"Kyaa! Someone help me!" a girl cried out desperately as a Goblin chased her through the forest. She stumbled and fell, her breath hitching as fear filled her wide eyes. The Goblin drew closer, its grotesque features twisting into a sinister grin as it loomed over her.
Frozen with terror, she could only watch as it raised its weapon, preparing to strike. Tears welled up as despair took hold, and she let out one final, piercing scream. Shutting her eyes tightly, she braced herself for the inevitable.
But instead of pain, she heard a voice.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Her eyes flew open to see a boy standing over the Goblin's fading corpse. His white hair glowed faintly in the dungeon's dim environment, and his rubellite eyes glowing, filled with both strength and concern.
A hand reached out to her. She hesitated for a moment before grasping it, allowing him to help her to her feet. Their eyes met, locking in a moment of shared stillness as they gazed at each other, lost in the depths of one another's gaze.
She broke the silence, her voice soft yet curious. "What's your name?"
"My name?" He smiled gently, the warmth of his expression making her heart skip a beat. She felt a strange flutter as her cheeks flushed.
"My name's Bell Cranel," he said with quiet confidence.
Bell..." the girl whispered softly, her voice barely audible as their faces inched closer, the world around them fading away. But just as their moment deepened, a voice, familiar and urgent rang out, calling his name..
BELL-KUNNNNNN!
"Goddess Hestia, what's wrong?!" Bell asked groggily, rubbing his eyes as he stirred from sleep, disappointment flickering across his face, his dream left unfinished.
"Did you forget?!" the Goddess exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. "Today's your first time going to the dungeon!"
"Whaaa~?" the tired boy mumbled, already drifting back into the remnants of his dream. But his reprieve was short-lived as a sharp sting on his cheek jolted him awake.
"You have to go now, Bell!" Hestia scolded, pinching his cheek mercilessly. "Didn't you say you wanted to become stronger?"
Her words snapped him back to reality. Bell quickly scrambled to his feet, realizing the importance of the day. Still half-asleep, he hurriedly tidied his makeshift bed, a couch he had been using since moving into the abandoned church's basement.
As he moved to tidy up his bedding, he glanced around the dimly lit basement of the abandoned church that had become his home. The walls were cracked, and the faint scent of dust hung in the air, but it was a sanctuary—one he shared with his Goddess, who despite her fiery temper and clingy attitude, she always had his best interests at heart.
"You can't keep slacking off like this," Hestia chided, crossing her arms. "If you want to survive in the dungeon, you need to be disciplined. That means getting up on time and preparing properly!"
Bell nodded, running a hand through his messy white hair. "I know, I know. I'll do better, I promise Kami-sama."
"You'd better," she huffed, her expression softening as she handed him a small pouch. "Here, take this. It's for lunch later. You'll need your strength out there."
Bell accepted the pouch with a small smile, grateful for her unwavering support despite her sharp words. As he slung his gear over his shoulder and headed for the door, he paused and turned back.
"Thanks, Goddess," he said softly.
Hestia's eyes widened slightly before a warm smile spread across her face. "Go on, Bell. Show them what you're made of."
With renewed determination, Bell stepped out into the morning light, ready to face whatever the dungeon had in store for him.
As the door closed behind Bell, Hestia stood by, her gaze softening with concern. She called out, her voice filled with care, "Good luck, Bell... and stay safe."
-Tower of Babel-
A towering structure loomed above, casting its shadow over the streets below. Bell made his way toward the heart of Orario, weaving through the bustling crowds. As he neared a familiar diner, "Hostess of Fertility," a voice called out to him.
"Hey! White hair!"
Bell stopped in his tracks, confused by the sudden shout. He turned toward the source and saw a waitress standing at the entrance.
"Are you a newbie?" she asked, her tone curious.
Bell scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Unfortunately, I am... What seems to be the problem, Miss?"
The waitress blinked before a bright smile spread across her face. "Oh! You can call me Syr," she said cheerfully.
Syr leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I was just wondering if you've brought any food to eat while you're inside the dungeon? You are going to the dungeon, right?" she asked, her face dangerously close to his now.
"Unfortunately, I didn't, haha..." Bell replied sheepishly. Though Goddess Hestia had given him some money, he still wanted to save it for emergencies.
Syr's face brightened with a beaming smile. Without another word, she dashed back inside the diner. Bell stood there, slightly confused, wondering what she was up to. Moments later, she returned, holding a small bag.
"Here!" Syr exclaimed, handing it to him. "It's your lunch for today!" Her voice was full of warmth and cheer, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
"Uwahh! I couldn't possibly accept this! We just met, after all!" Bell protested, his face flushing with embarrassment.
