With such speed that the entire cave was filled with a faint sound of something breaking through the air, and while the infernal dog was still compressing fire in its mouth and had not yet reacted, its head was separated from its body.
With an almost imperceptible sound of flesh being torn and the static crackle of electricity, Yuri's blade cut through the infernal dog's neck almost without resistance.
In an instant, the infernal dog turned into black smoke and dissipated into the dungeon, while a blue-purple crystal fell onto the cold floor.
Yuri's ruthless killing continued until the magic stones on the floor had accumulated into small hills. Then, Yuri stopped fighting. He took out his pocket watch to check the time, gathered the spoils, and returned to the upper floor.
"Low-level skill values are easy to get, but who should I find to complete the big achievements?"
The great deeds in the dungeon are achievements recognized by the gods. The most common ones include challenging dangerous enemies, overcoming the boundaries of skills, or performing heroic feats that ordinary people cannot accomplish.
If he wanted to advance...
"I fear I will have to trust my swordsmanship to fight level 6 masters, just to barely reach the standard."
The boy who wanted to break through his bottleneck was returning, at great risk, to the "Lady of the Hearth," but he saw two girls from the Apollo Familia waiting for him at the door with a letter in hand. There was an expression of pity on their faces as they looked at him.
Wait!
Apollo!?
That perverted god!?
At this point, a bold idea emerged in Yuri's mind!
The chance to level up had just knocked on his door!
"Mr. Winters..."
Of the two girls, the one with long, straight hair shyly stepped forward.
"This is for you..."
Without a doubt, this was an invitation.
The envelope was sealed with wax and stamped with the sender's emblem: a bow, an arrow, and the sun.
At this point, the short-haired girl said, "My name is Daphne Lauros. This girl is Cassandra Ilion. As you can see, we are from the Apollo Familia."
Yuri now understood the reason.
Daphne, with her hawk-like eyes, made a strong impression on people, while Cassandra, who appeared shy, seemed somewhat innocent in her demeanor.
(Both are good candidates to join the Hestia Familia, especially Cassandra. If I remember correctly, she also has the ability to have visions, which is an absolutely valuable talent.)
Yuri was already keeping both of them in mind.
And Cassandra still spoke shyly:
"Well, it's an invitation. Lord Apollo will be hosting a feast. If it's convenient for you... it's okay if you don't come..."
Daphne patted Cassandra on the back as she leaned forward.
Cassandra's "Ahhh" sound was very cute.
At that moment, Daphne pointed to the invitation letter and said seriously:
"Make sure you convey this to your goddess. The invitation was given to you."
"I understand. I will deliver this to Hestia."
Seeing that Yuri agreed, Daphne stepped back. She didn't seem to intend to say anything else, turned, and left after calling her companion.
However, as she was leaving, with her short hair swaying, she suddenly turned to Yuri and whispered:
"My condolences."
"My condolences?"
Looking at the two girls walking away, the invitation card flipped between Yuri's fingertips, and he couldn't help but reveal a playful smile at the corner of his mouth.
Apollo was extremely persistent when he set his eyes on someone, constantly chasing after them until he could claim them. On several occasions, he had tried to flirt with Hestia when they were in the heavens, causing her to develop a noticeable aversion to him.
Similarly, several members of his Familia had been forcibly recruited; he sometimes traveled from country to country until they finally joined his Familia.
Apollo is clearly portrayed as bisexual; regardless of whether they are men or women, he recruits anyone who catches his attention, having many young members—both male and female—with cute features in his Familia.
He particularly likes young men, whom he tends to favor. In addition, he is a great pervert, having trembled in anticipation and felt heat rising in his chest as he fantasized about Bell before the War Game.
When Yuri saw the two girls from the Apollo Familia, he already had a good guess in mind.
The genius who was promoted from novice to level 2—a handsome and strong young man—was bound to attract unwanted attention. It was very likely that after Apollo heard about him and saw his portrait, he began to have distorted thoughts once again.
So how would the Apollo Familia, which has many veteran adventurers, deal with a Familia that only has one useless goddess, Hestia, and a young man who had just been promoted to level 2?
Yuri kept the invitation, and his eyes became colder.
Yuri had no respect for people like that.
Since Apollo decided to start with his twisted games, Yuri decided to destroy him at his own game.
The worst possibility is that he might be forced to return to his own world.
"Apollo has always become perverted and even fanatical in his pursuit of beautiful boys with heroic qualities."
Yuri muttered quietly and opened the back door of the inn.
"If used correctly, it may be possible to turn this into a great achievement..." He smiled.
That same night...
With the Apollo Familia's banquet, the entire Orario was buzzing with excitement.
The banquet of the gods is a feast organized independently by each god.
This kind of banquet also aims to display the power and financial resources of those who organize it, but it is basically held only for the gods to enjoy themselves. In the past, gods and spirits also participated.
They say the "banquet of the gods" held by the Apollo Familia today is very special. It seems that you must bring a Familia member with you, and both the gods and children of each Familia will participate together.
Normally, members of a Familia are not allowed to attend the "banquet of the gods," but this time the organizer requested that the members be brought along. The gods, as usual, agreed because they found it interesting, and each selected the members with whom they were most pleased to participate, wanting to show off their children.
Mixed with impeccable gods and goddesses, it was possible to see many adventurers and artisans dressed in stunning costumes.
The main entrance hall was beautiful and luxurious, with golden and silver lights scattered across the thick pillars and chandeliers; the lighting was stunning and blinding. High ceilings gave a sense of grandeur. The alabaster statues placed firmly against the walls may have been made to imitate the appearance of the gods—one for each deity.
It was not surprising that Yuri had brought Hestia to the banquet.
The tall and handsome young man was standing casually, but his appearance, posture, and the aura that surrounded him attracted glances simply by his presence.
The whispers of some women could be heard faintly in the hall. This made Hestia even prouder, as she took his arm and showed off the man who belonged only to her.
When the two entered, Apollo, who had been impatient for a long time, appeared immediately.
"Thanks to everyone for coming today!"
At that point, a loud and powerful voice echoed through the conference room. Everyone in the room looked in the same direction. Across the banquet hall, Apollo spoke happily.
(End of Chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