Soooo this got a better reception than I expected. Hopefully I can fulfill any expectations you may have. Bell is the only character who will be written in the first person. The title of this story might change at some point because I just learned that there's already a story called Heroic Will.
I don't own Danmachi. Danmachi belongs to Fujino Omori.
I have to admit, the stares I'm getting from the small number of adventurers looking to get an early start to their day are unnerving. I guess I do make a bit of an image though… A 5'7" kid walking through a building with a long tan jacket over a black shirt and pants, all covered in the blackish blood often attributed to the weakest monsters in dungeon, carrying a crude cleaver half my height and smiling widely like it's the best day of my life.
Which, to be fair, it is. To most killing three goblins wouldn't even be worth their time but for me, an unblessed adventurer, I feel like I'm truly walking the path of a hero.
Ringing the bell at the counter I barely had to wait before the beautiful werewolf from last night walked up to the counter. Her wavy red hair is just as gorgeous as last night and now that I can see her properly it's hard to keep eye contact. The Guild uniform does nothing to hide her curvy figure and her cold, golden eyes and slight scowl makes for an intimidating figure to someone with as little experience with women as I have.
"-Hey! Are you even listening to me?" she said snapping me out of my thoughts. No, no I wasn't.
"Ah, sorry I was just distracted seeing someone so beautiful!" and now I'm digging myself a hole if her deepening scowl is anything to go by "Could you repeat what you said?"
Luckily it seems I didn't make her too upset because she let out a sigh before responding "Just put your magic stones and drop items in the box on the counter. I'll give you your money the gent out of my sight."
Doing as she asked I kept my mouth shut before I made an even bigger fool of myself. The lady quickly took a look at the three stones and fangs before preparing a bag of Valis and throwing it to me. "Thank you for your help Ms…?"
"Tsk" Jeez. Ice queen much? Guess that shows me for trying to be polite.
Making my way out of the building I started counting how much I made. 3400 Valis eh? I'll have to be really careful about how I use this… Its enough for one really good meal and a night at an inn.
Or, I can buy some steel wire and rope instead to lay traps so I can try taking out a Kobold… Hmm decisions decisions… I could do without the stares all over me though so I think before anything I'll go somewhere I can clean the worst of the blood off.
I remember from my time searching for familias that the Hygieia familia runs a cleaning business in the healer's district. So I guess I'll head there.
20 minutes later and my wallet 200 Valis lighter but clean as a whistle, I started making my way to the market to purchase the rope and wire I want. A night sleeping somewhere safe is great but if I die in the dungeon because I'm out of my depth it won't matter much in the end.
The market is a massive stretch of merchants and shops set up along the sides of the street. It took almost 15 minutes for me to cross the entire thing last time I was here, and that's without looking at anything.
This time though I'm looking for what are basically hunting supplies. With the sheer number of shops set out along the streets, its no surprise that there's something for everyone. Weapons, books, food. You want something? Odds are you'll find it here.
Even in the early morning like this there's hundreds of people milling about the shops perhaps making grocery runs or just simply browsing. Honestly it's an exciting place and since I have the time before any restaurants open so I can finally sate my hunger, I think I'll explore for a bit.
Three hours… I've been here for three hours and I only just finished picking up the rope and wire for 700 Valis… I'm going to have to go back into the dungeon tonight or early tomorrow because my wallet is being drained quickly.
Oh well, one more step towards my dream. But for now, it's time to go get something to eat before I starve to death. My stomach has been making me very much aware that it isn't happy being empty and I have the money to solve that problem at least.
Making my way out of the market was a lot harder now that its almost mid day and the city is truly alive. I had almost made it out when I was knocked to the ground by running into someone "Oof!" Likely not the most graceful sound I could have made but it's too late for that now.
Rubbing the back of my head as I stood up my breath caught in my throat. Beautiful isn't possibly enough to describe her.
Her shoulder length greenish-blonde hair framing her gorgeous face with azure eyes and her long ears that mark her as an Elf, she's a little shorter than me and even though the green maid outfit she's wearing hides most of her physical features, I can tell she must have a slim but strong build since she knocked me over without even budging in the slightest herself.
I can feel my cheeks heating up as I leap to my feet "Sorry!" I apologized with a bow "I wasn't loo-looking where I'm going and I was in a hurry to find some food and-"
Gods I must have made a fool of myself because I saw her crack a small smile as she raised a delicate hand to cover her mouth. How is everything she does so cute?! "Its fine" she said, oh no her voice is beautiful too… "If you carry my bags for me I'll take you to the restaurant I work at."
