Is it wrong to help your past self?

by endsynophy

After defeating the One-Eyed Black Dragon, Bell Cranel lies on his deathbed, burdened by years of battle and regret, longing to see Artemis one last time. His wish is unexpectedly granted when he's sent back in time—not to his past self's body, but to his 21-year-old prime. Armed with the knowledge of his future, Bell has a chance to change the course of his life, save those he lov

8. Chapter - 7: A Day to Remember

--

Chapter 7: A Day to Remember

Bell's POV

Today is my birthday. I'm turning 14, and it's been four years since Brother returned to us. A lot has changed since then—our family feels whole again. Every year since his return, Brother, Grandpa Zeus, Alfia, and even Zard have gone out of their way to make this day special. This year is no different.

The warm glow of the morning sun fills the room as I open my eyes, greeted by the sound of cheerful voices downstairs. The smell of freshly baked bread and something sweet wafts through the air. I get out of bed and make my way down, anticipation bubbling in my chest.

As I step into the living room, I'm greeted by a loud, enthusiastic chorus:

"Happy birthday, Bell!"

Grandpa Zeus stands at the front, his usual grin wide and mischievous, holding a small box wrapped in bright paper. Alfia is beside him, her serene smile softening her otherwise sharp features. Zard leans against the wall with his arms crossed, his smirk giving away his excitement. And then there's Brother—Belle—standing tall and proud, his eyes warm with affection as he holds a carefully wrapped package.

"You didn't have to do all this…" I say, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

"Nonsense!" Zeus laughs, stepping forward and ruffling my hair. "A birthday is a time to celebrate! Besides, you're growing up so fast—we have to keep up!"

--

The Celebration

The small table is adorned with a simple yet delicious spread: fresh bread, fruits, roasted meat, and a cake that Alfia baked herself.

As we sit down to eat, Zard raises his cup with a playful grin. "Here's to the birthday brat! May you grow strong enough to beat me someday—though I doubt it'll happen."

"Zard," Alfia chides, though there's a hint of amusement in her tone.

"Thanks, Zard," I reply, laughing. "I'll take that as a challenge!"

Belle chuckles softly, passing me his gift. "Here. Open this."

I carefully tear into the wrapping, revealing a beautifully crafted dagger with a silver hilt and intricate engravings. My eyes widen in awe as I run my fingers over the blade.

"This is incredible…" I whisper.

"It's yours," Belle says. "You're growing stronger every day, and I want you to have something that'll remind you of how far you've come—and how far you'll go."

"Thank you, Brother." My voice trembles slightly as I clutch the dagger close.

Zeus pipes up, handing me his gift next. "Mine might not be as fancy, but it's just as important."

Inside the box is a small journal, its leather cover worn but sturdy.

"To write down your adventures," Zeus explains, his grin turning softer. "One day, you'll have stories worth telling, and you'll want to remember them all."

"Thank you, Grandpa," I say, hugging the journal tightly.

--

Later, after the meal and laughter have died down, Belle and I sit outside under the sprawling oak tree near our home. The warm evening breeze carries the scent of wildflowers, and the setting sun bathes the fields in golden light.

"Fourteen, huh?" Belle says, leaning back against the tree trunk.

I nod, twirling the dagger in my hands. "It feels… surreal. I've learned so much, but there's still so much I don't know."

Belle smiles faintly. "That's part of growing up, Bell. You'll face challenges that'll test you in ways you can't imagine. But you're not alone. We're all here to help you."

I look up at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Brother. For everything."

Belle's hand remains firmly on my shoulder as he gazes at me with a small smile.

"You've grown a lot, Bell," he says, his voice laced with pride. "But now it's time for the next step. It's time to leave for Orario."

My heart skips a beat at his words. Orario—the Dungeon City, the place where adventurers carve their names into history. The thought excites me, but it also fills me with nervous anticipation.

"Orario…" I repeat softly, the name lingering on my lips.

Belle nods, his expression serious yet encouraging. "You're ready. But first, we need to see where you stand. Let's go see Zeus."

--

The Cabin

We make our way to the small cabin, where Grandpa Zeus is waiting with his usual playful grin. Zard and Alfia are nearby, leaning casually against the wall. Despite their relaxed demeanor, their eyes are sharp and focused, as if they're just as curious about my progress as I am.

Zeus claps his hands together as we enter. "Well, well, look who's all grown up and ready for the big leagues!"

