Chapter 13: Shadow Eminence. Syr

The night sky had recently returned to Orario. The magic stone-powered street lamps began covering the street in light. Windows in the numerous buildings and houses of Orario began lighting up in sequence.

In Bell's home village, this time of day would see a peaceful quiet, but in Orario, the city never slept. Night markets began bustling with activity, parties of adventurers heading into pubs, and the smell of food from street vendors permeated across the air.

'No wonder Rakia wants to take over Orario, the city is a literal gold mine...*munch*'

Orario, on top of having an endless supply of rare materials from the dungeon, is the home to many businesses fighting tooth and nail to secure their presence.

As such, trade never stops in the city. Shops that close down for the day are simply replaced by others with different operating hours.

Economics. Military. Influence. Orario had it all. So Bell wasn't surprised that Ares kept persisting to invade Orario despite his endless failures.

Bell was simply pondering on the city around him as he ate a jagamarukun he bought. He was very hungry but he needed to secure a place to sleep first, so he bought a light snack on the way.

'Miss Eina said that the inn should be around here...Sleeping Rabbit...Sleeping Rabbit...ah, found it'

The Sleeping Rabbit was a well-managed inn run by a kind human grandmother. It didn't serve food, but the rooms and service were top quality.

'It would be more convenient if it were a bed and breakfast, but I plan on eating around Orario so it's still fine'

Bell had a poor diet in his past life, consisting mainly of processed and instant food. Now that he has experienced proper home-cooked meals courtesy of his Aunt Idyia and Medea, he couldn't go back.

'I plan on enjoying this new life of mine. I already have friends and family to fill my heart, I now need something to fill my stomach~'

Having resolved to become a gourmand of this fantasy world's cuisine, Bell opened the door to the inn he will be staying at.

It was a rustic building that gave off a homely atmosphere. Calming home decor accompanied by warm light from various magic stone lamps.

"Oh my, a guest. How may I help you?"

Bell noticed the proprietress's grandmother behind a wooden counter, kindness radiating from her expression.

"Hello, do you still have room madame? Miss Eina Tulle recommended this place to me and..."

Upon hearing Bell mention Eina's name, the grandmother burst with energy.

"Eina! So Eina brought you here. Come come, I will always have room for a guest from Eina"

The grandma immediately began discussing with Bell about the rates of stay. It was nothing he couldn't afford, and he had a sneaking suspicion him mentioning Eina did much to have received such a price.

The grandmother told Bell that Eina used to work part-time in this inn during her days of schooling in Orario.

She worked part-time after her classes to help keep the finances of her family afloat, and though she was mainly working for the money, she became quite close with the proprietress during her stay.

She was greatly relieved to hear she was doing well. The proprietress began this inn after her children moved away from Orario to the countryside.

She mainly did so to get her mind away from her loneliness, but after working for so long with Eina, she developed a genuine love for the girl and for running the inn.

Bell couldn't help but smile as she fondly recounted the past. It was something that fitted her character well, and it reminded him that this world was not just a book. It was a living breathing world, filled with events and happenings outside what was told in the books and shows.

...

..

.

Set up in his room, Bell looked outside the window. The lights of the scenery conveyed the life sprawling constantly within its borders.

But beneath the sea of lights and bustling streets, there lay numerous atrocities beneath the notice of the general public.

An orphaned girl, stuck in an abusive familia, resorting to becoming the criminals she despised just to survive.

A boy who deserted everything he had known and loved. Cursing his blood and family for being tools of war.

A kidnapped princess, stolen of her purity and freedom. Imprisoned in a tower to soon die for a goddess' selfish whims.

Bell closed his eyes as he pondered on the truths he knows. He was ecstatic at entering the city he had so long wished to be in, but he knew something had to change, and he didn't have enough time to do so.

'Freya and Loki were able to bring back order, but their rule is built atop a shaky foundation. One which could crumble at any moment'

'Villains like Dionysus, Ikelos, and Thanatos roam free within Orario. Plunging the lives of innocents into chaos for their selfish desires at every moment'

Orario, the metaphorical golden city on the hill, hid beneath it a mountain of avarice.

'Orario needs a figure to determine the era it was about to enter'

The black dragon will soon awaken from its slumber.

The promised time of the dungeon mentioned in its dealings with the gods was soon to come.

'That figure to define the era...is me'

This was not a statement made because of what Bell knew or what his powers were. Bell Cranel was always destined to determine this current era of the world.

'The reincarnation of Argonaut, the first hero who ushered in an age of exploration, who inspired the living's rebellion against the monsters that roamed the land.'

