Chapter 1: An Unexpected Encounter

The labyrinth walls echoed with the desperate footsteps of a young adventurer. Bell Cranel, white hair matted with sweat and ruby eyes wide with terror, sprinted through the narrow passageway of the fifth floor. His breathing came in ragged gasps as he clutched his small knife, the only weapon he had.

"This can't be happening," he muttered between breaths. "Minotaurs shouldn't be on this floor!"

The thunderous footsteps behind him grew louder. The massive creature, easily three times his size, charged through the dungeon tunnel with murderous intent. Its bull-like head lowered, sharp horns aimed directly at the fleeing boy. Bell's two weeks of experience as an adventurer had not prepared him for this.

I'm going to die here, Bell thought as he turned a corner and found himself facing a dead end. Goddess Hestia... I'm sorry...

He turned, back against the wall, knife trembling in his hand. The minotaur rounded the corner, its massive frame blocking any escape. It let out a triumphant roar that shook the very walls of the dungeon.

Bell closed his eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

But the impact never came.

Instead, he heard the distinctive sound of blade cutting through flesh, followed by a pained howl from the monster. Bell's eyes snapped open to witness a blur of movement - a female adventurer with flowing golden hair executing a perfect aerial strike against the minotaur.

Her hazel eyes flashed with determination as she landed gracefully on her feet, sword at the ready. The minotaur, now sporting a deep gash across its chest, turned its rage toward this new threat.

"Stay back!" she commanded, not taking her eyes off the monster.

Bell watched in awe as the woman moved with incredible speed and precision. Each of her strikes was calculated, efficient, and deadly. She dodged the minotaur's wild swings with ease, countering with devastating attacks of her own. The dance of combat lasted mere seconds before her blade found the monster's core, causing it to burst into a cloud of ash.

As the monster remains settled, the dungeon fell silent. Bell remained frozen against the wall, knife still clutched in his white-knuckled grip.

The woman turned to him, sheathing her sword in one fluid motion. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice much gentler than the fierce warrior who had just dispatched the minotaur.

"Y-yes," Bell managed to stammer. "Thank you for saving me."

She approached him with a concerned look. "That was a minotaur. They don't usually appear on the upper floors." Her expression turned apologetic. "I'm sorry about that. It was our fault. Our party encountered a group of them on the lower floors and some must have escaped upward." She extended her hand. "I'm Alicia. Alicia Forestlight."

Bell's eyes widened in recognition. "From Loki Familia?" He quickly took her offered hand. "I'm Bell Cranel."

"You shouldn't be facing monsters like that alone," Alicia said, helping him to his feet. "What level are you?"

"Level one," Bell admitted, embarrassment coloring his cheeks.

Alicia studied him with curiosity. "How long have you been an adventurer?"

Bell hesitated, knowing how his answer would sound. "Two weeks."

Alicia's hazel eyes widened. "Two weeks? And you're already on the fifth floor?" She shook her head in disbelief. "That's either very brave or very foolish."

"Probably the latter," Bell admitted with a nervous laugh. "My goddess says I'm too impatient."

"Goddess? Which familia are you with?"

"Hestia Familia."

Alicia's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Hestia? I don't think I've heard of that goddess before." Her eyes studied him with renewed interest. "Are you the only member of her familia?"

Bell nodded. "Just me, for now."

"Two weeks," Alicia repeated, still processing. "And you made it this far down... That's quite impressive, actually."

"It wouldn't have mattered if you hadn't shown up," Bell said gratefully.

Alicia smiled. "Well, perhaps you just need proper training. The dungeon is dangerous, especially when you're—"

Her words were cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps. Both turned to see a group of adventurers rounding the corner. At the front was a golden-haired woman with golden eyes that seemed to pierce right through Bell. Beside her walked a tall, elegant high elf with long green hair and wise eyes.

"Alicia," the elf woman called out. "We were looking for you."

"Riveria," Alicia acknowledged with a respectful nod. "Aiz. Everyone. I ran into this adventurer being chased by one of the minotaurs."

The blonde woman – Aiz Wallenstein – studied Bell with an unreadable expression.

"The others have been taken care of," Riveria stated. "This floor should be clear now."

