In Orario, hundreds come in at a time with many different hopes and dreams. The most common was the be an adventurer and gain fame and wealth. However, a certain boy wouldn't be exactly the same. His goal was to be a hero and possibly save a beautiful damsel in the Dungeon. That was Bell Cranel's goal. However, there would be, complications.
In the 5th Floor of The Dungeon...
A person's screams could be heard down the halls of the Upper Floors of what people know as The Dungeon. Running was a white haired boy named Bell Cranel. As for why he was running, a minotaur was chasing him.
Bell: (Crap! Crap! Crap! Why is there a minotaur on Floor 5?!)
The boy was a rookie adventurer that hadn't been in this profession for too long. He ended up venturing deeper than he should have and was unlucky enough to find a monster that shouldn't even be up this high. Eventually, he reached a dead end and cowered beneath the monster as it roared at him.
Bell: (This is it! I'm sorry, Goddess!)
He felt it was the end for him, until he saw the minotaur had been cleaved by something behind it.
Flashback...
Further down the dungeon, a group of adventurers were rushing back up for something. One was a green-haired high elf that was famous in the city as were the others with her.
Riveria: Those minotaurs can't have gone far! You four go down this path and take care of them!
She ordered 4: a werewolf, a blonde human girl, a green-haired half elf girl and a red-haired amazon to chase them down through this path.
Riveria: Be quick, Ais!
The blonde nodded and the four ran, following its roars before splitting up a bit to cover more ground. Eventually, three of the four met up and managed to deal with the minotaur before another person became a victim.
End of Flashback...
Bell was more than relieved by this point. Standing before him were three beauties unlike any he had ever seen before. Had he not been covered in blood, they would have noticed his cheeks were flushed.
AN: Picture her as a half-elf.
AN: This was the best I could find for what I pictured. Ignore most of the royal clothing and her hair is only half as long there.
AN: None of the pictures are mine.
Amazon: Ais, you all done here?
Ais: *Nods* Mhm.
Half-elf: *Sigh* Thank the gods we made it in time. *Notices Bell* Hm?
Amazon: Even better we made it before he turned into minotaur chow.
Half-elf: Hey, you shouldn't joke like that, Esmeralda.
The half-elf looked annoyed at the amazon who apologized.
Esmeralda: I was just joking, sis. Sheesh, Cerina, you don't have to be so uptight about this.
Cerina: This isn't the time to joke around. This poor guy almost died because of us.
The amazon looked at Bell's condition and gave it a little thought before seeing that she was right. The blonde walked closer to Bell and went to check on him.
Ais: That's a rather impressive boner you've got there.
Bell: Um, thank you.
Take 2
Ais: *Holding her hand out* Are you ok?
Esmeralda: Well, he's not half bad looking.
Cerina: This is not the time for that! *Looks to Bell* Please ignore her. I'm sorry for the trouble we caused. *Bowing*
The each said their piece to the boy, but he was still speechless. Once his mind caught up with everything, a loud scream escaped his throat before he dashed past the three and ran out of that place.
Esmeralda: Wha?!
Ais: *Concerned* Did we scare him?
Cerina: I hope not. It's bad enough we let those monsters escape. Hopefully he doesn't hold it against us.
Esmeralda: Definitely. Shame, he was pretty cute too.
Cerina: That's your biggest concern?
Esmeralda: Oh, come on, you thought so too, didn't you?
She just looked angrily at the amazon before Esmeralda turned to Ais.
Esmeralda: How about you, sis? Did you think he was good looking?
Ais: Um, I don't know.
The blonde didn't know exactly what her sister was referring to, but she had trouble brushing aside the warmth she felt from gazing into the boy's red eyes before. The amazon simply shrugged before they heard the werewolf that came with them laughing as he came with Riveria. After telling her what happened, she told them that they would just have to hope they could run into him and apologize properly.
With Bell...
The albino was currently running through the city streets still soaked in blood. Several people saw and laughed to themselves about his appearance, but whatever they had to say didn't concern him. He had something else on his mind. He was almost at the Guild now and all he needed was a certain someone to help him.
Bell: Miss Eina!!
He called out to the half-elf woman coming out of the Guild. She was an employee there as well as his advisor.
Eina: Bell- AAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
She was also startled to the point she dropped all the papers she was carrying. After a quick shower and change of clothes, she dragged him to a private corner to talk with him.
Eina: Why in the world were you on Floor 5?!
Bell: I'm sorry. I just felt fine on the floors before and thought I'd look around before going back.
Eina: Which led to you finding a minotaur on Floor 5. *Sigh* I'm just glad you're okay. Now, what else did you want to ask me?
