The air in the entire room became somewhat stagnant.
This deathly silence lasted for a long time.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were pinned in disbelief on the subtly glowing data panel on the little guy's back.
[Strength]: A888
[Endurance]: A888
[Dexterity]: A888
[Agility]: A888
Neatly arranged.
A uniform set of As.
One must know...
This was a newborn bear cub, not even weaned, who did nothing but drink milk and sleep.
Even Hanasaka Warabi couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth, her expression somewhat broken.
Then, she turned her head and glanced at her giant bear, Kyoubou—the massive beast that had tanked countless attacks on the Dungeon's frontlines to protect everyone, and even took a Hellhound's fiery breath head-on.
Even though Kyoubou had risked her life in the Dungeon, she had only managed to push her [Endurance] stat to SS.
As for her other attributes...
—Strength A, Agility E, Dexterity D.
It could only be said that it was passable, fitting the role of a heavy tank.
There was nothing inherently wrong with this.
It could even be considered excellent.
However.
Without comparison, there is no harm.
Looking back at the little guy in her Kami-sama's arms, whose nose was already blowing a snot bubble...
Hanasaka Warabi suddenly felt that...
In this world...
Even under the Grace of a God...
Some things were still completely unreasonable.
"Kami-sama..."
Onigawara Rin swallowed hard, her trembling fingertip pointing at the soundly sleeping little bear, her voice somewhat ethereal.
"Is... is this reasonable?"
"This little guy was just sleeping in the Dungeon yesterday."
"Hmm..."
Haimer withdrew his gaze.
Even his expression was somewhat subtle at this moment.
He couldn't help but reach out a finger.
He gently popped the snot bubble on the tip of the little bear's nose that was expanding and contracting with its breaths.
Pop.
A soft sound.
The little guy grunted in dissatisfaction, rolled over, pointed its furry butt at Haimer, and continued to sleep soundly.
"This is probably..."
"Because of its special skill."
Haimer tried to find a reasonable explanation for this outrageous phenomenon to balance out his children's psychology.
After all.
The skill 『Little Yearning』.
Its effectiveness was based on the purity of one's yearning for growth.
Human desires are always complex.
No matter how pure an adventurer is, while wanting to become stronger, it's inevitable that other thoughts would mix into their heart.
Wanting fame, wanting wealth, wanting to protect someone, wanting revenge, wanting to prove oneself, or simply fearing death...
There were too many distracting thoughts.
Once the thoughts became impure, the skill's effectiveness would be discounted.
But this little guy was different.
Aside from eating and sleeping, the only thing on its mind was probably how to lie more comfortably on its mother's back.
However.
Under the environment of the past few days.
After witnessing the performance of the girls and its mother in the Dungeon.
A purely simple instinct must have gradually begun to sprout within this child's mind, which was originally as blank as a sheet of paper.
—It wanted to grow up.
This child had gradually begun to yearn for its own rapid growth.
So much so that this ultimately pure thought, under the judgment of 『Little Yearning』, became the highest tier of desire.
—Also commonly known as the [Power of 'I Reckon'].
After hearing Haimer's explanation.
Everyone still looked at each other in dismay.
After all.
Although they understood, they didn't feel comforted at all.
Instead, it felt even more heart-piercing.
At this moment.
The joy and pride brought about by their collective promotion to Lv.2 had been significantly diluted by this sudden blow.
An inexplicable pressure enveloped the girls' hearts.
After all, even this bear cub that only knew how to sleep could achieve this level.
"Alright."
Noticing this slight change in the atmosphere.
Haimer clapped his hands, timely interrupting the girls' wandering thoughts.
He gently placed the little guy back on the floor.
The little guy still didn't wake up. It rolled twice with the momentum, coming to a stop at Kyoubou's feet, and continued to sleep soundly.
"There's no need to put too much pressure on yourselves."
Haimer stood up from his chair, his gentle gaze sweeping over everyone present.
"Every life has its own growth trajectory, just as flowers have their blooming seasons and trees have their rings."
"This little guy has its serendipity, and you have your paths."
"Furthermore, don't forget that you have also created your own miracles."
"Within two days, all members reaching Lv.2 will inevitably spread through the streets and alleys of this world, making even the Gods look sideways."
Haimer's words carried a convincing power, smoothing out the trace of anxiety in Onigawara Rin and the others' hearts.
"Additionally."
Haimer changed the subject.
"Because you've just completed the updating and upgrading of your status values, your bodies and minds both need a process of adaptation. Going too far is as bad as falling short."
"Besides, Miss Tsubaki should be terribly busy in the Hephaestus Familia's workshop right now, trying to repair and maintain the weapons you exhausted yesterday."
"Therefore."
