Chapter-4

Ouranos and Buddha locked eyes, the former's initially high opinion now halved, though still greater than anyone else's.

"There are," Ouranos responded. Buddha left after hearing the response. "Fels," he called out, and from the shadows, Fels emerged, standing beside Ouranos.

"You will oversee his familia," Ouranos instructed Fels as Buddha silently exited the scene. Fels simply nodded before vanishing into the shadows once more.

Royman stood outside with a form in hand, and Buddha simply stretched out his hand, prompting Royman to hand over the form.

"Is this all?" Buddha questioned, noticing the simplicity of the form, which only asked for basic information such as name, place of residence, and intention to form a familia.

"Yes," Royman promptly replied.

Buddha quickly filled out the form and handed it back to Royman before exiting the guild. From the shadows, Fels followed him, but Buddha paid it no mind, planning to roam around the city.

----Hostess of Fertility---- 

Both had finished their breakfast and were now sipping on juice brought by Syr, who was actually Freya in disguise. Freya's gaze bore into them like daggers. Regal had instructed the system not to conceal their souls, allowing Freya to see two souls shining brilliantly, each with its unique hue. Scathach's soul glowed blood-red, while Regal's emanated a deep purple-black glow. 

Both Regal and Scathach ignored the Goddess's piercing gaze. Regal found amusement in the situation, anticipating the chance to disrupt the expected plot. Aware that Buddha, unrestricted by heaven, posed a challenge to Freya's plans if she wanted to get them, only added to the intrigue of their predicament. 

Leaving the pub, both headed to the guild, they crossed paths with Buddha, who offered them nothing more than a casual wink before continuing on his way. Regal and Scathach ignored him and went ahead. 

Entering the guild, they surveyed their surroundings, noting the recently vacated counter which they promptly approached. Behind it stood the clerk, a Werewolf named Rose Fannett, her long wavy red hair framing sharp, attentive eyes and wearing the guild uniform. 

"What can I do for you?" Rose asked in her businesslike tone.

"We would like to register as adventurers. We're already part of a new familia," Regal stated bluntly, Rose was seemingly unfazed by Regal's bluntness and kept up her professional demeanor.

"I see. Do you require an adviser or any kind of information about the dungeon or the city?" Rose inquired.

"An adviser and some information on the rules of the city," Regal responded.

"In that case, please follow me," said Rose, promptly retrieving a book and some paper from under the counter. Leading them to a nearby seating area with sofas, she gestured for them to take a seat.

Regal and Scathach settled onto the sofas as Rose placed a few forms in front of each of them.

"These are registration forms, please fill them up as they are required." 

Both Regal and Scathach nodded in acknowledgment and began filling out the forms. The questions were straightforward, inquiring about their familia affiliation, date of joining, residence, arrival in Orario, and other basic details. Both completed the paperwork and handed it over to Rose who took it and placed a form between them. 

Placing a form between them, Rose explained, "This is the familia form, as you mentioned earlier it was a new familia. Please fill this up, and the god of the familia will be required to come and confirm it." 

Regal took the form and quickly filled it out. The form only required information about the god of the familia, the establishment date, the type of familia, the location of the familia home, the captain and vice-captain, and the total number of members. Once completed, he handed the form back to Rose, who accepted it with a nod of approval. 

"Now, the rules of the city," Rose stated as both Regal and Scathach listened intently. While they were familiar with the basic rules, they understood the importance of identifying loopholes in a city teeming with gods. Discovering these loopholes could prove invaluable for both defense and exploitation, given the annoying entities that inhabited the city. 

---Alleyway near the main street---

"Come out already, or I will make you," Buddha muttered, his voice carrying a hint of authority as he stood within an alleyway near the main street, several blocks away from Regal's house.

From the shadowy corner of the alley, a figure emerged, concealed beneath a black cloak that shrouded them completely. Though Buddha could discern what the figure was hiding under the cloak, he made no comment. It was Fels, also known as the sage from eight hundred years ago and now known as the fool, his presence unwanted yet somehow expected in this place.

"Dont bother, I already know that guy is a control freak who wants everything under him," Buddha was nonchalant while looking straight into Fels. "If he tried something stupid I dont mind playing a game or two." 

"Also, I'm not going back to the guild for minor reasons, so just like he said, handle the registration. There should be two who just registered as adventurers under my familia. See to it," Buddha stated casually, his mannerisms relaxed as he idly picked at his ears while speaking. Fels remained silent, unable to interject as Buddha didn't provide him with an opportunity to speak.

Buddha simply walked out, showing little concern for Fels. While he typically maintained a laid-back demeanor, in this world where there were annoying pests like Apollo, or even worse, he knew he had to stand his ground. later on, when the familia becomes the strongest it wouldn't matter even if he just laid back and watched or caused chaos. 

