Chapter 421: Betting with Loki

Alexander couldn't help but feel neglected as he watched Loki happily chatting with Hestia. Was this some kind of joke? In all these years, he'd never been so thoroughly ignored.

"Never mind," he muttered to himself. "It's not that I'm not charming—it's just that Loki has a strange personality. Yeah, that's it."

Trying to console himself, Alexander sipped the fine wine in his glass. He had to admit, the wine from this world had a uniquely exquisite taste.

Meanwhile, Hestia puffed out her chest with pride. "Heh heh, let me tell you a little secret—my Familia is super strong!"

"Strong? How strong could they be? Are you telling me someone from your Familia is stronger than Bete? Isn't that right, Bete?"

Bete coughed awkwardly. "Ahem, the wine today smells amazing—just sniffing it could make someone tipsy."

...

What? Getting drunk from just the scent? Do you have a dog's nose? Wait, no—considering his wolf-like features, maybe that checks out.

"I don't believe anyone in your Familia is stronger than Ais-tan or the others!"

Ais: "Loki…"

"Ais-tan, don't worry," Loki interrupted. "I won't pick a fight with this young man."

"No, Loki, listen to me."

"It's fine, Ais-tan. I won't cause trouble."

"Loki, you…"

"Ais-tan, relax…"

Even Ais, usually composed and patient, found herself annoyed at Loki's incessant interruptions.

"Stop, Loki! That man is stronger than us!" Ais declared firmly.

"What?!" Loki stared at her, dumbfounded. "Ais-tan, are you drunk before you've even started drinking?"

It was clear Loki didn't believe her. And why would she? The idea that someone she didn't know could surpass Familia's top adventurers sounded absurd.

But facts were facts.

Riveria stood up, her expression serious. "Loki, calm down. I was going to explain earlier.

"When we failed to complete our expedition, it wasn't because we faced an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. It was because, upon reaching the 51st floor, we found that all the monsters had already been cleared. And the person who did it… was him." She pointed to Alexander.

"One person? Cleared the 51st floor? Alone? Are you sure it wasn't Ottar in disguise?" Loki exclaimed.

"Could you not compare me to that guy?" Alexander interjected with irritation. "Why is it that whenever someone hears about a powerful adventurer, they immediately compare them to Ottar? Can't people think beyond that?"

Loki frowned. "I'm still not convinced. How about this—let's settle it with a match! One of my best children will face off against him, and the loser treats everyone to drinks!" Loki's eyes sparkled with excitement. She truly wanted to see Alexander's strength firsthand.

Before Alexander could decline, Hestia's eyes lit up.

"A bet?!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable. This was the moment she had been waiting for—her chance to turn the tables on Loki! "Fine, we accept! But don't come crying later!"

"Hah! Rori Kyonyū, you think I'll be the one crying? Dream on! Bete! You're up!" Loki called out confidently.

"Wait… me?" Bete's usual arrogance wavered. "Look, I may act cocky, but even I know my limits. I don't think I can beat this guy!"

"Don't worry, Bete. I believe in you!" Loki gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder and a thumbs-up.

"You… Why not send Riveria instead? She's Level 6, and I'm just Level 5!" Bete protested.

Loki shook her head, her tone decisive. "Of course not! Riveria's a girl. Ais-tan and the others are adorable, too. What if they get hurt fighting this guy?"

"...So, to keep them safe, you're throwing me?!"