Is it Wrong to Live Transmigrated as Bell Cranel in a Dungeon?

Chapter 10: Middle Floors & A War Goddess' Schemes

"Try to exclude the possibility of suffering which the order of nature and the existence of free-wills involve, and you find that you have excluded life itself."

- C.S. Lewis

The next morning, after shopping with the girls, I went about my usual morning routine of training with Ryuu-sama, cleaning up the Hostess in the morning, and going to visit Hestia-sama.

But before I left, I passed off that blue dress I bought for Ryuu off with Syr. Why? Because I trusted that Syr knew just the place to hide it among Ryuu's things so that she would find it, just not immediately. Syr had reluctantly agreed that was the best play for giving Ryuu a 'non-practical' gift – hiding it among her things, that is.

It was only then after leaving that I found a couple of packages at Hestia's Church. With the larger package was a letter and invoice from Welf. Apparently, he worked through yesterday and last night to make all the hidden blades I had requested. Something about being too excited to hold off on tinkering with them further.

Inside the package were 6 hidden blades, the adjustable bracers made out of a more normal brown leather. Though the metalworking was a little more stylized with a flame-like symbol – which was likely Welf making a Hestia reference since she is a deity of the Hearth.

The letter also explained that the cost of producing was less in the parts and more in the complexity of getting the mechanism to work as intended. Welf mentioned then that he might be able to upgrade the hidden blade as we go further in the Dungeon and gain access to more durable materials. The last thing mentioned was his suggestions on how to maintain the gadget.

So the invoice essentially only charged me on the materials to make them. Which - considering how it was just some iron blades, gears, and such - only ended up being 20,000 valis altogether. The retail price would have been significantly higher.

Long story short, though, was that Welf was in no shape to go Dungeon Diving and so he'd be sitting out today.

The second package was from Hermes-sama. It was a small container like one would keep ointments or salves. It was the 'Status Snitch' item. According to the note, we should be able to get something like 50 uses out of this one container. And to, of course, not advertise that we have it or who it came from lest we all wish to deal with severe repercussions.

Scary.

I'd need to bring the topic up to Hestia at some point, but by the time I had finished reading Hermes' note she had already left for work. I quickly hid the container down in Hestia's secret room before I went on my way.

So with all that in mind, I went to meet Lili at the base of Babel Tower. We decided to grind monsters on Floor 10 and 11 since it was just the two of us today and that we'd keep it a short day.

However, before we got all the way down, I made sure to stop with Lili somewhere that was free of monsters and other adventurers.

"What is it, Bell-sama?" Lili asked me.

"Just had something for you I didn't want others to see," I told her, grabbing a certain something from my small backpack. It was the smallest of the hidden blades, made just for a Pallum (or Prum, take your pick).

"A bracer?" Lili asked, slightly in confusion.

"Not just any bracer," I said, drawing attention to my left arm. With a flick of my wrist, my hidden blade extended. Lili's eyes widened in shock.

"That…!" Lili was shocked at the sight of the weapon.

"We call it the Hidden Blade, I know it's very original," I tell Lili, "Got these made with Welf yesterday while you were gone. Hopefully you are never in a situation where you need to use this, but just in case…"

"Right," Lili said, nodding in agreement – understanding the unsaid point I was telling her. It was just a simple fact that Lili being in a close quarters fight – right now anyway – meant that things had gone FUBAR.

I was about to hand the bracer over, before I remembered to do something, "Oh! Before I forget… Hiraishin!" I chant, placing one of my marks on her gear.

"Hiraishin?" Lili tilted her head in confusion. Slowly accepting the bracer as I handed it to her.

"That bracer is now like that throwing knife I gave you that day you got jumped by those Soma Familia bastards," I told Lili, trusting her with the knowledge of Hirashin. I would have told her earlier, actually, but I hadn't even really used Hiraishin in combat all that often. And the times I have done it, Lili must have never noticed because she was often covering Welf's back more than mine these days.

Lili lit up as she remembered, "That's right! Lili had forgotten all about it with everything that happened…! How… what did that knife even do, Bell-sama?"

"It's my second spell," I tell Lili, "Hiraishin, I believe it means 'Flying Thunder God' in the language of the Far East."

I take out one of my marked throwing knives and toss it into the wall on the far side of the chamber. I then explain, "The spell is a two part spell. The first part uses the incantation to leave a permanent 'mark' on an object. The second allows me to use my Mind to teleport right to it."

As a demonstration, I proceeded to flare my Mind and flash over to the knife I had just thrown. I could hear Lili yelp in surprise as I pulled the knife out of the Dungeon wall.

"Amazing…" Lili said, in awe of how OP the spell was, "It was like a White Flash…"

"Of course there are limitations," I tell Lili as I walk back over, "It used to cause nausea and dizziness, but I've gotten over that now. It also costs more Mind the more weight I want to bring with me and the farther I want to go. The cost of more weight scales marginally, it's the cost of more distance that is killer."

"How so?" Lili asked, curiously.

"As I am now," I tell her, "There's no point teleporting farther than 20 to 30 meters as the Mind costs get too high. It's inefficient. The Mind cost seems to grow almost exponentially the further I want to go. And my reserves only have about 15 jumps if I want to use a few Firebolts like I usually do."

The actual formula for the Mind Cost was actually something more like 2x^1.5 + z. But that was just a rough example of a formula and not the actual one. I didn't do the actual math for it. I just mean to say it wasn't exactly exponential at something greater or equal to x^2.

And the '15 jumps' was more a number for 'I need to jump as many times as possible' and not a 'I only have this many per day before I need a potion'. Not only that but that number was on the assumption that I was jumping to the maximum efficiency 'limit' each time.

In combat scenarios, when not trying to get distance from an opponent, the actual jump distance would be tiny. Within a meter or three. Which uses leagues less Mind than a jump at the 'maximum' range.

Unaware of those specifics, Lili counted with her fingers, doing the mental math, and said, "That's barely enough distance to cross a couple city blocks, much less get across even a single city district or Dungeon Floor!"

"I know right?" I said with a shrug, "It's only good for combat at the moment, but my range seems to increase as my Magic and Level increase. So maybe one day I will be able to zip around the city like it's nobody's business."

"If anyone can do it, it's Bell-sama!" Lili said praisingly.

I just laughed as I helped her put the bracer onto her left arm. Lili's right was already occupied by her Little Ballista.

As I did so, I asked her a question. "So, Lili?"

"Yes, Bell-sama?"

"I had a few questions about your spell, if you don't mind."

"Feel free," Lili said, not minding me asking.

"Have you noticed any unusual effects from your spell?" I asked, "Besides taking on characteristics from race changes?"

Lili seemed surprised with the question, "Um…"

"Because I noticed a small wound effectively heal itself after I transformed back yesterday," I explained to her, "I was wondering if your spell did anything similar."

"Now that Bell-sama mentions it…" Lili said with growing realization, "Lili always got really hungry and tired. Yet bruises would be gone. Lili always assumed it was exhaustion from Mind use. Lili hadn't even really noticed the bruises since Lili would get new ones soon after…"

Based on those words, it seemed that Lili's spell was similar to mine. That is, since the transformation is a complete one it results in a side effect of healing the body on use. Considering Lili's hunger and stamina drop, it likely uses resources already present in the body like spare fat — which Lili didn't have much of.

Which likely applied that the Law of the Conservation of Mass was still in effect. If true, that meant that only minor cuts could be safely 'healed' at the cost of stamina and a little body mass.

The only way a more major wound might be able to be healed via this roundabout method would be if the injury also somehow didn't result in the loss of a lot of the body's cells. Which discounted almost every major wound.

It also meant that it couldn't prevent injuries like Naaza's where the biomass was… well… eaten/lost. The sheer amount of biomass needed to be moved around would result in weakening muscles or other important tissues. You're crippled either way.

This roundabout healing method was very situational. With limitations and cons to go with it.

Lili had a final comment, "Huh… so that is why Lili lost—!"

"Lost what?" I asked in confusion, wondering why Lili had suddenly cut herself off from speaking.

Lili blushed in embarrassment, "Nothing!"

My intuition was screaming that Lili had noticed something of a sexual nature from her spell. So I was quick to drop the line of questioning.

Conveniently just as I finished putting the brace on Lili's arm.

So with that all out of the way, we continued on our way to the 10th Floor for another day of diving.

Lili and I split up after we did a couple hours of training after our Dungeon Crawling in the late afternoon. My next plan of action was to hit the markets to pick up a few non-Dungeon related things. Not all of the girls at the Hostess would appreciate a weapon as a gift after all.

After finding a few things, I swung back over to Hestia's to get the package with the Hidden Blades. Unfortunately, Hestia was still at work, so I didn't have the chance to see her then. So I made a quick assortment of sandwiches for Hestia when she got back.

With my goodies, I headed for the Hostess. When I got close enough, I ducked into an isolated alley and Hiraishined into my room. I barely opened the door from my room before running into Ryuu-sama.

"Ryuu-sama!" I called to her, "On your break?"

Ryuu bonked the top of my head, "Drop the 'sama'. And indeed, I am. Forgive me, but may I ask what all of that is for?"

"Gifts!" I answered Ryuu, setting my packages down and getting into one of them. I explained as I looked for Ryuu's, "I've almost been with everyone at the Hostess for two months now. So I wanted to get everyone something for being so nice to me and becoming my friends!"

The gifts from yesterday don't count. Because I said so. That was just good manners.

"That's very charming of you, Cranel," Ryuu said to me, "to think you are planning on adding all of the girls to your harem after all. Though I think you should be focusing all of that affection for your destined partner…"

"I'm not trying to woo anyone!" I protest. Honestly! Can't a guy give a girl a gift without there being hidden connotations?

…

…It applies here. Most of these gifts are fucking hidden blades for crying out loud. Hardly romantic at all.

Ryuu's lips twitched, "...It's also very sweet of you. Unnecessary, but sweet."

I give Ryuu a mock dirty look, "I think you are picking up some bad habits from that best friend of yours…"

"I know not what you mean," Ryuu claimed innocently, back to her usual stoic composure.

"Right," I said disbelievingly as I passed the bracer to her. "Here, it's a hidden, backup weapon that me and my new party member developed."

Ryuu looked over the bracer, and I gave her a demonstration with my own.

Ryuu looked at the bracer in her hands with something resembling discomfort. I can't say exactly where her mind is going right now, but I can make a good guess the weapon is reminding her of her killing spree against Evilus.

So I redirect her focus to my intention with the gift, and say to her, "I know you and the girls are really strong as is. But, should the worst happen, I hope these can help protect you and each other in a pinch."

Ryuu seemed to calm a little as she considered my words, "...in that case, I graciously accept. Thank you, Cranel."

"No, thank you for all you've done and continue to do for me," I said, sheepishly scratching the back of my neck, "I'm already in massive debt to you as is."

"No such debt exists," Ryuu denied, "Just don't end up like…"

Ryuu stopped herself, and rephrased herself, "Just don't misuse my teachings. And make sure to come back. To the Hostess, I mean."

I smile at her, "Yeah, I can promise that."

"Good," Ryuu said.

With that said, I showed Ryuu how to put on and use the hidden blade. After that she bowed and left to go back to work.

After Ryuu left the line of sight, I called out, "Syr-chan, you can come out now!"

"Eek!" Syr squeaked as she knocked over a small end table or something around the corner where I couldn't see her.

She sheepishly poked her head around the corner, trying to look cute and innocent and only succeeding in the former. "How'd you know?"

"Cause you're always lurking around whenever I'm with Ryuu-sama," I said with a cheeky smile.

"No I'm not," Syr denied, walking over to me, but looking away with a blush, "It's not like the property on the Hostess is that big, you know? It's only natural that I happen to be nearby since Ryuu only leaves to help get supplies."

"Sure," I said, letting Syr get away with stalking Ryuu and I since it was pretty harmless.

Unlike her lunches. Almost two months of eating her lunches in the Dungeon… I was definitely immune to most poisons now even without the Abnormal Resistance Development Ability.

Syr rotated the tip of her foot and her body as she locked her arms behind her back. Basically, it was a cutsie, expectant movement and posture that all but said 'so where's my gift?'

I rolled my eyes playfully, before going down and grabbing something outside of my second bag. I pulled out a small wooden box and handed it over to her.

Her smile brightened like the sun as she accepted the present. Her face lit up with rosy cheeks as she opened the box to find a silver necklace with a blue-ish green gemstone.

"Oh, Bell-kun! It's so pretty!" Syr gushed over the gift.

"The stone is a little special," I inform her as I point at the gemstone, "it should change to a purplish-red color when the sun goes down and there's only candles and magic-lamps for light."

It was basically Alexandrite, but it wasn't called that in this world. The point is, I thought a stone that changed colors was a fitting gift for Syr.

"Help me put it on!" Syr insisted, handing the necklace back to me before turning around.

I blushed a little as Syr pushed her short hair up to better expose her neck. Damn these teenage hormones!

I took a deep breath, trying to will my growing blush to calm down as I put the necklace around her neck and carefully did the latch.

I let Syr know I was finished, and she turned back around, showing off the necklace that was now resting at the top of a certain valley…

I snap my eyes back up to Syr's eyes, who is looking at me with a mischievous expression, "...Bell-kun, you pervert."

"I-I am innocent!" I insisted, looking away because I don't think I can bear to see Syr's disbelieving expression.

Syr starts to laugh at me then, and I can't help but agree it was a little funny as I turn back to her.

"Ah…" Syr finished laughing with a sigh, "But, in all seriousness, thank you Bell-kun, I really love it~"

"Well, I should let you know it's not just any necklace," I began to tell her, trying to take control of the conversation, "Should you ever be in trouble... If that necklace moves really fast, like if you were to throw it, I will know and be able to find you."

"Wow, really?" Syr asked in amazement, "How does that work?"

"Let's just say it's a side effect of a magic spell," I say with a wink. I honestly don't know why it took me so long to come up with this method for verifying that Syr was Freya by using a Hiraishin marker as a tag. Maybe it was out of my respect for other people's privacy?

