So, I can now finally post this chapter without any spoilers. There will be a longer explanatory note about my story at the bottom.
Would also like to thank Derlock, my fourth SSJ3 tier patron. One more and I will be posting 2 chapters a month going forward while the tier remains full.
In terms of pure numbers, not including this chapter, I have 55 chapters completed (some needing to be proofread first), 29 of which are for my Danmachi story (not including the free snippet chapters on my pat reon, chapter 50, 51, 100, 101, 102) so I can definitely do 2 updates a month for 2 years, even if I don't write a single word from now onwards, that being said, of course I will still be writing.
The reason I've poured 300K words of writing into my Danmachi story alone has been because I've had a tough year in many ways. I'll elaborate more next update, but don't want this one to get bogged down with a big explanatory note given it is such a pivotal chapter for Syr.
As a final warning, if you have not yet seen the latest anime episode, be warned, this chapter does have spoilers.
Please do read the note at the bottom if you want some insight into where the story is going in the future, but you don't have to read it if you would just prefer to read as things unfold through the story itself.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Bell and Ryuu would reunite with Syr and Hestia once the pair had exited the underground tunnels. Hestia would update Bell's status in case they met the monsters on their way to the stadium. An irregular monster was spotted by the group in the distance, but before the group could run there to find help, the Troll and Sword Stag would find them. Bell would do his best to fight them off, struggling a great deal. Just as help was on its way, the Troll and Sword Stag turned their attacks onto the girls, causing Bell to embrace the path of a hero and defeat them by overloading his Firebolt attack, triggering Mind Zero. In the aftermath, the Loki and Ganesha Familia would arrive and hear of Bell's battles, before Bell was taken by Ais to Dian Cecht Familia for healing. Waking, Bell would meet Airmid and declare he would let himself be injured to protect others, causing the healer to relent in her admonishment of his actions, before allowing Syr, Ryuu, and Hestia to see Bell. Bell would have his status updated after this, seeing his stats had gone beyond the normal limits, reaching SS and SSS class, with Hestia revealing his skills to him after he admitted what his desires were. Hestia would then update his status a second time, with advice from Ryuu causing him to choose the Luck developmental ability, as he ascended to level two, with Hestia then going to seek advice from Hephaestus, while Syr planned to celebrate Bell's level up.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Danmachi light novel/anime/manga/games. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Magic
Chapter 12 – Pulling the curtain back
'Miss Wallenstein, what are you doing here?' Asked Eina, as she entered the Dian Cecht Familia shop, and saw Ais speaking to the beautiful girl behind the counter.
'I was trying to find Bell, Airmid says he has already left.' Replied Ais, inclining her head to the girl beside the counter who nodded.
'Yes. He left with his two friends. I made sure to tell him to take it easy and he said he would be resting and not going into the Dungeon for the next few days.' Added Airmid.
'Where would he go then?' Asked Eina, only for Ais' eyes to widen.
'I think I know. Thank you.' Said Ais, inclining a nod towards Airmid, before turning to leave.
'Miss Eina, if you have the time, I suggest you visit the Hostess of Fertility, I suspect you will find Bell there.' Suggested Ais.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Eina.
'Because I suspect he will be working there for the next few days while he recovers. I must leave now though.' Explained Ais, before exiting the store.
Eina paused for a minute, before bowing to Airmid and chasing after Ais.
'Miss Wallenstein, are you going to find Bell?' Asked Eina, jogging to catch up to the girl, who slowed her pace out of consideration for the non-adventurer.
'Yes, I will be heading into the Dungeon tomorrow, so I wanted to make sure he is well before I leave.' Revealed Ais, causing the half-Elf to miss a step.
Eina tried to process what Ais had said, wondering why the girl was so adamant about seeing him before leaving, but decided to follow along. Arriving at the Hostess of Fertility, Ais entered, only to see there was a small gathering in the corner of the otherwise empty restaurant, as it was in the middle of the lunch and dinner rush.
'Miss Ais nya? Did you come for Bell's party as well?' Asked Anya.
'Party?' Asked Ais in confusion, tilting her head slightly to the right.
'Anya, get back in here!' Called Mama Mia from the kitchen, causing the girl to dart off.
