Morning
Abandoned Church
The sun has risen and the sounds of birds chirping can be heard outside as Bell slowly opens his eyes to see that it's morning. Before he could get up and leave the bed, he felt something heavy on his chest as Bell saw Hestia and realized that he was sleeping on the bed with his goddess who is hugging him while asleep. Bell couldn't help but smile at her sleeping state until she begins to move while asleep, making her chest press onto his, which causes him to blush as his face starts to heat up in a deep shade of red.
He tries to get himself off from Hestia while he's letting out flustered noises from the "closeness" that his goddess is giving him. Luckily, Bell manages to escape from her grasp without waking her up as Bell sighs in relief. But unfortunately, his sudden noises accidentally woke up Izuku who is slowly opening his eyes as he sits up and yawns from his sleep.
Izuku: *yawns* Oh. Good morning, Bell...
He tiredly says to Bell while he stretches up both of his arms.
Bell: G-Good morning as well, Izuku.
Bell says with a little stutter, feeling a bit embarrassed because he realized that he's the reason why Izuku woke up.
Izuku: Hmm... now that we're both awake, are we gonna head to the dungeon?
Bell: Huh? I think so... Wait, you haven't got a blessing from our goddess yet!
Bell said as he remembered that he doesn't have a "Falna" yet because all they did last night was Izuku telling them about him being from another world and he needs to go back. Unfortunately, there was no sign of possibilities yet about a magic that can return a person back to their world. Right now, Izuku just accepted his fate as he joins the Hestia Familia to become an adventurer just like Bell in order to survive in this world.
Izuku: Oh... right. I guess we're going to wait for her to wake up.
He says while he gently rubs one of his eyes. After minutes of waiting for their goddess to wake up, Bell begins to feel a bit impatient as he decided to wake up Hestia.
Bell: I'll try to wake her up, Izuku.
He said to Izuku who just nodded in response as Bell begins to wake up the sleeping goddess by shaking her gently, hoping that she would wake up.
Bell: Goddess, wake up. It's morning.
Hestia: Hmnn... Five more minutes, Bell...
She cutely mutters while sleeping with a slight drool on her mouth.
Bell: Erm... You need to wake up because you haven't given Izuku your "blessing".
Bell said which makes Hestia widen her eyes in realization as she gets up on the bed and looks at Izuku who is just patiently waiting for her to wake up.
Hestia: Ah! I forgot about that...! *yawns*
She said with a panicked expression as she yawns, stretching up her arms.
Izuku: Good morning, goddess Hestia. I hope you don't feel disturbed because of me...
He politely said to the goddess.
Hestia: Hm? Don't worry about it. You are now our newest recruit. As your goddess from now on, I cannot let this slip by. Now, come over here!
Hestia said as she gestures Izuku to lie down on the bed with his back revealed so that she can give him a Falna and check his status just like what she did to Bell last night.
Izuku: *nods* Right, goddess.
Izuku says with a nod as he takes off his upper clothing. Once he took off the upper part of his clothing, Hestia saw his muscular body which makes her face heats up in a reddish color while Bell was amazed at Izuku's well-built body, hoping that he could have a muscular body just like Izuku someday.
While Hestia is blushing at the sight of Izuku's muscular body, Bell noticed that Izuku has a lot of scars embedded on his upper body, especially the ones that are in his right arm.
Bell: Those scars look big... How did he get so many scars like that? Wait, he said he's a hero which means that he fought many battles to have those kind of scars, right?
Bell thought to himself, curious about the battle that Izuku faced. Unknown to Bell, some of his scars are caused by Izuku himself because of his "power".
Izuku: Goddess Hestia, I'm ready to have your blessing.
Hestia: *blushing* ...H-Huh? Oh, right! L-Lie down here on the bed so I can start the process!
She says with a stutter as she snaps out from her current state while Izuku just looks at her, feeling confused.
Izuku: Hmm, is there something wrong? Why does she have that expression? Could it be that she's shock at the scars that I have on my skin?
Izuku thought in confusion, thinking that his scarred body made the goddess feel a bit uncomfortable. Unknown to him, Hestia is just feeling flustered at the sight of Izuku's shirtless body. Without any further delay, he decided to lie down on the bed with his back revealed.
Hestia: Those are some great muscles he has. His body looks to be that he's not just any novice, especially his scars... and muscles... *coughs* Without further ado, I should do this quickly!
Hestia thought with a light cough as she grabs a needle and pierces the tip of her finger, making it drop a bit of her blood to Izuku's back. When her blood landed on Izuku's back, a Falna begins to appear on his back, making him an official member of the Hestia Familia.
Hestia: There! Now that he has a Falna, I should probably update his status...
She thought as she summons the magic sphere of floating symbols on Izuku's back so that she can update his status.
Suddenly, Hestia widens her eyes in shock and disbelief because of what she is seeing right now.
Hestia: Wh... What's with these status?! Everything is going nuts! It's like all the numbers are beginning to skyrocket!
She thought, shocked at the sudden rapid growth of Izuku's status. Bell looks at her goddess in confusion after noticing the expression of her face when she's looking at Izuku's status. Izuku on the other hand is in deep thought.
Izuku: I feel... funny all of a sudden... I'm feeling like there's some strange power coursing through my body.
Izuku thought to himself, not knowing that he's gaining more power compared to his normal state, thanks to Hestia's divine blessing. Hestia is still in shock at what she's seeing while her eyes are focused on Izuku's "level" until the number of his level stopped moving.
Hestia: L-Level... 4...
Hestia says with a slight pause while her eyes are widened in shock.
Bell: H-Huh?
Izuku: Hm?
They both said, confused when they notice the shocked expression of their goddess.
Hestia: Y-You're a level 4, Izuku...
Hestia repeated, surprised at the result of Izuku's level as she continues to update his status.
Bell: Huh?! Level 4?!
Izuku: I see. So that's my level...
Izuku said in a monotone voice, feeling confused if he's supposed to be happy or not at his level.
Bell: Isn't that great, goddess?! We have a level 4 in our Familia!
Bell says in a joyful tone, feeling lucky that they have a high-level adventurer in their Familia.
Hestia: Wait...
She said to Bell, making him confused as he stares at his goddess who is now focused on reading Izuku's abilities from his "Status".
Hestia: He's a Level 4, which means he's a Second-Class Adventurer. But for some reason, I can't help but notice that his level was going crazy... Like, the numbers keeps increasing and decreasing rapidly at the same time... Is he really a Level 4?
She thought, feeling skeptical about Izuku's level because of the sudden "glitching". Then, when she finished updating his "basic abilities", her eyes begins to widen more.
Hestia: Huh? His Strength, Endurance, Dexterity and Agility were at S-rank?!
Hestia thought in shock, awed at the young man's abilities.
Hestia: I can't believe this... A Level 4 adventurer with a high rank abilities. *shakes head* I shouldn't be wasting time right now! I'll finish this quickly and read it later!
She thought as she shakes her head and goes back to check his other abilities. Once again, Hestia was shocked at the results of Izuku's status as she can't help but feel happy that she has a strong adventurer in her Familia.
Before Hestia could waste time any further, she then finishes the process by putting the paper on Izuku's back and draws a circle on the paper, finishing it. After that, she picks up the paper and moves herself at the side of the bed to sit down.
Hestia: *sighs* It's... finished...
Hestia says with a sigh while her eyes are shadowed by her hair.
Bell: G-Goddess, are you okay?
Izuku: Is something wrong?
They said, feeling concerned at Hestia's sudden expression as she begins to speak.
Hestia: I'm fine... Why don't you take a look at your status, Izuku?
She said as she gave Izuku's status to him. Izuku stood up from the bed as he takes his "Status" and reads it. For some reason, Izuku was shocked and confused that he can understand the symbols written on the paper.
Izuku: This is strange... I know nothing about these symbols written on this paper, but I can understand them effortlessly. What is happening to me right now? Wait, is it because of that funny sensation that I felt when goddess Hestia is giving me a "Falna"?
Izuku thought to himself, remembering the strange sensation that he got when Hestia have him a Falna and update his status. Izuku then sits down on the side of the bed as he takes a look at his status while Hestia and Bell takes a peek on it.
IZUKU MIDORIYA
(Level 4)
STR: S- 999 >> I - 0
VIT: S - 999 >> I - 0
DEX: S- 999 >> I - 0
AGI: S - 999 >> I - 0
MAG: I - 0
Tenacity: A
- A development ability that greatly increases the user's resistance against Physical and Magical attacks when taking damage.
