I'm not a Hero
I don't own Danmachi
Chapter 1 Life & Death
It was a normal day
Blood a ton of blood I look at the man I stabbed his brown hair and masculine features were the only thing special about the man…other than his fascination with my older sister. My knife which was inserted in the man's who I know is Evan my sister's ex-boyfriend neck pouting more blood from the now dead man.
Despair returned to me as I saw two more bodies one that had similar enough features to Evan to probably his brother I mean from my blood-covered vision he looked older enough and the other… it was… I squint as I relax my beaten and bloody body to see blood-covered majestic black hair, and fair skin estimated height would be 5'10 my height. Now I get it. I coughed splattering more blood on the floor with blending in with the rest of the flooding that made this dark alleyway.
I didn't register that there was a handgun and I had a couple of bullets inside from what I could see it was a 1911 its silver color coloring the scene. I turn myself over with all my strength as I lay in a starfish position like many other times…I'd rather not say. Nonetheless, I take those thoughts out of my head and stare at the clear sky. Its impeccable shine radiates everywhere but here. The buildings that did make this alleyway one building the sun was facing was much taller than the next causing the current shade which made it harder to discover. When probably midday hits they would find us.
On that how did they know where I commute to school this place usually is a quiet place not many people pass through how did any of these people get here? I can understand her yeah it was her. April why…
I huffed with all my strength pulled a piece of paper from my backpack and a pencil and started writing.
How did it go so wrong?
10 Minutes Before
I am a normal boy though the same can't be said about my older sister on that thought I have 3 sisters all older than me by a couple of years. They were my sisters my family and there's nothing I wouldn't do to help them…at my benefit if possible too. I gave a small smirk to the sky. It was a beautiful day out the sun was shining if not brighter than normal it seemed. Was it a bad omen I didn't know but from where I stood with a black shirt and gray sweatpants was that I felt that I shouldn't have stayed up as long as I did. I did sleep later in the night due to my exploits and video games but the time seemed to just pass by way too fast and then it was midnight and then 1 am.
I was a 17-year-old boy in my last year of High School with friends I was the normal one in my family…or I try to tell myself that. Although with my average grades, I'm not as normal as I let people see.
I for many people was known to learn very quickly and it showed in all my Middle School grades. All A's honor student. I guess people would consider me a genius.
I grab my head in slight despair remembering those times. I may have had the best grades but I wasn't having fun at all and my grades were decreasing by the end of Middle School. I had gotten friends people who used to tease me turned into my stupid ass but loyal friends that I know helped me. I could feel myself back then start to fall into a depression which now I think is silly but back then I was bad my attitude back then didn't show the darkness I had.
I even went to a therapist when I was in Elementary and that although not helping me in the long run helped me then. I could still remember it what the therapist told me was to lock up all my fear, anxiety, and pain in a box and never let it go.
That box was like my suit of armor before but I guess I put it into retirement. However, it's not like it doesn't have any lasting effect. Like how I close out and almost don't react to pain even though I feel it like not recoiling to getting cut and minor things like that.
But I wasn't the only one to receive therapy it was my sister too but the most troubled was my Middle Sister. She was a handful alright with her rash decisions and how close she could get to people in a dark place was something I'd never seen before but as life does things don't always go to plan.
She has had many falling out with these…unstable people and it usually went to violent means to get her back trying to use force but that's when I came in. I've gotten into too many fights to keep count due to her.
My Middle Sister's misfortune with her dating life was the thing that made our parents have us take therapy sessions.
Now that I think about it she had another recent falling out with another one of her boyfriends. I sigh in defeat, 'I love you sis but this is way too much' I look at the sky with my now dead fish-eyed look.
I heard the hum of a car stop near me so I turned to see a red truck with two people in it. My eyes widen at the sight of one of them.
My sister recently broke up with her Ex, Evan.
I never knew his last name because whenever I would see them they never would talk about it but I could tell there was a troubled past.
He was looking at me with unrestrained anger before opening the truck door I saw his shoes touch the ground strongly and stood in front of me the door still open not letting me see his body and legs.
I kept a wary glare at him as he shut the door revealing his clothes which were a heavily disheveled white shirt and normal-looking blue jeans. But that wasn't what I was focusing on it was the Knife in his hand and the heavy bags under his eyes that gave him a more intimidating look.
I pull my left hand to my left pocket and grip the pocket knife I kept at all times now.
"You're going to die." He stated with a glare his grip on the knife turning to that of a reverse grip and holding it to his chest, he was expecting an attack from me.
'How the hell does he know.' I gritted my teeth I was backing up to find myself in an empty alleyway filled with dumpsters littering the place of the walls making it seem bigger than it was.
"What did you think I didn't try and see who you are the first time I saw you I knew you had that look in your eye and so instead of being an idiot like all those other guys you fought I chose a different approach." He smiled maniacally.
