The dungeon floor was eerily quiet, the usual cacophony of monster roars and echoing footsteps replaced by a sense of stillness. Bell Cranel stood in the center of the vast chamber, his crimson eyes narrowing as he sensed something...different. Something big. His body tensed, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.
Three massive presences suddenly emerged, their power dwarfing anything he had encountered before, including even the most powerful Dungeon bosses. They surged into being, raw, untamed forces of nature. It was as if the earth itself shuddered at their birth. Bell's Six Eyes, which gave him unparalleled perception of the world, focused on the monstrous signatures.
In an instant, they were gone.
Not defeated, not destroyed—but teleported. Moved with purpose, as if by some ancient, unseen hand. Bell's brow furrowed in concentration, and his heart sank as he realized where they had been transported.
They weren't just outside the Dungeon; they were outside the city itself, somewhere beyond Orario's perimeter. It was clear what this meant—these monsters were sent out to wreak havoc, and they were not ordinary threats. No, these were calamities that were not meant to stay within the confines of the Dungeon.
Reflections on an Ancient History:
Bell's thoughts swirled as he considered the implications. He had always doubted the so-called "Great Quests." The three legendary beasts that every adventurer spoke of: the Behemoth, the Leviathan, and the One-Eyed Black Dragon. How could they have truly been defeated in an era that had supposedly been filled with heroes like the Zeus and Hera Familias? It never quite made sense to him that they had been taken down only shortly before his own birth.
If they were such threats, wouldn't they respawn in even greater forms? Growing in power until they could rival the gods themselves, driven by the Dungeon—their mother, their creator—to fulfill their destructive roles?
It was becoming increasingly apparent that Bell's hunch was correct. He had sensed their reappearance with his Six Eyes, and it seemed these monstrous beings had returned, perhaps more powerful than ever before, ready to challenge the world anew.
Bell stood there, resolute, knowing what he had to do. His face was calm, but his mind was already working through the steps. There was no panic, only determination. The Dungeon had thrown down the gauntlet, and he had every intention of rising to meet it.
Without wasting a second, Bell turned and began his journey upwards. He moved through the Dungeon with efficiency and purpose, avoiding unnecessary fights, taking only the shortest paths. Within a short while, he reached the surface, his thoughts never wavering from the task ahead.
After returning to the Guild, he handed over the monster stones he had collected on his way out, receiving his reward with little fanfare. Eina, his Guild advisor, noticed something different about him. There was an air of urgency about Bell today, and it worried her.
"Bell, is everything alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Bell looked at her, his expression serious but gentle. "Eina, there's something important I need to do. Please trust me."
She nodded, her unease growing, but she knew Bell well enough to understand that he wouldn't take unnecessary risks. Whatever he was about to do, it was something that had to be done.
Bell left the Guild Hall and made his way to the temple where Ouranos resided. The towering structure loomed above him, an ancient presence that spoke of authority and timeless power. Bell approached the main hall, where Fels greeted him, the hooded figure immediately sensing the gravity in Bell's demeanor.
"Bell Cranel," Fels intoned, "what brings you here in such haste?"
"I need to speak with Ouranos," Bell replied, his voice unwavering. "Please call for an emergency Denatus—an assembly of all the gods and goddesses. I have something that must be reported, immediately."
Fels's eyes—hidden beneath the shadows of their hood—seemed to scrutinize Bell for a moment before they nodded. "Very well. Follow me."
The Council of the Gods:
Within an hour, the assembly was arranged. Gods and goddesses, with all their charisma and divine power, gathered in the massive hall that served as the meeting place for Denatus. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to irritation—many were not pleased at being summoned so urgently without prior notice. Freya, Loki, Hephaestus, and Hermes were among the notable deities present, their eyes fixed on the young adventurer standing at the center of the room.
Hestia, too, was there, her face a mask of concern, though she trusted Bell with all her heart. She knew that if he was asking for such a meeting, it was serious.
Ouranos, sitting at the head of the assembly, raised his hand, signaling the beginning of the meeting. "Bell Cranel, you requested this emergency Denatus. Speak, and let us hear your report."
Bell stood tall, his eyes meeting those of the gathered deities. He could feel the weight of their divine presence pressing down on him, but he refused to waver.
"I have sensed something within the Dungeon—something unprecedented," Bell began, his voice carrying clearly across the hall. "Three massive presences emerged in the depths, far more powerful than anything we have faced before. They did not remain in the Dungeon; they were teleported outside—beyond Orario's borders."
Murmurs spread through the assembly. The gods exchanged glances, their interest piqued. Freya's eyes narrowed, and Loki leaned forward, her smirk fading into something more serious.
"These three presences," Bell continued, "I believe them to be the Behemoth, the Leviathan, and the One-Eyed Black Dragon—reborn, perhaps stronger than ever. I have reason to believe that these creatures are not defeated for good when slain. They return, more powerful each time, as if the Dungeon itself wills them to grow until they can match even the gods."
The room fell silent, the gravity of Bell's words sinking in. The return of the Three Great Beasts—monsters of legend, each capable of untold destruction—was a matter of utmost importance. If what Bell said was true, Orario—and indeed the entire world—could be in grave danger.
Ouranos's deep voice broke the silence. "If what you say is true, then this is indeed a crisis. The Great Quests were thought to be completed, but it seems the Dungeon has different plans."
Freya's eyes were locked on Bell, her interest in him intensifying. This young mortal was not just powerful—he had insight, awareness, and a deep understanding of the Dungeon's will. She could see the determination burning within him, and it only made her desire to see him rise even more.
Loki spoke up, her voice unusually serious. "So, what's the plan then, Little Rookie? You think you're gonna go out there and handle them on your own?"
Bell shook his head. "No. This is a threat that concerns everyone. I am willing to fight, but I know this battle will require more than just my Familia. We need to prepare—together. We need to unite our strength, just as the heroes of old did."
Hestia stepped forward, her small figure radiating determination. "My Familia will fight," she declared, her voice firm. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect this world."
The other gods began to nod, one by one, their expressions hardening with resolve. This was no time for petty rivalries or selfish desires. The return of the Great Beasts meant that the world itself was under threat, and they would need to stand united if they were to face this new challenge.
Ouranos's voice boomed across the hall, finalizing the decision. "Very well. We shall prepare for war. Bell Cranel, you have done well to bring this to our attention. May your courage inspire all who stand with you."
Bell bowed his head, the weight of the task ahead settling on his shoulders. He knew this was only the beginning—a great battle awaited them, one that would test the strength and resolve of every adventurer and deity in Orario.
But Bell was ready. He had faced impossible odds before, and he would do so again. This was his purpose—to protect, to fight, and to rise above every challenge the Dungeon threw at him.
And with the support of his Familia, and the gods themselves, he would face whatever came his way—no matter how great the beast, no matter how powerful the foe.