The Minotaur's entire body shuddered violently as a muffled explosion echoed from within. Its thick chest swelled rapidly, wisps of flame seeping from the puncture wound, charring Bell's right hand black.
With each agonized scream, Bell poured his remaining magic deep into the Minotaur's body.
He had nothing left — not a drop of magic or mental energy remained. He had given everything to the monster before him.
The bull-man's chest swelled grotesquely, like an inflating balloon growing ever larger. Its upper body had distorted so massively that it could have contained three skinny Bells!
Though the mighty bull monster possessed extraordinary physical defense, its internal organs weren't nearly as resilient as its exterior.
Naturally, it couldn't withstand such powerful magic!
A sound like shattering glass pierced the air. The Minotaur's upper body was torn apart by the flames, creating irreparable fissures. Massive wounds split its chest, and like the earlier stab wound, crimson flames poured from the gaps.
The inferno didn't stop there — fierce flames erupted from its nostrils, ears, eyes, and mouth, shooting from all seven orifices of the Minotaur!
Both had fought to their absolute limits!
But in the end, Bell was the last one standing.
"Sorry, looks like I'm a bit stronger."
"GRAAAAH, GRA-GRAAAAAAAGH! AAAAAH!"
After Bell's coolly delivered statement, the Minotaur tried to roar again but failed.
Finally, its upper body exploded into pieces. The compressed heat within burst forth at once, blooming into magnificent lotus flames that shot skyward before scattering like starlight.
The monster's lower half crashed heavily to the ground.
The magic stone inside wasn't destroyed, but instead soared high into the air before crashing down with thunderous impacts.
Bell stood unwavering in the center, head held high like a victor.
He had every right to be proud!
His appearance stunned the watching expedition members. Though the victor's armor lay shattered and his black shirt hung in tatters, leaving him looking battered and worn.
Yet not one person dared look down on him anymore!
"Ha-haha, no way, against that monster."
"No, it's right there before our eyes."
Everyone buzzed with discussion — especially Bete.
He had always scorned the weak. When he'd seen that tomato kid from before fighting the Minotaur, his face had shown nothing but contempt.
But after watching Bell fight to the death, he began to question himself.
How long had it taken him, after becoming an Adventurer, to defeat a Minotaur?
After reflection, he realized: he had only faced such opponents once his strength far surpassed theirs.
At this thought, Bete's face burned hot with shame. The feeling spread through his entire body, an unspeakable anxiety that made him want to disappear into the ground.
But no one paid attention to his state of mind; they all rushed to check on the unconscious youth.
Adam approached Bell with quick strides.
"Mind Zero..." Looking at the youth who maintained his dignity even while unconscious, he felt both proud and relieved.
Bell was different from Subaru. This kid possessed an extraordinary drive to improve. He had clear goals and would give his all to achieve them, using every tool at his disposal.
In the battle with the Minotaur, he had pushed the Insect Breathing techniques to their absolute limits!
He had used nimble footwork to evade attacks, created the illusion of avoiding direct confrontation with the massive monster, numbed the Minotaur's senses to set his trap, and finally achieved victory with the killing blow of〘Firebolt〙.
And incredibly, at the last moment, he delivered that cool line Adam had taught him.
"Sorry, looks like I'm a bit stronger."
Well done, Bell! Quite the showman!
Adam laid him flat on the ground and used healing magic to treat his severely damaged body. Since magic couldn't restore mental energy, he gave Bell a mental restoration potion instead.
After a while, Bell awoke.
"Adam?" His voice was hoarse. Opening his eyes to see a familiar Familia member's face up close, his foggy mind hadn't quite caught up.
He instinctively felt at ease, knowing how strong the man before him was — far beyond Bell's own level.
"That was quite the thrilling battle, Bell."
"Congratulations. Through your own fighting, you've won over everyone here."
"Huh?!" At Adam's gesture, Bell finally noticed the crowd of people pointing and muttering things he couldn't quite hear.
Ais was among them too!
He snapped fully awake!
"Don't get excited, you need to rest now." Before he could struggle to his feet, Adam firmly pushed him back down.
"Lord Bell! Lord Bell!" Liliruca's shouts came from nearby. Still worried, she had stumbled down from the upper level, her face still covered in blood.
"Lily, are you alright!"
This made Ais, who wanted to check on him, puff out her cheeks. Even she didn't know why she instinctively made such an expression.
"Was it to protect Lily, Bell?"
"Something like that."
At Adam's question, Bell gave the right answer and received everyone's approval.
A hero isn't someone who wields a sword, bears a shield, or heals wounds. Only those who can stake their lives can be called heroes.
To protect your companions, to save your loved ones — stake your life!
It's okay to face setbacks, it's fine to take hits. Cry to your heart's content, for victory always exists within defeat, and always belongs to those who never give up!
"Follow your wishes! Shout out your dreams!"
"Those who do this are the coolest heroes!"
Hearing Adam's words, Bell's expression transformed. He grabbed Adam's arm, eager to hear the name of someone dear from his lips.
"Ah, I heard this from a certain white-haired old man who was quite fond of these words."
"Grandpa..." Bell whispered softly, recognizing the connection.
In that moment, his grandfather's teachings finally crystallized in his mind. He had grown.
"Bell, you may look pathetic lying there, but you were incredible fighting that Minotaur!"
"Ah, no, no, I'm not—" Bell waved his hands frantically, flustered by the praise.
"Lord Bell, at times , you should stand tall and say 'Yes!'" Lily scolded.
Her words helped him understand how to carry himself with dignity.
"Yes! Thank you for the praise!" His voice rang out strong and clear.
"Mm, very good, Bell." Adam praised him sincerely.
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