Prologue

"Anything is possible in the Labyrinth City," that's what my grandpa always told me.

"If you want to meet beautiful elves and goddesses like you've been dreaming of, there's no better place."

The desire to become a real hero consumed my childish heart.

"Play your cards right, and fame and fortune will be yours. Of course, you could get swept into obscurity by the ever-changing tides of fate."

Grandpa didn't sound happy or angry. It was like it didn't matter to him either way.

"That's the kind of place it is. If you really want to be a hero, if you believe you have got what it takes, then that's where you should go."

He always got like this when he spoke about Orario.

"Don't let anyone else make your decisions for you, lad. Not the spirits, not the gods... not even me."

I remember his words so clearly even now.

"In the end, the choice has to be yours."

The way he looked at me when he said that...

"This is your story, Bell."

I'll never forget the way he used to smile at me.

"Grandpa, I've made my choice.

I'll become an adventurer.

I'll carry these precious memories of my grandpa wherever I go, even up to death.

And I'll make new memories with the new people I meet along the way."

[Brief interlude]

"Take a look, boy - you can see it from all the way here," the words came from the mouth of the male trader I had grown familiar with over the past few days of traveling, in which I was very thankful that he took me along on his way to Orario. If not for him, I might not have been able to make it this far in a few days' worth of time.

I responded with an enthusiastic voice, unable to contain my excitement. "Wow, really?"

"Uh-huh, see? It's right there," he pointed.

As I looked toward the direction his index finger had directed me to, all that I could think was that it was mesmerizing.

Though it was very far away, its sheer size was almost big enough for anyone from miles away to be able to spot it.

The only thing I managed to mutter out in sheer excitement was "Woah."

The needle that seemed to pierce through the heavens, known as Babel.

I had heard from Grandpa that Babel was an important foundation allowing the first gods a thousand years ago to descend upon Earth, entering a new age for humanity.

"Ha ha ha! First time seeing Orario, huh? It has that type of effect on people."

"The Labyrinth City Orario... the center of the world where you can find everything... fame, fortune, anything," I stated in disbelief or rather as a question to the middle-aged trader.

He agreed, saying, "Yeah, my job takes me to all sorts of different places, but this one is truly one of a kind."

"I've spent most of my life in the mountains, so any city is captivating to me. However, this one feels truly special," I remarked.

"I know what you mean. The first time I came here, I couldn't stop myself from shaking with excitement."

"You'll never find a more diverse melting pot of people, products, and deities. It's all here," he continued.

"And... adventurers too, right?" I asked.

"Why, sure. They're naturally drawn to places where monsters dwell, and in our case, that would be the dungeon."

"...." No words left my mouth as I didn't know what to say.

And then he asked. "You came here to become an adventurer, lad?"

Pausing briefly, I replied. "Um, y-yes, that's right."

"How about that. Maybe you'll consider doing a quest for me once you become a big shot?" He chuckled.

"A quest? Oh sure! Ask me anytime," I grinned wryly.

"It's a promise then, ha ha ha!"

Mmm, I can't wait anymore!

"Sir, you can let me off here," I proclaimed.

"Hey hey, we're still a long way from the city, you know?"

Not caring about his observation, I declared happily, "That's all right. I'm going to run the rest of the way."

With pure excitement, before his mouth even opened, I had already hopped down from his carriage, taking off running. While doing so, I shouted, "Thank you for everything!"

(Minor change in POV)

Watching Bell as he took off, the merchant could only mutter to himself, "Ah, youth... Haven't met a wannabe adventurer in a while..."

Leaving behind words of worry for the boy, he uttered, "Don't go getting yourself killed, lad." This is because he knew how harsh the world treated those who were in it, and the boy Bell Cranel was no exception.

(Back to Bell's POV)

pant pant I wonder what kind of adventurers are out there?

What type of people will I meet?

Are there really as many gods living here as everyone says?

Are there really... heroes?

Maybe one day, I'll be one too!