As the evening settled over Orario, the streets glowed under the lantern lights, casting long shadows along the towering buildings. Felis, on his usual final patrol of the upper floors, halted his steps at the sight before him.
Sitting alone on the steps of Babel Tower, Bell hunched forward, clumsily wrapping a bandage around his shoulder. His white hair was slightly disheveled, his jacket stained with dust and traces of blood. The way his hands trembled ever so slightly told Felis all he needed to know—Bell had just gotten his first real taste of the dungeon's brutality.
Felis approached without a word, stopping just a few steps away. "So," he said evenly, his tone devoid of mockery, merely stating a fact. "How's the taste of reality?"
Bell flinched slightly, looking up in surprise before his expression shifted into something uncertain. He hesitated, as if trying to find the right words, before finally exhaling a breath. "It… hurts a lot more than I thought," he admitted, tightening the bandage. "I thought I was ready, but the dungeon is… different. Faster. More terrifying." His voice wavered, but there was no despair—just the raw realization of how small he was in the grand scheme of things.
Felis gave a slow nod. At least he was self-aware. "If you already understand that much," he said, crouching down slightly, "then do me a favor. When you see Eina later, thank her for her advice… and apologize for making her worry. She's a responsible advisor, but she worries too much."
Bell blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Eina-san…?" He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I-I know I should, but… I feel kind of guilty. She warned me so many times, and I still ran headfirst into trouble." He gave a weak chuckle, though the guilt in his eyes was evident.
Felis exhaled through his nose before lifting a hand. A faint glow enveloped his fingers, and in the next moment, a soft, blue light spread over Bell's injured shoulder. The warm sensation of Aqua Benedicta washed away the pain, sealing the wound in mere seconds.
Bell's eyes widened. "W-Whoa…!" He flexed his arm, touching the spot where the injury had been. "That's amazing…"
Felis straightened, his golden eyes steady. "Follow her advice, and you'll live longer in the dungeon." He turned, already resuming his patrol. "I still have work to do. Stay alive, kid."
Bell remained seated, watching Felis' retreating figure in silence before clenching his fists. His resolve had been shaken today—but it wasn't broken. If anything, the pain had only made his desire to grow even stronger.
---
The guild hall had quieted down since the morning rush, leaving only a handful of adventurers finishing their business. Eina Tulle was sorting through paperwork when the sound of hesitant footsteps reached her ears. Looking up, she immediately recognized the white-haired boy from that morning—only now, he looked worse for wear.
His clothes were dirty, faint traces of blood staining his jacket, and despite his best efforts to stand straight, there was a clear stiffness in his movements.
"…Bell Cranel," she said, her voice carrying both familiarity and mild exasperation.
Bell winced at the tone. "Uh… I came to report my trip to the dungeon."
Eina exhaled through her nose. "You went," she stated flatly.
Bell scratched his cheek. "Yeah…"
Silence stretched between them for a moment before—
"I told you it was dangerous."
Bell flinched. He'd expected this, but it didn't make the scolding any easier. "I-I know…" he muttered. "But I couldn't just… not go."
Eina pinched the bridge of her nose. "And?"
Bell hesitated before admitting, "It was a lot worse than I thought."
Her gaze softened—just a little.
Bell let out a weak chuckle. "The monsters were faster, stronger… I barely managed to fight them off. I even got hurt." He rubbed his arm, then perked up slightly. "But, um… someone helped me."
Eina raised an eyebrow. "Helped you?"
Bell nodded. "Felis-san."
Eina blinked. "Felis Veltheris?"
Bell gave a sheepish laugh. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised you knew who I meant. He, uh… told me to thank you. And to apologize for making you worry."
Eina stiffened for a moment, before letting out a slow sigh. "Of course he would say that." She shot Bell a sharp look. "The fact that he told you to apologize means you really did make me worry."
Bell shrank under her gaze. "I really am sorry…"
Eina studied him for a long moment before shaking her head. "What am I going to do with you?" She reached into her desk, pulling out a few documents. "Since you're still alive, I assume you want to keep going?"
Bell's expression turned determined. "Yes."
Eina adjusted her glasses, her tone firm. "Then at least do it properly. Come back tomorrow—I'll teach you what you need to know."
Bell's eyes widened. "You will?"
Eina crossed her arms. "If you insist on risking your life, the least I can do is make sure you don't die because you don't know any better."
Bell chuckled nervously. "I-I'll do my best."
Eina sighed but allowed a small smile. "See that you do."
As Bell left the Guild that night, he felt a little more prepared—and maybe just a bit less alone in Orario.
---
Bloom moon 4
The air in the dungeon was cool and damp, the faint glow of magic stones embedded in the walls casting eerie shadows along the rugged pathways. Felis moved with practiced ease, his steps soundless as he and Narissa made their way toward the tenth floor.
