Starlight and blazing sun traded places in the sky. Fueled by the girls' admiration, the sacred script on Bell's back continued to burn silently.
Ryuu suddenly realized a simple truth: she had nothing left she could actually teach Bell. All she could do was keep knocking the boy down, turning each bout into experience carved into his body. Ais was the same.
Whether Bell was ambushed or took the initiative, he never let his guard down. More than that, he had become incredibly adept at reading his opponents' intentions.
Ryuu and Ais often left deliberate openings to lure him into traps. Yet he flipped those very traps on them, forcing Ais and Ryuu to strike each other and using it to keep both of them in check.
Through their repeated sessions, Bell grew more and more familiar with Ais and Ryuu's fighting styles, reading their minds as if he could see through them—a sight that left one speechless. Being attacked simultaneously by two top-class adventurers should have been a hopeless situation, yet Bell guided their weapons into clashing against one another, occasionally landing miraculous strikes.
"Cranel-san... what kind of training did he undergo before this...?"
Ryuu murmured softly, watching the youth's departing figure.
"Bell..."
Ais silently offered her blessings, lingering in the warmth within her heart.
...
Inside a dimly lit chamber.
"Apollo-sama, their combat strength is negligible. Is all this truly necessary?"
Hyakinthos inquired.
"This ensures we secure Bell Cranel. I can scarcely wait to cherish him."
The God Apollo's face twisted with madness.
Before him, a robust human and an agile Cat People completed the [Conversion].
"You're certain they'll be useful, correct?"
Apollo demanded coldly.
"Yes... We were careless before. This time, we will not fail."
The two, cloaked in Salamander Wool, answered in unison.
"Very well. How is the collection of the magic swords progressing?"
"Apollo-sama, all arrangements are complete."
Satisfied with the response, Apollo turned away, murmuring softly:
"I shall cherish that youth. As for Hestia, to avoid disruption, we shall simply send her back to Heaven."
The god's lips curled upward, anticipating the arrival of the War Game.
...
On a secluded grassy patch.
Hermes paced back and forth.
"Laurier, you've finally arrived."
"Hermes-sama, I've just returned from the Dungeon. What business do you have with me?"
Laurier had entered the Dungeon alongside a certain maiden to temper herself, offering her strength to the youth.
"Well—I hadn't realized you were so fond of Bell Cranel."
Hermes remarked teasingly.
Laurier frowned, unsure of the Familia God's true intentions.
"Hermes-sama, if you've come to mock me, I must take my leave."
"Hold on—no need to rush. I have serious business to discuss."
Hermes narrowed his eyes and spoke slowly.
"Laurier, if I were to forbid you from participating in the War Game, what would you do?"
Laurier was the foremost intelligence genius among the Hermes Familia. Her skills and magic seemed tailor-made for this very role. Once Laurier's magic became public knowledge, her current position would cease to exist.
"Are you serious?"
Laurier stared at the Familia God in shock.
"If your magic and appearance were exposed, enemies from your past work might come looking for you."
Hermes laid out the risks. "I'm still a god, after all. I don't want to see my own child suffer..."
Laurier gripped her slender sword and lowered her head.
"Hermes-sama, I will handle this properly. This is my lifelong request—please revoke your order and let me participate in the War Game."
Laurier pressed her lips tightly together, her heart yearning only to be by the youth's side.
"I want to become Bell's support! Please!"
"..."
Hermes gazed at Laurier and smiled softly.
"The meaning of travel is to witness everything. It seems you've found your place. Very well, go forth with all your might. As for enemies beyond the city walls... I'll beg Asfi on my knees to handle them..."
"Thank you!"
The golden-haired elf thanked him repeatedly.
What she didn't know was that she had already passed the trial of her Familia God.
For the golden-haired elf, the end of her journey was true, earnest love.
Laurier is definitely participating in the War Game.
…
"Astraea-sama… this really isn't allowed, is it?"
In the forest of the Sword Smithing City Solingen, Cecil hesitated.
"How heartbreaking. Do you truly not wish to fight for me?"
Astraea deliberately put on a sad expression.
"No… of course I do!"
When Cecil had run away from home, it was the goddess who accepted her, giving her a place where she could devote herself to forging.
Cecil wanted to repay Astraea's kindness.
And the white-haired boy as well—he had saved Astraea Familia in their moment of greatest danger.
To fight for both of them was something Cecil desired wholeheartedly.
"But… the conditions for the War Game only apply to that boy's lovers?!"
Cecil clearly wasn't included in that group.
"It's alright. Since Bell and I are lovers, if Cecil fights in my place, they'll definitely accept it."
Astraea spoke with unwavering confidence.
"Mm… but…"
No matter how Cecil thought about it, the whole situation felt strange.
"Alright, hurry and go. Remember to give Bell the letter I wrote."
Astraea urged gently.
She had accepted the boy's confession, so it was only natural she would offer aid.
Unfortunately, the goddess couldn't travel to Orario herself to participate in the War Game.
But letting one of her children fight in her stead—the gods would surely permit such a small act of selfishness.
