Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In The Morning, a 5 year old boy named Bell Cranel was playing among the village fields, imagining the adventures of the heroes that he had heard from his grandfather's stories. He stopped as he heard a ruffling noise from the bushes nearby, Bell turned his body immediately as He saw another boy that looks like at the age of 8 years old, stepped out of the bushes. The Boy was dirty, He had tan skin, dark brown eyes and black hair, He was wearing shorts and a shredded shirt. 

Before Bell could do anything, The Nameless Boy fall to the ground unconscious.

"EH-?!"

Sometime, Later.. The Boy opened his eyes and noticed an unknown ceiling before looking to his right to see An Old Muscular man with a beard and mustache looking down at him, along with a white haired boy much younger then his age. 

"Ah I see you're awake now.." The Old Man announced, as Bell came up to the boy.

"Are you alright..?" Bell asked him, with concern in his eyes. 

The Unknown boy nodded at him, which sent relief to Bell. As The Old Man looked at the boy with curiosity in his eyes. "What's your name, boy?..." 

This causes the boy to become silent for a moment before answering the old man question. 

"Ragnar.. Just Ragnar.."

Over the week, Ragnar was mostly a quiet boy but was seen with Bell most of the time. He was not adjusted to this strange environment as Much as Bell grandfather could tell at the very least. But Nevertheless, The two boys would play in the outskirts of the village at times, thanks to Bell on spmehou managing convincing Ragnar. On such occasions, Ragnar would smile a little when around Bell. 

Some of the villagers caught Ragnar playing with some of the animals around the village, or just sneaking out a snack of food as well. Other times, Ragnar would just climb one of the village tallest trees.

The Two boys had similar likings.

For one, The Two of them liked the stories of Heroes.

The two got along very well indeed.

They are both well mannered and kind as well.

Although, In little more that a month and a half later. Ragnar had completely opened up to Bell and The Old Man fully, accepting them as Non strangers to him, much to their and the Villagers delight as well. 

Ragnar proved to be an Happy and Optimistic Boy, that matches Bell But to prove to be more confident and determine when he had his mind set things straight.

Not to mention, The Boy had a love for food as well.

One day, Both Bell and Ragnar was just exploring the forest near the village. As there was a sudden earthquake, The Mountains begin to crack as Boulders fall down along the side of the great peak of rock and earth, forming a landslide. Bell looked up at Horror at this, while Ragnar narrowed his eyes at this before He wrapped his left arm around Bell and immediately carried him as He run away from where the landslide was at.

Bell was amazed by the speed that Ragnar was going at. Suddenly a boulder came through the air and heading towards them. 

As He turned around, Ragnar jumped in the air with his fist raised as He suddenly let out a battle cry yell from his mouth. "HAAAAAAAAAAAA-!!!!" 

His fist made an large impact at the Boulder, as it shattered into a thousand piece of rock and rubble. Bell looked at Ragnar with admiration and awe, As He couldn't believe that he possed such strength.

Ragnar noticed this before he smiled widely at Bell, with a joyful look. Before suddenly they crashed into a thick log of a tree.

After that, They made it back to the village with a couple of brusies. Which causes a shock to many of the villagers including Bell's Grandfather as well.

Bell told everything that happened, as Many of the People felt grateful for Ragnar's rescue. As Bell's only 'blood' relative look at Ragnar with a sudden interest but didn't say anything yet.

From there on, Ragnar begin to knock down large rocks and practicing hitting against thick logs of trees. As He had a sudden interest for battle and fighting now especially the course of the excitement as well.

Many in the village sweatdrop at this, briefly being reminded of a certain race. But Sometimes Bell would join in with Ragnar, so called 'Training' course.

It helped Bell to build a bit of muscle and stamina in him, But Ragnar decided to survive in the wild to test himself against the dangers. Much to Bell's shock, many tried to convince Ragnar to not do it but they all failed as no words reached Ragnar ears themselves.

But One thing for certain, That Ragnar has a brotherly concern and love for Bell.

Such as when the other children from the village tried to bully Bell, Ragnar came in and begin to  'Teach' them a lesson Much to Bell's shock of cry and horror. 

One Of The Old Elders had decided to take things into own hands and dragged Ragnar with Unusual Strength to Their Home, To teach some manners to the Boy.

Little did everyone know, That was a Kick-started to Ragnar's Unknown REAL Training.....

9 Years Later . . .

Standing on a Hill, looking over the view of Orario, The Dungeon City itself was two boys, One of them was wearing a brown coat with black patches on his shoulders including a few buttons, black leather pants with leather boots with a backpack also on his shoulders as his own eyes reflect the color of rubies, and while His hair was of pure white snow, Reflecting the colors of a rabbit. As He had the looks of a fourteen year old boy whose body has a bit of muscle.

While The Other one was 6'1 feet tall, dark brown hair at the tips almost black, as the length of the bangs of hair stops above his brown eyes as the backside of his head has a long ponytail that reaches his back. As His body had a very muscluar build, Especially built like a fighter. His face had not one inch of baby fat and childish looks, infact His face was incredible handsome and good looking as well, even the shape of his jaw was perfect to say the least. He was wearing leather boots, ragged pants that was a bit big that give his legs a lot of room to run in along with a hybrid belt-rope to keep it from slipping. He was also wearing a dark crimson blood worn-out trench coat, with it open exposing the shirt he was wearing. Not to mention, He also have a backpack on his shoulders as well, With a Handle Of some kind of sword sticking out of the backpack top.

"I can't believe it that we're here, Bell.." The Older Male Mutters with a small smile.

"Uh huh! I'm quite nervous myself actually… I don't get it on why you aren't nervous yourself, Ragnar..!" Bell asked as He looked at Ragnar with a curious look.

Ranger let out a chuckle before putting his arm over Bell's shoulder. "Bell, You should know that I am nervous but I can't let stop me, Nor should it stop you… the question is, Are you ready to start the adventure of our lives..?" He asked him, with a grin appearing on his face.

Bell mouth slightly open at the sight of Ragnar's question. He closed it with a nod filled of resolve despite the shakiness of his own smile. 

The two of them begin to walk down the snall hill and headed towards the City Of Orario. As They also headed towards the Gates Of Orario too, as Uneasiness and Anxiety filled Bell's Own very body, trembling with every step that took him closer to the gates. Everything that He had been aiming for, is right in front of him, as He saw people with carriages and wagons coming in and out of The City Gates. Resembling on how busy Orario really is as a result.

Bell And Ragnar finally came up to the Gate Of Orario as Bell saw a glimpse of the life in the city beyond the Gates and Walls. He sucked in a small breath, as He could feel the anticipation coming along.

Of course, Two of then had filled out paperwork with the city guards and payed 60,000 Valis for Permanent residence here for the two of them. As the Guards let them pass the gates, as a small formed on The Young Boy's face immediately. For the first time, Bell saw the Dungeon City of Orario for the first time in his life.

There many species and races everywhere, Elves, Dwarves, Pallium, Humans, Etc. As Bell looked up and saw The Babel Tower, His eyes was at awe at the sight of it.

"Woah…" Ragnar Mutters underneath his breath, as Bell couldn't help but agree with that statement.

Both know that they'll have to find a Familia first, In order to become adventurers. That was a fact that their Grandfather had Drilled into their heads. One doesn't go into the dungeon without a falna blessing.

Ragnar turned to look at Bell, "I think we should start asking the lower smaller Familias first. It's likely we'll just get no luck with the Bigger Ones…" He told Him with sigh escaping him.

Bell winched at Those words, But He couldn't help to find them to be true. "Y-Yeah, You're right about that..Do you any ideas where to find one..?"

"Nope, We just wander around and look for a god and goddess to ask to join their Familias…" Ragnar answered with a smile as He started to walk into the streets of Orario, leaving a stunned Bell before immediately following him.

"Hold on! Shouldn't we at least go to the Guild to a-ask for a list of the Familias here!?..." 

"Tch, no that's for later. Besides does the guild have every location of Goddess and Gods in The City?..." 

"H-ha… you got a good point about that.."

"I know I do, Bell.. besides Luck is on our side! I can feel it in my body!..." Ragnar exciting says with a large optimistic grin. Which made Bell feel more at ease, despite the impossible hidden in his words.

And so the Two of them walk around the streets of Orario, searching for a familia Until Their stomaches begin to rumble, much to their embarrassment at least.

Ragnar sighed at this, Knowing his own love for Food. He looked down at his own leather pouch that contains 60,000 Valis, thanks to his own hard labor chopping (Rather Knocking) down trees to give lumber to Other Nearby Villages, Also doing Delivery supplies every occasion then much to He admitted then. He gained a smile as He looked at Bell. "Hey, Why don't we get some lunch for now, Eh?.." 

"Alright… Look there are food stands over there.." Bell says as He noticed the food stands that he had mention. As Ragnar followed his gaze and saw them as well.

Ragnar bite his tongue, to keep himself from drooling at the sight of the Food coming from the stands. Sometimes He wonders if a Guy like him could still ever be this fit despite his love for food. The two walked over towards the food stands, wondering on what to get. As Ragnar says, "Well Anyways I guess.. It's better we get a full stomach instead of a empty one before continuing on looking for a familia-" 

"DID YOU SAY YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A FAMILIA!" A Woman's voice interrupted Ragnar.

Both Bell and Ragnar looked over to see a Goddess at The Potato Snack Stand. The Reason that the two could tell it was a goddess, was because all deities had a divine aura around them, mortals could tell who they were right away, according to what the rumours say that some can hid their aura to pass on as an regular mortal like any other.

The Goddess appearance was a bit surprising for Ragnar, She was shorter then Bell as He can then. She was also wearing a mini white dress with a blue string ribbon that wraps around her neck that also goes underneath her breasts. She had blue eyes and long black hair as well. She had an excited look on her face as she stared at the two of them.

She suddenly looked a bit embarrassed before recomposing herself and asked, "You two are looking for a familia, Correct?.."

Bell and Ragnar looked at each other, looking eagerly to join right now before looking at her as they both say, ""Yes!""

Later on, The Two stood in a basement of an abandoned run down church that had one bedroom, small "living room' with a couch. A small kitchen area and also a bathroom. Ragnar looked a bit hesitant, while Bell looked around with a bit of awe which was quite the opposite of Ragnar's look.

"I know it's not much…but hehehe.. it still has running water at least…!" Hestia tries to be optimistic and says with a weak smile.

"It's Perfect Goddess Hestia!" Bell says with a smile as Ragnar shrugged in acceptance.

Hestia smiled as She went over to the bed in the single room, as she sit on it and patted a spot next to her. "Well! Who's going first!.." 

Bell immediately goes toward Goddess Hestia, As Ragnar leaned by the doorway, He watched Bell took off his jacket and shirt off, laying down on his front side. only for goddess hestia to take out a knife and poke one of her fingers, letting out a trace of her own blood onto Bell's Back. Once that was done, Hestia placed a piece of parchment onto Bell's back where she traced her finger and pulled it back, leaving several words and numbers on it

Hestia smiled after she was done, grabbing the parchment as she watches Bell sits up, "Here you go Bell..!" 

Bell took the Paper with grace before looking at it

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Race: Human

Strength: I0

Defense: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

Magic:

Skills:

-Status-

Bell eyes sparked at the sight of it, as Hestia turned to Ragnar with a grin on her face. "Now you!"

