Chapter 1: Beginning of a New Life
A/N: Yo wys. Guys, I know this is random. But I just decided to start a new series cuz every goddamn time I tried writing Chocolate Love, I kept getting distracted by the concept of a Bell with a slightly more unpure past. The recent writer who has quit, Krikasu wrote his story, which got me thinking for a finished version.
URGENT READ BELOW THIS
For the pairing, I'll do what I did for walking the wrong path. You guys pick a character and tell me in the reviews kl? Yes I know, last time I went with Riveria but that was just...the younger me being idiotic. :)
The highest character vote gets it and pleases for the love of God, DO NOT SAY MORE THAN ONE NAME UNLESS YOU WANT A HAREM. It's honestly so confusing for that.
Also, for the sake of Bell's character, I will change his physique a bit to match with the story's intent. You have warned.
"Man, it's so hot." a rather developed voice groaned amidst an orderly line. The sun was blazing hot, it was essentially stabbing down into the people below. It was a pain to stand for so long but well it was what they had to do. The person crying out was a person who betrays the expectations of such a developed voice. A male, who looks like they are in their teens, with soft white hair and ruby eyes that seemed to stare into your soul with its flaming ferocity. Neither tall nor short, at a typical 5'7 (yes, I increased his height). The teen evidently was in the middle of his growth spurt, a stage when their body develops and grows at a quickened rate. He wore some light armour with a black undershirt, black trousers and black boots and black gloves with a specific design. It seemed like a good contrast to the hair and pale skin of the wearer. He carried dual falcatas, while they tended to be on the heavier side, a person with a decent status could easily swing them.
Yet it seemed that their rather innocent features would never match their voice. The build of said person was lean. Muscles in all the right places yet no excess, a body one may call perfect. Their jawline being defined yet not outgoing.
"Hush boy, we are about to enter soon, and then you can start adventuring, save the girls and get that harem ma boy." a man in front of him cheered gaining a few looks that last for less than a precious second. The man was clearly had aged well, as evident in his wrinkled face, white hair and beard yet he could still be called charming and attractive. He had a sort of attraction towards him, that made him stick out and the fit figure of well-toned muscles that seemed surprising for someone of his age, a man at a solid 6'0 tall. His grey eyes held a certain twinkle as assured by his previous statement that he was true, a pervert. It was pretty obvious that the man and teen were grandparent and grandchild due to their age disparity. "We're going to Orario Bell, the city of dreams, hope and girls. This little heat can't deter you." the old man spoke revealing the name of the teen.
Bell, looked at his grandpa with bored eyes, as if he heard the same line for all his life, " yes yes I get it. It's a city of girls, that's the only thing you care about, isn't it? Maybe pay attention to other things too gramps." Bell sighed recalling the incessant teaching of his grandpa to build a harem which honestly, Bell couldn't care about. They hadn't even gotten in and his grandpa was already drooling.
" Alas, it seems you are too young for this my boy. One day, you will understand that the aspiration of a man is women." the old man once again cheered this time earning no looks as people could already overhear the entire conversation. While, some felt bad for the boy, who they assumed was feeling embarrassed by how he was pushing his hair up, some simply found it amusing. Bell stared back without a change in expression, first, the heat was the only annoying thing in this line and now this man with a sexual desire of 100 men combined has joined the list.
"Whatever you say, gramps. Good luck finding viagra strong enough for you to get back into action." Bell smirked as a few listeners laughed at the low blow that was dealt. It was amusement at its finest.
"nonsense, I-" the old man tried to respond but got cut off.
"NEXT." the guard at the gate shouted in a clearly excessive voice, perhaps to assert some level of authority. The old man turned around, making eye contact with the guard who seemed pissed at whatever the reason was. Most likely because he was frustrated, or that was what the man assumed. "name?" he asked.
"Zeus." the man responded, instantly the guard stopped. He looked back with a slight hint of irritation in his voice.
"Stop wasting time, say your actual name." the guard hissed once again, the man found it a bit strange how he sounded so angry.
"but it is my name." the man replied, well aware of why the guard was so suspicious of him. The guard looked into the firm grey eyes with the challenge.
"Look here old man, this is not the time to be playing." the guard snapped about to grab the man but within an instant, he was stopped. The guard froze on the spot, as a bead of sweat dropped from his chin. An overflowing feeling of death overtook him as he felt like he was a mouse staring into a lion's den. But it never touched the ground, as it landed on a polished silver blade, Bell was standing from right beside his grandpa, with one of his falcatas drawn and almost pressed against the neck of the guard, who audibly gulped. Silence enveloped them all as the people from behind watched in astonishment that Bell had basically teleported to his grandfather's side.
Bell stared at the guard with a sharp gaze and in an even more guttural voice, he whispered, "touch him and your head is flying off." he threatened. The guard quivered on the spot, every alarm in his body went off all at once that told him that should he touch the old man, he won't live to tell the tale. "you should have an interrogation place right? Take us there." he commanded.
"f-fine, if you want to do that so much... h-hey Ross, take this man and kid to the interrogation room." the guard shouted, his voice was now much lower when compared to before and it was hesitant as if he had been brutally beating down from his command. Another guard with a spear turned around and came towards them.
"Follow me." the man huffed with a level of hostility in their voice. It seemed like to Bell that all the guards had this sort of attitude to them, which bothered Bell personally.
(read the A/N if you haven't it's important.)
