So back with new chap. Thank you for all those who reviewed and followed, your opinions are much appreciated :D There's not much going around in here, so warning if it seems boring. You can say the action starts in the next chap. Like i had said last Chapter, few things like the races, the supposed 'monsters' and such remain the same. i had to meddle with the Familia system and level system and they... remain the same too ^^' Kay i'm spoiling too much.

Disclaimer: I do not own DanMachi.

So peaceful. Everything around him was so blissfully peaceful.

Ring…

Ah, look! A butterfly! He was in a flower field!

Oh, and there was his grandpa. Hey gramps, how ya doing!

Riiiinnggg…

His grandpa, wearing a straw hat with a big muscular build, white hair and mustache and a laughing grin, waved him over to the other side of the fence. The fence that held them from going off limits, out of Orario. What was he doing there? He shouldn't be there! His hand reached out for the old man, his feet starting to carry him to where he stood.

Riiiiinnnngggg…

A hand crawled up the laughing gramp's shoulder, it's razor sharp claws digging into the shoulder. A red liquid slowly started to stain the shirt his gramps wore. His grandpa didn't seem to notice, still smiling at him. Why didn't he seem to notice! A face appeared to his other shoulder, it's blackened shadow face resting on it. It's wide mouth reached its glowing red eyes, it's long tongue sticking out as it smiled as inhumanly wide possible. It then raised it's other claw to stroke his grandpa's chin. His gramps still didn't notice. Notice the god-damned creature grandpa, get away from it!

Riiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnngggg…

His eyes glanced up, the sky suddenly turning a deep bloody dark, the clouds turning as black as the shadow that hung on to his grandpa. His head snapped back to where his gramps stood only too see him missing. In his place, on the grass, was a pool of blood, slowly starting to trail to the side of the fence he was located at. The shadow still lingered, it's long tongue licking the blood off it's glimmering claws like a cat grooming it's fur.

Everything around him fell into darkness, his wide of surprise, tear-filled eyes spotting the whole things around him disappearing as a hole under him swallowed him.

*RIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGGG*

"Agghh…" A groan escaped his lips, his eyes struggling to open from the slumber he had been in. He felt drowsy. He cracked open an eye, immediately to be greeted with bright light that escaped the shutters beside his bed. Aahhh it was morning. And what was up with that ringing…

His eyes snapped open and he nearly threw himself off the bed in an attempt to get hold of his phone that was set on the drawer beside his bed Taking hold of it, his eyes first looked at the time.

"IT'S 7:30?!" Bell shrieked, his face paling and mouth going dry. He was supposed to wake up an hour ago! "CRAP I'M GONNA BE LATE!" Ignoring that thought he immediately pounced out of bed but his feet got tangled with the sheets and he landed face-first on the floor.

In his rush he didn't pay attention to the caller who had been calling him, also accidentally pressing the accept button when he fell over. A voice came up, a voice he very well recognized.

"Hey, Bell?" It was Raul, the one he worked with at the store. Since he too went to the same school Bell was SUPPOSED to start today, they had decided to head there together. But now, thanks to Bell's stupidity, he was late. "you there? I've been waiting outside your house but you aren't opening the door…"

"Mmggh…" Bell silently moaned in pain, getting up on his feet again and grabbing his phone. "HeyRaulsorrywokeuplategoaheadwithoutmei'llmeetyouthere!"

"But-" Not giving the other boy a chance to reply he threw his phone on the bed and raced for the bathroom, nearly running into the door of his room in the process.

After showering and drying himself off, he quickly dressed up in the school uniform he had left in his closet last night. A white button-up shirt, alongside a blue uniform coat over it with a black badge to his right side- which had a tall tower sign engraved in it- and blue pants that went along with the outfit, complete with black boots that he had yet to put on. He looked over himself in the mirror, liking the look but at the same time feeling weird.

"I feel like I've seen this before…" He couldn't pin-point it… "Aaaah forget it i'll still be late!" He threw the thought away (wow, he seemed to do that a lot didn't he) and quickly grabbed his bag, putting on his black boots too. Before leaving he gave one final look at himself, also noticing his mess of a hair. Screw it at least his uniform looked nice and tidy. Grabbing his phone and keys, he raced out his apartment.

