Chapter 13 : Burning Promise
Author's note : Hey, it's me again, back with another chapter! As I mentioned before, I've been working on some other ideas, and I came up with two concepts for my future Danmachi fanfics.
You can let me know which one you'd like to read, or if you prefer I stick with the Nier one!
1. "I'm Forever Stuck at Level 1!" - This story follows a character burdened with the responsibility of defeating the infamous One Eyed Black Dragon, all while cursed to remain at level 1. He faces numerous challenges along the way.
2. "Heavenly Restricted Elf" - This story follows an elf born unable to use magic but blessed with immense physical attributes (cough cough Toji Fushiguro cough cough). The character wields an impressive arsenal of cursed and magical weapons (including legendary heroic weapons or original weapons with custom effects), which I'd love to incorporate based on recommendations from readers, making it a collaborative experience! He aspires to be a hero, but his views on heroism differ greatly from Bell's, creating some interesting ideological clashes.
Let me know your thoughts!
"Speech."
"Thoughts."
The question echoed in Bell's mind, as if spoken by his own voice. His eyes fluttered open to a scene he hadn't expected—a vast, golden wheat field stretching endlessly under a burning sky. The wind stirred gently through the stalks, the air thick with familiarity. He couldn't place it, but it felt like a distant memory.
"So... what is magic to you?"
The question reverberated again, louder this time, as though coming from deep within him. It felt like a conversation with himself—a confrontation between the boy he is and the man he was striving to become.
He took the time to gather his thoughts, searching the depths of his soul for an answer.
"Magic is..." Bell said as the words formed slowly, "the next step I must take if I ever want to be a hero."
"Oh?" The voice hummed, curiosity piqued, as though it had caught wind of something Bell himself had yet to grasp.
"It's not just power," Bell said. "Magic reflects your soul—what you stand for. I need magic to protect those I care about. To be a hero who doesn't just fight but stands as a shield when needed."
"What form do you seek from magic?" the voice pressed, echoing through the field like a breeze.
Bell's gaze softened, staring at the swaying stalks of wheat. He took a deep breath, letting the scene ground him. "A symbol," he began, "of the kindness my goddess has always shown me, and the strength of the white-haired woman who saved me." His thoughts drifted to Hestia's unwavering love and to 2B's silent, unrelenting power. "A hearthfire", he continued, his voice steady, "that warms those I want to protect and strikes when the time comes."
"What do you seek from magic?" the voice challenged once more, its tone probing deeper into his resolve.
Bell closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the question. "I seek a chance to become someone worthy of their respect," he said. "A person my goddess can rely on, and someone strong enough to stand beside the woman I admire. I want to prove I'm more than what I am now—a boy chasing a dream. I want to be someone they can depend on when it matters most."
There was silence, heavy and oppressive, as if the very field held its breath. Then, a loud, booming laugh echoed—mocking and relentless.
"How greedy", the voice sneered.
"How arrogant. How childish. How foolish to think you can have it all! You—a boy with dreams too big for his hands. You want to be a hero? You think you have the right to wield such power?", It laughed again, a condescending sound that fell from above. "How preposterous!"
Bell chuckled softly, a hint of defiance in his laugh. "I know," he replied. "I know it's greedy, and arrogant, and maybe even foolish to dream so big."
The wind stirred fiercely, and for a moment, the voice wavered. Then, in perfect unison, both Bell's voice and the one within spoke together:
"But that's who I am!"
The wheat field around him ignited, crimson flames dancing like wild spirits, vibrant and alive. Instead of fleeing, Bell embraced the blaze, closing his eyes and feeling the heat wrap around him like a protective cloak. The fire surged through him, filling him with warmth and determination.
As the world around him burned and faded into ashes, reality pulled him back, the flames flickering in his memory like a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
"Bell! Wake up!" Hestia's voice pierced through the haze of sleep, pulling him from the depths of his dreams.
With a groan, Bell blinked awake, realizing he was face down on the floor, his butt sticking up in the air like a poorly placed rug. The book Syr had given him lay beside him, open but facedown on the floor, its pages slightly crumpled from the fall. It looked like it had been tossed aside in his sleep, silently judging him for his awkward, embarrassing position.