"During this vacant period without handy weapons, after you finish breakfast later, you have free time."
"Those who want to go shopping can go shopping, those who want to catch up on sleep can do so, or you can go take a look at Orario's scenery."
"No need to be tense."
After all.
From descending into this world until now, they had been wound up like clockwork. They were either fighting or on their way to fight; they truly hadn't taken a good look at this legendary labyrinth city.
Thus.
After receiving comfort from their Kami-sama.
The moods of Onigawara Rin and the others relaxed.
"In that case!"
Hanasaka Warabi cheered.
"Then can I take Kyoubou for a stroll in the city? I want to see if there's any meat jerky suitable for her!"
"As you wish."
Haimer smiled and nodded.
"But remember to keep a good eye on Kyoubou."
"Got it!"
"Then I want to go to a bookstore!"
Kikakujou Mary raised her hand, her eyes sparkling with a thirst for knowledge.
"I want to check out the books in this world, and knowledge regarding magic theory..."
"Of course."
Haimer nodded in agreement.
"Phew..."
With this.
The girls left Haimer's room in groups.
Kyoubou also picked up the sleeping little bear by the scruff of its neck and went back to her room to catch up on sleep.
Haimer let out a long breath.
In just two short days.
A group of Lv.2s.
In the eyes of any God, this was an achievement worth popping champagne to celebrate.
So then.
Shouldn't his system show some sort of reaction by now?
Thus.
With a thought, Haimer brought up the system interface that had always lacked presence.
As a system that awakened a month after he descended to the Lower World.
This system was usually frighteningly low-key. Aside from handing out the novice gift pack, it essentially remained in stealth mode.
It didn't even have a notification sound.
"I wonder if it's broken..."
Thinking of this, Haimer couldn't help but mutter complaints while checking.
Immediately after.
He noticed a bright red exclamation mark hanging over the envelope icon in the top right corner of the translucent system interface.
Haimer reached out a finger and tapped the void.
[Detected that all members of the Host's first batch of Familia subordinates have been promoted to Lv.2]
[Phase milestone completed.]
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the reward:]
[1. World Selection (Intermediate) x1: Can specify a general direction to randomly select a world for exploration.]
Alright.
Better than nothing.
The main point was still the World Selection.
Although his Familia had just started and he wasn't in a hurry to immediately go to the next world to pull people in.
But as a God who planned ahead, taking a look first was never a mistake.
Moreover.
Haimer was also somewhat curious.
In this vast sea of dimensions, which world would be the next one to intersect with him?
"Intermediate World Selection..."
Haimer rubbed his chin.
Back then.
He had tried his luck randomly with the Beginner World Selection and crashed straight into World ID S-14—the world of Armed Girl's Machiavellism.
This time.
With an Intermediate World Selection, he hoped the randomly selected world would be slightly stronger.
"System, use it."
Haimer decisively issued the command.
[Command confirmed.]
[Consumed Item: World Selection (Intermediate) x1]
[Initiating the first random world search...]
[World line disturbance in progress... The Sea of Possibilities surges...]
...
Accompanied by the system's notification sound.
Haimer felt the surrounding space begin to distort, the familiar scenery of the room gradually fading away.
A wave of fluctuation spread outward with him at the center.
It pierced through the Orario he was in, pierced through the crystal wall of this world, and cast his consciousness—or rather, his Divine Will—into a boundless ocean made up of countless motes of light.
Haimer's consciousness shuttled through this sea of light.
Every mote of light was a world.
Some lights were as bright as stars, emitting powerful energy fluctuations; some were as dim as candles in the wind, seemingly ready to extinguish at any moment.
[Setting World Selection Criteria...]
[Condition 1: Presence of high-potential candidates.]
[Condition 2: The world's rules have a high tolerance for divine interference.]
[Condition 3: The initial descent point is relatively safe.]
[Selection complete...]
[Locking onto target...]
As the system prompt fell.
In Haimer's field of vision, massive swaths of the boundless motes of light began to extinguish.
Finally.
Haimer's gaze was guided by the system, focusing onto one of the light motes emitting a faint black glow.
[Target World Locked: World ID G-404]
[Alias: Black Bullet]
[Analyzing world information...]
[World ID G-404]
[Current Anchor Point: Tokyo Area]
[World Background Summary]:
When Haimer's gaze paused on the panel.
He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.
The scenes regarding this world, originally sealed deep in his memories, were awakened.
This world...
How should he put it...
It was absolutely a world that would make Hestia feel nauseous.
Not because of those monsters known as Gastrea.
Monsters were something found in every world.
There were plenty in Orario's Dungeon, and no one found them disgusting.
But what truly made a God sick.
Was the human heart.
