As Bell's strength and confidence grew, he found a reliable companion in Welf Crozzo. The two quickly formed a party, their bond forged through countless battles and shared determination. Together, they pushed deeper into the dungeon, moving swiftly through floors nine and ten. Their teamwork was seamless, Bell's lightning-fast strikes complemented perfectly by Welf's sturdy magic and craftsmanship.
As they prepared to descend to the next floor, a small figure appeared at the stairwell's edge one day. A pallum girl with keen eyes approached them with cautious determination. "My name is Lili," she said softly, "and I'm from the Soma Familia. I want to support your party."
Bell and Welf exchanged glances, aware of the Soma Familia's legendary reputation. Though they agreed to let her join, they stayed alert, careful not to reveal their wariness. The tension, subtle but unspoken, hung in the air as they continued their descent together.
Lili proved a valuable ally, her skills and knowledge of the dungeon complementing theirs. Over time, the trio's trust grew, and the uneasy edge softened into genuine camaraderie. Together, they faced the dungeon's dangers with renewed strength, ready to take on whatever awaited on the floors ahead.
As Bell and Welf continued their descent into the dungeon's depths, Lili from the Soma Familia added a new dynamic to their group. She was small and almost delicate at first glance, but her eyes held a sharp intelligence and a quiet strength that spoke volumes to those who knew her family's reputation. Bell and Welf couldn't help but remain cautious, knowing the Soma Familia's strict hierarchy and fearsome skill. Yet, they kept their guard subtle, not wanting to offend or create unnecessary tension.
Lili moved easily, born of experience, and her knowledge of dungeon traps and monster behaviours proved invaluable as they navigated the labyrinthine floors. She quickly pointed out hidden pitfalls and the faintest traces of monster lairs, guiding Bell and Welf around dangers that could have caught them off guard. Despite their initial reserve, Bell found himself admiring her calm under pressure. Welf respected her for the quiet, unyielding determination that reminded him of his struggles with legacy and expectation.
The three of them forged ahead, floor nine yielding to floor ten with a steady rhythm of battle and discovery. Bell's fused Breathing Style combined with Welf's craftsmanship and magic created a powerful synergy, while Lili's tactical insights kept their steps sure and their backs covered. They shared brief moments of laughter after close calls, the tension easing as trust began to take root.
Yet beneath the surface, both Bell and Welf remained alert. They knew that alliances within the dungeon were often fragile, and the Soma Familia's reputation for strict discipline and fierce pride meant that Lili's presence was no small matter. They watched her quietly, without sudden movements or revealing glances, careful to balance respect with vigilance. It was a delicate dance, but they managed with the ease of seasoned adventurers.
During one particularly harrowing encounter on the tenth floor, a sudden ambush by a pack of rare, venomous serpents tested their teamwork like never before. Bell's lightning-fast strikes kept the creatures at bay, Welf's protective barriers and fire magic softened the blows, and Lili's swift counterattacks and use of specialised traps turned the tide. When the last serpent hissed its final breath, the three stood panting but victorious, their bond strengthened by the shared danger.
Afterwards, as they settled around a small campfire in a hollowed-out cavern, Lili finally allowed a small smile to break through her usual reserve. "You two fight well," she admitted softly, "better than most I've seen from outside the Familia."
Bell nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "We look out for each other. That's what matters."
Welf said, "No matter the name behind you, the choices you make that count."
Lili's gaze lingered on them for a moment longer, then she nodded. "I'm glad to be with you. I want to prove I'm more than just a name."
From that night forward, the uneasy tension gave way to quiet understanding. The trio moved forward with a shared purpose, each step into the darkness a testament to newfound friendship and the promise that they could face whatever the dungeon threw their way together.
As they prepared to push beyond floor ten, Bell felt a surge of hope mixed with determination. With Welf's steadfastness and Lili's sharp wit at his side, the path ahead seemed a little less daunting, and the bonds they forged in the dungeon's depths would echo far beyond its shadowy halls.
One quiet evening, as the trio rested after a gruelling day navigating the twisting corridors of floor ten, Lili finally broke the silence. Her voice was low, tinged with a weariness that caught Bell and Welf off guard.
