Bell Cranel stood outside the modest shrine that served as the home of the Takemikazuchi Familia. The shrine was tucked away in a quieter part of Orario, far from the bustling main streets. Bell had come seeking advice from the god Takemikazuchi, a deity known for his martial prowess and the discipline he instilled in his followers. As Bell approached, the door slid open, and he was greeted by Takemikazuchi himself.
"Bell Cranel," Takemikazuchi said warmly, his voice deep and resonant. "It's good to see you. Please, come in."
Bell bowed respectfully before stepping inside. The interior of the shrine was simple but well-kept, reflecting the values of the god and his followers. They sat across from each other, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, Bell explained the reason for his visit.
"I've been working on strengthening my Familia," Bell began. "But I wanted to ask for your advice on how to better train them, to bring out their full potential."
Takemikazuchi nodded thoughtfully. "Training a Familia is not just about physical strength, Bell. It's about discipline, unity, and understanding each member's strengths and weaknesses. You must train not only their bodies but their spirits as well. A Familia must be like a well-forged blade—strong, sharp, and unbreakable."
Bell listened intently, absorbing every word. Takemikazuchi continued, offering insights on team dynamics, strategies for improving individual skills, and ways to foster trust and camaraderie among Familia members.
As they talked, Bell's gaze drifted to a small framed picture on a shelf nearby. It depicted a renart—a fox-eared girl with long, flowing blonde hair and a serene expression. Bell felt a strange pull toward the image, a sense that there was something more behind the calm exterior captured in the picture.
"Who is she?" Bell asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Takemikazuchi's expression darkened slightly. "Her name is Haruhime. She was once a very close friend of my Familia, a kind and gentle soul. But she was taken away, sold to the Ishtar Familia to be used as a slave in their... operations."
Bell's eyes narrowed. He had heard of the Ishtar Familia, one of the more notorious groups in Orario. They controlled the Pleasure Quarter, a district known for its red-light activities and less-than-savory dealings.
"Why haven't you gone after her?" Bell asked, though he already suspected the answer.
"We're too weak," Takemikazuchi admitted, a rare note of frustration in his voice. "The Ishtar Familia is powerful, with strong adventurers and the goddess Ishtar herself. If we tried to rescue Haruhime by force, it would be a suicide mission."
Bell clenched his fists, anger bubbling up inside him. The thought of someone being forced into such a life, especially someone who was once cherished by her Familia, was unbearable. He took a deep breath, calming himself before speaking again.
"Then let me help," Bell said, his voice firm. "I'll liberate Haruhime and bring her back to you. But in exchange, I'd like you to transfer Yamato Mikoto to my Familia. I believe she'll be a valuable addition, and I'll need all the help I can get for this mission."
Takemikazuchi studied Bell for a moment, his dark eyes weighing the offer. Finally, he nodded. "If you can save Haruhime, I'll agree to the transfer. Mikoto is a skilled warrior, and she respects you. She'll follow your lead."
Bell stood, determination etched on his face. "Thank you. I promise I won't let you down."
Back at the Hestia Familia home, Bell gathered his team—Ryuu, Liliruca, Anya, and the newly transferred Mikoto. Hestia sat nearby, listening intently as Bell laid out the plan for the night.
"Our mission is to infiltrate the Pleasure Quarter and rescue Haruhime from the Ishtar Familia," Bell explained. "We'll hit them hard and fast, taking down key hotspots in the district to create confusion and weaken their defenses. Ryuu, you and I will handle the main force. Mikoto, Lili, and Anya will cover the flanks and support us."
Hestia frowned, worry creasing her brow. "Bell, are you sure about this? The Ishtar Familia is dangerous."
"I know," Bell replied, his voice steady. "But we have the element of surprise, and I've trained for this. I won't let anything happen to any of you."
The plan was set, and as night fell, they moved silently through the city toward the Pleasure Quarter. The district was bustling with activity, but the Hestia Familia moved like shadows, slipping unnoticed into the heart of Ishtar's territory.