'Bell, you should be recovering, not having a party!' Admonished Eina, walking over to the group consisting of Bell, Syr, and Ryuu.
'Ah, I'm okay Miss Eina, I just need some rest.' Defended Bell, causing the half-Elf to sigh weakly.
'Well as long as you are planning to rest.' Groaned Eina.
'What are you celebrating?' Asked Ais, approaching the group.
'Ah, Miss Ais, I was hoping to see you before you left.' Spoke Bell, making to stand from his chair, only for Syr to steady him as he winced at the action.
'I wanted to say thank you for all of your help. I don't think I could have made it here without you.' Continued Bell, causing Ais to tilt her head to the side.
'Here?' Asked Ais curiously.
'I levelled up, I'm level two now.' Revealed Bell, causing Eina to shout in surprise, while the normally impassive Ais dropped her jaw slightly.
'You can't be serious?' Exclaimed Eina.
'It's true, we both saw it.' Added Syr, getting a nod from Ryuu in agreement.
"Level two so quickly. Is that because of what he managed to do? Protecting those girls and his Goddess." Thought Ais, trying to make sense of things, before seeing Bell started to look nervous, avoiding her eyes and fidgeting with his fingers.
'Sorry, I heard you had the record for fastest level up before me, I didn't mean to take that away from you.' Apologised Bell, his head bowed, bringing Ais back to the moment.
'No. I am happy it was you. I apologise for not saying something sooner, I was surprised.' Said Ais, taking a step closer to Bell, causing the boy to look up.
'Congratulations on levelling up.' Praised Ais with a small smile, causing Bell to beam.
'Are you all just going to stand around and talk, or are you going to eat and party?' Asked Mama Mia, arriving with a plate of grilled fish, while Anya brought a bowl of roast potatoes over.
'Uh, yes, I will cover everything, it is my thanks for all of you, Miss Ais, and Miss Eina too. I wouldn't have been able to do this without all of your help as well.' Explained Bell, turning to Eina as he spoke.
'I have a headache waiting for me back at the Guild after everything that's happened. You still need to tell me about what happened today in the Dungeon and now we have this on top of it.' Sighed Eina.
'Well I'll bring you a notepad and you can write while you eat.' Proposed Mama Mia, not leaving Eina room to argue.
'I will stay. I wanted to find you also as I will be heading into the Dungeon tomorrow and wanted to make sure you were okay first; I have nothing else to do today.' Added Ais, moving to take a seat.
'See, it's all settled, it's time to celebrate.' Declared Mama Mia, causing Eina's shoulders to slump in defeat.
'Nya, you can even get a copy of our exclusive mascot.' Piped up Anya, showing the two a small Needle Rabbit toy.
'What is that?' Asked Eina.
'These are our new mascot, Bell the Needle Rabbit.' Said Anya.
'Why a Needle Rabbit?' Asked Eina.
'Because they look like Bell and just like Bell, they charge in bravely into battle, even though they might get hurt.' Explained Syr.
'I do not like the sound of that one bit.' Huffed Eina, glaring at Bell.
'Can I have one?' Asked Ais, only for Syr to pass her one.
'It's okay, I brought some extra.' Said Syr with a smile.
'Could I get one as well then?' Asked Eina quietly, only for Ryuu to hand her one as well, which the half-Elf accepted shyly
'All right, enough talking, time to eat and drink!' Shouted Mama Mia, getting a chorus of agreement.
-line break-
'Hephaestus, open up, it's me!' Called Hestia, banging her fist on her friend's office door.
'Hestia, what are you making such a racket about?' Asked Hephaestus, opening her door with a groan, as she scratched the back of her head.
'I have big news!' Said Hestia.
'Really big news, or do you need another loan?' Sighed Hephaestus, crossing her arms over her bust.
'I mean it, look at this!' Exclaimed Hestia, waving the paper with Bell's level two status in her face.
'Your boy is level two?' Gasped Hephaestus, grabbing the paper from Hestia's hands and looking it over.
'Yeah and that's not even the biggest surprise.' Added Hestia quietly, causing Hephaestus to look at her strangely.
