Astraea nodded in agreement with Charlie's statement. As the Goddess of Justice, she felt Apollo's actions truly tarnished dignity.
"Indeed. Apollo is so petty, to the point where many gods feel ashamed of the way he corners Hestia who only has one member."
She sipped her tea for a moment, then placed the cup back on the table. Her eyes looked at Charlie with slight hesitation.
"Actually, there's one more thing I want to talk to you about, Charlie."
Charlie looked at her, waiting for her to speak.
Astraea sighed briefly before continuing, "Earlier, after the meeting ended, Hermes approached me privately. He asked me to give permission to Kei so she could help Hestia Familia in the War Game later."
Charlie furrowed his brow, looking confused. "Help Hestia Familia? Wait, isn't the outside help rule limited to only one person? Wouldn't that be pointless if that slot is used for Kei? Don't misunderstand, I'm not belittling her growth that surpasses 90% of other adventurers, but she's still Level 1. Wouldn't it be more logical if Hestia sought help from a Level 3 or above adventurer to match Hyakinthos?"
Astraea smiled faintly, gently shaking her head. "Kei's participation doesn't mean she fills the 'outside help' position that Hermes proposed earlier, Charlie. This is just a temporary transfer."
Charlie blinked. That term was foreign to his ears.
Seeing his expression, Astraea explained further. "Familia transfer is known as Conversion. It's a process where an adventurer moves from one Familia to another."
"The process requires permission from the original God and the destination God. The original God must 'open' or release the blessing—Falna—on that adventurer's back. After that, the new God can overlay it with their own blessing. After moving to a new Familia, that adventurer cannot move again to another Familia or return to the old one for at least one year."
Charlie listened carefully. This was new information for him.
"However, there are exceptions to that one-year rule. First, if a Familia is officially disbanded, for example after losing in a War Game, its members are free to seek a new Familia without waiting one year. Second, if the Main Deity is sent back to Heaven, their members' Falna will be sealed. They can immediately join another Familia to reactivate their power."
Astraea looked at Charlie.
"In today's Denatus, Hermes proposed something slightly different. Temporary transfer. He proposed that adventurers from other Familias be allowed to help Hestia Familia in the War Game, as long as they officially transfer to Hestia Familia before the match begins."
"Did Apollo agree to that crazy idea?" Charlie asked.
Astraea nodded. "Because Apollo is so confident he'll win, he approved this condition. In fact, he looked pleased. Perhaps he thinks this is an opportunity to gain talented new followers after Hestia Familia is destroyed."
"And because this is a War Game agreed upon by both parties and approved by the Guild, the one-year rule can be suspended with special permission."
"There are three people from different Familias who will transfer to Hestia Familia for this War Game. From Soma Familia, Takemikazuchi Familia, and Hephaestus Familia."
Astraea paused for a moment before continuing.
"I want to help Hestia, Charlie." Her voice was gentle but firm. "Our relationship is quite good. I can't just sit still and do nothing when my friend is in trouble."
She looked Charlie directly in the eyes.
"But, before I give an answer to Hermes, I want to hear your opinion first, Charlie."
Charlie listened to Astraea speak until the end without interrupting. His eyes were still, processing all the information.
Slowly, he glanced toward the kitchen.
From the look in Kei's eyes occasionally stealing glances at the living room, Charlie knew that the girl had heard everything and was very interested in participating.
Charlie looked back at Astraea.
"The final decision is up to you, Goddess Astraea. After all, Kei is a member of Astraea Familia. I'm just an outsider."
Astraea opened her mouth to speak, but Charlie continued.
"Besides, this could be a good opportunity." His eyes gleamed. "Letting Kei gain experience fighting against other people—not monsters. Combat between humans is different from fighting monsters. The mentality, techniques, tactics. This will enrich her experience."
He leaned back on the sofa, his tone becoming more relaxed.
"As for Apollo Familia? They're just a bunch of Level 1s and a few Level 2s. The only Level 3 is their captain, and most likely Bell will face him." The corner of his lips lifted slightly. "With adequate weaponry, that level gap won't mean much."
Charlie looked at Astraea.
"I'll prepare Kei's equipment for this War Game." His voice was low, but there was confidence there. "With adequate weaponry, that level gap won't mean much. I'll prepare Kei's equipment myself. Let the world know how primitive their swords and spears are compared to firearms."
Astraea blinked. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Firearms? Is that the name of the type of weapon Kei uses?" Astraea asked with eyes sparkling full of curiosity.
"..."
Charlie was momentarily stunned, realizing that he had just accidentally used a term from his original world. He immediately cleared his throat to divert the conversation.
"I mean... weapons that use concentrated energy explosions. The point is, I don't mind if Kei participates. Her experience on a real battlefield will be very beneficial."
"Please make the decision that Goddess Astraea thinks is best."
"..."
Astraea looked at him searchingly, but didn't press.
There was a reason Charlie didn't tell Astraea. Something too abstract to explain as a 'hunch' or 'intuition'.
Charlie was certain Hestia Familia would definitely win.
Not because of strategy. Not because of strength. But because of something greater—more fundamental.
In terms of Chinese novels he had read, Bell was the Son of Destiny. Destiny Nexus—a point where fate gathers and branches. The universe conspires to ensure his victory, not because he deserves it, but because he is the protagonist of this story.
Charlie didn't need to explain that to Astraea. It would sound crazy.
Not long after, the tempting aroma of cooking began filling the room. Aishia and Kei came out of the kitchen carrying plates of food still steaming.
"Dinner is ready!"
The tense atmosphere about the gods' politics immediately melted, replaced by warmth at the dining table. They all enjoyed dinner together, momentarily forgetting the great storm that would sweep Orario in the next seven days.
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