8 Orario

Once I was on my own, I followed the large crowds of people and wagons heading into the city. In line, I found myself getting a lot of stares from the people around me as I waited, which isn't surprising since elves are famous for their beauty in this world and are the most popular race despite their arrogance. I ignored the attention and waited until I reached the front of the line, where guards vetted everybody entering the city.

Along the way, I began to seriously consider my future and what familia to try and join. I had halfheartedly considered it before but had always put it off until I actually entered Orario, but now I was actually here. The problem was that there were too many decisions that I was torn about. First, did I want to be in a big and powerful one that would give me an influential god backing me or stay low at the beginning in a small familia? 

This issue of backing is made even more important by the fact that my skill, Prodigy, will probably boost my leveling speed, though I wasn't exactly sure how it would interact with my falna. If I don't want to be bothered in the future by gods trying to pouch me and start War Games over me, then I should join one of the powerful familias right off the bat. However, I had never liked being in big groups, but I could probably work out a way to be more independent or part of a smaller group within those familias.

This all relates the the problem of what familia to join. I could go for a god or goddess not seen in the series and risk it, or I could go for someone I already know of. As I currently see it, I have the Loki, Hephaestus, and Freya familias as the best options for joining a powerful familia. Then there is pretty much only the Miach familia for small familia options that were currently in the city. Although Miach might not have suffered the loss of his middle-ranking familia with Nazza's injuries yet, so I could go and try to prevent that if I chose to. 

Drumming my finger against my chin, I considered all this. While some may consider me crazy for considering the Freya familia, I felt that it might honestly be the best choice. Yes, I would have to deal with a bunch of psycho simps worshiping Freya, but it is one of the most powerful familias for a reason. I would undoubtedly be able to grow rapidly if I joined. Plus, if Freya personally took an interest in me, then my growth rate may actually skyrocket to the highest degree.

However, the crazy simps were definitely a large detractor from reasons to join. That left me considering Hephaestus and Loki more intently. I was sure I could get into any familia due to my nature as an Elf since we can have magic before even gaining a falna. Plus, most elves that become adventurers have at least some formal training before choosing to do so. The combination of already being trained plus magic from the start makes elves extremely attractive options from the start.

Even more in my favor with Hephaestus and Loki is the fact that I can use Spatial Storage, which they won't be able to ignore. In Hephaestus's case, I would be an invaluable resource for moving massive loads of weapons, ore, and or ingots and can save a lot of time and money. For Loki, my ability to store all the supplies needed for expeditions would be extremely incentivizing. I was sure I could convince both Goddesses to let me join, but I had to decide which to approach first. However, it seemed that the decision was made for me as I approached the guards and engaged them in conversation.

"What brings you to Orario, and where are you coming from?" The first guard asked, glancing me over, eyes stopping briefly at the sword on my hip.

"I am coming from the Wishe forest and am here to become an Adventurer," I replied with a friendly nod, adding an extra question at the end, "Do you happen to know if any of the big familias are currently recruiting?".

"For the big familias, the Loki familia won't be recruiting for a few months. The Hephaestus familia should have just ended recruitment, but as an elf, you might be able to convince them to give you a look if your magic is good enough. Lastly, I think you can request to be evaluated for the Freya familia at any time." The second guard chipped in.

"Thanks for the information," I said, flipping a coin of a large denomination to each man, causing them to grin widely and bow slightly to me.

"You're welcome, sir. If you ever encounter any problems getting into the city, you know who to come and find." the guards said before turning their attention to the next group in line.

'So it looks like my first option is Hepheastus, ' I thought as I walked through the gate and headed into the city proper. Immediately, I was surrounded by life in all its forms. Old and young, rich and poor, struggling and successful. Every type of person from every race flocked to Orario due to its status as a place where you can turn your fortunes around with enough effort. The dungeon's effect on business and life was evident everywhere throughout the city. Above it all was Babel, a constant reminder of the wealth that can be earned due to the dungeon. 

Crowds surged in the mid-afternoon light, making it difficult to navigate the city effectively. Still, eventually, I was able to find what I was looking for after asking a few adventurers for directions. The elves I passed basically jumped to help me since they could tell just from a glance that I was a High Elf, most recognizing from my resemblance with my father as well. By the time I approached a large plaza where the Hephaestus familia's flag flapped proudly in the wind I had a whole party of elves of all kinds escorting me. 

I could only roll my eyes and sigh softly as we drew quite a few looks. However, it worked to my advantage as we approached the recruiting area, just as the members of the familia were taking everything down. They paused in their work, eyes drawn to the crowd of elves approaching them. Many of the dwarfs crossed their arms and raised their eyebrows curiously as we approached. I wasn't surprised by this since elves and dwarfs are pretty much opposites in every way in this world.

The man who I assumed to be the chief recruiter, walked our way, blocking our path from the rest of the familia members present, and asked, "Can I help you?"

The man was short but powerfully built, just like most members of his race. He had dark hair and a long beard, though they were tinged with grey streaks. He carried himself with a dignified air despite being more than a head shorter than even the shortest elf here. He had a great ax strapped to his back, which looked to weight a couple hundred pounds, but he seemed unbothered by the weight. 

Before any of my group could reply and almost definitely offend the dwarf with some comment, I stepped forward, "I thank you all for your help escorting me here. I can take it from here. Your aid to me will not be forgotten." 

The praise caused the group to go silent and bow deeply, many looking like they might kneel. The dwarf caught my eye and gave me a silent question, but I just subtly shrugged in reply. I waited a few moments for the elves to go on their way before I walked up to the dwarf and looked down at the much smaller man, though I could clearly sense the power emanating from his body. He was undoubtedly an adventurer and at least Level 2 from my estimations. 

"Mind telling me what that was about?" he asked, watching as the elves, in fact, did not move off but formed a protective perimeter a short distance away.

"I miscalculated in asking for help. I expected directions but got an honor guard." I said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of my head.

"You've come to try and join the familia or..." he asked, leaving the question hanging.

"To join." I confirmed, "I have magic that will undoubtedly interest the goddess."

That caused the man to eye me speculatively, clearly interested, "Mind giving a demonstration so that I have something to report."

"Sure," I said, undoing my sword belt and holding it up.

Once it was in the air, I activated Spatial Storage. A brilliant blue magic circle flared to life for a moment, sucking the blade up into it. After a moment, the entire belt, along with Glamdring, were gone. Then, before he had a chance to speak, I opened my other palm. The magic circle formed again, and the belt and sword came back out. While I strapped them back on, I could practically see the gears turning in the dwarf's eyes as he considered me.

"Are there limits?" he finally asked, stroking his considerable beard.

"None that I have found. The space seems to be infinite, and I bear none of the weight. In fact, I already have quite a few things in there and have encountered no issues."

I didn't need to explain why this magic was potentially a game changer to the familia. This dwarf was no fool and clearly grasped the implications. While the others in the familia finished packing up their supplies and banners, he stood still. Finally, he looked at me and spoke.

"It's best that we go to the goddess with this. Frankly, this is above my pay grade and authority," he said, gesturing for me to follow.

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This felt a bit faster-paced then I wanted, but things will relax a bit with the next chapter.