At the Interrogation room
Bell and Zeus sat in a room. There were walls on all 4 sides although if Bell had to guess one of them was a one-way mirror, he didn't have the time to go around tapping on each wall. They sat on wooden chairs in front of a table, there was a sole empty table on the other side. They were given water but Bell refused to drink it since his trust in their fairness was gone. It seemed not all the people of the Ganesha familia were nice.
His weapons were supposed to be taken from him but he doubted any of them would try at this point. Soon, they heard talking on the other side of the door. As the door opened to reveal a woman, with short azure hair and eyes. She looked young but the air about her already told Bell one thing...
she was strong!
"Like I'm telling you, it's impossible for him to ha-" the woman was saying as she entered but as soon as she saw Bell and Zeus at the table she stopped, her eyes widened and her lips quivered. "K-Kami Zeus..." she whispered in shock. Her statement increased the alarm of all the people in the room as it confirmed what Zeus said. "you aren't allowed back in Orario, you know that." Shakti reclaimed her composure. At that moment Bell threw something at an alarming speed, Shakti could follow it but couldn't react fast enough as she felt the wind get sliced and something gets stuck into the wall behind her. She turned to see a letter.
'he threw a piece of paper this hard and fast?' Shakti wondered. Everyone drew their weapons, although they knew they didn't stand a chance by themselves, with Shakti they could probably handle him.
"That is for the unnecessary hostility we have received from your guards." Bell quietly told her. This act really gave Shakti a quick second to check up Bell. She wasn't the strongest but she understood when she was faced with someone strong. Bell was this someone. His aura was restrained but little she could see told her that he was strong.
"Bell, apologise. Of course, the guards would be suspicious of me lying. Sorry there Shakti chan, he's just trying to act cool." Zeus laughed. The hearty roar reminded the definite characteristic of Zeus.
"t-that's quite alright. I-is this letter from Ouranos sama?" Shakti asked, Zeus, nodded as she opened it to see his sigil. After a few moments she leaned against the wall and took a few breaths, "hoo...this is a lot to take in. So...you have been permitted entrance into the city once more?" she asked although she herself knew what the letter said, it was simply a bit hard to take in all at once. The letter's content was simple and concise, as all the few letters from Ouranos have been. This was a consistent pattern.
"don't stress it Shakti chan. Although you haven't gotten any wrinkles yet, if you keep frowning like that, it won't take long for them to appear." Zeus laughed, it was kind of funny how he was so uncaring in his behaviour or the fact that the others besides Bell were on edge. Eventually, they were allowed into the city as Shakti didn't have time to wallow in doubt.
Bell walked out of the room as his grandpa followed, he stretched his limbs. "you think that was a big enough of a bang for our entrance?" Bell asked turning around with a smile on his face as he looked at his grandpa, "after all, a hero's arrival must be grand."
Zeus only replied with his own fond smile. This was the boy that he had raised, Bell Cranel. He faintly remembered about his children that had sacrificed themselves for this city, he stared at the clouds wondering if they were watching over them at the moment and if Bell's mother was proud of him.
"Come child, let's get some food first. I know of a place." Zeus told him as he took the lead walking respectably as Bell walked closely behind, like a lost child following his only hint home.
Which to be fair, he was.
Regardless, they kept walking towards the eastern district. Bell found it rather amazing how no matter the area they were in, rich or poor, safe or dangerous, there was always an excessive quantity of people there. Not a trait he was particularly fond of since he liked to maintain his personal space. If Bell were to be recognised for any major characteristics, it would be his inherited hatred for loud noise and his hatred for no mobility. Regardless, he bore with it as he walked throw the crowd keeping track of his grandfather and making sure no one tries to pick-pocket or anything.
As he was unconsciously walking, he bumped into his grandfather who had stopped. He turned to the side to see a bar like a place, yet it seemed old, vintage even. The bar was called 'angel's tear' which seemed like a unique name if Bell had seen one, yet he didn't question it. It was dark inside and had the typical guild like doors, it was dingy and empty, how the place was still running was a mystery to him.
It was an overall weird place, but Zeus was weird enough to be attracted to it. They went in, and all Bell could hear was the faint breathing that he only managed to pick up thanks to his status. It was one without any pattern and it wasn't deep either, meaning the person was awake. Zeus walked in and without explaining a single thing he sat down at the front table.
"Oi Zephios, I know you're alive. Come out you old coot." Zeus shouted as if he had long expected this sort of behaviour. Evidently, he knew a lot. A few moments of silence passed as no one responded but Bell could hear that the breathing had been halted, a characteristic one shows during moments of shock or surprise. It was essentially the concept of holding your breath in.
While growing up, Bell had become rather studious. Whilst, he read hero books, he had never stopped reading books. Initially, his grandpa had to force him to read other things besides stories, but Bell soon began to do things himself. He had learnt quite a lot about medicine and the physical bodies behaviour and characteristics. How each race differs, the general human body's behaviour and all that sort of knowledge was something he knew from the back of his head.
Returning to the situation, however, no one had shown up at all. Zeus smirked. "If you don't come out, I'll tell everyone about your crush on Ales-" he tried to warn but was cut off.
"DON'T YA DARE ZEUS." a loud and sharp voice cut in. It was strong yet not imposing, it wasn't a killer threatening his prey but more of a friendly warning. Soon a man popped up behind the bar. A man with grey hair and a clean-shaven face, tired amber eyes. Yet the surprise within was a sight to behold, "Z-Zeus?" the strong voice now weaker asked to question whether it was real or not.
