The dungeon is essentially a womb that gives birth to monsters, so it's not too surprising.
This would explain why those monsters can emerge from within the walls. However, the fact that this core is under the control of that black dragon is a bit unexpected.
'No wonder Orario was built on top of the dungeon. It seems that besides keeping the dungeon's monsters from being spawned, they want to control the dungeon's core after defeating the black dragon. As long as they have the core of the dungeon, then even if the black dragon is defeated, they won't destroy the dungeon. This playground of the gods would still continue operating.'
However, even with the Hera Familia and the Zeus Familia joining forces to fight the black dragon, they were completely annihilated. It seems the biggest reason is that the black dragon controls the dungeon's core but there must be someone involved—otherwise, such two powerful familias with members at Level 8 and Level 9 wouldn't have lost like that.'
Bell felt that there were secret reasons no one knew about, but that part of the story hadn't been written down, and he hadn't even read the full story of DanMachi.
He always respected the unknown and didn't want to make reckless guesses about things he didn't understand.
However, this information concerning the dungeon was important enough to be noted down in his notebook.
If he managed to uncover more information in the future, there might even be a chance to piece them together and figure out what really happened in the past.
Seeing how attentively Bell was listening and how seriously he was thinking, Hestia gave a small nod.
After waiting a moment and watching him snap out of his deep thoughts, Hestia continued the conversation from earlier.
"So, Bell-kun, if you're going to enter the dungeon, don't underestimate it. There are many mysterious and dangerous things inside the dungeon. If something bad happens, it won't be easy for anyone to come to help you. You have to take care of yourself and stay safe."
Feeling the care from Hestia, Bell naturally took her words to heart.
Just as he had said earlier, Bell wasn't someone who enjoyed taking reckless risks.
"You don't have to worry, Hestia-sama. I'll be really careful once I enter the dungeon. I'm not an idiot, and I'm not looking to die anytime soon."
Of course, even as he said that, Bell had other reasons for entering the dungeon.
He wanted money and skills.
The "Type-Moon System" had given him the possibility to trade money for growth, and he had no intention of letting that opportunity slip by.
The power might be something that could be bought with money, but skill was definitely not something that could be easily purchased.
That's why the dungeon was the best place to accumulate money and practice his skills at the same time.
The upper floors of the dungeon weren't particularly dangerous and were more about helping new adventurers gradually adapt.
This also helps them get ready for the lower floors.
Bell completely agreed with that.
Hearing Bell's reassurance, Hestia clearly felt much better. As long as Bell didn't recklessly go into the lower floors of the dungeon, the danger would be greatly reduced.
Once she felt more relaxed, she started to feel tired from all the cleaning she had just done.
Hestia yawned, her eyes starting to close, and she habitually raised a hand to rub them.
Seeing that Hestia looked really tired, Bell didn't linger any longer. He laid a blanket down on the sofa, took off his shoes, and lay down.
"Hestia-sama, let's talk about everything else tomorrow, okay?"
Bell said softly.
"Yeah… I'm super sleepy too~"
As she spoke, Hestia's eyes grew heavier, and she let out another yawn before lying down on the wooden bed.
Hestia's half-closed eyes glanced over at him, who was already drifting off to sleep on the nearby sofa. A faint smile appeared at the corner of Hestia's eyes.
'Today was really a great day. Bell joined my familia, and now I finally have someone in my familia.'
At that moment, Bell blew out the candle beside him. A wisp of white smoke rose from the wick, and the scent of burning wax filled the room.
In the dimly lit room, both of them lay quietly—Hestia on the bed and Bell on the sofa.
After a whole day of exhaustion, Bell quickly drifted into sleep. He had been traveling for many days, always walking and always being careful of the people around him.
This had worn him down long ago, both physically and mentally, and lying down on the sofa and finally getting some rest was the best reward for Bell.
Bell was sound asleep, but Hestia, who had been feeling sleepy just a moment ago, woke up after only closing her eyes for a brief moment.
"Bell-kun, are you awake?"
The only response to Hestia was the sound of Bell's even breathing.
'I guess he's asleep… He must've been really tired,'
Even though she didn't know exactly what Bell had gone through before coming to Orario, Hestia could tell he must have been really tired to sleep like that.
Without realizing it, Hestia sat up from her bed. She didn't say anything, just quietly watching Bell sleeping on the sofa beside her.
'I never expected my first member to come about like this.'
Now that she thought about it, Hestia realized how dramatic her first meeting with Bell had been.
If she hadn't been feeling sad after being turned down by some adventurers and gone to complain to Hephaestus, she would've never met Bell.
Moreover, if Bell hadn't come looking for Hephaestus to ask for help, she wouldn't have become his goddess.
Hestia slightly narrowed her eyes, a feeling of luck filling her heart.
The soft, cool light of the moon glowed gently, landing on Bell's face as he slept on the couch.
Under the pure moonlight, Bell's slightly pale skin seemed even more smooth and flawless.
"So cute~"
She had already felt that Bell fit her aesthetic preferences.
After looking at his sleeping face in the moonlight, Hestia was even more convinced of her feelings.
Bell really was adorable, like a peaceful baby sleeping soundly.
Even though she really wanted to reach out and touch his face, Hestia remembered it was bedtime, and she held back.
"He is so cute."
As a goddess, Hestia felt deeply satisfied, and a small smile appeared on her face.
As she continued to watch him, Hestia slowly began to feel drowsy. Her eyes closed, and soon, her consciousness completely drifted into sleep.