Danmachi: A Mage's Journey

The three goddesses could see through Loki's intentions almost immediately. It was painfully obvious that her reason for presiding over the Denatus this time wasn't simply due to formality or obligation.

Astraea, who sat with a composed but slightly weary expression, gave a small shake of her head, sighing softly as she glanced toward Loki.

"I just hope she doesn't take it too far." She murmured, a mixture of amusement and resignation coloring her tone.

Loki, her long scarlet hair loosely tied back, didn't pay any attention to the murmurs or curious stares.

Raising her right hand high, she clenched her fist and declared, "Alright, let's get started! First up: information exchange. Anyone got something interesting to share?"

The gods exchanged glances across the wide round table, their expressions varied—some thoughtful, others skeptical. A few even looked away, unsure if their news was worth sharing in a room like this.

Breaking the silence, Hephaestus leaned forward slightly. Her calm, measured voice drifted through the hall.

"My children recently reported some unusual structural damage on the twenty-fourth floor of the dungeon. It doesn't seem natural. Anyone care to investigate?"

She sat back in her chair, crossing her long legs beneath the table, her black trousers sharp against the gleaming floor, the thin fabric of her top subtly shimmering under the light.

The proposal was met with mild silence until another god chuckled dryly, deftly avoiding the implied request.

"Unusual damage aside, what about the more pressing matter? There's been divinity leaking into the dungeon lately. Who's been playing god down there?"

It was a question that hovered heavily in the air.

"Hmph. What's there to ask? Isn't it just another scheme from Evilus? The ones who've been lurking in the shadows, causing trouble for who knows how long?" Another god grumbled.

"I am Ganesha!" boomed the masked deity, nodding with a rare grave tone.

"Indeed, they've gone quiet. Too quiet. That only means something big is coming."

"Agreed." Another added. "They're just biding their time. When they act, it's never small."

The tension in the room thickened. Even the usually carefree expressions on many of the gods' faces had shifted. The shadow cast by Evilus loomed large over Orario, and every god here understood the weight of that.

The responsibility to shield the city, to protect their children, would ultimately fall on them.

And yet, there was a certain aloofness in their attitudes. As divine beings, they would return to the heavens if their avatars perished. The ones truly at risk were their mortal children.

Still, when their gazes collectively shifted toward Loki—and then to Astraea, Freya, and Hephaestus—there was an unspoken agreement.

If trouble came knocking, these goddesses and their powerful Familias would be on the front lines.

The conversation swiftly shifted from solemn to absurd, as often happened in such divine gatherings.

"Alright then." Loki said, clapping her hands.

"So to recap, we've got weird activity on the twenty-fourth floor, and rumors of divine interference in the dungeon. Probably connected to Evilus. When the time comes, we'll be relying on you lot."

Her tone was light, but the meaning behind her words was clear. She gave the gathered gods a sly grin before motioning toward the center of the room.

"Anyway, let's get to the next part. It's what you've all really been waiting for."

A hush swept through the hall.

Loki's grin widened. "The naming ceremony begins now!"

A sudden jolt of nervous tension crackled through the room.

At that moment, the true character of the Denatus began to surface.

Many gods who had previously remained quiet suddenly straightened in their seats, their eyes gleaming with mischief. This was the moment they'd been waiting for.

Those who had been around long enough knew exactly what was coming.

Veteran gods, well-acquainted with the traditions of the Denatus, prepared to indulge in their favorite pastime: teasing newcomers with ridiculous, embarrassing, or downright tragic aliases.

This was not an official formality. It was divine sport.

And once a name was decided, it would spread through Orario like wildfire. The children couldn't fight it—the name, once decreed, would be written on the records and recognized across the city.

Hephaestus gave a soft sigh, waving her hand in surrender. Astraea pressed her fingers to her forehead and shook her head, already anticipating the chaos.

Several old gods were already smirking, rubbing their hands together like pranksters ready to unleash mischief.

"Hehehe, let's get this started. Who's the first victim—ah, I mean, honoree?"

"I believe everyone received the list ahead of time." Loki said, flipping a page with a dramatic flourish.

"First up, the adventurer from Set's Familia. A man named Hasas."

Set stood up, panic already visible in his expression. "Please, please, I beg you all—be kind!"

But mercy was rarely found in the halls of the Denatus.

"Reject!" The sound rang out from several corners.

The gods' shared enthusiasm for the naming ceremony—particularly their love for the naming culture of the lower world—was well known. While they might have divine power, their tastes often mirrored those of mischievous children.

And when it came to naming, there were no limits, no filters, and definitely no mercy.

No one truly understood why the gods always picked the strangest names.

Was it because their tastes were simply out of touch?

Or maybe their humor had long since warped from boredom?

Perhaps the fault lay with the children, for being too easy to tease?

Whatever the reason, one thing was clear: many of the names born in Denatus were downright tragic.

With wicked smiles and gleaming eyes, the gods took turns voting.

"Alright, it's been decided! This child, Hasas, shall be known as—Invincible Tyrannosaurus Warrior!"

A moment of stunned silence was followed by an uproar of laughter.

"NOOOOO—my poor child, I'm so sorry!" Set wailed dramatically, burying his face in his hands.

The mocking laughter only intensified.

This was the Denatus. A gathering where great power met childish indulgence. Where divine beings unleashed their creativity in the form of terrible nicknames and delighted in the shocked reactions of their peers.

It was the ultimate blend of heavenly authority and ridiculous humor.

And it was just getting started.

(End of Chapter)

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