After returning from the dungeon, Alexander's first task was to deliver the gathered materials to the Hestia Familia. Remembering that Hestia might feel lonely at home, he took the time to buy her a variety of gifts, which caused a slight delay in his return. Otherwise, he might have arrived even before Loki.
The moment Alexander stepped through the door, Hestia darted toward him and threw herself into his arms.
"Alexander! You're back! Hurry, Artemis wants to join our Familia!"
Hestia's excitement made it seem like she was the one who convinced Artemis to join. Alexander chuckled, reached out to ruffle her hair, and handed her the gifts he had brought.
Turning to Artemis, Alexander asked, "Are you certain about this? Once you join, there's no turning back."
Artemis nodded slightly, her face calm but tinged with a hint of hesitation.
"I've made up my mind. But... will joining your Familia have any effect on my own?" she asked, her voice steady but cautious.
"Not at all," Alexander reassured her. "My Familia operates differently from yours. Think of it like a head office and a branch—it won't affect your original Familia in the slightest."
This explanation seemed to satisfy Artemis. Her cheeks turned slightly pink as she replied, "Then I have no regrets."
The implication of her words, however, left her feeling embarrassed. It sounded almost like she was agreeing to something far more intimate than joining a Familia.
Seeing her flustered expression, Alexander laughed. "Alright then. Come here, lie down, and take off your shirt."
Artemis turned crimson. She was used to blessing others as a goddess, but this was the first time she found herself on the receiving end. And to undress in front of a man? That was unprecedented, especially for one of the three virgin goddesses of the divine realm.
Taking a deep breath, Artemis obeyed, removing her shirt and lying down in front of Alexander. Alexander began the blessing ceremony with calm efficiency, his hands lightly tracing across her back.
On the side, Loki's eyes widened as she watched intently.
"Wow, Artemis! Your skin is amazing! I think only Ais could compete with you!" she exclaimed, her excitement breaking the solemn atmosphere.
Alexander glanced at her, clearly unimpressed. "Loki, what are you gawking at? Haven't you performed blessings before? What's so fascinating about this?"
Ignoring Loki's enthusiasm, Alexander focused on completing the ceremony. As he withdrew his hand, faint symbols arranged in neat rows appeared on Artemis' back.
"As I thought," he muttered. "It's the same as Hestia's mark, on the same level."
Artemis quickly redressed, her face flushed with embarrassment. She stood to the side, silently marveling at the sensation of the blessing.
Loki, still watching closely, asked curiously, "So, Artemis, how does it feel? Any changes?"
Artemis shook her head. "No, it feels the same as before."
"What? The same? That's boring," Loki grumbled. "If there's no difference, why even join his Familia?"
Hearing Loki's dismissive tone, Alexander frowned. "Do you think there's no benefit to joining my Familia? Let me enlighten you. For starters, my Familia members gain the power to travel between worlds. That tablet computer of yours? It's a product of another world. And trust me, there are far more incredible things to see beyond Orario—things this world won't encounter for another hundred million years."
Alexander's words piqued Loki's interest, but he wasn't finished.
"On top of that, joining my Familia offers infinite potential for growth. For example, if you let me train Ais for just one year, I could make her strong enough to defeat Ottar, even at Level 6."
Loki's eyes lit up with excitement. The thought of Ais surpassing Ottar—Freya Familia's strongest member—was a tantalizing prospect. If Alexander could truly deliver on such a promise, it would change everything for her Familia.
Without a second thought, Loki jumped in front of Alexander and pulled up her shirt. "Alexander! Let me join your Familia too!"
Alexander froze, completely caught off guard. Loki had been so skeptical just moments ago, and now she was practically throwing herself at him.
He sighed. "Loki, Artemis, Hestia... Isn't it ironic? Adventurers cross dungeons to join your Familias, but here you gods are, eager to join mine."
Then, as he looked at Loki's exposed back, he couldn't help but quip with a serious expression, "Loki, are you sure this is your back? It looks exactly like your front."
"...WHAT?!"