After checking on Loki-sama, who had passed out again, Bell confirmed she wasn't in any real danger—her injuries were minor. He couldn't help but marvel at the experience of the Nine Hell.
"To be able to target the most sensitive pressure points on Loki-sama's body and inflict the greatest pain with minimal injury… That level of precision only comes from years of experience."
"Even though Nine Hell is the Familia's magic artillery, her close-combat skills are no joke."
Riveria, who was being complimented, gave a modest smile.
"It's not about talent. It's just that some people keep doing stupid things, and someone's got to teach them a lesson."
As she spoke, her eyes repeatedly drifted toward Loki. At this point, no one had any doubt about who that "someone" was.
What could Bell say to that? Naturally, he gave a silent nod of approval to Nine Hell's methods.
Considering Loki-sama's particular "hobbies," it was no wonder most girls couldn't handle her. Still, it wasn't all that unusual—after all, not everyone's comfortable living in a garden full of yuri.
If Loki-sama were a man, maybe this whole situation would've played out differently.
Of course, that was just a random thought Bell entertained for a moment—pure speculation, nothing more.
"That said, Vice Captain Riveria, I'd still suggest you go a bit easier with your 'education' of Loki-sama. And especially keep the 'Sword Princess' in check—Loki-sama might not always be so lucky."
"The safety switch inside a god's body is extremely unstable. Once it determines a threat to their life, it'll immediately trigger their return to Tenkai."
"Maybe you could teach the 'Sword Princess' how to deliver punishment like you do—it's harsh, but never fatal."
Honestly, Riveria's strikes were brutal. Every hit aimed for the pain points—not heavy enough to cause real damage, but enough to make anyone want to cry.
Her technique was terrifyingly effective. One could only wonder how many times a mage like her had been harassed to the point of mapping out every one of Loki-sama's pressure points.
Bell gave Loki-sama one last glance. With a family matriarch like Riveria watching her every move, that goddess probably wasn't going to enjoy many peaceful days ahead.
Then there was the "Sword Princess."
Bell casually glanced over and noticed she still looked slightly flustered. Clearly, the lingering embarrassment from Loki-sama's "affections" hadn't worn off yet.
As for whether those emotions had always been so intense, or if seeing her parents' projection had somehow triggered them—Bell decided not to dwell on it.
No need to dig too deeply into someone's past unless it was absolutely necessary.
He then turned his attention to the trio assisting him—Raul, whose talent was average and bore the title "High Novice," along with Cassandra and Daphne.
Raul was the only one at Level 4. Cassandra and Daphne were both Level 2, but since their role was just assistance and testing, high levels weren't required. One high-level Adventurer was more than enough; the other two were there for diversity.
"Now that the side issues are handled, I'll take them over with me. The tests should be done before nightfall, and I'll make sure everyone gets back safely."
Naturally, Finn had no concerns about their safety.
"Bell-kun, you only need one day?"
"Yeah. The testing itself doesn't take much time—it's mostly about how much attention I give to each person. This test is about identifying what kinds of support different people need. Since it's the first trial run, it won't take long."
What Bell wanted this time was broad experiential data, not personalized support tailored to individuals. If he tried to go that far in detail, there's no way it could be done in such a short time.
"The weapon and individual evaluations are more about general direction right now."
"After all, my support methods aren't something that can be completed overnight. I'll need plenty of real combat experience to refine them."
Finn didn't know much about the specifics of these tests, but he understood enough to get the gist—it was just a basic trial today.
"I see. I'll have Raul and the others stay on standby for the next few days."
"Thank you."
Bell turned to the three who were part of the trial. With a wave of his hand, a spatial rift opened and swallowed them all in an instant.
"See you tonight, Captain Finn."
With a brief farewell, Bell stepped into the rift himself and vanished from the office.
"This kind of magic really is convenient..."
Watching Raul, Cassandra, and Daphne disappear so effortlessly, Finn couldn't help but be impressed.
Even outside of expeditions, this kind of spatial magic could have amazing applications in battle.
What was even more alarming was that Bell hadn't used any incantations—he cast the spell effortlessly, almost casually. It made Finn suspect this space magic was likely built on rune combinations.
The convenience of it reminded him of the things that Altena had once done to Riveria.
"Riveria, do you think Bell-kun will be targeted by the Magic Kingdom of Altena?"
"Do you think that child would accept being threatened?"
That one word—"accept"—was more than enough to reveal Riveria's stance.
"Accept" implied a choice of one's own will. So if they said Bell might "accept" being targeted, that alone said everything.
Because "accepting" is optional, that means "not accepting" is just as valid a choice.
If the one being threatened can choose not to accept it… then what good would Altena Kingdom's threat do?
"If Bell-kun learns about the Magic Kingdom's intentions, and knows they're targeting him, then with the kind of concealment he's capable of… the upper echelon of the Magic Kingdom might be wiped out before they even realize what hit them."
"Even with gods, he keeps that same attitude—he once called Ishtar a 'whore'. Someone like that won't bow to threats from anyone."
"Honestly, I just hope the Altena Kingdom has the sense to be smarter about this."
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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