"yeah? don't tell me you forgot my sexy beard already?" Zeus grinned but Bell could see the small tear in the corner of his eye. His grandpa never cried usually, he was a strong man and Bell could not tell that he held himself strong to reassure Bell. It was one of the reasons why even though Zeus was absolute filth with the name of a God, he didn't ever lose any respect for him. For him, Zeus was literally and metaphorically his God.
"you idiotic God, it took you long enough to come back." Zephios scolded with a slight shake in his voice. A truly heartfelt moment between two reunited friends. Bell wasn't dense enough to not notice that his presence was not necessary. He picked up on the queue and stood from his chair, gaining Zephios and Zeus's attention.
"I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up about, so I'll leave you to it. For now, I'll go and get registered in the guild. I'll have lunch somewhere don't worry." Bell smiled kindly as if telling them it's fine. Zephios had been surprised at a certain part of his sentence though. He waited until Bell had left and gone for a considerable distance.
"who is he?" he asked Zeus. He knew Zeus was a God and he would most likely be an adoptive grandson which was correct.
"my grandson, Bell Cranel." He said as he turned to look back at the gates, which were now closed. "you remember Chad? He is Chad and Meteria's son." he introduced.
(Guys IK, Chad seems like an unlikely name but I couldn't find Bell's dad's name, so that's that.)
"so the lass managed to successfully give birth huh?" Zephios sighed in relief as if thanking fate to allow a remnant of the old Heroes to live on. However, Zeus's face turned sombre as if remembering bad memories.
"yeah, she was strong the entire way through, poor child passed away soon after." Zeus recalled as Meteria had soon passed away after naming Bell. "but he is my own grandson, he was born severely weak but I couldn't be anymore thankful that he turned out alright." Zeus showed traces of relief.
And their chat continued.
Meanwhile,
Bell was walking towards the centre of the city. However, as he walked the impossible occurred. The streets that he thought were busy, got even busier.
'HOW? How is this possible? There are too many people.' Bell internally moaned as he squeezed through the group of people. Eventually, he got angry though so he just chose to run through the rooftops. He leapt onto the nearest building and ran towards the massive pillar erected onto the ground. It was so convenient that the guild was nearby it. Bell ran until he saw the doors so he jumped down to enter like a normal person.
Normal POV
A guild is a place of importance. It is practically the second home of adventurers, where they make their earnings. Yes, it's like going to your step-mom's home to do the dishes so you can get some money to buy candies.
The stronger ones, do the harder tasks and buy full course meals. While the weaker ones do the dishes. However, every task is valuable and builds experience. They also have to tell them if they level up, the guild keeps track of it and in a meeting of the Gods, which is held every few months, they are given a cool nickname like 'burning fighting fighter' or 'eternal shadow'.
Among the guild helpers or staff, there was a certain half-elf with close relations with an elven princess, Riveria Ljos Alf. A 19-year-old girl, hurt and naive, one that had to sit and watch two adventurers she was in charge, never see the daylight again. A guild staff, who has tasted the frustration of being helpless as she patiently waited for her assigned adventurer to never return. The pain was so great, that she never took part in the usual bets on certain adventurer's survivability like the others.
Today, she was mourning the 1 year of her last assigned adventurer's death. Usually, the guild uniform is a white shirt, with black vests over them, but she overrode the orders and wore full black. It was meant to be a day of remembrance. A day of guilt for her own incapability. A day, the only one where she could excuse herself for not working properly. She had to man the front desk since it was better than messing up paperwork. Her superiors besides a high elf, who hated her, knew what she was feeling and decided to give her some time.
However, in her period of sadness, she had gotten a surprise visit from Riveria. It wasn't special or anything, since again the guild is like an adventurer's second home, yet the elven princess didn't fail to notice the change in her attire and looked at her with solemn eyes. She too had lost people, yet in comparison to Riveria, Eina was but a fledgling. She still hadn't gotten used to the woes of life, thus, Riveria could only offer comforting words and pray that nothing out of the ordinary happens.
Yet it seemed fate had other plans. Just like how the dungeon was the most merciless thing for adventurers, fate or rather a person's destiny was the icy killer of a normal person. A rather inconspicuous day seemed to be passing except for the entrance of a man at the front gate. Most of the time, that sort of thing was nothing. But there seemed to be a sort of attraction to him. Riveria turned around herself.
A man, looking quite young, in his teens or early twenties. Short ears, no bestial features and average appearance, so definitely human from the characteristics. His soft white hair, feigning age, it was clear that it was natural and not artificial colour. His red eyes staring right ahead, with uncanny bravery that seemed to challenge the heavens.
To Riveria, it was clear that the man was experienced in fighting. However, it wasn't something that pleased her much, a person's way of movement comes through experience.
That loosened posture.
The twitchy fingers are ready to grab the weapons.
The scouting eyes that scanned the surrounding come from having fought many opponents constantly.
The general air about him screamed the experiences he has gone through. Yet the gentle smile on his face seemed to be the lasting solace. A sign of victory. The fact that even though all he seems like he's been through, he hasn't forgotten compassion. It was one thing that even Eina understood. As he approached he looked at Riveria, a slight twitch in his eyes, which coincidentally only she managed to see, as he turned back to Eina.
"uh..sorry to disturb you, it seems like you were in the middle of something. I can wait if you want." he offered, Eina and Riveria were immediately caught off guard by his voice. It sounded so kind, the type that belonged to someone who would help a grandma crossroads. Although one issue emerged.
His voice is loowwwww.
It didn't even sound natural, just a voice that seemed to bring an air of intimidation to him. Long story short? The words and voice didn't match.
