Hunted by Characters I Drew!!

"Have you heard? The Loki Familia has successfully reached the 59th floor!" 

"What?! The fifty-ninth floor? That's the level even the two major Familias couldn't break through. The Loki Familia really is incredible. No wonder it's one of the strongest in Orario!" 

"That's right. It's the Loki Familia, after all." 

The streets of Orario were abuzz with chatter about the Loki Familia's achievement. Meanwhile, at Loki's residence, a grand banquet was underway to celebrate their success. 

Held in the opulent hall of their home, the banquet was an extravagant affair. Most of the gods in Orario attended, their presence a show of respect and acknowledgment for the Familia's accomplishment. Loki herself, dressed in a sleek black low-cut gown, stood at the center of the magnificent hall, welcoming guests with a wide smile. 

"Loki, congratulations! I didn't expect your Familia to succeed," Hephaestus said warmly, approaching Loki with a smile. Hephaestus's Familia had also participated in the expedition, making this victory a shared triumph. 

"Thank you! Same to you," Loki replied, her grin widening as she clasped Hephaestus's hand. 

At the entrance, Hestia arrived with Alexander by her side. Since this was a Familia banquet rather than one exclusive to the gods, most deities brought their Familia members along for safety. Naturally, Hestia had Alexander accompany her. 

"Hmph. Congratulations, I suppose," Hestia muttered, her tone cold as she eyed Loki. Despite their alliance, Hestia still harbored competitive feelings toward Loki, especially when the latter exuded such confidence and charm. 

Their alliance was a recent development. Just the day before, Loki had joined Alexander's Familia. This had not only increased Alexander's influence but also granted him access to an immense reserve of divine power. Thanks to this, Alexander's abilities had now far surpassed those of most gods in the realm. 

"Alexander, you're here too!" Loki exclaimed, skipping past Hestia and rushing to Alexander with enthusiasm. 

Alexander smiled politely. "Looking good, Loki." 

"Of course! This is the Loki Familia's banquet!" Loki said proudly, puffing out her chest. 

Seeing this, Hestia huffed in annoyance. "Hmph! No matter how proud you are, it's useless. Alexander would never like someone like you!" 

Pouting, Hestia patted her own chest with exaggerated pride. Loki, unimpressed, squinted her eyes and retorted, "Oh? And what makes you think Alexander likes 'you'?" 

"Obviously! Only someone feminine and adorable like me could win his heart," Hestia replied confidently. 

Loki rolled her eyes. "You? Feminine? Please. Besides, how would you even know what Alexander likes? You're not him." 

Despite her dismissal, Loki wasn't particularly interested in Alexander romantically. She viewed him more as a fascinating friend and ally, though teasing Hestia was far too entertaining to resist. 

Turning to Alexander, Hestia asked, "Alexander, what do you like in a woman?" 

Alexander froze. What was he supposed to say? Any answer risked offending someone. This was a trap, a deadly question no one should have to answer. 

Under the intense stares of Hestia, Loki, and even Ais, who stood nearby pretending not to eavesdrop, Alexander could only muster: 

"I... like women. Who are alive. Yes, that's it." 

The room fell silent. 

Hestia blinked. "...What kind of answer is that? A 'woman who's alive'? Are you joking?" 

Loki smirked. "Alive, huh? By that logic, I fit the criteria too." 

Before anyone could reply, a voice interrupted. 

"Oh? A woman who's alive? Then I suppose I meet the requirements as well." 

The group turned toward the entrance to see Freya making her entrance, Ottar following dutifully behind her. Freya's stunning presence drew the attention of everyone in the hall, her eyes locked firmly on Alexander. 

Seeing Freya, Hestia instinctively clung to Alexander's arm. She knew Freya's reputation all too well. The goddess of beauty was notorious for her charms, and Hestia feared that Alexander might fall under her spell. 

Freya, meanwhile, regarded Alexander with curiosity and admiration. "Such a radiant soul," she murmured, her gaze unwavering. "Just looking at it makes one feel uplifted." 

Alexander blinked in confusion. "Radiant soul? What does that even mean?" 

Freya's eyes sparkled. "Oh, Alexander. Have your eyes deceived you lately, or have you simply failed to notice your own brilliance?" 

Hestia, not about to let Freya get any closer, tightened her grip on Alexander's arm.