DanMachi: Starting with a Sword Soul Template

Chapter 115: Preparations Before the War Game! Arena Battle

After learning about the War Game between the "Apollo Familia and Hestia Familia," Kashima's mood was definitely the most complicated. The price of a War Game was the victor obtaining everything from the other party.

Including dependants.

Although he didn't know the details of what had happened, no matter what, Liam was a friend with whom he had explored the Dungeon.

Moreover, Mikoto was also involved.

This not-so-long Dungeon adventure, Kashima had a reason he had to participate. And, looking at Liam's relaxed attitude.

For some reason…

He felt an inexplicable sense of security in his heart. After all, during the compulsory Familia expedition, on the way back to Orario, when facing Goliath…

Kashima had already realized that this guy's strength couldn't be measured by a simple Lv2!

"Liam, next… is it a normal Dungeon exploration?"

"Or should I say…"

"You want to use these two days to improve your ability scores and complete a level breakthrough with a great feat?" On the way to explore the Dungeon.

Kashima couldn't hold back his curiosity. Towards Liam, who was walking ahead without speaking, just constantly slaughtering monsters, he couldn't help but ask.

"Not considering it for now."

"But this exploration is indeed mainly for training for the upcoming War Game." Facing Kashima's worried gaze, Liam shook his head lightly.

Relying on the Sword Soul template, if he couldn't achieve the effect of fighting above his level, then he would more or less have to look for his own problems.

"…"

Not needing to undergo level sublimation, then there was only one possibility.

He wanted to improve his current stage's ability scores as much as possible.

Kashima suddenly... felt a bit complicated. Or was the threat of the Apollo Familia simply not at a level that required him to level up?

He didn't ask this. On the return trip, he had "single-handedly killed the floor lord Goliath." Maybe he really had a chance to win?

"Let's keep moving."

Without stopping, along the familiar Dungeon passage, Liam led the team forward. The monsters encountered along the way, with each crisp and clean sword swing.

Accompanied by the slashing effect of "Selfless Sword Aura," these monsters blocking the path were instantly torn apart by the sharp sword aura!

「Exp +89」

The experience points obtained from killing monsters in the upper levels were basically negligible.

This time in the Dungeon exploration, Liam's goal was very clear: use the effect of Mikoto's "Futsunomitama" skill for high-intensity training.

Through the "Homicidal Intent Perception" skill, and observation of the surrounding environment, one could only say... the Apollo Familia was indeed very arrogant.

They didn't continue the Dungeon pursuit, not even the most basic surveillance.

This was definitely good news for Liam. Without any worries, he could conduct his Dungeon exploration training with his full power unleashed.

He didn't carry many supplies.

Lightweight exploration allowed the team to quickly reach the 10th-floor area of the Dungeon. Choosing this place for training, the reason was very simple.

In the mechanism mist, the probability of a "Monster Party" appearing increased.

With his strength improved, clearing it would be much easier.

Under normal circumstances, it certainly wouldn't bring a particularly large improvement to his ability scores, but relying on the effect of Mikoto's "Futsunomitama" skill.

Creating a strong gravity field in the central area of a Monster Party.

The consumption for all aspects of combat increased, and monsters would continuously respawn, allowing for effective training of his ability scores.

Looking at the mist mechanism shrouding the current area.

Liam looked at the young woman standing not far behind him, her face full of complexity, and nodded with a smile, "Let's start from here."

"Okay."

Mikoto's expression was complicated. She, of course, knew what Liam meant.

Using the gravity field created by the "Futsunomitama" skill for training – if this matter were spoken of, it would probably be considered a fantastical tale!

And Kashima and Chigusa, acting as the team's supporters, followed behind Liam. Hearing this conversation that made no sense.

They looked at each other, not understanding its meaning at all.

Mikoto had already completed the transfer ceremony and become a member of the Hestia Familia, but her rented apartment was still in the same area.

Besides the first day of Dungeon exploration, the next few days were vacation days.

Kashima felt it was very reasonable.

After all, having just completed a "compulsory Familia expedition," rest was inevitably needed. The first day of Dungeon exploration was likely for familiarization.

Assigning duties in the team, getting familiar with combat styles, and increasing overall coordination.

And then…

The scene that subsequently entered his eyes, its logic could barely be considered self-consistent.

