–
Good morning everyone! Here with a new chapter. Voting is over, and the two winners have been selected: Freya and Haruhime.
The harem is: Riveria, Freya and Haruhime.
Thank you very much for your support, remember that I really enjoy reading your comments.
Thanks to Rayx2108 and fabled for being the beta readers and quality inspectors of this chapter.
–
Bell walked at a leisurely pace beside Ryuu, the forest of the 18th Floor spreading out around them with unusual calm. The leaves crunched beneath their feet, and between the trees, he could already see the planks of Rivira's makeshift wall.
Just before crossing the line where the trees began to give way to the small town's clearing, Ryuu stopped. Bell noticed her pause and stopped as well, turning toward her.
"This is as far as I go, Cranel-san," Ryuu said softly.
Bell blinked. "Huh? Why? Aren't you coming to Rivira?"
She looked away, as if searching for something among the branches. "I have to go," she said simply, without further explanation.
Bell frowned, confused. "Is everything okay?"
Ryuu didn't respond. Shegave a slight nod, as if apologizing for not saying more, and then turned away.
"See you, Cranel-san."
Bell watched her walk away for a moment before slowly raising his hand. "...See you, Ryuu-san."
Bell entered Rivira with a somewhat distracted gait, still thinking about Ryuu's sudden departure. The makeshift town remained much the same as before: adventurers wandering in and out of shops, some selling freshly gathered materials, others relaxing with their groups. The sounds of informal commerce and the faint smells of metal, sweat, and alcohol mingled in the air.
"Well… first things first. Find the group," he muttered to himself, scanning the surroundings.
He figured if they weren't in the center, he could check out the camp, but luckily he didn't have to go far. As soon as he rounded one of the small wooden buildings, he saw them: Ouka, Mikoto, Chigusa, and Asuka were sitting or leaning lazily in the shade of one of the structures.
Ouka was the first to notice. "Ah, there you are, Bell!"
Bell raised his hand, relieved. "Here I am. I thought I'd have to go find you at camp."
Mikoto smiled slightly. "We were just resting a little before heading back."
"Perfect. I came just in time then," Bell said, approaching as his body finally began to relax again. At least for now, everything seemed to be in order.
…
Somewhere not far from the 18th floor, in the dimness of a natural crevice in the rock, two figures remained hidden in the shadows. Magical torches flickered softly in the distance, but where they stood, darkness reigned.
Dionysus, with his eternally relaxed smile and bright but empty gaze, gazed up at the Dungeon ceiling through an opening in the stone. Beside him, Filvis stared at him with restrained tension, her eyes serious and her jaw clenched.
"This is crazy," she finally murmured, breaking the silence. "We're too close. There are too many adventurers here. Any false move and we could be discovered."
Dionysus let out a quiet chuckle, almost as if he hadn't heard her. "Filvis, Filvis... when did you become so fearful?"
Her lips tightened even further, but she didn't reply. She knew it was pointless to argue with him when he was having one of his "moments of inspiration."
Dionysus narrowed his eyes, as if he could see through stones. "A little bird told me something very interesting… it seems Miss Wallenstein and the elven princess have separated themselves from the rest of Loki's flock. A little whim from that monster-obsessed swordswoman." His tone was light, almost mocking, as if he were talking about a school prank.
"Alone, exposed... and perfectly vulnerable." Dionysus stepped forward, smiling as if gazing at a work of art. "It's too perfect an opportunity, don't you think? One of the three main members of the Loki Familia, Riveria, without her army of followers. And as a bonus, Loki's favorite. A gem."
Filvis stared at him. "Even so… it's an unnecessary risk. We're not the only ones lurking in this area. What if…?"
"What if?" Dionysus turned his head, that innocent look on his face even more disturbing. "What if we fail? What if they see us? What if one of our enemies finds us? Oh, my dear, risks are part of the game."
He was silent for a few seconds, then lowered his voice, his smile fading into a more somber grimace. "But if we take out those two… it would be a blow the Loki Familia wouldn't recover from so easily."
Filvis swallowed tensely. She knew that when Dionysus got like this, there was no way to make him back down. And the worst part was that she knew he'd probably get what he wanted.
Dionysus took a step forward. Filvis looked at him, alarmed, recognizing the gesture.
"What are you doing…?" she muttered, already knowing the answer but hoping that, for once, it wasn't the obvious.
The god gave a small laugh.
"We don't need to get our hands dirty, my dear. The Dungeon itself can do the work for us. Just remind it that one of us is here."