More importantly, there was a vast gulf of tragedy and miracle between Astraea and the boy.
As the pure goddess of justice, she wished to use this opportunity to announce their relationship to all.
This resolve was Astraea's compensation to the youth, and also her formal reply to his confession.
"I understand! I'll do my very best!"
Under the goddess's gentle gaze, the girl with blue hair gradually disappeared into the distance.
Cecil — joining the War Game.
…
Under the dim glow of a magic stone lamp.
Dian Cecht suddenly stood up in agitation. "I refuse!"
"Dian Cecht-sama!"
Airmid's brows furrowed tightly.
Her and Laurier's trip to the Dungeon for training had been discovered, and immediately afterward came the Familia God's stern reprimand.
"I don't object to your romance, but the War Game is far too dangerous!"
Dian Cecht's beard quivered with rage.
They were not an exploration-type familia. While Airmid had participated in a Floor Boss subjugation once, the War Game was an entirely different matter.
For Airmid to function properly, a complete and well-structured party was essential.
With no rear guard to protect her, the risks she faced would be immense.
Not to mention—as the famed Dea Saint, she would inevitably become Apollo Familia's primary target.
"Airmid… I hope you understand my intentions. Humans and monsters are not the same. The moment you step onto that battlefield, you will become everyone's target."
Dian Cecht spoke with the authority of a god.
Airmid took a deep breath and answered quietly:
"Dian Cecht-sama, if you will not grant this… then I request permission to leave the familia."
"?!"
Dian Cecht's eyes widened in shock.
Airmid had always been polite and composed, like a doll performing her duties with unfailing precision.
Aside from matters involving patients, her emotions never showed.
Yet for the sake of that boy, Airmid now threatened to leave the familia entirely.
"So this is what they call the rebellious phase…"
Dian Cecht stood there motionless, like an old grandfather watching his granddaughter marry out of the family.
After a long silence, he let out a gentle sigh, stroked his beard, and spoke:
"I understand your resolve clearly, Airmid. Go make a proper commotion. And afterward, use your name to help me attract more customers."
"Yes. Thank you for allowing this, Dian Cecht-sama."
Airmid bowed in gratitude before turning to leave.
Dian Cecht watched her fading silhouette, a wave of emotion washing over him.
"She's really grown up…"
[Dea Saint] Airmid — participating in the War Game.
…
Inside the Twilight Manor.
Lefiya was undergoing a rather peculiar trial.
"Why is Ais-san accompanying Bell for training while I have to do something like this…?"
Lefiya sank her completely exposed body into the warm bathwater and voiced her complaint.
The location of the trial was the bathhouse.
And the method… was to bathe together with Riveria and the others.
"No matter how you look at it, this is definitely wrong, right?!"
Lefiya spoke up again, demanding answers.
"Lefiya, you've practiced Concurrent Chanting for so long, yet you still haven't made much progress. Thinking you can soar to the heavens overnight is impossible."
Riveria flicked her emerald hair aside, gently pointing out the problem.
"Mm… it's my lack of ability… but what does that have to do with this training…?"
Lefiya looked around at the breathtakingly beautiful women surrounding her, her face burning.
"Even Aki-san and Alicia-san are here?!"
None of the girls wore towels, openly displaying their stunning figures. The Cat People and Elves from the second squad were also gathered at Lefiya's sides.
"I wonder what Bell Cranel would think if he saw this scene."
Riveria remarked teasingly.
"Eh?! That human?!"
Lefiya's already blushing cheeks flared bright red, steam practically rising from her head.
"You imagined it just now, didn't you? So that's the kind of girl Lefiya is."
Aki lifted her chest and stepped closer.
"Riveria-sama! Even as a joke, you shouldn't say things like that!"
Alicia immediately objected.
Riveria gave a wry smile. Had this Elf forgotten the reason she'd brought her here—to temper Lefiya's overwhelming shyness?
They had already concealed the matter of her fighting as a lover and fooled Apollo, so exposure wasn't a concern. But with the Divine Mirror present, Lefiya would draw the attention of the entire city. And with the boy right beside her, Lefiya would undoubtedly be a blushing wreck. This was exactly what worried Riveria.
"Damn it, I want to enter this paradise too!"
Loki's voice called from outside the door.
"Give it up. Even we got stopped…" Tiona laughed as she dragged her Familia Goddess away.
"No!! Let me in!"
The goddess's voice faded into the distance.
"Lefiya, have your breasts gotten bigger again?"
"Mm…?"
"Tell us about Bell Cranel."
"What do you like about him? Have you kissed yet?"
"Wh—what?!"
"That reaction… could it be…?"
"Spare me already!!!"
Lefiya's face glowed a deep crimson. Surrounded by endless embarrassment, she endured her mortifying trial.
Steam filled the paradise-like bath, and the beautiful bodies—dyed cherry-blossom pink by the hot water—showed no intention of letting her go.
The shyness continued.
The trial did not end.
[Thousand Elf] Lefiya — Participating in the War Game.