Danmachi: The Twin Rabbits Chapter 9, a dungeon ni deai o motomeru no wa machigatte iru darou ka fanfic

The dim, rocky tunnels of the 11th floor of the Dungeon stretched out before them, the air thick with tension as Leo, Bell, Lili, and their newest companion, Welf Crozzo, moved through the shadows. The soft glow of their lanterns illuminated the rough stone walls, casting long, flickering shadows across the ground. The deeper they went, the more the weight of the Dungeon pressed on them, but there was something comforting about the presence of their new blacksmith.

Welf, with his confident grin and broad shoulders, swung his massive sword over his back as he glanced around the cavern. "So, this is what Level 2 looks like, huh?" he muttered, eyes scanning the shadows for any movement. "Gotta say, I'm excited to see what you two are capable of."

Leo smirked from the front of the party. "You'll see soon enough."

Bell, standing next to him, was a ball of energy, his hand gripping the hilt of his dagger with eager anticipation. "We've got your back, Welf. Don't worry."

Lili, walking behind them, adjusted her massive backpack filled with potions and supplies, her sharp eyes keeping a lookout for any signs of danger. "Just don't get too full of yourselves. Even if you're Level 2 now, the Dungeon is still dangerous."

Welf chuckled, clearly unfazed by Lili's caution. "I'll keep that in mind."

As the party moved deeper into the 11th floor, the ground beneath them rumbled. The stone shifted slightly, as if something was stirring below. Leo paused, his senses on high alert. "Did you feel that?"

Before anyone could respond, the ground split open with a sickening crack, and a swarm of Imps—small, hideous creatures with bat-like wings and sharp claws—emerged from the depths. Their high-pitched screeches echoed off the walls as they flew up, surrounding the party in a tight, circling formation.

"Imps!" Bell shouted, drawing his dagger as he moved into a battle stance.

Leo's fists crackled with energy, blue lightning sparking across his knuckles as he stepped forward. "Bell, cover Lili and Welf. I'll handle the front."

But before they could make their move, a deep, guttural roar shook the cavern. A massive Orc stomped out of the shadows, its hulking form towering over them, carrying a giant club in one hand. The ground trembled with each step, and its beady eyes gleamed with hunger as it locked onto the group.

Welf grinned, cracking his knuckles as he swung his sword off his back. "Dibs on the big guy."

Leo exchanged a quick glance with Bell. "We'll take the Imps. You handle the Orc."

Welf gave them a thumbs-up. "You got it."

With a roar of determination, Welf charged at the Orc, his massive sword swinging through the air as he met the beast head-on. The Orc swung its club down, but Welf rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the attack before countering with a heavy slash to the creature's side. The Orc bellowed in pain, but Welf didn't let up, moving with surprising agility for someone carrying such a large weapon.

Meanwhile, the Imps screeched and dove toward Leo and Bell, their sharp claws glinting in the dim light. Leo ducked under the first Imp's attack, his fist shooting out with a lightning-charged punch that sent the creature flying into the wall with a crack. Bell darted around him, his dagger flashing in the air as he slashed through the wing of another Imp, sending it crashing to the ground.

Leo quickly realized something as they moved—both he and Bell were moving faster, more fluidly than before. The level-up had done more than just make them stronger. It had sharpened their reflexes, their speed. Every movement felt more precise, more natural.

An Idea flashed in Leo's mind as they took down a couple more Imps.

"Bell! I got an idea!" Leo shouted as he held out his hand for his brother. Bell's eyes lit up with recognition, a grin spreading across his face.

"Okay! I trust you!"

Leo grabbed Bell's hand, spinning him in a wide circle as he pivoted on his heel. With Bell's body moving in tandem, his dagger became a whirling blade of death, cutting through the Imps that flew too close. Bell sliced through their wings, sending them spiraling to the ground before he finished them off with quick, precise strikes. One by one, the Imps fell, unable to keep up with the brothers' coordinated movements.

Welf, in the middle of his fight with the Orc, caught a glimpse of their teamwork and blinked in awe. "Whoa… These guys are insane."

The Orc swung its club at Welf's head, but the blacksmith ducked just in time, barely dodging the blow. "Focus, Crozzo!" he muttered to himself before bringing his sword up and slashing into the Orc's arm, eliciting another bellow of pain from the beast.

The Imps were dwindling in numbers now, thanks to the brothers' quick work. Bell was a blur of motion, his dagger flashing as he darted between the creatures, while Leo's fists crackled with lightning, each punch delivering devastating blows that sent the Imps crashing to the ground.

Just as the last Imp fell, a flash of movement caught Leo's eye. From the shadows behind Welf, a small armored creature—something that resembled a Kobold, but with thicker plating—crept out, its beady eyes locked onto Welf's unguarded back. Lili saw it too, her eyes widening in alarm.

"Welf! Behind you!" she screamed.

But before Welf could react, Bell was already moving.

"Firebolt!" Bell shouted, raising his hand and unleashing a blazing bolt of red fire. The spell shot through the air with a crackling roar, hitting the armored creature square in the chest. The force of the impact sent the creature flying back, its charred body crumpling to the ground in a smoking heap.

Welf blinked, stunned, as he turned to see the remains of the creature. "Did you just—?"

Bell grinned, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Yeah, I did."

He couldn't help the surge of excitement that coursed through him. His magic had grown stronger—he had grown stronger. Each bolt of Firebolt felt more potent, more destructive. A small smile crept onto his face as he thought about Ais. He was getting closer. Closer to becoming someone worthy of standing beside her.

Leo, standing nearby, caught the gleam in Bell's eyes. His brother was happy—proud of his progress—and for a moment, Leo felt that same pride swell in his chest. But beneath the pride, a familiar ache settled. The thought of Bell growing stronger, becoming independent, tugged at something deep inside him.

One day… he won't need me anymore. The thought sent a sharp pang through his heart, but he pushed it down, swallowing the pain as best he could. He remembered Ryuu's words—how the bond between brothers didn't fade just because one grew stronger. He would hold onto that, even if the fear lingered.

Welf, still shaking off the surprise, turned to Leo and Bell, an incredulous grin spreading across his face. "You guys are insane! I've never seen teamwork like that. Spinning like a top while cutting down those Imps? That's some next-level stuff."

Leo chuckled, wiping some blood from his knuckles. "We've been doing this for a while."

Bell sheathed his dagger, still smiling. "You held your own pretty well too, Welf."

Welf glanced at the smoking remains of the armored creature that had tried to ambush him and gave a sheepish grin. "Well, I had backup."

Lili stepped forward, adjusting her backpack. "Backup that saved you from getting squashed."

Welf laughed. "Yeah, I guess I owe you one."

Lili broke off from the group and began gathering the scattered magic stones and drop items that came from the Imp's and Orc. Welf sits on a small mound with a large smile on his face as Leo and Bell stand near him.

"It really is nice to be in a party." Welf said glancing between the two brothers.

"Yeah. Moving around feels so much easier." Bell said with his own smile.

"That's one of the benefits of partying up. You've got more room to breathe. The way you move and deal with monsters changes, too." Welf explains. Leo glances to their right and sees another party looking around for some monsters to slay.

"Well, looks like others are starting to show up." Leo said and nodded his head towards the nearest party. Bell and Welf glance to see a group of 3, one in heavy armor, another in a mage robe and the support.

"Once Li'l Lili gets our magic stones, let's eat. We can leave the monsters to them." Welf says while looking at the nearby adventurers. Leo nods his head in agreement, but something catches his eyes. Looking down at his brothers hand he notices sparkles of light that emanate from his hand.

"Bell, what's up with your hand?" Leo asks. Bell looks at his brother confused before glancing down at his glowing hand.

"What is this?" He questions quietly as he moves his hand. They watch as the particles of light just follow where his hand goes.

A sudden shout of terror catches their attention, they look to see the other adventurers party running in fear from something that's large. The leader of the other party runs past the three while shouting in fear.

"Oh, shit! It's a baby dragon! Run for your life!" He shouts in terror as he runs away. His party members quickly follow his example and speed past the Leo's party.

"Where's Lili?!" Bell asks worried.

They turn to see the Baby dragon a few feet away from Lili as she grabs another magic stone, a nearby adventurer gets slapped by it's tail and flung into the air before he crashes into a nearby rock formation.

"Lili!" Bell shouts in fear for his friend.

"Run, Li'l Lili!" Welf shouts trying to get her attention.

"Get out of there, Lili!" Leo shouts as he runs towards her.

The small woman looks up in fear from the large monster and quickly gets up before running as fast as she can. The large monster quickly gains on her and goes to take a large bite.

Quickly reacting, Bell steps forwards and aims his glowing hand and screams in fear.

"FIREBOLT!"

A beam of light shoots from his hand and explodes against the monsters head, Leo stops and looks at the now headless baby dragon. They watch as it falls to the ground in a heap before disappearing into dust leaving behind it's magic stone. They stare in awe of what Bell just unleashed, the young man himself doesn't know either and looks down at his hands confused.

Bell sat down on the sofa, pulling his shirt over his head to expose the divine markings on his back. Hestia leaned over, preparing the ink and needle before carefully tracing over the glowing symbols. Her eyes scanned the script, her expression focused, but then she paused, her mouth opening slightly in shock.

"Oh... I can't believe I missed this." Her voice soft, almost as if she was talking to herself.

Leo, who had been watching from beside them, straightened up. "Missed what?"