Buddha continued to stroll around, and as luck would have it, he encountered an annoying god who happened to notice him and approached him. The god had blonde hair and orange eyes, wearing a distinctive feathered hat. He possessed a slender figure of medium height, with skinny arms and legs protruding from his clothes. His orange hair flowed in locks around his face, giving him a somewhat eccentric appearance. 

It was Hermes, and Buddha waited for him to get in front. Hermes was known as an annoying god affiliated with the guild, and he shared the same ideals as Zeus. While Hermes may not have posed a direct threat, his unparalleled ability for information gathering made him a force to be reckoned with.

"If it isn't Budd-" Hermes began, but he was swiftly cut off.

"Don't talk as if we've ever met before. The best you know is that I am Buddha, nothing more, nothing less," Buddha interjected firmly, his tone leaving no room for further assumptions. Hermes fell silent, he wanted to know who Buddha was, he had no information to go by nor any leads on Buddha. For Hermes, Buddha remained an enigma, with only his name to go on. 

"Haha, come on, I'm just curious. I know who you are, but how do I know that you are Buddha? I've never met you or even heard of you. So how?" Hermes pressed, his curiosity piqued as he sought clarification but underneath the question, there was wariness and caution. Buddha could sense it and just grinned.

(///Author note: Given Hermes' role as the messenger god, it makes sense that he would know all gods. so it would be weird if harms didn't know Buddha who is also a god, and since Buddha only wrote "IT IS BUDDHA" on the identity card the gods will only know that he is Buddha and nothing more.\\\) 

"The only thing you need to know is that I am Buddha," Buddha reiterated firmly. Leaning in close to Hermes' ear, he whispered, "The rest, you can ask Ouranos." With that, Buddha turned and walked away. Hermes couldn't help but smile, his eyes half-lidded with intrigue as he pondered Buddha's words.

Buddha's cryptic message left Hermes at a crossroads, unable to retreat or seek further information. Each path led to a dead end, leaving Hermes to contemplate the significance of Buddha's words. It became apparent to Buddha that Hermes had approached him of his own accord, rather than being ordered to do so by anyone else. 

Hermes found himself with few choices. He could either play the game as a lone third party or align himself with an existing faction. Reflecting on past experiences with Zeus and Hera's familia, he realized he had once understood the dynamics of the game. However, with the absence of Zeus and Hera's familia, and the emergence of Buddha as an unknown factor, Hermes found himself in unfamiliar territory. His only awareness was of the guild's influence under Ouranos' control. Knowing the importance of treading carefully, Hermes weighed his options before making a decision.

Hermes tilted his hat, let out a wry smile, and quietly made his way to an alleyway. Unbeknownst to him, Asfi was currently searching for him, and he would be hearing an earful from her later.

---Prayer Chamber---

"Hermes, why are you here?" Ouranos who had his eyes closed opened it and looked sideways. there are many hidden paths that lead to Ouranos's Prayer Chamber and Hermes was using one of them to get in. 

"Oh, nothing much," Hermes replied casually. "I encountered Buddha, and he told me to ask you something, that's all." Hermes had his usual smile while he walked in front of Ouranos. 

"Who is he, and why do I know his name? I've got many questions like that, and in this game, I know my familia is going to be involved one way or another, so I came to get information," Hermes said, his tone carrying a mixture of curiosity and playfulness.

"Hermes, this is no longer a game," Ouranos replied solemnly, causing Hermes to pause and his expression to shift to a frown. "He is unbounded."

This statement made Hermes become serious. Tilting his hat down, he stood there in contemplation. "What do you mean he is unbounded?" Hermes asked, his tone revealing a hint of apprehension as he carefully voiced his question. 

"He can use divinity freely, he is not restricted by the heavens nor anything," Ouranos dropped a bombshell on Hermes, whose hat fell off in shock.

---Regal's house front garden--- 

"System, purchase suitable armor for me using the points I have," Regal said as both he and Scathach entered. They were eager to test their skills.

Scathach utilized one of her skills, {Summon Gáe Bolg}, summoning her legendary spear. and was doing some practice with it stretching her body at the same time. 

[The armor has been purchased and it is in the inventory.] 

Regal checked his inventory and discovered a fancy-looking armor. It was black with golden patterns on the front, and a purple cloak adorned with wing-like designs. The armor seemed better suited for a formal occasion than for dungeon crawling.

(///Author note: I dont know how to describe it... it is the cover armor.\\\)

"Equip the armor and also put on the soul ring," Regal commanded.

[Do you want the soul ring to be empty or come with a skill?]

"Second," Regal replied, his body glowing, briefly catching Scathach's attention.

Both the armor and soul ring were equipped. The information about the two popped up on a screen in front of him. 

