The walls within the ruins were covered in fleshy growths. The sealing patterns were concealed by the writhing masses of flesh, and the ancient murals above were completely indecipherable. As soon as Bell and his companions charged into the ruins, the fleshy growths hanging from the ceiling began to convulse violently. Like eggshells incubating monsters, they expelled countless scorpion-like creatures.
"—Luminous Wind!"
Ryuu had already begun chanting her spell. She skillfully swung her wooden sword, continuously eliminating the enemies around her. With her flawless Concurrent Chanting, numerous orbs of light wrapped around the Gale, sweeping through the monsters in the passage. Amidst the booming roars, Ryuu covered the group's advance until they reached a spacious hall.
"This place is still some distance from Antares. I'll handle the scorpion-like creatures attacking us. Cranel-san, I wish you great success in your battle."
Behind Bell, Cassandra gripped her wand, trembling as she kept an alert watch on their surroundings.
"Hermes-sama... why did you have to follow us too?"
As a healer, Cassandra had already fulfilled her duty when they first entered the ruins. She stood with Hermes in a relatively safe position, ready to heal any injuries if they occurred.
"Of course, it's because I want to see it. Regardless of the [unknown] outcome, if I cannot witness it with my own eyes, then I would cease to be Hermes."
The god wanted to see everything unfold. He had thought this would be a story of redemption and growth. The youth, longing for smiles, would resolve to kill Artemis and save the entire Genkai. He would set sail through tears and rise from tragedy. This was the heroic saga Hermes had envisioned. The Great God had already reached his conclusion, but the youth had presented an entirely new possibility.
"To fall into death, or to transcend divine will."
"To become a sinner, or the one and only hero—I, Hermes, shall witness it here!"
The god spread his arms wide with excitement, a joyful smile gracing his face. Next came the moment of [the Unknown]. Divine might surged like a tidal wave, completely submerging the entire hall. The temple of Hestia had been born. Crimson light enveloped the youth like a blessing.
"Watch out, the arrows of light are coming again!"
Lili cried out in warning.
Above the hall, arrows of light forged from Artemis' divine power streaked straight toward Bell.
"Through the remnants of the thread, I sense Antares charging toward us."
Artemis positioned herself before Bell. Her residual Arcanum coalesced into an invisible shield, nullifying every arrow of light. The moment was ripe.
"Proceed as planned!"
Lili shouted to Welf and the others. Gripping their Magic Swords, they charged forward.
Bell and Artemis remained in the hall, hand in hand. The temple roared, their comrades' gazes cheered them on, and the monsters' screams became applause. Everything faded into the distance, as if only the two of them remained in the world.
Artemis smiled gently, her soft, light blue hair flowing in the wind.
"Orion, I like you."
"So, please, absolutely, absolutely... don't leave me..."
"From this day forward, let us share a love that lasts ten thousand years."
Artemis glided toward the youth with dance-like steps. Her emerald eyes spoke of deep affection. Unmindful of others' gazes, the goddess offered her cherry lips to Bell. The first kiss was fleeting, yet it held Artemis's eternity within it.
"Orion…"
Reluctance, worry, exhilaration, anticipation... Every emotion poured into that kiss. In the next instant, the world embraced the [unknown].
Bell gripped his spear in one hand while cradling the peerlessly beautiful goddess in the other. He drew a deep breath and began his chant.
"Awaken."
The chant amplified not the previous [Speed], but a [Strength.] capable of shattering icebergs. Fueled by Artemis' love and using the Arcanum of Orion's Spear as a conduit, the great ship, laden with love, was about to set sail. What Bell was about to challenge was an unheard-of unknown.
On the night he declared his resolve, Hestia vehemently opposed the plan.
"Bell... doing this will surely kill you! Absolutely not!"
Although the gods bestow Falna upon those of the Lower World, it's more about unlocking the latent potential of humans than granting pure divine power. A simple release of divine might from the gods is enough to overwhelm those from the Lower World, leaving them unable to retaliate. The goddess of beauty, Freya, can enchant the consciousness of humans merely by using her [Divine Authority]. Compared to divine might or divine authority, divine power is far superior. A human body could never withstand it.
Though Hestia had never heard such a story, one thing was certain: [For a mortal to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the gods]. The laws governing humans and gods would never allow for such a thing. What awaited the youth would be unprecedented agony and a death more tragic than any other.
"I beg you, Bell, you absolutely must not do such a foolish thing! If you die, Artemis will never find redemption!" Hestia pleaded tearfully.
As everyone voiced their objections, Hermes suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Bell-kun, you've truly surprised me!"
Hermes' eyes glowed with excitement.
"Since descending to the Lower World, I've never been this happy!"
To save a goddess, he planned to take on the gods themselves in a bold act of defiance. It wasn't madness or despair, but reason and passion driving his every move. Such a heroic act left Hermes utterly exhilarated.
"To honor this surprise, allow me to show my sincerity." With a smile, Hermes revealed crucial information. The plan Bell had proposed carried with it an unknown possibility. By forming a specific magic circle and lighting a hearth, Hestia's temple could manifest within the ruins. As a member of Hestia's Familia, Bell could temporarily withstand the divine power within this sanctuary. Of course, the endless pain would not diminish. Nor would the divine power gathered by Artemis, in Argo's Ship, provide any benefit. Bell would be unable to use its strength or blessings. For him, the divine power was nothing but suffering and torment.
Bell knew all this, yet he continued his chant.
"Hear now, the love song played upon the tower of purity."
Magic gathered, and pure white light coalesced into a great ship. Artemis held Bell tightly. Her spear gleamed brightly, and her form began to grow transparent.
"Divine Light • Voyage (Argo's Ship)."
In that instant, blinding light erupted. The embrace and blessings disappeared. Love and divine power intertwined. Argo's Ship—Arcanum Form—was born.