20 Chapter 18: Raising a Knight. Lili/Fianna

'...where am I?...'

Lili thought t herself as she naturally roused from her slumber.

She had felt the most rested she had been in a long time.

Sleeping in hard cold bedframes rather than mattresses most of the time, due to the shabby apartment she rented to get away from the Soma familia.

Sometimes she would resign to sleeping in a dark alleyway if money was tight for her, huddling within her torn full-body cloak for comfort. Sleeping through the cold of the night.

'It feels so...comfortable...'

Lili could feel the cold breeze of the tonight gently touch her face, but her body was covered in gentle and soft warmth.

A sensation she wasn't familiar with.

'...a dream?...did Canoe knock me out?...'

She had often been beaten and worked to the point of unconsciousness many times, so she was familiar with dreams that allowed her to get away from the pain, but none of them were quite as realistic and comforting as what she was currently experiencing.

'if it is...I never want to wake up...'

Such was the life of Liliruca Arde, she had no attachment to the world beyond her base instinct to survive and live, but even that was slowly slipping away from her. She easily chose to indulge in a false dream than continue confronting the cold reality she lived in.

But Lili wasn't allowed to slumber away, her memories prior to her slumber soon began to rise back into her knowing.

A fairy tale hero responding to her call. Vanquishing the darkness which had haunted her for so long with ease and finesse.

Being wrapped in his cloak as she wept tears from eyes that ran dry for years. Its embrace comforted her immensely.

Then falling into a slumber as she was held in his arms. The cadence of his walk. The sound of his calm breath. The steady beating of his heart as she held her head close to his body.

Lili unconsciously learned to trust once more.

"...!-"

Upon recollecting what had happened, Lili immediately rose from her bed quickly.

"Argh-..."

But her head began to spin as she did so. She was severely malnourished so such a quick change in position left her dizzy.

Lili began to recover and soon began to observe her surrounding.

'a room?...'

She found herself in a fairly well-furnished room.

It was clear that the building deteriorated in quality, but it wasn't to the point of filthiness, simply aged away foundational support.

It appeared to have been cleaned and renovated rather recently.

"..."

Lili saw how she was wrapped in a fluffy bed with thick pillows. No stains or molds were apparent from both as she was used to seeing, just a clear white fabric that was soft to the touch and pleasant to smell.

But though the bed she slept in was clean and pristine, her body still remained the filthy way it had been. The sheer contrast between the two left Lili reluctant to continue sleeping on the bed, not wanting to further soil it with her person.

Just as Lili was pondering on whether to hop out of the bed, she heard the door of the room begin to creek open.

"..!-"

Lili's senses began to strain themselves for the person who was about to enter. Her instincts instantly began searching for ways to escape and survive.

It was a natural habit she had built up throughout her years of abuse.

But as Lili was preparing herself to have her small time with peace shattered, it was held back by a kind voice she had remembered.

"Oh, you're awake. I'm glad to see that"

"?..."

A man who wore a cloak of gray, a mask hiding his face. Form-fitting dark gray armor wrapped all around his body, further enhanced by bits and pieces of metal armored plates.

The figure was intimidating by many definitions, but Lili's intimidation by the figure was broken by what she saw along with what she had observed.

'...he's holding a pot with...with an apron wrapped around...'

The sheer brutal image radiating off of the figure's attire was broken with the accompaniment of a colorful apron one might find in a regular household.

The dichotomy left Lili frozen on how to react, but she was broken out of it by the smell of the point the figure carried.

'...delicious...'

The pleasant aroma of a soup spread throughout the room, it was gentle on the nose, slowly rousing anyone's appetite with a whiff of it.

Lili fell victim to it immediately, in spite of her natural instinct to escape and preserve her life.

"Groooowl"

Lili's stomach growled out its desire to consume the pleasant-smelling pot held by the figure in front of her.

She was absolutely starving. Fewer adventurers were willing to hire her in recent times and so she began to eat only the bare minimum to continue functioning.

With her body being so honest in spite of her seriousness, Lili began to inadvertently blush in embarrassment.

"..."

The figure looked on as Lili struggled with the cyclone of emotions within her, eventually lightly laughing at the innocent Pallum.

"HAHAHAHA. You must be really hungry huh?"

The figure began approaching Lili as she was busy with her internal struggle, but once he was close enough, Lili's instincts took over immediately.

"...!-"

She backed herself against the wall immediately to distance herself, her eyes began observing the figure and switched between itself and the door behind.

The figure, seeing this response, began to reassure her with his voice and actions.

"I'm not going to hurt you, I promise"

Lili didn't reply, simply continuing to observe,

The figure slowly sat on a nearby stool, as he rested the pot on a bedside table.

