By the time he wakes up, he'll probably find the whole world has changed.
And his dreams? Probably gone up in smokes!
--------------------------------------------
Ground level, underground prayer room of the Guild Headquarters.
The old god Ouranos sat on the stone chair, unmoving as he had for a thousand years, his stern face calm and unshaken.
At the foot of the stone steps before him, a slender figure in a pitch-black cloak silently observed the projection in the crystal ball, then slowly turned around.
"Defeated the mutated 'Floor Boss' Goliath solo. Estimated latent potential has reached Lv.5, specializing in endurance, with a defensive power of Lv.6. Also possesses ultra-high-speed regeneration. Unless it's a one-hit kill, defeating him is nothing but a pipe dream."
Then... the old god spoke.
"In the end, it was a success. Is that right, Fels?"
"Ah, this is a true miracle, a feat worthy of being wildly praised by the gods. If he weren't part of the Loki Familia, the gods would've already rushed in to steal him."
"Loki never submitted any reports to the Guild Headquarters about this matter. Send someone to ask about it."
"Ouranos, now is not the best time to go against the Loki Familia. They've just gained another powerful asset, and the balance with the Freya Familia has already been broken. Especially regarding that incident, if they get any leverage over us, we'll be at a disadvantage~."
"Fine. But we still need to do some surface-level work. Let Misha and Eina make contact with Fron Argon... even a verbal inquiry will do."
"Understood."
...
Southwest district of the city, located in the fifth ward, nearly at the heart of the bustling street, a grand mansion with a wide courtyard despite being in the city's busiest area, surrounded on all sides by tall walls. The very scene spoke of its owner's immense wealth, power at the pinnacle, and honor.
From a bird's-eye view, it stood directly across from the Twilight Manor, the base of the Loki Familia located in the northern part of the city.
Folkvangr, one of the two top-ranking familias in Orario, the home of the Freya Familia.
At the highest room of the towering castle in the center, massive bookshelves lined three walls, visible through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.
A luxurious armchair in the center and a high-end carpet covering the floor, every detail flaunted the taste and wealth of its owner.
The goddess of beauty, Freya, looked silently into the distance through the window for a long time.
"Even such an ordinary soul was able to accomplish such a feat."
"Ottar."
"Yes."
A beast-man with boar-like ears on short, earthy red hair, Freya's most loyal servant.
A giant over two meters tall with a body like a boulder.
He stood like a statue, literally a loyal watchdog awaiting the words of his beloved goddess.
"What do you think?"
"...He would make a worthy opponent if he continues to grow."
"Hehehe~ Just an opponent?"
The goddess of beauty swirled her wine glass. Her purple eyes, as if able to pierce the soul, reflected her breathtaking face, her lips curving into a seductive smile that could captivate anyone.
...
...
Northeast district of the city, headquarters of the Hephaestus Familia.
A red-haired youth stood dumbfounded, his wide-open mouth seemingly able to swallow a whole roast chicken.
His ridiculous expression made captain Tsubaki clutch her stomach in laughter, unable to straighten up.
Behind her desk, the red-haired goddess folded her arms and watched the scene with amusement, then glanced at the intel on her desk.
"Someone with a hero's equipment? No... even that doesn't do him justice anymore. I wonder where Loki picked up that kid from."
"T-this can't be real. He... he's only Lv.2! Soloing a Floor Boss... that can't be the Fron Argon I know."
"Yeah, must be an illusion!"
The red-haired youth, devastated, refused to accept reality.
"Tsk tsk, as a party member, Wel-boy, you've been completely outclassed, hehe... If you don't pull out your best tricks, how will you even team up with him again?"
"Mind your own business, dammit!"
Brushing off Tsubaki's arm, Welf shouted in frustration.
"Pathetic guy."
...
...
While Fron was unconscious, news about the Loki Familia and the Flame Demon spread like wildfire, from Rivira Town to eyewitnesses, it was uncontrollable, even reaching places outside the city.
Adventurers were obsessed with uncovering the truth of his secret.
Bards and singers praised his feats, and their tales had begun to spread beyond the city.
In taverns, travelers and merchants discussed the shocking news, eager to meet such a heroic figure.
But none of this had anything to do with the protagonist, still unconscious at the center of the storm.
Or rather, thankfully protected and well-treated by the goddess...
...
...
By the time Fron regained consciousness, three days had passed.
In those three days, who knows how many things had happened, chaos had broken out in various districts.
Adventurers pressured the Guild, demanding answers.
The Guild questioned the Loki Familia, asking the goddess Loki herself to explain.
All of Orario began to stir beneath the surface. Of course... most of it was scheming rats using the incident for their own gain.
Unfortunately for them, everything hit a wall when it came to the words "Loki Familia."
The strong-willed goddess forcefully silenced anyone trying to stir the pot, regardless of motive.
"You're awake?"
The first person Fron saw when he opened his eyes surprised him a little.
"Ais?"
Who knows how long the girl had been here? Even members of the familia whispered about it.
Rumor had it that Loki had cried loudly in her divine chamber.
...
...
Some passing members even vaguely heard something like... "My Ais-chan no longer belongs to me..."
"Yeah, I was really worried about you."
"...?"
She's flirting with me?
Fron blinked and tried to sit up,
But the exhausted body refused to cooperate.
"!?"
This feeling... better than a pillow, and that deeply imprinted scent.
–!!
"Sniff sniff sniff..."
"?"
The innocent girl showed no reaction, only confused by his emotional display.
"Uh... cough cough. Um... how long have you been here?"
"The whole time."
"…Wasn't that a bother?"
The girl shook her head, letting out a cute "Nn."
Fron let out a sigh of relief at that.
After all, he understood better than anyone how badly she wanted to get stronger.
But something about her seemed different now?
He tried to smirk, feeling the dryness in his throat, and turned to reach for a water cup,
But his weak body had no strength left.
Seeing this, Ais got up and brought the cup to him, then,
"Ah~"
"..."