At that instant, an aura began to spread from Dionysus's body. It was as if the air itself became denser, charged, saturated with something ancient and absolute. Filvis instinctively stepped back as a violet flash emerged from Dionysus's eyes: his Arcanum.
It was a direct provocation.
The walls of the Dungeon vibrated imperceptibly, as if something deep within had been awakened, something that could not tolerate the god's presence.
The echo of Arcanum had traveled through the corridors like an alarm signal. The ground shook slightly, a dull roar echoed in the distance… just above the 18th floor.
Filvis clicked her tongue in frustration and simply stepped forward to grab the god by the arm.
"Idiot… We're leaving!"
Satisfied, Dionysus let himself be dragged away with one last amused glance toward the stone and glass ceiling. The murmur of the Dungeon was growing, a distant chorus of fury awakening.
He had already done his part.
Very soon, something very big and very angry would emerge…
…
Bell had barely returned to the Takemikazuchi family, greeting them with a calm smile, when something changed in the air.
An invisible pressure descended on everyone.
It was an instant. Just a few seconds… but it was enough to chill the blood of every adventurer in Rivira.
The murmur of the makeshift city stopped. Some clutched their chests, others frowned at each other. It was as if the air had become denser, heavier, as if an invisible, overwhelming presence had enveloped them for a moment before vanishing.
Bell stopped dead in his tracks. His body tensed, unsure why, but in his mind… something clicked.
A soft glow flickered across the edge of his vision, and an ethereal notification appeared before his eyes, as if someone had whispered into his soul:
[A god has just released part of his arcanum]
"Arcanum…?" Bell muttered, his eyes wide.
But he didn't murmur it as quietly as he thought.
A nearby adventurer—a burly, dark-haired man—heard him clearly. His face twisted into an expression of pure terror.
"Did you say arcanum? A god released his arcanum!?"
Bell barely managed to nod before the chaos began.
"A GOD USED HIS ARCANUM INSIDE THE DUNGEON?!"
The rumor spread like wildfire.
The tense calm of Rivira was instantly shattered. Some began shouting orders, others preparing to fight. A wave of panic spread through the makeshift city. Even those trying to remain calm moved quickly, as if expecting an imminent attack.
Mikoto, Ouka, Asuka, and Chigusa instinctively surrounded Bell, getting into defensive formation without even thinking about it.
"Bell-dono, what was that?" Mikoto asked quietly, her face tense.
"Someone unleashed their arcanum. A god."
Ouka gritted his teeth. "Are you crazy?! That… that's going to drive the Dungeon completely crazy!"
The murmurs of warning among the other adventurers confirmed it. Everyone knew: if a god was detected operating within the dungeon, It would respond. And not with words.
It respondedwith monsters.
Many.
And very, very strong.
A dry rumble shook the ground of Rivira.
A tremor that rattled the tents, shook the air, and unleashed muffled screams from the adventurers. Those who were sitting jumped up. Those who were standing tensed as if danger was breathing down their necks.
Another blow.
Stronger.
This time, the camp's more fragile structures creaked, and a nearby building lost part of its roof.
A third impact made the ground shake so hard that some people fell to the ground. And then…
CRAAAAAAAAAAASH
The glass ceiling of the 18th floor, that eternal, shining layer that simulated the sun and bathed the underground forest in artificial light… broke.
It didn't crack.
It tore as if the sky had been ripped away by a giant hand.
The crystals fell like a stellar shower, scattering violently across Rivira. Some slammed into tents and structures, others smashed into the adventurers' shields and raised weapons.
And from the storm of light and stone…
A giant body. A massive figure, like a mountain of flesh and muscle, with eyes glowing like glowing coals. The monster that should only exist on the 17th floor.
Goliath.
But it wasn't like the reports. It wasn't like the one Bell had heard about.
This Goliath was darker, skin like fire-blackened stone, size almost twice as large as usual, and the monster's aura... radiated hatred.
A deafening roar rent the air. It was as if the Dungeon itself were screaming through it.
Bell instinctively stepped back, Artemis's spear already in his hand.
Ouka growled, "But wasn't the Goliath dead?!"
And from the ground, still half-stunned by panic, one of the more experienced adventurers muttered, his face as white as paper:
"That… that was sent by the Dungeon. It was created because of the presence of a god…"
The silence that followed lasted only a second, just long enough for everyone to understand the same thing:
They were in the center of Rivira. And the monster had fallen right on top of them.
Bell swallowed.
"This is going to be a problem."
