It was a brand new day, and the sun hung lazily above the city of Orario.
"It's noon already?"
Judas muttered as he glanced at the sky outside.
He nursed the invisible bump on his cheek that had long since healed.
The training with Alfia earlier in the day had been more intense than usual.
'Is she on her period?'
Shaking his head, he turned around... and the sight that greeted him would've made any outsider panic.
The Loki Familia... or more specifically, the executives, the elites, and the entire second-string... had gathered into a massive formation behind him.
'Only those who are level 4 and above are allowed to come this time.'
In other words...
'The bulk of the Loki Familia's forces,' Judas thought.
With the exception of the level 3s and a few low-level members left behind for basic duties, nearly every capable fighter stood assembled.
If Judas didn't know any better, he might've genuinely believed the Loki Familia was preparing for a war.
'Well... it's something close to that, I guess.'
His thoughts were cut short as a voice spoke from the front.
"Judas, let's head out."
Finn's calm but commanding tone led the entire group.
"Right," Judas responded.
But before anyone could take a step, he lifted a hand and pointed his index finger toward the group.
"But just in case..."
Multiple magic circles blossomed beneath everyone in a brilliant cascade of light.
『Physical Boost』
『Strengthening Magic』
A warm wave enveloped the entire group.
"Oh? This is..."
Tione blinked in surprise as the light cloaked her body before fading.
"The same augmentation magic he used against Ais."
Riveria observed, touching her chin thoughtfully.
"Wow! My body feels light!"
Tiona bounced on her feet, practically glowing with excitement.
"Hm. I do feel a tad bit stronger."
Gareth admitted, flexing his bicep with an approving nod.
After a brief round of amazed murmurs and impressed stares, the Loki Familia resumed their advance... Loki herself skipping along with a wide grin, clearly enjoying the attention.
The sight of such a massive, unified group walking through the streets quickly drew the attention of the citizens.
"Oh? The Loki Familia is out again?"
"Huh? Why are they all together?"
"Are they heading into the Dungeon?"
"No way, the Dungeon's that way... so... where are they going?"
It didn't take long before one sharp-eyed citizen pieced it together.
"...Wait. Are they... heading toward Folkvangr?"
A hush rippled across the street, but naturally, the Loki Familia ignored every muttered rumor and continued marching with unwavering steps.
It wasn't a march toward war... but considering their destination, it felt like one.
Raul, who walked somewhere near the middle, broke into a cold sweat.
"Th-Things are going to be fine, right?"
He whispered nervously.
He glanced toward the black-haired catgirl beside him, hoping for reassurance...
In contrast to the anxious expression he was showing, Anakitty displayed a much calmer one.
"Don't worry, let's just follow the captain's lead like we always do."
Anakitty said, her tone resolute.
"And besides, we are not pushovers either."
She added as she swept her gaze over everyone.
With the executives at the front and the relatively lower-leveled members at the back... excluding those from Orario and the School District... the combined strength of everyone here could basically take over the entirety of the surface world if they wanted to.
From an objective standpoint, this was practically one of the strongest groups ever assembled in the entire Lower World... if not the strongest once Judas buffed them with his magic.
And that was precisely why, when the Guild received the report...
Royman panicked.
"What are they doing?!"
The guildmaster fumbled for his handkerchief, aggressively wiping the sweat pouring down his face.
He didn't even stop to catch his breath before waddling toward the prayer room, his steps heavy and frantic.
Because of the enormous power these factions held, any major movement in the city was always under strict surveillance.
'Is it because of that ambush incident some time ago?'
He wondered, dread settling in his stomach like a stone.
He remembered the report clearly: Freya Familia had attempted an ambush on Loki Familia's newest recruit... Judas Spade.
'Are they out for revenge? No... Finn should be more mature than that!'
Royman's chubby face scrunched even further as he imagined the consequences.
A conflict between these two familias wouldn't just shake Orario... it would start a war.
Yet when he delivered his urgent report, the primordial god simply uttered:
"Leave it."
Royman froze mid-bow.
"...Huh?"
He inhaled sharply through his nose, resulting in an embarrassing pig-like snort, but even that couldn't hide his disbelief.
"B-but, if those two forces clash, it will be a disaster! We have to put a stop to it!"
Ouranous, however, simply closed his eyes.
His mind drifted to yesterday, recalling the message Fels had delivered... a message from Judas himself.
A threat wrapped in courtesy.
A warning hidden beneath cooperation.
"The Loki Familia will be paying the Freya Familia a visit to settle a score. Do not interfere, and you will receive my cooperation on the Three Great Quests... and the matter with the Xenos."
He had even promised that a war would not break out.
For a rookie adventurer to know this much... it was unsettling.
'To think he's also aware of my alliance with the Xenos... How much does he know?'
Judas had anticipated that Royman... and by extension, the Guild... would react this way if they learned the Loki Familia was heading to Folkvangr.
Which was why he contacted Fels to reach Ouranos directly.
The message did not state it outright, but the underlying meaning was clear:
"Back off, or I will expose your secrets."
Ouranous' heart grew heavy.
Still, he had no choice.
"I have made my decision."
He said, voice firm and absolute.
Royman swallowed hard.
There was no arguing... only obedience.
But the old elf could not calm his nerves.
As sweat drenched his face, he reached for his handkerchief again... only to find it drenched, soaked through with oil from his trembling hands.
...
While that conversation was happening, the small army of Loki Familia elites had already arrived at the Freya Familia's front door.
For a moment, their footsteps fell into silence as the massive structure loomed before them... an elegant yet imposing fortress of white stone and black steel, surrounded by meticulously trimmed gardens and guarded pathways.
Even the air felt heavier here, as if the building itself carried Freya's presence.
"Looks like we're finally here."
Finn murmured, breaking the tense quiet.
His sharp eyes lifted toward the towering gates ahead.
Etched into polished metal was the unmistakable emblem of a Valkyrie... Freya Familia's proud and intimidating symbol.
Just standing before it was enough to make the lower-leveled members swallow nervously.
A few seconds passed.
Then...
CLANG.
A deep metallic thud echoed as a voice rumbled from the other side of the gate.
"Come inside."
The gates slowly parted, and the heavy steel doors groaned like beasts awakened from sleep.
The moment the opening was wide enough, a massive shadow fell over them.
He stepped forward.
Broad shoulders that looked carved from mountains.
Arms thicker than most men's torsos.
Eyes calm, unshaken, unreadable.
A presence so overwhelming that even people who had never fought him felt their skin crawl.
There stood Ottar... the strongest adventurer in Orario, and Freya's loyal warrior.
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