(Hephaestus POV – Hephaestus Familia Workshop, Meeting Room)
"I was expecting you." I say, lifting my teacup and taking a slow sip. "Though not this late at night."
Across from me, Hestia stiffens.
"You were expecting me?" She asks, blinking. Her hands are folded neatly in her lap, and her posture is far more formal than I expect from her. "I… I don't think I did anything recently."
She tilts her head, squinting as she searches her memory, then crosses her arms in thought. After a moment, she deflates.
"…Nope. Nothing."
"Didn't Riven tell you?" I ask casually, peeking over the rim of my cup.
Immediately, she tenses.
"T-tell me what?" She blurts. "He didn't do something bad, did he?!"
I watch her spiral while sipping my tea.
'Ah. So she doesn't know.'
If she did, she'd be glowing with pride and bragging instead of panicking.
"Relax." I wave a hand. "It's nothing like that."
She exhales, though still looks suspicious.
"But…" I add, setting my cup down. "I doubt you came all this way just because you missed me. So let's get to the real reason for your visit."
Her expression shifts.
The usual bluster drains from her face, replaced with a solemn seriousness.
"I… have a request." She says quietly.
"And what might that be?" I ask calmly.
She suddenly bows from her seat.
"Please make a weapon for Riven!"
Her voice rings out through the room, firm and sincere. She doesn't even lift her head afterward.
I blink. "…You want me to make a weapon for him?"
That's… the last thing I ever expected to hear.
'Riven's forging ability is already beyond mine.' I think. 'And I've agreed to teach him more… so why—'
The answer becomes obvious as she speaks again.
"I don't know how to help him." She says, fists clenching her dress. "He's strong and confident and acts like he can handle anything… like he'll be fine no matter what he faces in the dungeon…"
She lifts her head now, eyes shining with resolve.
"But every time he leaves for the dungeon, I worry. He's always taking care of me… and I feel like I haven't done anything for him in return."
Her voice trembles, but she doesn't look away.
"He's growing stronger so fast. The dangers he's facing are getting worse. And I… I just want to do something. Even if it only helps a little… I want to help him remain safe and achieve his goals."
I close my eyes for a moment.
"…Did you talk to him about this?" I ask gently.
She hesitates.
"Um… kind of." She admits. "He said I shouldn't go into debt or do something reckless…"
Then she waves her arms wildly.
"B-but I don't care! I'll work! I'll save! I'll do whatever it takes!"
I hum thoughtfully.
"If I accepted…" I say. "A custom weapon from me would cost hundreds of millions of Valis."
"H-hundreds of millions?!" She squeaks, biting her tongue.
But she doesn't back down.
"…I'll pay it. I'll work however long it takes…"
I stare at her, a gentle smile on my face. "…You really care about him."
"O-of course I do!" She snaps, cheeks reddening. "He's part of my Familia!"
'Is that the only reason?' I think suspiciously, given her strong reaction. 'Something's suspicious.'
But I can always question her later.
I lean back in my chair and smile.
"There's no need for that." I say. "We're friends. I'll do it for free."
Her eyes light up, then she stiffens.
"No!" She protests immediately. "I can't let you do that! I won't take advantage of our friendship!"
"I insist."
She fidgets.
I sigh. "Then just consider it as me doing you a favor. You'd just need to pay me back later."
"…That's all?" She asks in confusion, probably wondering how it could be so easy.
"For now." I reply.
'There is nothing more expensive than something free.' I think. 'Luckily for her, I don't plan to abuse it.'
At most, I'll have Riven help me with a few things.
She stares at me for a long moment.
Then—
"Thank you!" She blurts out, dashing forward and hugging me tightly. "I promise I'll make it up to you!"
I chuckle as I return her hug. "…You really are hopeless."
But I don't mind.
'I'm glad she has someone she cares so much about.'
"Did you have anything else you wanted to ask?" I ask.
Hestia hesitates.
"Well…" She fidgets, twisting her fingers together. "I wanted to know… what's considered normal growth for an adventurer."
Her eyes flick toward the floor.
"Riven's my first Familia member, so I don't really know what's normal."
"That's a valid concern." I nod. "I can't share my children's statuses, but I can tell you what's typical."
Then I narrow my eye slightly. "But before that… I have a question for you."
"Huh?" She looks up. "Ask away! I'm in a great mood. I'll tell you anything!" She laughs.
I study her carefully. "What exactly is your relationship with Riven?"
She freezes, before her face turns bright red instantly.
