The sun was beginning to set over Orario, casting the streets in hues of orange and gold. Bell Cranel wandered through the bustling marketplace, his mind still occupied with the thoughts of his recent battles in the Dungeon. Despite the victories he had achieved, there was a sense of unease that gnawed at him, something he couldn't quite shake off.
As he made his way through the crowd, the familiar sounds of merchants hawking their wares and adventurers discussing their exploits filled the air. Yet, amidst the noise, Bell's sharp ears picked up something that didn't belong—a distressed cry, muffled and desperate.
Curiosity and concern mingling in his chest, Bell followed the sound down a narrow alleyway, away from the prying eyes of the marketplace. His heart sank when he saw the source of the noise: Liliruca Arde, the small pallum girl who had once been his original counterparts companion and supporter, was being harshly mistreated by a group of Soma Familia members.
"Come on, Lili, you know the rules. Hand over the money, or else!" one of the thugs sneered, his hand gripping Lili's arm tightly.
Lili struggled in vain, her small frame unable to fight back against the much larger adventurers. "I've given you everything I earned! Please, just let me go!"
The thug scoffed and raised his hand as if to strike her. But before he could bring it down, a strong hand grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. The thug turned, eyes widening as he saw Bell standing there, his expression a mix of anger and resolve.
"If I were you, I'd let her go," Bell said, his voice calm but filled with an underlying threat.
The thug hesitated, glancing at his companions for support, but none of them dared to challenge Bell. The recent stories of his exploits had spread through Orario like wildfire, and no one was foolish enough to provoke him.
With a frustrated growl, the thug released Lili's arm, shoving her toward Bell. "Fine, take her. She's nothing but trouble anyway."
Bell caught Lili as she stumbled, pulling her close to protect her from any further harm. The Soma Familia members exchanged uneasy glances before slinking away, clearly unwilling to risk a confrontation with someone as powerful as Bell.
As they disappeared, Bell knelt down to Lili's level, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Are you okay, Lili?"
Lili's eyes filled with tears, and she nodded, though her expression was one of confusion and pain. "Why did you help me, Mr. Bell? I… I don't deserve your kindness."
Bell's heart ached at her words. He knew all too well the struggles Lili had faced, trapped under the oppressive influence of the Soma Familia. But he also knew that she deserved better—a chance at a new life, free from the chains that had held her down for so long.
"You deserve to be treated with respect, Lili," Bell said gently. "No one has the right to hurt you like that. You're not alone anymore."
Lili's tears spilled over, and she buried her face in Bell's chest, sobbing quietly. Bell held her close, offering her the comfort she so desperately needed. After a few moments, Lili pulled back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Bell," she whispered, her voice shaky. "But… I don't know what to do. I'm still part of the Soma Familia. I can't just leave…"
Bell's expression hardened with determination. "You can, Lili. I'll help you. We can go to Lord Soma and have your blessing removed. You don't have to stay with them anymore."
Lili looked up at him, hope and fear warring in her eyes. The idea of freedom was almost too much to comprehend, but there was also a deep-seated fear of the unknown. What would happen to her if she left? Would she truly be free, or would she just fall into another trap?
Seeing her hesitation, Bell placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to do this alone. If you want, you can join the Hestia Familia. We'll take care of you, and you'll have a family that truly cares about you."
Lili's breath hitched at the offer. The thought of joining a Familia that valued her for who she was, rather than what she could provide, was a dream she had long given up on. And yet, here it was, within her grasp.
After a long moment, Lili nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Okay… I'll do it. I want to be free."
Bell smiled, his heart swelling with pride for the brave decision she had made. "Let's go, then."
The process of removing Lili's blessing from Soma was easier than Bell had expected. Perhaps it was because Soma himself was indifferent, too absorbed in his own world to care about the loss of a Familia member. With the blessing removed, Lili was officially free, and it wasn't long before she received a new blessing from Hestia, joining the Familia that would become her new home.
But freedom, it seemed, was something Lili had to learn to accept. As she stood in the middle of the Hestia Familia's home, looking around at the warm, welcoming space, she felt a strange mix of emotions. Relief, yes, but also uncertainty. She had been a slave to Soma's will for so long that the concept of making her own choices felt alien.
Hestia approached her with a kind smile, her eyes filled with understanding. "Lili, you don't have to worry. You're safe here, and you can take your time adjusting. We're your family now, and we're here to support you."
Lili nodded, grateful for the reassurance, but still unsure of how to navigate this new chapter of her life. She knew it would take time, but with Bell and Hestia by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could find her place here.
Over the next few days, Bell's focus shifted to expanding the Hestia Familia. With Lili now a member, he knew they needed more strength to face the challenges ahead. His first thought was to recruit from the Hostess of Fertility, a tavern known not only for its food and drink but also for the formidable skills of its staff.
Bell entered the Hostess with a determined look, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on two women who had caught his attention during previous visits. Anya Fromel, the lively catgirl with boundless energy, and Ryuu Lion, the reserved elf with a mysterious past.
He approached them with a warm smile. "Anya, Ryuu, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Anya's ears perked up, and she bounded over to him with a grin. "Bell! What's up, nya?"
Ryuu followed more calmly, her green eyes watching Bell with quiet curiosity. "What is it you wish to discuss, Bell?"
Bell took a deep breath, his expression serious. "I've been thinking… with the way things are in Orario, and the threats we're facing in the Dungeon, I want to strengthen the Hestia Familia. I know how strong both of you are, and I was wondering if you'd consider joining us."
Anya's eyes widened in surprise, while Ryuu's gaze sharpened. "You want us to join your Familia?" Ryuu asked, her tone measured.
"Yes," Bell replied, his voice earnest. "I know it's a lot to ask, but I believe we could accomplish great things together. And… you'd have a family that supports you, just like I do."
Anya's tail flicked back and forth as she thought it over, her usual playful demeanor giving way to a more thoughtful expression. "That's a big decision, nya… but I like you, Bell. And Hestia seems really nice. I'd love to join!"
Ryuu remained silent for a moment longer, her eyes searching Bell's for something unspoken. Finally, she nodded. "I will join as well. I believe in your resolve, Bell. And I think we can help each other grow."
Bell's heart soared with their agreement. With Anya and Ryuu now part of the Hestia Familia, their strength and numbers were growing, and with it, their potential to face whatever challenges awaited them.
With the new members settled in, Bell knew it was time to start training. He gathered everyone in an open field just outside the city, where they could practice without interruption. As the sun rose in the sky, casting a warm glow over the area, Bell addressed the trio.
"Today, we're going to focus on teamwork and individual growth," Bell announced, his voice filled with determination. "We all have our own strengths, but we need to learn how to work together if we want to succeed."
He glanced at each of them in turn—Lili, Anya, Ryuu, "To accomplish that, we're going to do a special exercise. I call it the 'Bell Test'."
Lili tilted her head in confusion. "The Bell Test?"
Bell grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "That's right. The goal is simple: you have to take this bell from me." He held up a small silver bell, its surface glinting in the sunlightas it chimed in the light breeze. "But here's the catch—You have try as hard as you can, because I won't be holding back at all."
The group exchanged uncertain glances, but there was an underlying excitement in the air. They knew this was a chance to push themselves, to learn from Bell and each other.
"Ready?''
''Go!"