Bors, an adventurer with a scruffy beard and scars that spoke of a thousand battles, stood at the forefront of the chaos. He was coarse, foul-mouthed, and undiplomatic, but when he shouted, everyone listened.
"ALL AVAILABLE, TO MY SIDE!" he roared, his greatsword raised. "Team formations! Keep your distance and hit with everything you've got!"
The adventurers began to react, shaking off their fear as best they could. Some retreated, others raised their weapons. The more experienced ones immediately sprang into action. Rivira, chaotic as it was, had its own people… and those people knew how to fight.
Meanwhile, Bell had already stopped listening.
The Goliath's roar mingled with the pounding in his chest as he charged straight toward the creature. His spear glowed with Artemis's light, flashing every time the ground shook beneath his feet.
"Bell-dono!" Mikoto cried, alarmed. "This is crazy!"
Ouka barely saw him, clicked his tongue and shouted loudly: "Suicidal madman!"… but despite this, he grabbed his axe and followed him.
Because that's what comrades did.
Even if it was crazy.
Bell jumped, concentrating his energy.
"HAH!" Bell shouted, plunging his spear with all his might into the giant's side.
The divine tip sparked upon contact with the monster's hardened hide, penetrating… a little. Just a crack in the mountain of darkness.
"Bell, back off!" Artemis's worried voice echoed in his mind. "This isn't a normal enemy! You're in no condition to face it head-on!"
"Weren't you a warrior goddess?" Bell gasped.
"And that's why I'm telling you to hide, idiot!!" Artemis retorted, almost sounding like she was going to cry.
Bell gritted his teeth. He knew she was right.
But he also knew that if he didn't do something now, the Goliath would trample half of the Rivira before the others could get organized.
Behind him, Ouka had already entered the fray, delivering a horizontal slash to the Goliath's leg. The impact caused the monster to grunt in discomfort, turning its attention for a moment.
That was all Bell needed.
"Mikoto, get ready!" he shouted without looking back.
The Goliath let out a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath their feet. Tree roots trembled, and treetops shook. Bell darted to the side to avoid being crushed by the creature's massive fist and swung Artemis's Spear straight into the monster's side.
The blade flashed, penetrated… and then was expelled with a sickening sound. Bell fell back, watching in horror as the wound closed before his eyes.
And he wasn't the only one.
Magic blasts, deep cuts, hammer blows… all the attacks were powerful. They all hurt the monster.
And the wounds disappeared in a matter of seconds.
"What… what's wrong with that thing?!" shouted an adventurer from a makeshift rooftop.
Bors gritted his teeth, observing the same phenomenon with a hardened expression. "He doesn't stay hurt! This monster regenerates! Don't let your guard down!"
But it was too late. Bell noticed immediately.
One by one, the adventurers began to halt their attacks. Not out of fear, not out of injury… but out of despair.
A swordsman dropped his weapon, muttering, "It's no good… it's as if we never touched it."
A mage casting spells from a safe distance lowered her staff, her lips trembling. "What for…? It only heals…"
Ouka, panting, stood behind Bell as the Goliath regenerated another wound opened by his axe.
"This is wrong!" he growled.
Mikoto said nothing, but her face showed the same thing as the others: growing frustration.
Bell breathed heavily, spear raised, as he stared at the monster. The pressure in his chest wasn't magical or supernatural.
It was simple reality.
Nobody was doing any real harm.
And everyone was noticing.
Despite the hopelessness that was beginning to take hold, surrender was not an option. If they didn't fight... they would die. It was that simple.
The Goliath swung a brutal blow, bringing down part of a building. Pieces of wood flew, and a group of adventurers barely managed to avoid the collapse. Chaos reigned, but amidst the dust and fear, Bell didn't back down.
"Ouka, right! Mikoto, left flank!" he shouted, pointing his spear at the spot where he seemed to regenerate the slowest.
"Roger that!" Ouka roared, charging with his massive axe as Mikoto launched a flurry of slashes from the other side.
"Asuka, cover us!" Mikoto ordered without missing a beat.
A barrage of spells, arrows, and sword blows rained down from the Rivira adventurers. Bors led the general offensive, attacking relentlessly, knowing that, no matter how much the monster healed, every second gained meant a second more life for everyone.
"This is a fight of attrition!" Ouka shouted between blows. "If we give up, it'll be the end!"
And Bell, though exhausted, though frustrated, knew he was right.
As the regeneration of the black Goliath continued to deny any real progress, the only alternative was to keep fighting with everything they had.
Because, if not… the 18th floor would become a grave for everyone.
