Bell Cranell stood at the gates of Orario, his crimson eyes filled with wonder. Before him stretched the fabled Labyrinth City, a place where adventurers carved their names into legend. At the heart of it all loomed Babel, the tower that soared into the heavens, standing as both a gateway to the Dungeon and a symbol of the city's might.
The streets pulsed with life. Merchants called out their wares, the scent of sizzling meat and fresh bread mixing with the sharp tang of a blacksmith's forge. Adventurers in sturdy armor strode past, some boasting loudly, others weary from battle. Compared to his quiet hometown, Orario felt overwhelming—but also thrilling.
As he wandered toward the Guild, bits of conversation floated past him.
"Can you believe it? Felis Veltheris ranked up in just forty-three days!"
"I heard he wiped out an entire floor of monsters alone."
"No, no, the real story is that he fought a Variant Goliath and won!"
Bell paused mid-step. Felis Veltheris? He had never heard the name before, yet adventurers spoke of him in hushed awe. Forty-three days to rank up? That was unheard of. A twinge of unease crept into Bell's excitement.
'Is that the kind of strength I need to survive here…?'
He shook his head. There was no use dwelling on it now—he wasn't even an adventurer yet. Steeling himself, he quickened his pace toward the Guild.
---
The Guild's grand wooden doors swung open before Bell, revealing a spacious hall lined with counters. Guild employees assisted adventurers, their desks stacked with parchment and ink. The scent of old books and polished wood lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside.
Approaching one of the counters, Bell was met with a young woman who had short brown hair and sharp emerald eyes. She glanced up from her paperwork and offered a warm yet professional smile.
"Welcome to the Guild. My name is Eina Tulle. How can I help you?"
Bell straightened, trying to keep his nerves in check. "I—I want to become an adventurer!"
Eina's expression remained pleasant, but a flicker of concern passed through her emerald eyes. "I see. Have you joined a Familia yet?"
Bell hesitated. "Not yet… but I was hoping to start right away."
Eina sighed lightly but nodded. "Understood. I'll handle your registration, but I strongly recommend finding a Familia first. The Dungeon is unpredictable, and even veteran adventurers struggle sometimes. Are you sure about going in alone?"
Bell clenched his fists, determination lighting his gaze. "I'll manage!"
Eina sighed again but didn't argue, instead filling out the necessary paperwork. As she worked, the sound of approaching footsteps made her glance up.
"Ah, Felis-san!" she greeted.
"Morning, Eina-san. Just finished my patrol," came the casual reply.
Bell turned instinctively. Standing before him was a tall man with black hair, feline ears, and golden eyes that gleamed like a predator's. Felis Veltheris.
The same adventurer he had just heard rumors about.
Bell stiffened slightly, unsure how to react. The man didn't carry the overwhelming presence he had expected of someone so legendary—yet there was a quiet confidence in the way he moved, a sharpness in his gaze that hinted at his strength.
Eina offered Felis a smile before returning to Bell's forms. "Give me a moment to finish this."
"No rush," Felis replied, leaning lightly against the counter.
Bell's mind raced. Should he say something? Ask about the rumors? Before he could decide, Eina's voice broke the silence.
"Alright, that's everything. Just one last thing—Bell, I really think you should find a Familia first. The Dungeon is even more dangerous lately due to monster variants. If you change your mind, come see me."
Bell bowed. "Thank you for your advice, but I still want to try!"
Eina sighed again but smiled. "Then at least buy proper gear before heading in."
As Bell turned to leave, Felis finally spoke up.
"Hey, kid."
Bell paused, startled. "Y-yes?"
"The Dungeon isn't just a place of wealth, fame, and dreams. It's a house of monsters. Go in with nothing but recklessness, and you'll die."
Bell swallowed, meeting Felis's piercing gaze. He wasn't being cruel—just honest.
"I understand," Bell said quietly.
Felis studied him for a moment before looking away. "Good."
With that, Bell hurried out of the Guild, heart pounding.
---
As the doors swung shut behind Bell, Felis folded his arms. "That kid's got spirit, but does he have the guts to face reality?"
Eina shook her head. "I just hope he listens."
Felis smirked. "Some do. Most don't."
She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Speaking of reckless adventurers, today's your last patrol shift, right? The Guild has decided on a long-term plan."
Felis raised an eyebrow. "Finally. So, what's the countermeasure?"
"We're employing Takemikazuchi Familia to handle patrols and observe the monster variants. Their job is to study habits, weaknesses, and attack patterns, then input that data into Guild records. That way, new adventurers can learn how to deal with them. The Guild can't protect them forever."
