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

Luck: H Abnormal Resistance: H

"magic"

【Fire and Lightning】 · Quick-attack magic.

"Skill"

【Aspirations】 ·Precocious.

• Maintains the effect while simultaneously expressing feelings of longing

The stronger the longing, the greater the effect.

【Hero's Wish (Argonauts)】 · Possess the power to carry out active actions.

The Jewel of Daedalus

• The "key" to the man-made labyrinth Knossos. It can open and close "doors" made of the hardest metal (orogenic bronze).

The materials are refined metal (mithril) and the eyeballs of a descendant who inherited the bloodline of the master craftsman Daedalus. The eyeballs were extracted from corpses by his successors.

• A "D" mark appears in his eyeballs. From the bag that Ryu gave to Bell.

The actual method of acquisition is unknown. It seems that Ryu confiscated it from someone...?

Bell Craney

Affiliation: [Hestia Familia]

Race: human

Occupation: Adventurer

Arrival floor: 20th floor

Weapon: Hestia's Blade

Money held: 81200 Fari

Postscript to Volume 10

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Shichijo Tsuyoshi, a fellow student of GA Bunko and a fan of SRPGs.

"The cover of the released ninth volume of the main series looks like Little Dragon Girl (Qi Ji)!"

"...I didn't really think of that, but now that you mention it, it really does seem like it~"

Teacher Shichijo's "I understand everything" look, as if she could see right through people, really scared me to death.

I have a lot to say that I want to express myself on this forum.

The plot developments in the middle were so heartbreaking that I almost couldn't continue writing; there were too many characters, which bothered me and took up a lot of screen time, overshadowing the main characters and their companions; I couldn't fully express the presence of the female protagonist (Meng Niu); the thought of Zaoral's frustration at not succeeding even once in eight hundred years made me want to vomit; and then there was the little dragon girl (Qi Ji) that Teacher Qi Tiao mentioned, who broke free from the author's control at the last moment and spoke her own lines.

Although this episode was just as difficult for the author, the final event brought a sense of redemption. Thank you, Little Dragon Girl (Qi Ji). I'm sorry, I shouldn't have used the Staff of Orm every time.

In short, this is the tenth episode of the series. Thank you for your patience.

Reaching the tenth episode fills me with gratitude and deep emotion. I'm most pleased to finally have the opportunity to write about parts I've long wanted to write. Moving forward, I will continue to challenge myself with fantasy worldviews, diligently researching and creating engaging works.

On a different note, one drawback of splitting it into two parts is that the original plan was to publish the ninth volume of the main story and the fifth volume of the spin-off consecutively, using a so-called character switching system (zpaping system). For example, "that character's item is actually..." I originally wanted to fill in that development in the spin-off, but it turned out like this. I think readers who aren't following the spin-off might be confused, but I will make sure the main story's plot develops in a way that you can understand without reading the spin-off, so please rest assured.

Now, allow me to move on to the thank-you remarks.

To Mr. Kotaki, the editor in charge of the GA Bunko editorial department, Ms. Yasuda Suzuhito, who also added beautiful illustrations to this volume, and everyone involved, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Thanks to everyone's help, I have been able to persevere to the tenth volume of this main series. This is all thanks to you all, and more importantly, to every reader. Thank you for your continued support.

Furthermore, we were fortunate to have phonkan8-sensei illustrate the cover of the limited edition booklet released at the same time, and we are also grateful to kuji-e-sensei for her help with the completely new manga illustrations. Thank you both sincerely.

I hope to see you all again in the next episode. See you next time!

大森藤ノ

Volume 10 Illustrations

Volume 10 Bonus: A Magician's Observation Log

"I want you to monitor Bell Craney and the others, as well as the monster girl."

Under Uranus's orders, I, Fels, will begin monitoring and protecting the Hestia Familia, the dragon maiden (Vivel). After all, it's a rational monster that has come to the surface; there's nothing I can do about it.

