The quiet of the Hestia Familia's church was disrupted by the faint sounds of the morning. Bell awoke with a sense of renewed purpose, the previous day's encounter with the Minotaur still fresh in his mind. Ren's prowess and bravery had left a profound impression on him. He couldn't shake the image of Ren fighting like a hero from the books he'd read. It was as if Ren had stepped straight out of a legend.
Bell's own desire to become strong had been reignited. He could no longer ignore the burning ambition inside him. If he wanted to reach the same heights as Ren, he had to push himself beyond his limits. Fueled by this newfound resolve, Bell decided to venture into the Dungeon on his own, determined to grow stronger and prove his worth.
---
*Bell's POV:*
As Bell descended deeper into the Dungeon, he felt a mixture of exhilaration and frustration. The labyrinth was unforgiving. The monsters on the second floor seemed more aggressive, their attacks relentless. Despite his best efforts, he found himself struggling against the onslaught. His heart pounded with every step, and sweat mingled with blood as he fought on.
Bell's frustration boiled over. He could feel his strength waning, and the pressure to perform seemed almost insurmountable. He wanted to achieve what Ren had so effortlessly done. He wanted to become strong, to be a hero in his own right. But the Dungeon was testing him harshly, revealing just how far he had to go.
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Meanwhile, in the Hestia Familia's church, Ren and Hestia had begun their day. Ren was still recovering from their adventures, while Hestia busied herself with her usual morning tasks. They hadn't noticed Bell's absence until the faint, ominous scent of blood reached them.
Ren: "Hestia-sama, do you smell that?"
Hestia's eyes widened, her face turning pale. She rushed outside, with Ren following closely behind. Their hearts sank as they saw Bell standing outside the church, his clothes tattered and bloodied, barely able to stand.
Ren: "Bell!"
Ren hurried to Bell's side, supporting him as the young adventurer collapsed, his energy spent. The sight was a grim reminder of the harsh reality of adventuring. Ren's mind raced, realizing that despite his own influence, some aspects of the original story remained unchanged. Bell's struggle was just as real as it had been before.
Bell, barely conscious, looked up at Ren and Hestia with a weary smile. His voice, though faint, carried a determined edge.
Bell: "I want to become strong too…"
Before he could say more, Bell's eyes fluttered shut, and he lost consciousness. Ren quickly carried him inside, laying him gently on a cot.
---
Hestia, her face a mask of concern, took a deep breath and began to update Bell's status. As the information appeared on the screen, her eyes widened in shock.
Hestia: "Ren, look at this…"
Ren joined her at the paper, seeing Bell's updated status:
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*Bell's Status:*
Name: Bell Cranel
Level: 1
Strength: B750
Dexterity: B730
Agility: B760
Endurance: B720
Magic: B740
*Skills:*
Liaris Freese: Increases Bell's growth speed as long as he has desire and determination.
Argonaut: Allows Bell to charge for a powerful single attack known as the "Hero's Strike."
---
Hestia: "This is unbelievable. Bell's skills… they're amazing! Liaris Freese will greatly enhance his growth, and Argonaut could make him a formidable fighter. But he needs to be careful. The Dungeon is dangerous."
Ren nodded, both relieved that Bell's potential was clear and worried about his well-being.
Ren: "We'll make sure he recovers properly. He has great potential, but he needs to understand his limits and not push himself too hard."
As Hestia and Ren prepared to care for Bell, they knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges. Bell's determination was admirable, but it was clear that both he and Ren had much to learn as they navigated the perilous world of Orario and the Dungeon.