Young Mia Grand is a savage. Rumors have it that not only was she a hot babe and a good cook, but she was brave enough to uppercut Freya and reject her. In my opinion, she is an honorary goddess in the series.

Both characters are considered special even among the Zeus and Hera familia. Who do you think will win in a 1x1 battle in their prime versions?

The sharp clashing of metal against metal echoed in the dawn-lit sky.

Using the training knife I had prepared myself, I deflected Ais-san's sheath, scattering large drops of sweat and exhaling overly heated breaths—despite it being winter.

"Your moves are a little predictable, maybe," she said.

"Ugh!"

"The way you baited me with your right arm, like a lure for the 'King,' was really good… but if you use it too many times, it loses its edge."

It was the second day of my secret training with Ais-san.

During today's mock battle, I had deliberately incorporated feints with my floating right arm, setting up 'traps' at key moments. But she saw through them effortlessly, cutting off my escape route with her sheath, which grazed me sharply.

I barely managed to block with my left arm, but the force sent me flying backward, putting even more distance between me and Ais-san, who hadn't broken a sweat.

"Saving it for the right moment might make for a stronger 'tactic.'"

"…! Thank you! Please, one more time!"

Grateful for the wisdom of a first-tier adventurer, I wiped my face with my arm and once again clashed my knife against her sheath.

From this second day onward, I never once managed to regain anything resembling an 'advantage.'

Ais-san no longer even used her 'wind,' yet she completely neutralized every one of my attacks.

Using nothing but pure 'skill and strategy.'

Like the perfect example of an adventurer transforming the 'unknown' into the 'known,' she had fully decoded the combat style of Bell Cranel, the newly ascended first-tier adventurer.

Meanwhile, I still couldn’t even grasp Ais-san’s fighting style!

(Six months ago, I was far worse, but… it’s only because I’ve grown that I can see how much I’m still lacking!)

What I lack most compared to Ais-san and the other first-tier adventurers…

It's 'years of experience as an adventurer.'

Call it experience, call it time on the field—whatever it is, I don’t have it. For example, Ais-san and the others have honed their combat instincts over five years. And me? I haven’t even been in Orario for a full year.

If my ability status is the "vessel," then the "core" inside it hasn’t caught up.

Compared to other adventurers, the disparity between my "vessel" and "core" is embarrassingly wide.

It’s strange to say this myself, but being called the "world’s fastest rabbit" and a record-breaker might just be evidence of the downsides of such rapid growth.

"Unless you're under pressure, you can’t do anything beyond textbook moves."

"You don’t have to be a delinquent, but you should learn to break the mold occasionally."

"In combat, it’s all about hitting your opponent with the unexpected!"

These were things Van-san said to me back when I was in the Freya Familia—Hegni-san also pointed out something similar. For the record, when I asked, "What’s a specific example of being a ‘delinquent’?" the immediate answer was, "Allen-sama." That made it incredibly clear.

"The dignity of an adventurer."

That might be what I’ll need from here on out.

Something to fill the gap left by my lack of years—an air of substance, a composure that fits the inside as well as the outside.

"Your perspective… it’s widened."

"Gah!?"

"You’re strongest when you’re on the attack. But once you switch to defense… well, this happens."

"Ow!!"

"Your defense isn’t bad, but… well, the difference between your attacking and defending is so big… when we counterattack, the pressure you exert disappears. You stop being scary."

Even now, my extreme imbalance between offense and defense—the stark gap between one being exceptional and the other falling below average—was pointed out, followed by a sharp strike to my legs with her sheath. I didn’t fall over embarrassingly, but I was forced to retreat to recover my stance.

This imbalance was something both my master and Lyu-san had also mentioned before.

For the record, my master’s teaching style is to not explain anything—actually, to avoid mentioning my weaknesses entirely—and thoroughly beat me down until I have an epiphany myself.

Lyu-san, on the other hand, points out areas for improvement beforehand, but still ends up pummeling me to drive the lesson home physically.

Ais-san might lean more toward Lyu-san’s teaching style.

“……”

“…? What’s wrong, Ais-san?”

Suddenly, I noticed something was off. Realizing the fight had paused, I pulled my thoughts back from the sea of reflection.

Ais-san was staring at me—intently.

Then, as if dissatisfied, she fidgeted with her lips slightly, looking like she wanted to say something.

“In your fighting style… I see someone else. Someone other than me…”

“Eh?”

“Did someone else… teach you how to fight?”

At her question, I blinked in surprise, and then—ah, that makes sense—I realized what she meant.

Since I’d just been thinking about my mentors, the answer slipped out without much thought.

Unaware of her reaction.

“Recently, my master—Hedin-san—and Lyu-san have been giving me morning training sessions. I’ve been learning how to fight from them, so that’s probably what you’re noticing.”

It’s not just my master, though. Members of the Freya Familia often stay at the Hearthstone Manor to guard Haruhime-san and Syr-san. They take turns using the spare rooms, keeping watch day and night.

Taking advantage of this, I negotiated with my master to hold early morning training sessions in the courtyard of our home.

A sort of “mini battlefield” in the manor—a scaled-down Folkvangr, if you will. A bit irreverent, perhaps, but effective.

