Deep within the Dungeon, in those unexplored reaches, stood those who should never have set foot there: a god and his priestess—that masked abomination.
The monster's entire body was shrouded in a pitch-black robe, its face hidden by a dark mask that exuded a sense of profound desolation. Beside it, the god wore a similar garment of chilling blackness that sent shivers down the spine.
"Why do you not devour the magic stones? What stops you now, after everything that has happened?"
Whispered the god, whose mask and coat completely stifled his divine presence, making him sound like a demon weaving promises. Beneath that mask, a sinister smile formed, obscured by the malevolent energy leaking from his divine being, turning his expression into absolute shadow.
Pulsating green flesh covered the monster's entire body, forcing it to absorb magic stones against its will. The creature did not answer; it simply kept its head bowed.
The stench of putrid blood choked the air. This was a vision of hell itself; no one could behold this scene and think otherwise. The monster was sinking into a fleshy mass resembling a placenta, while the god watched with a look of rapturous pleasure.
To this god, human death and suffering were mere entertainment. His only desire was a paradise called "Madness." He sought a banquet of cherished insanity, built upon the ruins of human despair and terror. This was his ultimate goal—a world of desecrated, irrational chaos that knew no order. To him, that was heaven.
Thus, the god acted "for the sake of the world," brushing aside anyone who stood in his path. To him, this was an inevitable truth.
He could not use his Arcanum, for even if he destroyed Orario using divine power, the other gods would simply erase his deeds as if they had never happened. Simultaneously, killing all the other gods was impossible. Therefore, he chose to exploit the Labyrinth City, seeking to change the world using only the elements of the lower world.
However, those divine plans were about to be crushed by the appearance of a single man.
"Ah, the 'Sword Saint,' then."
The most powerful and terrifying existence. An invincible warrior, a hero who stood against thousands, and an unbreakable legend. The strongest swordsman to reach Level 7—the peak of the human pyramid—he had achieved countless feats. His heroics were legendary, his name etched in the memory of all, and many looked upon him with a mixture of admiration and awe. He was the perfect protagonist for a "Heroic Tale," a concentrated manifestation of all the possibilities of the lower world.
Yet, the god had not expected such a presence to emerge at this specific time.
After the two great powers—the Zeus Familia and the Hera Familia—had vanished (factions that had been a thorn in his side for a millennium), they were replaced by the "Jester" and the "Goddess of Beauty," who lacked sufficient strength.
The god's plan was progressing steadily. Very little remained before his ambition would be realized. But despite everything, that man appeared.
Initially, the god admired the madness lurking in the boy's eyes, but back then, he was merely a child. However, his growth rate and talent surpassed the boundaries of mere genius. He possessed the qualifications to one day reach the heights of the gods.
Still, the god viewed him as a child in the end, believing his soul was still soft and fragile. He was wrong. Deep within that boy's soul lay a profound darkness.
How could someone carrying such negative emotions live with such integrity? This curiosity piqued the god's interest, leading him to test the boy by placing obstacles like tribulations in his path.
He cleared them all with ease. At that time, Al Cranel truly met the god's expectations. The god wondered if the boy would show him something even more exciting, and the result was the current status quo.
"── How truly disgusting..."
The god suppressed his urge to complain.
In just one year.
A twelve-year-old child had barely received his "Blessing" before joining the ranks of elite adventurers within a single year, becoming a force that even a god had to fear. If his growth had stopped at Level 5, it might have been acceptable. But the following year, the worst happened: a monster reigning at the top of Level 6 was born.
The man who achieved a "God-Slaying" in the truest sense, slaughtering the black beast that rivaled the "Three Great Quests." His resolution of that incident granted hope to all the residents of Orario.
A rising star who achieved an unknown evolution that even a god could not predict. A possibility that blazed a trail toward a future no deity could imagine.
Such a monster wouldn't stop at Level 6; indeed, the following year he reached Level 7, the realm of heroes. And it didn't end there. He didn't just bring a new wind to Orario; he might go much further. This city was no longer just a lid for the Labyrinth; it was becoming a stage for a new era.
