Several days had passed since the Status update.
Bete had pressured the members of the Hermes Familia—who had fought alongside him recently on the 24th Floor—to help secure antidotes. He also succeeded in persuading Airmid, the captain of the Dian Cecht Familia, to accompany him to the 18th Floor. Now, he stood waiting in Central Park, the city's main entrance to the Dungeon, while Airmid busied herself gathering every last vial of Poison Vermis antidote available to her Familia.
If Bete, a first-class adventurer, traveled with Airmid—who, despite her low level, was effectively immortal thanks to her unique magic—they could reach the 18th Floor in less than half a day. Normally, those raiding the Middle Floors would form a party of at least three or four. However, given the current emergency and the fact that the Loki Familia's main force was away on an expedition, leaving only a few lower-level adventurers behind, Bete and Airmid decided to go alone. To them, anyone else would simply be a hindrance.
"Damn it... she's late."
Although Bete appreciated that Airmid had accepted his sudden request—considering she was the pillar of her Familia and busier than most high-ranking adventurers—anxiety dominated his thoughts.
The Familia members poisoned by the Vermis would survive as long as Riveria's magic stalled the toxins. The real problem was Al, who had been struck by the "Hero Killer." No matter how hard he fought the poison with his own magic, his condition when Bete left the 18th Floor was dire; his body had begun to rot, and he was losing his five senses.
Even with healing potions, Al could not sustain his magic for days on end. Bete felt a desperate urge to get Airmid to the 18th Floor immediately.
"────Ah!! The hybrid boy from the Loki Familia!! You're just in time!!"
"Huh?"
As Bete scratched his head in frustration, Goddess Hestia called out to him. With her signature black hair tied in twin tails, the patron of Bete's student, Bell, shouted without any regard for his tense mood.
"What perfect timing!! Give me a hand!!"
"What nonsense are you talking about now? I'm busy. I don't have time to mess around with—"
"Bell hasn't returned from the Middle Floors!!"
"────What?"
Shortly before meeting Bete, Hestia had been at the Blue Pharmacy, the headquarters of the Miach Familia.
Alongside Hestia, Miach, and his sole follower Naza, were Hephaestus—the goddess of the city's largest blacksmithing faction—and the god Takemikazuchi with his tied-back hair, along with his Familia members.
It was reported that members of the Takemikazuchi Familia, trapped in mortal danger after a comrade was severely wounded, had performed a "Pass Parade" against Bell and his party. This desperate move involved luring monsters toward another team to ensure their own survival. Hestia listened to Takemikazuchi's apology as he relayed the news from his followers. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes, lost in thought.
Endangering her beloved follower was not an easy thing to forgive, but...
Hestia exhaled slowly and opened her eyes. Her face radiated her usual maternal warmth. Her blue eyes held no trace of anger; instead, they carried a merciful, divine smile.
"If Bell and the others don't return, I will hold a grudge against you beyond description, but I will not hate you. I promise you that."
In response to the goddess's forgiving answer and resolute gaze, Hestia accepted the apology and then made a plea.
"Now, won't you please lend me your strength?"
"As you command."
Ouka, the Familia's captain, and the rest of the members bowed their heads in respect of Hestia's request. As she smiled at their cooperation, she turned toward the headquarters' door, which had suddenly swung open. Hestia cried out in surprise at the appearance of a handsome blonde man dressed like a wandering bard from the legends.
"Hermes!! What brings you here?!"
"What a warm welcome, Takemikazuchi. Isn't it only natural for a god to rush to a friend's aid in their time of need?"
God Hermes smirked, making Hestia's cheeks twitch. He tipped his hat in greeting, looking every bit the frivolous playboy, but deep in his eyes lay a suspicious mystery suggesting he was hiding something. Despite his refreshing smile, he exuded a sense of trickery. His Familia captain, Asfi, followed him in silence, as if merely accompanying him out of duty.
"Hello, Hestia. It's been a long time."
"Hermes.....?"
Hestia looked at him suspiciously as he approached. Hermes pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it; it was the request for help Hestia had submitted to the Guild.
"You're in a bind, aren't you?"
He held the parchment before Hestia's eyes, and the words caught in her throat.
"My desire to help is sincere. I also want to save Bell."
Hermes's tone shifted from playful to serious. Despite his suspicious smile, his features hardened, prompting Hestia to sit up and face him with genuine interest.
"And why do you care about Bell, Hermes?"
"I want to see him with my own eyes: the brother of the strongest man of this age, and a candidate to be the new hero of this era."
His orange eyes shone with an inhuman brilliance befitting a transcendent being—a light entirely different from his usual vulgar behavior. The fact that Bell Cranel, the high-level adventurer known as "Rabbit Foot" who achieved the fastest level-up in the world (second place), was the brother of the "Sword Saint," was a secret known only to a few.