But just as they passed through the second floor, his ears twitched.
A struggle. The distinct sound of steel clashing against claws.
Felis' golden eyes flicked toward the source—and there he was.
Bell Cranel, a lone white-haired boy, stood in a tense stance, fending off a snarling Kobold. His posture was decent, if a bit unpolished, his movements driven by raw instinct rather than refined skill. But it wasn't the fight in front of Bell that concerned Felis—it was the danger creeping up from behind.
A goblin, crouched low, sharp claws poised to strike at Bell's exposed back.
Felis moved before thinking. His hand dipped to his belt, pulling free a simple yet familiar dagger—his very first weapon, the one he had bought alongside Eina. Though Welf had done his best to keep it sharp, it was no longer reliable for the deeper floors.
With a flick of his wrist, the dagger spun through the air. A sharp whistle cut through the cavern.
Thuck.
The goblin froze mid-step, a faint gurgle escaping as the blade buried itself into its throat. A heartbeat later, its body flickered, dissolving into black ash.
Bell jolted at the sudden attack, his crimson eyes darting toward Felis.
"Don't get distracted," Felis warned coolly.
The Kobold snarled, seeing its prey hesitate. But Bell, snapping back to the present, gritted his teeth and lunged. His dagger found its mark, slicing deep into the monster's neck. With a final pained yelp, the beast collapsed before vanishing into dust.
Panting lightly, Bell turned toward Felis once more before his gaze shifted to the fallen dagger. He hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, bending down to retrieve it.
"Um, here—" he started, holding it out.
Felis, however, shook his head. "Keep it."
Bell blinked in surprise. "Eh? But—"
"That thing's useless past the upper floors. Even after Welf sharpened it, it can't keep up anymore," Felis said simply. "Might as well give it to someone who'll get some use out of it."
Still, Bell hesitated. "But I can't just—"
"Consider it an investment," Felis cut in, his golden eyes glinting with quiet amusement. "Maybe if you prove yourself, I'll even recommend you to my Familia."
Bell's breath hitched. His hands instinctively tightened around the dagger's hilt. "You mean it…?"
Felis merely shrugged, already turning on his heel. "That depends on you, doesn't it?"
With that, he resumed his descent into the dungeon, Narissa following beside him without a word sparing Bell only a brief nod as she passed—a simple acknowledgment, nothing more.
Bell remained standing for a moment, watching their retreating figures. His grip on the dagger grew firm, a newfound determination settling in his chest.
This wasn't just a handout—it was a challenge.
And he intended to prove himself worthy of it.
---
The faint glow of the dungeon's magic stones flickered as Felis and Narissa arrived on the 10th floor. The air here was thick with a damp, earthy scent, and the shadows cast by the towering walls seemed to grow darker the further they ventured in. A familiar chill ran through the atmosphere, tingling along Narissa's skin as they moved deeper into the floor.
Narissa glanced at Felis, who was walking ahead with his usual calm, measured steps. The tension between them had been thick all day, but she couldn't help the curiosity bubbling within her.
"Felis," she began, breaking the silence, "about that white-haired boy from earlier... the one you helped. You seemed pretty interested in him. Who is he?" She paused for a moment, noticing the flicker of something in his eyes, before continuing, "Do you think he has a chance of joining our Familia?"
Felis didn't immediately answer, his golden eyes narrowing as he scanned the surroundings. He took a deep breath, then spoke in his usual cool tone. "That boy, huh..." He chuckled lightly. "He's got potential, no doubt. But he's clouded by nonsense. His ideals, his dreams—they're too pure, too naive. Only time will tell if that potential can shine or if it will dissolve into nothing. There's a difference between thinking you're ready and actually being ready."
That's something that he learned the hard way.
Narissa nodded slowly, processing his words. She couldn't help but feel a hint of sympathy for the boy. "I see," she murmured, but the thought was quickly interrupted by a low, rumbling growl. Her instincts kicked in, and she spun around, her eyes immediately locking onto the threat.
An Orc emerged from the darkness, its massive frame lumbering toward them. It was grunting, nostrils flaring as it spotted its prey. The stench of sweat and blood wafted through the air as its crude weapon—a jagged club—slammed against the stone floor with a deafening thud.
Felis took a slow step back, his eyes still glowing with an eerie calm. "It's yours, Narissa," he said flatly. "I'll only intervene if you're in grave danger."
Her breath hitched, but she nodded. I can do this.
The Orc charged, a monstrous force bearing down on her with terrifying speed.
"O light that never wavers… Lux Aeternum!"
A golden glow flared around her as Shield Form materialized. The barrier shimmered just as the club crashed into it. The impact sent a shockwave through her bones, but the shield held—barely.
Narissa darted to the side, boots skidding on the stone. Blade Form! She thrust her palm forward, unleashing a lance of radiant energy. The light tore into the Orc's thick hide, searing through flesh. It roared in pain, staggering backward, but it wasn't done.