With a reluctant sigh, Ragnar got onto the Bed with him taking his backpack off and leaving it in the main room after Bell had gotten off and sitted in a nearby chair.

After a few moments of Hestia giving him her blessing, Her eyes nearly widened at the sight of the parchment. "U-uh Ragnar…?" She slowly says as She lifted the paper up.

Ragnar turned to look at her with a confused look that Bell also shared. He grabbed the paper and look at it

-Status-

Ragnar Cranel

Level 1

Race: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Strength: I0

Defense: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

Magic:

(Open)

Skills:

Berserker: Rising Warrior. Activates When Conditions are Met.

-Status-

His eyes nearly popped at the sight of the skill as His jaw dropped, and so did Bell's once he got the sight of it.

Ragnar slowly looked up at Bell and Hesita, But suddenly a large grin appears on his face. 

"Guess that means, I'm gonna have a bad time with the monsters then since this is a mysterious skill…!" He joked As Hestia looked at Him with a deadpan stare.

Bell looked at the sight before saying, "I don't understand about the unknown race… you clearly look human, Ragnar…" 

Hearing that, Made Ragnar scratches his chin in confusion. "Yeah it doesn't make any sense to me either especially there's nothing on what it says about Beserker does?…"

"This is all strange for me either…" Hestia Mutters as she stared at the scribble at ['Race']. 

"It's best not worry about it for now, We can save that later for another day…" Bell suggested while Ragnar and Hestia agrees with him.

Ragnar standed up and stretches his arms, as He let out a yawn. "Welp I'm going to take the floor tonight, So both of you could have the couch and the bed here…alright!" He says with a reassuring smile towards his adoptive brother and Hestia.

"H-hey! There's no need for that's..!" Hestia protested as She felt bad for one of her now children to sleep on the floor. 

"No, I insist! Besides I don't mind it at all!" Ragnar reassures her as He grabbed his backpack, opening it as He took out a bed roll, along with a pillow. With that, He begin to prepare his 'bed' for the night.

Hestia looked defeated as Bell chuckles nervously. "Sorry Goddess Hestia, Once Ragnar is set on something… he won't change his mind.." 

"Yeah… I have a feeling that I would experience this multiple times In the days to come.." Hestia sighs as she shake her head at this. Bell just simply nodded in confirmation of his own experience with Ragnar.

Ragnar took out The Sword in It's Scabbard from his Backpack and lay it next to him. The Sword Handle has a handguard, as it's is Circular shaped with 4 slight indentations, with a black center and a golden border. He put it next to him. As Hestia looked at it curiously, For some reason she felt a great energy in it. She didn't know what it is, But nevertheless she was curious.

The Next Morning, Ragnar and Bell walked to the Guild to register as Adventurers after saying their goodbyes to Goddess Hestia back at the church then.

Ragnar takes the opportunity to look around at the passing buildings and crowds. He never really saw the other parts of Orario before. Although He suppose that After registering both he and Bell would need to buy weapons and armor later on then. 

He wonders what kind of armour he would even wear. He knows Bell would probably get some light armor then.

Not that he had a problem with it, Ragnar didn't mean it much. It means Less Weight, more running speed for him then.

After a while of walking, they arrived at The Guild. Ragnar took the time to observe the Building of said Guild. It looked Big enough to be called The Guild though. 

He let out a sigh before walking into the building with Bell. Ragnar saw a couple of members from different Familias in the Main Lobby. Some of them were busy with the advisors of the Guild.

"Next..!" A female voice called out as Ragnar snapped his attention back to Bell, as The two stepped up to the nearest advisor next.

In front of them behind the counter, was a half elf. She had short bob-cut brown hair with bangs framing her soft face, emerald-green eyes hidden behind round glasses, and her somewhat longer, and pointy, ears denoted her half-elf parentage, She was also wearing a standard Guild Uniform which slightly hugged her figure as well. 

"Oh Hello! How May I help you two today?" She asked politely, with a professional smile on her face. 

Bell spoke up with a smile of his own, as He said to her, "We're both like to Register to the Guild as Adventurers..!" 

"Oh I see, which Familia did you two joined?.." She asked the two, took out her quill and waited for their answer.

Ragnar cleared his throat, as He told her, "Goddess Hestia accepted Us, We're the first two members of…. Her Familia…." He trailed off as He saw the shock look on Eina's face. 

"O-oh..?” Eina immediately recomposed herself as she hesitantly got out the proper registration forms. “W-well then, since the two of you are first members of a familia especially Goddess Hestia's… you’re both required to go through a course that’ll teach you everything you need to know about the Dungeon, especially the upper levels where every new Adventurers stay until they get stronger enough to go onto the next floors..”

"Y-yes Ma'am!" Bell immediately says as Two Blank Registration forms were put in front of them. Ragnar began to get a headache already by this point as He mentally groaned. 

 It was an hour later since the two were done filling out the registration forms in a private room. He let out a sigh of relief before hearing the door opening then closed already, Both Bell and Him begin to look towards Eina along with another woman as well, looks to be a werewolf. As Ragnar felt his jaw drop at the sight of her. 

Especially with the sight of her own wild mane of red hair framing her mature face and bringing out the golden color of the owner's irises looking down at him. Her ears twitch a little.

"Now for these Circumstances, My Colleague here will Be your personal Advisor, Ragnar!..." Miss Eina was just saying, as Ragnar titled his head while blinking at the sight Of The Red Haired Werewolf Woman.

This Woman was Rose Fannett, She looked at Ragnar with an unimpressed look in her golden eyes which made him gulp nervously for a moment or two as He immediately stopped once he saw her eyes became stern. She sighs, "Follow Me…" She turned to face the door and began walking out the room as she just said those words. 

Immediately Ragnar jumped up onto his feet, as He followed her. Not after saying Good luck to Bell while exiting the private room. He kept up the pace as He followed Ms Fannett to another private Room. Not long after He followed her into the room, He immediately took a seat with a slight sweat sliding down slowly at the side of his head, showing how nervous he was.

Rose took her time as she grabbed a few stack of papers, for a moment she looked back at Ragnar who didn't move an inch at all like a soldier waiting for a command. She rubs her forehead, "I believe.. Let us start properly now, alright? My name is Rose Fannett and if you haven't even already guessed that I'm one of the many Guild employees that work here, Usually in charge of the guild's Paperwork and other duties that come with it.. But today thanks to Miss Eina, The Woman you met today. Starting right now I'm also your personal Advisor…" 

'And She owes me for this one…' Rose thought that last part mentally, as She didn't expect Eina to ask her for a favor. But she wasn't expecting this really, In fact The Half-Elf knew that She was avoiding being anyone's advisor due to many either dying or something else entirely. She was sure to make sure Eina would pay her debt in the future, for now The Woman stared at Ragnar who looked almost interested with a bright look in his eyes. She raised an eyebrow at the 18 year old in front of her, the look in his eyes was like looking at an Overgrown yet fearsome Puppy.

She nearly snorted at that thought before clearing her throat for a moment. "From What I am told from her, Your Name Is Ragnar Cranel Right?..."

"Yes Ma'am.." He nodded at her question.

"So, Since you're new here and consider to be a registered Rookie Adventurer, There are some things we will need to look over such as information about the Dungeon…" 

As She said this, She placed a large amount of paper in front of Ragnar including a few large books. 

"Shall we get started then or what…?" Rose asked him, as she crossed her arms across her well endowed chest.

Ragnar nodded with a hesitant smile on his face.

But very much later, At the End Of what He had to guess have been already 7 Hours at the very least, Ragnar felt his soul died from the amount of Said Paperwork and Notes of the Dungeon including the Information that comes with it, He had looked over the entire thing with Rose by his side.

Honestly it was like a nightmare for him.

So many notes….  

Ragnar immediately laid his head on the table, as He let out a lifeless agony-whining groan from his mouth. As His head was spinning. 

With this, Rose couldn't hold back anymore as she let out a warm and amused chicken at The Big Puppy in front of her, The Subconscious Nickname she gave to Ragnar. She leaned foward with her large bosom pressed Against the table. Her finger poked his head for a few moments, as Ragnar slowly regained his sense before sitting up with Ms. Fannett sitting back down in her seat. 

"Feeling Better?..."

"Y-yep…!" Ragnar weakly answered while looking at her rather with his gaze steady enough either way.

Rose nodded before saying, "Now Usually the Guild provides weapons and armor to New Adventurers But seeing you already have a weapon.." she took a glance at Ragnar's belt where the Sword Handle poking out of the Scabbard is at. "You'll probably need Just some amour then, Got that?…" 

"Hmmm, Are you sure? I mean I could probably do well without the amour-" He began to say before immediately shutting up at the stern yet intimidating stare from Rose's golden eyes. 

"Got. That.?" Rose gritted those words out at the foolish Puppy, while gripping the edges of the table, The Edges ever so cracking. 

"Y-Yes Ma'am!" 

Eventually, Ragnar was told by Bell that He was given a standard dagger and Chest plate from the Guild after paying those with his own amount of Valis. As Ragnar already has a weapon, But got an Armor Shoulder piece on his right shoulder with leather straps. Including some standard armor armband bracers on his arms sitting onto next to his hands. It cost him 9,500 Valis for the armbands bracers and 10,040 Valis for the Standard Armor Shoulder piece as well. In addition, He just paid 19,540 Valis for those from the Guild.

He let out a sigh, As That's left him 50,560 Valis that he had earned for his hard working then.

At least, Bell's chest plate and dagger wasn't that expensive for him then.

Speaking of Bell, Ragnar was waiting for him by The Entrance of The Pantheon, He turned to see Bell walking towards him. "Finish talking with Miss Eina?.." 

"Y-yeah… There's still time to go to the Dungeon, is there..?" Bell asked as He looked to see The Sun in the distance still up in the sky. Ragnar let out a hum before turning to look at the sun as well.

"Yeah But it will probably be dark out by the time we get out of the dungeon then, It's probably best if we go ahead to tomorrow next morning…" Ragnar stated before looking back at Bell. "Unless you want to just go ahead then?..." 

"No no, You're right about that Ragnar! It's just…." Bell trails off as He had a hesitant look on his face. Before feeling Ragnar's hand on his shoulder. As He looked back at The Older Teen, Who smiled.

"Listen Bell, there's no need to rush. alright? The dungeon is going to still be there like always! So there's no need to worry!.." Ragnar reassures him as He patted him on the shoulder. 

Bell smiled at him, Knowing the words that Ragnar say has a reassuring and comforting touch to them. 

After seeing his little (All But Blood) brother's smile, He began to say, "C'mon let's get back to Goddess Hestia now Shall we?.." 

To be continued . . .

Chapter Text

The Next Morning came, as Ragnar was sleeping, The Word 'Was' But Now He is awake thanks to Bell. Sometimes He wished to stay in bed But Today was The Day that Both Of Them go into the Dungeon for the first time then. Clearly, Bell didn't hide his excitement While Waking Ragnar Up at that point. The Two Got ready with their armor and equipment on them, They were about to leave Until Hestia stopped them as She grabbed their shoulders with both her hands.

"Huh? Goddess?.." Bell turned to look at her with a confused look on his face.

