Night had fallen on Orario, and the glow of the glowing stones that lined the streets was not enough to mask the darkness that consumed Bell Cranel's soul. He sat in a corner of the tavern, wearing a worn and dust-stained cloak, clutching his tankard in trembling hands. His throat burned, but not as much as his shattered pride.
Since his arrival in this city of the gods, nothing had been as he had hoped. Bell, naive and full of dreams, had imagined finding a Familia, making friends and climbing the ranks to become a legendary hero, like those in the tales he loved. But Orario had only greeted him with spit and blows.
A deep voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"So, kid, you want anything else? Or are you done feeling sorry for yourself?" asked the bartender, a large man whose arms looked like they were carved from marble.
Bell looked up, his red pupils glowing with a light he didn't yet recognize.
"I… I'm looking for a goddess. A Familia. Someone who would give me a chance."
The bartender raised an eyebrow, looking doubtful.
"A goddess? Are you serious? Have you seen the state you're in? Even the most desperate Familia won't want you."
The young man clenched his fists.
"There has to be one! One that would accept someone like me."
A heavy silence fell. The bartender finally let out a sigh.
"If you're looking to throw yourself into the lion's den, there's Ishtar. But listen up, kid: she's not a goddess for guys like you. She rules the pleasure district. Her Amazons will eat you alive before you even set foot in front of her."
Bell felt a spark of hope, however small.
"How can I find her?"
The bartender frowned.
"Do you really want to get into this kind of trouble?"
A bitter glint lit up Bell's eyes.
"Orario turned his back on me. Those people did nothing to save my village. They rejected me, humiliated me. If I have to sacrifice everything to become someone, then I will. Even if it means selling my soul."
The bartender watched him silently, then, with a weary gesture, pointed in a direction.
"Then go to the Pleasure Quarter. Avoid the patrolling Amazons and find a way to get her attention. But remember, kid: once you enter Ishtar's world, there's no turning back."
Bell drained his mug and stood. His legs were shaking, but his heart burned with new determination. Tonight, a silent oath was born within him. He would avenge his village. He would climb the ladder. And he would bend Orario to his knee, even if it meant walking in the shadows to do so.
The night stretched out before him, cold and cruel, but Bell Cranel was no longer afraid.
Chapter 2: A Meeting in the Night
Bell dressed carefully, his clothes modest but clean, carefully laundered the day before. He knew he was entering unfamiliar and dangerous territory. If he wanted to get noticed by Ishtar, he had to at least look presentable. Adjusting his coat, he took a deep breath and left the tavern, his heart beating at a frantic pace.
The pleasure district loomed before him, a labyrinth lit with red and gold lanterns. Laughter, murmurs, and the heady smells of perfume and incense filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was both captivating and oppressive. Bell advanced cautiously, avoiding the gazes and patrols of the fearsome Amazons, the warriors in service of Ishtar.
But his furtive journey was interrupted.
"Well, well… What do we have here?"
The voice was soft, tinged with dangerous amusement. Bell looked up and came face to face with a woman who seemed to have stepped straight out of a dream. Aisha Belka, an Amazon in the service of Ishtar, stood before him, towering over him with her imposing stature. Her tanned skin, piercing eyes, and black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a smile that was as seductive as it was menacing.
Bell felt his throat tighten.
"I… I didn't mean to get in your way, ma'am…" he stammered, taking a few steps back.
Aisha burst out laughing, a warm, melodious sound that disarmed him.
"Ma'am? This is the first time anyone has called me that. So, kid, what are you doing here? Have you lost your way?"
Bell hesitated, but he knew he couldn't back down now. He squared his shoulders slightly, gathering his courage.
"I seek… I seek Ishtar. I want to ask her blessing."
Aisha's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of surprise in her eyes. She crossed her arms, her metal bracelets clinking softly.
"You? Such a cute boy, in a place like this, looking to meet our goddess?"
Bell nodded, his gaze determined.
"I know it's crazy. But I need to get stronger, and no one has given me a chance. If Ishtar can offer me a way, I'm willing to do anything."
Aisha looked at him, intrigued. She tilted her head slightly, her long hair brushing his shoulder.
"Everything, huh? Interesting." She approached him, her steps light but confident. "You know, the men who come here don't talk like you do. They usually want something more… immediate. Have you ever considered buying me for the night?"
Bell's face turned red.
"If I had the money, I would buy you every night so I could gaze at you… but that's not why I'm here."
Aisha's laugh rang out again, genuine and warm this time.
"You really are a funny kid. But you have to be a little more than cute and brave to get Ishtar's attention. Are you sure about this? Once you step foot in her world, there's no going back."
Bell clenched his fists, his expression resolute.
"No matter the risks. I will do anything to become stronger."
Aisha stared at him silently for a long moment, weighing his words. She finally smiled, a mixture of fascination and amusement lighting up her face.
"Very well, little one. I will give you a chance. Follow me. But do not delude yourself. Ishtar is not a goddess who gives her blessing for free."
Bell nodded and followed Aisha into the dark, winding alleys of the pleasure district. His heart was pounding, but he knew this moment would be the first step toward his revenge…and toward a future he could not yet imagine.
To be continued