Chapter 34: The Arrival of Bell Cranel (Updated)

A month and a few days had passed.

And now, standing before me are three female adventurers—each capable of shaking an army of monsters.

Their progress was beyond expectations.

On the left stands Lili—her eyes no longer reflect fear, but power and trust in her skills.

She is geared in armor and wields a katana, forged specifically for her.

At first glance, it looks lightweight—but in reality, it is enchanted to reach a ton when needed.

Combine that with the assassin techniques taught by Subzero and her ability to impersonate others—and she is the perfect spy and assassin.

On the right stands Haruhime, clad in a kimono and wielding a staff.

Her kimono is enchanted to enhance agility and protection, while her staff—crafted from the dragon heart I obtained from the Black Dragon—amplifies her magic.

With Merlin's teachings, she is a force not to be underestimated.

Finally—at the center—Aisha, my Vice-Captain, clad in berserker armor designed for her combat style.

She wields a great two-handed blade, trained under Igris in discipline and control.

Her strength is a sight to behold.

Both Lili and Haruhime exceeded my expectations, reaching Level 4 instead of Level 3.

Aisha now stands at Level 5, just a few days away from Level 6.

This progress, of course, wasn't without struggle—it was the result of hard work and relentless training by my shadows and my careful planning.

Providing them with the environment, medicine, and support they needed to recover quickly allowed them to keep pushing forward.

Meanwhile, my business with Hephaestus was already a success.

Selling her raw materials while signing an exclusive contract to supply her with requested dungeon materials ensured a steady income.

With that, our Familia had gained both a powerful ally and a personal friend.

Sora: "I am proud of all of you—both as adventurers and as your Familia Captain."

"Today, for your efforts, I have a gift for each of you."

I hand them bracelets, smiling proudly.

They take them with bright, excited expressions, immediately putting them on.

The bracelets shine briefly, then settle into a comfortable fit.

Lili looks up at me, puzzled.

"What are these bracelets, and why did they shine?"

Sora: "These are my personal creations."

"Each has three functions: Locate, Teleport, and Storage."

🔹 Locate – Allows you to track people wearing similar bracelets by simply thinking about them—like a compass. 🔹 Teleport – Instantly returns you to the garden, either for a quick return or in dangerous situations. 🔹 Storage – Allows you to store non-living objects using a 10x10 meter space. To store an item, place your hand on it and say 'Store'. To retrieve an item, think of it and say 'Out'.

The girls stare in shock, checking their bracelets in awe—especially Haruhime, whose fascination with magic artifacts had grown immensely under Merlin's teachings.

After collecting themselves, they say in sync:

💛 Aisha & Haruhime: "Thank you, Sora-sama."

💙 Lili: "Thank you, Big Brother."

Lili is the only one allowed to call me that.

She holds a special place in my Familia—the little sister I never had—and I treat her as such.

Hestia, standing beside me, smiles proudly.

"Congratulations, girls—I am truly proud of you all."

The girls turn to her, their expressions full of warmth and admiration.

In the past month, our bonds had deepened, and the Familia had become a true family.

They promise to continue pushing forward, to make her dream of the strongest Familia a reality.

Sora: "Now that you're ready—we're heading to the Guild today to officially register you into the Familia."

"Aisha and I will also register as Vice-Captain and Captain."

"After that—we're going to the Hostess of Fertility for food and drinks—on me!"

The girls cheer, following me eagerly.

The Guild

As we walk through the city, adventurers and civilians stare, murmuring amongst themselves.

Those who know Hestia are stunned—seeing her with a strong Familia, despite previously failing to recruit even a single member for so long.

Rumors begin circulating immediately, even before we reach the Guild.

The girls and Hestia enjoy the walk, taking in the city after a month spent mostly in the forest, only returning to the mansion to eat and sleep.

Upon reaching the Guild, I immediately notice a familiar face at the counter.

But what surprises me is who stands in front of her—

The one and only Bell Cranel, looking depressed.

I had known of his arrival for some time—but I wanted him to experience the city's harsh reality first.

To see that strength is required to be acknowledged.

So that when I finally recruit him, he will be driven to push himself further.

Eina spots me, her face brightening with a smile.

She waves, and I return the gesture, making my way over.

Bell steps aside, watching our approach.

Eina: "Sora-sama! You finally joined the Familia you wanted!"

"I was worried—it's been over a month since I last saw you."

Sora: "Sorry about that, Eina-san."

"I was busy setting up the Familia and recruiting new members before coming."

"Let me introduce everyone—"

I proceed to introduce my Familia, telling her to register them all under Hestia—including myself as Captain and Aisha as Vice-Captain.

While handling the paperwork, I notice her glances—between me and Bell—her hesitation evident.

She wants to ask me something, but isn't sure if she should.

I catch on quickly.

"What is it, Eina? I can see it on your face—just tell me."

Eina sighs.

"Am I that easy to read?"

She regains her composure, then gestures toward Bell.

"Sora-sama—this is Bell Cranel."

"He is a new adventurer without a Familia."

"He shows determination and potential—so I wanted to ask if you could take him into yours."

"I make this request as a friend, not as a Guild member."

Sora: 'She really does go far to help the people under her care. I had already planned to invite him anyway.'

I look at Bell—he is instantly nervous, sweating, before shouting:

"Please, sir! I promise to become the strongest adventurer and help the Familia in every way possible!"

I exchange a glance with Hestia, who nods.

"It's up to you—I trust your decisions."

The girls nod as well.

I smile.

"Well, Mr. Cranel, welcome to the Hestia Familia."