Chapter 423: Monster Festival  

It had been several days since Loki's encounter with Alexander, and during that time, Alexander had been in excellent spirits. Everything was progressing smoothly. Within the dungeon, under the leadership of Altair and Artoria, the team's collective strength was steadily improving.

Alexander didn't demand that everyone reach extraordinary levels of power, but this incremental growth was undeniably valuable. For example, even Utaha, upon returning to the modern world, could now hold her own against several grown men.

"Alexander, when are we heading out?"

Hestia's cheerful voice interrupted Alexander's thoughts. She ran over excitedly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked up at him.

Surprised by her enthusiasm, Alexander asked, "Hestia? Where exactly are you suggesting we go?"

Without missing a beat, Hestia pulled out a tablet and presented it to him.

"Look! Have you forgotten? Today's the day of the monster festival! Shouldn't we do something about Ganesha's plans?"

Hestia's passion was evident. Ever since she'd learned about the festival, she'd been counting down the days with excitement.

Hestia had a good relationship with Ganesha, and she was eager to lend a hand. However…

"But we don't even know where Bell is right now," Alexander said thoughtfully. "Without him, Freya probably won't cause trouble for Ganesha's familia."

"Maybe, but even if Freya stays out of it, someone else might take advantage of the chaos to target the Loki Familia," Hestia replied.

She wasn't wrong. Even though Alexander's actions had created a butterfly effect that prevented her from meeting Bell, she remained deeply concerned about the darker forces lurking in Orario, ready to exploit any opportunity for destruction.

Previously, she might have been powerless to intervene, but now, with her newfound strength, she wasn't about to let evil triumph right under her nose.

Besides, this was also a perfect opportunity for her! Most of the girls were off in the dungeon, leaving Alexander behind. With the excitement of the monster festival, she could enjoy a fun outing with him, right?

Seeing Hestia's determined expression, Alexander sighed in resignation.

"Fine, let's go take a look. It wouldn't hurt to see what this monster festival is all about."

With that, he took Hestia's hand, and they left the house together.

The Monster Festival was one of Orario's most unique traditions. Held annually at the central Colosseum, it featured members of Ganesha's familia showcasing their ability to tame and control monsters in front of a live audience.

The event drew massive crowds each year, not just for the spectacle but as an excuse for friends and families to gather and celebrate.

Seated on the top floor of the Colosseum, Alexander and Hestia watched the performance below.

In the arena, a member of the Ganesha Familia was in the midst of taming a wild boar. Despite the creature's ferocity, the animal trainer's skill earned roaring applause from the crowd when he successfully subdued it.

"Wow! He managed to tame it!"

However, Hestia didn't share the crowd's enthusiasm.

"What's so great about this? I came out on a date with Alexander, and now we're just sitting here watching a show!" she huffed, pouting dramatically.

Ignoring Alexander's focus on the performance, she rummaged through her bag and pulled out a modern-world telescope. Peering through it, she scanned the surrounding area looking for a suitable place for a date.

Suddenly, her gaze landed on three familiar figures on the second floor. Her eyes widened in recognition, and she tugged urgently at Alexander's sleeve.

"Alexander! Look over there!"

Following her gaze, Alexander spotted them too: Loki, Ais, and a cloaked figure he immediately identified as Freya.

"Huh? They're here? Don't tell me… poor Bell is being targeted again?" Alexander muttered under his breath.

While he pondered the situation, outside the Colosseum, three figures walked toward the event.

Among them was a striking girl with short blue hair, a refined blond man in an elegant suit, and a young boy with snowy-white hair.

The boy turned to the blond man, his face lighting up with excitement. "Hermes-sama, we're almost there! The monster festival is going to be amazing!"

Hermes chuckled and patted the boy's shoulder, leaning in with a mischievous smile.

"What's so exciting about a bunch of monsters and muscle-bound men? The real fun lies with the cute, beautiful girls we'll meet. Trust me, Bell, you'll find someone special there!"