"Tch… this kid's grasp of his Authority is seriously unfair."
From the moment Bell entered the dungeon, Zeus had noticed that he hadn't used any Authority at all. Even with his eyes closed, he was constructing a map through pure perception, one detailed enough to observe everything clearly. With nothing more than subtle observation, he could outline the monsters' positions, even their shapes.
Yes, Bell's firm rejection meant that his inner thoughts no longer appeared in the projection.
Yet even without peering into his mind, the scene Bell was constructing in his head was still being displayed clearly in the projection.
Of course, this wasn't Authority either. It was simply precise control over his own senses and an acute perception of space. Everything shown was built purely on his observational ability, not requiring Authority at all.
The only moment where Authority was actually used was when the goblins, after losing their sight, suddenly turned on each other.
A direct interference with consciousness.
And just a slight nudge was enough to send eight Lv.5 goblins to their deaths together. In a way, this was even more terrifying than outright charm or enchantment.
After all, Zeus knew very well that what Bell had previously mastered was the power of desire taken to its extreme, the "Seven Deadly Sins." His Authority was a crystallization born from that very force.
And even this alone was already absurdly unfair. Let alone the fact that the kid always kept something in reserve. Who knew if what he showed wasn't just the part he wanted others to see?
"And that's not all. I noticed he never once tensed his muscles. He probably doesn't intend to use conventional adventurer methods to clear the floors. His focus is likely on training his control over Authority instead."
Zeus was almost certain that Bell truly saw this dungeon run as a stage to hone his power.
And his training method was extreme, relying entirely on manipulating Authority, testing just how far it could go.
"That kid is seriously preparing for what comes next. He only just completed his crossing, yet he's already doing things far beyond us gods. Looks like we really are only good at having fun…"
That comment left the gods present unsure how to respond.
Still, their indulgence in amusement was also a way to pass the time. After all, they had no capacity for growth.
Just like what that mysterious boy from another world had once said, even if gods were given growth, it would only be the feeling of growing. The upper limit had been fixed from the start.
"Judging by his pace, though, he should reach the safe zone on the 18th floor on the first day."
Bell's overall approach to this dungeon run was already clear. He wasn't going to rush through the floors, but advance according to the floors with safe zones.
Of course, even as things stood now, the dungeon was already thrilling enough for most adventurers and gods.
And with several Lv.5 goblins appearing right on the first floor, who knew what level the monsters on the later floors would reach?
"By the way, Artemis, what was that kid talking about earlier regarding you?"
On the projection, Bell was still strolling leisurely toward the second floor. Unable to stand the quiet, Zeus shifted the topic to Artemis.
The matter of the "Artemis" from another world had always been kept hidden.
Aside from that one outing with Bell, the other Artemis had never appeared outside, so naturally no god knew of her existence.
Including Zeus and Hera.
"Yes. 'Because of Artemis, he suppressed himself from advancing further.' No matter how you interpret that, it sounds like it has something to do with you."
Following Zeus's line of thought, the other gods began thinking it over as well, and their gazes immediately turned toward Artemis.
Just as those stares were about to burn Artemis to ashes, Freya, seated in the front row, lightly tapped the table, drawing everyone's attention to herself.
"The matter involving Artemis is rather complicated. Since there's still some time, and you're all interested, I'll explain it to you."
What?
The gods were momentarily stunned by Freya stepping in. They had been about to question Artemis, yet Freya had suddenly come forward to shield her.
After a brief moment of confusion, the gods finally reacted.
'Could it be that Freya is involved in this too?'
"'Freya must be involved as well,' that's what you're all thinking, right?"
"Then why don't you ask Ouranos and Hermes? They know about it too, don't they?"
…Damn it, this guy again.
Freya's neat deflection instantly focused all the gods' attention on Hermes.
No need to say it. If something involved Hermes, it was rarely anything good.
As for Hermes knowing about it, that seemed completely natural to everyone. He was always running errands in and out of Orario. If he claimed not to know certain secrets, the gods wouldn't believe a single word of it.
Hermes knew far too much, especially now that Freya herself had confirmed it.
And while all eyes shifted to Hermes, Freya and Loki exchanged a brief glance.
'No need to draw any more attention to us, but there's also no need to reveal our connection to Bell yet.'
'Mm, understood.'
With so many years of familiarity between them, how could they lack this level of tacit understanding?
They had already discussed the issue of exposure before. Unless absolutely necessary, they wouldn't reveal their relationship with Bell, and would instead steer the conversation toward Hestia (Zhao Li Hao Tiya).
Yes, exposing the Familia God of Bell's familia wasn't a problem. But the story between a Familia God and a child of the Genkai still needed to be kept hidden.
As for Hermes, now under siege by the gods' gazes… that wasn't something they needed to worry about.
And to be fair, Freya wasn't lying. Hermes really did know about what Artemis had encountered back then.
What he didn't know, however, was the "Artemis" from another world.
"…I… do know a little."
Hermes had no choice but to admit it.
"The news about Artemis back then was something I brought back from outside."
Of course it was you.
All the gods rolled their eyes. Did anyone not know this? In all of Orario, you're the only god who can freely come and go, and you're acting surprised about it?