"I'm just like an extra."
Hestia's voice grew smaller and smaller.
That was only natural.
After all.
Although gods possess endless lifespans, when placed within this bustling, mortal world, that sense of helplessness and drifting still grows wild like weeds.
Especially when seeing other gods thriving one by one, having established their own bonds in the lower world.
While she herself remained a spectator, always drifting on the fringes.
This disparity was the real reason she was so angry today.
It wasn't because she was hungry, nor was it because she didn't get to eat a grand meal.
It was the fear of being forgotten.
Even gods fear being forgotten.
"So, you want to recruit a Familia?"
"I don't."
Hestia shook her head decisively, making Heimdall roll his eyes.
"Recruiting a Familia is too much trouble."
"I came to the lower world to experience life!"
Having said that, Hestia finished the last bite of her fried potato ball, crumpled the paper bag, and tossed it accurately into a trash can a few meters away.
"Clang."
A soft sound.
"Hand."
Heimdall said suddenly.
"Eh?"
Hestia paused for a moment and reached out an empty hand, which still had a bit of oil and seasoning powder on it.
"What is it?"
"Open it."
"Oh..."
Hestia obediently opened her palm.
The next second, the cold texture of metal landed in Hestia's palm.
"This is..."
Hestia lowered her head and, by the light of the street lamp, saw the object clearly.
A key.
It was made of copper with simple patterns engraved on it; it wasn't exactly an exquisite craft.
"Since you don't want to recruit a Familia, then just stay on my side like this."
Heimdall turned his head to the side, watching Hestia, who was staring blankly at the key in a daze.
"Also, I'm not asking you to eat and live for free; we'll talk once I figure out what you should do."
"Wuu..."
Hestia sniffled, a somewhat silly smile already appearing on her face.
"Well! You're so indirect about wanting to provide for this goddess!"
"However! Since you've taken the initiative to invite me! Then this goddess will reluctantly agree to it!"
"Let's go! Home!"
With that, the two returned all the way to the three-story stone mansion located in the high-end residential area, where the iron gate stood quietly in the night.
"I'll open it! I'll open it!"
Before Heimdall could take out his own key, Hestia had already rushed forward.
Although, due to her height, she had to stand on her tiptoes slightly to insert the key into the slightly high keyhole.
"Click."
The sound of the latch popping open was exceptionally clear in the silent night.
"Ta-da!"
Hestia pushed open the gate, made a "please enter" gesture, and raised her face, which was practically screaming, "Praise me!"
Heimdall couldn't help but smile and walked in, playing along.
"Good work."
"Mm!"
Passing through the front garden, the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees.
The house was pitch black.
Clearly, just as Heimdall had instructed earlier, Rin and the others had already returned to their rooms to rest.
After all, two consecutive days of high-intensity Dungeon exploration, plus two nights of banquets, would be too much even for an iron body; by now, they were likely already fast asleep.
Heimdall walked into the entryway and changed his shoes.
"Looks like everyone is asleep. That's good."
"Then I'm going to take a bath. I ate a bit too much just now, a hot bath is just the thing to help digest..."
Hestia took off her shoes, stepped barefoot on the floor, and walked towards the depths of the corridor while stretching.
However, Hestia hadn't finished her sentence, and her footsteps came to a halt.
The relaxed and comfortable expression on her face stiffened instantly.
"Who?!"
Hestia immediately shrank back behind Heimdall, poking her head out to stare vigilantly at a black figure in the depths of the corridor.
Heimdall also raised an eyebrow slightly, but he wasn't too surprised.
"Snap."
When Heimdall reached out and pressed the magic stone lamp switch on the wall, a soft white light instantly dispelled the darkness of the first floor.
It was Amaha Zansan.
"God. I couldn't wait until tomorrow."
A flame of desire burned in Amaha Zansan's pitch-black eyes, scorching and terrifying.
"My body..."
"Rip—"
Amaha Zansan raised her hand, grabbed her collar, and gave it a violent tug, revealing her fair collarbone.
"My body is so hot. The blood inside is boiling. It feels like bugs are crawling inside. I can't suppress it no matter how I try."
Amaha Zansan's eyes were manic.
"I want to know. What have my stats become now? Were the things I killed today actually of any value?"
Heimdall looked down at the girl who had become somewhat manic.
If it were an ordinary person, they would have probably been scared away by this sight long ago, as Amaha Zansan currently looked like a madwoman ready to lash out and hurt someone at any moment.
However, "It seems you couldn't wait."
Heimdall chuckled, not intimidated by Amaha Zansan's aura, and instead reached out to help her pull her torn collar back into place.
"You're a girl, don't go tearing your clothes like that. Although I don't mind looking, Hestia is still here, don't corrupt the child."
"Who's a child!"
Hestia's dissatisfied protests came from behind.
Kirukiru Amou didn't resist Heimdall's movements, simply letting him straighten her collar.
"God, please update me."
"Now."
"I can't wait any longer."
"Alright then."
"I originally wanted you to get a good night's sleep and surprise you tomorrow morning."
"But since you're so impatient."
"Then let's do it."
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