"So you know I beat all their asses so you know your going to get your ass beat too huh?!" I bring out all the bravado I can and though I feel I level my breathing and give him my smirk. I could feel it, it was one day that I felt it and it was like nothing before it was when my voice dropped lower I felt older. Not only did I think of things differently but all my feelings were controlled and instead of the thing I expected to feel like fear turned into calmness and determination.
Maturing and puberty I chalked it up to but I felt it now more than ever before.
"Tch, I guess I'll rough you up enough to show you off to my love and force her to keep quiet." He smirked as my eyes widened and I pulled out my knife it being a very sharpened pocket knife that I kept. Thank god the metal detectors are for next year and not mine.
'He's planning on using me as leverage for blackmail the bastard.' I managed to get the message as I started to charge at him only to feel a sudden pain in my left shoulder.
I held it in pain as I saw blood seeping through it but inserted in my shoulder was a bullet.
"Gah" I growl out holding it having switched my hold on my knife to my right hand.
My ears twitched in alarm the sound of footsteps running alarmed me to dodge out of the way as I planted the knife in his shoulder before pulling the knife out and jumping back to avoid a bullet that was shot.
"You Fucking bastard! Kill! Him!" Evan yelled at the man who was holding his gun as he shot once more. I rolled out of the way the bullet hitting the floor as I took a breath only to have to duck another slash aimed at my neck. My black hair stuck to my head only moving slightly with each movement I made.
I gave the angry man a thrust kick before I felt another shot pierce me in the lower abdomen.
I heard a girly scream though I didn't pay it any mind as I was stubbed in my stomach. "You like that Bastard!" He smirked at my pain but I didn't let the pain stop me as a gunshot was heard and the sound of bodies dropping on the floor lifelessly was heard.
Evan turned to look to see his companion dead with a bullet hole on his head with a girl lying there with a bullet hole in her head as well.
"No-urgh!" I took that time and stabbed him in the throat with my knife now embedded into it I saw his eyes bulge out as I smirked at him and with the last of his willpower pulled out the knife from my stomach for another stab but fell over vomiting blood on the floor. I stood over him as I fell to my knees. I gave one last look to the drowning man to see he had died drowning in his blood.
"Rat" I growled taking off my backpack as I fell face-first.
Present Time
'There' I thought as I pushed the pen in my hand once more before letting the pen go hearing it drop on the floor as it sounded out it started to echo.
'So I'm going to die now I didn't expect this to happen not the way I expected it would end…please…don't kill yourself, Sis…' I closed my eyes as the weight that I felt was gone.
.
.
.
Opening my eyes to an unexpected sight of stone I sit up quickly and rub my eyes before looking at my hands. They were smaller than before and paler…' what the heck is going on.' I got up feeling myself differently I stepped and almost fell over.
'What the hell' I grabbed at the couch I was laying on to steady myself before stepping steadily towards what I knew was the bathroom.
'Wait why did I know this was the bathroom I've never been here.' I realized as I stepped into the room and saw my reflection of myself in the mirror.
Red eyes stared right back at me as said eyes widened and looked slightly up to the all-white hair on my head. 'What the Fuck?' I gripped my head in pain as I hunched over closing my eyes in pain as I clenched them shut before my eyes opened wide open in wonder, despair, pain, dislike, anger.
I look at the mirror and see the snarl on my face such an unnatural look for the body I'm residing in right now. I was in the body of Bell Cranel.
I saw the face in front of me which made me release a sound I didn't know I could make which was a deep groveling growl as the mirror reflected perfectly the ugly face I was making.
'Why the Hell am I here?! I don't want to be here for shit!' I put my hand on the sink under the mirror and I started to grip it harder and harder as my head ducked down.
I pushed myself out of the bathroom to avoid punching the mirror as I huffed my breath staining the air with heavy hot puffs of air coming from my nose. I walk back into the living space of the now-known church to see the Hestia or Bell's Goddess…
'She's my goddess now too' I couldn't help but remark as my teeth gritted together before sighing.
I felt myself having the urge to go somewhere but in all honesty, I didn't want to go anywhere but home my real home not this place this wasn't my home.
'Shouldn't I accept it' was the thought at the back of my mind as I lay down on the couch and stared at the clock. 7:50 am it read as I returned to stare at the stone roof that made the church's flooring.
I let my thoughts run wild as I kept staring at the stone floor I couldn't help but stare it was almost known they never made a building like this anymore.
My thoughts return to my last moments on earth as I remember the note I wrote for my sister and the dead bodies around me. I felt guilty that she died because and for me but I'm grateful to her as well and that left one question on my mind that had a stranglehold grip on my mind.
Why?
April why?
