Several Days Ago.
Whispers had begun to swirl through the winding streets of Orario—rumors that carried weight, that sparked curiosity and speculation alike.
"Have you heard? The Hestia Familia is rising fast."
"One of their members reached Level 2 in less than a month... What kind of monster does that?"
It all started the moment Yoriichi stopped hiding and publicly revealed his Level 2 status by updating it at the Guild, an act that caused a commotion among adventurers and gods alike.
"They're clearing dungeon floors at an unbelievable pace."
"That samurai guy... the White Shadow... the Ice Mage... and that new one... What's his name again? Wait, I don't think he has a nickname yet..."
These weren't their official titles given by gods, by nicknames commonly used among humans.
"Mr. Yoriichi is such a kind person! He saved us from that War Shadow!"
"Their Ice Mage is seriously handsome..."
"Not just the mage! The entire party looks like they came out of a painting—men and women alike!"
Their fame and popularity were rising like a spark catching flame.
Especially Yoriichi, who had shattered Ais Wallenstein's previous level-up record with overwhelming ease, and Elsa—the Ice Mage—who became a sensation for being not only a mage, but a human Ice Mage, a rare existence in the dungeon city of Orario.
Naturally, in a realm ruled by divine whims, where the gods constantly sought new excitement and intrigue, the Hestia Familia's rapid ascent didn't go unnoticed. Their name soon became a hot topic in divine circles.
And among the ears those whispers reached...
...was Apollo.
Upon hearing his fellow gods speak of the unique individuals within Hestia's Familia—of their beauty, their power, their mystery—Apollo's curiosity was piqued. Deeply.
Driven by both fascination and a hint of possessiveness, the god disguised himself and waited silently near the dungeon's entrance, eager to see these mortals with his own eyes.
And when they finally emerged from the darkness of the dungeon—
He saw her.
And at that moment—
Time stopped.
Apollo's breath caught in his throat.
Her hair—platinum blonde, shimmering like moonlight. Her face—so exquisite it could rival that of goddesses. And the natural, aloof aura of cold she emitted...
The god's heart pounded in his chest. His eyes widened, his cheeks flushed.
'Such beauty...'
His gaze slowly drifted toward Yoriichi.
'Such presence... such aura...'
Then to Bell.
'And such purity… such innocence...'
He very conveniently ignored Levi entirely.
'I must have them. Hestia... that wretched little goddess... she's unworthy of harboring such treasures!'
In that moment, a dangerous obsession took root in Apollo's heart.
And from that very second onward...
Every scheme, every ploy, every manipulation that followed—
—all stemmed from Apollo's maddening desire.
----
One Day Later
Yoriichi sat with his back straight, lost in thought, trying to find a way to ease the tension between himself and Levi, the newest and most distant member of their Familia.
Despite his incredible combat ability, when it came to matters of human connection—he was... woefully inexperienced.
Failing to come up with a solution on his own, he turned to Tsuare for advice.
"Maybe... a meal?" Tsuare suggested, her cheeks tinged with a shy pink as she looked at Yoriichi with subtle, hopeful eyes. "People grow closer when they share food... at least, that's what I've heard."
"I see," Yoriichi said with a soft nod, his expression calm. He completely missed the emotion behind her eyes, failing to read her unspoken feelings.
Later that evening, thanks to Yoriichi's invitation, the Hestia Familia went out for dinner together at a cozy underground restaurant tucked away from the bustling main streets.
"Bell! How did you move like that when fighting that monster!? It was so similar to big bro!" Isobel exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.
"I-It was nothing! I just did what Brother Levi taught me..."
"Wait, what?! Bro taught you!?"
Isobel turned to Levi with wide, sparkling eyes, but he remained silent, sipping his drink as if he hadn't heard her.
Isobel pouted and puffed her cheeks in frustration, while Farlan gave a wry smile at the exchange.
On the other side of the table, Mikasa picked up a piece of meat with her fork and lifted it toward Elsa.
"Sister Elsa, this one is really good. You should try it."
Elsa gave a gentle smile and leaned forward to take the bite, then softly patted Mikasa's head in thanks.
From his seat, Yoriichi watched all of them. The sound of laughter, the subtle clinking of silverware, the peaceful expressions on their faces...
It filled his heart with warmth.
A rare, quiet smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
Even Levi, despite his usual coldness, was silently drinking and staying present.
'Tsuare's idea worked... We should come here more often,' Yoriichi thought.