While I can understand Uranus's concern for the "heretic's" wishes, I didn't expect him to deliberately leave it alone and observe the situation first... After all, one wrong step could lead to tragedy, and frankly, I was uneasy. But so be it, it's his divine will, and I, who have been taken in, will overcome all difficulties and fulfill my mission.

Starting today, I will send my familiar, the owl Garfield, to observe the Hestia Familia, and record the information I obtain from the oculus in the form of a diary. I cannot always be by Uranus's side, so I think this diary will suffice instead of reporting every time.

So, can the Hestia Familia truly become the hope for the "heretics"...? As always, I won't have too high expectations and will just wait and see.

*

Day 1 of observation.

During the day, the goddess Hestia and her crew left the headquarters, leaving only the dragon girl, the rookie adventurer, and another fox-girl at the manor. Their life together, even in what was merely a small garden called the manor's courtyard, was peaceful and serene.

The newly emerged adventurer who has recently garnered much attention in the city... Bell Craney seems to have captured the heart of a dragon girl. Observing the dragon girl's words and actions, one can guess that she must have just emerged from the dungeon, but I have never seen a "heretic" open up to an adventurer like that.

If we extrapolate further from the aforementioned conjecture, this might be a phenomenon similar to the imprinting effect. This inference is based on Bell Craney's response, and a subsequent dispute proved my observation correct.

Bell Craney smiled and accepted the dragon girl who was crying uncontrollably after unintentionally hurting someone. Even to an outsider, his eyes and actions were full of warmth.

It's funny, I can't deny that even after only writing the first page of the diary, I was already almost hopeful for that boy. The feeling of writing so furiously was perhaps bordering on excitement. And yet, I was secretly worried about Uranus's judgment—how incredibly realistic! The boy's lack of aversion to "heretics," and his refusal to use a rare monster like the dragon girl for personal gain, all of this piqued my interest in their encounter. If I ever have the chance, I really want to ask them how they met.

On the other hand, I also discovered an issue that needs to be noted during the observation process.

Judging from Bell Craney's reaction, he seemed to have noticed the familiar's (Garfield's) surveillance. No, I'm almost certain he noticed. He seems extremely sensitive to gazes directed at him. I'll have to re-evaluate my observation methods when the familiar returns.

After sunset, Hestia and the others returned to their manor to spend time together as a family. Perhaps due to Bell Crane's care and the fox-girl Haruhime Sanjou, the dragon girl began to grow closer to the members of the Hestia Familia. Their relationship became remarkably harmonious, including the commotion that occurred after their bath. Incidentally, Bell Crane, upon seeing the naked dragon girl and the half-naked Hestia and others, screamed and fainted.

However, speaking of taking a shower... I don't know when was the last time I used the bathroom?

A skeleton taking a bath is no longer empty, but ridiculous, which is why I always avoid taking baths, but I really wish I could have another chance to enjoy the feeling of hot water embracing flesh; but that's just wishful thinking.

To write such a monologue in my diary, it seems I unexpectedly enjoyed the process. To put it nicely, it's observation; in reality, it's voyeurism. Though crude, I never imagined that after eight hundred years, I would still retain a childlike heart. If the gods were to judge, perhaps I'm still just a "child."

However, let's consider this an added bonus; let me enjoy the pleasures I can. In times like these, we should always look to the gods, for when it comes to enjoying all the pleasures of the world, no one can surpass them.

I'm starting to get a little excited.

Let's see what changes will occur tomorrow.

Observe on the second day.

The incident happened unexpectedly.

The description process is too cumbersome, so please allow me to directly quote their statements:

"Why did Lady Winnie and Goddess Hestia leave Lord Bell's room so early in the morning!? Didn't you make a secret agreement with Lily when you joined the guild, promising not to run away?!"

"I...I did it for Winnie's own good, I wanted to sleep with Belle to keep her company...! I just wanted her to feel the warmth of others, I had absolutely no intention of betraying my conscience...!?"

"This...this ...

"Are you insulting me, a virgin goddess—Haruhime?! And what do you mean by saying I dragged Winnie into this?!"

It seems so.

