Chapter 5 : The Dawn of Beginnings.
"Speech".
"Thoughts".
Bell's heart raced, not just from the residual fear, but from something else entirely. He had never felt this way before, and it was as if the world had paused for this moment. The feeling was new and overwhelming—like a fluttering sensation in his chest, a kind of awe mixed with admiration that he had only read about in stories. His emotions were a whirlwind of wonder and a nascent affection that made his face flush with both embarrassment and something deeper.
As Bell struggled to find his words, he stuttered, "Y-yes, although I… I am injured." His voice trembled, betraying the swirl of emotions he was trying to process. "I'm sorry… I didn't expect…" He trailed off, his gaze fixed on her, unable to articulate the profound impact she had made on him.
The woman tilted her head slightly, her expression remaining cool and composed as she observed his reaction. Her grey-blue eyes, while still holding a hint of concern, remained distant and reserved. It was clear that his response had surprised her, but she didn't let it show.
Remembering his mention of him being injured, she retrieved a small vial of healing potion and some bandages from her black satchel with efficiency. The supplies had been given to her by Lena during her week of tutoring; Lena had insisted that they might come in handy. She had also taught her basic first aid knowledge, ensuring she could use the supplies effectively.
As she approached him, Bell's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. The realization that he was about to be tended to by someone as extraordinary as her made him feel both embarrassed and self-conscious. He instinctively tried to roll away slightly, his hands covering his blushing face as he mumbled, "I-I don't want to be a bother… You don't have to…"
She paused, her gaze fixed on him with an impassive expression. "What's wrong?" she asked, her tone devoid of any emotion beyond a clinical detachment.
Bell's heart raced, and he stammered, "I-it's just… I'm not used to, um, someone like you… helping me…" He fidgeted nervously, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I-I mean, you're so… amazing, and I'm just… well, you know…"
The woman's expression remained aloof, but there was a slight shift in her demeanor. She continued her task without missing a beat, her touch efficient and professional. "It's not a matter of you being a bother," she said coolly. "It's simply what needs to be done. You're injured, and I am here to help."
As she continued tending to his wounds with practiced efficiency, Bell gathered his courage, his nervousness giving way to a more determined resolve. The initial embarrassment of being cared for by someone so beautiful began to ease, replaced by a growing curiosity and a desire to know more about his rescuer.
Summoning his strength, Bell managed to ask, "I, uh… I didn't, um, catch your name. C-can I know who you are?"
The woman paused momentarily, Bell's red eyes meeting her grey-blue ones with a hint of curiosity. "I'm 2B," she replied in a cool, measured tone. "And you are?"
"B-Bell, Bell Cranel" he said, his voice trembling slightly with a mix of relief and nerves. "Th-thank you for, um, saving me. I… I really appreciate it."
2B nodded slightly, her expression remaining calm and composed. "It was nothing. You were in trouble, and I happened to be nearby."
Bell's curiosity got the better of him. "S-so, um, where are you headed? If you d-don't mind me asking."
2B continued her work, her movements precise and efficient. "I'm on a journey of my own. Just passing through this area. What about you? What were you doing out here alone?"
"I'm, um, on my way to Orario," Bell explained, his voice growing a bit more confident despite his stuttering. "I've h-heard a lot about the city, and I'm hoping to, uh, make something of myself there."
2B's expression remained unreadable, but her tone softened just a fraction. "Orario, huh? I've heard it's a place of great opportunities and dangers. Be careful out there. Not everyone who sets foot in the city is prepared for what it has to offer."
Bell nodded, absorbing her words. "I-I'll keep that in mind. Th-thanks again for everything. It means a lot to me."
2B finished tending to his wounds and stood up, adjusting her black dress and headband. "You should set up camp here for the night. There shouldn't be any monsters nearby, and it's best to stay put until you are fully recovered. The potion I gave you will take some time to heal you completely."
She glanced around briefly, her gaze sharp and observant, and noticed Bell's nearly empty pack. "You're running low on rations," she observed, her tone matter-of-fact. Reaching into her own pack, she pulled out a small bundle of provisions and handed them to him. "Take these. You'll need some strength to recover well and for the journey ahead."
Bell stared at the offering, momentarily speechless. "Th-thank you," he stammered blushing, overwhelmed by her kindness.
"Rest well," she continued, her voice softening slightly. "It's important to let the potion work its effects."
Bell watched as she prepared to leave, a mix of awe and admiration still swirling in his heart. "I-I will. Th-thank you, miss 2B. I hope our paths… um, cross again."
2B gave a small nod, her aloof demeanor unchanged. "May you have a safer journey, Bell." With that, she turned and walked away with graceful, steps.
As Bell watched her leave, a pang of disappointment tugged at him, like a shy boy watching his crush walk away. He couldn't tear his eyes from her retreating figure, his heart aching at the thought of her departure. The silence she left behind felt almost too heavy to bear.