Each of the figure's movements caused slight flinches to Lili, not knowing when she might be assaulted.

"..."

The figure began to pour the soup into a bowl using a ladle, soon putting a spoon for consumption inside the bowl as well.

He had handed it to the frightened Lili who simply stared at the bowl in fear and suspicion.

"...I promise there's nothing wrong with the food little one. I don't want to harm you"

The figure tried reassuring Lili, but she didn't budge an inch.

Seeing this, the figure sighed internally.

Lili was shocked as she saw what happened.

The figure's mask partially dissolved into mist.

The figure's mouth was visible, though his entire face was still hidden.

'Here, I'll eat some of it to show it's safe"

Lili began to watch the figure take a spoon of the soup into his mouth.

Seeing a lack of adverse reaction when the figure ate the food, Lili slowly began to loosen up.

It also didn't help to see a person eat such delicious-smelling food when she was starving.

"..."

The figure saw Lili extend her hands out, shaking in fear to retract them quickly if things went south.

Seeing the Pallum so cautiously ask for the food, the figure couldn't help but smile when giving it to her.

"..."

Lili now had the bowl of food in her hands, seeing such a delicious meal in front of her, she no longer cared about her worries and anxieties about the situation, she just wanted to eat a normal meal for once.

The figure watched as Lili ravenously ate the food.

She took in each bite with visible happiness on her face.

She didn't even bother to blow on the hot soup, the taste of a proper meal was simply all she focused on.

The figure smiled as he watched the Pallum eat, but as she continued eating, tears started to fall down her face once again.

"...hic...hic-"

The sound of her fighting back the tears sounded throughout the room, her pace of eating slowing to a halt as the tears continued to flow.

Lili now cried her tears into the warm bowl of soup.

Finding strength in her voice to ask.

"...why?..."

Lili's head was lowered as she asked that question to the figure in front of her.

She didn't specify the question, but the figure knew what Lili was trying to convey.

Her intentions reached him clearly.

"Because I'm grateful to you"

Lili froze when she heard his reply.

'Grateful?...'

Lili began searching through her memories to see if she had done anything to anyone warranting gratefulness.

Endless days and moments of a life of pain and darkness flashed through her mind.

The choices she made in selfishness and reconsideration of others, simply to live another day, piled up in her recollection.

Lili's expression began to strain in the pain of the horrible life she led.

'I've...done nothing...nothing...good'

Lili fell into depression as she sought out her answer, but the figure simply spoke as she processed that thought, as if he knew what she was thinking.

"We've never met before. This is our first encounter"

'This is the first time we met?...then...'

Lili was sent into further perplexion at the figure's words.

How could one be grateful to a person they never met?

Her parents weren't the nicest people, and as far as she knew, they were her only family in this world.

So how? How did Lili receive the gratitude of this figure?

There was only one possibility that sprouted in her mind, one she didn't wish to accept, but one she couldn't deny to someone who had done so much for her.

It pained her heart and throat as prepared to speak it.

She knew that it might break the single moment of true solace she found in her entire life.

Her heart would break once again if she spoke it.

She would truly turn into an unfeeling machine, tired of pain and suffering, simply existing to exist.

Lili could just take advantage of the situation, but after going through her memories of committing nothing but sin after sin...

'Even if it leads to the end of my life...at least once...just once...'

Just once, she wanted to be honest, in her life of masked emotions and feelings.

"m-maybe..."

Lili slowly raised her head, she soon came face to face with the figure who had saved her.

His mask covered his eyes, but a blue gaze met hers, one that mesmerized the Pallum.

His mouth showed a smile with sincerity, one she never received in a long time.

"...y-you"

Lili's anxiety rose. Her heart began to beat faster.

She wanted to speak in spite of the consequences, she wanted to be better, but the consequences of her actions made her falter.

'Maybe you mistook me for someone else'

How would this kind of figure react if she spoke that out?

Would his kind gaze and smile freeze in an instant?

Memories of the old couple that once took her in flashed through her mind. Their expressions of hatred for her existence still stung deeply in her heart.

"...ha...ha...I-I-"

Lili began to experience a nervous breakdown.

She would surely break if her heart broke once more.

She couldn't handle the despair of hope slipping out of her hands once more.

'I can't. I can't. I can't. I c I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't. I can't-'

Tears began to form in her eyes. Her breath became erratic.

Lili's head began to feel light. Her entire body became numb as she was overwhelmed with emotion.

But Lili, in spite of her mind crumbling with every passing second, gathered all the strength she could.

To leave at least one memory of her acting true and honest amidst the pile of lies she built around her.

