Multiverse: In DanMachi, I'm the Strongest Summoner

"Sorry for calling you out so suddenly."

Finn smiled gently.

As the leader of the Loki Familia,

he was a highly respected figure, famous throughout Orario.

Raven had only met him a few times before,

and they had exchanged a few words at most.

They couldn't be called friends.

"Is something the matter?"

Seeing Raven's puzzled expression, Finn responded with a calm smile:

"Yes, I do have something to talk about. That's why I wanted to speak with you."

"If I visited you directly, it might stir unnecessary speculation."

"So I decided to wait here at the Guild headquarters. Sorry for the trouble."

After the War Game, the Hestia Familia had risen in status considerably.

From one of the weakest familias—

They had suddenly climbed to mid-tier status, drawing plenty of attention.

Finn didn't want his actions to cause alarm among other familias.

By now—

The female adventurers passing by had started to notice them.

"Kyaaahh!!"

"Aaaahhhh!!"

"Girls, look over here!"

"Huh? Isn't that Lord Braver?!"

"So small, so cute, so cool~!"

"Wait a sec..."

"Isn't that Lord Demon Tyrant Raven?!"

"Tall, graceful, and incredibly handsome~"

"I prefer Raven over the Pallum Braver!"

"Same! He's the one with the 'Fastest Level-Up' title!"

"...."

The commotion drew a wry smile from Finn:

"Seems like your popularity rivals mine."

"Do you have some time now?"

"I'd like to have a proper talk with you, if that's alright."

"Sure."

Raven nodded, then added:

"But I need to drop something off on West Street first—for a friend."

"Would you prefer to come with me?"

"Or wait here?"

Finn thought for a moment, then smiled:

"I'll come along."

West Street – In front of The Benevolent Mistress Tavern

Raven didn't overthink it.

Right in front of Finn, he took out a heart-shaped pink bento box from his storage space.

Finn's eyes widened slightly at the sight.

"So it's true..."

"That's the spatial magic Lady Riveria mentioned?"

"Storage-type ability, huh?"

They entered the tavern.

Some customers were relaxing and enjoying afternoon tea.

As the biggest tavern on West Street,

its staff included not only Anya, Chloe, Lunoire, Syr, and Ryuu,

but also dozens of young, beautiful, and cheerful female workers.

However...

Raven didn't recognize any of the charming beastkin ladies.

"Ryuu?"

"Perfect timing. Is Syr around?"

Just as they stepped inside—

They ran into Ryuu coming out from the kitchen, carrying a durian cake.

"R-Raven...?"

Ryuu froze slightly, visibly surprised.

Her expression blanked out momentarily.

"I'm here, Raven-saaaan~~"

Syr called out cheerfully as she descended the stairs with a singsong voice.

The second floor housed the staff dorms, changing rooms, and resting area.

"You're back early today."

"Would you like some snacks?"

Syr approached with a sweet smile and soft breath.

Raven handed her the bento box—

Then shook his head:

"No, not today..."

"I've got something to do. Someone's waiting outside."

"I'll come by next time."

Hearing that—

Syr peeked over his shoulder curiously to see who was waiting.

"Lord Braver?"

Her brows lifted slightly upon spotting Finn.

Ryuu, who had just served the cake, also turned to look.

Raven scratched his head and chuckled bitterly:

"See? I wasn't lying."

"So yeah, next time."

"...Alright then."

Syr sighed lightly and looked away.

"I'm heading out."

"By the way, your cooking was delicious, Syr."

Before leaving—

Raven made sure to compliment her.

Receiving praise—

Syr gently closed her eyes and cupped her blushing cheeks with both hands.

A joyful, dreamy smile blossomed across her lips.

Seeing her expression, Ryuu also smiled softly.

Outside the tavern.

Raven and Finn cut through a back alley

and arrived at a small café called Visen, located in the southwestern district.

They sat face to face at a table.

"This is a private meeting between Familia leaders—so please keep it confidential."

Finn sipped his tea and spoke calmly.

Aside from the elf shopkeeper, the café was empty.

Raven, visiting this quiet place for the second time, appeared composed.

Unlike their previous drinking party with the whole Loki Familia,

this was a quiet, serious conversation.

"Let's get to the point. What do you want to talk about?"

Raven stirred his iced coffee twice with a spoon.

"You have feelings for Riveria, don't you?"

"...What makes you say that?"

Raven's stirring hand paused, and he looked up.

Seeing his reaction—

Finn met his gaze calmly and said:

"Let's play a War Game."

"If you win, Riveria can transfer to the Hestia Familia."

"If you lose, you join our Familia."

"Of course, I'll prepare an executive position for you."

"How about it?"

The meaning was clear.

Even if Raven lost and joined Loki Familia,

he wouldn't be at a disadvantage—

he'd gain high status and get closer to Riveria.

Raven blinked in surprise:

"...You're serious?"

His mind worked quickly.

First of all, there's no way I'll lose.

Second, I will never serve under someone else.

Be Finn's subordinate? Impossible.

But—

If I win, I could skip several steps in winning over Nine Hell.

"Don't be surprised. I meant what I said."

"Our Familia wants your unique abilities."

"Like your spatial magic."

Raven nodded in realization:

"I see..."

"But."

"Do you think my Familia can beat yours?"

Finn was silent for a while—then shook his head.

Indeed…

As Raven said.

Without holding back—

The newly risen Hestia Familia had no chance against the long-established Loki Familia.

"So, you're rejecting the proposal?"

"No."

"I accept."

"But the terms—will need to change."

If I can absorb the Loki Familia, my own Familia's power would skyrocket.

Finn's eyes glimmered, and a smile tugged at his lips:

"What kind of terms?"

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