Liliruca stared at him, confused. He had only touched the blade for a moment… and somehow turned it into a magic weapon? That should be impossible in this world! Forging a magic sword, even in the adventurer city of Orario, was something only a handful of elite blacksmiths could do. And even then, they were prohibitively expensive.
Even with all her savings, Liliruca had only been able to afford a single, basic defensive model. Yet Su Mo had turned a simple dagger into a magic sword with a mere touch? She couldn't believe it. She shouldn't believe it. But because it was Su Mo, the man who had saved her, she trusted him. Instinctively, she grasped the handle—and her eyes widened in shock.
"T-This…"
The sensation flowing from the blade was unmistakable. It was real. It was a magic sword. With just a small infusion of magic, she could feel it unleash the unique energy surge only a magic weapon could produce. Her entire worldview began to crumble.
Just a touch… and the dagger transformed?
Even a god couldn't do that… right?
Then she remembered the wine. The glass she had drunk from earlier—when it had been placed in front of her, it looked like plain water. But the moment Su Mo pushed it over, it had transformed into a rich, fragrant liquor.
If she put two and two together—
"You turned those into wine too? Just… water?" she asked, eyes wide.
"That's a trade secret," Su Mo replied with a knowing smile. He hadn't planned on hiding this from her.
First, because in her current emotional state, there was no way Liliruca would leak it. Second, because he had no intention of handling production forever. Once the distribution system was up and running, he'd step back completely. He'd just sit and collect profits. And with the help of divine contracts, he didn't need to worry about things spiraling out of control.
Liliruca clutched her mouth, then nodded solemnly. She was deeply moved that Su Mo would trust her enough to share something this important. Not only had he saved her life, not only had he given her a new future—he had even entrusted her with the core secret of his entire business. And on top of that, he'd armed her with a magic sword, worried for her safety. At this point, Su Mo had given her so much… she could never repay it. Even "thank you" felt painfully inadequate.
As these thoughts solidified in her mind, Liliruca's expression gradually turned resolute. Since Su Mo-sama had placed such trust in her, she absolutely wouldn't let him down. No matter what, she would make this a success.
And indeed, a Liliruca moved by genuine emotion was far more reliable than her former self. Now that she had let go of past mistakes and glimpsed a future she could walk toward, her steps were noticeably more confident—no longer lost and uncertain like before.
With her side of things settled, Su Mo didn't return home. Instead, he made his way toward another destination—the Loki Familia. It was, in fact, one of the familias he had originally considered joining when he first arrived in Orario. However, the requirements to join the Loki Familia were exceptionally high. As an ordinary person at the time, he hadn't stood a chance of being accepted.
Now, as he walked toward their headquarters, it wasn't out of any desire to gloat or say something like, "Look at me now." He understood that a top-tier familia like Loki's would naturally have high standards. Back then, he simply didn't qualify—it was nothing more than being rejected for a job he wasn't fit for.
Besides, after awakening his cheat ability, he ended up with Hestia as his goddess—a deity who doted on him endlessly and would never pry into his secrets. In hindsight, things had worked out perfectly. The path he'd taken might've been unexpected, but it suited him far more.
When he arrived at the Loki Familia residence, the guard looked hesitant upon hearing he wanted to see the goddess Loki. After all, deities weren't people you could meet just by asking. But the moment the guard heard Su Mo's name, his expression shifted instantly. Without a word, he immediately began leading Su Mo inside.
"You know me?" Su Mo asked curiously.
He didn't think he had much fame in regular adventuring circles. And since this guy wasn't a member of the Loki Familia's expedition team, he shouldn't know much about Su Mo.
"It's not that," the guard replied with a shake of his head. "It's just that Lady Loki left instructions. If someone named Su Mo came to visit, we were to inform her immediately."
Su Mo raised an eyebrow. That was odd. Why would Loki leave such instructions? She didn't have the power of foresight—there was no way she could've known he'd come looking for her.
Seeing his confusion, the guard hesitated briefly, then chose to be honest.
