DanMachi: Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion's Relationship, Explained

Key Takeaways

Bell and Ryu were brought together by circumstances: war games and dungeon adventures.
Their bond deepened in the lower floors due to trust and physical intimacy.
Current events have sidelined their romance, leaving Ryu’s future with Bell uncertain.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent delving into the fantastical world of Orario through DanMachi, I can wholeheartedly say that Bell Cranel’s relationship with Ryu Lion is the one that truly resonates with me. The bond they share transcends the usual tropes of anime romances and offers a unique blend of trust, respect, and shared experiences in the heart of the treacherous dungeon.

Bell Cranel has been a focal point of affection for numerous women in Orario since the start of DanMachi. Despite placing most of these characters in the friend zone, there’s one girl who consistently stands out in Bell’s romantic pursuits – Ryu Lion. Initially meeting as acquaintances following their introduction through Syr, Bell and Ryu have gradually strengthened their bond over numerous battles fought side by side.

Regarding Bell, Ryu has stood by his side in battles against the Apollo Familia and multiple times when he was in danger within the dungeon. The fifth season of DanMachi primarily explores Syr’s feelings towards Bell Cranel, but those emotions have yet to be returned by Bell himself. This could pave the way for Ryu to eventually become Bell’s partner, given their deep bond with each other.

Brought Together By Circumstances

Bell and Ryu Were Brought Together By the War Games

DanMachi: Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion's Relationship, Explained

Unlike Ais, Syra, and other romantic figures in DanMachi, Ryu was introduced into the storyline during the second season. During the conflict between the Apollo Familia and the Hestia Familia, Bell Cranel was left to fight alone against an entire familia. To help Bell in this battle, Syra introduces him to Ryu Lion, a secretive waitress at the Hostess of Fertility. Unbeknownst to many, Ryu was actually a high-level adventurer who decided to covertly assist Bell in the war games. This clandestine help ultimately led to Bell’s triumph over the Apollo Familia.

Since the war games, Ryu has consistently been a key figure in the storyline of DanMachi. The war marked the beginning of numerous occasions where Ryu would stay resolute by Bell’s side. Nevertheless, it was not until season 4 of DanMachi that their relationship truly blossomed, as the challenges within the Dungeon drew them closer than ever before.

The Dungeon’s Lower Floors Deepened Their Bond

Bell and Ryu Fought Side-by-Side in the Dungeon’s Lower Floors

Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion’s bond deepened substantially following the war games, but it was their harrowing experiences on the lower levels of the Dungeon that truly fostered its growth. In the fourth season of DanMachi, the Hestia Family embarked on a journey into the Dungeon to advance collectively.

Initially, Ryu wasn’t part of the group exploring the dungeon, but later on, Bell got involved in matters concerning her when she was falsely accused of murder. This situation revealed the strength of their friendship as Bell was ready to vouch for Ryu’s innocence, even without any evidence to clear her name at that point. Unfortunately, before they could gather proof of her innocence, both Bell and Ryu were dragged into the deeper levels of the dungeon due to the Juggernaut’s destructive rampage.

A Bond Based on Trust and Respect

crucial instances on the lower floors helped strengthen the bond between Bell and Ryu, as they frequently put each other’s lives at stake. Their most personal encounter took place following their close call in the Colosseum, a hazardous zone within the dungeon teeming with countless monsters. Due to the need for warmth, they had to share one piece of fabric, resulting in a physical connection between Bell and Ryu for the first time.

In the DanMachi series, Ryu was compelled to reveal her more sensitive self to Bell, disclosing her history within Astrea Familia. Only a select few characters, including Bell, know about the happenings on the 30th floor, which underscores Ryu’s faith in Bell, as even her comrades from the Hostess of Fertility are unaware of these past experiences.

My chest feels warm… but my body feels icy cold.

Bell and Ryu’s Current Relationship

New Events Have Sidelined Their Romance

In Season 5 of DanMachi, there’s been an abundance of surprising disclosures, primarily concerning Syr’s real persona. These developments have cast a long shadow over the romantic relationship between Bell and Ryu, which was more prominent in the earlier season. Although Bell might have progressed past their intimacy, it’s clear that Ryu is deeply smitten with him. This was made apparent when she kept her distance from Bell and opted to stay on the sidelines after Syr invited Bell out on a date.

Ryu’s relationship with Bell at this point is unclear. Yet, the disclosure that Syr is actually Freya may boost Ryu’s prospects of being with Bell. Many fans believe that Ais will eventually end up with Bell Cranel, largely due to her obsession fueling his power. However, it’s now possible for Liaris Freese to activate without relying on Bell’s feelings for Ais, which might suggest a shift in his feelings towards Ais.

I’ve been having trouble looking you in the face lately.

In the world of DanMachi, it’s possible that Ryu may not ultimately end up as Bell Cranel’s romantic partner, but their connection is undeniably deep and strong. The dynamic between Ais and Bell is significant, but it falls short in comparison to the emotional depth shared by Bell and Ryu. As the series unfolds, Ais seems to have taken a supporting role, but she remains the character with whom Bell has had feelings for since the beginning of DanMachi. However, as the story continues to evolve, these pairings might shift or change.

DanMachi is available to stream on Prime Video.

2024-10-28 18:04

DanMachi: Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion’s Relationship, Explained