Zongman: The wrong person on the ground, double Shenwei at the beginning

Along the way, many adventurers ran back in panic, clearly thinking that an unprecedented riot had occurred in the dungeon.

Many people were surprised to see Rhodes coming up alone from the middle level with a calm expression, clearly recognizing him.

Some well-meaning adventurers, worried about Rhodes' safety, warmly invited him to join them, but Rhodes politely declined with a smile.

Rhodes casually dispatched a shadow soldier to secretly follow the group and ensure their safe departure from the dungeon, as a return gift for their kindness.

As he entered a narrow passage on the 17th floor, a figure appeared before him like a mountain.

He was a man so tall he resembled a giant, his body bulging with muscles, exuding an explosive sense of power, and his rust-colored hair made him look even more ferocious.

Orario's current pinnacle, Ortar.

Rod kept his hands in his pockets, his steps unwavering, and calmly looked at the fierce man blocking his path, speaking in a composed manner.

"You're blocking my way."

The mundane words echoed in the silent cave.

Ota instantly tensed all his muscles, entering the highest level of combat stance!

An indescribable sense of terrifying crisis, originating from the depths of his soul, surged into his heart.

All the shadows around him seemed to come alive. They twisted and wriggled, transforming into countless abyssal beasts that opened their blood-red maws and let out silent roars and jeers, as if they were about to devour him completely at any moment!

This terrifying aura... how is this possible?!

Tick.

A drop of cold sweat slid down his forehead and landed heavily on the ground with a clearly audible sound.

After a deathly silence.

Ota, this fierce warrior who never backs down, silently stepped aside.

Rhodes didn't say a word, and his eyes didn't even flicker. He just walked past him calmly.

Only when Rhodes' figure completely disappeared around the corner of the passage did the terrifying sense of crisis, as if emanating from the shadows, finally recede like a tide.

Ota subconsciously let out a long breath.

He looked down incredulously at his fists, which were still trembling slightly.

"So... just a glance is enough to frighten me...?"

In just a few moments, his back was completely soaked with cold sweat.

The last time I had this experience was a long time ago, when I faced two real monsters from Zeus and Hera's Familia during the reign of King Zeus.

Ota stood quietly in place for a long time before finally taking a heavy step.

He descended to the origin of that terrifying tremor—the 25th floor.

When he saw the scene before him, even his eternally indifferent face revealed an undisguised shock, and his scalp tingled.

The entire mystery of water... is gone.

This place looks as if it has been baptized by a meteorite shower. The entire structure from the 25th to the 27th floor has collapsed beyond recognition!

The walls, floors, and ceilings of the maze had all turned to dust and rubble, leaving no place to step!

In fact, in his perception, there wasn't even the presence of a single monster in these three vast floors!

"...Is the dungeon's regenerative ability failing to keep up with its destruction? Just what...?"

Just then, he noticed a sign that seemed to be specially protected next to the exit of the passage, and quickly walked over.

When he saw the words on the sign, Ota's expression froze instantly.

Four large characters were written on it in a vigorous, flowing style.

"A breathtaking view lies ahead."

Ota turned his head, looked at the ruins before him that resembled the end of the world, and then looked down at the sign.

He looked at it several times, remained silent for a long time, and then tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Indeed...it is a magnificent sight..."

The Court of Stars.

It was dusk, just as the sun had disappeared behind the city walls.

Before even stepping through the door, the melodious, bell-like voices of the girls could be heard.

The resentment that had accumulated in the dungeon was dispelled by this warm laughter, and a relaxed and expectant smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.

One of the unfamiliar voices caught Rod's attention, and his hand, which was about to push open the door, paused slightly.

"...Eh, Rhodes was like that at the beginning! Astraea, tell us more about that child's past~"

"Haha, I also secretly went to the Loki Familia and heard it from Riveria."

"But he grew up very quickly afterward, Hestia. If you had come down a week earlier and seen how lifeless Orario looked, you would probably have been very disappointed."

"Yes, compared to the Freya Familia and Loki Familia that are clearly visible, it is the mysterious Rhodes Familia that has suddenly appeared that makes the dark faction somewhat hesitant to act rashly."

"After all, the unknown is the most terrifying thing..."

"Speaking of which, Goddess Hestia, how did you notice Rhodes?"

The question Lyra asked drew the curious glances of all the girls towards this lovely goddess who had just descended to the mortal realm.

Hestia lowered her head shyly, but under Astraea's encouraging gaze, she coughed lightly, and a glimmer of memories appeared in her clear eyes.

"...Actually, it's nothing special."

"At that time, I secretly observed the lower realm for the first time out of boredom, and as a result... I saw him walking on the street with a somewhat sad expression."

