As Hestia and I approached the grand manor that belonged to Ganesha, I couldn't help but notice the towering statue that adorned the top. Its imposing presence seemed to announce the god's arrival long before we even reached the entrance.
"Wow, he really does like to make a statement, doesn't he?" I chuckled, recalling the boisterous god's tendency to shout his name at every opportunity.
Hestia giggled beside me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's Ganesha for you. Always the showman."
We stepped through the ornate doors, and I was immediately struck by the opulent decor that filled the interior. Lavish tapestries, intricate carvings, and a sense of grandeur permeated every corner of the Familia's headquarters.
"It's certainly a far cry from our humble abode," Hestia remarked, her gaze sweeping across the lavish surroundings.
I nodded in agreement, my eyes drawn to the sound of approaching footsteps. A figure emerged, and I recognized the familiar elephant mask and flamboyant attire of the Familia's patron deity.
"Ah, if it isn't our dear Hestia and her new family member!" Ganesha's booming voice echoed through the halls, his arms spread wide in greeting.
Hestia stepped forward, a warm smile on her face. "Ganesha, it's wonderful to see you. We've come to-"
"I am Ganesha!" he declared, his elephant mask adding a theatrical flair to his words. "And I welcome you both to my humble abode."
Hestia blinked in surprise at the interruption, but quickly regained her composure. "Yes…"
I followed Ganesha and Hestia into the grand manor, my eyes taking in the ornate details that adorned every surface. It was a stark contrast to the humble abode we called home, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of awe at the sheer opulence of it all.
"Please, make yourselves at home!" Ganesha boomed, gesturing grandly with his trunk-like arms. "I must attend to my other guests, but enjoy the Banquet!"
Hestia glanced at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "Shall we, David-kun?"
I nodded, and together we ventured deeper into the manor, the sounds of laughter and conversation growing louder with each step. The air was filled with the scent of exotic dishes, and I couldn't help but feel my mouth water in anticipation.
"This is quite the spectacle," I murmured, my gaze sweeping across the assembled gods and their Familia members.
Hestia squeezed my arm, her eyes shining with excitement. "Indeed. I can't wait to see what delights are in store for us."
As Hestia and I wandered deeper into the Ganesha Manor, the sights and sounds of the Banquet of the Gods overwhelmed my senses. Gods and their Familia members mingled, their laughter and chatter filling the air. My gaze was drawn to the long tables laden with an array of delectable-looking dishes, and I could almost taste the exotic flavors.
"Just look at all that food, David-kun," Hestia breathed, her eyes wide with excitement. "I can't wait to try some of it."
I chuckled, knowing Hestia's love for good cuisine. "We should try them all before going home."
As Hestia and I wandered through the opulent halls of the Ganesha Manor, a familiar figure approached us. It was Hephaestus, the goddess of the forge, accompanied by her trusted captain, Tsubaki.
Hephaestus was a striking sight to behold, wearing a deep red dress that clung to her curves in all the right places. Tsubaki, on the other hand, was adorned in a traditional Japanese kimono, but the garment exposed a tantalizing amount of her toned, muscular frame.
As Hephaestus approached, I couldn't help but notice the way her dress clung to her figure, accentuating her curves in a way that was both elegant and captivating. Tsubaki, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia, walked beside her, her traditional Japanese kimono doing little to conceal the toned muscles of her frame.
"Hestia!" Hephaestus greeted, her voice warm and welcoming. "It's so good to see you."
I watched as Hestia hurried to embrace the goddess of the forge, her face alight with joy.
"Hephaestus! I'm so glad you could make it," Hestia replied, her words tinged with genuine affection.
Hephaestus stepped back, her gaze sweeping over Hestia's attire. "My, that dress is simply stunning. And that necklace..." Her eyes widened with appreciation. "The craftsmanship is unparalleled. You must be quite well-off these days."
At Hephaestus' words, Hestia's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. "Oh, this? It was a gift from David," she said, glancing in my direction.
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at the sight of Hestia's bashful expression. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually confident goddess, and I couldn't help but feel honored to have played a part in it.