"There's something I need to tell you both," she began hesitantly, fingers tracing the worn edge of her dagger. "The Soma Familia… It's not just a name to be proud of. For me, it's a cage."
Bell and Welf exchanged a brief, knowing glance. The air grew heavier.
Lili's eyes darkened with a mix of fear and frustration. "I can't leave them, not easily. There's a price to pay, a debt I owe that I'll never truly be free of. They demand loyalty, obedience, and if you try to break away… well, they exemplify those who defy them."
She swallowed hard before continuing. "I've begged and pleaded with the guild and even the Ganesha Familia for help. I thought they might intervene and put an end to Soma's abuses. But the truth is, there are only rumours, whispers of theft, even deaths caused by the Soma Familia within the dungeon. No proof. No arrests. They operate in shadows, untouchable."
Bell's brow furrowed. "Have you tried going above their heads? Gathering evidence? Or finding allies who could stand with you?"
Lili shook her head, a bitter smile ghosting her lips. "I've tried—more than once. I even escaped once, working as an assistant at a flower market, far from the dungeon's dangers. For a little while, it felt like freedom, like a life I could call my own."
Her voice cracked. "But they found me. They came for me in the dead of night. They didn't just drag me back, they destroyed the old couple's shop where I worked. Their home, gone in flames. The couple who took me in… they never recovered. Their kindness, repaid with ruin."
There was a heavy pause, the weight of her words settling around them. Bell felt anger, not just at the Soma Familia, but at the cruelty of a world that allowed such things.
Welf's jaw tightened, his hand clenching into a fist. "That's… awful. No one should have to suffer like that for trying to live their own life."
Bell nodded slowly, eyes meeting Lili's with quiet determination. "You're not alone in this. Maybe the guild or Ganesha Familia don't have proof, but we can help you gather it. We'll watch your back."
Lili's gaze flickered between them, a spark of cautious hope igniting. "I don't expect miracles. But… having allies like you… It means more than I can say."
The three sat in thoughtful silence, the flickering firelight casting shadows that seemed less menacing now. In the dungeon's depths, a fragile trust was forming amidst danger and uncertainty, a promise that none would face their battles alone.
From that night on, Bell and Welf kept a closer watch, their vigilance unwavering but discreet. For Lili, it was a small beacon of light in a world that had long been shrouded in darkness. Together, they prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, not just monsters of flesh and claw, but those born from betrayal and broken bonds.
After parting ways with Lili, Bell and Welf made their way to the Hephaestus Familia's headquarters, the weight of her story pressing heavily on their minds. The bustling forge and workshop felt different today, sombre and serious. As they recounted Lili's plight to Hephaestus and Tsubaki, the atmosphere grew thick with concern.
Hephaestus's crimson eye narrowed thoughtfully, and Tsubaki's usual boisterous demeanour faded into a deep frown. "If what Lili says is true," Tsubaki muttered, "then the Soma Familia's hold on its members is darker than even we suspected."
Hephaestus nodded slowly. "We'll need to consider how best to protect her, and whether we can intervene without triggering worse consequences."
The conversation turned quiet, heavy with the implications of challenging a powerful familia known for its ruthlessness and shadowy dealings. Bell and Welf listened carefully, their resolve hardening.
None noticed the shadows that crept through the city streets behind them.
Lili, left alone after the meeting, faced a familiar nightmare. Members of her familia caught up with her, cold, merciless, and unrelenting. They assaulted her, stripping away not just her belongings but the fragile sense of safety she had begun to build. Pain and betrayal coursed through her veins, but a new flame, hope, burned beneath it all.
She refused to give up.
Her brief taste of friendship with Bell and Welf ignited something she hadn't felt in years: the courage to fight back, to seek freedom no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, Lili's situation hung heavy back at the Hephaestus office. Tsubaki paced, fists clenched, while Hephaestus stood by the window, staring out with anger and unease.
"This won't be easy," Hephaestus said quietly. "But we can't turn our backs on her. If the Soma Familia's grip is this tight, our world is more dangerous than we thought."
