Chapter 23 - Surprise
Hestia was very happy to see Bell, Haruhime, Welf and Ais. After Bell got a lot of maternal nurturing, they explained the need to update. Bell was the first, and he gained a good amount, but he still is not even 30% of the way to 7th level. Ais was about 50% but most of the gain was from the war. Welf actually made good progress compared to his typical rate, but he is 15% of the way to 5th. Finally Haruhime's update was a shock. She was 75% of the way to 4th level.
Haruhime already unexpectedly leveled up after the war. Thus this result is very strange. Ais came up with a theory that was plausible - could Haruhime be receiving a small percentage of the benefit when the people she boosted up gained ability? It would seem to be fair because the boosted person is not responsible for all of the results. Thus it could be plausible for a small amount of that benefit to be transferred to Haruhime and even her level boost group? However, there was no way to be sure. This theory would help explain how Haruhime unexpectedly leveled after the war when she did not even entered the dungeon during the war...
Before they left, Bell gave Hestia some of the cafeteria's jagamarukuns. Unfortunately, these were a poor imitation of the real thing. After returning to the headquarters, Haruhime's unusual update was reported. That caused a lot of excitement. The question is if there was a way help her go the remaining 25% and level up. With a level up, there could be substantial improvement to uchide no kozuchi though no one is sure what it would be. After some thought, Lili and Haruhime came up with a new idea. If Haruhime actually gets a small portion of the experience gained by the person she leveled up, then she should benefit right now if she boosts Bell and he fights someone strong. Loki and Hermes loved the idea. So the Harihume-boosting activity would start right after lunch.
Even before they return, Ganesha was organizing the larger army. As expected, it would come from the Ganesha familia, the Heptaestus familia and others. Essentially everyone level 5 or above will join the core force. Level 4 combatants would join the defensive perimeter. A big decision was that the defensive perimeter will move into the dungeon about 2 levels above and 5 levels above where the core fighting force has advanced. The defensive perimeter would also include the Xenos who will also set traps.
Welf has also analyzed the damage to Bell's armor and Ais' armor. To his surprise, Revis was so strong that both charges on Ais' armor ignited. That is also probably what kept her safe. Bell's armor with one charge was unable to totally stop the first attack and thus Bell was injured somewhat severely. Welf has also repaired their armor, and will be recharging both armor sets with 2 charges in the afternoon. With Welf's falna update, hopefully the work will be slightly faster and better.
Hephaestus has been working hard to improve Welf's armor. Tsubaki is helping her create thin armor layers so that more layers can be stacked together.
Since the focus is on armor first, Tsubaki has put magic weapons on the backburner. Howver, the 3 of them have been discussed another Lili lightning javelin.
Wiene has consumed the last magic stone. She is now fully mid-level 5, which is a full 2 levels from where she started. Wiene requested some training so that she can help in the war. Tiona and Tione volunteered to practice with Wiene.
After the meeting ended, the entire gang ate lunch in the cafeteria. At that point, the Haruhime boosting activity started...