Chương 47: Welcome to the World's Stage

A sacred golden gate gradually emerged from the void and finally appeared before everyone's eyes.

"This..." Everyone stared at the divine gate that had appeared so suddenly. Their doubts toward the Flame Hashira vanished completely. The World Gate was the manifestation of the world's power itself. It needed no one to approve of it or believe in it. The moment people saw it, they understood it was the World Gate, the divine gate, the gate between realms.

"It is real. Rengoku, you truly met a god?" At that moment, Sanemi stared at the smiling Rengoku in disbelief. His violent agitation had become entirely rational.

"This is so flamboyantly unbelievable." Tengen Uzui spoke in shock. He had known the Flame Hashira was not the type to pretend at mysteries. He was an excellent man who took action.

"If he really reached Takamagahara and received a god's Falna, then the contents of Mr. Rengoku's parchment are true too." Shinobu was deeply surprised. If all of that was true, then how strong was the current Rengoku?

"Ah, how difficult to believe. But if demons have existed for a thousand years, then it is only natural that myths of gods passed down from ancient times may also be true. How moving." Gyomei wept as he spoke.

"Although I cannot see it, I can feel the sacred, majestic presence. Ah, a god..."

"No way! You all went to Takamagahara? You met a god? And you did not bring me that night?" Zenitsu went completely blank. After realizing what he had missed, he clutched his head and looked tearfully at his two unreliable friends.

"Ze-Zenitsu, calm down. That night..."

"I am not listening. I am not listening. I am not listening! You went without me. You two heartless jerks!" Zenitsu knelt on the floor and cried in grief.

"Brat, quiet down. Who do you think you are speaking in front of?" Sanemi glared at the shouting Zenitsu, his eyes bulging.

"Calm down, my children." Master Ubuyashiki spoke. Everyone quietly looked toward Kagaya.

"After hearing the news Kyojuro brought back, I have been thinking. If all my children become members of a god's Familia and receive a god's Falna, then fewer precious lives will be lost when facing demons." Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Kagaya spoke gently. His voice made everyone feel relaxed and at ease, but the excitement within it could not be hidden.

"And I also wish to meet the goddess. The curse I bear may be lifted, and the thousand-year wish to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji may be fulfilled in my generation."

"So, my children, are you willing to go to Takamagahara, become part of a god's Familia, and receive a god's Falna?"

"Without hesitation, Master," Sanemi said.

"Takamagahara, the land of the gods. Naturally, I must go flamboyantly." Tengen spoke.

"Of course," Giyu said.

"To meet a god... Ah, how many lifetimes of fortune would be required for such an honor?" Gyomei pressed his palms together, tears flowing.

"I have no objection to Master's request," Mitsuri said. This was a journey to the true land of the gods. For people carrying ideals and obsessions, refusing such a temptation was impossible. The next day, the first rays of dawn shone over Orario, the center of the world. The whole city came alive with powerful vitality. Morning light slipped through the thick gaps in the stone above the basement of the ruined church, making the green moss look strangely fresh. Cael slowly opened his eyes.

Feeling a weight on his chest, he gently lifted a corner of the blanket. A petite girl was sleeping soundly there. As if sensing the blanket move, she slowly opened her drowsy eyes and rubbed them.

"Mr. Cael..."

"Good morning, Lili." Cael spoke warmly and rubbed Lili's head. Of course, nothing had happened last night. He was not the kind of man who rushed at every opportunity. Besides, this warm and gentle feeling was exactly what he was chasing. In his old world, it had been something he longed for but could not obtain. Something precious beyond measure. Lili blushed and quickly climbed off him. Last night, Lili had gotten carried away and done something so embarrassing.

"Good morning, Mr. Cael. About yesterday..."

"Lili... Wait, damn. The members of Hestia Familia are about to arrive. I have to go greet them. I do not even have time to wash my face or brush my teeth." At that moment, Cael received information through the World Gate Key. His shy fantasies about Lili disappeared instantly, replaced by surprise and a little panic. The key he had given Rengoku did more than open the World Gate. It also worked almost like a live feed. Cael could see and hear the area around the key.

He had not expected Rengoku to be this reliable and convince the Hashira so quickly. He was excited because every new Hestia Familia member would be powerful. As their Captain, leading such strong teammates would be extremely impressive. He was nervous because he was not good at handling people with such distinct personalities. Someone as perfect as Rengoku was easy enough.

The Hashira were all gentle at their core, but making them willingly call him Captain would be impossible without enough gratitude and personal charm. Gratitude was no problem. Coming to Orario was thanks to him. But personal charm was a more mysterious thing.

"Mr. Cael's companions?" Lili asked, suddenly nervous.

"Yes. They are all gentle and powerful people, but their personalities are especially distinct. Even I, their Captain, am not sure I can handle them all. Still, since we have come this far, I can only show some backbone." Cael scratched his temple while thinking of the Hashira's varied personalities. Then he immediately pulled himself together, a confident smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He had killed so many monsters in the Dungeon without backing down. How could he retreat now?

No matter what, he would make the Hashira willingly call him Captain.

"Come on, Lili. Let us go welcome them."

"Hearing Mr. Cael say that makes Lili nervous too." Lili spoke anxiously despite herself. Distinct personalities, so difficult that even someone as strong and gentle as Mr. Cael struggled to deal with them? How amazing were these people? And Mr. Cael was actually the Captain of Hestia Familia? With excitement, worry, nervousness, and every other emotion mixed together, Cael opened the stone door to the basement. A bright smile appeared on his face.

At the same time, a sacred golden gate appeared inside the ruined church. The two great doors slowly opened.

"Welcome to the center of the world, the stage where gods and heroes gather. Welcome to the Labyrinth City, Orario."