Chapter 128 - Siege Duel

A well-prepared goddess suddenly pulled out a box from who knows where.

Each god present—

Wrote their proposed War Game format on a piece of parchment.

Hestia wrote the two characters for "duel" and dropped it into the box.

With the ballots ready—

It was time to decide who would draw the lot.

"I'll draw it."

Hermes stepped forward unexpectedly.

"Alright."

"Fine by me."

Apollo and Hestia both agreed to let him do it.

Hermes reached into the box and began shuffling through the slips of parchment.

After a moment—

He pulled one out and unfolded it, and his expression stiffened.

"...S-Siege Warfare…"

The parchment was then publicly displayed before the gods.

"Hahahahahaha!"

"This was drawn fair and square, no complaints accepted!"

Apollo laughed mockingly.

So-called Siege Warfare—

Whether attacking or defending, required a large army to clash in all-out battle.

"As expected of Hermes."

"Talented."

"This just got way more exciting."

"With only one [Familia] member, Hestia's totally doomed."

The spectators—nosy gods—began shouting in excitement.

"Aiya…"

Hermes looked rather sorry for Hestia, but could only sigh toward the sky.

"Hahahahaha…"

"But still…"

"There's no way one person can defend a fortress, right?"

"Tell you what—let Hestia handle the offense instead."

Feeling delighted, Apollo grinned with smug satisfaction,

And, acting merciful, offered Hestia the right to attack.

However—

Hestia remained calm, her expression barely shifting.

"No need."

"You can take the offensive."

"My Raven Eltharion will definitely hold the fort."

She remembered what Raven had said last night—he wanted to be put in desperate situations.

"You sure about that?"

Apollo's grin widened even further.

"Sure."

Hestia shrugged, unafraid.

"Alright then."

"Everyone heard that, right?"

"My children will lead the siege."

Apollo licked his lips with glee—oozing confidence.

In front of all the assembled gods—

Every word spoken was binding—no take-backs.

"Interesting."

"Seems Hestia enjoys high-stakes challenges, doesn't she?"

"Hm… I wonder how strong the [Heavenly Demon Lord] really is."

"This is getting juicier."

"Yeah… definitely worth watching now."

More chatter filled the assembly.

As her best friend, Hephaistos was baffled by her decision.

"Hestia, have you gone insane?"

"I haven't."

Hestia replied plainly, her expression unchanged.

"What you're doing will put enormous pressure on Raven."

Miach was sweating profusely in panic.

"No—I believe in my Raven Eltharion."

Hestia stated firmly, with no regrets.

"…Sigh."

Takemikazuchi rubbed his forehead and let out a long sigh.

Hermes, seeming to see her resolve,

Decided to speak up—

"Apollo."

"Since Hestia insisted on defending, and we all know she only has one familia member…"

"Isn't this a bit… unfair?"

Hearing this, Apollo squinted at him.

"Oi, oi, oi."

"That's not right—didn't you hear her? She volunteered to defend the fort."

"What's it got to do with me?"

Hermes thought for a moment and then said:

"A match with a guaranteed outcome isn't fun to watch."

"So I suggest we allow a helper system—how about it?"

Apollo thought it over internally.

Indeed—

As Hermes said,

If the result was obvious from the start, it would be no fun to watch.

After a short pause—

He begrudgingly agreed.

"…Fine."

"But the helper is limited to only one."

"And the helper's Familia must be from outside the city."

Apollo swept his gaze over the gods and continued:

"Because if someone from Orario with top-tier adventurers helps her—"

"Our safety would be at risk, don't you think?"

"I mean, Hephaistos seems pretty close with Hestia, doesn't she?"

The strength of Hephaistos Familia had long been recognized by the gods.

Especially…

The One-Eyed Master, Tsubaki Collbrande.

"I'm not going to play favorites."

Hephaistos, being directly named, simply shrugged.

Hestia said nothing.

Given that condition—

Finding a high-level adventurer near Orario in such a short time was nearly impossible.

"Alright."

"The War Game's date will be settled with the Guild later."

"Everyone's dismissed."

With Loki's words, the Divine Assembly was officially adjourned.

As Apollo turned to leave—

He shot a smug smile at Hestia.

Hestia remained expressionless.

But quietly, she shook her head.

"Raven Eltharion, it's your stage now~~"

With that thought—

She suddenly smiled.

Everything… had gone exactly according to plan.

---

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