AMV_WEAKLY
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[7] Obvious Choice
🕑 Added 2025-06-22 15:04:41 +0000 UTC(Riven POV – Hostess of Fertility, 9:21 PM)
Hestia hums as she marches toward the tavern, each step practically bouncing with glee. I follow a half-step behind, hands in my pockets, eyes on the golden lanternlight spilling from the windows.
Laughter, music, and clinking mugs fill the night air.
'It's lively.' I hum.
'What a shame I’m walking into the lion’s den and banking on it being well-fed.'
Just as we’re about to step inside, I grab Hestia’s shoulders and pull her aside.
“Wha—Riven?!” She gasps, startled by the sudden motion.
And in that moment, two very inebriated adventurers explode through the door, flying past where we were just standing. They hit the street with a graceless, meaty thud, groaning incoherently.
“...That’s certainly a memorable first impression.” I say plainly.
“Keep it civil, and you won’t be next.” A deep, amused voice chimes in from the doorway.
I turn to see her. A tall, broad, and built like a tank woman in an apron. A long braid of brown hair falls over her shoulder, and her sharp eyes gleam with warning and mischief. Arms crossed.
'Mia Grande.'
I meet her gaze evenly.
“Hey! You almost hit us—!” Hestia blurts, flaring up in my grasp.
I clamp a hand gently—but firmly—over her mouth before she goes off on a level 6 ex-adventurer.
“Sorry about that.” I say calmly. “We’re quite well-behaved. Are there any tables open?”
Mia eyes me. I feel her analyse me. I sense she's interested by the way I handled things, as well as amused. Her smirk returns.
“I like you.” She says. “Sorry ‘bout the rough welcome. Those two had it coming.”
She gestures toward the still-groaning adventurers outside.
“Never seen you two before. What’re your names?” She asks, calling one of the waiters over.
I release Hestia—she’s still pouting but she trusts me enough to remain quiet for now.
“You can call me Riven.” I reply politely. “And this is my goddess, Hestia.”
Hestia crosses her arms and gives a little ‘hmph’, still annoyed.
Mia chuckles. “Pleasure. I’m Mama Mia. This place is mine—so play nice, or you’ll get a personal lesson in manners from me.” She smiles menacingly.
I nod respectfully. “Understood.”
Just then, a petite girl with sleek black hair and emerald eyes pads over with feline grace. Her ears flick slightly—she’s a cat person.
“Yes, ma’am?” She asks.
“Chloe, get these two seated and take their order.” Mia says before turning to us one last time. “Enjoy yourselves. But remember—no roughhousing.”
She walks off with a laugh.
Chloe studies us for a moment with curious eyes. “Hmm... haven’t seen you around before. I definitely remember someone as cute as you.” She winks at me, much to Hestia's displeasure, before flashing a coy smile. “Right this way.”
She leads us between crowded tables, weaving through the lively tavern—rowdy adventurers, waitresses balancing trays. It’s bustling, chaotic, and oddly cozy.
We settle at a small table in the corner, near the window.
“Here are your menus.” Chloe says with a smile. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
As she walks away, Hestia turns on me with a sharp frown. “Why’d you do that?! I was ready to give her a piece of my mind!”
I sigh, resting an elbow on the table. “Because that ‘piece’ might’ve earned us a one-way ticket through the door—like those guys. Mia’s level 6, and doesn't care you're a goddess.”
Hestia’s eyes widen. “She’s level 6?!”
“Yup. She's a former adventurer... A scary one.”
That deflates her instantly. “O-oh... I didn’t know...”
I shrug. “Don’t worry. As long as we don’t start anything, we’ll be fine. Let’s just enjoy the night.”
She fidgets a little, but eventually her gaze falls to the menu, and her jaw drops.
Her eyes grow huge as she takes in the full-color illustrations of dishes. Roasted boar skewers dripping with sauce, fruit-filled pastries dusted with sugar, bubbling cheese-topped stew...
‘Bingo.’
Her stomach grumbles loudly.
