"But let me make it clear upfront: I can't guarantee that I'll be able to pull it out."
Yami couldn't refuse when faced with the expectant gazes of Goddess Hestia and Hephaestus. Yet, he felt compelled to manage their expectations. After all, the 'Orion's Spear' was meant to be pulled out by Bell Cranel. With the "protagonist" absent, Yami wasn't sure if he could do it himself.
Maybe, if it were Artoria, he would feel more confident. She had pulled out the sword in the stone, and even wielded the more powerful Holy Spear. Surely, the 'Orion's Spear' would be no exception.
Hearing Yami's words, the faces of those around him lit up with excitement. Only Hermes seemed to let out a sigh of relief, though he quickly masked it with a bright smile.
"It's alright, just give it a try," Hermes encouraged. "If even you can't pull it out, then it's clearly fate, and I won't push the matter any further."
Hermes spoke with an air of nonchalance, and Yami slowly nodded in response. With all eyes on him, he approached the 'Orion's Spear.'
He hadn't inspected it closely before, but now, this god-slaying weapon stood before him in all its glory. The spear's smooth surface was etched with dense sacred inscriptions, though they appeared dim, as if the weapon was lacking some essential power.
Even so, Yami could still sense a lingering force within it. "This is a remarkable weapon. Let's see what happens," he murmured, taking a deep breath before placing his right hand on the spear.
Unlike the previous adventurers, who had used all their strength, Yami had no intention of exerting himself. He understood the situation well enough: if he were truly the chosen one, the spear would come out with ease. If not, no amount of force would help.
Of course, someone with overwhelming power could potentially bypass these restrictions, but such an existence didn't currently reside in Orario.
As Yami's identity was well-known, the onlookers had high hopes, though some secretly wished for him to fail. It wasn't out of hatred, but rather a reflection of human nature—if they couldn't do it, they didn't want anyone else to succeed either.
However, they were in for a disappointment.
Yami's right hand gently grasped the spear. Initially, he had no real expectations and didn't even plan to use much strength—just a bit of pretense to satisfy the crowd.
But suddenly, a voice echoed in his ear.
"Found you!!!"
A sweet, feminine voice rang in Yami's mind, causing his expression to twist into one of disbelief.
"This has to be a joke! Wasn't this supposed to be predetermined? How did it end up being me?!"
Yami silently cursed, but there was no one to answer his questions. Just as he was about to release his grip, the once dull 'Orion's Spear' erupted in a dazzling light, illuminating the entire area from the base to the tip.
The sacred inscriptions began to glow faintly, and with a thunderous crack, the crystal base shattered, revealing the full form of the 'Orion's Spear.'
"He pulled it out!!!" Goddess Hestia exclaimed in pure delight, her face beaming with joy. Beside her, Goddess Hephaestus remained composed, as if she had expected this outcome all along.
"So, Hermes, what are you and Ouranos planning? And where is Artemis, the rightful owner of this weapon?" Hephaestus questioned, her tone serious.
Hermes adjusted his hat, lowering his head slightly. "Don't worry, Hephaestus. I'll explain everything in due time. But it seems fate has chosen your child!"
"Fate?" The word irked Hephaestus, and she couldn't hide her irritation. "I can never get along with you, Hermes. Every conversation with you ends in frustration!"
"There's no helping it," Hermes replied, his tone somber. "This matter is too serious to discuss here. But now that your child has pulled out the spear, he's the one who must handle it. As his patron deity, you have a right to know. Just give me a little time."
With that, Hermes stepped forward. "Congratulations, Yami! It seems you truly possess the qualities of a hero!"
However, Yami, staring at the 'Orion's Spear' in his hand, felt anything but triumphant. His expression was one of utter helplessness.
"Can I put it back now?" he asked, half-serious.
"Of course not," Hermes responded with a knowing look. "Everything is guided by fate!"
Yami's comment only deepened the mysterious expression on Hermes's face. But now wasn't the time for further discussion—the event had to go on.
"The chosen one has emerged!" Hermes declared. "Now, let's bring out the sponsor of this journey!"
With those words, Hermes directed everyone's attention to a figure not far away. Following his gaze, the crowd saw a beautiful woman standing there, her eyes sparkling as she smiled at Yami on the platform.
"Artemis!" Goddess Hestia shouted in delight, her face lighting up. She quickly ran toward the Goddess of the Hunt, eager to reunite with her old friend.
However, as everyone anticipated a warm reunion, something unexpected happened. Instead of greeting Hestia, Artemis sped up and leaped into Yami's arms, bypassing Hestia entirely.
"Finally found you, my Orion!!!!" she exclaimed.
"Eh?!!!" Hestia gasped in shock, utterly taken aback by the turn of events.