(If the ability is at A-rank, the user can resist almost any attacks, even the strongest ones. Even debuffs such as curses, poison, illnesses, etc.)
Adapt: A
- A development ability that greatly improves the user's knowledge, development, mastery and dexterity.
(If the ability is at A-rank, the user can develop and learn faster than a First-Class Adventurer with a S-rank Dexterity. This ability can be very helpful as well when engaging combat.)
MAGIC:
SKILLS:
[One For All] - A mysterious skill that can be used manually by the user. It allows the user to stockpile an enormous amount of raw energy, allowing them to significantly enhance all of their physical abilities to a superhuman level. But, this skill has an extreme drawback against the user if it's used recklessly, which will cause severe damage to the user itself when too much energy is used.
[Limit Breaker] - A rare passive skill. It allows the user to exceed the level of their "status" and "abilities" to greater heights based on the percentage of the user's stockpiled power.
[Superhuman] - A very rare skill that grants the user an additional amount of Strength when facing against stronger and durable opponents, especially the Monster Rex/es. This skill can only be attainable by a user from either a Superhuman or Metahuman race.
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A/n: For some reason, I don't see any Development Abilities in the anime. While in the Danmachi Wiki, it shows that the abilities are there and it's meanings as well... But, some Development Abilities doesn't have any meaning which is making me confused.
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Bell: W...Wow... His abilities are incredible!
Bell said, amazed at Izuku's status, as well as Hestia who is still in disbelief at Izuku's abilities.
Hestia: Your previous abilities are S-ranked! Not to mention that they're at it's peak. And your Development Abilities... No wonder why you're a quick learner!
Hestia said, praising Izuku when she realizes the reason why he learns quick.
Izuku: I guess so.
He says while scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
Izuku: It seems I don't have a magic though. But... about my skills...
Hestia: ...Yes, about your skills. They're quite very unique, especially the first one.
She said, looking at Izuku's first skill which is called "One for All". Izuku can feel the sweat dripping from the side of his forehead, thinking that the name of his skill could cause trouble, just like what's happening to his world when his power was revealed.
Hestia: Izuku, you better be careful using your "One For All" skill, okay?
Hestia says to Izuku in a worried tone, thinking that he might do something very reckless that could almost cost his life.
Izuku: Y-Yes, goddess Hestia...
Izuku said with a nod, feeling a bit nervous that Hestia has discovered how One for All works. Except she doesn't know the "truth" behind it, as well as his "hidden powers".
Bell: Goddess, can you explain to us the skill and abilities that he has?
Hestia: Sure! Why not?
Hestia said as she explains the meaning of Izuku abilities based on his status. Afterwards, Izuku and Bell nodded in understanding.
Bell: That's the "One for All" skill?! It's like a power booster. Does that mean you can fight stronger monsters with that skill of yours, Izuku?
Izuku: I think so... I've never fought a monster before, but I'll try.
He said, not sure if he can count the Nomus as monsters since they are just specimens created from a human vessel as it's host.
Bell: Oh. Well, in the dungeon... there will be a lot of monsters that you will encounter, especially the strongest ones called "Monster Rex".
Izuku: Monster Rex?
Bell: They're like the boss-type monsters from the lower floors. It can take a lot of adventurers to defeat it.
Izuku: I see. Hearing you say that makes me want to go there already.
Izuku says with a light chuckle at Bell's energetic behavior. Meanwhile, Hestia was in deep thought.
Hestia: Izuku's abilities are way different from the other adventurers. Not to mention that his skills look very rare, especially that "One for All" skill. His "Tenacity" skill makes him very durable when he's going to fight stronger monsters while his "Adapt" skill helps him to learn quickly and improve his skills faster than a First-Class Adventurer could do...
She thought, explaining how Izuku's "Development Abilities" works.
Hestia: I'm not sure about the "Limit Breaker" skill that he has because it looks similar to "Limit Off". And lastly, he has this skill called "Superhuman"... A skill that helps him to overcome stronger enemies, especially the monster bosses in the lower floors. What makes this skill rare is that it can only be attainable if you're from a race of superhumans. That means... Izuku is a Superhuman?!
She thought, shocked at what she discovered about Izuku. Superhumans are quite very rare here in this world since they are powerful enough to defeat monsters without a "Falna" or a blessing from a god. Unfortunately, these species have extincted and there are no signs if there is any superhuman left in this world.
But now, Hestia is the first one to see a superhuman and that person is Izuku. Unknown to Hestia, the reason why Izuku is a superhuman is because he came from a world where 80% of their population are born with supernatural powers called "Quirks", rendering them "Superhumans". While 20% of their population are just normal human beings. In Izuku's world, he is just considered as a "Metahuman".
Hestia: If the gods find out about this, they might try whatever methods to get him into their Familia! I can't hide these abilities he has. Unlike Bell, he only have one rare skill while Izuku has three which will make him suspicious! As his goddess, I must protect him from those gods at all costs!
Hestia thought with a gulp, worried about Izuku that the gods here in Orario might target him once they found out his rare abilities and his race.
Izuku: Goddess Hestia...
Hestia: H-Huh?! Oh, what is it?
Hestia said, snapping out from her thoughts and worries.
Izuku: Me and Bell are going to the Adventurer's Guild, if that's okay with you. I'm going to register myself as an adventurer so that I can earn some of those "Valis" that you've spoke of.
He said as Hestia remembered what might happen if everyone here in Orario finds out Izuku's "Status". Before the two adventurers could leave their home, Hestia quickly calls them out.
Hestia: W-Wait! You can't go there yet!
Izuku: Huh? Why?
Hestia: The two of you, listen to me... especially you, Izuku.
She says with a serious expression on her face while pointing her finger to Izuku as he and Bell looks at each other in confusion.
Hestia: If you ever go to the guild and register as an adventurer... Please, keep your status and identity a secret, Izuku. Like I said before, some of the gods here are not to be taken lightly. Which means, if they find out about you... they might try to use you for their desires or worse! I don't know if I can deal with them since I'm just... a rookie goddess...
Hestia says with a bit of a sad tone at the end of her sentence. Izuku and Bell couldn't help but feel sorry for their goddess as they nodded in understanding.
Izuku: I'll do it for you, goddess Hestia. I'll try my best to make sure that my identity is hidden.
Bell: Yeah! I'll even help him, goddess. So don't worry about it!
Hestia: You guys...
Hestia said, feeling moved by their words as she begins to smile at their reassurance.
Hestia: Alright then, you may go now. Please, be careful on your way!
Bell: We will, goddess!
Bell says while he and Izuku waves their hands in goodbye to their goddess as the two of them begins to leave the basement of the abandoned church.
Hestia: *sighs* How could I forget as well... Bell has one of those rare skill as well, "Realis Freese" or Single-Minded Pursuit. It accelerates growth and the effect continues as long as his feelings are unchanged. The effects are determined by the strength of his feelings.
Hestia thought to herself, remembering Bell's hidden skill and how it works as she takes a deep sigh, feeling somehow agitated because she knows the reason why Bell is growing quickly thanks to his hidden skill. Before Hestia could feel more agitated, she remembered that she has a job to attend.
Hestia: Oh, right! I have a part-time job to do! I need to go there quickly!
Hestia says with panic in her voice as she swiftly prepares herself to head outside for her part-time job despite being a goddess. Even so, she needs to earn money because she is not like any other gods out there who are rich and luxurious.
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At the streets of Orario, Bell and Izuku are walking together while Izuku looks around as he sees that this era seems to be old-fashioned with a mix of fantasy and magic.
Izuku can see many different types of demi-humans walking towards the dungeon such as elves, dwarves, pallums, amazons and beastmen or demi-humans with animal features.
Although Izuku doesn't know some of them, he still finds them fascinating. Unknown to him, he doesn't know that he's a Superhuman because Hestia didn't told him about it and only told him about his rare abilities.
Bell: You're gonna love this place, Izuku. I'm sure you'll get used to it.
Izuku: I see. But if I may ask, where exactly is the Adventurer's Guild?
He asks while looking around at his surroundings with curiosity.
Bell: Oh, we're almost there so don't worry about it!
Bell said to Izuku. Suddenly, Bell felt a sudden chill as if he's being watched, making him look around if there is anyone looking suspicious. Unfortunately, he couldn't find where it came from. Izuku notices his sudden reaction as he felt the same sensation that Bell is feeling right now.
Izuku: Bell, do you feel that?
Bell: You mean, you can feel it too?
He said, surprised that Izuku sensed it as well. The feeling being watched by someone.
