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Good morning everyone, here's a new chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
There's also some news: the next chapter is finished and just needs editing.
However, it won't be published for another four or five days. Until then, the chapter will only be available on Patreon (possibly tomorrow). But that doesn't mean you're obligated to buy a membership. This is mainly because I want to reward the five people who already have a monthly subscription, even though I haven't given them much to justify donating.
Patreon: Thegamer2403
Thank you all, and see you next week!
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Ouranos sat on his throne in the underground chamber beneath the Guild's main building. The light was quite dim, enough to barely make out any shapes. The silence of the place remained constant, broken only by his voice.
Hermes stood before him, his hands in his pockets, watching him intently.
"The Dungeon's aggression is getting worse" Ouranos said calmly. "Its activity has increased, and the pressure it exerts… it's not what it used to be. If this continues, we could face a total catastrophe."
Hermes bowed his head slightly.
"So we're at that point now" he replied. "What's the plan?"
Ouranos did not answer immediately. He kept his gaze straight ahead.
"The Guild is already preparing measures for adventurers... with what is necessary to prevent the situation from escalating any faster than it already is."
Hermes nodded slowly.
"That just scratches the surface" he said. "But I don't think you called me just to hear that."
Ouranos barely glanced at him.
"There's another problem" he continued. "The Xenos Villages inside the Dungeon."
Hermes let out a short sigh.
"Of course… it had to be that."
He remained silent for a moment, thinking. Then he spoke aloud, as if organizing his thoughts.
"So you want me to protect them."
Ouranos shook his head.
"No. Protecting them inside the Dungeon is no longer enough. If its aggressive activity continues to increase, even those areas will no longer be safe. The wisest course of action is to move them outside… at least temporarily."
Hermes brought a hand to his head, scratching it with some annoyance.
"That sounds good in theory" he said. "But in practice, it's another story entirely. Getting all of the Xenos out without anyone noticing is complicated enough. Even with my Familia helping, moving a group like that without raising suspicion is going to be extremely difficult."
The messenger god paused for a second before continuing.
"And then there's the problem of where to take them. You can't hide them in the middle of the surface. Sooner or later someone is going to see them."
Ouranos listened without interrupting.
Hermes lowered his hand and remained thoughtful for a few more seconds.
They were on a complicated mission, they had to move beings that couldn't be seen, as quick as possible. Unless they had a way to transport them rapidly, efficiently, and relatively subtly. It wasn't like they could just dig a tunnel straight to the hideout.
Wait a minute…
His expression barely changed, as if something had clicked.
"…Alhough" Hermes murmured.
He looked up again.
"…I have an idea."
Ouranos watched him attentively.
"Speak."
"I'm going to need help" Hermes said. "Someone I know I can trust. Because I can't do this alone."
Ouranos showed no immediate reaction.
"Are you willing to share the secret of the Xenos with "that person"?"
Hermes nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. And I don't think he'll react badly to the matter, all things considered."
Ouranos remained silent for a moment, evaluating.
"Who is it?"
Hermes let out a small smile.
"Bell Cranel."
The name was left up in the air.
For the first time in the conversation, Ouranos showed a slight change in his expression. His eyes opened just enough to indicate surprise.
He remembered that boy.
The bearer of Artemis's Spear. The adventurer who had been at the center of several recent incidents. And, according to what Loki had mentioned during Freya's trial, he was also that Goddess's Odr.
Ouranos squinted again, resuming his usual posture.
He thought about it calmly.
Bell Cranel was no ordinary Adventurer. His growth had been rapid, and his mannerisms set him apart from the rest. If Hermes trusted him with something like this, it was for a reason; it wasn't a decision taken lightly.
Furthermore, the situation with the Xenos could easily escalate.
If their existence were made public, the reaction from several Familias would be immediate. Among them, the Loki Familia. Ouranos was well aware of the stance of several members of the Loki Familia toward Monsters. There would be no initial negotiation nor convincing. They would be the ones to act first, without hesitation or mercy.
In that scenario, someone capable of intervening them was needed.
Only a few Familias could cope with something like that. Among them was the Freya Familia. But relying solely on them wasn't a stable option.
Bell Cranel, on the other hand, occupied a particular position.
His connection with Freya, though complicated, could serve as a point of equilibrium. It wouldn't be a direct solution, but it could be a factor that helps prevent the situation from spiraling out of control from the start.
