The Fukaros Familia, starting from DanMachi.

Chapter 139 Departure

For Apollo, seizing members of his clan through war games was actually a rare occurrence.

But this time is different.

In order to obtain the sun that he so desperately desired in a legitimate way, Apollo did not want to leave any future troubles.

To this end, he didn't hesitate to lower himself, use his personal connections, and win over several deities, which ultimately led to this unequal war game.

Of course, this is also a top-notch entertainment event.

Indeed, to the bored gods, the war game in which mortals risk their lives and honor is nothing more than a top-level board game, an unparalleled pastime.

Apollo, too, enjoyed the thrill of maneuvering his clan members as pawns on a chessboard called Orario.

This is the nature of the gods—arrogant and empty—and they cannot avoid it.

"My dearest blazing sun, the time for me to have you is fast approaching."

When did you fall in love with him?

Apollo's thoughts drifted back to that day.

He looked down at the city as usual, but unexpectedly, he saw the white-haired boy practicing with his companion on the city wall.

It was just a moment, just a glance.

Apollo swore by his divine status as the sun god that he had fallen hopelessly in love with her.

Because that is the undisputed, real sun, the blazing sun that will eventually rise and shine brightly.

For him, the sun god, there was nothing in the world more attractive than that.

The gods crave heroes, and for Apollo, that sun was the one he recognized as the last hero of this world, the most perfect creation on earth.

Therefore, he wanted to obtain him using the safest means possible.

To silence the guild and leave the other covetous gods speechless.

Taking something legitimately from someone else through a war game is undoubtedly the best option.

Apollo became engrossed in reminiscence, and the pleasure escalated to its peak.

He imagined the future, when the sun would shine only for him, and his body trembled slightly with overwhelming joy.

As the sun god, he had no resistance to Fenyu, who was like the embodiment of the sun.

"Fukaros————"

His thoughts snapped from his sweet fantasy and turned to cold killing intent. "You're in my way. To stain that sun with your color is the biggest mistake you've ever made. To atone for your sins, get out of Orario."

Apollo, returning to reality from his delusion, gazed up at the night sky through the open window.

Deep within his eyes, which gazed longingly at the silvery moon, lay a murderous glint, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl upwards.

"Please, my lovely members of the familia—"

The moon shone with a tranquil light, while suppressed, intermittent laughter echoed continuously in the empty mansion.

A biting chill permeated the streets before dawn.

Shops with their iron gates tightly shut lined the street, and the wide avenue was deserted, the daytime vibrancy and hustle and bustle completely gone.

The towering city walls encircled the neighborhood, casting huge shadows that made the already dim light appear even more profound.

The atmosphere was completely different in front of the small building belonging to the Fukalos Familia.

"Keep it up, you have to give that disgusting golden peacock a little bit of a shock to justice."

Fu Ningna waved her little fists and cheered loudly to Fen Yu and the others, who were fully equipped and ready.

People from the Takemikazuchi and Mikage families also came to see her off.

"Brother, keep going, I believe in you."

The tall Sakura stepped forward, gave Fenyu a tight hug, and said in a deep voice.

As very close male friends, the two often drank and chatted together, so there was no need for further words at this moment.

Yamato no Mikoto and Hitachi Chigusa, who were standing to the side, also bowed solemnly. After all, Fubuki was their savior, and they would always remember this kindness.

Here, take it.

The dog-girl Nazha handed over several bottles of potions that shimmered with a faint light; they were precious products that she had personally concocted.

This apothecary, known for his stinginess due to his family's circumstances, was unusually generous at this moment, though he still wouldn't mince words: "This is my most treasured possession, it's very expensive. If you dare to lose, you'll have to spend the rest of your life working to pay me back."

"I'll be here waiting for your triumphant return."

Funina stepped forward and gave Fenyu a tight hug.

Perhaps the chilly morning wind had made her a little cold, for a suspicious blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Listen carefully, this is the blessing of the god of water and justice. Go forth and deliver the most magnificent judgment upon that Apollo clan that dares to provoke you. You are not allowed to lose, or else—or else I will be very angry."

"Don't worry, we'll be right back."

Feeling the softness and fragrance in his arms, Fen Yu smiled gently.

He casually ruffled the spirited ahoge (cowlick) on Funina's head and said lightly.

Then, amidst the farewells of the crowd, the five—Burning Feather, Robin, Tifa, Violet, and Jeanne—boarded the carriage that had been waiting nearby.

The battlefield for the war game is set in the "Ruins of Shurim," outside of Orario, and takes a full day to reach by carriage.

Just as the carriage was about to start moving, a familiar figure came running up, panting.

"Please—please wait a moment!"

It's Eina from the guild.

She ran to the carriage and handed a piece of parchment stamped with the guild's wax seal to Fenyu.

"This is—a pass signed by the guild."

"You must keep this safe," Eina explained, panting.

It's easy for adventurers to enter Orario, but leaving, especially for advanced adventurers, is extremely difficult.

The Ganesha Spring tribe, responsible for guarding the city gates, is highly disciplined and will never allow any high-level combatant to leave without the guild's permission.

This is an ironclad rule established by the guild to prevent powerful adventurers from causing unrest in the outside world, and also to ensure that Orario has enough combat power to suppress the increasingly active dungeons.

Normally, obtaining a pass requires a complicated application and review process, but since this was an officially recognized war game, the guild quickly approved it.

"Thank you, Eina, for making the special trip for us."

Fen Yu accepted the license and sincerely thanked him.

"No—it's nothing," Eina shook her head, her emerald eyes filled with worry and anticipation. "Mr. Fenyu—everyone—please, please come back safely."

"Of course, with so many people waiting for us here, how could we not come back?"

Fen Yu smiled.

The carriage wheels began to turn slowly, carrying everyone's hopes into the darkness before dawn.

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