The humans of that world had been pushed to the brink of extinction by a viral biological entity that could only be suppressed by specific metals.
They could only eke out a meager existence within narrow areas enclosed by giant monoliths made of that material.
It should have been a time to unite against foreign enemies.
Yet, the majority of humanity in this world vented their fear and anger onto a group of innocent children.
—The "Cursed Children".
A group of girls with ruby-like eyes, who bore the title of "Cursed Children" in this desperate world, using their tender bodies to protect the very humans who spat on them.
They were humanity's last hope against the monsters.
Yet they were seen as monsters, freaks, and even virus spreaders by the humans they protected.
Spitting, cursing, abusing, and even murdering—they took human selfishness, cowardice, xenophobia, and ingratitude to the absolute extreme.
Therefore.
Even now as a God.
Haimer still disliked this world.
After all.
If one ignored that human garbage.
Those "Cursed Children" who struggled to survive in the ruins, still maintaining a glimmer of light amidst the malice...
Whether in terms of temperament, potential, or that yearning for the light.
They were top-tier Familia seedlings in this world.
Thinking of this.
Haimer continued to read the system's analysis report.
[Power System Assessment]:
The power system of this world belongs to the low-to-mid martial tier.
The primary threats are viral infected entities (Gastrea).
Conventional thermal weapons are effective but struggle to completely eradicate high-stage monsters.
Special metals can inhibit viral regeneration.
[High-Potential Candidate Roster]:
[Generating high-potential candidate roster...]
Following the system's further analysis.
Very soon.
A roster floated before Haimer.
Ranked at the very top.
Was a photograph.
The girl in the photo wore a black sailor suit, her long hair like a waterfall. She held a long katana, her eyes as cold as ice.
[NO.1 Tendou Kisara]
[Title]: The Tendou Killer
[Style]: Menkyo Kaiden in Tendou Combat Style Sword Drawing Arts and creator of the Zero Style.
[Characteristics]: A beauty dressed entirely in black. Her parents were silenced by their blood relatives in her childhood when they attempted to expose the family's corruption. She survived a Gastrea attack but lost her kidneys. She refused artificial organs that could have allowed her to live like a normal person, insisting on keeping her ruined body. She uses the shadow-like, agonizing pain day and night to remind herself—of the bone-deep hatred flowing through her veins toward the Tendou clan.
"Feeding demons with her own body..."
Haimer narrowed his eyes.
His gaze moved down.
The second one.
Was a delicate little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, resembling a doll.
[NO.2 Tina Sprout]
[Code Name]: Black Wind
[Characteristics]: Possesses the appearance of a blonde, blue-eyed loli. Usually absent-minded, and even prone to falling asleep at any moment during the day. Requires massive amounts of caffeine pills to stay awake. At night, her combat power receives a massive boost.
Name after name.
Face after face.
Senju Kayo, Aihara Enju, Fuse Midori...
Haimer's gaze swept over this long list.
Without exception.
Aside from a few special cases, the vast majority of names on this list belonged to a common group—the "Cursed Children".
Those girls who, due to their mothers ingesting the Gastrea virus during pregnancy resulting in genetic mutation, were born with a pair of blood-red eyes and possessed physical attributes and regenerative abilities far exceeding ordinary humans.
Logically speaking.
The humans of this world had already been pushed to the cliff edge of extinction, only able to curl up like rats behind giant monoliths made of virus-inhibiting metal to eke out a living.
At the critical juncture of species survival, internal unity should be the primary rule of survival.
But they didn't.
Instead, they chose to pour all their fear, anger, despair, and hatred for their own incompetence onto the only group capable of protecting them—the "Cursed Children".
Simply because the eyes of those "Cursed Children" were red.
Simply because the blood of monsters flowed within those "Cursed Children".
Although it was true that those "Cursed Children" would turn into monsters due to the gradually increasing erosion rate of the Gastrea virus in their bodies.
However.
It was obvious.
This was not a completely uncontrollable dead end.
The government had the means to manufacture inhibitors for the Gastrea virus erosion rate.
Moreover, there was specialized equipment that could monitor the Gastrea virus erosion rate inside these "Cursed Children" at any time.
It could be said that as long as there was rational management, regular check-ups, and medicinal suppression...
These "Cursed Children" could not become monsters.
Yet they still crudely chose to define all these "Cursed Children" as monsters.
While one could argue this was a form of self-preservation stemming from biological instinct.
A fear towards the potential danger within these "Cursed Children".
But under extreme environments.
This instinct was infinitely magnified, twisted into the ugliest of atrocities.
When external pressure becomes too great to bear, the group needs an outlet.
Needs a scapegoat.
Then what could be a more suitable target than these little girls with red eyes and monster-like strength, yet possessing a human appearance?