A margin of maneuver.
Insurance.
Ouranos opened his eyes again.
"I understand" he said.
Hermes looked at him silently, waiting for a clear answer.
"You may proceed" Ouranos continued. "If you believe he is truly the right person for the task, then I will trust your judgment."
Hermes nodded.
"I'll take care of talking to him."
"Proceed with caution, however." Ouranos added. "The situation is already unstable. Any mistake could accelerate what we're trying to avoid and prevent from happening."
Hermes raised a hand to show that he understood.
"I know."
He turned around, ready to leave.
Hermes climbed the stairs of the Guild building without hurrying. The change in atmosphere was noticeable as soon as he left the underground chamber behind. The air above was lighter, and the sounds of the city gradually returned.
Upon leaving, he found Asfi waiting for him, and when she saw him, she simply started walking beside him.
"Hermes-sama is lucky" she said after a few steps, "…that Ouranos-sama called you today, just when you had finally recovered."
Hermes barely smiled.
"Anyone can make a mistake."
Asfi gritted her teeth when she heard that.
"A mistake is stumbling" she replied curtly. "Yours turned our entire headquarters upside down."
Hermes continued walking, as if the comment had nothing to do with him.
"You're exaggerating! Besides, it was fun."
"I had to put up with you for three days" she continued, ignoring the reply. "Three days of your drunkenness. THREE. I barely slept."
Hermes raised a hand, downplaying the matter.
"But here I am, as good as new."
"Yes… like new." Asfi said, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
Her tone made it clear that she wasn't convinced.
Hermes didn't answer. He quickened his pace slightly, turning onto one of the streets that led toward the residential area. His direction was clear.
Asfi followed him without stopping, although his expression remained tense.
"Where do we go now?" She asked.
"Hestia's mansion." he replied bluntly.
Asfi frowned and made a comment.
But Hermes' attention was no longer on the conversation. His body continued walking, but his mind was elsewhere.
Bell Cranel.
It had been a while since the God had spoken to him directly. And a conversation like the one he had in mind now was different. This time there was a clear purpose.
And an opportunity.
Hermes let out a small smile.
For him, a Hero's story wasn't just a series of victories. The turning point was something else entirely. There was always a moment when the Hero understood that the world didn't work as he expected. That there were people who couldn't be saved. Or that he had to learn to cope with people's hatred.
Each of those moments were extremely important.
It made the difference between someone who just reacted to situations around them… and someone who truly chose to do the right thing.
The Xenos fit well into that category.
Monsters that can think, that can speak, that can desire to live. Their very existence shattered many ideas that many Adventurers took for granted. For someone like his friend's grandson, who, for Hermes, saw the world as entering a bonafide fairy tale, saving the damsels in distress, and achieving glory, fortune, and fame, the impact could be profound.
Hermes saw it as a necessary stage in order for Bell to grow into a proper Hero.
"Are you even listening to me, Hermes-sama?" Asfi asked, pulling him out of his thoughts a little.
Hermes looked at her for a moment.
"Clear as day."
"It sure doesn't seem like it."
"Relax, I really am listening."
Hermes looked ahead again.
If everything went as planned, Bell would find himself in a situation that would force him to make a decision. Simply being strong wasn't enough. Nor was wanting to help others. There were times when helping some meant opposing others.
And that didn't always end well.
The incident with the Xenos was perfect for that.
It wasn't because it was easy, but it's exactly because it wasn't.
If Bell reacted as expected, he would take a step forward. If he hesitated, that would also be useful. Either way, he would learn and grow.
And if the situation didn't develop that way…
Hermes narrowed his eyes slightly.
He could always intervene.
Not directly. But the God of Thieves could adjust the circumstances, nudge things here and there, and create the right scenario for that moment to arrive.
After all, stories don't always move forward on their own.
Sometimes they just needed a little push.
A Hero in training.
With potential, with willpower… and with a worldview that had not yet been fully tested.
Hermes maintained his slight smile.
He would soon see how Bell would react.
And, if necessary, he would make sure that moment takes place.
…
Bell sat in one of the armchairs in the main room. He kept his back straight, though he occasionally shifted his position slightly due to the discomfort in his body. The pain was still there, milder than before, but enough to remind him that he hadn't moved in quite some time.
Beside him, Hestia was practically glued to him.
They weren't even talking much. She just glanced at him every now and then, as if making sure he was still there. Sometimes she'd smooth his hair, other times she'd simply rest her shoulder against his.
