Chapter 101: Ishtar — Hated by All, Loathed Even by Dogs

After Loki left, Hephaestus looked at Bell with curiosity.

"Bell, which Familia are you talking about?"

"The Ishtar Familia."

Bell didn't hesitate and stated the name outright.

"...So it's that woman's Familia."

The moment she heard the name, a flash of disgust appeared in Hephaestus's eyes.

It wasn't just Hephaestus—Hestia, too, couldn't hide the revulsion in her gaze when she heard the name "Ishtar."

From their reactions, Bell immediately understood what kind of reputation Ishtar had among the gods.

For a god to be so disliked by both Hephaestus, who rarely made enemies, and even by Hestia-sama, it was clear—Ishtar was an outlier among the gods.

"If it's something related to that woman, just hand it off to Loki. Let her owe you and Hestia a favor."

To Hephaestus, any issue involving Ishtar wasn't worth troubling over. Bell simply handed over the information about the girl to Loki.

"Just say Loki now owes the Bell a huge favor—it's about the same."

"But you really are bold, handing over such a rare talent to Loki."

Bell didn't feel any regret. He had already thought it through carefully before offering Sanjouno Haruhime, his trump card.

"Hephaestus-sama, do you really think our Familia needs more members?"

Hephaestus studied Bell for a moment before slightly shaking her head.

"You're right. Just you as the leader is already more than enough."

"It's also easier for you to move on your own. With the stealth skills you showed earlier, one more person would only multiply the risks."

Seeing Bell's hidden ability firsthand, Hephaestus had full confidence that he could survive in the Dungeon.

If the Hestia Familia added someone now, it might not boost their combat strength—but it would certainly bring more trouble.

Bell agreed. That's why he wasn't considering expanding the Familia at this stage.

Sanjouno Haruhime's magic was excellent, and the spells she would later awaken were also formidable—but at this point, she wasn't particularly useful to Bell.

So rather than letting her be sacrificed by the Ishtar Familia, using her information to gain some advantage made more sense.

"Yes, I'm better suited for solo action right now."

"Now that I've reached Level 2, I need to stay hidden. Revealing too much at this stage will only create unnecessary complications."

"That's why, instead of bringing a talented adventurer into the Familia, it's better to trade that adventurer's information for a more favorable environment for my growth."

Hephaestus gave a slight nod. She didn't see anything wrong with Bell's decision.

Choosing the path best suited to oneself at this point was the wisest move.

And adventurers with that kind of magic weren't something a small Familia like Hestia's could afford to keep.

Once others learned about her, Hephaestus was certain that Bell and Hestia wouldn't be able to protect her.

So, giving that information to Loki in exchange for benefits was definitely the right call.

"So, what you intend to do next probably isn't just to make that adventurer a stepping stone for a new backer, right?"

"Of course not."

Just like how Bell chose to hand over the intel on Sanjouno Haruhime, he naturally plans to reap all the benefits from the Loki Familia.

"Though I'd love to wring every last drop out of them, including interest, that approach just isn't realistic."

"That's why I want the Loki Familia and our Hestia Familia to form a closer alliance."

Just as expected.

Hephaestus wasn't surprised by Bell's idea. Relying on a backer won't provide much room for growth—nothing beats a true alliance.

This move would essentially bind the Loki and Hestia Familia together.

Unlike the deep friendship between Hephaestus's and Hestia's Familias, this kind of alliance was almost like a semi-merger, forming a shared fate between the two.

Hestia understood exactly what Bell meant. And she was getting excited—she had always wanted to take a shot at Loki.

"Bell-kun, do you really think she'll agree to this?"

"Goddess-sama, Loki will agree."

"The intel on that adventurer is tightly sealed. Any Familia would do everything to keep that kind of power a secret. Not even the Loki Familia could dig it up…"

"And don't forget, Goddess-sama, Loki-sama also wants to keep the Rune Stone ability on that list under wraps."

"Whether it's for one reason or the other, Loki-sama will have no choice but to accept."

Loki's decision was practically already made.

The spark of excitement had been lit—no god would turn away from a chance to strengthen their Familia, especially when it was right within reach.

This was the trap Bell had set for Loki.

And to make it even better, Bell had kindly put up a sign that read: "Trap ahead."

If Loki hadn't wanted to walk into it, she wouldn't have rushed off just now.

"Of course, the adventurer and the Rune Stone are only part of the reason."

"As for the rest... I think it still has something to do with you, Goddess-sama."

"Me?"

Hestia blinked and pointed at herself, confused by Bell's words.

Bell gave a slight nod, once again reminded of how wide Goddess-sama's network really was.

Hearing that, Hephaestus also looked at Hestia with interest.

"Maybe Loki really agreed because of you."

"She probably wants to see what you look like when you fall into her hands."

"Me? Fall into her hands?"

Hestia pouted in annoyance, then suddenly jumped over and hugged Bell's arm tightly.

"This time it's the other way around."

"I'm the one who's going to give Loki a good slash."

Her childish words made Hephaestus chuckle.

'It's that kind of personality that lets you get along with Loki.'

'That one's a lot sharper than your average god—always scheming, always using tricks.'

'But only when she's dealing with you, a natural-born idiot, does she drop her guard.'

Hephaestus then turned her gaze to Bell.

'This kid sees the big picture.'

'That's why he gambled on Loki from the start.'