The villainous young master just wants to live a Buddhist-like life.

　It is almost foreseeable that the era of "vegetative state" patients will return soon.

　Next are Hephaestus, the "god of fire and forging," and Hestia, the "goddess of the hearth."

　Both of these celestial beings belong to the category of "fire gods," and there is some overlap in their authority.

　However, Hephaestus preferred "craftsmanship," while Hestia preferred "family."

　Hephaestus invited many dwarves and goblins, as well as human artisans. A closer look would reveal several alchemists among them, but Professor Kazel, the most powerful alchemist of the time, was not among them. Professor Kazel had indeed been invited, but he simply wasn't at the tea party venue.

　The invited craftsmen already knew Professor Cazell's name, but they waited and waited for him, making even the academic exchange seem perfunctory.

　I don't know where Professor Cazell went.

　Hestia, the "Goddess of the Stove," invited the world's most famous "chef."

　Among them are chefs proficient in various cuisines, as well as pastry chefs specializing in desserts.

　The tea party venue is equipped with a complete set of kitchen utensils and an inexhaustible supply of food ingredients.

　o

　The invited "chefs" each displayed their skills, continuously producing delicious dishes that filled the air with their aroma.

　But in addition to the "chefs", Hestia also invited a group of "feminists".

　The "feminists" here refer to emerging, progressive women of this era who advocate for gender equality; they represent a transformative trend born of the times. What were Hestia's intentions in inviting them? Did she intend to support them?

　These are questions that many people are pondering.

　In addition to "chefs" and "feminists," Hestia also invited a number of young women.

　These women were not married, meaning they had not formed new "families." However, they were still within Hestia's invitation range.

　Emma Metis was one of those invited.

　Another member of the royal family who was invited along with Emma was close in age to Elizabeth and sixth in line to the throne.

　In addition, some young girls were invited, the purpose of which is unclear. Finally, Hestia also invited a group of "teachers".

　These "teachers," ranging from early childhood educators to private tutors to college professors, do have clearly defined responsibilities because they are related to "education."

　This concludes the composition of Hestia's faction, the "Goddess of the Hearth." She doesn't seem particularly concerned with the "magic" factor, nor does she have any requirements regarding the strength of the invitees.

　It's impossible to guess who she will ultimately choose as the "Chosen One".

　The last remaining deity was Hermes, the "messenger of the gods." As the initiator of the divine rituals, Hermes' status among the twelve gods rose significantly, and the people he invited were neither too many nor too few, but all possessed very distinct characteristics.

　The most eye-catching of them all is, of course, Cynthia Saint Arte, the principal of Saint Marian Academy.

　The next level is Diddy Maxwell.

Chapter 1672 Darkdemon and the Twelve Symphonies of the Gods (2/3k)

　As Hermes' chosen one, Professor Didi was aloof and showed no fear even when standing in front of Principal Arte.

　However, during her confrontation with Principal Arte, she was subjected to tortures such as having her face pinched, her eyelids pulled open, her eyes covered, and her hair pulled into rabbit ears. Her strong willpower is truly admirable.

　In short, Professor Lily eventually received an invitation from Hermes. Also accompanying them were Eluri Clarissa, Granny Maggie from the Fairy Forest, and the legendary fairy Nia, who was invited as an independent individual.

　Hermes seemed to have a particular fondness for the goblins, inviting many of them who lived in seclusion.

　In addition, several of the most famous "merchants," "travelers," and "thieves" among humans and subhumans were also invited by the land. One of them, a fox-human hybrid known as the "Saint of Thieves," immediately disappeared into the shadows upon his appearance, revealing his cowardice and fear of death.

　Keep in mind that his wanted poster is still on the bounty lists of various kingdoms.

　Hermes' invitation was tantamount to directly opening his box.

　If he doesn't receive Hermes' protection at this tea party, his days ahead will be very difficult.

　"..."

　It was past seven o'clock, and all the invitees had arrived without exception.

