The next day, Levi deliberately visited the Guild library and, through the index, found all records related to 'Scorpio' Artemis.
This black monster, back thousands of years ago before the gods descended, was indeed a terrifying existence that humans could not eliminate.
It could only be sealed away with the help of immortals and spirits.
Even now, according to estimates by later scholars, its potential ability is at least Lv.7.
It is an opponent that requires a top-tier familia like Loki Familia to go all out to defeat.
Ottar at the Lv.7 peak—saying he could solo it might be exaggerated, but if the Goddess of Beauty orders it, dispatching one Lv.7, three Lv.6s, and four Lv.5s simultaneously would allow them to take down this monster relatively easily.
As for Levi...
With his current three Heroic Spirit Class Cards, activating any one for possession would theoretically allow him to steamroll the opponent.
But just like after beating Ottar the day before yesterday, the Feat progress bar on his character panel didn't budge because his state was completely overwritten by the Heroic Spirit's power in the Class Card; even defeating a powerful opponent wouldn't grant him any experience.
So from the beginning, he decided to challenge Artemis with his main body, resorting to 'Limited Deployment' only if absolutely necessary.
That said, he didn't neglect the necessary preparations.
Various recovery potions, universal medicine, antidotes, tents, heating equipment, machetes, water bottles...
Of course, the familia-exclusive items for strengthening Alise and Gojouno Kaguya during the boss fight—high-tier enhancement wine, high-tier enchantment wine, high-tier force field wine.
All obtained by Levi through purchase or self-made, then categorized into his inventory.
Afterward, he visited the Ganesha Familia's base and, leveraging the friendship from previously treating a group of disabled adventurers, easily rented three wyverns tamed since young that even novices could control and ride.
By the time all preparations were complete and he returned to base, it was already late afternoon.
In the church basement living room, besides Hestia, Liliruca, Alise, and Gojouno Kaguya, there were now two new faces.
One had deep blue waist-length hair, her left eye obscured by bangs, appearing somewhat timid and weak.
The other had red hair and golden eyes, hand on hip, exuding an energetic and straightforward vibe at first sight.
"Cassandra Ilion, and Daphne Lauros."
Although Levi had sent Hestia to the recruitment fair specifically, he naturally knew what the recruits looked like.
Seeing the two nod upon hearing their names, he immediately showed a gentle smile.
"Since you've come here, I assume you've decided to join Hestia Familia, or at least have some interest in it."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Levi Bright, captain of Hestia Familia, a Lv.4 adventurer."
How could Cassandra and Daphne not be familiar with this ruthless person who personally destroyed Apollo Familia and even defeated 'The Fierce' Ottar?
Even when Hestia extended the olive branch at the recruitment fair, they were incredulous.
What merit did they have to earn the favor of Orario's top powerhouse?
Unlike Cassandra, who had grown introverted due to her awakened skill, Daphne couldn't hide her thoughts. After shaking Levi's hand, she spoke directly:
"Lord Levi, at the recruitment fair, I asked Lady Hestia why you two took interest in us. She didn't answer, saying you would explain personally."
"Now, can you tell us?"
Cassandra carefully lifted her head, curiosity on her face.
Levi's smile remained unchanged, but his words carried a hint of cruelty:
"Hestia Familia is recruiting you because you're Cassandra's friend. We're recruiting Cassandra because she awakened a skill that gods cannot read."
Daphne: "..."
Cassandra: "?!
Everyone else except Hestia: "???"
Levi turned to the deep blue-haired girl:
"Cassandra, I know you sometimes have prophetic dreams, and no matter how you explain, no one believes you."
Mentioning this made Cassandra distressed.
Every time she tried to warn others after a prophetic dream, she was misunderstood; that 'everyone drunk but me sober' agony could only be understood by those who've experienced it.
Levi continued:
"That's because your awakened skill carries a curse of disbelief. Only high-level adventurers with 'Luck' Development Ability, or those who utterly trust you, are immune."
"And I awakened 'Luck', and learned of your situation through channels."
Pausing here, Levi believed she understood.
The next instant, tears welled in her eyes:
"Lord Levi, you mean you're willing to believe me?"
"Otherwise, why recruit you?" Levi retorted. "I can nurture powerful adventurers easily, but a prophecy skill user who helps avoid fatal dangers—Orario has only you."
This wasn't a confession, but for Cassandra, it moved her more than one.
Alise, Gojouno Kaguya, Liliruca, and others showed "←_←" expressions.
They'd never heard 'utilization' stated so bluntly and righteously.
But recalling, this pale-golden-haired youth had always been straightforward.
"So." Levi extended his hand, channeling a certain gacha figure's glasses guy, his god-like handsome face radiating charm:
"Cassandra, I invite you again to join Hestia Familia. Please accept."
"Cassandra, I need you!"
"I...I..." Her face redder than an apple, she tremblingly reached out.
Seeing this, the women sighed or facepalmed.
They knew Cassandra was done for.
With Cassandra's agreement, Levi's smile persisted.
He didn't forget Daphne:
"Daphne, as Cassandra's friend, I invite you too. Join Hestia Familia and enjoy 50 million Valis worth of Ice-Fire Wine as joining benefit immediately."
_____
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