As the two goddesses exchanged pleasantries, Hephaestus turned her gaze towards me, her crimson eyes studying me intently. "And who might this be?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
Hestia beamed with pride as she gestured in my direction. "This is David, my child," she announced, her voice brimming with affection.
Hephaestus raised a delicate brow, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Your child, you say?" She stepped closer, her gaze never wavering from mine. "It's a pleasure to meet you, David."
I greeted Hephaestus respectfully, "It's an honor to meet you, Goddess Hephaestus." I could feel the weight of her intense gaze, but I tried to maintain a calm and humble demeanor.
Hephaestus smiled warmly, "The pleasure is all mine, David. I'm so pleased to see Hestia has found herself a Familia member." She turned to Hestia, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for taking him under your wing."
Hestia beamed with pride, "I'm the one who's grateful, Hephaestus. David has been a wonderful addition to my little Familia."
Hephaestus nodded, her eyes crinkling with genuine happiness. "I'm sure he has." She then gestured to the woman standing beside her. "Allow me to introduce my trusted captain, Tsubaki Collbrande."
Tsubaki stepped forward, her posture exuding confidence and grace. "It's a pleasure to meet you, David." She bowed slightly. "I've heard a lot about you from Hestia. I'm glad to see she's found such a dedicated child to call her own."
I felt a flush of humility at her words. "The pleasure is all mine, Tsubaki. I'm honored to be part of Hestia's Familia, and I'll do my best to live up to her faith in me."
Tsubaki smiled approvingly, "I have no doubt you will. Hestia has always had an eye for potential." She glanced at Hestia, who nodded in agreement.
As Tsubaki's gaze turned to me, I felt a flutter of nervousness. "So, David, how long have you been an adventurer?" she asked, her voice calm and measured.
I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of the weight of their expectations. "Ah, well, it's only been a little under two months, actually," I admitted, my cheeks flushing slightly.
Tsubaki's eyebrows rose in surprise, and even Hephaestus looked taken aback. "Under two months?" Tsubaki repeated, her tone laced with a hint of disbelief.
I nodded, feeling a tinge of self-consciousness. "Yes, ma'am. I know it's not very long, but I've been working hard to improve my skills and reach the deeper floors of the Dungeon."
Hephaestus tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes studying me intently. "The deeper floors, you say?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Just how far have you managed to venture?"
I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. "Well, I've actually made it down to about the 15th floor," I revealed, unable to keep the pride from creeping into my voice.
Tsubaki's eyes widened, and Hephaestus let out a soft gasp. "The 15th floor?" Tsubaki echoed, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and admiration.
"Have you reached the 15th floor with a party?" Hephaestus asked, her crimson eyes burning with curiosity.
I took a deep breath, feeling a twinge of nervousness under the scrutiny of these two esteemed goddesses. "Well, to be honest, it wasn't with a full party," I admitted. "It was just me and my... companion."
Hephaestus and Tsubaki exchanged a puzzled glance. "Just you and your companion?" Tsubaki repeated, her brow furrowed.
I nodded, steeling my nerves. "Yes, that's right. We've only been a party of two, and..." I paused, realizing the significance of my next words. "And we're both still at Level 1."
The reaction was immediate. Hephaestus's eyes widened in disbelief, and Tsubaki's mouth fell open slightly. The air seemed to thicken with the weight of their stunned silence.
"Level 1?" Hephaestus finally breathed, her voice laced with a mix of awe and concern. "You've reached the 15th floor of the Dungeon, and you're both still at Level 1?"
I nodded, feeling a surge of pride and trepidation. "Yes, that's correct. My companion and I have been able to make it that far, despite our low levels."
Tsubaki's gaze bore into me, her expression unreadable. "That's... quite an impressive feat," she said slowly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "I can't recall ever hearing of such a thing."
I could practically feel the waves of disbelief radiating from Hephaestus and Tsubaki as they processed the information I had just revealed. Hestia, on the other hand, had a smug and proud look on her face, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Isn't it incredible?" Hestia chimed, wrapping her arm around mine and squeezing it affectionately. "David and his companion have been simply unstoppable in the Dungeon. They've been making remarkable progress, and I couldn't be more proud of them!"
