Chapter 3: Goodbye for now
And just like that, days passed, and the time for Bell's departure had finally arrived. The morning air was crisp, and a sense of bittersweet anticipation hung in the atmosphere. The two stood across from each other, ready for one last sparring session before Bell would leave. Belle watched his younger self closely, noting the impressive progress made over the months. Bell's movements had grown faster, his footwork more precise, and his strikes sharper. Each attack was executed with greater purpose, a reflection of the hard work he had put in.
As the sparring session came to an end, Belle nodded approvingly. "You've improved quite a lot on all fronts, Bell. You're not the same as you were when you first arrived here."
Bell, panting slightly from the exertion, offered a grin, though his expression was laced with a tinge of sadness. "I couldn't have done it without you, Belle."
Belle smiled softly, appreciating the acknowledgment. But there was little time for more words. After the sparring session, Belle handed Bell the knowledge test papers he had been preparing for over the past months. Bell sat down to take them, his focus intense as he worked through each one with determination.
The result was better than Belle had expected. Bell's scores were solid, with scores above 75 in most of the subjects. Though he had struggled a bit on a few papers, managing a 75 overall was a commendable achievement considering how tough the tests were.
Belle gave him a satisfied nod. "Not bad, Bell. You've passed decently. But don't get too comfortable. Keep studying, and you'll continue to improve."
Bell smiled sheepishly. "I'll keep working hard, Belle. You've really helped me."
As the day drew to a close, Belle packed his things, preparing to leave. Zeus, who had been watching from the sidelines, walked in to announce that dinner was ready. The smell of food wafted through the air, but as they entered the cabin, they were met with a sight that immediately caused Belle to cringe—a monstrosity that Zeus referred to as "food."
With a sigh, Belle stepped forward and took charge in the kitchen, using the skills he had developed during his time there to prepare a proper meal. Bell's face lit up when the table was set with delicious dishes, far superior to what Zeus had concocted.
"This is amazing!" Bell exclaimed, savoring the flavors. "It's so much better than what Zeus made!"
Zeus chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I tried, alright?"
Belle smiled slightly, a hint of pride in his expression as he sat down to enjoy the meal. "I'm glad you like it, Bell."
As the process of the Falna inscription came to a close, Bell stood up, feeling the surge of power coursing through him. The warm glow of divine energy filled the room as Zeus pulled his hand away. Bell couldn't help but feel an immense sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future. His body now carried the divine blessing of a god, and with it, the potential for unimaginable growth.
Zeus stepped back, his expression a mix of pride and solemnity. "There you go, Bell. Your Falna has been inscribed. You've been blessed by the gods."
Bell stood tall, feeling the newfound energy in his body. His heart raced as he looked at the divine power that now flowed through him. He knew this was just the beginning, but the feeling was overwhelming.
Belle stepped forward, his eyes studying Bell's newly inscribed Falna. "Now, let me see your status."
Zeus nodded and gestured for Bell to show his Falna. Bell closed his eyes, focusing on the new power that was now within him. The symbols on his skin shifted, revealing his stats and skills.
--
Bell's Status
Name: Bell Cranel
Level: 1
Race: Human
Falna: Zeus
Strength: I0
Agility: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Magic: I0
Skills:
Dreamweaver: Increases the user's speed of growth. The more the user desires to fulfill their aspirations, the faster they grow. However, as a side effect, it nullifies all status alignments, preventing the user from having any specific affinities or weaknesses.
--
Belle observed the status with a thoughtful look. "Dreamweaver, huh?" he muttered, "That's a rare skill. It means you can grow faster, Bell—much faster than most people. But there's a trade-off; the skill nullifies all status alignments. You won't have any natural affinities, which means no particular strengths or weaknesses to any one thing. It's a double-edged sword."
Bell nodded, trying to process the information. "That sounds... incredible. I can grow faster, but I won't have any special powers or weaknesses?"
"Exactly," Belle said with a grin. "You'll need to rely more on your own strength, your will, and your decisions. But that also means no one can exploit your weaknesses. It's a lot of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. You'll have to work harder, but I'm sure you can handle it."
Zeus clapped Bell on the back, his voice filled with a mix of pride and affection. "You've got this, Bell. You've always had the heart for it. Just remember, it's not just about the stats. It's about how you use them and how you grow as a person."
Bell felt a wave of determination rise within him. His journey had only just begun, and now, with the Falna and his skill, he was more ready than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Thanks, Grandpa. Thanks, Belle," Bell said, his voice filled with resolve. "I won't waste this chance. I'll become the adventurer I've always dreamed of."
Belle and Zeus exchanged a look. There was no doubt in their minds—Bell was ready. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but with the right mindset and determination, he would overcome it.
And so, the night continued, the quiet flicker of the fire offering warmth and comfort as the three of them sat together, knowing that the future was uncertain but full of potential. Bell's journey had only just begun, and with his new Falna, he would take the first steps toward becoming the adventurer of his dreams.
--
After a long day, Bell finally went to bed, his mind still racing with the changes in his life. Despite the overwhelming sense of power from his new Falna, he couldn't help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. He closed his eyes, knowing that tomorrow would mark the beginning of his journey.
Meanwhile, across the room, Zeus and Belle remained awake, sitting by the fireplace. The warmth of the crackling flames provided a quiet comfort in the stillness of the night.
After a long silence, Zeus broke it, his voice a mix of curiosity and seriousness. "So, you're really leaving tomorrow?"
Belle nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, I've made my decision."
Zeus leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And where exactly are you going? What's your plan?"
