CH 25

"The pursuit of a better life is everyone's instinct. So, it's not Lily's fault."

"I've been waiting for you to ask for help. After all, we're companions, aren't we?"

"So now, I officially invite you to join the Hestia Familia."

Su Hai spoke gently but firmly, his gaze warm and sincere.

Hearing those words, Liliruca Arde could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes as she threw herself into Su Hai's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Her heart was a whirlwind of relief, guilt, and hope.

"If that's the case, I'll take this as your agreement," Su Hai whispered, holding her close as her sobs gradually subsided.

Once Liliruca had calmed down, Su Hai stepped back and smiled reassuringly.

"Now, let's go to the Soma Familia's residence and have Lord Soma perform the conversion ceremony."

"Sir Su Hai…" Liliruca's voice trembled with uncertainty. After all, going against an entire Familia was no small feat.

"Don't worry. Leave the rest to me—I'll handle everything," Su Hai assured her with a confident smile.

"All you need to do is follow me and watch."

Guided by Liliruca, the two quickly made their way toward the Soma Familia's compound.

Without hesitation, Su Hai pushed open the heavy gates and stepped inside with Liliruca by his side.

The courtyard was filled with more than a dozen adventurers, all members of the Soma Familia. Their gazes immediately fixed on the newcomers, suspicion and hostility flickering in their eyes.

"You can't just bring outsiders into the Familia's quarters, Liliruca."

A sharp, calculating voice echoed through the courtyard.

The speaker stepped forward—a man with narrow eyes and a sinister smile.

This was Zanis Lustra, the captain of the Soma Familia. Though only a Level 2 adventurer, Zanis wielded control over the entire Familia due to his exclusive access to Soma's divine wine.

Even stronger adventurers, including those at Level 3, bowed to his authority, their minds clouded by addiction to the intoxicating brew.

Liliruca instinctively shrank back, her heart pounding in fear.

But before her anxiety could take hold, Su Hai stepped forward and placed a hand gently on her head, offering silent reassurance.

"Where is Lord Soma? Take me to him," Su Hai said bluntly, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Zanis's eyes narrowed dangerously.

"You think you can just demand to see Lord Soma? And how dare you address a god so casually?"

"Whoever you are, you won't be leaving here unscathed. Boys, take him down!"

At Zanis's command, the surrounding adventurers drew their weapons and advanced with menacing grins.

"Perfect. I was looking for an excuse to teach you all a lesson," Su Hai muttered, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"Enhancement Magic!"

Magical circuits ignited across Su Hai's body, releasing a powerful surge of energy that cracked the air with a thunderous boom.

In an instant, he vanished from sight.

The adventurers barely had time to react before Su Hai reappeared beside them, striking with swift and precise blows.

Fists and feet crashed into bodies with explosive force, sending men flying through the air. Weapons clattered to the ground as screams of pain echoed through the courtyard.

The entire battle lasted no more than a minute.

When the dust settled, Su Hai stood alone amidst the wreckage—his clothes untouched, his breathing steady.

The adventurers lay scattered across the ground, clutching broken limbs and moaning in agony.

Zanis, however, had received special attention.

His arms hung limply at his sides, twisted unnaturally, while his swollen face had been pummeled beyond recognition. Yet fear had silenced his cries, leaving him trembling in stunned terror.

"Now, can you take me to see Lord Soma?" Su Hai asked casually, as if discussing the weather.

The soft-spoken question sent a chill down Zanis's spine.

Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, Zanis scrambled to his feet and nodded hastily. Without a word, he led the way deeper into the villa, moving as fast as his injuries would allow.

After a few minutes, they reached a heavy wooden door at the far end of the corridor.

Pushing it open, they stepped into a room filled with the rich aroma of wine. Shelves lined the walls, holding bottles of various shapes and sizes.

At the center of the room stood a short man with dark hair and a white robe, carefully measuring ingredients with unwavering focus.

This was Soma, the god of wine and head of the Soma Familia.

His obsession with perfecting his craft had long since dulled his interest in mortal affairs, leaving the management of his Familia to Zanis.

Even now, he paid no attention to the newcomers, utterly absorbed in his work.

"Lord Soma," Su Hai called out calmly.

Soma paused, lifting his gaze briefly to observe the newcomers. His eyes, devoid of emotion, settled on Liliruca for a moment before returning to his brewing.

"She wishes to leave your Familia. Perform the conversion ceremony."

Zanis collapsed to the floor beside them, his presence completely ignored by both Su Hai and Soma.

The god of wine remained silent for a long moment before nodding slightly. Setting aside his tools, he approached Liliruca and extended a hand toward her.

Without hesitation, Liliruca stepped forward, bowing her head as Soma placed his hand on her back.

The process was quick and devoid of ceremony. With a faint pulse of divine energy, the bond between Liliruca and the Soma Familia was severed.

Stepping back without another word, Soma returned to his brewing as though nothing had happened—as though the loss of a Familia member meant nothing to him.

Liliruca stood frozen in place, her chest tight with a mixture of relief and sorrow.

Though she had long since abandoned hope of receiving kindness from her god, the cold indifference in Soma's gaze still stung.

Lowering her head to hide the tears that threatened to fall, she turned toward the door.

"Come on, Lily. It's time to go home," Su Hai said gently.

Without hesitation, she followed him out of the villa, stepping into the sunlight with a newfound sense of freedom—and for the first time in her life, a future that belonged to her alone.

As they walked through the streets of Orario, Liliruca glanced up at Su Hai, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Thank you, Sir Su Hai… For everything."

Su Hai smiled warmly, reaching down to ruffle her hair.

"Welcome to the Hestia Familia, Lily. From now on, you're one of us—and I promise, you'll never have to face your problems alone again."

Liliruca bit her lip to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over once more. But this time, they were tears of joy.

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