The wind itself seemed to quiet out of respect... or fear.
The Boaz warrior didn't bother greeting them with hostility.
Nor did he smile.
He simply observed them with an unreadable gaze, as if measuring the weight of every soul present.
Finn stepped forward, his expression composed.
"Ottar," he acknowledged with a nod.
Ottar's response was a low rumble.
"Finn Deimne."
Behind the pallum, the Loki Familia braced themselves... because no matter what happened next, one fact was undeniable...
They were about to enter the territory of the strongest Familia in Orario.
And the strongest warrior was the one welcoming them.
For Judas, however, the moment he laid his eyes on the large boaz, his eyes narrowed.
'This is my first time seeing him up close.'
His first impression was that this giant man... whose muscles looked like they were made of iron... seemed like the strong, quiet type.
'Another Level 7 other than Alfia.'
His mind naturally drifted to comparing the two...
'If Alfia is like a wrecking ball, a berserker witch who destroys everything in her path, then Ottar feels like a giant boulder... tough on the inside, tough on the outside.'
That was his most honest assessment.
While Judas was evaluating Ottar in his mind, the latter was also doing the same to him.
The boaz's gaze didn't stay on Finn for long before he shifted his eyes to the black-haired boy who had made waves in Orario recently.
'Judas Spade.'
The one his goddess had taken an interest in.
'I already knew he was not ordinary when he was able to escape the pursuit of Hedin and the others, but...'
Although his facial expression didn't change, anyone who knew him well enough could tell that his eyes visibly sharpened.
'My gut feeling... it's telling me he is brimming with potential.'
Ottar thought as he stepped to the side.
"My goddess awaits your presence."
He said, and further behind him were other members of the Freya Familia, all lined up on either side like an entourage welcoming a special guest.
Of course, the majority of their expressions were anything but friendly.
Their stern and scrutinizing stares would've made any adventurer sweat in nervousness.
Perhaps it was an intimidation tactic.
But who were the ones arriving? It was the Loki Familia.
Maybe with the exception of those like Raul, who were naturally timid, everyone here had experienced life-and-death situations more than enough times.
Which meant they possessed nerves of steel.
Mere hostile gazes weren't enough to make them step back, and they continued walking without minding the pressure.
"Huh? That sex-crazed slut is as arrogant as ever, doesn't even bother to greet us at the gate."
"Does she think she's above us or something? Or maybe she got intimidated by us and hid?"
It was Loki who spoke, her slit eyes open and her voice loud enough to make sure everyone could hear clearly as her face twisted in slight annoyance.
Hearing her words, Ottar's face remained neutral and unchanging.
He closed his eyes as if blocking her out.
But for the majority of the Freya Familia members, hearing their goddess be badmouthed made their lips and mouths twitch.
They wanted to respond out of anger but ultimately held back.
Maybe if the one who spoke wasn't a goddess, they wouldn't have restrained themselves as much as they did.
But Loki, showcasing a carefree attitude, merely smirked at their reactions, seemingly enjoying herself.
As they continued their walk, inching closer to the heart of Folkvangr, Judas noticed that most members of the Freya Familia had kept their gazes on him.
Eyeing him like a hawk.
"Why does he get to have the affection of the goddess?"
"Urgh! I am so jealous."
"Judas Spade, I hope you drop dead."
He heard a few whispering amongst themselves here and there, even curses thrown his way.
Of course, not everyone reacted like this... there was at least someone who expressed interest toward him.
"So this is what he looks like in person... he's so handsome and totally my type. No wonder Lady Freya is so smitten with him."
"Also, I heard that he possesses healing magic that's said to surpass Airmid's and even mine. I wonder if that rumor is true."
To his right, a group of women clad in healer uniforms were lined up together as a pink-haired woman whispered to the healer beside her.
They were the Andhrímnir, the Freya Familia's personal medical team composed of dedicated herbalists and healers.
And the one who whispered earlier was their leader, Heith Velvet... also known as Vana Mardoll.
When his purple eyes shifted toward her, Heith flinched for a bit and then gave a small wave with a soft smile.
It seemed like a friendly gesture; however, there was something about her gaze that unsettled him.
But Judas didn't think much of it, and his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
'Looks like Freya had the sense to keep the bastards who ambushed me out of sight.'