…Is she a goddess in disguise or something? Shaking my head I took the pair of bags immediately making sure to avoid touching her hands at all. Mostly because elves aren't fond of physical contact and a little bit because I think I might actually pass out if I did so "Of course, lead the way Ms.?"
"Ryuu Lion" she said with her face returning to the almost emotionless state it was in when I first saw her- I miss her smile already- "and you are?"
My blush deepened slightly having forgotten to introduce myself "Bell Cranel, please just call me Bell Ms. Lion"
"Please just Ryuu Mr. Cranel" I'm somewhat sad that she didn't call me by my name but that's fine, I suppose we did just meet after all.
"Alright Ry-Ms. Ryuu." Nope couldn't do it. I tried, but I couldn't possibly call such a beautiful girl by her name alone after just meeting her.
She let out a resigned sigh as I followed her away from the market.
Ryuu Lion didn't quite know what to make of the boy following her. Their first meeting was a new experience for her. The boy known as Bell's frantic apologies and the fact he'd avoiding physical contact with her had been amusing and the blush on his cute face combined had made her crack a smile.
Based on the gear he was carrying he was probably an adventurer. A relatively new one at that if he fell over as easily as he did. Between his ruby red eyes and white hair, not to mention his slim build, she couldn't help but be reminded of a certain rabbit like monster. Simply put, he was adorable.
"Adorable? Since when do I care about such things?" she thought as they rounded another corner. "Its not like me to take an interest in someone, let alone bring them back to the Hostess, even if they are hungry and I knocked them over… I'm not Syr after all… What's going on with me today?"
Recognizing they had arrived Ryuu stopped "We're here".
"We're here" Ms. Ryuu said stopping outside a rather nice building with a sign for The Hostess of Fertility. This is actually a restaurant right? We didn't stumble into the pleasure district by accident or something right?
Following the beautiful elf I entered the building and was instantly proven that this is indeed a restaurant. It smells sooooooo goood!
The tavern as I could now tell was around half full with gentle lighting and an almost homelike feel to it. I can feel myself drooling at the smells but honestly I can't bring myself to care as Ms. Ryuu guides me to a bar stool.
"-nel, Mr. Cranel!" Ah she's calling for me "May I have my bags back?"
"Oh, Sorry!" Honestly, between the smells and atmosphere I had forgotten all about the bags "Here you go" I said returning her groceries, again making sure not to touch her hands.
She gave a slight bow "Thank you very much. Please wait here. Mama Mia will be out in a moment to take your order."
And with that the elven beauty turned and walked into what I assume is the kitchen.
I continued basking in the lively atmosphere of the tavern for little while until a giant of a woman walked up to me from behind the counter.
Standing at 5'11" with broad shoulders, arms and legs the size of tree trunks and a somewhat intimidating grin that promised to drain you of all your money, the brown haired woman struck an intimidating presence despite the surprisingly friendly aura she seems to give off.
Honestly? I'm not sure if I should be relaxing or running for my life. Probably both.
"So you're the kid that clumsy elf brought in eh?" her voice was loud and boisterous. For a minute I wasn't sitting in a tavern looking for my first meal in two days but instead I'm sitting around at a beat up wooden table with my grandfather, eating stew and arguing about heroes.
I can reminisce later though. I should probably answer.
"I wouldn't have said clumsy elf but yes," I said with a smile, extending my hand " I'm Bell Cranell, it's a pleasure to meet you"
Her smirk widened when she grabbed my hand, and squeezed. OW! Jeez! What's with that strength?! My hand feels like it's being crushed by a dragon's jaws! Not that I know what that would feel like mind you, but I can take a guess!
Trying my best to hide the pain, I squeezed back.
"Hahaha!" she started laughing again. Look, I know my grip isn't the strongest in the world but she doesn't have to laugh about it…
Letting go of my hand she took a minute to calm herself down. She wiped her palm under her eyes "Phew, I haven't had a laugh like that in quite some time kid! The name's Mia Grand, but to you its Mama or Mama Mia!"
Something tells me I shouldn't tell her about my dream or she might actually die from laughter and yet when I look at her now, I don't feel intimidated in the slightest. She's just like my Grandpa. Now if only I could figure out why her name sounds so familiar… eh, probably nothing.
"So," she began, leaning against the bar counter "what's a kid like you doing dungeon diving as an adventurer?"
