As everyone knew, the most powerful adventurers in the world gathered in Orario—the city that stood above the Dungeon, the sacred ground where adventurers grew strong through battle and hardship.
The Dungeon was the ultimate training ground. Only in Orario could adventurers find monsters worthy of their strength, resources for development, and the gods willing to guide them.
Outside the city, it was a different world altogether.
Without the Dungeon, there were no high-level monsters, no consistent threats to hone one's skills, and as a result, most adventurers in the outside world struggled to grow.
Their levels stagnated at Level 1, and those who managed to reach Level 2 were considered exceptional.
As for Level 3 adventurers? They were as rare as phoenix feathers—almost legendary outside Orario.
And yet, Leon had just made a condition that relied on a foreign adventurer.
A ripple of tension passed through the banquet hall.
Not many gods or adventurers, for that matter, had even heard of Telskyura, let alone had any information about its adventurers.
Apollo certainly didn't. So, when he heard Leon's condition, a deep frown formed on his face as he fell silent in contemplation.
The crowd didn't disturb him. They all watched with anticipation, their eyes filled with growing excitement.
"…Fine." Apollo finally said with solemnity in his tone. "I will allow Hestia's Familia to apply for one external aid. But only one and it must come from outside Orario. That is the condition. There will be no amendments."
As Apollo laid down his terms, his gaze turned sharply toward Hestia.
"No problem, that's perfect!!"
Hestia declared without hesitation, the corners of her lips curling up into a confident smirk.
A glint of mischief flickered in her eyes as she added, "Just as Leon planned."
The declaration set the room ablaze.
"Ohhhhhh!!!"
"That's it, let's go to the Guild now! There's still time—we can apply for the war game today!"
"Yes! Let's not delay another second!"
"A temporary assembly is going to be held! Call everyone who hasn't arrived yet!"
"Finally! A feast we've all been waiting for!"
As Hestia's voice rang through the banquet hall, the atmosphere erupted into wild excitement. The cheers of the gods surged like a tidal wave, spilling out into the wealthy district of Orario, causing passersby and adventurers alike to glance toward the estate in curiosity and awe.
Apollo, raising his chin proudly amidst the chaos, ignored the noise and addressed the room again.
"As you all know, the specific format of the war game will be decided at the assembly tomorrow. For now, we will submit the formal application to the Guild. Anyone object?"
His tone was proud, commanding.
"Not at all." Hestia replied, arms crossed, a smug look on her face. "Just don't regret your decision once the assembly begins."
Her words were light, but the confidence in her voice was undeniable. It was the confidence that only someone with a hidden trump card could possess.
Apollo's face stiffened slightly. He wanted to scoff, to laugh it off, but when his gaze landed on Leon's calm, ever-smiling face, his heart gave a loud thud.
Something about that smile was incredibly unsettling.
Before he could react, a burly male god patted him on the back and shoved him toward the stairs. On the other side, Hestia was likewise nudged forward by a cheerful goddess.
"Go, go, go! No more waiting, head to the Guild now!"
"Let the war game begin!"
The application process was simple and absolute. The will of the gods could not be overturned.
Under the watchful eye of Guild President Royman, the war game between the Hestia Familia and the Apollo Familia was officially approved. The battle was on.
As for the format and content, it would be decided tomorrow—when the gods gathered for the assembly.
Afterward, Leon and the others returned to the library.
It wasn't just Leon and Hestia waiting there. Belle, Lili, and Haruhime were present, along with Hephaestus, Tsubaki, Miach, Naaza, Takemikazuchi, Mikoto, Hermes, Asfi, Loki, and Ais. The room was filled with powerhouses, allies, and curious observers.
"Oi, Leon, just what are you thinking?"
Loki crossed her arms, eyeing him and Hestia suspiciously. "You really proposed a war game with Apollo, and with those conditions?"
"Your Familia only has Belle and that foxy girl Haruhime. And now you've added a restriction—your external aid has to be from outside the city?"
"Seriously, other than those Amazonesses from Telskyura, the adventurers outside Orario are a mess."
Hermes nodded solemnly. "Loki isn't wrong. The conditions your Familia is under… well, let's just say they're far from ideal."
He glanced at Hestia with mild concern.
In the past, he might've offered assistance. After all, Ryuu had once remained hidden in Orario, her identity unknown. With Astraea still outside in Sword City, Ryuu could've been called an 'external' adventurer at the time.
But now, with Ryuu gone and the Hostess of Fertility's girls all officially tied to guild-recognized familias, there were no options left. No secret aces.
"Hehe, I can't say much about this matter," Hestia replied playfully, still smiling. "But don't worry. I'd never gamble with my child's future."
"The Apollo Familia is nothing to be afraid of."
She paused, voice dropping a pitch.
"Besides… I have a trump card."
Her words made everyone frown, especially Loki and Hermes, but no one pressed further. Hestia clearly wasn't going to elaborate.
"…If you're not going to say it, then whatever. But tomorrow, I'll do my best to make sure the war game's format favors you." Hermes offered as he turned to leave, giving her a meaningful nod.
"Same here." Loki added with a sigh. "But you better not get us caught up in something stupid."
With those parting words, the gods began to file out, leaving only the core members behind.
"…Hestia-sama, is this really okay?" Belle asked hesitantly after the room had quieted down. Concern was etched across her face.
She didn't know what Hestia and Leon had planned. All she knew was that she had once been utterly overwhelmed by Hyakinthos, the captain of the Apollo Familia.
She couldn't win. Not yet.
"Don't worry, Belle." Leon said softly, placing a hand gently on her head. "In the days before the war game, go to the Twilight Manor and find Aki. Tell her I sent you—she'll train you without question."
"Leave everything else to Hestia and me."
"Understood, Leon-sama!" Belle nodded, her eyes shining with renewed determination.
At that moment, Lili lowered her head and spoke quietly, disappointment lacing her voice. "I… I'm not part of Hestia-sama's Familia, so I can't help…"
She had been with Belle through countless battles. She had supported her through thick and thin. But now, in this critical moment, she couldn't lift a finger.
Even if she wanted to convert, she didn't have the strength or standing to do so.