Early the next morning.
The morning sun pierced through the clouds, scattering across the damp grass.
All the adventurers in the camp were already geared up and gathered in the central clearing.
Artemis stood on a raised rock, her blue high ponytail gently swaying in the morning breeze.
She surveyed the crowd, her voice clear and firm as she called out, "Brave adventurers, thank you for answering my call and coming here!"
"Due to time constraints, and since you already know the detailed situation, there's no need for pleasantries."
"Today, we will split into two groups—"
She pointed towards the distant Great Tree Sea, shrouded in dark red:
"The Hermes Familia and other Familias, please be responsible for attracting the infant Antares on the periphery and ensuring your safety. As for the Hestia Familia..."
Her gaze fell on Yingping, and she declared loudly, "You will accompany me deep into the ruins to face the most powerful enemy."
A stir went through the crowd.
Someone asked, "Why can only the Hestia Familia enter the ruins? Can't we?"
Artemis explained, "Considering the disparity in combat power, and coupled with the fact that only I can open the ruins' gate, the Hestia Familia is the most suitable to enter..."
She paused. "As for Mr. Yingping, the leader of the Hestia Familia, he is also the only one who can use the divine weapon, Orion's Spear."
At this, everyone had no further objections to Artemis's arrangement.
Yingping stood at the very back of the line.
He distributed the [Book of Experience] to Ilena, Chisato, Takina, and Karyl.
"This is...?"
Ilena looked at the golden book in her hand, puzzled.
"Open it, and your levels will instantly increase."
Yingping explained with a smile.
"Buzz~"
As the four books were simultaneously opened, dazzling golden light enveloped the girls.
[Follower: Ilena]
[Level: LV11 -> LV18]
[Skills Gained: Meditation, Magic Techniques]
[New Magic Gained: Meteor Shower, Falling Star Meteorite...]
[Follower: Chisato]
[Level: LV11 -> LV18]
[New Skills Gained: Rapid Fire, Gale Step...]
[Follower: Takina]
[Level: LV11 -> LV18]
[New Skills Gained: Sure-hit Shot, Piercing Arrow...]
[Follower: Karyl]
[Level: LV10 -> LV18]
[New Magic Gained: Sacred Domain, Sacred Resurrection Light...]
"Unbelievable, power is constantly surging out...!"
Chisato looked at her hands in surprise.
Takina gripped her longbow, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now I feel like I could take on ten of my former selves..."
Karyl was also incredibly happy. "Master, I have learned new barrier magic, and resurrection magic!"
Yingping smiled and ruffled her head. "Good, congratulations. Karyl will be able to help everyone even more now."
Just then, Yingping noticed that Artemis had finished her pre-battle pep talk.
He quickly walked towards the goddess and said, "Artemis, come here for a moment, I have something to tell you."
Yingping briefly explained about the [Sacred Oath].
He had expected her to consider it, or even refuse, but to his surprise—
"I am willing."
Artemis answered without hesitation, her eyes shining with firm resolve. "Let's form the contract now."
Yingping was taken aback. "Wait, are you sure? This means you..."
"I know what it means."
Artemis interrupted him. "But I have already decided."
The two found a secluded corner, and Yingping took out the [Sacred Oath] that glowed with golden light.
"What do I need to do now?"
Artemis asked.
"Hold it, and then..."
Before Yingping could finish speaking, Artemis had already snatched the contract crystal and simultaneously grabbed his hand.
"Is this how it works?"
Artemis smiled.
The crystal instantly erupted in dazzling light, enveloping the two of them.
[Sacred Oath being formed...]
[Target Detected: Artemis]
[Trust Level: 100%]
[Affection Level: 100%]
[Contract Established!]
When the light dissipated, a faint golden crescent moon mark appeared on Artemis's forehead, then faded away.
[Follower: Artemis]
[Level: Sealed (Current LV1)]
[Traits: Divine Preservation, Arcana Control, Hunting Mastery]
[New Skills Gained: Moon Goddess's Arrow, Moonlight Barrier, Moon Slash]
Artemis felt the new power flowing within her, her eyes sparkling with surprise. "Orion, my body now has a physical form, I can live!"
"It actually... succeeded?"
"A goddess really became my follower?"
Yingping's mouth hung open, his expression somewhat disbelieving.
Artemis tilted her head, her blue high ponytail swaying in the wind, and asked happily, "What's wrong? You seem even more surprised than I am."
"Yes..."
Yingping took a deep breath. "I didn't expect things to go so smoothly, after all, you are a genuine goddess..."
"What about being a goddess? No matter what, I am your follower now."
Artemis smiled and interrupted him, her eyes gentle as she said, "This is wonderful, Orion, I can be by your side forever now."
Yingping came back to his senses, looking at the happy Artemis in front of him, a smile unconsciously curving his lips. "Is that so? I'm happy too."
But then his expression turned serious. "However, Artemis, this matter... it's best to keep it a secret for now."
"Because I'm really not sure how the other gods would react if they knew a goddess became a human's follower."
"My current strength is still too weak; to put it harshly, I'm just a toy in the eyes of you gods."
"Even though you gods have sealed your divine power and cannot use it in the lower world, once that divine power is unsealed, eliminating a human like me would be effortless."
Artemis gently shook her head, understanding glinting in her eyes. "It's not like that, Orion."
"And you don't need to belittle yourself so much."
"This world needs heroes, and gods will not easily attack humans."
"Even if a god disregards everything and attacks you, Hestia and I will definitely protect you with our lives."
Hearing this, a touch of emotion appeared on Yingping's face. "Artemis..."
"Yes, I will also be careful to keep the contract a secret, even from Hestia, I won't tell her."
Artemis smiled, placing her hand on her chest. "Don't worry, I swear by the name of the Goddess of the Moon."
Yingping breathed a sigh of relief, then asked with concern, "After becoming my follower, do you feel anything special? For example, your body... is there any discomfort?"
Artemis shook her head again, her silver-blue hair gently swaying in the morning light.
Her eyes suddenly softened, and she said tenderly, "No, Orion... I feel really good right now..."
"It's just..."
A faint blush spread across her cheeks. "I think I've fallen even more in love with you. I can't leave you."
She took a step forward, Take the initiative to hold Yingping's hand and lean on his arms: "Now, I'm willing to do anything for you."
This sudden, bold confession warmed Ying Ping's heart.
He glanced around, confirmed no one was paying attention, then suddenly leaned down and gently kissed Artemis' soft lips.
"Me too. I love you, Artemis," Ying Ping said earnestly.
"Ah!"
Artemis' eyes widened, and her fair cheeks instantly flushed crimson.
"R-really, what if someone saw us...?" she whispered in protest, but her eyes were filled with a sweet smile.
Ying Ping smiled, holding her hand. "I don't think it matters. After all this is over, you'll come back to Orario with me."
Just then, the sound of a rallying horn echoed through the camp.
The two exchanged a smile and simultaneously turned to join the assembled ranks.
Members of various Familias were already fully prepared.
Hermes stood at the front of the line, a rare serious and solemn expression on his face. "Everyone, the time for our expedition has come!"