Syr rolled her eyes, and mock-swooned, "Oh~ how mysterious~"

"Minx," I quipped at her.

Syr grinned back before glomping me, the action causing me to yelp in surprise at the affection.

"Thanks again, Bell," she whispered in my ear before releasing me and skipping away towards the exit. She then said, "I better get going before Mama Mia gets mad at me!"

"Again," I finished for her.

Syr made a cute huff of frustration, "...you didn't need to add that!"

I put aside her words and instead say, "Could you let the rest of the girls know I've got stuff for them?"

"Maybe!" Syr called to me with a huff as she turned and went towards the pub proper.

I rolled my eyes in amusement, feeling glad that the red in my cheeks had faded.

I waited in the dorm building for the other girls to swing by while on their break - trusting Syr to send them my way. I did this because I'd rather not be handing over hidden blades in the middle of a pub. It was also to avoid having Bell Cranel appear at a place where Belko works at.

After about 10 minutes, which I spent by gaining Excelia for Luck by flipping a coin over and over, my next visitor was May the cook. Her joke gift was a chef's hat with slits for her Cat Person ears, while the real gift was a set of new kitchen knives. May was blushing the entire time, which was unusual of her. I wonder if Syr said something weird… she probably did.

A minute after May went back to the kitchen, was when Mama Mia came over to me. "So," she said to me, "buttering up all my girls, huh?"

"What exactly is Syr telling everyone?" I ask fearfully. I really should have known better.

"That you are handing out proposal gifts to the entire staff," Mia said with a wicked grin, clearly having fun with herself.

"I'm not making a harem!" I deny, "P-please correct the rest of them! It's just a thank you gift for the almost two months I've been apart of the Hostess of Fertility Family!"

"Hah! I figured it was something like that," Mia said with a laugh.

"Here you go," I said, handing over a book and quill to the larger woman.

Mama Mia took the book, looked over the cover and opened it. "It's blank," Mia informed me, referring to the contents of the book.

"I figured," I started to explain myself, "That you might like putting together a cookbook full of stuff that isn't sold at the Hostess. That way you can spread your lovely food around… without hurting the profits at the Hostess."

"Hah! And maybe make a little coin and get some additional advertisement for the pub, huh? Aren't you a clever one!" Mia said, catching on to my intentions, "Hmm, very well. Not a bad idea. Don't blame me though when I give you a percent of the book's profits!"

"Guaranteed to make a profit, huh?" I said, jokingly poking fun at Mama Mia's well-placed confidence in her cooking, "But seriously, don't do that! It would be all your recipes anyway! I wouldn't deserve any–"

"Then just come up with a recipe or two," Mia waved my concern away, "I'm sure you can come up with something."

"That's not really the poi—! Ah, nevermind!" I tried to argue before stopping myself, realizing the futility of going against Mama Mia.

Mama Mia patted my shoulder with a laugh before thanking me for the gift, assuring me she would correct the idea Syr had but in the other girl's heads.

Lunoire and Anya were the next to visit me in that order. I also gave each of them a Hidden Blade. Anya thought it was cool, though I think she cared little for the fact it was a weapon and instead just focused on how pretty it was. Welf had made these with girls in mind, so they were rather aesthetically pleasing.

Meanwhile, Lunoire said she would have preferred a more 'normal' gift, but that she appreciated the weapon and would still use it.

Chloe was the last person on the staff to swing by me for her present.

"Bell-kun!" she said as she came over to me, "Are you finally going to let me–?!"

"No groping," I instantly denied.

"Why, nya?!" Chloe cried to the heaven's as she dramatically fell to her knees in despair.

"I don't need to give a reason here," I said with exasperated amusement at her antics, "Do you want your present or not?"

"Fine, I'll behave, nya," Chloe huffed as she got back to her feet.

I show Chloe the bracer in my hands, demonstrating how the bracer holds a hidden blade as I said, "A friend of mine and I made these as a sort of last resort, hidden weapon. You just have to flick your wrist… and…"

I trailed off as I looked at Chloe and saw a haunted and horrified expression.

"Chloe-san?" I asked worriedly, almost waving my hand in front of her face because of how stock still she had become.

No response, Chloe Rollo was looking at some unseen memory or something. PTSD? I didn't want this at all! I feel awful!

"Chloe-san!" I call out louder, shaking her shoulder, trying to bring her back to reality.

Chloe started to blink rapidly, her gaze unfocused before she finally locked onto my eyes.

"A-ah… Bell-kun…" Chloe then smiled sheepishly, weakly, "S-sorry about that, nya."

"You're sorry?" I asked incredulously, "I'm the one who should be sorry for triggering you like that! I've already picked up that you girls didn't stop adventuring for happy reasons. I should have been more careful. I just wanted to make sure–!"

"-That we would be alright, nya?" Chloe finished for me, "I-I'm smart enough to see, nya, what you were going for, Bell-kun. You don't need to apologize, nya. I'm surprised it affected me that bad as well, nya…"

"Do you… want to talk about it…?" I ask hesitantly, knowing that there aren't exactly any therapists in this world. Why else would the Pleasure District by the size of a small city just on its own? Not counting the fact that Ishtar literally has people abducted and turned into sex addicts to further prop up the industry.

Point being, I was quite aware that some things people just don't want to talk about.

Chloe seemed hesitant, but then sighed before saying, "You are correct, nya. Many of us stopped adventuring, nya, because of the things we endured…"

Noticing how Chloe was distressed, I assured her, "You don't have to tell me anything, really!"

"No, I'd like to," Chloe insisted, "You're a good boy, Bell-kun. I'd like to share a little bit, nya. I've got to do something if I want to compete with Syr and Ryuu!"

"Eh?" What was that last reason? I'm going to assume it was a joke.

Chloe smiled sadly as she spoke, ignoring my baffled expression, "I wasn't born into a nice Familia, nya. It was very much the opposite actually. For as long as I can remember, I had been trained as a tool. As a weapon. To kill without feeling anything, nya. To never feel anything. But… my mother…"

"Chloe…" I said, speechless at the sight of Chloe's normally cheeky and happy face instead being full of grief and loss.

"...She loved me, despite it being against the rules, nya," Chloe regaled. "She died to protect me. I couldn't take it anymore after that. I begged to be free, nya. The Goddess, thankfully, wasn't so cold as to kill her own children. Not directly. So I was promised to be let go if I performed a number of impossible assassinations, nya. I did. And succeeded. "

Chloe looked at me seriously, "Don't mistake me, nya. My targets didn't deserve pity, rather they deserved the fate they got. But… when I think of that time…"

Part of me wanted to comfort Chloe, but it would be hollow. I've never experienced that sort of grief, nor have I pondered having to live with myself taking a human life. All I could do was listen to her and gleam as much understanding as I could.

Understanding…

I had an idea.

"...Then," I said slowly, "why not get some closure by teaching?"

"Teaching?" Chloe asked, not following me.

"Teach assassation techniques," I clarify.

"That doesn't make any–" Chloe started to say angrily before I interrupted her.

"-By learning how an assassin operates, it is possible to then come up with countermeasures against them. From counters, security is created. From security, lives that might have been lost are instead saved," I declared to her.

"!" Chloe was shocked by my words, "That–!"

"I wouldn't be surprised if I make some enemies in Orario," I tell her, "So, on that note… please teach me so I can protect my Goddess, so I can protect the Hostess!"

I bowed as I made my plea to Chloe. More for her own sake than mine. Still I was fully prepared to be rejected, the mere offer hopefully being enough to lift Chloe's spirits.

After a few moments of silence, I looked up to Chloe. It looked like she was seeing something, someone else. But then she blinked, and said to me, "...we'll go for an hour after the Hostess closes, nya. At most three nights a week. I know your schedule is rather booked, nya."

My eyes widened in surprise, "Chloe-san…!"

"But!" Chloe exclaimed, "I have some rules!"

"Right, of course!" I immediately agree. Anything to help Chloe have some closure while growing my own skill set!

"First! Never use my techniques to kill an innocent, nya!" Chloe declared, "'Where other men blindly follow the truth, Remember, nothing is true. Where other men are limited by morality or law, Remember, everything is permitted.' I'll drill into your head what those words mean!"

That was easy enough to agree to. That reference though.

For real though, it's a good saying. The first sentence alone has a lot to say. It's a reminder to not be blinded by ideology, by religions, by authority figures, by family members, not even by yourself. All of those things were made by people or are people – people that are not infallible.

Blindly believing in those things, or yourself without question, will just result in blinding yourself to reality and to truth. How many people, their hearts filled with self-righteousness, have committed evils in the name of justice? Countless.

The second line builds on the theme. It's a reminder that things like laws and authority are 'human' constructs – even morality is argued and debated, without a universally agreed upon moral code. That is to say, that thinking that people won't do things 'because it's wrong' or 'because it's illegal' is just too naive.

"Second! Don't share my knowledge, nya, with anyone unless you are sure they will obey Rule 1!" Chloe demanded, unaware of my own quick analysis of her words..

Again, that was a no brainer.

"And thirdly!" Chloe said, a wicked grin on her face, "I get to gro– physically discipline your backside everytime you make a mistake, nya!"

"You clearly meant to say 'grope'!" I instantly retort, not letting Chloe get away with her cover up - once again I am the straight man in a comedy sketch, it would seem.

"All my demands are non-negotiable, nya!" Chloe insisted.

"But…" I tried to protest, but upon seeing her expression I realized with dawning horror that Chloe was serious, not getting to grope me upon making a mistake was a dealbreaker.

In a way, Chloe's greed was really inspirational. And scary.

Well… I just needed to not make a mistake then! I certainly had the motivation for it!

"J-just promise you'll be fair," I insisted, wanting at least a fair fight. I wouldn't be surprised if Chloe claimed I made a mistake just so she could grope me.

Chloe clicked her teeth in displeasure.

"You intended on lying the whole time!" I exclaimed, instantly recognizing what her reaction meant – that she was going to fabricate mistakes so she had reasons to grope me!

Chloe looked embarrassed, "Fine! Fine! I'll be fair, nya! Honestly, fairness in assassination classes? The thought of it, nya…"

I was glad that Chloe was in good spirits…

…but I was concerned for my innocence.

I was working my evening shift when I managed to overhear some worrying gossip.

"Have you heard what's been happening?" an adventurer said, I was barely able to hear the conversation over the ruckus of the packed pub.

"What are you on about?"

"Apparently a bunch of Familias outside the walls have gone missing!"

"Why should I care?"

"Cold. They may live outside the walls, but they are still affiliated with Orario, you know?"

"Losing people ain't anything new."

"This is different!" The original voice insisted, "Entire Familias are heading for the far end of the continent and never returning!"

"Sounds like they are just running for different pastures," the other insisted, "How do you know this anyway?"

"Heard it from some merchants," the original person said, "Even ****** Familia has…!"

The tavern got really loud, preventing me from hearing what sounded like very specific information. I resisted the urge to frown in frustration. What was going on outside the city?

If the conversation went on from there, however, I couldn't make it out. So I shrugged, and put the knowledge in the back of my mind. Meanwhile I tried to tune out all of the people excitedly talking about the upcoming Holy Moon Festival.

Something about that rang familiar… but it just wasn't clicking for me. I'm sure it would hit me all at once eventually.

I wonder if I will be able to get time off to attend with Hestia and my party…

The next day at noon-ish, I paused mid bite from my location in the Dungeon as I casually 'pinged' the mark on Syr's necklace.

It was directly above. Extremely high above me.

"Something wrong, Bell-sama?" Lili asked me.

"Ah, no I'm fine," I said dismissively as I continued to eat Freya's lunch for me. Because it had to be hers without a doubt at this point.

Syr had no reason to be at what had to be the top of Babel Tower. I finally had it, undeniable proof that Freya and Syr were the same person.

I would have to think long and hard what to do with this information. Thankfully, I still had plenty of time to come up with what I should do with this knowledge…

I think.

That same evening, I finally decided to bring up the topic of helping Lili and her stats to Hestia.

"...You want me to do what?" Hestia asked me, her tone more confused than anything else.

"I'd like you to use this item to help Lili update her Status," I said nonchalantly, like I hadn't asked her to do something incredibly personal with an item apparently used for spies and the like. That was highly illegal to have.

Hestia just looked at me like she couldn't choose to be offended or exasperated at how I was trying to do something nice for Lili. Because it wasn't like Hestia was unsympathetic to Lili's circumstances.

Hestia eventually sighed, "...Considering how her God is Soma, I doubt he'd even care if he found out…"

"You don't have to do it if you're uncomfortable with it," I assured Hestia, getting the feeling that Hestia wasn't entirely thrilled with the idea of using the Status Snitch. "This is just the only short-term option we have. And I'd like to make sure we can do everything we can to help Lili stay safe…"

"No, I get it," Hestia said, saying I didn't need to explain myself, "I do. We don't exactly have the funds to pay them off for a Conversion… I'm not thrilled with you owing Hermes a favor, but there are significantly worse options out there so… Fine! I'll do it!"

I sighed in relief, "Good, because I convinced Lili to stay the night so she'll be over. Gives you two a chance to do it all in private and all that."

"I guess she would be flustered, it's certainly unconventional," Hestia said, "You leave the rest to me, I guess. Helping Supporter-kun is the same as helping you, we all understand that."

"That's a pragmatic way of looking at it…" I chuckle, seeing through Hestia's tsundere tone.

"Oh, shut up!" Hestia retorted, before forcing me to leave.

Oh well, at least Lili would finally get a Status Update for the first time in like months or something.

Other POV

Lili looked at her first Status update in months with shocked eyes. She was in such disbelief, her emotions so great that she couldn't help her eyes from watering — threatening to spill out.

Hestia, on the other hand, was calm as can be. Such absurd Status Updates were the norm for her.

