[FGO]: 24
As the flames gradually dissipated, they revealed Revis, whose body was covered in burns.
However, to Ryou's surprise, even after taking a direct hit from a magical flame, Revis showed no sign of weakness. Instead, she became even more ferocious and terrifying, like a wounded beast.
Just as Ryou was at a loss, a deafening scream erupted from a distance.
The mutated man-eating plant had finally fallen under the siege of the Loki Familia.
In no time, several figures rushed over, firmly protecting Ais and Ryou behind them.
"Is the situation unfavorable? It seems we have to wait until next time." Revis's gaze pierced through the crowd, landing on Ais.
"Ais, next time I will take you, even if it's your corpse."
With that, Revis leaped backward, landing at the edge of the cliff by the lake.
Just as Revis was about to escape using the lake water, Ryou suddenly shouted, "You think you can leave after showing off? Did you ask me first? Shishou!"
The members of the Loki Familia looked at each other in confusion, while Revis, who was preparing to flee, felt a sudden and intense sense of foreboding.
Her premonition soon came true.
A purple-black figure abruptly appeared beside Revis, delivering a lightning-fast whip kick to her waist.
The woman who had been invincible was instantly sent flying without any resistance, crashing heavily into the rock wall like a cannonball.
As the dust settled, Revis's miserable form came into view. One arm hung limply, her legs twisted at odd angles, and her waist had a noticeable dent, turning ashen. Her exposed skin was covered in wounds, and she was drenched in blood.
Despite her severe injuries, Revis did not utter a sound and continuously struggled to stand up again.
But with three of her limbs broken, it was impossible.
After several futile attempts, Revis finally gave up struggling, closed her eyes, and adopted a pose of heroic sacrifice.
On the other side, Scathach, with a proud expression and graceful movements, slowly retracted her long, beautiful leg.
She had defeated Revis, who had been a headache for the Loki Familia and Ryou, without even using her signature dual spears.
The members of the Loki Familia stared at the powerful Valkyrie by the cliff in utter shock.
"So, so amazing!"
Tiona exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Riveria glanced solemnly at Scathach, then turned slightly towards Finn and asked in a low voice, "Finn?"
With years of mutual understanding, Finn knew what she meant even without her finishing the sentence.
Finn solemnly nodded and said just two words: "Terrifyingly strong!"
It was clear who he was referring to.
Riveria's eyes immediately showed a hint of shock.
Finn was even more astonished than Riveria.
Unlike the mage Riveria, as a fellow warrior, Finn sensed that the aura Scathach exuded in that instant was tens, even hundreds of times stronger than the mightiest person he had ever seen, Ottar from the Freya Familia.
There was only one word to describe it—unfathomable!
After that, although Scathach stood there, Finn could no longer sense her presence at all. If he couldn't see her with his own eyes, he would have thought he was hallucinating from exhaustion.
Her aura was powerful yet controlled. How high was her martial prowess?
When did Orario have such a hidden super-strong individual?
While Finn and Riveria remained quietly vigilant, Ais's eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Scathach.
Ever since Scáthach effortlessly defeated Revis with a single kick, Ais had been staring at Scáthach with shining, golden eyes, as if she had instantly become her biggest fan.
Even Lefiya, the lily elf who adored Ais, uncharacteristically showed no hostility towards Scáthach this time. Instead, her gaze was filled with admiration, envy, and yearning, as if she were seeing an idol.
Watching the Loki Familia become completely subdued, Ryou chuckled inwardly.
If not for achieving this effect, why would he have arranged for his Shishou to make such a grand entrance?
He wanted them to know that he, too, had powerful backing.
Seeing that the desired effect was almost achieved, Ryou stepped out briskly.
"Everyone!"
Ryou's voice immediately drew everyone's attention. He made an exaggerated gentleman's bow and said, "Allow me to introduce her properly. This is my Familia's goddess, my mentor, and the Queen of the Land of Shadow—Scáthach!"
