Denatus [Back to Danmachi]

Chapter 324 - Denatus

The Denatus, a gathering eagerly awaited by Orario's adventurers, was in full swing. 

Its outcomes brought joy to some and despair to others.

Held on the Babel, the venue was a vast hall, its partitions removed to form an open expanse. 

Sturdy columns supported a soaring ceiling, and massive glass walls offered a panoramic view of the sky thirty stories up. 

The grand space resembled a temple in the heavens.

A lone round table stood at the center, unadorned by other furnishings. 

Over thirty gods sat evenly spaced, representing Familia with adventurers of level 2 or higher—elite talents whose prowess was widely recognized.

The hall hummed with animated chatter.

"I heard several children ranked up this time," one god remarked.

"There's talk of a standout prospect," another said.

"Is that rumor true?"

"Wait for the Guild's report to confirm."

"That crafty Ouranos keeps intel locked tight, but it'll come out eventually. It's maddening!"

"Who knows? He's always cryptic."

The gods traded gossip about their Familia before the meeting began.

"More gods are showing up," one noted.

"Some regulars are missing, though," another observed.

"That guy from last time… gone already."

"Tragic. His promising child died so soon."

For Hestia, this was her first Denatus. 

A reclusive goddess with few allies, she sat quietly, detached from the banter.

"Hestia, you're awfully composed," said Hephaestus beside her.

"No cause for nerves," Hestia replied calmly.

"I figured you'd be a mess—rambling or pouting like usual," Hephaestus said, her tone faintly disappointed.

"What kind of image do you have of me?" Hestia snapped.

"Still," Hephaestus whispered, "are you prepared? Mahiro's rise can't be concealed. These gods will give you trouble."

"No prep needed. I'll deal with whatever comes," Hestia said confidently.

"Naive or just carefree? You don't see how much Mahiro draws their eyes," Hephaestus said, exasperated.

She felt a jolt of awe. 

In three days, Mahiro had smashed Orario's rank-up record, a feat unmatched in her millennia of existence. 

Two weeks had passed since Hestia left her home, and Hephaestus found the solitude oddly unsettling.

"I see it clearly," Hestia said, her smile radiating pride. "But it's no problem."

"Where's this boldness coming from?" Hephaestus asked skeptically. "I'll back you up, but even I can't fend off this crowd."

"I know," Hestia nodded.

"Spill it. What's your strategy?" Hephaestus pressed, leaning in. "Or I'm lost on how to help."

"I've got one, but…" Hestia trailed off.

"But what?" Hephaestus prompted, intrigued.

"Mahiro said if the gods push, just reveal his status," Hestia confessed.

"What?" Hephaestus' eyes widened, her hushed voice rising slightly. "You know the uproar that'll cause?"

Mahiro's status was staggering, even to her. 

She'd planned to shield Hestia, deflecting attention, but Mahiro apparently had no secrecy.

"It's a bombshell!" she hissed.

"Mahiro will handle it," Hestia said, her smile brimming with trust.

"That boy spoils you rotten," Hephaestus sighed, envious. 

"You're the goddess; you should bear the burden."

"No one's taking my Mahiro," Hestia declared firmly.

Hephaestus eyed her suspiciously, then leaned closer. "Be honest, Hestia. Are you and Mahiro…?"

"What kind of question is that?" Hestia muttered, her face flushing, eyes darting away.

"I see," Hephaestus said, straightening with a knowing smirk. "You've got it all, haven't you."

As they traded words, a sharp voice rang out.

"Let's begin—"

All eyes turned.

"The Thousandth Denatus has convened, with me as your host! Look after me!" 

Loki announced, her scarlet hair tied back, a sly grin spreading as she raised her hand.

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