Loki said that when picking a fight, you've gotta show your own side's momentum first.
So when they entered the Soma Familia's grounds, Loki had Ais kick the door right in.
The commotion was huge. Though it didn't rouse the Soma Familia members lost in their drunken stupor, their captain, Zanis, still realized someone was attacking.
He snorted coldly.
Zanis strode straight outside.
But the moment he saw who had invaded the Soma Familia, his face instantly changed.
In Zanis's mind, the only person who'd dare cause trouble for the Soma Familia at a time like this was that witch called Alice.
He never imagined that the Loki Familia, busy as they were with expedition preparations, would come knocking right now.
So when he saw Loki and the other three, his expression shifted abruptly. But then he quickly regained his composure and stepped forward with a smile.
"If it isn't Lady Loki and the great adventurers of the Loki Familia..." Zanis wore a sunny smile, hoping to make a decent first impression.
However, just as he stepped closer to Loki, smiling—
All four members of the Loki group reacted with clear rejection.
Riveria frowned. Lefiya hid behind Loki. And Ais was even more direct—the moment Zanis got close, she immediately drew her longsword from her waist and pointed the tip straight at him.
"Don't come any closer."
Ais's action froze the smile on Zanis's face.
"Listen here, you Soma Familia punk," Loki said, her eyes cracking open just enough to reveal a cold gleam.
"The malice pouring off you is plain to see. Not just Riveria and Lefiya—even some average adventurer could sense it."
"I'm sure you know why we're here. Judging by the state of your Familia members, they're celebrating, aren't they? Made a fortune off my picture books, I bet."
Loki's lips curled, but her expression remained icy. Combined with her usual squinty eyes, she looked unusually intimidating.
"Your comrades are all toasting, lost in your god's liquor, but you're perfectly sober. And with the strength of Level 2… meaning you must be the Soma Familia's captain, huh?"
"I'll skip the small talk. Take us to see your god. Got it, kid?"
Loki's tone was downright hostile.
Cold sweat beaded on Zanis's forehead. If it were anyone else—any other Familia, even Alice—he was sure he wouldn't be afraid.
But the god standing before him was Loki, representing the Loki Familia.
And she hadn't come after the expedition, as he'd expected.
So right now, Zanis was truly panicking inside. If he mishandled this, it would mean serious trouble.
Taking a deep breath, Zanis dropped his smile, adjusted his glasses, and spoke to Loki with a grim expression.
"Understood, Lady Loki. I'll take you to see Lord Soma right away."
With that, he turned and led the way toward Soma's mansion.
"Now that's more like it," Loki said, squinting again as she followed.
Riveria and the other two stayed close behind.
Meanwhile, guided by Lili, Alice's group had also arrived at the Soma Familia.
But when they got there, the main gate was already kicked out of shape.
"My, my. Did someone already come knocking?" Hestia stared at the warped iron gate lying on the ground in surprise.
"Yes. Loki and the others are here," Alice said, already sensing the familiar presence of wind—the trace of Ais's magic.
"Loki?!" Hestia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I can't believe that tomboy is here too!"
"No way! I've gotta ask her—why did she draw herself as a prince? Is she really that desperate about her chest, so she turned herself into a guy in the comic just to live out the fantasy?"
"Lili! Lead the way, quick! Take me to Soma! That Loki… no doubt she's with Soma right now!"
Hestia grabbed Lili's hand and dashed into the Soma Familia grounds.
"Lady Hestia! Slow down!" Lili cried out as she was dragged along.
Watching Hestia's excited antics, Alice shook her head helplessly and hurried after them.
Even though Loki's group was likely ahead, there were still plenty of Soma Familia members around. Lili was quite weak, and Hestia was practically defenseless. If the two got caught, it would be troublesome.
The Soma Familia's home wasn't too big, but not small either—about the same size as the Apollo Familia's.
Hestia and Lili moved quickly; in under a minute, they reached the front of Soma's mansion.
Along the way, Alice's group also saw Soma Familia members passed out drunk.
Alice and Hestia frowned.
Lili's face showed both fear and deep disgust.
Hestia, still holding Lili's hand, could feel her trembling. She gave Lili's hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"Don't worry. Both I and little Alice are here. And like Alice said, the Loki Familia is here too. So rest easy—no matter what happens, we'll handle it easily."
"That's right. Don't be afraid, Lili," Alice said, stepping forward to gently pat Lili's head.
Feeling the warmth and concern from the two beside her, the fear in Lili's heart faded away.
"Mm! Lili understands!" Her gaze grew firm. "Let's go in, Lady Alice, Lady Hestia."
With renewed resolve, Lili stepped firmly into the Soma Familia's mansion.
And just at that moment—
A dark figure came flying down from the second floor, hurtling straight toward Alice.
Before Alice could react, Shanghai and Hourai emerged from somewhere behind her.
Shanghai held a small rectangular shield.
In front of Hourai, a magic circle instantly appeared.
Shanghai swung her little shield hard at the falling shadow, smacking it aside in one blow.
Then Hourai instantly released several small fireballs. The moment Shanghai batted the shadow away, Hourai's fireballs followed, scorching the figure.
A moment later, a pained shriek came from the shadowy form.
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T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
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