The god felt instinctively that this man might become the eye of the storm.
"Do not worry; your body and soul are already desecrated. How many times have you killed your comrades on my orders? No matter how much you try to play the saint now, you cannot stand beside the 'Sword Saint'—beside your long-sought 'yearning.'"
A pleasure exceeding his sense of danger flooded the god. This mad banquet he had sought since incarnating in this world was now being crafted through his priestess. What would adorn this banquet was the madness of love—a feast of love and hatred between the priestess and the hero. The murderous intent and malice leaking from behind that mask had become madness itself. While the god enjoyed this insanity, he simultaneously feared the hero. To drive away that fear, he cried out loud.
"Do you feel jealous of the 'Sword Princess'? Of the 'Loki Familia'? My priestess."
The "Sword Princess"—any denizen of the darkness would tremble at the name. But she was different now. Her heart had shattered long ago, leaving nothing in her eyes but faith in the god and an obsession with the hero.
Jealousy and hatred toward the "Sword Princess" and her companions who stood by the hero—these emotions were the fuel that kept the girl accepting the power of the Spirit. It was a cycle of wretched reincarnation.
The girl's heart had already reached its limit, yet it hadn't completely broken. The truth that her hand would never reach what she desired was her only solace. And for that reason—that very reason───
"If their existence bothers you, then kill the 'Sword Princess,' the 'Braver,' the 'Nine Hell,' the 'Sage,' the 'Wolf,' the 'Jormungand,' and the 'Varg' ── kill the 'Thousand Elf' with your own hands and no one else's."
"Do not give up," the god breathed his poison. The girl remained motionless, as if she had forgotten how to smile.
".... I only... wanted..."
"If you wish for it, I will bring that man to this same 'state' as you."
At those words, the features of the thorn-covered monster twitched like a mask; it was unclear if it was from disgust or joy. The god laughed with satisfaction at the reaction. The girl realized a tiny emotion had sprouted in her heart—a minuscule, negligible thing.
Yet, it was undeniably there. The girl made a wish. She wanted to shatter that boy's heart with her own hands and end his life while engraving her existence into the depths of his soul. Or perhaps she wished for that hero to become a being just like her. She surrendered to that ugly desire.
Ah, what a base and foolish ambition. The girl felt the filth and darkness of her own heart so intensely she loathed herself. As the god mocked her, he uttered his final words.
"Your true nature has finally surfaced. Good, do not pretend."
"What you feel is neither love nor devotion. It is simply a 'curse'."
"──── Perish along with the 'Sword Saint.' Then his soul will be yours forever."
"───── Ah... heh."
●○●○●
Al Cranel
Level 8
Strength: I0 ← H103
Endurance: I0 ← I46
Dexterity: I0 ← G246
Agility: I0 ← H127
Magic: I0 ← I0
Luck: D
Abnormal Resistance: D
Mystery: I
Spirit Healing: F
Sword Saint: I
Hunter: E
Insight: F
"Magic"
[Thunderbolt]
Fast-cast magic.
Lightning element.
[Rhea Phoenix]
Enchantment magic.
Fire element.
Damage restoration.
Burns away toxins and curses.
[Leaf Yggdrasil]
Wide-range attack magic.
Lightning and Fire elements.
Lethal against dragon-types and black monsters.
"Skills"
[Liaris Freese]
Accelerated growth.
Effect lasts as long as the user's will remains.
Strength of the effect corresponds to the strength of the user's feelings.
[Celestial Talent and Catastrophe]
Accelerated mastery of all skills.
Extracts latent potential (Attributes) to the maximum.
Temporary activation of "Swordsman" skill during combat.
Temporary activation of "Magic Guide" skill during combat.
[Spirit's Protection]
Special correction when facing Spirits.
Grants lethal offensive and defensive capabilities against Spirits.
Resistance against elemental attacks and curses.
[Path of Heroism]
Grants the right to charge active actions.
Correction for all Attribute capabilities upon release.
Correction strength scales with charge time.
During charging, a bell chimes, boosting the fighting spirit of allies.
[Combat Instinct]
Automatic parrying/countering.