Felis gave an approving nod. "Good choice. They're reliable."
Eina chuckled. "You were the one who recommended them."
"Then that just proves I was right," he said with a smirk.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Let's just hope it makes a difference."
Felis stretched slightly before pushing off the counter. "We'll see soon enough."
With that, he turned and strode toward the exit, leaving Eina to watch after him with a thoughtful expression.
---
As Felis stepped through the gates of Hearth Manor, he was met with the sight of Hestia and Narissa kneeling in the courtyard, their hands digging into the soil. The backyard garden was already flourishing, but now they had expanded their efforts, turning the front courtyard into another patch of green. The scent of fresh earth hung in the air, mingling with the faint floral notes from the blooms behind the manor. Hestia hummed softly as she pressed seeds into the soil, while Narissa carefully arranged a row of small sprouts, her fingers lightly dusted with dirt.
Felis approached, watching them for a moment before speaking. "Narissa, tomorrow we're heading back into the dungeon."
Narissa paused, brushing off her hands before looking up at him. "Understood."
"With your Magic stat already at B-rank, your growth is going to slow down," Felis continued. "Rather than diving deeper, I want you to fight alone on the tenth floor. Your other stats need to catch up. Of course, I'll step in if things get too dangerous."
Narissa's violet eyes gleamed with determination. "I agree. It's about time I started fighting monsters that aren't already crippled by you first." She clenched her fists, soil still clinging to her fingertips. "If I just keep going deeper like before, I'll end up the same as I used to be—just another mage who only relies on spells."
Felis smiled at her response. "Good mindset. Just don't go calling for my help too soon."
Narissa smirked, the corner of her lips curving up. "I'll make sure you don't even have the chance to interfere tomorrow."
Satisfied with her resolve, Felis turned his gaze to Hestia, who was still carefully planting seeds, her delicate fingers pressing them gently into the soil. "Hestia, you're not planning to go out today or tomorrow?"
She tilted her head slightly but didn't stop her work. "Why? Are you asking me out somewhere?"
Felis scoffed. "No, just curious. It's been a long time since you went out searching for Familia members… Come to think of it, you haven't done it at all since I joined."
Hestia blinked, then let out a soft hum. "Familia isn't about increasing numbers, Felis. It's about building a family. I'll leave it to fate."
Felis raised an eyebrow. "Maybe fate will work faster if you actually try."
Instead of answering right away, Hestia stood up, dusting off her dress, and moved to another flower bed. Kneeling again, she loosened the soil around the roots of a budding plant, her fingers moving with practiced ease. The sunlight caught in her black hair, a gentle breeze swaying the strands. Without looking up, she finally spoke, her voice quiet but certain.
"I already used up my fated encounter opportunity with you," she said. "So I don't feel like going out to search for more. I'm pretty sure my 'fate encounter' hasn't recharged yet."
Felis let out a quiet sigh, watching her work.
'No wonder Hephaestus kicked her out to force her to move… If she finds even a little comfort, she stops.
---
Leaving Narissa and Hestia in the courtyard, Felis made his way to the backyard, seeking a moment of solitude. He settled into the rocking chair, letting its gentle sway lull him into thought. The cool air brushed against his skin, and he exhaled slowly, golden eyes drifting toward the sky.
Today, when he looked at Bell, it was like looking into a mirror—an eager young adventurer, drawn to the unknown, driven by the thrill of battle and discovery. It reminded him of himself when he first stepped into the dungeon. But experience had tempered that eagerness with reality. Dreams alone weren't enough. Strength was the bridge between ambition and survival.
Yes, he had a cheat. Yes, his magic and skills gave him an advantage. But in the dungeon, a single misstep could mean death. No amount of talent or potential could change that simple truth.
That was why he told Bell what he did. The boy was like him—naïve, but not without resolve. His dream, even if shaped by his grandfather's influence, was still his own to chase. At first, Felis had no intention of interfering, preferring to watch from a distance and see how things played out.
But after realizing that Hestia wasn't actively searching for new members, the chance of Bell joining the Familia was practically zero. Could he really sit back and assume fate would unfold exactly as it did in the anime? No. Cause and effect ruled reality, and he had no intention of gambling on mere assumptions.
Besides, wasn't it better for Bell to grow under his watch? To gain the strength needed to stand by his ideals—so Felis wouldn't have to step in?
A smirk tugged at his lips.
If Bell could handle things himself, then Felis could sit back and enjoy a peaceful life, wrapped in the warmth of a goddess. Now that was a dream worth chasing.
