Chapter 207

Chapter 209: Things You Want to Do But Don’t Dare To…

A strange sense of rapport existed in the conversation between Izay and Hermes.

Maybe it was because they had faced danger together?

Their chats always skirted the edges, sounding like they said everything, but upon reflection, it felt like nothing substantial was discussed.

At least that’s how it seemed from Asfi’s perspective as an observer…

But gradually, Asfi began to feel something was off.

When Hermes mentioned the deity Ishtar in passing, a sudden realization struck her.

The words spoken by this whimsical deity before, combined with the current discussion, prompted her suspicions. She decided to inquire directly about the delivery mission from the main deity.

“Lord Hermes, the cargo we delivered last time was…?”

Hermes merely smiled wryly and answered frankly, hands spread wide: “Sorry Asfi, just as you thought, the Killing Stone was the ‘cargo’ we transported previously.”

“You actually agreed to deliver such a thing to Ishtar’s faction!?” Instantly, Asfi, as a maker of magical artifacts, stared at the deity before her, her expression tinged with disgust.

Disgust towards the Killing Stone.

That artifact was made from the remains of fox children, and when activated, it would tear the souls of foxes from their bodies—cruel and vicious. Despite its powerful effects, she despised and dismissed it entirely.

Artifacts requiring the sacrifice of their users to activate were unnecessary.

After all, magical artifacts should bring convenience to their users, not endanger their lives.

“I only found out after seeing the contents myself,” Hermes shrugged innocently under Asfi’s reproachful gaze.

However, his attitude as a deity seemed to fuel the fire further. As his follower, Asfi immediately furrowed her eyebrows and began complaining.

Izay calmly poured himself a cup of tea nearby, watching the scene unfold without any emotional ripples, even finding it somewhat amusing.

So, Hermes, you’ve come to this too?

Serves you right!

Judging by the ongoing complaints, it seemed Asfi wouldn’t stop anytime soon.

With so much pent-up resentment accumulated over the years, now was her chance to let it all out. Asfi wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

As expected,

A few minutes passed…from last time, to the time before that, and the time before that…

Hermes, rendered speechless, turned to Izay for help.

Izay sipped his tea leisurely and responded with a smile, showing no intention of helping him verbally.

‘You made your own mess, clean it up yourself.’

Reading this response on Izay’s face, Hermes could only sigh helplessly.

In the end, what was supposed to be an academic discussion turned into a one-sided criticism session of Hermes by Asfi.

The princess of the sea nation occasionally sought Izay’s opinion, hoping he could provide an objective evaluation of Hermes’ actions.

Izay naturally nodded repeatedly.

Yeah, yeah… Hermes is at fault, this is wrong, it’s his mistake, yep, yep, yep…

Something along those lines.

Regardless of Hermes’ feelings, Asfi listened happily.

She left feeling lighter on her feet.

Releasing long-held resentment was truly refreshing!

Even though knowledge wasn’t exchanged, the outcome was certainly worthwhile!

Such a straightforward opportunity to complain about Hermes might not come again anytime soon.

After bidding farewell to Hermes and Asfi, Izay pondered how to explain the matter to Loki while organizing his thoughts…

Anyway, Haruhi’s situation must be communicated to Loki beforehand.

It wasn’t wise to openly cause trouble with Ishtar’s faction, but dealing with them privately wasn’t a problem.

He also had ways to gain support from the guild, ensuring they handled aftermath, sealed information, and even used the guild’s authority to intimidate others.

What remained was Loki’s approval.

Since Haruhi wanted to change factions, the future goddess couldn’t be missing.

“But I imagine there won’t be much issue… with the divine magic shortcut plus Haruhi being a cute girl, convincing Loki should be easier than I thought?”

Izay felt this way.

…

Twilight Manor, Loki’s Divine Room.

“Hold on Izay… let me process this…”

After hearing Izay recount the entire story, Loki raised a hand signaling for a pause, then propped her forehead with another hand as she organized her thoughts.

Her mind right now…

was a bit chaotic?

“No worries, take your time.” Inside the room, Izay sat on her chair, rocking back on two legs as he waited, while Loki sat cross-legged on the bed contemplating the situation.

Not long after, Loki concluded her thoughts and spoke again.

“In short, you’re prepared to fight Ishtar’s faction over a fox girl?”

“Truly impressive! Doing what I once wanted but couldn’t accomplish! Strong, very strong! No wonder you’re my follower!”

Loki didn’t forget to express her admiration.

Izay: “…”

Shuffling!!

Loki, you’re incredible!

Perfect comprehension! Flawless understanding!

Skipping all the details yet landing perfectly on the answer, the kind of high school math teacher who’d ascend in rage at the sight.

At this point, noticing Izay’s darkening expression (actually increasingly dangerous eyes), Loki chuckled nervously and coughed twice.

“Hmm, well… I’m just categorizing and summarizing. I did hear your reasons, Izay. Don’t give me that dangerous look~ I’m scared~”

“A ‘heh heh’ for you to interpret.”

Upon hearing this, Loki laughed mischievously, choosing to brush it off. Her attitude essentially approved of supporting Izay’s actions.

If asked why, Loki could only respond: “Rescuing a beautiful girl is righteous, it needs no reason.”

Realizing she was joking around, Izay didn’t dwell on the topic, sighed, and moved past it.

After a moment, Loki tilted her head slightly and looked at him: “So… the goal is to disrupt the Killing Stone ritual and snatch the girl from Ishtar?”

“Exactly.” Izay nodded.

“Disrupting the Killing Stone ritual shouldn’t be a problem; I trust your abilities, Izay. Ishtar’s Level 5 probably can’t beat you. But taking the girl…”

If the girl named Haruhi really possessed magic that could temporarily elevate adventurers’ levels, the possibility of getting Ishtar to release her with mere verbal threats… was low!

At least prepare for a faction battle. (Note: Adventurer conversion requires mutual consent from both deities—one to revoke their blessings, the other to bestow theirs.)

“Loki, do you think mere verbal threats aren’t enough? Ishtar won’t let go easily?” Izay saw her concerns.

“Yeah, some real leverage is needed. Ishtar doesn’t act unless she sees the rabbit first.” Loki nodded.

“Would the guild’s assistance be sufficient?”

“—!?!” Loki froze instantly, then became excited: “You managed to get help from the guild!?”

“Within limits.” Izay brought his thumb and forefinger close together, leaving a small gap. Loki imagined seeing the whole Orario through that gap…

“With that, this is settled!” The goddess waved her delicate hand and made the decision.