Why did Bell Cranel reject Syr in Danmachi season 5? Explained

One of the most intriguing moments in Danmachi season 5 was Bell Cranel rejecting Syr after the girl had confessed her feelings of love to him. Even though it tore him from the inside, Bell decided to follow his actual feelings and negatively respond to Syr, whom he didn't know was Freya at that time.

Undoubtedly, fans who have just started the series may wonder why Bell Cranel turned down Syr's emotional proposal. However, there's a valid reason why he did that. From the onset, Fujino Omori's narrative made it clear that Bell Cranel had feelings for Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess of the Loki Familia. Therefore, he couldn't let go of his feelings and accept Syr, no matter what.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the anime and light novel

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Exploring why Bell Cranel turned down Syr in Danmachi season 5

Bell Cranel rejected Syr's love proposal in Danmachi season 5 because of his feelings for Ais Wallenstein. In volume 17 of Fujino Omori's light novel series, when Ryu asked Bell why he turned down Syr, the boy revealed that his eyes had always been on someone he looked up to. That person was none other than Ais Wallenstein, also known as the Sword Princess.

Ais and Bell had a unique chemistry from the beginning of the story when the former saved the boy from a minotaur in the dungeon. Bell Cranel was swept away by Ais's elegance, flamboyance, and calm demeanor. Since then, his heart longed for Ais, but he never mustered the courage to ask her out.

Ais Wallenstein in Danmachi season 5 (Image via J.C.Staff)

It's not as if Bell was unaware that other girls in the series like him. However, his feelings for Ais were so immense that he could only respect their feelings, not return them. Something similar happened in Danmachi season 5 when Syr asked out Bell Cranel.

Syr, who is originally Freya, was enamored by Bell Cranel's innocence and captivating allure. Ever since Freya saw Bell, she wanted to make him hers. She tried to play the waiting game and opted for slow-burn romance as the tavern girl Syr. She even made boxed lunches for Bell Cranel and wished him luck on his dungeon adventures.

Bell Cranel, as seen in the anime (Image via J.C. Staff)

However, she never confessed her actual feelings until the Goddess Festival in Danmachi season 5. Freya wanted to be sure of her feelings for Bell, so she asked him on a date.

Eventually, she realized her feelings were genuine. Hence, Freya as Syr, wanted Bell to accept her. After learning about Syr's location from her imposer in Danmachi season 5 episode 4, Bell Cranel went to see the girl and calmly listened to her feelings.

Syr, as seen in the anime (Image via J.C.Staff)

Syr wanted to lay down her feelings on the table and let Bell know how much he meant to her. Bell Cranel knew what he had to do. He followed Welf's advice and didn't leave Syr hanging. With a heavy heart, he apologized to her and rejected her proposal in Danmachi season 5.

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Conclusion

Bell rejects Syr (Image via J.C.Staff)

Fans must note that, even though Bell Cranel turned down Syr for his affection for Ais in Danmachi season 5, he hasn't confessed to the girl yet in the light novel. Moreover, Ais hasn't opened up about her feelings yet, although she has shown signs of jealousy when she witnessed Bell with Syr in the Goddess Festival.

Nevertheless, given how Fujino Omori has set up the events in the light novel, Bell might end up with Ais at the end of the narrative. On the other hand, Freya won't be content with the rejection. She will go to any extent to make Bell Cranel hers.

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