With the cooperation matters settled, the next step was naturally to sign the contract.
Levi took out a parchment pre-written in Common Tongue, Divine Script, and Runes. He wrote his name after 'Party A:'.
Royman was surprised by the unfamiliar script on the parchment but didn't dwell on it—or rather, his eyes were blinded by the impending profits.
Then...
After signing his full name, he sensed his soul being bound.
Seeing the astonishment on Royman's face, Levi smiled faintly.
"The language of 'power'—one I have mastered that possesses 'power' itself. When used in contract writing, as long as it aligns with the Common Tongue and Divine Script, it binds both parties. It's a little trick I use to prevent breaches of contract."
Royman fell silent upon hearing this.
He wouldn't admit it, but he had indeed planned to engage in some shady sales tactics—'accidentally' breaking or losing a few bottles of Regeneration Wine or Ice-Fire Wine each month to sell on the black market.
A discrepancy of just a few hundred million in sales wouldn't be noticed, he thought.
But now, he could only honestly abide by the contract.
Levi knew Royman's 'fat pig' nature well, so of course he had guarded against him.
"Rest assured, as long as the contract is followed, the binding effect of the Runes is merely a reminder."
Royman was no pushover either. Realizing he'd been outmaneuvered, he quickly regained his composure, smiled again, stood up, and shook Levi's hand.
"Then, happy cooperation."
"Happy cooperation."
The matter of Hestia Familia and The Guild jointly selling sparkling wines could thus be considered concluded.
Levi was about to stand and take his leave when Royman pulled a letter from his drawer.
After handing over the envelope, Royman's expression shifted from serious to apologetic. He solemnly reported his possession of Falna as punishment and now issued Levi a compulsory quest.
"Sorry, the gods are all watching from above. The Guild can't do nothing."
"No problem, I understand your position."
When Levi first entered Orario, he naturally had no Falna.
But explaining that would require answering how he went from Lv.1 to Lv.2 in less than a month.
Levi estimated that quite a few gods had guessed he awakened a skill accelerating ability growth, even linking it to his recent actions with Valis.
But such intelligence would only circulate in small circles; most adventurers couldn't access it.
Thus, no brainless fools would jump in his face.
Besides, expeditions were something Levi planned anyway. A compulsory quest just meant diving a bit deeper, to the 37th Floor and beyond.
However, when he took and opened the envelope...
A flicker of surprise crossed Levi's face.
[To all members of the Hestia Familia:]
[Set out within three days to the secret realm 'Great Tree Labyrinth' and slay the 'God's Assassin' Artemis sealed in the Elsos Ruins.]
[Ouranos]
"This is a quest issued by God Ouranos?"
Levi pointed at the text on the letter, somewhat surprised.
Royman didn't deny it. For the first time since they met, his face showed a solemn, reverent expression.
"The lord believes the monster sealed deep in the Great Tree Labyrinth may accelerate your growth."
Levi: "..."
Similar to the Ganesha Familia troops, Levi held immense respect for Ouranos, who willingly sat on his divine throne for a millennium solely to suppress Dungeon outbreaks.
Levi never thought his actions in the Middle Floors could truly evade this god's 'eyes.'
Yet he never expected Ouranos to gift him such a boon.
————Scorpio · Artemis.
The 'Black Monster' sealed thousands of years ago by a host of immortals and gods in the Great Tree Labyrinth's divine temple—now ruins.
In the anime from his previous life—or more precisely, the movie—as the final boss.
Back then, having devoured the Moon Goddess Artemis and borrowed her divine power, it nearly destroyed the lower world.
Now, things hadn't reached that worst stage yet.
Levi's normal combat power had reached Lv.6, but his true Falna level remained Lv.4. He was unsure what the Lv.5 pool held.
However, since the Law Crystal description explicitly stated it could be used for gacha pulls, he could never have too many while ensuring sufficient strength.
The Law Crystals sold monthly in the exchange shop—he wanted them.
The ones rewarded after completing Main Quest 3—he wanted those too!
Levi pocketed the letter, showing his first genuine smile since entering the reception room.
"I'll complete this compulsory quest properly."
"...That's the situation. In three days, we need to go on a trip."
Inside the Hestia Familia's base, Levi looked at the four women seated.
Considering Hestia would recruit Cassandra the day after tomorrow, Levi deliberately set departure to the deadline.
"Perfect timing. Alise and Gojouno, you two can team with me. Subjugating Artemis will give you the Feat needed for Lv.5."
"As for Liliruca, she can safely reach Lv.2 under our watch."
It might sound harsh, but Pallums' potential was indeed somewhat lacking.
Over four days total, Liliruca drank just over three bottles—less than four—of 1-star Fire Wine, yet her ability values had hit her container's limit.
Dexterity and Magic were highest at D517 and D501; Agility, Strength, and Endurance ranged from F to E.
Even at Lv.2, she'd be relatively weak in that stage.
But Levi's expectations for Liliruca weren't high. If she couldn't beat 'Sake Keeper' Zanis at Lv.2, then reach Lv.3—or even Lv.3 max—and try again.
Once the girl became Soma Familia's captain, he'd secure a stable divine wine supply route.
Then, he could brew 5-star Ice-Fire Wine—or even 6-star—without severe side effects.
Liliruca knew her low potential. She nodded obediently.
"Lili will follow Lord Levi's lead."
Alise and Gojouno Kaguya had no objections. Bold Alise asked:
"Does this count as work hours?"
Levi glanced at her speechlessly.
"Overtime. Triple pay."
____
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