She wanted to be normal for once.

"...I!-"

"Liliruca Arde"

Lili froze as the figure called out her name.

"Liliruca Arde, that is the person to whom I'm grateful to"

Lili's numb body and light mind couldn't respond to what she had heard.

The information processed itself, but nothing came out of Lili.

"We have never met. Nor did your parents or anyone related to you"

Lili couldn't do anything but continue to listen.

"Many people would call me crazy for saying this. But it is true..."

Lili couldn't accept it. How did she, one who was an inveterate sinner, do enough good to warrant such kindness?

"Your existence. Your life. Who you are. It saved me"

"..."

"I cannot even begin to explain how and why. It happened in a time and place I can't even begin to describe..."

"..."

"But your life. Your choice to continue living in spite of the pain and suffering you encountered. It wasn't for nothing"

"..."

"Your life and the choices you made... it all had meaning...I am proof of that...even though I know you would want proof...I hope my words and actions can convey the honesty of my sentiment"

Lili, who had listened in numb solitude, began to process and think about what the figure had said.

'This is a dream...this...isn't something I deserve...'

Tears once more began to fall down her face, but they were distinct from all the ones she had made before.

'My parents said I was a mistake...my familia treats me as trash...my adopted family despise me...so how-'

Tears of happiness flowed down her face. Though she tried her best to fight back her thoughts with arguments for why this situation couldn't be real, her heart cried out upon receiving what she always desired.

For someone to desire her continued existence.

For someone to want her.

For someone...to love her.

"...?!"

The figure began to gently hug Lili.

There was silence between them both, but to Lili, it was loud.

The emotions she felt in the soft and kind embrace, she heard and felt it all loud and clear.

The weight of it all resonated in her heart.

Lili tugged tightly onto the figure, crying out loudly in joy.

She didn't care about the vagueness. She didn't care about the questions left unanswered. She simply accepted the genuine she had received.

Crying into the night. Embraced by the one who had saved her from the pits of darkness. Lili stepped out into the light she always desired.

...

..

.

'I wonder what Lili would like to eat for tonight?'

Bell thought to himself as he walked through the market street of Orario, buying ingredients for the food he will cook for Lili.

It has been a few days since the night Lili cried into Bell's arms.

'It really was a good idea to start building that secret base. It would've been a hassle to find a good place for her to rest otherwise'

Bell built a secret base when he started his vigilante career.

Constructing it in the ruins district of Orario, he equipped the secret base with all the equipment and furniture needed to live comfortably.

Bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, an equipment warehouse, a basic forge, a training ground, and many other such things.

It wasn't extravagant by any means, but it was functional enough to be useable.

'They might be criminals, but that gang of black market traders made this pet project of mine possible...so...though you're all scumbags...thank you nontheless'

He had found the material necessary for the construction by taking it away from the hands of the criminals he would usually deal with in his patrols of Orario.

Bell reasoned that it would be better for their goods to serve the purposes of continued justice rather than to rot or be taken away by another group of criminals.

'Moving on from that...I'm glad to see that Lili has gotten better these days'

Bell thought to himself as he carried a few bags worth of ingredients in his hands.

He reminisced on the Pallum girl's behavior over the last few days.

Lili was still cautious and wary of Bell, even though she knew he was trustworthy, but as the days passed and Lili continued to experience days of joy.

Waking up without pain. Going about her day in the house in clean clothes and a clean body. Lounging and sleeping on comfortable beds. And most importantly to her, eating delicious food every day.

With the constant happiness, slowly but surely, the instincts she had used till then in her painful life went away.

Lili was still rather quiet around Bell.

She had long developed the personality she was known for in the story, but she was still gauging how she should act around him.

'I guess the two years she would've experienced if I hadn't arrived earlier in Orario would've made her more receptive to being saved...perhaps because she further refined her extroverted side when scamming?'

Bell pondered on the differences between the Lili of his present and the one two years into the future, the start of the canon in the anime.

But as he was doing so, he bumped into a familiar face in the marketplace.

"O-oof-"

"S-Sorry for bumping into...you?...Syr?"

"Bell? What a coincidence! What are you doing here in the market?"

Bell had bumped into Syr while shopping, but as she smiled innocently at him, Bell began pondering the truth in his head.

'Coincidence? Yeah, right'

He knew it was much more likely to have been a planned meeting rather than just a coincidence,

Bell could even feel the presence of some of her familia's guards hiding around her position.

"Oh, nothing much, just buying ingredients for dinner tonight"

'The most probable reason why she would orchestrate this entire meeting...it would have to be...'

"Dinner? You're cooking your own food now Bell?... Is this the reason why you haven't visited the Hostess for a while now?"

