Renjiro knew that Apollo was a god with deep attachments.
Though essentially not evil and broadly classified as a "benevolent god," his obsessive nature often stirred up all sorts of trouble.
However…
"Is that so… no time lately, huh? What a shame."
The very disappointed tone echoed through the small cooking room.
Perhaps it was because the matter touched on Apollo's personal passions, or maybe he was wary of Lumine's background… whatever the case, after Barbara politely declined, the god didn't push further this time.
When the small gathering ended, he formally spoke as he prepared to leave:
"From another world, the songstress… Miss Barbara Pegg. Today, to meet and know you by chance is truly a fortunate event."
"In the future, should you release new songs, I hope I may continue to be a devoted listener."
"I shall patiently wait. For now, I shall not trouble you further."
With that, he said…
"Let's go, Hyakinthos."
"Yes, Apollo-sama."
After a brief bow, the god and his attendant departed.
Inside the room, the women exchanged glances…
"Was that really Apollo?"
Hestia was the first to voice her doubt. "The Apollo who ranks in the top five on the celestial Blabber Tongue Leaderboard?"
To which Artemis replied, smiling softly:
"Even the 'unknown' of the mortal world can affect and change us, the gods, who have existed for eternity. I didn't believe it before, but now…"
She cast a gentle gaze at Barbara, sitting nearby.
"I really like this kind of life."
"Perhaps, Hestia… you'll have a day when you too will change~"
"I… have that feeling."
========
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
"Apollo-sama, is this really okay?"
Just leaving the small cooking room, the god and his attendant walked while conversing.
Hyakinthos, as Apollo's most devoted fan, felt that his master had just been far too humble.
He could barely watch.
"If it was just a formal invitation, even if she's part of Freya's familia, it…"
"It's not about that, Hyakinthos."
Apollo tilted his head toward his attendant.
"Remember, true music cleanses the soul. It is pure art, the highest form of existence."
"Whether it's the initial creation or the mere act of performance, the planning, the practice… none of it may be sullied."
"This time, you are not to do anything extra. Understood?"
Hearing the god speak so seriously…
"I understand, Apollo-sama."
Hyakinthos ceased his objections, only thinking in his heart…
"So Apollo-sama really loves music… I should practice properly too."
To be honest, a serious Apollo was quite easy to get along with.
But of course…
"Hmm?"
Passing a corner, he spotted a white-haired boy crouching nervously…
"Uh-oh~"
Damn, that terrifying face-expression immediately twisted across Apollo's face.
At once…
The fourteen-year-old boy, leaving his village for the first time, had never seen such a terrifying god.
He bolted in panic.
Of course, this didn't escape Hyakinthos, walking beside the god.
"Apollo-sama?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Just saw an interesting child."
Apollo returned his face to normal and smiled.
"When bored before, perhaps I would have played for fun. But now… I'll wait for Miss Barbara's new songs… haha, can't wait."
"Back we go, Hyakinthos."
"Yes, Apollo-sama."
Meanwhile, the white-haired boy, already far ahead, had no idea…
The songstress from another world—who in essence was willing in countless ways, yet had "passively" stolen his first love—had in a way just saved his life.
However…
Like a butterfly flapping its wings, the resulting winds might not all blow toward good.
The running boy didn't notice…
A pair of playful, mischievous eyes were watching him.
The owner pushed up his glasses, the reflection catching the light…
A malicious grin curved his lips.
======
Dungeon—17th Floor.
Today, while Lumine was taking Miss Airmid out… cough, on "official business," Renjiro, Aether, and Welf once again ventured into the middle floors together.
At the moment, they were preparing to do something significant.
"Welf, whether you can reach Lv.2 depends on this fight."
Aether said, standing in front of the Big Wall of Grief, arms crossed.
Yes, the three were planning to exterminate the soon-to-hatch floor boss here—a potential Lv.4, Goliath.
Honestly, when Welf first heard this, he was dumbfounded.
He knew that the Twin Stars could already defeat even a potential Lv.5 floor boss when they reached Lv.3.
But people had limits. Monsters too.
Now…
"I must be crazy, actually coming here with you guys."
Welf's lips twitched.
His hands gripping the greatsword trembled slightly.
He trusted that Aether, with a Lv.4 Falna, could kill this monster easily.
But being involved himself was risky…
"I'm not using 'Genshin Descent'~"
"Eh?"
Aether's words shocked Welf.
Then…
"This time I'll use 'Genshin Descent'."
Renjiro delivered the cruel blow without mercy.
"And I'm only summoning two Lv.2 divine spirits."
Welf went silent.
After a long moment…
"Really, if you guys have an issue with me, there's no need to go through such a roundabout way."
The red-haired youth, feeling exhausted, instinctively started to retreat.
"I just want to go from Lv.1 to Lv.2… no need for such a high-level challenge…"
"Kacha~"
"Oops, too late."
As a crack appeared on the Big Wall of Grief, Renjiro narrowed his eyes and patted Welf on the shoulder—pulling him back with extra force to prevent his escape.
The mischievous smile on his face:
"Trust me, as long as you move forward, the path will keep extending."
"Uh~ what do you mean?"
Welf felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of malice.
Renjiro raised an eyebrow.
"I mean… don't stop, Welf captain."
"I'm not the captain!"
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100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
140+ advance chapters available on P@treon(.)com/Veltoria