Is It Wrong To Level Up In A Dungeon?

Chapter 28. Victory, Debt, Decision

A sudden weight latched onto his arm.

"Cassandra?!"

She clung to him desperately, trying to hold him back. Her grip was weak, her body trembling, but her presence gave Hyakinthos the opening he needed.

"Aro Zephyros!"

Hyakinthos unleashed his spell, a howling blast of wind magic tearing through the air, homing in on Bell with lethal precision.

Then—

A blur of darkness..

Igris materialized from the shadows, his dark armor gleaming as he tackled Cassandra away. With her out of the way, Bell barely managed to twist his body, avoiding the spell's direct impact—but it continued its pursuit, spiraling toward him.

Hyakinthos sneered. "Explode!"

The wind magic detonated in a blinding burst. Smoke engulfed the battlefield, obscuring all vision.

As the dust settled, a massive figure emerged.

Titan.

The behemoth stood tall, his towering form shielding Bell from the attack. Not a single scratch marred his obsidian-like body.

"You..." Hyakinthos' voice wavered, disbelief creeping into his tone.

His fury reignited. Snarling, he drew a short sword and lunged at Titan in a desperate attempt to strike him down.

The blade snapped on impact.

Titan didn't even flinch.

Before Hyakinthos could react, Bell's fist connected with his jaw. The force sent him sprawling across the shattered throne room, unconscious before he even hit the ground.

The battle was over.

The battlefield fell silent.

Then—

A voice rang out, clear and resolute.

"I hereby declare the Hestia Familia the victors of the War Game!" Ibri proclaimed.

For a moment, there was nothing but stunned silence. Then, like a dam breaking, cheers erupted from the crowd. The supporters of Hestia Familia roared in triumph, their voices rising to the heavens in celebration.

On the other side of the battlefield, Apollo stood frozen, his expression contorted with disbelief. His carefully laid plans, his arrogance—shattered in the blink of an eye.

Hestia stepped forward, her small frame exuding an authority that made even Apollo recoil. She wasted no time.

"As the victor," she declared, "I claim my rights under the rules of the War Game."

Apollo flinched, but he couldn't protest.

"Your Familia is to be disbanded," Hestia continued, her voice unwavering. "Your mansion—confiscated. And you, Apollo, are to be banished from Orario. Permanently."

The words struck like a hammer. Apollo's lips trembled, but no plea, no protest, came forth. The reality of his defeat was absolute.

The War Game was over.

Later, beneath the afternoon sun, Bell stood with his allies.

He looked at each of them, the people who had fought beside him, who had given their all for this moment. Gratitude swelled in his chest.

"Thank you," Bell said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I couldn't have done this without you."

Smiles met his words, exhaustion melting into pride.