"Ah! G-Goddess, 2B, y-you're back?" he exclaimed, still half-dazed.
2B raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of bewilderment and curiosity. "What were you doing sleeping on the floor, Bell?"
He scrambled to gather his thoughts, his cheeks flushing. "Oh! I was reading the book Syr gave me!" He grabbed the book and held it up proudly, as if it were a trophy.
"It's empty, Bell," 2B said, deadpan.
"What?" he replied, confusion spreading across his face.
"The book—it's empty. Take a look," she said, gesturing for him to check again.
Bell glanced down at the open book, his eyes tracing the empty pages, disbelief washing over him. "Oh? Well, that's weird. I could've sworn…"
Hestia, now sweating bullets, interrupted, "H-Hey, Bell, would you like a quick status update?" Her mind raced, praying that whatever had happened wasn't as catastrophic as it could be. "Please let me be wrong, Please let me be wrong!"
"But goddess, I didn't do anything!" Bell protested, his voice wavering.
"Don't worry about it! Here, come—come!" Hestia urged, her tone a mix of urgency and forced cheerfulness, trying to redirect the situation.
[Name: Bell Cranel ]
[Level: 1]
[Title: None ]
[Race: Human ]
[God/Goddess: Hestia ]
[Skills:]
[Magic:]
Hearthfire : – A mystical flame that strikes with purpose, distinguishing between foe and ally. When it touches an enemy, the fire scorches them with unrelenting force. When it connects with an ally, it heals their wounds and grants them a boost in strength, this effect is enhanced when used on allies with the same falna. The magic can be invoked simply by stating "Hearthfire," chanting the full incantation acts as kindling, making the magic stronger.
[Chant for Hearthfire]
Emberflower, Ashen whisper, Flamebound, Oh promise of warmth, Burn brighter than a thousand dawns, Hearthfire.
[Stats:]
Strength: 657 [D]
Endurance: 673 [D]
Dexterity: 736 [C]
Agility: 886 [B]
Magic: 0 [Base]
Hestia's eyes widened in disbelief, and she stumbled backward, crashing to the floor with a thud. "M-magic? Aaaah, magic!" she stammered, her voice teetering between shock and excitement.
"Goddess, are you alright?!" Bell rushed to her side, his heart pounding in his chest, caught between worry and confusion.
But Hestia barely heard him, her eyes locked on the paper sitting on the floor. "Magic?! Bell, you have magic?!" she repeated, her voice rising with astonishment, fear flickering in her expression.
For a second, Bell was frozen in place, the words barely registering. "Magic? I have magic?!" His heart raced as the realization sank in. Then, as if his body caught up with his mind, he darted forward, snatching the paper from the floor with trembling hands.
Eyes wide, he scanned the paper, reading aloud with excitement in his voice, "Hearthfire... A mystical flame that strikes with purpose, distinguishing between foe and ally." His voice grew steadier as he continued, "When it touches an enemy, the fire scorches them with unrelenting force. When it connects with an ally, it heals their wounds and grants them a boost in strength... this effect is enhanced when used on allies with the same falna."
His breath caught for a moment before he finished, "The magic can be invoked simply by stating 'Hearthfire,' but chanting the full incantation acts as kindling, making the magic stronger."
Words tumbled out in a rush, a stutter of disbelief and joy. "Th-This is amazing! I can use it to attack and—"
Without a moment's hesitation, Hestia leaped toward him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace. His face was suddenly pressed against her chest as she squeezed him tightly. "I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed her warmth enveloping him entirely.
Bell was caught off guard, his face flushing as he found himself squeezed against her bossom. "G-goddess!" he stammered, trying to catch his breath. The sudden wave of happiness radiating from Hestia made it hard to think.
Hestia is the goddess of hearth and family, seeing Bell manifest magic that carried a piece of her within him filled her with immense pride and joy.
As she beamed with pride, 2B approached, crouching down to pick up the blank book from the floor. The sight of the empty pages and the revelation that Bell had suddenly manifested magic meant one crucial thing: that book was a grimoire.
