Pov Bell Cranel
Horrible, it's the only way I can describe the breakfast Syr-San gave me, it still seems strange to me that a girl I just met gave me her breakfast, I feel a little bad about that… and I also feel a little bad in my stomach, saying "a little" is an understatement, it hurts a lot, even though… it's not very tasty, I ate it all, maybe it's silly but, no matter how bad it tastes, I can't reject the kindness of a girl as kind as Syr-San.
I'm seriously thinking about going back to the church and lying down for a bit but I can't do that, I have to become strong, I want to be strong like her… Ais Wallenstein. Thinking about her makes my heart beat a little faster. My desire to be a Hero burns fiercely inside me, more than any pain or weakness. Only then will I be able to stand by her side.
The West Main Street was already lively, full of the flow of Adventurers and demi-humans heading toward the heart of the city. I followed that current, trying to memorize the surroundings so I wouldn't seem so lost.
Finally, the streets opened into Central Park, a large, lively space surrounding the most important structure in Orario.
I raised my gaze toward the sky. Right in the center rose, immense and imposing, the Tower of Babel, a symbol that surpassed even the great walls.
My heart, already racing, began to beat even stronger as I approached the base of the tower. There, in the lobby, the wide place with white and light blue flooring, was the Great Hole, the only entrance to the labyrinth.
Still a bit far from the entrance, I saw him. Leaning against a wall was a boy… He was staring straight at me.
Does my white hair or my red eyes catch his attention? Is he thinking I'm a rabbit? I hope not… I feel a bit uncomfortable.
Apparently I got lost in my thoughts, because when I came back to reality, he was already in front of me.
Pov Gabriel
Once again I'm going to take advantage of you, Bell Cranel, although it's not like you remember, so it's not like it matters.
— Hello, sorry for the trouble, are you Bell Cranel? — my voice came out as friendly as I could manage
Bell was surprised, he really was, a stranger coming out of nowhere and knowing your name is strange, more than strange, terrifying and enough reason to call the police
— EEHHH, s-sir, how do you know my name — his tone had a bit of fear and his face was a poem, he was terrified.
He really looked like a scared rabbit that at any moment was going to run away.
— Sorry for scaring you, I'm Gabriel Drakensoul, level 4 adventurer of the Loki Familia — my voice sounded as confident as possible
Something I learned in my previous life is that people who say things with confidence can make almost anyone believe anything. Also that appearance influences people's perception, people tend to trust people who are well dressed or good-looking.
Bell's fear vanished, replaced by admiration… No way he actually believed it
— Loki Familia? Level 4? — he asked as if he wanted to confirm that fact, and looked at me again as if I were an alien
— Indeed — with my angelic face making a kind smile and my confident voice, I convinced him, he really bought it.
Bell looked at me with stars in his eyes
— Wow, you're amazing Gabriel-San, we look almost the same age and you're already a level 4 adventurer of the Loki Familia — His voice showed admiration — I on the other hand am just a level 1 — He ended with a sad tone
I almost feel bad for lying to him, almost.
— Don't feel bad Bell, we all start at the bottom of the barrel, even King Ottar was once a scrawny level 1 that any Goblin could humiliate, and look at the man today, the only level 7 adventurer in Orario — My words managed to cheer him up, at least if I'm going to take advantage of him, the least I can do is be nice.
— I suppose you're right, Gabriel-San
— Naturally, Bell, I always am
There was a small silence, quickly broken by me
— Let's go Bell
— Ehh? Where to, Gabriel-San? — He was genuinely confused
— Where do you think Bell? 2 adventurers next to the dungeon entrance?
— But you don't have armor or a weapon
— Bell, a level 4 adventurer doesn't need armor or weapons on the upper floors of the dungeon, even if I let a Goblin hit me it's most likely it would fracture its own arm — At my words Bell gave me a look of understanding and admiration
All completely lies, pure crap coming out of my mouth. Most likely Bell right now could beat me up, level 4 adventurer my ass.
We already passed through the tower door of Babel, the entrance to the dungeon, we began going down the spiral staircase.
— Gabriel-San
— What is it Bell?
— Since you're part of the Loki Familia… do you know the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein? — His eyes lit up when mentioning her name, a smile escaped him, he really likes her.
