Danmachi: God of Heroes

A un lado Charlie vengo inspirado XD

—

The morning sun illuminated the Xander familia headquarters, filtering through the windows and filling the space with a quiet warmth.

Xander stood in the living room, feet up on the table, flipping through one of the letters he'd received. His expression was relaxed, enjoying the moment of peace.

Outside in the courtyard, Veldrin and Lili trained together. After days of intense combat against Ryuu, the training routine had become less brutal, though still demanding.

Lili, crossbow in hand, moved quickly, firing bolts at the targets Veldrin had placed in various positions. Her accuracy had improved markedly over the past week, and it showed in the way her shots hit their targets without hesitation.

Veldrin, on the other hand, focused on movement and reaction, fluidly dodging the projectiles Lili fired in his direction, making sure she also practiced with a moving target.

"Veldrin is faster," Lili commented, lowering her crossbow for a moment.

The elf turned his glaives between his fingers and smiled slightly. "And you're more precise."

Lili smiled proudly before raising her crossbow again. "Another round."

From his seat in the living room, Xander looked up for a moment and observed them with a calm expression. It was a change of pace after the previous few days, but he could still sense the desire for improvement in both of them.

He shifted more comfortably in his chair, turning the menu over in his hands. "A little calm doesn't hurt now and then."

The sound of crossbow bolts whistling through the air and Veldrin's footsteps echoed in the courtyard as the day slowly wore on.

Xander stretched in his chair before standing up, brushing off his clothes with a casual air. He watched Veldrin and Lili continue their training in the courtyard and decided it was a good time to warn them.

"I'm going to have to go out in a bit."

Veldrin stopped his movement, lowering his glaives and turning to Xander with a slight nod. "Denatus?"

Lili blinked and lowered her crossbow, looking between the two in confusion. "Denatus? What is that?"

Xander smiled, crossing his arms. "It's a meeting between the gods. We meet periodically to discuss matters of Orario. It's also where the titles of leveled adventurers are decided."

Lili pouted slightly, puffing out her cheeks. "So, Veldrin's getting a title?"

Veldrin sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "That's right. Though what they choose depends on the mood of the gods…"

Xander chuckled. "Exactly. Sometimes it can be something impressive… or something completely ridiculous."

Lili looked at Veldrin thoughtfully before smiling mischievously. "Hey, what if they put something embarrassing on you?"

Veldrin gave him a dry look. "If it's something ridiculous, I'll make sure no one uses it."

Xander patted the elf on the shoulder as he walked past. "Well, we'll see how inspired you are today."

"Can you suggest titles too?" Lili asked curiously.

"Sure," Xander replied with a smile. "But that doesn't mean they're going to listen to me."

Lili seemed even more interested. "So the gods decide together? Like in some kind of debate?"

Xander clicked his tongue. "More like a bar brawl, but with less punching and more shouting."

Lili giggled, while Veldrin shook his head, already used to what he heard about the way the gods handled their meetings.

Xander stretched his arms above his head, ready to go. "Well, wish me luck. With any luck, you guys won't pick a title that makes Veldrin want to kill me." Veldrin just narrowed his eyes. "I don't trust the gods' judgment."

Xander winked at him.

With that, the god headed inside the headquarters to prepare, leaving Veldrin and Lili in the courtyard, who exchanged a look.

"…I hope it's at least a good title," Lili murmured.

Veldrin simply sighed, resigned to his fate.

…

Xander made his way through the streets of Orario with his hands in his pockets, enjoying the cool evening air as he made his way to the Denatus headquarters.

Upon arriving at the designated building, a majestic hall with marble pillars and extensive gardens surrounding it, he noticed a familiar figure on the front lawn. Loki was leaning against one of the decorative statues, her arms crossed and a relaxed expression.

Xander raised an eyebrow and walked over. "Did they lock you out, or do you just not want to come in?"

Loki opened one eye and smiled. "Nah, I'm just killing time. I don't want to be the first one in and endure all the boring nonsense before the real stuff starts."

Xander laughed. "So what's good for you?"

Loki pushed herself off the statue and stretched, placing her hands behind her head. "The titles, obviously. That's the only fun part of this whole crappy reunion. Aren't you excited to see what ridiculous name they'll give your pretty boy?"

Xander clicked his tongue. "More like it worries me. I know the kind of humor some of the gods have."

Loki chuckled. "Yeah, sometimes they go too far. But hey, Ais's on the list today too, so I have to be careful to avoid any nonsense."

Xander nodded. "Veldrin won't stay quiet if he's given a title he doesn't like, either. In fact, I think he'll hate me if I don't stop them from calling him something stupid."

Loki patted him on the back. "Ah, but that's what the Denatus is all about, Xander. Unpaid suffering for our children."

Xander sighed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, right. Come on, let's get in before they start without us."

Loki nodded with a smile, and together they headed inside the building, where the meeting of the gods was about to begin.

The interior of the hall was already packed with gods chatting in small groups or discussing minor Orario matters. The atmosphere was a mix of formality and informality: some gods took the Denatus seriously, while others saw it as just an excuse to meet and socialize.

Xander walked beside Loki until they found empty seats at one of the long, horseshoe-shaped tables. As soon as they sat down, Loki leaned back in her chair with a satisfied expression.

"Good place, good view, and best of all, acceptable company," she commented with a mocking smile.

Xander gave her a sidelong glance. "Should I take that as a compliment?"

Loki shrugged. "Take it as you will, Xander."

Meanwhile, other gods continued to arrive, some greeting Loki enthusiastically and others casting curious glances in Xander's direction. It wasn't often that a relatively new god like him participated in these gatherings, and although he had already made a name for himself by founding his familia, he remained a mystery to many.

"By the way," Loki murmured, leaning slightly toward Xander. "Do you have a title in mind for your boy?"

Xander sighed. "I haven't decided yet. I'd rather it wasn't anything ridiculous."

Loki smiled wickedly. "Oh, that's going to be difficult."

Just as the conversation between Xander and Loki was drifting toward the inevitable discussion about titles, the living room door opened, and the atmosphere changed in an instant.

Freya came in.

The constant murmur that filled the room reduced to whispers and then, for a moment, to absolute silence. The goddess of beauty advanced with a grace that seemed unreal, her silver hair reflecting the light in the room, her violet eyes capturing the attention of every god present. It was as if gravity itself revolved around her, drawing gazes with a force impossible to resist.