"Goddess... goddess... goddess" 2B called, the last one sharp and insistent.
"Not now, 2B! My Bell manifested the most marvelous magic he could! Aaaaah! Bell, this is like a proposal!" Hestia squealed, practically bouncing on her toes with excitement.
"Ahh, g-goddess, please calm down!" Bell exclaimed, flustered by her enthusiasm.
"Goddess, we must address this," 2B said, still holding up the empty book with a serious expression.
"Uh, aaah, now that you say it... we-we don't need to talk about it…" Hestia replied, her voice shaky and nervous as she tried to regain her composure. The lightheartedness of the moment shifted, and the weight of their new reality began to sink in.
"Listen carefully, Bell," 2B said, her tone serious as she looked him straight in the eye. "The book you just read was a grimoire. It forcefully manifests magic into whoever reads it."
"O-oh, I see," Bell stammered, his excitement dampening as the weight of her words sank in.
"That's not the end of it," 2B continued. "A grimoire is a one-time use item. Its price exceeds even Hephaestus-grade one weapons we saw while shopping."
Bell's eyes widened, and he felt a cold sweat trickle down his back. "Wait, so you mean... I've got magic, but that book was just a one-time thing?!" His voice trembled with disbelief, and his heart raced as the implications hit him like a ton of bricks. "I-I just used an item worth millions of valis?! How am I supposed to pay that back?!"
Panic flooded his mind as he grappled with the realization. "I can't believe it's that valuable! I didn't even know!" He felt a wave of anxiety wash over him, imagining the weight of the debt looming above him like a storm cloud. "There's no way I'll be able to pay it back!"
Hestia jumped to her feet, taking the book from 2B's hand with a determined expression. "Listen, Bell, you never saw that book, okay? 2B, go bring me the box of matches! We're burning the evidence!"
2B nodded, now heading toward the back of the church.
"Goddess, we can't do that! I need to go apologize to Syr and to the rest of the Hostess!" Bell exclaimed, rising to his feet and rushing toward Hestia, panic etching his features.
"No can do, Bell!" Hestia insisted, her voice firm but edged with concern. "This world is unforgiving! You may become angry at me right now, but I'm doing this for the good of the Famili—"
The Hostess of Fertility felt unusually still, the lively chatter and clinking mugs replaced by an eerie silence. Sunlight streamed through the windows, highlighting dust motes in the quiet, empty tavern. The aroma of hearty dishes lingered, but without the usual bustle, the space felt oddly du formulaire
At the end of the room, Mia stood with her arms crossed, an empty book resting on her countertop. Her gaze was fixed on Bell, a look of distress etched across his features.
"Um, M-Miss Mia, I… I need to explain," Bell stammered, his voice laced with urgency and nerves. "The b-book Syr found and gave me—it's actually a g-grimoire. I… I didn't know what it was when I r-read it!"
His words tumbled out in a hurried rush, laced with genuine concern. "I-I'm really sorry for using it without knowing!" Bell added, bowing deeply in apology, his head nearly touching the floor as he tried to convey his sincerity.
Mia sighed, her expression indifferent as she scooped up the empty book and tossed it into the nearby trash bin with a casual flick of her wrist. "Forget it kid. The blame lies with the fool who left his garbage lying around my tavern."
Bell opened his mouth to protest, his brows furrowing in confusion. "But I—"
Mia shot him a glare, her voice icy and commanding. "You trying to contradict me, boy?"
Realizing he'd pushed too far, Bell immediately shut up, feeling the weight of her authority press down on him. The tension hung in the air as he absorbed her words, knowing better than to argue further.
Syr stood nearby, her expression tinged with guilt. "I didn't mean for this to happen, Bell. I should have checked the book first…"
Bell shifted uncomfortably, "I-It's okay, Syr. I should've been more careful too." His voice wavered slightly, and he avoided eye contact, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation.
Mia sighed from behind the counter, her arms still crossed. "Enough with the apologies. It's done now. Just don't let it happen again, ya hear?"
He nodded quickly, grateful for the out, casting a final glance at Syr before heading toward the door. "Th-thank you, Miss Mia. I'll be more cautious."
