Chapter 526

Chapter 533: Laughing Through the Heartache～ (Please Subscribe!)

The location was the Central Tower of the Twilight Manor.

Loki lounged in her room at the very top floor of the tower—her sleeping quarters (Divine Room), with her feet carelessly propped up on the desk.

In her hand, she idly played with a crimson spherical object, marked with the engraving “D.”

“Who would’ve thought that investigating what seemed like a mere rat hole would lead us to uncover such a massive fish—the Knossos artificial maze.”

The Goddess’s tone was filled with reflection and ease, but a flicker of danger could be detected in her eyes.

Initially, Loki Familia had only learned that remnants of the Dark Faction knew about the second exit of the Dungeon. They organized an expedition to find it.

But who could have guessed that this so-called “second exit” would turn out to be a colossal man-made labyrinth?

From the intelligence gathered thus far and confessions from those involved, it appeared that the first Daedalus began constructing it a thousand years ago.

Its current scale was almost impossible to estimate.

Only the gods knew how deep generations of Daedalus descendants had dug it over a millennium.

“We need to figure out more about this labyrinth before we act again… And might as well give Izay something to do! Can’t have him rotting away at home!” (Referring to his cozy moments with the female members.)

After muttering for a while, Loki’s tone shifted. Her hand tightened around the “key,” and she ground her teeth in irritation.

Even now, just thinking about Ais being taken by Izay still stung her heart.

And her anger towards Izay…

But since the deed was done, no matter how upset she was, it didn’t change anything.

Could Loki really undo what had already happened?

Clearly not.

She could do nothing…

Except numb herself with excuses like “Keeping things within the family” or “Internal digestion.”

Oh, and also… While planning the Familia’s next move, she could seize the opportunity to assign some tasks to Izay.

Gathering intelligence?

That was part of it, sure.

But mostly, she wanted to cut into Izay’s time spent with Ais.

Lately, those two were always dishing out sweet moments at the Twilight Manor, even involving a fox-eared girl who didn’t seem jealous at all. It made Loki lose her appetite.

I’m sick of eating their lovey-dovey meals; who needs actual food anymore!

Explode, you present-day lovers!!

At this moment, Loki hadn’t realized how much she resembled a ruthless boss from a drama…

Just as she was plotting her Familia’s strategy, a disturbance broke the tranquility of her room.

“—!?”

Instantly, Loki stood up from her chair and turned to look out the window.

Her Divine Room’s windows faced east, catching the sunlight.

Without needing to search, the source of the commotion came into view, causing the deity’s eyes to widen.

“Someone is attacking the Pleasure Quarter?”

To the southeast of the city, the darkness was scattered by fiery orange flames, revealing a bright red scene visible from nearby areas.

Many ordinary citizens noticed the situation just like Loki, stopping in the middle of the street to gawk. Inside the Twilight Manor, numerous members of her Familia also took notice, whispering among themselves.

“How dare someone attack the Pleasure Quarter! Who’s so crazy!?”

“My big sister… Uwuuu… Beautiful sisters!”

“Hmm, I know you’re upset, but try to act serious? This is indecent.”

This was the sentiment shared by many male members of the Familia and commoners of Orario alike.

“Aisha-nee-san… She mustn’t be involved, right?”

This was the worry of a little fox concerned for her older sister.

Honestly speaking, Aisha was one of the few who truly cared for her.

Though Haruhi had been with Loki Familia for a long time, she still cherished her bond with Aisha. She maintained their friendship carefully.

Of course, she didn’t want anything to happen to Aisha.

She was currently worried about this.

By Haruhi’s side, the girls who usually gathered to play at night looked at each other helplessly.

They seemed to have no good way to alleviate their companion’s concerns beyond offering clichéd verbal comfort…

…

In the southeastern part of Orario.

Amidst the screams of customers and staff, countless scarlet sparks danced through the Pleasure Quarter.

Adventurers had set up roadblocks, sealing off all exits, determined not to let their target escape.

Inside the Main Goddess’s Brothel at the center of the Pleasure Quarter, a white rabbit screamed in terror as it evaded the pursuing battle courtesans, climbing higher and higher.

Below, the future mother, accompanied by the strongest guard in the city, approached the massive building with purposeful steps.

Their path left nearly the entire Pleasure Quarter in ruins.

As the district symbolizing desire and beauty cried out amidst flames, a male deity staggered.

“How did it come to this…? The person who transformed this wonderful place into its current state is none other than myself… Ahh, how painful! Lady Freya’s actions truly break my heart…”

Having personally caused the current devastation and witnessing the destruction of a place filled with many fond memories, Hermes dramatically gestured from atop a tall building, seemingly overwhelmed with sorrow.

The expressionless faces of his Familia standing beside him betrayed no emotion, their eyes cold.

How could he feign concern when he himself was the root cause of this chaos?

Asfi’s disdain for this despicable god was almost palpable.

At least show some sincerity!

But Asfi could see that Hermes felt no genuine remorse.

He was merely putting on a show.

Our aloof Miss Universal had made her judgment.

At this moment, another voice rang out from the rooftop.

“Does your heart ache so much that you can’t help but laugh?”

“Hm?” Hermes turned toward the sound and saw a familiar figure standing nearby. “Ah, Izay-kun～, long time no see! Are you here tonight to join the fun?”

Or perhaps… To kick someone while they’re down?

The deity added this question at the end.

The deity who previously acted so heartbroken was now smirking, completely shedding his earlier sighs.

“Kick someone while they’re down…? I wouldn’t go that far.” Izay shrugged helplessly at Hermes’ words. “Ishtar Familia is already too fragile now; whether I’m here or not doesn’t matter. I’m just here to watch the show.”

As if responding to Hermes, Izay also smiled faintly after speaking.

As he said, he had merely come to witness Ishtar Familia’s downfall.

Strictly speaking, this event owed partly to his contribution.

After severely injuring Ishtar Familia’s “strongest,” Izay inadvertently leaked this information unknown even to the Guild to Hermes.

And Hermes just happened to think along the same lines.

—Perhaps they could take advantage of Ishtar Familia’s weakened forces.

Although Izay didn’t know how Hermes managed to lure Beier to the Pleasure Quarter and make Ishtar Familia target her,

the outcome was still favorable.

Both parties understood each other without saying a word.

Indirectly, they facilitated the current scene.