Danmachi The hero Begins

Bell returned to the surface after being saved by Aiz. But as he walked the streets of Orario, his mind was elsewhere. When he closed his eyes, Syr.

He wondered why. She wasn't an adventurer, nor a goddess, but her smile and her words had a power he didn't yet understand.

Returning home – a humble, abandoned church he shared with Hestia – he found his goddess preparing a simple soup.

— Bell! You're home! Sit down, she said happily.

Bell complied, and after dinner they proceeded to update his status.

Hestia placed her hand on his back, triggering a soft light as the runes on her Falna updated.

— Hmmm… Look at that, Bell! Your status is rising fast. You've become stronger!

Bell leaned down to look at the sheet she was holding. Her skills and stats had increased, which made him proud, but he remained focused.

"It's still not enough," he murmured.

Hestia frowned.

— Don't be so hard on yourself. You work so hard every day. I'm proud of you, Bell.

He blushed slightly at her encouragement, but an image of Syr came to his mind.

— Thank you, Lady Hestia, but… I still need to improve.

Every morning, before entering the Dungeon, Bell would stop by the Hostess of Fertility. Syr would often be waiting for him, a packed lunch in hand.

— Here, Bell! Lunch for you.

He always accepted gratefully, although he knew Syr's cooking was… unpredictable.

— Thank you, Syr. But… are you sure you don't mind?

She shook her head, a mischievous smile on her lips.

— Not at all. An adventurer needs strength, right?

Even though some of the food was inedible, Bell never said anything, appreciating his effort. Every day, he went to the Dungeon feeling a warmth in his heart. Syr had become his confidant, someone he could tell everything to.

When he returned from the Dungeon, exhausted and sometimes injured, he found himself hoping to see her again. Sometimes he would go straight back to the tavern, searching for her smile like a beacon in the night.

One evening, as he entered the Hostess of Fertility, she greeted him as always.

— Bell, how was your day?

He sat at a table, tired but happy.

—I faced stronger monsters today… It was difficult, but I got through it.

Syr still listened to him attentively, his eyes shining with interest.

— You're amazing, Bell. No matter the obstacles, you keep moving forward.

Those words always warmed his heart. Although he admired Aiz for her strength, it was Syr who truly inspired him.

A few days later, Bell returned once again to the Hostess of Fertility after a long day in the Dungeon. The tavern was lively, filled with laughter and conversation. However, the atmosphere changed when a group of adventurers entered: members of the Loki Familia, some of whom were looking at Bell with smirks.

They had witnessed the scene where Aiz had saved him in the Dungeon. Among them was Bete Loga, the werewolf with a sharp temper.

Bete walked up to Bell, his loud voice attracting the attention of the entire tavern.

— Hey, little bunny! Still alive after hiding behind Aiz?

Bell froze, his fists clenching. Syr, who was standing next to him, looked at him worriedly.

—Bete, leave him alone, Tiona said calmly from a nearby table.

But this only served to reinforce the werewolf's provocations.

— Why? This kid thinks he can become strong, but all he does is run away like a coward.

The other members of the Loki Familia, including Aiz and Tione, watched the scene in silence, while Lefiya looked uncomfortable.

Bell stood up slowly, his hands shaking with anger.

"I won't run away ," he replied, his voice trembling but determined.

Bete burst out laughing.

— Really? Then prove it. Come and hit me, if you can.

Silence fell over the tavern. All eyes were on Bell.

— Stop that, Bete, Mama Mia said from the counter.

But before Bell could react, Syr placed a hand on his arm.

— Bell… don't listen. He's just trying to put you down.

He turned his head to her and saw the worry in her eyes. Syr wasn't an adventurer, but she understood the pressure he felt.

Taking a deep breath, Bell lowered his fists.

— You're right, Syr. It's not worth it.

He sat back down, ignoring Bete's snickers.

Aiz, however, seemed impressed by Bell's calmness.

"You made the right choice," she said, passing him as she left the tavern.

Bell watched her leave, but his attention quickly returned to Syr, who was smiling softly.

— Thank you, Syr.

She shook her head.

—I'll always be there to support you, Bell.

Back home that night, Bell told Hestia everything.

—These people from the Loki Familia… did they want to test me ?

Hestia clenched her fists, furious.

— Bell, you don't need to prove anything to them. You're already amazing in my eyes!

Despite his words, Bell thought back to Syr. He realized that he didn't just want to become strong for himself, but also to protect those he loved: his goddess Hestia and Syr.

As he fell asleep, he promised himself that he would keep moving forward, not to impress others, but to be worthy of their trust.