Chapter 70: Apollo’s Strategy
"I'm so jealous."
"Yeah, that silver-haired guy just gave five magic swords to that rookie adventurer. If it were me, I'd be ecstatic. My sword is way worse than his."
"What a lucky kid."
Watching Blake's carefree figure, adventurers above Level 4 looked at him with admiration. As for those below Level 4, they all stared wide-eyed at the excited young man eagerly picking up the magic swords, full of envy and jealousy.
"This really is just like Blake," Lili said helplessly.
"Magic swords aren't much use to Blake."
Hearing this, Ais shook her head, and Ryu nodded in agreement.
---
"We should report back to Lady Freya. Blake's potential is even greater than I imagined."
"Everyone, listen up. Get back to your tasks. Don't disturb Blake."
Ottar gave a meaningful glance at Blake's retreating back before signaling Todd and the other Freya Familia members to head back underground.
The other adventurers, after exchanging glances, also left alongside Freya's Familia. To be honest, they hadn't expected things to turn out like this.
By now, they had lost interest in continuing their dungeon exploration. After all, they were eagerly anticipating a big spectacle. Missing it would be a shame.
That was the general consensus. Even though the match could be considered over, everyone guessed that Apollo, waiting in the central square, wouldn't let things end so easily.
"Ais, where should we go now?"
After Lili finished collecting the magic stones, she turned to Ais and asked.
"Let's go to the 17th floor," Ais responded decisively.
Although Blake had asked them to wait, now that the spectators had all left, there was no harm in going ahead. Besides, it was getting a little boring.
A moment later, Ais finally spotted Blake. A group of Minotaurs was angrily roaring, and among them, a lone figure danced through their attacks, narrowly avoiding their massive stone axes. The sight made onlookers shudder.
Ais and Lili were used to this, but Ryu was shocked, witnessing Blake's prowess in action again. Minotaurs were far stronger than the demi-humans she had heard of, and seeing their overwhelming strength firsthand left a different impact altogether.
---
Time passed slowly.
Blake, using incense to attract monsters, would then eliminate them with his One Sword to Rule All technique, repeating this process to continue his training.
It wasn't until his energy and stamina were nearly depleted that he finally stopped. After Lili and Ais finished collecting the scattered magic stones, they all headed back above ground.
---
Meanwhile, in the central square, as dusk fell, the gods who had left earlier returned. They hadn't forgotten that the War Game was reaching its climax—an outcome that would determine victory or defeat.
However, when they arrived, they found that hundreds of adventurers had already gathered, chatting and laughing.
Among the group of gods who arrived together, standing at the forefront was Apollo.
"Apollo, do you think your child has a chance at victory?"
A god who was familiar with him asked with a smirk.
"I'm sure our Familia's child will win. That silver-haired human who dared to disrespect us gods is just an incompetent rookie—a mere Level 1. Meanwhile, our child is an elite among elites. Not to mention, that arrogant brat belongs to Hestia, the poverty-stricken goddess."
Apollo spoke with the confidence of a conqueror. During this time, he had already sent people to investigate Blake's background thoroughly, which gave him the courage to make such bold claims.
"Heh, true. No strength, no influence—just a rookie. He's definitely going to lose. Mortals these days are getting too full of themselves. They no longer show the gods the proper reverence we deserve."
"Apollo, make sure to teach him a lesson. Of course, don't kill him. He does belong to Hestia, after all."
The gods voiced their opinions, exuding arrogance as they placed themselves above all.
"Naturally, I'm not so petty," Apollo chuckled, though a sinister glint flickered in his eyes. "At most, I'll have him serve in our Familia for a few years."
"Such narcissism. Absolutely disgusting."
Not far from Apollo, Loki, accompanied by Tiona and Tione, scoffed.
"Blake's gonna win for sure. I can't wait to see that smug face of his wiped clean," Tiona teased, shooting Apollo a mocking glance.
"Tiona, give him some respect. He's still a god, after all," Loki said with a smirk.
"Ugh, fine, I get it," Tiona reluctantly agreed.
---
Listening to their conversation, Apollo's smile froze, his face twitching as he glared at Loki and her group. However, he didn't dare lash out. His Familia, though strong, was nowhere near a match for Loki's.
"Loki, don't forget our bet if you lose," Apollo finally said, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
"Of course. But don't forget yours either," Loki replied, waving dismissively before striding toward the center of the square, paying him no further attention.
Apollo snorted coldly, leading his disgruntled companions forward.
"Look, Apollo's here."
"Tsk tsk, now things are getting interesting."
"Haha, I hope he doesn't embarrass himself too much."
"Ugh, our god is actually mingling with Apollo's group. I can't stand it. Someone needs to remind him that being associated with Apollo is just too embarrassing."
As Apollo and his group reached the center of the square, the atmosphere suddenly turned eerily silent. Then came hushed whispers and gasps.
Apollo's expression stiffened. His mood soured as he recalled how his followers had returned earlier—hesitant, as if wanting to speak but too afraid to do so.
At that moment, an ominous feeling crept up his spine.
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