"Now Bell, Ragnar, This will be the first time that you both are entering the Dungeon! So please promise me that the two of you will be back safe Unharmed!..." Hestia demanded as She stared at them with great concern and worry for the two members of her little Familia. 

Bell smiled softly, Before He took Hestia's right hand as He say, "Don't Worry Goddess, Ragnar and I won't leave you that easily… I promise that we will both make it back here.." 

"If you still worry then, Don't be. I'll keep making sure that Bell doesn't do anything reckless…" Ragnar grinned as He patted Bell on the Back, Who just laugh nervously.

Hearing those words, Hestia smiled at the two brothers. "Now Off You Go! And Good Luck!..."

"Bye Goddess Hestia!" Bell shouted as He waved at her while running with Ragnar towards The Babel Tower, Where the Entrance Of the Dungeon is at.

When they got there, The Two stared at how massive the entrance even was, And Not to mention the huge amount of Adventurers around here as well then.

Ragnar spotted some of them having much expensive looking weapons and armor. Suddenly His leather bag deflated at how much Valis it cost for those to even buy or repair them at all.

Sometimes, He was a bit envious but didn't show it or voice it for that matter.

He shook away that thought for now as He turned his head onto Looking at Bell, Who looked back, sharing the same thought as the two headed off to the entrance that led into the first Floor of the Dungeon then.

Ragnar and Bell got their first sights of The First Floor. It was Dreary, slightly chilly, with strange sources of light coming from the walls making it seem like one brightly lit tunnel instead of something deep dark underground which was strange for Ragnar, Then again This wasn't an ordinary underground place. The Duo Hestia Familia members had barely walked ten minutes into the first floor, as Ragnar was barely letting out a yawn when suddenly the two boys heard the first sounds of many cracks beginning to form in the walls.

Bell let out a surprise sound, But Ragnar's eyes narrowed at the sight as He immediately grabbed the Handle of His weapon, Still didn't pull it out yet. "Be Ready Bell…" He advised his little adoptive brother. 

With This, Bell nodded with tension in his entire body as He grabbed and pulled out his Standard Guild dagger before getting into his own fighting stance.

Almost instant, Goblins came bursting through the walls. As Many of them charge towards the two. Bell dodged a swing from a nearby goblin, before slashing it across its face. 

Ragnar pulled Out a mixture of a Katana-sword from the Scabbard attached to his belt. It's smooth metal-steel reflected the light, It's has faint markings on the long blade but wasn't visible for all but the user to see.

He closed his eyes, as He remembers The First Time That He met his Mentor.

 -xX[brief Flashback]Xx-

Little Ragnar was dragged by one of the Elders of the Village To Said Elders Home, It looked very traditional from The Far East itself actually. As The Elder let go of Ragnar, who fell onto the ground on his back. He groans before looking up at The Old Man, Before getting a better look of him.

The Elder before him, is a tall man with a muscular build but was slightly more slender, fair wrinkle skin, maroon eyes, and long spiky white and grey hair that he kept in a ponytail. Also have shorter bangs, and wavier hair with an aloof and solemn look on his face, rarely showing emotion. The Clothes that The Elder wore a red haori over a very pale orange-colored nagagi kimono with a black umanori-styled hakama, a pair of zōri with red straps and white tabi socks,

Ragnar gulped a little, As He could feel the Old Man staring at him.

"Ragnar…."

-xX[brief Flashback]Xx-

Two Goblins came at Ragnar, Before He immediately took hold and slashed the two Goblins heads off their bodies in one strike, Ragnar glanced to see more coming in behind. He leaped backwards over the incoming goblins, as He landed in back of them. Ragnar raised his blade and began to attack them.

Bell slashed one of the goblins, before hearing the sound of goblins coming, He immediately dodged one of the attacks from another goblin. He turns around and slashes one of the goblins' throats unintentionally.

While Ragnar strikes down one of the last Goblins, Before letting out a sigh then turning to see Bell finishing off his fair share of Goblins. He smiled a bit before turning to face one of the dead Goblins, as He kneeled down. Only for the dead Goblins disappeared into black dust, leaving behind small crystals. With that, He opens his empty leather bag and begin to collecting them as He heard his Own Little Brother doing the same as well.

"Well that's wasn't so hard now, Wasn't it?.." Ragnar chuckle a little before turning to look at Bell who finished collecting his own fair share of crystals left behind from the goblins.

Bell nodded before looking back, "Should we head in deeper?..." He couldn't help but asked, as He thought of the second floor of the dungeon but didn't want to worry Miss Eina or Goddess Hestia yet.

"Heck Yeah! Stronger the Monsters! The more challenging it is!" Ragnar immediately says before heading off to the second floor. 

"RAGNAR! WAIT UP!" Bell yelled as He chased after Him.

Ragnar stopped as he faced the dog-headed Kobold, Three of them to be exact. One of The grey-furred, humanoid beasts snarled and let out a threatening growl before rushing him. He grinned at the sight of it, Ragnar put away his weapon back into the Scabbard before raising both of his hands and grabbed The Kobold's arms, He gripped tightly as It thrasted around, trying to break free of Ragnar's hold. It let out growls, as the other two begin to snarl as they charged at Him.

Bell arrived as He yelled out a cry before clashing into one of the Kobold's as He struck one of them with his Dagger, Immediately turning into nothing but black dust. As Bell finds himself facing the other one, as It snarls out angrily at Bell who He dodged the kobold who tried to leap at him.

Meanwhile, Ragnar continued to hold off the Third Kobold who clawed at his arms which ripped the sleeves of his coat, revealing the standard bracers that he has on his arms. "Tch, There goes that.." He mutters before immediately headbutting the Kobold hard which let out a painful whine as Ragnar quickly sended a kick through the monster which sent it flying across the floor. 

As He leaped towards it, as He took out his katana once more and immediately stabbed it in the chest, Not long after The Monster tried to slash at Ragnar's face, which it was little successful as it barely lefted a slashed on the right side of His face after that the kobold disappear as well. 

Raganr let out a sigh, before wincing in a brief pain, looking at one of his hands and noticed a deep scratch on it, leaving out a small trail of blood. He shook his head before putting his blade away, and grabbed one of the ripped shreds from his sleeves and tied it around his hand's palm firmly. Then softly reaches and touches the slash wound on his lower right face's cheek. "Reckless… Ragnar…" He mutters to himself.

Bell swipes the monster's blood off his forehead, as he comes towards Ragnar. "I'll never be surprised again at your strength…" He says in an astounding tone.

Ragnar smiled at Bell when He said those words.

Later On, The Two continue going deeper into the Dungeon Until They Stopped at The Fourth Floor right after exploring the floor itself, By that time they had encountered a couple of more Goblins and Kobolds along the way there actually, Ragnar defended the Attacks from them while Bell charged in, attacking them in return. The two brothers worked together so well as a team of Duos. Before they arrived at Orario, The Two Would Spare against each other after realizing the dangers they would encounter in the Dungeon in the future when Their Grandfather told them all about the Dungeon itself. It was when Ragnar spotted a Dungeon Lizard who He immediately leapt at it and entered some kind of wrestling match with it, much to Bell's own shock and horror. 

But it was the Opposite for Ragnar, Who simply had fun with it. 

Bell admittedly admires Ragnar's strength, Ever since seeing him smash that Large hard Boulder into pieces. He knew His Adoptive brother was holding back, Much to Their Grandfather's request to ask him to hold back in the first place Until They leveled up to level 2 or 3. But something deep within Bell caused a flare. It was a flare of Bell wanting to stand beside his brother, Wanting to become stronger than him.

'Bell… Always Remember, That You and Ragnar will always have each other's backs in the challenges that you may yet face in the world…' 

'Grandpa, I know that now… but I need to Get Stronger. I can't depend on Ragnar forever… Starting tomorrow I'll work hard as I can! To be able to stand with who I always looked up to, the one that is my brother!' Bell firmly nodded as He watched Ragnar with the flames of Determination burn in his Ruby Eyes.

So Soon After That, The Two headed back for the surface then.

"You. Did. What.?" Rose growled those words out, as She stared at Ragnar sternly, as She noticed his wrapped hand, and the slash mark on his right lower cheek. Not to mention the other scratches and brusies that Ragnar had on his entire clothes and body.

Ragnar rubbed the back of his hand nervously. "W-Well, In my defense.. Me and Bell were just that excited on exploring the dungeon…"

"But All The Way Onto the The Fourth Floor?.." Rose aggressively asked, as She leaned in closely. 

He sighs before shaking his head, "I know that sounds bad, But Uh… I know we should take our time and all.. But at least it wasn't one person, If One person rushed to the Third Floor, Then wouldn't that Be bad?..." 

Rose stopped and thought for a moment, Admittedly that was true. Most level one adventures stayed at the Upper Levels Until they had enough stats on continuing down at the lower ones. But to see that Ragnar and His 'Brother' rushed all the way into the third floor then immediately entered the fourth? She let out a Huff before shaking her head. 

"You're lucky that I didn't chew you off unlike Eina.." She Mutters underneath her breath as one of Her ears twitch when Suddenly….,

"WHAAAAAAAT?!-" Came the scream of a Certain Half-Elf echoing throughout the Building.

Ragnar and Rose winced at the loud voice. "I feel bad for Bell now…" He mutters as He shake his head in sympathy for his little brother.

After a Long Heated Discussion from Miss Eina, Bell looked like his soul was chewed out and spit out both times again. Him and Ragnar turned in their Crystals as They earned 7,690 Valis in return then. They headed back Home after that long day,

"We're home!" Bell called out as the two walked down the stairs, as Hestia jumped up and greeted the two. 

"Welcome home! Bell! Ragnar!" She happily cried out as She hugged the two of them much to Ragnar's annoyance but secretly smiled at the Goddess happiness. 

"We earned this much from today at the dungeon.." Bell explained before showing off the leather bag filled with The Valis from Earlier.

"Really!? Now let me update Both of your Status then!" She declared as Usual, Bell went first while Ragnar was in the living room, wiping his weapon clean.

After a few moments, Hestia eyes widened in shock at the sudden development of Bell's Status. It was a few 26 Not to mention the Skill that popped up as well. 'What the Heck Is this?! I know they went into the Dungeon and All but This?! "Liaris Freese"?!... I never heard of this… it says here that.."Rapid Growth. Effect lasts as long as feelings remain. The stronger the feelings, the more rapid the growth"? How did this even happen?... Then again, I always see how Bell in his eyes admires his Brother.. perhaps Ragnar's own physical strength in the Dungeon causes this? Even so.. These Two truly care for each other..' 

Hestia's eyes wandered over towards Bell, as She bit her lower lip. 'Bell Alongside Ragnar are my first children of my Familia.. not to mention We don't even know what Ragnar's skill does!.. But Also… If Bell ever told anyone about this... the other Gods Will Find out about this then.. they'll take Bell away from Me!'

With her Decision finally being made, She made a few little adjustments to it. 'I have to protect Bell from this… I'll promise to tell him when he's much stronger then he is right now!'. 

After a few moments, She was finally done. "There we are go!" Hestia Put on a smile on her face as She placed the paper on his back, to record his updated Status. Once that was done She pulled out the paper, as She got off of Bell's back. 

Bell slowly got up after putting his shirt back on. "Is that it, Goddess Hestia?" He asked with a tilt of his head.

