Danmachi: Strongest Familia

This discovery had to be reported to his God Ares. Such a significant matter couldn't be left to the quartermaster alone to decide. Though he'd remained behind with Renata, it was likely more to keep an eye on her and the supplies than anything else.

Renata was well aware of his intent. However, the prospect of meeting Ares personally made the day feel worthwhile. She left the warehouse unhurriedly, following the quartermaster to a luxurious hotel, where she enjoyed a comfortable night's rest.

But while Renata rested, Ares and his trusted commanders were restless. Marion had briefed them on the miraculous potions, and their initial skepticism quickly shifted to excitement after testing the potion's effects.

The results were even more remarkable than they'd anticipated.

"Where is that woman? I want to meet her!" Ares roared, brimming with excitement. According to Marion, she had an even greater variety of potions in stock. If they could secure these supplies, breaking through Orario's defenses was finally within reach.

"It's already late tonight," Marius Victris, Ares' right-hand man, reminded him, placing a hand on Ares' shoulder. "Since the supplies are here in Rakia, they won't vanish. Let's meet Madame Goslav with Marion tomorrow morning."

Marius was the only one in the family capable of steadying Ares, whose intense personality often pushed him to extremes.

Early the next morning, Renata was awoken by an urgent knock at her door. She opened it to find the quartermaster, who had escorted her to the hotel, visibly anxious and drenched in sweat, as though he had run all the way.

"What's this all about, disturbing my sleep so early?" Renata asked.

"Madame Goslav, Lord Ares is on his way to the warehouse. Please prepare to accompany me," the quartermaster said between breaths.

"Understood. Wait here a moment," she replied, not making things difficult for him. Renata was efficient in her preparations, and in mere moments, she emerged from her room, ready.

"So soon?" the quartermaster murmured, surprised.

"Let's go. Didn't you say Lord Ares would be arriving soon?" she said, breaking him from his daze.

They arrived at the warehouse quickly, given its close proximity to the hotel. Ares was already there with several high-ranking members of his organization. At the entrance, however, a standoff was underway, with Shen, Renata's guard, blocking Ares and his team from entering.

Renata immediately understood what had transpired. It seemed Ares, in his typical impulsive fashion, had tried to force his way in but was stopped by Shen, who was responsible for the warehouse's security.

Shen remained calm, holding his ground without escalating the situation. Now that she had arrived, Renata was determined to defuse the tension.

"Apologies for the wait," she said, breaking the stalemate. Her arrival shifted everyone's attention, giving Ares a chance to focus on her.

Yet, Ares remained undeterred, his gaze shifting toward Shen. "Your bodyguard is quite impressive," he remarked.

For a moment, Ares seemed to forget his original purpose, instead eyeing Shen with interest. His excitement was apparent—he'd tested Shen briefly and sensed his remarkable strength. Ares might have been reckless, caring more about the fight than the outcome, but he was no weakling. His strength was among the finest of the gods, and even without divine power, he could overpower most low-level adventurers.

"What's your name, adventurer?" he demanded.

"Casa," Shen replied calmly, using the alias Renata had prepared for him.

"Casa, come and join my ranks. I'll make you a general of the Kingdom of Rakia!" Ares declared enthusiastically.

But his offer didn't faze Shen.

"Lord Ares, Casa already belongs to a family," Renata interjected smoothly, recognizing Ares' rising insistence. Having a prior family was an ideal reason to decline his offer without inciting further resistance.

"What brings you here today, Lord Ares? Surely it isn't only for him," Renata continued, steering the conversation back to business.

Remembering his purpose, Ares returned his attention to her. "Enough with the pleasantries. Show me those potions."

Renata wasn't fazed by his impatience; she found such straightforward clients easy to deal with. At least they wouldn't waste time haggling endlessly.

"Of course, Lord Ares. The potions you're interested in are stored in this warehouse," she said, leading him inside.

Ares rushed forward as the warehouse door opened. His eyes lit up at the sight of the stacked crates. Though he hadn't seen the potions personally, Marion's detailed report had given him high expectations.

"These are the various potions. I trust you witnessed the effects of the sample Mr. Marion brought back yesterday," Renata explained confidently, not leaving any room for debate.

Her intention was clear: these potions were valuable, and she planned to sell them at a high price. Establishing her stance was essential, especially since she was in foreign territory and couldn't afford any missteps in this first major transaction.

"I've seen the effects of the Rage Potion," Ares said. "But tell me—how much of each potion do you have? And how exactly do they work?"