Hestia's eyes remained fixed on the Falna, her brows drawn together in concentration. "There's a skill here—one I didn't notice before." She met Bell's confused gaze. "I'm so clumsy, forgive me Bell. I can't believe I didn't see it earlier..."

"It's okay, Goddess. But, what is the skill?" Bell asked, his voice filled with wonder and a hint of nervousness.

Hestia nodded, a small smile spreading across her face as she continued to read the markings. "It's called Argonaut."

"Argonaut?! Like THE Argonaut?!" Bell repeated with shock and child like excitement. "What... what does it do?"

Hestia took a deep breath, her eyes glinting with excitement. "This skill is very unique, Bell. It's tied to your heart, your courage, and your desire to protect and save others. It allows you to store up power over time in response to the need for heroism. You could say it lets you 'charge up' energy, building it like a reservoir until you're ready to unleash it in a single, powerful attack. It's the possibility to overcome any difficulty, for a stupid kid who wants to be a hero, it's the ticket to pulling that off. In the face of overwhelming power, you can resist with that one little attack." Hestia explained with a small smile as she looked at Bell.

Leo's eyebrows furrowed as his mind wandered back to the glow that hovered around Bell's hand. "So, that glow? That power surge he felt? Was that the skill?" He questioned.

Hestia nodded, glancing between the two of them. "Yes, exactly. When Bell faced a situation where he felt a strong desire to protect or achieve something heroic, the skill responded, gathering energy until he needed it. That's why it felt so different."

Bell's heart pounded in his chest as he processed her words. "So... it only activates when I really need it?"

Hestia's smile softened as she rested a hand on his shoulder. "Not just when you need it, Bell. When you believe you're standing up as a hero. This skill is a reflection of who you are at your core —your dreams of becoming a hero, your desire to protect those you care about. It allows you to perform a feat of courage beyond your normal abilities, like in the stories you've always loved."

Bell's face lit up with a mixture of awe and excitement. He had dreamed of becoming a hero since he was a child, of standing up against overwhelming odds and saving those in need. This skill—it was the embodiment of that dream, a gift that allowed him to channel his desire into real, tangible strength.

Leo smiled and ruffled Bell's hair, his eyes held a proud look.

"Look at you getting a skill from your favorite hero. Now you're even stronger, little brother." Leo said with a proud smile on his face.

Bell felt his face heat up from embarrassment of being called little brother but also the praise of his twin. He gently pushed Leo's hand away and turned towards their goddess.

"Come to think of it, Goddess... have you ever heard of some noble blacksmiths named Crozzo?" Bell asked curiously, Hestia tilted her head slightly confused by the question.

"That's your blacksmith's family name, isn't it?" She asked, Bell nodded his head and she put on a thought filled expression.

"I know they used to make a lot of magic items, but that's about it."

"I see.." Bell said as he put on his shirt. Leo slipped on his bracers and tightened the laces while he listened to the two.

"But I heard a little about that particular blacksmith at the shop. It seems he can make magic items," she explains what she over heard. Bell's eyes slightly widen at the revelation and turns to face Hestia with his mouth agape. "And pretty strong ones, too. His familia says he's wasting his talent."

"Why's that?" Leo questions as he leans against the wall.

"He won't make any. If he did, he could have wealth and honor, but for whatever reason, he absolutely refuses. He's talented, but it's like he's hiding something. That's what people say about your contract blacksmith." Hestia explains further of what she overheard working.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over Orario as Leo stepped out into the bustling streets, taking a deep breath of the crisp air. After the revelations from the previous night, he still felt a twinge of awe at Bell's newfound skill, Argonaut, and his brother's relentless drive to reach the heights of heroism. It was inspiring—and, he had to admit, a little bittersweet.

Before he could dwell on it, a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Bell! Leo!"

Leo turned to see Welf striding over, grinning broadly. "Bell, c'mon. It's time I make good on that promise. We're going to get you and Leo some new gear!"

Bell's eyes lit up, excitement buzzing through him as he turned to Leo. "New gear? Welf, you're really going to make us weapons?"

Welf chuckled, throwing an arm around Bell's shoulders. "Damn right. It's what I do best, and a promise is a promise. Leo, you coming with us?"

Leo smiled, shaking his head. "Nah, you two go ahead. I've got a few things to do around town, but I'll catch up later to see what you come up with."

Bell gave Leo a nod, clearly ready to follow Welf wherever the blacksmith took him. "Alright! Can't wait to see what you come up with, Welf."

Welf patted Leo on the back. "Don't worry, I've got some ideas for you, too. When you're ready, just swing by the shop."

Leo nodded and watched the two head off, their laughter fading into the crowd. For a moment, he felt a pang of loneliness; the two of them were so full of energy, so eager to explore. But he brushed it off, deciding it was the perfect opportunity to take care of some things he'd been putting off.

He made his way through the streets, the morning light bouncing off the bustling marketplace as shopkeepers hawked their wares and adventurers prepared for a day in the Dungeon. Eventually, he arrived at the Guild Hall, and as he stepped inside, he caught sight of a familiar figure.

"Leo!" Eina called, waving from behind the counter. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she approached him, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "I wasn't expecting to see you so early. Are you heading into the Dungeon today?"

Leo shook his head, smiling. "Actually, not today. Bell and I had a big day yesterday, so I thought I'd take care of some things around town while he's off with Welf."

Eina's expression brightened at the mention of Bell's name, but there was a noticeable glint of something else in her gaze—a warmth she reserved for him. "That's a good idea. It's always wise to pace yourself, even after a big achievement." She paused, glancing at the papers in her hands. "But if you're not too busy, would you like to… maybe, join me for lunch later?"

Leo chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "I'd like that, Eina. But I was actually planning to grab a bite at the Hostess of Fertility. I could bring you something back, though."

Eina's eyes softened, her smile widening as she nodded. "That sounds perfect."

"Okay, Eina." Leo returned her smile. "I'll see you soon, then."

After a few more words, Leo headed back out, making his way to the Hostess of Fertility. The tavern was bustling with the early lunch crowd, and as he walked in, he immediately felt the lively energy of the place. Mama Mia's booming laughter echoed from behind the bar as she scolded one of her staff for slacking off.

"Leo!" she called out, spotting him as he made his way to the counter. "Well, look who's back. Heard you and that brother of yours hit Level 2. Drinks on the house today."

Leo grinned, taking a seat at the bar. "Thanks, Mama Mia. Just some food for now, though. I've got to keep my head clear."

Mama Mia chuckled, slapping him on the shoulder as she signaled one of the waitresses. "Ryuu! Get our hero a plate of whatever's fresh. Don't skimp on the portions."

Ryuu nodded, her usual calm expression softening ever so slightly as she met Leo's gaze. "Right away, Mama Mia."

As she turned to prepare his food, Leo noticed Syr lingering nearby, arranging mugs on a tray. Her gaze flicked over to him, and though she wore a cheerful smile, there was something in her eyes—something sharp, almost as if she was studying him. For a brief moment, he felt a prickle of unease, but before he could react, her expression returned to its usual warmth.

"So," Syr said, approaching with an easy smile, "how does it feel to be a Level 2 adventurer? You must be proud of yourself—and your brother."

Leo nodded, taking a sip of water. "Yeah, it's… something we've both been working toward. Feels like a big step forward."

Syr tilted her head, her smile widening just a touch.

"It's quite impressive, that's for sure. You two have made quite the name for yourselves already."

There was something in her voice, a subtle intensity that he couldn't quite place, but he let it slide.

"Thanks, Syr. We've got a long way to go, but it's nice to know we're making progress."

At that moment, Ryuu returned with his food, setting down a hearty plate of meat and vegetables. She gave him a slight nod, her cool gaze softening. "You'll need this if you're planning to keep pushing forward in the Dungeon. Take care of yourself, Leo."

Leo smiled, feeling a warm flutter in his chest at her words. "Thanks, Ryuu. I appreciate it."

Mama Mia, still watching from the bar, let out a deep laugh. "Look at you, already getting pampered by my girls. I'll have to keep an eye on you."

Leo chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Guess I'm just lucky."

As he dug into his food, he felt the warmth of the Hostess of Fertility settle over him, a familiar comfort in the chaotic city of Orario. But every now and then, he caught Syr's gaze lingering on him, her smile sharp, almost knowing. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, but he pushed the thought aside, choosing to focus on the present.

The laughter and chatter of the tavern buzzed around him, and as he glanced back at Ryuu, he felt a quiet sense of peace. His gaze lingered on her for a while before he turned away and leaned against the bar. His eyes gazed out at the other adventurers that sit at nearby tables, as their laughter cuts through the air.

The sun was just beginning to dip behind Orario's towering walls as Leo made his way through the streets, the bustling noise of the city settling into a calm hum. He had a wrapped bundle of food under one arm—a small meal for Eina, just as he'd promised. His earlier visit to the Hostess of Fertility had left him full and content, and now he felt a renewed sense of energy as he headed toward Welf's smithy.

The rhythmic clang of a hammer on metal echoed down the alley, leading him straight to the door. The heat inside the smithy radiated out into the evening air, a comforting warmth that made him quicken his step. He stepped inside, taking a moment to let his eyes adjust to the glow of the forge, and spotted Bell by the workbench, his eyes wide with awe as he watched Welf work.

Welf stood at his anvil, shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, hammer in hand as he shaped a piece of metal. Sparks flew with each strike, his face set in concentration. The rhythmic clang of his hammer filled the shop, mingling with the faint crackling of the forge.

