While I was running with the rabbit team, Ryu managed to catch up with us. Hearing Liliruki's cry, she equipped herself and followed us. It should be noted that this elf was quite a striking figure, capable of freezing most men with a single glance, and if she used her considerable strength, it would be bad for everyone. It makes you want to say, "Wow, what a woman!"
In general, we ran at the same speed — the speed of a loli with ears, because she was leading, which suited me just fine, since the plan was to witness the awakening of the labyrinth monster. And for that, the little rabbit had to lose the fight and allow his goddess to unleash some of her restrained power.And then, when we were almost there, we were hit by a wave of concentrated energy that enveloped everything around us, calming us down. And then — the moment I'd been waiting for. I sped up, overtaking the elf and the hobbit, leaving Welf far behind, and ran to the clearing where the beaten boy lay and the goddess bent over him. Her emotions were so filled with love and concern that I felt sick. Seriously, how can anyone feel such unclouded and pure emotions? It's beyond my comprehension.
After feeling her emotions, I want to beat up this blond-haired dimwit who, with a stubbornness worthy of a better cause, continues to ignore her advances. And she, just for a second, is one of the three purest goddesses who have been given the offensive nickname of eternal virgins.
"Enough," Hestia said calmly. "Put down your weapons, my children. Stop this senseless battle." She hugged Bella and continued. "Thank the gods you're unharmed, I'm so glad." Tears streamed from her eyes. "I'm sorry, it's my fault you got beaten up."
"G-goddess," the rabbit tried awkwardly to hug Hestia. "N-no, forgive me for not being able to protect you."
"That's so sweet." I melted into a puddle of goofiness, feeling the emotions of the little goddess. "You're just like..." Suddenly, the cave shook, and the sound of falling rocks could be heard.
"This isn't good," Ryu readied her weapon.
"Above!" Welf shouted, drawing our attention to the ceiling, which was decorated with countless crystals.
The largest glowing mineral suddenly began to crack, revealing a giant monster that fell to the ground with a roar.
"Oh, is it always this much fun here?" I asked with a smile.
"No, only on special occasions," Ryu said, looking at me disapprovingly.
"Would you mind if I tried this giant?" I summoned my artefact into my hand, causing small bolts of lightning to run through my body.
The elf, who was about to say something, stumbled at the sight before her, as did Hestia, who forgot about the monster and began to watch my actions. And in her eyes, I see recognition. Who do I remind her of? Ah... Yes... Zeus. Even the colour of the lightning bolts is the same, not to mention their power, which, thanks to Ddraig's amplification, is considerable.
"You don't have to answer." I hear Lion's jaw click back into place, and spreading my wings, I take flight.
Experience had shown that the monster was strong enough to withstand my single bolts of lightning without suffering any noticeable damage. And the wounds I inflicted with my sword quickly healed.
After testing my strength on a volunteer test subject, I was satisfied, as the magic worked perfectly and without fail. That meant it was time to end this. I summon clouds from the ceiling, from which lightning bolts begin to strike, frying the giant to a crisp. Regeneration helped him, of course, but I decided to use more magic. Standing above the monster's forehead, I summon the Spear of the Sun, which pierces him through, destroying the core hidden in his torso.
I throw the pebble into my inventory to sell later and land next to the rabbit, from which his goddess has not yet departed.
"How did you do that?" Welf pointed at me with a trembling finger, seemingly the only one who hadn't lost his voice.
"I told you he was strong," I nod, "So what's the problem?"
"But is it that easy to destroy IT?!" Liliruka couldn't take it anymore and threw her hands up.
"He ate a lot of porridge." I shrugged. "So, shall we head back to the surface?" I glanced at the members of the Takemikazuchi family who had arrived, who were staring at me in shock. "Bell, you'll stay with Gestia, right? She needs your support and a strong shoulder to lean on."
My question made the guy a little embarrassed, but, not understanding the emotions I was conveying, he nodded and, picking up his protector, hurried back to the camp.
I walked behind them, touched by the scene. I could see a rainbow above me with the words "Lucifer connecting people." I'll show you, thick-skinned, I'll show you the true path! Maha-ha-ha-ha! Why is Ryu looking at me like that?
"Is there something on my face?