"Goddess among goddesses…" a god murmured in a low voice.

"Every time I see her, I want her to step on me," sighed another.

"There's no one like her…"

"Mommy…"

Sighs and murmurs mingled with loud compliments, some with genuine admiration, others with impudence.

Xander said nothing. But his eyes remained fixed on her, slightly dazed, as if he had briefly forgotten that he was supposed to look away.

Paf.

A sharp blow to the head brought him out of his trance.

"Stop drooling, idiot," Loki muttered with an annoyed expression, crossing her arms.

Xander blinked a few times, then glanced at her. "I wasn't even bab—"

"Yeah, right." Loki snorted, leaning back in her seat with a mocking smile. "But hey, I don't blame you. If I wasn't so used to it, maybe I'd fall too."

Xander massaged his head and sighed. "Is it always like this?"

"Always," Loki replied without hesitation. "Freya doesn't need to do anything. Just be."

Meanwhile, the goddess moved forward and took her seat, as if unaware—or simply ignoring—the commotion she was causing. Only then did the conversation in the room begin to resume its normal flow.

Xander settled back in his chair, still feeling the pounding in his head, and decided it would be best to focus on what really mattered.

The Denatus was about to begin.

The Denatus started as always: with a lot of noise and few important things at the beginning.

Gods from all factions conversed among themselves, some enthusiastically, others with complete disinterest. The room was filled with a constant murmur, occasionally interrupted by laughter, banging on the table, or heated arguments over irrelevant matters.

"I tell you, this beer is the best in all of Orario!" Ganesha exclaimed with absurd confidence.

Dionysus raised an eyebrow and smiled elegantly. "Please, Ganesha. The quality of a good drink isn't measured by how hard it hits you on the head."

"Exactly!" another god interrupted. "Mine tastes exquisite. Refined."

Xander sighed, sipping from the cup in front of him as he watched the gods argue over which was the best drink in town. Loki, beside him, had already leaned across the table with an expression of utter boredom.

"I don't know how you keep coming back to this," he commented quietly.

"Me neither," Loki replied, dropping her head onto the table. "Riveria tells me I have to make an appearance, but seriously, I'd rather be drinking at the tabern."

In the other corner of the room, another group was arguing about equally irrelevant topics.

"I say heavy armor is overrated! Nothing beats mobility," exclaimed a youthful-looking god.

"Nonsense!" another slammed his fist on the table. "True warriors withstand any blow. Only cowards rely on dodging."

The discussion grew increasingly heated, until one of the older-looking gods cleared his throat. "The only thing that matters is the wearer. Armor or agility are useless if the wearer is incompetent."

Xander exchanged a glance with Loki and they both smiled in amusement.

The Denatus always started like this. A bunch of pointless, meaningless chatter before getting down to the real issues.

After several trivial discussions, one of the gods knocked on the table impatiently.

"Okay, let's get to the important stuff! The new Level 2 titles."

A god with a nonchalant air raised the list in his hands. "First on the list… Let's see, a new Level 2 member of the Brigid familia. His name is Eogan." Some gods blinked in confusion.

"Brigid…? Isn't that a goddess of the forge?"

"And fire, poetry, healing… It has too many titles."

"But your familia is small, isn't it?"

At one end of the table, a red-haired goddess with a serene expression smiled patiently. "My familia doesn't need to be large for its members to be notable," Brigid commented, her voice warm.

"Bah, enough with the beating around the bush! Let's go with the title," exclaimed an impatient god.

"'Holy Leaf,'" someone suggested.

"'War Forge,'" said another.

"'Fiery Fist'."

Brigid seemed to consider her options, but before she could say anything, another god intervened.

"Too generic. How about… 'The Wandering Blacksmith'?"

Some gods murmured among themselves.

"Not bad."

"It suits him, considering where he comes from."

Brigid nodded, seeming to agree. But then, a goddess with a mischievous smile leaned forward.

"I know! How about 'The Dancing Anvil'?"

The silence in the room was immediate.

Even Xander blinked in disbelief.

Brigid narrowed her eyes. "Pardon?"

"Sounds… unique," another god commented with a grimace.

"That sounds more like the name of a street show," Loki mocked.

In the background, a god held back laughter.

"It's perfect!" declared another, ignoring Brigid's discomfort.

"'The Dancing Anvil' approved," the god who kept the list ruled.

Brigid sighed, placing a hand on her forehead as the gods laughed.

One after another, the names of the newly promoted adventurers were read aloud, and the gods enthusiastically debated the titles they would receive. Some were decent, others were ridiculous, and a lucky few received impressive ones.

"Continuing with the list… Fionn of the Nuada familia."

"Oh, another one from the Nuada familia! I bet he wants something legendary."

"'Silver Spear,'" suggested a god.

"Too obvious. How about 'Moon Flash'?"

Nuada, a god of noble and serene bearing, nodded with satisfaction. "Both are acceptable."

But another god chuckled. "No, no, wait… Better something memorable. How about 'The Brilliant Acrobat'?"

A pair of gods spat out their drinks.

Nuada frowned. "That has nothing to do with his fighting style."

"But it sounds fun!"

"'Brilliant Saltimbanqui' approved." Nuada gritted his teeth in frustration.

The gods passed on to another name.

"Next on the list is… Mirna, from the Flidais familia."

"An archer?"

"Yeah."

"'Silent Arrow,'" one proposed.

"'Claw of the Wind'."

"Bah! Very dramatic. Better 'Killer Mosquito'."

Flidais immediately complained. "You won't call my baby that!"

"'Killer Mosquito' approved."

Flidais dropped his head onto the table.

Eventually, amidst the discussions and jokes, it was time to decide on Ais Wallenstein's title.

Upon hearing her name, there was a small murmur among the gods. Unlike most adventurers, Ais was already well-known even before leveling up. Her talent with the sword, her constant growth, and her involvement in the Loki Familia gave her a notoriety few newcomers had.

The first suggestions began to be launched:

"Lightning Sword."

"The Dance of the Wind."

"Golden Storm."

Loki stood with her arms crossed, monitoring the situation. She knew the gods could be terrible when it came to choosing names, and he didn't want them to give Ais a ridiculous title.

