(Quick PSA ) Sorry in advance I'll have some notes throughout the story in () just to give some more information
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"YELLING"
In the mountains just outside of a small no name village that didn't appear on any maps a few days ride north of the city of adventure in the middle of winter. We see a small 6 year old boy with snow white hair and crimson red eyes trudging through a snowstorm all alone. This boy's name was Bell Cranel, and as to why he was outside in the middle of a cold winter night. Bell had heard what sounded like whimpering and cries for help from some unknown creature, and Bell being the kind hearted aspiring hero that he is, had decided he should go investigate those noises in the hopes of rescuing whoever it was that was in need just like the heroes of old. As the young boy was getting farther and farther away from the village he saw a lone dead tree standing atop a hill, where hiding in the hollow base of it he saw the silhouettes of two small figures shivering in the cold trying to stay warm by huddling together and hiding from the wind. The boy started to approach the figures to see two wolf cubs and saw just how afraid and alone they looked, having been abandoned by their parents.
"Come here little ones, I'll take care of you" Bell said.
All he got in response was whimpers from the two cubs. In less then a second with zero hesitation, he scooped the two up in his arms holding them as close as possible to his chest while wrapping them up under his jacket to shield them from the cold wind. The two cubs started leaning into his warmth as it was a saving grace to their little bodies. He had already decided that he would take care of them so that they wouldn't have to suffer and be as lonely as he had felt sometimes.
"Let's go home you two i think you'll be happy living with me and we'll be great friends" he said. Bell then turned around to return to his home where his only relative he has ever known had awaited him.
"I think I'll call you Aurora and you Asher" he said referring to the two.
It didn't take long for Bell to make the return trip as he had only needed to just follow his trail he took here in reverse. Upon his arrival at home he made his way inside where his worried relative rushed towards him to check on him and ensure he was safe and unharmed.
"Bell, where have you been? I was getting worried when I couldn't find you in the house" said his grandpa.
His grandfather was a kind, although admittedly a bit of a perverted old man, with a large muscular build standing at six feet tall. He was adorned with gray hair and a gray beard, he was tanned from working in the fields everyday to tend the crops and livestock, all this to make a living for himself and Bell. This man would always take the time to read the stories of heroes to Bell every night before bed, he had also handwritten hero stories for Bell every year based off of ones he heard. He was also trying to teach Bell how to properly treat and whoo women in hopes he'd capture their hearts. This was all in hopes that when the boy came of age he'd try to become a powerful adventurer and hero while also building the ultimate harem that he had always dreamed of. Something that he never got to accomplish and the reasons for that were unknown to Bell since his grandpa never spoke of the past or of Bell's parents that he never once saw or met.
"Well grandpa, I heard what sounded like pained whimpers and cries and I couldn't leave someone in need if I had the ability to help" he said.
After that Bell explained all the details about where he went and why he ventured out at night. He then showed the wolves to his grandfather who was apprehensive about letting Bell keep them.
"Grandpa, I want to keep and raise these two. I think they'll be great friends and who knows on my journey to becoming a hero they can help me out '' he explained, giving his grandpa a pleading look.
His grandfather reluctantly agreed to let him keep and raise the animals in hopes they'd aid him in his journeys. 'It's time I start preparing him for the difficult road ahead' thought his grandpa. It was then and there that his grandfather decided it's time to start training and preparing Bell to become a proper adventurer so he wouldn't end up dead.
"Bell, my boy starting tomorrow morning I'll be training you to become a powerful adventurer to help you find love in the dungeon," his grandpa said with a smug grin.
"Really grandpa thank you so much I love you" Bell exclaimed happily as he hugged his grandfather. This was the true start of Bell Cranel's adventure to becoming the last Hero of the age.
TIMESKIP ONE YEAR
Bell Cranel is now seven years old and has spent every day of the last two years training to become stronger. His grandfather had started every day by making Bell perform one-hundred pushups, sit-ups, and squats along with a ten kilometer run around the village. At first the boy came nowhere close to completing the task.
"Grandpa this is too hard i can't do it" Bell proclaimed on the verge of passing out.
"Bell, my boy if you give up now you won't be able to save anyone and you won't be able to have a proper harem my boy" His grandfather said.
"THIS IS ALL FOR THE SAKE OF ROOMMANCE MY BOY" his grandfather yelled aloud. This lit a fire in Bell as he realized
'If I am going to be a great hero I have to never give up and always push forward' he thought.