Bell noticed Leo first, his face lighting up. "Leo! You made it!"

Leo grinned, closing the door behind him as he stepped forward. "Wouldn't miss it. How's it coming along?"

Bell turned back to Welf, excitement practically radiating from him. "Welf's been working nonstop! He's got some amazing ideas for both of us."

Welf, noticing Leo's arrival, paused briefly to give him a nod, a smudge of soot on his cheek. "I'm glad you're here, Leo. I've been putting everything I've got into these pieces."

Leo moved closer, glancing at the metal Welf was working on—a chest plate, still unfinished but already gleaming with a polished, fierce quality. The metal bore the faint engravings of patterns, like flowing lines meant to resemble lightning, a fitting detail for Leo.

"It looks incredible," Leo said, genuinely impressed.

Welf set his hammer down for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow as he inspected the piece. "This is just the beginning. I've got a few ideas to incorporate your abilities, especially the way you fight. I'm adding a bit of resistance for close combat—your punches won't shatter it easily, but it'll move with you."

Bell leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "And what about mine, Welf? Any cool designs?"

Welf smirked, pulling out a half-finished set of shoulder guards that were slim yet sturdy, with a light silver finish. "For you, I'm focusing on agility. We're keeping it light so you don't lose any speed. But I'm reinforcing the chest to take a few direct hits if you're caught off guard."

Bell's face lit up as he inspected the piece, his admiration plain as he turned it over in his hands. "This is amazing, Welf. I can't wait to see it all finished!"

Welf chuckled, picking up his hammer again. "Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I know what it means to carry gear you can rely on."

Leo felt a surge of appreciation for Welf's dedication, and he clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks, Welf. It means a lot to have gear made by someone who understands what we need."

"Hey, it's what I'm here for," Welf replied with a grin before turning back to the anvil, resuming his steady rhythm.

After watching Welf work a little longer, Leo glanced at the bundle of food he was carrying. He hadn't forgotten his promise to Eina, and he figured he'd better drop off her meal before it got cold.

"I'll be back in a bit," he said to Bell and Welf. "Promised Eina I'd bring her some dinner."

Bell gave him an approving nod, a knowing smile on his face. "Better not keep her waiting, then."

With a last nod to Welf, Leo left the smithy and headed back to the Guild Hall. The streets had grown quieter now, the golden light of lanterns illuminating the stone pathways. As he stepped into the Guild, he caught sight of Eina at her desk, sorting through a stack of papers, her expression one of focused determination.

"Busy night?" Leo asked, approaching her desk with a soft smile.

Eina looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before her eyes softened. "Leo! You didn't have to come all the way here. I know you're busy too."

Leo shrugged, holding out the wrapped bundle. "A promise is a promise. Fresh from the Hostess of Fertility—hope you're hungry."

A warm blush colored Eina's cheeks as she accepted the food, her eyes bright with gratitude. "Thank you. I, um… was actually so caught up in work, I hadn't realized how late it was."

Leo leaned on the edge of her desk, watching as she opened the bundle, the smell of the food wafting up. "Figured you'd need a break. It's the least I could do after all the times you've helped me and Bell."

Eina's blush deepened, but she gave him a gentle smile, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You're too kind, Leo. Really."

Leo's face softened, and he gave her a warm nod. "You're always looking out for us. I just wanted to return the favor."

As Eina began eating, Leo stayed a few minutes longer, chatting with her about their latest adventures. She listened with a mixture of excitement and worry, and it warmed his heart to see how much she genuinely cared. After finishing her meal, Eina looked up, meeting his gaze with an earnest expression.

"Be careful out there, Leo. I know you're strong, but… Orario can be dangerous."

He gave her a reassuring smile. "I will, Eina. Promise."

With that, he took his leave, feeling lighter as he headed back toward Welf's smithy. There was something comforting about these small moments, these connections he'd built. It felt like his worry and anxiety washed away, like he could forget what's been plaguing him.

As he returned to the smithy, he was greeted by the rhythmic clang of Welf's hammer, the faint glow of the forge lighting up Bell's face as he watched in anticipation. Leo couldn't help but smile at the scene—his brother.

A Few Days Later...

The narrow stone path of the 13th floor was dimly lit, with only a few beams of eerie light filtering down from the rocky ceiling above. Leo led the group, eyes scanning the shadows as he held his fists at the ready, Bell close beside him with his dagger drawn. Behind them, Lili and Welf walked in stride, Welf's new sword resting on his shoulder as he cast an eager glance around the winding corridors.

"This place gives me the chills," Lili muttered, adjusting the edge of her cloak over her shoulder. "Feels like something's watching us."

"Stay sharp," Leo warned, his voice low. "We're in Hellhound territory."

As if on cue, a low, menacing growl echoed through the tunnel, followed by the sound of heavy paws padding against the stone floor. Emerging from the darkness ahead were three pairs of glowing red eyes, their shadows shifting as they moved closer.

Hellhounds.

Each beast was a mass of muscle and fur, their eyes gleaming with a fiery hunger. Leo could see their jaws parting to reveal rows of razor-sharp teeth, the faint glow of flames flickering at the edges of their mouths. The creatures prowled forward, their low growls reverberating through the cavern.

"Get ready!" Bell whispered, adjusting his stance as his grip tightened around his dagger.

The Hellhounds didn't waste any time. With snarls that echoed off the stone walls, they lunged, jaws snapping as flames erupted from their mouths in fierce, scorching blasts.

But as the fire washed over them, Leo felt only a faint warmth. The Salamander wool cloak he wore absorbed the heat, leaving him unharmed. He glanced around quickly and saw that Bell, Lili, and Welf were similarly unaffected—their cloaks, woven with Salamander wool, shielded them from the fire.

The Hellhounds seemed confused, growling in frustration as they prepared another round of fiery attacks.

"Now!" Leo shouted, using the hounds' moment of confusion to his advantage.

Bell dashed forward, his movements swift and precise. He ducked under one Hellhound's bite, slashing at its leg with his dagger. The beast yelped, stumbling as Bell's blade found its mark. Leo took the opportunity to charge in, his fists crackling with electricity as he drove a punch into another Hellhound's flank, sending it sprawling to the ground.

One of the Hellhounds lunged toward Lili, its jaws open in a fiery snarl. But before it could reach her, Welf stepped in, his sword flashing as he slashed upward, driving the Hellhound back. "Not today, mutt," he growled, positioning himself between Lili and the hound.

Lili pulled out her crossbow, aiming carefully before loosing a bolt that struck another Hellhound in the shoulder, sending it reeling. "For monsters with fire breath, they don't have a whole lot else going for them," she quipped.

Bell spun around, dodging another burst of flame as he lunged at the weakened Hellhound, delivering a precise strike to its throat. The creature let out a strangled yelp before collapsing in a heap.

Welf laughed, parrying another swipe from the last Hellhound. "This cloak makes dealing with them almost easy."

"Wouldn't go that far," Leo muttered as he sidestepped a burst of fire, delivering a hard kick to the Hellhound's side. The beast staggered, its flames sputtering as it attempted to stand, only to collapse as Leo finished it off with a lightning-charged punch to the head.

Within moments, the floor was littered with the defeated Hellhounds, their bodies still faintly smoldering. The group caught their breath, brushing soot and ash from their cloaks.

"Good work, everyone," Leo said, a satisfied smile on his face.

But before they could relax, a series of soft, rapid thumps echoed from further down the tunnel. The group turned to see a small pack of Almiraj—white-furred, rabbit-like monsters with a single horn protruding from their foreheads—bounding toward them. Their large eyes gleamed with intelligence as they sized up the adventurers, their noses twitching.

Lili snorted, a grin spreading across her face. "Well, would you look at that. Two big rabbits leading a pack of smaller ones. Doesn't that remind you of someone?"

Welf raised an eyebrow, smirking as he looked between Bell and Leo. "I don't know, Lili. Think we should call them the Little Rookie Rabbits?"

Bell's cheeks flushed, caught off guard by the comparison. "They're not that similar to us…"

Leo chuckled, glancing back at the Almiraj with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Guess that makes me the Twin Guardian Bunny then, huh?"

Lili and Welf both burst out laughing, with Welf nearly dropping his sword as he doubled over. Even Bell couldn't help but crack a smile, shaking his head in amusement.

But the Almiraj didn't seem to appreciate the joke. With a series of shrill squeaks, they charged forward, their small horns gleaming as they prepared to attack.

"Alright, alright," Leo said, raising his fists. "Time to handle our doppelgängers."

Bell grinned, stepping up beside him. "Let's go, Twin Guardian Bunny."

The group leapt into action once again, the Almiraj proving to be surprisingly quick and agile as they bounded around, darting between the adventurers. Bell slashed at one with his dagger, his movements swift and precise as he knocked it back with a clean hit. Leo followed suit, his fists finding their marks with powerful, well-placed punches that sent the small creatures skidding across the floor.

Lili fired a bolt at one of the Almiraj, her aim sharp as ever. "These ones are definitely cuter than you two, though," she teased, loading another bolt.

Welf stepped forward, swinging his sword with ease as he took down an Almiraj that tried to rush him. "I'll give them that—they're a lot fluffier."

In no time, the pack of Almiraj lay defeated, scattered across the stone floor. Leo dusted off his cloak, smirking at Bell, who was still grinning from the comparison.

"Guess we're not just the 'Little Rookie' and 'Twin Guardian' anymore," Bell joked, wiping a bit of fur off his cloak. "Now we're officially the Bunny Duo."

