"Thank you," Finn said to Rayleigh.
From Finn's perspective, the main reason they had been able to bring two such exceptional talents into Loki Familia was because Rayleigh had stepped aside.
Before they arrived, Rayleigh had already reached this place first, and judging by the situation, he had already subdued the two of them.
If he had wanted to, those two would most likely have joined Hephaestus Familia because of him.
Thinking of that, Finn suggested, "How about we have a meal together later?"
Rayleigh shook his head.
"Sorry, I still have something to take care of. Maybe next time."
"Oh?"
Finn's eyes flickered slightly.
Loki Familia had already received information about what this boy had done in Rakia Kingdom.
Right now, within that kingdom, Rayleigh was already being treated like a monster out of legend.
"I see.... That's a shame, then next time it is."
When Ais heard Rayleigh refuse the invitation, her expression dimmed as well.
She had wanted to ask him about Zanpakutō training.
Noticing her disappointment, Rayleigh found it a little adorable.
He reached out, patted her head, and said, "If there's anything you want to ask me, you can come directly to my shop."
Ais suddenly lifted her face and looked at Rayleigh.
Then she nodded firmly.
After that, Rayleigh left the tavern and went to the Guild.
Under the guidance of a Guild employee, he entered a secret room.
At this moment, a group of people had already gathered there. It seemed they had only been waiting for him.
"Am I late?"
"No. There is still time before the appointed hour."
The one who spoke was a mysterious figure completely covered by a cloak, making it impossible to see what was beneath.
The moment Rayleigh saw him, he recognized his identity.
The Sage, and also the Fool.
An immortal who had lived for eight hundred years, Fels.
Although he was not a member of Ouranos's Familia, he was employed by him, more like a mercenary.
At present, he served under Ouranos and obeyed his instructions.
This was a great mage who had truly created the Philosopher's Stone.
A legendary figure.
Aside from him, the people present included Rayleigh's own patron goddess, Hephaestus, as well as the Familia captain, Tsubaki.
The others were Phobos, the goddess of Leo, and her dependent, Welf.
Five people in total.
With Rayleigh, there were six people.
Rayleigh came to Hephaestus's side and stood behind her together with Tsubaki, one on the left and one on the right.
Seeing him arrive, Tsubaki was the first to greet him.
"Yo, Rayleigh-boy. You did pretty well this time."
Seeing her act as if none of this had anything to do with her, Rayleigh immediately said pointedly.
"Is that so? That's good. Though I heard someone ran away. I wonder who that was?"
"Uh."
"Ahaha."
Tsubaki scratched her head and laughed heartily, clearly trying to bluff her way through it.
Rayleigh sighed, helpless.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Fels said, "Then, let us complete the final step required for the commission's payment."
He raised both hands, which were covered by gloves.
"Welf Crozzo, and the two goddesses, please step forward."
The red-haired boy walked out somewhat nervously.
Hephaestus and Phobos stood to his left and right respectively.
"Then we shall now begin the Conversion."
The people present were divided into three sides.
The Guild, representing both itself and Ouranos.
Phobos, the one who had issued the commission.
And Hephaestus, who had accepted the commission.
Among the contents of the commission, one of the final rewards Hephaestus Familia would receive was Welf Crozzo, the Magic Sword smith.
It might sound suspiciously like human trafficking, but in truth, Phobos had already negotiated privately with Hephaestus.
Hephaestus Familia was the best place for Welf to go.
Phobos, who had only just arrived, had only Welf as her dependent.
A Familia like that was far too weak.
Not only was the Familia itself weak, its member was also far too young.
Welf could not properly protect his patron goddess, because he was still only a child.
And Phobos could not properly protect Welf either.
Because of Welf's talent, he would easily be targeted by other Familias.
If another Familia declared a War Game against them, and they lost, then they would lose everything.
For Phobos Familia, Welf's existence was like owning a priceless treasure while lacking the strength to protect it.
However, if Welf was officially converted into Hephaestus Familia through a Guild commission, then not only in name and form, but also in practical reality, everything would become completely reasonable.
Moreover, Hephaestus Familia was the strongest production-type Familia in the city.
They could fully protect Welf Crozzo and keep him from being threatened.
As Phobos's friend, Hephaestus had immediately agreed.
It was not only because Welf could forge Crozzo Magic Swords, but more than anything, because she wanted to help her friend.
Crozzo Magic Swords were indeed powerful.
But Hephaestus would not force him to use his power to earn profit for the Familia.
Just as she had never forced Rayleigh to forge Zanpakutō for the Familia, smiths might belong to a Familia, but they were free.
That was Hephaestus Familia.
Phobos unlocked Welf's Falna, changing it into a state where Conversion could be performed at any time.
Then Hephaestus dripped her divine blood and transferred Welf's Falna under her own name.
With that, Welf Crozzo became a member of Hephaestus Familia.
After the procedure was complete, Fels certified it.
"It is done, the Conversion is complete. The commission's reward has been fulfilled, and the commission itself is now fully concluded."
"Then, I'll be counting on you from now on, Welf."
Hephaestus crouched down and spoke gently to Welf, while also exchanging a glance with Phobos.
Phobos, having completed the Conversion, also let out a breath of relief.
The heavy stone in her heart had finally fallen.
She had been very worried that she would fail again and fall into the abyss.
Orario had a system known as War Games, wars fought between Familias.
Once a Familia lost a War Game, the defeated side would lose everything and be disposed of however the winning side wished.
Just like when Apollo Familia lost to Hestia Familia, Apollo Familia had been disbanded, Apollo himself was driven out of the city and forbidden from returning, and all of the Familia's property had gone to Hestia Familia.
It was like the Gift Games of a certain Little Garden.
The victor could claim everything from the loser.
That was why she could not protect Welf.
But now, everything was fine.
With Hephaestus's protection, Welf could grow stronger in peace.
"Then I, an outsider, shall take my leave. Please continue as you wish."
After Fels completed his duty, he informed everyone and quickly left, leaving behind the four members of Hephaestus Familia and Phobos.
"Phobos, what do you plan to do from now on?"
"Mm. I think I'll freely enjoy life in the Lower World. As for starting a Familia... I'll forget about that."
Phobos smiled faintly.
But that smile looked sad and forced.
Hephaestus did not know what she should say to comfort her friend.
In her heart, she could only condemn Ares for what he had done, leaving such a wound in her friend's heart.
'That bald bastard..... he really was hateful!'