The massive figure crashed through the ceiling between the 17th and 18th floors.

Only Goliath from the 17th floor could match such a form.

But this Goliath was far larger than normal, its gray hue turned black.

Its oppressive aura dwarfed the standard Goliath, as if it belonged to a higher tier.

In the Anime, Hermes had tricked Hestia into releasing divine power in the dungeon, triggering a backlash that birthed the Black Goliath.

Orsted had only suspected Hermes was in the dungeon.

Now, he was certain.

Hermes was here, and this Black Goliath was his doing.

No one knew his exact location, but he'd unleashed divine power, provoking the dungeon's reaction.

"You or me?" Orsted asked Ais, eyeing the Black Goliath as it rose and began rampaging.

Ais didn't reply.

She drew her desperate, activated Tempest, and charged instantly.

Meanwhile, Hermes was pleading with Asfi in the forest.

"Hey, Asfi, please stop Sword Princess," Hermes begged, hands clasped, his face ingratiating.

"Lord Hermes, what are you up to?" Asfi ignored his plea, frowning as she pressed.

She didn't bother with the Black Goliath.

She and Orsted and Ais had parted recently; they likely hadn't left the safe floor.

With their strength, handling a mutated Goliath, even at Level 6, was no issue.

Asfi just wanted to know what her god was scheming.

"I just want to see Orsted's strength, nothing else," Hermes said, smiling.

"If you wanted to know Teacher's strength, why not ask me? I could've told you," Asfi replied, her eyes twitching.

"Oh! So you saw Orsted's strength on this mission? How was it?" Hermes asked, thrilled.

"Level 6. Teacher fought a Level 6 monster alone and killed it," Asfi sighed.

Hermes' face froze. "Asfi, that's not a funny joke."

Orsted showed Level 4 strength in the war game.

Hermes had overestimated him at Level 5, but Level 6? He couldn't fathom it.

Yet, Asfi's serious expression, backed by nods from Falgar and the others, calmed Hermes.

A faint smile returned. "What a surprise."

He glanced at the Black Goliath. Its appearance was expected.

Divine power in the dungeon triggered enhanced monsters to counter gods.

The 18th floor, near Goliath's domain, ensured the dungeon would enhance the Level 4 Goliath to Level 5.

All part of his plan.

But now, the Black Goliath seemed useless for testing Orsted.

"I envy you for seeing Orsted's strength," Hermes said to Asfi, regret in his smile.

"No need for regret, Lord Hermes. You'll see it soon," Asfi corrected, adjusting her glasses.

Hermes nodded toward the Black Goliath.

Asfi and the others frowned, looking over. Ais was fighting it, aided by other adventurers, but Orsted was absent.

If Orsted were fighting, he'd be a clear main force like Ais.

His absence meant he wasn't engaging—likely watching from somewhere.

Recalling Hermes' regretful look, Asfi frowned. "Lord Hermes, wait here."

She leapt away.

"What's that about?" Hermes asked, puzzled.

"Probably looking for Orsted," Falgar said, supportive of his captain.

Hermes' eyes narrowed, a sly smile flashing. "Asfi, you're still too naive."

---

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