'Bell was born into an age where the last great beast remained unfallen, where the dungeon was preparing something so ominous that even Ouranos couldn't comprehend it, where monsters with intelligence were born and were fighting for their right to survive.'

He was blessed with abilities to hasten his journey.

He was given the capability to save the quickly crumbling world before it could fall apart.

'The world of Danmachi is a ticking time bomb, and Bell was quick enough to defuse it. I mean, all of the events of the book took less than a year to even occur'

'But he's no longer here. I'm now in his place...'

Bell gripped his fist tightly as his magic circuits lightly flickered in response to his determination.

'...and I have brought my own set of troubles with my reincarnation'

Elements of a world far more chaotic than this one. They now roamed this world. Unknown to Bell, nor known to anyone else.

'But I'll rise to the occasion. I'll be damned if I sit by as I just watch the chaos looming over wreck my new home'

'This is what all my preparations have led up to'

The truth of Bell's plans.

'I don't have the time to build up a reputation in the public eye, and I can't afford to become a threat the villains of this world can perceive...so I'll become a figure of power unknown to both'

With an unknown origin, all that will stand out will be his accomplishments.

'I don't have to deal with unnecessary obstacles standing in my way...'

With no past, his enemies won't know how to deal with him.

'I don't have the time to play to the tune of selfish gods...'

Bell's brilliant blue eyes resembled an endless sky, looking towards a destination far from reach.

'Work in the shadows, beyond recognition...but have consequences that ripple all throughout'

Never let them know when you'll strike.

'Become the symbol of strength,  prove the possibility of a dream thought impossible'

Never let them know when they're safe.

'Become their irrational fear, make them second guess every choice, don't allow them a moment to breathe'

Bell's magic circuits began glowing with life, a blue mystic mist enveloping his hands.

"Everyone loves a hero until they fail...so simply make it that they can never see your failures...only the results of your success..."

The original Bell was bogged down by many things for being a public figure.

Familia politics limiting his actions.

Rumors of jealousy and discontent which invalidated his accomplishments.

Being targettable and trackable, susceptible to falling prey to the schemes of the powerful.

Doubts about his capabilities, pushing him away from where he needs to be.

He couldn't save those he wanted to save because of who people knew him as

He couldn't act because others who knew him denied the opportunity to do so.

"I respect him for trying to do everything by the book. But for the vision of what I want to achieve...it can't all be cut and clean..."

The original Bell wasn't perfect, it's something that cannot be faulted.

"But I have the knowledge to not repeat the mistakes he made, to create a better result...'

There was only one path available that could allow him such results.

One way forward that could achieve what he wanted was in the little time he had.

'This is going to sound so cringy, but I hope I make Cid proud'

"If a hero in the public eye cant do it, I will simply become one that isn't...an eminence in the shadows..."

Bell faded as a blue mist fell over him, donning his body in an armor he had spent years perfecting in his head, forged through the efforts of his reality marble.

Metallic chains appeared across the floor, an attachment to the weapons he will use to accomplish his goals.

The vestige appearance of a figure cloaked in gray who will soon be known throughout Orario and beyond.

"I am...."

...

..

.

'I'll leave all that brooding stuff for tomorrow. I'm starving and I need to eat...'

Bell could be seen walking again in the streets of Orario, thus bustling of the crowds seems to have calmed down from before, but it was still active.

He had a destination in mind for where he wanted to have his dinner. It was a place he had always wanted to eat in, but it also served a purpose for his future plans.

'Depending on how it turns out I might need to do some other stuff...'

Bell continued walking down the street, switching between thinking about his future plans and his poor stomach.

He eventually came to stop at a 3 story pub. The noise of the inside radiates out to the streets in front of it.

'Here it is...'

The Hostess of Fertility. The iconic pub of Danmachi. The gathering spot of numerous prominent groups and characters.

Workplace of a group of beautiful and powerful adventurers...along with a certain disguised goddess.

'I won't lie that I'm mostly going here for the food, but I also want to make contact with Syr...also known as Freya'

Syr is a beautiful girl with long and curly gray hair. Beloved by customers and coworkers for her personality, but has been known to become quite cold in some instances spontaneously.

But beyond the knowledge of the many adventurers who frequent this pub, Syr is but an illusion.

She is actually the goddess Freya in disguise. Her seamless appearance warrants no suspicion and is a product of the magic of a child within her familia.

'Most would think I'm insane for wanting to expose me to Freya. She charmed the entirety of Orario and brainwashed them all to steal Bell for herself in the light novel. People say not to stick their d in crazy...but I think otherwise'

Outside of her crazy desire to have Bell for herself, Freya has been nothing but beneficial to his story.

