Hestia led Hephaestus and Loki to a secluded corner of the banquet hall.
"So, what is it?"
Hephaestus tilted her head, observing Hestia's hesitant demeanor.
"Yes, yes, spit it out already. My response might depend on how interesting it is."
Loki was intrigued by Hestia's obvious plea for help.
Hestia would only humbly ask Hephaestus and Loki for help regarding Arthas.
Loki's curiosity about Arthas was piqued.
"Um… I have a request for Hephaestus… and Loki."
As soon as Hestia finished speaking, Hephaestus's red left eye narrowed.
Her usually approachable demeanor shifted; a stern atmosphere emanated from her.
Just like when she'd refused to lend money.
"You still have a request? Think about what you said earlier."
"Uh, I forgot…?"
"Didn't you say you wouldn't leech off me anymore?"
Ah, I did, Hestia offered a wry smile.
"I know you might look down on me, Hephaestus. I'm a useless Goddess, relying on you to survive in the lower world."
Hestia looked up at the imposing Hephaestus, the red-haired, red-eyed Goddess.
Her Hephaestus Familia, known as the God of Fire in the heavens, was the only Familia in Orario not reliant on adventurers' income.
This unusual organization, not dependent on the Dungeon, was a large Familia known to every adventurer in the city.
The name Hephaestus was a brand.
It was a large Familia known for its skilled craftsmen and high-quality products. It was popular even outside Orario—worldwide.
Her Familia was a blacksmithing Familia.
Hestia declared her wish to the permanent president of the Hephaestus Familia.
"I want you to make weapons for Arthas… my Familia member!"
Hephaestus fell silent, and Loki narrowed her eyes.
"I see, the request to Hephaestus is for weapons. Then, your request for me is…"
"Yes, I want Riveria Ljos Alf to guide Arthas in magic. Arthas is a talented mage, but he needs guidance."
Hestia's purpose for attending the Godly Banquet was to ask Loki to have her Familia members teach Arthas and to ask Hephaestus to forge weapons for him.
Having voiced her thoughts, Hestia breathed a sigh of relief. The two Goddesses frowned.
"You're being naive, Hestia. Why would I let my Familia members teach someone else's Familia member?"
"I can make weapons, but can you afford it? My price is high."
Hestia knew she wouldn't get an easy yes, but she had to state her request.
Whether they agreed depended on her efforts.
Looking at Loki's ambiguous expression and Hephaestus's raised eyebrow, Hestia steeled herself.
She had to convince them, for Arthas!
Hestia was determined; she'd do anything for Arthas.
As a useless Goddess, this was all she could do.
After a routine stroll through the Dungeon, Arthas decided to return. Wandering through the Dungeon daily felt… pointless.
Hestia had been at her friend's banquet for two days. She'd said she wouldn't be home for a few days, and Arthas knew not to worry, but…
Accustomed to Hestia's presence, to sleeping in her arms, Arthas felt uneasy.
I wonder what that girl's doing…
"Ah, here it is."
After traversing the 'Path of Departure,' the massive first-floor passage, he saw the large hole leading to the surface.
About ten meters high and wide, forming a large cylinder. Gentle stairs spiraled around it.
Several adventurer teams were climbing the silver stairs; Arthas followed. Soon, after ascending the final step, his vision opened up, and the artificial coolness filled his nostrils.
This was the 'Babel Tower,' a white-walled tower built above the Dungeon, the first basement level.
The building was a circular space expanding from the hole Arthas had climbed. It was exceptionally spacious; it could easily accommodate thousands of adventurers.
The temple-like décor gave no hint of the monster nest below. It was elegant. One might believe it to be an altar for offerings to the Gods.
The hall was blue and white, with black stelae bearing adventurers' names. Thick pillars stood at regular intervals. The ceiling was a breathtaking painted sky.
This was a safe zone; the adventurers relaxed, chatting casually. For Arthas, it made no difference.
Should I try to team up with someone? Maybe I'll encounter monsters.
Adventurers sometimes teamed up, mostly from the same Familia; inter-Familia teams were rare.
One could also hire support staff to carry equipment.
Early-stage adventurers often benefited from support staff.
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