After hours of strategising and quiet determination, Bell finally said his goodbyes, his mind swirling with thoughts of Lili's suffering and the path ahead.
He returned to the church, the familiar sight of Hestia's warm smile a balm to his troubled heart. But when he filled her in on everything, the betrayal, the assault, the inescapable chains of the Soma Familia, her expression darkened.
Anger and sorrow flickered in her eyes as she listened, her fists tightening at her sides. "No one should have to live like that," she said fiercely. "We have to do something. Bell, you're not alone in this. We'll find a way to help Lili and anyone trapped by those monsters."
Bell nodded, feeling the strength of her resolve bolster his own. Together, they would face the shadows threatening their friends, no matter how deep or dark they ran.
But the Soma Familia's claws were tightening somewhere in the city, unseen and unforgiving, and the fight for freedom was only beginning.
The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Hephaestus forge as Bell worked diligently at the anvil. The rhythmic clang of hammer against metal echoed softly, blending with the warm glow of the forge fire. Today, Bell was forging a spear, a weapon he had never made before, but one inspired by the knowledge Hephaestus had shared with him and the countless hours he had spent honing his skills in the simulation world.
Each strike of the hammer was measured and deliberate as Bell folded and shaped the metal, infusing it with the lessons he had learned about balance, durability, and flow. The spear's blade began to form, gleaming faintly with a subtle shimmer hinting at the sun steel ore's latent power.
Just as Bell set the spear aside to cool, the forge's large doors swung open with a confident creak. Tsubaki Collbrande strode in, her usual booming presence filling the space. Behind her followed a striking figure—tall and regal, with a commanding aura that made even the forge's heat seem to cool slightly. It was Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia.
Shakti's sharp eyes scanned the room before settling on Bell. "I've heard there's talk about the Soma Familia," she said bluntly, crossing her arms. "Their name keeps coming up in our reports."
Bell wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "I spoke with Lili. She told me about their harsh control over their members, the debts, and the punishments. She's tried to escape, but they always find her, and worse, they destroyed the shop where she worked, hurting innocent people who helped her."
Shakti's expression darkened. "They may not be the highest level familia, but they have many level 1 members, and a captain who's level 2. They've been on Ganesha's radar for some time, but without concrete proof, it's been impossible to take action."
Tsubaki chimed in, her voice low but fierce. "We've all heard the rumours, stealing, violence, even deaths in the dungeon tied to them. But no one's been able to pin anything down."
Bell exchanged a glance with Tsubaki, then took a deep breath and shared an idea he'd been considering, a suggestion that caught both women off guard. Their eyes widened, then slowly, a grin spread across each of their faces.
"What are you thinking?" Tsubaki asked, curiosity piqued.
Bell's voice was steady, filled with quiet conviction. "What if we create a situation where the Soma Familia's actions can't be hidden? A controlled confrontation exposes their abuses and forces the guild or Ganesha Familia to act. It would be risky, but it might be the only way to free people like Lili."
Shakti's grin grew wider, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes. "That's bold, and exactly the kind of move we've been waiting for. If you can help us set the stage, Bell, you might turn the tide."
Tsubaki laughed, the tension in the room breaking for the first time in hours. "Looks like we're going to shake things up. Count me in."
After the meeting, the group agreed that floor ten would be the best place to set their trap. The thick, swirling fog that blanketed the level provided perfect cover, allowing them to blend in unnoticed. It was a dangerous floor, but that very danger made it the ideal stage for their plan to expose the Soma Familia's misdeeds.
Bell looked down at the spear he was still forging, the sleek, unfamiliar design catching the light of the forge. Its shape was unlike any spear Shakti or Tsubaki had seen before, an elegant fusion of form and function that seemed to hum with latent power.
Shakti tilted her head, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she examined the weapon. "This design… It's something special. I haven't seen a spear like this in years. If you go through with this, it might give you the edge you need."
Tsubaki grinned broadly, her gaze sharp as she took in the metal's intricate patterns and subtle gleam. "I recognise the ore you're using," she said with a knowing smile. "Sun-Steel mixed with mithril, that's a rare combination. And the war shadow finger blade technique for the edge? That adds incredible sharpness."