Amid the roar, a new flash of light flashed through Bell's mind. As if the world itself were whispering the answer to him.
[Divine Blessing of Mortality]: Your attacks prevent regeneration.
Bell's eyes widened in surprise and determination. Without a second thought, he stowed his spear behind his back and unsheathed his sword. If he wanted to make the most of this new skill, he had to rely on his blessing from the Sword Saint.
"Come on…!" he muttered to himself, and took off.
The Goliath's arm came down in a crushing blow, but Bell leaped straight at it, running across the rough surface of the monster's hide. Just as he reached his desired height, he slashed long and deep with his sword, leaving a shining gash that ran from shoulder to elbow.
And then… it didn't regenerate.
Bors, who had been shouting orders from a safe position, noticed immediately. His eyes widened.
"That attack...!! It's not regenerating!!"
The silence lasted only a second before he shouted loudly:
"SUPPORT THE BUNNY!!! DON'T LET HIM GET HIT!!"
The Rivira adventurers, who had been on the verge of emotional collapse, regained hope when they saw that the giant was not invincible.
And now, the entire makeshift city moved as one, surrounding the Goliath to protect the boy with the soul of a hero… and the appearance of a rabbit.
The black Goliath's massive hands rose above Bell, closing like a monstrous clap. The air compressed in the instant before impact, as if the world itself held its breath.
Bell looked up. There was no time to run. There was no room to dodge.
His voice resounded with determination:
"EXPLOSION!"
A brutal blast of magic erupted from him, knocking him backward at the last second. The Goliath's blow struck the ground with brutal force, shaking all of Rivira. Fragments of stone and dust flew in all directions.
Bell rolled on the floor, panting, his body covered in dust and part of his coat burned by his own spell.
But then he looked up. The Goliath's palms were blackened, still smoking from the blast. They weren't regenerating.
The burning marks were still there, confirming what Bell already knew.
"the blessing still works…" he muttered, sitting up with difficulty, the sword firm in his hand.
Bell didn't hesitate. Feeling the moment thicken, he reached behind his back and drew Artemis's spear.
"Come on…" he grunted, putting all his weight on his right arm.
He swung it once, aimed at the Goliath's leg, and with a shout, threw the spear like a javelin.
The spear sliced through the air like a silver lightning bolt, burying itself deep in the colossus's knee, staggering it for a moment. A roar of fury reverberated throughout the 18th floor.
Before he could recover, a firm, familiar voice rose above the chaos:
"LUMINOUS WIND!"
A brilliant wind swirled around the Goliath's face and exploded in a shower of blinding light. Magical sparks burst through the air like starbursts, right before the giant's eyes.
Bell turned around, his heart pounding.
"Ryuu-san...?!"
She stood there, standing firm in the shadows of the trees, her cape fluttering from the explosion. Her eyes locked on Bell's for a second, and she nodded, no words needed.
Bors, covered in dust, ran up to the group, panting. He stopped beside them, breathing heavily as he glanced sideways at the colossus, which was still roaring furiously.
"Hey!" he shouted to be heard over the chaos. He nodded toward Bell. "So far, only the rabbit attacks are working."
Bell blinked, confused. "Rabbit...?"
"Yeah, you, the one with the white hair. You look like a damn white rabbit bouncing around," Bors said casually. "The point is… your attacks don't regenerate. No one else has managed to do that. So like it or not…" he paused and looked at him seriously, "you're our best bet to take that monster down."
Mikoto clenched her fists, Ouka frowned, and Ryuu looked at Bell silently.
Bell swallowed… and nodded.
Bors nodded determinedly. "Then everyone else, distract the monster! Keep him busy until the rabbit does his thing!"
The Rivira adventurers, along with Ouka, Mikoto, Asuka, and Ryuu, scattered across the battlefield, attacking from different sides. Fire, wind, and earth magic flew through the air, colliding with the dark Goliath without halting its advance. Each blow, each spell, served only to slow its movements for seconds, and even then, that was enough.
Bell took a few steps back, his breathing ragged. He looked at the monster's leg, where his spear was still embedded, pulsing with a faint light. He raised a trembling hand and concentrated. A golden glow emerged from his palm, connecting with the spear as if an invisible thread tied it to him.
The spear flew back to his hand, wrapped in a trail of light.
Bell held her tightly, panting. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and his heart pounded like a war drum. He closed his eyes for a moment, searching within himself for the power he needed. He'd done it before. He knew what it cost.