Lilliluka Arde

Level 1

Strength: I: 42 - H: 101

Vitality: I: 42 - H: 149

Dexterity: H: 143 - H: 189

Agility: G: 285 - F: 329

Magic: F: 317 - F: 353

Magic:

(Cinder Ella)

• Your wound is mine. My wound is mine. Echoing the message of midnight.

Skills:

Artel Assist - When the user is carrying a certain amount of weight, the skill will help compensate in abilities. The amount compensated depends on the weight.

Development Abilities:

()

Aside from occasional double digit jumps in magic and agility, Lili was used to only getting 1 or 2 points in all of her stats. If she was lucky.

But in this single Update, her total pool of points had almost doubled. For someone as weak and talentless as Lili, this was a miracle.

For Hestia and Bell, it was just another Tuesday.

"How…?" Lili whimpered, struggling to keep herself together and composed.

"What did Bell-kun tell you about it?" Hestia instead asked.

"…Something about a Skill that helps certain people grow faster," Lili answered, her tone showing that she hadn't believed it when she heard him say it to her.

"That's basically it," Hestia admitted, "I'm not gonna say anything more about it since you aren't actually in my Familia, you know."

"…That's fair," Lili said, silently having realized the truth behind Bell's own fast growth. And the need for silence. Lili didn't need anything more. Even this chance was more than she could have dreamt of.

"…Thank you," Lili choked out, holding back sobs of joy and frustration.

"…Aaah, come here Supporter-kun," Hestia said, taking the other girl in her arms as Lili began to cry. Hestia may give the Pallum girl a hard time, but Hestia would never deny the dedication Lili had for the boy they both loved.

Lili, meanwhile, cried. Cried in joy for becoming stronger. In frustration for all those years of suffering from weakness.

In anger. In fear. In hatred. In joy. In relief. In love.

Lili was often composed on the outside. A mask of calm, pragmatism to protect herself from the world. On the inside, however, was a person who felt emotions with a deep passion.

She had just learned to keep them contained. Showing emotions would just lead to them being abused. To Lili being abused and used and manipulated and cheated and broken.

But not anymore.

Lili was on the path to freedom, a path to leave her demons behind her.

It was thanks to Bell. Because he believed in her. Because he wanted the best for her.

Lili would never doubt that she was incredibly loved ever again. Of this, she was certain.

What she couldn't have known was how a certain spot on Bell's back momentarily glowed in reaction to her emotions. How her faith would just increase the effects of Inspiring Leader on herself, creating a sort of feedback loop.

Between Lili's increased growth rate and her stronger self-esteem – the latter is the more significant change between the two.

Main POV

The next morning, when meeting up with Lili outside of Babel, she gave me a weird look when she saw me. It was like a mix of being pissed off yet grateful. Her eyelids seemed a little swollen.

"How was last night?" I asked nonchalantly.

"Oh, shut your smug mouth, Bell-sama!" Lili retorted, not liking my apparent attempt to fish for thanks.

"Sorry, sorry," I said with a sheepish grin.

"...Thanks," Lili whispered to me, her tone grateful as she gripped her wooden staff/walking stick tightly.

"You're welcome," I said back quietly before Welf showed up.

"What's going on between you two?" Welf asked us.

"None of your business!" Lili said hotly, her cheeks a little red.

"Sorry, Welf, you heard her," I said to him.

"Lil'Lili's scary…" Welf said quietly with a joking undertone, which caused Lili to start up another bickering rant with him.

I laughed at their antics. I see this all as an absolute win.

Four days later, I said my day's farewells to Hestia.

"I'll see you later, Hestia-sama!"

"Okay," Hestia said, before saying, "You know… that Salamander Wool sure stands out in the sunlight."

Sure enough, I was wearing a cloak made out of a dark red material gathered from Salamander monsters. It is extremely resistant to any change in temperature - so both fire and cold damage.

"Eina told me I needed to have these before I set off for the Middle Floors," I told her.

Floors 13 through 17 are commonly what is referred to as the Middle Floors. This was where Level 2s go to push themselves. The Guild recommends that adventurers be Level 2 with stats G and above to safely get to the safe zone that is Floor 18. Level 2 Monsters like the Minotaur start spawning naturally on Floors 15 to 17.

Not that we plan on going that far down on our first expedition, but as it is a new limit with brand new enemies, it doesn't hurt to be overly prepared.

Fact was, that I was wanting to get as much Excelia as possible. Going to the Middle Floors was a natural next step to increase the amount of points I could get. The amount of time I had before Familias started to act against me was closing in. Crunch time baby!

I knew that my party with Welf and Lili wasn't exactly balanced. Welf and Lili's strength was tested on Floor 12 as it was. Going deeper would likely force me to be more on the defensive in order to properly protect them.

But this is something I need to do. I can't just go down by myself. Not because I wasn't strong enough to do it solo, or because I just didn't want to be alone that deep down. It was for more financial reasons. It was just a fact that with the debt of the Hestia Knife hanging over Hestia and I, we couldn't just be slacking.

So gathering strength had to be done in conjunction with monetary constraints. It was just a simple limitation of reality.

But man, dealing with ranged attacks will be a new thing to get used to. Am I ever glad I spec'd myself for dodging and constantly moving.

"...I suppose it is a bit flashy," I admitted with a laugh. Though Chloe would insist that it would be good for getting better at stealth. If you can hide well with clothes that stick out, imagine how well you could hide in dark clothes!

"Well, your advisor knows best, so if that's what she said…" Hestia said, as if trying to determine if Eina was scamming me or not. Hestia then said, "Anyway, just don't do anything reckless because you're Level 2 now."

"Hey this is me we're talking about!" I retort loudly.

There was a beat of silence as Hestia looked at me. Her gaze was screaming 'that's exactly what I'm worried about!'

I folded, "...I'll be vigilant."

"Good!"

"Well, I'm off!" I bowed, eager to get on with my day after embarrassing myself. As I ran for Babel, I mentally went over my latest Status update.

Bell Cranel

Level 2

Alias: weiẞes Häschen

Strength: D: 561 - D: 586

Vitality: B: 779 - A: 849

Dexterity: D: 590 - C: 611

Agility: C: 656 - C: 699

Magic: C: 610 - C: 636

Magic:

(Firebolt)

• Swift-Strike Magic

(Hiraishin)

• Enchantment Magic

(Hermaphroditus)

• Fluid like water. Distortion through the looking glass. Reversal of all things

Skills:

Liaris Freese - Rapid Growth. Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings.

Singularity - The user is immune to all mental and spiritual attacks.

Focus - The user's Dexterity is increased when fighting and concentrating on a single target. Use can cause tunnel vision.

Argonaut - Heroic Desire. Allows a charge for a counterattack to overcome insurmountable odds.

Inspiring Leader - Subskill of Liaris Freese. Companions that unconditionally believe in the user grow quickly at a portion of the user's growth rate. Companions are more inclined to listen to the user's words. The strength of effects corresponds with the target's feelings and distance from the user.

Development Abilities:

Luck - I

With stats like those… I certainly have the numbers to protect myself and my party in the Middle Floors. The real question is if I can put Ryuu's, Ais', and Chloe's skills to good use in a more difficult environment than I'm used to…

Only one way to find out!

A primate's primal roar, followed by the slicing of metal through air, and a Silverback fell motionless to the floor.

The silver light came from the kodachi in my right hand. It cut through the Dungeon's fog like a torch's flame through darkness.

Sensing a new monster charging through the thick fog, I wasted no time in bringing Yin and Yang into position.

Stealing the first blow with speed beyond the average Level 2, an Imp screamed out in pain before the pieces of its body hit the grassy floor.

"The fog is going away!"

I heard Lili's voice behind me, through a fog so thick it made the 10th Floor look like a walk in the park.

We had reached our destination on the lower 12th Floor: the room that connected to the 13th. The fog only filled about half of the square room. As soon as we made it through, there would be nothing to cloud our vision.

Pallums were known for their great eyesight, and Lili was spot-on. We were closing in on their destination.

The three of us stayed close enough to hear one another's footsteps in the grass. Welf stayed close by, careful not to get separated as we advanced farther into the room.

The white fog wavered like smoke for a moment as we walked into the clear.

A swarm of monsters greeted my eyes as I quickly scanned the room. The back wall looked like jagged boulders stacked on top of one another behind the beasts.

The other walls up to this point had been an odd yellowish color, but now ash-colored rocks were starting to take over. A massive hole sat in the middle of the back wall.

That was it! The entrance to the Middle Levels.

"Haa!" I yelled out, leaving Welf and Lili behind – charging forward.

Ignoring the intimidating roars of the monsters, I used my Agility to weave through them with ease.

One swing of a silver short sword, and a Hard Armored fell to the ground, its neck gouged out with a single clean strike.

I continued on my rampage, killing monsters left and right. They just couldn't keep up. Not against my speed and dual wielding might. After all, the truly uncharted ground for us was still ahead.

"Now that's how it's done… Hell yeah!" Welf charged forward with his longsword over his shoulder.

I noticed this, trying to keep an eye on everyone just in case, and sent two more Imps to the ground with spinning kicks.

"You've come to play, too…!"

The floor shook as a massive body emerged from the fog.

Welf changed course to engage the Orc that had a natural weapon clutched in its grasp.

However, a shrill shriek pierced his eardrums before he could close the distance. It came from a Bad Bat, flying just overhead.

Welf was disoriented by the intense screams of the monstrous winged rodent and took a knee to steady himself.

The Orc wasted no time in seizing this opportunity and swung its club down at Welf with all of its might.

"Welf-sama?!" Lili cried out.

But I already knew, having been keeping track of him with my periphery – thanks Chloe. Needless to say, I bolted over to assist.

Since the monster had Welf pinned down, I didn't have a clear shot. Firebolt was not an option, hand wasn't free and I didn't want to fry it. So I made a split-second decision. To bet everything on my weapons' cutting power!

I slammed my foot into the ground and launched myself towards the Orc. I flew by Lili enroute. The Orc's club was a heartbeat away from crushing Welf's head into salsa when I personally joined the fray.

I intercepted the Orc's downward stroke with a diagonal strike of my own, slicing the natural weapon in half.

The Orc made a cry of surprise, pupils shrinking in shock as its powerful attack failed to come to fruition.

Welf took advantage of the opening to attack and jumped over me. Spinning midair, he decapitated the Orc in one fell stroke with his greatsword.

"...Sorry about that," Welf apologized, thinking the fight was over after a moment of calm.

"No worries, that's what friends are for," I said, focusing on the movement I saw in my periphery. When Welf's eyes started to widen in shock, I was already turning. A flick of my wrist, and a blade extended from my left wrist and into the Bad Bat trying to get the drop on me. An instant later, an arrow struck into the corpse of the bat monster, knocking the monster off of the blade of my hidden weapon.

I blinked. That shot was pretty close to my head…

I looked over at Lili who looked unapologetic, although her eyes held a bit of embarrassment.

The last of the monsters in the room defeated, the three of us went and knelt in a circle.

"Let's go over this one more time," Lili began to say.

The grass between them had been cut so short that the stone floor was showing through. Lili used her knife to carve simple pictures to explain her plan to the rest of us.

"The path through the Middle Floors is all gravel and uneven rock, so we'll form ranks. First, Welf-sama will take the lead."

"You sure I'm cut out for that?"

"On the contrary, that's the only place for Welf-sama. Lili's not exactly paying you a compliment, however… Moving on," Lili roasted Welf casually as she moved her knife to point at the middle of three circles carved into the stone.

"Bell-sama, take the middle and support Welf-sama in combat. Be warned, Bell-sama will have to be mindful of offense and defense. This is the most difficult position in the formation… Is that okay?"

"Not a problem," I assure her.

Seeing me nod, Lili continued by saying, "By process of elimination, that leaves Lili at the back." She pointed at the final circle of her diagram.

"Lili thinks you understand this already, but this party is very unbalanced. Since Lili still doesn't have much attack strength, she can't cover you when the tables turn against us. Regrouping would be meaningless," Lili describes our situation bluntly.

"So we're toast if we make one wrong move. Harsh," Welf summarized. My position in the formation reflected this — I was needed in the front and back at the same time. So if we needed to retreat, even I would have trouble being in two places at once while also on the move.

"Shall we turn back now? It's not too late, you know," Lili offered, though she seemed to already know our answers.

"Don't be stupid. I'm gonna be a High Smith, mark my words. Like hell I'll turn my tail and run after coming this far," Welf responded.

I quietly listened to their banter as the three of us started to get into position. I'd already learned there was little point getting myself involved in their little arguments – it was just friendly ribbing after all.

So I wasn't really paying attention, having tuned them out temporarily. But I snapped to attention when I noticed the two of them were glaring at me.

"The heck are you grinning at?" Welf questioned, looking at me like I was crazy.

"Huh…? I-I'm smiling?" I hadn't realized until they pointed it out.

"Yes, very much so… Does Bell-sama realize how dangerous a place the Middle Floors are?"

I quickly apologized to both of them. I probably looked like a loon.

"You don't have to apologize, but why are you grinning like that? I'm a bit worried," Welf asked.

"Um…Well, this is exciting, isn't it…? It feels like the three of us have become an actual party, and that makes me… I don't know, happy," I explained, blushing under their attention. I looked away as Lili and Welf exchanged glances. I couldn't help but feel like we were starting to move like a well-oiled machine. That we were all friends trusting in each other, fighting alongside one another. Is this the comradeship, the brotherhood, referenced by those in the military?

The loneliness I felt, from being someone from Beyond… it receded further from my heart. The fact they were willing to follow me despite the dangers wasn't something I would easily forget.

"And also, isn't this kind of exhilarating? All of us are working together, going on an adventure," I added.

This was what being an adventurer was all about. Taking that first step into somewhere you've never been, working together with your allies to make new discoveries.

Getting excited about the unknown, fighting side by side and sharing the spoils with people you can call friends… It was all very exciting.

My eyes were probably full of youthful enthusiasm, I decided to ignore the teaching that adventurers must not go on adventures. Sorry Eina-san. The Dungeon is just too strange and beautiful and horrifying.

