Danmachi The hero Begins

Deep in the dungeon, on level 17, Ottar faced a colossal minotaur, isolated in a vast cavern. Unlike its brethren, this minotaur had a glint of intelligence in its eyes. It roared, but Ottar did not flinch.

—You will be a real challenge for Bell Cranel, he murmured.

Without warning, Ottar drew his massive sword and charged. The fight was not meant to kill, but to train. Ottar dominated the creature, but never fatally struck it.

—If you want to survive against me, become stronger, Ottar ordered in a cold voice.

The minotaur quickly understood that it was not just about defending himself. Every move Ottar made was aimed at pushing the beast to perfect its attacks and make its reflexes sharper.

For hours, Freya's captain confronted him, using his immense strength to mold the monster into a living weapon, ready to challenge a promising adventurer.

Freya watched from the surface with a satisfied smile.

— Perfect, Ottar. It's almost ready.

Meanwhile, in a secluded training ground in Orario, Aiz and Bell were in the middle of a session. Aiz, always calm and methodical, watched as Bell chained together clumsy strikes against a training dummy.

— Faster. Your timing is bad, she said.

Bell was panting, his forehead beading with sweat.

— I-I'm doing my best, Aiz-san!

— That's not enough. If you want to survive in the dungeon, you have to go beyond your maximum.

She stepped forward, taking a defensive stance with her sword.

— Attack me.

Bell hesitated.

— But… I can't do that!

Aiz looked at him impassively.

— If you don't attack, I will attack you.

Without waiting for a response, she charged, her sword slicing through the air. Bell parried it with his dagger in extremis, but the force of the blow sent him stumbling backwards.

—Focus, Aiz ordered.

Bell stood up and attempted a counterattack, but his movements were haphazard. Aiz dodged easily, getting behind him in the blink of an eye.

— Your intentions are predictable. Change your pace.

Hours passed, and despite his fatigue, Bell refused to give up. By the end of the day, he was out of breath, but he could already feel an improvement.

—Thank you, Aiz-san, he said weakly.

Aiz nodded, giving a slight smile.

— Tomorrow we will continue.

After training, Aiz suggested a detour.

—I want Jagamarus, she said suddenly.

Bell, surprised, enthusiastically accepted.

— J-Jagamarus? Yes, let's go!

They went to a stand on a busy street in Orario. Aiz, usually stoic, showed an almost childlike interest as she observed the golden pastries.

— Two Jagamarus, please, she asked the seller.

As they waited for their order, a familiar voice rang out in front of them.

— BEEEELL!

Bell sat up to see Hestia, her arms crossed, her cheeks puffed out in anger.

— You again, with another woman! And it's… Aiz Wallenstein this time!

— H-Hestia-sama! It's not what you think! Bell tried to explain, his hands raised in defense.

Aiz, unfazed, bit into her Jagamaru.

— Bell accompanied me. Nothing more, she said calmly.

Hestia, fuming, approached Bell and tugged on his sleeve.

— You! Come here! Why are you always surrounded by women?!

— I-It was just training, Hestia-sama! Bell stammered.

Passers-by, amused by the scene.

Bell explained the situation and asked for permission.

—To ease the tension, young goddess.

Hestia reluctantly agreed, growling slightly, but it seemed to calm her fury.

Not far away, Syr happened to see them while she was walking down the street. She stopped, observing them from afar.

"Bell-kun… with another woman again?" she whispered, a glint of worry in her eyes.

She noticed the natural complicity between Bell and Aiz, as well as Hestia's protective presence. Lightly clutching her basket of groceries, she turned around, her expression becoming unreadable.

— I wonder how long this will last…

In the dungeon, the minotaur was now stronger, faster, and smarter. Ottar let him rest, watching his progress with satisfaction.

— Bell Cranel will not be able to ignore this challenge, he whispered.

Meanwhile, Bell walked home with Aiz, reflecting on the lessons learned.

— Aiz-san… thank you again for today. Thanks to you, I feel like I'm getting stronger.

Aiz looked at him, her expression softening.

— Keep practicing, Bell. You have potential.

As they parted ways, Bell felt a surge of gratitude and determination. Little did he know, his next challenge was fast approaching.