How did she know? Oh right. I almost forgot the iron cleaver strapped to my back. Well, no escaping it now I guess "I want to be a hero…" I admitted, my face flushing red "I know it's a childish dream but it's one that I will achieve no matter what. I've already decided that I'm going to succeed. Now I've just gotta figure out how to do it. I'm weak now, but I know that I can become strong enough to achieve my dream!"
I guess I got a little bit fired up there, man am I glad I'm the only person seated at the bar… I didn't mean to say all that but something deep inside me told me to spill it all to Mama Mia. Maybe because she reminded me of my Grandpa, maybe it's because I wanted to spare myself a little bit of embarrassment or maybe I just wanted to prove my will to myself and I took the opportunity to do it with her because she seems strong in so many ways.
But now that I've spilled it, there's no going back. I looked straight into her warm brown eyes that now seemed all too serious compared to before "Nothing will stop me. No matter the obstacle, be it a great monster or a god, I will overcome them all."
"When this kid, Bell, started telling me his goal- no his dream, I was just going to laugh and tell the kid that if that was his goal he was just going to die…" Mia thought as she stared at the burning crimson eyes of the seemingly new adventurer in front of her "But now… Something about him makes me want to believe him… I've been hearing his stomach this entire time, the kid's probably broke, starving and doesn't have a roof over his head either. But why though? He's clearly been in the dungeon he should have a familia- wait… there's no way…."
"Oi kid… what familia are you in?" she asked watching as Bell froze up.
"I'm uh… currently expelled?" he asked more than said "I was told to return when I'm stronger." The more he spoke the more Bell descended into a panic.
Mama Mia could only stare in disbelief "He actually entered the Dungeon without a falna… the kid's got guts I'll give him that." She thought "I don't want the kid to die, and somehow, I doubt he will…. But I suppose I can always give him a little… motivation…" she decided as her disbelief shifted into a mischievous smirk.
Oh god, she knows! I'm going to be reported and they're going to blacklist me from the dungeon! I should have just kept my mouth shut and ordered some food I just started and now I've already faile-
"Bell," Mama Mia's voice was serious "I should absolutely report what you're doing, but for some reason I believe you can pull it off."
"I- what?" what? She… believes in me? A warmth spread through my chest and I can't help but wonder if this is what it feels like to have parents. People who will believe in you no matter what and how stupid your decisions are. I loved my Grandpa, he was family after all, the only family I've ever known, but he always kept a bit of distance between us.
"So I'll make you a deal. Or a quest if you rather think of it like that." She offered
A quest? "What kind of quest?" I ask, my interest clear in my tone.
Her smile was somehow intimidating again but this time it made me excited "Fetch me any ingredient from the pantry on the fifth floor of the Dungeon by the end of the week and I'll keep you fed with a roof over your head. You'll work for me Friday through Sunday without pay but your food will be free, and you'll have a place to live. Consider that your pay. What do ya say kid?" I can hear the expectation in her voice but…
The fifth floor? In a week? Is that even possib- No. I'll make it possible. Mama Mia believes in me. I'll make sure to prove that it isn't misplaced. In fact I'll do one better… "Three days…" I said "I'll be back with that ingredient in three days." My confidence is higher than ever. I'll have to make sure to still be careful but I know I can do it.
She looked shocked before her smile grew wider "If you pull that off I'll give you a bonus but if it takes you the week, I'll still consider it a success." I can't deny there's a part of me that's relieved that I won't be punished if I take four days. "Don't worry about choosing something unique by the way, I know everything you can find down there by heart." What a reliable woman…
Mama Mia clapped her hand on my shoulder "Eat well tonight, it's on the house tonight. You'll need your strength." She said while passing a menu to me with her other hand.
I can feel my eyes welling up. I don't know what I did to deserve such fantastic treatment but I don't think I'll ever forget the name Mia Grand. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you!" and I meant it. With a smile that I hope fully conveys my gratitude, I ordered a meal and dug in.
It was the most delicious meal I've ever had.
Sort of a set up chapter but I hope I did the characters justice. I know the chapters are a little short right now, but that's because I'm seriously out of practice with my writing. They'll get longer as we move along until it's averaging between 5k-8k words per chapter with each chapter being a week or so apart.
It's pretty clear at this point, but I'm planning on making this version of Bell start a bit more mature than cannon. Mature but innocent. Inexperienced. I hope I'm doing that well.
One last thing; I'm writing up a stat sheet for Bell for my own reference, by the very nature of it, it will contain spoilers for the main story, so if it would be of interest, I can post it as a separate story and update it chapter by chapter, that way those who want to see can, and those who don't, won't.
Anyways, see you all next week.