Orario (2)

A boy stirred in his sleep, his body tense even in rest. The scars etched across his skin told a tale of battles hard-fought and narrowly survived, adding to his rugged, exotic appearance.

"Are you awake?"

The voice cut through the fog of his dreams, pulling him back to consciousness. When his eyes fluttered open, he wasn't greeted by the stifling darkness of the dungeon or the cold, unforgiving stone beneath him. Instead, he found himself in a room—a nice room. The walls were painted a clean white, soft light filtered in through a window, and the luxurious bed beneath him felt far too comfortable for what he'd just endured.

As the last remnants of sleep faded, Orion blinked up at Fels, who stood at the edge of the bed, watching him intently.

"Damn," Orion groaned, rubbing his face. "I didn't lose the bet, did I? I was supposed to make it to the sixth floor and come back on my own. Pretty sure getting rescued doesn't count." He grinned, raising his eyebrows expectantly. "Or could it…?"

"Well, Ouranos said it's impossible for anyone without a falna to even reach the fourth floor, let alone the sixth—and come back up, at that. So, while you might not have technically won your bet, he says you've definitely won the one he made with himself."

"Which would mean... what exactly?" Orion asked, stretching and holding his breath as he processed the news.

"It means you get everything you asked for," Fels replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

"Great," Orion said, exhaling. "Guess I'll take my winnings, then—preferably without any more near-death experiences. How long was I out for, anyway?"

"Four days," Fels answered calmly.

"Four days? Damn," Orion said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I could sleep that long. Talk about a solid nap." He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, the cool air hitting his skin, and stood up to face the mirror.

"Fuck! So many scars…" He grimaced at the marks that crisscrossed his neck, shoulders, and chest. Turning away from the mirror, he glanced at his back. "Er, where's the falna? Isn't it supposed to be on my back or something?"

"Ouranos says he should check with you first to see if you're still up for it," Fels said.

"Sure thing. I'm up for it. I'll head to the prayer room," Orion replied with casual nonchalance, grabbing a white shirt that hung nearby. He pulled it over his head, the fabric feeling oddly comforting against his skin.

Before he could step out, Fels pulled him back gently by the shoulder. "It's afternoon right now. Wait until later tonight; the Guild Head is in a meeting with Ouranos discussing some important matters regarding the adventurers."

With a sigh, Orion flopped back down onto the soft bed, letting out a breath of boredom. "Just my luck."

Fels handed him four bulging pouches. "Since you agreed, this is your allowance—40,000 Valis monthly. The guild will cover any necessary expenses you may require, as long as they're valid. Tomorrow, you can request a weapon and armor, and your new room will be conveniently located right beside the prayer room. We can discuss the specifics then. For now, feel free to explore the vibrant city if you want."

"Okay then, I'll head out," Orion grabbed the pouches and stuffed them into a bag before slinging it over his shoulder. "I should have a robe. And we need to delay public knowledge of my presence until I reach at least level 2. I mean yes, the guild has granted me authority, but if I lack the recognition and power to support it, who would really listen to me?"

"Precisely what I had in mind," Fels replied, his tone pleased. "It would be troublesome if you were unfamiliar with the intricacies of politics, but it appears you are well aware of them."

"Thanks, I know it, and I hate it," Orion huffed, snatching a white robe from Fels as he pulled it from the closet. The robe was made of soft, flowing fabric that draped elegantly over his frame, its white color gleaming in the light. As he quickly donned the garment, he noticed the intricate silver embroidery along the edges, adding a touch of refinement. It felt surprisingly warm against his skin, its weight settling comfortably around him, like a gentle embrace. I really made the right choice with Ouranos, he thought.

As Orion stepped out of the guild, a wave of excitement washed over him. The bustling streets of Orario lay before him, alive with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the chatter of adventurers sharing tales of their exploits. He strolled leisurely, taking in the vibrant atmosphere as he made his way toward the towering structure of Babel. The impressive architecture loomed above, its grandeur accentuated by the golden hues of the afternoon sun.

With each step, he passed an array of shops, each one inviting him to explore. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scents of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, tempting him to stop. He admired the diverse offerings: weapons gleaming in shop windows, exotic potions lined up neatly on shelves, and handcrafted armor that seemed to tell stories. Orion's heart raced with anticipation; he had always dreamed of being part of this world, and now, with his new allowance, he could finally indulge in some of its wonders. As he wandered, he felt a sense of belonging, like a piece of his life had finally clicked into place.

As Orion strolled through the vibrant streets of Orario, the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling city. The sky transformed into a canvas of oranges and pinks, signaling that evening was approaching. After a day of exploration and marveling at the various shops, his stomach growled in protest. I should head to the Hostess of Fertility; after all, I have a bet to make with Ma'am Mia Grand.

The Hostess of Fertility sat nestled on a brick-lined street, its inviting presence hard to miss. This two-story stone building had the charm of a well-kept inn, with its sturdy structure hinting at warmth and hospitality. Located along the bustling Western Main Street, it was often filled with lively patrons enjoying their meals and sharing stories.

The front entrance boasted a pair of double doors adorned with intricate wood carvings that framed the entryway, depicting scenes of merriment and celebration. Various artistic carvings embellished the facade, adding character to the pub. To the left of the entrance, the sign for the Hostess of Fertility swung gently in the breeze, complemented by an overhanging sign featuring a crossed fork and knife.

As Orion entered the pub, he was immediately struck by the sight of adventurers indulging in gigantic portions of food—one of the Hostess of Fertility's trademarks. The lively atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, and the aroma of hearty meals wafted through the air, stirring his appetite further.

