Danmachi: Strongest Familia

"I must protect the interests of the Miach Familia," Naaza stated bluntly, laying out her conditions.

"Of course," Renata replied smoothly. "If you accept my proposal, I can analyse some of my familia's prescriptions for you."

"Are you serious? Your only major recipes are for life potions and magic power potions, aren't they?" 

This, Renata knew, revealed the disparity in knowledge between them. Naaza likely saw the life potion formula as immensely valuable, but it was simply an improved version of a common healing potion Singed had modified. Given enough time, either the Miach Familia or the Dian Cecht family could reverse-engineer the formula on their own.

Rather than hoarding the formula, Renata decided it was more strategic to give it away now in order to reap greater rewards in dismantling the Dian Cecht family. Her familia could barely digest the "huge cake" of opportunity before them, so hunger marketing—a strategy she'd begun with limited releases of the potion—had become necessary.

If the Dian Cecht family could be eliminated, they'd have the capital to fully claim the prize, rendering any concessions to the Miach Familia inconsequential.

If the Miach Familia dared to overstep once the Dian Cecht family was taken down, Singed could always develop a new generation of life potions. After all, the current formula still had room for improvement. Renata had done the calculations carefully.

"So, what's the plan?" Naaza asked, recognizing Renata's "sincerity" and willing to cooperate. The hatred she bore for the Dian Cecht family played no small part in her acceptance.

"First, we'll cut off every revenue stream for the Dian Cecht family," Renata began outlining her strategy.

Naaza could hold her own when it came to pharmaceutical expertise, but Renata's business acumen was on an entirely different level. At first, Naaza managed to follow Renata's line of thinking. But as Renata delved into increasingly complex details, Naaza, still feeling the aftereffects of the rage potion, found herself completely lost.

Where am I? What am I doing? Naaza's thoughts swirled in confusion. When she finally came back to herself, Renata had just finished explaining the plan. Though Naaza hadn't grasped every step, she understood the core strategy: target every source of income for the Dian Cecht family and drive them to bankruptcy through calculated business tactics.

"But if we do this, what if their God, Dian Cecht retaliates?" Naaza asked, suddenly wary.

The Dian Cecht family had deep connections throughout Orario, and many were more inclined to support them over the Miach and Janna familias—largely out of respect for Airmid, Orario's preeminent healer.

"If they attack, it'll be easier for us," Renata replied with a smirk. "The Dian Cecht family lacks any truly powerful adventurers. Even if other familias want to help, they'll have to weigh their options."

The Dian Cecht family's influence depended on their perceived irreplaceability, but the Janna Familia's growing array of potions would eventually diminish the Dian Cecht family's importance. And since Dian Cecht himself was hardly a well-liked figure in Orario, his status largely rested on Airmid's diplomatic skills. Without her, Dian Cecht's many enemies would be quick to strike.

"Since you're now prepared to work with us, I'll let you in on something," Renata said, not hesitating to pull out additional cards. "We've already formed alliances with the Sol and Morgana familias, so combat power won't be a concern."

The mention of the powerful Sol and Morgana familias reassured Naaza. She hadn't anticipated that Renata would be so capable as to secure an alliance with the Sol Familia, a famously neutral faction that had rarely allied with others—not even the Astraea Familia.

With the Sol Familia's support, she no longer feared any drastic actions the Dian Cecht family might take.

"You see," Renata continued, "once production capacity catches up, I'll be able to win over the Dian Cecht family's customers."

With this final reassurance, Naaza's last doubts dissolved. After a brief hesitation, she found herself inclined to join forces against the Dian Cecht family. However, she knew she'd have to discuss it with her god first.

"You know God Miach's nature. He might be reluctant to openly oppose the Dian Cecht family. I'm suggesting you make the decision on your own," Renata pressed, attempting to sway Naaza further while the Rage Potion's effects lingered.

"Familia Gods may be compassionate, but the members can't afford to be hesitant."

Naaza didn't respond. She simply stood up, walked to the back room of the pharmacy, and returned with a slim stack of papers, placing them in front of Renata.

Renata glanced briefly at the papers; they were prescriptions.

"These are formulas the Dian Cecht familia obtained from us, though they may have altered them over the years. That part's up to you."

"These will do nicely," Renata replied, slipping the papers into her bag. "But I hope you'll consider what I've said."

As Renata made no move to leave, Naaza regarded her warily.

"Anything else? We don't serve dinner here."

"No," Renata replied, "just one more thing crossed my mind."

"And that is?"

"Could you show me the prosthetic on your right hand?"