Journey of the Hestia Familia Myth

Within this world there exists the city of Orario, the City of Adventurers. Mortals of all races would travel to this city in pursuit of their own desires and dreams. For this is the city of Adventures.

Orario was built over a massive dungeon that spawned monsters and threatened the lives of all who lived on the surface and in the past were left unchecked save for the efforts of a few brave heroes who made contracts with the  enigmatic Spirits and fought back against these endless hordes.

It was only when the Gods above came down from "Tenkai" and sealed the dungeon with the Tower of Babel, they offered their own gifts to the ones living on the surface. The mortals were able to fend for themselves, and the contracts between Spirits and Mortals fell out of use in favor of the Gods' Blessings, the Falna.

The Falna is the grace given by the Gods to members of their family, or Familia. Within these Familia are Adventurers who make use of their Gods' Falna to make a living both within Orario and its dungeon and outside of it. The power of the Falna increases the more experience (known as excelia) they gather. This excelia is written upon their Falna, allowing a God to read about the growth their child has experienced like a story.

For one unique boy, his story is about to begin. The story of how Bell Cranel changed the world and cementing the legacy of the Hestia Familia for generations to come. 

(XXI)

Bell Cranel stood just a shy fair away from one of the city’s many entrances. In one hand was a brown sack full of personal belongings. Which safe to say wasn’t all that much. He had left everything of non-value behind at the Farming Village. It might not be much to a normal person but it was enough for him.

Taking in the sights, he couldn’t believe that his story was just about to begin. Orario was the City of Adventurers, where everyone was given a chance to make their mark on the world, where legends are made. The city is the perfect stepping stone into becoming a hero, and Bell Cranel will gladly take that first step. He knows the path to becoming a hero isn’t easy.

His grandpa, the only living relative he had left on Genkai, had left him with one final lesson. He took to raising Bell with stories regarding these legendary heroes, and he greatly admired them. It was one of the reasons why he wanted to be a hero himself, his entire life he’s been surrounded by their stories. The day before his grandpa had passed away, he left him with one final lesson. 

“Bell, being a hero isn’t easy and not always fun. Like the heroes in our stories, it’s full of hard choices and sometimes you have to put yourself second to help the people you love.” His voice held wisdom beyond his years. In the brief moment, Bell’s grandpa look more than just a simple grandpa.

”But grandpa, if being a hero isn’t easy, then do you not want me to becoming a hero?” He could still see the smile his grandpa made when he asked that question. “Hold on tight to your wish, cry out with all your desire. If you do, then you will see that it’s what makes a hero shine their brightest.” He didn’t know why but that line made him smile. He didn’t understand it but something within him did. He hoped that one day, he will be able to grasp the full meaning what grandpa said.

Bell shook his head, a smile appearing as he reminisce about the old days. While he did appreciate taking a trip down memory lane, it wasn’t the appropriate time. This is the first step at a new chapter in his life. It was time for him to finally enter the city. “Here I come, Orario.” Bell mumbled, shifting the brown sack a little as he made his way the closest entrance. As he did, he pondered on what he planned to do once he made it in. The most obvious course of action was to get a Falna by joining a Familia. But he wondered if any Familia would take in someone like him, who by all accounts is a complete beginner. 

Soon, it was his turn in line as he approached a rather tough looking man. He had short, brown hair with a scar going down his left eye. Once he stood just a few feet away, the guard asked him two questions. “Who are you? And what do you seek from Orario, The Labyrinth City?” Bell could practically taste the boredom emanating from the man. ‘Was guard duty really that boring?’ Bell thought, as a sweat drop appeared on his forehead. “I’m Bell Cranel, and I plan on being a hero.” The pale albino hair male said complete confidence in that statement, one could mistake him for being too ignorant. “Aw, a hero you say? Well I wish you luck kid, even if it’s a childish endeavor.” The guard said, but Bell just smiled.

