Rewind ten minutes.
Dionysus stood on a grassy plain.
It was noon. The sun beat down with scorching heat, with only the occasional passing breeze offering a hint of coolness.
Gazing at the sun overhead, Dionysus asked with a hint of weariness, "When does it start?"
"We have to wait a bit longer. Lynn hasn't arrived yet."
Hestia offered the fried potato ball in her hand. "Want one? You won't get a chance to eat these once you're back in Heaven."
Dionysus didn't stand in the ceremony. "It's average. Not as good as the ones from your restaurant."
Hestia shot him a sidelong glance. "Don't think flattering me will make me go easy on you. You're not escaping today. At most, I'll let you leave a few last words."
Dionysus: "'Last words' sounds terrible. I'm just returning to Heaven, not dying."
Hestia: "Might as well be dead."
Dionysus: "..."
For him, who craved chaos, this outcome truly wasn't much different from death.
Meanwhile, seeing Dionysus fall silent, Hestia continued eating her fried potato ball.
Through Lynn, she had learned about Dionysus's actions over the years.
That guy was a powder keg. Just find the right spark, and he'd blow the lower world sky-high in an instant.
To prevent similar incidents from happening again, both she and Ouranos agreed to send Dionysus back.
"Lynn is here." Take-Mikazuchi reminded them.
As the God of War, he was also present for Dionysus's repatriation to prevent any tricks or escape attempts.
Hearing Take-Mikazuchi's reminder, Hestia and Dionysus both stopped what they were doing.
In their line of sight, three figures slowly approached from the distance. The one in the lead was Lynn. The figures on his left and right were also familiar to them.
"Filvis?"
Dionysus frowned.
He had originally wanted to see Lynn and exchange a few words with him, but his attention was completely stolen by the figure walking beside Lynn.
Why was she with Lynn? And her expression didn't look like she was here to rescue him.
"God Dionysus, I have come to bid you farewell." Filvis stopped walking.
Having gained the power of the Blood of Evolution, she could now suppress her Monster transformation to some extent, reverting to her original appearance.
Facing the deity before her, she got straight to the point without any concealment or preamble. "I have reached a cooperation agreement with Lynn. He helped me break free from the Corrupted Spirit's control and gave me a chance for revenge. In exchange, I need to stay and work for him."
Dionysus narrowed his eyes.
"...So, you've betrayed me, Filvis."
Filvis nodded. "I have. But God Dionysus, you also deceived me. You were likely aware of the matter concerning Olivas, weren't you?"
Dionysus fell silent. "..."
After standing there and locking eyes with Filvis for a moment, he suddenly threw his head back and laughed maniacally.
"Hahaha! Interesting, truly fascinating! It seems I've been far too lenient with you, Filvis! How dare a half-human, half-Monster abomination like you speak to me in such a manner!"
As his words fell, a sinister smile spread across Dionysus's face.
"Filvis, you don't actually think this is enough to escape me, do you? Don't forget, I am a god! I can wait a thousand, ten thousand years! I claim your soul after you die!"
Filvis's expression remained unchanged.
"It won't take a thousand or ten thousand years. If I ever meet God Dionysus again someday, I will tell you the story of my revenge."
Dionysus scoffed.
"You think I would bestow my blessing upon a traitor like you? I shall only look forward to your failure and this land descending into chaos once more!"
"Don't worry. That won't happen."
Just then, Lynn's voice rang out.
He stepped forward, meeting the gaze of this deity who had stirred a dark feast in the original story.
"Whether it's the Corrupted Spirit or the Black Dragon, I will resolve them all within a year."
With those words, he turned his gaze to the God of War standing nearby. "God Take-mikazuchi, it's time to send him on his way."
"Alright." Take-Mikazuchi responded.
He drew a dagger from his robes and decisively plunged it down.
Suffering a mortal wound to his mortal vessel, vast divine power was unsealed from within Dionysus. This released divine power further triggered the deity repatriation mechanism.
In the next instant, a massive pillar of intense white light pierced the sky, enveloping Dionysus.
Throughout this process, Dionysus did not utter another word. He only stared fixedly at Lynn and Filvis, as if etching their faces into his memory.
