We've really been through a lot, huh?
So many, many things...
You had your fair share of pathetic moments at the start, often being the butt of people's jokes.
Even after you grew a little stronger, someone tougher was always standing in your way.
It was a constant ordeal.
Hardly a day went by when you weren't injured.
There were some rough times.
Moments I thought you might break down.
Moments I feared you would be swallowed by despair.
Moments it looked like you were down for the count.
But you never stopped wishing for it.
Wishing to be a hero.
Wishing to be stronger.
You kept saying it over and over.
Striving to reach your goal. To keep on fighting.
To uphold your promises.
You surmounted countless adversities...
and now just look at how far you've come.
Congratulations, Bell.
You've ranked up.
So, Bell. Was that black minotaur a tough opponent?
Very.
He fought through the Battle of Knossos and protected the Xenos.
Generally speaking, that feat alone could have made him worthy enough for a rank up.
But that wasn't all.
It was his defeat that was the most meaningful.
The frustration that he felt... is actually what pushed Bell's status to the next stage.
Vesta...
Huh?
Oh, nothing! Seeing you in this moment just made me feel like saying that.
It's a symbol of all the things I preside over, while also being a title, and another name that I go by.
And that's... "Vesta"?
Yep.
It has the meaning of "perpetual flame".
Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV
Prelude
Night Before Departure
I take it your injuries have all healed cleanly, Bell Cranel.
They have. Thanks for your help.
I hear that you have reached level 4.
And I see the expression on your face has changed a great deal.
You think so?
Indeed.
Although, that's coming from someone who has no eyes.
Tell me. Have you decided what your next course of action will be?
Yes. I'm going to start exploring the dungeon again.
To become even stronger.
It sounds like you're committed to that.
However...
I detect a slight hesitance under the surface.
Coexistence between humanity and the Xenos is impossible until
the deepest level of the dungeon has been conquered.
It doesn't matter how much Ouranos and I strive to help,
because the future that we wish for will never come as long as that feat remains unaccomplished.
If you want to act with the Xenos' best interests at heart,
then please push onwards, Bell Cranel.
What exactly is down there... on the deepest floor of the dungeon?
A covenant that was forged.
And... a conclusion.
On that note, Miss Eina.
I, Luvis, shall now gallantly venture forth to the lower floors of the dungeon and resolve a quest.
Shove off! You're interrupting our precious personal time before I leave for the day!
Eina, my dear! I'll be sure to bring you a wonderful present from the lower floors after I complete my quest!
Quit grandstanding, you dwarf bumpkin! Nobody cares about your pathetic quest!
Stuff it, you weak ass elf! The only one here taking on leftover quests for losers is you!
Um, Mr. Luvis and Mr. Dormul...?
Quests on the lower floors can be especially dangerous for adventurers.
So I wish you a safe journey.
Thank you, Eina my dear!
Dude. She was clearly talking to me.
Say that again, I'll break you like a stick!
Just try it, jughead!
Welcome in, Bell! Just try it, jughead!
Welcome in, Bell!
Huh? Aren't you...
The Little Rookie?
Pardon me. I'm happy to wait for a moment if you're in the middle of something.
It's okay! I'm the one who asked you to come!
Here. It's for you.
No way, is that what I think it is?!
Sh-sh-she's giving him a love letter?!
Miss Eina, isn't this a...?
Yep. But it's an official one this time.
A directive for the Hestia Familia from the Guild.
Jeez, another mission?
We just got done handling the Xenos stuff
and here they come dumping another compulsory mission on our heads!
What do you expect? That was all done under the table.
On the bright side, this means that our Familia has gotten strong enough to be considered for missions.
Although, it's mainly thanks to Master Bell's power.
Aw phooey! I wouldn't have registered as an exploration Familia if I knew they'd saddle us with this crap.
I figured it was the best choice,
since the application process was easy and people said we'd get all sorts of preferential treatment.