'Find, come on in. I should at least offer you a drink in celebration.' Offered Hephaestus.
'So what's the surprise.' Asked Hephaestus, as she poured herself and Hestia some red wine.
Hestia took the offered glass and set it down beside her, causing Hephaestus to raise an eyebrow at Hestia refusing anything free.
'You've had a lot of children, right Hephaestus?' Asked Hestia, as the eyepatch wearing smith took a sip.
'Enough I suppose to consider it a lot.' Shrugged Hephaestus.
'Have many of your children have gotten S rank abilities?' Asked Hestia.
'A few of them like Tsubaki managed to, why, did Bell reach S rank as well?' Asked Hephaestus, only for Hestia to straighten up slightly.
'Well, he reached S rank in all of them and then pushed them all to SS rank, with some even making it to SSS rank.' Revealed Hestia, causing Hephaestus to set down her glass.
'Is this a joke?' Asked Hephaestus, looking at her friend in disbelief, only for the girl to shake her head.
'If you don't believe my words, see for yourself.' Challenged Hestia, holding out the second piece of paper, with Bell's status before levelling up.
Hephaestus took the sheet sceptically, looking it over, before her single eye widened. Blinking a few times, Hephaestus' expression slowly became grimmer.
'Is this the only copy?' Asked Hephaestus, getting a nod from Hestia, before she walked over to her desk, lit a match, and set the status on fire.
'This can never get out.' Warned Hephaestus, getting another nod from Hestia.
'What are you thinking?' Asked Hephaestus, seeing her friend uncharacteristically serious.
'Freya already had her eye on him, but after today, now Loki does as well.' Admitted Hestia, causing Hephaestus to cover her eye in disbelief.
'How could your first member cause this much trouble already?' Sighed Hephaestus.
'He is all alone and he is still pushing himself. He has told me he will do his best to stay safe, but trouble just keeps following him. His lost all of his armour and weapons twice now and has already faced monsters from the middle and lower floors. So, I need to ask you for a favour.' Replied Hestia, before bowing her head on the floor.
'Please make Bell a weapon for me!' Requested Hestia.
'The weapons and armour made by my High-Level Blacksmiths are top quality products forged through their blood, sweat, and tears. Do you really expect me to give you a discount on the fruits of my children's labour?' Asked Hephaestus.
'No, I don't want a weapon from your children, I want a weapon from you. I can give you half a million valis as a deposit and I will pay whatever it takes, just please, make Bell a weapon that will protect him and endure like he can.' Requested Hestia firmly, keeping her head bowed.
'Half a million valis? I didn't think you had anywhere near that much.' Said Hephaestus.
'Bell found a Jack Bird today in the Dungeon. He is throwing himself in there with all his body and soul and doing his absolute best. I've done nothing to help him at all and I'm even taking his earnings from him because I can't do anything myself and now things are only going to get more dangerous for him since he is level two, so please… make Bell a weapon that he can use that will help him achieve his dreams!' Pleaded Hestia.
'I won't take your child's money, but if I do this, you will need to pay back every last valis personally. Do you understand?' Asked Hephaestus, causing Hestia to look up.
'Of course, I promise!' Agreed Hestia.
'You said your boy is still going alone into the Dungeon, right?' Asked Hephaestus, as Hestia stood up.
'Yes.' Answered Hestia with a small nod.
'Well, in that case, maybe there is something you can do for me for a discount that should help him as well. We can discuss that later though if you agree.' Offered Hephaestus
'Of course.' Repeated Hestia.
'Don't agree until you hear what it is, geez! Come on, let's do this first then we can talk.' Grumbled Hephaestus, raising a hand to her forehead in exasperation, even as the smaller deity nodded her head eagerly.
'What do you mean?' Asked Hestia.
'This is for your child, right? Then you're going to help me make it. What weapon does he use?' Asked Hephaestus, as she eyed the hammers on her wall.
'He uses knives.' Answered Hestia, causing Hephaestus to pick the second smallest hammer.
'Come on then, time to get to work.' Declared Hephaestus as she walked towards her forge
'Yes, I will do my best.' Agreed Hestia eagerly.