"N-No, it's fine. I haven't seen you before though, welcome to the guild, I am Eina Tulle, how may I help you?" She asked politely. Riveria took no offence, duty took priority over anything else during work time, it was something she had taught the child herself. She only decided to stay where she was. She would be lying if she said that she wasn't curious about the man's purpose.
Not that he seemed particularly charismatic right off the bat, but rather just an unknown attraction that he had.
"Uh yes, I am Bell Cranel, please call me Bell. I, um, would like to sign up as an adventurer." Bell told Eina while rubbing the back of his neck. It wasn't surprising to either of them. He looked like someone that was already an adventurer, but the fact that Eina hadn't seen him yet meant that he was certainly bound to become one. "Oh and could you fill out the form, my handwriting is rather sloppy at times, especially since I'm wearing gloves." he lifted his hands to reveal the black gloves that he wore.
Riveria couldn't help but notice the odd design on them. A skeleton with a crown on its head. A large K on two diagonally opposite ends of it, making it seem like poker cards. A heart underneath each K, but it was torn in half.
"uh yes please give me a second to get everything ready," Eina said as she walked to do her thing. Bell didn't even look at Riveria, she reckoned she made it painfully obvious that she was staring at him, yet his lack of response meant he wanted her to start the conversation.
Which she would.
"Those are some interesting gloves," she commented. A safe comment, something that can be brought up without context, and be perfectly normal. Bell turned to her, to meet her jade eyes. He gave her a smile, which seemed to be a mixture of relief and sass.
'Oh?'
"Yeah, they were a gift from a close friend. Although it holds particularly bad taste to it, it was the final thing they gave before death so, it's precious." Bell responded smiling as he looked at them. He was more or less of an open book, Riveria could see the sadness in his eyes, and kind of regretted stepping on a landmine. Bell decided to continue though. " It represents the Undead King of broken hearts. It has many different ways to perceive it or interpret it. Tell me...Riveria sama, what comes to mind for you?" Bell asked not turning around.
The fact that he knew who she was didn't come off as a surprise, she was the strongest magician in the city. Her strength is higher than his.
Or rather it should be.
Yet it felt like she was dancing on the top of his palm. For a person who stuttered when saying he wanted to become an adventurer, he was holding the conversation rather comfortably. She shook off that feeling though. She wasn't like her captain, so she couldn't trust her instincts on a person she had met literally a few minutes ago.
"It seems to me that it is the representation of death. Something among the lines of becoming the King of death, or rather standing on top of death. To rule over it." Riveria told him. She wouldn't be fully blunt, but she had a feeling she could be truthful, once again his calming nature influencing her. Bell seemed to ponder on her opinion a bit before speaking again.
"that isn't very far from the truth I believe."
"But?" Riveria asked expectantly. Bell's smile turned into a smirk.
"but what's the point of finding one truth when you can believe in countless lies?" Bell replied rather cryptically. Eina had finally come back, it seemed she had purposefully let the conversation carry on and decided now would be a good time to interrupt.
(Ngl felt like saying, cuz the line sounds badass imo.)
"um, here is the sheet. So your full name is Bell Cranel. Are you level 1?" She asked obviously it was part of guild procedures.
"No. I am level 4 as of right now." Bell replied. This caught them off guard, however. If he hadn't been an adventurer before, he didn't have access to the dungeon, how did he become so high level? Eina wasn't prepared for that answer so she tried to simply move on.
"I-I see. Which familia are you in?" Eina asked fixing her glasses.
"Oh actually, I'm reinstating my familia back as an exploration type." Bell revealed, "I am from the Zeus familia."
Instantly, Eina's head shot up as did Riveria's. Staring at him with surprise but more to try to see if it's a lie.
"B-Bell san, i-it isn't nice to joke like that," Eina said, thinking he was messing around. She knew that the Zeus familia was essentially torn apart. There were not meant to be any survivors. He didn't even reply but rather just put down a letter on the table.
Eina stood shocked, at Ouranos's sigil. It seemed legit as well, but she had to check the contents so she opened it when Bell started speaking. "Let me reintroduce myself, I am Bell Cranel, son of Meteria from the Hera familia and Chad from Zeus familia. I am the 17th generation captain of the Zeus familia aged 14," he told them. But by then the entire guild had fallen to silence, Eina's brain short-circuited. Riveria was frozen in place. Bell was stifling a giggle. It was a pure shitstorm.
"uh, you alri-" Bell tried to ask but it seemed that Riveria had revived from her stupor. Unfortunately, that meant she couldn't contain herself as her question burst out.
"How did you guys survive?" was the first question she asked. Bell didn't take particular offence to her cutting him off. He knew of Loki and Freya's past with Zeus and Hera. It was something inevitable in a power struggle and while, he didn't hold any particular grudges. But his next words carried an amount of venom in them.
"We didn't." was all he responded and it was enough to make her go quiet too. Eina had returned to normal.
Gods, it's like these two are so totally in sync.
"I-I see...well, according to this you are allowed to restart as a dungeon exploration. How many of you are there in the family?" Eina asked, going back to guild procedures, she had to at least finish the sheet.
"it's just me." Bell replied, "it will most likely remain that way too," he casually added. Now, this was a curveball. The purpose of familia's was to grow under God's blessing, the more people it had the stronger it was presumed to be. So, Gods would typically try to get more members and grow. It was familia 101.
