~(Third POV)~
Morning in Orario began with adventurers setting out for the dungeon, each face etched with determination. The city's residents bustled about, opening shops and preparing to sell their goods and services for the day.
From the second-floor window, Freya watched the scene unfold. She wasn't alone; Loki was there too, dressed in a white blouse, while Freya's long robe concealed her appearance.
The two goddesses faced each other, the air thick with an unspoken tension. The hustle and bustle of the city below seemed a world away from the charged atmosphere in the room. Freya's gaze flicked from the window to Loki, her eyes narrowing as if considering a chess move.
Loki's usually playful demeanor was replaced with a rare seriousness, her eyes fixed on Freya. The weight of their shared concerns and the unspoken stakes hung between them like a tangible presence.
"So, you let Oberon leave Orario alone?" Freya's voice was graceful yet icy, her once captivating smile replaced by a steely expression.
Loki, shifting uncomfortably, only responded with her usual mischievous smile and said, "You know Freya, he— I mean, we had no choice."
The air around them seemed to thrum with unspoken words. Freya's eyes, usually so warm, now held an edge as sharp as a blade. She knew Oberon had left Orario with Phobos, and this meeting was not merely a request—it was a demand for answers.
"Loki," Freya continued, her tone unwavering, "Do you realize the implications of your decision?"
Loki's usual mischievous demeanor was absent, replaced by a rare seriousness.
"Freya, trust me. Oberon's mission is of utmost importance. His departure, while sudden, was necessary. There are forces at play here that even we cannot fully understand."
Freya leaned in, her gaze piercing. "I hope, for all our sakes, you're right… *sigh* Now I want you to explain Oberon's plan in detail."
After a minute of uninterrupted explanation from Loki about Oberon's plan, Freya listened intently to every word, her expression unchanged.
"That's all I can say, or know, about what Oberon intends to do—at least as far as I'm aware," Loki said, leaning back, trying to relax, while her eyes never left Freya's face, trying to decipher her thoughts.
"I just can't understand why he'd bother to help Phobos. If he wanted, he could decimate that soldier in mere minutes," Freya remarked coldly.
"Hm! You should understand Oberon is not some bloodthirsty brute," Loki shot back, her gaze sharp with disapproval.
Freya let out a heavy sigh. "We both know that mindset will only lead to regret one day."
"You underestimate him too much, Freya. Sure, he might seem like an idealistic child to us, but when you talk to him and hear his reasoning, you'll realize how wrong your doubts are."
Freya could see the sincerity in Loki's eyes and reluctantly abandoned the idea of arguing further. It frustrated her to no end that she hadn't spent enough time with Oberon to fully grasp his motives.
"I know you put imposter of Oberon."
Loki can't suppress her surprised reaction to the revelation knowing how uncanny Orstrid's disguise is.
"Just know that I will keep this secret we both know Evilus will not sit by knowing Oberon is absent." Freya bites her lips in frustration and speaks.
"They are far slicker than I thought even when I destroy most of their known hideout they always manage to slip away."
"I predict that the case. Their leader knows how weak they are, so they use hit-and-run most of the time. Finn and others are already searching for any trace of them, but it seems it dead end."
Freya stood, her silver eyes never leaving Loki. "It's obvious they're hiding. I'll lend three of my children for the next expedition." She turned to leave the room, her long robes swishing with finality.
"Is there anything else you want to ask?" Loki's voice, laced with curiosity, followed her.
Freya paused, just in front of the door, a cold smile curling on her lips. "You're walking on thin ice, Loki," she said without turning around, her tone icy and foreboding. She left the room, the door closing with a quiet click.
As Freya exited, Finn approached Loki. "How did it go, Loki-sama?"
Loki sighed; her eyes still fixed on the door. "Nothing has changed. Let's return to the manor."
The weight of their meeting lingered in the air, a heavy reminder of the delicate balance of power and the unspoken challenges ahead.
----
In the early morning, Loki Familia's home base, the Twilight Manor, feels like a ghost town. Most members are off to the dungeons for their daily missions. Riveria with Alicia's party made of the leader Alicia, Cynthia, Claire, and Lola all gathered being briefed by Riveria before they went.
"Riveria-sama, Oberon, we're heading out," Alicia called. Riveria nodded, unaware that it was Orstrid in disguise as Oberon.
"Orstrid will be absent for a while. Oberon will stay with me I hope you all understand" Riveria announced.
"We all understand Riveria-sama…" Alicia's eyes lingered on
"Oberon," concerned. "I hope Orstrid-san returns soon. And Oberon, I hope your throat feels better. Me and everyone will come back to remedy your throat pain."