At the same time, Lyu-san—ever since her days as a tavern waitress—agreed to spar with me whenever she had free time. We often had mock battles in the courtyard of the Hostess of Fertility. Once we joined the same Familia, it became a daily routine, as though it were only natural to train together every morning.

And then, one fateful day, the three of us crossed paths in the courtyard—utter chaos ensued!

For some reason, neither my master nor Lyu-san wanted to cooperate. Instead, they competed over me, turning the situation into a near explosion, with Caelus Hildr and Luminous Wind clashing like a storm about to strike!

“This foolish rabbit is mine to train!”

“I’ll be the one to spar with Bell in the mornings!”

Back then, neither of them gave an inch, and it was utter chaos—hahaha, good times! Or so I was nonchalantly reminiscing when—

(—Wait!)

A sudden realization hit me.

"They’ll all want to say, ‘I trained him.’ That’s just how people are."

My grandpa’s wise old saying echoed in my mind.

My masters’s love is fiery, strict, and overwhelming.

Ever since those hellish—no, enlightening—morning sparring sessions where both my master and Lyu-san ganged up on me, I’d come to understand this all too painfully.

And yet, now I realized I might have just blurted out something very dangerous.

Frantically, I clamped my hand over my mouth. Slowly, nervously, I turned my gaze toward Ais-san.

Her face had gone beyond despair—she was pale as a ghost.

“Training… with someone other than me? Am I… no longer needed?”

“No, no, no! That’s not it! It’s absolutely NOT that, I swear!!”

“Bell… are you… two-timing? Three-timing? Cheating on me?”

“It’s NOT trueeeee!! Ais-saaaaaaan!!”

Faced with her trembling finger pointing weakly at me, all I could do was desperately plead my case, my voice pathetic and panicked.

When I tried to approach her, flustered and utterly at a loss, Ais-san lowered her gaze briefly before lifting her face again.

Her expression was… pouting, like a child.

“So Bell is… a delinquent after all.”

“I’m not Allen-san or Bete-san, I swear!!”

“No excuses. You need punishment.”

Though I tried to counter her absurd conclusion with nonsensical arguments, the unwavering determination in her golden eyes left no room for doubt.

Ais-san raised her sheath and declared,

“Bell, I’m your teacher. Got it?”

Her words made my heart skip a beat, but only for a fleeting moment.

Before I knew it, I had been beaten to a pulp like never before. Not only was I knocked unconscious repeatedly, but I wasn’t even allowed to apologize until I’d received four rounds of lap pillows as penance.

---

“Oh, that reminds me…”

By the time the sun had fully risen above the eastern mountains, we finally took a break. As I sat beside Ais, nursing my aching body, I turned to her and offered words of congratulations.

“Congratulations to Finn, Riveria, and Gareth on their rank-ups.”

“Yeah… thank you. I’ll let them know,” she replied.

After the conclusion of the Faction War and the return of the Academic District, the Guild had released an announcement that shook Orario to its core.

Finn, Riveria, and Gareth—the three leaders of the Loki Familia—had all reached Level 7.

Until now, the only person at Level 7 had been Ottar.

But now, the trio had joined that elite rank, and all at once!

Despite the Loki Familia’s defeat in the Faction War, this news came on the heels of their remarkable performance, which had nearly swayed public opinion to believe that the Freya Familia remained unchallenged as the strongest.

The announcement reignited debates across Orario. Some even speculated that the Loki Familia had surpassed Ottar and his comrades. Recently, you couldn’t walk the streets at night without overhearing drunken arguments echoing from taverns.

Even we—Lyu, Lili, and the others—had been left speechless. After celebrating Lyu’s transfer into our Familia, this news reminded us of just how awe-inspiring the strongest Familias truly are.

Ais, who rarely showed much expression, smiled gently at my congratulations, as though she were truly happy for them.

(...I wonder if Ais knows about Leon-sensei?)

As my thoughts wandered to the strongest in the city, I found myself wondering about the strongest in the Academic District.

When I first met Leon-sensei, I had thought to myself—This person is strong.

It’s impossible to judge someone’s strength at a glance, but Leon-sensei’s presence felt like it rivaled even Ottar’s.

We’ve promised to go on an adventure together someday, so part of me wants to learn more about him…

And once I start thinking about it, I can’t just push it to the back of my mind. Unable to hold back, I blurted out my question.

“Um, Ais-san, do you know Leon-sensei from the School District… Leon Vardenburg?”

“Leon…? You mean Knight of Knights?”

“Knight of Knights?”

Hearing what sounded like a title, I blinked in surprise and repeated her words without thinking.

Ais nodded and explained.

“Knight of Knights… is Level 7, just like Finn and the others.”

“What!?”

“I’ve seen him fight before… He’s really strong. Probably stronger than I am right now.”

Leon-sensei… is Level 7!?

And stronger than Ais-san!?

I had sensed his presence might match Ottar’s, but for it to actually be true…!!

But wait—how could someone who doesn’t delve into the Dungeon or adventure in Orario achieve the same strongest Level 7 as Ottar and the others? What kind of person is he!?

Caught in a whirlwind of shock and confusion, I was left reeling, my thoughts spinning out of control.

