The atmosphere in Orario was thick with tension. The past month had been a whirlwind of training, evacuations, and last-minute preparations. The School District—an incredible floating contraption that served as a learning facility and the training grounds for some of the world's greatest fighters—had become the heart of these preparations.
The School District was famed for its enigmatic champion, Leon Vardenburg, a prodigy who had once been the only warrior capable of matching and even surpassing Ottar when he was at Level 7. Despite his incredible skill and pride as a warrior, Leon had encountered Bell Cranel during a sparring match and had been humbled by the strength and sheer ingenuity Bell displayed. It wasn't the kind of humiliation that bred resentment; instead, it was a humbling experience that earned Bell Vardenburg's admiration. He had accepted Bell as his mentor, diving into training under Bell's guidance with a heart full of resolve.
The School District welcomed not just the warriors of Orario but champions from across the world, sharing techniques and enhancing their collective strength. They had sparred day and night, warriors of different nations exchanging blows, learning from each other, and pushing past their limits.
As the month drew to a close, the time had come to move forward. They had done everything they could to prepare, and now, they were ready to face the Leviathan—a beast from the Great Quests, an entity of unfathomable power that had now risen once again.
The group of the world's strongest fighters gathered at Orario's gates. Bell stood at the forefront, a figure of calm amidst the intensity. The goddesses watched from the city walls, Hestia among them, her eyes locked on her Familia's leader. Beside Bell, his companions readied themselves, weapons in hand, minds focused.
Bell closed his eyes, extending his senses through his connection to nature, tracing the flow of the world. He could feel the Leviathan, its presence like a massive blot in the tapestry of existence, exuding power and malice. With a determined nod, he gestured forward, and the group set off.
They moved quickly, a vanguard of the world's most powerful warriors. Champions from across nations followed Bell, each step carrying them closer to the confrontation that would determine the fate of their world. Their journey took them over fields, through forests, and finally, to the coast where the Leviathan lay in wait, its massive form looming beneath the waves like a dark promise.
The sea was restless, the waves crashing violently against the rocks, the sky darkening with ominous clouds as if the world itself sensed the presence of the Leviathan. It emerged from the depths, a colossal serpent-like form, its scales glistening a deep sapphire blue. Its eyes glowed with an eerie intensity as it regarded the group of warriors who dared to challenge it.
Bell took a step forward, his voice echoing across the battleground. "We have to do this fast," he said, his tone resolute. He held up two fingers, focusing his energy.
"Domain Expansion: Infinite Void."
The world seemed to stop, the very air growing still as a dome of energy expanded from Bell, engulfing the Leviathan. For ten seconds, the beast's senses were overwhelmed, its thoughts drowned in the vastness of infinity. The others wasted no time. They rushed forward, blades and spells striking at the creature, each hit landing true as they tried to weaken its immense form.
Leon moved like lightning, his katana flashing as he struck at the Leviathan's scales. Ayumu followed, his own blade finding the gaps that Leon created, cutting deeper and deeper. Roderick swung his massive sword, each blow resonating like a thunderclap, the shockwaves rippling through the air.
But it wasn't enough. As Bell counted to ten, the Leviathan roared, shaking off the effects of the Infinite Void, its massive body twisting as it made distance between itself and the warriors. It slipped back into the ocean, its body moving with impossible grace beneath the water's surface.
Most of the fighters were left at the shore, unable to swim or reach the beast with their attacks. The Leviathan loomed just out of reach, its eyes mocking them from beneath the waves.
But Bell Cranel had no such constraints.
Bell took a deep breath, raising his hand and extending his fingers. He began chanting, each word resonating with power that made the very air shiver.
"Nine Ropes, Polarized Light, Crow in Declaration, Between Front and Back: Hollow Purple!"
The Adventurers paused, turning towards Bell, their eyes widening as they felt the energy building around him. Those who could sense the flow of magic were struck with awe—and fear. The raw power, the refinement of the spell he was preparing, was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was as if the very fabric of magic itself bent to his will.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment, the entire world holding its breath.
And then, a blinding purple light engulfed the battleground.
The spell erupted from Bell's hand, a swirling vortex of energy that shot towards the Leviathan, cutting through the water as if it were air. The light expanded, consuming the beast entirely, and for a moment, there was silence.
Then, the light faded, and the sea stilled.
There was nothing left of the Leviathan. No remains, no trace—it had been utterly erased from existence.
The warriors stood in stunned silence, the air still crackling with the remnants of Bell's magic. Slowly, they began to cheer, a sound that started with Leon and spread through the gathered champions until it became a roar of victory that echoed across the shore.
Bell lowered his hand, his face calm, though there was a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. He turned to face his comrades, giving them a nod of acknowledgment. They had done it—they had defeated one of the Great Beasts, a creature born from the Dungeon's depths, a terror meant to bring ruin to the world.
Hestia, watching from afar through a projection spell, felt her heart swell with pride. Bell had grown so much, from the boy who had once dreamed of being a hero to the man who now stood as the world's greatest champion.
But this was only the beginning. There were still two more Beasts to face, and the threat of Evilus lingered, their motives unclear but undoubtedly sinister. Bell knew that the battle against the Leviathan was only the first step in a much longer war.
He looked to his comrades—Leon, Ayumu, Zara, Roderick, Ylva, and all the others. They were tired, but they were strong, and they were ready. Together, they would face whatever came next.
Bell allowed himself a small smile, his gaze drifting towards the horizon.
"Let's move," he said, his voice steady. "We've got more work to do."
And with that, the warriors of the world turned away from the sea, their hearts filled with determination, ready to face the next challenge that awaited them.