At the front, Haruhime and Mikoto were conversing in hushed tones. Lena was reclining on another armchair, her arms crossed, staring at the ceiling as if she could finally relax a little.
The atmosphere was calm.
Enveloped by a comfortable silence, interrupted by occasional comments.
Then there was a knock at the door.
Hestia immediately raised her head.
"Ah! It's here!" she said, getting up quickly. "I ordered something special just for today."
She approached the entrance with light steps. She opened the door without thinking much about it.
On the other side were Hermes and Asfi.
Hermes raised a hand with a smile.
"Hello, good—"
The door slammed shut in his face.
A second later, Hestia returned to the room as if nothing had happened. Her expression was completely neutral.
"The order hasn't arrived yet" she said, sitting down again next to Bell.
There was a brief silence.
Lena raised an eyebrow.
"...Are you sure?"
Before Hestia could answer, there was another knock at the door.
This time, Mikoto let out a low sigh and stood up.
"I will go open it."
She walked to the entrance and opened it unhurriedly. Hermes was still there, in the same position, with his hand raised. Asfi was beside him, with an expression of clear annoyance.
"Thank you" said Hermes, entering as if none of that had ever happened.
Asfi followed him, glancing for a moment at Hestia and Bell before looking away.
Hermes took a few steps into the room. His smile was still there, relaxed, as if he hadn't just been ignored.
Hestia looked at him with obvious irritation.
"What do you want, Hermes?"
"What a cold reception" Hermes remarked, tilting his head slightly. "Did I do something to deserve that?"
Hestia crossed her arms.
"The only times you show up are by accident or because you need something from Bell-kun" she replied bluntly. "And since you came straight here, it's not hard to guess what it is."
Hermes scratched the back of his neck, letting out a short laugh.
"Well… yes. A little."
He took another step forward, looking towards Bell.
"But it's not a bad thing either."
Bell held his gaze for a second. His expression was calm, although a certain weariness was noticeable in his eyes.
"What do you need, Lord Hermes?" he asked.
Hermes lowered his hand and took a breath, as if organizing what he was going to say.
"I want to ask for your help with a small task I have."
"No thanks." "No!" Bell and Hestia's voices sounded at the same time.
"I knew you'd understand… What?" Hermes said with his usual smile until it faded and an expression of pure surprise appeared.
His eyes widened, while on the other hand Asfi stared intently at her God.
He didn't expect to be rejected so quickly.
Hermes froze, his mouth slightly open and his hand still suspended in midair. Asfi, for her part, let out a long sigh and crossed her arms, observing the scene with a mixture of weariness and a hint of satisfaction at seeing her God so speechless.
Hermes blinked several times, barely regaining his composure. He placed a hand on his chest, feigning deep pain.
"Bell-kun… that hurts. Right in the heart" the cunning God said dramatically, though his eyes were already assessing the situation. "You didn't even let me explain what it's about. It could be something of utmost importance to the world, a mission that…"
"Lord Hermes…" Bell interrupted with unwavering politeness, though his voice sounded weary. "I beg you not to continue that sentence."
Bell shifted slightly in the armchair, letting out a soft groan from the discomfort in his abdomen.
"Honestly" Bell looked at Hestia and then at his companions, "…all I want right now is to eat whatever Kami-sama ordered and to rest. I don't want to have missions, I don't want to deal with anything complicated, and most of all, I don't want to do anything."
Hermes, who for a second seemed genuinely disconcerted, recovered his mask with the speed of a professional. He took a small step forward, lowering his voice to sound more intimate, almost confidential.
"I understand, Bell-kun. I truly understand" Hermes said, extending his hands harmlessly. "I wouldn't bother you if it were just a whim of mine. But this… this isn't a commission from the Hermes Familia. It's a personal request that Ouranos-sama has put before me."
Hestia opened her eyes in surprise, but immediately regained her composure and jumped to her feet, physically placing herself between Hermes and Bell.
"I don't care if it comes from Ouranos himself or from the entirety of Heaven!" she exclaimed, sparks of divinity flashing in her irritated eyes. "Bell-kun can barely hold a fork without his chest hurting. Ouranos will have to find another Adventurer or wait patiently. My child isn't going anywhere."
Hermes did not look at Hestia; he kept his eyes fixed on Bell, appealing to that glimmer of doubt he saw appear in the boy when he mentioned the Guild God.