What's going on with this "Family" thing...?

The whole thing boils down to a petty squabble between women, but Bell Craney just helplessly flounders in the middle. The dragon girl clings to the bewildered Wo Ming, screaming and crying in terror at Hestia and the others' menacing faces—it's a living hell. Welf Crozzo just sighs the whole time, and even as an outsider, I can't help but worry that he might be accumulating too much mental fatigue.

It seems that, aside from Wa Mikoto, about 80% of the women in the Hestia Familia harbor feelings for Bell Crane. ...What's wrong with this Familia?

I've seen many so-called "familias" established by the main gods in a harem-like state, such as the goddess Freya or the god Apollo, but... putting aside the dragon girl for now, was this faction formed to support Bell Crane? As far as I can see, that boy doesn't seem like a master of romance, a womanizer, or the kind of vulgar person who would spout nonsense like "I want to pursue a harem of this and that~"... Ha, even imagining it makes me laugh.

In short, their aggressive attitude will have a very negative impact on education when protecting newborn "heretics." Completely opposite to yesterday, I'm starting to feel intensely uneasy.

In that case, I might need to investigate the relationships centered around Bell Craney...

The third day of observation, in the morning.

Continuous observation with Bell Craney as the central figure has taught me a variety of things.

For example, he didn't become the nominal leader because of his seniority, but because he was trusted by the main god and the members. This remained unchanged even though he was the youngest in the faction and sometimes made ridiculous mistakes that were hard to watch.

From the group members' perspective, this trust might simply be the affection older siblings have for their younger brother. However, while the boy's words and actions were foolish, they also attracted those around him. People were willing to believe him and support him. Especially Hestia, whose attitude I felt was particularly pronounced.

Needless to say, the dragon girl's encounter with the boy was perhaps the result of fate, which led to the formation of the current [Hestia Familia].

The following incident occurred today:

How did Haruhime meet Bell?

"I... am in the city that never sleeps on the outskirts of this city (Orario). Just like Lady Winnie back then... that lady and Lady Fate together rescued me from there."

"Hehe, back then, Lord Bell even had the intention of leaving the city, Lady Haruhime. He told me with great pride that he was willing to elope to protect you, and that he would definitely come back here when he became stronger."

"Huh!? Is this...is this real!?"

"Yes, I also responded to his wish. My heart was touched by him. Even in his pain, he still thought of you, and the words he spoke... made me overjoyed."

"...Okay, Haruhime."

This happened in the atrium where Bell Craney was not present.

The fox-girl let out a strange "Hawoo~" sound, her face flushed red as she twisted and turned, her beautifully furred tail swaying like a dog's. Her thoughts were very easy to understand.

Sanjou Haruhime.

From the first day I observed her until now, I knew she harbored a clear affection for Bell Crane. According to her faction information registered in the guild as a new member, there was a passage mentioning "formerly belonged to a major faction (Ishtar Familia)." Recalling the conversation we just had, something must have happened between her and Bell Crane during the large-scale conflict sparked by the Freya Familia. A girl who once fell into the abyss of despair, selling herself—no, redeeming herself… one can imagine that she must have had a corresponding love story back then, something truly enviable.

She said she was rescued by the boy, and among the [Familia], she was the one who loved the dragon girl the most. Whether this stemmed from pity or empathy born of similar circumstances, or from genuine compassion, remains unknown. Only one thing is certain: her feelings for him were no less than her rejection, disgust, and prejudice against "monsters." When the dragon girl wasn't with Bell Crane, she mostly acted with Sanjou Haruhime, opening her heart to the girl who had first become close to her. Perhaps this was an ideal pursued by Uranus and the "heretics"—that fox-girl possessed a rare and precious heart.

Wa-mei was either a Far Eastern samurai or a young female ninja who served her.

The two must be from the same hometown, as their relationship suggested a long-standing camaraderie. She was initially flustered, but under the persuasion of Sanjou Haruhime, she seemed to be trying to accept the dragon girl. There was still a part of her that remained wary of the girl's monstrous nature, yet her bluish-purple eyes, gazing at the dragon girl playing with Sanjou Haruhime, softened with tenderness.