Hephaestus blinked, her crimson eyes flickering between Hestia and me. "I... I must admit, I'm having a hard time believing what I'm hearing," she said, her usually composed demeanor faltering ever so slightly.
Tsubaki nodded in agreement, her gaze unwavering as she studied me intently. "Reaching the 15th floor at Level 1 is... unheard of," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of awe and skepticism. "Most adventurers struggle to even make it past the 4th or 5th floor at that level."
I felt a surge of pride at their reactions, but I also couldn't help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness. "I know it's hard to believe," I admitted, offering them a sheepish smile. "But I can assure you, it's the truth. My companion and I have been working tirelessly to hone our skills and push our limits in the Dungeon."
Hestia beamed up at me, her eyes shining with unbridled adoration. "That's right!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "David and his companion are an unstoppable duo. They've been facing the most fearsome monsters with such bravery and skill, it's simply awe-inspiring!"
Hephaestus and Tsubaki exchanged another perplexed glance, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and fascination.
"I must say, I'm quite intrigued," Hephaestus finally spoke, her gaze returning to me. "If what you and Hestia are saying is true, then you must possess some truly remarkable abilities."
I could see the surprise and intrigue etched on Tsubaki's face as she regarded me with newfound interest. Without a word, she extended her hand, her grip firm and unyielding.
"Humor me," she said, her voice level but betraying a hint of curiosity.
I complied, reaching out to grasp her calloused hand in mine. As our palms met, I felt the pressure of her grip, the strength of her fingers testing my own resolve. But instead of simply matching her, I applied a bit more force, my muscles flexing ever so slightly beneath my skin.
Tsubaki's eyes widened as she felt my strength, her brow furrowing in concentration. She pushed back, her grip tightening, but I held firm, my expression calm and relaxed. The air grew thick with the unspoken challenge, and I could sense Hephaestus and Hestia watching with bated breath.
After a moment that seemed to stretch on for an eternity, Tsubaki finally relented, her hand falling away as she stared at me in disbelief. "Impossible," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "A Level 1 adventurer should not be able to match the strength of a Level 5."
I offered her a sheepish smile, shrugging my shoulders nonchalantly. "I suppose I'm just full of surprises," I said, my tone light and casual, belying the surge of pride I felt at her reaction.
Hestia beamed up at Hephaestus and Tsubaki, her chest puffed out with pride. "I told you, David is full of surprises! You shouldn't underestimate him or the strength."
Hephaestus regarded me with renewed interest, her crimson eyes narrowed in thought. "It would seem so," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "David, you've certainly piqued my curiosity. I'd be most interested in learning more about your abilities."
Tsubaki nodded in agreement, her gaze never wavering from mine. "As would I. It's not every day we encounter an adventurer with such remarkable potential, even at the lowest level."
I felt a surge of humility at their words, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future might hold.
As Hephaestus, Tsubaki, and I were discussing my newfound abilities, a familiar voice suddenly rang out, cutting through the air.
"Shorty!"
I turned to see Loki, the mischievous goddess, striding towards us, her red eyes sparkling with amusement. Beside her, the Sword Princess Aiz Wallenstein followed, clad in a stunning backless green dress.
Hestia's expression instantly soured, and she puffed out her chest, ready to match Loki's jabs.
"Look who it is, the great Loki," Hestia spat, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Couldn't resist making an appearance, could you?"
Loki's lips curled into a wicked grin as she sauntered closer, her hips swaying with each step. "Oh, Shorty, you know I can't resist a chance to see my favorite little goddess," she cooed, her voice laced with mocking affection.
Hestia bristled at the taunt, her cheeks flushing with indignation. "Little? I'll have you know I'm a perfectly respectable size, you overgrown child!"
The two goddesses bickered back and forth, their words laced with equal parts playfulness and genuine rivalry. I couldn't help but be captivated by their dynamic, the way they seemed to exist in a world of their own, oblivious to the rest of us.
