Chapter 35: The God Who Lied (Updated)

Eina POV

Watching Bell jumping in joy after being accepted into the Familia warms my heart.

I was really hesitant to ask Sora-sama to take him in—but I knew the boy had potential.

The problem was finding someone willing to bet on my hunch.

Seeing Sora-sama accept him so easily makes me believe he sees it too.

Misha: "Eina, can you hear me? Hello?"

Eina: "Oh—sorry, Misha. What is it?"

Misha: "Well, the registration is almost done—but we need their levels for the adventurer cards."

Eina: "Oh, I forgot to ask—"

I wave my hand, signaling Sora to come over.

He notices and approaches.

Sora POV

Sora: "What can I help you with, Eina-san?"

Eina: "First, thank you for taking Bell in—I was really worried for him."

"Also—I forgot to ask the levels of your Familia members."

Sora: "Don't worry about it, Eina—the boy has great potential and will become a strong adventurer in the future."

"As for the levels—register me as I am."

"Aisha is Level 5."

"Lili and Haruhime are Level 4."

Eina pauses slightly, surprised—but she quickly regains composure, smiling.

"I see—you're getting closer to your goal, Sora-sama."

"Give us 15 minutes, and the cards will be ready."

I thank her, then head to the crystal exchange section.

Instead of selling them through Eina, I do it directly—knowing that spies from other Familias are likely watching.

To establish dominance, I sell crystals from floors 30-47—which is further than any Familia has reached in centuries.

The only Familia that reached this far before was Zeus' Familia, but since they were betrayed and banished by Loki and Freya, no group has surpassed Floor 47.

For reference—the Black Dragon is on Floor 100.

I return to Eina, registering our Familia's official dungeon progress:

We have reached Floor 59.

I inform her that in five days, the crystals and items we obtained from Floors 48-59 will be sold in an auction hosted at our mansion.

Eina is shocked by the claim—but believes I have the power to accomplish it.

She asks me to list the items available for auction, and I agree.

The Guild will take a 5% cut from the total sales for advertising and credibility, ensuring our Familia receives proper recognition.

A few minutes later, Misha returns with the completed ID cards.

She hands them to me with a bright smile.

I distribute the cards to everyone—including Bell, who has already received his Falna from Hestia in a private room.

Sora: "Okay, everyone—let's go celebrate our new member, and the completion of your training!"

We say our goodbyes to Eina and Misha and head for the Hostess of Fertility.

On the Way

The girls and Hestia enjoy the walk, chatting with Bell and getting to know him.

Meanwhile, I strategize my next moves.

Now that we're out in the open, I expect Soma and Ishtar to notice their former members.

The Soma Familia's Response

Zanis—being the decision-maker—will come for Lili.

But Lili will destroy whoever arrives, and their attack will give me justification to wipe out their Familia entirely.

After that, I plan to recruit Chandra Ihit, Coco Collins, Tsukinokami Kaede, and Shinonome Momiji into my Familia.

The Ishtar Familia's Response

Unlike Soma, Ishtar will go the political route.

She will report to the Guild that Aisha and Haruhime are escapees from her Familia—demanding they be returned, as they still bear her Falna.

This is exactly what I need.

It will allow me to accuse her before the Council of Gods of defaming my Familia.

From there, I will challenge her to the War of the Gods—for her home, wealth, and banishment from the city.

With Hephaestus, Miach, and Hermes backing me, they will have no choice but to agree.

Once I win—my Familia will be at the top.

From that point, I won't need to recruit any more members myself—they will come begging to join.

Other planned recruits include Ais, Daphne Lauros, and Cassandra Ilion from Apollo's Familia.

Apollo, being the idiot he is, will challenge my Familia anyway once he learns my level—so I will ensure that Cassandra and Daphne are our prizes for victory.

"Man—this is a lot of work."

"But it's only fun when it's this chaotic."

The Hostess of Fertility

Upon arriving, Chloe greets us warmly, checking us out as she leads us to a large table.

I notice Syr serving customers and wave at her.

She looks at me for a moment, recognizing me, and waves back.

I expected her to forget me—so this is a pleasant surprise.

Chloe notices the exchange.

Chloe: "Oh? You know each other?"

Sora: "Yes—I came here a month ago, when I first arrived in the city."

Chloe: "Welcome back, then! What can I get you?"

Sora: "Get us the best food and drinks you have. Don't worry about the cost—we're celebrating."

The group cheers, especially Bell, who seems excited for a proper meal.

Loki's Arrival

As we chat, a group enters the Hostess, attracting attention from everyone present.

Whispers spread.

I ignore it—until I notice Hestia's irritated expression.

Then, a voice calls out from behind me:

"Shrimp—is that you?"

"I couldn't recognize you."

"What are you doing here?"

"Can you even afford this place, or are you leeching off adventurers now?"

Immediately, I know who this is—Loki.

And my suspicions about her are confirmed.

The killing intent of my entire Familia flares.

Loki's group—Ais, Riveria, Bete, Tione, and Tiona—sense the hostility.

Riveria immediately moves to intervene—but it's too late.

Sora: "Hey—perverted old man."

"Apologize, and go back to your table. Before you die."

Everyone freezes, confused by my wording.

They don't see through the deception.

But I do.

And Loki knows it.