[4] Familia Affairs

Without waiting for a response, I strode towards the Kobold, sword held at the ready. The beast's head swiveled towards me, its lips pulling back in a snarl.

The Kobold lunged, a mass of fangs and fury. Its movements seemed almost lazy to my enhanced perception, giving me plenty of time to step aside. The beast crashed into the mud where I'd been standing moments before.

"Well, that was underwhelming," I said, twirling the sword in my hand. "I thought you'd be faster."

『Be careful,』 the Advisor warned. 『Overconfidence—』

"Yeah, yeah, kills. Got it."

The Kobold recovered quickly, spinning to face me with a growl. Its red eyes locked onto mine, calculating. This wasn't some mindless beast—there was intelligence behind that predatory gaze.

"Come on then," I taunted, settling into a fighting stance that felt natural to my body. "Show me what you've got."

The monster charged again, but this time it feinted left before snapping at my right side. I parried its jaws with the flat of my blade, the impact sending vibrations up my arm.

"Okay, that's more like it." I grinned, dancing back a few steps. "Learning already, are we?"

『The townspeople are watching,』 the Advisor noted. 『Perhaps less banter, more fighting?』

I spared a glance at my audience. They'd formed a loose semicircle, faces a mix of fear and fascination. The official was coordinating a rescue effort at the wagon, taking advantage of the Kobold's distraction.

"Fine," I sighed. "Let's wrap this up."

The Kobold paced in front of me, searching for an opening. Its tail swished back and forth, muscles coiled tight beneath its fur. I kept my sword pointed at its throat, waiting.

The Kobold lunged again, but this time I was done playing. I stepped into its charge, pivoting on my heel as the beast sailed past. My blade sang through the air, meeting flesh and bone with practiced ease.

The monster's head separated from its body in one clean stroke. Both parts hit the ground with a wet thud, then dissolved into a fine, shimmering dust that scattered in the wind.

I stared at the empty space where the Kobold had been, then at my sword. "That was almost disappointing," I said, wiping imaginary blood off my blade. "Hey Advisor, quick question - are all the monsters here this pathetic, or am I just that good?"

『Both, in a way,』 she replied. 『That was a low-level Kobold, barely worth mentioning in terms of threat assessment. But your combat capabilities are... unusual for someone without a Falna.』

I sheathed my sword, turning to face the crowd. They were whispering among themselves, pointing and staring. Some looked impressed, others suspicious. The wagon driver was back on his feet, being tended to by what looked like a healer.

"Unusual how?" I asked under my breath.

『Your physical parameters exceed normal human limitations. Strength, speed, reflexes - they're all enhanced beyond what should be possible without divine blessing.』

"And you don't know why?"

『If I did, I would tell you.』 A pause. 『Probably.』

I snorted. "Your honesty is refreshing, at least."

The official who'd been coordinating the rescue approached, his earlier skepticism replaced with careful respect. "That was... impressive work, stranger. We don't often see someone handle a monster so efficiently without an adventurer's blessing."

I smirked, wiping monster dust from my blade. "All in a day's work."

『Perhaps we should inquire about payment,』 the Advisor suggested.

For once, I agreed with her. "So," I said, turning to the official. "About my fee..."

The man blinked, then nodded. "Of course. The town will gladly compensate you for your service. Please, come with me."

As we walked, I could feel the eyes of the townspeople on me. Whispers followed in our wake. I caught snatches of conversation—"Did you see how fast he moved?" "Who is he?" "What familia is he apart of?"

I grinned. This was more like it.

『You seem to be enjoying the attention,』 the Advisor observed.

"What can I say?" I replied silently. "I was born for the spotlight."

I followed the official as he led me through the bustling town square.

"Here we are," the official said, stopping in front of a squat stone building. "The town hall. We'll get you sorted with your payment."

Inside, he ushered me into a small office where an older man sat behind a desk piled high with papers. The nameplate read "Mayor Hobson."

"Ah, you must be the adventurer who dealt with our Kobold problem," the mayor said, rising to shake my hand. "Splendid work, my boy. Splendid indeed."

I gave him my most charming smile. "Just doing my duty, sir."

The mayor nodded approvingly. "Well, we're certainly grateful. Now, as for your payment..." He rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a small pouch. "How does 13000 valis sound?"

『That is an adequate sum,』 the Advisor chimed in. 『A typical adventurer might earn around 5000 valis for a day's work in the dungeon.』

Good to know. I kept my face carefully neutral as I replied, "That sounds fair, Mr. Mayor. Though I wonder if I might impose on your hospitality for one more thing?"

The mayor raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"You see, I'm new in town and haven't had a chance to secure lodgings yet. I don't suppose the town might be willing to put me up for the night? As an additional show of gratitude, of course."