"I mean…" I add calmly. "It's clearly much more than just Goddess and child."
She opens her mouth… closes it… then sputters.
"W-we just— I mean— he's— I—" Her hands flap uselessly. "It's not what you think!"
'That reaction alone tells me everything.' I think in amusement. 'But I want it hear the specifics.'
"What do you think I think?" I ask teasingly, and she blushes even more.
She finally exhales and begins explaining in broken sentences, cheeks burning, words tumbling over each other as she tries to describe what they are to each other without ever quite daring to say it outright.
I listen quietly, happy for her.
(Freya POV – Tower of Babel, 50th Floor)
"It's so late…" I murmur, resting my chin in my palm as I watch a lone figure slip from the church and into the night.
Riven.
He moves with purpose, heading toward the Dungeon.
"How unusual." I hum. "You've never gone at night before."
His schedule is erratic, yes, but this is highly unusual.
'Unless…'
"Ah." My lips curve upward. "You're going for Goliath, aren't you?"
My heart flutters, and a soft laugh escapes me.
"This is better than anything I planned."
Originally, we had prepared a Level 3 monster, personally trained by Ottar, to ambush him in the middle floors.
But now…
"Goliath is a Level 4 Monster Rex." I whisper. "It will be a trial worthy of you."
I clasp my hands together, eyes shining.
"You truly never disappoint. Even exceeding my expectations."
'Still…'
My smile softens.
"…I can't leave everything to fate, can I?" I rise from my seat and walk to the window, gazing over Orario's lantern-lit streets.
"It would be tragic if you couldn't fulfil your destiny."
"Ottar."
The door opens at once and he kneels on one knee behind me.
"Goddess."
"Riven has entered the Dungeon." I say gently. "I believe he plans to challenge Goliath."
His brow tightens slightly, clearly also never having expected it.
"Follow him." I continue. "Ensure that the battle happens."
Ottar's eyes lift.
"What if he tries to flee?"
"Then make certain he doesn't." I smile. "Do not interfere. Do not be seen. Simply… guide fate. I trust you won't disappoint me."
"As you command." He stands and departs without another word.
New guards silently take his place outside the door.
I continue gazing out the window.
"Riven would understand." I whisper. "I'm doing this for his own good."
Because only through suffering can he grow faster.
Only through trials can he shine.
Only through danger can he become worthy of standing beside me.
The city glitters below…
But it pales to the brilliance of his soul.
To me…
Only he matters.
I linger at the window a while longer, watching Orario as Riven's glow fades.
Then I turn away.
"I should prepare as well." I murmur, fingers brushing the glass. "It would be tragic to miss such a performance."
Most Arcanum is sealed in the Lower World.
Any true use of divine power would mean instant banishment.
But… there are exceptions.
"The Divine Mirror."
A small indulgence permitted to us gods, and a way to peer anywhere in Gekai.
It's permitted solely for entertainment, and cannot be used to interfere, guide, or gain anything beyond enjoyment.
Naturally, any who abuse it will be banished, and given its power, its usage is strictly regulated.
I smile faintly.
"Watching Riven struggle and overcome this trial could be seen as… entertainment. No matter how questionable." I admit to myself. "Still, I should go through the proper channels."
I move toward my desk, already imagining it.
The fierce battles, Goliath's roars, and Riven pushing himself to his limits to prevail.
"I'll request permission from Ouranos." I say lightly, as my heart dances in anticipation.
"Though… if he refuses…"
I laugh softly.
"I can always convince him."
Whether by charm.
By leveraging my connections.
Or by reminding him that, for the peace of Orario, it would be unwise to stand in my way…
'But that's a last resort.'
My gaze drifts back toward the Dungeon's direction.
"Don't disappoint me, Riven." I whisper, excitement thrumming through my chest. "Show me something beautiful."
********
A/N: Hello Everyone! How are you all? If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or power stones. It really helps the book out.
So, 3 people, all doing what they think is right, and Riven in the middle of it all. It's funny how he underestimated Hestia. Same way he doesn't listen to her, she doesn't listen to him. Is it karma, or is she picking up bad habits?🤔
As for Hephaestus, I've got plans for her, so patience, and Freya... Her hearts in the right place💀🤣.
For the Divine Mirror, correct me if I messed anything about it up, but overall, that's my condensed version of it, without making it feel like an info dump. There's no action here, but it set up everything I wanted, so I'm satisfied.
You can also read 10 chapters ahead and support me at [email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
But anyway, that's all from me. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and have a wonderful rest of your day/night😁