Core Concept:
Bell Cranel is not truly Bell Cranel. He is Guts, reincarnated into the DanMachi world. From the moment of birth, Bell's body is Guts's new vessel, with all of Guts's memories, experiences, and skills intact. His new life is a continuation of his struggle and survival. He has the same trauma, the same rage, and the same unyielding will to fight as Guts — a man who has suffered more than any mortal should.
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Birth and Early Years:
Physical Appearance: Bell's body is the same as before, but his soul is Guts'. Even as a baby, his eyes show a depth and intensity that no child should possess, and his cries are filled with anger, as if protesting his fate. His first steps are taken not by a curious child, but a warrior already haunted by the ghosts of his past life.
Memories from the Start: The memories of Guts flood him from the moment he is born. He knows exactly who he was and what he has endured. There's no confusion or gradual awakening — Bell is Guts, a man who has seen too much and experienced unimaginable horrors. He can perfectly recall the Eclipse, his vengeance against Griffith, and every battle he has fought.
Personality: From birth, Bell has no trace of the innocent, naïve personality that Bell Cranel is known for. Instead, he is driven by an overwhelming urge to fight, to survive, and to find purpose — like Guts. The pain of the Eclipse is deeply embedded in his soul, and Bell's instincts constantly push him to guard against any potential threats. He has the heart of a warrior, and the weight of his past hangs heavy on him.
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Skills and Abilities:
Combat Proficiency: Guts was a master swordsman, and in Bell's body, those skills are amplified. He is not an inexperienced adventurer. He wields a sword like no other, and the sheer force of his swings is enough to cleave through monsters and enemies alike. His instincts for battle are honed from countless wars and fights, making him an unrivaled combatant.
Physical Strength and Durability: The physical power and endurance that Guts displayed in his original life carry over into Bell. He is inhumanly strong and has an almost supernatural resistance to pain. He can take wounds that would cripple anyone else and continue fighting without hesitation.
The Brand of Sacrifice: Bell carries the Brand of Sacrifice in his new life, a mark that binds him to a cursed fate. It is a constant reminder of his past, the burden of being pursued by apostles and demonic entities. Even in his new life, Bell is haunted by those that wish to bring him ruin because of this brand.
Fighting Style: He doesn't need to train like a typical adventurer. His skills are innate, instinctual — from his heavy sword swings to his brutal, relentless approach to combat. Bell's fighting style is a reflection of Guts' relentless nature, always aggressive, always overpowering.
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The Revelation: The Gods Discover His True Identity
The gods, upon looking into Bell's soul, realize that he is not just any adventurer — he is Guts, reborn. His soul is marked by a dark, violent energy, and his past life is one that the gods can see with disturbing clarity. The gods' discovery of Bell's true identity shakes the foundations of their understanding.
The Reaction of the Gods: Some gods are unsettled, fearing the wrath of Guts, while others might see him as a tool to wield in the fight against monsters. Freya and other gods with deep knowledge of the past might see Bell as a powerful ally — or a dangerous enemy who could rival even the gods themselves.
Bell's Knowledge of His Past Life: Bell remembers everything. He is fully aware that he is Guts, the Black Swordsman. He knows the pain, the rage, and the people he has loved and lost. He is not surprised by the gods' discovery because he's always known who he was. His reactions range from contempt to indifference, as he is no longer the man who sought camaraderie. He has become Guts, a man who trusts no one.
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Interacting with DanMachi Characters:
Aiz Wallenstein: Bell's relationship with Aiz is completely different. There's no infatuation or admiration. Instead, Aiz sees someone who is cold, distant, and driven solely by survival. Bell may respect Aiz's strength, but he is not interested in forming bonds the way Bell originally did. Aiz finds herself trying to break through his emotional barriers, but it's a challenge she has never faced before.
Hestia: Hestia, Bell's adoptive goddess, has a complex relationship with him. She sees him as her "child," but Guts' anger and hardened nature make it difficult for her to connect with him. She constantly finds herself worried about him, but there is also a deeper understanding that Bell is not the child she raised; he is a battle-worn warrior who has seen things she could never comprehend.
Liliruca Arde: Liliruca may see Bell as a protector, but she also realizes that Guts' presence makes it hard for her to get close to him. His trauma and rage prevent her from getting through to him, leaving her conflicted in her feelings.
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Bell's Path Forward:
Bell's life is a cycle of survival, pain, and vengeance. He doesn't seek friendships or recognition from others; instead, he seeks to endure. He fights to survive, not out of ambition, but out of sheer instinct, like Guts did before him. The gods, however, may want to use him as a weapon — but Bell, as Guts, will not be anyone's pawn.
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This is Bell Cranel as Guts, a reincarnation of Guts who retains everything from his past life and makes no effort to hide his true nature. Bell is Guts in a new life — and nothing more.