Chapter Sixty

The entertainment districts of Orario were a stark contrast to the daytime tranquillity of the city.

Midnight brought a multitude of sounds, from the raucous laughter of drunken adventurers to the clinking of glasses in crowded taverns.

Barmaids scurried about, balancing trays of food and drink, their presence essential to keep the night owls satisfied.

At the city's north wall, the entrance gate was still active despite the late hour.

Guards from the Ganesha familia diligently checked papers and questioned those entering the city.

Whether they were merchants with goods to trade or travellers seeking shelter, all were subject to scrutiny.

"Please step forward, with your documents and identification please." A guard yelled to those who were next in line.

As the night wore on, a trio of cloaked figures approached the gate. Their faces were hidden beneath hoods, they handed over their papers and underwent the usual inspection.

A few moments later, the guards, although uneasy, allowed them to pass.

'I don't know what it is about them, but I'm not getting a good feeling...I'll inform the head Gaurd from the Guild, just in case.' One of the guards thought.

Something about these three individuals raised suspicion in one of the Ganesha guards.

Perhaps it was the eerie smiles that crept across their faces as they entered the city, or maybe it was the hidden madness that seemed to lurk behind their eyes.

Nevertheless, the guard had no solid reason to detain them.

Once inside the city, the cloaked figures moved through the darkened streets, their hushed voices filled with excitement and anticipation.

"We have finally arrived at our destination, it won't be long now..." One of them said in excitement.

"Keep your voice down you fool, we don't know who could be watching, or listening...we're here for one thing or one thing only, so don't mess up before then."

They spoke to themselves, their conversation a mix of dark mutterings and wicked grins, as if they were plotting something sinister.

"Tch..." He clicked his tongue in annoyance but kept quiet after that.

One of them suggested that they scout out their target, proposing an ambush during the upcoming festival.

The other two readily agreed, and together, they slipped into a narrow back alley, vanishing from view.

Behind a nondescript door with mysterious red stains, they found their temporary hideout.

The cloaked figures knocked, and after a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a small dwarf who appeared wary and tense. He hesitated but ultimately stepped aside to let them in.

Inside, a gruesome scene unfolded. Chained to the wall was a man, his body battered and bloody, as if he had suffered unimaginable torture.

Knives and other sharp objects were embedded in the wall, some coated in fresh blood. The man's eyes, filled with a mixture of pain and despair, followed the newcomers, but he was in no condition to speak or resist.

The trio of cloaked figures showed no interest in the tortured soul.

Their focus remained singular and unwavering—the success of their mission.

Their actions and intentions seemed shrouded in darkness and malevolence, a stark contrast to the lively festivities taking place inside the walls of Orario.

As they huddled together in their secret hideout, they laid out their plans, their voices cold and calculating.

Whatever their mission entailed, it was clear that they were driven by a sinister purpose, one that would bring them into direct conflict with one of the strongest adventurers of Orario.

"Alright, we have our plan set... now those who belittled and looked down on our God will be the one's having to beg for their lives..."

"Mors omnibus!!!"

"Mors omnibus!!!"

"Mors omnibus!!!"

They chanted in unison as their smiles grew more gruesome and grotesque, they didn't look like humans in the slightest but more like demons.

....

(Location: Wheat Manor)

The Wheat Familia's mansion was nestled peacefully within the city of Orario, surrounded by a well-maintained garden.

Muichiro often found comfort in the tranquillity of this garden, where the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds provided a welcome respite from the bustling city outside.

On this particular evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars of night appeared, Muichiro was wandering through the garden.

His footsteps were nearly silent on the gravel path as he strolled past well-tended flowers and vibrant bushes.

As he walked, his acute hearing picked up the hushed conversations of some familia members who had gathered near the garden.

They spoke of their progress on preparations for the upcoming Thesmophoria festival, an event that celebrated the harvest and was a significant occasion for the familia.

"It's going to be tough to catch up," one of them lamented. "We're so behind on setting up the stalls and decorating the streets."

Another familia member sighed, "I know, and we've been working tirelessly for days. I'm exhausted."

"Tomorrow's going to be even worse," a third member chimed in. "We'll have to work three times as hard to make up for lost time."

Muichiro, hidden in the shadows, listened to their words with a thoughtful expression.

He understood the challenges these familia members faced, especially if they were not regular dungeon-goers.

That was when Demeter's words about empathy echoed in his mind. She had encouraged him to consider the feelings and struggles of others. It was a lesson he took to heart.

When the familia members departed, leaving behind the table filled with notes and plans for the festival preparations, Muichiro approached it.

He scanned the detailed lists and the tasks that needed to be completed. It was evident that they were facing a daunting workload tomorrow, and possibly the two days after that as well.

Without hesitation, Muichiro made a silent decision. He wouldn't stand idly by while his fellow familia members toiled. Instead, he would contribute in the best way he knew how.

Under the moonlight, Muichiro penned a brief note to Demeter, explaining his intentions. He assured her that he would return in the morning.

As he left the mansion and entered the city, Muichiro embarked on a mission of relentless work.

He completed tasks with patience and efficiency, painting stalls with vibrant colours, hanging decorations with care, and even taking inventory of the supplies needed for the festival.

The hours passed like a blur as Muichiro worked tirelessly through the night.

He was unfazed by exhaustion, after all, not only did the moon give him strength, but he wasn't a regular human, he was an adventurer.

He could probably run for an entire week and not fully exhaust himself.

.....

When dawn began to break, the familia members awoke to a sight beyond their wildest expectations.

The stalls were not only completed but stood ahead of schedule, adorned with intricate decorations that added a festive charm to the streets.

The inventory was meticulously organized, ensuring that nothing was overlooked.

They were all confused, about who had done all their work for them...and why.

.....

Meanwhile confetti, the remnants of his work, still clung to Muichiro's hair, and his fingers bore splotches of paint.

He lay in the garden, a serene but content smile on his face, gazing at the brightening sky.

Demeter, informed by Cuthbert of Muichiro's efforts, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude.

She watched him from her window, a soft smile on her lips, she knew that this Thesmophoria festival would be a resounding success.

Especially the finale, she couldn't wait for all of Orario to witness the spectacle that was about to unfold.

Only two days remained until the festival.