Listening to the gods speculate, Hephaestus pinched her thigh hard under the table to keep herself from laughing. If she slipped even a little, she really wouldn't be able to hold it in.
'If these people find out someday that Bell is Hestia's only child, their eyes are going to fall right out of their heads.'
Hephaestus usually had no interest in this sort of entertainment, but right now even she found the image in her mind irresistible. If Bell didn't still need to stay hidden, she would be looking forward to the day his identity was exposed. She genuinely wanted to see how many gods would drop their eyes onto the table.
...
At last, Bell, leading the group, brought the strategy team to a dead-end passage.
"Pa!"
With a snap of his fingers, the wall at the end began to move. The mechanical grinding was loud, and anyone listening closely could tell a thick door was wedged inside. After a moment came a sharp click from within the wall, and the door slowly opened.
Unlike the white stone outside, the instant the stone door opened, the interior revealed the image of a finely constructed dark palace.
"!?"
Every member of the raid party felt a shock rising straight from their chest. A sizable base had been built this deep in the Dungeon, and its entrance was hidden inside the "White Palace." Who could possibly come up with something like this?
"One on the 23rd floor, another on the 35th. Those guys really have way too much energy," Bete muttered blankly.
Evilus clearly had too much free time—and far too much money. Building an underground palace like this wasn't something you could do with pocket change. It required throwing in an absurd amount of wealth. And the terrifying part was that they actually dared to do it.
The 23rd floor was still mid-level. Monster spawns there weren't nearly as fast as in the deep floors. But the 35th floor was true deep territory. The monster birth rate here was extremely high; even parties experienced with conquering the "White Palace" would never linger long on this floor.
Who would have imagined that Evilus had built a palace of this scale inside the "White Palace"? Their persistence was almost impressive.
Seeing this hidden floor for the first time, Dionysus felt a surge of emotion.
'Even if funds poured into Dungeon construction like water every day, it still wouldn't be enough to fill this bottomless hole.'
Building a base for Evilus inside the Dungeon was important, but the amount of money they burned through was horrifying. Dionysus hadn't taken over Evilus's operations—his identity had to remain hidden, so he couldn't intervene directly.
But after learning about the imported materials used to build this secret floor, Dionysus was certain this was a money pit without end. He estimated that more than eighty percent of Evilus's past funds had been dumped into this abyss.
'Daedalus… truly a complete and utter madman.'
Dionysus admitted the madman had his uses, but he still wished the man hadn't lived into this era. If he had, it would have meant nothing but trouble for him.
"This is the hidden floor of Level 35~."
A voice with no clear gender came from ahead, drawing Dionysus's attention.
"This base has several access points, so I asked the craftsman from Hestia's familia to make something to block the other entrances. That way, no one can easily get in or out of this hidden floor."
"That kid who makes Rune Stones can create something like this too?"
Dionysus was mildly surprised, though it made sense. If someone could craft Rune Stones of that level, producing other types wasn't impossible. If he could acquire the Development Ability "Mystery," his range of creation would likely expand even further.
After that line, everyone who knew Bell's true identity immediately understood what he was trying to do. The usually carefree Tiona shut her mouth at once, and even Ais, who often said startling things, fell completely silent.
"The interior is huge, and there are a lot of traps. We'll need to stay alert while moving through."
"And remember, Rune Stones in Orario aren't restricted beyond purchase quantity. We may run into a series of problems during the assault."
That reminder put the entire assault team on edge. The very existence of Rune Stones meant they had to be extra careful. If the enemy got a chance to use them, the team would be forced into a disadvantage.
"Well then, I wish you all good fortune. I'll be taking my leave."
"Yes, thank you."
Finn gave a small nod.
As he spoke, Bell vanished right before everyone's eyes.
'So it really is Magic?'
If he used even a bit of divine power, he might be able to locate that child. But Dionysus couldn't risk it. The moment he used divine power, the people hiding on this floor would notice. Keeping his presence concealed was better. It also made moving around easier.
Finn took a deep breath and turned to the entire assault team.
"Everyone, attention.
"God Dionysus, you and the White Witch will move with Riveria's group."
"We're entering the enemy's territory, so don't split up yet. Once we engage, adapt to the situation."
"The enemy has a large number of suicide soldiers carrying Flame Stones. When facing any Evilus familia member, show no mercy and don't let them get close."
"Riveria, use your magic as the situation requires. Lefiya, your magic will be our main offense against those members this time. Be ready to fire."
"Is everyone ready?"
"Ready."
Everyone answered together.
"Good. Move out."
Finn turned and led the team into the entrance.
One by one, the assault squad followed. Only after the last person entered did the entrance seal tightly shut.
Inside, they finally saw the huge circular metal door wedged behind the entryway. But that wasn't what mattered now. What they had to face was a danger no less severe than the Deep Floors of the Dungeon.
...
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