Since he was the brother of the current strongest man and had begun to show signs of that same greatness, he would inevitably be targeted if the relationship were known. Therefore, under instructions from the Guild and Goddess Loki—who judged that the small Hestia Familia could not protect him—information regarding Bell had been carefully concealed.
But Hermes, who participated in the "Denatus," naturally knew the truth. In his eyes flickered emotions that transcended mere curiosity. Hestia began to speak, trying to probe the hidden intentions behind his words.
"What do you say, Hestia?"
"I understand... I ask for your help, Hermes. But I will not let you lay a finger on Bell."
"Ah, you can count on me."
Hermes's grin widened as he agreed, returning to his persona as a playful charmer. Asfi watched the scene in silence before letting out a small sigh.
"Lord Hermes.... You just said you wanted to evaluate Bell Cranel. Is it possible you..."
"Yes, I'm coming along as well."
"What....."
Asfi responded in shock to Hermes's casual remark, placing her hand on her forehead as if to say not again. She knew from experience that her master's sudden ideas often had disastrous consequences. Ignoring her, Hermes placed his finger on his chin, deep in thought.
"Isn't it forbidden for gods to enter the Dungeon?"
"It's only about not doing anything reckless. It's fine; we'll go in and out quickly before the Guild notices. Didn't I tell you I want to save Bell too?"
"Lord Hermes, you couldn't have planned this from the start when you asked me to.....!!"
"Hahaha, I'm counting on you to protect me, Asfi."
Hermes laughed without guilt at Asfi's outburst. As her face contorted with frustration, Hermes put his arm around her shoulder with a mischievous smile. Ignoring her attempt to push him away, he continued talking cheerfully until Hestia, who had been eavesdropping on their secret conversation, lunged forward and grabbed him by the collar.
"Guh!?"
"Take me with you, Hermes!!"
Hestia shouted, ignoring Hermes as he choked. Asfi and her companions were stunned, but Hestia continued with a pressure that brooked no refusal.
"I'm going to save Bell too. I won't stand by and leave my child's fate to someone else."
"W-wait, Hestia!! Calm down!"
"That's right, Goddess Hestia!! The Dungeon is far too dangerous. Gods who cannot use their 'power' will perish instantly if monsters attack!!"
Hermes and Asfi tried desperately to persuade her, but Hestia refused to budge. Despite their warnings, her decision was final.
"Since Hermes is going, one or two extra gods won't make a difference, will it?"
"Oh....."
"I am coming with you. Is that a deal?"
●○●○●
At the Hostess of Fertility pub, the staff moved briskly as orders flew everywhere. Round tables and chairs filled the room, and adventurers enjoyed their meals. Elven and demi-human waitresses served food with great effort, while the kitchen resembled a battlefield.
Amidst the noise of adventurers returning from the Dungeon, Hermes appeared with Asfi. He walked with his usual smile, while Asfi followed with an expressionless face.
"Excuse me, I'll be bothering you for a moment."
Hermes scanned the room for someone, then headed straight toward his target. It was Ryuu Lion, the elf with long ears. Ryuu was busy carrying plates, and when she saw Hermes approach her suddenly, she gave him a suspicious look.
".....Do you want something from me?"
"Yes, I have a request for you, Ryuu-chan."
"There is an adventurer's mission I want you to accept—I need the help of 'Gale Wind' Lion."
Hermes spoke in a low voice in the corner of the pub so the customers wouldn't hear. At that moment, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.
The waitresses' eyes turned toward Hermes, and Ryuu's eyes filled with intense caution. Lunoire, Chloe, and all the staff prepared for combat, exuding murderous intent. Facing the hostile glares of fighters equivalent to second-class adventurers and higher, Asfi couldn't help but break into a sweat, while Hermes remained calm.
Ordinary citizens and first-level adventurers didn't notice the murderous intent permeating the air and continued their meals in peace. However, veteran second-class adventurers and above turned pale; some even left their money and fled. Amidst all this, Ryuu spoke quietly.
".....Though I am no longer a fugitive, I have no intention of returning to the public eye. I participated in the previous battle as an assistant to Al, but....."
Ryuu remembered her participation in the battle on the 24th Floor arranged by Hermes. She frowned, indicating she did not want to be treated as a tool for easy tasks. Facing her sharp gaze, Hermes smiled bitterly.
"The goal is to save Bell..... Al's brother, and his party."
"What do you mean by that?"
Ryuu's expression shifted, and her voice dropped even lower. Hermes briefly explained the current situation of Bell and his companions. When he expressed his desire for Ryuu to join the search party, she narrowed her eyes in thought.
".....And why me specifically?"
"Because I looked and found no one else; a free adventurer who belongs to no Familia, possesses enough strength to protect two gods who are a heavy burden and lack Dungeon experience... and beyond that."
Facing Ryuu's eyes, which shone like a clear blue sky, Hermes glanced behind her, where a girl with pale gray hair looked on anxiously, then continued:
"Because you are a comrade-in-arms to Al... and a friend to Syr, right?"