The members of the Loki Familia looked at each other in disbelief. Just then, a voice broke the silence.
"Impossible. If a god were to enter the dungeon, the dungeon would surely take notice. Upon discovering a god, the dungeon would immediately trigger a mutation and send the nearest floor boss to eliminate the invading god!"
Revis, her face covered in blood, glared at Scáthach with intense eyes.
"The dungeon identifies gods by their divine power. But don't compare those powerless weaklings with my goddess!"
However, Ryou sweeping statements also angered the Loki Familia, as their goddess Loki was included in those "weaklings."
Having revealed his trump card, Ryou no longer cared about their opinions.
"My goddess achieved the great feat of slaying gods as a mortal martial arts master. Even without using divine power, she can easily kill other gods."
Ryous words left everyone in shock.
Anyone doubting Ryou's claims only needed to look at the formidable warrior before them as the best evidence.
Scáthach, noticing Ryou's proud expression, curled her lips into a playful smile.
In her long life, having a disciple leverage her name to intimidate others was a novel experience.
Her previous disciples were all muscle-brained brutes with extreme machismo, never thinking to use her name for such purposes.
"Indeed, an interesting master," Scáthach murmured to herself.
Given the significant events, the planned joint practice was naturally called off.
Revis, the captive, was forcibly taken away by Scáthach at Ryou's subtle indication.
It was evident that apart from the carefree Tiona and the confused Lefiya, the other members of the Loki Familia were not pleased.
Especially Ais, who desperately wanted to ask about her mother.
Finn and Riveria, sharing the same thoughts, wanted to take Revis back for interrogation to obtain the desired information, even if it meant resorting to severe methods.
For Tione, who idolized the captain, whatever Finn said was law.
Unfortunately, the one with the bigger fist gets to call the shots.
Previously, the Loki Familia had always dominated with their strength. Today, they found themselves on the weaker side, leaving the two leaders of the Loki Familia with mixed feelings.
On the way back to the familia castle, Riveria couldn't help but speak up.
"Finn, should we reconsider allowing that man to join the expedition?"
Finn, stroking his chin, offered a contrary opinion.
"Riveria, I think the opposite. If Ryou had malicious intent, he could simply hide his Goddess in the shadows. His actions seem more like a display of deterrence to me."
"It's a strange feeling, though. We, the Loki Familia, usually rely on our collective strength to intimidate others. This time, we were the ones being intimidated. It truly shows that in this city of infinite possibilities, anything can happen."
Finn smiled wryly.
"But..."
Riveria, ever cautious, wanted to say something more.
"Think about it from another angle. Ryou hiding such a trump card might be a great help for this expedition," Finn suggested.
"You're risking the lives of the entire Familia!"
Riveria's eyebrows shot up in anger.
"Riveria, we are adventurers. There's never a 100% guarantee in any adventure. Since that's the case, why not take a gamble? We might reap even greater rewards."
"You're just as you've always been—such a small body housing such immense ambition," Riveria looked at the spirited Finn, her gaze complex.
"By the way, where's Ais?"
Finn suddenly noticed someone was missing from the group and asked in surprise.
Lefiya wore a mournful expression while Tiona teased her and said, "Ais? She followed the pretty boy just now."
"Why didn't you stop her?"
Finn was both amused and exasperated.
"Ais told me not to tell you. She said she'd be back before dinner," Tiona replied with a carefree laugh.
"Idiot, Tiona," her sister Tione smacked her forehead in frustration.
...
"The Loki Familia's castle isn't this way, Ais," Ryou, about to head back to his dorm, stopped and spoke with a helpless expression.
"Why is she so strong?"
Ais ignored his comment and directly asked the question that had been weighing on her mind.
Though Ais's expression hardly changed, Ryou could hear the evident anxiety in her voice.
I want to know that too!
Ryou mentally grumbled but didn't say it out loud.