But just as he was about to take a spoonful of food—
A sharp voice pierced the calm air.
"What's so great about being Level 2? Everyone's acting like he's some kind of hero."
Yoriichi raised his spoon and took a calm bite of his food without reacting.
"He's just Level 2, yet everyone treats him like royalty. And that long hair? Ugh, disgusting."
Bell's smile faded. His eyes narrowed as he turned toward the voice—seeing a Palum dressed in a sharp black uniform, surrounded by his equally uniformed companions.
"I bet he lied about his rank. Probably cheated or bribed someone. Total fraud."
Bell's hands curled into fists. Rage burned in his chest like wildfire.
They were insulting his mentor.
He looked at Yoriichi, only to see his face remained tranquil, focused on his meal.
"Saved people? Pfft. I bet he led the monster to them just so he could act like a hero."
Bell began to stand, but Farlan quickly reached out and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"They're trying to provoke us," Farlan said in a low voice. "Don't fall for it."
It was clear—this group was deliberately trying to start something.
The Palum smirked, then turned to the other diners in the restaurant and raised his voice.
"Oh look! The righteous Hestia Familia is about to show their true colors—attacking anyone they don't like! Hahaha!"
Levi, until now unbothered, narrowed his eyes and set his drink down.
The Palum rose and began strutting through the room, arms spread wide.
"A fake samurai, an angry little white rabbit, and a gang of nobodies following a useless goddess... A perfect bunch of losers."
Tsuare, Ninya, and Elsa all glared at him, their gazes sharp and unwelcoming.
The Palum paused, then gave a mocking smile.
"Oh! How could I forget... the Ice Mage? More like frozen whor—"
He didn't get to finish.
A wooden cup flew through the air with startling speed—aimed directly at his head.
But the Palum, as if anticipating it, dodged it easily.
He grinned in triumph.
"Nice try—"
*CRACK*
He didn't see the foot coming.
With bone-crunching force, Levi's heel slammed down on his face, pinning him against the wooden floor.
"You've mother gave you a mouth," Levi said, his voice cold, "yet all you do is speak from your ass."
"You—"
"Shut up."
Levi pressed harder. The floor beneath the Palum creaked—and then splintered—under the pressure.
Silence.
The Apollo Familia members stood frozen for a moment—stunned.
Then—
"You bastard!"
"How dare you!"
"You'll regret this!"
They surrounded Levi, weapons drawn, eyes gleaming with rage.
And then—
A shadow fell.
A massive, oppressive presence washed over them like a tidal wave. The very air around them seemed to freeze.
Something ancient.
Something monstrous.
Was standing behind them.
They didn't dare turn around.
Their instincts screamed at them—don't move.
Then a voice—soft, calm, terrifyingly gentle.
"Take it back."
Yoriichi had stepped forward. Now, he stood between Levi and the furious members of the Apollo Familia.
"What you said, take it back."
Uncorncerned by the weapons in their hands.
"They are all good, hardworking kids."
Unconcerned by their numbers.
"So don't insult them."
Unconcerned by the differences in their levels.
The members of the Apollo familia tightly gripped their weapons in fear and confusion.
Levi silently looked at Yoriichi, who was covering him.
Honestly.
It felt reassuring to have this guy on their side.
Yoriichi opened his mouth and declared in a calm voice.
"Don't insult my familia."
----
Inside a quiet room, the Hestia Familia gathered.
Lioro stood at the center. His expression was calm but his eyes gleamed with intensity.
Yoriichi stood with his arms hidden inside his kimono. Levi leaned against the door, arms crossed. Farlan and Isobel stood near the wall. Elsa sat beside Mikasa, the girl resting quietly in her arms.
Lioro looked at each of them—his gaze sharp, calculating.
"I've decided," he said, voice low, "to use this opportunity as a test for all of you."
Yoriichi and Levi turned toward him, listening closely.
"I expect you to win," Lioro said. "There is no other possibility."
He paused.
"Apollo Familia wants a war? Then let them have it. Let them understand what separates us. Let them feel the difference between us."
His gaze settled on Yoriichi.
"And don't make me step in."
His voice darkened.
"Because if I do... then nothing will be left behind."
Yoriichi silently lowered his gaze.
He understood.
Hestia raised her hand and smiled, despite the tension in the room.
"Everyone... do your best!"
Lioro rose from his seat.
"Let's go."
And exited the place, followed by his familia members.