A moment later, the pillar of white light dissipated, and Dionysus's figure vanished along with it, leaving only a large crater on the ground.
"Don't mind his words, Lynn."
After watching Dionysus depart, Hestia, who had remained silent until now, swallowed her fried potato ball and walked up to Lynn.
"Dionysus is just trying to scare people. If he really dares to lay a hand on your soul, I'll send him into a resurrection cooldown period. I'll make him understand the price of messing with someone he shouldn't."
Compared to her usual lazy demeanor, Hestia was extremely serious as she spoke these words, not sounding like she was joking in the slightest.
In fact, she truly meant it. As an existence second only to the great gods, her divinity surpassed that of most deities in Heaven.
Even Dionysus's status as one of the Olympian Twelve Gods was something she had found troublesome and essentially handed to him. There was a significant gap in their divinity, and the same went for their divine offices and authorities.
If they fought without restraint, ten Dionysus's wouldn't be enough for her.
"You too, Filvis."
Hestia looked at Filvis. "Since you've made a deal with Lynn, your part of Hestia Familia now. Out of respect for me, that guy Dionysus won't dare to act recklessly."
"Thank you, Goddess Hestia." Filvis gave a slight nod of gratitude.
Truthfully, she didn't care about what happened after death. All she wanted now was revenge against the Corrupted Spirit.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Hestia, her gaze fell on her partner beside her.
"When do we act?"
"No rush. Before dealing with the Corrupted Spirit, we need to take down the Artificial Labyrinth first."
"Then when do we move against the Artificial Labyrinth?"
"In three days."
Lynn gave his answer.
...
Loki Familia, Twilight Manor, top floor.
After watching the distant pillar of light disappear, Riveria and the others withdrew their gazes.
"Who do you think made the move?"
"It was probably Lynn. Hestia Familia was attacked by God Dionysus yesterday."
Finn rubbed his fingers together as he made his deduction.
Because repatriating a deity to Heaven was involved, Hestia had taken Dionysus to the Guild yesterday after capturing him.
Finn happened to be at the Guild as a guest at the time, inquiring about the Artificial Labyrinth through Royman. Running into Hestia, he managed to glean some inside information through indirect questioning.
Combined with Riveria's account upon her return, he could roughly guess part of the truth behind the incident.
"That God Dionysus likely has connections with the Evilus in secret. More seriously, he might even be connected to the Corrupted Spirit."
"His attack on Hestia Familia was probably because he learned about the events in the Dungeon through special means and chose to strike first. But he ended up getting captured by Goddess Hestia instead."
"Really? That's just embarrassing."
Loki, standing nearby, didn't hold back her ridicule.
"That Shorty designed it, and Dionysus joined our Loki Familia? I'm going to draw a clown on his face."
"He's already in the Celestial Realm. If you want to draw a clown, you'll have to go back to the Celestial Realm to find him."
"Then never mind. The kids in the Lower World are so interesting; I don't want to go back and be imprisoned."
Loki waved her hand, skipping the topic.
"Speaking of which, Shorty probably won't let this end. Finn, do you have any plans?"
Finn nodded.
"I plan to personally meet Lynn tomorrow. Some things are better discussed face-to-face, and I also want to thank him for helping Aiz and Tiona break through."
Loki crossed her arms.
"Then you handle it yourself. I don't want to bow down to that Shorty."
Although there was no deep-seated hatred, Loki and Hestia had always been at odds. Even if they owed a favor, they wouldn't actively express gratitude.
Finn was well aware of this and didn't force Loki to come with him.
Thump, thump, thump!
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Finn responded, and Tione pushed the door open and walked in. "Finn, the Guild just sent a letter asking you to go to the Guild tomorrow."
"The Guild?" Finn pondered.
Dionysus had only just been sent away, and the Guild immediately sent an invitation. This was clearly no coincidence.
He took the letter and read its contents, then he had a clear idea of what to do next.
"Tione, please inform the others not to go to the Dungeon for the next two days. There will be a tough battle soon."
...
The Hostess of Fertility.
