Chapter 13: Turning The Table

"Sol-sama!"

"It seems the dark faction is finally making a desperate move. They're stirring up quite a commotion," Sol observed, his face showing rare seriousness.

Although the gods in the lower realm have sealed their power, they still tacitly maintain some unspoken rules.

For example, don't directly attack other gods.

But now, it was clear that the dark faction had shattered those norms entirely.

Outside, the situation was unclear; even near the familia's residence, hurried footsteps echoed in all directions. For Riveria, protecting Sol and the rest of the familia took precedence over everything else. She knew this was a direct assault on the gods of various familias, and she couldn't afford to leave Sol's side, as his safety was paramount.

"Joan, Lan, go check the perimeter, but don't stray too far!" Riveria commanded the two elven sisters standing beside her.

Joan and Lan, both LV4 adventurers, were the strongest in the familia next to Riveria. Joan specialized in defensive magic, while Lan was a skilled archer. Another LV4, Corina, who wielded lightning magic, completed the trio. Joan and Lan made a well-coordinated team, and Riveria trusted them to handle the reconnaissance safely.

The two sisters nodded without hesitation and quickly slipped out of the courtyard.

"All right, don't be too tense. With Riveria here, even if trouble comes our way, they won't dare do much." Sol reassured the familia members, noticing their lingering unease. He maintained a relaxed tone, trying to lift their spirits.

But before long, a powerful force crashed against the door, nearly shaking it off its hinges. Only the special materials used in its construction kept it intact.

"Well, it seems our uninvited guests have arrived," Sol muttered irritably, feeling the irony sting. He'd just said no one would dare to attack them, and here was his answer—an insult delivered swiftly and directly.

Riveria reacted instantly. With her staff raised, she began a chant, her voice calm and focused. "Spirit of the wood—heed my wish, Mori's raiment—my name is Alf." As the words left her lips, a protective barrier sprang up, enveloping the courtyard just as several magic bullets tore through the gates, splashing against the barrier with shimmering ripples.

A hoarse voice echoed through the breach in the gate. "Well, well, just as expected from the Sol Familia—such beautiful elves, all here waiting for my blessing~" The figure that stepped forward was none other than God Apate, flanked by more than a dozen powerful elves.

These elves were the so-called "Elf Soldiers" trained by the Apate Familia—a force of twelve LV5s, fearsome on any battlefield.

These soldiers, though slightly weaker than standard LV5s due to the drugs used to enhance them, made up for it with sheer numbers. Yet, here they were, launching a brazen assault on Sol's own residence, as if he wasn't worth considering.

So, they really intended to challenge him on his own ground—to dispatch him straight back to the heavens, no less.

Seeing the intruders, Sol felt a wave of relief. The anticipation and unknown threats lurking in the shadows had been unsettling. Now, with the enemy revealed, his confidence returned. The dark faction's forces appeared imposing, but he knew they were no match for Riveria—especially here, in the heart of her own territory, with the familia to support her.

"Apate," Sol called out, his voice brimming with disdain. "You actually dare to storm my home. Are you so tired of life in the lower realm that you want me to personally send you back to the heavens?"

Apate responded with mocking laughter, his eyes gleaming with desire as he glanced at Riveria. "Hah! After tonight, all of Orario will belong to us. Why don't you just surrender now, Sol? Your familia members will make fine additions to my own ranks!"

The Sol familia was known for its powerful elven members, similar to Apate's forces—though Sol's elves were far more skilled. Apate dreamed of capturing them, using his potions to elevate these elves to LV6, creating elite soldiers bound to him.

"Arrogant fool! Let the disgrace of your kind be buried here today!" Riveria's voice rang coldly. To her, these traitorous elves were nothing but shameful stains on their race. She felt not the slightest hesitation in facing them down; if anything, she was even more ruthless when dealing with their kind.

"So, this is Orario's strongest mage? I wonder how your magic measures up to our enchanted blades!" sneered one of the elf soldiers, showing no trace of respect for Riveria.

Several of Apate's soldiers brandished gleaming magic swords, their quality evident from their polished, sinister glow. They advanced slowly, pouring their magic into the blades, while the other soldiers began their chants, casting a variety of spells as brilliant colors flashed across the clearing.

Sol smirked, unperturbed. "It must have been a struggle to gather so many fools willing to die."

"Hah, talk all you want! Soon, we'll send your head back to heaven!" The lead elf soldier snarled, his eyes wide with a manic, ferocious glee.

As they raised their magic swords, filling them with raw energy, Riveria responded with her own chant. "Spirit of the Air, Lord of Light! With my pact bound to the Forest Guardian, let us raise the walls of light to shield and protect. My name is Alfred!"

A glowing green barrier swiftly formed, encasing her familia in a radiant, unyielding shield. Though it appeared delicate, the barrier gave her allies an instant sense of safety.

"Counterattack!" Riveria commanded, her voice calm and resolute.

While Riveria maintained the barrier, Corina assumed temporary command, directing the other members with practiced efficiency. Dozens of voices joined in synchronized magic chants, their words blending into a chorus of power.

Magic arrows shot through the air before the spells even took form. In the ranks of the dark faction, two hulking warriors wielded massive shields, bracing against the onslaught. Arrows clattered against the shields, leaving deep dents in the iron.

With Riveria's protection, Sol's familia felt no fear. They fought with precision honed by countless battles under her training, their attacks relentless and sure.