"Grandpa," Belle says, his tone steady. "It's time for his status update."

Zeus chuckles, grabbing his tools. "Finally, huh? Come on, Bell, take a seat."

I sit down with my back to him, pulling off my shirt to expose the falna etched onto my skin. My heart races as Zeus pricks his finger and lets a drop of blood fall onto the falna.

The familiar warmth spreads across my back as the hieroglyph-like symbols glow faintly. I can feel the power surging through me as Zeus studies the update, his expression growing more impressed with each passing second.

"Boy, oh boy," Zeus whistles. "You've been busy, haven't you?"

"Let's see," Belle says, leaning in.

--

Status Update

Name: Bell Cranel

Level: 1

Strength: SSS 1788

Agility: SSS 1788

Endurance: SSS 1788

Dexterity: SSS 1788

Mana: I 0

Skill:

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 lets out a low whistle as he reads the updated status. "You've hit SSS rank in every stat. That's incredible."

Zard's usually composed expression shifts, his eyes widening in genuine surprise. "SSS."

Alfia steps closer, her sharp gaze fixed on the glowing symbols of my falna. Her brows furrow slightly as she notices the details of my skill. "Dreamweaver…" she mutters under her breath, her voice tinged with shock. "A skill that accelerates growth based on one's aspirations… And it nullifies alignments? This is no ordinary skill."

Zard crosses his arms, still staring at my back. "That kind of ability—it's like the world itself is bending to your will. To achieve SSS stats with this kind of skill… Bell, do you even understand what this means?"

I glance back at him, feeling a little overwhelmed by their reactions. "Is it really that special?"

"It's more than special," Alfia replies, her voice steady but intense. "Skills like Dreamweaver are exceedingly rare. It's as if the gods themselves blessed you with the potential to achieve anything. But…" She pauses, her expression growing serious. "It's also a heavy responsibility. Nullifying alignments means you'll always be walking a path without shortcuts or safety nets. Your strength will have to come entirely from your effort and your will."

Zard shakes his head, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Kid, you're full of surprises. But this—this is something else. You've got the potential to surpass everyone, even the strongest adventurers Orario has ever seen."

Zeus chuckles, patting my shoulder. "Guess the little rabbit isn't so little anymore, huh? With stats like that and a skill like Dreamweaver, you're going to cause quite the stir in Orario."

Belle steps closer, his hand resting on my shoulder. "It's an incredible gift, Bell. But Alfia's right—it's also a burden. You'll need to stay true to yourself and never lose sight of your dreams. That's what fuels your skill, after all."

I clutch the dagger Belle gave me and nod, determination rising in my chest. "I won't let any of you down. I'll make my dreams a reality."

Alfia's lips curve into a faint smile, a rare show of emotion from her. "Good. Then don't stop. Keep moving forward, no matter what."

Zard chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. "The kid's got more potential than half the fools who ever stepped into Orario. I almost feel bad for the Dungeon—it doesn't know what's coming."

The room fills with a mixture of pride, awe, and anticipation. Tomorrow, I'll leave for Orario, but tonight, I rest knowing I've earned their belief in me. The weight of their expectations feels heavy, but it also ignites a fire within me. My journey is just beginning, and I won't let anything stand in my way.

Belle steps forward, his hand resting firmly on my shoulder. His eyes are warm, but there's a spark of determination in them. "Bell, this is just the beginning. You've done well, but now it's time to take the next step."

I nod, feeling the weight of his words.

"Tomorrow," he continues, "we're leaving for Orario. You'll finally see the city of adventurers, the Dungeon, and everything we've been preparing you for."

"Orario?" I repeat, the word stirring a mix of excitement and nerves in my chest.

Belle smiles, his expression softening. "That's right. The place where your real journey begins. So tonight, get everything ready—your gear, your supplies, and yourself. You'll need to be ready for what's to come."

Zeus chuckles from his seat. "Ah, the grand city. You'll love it, Bell. Just don't forget to stay on your toes. The Dungeon isn't forgiving, and neither is Orario."

Zard smirks, his arms crossed. "He's ready. Anyone with those stats and that skill is more than ready to handle the challenges. Still, don't get cocky, kid. There's always something stronger out there."

Alfia nods in agreement, her gaze steady. "Orario is a place of endless opportunities and dangers. Keep your focus, Bell. And remember, no matter how strong you become, the Dungeon doesn't care. Respect it, or it will break you."

