Allen Fromel is a powerhouse adventurer in Orario.
Ever since the former captain, Mia, retired, Ottar became the captain, and Allen—being slightly weaker—took the position of vice-captain.
Although he was extremely displeased about it, since it really did feel like being the "eternal second," the truth was he simply couldn't beat Ottar.
Even so, Allen's strength was far beyond what ordinary people could handle. Take the Loki Familia for example—their three executives, any one of them in a one-on-one fight with Allen, might not even gain the upper hand.
This alone showed just how powerful Allen was. And yet, even so, Elise still said that sentence...
"If you attack again, I'll have to use some special measures... I hope you can understand, Allen."
Allen could clearly hear the tone in Elise's voice—it was like an elder speaking to a child...
That infuriated him. Did she really see his actions as something childish and laughable?
Not only that, Allen even felt that this detestable woman before him carried the same arrogance as his own goddess, Freya...
That same attitude of looking down upon all living beings!
The more he looked at Elise like this, the more she resembled Freya!
I actually... mistook a stranger for Lady Freya?
Allen grew furious—but the target of his anger was not Elise, but himself!
"I absolutely won't allow it!"
"Aaaargh—!"
Allen completely erupted. Roaring, he charged toward Elise. Though he held no weapon, the physique of a Level 6 was nothing to scoff at.
An ordinary Level 2 or even Level 3 adventurer could very well be left on the brink of death from a single collision with him.
And due to the already close distance, such a sudden assault was even harder to guard against.
Arriving in front of Elise at extreme speed, Allen once again threw a punch just like before. Though he didn't possess strength on par with Ottar, the power amplified by his speed was absolutely not something to be underestimated.
Moreover, this was the attack of a Level 6 adventurer!
Thud!
The attack... connected!
There was no dust, no obstruction—so every adventurer present could see exactly what had just happened.
When Allen closed in, Elise raised her right hand. Though it looked incredibly slow in everyone's eyes, it still moved faster than Allen, arriving ahead of his punch.
Then, Elise extended the index finger of her right hand—and pressed it against Allen's fist!
"She blocked it?"
"You've got to be kidding... Is she really Level 4?"
Countless people were left dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes. It was simply too incomprehensible!
Anyone could tell Allen's attack carried real power, yet Elise had blocked it with just a single finger.
Before anyone could recover from their shock, Elise immediately made her next move.
"Sorry about this, Allen."
The golden-haired girl wore a gentle smile, with perhaps a hint of regret in her tone.
"I'll have to use some special means to let you rest for a while. As for the outcome of this meeting, you'll have to hear about it from Ottar after you return to the Familia."
The moment her words fell, Elise's left hand formed into a knife-hand strike, descending toward Allen at a speed everyone present could clearly see.
Dangerous!
He had to dodge immediately!
Though hot-tempered, Allen was still an experienced adventurer with sharp instincts.
From the fact that Elise had blocked his attack with a single finger, he clearly understood that he was inferior in strength. So he decided to rely on his advantage—speed—to attack.
Unfortunately, Elise had already prepared for that.
His body... wouldn't move?
Faint starlight appeared around Allen. Though minimal, it was just enough to restrain him.
It didn't need to last long—just a few seconds would suffice.
Right on cue, Elise's knife-hand struck Allen's head, a crisp sound echoing throughout the conference room.
Allen of the Freya Familia couldn't even resist—he was knocked unconscious by a single strike.
After Allen collapsed, Elise still used her Power of the Stars to move him beside Ottar, as if his earlier insults toward her had never existed.
Ottar merely glanced at the unconscious Allen before ignoring him. With his years of experience, he could tell Elise had only knocked him out and caused no real harm.
"Let's continue the meeting. Allen's matter ends here."
Ottar showed no intention of pursuing the matter.
After all, just moments ago, he had tried to stop Allen and protect him. But since Allen refused, there was no need for that protection anymore.
Ottar was not the type to impose his will on others.
Since you chose this path yourself, then you must bear the consequences of your choice.
Even if that consequence is death—you must accept it!
That was Ottar's attitude.
However, in the eyes of the other adventurers, Ottar's behavior seemed rather strange.
Could it be... he was wary of Elise?
Many adventurers had this question in their hearts, but none dared to voice it.
After all, who would want to court death?
But after this incident, the influence of the Astraea Familia in Orario would likely become even more outrageous.
Elise's name would surely spread even further!
Allen's little episode passed just like that. As for the rest of the meeting, there wasn't much to say.
Elise read things out, and everyone else simply nodded in agreement.
Ottar was a warrior—he didn't understand these matters very well. As long as it sounded reasonable, he agreed.
Finn, on the other hand, considered things more deeply. While Elise's proposals would have significant impact on Orario, they were beneficial in the long run, so he also agreed.
...
This was what had happened several days ago. Elise had elevated the Astraea Familia to a whole new level.
"Ottar."
Freya softly called the boaz's name.
"Right now, how confident are you in facing Elise?"
"Not even the slightest bit."
The question was too simple. Though the answer was cruel, it was reality—adventurers speak with strength.
"I see..." Freya lowered her head in thought.
Back then, Level 6 Ottar could only face Level 1 Elise.
Now Elise had reached Level 4, while Ottar was only Level 7...
The gap was far too large!
"Then what if... our entire Familia faced Elise alone?"
Freya's words made Ottar pause. After thinking carefully for a moment, he replied, "There might be a slight chance of victory."
"That's enough!"
Freya smiled and left the balcony, preparing to depart from the top of Babel.
Elise's growth speed was simply too fast. If this continued, in another year, the Freya Familia would be completely crushed by her!
After all, the leap from Level 4 to Level 5 was an extremely significant dividing line for adventurers!
If Elise crossed it, Freya would lose her chance to obtain her forever.
"Ottar."
"I am here, Lady Freya."
Freya turned her head slightly, the obsession in her eyes toward Elise now almost impossible to conceal.
"Go inform everyone in the Familia and say..."
"Prepare for battle!"