The second Gods' Assembly hosted by Chen Hai concluded.
The participating principal gods each had their own gains.
Some signed cooperation agreements with other Familias;
Some learned the latest information and planned to explore the Dungeon overnight.
Among them, the most eye-catching was the Astrea Familia, which had left Orario many years ago and suddenly returned tonight.
Currently, Chen Hai, as the host, made arrangements for Astrea and her Familia members to stay in the hotel under the Adventurers' Guild.
These hotels were usually used by the Adventurers' Guild to entertain VIPs and accommodate wealthy merchants, ensuring safety.
Astrea, expressing her gratitude, quickly left the scene to meet up with her Familia members.
After the Gods' Assembly disbanded, Chen Hai, accompanied by Hestia, bid farewell to Hephaestus, Demeter, and others, and set off on their way home.
Halfway there—
"Mr. Chen Hai, do you want to buy something before we go back?"
"What are you planning to buy?"
"Snacks. I heard that the most popular shop recently changed its menu again, and it seems to be using rare ingredients from the Dungeon."
Hestia described it vividly.
"Then let's go take a look."
After Chen Hai agreed, he and Hestia took a detour to the shop she mentioned.
It wasn't late at night yet, so all the districts of Orario were bustling.
In fact, even when night fell, the flow of people would not decrease.
Because of the 'Dungeon New Regulations' set by Chen Hai, some Adventurers worked in three shifts, so one could always see Adventurers who had just finished work or were about to start work.
These people usually gathered near the plazas or taverns, enjoying the fun before work and the time after work.
"And it's not just that shop; many stores have extended their business hours, and even The Hostess of Fertility tavern is no exception."
"After all, they can earn more money."
"Exactly, exactly. If I were still selling fried potato balls, I would definitely run over to The Tower of Babel to do business. There would definitely be many customers."
"You can still go sell fried potato balls now."
"I can't go back now!"
Hestia said with a smile,
"I'm much happier now than before!"
Because she wasn't short on money and didn't have to pay rent.
Coupled with the fact that the Guild mansion she currently lived in was cleaned by others, it was almost like a noble in the human world.
Generally, the only people who could enjoy such treatment were the principal gods of powerful Familias.
"So, have you considered recruiting more Familia members recently? After all, the current number of members is still 0."
"No, I believe the reason for gods descending to recruit Familias is to better enjoy a life different from that in Heaven. And I already have such a life now, so Familias… can wait until later."
After Hestia finished speaking, she held Chen Hai's hand and entered the next district.
It was brightly lit and bustling with people.
Foreigners with completely different attire and appearances roamed the streets.
"Orario's diversity has become even richer."
Previously, there were Elves, Humans, Beastmen, Dwarves, and now there are also tourists from other cities and countries.
As for the reason... Adventurers drinking at a street stall mentioned it.
"Because the production of Magic Stones has doubled, many merchant guilds have started opening up routes connecting to Orario. Even the forests that were always bypassed have, with the cooperation of Adventurers and mercenaries, established two intermediate stations, allowing merchants and tourists to pass through safely."
Upon hearing this, Chen Hai felt that his 'Dungeon New Regulations' not only benefited Adventurers but also boosted the economy.
So, even in another world, the economy is very important.
This also explains why the Adventurers were working so hard.
Because no one wanted to miss the opportunity to get rich.
Thinking of this, Hestia led him to a shop.
It was very popular, and people were lining up.
However—
Chen Hai was an exception.
When passersby saw him appear, they all moved aside.
"Um... you all go ahead and line up. This feels a bit awkward."
Hestia stopped in her tracks when she saw this.
The passersby smiled and said,
"It's fine. Lord Chen Hai is very busy. The time you have to buy things must not be long. Please go ahead and buy first."
"I have no objection."
"It's just making a space; you two don't need to mind."
"I just bought mine and haven't opened the package yet. If you two need it, I can give it to you directly."
Facing the Lord of the Dungeon and the current owner of the Adventurers' Guild, every customer present tried to curry favor with Chen Hai in their own way.
Chen Hai somewhat understood why those with privileges felt so good... but he intended to portray a down-to-earth image, so he asked people to return to their previous positions and not make way.
Immediately after... the shop employees, seeing Chen Hai at the end of the line, increased their efficiency, and it was soon the two's turn.
"Ten servings!"
Hestia immediately placed a large order.
Besides her own and Chen Hai's portions, there were also snacks for Saeko Busujima, Saya Takagi, and others.
This must be the Goddess's thoughtfulness.
As Chen Hai watched the busy employees, Hestia beside him quietly asked,
"Regarding the topic Lord Chen Hai and Ganesha discussed during the 'Gods' Assembly,' are those 'Izdihar' real?"
"Of course they are real. When I explained it to him, I also mentioned my arrangements for the 'Izdihar.'"