Bell: *Blushing* I-I wanted you to tell me more about the Wallenstein Sisters.
Eina: Ah, Miss Ais, Esmeralda and Cerina Wallenstein. Well, they're adopted siblings and Level 5 adventurers of the Loki Familia. Miss Ais is skilled with a sword to the point she's called Sword Princess. Miss Cerina is a gifted mage even for half-elves. Miss Esmeralda is a talented fighter with few who can match her in combat.
Bell: Well, I know about that. I meant other things like what they like or...
Eina: Or if they have a special someone?
Bell: Yeah!!
Eina: *Thinking* Well, as far as I know, all of them are single.
This made his face brighten as any of them were fair game.
Eina: Although, if you ask me, you stand little chance with any of them.
Bell: *Gloom* Oh...
Eina: Remember, you bear Goddess Hestia's blessing. She and Goddess Loki don't get along very well to say the least so the odd of any one of them being with you are slim to none.
Bell: I see. *Sad*
Eina: Now, let's get your stones cashed in. That should make you feel better.
The boy nodded and they went over to a counter to make the exchange. After getting his money, Bell went to say goodbye for the day.
Bell: I'll see you later, Miss Eina.
She saw how depressed the boy got and figured some uplifting words would help his mood.
Eina: Bell, you know, women like strong dependable men. If you work hard, you could make a good impression on one of them.
This definitely helped his mood as his face brightened.
Bell: Right, thank you!! Bye, Miss Eina!! I love you!
Eina: Wha?!
The others nearby giggled at the exchange while Eina sighed to herself. With Bell, he was on his way home which wasn't too far. Once he reached the abandoned church, he entered and went down the stairs to where he and Hestia were living.
Bell: I'm home!
Hestia: Bell!!
The tiny goddess rushed and hugged him once he got home.
Hestia: Welcome home!
Bell: Good to be back.
Hestia: You're in luck because I got a special treat for you tonight!
She showed him to the table and he saw a big pile of potato snacks. His eyes widened as they dug in.
Bell: Where'd you get all these?
Hestia: Someone bought too much, so I got to keep them.
Flashback...
After the fiasco with the minotaurs, Ais and the others dragged themselves back up to the surface. After a long time in the Dungeon and a failed expedition, they were tired and wanted to treat themselves.
Ais: I'm gonna go get something to eat.
Esmeralda: *Stretching* Ah, I can't wait to shower all this off.
Cerina: We just need to wait for the others. (Still, I hope we can find that boy and apologize for what happened.)
The girl was stuck in her mind and didn't notice Riveria approach her.
Riveria: Cerina.
Cerina: Huh? Oh, Riveria.
Riveria: Something on your mind?
Cerina: Yeah. Someone nearly got hurt from the minotaurs and we couldn't apologize in time before he left.
Riveria: Do you know what he looked like?
Cerina: He had white hair and red eyes. Almost like a rabbit.
Riveria: Hm. We can ask the Guild about it tomorrow. For now, we should rest and I think Loki reserved tables for us at the Hostess tomorrow.
Cerina: *Blissful sigh* Thank the gods!
Riveria: *Giggle* Now, where are your sisters?
Cerina: Esmeralda is relaxing by that wall while we waited for the others. Ais is at the potato snack stand that tiny girl is working at.
Riveria: Ugh. We're finally back and that's the first thing on her mind.
The elf princess went to the girl and bonked her on the head before she could leave with a massive tub of potato snacks. Ais would only be able to get a handful since they were eating dinner later. This gave Hestia lots which weren't going to be eaten by anyone else as the stall would be closing soon.
End of Flashback...
After eating, Hestia updated Bell's status. There wasn't too big of a change. He did go up nearly 50 points since his last update, but most would be in Agility. However, she did see a new skill in Liaris Freese.
Hestia: (A skill that intensifies his growth rate and the effect grows with his feelings. Charm immunity too?! Great, how am I going to win his love now thanks to those Wallenwhatevers?! Actually, the more important thing is whether I should even tell Bell about this skill.)
She pondered about it for a while. Though she didn't want to lie to her child, Bell wouldn't be able to lie if a god asked him about it.
Hestia: (I'll just keep it secret for now. Once he's stronger, I'll break the news to him and hopefully we'll have more members by then.)
She finalized the update and handed him the paper for him to see.
Bell: Hey, my Agility went up a lot!
Hestia: That tends to happen when you run away. On the topic of those Wallenwhatever girls, you don't have to pay much attention to them. You have me with you right here.
Bell: G-Goddess!!
Hestia: Come here you!
She smothered the boy while he struggled to get himself free. The following morning, he was on his way to the Dungeon, bright and early as always. While he walked there, he passed by a pub and one of the waitresses stopped him for something.