Ais-san watched me intently and added,

“Finn and the others said… that the peace we have in the world today is thanks to the Knight of Knights and those like him.”

“!”

“That’s why the Knight of Knights is called the ‘Hero of the Modern Age’ by everyone.”

“──────”

I froze at the weight of that title.

The Hero of the Modern Age…

What could that mean? What kind of existence does that signify?

It’s like… no, it’s exactly like… Leon-sensei is a character straight out of one of the heroic tales I love so much.

(Could Leon-sensei be… the kind of hero I’ve always admired?)

My heart started pounding loudly in my chest.

The image of that person—the one I’ve always thought was so cool, the kind of adult I want to be like someday—flashed vividly in my mind.

It wasn’t mere admiration or envy; it was an overwhelming curiosity.

Unable to suppress it, I leaned forward and asked eagerly,

“U-um! Do you know anything else about Leon-sensei!?”

“…I don’t know much about the Knight of Knights… But Rivira and the others said he was already in Orario before the god Zeus and goddess Hera left.”

Before Zeus and Hera left…? So Leon-sensei has been in the city since before fifteen years ago?

Could he be a native of Orario?

While I was busy trying to piece that information together, Ais-san had a slightly troubled expression.

Still wearing that hesitant look, she seemed to debate whether or not to speak. Finally, she shared what she was holding back.

“According to Rivira and the others… the Knight of Knights used to be like Bete.”

“Huh?”

“Bete.”

“...You mean delinquent Bete?”

“Yeah. Delinquent Bete.”

Leon-sensei… used to be like Bete—one of those delinquents?

Like Allen, with his rough speech and violent demeanor…?

My confusion skyrocketed.

The image Ais-san described and the Leon-sensei I know didn’t match at all.

After all, Leon-sensei, who’s mature, kind, and incredibly cool, is nothing like the brash, terrifying Bete or Allen…!

Even the Academic District wouldn’t dare throw a math problem this incomprehensible at me! There’s no way to make this equation balance!

And now today, the word "delinquent" has been thrown around so much that I’m starting to lose track of what it even means!

“That’s why I thought… maybe the Knight of Knights is kind of… a rough person…”

If someone says they were like delinquent Bete, that’s the kind of impression you’d probably get.

Seeing my face twist into a series of bewildered expressions, Ais-san spoke again, clearly troubled.

(N-no good… No matter how much I think about this, I’m not going to find an answer. It’s just making my head spin…)

Unless I ask someone close to Leon-sensei, like the divine Baldur-sama, or even Leon-sensei himself, this eternal mystery will never be solved…

The mix of curiosity and confusion was cooling down, like having a bucket of cold water dumped over my head. Feeling the awkward atmosphere settle between us, I decided to shift gears and bring up something else that had been on my mind.

It was a concern that bubbled up after hearing how insanely strong Leon-sensei was.

“Um… if someone like Leon-sensei were to join the City Games Festival, Orariopiad… would that be… bad for Orario?”

“If Freya Familia and Finn’s group don’t compete… maybe bad?”

Ais-san tilted her head slightly as she answered.

Ah, she’s so cute. I want to think that right now—but I can’t, because this is serious! An odd croak escaped my throat.

Even though I’d asked this before, I couldn’t stop myself from checking again.

“So, as expected, Loki Familia won’t be competing in the Orariopiad…?”

“Yeah, they won’t. Finn said he doesn’t really mind who wins.”

It seemed this was already public knowledge, and the timing of Loki Familia’s announced expedition had caused quite a stir in the city.

With four Lv. 7s now in their ranks, Orario had assumed the Orariopiad would be a sure win. For them, Loki Familia’s non-participation felt like being blindsided—like losing their strongest weapon. The shock from having their expectations flipped was spreading fast.

What’s really going to happen now…?

"Since Finn and the others won’t be there… everyone might end up relying on you, Bell."

“Wha—!? N-no, that’s not…”

Suddenly, Ais-san said something so unexpected, it completely caught me off guard.

“During the Faction War, everyone was cheering for you, Bell… I was, too.”

“...!”

“Bell, you have a way of lifting everyone’s spirits… I think you’re that kind of adventurer.”

Ais-san smiled again.

It was a smile so honest, so transparent, like a child speaking from pure, unfiltered feelings.

I froze for a moment, then suddenly felt a bit ticklish from her words, and ended up blushing.

If I really am becoming that kind of adventurer, then that makes me so happy…

I glanced upward.

As Ais-san and I looked up at the blue sky together, I found myself thinking vaguely about the City Games Festival, Orariopiad and what people really thought of me.

_______________________________________

The Third Day of Training — Morning

For the final session, I made a partly selfish request: I wanted Ais-san to use her wind.

When I pleaded with her, she accepted without hesitation.

I wanted to feel her true strength, even if it was just a glimpse. To understand how far I still had to go and to measure the gap between us.

And—predictably—I was utterly crushed.

“Are you okay…?”

“V-V… very n-…!”

Collapsed on all fours, heaving for breath, I could only manage an incoherent response to Ais-san’s worried voice. It was so uncool…!

She was far ahead.

Still far ahead.

But not so far that it felt hopeless.

