Chapter 115: Bell’s Speculation on the Loki Familia’s Expedition

'He's still as cautious and careful as ever.'

Hestia had already formed a general understanding of what Bell was thinking. No matter what he did, his first concern was always 'safety.' Because of that, he constantly made thorough preparations in advance.

Of course, being an adventurer was inherently the most dangerous job. Bell knew that all too well, and yet he still chose to push forward.

'I like him!'

Knowing the real reason her child went adventuring only made Hestia's heart swell with even more affection.

But then, a sudden thought crossed her mind.

"Right, Bell-kun, do you even have time for all this right now? Loki's expedition should be about to depart, shouldn't it? Don't you have a lot of preparations to do?"

Loki Familia's expedition was well known throughout Orario. The previous one had ended early due to two successive Dungeon riots. Still, everyone knew the Loki Familia wouldn't abandon their goal. After a short break, the expedition was bound to resume.

Hestia had brought it up because she suspected Bell planned to join this upcoming expedition. If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have chosen this timing to ally with Loki Familia.

Bell made no attempt to hide his intentions. He was indeed aiming to take part in Loki Familia's expedition.

"Yes, there's a lot I need to do right now. But what I'm doing at this moment is also part of that."

"There are 18 Runic Letters in total. Only by mastering all of them can I truly say I've grasped the basics of Runic Magic."

"The next stage is learning how to apply them in various ways."

"Right now, I'm dedicating all my focus to getting familiar with the 18 letters. And I've pretty much finished that part."

Over the past two days, Bell hadn't just been dealing with trivial tasks—mastering the Runic Letters had been his top priority.

This was the only skill he intended to reveal during the expedition with Loki Familia. If he were to go with them, his abilities would inevitably be noticed. But Bell couldn't afford to expose more than necessary.

So even if he went with Loki Familia, the only thing he'd display would be his Runic Magic. Everything else had to stay hidden.

"Goddess-sama, I don't plan to reveal my information."

"Even if I'm joining Loki Familia's expedition, I don't want to be the one everyone's watching."

"Besides, do you really think Loki Familia's expedition is starting now?"

Hestia gave it some thought. It did seem like it was about time.

"Yes, judging by the usual schedule of Loki Familia's expeditions, it looks like they're about to head out again."

Bell gave her a gentle reminder.

"Goddess-sama, you do remember our deal with Loki-sama, right?"

Hestia froze for a second, then quickly understood what Bell meant.

"Loki's about to make her move?"

Bell nodded slightly.

"A trump card like 'Level boosting'—something that can change the tide at a critical moment—leaving that kind of ace in Ishtar Familia's hands is just asking for trouble."

"That's why Loki Familia is preparing to act against the Ishtar Familia now."

That was also why Bell had been quietly occupied with miscellaneous tasks these past two days. The conflict between Loki Familia and Ishtar Familia had nothing to do with Hestia Familia.

The Ishtar Familia definitely had shady secrets buried somewhere, and they were most likely hidden beneath the Pleasure District.

Anywhere else, if a human trafficking ring were exposed, it would cause an uproar. Ishtar probably wanted everything neatly wrapped up within the Pleasure District before taking full control. That way, things would be easier for her later.

So as long as Loki Familia made a few rounds through the Pleasure District, they were bound to find clues.

Bell had even suggested someone who could assist Loki with their investigation.

Aisha Belka.

That big sister who always showed compassion to Sanjouno Haruhime would definitely be willing to help.

And Loki wasn't the type to let a top-tier Level 3 like her slip through her fingers. Bringing her into the Familia would be completely natural.

With Aisha Belka's help, and by using the Rune Stones Bell crafted to scout out some quiet corners of the Pleasure District, Bell was confident that they'd find something.

"Furthermore, 'Level boosting' is most effective when used at the frontlines of a Dungeon conquest. So no matter how you look at it, Loki will have to make a move against Ishtar."

"Then shouldn't we be hurrying?"

From Hestia's perspective, Loki going after Ishtar meant that Loki Familia's expedition was about to begin.

But Bell just smiled, completely unfazed.

"Goddess-sama, don't worry. I'm well aware of that."

"The target of Loki Familia's expedition is uncharted territory, and 'unknown' often means 'dangerous.'"

"If their internal lineup hasn't changed, then Loki Familia won't head into the Dungeon without making adjustments. But now that Sanjouno Haruhime has joined them, they're not going to rush into it."

"At the very least, they'll need to fully grasp Sanjouno Haruhime's abilities and strengthen her before they start the Dungeon assault."

"Haruhime's abilities are far beyond what most gods and adventurers can imagine."

"She can temporarily boost an adventurer's level with virtually no conditions, and that kind of enhancement is a true game-changer."

"If used in a critical situation, it could easily reverse the course of a battle."

"Loki definitely understands that."

"So even after taking down Ishtar and bringing Haruhime into her Familia, Loki won't rush to set the expedition date."

"Strengthening Haruhime first is something she's guaranteed to do."

Of course, that wasn't the only reason Bell believed Loki Familia wouldn't begin the expedition immediately.

"There's another reason Loki-sama won't start the next expedition so soon."

"Right now, there's something else in Orario that can temporarily and rapidly boost combat strength."

"And that something is the Rune Stones I created."

"So, Goddess-sama, don't you think Loki-sama will come to me and place an order for some Rune Stones before setting out on the expedition?"

Only then did Hestia realize—Bell had already planned all of this out.