The morning sun bathed the open field in a soft, golden light as Bell Cranel stood at its center, his breath steady and his mind focused. Before him stood Liliruca, Ryuu, and Anya, their expressions a mix of determination and curiosity. The challenge was simple yet daunting: take the bell from Bell's grasp. But Bell had more in mind than just testing their abilities—he had a plan to refine his own skills and create something entirely new.
"Ready?" Bell asked, holding up the small silver bell, its chime clear in the morning air.
The three women nodded, each preparing themselves for the challenge. They knew Bell wouldn't make this easy, but they were eager to see how they measured up against him.
Bell closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself. He'd been training relentlessly, pushing the limits of his body and mind. He sought to achieve something that had been at the back of his mind since he started merging the various techniques and abilities he had learned. He envisioned a fighting style that combined the instinctive movements of Ultra Instinct with the precision and adaptability of Gilgamesh's weapon mastery. Added to that, the raw, flowing energy of Garou's martial arts, and the disciplined strikes of Kung Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo—all infused with the unpredictability of the Drunken Fist.
He opened his eyes, a serene calm washing over him. "Let's begin."
Without warning, Bell blurred into motion, his movements fluid and almost impossible to predict. He darted between Lili, Ryuu, and Anya, his body reacting instinctively to their attacks. Each strike they attempted was met with a perfectly timed dodge or parry, as if Bell could anticipate their moves before they even made them.
Lili, quick and cunning, tried to use her small stature to her advantage, darting around Bell to catch him off guard. But every time she got close, Bell was already there, deflecting her with a gentle yet firm push that sent her skidding back.
Ryuu, with her disciplined approach, struck with calculated precision. Her sword flashed as she aimed for the bell, but Bell's movements were like water—impossible to pin down. He flowed around her strikes, his body a blur as he evaded her attempts with an almost otherworldly grace.
Anya, relying on her cat-like agility, tried to outmaneuver Bell, but found herself thwarted at every turn. Bell's attacks were fast and unpredictable, switching between fierce kicks, open-palm strikes, and weapon conjurations that kept her on the defensive.
Despite their best efforts, Bell remained untouchable, his new fighting style beginning to take shape. He wasn't just fighting them—he was teaching them, showing them the possibilities that lay beyond traditional combat techniques. As they struggled to keep up, Bell's mind was alight with the realization that he had done it. He had fused Ultra Instinct with the skills and techniques he had mastered, creating a style that was uniquely his own.
Finally, Bell leapt into the air, flipping over the trio with a graceful twist. As he landed, he extended his arm, and a barrage of weapons from his Gate of Babylon rained down around them, forcing them to retreat. The girls regrouped, panting and frustrated, but also inspired.
"That's enough for now," Bell said, his voice calm but firm. "You've done well, but this isn't just about taking the bell. Look underneath the underneath."
The girls exchanged glances, each realizing that they had been too focused on individual efforts rather than working together. Lili spoke up first, her voice thoughtful. "We were trying to beat you on our own, but that's not how we should have approached it, is it?"
Bell nodded. "Exactly. You're all strong on your own, but together, you can achieve so much more. Think about how you can complement each other's strengths."
Ryuu's eyes narrowed with determination. "We need to approach this as a team. If we work together, we might stand a chance."
Anya grinned, her tail flicking back and forth. "I like the sound of that, nya! Let's show Mr. Bell what we're made of!"
The trio regrouped, this time coordinating their efforts. They moved as one, using their individual skills to create openings for each other. Lili's speed and cunning, Ryuu's precision and discipline, and Anya's agility and power combined into a cohesive force. Bell felt the difference immediately—their attacks were sharper, their defenses tighter. But even as they closed in on him, he remained in control, his new style allowing him to adapt and counter their every move.
The battle continued until, at last, Bell saw an opportunity. With a swift, fluid motion, he disarmed Ryuu, dodged Lili's dagger, and caught Anya's kick, spinning her around before gently tapping the bell against her forehead.
The sound of the alarm clock signaled the end of the test.
Bell smiled, lowering the bell. "You've improved a lot in just this short time. Remember, teamwork is what will carry you through the toughest challenges. Never forget that those who break the rules are trash, but those who betray their comrades are worse than trash."