"It's not a combat mission, Bell-kun. No Raids, no Floor Monsters" Hermes continued with a gentle smile, dismissing the matter with a wave of his hand. "Ouranos-sama needs to transport some individuals with complete discretion, and it just so happens that you have… well, the exact profile to ensure their safe arrival without raising suspicion. It'll be quick. Get in, use your abilities to facilitate the journey, and be back before Hestia's soup gets cold."
Bell lowered his gaze to his hands, which rested in his lap. The mention of Ouranos weighed heavily on him. He knew that the God who held the reins of Orario didn't ask for favors lightly, and if Hermes was telling the truth, refusing him felt like turning his back on a responsibility that was rightfully his as an Adventurer.
"Bell-kun, don't even think about it…" Hestia warned, noticing how her son's back tensed slightly, losing that relaxed feeling of rest.
"It would just be helping them cross safely, right?" Bell asked quietly.
His voice sounded divided between the exhaustion that begged him to stay in the armchair and that desire to help that always ended up pushing him forward. He looked at Hestia, trying to convey that he understood her concern, but the conflict was already brewing.
After a few seconds, Bell nodded slowly.
"Alright... if it's something quick and Ouranos-sama needs it, I'll help."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Hermes's smile widened, feeling that victory was already in his grasp. However, beside him, Asfi's expression was quite different. She kept her gaze fixed on Bell, noticing the shadows under his eyes and how his shoulders seemed a lot heavier than usual. Although she understood the importance of Ouranos-sama's request, she couldn't help but feel a pang of pity; seeing someone so gaunt accepting more burdens out of a pure sense of duty was difficult to watch.
Asfi made a promise to herself: she would ensure Hermes didn't complicate things more than absolutely necessary. She would lighten the boy's load, even if it meant being even stricter with her own God.
But the calm lasted only a moment. Hestia leaped from her seat as if propelled by a spring.
"Listen to me carefully, Hermes!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him that trembled with rage. "You are going to take care of my Bell-kun. If he returns with even a single scratch, if he overexerts himself, or if I see him shed a single drop of blood for this task… I swear that I will personally send you back to Heaven in the most painful way possible."
Hermes kept his smile, although it became a little more rigid.
"Of course, of course, Hestia-chan. You have nothing to worry about, it will be a walk in the park."
Suddenly, the air in the room grew heavy. The usual warmth of the Goddess of the Hearth vanished, replaced by a somber expression and a gaze so icy it seemed to drain the color from the room.
"I wasn't joking."
A drop of cold sweat trickled down the messenger god's temple. Hestia's tone was quite different from that of a tantrum; it was the warning of a Goddess protecting what she loved most.
"I-I understand…" Hermes stammered, feeling a chill run down his spine as he thought to himself that if anything went wrong, he was truly screwed. "I'll take good care of him. I promise."
Hestia kept her gaze fixed on Bell for a long silence. Her cheeks were still flushed with anger, but seeing the boy's calm and determined expression, her resolve finally crumbled. She couldn't be angry with him; not when she knew that his willingness to help was precisely what made him Bell.
She sighed, letting the tension leave her shoulders, and moved closer to encircle him in a firm embrace, burying her face against his chest for a moment. Then, she stood on tiptoe and, cupping Bell's face in her hands, placed a soft kiss on his forehead.
"Come back soon" she said in a soft voice, heavy with that maternal weight that only appeared when worry outweighed jokes. "Don't push yourself. Remember, your home is waiting for you here."
Bell nodded with a small, comforting smile.
"I'll be back before you know it, Kami-sama."
He parted from her and walked toward the entrance, where Hermes and Asfi waited silently. Hermes gave Hestia one last nod, a quick farewell before the mansion door closed behind them, leaving the warmth of the fireplace behind for the cool evening air of Orario.
Hestia stood alone in the hall, staring at the wooden door with a tightness in her chest that she couldn't shake. She had the strange, painful feeling that she had just sent Bell back to the lion's den, and that what Hermes called "a walk" would turn into something that would change her son forever.
All she could do was wait, hoping that luck would be on the white-haired boy's side once again.
"..."
"..."
"I think we forgot to tell him that elf had requested for his presence as soon as he woke up" Lena said, trying to calm the atmosphere and prevent her Goddess's mood from worsening.
