No matter how high the adventurers' levels were, none of them could pull out the spear. The 'Orion's Spear' seemed to be fused with the crystal, completely immovable by human strength. One by one, the adventurers returned defeated, yet their failures did not diminish the other adventurer's confidence. On the contrary, more and more people gathered, eager to witness the emergence of the so-called hero who could succeed where others had failed. Adventurers continued to step up to the platform, but none could budge the spear. It was as if it were one with the ground itself.
"Even a member of the Loki familia couldn't pull it out?" Tsubaki remarked in surprise. Her curiosity about the 'Orion's Spear' only grew. If circumstances allowed, she would have loved to hold it in her hands and study it closely. As she pondered, a faint look of anticipation crossed her face.
Suddenly, she nudged Yami, who was standing beside her, and said softly, "Hey, Yami, why don't you give it a try? If you can pull it out, let me have the first crack at studying it!"
At her suggestion, all the girls around turned their attention to Yami, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"Tsubaki's right! Why don't you give it a shot, Yami-kun?" added Goddess Hestia, always one to encourage a little chaos. Though she was disappointed that her own child couldn't pull out the spear earlier, she felt it would be fantastic if Yami could succeed. If her best friend's child could do it, it would almost feel like her own child had succeeded.
At this moment, the usually carefree Goddess Hestia transformed into a strategic planner. However, faced with everyone's expectations, Yami just calmly shook his head.
"Don't get your hopes up. Even I probably won't be able to pull it out."
"Huh? Why not?" The girls were puzzled by Yami's certainty, which seemed out of character for him. After all, if even someone as powerful as Yami couldn't pull out the 'Orion's Spear,' who in Orario possibly could?
"Why? Isn't it obvious?" Yami explained. "The user of that weapon has already been predetermined. The lingering power in the spear recognizes the identity of its intended wielder. Only someone who meets specific conditions can pull it out. Clearly, I'm not the chosen adventurer, so there's no point in trying."
Being familiar with the plot, Yami knew the hidden conditions behind the spear. If someone wasn't chosen, they wouldn't be able to pull it out. After all, in the original story, even Ais failed.
"Is that so?" The girls, although they didn't fully grasp the deeper meaning, nodded in understanding and didn't press Yami any further. However, Goddess Hephaestus's expression turned thoughtful as she glanced at Yami with a look of deep consideration. Since learning about Sanjouno Haruhime, she had already begun to suspect something. Now, with the appearance of the 'Orion's Spear,' a certain idea in her mind grew even stronger.
As more and more adventurers failed, the atmosphere at the scene began to cool. Many adventurers who had yet to try were now losing interest. People have hopes for what seems within reach—like aspiring to become a hero. After all, there were countless human heroes in ancient times, and that was without the aid of "God's Grace."
But aiming to become a god? Almost no one would entertain such a thought because gods are beyond reach, and the idea of becoming one feels impossibly distant.
Even though the reward for pulling out the 'Orion's Spear' was enticing, after so many failures, most adventurers chose to give up. They no longer wanted to waste their time.
"It seems no one will be able to pull out this spear," Goddess Hephaestus sighed, seemingly setting the final tone for this event.
Yami, on the other hand, kept scanning the surroundings, looking for a familiar figure but didn't spot anyone he recognized. Extending his Observation Haki across the entire city of Orario, he immediately pinpointed Bell Cranel's location. However, what puzzled him was that Bell wasn't anywhere near the scene and showed no signs of heading in this direction.
"What's going on?" Yami wondered. "If that rabbit doesn't pull out the 'Orion's Spear,' the world could be in serious danger when Antares fully digests Artemis's divine power. Is it really this hard to just show up?"
Yami felt exasperated by the situation. As time went on, the crowd began to thin, yet the designated savior had still not appeared.
"Honestly, it seems like Hermes's event is going to end in failure," Goddess Hestia remarked, clearly losing interest. She had hoped to see a good show, but now it seemed like it would just be another disappointment—much ado about nothing.
"Well, maybe that's for the best," Hephaestus suggested. "Everyone's starting to leave. Why don't we go up and ask Hermes about Artemis's situation?"
Following her lead, the group headed toward the stage. Hermes, who had not achieved the desired effect with his event, looked rather frustrated and helpless.
At that moment, Goddess Hestia called out, "Hermes, what are you up to? Has Artemis contacted you?"
"Huh? Hestia, Hephaestus, what are you two doing here?" Hermes looked up and saw them, along with Yami. The sight of Yami, in particular, reignited a fiery determination in Hermes's eyes, which had previously been dulled by disappointment. His gaze was intense, almost burning.
"I'll explain about Artemis later," Hermes said, turning to Yami. "But first, Yami, could I trouble you to try pulling out the spear? Please, just give it a shot!"
Hermes's voice carried a pleading tone that none of them had ever heard before. Even Hephaestus and Hestia, who knew Hermes well, were taken aback by the desperation in his voice. Instinctively, their eyes fell on Yami.
"Really, there's no escaping this, is there?" Yami sighed. "Alright, since you're asking, Lord Hermes, I'll give it a try. But let me be clear—I can't guarantee that I'll be able to pull it out."