Welf burst out laughing and said, "Hahaha! You're right, this is one hell of a thrill! Couldn't call myself a man if I didn't get excited about this!"

"Lili can't exactly agree… but Lili understands Bell-sama's feelings."

The three of us looked at one another in turn. A smile bloomed on Welf's face big enough to rival mine, as Lili's expression softened as if she could giggle at any moment.

My own emotions urging me forward, I couldn't help but smile happily right back at my allies, "Well, then, shall we move forward?"

"Yeah, I'm ready. Let's do this!"

"Yes."

The three of us stood in our single-file line and took our first step toward the rocky entrance as one.

The entrance to the Middle Floors was encased in the blackest of black rocks. The only light from within came flickering up from the floor far below.

The moist, dank rocks smelled like soil. Completely uneven and spread out all over the place, they added to the tension that descended on our group. New, powerful monsters we had never seen before lay waiting for us at the end of this path.

My skin covered in goosebumps, lightly clenching my fists, I took a confident step forward and looked straight into the heart of the Dungeon.

…Nothing to worry about.

I was not alone. They might not be family or part of my Familia, but they were friends who shared a strong bond.

Together, we could do it, somehow. And so I took my first step into the Middle Floors.

I can see ash-colored rocks everywhere I look. The walls, floor, and ceiling are all made of solid stone. The air is dank, almost musty.

It looks like any cave deep in the heart of the mountain. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that's exactly where we are. Standing here at the top of the 13th Floor, the so-called "front line" of the middle floors of the Dungeon, that's the only way to describe this place.

"So this is the Middle Floors…" Welf said, taking in the sights.

"Lili's heard about it before, but it's much dimmer in here than farther up," Lili said, subtly reminding us that this is new ground even for her.

Welf, his hand on the handle of the broadsword strapped to his back, and Lilly, her eyes quickly scanning the room, voiced their first impressions.

A seemingly endless descending stone tunnel was waiting for us after we left the upper levels. It had to be the pathway that connected to the first "room" on this level. But still, this is the first time I've ever seen a straight path that doesn't have a visible exit.

Also, there are large well-like holes in a few places beside the walls — pit traps connecting to the lower levels — in here, too. The landscape, the poor visibility…it's nothing like the upper levels.

"Floor 13 is known for its long hallways going from room to room. We can't safely engage monsters in this area, so Lili suggests we find the first room as quickly as possible," Lili suggests strongly.

Welf and I nod to each other as Lili explains the situation.

From what I can see, I'm pretty sure that this hallway is wider than the ones upstairs, but we'd still have a hard time if a monster showed up. There simply isn't any room to support each other. Which is especially bad if we get surrounded. My usual style of constantly moving is also much harder to pull off in such a narrow hallway.

Not to forget that one wrong move and you'll fall down to who knows where. I shudder at the mere thought. Getting horribly lost in the Dungeon… the idea terrifies me.

Then again, engaging monsters in a room with little space allows us to systematically take them down one by one, yet on the other hand… Numbers and strategy are very valuable in a fight, and that's exactly what a party gives us. There's pros and cons either way.

We all pause for a moment as the entire Dungeon shudders slightly. A minor earthquake? Those had been happening frequently, so I hadn't thought much of it. But to occur now… it was a little eerie.

"...Let's advance while there aren't any monsters around. Welf-san, this is a one-way path, so please move ahead as quickly as possible," Lili calmly urged us forward.

"All right."

Lili must've spent a lot of time studying the information available at the Guild. It's like she has a map of Floor 13 in her head or something. She's not just a porter, she's a supporter in every meaning of the word. As I think about how lucky I am to have her in the party, I look ahead at Welf.

The three of us advance through the middle levels in a straight line while making sure to keep some space between us.

"…But still, these things are awesome!" Welf starts up a conversation just as the eerie silence of the Dungeon was starting to get to me. Lilly quickly joins in.

"The salamander wool?"

"Yeah, can't complain about a thing."

Conversations like this are rather pointless, but they help ease the tension. I think that's a hidden benefit of working with a party. The loneliness and isolation of being solo really adds up after a while. Needless to say, the ambiance of the Dungeon can be very eerie to say the least.

"Lili never dreamed of the day that she would be able to wear this fancy fabric. Thank you so much, Bell-sama. Lili will take good care of it."

"Ahahaha… I did get a discount," I said sheepishly, turning my head around to see Lili happily grinning at me. All I can do is force a smile and take a look at how each of us is wearing salamander wool.

"Even with a discount, just one set of this material costs an arm and a leg! How much was it for three?" Lili asked.

"Well, uh…To put it simply, there were five zeros at the end…" I said with a wince. It hurt to spend that much money in a single go, but I knew it would be worth it.

"Welf-sama, make sure that you pay back every valis Bell-sama spent on you, got that?" Lili demanded of our other party member.

"You're quite the calculating Pallum when it comes to money, you know that?" Welf grumbled good-naturedly.

"But Lili's glad we have them. Lili feels less anxious about going into the deeper levels," Lili commented.

"…Hellhounds, huh?" I said rhetorically. Dog-like monsters that aren't all that physically powerful. The real danger is the flaming projectiles they shoot out of their mouths.

The flames are hot enough to get even some of the better types of armor to crack. It's been said that the inferno unleashed by a pack of hellhounds can be strong enough to reduce an unlucky battle party to ash on the spot.

From what I've overheard at the Hostess, whenever a party is destroyed on these Floors it is due to Hellhounds 9 out of 10 times.

"Welf-sama, Lili believes you already understand this, but—" Lili began to nag Welf before he interrupted her.

"Yeah, I'm gonna stop you right there. If a Hellhound shows up, charge forward and take it down, right? I have no interest in being cooked alive."

The Middle Floors certainly provide a new layer of difficulty to Dungeon diving.

All the monsters in the upper levels could only attack from short range and charge with claws, clubs, and whatnot. But the monsters here have learned how to attack from a distance.

The upper levels and middle levels are very different.

Ryuu's words from one of our training sessions echo inside my mind - and the only thing she's ever wrong about is her own self-perception.

After walking down the rocky path for a few minutes, all of us stop talking and freeze in place at almost the same moment.

As a result of becoming Level 2, my 6 senses in particular got a nice upgrade. Which was relevant as it allowed me to hear the tell-tale sound of the Dungeon walls cracking. Mobs were spawning nearby.

"…Right off the bat," Welf's voice echoes as two canine monsters approach from the path we were heading towards. Needless to say, the growling beasts were Hellhounds. Talk about timing, huh?

"So, how's this distance? Should we get closer?" Welf asked as he grabbed the hilt of his blade.

"My adviser warned me not to underestimate the Hellhound's range…" I told him casually, hand resting on the hilt of the Hestia Knife.

"Well then—charge!" Welf hoisted his broadsword over his shoulder as he gave us the signal to attack. I quickly get into position behind his right shoulder.

The two Hellhounds roar in unison before charging at us with all speed. A distance of about 50 meters is closed in a few seconds.

One of them howls and jumps straight at Welf. Despite being the size of a small cow, the beast carves through the air.

Only to get intercepted as I jumped up to meet the beast, kicking its head so hard it got launched into the adjacent wall to our side. I grabbed a throwing knife from a thigh pouch and threw it at the monster's neck after I landed on the ground.

Out of my periphery, I can see the monster completely stop moving aside from a few dying twitches.

The remaining hellhound growls at us from a distance as it raises its hindquarters and lowers its head to the ground. All of us realize immediately that it is getting ready to spit fire.

Welf was nowhere near the ranged attacker, as he'd held his ground for the Hellhound that charged us – not expecting the beast to leap over him.

The Hellhound bared its fangs at us. I can see sparks flying around in its mouth, in the spaces between its razor-sharp teeth.

"—A little slow!" Lili declared as she raised her right arm, revealing her Little Ballista.

However, the Hellhound takes a golden arrow to its right eye just as it was about to launch its fiery attack. It might not be the most powerful weapon, but Lili's mini-crossbow packs more than enough punch to stop an enemy in its tracks with good accuracy.

Welf dashes by me with the red swish of his jacket, straight up to the injured beast. He brings his broadsword down over the beast's head in one continuous motion.

The last hound lets out a yelp before falling, its cheeks still bright red from the flames.

"Not a bad start, eh?" Welf joked.

"We'd be in a lot of trouble if we couldn't work together at this point. This amount of coordination should be expected," Lili said dismissively.

"Yes, but that worked pretty well," Welf insisted, likely excited from his first kill on the 13th Floor.

I, however, kept silent as I kept in mind the fact that Hellhound's need some time to 'charge' up their ranged attack. That is guaranteed to be useful information when encountering them in the future.

Also, the Hellhounds weren't all that difficult. They were certainly more impressive than monsters from the previous Floors, but it wasn't saying much. The main concern I had about them at this point was their ranged attack.

I keep an eye out for ambushing enemies as Lili collects the magic stones.

"Oh? We've got more company," But Welf notices them first.

The next monsters to emerge from farther down the path are three surprisingly large rabbits.

Floppy ears, white and yellow fur, and a fluffy tail. They're hopping along on their hind legs, a long sharp horn sticking out of their heads. I think they're about Lili's height.

These monsters are basically needle rabbits that learned how to walk on two legs.

"Bell-sama?" Lili asked, as if hesitantly asking the rabbits if they were me.

"Yeah," Welf said with an affirmative grunt, "That's Bell."

"No, it's not!" I deny instantly. Though I'm also a little amused as well. The rabbit monster, Al-Miraj. First appearing on Floor 13, these things may look cute but are actually extremely aggressive. The red eyes and white fur are certainly reminiscent of me, not gonna lie.

The 3 Al-Miraj pull out small hatchet-like landform weapons and leap to attack us.

"Bell's attacking us!" Welf exclaimed.

"Bell-sama's in a hurry," Lili deadpanned.

"I'm telling you, they're Al-Miraj!" I said with amused exasperation as I drew the Hestia Knife.

I put aside any guilt for killing my rabbit brethren and got back to killing monsters.

Other POV

"So then, Asfi, what did you find out?" Hermes asked, a blue popsicle in one hand as he walked through the busy markets.

"According to the public information available at the Guild, he has completed Floor 11 and had been within the last ten days exploring Floor 12," Asfi reported.

She then added, "Also, someone at Babel Tower had something interesting to say… He apparently bought enough salamander wool to equip a small party earlier this morning."

"Oh, don't tell me he's gone to the Middle Levels?" Hermes asked interestingly.

"Most likely," responded Asfi. Hermes's lips curved up in a smirk.

"And only thirteen days after leveling up. Just how a record-holder should be. Very fast indeed."

"In addition, I have discovered he possesses extremely powerful Magic. He used what must have been a very long spell to cast magic so powerful that it wiped out an Infant Dragon on Floor 11. There were many witnesses," Asfi reported, unaware of how misleading those observations had been.

"Go on," Hermes said, knowing that she had more information on him.

"Many adventurers believe that the only reason he defeated a Minotaur is that he was lucky enough to land this Magic attack. That he is a weakling who only finished off a Minotaur that had escaped from Loki Familia. Some go as far as to call him the 'White Phony'."

Hermes laughed, "White Phony! Got a nice ring to it!"

"'But he only managed to hit it with his Magic, he only delivered the last blow to a monster with its foot in the grave…' A god's Blessing won't be fooled by cheap descriptions… But yes, I understand what you're trying to say," Hermes narrowed his already thin eyes as soon as his own laughter died down.

"I believe these opinions can all be explained by one thing: the fact that he leveled up so quickly…" Asfi summarised.

"Ah, yes. Adventurers are always so hard on one another," Hermes simplified.

"I have confirmed that Bell Cranell is not very well-liked by other adventurers," Asfi concluded.

There were a few moments of silence as they continued on their way through the city.

"Do you plan on doing anything to the weiẞes Häschen?" Asfi asked then, trying to satisfy her own curiosity,

Hermes could feel her eyes boring into the back of his head as they continued forward, but he listened as she continued.

"Ordering me to collect information without giving a reason, you must be very interested in him…"

"What's this, Asfi? Are you jealous because I haven't been around?"

"Hardly!" Asfi dropped her formal tone in an instant of anger, quickly turning her head away and massaging her forehead.

Hearing her god's teasing tone had brought out all the frustration that had built up while working for him over the years. Her composure was gone.

A face that had exuded an aura of knowledge now only showed the resentment of someone who had been led on wild-goose chases by a particular deity for far too long.

"I'm saying I've had enough of your errands. I've done so much so that you can just go anytime! Think of what I've been through!"

"I'm grateful to the others, and especially to you, Asfi. Without you, things would fall apart pretty quick. I'm counting on you quite a bit. Trusted by your friends and your god—ha-ha! That's quite the position!"

"…I hate this."

She sounded like she was about to cry for a brief moment. Hermes just smiled at his follower and playfully patted her on the head. Asfi's silver glasses were jarred loose from the impacts and fell to the tip of her nose as she looked at the ground.

Asfi complained further, "Do you know how hard it was to smuggle her into the city? Why did you even go along with it in the first place? You had just met him after all?"

"Because I owed him a favor, of course!" Hermes replied, then said, "And I like to think of it as payment for future services rendered…"

"Scary…" Asfi shuddered jokingly.

After a few moments she then asked, "…Have you made contact with Hestia yet?"

"No, not yet," Hermes answered.

"I must talk with a certain someone before I can do that."

Before a stern-looking Asfi could respond with another question, Hermes came to a stop in front of a certain bar. The Hostess of Fertility.

…and then left five minutes later after pissing Syr and the rest of the girls' off. Hermes couldn't have known how bad of an idea it was to ask about Bell Cranel at that specific establishment.

Main POV

I could hear, could feel all of the Al-Miraj, coming at us from all angles. The continuous onslaught of monsters didn't allow for a moment of hesitation.

"Not even enough time to breathe, eh?" Welf joked in between pants of breaths and swings of his sword.

"Then don't talk!" Lili chastised.

