Danmachi The hero Begins

In the morning, Bell had invited Lili to his house to officially introduce her to Hestia. Lili was nervous, because she knew how protective Hestia was of Bell.

—Hestia-sama, this is Liliruca Arde, my supporter. She helps me transport gems and items into the dungeon, Bell said with a smile, while preparing tea in the small kitchen.

Hestia observed Lili with piercing eyes, her arms crossed.

—So, you're the one who stole my Bell's dagger, huh?

Lili looked down, ashamed, but answered with unexpected courage:

— Yes, and I regret what I did. But Bell-sama forgave me.

Hestia raised an eyebrow.

— Bell is too kind for his own good. So listen to me, little Prum: if you do anything to betray or hurt him, I will make sure you regret this day for the rest of your life!

—Hestia-sama! Bell protested, returning with a tray of tea.

Lili, annoyed but determined, jumped to her feet.

— I, I will never betray Bell-sama again! And I will protect him, even from you, Hestia-sama!

Hestia and Lili then began to bicker, making childish accusations, while Bell looked on in panic.

"Why does it always turn out like this?" he muttered as he discreetly fled.

Fleeing the storm in his home, Bell found himself at the Fertility Hostess's inn. Syr, who was cleaning tables, noticed him immediately.

— Bell-kun! Just the person I wanted to see.

— Syr-san? Do you need anything? Bell asked, a little confused.

She smiled softly.

— Yes. Can you help me wash the plates? I have a lot of work today.

Bell enthusiastically accepted. Working alongside Syr was an opportunity he couldn't refuse.

In the kitchen, as they cleared away the stacks of plates, Bell took a deep breath and tried to break the ice.

— Syr-san… I wanted to thank you for everything you do for me. You are always so kind and caring.

Syr laughed softly, casting a mischievous glance in his direction.

— Kind? Considerate? You flatter me, Bell-kun. I'm just doing my job.

— No, it's not just that... You gave me this book, you encourage me... It's really... special.

Syr looked up at him, feigning innocence.

— Special, you say? So… am I special to you, Bell-kun?

Blushing all the way to his ears, Bell panicked slightly.

— N-no! Well… Yes, but not in that sense… Well, yes, but…

She burst out laughing, placing a hand on his arm to reassure him.

—I'm kidding, Bell-kun. You're really cute when you're nervous.

They continued washing the plates in companionable silence, until Syr changed the subject.

— By the way, did you know that Ryuu is a level 4 adventurer?

Bell, surprised, almost dropped a plate.

— N-level 4?! Seriously?

—Absolutely, Syr replied with a smile. She was once a member of the famous Astrea Family.

At that moment, Ryuu entered the kitchen, setting down a stack of new plates to be washed.

— Are you talking about me? she asked in a neutral tone.

Bell, embarrassed but curious, turned to her.

— Ryuu-san, how did you become so strong?

Ryuu looked at him with his usual seriousness, thinking for a moment before answering.

—By pushing my limits, Bell Cranel. To increase your level, it is not enough to fight. You must live a real adventure. A moment where your life is in danger, where you must surpass your own limits to triumph.

Syr, observing the exchange, gave a slight smile, his thoughts seeming to go much further.

—An adventure, huh… she murmured.

Bell nodded, impressed and inspired.

—Thank you, Ryuu-san. I'll remember that.

They continued to clear the plates, Bell finding awkward excuses to compliment Syr, while she laughed softly at his naive enthusiasm.

Later at the top of the Tower of Babel, Freya watched Orario with a mysterious smile.

—An adventure… she murmured, thinking back to Ryuu's words .

She stood up gracefully, her gaze shining with intense fascination for Bell Cranel.

— If he needs an adventure to become even more fascinating, then I will offer him one , he has a fear in him since he almost died from the minotaur thought Freya

She snapped her fingers, and a massive man entered the room. It was Ottar, the captain of her family.

— Ottar, I want you to choose a minotaur in the dungeon. Not just any minotaur. One that can actually test Bell Cranel.

Ottar nodded stoically.

—It will be done, Freya-sama.

Freya sat down again, contentedly playing absently with a cup of wine.

— Bell Cranel… show me how bright you can shine.

The next day, Bell was at the guild to return his gems, when he spotted Eina deep in conversation with Aiz.

— Aiz-san? he asked, hesitant.

Aiz turned to him, holding a shield in her hands.

— Bell Cranel. This shield is yours, right? She has it found in the dungeon called eina

Bell blushed slightly seeing Aiz holding that.

— Yes, it's mine. Thank you very much, Aiz-san!

She nodded, but noticed his slightly dejected expression.

— Is something wrong?

Bell took a deep breath.

— Aiz-san… I want to become stronger, but I feel like I can't.

She looked at him calmly, then placed a hand on the hilt of her sword.

— If you want, I can train you.

Bell's eyes widened in disbelief.

— R-really? You would do that for me?

— Yes. You have potential. But you have to work hard. If you are ready, come to the city wall tomorrow morning.

Bell nodded enthusiastically.

— Thank you, Aiz-san! I'll do my best!

Aiz, true to form, simply nodded and walked away, leaving Bell brimming with motivation.