Chapter 94: Bell's Only Choice

"Three days, and you've already reached this level."

Three days ago, Hephaestus had already known that Bell's "Attributes" wouldn't be confined to the limits of an ordinary person. But seeing today's results, she wasn't just unsurprised—she was genuinely impressed.

In fact, his "Attributes" had far surpassed her expectations, reminding her once again what true astonishment felt like.

"All of your 'Attributes' have gone beyond the limits the Falna system can detect."

That string of "???" made everything clear.

Most Adventurers are eligible for a rank-up once any of their "Attributes" reach around 500. Yet Bell had raised all of his "Attributes" to nearly double that threshold.

"Right now, your 'Attributes' are nearly equivalent to those of an average Level 2 Adventurer who's trained to their peak."

Hephaestus could now objectively assess Bell's true strength.

The gap in "Attributes" alone had almost erased the difference of an entire level.

It was terrifying.

This was purely an attribute-based comparison, and even without having ranked up yet, Bell already possessed the solid capabilities of a mid-tier Level 2 Adventurer.

If Bell continued progressing at this rate with each level, Hephaestus was confident that his strength could one day rival Adventurers two levels above him.

And an Adventurer's power isn't determined by "Attributes" alone. Magic and Skills also create considerable disparities.

Factoring those in, he might not just match someone two levels above—but even three.

'Skills with Early Bloomer traits really do make the power gap grow the further one advances.'

But Bell simply shook his head, unconvinced.

"These 'Attributes' aren't that far off from the strongest Adventurers. I just have an edge compared to the average."

"Exceptional Adventurers inevitably push all their 'Attributes' to the limit. Hephaestus-sama, feel free to compare my data to those who've maxed out their stats in the future."

"...You think all of Orario's Adventurers can do what you've done?"

Hephaestus was left speechless by Bell's indifference.

There were countless Adventurers in Orario, but perhaps fewer than one in ten ever reach Level 2.

Of those Level 2s, maybe fewer than one in ten manage to raise all their "Attributes" to 500 or above before advancing.

And of that already small number, how many could train their stats to the S rank judged by the gods?

Maybe not even one in ten.

Among those one-in-a-thousand Adventurers, perhaps only one or two ever achieve S in all "Attributes."

That narrows the odds to one in ten thousand—possibly even three in a hundred thousand.

And right now, Bell was one of those rare few.

He might even be the only one in a million to have shattered the gods' upper limit on "Attribute" grading—so much so that the Falna System could only respond with "???".

"Bell, don't compare your circumstances with those of other Adventurers.

Your 'Attributes' clearly set you apart.

But it's exactly because of that difference that you're at your most dangerous right now—before you've fully grown."

Hephaestus was certain that Bell was the most exceptional Adventurer in all of Orario. His growth might very well shape the city's future, which made it hard for her not to speak up.

Bell understood this perfectly.

He knew he had once been an ordinary person, but crossing over had changed that. He couldn't afford to view himself through the lens of his past self.

Sometimes, expanding your perspective is necessary—you can't stay confined by old standards.

Concealment is one thing. But hiding doesn't mean losing sight of your own standing.

And Bell was fully aware of where he stood now. He knew his path forward demanded caution.

Seeing Bell's composed expression, Hephaestus couldn't help but admire him a little.

His mindset hadn't changed in the slightest, and that was the best-case scenario.

Still, Hephaestus felt she had to give him a warning.

"In the past three days, ever since the Rune Stones went on sale, gods from across Orario—big and small—have been showing up at my door. It's clear that information about you and Hestia has already been dug up."

"Trouble is heading your way."

But Bell didn't show the slightest hint of panic.

"The fact that none of them came trying to steal me away means they've realized the positions of both myself and Goddess-sama aren't something they can shake so easily."

"The deterrent force of Hephaestus-sama is more than enough to keep most of Orario's Familia in check."

That was the plain truth.

The reason most Familia hadn't made a move was because the Hephaestus Familia was too well-known. Anyone who dared to target the Hestia Familia would inevitably face their retaliation.

And even then, success wasn't guaranteed.

Those who had witnessed the power of the Rune Stones already understood—these were strategic resources no Familia could afford to lose in the future.

Since no one could afford to go after the Hestia Familia, the only play left was to stay neutral and build favor.

Right now, any Familia that tried to step out of line would find themselves the target of every other Familia in Orario.

So even after three days, everything remained calm.

No one wanted to be the one to stick their neck out.

In fact, everyone was hoping to play the hunter, waiting for someone else to make the first reckless move.

Hephaestus could only sigh.

"But all I can offer is basic deterrence."

"Even if you ask for help, there's not much more my Familia can do for you."

Bell had already anticipated that.

The most Hephaestus could offer was the threat posed by her weapons and gear. But right now, her Familia lacked the kind of overwhelming force needed to intimidate all of Orario.

What they needed was a deterrent so strong that no one would dare act.

That left Bell with only two real options.

The first was Freya's Familia.

Now that his abilities had come to light, it was inevitable that the goddess of beauty, Freya, would take an interest.

Bell didn't want that to happen—but he knew it was unavoidable.

Which meant Freya's Familia was absolutely not an option.

That left him with only one path.

Loki's Familia.

...

(40 Chapters Ahead)

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