"Yep! Here you go Bell!" Hestia handed him the paper. As Bell took it from her reads and began to read it, only for his eyes to widened at the results.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Race: Human

Level 1

Strength – I 0 > I 21

Defense – I 0 > I 10

Dexterity – I 0 > I 20

Agility – I 0 > I 25

Magic – I 0

Magic

-

Skills

~~~~~~~

-Status-

"W-woah! I know that Me and Ragnar reached.. Er… rushed through the fourth floor and all But That Much?!, This is Insane!" Bell exclaimed as He read it again, He couldn't believe this at all. "Though, It seemed Like My defense was still lacking a bit...i- huh?" He looked down and noticed something there at the Skills Section, it looked to be Something that was erased off the page. “Hey…what’s this in the Skill section? It almost looks like something was erased.”

“Sorry, Bell, my hand slipped a bit,” Hestia innocently apologized as she set her plan into motion. “It’s still blank, I’m afraid.”

"Now Now, Don't Be sad Bell! You'll get your skill, I just know it!" Hestia reassures him as She smiles. "But Now it's your turn! Ragnaaar~!" She sings his name as she turns to see Ragnar From the Couch, who just looked up and saw Hestia and Bell. He sighs before putting his katana to the side as He stands up to Join Hestia and Bell in the room.

"Alright, alright, Let's get this over with.." Ragnar Mutters before taking off his shirt and layed down. 

And So within Moments, Hestia updated Ragnar's Status and recorded with a blank paper as well. Hestia got off of him, as She held it in her hands. "There you go! All set!" 

Ragnar let out a Huff before sitting up and taking the paper from her hands as He read it carefully with his eyes slowly widened.

-Status-

Ragnar Cranel

Race: ~~~~~~

Level 1

Strength – I-0 > I-21

Defense – I-0 > I-15

Dexterity – I 0 > I-19

Agility – I-0 > I-19

Magic – I-0

Magic

-

Skills

Berserker: Rising Warrior. activates When Conditions are Met.

-Status-

"Goddamn, Ain't that a leap…" He mutters to himself at the sight of it. Ragnar passed the paper to Bell who gained a similar from Before and from Ragnar's previous one as well.

"Hey Goddess, is it normal for both of ours to be high up?.." Bell couldn't help but ask her as He curiously looked at the paper for a while longer.

"Hmm? Oh well Yeah, Over time it will gradually slow down a bit. So it's nothing to worry about!" Hestia immediately responded while Ragnar and Bell accepted that Answer for now at least.

Bell nodded in understanding before looking away for a moment. "Well it's must be already dark then, Should We Get some sleep for the night?..." 

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.." "Well Yep!" 

Both Hestia and Ragnar immediately agrees at Bell's suggestion. But Hestia remember something as well, As she turned to look at Ragnar and Bell. "Tomorrow, I want you both to head somewhere!"

Ragnar and Bell looked at each other in curiosity.

-Next Morning-

Bell woked up by someone poking his forehead, His eyes was met with Ragnar's face grinning at him. "Wise and shine, Sleepy head.." 

"R-ragnar? What's time is it?..." He couldn't help but ask as He can tell that the sun was still rising up at this time from the very faint light that was going through the ceiling.

Ragnar shrugs as He standed up straight, Wearing his clothes and gear for today although His sleeves are a bit shorter now. "Around 5' really…But anyways C'mon let's get to the Dungeon right now. Unless you enjoy sleeping with our goddess.." He teases Bell as Ragnar let out a grin at him.

Bell froze when he heard those words, He looked down and saw Goddess Hestia sleeping on top of him, His face became red at the sight of her chest squishing against him. Immediately He was careful to get her off without waking her up, and almost instantly got dressed and put on his gear. While Ragnar was watching this as He held back a laugh at the sight.

"Bye Goddess! Sleep dreams..!" Bell quietly says as He and Ragnar lefted for today, While Hestia mumbled many words in response at this for now.

Once they exited both The Basement and The Abandoned Church, Ragnar took this opportunity for more teasing. "Gotta say, looks like you were happy with snuggling goddess hestia…" He smirked at Bell.

"H-HUH?!" Bell's face immediately turned into the color Red. As He trembles before feeling Ragnar nudged his elbow at him.

"It's such a true sight to see my little bro fancying Goddess Hestia now… so when are the dates then?" Ragnar Snickers quietly as Bell looked like he was about to exploded at that very moment then.

"RAAAAAAGNNNAAAAAAAAAAR-!!!"

Ragnar laughed out loud in amusement at Bell's dismay and breakdown from All of his teasing, In that moment Bell was reminded of all the embarrassing moments that their Grandfather had talked about So called 'Romance'. 

The Two Traveled to The Blue Pharmacy, Yesterday according to Goddess Hestia, Her friend, The God Named Miach ran the shop that sells potions, as If The Name 'Pharmacy' wasn't a big clue.

Ragnar and Bell walked down the dark street, since the sun was still rising right now. 

Almost 20 minutes, They arrived at The Blue pharmacy. The Two entered the small shop itself. They were met by the sight of Miach himself. Lord Miach's appearance had long dark-blue hair and matching dark-blue eyes. He wore a simple black robe; a tan stole that reached down past his shoulders, and sturdy brown shoes. "Ah you must be Hestia's Children, Ragnar and Bell, Am I right?" Miach asked as He walked over towards the Two.

“Yes Sir,” Bell and Ragnar gave The God a short bow. “Goddess Hestia told us to come here to buy potions in case something were to happen in the dungeon!" Bell explained to Lord Miach while Ragnar let out a yawn. 

"There's no surprise in that.." Ragnar Mutters while Bell just smiled nervously at those words.

"Oh I understand that, I'm surprised Hestia didn't send you here earlier then.." Miach says while rubbing his chin in thought, clearly remembering on How Hestia was very worried about her first two children in her familia being in the Dungeon at that time.

"Anyways, What are the cheapest potions that you got, If I may ask?" Ragnar asked while looking at Lord Miach with a curious look.

"The Cheapest ones cost 500 valis," Miach answered as Ragnar nodded before opening his leather bag and took out 4,000 Valis and gave it to Miach by placing the amount of Valis in The God's much to Miach's shock.

"Then We'll take four Please…" Ragnar asked with a grin on his mouth. 

Miach nodded at him, with a gentle smile as He turned to look to see A cute Chienthrope woman who held four light blue potions and handled them over to the two. "Oh I forget to introduce you my familia's captain, This is Naaza Erisuis, She works at the front at the most of times while I'm usually back there, If any of you would stop by and needed to speak with me.." 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Naaza!" Bell bowed his head as so did Ragnar as well.

The Sight of Naaza's appearance had long brown wavy hair, purple eyes, dog ears, and a tail, The last two were traits of a Chienthrope since it was that obvious when she was in here with Miach by the time that these two had walked in here from the start. As She wore a skirt from which her tail stuck out and a peculiar shirt with asymmetric sleeves, with the left being short and the right covering her entire arm, in addition to a glove on her right hand. She smiled at the two boys, as She nodded at them. "Likewise, I'll hope to you two visit here often then.." 

"Knowing Bell's magnet for danger, I think we would.." Ragnar joked while Bell's face became flustered with embarrassment. As Miach and Naaza let out a couple of chuckles from Ragnar's joke.

"Anyways, We better get going if we want to make it to the Dungeon first… See ya later. Lord Miach!" Ragnar began to put away the potions into Bell's backpack before He turned and waved bye at Miach, Who returned the favor.

Miach nodded at the two boys who were beginning to leave, "See you later, as Well. Take care then boys..!"

With that, They leaved the Blue pharmacy and headed off down the street, jogging along the way. The Two were continuing on heading over to the dungeon while passing by the other residents of Orario then.

Later Down In the Dungeon, At the First Floor. Bell followed behind Ragnar but then stopped suddenly. As Ragnar noticed this before turning to look at Bell, "Hmm? What's wrong, Bell?..." 

Bell struggled to find the words to say, as He took a minute before looking back at Ragnar. "I want to become stronger…" 

"Eh…?" The Older boy didn't quite get it.

"I mean… We both know you have an Unusual Strength that you constantly hold yourself back due to Grandfather's request! But… I just can't accept that… not anymore..so.." Bell stopped talking, as He looked at Ragnar, straight in the eyes with a fire burning in Bell's soul. "Don't let me hold you back, don't hide your strength Ragnar!"

Ragnar frowns, before smiling softly as He placed his hand on top of Bell's head who stared in confusion. "Bell, I know that you have a spirit that is waiting to burn bright as I can see, but if you insist then… I'll move at my own pace alright?, But also.. So you move on yours as well! You want to become stronger right? Like Your Big bro! Like The Heroes Of Legend?! You better get stronger! Together We will use our strength to care and Support Our Familia!.. Why? To Me, A familia is A Big Family that We have to protect! ARE YOU WITH ME?!" He shouted out with resolve as He make a fist in front of Bell.

Bell nodded back seriously,as He smiled while raising his blade up. "YEAH! We Got to give it Our Shot!" 

"SO ONWARD!" Ragnar cried out before He ran deeper into the Dungeon, and So did Bell.

Together The Two fought through the First Floor, Onto The Second Floor Then the Third as well. During that time, They faced Many Monsters such as Goblins and Kobolds as well. They weren't invincible but they got hurt a few times during that. While Ragnar didn't use his blade this time, But was just using his fists instead. 

 Ragnar punched one of the goblins in the face, before kicking another one as well.

Nearby, Bell uses his dagger to slashed the goblins coming at him. As He pushed himself, Not wanting to fall behind Ragnar, But to overcome The Wall that separates Him and His brother. 

Bell had struggled with a pack of Kobold and Goblins during the way down to The Fourth Floor, If he was being honest But with Ragnar here. They made progress faster than ever before, If he was being honest. Right now, His Own leather bag was halfway full at this rate.

Ragnar Leaped into the air and raised one of his own fists. "TAKE THIS!!!!!!!" He yelled towards a group of Kobolds that had appeared out of the Walls after He had killed the goblins that he faced, before immediately hitting the ground creating a small shockwave that sent the Kobolds off their feet and landed onto the ground harshly. He grinned as He jumped one of the Kobolds, already pulling out his weapon in one hand and using his other onto punching one of the Kobold's faces.

He dodged one of the Kobold's attempted leaps at him, before feeling a harsh deep scratch landed on his back shoulder from one of the Kobold's. Ragnar gritted his teeth in anger, before He turned around and immediately struck his blade on slashing through the monster's neck.

'Bell, Ragnar….' 

Bell yelled as He stabbed The goblin's chest with some struggle at the very least.

'To Overcome the Struggle in front of you.. You have to give everything you got! Push forward-!'

The Two take a deep moment of breath, while Ragnar rolled his shoulders for a moment. Since some blood was leaking from his back shoulder. Bell looked exhausted at what just happened since he had some cuts and bruises as well, faint bit of blood leaks out, Not to mention how his leg was shaking a bit. Bell reaches into his backpack and takes out two, out of the four the potions that they bought today. Ragnar gracefully accepted one of them, before drinking it and so did Bell with the other one as They nodded at each other and decided on heading down onto the Fifth Floor.

The Two entered the Fifth Floor, and immediately they were met by the sight of what they saw as the large frog-like monster a bit further down the corridor. The one-eyed monster was called a Frog Shooter. They were somewhat common on the Fifth and Sixth Floors of the Dungeon. The Two Immediately charged towards it, as Ragnar took the lead at it.

The Frog Monster noticed them, as it's launched it's tongue towards them, Ragnar smirked as He raised his arms and blade to block which he did, as the frog's tongue made a thud impact against the standard armored bracers. It wrapped his arm, and tried to drag him in. Ragnar let out a whistle which Bell understood, as He immediately charged towards it. He jumped at it before stabbing it in its single eye. The Frog Monster shrieked in pain, not long after as Ragnar brought down his blade and chopped off part of the monster's tongue.

Bell digged the Dagger deep, Until The Frog Monster immediately dropped dead, as it burst and disappear into black dust as Usual.

Ragnar wince in pain, as He rubbed his arms as He felt part of the tongue touched his bare skin. He shook his head, while Ragnar looked at Bell, Who nodded in understanding as they knew that they would be back tomorrow but for now, They will head back home for today.

'-And Save The Maiden and those in danger, No matter the cost. My boys!'

3 weeks later . . .

During the past 3 weeks, Bell and Ragnar made a regular routine of going down in the dungeon, stopping at the Fifth Floor. Occasionally, facing against Frog Shooters, Dungeon Lizards, Goblins, Kobolds along the way down at least. Not to mention, They have been finding a large amount of drop items that were left behind by the monsters that they have taken down at the dungeon, which is strangely weird.

Nevertheless, They Pushed On all the way Until they made it to the pathway that led to the Sixth Floor at the end.

In the end, The Two Didn't go to the sixth floor yet. Instead they stick to the Five Floors, for the rest of the week then. 

It was a good routine for the most part, They didn't want to completely rushed at all. Just enough to get some experience in the way at all really. Mostly the two of them didn't want to get another scolding from their advisors, Mostly Bell's Advisor, Miss Eina to be exact.

Ragnar shivered at the way on how Angry Rose can be from time to time.

Honestly, since they didn't go any further beyond the Fifth Floor, At the first time when they got two Wall Shadow's finger blades after their first encounter with the Wall Shadows in the Fifth Floor, But according to the guild, they earned 14,600 Valis since each Wall Shadow's finger blade is 4,050 Valis. Add that to the stones they collected, which was 7,400 Add that to the drop items then you get 22,000 Valis as a result. 

Thanks to the idea that Ragnar came up with Saving Valis, He brought an abandoned crate to act as a Treasury for where they kept all their Valis. Currently they have around 161,800 Valis now, thanks to the recent earnings and the past savings from the last three weeks.

Right Now, Ragnar was planning on heading to some casinos around the city to try to see if He can get more money at least, But Right after He and Bell heard their status from Hestia, Everything stopped working….

""WHAT-?!"" Both Ragnar and Bell screamed together as they stared at the sheets that recorded both their Status.

-Status-

Bell Cranel

Race: Human

Level 1

Strength – I-49 > I-77

Defense – I-42 > I-65

Dexterity – I-55 > I-82

Agility – H-129 > H-147

Magic – I-0

Magic

-

Skills