-line break-
The next morning, Bell woke in the spare room of the Hostess of Fertility. The celebration had lasted longer than expected and with his injuries, he had been offered the spare room. Syr had convinced Ais to drop off a note at Bell's home for Hestia in exchange for a free meal once she returned from her expedition, with Bell agreeing to prepare it personally. Bell smiled at the thought that so many people were helping him, before his thoughts about his helpers were interrupted with a knock on the door to his room, before one of those people entered.
'It's me, Bell, are you awake yet?' Asked Syr, poking her head through the door.
'Yes, I'm awake.' Replied Bell, shifting to sit up and finding that it didn't cause as much pain as it did yesterday.
'Sorry, I didn't have time to make this myself. Mama Mia is sending me on an errand this morning, so I won't be back until dinner time, and she wanted to at least make you some breakfast, since I won't be here to make things for you.' Explained Syr, entering with a silver tray which held a stack of pancakes, two waffles, a scrambled egg on a piece of toast and a glass of orange juice, as well as a glass of water.
Syr placed the tray down on the small table beside the bed, before turning to Bell.
'Do you want something to drink?' Asked Syr.
'Water would be good right now.' Admitted Bell.
Syr smiled and handed him the glass, with the boy drinking a quarter of it in one gulp, before sipping the rest and giving a small groan.
'Thanks Syr.' Said Bell, placing the glass back on the tray.
Syr smiled and sat on the bed beside Bell, looking at him with a smile.
'Are you going to be okay without me today?' Asked Syr.
'Well, I know things will be less exciting, but maybe I've had enough excitement for a few days.' Joked Bell, causing Syr to giggle.
'Really? You think you've had too much excitement already? It's only been a week since you first came here. Spare a thought for someone like Ryuu who's been with me for years.' Teased Syr, causing Bell to smile.
'I didn't mean it as a bad thing, I just don't think my body can handle anything too exciting right now, I don't mind your surprises, I just wish I could know about them earlier.' Elaborated Bell.
'But if you knew about them, they wouldn't be a surprise.' Teased Syr, poking Bell on the nose.
'I need to get going now though, but do you think you have it in you for one more surprise?' Asked Syr.
'Sure.' Agreed Bell with a small smile.
'Okay then, close your eyes.' Instructed Syr, with Bell obliging.
Syr smiled and leaned forward, before pressing her lips to Bell's, causing his eyes to snap open. It lasted for only a second, before Syr pulled away.
'Thank you for being my hero, Bell.' Whispered Syr tenderly, staring into Bell's eyes.
'Y-You're welcome.' Stammered Bell, his face as red as a tomato, causing Syr to giggle, even as her face held a small blush as well.
'Now get your rest and try not to miss me too much.' Advised Syr, before leaving the room.
Syr made her way downstairs, only to find Mama Mia was waiting for her.
'You look pretty pleased, heading off now?' Asked Mama Mia, getting a nod from Syr.
'I'll be back as soon as I can.' Declared Syr, before heading towards the back door and stepping out onto the street.
Syr made her way through the empty streets quickly, heading towards Babel Tower. Reaching the elevator in no time at all, Syr pressed the button for the top floor. As the lift rose, Syr undid the tie holding up her long hair, letting it cascade down her back. As the elevator pinged upon reaching the top floor, Syr's hair started to change colour from its bluish grey to a piercing silver, her eyes taking on the same colour. Stepping through the elevator doors, Syr made her way to a room, the door being opened by a young woman. Syr entered the room, with the door closing behind her. Taking off her uniform, Syr placed her clothes on her bed, leaving them aside for the moment, before walking over to a closet and taking out a black and red dress. Her form shimmered slightly as a burst of divinity emerged and caused her to grow slightly, before she donned the dress. Walking over to the uniform on the bed, the woman ran a hand over it gently, before gathering the clothes and hanging them up in her closet. There was a knock on the door to the room.
'Enter.' Was the response given, in a clear and piercing voice.
'Milady.' Spoke Ottar, as he entered the room.
'We have a meeting with Loki, Ottar, will you please accompany me?' Requested the woman, as she grabbed a long robe and slipped it on, with the Boaz bowing at the waist.
'Of course, Milady.' Agreed Ottar.
