"Hestia…"
Arthas felt conflicted by his Goddess's words.
"It's my selfishness, dragging the Hestia Familia into this."
Arthas sighed, hugging Hestia gently.
He felt guilty; if he hadn't been so stubborn, Hestia wouldn't have made this offer.
"Don't be silly. Arthas is part of the Hestia Familia! That thin Goddess looking down on you is looking down on us!"
Hestia turned, pointing at Loki on the platform.
"Shorty, who are you calling thin?!"
"Need I ask? You're shameless, Loki."
"You… you little shorty, are you serious?!"
"Yes! Do you accept my challenge, Loki?"
"Ha! Of course. Since you're willing to make the Hestia Familia serve mine, why not?"
Another voice boomed.
"With the Gods as witnesses, a war game between the Loki Familia and the Hestia Familia is agreed upon!"
After the war game was decided, the Gods' Assembly continued; the naming ceremony hadn't begun.
Arthas, Hestia, and Hephaestus left Babel Tower.
"Do you understand what I called you here for? Arthas doesn't understand the gravity of the situation, but Hestia, you should! That bet… are you going to destroy the Familia?"
Hephaestus sighed; she shouldn't have called Hestia. Without Hestia, Arthas might not have accepted the war game.
Now, the war game was inevitable, with a terrible price for losing.
Hephaestus saw no chance of winning. Arthas might be stronger than his Level 1 suggests; he might defeat Level 5 or even Level 6 adventurers, but so what?
Familia war games weren't about individual heroism; they required the Familia's full strength and wisdom.
Individual prowess was important but not decisive.
And the Loki Familia was equally strong; they had four Level 6 adventurers.
"Well, my Familia, including me, only has three members."
Hestia smiled confidently.
"And if we win, there won't be any problems."
"Win? How? Don't be naive, Hestia. You're facing Orario's strongest Familia. I don't see how you can win."
"Strongest? That makes it more challenging! If we win, the Hestia Familia will become a prominent Familia; many adventurers will join!"
"Yes, the Hestia Familia's name will be renowned."
"You two… sigh."
Hephaestus sighed, watching the two laugh as if they'd already won. She could only offer encouragement.
"I hope next time we meet, you're still the Hestia Familia's Goddess."
"I will be. I believe in Arthas."
"Good luck."
Hephaestus smiled gently and left.
Thank you… my friend, Hephaestus.
Hestia clasped her hands, closing her eyes.
Meanwhile, at the Loki Familia's headquarters, the expedition team was recalled. Everyone was surprised; Loki, returning from the Gods' Assembly, announced the war game.
"What…?"
Riveria looked troubled.
"A war game… will I fight Arthas?"
Ais tilted her head, eager.
"Ah… so devoted. Enviable, Riveria."
Riveria gave a wry smile.
"Don't joke now."
"This is a challenge, a challenge to the Loki Familia. We'll give our all. Let them know the Loki Familia isn't to be underestimated!"
Finn Deimne, the captain, spoke slowly and firmly; Riveria's expression darkened.
"Riveria… if you're uncomfortable, you don't have to participate."
Loki said; Riveria shook her head.
"No. Before confronting my feelings, I'm the Loki Familia's Nine Hell Princess. I'll participate."
"Don't hold back."
Loki smirked.
"Of course. For the Loki Familia's glory!"
Riveria said seriously; the Familia members discussed strategy. No one noticed a quiet figure in the corner.
A young man with white hair and beast ears smiled slightly; his eyes held deep hatred.
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