　However, the tea party did not begin as scheduled.

　The hundreds of guests from the twelve factions gradually passed in this slightly anxious atmosphere.

　It wasn't until another half hour later that there was finally movement on the main stage in the center.

　The guests instantly focused their attention, all eyes fixed on the stage. Dak put down his teacup, looked up slightly, and immediately saw a blurry projection on the stage that resembled a barcode.

　After a full half-hour delay, the twelve gods of Poropus are finally about to make their appearance!

　The first to appear on stage was not Hermes, but Zeus, the "King of the Gods".

　This was unexpected for many, but not surprising.

　Although Zeus in this world doesn't have the chaotic private life of Zeus in Earth's mythology, he is still a restless being.

　He always had "please give me some face" on his lips, and in his entire life, he only cared about saving face.

　Most of the twelve gods owe him favors, so it's really hard for them to refuse when asked to "give him face".

　Darke naively believed that even Hermes would not be able to refuse.

　Therefore, it's perfectly normal for Zeus to appear in the center position. However...

　After Zeus, no other gods appeared...

　Dak then realized that he was actually appearing as a "host" this time!

　To be able to attend a grand gathering personally presided over by Zeus, the "King of the Gods," makes this a truly worthwhile experience in one's lifetime... right?

　Dark's gaze swept quickly, and sure enough, he saw a new figure appear silently not far away.

　—Apollo, the God of Light!

　Of the twelve gods, none of them except Zeus, who was hosting the tea party, stepped onto the stage; instead, they simply appeared in their respective venues.

　Thinking about it that way, if they were to put on an entrance show on stage, wouldn't they become an "idol group" and suddenly feel cheap?

　Therefore, no matter what, as gods, they still have to try their best to maintain their mysterious and aloof image.

　Apollo appeared silently, handsome and with a sunny disposition. Even among a group of good-looking men and women, he stood out. But because of Zeus's appearance, very few people noticed the robe he was wearing.

　The same thing happened at the gatherings of other gods; the gods were clearly doing this intentionally, in order to observe as many of the invitees' reactions as possible.

　— Some of them may not want to observe at all, but as long as someone wants to observe, the others have no choice but to follow.

　The deliberate delay of half an hour also clearly indicates that someone wanted to test the character of members of their own faction.

　Ultimately, the "Heavenly Court" is the "divine kingdom" of the twelve heavenly gods; how could they not be there?

　They were just hiding in the shadows, watching.

　on the stage.

　Zeus, who was temporarily acting as the host, looked completely enjoying himself. This shows that he really needed this feeling of being the center of attention.

　The long slumber in Heaven must have been stifling for him; the initial display of power upon awakening was hardly enough to satisfy his pent-up desires.

　The main problem is that the period of his "public display of power" was too short. What he needs is a "long-lasting and powerful" approach, which must be both strong and long-lasting!

　This tea party has been extended to a full four days and three nights; perhaps it's Chi's proposal!

　But Zeus, the "King of the Gods," still had no problem with his choice of words. As the host, he did an unexpectedly good job, truly a professional among professionals.

　It is clear that Pao must have done this kind of thing quite a lot in the past.

　As Zeus spoke eloquently, the participants of the tea party quickly became engrossed, and their lingering fears and anxieties gradually subsided.

　At this moment, Zeus gives the impression of a caring older brother, making people unconsciously trust him.

　In short, Zeus, representing the twelve gods, gave the audience the grandest welcome.

　Meanwhile, in each of the various venues, the remaining eleven gods had already integrated into their respective factions.

　They gave the "King of the Gods" ample face, only slightly revealing their presence after Zeus finished his address, allowing members of their respective factions to notice their presence.

　At this moment, the tea party finally became lively.

　After announcing tonight's "scheduled program," Zeus, the "King of the Gods," returned to his camp.

　Instead, a microphone constantly emitting lightning was installed. In this "Heavenly Court," there truly were no gods other than the twelve celestial deities!