Yet, here was the captain of a heroic familia, saying they would not take any person. Sure, there were bad things said about the Zeus familia, but that was due to the failure to slay the OEBD, if that were to be disregarded then the Zeus familia actually had a particularly good reputation. It wouldn't be surprising if people actually tried to join. So why was their captain denying it?
Bell seemed to understand Eina's confusion, and probably Riveria's train of thoughts. He wasn't dumb after all, he could practically read Eina like an open book and Riveria was just a bit of guessing due to her semi-permanent poker face. While he heard it was easy to mistake her maturity for indifference, according to what he has heard, Riveria Ljos Alf seemed to actually care for her familia greatly.
"The people have abandoned Zeus familia once, if the dungeon doesn't give multiple chances, why should we?" Bell asked, as a response to Eina's confusion. While it did make particular sense, it didn't help the look Bell gave to Riveria, who could only look down in shame a bit. However, his look wasn't judgemental nor was it accusatory. Riveria recognised it, it just seemed to contain a hint of sadness within it.
"I...see...well, welcome to Orario then. You guys have been reinstated once more, do you wish to open the vault? It contains the things like the manor keys, the money that was kept at the bank and some more." Eina asked. The Zeus familia were successful, meaning they had a lot of money. And although they were kicked out, people were banned from doing anything to their house, as if predicting that they would return once more.
"yes, please. Thank you for all the work, Tulle san." Bell politely bowed. If anything, he seemed genuine with his actions, and it was rather fitting for a 14-year-old child.
"No problem, it's my job. Ah, do you wish to have a particular work assigned to you?" Eina asked the final question, it was something they were required to do. Sometimes, beginner adventurers would be given advisers, who would guide them to a path of survivability, although Eina found it a bit hypocritical that they would bet on adventurer's deaths and also try to keep them alive.
"hmm...Can I choose you?" Bell asked.
"Oh?" Riveria accidentally let out. She didn't plan to interrupt but that got her. Someone willingly picking Eina was something that she paid attention to.
"uh.." Eina responded hesitantly, she was mourning the death of one of her adventurers, now another adventurer is asking for her on the same day? She didn't want to accept Bell's request, it felt like she was forgetting about her old adventurer too easily and it made her feel like the bad one. Riveria noticed that she clearly needed a push.
"Eina. If I can say something, while you do not need to push yourself to do this. Sometimes, fate does pull a weird one, just remember that." Riveria advised, taking her experience with weird encounters. Bell clapped his hands, taking their attention.
"As expected of someone of Alf sama's age, such sage-like words." Bell praised, although Eina couldn't help taste a bit of sarcasm in what he said. Riveria didn't seem to take too well to that, as she thrust her staff towards him, Bell dodging with relative ease as he pulled his head back.
"Isn't it rude to try and hit someone you met just a bit ago, Alf sama?" Bell asked with a smirk.
This cheeky one! He knows why as well.
" Isn't it rude to comment on the age of someone you met just a bit ago?" Riveria bit back. She had realised that it was wrong on her part to go as far as to attack him, but she blamed her habit on Bete. She somehow also decided to be too stubborn to apologise, so Bell raised his hands knowing what he was going to say next.
"Alright, I'll be the more mature one then." He said as he grinned at her teasingly. It seemed that Riveria somehow had gotten rather comfortable with bell even though he was basically trying to anger her. She only made a 'hmph' noise as she shook her head.
For Eina, however, the interaction was different. Not only did Riveria seem to genuinely be letting her guard down a bit, but it felt like she understood something about Bell. While, he was so far awfully kind, and playful. He was strong. To be able to dodge a strike Eina couldn't even see, which was ordinary since she is unblessed, but it definitely meant something since it came from Riveria.
"Very well, I shall be your advisor. Wait a moment while I open the vault and get your keys, It'll take some time to get the money. Do you want to wait, or would you rather come back later?" Eina asked. There was a lot to take in, her acceptance, the choices. Yet, it pleased Riveria, since to her at least it seemed like the correct choice. Bell gently smiled a sense of relaxation washing over Eina.
"break the professionalism. What will be comfortable for you, Eina san?" Bell asked addressing her with her first name while doing so politely. Eina's eyes widened, but she allowed herself to be shocked. It wouldn't hurt to give it another chance, would it?
" If you came back later," she replied with a smile of her own.
"you got it chief. Oh, and as far I know guild advisors usually give lessons about the dungeon right?" Bell asked earning a definite nod from Eina, he could already tell she was someone who took her work seriously. "I don't need it," he added.
"what? I mean you may be a level 4 but it's the first time you will be adventuring." Eina asked frantically. Clearly, she was traumatised with the disappearance of her two other adventurers, it felt wrong to let Bell even enter the dungeon.
"Eina san, did you forget what familia I'm from? The one thing the guild hasn't gotten and will never have is the records of the familia." Bell told her. She was suddenly hit by realisation, the familia records that Zeus familia were rumoured to have. The Zeus and Hera familia were the top dogs in Orario for basically a millennia, and the information was passed down from generation to generation. Bell being the 17th gen captain, it made sense for him to have the records.
"I-I see.. well, how much do you know about the dungeon?" Eina asked, curious to know the limit. Of course, she couldn't help any more than she already has a clearance of.
" I know everything from floor 1 to 64," Bell told her, rather casually.
(As far as I remember the Zeus familia claimed the floor 60 and onwards was glacier-like territory but usually terrains change every 5 or so floors I think? So I put an upper limit of 64)
"WHAT?" Riveria once more interrupted this time shouting in surprise. Even Bell was taken aback, wasn't this supposed to be common knowledge for someone of her familia at least? But then a look at Eina's face said another story altogether, so Bell started joining the pieces.