While this is just my personal opinion, I believe her stance within the Hestia Familia is similar to Welf Crozzo's—moderate. She doesn't condone everything, but she's not entirely ruthless either. I think she's earnest and loyal, and most importantly, she seems to treat the members like family. Her decision to switch factions shows she's more innocent than anyone else.

Both Haruhime Sanjou and Mikoto Yamato's attitudes toward the dragon girl were derived from Bell Crane. Everything about them was two sides of the same coin, reflecting their trust in that boy.

If it weren't for Bell Craney's role in the middle, they probably wouldn't have the relationship they have now.

Like Reed and his companions, who were repeatedly abandoned... like many "heretics," the dragon girl had never had the opportunity to understand people and should have been persecuted long ago.

Am I overpraising Bell Crane? But without certain factors, the scene I witnessed would have been impossible to achieve, that's for sure. There's such a vast divide between humans and "monsters."

If someone says he's just a pushover who grants every request, I can't argue with that... However, I'd rather believe that Bell Craney's foolish behavior, and the trusting eyes of the girls who look at him, still bring a smile to the face of this "heretic."

Daytime of observation, third day.

Lilyluka Erd is a realist.

Today, I confirmed that.

At that time, Bell Craney and the others were gathered in a room in the mansion, chatting and laughing around the dragon girl, but she alone did not join the group. No, that's not entirely accurate. In fact, she was deliberately keeping her distance even more than a few days ago. It was as if she was contradicting the closer relationships with Sanjou Haruhime and the others, or perhaps she was being wary of herself.

Among the Hestia Familia, she has had the least contact with the dragon girl. Since I began monitoring her, she has gone to great lengths to avoid interacting with her. The way she observes the dragon girl from afar is no different from the way she looks at any other monster; her eyes are practically covered by a thin layer of ice. However, only today, at Welf Crozo's instigation, did the dragon girl actively approach and hug her, causing her to roar in fury. Perhaps it can only be blamed on her being a dwarf (Palum).

Based on our inside information, she is probably the one we need to pay the most attention to.

She is someone who can weigh things on a scale, and at the same time, she is a little person who knows how to make choices.

When the time comes, Lilyluka Erd will likely prioritize her [Family] and push the dragon girl aside without hesitation.

I wouldn't call her cruel.

Because it was an experience she had no choice but to go through, and it was from that experience that she learned resilience.

According to her personal file, she belonged to the Soma Kinkaku (family) before transferring her registration. Because she was familiar with the world of the lower classes, she was able to face reality directly and was never overly optimistic. She cultivated a habit of objectively assessing situations at all times.

In fact, setting aside the leader Bell Craney, the goddess Hestia and Liliruka Erd are the core figures of the [Familia]. Since the goddess Hestia cannot accompany them to dungeons and other locations, battlefield command and decision-making are likely to be entirely entrusted to her. We might call her an advisor.

Among this [Family], she is perhaps the one most similar to me. I am aware that I had already embraced the dark side of humanity before being taken in by Uranus, and Liliruka Erd's occasional sideways expressions resonate with me for moments. When I need to play my cards, talking to her first might be a solution.

Interestingly, even someone like her harbors feelings for Bell Craney and sacrifices herself for him. However, she often willingly becomes the target of everyone's attacks to shield the boy from malice. This might sound strange, but her attitude is like that of a knight sworn to serve—no, perhaps "a knight's page" would be more accurate. Add to that her appearance, and she's undeniably charming and endearing. It's just that endearing quality that I lack.

...This isn't right, I'm acting strangely.

What am I writing? Am I going to show this to Uranus?

Although I can imagine that even if I were to present him with this log, he would calmly read the entire text without changing his expression, but... it would be embarrassing for me.

Perhaps I should prepare another, more meticulously detailed journal? No, but…

(The logbook shows numerous scribbles and traces of carefully cut pages.)

Closer to home.

Now, let's talk about Welf Crozo.