Izumi examined the rewards he had just obtained.
Tsubame Gaeshi and Mechanical Mastery had already been used by him. As for the remaining Modern Magic and the method of creating CADs, he decided to hand everything over to Asagi Aiba.
After all, these were all electronic and digital systems. The title of Electronic Empress wasn't something she had earned for nothing.
If he entrusted them to her, she would definitely shine. Who knew—she might even end up being called a master of modern magic.
Modern magic had its own advantages. It didn't rely on ancient bloodlines or traditional magical circuits. It was efficient, practical… and completely free of the burdens that came with old-fashioned magecraft.
And with Mogwai by her side, the combination would be nothing short of perfect.
Asagi had already arrived together with Lefey and the others, and she had made up her mind to join Izumi's team. So there was no issue giving these things to her.
The next morning, when Izumi woke up, he noticed something unusual.
Hestia was already up—and dressing up far more carefully than usual.
He stared at her for a moment before asking with a strange expression,
"Where are you going? A blind date?"
Hestia's face instantly twisted in annoyance.
"As if! You're the one who should go on a blind date!"
"I'm attending a Gathering of the Gods, okay? A Gathering of the Gods!"
Did he seriously think she needed matchmaking?
Sure, she had never dated before, but that didn't mean no one wanted her. Plenty of gods had pursued her. Just because she was a virgin goddess didn't mean she was unwanted!
"Oh. I see."
Izumi nodded.
"I thought you were going out to meet someone."
Then, as if remembering something, his expression changed.
Thinking back to the drunken men from last night, he suddenly asked,
"Has the sun god Apollo returned?"
Hestia froze.
"How do you know that? He only came back the day before yesterday. Hardly anyone knows."
Now it was her turn to be confused.
How did Izumi know that irritating man?
Izumi, however, had already figured it out.
So those people last night… were Apollo's followers.
And combined with the Authority of the Sun within his body—
He had been targeted.
His eyes narrowed.
Looking at Hestia, he said calmly,
"I just heard about it. Anyway, go ahead."
"If anyone challenges your Familia, accept immediately. Don't worry about the conditions. Leave everything to me."
He could already predict what would happen.
Apollo would definitely provoke them and issue a War Game.
Since they were already being targeted, it would be easier to just deal with the problem directly.
Besides…
If he killed Apollo and offered him as a sacrifice, would the system reward him with another fragment of the Sun's Authority?
It was very possible.
Which meant—
Apollo had to die.
Hestia stared at him blankly, completely unable to understand.
But Izumi had no intention of explaining further. After giving his instructions, he turned and left.
She wanted to ask more, but when she saw him walking away, she swallowed her questions.
Still, she kept his words in mind.
He clearly knew something.
And the gathering was being hosted by Apollo.
Hestia looked at his retreating back thoughtfully.
Then she clicked her tongue.
"That guy… seriously…"
He was mysterious. And absurdly strong.
Even if she released her divine power, she might not be his match.
There was no need to worry.
With that conclusion, she resumed dressing up.
Life had become comfortable lately.
Which meant tonight—
She would definitely show off.
Even if being supported by someone was embarrassing… she had already gotten used to it.
Meanwhile, Izumi arrived at the Familia dining hall.
Quite a few young girls were already awake.
When they saw him, their faces lit up as they waved enthusiastically.
Seeing so many adorable smiles first thing in the morning instantly lifted his mood.
Inside the hall, he also spotted Asagi, Koneko Toujou, and Megumin.
Asagi had come with Lefey the day before. Since Lefey and the others had stayed in Izumi's room, she was currently having breakfast with Koneko and Megumin.
The three of them were chatting casually.
When they saw Izumi, they looked surprised.
He had actually woken up early? Shouldn't he still be indulging in a warm, fragrant paradise?
Koneko snorted coldly the moment she saw him.
She was clearly in a bad mood.
As the number of women around Izumi increased, her presence felt smaller and smaller.
She was not happy.
Izumi noticed her sulking expression and smiled slightly. He reached out and rubbed her head.
"You look like you're jealous."
Smack.
Koneko slapped his hand away and glared at him.
"Pervert! Don't touch me."
Rejected.
Seeing the resentment in her eyes, Izumi sighed inwardly.
He made a silent decision.
Tonight, he would definitely spend some time pampering this little cat.
But now wasn't the time.
He turned to Asagi.
"Have you made your decision, Aiba?"
"Will you join my team?"
Asagi set down her utensils and straightened her posture.
"I've decided. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."
"What are the conditions?"
"I want… to become stronger."
Izumi had given her plenty of time to think.
And now she had reached her answer.
If she didn't find the right path, her talent would be wasted. But Izumi had already shown her a way forward.
He smiled.
"In that case, sign this contract."
"I have exactly what you need."
As he spoke, the Third Magic activated.
A contract formed from pure soul power appeared before them.
Several conditions were written clearly.
She would become a reserve member of Izumi's team.
She must never betray or leak any team information.
Anything Izumi granted could not be revealed without permission.
After joining, Asagi would belong to Izumi. He would decide how she was used.
The moment Asagi read the fourth clause, her face turned bright red.
"Y-you… are you serious?"
"This is basically a slave contract, isn't it?!"