[Name: Bell Cranel
Lv.3
Development Abilities:
· Stealth: E→D
· Cognition: H→G
Attributes:
· Strength: D520 → ???1651
· Endurance: D560 → ???1656
· Dexterity: C637 → ???1741
· Agility: B705 → ???1769
· Magic: S978 → ???1984
Magic:
"Four-Dimensional Space":
· Storage
"Lightning Command":
· Quick-Cast Magic
· Lightning Manipulation
Skills:
"Personal Training":
· Early Bloomer
"Heaven's Luck":
· High Luck
"The Poor Man's Desire":
· Accumulate Power]
"I haven't reached my limit yet."
Although his magic had already reached the same level as when he was at Lv.2, the other four stats were still slightly lower than back then.
Bell understood this. After all, he had spent more time honing his abilities before reaching Lv.2. What he was doing now was more like last-minute training and experience gathering, so naturally, he was still lacking.
Still, the fact remained—he hadn't met the conditions yet.
But the gap wasn't too big. It might be something he could close with one final battle at Lv.3.
"I'm still short nearly 400 points—that's too big a difference."
It really was. Hephaestus didn't think that was a small gap at all.
Maybe for an average Adventurer, this wouldn't seem like much. But for someone aiming to be the strongest, a 400-point gap was massive.
"Yeah, I know it's a lot."
Bell took Hephaestus' reminder to heart, but he wasn't the type to give up easily.
"I remember... tomorrow is when Goliath respawns."
Already prepared for his next upgrade, Bell had been keeping an eye on Goliath's intel. It had been two weeks since the last expedition organized by the City of Rivira to defeat Goliath, and tomorrow was the day it would respawn.
"You plan to go straight for the Floor Boss?"
"It's the most efficient way. And if I want to keep moving forward, challenging Floor Bosses is the only viable method to gain Excelia."
"It's efficient, yes, but it still comes with risks."
"True, but Goliath is the Floor Boss with the lowest risk. If I were to go up against a Level 5 Floor Boss, no matter how strong I am, I'd need someone to help handle the final risk. When the time comes, I plan to bring someone from the Loki Familia along."
Hephaestus could tell Bell had already made up his mind, so she didn't try to stop him.
Floor Bosses were special monsters Bell would have to face regularly in the future. Strong, massive, and clearly different from the usual trash mobs, most of them were roughly two levels above the floor they appeared on.
For ordinary adventurers, the floor boss represents the second major difficulty spike after surpassing Level 1.
"Bell-kun, after this expedition, are you planning to reveal your true strength to Loki?"
Bell gave a slight nod in response to Hestia's question.
"There will be too many situations in the future where we'll need to work together. I can't keep hiding my actual strength forever. Besides, Loki-sama is sharp—she's probably already guessed that I've been holding something back. So showing some of my true power now is also a way to lay my cards on the table and deepen the bond between our Familias."
His honesty was meant to pave the way for better cooperation—and to showcase his talent and potential.
True collaboration required a balance between both sides. Unfortunately, that balance hadn't existed between the Hestia Familia and the Loki Familia in the past. That's why Bell had used various strategies to push through and make the cooperation happen.
But if that partnership was going to continue, the Hestia Familia needed to prove its strength.
This step was something he had to take.
"So, it all comes down to tomorrow."
...
After a quiet night, Bell woke up early the next morning from his peaceful slumber.
Today was the day he would move forward again.
With everything he'd built up until now, there was no chance Goliath could beat him. His victory was already assured—the only question was how much experience he'd gain from the fight.
After all, this would be his first battle against a massive monster.
Just like always, once he had finished all his preparations, Bell sat alone in the training room, silently adjusting his mindset.
...
After an hour of calming himself, Bell changed into his usual travel outfit.
Even when facing a Floor Boss, he chose to go light. Other than his simple clothes, the only thing he brought was the cloak that had been with him for months.
That marked the end of his preparations.
He also put on the "visual capture device." To keep Hestia and Hephaestus from worrying, he would record the entire battle against Goliath, allowing both goddesses to watch the full encounter.
"Bell, look."
Just as Bell was about to head to the 18th floor, Hestia called out to him.
She opened her arms.
Bell understood. He crouched down so the short-statured Hestia could wrap her arms around him.
"You must win."
"Don't worry. I won't let my future end here. I'll keep moving forward." Bell hugged Hestia tightly and spoke with unwavering resolve.
The two goddesses had always stood by his side—there was no way his journey would end in the Dungeon.
He would bring them home, both of them, and give them the grandest future.
And to do that, he had to keep building his strength, step by step.
After receiving Hestia's blessing, Bell rose slightly and turned his gaze to Hephaestus.
"What are you looking at me for?"
"Um... I was waiting for your blessing, Hephaestus."
Looking at the boy in front of her with that familiar mischievous smile, Hephaestus felt a pang of nostalgia—the pure-hearted youth she once knew was gone. Still, under Hestia's expectant gaze, she stepped forward and kissed him on the lips, granting her blessing.
Hephaestus watched him smile, then playfully rolled her eyes.
"Be sure to come back."
"Of course. With two goddesses waiting for me at home, a mere Goliath won't stop me from returning."
Now, with both their blessings, Bell radiated a confidence that set him apart.
He hadn't come prepared to lose. Nor did he believe that something like Goliath could block his path forward.
So... Goliath, become the experience that fuels my next step.