Orario

"Look! You can see the walls!" Zoe said excitedly.

Mark leaned slightly out the window, allowing him to see the towering walls surrounding the city and the Tower of Babel, which was now much more visible, with its enormous height piercing the sky.

'Totally different from Citadel 13...' -He thought, feeling slightly tired.

Even though he had enjoyed partying the night before, it was also the day of the energy extraction, and Mark's fun was short-lived.

The caravan moved along the paved road, the wagon wheels rolling more smoothly than on the rough paths they had crossed in the mountains. The change was evident: not only was the terrain easier to travel, but the atmosphere around them also seemed different. More people were heading toward the city—merchants, adventurers, and travelers of all kinds—all headed to what seemed like the destination of many dreams and hopes.

Zoe, with wide eyes and a contagious smile, watched the rapidly changing scenery.

"Orario..." -She murmured, almost in reverence. The city she had always wanted to reach, the center of the world for adventurers and scholars like her, was finally before her eyes.

Mark, who had remained silent until then, felt curiosity growing in him, wondering what awaited him in that mysterious city.

As they approached the walls, they were forced to slow down due to the long line of people waiting for the gate checks.

Mark observed the groups of people around him with curiosity. Armed adventurers, merchants with their carts full of goods, families hoping to start a new life. All that movement made him feel like he had just stepped into a great crossroads of stories, dreams, and dangers. Orario seemed like a world unto itself, a place that would certainly change the life of anyone who set foot there.

When it was their turn, it didn't take long before they finished the checks, and finally, they were inside Orario.

"This is... amazing." -Mark had to admit, looking at the city with wide eyes.

On Earth, he was used to crowded cities, but Orario had a completely different atmosphere. Just a few steps beyond the massive gate, and the world seemed to have expanded all at once. The streets bustled with activity, but what struck Mark most was the variety of races populating the city.

For the first time, he could see elves with their long, pointed ears and elegant demeanor, and dwarves with their stocky yet incredibly strong builds, trading goods and speaking in deep, resonant voices. There was an endless variety of creatures he had never imagined.

Along the street where they were walking, they could see a myriad of stalls and shops selling everything—food, gear, potions...

Zoe, beside him, was equally fascinated. -"I never imagined a place like this," she said, her voice full of wonder. -"Everything is so... alive."

The caravan stopped near a shop, and finally, the group had the chance to disembark.

"It was an honor to travel with you." -The merchant leader said, shaking their hands.

"Likewise." -Mark nodded.

"Just try not to take dangerous routes next time." -Zoe scolded, embarrassing the merchant leader.

"I've learned my lesson. Anyway, take these papers." -The man said, handing them some documents. -"This is the request I made to the guild and proof that you completed it. I added a bonus for how much you helped. I wish you all the best."

After a deep bow, the merchant leader left.

"In the end, he turned out to be quite the character, didn't he?" -Astrea asked, and Mark and Zoe agreed with a nod.

"So, what do we do now?" -Zoe asked.

"I think we should go to the guild so we can officially register as adventurers, and I want to ask about the Loki and Freya Familia." -Mark said.

"Mark's right, it's better to take care of that first so we can explore a bit while there's still daylight." -Astrea agreed, deciding to lead the way for the two.

Orario, with its chaotic streets full of life, surrounded them as they made their way through the crowd. Every step was accompanied by the chatter of adventurers, the busy shops full of magical items, and the most diverse creatures. For Mark, it was a surreal experience: the contrast between his old world and this new one struck him at every moment.

As they approached the Guild, the majestic facade loomed over them. The large building was a key hub for all adventurers who wanted to take on the dangers of the Dungeon.

"This is where it all begins." -Zoe murmured, staring at the entrance with determined eyes.

"Quite the exaggeration, don't you think?" -Mark joked, earning a glare from her.

The two of them entered the building alone and were greeted by the constant buzz of adventurers discussing among themselves, reporting back, or consulting Dungeon maps. The polished marble floor and large windows that lit up the main hall gave the whole place an air of seriousness and, at the same time, warmth.

"Where should we go?" -Zoe wondered.

"Need a hand?"

Hearing a voice, they turned around to see a Guild employee smiling at them professionally, carrying some documents.

'Oh, an elf.' -Mark thought as he looked at the beautiful girl with a slender body, pointed ears, shoulder-length brown hair, and emerald-green eyes.

"Half-elf."

"Excuse me?" -Mark asked, snapping out of his thoughts.

"I said I'm a half-elf. My ears are a bit shorter." -The girl laughed.

Only then did Mark realize that he had been staring at her ears, and he immediately apologized with a bow, remembering what the Guide had told him about elves' personalities.

"Sorry for making you uncomfortable. I had never seen an elf... half-elf before."

"Don't worry, I figured." -The girl smiled.

Due to her work, she was used to recognizing the look people gave her, and from what she could sense from the boy in front of her, it was genuine curiosity.

"May I know your names?"

Zoe, seizing the opportunity to take charge of the situation, responded promptly and with a hint of amusement. -"I'm Zoe Elpis and my rude friend here is Mark Tormeto."