After all.
—The kind are bullied, the gentle are ridden. Even the kindest person must remember their limits.
These "Cursed Children" were simply too kind in nature.
Possessing strength surpassing humanity.
Yet due to the purity of their hearts, they couldn't act like true monsters and slaughter the humans bullying them.
It was precisely because of this purity, and that powerful strength which constantly reminded the humans of how incompetent they were...
That they were spat upon, cursed, abused, and even murdered by humanity.
While simultaneously trampling them underfoot, using their blood and tears to sugarcoat their own unbearably fragile egos, and using violence against them to gain a pitiful, false sense of superiority.
—"They are a group of heroes who, in this desperate world, have borne the name of 'Curses' since childhood, and must carry the heavy burden of human survival on their tender shoulders."
Without a doubt.
If there was any reason left for a God to cast a glance at this world.
Then it was absolutely not to save that bunch of human garbage.
But rather for these children who still flickered with a faint light in the darkness.
These "Cursed Children".
They were far more deserving of the title "human" than the vast majority of surviving adults in that world.
It's just that...
Haimer took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the surging anger in his chest.
He raised his hand.
The screen of light turned into countless motes and dissipated into the air.
Now was not the time.
This memory made Haimer's mood very foul.
Extremely foul.
If he didn't calm this mood that made him want to destroy something, he feared that if he stepped through the portal and descended into that world right now...
The first thing he would do wouldn't be saving people.
But rather directly bringing down Divine Punishment and steamrolling the place flat.
"Better deal with today's matters first and go wake Hestia up."
Haimer rubbed his glabella. After sorting out his emotions, he stood up, pushed the door open, and left.
Next door on the second floor.
Haimer knocked on the door. Seeing no response, he simply pushed it open and entered.
Upon entering.
Haimer frowned.
He saw Hestia sprawled across the soft, large bed in a large 'X' shape, the blanket having long been kicked aside by her.
A trace of crystal-clear liquid still hung from the corner of her mouth.
She was sleeping absolutely dead to the world.
"Truly zero Goddess baggage..."
Haimer shook his head helplessly.
He walked over.
Unceremoniously reaching out, he pinched Hestia's chubby cheeks and pulled them outward.
"Ugh... Jagamarukun... don't run..."
Hestia mumbled incoherently, her brow furrowing, as if the Jagamarukun in her dreams was getting further away from her.
"Stop dreaming."
Haimer said into her ear in an exasperated tone.
"Time to eat."
"If you don't get up now, I'll let you starve to death today."
"Nani?!!!"
This sentence worked like a charm.
Hestia, who had been dead asleep just a second ago, abruptly snapped her sapphire-like large eyes open.
She bolted right up from the bed.
Before she could even clearly see her surroundings, her body had instinctively assumed a panicked defensive posture, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
Those blue eyes were wide open, darting everywhere.
Until...
Her gaze finally focused on Haimer standing by the bed.
Hestia froze for a moment.
After reacting, her tense body finally relaxed slightly.
She let out a sigh of relief.
She slumped back down, like a deflated balloon.
She raised her hand, rubbing her still somewhat groggy head. Her twin-tails, which were already a bit messy, were now as tangled as a bird's nest.
She let out a massive yawn.
Her open mouth was big enough to stuff an egg into.
After yawning.
Hestia seemed completely oblivious to how terrible her current image was.
She naturally raised her arm, wiping the corner of her mouth with her sleeve, wiping away the trace of drool that had yet to dry.
"Morning... Haimer..."
Her voice still carried heavy drowsiness, soft and sweet.
"Honestly... what time is it..."
"Can't you let me sleep a bit longer?"
"I was exhausted yesterday..."
Haimer raised his eyebrows.
His gaze unapologetically swept over Hestia.
From her messy hair to her unseemly pajamas, finally landing on the blanket that had been kicked into a lump on the floor.
Thus, Haimer silently pointed at the blanket on the floor.
Hestia followed Haimer's finger.
Seeing that blanket lying pitifully on the floor, a blush of embarrassment instantly flashed across her face.
"Cough."
She coughed lightly, attempting to mask her embarrassment.
"Well... the blanket attacked first..."
"It was too hot, that's why I..."
"Enough."
Haimer didn't give her the chance to continue quibbling.
He turned around.
With his back to her, he waved his hand.
"Hurry up and wash."
"Everyone is waiting."
"If you don't want to miss today's breakfast, you'd better move fast."
Having said that.
Haimer didn't linger any longer, directly stepping out of the room.
Ten minutes later.
At the top of the stairs on the second floor.
A sound of shuffling footsteps finally rang out.
