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First warning: Good evening, everyone, I need your help. Do you know of any websites or AI for translating documents? The website I use for translation has been failing me lately, causing the documents to have more errors than usual. Even though I spent an hour on "JUST CORRECTING ERRORS" in a 3k-4k word chapter, I still missed several because of the large number of errors.
Second warning: This is the longest chapter of this fanfic so far with 7.4K words, enjoy, I was writing it while I was in college classes.
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The morning sun was just beginning to warm the cobblestone streets of Orario. Bell was already ready, leaving the church with a firm stride. He wanted answers. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about Lili since last night.
Even though he'd told himself he'd done the right thing... he couldn't help but feel something wasn't quite right. And if her story was true... what would happen to her?
He walked through the increasingly crowded streets, dodging adventurers, merchants, and people sweeping the fronts of their shops. Everything seemed so normal, so everyday. But in his head there was only one image: the girl with the sad look and half-spoken words.
Bell climbed the guild steps, walked through the doors, and headed for the first available desk. He barely opened his mouth to ask—
"Oh, the girl from yesterday?" the guild employee said without looking up. "She was arrested." Bell stood still.
"What…?" he muttered.
"Yes. Ganesha personally interrogated her last night. You know how he is about dungeon crimes. According to the report, she was complicit in multiple cases of intentional abandonment. She lured novice adventurers, escorted them into the dungeon… and in the middle of combat, threw out monster bait to make it easier for the creatures to attack them."
The worker flipped through some papers. "She is involved in at least three verified cases confirmed. She was handed over to the guard this morning."
Bell lowered his gaze slightly, saying nothing more.
He just clenched his fists.
It wasn't his fault... right?
And yet, as he silently walked out of the guild, he couldn't help but feel that weight on his chest. As if he'd pushed someone into the abyss.
Sometimes doing the right thing didn't feel right.
And that, for Bell, was the hardest thing to accept.
As he walked out the guild doors, the bustle of Orario gathering around him, Bell kept his gaze lowered, lost in thought.
The warm morning air failed to dispel the strange mixture of emptiness and doubt that weighed on his chest.
Maybe I had done the right thing. Maybe not.
But as he walked down the steps, he clenched his fists slightly, as if he wanted to keep that feeling inside… so he wouldn't forget it.
"Someday… I'll visit her," he muttered to himself, barely audible.
He didn't know what she was going to say. He didn't know if she would forgive him.
He didn't even know if she would want to see him.
But he made a promise.
And Bell Cranel didn't break his promises.
As he walked through the streets of Orario, the promise still fresh in his mind, Bell couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened.
The scene of the corpses, the monster devouring one of them… the girl running away alone… the interrogation… all of that was repeated over and over again.
He had been lucky. Very lucky.
But luck was not a strategy.
"I'm all alone down there…" he thought, feeling a slight chill run down his spine. "If something happens to me, there's no one to cover me…"
He stopped for a second in the middle of the road, letting people avoid him while his gaze was lost on the ground.
Lili had betrayed her group… but what if she'd had another choice? What if someone had actually trusted her from the start?
The idea began to form in his head, almost like a natural decision.
"I need someone to have my back." Someone to trust.
Someone who wouldn't leave him behind.
Someone who believed in him… and in whom he could believe.
It wouldn't be easy.
But the Dungeon was a cruel place.
And I wasn't going to continue facing it alone.
Following the impulse of his newly made decision, Bell detoured away from the bustle of the main avenue. He soon arrived in front of a small wooden bar wedged between two taller stone buildings. The sign above the entrance was simple, but made its purpose clear:The Last Round".
He pushed the door somewhat timidly, the sound of the bell announcing his entry.
The interior was packed with adventurers. Some were drinking, others were laughing loudly, and more than one was in the middle of an argument over who had killed the biggest monster. There were swords hanging on the walls, helmets on the backs of chairs, and a constant smell of sweat, alcohol, and old leather.
Bell took a step inside… and immediately felt the stares.
His [Grandfather's Divine Blessing of Wish] activated almost instinctively. Numbers floated above the heads of those present.
"-5",
"-8",
"-12", "-15".
All in red.
"...Great." he thought, swallowing.
The atmosphere did not feel particularly hospitable.
It was as if his entire body was screaming "newbie," and the others had already passed silent judgment. They didn't know him... and they already disliked him.
A muscular guy with a giant axe gave him a look that said""Are you lost, kid?", although he didn't say a word.