Belle pats my shoulder one last time. "You've got this, Bell. Pack up, rest well, and prepare yourself. Tomorrow, your story truly begins."

I look around the room at their faces—my family, my mentors, my gods. Each of them has guided me in their own way, preparing me for this moment. With a deep breath, I nod, determination settling in my heart.

"Yes, Brother. I'll be ready."

As I head to my small room to gather my belongings, the reality of what's happening finally sinks in. Tomorrow, I'll step into the world I've only ever dreamed of. The world where heroes are made.

As I turn to leave and begin gathering my things, Belle's voice calls out to me, stopping me in my tracks. I turn back, a little confused by the sudden shift in his tone.

"Zeus, Zard, Alfia," Belle says, his voice calm but filled with purpose. He gestures for the three of them to come closer. "You should all come with us to Orario tomorrow."

Zeus raises an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by the request. "Come with you? Are you sure about that, boy?"

Belle gives a small, knowing smile. "Yes. You've all guided Bell up to this point, and now that we're entering a new chapter, I think it's important you all see what he's capable of. You'll be there on the sidelines, watching and supporting, but I want you to see for yourselves how far he's come. It's time you saw his future unfold firsthand."

Zard crosses his arms, looking at Belle with a thoughtful expression. "You want us to be there for this... major turning point? I guess I can't argue with that. Plus, it'll be interesting to see how Bell handles Orario."

Alfia, who had been silent until now, looks down for a moment, her grey and green eyes contemplative. After a pause, she nods slowly. "I agree. It's only fitting that we witness the outcome of all the training and the path he's taken. But we must also remain cautious. Orario is a place that tests everyone, even the strongest of adventurers."

Zeus chuckles softly, a grin appearing on his face. "Ah, I see. The old man's getting invited along for the ride, huh? Fine, fine, I'll come too. I wouldn't miss seeing Bell take on the world for anything."

Belle nods, his eyes firm with determination. "Good. We'll all be there. Watching Bell step into Orario, but also being ready to step in if he needs us."

I watch from the doorway, heart swelling with gratitude. Despite everything that's happened, I know I'm not alone in this. Belle, Zard, Alfia, and even Zeus—they're all here for me. This is more than just a journey to Orario. It's a moment in time, and they want to witness it with me.

With their support, I feel more ready than ever. Tomorrow will mark the beginning of my true adventure.

--

The sun rises on the day that will mark a new chapter in my life. I finish packing my things, making sure I have everything I need for the journey ahead. My heart races with anticipation—Orario, the city of adventurers, is just a step away. The weight of it all doesn't quite settle until I hear Belle's voice calling my name from outside the cabin.

"Bell! We're ready to go." His tone is calm, but I can hear the excitement beneath it.

I take one last look around the cabin before stepping outside, where Belle, Zard, Alfia, and Zeus are waiting. They each have their own gear packed, ready to leave the quiet life we've had here behind. Zeus gives me a proud grin as I approach.

"Well, it's time, kid. Ready for the big city?" he asks, his usual carefree demeanor still present but with a hint of something more serious behind his words.

I nod, my nerves tingling with excitement and uncertainty. "I think so, Zeus."

Zard stands tall next to Belle, arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face. "If you've come this far, I'm sure you're ready for whatever Orario throws at you."

Alfia, her usual composed self, nods quietly. "Just remember, Bell. Stay true to your path, but don't forget to watch your back in that city. It's full of dangers, even for the most experienced."

Belle gives me a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Bell. We'll be by your side, just like we always have. But it's your journey now."

I take a deep breath, feeling the support from everyone around me, and nod firmly. "Let's go then."

We make our way to the gates of the cabin, where the road to Orario stretches ahead. As we walk, the landscape begins to change—the quiet of the countryside giving way to the bustle of the city. It feels like we're on the brink of something big, and the excitement builds with every step.

By midday, we reach the gates of Orario. The towering walls of the city come into view, and my pulse quickens. I've heard so much about this place, about the adventures and dangers that await within. But now that I'm standing before it, I can't help but feel a bit awestruck.

Belle looks at me, his eyes filled with pride. "This is it, Bell. Orario."

Zeus chuckles behind us. "It sure is. Get ready for the ride of your life."

With one last glance at the gate, we step forward, entering the city together. The towering structures, the sounds of people bustling about, and the energy in the air are overwhelming, but I feel ready. This is where everything changes. The journey to become the hero I aspire to be truly begins now.