Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

The reason why myths passed down through various documents differ seems to lie in the historical background of different peoples or countries, or in the influence of religion. Back then, not understanding this, I simply devoured books and online resources. Some deities, in particular, became increasingly perplexing the more I investigated, leaving a deep impression on me. The goddess Freya was especially so.

Freya is a peerless goddess of beauty coveted by both allies and enemies. She is passionate and unrestrained, but she also collects the souls of those who bravely die in battle, making her a terrifying queen. In my imagination, she is a proud and willful woman who, when insulted, would retort, "So what? I am Freya!"—a goddess with an almost invincible mental fortitude.

However, according to records, this goddess was also heartbroken over some things.

After her husband, named Odr, left Freya, she wandered around searching for him, and wept bitterly when she could not find him.

No, no, no, this must be a lie. That's not her personality at all—I immediately complained after reading it back then. But after rereading it a few times, I gradually became curious about this goddess.

She is clearly the goddess of love, yet she doesn't understand what love is? Or is it because she is the goddess of love that she despises or forgets the preciousness of love? Or is the feeling she holds for her husband (Ode) one of infatuation rather than love?

As I began to ponder these questions, the goddess Freya and the girl Seele took on an important role in the story.

Among the various myths about goddesses, there is one story that I particularly like.

After the goddess and her husband (Od) were reunited, she ended her long journey and caused the earth to bloom with countless flowers along the way.

That must have been an absolutely breathtaking flower field.

I decided to write this story because I really wanted to get to that "flower field".

As for what kind of scenery lay before the garden I arrived at, I think I've managed to describe it somewhat.

Mythological accounts are loose and chaotic, riddled with contradictions, and offer no definitive explanation. The gods are indeed both tyrannical and ruthless; however, this is perhaps part of their nature. Even gods, at times, shed tears and feel sorrow like ordinary girls. This is my current view of the gods.

Starting from volume twelve and continuing to this eighteenth volume, the fourth part of the long series, which I privately named "The Abundance Chapter," has finally come to an end.

The next episode will begin a new chapter, "School District Arc".

I think this will probably be the shortest chapter in the entire series, after which it will be a continuous surge of action.

That being said, I feel there will still be several more episodes. It would be my honor if you would continue to support the next episode.

Thank you so much for reading this far.

Then I'll take my leave.

大森藤ノ

Volume 18 illustrations

I devoured dozens of magic books in the volume 18 bonus content, but got absolutely nothing!

The online translation is from the Kingdom of Light

Translation: Miaopasi

"How many books were ruined?"

"...Including the ones I wrote in one go under duress from that eerie advisor (Lilyluka Erd), there are thirteen books in total."

"I am so sorry."

A tearful apology could be heard from inside the room.

In a room of the "Heartfire House," with the windows and curtains closed, Aisha wore a sorrowful expression, Haruhime continued to sob, and Fels, whose head had turned dark brown and who carried a look of melancholy, displayed three different reactions.

Scattered on the table before them were many 'unfinished grimoires'.

"I never expected that after reading so many grimoires, I wouldn't have found any 'magic'... I found it all at once during the last 'expedition'..."

Aisha revealed an extremely bitter helplessness, or perhaps a sigh.

Aisha planned to enhance her fighting strength in preparation for the War Game against the city's largest faction (the Freya Familia), just as she had done before with Haruhime's second sorcery, "Ninefold." However, her plan completely failed. Embarrassed, Haruhime trembled as she asked Fels, who was on the verge of collapsing into ashes.

"Um, Lord Fels... how much would all these grimoires cost if you put them all together...?"

"...This is absolutely not boasting, but I am, after all, a former sage. My self-composed grimoire is arguably the pinnacle of arrogance in the lower realms. Although it's not because of that, but... even if we estimate it to be low, the total is still around 6.5 billion."

"Ah!" Haruhime almost fainted. She actually did fall, but Aisha caught her.

The daughter of 6.5 billion... Haruhime is a war criminal (Renard) who devoured 6.5 billion Fali without gaining anything... Leaving aside the girl who was about to ascend to heaven before the War Game even began, and losing all the valuable city (Orario) enhancement materials, becoming an empty soul shell, Fels shook his head slightly.

He rallied his spirits, as if reminding himself that what's past is past and there's nothing he can do about it.

"Such people are extremely rare. Even if there are empty magic slots, no matter how excellent the grimoire is, it will not manifest due to external factors."

Fels comforted Chunji, saying that this was more common among high-ranking magical races (Magic Users) and sorcerers.