Welf swung his large blade, sweat flying everywhere, as Lili delivered the final blow to a monster with a well-placed arrow.

We had been on the 13th Floor for a couple hours based on when I checked my specialized watch last. We were also off the beaten trail. Why? I was hoping to avoid any bullshit that would cause the whole Floor 18 fiasco. Anyway, despite being completely surrounded by Al-Miraj, I wasn't too concerned.

With the exception of Agility, Welf's Status seemed to be greater than or equal to the Al-Miraj. He fought on the front lines with Lili's support; her wooden training staff and part time walking stick was also useful in helping keep monsters at a distance. So it was up to me to make sure that we didn't get flanked by taking out as many of the monsters as I could.

All of the rabbits fell to a single slice from my blades — assuming the hit landed, of course. Which happened 9 out of 10 times. I was currently using the blades Yin and Yang. It didn't take the monsters long to figure out that it was useless to take me head-on.

"Welf, get down!" I yelled, catching a monster getting too close to Welf for comfort.

"Gotcha!" Welf instantly reacted to my order.

I flew over the back of my kneeling friend, slicing one Al-Miraj in half with the blade in my right hand and slamming my sword-clenched fist into the head of another.

Okay, I take that back, these numbers were a little troublesome. At least, without me actually going all out. It was an important fact of the Dungeon to not use all of your stamina and/or mind in a single encounter if you can help it. Which meant to avoid throwing Firebolts and Hiraishins around unless absolutely necessary.

Though it was getting close to that point… not that the Al-Miraj were clumped so close that Firebolt would do much good. The rabbit monsters weren't overwhelmingly strong, for me anyway, but their numbers were troubling.

Hopefully, this wasn't just me being overly cautious again. Trying to find the right balance was something that came with experience.

All this to say that we were slowly getting overrun. I couldn't watch the flanks and keep running back over to help Welf and Lili at the same time. Not if I wanted to keep Hiraishin in reserve for more dire straits.

We weren't currently in danger of a rout, per say. It was just that it would take more effort than we'd prefer to use. Or that I would rather. I was only going at about half-tilt right now.

I could throw a bunch of Hiraishin knives around and utterly obliterate the crowd. The thing was, that was a lot of Mind to use on just a bunch of Al-Miraj. And I didn't want to depend on Hiraishin as some kind of crutch to get me out of a tough pinch. I wanted to hold back until it was clear that I had no other choice.

Though I was getting close to making that decision. Because it was increasingly clear that Welf and Lili seemed to be getting fatigued. The only reason I hadn't joined them, I think, was because I was used to fighting long hours while on low stamina. Why? Because of Ryuu-sensei's training. Her healing magic did recover physical stamina along with wounds, but did little for mental exhaustion. Point is, I was still raring to go but my team wasn't.

We needed to pull out, and head back. Soon. Which was fine, as we had made good progress for our first day on this Floor.

My ears twitched then, as I heard the sounds of boots on gravel… approaching us from further in the Dungeon. Another party of adventurers?

That is strange. We are off the main path. The chances of running into another party off of the trail this deep was… slim.

I left Welf to finish off the Al-Miraj I stunned with my fist as I went back to covering our flank.

I decapitated another Al-Miraj that got too close as I finally saw the source of the sound a moment ago. Sure enough, it was a party of 5 - no, there was a 6th adventurer being carried. But that was all I could make out at that moment.

This was… weird. Their current path was going to bring them right on top of us. Which was unusual as the unwritten rule of the Dungeon was to avoid unaffiliated groups of different adventurers.

That and we were off of the main trail. Other adventurers should have been an extremely rare sight. I was really confused and concerned to have run into anyone on this Floor.

I dismissed the fact they were trying to be good Samaritans or stealing our kills. They wouldn't risk it with a presumably injured… comrade…

My ears noticed the sounds of movement from where the other party came from. The party of Adventurers were being tailed by another group of adventurers or monsters. The latter more likely.

The heavily damaged battle party was coming toward us on purpose. They passed within a stone's throw of me on their way by. They smelled just like those Monster Lures that had been used by Lili and Naaza – a failed attempt to grind monsters?

Pass Parade - I realized…

It all clicked.

…

…

WHAT THE HELL?!

How on earth could this happen by sheer coincidence?! It didn't make any sense! We weren't even on the main path! This was bullshit!

I did everything I could to avoid the Pass Parade from canon! What was I supposed to do, never go to Floor 13?! I'm utterly in shock and disbelief that this is somehow happening to me. Is Fate after me or something!?

"—?! Oh no! They led more to us!" Lili also realized what they had done to us, "We've been used as a decoy! More monsters are coming!"

A moment later, just as she predicted, another swarm of monsters appeared in the room. There was almost quadruple the number of Al-Miraj we had been fighting, as well as about 6 or more Hellhounds coming at us. I could feel some color drain from my face.

Those numbers… The sheer amount of them was deadly even with the power disparity between me and them. Not to mention my friends!

It didn't help that while use of Firebolt could clear the room, that was only if a couple of factors worked out. One, the monsters gave me enough time to repeatedly cast the spell. And two, if there weren't as many Hellhounds.

It should come as no surprise that Hellhounds were resistant to fire. A bad matchup for me. Only a direct hit from Firebolt would do enough damage and that was from the lightning part of the spell.

Point was, I had the strength but not the means to get us out of this pickle. While I was fast and powerful enough for a crowd control role, those Hellhounds messed everything up.

Sure, I was now able to use Hiraishin to instinctually evade attacks from opponents I can't properly see thanks to Ryuu not holding back any of her speed in our training sessions. But that didn't mean I was on the skill level of the Yellow Flash to where I could easily and rapidly kill a pack of monsters in a rapid series of flashes. That kind of attack required a lot of precision and experience to pull off properly!

I spun around just in time to see the last member of the other Familia disappear through the room's exit. My mind was racing to come up with what to do about the crisis dropped into my lap.

"Retreat! Welf-sama, the tunnel to your right! Move!" Lili commanded, issuing us a route to retreat.

"What the—You've got to be kidding?!" Welf cried out in fear and confusion.

Fear was beginning to rear its ugly head. Welf wildly swung his broadsword in front of him. The blade didn't cut through the Al-Miraj blocking his path, but it was strong enough to force the monster out of his way. The tunnel entrance now clear, he followed Lili's orders and dove straight in.

Lili and I weren't far behind.

The bridged tunnel path slowly widened before them and I knew I'd have to perform a holding action.

These monsters were faster. Faster than Welf and Lili could run from, it was a given that a supporter with a weak Status had no chance in one of the Middle Levels connecting tunnels.

That was the other problem. This party was too unbalanced. I had a high Level 2 to Beginner Level 3 amount of strength from my numbers. This Floor for me, ignoring sheer numbers of enemies, was no problem for me.

My companions, on the other hand, were vastly under leveled. While I could easily escape this situation on my own, doing the same while protecting them was much trickier. I'd rather my friends not turn into Naaza thank you very much.

So ignoring Welf and Lili's objections, I stopped, spun, and faced the pursuing hoard.

I sheathed one of my short swords and aimed my hand at the small chokepoint that was the entrance to this chasm. "Firebolt!"

I didn't wait to watch the orange streak of fire and lightning impact the choke point, and instead kept my eyes forward, waiting for the Hellhounds to charge right through.

My remembering of the new Hellhounds' attack patterns paid off, as while two Hellhounds fell off of the bridge because of physics (they may be immune to the fire, but not the force of the air around getting pushed away violently) another four kept on charging at us. Two by two.

I intercepted the Hellhounds in the air. One of the ones in the back group attempted to jump over its friends and me, but didn't expect me to anticipate that.

Hellhounds were fond of leaping, I learned that after the first encounter with them.

I kicked the beast into the other jumping Hellhound - causing both of them to fall into the deep pits under the bridge. My left hand grabbed a throwing knife and lobbed it at one of the two Hellhounds that kept on charging at Welf and Lili.

My throw missed its intended mark, but still managed to hit the beast's hind leg - causing it to stumble and fall.

Because of basic physics, my kicking of the Hellhound off the bridge also pushed me over the opposite edge. For an instant, I considered stabbing my short sword into the bridge to keep me from falling. I made the move to do so before stopping myself.

I took in a deep breath to calm myself ever so slightly as I flared my Mind and appeared at the heel of the Hellhound I threw my knife into. I took a step forward and stabbed my kodachi into the Hellhounds neck before it could finish getting back up.

I looked over to my comrades to find that Welf had managed to slice the remaining Hellhound in half.

I pulled my throwing knife out of the Hellhound and went over to my friends. "You guys alright?"

"I'm fine," Lili answered.

"I'm hanging in there," Welf said with a grimace, holding his left arm. It took a moment to realize the darker red spot on his arm was blood and not sweat soaking the salamander wool.

As unreasonable as it was, the fact I hadn't been strong enough to stop all of the Hellhounds and thus let my friend get hurt… it stung.

Or maybe he got the injury during the retreat. The point still stands.

I didn't have more time to wallow in self-pity, for the Dungeon roared as more monsters cried out from where we came from and the direction we were headed.

"A pincer…" I whispered as Lili let out a sad sigh.

"Well, isn't this depressing…" Welf said, his wit never leaving him.

We were quick to take a triangular formation, our backs turned toward one another. I scrunched up my face as I looked past the remains of the hellhounds and to their next opponents.

"Why is it that monsters spawn so fast in the middle levels? I need a break." Welf complained.

"Because it's the Middle Floors, right?" I deadpanned.

"Ha, ha-ha…" Welf laughed weakly.

Lili pulled a few potions from her backpack and passed them around as us boys tried our best to lighten the mood.

Welf needed something to heal his wounds, I needed to keep my Mind levels high enough so I didn't lose focus. I had held off on any potions until now after all – this would be my first since this little expedition began.

Which reminded me, I hadn't taken my Nutrition Potion today. I hadn't felt the need to. How odd.

It didn't change the fact that Welf and Lili were operating on low stamina.

"Bell-sama, Welf-sama, Lili recommends we retreat. We need to rest and regroup. There will be no end to the monsters at this rate," Lili all but orders.

If given the opportunity, I think I could lead the party like Lili is. However, with my fighting position in the party, it was hard to focus beyond the immediate battle. Lili has more time to think and strategize, which is coming in useful right now.

I do, however, recall that the route we used to retreat pushes us deeper into the Dungeon. If my memory is right, this path only leads further down. The pathway to head towards Floor 12 was one of the other pathways that is now blocked off by monsters.

"Sounds great to me, but what are we gonna do about this?" Welf agreed, but asked for clarification.

"Focus on one side and… break through?" I offered, pausing to take a breath.

"Yes, Lili believes that is best," Lili nodded at my idea. All of the monsters had started to surround us.

We didn't need to say anything about the current situation. The party knew that there was no more time for talking, and we readied our bodies for what was coming next.

"Well, then…"

"Yeah."

"…Let's go!"

I had lost track of time.

Shortly after we attempted to make a break for it, an unlucky Al-Miraj struck my reinforced watch instead of my unprotected arm. It saved me from an injury, just some soreness that throbbed faintly, but ruined the last thing that gave us a solid understanding of the passage of time.

We had much more serious worries.

The Dungeon turned the room we had initially run from into a Monster Party or something, because monsters kept on pouring from that chamber relentlessly. Like the Dungeon knew that was our only way to head back to the surface and was trying to cut us off.

It… probably was doing that. I do recall implications that the Dungeon has some kind of consciousness or something.

Anyway.

We once again were surrounded by a swarm of Al-Miraj when I was distracted by the sound of the Dungeon wall cracking. I quickly scanned for the source of the new stream of monsters that was about to make our situation go from bad to worse - but found nothing.

Impossible, the sound was too close to not see…

I looked above in disbelief. The roof was cracking.

A piece of rock fell from the ceiling as the entire tunnel groaned, unable to bear the weight any longer.

"Get–!" I began to cry out a warning, but it was too late.

…The ceiling shattered in a thunderous roar as a swarm of Bad Bats was born from the tunnel ceiling.

A chorus of high-pitched squeals rang out as the Bad Bats took wing for the first time. The dim lights from above were suddenly blacked out by countless shadows in the air. Shrouded in darkness, I could only catch a glimpse of the heavily damaged ceiling.

Until, finally, it caved in.

My eyes practically jumped from their sockets. All of us sprang into action a moment later.

It was a rockslide intended to kill. The three of us made a mad dash forward, trying to escape the onslaught.

One hit after another, new pain erupting with every blow. My eardrums were assaulted by the thunderous barrage of stones and boulders falling like water. Rocks and boulders just kept coming from above.

There wasn't even a sliver of time to look out for one another. We ran as fast as we could to escape the howl of the Dungeon itself. The series of events were just that sudden.

I'm not sure how long of a fall it was, but we ran right into a pit that dropped us at least another Floor down.

After picking myself off of the ground, the rock slide over, I could hear Welf gasp weakly for breath.

At last the rockslide subsided. A final pebble landed as if to say 'are you sure about that?'

My hands broke out in a cold sweat, but I didn't look in Welf's direction. I could tell by his voice that he was hurt.

There was a small cough in the distance. Lili.

Wiping away the blood that seeped from the many small cuts on my face, I tried to call out to my friends to make sure they were okay.

But all I succeeded was accidentally breathing in dust and coughing.

Ouch. I really should have expected that to be honest.

Shapes were coming into focus now that the dust started to settle.

There were several dark shadows climbing over the rubble that sat on top of where he had been standing just a few moments ago. A pack of Hellhounds.

All of the hellhounds' heads were low to the ground. Sparks flew as smoke rose from their mouths. They started bearing fangs; the rubble underneath their feet was illuminated in red, glowing light.

"Cloaks!" I called out desperately, hoping the others understood and moved to protect themselves from the coming salvo.

I turned my back to the attack and covered my head with my salamander wool and ducked low.

I could hear the orbs of flame tear through the air, waves of intense heat bursting through the tunnel.

And then…!

There was a massive explosion.