”Childish? Yes, you could say that. But that’s just me.” Bell smiled, with the guard noticing how the boy wasn’t at all bothered by his words. Taking the time to study the boy’s features, he took note of his pale skin. His emerald right eye and his left pure black iris with a red "x" shaped pupil. He had asymmetric long length snow white hair and occasional black streaks swept to the right side of his head.

’Heh, this kid has quite the conviction on him. It looks like the city has brought in yet another interesting person.’ Hashana Dorlia, a Level 4 member of the Ganesha Familia, thought to himself. Bell Cranel answered that in a manner that attributes to his unique personality.

He did not care if others called him childish, naïve, or a fool. If being a hero requires him to be a fool, then so be it. He will be the greatest fool/hero the world has ever seen.

”You’re good to go ahead, kid. Watch yourself in there. Once you manage to get into a Familia, head to the Guild, the main building of the Guild is called the Pantheon. It is a wide space with counters for adventurers to talk with advisors and also has an exchange area.” Bell thanked the guard for the information and walk past him and once his foot crossed the threshold, he had officially entered the City. 

‘I hope you’re watching over me grandpa. I’ll make you proud.’ Bell starts his walk again, with his first course of action being to find a Familia.

It would seem that luck was on his side as the first three people he interacted with once he entering the city were two gods and a goddess.

He asked if he could join their Familia. Now, Bell was well aware of antics that all gods and goddesses possessed. He didn’t fault that as they had came down from Tenkai to escape the virtues of their boredom and experience what mortals go through every day. But the divine’s responses to his question made him a bit mad.

”Sorry kid, but I don’t accept weaklings into my Familia.”

”Oh, I’m afraid you don’t meet standards. You don’t like intimidating at all.” 

”Try getting some experience first, I don’t accept beginners.”

After hearing their response, Bell simply nodded his head and went on his way. Once he was far enough, Bell sighed, rubbing his hair as he felt disappointment. He was disappointed not only because of the divine’s answers but at himself as well. He shouldn’t have expected an endeavor as joining a Familia to be simple at all.

But he didn’t let that deteriorate his spirit, he still had a good chuck of the day left before he will be force to rent a room for the night. He had brought with him 19,000 Valis, which was from an emergency fund from grandpa. Even in the after life, Bell’s grandpa continues to look after him.

’What do I do? I need to find a Familia before the entirety of my funds are gone. It won’t last long if the rent prices for a room is expensive.’ Bell was so lost in thought, he didn’t notice that his feet carried him in a random direction. It would appear that something was guiding him somewhere. But since Bell was not conscious of where he was going, he was unconsciously being pulled some place. 

After a few minutes of walking, he entered an area that contained an Abandoned Church. He had stopped moving quite some time and was only barely starting to notice. “Huh? Where am I?” Bell asked. Checking his surroundings, the only noteworthy thing was the Church.

It was strange, the more Bell looked at it, the more he felt a connection to it. It was like he was discovering a missing piece of a puzzle he had yet to complete. It was matter that Bell would deal with at a later stage, not right now.

He needs to-

“Young man, are you okay?" The voice of a goddess reached him, which sounded like music to Bell's ears. He turned around and came face to face with a beautiful woman. She had mesmerizing aquatic eyes, mid-thigh length black hair tied into twin-tails which reach down to her mid-thighs. Her hair is tied with some hair accessories.

Her attire consisted of a white mini dress with a blue ribbon around her neck and one tied under her breasts around her arms, and a pair of white gloves.

"Hello there, Goddess. What did you say?" Bell awkwardly asked, feeling his face grow warm, realizing even after all those years of training, he was still somewhat nervous around woman.

"I asked if you were alright, you've been standing here just staring at the church for over an hour now, I was getting worried.” The goddess said

"Oh… heh sorry, I was just…um…lost in my thoughts, I guess." Bell spoke while inwardly thinking, 'Dammit, why can't I just talk without stuttering for once?'.

"Mmh, I wonder what you were thinking about young man?"

"Ohh…just that I was looking for a Familia to join.” He answered. 'Finally, without stuttering.’ 

