on high alert for any signs of danger. She could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders, the knowledge that the fate of Orario and perhaps even the world rested on their success.
Behind her, Bell Cranel walked with a determined stride, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword. He knew that the challenges ahead would be unlike anything he had ever faced before, but he was ready to face them head-on.
Aiz and the others followed close behind, their weapons at the ready and their eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement. They had all heard the stories of Medusa's power, of her ability to turn even the bravest adventurers to stone with a single glance.
Bete Loga brought up the rear, his keen werewolf senses picking up on the slightest sounds and scents. He had never been one to shy away from a fight, but even he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as they ventured deeper into Medusa's domain.
Suddenly, Riveria held up a hand, signaling for the group to stop. She had caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows ahead, a flicker of movement that set her nerves on edge.
"What is it?" Bell whispered, his voice barely audible even in the oppressive silence of the Dungeon.
Riveria shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make out the shape in the darkness. "I'm not sure," she murmured, her hand tightening on her staff. "But whatever it is, it's not friendly."
As if on cue, a low, guttural growl echoed through the tunnels, sending a chill down their spines. It was a sound that none of them had ever heard before, a sound that seemed to come from the very depths of the earth itself.
"Get ready," Riveria said, her voice calm and steady despite the fear that gripped her heart. "Whatever happens, we stick together."
The others nodded, their faces set in grim determination as they prepared to face whatever horrors lay ahead. They knew that the road to Medusa would be long and treacherous, but they were ready to do whatever it took to save their city and their loved ones.
***
The Wives of Bell Cranel moved cautiously through the twisted corridors of the Dungeon, their senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Riveria led the way, her keen elven ears straining to pick up any sounds that might indicate the presence of enemies.Suddenly, she froze, her hand raised in a silent signal for the others to stop. They all tensed, their weapons at the ready as they scanned the shadowy passages for any signs of movement.
"We're being followed," Riveria whispered, her voice barely audible even to her own ears.
The others exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in their chests as they tried to determine the source of the threat. Was it another group of Militispes, or something even worse?
Aiz stepped forward, her sword drawn and her eyes narrowed as she peered into the darkness. "I don't see anything," she said, her voice low and tense.
But Riveria shook her head, her instincts telling her that they were not alone. "They're there," she said, her voice filled with certainty. "Watching us from the shadows."
Bell gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes darting back and forth as he tried to spot their unseen pursuer. "What do we do?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Riveria was silent for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to come up with a plan. They were in enemy territory, surrounded by traps and ambushes and worse, and the enemy had the home ground advantage.
Finally, she spoke. "We continue on," she said, her voice calm and confident. "We have a mission to complete, and we will not allow anything to stop us."
The others nodded in agreement, their shoulders set in a determined line as they prepared to continue their journey into the unknown.
Riveria paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and steadying herself before giving the signal to move out again. Bell Cranel was beside her in an instant, his body tense and ready for action.
"Stay close to me," she said, her voice low and urgent. "And be ready for anything."
Bell nodded, his grip tightening on his dagger as he fell into step beside her. Together, they set off into the darkness, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination as they prepared to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
The Wives of Bell Cranel followed behind Riveria and Bell Cranel, their weapons at the ready and their faces set in grim expressions. The once familiar tunnels now seemed alien and hostile, twisted by Medusa's dark influence.
"I don't like this," Bell whispered, his eyes darting nervously from shadow to shadow. "It's too quiet."
Riveria nodded, her own senses on high alert. She knew that the Dungeon was never truly silent, and the absence of the usual sounds of monsters and adventurers was deeply unsettling.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye, and she whirled around just in time to see a dark shape lunging towards them from the shadows. "Look out!" she cried, shoving Bell aside as she raised her staff to block the attack.
But to their surprise, it turned out to be none other than Bete Loga, having broken away from his own group.
"Bete?" Riveria exclaimed, lowering her staff as she recognized the werewolf. "What are you doing here?"
Bete scowled, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "Tryin' to keep your dumb asses alive, that's what," he growled. "The hell're you doing, wanderin' around down here on your own like a bunch of lost sheep with all the weird shit goin' on in this place."
Bell blinked in surprise, not quite sure how to react to Bete's sudden appearance. He had never been particularly close to the werewolf, and Bete's gruff demeanor had always been somewhat intimidating.
But Riveria seemed unfazed by Bete's attitude. She regarded him with a cool, appraising gaze, as if trying to determine his true motives. "I appreciate your concern," she said at last, her voice calm and measured. "But we can handle ourselves. You should go back to your own group."
