Chapter 143: Fighting On Different Levels

After the warning, the Apollo Familia members stationed on the city wall quickly grasped the danger they were in.

The first person to cry out had already strained their voice in fear. 

However, recognizing the threat and effectively responding to it were two entirely different matters. 

By the time they noticed the bombs, it was already too late. Even the few magicians who hurried to take action could do little to prevent the impending damage. 

Fortunately for them, Sylas's primary target wasn't the adventurers on the wall. 

The bombs were intended to breach the city walls for easier access. 

One explosion after another thundered across the wall, sending massive chunks of stone crashing down from the heights. 

The adventurers guarding the wall were swept aside in the resulting chaos. 

What was once a towering, imposing city wall was now a ruinous scene, with a gaping hole blasted through it. The surrounding area resembled a wasteland of shattered stone and debris. 

"Those explosives from Sol's Familia… Regular explosives shouldn't have this much power!" 

"They actually took down the entire city wall. That's more destructive than a magic sword!" 

"Hey, Sol! I specifically said this war game is between me and the Morgana Familia! It's cheating for you to interfere like this!" 

"Quit whining like a defeated dog," Sol retorted sharply. "I'm running a business here. Am I not allowed to sell my goods? By that logic, if you're using equipment crafted by the Hephaestus Familia, does that mean you've joined forces with Hephaestus?" 

In the synagogue, Apollo exaggerated his expressions, attempting to garner sympathy and approval from his fellow gods. 

But Sol was completely uninterested in engaging with him further. 

Sol had already shown restraint by refraining from transferring Vex to his Familia before the war game began—a concession made to honor the guild's oversight. 

The war game agreement, after all, had been established under the guild's watchful eye. 

"Leave me out of this, Apollo," Hephaestus interjected, her voice firm. "Can't you just stay quiet and watch?" 

Although Hephaestus had no direct involvement in the matter, her words subtly leaned in favor of Sol. 

What Sol said made sense, and Hephaestus had no interest in being associated with Apollo anyway. 

——

On the battlefield, Sylas stepped forward, confidently entering the Apollo Familia's territory through the breached wall. 

The adventurers who had retreated earlier had regrouped and now glared fiercely at Sylas and the members of his Familia following behind him. 

"You think you can stop me with just this?" Sylas asked with a casual smirk. 

His gaze swept across the group, finding no familiar or noteworthy faces among them. 

With a disinterested shrug, he turned away and lazily raised a hand. At his signal, the members behind him surged forward to engage. 

These low-level adventurers—none of whom had reached Level 2—weren't worth Sylas's time. 

For him, they were merely practice fodder for the newer recruits in his Familia. 

Without sparing another glance at the skirmish, Sylas directed his attention toward the stronghold and resumed his advance. 

The ones guarding the stronghold might prove to be slightly more interesting opponents. 

"Then it begins—we'll see you then." 

"Just make sure to prepare the money for the treat!" 

Fiora spoke confidently to Sylas, while Vayne had already taken the lead, moving ahead. 

The castle offered plenty of space, and the Apollo Familia had set up numerous traps within its confines. 

Unfortunately for them, they were up against the Morgana Familia's bombs, which cleared the path with brutal efficiency. 

Every trap and ambush was obliterated by the violent explosions, leaving the ground overturned and in utter ruin. 

These bombs were a special creation, crafted by Ziggs at Morgana's request. Morgana had spent considerable time persuading Ziggs to make them. 

However, Morgana's penchant for taking liberties almost resulted in her commandeering the entire supply. 

Thankfully, Sol intervened just in time to prevent it. 

This incident only reinforced Sol's resolve to keep Morgana, the troublemaker, at arm's length. 

It was one thing for Morgana to focus her eyes on Haruhime, but now her attention had shifted to Sol's finances. 

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to let Morgana remain in her Familia for a while longer, though it would undoubtedly come with complications. 

——

In front of the right stronghold, Fiora stood at the entrance alone, her posture calm and resolute. 

Two Apollo Familia members, Daphne Lauros and Cassandra Ilion, were stationed at the stronghold's entrance alongside their subordinates. 

Cassandra tugged nervously at Daphne's sleeve, her face twisted in worry as she tried to persuade her companion. 

But her words fell on deaf ears. The tense atmosphere left Daphne with no energy to entertain Kashan's ominous premonitions. 

Within the Apollo Familia, Daphne often took on the role of commander. 

This time, however, they faced multiple strongholds to defend. While she had suggested abandoning one or two of them, Hyakinthos, the team leader, had refused to consider it. 

"You're my opponent," Fiora declared. "Surrender—you stand no chance." 

As always, Fiora opened with an attempt at persuasion, though it was more a formality than a serious effort. 

Predictably, her words had no effect. With the battle being broadcast live, watched by countless gods and adventurers alike, no one in their right mind would surrender at this stage. 

Even if defeat seemed inevitable, they had to fight. To flee the battlefield as a deserter would mean social ruin in Orario. 

"Stop your arrogant posturing!" 

Daphne drew her longsword and charged directly at Fiora. 

However, to Fiora, a seasoned swordswoman, Daphne's movements were riddled with flaws. 

"Full of openings..." 

Fiora took a half-step back to her left, pivoting smoothly as her slender rapier darted forward like a striking serpent. With flawless precision, she disarmed Daphne, sending the longsword flying. 

It wasn't until Fiora's blade rested coldly against her neck that Daphne fully realized her loss. 

Lost? 

So fast? 

Had she even lasted a single exchange? 

"Does this count as a challenge?" Fiora's cold voice cut through Daphne's daze, sharp and biting. 

Daphne looked up in disbelief, only to meet Fiora's piercing gaze—filled with unmistakable disdain. 

"Damn it..." 

The sting of humiliation ignited Daphne's fury. 

What did they say? A scholar can be killed but not humiliated? 

Her anger surged, and in an instant, she lashed out, raising her leg to kick at Fiora's waist. 

Fiora raised an eyebrow, calmly adjusting her stance. Her blade intercepted the kick, absorbing its force with ease. 

Before Daphne could launch another attack, Fiora struck back. 

With incredible speed, Fiora's rapier carved two swift arcs through the air, the movements so fast that Daphne couldn't even comprehend what had happened.