Ever since the news spread that the Hestia Familia and the Loki Familia were about to engage in a War Game, all of Orario was abuzz.
In every street corner, tavern, and tea house, almost everyone was eagerly discussing this unprecedented showdown.
"Did you know? I heard that Ying Ping can easily defeat even the LV5 Werewolf Bete..."
"But the Loki Familia has three LV6s!"
"Who exactly is that Ying Ping? He actually made the Sword Princess Ais defect on the spot, practically driving Loki mad..."
"Tsk, I think they're just asking for death. The Loki Familia is, after all, one of Orario's strongest veteran Familias!"
Amidst the discussions, some scoffed, while others secretly anticipated.
In such heated discussions, the Hestia Familia had officially moved into the former residence of the Apollo Familia.
This magnificent palace had been personally renamed the "Hearthfire Manor" by Hestia and registered with the Guild.
The morning sun shone on the wide lawn of the Hearthfire Manor, dewdrops sparkling among the blades of grass.
Ying Ping was shirtless, his muscular physique particularly defined in the morning light, sweat dripping down his back.
His breathing was steady and deep, his eyes focused intently ahead.
"Very good, maintain that posture!"
Take-Mikazuchi stood to the side, arms crossed, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Ying Ping's every movement.
Although this God of War was usually very gentle, he was exceptionally serious when teaching Ying Ping martial arts.
"Your body coordination has improved a lot since last time, but your lower body is still not stable enough, and your movements are too stiff."
Take-Mikazuchi stepped forward, placed a hand on Ying Ping's shoulder, and slightly adjusted his posture.
"Remember, the true skill of martial arts lies not in brute force, but in how to exert maximum power with the smallest movements."
Ying Ping nodded, adjusting his breathing according to Take-Mikazuchi's guidance, concentrating the lightning enchantment on his right hand, then suddenly thrust forward!
"Chidori Sharp Spear!"
"Zzz—!"
The air was instantly torn apart, emitting a sharp crackle.
The lightning light that shot out, like a silver snake, instantly pierced through a bottle placed ten meters away.
A hint of surprise flashed in Take-Mikazuchi's eyes.
"To have mastered the essence of 'Afterglow' so quickly... your rate of progress is truly incredible."
He rarely showed a smile, "Ying Ping-kun, if you specialize in fist techniques, your future achievements might even surpass your swordsmanship."
Ying Ping wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled modestly, "It's all thanks to Lady Take-Mikazuchi's excellent teaching."
"Too modest, you are indeed a very talented young man."
Take-Mikazuchi gently shook his head; although he said so, he was clearly pleased with Ying Ping's attitude.
Just then—
"Master! Lord Take-Mikazuchi! You've worked hard training!"
Kokkoro trotted over, holding a clean towel and a cup of cool water, a gentle smile on her face.
"Please!"
She stood on tiptoe, carefully wiping the sweat from Ying Ping's forehead, then respectfully handed another towel to Take-Mikazuchi.
Take-Mikazuchi took the towel and nodded slightly: "Thank you."
Ying Ping, on the other hand, took the cup directly and drank it all in one gulp.
"Phew—that's much better now."
He let out a long breath and turned to Kokkoro, asking, "Where are the others?"
"Miss Ilena is still sleeping, and Lady Hestia is discussing Familia development matters with Lady Artemis..."
Kokkoro reported obediently, but before she could finish, a commotion suddenly erupted in the distance.
Just then, Chisato Nishikigi rushed over, her red skirt fluttering in the wind: "Master! Mr. Ottar from the Freya Familia is here, saying he wants to see you!"
Ying Ping and Take-Mikazuchi exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
"Ottar, the strongest of the Freya Familia?"
Take-Mikazuchi frowned slightly, "What is he here for?"
Ying Ping put down his teacup, a glint flashing in his eyes: "We'll know once we meet him."
He casually grabbed the trench coat draped nearby, put it on, and strode towards the main building.
Take-Mikazuchi hesitated for a moment, then followed him.
