1034. Shirou Is Suspected by the Goddess / 1035. Shirou's Persuasion ...

Judging from the destructive power he briefly displayed, and his ability to revive from a monster after death and create a new body, it's clear that no ordinary monster could accomplish such a feat.

Afterwards, they continued their exploration into deeper levels. Although they encountered mutated monsters again, they never saw the fire giant again, until they reached the agreed-upon fiftieth floor.

Shirou arrived there and triggered a completely new area that had never been discovered before. There, everyone saw a golden-red ocean, which was a rolling lava field. The only path that people could walk on was a loose path made of volcanic ash, about the size of a log bridge.

If you step on it lightly, the soil will slide down towards the lava pools on both sides. If you are not careful, it may collapse and be burned to ashes by the lava on both sides.

Upon arriving here, the people were caught in a dilemma, but Shirou announced that the mission was over, he was satisfied, and they could prepare to return to the city.

Shirou didn't hide his purpose: he wanted to find the fire giant inside and defeat him.

But precisely because of this, Loki simply couldn't believe it, because the fire giant and she originated from the same mythological being, and was also the giant king who was killed by the Norse gods and burned down all the temples.

But that was a very, very long time ago, so long ago that the exact year is unremembered. It was perhaps tens or hundreds of times older than the birth of the races in this world. At that time, the realm of gods was divided into many different domains, and many things happened in each of the mythological worlds.

It's as if the gods created something, and destroyed something else; some places were destroyed because of the gods' anger, while others flourished because of the gods' protection.

The gods were acting recklessly, abusing their divine authority, until one day they collectively went awry, fought a powerful enemy, and were ultimately annihilated. Even if they were later resurrected, that world had become unsuitable for the gods to live in.

So the gods left that place, giving the stage to humankind, and gathered in a unified divine realm, living a free and unrestrained, yet somewhat unconventional, life.

Before long, the gods, who were already two hundred million years old, descended upon this world. They lived with the children of their clans, observing the bizarre and diverse humans, no two of whom were exactly alike, and enjoying a life full of novelty.

"No! That's not what we're talking about! In less than a year, you killed someone on your own. Even for children whose 'Benefit' has been elevated to level four, it would be extremely difficult to do that. Your physical abilities are just too abnormal. What's going on?"

With a snap!

Loki slammed his hand on the table, his sharp eyes fixed on the smiling Shirou.

"Eek, I guess I'm just naturally gifted, able to achieve the same effect as divine favor on my own," Shirou said, shrugging. He knew he couldn't deal with this goddess in the same way as an ordinary person, so he decided to tease her a little.

"That's not right! Even our Ais took a year, a whole year, to get her first [level up]! But you don't have any divine favor, so why are you growing so fast? Do you think I'm stupid?"

Eight years ago.

The fact that an eight-year-old girl reached Level 2 at an extraordinary speed remains unforgettable. And that was when she was a human, whose physical abilities and intelligence were far inferior to those of other races.

The feat of achieving the highest Lv.2 level as quickly as before once caused a great stir in Orario and the world.

Now, after this journey, Ais has finally reached Lv.6.

"Oh, right, I forgot to mention, Miss Ais, congratulations on your advancement." Shirou smiled warmly at the blonde girl holding the pork cutlet rice bowl.

"Thank you, Mr. Shirou, thanks to your scabbard," Ais said with a light smile.

"No problem. I trust your skills. Bring the scabbard with you, and I can adjust it for you. I believe it will be even more suitable for battle." Shirou nodded and said.

"Don't ignore me! What's wrong with you?! You're not human at all, not cute at all!" Loki yelled, clutching his head in frustration.

Chapter 1034 Shirou, Suspected by the Goddess

Although Shirou did not receive any favors, his physical abilities have now reached level 4 after testing.

Shirou was also quite helpless, because the mutated monsters he killed along the way were actually powered by the Creative Power that had been lost from the white god. Now that the monsters had been destroyed, this power had naturally returned to Shirou's body.

The reason why monsters mutate when he enters the dungeon is also because the 'power' wants to return to its master.

"Liar!!!" Loki was about to pounce on Shirou and teach him a lesson.