But Syr simply smiled, her eyes sparkling. "I insist," she said gently, holding the packed lunch out to him. "It's the least I can do. Just promise me you'll come back and eat inside the Hostess of Fertility sometime, okay?"
Bell hesitated, still feeling uneasy, but Syr's warm expression made it hard to refuse. "Alright... I'll come back, I promise," he said reluctantly, finally accepting the bag.
Syr then proceeded to giggle with a light blush she was then called to go back inside and work.
Watching her disappear back into the diner, Bell took a deep breath, tightened his grip on the lunch bag, and resumed his journey toward the dungeon.
-DUNGEON-
...A bottomless labyrinth, divided into countless floors.
It is the only underground maze in the world, hidden beneath the labyrinth city of Orario.
A place teeming with vicious monsters...
Clang!
Ting!
The sharp clash of sharp blades echoed through the dungeon's dark, twisting corridors.
Thud!
A heavy sound reverberated as he kicked off the dungeon wall, propelling himself forward. "Hyaa!" he shouted, his voice filled with determination as his blade sliced cleanly through the Goblin's arm.
RaaaOugh!
The Goblin roared in pain, its twisted face contorting with fury. Despite its injury, it hurled itself toward the adventurer, its lone arm raised to strike.
Reacting swiftly, the adventurer dodged the attack, slipping past the Goblin's swing and positioning himself behind it. With a precise slash, he severed the creature's remaining arm. A final, decisive strike pierced its chest, ending the fight.
"Fwoosh," the Goblin's ashes dissolved into the air, vanishing like a fleeting shadow. With a soft clunk, its magic stone tumbled to the ground, glinting faintly in the dim light of the dungeon.
His red eyes sparkled with joy as he yelled out, "Yay!" His white hair bounced with each jump, his excitement evident. With a wide grin, he cheered, "I killed my first monster!"
Caught up in his triumph, he failed to notice the growing shadows creeping closer, the sounds of his celebration echoing through the dungeon, drawing the attention of nearby monsters.
Grrr...
He froze, halting his celebration as a chill ran down his spine. Turning around, his eyes widened as he saw a wolf-like creature emerging from the walls of the dungeon, its menacing growl echoing through the air.
The dungeon gave birth! The thought echoed through his mind as he stood frozen in shock. The monster finished emerging, its feet hitting the ground with a heavy "thud." It locked eyes with the white-haired boy, a low snarl rumbling from deep within its chest as it prepared to lunge.
With a sudden "thwack," the monster kicked off the ground, propelling itself toward its target with terrifying speed.
"Oh no!" the boy shouted, barely managing to raise his weapon in time to block the monster's vicious claws, which scraped against his blade. His instincts kicked in, deflecting the attack, but the force sent him stumbling backward. Wiping the blood from his cheek, he breathed heavily as the claw barely grazed him, leaving a shallow, stinging wound.
Sweat dripped down his forehead, his body growing hot with adrenaline. Fear crept into his chest as he realized how close he had come to death. If I hadn't reacted in time... he thought to himself, his heart racing. I would've been dead right there and then.
taking his stance again as he watches the Monster ready another lunge at him,
He remembered his grandfather's words, "Don't let the same mistake happen twice."
With renewed determination, he positioned himself against the wall, leaving no space for the monster to maneuver or strike from another angle.
The creature lunged at him with a roar, but the boy was ready. With swift precision, he thrust his dagger forward, sliding beneath the monster's attack. As he ducked, he supported his arm, guiding the blade smoothly through the monster's underside. The dagger sliced through with ease, cleaving the creature in half.
Leaving behind a cloud of ashes and a glowing magic stone, he slowly walked toward it. Sheathing his dagger, he reached down, his fingers brushing the ashes that had formed around the stone. As he lifted it, his reflection shimmered on the smooth surface, the glow casting a faint light across his face.
He whispered softly, "I wanna get even stronger..."
.
.
Suddenly..
A deafening roar echoed through the dungeon, sending a chill of fear through him. He froze, eyes wide, staring into the dark hallways. The distant cries for help and the agonizing sounds of other adventurers in pain sent a wave of dread through his body. His limbs felt heavy, paralyzed by fear.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The sound of heavy footsteps reverberated through the dungeon, each step drawing closer. His heart pounded in his chest as the steps grew louder, closer, almost suffocating. THUMP!
From the shadows, a massive form emerged. First, its horns, sharp and deadly, pierced through the darkness, followed by the hulking silhouette of a bull-like creature, its eyes glowing with an eerie intensity as it stepped into the dim light, ready to charge.
"H-HUHH!" the boy cried out as the bull-like creature roared once more. Every fiber of his muscles, every inch of his body screamed at him to run. And so, he did.
