Recently, a rumor had spread through Orario.
A rumor that the remnants of Evilus were plotting something within the Dungeon.
Since even a toddler knew how dangerous Evilus was, the Guild had considered dispatching the Astraea Familia to uncover the truth behind the whispers...
"I will not allow it."
But they did not.
"And why not?"
At a meeting of the gods convened to address the rumors, Ouranos, the head of the Guild, opposed the Astraea Familia conducting the investigation.
"The Astraea Familia is currently responsible for maintaining public order. If these rumors are merely a ruse spread by Evilus, we risk losing the very Familia tasked with keeping the peace."
"Isn't that a bit of a stretch?"
A god who managed a mid-sized Familia remarked.
"Even if it is a stretch, there is no harm in being cautious."
"Then what do you propose?"
"Loki."
"What of it?"
"How about sending your children?"
"Are you out of your mind? My kids aren't here to run errands for you lot!"
"In that case, we shall make it an official request."
"..."
"To start, a base payment of three hundred million valis. Furthermore, for every trace of Evilus discovered and reported, I will add another ten million valis."
"In exchange, you'd better be honest if you're hiding something from us."
"...Very well."
"Now that the other boys have cleared out, spill it. Why are you so desperate to find traces of Evilus?"
Once they were alone in the meeting hall, Loki was the first to speak.
"...First, I assume you remember that Evilus attacked Orario several years ago?"
"Of course I remember."
"On the first day of that attack, the Guild had a precious treasure stolen from its vault."
"Don't tell me you're doing all this just to get back one piece of jewelry?"
"Yes."
"Just how incredible was this treasure that Evilus went through the trouble of stealing it?"
Driven by genuine curiosity, Loki questioned Ouranos.
Ouranos replied with a solemn expression. "A holy sword... a holy sword destined to save the lower world."
"...Are you insane?!"
Though she had never seen the blade herself, Loki knew exactly how significant such a weapon would be, and she barked back at him.
"To be precise, it is an unfinished holy sword."
"Unfinished?"
"Long ago, a certain blacksmith poured his very life force into its creation, leaving it incomplete."
"...And that's why you want it back?"
"Yes. The core of the request is to recover that holy sword from Evilus."
"Fine, I get the gist. Let's pick this up again tomorrow."
"Very well."