— Yes, I know her
Even I'm starting to believe what I'm saying
— REALLY?? YOU REALLY KNOW HER?? — surprise and excitement flooded his voice
Time to throw another lie… Am I becoming a woman? Nah, I must have talent as an actor
— There are more adventurers here Bell, lower your volume haha
He quickly got embarrassed, he's really fun to talk to, he's very expressive
— I'm sorry — his face turned red with embarrassment, he seemed to wish the earth would swallow him whole
— And answering your question, I know her, yes, because Ais is my sister — I dropped the bomb
I'd love to have a camera right now
— EHHHHHH
To think I told him not to shout
— "STOP SHOUTING DAMN KID WITH A SISSY VOICE, SOME OF US WANT TO CONCENTRATE" — a Dwarf adventurer yelled at Bell
— I'M VERY SORRY.
Bell quickly looked at me again
— I can't believe you're Ais Wallenstein's brother… But then why don't you share a last name and why don't you look alike? Although you're both blond — Bell, still in shock, asked a coherent question.
— What happens is that mom was with someone else — I said it like it was the most normal thing in the world
Little by little I'm mastering the fine art of lying with a poker face.
— Ah… Sorry — Bell really got uncomfortable and didn't want to ask anything else.
I quickly changed the subject for his sake
— And tell me Bell… Aren't you wondering why a level 4 Adventurer is accompanying a rookie adventurer of another familia?
— Actually yes, but I didn't want to be bothersome asking
We were almost done going down the spiral stairs.
— It's because Ais talked about you, about the rookie albino adventurer she saved, the one who almost died on the 5th floor by a minotaur
— Ais-San… She talked about me?
— Yes, she told me that when she was asking you if you were okay you ran away covered in minotaur blood haha, sorry for laughing Bell, but it's a bit funny when said like that.
— I wish the earth would swallow me… Ais-San must think I'm a weirdo, I want to die. I'm sorry I gave her a bad impression — his spirits dropped considerably
Bell was again with that wet-dog face that makes anyone want to give him a blanket and hot chocolate. It's incredible how expressive he is… and how easy it is to play with his emotions.
I sighed softly, more for myself than for him.
— Bell, listen to me carefully — I said with a calm voice, the kind that sounds mature, reliable and just a tiny bit epic if you pay attention —. Ais doesn't think you're weird.
He lifted his gaze almost trembling, as if my words were a lifeline.
— H-how can you be so sure, Gabriel-San?
"Because I'm making up everything I'm saying Bell"
No, obviously I won't say that.
— Because Ais isn't someone who judges people for a situation like that — I answered with total naturalness, like someone who had lived with her my whole life —. She saved you because she saw in you an adventurer with potential, not a lunatic covered in minotaur blood.
His imaginary rabbit ear gave a little hop.
— Besides — I added with a warm, almost brotherly smile —, if she really thought badly of you, do you think she would have mentioned you in her conversation with me?
Bell froze completely.
I've known him for less than 15 minutes and I already know when I take his breath away.
— D-did she really… speak well of me? — he asked with the most fragile voice I've ever heard in my life.
Everything I say makes Bell's emotions fluctuate wildly.
— Bell, if Ais took the time to speak about you, it's because you left an impression.
And there it is! His spirit lit up again faster than a torch in oil.
— I… I want to show her that I can improve — he murmured with fire in his eyes —. I don't want her to remember me as the guy who ran away…
— Then let's hurry — I interrupted him as I stepped on the last stone of the final landing before floor 1 —. If you want to be strong, there's no better place than this.
The damp and dense air of the dungeon enveloped us, with that peculiar smell between living stone and dried blood. Bell swallowed nervously, but didn't step back. Points for that.
— Gabriel-San… — he said suddenly —. Why… do you want to help me?
Ah.
The question that always appears when a little rabbit feels too much kindness at once.
I smiled. A perfect and kind smile, innate to this body, which earned the title of angel.
— Because someone believed in me when I was a rookie — I lied with the confidence of a politician in campaign —. And now it's my turn to do the same for another adventurer.
Bell was stunned.
He made a face that was actually pretty cute… No homo.
The truth is:
I want Liaris Freese, I really need that skill and because, honestly it's fun talking to Bell, I don't know if it's his protagonist aura that makes him pleasant to talk to… I really needed to talk to someone who hadn't spoken with my predecessor, even if I lied from beginning to end in the entire conversation.
But that's not necessary to say.
