Just as Blake and Hestia sat down, Syr approached them with a gentle smile.
"Sorry for being late."
"It's fine. I'm just glad you're here," Blake replied, a touch of apology in his tone.
"But... are you sure about this game? Those adventurers include several seasoned veterans, while you're still a rookie. It's far too dangerous," Syr expressed her concerns sincerely.
"She's right, Blake! Why would you put yourself in such danger? If anything happens to you..."
Hestia, regaining her composure, chimed in anxiously, her words tinged with both worry and frustration. In fact, she was so preoccupied with Blake's safety that she momentarily forgot to be jealous of Syr—a rare occurrence for the possessive goddess.
"When someone humiliates my goddess, if I don't teach them a lesson, I don't deserve to call myself a man of Hestia Familia."
Blake's words carried a stern resolve that left both Hestia and Syr momentarily speechless. Even Mia and the surrounding adventurers froze at his declaration.
Hestia hugged him tightly, her blue eyes brimming with emotion. Syr, along with Ryuu watching from a distance, couldn't help but glance at Blake with newfound admiration.
"Let's forget today's troubles and enjoy a good meal," Mia said, placing two large plates of stir-fried noodles and mugs of beer on their table. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow."
Without further ado, Blake dug into the delicious-smelling food. Hestia, momentarily putting aside her concerns, joined in happily. Despite their short time together, her trust and bond with Blake were already profound.
"What guts... Too bad it'll go to waste."
"Yeah, if he hadn't gone looking for trouble today, he might've achieved something great."
The other adventurers in the tavern commented loudly, though their tone lacked the earlier derision. They didn't believe a Level 1 rookie could win, but they couldn't help respecting his courage.
Blake, however, paid no mind to their chatter. He continued eating and drinking, chatting casually with Hestia, Syr, and the lively Mia, as if tomorrow's game was of no concern.
In a dimly lit corner of the tavern sat a tall, radiant man with golden hair that shone like sunlight. His handsome face bore an ever-present, dazzling smile, accentuated by the green laurel crown on his head.
"Oh? How interesting. I never expected Hestia to find such an amusing Familia member," the man murmured, his eyes glinting with intrigue.
Carrying a drink, he approached Blake and Hestia's table.
"Hestia, long time no see. You're as beautiful as ever."
"Apollo?! What are you doing here?!"
Hestia's cheerful demeanor vanished, replaced by a rare look of disdain. Her voice carried an edge of irritation as she glared at the golden-haired god.
Blake's crystal-blue eyes narrowed slightly. Though his face remained calm, he felt an intense dislike for Apollo, whose gaze carried the same unsettling fervor as Freya's. However, Apollo's was far more revolting.
"Oh my, such a cold reception. I did, after all, pursue you tirelessly back in the heavens."
Apollo's smile remained intact as he crouched slightly, intending to take a seat.
But before he could, Blake subtly nudged the chair out from under him with his foot, causing Apollo to fall unceremoniously to the ground. The wine he had been holding spilled all over him.
The entire tavern froze in stunned silence. Adventurers looked on in disbelief as one of Orario's most well-known gods made a fool of himself.
Apollo, dazed and humiliated, quickly stood up, brushing the wine off his clothes.
"Oh my, such hostility! I am a god, you know. Treating me this way will lead to consequences."
Though still smiling, Apollo's voice carried a hint of menace. He wasn't entirely sure what had happened, but he had a strong suspicion it involved Blake, who remained calm and indifferent.
"Hmm? You fell on your own, didn't you? Blaming me for that isn't very godly of you," Blake replied, his expression innocent yet subtly mocking.
Using body-weakening and speed-enhancing magic at the right moment, Blake had shifted the chair so subtly that even experienced eyes failed to catch it—except for Mia. As a Level 6 adventurer, she had seen through Blake's ploy and was momentarily taken aback by his skill.
That speed... He's no ordinary Level 1.
Mia didn't intervene, though. The rowdy adventurers earlier were members of Apollo's Familia, and she clearly held no fondness for them.
As for Blake, his reasons for provoking Apollo were simple: Anyone who dares to pursue my goddess or let their Familia run amok deserves to be toyed with.
Marvel: Supreme Wizard
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