The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

The entire city was buzzing with excitement.

The news that Orario's strongest Familia, Loki Familia, had accepted a War Game from an unknown, obscure Hestia Familia spread like wildfire, causing a huge uproar. On the day of the long-awaited War Game, the city was enveloped in an unusually fiery atmosphere.

Early in the morning, every tavern opened its doors, and stalls filled the streets and alleyways. The nearby walls were plastered with countless colorful posters—courtesy of the mischievous gods. On the posters, the image of a jester symbolized Loki Familia, while the unbadged Hestia Familia was represented by a snowflake.

Just for today, nearly every adventurer abandoned the dungeon and flooded into taverns to prepare to watch the match. Workers and ordinary citizens did everything they could to get time off and headed to the streets or Central Plaza, eagerly awaiting the event.

"Ahh… Ahem… Good morning, everyone! It's great to see you all! I'll be your host for today's War Game live broadcast. I'm Ebury Archer from Ganesha Familia, also known as 'Blazing Fast Tongue Firestorm Blaze!' Please enjoy the show!"

On a rather flashy stage roughly set up in front of the Guild headquarters, a tan-skinned youth stood holding a magic stone amplifier in one hand as he proudly introduced himself as the War Game commentator. The area was packed with people.

"And providing commentary will be none other than our very own deity—Lord Ganesha! Lord Ganesha, do you have any opening remarks?"

"I am Ganesha!!"

"Wonderful! Thank you, Lord Ganesha, for that powerful insight!"

Next to the host Ebury, the elephant-masked god Ganesha roared, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Working with merchants to stir up excitement throughout the city, the War Game was practically a performance. Many spectators had traveled all the way from outside Orario just to witness it—naturally, entrance fees were charged. Moreover, the Guild saw this as a chance to demonstrate Orario's power to the world, hoping to attract promising adventurers to the city.

Still, above all else, one fact remained unchanged: War Games were among the most thrilling forms of entertainment for the gods.

The 30th floor of the white-walled tower Babel was where most of the gods—those most excited for the War Game—had gathered. Among them were the two gods overseeing the game: Hestia and Loki.

Some gods, however, chose other venues—mingling with adventurers in taverns or watching with their Familias from their own bases.

"Hah, I knew you'd choose a one-on-one format. Fine, consider this my act of mercy. After all, if this were a castle siege, with only two members in your Familia, one would have to defend the fortress while the other attacked."

Loki sneered, while Hestia remained silent.

"War Game" was a general term—the specific format was determined by a discussion among the gods.

Typically, large-scale battles like castle sieges were chosen. Each side would defend a fortress, and hundreds or even thousands of adventurers would clash over several days.

These battles were both entertaining and dramatic.

The one-on-one arena duel format, however, was less extravagant. As the name implied, each side would send a fighter into the ring for a duel.

Loki had originally pushed for a castle siege. No matter how strong Yoru was, he wouldn't be able to handle the thousands of adventurers in her Familia. However, due to a certain individual's interference, the format was forced to become a duel.

"Tch. Whatever. It's no big deal. Even in an arena match, we'll crush you."

Freya, who wasn't mingling with the other gods, stood at a window watching the lively scene below. She smiled faintly.

"Don't forget… you owe me a huge favor, Yoru."

Down below, Yoru, preparing to enter the battlefield, shivered slightly. He regretted everything.

This War Game… It felt less like a serious match and more like a circus show put on for everyone's amusement.

As Yoru let out a helpless sigh, the announcer's voice rang out again.

"Now then, allow me to formally introduce the competitors! Today's War Game features the Hestia Familia versus the Loki Familia! The format is one-on-one arena duels!! The warriors from both sides have already taken their positions, and now we wait for the bell to signal high noon!"

Mirrored windows of various shapes and sizes—projecting live footage of the arena—appeared in taverns and on the streets. The city exploded with excitement as the host used his amplifier to explain the rules of the War Game.

"Everyone ready?! This is your last chance to place bets!"

While the voice of the commentator echoed through the city, taverns erupted with frenzied gambling, organized by adventurers in collaboration with merchants. Of course, the bets were on who would win the War Game: Hestia Familia or Loki Familia. Those who placed heavy bets clutched their wager slips tightly, gathered around their drinks, and stared at the divine "mirrors" floating in midair—magical live feeds arranged by the gods.

"Attention, everyone! We're just moments away from noon!"

The host's voice rose in pitch.

Excitement rippled through the crowd outside the Guild like waves.

Whether adventurers, tavern staff, or even gods, all eyes were now fixed on the mirrors.

And then—

"The War Game—begins now!"

With that declaration, the city's great bell rang out, accompanied by thunderous cheers, and the battle began.

The duel format dictated that the match would continue until all members of one Familia were eliminated. However, Hestia Familia had only two members—or more precisely, only one who could fight: Yoru. So in reality, it was Yoru versus the entire Loki Familia.

Of course, while it was technically one versus an entire Familia, if Yoru could defeat Loki Familia's four Level 6s, then the remaining adventurers wouldn't pose much of a threat.

"G-Good luck, Lord Yoru…"

Lili, acting as his one-woman cheer squad, whispered nervously. It was her first time witnessing such a grand event.

Yoru nodded lightly and stepped onto the arena platform—only to be slightly surprised by his first opponent.

"…So I'm facing you first, huh?"

Standing before him was Riveria. Yoru gave a helpless shake of his head.

"Are you ready? I won't hold back."

Her tone was far more solemn than usual.

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