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

"He even put on a show of being capable and made me a whole set of fire spirit cloth... I won't be able to calm down until I teach him a lesson."

Modo tilted his head back, gulped down the finest liquor in Rivera, and spat out a resentful sound.

"But, Modo, he said he wants to beat him up. Do you have any good ideas? That brat is with [Sword Girl]."

"And the people from Hermes' side, I remember... they seem to be hanging out with Takemikazuchi's group too."

Sitting at the same table, Modo's two companions voiced their concerns.

"Besides, this isn't something you can just get here by luck... I think this 'rising star' is probably quite skilled too?"

"Stop talking nonsense! Are you going to help me or not?"

Upon hearing someone raise a question, Modo roared again.

Although the adventurers in the tavern frowned, their eyes gradually sharpened, and they made up their minds. Their gazes were as fierce as Mordo's, ready to draw their weapons at the first opportunity.

"If we can lure that guy out alone..."

Bell is too conspicuous.

Whether it's upgrading or moving to the middle level, the speed is too fast, with no downtime whatsoever.

That's why high-level adventurers are so disgusted by it.

"Oh, I can tell at a glance that you guys are very excited."

Everyone in the tavern turned their gaze toward the entrance.

Their eyes were all fixed on Hermes and Asif, who had barged into the store.

"...Is there something you need, God? If you've come here for a drink, I suggest you hurry back to earth."

"Haha, because I heard someone was plotting something. I couldn't resist coming over."

An adventurer moved swiftly, using his body to block the tavern entrance.

Now that their conversation had been overheard, Hermes and his group, who were with Bell, couldn't be allowed to slip away. The people in the tavern demonstrated their clear intentions through their actions.

"I keep running into these kinds of things lately," Asphi sighed, hiding behind Hermes.

"So what do you want? Do you want one of your guards to stop our treacherous scheme?"

"Don't mention it, do whatever makes you happy. Don't worry about me, continue with your dangerous topic."

Huh? Modo was stunned.

"I quite like outlaws like you kids, don't you? It would be so boring if everyone in the lower realm was a top student."

Hermes' eyes curved into crescent moons as he kept smiling.

That expression gave a glimpse into his true nature—a god who viewed all things in the mortal realm as "entertainment."

It's not about "swallowing up both the pure and the impure," but rather about harmonizing both.

The existence before him, even more incomprehensible than a monster, completely terrified Modo.

"You want to attack Little Brother Bell, right? Should I tell you about our future plans?"

"...Can I trust you, God?"

"Hey, hey, I'm Hermes! I wouldn't lie to a child."

"Hey, Modo..." Despite his companion's words, Modo ignored him and went ahead to make a deal with God.

"I can't help you no matter what, but... how about this, I can lend you a courage charm that can help you defeat the monster."

As he spoke, Hermes took an item from Asphie and held it up to Modo.

It was a small helmet. In terms of shape, it was actually more like a hat, with a brim sticking out from the front.

The color was as black as if it had sunk to the bottom of the earth.

"This is……"

"A magic item created by the 'Omnipotent One.' I can guarantee its effectiveness."

Modo gasped, and the onlookers' expressions changed drastically.

The creation of a renowned maker of rare magical items in Orario. A "mysterious" item said to grant the user power equivalent to "magic" and "skills".

"Do we really want to do this..."

"Yes," Mordo said in a trembling voice. "Yes," Hermes nodded.

"However, I have one condition."

He held the black helmet, which he was holding in one hand, to his chest and quickly opened his narrow eyes.

"You'd better put on a great performance so I can really enjoy it."

Book 5, Chapter 5: The Thugs' Feast

Bell Craney

Lv.2

力量：G267→F365　耐久：H144→G271　灵巧：G288→F349　敏捷：F375→E469

Magic: H189→G270

Lucky: I

〖magic〗

【Flame Lightning】

·Quick attack magic.

〖Skill〗

Hero's Wish

• Has the power to implement active actions.

Inside the tent, Hestia told Bell about the newly updated [ability stats].

"Hmm...it's been a long time since I've risen this much in one go..."

"That's right..."

Since there was no paper or pen to write in the Common Language, the information was communicated verbally. However, as Hestia said, this was the largest increase in abilities since the upgrade. Not only the forced march from the 13th to the 18th floor, but also being chased by the floor master (Goliath) seemed to be enough to accumulate a large amount of experience points.

"However, it's not just about skill-related items; you've also accumulated higher-level [experience points]."

"what?"

"That's what you call a great achievement. This means your magnanimity (ability value) is one step closer to sublimation (upgrade)."

Seeing Bell standing there in a daze, Hestia smiled at him.

