Danmachi The hero Begins

The next day, Bell stood before the Guild, ready to formalize his entry into the Hestia Familia. Hestia, beaming with pride, accompanied him, her enthusiasm contrasting with Bell's nervousness.

Eina Tulle, the half-elf he had met earlier, seemed surprised when she saw them.

— Oh, Bell! You joined a Familia?

Hestia took a step forward, proud as ever.

— And how! He is the first member of my Familia, the very first!

Bell blushed slightly, embarrassed by his goddess's overflowing energy, but he couldn't help but smile. After some formalities, Eina gave them a room, Hestia gave Bell the falna, Hestia's blessing was inscribed on his back, engraving his status as an adventurer in the world of Orario.

— Officially welcome to the Dungeon, Bell, Eina said. But before you jump in, I want to give you some advice.

She handed him a simplified map of the first few floors of the Dungeon and explained the basics: the monsters, the weak points, and most importantly, the importance of knowing when to retreat.

— Promise me you won't take any unnecessary risks, she added insistently.

Bell nodded, though his excitement at debut was hard to contain.

The next day in the morning

Bell entered the Dungeon for the first time. The dark, winding corridors seemed alive, almost breathing, and the sound of footsteps echoed eerily. He held his knife tightly, a modest tool Hestia had bought for him with their meager savings.

The first monster he faced was a goblin. Trembling, he raised his knife, but the goblin charged. Bell narrowly dodged and struck clumsily, wounding the creature but failing to kill it.

—I can do it… I have to do it! he whispered to give himself courage.

Finally, after a chaotic fight, he managed to defeat the goblin, his heart pounding. The feeling of victory was short-lived, however, as another monster appeared, followed by another. Bell panicked.

— Too many…

He ran, his breath short, his resolve wavering. He finally reached the stairs leading to the exit, narrowly escaping an untimely end.

Back on the surface, he fell to his knees, out of breath.

"You're alive!" exclaimed Hestia, who was waiting for him at the entrance.

She rushed over to him and helped him up.

— I'm sorry, Bell… I can't offer you the best weapons or armor yet, but I promise we'll improve together.

Bell felt his tears welling up, but he held them back.

— Thank you, Lady Hestia. I will not give up.

Bell walked through the bustling streets of Orario, his bag slung over his shoulder containing the few magical gems he had collected. He was heading to the Guild to exchange them for valis, the local currency, in the hopes of helping Hestia a little in providing for their needs.

As he walked through the crowd, he felt a light tap on his shoulder. Surprised, he turned around.

— Excuse me, Bell. You dropped that.

Before him stood Syr, the silver-haired girl he had met a few days ago. She held a magical gem in her hands that glinted faintly in the light.

— Oh! Thank you very much, Bell said, taking the gem carefully.

He looked at his bag, wondering how it could have fallen out.

—I didn't even notice she fell… You have good eyes, Syr.

She smiled softly at him, a smile that seemed to light up the entire street.

—I was passing by and saw you. I thought I'd better give this back to you before she disappears.

Bell clutched the gem in his hand, his cheeks slightly red.

— Thanks again. That's really kind of you.

He hesitated for a moment, but he felt he had to tell her something important.

— Actually, I'm glad to meet you... I wanted to thank you.

Syr raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

— Thank me?

Bell looked down, searching for words.

— Yes… What you told me the other night… It helped me a lot. I don't know if I would have found the courage to continue without your encouragement.

A flash of emotion crossed Syr's eyes, but she remained modest.

— Oh, it wasn't much. I'm glad if my words could help you.

Bell felt his heart beat faster at the sight of her smile. He didn't understand why, but something about her presence warmed his heart.

Syr seemed to think for a moment before speaking again.

— You know, if you're free tonight, why don't you come to the Hostess of Fertility?

Bell blinked, surprised.

— The… the tavern where you work?

— Yes. Come and eat something. It's the least you can do if you've had a rough day in the Dungeon, she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Bell felt his ears heat up.

— I… I don't want to disturb you.

"You won't be a bother. I'll be glad to see you," she added with a smile that made Bell flinch.

He nodded, trying to appear calm despite the turmoil in his heart.

— Okay… I'll stop by tonight. Thanks for the invitation, Syr.

She gave a slight nod and turned on her heel, walking away into the crowd. Bell watched her go, his mind troubled.

—Why… Why do I feel like this every time I see her? he muttered to himself.

He shook his head, trying to gather his thoughts, and continued on his way to the Guild. But throughout the journey, he couldn't help but think about Syr and the evening ahead.

That evening, Bell went to the tavern where Syr worked. When he entered the Hostess of Fertility, he was struck by the lively atmosphere and the appetizing aroma of the food.

Syr saw him and walked towards him, a warm smile on his face.

— Bell! How was your first day in the Dungeon?

He grimaced slightly.

—Not like I hoped… But I'm still alive, so that counts, right?

Syr laughed softly and invited him to sit down.

— That's a good start. Everyone starts somewhere.

She served him a steaming bowl of stew, insisting that he eat it to regain his strength. Bell thanked her, touched by her kindness.

As he was eating, a voice rang out behind him.

— Well, here's a new face!

Bell turned to see a tall woman with red hair and a bright smile.

— I'm Mama Mia, the boss here. What about you, kid?

— Bell Cranel, he answered nervously.

Mama Mia burst out laughing.

— Well, Bell Cranel, watch yourself in the Dungeon. It's not a place for the weak.

Syr gave the boss a stern look.

— He is brave. He will improve, I am sure.

Bell felt a warmth in his chest. Even after a tough day, those words of encouragement were all he needed.

Days passed, and Bell continued to explore the first floors of the Dungeon. Although he was improving, each day was a challenge.

One day, while fighting a group of monsters, he was overwhelmed. Bell tried to defend himself, but a minotaur managed to violently hit him, throwing him against a wall.

—Is this… the end? he thought as he saw the monsters getting closer.

Suddenly, a blade sliced through the air, slicing through the monsters with deadly precision. Bell opened his eyes to see a golden figure standing before him: a young woman with an icy aura and blonde hair that fluttered lightly in the breeze.

It was Aiz Wallenstein, the Sword Princess.

"Are you hurt?" she asked in a calm voice, holding out a hand to help him up.

Bell felt his heart race, even harder like it had in Syr's presence.

— No… well, yes… well, thank you, he stammered.

Aiz stared at him for a moment before nodding.

— You should be careful. The Dungeon is dangerous.

She walked away as quickly as she had appeared, leaving Bell stunned.

— One day… I will become as strong as her to avenge my village and become the hero that my grandfather saw in me, he whispered.