Leo chuckled, slinging an arm around Bell's shoulders. "Fine by me, as long as you keep up."

They shared a laugh as they made their way deeper into the Dungeon, their spirits lifted by the lighthearted encounter.

A group of adventurers can be seen quickly running down the corridors of the middle floors, their breathing ragged. The tallest and most muscular of the group can be seen carrying a injured girl on his shoulders as he runs.

Behind them, three small Almiraj appear and give chase. A beautiful looking girl with long flowing black hair looks over her shoulder and notices the monsters. She quickly turns on her heel and unsheathes her katana.

She waited till the monsters got closer, before she made two quick slashes and killed all three Almiraj instantly, she turned and caught back up with the others.

"Sorry to make you do all the work." The large man said with a look of shame.

"Please don't say that, Ouka. We're a party." She replied.

"But as the captain, I should be doi-" He's cut off by the sound of fighting up ahead, they all entered a opening and saw 4 adventurers surrounded by monsters and were fighting them off. "We'll run through them, Mikoto."

"What!? We can't do that, If we do th-"

"I value your lives more than those of strangers who I've never met before! If you don't like it, you can bitch me out later!" Said Ouka as he began to run again.

Mikoto looked down in anger but followed after her Familia.

With Leo, he roundhouse kicked a Hellhound sending it into a couple Almiraj, before rolling out of the way and shooting a lightning bolt, killing a group of Almiraj from the spell. He stood up and backed up till he was standing back to back with his party.

"There's no end to them!" Bell shouted as he cut a Hellhound in half and kicked another. The sound of approaching footsteps catch their attention, Leo looks to see another group of adventurers running towards them while being chased by a hoard of monsters. They run directly passed them and down the corridor that leads to the exit.

"Oh, no!" The monsters chasing them will attack us instead! It's a pass parade!" She shouts in fear.

They turn to the corridor that the group had run out of to see somthing that sends a chill down their spines. Glowing eyes stare at them like they are pieces of meat, like they are prey.

"You're kidding me..." Welf said in disbelief, Leo looked around quickly and saw a exit for them to take.

"Follow me! Lightning-bolt!"

A bolt of purple lightning shot out and killed a small group of the incoming monsters, allowing Leo to run forward. The others quickly follow behind him as the monsters began to chase them down the tunnel.

With Mikoto, she saw this and felt her heart squeeze in pain.

Leo was covering the rear as the others ran in front of him, so if a monster got close, then he'd be the one attacked and not the others.

He heard the monsters getting closer and turned to face them.

"I'll cover you!" Leo shouted, spinning around to face the onslaught. His heart raced as he channeled his magic, focusing the surge of energy into his hands. Blue lightning crackled around his fists, intensifying into an ominous purple as he activated his skill.

"No Leo!" Yelled Bell in horror. He drew his dagger from the small of his back and rushed to join his brother.

A blazing arc of purple lightning shot from his hands, splitting the dim corridor with a blinding flash. The lightning surged forward, hitting the closest monster before chain-linking to the others, leaping from creature to creature until six were left convulsing and smoking. Their bodies crackled and sizzled, the smell of burning flesh filling the air as they dropped to the ground, lifeless.

But before Leo could catch his breath, a monstrous shape shot toward him—a Crystal Mantis, its bladed forelimbs flashing in the light as it lunged, aiming to slice through him.

"Leo!" Bell's shout was barely audible over the chaos as he sprinted toward his brother. Using his newfound speed, Bell appeared between Leo and the Crystal Mantis in a blur, his dagger flashing as he deflected the mantis's blade with a sharp clang. In one fluid motion, he struck back, stabbing his dagger into the creature's core. With a final, high-pitched screech, the Crystal Mantis shattered into shards.

Leo looked at Bell, breathing heavily. "Thanks, Bell. I owe you one."

Bell flashed a quick, reassuring smile. "Always."

But their relief was short-lived. Two Hellhounds, eyes gleaming with malevolent hunger, leapt over them, snarling as they zeroed in on Lili and Welf.

Bell's face tightened with determination. "I'll take care of them!"

He shot forward, his form almost a blur as he sped past Leo, heading straight for the Hellhounds to protect Lili and Welf.

Leo turned to follow him, but before he could take a single step, a fierce, burning pain exploded in his shoulder. A Hellhound had lunged from behind, its jaws latching onto his right shoulder with brutal force, sharp teeth sinking deep into his flesh. Leo's breath hitched, his vision blurring as the beast bit down harder, flames licking at his skin.

The Hellhound's eyes gleamed with a strange, unsettling hunger as it tasted his blood. Its jaws tightened even more, a growl rumbling from deep in its throat as it tried to tear his arm from its socket.

White-hot pain lanced through Leo's shoulder, but he clenched his jaw, refusing to give the creature the satisfaction of a scream. "You… filthy mutt…" he snarled, his voice a mixture of agony and rage.

Summoning every ounce of strength he had, Leo reached up with his left hand, his fingers gripping the Hellhound's snout. He could feel its hot breath and the acrid stench of its saliva as he tightened his hold. With a guttural growl, he used his other hand to seize the creature's lower jaw, his muscles straining as he forced its mouth open.

The Hellhound thrashed, its claws digging into his skin, but Leo's grip was ironclad. With a roar of primal fury, he pulled, twisting and yanking until, with a sickening tear, he ripped the Hellhound's lower jaw clean off. Blood sprayed from the beast's mouth as it collapsed to the ground, twitching in its death throes.

Leo dropped the shattered remains of the Hellhound's jaw, his own shoulder throbbing with searing pain. He could feel the blood trickling down his arm, but there was no time to think about it.

Up ahead, Bell had managed to intercept the two Hellhounds that had targeted Lili and Welf. He danced around their attacks, his movements quick and precise, before landing a powerful Firebolt that sent one Hellhound flying backward, slamming into the stone wall. The other Hellhound tried to lunge at Lili, but Welf stepped in, his sword gleaming as he delivered a swift, decisive slash that took the creature down.

Leo staggered forward, breathing hard as he rejoined the group, his injured shoulder hanging at an awkward angle. Bell rushed over, his eyes widening in alarm as he took in Leo's blood-soaked shoulder.

"Leo! Are you alright?" Bell asked, worry clear in his voice.

Leo managed a shaky grin, though his face was pale from pain. "Nothing… I can't handle."

Lili hurried over, digging through her pack and pulling out a small vial. "Hold still, Leo. This should help with the bleeding." She handed him the vial, and Leo gratefully took a gulp of the bitter potion, feeling its healing effects take hold as the pain dulled slightly.

Welf looked at the remains of the Hellhound Leo had fought, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and horror. "You ripped its jaw off. By yourself."

Leo shrugged, wincing as the movement pulled at his shoulder. "It… wasn't letting go."

Bell placed a hand on Leo's uninjured shoulder, his expression serious. "Let's get out of here. We can't keep fighting like this."

Leo nodded, his resolve firm. "Agreed. Let's move."

With Bell leading the way and Leo taking up the rear once more, the group moved through the winding tunnels, the echo of their footsteps blending with the distant growls of monsters in pursuit. Their bodies were bruised and battered, but their spirits remained unbroken as they pressed on, determined to escape the Dungeon's relentless onslaught.

Hestia can be seen running towards the guild with a worried look, it's been hours since Bell and Leo have went into the dungeon. A unusual bad feeling filled the small goddess with dread as she ran through the front doors of the guild.

Eina the brother's advisor can be seen doing a stack of paperwork before looking up to see Hestia running towards her.

"Eina! Have Bell and Leo come back yet?" The goddess asked hopefully, the advisor shook her head as she adopted her own worried look.

"I haven't seen Leo since yesterday evening. Why?" She asked, Hestia looked at the floor with worry.

"So that means... they haven't been here either..." She said quietly to witch the half-elf nodded.

"That's true.. have either of you seen them?" She asked turning to her co-workers. They both shake their heads with worried looks.

"I see... I want to issue a quest. The quest is to find Bell and Leo's party!"

The guild employees nodded and quickly got to work, Eina pushed aside all her paper work and grabbed a piece of quest parchment before quickly writing down the request.

"Hestia!" a voice called out behind her, turning she saw her old friend Takemikazuchi standing in the doorway of the guild with a serious expression. Not far behind him is Ouka with a stoic look but beads of sweat dripping down his head and Mikoto looking down at the ground in shame.

"Take?" She questioned quietly as to why her old friend was in the guild.

25 Minutes later...

They ran, their footsteps echoing off the rough stone walls, breaths coming in ragged gasps as they fought through the endless waves of monsters. Blood streaked their armor, and every muscle screamed with exhaustion, but the Dungeon showed no mercy.

They rounded a corner, only to skid to a halt, horror filling their eyes as they saw the shadows shifting before them. A fresh horde of monsters—Imps, Lizardmen, and more Hellhounds—gathered at the end of the corridor, snarling with wild bloodlust. The party turned, but the path behind them was blocked too, monsters prowling closer with gleaming eyes and hungry growls.

"We're surrounded," Leo panted, gritting his teeth as he raised his fists, his injured shoulder throbbing with each heartbeat.

Welf steadied his sword with both hands, his knuckles white. "Guess we're doing this the hard way."

The group formed a circle, backs pressed together as the monsters surged forward from every direction. Bell darted to the front, his blade flashing as he slashed through an Imp that lunged for Lili. She fired her crossbow, the bolt sinking into a Lizardman's chest as she pulled back beside Leo, sweat beading on her forehead.

