Setting aside just how much Asfi was already being tormented by her own god's willful antics, over on the "silly little sister" side…
"Lumine, sist, ugh waa~"
Although something like this had only happened once before, Lumine seemed to have developed a reflexive response.
As soon as she entered the tent used by the Loki familia members, spotting a 'mysterious creature' lunging at her, she effortlessly executed a shoulder throw and sent it flying.
Very practiced.
Soon enough, an elf girl lay face-down on the ground, completely immobilized.
Her calves twitched.
Seeing this…
"Where did this Loki come from?"
Though Lumine's words were subconsciously derogatory toward their god, even Riveria, sighing and facepalming, couldn't dispute them.
Thus…
"Ah-choo~"
Far away, inside Oraria's Twilight Manor, a red-haired, narrow-eyed goddess sneezed violently.
"Huh? Did some lovely girl think of me again?"
"Could it be Ishtar… snicker~"
Well, this puny god was hopeless.
Perhaps she needed a Hulk to loosen her muscles… hem hem.
With Loki's tiny frame and being unable to use her godly power in the mortal realm, such an attempt would likely leave her utterly disassembled, and promptly sent back to the heavens.
But enough .
When Lumine came to Riveria and the others to invite them to the joint operation meeting, it wasn't long before members from Oraria's two top familias at the Large Tree Labyrinth had fully gathered.
Since their camp space was limited, Lumine used the Earth Escape: Three Rooms, One Hall Technique to build a large, dark-gold hall.
At this moment, everyone assembled inside.
Herding formations: Hedin and his group on Lumine's left, Riveria's familia on the right.
The tension between the sides was still noticeable.
For example, Alishia, the older elf sister, glared angrily at Hedin the moment she saw him, her face a storm.
Other examples existed too, but no need to list them all.
Overall, Hedin's previous "unauthorized actions" had brought some risks, but largely, they were effective.
Most of the conflicts between the two familias now focused on him.
He knew better than to provoke anyone further at this point.
As for the most trouble-prone group, the Gulliver Brothers…
Hem hem.
Lumine had previously strictly instructed them: remain silent during the meeting.
Yes, she genuinely feared they might blurt out the wrong thing and derail the entire plan, so she simply silenced them all.
With Freya's command authority and Renjiro (Aether) having previously defeated the White and Black Knights, the four small-statured warriors complied without much objection.
See? Even Hedin's arrangements positively impacted his own allies.
Under this premise…
"The Joint Subjugation Force venturing deep into the Large Tree Labyrinth should consist of adventurers with sufficiently high Blessing Levels, at least Lv.3," Lumine stated directly in the dark-gold hall.
"Our Freya familia side will participate: myself, the White and Black Knights, and the Gulliver Brothers."
"On the Loki familia side…"
She looked to Riveria, who spoke smoothly: "I, Grace, Alishia, Anachity, Raul, Lefiya, Claire… all these members will take part."
As soon as the sentence ended…
"Ah~"
Elf girl Anju sighed.
She wanted to join the Joint Subjugation Force too, to contribute.
But she knew with only Lv.2 strength, her presence would be a hindrance.
So, though disappointed, she didn't disrupt the others' planning.
At this moment…
"It's rare to see such a gathering. Our Hermes familia, Asfi and I, will accompany everyone as well."
An uninvited guest entered the hall.
Honestly, if some of the "fun-loving gods" were as obedient as Anju, life would be easier.
Although Asfi occasionally did mischievous things, she could still distinguish seriousness when needed.
Unlike a certain traveler god…
"Hermes, please don't joke around."
Riveria frowned at the newly arrived blond, speaking firmly:
"This mission concerns the safety of the entire mortal realm. You cannot accompany us."
"It's far too dangerous."
Upon Riveria's blunt refusal…
"Ah? But Artemis can go with us, right?"
Hermes glanced at the white-dressed girl seated at the head of the hall.
Lumine looked unimpressed.
Seeing Riveria's puzzled gaze, she explained:
"Artemis will join us because, after Antares devoured the gods, only she can open the gate."
"Furthermore, even without using her divine power, Artemis possesses ultimate hunting skills, giving her combat strength surpassing most Lv.3 adventurers… Hermes, can you match that?"
Harsh, indeed.
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