Danmachi: Strongest Familia

With nightfall approaching, the group knew they couldn't risk reaching Rivera after dark, so they set up camp to avoid spending the night exposed without proper bedding.

The team worked quickly, soon pitching two tents. They'd initially planned for three to share one tent, while the other would be for Bell and his companions. Despite saving them, they weren't about to leave Bell's group alone in the wild. "Helping others fully, especially after sharing our new healing potion, means they'll have to appreciate this kindness."

As darkness settled and the crystal chandelier on the 18th-floor ceiling dimmed, Liate prepared dinner. The mouthwatering aroma soon reached the injured resting in the tent, stirring them awake.

With the stew bubbling away, Shyvana stood up, noticing movement in the other tent. "Looks like they're waking up; I'll go check on them."

Inside, she found Bell, his wounds completely healed and seemingly rejuvenated after his rest, kneeling by his unconscious friends and checking them over carefully. "Don't worry," Shyvana reassured him gently. "With some rest, they'll wake up soon."

Just as she spoke, Bell's companions stirred, their eyelids fluttering open.

"Thank you so much for saving us," Bell said gratefully. "I'm Bell of the Hestia Familia, and these two are my adventure companions."

"I'm Shyvana from Sol Familia, so no need for thanks," she replied. "Just make sure to cover the potion cost later when you're able," she added with a slight grin.

"Potion?" Bell blinked in surprise, then looked himself over, realizing his injuries were gone, and he felt completely recharged. How long had I been out?

"It's a new healing potion from Janna Familia—quite effective, as you've seen," Shyvana said, subtly promoting its benefits. Only those who've experienced it could truly appreciate its effects.

Bell looked a bit uncertain. "I don't even know the value of potion this effective…"

"Relax," she chuckled. "I was just teasing you. Are you hungry? There's food outside."

Shyvana lifted the tent flap, letting the enticing aroma of the meal waft in. Immediately, all three stomachs growled in unison.

As they enjoyed their meal near the 18th-floor entrance, an unexpected noise came from the direction they came from. Bell froze, recognizing a familiar voice. With a sudden realization, he bolted toward the entrance, still holding his bowl.

Sure enough, as he reached the entryway, he spotted a familiar figure—his goddess, Hestia. She was flanked by unfamiliar adventurers and… the very people who had set their group up.

Bell's heart raced as he processed what he was seeing. Why is Hestia-sama here? Shouldn't gods be barred from entering the dungeon? A chill ran through him as he feared his Familia might face punishment from the guild.

"Oh, Bell-kun seems to be having quite the comfortable time here," Hermes quipped, noticing Bell's bowl and giving him an amused smile.

"Uh, you are…?" Bell stammered, caught off guard.

"Name's Hermes—pleasure to finally meet you."

Though Hermes had helped Bell discreetly in the past, this was indeed their first direct encounter. Hermes's right-hand, Asfi, looked between the two, wondering what her god could be plotting this time.

What is he thinking? Did he insist on tagging along because of this boy? What's so special about him? Asfi recalled Sol's comment about Hermes's 'dual-sword' style, supposedly learned from Apollo and she couldn't help shudder.

Meanwhile, Bell expressed his gratitude, introducing Shyvana and her group to the rescue party. Unnecessarily, as it turned out, since Astraea and Sol were close allies, and the two Familia were already well acquainted.

"You came to save this white-haired kid?" Veronica asked, chatting casually with Ryuu, a fellow elf.

In hearing what had happened from Ryuu, Veronica was shocked to learn Bell had run up from the twelfth floor. No wonder he looked so beaten when they treated him—his body and spirit had been pushed to their limits.

With confirmation that Bell's group was out of danger, the rescue team relaxed.

"Did you defeat Goliath on the seventeenth floor?" Bell asked, noting signs of a recent battle.

"Yes, that's why we came," Shyvana answered. "I've been aiming for an upgrade to LV5, and this Goliath gave me the challenge I needed."

"You're also doing incredibly well—don't push yourself too hard," Veronica advised with a warm smile.