~~~~~~~

-Status-

-

-Status-

Ragnar Cranel

Race: ~~~~~~

Level 1

Strength – I-75 > H-105

Defense – I-55 > I-85

Dexterity – I-59 > I-82

Agility – I-41 > H-101

Magic – I-0

Magic

-

Skills

Berserker: Rising Warrior. activates When Conditions are Met.

~~~~~~~

-Status-

"Holy Crap-?! Is that even possible?!" Ragnar exclaimed at the massive jump in those stats, Which was crazy to even think about it. Not to mention, There was something there beneath 'berserker' since it wasn't there last week. During Last week, When he tried to ask Hestia about it, she simply says that her hand must 'Slip' from her shock at seeing those stats. "

"Two H ranks…" Bell Mutters as He stared at Awe at those stats in front of him. There had been a similar in jumps before in between the last three weeks, But To see it again like this?

Ragnar had passed out from shock while letting out a groan from his mouth.

Hestia bit her lip when she saw the new skill from Ragnar. She was shocked and stunned from last week, It was almost scary, similar to Liaris Freese itself. 

[Ragnarok's Flames: Increases along with Boosting The Never Ending-Burning Flames, Spreading The User's Growth When The User's Feelings are Strong and High. highly Effectively When 'Berserker' Activates Or Any Rage-Anger Related Type Of Feelings are at The Highest Peak.]

To Be continue . . . 

Chapter Text

The Very Next Morning was something else entirely.

Bell noticed that Ragnar and His things was missing when He woke up. As Bell and Hestia searched the Abandoned Church from top to bottom itself, as the two manage to only find a note at the front wooden doors.

'Went Off to Check the Casinos, Might Be Back later.

 -Ragnar

P.S: Don't Rush the floors without me and ALSO You better not go beyond The Fifth Floor, Bell.'

P.S.S: Goddess Hestia! Please Try to recruit more members! Please! 

Both Bell and Hestia sweatdrop at the note while Hestia's shoulders slumped as she let out a sigh, knowing the meaning behind Ragnar's words. Their little familia can't just be the three of them, they- Well She has to try to look for recruits then.

Bell had different thoughts, especially about the casino part. He worries for Those at the Casinos of Orario. 

As Bell could remember that fateful day at the village.

                        -xXFlashbackXx-

"EH?! NO WAY!" Yelled out a villager, while a large crowd was forming at the competition in front of them. Currently those in the lead are Steve, Bell, and Ragnar.

The Cranel's Brothers Grandfather just laughed out loud at the sight of the large Valis that kept piling up in front of his table. 

"Damnit… those boys are living lucky charms…"

"I know right? I didn't see Ragnar ever lose anything at all! How much Valis does he and his brother have?!"

"Bell has 15,000 Valis while Ragnar has 25,000 Valis as well!..."

"Holy CRAP-?!" 

"That's not All…. Ragnar earned The Hot springs of Our Village!" 

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-!!" All the Men cried out in horror except for Zeus, who was smirking as His peeping skills were about to be back in action.

Back here, Bell just laughs nervously at all the commotion that is going on in front of him, to be honest. while Ragnar kept on winning and Winning every round.

At the End of the Day, Almost the entire village lost their Valis savings to Ragnar and Bell, But mostly to Ragnar himself.

The Elders and adults banned the two from their contests from then on, Much to Ragnar's own Horror at the News.

                           xXFlashbackXx-

Bell slowly worries for Ragnar's safety at this point. It was always strange for the two of them winning but Bell doesn't think of it to be luck, but only to be a floke at the very least. But at this point, for the most part he sighs, "I'll head off to the dungeon then, Goddess Hestia…" 

"Hm, Make sure you come back Okay!" Hestia smiled as She hugged Bell, who blushed furiously at his Goddess.

"I will!"

With that, Bell lefted the Church and headed to the dungeon for today, not long after making a pit stop at The Blue pharmacy, to buy potions just in case.

-The Third Floor-

Bell jumped as He dodged the Tongue of a Frog Shooter before Landing, as He rushed towards the Frog Monster with his dagger raised, As Bell let out a battle cry towards it at that very moment then. "HAAAAAAAAAAA—!!"

He slashed across the Monster's Eye, before stabbing it hard at the top, cutting deep before ripping out the monster's crystal, effectively killing it. 

With that, He smiled before putting the crystal away, as He counted them in his leather bag. "Hmmm, there's more than enough for a lot of Valis to earn if I turn these in today… honestly Ragnar was right if we just continue to save up more but…" He mutters to himself as Bell remembers that most of the Valis that they earn. But the Reason why the savings aren't a bit bigger is basically Ragnar refuses for them to live off potato snacks. As He would take the chance to make sure both Hestia and Bell were fed right.

'NO BROTHER AND GODDESS OF MINE IS EATING OFF POTATO SNACKS!' 

Bell nervously shudders at the memory of how Ragnar's temper can be scary for him. Not to mention the taxes and the other things as well.

There were cracks, as a pack of three Kobolds came out of the walls, Bell immediately got ready as He charged at them with His dagger raised as well. 

Bell narrowly dodged the incoming strike from the kobold on the left, as He struck his dagger across its arms. With growls that he heard, On Instinct Bell ducked, Avoiding an leaping Kobold in the air as It crashed into the ground.

He raised his dagger and turned around before stepping into the middle of Kobold's chest, as Bell dug and twisted it in deeply before the monster disappeared, leaving behind it's crystal.

As Bell blocked a strike, If it wasn't for Ragnar's help preparing for the dungeon then they wouldn't make it this far at all.

He kicked it in the face, as He struck it down.

As time move on, More Goblins and Kobolds came towards Bell as He go on deeper into the Upper Floors.

Bell dodged, and strike at some of the monsters weak points. As Far as He could remember, It was almost like sparring with Ragnar back when they were still young.

He could remember the fist coming at hand, Quickly turning into the claw of a Kobold. Bell gritted his teeth as He strike his dagger up into the Monster's arm, which causes it to Yelp in pain.

 With this chance, Bell Quickly pulled it out and swung it at the Monster's face. Causing a squirt of blood to immediately leak out of the wound that was blinding half of it's sight.

As Bell, Strike His Weapon deep into the Monster's chest, lethality killing it as It let out one last scream of agony before disappearing into nothingness, as It dropped it's crystal core behind.

Bell huffs, while he catches his breath before swiping the side of his head, noticing that this was getting less harder than it was a couple of weeks ago. He doesn't know why, though but He looked at the weapon in hand before putting it away for now.

"I wonder How's Ragnar is doing right now…"

He wonders out loud, Before standing after collecting the stone drops from the monster's disappearance. Bell decided to head for the Fourth Floor, as He smiled with confidence, He remembers dealing with the Monsters, Goblins, Kobolds, Dungeon Lizards, And Now frog Shooters.

-With Ragnar-

"ANOTHER WIN!"

"GODDAMN THIS GUY IS VERY LUCKY!" 

"NOT TO MENTION, HIS EARNINGS ARE BASICALLY A TRIPLE MOUNTAIN..!" 

"WHAT'S FAMILIA IS HE FROM ANYWAY?!"

It had been 2 Hours, There were rumors of A Lucky Player from going to Casino to Casino, slowly building up money, But as of Right Now The Current Casino Workers stared at Ragnar's winning earnings with shock, currently if he did turn in his earnings right now then He would have 960,740 Valis in total, if he wasn't mistaken.

Ragnar himself just chuckles in embarrassment, as He rubs his neck before looking at the crowd. "I swear, This is my first time being here…"

The Hume Bunny Dealer just looked at him with shock, as Her eyes didn't believe what he had just said.

Many of the crowd were whispering at the words coming from Ragnar's mouth. Some didn't believe him, or others were staring at him in disbelief. As This couldn't be his first time here being at a casino no less too! 

What's even this guy's secret to winning anyways?!

Because No one could even win this easily before?! 

So What is it?!

That's a question that's been driving them mad ever since Ragnar took a step in here anyways at the very least. But Many others were secretly taking bets, siding with Ragnar and easily making Valis for themselves as well too.

"Alright, Hermes Now what's all these juicy rumors about a lucky player, You're telling me about?" 

Ragnar looked up and saw Goddess Loki. She was a slender woman with long, light-red hair tied into a simple ponytail. She also wore dark-blue boots, and a Red Tuxedo Suit, that's Some how make her look confident in her own way. Her appearance was what he was expecting. Since Goddess Hestia sometimes complains about Loki from time to time back home.

He looked to see Hermes, Who has blonde hair and orange eyes, at first and was wearing an White Tuxedo Suit

"Eh?..." Ragnar scratches his head, not realizing that he was already attracted this much attention.

The Hume Bunny Dealer came up to Loki, as she bowed her head down. "Ah! Goddess Loki! You must have heard the Lucky Striker! Currently He never lost at all! Not once..." 

Loki scoffs at that claim, "Please, No one can't be that good, It's probably just a one time thing.."

"I don't Know About that, Loki.. I say he's pretty good…" Hermes smiled as He added that last part while patting the Goddess's shoulder. "In case you weren't convinced still then, I'll play a round against him then, I still have time before I leave for another delivery…"

""WHAAAT?!-"" Everyone screamed out at the God's intent.

Ragnar sputters along with Loki, as The God takes a seat as He looks at The Boy in front of him. "Also, I'll put in 20 Million Valis on the table, to make it even more interesting…!"

"The Winner takes all, Am I right?..." Ragnar says this as He let out a grin at the God, While The Dealer gulps at this.

Hermes nodded with a relaxing aura around him, "Yep! Honestly I also want to know that this isn't a fluke or anything else entirely…" 

"I can understand that… Oh the Name Ragnar, And Yours?..."

"It's Hermes, Please Call Me Hermes! No need for this 'Lord' stuff!..."

"Ah I like your style, Still Let me insist on the formalities, So Lord Hermes, What's your game choosing then?.."

"Ah How about Poker then….?" 

This got a couple of whispers out of everyone. Loki just scoff at Hermes game of choice. It was a well known fact that none of the gods could ever beat Hermes in a game of poker well except for Zeus at the very least then.

But for Hermes to play poker against a kid in front of him? Now that might've been a sight to see if this was some drinks involved.

Ragnar nodded at Hermes choice, before seeing the Hume Bunny Dealer setting up the game of poker for them.

"No backing out, Alright?" Ragnar warned the god which to his surprise, Hermes laughed causally in response.

"Don't worry, I have no intention in letting this go…" 

Ragnar grinned at the God, "Oh yeah? Do you even have the Valis, or was it all big talk?" 