"Oh, really!" She said gaining a hopeful look. "If you're looking for a familia to join, you could join mine, young man.” Upon hearing that, Bell couldn’t help but smile. His pervious mood disappearing into nothingness. 

"I’ll be happy to join you, goddess.” Bell took her hand, getting his knees to pay respect. Hestia just stared blankly, having trouble in believing what had just happened before she too smiled. This was not how she expected her day to go, but she’s glad that it turned out well. When she was coming home from yet another day working at her stand, she was quite surprise to see a boy standing in front of her home. She was intrigued by how the boy just stood there, unwavering and unbothered by everything around him.

When she grew closer, she managed to get a good look on his physical features. His pale skin in combination with his snow white hair made him stand out among the abandoned buildings. From the side, she gaze into his eyes and she couldn’t help but be enthralled by them.

His right eye was of a beautiful emerald, shinning brighter than any gemstone she had back in her home on Tenkai. The left eye, on the other hand, was, for a lack of a better term, mystical. A pure black iris with a red "x" shaped pupil. It was something that pulled her, latched onto her even and as much as she would like to understand why she was even pulled by it, she had to make him her first member.

The questions can be asked at a later time. 

"Come on, I'm going to need to give you my blessing so you can grow. We're going to my home…which… is the abandoned church" She  sheepishly said. She inwardly brace herself for criticism and insults, but they never came. 

"It's okay, I don't mind, as long as I have a Familia to join." Bell smiled never left his face and the goddess couldn’t help but match his smile with her own. She felt that things were about to get interesting. 

“Okay! Let's go inside, so I can give you the blessing."

"Alright, goddess, I'm coming!"

(XXI)

=30 Minutes Later, Inside the Church=

Bell heard his goddess gasp, his mind reeling from what it may be, does he have some type of high skill magic? Or was it something else that is surprising her. "Goddess, what is it?" I ask, my head facing her from where she sat on my back. 

"Uh…This can't be. This…this is just…What?" My goddess couldn’t seem to find the right words to stay. Which made Bell even more intrigued by what is causing her so much confusion. 

"Goddess, what's wrong?" I genuinely want to know what troubles her so much. 

"Young man, if I may be so bold to ask, who are you? And just where did you come from?" She asked as she got off my back, clenching her tiny hands around a piece of paper, which was Bell’s status paper.

"My name is Bell by the way, Bell Cranel, and I came from a Farming Village. It's a one weeks journey away from Orario on foot. I came here to become an adventurer. What is so weird about that?" Bell asked with a confuse face trying to hide his curiosity. Bell is clueless on what to do really. 

"Well, Bell. Judging from your status, either you're an abnormally lucky adventurer, or you are lying to me…wait no, you can't lie to a goddess, we know if you lie." The goddess whisper that last part but Bell heard it with his somewhat acute sense of hearing. 

"Goddess, I am really confused about what you're saying, can I take a look at what's got you surprised?" Bell carefully asked. He hoped that whatever he saw would satisfy the burning fire of curiosity within him. 

"Ohh…right, here this is your starting status, Bell" The goddess gave Bell his status paper.

Taking a look at it, Bell’s status paper did indeed seem to satisfied his burning curiosity, but with one fire extinguished, another sprang up with double the ferocity. His status paper was a mystery of it itself. If it reflects who he is now, then he truly wonders how he was able to acquire what he now sees. Bell’s new goddess seemed to notice that he was deep in thought and decided to interrupt.

"You seem to be catching on to why I was so surprised, and why I asked you about who you are.” 

"Indeed I do, Goddess. Is it that unheard of for an adventurer to start off with something like this though, I mean, some adventurers might be fortune enough to start out with one magic, no?” 

"Yes it is possible for an adventure of such magnitude to emerge.  But you have four magic spells at that! How do you explain that?"

"Well…I don’t know the reason why I have four types of magic. Perhaps I got lucky."