Oberon nodded silently, and the group set off, leaving the manor's front gate behind.
Riveria, sensing something was off, turned to Orstrid. "Alicia seems suspicious, but it doesn't matter… Orstrid?"
She noticed Orstrid staring northwest and spoke.
"Master heartbeat is increased rapidly," Orstrid spoke with a bit of concern on her word.
"Is he fighting something?" Riveria asked, knowing the route was fraught with dangers. Despite Oberon's strength, Orstrid's worry was contagious.
"Master and everyone are doing their best; I will do the same," Orstrid vowed, his fiery eyes blazing with determination. Riveria was taken aback; since they met, Orstrid rarely showed any emotion, except perhaps to her master.
"Then, Orstrid, we must not disappoint him," Riveria responded gently, with a soft smile.
As they turned, Ais appeared, armed with all her training gear waved toward them. "Looks like we'll be busy," Riveria giggled, seeing both brimming with energy.
----
Far west of Orario, just on the outskirts of the city called Santoria Vega, a group made up of Artemis and Iduun Familia gathered. It was no wonder that many eyes were on them—knowing a group of beautiful women like them—but none dared to approach, intimidated by the fierce and protective stares they received.
"Idunn, Sera, we must part ways here," Artemis spoke, her voice tinged with sorrow.
It had been a long journey for both Familias and even within the span of a few weeks, they had grown remarkably close.
"It's been an interesting week for both us and our children. To be honest, Artemis, you've changed a lot during these past weeks, as has Sera," Idunn said, her teasing smile making it clear she enjoyed watching their reactions.
"You are not mistaken, Idunn-sama. As captain of Artemis Familia, I can see our goddess has been changing rapidly," Rethusa added her smile just as teasing.
Sera tried to hide from Rethusa's gaze, while Artemis's face remained stoic, though a faint blush hinted at her true emotions.
"*sigh* both just pretend not to know why so stop teasing us both and Rethusa tonight you will hunt our dinner alone."
"Eh! That's not fair Artemis-sama. I am just joking!" Rethusa pledges to her goddess, but it seems she has not changed her mind seeing that Rethusa's shoulder slumps and accepting her fate.
"Iduun before we depart, I want to talk alone with Sera for a moment."
"Sure, take your time."
Sera followed goddess Artemis close to her side after walking far enough Artemis stopped for a moment.
"There not much we had to talk about, but I want to reaffirm something. I will head north with my current children so we can go deeper to clear a monster there."
Artemis turned her back and locked eyes with Sera, Liv perched like a regal guardian on her shoulder. "What do you want to do, Sera?"
"With my current strength, I could reclaim most of the abandoned land," Sera replied, her voice steady, "but Liv advised me to hold such a plan until I can protect my territory from more than just the monsters."
The unclaimed land was a beacon, ripe for the taking. Any neighboring country would soon seek to seize it if she wasn't vigilant.
"It will take time, but I'll rebuild my homeland. Only then, when I can truly call myself a queen, will I stand beside him."
"Are you sure your feelings for Oberon will not be changed?" Artemis inquired a hint of doubt in her tone.
"I won't," Sera answered, unwavering.
Artemis couldn't help but smile at Sera's conviction.
"Good, that's what I wanted to hear. But be ready—many will come to claim him. At first, I worried about leaving him, knowing how easily he lets his guard down around women. But with Hephaestus, my fears eased a bit."
"I doubt anyone will easily claim him. He's too busy, and as an Elven noble, he must maintain his manners. At least that's what he always told me."
"True," Artemis mused.
"Perhaps I worry too much. Sometimes, I forget he's an elf because... he feels so human."
"How so, Artemis-sama?" Sera's curiosity was clear in her gaze.
Realizing her slip, Artemis fell silent, leaving Sera in confused anticipation. "No, forget I said that."
Thurd, who had nestled comfortably on Argi, fluttered to the goddess's shoulder just as Artemis began to gently stroke the owl. Artemis couldn't help but marvel at Oberon's craftsmanship, admiring how soft and soothing the owl was to pat.
"Thurd, where is Oberon right now?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Thurd took to the skies, soaring high for several minutes before returning to Artemis's shoulder.
"Lord Oberon is currently in a small village, 41 miles (65 kilometers) from here, Artemis-sama."
"How is he doing?" Sera interjected; her voice tinged with concern.
"Master's heart rate is increasing… He may be training or fighting someone," Thurd replied.
A wave of worry washed over Artemis and Sera, but they knew of Oberon's strength and slowly, their creeping fear began to subside.