"Wahh!" he yelled, his heart racing as he sprinted, the massive creature hot on his heels. He knew exactly what it was. It was the monster from his nightmares, the same one he'd seen in the books he'd read with his grandfather.
What is a Minotaur doing on the upper floors?! His thoughts screamed, his voice unintentionally matching the panic swelling inside him.
He reached a dead end.
His heart raced as his eyes scanned the walls, noticing the fresh blood stains, likely from the adventurers who had fallen before him, victims of the Minotaur chasing him.
THUMP! The creature had caught up.
There was no escape now. With trembling hands, he grabbed the sword left behind by one of the fallen adventurers. The cold steel felt heavy in his grip. He unsheathed his dagger with his left hand, positioning it for defense. With the sword now in his right, he took his stance, though his body shook with fear.
But his thoughts were clear..
There was no choice but to fight.
If he let this Minotaur roam free, more lives would be lost.
Even if he wasn't ready...
Even if I'm not ready yet...
His grandfather's words echoed in his mind..
"A true adventurer doesn't wait for the right moment… he creates it.."
Grandfather, I'm gonna have my very first adventure!
His thoughts roared in his head, a loud thud! as he kicked off the ground, launching himself toward the Minotaur. With a mighty roar, the creature swung its fist at the boy, its massive arm cutting through the air.
His instincts screamed at him to dodge.
Dodge!
He leaped upward, swinging his blades toward the Minotaur's neck, but..
Don't underestimate a level 2 monster...
In an instant, the Minotaur grabbed Bell with its other arm. With a brutal THUD, it slammed him into the ground, forcing him to release his blades. Pain exploded through his body as he groaned.
The Minotaur raised its leg, preparing to finish him off. Reacting quickly, Bell rolled away, his fingers closing around his dagger. He pushed himself back onto his feet, blood streaming down his face.
"N-No!" he cried, his vision spinning as consciousness slipped away. The Minotaur dropped to all fours and charged, its horns aimed straight at the boy.
He couldn't move his legs.
His breath came in ragged gasps from the impact of the slam.
But he didn't give up.
With a loud cry of defiance, WAHH!, he positioned himself in between the Minotaur's horns, but it was too late. The creature's massive horn impaled his shoulder, the sharp pain searing through him.
AHHH!
A scream of agony echoed through the dungeon as the boy was lifted off his feet, impaled on the Minotaur's horn.
That way! A voice whispered, a certain swordswoman dashing through the dungeon's chambers, the screams growing louder as she drew nearer. Please don't die..
The boy, wracked with pain, mustered what little strength he had left. With trembling hands, he raised his dagger and plunged it into the Minotaur's eye. The beast roared, recoiling from the sudden pain, releasing the boy from its grasp. He collapsed to the ground, trying to stand but barely managing to get to his knees.
The Minotaur, enraged, seized him again.
Bell screamed as he was thrown across the hallway, crashing into the stone floor where he had been chased moments earlier. The Minotaur huffed, its anger evident in its twisted expression. It wanted this boy dead.
With what little strength he had left, Bell sat upright. His arm raised, dagger pointed toward the charging beast.
He refused to give up.
But his injuries were overwhelming.
The bull's horns were mere inches from his face. He didn't flinch.
He wasn't scared.
Tears fell from his eyes as he whispered, "I'm sorry, Goddess... Grandfather..."
"Swooooosh!" The wind howled as the figure charged forward, the ground trembling beneath the sheer force of her movement.
With a roar of pain, the Minotaur's gaze locked onto the boy before it faded into the shadows, vanishing from existence.
The figure sheathed her sword with fluid precision, her eyes falling upon the boy—bloodied, battered, and surrounded by the ashes of the fallen monster.
"Hey!" the girl cried, rushing toward him.
Did she save him? The boy's thoughts spiraled as his vision blurred. He had no more strength left to even speak.
With his last ounce of energy, he glanced up at the woman, his lips barely moving as he managed to shape the words with his mouth, "Thank you."
As the boy began to fall backward, the girl caught him in her arms. Her hand instinctively brushed through his white hair, her fingers lingering for a moment as she marveled at its striking color. She stole a glance at his face, his red eyes now closed in unconsciousness. The boy's fragile state stirred something deep within her, pulling her into a quiet reflection.
This reminds me of...
Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice calling out, sharp and concerned: "Ais! What happened?"
Without even turning to her comrade, she whispered, "An adventure.."
Her arms tightened around the boy, holding him close as she gently lifted him into a princess carry. With determined steps, she moved toward the exit, her focus unwavering as she made her way through the dungeon's labyrinthine corridors..
[D𝒜𝒩𝑀𝒜𝒸𝒽𝒾]