"Did you say that to Bella on purpose?" The girl's expression didn't change.
"Of course!" I exclaimed dramatically, making sure no one else heard. This individual will ignore her feelings until he's old and grey. As someone who is interested in bringing these two together, I will do everything in my power to make the rabbit finally see her," I point my finger at the goddess without ceremony, "the girl. A very loving girl.
"Have you thought about his feelings? Maybe he doesn't need it," the elf girl said sensibly.
"Pff, of course (no, but she doesn't need to know that). He's like an open book to me. Too straightforward, guileless... and loving towards his family. I'll mould him into a man, and he'll be a real 'hero', just like he wants to be.
Lyon didn't answer, just gathered her belongings thoughtfully and waited for the company, no, no, glancing in my direction. Ha-ah, lucky is the one who makes her fall in love with him. Something's got me going.
"Ready?" I ask the group, and after receiving a nod, I stand up and head for the exit, to the right of Ryu, who will be our escort.
I wonder if we'll make it to the exit without any incidents?***
"Speak, Hermes," booms the man on the throne in a black robe.
"A demon. A demon has appeared in the dungeon, one that was able to overcome the shields set up by our best craftsmen..."
"Continue," said the god Uranus, narrowing his eyes at the delay.
"He may be a demon, but he's not right. I don't know how to explain it..." The blond man snapped his fingers. "It's as if he has multiple personalities. Dark and light. Demonic and its opposite.
"What else can you tell me about him? What are his goals, his level of power? Is he dangerous? Don't drag it out, do I have to pull it out of you with pliers?
"No," Hermes took a step back. "No pliers. Ahem. Sorry. So, he said he's just passing through and won't cause any trouble if we don't bother him. Perhaps he means an asymmetrical response, where we give him our word and he tries to chop off our hands. He's strong, much stronger than our adventurers, but he hasn't shown his full power yet. I suggest we talk to him without going overboard. He didn't seem aggressive, quite the opposite, in fact.
"Then you follow him. Demons are cunning... Just like you... with Loki." The hint was very transparent.
"We don't work well together," the god tried to brush off the turn of events.
"You're the only one smart enough not to stick your neck out, and Loki is a wonderful actress. So you'll distract the other gods from him. You can use any resources you want, you have full access." Uran nodded to his deputy, who was standing in the shadows and taking notes.
"What should we do with Freya and Apollo?" Hermes resigned himself to his fate.
"Freya is not stupid and has the power to see deeper into the soul than you or I. We only see the surface of the lake, while she sees the bottom. If she doesn't see a threat in him, then we can relax. A little. And Apollo has become too arrogant lately, if he gets a taste of his own medicine, at least he'll calm down.
"Yeah, as long as they don't kill him and his family," muttered the god of trade.
"Whether they kill him or not is another matter, but it won't be the first time a god-killer has appeared. We'll meet in the heavenly kingdom," shrugged Uranus. "They're not the most important birds in this city.
"Cynical," Hermes snorted.
"Realistic, you should know. — Uran rolled his eyes. — Since everything has been decided, talk to Fels. — He nodded towards the advisor.
"Then I'll get to work," said the blond man, bidding farewell and leaving the hall together with the skeleton.
***
At the same time, a well-known Scandinavian goddess of war and love.
"I need to check on my Bell," the woman blushed and, activating her surveillance mirror, began to search for the soul that was so beckoning her with its light. "Ah, there he is... What is that?" She zoomed in on the image of a man, or rather a boy, whose soul was as black as the starless night, but flashes of white flame kept flaring up in it. "Unbelievable," whispered the goddess in reverent incomprehension. "How is this possible? Light and darkness are intertwined in a bizarre dance, creating something beyond comprehension..." The woman's hand clenched the glass so tightly that it shattered into pieces that failed to pierce her perfect skin. "A demon and a human, or even something more..."
Standing by the wall, Ottar listened in bewilderment to the babbling of his patroness, who, judging by the fragments he understood, had found herself a new toy to try to recruit.
And he, as the captain of her family, would do everything in his power to fulfil Freya's wish.
"So there's a curse too!" exclaimed the goddess. "Who dared to defile such a soul? We must examine everything in as much detail as possible.
