I love time travel the most!

------

Loki Family Base.

In a conference room.

Loki straddled the chair, resting his head on the back, and complained, "I can't believe you actually won. I'm so upset."

The target of her complaints is the biggest winner of this commotion.

——Xiao Lin.

Not only did the "heretics" successfully escape back to the dungeon, but apart from the destruction of the streets, there were no casualties in the city. In fact, the mastermind behind inciting the monsters managed to escape unscathed and was not blamed by the public.

It can be said to be a win.

However, he wasn't smug; instead, he calmly said:

"It's just a fluke."

There are too many questions surrounding this, and we haven't had time to properly review it yet.

He originally intended to sacrifice himself, but unexpectedly, he has become one of the heroes protecting the city because of the intervention of [Bull].

Most importantly, I didn't expect that the Freya Familia would be among them.

What exactly is that goddess planning?

And don't be fooled by Loki's complaints to Kobayashi; she's actually won too.

When Finn realized he couldn't win the game, he immediately changed his strategy. After the riot ended, he not only became the hero who saved the city, but also the key to uncovering the mastermind, Ikeros.

After a series of actions, his reputation not only didn't decline but actually improved.

All I can say is that he truly lives up to his reputation as a "brave warrior" known for his wisdom and resourcefulness.

The dwarf leader on the main seat showed no smugness; his calm demeanor suggested that these were simply routine actions for him.

"Actually, if I had a choice, I would prefer that you, Kobayashi, join us."

This wasn't just polite talk; it was my sincere feeling.

To defeat the city's rising star, the strongest LV6 Sword Maiden of the new generation of the Loki Familia, with only LV5 rank, Kobayashi's potential is undoubtedly monstrous... even more monstrous than the Sword Maiden, Otto, and the others.

Unfortunately, too many people were eyeing him.

I thought the Freya Familia would be restrained, but I didn't expect that goddess to be so willful.

They tricked me.

Shake your head to shake off the feeling of disappointment.

If he keeps dwelling on this, he doesn't deserve to be called a "hero".

Looking at Kobayashi, he said, "Kobayashi, you came here today for a reason, didn't you?"

"Yes, it's about the bet."

Kobayashi nodded.

Loki forced the game on the condition that Kobayashi join the Familia, so Kobayashi, who won, would naturally receive the reward.

"So, what is it?"

"Please help us get those monsters that are still lingering in the city back to the dungeon."

The search for their companions by the members of the Loki Familia was thwarted by the members of the Loki Familia.

The situation was urgent, and only most of the "heretics" were taken away; some were still unable to return to the dungeon and were hunted down by adventurers.

This task is best suited for the Loki Familia, which has been assigned by the guild to thoroughly investigate the remaining monsters on the city's surface.

"It is possible, but the major clans are still on high alert, and the strongholds where those monsters are hiding will be found sooner or later."

"Then why don't we have the Loki Familia join in too... just kidding."

Finn, the "Hero" who wants to restore the glory of the Lilliputians, will never stand against the humans.

Therefore, Kobayashi's persuasion had no effect.

Finn replied, "We agree to your request, but when the city demands the extermination of the monster, we will be enemies."

He didn't say guild, but rather city.

This also proves that the guild's influence has been diminished in this incident.

Kobayashi could only nod in agreement.

"By the way, Kobayashi, what are your plans for the future?"

"...Become stronger."

It's not over yet.

Wisdom and strategy are only helpful tools; the most reliable thing is strength.

Only by being strong can one avoid being bound.

This is the eternal truth.

Afterwards, Kobayashi went to the Hestia Familia's headquarters.

During the riot, Bell's battle with the "Bull" was witnessed by the adventurers watching, which made him the third hero of the Labyrinth City and brought him into the public eye.

"Congratulations, Bear Grylls, you've become a hero."

"But I don't want it to be like this."

Bell looked dejected.

He wanted to help the Heretic, but his strength was too weak. It wasn't just the battle with the Bull, but also the sense of powerlessness he felt from the other Familias standing in his way, that made him realize his own inadequacy.

This is also the first time.

He had the idea of ​​becoming stronger.

"Bell, do you regret it?"

"..."

The white-haired, red-eyed boy remained silent.

He wanted to say he didn't regret it, but when he thought about how his willfulness had almost implicated his companions, he hesitated for a moment.

"You hesitated."

"..."

"An answer reached after too much hesitation will inevitably lead to regret, no matter which choice you make. Since you're going to regret it anyway, choose to be happy in the present. Don't worry about the future; even the gods don't know if you'll be smiling in the future, so just enjoy the present."

"……Eh?"

"This is the doctrine of my clan—the Aqua Clan."

Kobayashi smiled and patted Bell on the shoulder.

Although the core of the doctrine is not actually positive, it always manages to have an uplifting effect for some reason.

Bell lowered his head again and said softly, "There's no need to be proud. You can be confused all the time, but never regret it."

"……What's this?"

“These are the words my grandfather once told me.”

"Hmm, quite philosophical."

Kobayashi agrees with the words of the god (Zeus).

Bell smiled and said, "No, in my opinion, Aqua's words are more philosophical. How should I put it? I can feel her inclusive and kind side."

Are you sure this isn't just the side of giving up?

Kobayashi's expression was strange.

However, since Bell has said so, as the leader of Aqua Familia, he naturally wouldn't undermine his own goddess.

He patted Bell on the shoulder again.

"Bell, if you don't want to regret it, then get stronger."

"Yes, I will."

Bell clenched his fist, then raised his head and said loudly, "Mr. Kobayashi, please give me some more special training!"

"Well... I'm sorry, I have to go back to my hometown."

"……Eh?"

The white-haired, red-eyed boy was dumbfounded.

------

"What's this about going back to your hometown, Mr. Kobayashi?"

The silver-gray short-haired maid leaned over Kobayashi, her beautiful face close to his, her bright eyes revealing a hint of worry and anger.

"Is it because of the guild, or is someone talking behind your back? If you've been bullied, please tell me, and I'll confront them!"

"Calm down, Miss Hill."

Xiao Lin gently touched her shoulders and created some distance between them.

Hill was the most popular maid in the tavern, and her every move was watched. Her recent gesture had already aroused the jealousy and envy of the surrounding guests.

Moreover, several malicious glances shot out from hidden corners.

Their identities are self-evident.

Seeing Hill's worry, Kobayashi explained, "I just realized after this riot that I'm still too weak. So in order to face the upcoming crisis, I need to go back and strengthen my abilities."

"really?"

The silver-haired maid looked on with a mixture of belief and doubt.

"Really?" Kobayashi smiled and said, "Thanks to the secret help of a certain goddess, I didn't become the target of everyone's criticism. I am truly grateful to her from the bottom of my heart."

This was a hint that only she could understand, and only she knew which goddess it referred to.

As expected, after hearing the words of thanks, Hill blushed slightly and said shyly, "Is that so... Then Mr. Kobayashi, you must thank that goddess properly."