Chapter 71 - War Game Meeting.
Chapter Size: 1988 Words.]
Third Person POV
Somewhere, Orario.
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In a majestic setting where the deities of Orario gathered to witness the unfolding events at this moment, Hestia was present as one of the pillars for an unprecedented challenge since she came to Genkai. Apollo's banquet, which began as a war between three families and led them to this meeting, where all the deities wanted to witness the events, now transformed into a divine arena of intrigues awaiting the decision of the Hestia Family in the face of the challenge posed by Lucius, one of her sons.
The gods, seated on their celestial thrones, watched with interest as Hestia stood at one end of the table in the middle of the place, with Hermes as the mediator and Apollo and Heimdall side by side on the other side of the table—all these gods stared at each other.
Hestia, a humble representative among the gods, raised her voice with determination. "We accept the challenge that my son has thrown down; I am here to proceed with the events."
"OHHHH! She accepted!"
"Incredible, Hestia against Heimdall and Apollo at the same time, how courageous!"
The voices of the gods echoed through the majestic hall, expressing surprise and excitement at Hestia's brave decision. Hermes, the mediator, looked at Apollo and Heimdall, waiting for their reactions to the acceptance of the challenge.
Apollo, the god of the Sun and Music, smiled confidently, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, Hestia, you show courage in accepting this challenge. I look forward to seeing how your family will fare against us, especially eager to fight with your son, Lucius." He said, smiling, but everyone could sense the hatred in his words, considering Lucius had been as audacious as anyone since Apollo descended to Genkai.
Heimdall, the guardian of the gods and lord of the sentinels, remained imposing and serious. His piercing eyes observed Hestia with an intensity that revealed the seriousness of the challenge. "So be it. We will end you and take that ungrateful son of mine."
Despite her modest position, Hestia maintained her posture and courage in the eyes of the gods. "Former son, Heimdall, you expelled him, remember? And we are ready to move forward, whatever destiny awaits us. My family will face yours together!" Hestia raised her voice.
"Well, since both have accepted, let's see what kind of game will be played," Hermes said, taking a small box and placing it on the table with a hole on top.
"Let's see..." He said, putting his hand inside the box and pulling out a paper.
"Siege game!" He read the paper, and all the gods applauded excitedly.
"This is complicated..." Hestia murmured.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Hestia, it seems you won't stand a chance."
"You, Apollo and Heimdall, have fallen so low, aren't you ashamed to join forces against a family of two members with hundreds of your own children? You really shame us," Freya suddenly spoke in the midst of the crowd of gods.
"Freya..." Hestia was surprised by this.
"Hm? Didn't you see what that Lucius did to me? He hit me and destroyed my home!" Apollo shouted.
"Tsk." Heimdall didn't like the comment either.
"But still, I think you're a disgrace too," Loki also commented.
"Indeed, two families against one with two members? I thought you were better..." Hephaestus also commented.
"I think they're right..."
"Two members of a family against entire families like Apollo and Heimdall, it's truly shameless," Demeter commented.
"What a bunch of pathetic families..." Aphrodite huffed.
The festive atmosphere began to turn against the two gods; they were being judged by their peers and didn't like what they were hearing.
"What do you suggest then?!" Heimdall asked a bit displeased.
"Let Hestia get help from someone; it seems better that way," Hermes suddenly spoke.
"Hmm... I think it could work, but we'll defend the siege, and the family she asks for help cannot be from Orario!" Apollo spoke loudly.
"How shameless, he made the situation worse for me..." Hestia couldn't help but comment but ultimately accepted.
Hermes then raised his hands, signaling for the divine meeting to take the course of the proposed challenge. "Let the pre-war period of the game between the families begin. May the decisions and actions of all in this game reflect the greatness of the gods!"
Now, the deities were animatedly discussing, expressing their opinions on the courage of the Hestia Family in accepting such a daring challenge. The majority of the gods were betting on Apollo and Heimdall, confident in the numerical superiority and martial skills of their families. Others, however, saw the challenge as a unique opportunity for the Hestia Family to prove their bravery.
"Hestia really believes she can defeat Apollo and Heimdall? This is a bold gamble," commented Dionysus, the god of wine, while savoring a cup of celestial nectar.
Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, raised an eyebrow with interest. "My faith is in Lucius and Hestia. You'll see; the Hestia Family will surprise everyone."
Olympians and other gods shared their opinions on who would emerge victorious. Tension hung in the air, and even deities who normally didn't care about such disputes were curious about the turn of events.
"Hestia is known for her humility and dedication, despite being the virgin loli. Perhaps she has an ace up her sleeve that we don't know," suggested another goddess.
Meanwhile, Hermes, the divine messenger, acted as a mediator and master of ceremonies, maintaining order during the heated discussions. He observed the exchange of expectations among the gods, noting the bets being made and recording interesting comments for divine posterity.
"I bet on Apollo and Heimdall!" exclaimed one of the divine beings, his confidence evident in his words.
Freya, with a malicious smile, said, "I'll place my bets on the Hestia Family. They might surprise, especially with this siege game."
The place was in an uproar, with the gods rooting for their favorites and anticipating the outcome of the challenge as a highly surprising event for them.