His mind raced with thoughts, jumbled and stuttering. "Is this… love, Grandpa? Is this what you meant when you talked about r-romance?" The idea both thrilled and terrified him. He wasn't sure what to make of the intense emotions swirling inside him—gratitude, admiration, and something more, something he wasn't quite ready to name.
Bell felt his cheeks flush as he continued to stare after her, wondering if he would ever see her again. He found himself hoping, wishing that their paths would cross once more, that maybe, just maybe, he could find the courage to speak to her without stumbling over his words.
But for now, all he could do was watch as she disappeared into the distance, leaving him with a heart full of conflicting emotions and a lingering sense of wonder.
The rest of 2B's two-week journey was uneventful, marked only by the rhythmic crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional chirping of distant wildlife. Her thoughts were focused on the path ahead. As she approached Orario, the capital city of the world, she couldn't help but pause as the city came into view
The sight was overwhelming. Orario, with its towering walls and sprawling districts, was impressive enough, but what truly caught her attention was the massive structure at its center: the Tower of Babel. The tower seemed to pierce the heavens themselves, a colossal spire that dominated the skyline and dwarfed everything around it. The sheer scale of the city and its centerpiece made even 2B, who was usually composed and unaffected, stop in her tracks.
She recalled a conversation with the couple of traveling merchants she had encountered along the way. They had spoken of Orario with reverence, describing it as the heart of the world, a place where adventurers from all corners gathered to seek glory and riches. They had also mentioned the Tower of Babel, not just as a physical landmark, but as a symbol of the gods' presence in the mortal realm.
As 2B took in the sight, a faint sense of anticipation stirred within her. This was where her journey had led her, and she knew that whatever awaited her in this city would be unlike anything she had encountered before. After a moment, she resumed her pace, her destination clear in her mind as she approached the gates of Orario.
As 2B approached the gates of Orario, she found herself waiting in line at the entrance. The line moved steadily, giving her ample time to observe the people around her. Most of those waiting were either merchants or warriors, each representing a myriad of different backgrounds and cultures.
She noticed the diversity among the warriors, each group distinct in appearance and bearing. There were Amazons fighters, all women adorned with a beautiful ebony skin, their fierce expressions and toned physiques a testament to their warrior traditions. They stood out with their confidence and the unmistakable aura of battle-hardened veterans.
Nearby, she observed dwarven warriors, their short but imposing statures making them impossible to miss. Their stocky frames were covered in armor that looked as if it had seen countless battles, their eyes sharp and vigilant as they waited their turn in line.
Then there were the elven mages, their beauty unrivaled and almost otherworldly. Their pointed ears and graceful movements marked them as a race apart, and the calm, focused expressions they wore suggested a deep well of knowledge and power. Their presence was quiet but powerful, drawing the eye with their elegance.
Interspersed among them were various animal people—humans with distinctive animal features such as ears and tails, reflecting their respective animal heritage. Some had the alert, sharp-eyed gaze of wolves, while others displayed the sleek, feline grace of tigers and ligers. Each had a unique look and presence, embodying the rich diversity of the world 2B now found herself in.
As she took in the scene, 2B recalled her conversations with Lena during her week of tutoring. Lena had spoken at length about the different races that inhabited the world, each with their own customs, strengths, and ways of life. Lena had emphasized the importance of understanding these differences, not just for practical purposes, but also to navigate the complex social landscape of Orario. Lena's words echoed in 2B's mind as she observed the diverse crowd, each individual, a reflection of the world's vastness and complexity.
As 2B reached the front of the line, a guard with a rough, regional accent addressed her. "Hold up there, miss. What's yer first and last name and what's yer purpose for comin' to Orario?"
The guard's tone was direct and casual, with a no-nonsense edge that hinted at familiarity with a wide range of visitors. His accent made his words sound more relaxed and informal.
2B met his gaze steadily. "First name: 2B. Last name: Yorha," she replied, the latter part coming out as a soft murmur. In her mind, she questioned why she had used her military force rather than a more conventional last name.
The guard raised an eyebrow at the unusual name, his expression remaining impassive. "Aight, I'm guessin' ya here to become an adventurer, yeah?"
"No, that's not it," 2B said. "I'm here to look for someone."
The guard shrugged, clearly unfazed by her personal quest. "Aight, fair enough. Here's a form to fill out. Temporary residency's 5000 valis, but if ya want permanent residency, it's gonna be 12000 valis."
2B reviewed the options briefly and, without hesitation, chose the permanent residency. She completed the paperwork and handed it back, ready to begin her search in Orario with a sense of renewed determination. The bustling city, full of promise and possibility, awaited her as she stepped further into its vibrant life.