In Orario.

After waiting about thirty minutes for my turn. I go to the guard sanctioned over at the entrance.

[Raul-Lvl2]

HP:450

MP:100

'He must be a mid-level 2 or even a vet level2.' I thought in my mind.

''Sir, I need to see your ID.'' He said after a bit of time.

''I don't have one, it's my first time around here. I came here to make a living, and the dungeon ought to help with that.''

*Sigh*

"It's the other like on my right that will take care of you. You'll have to grab ID temp papers and officialise them at the guild.'' The guard said. It would not be his first time saying this line, nor would it his last.

''I assume you are trying to be an adventurer, right?'' He asked.

I nodded non-committedly at him. I thought we were already done with our conversation.

''Well, just take it at your pace and try to join a decent Familia. Steady wins the race. An alive adventurer is a happy one. I also was an adventurer like you, until I took an arrow to the knee.'' He said as a wistful smile dominated his expression. He seemed to be reminiscing over the old days.

''...''

'Did he just... No, never mind.' I thought shaking my head.

-------------

I got my temporary identification paper with surprisingly no fuss. I did need to pay 1000 Valis to get them, however. Not only that, but I also got a map for free— after just asking for it.

What grabbed my attention the first thing on entry was the massive Tower of Babel in the middle of Orario. What made it appear huge is the utter lack of similar constructions in Orario. It is still huge nonetheless... I could understand how this world's natives would marvel at it.

It can't compare to our skyscrapers or the towers we made. I guess that makes sense, magic does halt the need for technological advancements.

After that bit of monologue, I looked around to only see countless people, Beast-kin, Elves, Drawfs. All sorts of fantasy races. They were all wearing armor and weapons as if it's just another Tuesday.

It was quite a fascinating sight.

I thought I kept my glances reserved and polite. I don't know if it was due to the Falna giving enhanced senses or not. But I may or may not have gotten caught staring at a couple of Amazons, I couldn't be blamed, they were wearing what essentially is nothing short of over-glorified Bikinis.

They didn't seem to mind, in fact, some even winked and sent sultry glances towards my way.

Something that also got me thinking was the complete diversity in the style of housing. It was a mix and mash between different cultures. Some of them are even modern looking...

I could only attribute it to the gods playing around. Although I don't understand why wouldn't they just make it a better place. I guess medieval fantasy also has its beauty points...

It was also surprisingly clean. I could even see a sewage system, so I assume tap-ready water should be available as well.

I stopped my thoughts when I saw the guild. It was a two-story stone building that screams the word ''GUILD'' when you see it.

I wondered why all guilds look about the same in every fantasy setting for a brief second, but ended up putting it in the back of my head.

As I stepped inside, I marveled at the beautiful architecture of the establishment.

'I must look like a country-bumpkin hahaha,' I paused. 'I guess I go beyond a simple country-bumpkin...'

I stopped looking around as my turn came around.

[Eina Tulle-Lvl1]

I quite frankly didn't recognise her, I don't think the anime did her a favor, elves are indeed pleasing to the eye. It also didn't help that she should have currently just graduated from the academy to join the guild, meaning she is a good deal younger than her anime counterpart.

'She should be a very good guild advisor. But if what I have seen is true, I need to set my foot down, or she would become very hard to deal with. I just hope she's not as jumpy since she just got here. No adventurer should have died on her just yet.'

''Hello sir, my name's Eina. I'll be helping you.'' Said Eina.

''Yes, the name's Ken. I'd like to become an adventurer.'' I briskly cut to the chase.

''Do you want me to look for currently recruiting Familias?'' She said.

''I thought it was possible to become an adventurer without needing to be a part of any Familia?''

''The higher-ups changed the rules after the increase in deaths in the dungeon. Now to receive the permit to descend into the dungeon, one would need to be a part of a Familia.'' she informed me.

'Well, that puts an immediate stop to my plans. It was just wishful thinking anyway. I mean, this point was never properly explained.'

''Ok, Miss Eina. Is it possible to arrange for a meeting with Hephaestus-Sama? I got something that they will find appealing." I drew close to her as unassumingly as possible. "I do possess a unique magic.'' I whispered.

It appears such precautions were worthless.

''WHAAAAT?!'' Eina shouted for all the guild to hear. At least she didn't scream that I got magic to the entire world to hear.

The vast majority of adventurers never manage to acquire any magic, never mind having a unique one. So her reaction is slightly exaggerated, yet warranted nonetheless.

I give her an unimpressed stare as I feel quite a lot of eyes on us. She at least has the decency to look embarrassed.

''Sorry ,Ken-san. That was unprofessional of me.'' Said as she bowed.

'You bet your sweet ass it was.'

Sighing, I ultimately waved it off. No use getting angry over spilled milk.

''Anyway, you think you could do something about that meeting I mentioned earlier?'' I asked, hopefully.

Frankly, this entire ordeal relied too much on luck.

''It should be possible, although I am not sure if Hephaestus-Sama will accept. If she accepts, the meeting will be three days from now on at the same time of the day. It would go smoother if you tell me how your magic works.'' She said.

I laughed in my mind. 'I'd be stupid to tell after what you just did.'

I chose to answer diplomatically, however.'' I would much rather not Miss Eina. Telling them that it is very valuable to a crafting Familia should suffice. I wouldn't try to trick the Hephaestus Familia... That would only spell social and potentially even physical assisted suicide.'' I say as she shares a laugh with me.

''With that out of the way. Can you recommend me an inn to say at? I am new to the town, as you can see.''

She gave me directions to a medium-budget inn, a bit close to the Babel Tower. I got there at sunset, what greeted me was a two-story wooden establishment giving off the classic fantasy inn vibe.

[Sophie-lvl1]

''Hello, how can I help you?'' said a late teen black-haired wolf-kin wearing a maid uniform.

''I'd like to reserve three days. Is that possible?''

''Of course! We charge 700 valis per day, 1000 valis if you want breakfast and dinner. My husband there is the cook.'' She mentioned to the man standing behind the counter.

[Robert-Lvl3]

HP: 910

MP: 300

He was a pretty average-looking man in his mid to late twenties. He must have had a successful adventuring life, at least his stats do seem to be reflecting it. Furthermore, he had red hair and golden eyes, coupled with a friendly smile and an apron. He reminded me of a certain hardcore hero of justice.

Now I want to try out his food just for the sake of it, but decided not to at the end.

After I paid for my three-day stay over here and got the keys to my room. I fiddled with it for a moment until I saw the number carved into it: Number 9.

I was about to go tour Orario with what little time remaining of the day. Yet, one look at the dark sky dissuade me otherwise.

''You seem new here... Trying out your luck in the dungeon, I guess? I may not look like it, but I was a pretty successful adventurer. I could offer some advice.'' I heard him saying.

Is this another case of the all-knowing innkeeper/bartender, or am I just that predictable?

''Is it that obvious?''

'' Not really, you are not that bad at hiding it. But, I've been in my whole life at Orario.I met all sorts of people. You have the air of wonder a newcomer would have.'' He said after laughing a bit.

'' What I'm trying to say is that you should take the dungeon very seriously, and don't let your pride kill you. I have seen many friends die to negligence in the dungeon. That cursed thing feels almost alive. It always strikes the least when you expect it.'' He said as he shook his head.

There seems to be some history behind what he said. I guess there must be a reason why he quit adventuring. I would rather not poke around that.

'I just can't be bothered.' I shrugged my shoulders.

We kept chatting for a while— more like him endlessly talking. I did appreciate his advice, however. I didn't have anything to do anyway.

'Finally! A real bed' I thought as I collapsed into it head first.