　The microphone replaced Zeus as the host, taking full responsibility for warming up the audience and broadcasting the announcements.

　Meanwhile, on the stage, the interior of St. Marian College was projected simultaneously.

　—The Dungeon Fighter Tournament is about to begin!

　Thanks to advancements in projection technology and the involvement of the "God of Wisdom," St. Mary's Academy has announced a surprise live stream of the real-time battles between students from various departments in the dungeon, broadcast simultaneously from the open-air arena. This represents a dramatic shift from the past, where players' actions could only be predicted through score fluctuations.

　The audience was captivated by the surprise of this change, unaware of the profound meaning behind it.

　Dakdimon, also unknown at the moment.

　Although he had already guessed that Athena and Ergane had become connected, he could never have imagined, before being told, that the underground city of St. Marian Academy was actually formed from Athena's flesh and blood.

　The birth of Ergane gave Athena a reason not to immediately reclaim her own flesh and blood.

　St. Maryann Academy, in the shadows unknown to anyone, had actually experienced a "calamity".

　The existence of the dungeon is the guarantee that St. Marian Academy can continuously obtain rare resources.

　Without the dungeons, St. Marian Academy's advantage would be halved.

　A place with only "knowledge" but no "resources" can never become a sacred place that nurtures countless mages.

　The move named "Ergani" finally bore fruit when it was most needed.

　The things that the professors at St. Marian College and Dark had done for "Erganie" all along, including caring for and nurturing her as an independent individual, were important reasons that led to the happy ending.

　In conclusion, Athena could not accept an offspring who was of poor character, incompetent, or bound by constraints.

　The fact that Ergane was raised so well must be a key reason why Athena regarded her as her "offspring".

　With Ergane as the link, St. Marian Academy undoubtedly established a kinship with the "Goddess of War and Wisdom," thus gaining Athena's implicit support.

　This is simply a miraculous result!

　As an academy specializing in magical duels, and with the support of the "Goddess of War and Wisdom," could there be a more perfect outcome?

　The opening ceremony of the Academy Cup Dungeon Fighter Tournament was held in the open-air dueling arena. Professor Pava Jones was responsible for giving the opening speech today.

　The host was, as always, Judy.

　seven thirty.

　All the spectators and athletes have arrived.

　After Professor Jones' opening remarks, host Judy began explaining this year's competition rules.

　The rules for the Dungeon Fighter Tournament in the Academy Cup change every year, and this year's changes seem particularly significant, with the final rules only being set at this point in time.

　The reason for this is the involvement of the "god of wisdom".

　The "goddess of wisdom" here refers not only to Athena, but also to Ergane.

　In fact, Ergane is the key.

　Having awakened the authority of the "Queen of the Labyrinth," she has become the second master of the academy's dungeon, naturally gaining many "permissions" she had never had before.

　With her deep involvement, the contestants no longer need a score watch to keep track of scores, and the demand for the "Dungeon Escape Device" has been greatly reduced.

　When students face mortal danger within the dungeon, the dungeon will react automatically, engulfing them in its walls and then expelling them from the entrance. Ergani has even generated numerous "special treasure chests" within the dungeon.

　Therefore, this time the dungeon battle will no longer be scored based on defeating monsters, but rather on the level and number of "treasure chests" obtained.

　The treasure chests are divided into five levels according to different colors. Above the five levels, there are rare treasure chests made of special materials such as diamonds and crystals.

　This year's dungeon battle will return to tradition, testing the players' ability to explore and dig for treasure in dungeons.

　Different levels of treasure chests represent different points.

　In addition to the rare treasure chests, the points earned from the treasure chests will also be awarded based on the contestant's grade level.

　Under unified rules, players will utilize their initiative to find and capture more treasure chests using various methods, thereby securing their own rewards.

　Earn more points in the branch.

　However, it is different from previous years.

　This year's Dungeon Fighter Tournament will eliminate the 100,000 reward points that the final winner will receive.

　This will make every point earned in the competition even more important.