"wait...don't tell me you guys haven't even made it to floor 60?" Bell asked shock evident in his own voice, yet Riveria couldn't reply. Bell looked surprised but then sighed, "well that is just kind of disappointing." he said shaking his head. Riveria broke out of her surprise. She was being given too many surprises in just one day.
"do you not have the records anymore?" Riveria asked. Bell could guess why she was asking, and he did not appreciate it. He wasn't the type to hold grudges, but after hearing the stories from his grandpa, he understood fully well, even as a teen, that the Zeus familia could've well made a comeback even after being almost decimated by the OEBD. The kick-out was done by Freya and Loki famila, and while he didn't hold a grudge, he would never forget it. However, he knew better than to let his emotions get the better of him.
"I burnt it to prevent anyone else getting their hands on it," Bell replied. Those words alone would mean utter chaos, he has burnt a millennium of data. He has quite literally played a selfish move to prevent anyone from learning of the wonders down there. "This is Orario isn't it? The city of adventurers, filled with families of exploration, tell me what will you explore by reading a book?" Bell asked.
His words made perfect sense, yet it also made no sense. For something like the desire of exploration, he decided to destroy years of history? Riveria sighed as Eina finished documenting his data.
"What a mad man," Riveria commented, usually that was just plain impolite but in the face of such an act, it was an understatement to call him a mad man. Bell laughed heartily.
"that's one way to put it." he agreed as he took the keys out of Eina's hand. He grabbed her gloved hand with his own, surprising Eina as he stared right into her eyes. "I hope we get along," Bell said, yet it felt like there were other meanings behind his words. He shook her hand and turned around to leave.
"well, I'll go home and relax a bit. Farewell Eina san, Alf sama," he said as he waved backwards. Riveria could feel her head pulsing.
"no need to be so formal, we are both adventurers now." Riveria corrected, she smiled as she scolded him for some reason as she would do with Ais and the others.
"Sure, Riveria sama." Bell finished as he exited the guild. Riveria decided to also immediately head back to her home, after all, someone had to tell them of the news.
(I decided to call the Zeus familia house, Olympian Manor. Since it seems fitting.)
At the Olympian Manor
Bell had gotten some jagamarukuns for lunch since it sounded like a popular snack. To be honest, it really was good. It tasted decent with its multiple flavours. After which, he went to go collect his grandpa, and came to the entrance of the Olympian Manor with a drunken old man.
It was a grand mansion, three stories tall, with a massive back garden that stretched to the front. The front also had a fountain of the lightning bolts as water released from the bottom wheel. Yet, after a decade of inactivity, it just looked like a haunted place. Bell expected this but well, it was a starting place. But for one person, this is just too much.
"let's get to it then." he sighed as he took a sparing look at the blacked-out old man.
Twilight Manor
Riveria had returned to the entrance as the two guards opened the front gate for her. She walked in and went straight to her captain's office.
"Finn," she called out as she burst in through the door, not even knocking. Finn was a pallum. A blonde, lean build man, who was recognised as the pallum hero, and he were looked up at with pride by his community. He was also a level 6 tactician and captain, his brain was unique and one of the big three of the Loki familia together with Riveria and Gareth Landrock.
"Riveria, what's wrong? It isn't like you to be so dishevelled." Finn asked as he looked up from his paperwork. Out of the three of them, Riveria was the one who prioritised elegance the most, mainly out of habit. Yet, right now she was far from elegant.
"There is no time for that." she said in between breaths, soon she realised the inefficiency and so calmed her breathing, "you won't believe this but, the Zeus familia are back," Riveria informed him.
Finn looked at her for a second.
Then two.
Then three.
Goddamn it what the hell is happening?
Now Finn knew Riveria would never joke about something like this, but that just made it worse. His mind was already getting wrecked by the possible thoughts that he was having. Until he just sighed.
"call Gareth and Loki into my office," he asked as Riveria nodded and left. He took the moment to take a sip of the water, Tione oh so kindly refills every few minutes.
How did they come back? How many of them are there? What are they up to right now?
Soon, Loki and Gareth came into Finn's office.
Loki was an average height goddess, with remarkably flat boobs and blood-red eyes. Her eyes always seemed closed and appeared as slits but they are probably the design issue, not something even she could control.
Gareth on the other hand was a level, 6 dwarf. He was short, as expected, had a brown visage, with a long beard. He had an extreme attraction to alcohol like typical dwarves, however, unlike them, he didn't have the affinity of blacksmithing, but rather was one who used those weapons.
"Hey Finn, Riveria said something important happened," Loki asked scratching the back of her head. Finn only nodded towards the couch for them to sit down as he got down from his own seat and made his way there. He sat down in front of her and the other two, and crossed his knees.
"According to the Riveria, it would seem...that they came back," Finn told her.
"they?" Loki asked questioning the cryptic words.
"The...Zeus familia." Finn said as he closed his eyes bracing from impact. An impact came indeed.
"WHAT? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING?" Loki screamed as she shot up. Finn knew this was coming and now realised the tantrum would go on for another two minutes. Riveria however decided to cut in.
"no, I'm not kidding. Their captain even had a letter with Ouranos sama's sigil on it." Riveria added.
"OURANOS'S SIGIL? THAT SUPER DIFFICULT THINGY TO GET?" Loki asked, more questions popped up in their minds.
