Chapter 10: The Heroes of Orario
The evening at the Hostess of Fertility was lively as usual. Bell Cranel entered the warm, bustling pub, the smell of delicious food and the chatter of patrons filling the air. As he scanned the room, he spotted Syr Flova behind the counter, accompanied by a striking elf.
The elf had long, flowing blonde hair and emerald-green eyes that sparkled with a mysterious calm. Her demeanor was composed, and her uniform seemed almost regal despite its simplicity. This was Ryuu Lion, one of the bar's waitresses, though there was an air about her that hinted at a deeper story.
Syr greeted him warmly. "Bell! Over here!"
Bell made his way to the counter, smiling awkwardly. "Good evening, Syr."
Ryuu inclined her head politely. "Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility. I trust you're enjoying your time in Orario?"
Bell nodded, ordering a plate of noodles. As he ate, he couldn't help but notice the harmonious yet disciplined way the staff worked. Syr chatted with him occasionally, while Ryuu moved gracefully between tables, her movements as fluid as water.
--
Bell was halfway through his meal when a loud voice broke through the hum of the pub.
"Oi! The reserved table's group is here, nya!" shouted a cheerful catwoman with orange hair and a playful smile. This was Anya, one of the more boisterous waitresses.
The room quieted slightly as the doors opened. A group of adventurers entered, their presence commanding immediate attention. Whispers of awe rippled through the crowd.
Leading the group was a pallum with short, golden hair and a confident demeanor. Bell recognized him as Finn Deimne, the captain of the Loki Familia and one of Orario's most famous adventurers. Beside him were two elves: Riveria Ljos Alf, whose long teal hair and composed elegance marked her as a leader figure, and Lefiya Viridis, a younger elf who seemed a bit nervous but determined.
Following them were two energetic amazons, Tiona and Tione Hiryute, their strong, athletic builds radiating confidence. Behind them was a wolfman with silver hair and a cocky smirk—Bete Loga, the one who had mocked Bell after the Minotaur incident.
Their goddess, Loki, walked alongside them, her red hair and mischievous grin easily recognizable. Her casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the aura of the adventurers around her, but there was no mistaking her cunning intellect.
Finally, Bell's eyes landed on the last member of the group: Aiz Wallenstein. The Sword Princess walked with quiet grace, her golden eyes scanning the room with an air of disinterest. Yet, to Bell, she seemed to glow, her beauty and strength undeniable.
--
As the group took their seats, the pub erupted into murmurs.
"It's the Loki Familia!"
"The Giant-Killing Familia..."
"I heard they took down a whole pack of monsters on the 50th floor last week!"
Bell listened intently, his curiosity and admiration growing. His gaze lingered on Aiz, but he quickly looked away, remembering how he'd run off after their last encounter.
Syr leaned toward him, her voice playful. "Looks like someone's captivated by the Sword Princess."
Bell flushed, shaking his head. "N-No, I just... They're all incredible."
Ryuu glanced at him, her expression thoughtful. "They've earned their reputation, but they are not infallible. Remember that even the strongest have their struggles."
Bell nodded, her words sparking something in him. He resolved to work harder, to stand alongside such powerful adventurers someday.
The Hostess of Fertility was lively with chatter, but the Loki Familia's arrival had quieted much of the pub. At their table, a conversation was brewing—one that would unknowingly impact Bell Cranel.
Bete Loga leaned back in his chair, his cocky smirk firmly in place. "Oi, Aiz, tell them the story."
Aiz blinked, confused. "What story?"
Bete snorted, clearly enjoying himself. "The one about that pathetic excuse for an adventurer who ran away from the Minotaur you killed on the fifth floor. You know, the one who got covered in blood and looked like a tomato."
Laughter erupted around the table, but Aiz's expression turned serious. "He didn't run away because he was scared."
Bete ignored her, slamming his mug on the table. "Weaklings like that shouldn't even be called adventurers. They'll just end up dead and dragging others down with them."
