Danmachi The hero Begins

Bell was unconscious, his injuries numerous, but he had a peaceful smile on his face. Riveria and Aiz carefully carried him out of the dungeon, followed by Lili who refused to take her eyes off him.

"He did it," Aiz murmured, a hint of admiration in her voice.

—And he nearly died, Riveria added, giving Lili a stern look.

— It's not my fault! Lili sobbed. Bell-sama protected me!

—He proved his courage, Aiz interjected, looking at Riveria. This boy is different.

Arriving on the surface, the adventurers made their way to the establishment of Armid, the renowned healer.

The soft light of Armid's runes bathed the room as she worked to heal Bell's wounds. Aiz, Riveria, and Lili waited in silence, their worry palpable.

The door suddenly burst open, revealing Hestia, panting, her eyes shining with emotion.

— Bell! she cried, rushing towards him.

Armid gently held her back.

— He's fine, but he needs rest.

"What happened?" Hestia asked, searching for an answer in Riveria and Aiz's gazes.

—He faced the Minotaur, Aiz answered calmly. And he defeated him.

Hestia was speechless, a mixture of admiration and anger crossing her face.

— He did that… all by himself?

— Yes, Riveria replied. We only observed.

Hestia looked down at the sleeping Bell.

— Idiot… she whispered with a trembling smile.

Lili approached timidly, her hands trembling.

— I'm sorry… it's my fault he took so many risks.

"No," Hestia said, placing a comforting hand on the plum's shoulder. "Bell never runs away. No matter the dangers."

A heavy silence fell, interrupted only by Bell's calm breathing.

Freya watched the scene from her throne in the Tower of Babel. She had seen the entire fight. Bell's courage, his stubbornness in the face of death, and his resounding victory over the Minotaur had left her in a state of absolute fascination.

"He's beautiful…" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with conflicting emotions.

But as she mentally relived each moment, a tear trickled down her cheek.

- For what… ?

She brought her hand to her face, as if she didn't recognize the emotion that was overwhelming her. She had felt an intense fear. The fear of losing him.

—I…fell in love, she realized quietly.

Her fingers tightened on the arm of her throne. She had always seen Bell as a work of art, a jewel she wanted to polish, but this feeling… this was different.

A quiet knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," she said in a soft but firm voice.

Ottar entered and bowed respectfully.

— Bell Cranel is at Armid's, he answered simply.

Freya stood slowly, her golden eyes sparkling with new resolve.

- Alright.

As she walked forward, a bright glow surrounded her, and her appearance changed. She was no longer the imposing goddess Freya, but the gentle waitress Syr.

Bell slowly opened his eyes, his blurred vision steadying to see the familiar ceiling of a treatment room. He sat up with difficulty, noticing Hestia, Lili, and the others chatting across the room.

A movement caught his attention. Syr entered, carrying a basket of fruit.

— Syr? Bell stammered, surprised.

— Bell! You're finally awake! she exclaimed, approaching quickly.

She put the basket down and leaned down slightly to examine it, her face full of concern.

"You had me so worried…" she whispered, her fingers brushing his injured arm.

Bell blushed slightly, embarrassed by her tender expression.

— I'm fine... really...

Syr stared at him, her eyes shining with an unusual intensity.

— Why are you taking so many risks? Do you know how many people care about you?

Bell looked down, searching for words.

—Because I want to become stronger…strong enough to protect those who matter to me.

Syr was silent for a moment, then smiled softly.

—You really are an idiot… but that's what makes you special.

Hestia, noticing the proximity between Bell and Syr, cleared her throat loudly.

— Syr, thanks for your concern, but Bell needs to rest.

Syr straightened up, still smiling, and turned to Hestia.

— Of course, goddess. I didn't mean to impose.

She gave Bell one last look before walking out, her mysterious smile etched on her face.

Hestia crossed her arms and muttered:

— Yet another girl…

Bell couldn't help but sigh as he smiled shyly.

In a dark alley, Syr's figure faded, revealing Freya once again. She rested a hand against the wall, her expression melancholy.

— Bell Cranel… how far will your light go?

She looked up at the starry sky, a spark of determination in her eyes.

—No matter what obstacles… I won't let you escape.

Thus ended a day marked by survival, emotion, and Freya's growing shadow in Bell's life.