April was a friend of mine…back in Elementary school 5th grade if I remember correctly she was a transfer student and with her not knowing anyone and sitting next to my awkward self she did have to ask for help and she asked me and me in particular and for no reason it made me laugh at how naïve I was and how clueless she looked. Now that I remember it correctly she acted exactly like one of those many silent beauties in anime and seeing that now made me chuckle out loud without meaning to as I went to shut my mouth to not let out many sounds but it was too late as I heard the sound of someone tilting in a bed.
I lay my head back before a surge of information raided my brain. I gripped my head annoyed but then I looked at the clock before sighing getting up once more and walking over to the goddess half asleep.
'What should I refer to her as anyway? Kami-Sama, Goddess, Hestia…Goddess it is.' I shrugged my shoulders and put my hand on Goddess Hestia's shoulders as she made multiple attempts to move away. I gave another sigh before clearing my throat and speaking for the first time in this new body.
"Goddess if you don't get up you'll be late for work." A small smile illuminated my face as the awake Goddess flung awake.
"Ano thanks Bell-Kun…umm what happened to your voice." She stated and I raised my eyebrow at her.
"What do you mean? " I tilt my head to the side to see Hestia's eyes widen.
"Is that what they call puberty are you going through puberty Bell-Kun," Hestia said excitedly as she hugged me. She pressed her rather abundant bust on me as I flinched at the suddenness and the feeling but I quickly turned more stone-faced.
"Of course I am," I said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. That made Hestia separate herself to look at me with a more piercing stare than I thought possible from her.
"What happened to you Bell-Kun what's wrong with you your not acting like yourself." My eyes widen slightly as I turn my head to the side and bite my lip lightly.
'Should I tell her or…no there's no telling what she could do…but maybe I could spin it around.' An idea came to mind as I sighed and looked away.
"I'm sorry Kami-Sama it's just when I woke up I suddenly felt something." I shut my eyes and grab my head to send the message.
I felt Hestia grab my head and message it.
"I do feel something off Bell-Kun are you okay?" Hestia worried stepped closer.
"Yeah, it was memories…of a life that wasn't mine…I don't…I." An unexpected tear came out of my eye and another and it kept going. I closed my eyes tightly but tears kept coming out of them. Why why am I crying I suddenly felt like shit and then realization kicked in.
I lost everything I must have been too preoccupied with my situation that everything bunked up and released at this very moment all the stress as I could feel not just from my old life but this new one too it was releasing as tears.
"Bell-Kun!" Hestia yelled as she grabbed hold of me and gave me a crushing but comforting hug. I let myself weep how my plan to deceive the Goddess Hestia went up in flames or should I say, heart.
A small smile came from my features at the stupid joke I thought of as I opened my eyes to see Hestia staring right at me.
Hestia's hand guided itself at my right cheek and rested there as my eyes looked down not wanting to see her reaction to me this way.
"Bell…take the day off please," Hestia said holding my head to look at her in her eyes.
"Yeah and…I'm sorry." That made Hestia's eyes raise.
"What I told you wasn't a lie and I feel the differences now it seems like our souls combined," I said quietly.
Silence was all in the church until Hestia's voice cut through the folds of silence. "You're still my child and you will always be Bell-Kun as you're different I know you still fight for the things you want so please rely on your useless Goddess." At that anger, I didn't expect flossed one that of a child who heard their parents demoting themselves.
"Don't say that stupid shit Goddess." Hestia recoiled at the language but I didn't take it into mind as I continued "You're not useless not at all you gave me a place to stay and a place to belong if not for you I would be a street rat by now." I ducked my head but that gave me a position to hold her tender hands. "And don't mind what the dumbasses think of you they don't know you and I couldn't give a rat's ass if they think you're useless because my opinion will never change!" I yelled as I breathed in and looked back up my own eyes wide-eyed to stare at Hestia's own wide eyes as tears came to the corner of hers.
I took the time to hug her tightly as her arms slowly wrapped around my back "Please Goddess forgive this stupid weak child…" I muttered in her ear as she nodded slightly. "And forgive this useless Goddess Bell-Kun." I then nodded slightly as we held the hug for a minute straight until Hestia's cheeks reddened and abruptly ended the hug. I swore I saw smoke coming from her face with red accompanying it.
"Well I've got to get ready Bell so see you later and take the day off I swear or else!" Hestia said in a hurry as she ran off grabbing a few things before leaving through the stairwell that led to the back of the church.
I looked at the place I saw Hestia as a chuckle came from so unpredictable that I started coughing.
'Well, that wasn't what I expected would happen.' I scratched the back of my head feeling all of the hair on my head as I see now taking into account the hair that blocks my vision.
'This isn't like the Anime where hair doesn't move it's real here.' I thought as I held all my hair and pulled it back. I walked to the bathroom to see and moved my hair into of like of a ponytail.
'Looks alright.' I saw the reflection as I loosened up the grip and saw the two front bangs on either side of my face.
"Better," I said out loud letting go of my hair and grabbing the brush stick. 'I guess it's still a toothbrush here.'