***
Meanwhile, one "demon".
"How fortunate that we stumbled upon the same cave that was in the canon. Hot springs are the best! Mikoto was surprised that she was trying to act like an expert. Well, never mind, I won't spoil the girl's mood with my old man's "No, that's not right!" and "You're lying!" Let her relax."
"Ahhh," the winged one exhaled, feeling all the delights of the hot bath through me. "It's good that the canon took place. By the way, where did you get your swimsuits?"
"Material illusion," I replied, massaging my shoulder. "It won't come off until someone uses force. Hestia, for example. You could even cast spells in it."
"It's a shame the elf didn't change out of her hiking clothes," muttered the redhead.
"Let her sit there, she can wave her flag. She's wearing shorts that stir the imagination and boots that emphasise her legs. R-r-r, what legs!"
"That's true," nodded the dragon importantly. "She's a gorgeous woman, but... what the hell is she doing sitting right in front of us?!" I opened my eyes slightly and looked at the girl who was "fishing" while sitting on a giant water lily. "And in that position! I, who have no body, am getting excited, and you?! I can feel my blood boiling!"
"Yes...," I exhale slowly, clearing my mind. "It feels like we've been carried through the interworld for a long time, and now our bodies are longing for 'warmth', so to speak. In short!" I shout unexpectedly in my head, scaring the dragon. "Let's go to the surface and to the red-light district to relieve the tension. Otherwise, I'll either commit genocide or fuck every living creature in my path. Maybe we'll drop in on Ishtar... We'll see."
"Every single one?" Ddraig asks slyly. "Yeah, and the goddess whore has a toad captain, I'd be careful with her."
"If she touches the commissar's body without permission, she'll get her head chopped off," I roll my eyes. "Not the first time, fry her with lightning."
"Okay, that's settled. Open your eyes, or that blonde will pierce you. Maybe she wants to ask you something?"
"I'm all ears." I open my second eye. "It's rude to stare like that."
"Sorry." — I don't believe it! Only someone who doesn't give a damn would "apologise" with a face like that! "You still haven't told me about yourself. I mean something more than vague phrases."
"I've lived a very long time, so my story won't be short. What do you want to know specifically? Ask me a question, and I'll answer. Everything's fair. I have almost nothing to hide.
"Hmm. Then who are you and where are you from?
"A very distant country whose name would mean nothing to you. And who am I? You could say that I was once a hero of light, but now I'm just a simple adventurer looking for adventure. — I shrug. — I think I already told you, didn't I?
"Your answers are vague. It's all too strange, so I'm asking, in case you're lying.
"That's hurtful. I never lie. I told you that too!" I massage my temples. It's so difficult to talk to her, even reading her emotions doesn't help. "Wouldn't it be better to follow the rabbit? There's a monster living here who organised the springs. I could help him.
"So you also found out that there's something here?" — the girl raised her eyebrow in surprise. — And no, he can handle it himself, he's a hero after all. — and shrugged, as if it were self-evident.
At that moment, a roar and screams were heard from the other end of the cave. Everyone who could ran there, while the elf and I trotted along at a leisurely pace. When we got there, it was all over. The giant crystal lay on the ground, and Bell was breathing heavily, apparently exhausted by his ultimate ability.
"Hmm," I said thoughtfully, rubbing my chin and looking at the hero of this world. "You exhaust yourself quickly when you use your power." The guy blushed and looked shyly at the floor. "Don't worry, we'll fix that. We'll add this, remove that. We'll implant a normal magic core in you, not a rudiment stimulated by divine power, and you'll be able to take down dragons by the dozen."
"What do you mean, rudiment?" Ryu asked in surprise. "What kind of normal core?
"How to put it... Oh! Everyone here has a magic core that generates this energy, but it doesn't develop evenly and comprehensively, deforming from the power that the patron gods pour into your souls. That's why you can't use many spells, stopping at learning only a certain number. Is that clear?" Uncertain nods. "And he," I point to the guy, "needs a core that's already formed. And I have one! So we'll shove it in (rip it out of some soul in my reserves left over from the demons of my home world) and train him.
"Isn't that dangerous? I've never heard of such... methods." The goddess looked at me warily, but with hope.