As Bell and 2B stepped out of the tavern, the streets of Orario greeted them with their usual chaos. But Bell barely noticed. His thoughts were elsewhere—on the grimoire, and the magic he had unlocked from it.
"I've gotta try it," he thought, clenching his fists with excitement. "Hearthfire... I want to see what it can really do!" But then he remembered Hestia's and 2B's words—he was on house arrest, forbidden from entering the dungeon for a few days. Testing his magic inside the city would be reckless, not to mention dangerous. Unless... "What if I sneak out? Just for a little while. No one has to know..."
His mind raced with ideas, and he barely realized how obvious his thoughts must've looked on his face. 2B glanced over, sighing softly before pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Bell," she said in her usual calmness, but with a hint of exasperation. "You're planning something foolish, aren't you?"
Bell blinked, caught off guard. "I-I..."
"Go home, gear up, and make sure you're ready," she instructed, her voice firm. "Then meet me at the entrance of the dungeon. We'll test your magic there."
A wave of pure joy rushed through Bell. "R-Really?! Thanks, 2B!" he stammered, his face lighting up in excitement. He hurried home, gathering his equipment with lightning speed, and raced to the dungeon entrance.
On the fourth floor of the dungeon, Bell stood beside 2B, the dim light casting long shadows around them. His 'Pyonkichi Mk II' armor fit snugly against his body, glinting faintly in the eerie glow of the stone walls. At his hip, the rapier 2B had given him rested, its weight comforting in the tense atmosphere. Ahead of them, a kobold snarled, its red eyes burning with hunger as it lunged toward them, claws extended and teeth bared in a feral growl.
Bell's pulse quickened, his hand stretching out instinctively. "Hearthfire!" he shouted, his voice ringing through the cavern. Crimson flames erupted from his palm, swirling forward in a fierce torrent. The fire engulfed the charging kobold, its snarls quickly silenced by the crackling of the blaze. As the flames subsided, only ash remained, scattered on the dungeon floor.
Wide-eyed, he stood frozen, chest heaving from the rush of adrenaline. He blinked, trying to process what had just happened. "It worked... Hearthfire actually worked!"
He let out a joyous laugh, his excitement spilling over. "2B, did you see that?!" he exclaimed, his voice full of awe and disbelief.
"I did," 2B replied, though a hint of approval flickered in her tone.
Bell's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at the lingering embers. "It's so amazing!" he shouted, practically bouncing with energy. The thrill of using his magic for the first time made him feel alive in ways he hadn't anticipated.
2B observed his joyful antics and after a moment, she tilted her head slightly, her expression serious. "Use Hearthfire on me."
Bell blinked, his enthusiasm momentarily faltering. "Wait... what? On you?"
She nodded, "I need to gauge the boost effect of your magic. Don't hold back."
His heart raced as hesitation washed over him. "Are you sure about this? I mean... it's still fire."
"I'm sure," 2B replied, her eyes locking onto his with unwavering confidence, leaving no room for doubt.
Bell hesitantly raised his palm, pointing it toward her. His voice trembled as he stuttered, "H-Hearthfire!"
2B stood her ground, unwavering as the flames erupted from his hand. Instead of burning her, the fire coiled around her like a protective aura, shimmering with crimson light. She could feel a surge of strength flooding through her, an exhilarating rush that made her feel more alive.
She tightened her fist, eager to gauge the effect of the magic. She threw a punch, her movement a blur as the speed noticeably increased. It felt exhilarating, the air rushing past her as she struck. Even though it was faster than she usually could muster, it felt different somehow, less potent than when she relied on her own strengthening magic.
2B nodded to herself, turned around to face him, and then suggested, "Now try using the magic on yourself."
Bell hesitantly asks, uncertainty creeping into his voice, "Are you s-sure it will work?"
she reassures him, "It shall be fine. You must be included in the allies characterization of your magic,"
He closed his eyes, steadying himself as his palm hovered over his chest. His heartbeat thrummed under his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, he whispered the spell, "H-Hearthfire."
The crimson flames erupted from his palm once again, swirling around him just as they had with 2B. This time, though, Bell felt something incredible—a wave of warmth surged through his body, igniting his senses. The fire wrapped around him like a second skin, but it didn't burn; instead, it filled him with raw energy, coursing through his veins and heightening his awareness.