Aiz, ever the silent observer, stood beside Loki, her expression calm and composed. Her eyes, however, flickered with a hint of amusement as she watched the spectacle unfold.
Hephaestus and Tsubaki exchanged amused glances, seemingly used to the antics of their fellow deities. I, on the other hand, found myself caught in the middle of this divine clash, unsure of how to react.
As I watched the bickering between Hestia and Loki, I couldn't help but be captivated by the goddess of mischief. There was a certain charm to her playful demeanor, a charisma that drew the eye. And I had to admit, even in the midst of her verbal sparring with Hestia, she looked quite stunning.
I took a moment to really study Loki, taking in her vibrant red hair, her sharp crimson eyes, and the way her dress clung to her figure in all the right places. There was an undeniable allure to her, a magnetism that I found myself drawn to.
Of course, I know my heart belongs to Hestia. She's the one who drawed me into this world. But there's something about Loki that I find utterly captivating. Perhaps if I did not join Hestia's Familia, the Loki Familia would have been my second choice.
As the bickering between Hestia and Loki continued, my gaze drifted towards Aiz Wallenstein, the Sword Princess. I had to admit, she was undeniably beautiful - her long, golden hair cascading down her back, her delicate features, and her lithe, athletic frame. Yet, despite her striking appearance, I found myself less than captivated by her.
There was an aloofness, a distance to Aiz that I couldn't quite connect with. She stood silently beside Loki, her expression calm and composed, seemingly unaffected by the dramatic exchange unfolding before us. While I could appreciate her skill and power as an adventurer, there was something about her reserved nature that left me feeling a little underwhelmed.
In contrast, the vivacious and expressive personalities of Hestia and Loki drew me in, their clashing energies sparking a sense of excitement and intrigue. I couldn't help but be drawn to their dynamic, the way they played off each other with such passion and intensity.
Aiz, on the other hand, remained a distant figure, her beauty undeniable but her allure somewhat lacking in comparison to the two goddesses. As I watched her, I couldn't help but wonder what it would take to truly capture her attention and break through that stoic facade.
I'm pulled from my thoughts as Hestia lets out an indignant huff, glaring at Loki with all the ferocity of a kitten. Loki, for her part, simply throws her head back and laughs, the sound rich and melodic. Aiz watches the exchange with no expression, used to the action of her god, her gaze flickering briefly in my direction.
As Loki's gaze settled on me, I felt a flicker of nerves. This was the legendary Trickster Goddess, after all - a deity known for her cunning and mischievous nature. I braced myself, unsure of how she might react to my presence.
"And who might this be, Shorty?" Loki asked, her tone laced with amusement as she addressed Hestia.
Hestia, ever the protective mother, quickly stepped forward. "This is David Miller, the first member of my Familia," she announced, a note of pride in her voice.
Loki's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Your Familia, huh? Well, well, I must say I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you, Shorty."
Hestia puffed out her chest, undeterred by Loki's teasing. "Speaking of which, Loki, I couldn't help but notice your dress. Did you hear I was coming to the Banquet and wanted to laugh at me?"
Loki let out a melodic laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "My dear Hestia, you wound me! I simply wanted to look my best for the occasion. After all, a goddess must always be fashionable."
Hestia narrowed her eyes, a sly smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Well, in that case, allow me to show you what true fashion looks like." With a flourish, she twirled, the deep blue gown shimmering in the light, the intricate silver embroidery catching the eye.
Loki's expression shifted from amusement to shock as she took in Hestia's dress. "That's... that's quite a stunning gown, Hestia," she admitted, her voice laced with begrudging admiration.
Hestia's smile widened as she reached up to touch the delicate silver crescent moon pendant that hung around her neck. "And this necklace? Well, let's just say my Familia has excellent taste."
I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as Hestia basked in Loki's stunned silence. It was rare to see the Trickster Goddess so thoroughly outmaneuvered, and I had to admit, I was enjoying the show.
Loki opened her mouth, then closed it again, seemingly at a loss for words.
