DULK: Chapter 75

"Was that your own decision?"

Arthas, showing no surprise, looked gently at Riveria and asked softly.

"Stop being stubborn, Arthas. We have no future."

Riveria closed her eyes in pain, unable to meet his gaze.

She feared giving in again, revealing her feelings. The suppressed emotions were a sweet poison she couldn't abandon.

"I see. The Gods' rules stand between us. Knowing that is enough."

Sighing softly, Arthas looked to the sky.

"Hey, kid, what are you planning?"

Loki felt a bad premonition; was he going to…?

Startled by her own thought, Loki shook her head, dismissing it.

No way… he's not stupid; he knows what that would mean. It would be worse than a war with the Loki Familia.

"Don't worry, I won't fight the Loki Familia. I won't force Riveria to be with me."

Arthas emphasized this for the third time; Loki didn't bother to reply.

"Fine, do what you want. Ais, Riveria, let's go. We need to prepare for the expedition."

Loki said; Ais and Riveria followed her. Arthas remembered it was the Loki Familia's expedition day.

It was a rest day, so Arthas returned to the church and asked Hestia,

"Where can I find many Gods?"

Hestia found this strange but didn't question it.

"Gods are lazy; they stay in their domains. But they meet every three months to decide on the 'titles' for adventurers promoted to Level 2."

Hestia said, stroking her chin.

"Today's the meeting. Only Gods with Level 2 adventurers can attend; I'm not eligible yet."

Arthas nodded.

"Where's the meeting?"

"The thirtieth floor of Babel Tower… why are you asking?"

"Curiosity. I'm going out."

"But we're resting today?"

Hestia tilted her head, puzzled by his sudden departure.

...

The Gods' Assembly was, essentially, a gathering for Gods to alleviate boredom.

After establishing power and territory, Gods often forget the hardships of life and become decadent. They gather with friends, chatting idly to pass the time.

It started as casual conversation, but more Gods joined, expanding the scale. Over time, the purpose changed. From idle chat to sharing information and exchanging opinions, it became a collaboration with the Guild, impacting the entire city.

Though largely ceremonial, the Gods' Assembly became a consultative body with power and influence over adventurers.

Awarding titles became a tradition.

"Many promotions this time."

"Yes, a great harvest. I'm excited."

The thirtieth floor of Babel Tower, the Assembly hall.

The entire floor was a hall; all partitions were removed; thick pillars supported the high ceiling. Only a large round table was present. Giant windows overlooked the city.

The high ceiling made it feel like a celestial palace.

"More Gods are attending."

"Hee hee, but many are absent."

Over thirty Gods sat around the table. That meant there were many Familias with Level 2 adventurers.

Various Gods attended: nervous Gods, a masked figure, a smiling silver-haired Goddess.

"Let's begin…"

A drawn-out voice echoed.

The noisy hall fell silent. The speaker stood, her crimson hair swaying.

"Welcome to the… Gods' Assembly! I'm Loki, your host!"

Cheers and applause erupted.

Loki, her hair tied back, smiled and raised her hand.

"First, information exchange! Anything interesting?"

"Yes! The most interesting thing happened in the Loki Familia!"

"Yes! Your 'Nine Hell Princess' was confessed to by a Level 1 adventurer!"

"A public confession! Romantic!"

"If it were me, I'd accept!"

Gods teased; Goddesses swooned. Loki's face darkened. Hephaestus sighed; Freya smiled enigmatically.

"Your name… is known among the Gods, Arthas."

Amidst the chatter, the hall doors opened.

Silence fell; all eyes turned to the unexpected guest.

"Discussing me? Perfect timing."

Arthas, smiling faintly, looked at the stunned Gods, scattering ice shards from his palm.

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