"No wonder Ganesha used to hold the 'MonsterPhilia'... The core of that event must have been 'friendship with monsters,' because he understands the 'Izdihar' better than us Gods."
"Ganesha has indeed done a lot in this regard."
"As a result... Chen Hai-kun, you sent Uranus back to the Celestial Realm. I was worried during the 'Gods' Assembly' that Ganesha would act against you, especially since he used to cooperate closely with Uranus, particularly concerning the 'Izdihar.'"
Hestia's concerns were not unfounded.
However, Ganesha is also a clever God.
With Uranus already dealt with, he knew he had no chance for revenge.
At the same time, Ganesha had no reason for revenge.
Instead of thinking about these things, it was better to seek new ways of cooperation as Chen Hai publicly revealed the existence of the 'Izdihar.'
Ultimately, the interests between Gods are not absolute; they all have their own ideas.
"Since those 'Izdihar' manage the 'Dungeon Otherworld,' does that mean Orario will also establish contact with that 'Otherworld' in the future?"
"That's right. That world has many things Orario doesn't."
"Is that so? What kinds of things?"
"Airplanes, cannons, tanks, and such."
"What are those?"
"Weapons."
"Ah, that sounds scary. Are there no other entertainment-related things? And food!"
More than harmful weapons, Hestia cared more about fun and food.
Chen Hai smiled and said,
"You can explore it yourself then."
He believed that the 'Corpse crisis' in the apocalypse world would not last long, especially with his interference.
At that time, Chen Hai would set new rules for the nations of the apocalypse world, having them lead expeditions into the Dungeon.
Persist for a certain period, and rewards can be obtained;
Persist for too short a period, and punishment will be received.
For example, a nation might be invaded by monsters.
Once the content of the punishment is known, the armies of those nations would surely fight desperately.
The experience points Chen Hai gained would also greatly increase as a result.
After all, that is an entire world, a planet, with an army totaling over ten million!
"Lord Chen Hai, Lady Hestia, your orders are ready."
At this moment, the shop assistant handed the packaged snacks to the two.
"Thank you!"
After Hestia thanked him, she paid and took the packaged box.
"Let's go back, Chen Hai-kun."
"Yes, it's time to go back and rest."
The two once again set off on their way home.
Chen Hai looked at the Blue Ribbon Goddess who was holding his arm, thinking that such an everyday life was also good.
— — — —
— — — —
Hestia's 'snack party' soon began and ended just as quickly.
Chen Hai had just finished showering in his room when he heard a knock at the door.
Opening the door, he saw Misha, dressed in the Adventurers' Guild employee uniform, standing outside.
"Excuse me! Mr. Chen Hai!"
"What's wrong?"
"I've come to deliver a letter to you. It was sent by the Istar Familia. The sender said that Goddess Ishtar will be coming to the Guild in half an hour and hopes to meet with you at the mansion."
"Give me the letter, and tell them that talking in my room will be fine."
"Okay, okay."
Misha nodded and scurried away.
Chen Hai then opened the envelope, inside was a letter from Ishtar, the Goddess of Beauty who governs the Night Street.
The content was mostly related to the topic of 'banning the Night Street.'
However, the real conversation would have to wait until they met.
Facing this request, Chen Hai also had new plans.
"I should prepare as well."
Chen Hai turned to look at his bed, tossing aside the extra bedding and pillows for later use... — — — —
— — — —
Half an hour later.
Chen Hai sat alone in the VIP room of the mansion provided by the Adventurers' Guild. The magic stone lamp flickered with warm light, illuminating the scene.
He wore a light jacket and savored the fine wine that had just been refilled in front of him.
Soon, Chen Hai looked towards the main door, and what first wafted into the room with the breeze was a subtle fragrance.
The scent, a blend of rose and amber, quietly permeated the air.
"The door isn't closed."
After Chen Hai spoke, the room door was pushed open.
A figure, silhouetted against the night moon, appeared in the room.
It was Ishtar.
The Goddess of Beauty, who managed the pleasure district, did not attend in grand attire like she did for the 'Gods' Assembly,' but had changed into a new outfit.
It was a deep crimson satin long dress, its hem flowing like flames, with a high slit from the waist, revealing long, fair legs.
Above, the shoulders were held by only two delicate golden chains, suspending the garment, leaving large areas of fair skin exposed to the cool night breeze.
Her collarbones were as exquisite as crescent moons, complementing her proud figure.
Truly the Goddess of Beauty.
It was just that her profession in the mortal realm was quite delicate.
Chen Hai watched her in silence, greeting her calmly,
"Miss Ishtar, please have a seat."
Hearing this, Ishtar smiled slightly.
She walked slowly closer, her skirt trailing across the floor with the soft rustle of silk.
"I want to know your reason for banning the Night Street."