'She may be seen as cruel for siccing a variant minotaur on him when he was just level 1, but it allowed him to level up quickly. Granting him the strength to face the challenges he was soon going to undertake'

Had Bell not received fame early on for his quick level-up, he wouldn't have gained allies and immense strength.

And if Apollo found out Hestia had a familia with a cute boy, he would've been cornered with no way to fight back in the form of a war game.

And when Bell infiltrated the Ishtar familia, had Freya not intervened with her forces, he would've been surrounded and captured by Ishtar's forces, and subsequently, Haruhime would've been killed.

'Also, I'm confident I won't push Freya too far into jealousy. She only pushed forward with her brainwashing plan because of Bell's endless infatuation with Ais'

So as long as he didn't become an absolute simp, Freya would only give Bell opportunities to grow and become his last line of defense if a situation proves too difficult.

'This all assumes I can get her attention in the first place...'

Freya became infatuated with Bell for his innocent soul and demeanor. Now that Bell was a different person entirely, no doubt that innocent soul was gone.

'The soul is the representation of who a person is and I'm...rather normal...I did reincarnate, but who knows how that affects how gods see my soul?...'

'Agh whatever!- If she is interested in me, great. If she isn't, boohoo for me for not having that goddess rizz-'

Bell was standing at the entrance of the Hostess while he was thinking. But after deciding that thinking won't do anything, he suddenly walked and opened the door.

Immediately the aromas of numerous foods hit Bell at once. It was a mishmash of spices and smells, but it didn't feel too cluttered, it simply invigorated his hunger even more.

Accompanied by it was the smell of barley, as numerous drinks of beer entered his periphery.

Shouts and jeers rang throughout. It was the picturesque image of a tavern of adventurers.

"Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility! What size is your...party..."

Bell was welcomed with a beautiful voice that radiated joy and kindness.

With her characteristic gray hair and eyes, one couldn't help but be enamored with her beauty.

Syr Flova, a waitress of the Hostess of Fertility, and goddess in disguise.

'...I didn't expect to come face-to-face with her already... what's with me thinking about characters and me meeting them instantly...if only my gacha luck in my past life was this good...'

Bell tried to lessen the tension within himself with a quick joke, but he still felt nervous as Syr continued to observe him.

'...her being quiet is a good thing right?...don't tell me a reincarnator's soul disgusts her?-'

But before Bell could think about his line of reasoning anymore, Syr quickly grabbed his hand to be brought into the pub.

"Party of 1? I'll lead you to your seat sir!"

"H-huh? wai-"

But Syr just immediately starts dragging Bell by the hand. Smiling brightly as she did so

'Her hands soft...WAIT DON'T SIMP BELL- YOU GOTTA PLAY HARD TO GET WITH FREYA-'

Entranced with the softness of her hand, Bell snapped out of it to not fall prey to the goddess so quickly.

'This should mean Freya's into me right?... after Medea, I'm not really sure at this point'

The scar his childhood friend left was still fresh, so Bell doubted his ability to pull women.

'Well, I'll just play it safe and be friendly with her regardless. I do want to get to know Freya better'

Bell knew the tormented past and fate of the goddess of the current strongest familia. He sympathized with her endless years of loneliness and wished to give her the same sense of belonging he was blessed with.

The activity in the Hostess of Fertility didn't cease as Bell was pulled along by Syr to a nearby seat for 1. But a few people did notice her peculiar behavior, those being her fellow workers and her boss.

'Syr is...dragging in a customer?...'

The first to notice was a sharp-eyed blonde elf. Ryuu Lion.

Seeing her coworker who was rather reserved with customers suddenly act so close, naturally caught her attention.

After Ryuu, the other waitresses soon took notice, Anya, Chloe, and Lunoire.

All curious about Syr's peculiar behavior, but even more so about the white-haired boy she was dragging along.

Mia Grand, seeing the goddess in disguise bring in a boy with such fervor, couldn't help but wonder what she saw this time.

'So that boy's got potential huh? What are you planning this time Lady Freya...'

Mia Grand, former captain of the Freya familia, allowed Freya to go about in her pub as she pleased. She owed her quite a bit, and seeing her goddess take a sudden interest, she decided to help her out a bit.

'and gain a bit of profit as well~'

Unknown to the plight that would soon befall him, Bell simply contemplated how he suddenly found himself seated on a stool.

'I couldn't do anything but simply allow her to take the lead...'

Bell thought to himself as he was whisked from the entrance of the pub to his current situation.