"You may be right but here is the kicker, your four types of magic are Chantless. All you have to do to invoke your magic is say what’s on the paper and it will emerge." Bell’s eyes widened, that is new information. This only seems to add fuel to the fire. 

"Honestly I have no idea what is going on here Goddess. I'm just as surprised as you.” He chose to address this at a later date.

For now, the stress of today’s events have finally caught up to him as he yawned. “I'm tired so could I prepare myself for bed, Goddess?" Bell asked as he puts the status paper down on a table next to the bed.

"O-of course, how silly of me not to realize it, well you can take the sofa, got it. I'm a virgin goddess you know, so don't get any ideas" She said as Bell quickly pulled his hands up in a feign surrender.

”Goddess, don't get such weird ideas, I just met you. So it wouldn't be right to go anywhere near that.” Bell said as he slowly exited up the stairs with his toothbrush and toothpaste.

As he did, Bell threw a quick glanced at the Status paper nearby on the table.

<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Name: Bell Cranel

Lv 1

Status:

{STR} I-0

{VIT} I-0

{DEX} I-0

{AGI} I-0

{MAG} I-0

Magic:

Boost

Description: Utilize flames from the feet for high mobility and fighting prowess

 Blade

Description:Blades of Condensed Ice cover the arms and can be use to slice and dice opponents

Roar

Description: Gathers lightning in the mouth and releases it in the form of short bursts, capable of destroying everything in a small area in front of them

Crimson

Description: A keen-edged weapon, luster dazzling as the crimson moon made from the blood of the user

Skills:

Development Ability:

<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Humming to himself, Bell entered the small bathroom and miss the gaze being sent his way courtesy of his new goddess, Hestia.

"While the stats, are not, I've never heard of someone being capable of using four types of magics, chant less ones at that. What does this mean all mean?” Hestia asked, feeling the irritation of a headache coming on. 

This isn’t normal, otherwise she would have heard it from either The Guild or another god. On top of that, he has the ability to summon a weapon from his blood? Hestia really wants to dig further into that but something tells her she won’t be getting the answers she’s seeking for.  

"Ugh, this is both exciting and scary knowing that my child, my very first one has such a good start, but it may not be such a good thing, after all, with the concept of war games existing, any Familia can challenge mine in order to take Bell if they ever learn of his potential." Hestia quietly mumbled to herself. She needs to warn him, she really doesn’t want to lose this one, after all it took her so long to finally find someone willing to join her familia.

And she’ll be dammed if she allowed someone to take him from her. She is the goddess of the Hearth, Home, and Hospitality for crying out loud! And she will deal with any trespasser that dares intrudes on her domain. 

(XXI)

=Morning After Joining Hestia Familia=

"Goddess Hestia, I think this is enough for one dive into the dungeon. After all, I’m not going that far deep.” Bell said but he found Hestia’s antics to be a bit adorable. 

"I know Bell, I know, but I don't want you to die in there and leave me alone. After all it’s your first day." The goddess complains with a pout. Bell could feel his heart clenched, the warm atmosphere, followed by the goddess worry reminded him of a baby duck’s mother being protective over her children. ‘It’s been only a day, and I’m already seeing her as a potential mother figure. Well, I never had one and it’s not an unwelcome change.’ Bell thought, with a brief smile forming on his face. 

"I’ll be going now, Goddess Hestia. I might be gone longer than expected since I want to make up lost time after I register with the guild.” Bell’s eyes had been given the full run down yesterday after waking up from his nap. Hestia had given the location of the Guild building and was told to head there before going inside the dungeon. 

"Okay, Good luck Bell and don't die!" The pale boy merely chuckles as he hears her scream. He begins his run towards the Guild.

Once he finishes registering himself and his Familia, he hopes to get an advisor. Hestia had told them value of such people and how it would greatly rise his survival rates in the dungeon. While it would chuck away at his time, one could never be too prepared when dealing with such adversities. As Bell got closer to the guild, deep thought, a pair of divine silver eyes locked onto the pale boy from the top of Babel tower. 

