Altair's strategy for developing the Hestia Familia was straightforward: align with a powerful ally early to shield his fledgling group from trouble. That's why he forged a bond with the Loki Familia. In a world where a single misstep or glance could spark a vendetta, having a strong backer was essential.
Altair had always admired the Loki Familia's camaraderie in the Danmachi anime, so befriending them was an easy choice. This alliance gave the Hestia Familia a comfortable start. Joint dungeon expeditions provided deep insights into the dungeon's secrets, and the phone shop, backed by Loki Familia shares, operated without interference. Even the Apollo Familia's unexpected downfall at Ishtar's hands had worked in their favor.
These months gave Altair time to grow. His system guaranteed rapid progress, and the brief transition period was enough. Now, he was a force to be reckoned with, and Saeko had reached Level 3, transforming the Hestia Familia into a formidable entity.
When the Ishtar Familia came knocking, Altair no longer needed the Loki Familia's aid. Ishtar had walked into his trap, and he'd use this War Game to show Orario that the Hestia Familia had risen.
"Tina, in position?" Altair asked through their spirit contract.
"Tina's ready, Onii-san! Go forward, I'll take out anyone trying to swarm you." She replied.
Per the plan, Altair would march openly toward the city walls, refraining from attacking. Any enemies targeting him from the walls would be handled by Tina's long-range precision.
Tina, clad in camouflage, crouched in a tree, her heavy sniper rifle, taller than she was, trained on the walls. Hidden by foliage, she had a clear view of every enemy through her scope.
"Sniper's set. Guerrilla, you in place?" Altair asked.
"Kayo's ready, Onii-san. I've got the right flank." Kayo responded, wielding an Uzi and dressed in camouflage, concealed in the forest to Altair's right, poised to intercept threats.
"Good. Then the front and left are mine." Altair said.
"Leave them to me, Altair." Saeko replied. Dressed in a kendo uniform, her hair tied in a high ponytail, she carried Murasame at her waist and wore a bracelet. Positioned a step ahead to Altair's left, she'd block attacks from the front and left, neutralizing any enemies in those directions.
"My safety's in your hands." Altair said with a confident smile, stepping onto the open road and strolling toward the walls.
The road was flanked by forest, with Kayo hidden on the right and Saeko ahead on the left. Tina, perched in a rear tree, could relocate as needed.
Altair's bold move was broadcast across Orario, stunning the audience.
"Is he seriously going for a frontal assault with just two others?"
"There's a third, a kid with a weird weapon."
"Three's still nothing! That's a fortress wall, not Orario's, but still a wall. He can't expect to break through with three people, especially with all those adventurers up there, including high-level ones."
"Is he giving up?"
"Is this just a performance?"
Orario's spectators buzzed with speculation and mockery.
Yet on the broadcast, Altair walked calmly down the road's center, as if on a leisurely stroll, even pausing to admire the scenery.
His audacity was clear to the defenders on the walls.
"That's our target, right?" One asked.
"Y-Yeah, no mistake." Another stammered.
"What's their deal, just walking up like that?"
"I'm shocked too. Thought it was some lost traveler at first."
"Inform the deputy leader, they're coming straight at us."
Stunned but quick to act, they alerted Aisha, the deputy leader injured by Altair's traps. Healed by an elixir, she was now commanding from the fortress, as relying on Phryne for leadership was a nonstarter.
Receiving the report, Aisha strode to the walls, spotting Altair's casual approach. After a moment of disbelief, she sneered. "Whatever they're planning, if they're begging to die, we'll oblige. Send a team to drag them to me!"
Aisha hadn't forgotten her humiliating night, trapped, wounded by spikes, and blasted by a mine, lying helpless for nearly an hour until her subordinates carried her back for an elixir. Now, she craved revenge, eager to capture and torment Altair.
"They've got a Level 3. Send one of ours, plus a squad of Level 2s, and bring them in." She ordered.
"Yes!"
Even among Level 3s, there were disparities. Aisha, nearly Level 4 in strength, could command her Familia's other Level 3s. A Level 3 led a group of ten Level 2s out the fortress gate, charging toward Altair.
From a distance, Altair saw the aggressive squad of ten. "Looks like they're coming to us." He noted, expecting combat only at the walls. "Since they're making the first move, Tina, fire the opening shot."
"Got it, Onii-san! Leave it to me!" Tina replied, locking her scope on the leader's head.
"Sniper, target acquired!" Her small finger pulled the trigger, and a magic beam shot from the barrel, piercing the leader's forehead in an instant.
"First one down." She reported.
***
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