An hour or so later, I silently moved through the Dungeon one step at a time. I had to, since I was serving as a human crutch for Welf.

Turns out one that rockslide had a large rock land on Welf's leg in just the right way to break it. The potions we had remaining weren't meant for such a complicated injury. Especially since potions weren't 'smart' enough to know how to heal broken bones on their own. They had to be set properly.

Which also meant that he wasn't allowed to have any healing potions lest they attempt to heal his broken ankle at a twisted angle. Only poison or Mind restoring potions are allowed for him.

So we had to make due by using Lili's spare baselard scabbard as a splint – the sword itself had gotten lost in the rockslide. Alongside her trusty walking staff.

I was honestly doubting how Lucky I actually was. On one hand, the ceiling caved in on top of us in just the right way to send us down a Floor or two. On the other, we didn't die from it. Back to the other, Welf was now so injured that my ability to ensure everyone's safety got significantly more difficult.

Lili could barely defend herself at these depths and Welf was completely out of melee fights unless the enemy was literally on top of us.

Not only had we been hemmed away from the easy route back towards the surface… we didn't know our exact location on whatever Floor we were on now. The geology of the lower Middle Floors made it easier to go down then back up. Going all the way down to Floor 18 was getting likelier and likelier.

Welf's deep breaths and our footsteps were the only thing breaching the silence until…

"Sorry, man…" Welf apologized weakly.

"Don't… worry…" I assured him between breaths. I still had energy in the tank, but Welf was bigger than me and so lugging him around was rather awkward. If I didn't walk a certain way, his feet would drag. It was an awkward posture for me.

Back Before I was pretty tall. This short stature shit wasn't cool.

"Lili…" I called quietly behind me, "you okay…?"

The girl looked ragged, but gave a shaky smile back. While Lili didn't have many visible injuries, I could tell by the look on her face that she had the most difficult time during our escape. Also, her backpack was in tatters.

"How's our supplies looking?" I asked quietly, keeping an eye out for movement.

"Four potions and two antidotes; no high potions made it…" Lili reported. Without the high potions, there was truly nothing more we could do for Welf's foot - which left us without our frontline fighter. And based on the distance we'd need to cover to the surface, our supplies were woefully lacking considering the state we were in.

It didn't help matters that at the very least we were somewhere on the 14th Floor. But based on how long our fall was, I wouldn't be shocked if we were actually on the 15th Floor. Which made Welf's situation even more dire.

It didn't help matters that we'd once again run into…

"A dead end…" Lili sighed in despair.

We were undeniably lost, and losing valuable time. Every moment we were on the wrong path, we were effectively wasting energy and morale. Monsters growled in the distance, as if to reiterate this fact for us.

Let's just say I was mentally chewing myself out for not using spells like Hiraishin more liberally when our situation wasn't as shitty. The devil over my left shoulder was glad to point out I could easily make it back to the Surface if I just abandoned my comrades.

Like hell that was going to happen. But, despite there being little risk to my own safety, my friends were a different story.

Something Welf seemed to realize as well, "Bell… Lil'Lili… you better leave me behind."

"Unacceptable," I instantly denied. Sure, I could probably run the gauntlet and escape back to the surface on my own - not having to worry about anyone else. But then I'd never be able to look in the mirror again. I'd become the person Ryuu-sama thinks she is. The very thought fills me with resolve; I'm going to find a way to get them out of here alive, or die trying. This was all my fault for wanting to get some meaningless points.

Welf protested, "However you slice it, with this leg, I'm only going to slow you down."

"Eh?" I said, using a tone of voice to convey the bullshit I was about to spew, "However you slice it, this is just me engaging in a training simulation where I have to fight in the Dungeon with a limp and one working arm. You just happened to volunteer to be the weight when that rock fell on you is all."

"It's amazing you can think of such a stupid idea in our current situation," Welf deadpanned.

"Everything is training if you have the right perspective," I insisted, "That's something my sensei taught me."

"Remind me to never get lessons from them," Welf chuckled as Lili shuddered – she certainly got a second-hand version of Ryuu's teachings alright. Then Welf insisted, "But seriously, you don't have a choice. I'm just going to get you two ki–!"

"I refuse!" I declared to him, "Like hell I'm going to tuck my tail between my legs and abandon a friend to die! You're getting saved whether you like it or not!"

"I don't think that's how this is supposed to work…" Welf grumbled.

"Lili," I called out to our third member, "I'm sure you've thought of something while I was talking to the idiot over here."

"Oi!" Welf protested before wincing in pain from the sudden action, "...fair enough."

"We…" Lili began to say hesitantly, "we might have a chance if we try going down to the 18th Floor."

That… was a bold plan. Though it was one that I had definitely thought of. I had hoped to avoid this bullshit, but it was clear the Dungeon and Fate had other ideas.

"Down… to the 18th?" I mumbled, playing dumb, "The safe zone?"

"Indeed," Lili confirmed, "If we make it. We can probably get some higher-level adventurers to take us back up with them. Our odds of survival would then increase."

"The Loki Familia did set out for their expedition two weeks ago," I said, remembering how they had set out the same day I had encountered the Minotaur. "It wouldn't be too shocking if they were making their return trip. Or at least sending a partition of their wounded back up to the surface."

"But how?" Welf asked, "How would we even get there? The monsters are even stronger between here and there?"

"We'll use the pits," Lili answered, "There are many pits like this in the Middle Floors. We can probably go down a lot more quickly than we can go up."

Lili pointed to a nearby pit that also made up the current chamber we were in.

"What about the floor boss?" Welf then asked, "That thing's on the 17th Floor, right?"

"If you mean the Goliath," Lili responded, "It's as Bell-sama said, the Loki Familia passed through two weeks ago. The Goliath takes about that long to respond. If we are lucky, we can make it by before it respawns."

"Have you lost your mind?" Welf asked with rhetorical incredulousness.

Meanwhile, I had a bad feeling in the pit of my chest. If the Loki Familia beat the Goliath 14 days ago, then the mob boss could spawn at any moment.

Still, it was a much better alternative than trying to force ourselves all the way back to the surface in our current condition. If we made it to the safe zone, we'd at least be able to recover our strength. Getting back to the Surface while Welf's ankle was broken would be incredibly difficult to say the least. The nearest guaranteed location of proper healers was further below.

"It's just an idea," Lili said, "The decision is ultimately up to our party leader, Bell-sama."

"Yeah, okay," Welf acknowledged Lili's words before looking me in the eye, "No matter what happens, we won't blame you."

Lili nodded her agreement.

I could feel the weight of their trust in me at that moment. I'd felt it before in every encounter where we fought together. But this was different. It was a very conscious choice for them to entrust their very lives to me. I'd… never been believed in so deeply before. Why would I have been? I was just…

No, that doesn't matter now. What matters is the present 'me' in the here and now. I already made a promise, and I intended on keeping it. It was my fault for getting them into this mess in the first place. It was my responsibility to get them out of here in one piece.

A grim smile overtook my face, "Very well! Our goal then is to head for the 18th Floor! Dying or leaving anyone behind is unacceptable! I promise to reward your trust in me with salvation!"

"Heh, when you say it so confidently, how could I think otherwise?" Welf said with a chuckle.

"Lili always believes in Bell-sama!" Lili declared enthusiastically, my confidence raising her spirits accordingly.

I reached out with my free hand and ruffled the top of her head with a headpatt.

Lili made sounds that were a mix of enjoyment and displeasure - like she couldn't decide if she should be happy or upset at the gesture.

I then snaked my hand behind her neck, as I went down on one knee, pulling Lili into a one-armed hug.

"Eh?!" Lili squeaked.

I was thankful that my salamander wool and armor prevented me from feeling Lili's impressive curves against me directly. Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed it, but rather because such lewdness was hardly appropriate or what I was going for. The mood would have been in poor taste.

Anyway, with Lili and Welf in my arms now, I had effectively made a group hug/huddle.

I said solemnly, "We're going to make it out okay, understand?"

"...Yeah, I get it," Welf responded honestly.

"Mmm," Lili nodded sheepishly, her face flushed red.

"Your batteries charged up, Lili?" I asked with a teasing grin, "Anywhere hurting? Need a kiss to make it feel better?"

Lili's face turned completely red, "I-I…! Y-you…! Y-Yes…?"

Technically, Lili's last word was 'hai' which could mean a lot of different things. I just choose the interpretation where it means 'yes'.

"If you insist," I said before pecking her on her tiny forehead.

Lili's mouth dropped as her eyes shot up to look towards her forehead. After another moment, her eyes rolled even further back as she went limp.

"...did she just…?" Welf asked slowly.

"She must be really tired," I said like a dense anime protagonist.

Welf looked at me like I was an idiot.

"After all, with all that blood moving around in her head combined with her exhaustion, it's really no surprise she passed out," I said clinically with a cheeky smile, "She could use the rest while I tie something together to help us descend this pit."

Welf realized that I made Lili pass out on purpose and grinned, "You cheeky bastard."

"I channeled my inner-Syr," I said with a grin, "one of my co-workers. An absolute minx of a woman."

"Co-workers?" Welf asked.

"Side job," I answered, setting Lili down before rummaging through her bag for some rope. "We'll all celebrate there after we get back to the surface."

"Heh, looking forward to it," Welf replied, as if seeing how I was structuring multiple levels of guarantees to help raise morale.

Meanwhile I started looking for things to help us safely descend the pit. This backup-sword's scabbard might be useful. And that rock might help make a simple pulley…

Lili was less than pleased when she woke up at the bottom of the pit.

Welf and I made an impromptu pulley to safely lower Lili and her bag down the hole. A backup rope tied Lili herself in case of the worst, but it wasn't needed. Welf and I, in that order, then descended manually by using an empty scabbard that was secured over the small opening to the pit.

I had used Firebolt on the walls to help ensure no monsters spawned during all of that.

Lili had woken up as I almost made it down myself. Which got her something like 10 to 30 minutes of sleep… maybe. My internal clock was shot due to the lack of sunlight.

We quickly took stock of our remaining supplies. We still had Welf's greatsword, Lili's wrist-mounted weapons, my shortswords and the Hestia Knife. Lili had a few potions in her bag, and I had one left in my own thigh pouch. Most of my supply had broken in the rockslide.

It was the last important item in Lili's gear that was both extremely vital… yet extremely detrimental to our morale.

Lili was walking in front of us, holding a small bag that was stained green from the material inside.

It's so putrid that I want to rip my nose off my face. It's amazing I can hold back the tears welling up behind my eyes. It was like someone mixed together rotten eggs, horse manure, and dead rats… then dipped it in a septic tank — that kind of smell.

"Hey Lil' Lili," Welf choked out, "Can't you do anything about this smell?"

Lili stopped her march, before turning around, clearly pissed off herself, "You keep complaining, but I'm closer to it than you are!"

She was all but waving the foul thing in our faces as she said, "Why doesn't Welf-sama hold it? Welf-sama is not the only one who can smell it! Lili smells it too! But Lili is carrying it to help everybody even though Welf-sama keeps complaining!"

I cough and say, "Isn't that something Naaza helped you with?"

My ploy works and Lili turns back to the path, getting that infernal bag away from us. She responds, "Yes, Lili asked for her help while we were still working in the Upper Floors… By the way, Naaza fell to the floor and rolled around after taking a test sniff."

…Apparently the smell was so bad that poor Naaza was rubbing her nose against everything, desperately trying to get the smell out. I feel sorry for her, just thinking about it — actually seeing it would have been excruciating.

Not too surprising, however, since Naaza was a clienthrope. Lili too, since she was still under her transformation. Lili wasn't using those massive clothes pins to block her nose for shits and giggles.

My eyes suddenly snapped to the side as I noticed sparks in my periphery. A Hellhound in a small cave offshoot from the main path. Lili's repellent doesn't do much good if the monster spawns in a place like that and gets trapped inside because of the smell.

My mind races for the best way to handle the new threat.

Thankfully, I needn't worry.

Welf pushed himself off of me, falling onto his good knee, and aimed his hand at the Hellhound. He then chanted, "Leave it to me! Burn out, dark magics! Will-o-wisp!"

The air in front of Welf's hand instantly ripples, shock waves visible as they boom forward. The Hellhound's flame goes back into its maw before exploding violently.

"Ignis Fatuus?!" Lili's shocked voice echoes through the tunnel.

The phenomena of a magic spell collapsing, the end result being a violent explosion. It was something Eina had nagged me about after learning about my Firebolt magic. It was rare with the advent of the Falna, but was still important to keep in mind. Using magic when you couldn't focus properly was just asking for a fiery end.

"How about that, it worked…" Welf commented at the sight of the exploded monster.

"You… didn't know if it would work?" I asked slowly.

"I mean, I figured?" Welf said defensively, "It's not like it's part of their biology like a dragon, right?"

"Fair enough," I said, conceding the point.

I pick Welf back off the ground, and we continue our march.

We do the same thing to the next monsters we come across.

We avoid all attacks while doing our best to endure the smell of the pouch around Lili's neck. I used Firebolt on anything that gets too close for comfort.

It was certainly some good target practice on moving opponents.

Welf takes care of the Hellhounds. Now that he knows the timing and distance, any of the monsters that try to use their flaming attack become victims of his anti-magic Magic.

"Welf, here…" I said after a while, pulling a vial filled with a thick citrus-colored liquid out of my leg holster and handing it to him.

"What's this? A potion?" Welf asked. He drank about half before his eyes opened in surprise.

"This is a really good Mana Restoring potion. I feel lighter."

"It's made by Naaza of Miach Familia," I said, giving the clienthrope some free advertisement, "Despite the size of her shop, she makes quality potions."

When she isn't trying to run a scam that is. Poor girl, haha.

"This is good stuff. You have to tell me where I can get more," Welf said with a grin.

"Once we get back, I'll take you there as often as you like…" I smile back at him as he gives me the rest of the potion.

I drank 1/4 of it in a single gulp. A new wave of energy passes through my body. My Mind isn't back up to full, but it's much better than before. Potions for the win!