Since he didn't answer, Ais kept her gaze fixed on him.
Suddenly, an idea struck him. He thought of an interesting plan.
"If you want to know, why not ask her directly?"
"Okay!"
Ais agreed without hesitation.
"Meet me on the south wall before sunrise tomorrow. Remember, you must come alone."
"Understood, I'll be there!"
Ais's eyes brightened, and she nodded firmly.
"Now, you'd better hurry back. If you stay too long, Finn will come looking for me," Ryou gently pushed Ais's shoulder, urging her to leave.
Ais walked away, looking back every few steps.
Returning to his room, Ryou encountered an unexpected surprise.
A curvaceous body lay naked on his bed.
Could it be that I'm having a streak of good luck with women?
Ryou muttered to himself, wondering why people kept ending up naked on his bed lately.
Resisting such temptation was truly a test of patience.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Revis.
The fierce warrior who could hold her own against the top members of the Loki Familia now lay motionless on his bed like a lamb awaiting slaughter.
Despite the enticing sight, Ryou sighed, "Shishou, what are you playing at?"
"A triumphant warrior enjoying wine, delicacies, and women—isn't that natural?" a teasing voice answered.
Scáthach walked out with an amused expression.
"Don't joke around, Shishou. You know I wouldn't do such a thing," Ryou replied with a bitter smile.
Although Revis couldn't move, her vertical pupils were fixed on him. As he approached the bed, a chilling killing intent emanated from her, nearly overwhelming him.
Ryou walked to the bedside, but instead of acting like a beast, he chose to act better than a beast.
He pulled up the blanket and covered the voluptuous body lying there.
Revis's gaze remained cold but softened slightly.
For a fleeting moment of pleasure, sacrificing long-term plans was not the act of a wise person.
Ryou was certain that if he gave in to his desires today, not only would his schemes be ruined, but they would also become mortal enemies, unyielding until one of them perished.
"Miss Revis, would you consider working for me?"
Ryou suddenly asked an unexpected question.
A flash of surprise crossed Revis's eyes, but she quickly returned to her cold demeanor.
Ryou could see a hint of disdain in her eyes, making her refusal quite evident.
"Shishou, could you lift some of her restraints? Just enough for her to speak," He asked Scáthach, who was watching with a playful expression.
"Hmm."
Scáthach raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
Crack!
An invisible wave of magical energy filled the air, followed by a faint sound like breaking glass.
Revis's lips moved, and she spoke, "If you're not afraid of me snapping your neck, I can work for you."
Her expression remained unchanged, as cold as a lurking snake, and Ryou was certain she was serious.
Though he expected her to refuse, such blunt hostility left him speechless.
Even Scáthach had a faint smile on her face.
"Miss Revis, you might hold a grudge against me for thwarting your actions, but I'm serious. Let's have an open and honest discussion," Ryou said earnestly.
To recruit someone as skilled as Revis, Ryou had gone to great lengths, even risking offending the Loki Familia.
After all, Ryou wouldn't stay in Orario forever. One day, he'd move to another world, and he wasn't sure if he could return. But he couldn't just abandon the Hostess of Fertility and its numerous assets.
Although he had the support of Mama Mia and the hidden skilled waitresses, along with the backing of the Freya Familia, Ryou wanted additional insurance.
Revis was his secret insurance plan, but he had to convince her first.
"I can tell you're not entirely loyal to your current master," Ryou said, causing Revis's eyes to narrow.
"What do you know about me?"
Revis's tone was cold and firm, clearly keeping him at a distance.
Ryou continued undeterred, "But your eyes are resolute, and you're extremely dedicated to your mission. You go to great lengths, even risking your body and betraying your companions, to merge with magic stones and become a monster-like being. You'd even risk your own life to complete your mission.
If it were for money or power, you wouldn't go to such lengths. You must have a strong belief that supports you."