Those who possess powerful "seeds" likely harbor them all, and those who gain "magic" through natural discovery or forced awakening via a grimoire are unlikely to manifest their true potential, even in the final third stage. The city's strongest mage (Rivilia) should be no exception, the black-clad magician (Mage) stated.

Haruhime has three magic gauges for her [Ability Values]. The first and second gauges are already filled with level-up and special enchantment magic, but the last one is still empty, perhaps it's not time yet.

"An unprecedented experience, a situation... perhaps this is precisely what requires special [Experience]."

"Special [Experience Points]..."

While expressing surprise, Chunji repeated Fels' words with her lips.

Ignoring the girl like this, Aisha sighed and shifted her consciousness.

"In any case, in a war game, you can only try to figure things out with the cards you have. From now on, I want to use this magician's hand to train your 'magic'..."

Aisha intends to make the most of Fels, who is unable to participate in the War Game, and warns the younger sister-like girl as if it were a warning.

"Listen up, Haruhime. If the existence of Level Boost in the War Game is discovered, you'd better make your escape right away—"

"No, I won't run away."

Aisha and Fels were astonished by the interruption and the explicit mention of the fox-man (Renard).

"I don't want to fight for my own protection. I don't want to go back to being a 'ruined prostitute.' Haruhime also wants to be a source of strength for everyone. Most importantly—I don't want to hand Lord Bell over to Lady Freya, who did such a thing."

It was declared with a strong tone. The final words transformed into 'a female' harboring the flames of anger.

Aisha stared in disbelief at the girl with a "woman's face" whom she had never seen before—as if to say that she was arrogant, or like an older sister who was happy for her growth, she raised the corners of her mouth.

"Isn't this pretty decent?"

Volume 18 Bonus: A Scene from a Certain Fighting Kingdom

"The final showdown of the battle! Let me witness it, [Freya's Familia]!"

The city's largest faction (the Freya Familia) has been suddenly attacked.

That was unexpected. On the day before the War Game, the Freya Familia, who had entered the Orza City Ruins earlier than the Faction Alliance in the Hide and Seek Category, were attacked by powerful Amazons.

The attackers were the Kali Familia, a national-level Familia from the holy land of female warriors, "Tir Scylla." They arrived in the port city (Mellen) about half a year ago and have been staying there ever since. While the guild had been somewhat vigilant towards these foreigners who, for some reason, didn't want to return to their homeland, this time they completely took advantage of the situation. Due to the low visibility in the middle of the night, coupled with the vast depression (extinct volcano) lake terrain, the response from the Kali Familia, including the Ganesha Familia, was too late. It might have been understandable if they were exhausted after a War Game, but surely it wouldn't happen if someone attacked the Freya Familia before the main battle even began—that's probably the thought on their part.

The Amazons, who love to fight powerful males, excitedly challenged the battle-hardened and resilient warriors (Enheria).

"—While I'm incredibly excited, you guys are really ridiculous."

An hour ago, the goddess Kali declared war with fervor, but now she sits cross-legged on the ruins, resting her cheek on her hand, gazing intently at a corner of the ruins.

Before her eyes lay the Amazons, their entire army wiped out, their corpses strewn across the ground.

"Even Argana and Bage were defeated... Is this what the Loki Familia and above are like?"

"You're Kali? Ishtar, who summoned you, has already returned to Heaven. What exactly do you want?"

"Don't say that. I crossed the sea to fight against you all. However, as the result shows, I was killed instead. Heh, I originally thought the lower realm was very, very small, but why is it so vast?"

Facing Kali, who was even shorter than the young goddess (Hestia), Freya narrowed her eyes coldly.

Due to the sudden attack, some members of the Freya Familia were knocked down, but that was all. Led by Amazons below level 4, only one member managed to instantly kick aside the level 6 leader sisters. The level 7 Otto...

In the tense clash of divine power between the goddesses, the strongest clan completely suppressed the female warriors' attack.

however.

"Ota is the only one standing." "The enemy seems to be Lv.6 as well." "[Experience] Thief!" "Enough is enough, Muscle Daruma."

"I understand the emergency response. But could you please give me a little space, you jerk?"

"Muscle, muscle brain!"

"Tch..."

"…………………………………………"

The cadres, who were already armed but had no opportunity to participate, all condemned the actions.

The four Jariba brothers continued to hurl insults at each other, Hedin sighed with utter contempt, Hegney stammered and simply retorted with his own insults, and Allen clicked his tongue in disbelief.

In order to prepare for tomorrow's War Game, and later to prevent Freya's knees from becoming restless, he used all his strength and a fast attack to silence the enemy, which was exactly what he did.

