Chapter Text
(A/N: Greetings! I'm Chosen and this is my first fic ever! I was inspired to write fics after seeing the various ideas of creators like Venatnus and others. This will take place in the modern day and take heavy inspiration from characters like Spider-Man and Superman as I plan to make Bell as light hearted and heroic as possible while adding a bit of maturity to the character. Overall the story will be a mix of Danmachi and Solo Leveling aspects that akso leans more into the themes of heroism and unity. Characters like Bell and others in his generation will be aged up to make certain elements less 'awkward' you could say. Originally I wasn't sure but decided to go through with the harem aspect for fun and to see I can tackle such a odd and intrinsic trope. I also plan to encorporate elements of other series that I enjoyed while growing up and hope to see if others notice as well. Overall I will try to make this story fairly lighthearted and fun, there will be moments when things can get a bit dark but I do hope to minimize those as at the end of the day this is more so for fun and to see if other's like certain idea's I implement. As for the update schedule, I plan to update with a few chapters a week but can not make guarantees due to restrictions of school time and assignments, but I will do my best! Happy reading and warm regards!)
(Warning, this firsr chapter is relatively short and a bit more of a exposition dump. So I won't blame you if you skip it.)
"1000's of years ago, portals started appearing around the world. They started appearing in the lands of the east, then spread westward, slowly but surely these portals were found all over the world. These portal appearances created widespread fear and concern as they had even begun to show up in the streets, commercial areas and even peoples' homes. The people asked their governments, kings and rulers for answers, who then swore to get to the bottom of the issue at hand. These portals were later labeled gates after sending some brave volunteers into the glowing rifts of energy. In it they found areas that appeared to resemble their world's biomes such as deserts, caves, rainforests and woods covered in snow, but saw nothing else. This then led them to come to the conclusion that the gates were harmless and informed the public as such.
However, a massive cataclysm occurred all over the world. Suddenly monsters and creatures of varying types, shapes and sizes poured from the gates, resulting in the loss of countless lives. During this incident thousands upon thousands of gates around the globe had opened with monsters from different worlds pouring in and laying waste to ours. The mortals of course had decided to band together to combat this new and terrifying threat. They used whatever they could from conventional weaponry to harnessing the power of magic and building their bodies beyond the usual physical limitations. There were many heroes who arose during this time, however there was one who sparked the creation of the others.
His name was Argonaut and it was his tale that began the Age of Heroes and his spark that created an explosive wave of hope, companionship, and unity. Argonaut was very carefree and cheerful, sometimes a bit too much. Like letting his close friend clean up his messes and take the blame for things he did. It didn't help that he acted so unbothered to her afterwards. He also was rather childish and had a flair for the dramatic as he frequently acted like he was a hero and fighting imaginary monsters, like when he pretended that a windmill was a giant. Because of his personality, he was consistently labeled a clown and one who should not be taken seriously. He often tried to show off in front of beautiful women but failed hilariously due to his lack of talent and ability. He even had a habit of writing events down in his "Hero Journal", and he often glorified said events.
However, not many truly knew that his attitude and actions were all more so an act, a performance if you will. Truth is he was extremely sharp, perceptive and very determined. His goal was to encourage and motivate everyone in this time of turmoil. To show that anyone could be a hero, even a clown like him . Because of this, naturally he had to hide his exceptional side, claiming and pretending to be someone whom no one could ever take seriously and would see as less than the average person. He was truly doing everything he could to help and better the future of the world and believed that bringing everyone together would help finally suppress or at least push back against the monsters.
Thankfully he had succeeded, and the Age of Heroes had begun. Over the next couple hundred years the mortals had finally managed to push the monsters back into the gates. Heroes and groups would then journey into them, collecting resources like magic crystals and items that dropped from the monsters to make stronger gear and help advance society. Eventually they started to be able to even clear the gates by defeating the dungeon bosses that reside deep within. Things were looking up until the dungeons started changing…adapting…getting stronger, far stronger. It became harder and harder to clear certain dungeons. For the most part mortals had persevered and held strong, however one specific dungeon had proved to be far more than they could handle.
