Understanding the Relationship Between Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion in DanMachi

Main Insights

Bell and Ryu’s connection evolved through shared trials in war games and dungeon escapades.
Their relationship intensified in the Dungeon’s depths, founded on trust and emotional closeness.
Recent developments have interrupted their romantic progression, casting doubt on Ryu’s role in Bell’s future.

Since the inception of DanMachi, Bell Cranel has found himself the object of affection for numerous women in Orario. Despite this attention, he has categorized most of these characters as friends, with one notable exception—Ryu Lion. Initially introduced as mere acquaintances through Syr, Bell and Ryu’s relationship blossomed into something deeper as they faced numerous challenges together.

Ryu’s unwavering support has been crucial during Bell’s confrontations against the Apollo Familia and countless life-threatening situations in the dungeon. While Season 5 has shifted focus onto Syr’s feelings for Bell, which remain unreciprocated, this development leaves room for Ryu to emerge as a potential romantic match, especially since their connection includes significant intimacy.

Bonded by Circumstances

Bell and Ryu Formed Their Bond Through War Games

In contrast to Ais, Syr, and Bell’s other romantic interests, Ryu made her entrance into the DanMachi storyline in the second season. Amid the war games pitting the Apollo Familia against the Hestia Familia, Bell found himself isolated, forced to confront a formidable familia alone. Syr stepped in to introduce Ryu, an enigmatic waitress at the Hostess of Fertility, who is secretly a powerful adventurer. She covertly aided Bell during the war games, playing a pivotal role in his triumph over Apollo’s faction.

After the war games, Ryu consistently remained an integral figure in DanMachi‘s story. The conflict marked the beginning of their journey together, but their relationship truly advanced in season four, during their harrowing experiences in the Dungeon’s lower levels.

In the Dungeon, Their Bond Grew Stronger

Bell and Ryu Joined Forces in the Dungeon’s Lower Levels

Bell Cranel and Ryu Lion’s bond had considerably matured following the war games, but it was their terrifying trials in the Dungeon’s depths during season four that solidified their relationship. The members of Hestia Familia embarked on a renewal mission to enhance their abilities within the Dungeon.

Although Ryu was not initially part of their exploration group, Bell soon became involved in her situation after she faced murder allegations. This situation underscored their close relationship, as Bell was ready to vouch for Ryu’s innocence without the backing of any evidence. Unfortunately, this endeavor was cut short when both were thrown into the Dungeon’s lower levels during the Juggernaut’s chaos.

A Connection Rooted in Trust and Honor

Bell and Ryu’s experiences on the lower floors were crucial in drawing them together, as they repeatedly risked their lives for one another. Their most significant moment of intimacy occurred during their escape from the Colosseum, a location teeming with monsters, where they had to share a single cloth for warmth, marking a physical closeness between them.

This incident allowed Ryu to reveal her vulnerable nature to Bell, sharing stories about her time with the Astrea Familia. Few characters in DanMachi are privy to the events surrounding the 30th floor, with Bell among the few aware of her past, signifying the trust Ryu has placed in him, as even her acquaintances at the Hostess of Fertility remain unaware.

A warmth stirs within me… yet my body feels frigid.

Bell and Ryu’s Present Dynamic

Recent Events Have Disrupted Their Romance

Season 5 of DanMachi has introduced several shocking twists, particularly concerning Syr’s true identity, overshadowing the romance that had blossomed between Bell and Ryu in the previous season. While Bell may appear to move past their intimate moments, it’s evident that Ryu remains deeply in love, highlighted by her withdrawal after Syr invited Bell on a date.

Currently, the trajectory of Ryu’s romantic future with Bell is unclear. Nevertheless, with Syr revealing her identity as Freya, Ryu’s potential for a romantic outcome with Bell has increased. Ais is frequently regarded as Bell’s ultimate romantic interest, mainly due to her infatuation being a fundamental source of his strength. However, the dependency of Liaris Freese on Bell’s feelings has diminished, suggesting that Bell’s feelings for Ais may be dissipating over time.

I’ve found it difficult to look you in the eye recently.

Whether Ryu will emerge as Bell Cranel’s conclusive romantic pairing in DanMachi remains uncertain, but she has undoubtedly solidified her status as the most fitting partner for him. The chemistry shared between Ais and Bell is overshadowed by the deeper connection found between Bell and Ryu. Though Ais still holds a prominent role in the story, her position has shifted, being less central as Bell’s affection for her has persisted since the series kickoff; the evolution of their dynamic may shift as the narrative unfolds.

DanMachi is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.

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