Izuku: Yes, it's like someone is watching us. But, I don't know where it came from. Could it be that... it's coming from that tower...?
Izuku said as he stares at the tall tower that reaches the clouds. While Izuku is staring at the tower, Bell just slowly turns his head to the path where the Adventurer's Guild is at.
"Um... Hello..."
Before he could continue to walk towards to the guild, he heard a feminine voice nearby to him as he turn his head to see a bluish-gray haired girl wearing a green maid outfit who seems to be trying to catch the white haired boy's attention.
Bell: Huh?
???: You dropped this, sir.
The girl said, showing a small magic stone on the palm of her hand to Bell.
Bell: A magic stone? I thought I traded them all at the guild... A-Anyway, thank you very much for that!
Bell says in a surprised tone as he takes the small magic stone and bowed at her, thanking the maid.
???: No, please don't mention it.
The maid happily says as she notices an armor plate on Bell's chest, signifying that he's an adventurer.
???: So, you're heading to the dungeon early in the morning?
Bell: Well, I guess you could say that. Also, I'm just going to help my friend here to get to the guild.
Bell said, gesturing Izuku who is in a state of thinking while waiting Bell.
While the two of them are talking, Izuku is thinking about something that is somehow bugging him after he saw his "status".
Izuku: Now that I remember, I have my Quirk, "One for All" as my skill. The thing that keeps bugging me right now is that the other quirks that I've inherited from the vestiges of One for All are not there. Could it be that they're hidden...?
He thought to himself, wondering why his other quirks are not included to his status sheet.
???: I see.
The maid said while looking at Izuku.
*Grumbles*
Suddenly, Bell's stomach begins to grumble as the maid looks at Bell who looks away in embarrassment.
???: *giggles* You must be feeling hungry.
She says with a giggle.
Bell: E-Erm... Y-Yeah...
Bell says while sheepishly scratching the back of his head, feeling embarrassed. Then, the maid went back inside to the tavern to get something, making Bell confused until she leaves the tavern and gave Bell a lunchbox that seems to be hers.
???: If you don't mind, please take this. Since the restaurant isn't open yet, it's not a regular meal, though...
The maid said, offering her lunchbox to Bell.
Bell: What?! Is it really okay? I can't accept this! How could you give your food to someone you just met? Not to mention, this is your breakfast, right?
Bell nervously says, wanting to reject her offer because he doesn't want to take her breakfast. The maid just stares at his nervous expression as she gives off a small smile.
???: it's fine! Once the restaurant opens, I can just eat there.
Bell: But...
???: In exchange, be sure to come and eat our restaurant tonight! Can you promise it? Can you...?
The maid says in a cutely manner, making Bell feel guilty for declining as he doesn't have a choice but to accept it.
Bell: S-Sure... I'll accept it.
He says with a nervous chuckle, accepting the offer.
???: *giggles* Thank you very much.
She says with a giggle as Bell slowly walks away while waving his hand goodbye to the maid. The maid waves back at him as Bell walk towards to Izuku who is waiting for him.
Izuku: Someone you know?
Bell: Umm... Not really. But, she gave me a lunchbox as a gift and I have to come by to their tavern after we get to the dungeon.
He says, showing the lunchbox that the maid have to him.
Izuku: I see.
Bell: A-Anyway, let's go to the guild!
Bell says as he quickly walk towards to where the guild is at while Izuku follows him. While following Bell, Izuku felt his stomach grumble as well.
Izuku: Oh, right. I forgot that I haven't eaten any breakfast...
Izuku thought while he rubs his belly, feeling a little hungry.
Izuku: I'd probably need to earn money first before I could buy something to eat.
He thought to himself while following Bell towards the Adventurer's Guild.
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Adventurer's Guild
At the guild where adventurers gather to register as an adventurer, accept certain quests, exchange loots for Valis, and more. Bell and Izuku have finally arrived as they enter to find a certain advisor that Bell know of.
Bell: We're here now! The Adventurer's Guild.
He said, introducing Izuku to the Adventurer's Guild as they looked around to see adventurers gathering side by side.
Izuku: So this is a guild...
Bell: Yup. Follow me! I know a person that can possibly help us!
Bell said as he walks towards the reception while gesturing Izuku to come with him. Izuku then follows Bell to the reception to meet a certain half-elf advisor.
Bell: Good morning, miss Eina!
Bell says with a smile, trying to catch Eina's attention as Eina turns her head to see him.
Eina: Oh. It's you, Bell! Are you going to the dungeon right now?
Bell: Well, yeah. But, I have a friend here who wants to register as an adventurer.
Bell said, gesturing his hand at Izuku. When Eina saw Izuku, she begins to eye him from head to toe, looking at his outfit that was tattered and stained with mud and dirt.
Eina: I see... And his name is?
Izuku: Izuku... Izuku Midoriya.
Eina: Alright then. May I check his status sheet, Bell?
Eina said, requesting Izuku's status sheet which is the paper that has Izuku's abilities written on it.
Bell: A-About that...
Bell says while scratching the back of his head as he and Izuku begins to feel nervous because they remember what their goddess told them to do.
Eina: Bell? Is something wrong?
Bell: Miss Eina, c-can we please talk to somewhere private...?
He nervously says to Eina who seems to be confused at what Bell is saying right now.
Eina: Okay...? Let's talk to my office then.
She said as she calls out a fellow guild member to take her place while she discuss with Bell along with Izuku inside of her office. While Bell and Izuku follows Eina to her office, Izuku seems to be having doubts about Bell's decision.
Izuku: *whispers* Hey, Bell.
Bell: *whispers* Hm?
Izuku: *whispers* Are you sure about this? Do you think we can trust her...?
He whispered, feeling skeptical at their decision.
Bell: *whispers* Yes, we can trust her. I'm sure of it.
Bell whispered back, reassuring Izuku that they can trust Eina.
Izuku: *whispers* ...If you say so.
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Eina's Office
Inside of her office, where nobody can seem to hear them or eavesdrop from outside, Eina takes a deep sigh while sitting down on a chair as she tries to overlook the situation between Bell and his green haired friend.
Eina: Now that we're here, is there something you want to tell me, like what you said earlier?
Bell: R-Right! You see... the reason why I want to talk to you privately is because there is something that we would like you to keep it a secret...
Bell says with his head lowered, avoiding eye contact with his advisor due to his nervous state. Izuku feels sorry for Bell that he's getting all nervous because of him.
Izuku: I'm sorry Bell for making you nervous right now because of what goddess Hestia said about my identity. I really need to help him but I don't have anything to say since this world is very new to me...
Izuku apologetically says in his mind, feeling guilty about him for not being able to help Bell in this situation.
Eina: I don't understand... Did something bad happened or something?
She said, confused at what Bell is trying to say.
Bell: *gulps* I really need to get straight to the point and say it... Goddess, grandpa, give me strength!
He thought with a nervous gulp as he takes a deep breath before telling Eina about what he needs to say.
Bell: Miss Eina, please help us hide Izuku's identity while he's going to the dungeon as an adventurer! Pretty please!
Bell says to Eina while bowing and the palm of his hands pressed together, pleading his advisor to keep his friend's identity a secret.
Eina: ...What? I don't get it. Why would you need me to hide his identity? Bell, be honest with me... Why are you acting like this?
Eina said to Bell, clueless about what Bell just said to her. Before Bell could answer or speak any further, Izuku begins to do the talking.
Izuku: Nothing bad happened to us, miss Eina. It's just that we need your help about hiding my identity from here in Orario.
Izuku said, trying to reassure the half-elf advisor.
Eina: If nothing bad happened, then why do you need to hide your identity?
Izuku: ...It's better if you take a look for yourself. Here is my Status sheet.
He said, giving his Status sheet to Eina who accepted it and takes a look on his Status. The two adventurers can just watch the half-elf advisor's eyes reading Izuku's Status to the point where her eyes begins to slowly widen once she found out Izuku's identity and his race. Once she has finished reading it, she take a look back at Izuku with a shocked expression.
Eina: Is this...true?
Eina asks with a slight pause, shocked at what she has seen. Izuku and Bell looks at each other, feeling concerned as Izuku nodded at her in response.
Eina: ...I can't believe this. All of your current abilities are A-ranked while the previous ones are S-ranked. Not to mention how rare your Development Abilities, as well as your Skills!
She says in awe, amazed at Izuku's Status. While she's feeling amazed, Izuku and Bell doesn't know if they should either be happy or nervous at this situation because they don't know if Eina is going to promise them to hide Izuku's identity.
Izuku: ...
