This god was Dionysus.
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Dionysus, the god of the [Dionysus Familia], is a male god who exudes elegance from head to toe.
It is said that in the lower world, because of his gentle divinity and handsome appearance, he is loved by many people, especially the children from the orphanage.
As for the strength of the [Dionysus Familia], it is neither strong nor weak, at a mid-level among all of Orario, consisting of one Lv.3, one Lv.2, and over ten Lv.1 members.
The members have never achieved any particularly glorious feats in the dungeon, and since their god Dionysus prefers to adhere to a policy of secrecy, keeping all information about the familia strictly confidential, they have not left a particularly striking impression on others.
It is worth mentioning that both the captain and vice-captain are elves, perfectly matching the god's temperament.
The captain is named Filvis Challia, nicknamed [Banshee], and the vice-captain is Aura Moriel, nicknamed [Krater].
In terms of appearance, both elves can be called beautiful elven women. Especially Aura Moriel, who belongs to the type that men cannot resist.
"By the way, Dionysus. How are the children in your familia doing lately?"
The male god raised his wine glass to Loki in greeting, then shook his head with a wry smile:
"We're nothing like your familia, our strength is quite average. Although they've been working hard to catch up… well, you know how it is."
This is the potential of lower-world children, something even a god cannot fully see through.
The level of potential essentially determines the upper limit one can achieve in the future, and as for excellent children possessing the [Hero's Vessel], they are truly rare.
"Speaking of which, your 'expedition' has already ended, hasn't it? How was the harvest this time? You're not thinking of sharing with us, are you?"
Loki sipped her wine, narrowed her divine eyes, and looked at the equally squinting male god with a displeased tone.
"You won't say anything about yourself, but you still have the nerve to ask others? Hm… this wine at the divine banquet is really quite good."
Demeter smiled, her eyes showing pride:
"This is wine made from grapes cultivated by our familia. The vegetables and fruits at this banquet are also ours. When Ganesha came to purchase them, I was quite surprised. The price for these premium goods was not cheap, they're not the sort of things you find on the market."
"Indeed, Ganesha is quite generous. I suppose almost all fellow Gods in Orario have arrived this time. The quality of the goods must have pleased even Hermes' lot."
Dionysus leaned on the second-floor railing, looking down at the venue as he explained softly:
"This is an important social event. As for Ganesha, his purpose in gathering everyone here is to have them help in holding the Monster Festival Monsterphilia. That's why he's been so generous. The meaning is clear to everyone, it's to ensure that no matter what happens, the gods absolutely must not interfere with the smooth running of the festival."
Loki curved her lips, smiling as she watched Ganesha loudly speaking on the ceremonial stage, swirling her wine glass.
"Ganesha really listens to that old god. Those two are so close they might as well share a pair of pants."
Loki revealed information unknown to most gods. Demeter said nothing, but Dionysus' smile suggested that he was aware as well.
"By the way, Demeter, Dionysus. Will you be attending the festival tomorrow? It's always lively this time of year. It would be wonderful to take the children to enjoy it."
"As for me, it's harvest season, so I still need to take the children to the fields outside the city. There's so much work recently that I'm already overwhelmed, very busy indeed."
The goddess sighed, looking quite unwilling.
The male god, however, smiled gracefully and spoke in his usual roundabout manner:
"I have some matters to take care of tomorrow, sorry, Loki. By the way… since you're asking, could it be…"
"Hmph, of course I'll be going with Ais tomorrow."
Seeing Loki's mischievous grin, Demeter covered her red lips in surprise, her divine eyes narrowing in amusement. Similarly, the male god teased her with interest:
"Loki, you're not planning to cause trouble, are you? In Heaven, your record is far from clean. Your pranks are notorious, people often complain that your territory is in chaos every day."
Loki was instantly displeased.
"Hey hey hey, Dionysus, what do you mean, making it sound like I only do bad things?"
"Can't help it, that's just how everyone sees you. It's a fixed impression, you know? After all, the things you've done have left too deep an impression on the gods. That label's not coming off."
"Tch, those damn gods, so annoying."
Grinding her teeth, Loki turned her head away, about to speak some harsh words of revenge, but when she saw a petite twin-tailed goddess enter the venue, she instantly revealed an evil and fierce grin.