I understood that much. And knowing that, I could keep moving forward, pushing myself harder, running toward that figure.

This time, I wanted to finally reach her back.

“You’ve really gotten stronger…”

As I struggled to get up, Ais-san extended her hand to me, her voice soft.

When I raised my head to look at her, the morning sunlight outlined her figure in a radiant glow, making it impossible to read the expression on her face.

But in her tone, I thought I could sense the hint of a smile.

“You’ve developed new techniques, new forms that you’re good at… But don’t just rely on them blindly. Try to…”

I’d noticed it around the second day.

Just as I was desperately trying to grow stronger, Ais-san was working just as hard to be a good teacher.

She had said before that she wasn’t good at talking, that words weren’t her strong suit. But she still made an effort, choosing her words carefully, trying over and over to explain things to me in a way I could understand.

It made me feel guilty, and grateful, and above all, incredibly happy.

“Pull your opponent into a fight you’re good at… try thinking about that.”

“Yes!”

I responded with all the energy I had left, clinging to her advice.

Taking her hand, I stood up. I bowed deeply to her, expressing my gratitude.

“Thank you so much, Ais-san. …Your expedition starts today, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Please… be safe. Come back unharmed, okay?”

It might’ve been presumptuous to say that to someone from the city’s greatest faction, but I couldn’t stop myself.

Just like back then, on the 18th Floor—the Under Resort, the dungeon’s paradise—I felt the need to say it again.

Ais-san narrowed her eyes gently and nodded.

“Let’s spar again someday.”

“…!”

“When I train with you, Bell… I feel like I discover a lot of things, too.”

“Yes!”

Suppressing the urge to leap into the air with joy, I nodded firmly at Ais-san’s words.

There was no hiding the broad smile that spread across my face.

"Then… see you again."

Ais-san turned her back to me and started walking toward the city wall’s gate.

I watched her for a moment, my chest heavy with a bittersweet ache, before shaking off the lingering feeling of wanting to hold on. I turned away.

Next time, I’ll be stronger.

Stronger, so I can stand before her as an equal.

That promise burned bright in my heart as I took a step, then another, gaining momentum before breaking into a run.

I’ll go too.

Just like Ais-san and her companions, toward my own adventure.

_______________________________________

------ Epilogue (Note: this is just the end of the Epilogue of MS20)
_______________________________________

Beneath the clear blue sky, crimson rubellite eyes narrowed.

Through this journey, Bell acknowledged a change within his heart.

The "Black Wilderness" shrouded in miasma, the farthest reaches of the north—he renewed his resolve never to let go of this blue sky that did not exist there.

(I need to become stronger. Stronger than I am now. With the help of the goddess, alongside my Familia... and Ais-san and the others.)

Vowing silently in the depths of his heart, he resumed walking.

Grateful to Leon, who had carried both his and Nina’s share of the burden, he made his way toward the Guild Headquarters to deliver his reports.

The townspeople, addressing the city’s beloved yet troublesome hero, offered him words of thanks and encouragement.

──But those scenes were brief.

It grew quiet.

The entire city did.

And yet, it was rapidly enveloped by an eerie buzz.

Seeing Orario in a state they didn’t recognize, Bell and his companions came to a halt.

“What is this atmosphere...? Was Orario always like this...?”

“...It seems the center of the city is in an uproar.”

“...! Let’s check it out.”

Nina looked around nervously, Leon using his Level 7 hearing to locate the epicenter.

Feeling a sense of foreboding, Bell shifted his course from the Guild Headquarters in the northwest of the city.

Ordinary citizens, adventurers, and gods alike—

Everyone within sight was murmuring to one another, their eyes alight as they hurriedly ran toward something.

In the same direction as Bell and his companions.

Toward the base of the towering alabaster spire.

As if pulled forward, as if driven by some force, Bell’s feet quickened their pace.

From a fast walk to a jog. From a jog to an all-out sprint.

The farther south they went, the closer they drew to the center of the city, the hum of voices transformed into screams.

The unease in his chest crystallized into a powerful premonition.

The clarity and serenity he had felt earlier were completely consumed by an overwhelming anxiety.

(What…? What happened!?)

Before long, they arrived at Central Park, the plaza at the heart of the city.

A place that should have been deserted after the adventurers departed for the Dungeon was instead teeming with people pouring in. There was no longer any doubt—a major incident had occurred. Passing by many of the gathered crowd, Bell rushed to the source of the commotion, the great tower of Babel.

And then—

“B-Bell-kun…!”

“Big sis! What’s going on!?”

As soon as he passed through the entrance, Bell noticed Eina standing there for some reason, rooted to the spot.

Her face pale, she stared at Bell with trembling eyes, even as her sister Nina called out to her. “Get away from here”—her desperate gaze pleaded with him.

Bell’s heartbeat finally began to distort, pounding erratically.

And then, the scent of blood wafting in made it clear—searing his mind in flashes of red and black.

Holding his breath, Bell’s eyes widened as he brushed past Eina’s weakly outstretched hand, forcing his way through the crowd still echoing with screams.

“────────”

What lay before him was the source of the scent.

The origin of the blood.

Adventurers drenched in crimson.