"My, my, what an interesting person. I have never seen such a beautiful color from a child. It reminds me of a glistering fire, glowing so brightly and enclosed by light pecks of green

“I need to keep an eye in this one, Ottar!"

"Yes, my lady.” A big boar like man entered the room and answered his goddess call. 

"Keep an eye on that one.” She commanded as she pointed towards Bell, said boy was trying to squeeze through a crowd just outside the guild.

"Of course my lady, your wish is my command.”

Ottar answered, leaving to pursue his task. As he left the room, the goddess quietly bather in the feeling of how wonderful it was to witness a color she has never seen before. She will not miss the chance of something new to occur from the usual bland and boring. But she couldn’t help but feel as though she had seen these two separate colors before, but from where? 
<~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

After an absurd amount of time waiting, Bell had finally managed to enter the building. “Finally, that took way too long. Why are there even this many people here today?" Bell mumble to himself while breathlessly walking towards the counter.

"That may be because there is a massive Hephaestus sale today, They managed to get their hands on a lot of high quality materials, so much so that once they were done crafting, a lot of materials were left over and the Familia had to clear space for other orders.” Bell heard a voice said from behind a counter.

It now makes sense then why so many people were outside Babel tower. The line extending that far long. Hestia had told him equipment made by the Hephaestus Familia with high quality materials can cost up millions of valis. Having been raised in the country side and far away from any commercial cities, Bell’s concept of money was different compared to everyone else in the city. 

Turning around to face the person who offer an explanation to him, Bell was greeted by a smile.

"Hello there, I would like to register with the guild as a new adventurer." I calmly announced to a young half elf before Bell. Even if he was raised in the country side, he is able to tell the races that inhabit Genkai apart. 

"Of course, Here is the required documentation. Just write down your Name, Age, Level and Familia so you can get started." The elf handed Bell the piece of paper.

Within a matter of a few seconds, Bell was done with the registration documents, turning his attention back to the counter

"I'm done with the documents, here.” Bell gave the documents to the elf. "Thank you, let me just go through them…hmm, Bell Cranel, Age 14, Level 1 and in…Hestia familia? Never heard of it, is it a newly formed familia?" She asked. 

"Yes, I'm the first member, is there something extra I have to do?" Bell ask even though he probably knew that he needs to hand a Familia registration form to Hestia. Which was one of the things he needs to bring back to her and fill out during their discussion last night. 

"Yes, here, this is a Familia Registration form that your goddess has to fill in. In this part here, you can tell your goddess that it’s not required to do this yet because Low Ranking and Newly Formed Familias don't need a symbol since it's only used in large purchases or brands for their products. May I also recommend you to get an advisor since you don't have any members to teach you about the dungeon?" The elf asked to which Bell nodded, making said elf smile.

"Of course, but who would recommend though?" Bell asked, not really knowing where to go from here. 

"Well, I’m a dungeon advisor and I don’t mind helping you. My name is Eina Tulle." The elf, now known as Eina said. Bell smiled, feeling grateful for the opportunity. Now he didn’t have to waste anymore time. “Bell Cranel, pleasure to be working with you.” The pale boy said, bowing his head slightly. “The pleasure is all mine, now since you’re a new adventurer and probably want to go down into the dungeon right this second, I will give you a crash course from the First Floor through floor 5. However, I do warn that you don't go bellow Floor 4.

That is basically suicide for New Adventurers. Let's go into one of the back room so I can give you more advice on the monsters you will face.”

Eina left her stand at the counter and motion for him to follow her. It honestly surprise Bell by how much she knows But he didn’t complain, the information that Eina is providing him will prove its value once he encounters his foes in the Dungeon. 

"Okay, looking forward to it!" Bell said while following her. After a few seconds, they arrived inside of the many back rooms the guild offers. 

"Here we are, so is there anything particular you want to know before we begin?" Eina asked. 

