The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

Bringing Hephaestus and Loki to a quiet corner of the banquet hall, away from the crowd, Hestia finally turned to face them.

"So? Just say whatever it is you wanted to say already."

Hephaestus tilted her head, eyeing Hestia's hesitant expression.

"Yeah, yeah, out with it. Depending on how interesting it is, maybe I'll give a different kind of answer~"

Loki smirked, sensing that Hestia clearly needed something from the two of them.

And considering how rare it was for Hestia to swallow her pride and ask for help from either Hephaestus or herself, Loki could already guess—this had to be about Yoru.

Her curiosity about him only deepened.

"…I have a favor to ask of both of you," Hestia finally said.

Hearing that, Hephaestus narrowed her red eye.

The usually friendly atmosphere shifted, turning sharp and strict—exactly like earlier, when she had firmly refused to lend money.

"You're asking me for a favor now? Think back carefully to what you yourself just said a little while ago."

"Um… I forgot…?"

"Didn't you say you wouldn't be mooching off me anymore?"

"…Ahaha, I might have said that…"

Hestia gave a sheepish smile.

"I know you probably look down on me, Hephaestus… I'm just a useless, aimless goddess who's done nothing worthwhile. Up until now, I've only been able to live in the Lower World thanks to your help."

Saying this, the girl lifted her head and looked directly at the goddess before her—Hephaestus, whose fiery red hair and eyes made her look like a statue of unyielding steel.

The Hephaestus Familia, named after the goddess of fire, was the only major Familia in Orario that didn't depend on dungeon-diving for income.

In this labyrinth city, a Familia not sustained by the dungeon was unusual, yet they were also one of the most well-known and respected.

That was because the name Hephaestus itself was a brand.

Her Familia was massive, filled with talent, known for producing equipment so fine it was one in a hundred—recognized not only in Orario but across cities around the world.

Yes—hers was a blacksmiths' Familia.

And now, Hestia raised her voice with resolve as she made her request to the CEO of that very Familia.

"I want you to forge a weapon for Yoru… for the child of my Familia!"

Hephaestus fell silent. Beside her, Loki narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I see. So you came to Hephaestus for the weapon. Then what's my role supposed to be?"

"Exactly. I want Riveria to guide Yoru in using magic. He's incredibly talented as a mage—but he needs a proper mentor."

Asking Loki to have one of her Familia members train Yoru. Asking Hephaestus to craft him a weapon.

That was the true reason Hestia had come to the Banquet of the Gods today.

Now that she'd finally spoken her true intentions, Hestia let out a long breath.

Hephaestus and Loki, meanwhile, both frowned.

"You seem to be a little too naive, Hestia. Why should I have one of my children train someone from another Familia?"

"I can make a weapon for you—but can you afford to pay? If I'm forging it personally, the price won't be cheap."

Hestia knew it wouldn't be that easy to gain their help. But even so, she had to say what needed to be said.

Whether they agreed or not would come down to her own efforts.

Looking at the teasing grin on Loki's face and the raised brow of Hephaestus, Hestia braced herself.

If it was for Yoru—then no matter how embarrassing or shameless it was, she had to get them to say yes!

She had already made up her mind. If it would help Yoru, she'd do whatever it took.

After all, as a powerless goddess, this was the most she could do.

◇

After making his usual rounds through the dungeon, Yoru decided to head back up.

Wandering the dungeon like a tourist every day had started to make him question his own behavior.

"If I keep doing this forever… I'll feel like an idiot."

It had already been two days since Hestia left for her friend's banquet.

Before she'd gone, she'd told him she might not be back for a few days, so Yoru wasn't worried.

Still…

He'd gotten used to her presence.

Used to falling asleep in her arms.

Without her, something felt… off.

"I wonder what that girl's doing right now…"

"…Ah, I'm here."

After walking the long corridor known as the "Path of Beginnings," a wide road extending endlessly from the first floor, Yoru finally reached the massive exit.

A wide cylindrical shaft, ten meters high and just as wide, stretched upward.

A spiraling staircase ran along the edge, wrapping the inner walls of the shaft in a perfect helix.

Several parties of adventurers were already ascending the silver stairs.

Yoru joined them, and before long, he stepped onto the final stair.

Light flooded his vision.

A cool, artificial scent filled his nose.

He had arrived at the first basement floor of Babel, the white-walled tower constructed directly above the dungeon.

The tower was built as a grand circular structure centered on the very hole Yoru had just climbed out of.

And it was enormous—big enough to accommodate thousands of adventurers without exaggeration.

With its sacred temple-like design, it was hard to believe a nest of monsters lay just beneath.

Its luxurious atmosphere gave the impression of a holy altar where offerings to the gods might be made.

The entire hall was colored in serene blues and whites.

Black stone monuments engraved with the names of adventurers lined the walls.

Thick, towering pillars stood at regular intervals—too many to count at a glance.

Above them stretched a vast painted sky—so vivid it could rival the real thing.

This was a completely safe zone.

The tense expressions of the adventurers naturally relaxed here, and laughter began to fill the air.

But for Yoru, nothing really felt different.

"…Maybe I should try forming a party? If I teamed up with others, maybe I'd finally run into some monsters."

Adventurers heading into the dungeon often formed parties.

Most were made up of members from the same Familia, and mixed-Familia teams were rare.

Of course, there were also supporters—helpers who assisted adventurers, usually by carrying supplies and spare equipment.

In the early levels, having a supporter around could make things a lot easier.

---

10% Discount Voucher

FF92E

Active until the 17th.

Please subscribe at patreon.com/dzeref887 and get access to over 500 chapters.