High resistance to fatigue.
Rapid recovery of physical and mental strength.
High correction for all Attributes during times of crisis.
"── (His levels have increased astronomically...)"
●○●○●
Ais knew.
Long before Bell arrived in Orario, Al would go to that old church from time to time.
When she first saw it, Ais didn't know the church was a memento of Al's mother. But when she saw his back there, she felt a strange tightness in her chest. When she asked him if there was something about the church, Al dodged the question. Thus, Ais felt certain there was something special about it.
She didn't remember exactly when she learned it was a memory of his mother, but Tiona, losing her patience in a room where only Finn and the others were present, had asked Al about it. Al whispered that it resembled a memory of his mother, who died shortly before he arrived in Orario. She didn't know why, but she remembered his face looking heavy with precious emotions.
"── (I...)"
Ais was surrounded by bright, energetic girls like Tiona and Lefiya, and her life was full of noise. But what about her?
Certainly, Ais was strong. Her skill with the sword placed her among the top five in Orario. But that was all she had. She lacked Tiona's radiance or Finn's charisma that drew people in. An indescribable loneliness washed over her, as if she were the only one left behind.
"── (I too... want... my mother...)"
She thought she and Al were similar. Their circumstances were alike, their pursuit of strength was the same, and because she thought they were both alone, she saw herself in Al.
When she heard that church was a memory of his mother, Ais felt complex emotions. Both had lost their parents, but unlike her, who had nothing, Al had a memory. She felt jealous of that, despite herself.
The young Ais at the time couldn't understand the reason for those feelings. She visited the church repeatedly to confirm her emotions. As the visits continued, she began to harbor complex feelings toward the church itself.
A dark ember sparked in Ais's heart. That church, with its desolate and mournful atmosphere—the place where Al mourned someone she didn't know... seeing a place that existed for someone else made her feel a twinge of envy.
Perhaps that was why, when she heard the Apollo Familia had destroyed the church, Ais felt a silent, dark sense of gratification. Before she could feel anger toward those who trampled upon her companion's most precious possession, a cry of joy erupted deep within her heart.
The moment she realized this, Ais was stunned by her own nature. Al was dear to her, and the thought that she felt this way seemed insane. Yet, she could not suppress the dark emotions sprouting within her.
"..... I am"
She began to hate herself for her ugliness. She could not forgive herself for carrying such dark feelings despite her affection for Al.
Despite her self-loathing, Ais wished to stay with Al. The time she spent with him was comfortable and pleasant; she wished it would last longer. This was a feeling she shared with the rest of her comrades—something precious and irreplaceable.
But more than that, Ais wished to be by Al's side. She wanted to stay beside that boy who supposedly shared her circumstances, who suffered alone from the loss of his family, for as long as possible.
However, that wish might never come true. Just thinking about it tore at her chest.
"── (What should I do?)"
●○●○●
The news of the Apollo Familia declaring war on the Hestia Familia to seize Bell Cranel spread through Orario like wildfire.
Apollo's bad whims were known to all, and Bell himself was the focus of many gods. Thus, few were surprised by the news; most found it entirely expected.
The Apollo Familia, after all, was a mid-sized faction with several high-level adventurers. Conversely, the Hestia Familia was a tiny faction consisting only of Bell. Logically, the outcome of the confrontation was as clear as day. The law of the jungle: the weak can only weep when the strong target them.
Normally, when such conflicts erupted in the city, curious gods would race to watch the show. This time, however, it was a bit different. In normal circumstances, the amusement-seeking gods would have shouted:
"Apollo did it again!!" "What massive bullying!!" "I really want to see this!"
They would have let out their usual cries, but those voices weren't heard much this time. The reason was simple: many gods feared provoking that monster, Bell's brother, who was at the heart of the matter.
Bell was a kind, innocent, and honest boy who harmed no one. His brother was entirely different. His unofficial titles were numerous:
"The Deranged White-Haired Trickster" "The Stray Bullet That Always Returns EX" "The One-Man Walpurgis" "The One Who Will Make Aphrodite Go Bald If He Sees Her" "The Beginner's Kit for a Mountain of Corpses and a Sea of Blood"
And many other incomprehensible and dangerous titles, some of which even the god Loki found logical.