Mark widened his eyes for a moment, surprised by Zoe's sharp response, while she looked at him with a satisfied expression as if barely holding back a laugh. Even the Guild girl, Eina, couldn't help but giggle, amused by the dynamic between the two.

"Nice to meet both of you. I am Eina Tulle. What brings you here today?" - She asked in her usual professional tone, though the smile on her lips betrayed a genuine interest.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Eina." - Mark replied, recovering from Zoe's playful tease. - "We've completed a supply escort quest from Citadel 12 and came to claim the reward. Also, we'd like to officially register as adventurers here."

"It must have been a long journey. Follow me to the counter, I'll help you get everything done quickly." - Eina responded politely, gesturing for them to follow.

Once they arrived at the dark wooden counter, Eina comfortably settled behind it, taking the papers Mark handed her. With a quick and professional glance, she reviewed the documentation.

"I see you've completed the request perfectly, and there's also a bonus for you. Would you prefer to receive the payment now or have it deposited into your account?"

Mark and Zoe exchanged a glance, and then Mark responded for both of them. - "We'll take it now. We'll probably take a stroll around the city."

"Understandable, if this is your first time visiting Orario." - Eina nodded, showing genuine understanding toward them.

After stepping away for a moment, she returned with the prize: 10,000 valis, which the two divided equally.

'Considering I have more than two million in the bank, this seems almost small.' - Mark thought.

"Well then." - Eina resumed, organizing the papers in front of her. - "As for the adventurer registration, you just need to sign here. The details regarding your age and level are already in the forms you handed me."

Mark and Zoe carefully examined the documents, and once they ensured everything was in order, they signed them and promptly returned them.

"Perfect." - Eina said, satisfied. - "Now, I must ask: do you already have a Familia in mind to join, or would you prefer for the Guild to send out a request? We'll let you know if any Familia is interested in recruiting you."

Zoe responded promptly. - "I have a contact who might help me join the Hephaestus Familia."

"The Hephaestus Familia is very well respected." - Eina noted with an approving smile. - "I hope you can join them without any issues."

Then, turning to Mark, she asked: "And what about you, Mr. Mark?"

Mark responded. - "I have a question. I'm interested in joining either the Loki or Freya Familia."

Mark's words made Eina raise an eyebrow, her surprise evident. After a moment of reflection, though, her expression returned to its usual professional calm. She was used to such requests: many, especially newcomers, dreamed of joining Orario's two most powerful Familia, drawn by their fame, strength, and prestige. However, Eina knew well that aiming for those Familia wasn't easy. Not everyone had the necessary skills to be accepted, and this aspiration often led to great disappointment.

Maintaining her polite and professional tone, Eina still responded kindly.

"The Freya Familia is extremely selective when it comes to accepting new members. We can certainly send a request, but I must warn you that the chances of receiving a positive response are very low. They rarely reply unless they already have a specific interest in someone."

Her voice was calm, but the message was clear: the Freya Familia was known for choosing with extreme care who they allowed into their ranks, and most people were simply ignored. However, Eina's tone became slightly more encouraging when she shifted to talking about the Loki Familia.

"As for the Loki Familia, you have a more concrete opportunity. In a week, there will be a tournament divided by levels. The winners of each category will have the chance to challenge a member of the Loki Familia of the same level. If you manage to win the duel, you'll earn the right to join them."

The news caught Mark by surprise, but it sparked a sense of excitement within him. A tournament, a competition. This was something he could face confidently, given the level he had reached.

(90% ring completed.)

'What do you think my current strength is?'

[Difficult to give an exact evaluation, I'd say like a new level 3.]

Thanks to the remnants left by the magic stone he had absorbed, Mark's growth had been steady during his journey, but ever since he reached 90%, it seemed like he'd hit a block.

"Then I think I'll stay as I am for now." - Mark said.

"That's fine, and if it doesn't work out, don't worry. You're still only eighteen, and you reached level 2 outside of Orario. Many would be willing to take you in." - Eina said with a reassuring smile.

Mark felt a bit uneasy, knowing well what Eina might think: that aiming so high, at one of the most powerful Familia in Orario, was too ambitious for someone like him. But what she didn't know was that Mark had a background and potential that exceeded appearances. Despite his embarrassment, he appreciated her sincerity and the kindness with which she was advising him.

"Thank you for the reassurance."

Eina smiled and continued in her professional tone. - "Perfect. Here are your adventurer cards. Remember, if you haven't joined a Familia within a month, there will be a fee to pay. Also, if you have any questions or concerns about anything, especially if you plan to enter the Dungeon, I strongly recommend coming to the Guild. We're always available to help."

With a formal smile, she handed Mark and Zoe their cards.

Mark took them, nodding. - "We'll do that. Thank you very much."

Zoe slightly bowed and smiled. - "See you next time."

They left the building together, leaving behind the chaotic noise of the Guild. Once they were out of sight, Eina let out a sigh of relief, feeling suddenly more relaxed.

"I was so nervous." - She murmured under her breath, letting her smile soften.

The beauty and charisma of Mark and Zoe were hard to overlook. She had noticed how many in the room couldn't take their eyes off the two, and although she tried to remain professional, even she hadn't been completely immune to their charm. She had interacted with Aiz Wallenstein as well, but there was still something about them that stood out.

