The sun was slowly setting over the city of Orario, bathing its bustling streets in a soft orange light. Bell Cranel, still trembling from his encounter with the Minotaur, was walking hurriedly toward the Guild. His clothes were stained with blood—his own and the beast's—but his mind was elsewhere. A single thought echoed in his head: Who was this adventurer?
She had appeared like a divine fury, striking down the Minotaur with a grace and power that had left him speechless. That vision of her, her imposing back and her gaze ablaze with determination, remained etched in his mind.
Bell pushed open the door of the Guild energetically, attracting the attention of the few adventurers present. Some looked at him in surprise at his state. He spotted Eina, the Guild's assistant, who was putting away files behind the counter.
"Bell!" she exclaimed, rushing toward him. "By all the gods, you're hurt! What happened?"
Eina, ever attentive and maternal, placed a hand on his arm. Her gaze softened when she caught sight of Bell's troubled expression, who seemed to be searching for words.
—A… a Minotaur, he stammered, his voice trembling. I was on the 5th floor… It attacked me…
Eina's eyes widened.
— A Minotaur?! But that's impossible! That kind of monster shouldn't be at this level! How did you survive?
Bell took a deep breath.
— An adventurer… She saved me. She arrived just in time and killed the monster.
Eina, visibly relieved, frowned slightly.
— An adventurer, you say?
Bell nodded, excitement overcoming his fatigue.
—Yes, she was incredible. Tall, long dark hair, fierce eyes… She wore some kind of light armor, and she had strength and speed I had never seen.
Eina seemed to think for a moment, searching through the faces of the adventurers she knew.
— Hmm, that could be several people… Maybe a member of a renowned Familia. Did you see a symbol or hear a name?
Bell shook his head in frustration.
— No… But I need to know who she is.
Eina's gaze softened. She knew Bell well and could see that he wasn't seeking this information out of gratitude alone. He was captivated, fascinated.
"I'll see what I can find," she said softly. "But you need to rest and heal first."
"No!" Bell said, more intensely than he had intended. "I mean… I'm fine. This is really important."
Eina stared at him for a moment, then sighed, giving in to her determination.
— Very well. It could be that this adventurer belongs to the Ishtar Familia.
— Ishtar? Bell repeated, intrigued.
Eina nodded.
—Yes, it is a Familia known for its talented and fearsome members, especially among the women. If she wore armor and had that impressive aura, it could correspond to one of their fighters.
Bell felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
— Where can I learn more about her?
Eina sighed lightly.
— Bell, it would be unwise to approach the Familia Ishtar directly. Their headquarters is on the other side of Orario, in the City of Pleasure. It is not a recommended location for someone like you.
Bell, however, seemed determined.
— Never mind. I just want to thank her.
Eina shook her head, both amused and worried.
—I see I can't reason with you… Just be careful, okay? And promise me you won't get yourself into trouble.
Bell gave a shy smile, his determination still visible in his eyes.
— I promise, Eina.
As he left the Guild with a new goal in mind, Bell felt his heart beat faster. He didn't know why he felt such an urgency to find her, but one thing was certain: he couldn't move forward without knowing her name.