Looking at Hyacinthus, Cao Ye sneered, showing complete disdain for his threats.
If Hyacinthus had been from Loki Familia, Cao Ye might have been slightly cautious.
But Apollo Familia?
The entire familia only had one Level 3 to hold things together.
Where did they get the confidence to act so arrogantly?
Seeing Cao Ye's contemptuous expression, Hyacinthus's face darkened.
"You ungrateful fool!"
"Being favored by Lord Apollo is your honor!"
"That kind of 'honor' is something I can't afford."
Cao Ye's tone became colder.
This completely enraged Hyacinthus.
In his heart, Apollo was an absolute, sacred existence.
Although he was jealous that Apollo had taken interest in Cao Ye, Cao Ye's arrogant attitude pushed him over the edge.
"Then don't blame me for using force!"
"I'll drag you before Lord Apollo myself!"
With that, Hyacinthus stepped forward, clearly preparing to act.
Cao Ye narrowed his eyes slightly.
He wasn't someone who liked causing trouble—
But he certainly wasn't the type to sit quietly while being bullied.
If the other side wanted to tear away all pretense—
Cao Ye wouldn't bother saving them any face.
However, this was still a banquet.
Many gods and accompanying adventurers were present.
Everyone attending this banquet hosted by the gods was someone significant.
Especially the adventurers—whose senses were extremely sharp.
Soon, the conflict between Cao Ye and Hyacinthus became the center of attention.
Most people simply watched with curiosity.
As for the gods?
Every single one of them loved entertainment.
If they didn't stir things up further, that alone would be surprising.
"Hm?"
"Isn't that Freya's child?"
Loki quickly noticed what was happening.
Finn, who had just escaped a tiring social conversation, also saw the scene.
"Is Apollo Familia planning to start a war with Freya Familia?"
Finn looked surprised.
After all, Cao Ye belonged to Freya Familia.
Where did Apollo Familia find the courage?
"That guy probably doesn't know Cao Ye's identity."
"Oh?"
"That would explain things."
Finn nodded.
But even understanding the situation, Finn looked at Hyacinthus with sympathy.
Of all people to provoke—
He had chosen someone from Freya Familia.
Everyone knew that familia was full of madmen.
Even Finn himself avoided provoking them unless absolutely necessary.
Freya Familia was extremely contradictory.
Inside the familia, members constantly competed and fought each other.
But if an outsider caused trouble—
They would unite immediately.
Because it wasn't about the individual.
It was about Freya's honor.
Harming someone from Freya Familia meant disrespecting their goddess.
And that was the real problem.
"Finn, should we step in and help?"
"What do you mean?"
"If we help him out now, he'll owe us a favor."
Loki said casually.
Finn and Loki had an extremely close relationship.
Finn was one of her earliest followers.
However, hearing Loki's suggestion made Finn smile bitterly.
"Do you really think he needs help?"
"Hm?"
Following Finn's gaze, Loki widened her eyes in surprise.
On the other side—
Hyacinthus, who had been acting arrogantly moments ago—
Now had a sword pressed against his neck by Cao Ye.
Hyacinthus, who had been so aggressive earlier, now felt the cold edge against his throat.
His anger surged to the limit.
Being restrained by some unknown brat was a humiliation beyond measure.
Many people nearby had seen Cao Ye pull a sword from thin air.
And a thought immediately appeared in their minds:
Spatial Magic.
In Orario, spatial-type magic and skills weren't merely rare.
They were almost nonexistent.
Across hundreds of years of Orario's history, only a handful of people had ever possessed spatial magic.
Now, in this era—
Another user had appeared.
And one capable of storing weapons within that space.
"Well?"
"Why did you stop talking?"
Cao Ye looked at Hyacinthus with the sword still at his throat.
"Do you know where you are?"
"I do."
"Then how dare you—"
SHHK.
Cao Ye pushed the blade slightly forward.
The sharp edge cut into Hyacinthus's neck.
Blood began to trickle out.
Hyacinthus instantly shut his mouth.
He didn't know if Cao Ye actually dared to kill him—
But he certainly didn't want to test it.
"I really don't understand."
"Why did you come looking for trouble with me?"
Everyone watching silently memorized Cao Ye's face.
This guy was unbelievable.
At a banquet hosted by Apollo Familia—
He was holding a sword to the throat of Apollo Familia's captain.
And he even looked ready to draw blood.
Hyacinthus desperately wanted to threaten him back.
But the burning pain at his neck reminded him—
He really didn't dare.
Clap… clap… clap…
Just as the tension peaked, applause echoed through the hall.
Everyone turned to look.
Cao Ye followed their gaze.
A man wearing a laurel crown and having short orange hair walked forward.
"Lord Apollo!"
Seeing him, Hyacinthus lowered his head.
He had failed his mission and made things worse.
The shame filled him with guilt.
"Hello, child."
"I am Apollo, the god of the Apollo Familia."
"Which familia do you belong to?"
His tone was extremely gentle.
It was as if the person currently being threatened wasn't his own captain.
The bizarre scene confused many people.
However—
The gods present all had expressions that said:
"Of course."
Within the divine circles, Apollo's preferences were no secret.
Even before the gods descended to the mortal world—
Apollo had been known as one of the gods who played the wildest games among them.
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