Loki and Riveria couldn't stay in the One Piece world for long.
After all, Yami was the one who granted them permission to travel between worlds.
Forcing themselves to remain could lead to conflict, and the last thing they wanted was a feud between the Loki Familia and the Hephaestus Familia.
Without Yami's help, they had no way of returning from the other world on their own.
Imagine the consequences—the long-term disappearance of a Familia's main god would leave its members in Orario in disarray.
No one to update their abilities—that alone could cause serious trouble.
Because of this, Yami, with his ability to travel between worlds, had essentially become a prized asset.
Unfortunately for Loki, Yami wasn't part of her Familia.
Even though Loki and others had glimpsed another world with their own eyes, returning there or gaining more benefits wasn't so simple.
Anyone could see the immense advantages of having access to another world.
But Yami and Goddess Hephaestus weren't about to share that privilege with others, and for good reason.
Put yourself in their shoes—if it were the Loki Familia, they would likely keep such a discovery completely hidden.
Even Familia members wouldn't know about it unless they were in the inner circle.
Taking everyone to another world? That's something that would almost never happen.
Riveria couldn't help but admire Yami's confidence.
Perhaps he wasn't concerned about sharing these secrets because his power was so immense that no other Familia could pose a threat.
But regardless, this matter didn't really affect the Loki Familia.
A few members, like Ais, might benefit and grow stronger.
But for the rest of the Familia, the chances of visiting another world were slim at best.
"Loki, there's no easy solution here," Riveria said calmly.
"Even you can't visit another world whenever you want, let alone us adventurers."
"Instead of sulking, you'd be better off thinking about how to strengthen your relationship with Yami. Maybe that way, he'll allow you to return."
"But don't get your hopes up about bringing the entire Familia along.
"So, stop daydreaming."
Riveria's advice was measured, but it didn't seem to have much effect.
Loki's face remained full of dissatisfaction, her mind clearly racing with schemes.
"Mom," she said, eyes gleaming, "do you think if we talked to Hephaestus along with a few other Familias, we could convince them to open up the other world for us?"
"We're all Familias of Orario, and we get along pretty well. There shouldn't be any major issues, right?"
Wild ideas filled Loki's head.
But as soon as she finished, she met Riveria's stern gaze.
The royal elven mage, one of the most powerful in Orario, responded firmly.
"Loki, you need to let that thought die right now."
"Yami is not someone you can coerce. If several Familias tried to pressure him in the name of the gods…"
"No one knows what might happen, but one thing is certain: Orario would descend into chaos once again."
"And it would be worse than the turmoil caused by the dark faction a few years ago. I'm not exaggerating."
"Yami's power is far beyond what we know."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Riveria wasn't being alarmist.
Having accompanied Yami on two expeditions, she had seen firsthand that his power was far beyond the reach of the Loki Familia.
Even their strongest members, combined, couldn't hope to match him.
Even Orario's so-called "Double Kings" were powerless before him, let alone the weaker Familias.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that even the mighty Freya Familia, known for their strength, wouldn't be able to stand in Yami's way.
"Ugh, this is such a headache."
"Why didn't we meet that kid earlier? If we had, it would've been us—we would've been the ones with the power to travel to other worlds, not Hephaestus!"
"What a missed opportunity!"
Rejected once again, Loki began to wail in frustration.
She couldn't understand why such fortune always favored others.
She'd heard that Freya had discovered an extraordinary child, one she personally had Ottar train and escorted into the dungeon.
And now, the children of Hephaestus' Familia had become even more powerful.
In comparison, even her precious Ais-tan didn't seem quite as special.
"It's so unfair! Even the gods don't have that kind of power, but Hephaestus' brats get to travel between worlds?!"
"The potential of these mortals is just ridiculous!"
Loki's complaints continued, but Riveria chose to remain silent.
The mood in the room grew heavy.
"Hey, Mom, about that idea I mentioned earlier—what if we..."
Thwack!
"Owww!!!"
Before Loki could finish her thought, she was struck squarely by Riveria's staff.
Her loud yelp echoed through the manor, causing the other members of the Loki Familia to glance curiously in their direction.
But no one bothered to investigate.
---
Yami, meanwhile, had no idea that he was the subject of so much discussion.
And even if he did, he probably wouldn't care.
The key to traveling between worlds rested solely in his hands, a power that belonged to him alone. Not even the gods could change that.
Orario had strict rules—gods couldn't use their divine power.
If any of them tried to interfere, they'd be sent back to the heavens in an instant.
This rule acted as a natural barrier for Yami, making him untouchable.
As long as the gods were powerless, there was nothing the adventurers could do to stop him.
He was no longer the helpless person he once was.
And as time passed, the reconstruction of the dojo on the mountaintop was well underway.
"?!"