In the mist-shrouded area ahead, figures of various monsters continuously appeared. Seizing the opportunity to chant an incantation and cast her skill, Mikoto.

Decisively placed the effect of the "Futsunomitama" skill in the area ahead.

"Using magic to coordinate and buy time is very reasonable!"

But thinking of this, Kashima cast his gaze towards Liam beside him. His mood suddenly became a bit strange, and he couldn't help but guess.

"It's just…"

"Is it really necessary?"

Knowing that Liam could single-handedly resolve a "Monster Party" emergency, there was absolutely no need to use magic to restrict the monsters' movements.

It was just that…

Watching the figure fearlessly heading into the range of the magic, Kashima's mind was blank for a short time. He subconsciously looked towards Mikoto not far away.

The latter seemed to have long been accustomed to it. She didn't even turn her head, her face calm as she said, "The matter is probably just as you think…"

"Using the gravity field of the magic skill for high-intensity Dungeon training."

"???"

"Probably, normal intensity training, for him... the effect might be a little small?" the young woman added nonchalantly, as a final blow.

For Kashima, his already turbulent mood became even harder to calm. Using a "Monster Party" for training, this matter…

He already found it very hard to comment on.

And then, after such a short time without meeting, to team up with Liam again for a Dungeon exploration as a supporter.

What was laid before him…

Was the absurd act of the "Monster Party's" training intensity not being enough, using a strong gravity environment, trying to improve his ability scores in the shortest possible time!

Kashima had, of course, experienced the magic effect of "Futsunomitama." Fighting for a short time was no problem, but every subsequent sword swing…

Was a torment to his physical functions!

He looked towards the distant figure ahead, still vigorous!

As if not affected by the gravity environment in the slightest. Every crisp and clean sword swing was accompanied by the demise of a Dungeon monster…

This training intensity, probably even the "Freya Familia" couldn't achieve, right?

No wonder… he could create so many sensational feats in Orario in such a short time!

"This guy, really…"

"Is a bit too exaggerated! Maybe the upcoming War Game."

"He can really win?"

Temporarily not planning for a level sublimation, could it be that Liam wanted to create a miracle of defeating the entire Apollo Familia at Lv2?

Kashima looked at the figure not far ahead, yet the distance felt unprecedentedly vast!

———————

The magic that could even briefly restrain the "floor lord Goliath," creating a high-intensity training environment for even more intense combat.

The effect was, of course, excellent. Every time he stepped on the withered ground, the strong gravity environment would cause the ground to shatter. Every slight movement was pushing his body to its limits.

He didn't feel any discomfort. On the contrary, the artificially created high-intensity environment made Liam feel truly exhilarated!

He could clearly feel the rapid consumption of his stamina. After dealing with the current Monster Party, and confirming no new monsters appeared.

"…"

Liam turned around and looked at the adventurer team watching from a distance. His tone was calm, "If there's nothing else, let's continue exploring!"

"Alright."

The improvement in her magic power, and the short duration of the "Futsunomitama" skill's use, allowed Mikoto to maintain a good state. After ending the magic skill's release. And Lili, who was already prepared, decisively picked up the magic stones and dropped items.

To continue the next…

Dungeon training!

"Two days."

"With this high-intensity training, my ability scores should be able to break through to S-rank?"

Looking towards the depths of the Dungeon, Liam's calm eyes were filled with anticipation.

——————

The subsequent Dungeon exploration was concocted in the same way, using Mikoto's "Futsunomitama" magic for high-intensity training.

In addition to the numerous amplification skills of "Warlord's Fervor," "Secret Sword Art," and "Flowing Stance."

The stamina consumption was enormous.

When he couldn't fight at high intensity for a short time, Kashima and Chigusa, acting as supporters, would take on the task of advancing through the Dungeon.

The process was very smooth. Also knowing their former companion "Mikoto" was facing a crisis.

Even they changed their combat styles, striving to push into the depths of the middle levels, to provide Liam with a higher-intensity Dungeon training.

It was also "Monster Gifting."

But it was Kashima who proactively lured the monsters, then attracted them to Liam.

The team members, now extremely familiar with this entrapment method.

Immediately proceeded to clear the monsters.

The monsters in the middle levels, the experience gained after killing them also increased. Relying on the vast numbers, even his level was directly raised to 37.

