Artemis, the legendary Moon Goddess, is revered alongside Athena and Hestia as one of the three virgin goddesses of the heavens. As the goddess of chastity, her familia consists solely of women, and her followers are forbidden from engaging in romantic relationships, or even holding hands.
The peaceful life in the lower world caused Artemis to lower her guard. It was during one of her 'hunts,' on a whim, that she decided to check the seal of the ancient monster Antares, accompanied by her followers.
To everyone's shock, the seal had already been broken.
The scorpion-like monster, Antares, ambushed Artemis and her followers. All the adventurers were killed, and even Artemis herself was swallowed by Antares. The monster gained the power of a god, becoming a true threat capable of subverting the world.
Upon realizing this, Artemis was filled with deep regret. However, having become an incomplete existence, she could no longer fight the ancient monster, nor could she avenge her fallen followers.
"Antares must be stopped from wreaking havoc any further!" she resolved. "I have to correct my mistake."
"The only option is to seek help in Orario. I must find someone capable of defeating Antares in my stead!"
As she spoke, the spear embedded in the ground began to glow with a soft light. Blessed by this power, Artemis regained basic mobility and slowly stood up.
She retrieved her spear, determined the direction of Orario, and set off with haste.
Artemis was determined to atone for her mistakes with her own hands and to avenge her children who perished at the hands of Antares. Even if it meant that after killing Antares, she too would be destroyed and fall into a deep sleep for tens of thousands of years, it didn't matter.
——
"So, Yami, you've obtained the key to a new world again?"
Inside the Hephaestus Familia's weapon shop in the Tower of Babel, Goddesses Hephaestus and Hestia had gathered. Yami had just shared his plans with them, leaving the two goddesses surprised and curious.
"That's right, I've received the qualification to travel to a new world," Yami explained. "But to make it permanent, I still need to complete certain events. However, this world contains some powerful entities. While I'm confident I can confront them, I'm not sure I can meet all the conditions on my own. That's why I wanted to ask for help from Hephaestus and Hestia."
Hearing this, the two goddesses nodded thoughtfully. Hephaestus spoke first, "Since it's a request from Yami, I certainly won't refuse. After all, you are my favorite child. What do you think, Hestia?"
The sudden question caught Hestia off guard, and her expression became rather conflicted. "Of course, I'd love to go to another world with you, Yami-kun, and see if there are any suitable children to bring into the familia. But I still have responsibilities here. If I leave for too long, it could cause chaos."
"Besides, I work at the potato ball shop every day, so..."
Hestia's concerns left Yami and Hephaestus momentarily stunned before they both burst into laughter.
"There's no need to worry about that, Hestia," Hephaestus reassured her. "When traveling to another world, no matter how much time passes there, only an hour will pass in Orario. We've tested this several times."
"Really? That's incredible!" Hestia exclaimed, astonished by the ability to control time so precisely. "If that's the case, then I have no problem. Count me in for this journey to another world!"
"I owe Yami-kun and the children so much; it's time I gave something back!" Hestia declared, her voice filled with determination.
But Yami's attention was clearly not on Hestia's words. Her previous gesture had caused quite a distraction, and before he knew it, his focus was entirely drawn to her, leaving him unresponsive.
"Your eyes are about to pop out!" Hephaestus scolded, noticing Yami's expression, and promptly kicked his calf.
"Ah, uh, what? I was just thinking about something," Yami stammered, quickly pulling himself together and averting his gaze, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Ahem, since there are no issues, let's set off now!" Yami suggested, eager to change the subject and start the real-time traversal simulation.
But just as he was about to proceed, Hestia interjected, "Wait a minute, Yami-kun, can we delay our departure a bit?"
This request caused Yami to pause and turn around with a puzzled expression. "Is there something urgent?"
"Not exactly. It's just that the Moon Festival is coming up in a few days. I've never had the chance to participate before, and I've been looking forward to it. I'd like to experience it first before heading to another world."
"Moon Festival?!" Hearing this, a flood of memories surged through Yami's mind. It was a celebration that had existed since before the gods descended to the world. In ancient times, people revered the moon as a deity and prayed for safe returns from the dungeon. This tradition remained even after the gods arrived.
Moreover, something extraordinary always seemed to happen around the Moon Festival.
"Hestia, traveling to another world will only take an hour in Orario, so it won't interfere with the Moon Festival," Yami reasoned.
"No, no! I want to participate in the Moon Festival first. I've been looking forward to it for so long!" Hestia insisted.
Hephaestus, agreeing with Hestia, said, "Just listen to her, Yami. I'm also looking forward to the Moon Festival. And it's not like you're in a rush, are you?"
Hephaestus' suggestion effectively settled the matter. Yami sighed, resigned to the delay, and nodded slowly.
"Alright, we'll travel to the new world after the Moon Festival."