After finishing Bell's daily routine I looked at the knife on the dining table surrounded by 4 chairs 2 on each side. I grabbed hold of the sheath and held it in my hand. Pulling the knife out of its sheath leaving me to look at this scuffed blade. Judging by my new memories Bell has been adventuring for about a week and today marks the first of the second week.
I look around the living space once more and I click my tongue and remember what I said.
Hestia reminded me of my Sisters, She had a piece of all of them. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the coincidence.
I push the knife back into the sheath and close my eyes segmenting something in my head that I will never let go. I'm in a new world in a new body known as someone else. I will make a living here and protect the people I care about just like how I did before.
"Hello new me"
.
.
.
Dressed in the attire Bell normally uses without the armor chest piece I head out of the door and then the gate where the Abandoned church lay as I look back I smile and imagine what it would look like in a matter of time.
'I'll make sure you're up to snuff.' I thought as I walked away starting to explore the Dungeon City of Orario.
Steeping on the hard stone road as I stared at the architecture of these places astounded me.
'I was never really into all these things like mythology or history but studying the buildings I saw most of them resemble what I say once in a while.' I scratched the back of my head as I looked at all the bustling streets as I walked around.
I couldn't help but notice the lack of food stands around in the street as my vision flicked around. 'They should be closer to the Guild probably but I'm from my new knowledge am heading in the opposite direction. I tend to steer clear of the Red Light district so hopefully, this path doesn't take me astray.
.
.
.
I walked I just walked with nothing disturbing me thankfully I continued on my walk before ultimately something caught my ire.
'Is that an Ocarina?' My vision stayed on the small instrument from the store it resided in being a place where you would expect it seeming like a music shop I walked inside. I walked through the aisles of the store only to find small drums, horns, flutes, and even small versions of them but there was only one ocarina no matter how much I searched it was a gray one with a normal-sized one.
As I was caught staring at it I could only remember the way I used to play it back then and what got me into playing it. It was a game and a pretty iconic one at that. I picked up the Ocarina and put my mouth on to blow as I unconsciously went through the motion I remember doing often.
Playing the Prelude of Light in a place like Orario made my fantasies of being in a place like this feel so much more pure than it was when I knew there was so much struggle here I knew yet still went through with it I wonder why.
More on the thought I get slight amounts of excitement from wanting to go to the dungeon even though it could quite clearly kill me very quickly. I stopped playing and started to pay attention to where I was to see two men standing there shocked as I looked as though my soul left my body. I quickly look at the price tag and I quickly thought about the money I had…' holy shit this is way above my pay grade!'
"That was amazing! How and where did you learn to play such a forgotten instrument!" The man a shorter brown-haired man with no noticeable strong features walked up to me as I judged his height on mine I saw myself staring up at him.
'Curse this stupid corpse, body…thing' I looked at the man with a booming smile on his face as I tilted my head.
"Oh, I kinda just played something I played on a piano one time and converted to this one I just had to try the notes that it could produce." I raise my hands in a surrender-like motion and lay the Ocarina back in its place but that's when the shopkeeper who was a big burly man who it looks could kill then I would be killed ten times over.
I stared at the other man with his brown hair running down his face and stared at me until he let out his laugh.
"It's good to see I can get rid of this thing finally." His smile now turned to me as he handed me the Ocarina.
"Here you go kid you can keep it." That made me flinch slightly back why would they give me this in the first place?
"But I haven't paid for it like at all," I said as I looked curiously at the two men who gave a curious look at me and then at each other until the smaller man smiled.
"Then play that Ocarina in my wedding." The man said with a smile as I blanked and looked at him he was wearing a fancy tuxedo.
"Wait wah" I squeaked at the turn of events as the bigger man laughed at my shocked expression.
"Well, you wanted to pay for it didn't you hahahahaha." The older and bigger man cackled.
"But I don't have anything we'll appropriate and other than having to help take care of something I wouldn't want to intrude," I say trying to buzz the offer off and try to take the Ocarina then.
'Why the fuck did I ask I should have just taken it ugh.' I started to move back shuffling my feet before the shorter man put a hand on my shoulder.
"Then let's get you fitted in." The man smiled at me as he started to drag me away.
"Hey, by the way, I forgot to ask your name mine's Marvin" The man now known to me as Marvin smiled at me. I couldn't help but have an eyebrow raised at his name but he just shook off my look easily.
"Bell Cranel and hold up one second," I said as he stopped letting me go back on my feet again.
"I will only play if I get food, get practice, and have my Goddess fitted and keep the clothes," I said imposing my offer as Marvin stopped and thought about it before smiling.
"Alright, plus it would be unfair to not have anyone you know to attend." He said before turning.
'Goddess should be done with her shift now isn't she?' I saw the clock on a post to see it was 12:30 pm.
