Yoriichi and Bell sat side by side, carefully taking notes while being lectured by guild Advisor Rose.
Bell looked at the maps laid out on the table, then scratched his head before writing down on his notebook.
Yoriichi was also carefully looking at the maps.
On the other hand, Rose was secretly glancing at Yoriichi's face. Seeing his serious expression, she smiled and started playing with her hair for no reason.
For some reason, just looking at Yoriichi's face gave her a warm and comfortable feeling, which was only enhanced by his way of speaking and mannerisms that were completely different from the rude adventurer's.
They have only met twice, yet with her years of experience, Rose could tell without a doubt that Yoriichi was a treasure.
Unknowingly, she straightened her back and crossed her arms, making her chest stand out.
Meanwhile, hidden in the space, Void Phantasm was looking at Bell like an idiot. being a tier 9th undead, the Void Phantasm considered itself superior to such dumb mortals who couldn't remember what was told to them and had to note it down.
But then again, it was a superior existence created by its master which made comparison itself impossible.
----
In the northeast part of the dungeon city.
Carrying Hestia in his arms, Lioro stopped in front of a Japanese-style residence.
It was the temporary residence of Takemikazuchi Familia.
Putting Hesgia down, Lioro knocked on the door.
*Bam*Bam*Bam*
"Aren't you being a bit heavy-handed?"
Hestia asked, looking at the creaking door.
"I'm just excited."
Lioro replied with a smile.
A bad premonition hit Hestia.
That smile.....seemed all too familiar to her.....
It was the same smile he gave after they were thrown out by Hephaestus.
'He's....not planning to do something is?"
Hestia couldn't help but think.
The image of Lioro hugging Hephaestus's legs appeared in her mind.
B-but Takemikazuchi was a guy....
Seeing Lioro's deepening smile.
Hestia gulped involuntarily.
"W-wait, Lioro! I think we should go back! It's already night time, they're probably asleep--"
*Clank*
Before Hestia could finish, the Japanese-style door slid open, revealing the figure of a god with neck-length black hair and eyes.
God Takemikazuchi looked at Lioro in confusion before his gaze shifted to Hestia standing beside Lioro.
"Hestia? Why are you here..."
"A-ahahaha...."
Hestia didn't know what to say, so she just laughed awkwardly.
Seeing her weird action, Takemikazuchi was about to say something when Lioro took a step forward and held his hand.
Takemikazuchi gave Lioro a confused look.
Lioro returned a smile.
Tightly holding Takemikazuchi's hand.
His eyes were completely focused on the attribute panel.
Dammit! Where was his Epic class?!
Lioro unknowingly tightened his grip.
"Um....can you let go?"
God Takemikazuchi hesitantly asked.
"Just a little longer."
Lioro replied quickly.
God Takemikazuchi was confused.
He couldn't help but look at Hestia.
"Hestia....who is this?..."
Listening to Takemikazuchi's question, Hestia replied helplessly.
"This is my child, Lioro."
"Your familia...."
Takemikazuchi muttered and looked at Lioro.
He was still holding his hand....
Meanwhile, Lioro was getting impatient.
'Why is no message popping up?'
Even after touching God Takemikazuchi for so long, he didn't receive any message.
'Is he also a fake god like Hestia?'
After thinking for a moment, Lioro got rid of the thought.
Perhaps something was missing?
Lioro carefully recalled the moment he Epic class notification.
At that time, Hephaestus had just finished forging the Hestia blade.
'I touched Hephaestus after she finished forging the weapon...and Hephaestus us the god of forging...then...the condition for a god of war....'
It clicked in his mind.
'Should be battle.'
It made the most sense.
Lioro looked straight at God Takemikazuchi.
Takemikazuchi blinked his eyes.
"God Takemikazuchi....let's fight."
"Huh?"x2
A confused voice escaped both Hestia and Takemikazuchi's mouths.
---
Inside the living room, atop a Japanese-style mat, Lioro and Takemikazuchi faced off.
Hestia, standing between them, raised her hand hesitantly.
"Start!"
Lioro wasted no time. He stepped forward and swung a punch at what he thought was a reasonable speed, only for Takemikazuchi to casually sidestep it.
'Huh?'
Lioro blinked.
He was actually controlling his strength so as not to hurt Takemikazuchi.
But maybe he was underestimating him a little too much?
The next moment.
Takemikazuchi's open palm struck his side.
*Smack!*
Lioro barely felt the impact. It wasn't that the strike was weak; Takemikazuchi's form was flawless, but Lioro's stats were simply too high for it to matter.
However, as he tried to swing back, Takemikazuchi had already repositioned.
Another strike came at his ribs.
*Smack!*
Then one to his shoulder.
*Smack!*
Lioro frowned, trying to grab Takemikazuchi's arm, but the god smoothly twisted away, his movements so refined that Lioro's attempts to retaliate felt sluggish in comparison.
'What the hell…?'
Takemikazuchi wasn't fast to him. His movements were completely readable. But whenever Lioro moved to counter, the god was already gone.
Lioro swung his fist again, this time aiming wide to cut off Takemikazuchi's escape. But the god just shifted his weight, subtly stepping into the blind spot of Lioro's attack and—
*Smack!*
Another clean strike landed.
Lioro narrowed his eyes.
"You're messing with me."
Takemikazuchi smiled.
"I am merely showing you the difference between skill and raw strength."
Lioro clicked his tongue.
'Annoying.'
If they were having a sword battle, then he would have shown Takemikazuchi the power of a swords master with Sun Breathing.
Unfortunately, it was a fist fight.
Though.....maybe he will still lose in technique if he used a sword.....After Takemikazuchi is the god of war.
Coming back to the main issue.