That was the reason you picked it?!
Don't give me a hard time! Nobody could have imagined that we would get so strong, so fast!
But this works out perfectly. Right, Bell?
Yeah!
My plan was to go back down into the dungeon once everybody was ready.
And I've already whipped up new equipment for the whole team.
The Guild didn't even have to bother. We're raring to go!
The mission itself is about what you'd expect.
We have to break our previous floor record, and then return with a number of items they've requested.
Basically, we have to go on an expedition. Period.
But that leaves us with some options.
Either we simply accomplish the goals they've given us.
Or do more.
I want... to press further on!
For Wiene and the Xenos!
And for our own benefit!
I want all of us to get stronger!
That settles that.
Great!
Then we might as well reach out to Take and Miach and have them provide us some back up!
We'll form a united front!
A united front? Really?
This isn't just a mission! It's an expedition to bolster our strength!
Which means the more allies, the better!
We're all going to press further on together, right?
Let's make it happen, you guys!
Okay!
I see. An expedition, eh?
Yes.
And as a member of the Hestia Familia...
I am here to humbly request that you join us!
Despite the clear risks involved, I have no objections to offering Hestia my assistance.
What do you two think?
I feel exactly the same.
We owe them a debt that we haven't fully paid back yet.
Same here. I would very much like to accompany Ouka and Mikoto.
In which case, it's best to be fully prepared.
It's been a while since we last sparred.
Care to go a round?
Gladly!
All right, so the members of the Miach Familia who can join us on the expedition are...
Cassandra and myself.
And our captain said she's going to provide logistical support, like securing items and such.
How should we fit you into the party formation?
Back when I was in the Apollo Familia, I served as an odd-jobber in the middle guard.
And Cassandra would fit best in the rearguard.
Since she's a healer, you can bet she's going to be way more useful than I am.
G-gosh, that's so kind of you to say, Daphne...
What are you getting all blushy about?
Is that a list of who's going to be in the party?
Yes. In addition to our usual members, we have Master Ouka and Lady Chigusa from Master Takemikazuchi's.
And also...
Lady Aisha.
Wait, Aisha?
You mean Aisha Belka?! The former member of the Ishtar Familia?!
Antianeira...
Yep.
I don't know how she found out, but she suddenly came marching up to our home and...
So, I hear you're going on an expedition.
You better take me with you.
We had no good reason to refuse and happily added her to our roster, but then...
with a battle formation that includes two level 4s,
the discussion shifted to how easily we could push through the middle floors and go deeper...
Yeah, that figures.
It would be a waste of effort to form this big of a party just to complete a mission.
Right.
And of course, the plan was always to adventure as far as we could possibly go.
That makes things difficult for you.
A level 1 supporter will undoubtedly be the first one to die once we hit the lower levels.
D-Daphne!
What's the problem?
I'm just telling the truth.
But, if you insist on coming along no matter what,
then we'll have to find a compromise.
You won't fight,
and instead issue orders that guide the battle while staying put in the rearguard.
Basically, a strategist.
I'm not fond of the role because I was forced into it a few times,
but having someone in the back who keeps track of the bigger picture
is really important.
Keep track... of the bigger picture?
Yep!
It's exactly what Finn Deimne of the Loki Familia does.
Except...
everybody knows that he's also ridiculously strong.
During the War Games, I was honestly frustrated when you totally outwitted us.
I think you've got the talent for it.
And if you're willing to try, I'll teach you all the basics that you need to know.
Yes, please!
Foolish!
Mikoto!
Some people say the majority of adventurers are too preoccupied with their status.
I tend to agree with that.
Even someone with a normal physique like me
can compete with you on an equal level just by mastering martial arts.
It all comes down to techniques and tactics.
Your status isn't something that improves in a single day.
However...
...techniques and tactics are.
That being said, you shouldn't expect to master techniques with ease, either.