'I knew it'

Bell had properly guessed Syr/Freya's motive.

As a consequence of Bell cooking for Lili for the last few days, he hasn't been able to eat at the Hostess because he was eating his dinner with Lili.

Not arriving for a period of time at Hostess aroused Syr's suspicion, and she began investigating why Bell wasn't visiting.

'I had to deal with her familia tracking me down... but luckily I had a route planned out'

Bell believed Freya to have already known about his secret identity, possibly even Ottar and the executives of her familia, but he didn't believe the same was for the rank-and-file members of the familia.

He could trust that the Freya familia executives would keep the information a secret, due to their immense loyalty that stood out in an already devoted familia, but he couldn't say the same for the other members.

Bell couldn't just switch into his Gray Ghost persona to lose the people who were tailing him. He was working under the assumption that the spies she placed to track him would just see him as a regular adventurer.

'So I would simply go back to the inn I stay at...appear as if I cook my food there...then close the windows of my room before teleporting to my base'

It was a tedious process for Bell, but one he found valuable.

Training his techniques in stealth against Freya's spies without his abilities.

Training to grow accustomed to the teleportation aspect of his grandfather's magic item.

Bell was grateful for this situation, he was an addict for training.

'I wonder if she'll send someone like Allen or Hogni to track me...it would be interesting to see if I can fool a level 6 from tracking me...'

Bell thought to himself eternally, before replying back to Syr.

"Yeah. I've been cooking for myself after working with May. I wanna improve my skills"

Bell said with a charming smile, causing Syr to flinch in response.

"T-that not fair Bell...so will you not be visiting anytime soon?..."

Syr replied, becoming visibly disappointed.

"No. I think I'll be able to visit soon. I've been missing the food for a while now actually, just need to finish up some stuff first"

Bell quickly replied. He did so mainly because of the increase in bloodlust he felt from Freya's guards when she became "sad".

"...next time you visit, bring me some of your homecooked meals Bell...I was quite hurt you know"

Syr began to say as "tears" began forming in her eyes.

The enmity being felt by Bell began to increase by the moment.

'At this rate, I'll be eaten alive by her familia...I guess this is what happens when I actively associate with a goddess with a familia as dedicated as hers...'

"Sure Syr. I'll be happy to cook for you! Anything in particular you like?"

Hearing his response, Syr immediately brightened up in order to reply.

"Yes! So so..."

As Syr began talking about her requests for Bell's cooking, he couldn't help but think to himself while seeing Syr.

'This time she isn't acting...this is her true side'

Bell had begun to notice when Syr/Freya would begin wearing a mask and when she wouldn't.

With him actively trying to analyze Freya's true personality, it was only natural Bell was able to pick up on this after all this time.

'If only she acted like this the entire time... well I'm sure I'll be able to do so in the future...'

...

..

.

On a tower that overlooked the scenery of Orario, there were two figures who stood at its top.

It was a windy night, a pleasant occurrence for the two as they waited for someone to arrive.

The two were the god Hermes, and his familia captain Asfi Al Andromeda.

The person they were waiting for. The Gray Ghost.

The three of them had been regularly meeting with one another ever since the Dolos familia incident for the express purpose of trading and exchanging information about the criminal underworld of Orario.

With his various acts of vigilante justice as the Gray Ghost patrolled Orario, Bell would report these criminals to Hermes for the Ganesha Familia, the guild, or even his familia to detain for arrest.

Bell would then request information he needed from the two in exchange for his services and any information he could provide as well.

None outside of these three knew about their private meetings, going to great lengths to make sure they weren't being watched or would be caught.

A trio that ran a web of information in order to manipulate criminals into their end.

"He's late..."

Hermes said as he sat on the roof of the tower, holding his hat so that it wouldn't be blown away in the wind.

"So it would seem Lord Hermes"

Asfi replied back in nonchalance. Though she was known for always wanting strict punctuality, the Gray Ghost had lessened her workload tremendously with his numerous patrols, so she began becoming lenient with him, a treatment no one else prior had received from the adventurer.

"That's unfair Asfi~ How come you're so considerate with Gray Ghost but so violent with me?!~"

Hermes replied in annoyance, bearing the violent outbursts of his captain, he couldn't help but protest the favoritism she displayed.

"It's because he actively makes my life easier and better. I would be remiss if I didn't treat him better after all that...unlike you"

Asfi replied, glaring in pure disdain at her god who constantly piled work on her desk.

And with the sensitive nature of all the tasks Hermes gave Asfi, she couldn't just deny them without it weighing on her conscience.