Waitress: Excuse me, adventurer.
Bell: Huh?
Waitress: You dropped this yesterday.
She handed him a magic stone.
Bell: Huh. I thought I handed them all in. Thank you, Miss.
Syr: It's Syr. Actually, I work in this pub here. You should come by later for dinner. The food is to die for.
Bell: Uh, sure.
Syr: Great! I'll see you then!
Bell waved her goodbye and headed for the Dungeon. Once inside, he went about his usual task of killing as many monsters as he could while being careful. Besides getting stronger, he still needed to make money for him and his goddess.
Bell: I wonder how long it'll take to reach them?
AN: Does he know?
As he walked, the walls around him cracked as a new group of monsters was being born.
Bell: *Draws knife* Back to it I guess.
Later that day...
It was close to sunset now and Bell was returning back up. In the Dungeon, he saw several other adventurers hauling up big boxes from the Dungeon. He paid it little mind and made his way to the Guild. Once there, he gave his report to Eina and cashed in his stones. This time, he managed almost 5,000 valis. He told Hestia he would be eating out tonight, so Hestia had a casual night with her other friends, Miach and Takemikazuchi. With Bell, he was making his way back and looking for that pub he promised Syr he'd visit.
Bell: Ah, here it is. The Hostess of Fertility.
From inside, the door opened and Syr welcomed him inside.
Bell: Wow, it's really lively in here.
Syr: *Giggles* Thanks. We all work hard to make this a place for anyone to drink, eat and enjoy life.
Bell: *Taking a seat by the bar* Well, I have to say you guys are doing a great job at that.
???: I'll happily take that compliment, boy.
Bell: Huh?
Syr: Mama Mia!
They saw the huge dwarf woman smirking at them.
Mia: Name's Mama Mia and I'm the owner of this place. So, you're the guy Syr roped in this time. Hope you buy lots of food tonight!
Bell just laughed sheepishly before ordering a plate of spaghetti. As he ate, he and Syr talked some more before a cat girl welcomed reservation guests into the pub which would be the Loki Familia. One by one, famous adventurers filled tables as Loki herself celebrated with them.
Loki: All right, my babies, let's enjoy tonight to the fullest!!
They cheered with her as the waitresses delivered plate after plate for them. Much of them had already begun drinking while others, mainly the women, kept themselves under control before the men passed out. Bell was busy staring at the three sisters which Syr took a notice to.
Syr: Impressed? They aren't at the top of Orario for nothing. Right next to the Freya Familia.
Bell: Yeah. They look amazing.
While Syr was trying to get some of his attention, Bell was staring at each of the sister. Each girl had their own charm which enchanted him. He would have spent the whole night doing it were it not for one of the Loki Familia speaking up.
Bete: *Drunk* Hey, Ais, tell them about what happened yesterday.
Ais: What?
Bete: You know, with that tomato kid. *To the others* Get this, some kid got chased by a minotaur and ran away. When he got cornered and Ais and the others saved him, he got covered in its blood and looked like a damn tomato!
He laughed along with several others, though a few didn't find it funny. As for Bell, he felt hurt by the words.
Bete: The best part is, after he got saved, he didn't even bother to thank them. He just ran away like a scared baby! Hahahaha!!
They laughed more before Cerina stepped in.
Cerina: Don't laugh at him, he could've died back there!
Riveria: She's correct. None of this is funny since it was our fault to begin with.
Bete: Oh, shut it. That damn tomato doesn't belong in the Dungeon with an attitude like that.
Esmeralda: You're drunk, aren't you? Might wanna cool it with the booze.
Bell gripped his pants as tears stared leaking from his eyes.
Syr: Bell, don't listen to him.
Bete: Tell me Ais, what would you do if he asked you out?
Ais: Huh?
Bete: If that kid showed up and professed his love for you, would you say yes?
Ais: I...
Esmeralda: Hey, leave him out of this already! All of this was just a big accident! You don't have to talk about him like this!
Bete: Oh yeah? Why the hell do you care? He's just some weakling who doesn't belong with adventurers and sure as hell doesn't belong with any of you Wallensteins!
Clatter*
Syr: Bell!!
The boy had heard enough and ran out of the pub. Many watched with shock at mainly the fact someone would dine and dash from this place.
Loki: Ho~ that one has guts for doing that here.
Minor Flashback...
Cerina scowled at Bete hearing him verbally insult the poor boy.
Cerina: (It wasn't his fault. Why is he treating him like worthless garbage? He never learns.)
She sighed and looked to her side as she rested her head on her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw the boy looking down at himself, tears leaking from his eyes.
Cerina: (That's him!)
