In the evening, Hestia made a deep, apologetic bow before everyone, her tiny frame curled up.
At this moment, she appeared nothing like a deity — completely without dignity.
In her mind, the terrible fortune she had drawn would surely cause enormous trouble for the two members of her Familia, perhaps even leading to their defeat.
"So, Lady Hestia feels guilty because Lord Hermes drew the siege battle in the lottery?" Adam watched her kneeling before them, speaking so humbly, and found it somewhat amusing.
"I'm so sorry about drawing that!" Hestia explained through tears, "If it had been a tournament or one-on-one battles, we could have relied on Adam's overwhelming strength to crush everyone! But I never expected this would happen — I'm really so sorry!"
With that, she lowered her head again.
Seeing Hestia reminded Adam unconsciously of Aqua. Equally undignified, equally lacking in divine authority.
Truly worthy of being one of the Three Stooges (Virgins)!
"Please raise your head, Lady Goddess." Bell stepped forward to help her up, wiping her tears and consoling her tenderly, "My Lady hasn't done anything wrong. After all, this was drawn fairly by Lord Hermes — it has nothing to do with you."
Hah, fair Hermes. Sorry, but that makes me laugh.
However, letting Hestia continue blaming herself would just waste time. Better to comfort her and move on with the next steps of the plan.
"Bell is right, this isn't your fault."
"Bell, Adam — I'm so blessed to have you both." Hestia was deeply moved.
"Though, Apollo did agree to let us add another helper, which somewhat makes up for our battle strength." Adam stroked his chin, feigning confusion, "Regarding this candidate, Bell and Lady Hestia, do either of you have someone suitable in mind?"
"Yes, I do!" Hestia declared proudly, puffing out her chest, "I've already chosen someone for this role, and she's quite powerful! But given the current situation, we can't reveal her, so we're keeping her hidden for now."
"Is that so? Well in that case, you should go prepare your forces." Adam waved his hand, indicating he wouldn't be joining their activities.
This surprised both Hestia and Bell.
"What do you mean, Adam? Aren't you coming with us?"
"No, I have other matters to attend to. I need to leave for three days to add another member. I won't return until just before the decisive battle." Adam wore a knowing smile, clearly plotting something.
He was preparing to give Apollo — no, all the Familias of Orario — quite a surprise!
It was time to stir up some trouble in this Labyrinth City!
"Could that member be...?!"
Both Hestia and Bell understood.
Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside. A figure with strikingly bright red hair burst into view — Welf Crozzo.
He rushed in, panting, "T-terrible news! Lily's been taken! It's Soma — the Soma Familia!"
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Lily's capture made their already desperate situation even worse.
"No! We have to save her!" Bell's brows furrowed as he moved to rush out.
But Adam called him back.
"Wait, Bell. You can't go now."
"Why not?!" Bell shouted impatiently, "Isn't Lily our companion? Why aren't we going to save her?!"
He was still quite immature. Having never seen the darker side of people's hearts, he couldn't understand these underhanded schemes. His pure passion would only leave him scarred.
Yet it was precisely this sense of justice that kept his heart pure, allowing him to move steadfastly toward his goals.
"Listen carefully, Bell. We're not abandoning her rescue." Adam pulled him back and explained to everyone, "Right now the war game takes priority. Lily's capture is part of their strategy — if we rush to save her, we'd be walking right into their trap."
"So we're just going to leave her?" Welf growled through gritted teeth, "That man — Lily was terrified the moment he appeared. He's clearly dangerous!"
"Don't worry about this. Lily won't be in danger. The man covets her magic — he won't harm her." Adam explained before they could ask further questions.
"It's alright, Bell, don't worry." Hestia reassured him, "If we lose, Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform. So right now you need to focus on what you have to do."
Bell and Welf reluctantly accepted the situation, though frustration was evident on their faces.
"What's our next move?" Welf asked.
"We need to split up." Adam said after a moment's consideration, "Bell, seek out the Sword Princess from the Loki Familia and ask her to train you in combat.
When you fought that man earlier, you were so consumed by anger that you completely forgot to use your Firebolt — your greatest weapon! And you still hesitate to strike vital points when fighting. Your opponent is trying to kill you — this isn't the time for peaceful resolutions!
Your lack of progress in the Dungeon is unacceptable. It's time for you to reach the next level!"
His harsh words left Bell standing there in shame, unable to offer any defense.
"If anyone tries to stop you." Adam continued, "Tell them this is payment for my promised duel with her. That should suffice."
"Couldn't you train me instead, Adam?"
"As I said, I need to recruit another member." Adam placed his hands on Bell and Welf's shoulders, "I'll be gone for three days, so I'm counting on you both. Welf, even though you're not officially part of Hestia's Familia, I'm relying on your help too."
"Of course." Welf's expression suggested he understood the deeper meaning behind those words.
It seemed he would be discussing a transfer of Familia with his deity upon Adam's return.
"We'll sort out the remaining details when I get back."
With that, Adam departed toward the Dungeon.
Bell and Welf went their separate ways — one to find Ais, the other to seek Hephaestus.
They weren't the only ones making moves in this game.
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