— Come on, Bell — I lifted my hand as if inviting him to walk toward his destiny —. Show me your determination.
He took a deep breath and nodded with a conviction that almost made me feel tenderness.
— Yes, Gabriel-San!
And so, we entered together into the first corridor of floor 1.
The air changed the exact instant I set foot into the initial corridor.
Not in a dramatic way — I wish — but with that cold humidity that sticks to the skin, as if the dungeon were exhaling on you. Much worse.
I had heard that the dungeon was "a living creature".
And all I can say is yes, it's a damn living creature.
Now… well, let's say I was rethinking a few things.
The walls weren't simple blocks of rock.
They rippled.
Literally rippled, like the stone had veins beneath the surface.
And that sound…
Thump… thump… thump…
A pulse.
A deep vibration running through the floor.
As if we were walking inside the chest of a giant.
Bell seemed used to it, or at least he didn't scream.
I, on the other hand, smiled with my usual angelic face.
Inside I was thinking what the hell I got into… The answer is clear, I got inside an angry stone uterus.
I took a couple more steps. The floor was damp but not slippery; it felt firm, as if the dungeon knew exactly how much pressure to apply to hold us up.
— G-Gabriel-San… are you okay? — Bell asked, noticing my silence.
Yes, Bell.
I'm just processing the fact that this cave has more vital signs than I do on Mondays.
— Of course, Bell — I replied with absolute calm —. I'm only thinking about the best way to help you progress faster, so relax, breathe deep because today's going to be a great day
Bell nodded in admiration.
Perfect.
Everything under control.
I think.
Something started to bulge from the wall to our left.
Like a bubble beneath the stone.
First a lump.
Then cracks.
Then… a shape.
I had read about it in the DanMachi light novel.
I had seen it in the anime.
But seeing it one meter away is something else.
The stone opened like flesh and expelled something viscous.
A goblin.
A goblin being born from the wall…
I know I now live in a fantasy world, I'm capable of time travel, I can use magic, I've seen different races, interacted with an antisocial god but… these things still feel strange to me.
The goblin fell to the floor with a 'plaf', dripping that crystal-like liquid the dungeon uses as amniotic fluid for its monsters.
Bell took a step forward with his dagger that doesn't look very expensive, in fact, I'd say it's the cheapest thing Orario can offer… So this is the rookie equipment from the guild, I think the kitchen knife in my room has more edge.
I took a step back mentally.
— Gabriel-San, I'll take care of it — he said with a determination that surprised me.
Well… at some point it was bound to happen:
the student protecting the teacher who actually knows nothing.
The goblin growled, shaking off the sticky remains.
It was smaller than I expected, but not any less disgusting.
Bell advanced carefully, stepped back a little when the creature swiped at him, then dodged, turned, and buried his dagger in its neck.
Clumsy but effective movements.
The body collapsed and dripped blood, Bell approached, extracted a tiny stone called… oh yes, magic stone and upon removing it the goblin's body dissolved instantly, wow.
— Did you see, Gabriel-San? How did I do? Did I do well?
I kept my perfect smile while inside I felt somewhat disgusted
— Very well, Bell. Your approach technique was a bit stiff, but… it worked, I advise you keep practicing until the movement becomes natural — I said trying to sound coherent, I have no idea how someone should move with a dagger.
I've never fought anyone, I think if I threw a punch I'd fall over.
Bell almost lit up.
We kept moving forward.
The corridor widened with a bluish light floating from the living ceiling.
The dungeon breathed.
The walls whispered.
And every now and then, another bulge indicated the birth of a new monster.
I may not be the person who knows the most, but what I DO know is that I hate the dungeon, I have to stay alert all the time, pretend I'm an experienced adventurer and that I'm not doing anything while I'm supposedly teaching and letting the monsters attack him so he learns… All the advice I give him I either make up or repeat from some anime memory, depressing and truly sad, I'm the worst sensei ever. At any moment I'm going to tell Bell: "Listen Bell-San, to learn karate you must wax with the left hand and polish with the right hand, understood Bell-San?"
Bell took another step forward, determined.
I followed him, trying to look as adventurer-like as possible, if that makes any sense.
My first time in the dungeon.
And I already felt like this place…
was watching me.