"I hope Oberon isn't forced to kill people," Artemis mused, her tone sober.
Sera's eyes mirrored her unease. "We have no choice but to put our trust in him, Sera," Artemis said, her voice a blend of resolve and reassurance.
~(Oberon POV)~
In the far northwest of Orario, a secluded village shrouded in mystery, Oberon stood firm, his sword gripped tightly in his right hand. Opposite him, a mysterious silver-haired woman, her face concealed by a dark veil, held a gleaming sword in her left hand.
"Why the bloodlust?" Oberon questioned; his voice unwavering.
"He wants you to learn," she replied, her voice cold and steady, her sword slicing through the air in precise arcs.
'He? Does she mean Zeus?' Oberon wondered.
With a swift motion, she pointed the tip of her sword at him. It was clear she was no ordinary swordswoman. The sheer intensity of her mana rivaled even Ottar's. Oberon glanced at Phobos, who merely shook her head in confusion.
The crowd that had gathered to see the duel was silent, their attention fixed on the combatants. Oberon's gaze settled on the man in black armor, who responded with a slow nod.
'I don't understand what you mean!' Oberon thought, tension tightening his grip.
"If you don't make your move, then I will," she declared, her voice challenging him.
In an instant, she dashed forward with terrifying speed, her sword a blur of motion. Oberon braced himself, meeting her attack head-on. The clash of their swords echoed through the village, the sheer force of her strike sending vibrations up his arm.
But Oberon remained undeterred. With a deft twist of his wrist, he deflected her blade, sidestepping to create an opening. She recovered swiftly, their blades dancing in a deadly ballet of strength and skill. Each move she made was precise, calculated, and fuelled by the immense power that Oberon felt from each swing.
Oberon parried her attacks with practiced grace, countering with a series of precise strikes that forced her to retreat.
The villagers watched in awe, the intensity of the duel capturing their every breath. As the battle raged on, it became clear that this was more than just a clash of swords; there was something other than just testing Oberon's skill.
"Rudeus… Phobos-sama who really is he?" Karen's eyes were glued on the fight at a level he had never seen before.
"I- I don't know."
For the first time, Phobos saw the strength of the men chosen by Loki and Artemis. She couldn't hide her smile, realizing that Rudeus's words were not just empty rhetoric. The reassurances given by Artemis and Loki held a deeper truth than she had ever known. The scene before her, filled with formidable warriors and unwavering resolve, brought a newfound confidence to her heart.
'Her weight is heavy and why is she so angry.'
(CLANK!)
Knowing the well the difference in strength I start with using Flow to reflect her swing toward the ground however it is almost like a dance she spins her body followed by her captivating silver hair waves like expensive silk. Aware that there was no way I could stop her next attack I shot myself backward using an earth lance shot from my feat slung me back ward barely avoiding her deadly attack.
(SLASH!)
"That close one… !!"
I felt a sharp pain radiate from my chest. As I touched it with my right hand, I saw blood smeared across my fingers.
"You tried to kill me?" I asked, my voice cold and my gaze filled with seething hatred. The woman ignored my accusation, swinging her sword to the ground to clear the blood from its blade.
"So, that's how it is," I muttered.
"I'll repay you in kind." I took my stance, then kicked off the ground with my right leg, propelling myself forward with enough force to break the sound barrier. My sudden speed caught her off guard, and I managed to slice through one of the strings that covered her face.
As the veil fell, I finally saw her expression. She looked to be in her mid-twenties, but what truly caught my attention were her eyes—one green, the other grey.
"Her eyes... they match someone's description,' I thought, my mind racing.
(Dash!)
Just as I tried to think of a name, she dashed forward, her eyes burning with a death stare, a cold smile etched on her blood-smeared face from the wound I inflicted.
Clank! Our swords collided. This time, I was less prepared, barely managing to use flow to redirect her blade again.
(Swoosh!)
"!!" To my shock, she not only countered my technique but, like water, her blade flowed seamlessly, aiming at my right arm.
(Clank!)
"Ugh!" I groaned, struggling to block her brute force.
The difference in our strength was glaringly obvious as I was driven back several meters. Before I could catch my breath, she attacked again with full might.
'This woman.'
Each of her blows was meant to overwhelm me. Sparks flew with each impact. She pressed her advantage, using her brute strength to try and break my water stance. I tried to stay composed, exploiting the smallest openings to counter her attacks.
'_No, it's not just my instinct. She's copying my technique!'
{Quagmire}
Knowing she copying my technique I know exactly where her footing movement is I create a small swamp. Swallowed by the mud she lost her footing to be able to counter. With her lost her footing and was surprised by the ground she stepped on turned into a deep mud she lost her balance.