After sending Dionysus away, Ryuu temporarily parted ways with Lynn and returned to the tavern.
"Ryuu! You're finally back, Nya!"
Anya, who was slacking off, immediately noticed Ryuu's return and happily rushed over.
"Ryuu's back?"
"Long time no see, Ryuu."
"You seem to have changed a lot."
Hearing Anya's voice, the other people in the tavern also came forward to welcome her.
"Long time no see, everyone."
A smile appeared on Ryuu's face.
After greeting everyone, she looked around and noticed someone was missing.
"Did Syr take a day off today?"
"Yes, she seems to have someone she likes recently, Nya, and she keeps taking time off."
"Some... someone she likes?"
Ryuu was greatly shocked. "Anya, are you mistaken? Why so sudden?"
Anya scratched her head.
"But Syr herself said it, Nya. She also said she wanted to cook for that person, but she made a bunch of dark cuisine, and I, as the test subject, got a stomach ache, Nya."
Chloe nodded.
"It's true."
Lunoire also chimed in, "The last time I ate something so terrible was when I first received my blessing and couldn't afford food, so I could only pick up scraps."
Ryuu's expression was subtle. "..."
Is it really that bad?
Recalling carefully, she realized she had never actually seen her friend cook.
The other party worked at the tavern, mostly slacking off, occasionally cleaning or helping serve dishes, but never once went to the kitchen.
"What are you all gathered here for? It's almost time for evening business. Have you finished all your work, just slacking off?" Mia's voice suddenly rang out.
"Mommy Mia! Ryuu is back!" A tavern employee waved, reporting the good news.
"Oh? It's Ryuu." Mia then noticed Ryuu standing in the crowd, and the faint, powerful aura around her.
Level 6.
With just a glance, Mia, also a Level 6, confirmed Ryuu's strength, feeling a bit surprised.
However, after her surprise, she didn't probe Ryuu's secret or ask how she broke through from Level 4 to Level 6 in half a month. Instead, she asked a more subtle question.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes." Ryuu nodded. "Thank you for your care these past two years, Mommy Mia."
Mia averted her gaze. "I just hired you normally; I didn't do anything special."
With that, Mia said no more, turning and walking towards the kitchen.
"Huh? What's going on, Nya?"
Anya's gaze bounced between Mia and Ryuu several times, not quite understanding the conversation.
However, not everyone was as slow as Anya. A quick-witted tavern employee seemed to have guessed something and asked, somewhat reluctantly.
"Ryuu, are you leaving?"
"Yes."
"Huh?!" Anya finally reacted.
"Wait... wait a minute, Nya! What does 'leaving' mean? Ryuu, didn't you just get back, Nya!!!"
"Anya, I'm here to quit the tavern."
Looking at the cat-eared girl who suddenly grabbed her arm, Ryuu raised her hand and patted her head.
"This time when I left, I didn't actually go back to my hometown. Instead, I went to see Lady Astrea."
"Talking with Lady Astrea helped me understand many things. Similarly, after returning this time, I witnessed many things and found something I need to do."
Astrea Familia's path of justice has ended, but hers has not.
The Evilus in the Artificial Labyrinth, Dionysus's conspiracy to blow up Orario, the Corrupted Spirit behind Filvis...
Recalling the information, she had encountered these past two days, Ryuu deeply realized that many people still needed her.
Especially Filvis, a girl who, like herself, came from the Elf race, and whose experiences were even quite similar.
Just because of a momentary wrong choice, the other party couldn't even rest in peace after death and was still being used by Dionysus.
After witnessing Filvis's and Dionysus's conversation not long ago, Ryuu had an idea.
She wanted to help Filvis.
Just as Lynn had helped her in the past, she wanted to help Filvis complete her revenge and move on from the past.
To uphold the justice in her heart, she would use her strength to save more people.
And none of this could be done in the tavern.
"I've decided to join Hestia Familia."
Facing the gazes of Anya and the others, Ryuu stated her next plan.
However, to Ryuu's surprise, the tavern employees were not overly surprised to hear this.
"It really is Hestia Familia."
"I didn't expect Syr to guess it right."