"Yes… I suppose so" Mikoto said, somewhat uncomfortable with the scene that had occurred.
And meanwhile, the Artemis Spear was left forgotten in one of the rooms.
[N/A: XD]
…
The encounter with the rest of the Hermes Familia took place in a secluded area, far from the curious eyes of the other adventurers. Bell immediately recognized the familiar faces of Lulune and Falgar, but his gaze lingered, almost instinctively, on a blonde-haired Elf standing a little further back.
He stared at her for a few extra seconds. There was something about the way she stood, about her features, that seemed familiar, like a blurry memory trying to take shape in his mind.
As he tried to remember, Laurier felt the heat rise up her neck, tingling the tips of her ears. She looked down abruptly, nervously fiddling with the hem of her clothing.
It wasn't that they had seen each other many times, but that rescue during the chaos of Antares had stayed with her. Remembering how Bell had carried her in his arms to safety was enough to make her completely nervous now that she had him in front of her again. She didn't know how to act around the boy who, without realizing it, had become her biggest distraction since that day.
Bell, noticing that the elf had so suddenly avoided eye contact, quickly looked away, feeling embarrassed. 'I must have made her uncomfortable staring at her for so long...' he thought, nervously scratching his cheek.
A loud, exaggerated cough broke the moment. Hermes was there, one hand on his hip and the other adjusting the brim of his hat, watching the scene with a flicker of amusement.
"Alright! Everyone, time is running out!" Hermes announced, regaining his enthusiastic leadership tone. "We're going to pick up the 'targets' right now."
Hermes turned to the rest of his Familia, who were awaiting instructions. His tone became slightly more executive, quickly assigning tasks to prepare the arrival point. Finally, he pointed toward the horizon, indicating a specific building that stood out on the outskirts.
"Bell-kun, that's the destination" Hermes said, pointing to the designated structure. "I need you to use your tunneling Skill to connect us there directly as soon as we have our targets. It will be the fastest and most discreet way to move without anyone on the surface noticing who's coming or going."
Bell looked at the building and nodded seriously.
"I understand. I can do it."
Asfi, who had been watching Laurier out of the corner of her eye with an expression that mixed resignation and warning, adjusted her gloves.
"If we're done with introductions and eye contact, we should get moving." she said in her usual serious tone. "The less time we spend exposed out here, the better."
With the order given, the group set off towards the meeting point, while Laurier tried to calm his breathing, walking a few steps behind Bell, trying to hide the small smile that he couldn't help but appear on his face.
The group arrived at the Babel base to find the Dungeon's main entrance in chaos. The Guild had blocked access, and a crowd of Adventurers thronged in front of the staff, loudly complaining about the interruption of their missions. The Guild workers were barely able to restrain them, repeatedly stating that they were only following orders.
Hermes let out a short chuckle, observing the scene with his hands in his pockets.
"We're going in through a back entrance" he said, turning to the side of the tower.
They walked to a small door, set apart from the commotion. A Guild employee was waiting there; he opened the door as soon as he saw them and gave them an urgent signal with his hand.
"Come in quickly" the man whispered before closing the door behind them.
Before taking his first step down, Bell paused for a second. He glanced up at the top of the tower, the place where Freya was supposed to be. He didn't feel comfortable thinking about her, not after everything that had happened with his Familia and the pressure of those days.
Bell let out a breath, looked away from the tower, and began to descend the stone stairs with the others, finally entering the Dungeon.
The group advanced through the first floor of the Dungeon. Unlike their usual raids, the silence was almost total; the Guild's blockade on the surface had left the upper levels deserted, inhabited only by monsters. Only the echo of their footsteps off the rock walls could be heard.
Bell walked a couple of steps behind Hermes, watching him out of the corner of his eye. It was strange to see him accompanying them; Gods were even forbidden from entering the Dungeon. Bell knew Ouranos had granted him special permission, but he still found it difficult to understand why Hermes was willing to risk True Death.
"Who are we going to transport? They're on the 18th floor?" Bell asked.
He thought of Rivira, the village of Adventurers. It was the most logical place to find someone who needed to leave discreetly. Hermes turned slightly, maintaining that gentle smile that never betrayed too much.
"No, Bell-kun. The targets are on the 27th Floor." he replied matter-of-factly.