"Oh I assure you, My familia and I have the Valis enough for this…" Hermes' gaze narrowed upon Ragnar with a neutral smile. "The Question is... Are you willing to pay 2 million Valis once you lose..?"

"Don't get cocky now.... I promise you this that I WILL not lose..." Ragnar crack his knuckles before accepting his own deck of cards from the dealer and so did Hermes.

"Let's the Game begin…!" 

The Day has passed as The sky was orange-red itself, as soon it would be nighttime later on in the day itself. At The Pantheon, Bell Was standing in front of a Desk, as He was beginning to turn in the crystals and some drop items that he got from the dungeon as well, as He empty it all from his leather pouches and into the Guild's box in front of him.

As Bell felt a sense of pride in him already at how much he collected by himself.

"Alright let's see… Ah! 35,972 Valis! Not bad…" The Guild Worker gave the boy, The Valis, to him as Bell accepted it with grace.

He bowed to the Worker, "Thank You Sir!" 

"Ah no mention it kid…"

Bell smiled as He stand up straight, before turning to head home for the day. 

"Bell!" 

He stopped, as He looked over his shoulders to see Miss Eina coming over towards him. "Is something the matter, Miss Eina?" Bell asked as He turned to face her properly.

Eina stops in front of him, as She asked him this, "I was just wondering, Where's Ragnar? I haven't seen him nor Miss Rose has either…" 

"Oh uh… He's uh… Doing…. Something…" Bell trails off, as He make an uncertain and on edge look on his face, He didn't know what to tell her about Ragnar or anything. 

"Bell… What is Ragnar doing…?" Eina Emerald's eyes narrowed as she spoke in a warning tone. "You wouldn't lie to me, Would you?..."

Bell struggles and whimpers at Miss Eina's glare, As He immediately breaks and yells, "Ragnar IS BETTING AT THE CASINO!" 

Eina blinked for a moment, as Her glasses became crooked. As the words that Bell spoke were slowly sinking into her mind at this very minute.

"M-miss Eina?..." Bell spoke in a worried tone, as He stared at her.

"HE IS DOING WHAT?!" Both Half-Elf and Bell finches at the yell, as They both turned to See Rose staring at them with a deadly glare.

Ragnar suddenly sneeze as if something dangerous was hunting for him.

around the table, were Loki, and the Crowd as they were anticipating the battle in front of them. As Hermes and Ragnar stared at each other, holding their cards in their hands. This long Game Of Poker was so huge that The Two were in a statement after many hours. Loki was in disbelief at the sight of it. She knew Hermes was best at Poker and the other betting games back in Heaven but she didn't see him in a stalemate before ever!

She looked over at the boy in front of her, Ragnar has a face of focus and determination on him.

The God and Mortal were in the last round. As The tension was so high that everyone could even feel it as well, Ragnar let out a sad sigh before looking at hermes with sadness in his own eyes. 

Loki could only smirk as she knew this was nothing more than a one time thing.

"I'm sorry, Hermes… But looks like you lose…" Ragnar slowly smirked widely as He put down A Deck of cards that immediately outmatch and oblivated Hermes own deck of cards, as Herme's jaw dropped at the sight of said cards.

"WE HAVE A WINNER-!" The Hume Bunny Dealer declared as She gesture towards Ragnar.

""THE LUCKY BASTARD DID IT!""

The Crowd Roars with cheers, as Many begin to surround Ragnar before lifting him up, as they all cheer for him.

Ragnar laughed, while Loki's eye twitched at the sight in front of her. 

Hermes sigh in defeat before he stands up and turn around, beginning to leave the Casino which Loki noticed. "HEY WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" 

"Oh to collect and give the Valis I owe for Ragnar…" Hermes answered with a smile towards Loki, which annoyed her to no end.

A little while later, The Excitement died down as Ragnar headed home for the day, Which disappointed many at the casino as He regretfully left. 

But the Casino Workers were secretly glad to see Ragnar go, Because They were too horrified at His Lucky Streak at the most part which left the Hume Bunny Dealer to quit her job almost immediately then right there.

Ragnar was smiling, as He couldn't believe that He won 20 near 21 Million Valis at that spot. He felt the grin on his face never leave his own face, ever since leaving the casino itself, He put his hands behind his head in a relaxing manner.

But right now, Currently He was walking back home while Hermes was dressed Entirely different from his appearance back at the Casino, It made him look like to be an merchant almost.

"Anyways, Uh I'm grateful that you're coming back home, since ... .uh…" Ragnar trails off before looking at the large cart that he was pulling, carrying large bags and many chests of Valis, He looked back at Hermes. "Anyways, Why did you offer that much in that round?... Just curious, you could have offered thousands of Valis, not millions…?" 

Hermes looked at Ragnar with a small smile, "Well Mostly I wanted to see if your so called 'luck' could actually help you win with a large amount! Not to mention, Uh… My uh Familia is running out of space…" He laughs nervously while rubbing his neck, remembering the occurrence of the overflowing amount of Valis, as He had to try to find new ways to spend the Valis that he and his own familia had.

"Riiiiiight, You're Hermes, If I remember earlier just now, You're practically rich thanks to your deliveries…." Ragnar hummed before looking at the sky, "Still, I thought you let the deliveries be handled by your Familia…"

"Well little Man, A Man just got to have a personal touch on his operations and besides, I Don't want to stay cooped up in one place…" Hermes shrugs it off naturally while occasionally letting out a little chuckle.

"I guess you're right…" Ragnar muses that thought.

Suddenly He senses A pair of eyes watching him, like a predator would look at it's prey. 

Ragnar stopped as his head turned around to see if anyone was there behind him, out of reflex and instinct. He saw no one much to his confusion, as Hermes stopped walking and notice Ragnar's unusual behavior. "Hm?... Something The matter..?" The God asked the Boy.

"It's nothing… I thought I just felt someone watching me…" Ragnar Mutters underneath his breath, before continuing walking.

Hermes frowned a little underneath his hat, before taking a knowing glance over the direction that led to the Home of the Freya Familia.

"Hmm…" Hermes hummed before turning his attention back to Ragnar, as He walked up to catch up with the pace. "Anyways Which familia are you from again..?" 

"Ah I'm from Goddess Hestia's Familia, Lord Hermes…" Ragnar answered honestly while Hermes wiggled his eyebrows in surprise and amusement.

"Ah My sweet Friend Hestia finally has her own children in her familia then?.." Hermes grinned, as He looked over at Ragnar.

"Oh you know Goddess Hestia?" Ragnar asked the God curiously.

"Oh sure you can say that.."

Ragnar was about to say something until he felt an intense dark aura and so did Hermes. 

The Two slowly looked ahead, forward to see a Certain Angry redhead werewolf standing by the front of the Abandoned Church that Ragnar, Bell, and Hestia are living at. 

"Ragnar…" Rose's voice sharply cut the air, as She give a deadly glare at Ragnar.

Ragnar gulped before looking to see Hermes missing now. 'THAT COWARD!' He mentally screamed in his head.

He was caught by surprise, as Rose grabbed him by the ear. "What did I hear about you going to the Casinos…?" Rose demanded as Her fierce golden eyes stared into his own.

"W-Well uh Y-you see…" Ragnar stutters as He tried to explain.

-One Hour Later . . . 

Ragnar groaned in pain since the lecture took a lot out of him, as Hestia and Bell looked over at the 20 Million Valis in front of them, As Rose stared at it in shock before her face smoothly became neutral. "Hmmm… that's unexpected…"

"2-20 MILLION VALIS?!" Bell Screamed as He and Hestia jaws dropped at the sight.

It was quite a shock to the two of them, since basically they never expected (Well Hestia never expected this) this. Most of all, Hestia thought that Ragnar would lose everything or something else, But not like this! It must have been a pretty luck day for Ragnar then. She took a glance at The Young 18 year old in Question, "I can't believe he managed to win all of this…" She wondered in awe while Bell nodded in complete agreement with her then. But on the other hand, it solved their money problem completely, Well Eh for now at least then. Still, It reminds her of the times about the complaints of the other gods back in Heaven When Zeus would always win no matter what. Including that One Time where Zeus managed to win Apollo Belongings. As it took Apollo many years to get it all back then.

Rose sighs rather depressingly, before she looks at Ragnar. "Please don't do these things again, If you keep doing unexpected things like this… I don't think I can it anymore…" 

"No promises…" came a weak response from Ragnar as He slowly sits up straight.

"As Usual…" Rose mutters before she begins to turn around and heads out to leave. As She about to open the Church's old Doors, But Ragnar's voice stopped her.

 "Wait Miss Rose!"

She turned around to see The Young Newly Adult, as He huffs before continuing to say, "I-I know today… Really weren't my best moments by what you already heard…" He awkwardly looked to the side as He mentions that. "Still… I appreciate that you are just looking out for me… even if it was a little ex-" He quickly corrects himself at the glare from her. "WAS! Very Grateful to me, But… I wanted to say that, I'm glad that someone thick headed as Me got to have a Strong headed advisor as you that'll keep me to the ground!, So Thank you very much!" He his head bowed down in thanks.,

Rose's eyes widened at the sight, as her cheeks flushed a hint of red before she looked away to hide her face. "J-just come back to the Guild the next morning, Alright?.." She sternly says as She crosses her arms across her well endowed chest.

"Yes! I'll make sure to!.." Ragnar looked back up at her, Shining brightly.

Rose nodded before opening the door, and left the church building, unknowingly swaying her hips side to side almost in a hypotonic trance. Ragnar jaw dropped at the sight, as He stared at her with his cheeks turning red. After a while, She was gone from the sight, He gulped at what he saw just As Ragnar let out a wistful yet desirable sigh, as He turned around to meet with Hestia's teasing grin. "So You like her~ don't you?.."

"EH-?!" Ragnar let out a surprise shriek at that question. "W-WHY WOULD YOU EVEN ASK THAT!?!" He exclaimed loudly at her.

"So I am right! Huh?!" Hestia let out a Triumphant victory Hmm! Noise as She accusingly pointed at Ragnar. While Ragnar's face was entirely bright red.

"NO YOU ARE NOT! YOU'RE JUST SEEING THINGS!" 

"No I'm Nooooot~!" 

"YES YOU ARE-!" 

"Nooooope!"

"ARGHHHHHHHHHHH-!'

-Next Morning, Fifth Floor-

Down In The Dungeon, Ragnar grumpily mumbles as He slammed an bloodied Frog Shooter into the stone wall, Immediately disappears Before leaving an crystal in its place while Bell deals with a pack of Kobold's as He dodges their strikes before eventually charging back at them, while raising his dagger, for a moment He clearly remembers last night's chaos. Then He strikes his weapon across one of the monster's chest. He turned to see a Kobold leaping towards him, near reach. His eyes widened at his, not long after a fist bursted through the monster's middle chest.