I'm having incredible luck that the monsters are attacking Bell, honestly I thought I was going to die a couple of times, I mean, I'm entering a living dungeon, I don't know how to fight, my stats are at 0 but, against all odds I'm still alive and everything is going well.
I guess it's time to lower the curtain. It was a good act, very fun but this is where it ends.
I turn to Bell and start talking to him
— Bell, wait for me a moment, I thought I saw something, I'll be right back — I say as I slowly move away
— Be careful Gabriel-San — Bell's worried tone is heard as I walk away a bit
Turning around a corner where I supposedly "saw something", I stop dead.
— Fuck… I know I'm doing this to be strong, and I've already had many guilt attacks but, but… God. Calm down Gabriel, this has no consequences… Nothing I do has consequences if I don't want it to — a heavy sigh, heavier than what should come out of my mouth, as I pushed my hair back as if that helped something
— "Your wound is mine. My wound is mine. The echo is the sign of midnight" [Cinder Ella].
After more than 2 hours of seeing those stupid green creatures I can make a good mental image of how they look
My body changed in an instant
I was no longer the handsome and beautiful Gabriel, no, now I was monstrously ugly, the weakest creature in this god-forsaken place, a goblin
A small green humanoid creature, somewhat chubby, short limbs, spikes on the head, fangs and a pair of threatening shining red eyes
And a dry sensation, like your throat after running, tells me the magic is draining at high speed.
Ten, maybe fifteen seconds.
No more.
I can't waste time.
I start running, short and clumsy steps like a real goblin.
I turn the corner just when the magic begins to vibrate slightly, signal that it's reaching its limit.
Bell sees me.
His reaction is immediate.
— Another goblin — he exclaims without surprise, steps back only once and grasps his dagger.
Perfect, Bell.
You're doing very well kid.
Just as I taught you, or whatever you learned in these last 2 hours.
I run toward him with my arms raised.
I don't need to do much, it's not like a goblin thinks a lot or performs complex actions.
Five seconds.
Bell clenches his teeth, jumps slightly to the side and cuts me with a quick, more instinctive than technical movement.
The dagger goes straight into my neck.
Three seconds.
The illusion breaks without lights or magical explosions.
It just turns off.
As if someone had flipped a switch.
My green skin disappears.
My human body returns to its place.
My clothes reappear as if they were always there.
But the wound… IT FUCKING HURTS, MY FUCKING NECK, I HAVE A DAGGER IN MY FUCKING NECK
It hurts like hell
It burns.
It stings.
It throbs.
My breath cuts instantly and my legs give out.
I fall to my knees, coughing a mouthful of red blood that stains my shirt.
And right there, at the precise moment the cut tears me apart, the magic empties completely.
Mind Zero.
My consciousness fades, my eyes close even though I try to keep them open, if I weren't practically immortal I'd be very worried right now
I feel my consciousness spill away just like my blood.
I hear Bell's voice, sharp, breaking into pieces:
— G… Gabriel…? WHY…?!... — His voice sounded terrified, though I can't distinguish what he's saying anymore, I can't hear him.
My ears ring.
My vision trembles.
And so, once again I end up dying, in front of the purest soul of the Genkai… I just want to say something…
— Sorry Bell
With those last words, I see Bell's face for the last time. A face that not long ago was happy because an "experienced adventurer" was helping him, now that face full of happiness and hope had turned into a face drowned in fear and tears upon seeing someone die.
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[YOU HAVE DIED]
[COPYING UNIQUE SKILL...]
[SKILL COPIED]
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Hellooooo, how're you doing, all good?
Well, I don't know if you want to read how I'm going to excuse myself for not having updated in… 2 months? I think, no idea
Basically I focused on my studies, my social life was strong, I played games on my PC, I tried to revive my love life, which by the way didn't work, I bought a Frieren figure (what does that have to do with anything? Nothing, but I wanted to say it)
Now I'm on vacation, 3 months, yay. Congratulate me, I got into university :D
Well, leaving that aside. Opinions chapter?
Did you like it, meh or total trash?
Did I portray Bell well? Was it an entertaining read?
I tried to give the chapter a more humorous touch, I don't know if I achieved it.
And with this chapter, the pre-beginning chapters of the good stuff are over. The beginning of the next one will go back as far as possible.
I'm going to try, emphasis on try, to update this week, I promise nothing, every time I say that I end up taking even longer to update.
Started writing on 23/11/25
Published on 26/11/25