"Eeeeeeeeh?!"
"Going to war with the two strongest Familia in the city?!"
The first to cry out in shock was the newly recruited Anna, who knew nothing of Raven's true strength.
Had she just joined the Familia… only to be dragged into a massive mess?
Those were the most powerful factions in all of Orario!
Her sapphire-blue eyes stared wide at him, filled with anxiety and disbelief.
Her face was so overwhelmed with mixed feelings that Raven couldn't help but chuckle inside.
The other members didn't react as loudly—but there was still a flicker of surprise in their eyes.
Even Ryuu raised a delicate eyebrow.
After all, they'd all witnessed Raven's ridiculous summoning magic.
With that cheat skill alone… it was hard to imagine any chance of losing.
"Don't worry, Anna. Trust me—this is a guaranteed win."
Raven replied with a relaxed smile.
"J-Just us few…?"
Anna looked more nervous by the second.
"Yeah."
Raven nodded.
"But… do we even have a battle plan?"
She looked like she was about to cry.
"Of course. Don't worry."
He swept his gaze across the others, as if seeking support.
"I believe in Raven-dono."
Mikoto answered seriously.
"We trust in our Captain's decisions," said Cassandra, gently echoing the sentiment.
"So there's no need to panic."
Hearing this, Raven stood confidently and said,
"Alright, enough talk—let's eat!"
"Okay!"
"Cheers!"
"Mm! Cheers!"
"Woohoo—!"
Everyone raised their voices in unison, toasting to the future of their Familia.
Currently, their base was established and operational, and their member count was five.
Once Ryuu and Lili officially joined, that would bring the number to seven.
As for funds…
They had a total of 100,000,000,000 valis.
That's right—
Raven had personally contributed 100 billion valis as startup capital for the Familia.
The Familia's finances were entrusted to Daphne.
With money and a new base secured…
"Our Familia's primary goal going forward is to conquer the deepest floor of the Dungeon."
Raven stated their grand mission boldly.
"Let's all do our best!"
"Right!"
After dinner—
Raven walked Ryuu to the iron gate.
"…Raven."
She stopped and turned around, her sky-blue eyes gazing into his.
"The day after tomorrow… Mama Mia only approved a two-day leave."
"Two days?"
Raven thought silently for a moment, then said:
"That's more than enough."
"Don't forget—I have teleportation magic."
Ryuu tilted her head toward the starlit sky, bathed in soft moonlight.
It stirred some old memories in her heart.
"…Will Alise and the others be there?"
Her voice was gentle and calm.
"They will."
Raven gave her a meaningful smile.
Fighting against Orario's two powerhouses—
If they didn't show up now, then when?
"Alright then… See you the day after tomorrow."
Ryuu smiled as she turned to leave.
Once she was out of sight, Raven returned to the spacious living room.
After dinner, the members had scattered to enjoy their free time.
Anna and Cassandra were chatting and laughing on the long couch.
Daphne and Mikoto sipped red tea in a relaxed corner.
Hestia leaned into her chair, completely melted into its cushions, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
She felt overwhelmed with emotion.
Compared to when the Familia had just started—things were night and day.
Back then, they couldn't even afford meals.
Now, luxury adorned every corner of their home.
"My Familia… finally feels lively."
This was the kind of Familia she'd dreamed of when first descending to the mortal world.
The lonely nights she once endured…
Had long since faded into distant memories.
Hestia was no longer alone.
She sat up slightly and left the couch.
Quietly, she walked toward the fireplace built into the living room wall.
It was only early autumn, a bit early to use the hearth…
But she felt like lighting it just for a bit.
She crouched down, arranging the firewood into a miniature log house shape.
"What are you doing?"
Raven had followed behind, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing… I just felt like using the fireplace for once."
Hestia smiled.
She had always dreamed of having a home with a fireplace.
And now—
Raven had helped her realize that dream in record time.
After all, her divine authority governed sacred fire—
The hearth flame, protector of homes.
"Raven-kun~~"
"My goal from the beginning was to build a Familia even bigger than Loki's, you know?"
While chatting, Hestia struck a flint to spark the fire.
"Once we win this War Game, our Familia will be the strongest in the world…"
Raven, now sitting beside her on the carpet, smiled quietly.
With practiced ease, she got the fire started.
At first there was only smoke.
Then bright red flames flickered and danced their way into the stacked logs.
Now that their base had expanded so much, Hestia was thrilled.
And yet, part of her still felt nostalgic.
She remembered the days when they lived in that abandoned church basement.
Before Raven showed up—
Their old headquarters had been so cold, quiet, and lonely.
Compared to the warm, vibrant mansion they now had,
It was like night and day.
Everyone being here now…
Felt so warm. So fulfilling.
"Raven-kun~~"
"Yeah?"
"…This Familia is amazing."
"…I think so too."
They sat side by side on the rug, watching the flames dance in the hearth.
The fireplace crackled softly, scattering glowing embers.
Its warmth lit up both of their faces.
Hestia could feel it clearly—
This was happiness.
Faint memories flickered in the fire's glow.
Raven squinted at the peaceful flames.
As for the War Game?
He'd already tossed that stress aside.
Whatever came their way—
Let it come. He had his cheat. Nothing was a problem.
Later that night—
Each member had been assigned a spacious room on the mansion's third floor.
Of course, Raven's bedroom was the most extravagant.
The furniture and decor were fancier than any luxury hotel in Orario.
His colossal bed could comfortably fit six people without feeling crowded.
And yet—
Tonight, Raven didn't sleep in his own room.
Instead…
He slept in the goddess's divine chamber.
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