Southwest District.
Hestia Familia's New Headquarters.
—Hearthfire Manor.
The newly renovated outer walls gleamed in the sunlight, radiating brilliance.
Just from its luxurious appearance alone, one could tell the Gubneus Familia's craftsmanship was top-notch.
Constructed with high-grade stone, the three-story headquarters had no shortage of space.
It boasted both a front and backyard, enclosed by elegant wrought iron fences.
At the moment—
In a spacious living room at the end of the first floor, its ceiling towering 10 meters high—
Lavish sofas had been arranged, along with mounted candle sconces and a grand fireplace.
Though the ornamental candles weren't lit—
A solar corona-shaped magic stone chandelier, worth over a million valis, hung overhead.
Gathered in the center of the room were: Hestia, Mikoto, Daphne, Ryuu, and Cassandra.
"Ahahahaha~"
"I still can't believe it. We actually managed to keep that whole incident under wraps!"
Hestia, seated next to Mikoto on the sofa, triumphantly placed her hands on her hips.
"U-Um… Miss Ryuu, are you really joining our Familia?"
Cassandra blinked curiously at Ryuu.
"Yes."
"I promised Raven…"
Sitting with perfect posture, Ryuu nodded slightly in response.
"Goddess Hestia, um, where's Captain?"
Daphne glanced around, confused.
Hestia stopped giggling and explained:
"He's out picking up a new member."
"Once everyone's here, we're throwing a feast to celebrate our Familia's growth!"
"Alright, I'll go start cooking then."
Mikoto immediately headed to the spacious kitchen beside the dining hall.
Just as she left—
A pure white magic circle appeared on the floor out of nowhere.
"I'm back."
Raven entered with Anna following beside him.
"Greetings, Lady Hestia. Hello, everyone. I'm Anacrez."
Anna bowed politely.
"Whoa~~"
"You're so pretty!"
"Welcome, welcome~~!"
Hestia's eyes sparkled.
Even Ryuu, Cassandra, and Daphne were momentarily stunned by her beauty.
A short while later—
While the group was still introducing themselves to one another—
Hestia suddenly recalled something and turned toward Raven:
"Oh right, Raven-kun~"
"Didn't you say there were two people?"
"Where's the other one?"
As for Lili?
Regrettably, there was no sign of her.
"Uh…"
"I'm not sure where she went either."
Raven offered a faint, awkward smile.
Could it be—
She ran off with the money during the night?
After all, ten million valis wasn't a small amount.
No…
Lili wasn't that kind of person.
He pondered silently.
Unless—
The money was stolen by someone from Soma Familia?
Looks like—
He'd have to go personally retrieve her.
That Soma Familia didn't exactly have the best reputation.
He shook his head,
Steadying his thoughts.
"By the way, have you all updated your status?"
Raven turned to the girls with a curious expression.
"Of course~"
"Come here, Raven-kun. I'll update yours."
"And Anna, you too. I'll establish the contract with you."
"From today onward, we're all one big family~!"
Hestia joyfully swayed her twintails and cheeks.
"Y-Yes!"
Anna replied with eager eyes.
Not long after, inside Hestia's room—
"All done~!"
"Raven-kun~~ congratulations! You've gained another rare skill!"
Hestia was used to it by now, but still beamed with joy.
"Nice."
Raven, sitting shirtless in the chair, began dressing himself.
He took the updated status sheet from Hestia's hand—
And looked over the translated stats in Common Tongue:
Raven
Level: 4
Strength: I0 → E499
Endurance: I0 → E497
Dexterity: I0 → E498
Agility: I0 → D552
Magic: I0 → A801
Development Abilities:
Mana Drain: E
Presence: F
Summoning: IG
Magic:
[Divine Feather Annihilation]
[Cycle of Summons]
[Feather of Illusions]
Skills:
[Heaven-Demon Frenzy]
[Overlord's Intimidation]
[Palace of Sacred and Profane]
[Outer Path Golem]
[Dance of the Demonic Horde]
[Descent of the Demon Eye]
From the huge stat jump, it was obvious how much credit Juggernaut deserved.
After all—
All the experience Juggernaut earned defeating Ottar had been synced with Raven.
"Alright, Anna—your turn."
Hestia gestured to the girl beside her.
"R-Right!"
Even with Raven watching just steps away, she fearlessly removed her top—
Revealing her smooth, porcelain-white back to Hestia.
Anacrez
Level: 1
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
Development Abilities: None
Magic: [ ][ ][ ]
Skill:
[Beloved Blossom]
(When certain conditions are met, triggers a Rhapsodia—Shared Fantasy Anthem—with those bound by the same Falna.)
After translating the sacred characters—
"Wah~!"
"That's a super rare skill!"
Hestia's eyes sparkled like stars.
Raven flinched—
His gaze widened slightly.
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PS: Once all the members are gathered, the War Game Arc will begin!
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