Threatening Aphrodite

"Hm? Goddess Hera, if I remember correctly, isn't SSS rank the limit?"

Looking at the parchment in his hand, Charlie was amazed.

He believed that Karasuki Rio's potential was not inferior to Bell Cranel. After all, they were both protagonists of a light novel.

Charlie thought it was reasonable for the basic ability he would achieve to be the highest rank: SSS.

But what is this EX rank about?

"This is beyond my knowledge. Previously, the gods reached a consensus that the basic ability of SSS rank is the limit that creatures of the lower world can possess, and the number of beings capable of reaching it is less than two digits."

Glancing at the slightly open door, Hera had noticed Aphrodite peeking from the beginning. That's why she restrained herself from mentioning the fact that Charlie was an Otherworlder.

Hera speculated that Charlie exceeded the potential limit of creatures of the lower world because he was not from this world and therefore not bound by its laws.

"Congratulations, Charlie Avalon. You are the first person to achieve this feat. This is why we gods descend to the lower world, mortal beings always manage to surprise us, even those who have lived for countless uncountable years."

With a beautiful smile on her face, Hera pulled Charlie's head to her chest and stroked his white hair.

"Goddess Hera... This is embarrassing, I am not a child."

Although his body was Karasuki Rio at the age of 16, Charlie's mentality was 26 years old. Being treated like a child by a woman who seemed to be in her twenties made him feel embarrassed.

"Even if you are 100 years old, in my eyes, you are still a child."

"..."

Thinking about her statement, Charlie could not deny it.

Even the Elf Race, recognized as the longest-living race among all races in the lower world, cannot be compared to the lifespan of the gods. Moreover, humans have the shortest lifespan among all races.

"How does it feel to be in my embrace? Do you know, not all members of my Familia can receive this special treatment."

"It feels very comfortable."

Charlie was forced to answer honestly, and Hera showed a proud smile.

"Aphrodite, how much longer do you want to eavesdrop? You know it is taboo to look at another god's children status, right? Do you really want to start the War Game?"

"Ahahaha... I've been caught~."

The door opened, Aphrodite walked in laughing without feeling guilty.

"I didn't mean it that way, I thought you two were going to do something indecent, so I was curious. I swear, I'm not lying."

"You heard everything, didn't you?"

"Just a little..."

"..."

"I'm sorry."

Under Hera's cold gaze, Aphrodite admitted her mistake.

"Don't worry, Hera, I will keep all I heard a secret. You can trust me. Besides, I don't want other gods to be interested in Charlie, that would just add more rivals."

"Of course, if you dare to tell others, I will send my children to return you to Heaven."

"Gulp..."

Aphrodite swallowed nervously, seeing Hera's arrogant and tyrannical attitude. She did not doubt that Hera's threat was empty; the other party was truly capable of doing what she said!

"Relax, don't be hasty, okay? I don't want to go back to a boring place like Heaven!"

After enjoying the pleasures of the lower world, Aphrodite was reluctant to return to Heaven.

"By the way, since I already know, can I see his status? After hearing all that, I can't rest until I see it with my own eyes."

"It's not up to me, it's Charlie's decision."

Hera had no problem allowing Aphrodite, but she wanted to respect Charlie's decision.

"Charlie~"

Aphrodite's eyes welled up, showing a sad expression that could melt any man's heart after seeing it.

Unfortunately, she chose the wrong target. Charlie had The Chosen Savior Skill, which gave him charm immunity.

"I hope Goddess Aphrodite keeps her words. If not, I will personally escort you back to Heaven."

Drawing the Damocles Sword from its sheath, the silver blade emitted a sharp light, showing that Charlie was not joking.

"Even you dare to threaten me..."

Facing Hera's threat, Aphrodite did not object. Both were fellow goddesses from Heaven, but how dare a mortal human threaten her?

"What is your answer, Goddess Aphrodite?"

"Yes! Are you satisfied!"

Grinding her teeth in annoyance, Aphrodite snatched the parchment from Charlie's hand and read it.

"What is this?!? Magic Power rank EX? Is there such a rank? Spirit Art? The Chosen Savior? Prodigy Swordsman?"

Unbelieving of what she saw, Aphrodite rubbed her eyes a few times.

"You said you received it eight days ago, right? That means this basic ability was obtained in just eight days..."

"Charlie, you are not human at all but a monster."

Aphrodite's perception of Charlie changed.

Previously, she found him intriguing because he could resist her charm, but now she saw him as a human with the strongest potential in the history of the lower world.

"Charlie, you are not a monster. Do not listen to those who call you a monster because they are all weaklings who cannot compete with you. Life granted with extraordinary power may be hard to understand by those who do not possess it."

"Thank you for your advice, Goddess Hera. No matter how others call me, I don't care. My heart and mind are not weak enough to be shaken by the bark of others."

Aphrodite: "🤩"

Ignoring their conversation, she gazed at Charlie with shining eyes, unable to look away.

After learning all this, she became even more determined to have him!

"Could you be the hero of this generation?" Aphrodite speculated.

Not only the world longed for a hero, but the gods did as well.

Everyone awaited the appearance of a hero to end the threat of the One Eyed Black Dragon, which was a world-threatening menace.

"I am not a hero." Charlie denied.

"But—"

Before Aphrodite could speak, Hera interrupted.

"Charlie, you have met all the requirements to level up. Do you want to level up to Level 2 now?"

"Leveling up to Level 2 in just eight days breaks the record for the fastest level up held by the Sword Princess of the Loki Familia. I wonder what kind of expression Loki would show if she knew this. I'm tired of her showing off Aiz Wallenstein's achievements every time Denatus is held."

Her relationship with Loki was not that good; Aphrodite had not liked her for a long time. Moreover, Loki often compared herself to Freya.

Aphrodite and Freya were both Goddesses of Beauty, so why was Freya Familia stronger than Aphrodite Familia?

Loki often mocked her charm as not as strong as Freya's, so the adventurers targeted by Aphrodite were taken by Freya.

"Not yet. This is not my limit; I want all stats to reach EX rank before leveling up." Charlie shook his head and refused to level up.

"That's also a good choice. With your growth rate, it won't be long."

Hera agreed with Charlie's decision.

"Too bad, I wanted to boast in front of Loki."

"Aphrodite."

"Yes yes yes. I know, don't stare at me with those scary eyes. It's late, so I'll go to bed now."

Not waiting for their response, Aphrodite quickly left the room.

"Good night, Goddess Hera."

Wishing her good night, Charlie returned to his room to rest.

Seeing his back, Hera looked forward to whether he could surpass the destined hero.

"I look forward to seeing you grow up, Charlie Avalon." She murmured softly.

The night passed peacefully.