As soon as the two exited the building, Misha, Eina's colleague, rushed over with sparkling eyes and a curious look. -"E-Eina, who were those two?! And more importantly, is the super handsome guy single?!"

Misha, with her pink hair and lively expression, was known for being curious and sometimes a bit reckless. She liked to tease Eina, especially when it came to relationships or potential connections between her and Bell Cranel, but she was still diligent in her work.

Eina sighed and massaged her forehead, already knowing this conversation would be long. - "They're two new adventurers, Mark Tormeto and Zoe Elpis, both level 2. As for your second question… I don't know."

Misha looked at her with a probing gaze. - "Do you think he's with that girl? Because, you know, they seemed very… close."

Eina thought for a moment, recalling the brief exchanges she had observed between Mark and Zoe. - "It didn't seem that way. I think they're just good friends."

Misha's eyes lit up with hope, and with a determined expression, she exclaimed, clenching her fist with resolve. - "Yeah! I have a chance!"

Eina looked at her friend, unsure whether to laugh or cry. If someone was walking around with a beautiful girl like Zoe, she doubted they would be looking at other girls, but she still wanted to let her friend live in her imagination.

Meanwhile, outside the Guild, Mark and Zoe reunited with Astrea, who had been patiently waiting for them.

"So, how did it go?" -Asked the goddess, with a slight smile.

Zoe responded, proudly showing her adventurer's card. -"All sorted, we're officially adventurers!"

Astrea nodded, satisfied. -"Great. How about we take a stroll around the city now? We still have some time, and you might want to see some interesting places."

"Sounds like a good idea." -Answered Mark, still curious to discover everything Orario had to offer.

Astrea smiled, seeing the enthusiasm in their eyes. -"Alright, then follow me. I know a few places you'll like." -She said, making her way down Orario's main road, with Mark and Zoe following closely behind.

The city of Orario was a true spectacle for anyone visiting it for the first time. The streets were wide and crowded, bustling with street vendors, craftsmen, and adventurers of all kinds. The buildings were towering, and in many areas, you could catch glimpses of the estates of the most powerful Familia. Astrea walked confidently, guiding the two through the city's most charming alleys and squares.

"First of all, I'll take you to see the Central Plaza." -Said the goddess, turning onto a busy street that led to a large open space. -"It's the second heart of the city, and here is where the main public events are held, including the celebrations for major victories in the Dungeon."

Mark and Zoe looked around, admiring the grandeur of the plaza. In the center, a large fountain sparkled in the sunlight, with sculptures depicting ancient battles between heroes and monsters. Around them, shops of all kinds offered every type of product, from weapons to magical items, and delicacies from all over the world.

"Wow... It's really amazing." -Commented Zoe, her eyes wide open.

"This is just the beginning." -Astrea replied with a smile. -"There are even more fascinating places to see."

They continued their walk, heading towards Orario's largest market. The stalls were filled with goods from all over the continent, and the merchants shouted their offers, trying to catch the attention of the adventurers passing by.

Finally, Astrea led them up a hill that overlooked the city. From there, the view was breathtaking: all of Orario stretched out below them, and in the distance, the Tower of Babel rose like a colossus piercing the sky.

"And there is the Tower of Babel. Home to various gods and the most important shops. It serves as a seal for the Dungeon, preventing the monsters from escaping, as they did a thousand years ago, and it's the true heart of Orario." -Explained Astrea. -"Many adventurers spend their lives exploring that place in search of fame, glory, and fortune, but few fully enjoy its rewards. What the Dungeon gives, the Dungeon takes, I can't even imagine the number of souls wandering inside it."

"Don't they reincarnate?" -Asked Mark, confused by what the Guide had taught him.

"The Dungeon is a realm of its own, and the lives lost there don't pass through the cycle of reincarnation." -Astrea explained, but the Guide had a different view.

[Technically, they do reincarnate, but within the Dungeon.]

'Are you saying the monsters inside are former adventurers?' -Mark asked, shocked.

[Kind of, but not exactly, I'd need to enter to study it further.]

Mark observed the tower, feeling a strange sensation growing inside him. That place represented a challenge he had to face to obtain Selene's fragments.

"What district is that?" -Zoe asked, pointing to an area where a strange building rose.

Seeing where she was pointing, Astrea's expression became strange, as she tried to give a vague answer. -"That's the entertainment district, nothing important."

"Looks fun, why don't we go?" -Zoe asked, curious.

"Haaa... let's just say that most of the area is dedicated to the red-light district." -Astrea briefly explained.

"Oh..." -Zoe's cheeks turned red as she realized what she was referring to. Then she looked at Mark with a mischievous grin. -"Do you want to go?"

"Of course, if you come with me."

"WH-?!"

Zoe quickly blushed, but when she saw Mark trying to hold back his laughter, she got annoyed and started kicking him.

"It's getting late, what do you say we find a place to eat and rest?" -Suggested Astrea.

Zoe and Mark, who had just been arguing, agreed and then resumed their bickering.

"I know the perfect place, and it's also where someone very dear to me works."