A full day had passed since the Loki Familia expedition had returned.
But by the next morning, at the insistence of numerous gods, the Denatus was convened—and this time, the topic was Loki.
It was obvious that Loki's straightforward reveal had enraged most of the gods in Orario.
If she hadn't exposed things so bluntly yesterday, they still could have discussed matters calmly. But Loki had treated them like fools—saying it outright like that… wasn't that clearly mocking them?
So no matter what, they were determined to force Loki to give them answers today.
Of course, the Denatus wouldn't be chaired by just any god. As usual, the neutral god Hermes was chosen.
But Hermes, entrusted with this role, looked painfully conflicted.
The moment he realized those fools had pushed this responsibility onto him, he had wanted nothing more than to scream at them.
'Do you idiots not know that Loki is not someone you can mess with?'
'You blockheads must think that crazy woman runs a charity! With all of you cornering her like this, she's going to snap again!'
Hermes's expression was extremely unnatural. If he had any choice, he truly wouldn't be standing here—nor would he want to preside over this Denatus.
"Ahem… Loki, you should already know the topic of today's Denatus, right?"
Seeing Hermes's troubled face, Loki couldn't help but grin.
"Isn't it just that bunch discovering the connection between me and that kid?"
"I really don't get why these idiots came poking at me. Did they actually think they could get intel on that brat from me?"
"Honestly… if they're courting death, at least pick a better method."
Loki laughed as she spoke, but as she continued, her smile twisted. The ferocity she once held as a mischievous god returned, unmistakable and chilling.
"....."
In an instant, the entire Denatus fell silent.
The gods, who had been furious just moments earlier, sobered up immediately. And when they did, a cold shiver crept down their backs.
"Ah~"
Loki's feral smile slowly faded. Her gaze swept over the crowd of cowards who'd fallen speechless, and she casually propped both legs up on the table, completely shameless as she berated the idiots who dared provoke her.
"My Familia has one Lv.8, three Lv.7s, and several Lv.5s."
"You think you're qualified to play with me?"
The way Loki said it was utterly blunt—she was flaunting, without restraint, the attitude of "I'm the boss of Orario."
"Wait until I'm in a good mood. Then maybe I'll play your little Familia games."
"But piss me off? If I get annoyed… do you believe I won't send every last one of you back to Tenkai?"
Her words overflowed with menace, but not a single god present dared speak up against her.
In that moment, they understood—the rowdy, unruly Loki of Tenkai hadn't disappeared. She had simply reined herself in. That restraint didn't mean Loki had become benevolent—it only meant she'd been following the rules for the sake of the game.
If she ever decided to stop following the rules, she'd trample every last one of them without hesitation.
And given the way this madwoman handled things, once she snapped, she would never spare anyone who'd made life difficult for her.
'Impressive!'
Even Hermes couldn't help admiring Loki's display of pure dominance.
He knew what Loki had been going through lately. Today's explosion wasn't surprising at all—clearly she'd finally been pushed past her limit by these idiots.
'Tsk tsk~ When it comes to sheer presence, Loki really is unbeatable.'
'Look at that—those fools who were about to start shouting earlier immediately got their brains back.'
Hermes thought these blockheads definitely needed to be reminded how to behave, or they'd never understand the meaning of "knowing their place."
As for their current predicament, Hermes had only two words for them:
Serves you right.
"They were asking for death."
Loki swept a cold glance over the cowards who had picked this fight, snorted lightly, and began to rein in her rogue-like aura.
"Apollo!"
Apollo—who had been quietly watching from the back row like a melon-eating spectator—froze when Loki called his name. The hand supporting his chin gave out, and his jaw smacked onto the table.
"Hey—Loki, I didn't bother you this time!"
He quickly added, clutching his chin.
He really hadn't joined the mob today. He'd been nothing but a spectator—otherwise he wouldn't have been sitting so far in the back, watching everything silently. Especially earlier, when Loki exploded, he had enjoyed the show a little too much.
But before he could even savor that thrill, Loki called his name.
That alone scared him half to death.
…Even at a glance, Loki could tell this guy would never dare scheme against her.
He might act lively on normal days, but he was the textbook example of a bully who preyed on the weak. He only went after people like "the little shorty"—those who clearly lacked strength. He'd never dare go near someone stronger.
"Bullshit! Of course I know you only pick on the weak."
There it was.
Normally, if someone accused him of bullying, Apollo would at least check who said it. If the person was weak, he'd immediately put on a righteous face and teach them a lesson. But Loki? Forget it. She was a monster.
'Thank goodness my reputation is accurate. Otherwise I'd really be dead today.'
Apollo knew his thought was shameless—but when compared to dying? Shame was worthless. A face was useless. Life mattered more.
"So… Loki, what do you want me for?"
As long as she wasn't looking for trouble, Apollo instantly felt calmer.
Loki glanced again at the cowardly gods—claiming they came to trouble her, yet now all hiding in their shells like frightened turtles.
"You're going to speak on behalf of these idiots who can't open their mouths. Let this old lady hear whether they still have a functioning brain."
Apollo's legs nearly gave out again, and he almost smashed his chin on the table a second time.
Propping himself up with both hands, his face contorted rapidly. Swallowing hard, he cautiously asked,
"Loki… you… you're not planning to kill me, right?"
"…Apollo. You'd better get over here. Especially before I actually get angry."
"!?"
Apollo instantly shook away the weakness in his knees and practically sprang into place beside the other idiots.
But his expression was anything but calm—he looked like he was seconds away from crying.