Bell: Erm... Miss Eina.
Eina: Huh? Oh, right! Sorry about that.
She said, snapping out from the state she's in as she clears her throat while fixing her glasses.
Eina: Anyway, I guess I'll believe you then. Since you're Bell's friend, I'll keep it a secret for as long as I can.
Eina says with a smile, making Bell and Izuku widen their eyes at her answer.
Bell: Really?!
He said as Eina nodded in response, making the white haired boy smile in success.
Bell: Thank you very much, miss Eina!
Bell happily says as he stands up and bows at her.
Izuku: We really appreciate your help. Thank you very much as well, miss Eina.
He says with a smile as he bows at her as well in gratitude.
Eina: *giggles* It's fine. Judging by your Status, the adventurers and the other gods here in Orario might take a liking on you.
She said while taking a look back to his Status. Upon hearing that, Bell and Izuku just chuckles nervously, knowing what might happen if everyone found out Izuku's Status.
Izuku: *nervous chuckle* I'd rather hide my identity. I don't want to cause trouble to my Familia because of me, since me and Bell are the only members of the Hestia Familia...
He says while scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
Eina: That's understandable. Now, since you've shown me your Status, I'll get the forms that you needed to fill out so that you can register as an official adventurer.
Eina says to Izuku as she stands up and leaves the office while the two of them wait for her. While waiting, Bell decides to chat with Izuku.
Bell: We did it! Miss Eina is keeping our secret. That means, you can go to the dungeon without anyone knowing your Status.
Izuku: Yes. It's all thanks to you, Bell. But, even if my Status is getting hidden, that doesn't mean I'll just go and feel relaxed.
Izuku says in a serious tone while putting his thumb and index finger to his chin in a thinking position.
Bell: Oh, I see...
Izuku: If I head to the dungeon and try to use my Skills, some adventurers might feel suspicious around me and they might try to ask the Guild about it.
Bell: But, miss Eina is now keeping your identity a secret.
Izuku: Even if she does, her co-workers will be the ones that might attempt to find my identity without her knowing. That's why I'll just use this mask that I have when I'm heading to the dungeon.
He explained as he pointed out his hoodie and mask that seems to be damaged. Bell just stares at his mask and hoodie and somehow feel worried at him.
Bell: Wouldn't they feel the same if they saw you like that?
Izuku: It's fine, Bell. Even if they talk about me wearing this mask or being suspicious, as long as they don't know my name, that's fine.
Bell: But, what if someone asks your name or what should I call you when we meet?
He asks Izuku who is now thinking of what to answer
Izuku: Hmm... How about you call me by my "hero name"?
Bell: ..."Hero name"? *gasps* Like those in the stories?! Like Argonaut?
Bell says with his eyes beaming with excitement, knowing what Izuku meant because of the stories that he have read since he was a child. When Izuku saw his expression, he couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic at this situation.
Izuku: He reminds me of my younger self when I was fanboying over the heroes that I see in my world, especially when I saw All Might. Is this how I look like when I was being a fanboy...?
He thought to himself, remembering his past days when he was a young boy who dreamed of becoming a hero just like his idol as he sheepishly chuckles at the memory.
Izuku: Y-Yeah, kinda like that. You can just call me "Deku".
Bell: "Deku"... Deku the hero...
Bell uttered, repeating Izuku's hero name as if the name itself came from an untold legend or myth. Izuku can't help but feel embarrassed at what Bell is thinking right now.
Izuku: Uhh... I may not be as flashy or cool as those heroes in the books that you've read before... But I can at least try to save people from dangerous monsters and bad guys in this world.
Izuku says with a sheepish chuckle. Before Bell could ask Izuku a few questions, Eina has finally arrived along with the forms that Izuku needs to fill in which is on her hands right now.
Eina: Sorry to keep you waiting, here's the papers that you need to fill in.
She said as she puts the forms on the table and a pen to answer them.
Izuku: I see. I guess I'll be taking my time to fill these in and after that, I would be going to the dungeon, right?
Eina: You can't go to the dungeon yet. You'll be needing some instructions and advices before heading to the dungeon. It would be a problem if you got lost while heading to the deeper floors.
She explained to Izuku with a serious expression, which he understood what she meant and nodded in response.
Izuku: Oh. Then, does that mean you have a library here that contains the information about the dungeon?
He said, asking the half-elf advisor politely.
Eina: Hm? Oh, yes we do have a library here.
Izuku: I see. Then...
Izuku begins to stand up as he looks at Bell.
Izuku: You should head to the dungeon now, Bell. I'll take care of this from now.
Bell: Huh? Oh, okay then.
Eina: Don't worry about it, Bell. I'll make sure your friend here is "well-educated".
Eina said, mentioning the last word from her sentence with a smile. Bell shivered at her smiling expression because he remembered how strict she was when he was being educated by her about the dungeon and being an adventurer. After all, it is said that elves are very strict when it comes to teaching and Eina is one of them, despite her being an half-elf.
Izuku: Yeah, I'll just go to the library and lend some books to read about the dungeon. You should probably head to it first.
He said to Bell, reassuring him that he'll be fine, not knowing why Bell looks worried at him.
Bell: S-Sure... G-Good luck, Izuku! Bye!
Bell says with a nervous stutter as he slowly walks towards the door and leaves the office, leaving the two of them alone in the room. While heading to the dungeon, Bell can't but feel worried at what Izuku will experience from his half-elf advisor. But for Izuku, there's a reason why he can overcome Eina's strict teachings...
And the reason for that is that Izuku is a huge nerd(in a good way).
_____
_____
Dungeon
In the dark, ominous dungeon with small crystals acting as torches that lights the path, Bell is now fighting monsters one by one.Right now, he is fighting a dog-headed monster called a "Kobold" as Bell dodges it's sharp claws and fangs when it's attacking him. After dodging it, Bell charges towards the kobold as he slashes it's chest and stabs it's throat, killing it.
After that, the kobold disintegrated to ashes and drops a small magic stone on the ground.
Once the kobold was defeated, Bell takes a deep breath as he picks up the magic stones that were dropped by the monsters that he defeated.
Bell: Phew~ I think that's the last of them...
He said, looking back at the path where he defeated the previous monsters. Then, he begins to pick up the dropped magic stones from the monsters that he killed.
Bell: *mumbles* Let's see... magic stone, magic stone, magic stone...
He mumbled while picking up the dropped magic stones from the ground one by one.
Bell: *sighs* How long do I have tp keep this up before I catch up to Aiz Wallenstein? Miss Eina always tells me piling up experience is important.
He said, remembering the advices from Eina while he picks up the magic stones. Suddenly, he found something that looks to be either a fang or a nail from the Kobold that he defeated.
Bell: Hmm? Is this... a drop item? And there's more?! I guess it's my lucky day!
He says with a light chuckle when he saw a few "drop items" lying on the ground as he puts them into his pouch. While he's busy picking up dropped materials, Bell begins to hear crumbling sounds as he quickly turns around to see a pack of Kobolds are beginning to spawn from the wall.
Bell: T-There's so many! Can I handle this? But...
Bell says with a hint of doubt in his voice while tightening the grip on his knife. Suddenly, an image of the Sword Princess appeared in Bell's mind as he widened his eyes.
Bell: That's right... I don't know what I should do in order to get close to "her". But I need to be more than who I am now! This is the way for me to get stronger!
Bell said in his mind as he let's out a battle cry while charging towards to the pack of wild kobolds. At this moment, his skill "Realis Freese", have activated upon his courage from facing against the dog-headed monsters.
_____
_____
Afternoon
Adventurer's Guild
The color of the sky begins to turn orange, meaning that the sun is setting as Bell is now running on his way back to the guild to see if Izuku is till there.
Bell: I need to hurry back to the guild. I haven't seen Izuku in the dungeon. Does that mean that he spent his time studying at the guild's library?
He thought to himself as he arrives at the guild and went straight to his half-elf advisor.
Bell: Miss Eina!
Eina: Hm? Oh, Bell! You're back. How's your adventuring in the dungeon?
Bell: W-Well, it was great. I got a few drop items to cash in, thanks to the monsters that I fought back in the dungeon.
He says as he shows Eina his pouch filled with magic stones and drop items while scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
Eina: I see.
Bell: Anyway, *low tone* is Izuku there?
He says in a low tone of his voice, trying not to gain any attention to some adventurers in the guild. Eina notices the tone of his voice, understanding why he's like that as she nodded at him.
Eina: Yes, he's still here. Follow me.