His gaze caught a woman behind the counter. She wore a vibrant green dress that fell just above her knees, featuring long, puffed sleeves and a crisp white collar. A white apron tied neatly around her waist complemented her attire, and a small orange bow sat just beneath her collar. Her bluish-gray hair was pulled back into a tidy knot, with a few loose strands framing her face. Her eyes, the same color as her hair, met his for a brief moment.

I don't really care if Freya looks at my soul; it shouldn't be that interesting, he thought, brushing off the notion as he continued inside.

Just then, another woman in the same uniform approached him. With medium-length brown hair and warm brown eyes that sparkled with friendliness, she exuded an inviting presence that signaled she was a perfect worker. Her demeanor radiated a sense of professionalism. "Welcome! What can I get for you today?" she asked, her tone straightforward.

Orion made his way to the high-top tables and took a brief seat, glancing around the bustling pub. His gaze fell on a tall, big woman with striking brown eyes and flowing brown hair. Dressed in a blue version of the pub's uniform, it was Mia Grand—the owner of the Hostess of Fertility, a former captain of the Freya Familia, and a level 6 adventurer who had mentored Ottar. She was engaged in conversation with an adventurer seated nearby.

"Hello! May I have a menu?" Orion turned to the woman who had greeted him earlier, drawing her attention.

"Oh, a new customer?" she replied, her curiosity piqued. "I'm Lunoire." With a warm smile, she handed Orion a menu, her eyes filled with friendliness.

After scanning the options, Orion looked up and said, "Mhm, I'm new here. I'll have the roasted spicy duck and the beer three cheese tomato soup. Hope it's not too spicy, or I might breathe fire like a dragon!"

"Great choice! I'll be right back with your order," Lunoire said, nodding before heading toward the kitchen.

As Lunoire disappeared into the back, Orion settled into his seat, anticipation buzzing in the air.

Suddenly, Mia finished her conversation with the other adventurer and approached him with a bright smile. "I heard you're new here, young man!" she exclaimed, her energy infectious. "This here is a newbie freebie!"

She reached over and grabbed a plate of pasta, its gigantic proportions and delightful aroma wafting through the air. "It's on the house, just for you. We like to spoil our newcomers a bit," she said, placing the plate in front of him with a proud flourish.

"Wow, this looks amazing!" Orion said, eyes widening at the generous serving. "I might need a second stomach for all this deliciousness!"

Mia chuckled softly, her motherly demeanor evident. "Just think of it as a warm welcome to Orario. And don't be shy about asking for anything else. If you need tips or advice about the city, I'm here to help."

"I really appreciate that, Mia. It's nice to feel welcomed. Besides, who could resist a place that feeds you like this?" Orion replied, his heart warmed by her kindness.

"Good! Now dig in and enjoy. I'll check on you later," she said, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder before heading back to attend to other patrons.

Orion made no time, diving into the delicious food, savoring the flavors as he began to feel more at home in the bustling pub. Just as he was relishing the rich taste of the pasta, Lunoire returned, balancing a tray with his other order.

"Here you go!" she announced cheerfully, setting down the roasted spicy duck and the bowl of beer three cheese tomato soup in front of him. The sight of the beautifully plated duck, glistening with a spicy glaze, made his mouth water even more.

"Wow, you guys really know how to treat a newcomer," Orion said, grinning at Lunoire. "I feel rich."

"Just wait until you taste it," Lunoire replied with a smirk.

With a chuckle, Orion dug into the roasted duck, enjoying the perfect blend of spices. The creamy soup followed, each spoonful warming him from the inside out. It was exactly what he needed to settle into his new surroundings.

As Orion finished his meal, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the idea of training under Mia's guidance. After all, having someone with her experience teaching him would be invaluable.

"Hey, Mia," he began, pulling out his valis to pay for his food, a playful grin forming on his face. "How about a little bet?"

"Oh? What do you have in mind?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, intrigued.

"I bet that under any of your conditions, if I win, you can teach me all about fighting for at least a week. I could use the training," Orion said, leaning forward with enthusiasm.

Mia chuckled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Only if you don't have a falna yet and can get to the sixth floor on your own first. That's the only way I'll consider it." She laughed, well aware of the challenge she was setting before him.

Orion burst into laughter, finding her condition amusing. "Deal! It's your luck I do not have a falna!" he exclaimed. I already did that, he thought, smirking to himself.

"Alright, I look forward to it! But remember, I'll hold you to that promise," Mia said, crossing her arms with a smile as she headed toward the kitchen, calling out to one of her employees. Lunoire stepped in to replace her at the counter.

Orion approached Lunoire, a grin on his face. "Hey, could I get a takeout order of the roasted garlic and herb chicken soup before I head out?"

"Absolutely! That's a great choice," Lunoire replied, her eyes lighting up as she began preparing his order.

After a few moments, she handed him a steaming container filled with the rich, aromatic soup, the scent of garlic and herbs wafting invitingly from the lid. Orion thanked her, feeling the comforting heat radiate from the container.

With a final wave to Lunoire, Orion stood up and gathered his belongings before stepping outside into the bustling streets of Orario. The sun had set, and the moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the city.

After a short walk, he arrived at the guild, feeling a mix of anticipation and excitement. He was about to receive his falna. Ignoring the lively chatter of adventurers submitting their magic stones to be turned into Valis, he made his way down the hallway leading to the basement and the prayer room.