With that thought, he let out a quiet chuckle and stood, stretching before heading inside. He'd check on Bell during his final patrol of the evening. But for now, it was time to prepare his gear and get some rest.
---
Bell Cranel took a deep breath as he stepped through the massive entrance leading into the Dungeon. The air grew colder, the stone walls seeming to stretch endlessly into the dimly lit corridor ahead. His heartbeat drummed in his ears, but his grip on the dagger remained firm.
'This is it. My first step toward becoming an adventurer…'
The path ahead was exactly as he'd heard—a long, straight corridor. The ceiling was high, the air still. A faint glow from the walls provided enough visibility, but the silence was unsettling. Bell's fingers twitched around the hilt of his dagger.
Then, a low growl echoed.
His body stiffened.
A goblin emerged from the side, its beady eyes locking onto him. It was short, hunched over, its green skin covered in dirt. Bell swallowed, raising his weapon, his excitement mingling with nervousness.
The goblin lunged first, snarling.
Bell barely dodged, stumbling back. His heartbeat quickened. The goblin wasn't fast, but it wasn't slow either. It swung its claws, and Bell jumped to the side before slashing with his dagger.
He missed.
The goblin's claws scraped against his armor, pushing him back. Bell gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip.
Calm down. I can do this.
This time, he waited. When the goblin charged again, he sidestepped, and as its momentum carried it forward—he struck.
The dagger sank into its throat. The goblin gagged, flailing, before it collapsed, dissolving into black ash.
For a moment, Bell just stood there, his breath ragged. His fingers trembled slightly.
Then—
"I did it…"
A grin stretched across his face. He exhaled, relief washing over him.
He had killed his first monster.
---
Encouraged, Bell ventured further. More goblins appeared, and with each fight, he grew a little more confident. His movements became more deliberate, his swings more precise.
But as time passed, his breathing grew heavier.
I need a break…
He found a spot near the wall and sat down, resting his back against the cold stone. His arms ached, his legs felt sluggish. He hadn't expected the weight of his own exhaustion to creep up so fast.
Monsters aren't that strong, but I can't keep fighting forever…
He opened his pouch, taking a sip of water. His hands weren't shaking as much anymore.
This isn't as easy as I thought.
After a few minutes, when his breathing steadied, Bell stood again. His body still felt heavy, but he couldn't just sit here. He had barely explored anything yet.
Just a little more…
---
Emboldened, Bell moved to Floor 2. It wasn't a conscious decision—more like a natural progression. The corridor widened into open spaces, and the faint sounds of movement sent chills down his spine.
Then, a kobold appeared.
It was bigger than the goblins, standing on its hind legs, lean muscles tensed beneath gray fur. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Bell, and a guttural growl vibrated in its throat.
Bell tensed. This one felt different.
The kobold charged.
Bell reacted on instinct, raising his dagger—too slow.
The monster slammed into him, sending him crashing to the ground. His breath hitched as pain jolted through his back.
He barely rolled away before the kobold's claws tore into the stone where he had been.
Bell scrambled to his feet, gasping. The kobold was already attacking again. He swung his dagger wildly—it grazed the monster's arm, but barely slowed it down.
It's faster than the goblins!
Panic crept in. He tried to dodge, but his movements were sluggish. The kobold lunged again, claws slicing into his shoulder.
Bell cried out.
The pain was sharp, burning. He staggered back, his vision swimming for a second.
I have to run!
Gritting his teeth, Bell turned and sprinted.
He could hear the kobold chasing him, claws scraping against the stone. His lungs burned, his legs screaming in protest. But he ran faster than he ever had.
His foot caught on something.
He tripped.
Panic surged as he hit the ground hard. He turned, expecting the kobold to pounce—
Instead, another adventurer's sword pierced through the monster's skull.
The kobold let out a strangled noise before dissolving into ash.
Bell gasped for breath, heart pounding.
The adventurer—a gruff-looking man—looked down at him with an unimpressed expression. "What the hell are you doing, rookie? You trying to die?"
Bell couldn't answer. He was too busy catching his breath, the pain in his shoulder pulsing.
---
Bell limped back to the surface later that day, his first dungeon dive ending in a harsh reality check.
He had fought. He had survived. But he had also almost died.
Sitting on the steps outside Babel, wrapping a cloth around his injured shoulder, he let out a slow breath.
"I need to get stronger."
The Dungeon wasn't a place for dreamers.
It was a place where the weak died.
And he refused to be weak.
---