She says with a hand gesture that says "follow me" as Bell follows Eina to the guild's library.
_____
_____
Guild's Library
Bell and Eina have arrived in the library as Bell sees that the place seems to be empty, as in nobody is in the library anymore.
Bell: Um... Is he really here? Noone seems to be here anymore since it's almost evening.
He says while following Eina looking around, trying to find Izuku.
Eina: He's still here. But...
Bell: "But..." what?
Bell asks her in confusion as he looks at Eina who seems to be looking away while rubbing the side of her cheek with her index finger.
Eina: What I mean is that Izuku is still here... But instead of heading to the dungeon, he decided to stay here all day long while reading books.
Bell: Oh, I see... Wait, what?
Bell says the last part of his sentence with a dumbfounded expression while he looks at Eina. Before Bell could ask her why, they had already reached the place in the library where Izuku is. Eina then gestures her hand to Izuku, who appears to be reading a book while sitting on a wooden chair.
Bell: ...Izuku?
Bell uttered, surprised at the pile of books that Izuku have read. Right now, he's reading a book entitled "Potions for Dummies"
A/n: Imagine he's wearing his hero suit from the manga instead of the fantasy outfit :v
Izuku: Hmm... Huh? Oh, you're back! How's your adventure in the dungeon, Bell?
Bell: Erm... Well, it was great for me. I think I've gotten a little bit stronger. How about you?
Izuku: I'm just spending my time reading books about how things works here in Orario. I've also read the encyclopedia about the monsters in the dungeon. And right now, I'm just reading a book about magic potions, just like this one called "Elixir".
Izuku explained, pointing his finger to the page of the book where the word "Elixir" is written. Bell just sweatdropped about how Izuku is so calm and not feeling tired or bored about reading books while Eina just giggled at Bell's reaction.
Bell: I see. A-Anyways, uhh... Do you wanna head home right now? Because I'm going back to our goddess since it's almost evening.
Bell asks Izuku while sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
Izuku: I guess you're right. I kind of spent my time here in the library reading books. I'll be there shortly, I'm just going to take these books back to the shelves.
He said, closing the book that he's reading as he stands up from his seat. Then, he puts it to the piled up books and fixes the pilings, making sure that it won't fall apart.
Bell: Let me help you then!
Izuku: No, it's fine. I'll handle these quickly.
Izuku said while carrying the piled up books effortlessly as Bell just nodded at him in response. Then, Izuku begins to run towards the aisle of bookshelves to return the books back on where they are originally placed. Luckily for him, he remembers where he picked up each one of the books that he had read, despite the sheer amount of it thanks to the Development Ability called "Adapt" that he have.
Eina: Your friend here is really an interesting person.
Bell: You think so?
Eina: Of course. I mean, he's a Level 4 adventurer that has very amazing abilities. To be honest, when I try to ask him about the monsters in each floor, he answered them correctly. He's like a fast learner.
She says, smiling sheepishly while rubbing the side of her cheek with her index finger as she remembers the time when she tries to test Izuku's keen intellect. Hearing that from Eina made Bell feel surprised since elves are very strict when it comes to education.
Bell: ...I see. After all, our goddess told us the same thing. Are all Level 4 adventurers just like him?
Eina: Not at all. In my opinion, he's a rare one among the Level 4 adventurers!
Bell: H-Huh? Really?!
He says with a surprised expression on his face. While they're talking, Izuku has finished putting all the books on their respective shelves as he walk towards to the two.
Izuku: It's done.
Bell: Oh, I see. Let's go back then!
He said to Izuku. But before they could leave, Izuku turns his head to look at Miss Eina.
Izuku: Miss Eina, t-thank you for the help that you gave me when I was spending my time here in the library.
Izuku says with a stutter on his voice, feeling a little shy while thanking the half-elf advisor for helping him. When Eina notices Izuku's shy expression, she couldn't help but giggle at him. Meanwhile, Bell is just confused at what's happening between the two of them as he only followed what Izuku said.
Bell: Yeah. Thank you for the help, miss Eina!
Eina: *giggles* It's not a big deal, but I'm glad that I could help the two of you. Anyway, see you tomorrow!
She says with a smile while waving goodbye at Bell and Izuku who are now walking away and waving back at Eina.
Bell: Bye, miss Eina! See you tomorrow as well!
Bell said as he and Izuku begins to walk away and leaves the Adventurer's Guild. While they walk back home, Bell begins to talk to Izuku about his first day in the guild's library.
Bell: You really had read a lot of books in the library in a single day, Izuku.
Izuku: Well, I was kind of feeling curious about this world so I try to ask Miss Eina about the books that I should read. Thankfully, I can understand the written languages or symbols that was written on the books. *low tone* I'm not sure why I understood those kind of writings since I'm not from this world, Bell.
Izuku explained in a low tone of his voice, making sure noone hears their conversation as Bell nods in understanding but he is somehow confused about the part where Izuku easily understood the writings in this world.
Bell: *low tone* I don't know how is that possible, but I think it's the work from our goddess. Maybe she must've put some magic in your Falna that helps you understand the words existing in this world, I think.
Izuku: Maybe. If that's the reason, then I should thank goddess Hestia for that.
Izuku said, thinking if what Bell just said is true, then he should thank the goddess of his Familia for giving him an ability to understand the languages in this world.
Izuku: Anyway, I really appreciate miss Eina for keeping me accompanied in the library.
He said, changing the subject with a smile on his face when he remembers Eina about helping him when he feels a bit troubled.
Bell: Is that so? What happened when you were at the library?
Izuku: It's kind of embarrassing to say, but... When it was lunchtime, my stomach begins to grumble loudly since I haven't eaten any breakfast earlier.
Izuku says while he scratches the back of his head sheepishly. When Bell heard this, his eyes widened in realization and remembered that his friend haven't eaten anything since they woke up.
Bell: Huh?! Oh, I forgot to share with you the food that the maid just gave me! I'm so sorry, Izuku!
Bell says in panic as he tries to apologize to Izuku.
Izuku: It's okay. The reason why was because of Miss Eina who just humbly gave me something to eat. I was really embarrassed at that moment since I can't help but accept her offer because I'm getting hungry.
Bell: I see. Well, that's miss Eina for you. She kind of acts like a big sister to me when I'm heading to the dungeon or asking for advices.
Bell said, remembering the times that Eina begins to treat him as her little brother, as well as her being strict when educating him.
Bell: I can even remember the time when I answered one question incorrectly, she begins to scold me and tells me to study again over and over until I answered all of her questions correctly... *shivers*
He thought to himself, feeling a little traumatized from the memory as his body shivers when he remembers Eina's strict teachings.
Izuku: Is something wrong? You look a little nervous for a moment there.
Bell: N-No! I'm fine, it's nothing! Let's just go back home and meet with our goddess. I-I'll treat you for dinner later, since I got a good earning today.
Bell stuttered as Izuku just slightly nodded at him while feeling a little concerned.
Izuku: If you say so...
_____
_____
Sunset
Abandoned Church
Bell: HUUUHHH?! G-Goddess, are these all true?!
Back in their peaceful home, Bell is now making a shocked expression on his face as he stares intensely at his Status sheet in disbelief.
Izuku: Uhh... Bell, I think you should calm down for a moment.
He said, trying to calm down his friend. Unfortunately for him, Bell was so happy that he starts to ignore what Izuku is trying to say to him.
Bell: My stats have increased by over 160 points in total! Look, I gained 30 HP even though I only took one hit, as well as my Strength and Dexterity too! This is a first!!
Bell says with joy and excitement in his voice. Meanwhile, Hestia looks to be pouting for unknown reasons as she just stood up from the bed while Bell and Izuku looks at her, confused at her silence.
Hestia: ...
Bell: Goddess?
Hestia: ......
She slowly turns her head to look at Bell with her cheeks puffed in a pouting expression, not saying a word while Bell begins to feel nervous and confused about why their goddess is having an expression like that.
Bell: Um, I... I just...
Hestia: .........
Bell: Erm... Why did I suddenly grow so much?
Bell says in a nervous tone, asking his goddess with a nervous smile.
Hestia: How should I know?!
She replied in an angered tone. Then, Hestia just walk towards the closet and grabs a clothing.
Izuku: Why is she getting angry all of a sudden? I mean, Bell just went to the dungeon and got a little stronger from fighting monsters...
He thought to himself, confused about why their goddess is feeling angry at Bell. After Hestia puts on her coat, she then wall towards the stairs.
Bell: G-Goddess, where are you going...?
He asked the goddess, making her pause at the moment before she could set her foot to the stairs.
