Dusk was falling on Orario as Bell stepped through the door of the Familia Hestia mansion. The soft light of the lanterns illuminated the modest but warm walls of the hearth he called home. As he crossed the threshold, he felt a slight apprehension knot in his stomach. What he was about to announce would not be simple.
In the main room, Hestia was already waiting for him, sitting cross-legged on a soft cushion. Her black hair adorned with its eternal blue locks fell gracefully over her shoulders, but her eyes sparkled with an almost childish excitement.
"Bell! You're finally here!" she called out, a wide smile on her lips.
Bell hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. But before he could answer, a familiar voice rang out from the stairs.
"Bell-sama, you're finally here!" Lili, in her usual tactical support outfit, quickly came down. "You look worried. Is everything okay?"
Welf Crozzo arrived shortly after, hammer still in hand, clearly interrupted in the middle of his work. "Hey, Bell. You look funny. Are you up to no good or something?"
Mikoto, silent but attentive, also entered the room, her kimono impeccable and her expression calm.
With everyone gathered, Bell cleared his throat, trying to calm the slight tremor in his voice.
"Well… I have something to tell you."
Hestia, still cheerful, clapped her hands. "What, what? Go ahead, I'm listening!"
Bell took a deep breath. "The Loki Familia… invited me to accompany them on their next expedition into the Dungeon."
A silence fell over the room. The incredulous gazes of his companions immediately turned to him.
"What?!" Hestia exclaimed, jumping up. "The Loki Familia?! You mean that damn arrogant goddess's Familia?!"
Welf frowned. "Wait a minute. You want to go down with them? These guys explore levels that even the most seasoned adventurers avoid!"
"Bell-sama, are you serious?" Lili added, crossing her arms. "You know how demanding they are. Just because they flatter you doesn't mean they won't consider you as a mere support."
Bell raised his hands to calm their worries. "I know it sounds crazy, but listen to me. I want to become stronger. And this expedition is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know it will be hard, but… I want to try."
Hestia, who had been standing still for a moment, narrowed her eyes, a worried glint in her gaze. "Bell... Do you realize what you're saying? These floors... they're no walk in the park. You could..."
Her voice choked slightly, but she quickly resumed. "You might not come back."
Hestia's words hit Bell hard. He understood his fear, but he also knew he couldn't back down.
"Goddess," he said softly, "I promise to come back. I won't do anything stupid. But if I truly want to protect you, if I want to protect everyone here, I have to take this chance."
Hestia stared at him for a long time, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Finally, she sighed, her expression softening.
"You're stubborn, Bell Cranel… as always." She stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "But if this is truly what you want, then I will support you. I am your goddess, after all. And when you return, I will make sure you have a proper feast."
Bell smiled in relief. "Thank you, goddess."
Lili, though still worried, sighed. "Bell-sama… Just take care of yourself, okay?"
Welf patted his shoulder with a smirk. "Hey, don't get yourself killed before I can give you a new sword."
Mikoto, silent until then, bowed slightly. "I will pray for your safety, Bell-sama. Please come back safely."
A few days later, the time had come. The sun had barely risen, and Bell stood before the imposing entrance to the Dungeon, where the Loki Familia was already gathered.
Loki herself seemed in good spirits, exchanging pleasantries
with Tiona and Tione. Aiz, silent as usual, checked her equipment.
Riveria, tall and imposing, turned to Bell as he arrived. "You're on time. Good. We're leaving immediately."
Tiona greeted Bell enthusiastically. "Hey, Argonaut-kun! Ready for hell?"
Bell nodded, his gaze determined. "Yes."
As they entered the Dungeon, Bell took one last look at Orario. He knew he was leaving behind everything familiar to face unprecedented dangers.
But he was ready .
To be continued!