"Huh…?" Bell blinked before looking ahead to see that it was Ragnar who had his own fist through Kobold's chest. He grinned at Bell, as said Kobold's body disappeared as well.

"Almost got you, didn't it?..." Ragnar asked as He watched Bell begin to collect the stones nearby.

"Almost did, But thank you for looking out! Save my back right there..!" Bell happily says as He smiled at Ragnar.

Ragnar was about to say something, Until He froze. As He felt the ground beneath their feet begin to rumble faintly. He immediately turns around to look at the end of the tunnel that lead into the deeper parts of the Dungeon. His eyes narrowed, before widening in horror.

"Ragnar? What's wrong-" Bell tried to say only for his own eyes to widen in horror as well.

A couple of feet away from them, was a Raging Minotaur charging towards them. "ARGHHHHHHHHHHH-!!!" 

The Roar made Ragnar snap out of his shock, as He grabbed Bell by the arm, and began to run with him dragging his adoptive brother. "RUN BELL RUN!" He screamed with urgency in his voice.

The Two Run away, trying to get away from the Minotaur as Ragnar knew that it was definitely following them. "NOW WHAT THE FUCK OF SHIT ASS LUCK THAT A SHITTY FUCK ASS MINOTAUR IS EVEN DOING HERE?!" He cursed loudly without Shame not Regret. As He couldn't believe it with his own eyes either. He ran and ran as fast as He can with Bell.

"I Don't Know! They can't appear above the fifteenth floor!" Bell cried out in confusion, as He ran with fear and anxiety within. 

Ragnar kept a grip on His Brother's arm, as He tried to lose the Minotaur by taking turns and left into corridors. But The cracking of the stone ground under the powerful hooves of the Minotaur didn't fade as it was Still on their tail.

The Fear and Instincts of his, have been screaming at him! It chatted in almost a pray of sorts, becoming a solid goal.

Get Bell Safe. Get Bell Safe, Get Bell safe. Getbellsafegetbellsafe!

Unfortunately, Much to his dread and horror. He ran into a dead end, as Bell let out a startled gasp. Ragnar pushed Bell behind him, as He turned around quickly. Just in time to see the Minotaur itself, crashing its fist onto the corner. He gritted his teeth, as He had to think quickly. He had to get Bell to safety immediately! He looked down as the bangs of his hair shadowed his eyes. "Bell… On a count of three, You must run and get out of here…" His voice spoke in a calming tone.

Bell looked at Ragnar in shock at his words. "N-no! I can't leave you here-!" 

"PLEASE Bell!" Ragnar shouted, as Fear clenched his heart. "I can't stand and watch you die!..."

That Got Bell to choked a weak sob, at His words.

".... One…."

The Minotaur roared in bloodlust as It charged towards the two.

"....Two….."

The Monster Raised it's giant fist, preparing to strike at the two.

"Three! NOW!" Ragnar shouted as He grab Bell and tossed him over to the other side, barely passed by the Minotaur. 

Bell landed on his feet, Safety and immediately turns to see the minotaur still about to strike at Ragnar.

Ragnar closed his eyes, as The Fist landed an impact at His Chest and Stomach. He coughed up blood at the hit, with his own blood spilling against his own skin as He saw Bell's horrified look. 

'Damnit….'

He crashed into the Wall, with a loud crashing yet cracking noise. As He swore he broke a few bones. Ragnar coughs, as A trail of blood goes down on the side of his forehead with his whole body in bruises by that one hit, causing him to make it seem like he was dead.

'Am…. I dying…?'

Ragnar coughs weakly, struggling to breath as He looked up only to see Bell didn't move one inch and was still in place with fear.

'You dumbass…'

The Minotaur slowly turns around and saw Bell, who was frozen in fear.

'No….Don't you dare…'

It slowly takes a few stops toward Bell, as It snarls with rage in it's eyes.

"DON'T you FUCKING DARE!...'

Bell whimpers, as His body shakes as He couldn't move at all, as The Minotaur raised it fist, and begin to charged at Bell, roaring. 

Immediately something had snapped inside Ragnar. As He saw only red in his eyes.

'STAY AWAY FROM MY LITTLE BROTHER….!!'

"URAAAAAAAGHHHHHH!" Ragnar screamed with pure hot determination as His eyes glowed crimson red With fury blazing, With His Instincts becoming unbearable as the Desire to Kill The beast and protect his brother was filled with Rage! Beneath the shirt on the back of his skin, [BESERKER] begin to glow brightly like a shining star.

A Large Yellow of Electricity Lightning sparks around Ragnar's body until it explodes into an explosion of light.

The Impact of the Shockwave hitted Minotaur and Bell. The latter was unharmed only by half, while the Former dealt with the harsh blow of it. As Both Monster and Human looked to see Ragnar, who was looking like a crazy animal who looked like he was being threatened and that was the Minotaur.

Far away from their location, Both Ais and Bete stop in their tracks in separate locations in the Fifth Floor. The Ground shook beneath them, as a faint glow was seen ahead in the faint dark.

"What the Hell is that..?!" Bete scowls, as He looked around.

But with Ais, She was simply silent as that strange shockwave caused her to be off guard for a moment.

with the other members of the Loki Familia, Unknown to them, Finn's thumb twitched a bit.

But back with the Minotaur, Bell and Ragnar. Ragnar's hair was flowing wildly through the harsh air pressure around him, as He became only more aggressive. "Grrrrr.. Grrrrrrrrrr.. Argghhhhhhh!!!!!" Ragnar let out a scream once more as a Powerful aura surrounded him. As the stream began coming off of his steam as if he was overheating. The Aura became visible as it has a Taint yellow color, along with a hint of green as well. His eyes remained crimson red, almost glowing. His muscles pulsed and flexed, as they slowly began to become a bit bigger, with their veins almost bulging with blood that was a boiling lava of Anger itself. The ground beneath begin to crack at the sheer pressure coming from him.

He took a step forward, causing the ground to crack even more so. The minotaur snapped out of it's daze as It roars at the seemingly challenge, before it charged towards Ragnar.

It began to send a fist at him, as Ragnar grabbed it with his own hand, as He grabbed the other fist from the Minotaur. Causing the two to enter a lock in state, struggling to cover the other. Meanwhile, Bell watched in amazement on what's happening in front of him right now, as His own eyes couldn't believe it himself.

The Minotaur clenched it's grip around Ragnar's hand tightly, crushing them causing his hands to open flesh open wounds with blood leaking out at a fast rate. 

Ragnar snarls, as He lets out a yell while a flash of lightning appears around him again, as He begins to push the Minotaur back slowly as it was obvious with the Minotaur struggling to stay in place.

It Rebelled against Ragnar's efforts, as It charged its head, sending And crashing Ragnar against the wall behind him. "ARGG-?!" Ragnar yells out in pain, as He spits out blood at the beast's face. He grabbed its two horns and began to pull both of them out as hard as He could, As the Horns began to gain some breaks. The Minotaur notices this, as It snarls before trying to shake Ragnar off of it, by crashing him and its head in various walls next to the two of them. Leaving a huge dent in them, while Ragnar's back was filled with bruises, open cuts, leaving blood to leak through them, as He could that he was losing so much blood from this fight.

The Minotaur didn't stop there as It sended a punch across Ragnar's face, causing a large bruise to appear on his face. The Monster kept ramping Ragnar against the walls around them, leaving bloody prints behind. It only made Ragnar angrier, As He had to endure this for Bell's sake. He wasn't going to give up here and die, only bell to be next in line! He'll be damned before He lets that happen then! As He would later burn the entire world then let his brother die because of any of his goddamn one mistake or slip up! 'CMON YOU USELESS BASTARD BODY! MOVE!!!!' He mentally demanded, as His body begin to follow his order, pushing pass it's limits as a Level one. As He gather his strength, with his teeth clenching hard that almost sounded like claws was scratching against metal. As He took in deep before, about to do something stupid.

"AAAAAAARGHHHHHH-!!" Ragnar roared as He immediately took a huge bite at the side of the Minotaur's neck, It let out a scream of agony. As Ragnar pulled back, harshly ripped out a huge chick of it. This causes the Monster to grab its neck, while Ragnar got off of it, breathing heavily as blood leaked down his face. He didn't stop there, as He charged towards the Monster and grabbed it around it's torsos, with his hands nails digging into it's thick skin before He crashed into onto the ground with it, catching it off guard. 

The Two Begin to wrestle each other on the ground, while they land kicks and punches at each other as well. Mostly Ragnar was receiving the larger damage, as his body was already bruised and beaten at this point, But His will to live and protect his little brother is pushing past its limits. Ragnar growls, before He sended a impactful headbutt to the Minotaur's head, causing it to go a bit fuzzy at the harshness from that headbutt itself.

Ragnar took this opportunity fast as He could with him able to got up first, before smashing his feet onto the Minotaur's chest. As He kept stomping it, and stomping it, a feral smile appeared on his face. Before digging a bloody deep wound into the monster's middle chest. He kept stomping, fasting his pace, never stopping for a single moment. 

'DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DIEEE…..!!!'

The Minotaur tried to feet back as It sended a single strike at Ragnar's left eye. 

It only causes a Hateful Rage in them, Luckily He was still able to see through it despite the blood leaking down in his left eye. And so he let out a final scream before he raised a fist and punched through the Minotaur's chest, Causing a loud squirt of blood to fly everywhere. As Bell tried to block some of it nearby, and Then Once Ragnar found what he was looking for exactly, He ripped out a huge chunk of flesh from the Minotaur's chest. 

"RAAAAAAAGHHHH-!!" The Minotaur let out a painful roar before disappearing into nothingness, leaving a large puddle of blood and a large crystal.

This catches Ragnar's look of interest, He huffs and puffs, as He looks down at it. He leaned down and picked it up, He let out a tched sound. His hateful gaze landed upon Bell, Before it immediately melted into a gaze of relief and relaxation. 

With that Moment, [BESERKER] Deactivates. 

As His body slowly lets off steam, as It begins to return to it's normal Physical state. 

Ragnar let out a final huff, deeply before growling slowly at what just happened. He dropped the Crystal from his hand and into his battled torn backpack after taking it off for a moment then putting back on, as He turned to look at Bell. "Let's go home, Bell…" He calmly says with a weak smile.

Bell dumbly nods, as He rushed over to Ragnar's side and put over his left arm to support him on walking back. Ragnar winced painfully, as He gritted his teeth. The two slowly begin to slowly walk, as Ragnar looks down at the ground softly. As He was completely silent, as He was both physically and Mentally exhausting right now at this point.