Another, in half armor, simply snorted and returned to his beer.
A mercenary-looking girl looked at him and let out a sarcastic laugh.
Bell stood by the door, feeling the pressure of the place crushing him more than a minotaur.
But he didn't move.
Not yet.
Because he had come to find someone.
And even though everything indicated that they didn't want him here... there was still a chance that someone did.
Bell, seeing that the only person not having a cloud of negative numbers hovering over their head was a figure in the corner, decided to approach. Her relaxed yet alert posture set her apart from the rest of the noisy adventurers. A dark hat and mask covered most of her face, and her dark clothing seemed designed to blend in, as if she didn't want to be seen or known.
Bell took a deep breath and, with some hesitation, approached the stranger's table. However, upon arriving, the figure looked up, staring at him for a moment. Her expression was impenetrable, and her distant aura made him feel more nervous than he had been before.
Finally, he spoke in a cold, direct voice, his tone neither friendly nor hostile. Rather, it was neutral, as if he was already accustomed to listening to unimportant conversations.
"What do you want?" she asked in a clear voice, but what caught his attention was her tone; it was a woman's.
Bell hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to begin.He wasn't expecting a warm welcome, but something told him this person might be different from the other adventurers at the bar.
Finally, a little nervously, he said, "Uh... well, I've noticed you don't... don't dislike me." He laughed nervously, trying to sound casual, though he wasn't entirely sure why he was saying that. "I'm looking for... well, someone with experience. I'm looking to team up... or at least have a conversation."
The woman didn't react immediately. Her gaze wasn't cruel, but she didn't seem particularly interested in keeping him company either. However, Bell could see that there was something in her posture, something that said"This isn't just another rookie coming to waste time."At least she didn't seem dismissive.
She watched him for a second longer, the silence between them heavy. Finally, she said, quite matter-of-factly, "A team? And what makes you think someone like me would want to be part of that?"
Bell wasn't discouraged. He decided to keep trying. "Well, I don't want to pressure you, but... I could really use someone with more experience in dungeons. I'm a rookie, but I want to improve. And if you're ever interested... well, I'd take on anything."
The woman studied him for a moment longer, her gaze calculating under the shadow of her hat. Bell felt as if she were sizing him up, as if she were wondering if he was even worth listening to.
"I guess you could try it... I'm not much of a team player, but for now... let's just say we can talk more. Of course, if you're not a nuisance, don't expect me to tell you my life story."
Bell, feeling like he'd at least managed to get her attention, nodded quickly. "No worries! I just... wanted to know if, by chance, you knew any good advice for a newbie like me."
The woman let out a sigh, more out of boredom than annoyance, and settled back in her chair, crossing her arms. "Advice... First, if you want to survive here, don't try to make friends among the adventurers. It's all business. The only things that matter here are skills, rewards, and money. Second... be careful with groups; many will leave you behind at the first sign of weakness. Don't trust anyone who isn't capable of surviving alone."
Bell nodded seriously, feeling that those words were wiser than he expected to hear in a place like this. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
"You better do it," she replied, before turning back to her drink, making it clear that she had no interest in prolonging the conversation.
Bell, although somewhat uncomfortable, didn't feel defeated. At least he'd made an attempt. And that conversation, however brief, might be useful later. After all, he still had a lot to learn, and his path wasn't paved with easy victories.
The woman sighed heavily, as if it all bothered her. She looked up from her drink with an expression of indifference.
"If you need a group for the Dungeon, I'm fine... though don't expect me to be your friend or care much."
Her tone was cold and direct, as if she were being dragged into a situation she didn't want to face. Bell, somewhat surprised by her attitude, couldn't help but feel that, although she was offering her help, she did so rather reluctantly.
"Uh... well, that would be great. If you ever need company in the Dungeon, I'm... no expert, but at least I won't be in your way," Bell said, trying to sound more confident. He wasn't sure if she really wanted him as a companion, but at least there was a chance.
The woman said nothing at first. Instead, she continued to stare at her drink with an expression that could have been a mix of frustration and boredom. Finally, after a pause, she murmured, "I guess it can't be helped. But don't come crying if you crawl on the floor."
Bell nodded quickly, grateful that at least she didn't completely reject him. "Thank you! I really… appreciate it."
She didn't respond, but Bell could see that her posture, while not warm, seemed less tense. Perhaps she'd taken the first step toward something, though she didn't yet know what.