I smile, casually looking through my own menu. “Let’s order whatever we want. I’m hitting the dungeon again tomorrow anyway, and I’ll earn more Valis.”
“You really mean it?” She asks, practically bouncing in her seat.
“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. Just remember we've only got 20 thousand Valis.”
A few moments later, Chloe returns, a quill in hand.
“Ready to order?”
“Yeah!” Hestia says with a sparkle in her eye. She begins tapping her Manu, showing Chloe her orders. “Ooh! Roasted garlic chicken! Two pork buns! That apple tart looks amazing too! Oh—and fruit liquor!”
I blink at the sheer speed of her response.
“I’ll have a grilled steak, the stew, and some rice. I also want some fruit liquor.”
Chloe jots everything down quickly, her tail flicking lazily.
“Got it. Drinks’ll be out first.” She glides away just as quickly as she came.
I lean back, relaxing into the warm wood of the chair.
As we wait, I fill Hestia in on my plans for tomorrow—returning to the dungeon to make money, meeting my guild advisor afterward, and maybe looking at some weapons.
'I can make them at cost if I have Great Sage analyse them.'
She listens attentively, chin propped in one palm, her eyes never fully losing their brightness from the meal she’s about to receive.
“Promise me you’ll be careful.” She says after a while.
“I will.” I reply with a calm smile. "I won't leave you alone.”
She blushes and looks away. “Even if you say that, I’m just the goddess who has to worry.”
I chuckle and reach across the table to gently tap her forehead with two fingers.
“Then I'll get strong enough so you'd never have to worry.” I say with a teasing smile.
"I'll always worry, no matter how strong you get." She says seriously, as we lock eyes.
Our little heart-to-heart is cut short when Chloe glides back to our table with two mugs in hand, her tail swishing behind her.
“Pardon the interruption~,” She purrs, clearly not sorry in the slightest. “But your drinks are here... you can continue your flirting.”
Her grin is smug, and her sharp green eyes sparkle with amusement as she places the mugs down.
I raise an eyebrow, smirking back. “You’re definitely enjoying this.”
“Immensely.” She says, unapologetic.
I gesture to Hestia with a theatrical sigh. “And here I thought my goddess was finally behaving like a goddess.”
Hestia’s foot connects with my shin under the table.
“I always behave like a goddess.” She huffs, crossing her arms with a pout that looks anything but divine.
I look at her flatly. “That hurt.” I complain, even if it didn't.
Chloe chuckles, clearly entertained. “You’re brave, I’ll give you that. Teasing your goddess in public... You must have a death wish.”
“Bravery is a noble trait.” I grin, glancing at Hestia, whose smugness is starting to show cracks. “Besides, maybe I like her punishments.”
Hestia’s nostrils flare as her expression twitches. Chloe bursts into laughter, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
“I’ll go get your food before things escalate.” She says, still chuckling as she walks away.
I lean back in my chair with a sigh as I look at Hestia, who seems quite calm. ‘She’s getting used to my nonsense way too fast.’
My eyes drift across the tavern, casually scanning faces. Drunk adventurers, laughing patrons, waitresses moving between tables... but no sign of Syr.
‘Huh. Is she not here tonight?’ My brow furrows slightly. ‘Could it be because I came with Hestia?’
If memory serves, Syr and Hestia never interacted much in the canon, if at all. Is she avoiding Hestia to protect her identity?
‘Guess I’ll need to swing by again on my own.’
I shake the thought away as I lift my drink. “Come on.” I say to Hestia, who’s still pretending to be mad. “Let’s toast.”
She peeks over at me, lips twitching upward as she picks up her mug.
“To the Familia.” I say.
“To the Familia!” She echoes with a grin.
We clink mugs and take a drink.
The sweet, tangy taste of fruit liquor spreads over my tongue—smooth, flavorful, surprisingly potent.
‘That’s good.’ I nod in appreciation. “Great Sage, analyze all the food and drink I consume tonight.”
[Notice: Beginning analysis.]
‘If I store the ingredients, I can enjoy decent meals even inside the dungeon.’
