Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 26. Apollo's Scheme

The smirk on Bell's lips only fueled Clio's frustration. He swung wildly, his attacks becoming sloppy. Bell, almost bored, pivoted on his heel and slammed his elbow straight into Clio's gut.

A choked gasp left Clio's lips. His body jolted, and with a sickening guh!, a mix of blood and saliva splattered onto the wooden floor. The dagger slipped from his grasp, clattering noisily against the ground. He staggered back, clutching his stomach, his breath ragged and uneven.

The pub remained eerily silent, all eyes fixed on the spectacle. Clio's gaze darted around, his face pale. He knew it—there was no winning this fight. Not here. Not against him.

With a sharp glare, he wiped his mouth, scowling as he turned on his heel. "Tch... This isn't over," he muttered before storming out, his men trailing behind him.

As the door slammed shut behind them, the pub burst back into life. Cheers and laughter erupted, tankards raised in amusement.

Bete, who had been watching from the side, let out a short chuckle. "Hah. Not bad, Rabbit."

As the tension faded, Lili smirked and raised her mug. "Well, that was fun. Another round?"

Bell sighed. "You're going to make me pay, aren't you?"

Mikoto simply laughed, raising her glass as the pub returned to its lively atmosphere.

A short while later, a pair of representatives from the Apollo Familia approached Bell in the bustling streets of Orario, handing him a sealed letter. The emblem of the sun god was stamped in wax, its golden sheen reflecting in the dimming afternoon light. Bell hesitated before tucking it away, knowing this was meant for Hestia.

Back at the ruined church, Bell watched as Hestia broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. Her eyes flickered across the words, her expression shifting from curiosity to mild annoyance.

"It's an invitation to a banquet," she said, exhaling sharply. "One hosted by Apollo himself."

Bell blinked. "A banquet?"

"Yeah. A special one for the gods," Hestia muttered. Not wanting to attend alone, she quickly decided to invite Miach and Takemikazuchi along, hoping their presence would keep things from becoming unbearable.

When the night of the banquet arrived, Bell and Hestia stood outside the Apollo Familia's extravagant manor, its towering structure bathed in warm candlelight. The laughter and music spilling from inside hinted at the grandeur within. Soon, Miach and Naaza arrived, the latter adjusting her arm prosthetic with a sigh.

"Takemikazuchi should already be inside," Miach noted. "Shall we?"

The group stepped into the lavish estate, immediately greeted by the sight of opulence—the golden chandeliers, flowing silk drapes, and an endless spread of gourmet food. The moment they entered, Hermes strolled toward them, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

"Bell, Hestia," Hermes greeted, flanked by Takemikazuchi, Asfi, and Mikoto. "Didn't think you'd miss this grand affair."

Before Bell could respond, a powerful voice echoed through the hall. The room quieted as the host himself, Apollo, made his entrance. Dressed in regal finery, he stepped forward with three members of his Familia trailing behind him—faces Bell recognized all too well.

With a dazzling smile, Apollo raised his goblet high. "Welcome, honored guests! Tonight, we celebrate the strength and unity of Orario's greatest adventurers. May the festivities begin!"

As the party commenced, guests mingled, feasting and laughing in the golden glow of the ballroom. Bell found himself standing near the balcony when Hermes approached him once again, his gaze sharp yet amused.

"Tell me, Bell," Hermes mused, sipping from his wine glass. "Why did you become an adventurer?"

Bell hesitated before answering, his voice firm. "Because my grandfather inspired me to."

Hermes hummed in thought before shifting the conversation. "And? Is there someone here you'd like to dance with?"

Bell glanced toward Ais, standing gracefully amidst the crowd. The flickering candlelight made her golden hair glow like a divine blessing. Hermes smirked.

"Go on."

Bell took a breath, steadied himself, and walked toward her, keeping his composure in check. "Ais... Would you like to dance?"

Ais blinked, then nodded. "Yes."

As the two moved to the center of the floor, their dance began—awkward at first, but soon fluid and natural. Around them, their respective goddesses, Hestia and Loki, squirmed in frustration, held back by Asfi's firm grip.

"I've never danced with anyone before," Ais admitted softly.

Bell smiled. "Then I guess we're both learning."

From a distant corner, Freya watched with intrigue, her lips curling in amusement. She turned to Ottar. "How many Minotaurs do you think I could summon here?"

Ottar, unfazed, responded, "Impossible."

Their dance continued, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away—until the lights suddenly dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight shining on the two of them.

A slow clap broke the spell.

Apollo stepped forward, his expression smug as he gestured toward a wounded adventurer. The man staggered forward, bandages wrapped tightly around his torso, his face twisted in pain.

"This," Apollo announced, "is the work of your Familia." His sharp gaze landed on Bell. "And I will not let this insult stand."

Before Bell could speak, Hestia stepped in front of him, shielding him with unwavering determination.

Apollo smirked. "I, Apollo, challenge the Hestia Familia to a War Game."

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Next: Challenge Accepted