'Excellent, I have some work to do today.' Advised the woman, before she walked out of the room, the Boaz a step behind her.
The pair descended the tower and made their way outside, heading for Twilight Manor. The streets were still empty at the early hour, allowing the woman to walk with her hood down, letting the soft breeze run through her flowing hair. The pair made their way until they were now within eyeline of the manor. Ottar took a few steps forward and looked up at a window. A pair of eyes spotted the large man and soon disappeared moments after.
'What are you doing here this early in the morning? Were your ears burning? I was just planning to come and find you, Freya.' Questioned Loki, walking over to the pair.
'Then I have done you a favour it seems, as I wanted to meet with you as well after my early exit yesterday.' Admitted Freya with a small smile, causing Loki to narrow her eyes.
'Well isn't that convenient then, why don't you follow me, I need to keep you away from my children after all. You mind asking him to wait outside?' Asked Loki.
'Ottar, please wait for me, I do apologise for the inconvenience.' Requested Freya.
'Of course, Milady.' Agreed Ottar easily, before moving out of view of the manor.
'Follow me then. Try not to wander.' Joked Loki, before walking back towards the building.
The pair of Goddesses slipped through the still sleeping building, before Loki led Freya to a sitting room which was rarely used, and only ever used to entertain Gods and Goddesses on rare occasions.
'You don't have anything against a drink this early in the morning, do ya?' Asked Loki, as she grabbed a bottle of red wine.
'I am quite all right, but I would not deny you your own indulgence.' Replied Freya, sitting on a wooden chair on one side of the table.
'Ha! It'd be funny for the poster girl of indulgence to suddenly be against it.' Barked Loki, as she poured herself a glass, before sitting at the table in the seat opposite Freya.
'So to what do I owe this visit?' Asked Loki.
'It seems there was an issue yesterday at the Monsterphilia Festival. As I understand, some of your children helped to keep the peace, I wanted to thank you for that.' Started Freya.
'Eh? You wanted to thank me for that? Why's that, is that because you were the one responsible?' Asked Loki, causing Freya to look at her in surprise.
'Oh? Do you have proof to back up that statement?' Asked Freya.
'Well, none of the guards were hurt and none of the citizens were hurt. If monsters rampaged through town, I'd expect some kind of damage. It is obvious it was charm at work. How else do you explain monsters being so docile?' Accused Loki, pointing her finger at Freya.
'Oh? As I understand it, there were some quite aggressive monsters out there who did manage to cause some harm.' Countered Freya.
'So what? Are you denying it?' Asked Loki.
'I did not come here to face accusations. It is true, I may have stirred up things for a bit of excitement, but I noticed something else. A monster which had never been seen before and not one of my playthings, would you happen to know anything about that?' Asked Freya.
'Huh? What do you mean? Surely you had to see it to charm the thing.' Questioned Loki suspiciously.
'You are correct, so I will repeat that yesterday I saw something I had not seen before and therefore did not charm. A truly hideous creature defiling the form of a flower.' Explained Freya, causing Loki to drop her head on the table.
'Ah, you sneaky woman! I thought for sure that was your work at play, now you come here and act all concerned before I can even accuse you properly.' Griped Loki.
'Well, I did just meet your precious Sword Princess yesterday. As I said, you have some truly cute children, and I would not want to harm any of them.' Spoke Freya honestly, causing Loki to sigh.
'I guess that fits, you like stealing cute ones, not hurting them, unless that's changed recently.' Grumbled Loki, cracking an eye open to glare at Freya.
'Whatever do you mean?' Asked Freya.
'That shrimp's kid took quite a beating. That was your handiwork, wasn't it?' Asked Loki.
'Why do you ask?' Asked Freya.
'Well, let's just say that kid caught my eye as well.' Admitted Loki, causing Freya to close her eyes for a moment.
When Freya opened her eyes, Loki smirked.
'So I'm right, that boy is your new target, isn't he?' Asked Loki.
'It is mostly as you say.' Replied Freya simply, closing her eyes as she gave a smile.
'I wonder what itty-bitty would say if I told her… that you were after her boy?' Questioned Loki teasingly.