"Here Marvin follow me my Goddess is waiting," I said as Marvin then turned to me and nodded with a smile before following me behind in my footsteps.
.
.
.
Hestia POV
Today was strange that was the only thing I could think as I remembered what happened this morning.
'Bell-Kun I hope you're alright…' I couldn't help but have my thoughts be put on my wonderful child that I had gotten only a week ago yet it seemed like I've known him way longer…maybe it's because we lived under the same roof.' I giggled slightly before attending to the next customer.
On giving the customer the amount of potato puffs they ordered I couldn't help but think of all the problems with my tiny family and our big problems. I sighed out all the frustrations of thinking about it and thought of how to help get rid of it and stop being such a Useless Goddess…
"Don't say that stupid shit Goddess you're useless not at all," I remembered Bell-Kun's words as I smiled though. 'Why did Bell-Kun curse? Who taught him…no it must be the memories of that past life. It must have changed Bell-Kun completely.' I couldn't help but think it was ridiculous but so was Bell-Kun's changed voice which sounded deeper and the way Bell-Kun looked and acted.
'I wonder if Bell-Kun still wants that Harem or not' I couldn't help but question as I thought of me and Bell and how protectively he held me oh I felt my face get hotter by the second.
"Goddess…Goddess Hey Goddess you're shift done…hello," My attention went back to the person in front of the stand. Their white hair and ruby eyes caught my attention I couldn't help but raise my voice flustered as the person I was thinking about was right there.
"B-Bell-Kun!" I squeaked as I saw someone wearing the same uniform as me start to walk forward.
"A-ah right." I started to change out of my apron and laid it down in the back with all the supplies the owner of the stand had and placed it on one of the boxes.
"Why did you pick me up B-" I stopped as I saw a brown-haired man looking at me with a smile.
"Hello, my name is Marvin Kami-Sama." Marvin bowed to show me respect as I raised my hands to show he didn't have to do that for me.
"H-hey you don't have to do that." I couldn't help but look at Bell-Kun who smiled and looked away from me as if to say "You're on your own" look.
"Umm, my name is Hestia and you can call me whatever you like Marvin," I said simply as he nodded having a perpetual smile on at all times.
He seemed happy from where I could tell and with that Tux, I could only imagine that today was special for him.
"Hestia-Sama I saw your child's talent and hired him to play at my wedding and Bell asked me to extend an invitation to you as well," Marvin said with my eyes turning to Bell-Kun.
I stared at Bell-Kun in disbelief though it did make me curious how those "memories" he calls them knew about stuff like that.
My eyes stayed on the Ocarina that brought Bell-Kun to meet Marvin. Currently, Bell-Kun had it securely in his arm holding it in a way to protect it from someone from smacking into him.
"Can I play too?" I asked which brought surprise on Bell-Kun's face but brought a hefty smile to Marvin's face.
"Well I think you can learn a song in a day if you try hard maybe," Marvin said as he looked at Bell-Kun who nodded.
"Alright let's get you guys fitted up!"
.
.
.
"Bell Cranel" POV
I smile at Hestia who seems excited about the wedding we are going to attend was it the dress she could keep and the food? My smile widened slightly at the thought. I saw how she was eyeing my Ocarina when I was talking to her by the stand she worked out which, to be honest sold some good Potato which helped us quench our hunger till the afternoon.
She wanted to play so I think I would give her that really though I wonder why people called it a forgotten instrument and why such a thing was called that was at a regular store. Such thoughts were blasted out of my head though as we made it to a rather fancy clothing store with all types of tuxedos and dresses.
"Oh my God!" Hestia cheered as she looked at all the dresses in amazement. I couldn't help but tilt my head by her excitement but another small smile came to my face.
"Right this way sir." A butler or store clerk really could go as either went up to Marvin as he pointed at me and Goddess.
"Umm yes, I see it now." The store clerk said with an appraising eye as Hestia took her attention off the dresses to look at me.
"Hey Bell-Kun what's Wro-" I was currently getting my measurement Ms done and since this would be the last second we had to buy one from the store instead of getting one preordered.
I felt as though I was being dragged around by a chain that the clerk had on me as he fitted me with measuring tape and then a regular black and white tuxedo as he was looking from different angles.
"Hmm, I don't think ahh I've got it." The clerk then left me so suddenly that I tilted my head in wonder I grabbed my shoulder in pain through how much I had been tilting my head in wonder and confusion.
'I am in another world.' I looked at the mirror in the fitting room to see myself or my new self as I took the time to touch my new features like my face. I tested out all types of emotions including anger, sad annoyance, depression, and all others that I hadn't noticed the clerk staring at me weirdly had with him a bag that seemed to be already packed.
"They've already bought this one for you sir." At that, I nod and go back into the changing room to take off the tuxedo.
I sigh at myself then at my bag that I laid down to try this suit. 'I'm so poor!' I couldn't help but look down.
