After Volume 21, I've been wondering how Omori will handle the next Dungeon expeditions, especially considering how little time Bell seems to have left before the eventual battle against the One-Eyed Black Dragon.
My main concern isn't just the final battle itself, but how Bell will obtain enough high-rank excelia to level up again while the story is approaching its conclusion.
We saw in Volume 20 that the expedition to the 29th Floor didn't result in particularly impressive stat growth for Bell. His stats increased, but not enough to solve the bigger problem: Bell needs increasingly difficult challenges to keep progressing, and that means going deeper into the Dungeon with a party capable of surviving there.
This is where I think the Hestia Familia faces a major problem. Apart from Bell and Ryuu, most of its members would struggle to participate in the deepest expeditions. Haruhime is an exception because her level-boosting magic can make a huge difference, but what about everyone else?
Nina
I think Nina will most likely officially join Hestia Familia, and she could become a very important member in future expeditions. Besides being a healer, her magic can heal and protect against status abnormalities. Her magic also references purifying miasma, which makes me wonder whether she could help protect the party against the Black Dragon's miasma.
I don't think we can assume that her abilities will completely counter the Black Dragon's miasma, but she seems like a character who could have a very specific role in the final battle.
Lili
Lili is an excellent strategist, but I find it difficult to imagine her joining deep-floor expeditions under normal circumstances. Loki Familia already has an established command structure, with Finn as its leader and Raul taking responsibility for lower-ranked adventurers.However, I think this could change if the former Freya Familia members join the alliance for future expeditions.
In that scenario, perhaps a third squad could be formed using former Freya Familia adventurers, including some of their Einherjar. Lili might then have an opportunity to take on a strategic or coordination role within that squad.
Without the former Freya Familia members, though, I don't see an obvious reason for Finn to bring Lili into the deep floors when her abilities could be used more effectively elsewhere.
Welf
Welf's magic swords and his ability to counter magic are extremely valuable, but I'm not sure he needs to accompany Bell on every expedition. Loki Familia already has access to considerable resources and a strong relationship with the Hephaistos Familia.
I could see Welf contributing by preparing specialized weapons and equipment for the expedition rather than risking his life in the deepest floors. Of course, his abilities might justify his presence if the group needs him for a specific mission.
Mikoto
Mikoto's gravity magic can be useful against powerful opponents, but I have a hard time imagining her surviving deep-floor expeditions alongside high-level adventurers without considerable support. Her abilities don't necessarily compensate for the difference in levels, especially if Haruhime's magic needs to be used on other members of the party.
Finally, there's the time constraint. Omori has previously discussed keeping the main story within roughly Bell's first year in Orario, although I'm not sure whether that original plan still holds after the latest volumes. If it does, Bell can't simply spend several years training before facing the Black Dragon.
So, what do you think will happen in the next volumes?
I'd especially like to hear theories about the actual composition of the next expedition, rather than just the final battle. I think figuring out who can realistically accompany Bell into the deep floors is one of the biggest challenges Omori needs to address in the upcoming volumes.
