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

however--

"I'm really defeated by those guys from the Hermes Familia. I never expected them to double-track me."

Their plans were thwarted by another faction that was tracking them.

Just as Bell and his companions were being used as bait, adventurers from another faction secretly followed Dix and his group.

The discovery of the Hermes Familia using magical artifacts for tracking was purely accidental. It was Dix who noticed the movements of the bear-like creature with its keen sense of smell—almost as if it could detect someone invisible—and sensed something was amiss. He then ordered his crew to stop tracking and flee immediately.

Enemy adventurers appeared and chased after them, causing the group to scatter and escape within the "Great Tree Labyrinth," leading to the current situation.

This is the truth behind the multiple gazes Bell sensed in front of the Tower of Babel before setting off on his mandatory mission.

On one side were the members of the Ikelos Familia, including Dix, and on the other side were the Hermes Familia.

"Damn it, that chief god (Ikelos) is really something. I just thought he was going to come in handy, and sure enough, he's sabotaging me again."

Dix cursed his own god.

Ikeros, who had come running in grinning to report "Caught red-handed by Hermes and his gang," wasn't here. He was probably waiting to see how the three-way conflict would unfold—whether anything interesting would happen centered around his own [Familia]. He was certain that he and the others had become pawns on the chessboard, used to please the gods.

Having had similar experiences several times before, and knowing the chief god's tastes inside and out, Dix smirked and said, "That stinky god."

"It's the Hermes Familia investigating us everywhere... Wait, since our smuggling was exposed, does that mean the guild knows about it too? Ugh! This is incredibly troublesome."

A secret, mandatory mission issued by Uranus and others.

Bell and his crew, who sent Winnie to "Secret Village," also played the role of "bait," luring Dix and other hunters who were capturing "heretics."

This is the full picture of mandatory tasks.

"Well, anyway, those guys didn't make a move when we were tracking those kids... which means we had the upper hand in combat. They're probably trying to find out the location of this place (the secret base)."

They wanted to catch Dicks and the others red-handed when they returned to their residence.

Deeks interpreted the other person's thoughts in this way and laughed.

"W-What do we do, Dix? If this continues..."

"What else can we do? How can we stop something so fun? You guys are clearly having a lot of fun too."

Dix glanced casually at the alien-like figure that emerged from the cage, resembling a human, and let out a laugh from his throat. That cruel and sarcastic laugh sent shivers down the spines of most of the beings imprisoned in the cage.

"If the management organization (guild) is involved, they certainly don't want to reveal a talking monster to the world. We have limited pieces to use... let's keep hunting."

Dicks stood up and played with the spear in his hand as he walked.

"I think I know pretty much where the 'nest' is located. Let's use this trick that I haven't used in a long time." He took a full ten steps in front of the row of black cages.

Then I stood in front of a cage where I held my breath and remained quiet.

A faint scream escaped from inside the cage.

"You're the one—you'll be put to good use, right?"

He thrust the twisted spear into the cage, and soon, a deafening scream broke out.

Postscript to Volume

I always try to make sure that the main story of a book has a conclusion.

Generally speaking, it takes at least three months to release a sequel to a light novel. As you get older, three months might seem like a short time, passing in the blink of an eye; however, I don't think that's the case for you young people. At least I remember when I was a teenager, three months felt like a very long time.

Of course, I think that for readers of all ages, it would be best to release a sequel as soon as possible. The desire to see a sequel is a universal human trait. So, while I understand that the "teasing" parts of a story are very important, I always remind myself that even if the number of pages increases slightly, I must bring it to a close within the book itself.

After all that talk, yes, I didn't do it this time.

This story has been split into two parts: volume nine and the next volume (volume ten). Everyone, I'm truly sorry. I shamelessly boasted before that "the third part begins!" It was so embarrassing, ugh…! I deeply feel my inadequacy this time, and I really need to improve.

To briefly mention the content of this episode, this time it should be considered a step into a new realm.

