Chapter 96: Visit

"Congratulations are in order! When did this happen?"

"Hmph, just last night~ All of you who mocked me, just wait and see how remarkable my dear Bell-kun is!"

"I can't say if he's remarkable, but entering the dungeon alone is dangerous, especially for new adventurers—the mortality rate is highest at their level."

Without a trace of sympathy, Sol poured cold water on Hestia's enthusiasm, and her confidence deflated, leaving worry etched on her face.

Seizing the moment while Hestia was distracted, Sol snagged a freshly fried potato ball, savoring it before leaving the stall with a grin. Chatting with Hestia could wait; he had more pressing matters to consider.

His first order of business was to inform Alfia about Bell. From the start, Sol had never intended to bring the protagonist into his own Familia. Bell, though kind-hearted, had a hidden harem king's disposition and he fiercely guarded his territory.

Yet for Alfia's sake, a certain level of support would be extended to Bell. This was a promise he made for Alfia when she joined the Familia.

"Perhaps a visit to Freya is in order..."

Sol cast a pensive look at the top of the Tower of Babel, where Freya's Familia resided. He wondered if the goddess had already noticed Bell.

However, visiting the Freya Familia required a bodyguard—preferably two powerful children. Freya's Familia harbored zealous devotees, fanatics who, when it came to Freya, completely lost all reason. One could never predict what wild antics they might pull.

Back at his Familia's residence, the place was quieter than usual, with many members off on an expedition. Alfia was a must-bring companion for safety, but even she couldn't accompany Sol into Freya's presence. The goddess's gaze could see straight through to one's soul; mere face modifications wouldn't fool her.

To prepare for any unexpected developments, Sol planned to keep a way to call Alfia in place. "Shyvana, come with me!"

Though she hadn't been summoned for long, Shyvana's talent as a dragon-blood warrior was unparalleled. In just a few short years, she had nearly reached the elite rank, standing now at the peak of LV4. In dragon form, she could hold her ground even against top-tier LV5 adventurers.

As for his other choice…

There weren't many high-level options left; Vex and Poppy seemed to be the strongest candidates.

But Poppy was busy again so…

Vex, sequestered in her dark little room and chatting with Shadow, shuddered suddenly. 

"What a hassle, why do I have to go along?"

——

The Freya Familia had two locations: the Silver Mansion atop the Tower of Babel, and a ground-level training compound in Orario. The Silver Mansion was more of Freya's private abode, while most of her Familia congregated at the battle grounds below—a training yard for honing their skills.

In total, Freya's two residences barely equaled the size of Sol's Familia estate.

Shyvana was as lively as ever, but Vex looked visibly uncomfortable in the bustling atmosphere. Sol offered a casual reassurance, "Just bear with it for a bit."

The group moved quickly, arriving at the entrance of the Silver Mansion in no time. Guarding the door was Ottar, the LV7 adventurer known as Orario's strongest.

Only the Freya Familia could afford to station Orario's most powerful fighter as a gatekeeper. Ottar, Freya's number one devotee, seemed unbothered by the role, his expression stoic and indifferent to Sol's casual greeting.

"Yo, Ottar, long time no see! Freya's in, I assume?" Sol raised a hand in an offhand greeting.

"Allow me to inform her of your arrival, Sol-sama." Ottar's face remained impassive, devoid of any trace of respect.

Trailing behind Sol, Shyvana's anger flared, but a gentle hand on her head instantly soothed her. She knew well whose hand it was. Sol had a knack for calming her.

Growing up as an outcast in Demacia, a place not known for welcoming outsiders, Shyvana had longed to belong. But everything changed upon meeting Sol, a dragon god himself, which instantly gave her a sense of kinship. She no longer felt conflicted about her dragon blood.

In the Familia, Eina was another dragon-blooded member. Shyvana and Eina, sharing a unique lineage, had naturally bonded.

Eina's dragon blood also records Shyvana's magic.

"Go and come back quickly; I won't wait too long." Sol casually said.

Ottar gave Shyvana a penetrating look. 

Though Sol had halted her movements, the sudden rise in temperature was impossible to ignore—it was as if the very air had grown scorching hot, a testament to the power simmering beneath the surface. 

She's a talented rookie, no doubt about it... 

But as Orario's strongest adventurer, Ottar had absolute confidence in his own abilities. Even if Shyvana was strong now, she still had a long way to go to match his level. 

Without dwelling on it further, Ottar disappeared and appeared after a few seconds.

With his goddess giving permission, Ottar quickly led Sol, Shyvana and Vex into a small study where Freya often resided. 

The room was lined with bookshelves, with a single table and chair set in front of a grand floor-to-ceiling mirror.

From that mirror, the entire expanse of Orario was visible, the most prosperous streets right below—a treasure trove of sights.

Freya, however, didn't spend her days idly scanning for her chosen souls. She found such a pastime dull.

"This place isn't half bad, right?"

"Indeed, the view from here is excellent, and the wine is superb too," Sol replied. Moving away from the window, he made himself at home in Freya's seat, poured himself a glass from a nearby bottle of red wine, and took a sip.

Though Sol wasn't exactly an expert on wine, he appreciated Demeter's brews most. Soma's wines also held a particular charm for him.

Freya, observing him, couldn't resist a chuckle. "If you dislike wine, you don't have to pretend. Elegance is not just an act, you know."