The Dungeon felt alive, pressing in on them, as though it sensed their fatigue, their wounds. With each kill, more monsters replaced the fallen, filling the cavern with their cries. The relentless onslaught pushed them to the edge, their strength dwindling as wave after wave crashed down on them.

Just when they thought they couldn't hold out any longer, the ceiling above them gave a shudder. Dust and small rocks trickled down, followed by a deep rumbling. The Dungeon seemed to growl in anger, and before they could react, the stone ceiling cracked, sending a storm of debris cascading down upon them.

"Look out!" Bell shouted, but his voice was drowned by the deafening roar of stone as the ceiling collapsed.

The ground gave way beneath them, and the entire party fell, plummeting through the jagged opening into a dark abyss below. The world spun, and all was chaos as they hurtled downward, dust and debris filling the air around them.

When they finally hit the ground, the impact sent a wave of pain shooting through their bodies. Leo gasped as his injured arm was pinned under a large piece of debris, the sharp pain tearing a cry from his throat. He struggled to move, his head pounding as the dust began to settle.

Beside him, Bell groaned, coughing as he pushed himself to his knees. His eyes widened as he saw Leo's arm trapped beneath the heavy slab of stone. "Leo!" Bell scrambled to his side, wrapping his hands around the edge of the rock.

Welf lay nearby, groaning in pain as he clutched his bleeding ankle, while Lili sat a few feet away, swaying slightly, her eyes dazed from the fall.

"Hold still," Bell said through gritted teeth, straining to lift the rock off Leo's arm. The weight was tremendous, and Bell's hands shook as he pushed with all his might. Leo winced, the searing pain in his arm unbearable, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out.

With a final, desperate shove, Bell managed to roll the stone away, freeing Leo's arm. He took a shaky breath, looking down to see Leo's arm mangled and bleeding, the skin torn and bruised. His heart clenched, but before he could say anything, Leo slowly rose to his feet, cradling his injured arm as he staggered over to Lili and Welf.

"You two alright?" he asked, his voice hoarse but steady.

Welf looked up, grimacing as he tried to move his ankle. "Nothing a potion can't fix… though I might need a new boot after this."

Lili rubbed her temples, shaking off the dizziness. "I… I'm fine. Just a little shaken."

Leo nodded, relief flickering in his eyes. "Good."

Bell opened his mouth to protest, but before he could speak, a low growl echoed through the cavern. Leo's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he saw the glowing eyes above them.

Hellhounds.

Three of them prowled along the edges of the broken ceiling above, their eyes trained on the party below as their jaws began to glow with fiery heat. The first Hellhound leapt down, charging its fiery breath as it prepared to unleash a blast of flames.

"Get down!" Leo shouted, moving instinctively as he placed himself in front of Welf and Lili, his damaged arm hanging limp at his side.

The Hellhounds opened their jaws, sending streams of fire crashing down onto them. Leo's Salamander cloak absorbed the brunt of the flames, but he could feel the fabric smoldering as the heat seeped through, burning his arms and chest.

The fire continued, unrelenting as it began to burn through the cloak. The smell of scorched fabric and skin filled the air, and Leo clenched his jaw, enduring the searing pain as he stood firm, refusing to move.

When the flames finally subsided, the Salamander cloak was in tatters, the once-sturdy fabric burned through to reveal his scorched armor beneath. His arms and chest were red and blistered from the heat, but he ignored the pain, turning to look at Welf and Lili.

"You two alright?" he asked, his voice strained.

Lili, eyes wide, nodded. "You… you took the whole blast."

Welf looked at Leo, a mixture of awe and guilt on his face. "Leo… you didn't have to do that."

Leo managed a weak grin, glancing down at his scorched armor. "Well, that's the last of the Salamander cloak, I guess." He gestured to his chest plate, which was charred and dented, bits of it still smoking. "And here I thought your new armor would last longer than one trip, Welf. I must've jinxed it."

Welf let out a rough laugh, shaking his head. "Guess I'll just have to make you an even tougher set next time."

Leo chuckled, wincing as the movement sent a fresh wave of pain through his chest. "I'll hold you to that."

Bell approached, his face etched with worry as he took in Leo's battered state. "Are you sure you're okay, Leo?"

Leo gave him a reassuring smile, though it was clear he was struggling to stay upright. "I'll survive. We all will."

The group huddled close, catching their breath as the dust began to settle. The threat wasn't gone—the Dungeon was still watching, still lurking. But as they looked at each other, bruised and bloody but alive, they found strength in their shared determination.

"Let's keep moving," Leo said, his voice quiet but resolute. "We've made it this far. We can make it the rest of the way."

With Bell at his side, Welf leaning on his uninjured leg, and Lili steadying herself with a shaky breath, the group pressed on, bruised and battered, but unbroken.

"I'm sorry, Hestia." Takemikazuchi said bowing in front of her, a look of guilt on his face.

Inside of Hestia's home a handful of god's and goddesses stand along with a few adventurers. Micah and his familia member Naaza, Hephaestus sat on one of the pews worried for Welf, Hestia stood on the large wooden stage looking at the decaying holy relic that sits near the wall, and the whole Takemikazuchi Familia kneeled in front of the goddess, they had just recently pass paraded her familia in order to save their own skin and that made the guilt inside Mikoto increase seeing the small goddesses distraught expression.

"So you're saying they dumped their monsters on Leo's party?" Micah asked. Takemikazuchi looked at his old friend nodded his head with a hurt expression.

"They were desperate, but.. I'm so sorry..."

A distraught silence hangs in the air, Hestia stares at the old holy symbol for a while before slowly turning to face the Takemikazuchi Familia, the ones that most likely killed Bell and Leo.

"If Bell and Leo don't come back... I'll blame you until the day I die. But... I won't hate you. I promise. So... please. Would you help me?" Hestia asked with an out stretched hand towards them, the group collectively bows before her.

"As you say." They say in unison. Hephaestus looks at her short friend curiously and speaks up for the first time.

"Even if you want to put together a search party, most of our high-level members are out on the Loki Familia's expedition."

"The only ones I can send down to the middle floors are Ouka and Mikoto, and Chigusa to act as a supporter. The others, unfortunately, would just slow you down." Takemikazuchi said glancing at the other three to witch they look at the ground disheartened. "But with just three people..." He trails off when an unexpected voice speaks up surprising the gods and goddesses.

"I'll help too, Hestia." A masculine voice spoke up, they all turn to see the messenger of the gods himself, Hermes smiling.

"Hermes!" Hestia said before walking towards her old friend from Heaven.

"What are you doing here?" Takemikazuchi questioned surprised to see another god of Olympus. "When did you get back?"

"Oh, I heard one of my dear friends was in trouble, so I hurried over. I'll help too. With your quest to find Bell and Leo Cranel and their friends." He says holding up the quest that was posted at the guild.

Exhausted and battered, the group moved through the maze-like corridors of the 14th floor, only to be met by wall after wall of dead ends. Every turn they took seemed to lead nowhere, each stone corridor stretching out into endless shadows before revealing yet another impassable block of stone. The path back felt as daunting as the one forward, each wrong turn only intensifying their desperation.

Leo clutched his arm, the makeshift sling holding it tight against his chest as a dull, burning ache pulsed through his shoulder. Welf hobbled along beside him, grimacing with each step as he put weight on his injured ankle.

"Dammit," Welf muttered, stopping in frustration as they encountered yet another dead end. He leaned against the wall, sweat beading on his forehead as he let out a heavy sigh. "This ankle's slowing us down. I'm slowing you down."

Bell looked back, shaking his head fiercely. "We're not leaving you, Welf."

Leo glanced over, his eyes flashing with equal determination. "You're not getting rid of us that easy," he said firmly, stepping closer. "You've helped us this far, and we're not about to turn our backs on you."

Welf looked at him, guilt written across his face. "Look, I don't want to be a burden. You're all hurt, especially you, Leo. You can't keep protecting me with that arm like it is."

Leo clenched his teeth, forcing himself to push past the pain. "We're a team, Welf. We stick together."

A moment of silence passed between them, the weight of their injuries and exhaustion hanging heavy in the air. Then, Lili, who had been unusually quiet, spoke up, her voice calm but determined.

"There's another option," she said softly, glancing down the dark corridor ahead of them. "If we can't make it back up to the surface right now… we could try going down."

Bell's brow furrowed in confusion. "Go down? We're injured and tired, and the monsters only get stronger. Are you sure that's a good idea, Lili?"

Lili turned to him, her expression resolute. "Floor 18. It's a safe zone, one of the few in the Dungeon. If we make it there, we'll be safe from monsters, and we could find other adventurers who can help us get back to the surface."

Welf rubbed his temples, clearly uncertain. "But that means going even deeper into the Dungeon. We're barely holding it together as it is."

Leo listened intently, weighing her suggestion as she continued.

"We're close," Lili explained, her voice steady as she laid out her plan. "If we can reach one of the open pits on this floor, it'll drop us directly to 16, and from there we only have two more floors to get through. The Dungeon Boss is on 17, yes, but it was defeated recently by the Loki Familia's expedition. With any luck, it hasn't respawned yet."

Welf's eyes widened. "So you're suggesting we drop down… bypassing some floors altogether, right?" He exhaled slowly, glancing around. "Are you crazy, Lili?"