In the end, the woman gave him a fleeting glance before returning to her drink, as if she had already said what she needed to say and had no intention of continuing the conversation.
Bell, though a little taken aback by her direct and cold manner, was pleased to at least have found someone willing to join him, even if only temporarily. It wasn't a team, they weren't friends, but maybe, just maybe, he was taking a step in the right direction.
…
As Bell and the woman made their way through the dungeon, a tense and heavy atmosphere surrounded the dark hallway. Bell, spear in hand, kept his eyes wide open, prepared for anything that might emerge from the shadows. Beside him, the woman walked with a firm stride, but her posture was somewhat relaxed, as if she weren't as committed to the idea of being there. Her cane—or staff, depending on what you called it—rested in her hand, as if it were more of a support tool than an actual weapon.
Suddenly, as Bell focused on the sounds around him, a shadow sword materialized in front of them. Bell reacted quickly, launching a precise blow with his spear, but noticed that the woman seemed a little distracted. In fact, in the midst of the fight, the woman murmured something in a low, almost inaudible voice:
"I'm rusty..."
Bell frowned at those words, unable to stop his curiosity from getting the better of him. In the blink of an eye, he dispatched a pair of War Shadows and then approached the woman, who was facing off against a pair of Killer Ants, still using her staff efficiently, but without the fluidity Bell expected from a seasoned adventurer.
"You mean you're out of practice?" Bell asked, not wanting to sound intrusive, but with a hint of concern in his tone. The woman, without looking at him, nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the next group of enemies to appear.
"Something like that," she replied, remaining calm as she precisely destroyed one of the Killer Ants. "I haven't been down to the Dungeon in a while… and it shows."
Bell watched her fight. Her technique was correct, but something wasn't right: her staff handling seemed a bit stiff, and she wasn't moving with the same agility as someone accustomed to fighting frequently. The woman, though effective, clearly wasn't enjoying the fight all that much.
"If you need a break, I can cover for you," Bell offered, still fighting. "I don't mind if you need to rest for a moment."
"It's okay, I'm not that weak," she replied, though Bell noticed that she didn't seem entirely convinced by her own words. However, Bell decided not to press the issue, focusing again on the approaching monsters.
As they continued their way through the dungeon, Bell pondered what the woman had said. "Rusty..." It seemed like there was more to those words, but at the same time, he didn't want to push it. Still, a part of him wondered if there was something else this woman wasn't saying, something that had led her to be so distant and so reluctant to form bonds with others.
Bell and the woman continued down the dungeon's dark corridor, the tension in the air increasing as they went deeper into the lower levels. The sounds of the creatures echoed off the walls, and the echoes of Bell and the woman's footsteps seemed to grow louder.
Bell remained alert, observing every corner, while his spear glowed dimly in the dim light of the nearby torches. Beside him, the woman advanced with a rigid posture, as if trying to control every movement. Although her skill with the staff was evident, Bell still noticed something wasn't quite right. She wasn't as fluid as he'd expected from a seasoned adventurer.
"How long has it been since you came to the Dungeon?" Bell asked, breaking the silence as he stabbed a War Shadow that tried to charge at them with his spear. The woman raised her staff with precision, shattering a Killer Ant with a single blow, before answering.
"A long time," she replied without looking at him.
Bell watched her closely, noting the slight sadness in her voice. For a moment, he wondered what might have happened in the woman's past, but decided not to press the issue too far. He knew what it was like to lose something important, so he understood the need to let people speak when they felt ready.
As they progressed deeper into the dungeon, Bell felt a slight unease as he noticed the woman kept muttering things under her breath that he couldn't understand. It was as if she were speaking to herself in a low voice, perhaps trying to calm herself or gather her strength.
Suddenly, a roar echoed in the distance, causing both of them to stop. Bell raised his spear, alerted by the presence of a larger creature. The woman, on the other hand, instantly tensed, her gaze fixed on the dark hallway where the sound was coming from.
"What's that?" Bell asked, ready to face whatever it was.
The woman adjusted her position, holding her cane in both hands, and looked into the darkness.
"A Minotaur," she replied, the seriousness in her voice evident. "Those monsters aren't easy to defeat, even for a well-coordinated group."
Bell gritted his teeth, knowing that facing a Minotaur alone wouldn't be easy, but something inside him felt motivated. Even though the woman seemed somewhat reluctant, he wasn't going to back down now.
"Are we going to face him?" Bell asked, his tone determined.
The woman looked at him for a moment, assessing him, before sighing. "We have no choice, do we? But if we do, be prepared. It won't be easy."
Bell nodded, his resolve firm. If there was one thing he'd learned since his encounter with the Minotaur, it was that he couldn't underestimate them. But this time, he wasn't alone. And though the woman didn't say it out loud, he knew she, too, was willing to face the creature. It wasn't just the desire to survive that bound them together, but a silent strength, something Bell had seen in their struggle. It was clear that, even if she wouldn't admit it, the woman was still a strong-willed adventurer.
"Let's go then," Bell said with a determined smile.
They both went deeper into the darkness, knowing that the true test was yet to come.
The darkness of the dungeon thickened around them as Bell and the woman moved cautiously forward. Each footstep echoed on the dusty floor, and the thick air was thick with palpable tension. The Minotaur's roar grew closer, and Bell felt his heart beat faster with each passing second. But this time, unlike his first encounter with one of these monsters, he felt no fear. Instead, there was an unsettling calm that enveloped him, a sense of control.
When the Minotaur emerged from the shadows, its large figure blocked almost the entire corridor. Its grayish hide gleamed in the torchlight, and the curved horns on its head reflected the light with obvious menace. The creature let out a ferocious roar, swinging its enormous mace. Bell was undeterred, despite the vast difference in size and power. The woman, seeing him, positioned herself behind him, holding her staff tensely but ready.
The Minotaur charged toward them with surprising speed, the sound of its heavy footsteps echoing throughout the hallway. Bell wasted no time. In one fluid motion, he darted forward, leaping to the side to dodge the first blow of the mace. The woman cast a spell at that same instant, a flash of light enveloping the air, momentarily weakening the Minotaur's strength.
Bell took advantage of this distraction. With a swift movement, he drove his spear into the Minotaur's side, piercing through the creature's thick hide. The Minotaur roared in pain, but didn't stop. He swung his mace at Bell, who barely managed to dodge the blow, feeling the air rush violently around him.
"Watch out!" the woman shouted from her position behind him. Although she wasn't fighting head-on, her spells were crucial to keeping the creature weakened.
Bell, feeling the adrenaline rush through his veins, launched himself into the attack again. The spear flashed as he moved with a precision he hadn't possessed before, his muscles responding without hesitation. He remembered what he had learned in his previous fights, what he had perfected in his training in the Dungeon, and each blow felt more natural.
Despite the Minotaur's fierce resistance, Bell no longer felt the same crushing pressure that had gripped him the first time. It wasn't just experience, but also the self-confidence he'd gained. The woman, though more reserved in her movements, was there to support him, throwing blows when necessary, keeping the Minotaur partially weakened and preventing Bell from receiving a fatal blow.
Bell seized his opportunity, leaping to the side and, with a swift twist of his body, plunging his spear directly into the Minotaur's "heart." The creature let out one last guttural roar before falling to the ground, its enormous body inert on the dungeon floor.
Exhaling sharply, Bell stood, watching as the Minotaur collapsed before him. The woman approached slowly, her staff still raised as if she were ready for more, even though the fight was already over.
"You did it," the woman said, her tone neutral but with a slight look of approval.
Bell smiled, even though he was exhausted. "We made it," he corrected, looking up at her.
Despite their differences, there was something about her that surprised him. Even if she didn't say it, her movements indicated experience and skill. Perhaps she didn't want to admit it, but Bell knew she was equally committed. And as he stood there, staring at the Minotaur's corpse, Bell realized he wasn't scared. He had grown, both as a fighter and as a person.
"Thanks for your help," Bell said, looking at the woman with a genuine smile.
She looked at him for a moment before sighing, slumping against the nearby wall.
"It's nothing," he murmured, though his tone had lost some of its initial coldness. "It's just what I do."
Bell couldn't help but think that, at that moment, there was more to her than just being an adventurer. Perhaps she was someone who had allowed herself to be consumed by something in the past. But that was a story for another time.
"Let's keep going," Bell said determinedly. "There's still more to do."
And, without waiting for a response, he moved forward, confident in his steps and in the strength he had gained.
As Bell walked with the woman through the dungeon's corridors, a nagging question lingered in his mind. He cautiously looked around, making sure there were no more imminent threats, but the worry lingered. He couldn't ignore it.
"Minotaurs... are usually between the 15th and 17th floors," he thought, frowning. "Why did one appear here, on the 12th floor? That doesn't make sense."
According to the dungeon maps and what he'd learned from other adventurers, Minotaurs were considered mid- to high-ranking monsters, those that usually lurked on the lower floors, where the difficulty increased considerably. The fact that a Minotaur had appeared so early on the 12th floor wasn't just unusual, but also indicated that something strange was going on.
He looked at the woman, who was walking steadily beside him, seemingly unconcerned. Noticing his silence, she turned her head slightly toward him, but Bell was quick to hide any trace of doubt on his face. He didn't want to alarm her, at least not yet.
"Is something wrong?" the woman asked, raising an eyebrow, as if sensing that Bell was lost in thought.
Bell nodded with a quick smile. "Just thinking about how strange that Minotaur was. Don't you think it's odd that he showed up on the 12th floor?"
The woman looked at him with a slight smile on her lips, though her tone remained neutral. "The Dungeon has its own secrets. Maybe the Minotaurs have simply changed locations, or maybe there's something about this floor that attracts it. Sometimes not everything follows the expected pattern."
Bell wasn't convinced. The logic behind a Minotaur's appearance on the 12th floor didn't fit so easily with that explanation. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet. And,
Although the woman seemed relatively calm, he felt a growing unease. Was this just an isolated incident, or was there something darker lurking in the halls of the Dungeon?
"Maybe you're right," Bell murmured, though his mind was still racing. "But stay alert. Something tells me this isn't normal."
The woman didn't respond, but her eyes flashed with a cold glare that could have been interpreted as a sign that she, too, felt the same tension. The Dungeon was never what it seemed at first glance.
And with that, they continued moving forward, the echo of their footsteps resonating in the darkness as a strange feeling of distrust settled in the air.
Bell continued to advance cautiously, keeping an eye on the woman as they fought off a group of Hellhounds. The monsters moved nimbly, and Bell knew that, despite being a relatively fast monster, the Hellhounds were nothing more than an obstacle in his path, but he had to stay alert. The next few seconds were chaotic: they dodged, attacked, and countered attacks with calculated movements.
Suddenly, amidst the chaos, the woman leaped to the side to avoid a jet of fire. During the movement, something unexpected happened. The cap covering her head slid back, revealing her bright pink hair, a spark of color in the midst of the battle.
Bell paused for a moment, staring in surprise. It wasn't common to see someone with that kind of hair in Orario, let alone a low-profile adventurer like her. Before he could think further, the woman reacted quickly, using her hands to cover herself and placing the hat back on her head with almost instinctive speed. Her expression went from cold determination to panic, her eyes boring into Bell with an intensity that made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
"You didn't see anything!" she said in a hurried whisper, her tone a sigh of urgency, her face reddening slightly beneath the partially lifted mask.
Bell, still in shock from the unexpectedness, nodded without much thought, looking away as if he'd seen absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. "Uh, right... I didn't see anything," he mumbled, unsure whether he should say more or if it was better to let it go. The woman looked at him once more, as if searching for confirmation in his eyes, and when she noticed that Bell seemed genuine in his reaction, she let out a sigh, relieved, but still with a bit of tension in her body.
The silence between them was cut by the roar of another Hellhound, and they both quickly returned to combat, but Bell couldn't help but think how strange the situation was. There was something about the woman, something that made her want to hide her identity. And even though she appeared to be just an ordinary adventurer, Bell wasn't sure how ordinary she really was.
"Why does she get so worked up over a mere hair?" Bell wondered as he jabbed his spear into an approaching Hellhound.
…
Bell and the woman remained standing, watching the fallen bodies of the Hellhounds vanish. The last of them let out a muffled grunt as it fell to the ground, releasing a light puff of smoke into the air. Bell, breathing heavily, lowered his spear, looking at the woman who had been by his side throughout the fight.
She stood, her staff still firmly in her hand, though her posture seemed somewhat more relaxed. She had been acting as a support most of the time, using her staff to disorient and control the monsters, but now that the fight was over, the tension in her body could be seen beginning to fade.
"That was good," Bell said, with a slight, satisfied smile. Even though he hadn't been too involved in the fight, he felt it had been good training and that his cooperation with her had been effective.
The woman nodded indifferently, but Bell could see the faint glimmer of tiredness in her eyes. "Not bad for a rookie," she commented, a faint smile hidden beneath her mask. She didn't seem particularly proud of her own performance, but at least there hadn't been any significant stumbles.
Bell stretched, feeling his muscles relax after the action. "Do you want to continue or…?" he began to ask, but the woman quickly interrupted him.
"That's enough for today," he replied firmly. "We've been here for a while now, and I don't want to stay late. Besides, I'm in no condition to fight much longer." His tone was clear, and although he seemed to have some experience, his body was asking for a break.
"I understand," Bell said, nodding. "So, are we going to the surface?"
The woman nodded and turned, starting to walk toward the dungeon exit without saying much else. Bell followed her silently, his mind still reflecting on the strange interaction he'd had with her, especially the hair incident. Despite the momentary awkwardness, he felt something deeper was going on, something he couldn't quite understand.
As they left, the sound of their footsteps echoed through the halls of the Dungeon, and the fresh air of the surface began to grow closer with each step.
When they reached the dungeon entrance, Bell looked at the woman. "Thanks for the teamwork. You really helped me today."
The woman looked at him over her shoulder, her eyes still hidden behind her mask. "It's nothing. Do better next time, that's all," she said in a low, quick voice.
Bell smiled, though his mind was still a little foggy. As they walked toward the exit, he couldn't help thinking there was more to this woman than she let on, but for now, he could do nothing but move forward and hope that, somehow, she'd come to understand.
Bell returned to Hestia's church, feeling tired but satisfied after his adventure in the dungeon. As he walked through the door, Hestia, who was in the lobby, looked up and smiled at the sight.
"Bell! Welcome back!" Hestia exclaimed, her eyes shining with a mixture of joy and relief. She quickly approached him, hugging him excitedly. "How did it go? Are you okay?"
Bell returned the hug with a tired smile. "Yeah, everything's fine... although I had a couple of surprises. But it wasn't anything serious."
Hestia let go of him, looking at him curiously. "Surprises? What kind of surprises?"
Bell slumped into one of the chairs near the fire, stretching his legs as he sighed. "Well... I teamed up with a woman in the dungeon. She helped a lot in the fight, even though she wasn't the friendliest person." Bell paused, recalling the awkward encounter. "I don't know if I liked her or if she just wanted someone else to help her. But... she helped, and that's what counts."
Hestia frowned, somewhat intrigued. "A woman? And you haven't mentioned her to me before? Who is she?"
Bell thought for a moment before answering. "I didn't know her. She... wore dark clothes, a hat, and seemed like she wanted to blend in. But honestly, I didn't ask her much. She was just... efficient. Although, you know, she's a bit strange. She didn't show much interest in conversation, and when her hat fell off... she seemed to be surprised."
Hestia moved a little closer, observing Bell closely. "What happened when he was surprised?"
Bell shrugged. "He just put the hat on quickly, like he was trying to hide something. I don't know... It was weird, but nothing to worry about."
"Ah..." Hestia thought for a moment, her eyes shining with a spark of curiosity. "That sounds intriguing. But I'm glad everything went well, Bell. And if you ever decide you need her again, let me know, okay?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, sure. It's not like we have much choice right now, so maybe I'll run into her again."
Hestia smiled, sitting next to him. "For now, don't worry. You're strong, Bell! I know you'll do well."
Bell smiled faintly, feeling comforted by her words. Despite the strange situation with the woman in the dungeon, there was something about him that felt like he was on the right path. Although there were still many unanswered questions, he was learning and growing, and that was the most important thing.
"Thank you, Goddess," he murmured, as his body began to relax, the feeling of mission accomplished slowly enveloping him.
Hestia, with a mischievous smile, gave him a little push. "Don't forget, I've prepared a spectacular dinner for you to celebrate! But first, go get some rest! You've been running around all day."
Bell nodded, knowing it was time for a well-deserved break, but with a strange feeling that something else, something important, was coming.
After a quiet dinner, where Hestia had prepared a meal filled with exquisite dishes (lol, it's a miracle), Bell sat down in the armchair, feeling satisfied but tired. The warmth of the fire in the fireplace surrounded him, and the food had filled the air with a pleasant sense of calm. Hestia, always attentive, approached with a small needle in one hand and a piece of paper in the other.
"Bell," he said with a playful yet serious smile, "I know you've had a long day, but I need to update you. You know, the usual process."
Bell raised an eyebrow, a little curious. "Now, Hestia?"
She nodded determinedly. "Yes, now. I know you're tired, but it will be quick."
Bell nodded, watching Hestia prepare everything. "There," Hestia said with a smile, looking at the paper as she held it in front of him. "Here it is. Let's see how it turns out."