Bete snorted, his eyes narrowing as he met Riveria's gaze. "Like hell I will," he said, his voice low and fierce. "I ain't lettin' you idiots run off into a trap on your own."
Riveria sighed, recognizing the stubborn set of Bete's jaw. She knew that arguing with him would be futile, and deep down, she was grateful for his support. "Very well," she said at last, her voice resigned. "But you follow my lead, understood?"
Bete grunted in acknowledgment, his eyes flicking briefly to Bell before settling back on Riveria. "Fine," he said, his voice gruff. "I'll play along... for now."
Bell couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief at Bete's arrival, knowing that they had an additional ally in their quest to defeat Medusa.
"Come on then," Riveria said, gesturing for them to follow her. "Let's keep moving."
Bete fell into step beside Bell as they followed Riveria through the shadowy corridors of the Dungeon.
The silence was deafening as they made their way through the cavernous underground labyrinth that was once a bustling metropolis full of monsters and adventurers alike, now reduced to a shadow of its former glory under Medusa's dark influence.
As the Wives of Bell Cranel continued their journey through the twisted corridors of the Dungeon, a sense of unease settled over the group. The once familiar tunnels now seemed alien and hostile, as if the very walls were watching their every move.
Riveria led the way, her keen elven senses on high alert for any signs of danger. She could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders, the knowledge that the fate of Orario and perhaps even the world rested on their success.
Behind her, Bell Cranel walked with a determined stride, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword. He knew that the challenges ahead would be unlike anything he had ever faced before, but he was ready to face them head-on.
Aiz and the others followed close behind, their weapons at the ready and their eyes scanning the shadows for any signs of movement. They had all heard the stories of Medusa's power, of her ability to turn even the bravest adventurers to stone with a single glance.
Bete Loga brought up the rear, his keen werewolf senses picking up on the slightest sounds and scents. He had never been one to shy away from a fight, but even he couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as they ventured deeper into Medusa's domain.
Suddenly, Riveria held up a hand, signaling for the group to stop. She had caught a glimpse of something moving in the shadows ahead, a flicker of movement that set her nerves on edge.
"What is it?" Bell whispered, his voice barely audible even in the oppressive silence of the Dungeon.
Riveria shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she tried to make out the shape in the darkness. "I'm not sure," she murmured, her hand tightening on her staff. "But whatever it is, it's not friendly."
As if on cue, a low, guttural growl echoed through the tunnels, sending a chill down their spines. It was a sound that none of them had ever heard before, a sound that seemed to come from the very depths of the earth itself.
"Get ready," Riveria said, her voice calm and steady despite the fear that gripped her heart. "Whatever happens, we stick together."
The others nodded, their faces set in grim determination as they prepared to face whatever horrors lay ahead. They knew that the road to Medusa would be long and treacherous, but they were ready to do whatever it took to save their city and their loved ones.
***
As the shadows lengthened and the oppressive darkness of the Dungeon seemed to close in around them, Riveria called for the group to halt. "We'll make camp here for the night," she said, her voice echoing off the cold stone walls.The others nodded, too exhausted to argue. They had been walking for hours, battling their way through hordes of twisted monsters and navigating the treacherous terrain of the corrupted labyrinth.
Bell and Welf set about gathering what meager supplies they could find, while Aiz and Tiona worked to clear a small area for their bedrolls. Bete stood watch, his keen senses alert for any signs of danger.
Riveria knelt beside the small fire they had managed to kindle, her eyes fixed on the dancing flames as she tried to ease the ache in her weary bones. She could feel the weight of responsibility resting heavily upon her shoulders, the knowledge that their success or failure would determine the fate of Orario.
As the others settled in for a fitful night's rest, Riveria found herself unable to sleep. Her mind raced with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead, of the sacrifices that might be required of her.
She glanced over at Bell, who lay curled up on his bedroll, his face peaceful in sleep. A pang of guilt twisted in her chest as she thought of the Light Bond Shield and the price she might have to pay to keep him safe.
"Get some sleep,you old bag," a gruff voice said from behind her. Riveria turned to see Bete standing there, his arms crossed over his chest.
"I'll take first watch," Riveria said, ignoring his suggestion. "I won't be able to sleep anyway."
Bete frowned, his eyes narrowed as he studied her expression. "You're no good to anyone if you're exhausted," he pointed out. "Now stop bein' such a stubborn old crone and get some rest."
Riveria couldn't help but smile at his gruff concern. She knew that beneath his rough exterior, Bete had a loyal heart.
For a long moment, they sat in silence, staring into the flickering flames of the campfire. Finally, Bete spoke again.
"He's goin' to be fine, ya know," he said, his voice softening slightly. "That mangy rabbit ain't no weakling anymore. He can handle himself."
