The 『Hero』 went to the Entertainment District!
When Adam and his companions headed to the Entertainment District seeking trouble, this explosive news spread throughout Orario.
Despite the 『Hero』's fierce expression and clear lack of interest in pleasure-seeking, troublemakers still muddied the waters, spreading rumors throughout the Labyrinth City.
Public opinion spiraled wildly out of control. Many uninformed Adventurers began denouncing Adam, claiming he wasn't worthy of being called 『Hero』 and had tainted this sacred title.
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At the Loki Familia headquarters.
Conference room.
Almost all the Familia's top leaders had gathered to formulate their response to this situation.
As one of Orario's two top-tier Familias, Loki's intelligence-gathering abilities were formidable. She had been aware of the situation from the start.
"Ais, what do you think?" She asked Ais, who sat expressionlessly on the sofa drinking tea, "The Hero going to the Entertainment District... it really does damage his title."
She was deliberately trying to provoke Ais.
Though she knew there was nothing between them, just thinking about how her idol had agreed to everything merely to learn sword techniques made her incredibly jealous.
It wasn't that she disagreed. She simply wished Ais would be more reserved — at least enough to avoid paying such a high price.
"Your 'master' is being slandered by those small fry, Ais. Aren't you worried?" As she spoke, she moved closer.
While pretending to comfort her idol, her hands unconsciously wandered, trying to take advantage.
These past few days without Ais in the Familia had left her desperately lonely, almost at her limit.
Smack!
A crisp sound rang out as Loki's hands were mercilessly swatted away by Ais. Even if she was her Familia's deity, such advances were not permitted.
However, Ais still answered her question.
"Yes, others might harbor ill intentions toward him, but I choose to believe in him." She said calmly, "Because he is the Hero."
Because he is the 『Hero』. This wasn't just because of Adam's title — seven days of close interaction had shown her that he wasn't that kind of dissolute person.
"That's right, I think so too." Riveria agreed, "Adam and I fought together during the expedition, so I know his character well."
But her words gave Loki an opening.
"Isn't it because he touched you and you didn't mind?" Loki's lips curved in a wicked smile, "I know, you know. On the 59th Floor, he even supplied you with Mana... that's what Finn reported to me."
"Ah, that's right."
"Eh?"
Loki had thought Riveria, who served as the Familia's "Mother", would be embarrassed. She had hoped to see a different expression from her.
However, Riveria remained composed, not embarrassed in the slightest.
"His Mana was very pure, so that proves the Hero isn't that kind of person."
"Ugh..." Loki couldn't argue back.
Discovering her little trick had been exposed, she could only pout in dissatisfaction.
Seeing her at a loss, Finn couldn't help but chuckle, "You know, don't you, Loki? Adam isn't that kind of person."
"Ah, yes, yes, I know." Loki understood too that Adam wouldn't be that type.
She hadn't reached this conclusion from knowing his background — she had deduced it from known information with her clever mind.
Besides, the Entertainment District was simply a place for entertainment and relaxation. There was nothing wrong with people going there — even deities visited such establishments.
What's wrong with the 『Hero』 going there?
Moreover, unlike those secretive deities, Adam went there openly with his Familia members. Anyone with sense would know he was looking for trouble.
The matter only became conspicuous because the 『Hero』 — who held high position and great power and was currently in the spotlight — had gone there, combined with certain people's deliberate manipulation of public opinion.
"Rumors end with the wise, Loki." The thoughtful Finn concluded, "This matter doesn't concern us, so it's better not to get involved. Besides, with Adam's strength, he can handle it easily."
"...So, we just watch and do nothing?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Hehe." Loki indicated this was impossible.
You know what?
Women are willful creatures — even goddesses share this trait.
Consider this: How would Freya react upon learning her favored child had visited the Entertainment District? And with another Goddess of Beauty present!
Would she go berserk?
The answer is obvious — without question!
At this moment, Loki realized just how precarious her position was.
"Aaaaaaaah!" She furiously rubbed her head like a frustrated dog and cried out to the heavens, "Why, why?! If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have agreed to his conditions!"
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Meanwhile.
At the Freya Familia, which stood as counterpart to the Loki Familia.
As one of Orario's two top-tier Familias, the Freya Familia's personnel resources were formidable.
But now their headquarters wasn't bustling with activity; instead, an eerie quiet had settled over it, thick with murderous intent.
Freya, the Familia's deity, was absent from the main halls. She stood in her Private Room — a vast chamber atop Babel — gazing through the window at the distant Ishtar Familia.
Unlike Loki's Family, Freya maintained an air of untouchable divinity.
She asked in gentle tones, "Helen, have all the personnel gathered?"
"Yes, Lady Freya." The girl named Helen knelt respectfully at the Goddess's feet, "Your Einherjars have assembled and await your orders in silence."
"Mm, very good." Freya nodded with a light hum.
Her gaze remained fixed on the bustling street in the distance.
Before her lay the territory of that harlot — her self-declared enemy — and the commercial district governed by the deity she would soon strike down.
Where others saw prosperity, she saw only the ruins it would become.
Though outwardly composed, rage consumed her heart. The child she favored, the one she had already claimed as her own, had been bewitched by that harlot.
This was absolutely unforgivable!
If this is how you choose to play, then you forfeit your right to exist.
"Helen, tell them to proceed."
"Yes, Lady Freya!"
Wait for me, Ishtar. I'll send you back to heaven soon enough.
A bewitching smile curved Freya's lips.
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