'I have already informed Hestia of my interest in her child.' Countered Freya, causing Loki to set her wine glass down in a huff, the contents sloshing around dangerously, nearly spilling out onto the table.
'You're kidding! You just went out and said it?' Asked Loki.
'Indeed. I quite like Hestia, so I decided to be upfront with her, is that so wrong?' Asked Freya, causing Loki to start laughing.
'I've known you for a long time now, since when do you play nice?' Countered Loki.
'I guess you can say I have found a truly special person to play with.' Retorted Freya.
'Yesterday though, you said the person you were after was weak. Sounds like he took down monsters from the middle and lower floors. Is that what you consider weak?' Asked Loki.
'I never said that he remained weak. As I said, his soul was truly beautiful, and I want to see him grow.' Pointed out Freya.
'Well then, did your little prank bear fruit then?' Asked Loki curiously.
'It did indeed, I saw a truly spectacular thing. A soul shining bright that would take on traits of another and make them shine even more brilliantly. A light amplifying mirror that dazzled even me. I felt my heart throb strongly yesterday, which is the other reason I wanted to meet with you.' Answered Freya.
'Oh? So, you mean you didn't just come to apologise for ruining my date with my adorable Ais?' Asked Loki jokingly.
'Do not mistake me, Loki. I am truly aggrieved that your children were hurt by an odd irregular creation, that was never my intent. That boy though… he is mine and I do not want you interfering with him or myself.' Demanded Freya, her lips in a thin line.
'Ah, there is that possessiveness. I haven't seen you look this intense for as long as I can remember. Fine, fine, I won't dig around there.' Sighed Loki.
'Excellent. I wish your children well on their journey today then.' Finished Freya as she stood up, surprising Loki.
'You're leaving already? How did you know my kids were going on a trip today anyway?' Asked Loki in confusion.
'As I said, Loki, I only want you not to interfere. It seems your children have already gotten involved with that boy and I am unable to, and also, do not particularly want to stop the interactions of the children, I only want the Trickster to stay out of my fun.' Said Freya.
'Oh, and what do I get out of it?' Asked Loki teasingly.
'I will allow you to keep the Hawk's Plumage, is that not a fair trade?' Asked Freya, causing Loki to flinch.
'You're bringing up something from when we were still up there? Seriously?' Grumbled Loki.
'As I said, do not interfere with that boy and you can keep it, agreed?' Propositioned Freya, causing Loki to groan.
'Fine… that kid must be something special after all, huh?' Sighed Loki.
'He is. He is very special, and he will be mine, but I would like to take my time, so as I said, I would appreciate you staying out of things.' Admitted Freya.
'You? Want to take your time? Ragnarök must be coming then. The Goddess of impulsive desire wanting to take it slow? I've never heard something so ridiculous. What even is this kid?' Asked Loki in disbelief.
'As I said, he is very special and he will be mine, that is all you need to know. Farewell for now, Loki, do be mindful to look after your children, especially since it seems like for once, someone is playing a trick on you. Rest assured though, I will not cause you or your children any harm, as long as you do not stop my fun.' Cautioned Freya.
'Yeah, yeah, I hear you, go and have your fun while I do all the hard work like usual.' Grumbled Loki.
'I do wish you the best, Loki. Take care.' Said Freya with a small smile, before leaving.
'That poor kid.' Mumbled Loki, before downing her wine.
-line break-
So, a lot to unpack there. I guess in the first instance, yes, Syr is Freya, and Freya is Syr, I won't be doing the thing that some people have done, in making them two separate characters.
That being said, you will get to see Horn in this story too.
Using that as the segway, for anyone who doesn't understand the anime reveal (they did skimp on the details slightly), I will explain it briefly.
Horn, was once a person named Syr who met Freya. Freya then made a deal with Syr that she would give Syr a new name, Horn, and take the name Syr for her own use, while also giving Horn the ability to transform into the Goddess Freya.
Even the LN doesn't really explain how Horn manifested this ability, as it almost sounds like the Goddess Freya gave her the magic, but likely her soul just manifested it from her deep longing, that is just my speculation though.