It was still a hard and grueling experience but after a few months of Bell refusing to quit it had now become second nature to him. The first six months were just him using his body weight but once that became easy his grandfather had Bell start doing it with a backpack full of stones to increase the difficulty and ensure he had a strong muscular build. Then after the morning warm-up as his grandpa called it was complete they ate a hearty breakfast to fill him up and energize him. The next part of the day was reserved for combat training. His grandfather taught him how to fight using a spear and sword as well as some moves to perform with knives. Then after Bell's form had reached an appropriate level he started sparring with him to refine his movements and ensure he wasn't afraid of pain and could get back up. Bell improved and learned very quickly to an unnatural level almost as if he had some rare skill,(Oh we all know our boy does)this made his grandfather very proud of him. During one of Bell's Hunts with his wolves he came across a golden eagle hatchling that was all alone and injured. Bell again without hesitation picked it up to take it home.
"It's ok little one I'll make sure to take good care of you" he said.
As he was walking with it in his arms he spoke to her "Since you shine so brightly like a jewel I'll name you Jewel".
With this Bell's family had increased again and he had another great partner that hopefully in the future will help him in his battle. His grandfather wasn't surprised when Bell turned up with yet another wild animal that was injured and in need of help. It's who Bell was, he worried about everyone and wanted to help anyone and anything in need. 'He'll definitely be a great hero. I just hope the hardships ahead don't discourage him,' his grandpa thought.
TIMESKIP ONE YEAR
Bell Cranel is now eight years old and has spent the last year again training and raising his companions. After Bell's fighting skills seemed to reach an appropriate level his grandfather started to take him outside the village into the mountains to fight some surface monsters, which were far weaker than those of the Dungeon since they had evolved to reproduce since they were cut off from returning to their home.
'If I'm going to get stronger I have to do everything I can to ensure I am strong enough' Bell thought to himself when he gazed upon his first
They served as training partners for Bell to perfect his fighting while also teaching him to observe and find the weak points of his opponent. This also served to get him ready to fight groups of enemies since the dungeon is an unforgiving place that would throw everything it could at you. Their combat training ran until lunch time where afterwards he'd take his weapons and companions into the forest to hunt so they also became accustomed to fighting and assisting Bell and following his orders. Bell would return for dinner where afterwards his grandpa would read him more hero stories along with other books on knowledge of Orario and well known monsters of the dungeon's
Under Bell's tender and loving care the wolves and his eagle were growing up very nicely, having been fed regularly and exercised daily they grew to reach sizes that are rather large for normal wolf standards. He had named the white female one Aurora who was fast, agile and deadly (she'll be a damage dealer focused on speed)and the black male Asher who was larger, more powerful and acted as a tanker(he'll be a defense based attacker). Jewel also grew to be bigger than a normal Golden eagle and she loved to perch herself on Bell's shoulder whenever the chance arised.(Speed based scout with heavy damage) They were Bell's best friends and teammates. They did everything together from train, play, bathe, eat, and sleep having an unbreakable bond. It got to the point his grandfather suspected that when Bell got a blessing he'd have some sort of beast tamer skill.(possible foreshadowing?) It was looking great for our young hero who was overflowing with confidence and eagerness to fulfill his dreams and make his grandpa proud.(obviously Bell will still be nervous around women because the village did not have many people and certainly not any beautiful maidens like Orario did)
TIMESKIP 7 YEARS
It is now Bell's 15th birthday he is now considered to be his own man in the world, and will soon make his way to the Dungeon City of Orario to become the man he dreams to be. He had grown up nicely in many of the villagers' opinions; he stood at five foot ten inches and weighed about one-hundred and eighty pounds or pure muscle. His body was covered in well defined muscles but not the bulky kind like that of a bodybuilder. His muscles were more lean since he wanted to be strong but also fast and agile making him look about average size under his clothes. Yet he managed to keep his face looking as adorable as a rabbit as the ladies in the village called him. It was a ridiculous combination that his grandfather hoped would make him very popular with the ladies. Bell also had an amazing personality making him well liked since he always went out of his way to help those in need. It didn't matter if it was a task of carrying boxes or repairing houses he always did his best to help those he cared about with a smile on his face. It also helped him to learn a lot of useful skills like carpentry, cooking, farming, and some basic first aid.