Hestia, having finished washing and barely making herself look presentable, dragged her still somewhat heavy steps, wobbling unsteadily down the stairs.
Although her hair had been recombined into neat twin-tails and the drool marks were gone from her face...
Those blue eyes still carried a groggy haze.
"So sleepy..."
Hestia rubbed her eyes while complaining in a low voice.
"I wonder what's for breakfast today..."
As she spoke.
Just as she stepped down into the first-floor hall.
A scent wafted over through the air.
"Hmm?"
Hestia wrinkled her nose.
"What's that smell? Is it burnt?"
Immediately after.
A slightly panicked conversation drifted out from the kitchen.
"Wait! Ryu! You can't just put that straight in! The fire is too big, meow!"
A voice with a strange verbal tic, which sounded somewhat familiar, shrieked.
"Um... if we're making fried eggs, I think it would be better to remove the shell first..."
Another voice sounded like it was already on the verge of a breakdown.
"Step aside! Let me do it!"
Hearing these voices.
Hestia, who was still complaining and half-asleep...
Abruptly halted her steps.
It was as if an immobilization spell had been cast on her.
She froze completely on the last step of the stairs.
Those large, sapphire-like eyes instantly went wide.
All her sleepiness vanished like smoke in this instant.
Replaced by...
An unbelievable shock.
She stared blankly toward the direction of the kitchen.
She saw.
In what was supposed to be a mansion occupied only by the children of the Haimer Familia...
Right now.
The figures of three extra individuals had unexpectedly appeared in the kitchen.
Three young girls.
Wearing matching green dresses with white aprons and lace trim.
Classic style, well-tailored.
Currently crowded around the stove, bustling in chaos.
One of them.
Had beautiful short grass-green hair, skin as white as snow, and a pair of long, pointed ears that signified her noble status—an Elf.
Right now.
This Elf girl, who was normally quite the beauty.
Was tightly gripping a spatula, her expression as serious as if she were facing some Lv.5 Floor Boss.
Looking as if facing a formidable enemy, she stared down the frying pan emitting black smoke.
A fine layer of sweat had even beaded on her forehead.
Although Hestia was somewhat face-blind.
This Elf girl's highly recognizable appearance instantly reminded her of the Elf clerk she had seen yesterday at the [Hostess of Fertility] tavern.
And beside her.
There were two more figures.
One had a pair of grayish-black cat ears and a restless long tail, currently pointing and gesturing from the side with a wicked grin, occasionally reaching out amid the chaos to snatch ham from a nearby plate.
It was that Cat Person!
The other.
Was a human girl with short brown hair, looking helpless as she tried to snatch the spatula from Ryu's hand, seemingly wanting to salvage the pot of ingredients that was about to turn into charcoal.
"This..."
Hestia rubbed her eyes hard.
She even thought she might not be fully awake yet.
Otherwise.
Why would she wake up...
To suddenly find three beautiful girls wearing maid outfits in Haimer's house?!
And they were the clerks from the tavern yesterday?!
This art style was all wrong!
Could it be...
Hestia's little brain began operating at high speed.
Countless inappropriate, adults-only scenes began flashing through her mind.
Noticing Hestia's expression.
Haimer felt somewhat speechless and stood up.
Exasperated, he walked over to Hestia.
He curled his middle finger.
Aiming at her smooth, full forehead.
Flick!
He gave it a light flick.
"Ouch!"
Hestia cried out in pain.
Both hands immediately covered her forehead, tears instantly welling up and swirling in her eyes.
"Why did you hit me?!"
"To wake you up a bit."
Haimer retracted his hand, his tone flat.
"Stop letting your imagination run wild."
"They delivered themselves to the door."
Saying that.
Haimer turned around, gesturing toward the kitchen.
"What do you mean... delivered themselves?"
Hestia rubbed her forehead, looking utterly bewildered.
"Miss Elf lost a bet with me the night before last."
Haimer explained:
"She was willing to accept her loss, so she came to act as a maid to pay off the debt."
Haimer pointed at the desperate-looking Ryu, who was battling an egg that had already turned pitch black.
"Although it seems her professional skills are a bit worrying."
"As for the other two..."
Haimer glanced at Chloe, who had stealthily stuffed a piece of ham into her mouth while Ryu wasn't looking.
"They are the clerk misses who came over to help Miss Elf share the burden."
"Very reasonable, isn't it?"
"Reasonable my foot!!!"
Hestia was dumbfounded.
What kind of development was this?
Losing a bet means becoming a maid?
What kind of bet was that?
And what was up with this 'buy one get two free' operation?
"If you don't believe me, you can go ask them yourself."
"Don't just stand here blanking out, wash your hands and eat."
Mainly, that burnt smell was truly getting to his head. Haimer didn't want to say anything more to Hestia.