Riveria looked at him, her eyebrows raised in surprise at his perceptiveness. "I know that," she said quietly. "But it's more than that. His destiny is bound up with Medusa's now. The outcome of our battle with her could very well determine his fate."
Bete was silent for a long moment before responding. "The only thing you can control is what you do in this moment," he said at last. "What comes after... well, that's somethin' you can't know or change."
Riveria sighed, a soft smile curling her lips. "Wise words for a werewolf," she said teasingly. "Thank you, Bete."
He scowled, his cheeks flushing slightly at her gratitude. "Yeah, well don't go tellin' anyone else," he grumbled. "I've got a reputation to uphold."
Riveria watched as Bete trudged off to his bedroll, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. She knew that he would never admit it, but the day's battles had taken their toll on him as well.
As the others slept, Riveria kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, her senses attuned to any signs of danger. The Dungeon was a treacherous place at the best of times, but now, with Medusa's corrupting influence spreading like a plague, it had become even more unpredictable.
And yet, despite the dark reality of their situation, Riveria couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Bell and the Wives were strong, and they were determined to defeat Medusa no matter the cost.
But in her heart, she knew that the road ahead would be agonizing. Medusa was a formidable foe, one who had already proven herself capable of great cruelty and destruction. And with each passing day, her power only seemed to grow. Someone needed to make a great sacrifice.
Riveria's thoughts turned to Bell, to the young man who had become such an important part of her life. She knew that he was the key to defeating Medusa, that his unique abilities and unbreakable spirit were their greatest hope.
But she also knew that it might not be enough. Medusa's power was vast and growing, and Bell's was still so young and untested. The thought of losing him to Medusa was almost too much to bear, and the stakes were too high to gamble with his life.
As the hours passed and the fire burned low, Riveria found herself lost in thought, her mind churning with the weight of the task that lay before them. She knew that the coming days would test them all, that they would be pushed to the very limits of their strength and resolve.
But she also knew that they could not falter, could not give in to despair or doubt. For the sake of Orario, for the sake of all the innocent lives that hung in the balance, they had to press on, no matter the cost.
And so Riveria sat in the flickering light of the campfire, her eyes fixed on the shadows that danced at the edge of their small circle of safety, ruminating on the sacrifice that was yet to come.
***
Bell tossed and turned on his bedroll, his mind too full of worries to allow him to rest. Finally, with a sigh of frustration, he sat up and looked around the campsite.
His gaze fell on Riveria, who sat alone by the dying embers of the fire, her face illuminated by the faint glow. She looked lost in thought, her eyes distant and her brow furrowed.
Before he quite knew what he was doing, Bell found himself rising to his feet and making his way over to her. She didn't look up as he approached, but he could see that she was aware of his presence by the slight tensing of her shoulders.
"You should be resting," she said, her voice soft and distant.
Bell shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets as he stood beside her. "I couldn't sleep," he replied honestly. "There's too much going on in my head."
"What seems to be troubling you, young Bell Cranel?"
He hesitated, unsure of how to voice his fears. "The high elves that were able to use the Light Bond Shield... did any of them survive?"
Riveria sighed, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "Not a single one. They all burned up and died for the ones they loved."
Bell's heart sank at her words, a cold dread seeping through him like a winter chill.
Bell settled himself on the hard ground, his shoulder brushing against hers as he stared into the glowing coals. For a long moment, neither of them spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.
"I'm scared," Bell said at last, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared of losing you, Riveria. I don't want you to use the Light Bond Shield anymore."
Riveria turned to look at him, her eyes searching his face. She could see the fear in his eyes, the fear of losing her and the pain it would cause him.
"It may be necessary," she said gently. "If we are to have any hope of defeating Medusa, it might be our only option."
Beside her, Bell shook his head, his jaw clenched in a determined line. "There has to be another way," he said, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, Riveria, there has to be another way."
"Life is all about making tough choices," Riveria said, her voice quiet and firm. "Sometimes you have to sacrifice one thing in order to save something else. That's just how it is."
"I won't let you," Bell insisted, his voice breaking slightly as he fought back tears.
Riveria sighed, looking away from him and staring once more into the dying flames of the campfire.
"Bell Cranel...do you trust me?" she asked after a moment, her voice soft but firm.
"What?" he replied, surprised by her question.
"Do you trust me?" she repeated, her green eyes locking with his crimson ones in the darkness. "Do you believe that I know what I am doing, that I have your best interests at heart?"
Bell hesitated for only a moment before responding, "I do."