Bell's team split up as planned, each group targeting specific locations. Bell and Ryuu led the charge, taking down Ishtar Familia members with precision and speed. The clash of weapons and cries of battle echoed through the streets, but the Hestia Familia pushed forward relentlessly.
Bell fought with a calm fury, his movements fluid and deadly. He used his blades with expert skill, cutting through enemy after enemy. Ryuu, with her elven grace and martial prowess, was a blur beside him, dispatching foes with swift strikes.
They reached the inner sanctum of the Pleasure Quarter, where Haruhime was being held. Bell kicked down the door, revealing the frightened renart girl inside. She was surrounded by a handful of guards, but they barely had time to react before Bell and Ryuu cut them down.
Haruhime stared at Bell, her green eyes wide with shock and fear. "Who... who are you?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Bell sheathed his sword and extended a hand to her, his expression softening. "My name is Bell Cranel. I'm here to rescue you. You don't have to be afraid anymore."
Haruhime hesitated, then slowly reached out to take his hand. As their fingers touched, a tear slipped down her cheek. "I... I don't deserve to be saved," she said, her voice breaking. "I'm not worth it..."
Bell shook his head, gently pulling her to her feet. "Everyone deserves to be saved, Haruhime. No matter what you've been through, you're worth fighting for. I promise, I'll be your hero."
Haruhime looked up at him, her heart pounding in her chest. In that moment, as she saw the conviction in Bell's eyes, something inside her shifted. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she dared to hope.
Bell turned to Ryuu. "Let's get her out of here."
They fought their way back through the district, reuniting with the rest of the team as they made their escape. By the time they reached the safety of their home, Haruhime was exhausted but safe, surrounded by people who cared about her.
Later that night, the Hestia Familia gathered in their main hall. Bell stood before them, Haruhime by his side. "We did it," Bell announced. "Haruhime is free, and we've struck a blow against the Ishtar Familia."
There were murmurs of approval and pride from the group. Bell smiled at them, then continued. "But there's something else you need to know. Earlier today, I accepted a challenge from Apollo. We're going to be fighting in a War Game."
The room fell silent, tension rising. Bell could see the concern on their faces, but he remained calm. "I know it sounds daunting, but we're not going into this unprepared. Starting tomorrow, we'll be diving deep into the Dungeon for an intense training camp. We'll come back stronger, faster, and ready to take on anything."
He turned to Hestia, his gaze firm. "And that includes you, Lady Hestia. You won't be staying behind this time."
Hestia's eyes widened in surprise. "But Bell, gods aren't supposed to enter the Dungeon..."
"I know," Bell replied, reaching into his coat and pulling out a small, intricate device. "That's why I got these: divinity suppressors. They'll restrain your divine power and enhance your stamina, making it safe for you to join us."
Hestia stared at the device, then back at Bell, who gave her a reassuring smile. "You're not just our goddess, Lady Hestia. You're part of our Familia. And that means you train with us, fight with us, and grow with us."
The determination in Bell's eyes was unwavering. Hestia felt a rush of emotion—pride, fear, excitement—all mixed together. She knew this would be dangerous, but she also knew that Bell was right. She couldn't remain a bystander forever.
"Alright," Hestia said, her voice steady. "I'll do it. I'll train with you all."
The Familia erupted in cheers, their spirits lifted by the goddess's resolve. Bell nodded, satisfied. "Get some rest, everyone. Tomorrow, we begin the training that will make us unstoppable."
As they dispersed, Bell turned to Haruhime, who had been silent throughout the meeting. "Haruhime, I know this is all new and probably overwhelming, but I want you to know that you're part of our Familia now. We'll protect you, and we'll help you grow stronger."
Haruhime looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Bell. I... I don't know how to repay you."
Bell smiled gently. "You don't have to repay me. Just stay with us, and let us help you find your place here."
As the night drew to a close, Bell stood by the window, looking out over Orario. He knew the challenges ahead would be difficult, but with his Familia by his side, he was ready to face them. The War Game with Apollo, the training in the Dungeon, and the path to becoming stronger—all of it lay before him.
And Bell Cranel, with his unwavering determination and the support of those he cared about, was ready to seize it all.