"Are you ready?" he asked in his mind, voice barely audible over the noise of the fighting.
On the other side, Artemis's voice emerged. Serene, but with an unmistakable emotional charge.
"More than ready," she said. "But this time, Bell… be careful. Don't do what you did with Antares. Don't empty yourself completely."
Bell smiled weakly. "I'll try."
He opened his eyes. The world seemed to slow down around him. He could see Ouka blocking a blow with his axe, Mikoto chanting a spell. Everyone was fighting. Everyone was risking their lives.
This attack couldn't fail.
He gripped the spear in both hands. Magic began to gather around him, crackling like live electricity. His boots dug into the ground, his stance firm, as if he were about to hurl a spear into the heavens themselves. The air vibrated around him as the magical glow grew. A golden aura enveloped him completely.
"Come on… a little more…" he murmured. His body trembled, not from fear, but from the strain of containing so much power in such a short time.
Then, with a shout that echoed throughout the 18th floor, Bell raised his spear and roared:
"ORION'S ARROW!"
The pent-up energy erupted like a bolt of pent-up lightning. The spear shot out like a divine projectile, wreathed in a golden flash so brilliant it forced some to shield their eyes. It streaked across the field like a meteor, slicing through the air with a dull crash, and struck Goliath directly.
The impact was brutal. Goliath was pushed backward, his feet dragging across the stone floor, shattering flagstones, trees, structures, and parts of the terrain he crossed. With a final distorted roar, he slammed violently into the dungeon wall, leaving a crater of broken stone and dust at the impact site.
And for a moment, only silence was heard.
Everyone burst into cheers.
"He did it!" Bors shouted, raising his fist in the air.
"That rabbit tore him to pieces!"
The adventurers celebrated with gasps, some falling to their knees from exhaustion, others hugging each other or laughing in disbelief. Mikoto dropped her katana to the ground in relief, Ouka leaned on the handle of his axe, exhaling deeply. Even Ryuu allowed a faint smile to cross her face.
Bell, however, did not join in the celebration.
He stood, his arm still extended toward the wall where Goliath had crashed, panting heavily. A bead of sweat ran down his forehead… and his heart was beating faster than before. Not from exertion.
It was an icy sensation that ran down the back of his neck. A wordless whisper that tightened his chest.
[Divine Blessing of Danger Sense] – ACTIVATED.
Bell took a step back, his gaze fixed on the stone wall. There was still smoke… there was still dust. No one was leaving, but the feeling didn't go away. His instinct, honed by the blessing, screamed something simple:
It wasn't finished.
And then, two figures approached through the corridor that connected Rivira to the lower levels.
Riveria was the first to speak. "What happened here?"
Her tone wasn't alarmed, but rather analytical. Beside her, Ais watched silently, her gaze fixed on the still-smoking wall, her golden hair slightly ruffled from her recent run.
Bors turned around, still pumping with adrenaline. "Hey! You're Loki Familia, aren't you?! Just in time for the celebration! That rabbit launched an attack like a god, blew the damn Goliath into the air!"
Riveria frowned. "Goliath?"
Bell narrowed his eyes. The smoke was beginning to dissipate, and although nothing was moving yet, the pressure in his chest was increasing.
"Careful…" he murmured, without looking away.
Ais noticed. Her expression became more serious.
"What are you feeling?" she asked, walking up to his side.
Bell gritted his teeth. "Something… is wrong. Very wrong. The monster isn't moving… but it's not dead."
Everyone was beginning to calm down, but his words were enough to ignite the tension again. The laughter and applause gradually died down. Ryuu raised his staff again. Mikoto and Ouka also stood on guard.
Riveria raised a hand. "Defensive formation. Immediately."
And just then… the wall shook.
A dry crash came from the cracked wall, followed by a shower of stones falling to the ground.
And then they saw it.
The upper body of the black Goliath emerged from the dust and rubble. From the torso up, it was still intact… but from the waist down, nothing remained. Only a mass of torn flesh, broken bone, and a glowing magic stone embedded in the edge of what had once been its stomach.
The creature let out a blood-curdling roar. Its eyes blazing with fury, it dragged itself forward with its powerful arms, digging its fingers into the stone floor with monstrous force.
"Is he… alive?!" Mikoto screamed, instinctively backing away.
"How the hell can he keep roaring without legs?" Ouka exclaimed, his axe already raised.
"That shouldn't be possible…" Riveria muttered, frowning, her staff held in front of her. "His magic stone is exposed."
Ryuu, on the other hand, said nothing. She just pressed her lips together and moved to stand next to Bell.