I started to to undress myself as I looked over my new self to see how thin I was. Then I turn to see the Falna on my back clear as day.
'Can't Goddess hide it…or does she know? I think I should tell her it's a thing if she doesn't know.' I thought of it as I put on my clothes.
I get out of the fitting room and with a short walk I see Hestia talking with Marvin at the front of the store holding Hestia's dress in a bag like I was carrying.
"Bell it's good to know you're finished we were just talking about when the wedding would start," Marvin said as he looked at me and I nodded.
"The wedding or when you guys should get there would be 5 pm on the dot." Marvin relayed as I and Hestia nodded towards him.
"The wedding will be at the building over there." He pointed off to a building with a moderate side well a lot bigger than the church.
"Alright Marvin we'll see you then and Goddess needs to get going but just know that I'll be there," I said to him I gave him a smirk and he smiled at me.
Me and Hestia split away from Marvin as we headed back to the church.
"Hey, Bell-Kun" I look towards Hestia who broke the silence of our walking as we were mostly admiring the scenery.
"Hmm," I hummed as a response to her as she smiled at me.
"I'm excited about this I've never been to a wedding and I'm so nervous! Is this your first one too." She asked as I nodded while closing my eyes before opening them once more and giving her a smirk.
"No, I'm not nervous I just know we're going to hit it out of the park." I grabbed my Ocarina and pushed it into Hestia's hands who admired the look of it and calming the hint of redness from her cheek before looking at me.
"I'm planning on once we get bigger amounts of Valis on possibly remodeling it and the church." That made Hestia's eyes widen.
"B-but Bell-Kun we can't afford to spend it on upgrading our living situation we should spend it on you in the dungeon," Hestia said looking at me as I nodded slowly.
"One day Goddess-Sama one day," I said giving her another smirk as she looked miffed only to smile and let out a giggle.
We eventually made it back to the church and through entering the back door we entered our residence. I take the suit bag and put the bag on the table right as I move away for Hestia to put her's on the table.
"I'll be heading to the shower first or did you want to learn the song we're doing?" I asked Hestia who herself was slightly nervous and decided to start learning now while I still wasn't in the shower.
'Honestly, it's a good thing this place is a shower though we don't have a fridge, stove, or anything essential and we eat out or from Hestia's potato stand she works at.
"Are we only doing one song?" Hestia asked and I nodded.
"We're doing the most important one though when the bride and groom walk out," I said grabbing the Ocarina to start.
'Hopefully, Goddess can take it. We have only a couple of hours until then.' I sigh out and give Hestia the Ocarina.
.
.
.
"Alright, I've got it now Bell-Kun!" Hestia yelled with a megawatt smile on her face.
"Good, we should start getting ready," I said getting up from my side of the couch before I heard Hestia's voice once more.
"Hey Bell-Kun shouldn't we bathe together." I look towards her and see her eyes closed and looking oh so teasing. But expose some of my teeth with a smirk I walk toward her slowly and quietly.
"Then why don't we Hestia~" I pinned my arm to the left of her on the frame and to my right as I leaned in and blew hot air towards her sensitive ear.
I only saw Hestia's eyes open wide as I could see her cheeks redden like there was blood staining them.
"N-n-w-wai-wait Bell-Kun I-I-I'm n-Not R-ready f-for this." She sputtered as I take the chance to back up and grab my eyes covering them before looking to the ceiling to stare at anything but her and started cackling my ass off.
"You should have seen your face! Hahahahaha!" I couldn't help but poke fun at Hestia as she looked with embarrassment shining brightly on her cheeks with more red staining her cheeks.
Hestia's pouting turned into realization then to a slight amount of anger as she got up huffing and going to the bathroom.
I could only stop my cackling as the door of the bathroom slammed shut.
I looked shocked then a little pained at the sight.
'I forget how much she cares for Bell and I guess me playing with her feelings like that since Bell couldn't see them really must have hurt her.' I look to the side and scratch my head to see a drawer or the only thing keeping our clothes in check other than our closet which isn't the biggest. On top of the drawer, I saw the paper and that was probably for updating my Falna.'
'I need to tell her I can't let her feelings for Bell go unresolved I need to tell her that I, Bell Cranel do not have feelings for my Goddess Hestia.'I resolved myself to tell her because leaving things how they are now won't do anything but impede us and I need her.'
I have been thinking about it though but since I was raised on earth me being fourteen and me dating an immortal god of unknown age then… I know it's different here but I still would want to date some like only a couple of years older than me.
Plus I don't see her in that way and neither did Bell.
I grabbed a piece of paper from the stack and a pencil as I wanted to take my mind off of Hestia and at a weapon I would like.
I grabbed my knife from my pocket and held it out. I looked at it analyzing all I could before putting it down next to the paper and starting a sketch of a sword.
