At that temporary training ground.
Ais was instantly captivated by the two girls' fluid, incredibly swift high-speed sword techniques, a style of swordsmanship both similar to and distinctly different from her own.
Her heart, yearning for strength, began to beat uncontrollably and violently. She couldn't help but reveal herself and actively requested to join the sparring session, wanting to become stronger!
So, Rod took the opportunity to offer the right for Ais to come and spar with them anytime in the future, in exchange for her "relaying a message to Loki for him."
Ais didn't understand, but for the sake of becoming stronger, she agreed without a second thought.
Rod's idea, in fact, was very simple.
Even with the boost from his reputation, Hestia Familia's foundation was still too shallow to attract truly reliable talent in a short time.
And because the people attracted would necessarily all be girls, and would ultimately be contracted by him…
This further limited the options.
Originally, Rod had planned to place an advertisement with the Guild, but after meeting Ais, he immediately thought of a simpler and more efficient method.
—"Accidental" marketing.
By stirring up Loki's sense of urgency and competitiveness, making her also begin recruiting new members simultaneously, the spectacle of two major Familias competing for recruits would instantly ignite the passion of all Orario.
And Hestia Familia, as the object of competition, would become famous throughout the entire Dungeon City in an instant.
Rod wasn't afraid that Finn and the others would see through this scheme; after all, it was a no-cost venture.
Besides, since the two goddesses made that bet yesterday, coupled with his influence, Rod truly didn't believe Loki could sit still.
He had naturally informed the girls in the Familia of his plan.
At this moment, Noin, while secretly complaining in her heart that Rod "even uses such a cute little girl, he's truly a devil," led the way for Ais.
In the training ground, Che Huiyi sat resting on the side.
Ryu, fully equipped, sharply opened her eyes upon hearing footsteps, her gaze like lightning, meeting Ais's directly.
"Sword Princess."
Ais slowly drew the long sword from her waist, the Sword of Despair glinting with a cold chill in the morning light.
"Gale."
Ryu gripped her wooden sword with both hands, adopting a combat stance.
"This is our first official battle, isn't it? Rod said our fighting styles are very similar."
"Although it's a bit like bullying, I will give it my all. I want to see who among us is stronger."
Like a mirror image, Ais slightly bent her waist, her blade pointing directly at Ryu.
"Then, let's fight."
Sky-blue eyes and golden eyes met for a moment.
The next second, the floor tiles beneath their feet shattered simultaneously,
And two incredibly swift figures, with the whistling sound of tearing air, violently collided!
In Orario's South Main Street, inside Laila's temporarily purchased residence.
After a morning of public opinion fermenting, the place was now packed with people.
Of course, most of them were just there to watch the show.
After all, many adventurers were curious about Rod, who was as elusive as a dragon but whose achievements were terrifyingly brilliant.
"What's going on? They're only recruiting girls? This is discrimination! I should have gone to the Loki Familia instead!"
"They say Goddess Hestia, as a virgin goddess, doesn't like other men in her Familia…"
"Hmph! It's all an excuse. He's a man; if he wants to create a Familia full of girls, it must be for *that*…"
"For what?"
The three adventurers who were loudly grumbling in the queue suddenly shivered in unison.
They turned their heads and saw a beautiful face as cold as frost—it was Runova.
"You… you…"
Runova twisted her neck, letting out a crisp "crack," then clenched her fists, making them creak.
She suddenly grinned, revealing her stark white teeth.
"After spending a few days in the Astrea Familia, I almost forgot what I used to do."
"Keep your mouths shut, because next, it's going to hurt a little~"
Three minutes later, Runova tossed three almost unrecognizable "garbage" out the door, her icy gaze sweeping around.
"Those who don't meet the rules, those who don't want to participate in the interview and are just here to watch, please leave immediately."
"This is not a Familia of purity and justice. Don't think we have the patience to play house with you."
An undisguised, chilling killing intent instantly enveloped the entire scene!
A large number of adventurers who were originally just there to watch the show immediately shivered, turning tail and running away in a panic.
Soon, the area was more than half empty.
Runova sneered, retracting her aura.
She looked back at the remaining crowd, at the girls who, though still trembling, insisted on staying, and secretly praised them in her heart.
"Next person, please continue. Combatants will be assessed by Ke Luoyi, the clumsy cat over there."
"Those who wish to work in logistics, healing, etc., please register with Maliu, the healer over here."