Since this was such a momentous birthday with the loveable Bell becoming an adult and his last night in his hometown, the whole village decided they were throwing a celebration and got him some parting gifts. The villagers decided to give him a horse named Aroin and a saddle with saddle bags that had his name hand stitched into it, this was in hopes that his travels would be easier along with twenty thousand Valis that they scraped together so that when he arrived at Orario he would have plenty of funds till he got settled in. Then it came time for his grandfather to present him with a few special gifts: it was a full set of third class adventurers equipment. He wanted his precious grandson's journey to start off well and keep him alive. So he got him some weapons. The first one was a 6 foot long steel spear with reinforced shaft to ensure it could withstand long term combat, next was a small forearm mounted steel round shield it was just the perfect size to be useful in tight spaces and open fields, the last of the weapons were a matching set of a steel sword and dagger to ensure he had all the bases covered. Then his grandpa presented a full set of medium armor and a shield to match. It was designed from monster leather to make it so the armor protected him well but his movements wouldn't be hindered. (Y'all should remember the weapon and armor descriptions from the info chapter). Along with gear for himself his grandfather also had two collars with name tags made for the wolves, one with blue gems for Aurora and one with red gems for Asher and for Jewel he got a red scarf to go around her neck as proof that they were pets and not wild animals. He also had a set of modified bags made to fit the wolves so Bell didn't have to carry everything as well as offset suspicion of the next item. The final gift he had for him was a precious magic treasure that people would kill for, it was a plan looking waist pouch but what made it special is it was enchanted with magic to make it have the equivalent of their entire houses size inside this small pouch. Bell was at a loss for words, he had no idea where his grandfather got the money for them, but he was very grateful for such amazing presents. Little did Bell know that his grandfather had also given him a true god's blessing, one that would come in handy on the path to becoming a hero.
"Thank you all so much this means the world to me I'll miss you all when I leave tomorrow" Bell stated to the village. They all then spent the rest of the day partying and saying their goodbyes since Bell sets off early tomorrow for Orario. The party wrapped up and everyone returned to their homes with one final farewell to Bell.
"Bell while you're in Orario, be careful in the dungeon and try to find some beautiful women, '' his grandpa said.
"I will. Are you sure you don't want to come with us won't you be lonely here by yourself ?" Bell asked.
"I'll be fine and it's not like this is goodbye forever. I expect you to introduce me to your harem, and you can always visit in a few years." His grandpa said.
"Alright grandpa goodnight I love you I'll be leaving early tomorrow before the sunrises" Bell stated as he hugged his grandpa before going to bed.
It was now early the next day Bell equipped his armor and finished putting his supplies in his magic bag before waking Aurora, Asher, and saddling Arion before mounting up and heading south towards the village entrance.
"Are you guys ready to start our adventure?" he asked.
As he took one last look at the village entrance just as the sun was starting to peek over the mountains he saw everyone standing there waving him off.
'I really am so lucky to have grown up surrounded by so many great people' Bell thought as he smiled under his helmet before waving back then turning around with his wolves tailing behind on their first leg of their journey.
"With everyone supporting me there's no way we can fail" Bell said to his traveling companions.
Bell had been traveling for a little over half a day now, Just as he was nearing the edge of the forest Jewel flew down in a panic wanting to lead him somewhere. Bell knew she'd normally be very calm so he motioned for her to take the lead and followed behind. Their group had just exited the forest when he happened to come across a scene of a covered wagon surrounded by bandits. They had tied up the three people which Bell assumed to be a family he saw a father, mother, and daughter. There were a total of four bandits, one was rummaging through the carriage while two of them were pinning the women down with a disgustingly lustful look on their faces while trying to force their legs to spread.
'I have to do something if I want to be a hero. I can't ignore those in need' Bell thought, readying his spear. The Last one was standing with his foot on the man's back pinning him down laughing as he struggled to break free to save his family.
"Aurora, Asher take the two thugs off those women Jewel the one in the wagon. Aroin we'll handle the last one, stop them, but don't kill them" Bell stated calmly. Aurora and Asher simply barked before charging in followed by Bell on his horse. The bandits were so blinded in their purisit on fun that they were blindsided as two of their friends were suddenly tackled off the women and pinned with wolves holding their throats in their mouths. As the other two were about to jump in and help the one pinning the father was suddenly kicked in the back of the head by a man on horseback knocking him unconscious. The last one drew his sword and faced the new arrival to see a man clad in full armor on horseback with a spear in one hand pointing towards him.
"What the hell do you want? This doesn't concern you so leave" the bandit stated, trying to hide his fear only to have a large eagle fly down and steal his weapon from him.
"I can't believe that you attacked innocent people. It's disgusting people like you are the worst," Bell stated as he glared at the last man standing.
"We'll leave, call off your dogs" one of the pinned down men said.
'These disgusting thugs think I'll let them go who knows how many people they've hurt' Bell thought as he dismounted from his horse as he approached the father cutting him free and handing him a dagger
"Go cut your wife and daughter free then get behind me" He stated.
"Thank you so much sir" the man stated before quickly crawling over to his family. Bell then turned his attention to the last bandit that was charging him to stab him with his back up knife. In a swift motion Bell sidestepped the attack and tripped the bandit. Once the attacker was on the ground Bell then smacked the blunt end of his spear into the back of the man's head rendering him unconscious before going to the pinned men and kicking both in the faces to knock them out as well. With the men all knocked out his wolves let go of their necks and sat beside Bell as Jewel landed on his shoulder, he tied the bandits hands and feet together to ensure they were immobilized. The family was in awe when they were rescued by a mysterious stranger clad in armor along with his four companions. Bell turned to face the family before removing his helmet.