You will need energy, effort, and a strong conviction to see things through to the end.
Only then do you stand a chance of pulling it off.
A strong... conviction...
What I desire... is a technique that can oppose the powerful.
Strength that can save my friends and help us survive our adventures!
Then learn exactly that. Mikoto, Chigusa.
By unleashing your techniques with proper timing and proper breath control,
you can hurl even the heaviest of giants.
And slice though even the hardest of bodies.
You have both grown beyond
who you were back in the Far East.
I shall grant your wish. And give you a lesson on what I could never teach you back then.
Come!
What can I do for you, Big Guy?
Mikoto told us about your expedition.
Chigusa and I will be joining you.
You came just to tell me that?
No.
This will be an expedition into unexplored territory for us as well...
I want to do everything I can to be prepared.
So what, you want me to coach you?
It won't do much good.
I know that.
I'm a blacksmith.
And right now I'm helping my friends by making sure they're armed with the highest-quality equipment.
I'm already doing everything I can.
So I don't have time to waste wi-
I need a weapon!
I would like you to make me one.
Please.
I want the real deal. A weapon that I can reliably use to keep Chigusa and Haruhime safe.
My custom-made stuff doesn't come cheap.
Give me a discount
Like hell I will!
E-excuse me, Miss Aisha...?
M-may I ask what exactly you intend to do?
I mean, why did you close everything up?
That should be obvious, Haruhime.
I'm going to put you through a special drill.
Special... thrill...
Huh?! Special drill?!
Yeah. You're the biggest pushover out of everybody that's going on the expedition.
You know that, right?
If all you can do is provide a single level-boost, then you're honestly going to be a burden.
That may be true, but I don't have the ability to fight like Mikoto and the others.
And nobody is expecting a Sorcerer like you to start throwing punches.
Casting magic is your strong suit.
Okay, so you're saying I should refine my magic?
Nope.
You're going to learn new magic.
B-but how? Learning new magic is a complicated and time-consuming process.
That's why we're gonna take the easy route.
And force it out.
What is that?
A grimoire.
The Great Falls...
The name of a huge waterfall that's located on the 25th floor, which is considered the first of the lower floors.
It continues down through multiple floors and ends on the 27th.
You sure are amazing, Bell.
Huh?
Most people I know prepare to explore new floors by brushing up on battle strategies and such.
But here you are spending time gathering information, like it's no big deal.
It's almost as if you're a first-class adventurer.
I realized something. The true meaning behind all the lessons that you've given me, Miss Eina.
Knowledge is vital, because it can be what keeps your party safe on a new floor.
That's why I'm here, to do everything I possibly can to be prepared.
Oh, Bell...
Only a few months have passed since we first met each other.
But he's really grown up.
His admiration for Lady Wallenstein has gradually led him to new heights.
Now he can even fight against powerful monsters like that minotaur.
I don't have it in me to ask any of the details.
But it's crazy how much boys like him change.
And in such a short time...
Miss Eina?
Huh? Y-yes? What is it?
I'm curious about the monsters that appear in this area near the Great Falls...
Well, the one that you most need to watch out for is a flying monster called Iguazu.
It's recommended that you flee at all costs, even if that means ditching your belongings.
Because it's a monster that can move extremely fast.
This is bad. Because it's a monster that can move extremely fast.
It's so quick that adventurers haven taken to calling it "the invisible monster" or "the flash".
I think... I may be head over heels. It's so quick that adventurers haven taken to calling it "the invisible monster" or "the flash".
Hear me out.
I'm not sure how to describe it,
but I've got a feeling that some sort of bittersweet aura is encroaching on Bell right now.
Or is my imagination just running wild?
It's definitely that.
Indeed. Forget it and drink up.
Let me thank you again for agreeing to work with us on the expedition, Take.
Miach.
Hephaistos.
Don't mention it, Hestia.
Anything to help out a good friend.
Yes. Besides, we'll be asking you for help in return eventually.