"I believe it would be easier if ya told us everything ya know before, Loki starts shitting her pants," Gareth advised, and while it did appear to be true from the way Loki was acting, the crude mouth of Gareth was something that irked Riveria for a long time.
"Language drunk bastard," Riveria spat but continued, " Well, there were a few abnormalities. Firstly though if you are wondering, no apparently they did not survive. It seems the last decades' adventurers have all spread apart or died. The current captain is the only member of the familia and it seems that he wants to keep it that way."
"What? why would he do that?" Finn asked a bit shocked at the logic. Riveria's expression became a bit more saddened, however, as she looked down in shame.
"According to him, and I quote 'the people have abandoned the Zeus familia, if the dungeon doesn't give multiple chances why should we?' Or at least he thinks that the people don't deserve to be in the Zeus familia." Riveria informed them.
"haaah? What kind of attitude is this? Who the hell is it?" Loki asked a bit and acting on pure hyperness.
"his name is Bell Cranel. a level 4 who is 14," Riveria replied with a small smile, which was not missed by any of them, " he is the son of someone called Chad of the Zeus familia and Meteria, the sister of Alfia of Hera familia. Blood line-wise, he is quite impressive. But as far as I have observed, he seems rather skilled with the weird swords he carries."
"huh, he seems quite impressive for a child that age," Finn commented with his hand on his chin. Loki was a bit more relaxed now.
"let's go kick them out again." Loki jumped charging towards the door only to be smacked by Riveira. "Owie, what the hell mama?"
"don't you mama me. Use your brain, they only came back, if you kick them out by force it'll make us look like the bad guys. Also, what have they done to you this time, from the way I've talked to Cranel Kun, he seems rather adamant to be a lone wolf."
"b-but.."
"enough. I'm not done." Riveria shut her down as she herself sat back down. "he is also well studied about the dungeon. More than us actually."
"How so?" Finn asked.
"he read the familia chronicle of the Zeus familia from the last 16 generations. He claims to know of until, the 64th floor."
Finn POV
What. The. Hell.
The 64th floor? Really, that just seems hard to believe, yet it really isn't considering the past levels of the Zeus familia.
"bullshit," Loki screamed.
I mean yes it does sound weird but that doesn't mean we can discredit him. What an interesting young man, my thumb ached ever since I saw Riveria so interested in him.
"I'm still not done. In terms of personality, he is a completely mad lad. He burned the chronicle series, the book of 1000 years, simply because he didn't want anyone else finding of the dungeon." Riveria sighed as Finn lost the balance of his head, which previously rested on his wrists. Gareth just roared.
"I like this one," he commented. Riveria rolled her eyes.
I have never seen her do that. Just never.
"Well, that's enough. Do you know where he is right now?" Finn asked getting up as Riveria nodded. "great, we are going to meet him right now."
"seriously?" Loki asked opening her eyes.
"yeah, the boy has become way too interesting for me to ignore now." Finn smiled. Soon they had made their way to the Olympian Manor.
Normal POV
As Finn and the others made their way to the Olympian manor, people looked at them. It seemed like the news had made its way around as a small crowd gathered at the front gates. It cleared away for Finn and the others when they heard shouting.
"Woohoo! The fountain finally works again." a voice screamed out, it was one of adults, although they sounded excited it was a few decibels too low to be considered normal. They all looked up to the rather old manor, now slightly more cleaned up. A boy with white hair and red eyes standing on the roof. On his hands is an old man that's asleep.
Loki squinted her already closed eyes. "Oi, ain't that Zeus?" she asked. They followed her eyes and indeed, the old man looked exactly like Zeus.
"why is he raising him like that? Is he drunk already?" Finn asked as he noticed the rather rosy cheeks of Zeus.
"Wake the fuck up granmps. YEET!" Bell shouted as he threw Zeus into the fountain making a loud splash. The 4 just stared with surprise, as a few bubbles rose from the fountain and out came Zeus, once again awake.
"Ah, what the hell. I'm sopping wet." Zeus looked around confused. He made eye contact with Loki and the others and raised his arms in the air, "seriously Loki, I just came back and you already throw me into the water?" Gareth and Loki just laughed.
"It wasn't me you old coot, it was yer captain. Look up there." Loki pointed as Zeus spun his head around to see Bell sat on the ledge.
"Bell! Why?" was all he asked, he sounded as if he had been greatly abused and neglected and clearly didn't deserve it.
Honestly? He deserved it.
"You were drunk the whole time, I left you to catch up not black out. Then I had to clean the entire exterior. I haven't even began the interior." Bell complained as he jumped down, as light as a feather, not even a audible thud as he landed. He walked up to the gate, "Oh Riveria sama, didn't expect to see you this soon. Are they Diemne and Landrock san?" he asked opening the gates, it would be impolite to speak from behind the gates.
"nice to meet you, Bell Cranel. I am Finn Diemne, call me Finn." he said as he extended his hand for a handshake. Bell took it with a smile.
What Bell didn't expect though was for Finn to put so much pressure into his grip. Bell felt a slight twinge of pain but he wouldn't back down from the test. He squeezed full force, expecting the level 6 to be rather unfazed. While, that wasn't true, as the pallum also twitched a slight bit, he wasn't particularly bothered either.
" and this person...no way, Is she...the legendary and infamous Loki sama?" Bell asked bringing a hand to his mouth. Loki stared a bit before huffing proudly.
" ya know yer stuff huh kid, the one and only." she responded.
"the great Goddess who lead the great three of Loki's to greatness."
"yep."