Lili crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "We're trapped here, Welf. We can either go deeper to find safety or keep fighting these endless waves up here until we're out of strength. It's only a suggestion, but I think it's our best chance."

Welf opened his mouth to argue, but stopped, taking in the determination in Lili's gaze. She wasn't proposing it lightly; she truly believed it was the best course of action.

Leo looked down at his injured arm, then at Welf's bandaged ankle. They couldn't keep taking hit after hit and expect to make it to the surface in one piece. A sense of resolve settled over him as he considered her plan.

But before he could say anything, he realized everyone's eyes were on him. He blinked in surprise, caught off guard.

"Why… why are you all looking at me?" Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bell smiled, stepping forward. "Because you're our leader, Leo. You've kept us going this far—you're the one taking hits for us, putting yourself on the line. You're the one keeping us safe."

Welf nodded, his expression serious. "You've saved our necks more times than I can count. We trust your call."

Lili nodded, her eyes steady as she met his gaze. "We'll follow whatever decision you make, Leo."

A wave of emotions swelled in Leo's chest. He'd always considered himself someone who'd step up for his friends, but this level of trust and loyalty… it was overwhelming. The thought of leading them deeper into the Dungeon, where the danger would only grow, weighed heavily on him. But he couldn't ignore the brutal reality: they couldn't continue like this, fighting wave after wave while injured and exhausted.

He took a deep breath, looking at each of his companions in turn. "If we go back," he said slowly, "we'll be fighting non-stop, maybe for hours, just to find the staircase back up. We'll all be at risk of getting even more hurt."

He glanced down at his arm in its makeshift sling and at Welf's bandaged ankle. "If we go down… it's a risk, but the safe zone is within reach. And we'll have a better chance of finding help to get us back to the surface."

Bell watched him with a quiet, unwavering faith in his eyes. "I trust you, Leo. No matter what you decide."

The words struck a chord deep within Leo, filling him with a renewed sense of determination. They believed in him—they all did. He would lead them to safety, no matter what it took.

Leo nodded, looking to Lili. "Alright. We'll go down to the 18th floor. If we're careful, we can avoid most of the monsters on the way."

A sense of relief and resolve settled over the group. They had a plan, and though it was a dangerous one, it felt like their best shot.

"Alright," Welf said, his voice firm as he shifted his grip on his sword. "Let's do this."

They moved through the winding corridors with purpose, following Lili's lead as she guided them toward one of the open pits she'd mentioned. Finally, they came upon it—a massive, jagged hole in the ground that seemed to drop down into darkness. The air around it was filled with an eerie silence, as if even the Dungeon itself was watching them.

Bell peered over the edge, his eyes widening at the sight of the dark void. "That's… a long way down."

Lili took a deep breath. "It's our best chance. We drop here, and we'll land on 16. From there, it's two floors to safety."

Leo nodded, steeling himself. "Then let's go. We're getting out of here."

One by one, they stepped up to the edge, exchanging determined glances before they took the plunge, dropping into the darkness below.

The freefall was disorienting, the wind rushing past as they plummeted into the unknown. The impact jarred their bones when they hit the ground on the 16th floor, the force sending another jolt of pain through Leo's injured shoulder. But they were alive—they'd made it.

Leo gritted his teeth, pushing himself up with his good arm. His friends staggered to their feet beside him, bruised but determined.

"Alright," he said, his voice steady as he looked at his companions. "Let's keep moving. The safe zone is close."

The journey wasn't over, but with each step, Leo felt his resolve hardening. They would make it to the 18th floor, together, or not at all.

"The stench of the monster lure hung thick in the air, pungent enough to make even seasoned adventurers gag. Bell pinched his nose, groaning. "Lili, did you have to use that lure? It smells like a dead ogre stuffed with rotten eggs!"

Welf coughed, his hand waving in front of his face as though trying to ward off the odor. "Forget the smell. If it's this strong, I'd bet even monsters three floors down can smell us."

Leo chuckled softly, stepping forward despite the wince that crossed his face. His arm hung stiffly at his side, a streak of blood darkening his sleeve from a jagged cut sustained earlier. "Here, Lili, let me take it," he said, gently plucking the lure from her small hands.

Lili frowned, her ears twitching slightly. "Leo, you're already hurt. You don't have to—"

"Don't worry about me," he interrupted, his tone light but reassuring. "Besides, this is nothing compared to taking a Hellhound's bite." He offered her a warm smile, his uninjured hand resting briefly on her shoulder. "You've done enough already."

Reluctantly, Lili nodded, though her brows knitted in concern. "You're too kind for your own good," she muttered. "But fine. Just… be careful, Twin Guardian."

As Leo shifted the foul-smelling bag to his good hand, he glanced down at her curiously. "Say, Lili. Do Pallums have a better sense of smell than us humans? You seem pretty unfazed by this."

Lili rolled her eyes. "No. We're just smaller humans, remember? No special noses. I just have a stronger stomach than you lot," she teased, earning a weak laugh from Welf and a sheepish grin from Bell.

Behind them, Bell supported Welf, who limped heavily with an arm slung over Bell's shoulder. The smith grit his teeth with each step, his injured ankle making him hiss in pain. "I'm slowing you guys down. If we get into another fight—"

"Don't worry, Welf," Bell interrupted quickly. "We'll handle it. Just focus on walking. I won't let anything get to you." His voice brimmed with determination, a contrast to his younger twin's more casual, reassuring tone.

Leo moved to the front of the group, holding the monster lure high as the four of them ventured deeper into the shadowed corridors of the 16th floor. Their goal was clear: find a way down to the 18th floor's safety zone. The smell of the lure seemed to keep most threats at bay for now, though the oppressive silence of the dungeon gnawed at their nerves.

Then, without warning, the silence shattered. A guttural growl echoed ahead, and glowing red eyes appeared in the gloom.

"Hellhound!" Leo barked, spinning to face the threat.

The beast lunged, its maw opening wide as fire ignited in its throat. Welf shoved Bell aside with his uninjured arm. "Cover me!" he shouted, raising his hand. "Will-O'-Wisp!"

The spell's glowing orb shot forward, colliding with the Hellhound mid-breath. The flames in its mouth exploded violently, filling the corridor with a searing heatwave as the beast's body disintegrated into ashes.

"Well, that's one way to deal with it," Lili muttered, her voice tight as she shielded her eyes from the blast.

They pressed on, walking for what felt like hours but was barely thirty minutes. Finally, the pungent lure lost its potency, the smell fading into the stale dungeon air.

"Damn it," Welf cursed, his hand clenching into a fist.

As if summoned by his frustration, a bone-chilling roar echoed from every direction. The sound was unmistakable.

"Minotaur's," Leo growled. He tossed the empty lure bag aside and stepped forward, his bloodied shoulder forgotten in the moment.

Bell drew his daggers, his grip tight on both the Hestia Knife and the new dagger Welf had forged from his first Minotaur horn drop. "Leo, we've got this," he said, his voice calm but tinged with anticipation.

The roar grew louder, and then the beasts appeared—a full horde of Minotaur's, their towering frames blotting out the faint light of the glowing dungeon walls.

"Lili, stay close to Welf," Leo commanded, his voice firm but steady. He raised his fists, the custom Hestia gauntlets glinting faintly in the dim light.

With a wordless shout, the Cranel twins launched themselves forward.

Bell moved like a streak of white lightning, bouncing off walls and slicing through the first Minotaur's throat with surgical precision. The Hestia Knife gleamed as it tore through flesh, leaving glowing red trails in its wake.

Leo, in contrast, was a force of nature. He slammed into the nearest beast, his gauntlet-covered fists glowing faintly as he unleashed a flurry of devastating punches. The Minotaur crumpled under his sheer strength, its chest caved in as it dissolved into ash.

"By the gods…" Welf muttered, watching the twins move like a perfectly coordinated storm.

Lili nodded silently, her mouth slightly agape as she clutched her crossbow tightly.

Amid the chaos, Bell's sharp eyes caught the glint of a massive axe lying discarded on the ground. He darted forward, grabbing the weapon. As his hand wrapped around the handle, a soft chime echoed through the corridor.

Argonaut activated.

A brilliant light engulfed Bell as power surged through him. The sound of ringing bells grew louder, reverberating in harmony with his racing heartbeat.

"Leo!" Bell called out, his voice resonating with an otherworldly energy.

Leo turned just in time to see his twin charge forward, the glowing axe cutting a blinding arc through the air. The roar of the Minotaur's was drowned out by the explosion of light and power as Bell's attack tore through the horde like a thunderclap.

As the dust settled, the Cranel twins stood side by side, their breathing heavy but their spirits unbroken.

"Well," Leo said, cracking a grin despite the blood dripping from his arm. "That's one way to clear a path."

Bell laughed, the glow of his skill fading. "Guess I learned it from the best."

"Don't get cocky, Little Rookie," Leo teased, clapping his twin on the back. "We've still got floors to go."

Behind them, Lili and Welf exchanged glances, their awe clear.

"Remind me never to underestimate the Cranel brothers," Welf muttered.

Lili nodded, her voice soft but firm. "The Twin Guardian and Little Rookie… they really live up to their names."

The faint glow of light crystals illuminated the battered and exhausted Hestia Familia as they leaned against the jagged dungeon walls. The stench of blood and charred flesh filled the air, remnants of their frantic battles since the monster lure had run out.

Leo Cranel stood at the front of the group, his body cut and bruised, the once-pristine white of his shirt now smeared with dirt and crimson. His breath came in ragged gasps, but his eyes burned with determination.