His limbs felt lighter, as if the weight of the armor he wore had suddenly vanished. He clenched his fists and marveled at the newfound strength pulsing through him. Every muscle felt charged, like he could run faster, hit harder, and react quicker.
Bell took a deep breath, his eyes wide with amazement as he slowly flexed his fingers. "I… I feel incredible. It's like—" He suddenly moved his arm in a swift motion, faster than he ever thought possible. "This… this is amazing!"
2B watched him closely, her usual calm demeanor showing the faintest flicker of approval. "That's the power of your magic. You can boost not only others, but yourself too."
Bell stared at his hands, his face lighting up with exhilaration. "This is unreal… I never thought—"
She cut him off with a sharp nod, reminding him to stay focused. "Remember, it's a tool. Use it wisely."
Bell nodded, still buzzing from the surge of power. He looked at 2B, gratitude and determination glowing in his eyes. "I won't waste it."
They continued their descent into the dungeon, the purpose was clear: to help Bell acclimate to his new gear and magic. They pressed onward until they reached the eighth floor, where the air grew noticeably colder and the shadows stretched longer. Ahead of them, a group of War Shadows materialized, their dark forms writhing like smoke.
They stopped.
2B turned to Bell, "Use the full chant this time. Let's see the true power of your magic."
He nodded, inhaling deeply as the words came to him, a steady pulse of power building within.
"Emberflower," Bell began, his voice cutting through the silence as flames flickered to life, swirling around his palm. The War Shadows, alerted by the sight of magic, surged forward, their claws gleaming in the dim light.
"Ashen whisper," he continued, the fire growing, feeding off his chant.
"Flamebound," Bell's voice steadied as the flames crackled with intensity. "Oh promise of warmth," he whispered, his words a breath before the creatures closed in, their dark forms looming over him.
Just as they were upon him, he shouted, "Burn brighter than a thousand dawns—Hearthfire!"
A blinding blaze erupted from Bell, surging through the tunnel with a deafening roar. Crimson flames cascaded outward, instantly engulfing the War Shadows and dissolving their forms. The firestorm swept down the tunnel, warping the air around it as the corridor trembled under the searing energy.
When the flames finally subsided, only charred walls remained, the scent of ash lingering in the air. The entire tunnel had been scorched, leaving nothing but a haunting silence in the aftermath.
Bell stood wide-eyed, his breath ragged. "That... was way stronger than before!" But before he could fully revel in the moment, a wave of mental fatigue crashed over him, sapping his strength in an instant. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the dungeon floor, gasping. "Wh-what's happening?" he panted, confusion and exhaustion swirling in his mind.
2B approached him calmly, her gaze soft but firm. "It's Mind Down," she explained, kneeling beside him. "I was pushing your magic to its limit so you could feel the strain. You need to understand the effects of overextending yourself."
Bell blinked, his head hammering with each pulse of his heartbeat. He tried to steady his breath, his voice strained. "Is there... anything I can do to make this go away?"
She nodded, already moving. From her satchel, she retrieved a small blue vial, its liquid shimmering in the low light. "A Mind Potion," she said, uncorking the bottle.
Bell reached for it, but his arms felt like they were made of lead. His hand fumbled, barely able to lift itself.
Seeing his struggle, 2B sighed softly and sat on the floor beside him. Gently, she guided his head onto her lap, her touch warm and steady. "Rest," she murmured, her melodic voice cutting through the haze of his exhaustion. She tilted the vial carefully toward his lips, her fingers brushing his cheek as she held it in place.
Bell's breath hitched as the cool liquid slid down his throat, immediately working to clear the fog clouding his mind. The crushing fatigue in his head began to ease, but a new sensation crept in—one that had nothing to do with the potion. It was the soft pressure of 2B's lap beneath his head, a quiet comfort settling over him.
He wasn't used to being this close to someone—especially not to someone from the opposite sex. Normally, even a brief touch would send his thoughts spiraling, making him hyper-aware of the boundary between them. But this felt different. There was no awkwardness nor tension—just a sense of calm, a warmth that came from the closeness, not the contact itself. It didn't feel like he was crossing any lines; instead, it was as if everything was right where it should be.