" That incredible beauty, who rivals the Goddess of beauty herself?"
"that's me."
"the one with incredibly big boobs?"
"all me." Loki instinctively replied. Finn and the other snorted a bit. Bell looked at her with teasing eyes.
"Loki sama...dieties shouldn't lie." Bell smirked. Loki realised his earlier words but it was too late. Zeus was laughing his ass off already. She had been played.
"grr, yep I knew it. I wanted to give you two a chance. A real opportunity to not be a cunt all the time. But you just had to blow it didn't you?" Loki grit her teeth, charging slowly towards Bell, "ya think yer real funny don't ya? Well, let me tell ya one thing brat." she paused, "if I catch you vulnerable, you guys are so out of here." Loki threatened but Bell just smirked bubbly.
"we literally have 1 member, a second class adventurer at that, the Zeus famila has never been any weaker." Bell deadpanned replied.
...shit
"we will be looked down upon," Riveria intervened.
Yes mama.
"Here I thought we were becoming friends Riveria sama, but I guess I was the only one." Bell shed fake tears to mock her. But then he turned around walking back, which seemed rather odd since he never really told them to follow, " well then. I guess you'll have to wait a lot longer then. I don't mind it, it's free surveillance from the Loki familia," Bell paused, " as expected the back biting scumbags that threw out the people they looked up to just for a mere title as the strongest."
Bell's words stung like poison, even Zeus had become rather quiet. It was quite the courageous deed to have insulted the Loki familia not only in front of Loki herself but also in front of their big three. Loki's veins bulged a bit.
"...yer too courageous for a mere level 4 don't ya think? I got 3 level 6s right beside me." Loki said menacingly. It wasn't a shock that the bubbly and easy to tease God was gone, she wouldn't take any careless insults.
"yes you do. You have many more back at your place. So? Kill me. I dare you. Double, no triple, dare you. Kill me. Prove me right. Show me, just how amazing you are. The pallum hero, who didn't bat an eye as he watched his idols be thrown out like trash. The princess, who decided to live in a convulated world so that she can feign freedom, not even realising she escaped from a cage just to enter another. And the dwarven heavy hitter, well known for his ability to tank hits. The least involved of all 3. What amazing first class adventurers, who are you going to betray next?" Bell asked. A slight feeling of guilt hung in their faces, Bell stood silently and laughed a bit, "aw don't look so down. I'm sorry, I forgot how desperately you guys were trying to convince yourselves that you didn't do anything wrong."
By now Loki had enough, she wasn't going to let him just continue on saying things like that. "THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW BRAT? ZEUS, YA THINK I'LL SIT BY AND WATCH HIM TALK SHIT?" Loki asked intimidatingly. Zeus stared back at her, his grey eyes scanning her intentions before shrugging.
"he's old enough to choose his own words now, if as the captain he decides that he won't maintain friendly relations with Loki familia, then that's that." he replied as he yawned. It was hard to even fathom what Zeus was doing right now, but not in the least bit surprising. "besides as long as he doesn't do what he used to do, I'm fine with just about anything."
Even back in the older days Zeus had a running nickname, The Spectator. Because he would basically never intervene in any worldly matter, many questioned why he even came down from Tenkai. He would only watch as his familia continued their paths, fighting, getting stronger and then becoming heroes. Watching the future grow, there always was a hint of entertainment in his eyes, he loved to use his eyes. To watch what others did. It was his hobby per se. The last line he tacked on though was confusing.
"huh? Don't get me wrong, it isn't that I don't want to maintain friendly relations with Loki familia. It isn't like that," Bell corrected, Finn looking at him confused, "that was just me going on a tangent and letting some steam off, I mean you did kill off my family, at the very least I can vent a bit right?" He asked, suddenly his smile was back yet the flare didn't leave his eyes, "all I will say though, Loki sama." he suddenly began in a menacing voice of his own, one that really suited his already deep voice. It made the hairs on Loki's arm stand up and Riveria and the other three become somewhat alarmed.
Riveria couldn't understand how someone who seemed as kind as him could pull off this sort of intimidation. It was like a fierce red aura that gathered at their necks, ready to choke them anytime. It was like staring into death incarnate, Finn could faintly guess what Zeus was referring to by Bell's previous actions. But then the pressure all but disappeared. "See you aren't the only one who can seem intimidating. So those sort of party tricks would never work on me. But I did have a fair warning." he paused looking at her. "Don't expect me to be the same as the last 16 generations."
"It's been 1000 years since the beginning of the story, it's about time someone ends it. And if it began with a hero..." Bell grinned as he looked back at them, the power in his eyes was something that they could never forget,
"then it may as well end with a villain don't you think?"
Ironicallty, years later. The tale of Bell Cranel, the last captain of the Zeus familia would be told as one of heroism. Of a person who defied all expectations and boundaries, to ultimately bring about peace and prosperity. But that is a tale for another time.
What will this rough start amount to?
Only fate shall outline, time can only watch.
A/N: and that's a wrap. A sudden drop of a series but meh felt like writing it. Let me say Bell is going to be like though.
Bell will be a rather mix character, he will have harsh moments and his usual kindness to him. He won't be naive, but of course don't let what I wrote be a deciding factor as to the pairing. You guys can say whoever you want, it is completely up to you.
Anyways, hope you liked his badassness, well the end bit was rather difficult to write and I'm 100% sure I could've presented it better, but well its been 14 days since I last uploaded. I expected to be killed by now, so here ya go.
Don't forget to vote your character/s.
Bless.