He was in awe of the natural technique of Syr.

'Thousands of years of having gods and goddesses around your thumb would naturally make anyone adept at controlling the situation...I'm impressed more than anything...'

As Bell contemplated her finesse, Syr immediately began speaking to Bell once more.

"You must be starving right dear customer? I saw you drooling a bit from the aroma~ Not that I can blame you, our food is really good!~"

'C-close-'

Syr was up in Bell's face as she talked. Knowing silence would be bad, Bell suddenly replied as best as he could. As well as a man who had a goddess of beauty so close to his face could.

"Y-Yeah, I came here to have dinner..."

Hearing Bell's reply, Syr quickly went into action.

"Great! Mama Mia! Today's special please!"

Bell suddenly felt a shiver down his spine, he felt fear, fear for his wallet.

'Shit!-'

Bell was too focused on the taste of the food and Syr that he forgot the extortionary way the proprietress of this pub ran this place.

"GOTCHA!"

*thump*

A bowl of a different assortment of meat covered with various sauces and complimentary vegetables and herbs appeared before Bell.

"The meat lover's meal. Tonight's special!"

Bell was now face-to-face with Mia Grand, otherwise known as Mama Mia.

He knew just how powerful this dwarven woman was. Level 6.

Her near-extortion sales practice coupled with her strength has brought fear and sorrow to the wallets of patrons all across Orario.

"I..I-"

Bell tried speaking but was immediately cut off by an order of food in front of him. A bowl of a whole grilled fish, and a mug of beer.

"Since Syr seems to like 'ya so much. It's just for you Kid!

"..."

"Eat up. Kids like you need a lot to grow HAHAHAHAHA"

Just as abruptly as she appeared, she just as quickly left. Consigning Bell to his fate...and a heavy bill.

'This is going to take a heavy toll on my remaining funds...but my stomach doesn't mind it!-'

Bell hadn't eaten since the early morning before he left his home village, so he was absolutely famished.

Seeing such good food waiting to be devoured. Bell didn't mind he was swindled, the gourmand in his heart simply wanted to experience the ecstasy of delicious food.

Taking a bite of the assorted meats with their delectable sauces, Bell's heart soared.

Tasting the grilled fish, seasoned with various spices, Bell felt he was on cloud nine.

(I'm writing this on an empty stomach...I wanna eat-)

'this...this is bliss~'

Bell's joy was visible on his face, and Syr didn't fail to notice this.

"Hehe, do you enjoy the food dear customer?"

Hearing Syr call out to him, Bell snapped out of his personal nirvana to reply.

"Y-Yeah. I enjoy eating good food. It is a personal hobby of mine..."

"Huh, so you're a gourmand huh? How interesting!"

Syr reacted positively to his reply, seeming interested in finding out more about him.

'I'm glad to know Freya is interested in me, but it's still taking a bit for me to process this-'

"We still don't know each other yet. As you might've heard from Mama Mia, I'm Syr! Syr Flova! And you are?..."

"Oh. Uh. I'm-"

But before Bell could introduce himself, Syr was called for by Mama Mia.

"Syr! Handle table 5!"

Being interrupted because of a disturbance, Syr's eyes for a moment flickered into a different expression.

Cold calculating eyes took over as if they could pierce through one's soul.

But it quickly reverted back as quickly as it appeared. Syr turned to Bell with an apologetic expression.

"Just hold on for a sec, 'kay?"

Syr winked as she left, making Bell's heart flutter in surprise.

'Damn...I know Orario has a lot of beauties in it...but this...this is just unfair'

Bell grabbed his chest as he calmed down his beating heart. He was but a novice to love, if a pretty girl approached him so fervently, of course, he would break down.

'I guess this is expected for a loner who once died a virgin...'

He wasn't a natural Casanova, so Bell comforted himself with the fact he didn't fold immediately.

'The original Bell must either be some otherworldly level of devotion, or Ais is an otherworldly beauty herself. Being surrounded by so many beautiful women but remaining faithful to his crush...the math simply didn't add up for him'

'But speaking of Ais...I don't see the Loki familia here...'

The main force of the Loki familia would often frequent the Hostess of Fertility alongside their goddess whenever they came back from the dungeon or were celebrating something in their familia.

'I did want to see them here...but no matter...I'm sure I'll meet them someday'

With the plans Bell had for the future, their encounter was all but certain.

But before Bell could contemplate more on that train of thought, Syr had come back, finished with her task.

"I'm back! Sorry about that...so you were saying?"

She naturally made herself comfortable by Bell's side, her eyes sparkling with anticipation at what his name could possibly be.