Bell looked at Ragnar with a concerned look, before looking forward and stopped in his tracks, only to see The Most Recognizable Woman in All Of Orario, Ais Wallenstein. 

She was standing there, with her weapon out only to look at the two boys in front of her. 

But Unknown to her, Bell blushed at the sight of her, Before Ragnar looked up to see Bell's face. Looking confused, Ragnar only to look past His Brother, towards the front of his view to see Ais herself staring at the two of them.

"O-Oh…hello…" Ragnar weakly says before his eyes roll back, as He falls onto the ground. With his face mushed against the ground floor. 

As Bell Quickly panics, as He kneeled by Ragnar. "Ragnar! Ragnar! Please stay with me!" He shouted, while shaking Ragnar to stay awake.

'Sorry Bell….' Ragnar thought lastly, as He beginning to fell unconscious for the most part.

"RAGNAR! RAGNAR!" Bell voice echoes in his eyes for the last moment in his life.

-xXFlashbackXx-

3 Years Ago

The Sun was Nearly setting, as It's last golden lights were upon the Village, while On a small Cliff was a much younger 15 year old Ragnar. As He stared at the Beauty of the landscape in front of him, including the amazing sight of the sun as well. He sighs with a longing grace to be out there in the world. His hand reached for his neck while He rubbed it subconsciously before hearing someone nearby coming towards him. Ragnar took a glance to the side and looked at His Mentor who taught him how to wield the blade. "Teacher…"

The Old Man didn't say anything, as He just turned his weary gaze upon the Sun. "Ragnar…." He spoke softly.

"The Styles that I have taught you.. do you know that hold a greater purpose then just for attacking or slaying…?" The Older Man asked.

Ragnar pauses for a moment then looks down. "I remember… Your Son mentioned that If I master the correct way to breathe… then I shall dance forever too…" He turned to face the old man. "What does it actually means..?"

The Elder didn't say as He looked towards the Sun, with a silent look before speaking quietly. "It's a breathing Technique… "

"A breathing Technique…?" Raganr wonders out loud, Clearly doesn't know about breathing Technique before asking him, "What's about it..?"

"I know you'll head to Orario, With Bell someday…" The Elder begins saying before taking a look at Ragnar. "By that time, I hope you don't become lacking, sloppy in your skills or In the teachings that I have taught you…"

"More like you drilled All of them into my head…" Ragnar Mutters underneath his breath. He shivers at the memories of him in brutal training, and not to mention the sparring with his Teacher. He swear That His Teacher must have belonged to an Familia once. 

The Old Swordsman ignored what His Student just said as He continued on saying, "So I would like to teach you the Breathing Technique personally before you leave, actually.."

Raganr doesn't know what to say about this, But Why does it sound like the old man was trying to say that Breathing Techniques Are Useful? Or maybe He was misreading the situation all wrong himself.

"On the day we met, I saw a fire in you that I saw that no one else has, Sooner or Later that fire will burst into a raging inferno someday…" 

"What are you trying to tell..?" Ragnar asked, confused by that sudden part of this talk as He raised an eyebrow at the Elderly Man.

"Telling you to channel that fire into something you can wield from inside yourself, Once You made contact with it…." His Teacher says before He Begin turning around and walking away after a few moments, then stopped in his tracks. He turned and looked at Ragnar straight in the eyes. "But now… you must wake up…."

"Wake up?...what do you mean?" He turned to look at His Mentor, But only to see nothing. He looked around as He saw everything slowly disappearing. 

"Ragnar! Wake Up!"

Ragnar immediately opened his eyes, with a startled gasp. As He instantly sat up, before winching in pain. He looked down to see his bare upper body covered in bandages. He turned to look that his arms as well were wrapped in bandages too. He looked around and saw that He was in a room of some kind. "Huh..? Where the fuck am I?" He rubbed his eyes before eventually recognizing the decoration style of the room.

"Wait a moment, am I at the Guild?.." he mutters quietly before hearing the door open. He looked up and saw Rose standing there, looking shocked to see him awake.

"Uhhhhh Hi…?" He awkwardly says before scratching his head in confusion. "So uh how long was I out…?" 

Rose immediately rushed to his side, with a piercing glare on her face. Ragnar closed his eyes, preparing for the worst lecture or beating he was about to take but felt two arms wrapped around his chest, as He swear he could feel that chest of hers squished against his. 

Ragnar opensl his eyes to see Rose hugging him for dear life. "Thank goodness, you're okay…" She mutters softly to his ear. He blinked for a moment, before he slowly hugged her back. As He felt it was just right to do so. He closed his eyes as He clearly felt His Werewolf Advisor hugging him, caressing his head. 

After a while Longer, Rose let out and obtained a more formal posture. As Ragnar opened his eyes and looked at her, "So Uh… What happened?..." he couldn't help but asked at this point.

She sighs at his question, as Rose begins to say, "Well… Luckily Members of the Loki Familia brought you here along with your brother, Thanks to Bell's interview on how You fought it.. We had to bring in One of the Gods here to confirm that Bell wasn't lying.." Ragnar flinched at those words, before nervously looking at the side. Knowing very well that no Level 1 could fight a Minotaur. He continues on listening to her. "Considering The Minotaur situation was The Loki Familia fault to even begin with. On How you were hurt by their own reckless mistake… The Captain Of The Loki Familia would like to speak with you…"  

"Huh?..." Ragnar let out a confused look appear on his face. "Really?.."

The Werewolf Advisor nodded in confirmation before she turned towards the door. "You may see him now…" 

The door opens to reveal The Captain of the Loki Familia. Finn Deimne, From What Ragnar could tell from the Loki Familia's captain appearance, He has medium length scruffy blonde hair and blue eyes with a fair skin tone. It was obvious that He has a small body due to him being a Prum, Making him have the appearance of a child in short. Still He wears a yellow vest over a purple long-sleeved shirt and trousers. He smiled in a friendly manner, before walking over towards where Ragnar is. "Hello, You Must Be Ragnar Cranel from the Hestia Familia, Am I right?..." 

Ragnar blinked before nodding in confirmation. "And you are Finn Deimne, The Captain of the Loki Familia?..." 

"Correct!" Finn replied before continuing on, "The Reason, I'm here is because of our mistake down in the dungeon…that also led to your injuries that you earned down there…" He sighs with a shake of his head, showing how bothered he was by this fact. "Luckily there was no one who was hurt. But you, according to Your Brother, If not for your willingness to fight the Beast in order to protect him then there would be deaths of fellow adventurers that day…So I would like to offer my thanks and apologies for this mess," He bowed his head down being grateful for what Ragnar had done.

"P-p-please there's no need to apologize or thank me for anything!" Ragnar tried to reassure The Famous Prum, as He had a nervous and unsteady.

"Still, It really is our fault to even begin with.." Finn smiled out of awkwardness. As He looks back up, straight at him while He rubs the backside of his own neck. 

Ragnar sighed, before saying, "Hey we're not perfect. Mistakes happen from time to time.. What matters most is that no one got hurt…" He nodded to himself and started to get out of bed. 

"I wouldn't…" Rose trailed off, as Ragnar tried to stand Onto his Own Feet, only to wince in agony of pain.

"FUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCK-!" 

Finn sweat drops at the sight of a cursing ranting Ragnar with an unsure smile. 'For some reason, That reminds me of Tione..'

Later On, Ragnar was walking back home after he was discharged from the Guild. And not to mention, that long ass interview from one of the higher ups of him explaining what just happened. He let out a tired sigh from his mouth, currently he was using a wooden staff pole to help himself on his way back home. 

"Goddamn… Overnight as well?..." He mutters quietly that he couldn't believe that he was passed out for the entirety of yesterday and last night as well. He shook his head since it was foolish to even think about it now then.

He shook his head before continuing onwards home. Ragnar was preoccupied with his thoughts at this very moment. He shrugs it off, since He didn't know what else to even tho of. He looked up as He realize that he was passing through the Ruins in the first place and saw the Church in the not so far distance. 

Ragnar sighs in relief, before heading towards it. 

After a few steps forward, He opened the handle and walk right inside. "Goddess, Bell, I'm Home…" He called out with a little shout.

Almost Immediately there was rapid footsteps, as Hestia appeared through the stone door. She saw Ragnar, as tears of happiness appears in her eyes. "Ragnar-!" She shouted out in pure relief as She leaped across the room, and headed towards him.

"Waitwaitwait-!" He tried to stop her but it was too late, as He crushed by Her Tight Hug For Now. 'Goddamnit!'

"I'm so happy that you are alright!" Hestia cried out as She looked up at him with joy.

Ragnar chuckles, as He patted her on the head. "I know, I know, Same here. Anyways where's Bell?" He asked as He noticed that Bell wasn't here as well.

"Oh, He went to the dungeon this morning.." Hestia sighs as she misses Bell already, before looking a bit slumped.

This sight amuses Ragnar, as He knows Bell can be a bit obvious to other women feelings at times. He shook his head, as He looked back at Hestia. "While I'm here, could you perhaps update my status?..." 

"Sure thing!" Hestia nodded with a smile.

He followed Hestia down to the basement, After He put down his things and stuff next to the Couch. He followed Hestia into the Next Room to get his Status update.

Ragnar took off his shirt and layed down front, after letting out a long sigh of relief. Hestia got onto his back, and begin to proceed on updating his Status.

And after that…… well…

-Status-

Ragnar Cranel

Race: ~~~~~~

Level 1

Strength – H-105 > H-167

Defense – I-85 > H-143

Dexterity – I-82 > H-124

Agility – H-101 > H-128

Magic – I-0

Magic

-

Skills

Berserker: Rising Warrior. Activates When Conditions are Met.

~~~~~~~

-Status-

Hestia and Ragnar stared at the Sheet of paper with blank eyes at the sight of it all. As Ragnar could feel the shock slowly setting in.

Slowly, Ragnar and Hestia turned to look at each other with silent looks.

Hestia looked down, with her black hair covering her eyes from view. She gritted her teeth while roughly saying, "Ragnar……" 

"Y-Yes?..." Ragnar nervously responded with a smile, as He could feel the intense aura surrounded Hestia.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THIS-?!' 

To Be continued....