Chương 286: Preparing for the War Game

The War Game between the Frigg and Soma familias was scheduled to take place three days from now. 

The reason for the gap was that the Guild needed time for various preparations. 

For instance: pre-event publicity. 

Yes, as mentioned before, the War Game in Orario was almost like a festival. 

At this time, not only would the gods find it lively, but even adventurers would run small events to participate—like setting up side bets. 

Of course, although communication technology in this world was not advanced, a single day was enough to spread the news throughout the city. 

So, the real reason the Guild scheduled this much lead time was… 

"To clear out the Old City ruins in advance?" 

"Exactly." 

The location: the basement of an abandoned church in the Seventh District of the Old City. 

At this moment, Artemis was packing her belongings. 

Nearby, Hestia wore an expression of utter despair. 

"Why?" 

"Of course, it's because this area is needed for the War Game," Artemis said, glancing helplessly at her friend. 

"See? That's why I insisted on saving money recently. Good thing you didn't spend it all." 

"Ugh~" 

Hestia had no words. 

To think, the hide-and-seek proposal had been her idea in the first place. 

Now, she only worries about one thing… 

"Can we still come back to live here afterward?" 

Hestia asked cautiously. "We're not going to be forced to sleep on the streets after the War Game, are we?" 

"That won't happen," Artemis reassured her, pressing down on the suitcase on the bed. 

"As long as this place isn't too badly damaged during the War Game, it'll be fine." 

"And for the next three days, we'll stay in an inn, and then we can recruit new familia members in the meantime…" 

At the mention of this, the Moon Goddess's expression briefly softened, tinged with sadness. 

She used to have twenty children in her familia. 

Among them, one mischievous girl named Lante had always tried to push her—the "Pure Goddess"—to experience romance. 

Now, her Orion had been found, but the children… 

To be honest, Artemis didn't actually want to rebuild her familia just yet. 

She needed time to be alone, in peace. 

But with the War Game approaching, the economic resources of these two "all-knowing but zero-capacity" goddesses were already stretched thin… 

"Recruiting familia members…" 

Hestia's headache worsened. 

After nearly half a year in the mortal realm, she had tried to establish her own familia but found no one willing to join. 

And those who did want to join were unsatisfactory. 

One by one, they wore the expression of: The High God is just a tool to gain Falnas. 

Both Hestia and Artemis strongly disliked such groups. 

Helpless… 

"Do I have to borrow money from Hephaestus again? Last time she helped me find a job at a fried potato stall, she got really angry and swore never to help me for free again…" 

Hestia stared blankly at the ceiling. 

I just hope this place isn't too badly damaged in three days… she comforted herself. It's just hide-and-seek—it shouldn't be too chaotic. 

Meanwhile… 

"Lefiya's Fusillade Fallarica would be perfect for clearing the ground." 

At the Hostess of Fertility, Renjiro sat eating a plate of noodles while quietly pondering. 

I need to analyze a few more wide-area destruction spells… 

Ryuu's "Luminous Wind" could also be an option… 

In short, his focus was simple: 

Danger – Abandoned Church – Danger 

========= 

Because the War Game wouldn't officially start for another three days, Renjiro decided that after confirming Bell and Lili had returned to the base, he would have them meet at the tavern. 

Clearly, he planned to take Bell to familiarize him with the upper levels of the dungeon. 

With only a few hours before evening, the upper five floors were enough for Bell to walk several rounds back and forth. 

As for Bell's equipment… 

"Yo~" 

Renjiro conjured a homing pigeon using his skill and attached a note to it, sending it to Welf. 

Soon, Welf arrived at the tavern carrying a chest containing a handcrafted light armor set worth 9,900 Valis, along with two handmade Damascus daggers, even more valuable. 

"It hasn't even been that long, and you're already going to a War Game against the Soma familia?" 

Renjiro and Welf were already familiar friends from previous introductions and their joint battle against the floor boss, Goliath. 

Welf's favor rating for Renjiro had already reached "4." 

Moreover, the anti-magic  Will-o'-Wisp Renjiro planned to use was already analyzed and ready. 

"Honestly, I'm not worried about your raw strength… but hide-and-seek as a War Game? Who came up with this idea?" Welf asked, concerned. 

"Don't worry," Renjiro waved him off. 

"I have a trump card. Losing isn't an option. It's only a matter of how fast we can end this farce." 

"Anyway, don't sweat the trivial stuff… Oh, here come Bell and Lili." 

Just then, the white-haired boy and the little human girl approached. 

"Wow~" 

Bell, inexperienced and wide-eyed, was instantly captivated by the complete adventurer gear Renjiro handed him. 

Welf, the blacksmith, was pleased with Bell's reaction. 

Meanwhile… 

"Renjiro even knows Welf Crozo?" 

Lili's eyes widened in recognition. 

"You're the master blacksmith who, along with Aether of the Twin Stars, produced the Universal Shovel?" 

"Uh, that was mostly Kuu's idea. I just helped a little," Renjiro said. 

Indeed, the Guild's mass-produced Universal Shovel by the Frigg and Hephaestus familias had become essential adventurer equipment. 

Welf, having advanced his crafting skill at Lv.2, had improved his reputation, shaking off the previous critique that he wasted his talent on forging magical swords. 

Things were going well for him. 

"Never thought I'd meet you in person today," Lili said, carrying two Universal Shovels in her backpack. 

For someone of her small stature, they were easy and effective to wield. 

Thanks to Kuu's recent improvements, the durability was also impressive. 

"Enough mutual flattery," Renjiro said, pointing to the tavern's second floor. 

"Bell, change into your gear first. Then I'll take you to the dungeon." 

"Let's at least try killing a few goblins today." 

….. 

Completed version available on [P]atreon.[c]om/Veltoria [remove brackets]