The morning breeze carried a distinct chill, almost as if it were hinting at the trouble about to unfold.
"Bell-kun, I've received word from Artemis's Familia—someone has their eyes set on Laurier," Hermes began, slowly explaining the situation.
As an outsider to the city, Laurier had always been in charge of intelligence work. Illegal drug trafficking, the trade of contraband... Navigating these international gray areas, Laurier had relied on her stealth magic and worked alongside others to dismantle criminal organizations.
"To be honest, Laurier has made quite a few enemies this way."
Originally, this wouldn't have affected Laurier's life. Her low profile meant that even if these criminals wanted revenge, it would be difficult for them to take real action. But the War Game had exposed Laurier's existence.
Hermes had already warned them in advance, and although Asfi had responded quickly, some still managed to slip through the cracks.
"Laurier spent some time near the Great Tree Sea, working with the local familia to defeat several criminals," Hermes continued.
To demonstrate his trust and the reliability of the information, Hermes handed Bell a letter. It bore the emblem of a bow and arrow beneath a crescent moon. The neat, elegant handwriting seemed to speak of Goddess Artemis's purity.
"Apologies. Though 'Every shot hits its mark' is my creed, the criminals still managed to escape our grasp."
"We investigated their base and found letters detailing their plans to take revenge on Laurier."
"I went over the War Game simulations. Honestly, I still can't believe our friend, who's been holed up in the temple for so long, actually admitted to being part of a harem."
"I had planned to visit Hestia during this time, but the seal on the ruins appears unstable, so I'll have to postpone that trip."
"Either way, the Evilus has begun gathering. You should prepare early to avoid any tragic outcomes."
"Lastly, may your martial fortunes flourish."
The letter concluded with Artemis's signature, her concern and stern resolve clearly felt in the words.
After a moment of thought, Bell spoke up.
"Hermes, do you have any intelligence on the caravan that's about to arrive?"
Orario had tight defenses, so it wasn't easy for criminals to slip through. With a group that size, the most likely scenario was that they would disguise themselves as a merchant caravan.
"Bell-kun, it seems we're on the same page," Hermes said with a smile. "Just as you thought, I had my familia investigate the caravan heading for Orario. We've uncovered that it's carrying that band of villains."
The caravan was transporting vegetables and fruits, and it was expected to arrive in Orario tomorrow.
"Now that we know, why not take action?" Bell asked, puzzled.
"Well, the thing is, my familia isn't exactly skilled in combat... This is about Laurier, and the highest rank among them is only Lv.2. You'd be willing to help, right?" Hermes smiled as he patted Bell's shoulder.
"...You're good at making people do your bidding. I'll want 100,000 Valis as payment," Bell replied.
"No, this is about Laurier! I can offer you a maximum of 30,000 Valis, personally—that's all I've managed to save," Hermes said quickly, trying to bargain.
"Deal." Bell answered without hesitation before Hermes could finish speaking.
"…Bell-kun, you weren't just saying that, were you?" Hermes realized. Since these criminals were targeting Laurier, Bell wouldn't be asking for payment.
After all, Bell had risked his life to save her in the Dungeon without expecting anything in return.
"Didn't you already agree, Hermes-sama? Are you backing out now?" Bell smiled lightly.
"You really are Syr's lover..." Hermes laughed, and with that, the conversation came to a close.
…
On a highway not far from Orario, the twilight reflected the hurried caravans passing by.
"Bell-kun, though it's not really my place to say this, but with just the few of us, are we really enough? Let me be clear—I have absolutely no combat ability." Hermes crouched in the woods, watching the approaching caravan. Beside him stood Bell, Laurier, and Airmid, who had insisted on accompanying them.
"Too many people would only arouse suspicion and cause chaos." Bell had only allowed Laurier and Airmid to come along—partly because he felt confident, and partly to test his own magic. Ordinary people were scattered throughout the caravan. This was the criminals' tactic for disguise, and the hostages to be used as leverage in an emergency. If there were too many people, it could easily lead to civilian casualties.
"Airmid, cast your magic. Laurier, stay here, just in case." Bell quickly assigned the tasks.
Airmid hesitated for a moment before asking, "Now? But they're still far away. My healing barrier won't be effective." The Dea Saint's healing abilities were top-tier, but she couldn't move while chanting. Once she stepped out of range, she wouldn't be able to help.
"Yes, now." Bell answered quietly.
Airmid blinked, choosing to trust the young man's judgment.
Accompanied by a sweet melody, her silver hair swirled and danced in the waves of magical energy.
"—Dia Fratell!" The chant completed, and the magic circle appeared, her healing song echoing through the trees.
In that instant, Bell shot forward.
"Awaken." As the incantation left his lips, his speed surged.
"Hear now, the love song played upon the tower of purity." Magic power gathered, forming a massive vessel of pure white light. It condensed and shrank, enveloping Bell in an instant.
Within that sacred light, Airmid's song seemed to take shape. Notes danced and leaped, converging within the light along flowing musical scores.
"Divine Light • Voyage (Argo's Ship)." As the name of the magic was spoken, a silver light, matching Airmid's hair, emerged.
Bell, bathed in starlight, broke free from the healing barrier's range.
"Eh...?!" The light flashed, and before the leader of the bandits even realized what had happened, he was already on the ground.
"An attacker!"
"It's just one person, don't be afraid!"
The bandits raised their weapons and swung their blades. But that silver light, as swift as thunder, raced through the battlefield, knocking down several in an instant.
"Don't... don't come any closer!" One of the bandits grabbed a young girl, who had been tricked into coming, and pressed a dagger to her throat. Bell didn't hesitate. He lunged forward and seized the blade.
"You... you?!" The bandit was stunned. Bell's left hand gripped the blade tightly, crimson blood dripping onto the ground. In the next moment, he knocked the bandit down with a backhand strike.
Under the silver light, the wound from earlier healed instantly.
"Monster... monster!"
Some of the bandits fled in panic, while others desperately clutched their hostages. But none of them could match Bell's current speed. Even the ordinary people wounded by blades were instantly healed under the silver light.
Wails and screams echoed in the air. Finally, as all the bandits collapsed, the distant song came to an end.