Then Xander spoke calmly:

"'Sword Princess' sounds appropriate."

There was a brief silence before some gods nodded.

Ganesha rapped the table enthusiastically. "Yes! That sounds powerful and elegant! I like it!"

Other gods began to join in the approval. Loki glanced at Xander and gave him a small smile, a quick but sincere gesture. She knew his fellow god had chosen well, ensuring that Ais would receive a title worthy of her potential.

Finally, the vote took place and the name was decided:

"Sword Princess."

Loki exhaled in relief. "Well, it could have been a lot worse…" she muttered to herself.

Thus they continued, between serious proposals and outright mockery, choosing names that ranged from the heroic to the absurd. Some adventurers would have reason to be proud, while others would deeply regret the moment the gods decided on their title.

When the next name on the list was read, the atmosphere in the room changed.

"Veldrin Lightstorm, of the Xander familia."

There was a brief silence before several gods leaned forward in interest.

"Oh, this is the one that broke the record, right?"

"He didn't break it! He destroyed it! A year and a month reduced to just one month. It's ridiculous."

"How the hell did he do it?"

"They say he killed an infant dragon alone on the tenth floor…"

"That?"

The voices of the gods immediately rose. Even those who hadn't been paying attention to the Denatus were now showing interest. Some looked incredulous, while others watched Xander with shrewd expressions.

"Xander, what the hell did you give that kid?" a god asked with a mocking smile.

Xander, who had been enjoying the show until now, leaned his elbow on the table and smiled calmly. "Nothing illegal, if that's what you're asking."

"Come on, Xander. No one levels up that fast. What kind of training did you give him?"

"Is he a monster disguised as an elf?"

Xander shrugged. "He just trained really hard."

The gods exchanged glances, some laughing, others murmuring among themselves. It was clear that Veldrin's feat would not go unnoticed.

title suggestions immediately began pouring in. Some gods were trying to be creative, others were simply poking fun, and a few were taking the task seriously.

"The Silver Lightning."

"Too generic."

"The Dragon Slayer."

"For just one dragon? Let's not exaggerate."

"The Dark Lightning."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"The Fire Hunter."

"Ehh… not bad, but not impressive either."

"The Silver Lunatic."

"Ha! I like it."

"Yes, but it sounds like a crazy man."

"And what about 'The Child Prodigy'?"

"No! That's too soft for someone who killed a dragon!"

"The Record Breaker."

"Bored."

"The Specter of the Storm."

"Too long."

"The Lightning Demon."

"A little exaggerated, but it works."

Xander watched the discussion with a mixture of amusement and resignation. Loki, at his side, tried to contain his laughter at some of the more ridiculous options.

"You know they're going to pick something horrible, right?" Loki muttered to him.

Xander sighed. "I have faith that at least one of these gods has good taste…"

Loki patted him on the back. "You're too optimistic, Xander."

The murmur in the room died away as soon as Freya spoke.

"Demon Hunter."

A momentary silence fell as the gods processed the proposal. Some bowed their heads, doubting its meaning.

"Demon Hunter? Why that name?" a god asked curiously.

Freya smiled with that enigmatic expression that made it difficult to tell what she was really thinking. "Isn't it obvious? He broke a historic record. His rise was overwhelming… a talent so dangerous to his enemies that he almost seems like a force destined to eradicate everything that stands in his way."

Some gods nodded slowly. Others simply accepted the suggestion without much question, more focused on Freya's image than the meaning of the title.

"Well, if Freya says so, there must be something to it."

"Demon Hunter… sounds awesome."

"It's not a bad name, it has impact."

Loki, sitting next to Xander, narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Something's up."

Xander said nothing at first, watching as most of the gods began to accept the suggestion with ease.

"That's a very good title they chose." he commented quietly.

"Yes, but I'm more concerned with why she proposed it." Loki leaned an elbow on the table and crossed her arms. "Freya doesn't suggest things without reason. If she were only interested in Veldrin's talent, she could have been more discreet."

Xander sighed. "I guess I'll find out sooner or later."

Loki glanced at him. "Don't play dumb, Xander. You know that."

Xander kept his eyes on Freya, who continued to smile calmly as the gods nodded and accepted her proposal. An uneasy feeling settled in his chest.

Xander drummed his fingers on the table, his gaze fixed on Freya.

It was too much of a coincidence.

Demon Hunter?

He knew that title wasn't just an ornament for Veldrin. It was part of his very essence, the manifestation of his Incarnation: Demon Hunter ability. His growth, his combat style, even his instincts… everything was tied to that identity.

But no one else in Orario knew.

So how the hell did Freya come up with that name?

He studied the goddess of beauty closely. Freya smiled as elegantly as ever, as if his proposal held no further meaning. But Xander couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't just a coincidence.

Freya was cunning, much more than she let on.

Maybe it was just her intuition guiding her in the right direction. Or maybe… she'd already set her sights on Veldrin.

Just then, Freya looked in Xander's direction and smiled.

It was a serene smile, but with a nuance that didn't go unnoticed. It wasn't simply satisfaction at having suggested a good title, nor a casual smile among gods. No, it was something more. A calculated gesture, as if he were insinuating something, as if he knew something the others didn't.

Xander felt a chill run down his spine.

"That woman…" he muttered to himself, without looking away.

Beside her, Loki clicked her tongue and leaned an elbow on the table, resting her cheek on her hand as she squinted at Freya. She then looked over at Xander, her expression a mixture of annoyance and concern.

There was no need for her to say anything. Xander understood the message perfectly.

Was Freya looking at him… or was she seeing through him?

The Denatus continued, but Xander was barely paying attention. The discussions among the gods passed around him in distant murmurs, his mind still caught up in Freya's proposal and the look she'd given him.

It hadn't been a coincidence. It couldn't be.

Loki, sitting next to him, didn't seem comfortable either. Though she didn't say anything, her gaze shifted toward him with barely concealed concern. Xander ignored her for now, focusing on the ensuing debate.

"Well, that kid's title is settled. Let's move on to the next one," said a god up front, sounding bored.

The conversations shifted to other adventurers and more trivial matters. Xander forced himself to focus, even though the feeling of unease remained, like a weight on his chest he couldn't shake.

