Refusing My God’s Advances

"That is very true, so it would be good just to get things that benefit everyone. I also have about 50 demons as well in a longhouse beside mine, so I wouldn't mind getting them something to help them out as well," I said, and Apollo nodded.

Apollo's expression turned thoughtful as he considered my requirements, a spark of creativity lighting up his eyes. He began to navigate through his collection with a renewed sense of purpose, carefully selecting items that would meet the diverse needs of my group.

"First," Apollo started, pausing before a small, elegantly framed painting of a grassy plain on the edge of a cliff or a floating island. "This is the 'Vista of Vitality.' It's a painting that not only beautifies the entire house but also slowly rejuvenates all people with the residence, and while they are outside. Perfect for a common area where your companions gather."

He then moved to a display case, retrieving a set of intricately carved bracelets made of a material that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. "These are the 'Bands of Bonding.' They enhance the camaraderie and teamwork within a group. Wearing these will make your coordination in battles and tasks more seamless. They adjust to the wearer, making them suitable for anyone in your group, including your demon companions. I will throw in a few pairs of these."

Next, Apollo led me to a pedestal showcasing a small sculpture of a phoenix in flight, the detail so exquisite it seemed as if the bird could take off at any moment. "This is the 'Eternal Phoenix Miniature.' It symbolizes rebirth and resilience. Placed within your home, it provides a subtle but constant boost to recovery from injuries for all who reside there. While it is much like the 'Vista of Vitality,' this one will stack with it, but it gives all members in the household a respawn point while fighting in dungeons."

"Woah, hold on!" I said, stopping Apollo. This was a serious item, but Apollo shook his head.

"Don't get carried away. This is still only an epic-rated artifact. That means if you die, you will come back to your house, but you will be horribly deformed and your stats will be halved for 24 hours. Not only that, but if you try to go back in a dungeon like that before the 24 hours are up, the monsters will be attracted to you, and will be able to break the tunnel rules. Then you come back even worse than before with only 1/4 of your stats," Apollo explained, and I nodded, no longer that excited, but it was still good.

Finally, he presented a set of delicate, silver chains with pendants shaped like various animals and mythical creatures. "And these are 'Pendants of Potential.' Each pendant is imbued with an aspect of the creature it represents, offering unique benefits like increased agility, strength, or even a heightened sense of intuition. They're quite versatile and can be tailored to the needs of each individual within your group."

Apollo's selections were not only practical but also carried an aesthetic that would complement any setting they were placed in. They were artifacts of power, yet subtle enough not to draw unwanted attention or appear out of place.

"As for the terms of our agreement," Apollo continued, his tone serious but friendly, "I trust you'll find these items within your budget, especially with the discount I've offered. They're designed to be beneficial on a broad scale, enhancing the wellbeing and capabilities of your entire group."

I nodded, impressed by the thoughtfulness and utility of each item. "These are perfect, Apollo. They'll definitely help everyone, and they're exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to find. Let's go ahead with these."

Apollo's smile was warm, reflecting a mixture of pride in his collection and satisfaction at being able to aid me in such a significant way. "Excellent choice. It's not often I get to outfit such a diverse and interesting group. I'm looking forward to seeing how these artifacts aid you and your companions on your journey."

With the selections made, Apollo and I finalized the details of the exchange, but when It came time to pay, Apollo refused my money.

"Hades has already left, but he said that he, the God of the Underworld, would never let me, the God of the Sun, hear the end of it if I charged you. I guess that he has been making sure that all your women are completely outfitted without charge. I can hardly charge you for these few trinkets!" Apollo laughed, and then smiled, offering me his hand. "Considering that none of them could be above an epic-rated item and all, he said, but then paused to tap his chin. “Besides this, what do you plan on doing once we get back?"

That was a very good question, but I mentally prepared myself rather than ponder as I reached for the Sun God's hand. The moment my hand touched his, and I felt the pull, I started to mentally activate Full Restore, but something happened, and I was spat out in a pure white room.

"You know, you are going to break something if you keep messing around like that," Eon's voice said from all directions, making me frown.

"What do you mean? I was just trying to use my skill to save myself from your stupid mode of transportation! Is that the best way you can think of as the god of all gods? Getting sucked into a pin point and then shat back out?!" I demanded, but Eon just started to laugh.

Eon's laughter filled the white expanse, echoing in a way that seemed both close and distant. "Your description is rather colorful, Leon. However, you must understand, my 'mode of transportation' is not designed for comfort but for efficiency. And regarding 'breaking something,' well, let's just say that the universe has its quirks, especially when you're hopping between dimensions with such... vigor."