Riveria, seated nearby, frowned. "Enough, Bete. It's our Familia's mistake that a Minotaur ended up on the fifth floor in the first place. Laughing at an adventurer who could have been seriously hurt because of our error is disgraceful."
Finn Deimne sighed, placing a hand on Bete's shoulder. "You've had too much to drink. Don't let your mouth run wild."
Bete scoffed but fell silent. Aiz lowered her gaze, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.
--
Meanwhile, Bell sat nearby, overhearing every word. His fists clenched under the table as anger and determination surged within him.
"He thinks I would've lost to that Minotaur," Bell thought to himself, his resolve hardening. "I could've taken it. I'll prove it. To him, to myself... to everyone."
He placed a few coins on the counter and stood. "Thank you for the meal, Syr, Ryuu. I'll see you again soon."
Syr waved at him, her usual cheerful smile on her face. "Come back anytime, Bell!"
Ryuu inclined her head politely. "Be careful, Bell Cranel."
--
Bell walked out of the pub and made his way toward the dungeon, determination burning in his heart. He descended floor by floor, cutting through monsters with precision and speed.
By the time he reached the 16th floor, the tension in his body reached its peak. A small group of Minotaurs charged at him, their roars echoing through the cavern.
Bell gripped his knife tightly, his mind flashing to Bete's mocking words. "Weaklings shouldn't be called adventurers," he muttered, his teeth gritted.
"I'll show you weak."
The fight was grueling, but Bell's determination kept him going. He dodged the Minotaurs' heavy swings and struck back with calculated precision. One by one, the beasts fell until the floor was littered with their bodies. Blood stained his knife, his clothes, and the ground around him, but he stood victorious.
--
The next morning, Hestia stood near the church door, her worry palpable. Bell hadn't returned home all night, and her mind raced with possibilities. When she spotted a figure approaching, her heart jumped.
"Bell!"
Bell walked toward her, his steps steady despite the minor injuries visible on his arms.
Hestia ran to him, her worry turning into a mix of relief and frustration. "Where were you all night? I was so worried!"
Bell stopped in front of her, his expression calm but resolute. "I was in the dungeon, Goddess. I... I want to become stronger."
Hestia looked at him, her initial anger melting into concern. "You can't push yourself like this, Bell. You're already strong, but there's no point if you end up getting hurt—or worse."
Bell smiled softly, his determination unshaken. "Thank you for worrying about me, Goddess. But I have to do this. I want to stand tall. For myself... and for the people I care about."
Hestia's eyes softened, and she sighed. "Just promise me you won't overdo it, okay?"
Bell nodded. "I promise."
--
After their heartfelt conversation, Hestia decided it was time for a status update. She led Bell to the altar in their humble church headquarters.
As she pricked her finger and let her divine blood activate the falna, the magical symbols on Bell's back began to glow.
Hestia's eyes widened as she read the updated stats.
--
Bell Cranel
Level: 2
Race: Human
Familia: Hestia
Strength: G 243 C 678
Agility: F 300 B 756
Endurance: G 200 C 698
Dexterity: G 298 B 701
Mana: I 0
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.
Development Abilities:
Clairvoyance: I
--
Hestia stared at the status sheet, dumbfounded. "Bell! This is... this is insane! You're leaping through stats like no one I've ever seen! You're already at mid-tier Level 2, and it hasn't even been that long since your last update!"
Bell smiled slightly at her excitement but remained calm. "It's good progress, but there's still a long way to go."
Hestia shook her head in disbelief. "A long way to go? Bell, do you even realize how rare growth like this is? Most adventurers would need months, even years, to reach these numbers!"
Bell was about to reply when he suddenly froze. A strange sensation washed over him, and his expression turned serious.
"Goddess," he said, reaching for his knife. "Someone's here. I can feel it."
He stepped in front of Hestia protectively, scanning the room for any sign of an intruder.