The atmosphere changed immediately when Ganesha stood up, his commanding voice echoing throughout the room.

"I am Ganesha! And as a representative of the Orario police force, it is my duty to bring a serious matter to the table. Evilus is still active and growing increasingly brazen in his actions."

Small talk died down. Even the most relaxed gods adopted more serious expressions. It was no secret that Orario was in a dark age, but few gods wanted to talk about it at an event like the Denatus.

"Attacks have occurred in several parts of the city," Ganesha continued. "Some families have suffered casualties. Evilus isn't just hiding; they are also recruiting and expanding their influence. If we continue to ignore them, it won't be long before the situation becomes untenable."

Some voices were raised in disagreement.

"And what do you propose?" asked a god with a bored expression. "That we organize ourselves into an army? We are gods, not mortals."

Another chuckled. "Leave it to the Guard and the adventurers. It's not our problem."

Ganesha frowned. "That kind of mentality is what has allowed Evilus to grow stronger."

Xander crossed his arms, watching the discussion. This was dangerous. Evilus at its height meant the city was in a state of simmering chaos. What's more, if the Guild wasn't in complete control of the situation, the risk to the adventurers grew even greater.

Freya remained silent, listening with an enigmatic expression. Loki, on the other hand, leaned an elbow on the table and sighed.

"This is going to get ugly…" she muttered to herself, but Xander heard her clearly.

Loki nudged Xander as the argument continued between the gods.

"Hey, you don't have to stay for this, you know? This part of the meeting is a pain, and I doubt they'll want to hear what you have to say."

Xander leaned his elbows on the table, watching the arguing gods as if the Evilus matter was just a passing annoyance.

"We can't ignore this." His voice was firm, leaving no room for discussion. "Evilus is a real problem, not just for the Guard or the great families. If we let them continue to act freely, anyone could end up paying the price."

Loki looked at him with a raised eyebrow, then sighed with a tired smile.

"I guess you're not the type to turn a blind eye when something's wrong, huh?" He stretched in his seat. "Well, do what you want. Just don't expect the gods here to be very cooperative."

Xander didn't respond, he just kept his attention on the conversation, waiting for his moment to speak.

The discussion in the room became more tense when Ganesha slammed his open palm on the table, drawing everyone's attention.

"From what we've seen in recent weeks, Evilus isn't just causing senseless chaos!" he declared in his powerful voice. "They're moving with purpose… as if they're preparing for something."

Murmurs spread through the room. Some gods exchanged glances, while others simply sighed, as if tired of the subject.

"And what kind of purpose would that be?" asked a tired-looking god, leaning back in his seat.

Skadi, who had been silent until now, smiled nonchalantly. "Oh, come on, it's pretty obvious. Everything points to the Dungeon, right?"

The reaction was immediate.

"Do you have proof of that?" a Guard god asked, frowning.

Skadi shrugged. "Nah, but come on, where else could they be focusing their efforts? They've been attacking key supply points for adventurers, they've infiltrated certain families, and there are rumors that some of the deeper floors have been… restless lately."

Loki rested her chin on her hand, thoughtful. "If they were planning something in the Dungeon, that would explain why they've been so organized lately. And why they've avoided direct confrontations with the strong families."

Xander narrowed his eyes. "If they're gearing up for something big down there, then this is going to escalate more than some people here seem to want to admit."

A few glances turned his way, but no one contradicted him. Deep down, everyone knew Evilus never acted without an ulterior motive. And if they were interested in the Dungeon… that could only mean trouble.

The murmur of the gods was interrupted when a male voice spoke from a corner of the room.

"Wait a minute… where is Astrea?" a god asked, sounding puzzled. "Her familia is supposed to be one of the pillars of Orario's defense. Why isn't she here?"

The gods exchanged glances. Some, the most disinterested in the city's affairs, simply shrugged. Others, however, seemed uncomfortable.

Loki sighed and narrowed his eyes. "Astrea is busy. Her familia has been dealing directly with Evilus in the shadows. She doesn't have time to sit and talk with us when her children are in the line of fire."

The god who had asked clicked his tongue. "Tch, how troublesome… but it makes sense. If anyone had real information about what Evilus is planning, it would be them."

Xander didn't say anything, but crossed his arms with a serious expression. It was no secret that the Astrea Familia was one of the few actively opposing Evilus, but if not even Astrea could attend the Denatus… that just meant the situation on the streets was worse than it looked.

Another god snorted, leaning back in his seat with his arms crossed. "So what are we supposed to do? If Astrea and her children are busy fighting, that just means Evilus is moving harder. And if they're moving harder, it means they're close to achieving something."

Ganesha, who had been the first to bring up the subject, slammed his fist on the table. "That's precisely why we're discussing this! We can't just stand idly by while Evilus continues with his plans!"

"And what do you suggest?" another god asked, visibly irritated. "Unless you want us all to send our children to hunt terrorists, I don't see what else we can do."

Loki chuckled, but there was no humor in her expression. "If you thought you could ignore this, then you're a bigger fool than I thought."

The comment drew annoyed glances from several gods, but Loki ignored them. Her red eyes settled on Ganesha. "Tell me, ´great god of law and order´ , do you have something concrete or are you just stirring up trouble?"

Ganesha nodded seriously. "Evilus's recent appearances have occurred in strategic locations. They've attacked key trade routes, ambushed small groups of adventurers, and eliminated witnesses without a trace. In addition, we've detected an increase in criminal activity within the city itself."

"That's nothing new," a god commented disdainfully.

"Maybe not," Ganesha continued, "but the worrying thing is the pattern. Evilus isn't attacking for no reason. They're testing our defenses, gauging our reactions. They're planning something, and whatever it is, it's directly related to the Dungeon."

The air in the room became heavier.

Xander closed his eyes for a moment. This was worse than he expected.

Freya, who had remained silent for most of the time, finally spoke. Her voice was soft, but each word carried undeniable weight. "If they are interested in the Dungeon, that means they're not content with the surface. You're looking for something deeper."

Loki clicked her tongue. "Great. All we need is for them to try to wreak another disaster down there."

Xander leaned an elbow on the table and massaged his temples. "If Evilus is plotting something large, it means they need a lot of resources. Supplies, information… allies. Have they identified anyone who might be working with them from the shadows?"