I decided on something with a longer reach like a sword while having knives as a secondary and for throwing.
'Money we need money damn it.' I contemplated our situation and at least we were in debt but I could tell were somewhat close to being in debt.
I could only imagine that Bell in this week went to the 3rd floor yesterday and got chewed out by Eina the advisor but only got what like a meager 1243 Valis. My dagger was 3600 while my armor was 2000 Valis.
"Bell…I'm finished." Hestia said from the bathroom as I heard the door open she came out with her all-black dress that cut short and left her shoulders for all to see. I looked at her to see her face rather tense as I couldn't blame her for that.
"You look beautiful Goddess," I said getting up from the chair and walking with the bag in hand.
"Hey, I need to talk to you after the wedding about something important," I said as I passed by her. I didn't bother turning back as I heard her newly bought heels smack the ground alarmed as I felt her gaze staring at me. I continued into the bathroom where I closed the door and locked it before taking a shower myself.
.
.
.
I looked in the mirror and saw a reflection of me in a red suit jacket with a white long-sleeved collared shirt. I looked down to see my black suit pants with some red on them and my shoes some normal black dress shoes. I split my hair to see myself have even hair and none that stuck up. I looked truly ready as I looked at myself I couldn't help but have a bashful smile while looking at myself.
I walked out of the bathroom to see Hestia seemed to be finished with her hair now two pieces of her hair now being woven to make a headband with a small ponytail while having the rest of her hair flow out beautifully. However, I couldn't see what held her hair from where I stood as she turned to me when she heard my footsteps.
"We should get going now, Goddess," I said as I walked towards her grabbed my knife on the table, and saw my sketch of the sword had moved just a bit. I raised my eyebrow but dispelled all those thoughts and grabbed it and started to roll it before storing it in one of my drawers.
"Right!" We both left the abandoned church hand in hand as she reached for mine and I didn't decline her offer. We walked in silence to find the building with the lights on fully as we stared at the outside of the illuminated building and then at each other. I nod my head towards the building and Hestia nods back having her hand on her purse which held the mystic ingredient to how we got here.
.
.
.
Having a small table for ourselves me and Hestia dug in. Not having a real breakfast and lunch goes far to add to your hunger and while yes I would have normally bought a lunch or normally Bell would but not me since we kinda mutually agreed (without having to say it aloud) that we would dig in at the wedding showing we were almost at the same wavelength.
I could only look at the ensuing party that the wedding would happen sooner than later. They had the wedding ceremony at a set time of 9 pm and it was currently 6 pm. We've still got time after all. Plus I still need to readjust with a piano I haven't played on it in a couple of months.
Now that u think about it I felt my body and mind start to adjust to my new physical shape and strength. Even Level 1 adventurers were far above normal people especially those that couldn't use magic like in my world so it was a certain jump. I've spent this day overall this plus a wedding on my mind.
'I need to get used to this body I want money!' I couldn't look anywhere else other than my empty hand and my plate full of food.
'Time to dig in.'
.
.
.
I played the first notes on the piano as the crowd who were seated were taken by surprise by not hearing whatever the usual music was for this occasion. That's when I heard a harp play from the old man who ran the store he played the harp to perfectly complement the feeling of a majestic feeling as everyone turned to see the bride and groom start walking. We continued playing until I heard Hestia through the playing instrument take a breath and start to play the ocarina.
Its sounds attracted all the attention from hearing the instrument played as I felt Hestia lay on me as her dress contrasted my suit. She looked so serene as we continued to play silence became the overwhelming reaction as we were starting to end the rest of the song I saw the Bride was a stunning red-haired woman who looked about Marvin's age 30 as her face was currently covered.
They stood directly across from each other as the priest attending started to walk from his spot to the engaged couple. I took that as the cue to downplay the song into silence as it stopped as the priest cleared his throat.
Just as the priest was about to talk I saw Hestia put down the Ocarina on the piano and the shopkeeper step away from the harp as I shifted in my seat to take a better look.
I couldn't help but smile slightly at the two whom I didn't know yet still found myself smiling for. All I knew was that Marvin and his fiancé weren't from Orario but had gotten quite funds for this probably from the amount of people here pitching in.
I soon found myself looking at the crowd as they were all staring in awe, excitement, and pride. I found myself not caring much about them and I started to question why.
'I know I never really cared for anyone opinion's I don't care about but why?' I thought to myself as I shook my head to see Marvin kissing his newlywed. I heard the cheer of the overall crowd and the cheering individual Hestia next to me who seemed to be having the time of her life here.
'Is this the first time she was invited to a wedding…no wonder she was so excited for it.' I smiled at the thought as I heard another massive cheering from people who started to approach us with various questions.
I revel back in annoyance which I found strange as I saw Hestia start to get flustered. I sighed as I found an opening and grabbed Hestia before starting to walk away grabbing the Ocarina and moving away from the crowd who slightly looked hurt but I didn't take that into account at all.