Wounded beyond recognition, some missing parts of their bodies—an utterly broken Familia, battered and bloodied.

On the tattered and battered banner, the emblem of a jester was engraved.

“The expedition failed! The expedition is a failure!! The faction alliance was annihilated on the 60th floor!!”

Among the adventurers gripped by despair, a black-haired young man cried out.

Bloodied himself, clutching one arm, his expression was on the verge of collapse as he continued to plead.

With bloodshot eyes streaming with tears, his voice rose in a wail akin to agony.

“Quickly! Send reinforcements!! My comrades, the captains are still in the Deep Floors—!!”

In the Tower of the Gods, where all time seemed to stop, Bell’s eyes widened to their absolute limits.

She wasn’t there.

Among the adventurers battered beyond recognition, she was nowhere to be found.

The figure of the swordswoman.

The golden-haired girl.

The dream he had pursued relentlessly no longer existed in this world above ground.

Hope was effortlessly overturned, mocked by despair as it delivered its cruel verdict.

The complete annihilation of the Loki Familia.

Official art from volume 20 btw.

https://r.voyager.co.jp/epm/e1_407189_01112024142251

Finally it's out

https://melonbooks.akamaized.net/user_data/packages/resize_image.php?image=211000212159g.jpg (NSFW)

WTF!? Lefiya actually has grown that big after eating meat!? Even Ais is shocked that Lefiya is much bigger now.

“Honestly I doubt them but I’ll post it just in case.”

Me too, friend. Me too. (Source: Reddit Discord.)

I might receive an immense amount of hatred and drown in downvotes so much to get negative karma (if it exists) but still if wolf people can transform in moonlight .Do cow people give milk? Can you drink it? Do they sell it or do they like it to be drink by other peoples?

I just wanted to discuss how it seems like power creep is completely out of control to the point that previously established in-universe rules are being violated for the sake of drama. For example: Riveria saying that Hedin’s magic is comparable even close to her own. How can a spellsword have similar magic power to a pure mage? The WHOLE point of Bell’s cheat skill is that he is capable of leveling so fast that he can afford to become good at multiple things. The expanded utility lets him win against stronger opponents. So Hedin also has Liaris Freese? Ryuus magic was usually not hitting so hard and it had a long chant, AND it could get interrupted which would explode in her face. Tons of downsides. Hedin is just one example, what y’all got?

We hear at the end of the volume that they have been wiped out, so my question is this, who do you actually think has perished?

When Bell’s group has reached the northern end of the Alvs Mountains, they are in front of a huge wall that’s taller and thicker than Orario’s wall. The Dragon’s Long Wall, also known as the Great Defensive Wall, which separates the habitable area for people in the south from the uninhabitable area in the northernmost part of the continent. Many factions including Orario and Thor Familia were involved in the construction of the wall that stretches from the western end to the eastern end of the continent. It is a global scale project that began about 900 years ago. Orario is located at the western end of the continent though closer to the northeast, and from there Bell’s group headed northeast in order to reach the northernmost part of the continent.

There is a huge hole on part of the wall in front of Bell’s group which they pass through it to enter the uninhabitable area and head towards the Dragon’s Valley. The wall was built to protect the world from all the dragons living there. The Black Dragon is still sealed away but there are still other powerful dragons that survived since ancient times. Construction and repair of the wall are still ongoing due to the dragons damaging the wall at some points. The hole on the wall that Bell’s group passed through was caused by a dragon with potential of Lv5 to Lv6 that destroyed the town the group passed through earlier. Bell becomes shocked from learning that the state of the Lower World is more dire than he previously thought.

The reason why someone in this continent would encounter more monsters the further they went towards north is because the dragons’ cries would scare other monsters to flee south. The School District would be sent to areas suffering from disasters caused by the dragons that came from the valley. Nina and the rest of the 3rd squad have fought the dragons two or three times before, though they handled the smaller ones while the teachers handled the bigger ones. The problem caused by the dragons have become more serious in the past few years which is why many of the current students have already ranked up and why the teachers possess strength that doesn’t lose to factions in Orario.

The damaged wall Bell’s group went through hasn’t been repaired because Orario is quite close and repair is currently prioritized on a damaged wall located on the east. Leon is telling Bell the horrible state of the Lower world so that it helps him decide his future path. Nina tells Bell that there is no need to blame himself for not knowing anything since he has become a strength for the Lower World. The fact that Bell has gotten stronger much faster than anyone has given hope to the people that a hero might appear. Nina believes Bell and all the adventurers in Orario will overcome the apocalypse.

The third match of the Orariopiad that takes place two days after the previous match is a tag team battle won by Orario’s side represented by Shakti and Ilta. The students of the School District were shocked that their teachers have lost while the people of Orario are so happy to see the top two of Orario’s annoying military police win. Since Ganesha Familia members were sent now, the audience believe that Hestia Familia will be in the next matches and are looking forward to see Bell.

