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...
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?"
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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."
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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.