I watched in amusement as Loki's expression shifted from shock to irritation. She narrowed her eyes and leaned in closer to Hestia, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.
"Shorty, are you implying that I, the great Loki, look ridiculous in my dress?" she purred, her fingers reaching out to pinch Hestia's cheeks.
Hestia winced slightly at the pressure, but her grin only grew wider. "Well, Loki, if the shoe fits..." she said, her voice practically singing with glee. "Perhaps you should be more aware of how flat your chest looks in that ensemble."
Loki's eyes widened, and for a moment, it looked like she had been physically struck. A flush crept up her neck, and her grip on Hestia's cheeks tightened.
"Why, you little-" Loki began, but Hestia's laughter cut her off.
"HA-HA-HA-HO-HO-HA!" Hestia practically cackled, her eyes gleaming with triumph.
I watched in amused fascination as Hestia and Loki's squabble unfolded before me. The other gods, clearly accustomed to these displays, began gathering around, placing bets on who would emerge victorious.
"My money's on Loki-no-boobs!" one god shouted.
"No way, Hestia's got this in the bag!" another retorted. "Loli-big-boobs for the win!"
The din of excited chatter filled the air as the gods eagerly anticipated the outcome of the goddess showdown. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride watching Hestia hold her own against the legendary Trickster Goddess. Her quick wit and sharp tongue were a sight to behold.
As Loki's grip tightened on Hestia's cheeks, I winced in sympathy, but Hestia's boisterous laughter told me she was far from deterred. I found myself caught up in the infectious energy of the moment, eager to see how this confrontation would play out.
The other gods around us continued to shout and cheer, their bets growing more and more animated as the tension between Hestia and Loki escalated.
I couldn't resist chiming in, my voice carrying across the now-silent hall. "You know, Loki-sama, you do look beautiful in that dress."
The words had barely left my lips when the entire room fell silent, every pair of eyes turning towards me. Loki's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly released her grip on Hestia's face, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
Hestia, on the other hand, wore a look of pure betrayal, her eyes narrowing as she glared in my direction. I felt a chill run down my spine, realizing I may have made a grave mistake in my attempt to diffuse the situation.
Aiz Wallenstein, the legendary Sword Princess, regarded me with a look of utter disbelief, as if she couldn't quite believe what she had just witnessed.
The silence was deafening, and I found myself wishing I could just disappear into the floor. The gods around us erupted into a chorus of hushed whispers and muffled laughter, clearly enjoying the spectacle that had unfolded before them.
I felt my heart sink as Loki turned her piercing gaze towards me, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. The silence in the room was deafening as she slowly approached, her movements fluid and graceful.
"David-kun," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Is what you said true? Do you really think I look beautiful in this dress?"
I swallowed hard, suddenly regretting my attempt to diffuse the situation. Loki was a goddess, and I knew better than to try and deceive her. "Y-yes, Loki-sama," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "The dress truly does suit you."
Loki's smile widened, and before I could react, she had hooked her arms around my neck, pulling me close. "Well, in that case," she said, her breath tickling my ear, "perhaps you should be mine instead of Hestia's."
I felt the color drain from my face as Loki's words registered. Hestia, who had been watching our exchange with growing fury, let out an indignant squawk.
"What?! No way!" she cried, stomping her foot petulantly. "David is mine! You can't have him!"
Loki chuckled, her grip on me tightening. "Oh, but Hestia, don't you think he'd be happier with me? I can offer him so much more than you can."
Hestia's face flushed with rage, and for a moment, I thought she might actually try to physically fight Loki. The other gods around us erupted into raucous laughter, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
"Over my dead body!" Hestia shouted, her tiny fists clenched at her sides. "David is my first child, and I won't let you take him from me!"
Loki's eyes glinted with amusement, and she pulled me even closer, her breasts pressing against my chest. "Well, then," she purred, "I suppose we'll just have to settle this the old-fashioned way."
And with that, Hestia and Loki launched themselves at each other, their shrill voices filling the air as they tumbled to the floor in a tangle of limbs and hair-pulling.
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