"I've said what I needed to say. Goddess, you can't be so willful," Shirou said.

However, she stopped herself at the last moment, because without her Divine Power, she was no match for Shirou, whose strength had increased.

"Loki, Mr. Shirou is still a guest, no matter what."

"That's right, Loki, Mr. Shirou is a good person. You must have misunderstood."

The Loki Familia is a top-tier large family. Besides girls around fifteen or sixteen years old like Ais, Tione, Tiona, and Leifya, it also has many female members. There are energetic young women of college age, as well as older women of marriageable age, and each of them is a beautiful woman with both strength and looks.

Over the past few days, Shirou has become quite familiar with the female adventurers in the Loki Familia, so many of them have come forward to speak up for Shirou and defend him.

"But, but... Waaaaah!! I'm so angry~!" Loki was so angry she could grind her teeth, but Shirou was completely helpless. In fact, it was as if this guy was about to steal away the beautiful harem she had painstakingly built.

"Our 'favor' isn't like that. If the children's materials could grow significantly in just over a month, they wouldn't need our help at all. It's precisely because that's impossible that we're working so hard."

"The grace of God is by no means an instantaneous power," said the wine-red-haired goddess Loki.

Ultimately, [ability stats] are just a trigger.

It can only uncover the unrealized possibilities within a person's life, transform them into tangible things, and thus enable people to acquire definite abilities.

Abilities, skills, True Magic —all these abilities are sharp blades called "qualities" buried within a person's body. And these, after being influenced by the various accumulated histories—[experience points]—will detach from their original form, evolve, or decay and deteriorate. (Monthly fee group 694936135) Seeds buried in the soil will bloom into different flowers depending on the environment.

Therefore, [ability value] is the catalyst.

"God's grace" is not an omnipotent force imposed from the outside; to put it in a way that might be misunderstood, it is the key to ultimate self-realization. It's like a more comprehensive drug with no side effects.

Shirou's growth rate is simply too fast. Before entering the dungeon, everyone in the familia was somewhat worried about Shirou's personal safety, thinking he was too reckless. But if it were the Shirou of today, no one would dare to criticize him.

Even with the naked eye, Shirou's strength is palpable; his physique and muscles resemble those of a battle-hardened warrior, making him one of the top adventurers among level 4 adventurers. Coupled with his various amazing gadgets, his strength is actually on par with Tiona and Tione.

Now it seems that Shirou's growth rate has exceeded the effect of Grace, which means that Shirou possesses a kind of 'medicine' that is more effective than Grace, or that Shirou's body is naturally superior to that of humans.

All these changes are simply because those mutated monsters were killed. Although it wasn't just one person, the effect was far too obvious on Shirou.

In Loki's eyes, Shirou, who walked on the ground, was more special than the fire giants in the dungeon. After all, the former was a monster, while the dungeon was full of troublesome monsters with strange abilities.

However, Shirou, who cannot receive divine favor but whose growth pattern surpasses even that of divine favor, and Shirou is different from past heroes, is the rarest of all.

Loki stared intently at Shirou. From him, she didn't sense much of the humanity that the gods desired. He was selfish, cunning, yet yearning for trust and purity. Sometimes vulgar and base, but at other times he could radiate a noble light that even the gods admired.

The same rice can nourish a hundred different kinds of people. Even with the help of the gods, it is impossible to fully understand a person or predict their future. There will always be unexpected changes. This is what the gods admire and like most about humanity.

But in her eyes, Shirou was too abnormal no matter how she looked at him. He was clearly excellent, but she just couldn't bring herself to take him under her control. Instead, she wanted to stay away from him. Perhaps it was because she sensed in Shirou some traits similar to those of certain obsessive gods who were very incompatible with her. (Monthly fee group 694936135)

"Who exactly are you? What's your purpose? Hey! Shirou, explain yourself!" Loki pressed her forehead against Shirou's, staring intently into his eyes as she relentlessly demanded an explanation. Even though she instinctively disliked Shirou, she had to get to the bottom of things now, even if it was for the sake of the children she loved.