Riveria nodded slowly. "Then trust me now," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "Trust me when I say that this is the only way. We all knew the risks when we agreed to come on this quest, and we all made the choice to stand by your side, no matter what. We will not back down now, no matter the cost."
Bell could feel his heart aching in his chest as he listened to her words, her conviction filling him with a sense of awe and respect.
She reached out and took his hand in hers, her fingers warm and strong against his skin. "We believe in you, Bell," she said, her voice soft but fierce. "Please believe in me."
"But...."
"We're not discussing this, Bell Cranel," she said, her tone brooking no argument. "My decision has been made, and I will not be swayed."
Bell opened his mouth to protest, but Riveria held up a hand to silence him. "I am your elder and your superior," she said, her voice stern. "And I will not have you questioning my choices or my resolve."
Bell felt a flush of frustration rising in his cheeks, but he forced himself to hold his tongue. He knew that arguing with Riveria when she was in this mood would be futile.
But as he sat there, feeling the warmth of Riveria's hand in his, he vowed to himself that he would find a way to save her from using the Light Bond Shield. No matter what it took, he would not allow her to sacrifice herself for his sake.
"Why do you have to be so stubborn?" Bell muttered, his gaze fixed on the ground at his feet.
Riveria chuckled softly. "It runs in my family," she teased, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "That's just how I am. You're just as stubborn as me, you know."
"I..." Bell began to protest but found himself trailing off as he realized she was right. He knew that Riveria was as determined and as stubborn as he was when it came to protecting those she cared about.
For a long moment, they sat in tense silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the stillness of the night. Then, abruptly, Riveria spoke again.
"Put it another way: if I come back alive," she said, her voice softer now, almost hesitant. "Will you marry me, Bell Cranel?."
Bell's eyes widened in shock, his mouth falling open as he stared at her. "W-what?" he stammered, certain he must have misheard her.
But Riveria's gaze was steady, her expression serious. "You heard me," she said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "If we both survive this quest, if we defeat Medusa and save Orario, then you will become my husband. That is the price I'm asking you for keeping me around."
Bell felt his heart racing in his chest, his mind reeling with the implications of her words. He had never imagined that Riveria might feel this way about him, that she might want to spend her life with him.
But even as a part of him thrilled at the thought, another part of him recoiled in fear. He knew that he cared for Riveria, that he admired and respected her deeply. But marriage? That was a step he had never even considered, a commitment he wasn't sure he was ready for.
Riveria must have seen the conflict in his eyes, because her expression softened, became almost gentle. "You don't have to answer now," she said, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "Just know that when the time comes, when this is all over, I will be waiting for you."
And with that, she released his hand and rose to her feet, moving off into the shadows of the camp without another word, leaving Bell to stare after her in stunned silence, his heart and mind racing with the weight of her unexpected proposal.
Bell felt a warmth spreading through his chest at Riveria's words, a sense of comfort and belonging that he had never quite experienced before. He squeezed her hand in return, a silent acknowledgement of the bond they shared.
Riveria's expression softened as she looked at him, her eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness that made Bell feel both cherished and slightly intimidated. "You should try to get some rest," she said, her tone brooking no argument. "Tomorrow will be a long day."
Bell opened his mouth to protest, but Riveria silenced him with a stern look. "Don't argue with me, young man," she said, her voice taking on a note of maternal authority. "I won't have you wearing yourself out before the real battle even begins."
Bell reluctantly nodded, knowing that it was useless to argue with Riveria when she was in this mood.
"Yes, ma'am," he said, a hint of playfulness creeping into his voice.
Riveria gave him a stern look but there was amusement sparkling in her green eyes as well. "Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're my husband-to-be," she teased, a smirk tugging at her lips.
"You're not known for going easy on anyone."
Riveria snorted softly, but Bell could see the glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Watch your tongue, Bell Cranel," she said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "Or I'll have you running laps around the campsite until dawn. Naked."
"N-N-Naked????"
"Your punishment for exposing the skin of a high elf in public."
Bell spluttered in indignation, but Riveria merely arched an eyebrow at him.
"Only if you do it with me!" he countered, his face flaming red at the thought.
"Bell Cranel, you're a little pervert, aren't you?" Riveria laughed at him but he could tell she was genuinely amused by his reaction. "I'll have to think of another punishment now."
"Fine, fine! I'll go to sleep!"
"Good boy."
Her expression softened, and she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch gentle and maternal. "Get some sleep, Bell," she said, her voice warm with affection. "I'll be here when you wake."
With a final nod, Bell turned and made his way back to his bedroll, his heart feeling lighter than it had in days. As he lay down and closed his eyes, he could still feel the warmth of Riveria's touch lingering on his skin, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded him, even in the darkest of times.