(SMACK!)
Using my body weight and pure strength with added gravity to increase the strength I smashed her arm avoiding the sharp edge of Uldster only using the bulk of the metal. Just like that she lost the grip of her sword and dropped in front of me while she was still bewildered.
"Why did you not cut my arm?"
"You need those arms to protect someone."
Though I know my current strength couldn't cut clean through her arm without sacrificing raptured one of my muscles. Touki can make much of the difference in both our stats and yet I know deep down she still holding back.
Feeling her bloodlust subsided I put my sword back on the scabbard and tried to give a sign I was done with the fight.
"I know who you are, but I will restrain from telling anyone you have my words, but it was kind of upsetting you using me to pent up your anger."
I picked up her sword and tried to hand it over to her.
"If you don't mind I could heal that wound of yours."
She looked hesitant at first, but she was willing to put her hand on my palm. At first, I was worried she was going to attack me once more, but when she saw her surroundings the people watching our duel made her think twice.
"… Healing,"
As I finish my advanced level of healing magic most of her injuries are all gone in an instant.
"It's done."
(("WOAH!!!"))
((Clap!))
((Clap!))
The audience starts clapping seeing the end of the fight it takes them much longer to comprehend or digest what they just witnessed at the same time She touched the injury on her face to her surprise there was no pain nor any scar left. Just when I turned my back to goddess Phobos's side there was an old man just standing beside her.
"Hm, this is the man you are talking about? I do not see why Artemis is akin to him."
'That old man must be Zeus.'
Still, his expectation of him was shattered a bit seeing how his voice and clothing just looked like an average villager's, but when I activated my magic eyes it indeed affirmed him as a god.
At the same time, Zeus inspected him I did the same she looked like an old man at sixty or above with white hair and a white beard, but seeing the gods live in Orario mostly look you it struck me a bit knowing there is a god look this old with the knowledge that they all immortal being.
"Sho who are your gods Rudeus isn't?"
I bowed my head slightly to show a bit of respect.
"It was indeed my name, but I had to apologize I can bring God's name in this matter."
He went silent for a moment I could see his eyes flickered blue for a moment and his expression changed from being curious to his eyes narrowed and his smile becoming more tense.
"I see, it an interesting ally you find Phobos."
Zeus then turned his gaze toward the man with the black armor who stood not so far from us He then put away his helmet. What I saw was a man that had dark brown hair, gray eyes, and scars on his face alone that gave a way clue who this man was.
As the crowd started to scatter and only leave
"My name is Zald from the look of it you already know who I am."
"Are you sure to reveal your identity?"
While I am gazing toward the other guards and Karen.
"Every man and woman that I select are trustworthy whatever happens here it only is known by us here still though… I never know that you are that strong."
"I had trained every day and fought opponents that much higher strength than me so I know how to deal with it plus I know that she holding back." I shoot a bit of glance toward the silver-haired woman this time without any black veil covering her face.
'Still, if I do not quickly end our fight I wonder how much technique she will copy.'
It seems she was a bit irritated from mine and others gazed toward her. I tried to hide my silent chanting ability knowing that there was the possibility she could copy my magic or skill.
"Phobos I believe you need to pack things,"
Zeus then put his hand on my shoulder with a small grin on his face.
"With the strength you have, you don't mind lending your hand a bit right?"
Just before I replied I laid my gaze toward goddess Phobos she just slumped her shoulders and gave her approval.
"S-sure."
While Phobos and others pack everything before we leave and head toward the capital of Rakia that should be we arrive on this day afternoon, but seeing from how high the sun was currently it is possible we would arrive at night.
"You don't mind cutting a couple of firewood?"
Just as I followed where he pointed, it wasn't just a couple of trees—it was three enormous ones, still intact and standing sixty feet tall, now laid flat on the ground. Observing the scars, I could tell they had been cut clean, likely with a single swing.
"Then I will start."
I grabbed one of the axes lying nearby. Though it wasn't as sharp as a hand axe, with the use of Touki and my current strength, it felt like cutting through tofu.
'I should rush this.'
(Slam!)
As I hewed the trees, the old man sat close by.
"I should be thanking you for healing Juna's child last night."
"…"
I didn't reply, focusing instead on slicing the trees into pieces. But then,
"Was it some kind of high elf magic or your skill?"
(Thud!)
My gaze snapped toward the old man, my eyes widening as his expression shifted to one of undeniable authority.
"My name is Zeus. That cheap illusion magic can't fool my eyes."