"M-My name is Bell Cranel. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Syr"

Bell introduced himself with a bright smile. He genuinely wanted to meet her. Knowing she had good within her, but dying before it was revealed in the light novel, he wanted to understand this complex goddess himself.

Syr, seeing the bright expression on Bell's face, was stunned. A light blush appeared on her cheeks.

She was mesmerized by his light blue eyes. The intricate way it shined...It was as if she were starting into a limitless sky.

Such freedom...It resonated deep within her...Drenched in a past of being like a bird in a cage, Bell's eyes slowly but surely awoke her desire. It became her obsession...

"Odr...my dear Odr"

Syr whispered quietly. She was sure of it. This boy with such a unique soul, with eyes that filled her with the very freedom she had wished for.

She became enamored by many great warriors throughout her stay in Genkai. Warriors of varying sexes, varying races, of varying walks of life. But all failed to truly capture her heart.

But never once had she been so enraptured like this. She had always been the one sought after, but after seeing such a sight, she might just reconsider...

Bell heard what Syr said clearly, but feigned ignorance.

Though Freya was obsessive, Bell was happy. Not for his plans working out, but because such beauty was enamored with him.

'I refuse to believe any healthy man wouldn't be flattered seeing such a woman fall for you-'

"Hm? Miss Syr? Did you say something"

With Bell breaking Syr out of her rapture, she became extremely flustered.

"O-Oh, I was just...saying how well your name rolls off the tongue! It's also very pretty... y-your name I mean!-"

Seeing the bumbling mess in front of him, Bell doubted for a moment that this was the same person who would entrap Orario in an illusion with her charm.

The dichotomy of the 2 sides of this goddess was extremely funny for Bell.

"pft- HAHAHAHAH"

Seeing Bell laugh at her plight, Syr pouted and replied in annoyance.

"We've only just met and you're already teasing me...you're quite cruel Mister Cranel..."

"HAHAHaha. Sorry about that Syr it was too funny...and you can just call me Bell. I don't like being called so formally much"

'Perhaps her calculating and obsessive nature was a product of distancing herself from all the gods and mortals enamored by her...maybe Syr is her true self?...maybe...she just needs someone whom she could be true to herself with...'

Bell smiled genuinely to Syr, resolving himself to unravel the mystery of her heart.

Seeing the smile she had placed on Bell's face, Syr's heart fluttered. The joy she received seeing him smile, the warmth she felt as she did the same. There was no doubt in her mind.

'You've finally arrived...my fate...my destiny...my everything.

"Alright...Bell..."

Uttering her beloved's name brought slight embarrassment to Syr, but she pushed through.

"The night is long...do you mind if I have your company?..."

Syr mentioned softly, her eyes half closed. Blush apparent on her face. It radiated an adorable charm...but at the same time...was quite erotic...

'S-So this is her natural goddess charm...I'm somehow holding on...and why'd you have to word it like that!- I can feel the other waitresses staring daggers into my back-'

Bell was no doubt fearful of the pack of level 4's observing him like a sheep in a wolf's den.

Not even mentioning the level 6 grinning to herself by the counter.

Bell knew he would be eaten alive if he refused Syr now, so he simply trudged further into the abyss.

'If I'm going to be ripped to shreds, I'd rather it happen after talking with a cute girl-'

Desperation changed Bell greatly.

"I don't mind Miss Syr, I could use some company. It's actually my first day in Orario!"

"Oh! Is that so? What brought you here?"

"Well..."

And so the 2 talked the whole night. Syr occasionally being called to do her job, but quickly finishing the task to return to her conversation with Bell.

A fated meeting. A bond premeditated by fate. One which would undergo numerous bouts of turmoil, but wouldn't be regretted for having endured.

A mortal and a goddess. A hero and a villain in the making. A key and a fair maiden locked in a birdcage.

Authors Note:

Hello! Thank you for reading and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.

Bell has revealed his plans to become Orario's hero in the dark. The eminence in shadow (I'm sure you can figure out how I was inspired).

Comment your suggestions for what you think his alias should be. His color scheme will consist of light and dark grays. And his weapons have chains incorporated into them, (I'd love to hear your guesses at what his weapon might be as well).

Lastly, I hope you enjoyed the dynamic I wrote about between him and Freya/Syr. Do give me your thoughts on it. I know 2 yanderes might be a bit much...but it would be interesting don't you think? HAHAHA

Anyways, the chapter tomorrow will detail why Bell didn't want to receive Falna for now. I planned on writing it in this chapter, but I felt ending it with Bell and Freya talking was for the best.