There was no concept of time.

Battle.

…

Battle.

Non-stop fighting. When his body reached its limit, he would take a short rest.

What could be used to intuitively feel the passage of time was the bento Lili had prepared in advance, which was distributed strictly according to an hourglass countdown.

To avoid missing the time for the War Game.

When the time came to the day before the War Game, after the noon bento was distributed and the hourglass countdown was reset, Lili, who was in charge of command.

She looked at Liam, whose state was full of fatigue, and Mikoto, who was clearly about to be drained from high-intensity use of magic. Her tone was calm.

"Let's end the exploration here for now."

"It's about time to go back. Rest well and wait for tonight's arrangements."

"No problem."

The War Game was confirmed to start tomorrow. As for the specific combat method, he still needed to wait for the drawing ceremony at the Denatus.

There wasn't much Liam could do.

That was to improve his ability scores as much as possible, to face all the challenges of the War Game in the best condition, and then defeat the opponent.

Looking towards the distant front, at the numerous Minotaurs attracted by Kashima, he lifted his short sword with one hand.

Noticing Mikoto behind him, who was exhausted yet still bracing herself to use magic, Liam shook his head lightly.

"After testing the results of our training, we can return to Orario."

"…"

Losing the restriction of the gravity magic, his stamina returned to a normal state.

Whether it was speed, attack precision…

Or the power accompanying every sword swing from Liam, compared to before starting the Dungeon exploration yesterday, all had been improved across the board!

Without using "Selfless Sword Aura" to mow down enemies like vegetables.

Facing an extremely large number of Minotaurs, every sword swing was accompanied by a flash of light, an extremely sharp blade…

Crushing all the monsters that stood in Liam's way!

——————

Just as Liam was undergoing Dungeon training, Hestia was also not idle, striving to gather intelligence through her few friends.

And… waiting for the start of the Denatus!

The location was on a high floor of Orario's Babel. Hestia, wearing a white long dress, looked at the seat that belonged to her, symbolizing her status.

Her complicated mood did not ease.

She knew the arrangement of the seats was definitely because of Liam, who had created a world miracle, allowing her, a god with little presence.

To have her current treatment…

As a result, she herself hadn't even completely finished searching for information.

"I hope my luck is good."

With an apprehensive heart, Hestia came to her seat and was almost instantly enveloped by all sorts of curious and probing gazes.

As far as her eyes could see, the number of gods present was even larger than she had expected, almost the same as when Liam's title was decided.

But this time, the many gods gathered were mostly here to watch the show.

"Strongest Rookie" vs. "Apollo Familia."

The price of the War Game was the Familia to which Liam would ultimately belong.

Whether he could continue to create miracles, to defeat the Apollo Familia and win the War Game against an impossible gap in strength…

Or would the battle be without suspense.

As the "newcomer who surpassed the Sword Princess," be crushed by the Apollo Familia.

Whatever the final result.

For the many gods attending this assembly, it was all a source of entertainment!

And with Apollo's arrival.

Looking down at Hestia from above, even without making any declaration, he still completely ignited the atmosphere of the scene!

"Since the gods of both sides of the War Game have arrived, then…"

"The next meeting will be hosted by me, Ganesha!"

The one hosting the meeting and the drawing ceremony was the social terrorist, the elephant god Ganesha.

Wearing a mask, only half of the sturdy young man's face could be seen.

He arrogantly stepped on the speech platform, pointed at Apollo in the distance, and said in a spirited tone, "This War Game was initiated by the Apollo Familia!"

"The price for the victor is to possess all the property of the other Familia, including its dependants!"

"During the War Game, neither god can interfere!"

"The battle must continue until the end."

Ganesha announced the rules of the War Game, finally looking at Hestia. The latter's face was tense, but she still nodded lightly.

"Neither side has any objections."

"In that case…"

"Let's draw for the specific combat method!"

The drawing ceremony wasn't very interesting. What truly made Ganesha impatient was the War Game between the two Familias, starting tomorrow morning!

He stretched out his hand and randomly picked a piece of paper from countless paper balls.

He spread the paper ball open.

After seeing the contents clearly, Ganesha looked at Hestia with pity, but his tone was still spirited, "So this War Game…"

"Is an Arena Battle!"

(End of this chapter)

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