Bell leaned against a wall beside him, his twin daggers hanging limply in his hands. His clothes were torn, his face streaked with dirt, and shallow cuts marred his arms and legs. His chest rose and fell rapidly, the toll of the constant fighting clear on his face.

Behind them, Welf leaned heavily against his massive sword, using it as a crutch to remain upright. Sweat dripped from his forehead, and his complexion was pale from the overuse of his magic. "That last pack of Hellhounds…" he panted, his voice hoarse, "...should've been our last fight. I don't know how much more I've got left in me."

Lili crouched nearby, her breathing labored as she clutched her crossbow tightly. Her small frame trembled from exhaustion, and her sharp eyes darted around the corridor, ever-watchful for signs of another ambush.

Leo clenched his fists, his gauntlets smeared with monster blood. His shoulder throbbed where the Minotaur's axe had glanced off earlier, and his vision swam briefly from the pain. But as he scanned his party—his family—his jaw tightened.

"We're not stopping here," he said, his voice steady despite the strain.

Bell turned to him, concern flickering in his tired gaze. "Leo, we can barely stand. We need to—"

"I'll push forward," Leo interrupted, his tone firm. "I'll fight every monster in this damn dungeon if I have to. You're all making it back alive. That's a promise."

Welf shook his head weakly, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. "You're gonna get yourself killed with that attitude, Twin Guardian."

Leo grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Better me than any of you."

As silence fell over the group, Lili's soft voice broke it. "We'll make it," she murmured, her tone as much a plea as a declaration. "We have to."

With a nod, Leo turned back toward the shadowed corridor ahead, squaring his shoulders despite the protests of his battered body. "Let's move."

The Rescue Party

The rescue party moved through the dungeon with purpose, their formation tight and their senses sharp. Hermes led the group with his usual carefree air, though his sharp eyes betrayed his focus. Beside him, a cloaked Hestia tugged her hood down low, keeping her divine presence concealed.

Asfi Al Andromeda walked at Hermes' side, her expression calm and calculating. Her nimble fingers fidgeted with a small flask at her belt, ever ready to use her alchemic tools.

Ryuu Lion was at the forefront, her green cloak fluttering slightly as she moved with graceful precision. Her elven ears twitched, ever alert for the faintest sound of danger.

Trailing behind them were Ouka, Mikoto, and Chisuga, the three from the Takemikazuchi Familia. Guilt and determination weighed heavily on their shoulders as they sought to atone for the earlier pass parade that had forced the Hestia Familia into this desperate situation.

The faint rumble of approaching monsters brought the group to a halt. From the shadows, a pair of large rabbit-like monsters emerged, their fangs glinting in the faint light.

Before Ouka or Mikoto could react, Asfi and Ryuu moved as one.

Ryuu darted forward, her blade flashing in an arc of silver light. In a single fluid motion, the first monster's head separated from its body, vanishing into black ash.

Asfi raised her hand, hurling three slender needles with practiced precision. Each needle struck true, piercing vital points in the second monster. It collapsed, dissolving as its life faded.

Ouka stood frozen, his jaw slack as he watched the display. "Incredible…" he muttered, his voice tinged with awe. "Asfi Al Andromeda, the Omnipotent Perseus herself."

Mikoto nodded, her hand tightening on her katana. "Her precision is flawless," she murmured, glancing at Ryuu. "And her… she moves like the wind itself."

Chisuga didn't speak, her wide eyes fixed on the two women who seemed to embody effortless power.

Hermes smirked, his tone light. "Well, they don't call them elites for nothing."

The group pressed forward, Ryuu leading the way with swift, deliberate steps. Her sharp eyes scanned the darkened corridor, her thoughts heavy with worry. Leo... please be safe.

Their progress came to an abrupt halt as they reached a massive cave-in, the tunnel completely blocked by debris.

"What now?" Ouka asked, his tone frustrated.

Ryuu didn't answer immediately. Instead, she began climbing the rubble, her movements quick and precise despite the unstable terrain. As she neared the top, her sharp eyes caught something in the faint glow of a light crystal.

At the base of the rubble, Hestia gasped. Her gaze locked onto a small dagger protruding from the debris. She rushed forward, her hands trembling as she touched the blade. "This… this is Bell's," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Above her, Ryuu reached the top of the rubble and froze. Her eyes were drawn to the corridor beyond—a trail of shattered monster stones and discarded potion vials glinting faintly in the light.

"They're alive," she said softly, her voice filled with relief and urgency.

Asfi climbed up beside her, surveying the scene with a practiced eye. "They're heading to the 18th floor," she concluded. "The safe zone. They wouldn't risk returning to the surface in their condition."

Hestia's heart clenched at the thought of her children in such danger. "Then we follow," she declared, her voice filled with determination.

Hermes clapped his hands together. "You heard the lady. Let's get moving. Time's wasting, and I doubt they'll appreciate us being fashionably late."

The rescue party resumed their march, the weight of their mission driving them forward.

The damp air of the dungeon seemed to grow heavier with every step, pressing down on their battered bodies. Welf's breath came in shallow gasps as he leaned heavily on Bell, his weight dragging down the already fatigued Cranel twin.

"Welf!" Bell's voice cracked with panic as the smith's arm slid from his shoulder and hung limply. Welf's head lolled to the side, his eyes fluttering shut. "Welf, stay with me!"

No response.

"Leo—he's not waking up!" Bell shouted, his voice tinged with fear.

Leo turned his head sharply, his twin's panicked tone spurring him into action despite his own battered state. His eyes swept over Welf's pale face and the faint glow lingering around his hand. It didn't take long for him to recognize the signs.

"Mind Down," Leo growled through gritted teeth. "He's burnt through all his mana."

Bell's wide eyes darted toward Lili, who was lagging behind them with the support backpack. "Lili!" he called, his voice tight with desperation. "We need a mana vial—anything for him!"

But the pallum didn't answer.

"Lili!" Bell called again, louder this time, twisting his head to look back. His heart sank as he spotted her small frame crumpled on the floor, the heavy support backpack weighing down her unmoving body.

"Damn it!" Bell's shout echoed down the corridor as he rushed toward her. He dropped to his knees and shook her shoulder. "Lili! Wake up!"

Still nothing.

Leo's fists clenched at his sides as frustration boiled over, his breath coming out in harsh, ragged growls. "We don't have time for this!" he snapped, moving to Lili's side. He knelt down and, without hesitation, tore the straps of the support backpack with one brutal tug, the fabric ripping under his strength.

"Leo, what are you doing?!" Bell asked, his voice cracking.

"Lightening the load." Leo's voice was firm, his focus unshakable as he rifled through the bag's contents. He tossed aside anything unnecessary—monster stones, broken gear, even some rations—grabbing only potions, vials, and critical supplies. "We can't afford to carry dead weight. Their lives are more important."

He shoved the remaining essentials into his pockets and slung the nearly weightless bag over his shoulder. Then, turning back to Bell, he barked, "Take her."

"What?" Bell blinked at him, the panic still evident in his eyes.

"Take Lili," Leo repeated, shoving the unconscious pallum into Bell's arms. "I'll take Welf. We need to move, now."

Bell hesitated for a moment, but the fiery resolve in his brother's eyes snapped him out of his panic. He adjusted his grip on Lili, cradling her as carefully as his trembling arms could manage.

Leo hoisted Welf onto his back with a grunt, the smith's larger frame weighing heavily on his already bruised and battered body. Blood dripped from the gash on Leo's shoulder, but he ignored it, his focus locked on the path ahead.

"Keep moving, Bell," Leo said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. We're getting out of here."

The two brothers trudged forward, their steps slow and uneven as they pressed deeper into the dungeon. Every breath burned, every muscle screamed for rest, but they couldn't stop—not yet.

The corridor suddenly opened into a massive cavern, its walls illuminated by the eerie glow of dungeon crystals. At the center of the space, a massive hole yawned in the floor, leading to the level below.

Bell froze, his knees trembling as the sheer size of the chamber pressed down on him. His vision blurred, and his head spun with exhaustion.

"Bell, focus," Leo said sharply, stepping beside his twin. He could see the cracks in his brother's composure, the weight of their situation threatening to crush him. "We're almost there. Just a little further. You've got this."

Bell swallowed hard, nodding shakily as he tightened his grip on Lili.

Leo placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, his tone softening. "We're going home, Bell. No matter what it takes."

The two sat on the ground, preparing for the slide down the long ramp. Leo adjusted Welf's position on his back and braced himself. "Hold onto her tight," he instructed Bell. "Don't let go."

The slide began, gravity pulling them down the slick surface at increasing speeds. The air rushed past them, and for a moment, the world blurred into a dizzying cascade of light and shadow.

Then, disaster struck.

"Lili!" Bell's voice rang out as her small frame slipped from his grasp. He reached forward instinctively to catch her, but his momentum threw him off balance. His head slammed into the wall of the slide with a sickening crack, and his body went limp.

"Bell!" Leo roared, helpless as he watched his brother tumble down the slide, his unconscious form bouncing off the walls before crashing to the ground at the bottom.

Leo's heart thundered in his chest as he reached the end of the slide. He set Welf gently on the floor before rushing to Bell's side. His twin's body was sprawled awkwardly, fresh cuts and bruises covering his face and limbs. Blood trickled from a gash on his forehead.

"Damn it, Bell," Leo muttered, his hands trembling as he checked his brother's pulse. Relief washed over him when he found it—weak but steady.

