Danmachi: The Sign In System!

Chapter 134 - Backstabbed by Hephaestus: Hestia's Epic Comeback

The next morning, Hestia, stewing over her best friend's "theft," dragged Orsted out, her face sour with jealousy.

She knew Hephaestus's kiss was just exuberant gratitude, and Orsted had merely accepted it passively, but Hestia couldn't shake her irritation. 

Her best friend and her beloved had crossed a line, even if unintentionally.

Still, she didn't throw a tantrum. "Listen, Orsted, if you don't get me a gift later, I won't forgive you," she huffed, stomping ahead. "Not some store-bought trinket—make me another of those equipment rings you crafted."

"Alright, I'll make one when we're back," Orsted said, chuckling at her pouty, princess-like demeanor.

They soon reached the Guild, buzzing with rare activity. Gods, seldom seen here, mingled with adventurers drawn by the news. Apollo, flanked by a few Familia members, waited at the counter.

Orsted and Hestia's arrival sent the Guild into a frenzy.

"Hestia's here!"

"Sign the agreement, Hestia!"

"Quick, then we'll head upstairs to set the War Game rules!"

"Been ages since a War Game—I'm stoked!"

"What format will Hestia and Apollo pick?"

"Can't wait!"

"+1 for hype!"

"+10086 for hype!"

"The agreement's ready, and I've signed," Apollo said, sliding it toward Hestia. "Your turn."

"Hmph!" Hestia snorted, grabbing the quill and signing without hesitation.

The Guild erupted, cheers from thrill-seeking gods and adventurers echoing as staff sighed, rubbing their foreheads.

"To the assembly hall! Let's set the War Game rules!"

"Hurry, Hestia!" The gods swarmed, ushering Hestia and Apollo to the elevator.

Only gods could enter the 30th-floor assembly hall for the Denatus, leaving adventurers behind. Orsted stayed put.

As the gods ascended, adventurers dispersed, rushing to spread word of the War Game, eager to broadcast it across Orario and beyond.

Orsted shook his head at their zeal. Some lingered, mostly elves—some familiar, like the female elf from Rivira and the banquet, others new, likely drawn by his aura. 

Even elven Guild staff joined them at the counter.

"Orsted-san, need any help?"

"Orsted-san, I can ask my god to transfer to Hestia's Familia to assist."

"Orsted-san, I can too…"

"Orsted…"

The fervor stunned onlookers—adventurers and non-elf staff gaped at the elves' eagerness to aid Hestia's Familia.

Orsted waved it off. "Thank you, but we've got this. 

Just wait for our victory," he said gently, thanking each elf before heading to Hearth Mansion.

Lili and the others wanted to handle the War Game themselves. 

As captain, Orsted backed them, planning to equip them with more gear. 

He'd also address Demeter's issue.

Fueled by adventurers and Guild notices, news of the Hestia-Apollo War Game swept Orario.

"Interesting. Apollo's got his eye on Orsted, huh?" Finn mused in his Twilight Manor office, chin propped on his hands, a sly smile playing. 

The Loki Familia's first-tier adventurers were gathered.

Unlike most, the Loki Familia knew Orsted's extraordinary talent, luck, and strength. 

Finn even fantasized about poaching him. Apollo's move was a fool's errand—a mantis challenging a chariot.

"Captain, should we do something?" Tiona asked, grinning.

"Like what?" Finn said, puzzled.

"Betting! Our Familia's strapped for cash—this is a jackpot chance," Tiona said excitedly. "Nobody knows Orsted's true strength. 

They think Apollo's got the edge. We can clean up!"

Her words sparked gleams in everyone's eyes, a hungry heat spreading through the room.

---

Read advance chapters at:

patreon.com/verse7

Powerstones:

200 Stones = 1 chapter

400 Stones = 2 chapter