Bell's grin widened, pride shining in his eyes. "There's also a purple moth wing poison coating on the blade. It's subtle but deadly, perfect for weakening tougher opponents before they even realise what's happening."
Shakti nodded approvingly, clearly impressed. "If the spear performs as well as it looks, it could give you a big advantage when the time comes."
Tsubaki's eyes sparkled with excitement as she added, "We'll need to coordinate carefully with Lili and Welf. Lili's the best choice to set the trap, and she knows the Soma Familia's habits better than anyone. And Welf's magic support will be crucial for covering our backs."
Bell's mind raced with possibilities. "I know just the bait to lure them in," he said confidently, eyes flashing as he looked back at the spear. "Something they won't be able to resist."
Shakti and Tsubaki exchanged amused glances, their smiles growing wider. "Now this is getting interesting," Shakti said, her voice low with anticipation.
The plan was set in motion: with the fog of floor ten as their ally, Lili would prepare the trap, Bell's spear and Welf's magic would provide the offensive power, and the combined efforts of the Ganesha and Hephaestus Familia would ensure the Soma Familia's actions were brought to light once and for all.
The group shared a moment of quiet determination as the forge's glow flickered around them. The coming days would test their courage and resolve, but with this spear in hand and an alliance forged in trust, they were ready to face whatever darkness awaited.
That day, Bell met with Welf and Lili just outside the dungeon entrance, the morning sun casting long shadows over the worn stone steps. The air was thick with anticipation, but Bell scanned the surrounding alleys and streets first, and there were no signs of unwanted watchers. Satisfied they weren't being followed, he gathered them close and laid out the plan with a calm but resolute voice.
"I want to set a trap for the Soma Familia," Bell began, locking eyes with Lili and Welf. "Lili, you'll be the bait. You'll tell them you're carrying a magic spear that can poison anyone it cuts. Plus, you'll be carrying a lot of valuables with you. That'll catch their attention and lure them in."
Lili's brows knit together, her usual guarded expression flickering with uncertainty. "Are you sure? It sounds dangerous... I don't want to put anyone in harm's way."
Bell smiled gently, reassuring. "I know it's risky, but it's the only way we can get them to expose themselves. We'll have Welf and the Ganesha Familia ready to jump when they make their move."
Welf nodded, his hands tightening around the straps of his gear. "I'll cover Lili's back with magic traps and barriers. We'll be ready."
Bell continued, "The trap will be set on floor ten, the fog there will help us stay hidden until the right moment. We're meeting again in three days to finalise everything and give Ganesha Familia time to prepare. We'll all meet at noon so everyone's in position and ready to act."
Lili took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting both fear and determination. "Alright. I'll do it. For my freedom, and all of us."
With the plan sealed, they exchanged nods, a silent pact forged in trust. Bell felt a flicker of hope amid the looming danger. Together, they would shine a light on the shadows that had long haunted Lili and perhaps begin dismantling the chains that bound her forever.
Over the next two days, Bell threw himself into perfecting his armour and putting the finishing touches on the spear. Every detail mattered; he wanted the spear to look impressive enough to catch the Soma Familia's greedy eyes. The blade gleamed with a subtle brilliance, the purple moth wing poison carefully applied to the edge, hidden but ready to strike. The shaft was reinforced with lightweight alloys, designed for durability and to feel natural in Lili's hands when she carried it as bait.
Welf stopped by the forge frequently, his brow furrowed as he examined the armour Bell was crafting. When Bell showed him the sword and armour he was making to be sold in Hephaestus's shops, Welf didn't hold back. "The balance on this sword feels off," he said bluntly, pointing to the hilt. "You're putting too much weight near the guard. It'll tire the wielder's wrist fast."
Bell appreciated the honesty. "Good catch. I'll shift the weight toward the pommel and reinforce the grip. What about the armour?"
Welf ran a hand over the plates thoughtfully. "The joints could use more flexibility. If you want it to be light, you must compromise a little on coverage, but not too much. Also, add a few extra layers of magic-imbued leather under the plates. It'll help absorb shock and resist piercing attacks."