He directly strode toward the dining room.
"Oh..."
Although Hestia still had some murmurs in her heart.
Her woman's intuition told her things definitely weren't this simple.
But since Haimer said so, and the burnt smell over there was getting stronger, along with Ryu's increasingly breaking down expression...
It truly didn't look like any romantic or intimate scene.
It looked more like a disaster site.
"Alright..."
Hestia curled her lip.
"As long as it's nothing weird..."
After grumbling a couple of times.
Hestia half-believingly went over to the sink to wash up.
...
A few minutes later.
In the dining room.
Breakfast was already set out on the massive solid wood long table.
Although the process had some twists, thankfully the reliable human Lunor was there, plus the help of Onigawara Rin and the others.
The food finally presented on the table was barely passable.
Golden, crispy toasted bread.
Perfectly fried bacon.
Along with fresh vegetable salad and steaming hot milk.
Except for...
The item sitting right on the plate in front of Haimer.
Ryu.
The Elf girl who usually kept a straight face at the tavern, so cold and aloof that people didn't dare approach her.
Right now.
Looking at that plate set in front of Haimer.
Her originally fair and delicate face was now flushed red, the blush even spreading down her neck.
Those signature pointed ears were drooping, red as cooked shrimp.
Her eyes darted away, completely not daring to meet Haimer's gaze.
Even the hands holding the tray were trembling slightly.
Because on that plate...
Was yet another lump of black matter.
From the silhouette, one could vaguely distinguish that it had once probably, maybe, possibly been a fried egg.
"Sorr... not good at cooki..."
Shame.
Too much shame.
Yesterday she burned a sandwich into carbon.
Today she fried an egg into this hellish substance.
"It's fine."
"After all, everyone has their specialties."
"Everyone has things they are good at and things they aren't, it's nothing to be ashamed of."
Having said that.
Haimer quite decisively pushed the plate in front of him to the side.
"Um..."
Ryu bit her lip.
Seeming wanting to make up for her mistake.
Seeing that the cup in front of Haimer was empty.
She immediately took a step forward.
"Lord Haimer, let me pour you some more."
Perhaps because she was too nervous.
Or perhaps she hadn't recovered from the blow just now.
Ryu's hand trembled slightly while pouring the water.
Splash.
Water spilled out.
Landing on the pristine white tablecloth.
Ryu's face instantly went pale.
"I-I am extremely sorry!!!"
She hurriedly tried to wipe it.
But ended up knocking over the pitcher beside it.
"S-Sorry!"
"It's fine, Miss Elf."
"I understand."
"You all should sit down and eat together."
Haimer helplessly took the pitcher from Ryu's hands and gestured to a few empty seats.
"This..."
Ryu paused slightly.
Looking at the empty seats, she hesitated.
"Isn't this against the rules..."
"There are no rules."
Haimer took a bite of bread.
The taste was okay.
Although not as good as what an outside chef would make, it was at least enough to fill his stomach.
"This is my home, and since it's my home, we follow my rules."
Haimer swallowed his food, looking at Ryu.
"This isn't the shop where you work, there's no need to be so restrained."
"Moreover."
"After all, don't you guys have to hurry back to work?"
"I see it's getting late."
"If you keep dawdling like this and end up late."
"With Mia's temper, she'll definitely get angry."
"!!!"
Hearing the name "Mia".
Chloe and Lunor, who had been standing on the side snickering and watching the show, instantly changed their expressions.
"Ah! Almost forgot, meow!"
Chloe shrieked. The fur on her tail instantly puffed up, standing on end like steel needles, her cat face full of terror.
"If we go back now, we'll definitely be killed, meow!"
"Mama Mia's iron fist... meow doesn't want to experience it a second time!"
Lunor was also looking terrified, her face pale.
"Do we need to hurry back now?"
As Lunor said this.
She turned her head.
Only to find that Chloe, who was screaming just a moment ago, had already dashed to the dining table with astonishing speed.
Ignoring all propriety, she directly grabbed a piece of bread and shoved it into her mouth.
"Mmph! Mmph! Mmph!"
Her cheeks puffed out like a hamster's.
"Hey!"
"Aren't you going back?"
"Go back to what, meow!"
"Meow wants to eat more! Who knows, this might be meow's last meal!"
"Dying without regrets, meow!"
"Hurry up and eat!"
Thus.
It instantly turned into a food-snatching war.
Chloe's posture.
Looked as if it truly was her last meal before the execution block.
So much so that when Hestia came back from washing her face and saw this scene, she immediately let out a loud shout.
"Waaah! No snatching the last bottle of milk!"
"That's mine!"