Behind them stood the rest of their party – the elite members of Loki Familia. Bell recognized some of them from stories and rumors – Tiona and Tione Hiryute, the Amazon sisters; Bete Loga, the werewolf; and several others whose reputations preceded them.

Bete sniffed the air and smirked. "Is this what delayed you? Saving some rookie who shouldn't even be down here?"

Alicia shot him a disapproving look. "Everyone starts somewhere, Bete."

As the Loki Familia members gathered around, Bell felt increasingly out of place among these legendary adventurers. He was just a novice who had been moments away from death, standing in the presence of some of Orario's finest.

"We should move on," Riveria finally said. "Finn is waiting for our report."

Alicia turned back to Bell. "Will you be alright getting back to the surface?"

Before Bell could answer, Alicia gave him a reassuring smile that made his heart skip a beat. "I could accompany you back to the surface, if you'd like," she offered kindly. "The dungeon can be treacherous, especially after an encounter like this." Their eyes met, hazel holding ruby red, and Bell felt something shift within him – a new feeling, a new purpose taking root in his heart. As the Loki Familia members watched, he knew this chance encounter with Alicia Forestlight would change the course of his life forever.

Bell shook his head, though there was a hint of reluctance in his gesture. "I wouldn't want to trouble you further," he said, finding his voice. "And your familia is waiting for you. I'll be fine on my own now."

Alicia tilted her head slightly, studying him with a curious expression. "Are you sure? After facing a minotaur, most rookies would be rushing back to the surface."

"I..." Bell hesitated, then squared his shoulders. "I need to become stronger. Running away won't help me do that."

A smile tugged at the corners of Alicia's lips. "That's a brave attitude, Bell Cranel." She reached into a small pouch at her belt and pulled out a small crystal vial containing a greenish liquid. "Here, take this potion. Just in case you encounter any more trouble on your way up."

Bell's eyes widened as she pressed the vial into his palm. "I can't accept this. These are expensive!"

"Consider it an apology for our familia causing you trouble with that minotaur," she replied with a warm smile that made Bell's heart race. "And perhaps our paths will cross again."

Bete snorted from where he stood with the others. "Can we get moving already? We've wasted enough time on this rookie."

Riveria gave the werewolf a stern look before turning to Alicia. "We should continue our expedition."

Alicia nodded to her companions before turning back to Bell one last time. "Stay safe, Bell Cranel of Hestia Familia. Perhaps fate will bring us together again." With those words and a final smile, she rejoined her group.

Bell watched as the Loki Familia adventurers disappeared deeper into the dungeon, Alicia's golden hair visible until they turned a corner and were gone. For a moment, he stood there, the healing potion clutched in his hand, his heart beating rapidly in his chest.

"Alicia Forestlight," he whispered to himself, committing the name to memory.

The Guild headquarters was bustling with activity as usual when Bell pushed through the main doors. Adventurers lined up to exchange magic stones and drop items, while others gathered around the quest board or conversed in small groups about their recent expeditions.

Bell made his way to one of the reception counters where a familiar half-elf sat organizing paperwork.

"Eina!" he called out, waving as he approached.

Eina Tulle looked up, her emerald eyes widening behind her glasses at the sight of him. "Bell! Are you alright? You look like you've been through something terrible!"

Only then did Bell realize the state he was in—clothes torn and dirty, with minor scrapes visible on his exposed skin. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "It's been an... interesting day."

"Sit," Eina commanded, pointing to the chair across from her desk. "Tell me everything."

Bell slid into the seat and recounted his encounter with the minotaur and his rescue by the mysterious Alicia Forestlight. Eina's expression grew increasingly concerned as he spoke.

"A minotaur on the fifth floor?" she exclaimed when he finished. "You could have been killed, Bell! What have I told you about being careful?"

"I know, I know," Bell said, raising his hands defensively. "But I'm fine, thanks to Alicia." He couldn't help the way his voice softened when he said her name.

Eina's serious expression transformed into one of interest. "Alicia Forestlight, you said?" A knowing smile began to form on her lips. "From Loki Familia?"

Bell nodded eagerly. "Yes! Do you know her? She was amazing, Eina! The way she fought that minotaur... I've never seen anyone move like that."