Oh, it's about to explode.

"Captain, this has really helped me a lot by not increasing my workload as a therapist... Yes, that's it."

"……………………………………………………………………"

Then, Healer Heather, who had healed the fallen members of the group during the attack, pitifully patted his back with one hand. The simple compassion of a young girl is most touching.

Oh, it was almost in tears.

Volume 18 Bonus Level 1 Growth Record

Lv.5

Strength: I 0 → I 41

Durability: I 0 → I 39

Dexterity: I 0 → I 49

Agility: I 0 → I 77

Magic: I 0→I 4

Lucky: F

Abnormal resistance: G

Escape: G

Combo: I

"As expected of Lv.5, the additive effect of proficiency has decreased..."

The 'campsite' is located in front of the giant depression (extinct volcano) lake. Before entering the 'Orza City Ruins', the stage of the War Game, Hestia has completed the final [Ability Value] update for Bell.

"I've been doing practical training with Miss Tiona and Miss Tione for several days now..."

"Even though we're facing off against Lv.6 Amazons, this is probably the maximum we can train them on."

If it were someone she admired (Ais), the outcome would probably be different. She kept that thought to herself. Hestia removed her clothes from her waist, and Bell stood up, nervously reaching for her discarded Battle Cloth. In two hours, the "great battle" against the Freya Familia would begin.

The reason for insisting on updating Bell's [Ability Values] before this War Game was to maximize the effect of his growth potential—[Single-minded Aspiration]. It must be said that compared to Bell's previous increases, it was far too small, but to others, such an absurd growth rate in such a short period would be more than just infuriating; it would likely frighten them. In the tent, where no one else was around, Hestia sat cross-legged, watching Bell hurriedly dressing as he looked at his back (Ability Values) with a mix of emotions.

(To be honest, I don't quite like the newly discovered "skill"...)

Hestia stared at the new skill called [Vanadís·Tevere] while shaking her black hair (twin tails).

Because the skill name represented various kinds of Freya, the God's mind became complicated.

To be honest, "What did you carve on my adorable Familia? Look, I've stuffed your mouth full of potato balls!" Although I really wanted to tear it to shreds, I decided to lower my raised fist because of the protection of the goddess Hestia, who is actually a virgin goddess, despite her reputation as the goddess of beauty (Freya). The goddess Hestia is known for her gentleness. Hehe… this way, my inherited skill is carved onto Bell. Although the process was… Hestia was busy letting her thoughts wander, sometimes angry, sometimes happy, when she suddenly asked the boy a question.

"Hey, Bell, are you really sure you can just stop looking at grimoires now? You only have one magic gauge. But if it's a good grimoire, you can still make the magic manifest, right?"

Under duress from his advisor (Lily), Bell refused to use the grimoire provided by Fels after negotiating with him. For various reasons, Haruhime squandered it all, resulting in the Hestia Familia not acquiring any new magic, though Hestia remained concerned. As a sorcerer of the [Ninefold] level, Haruhime's magical enhancement should be a top priority, even if it's just a matter of outcome. However, if Bell were to summon the grimoire, powerful Lv.5 magic would appear, potentially boosting their combat strength.

"...I'm not a professional mage, and I haven't had any training in chanting, so even if I obtained magic other than chantless magic (fire and lightning), I don't think I could use it proficiently right away. Even if that's not the case, in battle, I only have two cards in my hand... If I have two choices, I'll definitely hesitate."

After putting on his battle suit, the boy stood up and answered while adjusting his armor.

"Even if it's just a 'fleeting moment' of less than a second... I'll be killed in that 'fleeting moment.' The person I'm about to fight is that kind of opponent, so I don't plan to look at any grimoires."

Bell calmly and accurately observed the impending battle. He was acutely aware of the threat posed by the resilient warriors (Enheria) fiercely battling in the 'Fólkvangr' (Battlefield), and he anticipated that the optimal solution in this rapid 'hyper-speed battle' was not to gain new power, but to hone his existing hand.

Completely eliminate factors of unease and reverse the probability of victory.

That was the thinking of an adventurer known as "one-man show".

"Bell..."

She felt little sense of reality about her family becoming first-class adventurers, and Bell herself probably felt the same way.

However, the boy already possessed prestige commensurate with "Level One".

The goddess, delighted by this, and holding onto a 'hope' more reliable than new magic, bestowed upon him the following words.

"Bale, win! This is a must-win game!"

Volume 18 Bonus: Prelude to the Final Battle