Bell paused for a moment, surprised. Floor 27 was in the Middle Levels, a dangerous area known as the Water Maze. It wasn't a place where a "normal" person could just stroll around waiting for transport. The idea that this was a simple transfer mission began to crumble in his mind. If they were this low down, in an area of aggressive Monsters and treacherous terrain, this looked much more like a rescue operation.
However, something still didn't add up. If it was just a rescue, there would be no need for the Guild to close access to the Dungeon to all Adventurers in Orario. It was far too drastic a measure for such a small group.
Bell glanced at Hermes's back as Laurier watched over him, then at Asfi, who was walking with her guard up, and finally at the other members of the Hermes Familia who were checking the surroundings. He wanted to ask more questions, but ultimately decided to stop dwelling on his suspicions; if Hermes didn't reveal the information now, he would when they arrived at the site.
"I understand. Then we have a long way to go" Bell said, resuming his walk.
The group continued their descent to the second floor. The Dungeon, now free of adventurers, had begun to spawn monsters with unusual speed. Small groups of kobolds and goblins emerged from the walls.
But they posed no threat; Lulune, Falgar, and Asfi dispatched them in one fell swoop, moving with such speed that it didn't even force the group to stop.
Seeing the path ahead, Bell moved forward until he was next to the God of Thieves.
"Wouldn't it be better to use my tunnel to go directly to the 27th Floor?" Bell asked. "We'd save time and effort."
Hermes immediately shook his head, without losing his smile, although his tone was serious.
"Entering such a dangerous place blindly would be far too risky" Hermes replied. "Remember, the 27th Floor is the Water Maze. It's almost completely flooded and teeming with aquatic monsters. If we open a tunnel without seeing where it ends, the chances of ending up underwater are extremely high. We could drown or be devoured before we even realize where we are."
Bell nodded, understanding the risk. He hadn't really thought about any of it; he just wanted to finish this quickly so he could get back to his family as fast as possible.
"Furthermore" Hermes continued, pointing to a corridor where more monsters had just appeared, "…because there's no one else in here, the Dungeon is becoming infested at a much faster rate than usual. Although I'd prefer to avoid the effort, we have to take the traditional route to ensure the path is clear. Such are the obligations of bureaucracy."
Bell remained silent and continued onward. It made sense; the priority was the safe return journey. However, seeing high-level Adventurers dealing with Level 1 Monsters while a God walked among them gave him a sense of unreality.
At least until a new Divine Blessing registered in his mind.
[Divine Blessing of Perception]: Heightens your sixth sense and perception, allowing you to detect the presence of others within a 50-meter radius around you.
And with his new perception, Bell managed to feel how the Dungeon somehow felt different, more… restless.
They quickly traversed the rest of the second floor. Bell concentrated on keeping up with Asfi, trying not to think about the distance that still separated them from the depths of the Water Maze.
Hermes paused for a moment in the middle of the corridor, looking at the floor and then at Bell as if he had just had an important technical question.
"Bell-kun, out of curiosity... does your tunnel also work for going upwards?" Hermes asked.
Bell remained silent for a few seconds, processing the question.
"I hadn't thought about it" Bell admitted with complete sincerity.
Hermes broke out in a bead of sweat, a nervous shiver down his spine. The thought that his escape plan depended on a one-way ability eroded his usual confidence. If something went wrong in the depths and they couldn't surface immediately, the promise he'd made to Hestia would become his death warrant.
Without another word, Bell took two light, consecutive steps on the ground. The ground warped, and one of its tunnels opened beneath his feet. Bell leaped inside without hesitation, and the hole closed in a flash, leaving the ground as solid as before.
Hermes and Laurier stared, mouths agape, at the empty space where the boy had been a second before.
But before anyone could react, the tunnel reopened a few meters away and Bell emerged from it naturally.
"Yes, it's possible" Bell confirmed, brushing the dust off his clothes. "Even though it feels like the tunnel is always going downhill when you enter, somehow the destination can end up being higher than the starting point."
Hermes let out a long sigh, placing a hand on his chest to calm his racing heartbeat.
"That's good news, really" Hermes said, catching his breath. "But don't scare me like that, Bell-kun. I promised Hestia I'd take care of you, and I have no intention of being sent back to Heaven so quickly. My life literally depends on you coming home in one piece."
Asfi shook her head at her God's dramatics, though she too seemed more relieved now that they knew they had an upward escape route. Bell nodded, apologizing for his brusqueness, and the group resumed their march toward the lower floors with one less worry on their minds.
