If the entire world were compared to a game, then the people of the lower world would be character cards, while the gods would be the players controlling them. As the founding god of Orario, Uranus was akin to the server's administrator.
As the overseer of Orario, Uranus presided over the neutral institution known as the Adventurers' Guild and possessed considerable authority.
For example, with Uranus' approval, the gods were permitted to use a portion of their divine power under specific circumstances—such as during a Familia War, when they employed the so-called Divine Mirror.
Wasn't that essentially a live broadcast?
Moreover, Uranus seemed to have reached some kind of agreement with the Dungeon, using divine prayer to soothe it and keep it stable year-round, preventing unexpected upheavals.
On that basis, Uranus could even monitor the Dungeon remotely—though the exact extent of that ability was unknown.
Elise suspected that her actions within the Dungeon might already have been seen by Uranus.
The old god resided year-round within the underground altar of the Pantheon beneath the Guild headquarters and rarely left.
Now, Elise followed Fels toward that very place, preparing to meet Uranus in person.
"You're female, aren't you?"
Elise suddenly spoke, causing Fels, who was leading the way ahead, to falter slightly.
Fels had heard many rumors about Elise. Most people spoke highly of her, and the word most often associated with her was "gentle and kind."
Yet upon meeting her in person, Fels had immediately been given a sharp display of her ruthless side. That first impression had been enough to silence her completely while leading the way.
Now, however, Elise took the initiative to speak—and directly addressed her gender.
"Impressive that you could tell... No, you must have sensed it through some kind of skill, right?" Fels had initially intended to praise her, but then remembered the blindfold and quickly guessed the reason.
"Yes. I can sense the structure of your bones. They aren't shaped like a man's, which means you must be a woman."
"You're the first person ever to identify my gender like this... So, is there something you need?"
Fels knew Elise would not stop her without reason.
"I just wanted to apologize."
Elise stopped walking and gave a slight bow.
"I've encountered quite a bit of trouble recently, so I've been more cautious toward strangers. I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"If there's anything wrong, I can treat you."
Elise's concerned words made Fels turn around abruptly. She had never expected an apology.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."
"Given what Evilus did to you, your vigilance was understandable."
After a brief pause, Fels continued, "No wonder the gods call you a saintess. The title is well deserved."
Looking at this human whose beauty rivaled that of a goddess, Fels found her impression of Elise gradually changing.
Not only her appearance—but her heart as well?
...
"Uranus, I've brought her."
Before long, Elise followed Fels into an underground altar. This was none other than the domain of the old god Uranus.
After leading her inside, Fels moved to stand beneath the altar, near Uranus' seat, leaving Elise alone before the god.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Elise Holiness. My name is Uranus. I assume you know of me?"
Elise nodded. Every person and god in Orario knew that Uranus was the city's founding deity.
"In that case, I shall be brief."
"I originally intended to ask Astraea about the Dungeon's disturbance from that day. However, upon consideration, secondhand accounts may not fully restore the truth. Therefore, I invited you here instead."
"Would you explain it to me? You were present during the Dungeon's upheaval, were you not?"
The Dungeon's disturbance?
Ah. So Uranus meant the incident with the Juggernaut.
There was nothing to conceal. Elise calmly recounted how Evilus had used blast stones in an attempt to kill her, which in turn had triggered the appearance of the Juggernaut.
"That's what happened."
"That monster likely possessed strength equivalent to Level 6. Its attack power, speed, and defense were all at the pinnacle of that tier. In addition, it had the ability to reflect magic—any spell cast against it would rebound upon the caster."
After hearing her explanation, Uranus understood.
"So that is why the Dungeon rejected my divine will... Evilus..."
The old god slowly closed his eyes.
Though his expression revealed nothing, Elise could feel a chill rise behind her.
Uranus was angry.
How terrifying would the wrath of a god be?
If Uranus were not required to continue praying to the Dungeon, he might already have launched a full-scale purge against Evilus.
"Then... how did you escape that creature's claws?"
Hearing the question, Elise smiled brightly.
So Uranus' surveillance over the Dungeon was not as absolute as she had imagined. That was good news.
In that case, she might as well tell him properly.
"Indeed, for an ordinary Level 2 adventurer, even escaping from that monster would have been miraculous."
"But I am different."
"My strength is great—great enough to kill that Level 6 monster."
"It may sound like self-praise, but at present, I truly possess strength equivalent to Level 7."
Those words caused the old god to open his eyes once more and look seriously at Elise below the altar.
Could it be her?
Such a thought surfaced unbidden in his mind.
At Level 2, she rivaled Level 7 in power and had slain a special monster four levels above her own.
Even in the era of Zeus and Hera, no such child had ever appeared.
Uranus had existed since Orario's foundation and had witnessed countless prodigies rise and fall.
Yet Elise was more exceptional—more extraordinary—than any of them.
Whether it was the Gluttony, the Braver, or the Empress, none had displayed such exaggerated strength beyond their level.
For a fleeting moment, even Uranus could not help but wonder whether Elise was a god in disguise.
Because this was simply too abnormal.
Fels was equally stunned.
So when Elise had swung her sword at her earlier... she had been holding back?