He stumbled out the doors of the building, only to see a boy standing there wearing the same uniform. He had black spiky hair, brown eyes and a thin frame if not thinner than Bell's. Unlike Bell, Raul looked… normal. No crazy hair, no unnatural eyes. Just, normal.

Bell grabbed his shoulders with a distressed look. "What are you still doing here?!" He shook the older boy, who started laughing instead of giving an answer. He raised his phone and Bell spotted the time written on it. His face went blank.

7:00.

There was still AN HOUR left till school started. A WHOLE, FREAKING, HOUR. (true story people T-T)

Bell pulled out his own phone, staring at the time on it. It was 8:00. "... i swear, i'm gonna throw this piece of junk in the sewers one of these days." Raul started laughing harder at his words, earning a pout and elbow.

"S-sorry. Guess the time switched again." Bell sighed, pulling his black bag over his shoulder as they walked out to the street. "That's a good thing though. You'll have a lot of time to tour the school and learn about what it offers and what not."

"You don't say. Ms… Eina Tulle i think? Yeah, although I did visit the school, she didn't have enough time so she couldn't answer any questions I had for it. Also, with that weird level manipulation thing I've been hearing…" The white-haired boy trailed off, making a face at his own words. You heard it right. The level-whateverthatwas thing. Apparently some sort of function in the school.

"Don't worry, they'll tell you everything." Bell pouted again but nevertheless nodded in agreement. That was when the older boy noticed the cut on his neck. Before he could ask though, Bell pulled up the coat hiding his neck and the cut. Looked like he wasn't keen on speaking or being questioned about it.

Yeah, about that… Bell's face flushed, his thoughts wandering off to the events that had occurred last night. It had been sudden, being chased by a bandit. And it had been terrifying, feeling the cold blade of the knife dig into his flesh. But equally, it was amazing- seeing the girl, brave and strong, handle the guy with one kick alone. A bit humiliating seeing he was saved by a girl, but she had saved his life. She deserved a thank you at least. But noooo, being the idiot he was, he ran away screaming his head off.

That night he had cried himself to sleep at his own stupidity. Maybe that was why he had no idea what time it ACTUALLY was when he woke up for school.

Speaking of school…

They finally turned another corner and Bell looked up. His eyes widened again in amazement, looking over the big three-story building that stood in front of him. Beyond the fence that covered the whole area, the white building was quite a site. A long hallway around the school was outside of the actual building, leading to rooms where you could walk in from outside as well. Looking newly made, with a flag resting atop that showed a tall tower-

"Heh, you've already seen the school." Raul snapped him out of his daze. They now stood before it, away from the many students who were walking in. "That's the school's… logo, you can say. You know, that tall building that Orario has. THAT one?" Raul pointed at another direction and Bell followed his eyes, already knowing what he was talking about.

Babel. The beauty and perfection of Orario. A tall tower, touching the sky with such decorations and languages engraved- it proved just how long it had been standing. And, from what he could see, the school had taken that as its logo. Excitement slowly started to fill him, as well as nervousness. Still, he pushed it off and turned back to the school, racing in and leaving Raul baffled.

"O-oe Bell, wait!"

Bell looked up at amazement at the school still. No matter how many times he'd seen it, it was still so damn cool! He raced past the Sakura tree that hung near the entrance, not giving Raul a chance to chase after him. However, his shouting for the boy to stop did catch attention. Students glanced at him, some starting to aww while other started laughing.

"First time I've seen a kid excited for school."

"Aww, he looks like a cute bunny."

"A newbie, huh?"

"I wanna go hug him!"

"No Tiona!"

That last one caught him off guard and he abruptly stopped, coming back to his senses. Noticing all the stares he was earning, his confidence immediately disappeared and he blushed.

"Welp, sure you can handle it now, you know where to go right?" He nearly jumped out of his skin when feeling a hand pat his back. Raul walked past him towards the other side of school. "Imma go join my friends, see ya!"