Bell nodded, already planning the adjustments. Their discussions were frank and focused, the kind of feedback that strengthened both their crafts. Bell felt a growing respect for Welf's skill and insight. This was more than friendship; it was a partnership.
Meanwhile, Hestia convened a meeting with Hephaestus and Shakti of the Ganesha Familia to discuss the growing threat of the Soma Familia. Hestia's usual bubbly demeanour was tinged with worry as she explained the situation. "We can't let this go on. The Soma Familia's cruelty is getting worse, and it's only a matter of time before more innocent people get hurt."
Shakti, calm and measured, nodded. "We've been monitoring them, but their connections run deep. Without concrete evidence, the guild can't act yet."
Hephaestus tapped her fingers thoughtfully. "We need allies. Someone with influence and the means to tip the scales."
Shakti's eyes narrowed. "I suggest reaching out to Loki or Freya. Loki's cunning and resources could be invaluable, but Freya's power is unmatched."
Hestia whined softly, clearly reluctant. "Loki is… tricky. I'd rather have Freya's support, but Loki is probably the better choice if I have to pick."
After some debate, they agreed to approach Loki first, hoping her support could be secured without drawing undue attention.
As the meeting adjourned, Hestia sighed but squared her shoulders. The path ahead was uncertain, but with the combined strength of Hephaestus, Ganesha, and Hestia herself, they might stand a chance against the darkness that threatened to engulf Lili and others trapped by the Soma Familia.
With the trap set to be sprung in three days and the alliances forming in the shadows, the stage was quietly prepared for a confrontation that could change everything.
Hestia P.O.V
Later that day, Hestia stood in the grand hall of the Loki Familia's headquarters, flanked by Shakti and Tsubaki. The atmosphere was tense, and Loki lounged on a velvet chaise, her sharp eyes gleaming with mischief and calculation. Around her gathered her top familia members, a mix of seasoned warriors and cunning strategists, attentive as Hestia laid out the troubling situation.
"We've seen troubling signs from the Soma Familia," Hestia began, her voice steady despite the knot of nerves tightening in her chest. "Their treatment of their members is brutal, and they're using the dungeon as a place to enforce debts and punish those who dare defy them. Lili is one such victim. We need your support to stop their abuses before more lives are destroyed."
Loki's lips curved into a sly smile. "Sounds like a mess. But why come to me? Why not Freya, or someone else with more brute strength?"
Shakti stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Because Loki, your reach and influence are unmatched in Orario. Your network can uncover what others cannot. We want to catch the Soma Familia in the act, expose their crimes, and cripple their power. We need your cunning."
Loki's eyes sparkled with interest. "I like the sound of that. A little chaos, a little control. I'm in, if you play your cards right."
Hestia let out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. "Thank you. We'll need your Familia's help coordinating the timing and ensuring no one interferes prematurely."
Loki waved a hand dismissively but with a knowing gleam. "Consider it done. Just make sure the bait is irresistible."
Lili P.O.V
Meanwhile, deep within the twisting corridors of the dungeon, Lili was setting her trap with grim determination. She met with the captain of the Soma Familia and the three members known for bullying her, their faces dark with greed and arrogance. The dim light flickered off their weapons as they listened, scepticism fading as Lili spoke.
"There's a magic spear coming through on the next run," she told them, voice low but sure. "It's said to be poisoned; any cut from it can be deadly. And the wielder will have a fortune in Valis on them."
The captain's eyes narrowed, then gleamed. "Poison, you say? That's valuable. And Valis? Even better."
Lili's gaze hardened as she continued, "The next expedition heads into floor ten. There are plenty of monsters to lure, and the fog there hides everything. It's the perfect place to make a move."
The three bullies exchanged quick, eager looks, greed overriding their usual cruelty for once. The captain nodded sharply. "Make sure there are plenty of monster lures ready. We'll be prepared to strike the moment the prize shows itself."
Lili added, "We'll meet at noon before heading down, so you guys can come down afterwards to set the trap."