"I should know her," Eina replied, adjusting her glasses. "She's one of Loki Familia's up-and-coming stars. Level 4, specializes in sword techniques and light magic. She joined them about three years ago and has risen quickly through the ranks."

"Level 4?" Bell's eyes widened in awe.

"Indeed. She's particularly known for her speed and precision. They say she can strike faster than the eye can follow when she's serious." Eina tilted her head, studying Bell's captivated expression. "She's also known for being unusually kind for a high-level adventurer. Most of them don't bother with rookies."

Bell's mind flashed back to how Alicia had offered to escort him to safety, even giving him a valuable potion. "She really was kind," he murmured.

Eina's smile widened mischievously. "My, my, Bell. Is that admiration I hear in your voice? Or perhaps something more?"

Bell's face immediately flushed crimson. "W-what? No! I mean, I admire her skills as an adventurer, that's all!"

"Of course," Eina replied, not sounding convinced in the slightest. "Your face is just red because of... the dungeon air?"

"Eina!" Bell protested, feeling the heat in his cheeks intensify.

The half-elf laughed, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "It's alright to admire someone, Bell. Just remember that there's a vast difference between a rookie like you and a Level 4 adventurer from one of the top familias in Orario."

Bell's blush faded slightly as he considered her words. "I know," he said quietly. "But I'm going to get stronger, Eina. One day, I'll be able to stand as an equal to adventurers like her."

Something in his determined tone made Eina's teasing smile soften into something more genuine. "If anyone can do it, Bell, it's you." She reached across the desk to pat his hand. "Just don't rush into danger trying to prove yourself, alright? Promise me you'll be more careful."

"I promise," Bell replied with a nod. But in his mind, the image of Alicia Forestlight remained vivid—her flowing golden hair, hazel eyes, and the graceful yet powerful way she had dispatched the minotaur. A new determination took root in his heart.

I will become stronger, he vowed silently. Strong enough to stand beside her one day.

As he left the Guild building a short while later, Bell's steps were lighter, his purpose clearer than ever before. The encounter in the dungeon had changed something within him, igniting a flame that would drive him to heights he had yet to imagine.

The sun was beginning to set as Bell made his way back to the abandoned church that he and his goddess called home. The events of the day weighed heavily on his mind, but they also filled him with a strange excitement. His encounter with Alicia Forestlight had awakened something within him—a desire to grow stronger, to prove himself.

"I'm back!" Bell called out as he descended the stairs to their small basement home.

"Bell-kun!" A small figure with black twin-tails launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You're late! I was so worried!"

Goddess Hestia looked up at him with tear-filled blue eyes, her grip tightening around his middle. Despite her childlike appearance, she was one of the many deities who had descended to the mortal world seeking entertainment and companionship.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Goddess," Bell said, gently patting her head. "I ran into some trouble in the dungeon today."

Hestia immediately pulled back, scanning him from head to toe with concern. "Trouble? Are you hurt? What happened?"

Bell smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. But I did encounter a minotaur on the fifth floor."

"A MINOTAUR?" Hestia's voice rose to a shriek. "Bell-kun! Those monsters are way beyond your level! How are you still standing? How are you still alive?"

"I was rescued," Bell admitted, his cheeks coloring slightly at the memory. "By an adventurer from Loki Familia named Alicia Forestlight."

Hestia's concerned expression immediately morphed into one of suspicion. "Loki Familia?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "One of that flat-chested Loki's children saved you?"

Bell nodded, deciding to ignore the goddess's obvious jealousy. "She was amazing, Goddess. The way she fought... I've never seen anything like it."

"Hmph!" Hestia crossed her arms over her chest. "I bet she wasn't that impressive. And I don't like the way you're talking about her, Bell-kun. You sound too... admirative!"

"She saved my life," Bell pointed out gently. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be standing here now."

Hestia's expression softened slightly. "Well... I suppose I should be grateful for that. But that doesn't mean I have to like her!"

Bell chuckled, knowing his goddess's competitive nature when it came to other familias, especially Loki's. "Anyway, the encounter made me realize something. I need to become much stronger if I want to survive in the dungeon."