As they left the gods' meeting hall, Hestia walked out with some of her friends, talking with Takemikazuchi, Miach, and Hephaestus, who discussed the imminent siege war awaiting the Hestia Family.
"Hestia, my dear friend. Battle is like a divine training ground. Learn from each challenge, and your warriors will grow stronger." Takemikazuchi advised.
"Thank you for the advice, Takemikazuchi," she said.
"Hestia, don't worry. I'll be there to ensure everyone is in top form. Free potions for everyone! Nothing can stop a well-cared-for Family." Miach expressed his support.
Hestia chuckled gently, knowing that Miach's generosity, while admirable, could create some financial challenges for him.
"Just be careful, Hestia. Even though your adventurers are good, you're up against two families." Hephaestus also expressed his concern for his older friend.
"Yes, Hephaestus, my family is working to handle this challenge!"
The divine convocation continued as Hestia returned home, intending to inform Bell and Lucius about the events when he returned from the dungeon. The news of the war game between the Hestia Family, the Heimdall Family, and Apollo spread rapidly through Orario like wildfire in a dry forest. The normally bustling city now buzzed with a unique energy, a mix of excitement, speculation, and anticipation.
In the busy streets, as the news spread, characters from all corners of the city were drawn into the excitement, with adventurers, merchants, gods, and ordinary citizens fervently discussing the matter. Taverns were filled with lively conversations, echoing with laughter, whispers, and even some bold bets being made. Orario was in a frenzy.
"Have you heard about this war game? Hestia is challenging the Heimdall and Apollo families!" a bar owner exclaimed.
"Impossible! The Hestia Family is too small for that. Have they gone mad?" an adventurer questioned.
"I'm telling you, this is the most exciting news Orario has had in months! I bet Bell Cranel, the record-holder, is at the center of it all," a merchant said.
"Didn't you hear that wizard attacked Apollo's mansion?! That's why there's the war game?" someone asked.
"I heard that the war game was announced even before that!" another replied.
"What are Apollo and Heimdall thinking? And Hestia, is she brave or foolish?" a god pondered.
"Hestia really thinks she can defeat Apollo and Heimdall? This will be quite a battle!"
"I heard that Bell Cranel and Lucius Drakenar are in the middle of this. I can't miss this for anything!"
"Come on, everyone! Bets for the war game! Who's with Hestia? Who's with Apollo and Heimdall? Bets are open!"
The city pulsated with vibrant energy as Orario prepared to witness one of the most exciting events in its recent history in the past few months. Rumors and speculations mingled in the air, fueling the expectation that hung over the city. Everyone was eager to see how this unexpected battle would unfold and who would emerge as the winner, even though most thought Hestia would lose, but they wanted to see how it would play out anyway.
With Hestia returning to the inn, the atmosphere in the room was ordinary. The soft light of candles danced on the walls; Hestia soon noticed the familiar faces of her family sitting in a corner. Hestia approached quickly to update them on their situation.
Bell couldn't contain his surprise upon hearing about the type of challenge they would have to face. His eyes widened, and disbelief reflected in his expression. "A siege game?!" exclaimed Bell, echoing the shock that everyone shared.
Hestia confirmed calmly in the face of Bell's reaction. "Yes, that's our challenge." Her voice was calm but carried a resolution that inspired confidence in her family at this moment.
Lili expressed her concerns with a frankness that characterized her personality. "I believe we're in trouble..." she murmured, revealing the anxiety that lingered in her mind.
Riekling, the small being with pointed ears, emitted a sharp "HEEE!" conveying a mix of excitement and nervousness in the face of the challenge.
"No matter. We will overcome this. Lucius is still days away in the dungeon, so we must strive just the same," Bell spoke. His confidence and determination resonated in the room, serving as a catalyst to motivate the family.
"Yes, that's true. We hope we can get through all of this!" added Hestia, joining in the positive spirit of Bell.
Hestia continued to speak, and her revelation about the possibility of calling someone from outside of Orario to assist the family added a new layer of hope to the situation. As they discussed options, Syyr appeared at the bar unnoticed and approached the table, interrupting the dialogue at the opportune moment.
"Excuse me," announced Syyr, drawing the family's attention with her enigmatic presence.
"I overheard you talking about this, and I know someone who can help," she said, bringing a spark of hope to the family. Syyr's revelation of her contact generated a wave of optimism when she mentioned who the person was.
"That's great!" exclaimed Bell, revealing his gratitude for the potential help that was on the way. Eyes gleamed with hope as Bell turned his gaze to a certain waitress next to the counter.
The next day, Bell, Lili, and Rieking, with renewed resolution, headed to the dungeon. The sun rose on the horizon as they maintained the determination to go into the dungeon and become stronger. The air was charged with electric energy, reflecting the tension that permeated Orario.
As they entered the dungeon, the group felt eyes lurking in the corridors. A suspicious conversation echoed among the shadows.
"It's our target, isn't it?" murmured a mysterious voice, indicating recognition of Lili as the target.
"Yes..." agreed another voice, indicating a silent confirmation.
"We'll get the monster too; it will be interesting in the next batch that comes out of Orario."
Thus, the shadows began to follow the trio through the dungeon with an opportunity to ambush them during the early floors.
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