This one proved to be an anomaly that produced monsters that would be known as the 3 kings of calamity. First was the Behemoth, king of the land. When it escaped there was a vile and potent miasma that worked like poison. It was produced by the beast everywhere it went. The Behemoth destroyed entire towns and cities, leaving them uninhabitable for years to come. Next was the Leviathan, the king of the seas. It made the fishing and trade routes impossible to traverse, heavily impacting the cities and villages that took place on the coasts. Finally, the most powerful and dangerous of them all, the Black Dragon. This king of the skies had laid waste across entire countries, burning kingdoms and nations to ash with its following of lesser dragons that it commanded. It had a roar that forced every living thing to submit to its will or go mad upon hearing it. Needless to say, the mortals were forced into a corner. They tried again and again to take the beasts down but could not hope to stand a chance.
There was one who managed to injure the Black Dragon, his name was Albert Waldenstein. He was by far and to this day, the strongest mortal to have ever lived. He managed to take one of its eyes out but it cost him his life. The wind spirit Aria, his wife, used every bit of magic in her being possible to then form a cage around the beast. Her own "gate" of sorts, with this defeat it had seemed like all hope was lost. Even while the Black Dragon had been contained, the other two monstrous kings still roamed and terrified the world.
Things were looking grim until finally, the gods had begun to descend from heaven. Most were simply coming down in search of enjoyment and fun new experiences like a mortal-like life. But a few others came down to help the mortals with their strife and challenges with the monsters. Both types agreed to a pact to seal their true divine power known as arcanum. The first to descend was Ouranous, he collected a handful of individuals to bestow upon them what is called a "blessing". A small piece of his divinity that gave the mortals a chance to once again combat the monsters and hopefully even take down the three beasts back into the portals rather than simply holding them off. With his great power he also uses a prayer to influence the main dungeon the three kings arrived from, sedating it in a sense.
Soon, more gods came down with this intent in mind. Those like Ganesha, Astrea, Artemis, Hera and I Zeus, we each came down and started our own groups like that of Ouranos. We'd each head one and have each new member we deemed worthy to join get a blessing. With these we began helping them cultivate these powers in order to once again combat the monsters. It took a long time and a lot of trial and error, blood and sacrifice, but eventually we finally managed to get the process down. Our members, now called adventurers, were able to get stronger and stronger with each feat they achieved from when we updated them. From then on for the next thousand years, more gods came down and started their own groups with blessings. Together they created the now massive and prosperous city known as Orario. Now the Age of Gods had begun, and mortals were thriving more than ever. It took awhile but finally me and Hera were able to cultivate the strength of our now labeled "familias". 15 years ago, my familia managed to finally defeat the legendary Behemoth, and Hera familia managed to grant salvation to the coasts once again with the slaying of the Leviathan.
However, no one has been able to defeat the Black Dragon. Our familia did everything they could to bring it down, but it was hopeless. They were wiped out in an instant. With that the evil terror group known as Evilu, a group of radical familias led by gods of evil, darkness and death had begun to form and accumulate power. Resulting in what was called the Great Feud, a tragic period that lasted for months in the city of Orario. The combined might of the Guild, Loki, Freya, Astrea and Ganesha familias was finally able to weaken it enough to force it back into hiding. Evilus was then finally torn apart when the violent vigilante known as Gale attacked the Rudra Familia recently in their rampage, taking out the last bit of Evilus they could find.
But there are again signs of their return with minor sightings and small attacks on unsuspecting familia who go into a dungeon or even at times in public. The gates are once again evolving, the Black Dragon is still a looming threat, Orario is not at its fullest potential, a lot of people are divided once again and there are no more true heroes left to deal with these issues. The "balance" right now is very delicate and steadily tilting to the darkness. What the world needs right now is a game changer, a new hope, a new spark for a new age, the Age of Heroes and Gods, the Age…of Unity. Just like thousands of years ago, one spark is all it takes to kick off a new beginning.
So… who's it going to be this time? How about you?"
Zeus asked the now sleeping 8-year-old boy named Bell Cranel. Zeus was telling Bell the history of adventurers and heroes as the young boy had requested for tonight. He was far different from most with a rather unique look to him thanks to his deep crimson eyes and snowy white hair with fair skin. But it was not only his appearance that differed from the other children in the town in the middle of the countryside. While most kids played video games or hung out and played around , Bell had a dream much bigger than his small-town surroundings. He wanted to be a hero.