The north side of the Great Defensive Wall is like a land of death where the entire terrain is crushed and dry with no sign of life at all. The sky is grey and black with no sunlight, and the wind is harsh and cold. The hellish scenery is similar to how the world, especially the land around Orario, looked like during the ancient times. The area between the wall and the Dragon’s Valley is called the Black Wasteland. Bell’s group are fighting the dragons in the area which have various potential up to Lv3. Leon remarks they are unlucky to have encountered a dragon that strong so early. The area is filled with miasma which ordinary people wouldn’t be able to survive just by being here. Even Nina who is Lv2 would end up exhausted. She uses her purification magic to purify the surrounding area where they are resting at night, and go to sleep before Bell and Leon.

Bell wonders if it’s okay for adventurers in Orario to remain as they are despite crisis the world is facing. Leon says it is not good to be rash and defeating the Black Dragon requires careful preparation. The heroes from 15 years ago were very strong and so their loss was a huge blow to the world. Bell asks if Leon knew the Zeus and Hera Familia members, which he replies that he participated in the battle against the Leviathan. A number of dwarves together with the Poseidon Familia that specialized in sea combat built a giant circular foothold which served as a sea fortress. The circular layer of the School District is the remains of the giant foothold and the blue wings attached to the ship are the drop item “Leviathan’s Blue Fins”. Many of the foothold’s steersmen and engineers that participated in the battle are currently in the Control Layer supporting the School District.

Leon didn’t actually fight the Leviathan with the heroes. He snuck in like a stowaway in order to see the heroes being humiliated and getting back at them by taking the Leviathan’s head himself while laughing at their deaths. Bell is shocked and then remembers hearing from Ais that the role model of an adult was described as a delinquent by Finn and others. Bell then asks why Leon was a delinquent and Leon replies the biggest reason was because he is a dwarf that doesn’t look like a dwarf. Leon was bullied by other dwarfs in his hometown for not looking like a dwarf. One day he blamed his parents and acted violently, which caused them to cry. He then ran away to Orario where he believed he could vent his frustration as much as he liked, though he actually wanted a place where he belonged. Bell could tell Leon is ashamed of his past behavior, but he is a strong person who has faced his past.

When Leon first met Baldr and received falna from him, he spat on his feet and immediately went into the dungeon. Leon would try to beat up anyone he didn’t like but it was impossible to do so to those from Zeus and Hera Familias. Those heroes wreaked havoc everywhere in the city and Leon together with Ottar, Finn and others would get beaten up by them. Leon then would challenge them and kept chasing their backs no matter how many times he got humiliated. But during the battle against Leviathan, he saw the people he hated as heroes and their brilliance gave hope to the despair he saw. Those heroes were defeated by the Black Dragon but their “afterglow” still remains. Leon wants more heroes to rise up and produce a light that will surpass the brilliant scene he saw. He then reveals the true purpose of the Fieldwork is to observe Bell who is a potential hero. The Fieldwork will end the next day and the group will have an adventure where Leon will assess Bell’s capabilities.

The fourth match of the Orariopiad held on the last day is a water battle between teams of three people. The match is won so easily by Orario represented by Ryu, Asfi amd Aisha. Though Orario had won the match, the adventurers and gods are commenting about Hestia Familia having a Lv6 which they feel is unfair. The people of Orario are the loudly cheering for Bell who they believe will be in the final match that’s coming next. Allen who is at the stadium to see the final match is annoyed at the cheers. Hedin says it’s noisy while Alfrigg teases him if he feels proud. Hermes who has been helping with Baldr’s scheme wishes he could show these cheers to Bell. Hestia, who is allowed to take a break from her part-time job, has just arrived to see all the cheers and feels proud at Bell who has become an amazing adventurer.

When Bell’s group arrive at their destination, they see a tornado that reaches the sky like Babel in Orario, and is big enough to swallow a large city. Leon explains that it is the Spirit’s Storm that seals away the Black Dragon, preventing it from leaving this land. The great seal was created at the end of the ancient times and beginning of the age of gods. After the Black Dragon got one of its eyes stolen by the Great Hero Albert and flew off, it issued a “command” to all dragons throughout the Lower World to gather here. The gods assert it was in order to get “food” to restore its lost eye. The moment most of the dragons had gathered, a great spirit sacrificed themself to create the seal that trapped all the dragons including their king.

The area that the huge tornado covers is what’s called the Dragon’s Valley. Whenever the sealed and sleeping Black Dragon gives off a “snore”, it creates a distortion that allows other dragons to escape and cause destruction in the Lower World. A special barrier device made by the School District is installed at the base of the tornado in circle to maintain and reinforce the seal. As the group are standing on a safe distance from the tornado, Leon asks Nina to take out a magic item and a crystal ball from the backpack they brought with them. Bell thinks he just imagined seeing something in the clouds above the tornado. Leon then says the adventure starts now and immediately swings his sword at Bell’s head, removing his wig. The crystal ball on the ground then glows and a ray of light rises into the sky, which Bell realizes what’s happening at their location is being broadcasted through Divine Mirror. Leon tells Bell that their fight will decide the winner between Orario and the School District.

After Aiz’s 3 day beating training and lap pillow marathon.

So I'll start saying that I'm a bit disappointed about a few things regarding this topic. I'm referring to chapter 2 of the lastest volume.