The men grinned, the promise of wealth and power lighting their faces. For them, the trap was just another game to win.
But for Lili, it was a chance at freedom, a gamble that might finally break the chains binding her to the Soma Familia's cruelty.
As they dispersed into the shadows of the dungeon, Lili's heart beat fast, not with fear but with cautious hope. The trap was set, the players were in position, and the countdown to confrontation had begun.
Bell P.O.V
The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of the Loki Familia's strategy room, casting sharp light lines across the polished stone floor. Bell stood before the gathered group, three of Loki's top members flanked by Tsubaki and Shakti, their expressions a mix of scepticism and curiosity. The air was thick with quiet tension.
Bell cleared his throat, gripping the spear he had painstakingly forged with pride and purpose. "I want to go over the plan for trapping the Soma Familia on floor ten," he began, his voice steady. "Lili will carry this spear as bait, and it's designed to look valuable, with a subtle poison coating on the blade. She'll also have many valuables on her to draw their attention."
He gestured toward the spear, its sleek design catching the light and reflecting a faint shimmer. "The spear's craftsmanship should be enough to make them interested, maybe even greedy."
One of Loki's top members, a sharp-eyed woman with a calculating smile, leaned forward. "And you expect them to take the bait? What about their usual tactics?"
Bell nodded. "They probably won't act immediately. After our meeting at noon, they'll likely follow us in. That gives you all plenty of time to prepare in the morning. The fog on floor ten works to our advantage; it'll help you stay hidden until the right moment."
Shakti added, "Be warned, Soma Familia tends to use monster lures to control the battlefield. Expect traps and ambushes. You'll need to be ready for anything."
Tsubaki crossed her arms, her voice low but fierce. "We'll coordinate closely with Welf's magic support and the Ganesha Familia's forces. We won't let them slip through."
Bell's gaze swept across the faces before him, catching the flicker of determination in each. "This has to be precise. No mistakes. If we can catch them in the act and expose their abuses, it'll be a turning point for Lili and everyone trapped under their control."
The room fell into a charged silence, the plan's weight settling over them all. Finally, Loki's top strategist smirked. "I like your style, Bell. Let's ensure the Soma Familia learns that greed has its price."
With a nod, Bell felt a surge of resolve. The trap was set, alliances forged, and the countdown to confrontation had begun. Together, they would bring the shadows into the light.
Normal P.O.V
After the intense meeting with Loki's top members, Bell gathered with Finn, Riveria, and Gareth in a quieter chamber, flanked by Tsubaki and Shakti. The mood was serious but focused as they reviewed what they would need for the upcoming confrontation.
Riveria spoke first, her calm voice steady. "I'll bring Lefiya with me. She's an exceptional healer and can provide solid support during the fight."
Gareth nodded, folding his arms. "I'll be bringing Tiona and Tione. They're skilled fighters and will bolster our frontline."
Finn, ever the strategist, added, "Ais will accompany me. She's quick and precise, perfect for damage control if things go sideways."
Bell listened carefully, feeling the weight of the team they were assembling. "Good. The more prepared we are, the better our chances. We'll need everyone at their best."
Tsubaki glanced around the group, her usual booming voice tempered for the moment. "Remember, coordination is key. You'll all need to know your roles and trust each other implicitly."
Shakti nodded in agreement. "We'll relay the plan to Loki and her familia next. Once the plan is locked in with them, we'll begin prepping the others we'll take along."
Bell felt a surge of confidence. With such formidable allies ready to stand together, the trap on floor ten was no longer just a risky gamble, and it was a well-oiled operation poised to expose the Soma Familia's darkness once and for all.
With the plan clear, the group dispersed to start their preparations, the quiet hum of determination filling the air as everyone steeled themselves for the battle ahead.
The thick fog of floor ten curled around the narrow stone corridors like a living veil, muffling footsteps and swallowing sounds whole. Deep within this murky expanse, the Ganesha and Loki Familia members moved silently, setting traps and securing vantage points with practised precision. Shakti oversaw the deployment of magical wards that shimmered faintly in the gloom, while Loki's top fighters used their stealth and cunning to weave through the shadows, ensuring every angle was covered.