I've wanted to realize this plot point since the very first volume of the main story, but for the author, it also involved an element of "adventure."

The new version adds a lot of fantasy elements, which may surprise readers who have read the first few installments of the series.

The main storyline and events of the past remain, but new elements have been added. Furthermore, the characters who appeared in the spin-offs have successfully reunited. I will continue to work hard to make the story more exciting and engaging.

Changing the subject, regarding the content of the previous episode, Chapter 4 of Episode 8, "Dear Protector of Flowers," is a revised version of the short story of the same name published in GA Bunko Magazine. I forgot to write the afterword for Episode 8, I apologize very much.

Although this postscript is a bit messy, please allow me to proceed with the acknowledgments.

Editor Kotaki-sama, the artist who took time out of their busy schedules to create beautiful illustrations for the story, and everyone else involved—thank you all for your support in this volume. And to all the readers who graciously purchased this book, my deepest gratitude goes to you all.

Regarding the next episode, the Sword Maiden (the female lead), who didn't appear at all in this episode, will have ample screen time. The rumored blackened bull (the female lead) will also appear, leading to an unprecedented clash between the two female leads.

Since it will be released in two parts, I will try my best to get the sequel to everyone as soon as possible, so please be patient.

Thank you for reading this far.

Please continue to support me in the next episode.

Goodbye.

大森藤ノ

Illustrations for Volume 9

Appendix to Volume 9: A Scene from a Past Day

"Ah...is Winnie asleep?"

"Yeah, I guess they were having too much fun and got tired..."

When Bell returned to the cool shade of the trees, he saw the dragon girl sleeping on the goddess's lap.

It's been four days since we started protecting the alien girl, and the afternoon sun is shining brightly with a hint of heat. Until just now, Hestia and Winnie had been laughing and playing together in the courtyard of the mansion.

Even though she rarely has time for him due to work and other commitments, perhaps it's fair to say she truly lives up to her goddess status. Aside from Bell and Haruhime, Hestia is Winnie's closest friend. Hestia, burning with competitive spirit towards the Renarts, has employed her ultimate weapon—fried potato balls—and launched a baiting tactic, among other efforts, all of which have yielded results.

Today, the forging goddess (Hephaestus), who knows the inside story, turns a blind eye and grants her a leave of absence.

"I'm sorry to have troubled the gods..."

"It's nothing, it's okay. I'm happy to spend time with this girl."

In the sunlight filtering through the leaves of summer, Hestia tenderly stroked Winnie. The girl seemed ticklish, a faint smile appearing on her face, and slept soundly on the goddess's lap.

This peaceful scene caught Bell's attention, and he slowly sat down beside the main god.

"God... I'm so sorry. I brought Winnie here without permission, and it's caused trouble for the Familia..."

Bell had wanted to apologize for a long time. He didn't regret saving the girl, but his own arbitrary actions had burdened the goddess and her faction. Just as he was caught between his feelings for the girl and his self-reproach... "Bell," Hestia interrupted him.

"I am the goddess of the hearth (Hestia), you know? Whether it's a human or an animal... even a monster, as long as they are a helpless lost child, I will lend a helping hand."

Hestia, her smile radiating kindness, lowered her gaze subtly.

"Besides, I also...want to love this girl."

She couldn't help but utter words filled with longing, and once again stroked the girl's silvery-blue hair.

Belle, her eyes wide open, felt a certain emotion stirring within her, and she quietly placed her hand on it, just like her.

"Um……"

"Oops, did I wake you up?"

Winnie opened her eyes slightly and looked up at the goddess and boy whose hands were placed on her head.

The girl originally wanted to call him Belle, Fairy... but instead, she revealed a peaceful smile with her sleepy eyes.

"Father, Mother..."

The way the name was murmured, as if recalling something that had happened sometime in the past, made both the boy (Bell) and the goddess (Hestia) blush.

Soon the two men, who had been looking at each other in bewilderment, broke into smiles and laughed with the girl like family.

