"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! I'm Ibri Acharya of the Ganesha Familia, your host for this War Game live broadcast, known as the 'Talking Flame Magic' or 'Blazing Inferno Flame'! Please give me your warmest welcome!"
At the central square of Orario's Guild headquarters, a massive platform had been erected. A brown-skinned young man gripped a magic stone-powered microphone, his voice booming so clearly that even those at the back could hear, though front-row spectators risked ear-ringing if less accustomed.
"For your viewing pleasure, our gods will provide commentary. Now, let's hand the stage to Lord Ganesha, give me your cheers!"
"Ganesha!" The crowd roared with fervor.
The Ganesha Familia, Orario's peacekeeping force, was both vast and powerful, tasked with maintaining order and hosting events during festivals like this. Merchants adored them, as celebrations meant booming business, and ordinary citizens relished the excitement. Who didn't love a spectacle?
Amid the crowd's cheers, Ganesha, a god donning a red elephant-head mask, took the stage, raising his hands.
"Ganesha!"
"Wooo!" The atmosphere ignited instantly.
Beyond the taverns and inns, nearly all of Orario's residents flocked to the square. Taverns offered VIP experiences with food, drink, and private booths, while the square was for the masses, who sat on stools awaiting the broadcast. Adventurers and gods alike buzzed with anticipation.
Before the game began, gods and adventurers indulged in their customary betting. At Babel Tower, Loki lounged with Hephaestus and Freya, their close bond making such gatherings natural during festivals. They sipped wine, awaiting the broadcast.
"Who do you think will win?" Loki asked, sprawled across a sofa, one hand propping her head, the other swirling her glass, her eyes half-closed as she glanced at Freya and Hephaestus.
"The Hestia Familia." Freya replied first.
"Oh? You're betting on the shorty's crew?" Loki raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"I don't know much about Hestia's Familia. They're only four strong, outmatched in numbers and levels by Ishtar's lot." Freya admitted.
"Then why pick them?" Hephaestus asked, curious.
"Because of you, Loki." Freya said, smiling. "Everyone in Orario knows you and Hestia bicker like cats and dogs, yet your Familias cooperate seamlessly. That's telling."
"So you think Hestia's got this?" Loki pressed.
"Exactly. A newborn Familia wouldn't catch your eye unless you saw potential in someone." Freya reasoned.
Loki chuckled. "You give me too much credit, Freya. Even if I see potential, they're up against Ishtar's battle courtesans, not pushovers. Their leader's Level 5, you know."
"If they can't handle Ishtar's crew, they're not worth your attention. And you asking us this means you already know the answer, don't you?" Freya's analysis was sharp, earning a nod from Loki.
"What about you, Hephaestus?" Loki turned to her.
"I'm not too familiar with Hestia's guy." Hephaestus said, her expression souring at the thought of Altair's closeness with both Hestia and Saeko. "But he's got talent. Facing Ishtar's Familia, if he uses those weapons he crafted, he's got a shot."
"Looks like we're all rooting for Hestia's team." Loki said, grinning as she swirled her wine.
"But I'm curious how he'll win. Loki, care to spill what this Demon Sword Knight's capable of?" Freya asked.
"Eh, that'd ruin the fun. You'll see soon enough." Loki teased, dropping a hint. "But my kids tell me this game, which looks like Ishtar's got in the bag, will end quickly, and with Hestia's side dominating."
"Interesting." Freya murmured, stroking her cheek, her smile deepening. She grew eager to see what this human, with his shifting soul of black and yellow, could do.
Loki smirked mischievously. "Wonder how many bet on Ishtar. They're gonna lose it when Hestia's crew wins. I put my money on the shorty's team, ready to cash in."
As the War Game's start approached, the gods prepared. In the Guild hall, the clock's hands aligned at noon.
A voice rang out across the sky. "The time has come. The game begins. Ouranos, grant me permission to wield my power!"
Seconds later, a reply echoed. "Approved."
Ouranos, deep within the Guild headquarters, was watching. With his approval, the gods' sealed divine powers were unleashed. Across Orario, mirrors materialized, displaying the War Game's battlefield in real-time.
The broadcast began.
The commentator leapt into action. "Here we go! Both sides are in position. Ishtar's Familia defends, Hestia's Familia attacks. They're ready, let the game begin!"
In the forest, Altair heard the Guild's announcement. He started forward, communicating through his spirit contract with Saeko, Kayo, and Tina.
"Stick to the plan: frontal assault!"
"Understood!" They replied in unison.
***
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