"I've done this many times before (when I was defeating demons). The process is well-established and safe. The main thing is that Bell himself wants to become stronger and doesn't interfere.
"I'll do everything I can!" — the boy stood up straight.
HA! I'll make you the coolest hero in the history of this world! O-o-o-o, this will be an interesting experience.
"Wonderful enthusiasm!" I clapped him on the shoulder. "Then let's get going. The sooner we reach the surface, the sooner we can start training!"
"Yes!" the boy shouted and ran to gather his things. I watched him go, my eyes filled with joy.
"Ah... Do you have a place to stay?" Hestia asked.
"Alas, no," I sighed sadly, evoking the necessary emotions in the goddess. "I'm all alone."
"Maybe... If you want, you can stay with us for the night." She hesitated, but finally looked firmly into my eyes.
"I would be honoured," I bowed slightly, causing her to blush slightly. Hmm, she doesn't often receive such honours. "And don't worry if you think I might not like your home," I smiled sweetly, feeling the rabbit watching us. "Any place where the goddess of the hearth lives will be better than any expensive room in an inn." Are you serious? What is this? Jealousy? Yes, just a little, but the main thing is that it's there! Bell is jealous! Oh yes, you'll drag her out on a date yourself, kiss her, and put her to bed! Otherwise, I'll go crazy!
"Are you really that interested in playing matchmaker?" asked the sleepy redhead.
"Well, what else is there to do? Let's set him up with a harem of elves and goddesses while we wait for Artemis and the demoness to finish digesting," I reply, watching the smiling Hestia, which causes confusion among those around me and another slight pang of jealousy in the blond. Oh my, the main thing is not to overdo it.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha, if someone had told me a thousand years ago that Satan would be a pimp, I would have laughed my head off and then killed the idiot," the lizard cackled loudly.
"There's a first time for everything," I remark philosophically.
Well, time to move on.
***
And at the top, they were already waiting for us. And thank goodness the locals were sensible enough not to raise a fuss about my appearance. Hermes and Asfi were standing at the exit, greeting the returning team and inviting us to celebrate in the evening at the Horn of Plenty tavern. The god of trade decided to accompany us to Hestia's house, which turned out to be an old, dilapidated building... a church.
"Hestia?
"Yes?
"Who is worshipped in this temple?" The girl looked at me in confusion at the sudden question.
"No idea. I've never heard of a god symbolised by a cross like that." The girl simply shrugged her shoulders, stoking the fire and starting to cook the food they had bought on the way. "Why?"
"No, don't mind me. I just remembered someone. — Why is Hermes looking at me suspiciously? Does he know about the Bible?
"Do you know anything about it?" I asked the blond man.
"No," the god immediately changed his expression, "I'm just curious who you could have remembered." He wasn't lying. Hmm.
"My former employer." I lean back in my chair, feeling everyone's ears perk up, from Liliroki to Asfi. "God." My face twists involuntarily, which doesn't go unnoticed.
"Did you two end on bad terms?" Hestia asks with undisguised sympathy. What holy naivety. If it weren't for Bell, then...
"You could say I was the commander of his legions. But we had a falling out because our views on life began to diverge. He wanted to control everyone's every move, while I wanted freedom. Many followed me, but we were overthrown. What an interesting price to pay for thousands of years of work, don't you think?" I let the venom seep into my voice.
Wow, so much sympathy from the goddess and her family, and so much suspicion from Hermes and Co.
"Millennia?" Welf asked in shock.
"Many, MANY millennia. So I may even be older than some of your gods." I cross my legs.
"That's... hard to believe," but judging by your emotions, you, Welf, believe it.
"I'm not asking you to believe me," I shrugged. "By the way, Hermes, when are we leaving?
"As soon as Takemikazuchi arrives with his family. In about an hour and a half, why?
"Okay." I nod, calculating the time in my head. "I'll have time to draw a ritual circle for Bella's training. Is there an isolated room underground?"
"Um, yes." The rabbit stretched out his hand. "The basement has several rooms, you can take any one you like. What do you need it for?"
"For you, of course! Am I a wizard or out for a walk? You don't have to go through a lot of training to get a strong body and reflexes, especially if you know how to use magic and aren't a complete idiot. I raise my finger instructively. Magic makes life easier, so we'll cut years of training down to a couple of days that you'll spend in this very circle.
