In the underground altar of the Guild, the gods debated for a long time, yet no conclusion was reached.
None of them were fools, and none were willing to sacrifice their own children for the sake of others. After all, once peace returned to Orario, if their child had died in the process, even if they had saved Orario, it would be a bitter loss.
As for threatening Loki and Freya, to be honest, they didn't dare.
Both Loki and Freya were no pushovers. These two had once expelled Zeus, Hera, and their entire families from Orario with ruthless resolve.
The most important fact was that their families were among the strongest in Orario. If they tried to threaten them, they wouldn't even have the courage to follow through.
"Ouranos, since you have no answer, we will return. As for what happens to Orario, we couldn't care less. We'll at least ensure our children can guard our territory."
"I agree. Our family's strength is enough for self-preservation."
In this critical moment, Loki and Freya had united, and as the two strongest among the gods, no one dared to cross them when they stood together.
Whether human or god, it was strength that spoke the loudest. And now, with other gods lacking the power to act, they could only watch helplessly.
"Loki, I need to give a special task to one of your adventurers, or rather, to one particular adventurer in your family," Ouranos spoke, his voice calm but with a certain gravity.
"Hmm? One of our children?"
"Yes. That child who's comparable to an ancient hero."
These words carried immense weight. In the world below, before the gods interfered, monsters ran rampant, and the reason humans survived in such a harsh world was due to the rise of human heroes in the face of impossible odds.
These heroes, having no help or favor from the gods, relied solely on their own power to grow strong enough to slay terrifying monsters. There were only a handful of such heroes whose legends had been etched into history.
"Our children are not like ancient heroes, Ouranos."
"That child has the potential to be one."
"He will never become a hero. He will only become a strong being," Loki countered sharply.
"Is that the child's own words?"
"Yes. He said, compared to being a hero, he is more likely to become a demon lord. No, a demon god."
"What an interesting child... But precisely because of that, he is the one we need."
The other gods, still in the dark about what was being discussed, looked at each other with confusion. However, Freya, Takemikazuchi, Hestia, and Soma, the few gods who truly understood, knew exactly who they were talking about.
Freya, especially, as the only one who had had 'deep' interactions with August, understood his true nature well.
An embodiment of lust and desire, a culmination of original sin. A hero? Don't be ridiculous—he was far more likely to become a demon lord.
"Ouranos, put that aside for now. Tell me, what task do you wish to give him?" Loki asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Delve deep into the Dungeon and uncover the truth."
"Impossible. I'll tell you right now, even if I die, I won't let that happen."
"Loki, you know this is the only hope."
Loki fell silent. She knew full well, having granted August some favor before, that he was an absolute monster. But precisely because of that, she didn't want him to draw the gods' attention.
The eyes of the gods could peer into human souls, and if they discovered something unusual, it would mean trouble for August.
"No matter what you say, I will never agree to this, Ouranos."
"No, Loki. Whether or not this mission succeeds does not depend on you—it depends on that child."
"What have you done?"
"Nothing. I've simply arranged for someone to deliver the task to him."
"Damn it!"
Enraged, Loki spun on her heel, intent on leaving. The Dungeon was now a den of monsters. If one entered, how could they ever return?
Meanwhile, outside Babel Tower, many adventurers had dispersed, and those who remained had found places to rest. After all, no one knew how long they would be stuck here.
On August's side, a figure cloaked in black appeared.
It was Fels, the former sage and now Ouranos' private mercenary.
"It's you..." Ais recognized him immediately. She had interacted with Fels before, though their encounters were few. He had once issued her a task at Ouranos' request to gather information.
"Sworndancer, long time no see."
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to find the collector—August—and deliver a task to him."
"What?"
Once again, August became the center of attention.
Even August himself was taken aback. What was this skeletal sage doing here?
"This is a private task from Ouranos for you," Fels said.
"Go ahead, tell me," August responded, his curiosity piqued.
"Go into the Dungeon, investigate the cause of this uprising, and if possible, resolve it."
"Hah, that's not a simple task. So, if I complete it, what do I get in return?"
"A Divine Power Crystal. It can help you break the limits of your falna."
"A Divine Power Crystal? Break the limits of falna?"
"Yes. Falna has its limits. After all, favor is just a game the gods play with humans. Since it's a game, there must be a limit."
"So, can I understand that this Divine Power Crystal will allow me to shatter the limits of falna and break free from its system?"
"Exactly."
The crowd around them was stunned. The strongest among them was Otter, a level 7 adventurer, but beyond that, there were levels 8 and 9. Hearing Fels' words, they were all in shock. Had August already reached his limit?
He had only been an adventurer for a few months, yet he had grown to this level?
Especially Otter, who had just claimed he would surpass August, only to be ridiculed. Now, hearing Fels, it was like a blow to the chest. It was clear—while he had barely made progress, August was already at the finish line.
"Alright, I'll accept the task. But I want the reward up front."
"Understood."
Fels nodded, then pulled a small box from within his robe. August raised an eyebrow—had this been prepared in advance?
All eyes were fixed on the box. A Divine Power Crystal, the artifact capable of breaking the limits of falna.
August could feel the divine energy emanating from the box.
He slowly opened it, revealing a golden diamond-shaped gemstone inside.
At that moment, as the Divine Power Crystal was revealed, everyone around them gathered, curiosity written on their faces.
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