Hestia: ...I-I'm going to the party from my part-time job. You can go enjoy your time off and have some luxurious dinner by yourself alone! Hmph!
She replied in an angry tone as she quickly leaves the church and ran away, leaving the two of them in the basement.
Bell: Goddess...?
Izuku: "Alone"...? I think goddess Hestia just forgot about me.
He thought, thinking that Hestia was so angry at Bell that she forgot about Izuku's presence. Then, Bell turns his head to Izuku and looks at him if he knows the reason why the goddess got upset.
Izuku: Don't look at me, Bell. I don't even know why she got mad all of a sudden.
Izuku replies with a shrug as Bell just takes a deep sigh, thinking if he did anything wrong recently to make his goddess angry at him. While thinking, Bell gets off from the bed as he grabs his black t-shirt and wears it.
Izuku: Hey, cheer up for now. You should be feeling proud of what you just achieved today after your adventure from the dungeon.
Bell: But, what about our goddess? I'm still trying to remember if there's anything that I did to make her angry.
Izuku: I know how you feel, Bell. But for now, we should get ourselves a meal for the night. And after that, we're going back to our home and wait for goddess Hestia to return home so that you can apologize to her, even if you and I don't know the reason why she got mad at you.
Izuku said, trying to comfort Bell as he nods in understanding.
Bell: Yeah, you're probably right. After dinner, I'll definitely apologize to her.
Bell said as Izuku smiles a little. Suddenly, both of their stomachs begins to grumble as they look at each other and let's out a sheepish chuckle.
Bell: We should probably go to the tavern right now...
Izuku: Yes, you're right...
_____
_____
Evening
Somewhere at the river near the ruins and the abandoned church, Hestia is sitting on a destroyed pillar while staring at the river with a sad expression on her face.
Hestia: I can't believe Bell. How could he grow so much just from gaining that skill? Does he really like that Wallen-whatsit girl that much?
She thought with a frown, feeling jealous at this "Wallen-whatsit" person who is also known as the sword princess Aiz Wallenstein.
Hestia: He already has me!!
Hestia thought in jealousy as she grabs a small rock nearby and throws it to the river in anger.
_____
_____
Hostess of Fertility
Bell and Izuku have finally arrived at the tavern, which is called the Hostess of Fertility as the two of them takes a look inside and sees that there are a lot of people having a conversation while enjoying their meal.
Bell: I think this is the place. "The Hostess of Fertility"...
Izuku: A lot of people are in here.
Bell: Y-Yeah, I don't know what to say but I'm fulfilling a promise here...
Bell stated, remembering a promise that he had with the maid for the meal that she gave to him earlier in the morning.
Izuku: A promise?
Bell: Yes. I promised that I'd go here in the tavern to have dinner in order to repay her kindness for the lunchbox that she gave me.
Izuku: Oh, I see.
Izuku says with a nod. Then, the maid from before saw the two of them as she walks towards and greets them.
???: Ah, it's you! You've finally arrived!
Bell: Y-Yeah, I kept my promise after all...
???: *giggles* I see. You even brought your friend here in the tavern.
She said, looking beside Bell who is Izuku.
Izuku: Erm... Hello.
Izuku says while slowly waving his hand in a greeting manner.
Syr: Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Syr Flover, what about you two?
Bell: I'm B-Bell Cranel...
Izuku: Izuku Midoriya. It's nice to meet you, miss Flover.
Izuku says with a bow.
Syr: No need for formalities. You two can just call me Syr.
Bell: If you say so, Syr...
Syr: That's more like it. Now, come inside and get yourselves a meal for the night.
Syr says with a smile on her face as Bell and Izuku looks at each other and decides to enter the tavern. The two of them takes a seat and all of sudden, two large bowls of pasta were placed at their desk which surprises them.
???: Ah, so you two must be Syr's customers?
A woman said who appears to be the owner of the tavern and the one who placed the two large bowls of pasta in front of Bell and Izuku.
???: Syr told me that you two are a horse-like glutton. Spend a lot of yer money here!
Izuku: I see... Wait, what?
Bell: Huh? Glutton?!!
They said with different reaction from their faces as they look at Syr who just immediately looked away in response.
Bell: W-Wait! Since when I have become a glutton?! And why did you even include Izuku?!
He nervously asks Syr while sweat dripping from his forehead, only to be replied by a giggle from her which makes it worse.
Syr: Ehehe~
Bell: Don't "Ehehe" me! We can't eat that much because were poor!
Bell cried comically while Izuku sweatdrops at the scene and the word "poor" made him tense up a bit, since he knows that he hasn't gone to the dungeon yet to make money.
Syr: "...Wah... I'm out of energy because I didn't eat any breakfast..."
Syr wobbly says, trying to mimic Bell in a wrong way which makes him feel embarrassed.
Bell: That's so unfair! I'm not like that!
Syr: *giggles* I'm just joking. I expect only a little effort on your part, so please enjoy the meal at your leisure.
She says with a smile as Bell looks back to his meal and then to Izuku who just shrugged at him.
Bell: I see. I guess we'll just enjoy our meal to our heart's content, right Izuku?
Izuku: I guess so, since we're getting hungry by now.
Bell: Y-Yeah...
???: Oh, and also... don't forget our "today's special"! Enjoy!
The woman from earlier said as she place two bowls of a cooked large fish, shocking Bell.
Bell: ...The pasta costs 300 Valis each, which is 600 for us. While the drink is 200, which makes a total of 1,000 Valis. And then, "today's special"... 850 Valis?!
Bell says in shock at the expensive price from the menu list as he gulped nervously while calculating the total price of their meal.
Izuku: That's a lot of Valis... I don't even know which currency is bigger compared to my world. Valis or Yen?
Izuku thought to himself after seeing the prices of their meals at the menu list.
Bell: Thank goodness that I earned a lot of money thanks to the drop items that I got from my adventure!
He thought to himself, feeling thankful that he has enough money to pay for their meal and the rest is going to be saved for his Familia. Meanwhile, Izuku is staring at the cooked fish as if it looks familiar to him because of the whiskers.
Izuku: ...This fish looks like a catfish.
Syr: Catfish? That's actually a Dodobass.
She said to Izuku after hearing what he just said.
Izuku: I see. Dodobass... I guess we should probably eat while it's piping hot, Bell.
Bell: Y-Yeah, Let's eat!
Bell said, snapping out from his nervous state as the two of them begins to eat their meal.
Syr: How was it?
Bell: It's delicious. Also, I'd like to thank you for what you did this morning...
Syr: No, no, I'm rewarded more than enough for my deeds.
Bell: Is that so?
Syr: Yes. You see... Mama Mia, who is the owner of this "Hostess of Fertility" used to be an adventurer herself. All the employees here are women...
She explains as Bell and Izuku begins to listen to her while eating.
Syr: Mama Mia was willing to hire even those with histories, though I'm working here because of superb working conditions...
Bell: I see...
Syr: Also, this place attracts all kinds of people. It's really fascinating. Many people means many new things. It's impossible to not get excited. I guess you could say this is my hobby, getting involved with people I don't know. It just makes my heart race.
Syr said, looking at the people having conversations in their tavern while eating foods and drinking together.
Izuku: Getting involved with people that you don't know makes your heart race...? That doesn't sound right.
Izuku thought with a sweatdrop at what Syr just said.
"Nya! The reservation has arrived, nya!"
Then, a maid with cat-ears announced as a group of adventurers enters the tavern. When they enter, everyone in the tavern went silent. At this moment, Izuku got confused at the sudden silence.
Izuku: Why did they went silent?
He thought as he turns his head to see the group of adventurers walking to their reserved table. Then, he begins to hear gossips from nearby adventurers.
"Loki Familia..."
"Giant slayer familia... They are the all-stars of the top class adventurers."
"So that's the Sword Princess?"
Those are what Izuku just heard from their gossips as he discovers that those group of adventurer are the Loki Familia who were also known as the giant slayer familia.
Izuku: I see... so that's the Loki Familia. They have a lot of members and they look strong. And that blond-haired girl must be the Sword Princess that they're talking about.
He said in his mind, looking at the Loki Familia while eating. While he's staring at the Loki Familia, he snapped back when he heard Syr calling Bell's name multiple times.
Syr: B-Bell? Bell, are you alright?
Izuku: Huh? Hey, Bell! You okay?
They said, trying to get Bell's attention. Unknown to them, Bell was so focused staring at the blonde-haired girl who is the Sword Princess herself.