Ganesha nodded gravely. "We're investigating. But we don't have any concrete names yet."

Xander let out a sigh. He didn't like this. He didn't like it at all.

Ganesha took a deep breath and looked at all the gods in the room seriously. "The leading theory right now is that Evilus is planning to attack the Tower of Babel." A heavy silence fell over the room.

Loki leaned an elbow on the table, her expression grim. "So that's what they're after…"

Xander narrowed his eyes. "That would be disastrous. If they destroy Babel, the entrance to the Dungeon would be uncontrolled."

Freya nodded, her gaze calculating. "Adventurers would no longer be able to enter easily, which means monsters would accumulate in the depths. Eventually, the dungeon would overflow… and what would rise to the surface wouldn't be goblins and kobolds."

Some gods gulped at the thought of the chaos this would cause.

"And what evidence do you have that this is your goal?" a god asked incredulously. "Attacking Babel is suicide."

Ganesha clicked his tongue. "They've attacked strategic points that would affect the Tower's logistics. We don't know if they actually have the capacity to do so, but if they try and succeed, the whole of Orario would be in crisis."

Loki crossed her arms. "If they're serious about this, then we need to move before they do."

Xander placed his hands on the table. "If this is what they're planning, we can't underestimate them. Evilus has done unthinkable things in the past. It wouldn't be the first time they've tried something like this."

The Denatus had become a lot more tense than Xander had expected. But one thing was clear: Evilus was cooking up something big, and if they didn't do something soon, the entire city could be in danger.

When the discussion came to an end, Ganesha stood up and looked at everyone present with a serious expression, unusual for him.

"That concludes this Denatus. We don't know when Evilus will make his next move, but we can't afford to let our guard down. Take care of your families and prepare for the worst."

Some gods nodded silently, others simply sighed heavily. Despite their differences, they all understood that a direct attack on Babel was not something they could ignore.

Loki stretched out in her seat and glanced at Xander. "Well, that was funnier than I expected."

Xander sighed. "If that's your definition of fun, we should reconsider our friendship."

Loki smiled, but the concern was still evident in her eyes.

Slowly, the gods began to leave, some still arguing among themselves about the future of Orario. Xander sat for a moment longer, staring at the empty table in front of him, deep in thought.

The peace in Orario was fragile. And that night, it felt even thinner.

Xander walked out of the Denatus building with Loki, breathing deeply in the night air. The meeting had been long, and the tension still weighed on his thoughts.

Loki walked beside him with her hands behind her head, her expression typical relaxed, but Xander knew her mind was still occupied with everything that had been discussed.

"Well, that was exhausting," Loki said, stretching. "Now it's time to drink until we forget this day ever happened."

Xander glanced at her. "Is that what you do after every Denatus?"

"Depends on how stupid the names are," she replied with a smile. "Although this time I had an extra reason to want a drink."

Xander knew what he meant. Freya. Veldrin's title. And the growing shadow of Evilus over the city.

Silence settled between the two for a moment as they walked through the garden outside. The moon shone above them, and the lights of Orario illuminated the night with their distinctive golden glow.

Xander sighed and dug his hands into his pockets. "I guess a drink wouldn't be bad."

Loki raised her eyebrow. "Huh? Since when do you accept so easily?"

Xander rolled his eyes. "If you're going to drink anyway, at least someone should be there to drag you back if you end up sleeping on a table."

Loki burst out laughing. "Hah! As if I couldn't handle myself."

She didn't protest, however, when Xander followed her through the streets of Orario. The city was still bustling, with adventurers celebrating, merchants closing their stalls, and the occasional drunk staggering through the streets.

It didn't take long for them to reach a quiet bar, away from the hustle and bustle. Loki chose a seat in the corner and sat down with a satisfied expression. "Now then. Let's forget about our problems for a while."

Xander sat across from her, watching as the goddess ordered the first round. He couldn't deny that after that Denatus, a mug didn't sound so bad.

Xander turned the glass between his fingers as Loki drank eagerly, letting out a satisfied sigh after the first swallow.

"This is life." Loki said, her expression relaxed. "Nothing like a good drink after listening to a bunch of gods go on and on."

Xander took a more measured sip. "I won't deny it. But I think you enjoy it more than I do."

Loki smiled mischievously. "Of course. Although I'm surprised you agreed to come."

Xander looked at her calmly. "Are you that surprised?"

"A little." Loki leaned an elbow on the table and pointed at him. "You're the type who prefers being with your familia, and this isn't exactly your favorite environment."

Xander shrugged. "Maybe I wanted a change."

Loki looked at him for a moment before laughing. "Ha, I see."

The bar's atmosphere was quiet, with only a few scattered conversations and the occasional clinking of glasses. For a night after Denatus, the place was far from the clutter of other, more popular bars.

After a moment of silent drinking, Loki rested her cheek on his hand and looked at Xander with a smirk. "Hey, what are you going to do about the Veldrin title?"

Xander put his mug down on the table. "I don't have much to do. It's decided."

Loki chuckled. "Yes, but I'm sure you know that name caught the attention of a certain someone."

Xander stared at his glass without immediately responding. Loki clicked her tongue. "Tsk, that woman doesn't do anything without a purpose. And from the way she looked at you… I'd say she wants something."

Xander exhaled through his nose. "I know."

Loki placed his cup on the table with a light tap. "If she's interested in Veldrin, she won't leave him alone. And if Freya wants something, she'll get it."

Xander crossed his arms, his expression hardening. "If she thinks she can do whatever she wants with him, she's wrong."

Loki looked at him for a moment before smiling. "Hah. I like that attitude."

She leaned back in his seat, not saying anything else. The conversation turned to lighter topics, and for the first time that evening, Xander felt he could relax.

Loki swirled her glass slowly, the bar light reflecting off the amber liquid. Her expression was relaxed, but there was something in his gaze, something deeper. Then, bluntly, she spoke: "If you need support, of any kind… count on me."

Xander put his glass down on the table and stared at her. There was no trace of joking in his voice, nor the lightness with which he usually spoke. This time, he meant it. "That's a pretty big offer."

Loki smiled, but it wasn't her usual smile. There was something more to it, something between defiance and promise.

"I'm not one to say things without thinking, Xander. And you know it."