Ryuu fell silent after hearing his words. Behind her, Syr watched with a worried expression. Silence reigned for a while as Ryuu thought, and she finally let out a small sigh.
Internally, Hermes felt victory. A smirk played on his face as if he were boasting of his plan's success, but in the next moment, he involuntarily stepped back due to a massive pressure emanating from deep within the pub.
"Stop this nonsense. Do you realize how many days my daughter has missed work because of the trouble you brought last time?"
Mia Grand, the owner of the pub, stepped out from the back. A powerful dwarf woman and former warrior, her presence commanded the weight of a fortress.
The frustration radiating from the former captain of the Freya Familia carried a pressure that nearly forced Asfi—who wasn't even the direct target—to bow, and even Hermes began to break out in a cold sweat.
Despite retiring long ago, her status as a Level 6 adventurer remained. She stood now with her arms crossed, glaring at Hermes with burning eyes. Any ordinary adventurer would have collapsed to their knees in this situation.
"Hahaha, no, no, I didn't mean it that way at all... Departure is tonight at eight. We'll be waiting for you if you wish to come."
As Hermes fled the pub to escape Mia, he whispered into Ryuu's ear.
".....Right, Ryuu?"
"Syr....."
Ryuu followed the departing Hermes and Asfi with a sharp, hesitant gaze, only to be met by Syr, who had turned pale and looked at her apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Ryuu. Please, save Mr. Bell."
"I am indebted to you, Syr, and I cannot refuse your request. Besides, I do not want Al's brother to die."
Deep in Syr's gray eyes was a profound anxiety, and Ryuu was not ignorant of what that meant. Syr felt relieved by Ryuu's words, but she quickly looked at her seriously and whispered "I'm sorry" as she bowed her head.
Chloe and her companions watched this exchange, then breathed a sigh of relief and approached with smiles.
"Good grief... it's annoying to walk right into Lord Hermes's plans... but there's no helping it."
"Nyufufufufu, Ryuu, go and make that boy owe you big time, then get a handsome reward from him, nya."
Lunoire spoke with a desperate smile, while Chloe chuckled mischievously, and the other waitresses joined in with words of encouragement.
"──Truly, do you intend to go?"
"...I apologize, Mama Mia."
"If you come back injured next time, I won't go easy on you, you foolish daughter."
"...Yes, ma'am!"
After Ryuu finished her work early to prepare for the Dungeon and the pub closed its doors earlier than usual, the girl with pale gray hair stepped out of the back door and spoke toward the roof of the adjacent building.
"I know you're there... Mr. Allen."
"─────Is something wrong, Lady Syr?"
In response to the girl's voice directed into the darkness, a man of the cat-people race descended silently from the roof. He was short (about 160 cm) with black and gray hair. He wore black clothes that blended with the night, and every movement was devoid of waste. Despite a frame that might look slender at first glance, he possessed a polished, steel-like physique.
"Ah, I knew you were there. You heard our conversation earlier, didn't you?"
"Mr. Allen, will you also go to save Bell──"
"I refuse."
Allen interrupted her, his handsome and polite face reflecting annoyance.
"My mission is limited to protecting and monitoring you, Lady Syr."
"Why should I go and clean up a mess left by a mere rabbit?"
Allen, one of the prominent first-class adventurers in Orario, spoke with a sharp tone as if rebuking Syr, despite maintaining the boundaries of politeness with her. But Syr was not shaken at all; instead, she smiled happily.
".....Besides, the rabbit was caught in a 'Pass Parade' in the Middle Floors, wasn't he? Then there's no need for me to appear. 'Gale Wind' alone is enough."
Allen's point was logical; the appropriate level for the Middle Floors is Level 2, and the presence of Ryuu, who is Level 4, was more than sufficient. The presence of Allen—a Level 6 adventurer—was excessive and completely unnecessary, even with "extra baggage" in the rescue party.
"Oh, there's no helping it then. I'll ask Mr. Ottar instead."
"Tch, nonsense..... I don't know why you're clinging to that rabbit and I don't want to know, but your actions lately have gone too far."
At the mention of Ottar, who represented a loathsome "obstacle" to Allen, the latter let out a sigh and returned to his normal tone.
But ────
"Why must one of us go, either me or Ottar?"
The question was born of genuine bewilderment.
The power level here was absurdly over the limit. If the purpose was to keep an eye on Bell, there was no need for Allen, a top-tier first-class adventurer; any second-class adventurer in the Freya Familia could navigate the Middle Floors with ease.
"Something is going to happen... that's what I feel."
"Is this..... a prophecy or something?"
"No. Let's just call it a woman's intuition."
•
°
•
°
👑 Get early access to 80+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
🔗 https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Raven737
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to open the link!)
💬 Enjoying the story? Drop a review!Your support really helps the series grow—thank you