Bell: I-It's her! Aiz Wallenstein... Wh-What should I do? Should I go there and say "thank you for saving me"? W-Wait, no! I'll only make a fool of myself if I say something to them. And what am I trying to do in front of all these people? Am I going to confess to her? Calm down, you idiot! We're nothing more than strangers! ...I'll observe them first.
He thought to himself, deciding whether he goes there and thanks her for saving him or not.
???: Good job in the dungeon today! Now, let's get the party started tonight! So drink with all your might!
A woman from the Loki Familia says, raising her drink and cheers along with her Familia as they begin to enjoy their meal. Meanwhile, Syr notices that Bell and Izuku are staring at the Loki Familia as she begins to explain to the two of them.
Syr: Ah, I see that you're looking at the Loki Familia. They're our loyal customers. Their goddess, Loki, loves this pub.
She explained as Izuku nods in understanding while Bell is still staring at the sword princess.
Izuku: Which means, they come here from time to time?
Syr: Well, you could say that.
Bell: So, if I keep coming here...
Bell thought, thinking that if he keeps going here in the tavern, he'd be seeing the sword princess every time they come to this tavern.
_____
_____
Hours have passed, Bell and Izuku have finished eating their meal. Before they could leave the tavern, they suddenly hear a loud voice coming from the Loki Familia.
???: Alright! Aiz, let's tell everyone that story! You know!
A grey-haired man with wolf ears drunkenly says to the blonde-haired girl, making Izuku and Bell pause for a moment as they feel curious at what he meant.
Aiz: What story?
???: Don't you remember? That on our way back, some minotaurs got away. You tracked the last of them and killed it on the 5th floor. Then there was that tomato kid!
He said, making Bell gasps in realization which Izuku noticed his reaction.
Izuku: "tomato kid"? Minotaurs?
Aiz: Speaking of minotaurs, are you talking about the ones who attacked us on the 17th floor, then fled after a crushing defeat?
???: Yeah, exactly! They miraculously escaped to the upper floors, so we had to chase them up there. And guess who they ran into... Some weak little rookie!
He says in a loud tone, enough for Bell to hear which makes him feel frozen stiff, knowing that it was him that the wolf person is talking about.
Bell: ...It was me.
???: That impossibly lousy brat got chased by the minotaur that escaped. He got covered in the putrid blood of that cow when you cut it up. He turned all red like some tomato!
He said as some of the members of his Familia laughs while the other members didn't and they look displeased at his behavior. Meanwhile, Bell is now looking down as he tightly grips his knees with his hands, feeling humiliated at the wolf-eared person's words.
???: And the best part, that tomato brat ran away screaming! Our princess saved him and he ran away! Hahahahaha, that was so pathetic!
Aiz: I think it was natural under those circumstances.
Aiz said, defending Bell for his actions. Then, a green-haired woman with elf ears starts to speak.
???: Cut it out, Bete. It was our mistake in the first place that those minotaurs escaped from the 17th floor. Learn your place.
She strictly says, trying to silence the arrogant wolf-eared man who is named Bete.
Bete: Huh?! What's wrong with calling trash what it is?!
He drunkenly says as Bell tightened his grip of his hands to his pants. Izuku can sense Bell's negative emotions by now thanks to his quirk, Danger Sense as he hears Bell's sniffing sounds that seems to be on the verge of breaking down in tears. Izuku can only do right now is to clench his fists with a hint of anger from his emotions.
Bete: Aiz, what do you think? For example, if you had to choose between me and that tomato brat, who'd you pick? Huh?
???: Bete, you're getting drunk right now.
A short blonde-haired boy said, trying to calm down the drunk wolf.
Bete: I asked you a question! If he confessed to you, would you accept it? No way in hell, right?! He's just some lousy little peon who's much weaker than you! He has no right to even stand next to you. You should acknowledge that yourself! Some peon wouldn't match you, Aiz Wallenstein!
Bete drunkenly says to Aiz, saying that someone who is very weaker than her don't deserve standing next to her side. When Bell heard that, he couldn't help but acknowledge Bete's words since all of them are true for him. Hearing those words broke his heart and wounded his pride, feeling humiliated as he slowly stands up from his seat.
Bell: ...
Syr: Bell?
Then, Bell rushes outside of the tavern and ran away in humiliation as Syr tries to follow Bell.
Syr: Wait, Bell!
Syr shouted, trying to stop Bell from running away.
???: What was that? A dine and dash?
One of the members of the Loki Familia said. Then, Aiz stood up from her seat and quickly ran outside to see who's the person that ran away.
Aiz: ...Was that him?
She said, guessing that the person was the one that Bete is badmouthing about.
Loki: Uwah... He just did it at Mama Mia's pub. What a fearless man.
Loki said who is the goddess of the Loki Familia, thinking that Bell is in big trouble after he just dine and dashed at Mama Mia's tavern. When Izuku heard what Loki just said, he got nervous as sweat dripping from his forehead because he doesn't have the money to pay for their meal and Bell is the one who has money.
Mia: Hey, kid.
Izuku: *gulps* Y-Yes...?
Izuku says with a nervous gulp, turning his head to see that the owner of this tavern is looking at him with an angered expression.
Mia: It seems your friend just dine and dashed at my pub. So tell me... who's going to pay for this?
She says with her eyes narrowed towards to Izuku who is now nervous at the situation. Izuku's only choice right now is to make an honest excuse to her, hoping that she would accept it.
Izuku: *sweats* Y-You see, ma'am... My friend just ran away because I think he's the one that the wolf person is talking about and he must've felt humiliated from what he just said to him.
Mia: ...
Izuku: B-But, I'll make sure to pay for the meal once I try to persuade my friend to come back here later or tomorrow morning!
Izuku explained while nervous from being glared by the owner of this tavern. Luckily, Syr heard what he just said as she walks up to Izuku and tries to help him.
Syr: Mama Mia. Please, you have to consider his words. I doubt that he's telling a lie right now...
She said, trying to persuade Mama Mia. When Syr said that, Mia takes a glance on Bete who is now tied up from the ceiling by a rope.
Bete: AAARRRGGH!! Make it stop!
???: You're too drunk! Sober up!
The green-haired woman with elf ears said, irritated while the other members of their Familia laughs at Bete being tied up. After that, Mia takes a deep sigh and decides to accept the boy's words.
Mia: *sighs* Fine, I'll consider it. I hope you're not planning to trick me, boy.
Izuku: N-No I'm not, ma'am! I swear! I'll definitely bring him back here. R-Right now, he just need time for himself to be alone...
He stuttered, waving his hands in a defensive manner.
Mia: ...Alright then. Go out there and comfort your friend. Just make sure you two pay for the meal by tomorrow morning.
She said as Izuku widen his eyes at what he heard from her, knowing that the owner of the tavern is now trusting him.
Izuku: T-Thank you for your consideration, ma'am! Also, thank you as well, miss Syr!
Izuku said, standing up from his seat and bows to the two as Syr smiled at him.
Syr: No problem, you should hurry and find him since it's beginning to rain right now.
Izuku: R-Right.
He said as he leaves the tavern to find where Bell ran off to. After leaving the tavern, a maid with elf ears walks up to the two of them.
???: Mama Mia, why did you let him run away?
Mia: It's fine. After all, that kid doesn't look like the type of guy who goes back on his word.
Mia said as she crossed her arms together while Syr giggled at what she said.
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Outside of the tavern, Izuku is now looking around to find where Bell went as he feels the rain pouring down on him in the middle of the night.
Izuku: It's already raining and I still couldn't find Bell... Where did he ran off to?
He says while getting soaked by the rain, not having a clue of Bell's whereabouts. Suddenly, Izuku felt a stingy sensation from his head as he widen his eyes.
Izuku: This sensation... I'm sensing dangers coming from that tower. Could it be...?
He thought, turning his head to the tower as he remembered that tower is called Babel and below it resides a dungeon.
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Dungeon
Bell: Damn it... Damn it... DAMN IT!!
Bell yelled in his mind, humiliated by Bete's words as tears flows from his eyes while running to the dungeon. Once he entered the dungeon, he immediately draws his knife as he cuts down every monster that spawned in the floor that he's setting his foot on. After defeating them, he rushes to the next floor as he looks for more monsters to fight.
Bell: Raaaahh!!
Bell shouted as he slashes a large one-eyed frog monster, killing it. Suddenly, he got himself wrapped up by another frog monster as it tries to swallow him whole. While being swallowed whole, Bell tightly grabs his knife and stabs the monster's insides where it reaches the eye as the monster disintegrated, leaving Bell lying on the floor.