"Huh? Y-yeah, see you…" He trailed off, relaxing slightly when all the stares diverted elsewhere. Maybe the lack in interest. He wasn't exactly very… notice-worthy (his opinion anyways). With Raul gone though, he continued on his way inside the school. Sure he and Raul were buddies, but more work rather than talk.

He stepped through the gates, other students passing him and pushing into him slightly. He glanced around the area he was located in now- a big hall, with two hallways at the either side. The stairs were probably somewhere down the hallways too. To his right was a small office where few of the school staff worked. Preferably, those who took care of the school, it's state, how many students went in and out… you can get the idea. He knew that much the first time he arrived.

… and he also had one of the school staff help him register. Now where was she… his ruby-red eyes glanced around trying to recognize the half-elf he had met that day, no realizing who stood behind him.

Someone tapped his shoulder and he jolted, immediately turning around to come face to face with a dazzling half-elf. Her shining emerald eyes, brown silk short hair that fell over her pale-white skin along with half pointy ears and the perfect frame of a woman gave him an instant idea of who she was. He recognized her. She wore the same clothes he wore, if not with a badge clipped to her right side spelling her name.

She however jumped back in surprise and he didn't take long. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"N-no no, no need Mr. Bell Cranel!" Ah, she knew his name! Wait… course she did, she was one of the staff. Her voice was soothing, bit professional but kind at the same... surely cause he was bowing to her. She shook her head, trying to assure him it was alright. "It's alright, i'm sorry too. I must have startled you, suddenly coming up like that."

"Ehehe… y-you must be Ms. Eina Tulle, right? You met me when I first came here." she blinked in surprise.

"Y-yes, i am. I'm your guide for today, to show you around the school and inform you of the system here." She smiled warmly with a tilt of head. He felt his face burning again. How could she be older than him and he was still attracted?! (that's anime life buddy xD)

"Nice to meet you. Thank you!" He threw himself down in a bow again. God he must be looking like the biggest idiot in the universe right now.

Eina blinked, her hand rising to her lips as she let out a giggle. He seemed like the nervous type. He stood up, his cute face now reddening further. He must have heard her laughing. No Eina, concentrate! "It's nice to meet you too. You'll be in my care now." That made him flush further. "Come, let us start our tour around school." She turned, motioning him to follow. "I'll tell you everything as we detour the school!"

"R-right!" He nodded, quickly rushing to join her side whistle few giggles and chuckles passed around.

"Hey look, isn't that the newbie Eina's in-charge of?" The pink haired girl asked her colleague sitting beside her. "Damn Eina gets all the cute ones."

"I bet he won't last a month in this battlefield of a school." She scoffed. The pink haired woman pouted.

"Come on Rose, don't be like that! Though…" A pause, as she looked at their retreating figures heading down the hallway. "... I can't argue."

"So, is the bet on Misha?"

"Eina's gonna be furious when you finds out. But yeah!"

"This school isn't by all means controlled by the government like the other schools." Eina began as they walked down the hallway, towards wherever she was leading him. He couldn't help look around the clean hallways, the hard floor giving him his own reflection. The windows that lined the wall beside him were as clean as glass could be, giving him a clear view of outside. Few doors were lined up as they passed, all writing which classroom it was. "So you can say we make the rules here. Have you heard of the combat practice we give here?"

"Huh? Yes i have. They say it's the only known school to do such a thing." He didn't want to make it sound absurd but she just chuckled.

"Right you are. We have both combat and studies, which help students who are interested in both to rise up the ranks." Seeing his confused look, she spoke up again. "We have a system here, where you join groups and such to be able to join the combat practice. So, in order to be legally able to train, you MUST be in a group. Otherwise, if you are caught in combat practice without being in a group, you're either suspended or thrown out of school whole-together."

"Ah." His eyes widened. Had to join a group or he'd be suspended, huh? "U-um… w-what groups? Like, after-school or… are there teams, like sports group, science group or-"

"Oh no, nothing like that." She shook her head, green eyes glancing at him with a smile. "It's more of the teachers getting involved."

"Eh?"

