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

"Thanks for that."

Finn didn't object. At the very least, this would guarantee Haruhime's safety.

On the frontlines, Haruhime's abilities were the key to confronting the Spirit. Only by helping five members break through Level 6 could they even begin to challenge a high-ranking Spirit.

But once Haruhime used her magic, she would enter a weakened state. If she used both of her spells, she'd nearly drain all her magic power.

And "Uchide no Kozuchi" couldn't be cast again in a short period.

So being able to send Haruhime back to a Safe Floor immediately after casting would be a huge advantage.

It would not only reduce the burden of protecting her, but also allow the rest of them to focus entirely on the fight.

"Bell-kun, do you think we still have a chance?"

"Thinking in terms of 'chance' is already a mistake."

Bell corrected Finn's mindset bluntly, offering his own perspective.

"Adventurers are called adventurers because we seize our own chances. We don't wait for them to be handed to us."

"Finn, let me remind you—your achievements weren't handed down by anyone."

"They weren't charity. They were the hope of a future entrusted to you."

Bell actually knew the real reason why the trio from the Loki Familia and Ottar from Freya Familia had been able to break through their limits.

It was all because a certain god, who called himself an "evil god," had orchestrated a plan to stir Orario into action.

The gods had seen Orario fall into stagnation, consumed by idleness. That god—and a few remaining heroes—didn't want to see Orario's future rot away, so they chose to give its adventurers a much-needed push.

It wasn't charity.

It was passing the torch.

"That 'evil god' used Evilus to perfection, and united the last remnants of Zeus and Hera Familia—'Silence' and 'Gluttony'—to hand Orario a spark of future hope."

"You may have risen by stepping over them, but never treat their expectations as some kind of 'handout.'"

"Otherwise, I'll look down on you for it."

Bell didn't sugarcoat his words, and he certainly didn't soften his tone.

Yet, those words drove Finn deep into thought.

Soon, the trace of discouragement faded from his expression.

"You're right. What we received wasn't charity. It was a legacy of hope."

He remembered that time—when he, Riveria, and Gareth had once fought against 'Silence' together.

They had poured everything into that battle, used every card they had, and still couldn't overcome Silence's overwhelming power.

But in the end, it was Silence's sudden illness during that battle that gave them a narrow opening. Together, they seized it and brought her down.

Even now, Finn found the whole thing hard to believe.

Looking back, maybe Silence hadn't been that sick.

Maybe… she gave them that chance on purpose.

In fact, it wasn't until after the battle that they learned both Silence and Gluttony had been seriously ill.

And that intel had shaped the judgment they made in that decisive moment.

"Silence" and "Gluttony" only lost because they chose to give others a chance to move forward.

Outwardly, it looked like nothing more than a war started by Evilus against Orario.

Self-sabotage.

They even gave up their reputations just to grant Orario a future—doing what they believed was right, even in their final moments.

"We've been entrusted with their expectations. There's no way we can stop moving forward."

At that moment, Finn fully pulled himself out of the despair that had gripped him.

Yes—he carried too much responsibility and too many hopes. He couldn't afford to falter here.

Not even the Spirit could be allowed to stand in his way.

But now that he had shaken off the gloom, the wave of exhaustion hit him even harder.

"...Still, I think I'll rest for one more day."

His mind was already reaching its limit, the mental strain leaving him uncertain about the road ahead.

Even though he had pushed past the doubt, the fatigue felt even deeper than before. All he wanted now was to rest in his tent for the day.

"Riveria, you don't look well either. You should get some rest."

"Mm."

Riveria was already on the verge of collapse. Earlier, she'd pushed herself because she was worried about Finn. But now, seeing he was recovering, she no longer needed to hold out.

Exhausted, she returned to her own tent as quickly as possible.

Bell remained behind, watching Finn's worn-out state. Realizing it wasn't the time to linger, he prepared to leave...

"Well then, I'll be heading out..."

"Bell-kun."

Finn interrupted him, his gaze unusually sharp.

"Will we become enemies?"

"Enemies? I don't think so."

Bell paused briefly, then smiled and shook his head.

"Becoming enemies would require some kind of conflict of interest."

"Unfortunately, we don't have one. In fact, Loki Familia is an important trading partner for me. I don't see us ending up as enemies."

"But if all of you die here, well... then I suppose Loki-sama really might become hostile toward me."

"So, Finn, instead of worrying about such complicated things, maybe it's better to focus on staying alive through this trial."

Stay alive?

The words struck Finn. His head ached just thinking about it.

This trial was nothing like the ones before. If they overcame it, perhaps they could reach Level 7. But if they failed...

Then every upper-tier adventurer in Loki Familia would be wiped out.

Survival—that was the first and foremost priority in this ordeal.

Bell didn't mind continuing the conversation a little further.

"As for me, you don't need to worry."

"I work for profit. So if someone's valuable to me, I'd rather they not die so soon."

"That's why I sincerely hope Loki Familia makes it through this trial."

Finn could feel the truth in those words. Bell really was that kind of person.

Skilled at concealment, ambush, crafting special tools, and exploiting every possible opportunity to his advantage.

"So, Bell-kun, you're not even denying that you're using us, huh."

Finn shook his head lightly. Strangely, he didn't feel the slightest resentment.

Just like the choice Loki made—

If their interests aligned, then it wasn't exploitation. It was mutual benefit.

The conversation had reached its end. Seeing that Finn had nothing more to say, Bell gave a small bow and quietly faded from the tent.

"Then, I'll take my leave."