"Hehehe, finally, the little runt has arrived. See you later, Demeter, Dionysus."
With that, Loki dashed off like a sprinter.
"Eh? Loki?"
"Huh, isn't that Hestia? So Loki was looking for her. Come to think of it, those two really get along."
Demeter looked at the squinting, smiling male god. His perfectly smiling face cooled.
"Dionysus, what are you plotting again? Every time you make that face, nothing good ever comes of it."
"Who knows?" The male god still smiled, but it made the goddess' heart sink.
…
The divine banquet was lively and noisy, but in the Loki Familia's home base, things were much quieter.
The [Twilight Manor], quietly bathed in the glow of magical stone lamps.
The lamps emitted a constant, soft and comforting light.
In a corner, Fron was seriously focused at his workbench, engrossed in making something, it looked nearly complete.
"There, that should about do it."
Putting down his tools, Fron stood and stretched, moving his stiff body from holding the same posture for so long, rubbing his temples. Although it had consumed a fair bit of mind to finish this piece of magical equipment, he was quite satisfied with the result.
On the center of the workbench sat a mask with a three-arc smiling face.
The eyes and mouth were simple curves, with no nose.
The mask was primarily black, the three arcs were red.
Just sitting there, it gave off a mysterious air.
[Clown Mask]: Grants invisibility and conceals the wearer's presence and scent.
Made using drop materials from the deep levels of the dungeon, along with mythril and secret crystal from gem beasts, it was given an almost miraculous effect.
Maker: Fron Argon.
It wasn't some world-shaking special effect, but for invisibility alone, only two others in the city could craft it. Adding scent and presence concealment greatly increased its value.
"Overall, not bad." Admiring his work, Fron felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this was the joy of a blacksmith and magician.
"Next… I'll need a matching cloak. Black is best."
"Those guys are deadly with sealing and curses. One careless move and it's game over. I need to be cautious, cautious, and more cautious."
He moved a bit more, then took a sip of water, a trace of wariness in his eyes.
Curses, different from magic, cannot be dodged and almost never miss.
Their effects are varied and extremely dangerous.
For example… a weakening curse that can drop a Lv.6's abilities to Lv.4, a sealing curse that blocks magic, illusion curses that cause hallucinations, binding curses that restrict movement, effects that are bizarre, terrifying, and hard to counter.
Unlike straightforward magic, curses lack direct killing power, but their effects can be just as dangerous, and their unpredictability makes them even more troublesome in combat against people.
Facing a curse user without information and rushing in recklessly usually ends in being taken down instantly.
Information and equipment are crucial here.
Fighting people is a completely different concept from fighting monsters, with a much higher level of difficulty.
Especially when the enemy's methods have no bottom line, it becomes an unavoidable disaster.
"…Judging by the time, tomorrow's the Monster Pheria. Better hurry and get ready." Fron murmured quietly, then, dragging his tired body, returned to work.
Darkness writhed, and an evil shadow was slowly creeping over the entire labyrinth city, though none yet knew.
With the approach of the Monster Pheria, the streets were filled with a festive atmosphere.
People bustled noisily, discussing the programs for tomorrow's coliseum events.
Adventurers set aside their work to raise their glasses for the short holiday.
Shopkeepers seized the day of celebration to launch various promotions for big profits, and the gods looked forward to the unknown of tomorrow.
The city, lit by countless magic stone lamps, was quietly brewing its own undercurrent.
"Ais, see you tomorrow! We promised to go to the Monster Pheria together!"
"Mm."
On the girls' dormitory floor, Tione and Tiona said goodbye to Ais and Lefiya, reminding their friends of the promise for tomorrow.
"Lefiya, here."
"Miss Ais?"
"Thank you for the clothes you gave me, I really like them."
"E–ehhh?" The elf girl blushed bright red.
"Th-that's… I'm glad you like them!"
"Mm, I'll wear them tomorrow."
"Th-that's great! Well, good night, Miss Ais!"
"Mm, good night."
Just then, Fron, having finished his last task, came down the stairs from the fourth floor and happened to see this scene.
His eyes met Ais's at the stairway entrance.
Without speaking, he blinked and moved his lips slightly.
As if telepathically… his words reached the girl's heart without a sound.
"Good night."