"What the hell just happened?"
Loki questioned with a confused expression after witnessing Judas getting tackled.
But right after that, another commotion nearby drew everyone's attention, causing Loki and the others to turn their heads.
"Kyaa!"
A cocoa-skinned woman wearing a high school uniform 'bumped' into Finn while holding a piece of bread in her mouth and fell to the ground.
"Hey, you! Don't you pay attention to where you're going?"
The cocoa-skinned woman said with a blushing face as she pointed a finger at Finn, who was walking with Tione.
"Wait a minute... isn't that Argana?!"
"The hell!?"
Tione's eyes widened the instant she recognized the woman, shocked by the clothes she was wearing.
Argana ignored Tione's words and suddenly began to lightly undress, her uniform sliding down her shoulders and just barely exposing her collarbone and the tops of her breasts.
"It's because of you that my bread fell..."
Argana said as she pointed to a half-eaten piece of bread lying on the ground.
"Now take responsibility and have a child with me."
She said as she hugged her chest, emphasizing her pair of 'mountains' in a seductive manner.
The blush on her face deepened, her fluttering eyelids fixed on Finn.
While Finn was confused by Argana's unbelievable logic, Tione coughed up blood from the sheer disbelief she was feeling.
This was the same Argana from her memories who relished gore and violence while bathing in blood.
A complete psychopath and battle junkie who wouldn't hesitate to start swinging at the slightest inconvenience.
And now, that very same person was trying to act all cute and seductive right before her eyes.
"What am I seeing right now?"
Loki questioned in sheer confusion at the tomfoolery unfolding one after another.
"It's the nature of Amazons... Argana lost to your captain, and Bache lost to Veneratus Est."
"And now they've fallen in love with that strength, and it's driving me nuts!"
Kali said with a frustrated expression, nearly wanting to pull her hair out.
"And it's not just them... all of my precious children who lost to a man fell in love like that, and they won't stop talking to me about it."
The goddess added before repeatedly banging her head against the table.
All around Melen, scenes of the men from the Loki Familia being surrounded by hordes of Amazons they had defeated could be seen playing out.
"I'm in trouble."
Gareth muttered to himself as several dozen Amazons clung to him, desperately trying to get his attention.
Due to the nature of Amazons, they weren't shy about pursuing those who had caught their attention, flirting without a hint of shame.
Some even wanted to take them to bed right then and there.
Orba, Cruz, and the others blushed as several Amazons tried touching different parts of their bodies, some even drooling at the sight of them.
The only exception was Raul, who sat alone while every other man had at least one love-crazed Amazon chasing after him.
"Why are you sulking all by yourself, Raul?"
Aki asked as she sat down beside him.
"Even though I tried my best, delivering the weapons to Miss Tione and Tiona as quickly as I could..."
"But while I was carrying that heavy Urga on my back, I couldn't deal with the Amazons attacking me. So by the time I finally got there... the battle was already over."
"In the end, I got beaten up and contributed absolutely nothing."
Raul said with a dejected expression.
When he turned to look at the Amazons crowding around his fellow familia members with lust-filled eyes...
The moment they looked at him, they regarded Raul with nothing but disgust, disdain, or both.
In Amazon culture, a man who runs away during battle is viewed with absolute derision and would be executed on the spot.
Seeing this, Raul slumped even further, and Aki could only sigh before silently comforting him.
...
"Telskruya is doomed now... our paradise forged from blood has now turned into a love hell."
Kali wanted to cry, but no tears came out.
She could only watch as her familia transformed into a bunch of love-struck idiots right before her eyes.
Njord could only laugh awkwardly at Kali's dejected state, while Loki let out a "hmph" and told Kali that she deserved it.
...
Meanwhile, back in Orario, inside the Guild Headquarters...
"For now, you're exploring the Nineteenth Floor, correct?"
Eina asked as she adjusted her glasses.
"I'm taking it one floor at a time. I'd rather not rush."
Belle nodded.
"I see. Then I wish you the best of luck."
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me."
Eina smiled warmly as she organized the documents in her hands.
"Thank you very much, Miss Eina."
Belle dipped her head in gratitude.
After watching Eina return to her desk and resume her work, Belle turned to leave.
Only to find her path blocked by two women.
"You're Belle Cranel, correct?"
Belle looked up to meet the sharp gaze of a young woman with shoulder-length crimson hair and striking golden eyes.
Standing quietly beside her was another woman with long navy-blue hair and pale green eyes.
Unlike her companion, she kept her hands clasped in front of her, her timid posture making it clear she wasn't accustomed to speaking first.
"Yes... I am."
Belle answered, blinking in confusion.
Without another word, the red-haired woman retrieved an envelope and held it out.
"Please give this to your Goddess."
As Belle accepted it, her attention was immediately drawn to the wax seal.
A sun...
Pierced by a bow and arrow.
'The Apollo Familia...?'
Recognition flashed across her face.
"I am Daphne."
The red-haired woman introduced herself before gesturing toward the quiet girl beside her.
"And this is Cassandra."
"As you've probably guessed, we're members of the Apollo Familia."
Belle's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
Seeing his reaction, Daphne continued.
"That letter is an invitation."
"Our god, Lord Apollo, is hosting a banquet and wishes to invite the Hestia Familia."
Cassandra finally spoke, her voice soft and hesitant.
"...But you don't have to..."
Before she could finish, Daphne sighed and lightly tapped her on the head.
"Ow..."
"We've already delivered the invitation. That's all we're here to do."
Her tone wasn't harsh, but it carried enough firmness to silence Cassandra.
Then Daphne looked back at Belle.
For a brief moment...
A hint of sympathy flickered across her face.
"You have my condolences."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.
Cassandra lingered for a second, her lips parting as though she wanted to say something.
In the end...
She simply lowered her head apologetically before hurrying after Daphne.
Belle remained where she stood, staring at the envelope in her hands.
'A banquet...?'
'Right after what happened with their Familia...'
Her grip on the letter tightened.
'And instead of sending this to our home, they delivered it directly to me...'
Silence lingered.
Then a quiet sigh escaped her lips.
'...That can't be a coincidence.'
For reasons she couldn't quite explain...
Belle had a feeling that trouble was coming her way.
...
"I've waited long enough."
Sitting in a dimly lit room, Apollo stared at the chessboard before him, a twisted grin slowly spreading across his face.
He picked up a pawn and advanced it two squares.
"Everything has been prepared, Lord Apollo. We can begin the plan at any time."
Seated across from him, Hyakinthos spoke respectfully before making his own move.
"Excellent... the time has finally come."
Apollo's grin widened.
His fingers slowly reached for the pawn he had just moved.
Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, he gazed at it with unmistakable obsession, as though Belle's face had been etched onto the tiny piece.
"My little white rabbit..."
A shiver of anticipation ran through his body.
"Soon enough, you'll fall right into my hands."
His tongue slowly brushed across the surface of the pawn, his expression contorting into one of ecstatic satisfaction.
"Ah... I can hardly wait."
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