"Have you heard? Hephaestus Familia is selling spatial rings!"
"Yeah. They say a craftsman who knows spatial magic made them. One costs 8 million valis for just 1m³."
"8 million… How long would it take me to earn that?"
"Stop dreaming in the middle of the day."
People were already discussing the rings throughout the streets.
Cao Ye had provided 100 rings to Hephaestus Familia.
At 8 million each, that was 800 million valis total.
After Hephaestus' commission, Cao Ye would still earn over 700 million.
Of course, selling all 100 would take time.
After all—
Not everyone could casually spend 8 million valis.
"Cao Ye!"
Cao Ye brought Chun Ji to the Hostess of Fertility to celebrate.
But the moment he arrived—
He ran into a group of people.
"Tiona?"
The cheerful girl in front was Tiona.
Behind her stood members of Loki Familia:
Captain FinnThe other two executives: Riveria and GarethAis WallensteinBete LogaTioneLefiyaRaul, Aki, and others
"Long time no see, Cao Ye!" Tiona greeted enthusiastically.
"It's only been a few days," Cao Ye replied.
Finn stepped forward as well.
"It's been a while."
Finn had once guided Cao Ye's training, so they were already acquainted.
The atmosphere quickly became friendly.
Even though they belonged to rival Familias, the interaction wasn't tense.
"So you're the kid Freya talked about."
"I'm seeing you for the first time."
A Kansai-accented voice spoke.
It was Loki herself.
Among all the gods in Orario, Loki was one of the few Cao Ye truly feared.
Not just because of mythology—
But because in Heaven she had actually killed several gods on a whim.
No grudges.
Just boredom.
"To be honest," Loki said with a grin,
"I don't see what's so special about you."
"You're not as good as my Ais."
"Ais is already Level 5," Cao Ye replied calmly.
"I obviously can't compare."
Loki burst out laughing.
"You're good with words, kid."
But behind the smile, her eyes glinted.
Mortals couldn't lie to gods.
Cao Ye said one thing—
But that wasn't what he truly thought.
Freya had claimed he might become a future hero.
Loki didn't quite believe it.
"Cao Ye… is strong."
Suddenly Ais spoke.
Everyone froze.
Ais never lied.
If a Level 5 like her said he was strong—
Then he definitely wasn't weak.
Bete glanced over briefly.
But quickly lost interest.
Someone like Cao Ye didn't even register to him.
"By the way," Finn said.
"We're holding a celebration banquet. Want to join?"
Finn wanted to build goodwill.
Cao Ye's growth rate and talent were extraordinary.
Better to be friends than enemies.
Even Freya and Loki sometimes cooperated.
"I'll pass," Cao Ye replied.
"It's your Familia's celebration. I won't intrude."
"Alright."
Finn didn't press further.
But Loki kept staring at Cao Ye as he walked away.
"Loki, what were you looking at?" Finn asked.
"Finn," Loki replied quietly.
"In the future, don't get too close to that kid."
"Even if you interact with him—keep some distance."
Finn frowned.
"Why?"
"That kid isn't simple."
"No wonder Freya keeps him so close."
"Just remember what I said."
"...Understood."
Meanwhile, Cao Ye had already entered the Hostess of Fertility.
The encounter with Loki Familia was just a minor episode.
"Chun Ji," Cao Ye said happily,
"Order whatever you want."
"We're rich now."
After all—
His crystal card currently held 25 million valis.
15 million from selling three rings.
10 million from selling the Goliath Hide Armor.
And thanks to Golden Rule, the money had practically walked straight into his pocket.
Cao Ye had officially become—
a rich man.
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