The group continued their descent until they reached the bottom of the 17th Floor. Upon arriving at the Wailing Wall, Bell paused for a moment to observe the spot where the Goliath used to appear. The area was deserted, and the wall remained intact; it was clear that someone had dealt with the floor monster before the Guild sealed off access. It was a relief for everyone not to have to face a battle of that magnitude at this time.
They crossed the threshold and entered the 18th floor. Despite the natural beauty of the place, with its luminous windows and lush vegetation, the feeling was one of absolute emptiness. Riviera, the city of adventurers, was completely silent.
"It's really quiet here… it's like this place is dead." Lulune murmured, breaking the silence with a voice that sounded strangely loud in the middle of nowhere.
Bell walked along, gazing at the deserted buildings, wondering why it had been necessary to empty even this place. He knew the Guild had no legal jurisdiction over Rivira, as it was an independent Adventurers' settlement operating outside the rules of Orario.
"How did they convince them?" Bell thought aloud, without realizing it.
Hermes, who was walking beside him, let out a dry laugh.
"The Guild can't give them orders, Bell-kun, but it can offer them a lot of money for 'paid vacations,'" the god explained. "Let's just say they were made an offer they couldn't refuse in exchange for their safety."
Bell wasn't entirely convinced. Emptying an entire floor, including a separate settlement, suggested that what lay ahead on the lower levels was far more dangerous than Hermes was admitting.
He was already regretting his decision on coming back here…
The descent continued for a long stretch. Despite being a high-level group, the Dungeon was reacting aggressively to the lack of Adventurers, and the number of Monsters emerging from the walls was unusual, forcing Asfi and the others to maintain a steady pace of attacks to avoid being surrounded.
Upon reaching the 20th Floor, Bell felt a chill. It was in this place that he had faced Ottar. The terrain no longer bore the scars of the battle, for the Dungeon had completely regenerated, but a faint smell of burning still lingered in the air, courtesy of the remnants of Yharon's fire, a trace that seemed reluctant to disappear entirely.
Bell looked away from the walls and quickened his pace, leaving that memory behind to concentrate on the road ahead.
Finally, after hours of walking, the group reached the entrance to the 25th Floor.
Bell stopped dead in his tracks as he crossed the threshold. Before him opened a colossal abyss dominated by a gigantic waterfall plunging into the void, disappearing into the depths. The roar of the water crashing against the rocks was deafening, filling the entire space with a constant mist. It was the Great Waterfall of the lower levels.
"It's impressive, isn't it?" said Hermes, approaching the edge while holding onto his hat so the wind wouldn't blow it away. "But don't get too distracted, Bell-kun. From here on, the terrain is as dangerous as the monsters."
Bell nodded, looking down. The water was falling with a force that made the ground vibrate beneath his feet.
The group finally reached the 27th Floor. The roar of the water was constant, and the air was thick with a suffocating humidity that soaked through their clothes. They stopped before the vast expanse of the Water Labyrinth, but Hermes gestured for silence before pointing ahead.
"We may have a slight problem. Amphisbaena is blocking the path to the exact target point." Hermes explained, adjusting his hat.
Asfi frowned, pragmatically assessing the situation.
"It's not wise to face a Floor Monster right now" Asfi declared. "We have a God to protect, and Bell-kun's current mental state isn't ideal for a battle of attrition."
At that moment, a warmth spread through Bell's mind, settling familiarly into his consciousness.
[Divine Blessing of Stealth]: Allows you and whatever or whoever you touch to become completely undetectable, eliminating all forms of perception..
"I have a way to get past Amphisbaena" Bell said, breaking the silence. "It's an ability that allows us to pass through without us being noticed."
Hermes blinked, somewhat surprised by the interruption.
"I was going to suggest you use your tunnel Skill once and for all now that we're on the ground" Hermes remarked, then let out a sly, somewhat grim smile. "But that works too. You always seem to have a convenient Skill for everything, Bell-kun." The God of Thieves' gaze settled on Bell, growing suspicious.
"It's purely coincidental that I have a knack for everything" Bell replied, trying to downplay it while feeling the pressure of Hermes's gaze.
Hermes didn't seem to fully accept the explanation, maintaining a knowing smile, but eventually shrugged. At the end of the day, it was something that benefited the mission, and he wasn't one to waste a tactical advantage.
"If you say so, we'll call it a coincidence" Hermes said. "Go ahead then. Lead us through that Floor Monster."