He was a madman who seemed to lack a certain sanity, having publicly stated he wouldn't hesitate to kill a god if necessary—perhaps he was even crazier than the Evil Gods. On top of that, he held a grudge against Apollo.
The first time, things ended peacefully due to Familia constraints, but the second time would be different. Since the opponent was "that person," no one knew what might happen. In the worst-case scenario, all of Orario might explode.
Thus, everyone decided to watch the situation from a distance. While some curious onlookers went to watch, the majority preferred safety and stayed away. Even if they thirsted for entertainment, they couldn't act recklessly before such an opponent. A wrong move could erase them and their followers, turning them to ash.
While that was the case for outsiders, those directly involved felt differently. The Goddess of the Hestia Familia was trembling with the rage exploding within her now. She could not remain silent about the destruction of her home, and she certainly wouldn't let the likes of Apollo seize her dear follower, Bell.
Furthermore, Hestia didn't realize how dangerous Al was, or how risky Apollo's "dance over a minefield" was this time.
Here, without the need for discussion, the benevolent gods, led by Demeter and Miach, made several decisions:
First: Bell Cranel would not be handed over to Apollo. Second: Quietly calm the angry Loki and Freya, even if they had to sacrifice Ganesha as an offering. Third: Avoid provoking Al as much as possible. Fourth: If Al went on a rampage, the Apollo Familia alone would suffer the consequences without dragging others down with them.
Thus, an emergency meeting of the gods was held that day. The venue was the usual 30th floor of Babel, and the subject, of course, was Bell.
"(How can we protect little Bell?)" "(What if we just make him one of our children?)" "Be quiet, you fools."
Loki said, shooting sharp glares at the whispering gods. Hestia had been on high alert from the start, breathing heavily as she waited for the meeting to begin. In contrast, Apollo looked as if he had surrendered to fate, appearing indifferent to the proceedings.
Hermes, who was unfortunately forced to run the meeting, clutched his aching stomach as he tried to proceed. How could he calm Loki and Freya and end this matter without dire consequences? This was his challenge.
"(Please, Al, stay calm...!!)"
Hermes thought as he remembered that Al belonged to the Hera lineage, causing him to look at the horizon with bitterness. Loki's anger meant Al's anger as well. Since he held a prior grudge against Apollo, there was no guarantee he wouldn't explode.
Worse yet, the home Apollo's Familia destroyed was that old church loved by Meteria, Al and Bell's mother—the weakest follower of the Hera Familia. It wouldn't be strange if Al was already incensed.
If he decided to rampage, no one could stop him. In the worst case, Loki's followers or the Einherjar might move on Freya's orders in solidarity with him. If that happened, the Apollo Familia would be surely annihilated. If it stopped there, it would be a blessing, but the city would certainly suffer from the storm.
Hermes knew that adventurers, who sometimes prioritize their pride over logic and status, were not joking when they truly became angry. Under the worst circumstances, they might have to sacrifice someone to soothe Al's wrath.
To prevent this, outside gods like Hermes had to act wisely, but things don't always go as planned. Nonetheless, punishing both sides wasn't a solution. Ultimately, the Apollo Familia was entirely at fault. The ideal solution was to end the matter calmly and perfectly, like adults.
In truth, Hermes didn't care if Apollo and his companions were sidelined later; he felt they deserved what was happening to them. As Hermes was lost in thought, the meeting continued and reached a conclusion.
Which was───.
●○●○●
"Oh, Daphne and Cassandra."
"Huh? An apology?"
"No, I'm not the one who was attacked. Since Bell isn't seriously injured, there's no reason for me to say anything."
".... What? The church?"
"I don't really care..... I'm not emotionless toward my mother, but I've already said goodbye to her, so I have no regrets."
"Well, I'm not saying I feel nothing, but that church was threatened with demolition from the start, so I don't care."
"..... The solution?"
"Why don't you hold a 'War Game'?"
────── One week remained until the War Game between the Apollo Familia and the Hestia Familia.
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