"…Bell-sama, how about sharing some with Lili?" Lili asked slyly, a hint of mischievousness in her tone.

"What Mind are you trying to get back?!" Welf protested playfully.

"Lili's sanity from carrying this repellent! It's not fair, Lili says! That only Welf-sama gets some!" Lili objected enthusiastically, making a rather valid point at the beginning there.

"Here," I said, offering the potion over to her. Lili's face lit up with happiness.

I gripped Welf's arm tighter as he attempted to reach for the potion as well - causing him to halt with a wince of pain. My momentary distraction of Welf gave Lili the opportunity to actually get the potion in her grasp; if I had done nothing, Welf would have swiped it before her.

Lili brought the potion to her lips and slowly drank the remainder of the vial. She did so with the reverence one might receive Christian Eucharist or if one was drinking from the fountain of youth.

Though it also seemed rather lewd…

I shake my head and focus. Our Dungeon journey continues, me lending a shoulder to Welf and Lilly watching our backs.

We have hope as we put one foot in front of the other, until—

The Dungeon shook. We all stop in place.

"Lili…?" I ask quietly, noticing the smell. Or rather, the lack of it.

She hesitantly turned, her hand holding the repellent bag was shaking as she said, "The scent-bag's effect… it ran out."

The roars of monsters cut into the silence. It was one I remembered vividly. The roar of a Minotaur.

"No way…" Welf said disbelievingly. Hysterically. "What the hell? Gods damn it!"

Ah, yes, this was likely Welf's first Minotaur encounter. Ah, I can remember the times when their roars shook my resolve like it was just two weeks ago.

Oh, it was.

The Minotaur stomped into sight, about 50 meters away as it roared with malicious fury.

I dropped Welf with no hesitation and charged at the beast. I knew from the sounds being made that more Minotaurs were about to arrive. I needed to kill this one as quickly as possible before we got overwhelmed!

I reached into my thigh pouch and threw a throwing knife at the Minotaur as I ran.

The Minotaur swatted the knife aside, but a moment after the beast contact was when I appeared. Without breaking stride, I ran up the length of the Minotaur's arm. I drew the kodachi, Yin, and slashed the monster's throat in a single motion.

Stride maintained, I lept off of the beast. Confused, the monster grasped its exposed and gurgling neck as it fell to the ground - completely disabled.

I sheathed Yin, just in time for another three Minotaurs to appear a further 50 meters ahead of me.

I wouldn't be able to pull off the same trick safely with three of them. Ideally, I would like to take them out in one go considering how close the beasts were to each other - but Firebolt wasn't that effective on their tough hide.

Then I remembered the large axe-like landform weapons that all the Minotaur's have.

I picked up the fallen battle-axe with both my hands.

I needed to stop them. Here and now. If they got past then Lili and Welf would die. That was a guarantee. I needed to stop them here! To save them! I'd never break my word!

I could hear the sounds of chimes ringing in my ears. I could see white and blue lights coming from my hands through my periphery. Slowly growing larger and larger.

I focused. Focused on these feelings. Building them further and further!

Maybe twenty seconds passed by the time the Minotaurs were 5 meters away. It was now or never!

I lept at the bulls with no hesitation and swung.

There was an explosion of light, then dust and gravel.

I coughed as the plume of dust slowly cleared. I could tell that the result was similar to the last time I used this skill against that Infant Dragon. There was no sign that the Minotaurs even existed. Just rubble and sand.

"Heh…" Welf chuckled after a few moments. I had almost mistaken it as another cough from the dust. "Maybe it's just from that Skill of yours, but you really are glowing, Bell."

I almost stumbled, having turned to make sure they were alright after that explosion. Glowing? I wasn't glowing anymore though?

"Lili agrees," she said, but added, "But Bell-sama always seemed to have such a glow though?"

"Must not have noticed it before now," Welf shrugged.

It finally dawned on me. Inspiring Leader, it had to be.

Maybe it was just my surroundings getting to me, but I was suddenly really concerned about Line 2. About how much it influences people.

Lili has a deep seated hatred for adventurers. Welf is obviously a good guy, but Lili is the most predisposed to overlook such qualities. How did she get along with him so quickly? Is it just out of respect for me? Or was something else influencing her?

And Ryuu-sama. I doubt daily training with her is enough to get her to start dropping the 'san' at the end of my family name. Ryuu-sama's vision is so trapped in the past, she shouldn't be able to appreciate the present. Her minute lowering of her guard makes no sense. It has to be my Skill manipulating her. (1)

Lili. Ryuu. Now Welf. Are they trapped by my will? Caught in my orbit? Will they even be able to properly comprehend why they fight the battles I do? Does it become blind reverence?

I shivered.

Scary. This power is scary. Horrifying even. In becoming friends with them, have I merely given them a far worse fate?

My chest feels hollow, my head faint. Perhaps it was just the exhaustion from using Argonaut, affecting my Mind. But… just when I thought I had overcome the chasm of loneliness, I learned that there was another, deeper one on the other side.

My hand clenched in sorrow and frustration.

… I'll need to be more careful from now on. I've vowed to be a hero, so I can't just stop people from getting affected by the Skill. It's an unconscious thing, so I can't just turn it off. The fact that it's actually a Skill that Hestia can remove from my Falna provides me with a measure of comfort. As long as the Skill doesn't get out of control, we can at least remove it from play.

The closeness I felt with everyone… How much of it is real and how much of it is the Skill?

I bit my lip so hard it started to draw blood, the taste of cooper was unmistakable.

…All I can do for now is try to use the Skill to do the most good I can. It's my responsibility considering that Lili and Welf can't necessarily make their own decisions anymore.

My breathing shuddered. My shoulders… felt heavy.

Those were the melancholic thoughts that plagued me at that moment.

An hour or so later, we were traversing the 17th Floor (at least, we assumed we were). We had made it somewhere between a third and halfway through the floor - based on a guess in reference to the estimated size of the Floor.

We continued as we had been, using Welf and my own Magic to keep Hellhounds off of us. A direct hit from Firebolt was a guaranteed kill. And I was a good shot. Thankfully, there hadn't been another Minotaur yet.

Another round of fierce explosions ring out in front of me.

A whole pack of Hellhounds fell to the ground in a shower of sparks and plumes of smoke. I hadn't been counting how many times I've seen it by now — Welf's anti-magic Magic.

He still has his hand out, kind of floating in the air in front of us. His rasping, exhausted breaths are right next to my ear. But then–!

Plop. His neck goes limp, head hitting my shoulder. His body goes slack in an instant. All of his weight suddenly comes down on my shoulder. Bending my knees, I fix my grip and prevent him from falling over.

His face falls in front of mine as I fight to regain balance. Welf's eyes are closed, his face absolutely drenched in sweat.

Despite it being the first time it's happened to someone else in front of me, I instantly recognize it as a case of Mind Down. Honestly, I was surprised he even managed this long with how much he was using his anti-magic Magic. Still, I feel bad for having had to push him so far.

We had encountered so many monster attacks, that I had literally lost count. They had all been mundane up until this point. But now things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

Anyway, even if Welf was still awake, we were completely out of potions. There wasn't anything I could do to help him right now.

"...Ah!" I hear a sudden release of breath behind me just before the sound of something falling over.

I turn my head, seeing that Lili had lost her balance and had fallen face first into the gravel.

"Lili!" I exclaim, frantically yet carefully setting Welf down before going to check on her.

"...B-Bell…sama…" Lili gasped out in exhaustion, half her face still in the gravel. She weakly moved to pick herself up, but failed completely. Past the exhaustion, I could see sheer determination in her eyes. It was taking everything she was to not pass out right here and now.

I had a feeling that if I hadn't gotten Lili's Status updated via Hestia, that Lili would have long since passed out due to a lack of stamina. It was good to see that my efforts had some positive effect.

But I knew that Lili was also done. Her resolve was motivating, but also risky. If we got ambushed and she fell over like this… Best keep her close and safe in the only way I can right now.

I eased her massive backpack off of her, ignoring her muffled protests. I then gave her a headpatt, and then said, "It's okay, Lili. Go ahead and rest."

"...N-no…" Lili denied, her eyes beginning to water.

"You trust me, right?" I asked her rhetorically, already knowing the answer. Sure enough, her eyes sparkled with absolute faith in me.

Lili grunted affirmatively, though it also came with a sad gurgle.

"Then rest," I tell her, "I promised, remember? When you wake up, you'll be safe and sound, okay? Leave the rest to me."

"...Lov…" Lili began to whisper before her eyes lids peacefully slid shut into unconsciousness. A single tear trailed down the side of her face. Her expression was calm and at rest.

The chamber fell silent, with only the sound of nearby water droplets and far-away monsters to break the quiet.

I couldn't help but shudder at the eerie ambiance. Without Singularity, I'm sure that fear and despair would be clouding my mind. But with it, I focused on the task ahead - knowing that failure meant breaking my vows. Unacceptable.

I quickly got to work. I gathered rope from Lili's bag, and tied her to myself with a variety of knots; I tied together a Swiss Seat with another series of knots around her chest to myself – in a manner that if I needed to release Lili for her own safety, I could do so easily.

With Lili snugly tied to my front, I use the last of the rope to make sure that Welf's Greatsword is tied securely to himself. Thankful that Lili barely weighs anything, I put Welf on my back and use one of my hands to help support him.

With the other, I momentarily thumb one of the marked throwing knives. I hadn't practiced much with teleporting with this amount of weight. I might be able to do a single jump, but my Mind was already pretty low. I had been throwing around Firebolts like they were on sale at the dollar shop. It's not like I had been having Welf handle all of the Hellhounds that have been, well, hounding us this whole while.

I leave the throwing knife in my pouch. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

Determined not to make a liar out of myself, I ignored my own tiredness and started putting one foot in front of the other.

I trudged forward through the gravel and rock. My eyes and ears twitching for even the slightest movement or sound that wasn't my own.

The rock walls seem to open up in front of me, wide enough for large groups of adventurers to easily pass through. The massive tunnel didn't bend or fork, so it was kind of like walking inside a giant snake. The ceiling was extremely high; little beads of light no bigger than candle flames are the only things I can see.

I decide to go toward the wider end of the tunnel. It should lead to the deepest part of the 17th Floor.

Lili told me when we decided to go to the 18th to look for the widest tunnels, and I'm going to do just that.

I carried on for what felt like hours, but was likely only thirty minutes. And in all that time… I encountered nothing.

I could hear monsters in the adjacent tunnels that split off from the main path. But they were far in the distance. And as I went further and further down their cries became quieter and quieter. Were the monsters avoiding something? It was behavior I hadn't seen before.

Why would…? My eyes widened in recollection. It was familiar behavior.

"If you mean the Goliath," Lili responded, "It's as Bell-sama said, the Loki Familia passed through two weeks ago. The Goliath takes about that long to respond. If we are lucky, we can make it by before it respawns."

It's about to spawn. If it hasn't already! The Goliath!

I could feel my heart rate spike with anxiety. I sharply breathed in through my nose before hustling my pace. I knew with certainty that every single moment would matter.

Before I knew it, I entered a wide-open tunnel area that seemed to be designed for an absolute behemoth kind of monster. I continue to rush toward the other side, nearly losing my balance more than a few times as I try to look around.

I made it across into a very wide, very tall room. The shape of this room is completely different from all the other random and haphazard designs I've seen so far in the Middle Levels.

The large, circular entrance leads to a rectangular room that has to be at least 200 meters long. This place is even bigger than the Dungeon Pantry from that time with Lili. I think it's about 100 meters wide, the ceiling a good 20 meters over my head.

The walls and ceiling are made of many different-size rocks piled on top of one another, with the exception of the one to my left.

Completely smooth, it looks like someone or something built it with their own hands. I can't believe my eyes. Whoever this massive artisan was, their flat wall ran from one corner of the room all the way to the back. It's overwhelming.

There's a strange kind of beauty to it, but it feels so unnatural. It doesn't belong here. My lessons with Eina suddenly shoot through me as I realize what I'd come across.

"The Great Wall of Sorrows…!" I gasp out, halting for just a moment to take it all in.

This place, it floods you with a feeling of bewilderment before suddenly vanishing.

According to Eina-san, it has left so many adventurers with such an empty feeling of despair that the ones who made it back alive from the 17th Floor seeing it gave the wall that name.

It's a Dungeon wall that only bears a certain type of monster - the Goliath.

I gulp down the air stuck in my throat and tear my eyes away from the wall. I have to make my way through. Thankfully, there still aren't any monsters in here. I can even see the exit, the entrance to a small cave at the end of the room. If I can just get there—

Crack!

It was the sound of a Dungeon wall breaking.

Even as I felt my face pale, I had enough energy to complain about the unfairness of the universe. With utter exasperation, I gasped out, "You've got to be shitting me…"

It was spawning.

I'm not even halfway through. The exit is far, too far away. I'm moving as fast as I can but I'm barely covering any distance. My own stamina isn't exactly infinite!

Crack! Crack! Even more lightning bolt-like cracks run down the Dungeon wall, deafening echoes filling the room. The entire room is shaking. A sudden avalanche of wall fragments slams into the Dungeon floor, splitting my eardrums.

This is all building up to one critical point. That's when I feel it, the loudest impact yet. A deafening explosion. Followed by a mighty roar that shook my very bones and organs.

"Fuck! Me!" I gasped out between breaths.

Needless to say, every fiber of my being wants to be anywhere but here.

The Goliath's piercing roar chases me down the room. The floor jumps beneath me every time the beast takes a step. My ears are overwhelmed by the explosive echoes swirling throughout the area.

My free hand grabs for a throwing knife. I need to be able to save them. That Monster Rex was easily 10 meters tall, its eyes' diameter was the same as my height more likely than not. Its massive hands would crush me and my friends in a single attack, leaving nothing behind but human salsa.

I needed to be like the actual Yellow Flash. Needed to be fast enough to save them. It didn't matter if I died - I'd already done it once. Why else would I be here? I was already getting more than most did with this second chance. But I refused to give up my word. I was going to save them, even if it killed me! I was the reason they were down here! I promised! I would get them to safety!