The group's formation was, to say the least, ridiculous. Since Bell was the nexus of invisibility, everyone had to be in direct physical contact with him, which necessitated improvised and rather awkward logistics.
Asfi became the focal point of the operation. Bell was practically lying on her back to maintain contact, while Lulune and Falgar clung tightly to his legs. Hermes held onto one of his arms with complete ease, while Laurier clung to the other, her face flushed and fixing her gaze on anything other than Bell's neck.
Once everyone was secured, Asfi's sandals unfurled into giant wings of light. The group began to rise above the water on the 27th floor.
To any outside observer, the air was empty. There was no trace of them, no shadow, not even the slightest sound. However, the internal reality was quite different. Due to the excessive weight and uneven distribution of the passengers, Asfi had to make a titanic effort to maintain her balance. They swayed constantly from side to side, moving at a painfully slow pace.
If someone could have seen through the stealth, the image would have been that of a fat, deformed pigeon struggling not to fall into the water.
Asfi gritted her teeth, maneuvering carefully to avoid colliding with the rock formations jutting out of the lake. Below, the silhouette of Amphisbaena remained calm, swaying in the depths, unaware of the strange mass of people floating above her.
After what felt like hours of tension and precarious balancing acts, Asfi's feet finally touched solid ground on the other side of the chasm. As soon as Bell deactivated his Divine Blessing, everyone immediately let go, trying to regain their composure. Asfi sighed with sheer exhaustion, adjusting her gear while shooting a withering glare at Hermes.
[Hermes: Hey! I didn't do anything >:(]
"We're here" Bell said, climbing off Asfi's back and trying to ignore how strange the whole ride had been.
"A little more and we would have ended up swimming with Amphisbaena" Lulune commented, dusting off her clothes.
Hermes, regaining his air of self-importance, adjusted his hat and pointed towards one of the cave's openings further ahead.
"Good work, Asfi, Bell-kun. Now, let's go through that tunnel. We're just a few meters away."
The group advanced to a section of the 27th Floor that seemed like a dead end, surrounded only by damp rock walls and the distant echo of water. Hermes stopped and turned to Bell, his expression completely losing its earlier lightness.
"You know… Bell-kun, you were deemed trustworthy enough to have this secret revealed to you. I ask that you live up to this, okay?" Hermes said with a seriousness that resonated deeply.
Bell nodded, confused, but at that moment his senses sharpened. Thanks to one of his Divine Blessings, he detected several powerful presences emanating from the surroundings, even though there was nothing in front of him. It was a disturbing feeling; the signs of life seemed to be coming from within the walls themselves.
Hermes approached a section of the rock and looked for a specific part that didn't seem to connect with the rest of the wall. He tried to push it open, but the rock barely budged a few inches. After a brief, futile struggle, Hermes sighed in embarrassment and stepped back, adjusting his hat.
"Asfi, help me with this. It's a bit… stuck." Hermes murmured.
Asfi didn't even respond; she simply approached, pushed the stone hard, and the wall slid open, revealing a hidden passageway. They all quickly entered the area.
The first thing Bell saw was a massive silhouette descending from the ceiling. A gray Gargoyle hurtled toward them at terrifying speed. Instinctively, Bell drew his Hestia Sword, assuming a fighting stance to intercept the attack, but the Gargoyle stopped dead in its tracks just a few feet away, maintaining an aggressive posture and letting out a hoarse growl, though without striking.
"Good morning everyone! We've come at the request of your sponsor to help you!" Hermes announced, raising his hands harmlessly.
After a tense silence that made Bell grip the handle of his weapon tighter, a deep voice resonated from the back of the room.
"Enough, Gros. If they're from Ouranos, then you can't be so aggressive."
The Gargoyle, identified as Gros, snorted in frustration but obeyed, taking a few steps back while keeping his eyes fixed on the group. Then, from the shadows of the camp, a red-scaled Lizardman, larger than a typical imposing Lizardman, advanced into the light. Bell froze.
The monster spoke.
And advancing a little, his authoritative posture crumbled, only to raise one hand in greeting and put on a friendly face.
Or at least as much as possible.
"Hello there."
—
FINALLY FINISHED!
There's no excuse, I simply stopped writing because I started to get frustrated every time I started writing, so I left it for a while because I no longer enjoyed it.
I also started reading Umamusume fanfics, they're really good.