"Why doesn't it feel embarrassing?" he wondered, blinking up at her calm expression. "Normally, I'd be freaking out right now... but it's just comforting. Safe, even."
Her touch didn't carry any of the awkwardness he'd expect—it wasn't charged with anything other than genuine care. He felt like he could just... exist in the moment without overthinking it.
"Thanks…" he muttered softly, the words slipping out before he could stop them, his thoughts still swirling with the realization that, for once, being close to someone didn't have to be nerve-wracking.
As the warmth of their shared moment began to fade, 2B and Bell made their way back to the church, the air still tinged with the lingering effects of the mind potion and the comfort of each other's presence. The familiar creaking of the church door greeted them as they stepped inside, the soft flicker of lanternlight illuminating the space.
Hestia stood waiting for them, her arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face. "Why did you take Bell into the dungeon?" she asked, her tone sharp.
2B met her gaze, unflinching. "He behaved well while on house arrest and didn't cause any trouble today. I think his house arrest should be revoked."
Hestia raised an eyebrow. "Need I remind you why he was on house arrest in the first place?"
2B replied simply, "No."
Hestia sighed, her frustration softening. "Hee… You're right. He did behave well." She turned to Bell, her expression turning serious. "Bell promise me you won't get into any more reckless adventures."
"I promise, Goddess," Bell replied earnestly, determination in his voice.
"Very well," Hestia declared, straightening up with authority. "With the power vested in me as the Goddess of this Familia, I hereby lift your house arrest!"
"Thank you, Goddess!" Bell beamed, a wide smile breaking across his face.
"Humu, humu," Hestia hummed, a satisfied smile returning. "Now, I need to tell you something. I'll be away for the next few days."
"Why, Goddess?" Bell asked, curiosity piqued.
"Ganesha is holding a banquet for the gods, and I need to reconnect with some old friends," Hestia explained.
2B nodded "Understood".
"Good. Just make sure you don't get into trouble while I'm gone," Hestia warned playfully. "Love you both!" With that, she stepped out, leaving Bell and 2B behind.
It had been two days since Hestia's departure, and Bell and 2B's routine remained unchanged. They trained together every morning, refining Bell's sword technique while 2B pushed him through various drills. Afterward, they dove into the dungeon, their movements growing more refined with each run. By evening, they returned home exhausted but satisfied, sharing quiet meals prepared by 2B before heading to sleep, ready for another day.
Today, after their usual morning dungeon dive, 2B had gone ahead to run some errands for dinner, leaving Bell to walk the streets of Orario alone. The lively city buzzed with activity, and although Bell was used to the hum of the crowd, something about walking without 2B beside him felt... strange.
As he meandered through the familiar roads, a voice rang out from behind him. "White hair nya! White hair nya!"
Bell stopped, confused for a moment before turning around to see a familiar face. One of the catgirl waitresses from the Hostess of Fertility, Anya was waving at him.
He blinked, pointing at himself awkwardly. "M-Me?"
"Yes, nyou! Come, come!" she urged, motioning for him to follow as she stood near the Hostess of Fertility.
Confused but curious, Bell approached her, his mind racing. "W-What's going on?" he asked, eager to understand what she wanted from him.
"I need nyou to give Syr her purse nya! Airhead went to Monsterphilia without it nya, and now she's stuck and can't do anything nya, so hurry hurry! Purse! Monsterphilia! Syr needs help nya!"
Bell blinked, utterly lost. "Wait... what? Purse? Monsterphilia? Nya?"
Just then, Ryuu, the elven waitress, walked up and sighed, shaking her head. "Anya, you're not making any sense. You're confusing Mister Cranel."
She turned to Bell, her expression apologetic. "Syr forgot her purse and went to Monsterphilia without it. She needs you to bring it to her."
Bell stammered, trying to piece together what was happening. "Ah, oh, eh… sure, I guess?"
