Chapter 32: The First Recruitment (Updated)

As I sit in the garden, the warmth of the setting sun blankets the mansion.

I had just returned from checking Shiro's forge, and to my surprise, his craftsmanship was beyond expectations.

The great sword and armor set were so powerful that I decided to keep them for Igris, instead of selling them to Hephaestus.

The equipment could boost a Level 2 adventurer's power and defense to Level 6 standards—too rare and valuable to simply trade away.

"Make another set," I told Shiro.

"Tone it down significantly."

His expression stiffened, wounded by the request.

To ease his frustration, I asked him to use less rare materials but maintain the same craftsmanship.

That reassured him, and I felt more confident knowing that even the strongest equipment had limits.

After reaching the garden, I summon Gara, sending him into the dungeon in his shadow form to farm monster crystals.

Until my business with Hephaestus is fully operational, selling basic crystals through the Guild will serve as a temporary income source.

As I relax, the mansion gate opens, and Hestia steps inside, Igris carrying mountains of bags.

I raise an eyebrow.

I had given Igris two storage pouches—there's no way both were already full… right?

Not going to ask.

"Welcome home, Hestia."

She smiles brightly.

"Oh, Sora—you won't believe all the amazing stuff I found!"

"I bought everything we might need—and got a lot of clothes for myself."

"I refuse to wear this uncomfortable outfit any longer!"

I chuckle.

"I'm happy for you, Hestia. Igris, place the clothes in Hestia's room—store the rest in the basement storage."

Hestia blinks.

"Wait—we have a storage room?"

A pause—then, she sighs.

"I can't be bothered to be surprised anymore. After seeing your stats, I've stopped caring."

I internally thank the gods that she hasn't seen my updated status yet.

I doubt she could handle it.

As we speak, the gate opens again.

This time—it's Kenshi, leading Lili inside.

Her eyes dart around, scanning the mansion with disbelief.

Hestia eyes me, waiting for an explanation.

"This is Kenshi, and this is Lili—a potential Familia member."

Hestia immediately disregards Kenshi, rushing toward Lili with an enthusiastic grin.

She kneels slightly, offering her hand.

"Hi! My name is Hestia—goddess of this Familia. Welcome!"

"What's your name, little girl?"

Lili frowns, crossing her arms.

"I'm Liliruca Arde, and I am not little!"

"I'm 15, and I didn't agree to join your Familia."

Hestia's smile falters slightly.

"Then why are you here?"

I step in.

"Now, now—let me handle this."

"Go inside, take a shower, and change your clothes. Today must've been tiring."

Hestia gives me a look, then sighs.

"Fine."

She heads inside.

I sit down on the bench, Kenshi standing silently behind me while Lili remains in front, watching me closely.

Lili POV

I had just finished a long day in the dungeon, serving as a supporter for an adventurer I didn't bother remembering.

As always, I barely got a fraction of the spoils.

But that was expected.

I had to steal my share—since those scum always took everything, leaving me to starve.

Trying to head home without being spotted, I took a hidden route, hoping to avoid my Familia members.

But somehow—they found me anyway.

I was cornered.

Another day of starvation.

Just as the first hit was about to land, a blindfolded man emerged from the shadows, moving with precision like an assassin.

Before I could process what was happening, my Familia members were floating—weightless in the air.

With a simple gesture, they were thrown into a wall like discarded trash.

Then—he approached me.

His presence terrified me.

Someone this strong—what could he possibly want from me?

"Are you Liliruca Arde?"

I hesitate, but when he asks again, I finally reply:

"Yes... it's me."

"The young master would like to speak with you. Follow me."

His tone wasn't a request.

After what had just happened, I had no reason to refuse.

And now—I stand before this so-called young master.

His presence is overwhelming.

My instincts scream—bow, show respect, or die.

I bow immediately.

"It is an honor to be in your presence, young master."

"May I ask what this humble one can do for you?"

Sora POV

Well, this was unexpected.

It must be my bloodline suppression—I'll have to tone it down when meeting other Gods or Familia members in the future.

"I am interested in your potential, so I sent Kenshi to bring you here."

"If you are interested, I would like to offer you the power and protection of my Familia—if you choose to join us."

She looks shocked, puzzled by my words.

"But Lord—this one is weak."

"I can't even defend myself."

"I'm merely a supporter."

I smile knowingly.

"Don't sell yourself short, Miss Arde."

"I know your skills and magic."

"Someone who is Level 1 but possesses Cinderella—along with abilities like Artel Assist and Command Call—is far from weak."

"Untrained? Yes. Weak? No."

"So I ask you, Miss Arde—do you want strength?"

"Do you want family?"

"Then you belong here."

Her eyes widen in fear—then, slowly, in realization.

After a minute of silence, she speaks, her voice resolute:

"I would be honored to join your Familia—if you will take me."

I stand, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Welcome to the Familia, Lili."

"I am Sora Origin, Captain of the Hestia Familia—your Captain, and your big brother from today."

"You can call me by name—because from now on, you are one of my people."

She stiffens at the contact, voice shaking.

"Th-thank y-you, Sora-sama..."

"Don't worry about it."

"Now, let's go meet Hestia to get your Falna."

Lili hesitates.

"Shouldn't I get consent from my God before changing Familia?"

I smirk.

"Don't worry about it—I've got everything covered."

"This is just the first step to building the strongest Familia."