Ying Ping and his group arrived at the entrance of the stronghold, where a figure as burly as a mountain stood silently.
Ottar—the captain of the Freya Familia, Oulari's recognized strongest adventurer, a level 7 powerhouse.
His dark skin gleamed with a metallic luster in the sunlight, and his heavily muscled body looked as if it were cast from steel.
His 2.1-meter height was extremely imposing to outsiders, and he was looking down at Ying Ping from above.
In those calm, deep eyes, there was an unwavering warrior's will.
"Ying Ping."
Ottar stared intently at Ying Ping, his voice deep and heavy.
Ying Ping had his hands in his pockets, tilting his head slightly to meet his gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips: "I wonder what brings the captain of the Freya Familia to my doorstep?"
Ottar stated directly: "I am here on Lady Freya's orders to inquire whether the Hestia Familia has any intention of forming an alliance."
"An alliance?"
Ying Ping raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "Isn't the Freya Familia known as Oulari's strongest Familia?"
"On the eve of a War Game, you still need to ally with a small Familia like ours? Why?"
Ottar was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Lady Freya said that if we ally, you will surely defeat the Loki Familia in the War Game."
He paused, his voice still calm as he continued: "At that time, by absorbing the Loki Familia, you will become Oulari's new strongest Familia."
"And if our two great Familias then cooperate, we can completely control the entire situation in Oulari."
After listening, Ying Ping suddenly chuckled softly: "That's a rather beautiful idea..."
He shook his head, his gaze suddenly sharp: "But I refuse! In fact, your Freya is afraid, isn't she?"
"Afraid that after we defeat the Loki Familia, our next target will be your Freya Familia!"
The air instantly solidified... Ottar's eyes suddenly sharpened, and an invisible pressure spread out like a tide.
Kokkoro and Chisato Nishikigi, standing behind Ying Ping, instantly reacted, their faces hardening.
"Calm down, don't make a move yet."
Ying Ping remained composed, merely blocking those behind him, taking a step forward to confront Ottar directly.
"...Don't misunderstand, Lady Freya merely appreciates your talent."
Ottar's voice grew colder, "But if you refuse to cooperate and insist on being an enemy of the Freya Familia, then you are seeking your own demise."
"Is that so?"
Ying Ping shrugged: "I didn't expect Freya to be so unaware of my strength; it seems your intelligence isn't that great."
"Then there's nothing more to discuss. Go back and tell Freya that our Hestia Familia doesn't need your alliance."
Ottar's eyes completely chilled, and he began to emit killing intent.
He was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "In that case..."
"Ying Ping, I would like to request a battle with you, on a personal basis."
"If you lose, you will accept cooperation with Lady Freya. If I lose, Lady Freya will come and speak with you personally again."
Ying Ping narrowed his eyes, a curve forming at the corner of his mouth: "Alright, no problem."
"Then go wait for me at the Ganesha Familia's arena. We'll have a fair and square match."
"Regardless of life or death, until one side cries surrender 4.3."
"Agreed."
Ottar gave Ying Ping a deep look, said nothing more, turned, and left, his footsteps heavy.
At this moment, Chisato Nishikigi volunteered, saying with a cheerful smile: "Master, why don't you send me? I'm sure I can beat that big guy!"
This was true.
Because of the Book of Experience, she had now leveled up to LV21, and her physical abilities and strength could indeed easily defeat LV7 Ottar.
Ying Ping thought for a moment and nodded: "Alright, I'll give you a chance to show off."
The news quickly spread throughout Oulari—
"Ying Ping of the Hestia Familia will publicly challenge Ottar of the Freya Familia in the arena!"
The entire labyrinth city was once again in an uproar.
Inside the Loki Familia, Finn put down the intelligence report, his brows furrowed: "This Ying Ping... is he really that confident in his own strength?"
At the top of Babel Tower, Freya expressionlessly swirled her wine glass, a dangerous glint flickering in her purple eyes.
"I hope you can bring me enough surprises."