Coming to this story itself. Yes, both Syr and Freya are romantic interests of Bell. I think one thing the LN makes clear (and I guess will hopefully be explained in the anime, but I am doubtful), much like Omori said in the author note of LN 17, Syr is Freya without make-up. Not to the extent Omori meant, that being that Syr was genuinely Freya just with no make up on, I imagine Syr is the crystallisation of Freya's true feelings and personality without the façade of a Goddess.
That also ties into what the anime/LN are hinting at when she says the girl/Syr is dead and now it is time for the Goddess to capture Bell, meaning she is throwing aside Syr and acting more like Freya, who has always taken what she wanted essentially, not really being a slow player, which is something Loki also makes reference to multiple times throughout the story. Yes, she has never really used her charm to take anyone (except for Tammuz before she slapped Ishtar to death) and yes, she did free Ali instead of taking her, but that was as Freya.
Syr, was basically Freya trying to be herself and trying to get the guy without the allure of a Goddess and given she failed, basically destroys her.
That being said, I think it isn't unreasonable she reacted like that.
Bell, as Syr/Freya would have known him at that point in time, would never have been able to be so assertive. The fact that the first time he was assertive was to reject her is frankly devastating, no matter how you look at it. Honestly, if Welf never spoke to Bell, there is no way he would have been able to reject her like that, it would just be too out of character for Bell.
I think this is the parallel between her actions (and upcoming actions) and someone like Apollo. Freya, at least in her own mind, thought she genuinely loved Bell, so the rejection of that love, something she has been searching to find for her entire life, would understandably cause her to snap. Apollo on the other hand was just kind of driven to pursue Bell as the new shiny toy he wanted, while Syr/Freya has genuinely helped Bell many times in the past without any reward. I won't say anymore at this stage, since we do still need to see how the anime adapts LN 17 and 18, but hopefully it will at least explain Freya's feelings from her perspective.
Now, canon aside, let me explain what I am doing.
Simply put, Syr/Freya never really seems to get a happy ending/true ending (to borrow a fate reference) where both halves of her get to be happy. Usually, in the handful of Syr/Freya fics out there (this is my subtle call for more of them) only one side gets a happy ending. Which, given how canon is, makes sense, but this is where my story differs.
Bell, in the first instance, did not reject Syr early on. He is nowhere near what one would consider assertive, but he is reciprocating Syr's affections to some extent. Of course, never really being the one to initiate, as that isn't who he is and is something Hestia alludes to later on in the story. Bell would always make girls fall for him, but he would never be able to follow through.
So now we come back to the name of the story. Essentially, Bell will still be winning people over as he does in canon, but Syr will now push him to actually reciprocate their feelings, eventually becoming more assertive and forming a harem with Syr's help. As you can obviously see, Ryuu is one of these people, as is Ais. If you do look at the free snippet ahead, you can also see Airmid will additionally be one of them.
I won't spoil the other people at this stage, but there a few I am definitely sure will be involved and a lot I am just teasing and if it feels right, might include. As I say, Bell will win many people over (as he does in canon), but it will also come down to Syr and if she pushes things. One example of which as can be seen in the Lefiya chapter and is mentioned in the Airmid chapter on my pat reon, is that at this stage, Syr does not approve of Lefiya, while she does approve of Airmid.
Coming back to my dichotomy of Syr and Freya, given Bell will be interacting with both in this story, there will be overlap between the two, times where Syr behaves similarly to Freya and Freya behaves similarly to Syr.
I think that is probably as much exposition as I want to get into at this stage, not wanting to actually spoil the entirety of the story, but felt it was warranted to at least give a bit of explanation about the Syr/Freya relationship.
To summarise all of that, the main pairing of the story is going to be Bell not with either Syr or Freya, but instead as I've dubbed it, Fsyrea/Sfreya and of course a harem.
If you do want to read the snippets ahead, there are numerous free ones on my pat reon (including the Lefiya and Airmid chapters I've mentioned above) and if wanting to discuss things further, feel free to join both my personal discord and one with a group of writers (where we actually were group writing another Danmachi story, which has over 60K words, that anyone can add to if they want to). I check both my pat reon and the discords daily too.
Remove spaces first:
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan personal discord - discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Shared writers' discord - discord. gg/ veQrzjgNYh
See you next chapter!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.