From the shadows, a hooded figure stepped forward. The person's face was obscured, but their presence was commanding.
"Who are you?" Bell demanded, his grip tightening on the knife.
Before he could react further, the hooded figure moved in a blur and lightly smacked Bell on the head.
"You reckless fool," the figure said, her voice sharp yet familiar. "What have you been doing, running into the dungeon at night without any protection?"
Bell's eyes widened in recognition. "M-Mother?!"
The hooded figure raised a hand, stopping him before he could say her name aloud. "Not here, Bell. Be cautious."
Hestia, watching this exchange, stepped forward with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Bell, who is this person? And why are they calling you reckless?"
Bell turned to her and hesitated. "Goddess... she's my mother."
The hooded woman sighed and removed her hood, revealing silver hair and piercing eyes that carried an air of authority. "Call me Alvia," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "That's the name I'm using now."
Hestia's mouth fell open. "Wait, what?! Your mother? Bell, you didn't tell me you had family like this!"
Alfia—or Alvia, as she insisted—smirked slightly. "He's always been secretive. Isn't that right, Bell?"
Bell scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "It's... complicated."
Hestia crossed her arms, glaring at Alvia. "Well, if you're his mother, where have you been all this time? And why are you sneaking around instead of coming in like a normal person?"
Alvia chuckled softly. "I'll answer your questions later, Goddess. For now, I needed to see how my reckless son was doing. And it seems he's been overworking himself."
Bell looked down, feeling both scolded and comforted by her presence.
Hestia, still skeptical but sensing no ill intent, sighed. "Fine, but you'd better not disappear on him again, Alvia."
Alvia nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Bell. "Don't worry. I'll be watching over him... even if he doesn't always know it."
--
After settling the matter of Bell's reckless dungeon escapades, Alvia reached into her cloak and pulled out a book with a worn leather cover, its pages glowing faintly with a mysterious energy.
"Here," Alvia said, handing the book to Bell. "A grimoire. Read it before you go to sleep."
Bell's eyes widened in awe as he took the book. "A grimoire? Are you sure I can have this?"
Hestia, noticing the powerful magical aura emanating from the book, frowned. "Wait a second, Alvia. Where did you get that? Grimoires aren't something you just find lying around!"
Alvia's expression remained unreadable as she replied curtly, "That's not important. What's important is that Bell reads it."
Hestia puffed out her cheeks, clearly unsatisfied with the answer. "You can't just drop something like that and expect me not to ask questions!"
Alvia ignored her, turning back to Bell. "Read it carefully, and don't try to rush through it. A grimoire is not something to take lightly."
Bell nodded earnestly. "I understand. Thank you, Mother... I mean, Alvia."
With that, Bell excused himself and went to his room, clutching the grimoire as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.
--
As Alvia prepared to leave, Hestia blocked her path, arms crossed. "Wait a minute. Where are you going now?"
Alvia sighed, clearly annoyed. "You're noisy, Goddess."
Hestia blinked in confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
Alvia shook her head. "It's nothing. This place is too small to house three people comfortably. I'll be staying at the inn."
Hestia frowned but understood her reasoning. "I see... Well, this is just a temporary place until Bell and I can find something better. But you don't have to leave, you know."
Alvia gave her a faint smile. "You're kind, but I've already decided. Take care of him, Hestia."
--
Outside, as the moon cast its pale glow over the city, Alvia paused and looked back at the modest church where her son now lived. A pang of nostalgia hit her, and her expression softened.
"My sister's favorite place," she murmured to herself. "It's ironic that it's now home to her son... Our son."
She quickly shook off the thought and turned toward her destination. Moving swiftly and silently through the streets, she made her way to the headquarters of the Artemis Familia, now combined with the Astrea Familia.
As she approached the towering structure, its pristine white walls gleaming in the moonlight, a mixture of determination and melancholy filled her heart.