I staggered back at the revelation, stunned that Zeus could see through Orstrid's illusion magic.
"So what is the god Zeus going to do now that he knows who I truly am?"
His intimidating glare softened, reverting to his usual, affable old-man demeanor.
"No, I'm not going to do anything or tell anyone. I don't want Artemis to hate me."
Just as I was about to ask how he knew, Phobos might have mentioned Artemis' name during their lengthy conversation. It puzzled me why two powerful adventurers concealed their identities when Phobos already knew who they were.
"You've been watching me from the start."
"Haha, don't be so stiff. I'm not going to bite you or anything. This is my first time seeing a—ah! The second high elf I ever met. Hmm, what's her name again?"
"Riveria."
"Yeah, now you mention it, I remember her face."
To my displeasure, he made a face that mirrored my own whenever I fondled Sylphy's chest.
'The rumors are true after all. It's hard to deny he reminded me of my past self.'
Noticing my disguise slipping, Zeus cleared the awkward atmosphere by pretending to clear his throat.
"Back to the topic. I was curious—maybe you want to help Phobos topple down Ares?"
"I just want to end this senseless war once and for all. Ares is a mad god. As long as he leads the Rakia, this war will never end."
"Then what will you do after he is dethroned?"
"Finally, the elves and Rakia people can talk about the future… I'm not naïve to think it will be easy, but with Phobos, there's a chance my people won't face war again in the near future with Rakia and build our relationship."
"Why don't you just blackmail her knowing that working with Rakia's enemy would make her more complacent with your demand."
Oberon stood back hearing how un Hinch did not care about the well-being of the goddess Phobos who gave him this sanctuary.
"We elves are not a race that would invade lands outside our sacred territory. On the contrary, we are often the ones attacked by outsiders. I wouldn't have to worry about my people or family if the gods didn't bestow their power upon mortals so recklessly."
"So you hate the gods?" Zeus asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Hate them? No. Fear them? Yes. I acknowledge that many gods strive to make this world better,"
At the same time, my gaze lay toward goddess Phobos who tends to some children who keep inviting her to play, and Karen who helps pack things.
"I've met enough gods and goddesses to change my perspective since leaving the forest,"
I closed my eyes and tried to recall my memory of dealing with evil gods I can't help to remember that human god smile mocking me for my failure. Thanks to that Zeus can feel the atmosphere around us getting cold and heavy.
"But there are those who seek only chaos, reveling in mortal suffering. I just said this upfront to them that I will become their worst enemy."
Zeus fell silent, his expression shifting to one of grave seriousness as he opened his eyes. "One thing you must understand is that every god has their own divinity and authority, which dictates their power and character. We have urges that we must satisfy—some gods resist, while others, like Ares and a few I've encountered, indulge without a second thought."
He then stood, his gaze locking onto Phobos with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the very air. "Like mortals, we gods are varied; some are good, some are bad. But it's not that simple."
"I understand, Lord Zeus. It's not always black and white. I know of a certain goddess with bad traits."
Zeus's stern expression softened just a touch. "Good to know you understand… You may leave now, and know that you both have my blessing."
He turned and began to walk toward his house, but I could feel the presence of two figures close by, watching our conversation.
"Zald and Alfia."
I called the names of two presence who had been close by watching and hearing our conversation. At the same time, both walked out of the shadows.
"Ho, we no need to introduce ourselves after all."
"I did notice you both always close by. Correct me if I am wrong did lord Zeus try to judge me if I could leave here alive or not?"
"..."
There was a long pause and no sign of both willing to affirm or deny my words. I just sigh out my frustration and point my palm toward trees.
{Sharp Tornado}
A swirling, wind-like barrier began to expand, enveloping the fallen trees. Inside, a powerful wind with sharp blades danced around, slicing through the trees with precision. In less than two minutes, the trees were cut cleanly and efficiently, leaving Alfia and Zald dumbfounded by the speed and effectiveness of the magic.
"To be honest, I have plenty of questions for both of you, but I am not so heartless as to reopen a recent wound," I said, walking toward Zald and handing him a purple pendant.
"Simply speak the word 'Call' near this pendant. One of my servants will come to your doorstep when you are ready to share the important information you hold."
Zald accepted the gift, slipping it into his pocket. As I turned to leave, I saw that Goddess Phobos and the others were already prepared to depart the village.
"Alfia what do you think?"
"… He's like an ocean. The closer I get, the more I feel like I will drown trying to sense his mana, but his sword skill is abnormal for the age of him."
"There is no mistake. He must be the one Lord Erebus mentioned,"