New Path

--- Bell's POV ---

A profound sense of astonishment washed over me, rendering me momentarily speechless. After we dealt with the last few enemies and got a breather, some news started to circulate, and it was nothing short of incredulous, a reality that proved difficult to digest.

At that moment, a stark realization enveloped me—I was undeniably outclassed, unable to hold a candle to his prowess. Could I, in any measure, have executed such a seamless feat to protect her? The stark answer was a resounding no.

The undeniable truth etched itself into my consciousness: I lacked the strength to rival him, and I doubt I will achieve it in the future as well. I learned just how hard reality was in these weeks, and of course, this was related to my future growth as well. When I will hit a wall, will I be able to surpass it like always, or not?

Amid the gradual dissemination of a subtle explanation, our actions serving as the final brushstrokes against the last few enemies standing, an incredulous chuckle surged within me, yearning for release.

The intricate stratagem he had orchestrated, an intricate ruse to fool the enemy, all the while he was dealing with the strongest enemy, was nothing short of ridiculing —his approach felt akin to a jest, a morale-boosting anecdote rather than a stark reality I had to accept.

A desire to recount our own valiant efforts, the resilience we had displayed in his inadvertent oversight, ignited within me. A latent satisfaction at the thought of my level ascending once more, to reach the coveted threshold of level 4, threatened to bubble forth.

Yet, the euphoria that might have accompanied such a good development was suppressed by a weighty understanding—the chasm between his prowess and mine was unbridgeable.

---

Name: Bell Cranel

Level: 3(+) ➔ 4

•Strength: SSS1380 ➔ I0

•Endurance: SSS1510 ➔ I0

•Dexterity: SSS1209 ➔ I0

•Agility: SSS1504 ➔ I0

•Magic: SSS1303 ➔ I0

•Luck: H ➔ F

•Abnormal Resistance: H ➔ G

•Escape: I

---

Should I just find someone else to love?

The question materialized within the recesses of my mind, a notion that held a certain appeal.

Yet, an enigmatic reluctance, like an invisible hand, gripped at my thoughts, suggesting that should such a choice ever materialize, its execution would present a formidable challenge.

In the midst of my contemplation, a voice, unexpected and familiar, sliced through the silence, causing me to jolt in surprise.

"...What are you thinking about, Bell? Are you alright?"

Hestia-sama? But wasn't she engaged in discussions with her fellow deities?

My inquiries remained unspoken as I turned around, locking eyes with her. Her smile, curiously knowing, only deepened the puzzle that had taken root in my mind.

"Have my charms finally got to you?" a small, teasing smile on her lips as her question struck an odd chord within me.

I couldn't utter a reply. My attempts to do so faltered as if my voice itself had conspired against me.

However, Hestia-sama seemed attuned to the unspoken turmoil, her response marked by a gesture that bridged the distance between us. Embracing me with her diminutive frame, she seemed unfazed by any disarray that might have shown on my face.

"Your inner conflict is written all over your face, Bell," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight I didn't seem to understand properly. "That searching gaze, fixed upon another, has never escaped my notice. Your heart speaks louder than words. Follow its guidance, just as I am doing now. That path is not an easy one, even for a Goddess like me. Sometimes, it takes an impartial observer to reveal the truths we cannot see from within. Be steadfast, Bell, and do not belittle yourself simply because another has captured her affections. Fight wholeheartedly, using all you possess, until the very last drop. If your feelings are true and genuine, then let them guide you, I'm sure you will make the right choice."

Oddly, her words failed to bring the comfort I had anticipated. Instead, a lingering unease persisted, refusing to be assuaged.

Must my pursuits be confined to this unending chase? Was it truly the yearning of my heart?

Before Ais-san, what were my dreams? Did they not extend beyond this obsession, this relentless pursuit?

A subtle shift occurred within me, like the turning of a cog, altering my perspective in ways I could have never foreseen.

"...I believe that path isn't for me. Death is an ever-present specter, Hestia-sama, and it's a lesson that has hit me with undeniable force in recent weeks. The sight of lives extinguished, so many falling like mere husks, has been a revelation. It's illuminated my perspective in ways I never thought possible. As time marches on, I'm growing acutely aware of my own youth and inexperience. The pursuit of Ais-san... will stop. She holds affection for someone dear, and it's only right to respect that bond and leave her under his care. As for my own feelings, they are taking an unexpected turn. I find myself considering you, Hestia-sama. If you still..."

Once the floodgates of my thoughts were unsealed, words flowed forth like a river released from its dam. Yet, it seemed my revelation had taken Hestia-sama by such surprise that her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

...And there was an undeniable charm I never noticed, until now.

"Seriously!?" she blurted out, her arms still tightly encircling me. Yet, her shock quickly translated into a flurry of movement, a kind of delighted energy that radiated from her.

Watching her react in such a manner, I couldn't help but find a genuine smile curving my lips. Amidst the chaos of the moment, I found a peculiar inner tranquility, a sense of contentment sparked by the presence of the Goddess who had been by my side all this time.

This was in no way a dismissal of the other members of the Familia; rather, it was an acknowledgment that this moment, this exchange, felt like another chapter that will probably significantly shape our lives.

I dared to entertain the possibility of finally discovering my own path to happiness.

It's strange how today I felt an unusual surge of courage, prompting me to press my lips gently against hers – a tender gesture, conveying the depth of my sincerity.

In that fleeting touch, I communicated a truth I had come to recognize with profound clarity. I, Bell Cranel, was prepared to seek my own happiness elsewhere. This journey I've undertaken, with its myriad of emotions, has never been something I resented. Rather, it's been the driving force behind my unwavering determination, the reason I've pushed myself beyond my limits each day. And for that, I'm sincerely grateful.

As the days unfold, I genuinely wish her all the happiness she deserves in her newfound relationship with Ren. Perhaps, one day, we'll gather around a campfire, reminiscing about these days when we fought side by side, facing death head-on...

I will eagerly await for that time to come.

VOLUME 3 END.

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Author's Note:

I thought about it, but I felt like ending the volume with this rather than with the rest of the war and all the other details. It will be part of volume 4.