"Are you ok?" he asked while smiling at them. The parents were stunned that such a young man saved them while their daughter was blushing up a storm seeing such a cute boy.
"We are now thank you so much my name is Dav Arbuckle this is my wife Sheila and my daughter Lucy" the now named Dav stated he had Black hair and hazel eyes he was approximately 5'8 with an average body build in his late thirties.
"Thank you, I don't know what could have happened if you didn't save us," said Sheila. She was a beautiful Blond with green eyes with an impressive bust in her mid thirties standing at about 5'5.
"It's no problem at all, it's only right to help those that are in need of help, my name is Bell Cranel" Bell said, still smiling, this only causing Lucy's face to get redder. Bell, seeing this, approached her and kneeled down to her level
"Are you ok Lucy you haven't spoken and your face is red" he asked with a look of concern on his face.
"Y-ye-yes I'm f-fine t-thank you for saving us" Lucy said looking down from how close her hero was to her Lucy was also a beautiful blond that looked like a younger version of her mother who was around the same age as Bell and stood at 5'5. 'He's so close and he's so cute. How is that possible? He's strong and looks built but has such an adorable face. Oh my god I think I'm in love' Lucy thought while staring at Bell with love struck eyes.
"That's good I was worried there for a second. So what are you guys doing out here?" he asked, looking towards the husband and wife duo, where he saw Shelia with a smug grin on her face due to her daughter's behavior.
'Oh my little girl's first crush there are going to be so many possible moments, where I can start teasing her now' Sheila thought with a devilish glint in her eyes.
"We are on our way to Orario to start up a business. I was there a month ago to buy a building to serve as both our house and store. What about you? you appear to be a powerful adventurer"said Dav.
"No not at all I'm not an adventurer yet, I'm actually on the way to Orario as we speak to become one." He said, shocking the family even more.
"But you fight so well and are well equipped. I assumed you were already one" said Sheila putting a hand over her mouth.
"Y-yeah I thought you had to be a high level adventurer with how powerful you are" Lucy said staring at him with an ever present blush.
"No, though I have been training for the last 9 years to prepare to be an adventurer and the equipment I got yesterday from my grandfather as my 15th birthday present" Bell said smiling sheepishly.
"Wow are a very impressive young man, " said Sheila as she gave Bell a once over.
'Oh yes he's only a year older than me it won't be weird if we started dating' Lucy thought as she started to drool while fantasizing about her life with Bell.
"Are those your wolves?" asked Dav 'I better change the subject before my Daughter loses it' he thought.
"Oh yes sir sorry let me introduce them the white one is Aurora she is a sweetheart and the black one is Asher he is a bit of a stubborn type but he's a good boy, and this here is Jewel she's my little sweetheart, then there Aroin my trusty steed, I've raised these three since they were babies and Aroin became my companion yesterday'' Bell said with a happy grin as the animals all started to cuddle up to his sides wanting to be pet.
"They really seem to like you," said Lucy.
'I can see why you're such a kind person I wish he'd pay attention to me like that' she thought, as she scooted closer and started petting Aurora.
"Oh my gosh her fur is so soft and she is so beautiful" said Lucy as she and her mother started to cuddle Aurora.
"Thank you Aurora is quite the beautiful wolf" Bell said with a chuckle scratching Aurora's head as she laid in his lap.
"Why don't I escort you guys since we are all heading to Orario? It would definitely be better than traveling alone and I'd appreciate the company" Bell offered.
"YES ABSOLUTELY WE SHOULD I'D LOVE THAT" shouted Lucy before she could realize
'YES YES YES WE DON"T HAVE TO PART WAYS YET I CAN TRY TO MAKE HIM FALL FOR ME' she thought happily. Bell and Dav looked at her surprised while Sheila only started to giggle, this caused Lucy to bury her face in Aurora's fur embarrassed.
"Well that settles that I'm very happy to travel with you guys as well, '' Bell said, smiling at them. The group then started their preparations to leave; they loaded the wolves in the back of the wagon to watch the tied up and gagged bandits that Bell had stripped of their possessions and weapons to ensure they couldn't try anything. Bell then remounted his horse with Lucy joining him by climbing on behind him and holding on tight, at her mothers request so she was away from the thugs.
'I guess I should give my little girl a helping hand' thought Sheila. 'Oh thank you so much mom, I get to ride behind him and feel him up the whole time. This is the best day of my life' Lucy thought, thanking her mother mentally. They then started to make their way towards Orario while telling stories and laughing making the trip all the more enjoyable. Bell was one step closer to becoming an adventurer and he now had some people he could rely on.
TO BE CONTINUED……….