Celebrating events like this, in the Hestia Familia, was one of Hestia's favorite things during this period.
Altair had gathered enough magic stones in the dungeon to make her so happy she wanted to celebrate. Altair leveling up made her want to celebrate, and now, with Saeko joining, she was eager to celebrate once again.
And naturally, when celebrating, she couldn't forget to invite her friend, the Goddess of Smithing, Hephaestus.
"I'm serious, I've been down from Heaven for so many years, and never have I been invited to so many meals in such a short time, especially by you, Hestia."
"Hehe, well, there's nothing I can do. I've been really lucky lately."
"No way, it's just my personal charm at work."
"You, personal charm?"
Hephaestus thought Hestia was talking nonsense. In her opinion, getting a genius like Altair in the Familia was sheer dumb luck. Altair just happened to like someone like Hestia, and they met at the right time. Otherwise, with how Hestia was, what charm could she possibly have?
But she knew her friend well... Hestia had grown incredibly inflated. Ever since Altair joined, Hestia had been swelling with pride. While Hephaestus was genuinely happy for her friend, she was also a bit exasperated because whenever something happened, Hestia would run straight to her to show off.
It was like being an experienced player who convinced a friend to join the game you're playing. You help them out early on, but then they turn out to be super lucky, pulling rare items with every single draw without spending a penny, and now they're showing off to you.
That was exactly how Hephaestus felt. It was one thing when Hestia flaunted Altair's achievements in her face, but now she had another new recruit, a highly talented one at that... Saeko Busujima.
Good grief, were strong recruits just growing on trees now? How could Hestia get another one so quickly? This was absurd!
Hestia had only told Hephaestus that she had recruited Saeko Busujima but didn't mention that Saeko had come with Altair, so Hephaestus assumed that Hestia had actively recruited Saeko herself.
Regardless of how Saeko was found, one thing was clear; Saeko had joined the Hestia Familia. A month ago, Hestia had nothing, and now she had a Level 2 adventurer and a promising newcomer. If this had happened when Orario was first established, it wouldn't have been that big of a deal, but now, with all the major Familias competing fiercely for talented members, how had Hestia managed to pick up such a strong newcomer?
Her luck at finding hidden gems was simply incredible.
"Don't get too cocky, Hestia. It's fine if you're like this with me, but if you act this way in front of others, it could cause problems for them."
Even though Hephaestus couldn't stand Hestia's smugness, as her close friend, she still warned her to be cautious.
"Don't worry, I know that much. I don't boast like this in front of others. I don't even care to talk to them. Altair-kun and Saeko are my most important family now, and I won't let them get into any danger."
Hestia waved her hand dismissively. Altair had already warned her about this when he leveled up, so she wouldn't talk carelessly in front of others. She only showed off to Hephaestus because they were so close, and Hestia trusted her.
"By the way, how do you plan to handle Altair's level-up to Level 2?"
"Handle it? What do you mean?"
"When a familia member reaches Level 2, if other gods find out, the news will spread during the next Denatus. You know that, right?"
"I've already talked to Altair about it. We're not going to tell anyone that he's leveled up just yet. We'll wait a little while longer."
"Delaying it, huh? That works."
Hephaestus chuckled.
"By the way, have you thought about what Altair's title will be? Once his news gets out, those guys at the Denatus will be the ones to decide it."
The Denatus is a gathering of gods, held periodically, where they discuss various matters, including assigning titles to new Level 2 Adventurers. For instance, titles like Nine Hells or Sword Princess from the Loki Familia. Now that Altair had leveled up to Level 2, he would also be given a title.
However, the titles given to members of large Familias versus those of small Familias are entirely different.
Large Familias have the resources and power to influence the Denatus, so they can often decide their members' titles, and other gods usually give way out of respect. After all, angering a major Familia can lead to serious trouble.
On the other hand, smaller Familias lack influence and resources, so their members' titles are often decided by others and can even be mocking or ridiculous.
Like when Bell Cranel reached Level 2, his title sounded unimpressive, while someone like Ais Wallenstein from the Loki Familia got a prestigious title like Sword Princess. That's the difference between large and small Familias.
"What kind of title do you want, Altair-kun?"
Hestia couldn't think of a good title for Altair right away, so she asked him directly.
"A title, huh."
Altair's lips curled into a smile.
"How about Holy Sword Wielder?"
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