I'll start with Hestia, which to me, it was the most disappointing. I've been praising Hestia in the previous volumes, because she genuinely seemed to have taken a role of over-protective mother towards Bell, which I think it suited her well. She seemed to actually like Ais, even though she wouldn't allow any "impure" contact with Bell, but I can still understand that.
This was further reinforced by the fact that, in the What If Ryuu, she accepted his decision, and she was actually disappointed that he stopped pursuing Ais.
Now volume 20 comes out, and she asks Bell to sleep together, and says that she won't let Ais win. After all that happened, after the war game where Bell rejected Freya, she's still into her romantic jurney with Bell. And the most annoying part is that all of this comes from someone who's supposed to support Bell and want him to be happy. I don't get this, at this point these kind of comedy is repetitive and not fun anymore. It just degrades the character.

Within this, I also don't like that Bell has to hide and apologise for training with Ais. I get that this is a bit part of his character, but even this is getting repetitve, and since we're approaching the end, and considering everything that he went throught without changing his mind, I would have liked to see him more confident about this. Which doesn't mean that he should tell Hestia to fuck off, but at least respectfully say that that's what he wants, without prostrating and crying.

Then we have Syr, which said he's going to go after him after reincarnation. I mean... fine, whatever. Who cares? Is it necessary to point at that? No, not at all.

Then there's Ryu, who asks for answer in volume 19, but then takes a step back, and doesn't want it anymore.

I won't complain as much about Syr and Ryu as I want to read the full dialogue, but as for Hestia, I'm sorry, the summary we all read annoys me so much. Like, it makes her appear like the most selfish diety on earth. A living contradiction, she wants to support Bell, but she also wants to stop him pursuing his dreams. Heck, if I was there, I would join Dyonisus familia, at least I have some good wine.

What do you guys think?

Ch 2

During a flashback, a person monologues that the “heroes” from Zeus and Hera Familias were seen as rotten people before they defeated Behemoth and Leviathan. They don’t accept the existence of weak people and beat them up often. Hera Familia are even worse than Zeus Familia when they “hunt for men”. The Empress and Alfia often beat up the person giving the monologue along with others like Ottar and Finn. Despite the rage and humiliation, the person is determined to chase after the afterglow of those heroes. Surpassing them was a will Zeus and Hera Familias left behind after being defeated by the Black Dragon. In the present, the person now possesses the strength to cut through a hill, which Alfia had encouraged him to do so in the past.

As a result of the School District suspending recruitments and internships, the Familias of Orario side also end up protesting to the Guild. If this isn’t resolved the School District might cut ties with Orario and change their affiliation to another country like Altena instead. Merchants are also protesting since they make more money whenever the School District is back in Orario. All students on internship are forced to return to the School District, including Nina.

Lili is the one most shocked in Hestia Familia since Nina joining would have saved more money. Mikoto, Haruhime and Hestia are also feeling down from losing a talented recruit that can improve the use of level boost. Syr who is at their home again explains to Bell that during Hestia Familia’s expedition, the Guild with Ouranos’ permission forcefully took the School District’s stock of orichalcum. The students were against this injustice and it then escalated to the current situation. Lili, Hestia and Mikoto then ask Bell to infiltrate the School District again to investigate.

Bell is back at the School District, that has become like a closed country, in his Rapi disguise and Nina is happy to see him again. Bell wonders if Syr knew this would happen since she already had the disguise equipment that was ruined so much before fixed already. The students there look like they are preparing for war and during this Bell hears the School District’s creed clearly for the first time. Bell then meets the rest of the Third Squad and they all agree to go back to the way they used to be. Bell learns that this is the biggest student protest since Orario tried to poach Leon and the Third Squad members feel the same as the rest of the students.

Bell then meet with Leon and Baldr in the headmaster’s office. Baldr believes the School District must continue to cooperate with Orario but the students can’t accept that. The teachers also express distrust but Leon in particular believe now is not the time for this to happen. But in the end the gods and Leon want this to be resolved immediately. The Guild’s plan of creating an elevator shaft made of orichalcum in the dungeon is being questioned for its necessity. Then, Hermes’ huge voice is heard from the direction of Orario which is being delivered using magic stone product.

Hermes as a representative of the gods informs everyone in Orario and the School District that they should have a representative match to resolve the situation. The losing side will comply with any demand from the winning side. The entire event is called the Orariopiad (City Sports Festival). Many people in Orario and School District are cheering in excitement after hearing it. Bell is troubled who to side with but Leon tells him there is a way to help resolve this situation without choosing either side. Leon tells Bell to cooperate by going on an adventure together that they promised before.

Back in Orario while walking on the street and no longer in disguise, Bell who wants to support both sides is reminded of Dix Perdix calling him a “bat (hypocrite)”. He then encounters Ais also walking on the street. She went to Hestia Familia home earlier to meet him, and now that they have met she asks him to go train together which they had promised to so right after the Xenos incident. At the place where they had always train together, they will do a mock battle with Ais only using her sword’s sheath while Bell is allowed to use his knives.

Bell’s initial attack is able to force Ais into defense without her counter-attacking for the first time ever. He then delivers a series of fast slashes but Ais is able to repel them. He then delivers a roundhouse kick which Ais intercepts by doing the same. When their boots collide, Ais is pushed back largely due to Bell’s Lv5 strength surpasses Ais’ Lv6 strength. Ais who is shocked from the exchange then jumps back to create distance. Bell is excited his current power can reach Ais and she also smiles over this.