"Lady Loki's exact words were: 'If Su Mo shows up, he's definitely here to see Ais. Make sure to inform me immediately—we can't let Ais elope with him.'" Su Mo blinked, stunned.
The guard didn't know Su Mo's actual strength. While some of the core members of the Loki Familia's expedition team had encountered him in the lower levels of the Dungeon, their captain Finn had ordered them to keep quiet. So rumors hadn't spread widely.
Still, even among the more casual members, Su Mo's name wasn't unfamiliar. After all, there were quite a few rumors floating around:
It was said that Ais had been heading to the Dungeon alone every day just to meet him.
It was said that Lefiya had been sighing constantly because her beloved idol had found someone.
It was said that Bete the werewolf had been howling at the moon in despair, having lost to a rival.
And it was said that Lady Loki herself had been drowning her sorrows in booze, heartbroken over Ais's affections.
Even if Su Mo wasn't a member of their familia, his legend already lingered within its halls. Hearing all this, Su Mo could only sigh helplessly. What kind of gossip are these people spreading…? And Loki's remark? That was just ridiculous.
If he really wanted to run off with Ais, why would he go to the Loki Familia to do it? He could just ask her out directly. It wasn't like he lacked chances to meet "Tool Girl #1." Even the guard, seemingly embarrassed by his goddess's paranoia, quickened his pace and brought Su Mo straight to the main hall. There, he found the goddess Loki herself, already waiting. She had been informed of his visit and seemed genuinely curious.
"So, you're looking for me?" she asked, grinning mischievously. "What is it? Trying to hit on me now that Ais isn't around? Want to collect all the goddesses in Orario?"
"Too bad for you—I only like girls!" she declared proudly, raising her hand in a dramatic "yuri" proclamation. Su Mo stared at her in speechless silence. With that flat, almost boyish figure of hers, some might honestly mistake her for a man. Where did she get the confidence?
"No wonder Ais always looks exasperated when she mentions you," he muttered under his breath. "Now it makes sense." That struck Loki like a direct blow.
"Exasperated?! Pah! That's just her being overwhelmed by my majesty!" she insisted stubbornly. Su Mo looked at her with undisguised pity. There was no waking someone who pretended to be asleep.
"I came here today to express my thanks," he said, moving things along. "For your help during the last Denatus meeting."
That, of course, wasn't his real reason for visiting. But it was a good way to break the ice and build trust for the conversation ahead. Upon hearing this, Loki brightened visibly.
Her assistance back then—during the naming ceremony—had been partly strategic. But to hear that Su Mo still remembered and came in person to thank her? That confirmed he was someone worth keeping good relations with.
"It was nothing," she said with a wave of her hand. "Besides, Ais's level-up is thanks to you too. If anything, we owe you." She understood that Su Mo probably had more to say. But still, it was nice to know her support hadn't gone unappreciated. After a bit of polite small talk, Su Mo finally handed her a bottle of wine.
"A small token of gratitude," he said. "And truthfully, there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you—something directly related to this wine."
There was no need to beat around the bush with someone smart. Loki might act crazy, but if she were truly foolish, there was no way she could have built such a powerful familia. Loki's expression turned serious as she uncorked the bottle. The moment the seal broke, a rich and divine fragrance filled the room.
"This… this is good stuff!" Her eyes sparkled as she took a whiff.
As a self-respecting alcoholic, Loki had sampled countless brews over the years. She'd even snuck into the Soma Familia's cellars a few times. But nothing—nothing—she had ever tasted could compare to this. She wasn't worried about Su Mo poisoning her. With his level of power, he wouldn't need to go to such lengths if he truly meant harm.
More importantly, her craving for alcohol had already kicked in. Without hesitation, she took a long swig straight from the bottle. And the moment the liquid hit her tongue, her entire being melted into euphoria.
"This isn't just good wine—this is divine! Absolute heaven!" Loki's eyes glistened with joy as she praised it unreservedly.
"Even the best divine brews I've had don't hold a candle to this! The quality is insane!"