"Each of the teachers here has a group. They're the… 'rulers', of the group, you can say. You have to join one of the teachers' group to be completely considered a combat-practicing student. The more the members, the higher the rank rises. Currently…" She sweat-dropped. "... this school is, in other words, a battlefield between said teachers and groups. Those who have the most scores in the school can have authorities of the school as well."

"..." this was absurd, he wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut. Then, another thought jumped on him and he curiously asked. "How do you measure the score of one's group? It can't be a 'the most members win' thing, right?"

"Yes." She chuckled again, as they finally reached a staircase only halfway through the hallway. He realized how slowly they'd been walking. She motioned him to follow her still and continued. "The score is measured, by a device."

"De… vice?"

"Exactly. You might have noticed most of them wearing it, if not hiding it." he glanced around at the few students that either passed or stood there, all having a sort of gauntlet around their wrists. Now that he looked back, Raul also wore it... "Those devices control and see how much you can in both studies and combat. This is where the complicated part comes in."

Oh boy.

"In combat, it measures your speed, your strength and your endurance." she stopped when they reached the second floor, stopping and turned to face him with an apologetic smile. Like she KNEW what his reaction would be! Oh… course she did, this wouldn't be the first time she was telling a new student this.

He blinked, staring at her blankly. "... What?"

"High technology, it's better you not question it." She giggled at his obvious reaction. Oh, enjoying it was she. He pouted, giving her a playful glare. "The device connects with YOU whole, your mind and body in other words. So it can know what you're good at from the start. The top most scores is an A or an S like 999, while usually new students like you start at an I, meaning 0. It's rare for anyone to go above 500 or so, so no need to worry that you're weak. Most of them are, please do not feel sad."

"I-i see." His dimmering happiness immediately lightened at her words, making her smile wider.

"The more you train and learn, the better the scores rise. And then there are levels."

"..." His face again brought out a laugh from her.

"If you reach 600 or more scores, you can jump up to level 2. Everyone starts at level 1, just like you. No one is sure just how many levels high you can reach but the top is level 7, by the 'King' of the school." He shot her a confused look. King? "Most of the students here are level 1. Only a few cases have jumped up. You'll learn about them soon."

"Right… so basically, I have to join a teacher's group, get this device that takes control of my scores as well as my 'level' in the school, and finally will i be able to practice."

"That's just about it, yes."

"... who will help me practice?"

"Well, we have after-class lessons…" She trailed off. "But… they're…. Easy. Students say they're rather bad." she was being honest, not lying to him.

"Oh."

"Still, you can go and check if it meets your expectations. Otherwise you're with your group members to train with." She smiled. He nodded slowly. "Oh, I've been so busy explaining i haven't even showed you half the school. Come, let's tour around. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!"

"Y-Yes…" He agreed, snapping himself back to reality and following her as she continued.

The rest of the hour went by with her showing him all the rooms the school had, the gym, his own classroom- he had yet to meet his homeroom teacher, Loki she was called- the combat room where you practiced, and after-school group rooms where the groups gathered.

"How about you meet me here after school so we can look for a group for you?" Once again they stood in the hall. The bell was just about to ring to start school so she had to get back to her colleagues too.

"Yes. that would be great. Thank you very much." He smiled brightly at the half-elf, giving a short bow before turning and rushing down the hallway. "See you later Eina-san!"

"See you- he's already gone." She sighed with a smile.

The young boy walked down the hallway, trying to push past the many who crowded his way. Thankfully he remembered where his class was. On the second floor. Just then the bell rang. The crowd around him subdued and he finally made it in front of his class. He stared up at the sigh, first wanting to clarify it was indeed his class. 10th. Yep, his.

Before he could even raise his hand to knock, the door slammed open and a figure tackled him in a tight headlock. He yelped in surprise, eyes wide as the slim figure dragged him inside the class. The door slammed shut behind him and the chatters in the class dimmered. He could make out students lounging around, either sitting or standing.

What was this, free period?! And who was choking him-

"HEEEEY EVERYONE!" A shout echoed around the classroom, catching everyone's attention. The girlish, scratchy and at the same time boyish voice belonged to the one who held him. "We have a new student today!"