"Tch- Just admit you prefer your item-maker boyfriend over your own god, Asfi-"

Hermes would sometimes be too busy to attend the meetings his familia had with the Gray Ghost, so Asfi would attend them by herself.

Beyond the exchange of information, Hermes knew Asfia talked a lot with the Gray Ghost about item creation and ideas for new items extensively.

After she found that the vigilante was more amicable than expected, she didn't hesitate to let her curiosity all out. Though there were some questions that were answered like the nature of his abilities and the intricacies of his invisibility magic item, Asfi still enjoyed their conversations a lot.

"W-we're not like that Lord Hermes!- Get your mind out of the gutter!-"

Asfi bashfully replied at the accusation Hermes had made, to which the god only smugly replied.

"Don't lie to me my dear Asfi~ I could feel your INTENSE and BURNING emotions through the excelia during your status update~"

Asfi inadvertently gained excelia for her various item-making Development Abilities as she talked with Bell.

The introduction and discussions of various innovative ideas classified as training for her unique skillset, and thus Hermes could vaguely sense what had happened from the excelia gained during those moments.

Asfi pushed to the edge of the embarrassment she was willing to endure, prepared to strike at Hermes but was interrupted by the Gray Ghost's arrival.

"Sorry for arriving late Lord Hermes, Asfia, had some business to attend to..."

Hermes and Asfi soon turned their heads toward where Bell arrived.

He had teleported from where he was to their current meeting point, the two had already gotten used to his sudden arrivals, but thought it was due to invisibility and not teleportation.

Hermes, finding an escape from a beating by his familia captain, quickly replied.

"Ah! Gray Ghost! No worries, no worries, we were just...hm?"

Hermes began smelling a pleasant odor around Bell, not a perfume, more like...

"Food? Did you just come from eating Gray Ghost?"

The aroma of spices and herbs stuck to Bell's body and Hermes questioned it once he noticed it.

"Hm? Oh, I just came back from cooking my dinner. Sorry about that"

Bell replied but was only met with silence, the pair of the Hermes familia seemingly shocked at what he had just said.

"Is it that hard to believe? I may be a vigilante, but I get hungry too"

Snapping out of their daze, Hermes jokingly replied.

"Oh- It's just...with the image of a no-nonsense crime fighter you put up, it's hard to remember that you're still a regular person behind the mask HAHAHAHA"

Hearing the explanation, Bell could only reply with a sigh.

"I mean, I get it, I would be weirded out too if I found out someone like Ottar had a hobby of collecting stuffed toys or something"

Ottar, high up in Folkvangr, couldn't help but feel like he was just insulted right now.

"But still...you cook huh?...."

Hermes smiled at the chance he saw in front of him.

"Strong and able to cook? You'd make a great husband for sure Mr. Gray Ghost! So tell me~ Do you have any preference for a wife?-"

But before Hermes could continue, Asfi kicked him in the side, tumbling down the edge of the tower as he did.

"...will he be alright Asfi?..."

Bell asked in concern.

"No worries Gray Ghost, there's a balcony a few floors beneath where he fell. He'll be fine"

Asfi replied as if nothing was wrong with what she had done.

"o-oh"

Bell made a solemn vow in his heart to not get on Asfi's bad side, but little did he know, he was already someone she deeply respected...and admired.

...

..

.

"So you want some information on the Soma familia?"

Said Hermes, a bandage wrapped over his face.

"Yeah, if you could please"

Replied back Bell.

The trio had already gone through their exchanging of information regarding the criminal activity within the dungeon city, and now we're discussing Bell's request for the Hermes familia.

"I believe we have some records on their dealings...but we'll have to send out agents to renew them since it has been quite a while...It might take some time. Will that be alright Ghost?"

Asfi said in response to Bell's request.

As a familia that dealt with information, they took great pride in the verified authenticity of the information they give.

"That will be alright, there's no need to rush"

Bell replied, he wasn't in urgent need of the information, he simply needed it depending on what would happen with Lili.

Seeing the Gray Ghost being concerned with the Soma familia, Hermes couldn't help but ask why he was suddenly interested in them.

"Did you pick up on something with the Soma familia, Ghost? Anything we can help with beyond information?"

Though Hermes didn't know the Gray Ghost's identity, he fully trusted that he only wished for the best for Orario, and his ideals matched up well with his, so he didn't have trouble providing cooperation whenever.

"As of now, I can't confirm anything. I can handle most of the stuff that I do know, so it would be best to simply wait. I'll be enough for the smaller stuff"

Bell replied to dissuade Hermes' fears. Hermes felt Bell was hiding more, but knowing the Gray Ghost wouldn't do anything risky, he decided to not push the issue.

