The Throne Tower was truly magnificent. Though merely a temporary stronghold for a War Game, Apollo Familia had meticulously cleaned the murals on the walls. Worn carpets, freshly laundered, covered the floors—almost as if to emphasize that no enemy would ever reach this place.
Bell charged forward along the stone path. He had already memorized the building's scale and layout when he had circled its exterior. Occasionally, enemies hid in the shadows, launching surprise arrows. Bell was ready, effortlessly dodging the hidden bolts and countering with Firebolt. Everything went as expected.
More accurately, Bell had predicted this and warned the girls about how things might unfold. The Apollo Familia might ignore his charge into the fortress and focus instead on Lefiya and Airmid. After all, both had powerful firepower and healing abilities.
"If they don't take the bait because of my charge, you two should retreat first."
Bell shared his plan with the girls. But as stubborn as they were, they refused to accept it. To them, it felt like abandoning Bell, leaving him to face everything on his own.
"I'll do my best! So… um… I don't know how to say this, but I don't want it to end like this…"
Though they weren't lovers, Lefiya was the first to voice her opposition.
"Leave it to me! If they dare come, I'll smash them with this iron hammer!"
Cecil smiled confidently.
"Please, let us stay with you until the very end."
Airmid gazed at him with determination.
"No matter what Bell says, I'm still going to stubbornly invade the fortress. So please, just like before—charge in to save me and hold me tight~"
Laurier said, wrapping her arm around Bell's.
"Wait, that's totally unfair!" Cecil protested.
"As for me, kissing right in front of the Divine Mirror is totally fine!" Airmid seemed especially eager about the hugging part.
"Wh-what?! Airmid-san, have you lost your mind?! You… you all… are you saying I'm the abnormal one?"
With Lefiya's shy and confused voice, the topic reached its conclusion. Bell smiled softly as he remembered the girls' reactions. Their passion, their resolve—he had received it all.
Now, it was time for him to respond. Even with three Level 3s waiting for him. Even if an insurmountable battle awaited ahead. Bell didn't feel a hint of fear. The right place had been reached, the final stage was above.
The next second, the fervent battle cry sounded the bell.
…
Between the thrones, Cassandra's face was ashen. She had pleaded countless times, yet Hyakinthos persistently ignored her counsel. Why couldn't anyone understand? Why did no one believe her? That searing flame, that blazing light of passion, would consume everything here!
"Black Fist" and "Black Cat" stood guard at the entrance. Hyakinthos and several elite members of Apollo Familia were also prepared for battle. Only the youth charged forward. A dismissive smile played on Hyakinthos' face. Without the bombardment of the Thousand Elf, his opponent couldn't harm him in the slightest. But Cassandra knew. A change was imminent. [Prophetic Dreams] never falter.
"The Flaming Thunder is coming..."
"Stop spouting nonsense...?!"
Facing Cassandra's trembling words, Hyakinthos had initially scoffed. But the bell tolled abruptly. Bell raised his arm. This was not the great bell tower that had struck down the Viola, but it was more than sufficient for bombardment.
"Firebolt!"
Amidst pure white light, a massive flame lightning erupted, shattering the steps and ripping open the ground. Lightning and flames consumed everything, causing the entire royal hall to collapse with a thunderous crash.
"A massive explosion!!"
"Quick-Cast Magic rivaling that of a mage!"
"What on earth is going on with Bell Cranel? This power—could he be a hero chosen by the gods?!"
The commentator shouted.
"Hestia, your kid is way too overpowered, isn't he?!"
"Should we consider bringing him on board?"
"I want him too!"
"I could use this body to properly reward him."
"Bell is mine! I won't let you lustful women get your way!"
Witnessing this incomprehensible scene, the gods—especially the stunning goddesses—were overcome by a peculiar possessiveness. Unlike the laughter of the other gods, Apollo stared fixedly at the divine mirror, speechless.
Amidst the ruins, dust swirled as Apollo Familia lay nearly annihilated. Except for those clad in Salamander Wool, all others lay unconscious, collapsed on the ground.
"What the hell was that lightning just now?!"
Hyakinthos was covered in dust, part of his hair singed by flames. He hadn't even had time to assess the situation before a pure white lightning-fire engulfed everything in sight.
"It was that kid."
"A mere rookie..."
Responding to Hyakinthos were the newly joined members of Apollo Familia, "Black Cat" and "Black Fist." As the smoke and dust gradually cleared, anger and hatred reached their peak.
"Where's he hiding?!"
"Come out!"
"Hyakinthos, he's behind you!"
Leveraging his race's keen senses, "Black Cat" detected Bell's position. A jet-black dagger sliced through the air. This lethal strike was narrowly dodged by Hyakinthos, thanks to the warning. The next instant, "Black Cat" and "Black Fist" charged forward.
...
"One against three?!"
"Bell Cranel is cornered!"
The commentator's voice sounded like a death sentence as the camera cut to the girls' battle. Laurier and Daphne were locked in fierce combat. Outside the city, most of Apollo Familia had fallen. The remaining few, Cecil and Airmid, were barely holding their ground.
As the bell tolled, Lefiya sprinted toward the tower. The girls seemed to have conferred, sending Level 3 Lefiya to the boy's side. Only her speed could reach him swiftly.
Lefiya stared at the collapsing tower, running with every ounce of strength. Please... hold on...
...
"Nya?!"
Inside the tavern, Chloe frowned at the Cat People reflected in the divine mirror.
"So... you think so too?"
Lunoire fixed her gaze on the human male gripping the black iron gauntlet, offering a bitter smile.
"These two... actually attacking the boy in our names, nya!"
Chloe's tail stood rigidly erect.
"Looks like we'll be swamped with work once this War Game ends."
Lunoire wore an exhausted expression.
"You're absolutely right, nya. Once they lose, I won't just collect the casino's share—we'll have to demand compensation from others too, nya."
Chloe gave a sly smile.
In the Cat girl's beautiful pupils, the boy's victory seemed already assured. Daggers clashed against iron fists. Crimson slashes flowed relentlessly, intertwining with indigo arcs.
"!"
After only moments of combat, "Black Cat" and "Black Fist" were already drenched in cold sweat. Their gazes seemed filled with disbelief and astonishment. This was the same Little Rookie they'd fought before?! No, impossible! What kind of joke was this?! What on earth had happened in just over ten days?!
Under their stunned stares, Bell gripped his dagger and thrust forward. The moment of final reckoning had arrived.