A Survivor's life in the dungeon (A Danmachi Fanfic.)

Chapter 129

August had a look of surprise on his face. "Helga, no disrespect, but how could you tell? The two of us were moving at speeds far beyond your level." He asked curiously.

Helga smiled and shrugged. "Experience. You'll get there someday." she answered as she patted August on his head.

August had a deadpan look on his face. "I'm still your captain; don't treat me as a child."

"And yet you are a child." Helga smiled knowingly. Something August didn't appreciate.

"Yeah yeah, flaunting your experience, keep on doing that and I might train you extra." August slapped Helga's hand, making the veteran chuckle.

'He really is still a child.' It was refreshing for her, seeing August act his own age. It makes her happy to see that he could still do so even with all the strength that he possesses. "How scary," she playfully replied.

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In the days that followed, the atmosphere within Heracles Manor remained charged with anticipation. Familia members threw themselves into rigorous training sessions, each day bringing incremental improvements but highlighting the steep learning curve they faced.

Denki's strategic mind continued to formulate plans, adapting strategies to the familia's strengths and addressing weaknesses. The dynamics between Helga and August as trainers evolved, striking a delicate balance between discipline and encouragement. The weight of their impending clash in the war games loomed over the familia, a challenge that demanded not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude.

As the clock ticked down to the designated day for the war games, a palpable tension enveloped the manor. August, ever perceptive, could sense the mix of anxiety and determination in his familia members. The shift from facing monsters to confronting fellow adventurers posed a unique set of challenges, and the gravity of taking another person's life lingered in the air.

Within this charged atmosphere, personal dynamics unfolded. Conversations in hushed tones echoed through the corridors as familia members grappled with their fears and uncertainties. Lysander and Bors, having experience in mortal combat, became informal mentors to those unfamiliar with the harsh reality of facing skilled opponents.

On the other side of things lies Bell and Hestia Familia. They too are deep in planning on how to rescue their comrade from the clutches of Soma Familia.

Bell, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose after learning about Lili's capture, approached each training session with unwavering determination. With Kiez, Jogu, and Ozwald supporting him, acting as both comrades and friends in these trying times. The three of them are the closest to Bell, and though they couldn't help him given their own situation, being there for him is the next best thing they could do.

Hestia, though deeply concerned for Bell's safety, respected his resolve to rescue Lili. She reached out to her contacts within the divine community, calling in the favor owed by Takemikazuchi. The god, understanding the gravity of the situation, pledged his support, promising assistance when the time came.

Handling the planning on their side is Froke. Although hesitant at first, she readily agreed once she learned the circumstances behind Lili. She found that the pallum and her are birds of the same feather, their circumstances eerily similar. A kindred spirit, if you will.

With it, she had given her best to come up with a plan, discussing it with Bell, Welf, and the members of Takemikazuchi Familia whom the god loaned for this occasion.

Another thing that happened in the days leading to the war games is Mikoto Yamato, who decided to join Hestia Familia for a year. It was her way of repenting for what her familia did inside the dungeon.