Chương 91: Apollo Familia's Provocation

A sharp voice rang through the tavern, instantly drowning out the adventurers chatting and joking around the room. Every adventurer turned to look, and the tavern fell quiet. This kind of thing happened often in taverns. Adventurers causing trouble over drinks was almost routine, and no one minded a bit of free entertainment.

"Oh? That Familia emblem belongs to Apollo Familia."

"And that big round table over there. I thought they were just some adventurer party, but they are the Hestia Familia everyone has been talking about today."

"Heh. This should be interesting."

"Do you think they will fight?"

"Who knows? Just watch. Whoever wins, it will be good entertainment." Cael and the others looked at the short adventurer who had walked up to their table with an arrogant, trouble-seeking attitude. He was only a lower-class Lv. 1 adventurer. He looked even smaller than Lili, but he still stared down his nose at them as if he owned the room. Cael propped his cheek on his hand, a faint smile forming. So Apollo really was the first one who could not hold back. Completely expected. The show had finally started.

Apollo Familia had more than one hundred members, but their highest Level was only one Lv. 3. They had a dozen or so Lv. 2s, and the rest were Lv. 1s. Better still, they were rich, and their home was a garden mansion. What a convenient fate. They really were destined to deliver both money and a house. The others saw Cael's expression and understood that the plan had begun. Tiny smiles flashed across their faces before they quickly settled into their roles.

"Everyone, look!" the short adventurer shouted, pointing at Cael's group while turning to the crowd.

"They say these people became adventurers less than a day ago, charged into the Middle Floors, and defeated the Monster Rex. They actually dared spread a lie that ridiculous until everyone knew about it."

"If it were me, I would be so ashamed I would want to die on the spot. And they still dare sit here in the same tavern as us? They have more nerve than sense." Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The whole tavern burst into mocking laughter. Cael lightly tapped the table with his finger and exchanged a glance with the others. If a fight started, they would hide their strength and pretend they were no match for Apollo Familia so the other side would relax.

"But I suppose it cannot be helped," the short adventurer continued.

"You are all trash who joined some unknown bottom-tier Familia. Of course you need petty tricks to get attention. Dressed so strangely too. Even if some of you look pretty, you are still ridiculous clowns."

"A poor goddess with a captain and supporter like this? Any other Familia would have laughed them out of the city." At that moment, a wooden mug flew across the room and landed at the short adventurer's feet. Ale splashed over him, startling him badly. He hurriedly looked toward the person who had thrown it.

"Hey, troublemakers." Cael stood up, cracking his fingers as his eyes sharpened.

"Say whatever you want about me. Pour ale on me if you like, and I might laugh it off."

"But no matter what reason you have, I will not forgive anyone who insults my friends and family. Are you ready for that?" The laughter in the tavern vanished.

"It is starting."

"Apollo Familia really could not hold back."

"Rumors are rumors, but Apollo Familia's strength is real enough."

"That boy sounds generous, but I wonder if he can back it up." The short adventurer, Luan, swallowed when he met Cael's sharp gaze. Then he felt the encouragement of his companions behind him and forced himself to continue.

"D-did I hit a nerve? Why not confess to everyone? Admit that you are clowns chasing attention and telling lies..." Before he finished speaking, a large foot slammed into his face. Luan went tumbling across the floor, knocking over several stools before stopping near Apollo Familia's table.

"Aaaah! My nose!" he cried, clutching his bleeding face as he rolled on the floor.

"You were making too much noise, so the great Inosuke kicked you away!" Inosuke shouted, pointing at him.

"You bastard!" Apollo Familia's members shot up from their seats, glaring at Hestia Familia with bloodshot eyes.

"Th-they are going to fight! I have not finished eating!" Zenitsu immediately ducked under the table and hugged his head.

"Do not come for me. Do not come for me."

"Aaaaaah!" With angry shouts, Apollo Familia's members rushed forward with clenched fists. Under the shadows of the magic-stone lamps, figures crossed and swayed in rapid succession. A few impacts later, Apollo Familia's men were rolling on the floor.

"Anyone else?" Cael stood from his chair, folded his arms, and swept his gaze across the room. They were all Lv. 1. Not a single Lv. 2. This was clearly only a probe. His gaze moved to the man sitting calmly at the Apollo table. Hyakinthos Clio. In Greek myth, the man most loved by Apollo. And yes, Apollo was not exactly picky about gender. Hyakinthos was a Lv. 3 adventurer with the title Phoebus Apollo.

His presence felt stronger than a lower Upper Rank demon, but in actual combat ability, he might not be stronger than Gyutaro.

"I will take this," Hyakinthos said. He stood with calm eyes and a cold smile, then appeared in front of Kyojuro. Two punches drove the Flame Hashira back into a corner. A kick sent Sanemi flying. Several more strikes knocked everyone down before he arrived in front of Cael.

"Kyojuro, Boar Boy, Tanjiro..." Cael widened his eyes in disbelief. Inside, he was impressed. They were natural actors. He had been worried they were too used to being strong to act convincingly. To everyone else, however, Cael looked stunned because his companions had dropped before they could react.