Three seconds is kinda exaggeration, but he fell over quickly when Ais got serious. Like Ryogo mentioned, Ryu's +1, not at 5, so yes that's from Haruhime. A bit more development between Haruhime and Bete again too (kinda teased this in Oratoria 6). Not sure if it'll go anywhere but something to keep in mind.
This is another volume kinda like Oratoria 4, where a LOT of the volume's spent on fighting. I'm not quite sure "spoilers" will do the volume any justice. Either way, I think the wikia guy will have the thing updated in a day or two, so I'm not gonna bother. Bit of random thoughts instead:
Interesting note is that Hermes is actually the bad guy here, his plan was to have all the Xenos killed and preferably in front of a large crowd to redeem his reputation. Horrible and imperfect plan, which he himself kinda admit, but he wants to "create" a hero that's for the people, not monsters. He can't have Bell carrying that image no matter what. Either way, his plan was foiled and all the Xenos got returned into the Dungeon safely.
You have a fight that's reminiscent of volume 3's Mino vs. Bell (down to the part that Ottarl pointed Asterius to Bell's direction). Obviously this Asterius' not at full strength, and still Bell lost (second time this volume). It ends with Bell charging his Argonaut (and actually inspired by Argonaut this time around) for 20 seconds and have a showdown with Asterius. Asterius still BTFO Bell after that, charged into Guild Hall, wrecked and destroyed the ground floor, and entered the Dungeon. He told Bell they're even now (1 win and loss each), next time they meet it would be a fight to the death. Bell realizes he's too weak and yearn to get stronger.
There's a bit more (albeit vague) hint at Ais' background when she saw Wiene speak and defend Bell (another great shock to her). She can't hurt Xenos anymore.
Eina finally got bit more development.
At the end, Fels even healed Asterius' severed arm.
There are even appearances from all the top dogs in Loki AND Freya's Familia. Gulliver bros vs. Tiona, Allen vs. Tione, Heðinn and Hǫgni vs. Bete and Ais, Ottarl vs. Finn. They didn't really "fight", just the latter trying to stop Loki bros from helping Bell vs. Asterius because Freya wants to see that again.
Someone seemed to have invaded into Hestia's Familia home while they're away.
An elf oversaw Bell's fight with Asterius, most likely Lefiya (lol).
Despite all that shit Hermes pull, the long expedition is actually with Hermes Familia. Bell owes Aisha for helping out (Aisha got wrecked by Bete even with a +1).
The volume currently has a perfect 5 stars rating on Amazon. Anyway, this is one of those volumes that you have to read it yourself to enjoy. While there are a lot of good plot elements, the fights are the highlights (imo). Yen Press hurry up!
Meanwhile, I had one of the most embarrassing day of my life yesterday. I'm not gonna type up the Ghostsweeper thing. Once again, the wikia guy will probably do it (sometimes makes me wonder the worth of my personal input in this)? I highly doubt that he won't. Either way, see you all December. My bet on Oratoria anime's earliest next Spring.