Chapter 142 - The War Game BeginsThe day of the War Game
Orario was ablaze with excitement and enthusiasm unlike anything seen before.
All the taverns opened early in the morning.
This was one of the few days when—
Nearly every adventurer closed shop and flooded the pubs to watch the match.
Laborers on leave and common citizens gathered along the main avenues and central plaza.
Everyone was eagerly awaiting the moment the War Game would begin.
"Ahh—Ahh—"
"Good morning, everyone! Hello and welcome!"
"The day of the War Game has finally arrived!"
"I'm your host, Ibri Achal, a proud member of the Ganesha Familia."
"Also known as the 'Talking Fire Magic,' or my stage name—Flame Bomb Blaze Burn!"
"Looking forward to working with you all!"
A large temporary stage had been set up in the front plaza of the Guild headquarters.
Standing atop it was a tan-skinned young man who claimed to be the host.
Holding a voice-amplifying device made of magic stone, he shouted with a booming voice.
The entire plaza was packed with spectators.
"And now, our guest commentator—none other than the deity himself, Lord Ganesha!"
"Lord Ganesha, a few words please?"
"—I AM GANESHA!!"
Lord Ganesha, wearing his signature elephant mask, let out a thunderous roar.
The crowd erupted into wild cheers.
"Thank you very much, Lord Ganesha…"
People from outside Orario had also traveled here just to witness this battle.
Of course, outsiders had to pay an entrance fee.
The Guild used this event to showcase Orario's might to the world.
It was, in essence, a display of power.
But beyond that—
It was also a chance to attract talented, promising adventurers to this city.
Elsewhere.
Tower of Babel, 30th Floor.
The gods most excited for the War Game had gathered in the meeting hall.
Of course—
Some deities had opted to watch from the taverns, mingling with mortals.
Others stayed at their own headquarters to watch alongside their Familias.
"Oh?"
"The hype is building nicely,"
Loki muttered in amusement as she looked out the window from the 30th floor.
At that moment—
Apollo approached Hestia, brushing back his hair with a smirk.
"Hestia, did you say goodbye to Raven?"
"…"
Hestia, seated in her chair, turned her face away without responding.
"Once I win this War Game and claim him, you should leave Orario."
"No—leave the mortal world altogether."
"Hmph!"
Hestia snorted coldly.
"Tch. So stubborn."
Apollo shrugged casually and returned to his seat.
Less than one hour remained until the noon declaration of war.
Hermes raised his head and spoke to the sky:
"Uranus, please grant us permission to use our divine power."
The words echoed through the air—and a few seconds later, the reply came:
[—Permission granted.]
From the Guild headquarters, a voice filled with divine authority echoed solemnly.
All the gods in Orario snapped their fingers at once.
In an instant—
Taverns, casinos, street corners, plazas—countless mirrors appeared in midair.
Within each mirror was a god's-eye view of an ancient castle ruin.
This was—
Divine Mirrors.
The only divine power allowed for use in the Lower World.
Divine Mirrors possessed clairvoyance, able to observe every detail of the battlefield.
"The visuals are all set. Allow me to explain once more—"
"This War Game will be between the Apollo Familia and the Hestia Familia."
"The format: Castle Siege."
"Both teams' warriors are already on the battlefield, awaiting the chime at noon to begin."
Holding his amplifier, the Level 5 Ibri energetically explained the outline of the War Game.
Back in the city center, at the Grand Casino—
Golden Sanctuary.
In the grand hall, Divine Mirrors floated above the ground.
"Can we still place bets?"
"I'm putting twenty million on Apollo Familia's win—and an extra ten million if they finish in three hours."
A wealthy nobleman from out of town pulled out thirty million valis.
"I'm really sorry, sir. The betting window has closed,"
The beautiful croupier responded with a troubled smile.
Just then—
Todd, the casino manager dressed in formal attire, emerged from the VIP room.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
"Since it's not noon yet, we've decided to extend the betting window!"
"You have thirty more minutes—VIP players, place your bets while you can!"
Gazing at the crowd of gathered elites, Todd chuckled with delight.
The gamblers—
Bet all their savings in one go, going all-in on Apollo Familia.
"All right, it's almost noon!"
Ibri's voice grew even more spirited as he shouted from the stage.
At this moment—
Adventurers, citizens, tavern workers, gamblers, gods—
Everyone's eyes turned toward the floating Divine Mirrors.
"The time has come."
"The War Game—officially begins!"
With the ringing of the grand bell and an uproar of cheers from the crowd—
The war was underway.
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