The air between them seemed to tense for a moment. Xander held her gaze, trying to decipher how serious she was, until she simply let out a soft laugh and nodded.

"I know."

Loki watched him for a moment longer before bowing slightly. "Then don't forget."

Xander didn't respond immediately, but in his mind, the words were already etched. Loki brought the glass to his lips, and the noise from the bar seemed to fade away for a moment.

With that, the conversation between Xander and Loki flowed naturally, leaving behind the weight of the Denatus and worries about Evilus. Between drinks and anecdotes, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Loki, with her carefree attitude, filled the silences with witty comments, while Xander responded with his own sense of humor, provoking occasional laughs.

As the night wore on, the bar grew quieter, the clientele gradually thinning. Loki leaned an elbow on the table, watching Xander with an amused smile.

"You know, I'm surprised you decided to stay so long. I thought after the Denatus you'd want to disappear."

Xander smiled back with a slight shrug. "And miss out on some good conversation? It's not every day I get to have a drink with someone who promises to support me through 'anything.'"

Loki chuckled before finishing what was left in her cup. "Hmph, make the most of it then."

The night air was cool when they finally left the bar, walking leisurely through the streets of Orario. The city still had some life, with adventurers and locals enjoying the night, although most of the businesses were already closing.

"So, will we see each other soon or are you going to disappear again?" Loki asked, glancing at him.

Xander smiled. "Depends. Will you buy me a drink next time?"

As they walked, Loki gave him an amused look. "You always find an excuse to get me to treat you, huh?"

Xander smiled calmly. "Let's call it seizing a good opportunity."

Loki gave a short laugh and shook her head. Upon reaching his destination, she turned to face him and, without warning, wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close before pulling away again.

"Don't forget what I told you."

Xander watched her walk away, her words still echoing in his mind. After a moment, he sighed and resumed his walk home, feeling that that night would still leave him with a lot to think about.

…

Xander returned to his familia's seat after the long meeting with Loki. The night in Orario was quiet, with a few torches lighting the streets and adventurers returning from their own dungeon expeditions.

Upon arriving, he calmly pushed the door and entered, feeling the familiar atmosphere of his home. The main room was dim, but not completely empty.

In one corner, Veldrin sat on the floor, meticulously cleaning one of his glaives. Despite his fatigue, the elf didn't seem ready to go to sleep yet.

Closer, Lili was resting on a couch, a blanket over her legs and her head resting on a pillow. Though her eyes were closed, Xander wasn't sure if she was actually asleep or just resting after her workout.

"How was it?" Veldrin asked, without looking up from his weapon.

Xander sighed and slumped into a chair. "Well… pretty much what we expected. Evilus is still a problem, and it looks like they're planning something big."

The elf nodded, unsurprised. "Anything specific?"

"There is no evidence, but they believe their target is the Tower of Babel."

That information did make Veldrin look up for a moment. He didn't need Xander to explain what that meant: without the tower, the dungeon would be practically unprotected.

Lili, who seemed to have been listening, shifted in her seat and murmured sleepily:

"Xander… Did they give Veldrin a ridiculous title?"

The god let out a soft laugh. "No, not this time."

Veldrin put the glaive aside and drank some water before looking at Xander curiously.

"So what title did they give me?" he asked with a slight smile.

Xander crossed his arms. "Demon hunter."

Veldrin's relaxed expression immediately vanished.

"That?"

"So they said. Several proposals were passed around, some mocking, some decent, but Freya suggested 'Demon Hunter' and… you know how it is. When Freya speaks, most of the gods listen." Veldrin fell silent, his gaze sharpening.

"That's the name of one of my skills."

Xander wasn't surprised. In fact, he'd expected it.

"So it wasn't a coincidence," Veldrin murmured, his tone now more serious.

Lili, who until then had been distracted by checking her crossbow, blinked. "Lili doesn't understand. Is that bad?"

Xander sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"It means Freya is more interested in Veldrin than we would like."

The elf snorted. "Great."

Lili frowned. "Should Lili be worried?" Xander shrugged.

"Not yet. But we'd better be vigilant."

The next morning, Xander sorted through the small pile of letters that had arrived at headquarters. As always, most were irrelevant notifications, a few invitations of dubious intent. But one letter in particular caught his eye. The seal was unmistakable: the Hephaestus Familia.

"Wow, that was fast."

He broke the seal and unfolded the scroll.

Dear Xander,

Veldrin's weapons order has been completed ahead of schedule. You can pick them up anytime.

— Hephaestus familia

Xander raised an eyebrow. It had only been a week and a half, when the estimated time had been two weeks.

"I guess someone took the job very seriously."

He looked toward the living room, where Veldrin and Lili were finishing their breakfast.

"Veldrin, we have to take a little trip today."

Veldrin looked up from his plate curiously. "Where to?"

Xander waved the letter with a smile. "To the Hephaestus Familia Forge. There's something I want you to see."

Veldrin frowned, suspecting there was something behind those words. "Something?"

Xander just smiled. "Eat fast and you'll find out."

Lili, who had been busy with her meal, looked at them with interest. "Lili didn't know we had more business with Hephaestus."

Xander winked at him. "Neither does Veldrin."

Veldrin eyed him suspiciously, but didn't ask any more questions. He finished his breakfast in silence, though he couldn't help feeling a growing curiosity. When they were finally ready, Xander stood up and patted his shoulder.

"Come on. I have a feeling you're going to like this surprise."

The Hephaestus Familia headquarters was one of the most imposing structures outside of the Tower of Babel, a stone and metal building with an imposing forge that never slept. The sound of hammers striking steel echoed in the air, accompanied by the constant heat of the furnaces working tirelessly.

Xander and Veldrin walked through the main doors, catching the attention of a few blacksmiths who glanced at them before returning to their work. Xander, with his usual relaxed demeanor, walked forward with a large bag slung over his shoulder, the sound of coins inside echoing with each step.

Veldrin looked at him in disbelief. "You really brought all the money in a bag?"

Xander smiled. "How else did you want me to bring it? In envelopes?"

Before Veldrin could respond, one of the Hephaestus familia assistants approached. "Welcome. Do you have an appointment or are you here to pick up an errand?"

Xander nodded. "I came to pick something up."