Hestia studied his face for a moment, her divine perception catching something in his expression that hadn't been there before. "You seem different, Bell-kun. There's a new fire in your eyes."

Bell nodded, his ruby eyes gleaming with determination. "I've decided I won't remain weak. I'm going to become an adventurer worthy of respect—someone who can stand alongside the best."

Hestia was quiet for a moment, then sighed dramatically. "I suppose it's time for your status update then. Let's see how much you've grown." She gestured for him to sit on the bed. "Take off your shirt."

Bell complied, removing his torn and dirty shirt and sitting with his back to the goddess. Hestia pricked her finger with a pin, causing a drop of golden ichor—divine blood—to well up. She pressed it to the center of Bell's back, and the falna—the blessing that connected them and granted him his abilities—began to glow with a soft blue light.

"Let's see..." Hestia murmured as she studied the hieroglyphics that appeared on his back—the status that recorded his growth and abilities.

Suddenly, she gasped.

"What is it?" Bell asked, trying to look over his shoulder. "Did something change?"

"Bell-kun," Hestia's voice was hushed, almost reverent. "Your status... it's increased dramatically since yesterday."

"Really?" Bell couldn't keep the excitement from his voice.

"Yes, but that's not all." Hestia's fingers traced something on his back. "You've developed a skill. A rare one. I've never seen anything like it."

Bell's heart raced with anticipation. "A skill? What kind?"

Hestia was quiet for a long moment, studying the hieroglyphics. "It's called 'Stellar Catalyst'... and it's... extraordinary."

"Stellar Catalyst? What does it do?"

"According to what I'm seeing," Hestia said slowly, "it dramatically accelerates your growth rate when you have a strong desire or goal. The stronger your feelings and determination, the faster you'll grow." She paused. "But there's more to it. It also seems to enhance your adaptability in combat situations and... it has some kind of resonance effect with powerful emotions."

Bell's mind immediately went to the feeling that had surged through him when Alicia had saved him—that mixture of awe, admiration, and something deeper that he couldn't quite name.

"When did you get this skill, Bell-kun? What happened in the dungeon besides the minotaur?" Hestia asked, a note of suspicion entering her voice.

Bell hesitated. "I think... I think it might have been when Alicia saved me. Something changed in that moment."

Hestia groaned. "Of course it was. I should have known." She sighed dramatically. "Well, I suppose I should be grateful. This skill could make you one of the fastest-growing adventurers in Orario."

She finished updating his status and then used a piece of paper to create a status sheet for him to read:

Bell Cranel

Level 1

Strength: I 77 → H 121 (+44)

Endurance: I 13 → H 148 (+35)

Dexterity: H 172 → G 221 (+49)

Agility: G 232 → F 312 (+80)

Magic: I 0 → I 0 (±0)

Skills:

[Stellar Catalyst]

Dramatically accelerates development based on feelings.

Enhances combat adaptability.

Resonates with and amplifies strong emotions.

"These increases are unheard of for a single day, Bell-kun," Hestia said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Most adventurers would need weeks or even months to see this kind of growth."

Bell stared at the status sheet, his eyes wide. "Is... is this really possible?"

"With your new skill, it seems so," Hestia replied. She folded the paper and handed it to him. "Bell-kun, you must keep this skill a secret. If other familias discovered you had such an ability, they would stop at nothing to recruit you—or worse."

Bell nodded seriously, tucking the paper away. "I understand, Goddess."

Hestia looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern. "Now, tell me more about your day. And about this Alicia person." She made a face. "I need to know what I'm dealing with."

As Bell began recounting the events in more detail, his mind kept returning to the status sheet and the mysterious skill that had awakened within him. Stellar Catalyst. A power born from his encounter with Alicia Forestlight.

With this, he thought, I might actually have a chance to catch up to her someday.

A new chapter in his life as an adventurer had begun—one that would lead him down an unexpected path, guided by the light of a newfound star.

Here we are with brand new story and main heroine will be Alicia! It will not be completely re-telling original story. There will some new events. some events will go differently, some characters will be different, but I will not say more you will see in story :D Updates for this story will be every week same as for my other story :)