Another War

While Ren and Ais reveled in their time together, significant events unfolded that would silently raise waves in Orario.

Given the unprecedented catastrophe, Orario underwent gradual transformations. As the bravest Familias ventured back into the Dungeon, the situation in that department seemed to stabilize. Many individuals, albeit slowly, emerged from the darkest period of their lives.

In a city like Orario, where danger prowled at every corner, succumbing to the menace of monsters was never an option. The initial fear of the unknown withered away, replaced by a steadfast determination to reclaim their lives. One could already see a steady stream of brave souls, willingly endangering themselves once more, as if defying the very forces that threatened their existence.

Tears and fear held no currency, after all.

Food would not be bought like that. And so, with the restoration of the cycle, the various businesses in Orario began the arduous journey of reclaiming their footing.

Among the sea of Familias, it was the Demeter Familia that found itself reaping the greatest benefits. With a monopoly over the agricultural domain of Orario, they held a position of power. However, their actions spoke louder than any claims of authority. They extended their protection to the people, ensuring their survival. Thus, no one questioned their position.

In perilous times like these, arrogance and overbearing behavior resulted in immediate dismissal, a fate no one desired.

But would the situation continue in this manner, unaffected by the winds of change? Of course not.

---

One day, when Misha Flott finally had a moment to relax, an unknown man made an entrance, exuding an unfriendly aura.

Shrouded in black attire and concealed behind a mask, discerning any details about his appearance proved futile. The adventurers deduced his gender solely from his masculine physique.

The enigmatic choice of garments raised suspicions among the wary adventurers. Combined with his blatant disregard for common courtesy toward receptionists, it became evident that his purpose differed vastly from their own customary endeavors.

It was one thing to be discourteous to anyone, but mistreating the receptionists was crossing a line, at least in the eyes of most adventurers.

You see, the Guild Receptionists were all exquisite beauties. Impressing one of them was considered an achievement, akin to plucking a Guild's flower from its garden.

However, the masked man surprised them as he strode calmly towards the counter and dropped an envelope.

"This... is... a Declaration of War."

Misha Flott uttered as she skimmed through the letter.

War? What foolhardy nation would send an emissary to enemy territory solely to announce an impending attack?

Since formal warfare was not customary in Orario, the adventurers, with their limited education, viewed this as a provocation, igniting their fury.

And when adventurers were enraged, there was only one course of action they embraced.

It was time to spill blood.

Not ones to act impulsively, they withheld their fury, biding their time until the masked man arrogantly swung open the door to make his exit.

"You Fucker! Die!"

Without a moment's hesitation, the most hotheaded among them lunged forward, their blades poised at the intruder's throat. But to their bewildered astonishment, the man...

Vanished into thin air, leaving their weapons to slash through nothingness.

"What!?"

Gasps of astonishment erupted among the adventurers, their eyes wide with disbelief at what they had just witnessed. Such a phenomenon had never unfolded before their very eyes.

Despite their persistent search for any lingering trace, their efforts proved futile, leading them to reluctantly abandon their pursuit.

"It's not just one nation. They have formed an alliance against us."

Misha Flott, sensing the gravity of the situation, brushed aside all distractions. With resolute steps, she made her way towards the Guild Head's office...

---

In a matter of hours, news spread like wildfire throughout Orario, leaving no soul unaware of the dire truth—multiple nations had forged a malevolent alliance, thrusting them into a merciless war. The audacity of their enemies knew no bounds, as they even brazenly declared their intentions.

The majority dismissed it as a foolish jest, failing to grasp the imminent danger lurking in the shadows.

Even in the face of Orario's significant losses, what motivated the countries of this continent to provoke them so brazenly? Surely, such actions would ultimately undermine their own interests within this city.

But the heads of various Familias harbored different thoughts.

They understood that even if Orario was battered, it remained impervious to conquest by sheer military might. What could a mere assembly of level 4, 5, and perhaps a couple of level 6 adventurers do against the overwhelming numbers within Orario's walls?

Moreover, the situation within the Dungeon remained precarious and unknown, further fueling their suspicions.

Could the orchestrator behind the Dungeon crisis be secretly aiding these countries in some clandestine manner?

From this train of thought, most resolved not to treat this declaration of war as a mere jest.

And naturally, if others had reached these same conclusions, it was undoubtedly true for the captain of the Loki Familia.

---

"...I had hoped to initiate the initial steps of our plan, but it might only raise suspicions at this juncture."

Finn Deimne harbored a crucial mission—to gradually introduce the "Xenos" to Orario. It was a meticulously devised long-term plan that would prove invaluable if the faction responsible for this crisis were to resurface.

Wiene had clearly sensed the voice of the enemy within her mind. Thus, keeping her close was essential to extract information if they dared to strike again.

Finn Deimne readily embraced these notions, not only due to the inherent advantages they presented but also because his noble character recoiled at the thought of needlessly ending the lives of innocent creatures. To him, these monsters were as "human" as he himself was, and their deaths held no purpose other than cruelty...

Thus, his plans were halted for the moment as this war took precedence over anything else.

---

Author's Note:

I'm trying this style to describe events, how is it?

In my mind, 69th chap would've been something else.