"Hestia Familia is indeed a good place. I heard their cafeteria is three stories high."
"Really? I want to go too!"
Discussions came from all directions, and Anya even put away her sadness, looking at Ryuu with anticipation:
"I heard from Tiona of Loki Familia a few days ago that as long as you have an acquaintance, you can go to Hestia Familia for a free meal. Is that true, Nya?"
Ryuu hesitated. "I'm not very sure. I can ask Lynn for you."
Anya clasped her hands together. "Then I'll leave it to you! If it's possible, I'll come to you for free meals in the future, Nya!"
Tiona had said that the food at Hestia's restaurant only used spices prepared by Lynn.
However, going to Hestia Familia for a free meal meant eating food personally cooked by Lynn, and the taste would be on a completely different level.
Thinking that she could follow Ryuu for free food and drinks in the future, Anya suddenly felt that Ryuu leaving the tavern wasn't so bad after all.
The other people in the tavern also asked Ryuu to inquire about the news, their faces showing expressions of anticipation.
So, amidst the laughter, Ryuu, who had been prepared for a sad farewell, was sent off from the tavern. As she left, she even saw Mia say something to her through the kitchen window.
[Ask if the spice recipe is for sale. ]
Ryuu hesitated to speak. "..."
Sometimes, she really wished she couldn't read lips.
...
On the other side.
After sending Dionysus back to the Celestial Realm, Lynn went to the Guild to meet Royman.
After finalizing the next battle plan, he returned to Hestia Familia to update his blessing.
[YukimuraLynn—LV5]
[Strength: S952→SSS1205]
[Endurance: S984→SSS1227]
[Dexterity: S946→SSS1215]
[Agility: S951→SSS1234]
[Magic: SSS1905→SSS2041]
[Development Abilities: Swordsman G, Magic G, Fist Strike H, Thunder Break H]
"Lynn, it's updated."
Hestia handed over the copied status values. "All five attributes are now SSS. It seems you caused quite a stir in the Dungeon this time."
"This time, I really wasn't the main culprit."
Lynn shifted the blame to the Corrupted Spirit.
Because it occupied the Pantry to absorb nutrients, the Monsters on the thirty-seventh floor were forced to undergo a large migration.
So many Monsters gathered together, blocking his path, wasn't that just tempting him?
Not striking them down would be a disservice to the Spirit Devouring Barrier Magic.
"Do you want to continue grinding your stats? I can feel that you haven't reached your limit yet; you can still improve."
"No need, I'll break through like this."
Lynn didn't suppress his level this time.
Other adventurers grind their stats to the limit to ensure their combat power for subsequent battles.
But he had no such concerns; with mist Space, what he lacked least was strength.
All five attributes were already SSS. Continuing to train would further decrease the rate of stat improvement, which could be seen from the increase in Magic.
Breaking through to Level 6 was more cost-effective than suppressing his level.
Furthermore, he had a different idea than before for selecting this development ability.
"Hestia, is there 'Mystery'?"
"Yes."
"Then choose Mystery."
Mystery is a special development ability that grants the holder the power to create special items or strengthen existing ones.
Lynn would have this development ability because Chef Lynn had recently been researching legendary cooking utensils, hoping to imitate and create similar utensils with special effects.
Of course, Lynn chose Mystery not to research cooking utensils, but to study Magic stones and Monster physiques, opening a new path for himself and the other Lynn's.
Furthermore, as the legendary sage, Fels had mysteriously created the Philosopher's Stone, a special item that infringed upon the realm of the gods, which revealed the potential of Mystery.
When combat strength is sufficient, choosing Mystery as the development path for research and development is definitely an option that won't result in a loss.
"I've chosen."
Hestia quickly completed the promotion ceremony.
As the divine blood dripped onto the blessing, the LV5 in the level column disappeared, replaced by LV6.
After that, the ability values transformed into potential and integrated into his body, the five-dimensional attributes reset to zero again, and the skill bar also began to fluctuate.
"Huh?"
Hestia's gaze was drawn to the changes in the skill bar.
"Lynn, it looks like you've awakened a new skill."
…