He was losing.
Not in a normal way; Takemikazuchi couldn't actually hurt him, but he was getting completely outmaneuvered. He had never trained in hand-to-hand combat, so every time he made a move, it was an amateur's attack against a master's technique.
If they had equal stats, he would have already lost ten times over.
Takemikazuchi shifted forward, aiming to trip him this time.
'Enough of this.'
Lioro stopped thinking and just moved.
He wasn't here to learn but to get his Epic class!
So, instead of trying to counter properly, he relied on his absurd speed and strength. The moment Takemikazuchi stepped in, Lioro shot forward in a straight line, completely abandoning footwork, technique, or anything remotely tactical.
He barreled forward like a brute.
Takemikazuchi's eyes widened.
Before the god could adjust, Lioro reached out and grabbed him.
"Got you."
Then, without any finesse, he simply threw Takemikazuchi sideways.
Of course, he made sure to contain his strength.
*BOOM!*
Takemikazuchi crashed into the mat, tumbling across the floor before stopping with a dazed expression.
The room went silent.
Hestia rushed to Takemikazuchi's side.
"Are you okay?!"
Takemikazuchi sat up, rubbing his shoulder. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled.
"Hah… You are strong, but that was the ugliest victory I've ever seen."
Lioro shrugged.
"A win is a win."
And at that moment.
*Ding!*
A system message he has been waiting for finally arrived.
[Conditions found....touch the martial god....satisfied...beat the martial god in combat on equal strength without external help...failed!... posses special classes..... failed!..... failed!]
[Condition not satisfied! Class acquisition failed!]
Looking at the red failed message.
Lioro's expression froze.
His gaze fixed on the second condition.
Beat the martial god on equal strength?
What the fck.
How was he supposed to do that?
Beat the god of war using technique?
What the hell is wrong with you?!?
Lioro was going crazy.
What kind of twisted joke was that?!
There was no way he could win against a god of war in a fair fight.
This was rigged.
Takemikazuchi, unaware of Lioro's inner turmoil, brushed off his robes and sighed.
"That was... unexpected." He stretched his arms, cracking his shoulders before glancing at Hestia.
"Your child is quite something, Hestia. His strength is impressive."
Hestia let out a weak chuckle.
"Yes, Lioro is very powerful."
Takemikazuchi nodded.
"Well, I suppose introductions are in order. I lead the Takemikazuchi Familia, a small but disciplined group of adventurers. We focus primarily on martial arts, honing our skills rather than relying on weapons alone."
Lioro, still staring blankly at the ground, barely reacted.
Takemikazuchi, noticing his blank expression, raised an eyebrow and asked.
"...Is he alright?"
Hestia looked at Lioro.
Seeing his blank expression, she fell in doubt.
"Lior,o are you okay?"
Lioro gave no reply.
Just as Hestia was getting worried.
"I'm alright..."
Lioro said in a low voice, making Hestia feel relieved.
Takemikazuchi smiled.
Then Hestia and Takemikazuchi started talking, reminiscing about the past, how they used to hang out together in Heaven, and how their current familias were faring. They laughed, joked, shared stories and moments of genuine camaraderie between old friends.
Meanwhile, Lioro remained in his own world.
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
The entire reason he had come here was to get the Epic Class. Now, that goal had hit a roadblock.
But that's a combat-type Epic profession!
Did this mean he had to actually learn martial arts to qualify?
The thought made him feel sick.
His eye twitched.
Was he actually going to have to train like some normal adventurer?!
'This is a scam…'
Lioro continued to stare at the floor.
Eventually, Hestia stretched her arms.
"Alright, it's getting late. We should head back."
Takemikazuchi nodded. "You're welcome to visit anytime. And next time, Lioro, I wouldn't mind a proper spar. Perhaps with equal strength."
Lioro's eyebrow twitched.
"...Yeah. Sure."
Hestia gave Takemikazuchi a grateful smile before dragging Lioro out of the house.
As they walked through the darkened streets of Orario, the goddess glanced at her still-unresponsive child.
"...You okay?"
Lioro didn't answer.
Hestia asked in concern.
"Lioro, if something is wrong, then you can tell me...."
"It's nothing."
Lioro shook his head, then walked towards his house.
Seeing Lioro's deflated back a sense of pain enveloped Hestia's heart.
'Just what is wrong with him?'
She wanted to know if something was bothering him.
She wanted to help him.
But Lioro wouldn't tell her.
Taking in a deep breath and calming her emotions, Hestia ran up to Lioro and walked silently beside him.
In no time, the two of them arrived back at the Hestia familia's house.
Lightly greeting Yoriichi and Bell, Lioro entered his room and closed the doo,r leaving behind the confused trio.
"Did something happen?"
Yoriichi asked, looking at Hestia.
Hestia shook her head before explaining what had happened to the two of them.
After listening to the details, Yoriichi said.
"Maybe he's feeling down for being unable to beat God Takemikazuchi using fair means?"
"But Takemikazuchi is a god of war, It will be weird if he actually beat him using fair means...."
Hestia said in a confused voice.
'Is what Yoriichi said correct?'
Inside his room.
Lioro was lying on his bed. Thinking about how to tackle the problem.
'How about learning martial arts techniques like sun breathing?'
That seemed to be the only way to beat Takemikazuchi.
Lioro's mind was moving.
'I need to go back to Overlord.'
There were many things he needed to get from that world.
And the one week time limit he gave his sisters was reaching its end.
'I should transfer them to this world.'
Overlord was a little too dangerous for his sisters, they would be way safer in the dungeon city.
Deciding on his goal for tomorrow, Lioro closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Some time later.
His room's door opened, and a figure sneaked inside.