[Multiplayer mission "Save Kamado Nezuko's Family" completed. Distributing rewards now.]
[Reward distribution:
Souta – 3000 points, Athena – 3000 points, Rin Tohsaka – 1700 points, Altair – 1300 points, Nezuko – 1000 points]
As Nezuko's family fully merged with their resurrected bodies, the system notification rang out, marking the mission's completion.
While Nezuko rushed to embrace her family, the others, including Souta, took out their phones to check the updates.
"Huh? Souta, you only got 3000?"
Rin had been quietly pleased with her 1700-point share—until she noticed Souta's portion. Suddenly, guilt crept in.
He had basically handed his points over to her...
Throughout the mission to save Nezuko's family, Souta had done little more than offer a ride and provide a few tools. He could have easily claimed the lion's share.
"What are you thinking? Those points are coming back to me anyway."
Souta grinned and flicked the twin-tailed girl's forehead.
"Unless you plan to stop using my divine power to level up."
"Ow! What was that for?!"
Rin covered her forehead, scolding him—but her tone had a faint hint of affection. She might not have noticed it herself.
"So, that's it? The mission's done?"
Athena looked at her phone, then to Souta.
"Yup. If the system says so, it's done." Souta nodded. "Congrats, by the way. You got 3000 points. Try the shop's lottery feature, or test out the new 'Law assistance' function. Just be careful with the lottery—it's pure luck. Don't go wasting all your points."
"Law assistance?" Athena ignored the lottery and asked, "That's the shortcut to comprehending divine rules you mentioned in the announcement, right?"
"Exactly." Souta nodded. "For you, it can help deepen your understanding of your divine authority. You might even go beyond the 'Authorities' of God Slayers and reach higher levels of divine power."
"Divine authority, huh... Not something I need right now."
Athena lost interest in the feature and instead looked at Souta with excitement.
"What I want is to shield myself from the distortion and madness of the earth's influence. I can use points to ask for your help with that, right?"
"Of course. You've seen my power already, haven't you?" Souta explained, "I'm pretty versatile. As long as I have enough divine power, I can do pretty much anything—basically, not absolutely. Besides removing flaws, I can also help you grow stronger."
"Power's not urgent for now."
Athena hadn't forgotten her own goals. "Once I recover the Gorgoneion, my strength will return significantly..."
She paused, brow furrowing as she asked, "By the way, didn't you mention that time flows differently across worlds?"
"Hmm... In that case, I can't be sure how much time has passed in my world."
Athena nodded decisively.
"I'm worried about the Gorgoneion. I'm going back to my world immediately."
"Alright, I'll send you to my world. From there, you can return on your own."
Souta nodded and added, "When you're ready to deal with your flaw, just notify me in the group chat. I'll come find you. As for the cost... we'll base it on how much divine power I use."
"No problem. I'll contact you once I retrieve the 'Serpent.'"
Athena was serious about eliminating her flaw.
Unlike other Heretic Gods who wandered the Earth before retreating into the Netherworld, she still liked modern society—aside from artificial light, which she found unpleasant.
And you could tell by her fashion: cat-eared hoodie, mini skirt, thigh-highs... A goddess rocking modern trends. If that wasn't love for contemporary culture, what was?
"Oh, right," Souta suddenly said, looking at Athena. "I have a favor to ask."
"Speak. If it's a request from a fellow god and not unreasonable, I'll grant it."
Athena flicked her hand generously. She had a good impression of Souta—gods like him were rare. Helping him was no trouble.
"After you retrieve the Gorgoneion..." Souta hesitated, then continued, "Can you abandon the idea of banishing artificial light from modern civilization? Without it, humans would fall into chaos. Violence would erupt—do you really want to see lands that once worshiped you plunged into turmoil?"
If this were the anime version of Athena, she might have refused outright.
But this one seemed like a blend of anime and novel incarnations—less obsessed with dragging the world into the Netherworld.
Souta figured she might just agree.
Even in the anime, it was the divinity of "Metis" that pushed for full darkness. Athena herself mostly just disliked light.
"Oh?" Athena raised an eyebrow. "You're asking me not to drive away the light?"
"I just want humanity to stay stable. You don't need to banish it, do you?"
Souta kept his tone light, more like a negotiation than a plea.
"Remember, I used to be human myself. Naturally, I don't want to see them suffer. But if you're not willing, just pretend I never brought it up."
"Abandoning the expulsion of light..."
Athena thought it over. After weighing the pros and cons, she decided to give Souta the favor.
Getting rid of light was more of a personal quirk—it didn't benefit her directly.
Letting go of that in exchange for goodwill from Souta? Worth it.
"For someone to go this far for strangers... How amusing. I rather like humans with noble hearts. Had you remained mortal, I might've made you my warrior."
Athena smiled, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
"I don't mind benevolent gods. I'll honor your request."
"Thanks," Souta smiled back.
Though inside, he was... conflicted about being offered the role of "her warrior."
Why does this sound like she's recruiting Saint Seiya?
Too bad this Athena had silver hair instead of purple—and no Saori Kido alias.
Otherwise, he might've fired up his "cosmos" on the spot.
Just then, Rin tugged at Souta's sleeve.
"Hm? What is it?" he asked.
Rin pointed toward Tanjiro and Nezuko.
"Shouldn't we leave them alone? Their family just reunited. So did their teacher and students. They probably need some space to let it all out. Standing here feels... awkward."
"You're right," Souta nodded. "Since Athena's leaving, I'll send everyone back at once. Sound good?"
"I was just about to suggest that," Altair added. "I don't know how much time has passed in my world. If something happened to Setsuna while I was gone, I'd never forgive myself. I need to hurry back."
"Altair, aren't you overthinking a bit?"
Souta raised an eyebrow. She was acting like a clingy daughter toward Setsuna.
"Sometimes, people need personal space—even close ones. If you hover around her all the time, she might get annoyed."
"!?" Altair froze. "You... you really think so?"
Souta was surprised. "Wait... don't tell me I hit the mark?"
"Well..." Altair hesitated. "I don't know what happened. Lately, Setsuna's been distant. Last time she said she was going shopping, I followed her just in case, but she caught me. She got mad, said I always do this... and after that, she started pulling away."
Her expression under the military cap looked puzzled.
"I was just worried about her. Is that wrong?"
Souta sighed. "It's not wrong... but your roles feel reversed."
"Never mind. Just—like I said, give each other some space. Even married couples need it sometimes. Think it over."
"Alright. I'll be careful," Altair replied quietly.
"Rin, what about you? Want to head back now?" Souta asked.
"If you're all leaving, why would I stay here alone?" Rin glanced at the teary-eyed family in the cabin. "This atmosphere... definitely not the right place to hang out."
Souta glanced toward Nezuko—she was still deep in the joy of reuniting with her family. She hadn't heard any of their conversation.
He chose not to interrupt the moment. If they wanted to meet again, it could happen anytime. No need for formal goodbyes.
At that moment, Athena floated over and—as usual—wrapped her arms around Souta's head in a hug from the front.
But Rin immediately erupted.