Anya gave him a cheerful nod and bounded off, while Ryuu offered a polite, light bow before following after her. Bell stood there for a moment, still unsure about what exactly he was supposed to do with the purse in his hands. Shrugging it off, he started making his way through the crowded streets of Orario, where the usual hustle and bustle felt even more chaotic today.
Bell weaved through the bustling crowds, the reason for the commotion became clear—the Monsterphilia festival was in full swing. Hosted by the Ganesha Familia, this annual event featured adventurers showcasing their skills by taming monsters in a grand arena, drawing in excited crowds. Vendors shouted their wares, and children dashed about with monster-themed toys, decorations brightening the streets.
As he looked for any signs of Syr, his eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar pair of pigtails bouncing through the crowd. It was his goddess, Hestia, her energetic presence radiating even amidst the chaos of the festival. She stood in the middle of the bustling street, holding something large wrapped in a white cloth, her small frame almost swallowed by the crowd. Her blue eyes brightened the moment she saw him, and a smile crept onto her face.
"Bell!" Hestia called, waving him over through the crowd.
He rushed toward her, relief washing over him. "Goddess! It's been a while… What are you doing here?" he asked, catching his breath.
Hestia tilted her head, a playful grin on her face as she adjusted the cloth-wrapped item in her arms. "Business with friends took longer than expected," a hint of mystery in her eyes. "But what about you?"
"Uh..." Bell hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm looking for a friend… I need to return her purse. But this crowd makes it hard to find her."
Hestia's eyes sparkled mischievously. Without warning, she grabbed his wrist. "You're running errands in the middle of all this excitement? Come on, let's make it fun!" Before he could protest, she yanked him into the bustling crowd.
"Wait—Goddess?!" Bell exclaimed, stumbling slightly as Hestia pulled him along.
"Relax!" Hestia laughed, not slowing down. "We can have fun while looking for your friend!" She led him toward a nearby stall, eyes lighting up at the colorful food displays.
Before Bell could say another word, Hestia called to a vendor, "Two crepes, please!" Turning to him with a grin, she added, "You can't look for your friend on an empty stomach!"
Bell blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change of plans. "I guess we do have time for a quick snack..." he relented, succumbing to her infectious energy.
As they strolled from stall to stall, crepes in hand, Bell found himself momentarily forgetting his original task. The vibrant atmosphere and excited festival-goers were infectious. Hestia led him eagerly through the stalls, sampling street food and pointing out games. They even paused to watch acrobats tame small creatures, delighting the crowd.
For a brief moment, it felt like a carefree day out with Hestia, and his earlier stress melted away in her company.
Between bites of her crepe, Hestia smiled at him. "Don't worry, Bell. We'll find your friend soon enough. But first, let's enjoy the festival a little longer, okay?"
Bell smiled back, feeling lighter. "Alright, Goddess."
As they continued to explore, laughter and small victories filled their day. But suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air.
"Look out!" someone yelled, and the festive mood shifted in an instant. Panic surged through the crowd as people began to scatter in all directions. Bell's senses went on high alert, and before he could fully grasp what was happening, he saw the mass of bodies around them retreating in a chaotic wave.
Hestia, standing beside him, tensed. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice now serious.
Bell's gaze darted forward, and as the crowd thinned, the source of the commotion became clear. Standing amidst the wreckage of overturned stalls and scattered goods was a towering ape-like monster. Its silver fur shined in the sunlight, its broad chest rising and falling with heavy, menacing breaths.
"A Silverback!" Bell gasped, his heart leaping into his throat. The creature's red eyes locked onto him, narrowing with predatory intent. It let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath them as it pounded its massive fists against its chest.
"Bell..." Hestia whispered, her voice filled with urgency. "We have to get out of here!"
But Bell's feet wouldn't move. His mind raced. He knew this wasn't an ordinary monster to be recklessly fought. It was an untamed beast loose in the middle of the city. There was no time to think about the festival or Syr's missing purse anymore.
With a burst of instinct, he turned, scooping Hestia into his arms. "Hang on!" he shouted, the Silverback roared again, its muscles coiling as it charged after them, each thunderous footfall echoing through the chaos. Bell bolted away, his grip tightening around his goddess as they fled from the impending danger.