The girls nodded, taking his words to heart. They were exhausted, but there was a sense of accomplishment in their eyes. They knew they had grown stronger, both individually and as a team.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and purple, the group returned to the Hestia Familia home. Dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and conversation. Bell felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he looked around the table, knowing that they were becoming more than just a Familia—they were becoming a family.
The next day, Bell found himself wandering through Orario's bustling market district. He had one goal in mind: finding armor that could keep up with his new fighting style. He needed something that was both flexible and durable, capable of withstanding the dangers of the Dungeon while allowing him the freedom to move.
His search led him to a forge where he encountered a young, red-haired blacksmith hard at work. The clang of metal against metal filled the air as the blacksmith shaped a glowing piece of iron into what would soon become a sword. Bell watched with interest, impressed by the blacksmith's skill and focus.
When the blacksmith finally noticed him, he wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned. "Hey there, name's Welf Crozzo. You lookin' for something specific?"
Bell nodded, explaining his need for a suit of armor that was both lightweight and strong. Welf listened carefully, his expression thoughtful as he considered the request.
"I think I've got just the thing for you," Welf said, leading Bell to a back room where he stored his completed works. He pulled out a set of armor that was unlike anything Bell had seen before. It was sleek and form-fitting, made of a special alloy that was both flexible and incredibly resilient. It was all-Black and it was pefect as he himslef had a very durable muscle shirt and the rest f his outfit was a great thing but if he used that in addition to the Armor Welf showed him he would be virtually invincible.
"This should do the trick," Welf said proudly. "It's designed to move with you, so you won't feel restricted, but it'll also protect you from just about anything the Dungeon can throw at you."
Bell tried on the armor and was immediately impressed by how well it fit. It felt like a second skin, allowing him to move freely without sacrificing protection. He knew this was exactly what he needed.
"This is perfect," Bell said with a smile. "Thank you, Welf. I'll take it."
Welf grinned, clearly pleased with Bell's reaction. "Glad you like it. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for more materials that could improve it even further."
The two quickly became friends, bonding over their shared passion for adventuring and the challenges they faced. Over the next week, Bell, Welf, and the rest of the Hestia Familia delved into the Dungeon, testing their limits and growing stronger together.
A week later, the Hestia Familia found themselves at a local bar, celebrating their recent successes. The atmosphere was lively, with the clinking of glasses and cheerful chatter filling the air. Bell was enjoying the company of his friends when a group of adventurers from the Apollo Familia entered the bar, their presence immediately souring the mood.
One of the Apollo Familia members, clearly drunk, staggered over to their table, sneering at them. "Well, well, if it isn't the little Familia with the useless goddess. What's it like serving under someone who can barely keep a roof over your heads?"
Bell's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Lili stood up, her expression cold. "Watch your mouth. Lady Hestia is a kind and caring goddess, and we're proud to be part of her Familia."
The Apollo member laughed, clearly unimpressed. "Proud? Of what? Being bottom-feeders? You should join a real Familia, like ours."
Before the situation could escalate further, Ryuu and Anya stood as well, their expressions matching Lili's determination. "We don't tolerate insults to our goddess," Ryuu said calmly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Anya cracked her knuckles, her usual playful demeanor replaced with a serious expression. "If you're looking for a fight, you've found one, nya."
The tension in the bar was palpable as the Apollo Familia members squared off against the Hestia Familia. It wasn't long before the first punch was thrown, and the bar erupted into chaos. Lili, Ryuu, and Anya fought with a precision and teamwork that Bell had instilled in them, quickly gaining the upper hand.
The Apollo Familia members were no match for the trio's combined might, and it wasn't long before they were retreating, nursing their wounds and cursing under their breath.
As the dust settled, Bell and the others regrouped, their expressions serious. It was clear that this confrontation was just the beginning of something bigger.
The next day, a formal invitation arrived at the Hestia Familia home. It was from Apollo himself, inviting them to a grand party at his mansion. Hestia eyed the invitation with suspicion, her gut telling her that this was no ordinary social event.
"This timing is too convenient," Hestia said, frowning. "I don't trust Apollo. There's something fishy about this party."
Bell nodded in agreement. "We should be careful. But we'll go. We can't let them think we're afraid."
The group spent the rest of the day preparing, donning their finest clothes for the event. As the sun set, casting Orario in a warm glow, the Hestia Familia set out for the Apollo mansion, ready to face whatever awaited them.
The night was just beginning, and Bell knew that whatever Apollo had planned, they would face it together, as a family.