"Eh?" He managed out as his teacher let him go, only to come to his face and stare at him intently. Burning red eyes along with red hair that were held back in a short ponytail. She had a lean and slim figure, if not missing a few assets. She wore a white button-up shirt with a loose tie with black pants and shoes. Her jacket, blue like his own, was strapped around her waist. Literally, she looked like the image of chaos itself.

"So, ya the new kid huh?" She looked him up and down as if inspecting him. He could hear the snickers and laughs of the other students.

"Ah she's at it again."

"Poor guy, wasn't expecting that was he."

"Wait… I've seen him somewhere…"

The woman, now done inspecting him, looked up and gave him a grin. "Loki, your homeroom teacher. Yer Bell Cranel i'm presuming."

"Y-yes, nice to meet you Ms-" Before he could even continue, she pounced at him and he felt himself trip and fall over, unfortunately taking her with. Next thing he knew, he was looking at his teacher dead in the eyes, their faces literally inches away as she sat on top of him. Silence fell around the class, so much you could hear the crickets. A blush slowly started to take place on his face, as Loki's lips turned up in a smirk.

Then, he felt her lips touch his forehead and his whole body went red. Loki's laughter could be heard from the hallways.

"Come back when you're worth somethin', maybe sensei will consider ya." Before the white-haired boy could reply, the door slammed in his face and he let his arms fall to his side, his confidence again dimmering with each blow. The half-elf behind him looked on a bit worried and sheepish, not sure what to say or do.

"Rejected again…" The crestfallen teen muttered, turning around to the girl behind him. "..."

"..." A frown graced her lips again, her worried eyes trailing off to the sky as they started to walk down the corridor that stood outside the school. Clouds hid the sun, but she swore it was because of the young boy beside her. She glanced at him, trying to say something. What could she say anyways?

School had ended. He had been to every lesson, with introductions to the teachers and his classmates. He had done well with his lessons, for someone who was new. Yet, when it came to choosing a group for him, he was asked a few questions, looked over and would either earn a straight 'no' or a door in the face. She could understand why. Though he was good at studies, he wasn't the spitting image of strength and combat skills. Neither did he have any knowledge, which made it harder for him to get into a group.

"Moo…" She brought her attention back to Bell who had buried his face in his hands. "I'm never going to be able to join a group… it's useless Ms. Eina." He looked up at her with glossy eyes and she felt her heart ache at his saddened expression.

"Nonsense Mr. Cranel! I'm not giving up till I find you one!" She had decided on it, she will finish it. He blinked in surprise at the fire of determination burning in her eyes, though his body jolted and he suddenly stopped.

YIIIIINNNKK

His head snapped to the side of the corridor, towards the bushes that lined it. "Huh? Mr. Cranel…?"

"... nothing." He spoke up seconds later, looking up and giving her a bright smile. He started walking again, she following suit. "Truly, thank you very much Eina-san. And would you drop the Cranel? It's too… professional." He chose carefully with a light blush. She blinked and blushed as well

"Very well then, Bell-kun. How's that?" Ahh she said it so cutely- no, control!

"Much better, thank you." She returned the smile he gave. They did not hear the footsteps that were coming their way, neither did they see the short girl running towards them.

CRASH!

"Ah-" Bell stumbled back, wincing in slight pain from the crash he had gotten into. His attention turned to the girl on the ground in front of him, having fallen from crashing into him. "I-I'm sorry-"

Sapphire blue eyes looked up at him, filled with tears. Her jet-black long hair- tied in two ponytails- fell over his shoulder, her petite figure slowly getting up. She barely reached her shoulder. Like him, she was dressed in a school attire, only the ones only teachers like Loki would wear. Only, instead of pants, she wore a short skirt.

"I-it's okay, it's my fault i wasn't looking-" Her voice sounded childish too. Then, she suddenly paused. She looked up after dusting herself off, tilting her head. "... are you new? I have never seen you around."

What, did she know every single person in the school or what. "Y-yes. I am new-"

"Are you in a group yet?!"