It's give and take.
As you requested, I'm sending some of my blacksmiths to watch over your home in the meantime.
All I had to do was mention they could see Welf's workshop in person
and I was up to my neck in volunteers!
Thank you! I'd be stuck at home and couldn't go to work without someone else around.
No kidding. But asking me to provide house-sitters so
that you can come work to repay your debt doesn't really balance out, you know!
But I must say,
watching us sit here and knock back drinks while leaving all of the preparation to the children...
is a little embarrassing.
What else am I supposed to do?! They're always on top of everything!
I'm literally the only one left with nothing to do!
I can relate. I learned today that Ouka, Chigusa, and Mikoto have grown much stronger.
They left me with the bruises to prove it.
Naza has also made great strides in improving her pharmaceutical mixing skills.
She seemed very keen on developing a new potion before the expedition for Bell's sake.
I guess all kids really do grow up...
And they need less and less of my help.
Why the long face, Hestia? Let me guess, you're feeling lonely?
Obviously! I can't go into the dungeon with them, after all!
Who wouldn't be lonely...?
Sure, but you must be equally as proud of them, right?
Yes! You're totally right, Hephaistos!
I'm not sure whether to call it happiness or pride.
But it makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy!
Bell used to be such a crybaby and now he's turned into this super cool, super brave, and dignified young man!
Gosh, I'm falling for him all over again!
My heart is aflutter!
Bell is mine! And I refuse to let anyone else have him!
I love you Bell!
To be honest, I'm not without my concerns about the expedition.
After all, Bell and the others are doing it to bolster their strength.
This is hard to say after we invited your children to join us, but...
it's going to be risky.
Even so, I have faith!
Bell can do it. I know my Familia has what it takes to rise to the challenge.
Indeed. They have to.
Yes.
I am certain they will.
They're going to be just fine.
Well then, here's to a successful adventure for our children!
Cheers!
Master Welf is asking if we can wait just a little longer!
Ugh, seriously? I told him to be here on the dot.
What about Lady Daphne and Lady Cassandra?
Sorry. They were busy arguing about something this morning, so we left before them.
I think they should be here soon.
I hope you're right...
What a mess. The fact we're having trouble before the expedition even begins doesn't inspire confidence.
I honestly thought I would be the last one here. I rushed all this way for nothing.
My apologies...
Sorry we're late!
I'm sorry!
Did something happen?
You're not gonna believe it!
The big day finally comes and Cassandra suddenly tells me that she doesn't want to go anymore!
W-well, it's because I had another dream.
This disgusting, green moss was trying to swallow up a ton of people!
S-so please consider it.
Can we cancel or, perhaps, postpone the expedition?
Uh... no can do. I'm sorry.
I figured...
Oh please, everybody knows we're bound to run into trouble after passing through the middle floors.
But overcoming that challenge is what an adventure is all about.
Right...
Sorry, guys.
I'm all ready now.
Is this it? The weapon I ordered?
Yep.
You better earn enough on this expedition to pay it off.
This is a masterpiece.
Heh. You're damn straight.
Bell. This one's for you.
It's a new weapon that I made from unicorn horn.
I call it the Hakugen.
"Hakugen"...
It's so light!
I was working on it until the very last minute, but I'm confident it's one of my best.
Put it to good use, eh?
Thank you, Welf!
Okay, everyone. It's time to go!
We'll handle things here, so go give 'em hell.
Be careful out there.
And don't do anything crazy.
Remember, Bell.
Always keep your guard up!
Will do.
Give it all you got.
Right!
Goodbye for now!
Please watch out!
More enemies incoming from 2 o'clock!
Hey, Big Guy!
Damn! They just keep coming!
Here I go!
Master Bell! Over there!
Take out that nest!
Fire Bolt!
Holy crap.
So this is... level 4.
Next Time
The Great Falls
Next time, "The Great Falls".