Ishtar sat down in front of Chen Hai and continued,
"The pleasure district of Orario, the Night Street, indeed fosters evil and corrupts order. But has Lord Chen Hai considered that it is also the only place of respite for many?"
"I don't think so."
"That's truly a pity... Lord Chen Hai; you are the ruler of the Dungeon, pursuing absolute order, which I can understand."
Speaking of this, Ishtar propped her chin with her left hand and softly said,
"But Orario is inherently a perfect city where only order exists. Because there is light, there is also shadow; with binding laws, there needs to be indulgence and freedom. My Night Street is a place for some Adventurers to seek comfort and release after exploring the Dungeon. From this perspective, isn't it very important?"
Chen Hai did not answer, his gaze sweeping over her.
The Goddess of Beauty was beautiful, but her actions made Chen Hai feel the opposite.
He wasn't some paragon of righteousness; he simply didn't like the existence of the 'Night Street' in the lands he governed.
"Such pleasures, I think I can personally tell Lord Chen Hai about them."
With that, Ishtar's free right hand lifted the golden chain hanging from her shoulder. The already sparse fabric swayed, making everything appear tantalizingly translucent.
"Is this a seduction now?"
Chen Hai looked at the Goddess of Beauty before him and asked directly.
Ishtar chuckled lightly.
"You're mistaken, Sir Chen Hai. I have no need for beauty."
She slowly raised her hand, her fingertips gently tracing her lips.
"I only need you to see the truth, a truth of the Night Street that everyone should know."
After saying this, Ishtar took a step forward, exhaling a hot breath.
"I have no interest in the goddess of the Pleasure Quarter."
"Is that so? Although I manage that place, I haven't made such a move until now."
Is it like 'emerging from the mud unstained'... or 'I am a good goddess'?
"Ishtar, you should know that in Orario, many incidents occur in that Pleasure Quarter. Ganesha can confirm this."
Chen Hai faced the Goddess of Beauty who was close to him, completely unfazed.
"Fights, murders, and brawls—these aren't 'breathers'; they are simply 'crimes'."
In Chen Hai's view, the greatest temptations for Adventurers are 'power' and 'wealth'.
As for the Pleasure Quarter, it wasn't that important.
Hearing this, Ishtar nodded.
"I know."
Her expression slightly serious, she continued,
"As the proprietor of the Night Street, its public order is managed by the Istar Familia. We have already punished many Adventurers who tried to cause trouble. Ultimately… evil does not originate from the Night Street itself, but from the human heart."
In this regard, Ishtar believed she was very convincing.
Furthermore—
"Sir Chen Hai, if you destroy the Night Street, evil might transfer elsewhere—perhaps into the Dungeon you manage."
"Don't worry about that. Aggressive acts by Adventurers against other Adventurers will be punished."
"Then it will be elsewhere."
Ishtar couldn't help but change her words.
Chen Hai smiled.
"Everything you've said cannot make me cancel my original plan. Miss Ishtar, you should give up."
"As I said before, Sir Chen Hai simply hasn't yet discovered the pleasures of the Night Street."
"You seem to be treating me like a naive young boy."
"Sir Chen Hai, you misunderstand. I never thought that."
"Now I can tell you the true outcome."
"Outcome?"
As Ishtar felt confused, Chen Hai clapped his hands.
The next moment, the door was pushed open.
Three people appeared in the room.
Saya Takagi, Yuriko Takagi, and Rei Miyamoto.
The three of them exchanged glances with Chen Hai, then took off their outer coats.
What was revealed beneath were three different styles of attire: light sleepwear and maid outfits.
"Sir Chen Hai, who are they…?"
"The pleasures of the Night Street you speak of, I have always been well aware of them."
"Ah, you mean…"
Ishtar finally understood.
"I think we can take good care of this goddess."
Upon hearing Chen Hai's words, the Takagi Mother and Daughter were the first to act.
They flanked her from both sides, each grabbing one of the Goddess of Beauty's arms.
"Excuse us, Goddess."
"Oh my, Miss Goddess's skin is so delicate."
The mother and daughter became interested in Ishtar, who had come to Chen Hai's room.
Seeing this, Classmate Miyamoto, who was standing to the side, wearing a maid outfit, quickly ran to the bed, only to find that the extra bedding and pillows had been removed.
Chen Hai stood up and glanced at Classmate Miyamoto.
"Everything is ready. Next, we should make this goddess understand what she means by the 'pleasures of the Night Street'."
Looking at Chen Hai walking towards her, Ishtar now realized that she had indeed underestimated the Dungeon Lord before her.
No, what Lord? From this momentum, he's practically a seasoned 'King of the Night'!
Facing Ishtar, whose expression had become more varied, Chen Hai had Classmate Miyamoto also join them.
Three women plus one goddess—this was just the beginning of the 'lesson'.