Even so, there was one familiar face.
'Oh, isn't that the idiot who got thrown over the wall when I first arrived?'
A half-pallum with navy-blue hair.
He later learned that his name was Van, with the alias Flint... a Level 4 adventurer.
The moment their gazes met, Van turned away with a click of his tongue and spat to the side as if to show his distaste.
"What the hell, Van!"
Unfortunately, because of how they were lined up, he accidentally spat on the person next to him.
"Hmph!"
Of course, Van showed no concern and continued to glare daggers at Judas.
After all, the person he spat on was just a mere low-level member... someone he didn't consider a threat.
"Pfft... hahaha! What the hell was that? He just ruined a perfectly good tense atmosphere. A massive aura loss right there."
Loki bent over laughing, loud as ever.
Ottar shot a death glare toward Van.
The half-pallum froze instantly and lowered his head like a scolded child.
Other than Loki's excessive laughter, no one else paid attention to this.
At last, they reached the entrance of the mansion.
A woman with long gray hair covering one eye and dressed in a sleek black outfit stepped forward.
Graceful at first glance... almost like she was imitating her goddess.
But the moment her eyes landed on Judas, her expression twisted with barely contained hostility before she forced it back down.
However, Judas noticed her right hand move toward her hip, where her weapon... a knife... was holstered.
Her arm trembled the moment her fingers brushed against the handle, and her other hand reached for the door to open it.
"Lady Freya... they are here."
The doors opened.
And Freya appeared.
Luxuriously dressed... as if she had taken special care to make an impression.
"Ah~ Welcome."
She said with a charming smile.
Her dark violet eyes ignored everyone else around her and saw only Judas.
"Fufufu~ It's nice to finally meet you, Judas Spade."
For a moment, the members of the Loki Familia froze... not out of fear, but out of sheer awe as they marveled at Freya's appearance.
It was an instinctive reaction... almost primal.
As the goddess of beauty, Freya did not simply look beautiful.
People often joked that beauty could kill.
In Freya's case, it wasn't a joke.
And because of that, she rarely made public appearances.
The sight of her could disrupt entire streets, stir chaos, or even start fights among those desperate to be chosen by her gaze.
Even though many of the Loki Familia had lived in Orario for years, this was the first time most of them were seeing her in person... seeing that beauty up close, unfiltered, unrestrained.
It was no wonder they froze.
Loki clicked her tongue.
"Tch... look at her rolling out the red carpet and even going through the trouble to dress herself up like we're about to have a ball or something. So annoying..."
Her complaint was... predictably... loud enough for everyone to hear.
Some of the Loki Familia snapped out of their daze from the sheer pettiness of that remark.
Freya, ignoring Loki with the grace of someone brushing aside a bothersome child, stepped forward.
Every movement she made carried an almost predatory elegance... slow, deliberate, and dripping with a beauty so sharp one could cut themselves on it.
Her gaze never left Judas.
"It truly is a pleasure."
She said, her voice smooth like silk sliding across bare skin... soft, warm, dangerous.
Judas didn't flinch.
Though even he had to admit Freya was the epitome of divine beauty, he remained composed.
He narrowed his eyes slightly as she approached.
'Despite being both goddesses, she exudes a completely different vibe from Loki.'
Loki was chaotic, loud, mischievous.
Freya was something else entirely... like a hand slowly, deliberately wrapping around his heart.
Curious.
Possessive.
Hungry.
He met her stare head-on.
"Freya, you should know why we're here."
His tone was even. Calm. Controlled.
The casual way he addressed her made several members of the Freya Familia twitch.
'This bastard.'
Several of them opened their mouths... but Freya raised a hand.
Her violet eyes flicked toward them, sharp as a blade.
Silence fell instantly.
Spines straightened.
Mouths snapped shut.
But that didn't stop them from glaring daggers into the back of Judas' skull.
"Ah, yes, that matter..."
Freya murmured, her hand gently resting over her heart, as if steadying its excitement.
"I apologize. It seems I let myself get... carried away."
She turned, her long hair gliding behind her like liquid silver.
"The meeting room is this way. We can have a nice little chat over there."