Revis didn't respond, but her gaze grew colder, confirming to Ryou that he was on the right track.
"This creates a contradiction. You lack loyalty but have a strong belief, so you must have a special reason for following your master. And it's likely not for yourself, but for someone close to you…"
"Shut up!"
Revis's cold facade finally cracked, and Ryou could see her anger.
But to achieve his goal, Ryou continued to provoke her.
"Since the descent of the gods, many things have become possible. Even previously incurable diseases can be treated with divine elixirs that can save those on the brink of death. With your skills, acquiring such an elixir would be trivial. But there's one thing mortals can't do, only gods can: the resurrection of the dead."
Ryou spoke each word deliberately.
"But now, with the gods' powers sealed by their divine contracts, you're left with no choice but to seek help from a goddess who doesn't follow the rules, all to resurrect someone most important to you…"
As he finished, Ryou smiled faintly.
"If I'm wrong, you can laugh it off as a joke. But if by chance I'm right, perhaps you might consider my offer and think it over."
"Shishou, let's go," Ryou said, not waiting for an answer as he motioned for Scáthach to follow him out.
Before he reached the door, a voice called out from behind.
"Wait."
Ryou didn't immediately turn around, but the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, feeling a sense of joy in his heart.
Half the battle was already won.
"She promised me that if I helped her destroy all of Orario, she would revive my sister after we succeeded..."
Revis hesitated for a moment before finally confessing.
She didn't reveal who her master was, but Ryou, knowing the original story, uttered a name, "Enyo, the goddess of war and destruction. She is your master, am I right?"
For the first time, Revis showed a look of shock.
"I told you before, I know much more than you imagine," Ryou said, turning around with a confident smile.
Enyo, though currently just a background character, had traces throughout the original work.
Enyo, the goddess of war and destruction in Greek mythology, exists as Ares's subordinate, wife, or sister. Her actions align perfectly with this role.
Although the original work didn't reveal the connection between Ares and Enyo, Ryou had reason to believe there was a very close link.
This could be inferred from their actions alone.
Ares established a military empire, attempting to destroy Orario from the outside through war. Meanwhile, Enyo sought to leverage the power of dungeon monsters to destroy Orario from within. With such coordinated efforts, it was clear they were connected.
Revis fell silent, but Ryou continued, "But even you know this is almost a delusion. A mere goddess thinking she can stand against all the gods who support Orario? It's pure fantasy!"
Ryou didn't underestimate her; rather, he believed it was absurd for a minor deity, not even one of the twelve Olympian gods, to think she could destroy Orario.
Would all the gods with vested interests in Orario allow her to mess with their domain?
What a joke!
Going against the tide of history and standing against all the gods was sheer folly.
Even without knowing the rest of the original story, Ryou could imagine that Enyo wouldn't survive until the end. At best, she was just a pawn thrown out by the true mastermind to attract attention. In contrast, Uranus, who had infiltrated the revolutionary forces and stayed hidden within the guild, had more potential to be the final boss.
"So, the promise she made is one she can't possibly fulfill," Ryou concluded.
Revis didn't speak, but the wavering and weariness in her eyes betrayed her.
Perhaps deep down, she understood this truth. However, it was the only lifeline she could grasp, and she couldn't let it go.
"And... you've already seen the power I possess."
Revis immediately recalled the scene not long ago where Ryou had quickly recovered from a severe heart injury.
"And this goddess, Scáthach, who oversees the Land of Shadows, known as the cemetery of gods. Besides her supreme martial skills, she is also well-versed in the powers of death."
Revis's face clearly showed signs of struggle.
"And my demands are not high. You only need to work for me for three years, with the same treatment as other employees, and I will fulfill your wish," Ryou added, throwing down another heavy piece of bargaining.
Three years was not long for Revis. After making the deal with Enyo, she had been prepared to spend her whole life fulfilling this wish. Three years was, in fact, a significant advancement.
Revis thought for a moment and then answered.
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