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Damien woke early, stretching before stepping out of his room. As he headed downstairs, the sound of the front door opening reached him. Curious, he walked toward the entrance — only to find Hestia ushering in familiar faces.
Takemikazuchi stood there beside Mikoto, and with them was another god — Miach — accompanied by a shy-looking chienthrope girl who tried to hide behind him.
"Oh… Mikoto. Morning," Damien greeted with a small smile.
"Good morning, Damien," Mikoto replied, bowing politely.
Before she could say more, Takemikazuchi approached Damien with solemn steps.
"You must be Damien Ardent — Hestia's child?" he asked.
Damien nodded. "Yeah. That's me."
Takemikazuchi let out a relieved breath. "Thank the heavens… I came here today to express my deepest gratitude." And without warning — he bowed. Fully. To Damien.
"L-Lord Takemikazuchi!" Mikoto gasped.
"T-Takemikazuchi!?" Hestia flailed her arms.
Damien nearly jumped. "Sir, please—don't! You're a god!"
Yet Takemikazuchi did not rise. His voice was firm and sincere.
"Divinity means little in the Lower World. I failed to protect my children. You succeeded where I could not. I have nothing to offer but humility and thanks — not even a proper reward, for my familia is… lacking in wealth."
Damien's expression softened. He placed a hand on Takemikazuchi's shoulder and gently urged him up.
"If you want to thank me," Damien said quietly, "then don't bow. I don't want that. What I value most is loyalty… and friendship. Your familia is one I respect — all of them. If you wish to repay me, then let our familias grow closer. Stand as friends. That's more than enough for me."
Takemikazuchi rose immediately, eyes wide and shining with emotion.
"Then hear my vow," he said, voice deep with conviction. "From this day forth, the Takemikazuchi Familia shall stand as an eternal ally of the Hestia Familia. I cannot offer riches, but so long as my name still holds weight… if you ever need strength, shelter, or a blade drawn in your defense — you will have it. This I swear as Takemikazuchi, god of lightning and war."
Damien straightened and replied with equal weight.
"Then I accept your friendship. And I swear the same — if ever you or your familia need help, I, Damien Ardent, sole member and captain of the Hestia Familia, will answer. Just ask."
A warm silence followed, before the second god chuckled.
"What a splendid young lad," Miach said as he stepped forward. "I am Miach, of the Miach Familia. At the moment our familia has only one member — Naza here." The chienthrope girl peeked out nervously and bowed. "We are close friends of Takemikazuchi, and like him, we offer our aid and friendship to you and Hestia."
Damien nodded with a humble smile. "Thank you, Lord Miach. I admit, I may have overstepped by forming alliances without asking… but I'm sure my goddess won't mind. Right, Hestia?"
Hestia puffed up proudly. "Of course! Damien, I meant to tell you earlier — I've been friends with Takemikazuchi and Miach for a long time." She laughed sheepishly. "We were… kind of the 'poor trio' of gods. Before you came along, I wasn't exactly popular, you know?"
Damien smiled warmly. "Then I'm even happier you approve."
The group moved into the living room. Takemikazuchi and Miach sat, and Mikoto settled beside Damien, her posture polite and relaxed now.
"I'm glad you accepted our gratitude," Mikoto said. "Lord Takemikazuchi spent all of yesterday trying to find a reward for you. I told him you weren't the type to demand anything, but he insisted he must repay you in some way."
"I didn't do anything expecting a reward," Damien replied with a shrug.
Mikoto giggled softly. "I said the same thing."
She then gestured to the chienthrope girl. "And this is Naaza. She's a bit shy, but she's very kind — just like Lord Miach."
Damien leaned forward slightly and smiled. "Nice to meet you, Naaza. I'm Damien."
Naaza bowed her head timidly. "I-it's nice to meet you, too…"
...
Hestia leaned forward in her seat, chin resting on her hand."By the way, Take… how's the situation with that girl? The one your familia was searching for."
Takemikazuchi's gentle smile vanished. He exhaled slowly, his expression sinking with exhaustion and frustration.
"…We found her," he said at last. "But the situation is… dire. She's been taken to the red-light district. Bought by the Ishtar Familia."
Hestia's eyes widened.
"What?!"
"We've tried gathering the funds to purchase her freedom," Take continued, "but Ishtar refuses. She holds her tightly — as if mocking us."
Everyone fell silent.
Until Damien's voice cut through the room.
"Ishtar? That bitch?"
Every head snapped toward him.
Damien raised both hands. "Sorry. I know, I know — insulting a goddess. But after my… experience with her familia, I'm not exactly her biggest fan."
Takemikazuchi gave a bitter chuckle."It's all right. You're among friends here. No judgement."
Miach added with a snort, "Especially after the stunt she pulled during the tournament."
Damien leaned forward. "So this isn't just a grudge. What exactly is going on with her?"
Takemikazuchi hesitated. "Damien… this isn't your burden. You've done enough for us. You shouldn't—"
"Nonsense." Damien cut him off. "Didn't we just agree our familias are allies? If you're in trouble, I help. Simple as that. And if it involves knocking Ishtar down a few pegs? Even better."
Take said nothing, but his eyes softened.
Mikoto bowed her head. "It's our friend Haruhime… She was taken. From the Far East."
"Mikoto…" Take muttered, pained.
"I'm sorry, Lord Takemikazuchi — but if Damien can help us save Haruhime, then we must ask him. Even if it indebts us further!"
"Haruhime," Damien repeated, tasting the name. "All right. Tell me everything. If I'm helping, I want the full story."
Take rubbed his forehead, clearly conflicted."Damien… this path isn't simple. You may face serious trouble."
Hestia folded her arms and smirked. "Relax, Take. My Damien isn't some fragile flower. And besides — you've helped me more times than I can count since I came down to the Lower World. Think of this as me finally paying you back."
Damien nodded. "Exactly. Now tell me."
Mikoto swallowed before speaking."Haruhime was… my childhood friend. Something terrible happened in her family back home. She was kidnapped, taken from the East, and eventually sold to the Ishtar Familia. Now she's kept as a… possession."
Takemikazuchi's voice hardened."Ishtar refuses to release her. She wants to auction Haruhime's virginity to the highest bidder in the Pleasure District. After that… she intends to keep her as a slave for the rest of her life. When we asked for her, Ishtar became furious. She said Haruhime would never see freedom."
Damien went still.
Then — softly, but with razor steel beneath —
"I see. That sounds exactly like something that bitch would do."
Everyone felt the shift in atmosphere — Damien's presence tightening, his shadow faintly stirring.
"Fine," he said, standing. "I'll look into this. And I'll make damn sure Haruhime walks out of there alive — and that Ishtar pays for what she's done."
Takemikazuchi and Mikoto both stood in shock, hope flickering in their eyes.
Damien turned toward the door."I've got a meeting to attend. But Mikoto — expect a message from me later. I'll need more details."
He paused, glancing back at all of them.
"And don't worry. I'll bring Haruhime home."
Then he headed out, leaving the room filled with a complicated mix of awe, tension, and gratitude — and the quiet, trembling relief of a hope they hadn't felt in years.
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If you Like this story! Check out my other story ! Sukuna in DC!
AND
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/Riadooo"
You can Get Access to 3 More Chapters OR 7 More Chapters if you want !