Ottar silently fell in step behind her... towering, vigilant, unblinking... the shadow always at her back.
Finn gestured for Riveria, Gareth, and the other executives to follow.
"Raul, you and the others stay here. Don't cause any trouble."
Raul saluted stiffly, already sweating from the tension.
The large doors closed behind them with a quiet thud.
A soft sound... but one that felt heavy, final, as though the moment they crossed that threshold, the atmosphere itself changed.
Finn exhaled softly.
"Everyone, stay alert. This is neutral ground... but only in name."
The Loki Familia executives nodded, stepping forward with confidence and unified resolve.
The group followed Freya and Ottar deeper into the mansion.
As they walked through the hallway, the grand silence swallowed them whole.
Only their footsteps echoed... steady, rhythmic, strangely foreboding.
Ais, for her part, was always on guard... her golden eyes darting left and right, scanning every hallway, every shadow.
She had subtly taken Judas' right side, positioning herself just half a step forward, as if silently declaring that anything trying to reach him would have to go through her first.
Tiona, of course, mirrored her on the left, cracking her knuckles with a grin that didn't reach her eyes.
As they proceeded deeper into the mansion, Judas couldn't help but look around... his gaze sweeping the grand interior of the Freya Familia's mansion.
"Tsk... what a show-off."
Loki muttered, scrunching her nose as she walked.
And honestly? She wasn't wrong.
The halls of Folkvangr were immaculate... too immaculate... almost as if they were deliberately designed to remind visitors of the immense wealth, power, and prestige the Freya Familia possessed.
Gold-trimmed pillars.
Marble floors polished to a mirror sheen.
Every wall was lined with beautiful expensive paintings... all arranged in reverence to one theme.
To one person.
It felt less like a home and more like a cathedral dedicated entirely to Freya.
'It really makes the Twilight Manor look like a shabby inn in comparison...'
Even for someone like Riveria, who is royalty, the extravagant atmosphere felt... suffocating.
Finally, Freya slowed her pace.
They arrived at a beautifully carved double door... white wood wrapped in silver patterns, with an emblem of a blooming flower adorning its center.
She turned toward them with a smile that could have launched wars.
"Here we are."
Her eyes drifted to Judas again, lingering on him far longer than anyone was comfortable with.
"I've been looking forward to this talk."
Judas met her gaze directly, refusing to be swayed by her divine charm.
"Then let's make sure it's productive."
Freya's smile deepened... amusement? Intrigue? Obsession? It was impossible to tell.
Ottar stepped forward, opening the door with one massive hand.
Inside was a long rectangular table made of dark wood, with enchanted lamps casting a soft, warm glow.
Seated on the right side were the Freya Familia's executives.
Hedin. Hogni. Allen. The Gulliver brothers.
All of them turned their heads as the group entered, their eyes honing in immediately on Judas.
"So this is what you fuckers look like without that stupid mask."
Judas said, loudly enough that echoes bounced off the walls.
He followed Loki's example of making sure everyone heard.
Surprisingly, none of them lashed out or spoke.
But there was a faint hostility hidden in their gazes... subtle enough that an outsider might miss it, yet sharp enough that everyone at the table felt the tension tightening the air.
In the end, Judas and the others pulled up chairs and sat down.
The Loki Familia positioned themselves to the left, while the Freya Familia settled on the right, like two armies quietly dividing the battlefield.
At the far ends of the table sat the goddesses themselves.
Loki leaned forward with her elbows propped on the table, glaring at Freya with a full-on stink eye.
Freya, meanwhile, paid her no mind.
Her attention was fixed entirely on Judas, her gaze soft and dreamy, as if he were the only one in the room worth acknowledging.
"Hey, bimbo, are you going to say anything or what?"
Loki said bluntly, no longer beating around the bush.
Freya realized she was being addressed.
Although being called a bimbo was unpleasant, she didn't seem bothered and simply offered a gentle smile.
"Yes. As for the claim that my executives ambushed my Odr... I mean, your newest recruit, Judas Spade... truthfully, I had nothing to do with it. They acted on their own volition."
Freya said without the slightest hint of shame.
Loki let out a hollow chuckle, tapping her fingers on the table with a mocking rhythm.
'So this is how you're going to play it, huh?'
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