Bell gulped, Artemis's spear back in his hand. "He didn't die... because I didn't break the stone. I just took his legs off..."
"Please tell me that means it's easier to kill him now!" Bors shouted from behind a makeshift barricade.
Riveria shook her head slowly. "Not necessarily. The Dungeon… doesn't create normal monsters when a god irritates it. This is something else."
Ais walked slowly forward, her gaze fixed on the mutilated Goliath. "He still has the intent to kill. He's not going to give up."
The Goliath let out another roar and propelled himself forward with his arms, like a wild beast ready to continue crawling until he tore his prey with his teeth if necessary.
Bell gritted his teeth. "Then… I have to finish what I started."
Ryuu nodded silently, her wooden sword in position.
And the battle… had only just begun.
The ground shook again, much more intensely than before. Stones crunched beneath their feet, and some of Rivira's makeshift buildings began to crumble.
"Again!?" Bors shouted, turning toward the ceiling of the large natural dome that covered the 18th floor.
A dull rumble echoed from above… and then, like a recurring nightmare, the ceiling of the dome ruptured again.
Not one, but two enormous figures fell from the hole in a cloud of dust and debris, shaking the ground with a brutal impact. The air became thick and heavy, as if the 18th floor itself refused to accept what had just arrived.
When the dust began to clear, everyone saw it.
Two more Goliaths. Black as the abyss.
One was more corpulent than the first, the other had a disfigured jaw and bright red lines that marked his body like veins charged with energy.
"This has to be a fucking joke…" Ouka muttered, voice hoarse with disbelief.
"No… it can't be…" Mikoto said, taking a step back. "How are we going to…?"
"We couldn't even take one!" Bors shouted, pointing at the legless Goliath still crawling toward them. "And now there are three!"
No one said anything, but many people's hands were shaking. Even Riveria understood that they were facing something they shouldn't have.
And yet, there was no other option. The 18th floor was no longer safe.
Artemis's spear vibrated slightly in the air before disappearing in a burst of speed, reappearing in Bell's hand with a steady flash. The sensation was different… heavier, more intense. The young man looked at the weapon and noticed something that made his blood run cold.
A faint, pink glow ran through it, pulsing like a heart. Bell recognized it immediately.
Arcanum.
Inside his mind, Artemis's voice emerged, soft and laden with guilt.
"...It was my fault," she muttered. "I shouldn't have let you use that attack again… Not here."
Bell looked down, his fingers tightening around the shaft. The pink glow was still there, as if the spear still remembered the power it had unleashed.
"No… it's not just your fault," Bell replied quietly. "I was the one who decided to throw it. No one forced me."
Guilt and worry weighed on his chest. The power of the Arcanum must not be revealed, not without consequences. And now he understood. The spear's glow had called to the Dungeon. Not just the first one, but all three monsters.
And yet… Bell didn't let go of the spear.
He couldn't. Because if he didn't do it... no one else could stop them.
The good thing—if you could call it that—was that no one had noticed. No one was looking at Bell or his spear.
All eyes were on the two new horrors that had fallen from the ceiling of the 18th Floor. Two black Goliaths, even larger and darker than the previous one, roared furiously as the dust settled. The first one, or what was left of it, was still crawling on the floor, howling, half of its body missing.
The rest of the adventurers had neither the time nor the mind to notice the faint pink glow running through Bell's weapon. No one noticed the latent Arcanum. No one, except Bell… and Artemis.
He swallowed, adjusting his grip on the spear. He had to think. Quickly. Because if the first one had cost them everything… three would be impossible. Unless he did something more reckless. Something even more dangerous.
And he wasn't sure he could afford that again.
"What do we do, Artemis…?" he murmured in his mind, feeling the weight of the future on his shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Orion…" Artemis's voice echoed in his mind, soft but filled with guilt. "It was my mistake. I shouldn't have let you use my power like that. For your safety… it's best if you don't use the spear for now. Focus on your sword."
Bell lowered his gaze slightly, observing the sacred weapon still glowing with the last trace of Arcanum. He felt it vibrate gently in his hand, as if it too was mourning. He closed his eyes for a second, then nodded, more to himself than to Artemis.
"Understood."
He quickly sheathed the spear behind his back and drew his sword. The steel, bathed in the faint glow of his blessing, felt lighter, firmer. As if responding to the call of the coming battle.
Two new Goliaths. One half-alive. And an entire city depending on someone—anyone—to do the impossible.
Bell would do it. With or without the spear.