Today was the day of the auction, and the news of it had been the talk of the city for the past four days—alongside Loki's demise. My familia had grown yet again, prompting me to consider whether I should stop recruiting. Why? Because Finn Deimne, Alicia Forestlight, Gareth Landrock, and Tione Hiryute had joined us. Contrary to my initial assumption that they'd left their companions behind to join another familia, they were actually waiting nearby, fearing I might take hostile action against their friends.
After learning about Ais's condition, they forgot all caution. Finn and his group began attacking the mansion, demanding their friends back. It was amusing watching them try to break through the gate. Their frustration turned to shock when they discovered their friends weren't just safe but had already joined my familia. Once informed about Ais, they grew furious—but that problem no longer existed.
I unsealed the spirit seal within Ais, and the results were explosive. Her magic spiraled out of control, forcing me to stabilize her and supply the spirit with enough energy to heal from years of suffering. Ais fell into a coma, during which I repaired every ounce of damage using magic and origin power. Three days later, she finally woke up crying. I called her friends to comfort her; my job was done.
Later, I learned why they hadn't scattered as I'd expected. Finn explained that even without a familia, they remained friends and family. As their captain, he felt responsible for their safety until they reunited under one banner. Impressed by his dedication, I appointed him as my second vice-captain. Gareth shared similar sentiments, claiming that without him looking after Bete, the latter would surely get himself killed—an observation I agreed with. Tione stayed because she'd chosen Finn as her mate, despite his refusal of her advances. Alicia's case puzzled me until I saw her doting on Riveria like a mother reuniting with her lost daughter.
With these additions—two Level 6 adventurers (Finn and Gareth), one Level 5 (Tione), and one Level 4 (Alicia)—my sub-quest to create the strongest familia was officially complete. I received the free Teleport crystal as a reward. But my ambitions didn't end there. I planned to place this familia on the throne of this world, eliminate threats, absorb the dragon, and leave. When the time came, I'd claim ownership of this world to watch over my familia in the future.
For now, however, it was time to begin the auction. Many familias had gathered: some to participate, others to witness the rise of the familia that achieved what the Zeus familia once did. Some, like Hephaestus, Miach, Takemikazuchi, and Hermes, came to support us. Others, like Freya and Ishtar, sought to assess the competition. Then there was Ottar, the so-called "King," whose Level 7 status seemed laughable compared to mine. Clearly, word of my strength hadn't reached everyone yet. Still, any member of my familia above Level 5 could defeat him easily—with weapons forged by Shiro, of course. But patience was key. In one month, I'd elevate them all to Level 8 before departing.
As I surveyed the area, I noticed members of the Soma familia approaching Lili. Leading them was Zanis Lustra, accompanied by Canoe Belway and Chandra Ihit. Chandra appeared reluctant to follow Zanis, but I wasn't concerned. Even if they tried something, Lili was nearly Level 5, while Zanis and his lackeys were only Levels 2 and 1. Just to be safe, I sent a mental message to Lili and instructed Igris to keep an eye on them. If trouble arose, they were to neutralize the threat and detain them until after the auction.
Suddenly, commotion erupted as someone arrived. Turning, I saw Ishtar, flanked by Tammuz Belili—and trailing behind her was… Phryne Jamil. The sight of her made my stomach churn. Was she truly human? She looked more like a grotesque goblin than anything else. If she dared come near me, I'd kill her and set her ablaze. Fortunately, Aisha and Haruhime were hidden behind the auction stand, waiting for their cue to bring out the items. Ignoring Ishtar for now, I stepped onto the platform to begin the auction.
Everyone took their seats as I claimed the stage and introduced myself. The auction proceeded smoothly until I called for the first item and Aisha emerged. Ishtar stood abruptly, calling Aisha's name. When Aisha ignored her, Ishtar demanded answers and asked about Haruhime. I calmly told her to sit down and avoid delaying the auction, assuring her she could address her concerns afterward. Reluctantly, Ishtar complied, though she glared daggers at me throughout the event. Meanwhile, Freya's lustful gaze shifted between Bell and me, much to my annoyance. Drawing her attention was the last thing I wanted.
