Word quickly spread that the Dian Cecht Familia was facing financial difficulties, and it wasn't long before a few gods came knocking at their door.
At this moment, the chances of forming an alliance were at their highest.
In fact, the Dian Cecht Familia's situation was even more dire than anticipated, making negotiations surprisingly effortless.
As a condition of their cooperation, the other familias agreed to help offload the massive stockpile of potions Dian Cecht had prepared.
For someone agonizing over his unsold inventory, this was an unexpected stroke of luck.
Fortunately, most of the potions meant for the Ares Familia were basic medicines rather than high-grade elixirs.
If the stock had consisted of rarer, more expensive potions, it would have been much harder for these mid-tier familias to absorb the supply.
Even so, the potions were sold to them at only a slight markup over cost price.
Profits weren't the priority—moving the inventory was.
In return, Dian Cecht had to provide a logistical medical unit, including Airmid, to support their operations.
However, they wouldn't be required to fight on the battlefield themselves.
All the terms were carefully outlined in a formal contract, and without hesitation—or even consulting Airmid—Dian Cecht signed it of his own accord.
By the time Airmid found out, it was too late to change anything.
She knew her god well enough to understand that once he set something in motion, there was no turning back.
The moment that contract was signed, their fate was sealed.
Meanwhile, the Soma Familia was bustling with activity.
A group of opportunists had gathered at their residence, unable to contain their excitement.
Although the Soma Familia wasn't particularly strong, they were undeniably wealthy.
With Soma, the divine winemaker, producing his legendary liquor, the familia had a near-limitless source of income.
Of course, the only one truly profiting was their captain, Chandra Ihit.
Most of Soma's adventurers had long since lost his favor, their devotion drowned in greed for divine wine.
But human greed is insatiable—especially for someone like Chandra.
Even though he was already leeching off the familia's wealth, the massive profits of the Pleasure District still made him green with envy.
So, when a mysterious figure approached him with an offer, Chandra accepted without hesitation and immediately reached out to other like-minded familia captain in Orario.
Despite his greed, he wasn't reckless.
He valued his own life above all else.
What good was the wealth of the Pleasure District if he wasn't alive to enjoy it?
However, he vastly underestimated the power of the Sol Familia.
He sensed danger—but not enough to deter him.
"Is the Dian Cecht Familia on board?"
"Of course. And we brought back plenty of potions."
Several people hoisted up crates filled with medicines, their faces brimming with satisfaction.
Their familias' gods had personally negotiated with Dian Cecht, and the entire deal had gone far more smoothly than expected.
Convincing Airmid might have been a challenge, but Dian Cecht?
He was too easy to read.
"The Sol Familia has already defeated Ares Familia. Once they return to Orario, it'll be too late for us to make a move."
"Exactly. We need to act now." Several figures exchanged uneasy glances.
The overwhelming strength displayed by the Sol Familia during their battle with Ares' forces had left them shaken.
But as long as the blade wasn't at their own throats, greed blinded them to the danger.
"The explosives are ready. With these, Morgana and Kayle's forces won't stand a chance!"
"I've also made contact with some remnants of the Ishtar Familia. We can strike tonight!"
Grins spread across their faces as they envisioned themselves dividing up the spoils of the Pleasure District.
Nightfall
Under the cloak of darkness, a large group moved silently toward the Pleasure District.
Unlike the usual vibrant nightlife, the street was eerily quiet, as if anticipating the coming storm.
At the entrance, crates of explosives were stacked in preparation.
As Orario's busiest district, the Pleasure District had stronger security than most areas.
But ever since Ishtar had been sent back, Kayle and Morgana had taken extra precautions—sealing the gates to prevent trouble from spilling in.
Still, no amount of protection could withstand this level of firepower.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion shattered the night as the main gates of Pleasure District erupted in flames.
With that, the conspirators of Orario had officially declared war on the alliance of the Kayle Familia and the Morgana Familia.
The explosion lit up the night sky, its flames consuming the darkness.
The sudden blast shattered the silence of Orario, drawing the attention of countless adventurers.
Many quickly realized what was happening.
So, they actually dared to attack the Pleasure District?
And they moved fast.
Considering the Morgana Familia had wiped out Apollo not long ago, did these people really think their opponents would be easy prey?
Of course, these concerns remained unspoken. The gods, as always, watched with amusement, eager to see how this ambush would unfold.
Some, bored and restless, had already begun making their way toward the Pleasure District—after all, what better place to watch the chaos?
Others, more scheming, hoped to take advantage of the situation.
But none dared to act until the dust settled.
They had waited this long—what was a little more patience?
"It's starting."
"Hah. These fools really think we're easy pickings—"
"If the Sol Familia weren't outside Orario, they wouldn't have acted so boldly."
Three goddesses lounged atop the high tower that had once belonged to the Ishtar Familia.
Sipping tea and watching the chaos unfold below, they observed everything with knowing smiles.
Even from a distance, nothing escaped their gaze.