I could hear the chimes like bells from my hand. I saw out of my periphery how my hand and the throwing knife were glowing white and blue.

I can feel the Goliath's murderous eyes lock onto me. A great gust of wind comes from behind me. I get the feeling something is raised far above me, like two hands making one giant fist. An attack powerful enough to pulverize everything is coming in fast.

I jerk to the side just in time to barely dodge the attack. I had the foresight to 'surf' the shockwave and land cleanly on my feet to continue my desperate flight from the behemoth behind me.

I could hear the Goliath move to attack again, and I just knew it wasn't going to miss this time. The exit was so close! It was now or never!

I threw the knife and watched as it caught the wall a meter or so past the exit.

Despite being unnecessary to say, I yelled out as I flared my power, "Hiraishin!"

In an instant, my eyes were blinded by a bright white light.(2) The next instant, an explosion happened behind me. Intuition dictated that since I wasn't dead, I must have teleported and that explosion back there would have been me getting crushed.

But I barely paid that any thought as I desperately held onto my friends as we slid down a surprisingly smooth slide made of stone. Wind billowed my hair as we picked up speed. I tried blinking, but my vision was still overwhelmed with a white sheen. My eye's photoreceptors must not have enjoyed the flash caused by Argonaut - hopefully it was just temporary.

Before I knew it–

Whoosh.

Our bodies are practically thrown out of what is most likely the tunnel exit. We hit the ground at full force and slid to a stop.

I'm on my stomach, and I don't have anywhere near enough energy to move a muscle. I don't think I can even raise my head a single centimeter. Not surprising considering how Argonaut tires me out in combination with the long march to get to this point.

My entire body is sore and burning and tingly. I can feel part of me being exceptionally warm and wet from new wounds. I must have gotten cut up by debris that Goliath shot up and just didn't notice in my panic.

I still couldn't see anything, but the sheen of white wasn't utterly complete anymore, so that was a good sign.

Now that I experienced it for a few moments, there was warmth like sunlight falling on me from above. I realized that I was laying face down into grass, with wind… somehow blowing.

I can feel my thoughts fading. The use of A… of that… I'm about to… no… gotta… stay awake… to save…

I'm conscious enough to recognize the sound of footsteps on grass. They stop near me, though I still can't see properly.

I reach out blindly, managing to grab what feels like a small, feminine ankle. I can feel the boot shake in my grasp as I weakly raise my head and try to speak.

"Please, save my friends…!" I gasp out, before the sheen of white turns to black.

Other POV

Many Hours Earlier…

The doors closed as Hermes left his meeting with her. The messenger god pleading for amnesty for daring to think of playing with her white rabbit.

Freya swirled the wine in her glass for a moment in irritation before asking, "So?"

Ottar spoke up from his vigilant post behind her, "I've confirmed that she has entered the city."

"Who knows?" Freya asked.

"Besides him, just us," Ottar responded, "He did well in properly hiding the proper paperwork, it would seem. As far as the records will go, nothing is amiss."

"So Ouranos doesn't mind it then, I see," Freya said with an amused smile.

She then started to muse to herself, "But just seeing her isn't going to be enough. We've already proven that the past needs to be overcome before one can grow and look to the future…"

Freya didn't need to ask Ottar where Bell was going today. She already knew since Bell had shown off his Salamander Wool to Syr. Bell was currently on his maiden voyage into the Middle Floors. It was excellent timing that would allow her to implement her plan. A plan to have her precious Ryuu and Bell grow stronger.

For the former to overcome the demons of the past and for the latter to continue to develop as a Hero that would inspire the world.

She first needed to create a situation that forced Ryuu to follow after Bell into the Dungeon. Freya knew that Ryuu loved Bell too much to abandon him to the depths of the Dungeon – it certainly wasn't romantic or sexual love that Ryuu felt, but it was love all the same.

Freya wasn't thrilled herself about using Ryuu's love against her, but Freya mollified herself with the fact that her machinations were for Ryuu's and Bell's own benefit.

Once Ryuu and Bell were both in the Dungeon, they would be in place for the second part of Freya's plan to help Ryuu. And Freya could predict where Bell would fall back to, and where Ryuu would follow him to. Floor 18 – the safe zone.

Where the Floor below was conveniently full of very flammable vegetation…

Freya then looked to Ottar, "I'd like you to do something for me. It's dangerous, but I'm sure you can do it safely and discreetly."

"As you will it," Ottar said fervently.

Freya pouted, "You haven't even heard how ridiculous it is yet! Oh well, I like this part of you too."

"Everything in this world is yours, it's not my place to ask. Only do," Ottar explained simply.

Freya chuckled, then explained her will, "I want you to use some of these bags of Inferno Stones to…"

A short time later, in the early morning before Bell went into the Dungeon…

Ouka and the rest of his party from the Takemikazuchi Familia were on their way through Babel into the Dungeon. When, suddenly, a deity disguised with a hooded cloak came up to them.

Everything became fuzzy after he met the other's shining silver eyes…

"Can you take this and do something for me?" The Goddess asked, handing over a few Monster Lures…

Freya didn't watch the small Familia go into the Dungeon with her 'gifts' as she retreated back to her quarters. She chose the Takemikazuchi Familia to take the 'fall' as it were for a few reasons.

Firstly, convenience. The Familia was strong enough to be prowling in the same area of the Dungeon that Bell was going to already. And with them being at the base of Babel for their own expedition, it was really convenient. A case of bad timing, as it were.

Takemikazuchi would likely come to notice what Freya had done to his Children, but he was hardly in a position to resist or object to her 'strongarm' tactics. Freya wasn't exactly a fan, either, of having used her charm in this manner. However, she had little time to think of and implement her plan; she was inspired to act, and had no time to wait for a more elegant manner to enact it.

Secondly, strength. The Takemikazuchi Familia was similar in strength to Bell. Ot stood to reason that they would also be descending to the same region in the Dungeon. Add to that, Freya was confident that Bell could defeat all of their members in a one on one. But a fight against the entire Familia would be more of a challenge. That is to say, the Takemikazuchi Familia was perfect as a potential rival for Bell.

Which leads into the last reason. Freya was placing the Takemikazuchi Familia in place to either become Bell's rival or his ally. There were only two main reactions that Bell could have in face of what she would have the Takemikazuchi Familia do to him after everything was said and done. Bell would either forgive them and bring them into his sphere of influence with his charisma. Or he would be put in a position for the opposing Familia to be an enemy – this outcome would allow for a chance for Bell to grow stronger in the more traditional way through the conflict between the Familias that would come after.

But why did Freya care about Bell gaining allies? Because it further developed his skills as not only a leader, but as a coalition leader. Getting various groups with different special interests to work together was no easy feat. And it would be a skill that was needed if Bell ever wanted to be able to integrate with her own Familia.

The parallels and reasoning should be self-evident. The 'harsh' training methods of Freya's Familia personified the idea that people grow through conflict. Yet that strength was entirely on the individual level – as all of the loyalty in the Freya Familia was between Goddess and Children, not between the Children themselves. Freya was not ignorant of this reality in the interpersonal relations of her children, she just accepted it as a natural result of her methods of gaining strength in the manner she had chosen thus far.

The point being, was that Freya was hitting so many birds with a single stone, it was hard to keep track of the tally of things being accomplished. She would pat herself on the back if she actually needed some kind of boost to satisfy her ego and pride.

In short, Freya was pushing the Takemikazuchi Familia to either ally with Bell or become a stepping stone on his path to power. And that was just the opening act. The real goal was to take place with Bell and Ryuu deeper in the Dungeon.

She'd need to gather a few final things. It has been some time since Freya last went below Babel Tower, after all. And she'd rather ensure the Guild is unaware of her scheme. It's none of their business.

Bell Cranel

Level 2

Alias: weiẞes Häschen

Strength: D: 586

Vitality: A: 849

Dexterity: C: 611

Agility: C: 699

Magic: C: 636

Magic:

(Firebolt)

• Swift-Strike Magic

(Hiraishin)

• Enchantment Magic

(Hermaphroditus)

• Fluid like water. Distortion through the looking glass. Reversal of all things

Skills:

Liaris Freese - Rapid Growth. Fast growth as long as feelings last. The strength of the effects corresponds with the level of the user's feelings.

Singularity - The user is immune to all mental and spiritual attacks.

Focus - The user's Dexterity is increased when fighting and concentrating on a single target. Use can cause tunnel vision.

Argonaut - Heroic Desire. Allows a charge for a counterattack to overcome insurmountable odds.

Inspiring Leader - Subskill of Liaris Freese. Companions that unconditionally believe in the user grow quickly at a portion of the user's growth rate. Companions are more inclined to listen to the user's words. The strength of effects corresponds with the target's feelings and distance from the user.

Development Abilities:

Luck - I

Author's Notes

1 - Bell's logic here is contradictory. People have to believe in Bell for the Skill to affect them. If Ryuu is completely unable to comprehend and appreciate the present like Bell claims, then the Skill would have never taken hold. Rather, this is just a rationalization born out of the fear of what Inspiring Leader may or may not have done to his friends. A fear born out of the idea that 'maybe they aren't really my friends, it's all just because of the Skill'. Nevermind that Bell didn't get the Skill until after he had already saved Lili. It's also him just being a downer since he is low on magic at the time. Since his Mind reserves were low at that moment from using Argonaut, it resulted in him not thinking straight. So it doesn't reflect his honest thoughts.

2 - Bell basically used a 10 second Argonaut to draw in enough mana/excelia from the environment to safely teleport everyone. While he was within his normal 'safe range', he wouldn't have been able to bring everyone with him with his current Mind levels. Without the boost from Argonaut, he would have left something behind, like an eyeball or a kidney or something. If his mana reserves weren't as low as they were, he wouldn't have actually had a problem. It was just his caution taking over again. I wonder what it would be like to combine Argonaut and Hiraishin when both are at full power…

Freya's up to shenanigans. Again. I'll explain more of Freya's plan of action soon. In the meantime, Bell and Ryuu better watch out. But that's not the only surprise I've got for the next chapter, so stay tuned!

While it doesn't matter too much exactly, I've assumed that Lili's last update was about 2-3 months ago. Hurray for Lili Update! Also, like hell Bell is going to pay Soma Familia a dime in regards to anything related to Lili. Soma is just as guilty as his Captain for letting his Familia turn to utter shit. Hestia uses the Hestia Knife as collateral before promising to use funds from beating Apollo to buy Lili off of Soma. Like hell that is gonna happen here – though that is still some time off.

I hope I wasn't too subtle, but I'll lay some last things out here. Bell could have handled the Middle Floors on his own, assuming he was well supplied. But Lili and Welf were both too underleveled and not ready for Floor 13. Bell was too anxious for things like Apollo and pushed the group too far. His build is built around speed and quickly taking out enemies. Bell's defensive skills rely entirely on dodging, so he's not good at physically defending his allies in a pinch. So when Welf got injured so that he couldn't really fight, the party was pretty screwed as Lili can still only barely defend herself. Bell's fighting style essentially requires him to leave his party behind to go on the offensive like when he faced those Minotaurs – but that leaves his party vulnerable to getting flanked. In other words, if Bell was in a more balanced party or just on his own, he wouldn't have been forced to go down to Floor 18. Having someone as strong as Mikoto would have been enough to fix the party imbalance, but Bell didn't really think such a thing was necessary. Progressing up to Floor 12 had gone well enough after all…

Which, of course, is something that Freya exploited.

To give Bell some credit, though, each Floor progression until now had been one step at a time. They had just underestimated Floor 13.

And in case it wasn't clear, Freya charmed the entirety of the Take Familia party and ordered them to use monster lures on themselves near Bell's party. All in an attempt to force Bell and his party deep into the Dungeon so that Ryuu would have to go in after him. The rest of Freya's plan and reasoning would give the entire plot of it away.

Why the Take Familia, besides convenience? A Xanatos Gambit on Freya's part. Either it causes a rivalry between the two Familias, giving Bell something to test himself against to get stronger. Or, the Familias get closer and become allies because of Bell's charisma — giving Bell more experience as a coalition leader. A skill needed for a Familia like Freya's where no one gets along.

And Freya knew that Bell's party would have trouble in the Dungeon at that level because his party isn't balanced and she knows it. Basically, Bell messed up, thinking everything would work out if he alone was strong enough. But, to also give Bell some credit, he was also trying to build up his friend's power level – he'd been training Lili, remember – it just wasn't enough for how fast he was pushing the party.

Why again is Freya scheming to get Bell down to Floor 18? I won't say much, just that as I said in the chapter that it involves Ryuu and Freya wanting Ryuu to follow Bell into the Dungeon. Freya's exact motivation/intentions have been hinted at in a previous chapter. You'll just have to wait a bit for more specifics! Not sorry.

Bell bonds with Chloe a bit in this chapter. Anyone who understands risk management practices or the concept of penetration testing in cyber security can understand Bell's logic. If you know exactly how assassins operate, you can develop security measures against those techniques. As simple as that. Bell's stealth and survival skill has increased!

But good lord. Bell. Your schedule literally can't get more packed. I guess fighting monsters that want to kill you on a daily basis really motivates you to become a busy-body. Consider this trip to Floor 18 a vacation? …HAH! I'm so funny.

Next time, Bell interacts with Ais and the Loki Familia and meets his Rescue Party which doesn't match his expectations completely.

P.S. I've recovered from The Virus. Thanks for all the well-wishes. We've hit over 600 Favorites and 500 Follows which is kinda insane. I was pretty prepared for this story to be a flop when I started posting it. I mean, I was only really posting it for my own enjoyment, I just knew that posting it to the site would give me more motivation to keep at it. So thanks for everyone's attention and support. So… yeah… Happy Thanksgiving!

P.P.S. In classic me fashion, while most of this chapter had been written before the day I posted, a couple of short scenes are last minute additions. It amuses me everytime I do this.