"Alright. Well, if that will be all then I guess me and Asfi will move back to our familia base. Have a good night Ghost!"

Hermes said as he began approaching the ledge of the roof.

"Have a good rest Ghost"

Asfi said as she passed by Bell with a smile on her face, following after her god.

"You too as well"

Replied Bell.

Hermes and Asfi then took off into the sky, Hermes being carried by Asfi as she activated her flying boots magic item.

Seeing the pair fly off into the night sky, Bell began pondering over his true intentions for investigating the Soma familia.

'If my hunch is correct...then Dionysus might've been sabotaging and secretly manipulating the Soma familia...'

Dionysus and Soma were the two major makers of alcoholic beverages in Orario.

The two were naturally business rivals. But where Soma was simply a god who wished to perfect his alcohol-making skills...Dionysus...was a remnant god of Evilus who wished to plunge Orario and the world into chaos...for his own sick pleasure.

'Such a plotline wasn't featured in the show. But knowing how Dionysus used his funds and influence to orchestrate the events of Sword Oratoria...It wouldn't make sense if he didn't do anything to his main business rival Soma...'

If Dionysus were to manipulate the working of the Soma familia in his favor, he would be able to accrue more funds from his legitimate business for Evilus.

'I was able to find out he was planning on growing the Dolos familia for his own goals...if I find a connection between him and the Soma familia, I'll immediately deal with it...any chance to put Enyo's plans into disarray will always be welcomed'

Bell knew he couldn't just deal with Dionysus in a head-on confrontation.

His familia captain, Filvis, was an opponent she couldn't deal with at this moment, and along with the other creatures he had developed, it would be a losing battle for Bell.

'So I'll simply mess with his plans indirectly, cutting off most of his chances to propagate chaos and grow his operations'

Bell resolved in his heart.

But this alone wasn't the reason for wanting information on the Soma familia.

'This is also for Lili...if she accepts my proposal to become stronger'

Bell wanted to increase the strength of Lili as an adventurer, though she was described as having no talent for adventuring, Bell couldn't help but doubt such a conclusion.

'After all... she's the reincarnation of the goddess of Pallums...a hero who fought against great monsters before the age of heroes was ushered in by Argonaut...the knight Fianna....'

The knight Fianna. Leader of the band of warriors called the "The Knights of Fianna" who became famous in a long past age for their strength and bravery.

She fought with strength and ferocity which made entire kingdoms tremble in fear of her presence, even the king of the country she swore to serve.

She was contracted with the spirit Finegas. Blessed with the strength of her contracted spirit, along with her innate talent, Fianna fought on a level comparable to a high-end level five or early level 6, in a time when such strength was near impossible to obtain.

She was cursed as a with for her battle prowess, even being compared to a one-man army since she was able to hold off a hundred high-leveled monsters called Fomoires by herself.

Fianna became so legendary and revered during her life as a mortal that she became deified by Pallums the world over as their goddess and symbol of strength, a moniker that persists to the present-day of Danmachi.

'Most people might say that she simply didn't inherit the talents of her past life...except...talents do persist through reincarnation...'

Bell grew skills relating to his past as Argonaut the hero.

Finn grew skills relating to his past as Dim, the leader of the Fianna Knights after Fianna.

The same goes for characters like Lefiya, Tione, Ryuu, Welf, and so many more.

And yet...

'Only Lili doesn't have inherited talent from her past life...'

It was something that confused Bell greatly.

'The only thing that is tangentially related to Lili's past life is her magic Cinder Ella, 'cause Fianna always wanted to change the appearance people saw her as. From a powerful warrior to a regular girl.

'But just one magic?... I refuse to believe that is the extent of the talent Lili can inherit'

'I'm sure of it... Fianna was known for a power that was kept deep within her soul... a power which allowed her to fight so powerfully...one so potent, that even Dim who merely inherited its leftovers, was able to manifest it in his reincarnation via the skill "Dia Fianna"...'

Bell was confident that the same power Fianna had in her soul...Lili had as well...it simply needed to be awakened, and he knew exactly how it could manifest.

'And this is why I need information...if Lili accepts my plan to allow her to grow...I will orchestrate the perfect scenario to let her grow...to manifest the skill which made her so revered...'

「Bloodfury Spear」

...

..

.

In the ruins district of Orario, amidst a sea of broken buildings, there stood a singular one in particular which was hidden behind many other buildings.

In the darkness of the night, that building alone was the only one that gave off faint traces of life and activity.

It was the secret base Bell had built for himself, who was now housing the recovering Lili.

"Thank you for the food Ghost!"

Lili said as she finished devouring her mood, her smile radiating.

