Nello resides with his grandfather Jehan in a small Flemish village, supporting them through daily milk deliveries to Antwerp. He exhibits profound compassion by rescuing and healing an abandoned dog, Patrasche, forging an inseparable bond. Driven by artistic passion, he aspires to match the mastery of Rubens despite enduring village prejudice against his ambitions. His grandfather's failing health compels Nello to shoulder greater responsibilities for their survival. A pivotal opportunity emerges when an Antwerp painting contest offers him a pathway to artistic recognition.

In subsequent events, Nello manifests posthumously after Dante—leader of the dark organization Intelliperi—summons him and Patrasche from hell. This act serves Dante's scheme to uncover Bakabon's Papa's true name, essential for activating the Omega device. Tasked within this supernatural conflict, Nello and Patrasche must extract the name directly from Bakabon's son, Bakabon. This engagement thrusts them into an unprecedented struggle intersecting the Bakabon family, Intelliperi, and the legacy of "A Dog of Flanders."