The assistant looked at them professionally before checking a scroll in her hand. "Client name?"

Xander dropped the bag to the floor with a thud. "Xander."

The assistant checked her list and nodded after a few seconds. "Oh, yes. Your order was completed ahead of schedule. Follow me."

Veldrin followed her without saying anything, but his curiosity was growing. Whatever Xander had asked for, it clearly wasn't something small.

The assistant led them through the corridors to a large waiting room, where she made them stop.

"Wait for me here. I will inform Captain Tsubaki."

Xander nodded, crossing his arms as Veldrin looked closely at the details of the headquarters: 

weapons of all kinds adorned the walls, from daggers to two-handed swords, each with a gleam that indicated their excellent quality. The scent of molten metal and oil permeated the air.

It wasn't long before a door swung open, and a dark-skinned woman with an eye patch walked in with a big smile on her face.

"Xander! You have good taste if you decided to buy something from us!" exclaimed Tsubaki Collbrande, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia, with her energetic voice.

Xander smiled. "Where else would I get the best?"

Tsubaki crossed her arms, sizing him up with amusement before turning her gaze to Veldrin. "And you must be the guy who'll break more than one of our weapons, huh?"

Veldrin looked at her with mild surprise, but bowed his head in respect. "I'll do my best not to break them."

Tsubaki burst out laughing. "That's what everyone says! Come, follow me. Your order is ready."

With a smile of anticipation, Xander grabbed the bag of money and followed her, while Veldrin trailed behind him, still unsure of what was in store for him.

As they followed Tsubaki through the halls of the headquarters, Veldrin leaned slightly towards Xander and whispered:

"I didn't ask for any weapon."

Xander smiled without looking at him, carrying the bag of money as if it weighed nothing. "I know. It's a gift."

Veldrin blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected anything like this. He looked at Xander with a mixture of curiosity and gratitude, but didn't say anything else. He just kept walking, waiting to see what his god had prepared for him.

Tsubaki led them to a large display table in the workshop, where two metal discs sat, barely larger than Veldrin's hands. Their design seemed simple, though one detail immediately stood out: each one bore an engraved drawing of a panda's face.

Xander frowned. "Uh… Are you kidding me?" He looked at Tsubaki, then at the records, then back at 

Tsubaki. "Because I swear I don't remember ordering two metal plates with cute little bears on them."

Tsubaki laughed, amused. "Relax, kid. We didn't scam you." Then she looked at Veldrin and gestured. "Come on, put your hands in the slots."

Veldrin, his eyebrow still raised at the strange introduction, complied. He slid his hands into the openings he'd barely noticed before, and as soon as his fingers fit, he heard a soft click.

Immediately, two blades emerged with a clean, precise metallic sound, extending from the discs. In an instant, what had once seemed like simple ornaments had now transformed into a pair of sharp, elegant spires.

Xander blinked, now understanding. "Ohhh."

Tsubaki crossed her arms in satisfaction. "You ordered some glaives, but don't you think it's a bit obvious to carry around five-foot-long weapons all the time? With this retractable mechanism, Veldrin can move around the city without attracting attention."

Veldrin lightly turned the glaives in his hands, feeling their weight and balance. Despite the transformation mechanism, they didn't feel fragile or heavy. They were precise. Fast. Lethal.

Xander nodded, smiling. "I admit this is cooler than I expected. Though the pandas are an… unexpected detail."

Tsubaki laughed heartily. "That was my idea. Every great weapon needs a little personality."

Veldrin sighed, but couldn't help but smile. "Guess I'll have to get used to pandas."

Xander patted him on the back. "Come on, they could have been kittens."

Tsubaki snapped her fingers. "Oh, that would have been a great idea."

Veldrin simply shook his head, but there was something different in his eyes. These weapons… they were his. Custom-made. A gift from his god.

And they were perfect.

Xander looked at the glaives with interest, still impressed by the retractable mechanism. It was rare to see something like this, not only because it required exceptional craftsmanship, but because most weapons with complex mechanisms ended up being more fragile than practical.

"It's amazing, but… how did you do it?" he asked, looking at Tsubaki. "Weapons with retractable blades are usually a nightmare to make and maintain, and they almost always end up breaking in combat."

Tsubaki smiled proudly, crossing her arms. "You're not wrong, most weapons with internal mechanisms are problematic. But who do you think is in charge of this forge? We don't do things halfway around here."

Xander nodded, waiting for the explanation.

Tsubaki pointed to the joints between the blades and the discs. "First, the material. We use a special metal that's lightweight yet extremely durable, an alloy of adamantite and orichalcum. Strong enough to withstand impact without wearing down quickly."

Veldrin inspected the joint more closely, noting how smooth the mechanism was.

"Then there's the design of the retractable system," Tsubaki continued. "Most attempts in the past failed because the connection between the base and the blade was weak. But here we used a reinforced anchoring system, with an internal structure that distributes the stress as they extend and retract. Basically, it's as if the blades fit naturally with the rest of the weapon with every movement."

Xander nodded thoughtfully. "That explains why they don't feel flimsy when you unfold them. But what about the mechanism? It doesn't look like it uses gears."

Tsubaki smiled even wider. "Exactly. We don't use traditional gears. Instead, we designed a pressure and locking system with enchanted springs and sliding plates. This way, we avoid mechanical wear and reduce the chance of jamming at a critical moment."

Veldrin tried retracting and unfolding the blades several times. The movement was fluid, without resistance or slack.

Xander whistled. "So, in short, you managed to make one of the few functional retractable weapons without compromising its durability."

Tsubaki shrugged with a confident smile. "Well, that, and I'm a damn genius."

Veldrin looked at her with a mixture of respect and resignation. "I admit it's impressive."

Xander nodded. "Yeah, but I still don't understand why pandas."

Tsubaki burst out laughing. "Because it's fun."

Xander lifted the large bag full of valis and placed it with a thud on the table in front of Tsubaki.

"It's eight million, just like we agreed," he said with a smile. "After seeing those spires in action, I'd say it's worth every penny."

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow and then smirked as she slid the bag toward her. "Wow, what a compliment. And coming from a god, that carries even more weight."

He opened the bag a little, letting the glitter of the gold coins illuminate his face. Then, with a satisfied nod, he closed it again and set it aside.