She was still recovering from her years of malnourishment and mistreatment, but with the near-professional care of Bell, Lili was steadily making a recovery, transforming from a thin and wounded mess to how she should be physically at her age.

"It's alright Lili, I'm glad you could enjoy the food"

Bell replied whilst wearing his Gray Ghost attire, picking up the dishes at the table to prepare to clean them up.

Lili many times offered to help out, but Bell simply said for her to focus on recovering physically and mentally.

Seeing how naturally Bell took the chores upon himself, Lili, now recovering her personality from her unfeeling and broken one, began to pout and think to herself.

'Honestly...Lord Ghost should stop being so concerned about me...I appreciate it, but I would like to help him out as well'

Lili wanted to repay Bell for how much he did for her, though she was still having trouble expressing her true thoughts, something which differed herself from the story.

Bell began to wash the dishes, removing the armor around his hands to do so properly.

Lili watched as he diligently did the chores with proficiency, her eyes hazing a bit in admiration.

'Seeing Lord Ghost do so much... seeing how kind...and tall...and strong he is...it warms my heart'

Lili was a maiden in love.

Experiencing such a fairy tale encounter, and knowing how kind and patient he was in caring for her, in spite of the difficulties it posed. Lili fell in love with all those qualities.

'I want to become closer to him...but I feel like I shouldn't...there must be a reason why he's hiding his face and identity from me...'

Lili was bothered by how Bell kept on his mask and attire whenever he was around her.

She trusted that Bell was doing so for a reason, but it still didn't diminish her desire, something which she reignited under his care.

'What can I do to get him to trust me?... I'm sure he does, but how do I get him to trust me even more...'

Lili began to ponder deeply on she could accomplish such a goal, not realizing Bell had finished while she was thinking, and was now approaching her.

"Pompf-"

"What exactly are you thinking about so deeply there Lili?~"

Bell said as she ruffled Lili's hair with a head pat, the two had gotten close enough where such behavior was normal.

"mmmm~"

Lili, under the assault of Bell's head pat, snapped out of her ponderings and began mumbling noises in defiance of Bell's head pat.

"Ghoostt~~"

Seeing the struggling girl, Bell couldn't help but laugh at her futile attempt at retaliation.

"HAHAHAHA. Stop having such a strained expression and I'll consider stopping"

Lili blushed as he continued to rub her head. She didn't dislike the sensation, she actually really liked it, but for her goal of getting Bell to trust her more, she couldn't just accept his pampering so easily... even though she wanted to.

"mmmm~ fine!"

Hearing Lili comply with his demands, Bell lightly chuckled before taking his hand off her head.

Lili missed the comforting feeling on the top of her head, but she knew it was the best for her plans.

But before she could set her plans into motion, Bell prepared to leave for the night.

"I'm sure you can handle the stuff after this Lili. Close the lights and tuck yourself to sleep after a few hours. Let the food digest. I'll be back tomorrow with ingredients for stew"

Bell gathered his things around the house.

Lili began to panic as she wanted to get closer to him tonight.

Bell was beginning to prepare his teleportation spell as he began to activate his mind.

"Goodnight Lili"

But just as Bell was about to invoke his magic.

「Transie-」

Lili called out to Bell.

"Lord Ghost! Wait!"

Hearing Lili call out to him, Bell canceled his spell.

"What is it, Lili?"

Lili stood in front of Bell, breathing in a deep breath as she shouted whilst moving quickly.

She was beginning to recover to normalcy, but she was still a bit weak.

Bell stood quietly as he waited for Lili, but when her eyes locked onto his, he could feel the intensity of her gaze.

"Lord Ghost...I want to pay you back"

Hearing what Lili said, Bell sighed as he prepared to speak once again what he always did.

"Lili...there's no need for you to pay me back...in fact, I would be happy if you can just live happily and rest like this..."

These were Bell's honest thoughts.

He planned for Lili's possible new strength, but it wasn't completely necessary for his plans.

Even if Lili were to become a supporter like in the story, Bell didn't need her services for a while, and even then, she wasn't necessary for such a role.

Bell only wished for Lili to be happy. For all the happiness he gave him in his past life as he watched and read the story of Danmachi, he was plenty happy with Lili living her life as a normal girl.

He didn't want to force Lili into adventuring for his sake.

But Lili cut off his thoughts with a firm resolve.

"I get it, Lord Ghost...you're worried I might be pushing myself for your sake..."

Bell listened as Lili spoke, the determination and emotion she conveyed were not something he could just ignore.

"I'm grateful you're so thoughtful with me...I grew up only being exploited for other people's profits...so seeing you so selflessly care for me... it's the best blessing I could ever wish for.."

