With something to rely on in her heart, Filvis finally gathered her courage.
Even if she didn't truly know that "support" very well, Lord Shadow had promised her: if anything happened, she could call his name.
Even that excessive mercy—at this moment—became a virtue.
Besides, even if that Shadow had all kinds of flaws, he was still certainly better than Dionysus.
Staring at the strange crystal in front of her, Filvis formed a bold idea.
If this crystal really could help her become strong quickly, then perhaps her fury and grief could finally be released in a legitimate way.
As long as Lord Shadow was willing to accept her filthy body, then her heart could stay pure—still the heart of an untainted elf.
Clutching that hope, Filvis reached out and accepted the crystal.
On the other side, Dionysus still hadn't noticed anything unusual.
Filvis was regaining her composure faster than he'd expected, but he merely assumed that suffering a catastrophe had changed her mindset—nothing more.
As the most high-minded of elves, Filvis could not endure the thought of having only a "noble heart" and nothing else.
Right now she still looked innocent only because she hadn't yet realized the situation she would face in the future.
Once she sank deep enough, Dionysus would present his most passionate confession.
At that point, they would be a perfect match—talented man, beautiful woman—fated to be together. What right would any other monster have to object?
At the same time, Dionysus was deeply concerned about another matter—the adventurer who had saved her.
Orario had never been rumored to have someone that powerful.
If he wanted to destroy Orario, then the Freya Familia, Loki Familia, Ganesha Familia, and Hephaestus Familia were all existences that had to be erased.
The Ishtar Familia also had some strength; the Guild seemed to be hiding private troops; the Astraea Familia had plenty of potential as well.
Dionysus had prepared very thorough plans to eliminate these Familias.
And now, a powerful adventurer of unknown origin had appeared.
The only thing certain was that this person was extremely strong—strong enough to drive back the Dis Sisters—and belonged to the "good, orderly" side.
Whose subordinate was this?
How many situations like this were hidden inside Orario?
Just how many powerhouses did this damned city conceal?
"But it doesn't matter. Those two 'Overlords' will draw out all the power! Watch, Filvis—tonight, Orario will enter the era of the Great Feud!"
Dionysus laughed wildly.
Tonight would not be his performance.
He would observe from the shadows, and record every enemy worth remembering.
"The night is beautiful… but tonight there will be an even more dazzling pillar of light. Don't miss it."
Only Dionysus's voice remained before the grave.
Filvis didn't even notice when he left. She simply stared at the darkening sky.
At this very moment, Orario was completely swallowed by night.
Everything around her was silent—like the usual quiet… and yet also like the calm before a storm.
The invasion of darkness was about to begin.
What kind of disaster would it bring?
Filvis didn't want to see that kind of calamity. She wanted power—power strong enough to protect everyone.
"…How do I even use this thing?"
Filvis stared at the crystal in her hand, at a loss.
Dionysus was gone, but she still didn't know how to use the crystal to become stronger.
Was she supposed to… eat it?
How strange. Dionysus clearly wanted her to use this filthy power—so why hadn't he told her how?
Did he forget because he was drunk?
That divine wine really was harmful—worse than counterfeit booze.
"Would Lord Shadow know?"
Filvis put the crystal away and decided to find Lord Shadow first.
Only after gaining Lord Shadow's approval would she have the courage to swallow something like this.
......
Meanwhile, after countless trials and tribulations, Cid finally found Hestia a temporary place to stay.
An ordinary inn cost about 800 valis per day—an acceptable price.
"Miss 'Farma-something,' I've already found a place to stay. You can go take care of your own business now."
Hestia hinted furiously—no, basically outright demanded.
Even getting lost while shopping was pleasant if you did it with family.
But the moment this girl learned Hestia was a newly descended god, she enthusiastically insisted on "helping."
Helping would've been fine.
But on the way, she kept tugging and clinging to Hestia's beloved family member.
Truly—the world was degenerating, morals collapsing, what a disgrace!
"Hestia-sama! My name is Aditi Farma—upright in character, and always smiling!"
Even though she'd said it countless times, Aditi still introduced herself with soaring enthusiasm.
In Aditi's mind, she simply assumed Hestia had a poor memory—that was why she kept calling her by bizarre names.
"Alright, alright. I've got a very strong impression of you already."
Hestia lowered her head weakly.
This girl's enthusiasm wasn't an act. Every time they encountered someone in need, she had to jump in.
A little sister crying because she couldn't find her mother.Hot-blooded adventurers about to start a fight.A handsome guy who'd lost his entire fortune—444 valis.
This "Farma-something" would always rush over with the warmest smile to help.
She really did just want to help.
But she had absolutely no sense of boundaries between boys and girls.
Or maybe Cid and she had some karmic entanglement.
Once she got her hands on him, she wouldn't let go.
Even when Cid's face screamed reluctance, she would charge like a boar—using the strength of a bear to crush every ounce of resistance.
Too heavy!
This girl's feelings were too heavy!
If Cid ever got tangled up with her, sooner or later he'd be locked in a basement and never allowed to see anyone else again!
"Don't worry, Cid-kun. I'll protect you."
Hestia swore she would protect her beloved Cid-kun no matter what!
"Huh? Uh… thanks, Hestia-sama?"
Cid didn't really get it. Between this girl and this goddess, he'd been run ragged all day and had no energy left to think about anything else.
"Since you've already found a place to stay, then Aditi will be leaving!"
Aditi waved, ready to say goodbye.
Today, the Ganesha Familia's overall operation had only one goal: capture the Dark Faction at the abandoned church base.
After Cid stopped them, she had no other clear assignment, so she chose to help Hestia find lodging.
And now it was nearly curfew—if she didn't return soon, her sister would lecture her.
Just then, a booming explosion sounded in the distance.
After a brief silence came the screams of residents.
To let others know what was happening, someone shouted at the top of their lungs—
"It's the Dark Faction! The Dark Faction is attacking!"
Behind the fleeing residents, a hulking man in black armor pursued them at an unhurried pace.
He didn't move fast, but each step carried immense weight.
Every time his foot lifted and fell, the ground of Orario trembled.
His scarred face looked brutally cold—like the most merciless executioner.
"Orario… don't disappoint me to this extent!"
....
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