"Eh?" By now she had jumped up, looking at him excitedly. Eina sweat-dropped at his surprised expression.

"Bell-kun, meet Ms. Hestia. She is the teacher of literature here." She introduced and Bell looked back at the girl in front of him. Truly, she looked less of a grown-up and more of a girl in kinder-garden. Sure, her chest was giving false information (was that a string he saw holding them up?) but meh, he couldn't really argue judging by his own appearance (he was not related to rabbits!).

"So? Are you in a group yet?!" She asked again. He sighed, shoulders slumming as he looked away.

"No… they won't take me in…"

"THEN JOIN MINE!"

Silence. Bell froze, staring at her with a look of surprise. Then, he repeated what she said. "..." He jolted. "EH?! Really?!"

"Yes!" She nodded repeatedly, her smile growing at his reaction. Though, he observed, the glow in her eyes dimmered, her smile flicking alongside it. "... demo… I don't have any other member…"

"Huh?"

"... I moved here just a few months ago so…" She looked away, the bright aura around her completely demolishing. Something clicked. He… could understand some of the system here. Like the saying goes: the early bird gets the seed.

She had only arrived months ago, whistle the rest must have been here for at least a few years. Students knew and learned from others on who to join and be in the guidance of. She, however, having not been there, had no one to really lend that knowledge off. No one knew her neither did they try to. In other words, she was all alone.

Just like he was after his grandfather died.

His snow-white hair fell over his eyes, as he felt himself move closer to the petite girl in front of him. Then, he stretched out his hand, replacing his blank frown with a real smile, looking down at her warmly. "Then please, accept me in your group!" Her eyes snapped up, clouded with surprise. Even Eina looked surprised. "I'm new and completely weak, I don't really think I can manage with another team who'll be so rough on me. But i will try my best in making the group grow, so please accept me."

Silence fell around them, before her hand slowly rose and accepted his. A bright blush burst on her face and she smiled brightly again. "Yes. yes yes yes!" She leapt at him and hugged him- rather, his torso-, tightly. Bell chuckled sheepishly whistle Eina smiled.

"Well, although there might be no members to show you…" She seemed like she wanted to say something but gave a glance at Hestia and shook it off. "Maybe it's for the best."

Huh? What did she mean by that.

"OE, CHIBI!" The voice of his homeroom teacher, Loki, reached him and they all turned to the other side, where Loki was walking. Behind her were a few people, all either looking disinterested or bored. The red-haired woman stood in front of the petite girl who pouted, now letting her new group member go. "Why the hell ya run away like that? And getting all snuggly with this guy-" She glanced at Bell and looked surprised.

"Ahaha…" Something was gonna go wrong. He could FEEL IT. "Hello, Ms. Loki…"

"... The hell you're with chibi?"

"Well he's my new group member! The first Hestia group member!" Hestia huffed with a sly smirk. Eina sighed and Bell shot her a worried look, his panic growing.

"E-Eina-san?"

"I'm sorry, Bell-kun. I should have told you more about this battlefield." What was that supposed to mean?! What battlefield?!

Loki paused, looking at him in surprise. Then at Hestia. At him again. At Hestia. At him-

At last she burst into laughter, startling them both. The rest of her members also seemed confused. Then, she gave Hestia a smirk. The black-haired goddess noticeably paled as if realizing something. Loki stumbled up to Bell, slinging an arm around him.

"Well, my new student, you'd be happy to know the deal we had made when Hestia first came." She smirked. "You, her first ever member, will battle one of MY members to prove you're not just a laughing stock."

"... Eh?"

So that's that. To few questions you probably have: Why the hell choose Raul instead of everyone- no ANYONE else? Well, like you all know he doesn't have much character and is more of a side show rather than the actual thing. I'm going for the 'friend but not actual' vibe here, more like a coworker. Besides, he ain't getting lots attention XD This chap i'm just looking to get all the information in what happens and goes around the place, as well a few characters. Tried to get description of school in but you can see it went horrible T_T I might have some mistakes and apologies for those. Rating has also changed for upcoming chapters ^^' Again leave your thoughts on how this is and what I can do to improve, thank you! :D