"We have to be ready for monster lures," Shakti reminded her team, her voice low but firm. "Soma won't hesitate to use every dirty trick to protect their own."
Gareth grinned, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let them try. We'll be waiting."
Meanwhile, Bell met up with Welf and Lili at the agreed-upon hour just outside the dungeon entrance. The sun was high, but the cool morning air carried a tension that prickled at their skin. Bell reached into his bag and pulled out a hefty pouch of valis, handing it to Lili with a nod. Then, carefully, he passed her the spear he had crafted, a masterpiece of gleaming metal and subtle poison, designed to look as valuable as deadly.
"Hold onto this," Bell said quietly. "It's going to be the bait that draws them in."
Lili took the spear with a steady hand, the weight of it both reassuring and heavy with expectation. Welf readied his gear, magic-infused weapons strapped close, eyes scanning the surroundings nervously but resolutely.
Unseen in the dense underbrush, the Soma Familia's captain, Zanis, crouched with the three members notorious for tormenting Lili. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation, cold and hungry for the prize they believed was within reach. They had been lying in wait, hidden by the dense foliage, watching Bell, Welf, and Lili prepare to enter the dungeon.
"Let them get a head start," Zanis whispered, voice rough and low. "Once they're in, we follow. Floor ten is where we strike."
The three bullies smirked, their usual cruelty replaced by eager greed. Valis and a magic spear, too tempting to resist.
Lili's heart pounded in her chest, but beneath the fear was a flicker of hope. This was the moment she'd been waiting for.
As Bell, Welf, and Lili stepped into the cold, shadowy entrance of the dungeon, the trap was silently set in motion. The stage was ready, the players in position, and the battle for freedom and justice would soon unfold deep within the fog-shrouded corridors of floor ten.
Bell, Welf, and Lili moved cautiously through the winding dungeon corridors, the dense fog of floor ten thickening with each step. Behind them, just far enough to remain unseen, the Soma Familia followed silently, Zanis and his three cronies keeping their distance to avoid alerting the trio.
As they crossed floor ten, Bell signalled for the others to stay alert. They began dispatching the monsters that lurked nearby, their strikes swift and precise, blending seamlessly with the normal rhythm of dungeon exploration. They needed to appear natural, nothing out of the ordinary to tip off the Soma Familia or anyone else watching.
Through the mist, faint glimmers of magical wards and subtle movements caught Bell's eye. He spotted the figures of the Ganesha and Loki Familia, along with Tsubaki, poised and ready. Their positions were perfect, concealed yet commanding, forming an invisible net around the area. The trap was set, and the waiting game had begun.
Fifteen minutes passed in tense silence, broken only by the occasional monster's growl or the soft shuffle of feet. Then, from the fog-shrouded stairwell, the heavy footsteps of the Soma Familia echoed as Zanis led his group onto floor ten. His voice was low but sharp as he directed the others, "Spread out. Get the monster lures ready, we'll flush them out and snatch the prize."
Watching from her concealed position, Shakti caught the motion and quickly exchanged a series of hand signals with her allies. Finn, nearby, mirrored the signals to the rest of the team. The warning was clear: get ready.
Suddenly, the air shimmered as the monster lures were deployed, their eerie glow illuminating the fog. Moments later, the bait drew grotesque creatures from the shadows.
Zanis and his three followers wasted no time, launching their assault ruthlessly. They aimed to overwhelm Bell, Welf, and Lili, snatch the spear and valis, then vanish before reinforcements arrive.
But just as one of the Soma Familia members lunged to grab Lili, a coordinated strike erupted from the shadows. The Ganesha and Loki Familia unleashed a devastating combo, magic and blades flashing in perfect harmony. Tsubaki herself blocked the main entrance with a confident grin, her presence cutting off any chance of escape.
Caught off guard, the Soma Familia staggered under the sudden onslaught, their faces twisting in shock and fury. The carefully woven trap had sprung perfectly, turning their greed and cruelty against them.
The battle for floor ten had begun, and the tide was turning.