"Well, business done." He crossed his arms and looked at Veldrin. "Take good care of them. I didn't make those glaives to end up forgotten in a corner or broken from misuse."

Veldrin nodded seriously. "I'll make it worth your while."

Tsubaki patted him on the shoulder. "I hope so."

Xander smiled, looking at the spires with pride. "It was definitely a good investment."

As Veldrin examined the glaives in more detail, Tsubaki leaned slightly towards Xander and whispered in his ear with a sly smile:

"Hephaestus says you owe her one."

Xander blinked, then let out a small laugh through his nose. Of course, it all made sense now. Hephaestus had been very clear when she'd said they weren't friends, but this… this was her way of doing him a favor without outright admitting it.

He hadn't paid enough to fully cover the quality of these weapons. It wasn't just a matter of craftsmanship, but of the materials used. The most valuable ones weren't available to just anyone, and if Tsubaki had used them, it was because Hephaestus had allowed it.

Xander sighed with a lopsided smile. "Of course."

Tsubaki laughed and slapped him on the back. "So you better not forget that, Xander."

Xander shook his head, amused. "I won't."

Xander and Veldrin exchanged a few last words with Tsubaki before turning to leave.

"Give my regards to Hephaestus," Xander said with a crooked smile.

Tsubaki crossed her arms and laughed. "Ha ha, of course. And if you survive whatever you're up to, come back when you need something else."

Veldrin gave him a slight nod of respect before following Xander out of the Hephaestus Familia headquarters.

As they walked through the streets of Orario, Veldrin continued to look at his new weapons with a mixture of amazement and curiosity. Xander, for his part, dug his hands into his pockets, satisfied with the result.

"Well, that went better than expected."

As they walked through the bustling streets of Orario, Xander and Veldrin began to notice an increase in the murmur of the crowd. At first, it seemed like just the usual midday hustle and bustle, but then it became clear that something was happening.

A shout came from the direction of the Tower of Babel, accompanied by the sounds of hurried footsteps and exclamations of surprise. Some citizens moved out of the way, while others stopped to watch curiously.

Xander and Veldrin exchanged a glance before hurrying toward the source of the commotion. Whatever it was, it was clearly attracting the attention of the entire city.

Veldrin looked in the direction of the Tower of Babel, his expression hardening. Without hesitation, he turned to Xander.

"Can I go see what's going on?"

Xander watched him for a moment before letting out a sigh.

"Just be careful."

Veldrin nodded and, without wasting any more time, blended into the crowd, moving quickly toward the source of the commotion. Xander, for his part, decided not to move immediately. He had learned to trust Veldrin, but he would still keep an eye out for any signs of trouble.

Veldrin moved swiftly through the streets of Orario, weaving through the crowds that were gathering toward the Tower of Babel. As he drew closer, the commotion became clearer: shouts, orders from the guards, and the unmistakable sound of metal clashing against metal.

When he reached the large plaza in front of the tower, his eyes widened slightly. Several adventurers from the Guild and various Families were fighting against figures dressed in dark robes, their faces hidden behind expressionless masks. Some of these attackers didn't hesitate to charge at their opponents even when death was certain, as if their lives held no value.

"Evilus…" Veldrin muttered coldly.

A roar shook the area as an explosion erupted in one of the side streets, enveloping the area in smoke and debris. More of those fanatics emerged from the flames, attacking without hesitation. The elf prepared to intervene, but before moving, he noticed something unusual: a small group of enemies was advancing directly toward the entrance to the Tower of Babel.

"They're not just going for the chaos… they want something inside."

With a flash of silver, he activated his new glaives. The blades unfurled with a mechanical click, reflecting the light from the nearby flames. He couldn't let them in.

Veldrin launched himself into combat.

…

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Riveria and Gareth hurried through the chaotic streets. Explosions and plumes of smoke rose from different parts of Orario, and although many adventurers fought to contain the attack, there was a sense of inevitability in the air. This wasn't just a coup by Evilus. It was something bigger.

"I don't like this," Gareth growled, gripping his massive axe. "This isn't like the attacks they've done before."

"I know," Riveria replied, frowning. Her instincts screamed that something was wrong.

When they reached an intersection, they stopped dead in their tracks.

A woman stood in the middle of the street, her long silver hair blowing in the breeze. Her expression was calm, but the pressure in the air around her was suffocating.

Riveria felt a chill run down her spine. Not out of fear, but recognition. The woman before them wasn't just a member of Evilus.

"Alfia…" she murmured gravely.

Gareth frowned and spat to the side. "What a shitty situation. I thought you were dead."

The silver-haired woman watched them coldly, her expression devoid of emotion. Her mere presence was enough to create a suffocating pressure in the air.

"Not for much longer," she replied in a subdued tone. "But there's still something to do."

Riveria's jaw tightened. She couldn't be underestimated. Alfia had been one of the executives of the extinct Hera Familia, one of the two Familias that once ruled Orario along with the Zeus Familia. An elite adventurer whose disappearance after Hera's fall remained a mystery.

Now he was here, standing in front of them… and she was with Evilus.

"Why are you with them?" Riveria demanded, raising her staff.

Alfia let out a small sigh. "It doesn't matter."

Gareth gripped his axe with both hands, his body already tense.

"Then we don't mind holding on either," he growled.

But before they could move, Alfia's voice echoed through the air.

"Gospel."

The world broke.

A deafening roar shook the area as the air vibrated like a giant bell being brutally struck. Invisible blocks of sound exploded against the ground, walls, and bodies, unleashing devastating shock waves.

Riveria barely managed to barely dodge before she was struck by an overwhelming force. Even so, the impact threw her backward like a rag doll, breaking her spell instantly. Gareth, with his overwhelming resilience, drove his axe into the ground to hold his ground, but even he couldn't avoid being swept away, leaving furrows in the stone as he gritted his teeth.

The attack had devastated the street. Nearby buildings had deep cracks, and the ground was covered in debris.

Gareth grunted as he stood up, brushing off the remains of dust and debris.

"Damn… that hurt."

Riveria sat up with difficulty, still feeling the echo of the vibration in her body.

Alfia remained in the same place, her expression unchanged.

"If that's all they can do, it will be a disappointment." Riveria and Gareth exchanged a look.

They couldn't contain themselves.