"We should leave Goddess I think our time here is done." I found myself unexpectedly saying which caught myself and Hestia who looked in wonder and shocked herself.
"H-hey Bell what's wrong." She asked as I was about to answer her, "I-"
"Wait up" I was cut off by Marvin and his Wife walking up to us.
"Thank you both of you I am in your debt you've made this day ten times more memorable than it already was." I smiled slightly at him and I nodded at the woman whose exposed face showed bright red hair and green eyes.
"Thank you." She simply said and I nodded once more.
"You guys aren't in our debt you guys fed us and even bought us some expensive clothes," Hestia replied for the both of us as I gave a simple nod agreeing with her.
"Well, not anymore," Marvin said holding out 2 bags of Valis.
"Thank you truly," Marvin said as he held the bags for us to take.
"No we couldn't-" Hestia said though I took both bags quickly as Hestia stared at me I felt myself losing focus.
"Hm, hopefully, I will see you both again one day," Marvin said as we took our leave leaving behind the bustling wedding sooner than I expected.
We walked on the stone pavement in silence for a little until I heard Hestia's voice cut through the silence.
"What the heck was that Bell? You were acting so weird even weirder than the entirety of today…what happened." Hestia who turned to me after having to increase her speed to cut me off said.
"I-I don't know…" I sputtered out as I looked away before gaining the courage to face the consequences of the following actions.
"Hestia about what I need to talk to you about," I said cutting off any tone of escaping with just my voice as I felt and saw my bangs get in the way of my eyes though I didn't make any attempt to remove them.
"Y-yes" Hestia replied feeling the tense situation and feeling me use her name brought more stress to her form.
"Do you have feelings for me…" I said catching her off guard as her breath was taken away.
"I-I-I-y-yes." Hestia eventually said before I bowed my head down a perfect 90 degrees.
"I'm sorry Hestia…but I don't feel the same way I see you as an older sibling or an aunt is a better way to say it and I just can't see a relationship between us in a romantic sense working out," I said lifting my head only to feel a stinging pain on my cheek.
"J-jerk!" I heard Hestia yell as she tried to run but I held onto her hand to stop her.
"Let me go!" Hestia yelled at me as tears currently flooded her eyes running down her cheeks.
"Can you update my Falna first…" I spoke as it pained me to say it but I wanted her to do this before she left and possibly for forever…
Hestia took a good look at me before just nodding her tears clearing for only seconds as I quickly hunched over and gave her the knife I had on me at all times.
I felt the drop of blood on my back as I kept my gaze on the floor not wanting to say anything. We had moved over to an alleyway to hide any further evidence of my Falna but my plan to tell Hestia of trying to hide my Falna ended up in smoke as she quickly stood up and started to walk away showing no reaction to whatever was on my Falna. "Goddess make it to Miach-Sama's place it shouldn't be far from here and good night," I said turning to her not seeing but hearing her stop and turn to me but I made no effort to turn and see her.
I walked silently with my back hunching over the suit I had the button-up shirt was in-buttoned and my hair was more disheveled than I thought. I began to think seriously think.
'That hurt that hurt a lot…' I rest my hand on the still visible slap mark on my face. 'And not because of the slap.' I thought over then back at the wedding.
'I didn't care at all about their opinions or there so can I care?' I contemplated silently in my head until I came to a realization.
'I'm a scumbag yes that's it I'm a selfish scumbag who only cares about himself and not of others not like Bell at all.' I started to breathe faster and faster.
"I killed him I killed Evan and didn't feel bad about it not at all and I got April killed too.' I felt a pang of despair at the remembrance before scrunching the suit where my heart would be.
'I'm a true scumbag I've been like that since day one I never cared for people I didn't care about and if someone hurt a friend or family then I wouldn't like them as in kinder terms would say.' My breathing started to settle back into rhythm as I let go of my suit jacket and stood still before looking up to see the Guild its lights still on from adventures and staff occupying the place.
I felt my mind racking up more and more as I was startled at myself for how easy it was really to become accustomed to this unlike most people who would either end themselves again or go crazy but I felt at home here just like I was back on earth maybe even more so.
Now that I think about I always wanted to find or make something of some kind not for others but always for myself and what it would be for me I was first.
"No, I'm no scumbag…I'm an Adventurer."
.
.
.
Bell Cranel
Level 1
Strength:…I-47
Endurance:…I-7
Dexterity:… I-45
Agility:…I-95
Magic:…0
…
…
Liaris Freese – Rapid Growth. The effect lasts as long as feelings are unchanged. The effects are determined by the strength of his feelings.
Bonus Effect: Rapid Growth for all the user's trusted allies. Effects depend on the strength of trust between the user and ally.
Eritheia- Selfish Ambition. Allows a charge to overcome insurmountable odds.
.
.
.
End Chapter