"I've already said it, haven't I? I want to stop the fire giant's resurrection and restore the dungeon to normal," Shirou said calmly.

"You mean that's Surtur? That's a bit different from the guy I know. What are you trying to do, dragging our clan's children to find something so dangerous!" Loki said.

"It seems you really like the people here Loki." Shirou looked at this infamous traitor in every world, who was either beaten up by the gods or smashed by the Hulk, a god hated by gods and demons wherever he went.

However, things seem a little different in this world...

"Of course! Every single one of them is one of our proud children." Loki straightened up, pulling himself back from his leaning posture, and said matter-of-factly.

"Is that so? Then help me! Otherwise, that fire giant will come out from underground and burn this world down." Shirou said to Loki, thinking to himself that perhaps he could try to trust her this once.

"It's too dangerous. Why did you have to go that far? If that really is Surtur, he's an old friend of mine. I could ask him to spare my child," Loki said, arms crossed.

"No, what if it's the King of Giants from another world? The Loki I know isn't a woman either," Shirou said, looking at the goddess.

Chapter 1035 Shirou's Persuasion

"What's going on?" Loki's expression changed.

"Just like the literal meaning, the fire giant came here from another world and was sealed underground. And I'm here to deal with him," Shirou said calmly.

Loki wasn't surprised by the other world, because gods from different systems couldn't possibly live together.

For example, even Hinduism and Buddhism, both located in India, have slandered and denigrated each other due to religious disputes. For instance, some of the main deities with high status in Hinduism have become protectors or mounts in Buddhism, while others have become demons that hindered the Buddha's enlightenment during his lifetime.

Hinduism encompasses all the traditions of the Indian subcontinent, and Buddha was merely one of the many other deities who had attained profound spiritual cultivation.

Like in Japanese mythology, Takamagahara was originally a village similar to the Hokage Village. Amaterasu wove, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto at Goddess Amaterasu, Susanoo hunted. They constantly fought with gods from other places for territory, sometimes by sending troops to annex it, and sometimes by giving a large mansion to the gods who surrendered.

Chinese mythology is similar; Pangu's creation, Nuwa created humans. So there's no need for gods from other ancient civilizations.

If we lived in the same world, peaceful coexistence would be impossible. Therefore, it can be inferred that everyone lives in an independent world, without interfering with each other.

"We don't deny that, but do you know what you're saying? Even gods wouldn't dare joke like that, or they'd be attacked and banished from Orario." Loki opened his narrowed eyes, revealing a troubled expression for the first time.

"Even if you're a god, the world you've seen isn't permanent, is it? Even without Surtr, there are still monsters capable of destroying the world, aren't there?" Shirou countered.

The one-eyed black dragon that wiped out Zeus and Hera's entire Familia in the three major missions should possess such strength.

He even suspected that this world might be a place where the gods exiled and suppressed the monsters that had once opposed them, and that they had already planned to destroy the world along with the monsters when they crawled out.

If there are any Chinese deities, there might even be a Thunder God Face Monkey trapped under a mountain in the underground city.

However, the subsequent changes were beyond their expectations. The appearance of adventurers brought them new enjoyment, so one by one they came from the realm of gods, established their own clans, and bestowed blessings upon the adventurers. Now, some of the gods no longer wish for this world to be destroyed.

Thus, many gods began to yearn to find a 'hero'! A hero who could defeat the monsters that destroyed everything underground.

Loki bit his lip, scratched his head, and hesitated for a long time before finally giving in.

"Fine! Even if what you're saying is true! So what? Are you saying you're the hero who defeated Surtr? Even if that's a monster that even the gods fear?"

"I am not your hero, but I don't want to see this world destroyed because of it," Shirou said bluntly, showing no mercy despite the fact that the other party was a god. Rather, Shirou still believed that gods were superfluous. If it weren't for them, there wouldn't be monsters in this world, and adventurers wouldn't need to risk their lives.

"Ha, you really dare to say that? Do you really think you can defeat Surtr? Empty words are useless; how can we believe you?" Loki, suppressing her anger, questioned Shirou. But Shirou's expression was so resolute, without the slightest wavering. This only fueled Loki's rage.