Bell looked at the paper curiously, reading softly as his eyes scanned each line:
Bell Cranel
Level 1
Strength:F363 → A846
Endurance:E426 → S908
Dexterity:F354 → A811
Agility:E407 → S901
Magic:I0
Bell stared at the paper, unable to fully process what he was seeing. Such monstrous growth... in a single day? He'd felt like his training in the Dungeon had given him a nice boost, but he hadn't imagined it would be this significant.
Hestia, who was observing Bell's reaction, couldn't help but let out a gasp of surprise. "This is... impressive! Your power growth today has been monstrous, Bell! I've never seen anything like it! From F to A in strength, let alone your agility and stamina!"
Bell stared at the paper, disbelief on his face. "This... is real?"
"Of course it's real!" Hestia said with excitement in her voice, touching her chest with one hand as if that would make the situation even more real. "You've made progress that even the highest-level adventurers can't achieve in a single day! This is incredible. Do you realize how strong you are now?"
Bell didn't know what to think. On one hand, he was overwhelmed by the sudden improvement, but on the other, he also felt the responsibility that came with it was even greater. However, he couldn't help but smile at Hestia's words.
"Well... I guess all that training is paying off," Bell said, a little more confident, but still processing what had just happened. "Looks like things are looking up."
Despite the excitement of seeing his improvements, Bell couldn't help but feel a slight concern. The progress in his stats was overwhelming, and he felt stronger than ever, but he still couldn't level up. Hestia noticed his expression and decided to clear up what seemed to be a doubt.
"Bell," Hestia began, taking a moment to adjust her tone, "I know you're excited about your improvements, but you can't level up yet."
Bell nodded, his face reflecting the confusion he felt. "Yes, I've improved a lot, but... why can't I level up? I thought with all this power, that would be the next step."
Hestia sighed lightly, understanding the situation. "That's because leveling up isn't just about stats, Bell. Stats only indicate your growth in terms of strength, agility, and stamina. But what really matters to take that leap and level up is performing a great feat. It's like a test of your worth as an adventurer."
Bell frowned, still processing Hestia's words. "A great feat? What kind of feat?"
"Well, it depends on the adventurer and the difficulty of what they've accomplished," Hestia explained patiently. "Some adventurers level up after facing a very dangerous monster, others after an epic battle, or even after an act of great bravery or sacrifice. It's a process that depends on the greatness of the achievement, not just statistical boosts. If you haven't had a great feat yet, your level will remain the same, even if your stats have increased."
Bell thought about it, biting his lip. "So... I have to do something incredibly dangerous to level up?"
Hestia nodded. "Exactly. And it's not something you can force. Leveling up is a reflection of everything you've overcome and accomplished. It's not an easy thing to achieve, but when the time is right, you'll know."
Bell nodded slowly, feeling that a part of him understood what Hestia was saying, but another part of him still wished the process were simpler. Still, he knew the path to greatness wasn't easy, and that only made him more determined.
"I understand," Bell said, standing up from the chair. "I guess I'll have to keep looking for that opportunity. And in the meantime, keep training."
"That's it, Bell," Hestia replied with an encouraging smile. "Keep working hard, and eventually you'll find your chance. And when you do, it will be something that will change you forever."
Bell nodded with a renewed smile, feeling that although his path was far from over, he had Hestia by his side and the support of those who trusted him. With that motivation in his heart, he knew his great feat was waiting somewhere in the Dungeon, or perhaps beyond. He just had to keep searching.
Bell looked at the sheet of paper Hestia had recorded his stats and skills on, his eyes scanning each section with meticulous attention. It was then that something caught his eye. On a new line, a blessing he hadn't noticed before appeared.
"What is this?" he muttered to himself, pointing at the new blessing that had been added to his status. Hestia, noticing his reaction, leaned forward curiously.
"What's up, Bell? Did you find anything new?" he asked, a slight smile on his face.
Bell read in a low voice, "[Divine Blessing of Truth Discernment]: You can tell if you're being lied to." His eyes widened as he processed the information.
Hestia looked at him with some surprise. "It's similar to the ability we gods have; it's a blessing that could help you navigate complicated situations, Bell. But you must also be careful. Knowing the truth can sometimes be a burden."
Bell nodded slowly, considering the implications of having that ability. "I guess it's something I'll have to get used to. But at least if I ever have doubts, now I'll know the truth."