Belle sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "I don't know exactly. I'm searching for someone... Artemis."
At the mention of the goddess's name, Zeus's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. "Artemis? Why her? What's going on?"
Belle's gaze turned soft, a mixture of pain and longing in his eyes. "I love her," he said quietly, his voice filled with the weight of the confession. "In my world, she... she was absorbed by Antrès, a powerful monster. I had to kill her to free her soul. It was a horrible experience, but I couldn't let her remain trapped within that beast."
Zeus's expression shifted from surprise to something more solemn, as he processed the weight of Belle's words. "So... you killed her to save her? That must have been painful."
Belle's voice trembled slightly as he continued. "It was. But I couldn't let that monster control her. I loved her too much. I promised myself that if I ever had a chance to save her, I wouldn't let her go through that fate again."
Zeus studied Belle intently, his face showing a mixture of admiration and pride. "You've got quite the courage, Belle. It takes a lot to do something like that. But if you're set on finding her, then I'll support you."
Belle smiled weakly, his usual confidence faltering for a moment. "It's not easy, but it's something I have to do."
Zeus chuckled softly, the sound of it lightening the mood. "Well, look at you. You tamed one of the virgin goddesses. Not many can say that."
Belle turned red at the remark, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to brush off the teasing. "Please, stop with the teasing, Grandpa. It's not like that."
Zeus laughed warmly. "Alright, alright. But I'm proud of you. It's not just about strength, but about what you're willing to do for the ones you love."
Belle nodded in agreement, his determination never faltering. "I won't let Artemis suffer again. I'll do whatever it takes."
There was a moment of silence as Zeus considered Belle's words. After a while, Belle spoke again, his tone turning more serious. "Also... if Alfia and Zard from this world are coming here, I need you to stop them. I can't let them cause the same chaos here as they did in my timeline."
Zeus's face hardened at the mention of the names, and he leaned forward slightly. "I see. You're worried they'll bring trouble, aren't you? You don't want history repeating itself."
Belle nodded. "Exactly. They didn't destroy the Astraea Familia in my timeline, but they were involved in the events that led to its destruction. I can't let that happen again. If they show up here, they will bring nothing but destruction."
Zeus stood up, his expression now one of resolute determination. "Don't worry, Belle. I'll make sure they don't cause any trouble here. We'll keep Orario safe."
Belle gave a small, relieved smile, grateful for Zeus's support. "Thanks, Grandpa. I know I can count on you."
Zeus smiled back, though his expression softened with fatherly affection. "Just don't forget to come back in one piece, alright? You've got a long journey ahead."
With that, Belle stood up, ready to begin his journey. There was still so much to do, so many unknowns ahead of him, but with his resolve set, he knew he couldn't waste any more time.
"Goodnight, Zeus," Belle said, his voice filled with quiet determination.
"Goodnight, Belle," Zeus replied. "Go on. And be careful out there."
As Belle left the room, the flames in the fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the cabin. The path ahead was uncertain, but Belle was no longer the same person he had been when he first arrived in this world. With his Falna and his determination to protect Artemis, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
And Zeus, though hesitant to let Belle leave, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride. The boy had come a long way, and whatever future awaited him, he knew that Belle had the strength to face it head-on.
--
The next day, Belle, standing by the door, prepares to leave the home he's come to cherish. His heart heavy with the weight of the decision, he looks over at Bell, who stands nearby. As Belle begins to say his goodbyes, he's taken by surprise when Bell suddenly calls out to him, "Brother."
Belle's heart skips a beat, and a smile spreads across his face, touched by the simple but meaningful word. It wasn't something he expected from the younger version of himself. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, even though they hadn't known each other for long. Belle's voice softens, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through his usually composed demeanor. "I'll return once my work is done," he says, his words filled with quiet determination. "Until then, you must continue your training. Read every book you can, and don't slack off. Keep pushing forward, always."
Bell, still young and full of enthusiasm, nods earnestly, promising to follow his older brother's advice. He's eager to grow stronger, to become someone worthy of his own journey. There's something about Belle's words that fuels the fire inside him, a quiet understanding that his path is just beginning.
Belle then turns to Zeus, his expression serious. "Keep my existence a secret," he requests. "Not a word to anyone—especially not Hermes. Only you and Bell should know. Until I return, there should be no mention of me."
Zeus looks at Belle with understanding, his face showing no sign of hesitation. He agrees without question, knowing the weight of Belle's request. He had already come to care for this young man, understanding the importance of keeping his presence hidden. With a firm nod, Zeus assures him, "Your secret is safe with us."
Bell, standing silently by his side, also agrees. "I'll keep brother's secret," he says with conviction. The determination in his voice mirrors that of the young man before him.
Belle's smile returns, a flicker of pride in his eyes as he turns away, ready to leave and face whatever challenges lay ahead. "I'll return when I'm done," he repeats softly, before stepping out into the world, leaving the life he's known behind.
With one final glance over his shoulder, Belle walks into the unknown, the bond with his younger self and Zeus anchoring him to this world, even as his journey takes him further from it.
--
Author's Note: Belle has finally left, so the focus will now shift to Bell until he returns. The story of Belle's journey will not be shown at this time, but I plan to feature it in extra chapters later on. Also, in case you're wondering, I haven't planned any romantic pairings for Bell yet (though a harem is possible), but Belle's pairing will definitely be with Artemis.
Postscript: This story features both Belle and Bell as protagonists (with Bell being the primary focus). However, I hope Belle won't interfere too much, as he is far too strong for the story—literally, no one in Orario would be able to stop him.