It’s been around 8 months since they started training together and now for the first time she decides to get serious by using Ariel. Bell can tell Ariel is comparable to level boost and Hedin’s enchant magic. Ais moves even faster than Ryu and the impact of her attacks is much stronger now, causing Bell to have a hard time defending. He then receives a clean hit to his head, and while losing consciousness he thinks there is still a clear gap between them.

When Bell wakes up, he finds himself resting on Ais’ lap and immediately apologizes to her while embarrassed. Ais smiles at Bell’s reaction and says he is still the same despite being stronger now. While taking a break, Bell is embarrassed over Ais staring at his face and he notices Ais has changed somehow. He then changes the subject of conversation to the Orariopiad, which Loki Familia won’t participate in it since they will be on an expedition soon. Ais asks if they can train for another two days, which Bell happily accepts.

Bell was asked by Leon to keep their promise a secret from everyone except Hestia and wants to keep the training with Ais a secret too. However, once Bell returns home at night he is forced to kneel in the living room while Lili and Ryu look down on him with cold eyes. The two can tell that he’s hiding something and are interrogating him. Even Syr is joining the interrogation and so Bell runs away from the room. When he arrives at Hestia’s room, she orders him with a smile to reveal what he’s hiding which he tearfully does while kneeling on the floor. Hestia hates the idea of Bell and Ais training together alone but allows it after reading the letter from Baldr delivered by Bell.

Hestia then updates Bell’s status which is usually done in an empty room but this time they are doing it in Hestia’s room to prevent Syr peeking. The last update was during the War Game against Freya Familia but the amount of basic ability points obtained since then is not much. After becoming Lv5 the rate of growth is much slower and so Bell must face tougher trials to reach the next level. Hestia wonders how much Bell can grow from training with Ais again and also if she should ask Welf about something. Hestia, who doesn’t want to lose to Ais, wants to sleep with Bell tonight but he strongly says they shouldn’t.

During Bell and Ais’ second day of training in the morning, she tells him that the bait movement using his right arm loses effectiveness when used too much. Despite Ais is not using Ariel this time, Bell is unable to gain advantage. She is only using pure skills, tactics and experience which are all far superior to Bell’s. Ais points out that Bell is the strongest when he’s on the offense since it’s not scary. Ais’ teaching is similar to Ryu’s which they point out where Bell can improve while beating him up, unlike Hedin who beats him up until he realizes it.

Ais can tell someone else had been training Bell too. Bell had been training with Ryu and Hedin, and there was a time that the two fight over who gets to train Bell. Ais’ face then becomes pale from despair and asks Bell if he’s three-timing, which Bell strongly denies. She then says that with a childish face that Bell is a delinquent. She also says she is his teacher and so she will punish him. After that Bell gets beaten up much more without given a chance to apologize until after the fourth time he loses consciousness and given lap pillow.

While taking a break Bell says congratulation over Finn, Riveria and Gareth reaching Lv7. They then talk about Leon who Bell learns from Ais that he is also a Lv7 that is stronger than her with the nickname “Knight of Knights”. Ais heard from Finn and others that the Lower World is at peace thanks to Leon and so he is called “Hero of the Current Era”. Leon was in Orario before Zeus and Hera Familias were gone and he was like Bete according to Riveria and others. Bell was surprised to hear this and so was Ais when she first met Leon who she thought was violent. If Leon participates in Orariopiad while Loki and Freya Familias won’t, then it might be bad for Orario. Ais thinks everyone will rely on Bell.

At the School District, the prefects and student council members are having a meeting and they believe the School District has a good chance of winning. The opponents they are most wary of are the remaining first-tier adventurers from Ganesha and Hestia Familias. The Guild are having a meeting at the same time and they also believe they might lose with Loki Familia going on an expedition with many prominent adventurers including Tsubaki and Amid. Members of the officially disbanded Freya Familia can’t participate either, and so Orario doesn’t have anyone that can win against Leon who had cut down a castle and defeated tens of thousands of soldiers with one blow before. Royman orders his employees to get Ganesha and Hestia Familias especially Bell to participate as they need anyone with good reputation to gain support of the people.

During third day of morning training Ais uses Ariel again since Bell asks her to, but in the end he is completely outmatched. After the training ends, Ais gives Bell a final advice to think of a way to drag his opponent into a type of battle he’s good at. It is also the day of Loki Familia’s expedition and so Bell wishes her luck as they part ways. After Bell is back home, he takes a shower and gets his status updated in preparation for going on an adventure.

Bell puts on his Rapi disguise and secretly leaves his home without Lili and others noticing. But before he leaves, Hestia gives him a short sword that is a Crozzo magic sword and a greatsword newly made by Welf. Bell wonders what kind of adventure he’s about to embark on but Hestia says he has to find that out himself. After leaving Orario, he heads towards Beol Mountains. He then arrives at a location marked on his map where he meets up with Leon who is dressed like a knight. Nina is also there because Leon needs her cooperation, and they are about to begin their “Fieldwork”.