Bell: I won't ever forgive myself... for accepting something for nothing! I couldn't help thinking about how weak I was, so I lashed out with my knife endlessly while fueled by the rage within me.
He thought to himself while lying on the floor, breathing heavily from exhaustion. Then, he slowly stands up and continues to move forward to the next floor.
Bell: I'll keep moving forward, hoping to somehow close the gap between me and her. If I don't do everything in my power, I'll never be able to stand by her side!
He thought, remembering Bete's words about how him being weaker than Aiz as he clenches his fist in anger while walking to the next floor.
After minutes of walking, Bell begins to notice that changes of the floor's environment.
Bell: Where am I right now...? Fifth floor? ...No, this is the sixth floor.
He thought as he sees a dead end. Before Bell could go back, he heard a loud crumbling sounds coming from the walls as he sees black substances falling to the ground that came from the walls. Then, the black substance begins to form into a monster as Bell widen his eyes, knowing that he's outnumbered and in disadvantage.
Bell: Foul Shadows? There so many of them... They're said to be the strongest monsters that spawns on the sixth floor. A rookie adventurer shouldn't stand a chance against them. But...
Bell thought as he prepares for a fighting stance, gathering enough courage to fight the fear inside of him.
Bell: I won't lose so easily. I'm aiming to fight monsters that are stronger than these ones. I won't die and I'll keep fighting! So fight... Fight...! FIGHT!!
He said in his mind as he let's out a battlecry, engaging combat with the Foul Shadows and kills them one by one with everything he have.
Bell: RAAAAAAHHH!!!
He yelled loudly while fighting the Foul Shadows, enough to strengthen his will to fight even if he's taking damage from them.
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Hours have passed, Bell finally cleared out all of the Foul Shadows in his area as he falls down to the ground, exhausted.
Bell: *huff* ...I can still *huff* ...fight.
"Don't push yourself too much, Bell."
Bell: ...H-Huh? *grunts*
Bell said, widening his tired eyes as he slowly gets up to see where the voice came from. Once he found where it came from, Bell saw Izuku who is coming from the dark tunnel and walking towards him.
Bell: I-Izuku... Ngh! *grunts*
He tirely says, trying to stand up but couldn't due to his wounds that he received.
Izuku: You fought well, Bell.
Bell: H-How did you know that I'm here...?
Izuku: ...Let's just say that I have my own ways. What's important right now is that I finally found you. Our goddess will get worried for you when she sees your current condition.
He said as Bell just looked down with a sad expression when Izuku said about their goddess who is going to get worried for him.
Bell: ...
Izuku: ...Bell, I know that you feel discouraged by that wolf person's words. But, you shouldn't take it very seriously.
Bell: How would you know...?
Izuku: Because I've been there before.
Bell: ...Huh?
Bell uttered as he raised his head and looks at Izuku with his eyes widened in confusion.
Izuku: Since you're exhausted by now and there are no monsters nearby, let's just sit down and have a talk...
Izuku said, suggesting Bell to sit down with him to that he could rest while they talk. When both of them sat down on the ground, Izuku starts to speak.
Izuku: You see, I didn't start out like this in my world. In the beginning, I was nothing but a weak, powerless boy who is just a nerd and a huge fan of heroes.
He said, making Bell widen his eyes in shock when he discovered that Izuku was weak back in the past just like him.
Bell: ...R-Really?
Izuku: Yeah. In my life, I was bullied by my classmates for being weak and powerless when I'm studying in school. Calling me "weak", "quirkless loser", "a huge nerd" and "Defenseless Izuku"...
He explained with a small smile and rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, remembering his hurtful past when he was just a boy with no quirk.
Bell: ...
Izuku: It was tough for me. But you know...? That didn't stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming a hero. I really thought there was no hope for me to become a hero that I've always dreamed of since I was a child until I met someone who miraculously changed my life.
Bell: Who is that person that changed your life?
Izuku: Well to explain it... many heroes and villains exists in my world and the person that changed my life is my idol who is the Number 1 hero in the world.
Izuku said, remembering his idol, All Might, who is the one that changed his life from being a quirkless boy to a hero that saves people. When he said that, Bell
Bell: W-Wait! S-So you're telling me that you're from a world where heroes and villains exists?!
He says with a hint of excitement on his voice as Izuku sheepishly rubs his finger to the side of his cheek.
Izuku: Well, I guess you could say that. But, we heroes have our own separate stories or origins... even the villains.
Bell: I see... But, why are you telling me this?
Izuku: I'm telling you this so that you should know that you're not the only one who has experienced a rough past.
Izuku said, putting both of his hands to Bell's shoulders as he looks at him with a serious expression.
Izuku: Bell, what I'm saying is that you should never think ill about yourself. You're just at the beginning of your journey of becoming a great adventurer. You're still young and you have many things to learn while getting stronger...
He explained, trying to encourage Bell who was moved by his words as he nods at Izuku in agreement.
Bell: Yeah, you're right. I still have a lot to learn while I'm still a rookie adventurer. But, I really want to become stronger as soon as possible...
Izuku: If you want to become stronger, you need to hone your fighting skills first, as well as building strategies to outsmart your enemies.
Bell: I see... Thanks for the advice, Izuku. I'll do my best to become a strong adventurer, and maybe become a hero someday.
He says with a smile, despite being wounded from his fight as Izuku smiled in return.
Izuku: I'm sure you'll become one someday. I'll even help you become one in a possible way.
Bell: R-Really?
Izuku: *nods* You just need to believe in yourself, Bell. Don't worry about what other people think. Just hold your head up high and plunge forward.
He says with a nod as Bell felt like there was hope for him to become a hero just like in the books that he had read as a child. Suddenly, Izuku's "danger sense" kicked in immediately as he sense incoming dangers around the area.
Izuku: My Danger Sense is kicking in... That means...
*Crack!*
*Crumble*
Before the two of them can talk any further, the walls begins to crack as Foul Shadows begins to appear from the walls.
Bell: *gasps* They spawned again?!
Izuku: I guess we must've took a lot of time talking enough for them to reappear. Those are Foul Shadows, right?
Bell: Yes, the strongest monsters within the sixth floor of this dungeon.
Bell said as both of them stands up.
Izuku: Can you still fight with those injuries?
Bell: *grunts* Y-Yeah, I think so. But right now, please let me handle these guys...
He says with a grunt as he prepares his fighting stance, ready to fight the Foul Shadows once again.
Izuku: ...I see. I understand your request. But if something bad happens, I'll step in immediately.
Bell: Thank you.
Bell said to Izuku as he looks at the Foul Shadows and begins to engage combat with them while Izuku watches him fight.
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Sunrise
Abandoned Church
It's almost morning and Hestia is waiting outside the church for Bell and Izuku to come back home but it seems that they're haven't return since last night.
Hestia: Just where did Bell and Izuku go? They didn't come back last night. Don't tell me...
Hestia said with a worried and sad expression on her face, thinking that something bad happened to them. Before she could feel more worried, Hestia begins to heard the sound of footsteps echoing throughout the place.
Hestia then ran towards where the sound of footsteps is coming from as she saw a figure approaching in front of her. When the small fog cleared up, it shows Izuku who is carrying an injured Bell from his back as Hestia widens her eyes in shock and rushes towards the two of them.
Hestia: B-Bell!! What happened to him?!
She asks Izuku in a worried tone.
Izuku: Well, he went to the dungeon to fight monsters so that he could make progress on his status.
Izuku said, trying to hide the reason why he went to the dungeon in the middle of the rainy night so that he won't make the goddess worry more.
Hestia: What?! Is that why the two of you didn't return last night?
Izuku: ...Yes and I'm sorry for that, goddess Hestia.
He says with an apologetic bow while carrying Bell from his back. Before they could go inside to the ruined church, Bell started to speak which Izuku pauses for a moment while Hestia widen her eyes in worry.
Bell: ...G-Goddess...
Hestia: W-What is it? Is something wrong?
She asks Bell in a worried tone.
Bell: ...I want to get stronger.
He says with a smile. When he said that, Hestia understood what he meant as she takes a deep sigh and gives him a small smile.
Hestia: *sighs* Okay then. But first, we need to clean his injuries and patch him up. Follow me, Izuku.
Izuku: Yes, goddess Hestia.
To be continued...
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A/n: 13.8k+ words... I just got my high-score in word count at writing. It was tough for me but at least I managed to publish it for you guys. I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter.
Next Chapter: "Into the Dungeon, Izuku"
Goodbye and Stay Safe!