"How is that possible?" Asfi was surprised and couldn't hide her astonishment.
"I'll pass on my knowledge, strengthen your body, and improve your magic. — I pull the water jug closer and pour some into a cup. — And then we'll spend some time sparring to hammer everything down to the level of reflexes. We'll reinforce the results, so to speak. It's not dangerous, so don't worry. I promised," I say to Gestia, who responds with an uncertain nod.
"Do you mind if I watch you work? I'd really like to see how you do it." — You're a sly divine blonde ass.
"Of course." And turning to the others, "You can too, you won't distract me."
"Ooh," Welf drawled eagerly, "I've never been present at such events. This will be interesting.
"He-he, just don't ruin the picture, or the outcome could be anything but positive." I wagged my finger sternly at them, and they swallowed. "Understood?"
"Absolutely," squeaked Lolly with her ears perked up.
"Excellent, show me where the room is." I nodded to Bella, who rushed to the basement.
The work ahead is not difficult, but it will be painstaking. Maybe I can repair the little church a little?
***
The owner of the Horn of Plenty was a formidable but good-natured woman. She was the kind of person who could walk into a burning house and tie a bow on a horse's mane.
"Now that's a woman!" exclaimed the redhead, who in the last five hundred years had become attracted to non-dragons. "If only I had a body... Ugh, I would..."
"Spare me the details," I interrupted my companion's torrent of words. "My vivid imagination conjures up some rather unpleasant images."
"What do you know?!" the suitcase flared up. "This isn't Hela, Mia Grande could punch you in the face, which already puts her a step above many!"
"Fuck you and your tastes." I make a mental "pfft" gesture. "And keep your insinuations about my, God forgive me, wife to yourself. And your taste kills me, morally. So stop raping my mind, please."
"Come on, you don't appreciate my advice... An actor like you in that red makeup is a waste, it's awful. If you had Mia, you wouldn't need a harem."
"Yeah, she'd rip my balls off for a second wife." I roll my eyes and start ignoring Ddraig's words.
While we were talking, I didn't have time to look around, but now that the distraction is gone, I can take a look at the people. I had already met Takemikazuchi while we were walking."Oh, Hermes," I say to the god sitting next to me, who is leafing through the menu, "could you tell me about the people sitting at the neighbouring tables? They're a colourful bunch." I nod towards the strangers. Although I've already seen some of them.
"Hm? Ah, that's the core of the Loki family, along with the goddess herself, the flat-chested redhead. They came out to celebrate their return. Aiz, you know them, just like you know Fina, Riveria, Gareth, Tione, Tionai, and Lefia. You're already acquainted with them. The only one you don't know is Loki.
"Yeah, you don't know him. In the past world, this lunatic hit on you when he was drunk. And if it weren't for Hela, I can't imagine what would have happened if he got his hands on you." — Red... bastard.
"Why did you remind me?" I was sickened by the memory. "How am I supposed to look at her now without remembering what happened?"
"Ahem. Sorry," he apologised, and even sounded a little genuine, the dragon.
"I'll think about it."
"And this?" I nodded towards the silver-haired woman sitting at the table next to Loki.
"Freya and her loyal bodyguard, Ottar. A seventh-level adventurer and captain of the family. Be careful with her, she's... um... a peculiar individual," said Hermes with an incomprehensible intonation.
"How interesting," I say, casting an appraising glance at the goddess, who senses it and turns in my direction. We sit there, looking at each other, silent. It has even become quiet around us.
I look around and notice that some people, namely Loki and CO, are looking at me.
"What?" I raise an eyebrow in confusion.
"Ha, that's interesting," Loki whispers, not quietly enough.
"What was that?" I ask Hermes. "What's interesting?"
"She has her own problems, don't pay any attention to her," the god tries to brush it off, nervously handing me a beer. "Let's drink to our return!" he asks loudly.
"Yes!" all the adventurers in the room agreed.
Well, okay, I'll ignore it, but I'll remember.
"Ah, good." I exhaled after finishing my pint. "And more meat." I pulled out the bag of gold. I have a lot of it.
The party began.
***
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