Chapter 154 : Noble

This day couldn't get any crazier, with a Champion and now a Hero.

Loki and her family didn't know what to think.

From the start, they had only focused on Yuki, the Champion, forgetting about Inori, who accompanied him. To them, she was just his girlfriend, but they also forgot something important— the Champion's girlfriend wouldn't be ordinary.

Loki only knew she was a progenitor, like Yuki, nothing more. However, upon discovering she was a Hero, she was left speechless.

Though a Hero might be overshadowed by a Champion, a Hero still remained a Hero. So once again, the group looked at Inori with disbelief, who had a dreamy expression on her face.

"Hmm~ a Hero, huh?... Wait, she's my daughter too, right?!"

Initially, Hestia had a stern look, anticipating chaos with a Hero in Orario. Although a Hero's radiance wasn't on par with a Champion's, Heroes posed their own set of problems. However, as if something clicked in her mind, Hestia's eyes lit up.

"Yes, she is also part of the Hestia Family."

"Yay! Yes! Yes!"

Jumping for joy, Hestia looked at Inori with enthusiasm, who simply tilted her head in response.

"Ahhh~ so cute, Inori-chan."

Hestia embraced Inori tightly, showering her with affection. After all, Hestia was overjoyed.

"Grrr~"

Meanwhile, Loki gritted her teeth. This Chibi was incredibly fortunate, but she was also somewhat confused. As far as she knew, Champions were lone wolves who never needed anyone's help; they helped the world.

Heroes, on the other hand, tended to lead groups, creating more Heroes in the process, saving humans and different races. They were more sociable and needed the world's assistance.

This stark difference left Loki perplexed. A Champion and a Hero forming a group was unprecedented in Loki's experience.

The destiny of a Hero was potent, almost indestructible. Conversely, a Champion didn't need a predetermined destiny. Loki could only see the Hero relying on the Champion not to lose their way on the path of destiny.

(How strange...)

Frowning, Loki rested a hand on her chin. These two were indeed peculiar.

(No... This is very noble.)

But as if realizing something, Loki's eyes widened.

Even though a Hero's destiny was formidable, it often led to a tragic end. Therefore, being a Hero wasn't necessarily a good thing. However, observing Inori, Loki saw it— Inori's destiny no longer revolved around the world; it circled the Champion now, taking his light as a guide to navigate the infinite darkness that is the path of life.

In other words, the Champion had taken on the Hero's burden, enduring their tragic fate while also saving more than just the world—saving living beings, the Hero's duty.

Yuki was doing a job meant for a Hero, and this wasn't the first time. When he died, Artemis made it clear: he was 'My Hero.' He not only saved the world but all living beings in it. Despite gaining the title of Champion, Yuki was a hero before that.

And Artemis knew it well. For her, a Hero deserved more respect than a Champion, as they saved lives rather than just the world. But conversely, without a world, there would be no life.

This realization made Loki admire Yuki. At his tender age, he carried an immense burden on his shoulders.

Yet, this was something only Loki and Syr could see, as they had more experience with beings like Heroes and Champions. Despite Hestia also knowing about Heroes and Champions, her experience was not as extensive as theirs.

Syr saw this before Loki but wasn't interested in a Hero.

A Hero could be easily created, but a Champion wasn't an everyday sight. Not to mention, his light overshadowed the Hero's, making his soul's light as ordinary as any other adventurer. There was another benefit the Champion brought to the Gods that a Hero couldn't offer.

The rest of the assembly was surprised.

Ais, in disbelief, gazed at the masked woman...

But this also made her think of something.

(A Hero... Yes,If I'm with the Champion... Can I become a Hero too?)

With high expectations, Ais's eyes lit up. After all, she remembered her father's words.

"I hope you find a Hero who is only for you one day."

She had waited for years for the day a Hero would enter her life. Now, she had a Hero before her and someone much more significant. Her goal shifted from finding a Hero to becoming one, just to become stronger.

"Well, it's time to go."

Feeling uneasy under many stares, Yuki no longer wanted to waste time in this bar. He sent eye signals to Hestia, who, with a blink, agreed.

"Yes! There's much to discuss; it's time to go."

Looking at Hephaestus, Hestia smiled stiffly. Hephaestus, seeing this, shook her head, but like Hestia, she also wanted to leave, so she added,

"Right, I still have many weapons to forge."

With all three of them in agreement, Inori had no issue; she also wanted to leave and escape from Hestia's somewhat uncomfortable embrace.

"Well, it was a pleasure, Loki-sama, everyone."

Bowing, Yuki put on his mask again, thanking Loki for the meal.

"Hiyaa, you're welcome, Your Excellency. But remember, my family's doors will always be open for you."

With both hands on the table, Loki sent a sweet smile to Yuki, who, confused, wondered if that smile was genuine—Loki was a prankster, after all.

"Then, goodbye..."

Not bothering about Loki's smile anymore, Yuki took Inori's hand, while Hestia also took one of his.

"Hehee~"

"Ugh! Hestia..."

Seeing Hestia treat him like a child gave Yuki a headache. Well, he was a child, but his mentality wasn't that of a child.

"Wait!"

However, before they could leave, someone stopped them.

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TN : Did you think killing me was enough to make me die? Foolish