By the time the auction concluded, the Soma familia had vanished—or rather, Lili and Igris had dealt with them. As the crowd dispersed, Ishtar approached me alongside her familia members, rage etched across her face. Hestia noticed the confrontation and hurried over, followed by Hephaestus, Miach, and Takemikazuchi.
Ishtar: "Aisha, Haruhime! How dare you two escape your familia? This is a crime punishable by death!"
Sora: "Watch how you speak to my familia members, Ishtar. Whatever misunderstanding you believe exists will be resolved peacefully."
Hestia chimed in: "That's correct. What do you think you're doing, Ishtar? This is my house, and these two are my familia members."
Ishtar: "Lies! These two belong to my familia and fled. Who do you think you are to defy me, Hestia?" With that, her two companions advanced toward us.
The commotion drew everyone's attention. Before tensions escalated further, my entire familia—including Igris, Merlin, and Shiro—stood beside us, ready for battle.
Sora: "Your actions and words have made it clear: you are no longer welcome here. Leave at once."
Ishtar: "You and what army, boy? Do you think you can make me leave?" As she spoke, she signaled her familia, fully armed, to storm the gates. The Soma familia, led by Zanis, joined them. It seemed both groups intended to crush the competition early—and finding her former members here must have felt like a bonus.
Hephaestus, Miach, and Takemikazuchi stepped forward.
Hephaestus: "Ishtar, what do you think you're doing? Pull your familia back and leave immediately."
Ishtar: "Hephaestus, you've always defended Hestia, but this time, you can't save her."
At this, I laughed—a cold, mocking sound.
Sora: "This is hilarious. Ants think they can bring down my familia? You should have heeded Hephaestus's advice, whore. Now your familia—and the Soma trash—will die. Let all the gods and goddesses here bear witness to the might of my familia."
Phryne sneered: "He's gone mad. Don't worry; this pretty lady will take care of you."
In response, I released all limiters, including my blood suppression, summoned my spear, and addressed the crowd with a voice that sent waves of fear coursing through everyone present—except my familia.
Sora: "I am the Origin, First of His Name, First of Creation. Betrayed yet standing tall, loved by family but feared by all—living or not, magical or not, formless or not. All comes from me, and all shall return to me."
[General POV]
As the young man spoke, the very earth trembled beneath their feet. The entire familia stood arrayed on either side of him, fully armed and prepared to slaughter their attackers. Above him hovered hundreds of blades, gleaming ominously.
Sora: "CHANDRA IHIT, MOMIJI, KAEDE, COCO! YOU WILL ONLY GET THIS CHANCE. LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS AND STEP ASIDE, OR DIE WITH THE REST."
Without hesitation, the four named individuals threw down their weapons and fled toward the other gods and goddesses. Those who attempted to follow were impaled by Sora's floating blades.
Sora: "LEAVE NONE ALIVE. I HAVE NO MERCY FOR THOSE WHO WISH ILL UPON MY PEOPLE. LET THIS BE A LESSON TO ALL. KILL."
And so, the massacre began. Screams echoed endlessly as attackers begged for mercy or tried to flee. Members of the Soma familia attempted escape, but the gates slammed shut, trapping everyone inside. Warriors and Amazonesses from Ishtar's familia fought valiantly, even knowing death awaited them. Some tried to protect their goddess and retreat, but none succeeded.
Ten minutes later, the garden was awash with blood and gore. On one side stood the young man, his spear dripping with Ishtar's lifeblood. He cast her corpse aside, set the bodies ablaze, cleaned himself with magic, and returned to his familia as though nothing had happened.
All who witnessed the carnage shared one thought: never upset the Hestia familia—or its captain. If Ottar was king, then this man was an emperor. Everyone except Freya, who observed silently during the chaos.
Sora: "Well, everyone, sorry for the inconvenience. I hope you enjoyed yourselves today and will continue to look to the Hestia familia for business in the future."
Everyone nodded instantly.
Sora: "Now, Chandra Ihit, Coco Collins, Shinonome Momiji, Tsukinokami Kaede—come here now."
The four approached hesitantly, kneeling and begging for mercy.
Sora: "Relax. No need to worry—I didn't call you to kill you. What do you four think about joining my familia?"
There was a stunned silence.
Everyone: "Huh… Could you please repeat that again?"