Being pushed to the limit and entering the 18th floor in a do-or-die situation seems to be considered a great achievement. Achieving great achievements and passing the test—these "leveling up" conditions don't necessarily require defeating monsters stronger than oneself, Bell thought as he put on his armor.

"Loki's kids are already getting ready to leave, let's hurry up and empty this tent."

"makes sense."

Today, the Loki Familia is departing from the 18th floor. An antidote was delivered from the surface last night, allowing the troops to move. Sounds of preparation for evacuation can be heard frequently outside Bell's tent.

Hestia was packing up the entire set of equipment for updating her [ability values], while Bell raised his hand to signal her and went outside first.

"What's with that brat coming?! I didn't hear about it!"

"That's why I didn't explain to you—okay, let's go—"

"Hey, what are you doing, you stupid Amazon!"

As many people began folding up their tents, the main members of the Loki Familia gathered on the outskirts of the camp and began to move in groups.

"Miss Ais!"

Bell spotted the long blonde hair at the very back of the group and, in a moment of panic, called out to her.

Ais stopped and turned around. She was fully armed, equipped with a chest protector, waist protector, and a sword.

Are you leaving already?

"Um... I've been assigned to the advance team."

Due to the limited width of the maze passages, it is difficult for a large "expedition" army to enter the 17th floor and above all at once, and it is also very crowded; therefore, they will split into two forces when embarking on the return journey.

Ais, Tiona, and others were assigned to the advance team.

As for Bell and his men, they were given permission to return to the surface with the subsequent troops.

“Um, um…”

"?"

As the vanguard, they will inevitably attack the floor master born directly above this floor.

The thought that she could only follow the safe routes they had pioneered made Bell feel sullen, and she truly realized the gap in strength between herself and others.

Even so, he still said something that was completely useless to the Sword Princess.

"...Please be careful."

"...You too, be careful."

Ais gave a small smile and answered in the same way.

"See you next time," she whispered, before heading with her companions into the cave leading to the 17th floor. Bell kept watching the retreating figures of the advance team, still far away, until they all disappeared into the depths of the cave.

"Lord Bell, shall we head back now?"

"Okay!"

Hearing Lily calling his name from behind, Belle turned around.

Bell walked with her to the center of the campsite around the campfire, checked their few belongings, and repaired their weapons before setting off.

"Here, bring Bell's too."

"Yes, thank you, Welf."

After Bell handed the two daggers to Welf, he began repairing them using a whetstone and other tools. The blades of Hestia's Blade and Ushiwakamaru were restored to their luster and sharpness.

Bell was mesmerized by what he saw, while Ming, who was standing nearby, seemed to have completed the repair process and equipped the Japanese sword (weapon).

"I'm sorry, Mr. Welf. We've also had to have you repair our weapons..."

"Don't worry about it. This is my profession anyway, so having three or four more sets of weapons won't be too much of a hassle."

"Were the tools purchased in 'Riviera'?"

"No, I borrowed it from my colleagues (those guys)..."

Welf, pointing to the skilled blacksmiths who hadn't left yet, answered Sakura's question wearily.

In the priceless town of Rivera, he only bought a secondhand large knife and Lily's backpack. Although Welf said he would get paid by Lily, his wallet was already severely depleted after buying just these two items.

He sat on the ground to carry out repairs, with the large knife and a rod-shaped object wrapped in white cloth beside him.

"By the way... where are Hermes and Miss Asphie?"

"The two of you said it's a rare opportunity, so you'd like to do some more sightseeing. Lady Asphie, looking tired, came to Lily and said, 'It's alright if we go back first.'"

"That guy's life is really tough..."

Listening to the conversation between Ming, Lily, and Welf, Bell thought of Ryu. She had told him yesterday when she took him back to the campsite that she was going back alone. Considering her past and her strength—Bell was extremely surprised to hear she was Level 4—it was understandable that she would say that.

Preparations for the return journey went smoothly. Bell looked up at the forest sky that was beginning to "morning" and thought: In the end, everyone scattered.

"Okay, have you taken your luggage?"

After putting the props into the elixir pouch that Nazha had given her, Hestia stepped out of the tent.

The campsite, nestled in the forest, was almost entirely shrouded in shade, its sunlight blocked out. Preparations for evacuation were nearly complete. In the deserted ruins of the camp, Hestia was folding up the borrowed tent, intending to call Bell and the others over.

"...Is anyone there?"

Hearing a rustling sound, Hestia turned around. She looked around again, but still couldn't see a single person on the grass under the shade of the trees. Was it the sound of leaves rustling? She looked up.

"—Ugh!"

Just then, her mouth was suddenly covered.

Not only that, but it felt as if a thick, strong arm was gripping her body, rendering her immobile. Surprisingly, there was no suspicious person in sight around Hestia. It even seemed as if she were acting alone, pretending to be tied up.