She was cut off when Bete spoke louder, uttering words which broke Bell and made him rush out in tears. The girl followed outside to see him running for the Dungeon. Ais would follow he as she only caught a small glimpse of the boy. As they looked back inside, they saw Riveria tying Bete up and trying to keep him under control.
Ais: Was that... was that him?
Cerina: Yeah.
They stood in silence before the half-elf spoke up.
Cerina: I'm going after him.
Ais: I'll go too.
Cerina: No, don't worry about. Stay with the others and tell Riveria. Sorry about this.
Ais: Mm. Stay safe.
Cerina nodded and dashed off after the boy. With Bell, he was tearing through everything in the Dungeon.
Bell: *Crying* Damn it!! Damn it!!
He'd gotten to Floor 3 before Cerina could catch up. When she did, she saw both his fighting spirit and his anger and sadness. She felt worse knowing he had to suffer because of what she and the others did. She would stay and watch a little longer. A few hours later, he was on Floor 5 and cutting through many of the monsters in his way. By now, he was tired and beginning to get more and more hurt. After cutting down another monster, he let out a breath before turning back. However, as he did, another monster jumped out at him. He was about to fight it too before a blast of magic instantly killed it. He turned to the direction it came from and saw Cerina smiling sheepishly at him.
Cerina: Ahaha... um, hello.
Bell: Huh? What- wait, you're...
His eyes widened as he saw her. He realized who she was and a blush crept up his face. Cerina was going to talk with him, but Bell quickly ran from the scene.
Cerina: Wait!!
Before he could get too far, she ran and grabbed him by the wrist, not realizing her touching another person even being a half-elf.
Cerina: Please don't run away!
Bell: L-Let me go!!
Cerina: Out of the question!! I still need to apologize to you!!
Bell: *Stops struggling* Apologize?
Cerina: Yes. You see, my Familia has caused you a great deal of trouble. You have my deepest apologies. Both for the minotaurs and for what happened at the pub.
Bell thought about what she was talking about and grimaced as he remembered.
Bell: No, don't. What he said was right. I'm just a weakling who shouldn't be an adventurer.
Cerina: NO!!!
Bell: Huh?!
Cerina: Don't listen to him! It's okay to be weak! We've all been like that! Even him and me!
Bell: You? But you're a Level 5 and an amazing adventurer!
Cerina: *Giggle* Why thank you, but it's the truth. We all have to start out weak before we become strong. That's what my teacher always tells me.
Bell: Okay.
Cerina: In any case, let me heal you. You've been through enough tonight.
She pulled out some potion vials and gave them to Bell to drink. He did so and the girl sighed in relief.
Cerina: Again, I am so sorry for what happened. Also, sorry for scaring you
Bell: Huh?
Cerina: Well, that's why you ran away that time, right?
Bell tried to recall that and he did remember about that.
Bell: *Blushing* I-I'm so sorry!
Cerina: Don't worry about it. If there's anything you want, consider it done to pay you back for the trouble.
She pleaded to find some way to pay the boy back for all the trouble. Meanwhile, Bell was a blushing mess and trying to control himself with the beautiful girl.
Bell: (Go out with me. LIKE I COULD SAY THAT!!!)
His mind was going crazy from what she said. He could say it right now, but part of him knew it wouldn't be right.
Bell: I-If that's the case then... could you help me?
Cerina: Help you? Like training?
Bell: Yeah! You're an experienced adventurer! I'd be honored to learn whatever I can from you! (And spend more time with you too.)
Cerina: Of course! I'd be happy to help a fellow adventurer!
Bell: *Bright* You mean it?!
Cerina: *Smiling* Sure! Does the day tomorrow work? You might want to spend today resting.
The were now outside and on the surface and Bell could see the sun was rising.
Bell: *Blushing* Y-Yeah...
Cerina: Oh, I'm Cerina, by the way. Cerina Wallenstein.
Bell: *Blushing* My name's Bell Cranel.
She ran ahead and flashed him a bright and beautiful smile.
Cerina: I'll see you then, Bell!
She made her way home and Bell did the same. Right now, he had plenty of red on his cheeks as well as a bright smile. He grinned at the sky and pumped his fist towards it.
Bell: (I did it, Grandpa. It isn't exactly what I'm thinking, but it feels the same.)
He smiled at the sky and cried out with joy that no one could hear yet.
Bell: I GOT A DATE WITH A GIRL!!!
AN: Okay, a lot of people were asking for an actual chapter of this. I also wanted to try and find some footing with this. I think this is a good place to be for now until I get a better feel for the story. We'll see how Bell handles his first day of training next time.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Let me know your thoughts and I'll see you in the next one!