The next morning, Bell strolled through the bustling streets of Orario, the sunlight filtering through the towering buildings as merchants and adventurers alike moved about their daily business. His mind was elsewhere, still adjusting to the changes in himself, when a familiar voice cut through the hum of the crowd.
"Oi, who's this handsome fella?"
Bell turned toward the playful voice, spotting a cat girl with golden eyes and twin tails swaying behind her—Anya Fromel, one of the lively waitresses from the Hostess of Fertility. Her feline ears twitched as she squinted at him in confusion, arms crossed.
He hesitated for a moment before offering a sheepish smile. "It's me, Bell."
Her ears perked up in surprise, eyes widening as she took a closer look. "Haaah?! No way! What happened to the scrawny Little Rookie?" She circled him with curiosity, tail flicking back and forth. "You get taller? Bulk up? Did Mia Mama finally feed ya proper?"
Bell scratched the back of his head. "Something like that..."
Anya hummed in thought, then suddenly clapped her hands together as if remembering something. "Oh, right! Since ya look all big and reliable now, I got a job for ya!" She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a small, ornate wallet. "Mind deliverin' this to Syr? That clumsy girl left it behind—again."
Before Bell could respond, another voice chimed in.
"Anya."
An elegant elf with blonde hair approached them, her expression calm yet firm—Ryuu Lion. Her piercing blue eyes settled on the cat girl before flicking briefly to Bell.
"At least explain things properly," Ryuu said.
"Tch, Bell gets it!" Anya waved her off dismissively.
Ryuu sighed before turning to Bell. "She means that Syr left this at the Hostess, and we'd appreciate it if you could return it to her. She's probably at the marketplace right now."
Bell, still slightly overwhelmed by the interaction, nodded. "I don't mind. I'll take it to her."
"Thanks, Little Rookie!" Anya beamed, already turning to head back to the tavern.
As Bell pocketed the wallet and made his way toward the marketplace, he was aware of the two figures observing him from above. He pretended not to notice them.
On the balcony of a quiet café, Loki and Freya sat together, drinks in hand. The goddess of beauty sipped her tea with an amused smile, her silver eyes following the boy's movements. Behind Loki, Ais Wallenstein stood silently, her golden gaze also locked onto the passing adventurer.
"So," Loki leaned back in her chair, stretching lazily. "Which unlucky kid from another Familia are ya eyein' this time?"
Freya chuckled softly, swirling the tea in her cup. "A boy who continues to surprise me. Pure-hearted, yet capable of great change."
Loki's crimson eyes narrowed. "Vague much?"
Bell arrived at the Monster Feria, scanning the crowd for any sign of Syr. Instead, a familiar presence caught his attention.
"Hestia!" he called out, a wide grin forming on his face as he spotted his goddess amidst the bustling festival.
Hestia turned at the sound of his voice, eyes widening as she took in the young man before her. Snow-white hair, sharp red eyes, and a frame that had grown leaner, stronger. She took a hesitant step closer.
"Bell...?" she murmured, uncertainty laced in her voice.
He chuckled. "That's me."
Still unconvinced, she reached out, prodding his arms, squeezing his shoulders, and even tugging at his cheeks as if testing whether he was real. "No way... What happened to my Bell Cranel?! When did you get so—so different?"
Bell smiled awkwardly. "It's a long story..."
Hestia huffed, crossing her arms. "Fine! But you're not getting away that easily." With a determined look, she grabbed his hand. "Come on, we're going on a date."
Before he could protest, she was already dragging him through the festival streets.
The two spent the afternoon outside the Colosseum, sitting on a bench as they enjoyed warm crepes, the sweet aroma filling the air. Hestia pouted between bites, watching Bell with narrowed eyes.
"So," she started, her voice carrying a hint of suspicion, "who were you looking for before you ran into me?"
Bell hesitated, sensing the sudden shift in her tone. "Ah... well, I was looking for—"
Before he could finish, a loud crash erupted from the Colosseum. The ground trembled as a deep, guttural growl filled the air. Gasps and screams rippled through the crowd as a towering beast emerged—its hulking frame covered in thick, gray fur, its sharp claws glinting under the sunlight.
A Silverback.
And its burning red eyes were locked onto Hestia.
Bell barely had time to react before the monster lunged.
"Hestia, run!"
She didn't need to be told twice. Grabbing the hem of her dress, she bolted through the chaotic streets, Bell right beside her. The Silverback roared and charged after them, plowing through stalls and scattering terrified festival-goers.
They reached Daedalus Street, its twisting, labyrinth-like alleys cutting off any easy escape. Hestia panted, glancing back at the massive beast bearing down on them. "Bell, what do we do?!"
Bell, however, showed no fear. He exhaled slowly, his crimson eyes narrowing.
"I'll handle it."
He dashed forward, closing the distance between himself and the monster in an instant. The Silverback swung a massive claw at him, but Bell sidestepped effortlessly, the attack missing him by inches.
Hestia's eyes widened. His speed... It was incredible.
The Silverback roared in frustration, but Bell was already moving. His blade flashed.
SLASH.
The wound across the beast's chest began to fester almost immediately. The effect of [Kasaka's Fang] had taken hold—Bleed activated.
The monster staggered, swiping wildly, but Bell was too fast. He weaved through its attacks, delivering precise strikes, each one deepening the Silverback's wounds.
The onlookers, frozen in shock just moments ago, now watched in awe.
"He's taking it down alone..." someone whispered.
Another strike. Another roar.
And then—silence.
The Silverback collapsed with a heavy thud. The battle was over.
Notice:
[You have slain a 'Silverback'.]
Bell exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. Compared to the enemies he had faced so far, this one was nothing. Even so, he couldn't deny the feeling swelling within him—pride. He was growing stronger.
Elsewhere, within the Guild, Misha rushed to Eina's desk, her expression tense.
"Eina! Monsters have escaped from the Monster Feria Colosseum! We need to issue an emergency request—any adventurer available, regardless of their Familia."
Unbeknownst to them, two figures had been listening nearby.
Ais Wallenstein and her goddess, Loki.
Loki sipped from her drink, smirking. "Escaped monsters, huh? Sounds like some fun."
Ais, however, remained silent, her golden eyes distant.
Back in Daedalus Street, Hestia ran to Bell, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.
"Bell! That was amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both relief and admiration.
As she pulled away, she reached into the folds of her robe, revealing a beautifully crafted dagger inscribed with glowing hieroglyphs.
"This is for you," she said, pressing the weapon into his hands. "It's special... It will grow alongside you, just like you've grown."
Bell turned the dagger over in his hands, eyes widening. "Hestia..."
He looked up, gratitude shining in his gaze. "Thank you."
Hestia, however, quickly narrowed her eyes. "By the way... where did you get that dagger you used earlier?"
Bell chuckled. "We'll talk about that when we get home. There is a lot you don't know."
---
Name: Hestia Knife
Type: Dagger
Rank: Unique
Stats
Attack Power: Scales with the user's strength and level.
Special Effect: Deals additional damage to monsters.
Abilities
Divine Edge: The blade is imbued with divine energy, allowing it to cut through most materials, including monster hides.
Monster Slayer: Deals 50% additional damage to monsters.
Growth: The dagger grows in power as the wielder grows stronger.
Hieroglyphic Inscription
𓃭𓃗𓃘𓃙𓃚𓃛𓃜𓃝𓃞𓃟
Translation: "Blessed by Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth. May this blade protect and guide its wielder to greatness."
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Next: Are You Crazy?