The Hestia Familia and their new allies from the Freya Familia arrived at the edge of a desolate wasteland. The land ahead was cracked and barren, a stark contrast to the lush forestry they now stood within. The trees around them provided cover, the leaves whispering in the wind as they rustled against each other, hiding their presence from the Rakia army that marched in the distance.
Bell, standing at the forefront, raised a hand to signal a halt. "We'll rest and sharpen our skills here for a while," he said, his voice calm but authoritative. He glanced at the group behind him, knowing that the coming battle would be unlike anything they had faced before.
As the group settled into the small clearing beneath the canopy of trees, Ottar and the other members of the Freya Familia approached Bell. Ottar, towering and imposing as always, crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the wasteland ahead. Allen leaned against a tree, his cat-like eyes watching the rest of the group, while Hedin adjusted his glasses, his sharp intellect evident in his calculating gaze.
"You seem calm," Ottar remarked, his deep voice rumbling.
"I trust in our strength," Bell replied, smiling slightly. "But there's always room for improvement. I wanted to take a moment to make sure we're all as ready as possible."
The group took Bell's words to heart, spreading out slightly as they began polishing their techniques. Ryuu and Lili practiced their movements, sparring lightly with each other, while Mikoto and Anya focused on sharpening their weapons and refining their footwork.
Ottar approached Bell, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "You've grown strong," Ottar said, his tone not one of mere observation, but of respect. "But you can still refine your strikes. Your technique is already advanced, but your body can push more power into each movement."
Bell nodded, accepting the critique. He had always admired Ottar's combat skills, and he valued any advice from the imposing boaz warrior. "I'll keep that in mind," Bell said, stepping back and practicing a few quick slashes with his blade, adjusting his stance to add more power to his strikes. Ottar watched carefully, occasionally giving pointers on Bell's posture and follow-through.
Meanwhile, Hedin approached the magic users of Bell's group—Haruhime, Ryuu, and Lili—offering advice on spell-casting techniques. "When you cast in quick succession, focus your mind and spread your mana evenly across your incantations. If you're creating a barrage, try to maintain a steady stream of energy, so the spells have equal power," Hedin explained.
Bell, seeing the progress his Familia and the Freya members were making, stepped in to offer his own help. He worked with Haruhime on controlling her magic and focusing her mana more effectively, while he also gave Anya and Mikoto pointers on their close-combat techniques. He could feel the energy rising in his team as they prepared for the battle ahead.
After some time passed, Bell gathered everyone together. "Alright, let's discuss our tactics for tomorrow. We've already seen that the Rakia army is vast, and they've got various races and beasts marching alongside them. We need to create an advantage for ourselves before the battle even begins."
Ryuu, standing by Bell's side, nodded. "They'll have the advantage in numbers, but we have more experienced fighters."
Bell smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Exactly. That's why I'm thinking of a creeping barrage. We'll have the magic users launch a powerful first wave, but aim higher for the second to rain down destruction and disorient them. We'll create craters and ravines to alter the terrain, giving us the advantage. After that, we'll strike."
Anya grinned, showing her sharp teeth. "Sounds like fun. I'll be ready!"
Mikoto's eyes flashed with determination. "I'll make sure my strikes are precise."
Bell's smile widened, but then his expression grew more serious. "I'll handle Ares myself."
The group fell silent at his words. Ryuu tilted her head slightly. "You're going to face Ares alone?"
Bell nodded. "I want another title. It's time for me to become a ...."
His words hung in the air, leaving everyone guessing what he truly meant. He didn't elaborate further, but his confidence was undeniable. His comrades trusted him, and they knew that Bell had the strength to back up his claims.
The following day, the Hestia and Freya Familia stood hidden at the edge of the wasteland, their eyes locked on the horizon. In the distance, a massive army approached—a vast force of soldiers, adventurers, and beasts of all kinds. They marched in perfect unison, their formation tight and disciplined. The banner of Rakia, adorned with Ares' symbol, fluttered proudly at the front.
Bell crouched near the edge of the tree line, watching the enemy forces. His eyes narrowed as he studied their movements. "They're getting closer. It's time."
He turned to the magic users of his group. "Haruhime, Ryuu, Hedin—prepare your spells. Aim for the middle of the army at first, then for the second wave, aim higher. Let's make this a nightmare for them."
The magic users nodded, stepping forward. Their hands glowed as they began chanting, their mana swirling around them in a whirlwind of power. Bell watched as the air crackled with energy, the sheer force of their combined spells lighting up the forest around them.
"Fire," Bell commanded.
A barrage of magic shot out toward the Rakia army, the first wave slamming into the center of their formation with explosive force. The ground shook as craters formed, soldiers and beasts alike thrown into chaos.
"Second wave!" Bell shouted, and the magic users unleashed another, even more powerful wave, this time aiming higher. The spells soared into the sky before descending like meteors, striking the ground and creating ravines and craters that split the enemy forces apart.
Ares' Perspective
Ares, standing atop his war chariot, watched in shock as his army was thrown into disarray. The ground beneath his feet shook violently as the magical barrage tore through his ranks, creating a wasteland of craters and ravines where once a proud army had stood.
"What in the name of the heavens…?" Ares growled, gripping the edge of his chariot. He couldn't believe what he was seeing—his forces, his invincible army, were stuck in craters and ravines, their formation completely shattered.
Smoke and dust filled the air, making it difficult to see, but Ares' sharp eyes picked up movement in the distance. Emerging from the smoke, dressed in elegant battle-kimonos and Espada-like uniforms, was Bell Cranel and his Familia.
Ares' eyes narrowed in rage. "So it's him," he muttered. He could feel his divinity stirring within him, his godly pride wounded by the audacity of this mortal to stand against him.
Bell stepped forward, his expression calm as he approached Ares, who was now loosening the hold on his divine power. Bell's eyes were sharp, filled with the promise of battle. He could feel Ares' rage building, the god preparing to unleash his divine form.
Ares glared at Bell. "You dare mock me, boy? You think you can stand against a god?"
Bell laughed, a cold, almost mocking laugh that echoed across the battlefield. "What kind of god invades a city of mortals with such arrogance? This is nothing but a childish fantasy."
Ares' face contorted in fury, and with a roar, he released his divinity. His form shifted, growing larger and more imposing. His muscles bulged, his body glowing with divine power. He became a towering figure, a god of war in his most primal form—a sight to behold, like the hulking Miracle (from Bleach) from the ancient legends Bell had heard of.
The ground trembled beneath Ares' feet as he advanced toward Bell, his eyes glowing with fury.
Bell, still in his base form, smirked. "You're strong, I'll give you that. But this isn't even close to enough."
Their blades clashed, the force of their strikes sending shockwaves through the battlefield. Bell held his own, testing Ares' strength but still holding back. He was gauging his opponent, feeling out the power of a god in combat.
Ares growled in frustration. "Why are you holding back?!"
Bell laughed again, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Just building up the Suspense.''
With that, Bell's expression hardened, his eyes glowing with the intensity of battle. "Playtime is over," he said, his voice low but powerful. He glanced back at his Familia. "Finish them and bring me Ares' flag."
The battle had only just begun, but Bell knew that by the end of it, he would prove himself a true Godslayer.