Chapter 126 - The Perverted Apollo

When Hestia accepted Apollo's challenge for a War Game…

A wave of excited cheers erupted from the crowd surrounding them.

The gods, ever the lovers of spectacle, chuckled mischievously one after another.

They stirred up the excitement, joining in the ruckus with enthusiastic applause.

Nearly ninety percent of the guests were passionately cheering for Apollo.

"Whoa! Apollo's making his move now?"

"Been waiting for that War Game!"

"Apollo doesn't hold back at all. This is just plain bullying!"

"Still… that makes it all the more entertaining."

"Now this is going to be fun."

"Quick, someone file the War Game request with the Guild!"

"Oh right, we'll also need to hold an emergency Divine Assembly!"

"I'll go summon the rest of the gods!"

"I'm getting pumped up now!"

"Finally! A grand showdown we've all been waiting for!"

Voices of excitement layered upon each other.

The gods and goddesses quickly took the reins, preparing for the upcoming War Game.

"Just so we're clear."

"If I win… your familia member Raven Eltharion will belong to me."

Apollo licked his lips, curling them into a wicked smile.

"…What?"

Hestia froze, dumbstruck.

"That's not fair, Hestia~"

"How could you be so selfish, keeping such an adorable child all to yourself~~?"

Apollo flashed a disgusting, sleazy grin, like some flamboyant creep.

"So this was your plan all along, you pervert!"

Hestia glared murderously at him.

There was no acting in that look—her fury was real.

Now she understood everything.

Why her Raven-kun had been randomly picked on at the bar…

It was all Apollo's scheme.

He orchestrated it from the shadows just to snatch Raven away from her.

"My, my, Hestia's gotten mad~"

"But honestly, if I were you, I'd want him too."

"That loli goddess's child—what was his name again? Ah yes, the Demon Lord of Heavenly Feathers, wasn't it?"

"That's the one."

"No wonder Apollo wants him. The kid's a prodigy."

"He broke the record for fastest level-up—who wouldn't want him?"

"I've been keeping an eye on him too. This War Game's going to be thrilling."

"I can't wait—I want to watch it right now!"

"Sure, I admit the Heavenly Demon Lord is strong, but he's still just Level 2."

"Exactly! Apollo's prized child—The Sun's Beloved—is Level 3, remember?"

The crowd of gods and goddesses grew even more riled up.

If this War Game actually happened…

From their perspective,

Hestia Familia—with only a single member—stood no chance at all.

Naaza and Mikoto glanced around nervously, clearly feeling the pressure.

Miach and Takemikazuchi remained tight-lipped, their expressions grim.

Hephaistos sighed deeply, one hand covering her face.

Tsubaki looked on with exasperation.

Asfi and Hermes both wore wry smiles.

Ais widened her eyes in surprise.

Loki remained silent.

Freyja's smile faded, but her enchanting eyes stayed fixed on Raven.

Ottar stood with arms crossed, stoic as ever.

Demeter looked conflicted.

Only Airmid continued to gaze at Raven with concern.

Raven silently took note of all their reactions.

"Not bad."

"At least none of them are kicking me while I'm down."

After all…

Everyone only knew that Heavenly Demon Lord held the title for fastest level-up.

No one truly understood what he was really capable of.

Except maybe Mikoto—who had seen Raven unleash his magic in the Dungeon.

But even she wasn't sure—

Could a mere Level 2 defeat a Level 3 purely through magic?

"Well then, Hestia. The details of the game will be decided during the Divine Assembly."

"We'll send someone to inform you of the date. Enjoy what little time you have left."

Apollo's smile twisted with smugness.

"Fine."

"But Apollo… you're going to regret this."

Hestia dropped the act—no more pretending.

"Wait, what?"

"Did I just hear what I think I heard?"

"Isn't that line supposed to come from me?"

Apollo brushed it off, chuckling with mockery.

"Let's go, Raven-kun."

Hestia grabbed his hand and left the banquet hall.

Their goal had already been achieved—there was no point in staying longer.

They hadn't come here for wine and entertainment.

They came for the War Game.

On the way back…

"Raven-kun, how was my acting back there?"

Hestia asked cheerfully.

"Pretty good. I almost believed it myself."

Raven praised her with a satisfied smile.

"Hehe~"

Hestia giggled happily.

"When our familia starts growing, I've got a friend who wants to join."

"Oh? Who?"

Hestia looked curious.

"She's an elf. Very talented. Currently Level 4."

Raven replied casually.

He had always promised that Ryuu would be the first official member of the Hestia Familia.

And now, he had accomplished that goal.

Next—

They just needed to travel to the City of Swords to visit Goddess Astraea…

And complete the conversion process.

Only then would she be officially part of the familia.

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