It all started a year ago when Bell discovered an old box of comic books in his grandfather's attic. The pages were yellowed with age, but the heroes inside were strong, noble, and wise. They were captivating to him. He would stay up late at night reading as he imagined himself in their shoes, fighting villains and saving the world. He knew, deep down, that one day he would become one of them.
His grandfather Zeus had been preparing him for such grandiose ideals and glorious purpose, starting with knowledge and discipline. He then would move to add physical body training.
For instance, one morning Bell stood by the barn as he began stretching his arms and legs from side to side, ready for another day of training. His grandfather approached, his tall, broad frame casting a large shadow across the ground. Despite his aged and divinely sealed body, Zeus moved with the grace and strength of someone far younger. "Are you ready, my dear boy?" Zeus asked.
Bell nodded eagerly, his heart pounding with excitement. "I've been practicing my punches, Grandpa. I think I'm ready for the next level!"
Zeus raised an eyebrow. "You think it's all about punches?" He shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "A lot of the time true strength comes not from how hard you can strike, but from true commitment and compassion. Sometimes a hero's greatest power isn't in their muscles, but in their heart and compassion."
Bell furrowed his brow and pouted. The old man couldn't help but find this adorable and wondered just how much of a lady killer his grandson would be when he got older. "But in the comics, the heroes always fight. They punch, run and defeat the bad guys!" The young and energetic boy exclaimed.
Zeus chuckled, low and deep. "Ah, yes, the comics. But listen carefully, Bell. They fight because they are protecting or trying to help people and create and sustain ideals and justice. What's important is not the fighting itself, but the reason behind it. And for that, you must first learn humility."
Bell looked up at his grandfather, feeling the weight of his words. He had always looked up to heroes for their strength and bravery, but now, standing before the man who had been preparing him for something greater, he realized there was so much more to being a hero than he had imagined.
"Today, we'll start with a different kind of training," Zeus said, leading Bell toward the edge of the field where the horses grazed peacefully. "Your first lesson in humility: caring for others. True nobility comes from helping those who cannot help themselves."
Zeus pointed to an old, wounded horse lying under a tree. It was a horse that Bell's grandfather had rescued many years ago, and now it was weak and frail. Literally on its last legs as it was barely able to keep itself up before slowly descending back down to the grassy plain.
"I want you to help this horse stand," Zeus instructed. "It may seem like a small task, but there's power in patience. A hero doesn't just fight, but he also nurtures and heals."
Bell hesitated. He had never thought of himself as someone who would need to care for animals. He wanted to fly, lift heavy objects , run fast and battle evil. But looking at the horse's tired eyes, Bell knew his grandfather had a point. He knelt beside the animal, his hands gently brushing its coat. The horse stirred but didn't rise.
For hours, Bell worked beside his grandfather. He fed the horse, spoke to it in soothing tones, and helped it stand up slowly, step by step. It wasn't glamorous work. It wasn't the type of heroic act Bell had imagined when reading his comics. But as the horse finally stood tall, Bell felt a sense of accomplishment and purpose that no comic book battle had ever given him.
When the sun began to set, Zeus sat beside Bell on a fallen log. "You see Bell, strength isn't always about power. It's about patience, wisdom, and responsibility. A true hero knows when to act, when to wait, and when to help others, not just to show off, but to make a difference."
Bell nodded, feeling a new understanding settle in his chest. His dream of becoming a hero was still alive, but now, it felt bigger than ever before. It wasn't about fame or glory. It was about being noble in heart, humble in spirit, and responsible for those around him.
"I'll keep training, Grandpa," Bell said, determination rising in his voice. "I want to be a hero, not just like in the comics, but like you."
Zeus smiled, a proud glint in his eyes. "And you will, Bell. But remember, a hero's greatest strength lies not in what he can do for himself, but in what he does for others. Every day, you'll have a chance to choose: to act with honor, to lift others up, and to become a true hero, not just in the world's eyes, but in your own heart."
With that, the two of them stood together, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the evening sky. Bell, the young boy who had once only dreamed of becoming a superhero, now knew that the true path to heroism was not just about the battles you fought but also about the life you chose to live. So how would he choose to live?