Danmachi: Is It Wrong to Be the Main Character in Orario?

"Let those three kids reach Level 7?"

Hephaestus gave Bell a strange look, her eyes filled with a hint of confusion.

"Bell, those three have been stuck at Level 6 for a very long time. Do you really think they can advance to the next stage so easily?"

"Under normal circumstances, it's absolutely impossible."

Bell answered without hesitation. He had complete faith in the potential of Finn, Riveria, and Gareth. But he also knew that unless they were pushed to their limits, they'd remain at Level 6.

"They're all top-tier adventurers, which means they'll work even harder to awaken their potential. But if they can't break through that barrier after all this time, it means their 'adventure' has already ended."

"What they need isn't more skill or potential—what they truly need is a real calamity!"

"Maybe fighting a Level 7 monster one-on-one would give them a chance to level up. But the truth is, they can't break through that boundary on their own. I hadn't seen a Level 7 monster before either, but I was lucky enough to witness one today, and now I'm sure—they can't make that leap by themselves."

That statement more or less defined the core of Loki Familia's top three.

Being unable to overcome the Level 7 threshold in solo combat was, in a way, the highest praise—they were so close, yet not enough. That's why they'd remained stuck at Level 6.

This "inability" was the root of the problem—it meant they'd need more extensive preparation.

Though Loki would definitely blow up if she heard this, Hephaestus agreed with Bell's analysis.

"Loki's kids are excellent, but their strength only truly shines when they fight together. As individuals, they don't have what it takes to push past that wall."

"Especially as their levels increase, crossing that gap becomes exponentially harder. It's not easy for a single person to leap across levels and slay monsters anymore."

And that was exactly why Hephaestus was curious about Bell's plan.

"So, what are you planning to do?"

"Actually, it's simple. I want to give Loki Familia a calamity—one so massive it forces all three of them to break through their limits."

"...Are you sure? You don't have the strength to pull something like that off yet."

Hephaestus's doubts were natural, and Bell understood that. He wasn't deluded into thinking he could test Level 6 adventurers with his own power.

But while he lacked the strength himself, that didn't mean he couldn't make it happen through external means.

"Right now, I can't do it. But if the Dungeon gives me an opportunity… maybe I can create the conditions for it."

Seeing Bell's expression, Hephaestus couldn't help but smile slightly.

"So that's why you want to join Loki Familia's expedition."

She reached out and playfully pinched his cheek.

"But you know... Loki might actually kill you for this."

Bell was silent for a moment, then grabbed the hand that was pinching his face, his expression serious.

"I know this plan is risky. There's even a chance the right opportunity might never come. But I still think it's worth trying."

"As for Loki-sama, I hope you and the other gods can help me mediate."

The sudden grip on her hand made Hephaestus's heart skip a beat. Listening to this child's earnest request… how could she say no?

A soft warmth stirred in her chest, and her fingers gently curled, grasping Bell's hand in return.

"Since you're saying that, I'll try to talk to Loki for you."

...

The next day, Loki Familia received three visitors.

Because the matter at hand was quite special, Loki was the only one present to greet them.

She stared at the shorty for a while without saying anything. Honestly, she was curious—just yesterday they'd clashed with Freya, and now they were here to see her?

Loki flopped down onto the sofa.

"Shorty, what brings you here today?"

"Loki, before we begin, I hope you can stay calm."

Given that this time it was Bell-kun's plan involving Loki Familia, not even Hestia could guarantee Loki wouldn't blow up after hearing it.

"Loki, Bell has something he wants to discuss with you. But it might be a little upsetting."

Hephaestus also gave a heads-up, hoping to keep Loki's emotions in check.

That warning only deepened Loki's sense of unease.

As if one shorty telling her to calm down wasn't enough, even Hephaestus was saying it might upset her. The bad feeling in her gut only grew stronger.

"Fine, let's hear it."

Loki had already started bracing herself mentally. She didn't know what kind of idea this kid had come up with that made both the shorty and Hephaestus show up just to soften the blow.

But one thing she could be sure of—whatever it was, it was definitely going to piss her off.

"Loki-sama, after the threats Freya-sama made toward Goddess-sama and me yesterday, I started thinking."

"About that lusty woman?"

"Yes. I believe Freya Familia needs to be restrained. If Freya-sama isn't checked in some way, her Familia will only get more out of hand in Orario."

Loki immediately rolled her eyes. Like she didn't already know that?

"Kid, your idea isn't bad, but reality isn't so kind."

"That lusty woman's got Orario's strongest Level 7 under her command. You're not seriously saying you want my Familia to try and hold her back, are you? Let's be honest—I can't rein in that woman's Familia."

"I'm fully aware of that."

Bell replied without hesitation, making Loki's brow twitch. Then she listened as he continued.

"If the three Level 6s in Loki Familia aren't given the right opportunities, they'll never be able to reach Level 7."

Loki's narrowed eyes opened slightly, the chill deep in her gaze seeping outward.

"Kid, you've got some nerve talking like that."

"If Shorty and Hephaestus weren't here, do you believe I wouldn't have someone rip you apart right now?"

Bell didn't doubt her words one bit. He was certain Loki-sama was absolutely capable of doing just that.

"If it's Loki-sama, I know you absolutely would."

Seeing how calmly he said it, Loki clicked her tongue in irritation.

"Just get to the point. Spare me the crap that's only going to piss me off."