She needed to keep moving. If it grabbed her, she was finished.
The Orc swung wildly, missing by inches as she twisted away. Another flick of her wrist, another blast of light—this one struck its shoulder, scorching through muscle. The beast howled, dropping to one knee.
Now!
Narissa dashed forward, Moonpiercer glinting as she slashed at its exposed throat. The dagger wasn't as strong as a longsword, but Fulgor Familiae made it bite deeper. Blood sprayed, and the Orc gurgled before collapsing into black ash.
She exhaled sharply, sweat trickling down her neck. The rush of battle faded, but the weight of exhaustion settled in her limbs. She'd expended too much mana too quickly.
Felis gave her a single nod. "Not bad."
But there was no time to celebrate.
A high-pitched screech echoed through the cavern. A blast of searing heat roared toward them.
Infant Dragon.
Narissa barely had a second to react before flames engulfed the space where she had been standing. She dove aside, rolling to her feet as the monstrous creature flapped its wings, gliding into position with a powerful kick-off from the rocks above.
The dragon was smaller than a full-grown one, but still faster and deadlier than any Orc. Its crimson scales shimmered in the dim light, steam rising from its fanged maw.
Felis didn't move. He was watching. Waiting.
This was her fight.
Narissa's breath came fast.
'I can't get hit by that fire.'
The dragon's throat swelled again. Another breath attack was coming.
"Shield Form!"
The golden barrier flared just in time. The firestorm crashed against it, sending waves of heat licking at her skin. Sparks danced around her, the sheer force pressing down like a weight on her entire body.
Cracks splintered across the shield's surface. It wouldn't last another hit like that.
The dragon kicked off the ground, its wings spreading as it glided sideways, closing the gap faster than she expected.
Narissa barely ducked in time as claws raked the air where her head had been. If that hit, she would've been torn apart.
She had to move. She had to strike first.
"Blade Form!"
A burst of light shot toward the dragon, striking its flank. It snarled but didn't go down—its scales were too thick.
It lunged again, this time using its wings to shift mid-charge, altering its attack angle.
She leapt back, barely dodging the swipe. But the tail!
Crack!
Pain exploded across her ribs as the tail struck, sending her stumbling.
Narissa bit back a cry, rolling to absorb the impact. Her shield was gone.
No time to hesitate.
The dragon's throat swelled again—another fire breath incoming.
She sprinted forward before it could unleash it, closing the distance.
"Blade Form!"
She fired at its open maw. The attack detonated inside its mouth, making it stagger back with a shriek.
Now!
Narissa threw Moonpiercer, aiming for the dragon's eye.
The dagger struck true, sinking into the soft, vulnerable flesh. The dragon shrieked, its body thrashing wildly in pain.
But it wasn't dead.
Even half-blind, it was still a dragon—still a deadly predator.
With a furious roar, it lunged blindly, its claws tearing through the air. Narissa barely managed to duck and roll, feeling the heat of its breath scorch the ground behind her.
Her vision blurred. She was drained, her body screaming for rest. Her magic was gone. Only her willpower kept her moving.
One more. Just one more spell.
She clenched her fists, summoning every last drop of magic left in her body.
"Blade Form!"
A final ray of searing light burst from her fingertips—her strongest shot yet.
It punched through the dragon's open maw, searing through its throat and out the back of its skull.
The beast stiffened, its jaws parting in a silent, choked scream. Then, its massive body collapsed, twitching once before turning into black ash.
Narissa stood over the dissolving remains of the Infant Dragon, chest rising and falling in exhausted heaves. Her limbs trembled, the strain of expending all her magic pressing down like an unbearable weight. She had pushed herself to the very edge—too close to Mind Down for comfort.
Felis approached, his golden eyes sweeping over her state before flicking toward the vanishing monster. "Barely managed it, huh?" he mused, arms crossed.
Narissa let out a dry laugh, wobbling slightly as she tried to steady herself. "You really weren't going to step in, were you?"
"Not unless you were about to die," he admitted. "And you weren't. But you're done for now. Sit."
She wanted to protest, but the sheer weight of exhaustion won over pride. Narissa sank onto a nearby rock, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. Her magic was completely drained, her body sluggish from the overuse of magic.
Felis crouched beside her, flicking her forehead lightly. "You're not collapsing into Mind Down, so you'll recover with rest. But next time, be smarter about your magic usage. No wasting energy just because you're desperate."
She groaned, rubbing the spot he flicked. "I know… I just—"
"—got reckless," he finished for her. "Yeah. But you lived. And you learned. That's enough for today."
Felis stayed nearby after casting Aqua Benedicta to heal her injuries, watchful as Narissa let herself breathe, allowing time to restore her mana naturally.