‘Hmm, today I'm planning on diving through Floor 1 to 3, maybe 4 if my skills prove to make it easy. Knowing the layout would be good to know.’ Back in his farming village, Bell’s grandpa had taught him to always pay attention to the surroundings, and gather as much information about every nook and cranny. This was done if you stumble across a potential enemy while hunting, no matter how small the danger may seem. Underestimating the small things is what led to some unfortunate deaths of villages.

The Dungeon acts like the surrounding forest of his Village, it is woefully unpredictable, like that time Bell met a pack of goblins while gathering berries for Breakfast.

In mindset, he was grateful for taking his sword that day, otherwise his injuries might have been much more severe. Like the forest, the Dungeon will be harsh to rookie mistakes and any unlucky adventurers. Bell relayed this to Eina and was met with the elf’s surprise. 

"Ehhh…I’m surprised, you're the first adventurer that actually shares my belief on the importance of knowledge before venturing too deep. Hah, seems like this adventurer-advisor relationship will be a good one" She said with a smile which Bell matches with his own. “That sounds good, but aren't you going to teach me what you can to prepare me?" Bell said with a bit of a teasing tone at the end. 

"Of course, but I warn you. No one has been able to uphold my expectations so far." Eina said gaining a dark look in her eyes. Bell’s smile seemed to grown as his left eye glowed for a split second. Eina saw this but because it occurred so fast she attributed to her mind playing tricks on her. "It's fine, I have a feeling I've got what it takes, right? Heh." Bell said as he prepared himself for the worst.

=1 Hour Later=

"Thank you Eina, I will see you later after the dungeon!" Bell thanked Eina as he started his walk towards Babel Tower.

'Thank god that's over, she's crazy when it comes to what she expects us adventurers to remember. I mean we may be able to use magic but we aren't storage devices for information.' Bell realized that he had greatly overestimated Eina. He thought he was prepared but the way Eina spoke in great lengths made him question a lot of things. He was prepared to learn, but he didn’t think he had to learn so much. But once Eina had finished her great lecture, he thank her and was more than eager to head out. 

Once he reached Babel Tower, he watched as a huge crowd split up, with the majority going into  Hephaestus Stores, while the rest headed down into the dungeon.

As Bell stood there he couldn’t help but think of the events that lead him to where he is now. He has a lot to be thankful for, both the villagers and his Grandpa. They had taught him a lot and he was raised to be a respected gentleman, despite his grandpa’s many attempts to corrupt him. But he wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

And if Bell’s being honest with himself, he's quite excited for this, for a new adventure. He will do everyone he loves proud, he will become a hero, just like in the stories his grandpa read to him. Even if the road may seem impossible, he will strive to make it possible for nothing will stand in his way. And if others called him a fool, well then a fool he will be. 

As Bell walk down into the dungeon, he lets his thoughts wonder a bit. When he eventually made it to Floor 1 of the dungeon, he prepared his dagger and right hand. Bell couldn't help but get excited for exploring the dungeon. It looks like he didn’t have to wait long as a monster  quite literally emerge from the wall, and Bell could immediately tell it was a goblin.

He would recognize its small green frame just about anywhere. The goblin notice his presence and as if acting on pure instincts, ran towards him with a kin of ferocity. He was fast to the untrained, but Bell was anything but untrained. 

“Let’s see how this No Chant Magic works.” Bell said as he close his eyes in concentration. The goblin saw this and double his speed as the human seem distracted by something.

What a foolish idea.

Bell’s eyes suddenly open and he moves forward, mouthing his new spell.

“Blade.” Condensed Ice immediately covers his arm. Bell thrusts his arm and impales the goblin straight through its chest. The force of his strike was enough to stop the monster’s momentum and lift the create into the air. It let loose some gargled noises before ceasing any movement and turning into ash.

A small magic stone drops and Bell bends down to pick it up. As his fingers barely touch it, he hears the multiple screeching. He looks up and stood face to face with five goblins this time.

Unknown to him, his left eye pulse when he killed that goblin, giving off an intense pressure that no normal eye should be capable. 

Bell puts away the magic stone and started to walk forward as his adventure began.

End of Chapter 1