Eventually, Chloe returns with our food. It’s piping hot, beautifully plated, and smells divine.
Without hesitation, Hestia dives in, stuffing her cheeks like a squirrel. Her eyes shine with bliss as she hums in contentment between bites.
I dig in at a slower pace, savoring each flavor as I commit it to memory. 'It really is as good as people say.'
More drinks arrive. Hestia is on her fifth mug when her face starts turning a delightful shade of red. I’m on my third when it hits me.
Or... it should hit me.
My body already feels sluggish and relaxed. But my mind is still clear and... completely sober.
‘...Shit. I’m not getting drunk.’
I swirl the liquor in my mug, staring into it blankly. 'Is intoxication considered a mental status effect? Does IronHeart make me immune to it?'
The disappointment settles deep.
Hestia notices immediately.
“Hmm? What’s wrong~?” She asks, her words just a bit slower, her smile loopy and carefree.
“I don’t think I can get drunk.” I sigh.
She blinks. “Eh?”
“I feel the effects physically, but I'm still sober.”
Her eyes widen slightly as the realization hits. She pauses, even in her intoxicated state, trying to think, and I can almost see the gears turning.
‘Is she trying to come up with a solution? That’s kind of sweet—’
And then, with a smug grin, she snatches my mug and chugs the rest of my liquor in one go.
“Ahhh~” She exhales contentedly, licking her lips with a blissful sigh. “Delicious. You don't need it, right?”
I stare at her in silence, my face expressionless.
‘Give back any appreciation I just felt.’ I complain internally, clicking my tongue.
“Screw this. I’m ordering juice." I grumble.
'If I can't get drunk, I'm not gonna deal with the hangover.'
Hestia giggles, hiccups, and rests her chin in her palm, still red-faced and gleaming with satisfaction.
“I'll drink enough for both of us...” She declares.
I lean back in my chair, narrowing my eyes at her.
‘That's fine.’ I think, watching her ordering more alcohol. I smile peacefully, knowing her retribution will come tomorrow morning.
After a few more mugs of fruit liquor and several plates of food, Hestia finally slumps forward onto the table—cheeks flushed, and a dopey grin on her face as she falls asleep.
She giggles and mumbles incoherently for a few moments before falling silent.
“...And she's out.” I sigh.
Still, I can’t help the faint smile tugging at my lips.
‘She’s completely helpless. But, she's my goddess. It's a huge bonus that she’s cute.’
I raise a hand and wave Chloe over.
She arrives quickly, a teasing smile on her face. “Calling it a night?” She asks.
“Yeah.” I nod, glancing at the dozing deity. “I think my goddess has had enough for one evening.”
“She’s kinda adorable like this.” Chloe smiles playfully. “I'm sure you're happy.”
I chuckle. “Who wouldn't?”
She snorts softly. “Fair. That’ll be eighteen thousand Valis.”
I count out the coins and hand them over. Chloe gives a pleased hum and tucks them into her apron. “Thanks. And come back soon~” She practically sings, and with a wink, she's off to another table.
I stand up, stretching my limbs briefly before moving over to Hestia. Gently, I lift her into my arms, settling her into a princess carry. She stirs a little, clinging instinctively to my shirt and sighing happily.
As I step toward the door, Mama Mia glances over from the counter, one eyebrow raised and a smirk on her lips.
“Take care, kid.” She calls out. “And come back soon.”
I offer a smile. “You can count on it.”
Then I step outside.
The door swings shut behind me, muffling the lively hum of laughter, clinking mugs, and music within. The night air greets me with a welcome coolness, brushing against my skin and clearing my head slightly.
Hestia curls up tighter in my arms with a contented hum, her face pressing gently into my chest.
I take a deep breath and begin the walk home, unaware that somewhere far above, a gaze watches my every step with smoldering intensity.
(Freya POV — Tower of Babel, 50th Floor)
My wine glass tilts gently in my fingers as I watch him through the window, his figure moving through the dimly lit street... goddess in arms.
"So..." I murmur, the glass barely brushing my lips. “He's Hestia's child.”