Mayor Hobson's bushy eyebrows shot up, but then he let out a hearty laugh. "Ha! Sharp as a tack, aren't you, lad? I like that." He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Very well. I think we can manage that. The Sleeping Giant has some decent rooms. I'll have them put it on the town's tab."

I bowed my head graciously. "You're too kind, sir."

As the mayor wrote out a note for the innkeeper, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. Not a bad haul for my first day in this world. Money, a place to stay, and the beginnings of a reputation.

The mayor handed me the pouch of valis and the note for the inn. "There you are, young man. Orario's going to be lucky to have adventurers like you."

I pocketed both, already planning my next move. "Thank you, sir. I'm sure I'll be seeing more of your fine town in the future."

I sprawled on the bed, wincing as my shirt caught on the scratches across my chest. The Kobold had gotten in one good swipe, but it was nothing compared to the beating I'd given it.

"Alright, Advisor," I said aloud. "Time for a crash course on this world. Hit me with the basics."

『Certainly, Dante. This world revolves around the Dungeon, a vast labyrinth beneath the city of Orario. It's the source of magic stones and rare items that fuel the economy. Adventurers explore its depths, growing stronger and wealthier with each expedition.』

I nodded, absorbing the information. "And how does one become an adventurer?"

『To enter the Dungeon safely, one needs a Falna - a divine blessing granted by a god or goddess. It enhances physical abilities and allows for rapid growth through a system of levels and skills.』

My eyes narrowed. "So, the fastest way to power up is through the Dungeon, but I need a Falna to access it?"

『Correct. Joining a Familia - a group led by a deity - is the standard path for adventurers.』

I sat up, frowning. "What are the top Familias in Orario?"

『The Loki Familia and Freya Familia are among the most powerful and prestigious. Joining either would provide significant resources and opportunities for rapid advancement.』

I shook my head. "No. If I join a big-name Familia, my accomplishments will be attributed to their influence. I want the credit for my own strength."

『Are you certain? The benefits of a larger Familia are substantial.』

"Positive," I said firmly. "I have two requirements: the Familia must have less than ten members, and their highest-level adventurer can't be above level three."

The Advisor fell silent for a moment. 『There is only one deity that fit those criteria. Hestia has a single member who joined recently, within the past two weeks.』

I raised an eyebrow. "Hestia? Tell me more."

『Hestia is the Greek virgin goddess of the Hearth, Fire, Warmth, the Home, Family. She's eager to establish her Familia but lacks the reputation to attract members easily.』

I mulled over the information, weighing my options. Joining Hestia would mean starting from scratch, but it also presented unique opportunities. I'd be her first member, potentially shaping the Familia's direction. On the other hand, Loki's resources and connections were tempting.

"What are the main advantages of joining Loki's Familia?" I asked, playing devil's advocate.

『The Loki Familia has extensive resources, experienced members to learn from, and a strong reputation. They regularly undertake high-level expeditions, offering rapid growth opportunities. However, competition within the Familia can be fierce, and individual accomplishments may be overshadowed by the group's reputation.』

I nodded, considering. "And Hestia?"

『With Hestia, you'd have more direct influence on the Familia's growth. As her second member, you'd likely receive significant personal attention and resources. However, you'd lack the support network and established infrastructure of a larger Familia. Progress might be slower initially, but your individual achievements would be more prominent.』

I stood up, pacing the small room. The choice wasn't as clear-cut as I'd initially thought. My ego pushed me towards Hestia, craving the spotlight and autonomy. But the pragmatic part of my mind recognized the advantages Loki offered.

"If I joined Loki's Familia," I mused aloud, "how long would it typically take to reach, say, level three?"

『That varies greatly depending on individual talent and circumstances. However, with your talent and the Loki Familia's resources and expedition frequency, you might reach level three within a year or two.』

I whistled. "And with Hestia?"

『It's difficult to estimate, given the lack of established support. It could take significantly shorter or longer. It would be fully dependent on how quickly you can build up the Familia's resources and reputation.』

I ran a hand through my hair. The logical choice was clear, but something in me rebelled against it. I wanted to prove myself, to build something from the ground up. But was I letting my pride cloud my judgment?

"Damnit," I muttered. "Why can't there be an option that gives me both the resources and the individual recognition?"

『Life often requires compromises, Dante. Perhaps the question isn't which path is objectively better, but which aligns more closely with your personal goals and values.』

I stopped pacing, her words striking a chord. "You're right. I need to decide what I want most. Fast power growth, or the chance to build something uniquely mine?"

I sat back on the bed, closing my eyes. The memory of the Kobold fight flashed through my mind - the thrill, the satisfaction of victory. I imagined myself leading a powerful Familia, respected and feared throughout Orario. But would that mean as much if I was just another cog in an already-established machine?

"Advisor," I said finally, opening my eyes. "I think I've made my decision."