But his relief was short-lived.

As he straightened, his eyes darted around the cavern. They had landed in the Goliath's domain. Though the massive boss hadn't spawned yet, the ominous air of the chamber sent a chill down Leo's spine.

His gaze fell on the three unconscious figures surrounding him: Welf slumped against a wall, Lili lying motionless a few feet away, and Bell cradled in his arms.

Leo's mind raced, frustration bubbling up as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. "Think, Leo," he muttered to himself, his voice low and strained. "Think!"

He scanned the cavern, searching desperately for anything—a hiding spot, an escape route, something to buy them time. His fists clenched, and his jaw tightened as the overwhelming sense of helplessness clawed at him.

But even as despair threatened to creep in, he forced himself to focus. He couldn't afford to give in. Not here. Not now.

"I'll protect them," he growled, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at his gut. "No matter what it takes."

With renewed determination, Leo began devising a plan, his mind working furiously as he prepared to face whatever came next.

The Search Party

The group moved steadily through the dungeon's winding passages, the flickering light of crystals casting long shadows on the damp walls. At the rear, Asfi kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings, her precise movements and sharp gaze ensuring no threat went unnoticed.

Ahead of her, Hermes and Hestia walked side by side, their steps echoing softly in the otherwise oppressive silence.

Hestia cast a sidelong glance at Hermes, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Alright, Hermes, spill it. Why are you really here? What business does a god like you have crawling through the dungeon to save my Familia?"

Hermes' ever-present smirk widened. "I already told you, Lady Hestia. I'm here to help a dear friend in need. Isn't that what a gallant god like me is supposed to do?"

Before he could say more, Hestia shot him a deadpanned look, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Enough of that nonsense," she said flatly, cutting him off.

Hermes blinked, momentarily surprised by her bluntness, before chuckling softly. He adjusted his hat and looked ahead at the adventurers leading the group. His carefree smile faltered for just a moment, replaced by a flicker of something more thoughtful.

"Someone asked me to look into the twins' progress," he admitted, his tone lighter than the weight of his words.

Hestia stopped in her tracks, her brows furrowing as she stared at him. "Someone?" she repeated, suspicion lacing her voice.

Hermes paused as well, turning back to face her. He took off his hat with a flourish, tapping it lightly against his leg to dust it off. His golden eyes met hers, the usual mischief in them tempered by a rare seriousness.

"I didn't come down here just because someone asked," Hermes said, his voice low but deliberate. "I came because I'm interested in your boys. Bell and Leo Cranel. I want to see if they're capable of something extraordinary."

Hestia frowned, her heart tightening at his words. "Extraordinary? What are you talking about?"

Hermes placed his hat back on his head, tilting it slightly as his friendly smile returned. "Hestia," he said, his tone both wistful and calculating, "I want to see if those twins of yours are capable of bringing us into a new era."

As the weight of his words hung in the air, the scene shifted. The cavern walls loomed high around Leo Cranel, their jagged edges glowing faintly with dungeon light. His breath came in short, shallow gasps, each step forward feeling heavier than the last. Sweat dripped from his brow, mingling with the dirt and blood that streaked his face.

On his back, Welf hung limp, his unconscious body slumped over Leo's shoulders. In his arms, Bell rested against his chest, his head lolling to the side with a deep gash on his forehead. Lili's small form was cradled against Bell, her pale face nestled into his brother's arms.

Leo's legs trembled under the combined weight of his companions, his muscles screaming for relief. But he kept moving.

The silence of the dungeon was deafening, broken only by the sound of his labored breathing and the faint scrape of his boots against the ground.

"Not here," Leo muttered to himself, his voice hoarse and strained. "I'm not stopping here."

His vision blurred, and for a moment, the flickering light of the dungeon crystals seemed to spin. He shook his head sharply, willing himself to stay focused. His party needed him.

Each step felt like an eternity, but Leo refused to stop. The thought of failure—of leaving Bell, Welf, and Lili behind—was unbearable.

"I'll get us through this," he growled, his voice trembling with both determination and frustration. "No matter what it takes."

His mind raced, weighing his dwindling options. The potion vials he'd salvaged earlier were nearly empty, their healing effects insufficient for the dire state of his companions. The Goliath's domain loomed ahead, a silent threat waiting to become all too real.

Yet even as despair clawed at the edges of his thoughts, Leo pressed on, his resolve unshaken.

"You're not taking them from me," he whispered to the dungeon itself, as if defying its cruel design. "Not now. Not ever."

The heavy, rainbow-hued miasma hung thick in the air as Leo staggered into the vast domain of the Goliath. The eerie fog clung to his skin, its prismatic sheen reflecting the faint glow of dungeon crystals embedded in the walls. His bloodshot eyes scanned the enormous chamber. For a moment, relief flickered through him as he saw it: the Great Wall of Sorrow, jagged and still intact.

"It's empty," he muttered, his breath rattling in his chest. Lili's intel had been correct—the boss was defeated, and it wouldn't respawn for days.

But as his eyes locked onto the faint cracks webbing across the wall's surface, unease crept in. The beast's dormant power seemed to hum in the air, oppressive and suffocating.

"You stay dead," Leo growled under his breath, his voice hoarse. He adjusted his grip on the unconscious bodies of his companions. Welf's weight on his back was almost unbearable, and his arms trembled from holding Bell and Lili. But he refused to falter.

His lips curled into a snarl as he surged forward. "I won't fail," he hissed through gritted teeth. "I won't let the dungeon win. Not today. Not ever."

His mind raced as he moved. Lili's voice echoed in his head, her matter-of-fact tone explaining the boss's absence.

"Loki Familia killed it during their last expedition," she'd said. "The Goliath won't respawn for at least a week after that."

But as Leo took his first shaky steps into the chamber, the wall began to tremble.

The faint cracks in the Great Wall of Sorrow spiderwebbed outward, and a low, rumbling groan filled the air. Massive chunks of crystal broke free, shattering against the ground with deafening crashes.

"No," Leo muttered, his voice laced with disbelief. "No, no, no!"

The ground shook violently as the wall split open, revealing the monstrous form of the Goliath. Its glowing red eyes pierced the fog, locking onto Leo with predatory malice. The creature's massive frame rippled with muscle as it flexed, shards of crystal falling away like broken chains.

Leo's heart thundered in his chest, but he didn't stop. He couldn't.

"Keep moving," he growled to himself, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of the beast's awakening. His pace quickened, though his legs screamed in protest. Each step felt like an eternity as he pushed his battered body beyond its limits.

The Goliath roared, the sound reverberating through the chamber as it took its first step forward. The ground beneath Leo trembled, but he refused to stumble. If anything, he surged forward with renewed desperation.

"Go, go, go!" he yelled, his voice raw as he zig-zagged to avoid the falling debris. His scream was primal, tearing through his throat as he poured every ounce of strength into his legs.

The beast's massive hand swung down, its claws gouging deep furrows into the ground just behind Leo. He cursed, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow.

"Run faster!" he screamed at himself, his voice breaking with each word. His vision blurred as sweat stung his eyes, but he didn't stop. He couldn't.

The Goliath roared again, its massive fist drawing back as it prepared a devastating punch. The creature's muscles bulged grotesquely, and a sickening grin spread across its monstrous face.

Leo's focus narrowed to the glowing archway ahead—the exit to the safe zone. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each one more labored than the last.

With one final, desperate burst of speed, he launched himself forward.

Leo's body slammed into the ground as he leapt through the archway, sending him and his companions tumbling down the slide leading to the safe room. Behind them, the Goliath's massive fist collided with the entrance, shattering the rock in a thunderous explosion. Chunks of rubble and shards of crystal tumbled down the slide with them, the beast's furious roar echoing into the darkness.

The slide seemed endless, a chaotic blur of light and shadow as Leo hit every bump and edge on the way down. His body ached, every impact sending jolts of pain through his battered frame. Yet, through it all, he kept his grip on Welf, Bell, and Lili.

"I won't let go," he muttered weakly, his voice trembling as the slide finally came to an end.

The group tumbled to the floor of the safe room in a heap, Leo landing hard on his side. His body screamed in protest as he struggled to move, his vision swimming.

Slowly, he pushed himself up, his trembling arms barely holding him steady. His breaths came in short, shallow gasps as his eyes locked onto a pair of boots standing nearby.

His gaze traveled upward, but his vision blurred, the edges of his sight darkening. All he could make out was the faint outline of someone standing there—tall, with long, golden hair.

"Help them," he rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. He weakly raised a trembling hand toward the figure, desperation and exhaustion etched into every fiber of his being. "My… brother… my friends… please…"

Before he could say more, the last remnants of his strength left him. His arm fell limply to his side as the world went dark.

Ais Wallenstein knelt beside the collapsed group, her piercing eyes scanning their battered forms with concern. Behind her, Riveria Ljos Alf stepped forward, her expression calm but serious as she closed the book in her hands and assessed the situation.

"He pushed himself far beyond his limits," Riveria said, her voice tinged with admiration and worry as she knelt beside Leo. Her hands glowed faintly with healing magic as she reached out to stabilize him. "A strength born of desperation... and resolve."

Ais silently lifted Bell into her arms, her gaze softening as she took in his unconscious face.

"They'll live," Riveria said firmly. "But we need to move quickly"

The two women began working methodically, their calm efficiency a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded their arrival. For the first time in hours, the Hestia Familia could rest.