I lean back on the lounge, one leg crossing over the other. The plush cushions beneath me go unnoticed—my focus is entirely consumed by him.
Riven.
That soul.
I saw it again. That same impossible, unimaginable color. Still just as bright... maybe even brighter.
'I didn't expect to find him so soon.'
And now, there's more.
"He's grown... A newly registered adventurer, just this morning.” I close my eyes for a brief moment, recalling his vessel. “His basic abilities are all above C now.”
My voice turns softer, more reverent.
“He's so beautiful.”
His soul... His appearance... Even his potential...
'Everything about him is beautiful.'
A storm of curiosity and desire churns within me.
I trace his path in my mind. I know exactly where he’s headed... Hestia’s little church.
“...That won’t last.”
I smile to myself. “I wonder what secrets you’re hiding, Riven...”
“It’s decided.” I whisper, a thrill dancing down my spine. “You’ll be mine, Riven.”
I don't think I can wait patiently to have him.
'So I'll just take him.'
Once we meet, he'll fall for me.
One meeting is more than enough.
'And between Hestia and I... I'm the obvious choice.'
**************
A/N: Hello Everyone. Hope you all had a great day.
So, How'd you like this chapter? I originally planned for him to meet She, who is Born, and have Freya come and swap out halfway through, but then realised that She avoids Hestia always. So that fell through.
Then, I planned to have him meet She next chapter and realised, once again, that it doesn't make sense. I did research and concluded that Freya only approached Bell as Syr because she wanted to play her game of being mortal. And she wanted him to grow without her direct interference, but still monitor him. As for here, let's just say Riven is more attractive to her than Bell would've been, and he's already grown quite a bit, making her impatient (which she originally is regardless), and I don't think she'd want to play the long game yet. She still views him like any other person (just a lot better in terms of potential and so on), without any real desire or expectation for love (which will change in the next chapter).
Also, I find Freya's POV extremely hard to write. So I don't know if it comes off weird, but I try. I plan to focus less on it in future, since for now, I've been aiming to show how interesting Riven is to her, which I've managed.
Any suggestions for skills Riven could acquire when he does level up, far in the future? I'm thinking normal or extra skills. I was thinking high-speed regeneration or something along those lines, but it's still a distance away.
Anyway, that's all from me.
![[7] Obvious Choice](https://img10.patrefans.com/storage/11/iu/wb/563145-019e907f-52e4-7c6e-8d18-eb3f19d3973c.jpg)
Comments
AMV Weakly
Thanks😂. I don't like being left on doubt when I read, so I'm thankful when the author reassures me. Hopefully, you also don't have doubts🤣
Sindri Myr
I like that you put notes at the end, it clarifies many things and yes, you did it well :D.
AMV Weakly
Huh? I'm not sure whether you mean it literally, or figuratively. Which tower are you refer to, cause you answer determines whether it's innuendo or an extremist suggestion🤣🤣🤣 Blowing up Babel is wild😂
Austin Levy
Nuke her tower
AMV Weakly
Freya's Odr has appeared (at least in this fic), she just hasn't realised it yet😂. I really like Freya. Part of me wants to see her being cute and girly. It feels like it'd be wonderful to see.
Legnas
Merci pour le chapitre. J'adore ton histoire pour le moment. Freya est plutôt réussi, elle est égoïste et imbu d'elle même et ne la cache pas. Même si au fond je souhaite qu'elle trouve son Odr . La prudence de Freya en vers Hestia est logique, Hestia est une déesse bien plus puissante qu'elle a Tenkai, même si elle est joyeuse la plupart du temps sa colère pourrai détruire Freya facilement.
AMV Weakly
A girl can dream, can't she?🤣🤣🤣 He could've gotten regeneration from the Goliath, but he'd need to subdue it without killing it, which'd be next to impossible for a long while. I was also thinking magic sense, but it wouldn't work too well with the Danmachi system🤔
pEmKayS
Choice? What choice Freya? Riven is not going to choose😅 As for skills, definitely regeneration, the rest is up to your taste. Thanks for the chapter!)