Hestia also abandoned her Goddess image, directly lunging at the dining table and joining the battlefield.
The dining table instantly descended into chaos.
The clattering of cutlery, shouts of snatching food, and chewing sounds intertwined.
Onigawara Rin and the others, who hadn't even started eating, stared in bewilderment.
Holding their forks, they didn't even know where to begin.
Is... is this the daily life of Orario locals?
So... so intense.
...
Finally.
After a whirlwind-like sweep.
Breakfast concluded.
It even finished twice as fast as normal.
Lunor and Chloe swept away the tableware like a green tornado.
After washing everything with jaw-dropping professional speed.
They hurriedly prepared to take their leave.
"Kami... sama..."
Before leaving.
Ryu stood at the entrance hall of the mansion.
Both hands gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, appearing somewhat uneasy.
Those sky-blue eyes looked at Haimer, hesitating to speak.
She really wanted to say something.
Such as...
When the members of this God's Familia entered the Dungeon next time, would they need her to come along and help?
After all.
As the poster girl for the [Hostess of Fertility], her daily work was truly very busy.
And being seen by acquaintances coming to this mansion dressed as a maid today...
Had already made her feel ready to explode from shame.
If Syr were to see her by chance.
Ryu wouldn't know how to continue living in this city.
Therefore.
Ryu really wanted to quickly resolve this bet that required her to come help every morning.
However.
The words reached her lips.
But Ryu still swallowed them back down.
After all, today she had witnessed with her own eyes how this God rejected the proposal from Ganesha—the Main God of the [Ganesha Familia], one of the largest Familias in Orario—to have a Lv.4 adventurer convert.
That reason—born in sorrow, die in comfort.
To let the Familia's children grow independently.
Since this God even rejected Ganesha's goodwill.
Then.
For her, an outsider Elf...
To bring up the request of settling the bet without joining this God's Familia would obviously be even less likely to be accepted.
Thinking of this, the light in Ryu's eyes dimmed a bit. She ultimately shook her head and swallowed the words she wanted to say back into her stomach.
"...It's nothing."
Ryu raised her head again, recovering her usual calm.
"Thank you, Kami-sama, for bailing them out today."
Seeing Ryu's hesitant demeanor just now, Haimer could somewhat guess that this wasn't what she actually wanted to say.
But since she didn't say it out loud, there was no need for him to point it out.
"It's nothing."
"Hurry back."
"If Madam Mia blames you, you can let me know, I'll explain."
"Yes!"
Ryu nodded heavily.
"Then... see you tomorrow, Kami-sama."
"See you tomorrow."
With that.
Ryu turned around and quickly caught up with Chloe and the others, who were already urging her from ahead.
The three figures soon disappeared at the end of the street.
Watching their retreating backs.
Haimer turned and returned indoors.
He saw.
In the first-floor hall.
The fully fed crowd was sitting on the sofas digesting, looking completely satisfied.
"Alright."
Haimer clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Since everyone is full."
"Then as I said, the rest of the day is free time."
"You can do whatever you want."
"However."
Haimer paused.
A mysterious smile curling up at the corner of his mouth.
"Considering that your efforts and results over the past few days have indeed exceeded my expectations."
"Therefore."
"Tonight, I will prepare a surprise for you."
"A surprise?!"
Hearing these two words.
Everyone's eyes instantly lit up.
"What is it, what is it?!"
Hanasaka Warabi was the first to jump up, her face full of curiosity.
"It's a secret."
"If I say it out loud, it won't be a surprise anymore."
"Anyway, look forward to it with all your might!"
"As for you."
Haimer turned his head, looking at Hestia, who was sprawled on the sofa.
"Haimer... I'm so stuffed..."
He saw.
Hestia, who had fought the fiercest for milk at the dining table just now, was currently paralyzed on the sofa.
Her whole body was sunken into the soft cushions, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling, her signature twin-tails drooping down alongside one of her arms.
One hand was rubbing her slightly bulging little belly, while the other waved weakly in the air.
"So stuffed..."
"I can't take it anymore... I can't move..."
"Haimer, I think I've been sealed."
"Is this some kind of high-level barrier magic?"
Haimer walked over, looking down from above at this salted fish calling herself a Goddess.
"I think this is simply because you ate too much."
"Since you're full, get up and walk it off."
"Don't wanna."
Hestia simply rolled over, burying her entire face into a fluffy throw pillow. Her voice came out muffled, carrying a tone of shameless refusal.
"This is heaven... I'm not going out..."
"The current me has already become one with the sofa."
"Haimer, go do your own thing, leave me be, just let me quietly rot away here..."
"Besides, the sun outside is so... and there's nothing to do anyway..."
"Nothing to do?"
Haimer raised his eyebrows.
