Danmachi The hero Begins

Bell had just arrived in Orario, the mythical city where dreams of becoming a hero could come true. With its great walls surrounding the city and the Tower of Babel dominating the skyline, he felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He stopped in front of the Guild, a huge, bustling building, and went in to ask for advice.

Inside, a smiling half-elf greeted him behind a counter.

— Welcome to Orario, young adventurer! My name is Eina Tulle. What can I do for you? she asked gently.

Bell explained his goal to him: become strong, enter a Familia, and delve into the depths of the Dungeon.

Eina listened to him attentively, her expression becoming a mixture of kindness and seriousness.

—To become an adventurer, you must first join a Familia. These are groups led by gods and goddesses. Without their blessing, you will not be able to progress.

She handed him a sheet of paper with a list of Familias.

— I advise you to visit these gods and goddesses. But be careful, some are... demanding.

Bell thanked her warmly and left with determination.

A path strewn with pitfalls

The next few days were rough. Bell visited each Familia, but was constantly rejected.

— Sorry, we only take experienced members.

—Too weak. You wouldn't survive a day in the Dungeon.

Those words echoed in his head. Each refusal eroded his confidence a little more. One evening, exhausted and dejected, he sat on the steps of an alley, his arms crossed around his knees.

It was then that a young girl with silver hair approached slowly. She wore a simple outfit and a soft smile lit up her face.

— Excuse me, but you look sad. Are you okay? she asked.

Bell looked up, surprised by her kindness, and hesitated before speaking.

—Nobody wants me… I want to become strong, but I'm too weak.

She sat down next to him, attentive.

— Why do you want to become strong?

Bell clenched his fists.

—A few months ago, monsters attacked my village. They killed my friends... and my grandfather. Before he left, he told me stories of heroes. I want to be like them. I want to protect those who matter to me... and avenge those who were taken from me.

The girl placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

— You will become strong, I am sure of it. Everyone starts somewhere, and you too will find your way.

Bell felt his heart beat faster at her words. She had a calming aura, and he couldn't take his eyes off her silver eyes.

- THANKS...

She held out her hand to help him up. As he grabbed it, a female voice came from a nearby shop.

— Hey, you, white-haired boy!

Bell turned his head, surprised. A small woman, with long black hair and modest clothing, was coming out of a shop that sold jagamarus.

— I heard your conversation. You really want to become strong, huh?

— Yes, Bell answered hesitantly.

The woman stepped forward, hands on hips, a mischievous smile on her face.

— Well, if no one else wants you, then join my Familia! I am Hestia, goddess and future leader of the best Familia in Orario.

Bell stood there frozen, his mouth slightly open.

— You… You would really accept a weakling like me?

Hestia crossed her arms.

— Sure! Everyone starts somewhere. And then, I bet you'll become someone amazing.

The silver-haired girl stood up.

— See? You just have to believe in yourself, she said softly.

Bell watched her walk away, his heart beating faster still.

— Wait! What's your name? he shouted.

She turned around and smiled before answering.

— Syr. My name is Syr. Good luck, Bell.

She disappeared into the crowd, leaving Bell and Hestia.

Hestia tapped Bell on the shoulder to get his attention.

— Well, partner, what are we waiting for? Let's go make it official at the Guild!

Bell felt a warmth rise in his chest. For the first time in days, he was genuinely smiling.