That bewildered figure, searching for a place to belong, instantly captured her attention.

Hestia is in charge of fire, the light that protects her home, or rather, the fire that protects her.

Extend a helping hand to those who plead, and welcome the wounded and lost child with an inextinguishable flame like a furnace.

Under the gentle gazes of the girls, Hestia placed her hands lightly on her heart and murmured something.

"...In short, I just feel...I can't just leave that child alone."

Thinking of this, Hestia glanced around at the beautiful girls who were no less stunning than those behind Loki, and finally her gaze settled on Astraea, her expression somewhat forlorn.

"But now... Rhodes might not need it anymore..."

Click——

The door was gently pushed open.

Hestia stood up in surprise and turned around.

The evening breeze blowing in from outside gently lifted her jet-black twin ponytails.

The boy she had been secretly watching from the heavens stood right in front of her, giving her a gentle smile and extending his right hand.

"My name is Rhodes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Goddess Hestia. I am grateful for your past kindness and look forward to your guidance in the future."

Excitement, nervousness, emotion...

Countless complex emotions she had never experienced before surged like a raging tide, almost overwhelming her little head.

Hestia was at a loss for what to do.

"me...."

The girls from the Garden of Stars cast encouraging glances at her, and Astraea smiled and offered a reminder.

"Hestia, this is your first time meeting, aren't you going to introduce yourselves?"

Hestia then realized what was happening and quickly wiped away the tears that had somehow seeped into the corners of her eyes with the back of her hand, and tightly grasped Rhodes' outstretched hand.

Their body heat mingled through their palms, and in her eyes, the boy's sincere and gentle face was clearly reflected.

The anxiety that had been hanging over me all the way here finally subsided completely at this moment.

This child... still needs me.

He still welcomed me into his family.

Hestia's face blossomed into a radiant, genuine smile, as bright as the sun.

"I am Hestia, Rhodes. Please take care of me for the rest of my life!"

Rod's eyes widened.

After a moment of stunned silence, Kroy was the first to erupt in a deafening jeer!

"Wow, I never expected Goddess Hestia to be so bold!"

"Damn it, how did the goddess manage to propose to me before I, the righteous and incorruptible one, could even do it?" Alexie looked indignant.

"Um... I don't want to say it, but Goddess Astraea was the one who arrived first..." Celty muttered to herself.

"Waaaaah... I'm a staunch supporter of the Astrea Goddess and Rhodes pairing! Who's going to make up for all the sweetness I got from shipping this 'cold boy and gentle saint' couple?!" Noin wailed.

"Huh? What happened? Why is everyone laughing?!" The useless fairy still looked bewildered.

Ignoring the clueless idiot Ryu, Iska carefully observed her goddess Astrea, secretly swallowing hard.

Her goddess still wore that gentle, tolerant smile, but for some reason, she always sensed a hidden murderous aura...

"W-What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Hestia, realizing the girls were making a fuss, finally panicked, looking around like a frightened little animal.

Kaguya gracefully covered her face with her fan, chuckled softly, and explained the situation to her.

"Oh my, my goddess, didn't you know? Those words are usually only said by girls when they accept their crush's marriage proposal~"

"..."

Hestia blinked, then blinked again.

The next second, her cute face turned red at a visible speed, from her cheeks to her ears, and then to her neck.

"Huh... Huh?!"

In the end, Rhodes had no choice but to carry Hestia, who was about to faint from embarrassment, to the sofa.

As a result, Lily, who had long disliked her, immediately squeezed over and said sarcastically that she was deliberately taking advantage of Lord Rhodes, and that as expected of the goddess, she was so scheming.

Hestia was both embarrassed and angry. Completely disregarding Lily's previous kindness in leading the way, she immediately started arguing with her, and the two small figures quarreled.

Rod watched with amusement.

These two are truly incompatible by nature...

As for the other girls, none of them intended to mediate the fight. Instead, they enthusiastically brought over snacks and drinks and became commentators on the sidelines.

"Finally, a new show! It's definitely more interesting when goddesses argue!"

"Yeah, yeah, Ryu has started to mature lately, and the usual show of her arguing with Kaguya is becoming less and less frequent. I'm getting bored."

"Am I the only one who wants to request the fun of Black Cat and Black Boxing...?"

Only Che Huiyi, a serious person, stood to the side, hesitant to speak, her expression conflicted.

Maru saw her and curiously leaned over, smiling as she asked.

"What's wrong? Aren't you used to the atmosphere here yet?"

"It's alright. True partners are those who can still entrust their lives to each other after an argument."

Che Huiyi shook her head.

"No, I understood this principle shortly after I arrived here."

Maru was even more confused.

"So now you are...?"