I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc3] - 61. Don't Underestimate Humans

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Zanis was in a state of panic. As the captain of the Soma Familia, who had always held a tight grip over the entire familia, he rarely found himself so flustered.

But now, he was panicking, so much so that he wanted to pack up his belongings and run away.

Initially, he had merely wanted Lili's transformation magic, while the Ishtar Familia was more eager to acquire Cyd. Combined with a mutual understanding among men, they had collaborated. Zanis would control Lili, and through Bell, Ishtar would control Cyd. This way, both sides could achieve their desired outcomes.

But things had collapsed.

He wasn't a god, and he couldn't understand what gods were thinking, but he had never imagined so many gods would go mad over this matter.

Desire may cloud judgment temporarily, but when the only kindness disappears, people can go insane. The gods showcased this perfectly: normally smiling and carefree, yet causing the entire Orario to tremble when they went on a rampage.

When the Ishtar Familia was completely destroyed, he realized that a new rule had emerged in Orario: do not lay hands on the Hero's Apprentice.

Anyone with clear eyes could see that Bell, the Hero's Apprentice, was a kind but naive person. He was more inclined to help those who fell rather than step on others to climb higher. No normal person would want to harm him, making this new rule seemingly redundant. However... he had inadvertently crossed that line.

Next, would the Soma Familia face the same fate as the Ishtar Familia, suffering repeated torment from other familias?

Many gods had their eyes on Soma's divine wine, and Zanis feared that some might use the excuse of "justice" to openly rob them.

After a night of anxiety, two individuals entered their hideout: the one who possessed the transformation magic he coveted, and the pure-white hero, Cyd — the person he least wanted to see right now.

"Wha... what do you want to do..." Zanis, pushed forward as the scapegoat, was trembling like a leaf.

Lili stared at Zanis with a complex look.

There was a time when this man had dominated the Soma Familia, and although only Level 2, he wielded immense power. It was because of him that the Soma Familia became the corrupt group it was now. No one dared to defy him, as they couldn't resist the allure of the divine wine. Normally, he would have thrown someone out to take the blame.

But now, he was forced to stand at the forefront.

Currently, the fear of meeting the tragic end of the Ishtar Familia outweighed the allure of the divine wine. No one would come to save them, as their captain had led the familia into this predicament, and he had to take responsibility.

"Lili is here to discuss with the god about leaving the familia," Lili said in a pitiful tone, "One million valis is simply too much, so I hope the god can spare poor Lili."

Cyd raised an eyebrow and cracked his knuckles cooperatively. "We're here for a friendly negotiation."

The last familia that claimed to negotiate "friendly" had already been destroyed.

"N... no, Lord Soma is currently busy," Zanis braced himself, "Lord Soma has entrusted the entire familia to me. You can discuss with me about the withdrawal fee; there's no rush."

At this point, shifting the responsibility to Soma seemed like the correct move. After all, Soma was like a silent stone; not even bothering to pretend.

However, given Soma's usual "I don't care who you are; you are air to me" attitude, Zanis wasn't sure if Cyd would get angry and lead a whole bunch of familias to assault their alcohol-selling familia.

"Can you remove Soma's blessing from Lili?" Cyd raised an eyebrow.

"N... no," Zanis replied awkwardly.

"Then step aside. Today, I'm here to grant Lili her freedom," Cyd said, patting Lili's head. "You wouldn't want to refuse, would you?"

"Of... of course not!" Zanis trembled and moved aside.

"Let's go," Cyd pushed the hesitant Lili forward, "Didn't you want to become his family officially?"

"Yes," Lili nodded firmly, standing tall as she walked past Zanis and headed to the room where Soma usually stayed.

"Pure White Hero, Lord Soma... his personality is rather peculiar," Zanis hesitated before shouting out, "If..."

"Don't worry, I've seen plenty of gods with peculiar personalities," Cyd waved his hand. "Even if he really gets angry, I won't take it out on you."

Zanis breathed a sigh of relief.

"But there will still be debts to settle."

Zanis froze.

Creak—

With the door slowly opening, a faint aroma of wine wafted out. Even Cyd had to admit that just smelling the scent made one feel like succumbing.

Lili stood stiffly at the doorway as if recalling something.

Cyd didn't rush her. For Lili, Soma's divine wine was a mental barrier. Only by enduring it could she truly break free from Soma.

Bell-sama, Lili... Lili wants to become your family!

Lili took a deep breath and stepped into the dimly lit room. At the far end sat a young man who appeared somewhat disheveled. His long bangs covered his eyes, and he held an open wine bottle in his hand.

"Lord Soma, I wish to leave the Soma Familia," Lili said loudly, gathering her courage.

Soma stirred slightly, slowly capping the wine bottle. "Such matters are handled by Zanis."

"Please listen, Lord!" Lili pleaded, stretching out her hand.

"I have no interest in listening to those who have succumbed to wine," Soma said coldly.

Disappointment — deep and overwhelming disappointment. His children had disgusted him, indulging in desires so ugly that he had lost all interest in hearing anything they had to say.

"How can this be," Lili murmured, lowering her hand in despair. If the god himself didn't cooperate, she would never be able to leave the Soma Familia.

"So, as long as we don't succumb to the wine, you will listen, right?" Cyd swiftly walked up, snatching the bottle from Soma's grasp.

"You! If you can resist..." Soma was initially furious but quickly sneered, "I know who you are, Pure White Hero. But even you cannot resist divine wine. No one can resist desire."

"Is that so?" Cyd simply opened the bottle and drank from it.

Watching the divine wine decrease, Lili's heart tightened, while Soma looked indifferent.

So greedy, he thought. To think he could drink it all. In Soma's eyes, the result was already decided.

"The wine is indeed good, so I drank it all," Cyd wiped his mouth and tossed the bottle back to Soma. "Now, will you listen to me?"

"Impossible..." Soma stared at the empty bottle in shock, then at Cyd's calm expression.

Lili's eyes widened.

"Why didn't you succumb..."

"Because..." Cyd chuckled, "I still have unfinished business. I can't afford to get drunk. Don't underestimate humans, Lord Soma."