Small tears began appearing at the edge of Lili's eyes, the product of all her positive emotions with Bell.

"But when you saved me, Lord Ghost...you gave me a chance... a chance to be better than the person I was...the person I became to selfishly continue living..."

Hearing Lili admonish herself for what she did, he wanted to say she was wrong, but she continued speaking before he could.

"So I want to be better. I don't want to live a life of lies and deceit...I want to become true...honest...so I'll be honest with you Lord Ghost!-"

Lili gazed directly into Bell.

"I know there is something you want from me!-"

Bell flinched, he wondered how did Lili pick up on it? Perhaps it may just be her instincts or the general flow of situations like these, but whatever it is, he was caught.

"There's something I can do to repay you...something you would be relieved if I did....so please tell me, Lord Ghost...I want to improve myself...if not for you...then for my sake...my pride in this new life you have given me"

Lili clutched her chest as she declared her desire.

Bell simply sighed, he was thoroughly persuaded by Lili.

Though this wasn't what he wanted, he did smile knowing that Lili was able to grow from the broken girl she once was.

"There is something I wished to ask of you Lili...No matter what it is...will you still push through with it?"

Bell replied to the Pallum girl in a serious tone.

Noticing the tension, Lili gulped, but she nodded her head. She wouldn't run away from this challenge.

"...fine...I intend to save the world, Lili"

Lili paused as she processed what she heard.

'Save...the world?...'

Lili looked at Bell. He didn't waver at her look, confirming his seriousness.

Had it been anyone else, Lili would've laughed it off as the rambling of an idiot with stars in their eyes, but Lili experienced Bell's heroism firsthand.

She naturally knew the stories Bell produced as she worked in the dungeon as a supporter for hire. So she didn't doubt his capabilities even for a moment.

Seeing that Lili didn't condemn nor question Bell's ambition, he continued.

"And I require comrades who will fight alongside me in pursuit of my goals...you are one such candidate Lili"

Hearing that her savior considered her for such a position, Lili was ecstatic and wanted to accept, but Bell cut her off.

"But...your potential is not yet confirmed"

Lili's excitement died down in an instant. Memories of her familia stating her prowess as an adventurer weren't high flashed through her mind. Her recollection dampened her even further.

"I'm sure you know...but you don't have much outward potential for adventuring..."

Hearing Bell's confirmation, Lili began to get a little sad. Being rejected even when given the chance to renew herself stung deep for the Pallum.

'So...nothing has changed...'

But before she fell into a depression, Bell once again cut her off.

"But-"

Hearing Bell continues, Lili began to focus again on what he was going to say.

"The possibility is small, but it exists...the chance for you to become strong"

Lili remained quiet as Bell spoke.

"It will be a hard path to follow. Nothing short of satisfactory will be expected of you always. Pain and suffering will be prominent. Despair and dread even more so..."

"But if you accept to walk down this bloody path of thorns by my side without hesitation...I will make you into a comrade I will trust with my life"

Bell reached out his open hand to Lili.

"Become the spear through which I conquer my battlefields and fell my enemies, Liliruca Arde. Heed my will and obey my reason. Let my ambition strengthen your body and let your blade define my destiny"

"Do you accept to join me through hell and beyond?"

Lili was silent as she heard what Bell spoke.

She knew this moment would irreparably define her destiny moving forward.

The weight of each word spoken was felt clearly by Lili.

But...

Though she was staring into a path of no return...

'If it means I can stand by his side...'

Lili took Bell's hands into her own, looking clearly into his eyes.

"I swear...I will become the sharpest spear you will ever know...no matter the enemy...no matter the army...no matter the battlefield...I swear to be by your side through it all!"

A cold breeze flew into the room as the oath was sworn.

With the heavens and earth as her witness, Lili was now bound by fate to the journey Bell undertook.

Such was the moment Bell's unbreakable spear was forged

Such was the moment...「The Unfallen Knight」 was born.

Authors Note:

Thanks for reading the chapter!

Hope you enjoyed the direction I had in mind for Lili, along with the reasonings for why.

Fanfics I read would always tend to focus on improving Lili's artel assist ability to make her stronger, but I believe her past life as Fianna isn't utilized much at all. There are a lot of areas through which Lili can be explored if Fianna was taken into consideration, and that's what I'm planning to do in this fanfic.

Try and give your guesses as to what kind of spear Lili will utilize in her training. I already have one in mind, and I wanna see if anyone will be able to guess it.

The next chapter will detail Lili's training arc, as well as the introduction of more characters, from the main cast. Hope you look forward to it!

P.S. please mention any spelling mistakes I might've made while writing. I really appreciate it!