"After passing the interview, you will be informed of the Familia's benefits and rules."
The remaining girls exchanged glances, then all mustered their courage and stepped forward to queue.
Ke Luoyi played with the dagger in her hand, curiously sizing up the first girl who walked up to her.
"The first one is actually of the same race. What's your name, meow?"
The girl in front of her instinctively frowned, her cat ears perking up, then she spoke in a clear and firm voice.
"My name is Anakitty Autumn."
Ke Luoyi was quite surprised and developed a strong interest in this fellow race member.
Not only because her beautiful face seemed to contain a cold, raging fire.
But also because this fellow race member had deliberately changed the unique speech habit of the Cat People, something she only did when on a mission.
If she had to maintain it in daily life, she would go crazy first!
"Before the trial begins, can you tell me why you want to join the Hestia Familia, meow?"
Anakitty hesitated for a moment, then whispered softly.
"I was nearby when Lord Rod killed the Dark Faction executive…"
Ke Luoyi showed a knowing smile.
"I see. Aspiration can unleash powerful strength. Let the cat test your potential, meow!"
Her eyes instantly sharpened.
"I won't go easy just because you're of the same race, meow!"
Anakitty's expression was incredibly firm, and she tightly gripped the small knife in her hand.
"My pleasure!"
Just as the two Cat People began to fight, Aisha's trio also quietly arrived at the recruitment site.
"I didn't expect Lord Rod to transfer to the new Hestia Familia! Does this mean our chance has come?" Lina said excitedly.
Samira scratched her head, a little confused.
"But they say Goddess Hestia is also a virgin goddess… Is Lord Rod really so fond of virgin goddesses?"
Lina was also a bit puzzled, so she simply started guessing wildly, whispering with Samira about Rod.
"Maybe it's because Lord Rod likes pure girls, but aren't there also gods who don't control the power of a virgin goddess but still keep themselves pure?"
"Could it be… he hasn't had a chance to make a move yet?"
Samira and Lina put their heads together, giggling as they began to list all the single goddesses in Orario they had heard about last night.
After an almost sleepless night of inquiries, the three newly arrived Amazonians had gained a considerable understanding of Orario.
Of course, they also had their own unique understanding of Rod, their most focused-on target.
Setting aside the various chaotic rumors from the outside world, the fact that the Astrea Familia, recognized by everyone, made an exception to allow him to join already proved Rod's character.
If Rod still held his ground in that garden full of girls, then he was a respectable good man!
If he completed the union of life with the girls there, it meant he had the blessing of the Goddess of Justice, making him an even more exceptional good man!
In short, Aisha's conviction grew stronger.
Orario certainly had many powerful men, but this was the only guy favored by the Goddess of Justice!
However, they were not in a hurry to appear, intending instead to secretly observe their future competitors first.
Anakitty, relying on her tenacious will, finally gained Ke Luoyi's approval and successfully passed the assessment.
The second to appear was a twelve-year-old young Elf.
Ke Luoyi's eyes instantly lit up, overjoyed.
"Oh, oh, oh! We're actually getting a new cute Elf as a companion, meow!"
The two Elves at home.
One was a stubborn type with severe mysophobia, the other a silent type who only liked to read books.
It was rare to have a new Elf; she must be a normal, soft, and cute junior, right!
However, the young Elf's pretty face was flushed, and she nervously waved her hands.
"Cute, cute… I'm only occasionally praised like that because I'm an Elf; I have no charm at all…"
Ke Luoyi found it quite amusing.
"What's your name, meow?"
"Lolliai… Lolliai Svol."
"And your reason for wanting to join us…"
"I, I encountered a thief who stole a god's wallet at the time, and I was hesitating whether to act, but then Lord Rod coolly caught him in an instant! And he said a profound truth that made me suddenly realize! I think this is a fated encounter! And later, Lord Rod's conversation with the god, although I didn't understand it, I still felt it was amazing! And, and…"
"That's enough! That's enough, meow!"
Ke Luoyi quickly stopped the other party from continuing her incessant long speech.
The terrifying aura gradually rising from the young Elf scared her tail upright.
On the face of what should have been an intelligent and indifferent Elf, that increasingly brilliant smile also looked a bit creepy.
The young Elf came back to her senses, awkwardly holding her short sword and lowering her head, seemingly returning to her well-behaved and normal self.
Ke Luoyi had a headache; she understood for the first time what Selty had once told her in a casual chat.