Volume 9 Bonus: Ryu's Short Fairy Romance

The online translation is from the Kingdom of Light

Translation: Wanderer

"It's good that you made it in time for the evening opening hours, but please let me know in advance if you need to close. Thank you for your help."

"I'm sorry, Mia's mother." Ryu said, bowing her head as she apologized to the proprietress as she walked into the bustling night tavern, "The Abundant Mistress."

Ryu, who had taken half a day off to fulfill Bell's request, returned from the dungeon and, as compensation for the trouble she had caused everyone, is now busy working with Hill and the others.

"Hey, fairy, I'm really grateful for your kindness today."

Ryu, who was greeting a customer, narrowed her eyes and said to the customer who had just entered the store, "You are...?"

【Lijie】Aisha Belka. A female warrior (Amazon) who, along with Ryu, accepted Belka's request today.

"Don't worry, I'm just here for a drink. I don't plan to talk about your real identity."

Ryu sighed as Aisha waved her hand and casually sat down at a round table for two, then asked, "...Please order."

After Ryu delivered the jug of beer he had ordered, Aisha struck up a conversation with Ryu with a mischievous grin.

"You seem to care a lot about Bell Craney, don't you?"

What do you want to say?

"I can tell just by the scent, you're such a rigid fairy. But even so, you still allowed that kid in your heart. It makes me quite interested. I'd like to hear what that male is like in your eyes, and things like that."

Ryu sighed again and left immediately. But every time she passed near Aisha, she was approached with questions like, "What do you like about that male?" "Is it his strength after all?" "Have you already slept with him?" "You've already kissed him on the lips, haven't you?" "How did it taste?" "A rare human, you'll probably want children, right?" The questions gradually turned into lewd ones. Ryu completely ignored these questions.

Aisha sighed dramatically as she looked at the serious and rigid fairy.

"Tch, fairies are so boring. Rugged dwarves are much more interesting."

This statement immediately angered Ryu.

An angry Liu stopped abruptly and replied.

"I don't have that kind of unusual hobby, nor could I possibly indulge in carnal desires. In the end, it's simply impossible for us to suddenly become intimate."

Then Ryu looked up with her clear blue eyes and said.

"First, in a deserted forest at night, we must swear our eternal love to the moon."

Aisha was stunned upon hearing these words; her eyes narrowed into dots.

"...It really surprises me that you're such a dreamer."

"..."

Liu quickly turned and left Aisha's table. Her pointed ears were stained red as she left.

After that, when she went to order food for the slyly smiling heroine, she found herself in an embarrassing situation where she was being tricked.

Sword Oratoria 5 Gaiden: Prologue - Water and a Moment of Rest

The Taiwanese version is from the Kingdom of Light

Image source: Otonashi

Scan image: Wind

Input by: Xiaomantou

Photo editing: Hayami Iori

So comfortable.

The sensation of cool water enveloping her entire body gave Ais this idea.

(……call.)

Tan Xinsheng, who was exposed from his own lips, was far away. Not only that, the sound of water splashing around him sounded as if there was a membrane covering his ears, and the soft, popping bubbles slid and caressed his ears and skin.

Ais appears in her most primal, newborn form.

Her eyes were closed, her breasts formed twin peaks, and her navel and abdomen were delicate. Water droplets slid over her soft skin and floated on the surface. Her beautiful golden hair spread out in a fan shape, swaying in the water along with her supple limbs.

Coupled with her goddess-like eyebrows, the image of her nestled at the boundary between air and water possesses a mysterious beauty, even reminiscent of a "fairy" dwelling in a forest spring. Anyone with a talent for painting would surely want to capture this beautiful scene in a painting.

As the tension in my mind slowly eased, the stiffness and fatigue that had been building up throughout my body, from my hands to my feet, gradually melted away, and I experienced a moment of ultimate enjoyment.

Right now, she just wants to forget everything and let this watery world embrace her.

With a tremor in her delicate throat, Ais sighed again, thinking to herself.

"...?"