Are there really such unlovable humans in this world?

When Loki was in the realm of the gods, he was known as an evil god. So, he committed all sorts of atrocities, leaving desolation in the places he went. At that time, she probably just watched it as a good show and praised him, saying, "Well done."

If it's someone with noble character, she might play a prank on them; if it's genuine, she'll like it very much.

To be honest, gods view other beings from a higher perspective, as if they were detached from the world. To them, all human behavior is nothing more than children playing around.

Even if it's filled with bloodshed and brutality, humans are reincarnated after death. For the gods, this reincarnation is just a matter of taking a nap. Perhaps the child they saw one moment was killed, and the next moment he has been reincarnated into a new identity, committing acts of killing others.

But Shirou, a guy who places himself on par with the gods, is not lovable at all.

"Is it not enough that I was the first to know of his existence and take action?" Shirou looked at Loki and said seriously.

"That's not enough. It's practically impossible to get all the gods to obey you," said Loki.

"How would you know if you don't try? If we're talking about gods, aren't they just a bunch of guys who want excitement and are always stirring up trouble?" Shirou chuckled and said slowly.

"Even so, you need a suitable place to announce Surtr's arrival. I'm not going to help you announce it," Loki said, waving her hands. If she were to say it, it wouldn't be a joke. It might even start a war between the gods.

"I'll speak for you! I'll give it a try. At least I can get 80% of the gods to know, that should be enough, right?" Shirou nodded and said.

"How will you do that?" Loki asked Shirou, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

"The meeting of the gods will be held on the thirty-third floor of the Tower of Babel, but in the meantime, I must create an opportunity," Shirou said.

"Huh? As a human, you can't get in there," Loki said.

"Well, just wait and see." Shirou said, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Loki asked, puzzled.

"Of course, I'm preparing my luggage for going back. I think I've answered most of the questions." Shirou walked straight outside.

The adventurers around him made way for him, and several young ladies even eagerly led the way for Shirou.

"Huh?" Loki looked at his outfit. Was he really completely intimidating as a queen?

This morning, there were already people waiting at the main gate.

It was the inspector sent by the guild, the half-elf Miss Eina. At this moment, she was wearing the surveyor's badge on her right arm, and behind her stood a white-haired boy, a tiny twin-tailed loli goddess, and several other unfamiliar faces. It seemed that quite a few things had happened around Bell during his time in the dungeon.

At that moment, Loki pounced on Hestia as soon as he saw her.

The other party did the same, and the two faced off.

"Little one! What brings you here!"

"Of course it's because you detained my lovely Bell-kun's friend! You criminal god, even if your chest is as flat as an airport runway, your heart is just as narrow!"

Chapter 1036 Bell Welcomes Shirou

"Mr. Shirou, are you alright? If the Loki Familia is giving you trouble, you can speak up, and the guild will definitely stand up for you," Eina said with a righteous expression.

"Thank you for coming to help me, Miss Eina. Actually, I'm doing quite well here, but I was delayed for a while because I had some things to discuss." Shirou chuckled and looked gratefully at the half-elf lady.

"No... Mr. Shirou... I'm glad you're alright." Eina blushed as she spoke, feeling Shirou staring at her like that.

"Big brother, I've come to pick you up." Bell followed and said, but his small eyes were scanning inside the door, as if trying to find the blonde figure among the female adventurers who were seeing them off.

"Oh, Bell, Ais isn't here right now," Shirou said, having already gone out to train in the dungeon.

"Eh, is that so... Hey! No... no, I wasn't looking for Miss Ais!" Bell blushed immediately and waved her hands frantically.

"Alright, let's go back first," Shirou said.

"Hmph! You bastard Shirou, remember what you said. If you can't show us your true abilities, we won't help you!" Loki yelled at Shirou.

"What is it?" Hestia asked, puzzled.

"This is none of your business, you useless little brat!" Loki shouted, raising his hands.

"What! What are you hiding from me! Tell me! Tell me! You washboard!" Hestia shouted, raising her hands high.

Ignoring the two gods, Shirou turned to the female adventurers who had come to see him off, and said with a friendly smile: