SWNOVELXO Chapter 152: It's time
Chapter 152 - It's time
After leaving the Guild and returning to his Familia's residence, Hermes informed his members of Hestia's decision and Miach's message.
The rookies, hoping to join the Hestia Familia, wailed as Loki had predicted.
The Hestia Familia, newly established, seemed to possess a method to accelerate its members' growth.
Joining now would not only ensure rapid progress but also secure the coveted status of founding members.
With that status and their growing strength, they could reap significant rewards as the Hestia Familia developed—strength, fame, wealth, and more.
Yet, despite their hopes, the reality was crushing.
No matter how unacceptable, the truth stood: the Hestia Familia wasn't recruiting. Could they join behind Hestia's back?
Impossible.
Some, however, heeded Miach's words relayed by Hermes and, after careful thought, chose a different path.
If they couldn't join the Hestia Familia, the Miach Familia was a viable alternative.
Miach's message implied close ties between the Miach and Hestia Familias.
Joining the Miach Familia would forge a connection, however slight, to the Hestia Familia.
If the Hestia Familia continued its adventuring success, the bond between the two Familias would strengthen.
Joining the Miach Familia wasn't a bad choice.
Though the Miach Familia currently had only Naaza, that was no issue.
It would grow. Joining now, with dedication, could elevate them to senior roles in the future.
If they couldn't feast on meat, they could at least sip the broth.
With this clarity, some adventurers began seeking the Miach Familia's base, ready to join.
Miach likely never anticipated his offhand remark would yield such results.
At the very least, Daphne and Cassandra were already preparing to join the Miach Familia, as in the Anime, after learning Hestia's Familia was closed to new members.
Gaining two Level 2 adventurers for free after watching a war game—Miach would likely marvel, saying that aligning with Hestia was like eating ten meals in three days.
But those were tales for another time.
The focus shifted to Orsted.
Orsted and Hestia had returned to Hearth Manor, the Hestia Familia's residence.
Hestia had brought only Orsted to witness Apollo's return to heaven.
The others awaited them at the Familia's base.
As Orsted and Hestia appeared, Lili and the others swarmed them.
"Lord Orsted, Lady Hestia, this was so sacred," Lili said excitedly, the moment they gathered.
All of Orario, including Hearth Manor, had seen the divine ascent.
Lili and the others had been mesmerized by the holy pillar of light piercing the sky.
Thankfully, the light didn't linger long, and they soon regained their composure.
Even after it faded, the others were still enthralled. Seeing Orsted and Hestia return, they eagerly shared their awe.
"Doesn't do much for me," Hestia said with a shrug, heading into the hall.
Orsted patted Lili's head gently and followed.
Lili and the others hurriedly trailed behind.
Soon, everyone gathered in the hall.
"Alright, I have an announcement," Hestia said, hands on hips, her tone serious.
"The Apollo Familia's assets have been liquidated—over 800 million valis."
"To celebrate our war game victory, we're all going to the Hostess of Fertility Tavern for a feast tonight."
"The rest will be divided among you. Tomorrow's a day off—go buy what you like."
The victory was a team effort, and the Apollo Familia's assets were won through the war game.
Hestia didn't want to add them to the Familia's coffers.
The Familia's wealth far exceeded this sum, so she saw no issue in sharing it to bring joy to her members.
Since Elenoir and the others joined, they'd been tirelessly adventuring in the dungeon. It was time for a break to explore Orario.
"Oh!" The group cheered loudly at Hestia's words.
After the cheers, Lili and the others began whispering among themselves.
Occasionally, someone approached Orsted, quietly asking if he'd join them shopping tomorrow, inviting him along.
Orsted smiled at the enthusiasm.
His Familia members adored him, making him feel like the group's favorite.
"Well, since everyone's inviting me, how about we all go shopping together tomorrow?"
"Is that okay, Hestia?" Orsted suggested, overwhelmed by individual requests.
"Sure, it's settled," Hestia said with a smile, no objections.
"Oh! Thank you, Lady Hestia!" the group exclaimed.
"Huh? Why thank me?" Hestia asked, puzzled.
"We thought you'd keep Lord Orsted to yourself, but you're letting him come with us!"
"Well, I did want him all to myself, but seeing how hard you all worked in the war game, I couldn't say no."
Orsted: "…"
"Keep to yourself? Let him go?" he thought, bemused by the phrasing.
Meanwhile, at the Hermes Familia's residence, Ottar handed Hermes a box.
"This is from Lady Freya. Follow her instructions precisely," Ottar said calmly before leaving.
Hermes held the heavy box, his expression wry.
"Really," he muttered with a bitter smile.
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