Danmachi: The Sign In System!

Chapter 81 - Confession

The goddesses of revelry, with their boundless energy and penchant for chaos, were relentless. 

Orsted and Hestia leaped across Orario's rooftops, the goddesses hot on their heels, refusing to lose sight of their quarry.

An hour of frantic evasion passed before Orsted finally shook them off, using Instant to outmaneuver the divine mob. 

The chase, however, hadn't gone unnoticed. 

It sparked a commotion on Southwest Street, with adventurers and residents buzzing about goddesses pursuing someone. 

The tale spread like wildfire, becoming Orario's latest gossip.

Orsted, oblivious to the rumors, caught his breath after spiriting Hestia to safety. 

The date he'd anticipated was derailed by them.

"Those pests," Hestia huffed, arms crossed, her chest heaving with indignation. 

She'd summoned the courage to ask Orsted out, only for these goddesses to ruin it.

Now Southwest Street was abuzz. 

Appearing together would draw every eye, killing any chance for a quiet date.

Other streets, shrouded in midnight darkness, weren't romantic alternatives.

"We'll try again another time," Orsted said, offering a gentle smile. 

He reached out, ruffling Hestia's hair to soothe her.

Hestia's frustration melted under his touch. 

"Fine. If we can't date, staying here's just as good." 

She looped her arms around his, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh.

They'd taken refuge atop an abandoned clock tower, a hideout mirroring the one Hestia and Bell used in canon to escape similar pursuit. 

It was Southwest Street's only sanctuary from the goddesses' reach.

Orsted gazed at Hestia, her simple joy in his presence stirring something within him. 

Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Hestia froze, caught off guard. 

She often snuck into his bed at night, curling against him in sleep, but this was the first time Orsted had initiated such closeness. 

Her cheeks flushed, heart pounding at the unexpected intimacy.

"Hey, Hestia," Orsted said softly, resting his chin on her head, "why do you like me?"

He didn't want to be as oblivious as Bell, missing the cues of her affection.

Hestia, easing into the moment, found her voice. 

"From the moment we met, Orsted, I was drawn to you."

"Your rapid improvement, your crafting of magic items, grimoires, and magic swords—you're an extraordinary adventurer." 

"Everything about you captivates me."

She tightened her embrace, her face buried in his chest, voice soft. 

Their first meeting replayed in her mind—her thirtieth failed attempt to recruit adventurers, trudging toward her church, dejected. 

Orsted had stopped her, declaring his intent to join the Hestia Familia and build it with her.

An elf, coveted by every major Familia for their talent, chose her fledgling group. 

His earnest words rekindled her hope after relentless rejections, sparking an immediate fondness. 

Orsted became her most trusted confidant, surpassing even Hephaestus.

His subsequent feats—record-breaking growth, versatile craftsmanship—deepened her admiration. 

To Hestia, Orsted transcended mortal limits, more akin to a god than an elf.

Yet, as Lili, Tifa, and others entered his orbit, her affection turned to unease. 

Learning of his dungeon encounter with Ais, alongside bonds with Eina, Ryuu, Naaza, Tsubaki, and Hephaestus, heightened her fears. 

In mere weeks, seven women had gravitated toward him.

The growing tally sparked a crisis. 

Fearing Orsted's effortless charm would draw more, she'd acted, inviting him on this date to stake her claim.

Orsted, unaware of her inner turmoil, was stunned by her answer. 

"Just because of that?"

"Isn't it enough?" Hestia replied, lifting her head, eyes wide with sincerity.

He paused, then chuckled. 

"Yeah, I suppose it is."

Gods, like mortals, were swayed by brilliance, moved by fleeting moments, and devoted through emotion. 

Hestia's affection was no anomaly.

A faint smile curved his lips. 

Gazing at her earnest expression, he leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a sudden, tender kiss.

---

Read advance chapters at:

patreon.com/verse7

Powerstones:

200 Stones = 1 chapter

400 Stones = 2 chapter

Next chapter is [hehehe]