Chương 123: Hestia's Strategy

"Do not worry. I will never regret it. Mmhahaha." Apollo laughed and announced loudly, "Since both gods have agreed, I declare that a War Game will begin." The bored gods erupted into cheers.

"Well done, Hestia, Apollo!"

"Now this is getting exciting!"

"Apply to the Guild right away!"

"A festival at last!"

"Call an emergency Denatus!" Freya, who seemed unrelated to the matter, elegantly swirled her wineglass. A small smile curved her lips. She had only just found three brilliant souls, yet she would already get to see how they shone. Most of the gods present were entertainment seekers, but few were truly stupid. Aside from wanting fun, they also wanted to test whether the rumors spreading through Orario were real. If the rumors were false, they would enjoy a show.

If they were true, things would become far more interesting.

"This is not good," Miach said with worry.

"Why did Hestia accept? It is such an obvious trap."

"This could be dangerous," Takemikazuchi said with a sigh.

"Hestia's children only became adventurers recently. Being thrown into a War Game against Apollo Familia could end in a crushing defeat."

"Lord Takemikazuchi," Ouka said behind him, "I think we may be worrying too much." He remembered the Nineteenth Floor. New adventurers? That was a joke. With that kind of strength and calm movement on the Nineteenth Floor, Cael and his group were already at least Lv. 3-class in combat power. Apollo Familia's captain was only Lv. 3. Apollo had chosen the wrong soft target. The banquet ended, but the heat of what happened there did not fade. Almost immediately, every Familia in Orario heard about the War Game.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. It became the hottest topic in the city. A War Game was one of Orario's most thrilling events, a game witnessed by the gods that could decide the fate of a Familia. After returning from the banquet, every member of Hestia Familia gathered in the basement. A single Magic Stone lamp lit the room, making the atmosphere unusually solemn.

"Tomorrow, the rules will be set under the gods' witness," Hestia said.

"After that, the Guild will give us three days to prepare. If one side fails to act after the deadline, the Guild can declare the other side the winner. So choosing the right game is extremely important." Hestia was completely serious now. Her usual bright energy had settled into the dignity of a Familia's goddess.

"Lady Goddess, I already have a plan," Cael said.

"We choose a siege battle that requires the entire Familia to participate. The larger the field and the bigger the game, the better each of us can use our full strength." He placed a sheet of parchment on the table for everyone to see. Cael did not know every possible War Game format, but if they could force the same general attack-and-defense format he remembered, things would become simple. Apollo Familia would probably want it too. To them, a siege battle favored their numbers.

In reality, it was the most dangerous choice they could make.

"Everyone, are you certain?" Hestia asked, looking around the room again.

"No problem. I accept Captain's strategy."

"Same."

"Agreed." Everyone nodded. None of them had played a game of this scale before. Letting the person most familiar with the situation decide was best.

"Then we follow this plan," Hestia said, crossing her arms with a snort.

"We will make Apollo cry."

"Do not worry, Lady Goddess," Cael said.

"We will win this beautifully. After this, the whole city will have to look at Hestia Familia differently." Winning the War Game would be the true beginning of Hestia Familia's growth. After the Familia meeting ended, the Hashira returned to their own world. Because the War Game was approaching, they left three Hashira behind to guard the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. There were important matters waiting in the Demon Slayer world as well.

Two Hashira would usually have been enough, but three remained as a precaution. Meanwhile, other Familias also paid close attention to the War Game.

"Apollo Familia moved first. Good." In the Pleasure Quarter, Ishtar sat with one leg crossed and exhaled smoke.

"Let me see whether that so-called Level-raising Magic for an entire party is real."

"If it is real, we can seize that boy," one Amazoness warrior said eagerly.

"Then we will have two trump cards. Whether it is Freya Familia or Loki Familia, we can bring them to their knees."

"Something that rare will be fought over by every Familia," Ishtar said with a satisfied laugh.

"But as long as he is a man, he will kneel beneath my charm in the end."

"Of course. Even we women cannot resist Lady Ishtar's charm."

"Prepare yourselves and wait for an opportunity."

"Yes, Lady Ishtar." At Loki Familia, Loki drank Soma wine and slapped the table while laughing.

"Pfft, hahaha! This is too interesting. The little shrimp got targeted by Apollo. Let me see what she does now. If she loses her Familia by accident, will she roll on the ground crying?" She took another drink.

"She mocked me for not bringing my adorable children, and now her own children are being coveted. At tomorrow's Denatus, I will make things difficult for her. Just wait, shrimp." Being overshadowed by Hestia at the banquet had annoyed Loki for the entire night. This grudge had to be repaid.