Hestia smiled. "Exactly. But remember, not everyone is bad, Bell. Not all lies are malicious. Sometimes, people hide things for their own well-being or out of fear."
Bell nodded again, understanding what Hestia meant. Meanwhile, his mind continued to ponder the implications of having the ability to tell if someone was lying. It would certainly be useful in the future, but it could also raise new questions and tensions.
"I'll keep that in mind," he finally said, carefully putting the sheet away. "Thank you, Hestia. This will really change things."
Hestia nodded with a warm smile. "You're welcome, Bell. Now, just go ahead and use your blessings wisely. You have so much potential, don't forget that."
Bell looked at the sheet of paper once more, then put it away. He knew there was still much to discover, but with each blessing, with each new challenge, he got one step closer to his goal.
…
The atmosphere in the room was thick and heavy with incense, the walls covered with purple curtains that barely allowed the moonlight to filter in. In the center, Freya's silhouette stood out against the dim glow of the balcony, seated elegantly in a high-backed armchair, a glass in her hand, her gaze lost in the city that stretched out below her from the top of the Tower of Babel.
Then the door opened softly.
A hooded figure entered with a calm and silent gait. Removing her cloak revealed her pink hair, partially matted by the cap she had removed only moments before. Without the disguise she had worn in the dungeon, the refined, yet severe, beauty of the woman who now approached the goddess was clearly evident.
Freya smiled softly, not taking her eyes off the balcony.
"Tell me, Heith…" her voice was melodic, almost a weighty whisper. "How do you think my Bell fared?"
Heith paused a few steps before reaching the armchair. She crossed her arms, letting out a soft sigh.
"I don't approve of your obsession with him, my goddess," she replied bluntly, her tone serious and unadorned. "But… he's not the worst."
Freya tilted her head slightly, amused. "Oh? That's the best you can say about him?"
"He's inexperienced. Emotionally young, as expected for someone his age. He rushes headlong into situations that could kill him," Heith began dryly, as if reading off a list of flaws. But then she lowered her gaze slightly. "However… he fights through it all. He has talent. Potential. And…" she hesitated for a second, as if she didn't want to say it, "there's something about him. Something that makes others… follow him, or look at him with hope. It's annoying."
Freya laughed softly, finally turning to Heith. Her silver eyes glittered with a dangerous spark.
"That, dear Heith… that's what makes it special." She stood up with feline grace and walked over to her table, where a crystal figurine in the shape of Bell rested, surrounded by smaller ones, all slowly rotating around it.
"The gods seek entertainment, chaos, redemption, glory… but I…" Freya lifted Bell's figure between her fingers, caressing it tenderly. "I seek something more. And my Bell… my Bell is going to be the most beautiful story ever told."
Heith rolled her eyes surreptitiously, but said nothing more. She knew there was no dissuading her.
Freya placed the figure back in its place, turning around with an enigmatic smile.
"Keep a little closer watch on him, will you? I want to see if he can truly shine on his own… or if he'll need me to gently nudge him toward greatness." Heith nodded heavily, turning to leave.
Freya looked up at the night sky again.
"My Bell…" she whispered. "Soon the whole world will see you as I see you."
As soon as the door closed behind Heith's departure, Freya was left alone with her thoughts.
For a few seconds… she maintained her composure. The goddess of beauty, the most desired in Orario, imposing and unattainable, stood gazing at the starry sky from her balcony.
…And then she let out a strangled shriek, spun around, and launched herself backwards into her bed like an arrow.
"Aaaaahh, my Bell!" she squealed into the pillows, kicking the air as if she were fifteen years old and had just seen her first love smile at her at school.
He rolled from side to side on the enormous bed covered with silk sheets, clutching one of the pillows tightly to his chest.
"He's so cute when he tries to act serious! And when he frowns because he doesn't understand something!" she cried, her face all red and her eyes shining.
He paused for a moment, sitting up in bed with his hair disheveled and his cheeks flushed.
"That boy is going to kill me… with cuteness!" she said, pressing her face into the sheets.
In the corner of the room, Ottar, his most faithful servant, had been waiting silently all this time. Even with his imposing figure, he simply looked away and muttered to himself in resignation:
Another normal night…
Freya, meanwhile, continued to kick like a lovesick schoolgirl, planning in her mind every next encounter with Bell as if it were an epic romance written by the gods.
—
No, that minotaur is not the one who is going to be Asterius
Yes, he was put there by Freya, but he wasn't trained, which is why he was dispatched so easily.