—"A pure maiden Elf who has experienced 'encounter' is the most troublesome existence."
"Anyway, anyway, let's proceed with the trial, meow!"
The rest of the matter should be left to the culprit, Rod, to worry about himself!
...
The girls who remained on site all possessed a willpower that was striking.
Most of the girls had good potential, but being young, mostly only eleven or twelve years old.
Currently, they were more suitable for systematic training within the Familia and for handling some logistical work.
The Beast People Anakitty, Runey, Koko, and Rakuta.
Meili, a Pallum girl who was attracted by the story of Rod saving Lily and regarded Rod as the Pallum's "Prince Charming."
The Humans Neli, Sharon, Anju, Lisa, Remilia, and Claire.
The remaining girls, however, exuded a formidable aura, and with just a little training, they could immediately enter the Dungeon!
Humans.
Narvi Lor, who had the same dazzling red hair as Alise, but with a refreshing short haircut.
Sofia Flores, with purple hair, skilled in using dual swords, exuding a capable aura.
And Ilta Falna, the infamous "unlawful element" in Orario, who, after being stopped multiple times by Alise and her companions, instead came to admire their acts of standing up for the weak, and feeling unworthy to join the Astrea Familia, thus came to the Hestia Familia.
The Beast People Tabitha, Tamana, and Rabana.
And Lulu, a Dog Person who heard that the Hestia Familia offered good benefits and came to try her luck.
The Elf race had three candidates: Lolliai, Sucia, and Xifen.
And what made the girls most satisfied was probably that this recruitment attracted two girls with an interest and talent for healing!
The shy girl Line.
And… Naza, a Dog Person girl with fluffy brown long hair.
Suzuki Jun, who was responsible for statistics nearby, nodded with satisfaction.
"Twenty-three girls in total, finally a bit like a Familia!"
Aside from core combat personnel, ordinary Familias generally had a large number of logistics personnel and a reserve team.
Rather, Familias like the Astrea Familia, which required high-intensity combat but had very few members, were the anomaly.
The Aisha trio, secretly observing from a distance, looked at these carefully selected, beautiful and formidable girls, and secretly gasped.
"Sister Aisha, there are some very tough competitors here."
Aisha's gaze lingered for a moment on Ilta, the girl with the scarlet hair.
This girl was also an Amazon, and her unyielding spirit was not weak…
At the same time, she shifted her gaze to the three Elves who were gathered together chatting nearby.
Tsk, in terms of appearance alone, they were also formidable enemies.
Samira rubbed her fists, asking excitedly.
"Sister Aisha, aren't we going out yet? This Familia is so interesting! I want to join them! And I also want to fight them!"
Aisha nodded.
"Let's go…"
However, before she could finish her sentence, not far down the street, two girls were running over in a hurry.
They kept looking back from time to time, as if something terrifying was chasing them.
"Quick! Cassandra! We're almost there!"
A brave young woman with short, beautiful red hair was tightly holding the hand of her friend, whom she had only recently met, gritting her teeth and running hard towards the Hestia Familia's recruitment point.
"Daphne... I... I'm out of breath..."
Cassandra, with half her face covered by light blue hair, panted, stumbling along behind.
Daphne retorted coldly.
"No! Absolutely cannot stop! You don't want to be forcibly dragged into that disgusting guy's Familia, do you!"
Cassandra shivered at the thought of that man's face.
"Ugh... Even though we said we wanted to join the Hestia Familia... that god didn't listen at all..."
After a while, they finally saw the girls undergoing trials, and their eyes lit up.
Daphne, ignoring etiquette, quickly shouted for help.
"Hey! Help! Can anyone help us? We want to join the Hestia Familia, but someone is trying to forcibly take us away midway!"
Runova and Ke Luoyi frowned simultaneously, then looked at Suzuki Jun.
In Rod's absence, she could, to some extent, represent Rod's will.
The girls who had just passed the trial also silently cast their gazes, seemingly wanting to see how this nascent Familia would handle such sudden trouble.
Ilta's brown eyes sharply scrutinized them.
"Will they drive them away for self-preservation, or will they accept this trouble for their principles? Let me see your choice..."
Just as the two girls were about to step through the gate of the compound, a playful and repulsive, flamboyant voice echoed from the street.
"My treasures~ I've told you before, no matter where you run, you can't escape my grasp~"
Shaking his glorious golden hair, like sunlight, the god appeared before the girls.