Hearing the subtle shift in Haimer's tone.
Hestia, buried in the throw pillow, visibly stiffened.
Then.
Decisively began to play dead.
However.
Haimer had no intention of letting Hestia off. He directly reached out, unceremoniously grabbed the back collar of her clothes, and hoisted her up.
...
Thus.
Orario in the morning was always full of vitality.
Sunlight pierced through the shadow of the massive Babel Tower, scattering over the flagstone-paved streets.
The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread, the clanging of metal from blacksmith shops, and that distinct smell unique to adventurers—a mix of sweat and leather.
The main road leading to the Guild headquarters was also one of the most densely populated areas for adventurers.
Haimer walked in front.
Hestia pouted all the way, displeasure written all over her face, gripping her twin-tails with both hands as she followed behind.
However.
As the two gradually ventured deeper into the crowded areas.
Certain voices, as if they had grown wings, continuously drilled into their ears.
"Did you hear?"
In front of a roadside stall, a few people dressed as adventurers were gathered, discussing something in hushed tones.
"That newly established Haimer Familia made a huge commotion again yesterday."
"Duh, who doesn't know about that."
"Nonsense! It's been spreading like crazy for a while now!"
"A rookie Familia composed entirely of women... no wait, who could even call them rookies now!"
"That black-haired one... what was her name again!"
"Someone saw it with their own eyes!"
"Right at the border between the 12th and 13th Floors!"
"That black-haired one didn't even have a weapon! Completely bare-handed!"
"While being blasted directly by a Hellhound's flames, she tanked the fire and tore it apart alive!"
"Like, literally ripped in half!"
"How are they rookies? They're simply a pack of monsters wearing human skin."
"Who knows where Lord Haimer found so many freaks, it's completely unreasonable."
"And it's highly likely that within half a year, the fastest level-up record held by the [Loki Familia]'s [Sword Princess] Ais Wallenstein is going to be broken."
"Speaking of which, what do you think Lady Loki thinks about this?"
"What would she think? I just saw her acting all buddy-buddy with Lord Haimer yesterday. Those two Gods are old acquaintances from the Heavens."
"So with such a monster Familia suddenly appearing in Orario, and Lord Haimer being so close to Lady Loki."
"What would the [Freya Familia], the other of Orario's two strongest Familias, think about this?"
"Not sure... Orario is afraid..."
The discussions rose and fell.
This was the prototype of heroic legends.
And also the breeding ground for making Gods.
But whether it was fear or reverence.
As long as it made people remember, that was a skill in itself.
Haimer listened to these discussions with an expressionless face, as if all of this was within his expectations, or perhaps he simply didn't care.
However.
He did notice next to him.
Hestia, who had been full of resentment and dragging her feet, suddenly underwent a magical transformation.
Her previous dissatisfaction vanished, suddenly holding her head high and puffing out her chest, looking exactly like a victorious rooster.
"What are you doing?"
Haimer glanced at her, somewhat amused.
"Humph~!"
Hestia hummed smugly, the smile curling at the corner of her mouth that she just couldn't suppress completely betraying her mood.
"Even though they are your children, Haimer."
"Right now, I'm still considered half a Main God living under the same roof as you, aren't I?"
"So this counts as sharing the glory!"
Having said that.
Hestia puffed up her already proud chest, her face revealing the pride of shared glory.
Although those battle achievements had absolutely nothing to do with her.
This obviously didn't stop her from accepting it all wholeheartedly.
Ultimately.
The two talked and listened the whole way.
And eventually arrived at their destination for this trip.
The Guild Headquarters—the Pantheon.
This magnificent white marble building, no matter how many times one looked at it, always exuded an aura of solemnity.
"Speaking of which, Haimer, what are we two doing here?"
It wasn't until she stood on the street in front of the doors, looking at this building that gave off an invisible oppressive feeling, that Hestia seemed to finally react, unable to hold back her curiosity.
"Just updating Kirukiru and the others' adventurer level information."
Having said that.
Haimer strode directly into the Guild hall.
Immediately after.
When Hestia processed what that meant, a shriek carrying a slightly cracked pitch rang out.
"Update what—?!!!"
...
With this.
As Haimer stepped into the Guild hall.
The originally noisy Guild hall experienced an extremely brief pause.
In particular, the initially casual atmosphere clearly became subtle.
"That's..."
"Haimer..."
"The Main God of that monster Familia..."
____
👻🔥Walnut-chan ;)🔥👻
🔥 New history: Group chat of the Dead
✅ Jump 40 chapters ahead of the public release!
✅ Get access to special perks and news!
Help smash these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter (for everyone)
🚀 140 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters (for all stories)!
👻 P - Walnut-chan