Bell Cranel always dreamed of becoming a hero, but reality proved far crueler than his fantasies. Left humiliated and on the brink of death after a fateful encounter with a Minotaur and the adventurer Ais, something deep within him awakens-a power u...
Still catching his breath, Bell tightened his grip on Kasaka's Fang—the weapon he had earned through his struggle. There was only one place to go now. He needed to see how far he had come.
As he walked toward Babel Tower, Bell couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. His steps slowed, and he turned sharply—but the moment his eyes scanned the street, there was no one there.
Just as he was about to shrug it off, a gentle voice called out to him.
"Excuse me! You dropped this."
Bell turned to see a silver-haired girl holding out a small, shimmering magic stone.
Bell frowned. "Huh? But I'm sure I traded all my magic stones..."
Still, he accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thanks."
The girl smiled. "Are you an adventurer? You must've entered the dungeon really early."
Bell chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, something like that."
Before the conversation could continue, a loud grumble echoed from his stomach.
The girl giggled. "Here, take this." She held out a lunchbox.
Bell waved his hands in refusal, embarrassed. "No, I couldn't—"
"Don't worry about me," she said with a warm smile. "I work at a pub, so I can get food there."
Still hesitant, Bell finally accepted it. "Thank you... I really appreciate it."
"In exchange, promise you'll come by the pub tonight."
Bell blinked in surprise before nodding. "Yeah, of course."
With a final smile, the girl turned and walked away.
Bell glanced at the lunchbox, a small smile forming on his lips. It had been a while since someone outside of Hestia had been this kind to him.
Bell descended back into the dungeon, his confidence soaring.
The moment he encountered a goblin, it felt different. The same monsters that had once been a struggle were now nothing but training dummies. With a single slash of Kasaka's Fang, the goblin collapsed instantly.
More monsters appeared—kobolds, imps, needle rabbits—but they barely posed a challenge.
Each strike was precise, each movement faster than before. This was the result of his hard work.
As he ventured deeper, Bell felt his newfound strength more and more. It was addicting.
Hestia's Cold Shoulder
By the time Bell returned home, he was exhausted but eager to see his growth. He immediately checked his status.
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Name: Bell Cranel Job: None Title: Wolf Assassin Level:18 Fatigue: 72 HP: 2220 MP: 350 Strength: 48 Health: 27 Agility: 27 Intelligence: 27 Sense: 27 Available Ability Points: 14
Level 18.
He had come so far in such a short amount of time. He couldn't wait to tell Hestia.
"Hestia!" he called, stepping into their small home. "You won't believe how much I've grown! My level is—"
"Go away."
Bell froze. Hestia sat with her arms crossed, pouting.
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"Wha—what's wrong?" Bell asked, confused.
"You were out all day, and now you suddenly come back, talking about your 'stats' instead of spending time with me?!" Hestia huffed, turning her back to him.
Bell sweatdropped. Oh. She was being petty.
He chuckled nervously. "I-I'll make it up to you later, I swear!"
"Hmmph." Hestia refused to budge.
Bell sighed, knowing there was no winning this right now. "I'll be back soon, okay?"
Still no response.
—
The pub was warm and welcoming when Bell stepped inside.
Immediately, he was greeted by the silver-haired girl from earlier.
"You actually came!" she said, smiling brightly. "I'm Syr Flova."
"Nice to meet you," Bell said, nodding politely.
Syr led him to a table, and before he knew it, a feast was placed in front of him.
Bell's eyes widened. "T-this is too much!"
"Eat up," Syr grinned. "Consider it a reward."
Bell hesitated, but his stomach had other ideas. He dug in, the flavors overwhelming his senses.
Just as he was finishing up, a voice called from across the room.
"They're here!"
Bell glanced up.
The reserved guests had arrived.
And standing at the front of the group—was Ais Wallenstein.
