Danmachi: Is It Wrong to Be the Main Character in Orario?

'What a harsh lesson.' Bell thought, a hint of sympathy rising in him. But if Hephaestus-sama had chosen to educate her Familia members with such realism, she must have sighed about their naivety many times before.

The conversation inside ended quickly. Tsubaki stepped out of the room, muttering, "Welf, you're really in for it now."

Standing at the door, Bell couldn't help but reflect.

'Welf, it's time you experience Orario's version of tough love.'

Without a trace of pity, Bell opened the door and walked in—exercising a privilege granted only to him.

The sound of the door caught Hephaestus's attention, though she didn't look up right away.

"What is it?"

"It's me, Hephaestus-sama."

"Bell?"

The familiar voice made Hephaestus look up in surprise, which quickly turned into delight.

She wasn't bothered by his silent entry—it was a special privilege she had given him.

Even Tsubaki, the captain, didn't have unrestricted access to her office. But Bell did.

"You're here this late?"

Hephaestus had thought she wouldn't see him until tomorrow, so this visit caught her off guard.

"I ran into something earlier. I could've come sooner, but I had to help Goddess-sama calm down first."

"Hm? Did you run into those things during the 'Monsterphilia'?"

"No. We encountered something even more troublesome."

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow with interest, set down the contract she was working on, and walked over to the office couch. She patted the seat beside her.

"Come sit."

"Alright."

Bell, unlike a few days ago, didn't hesitate and sat down right next to Hephaestus-sama.

She turned to face him, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

"So what kind of trouble did you run into? You had to help calm Hestia down? Don't tell me you ran into those monsters head-on."

Bell sighed and shook his head.

"If it were just that, things wouldn't be so complicated. We ran into Freya."

Hephaestus's expression instantly turned serious.

"You came across that woman?"

She carefully examined Bell's eyes. The fastest way to check if someone had been charmed was through their gaze.

"Bell, did she enchant you?"

"No."

Bell shook his head, exasperated. He wasn't that easy to charm.

"It wasn't exactly a direct encounter. Freya figured out our location from the monster attacks and extended an invitation to Goddess-sama. Considering that they'd have to meet sooner or later, she accepted. But just to be clear—I didn't meet Freya myself."

Hephaestus visibly relaxed.

'That woman is always far too sensitive in the worst ways.'

Even so, the situation was a headache.

"She's got her eyes on you—that's not good."

"I agree. That's why I'm here, to explain what happened and share my analysis."

Bell then detailed the conversation between Freya and Hestia, word for word.

Hephaestus listened intently, frowning throughout. Only after Bell shared his observations and insights did her expression ease slightly.

"That idiot Hestia… falling into such an obvious trap."

Her voice was full of frustration—disappointed but also laced with guilt. In the past, she might have brushed it off, but this time, it involved her too. There was no walking away from it.

Anger burned across her refined features.

Noticing this, Bell silently crossed himself, offering a mental prayer for Goddess-sama.

After her anger subsided, Hephaestus began analyzing Freya's possible motives.

"Bell, your guess is probably right. I know that woman's style all too well. If you really are the one she's set her sights on, she would've made a move and taken you by force. The only reason she's been searching for you and watching you is because she's still uncertain."

"And then there's what you said about Freya's informant. That woman rarely comes down to the lower world, so how has she managed to keep finding so many gifted children over the years..."

Between the lines, Hephaestus was clearly acknowledging the possibility that the spy existed.

She then turned her gaze directly to Bell. "Things might start getting even more difficult for you from here on out."

Bell took a deep breath, already aware of the challenges he would be facing.

"I know. But I also know that the pressure from Freya will push me to move forward."

"If you're thinking like that, then I have nothing to worry about."

Seeing the unwavering resolve in Bell's eyes, Hephaestus felt more at ease. Compared to Hestia, Bell was far more cautious and less likely to fall into Freya's grasp.

"Still, Freya is a serious problem. Under her command are the strongest fighters in Orario. If she decides to make a move, no one can stop her."

At the mention of Freya Familia, Bell's expression turned grim.

Though he had heard there were internal conflicts within Freya Familia, once they acted on the will of their Familia God, their sheer power was not something anyone could take lightly.

"Yeah, Freya Familia really is a major threat. Even if they aren't perfectly united, they all have the same goal. If they're dealing with an outside enemy, they'll likely put aside their differences for the time being. That's why we need someone who can act as a check on Freya Familia."

Hephaestus agreed with the idea, but she also pointed out a harsh reality.

"There's hardly anyone in Orario who can stand against a Level 7."

Level 7 was the highest combat strength in Orario—and the one who held that title was the captain of Freya Familia.

To restrain Freya Familia, what was needed wasn't strategy or allies—it was raw power capable of going toe-to-toe with Level 7.

And that was exactly what Bell most wanted to create.

Bell knew he stood no chance against that Level 7 monster right now. If he could, Freya herself wouldn't be a threat anymore.

So, for now, he had to aim for a more realistic goal.

"That's why I want those three in Loki Familia to surpass the Level 6 threshold and reach Level 7."