[Name: Purple-Void Sovereign's Regalia

Ability: Voids blessing, and Damage and impact absorption

Void's Blessing: Accelerates magic recovery and healing of all kinds by threefold. Curses dont have any effect while wearing this armor.

Damage and Impact Absorption: Absorbs 60% of incoming damage and impact, redirecting it into the void.] 

[ Soul ring 1st: Barrier - Conjures a protective barrier utilizing ambient energy. the size can be increased or decreased on will.] 

After reading the description, Regal nodded in satisfaction. He then willed the soul ring to appear. A golden ring with black and purple lines covering it materialized around Regal's body. 

Scathach had been absorbing from that start with curious eyes and when the soul ring appeared, "What is that?" She asked. 

Regal just passed her the system screen, reading it she was surprised but put it in the back of her mind. 

"Are you ready to go?" Regal asked, to which she simply nodded. They set off for the dungeon, already equipped with rations stored in the inventory. With the system updating their status, they could stay in the dungeon for months without any issues.

As they made their way, people couldn't help but stare at Regal and Scathach. Their god-like appearances drew attention, amplified by their intriguing attire. Scathach's robe concealed her skin-tight suit, leaving onlookers to speculate, while Regal's extravagant armor, reminiscent of attire for grand events, was prominently displayed. 

Regal remained indifferent to the stares, while Scathach retained her usual demeanor. Upon reaching the Tower of Babel, there were many advantages and also numerous people vying for attention they were supporters. 

Naturally, their arrival drew attention, with some adventurers making snarky remarks and others showing greed. However, neither Regal nor Scathach paid much heed to the reactions as they entered the dungeon without further delay. 

The dungeon entrance in Babel's first underground floor is marked by a ten-meter hole at the center of a circular room. Columns stand at regular intervals, with a stunning azure painting of the sky above. Gentle spiral stairs along the circumference lead down into the dungeon.

They both descended the stairs to reach the first floor and continued deeper into the floor. The walls of the first four floors were in light blue, the first four floors only had goblins and kobolds as the monsters.

"We're being tailed," Scathach remarked, to which Regal simply nodded. "Let them be," he replied dismissively, "those fools will meet their end if they attempt anything."

"System, the Growth Weapon Ophis," Regal commanded, prompting the inventory screen to appear, revealing a sleek black sword. Regal retrieved the sword and examined it, willing it to transform into a ring which it did in an instant.

"Why does it feel like it's asleep?" Regal questioned aloud.

[It is because Ophis is asleep, She desires silence, which she got when becoming your weapon. Consequently, she fell into slumber. do you wish to wake her up?] 

"Let her be," Regal responded. 

*Crack* 

A cracking noise emanated from the wall, signaling the approach of a monster. However, the two paid little heed, knowing that the weak creature posed no challenge to them. As a group of goblins emerged from the wall, Scathach swiftly summoned her Gáe Bolg and dispatched them with a simple swing as they came into range. 

*Crack* 

after a while another cracking noise came, and this time almost a dozen goblins came out, Regal wanted to test his skill: Magic King. Regal started Imagining blades of wind cutting them, and what do you know? wind blade formed from thin air and moved at high speed and cut the goblins. 

"Hmm. I do feel a little tired but it should be fine." Regal commented both didn't stop walking. and because of his armor, the mana he used was recovered in moments. 'I will try to use minimum mana to kill.' thinking of this they continued. floors 1-4 didn't pose any challenges for they moved on. 

the people who followed them were likely low-level 1 advantages, they ran the moment they saw Regal using magic, and both noticed but didn't care.

Moving through the 5th to 7th Floors, the walls took on a light green tint, indicating a shift in the dungeon's layout. Unfazed, they sauntered along as if on a stroll. When War Shadows, frog shooters, and Dungeon Lizards attacked, Regal easily took them out with wind blades or fireballs from a distance, while Scathach handled the ones that got too close. There was no pressure felt on either of them.

On the 7th floor, they stumbled upon a swarm of killer ants. Reacting swiftly, Regal conjured a colossal fireball, almost 2 meters wide, which detonated on contact, swiftly neutralizing the threat. As they pressed on, they encountered a 'pass parade' a horde of killer ants relentlessly pursuing a group of three adventurers.

The adventurers warned the two to run but were ignored. One was an entity, and the other a god slayer; even at level 1 stats, they stood their ground, they won't be retreating in any situation, and not in one where just one is enough to handle it.

Regal and Scathach shared a quick glance. Regal took a step back as Scathach crouched into a low stance. It wasn't much of a fight, more like a one-sided massacre. Scathach effortlessly tore through the killer ants, not letting a single one alive. Afterward, magic stones were left scattered on the ground, which were picked up by the system without needing any command. 

8th-9th Floor, the rooms were bigger but everything was the same. the monsters here were Purple Moth, Needle Rabbit, Killer Ant, and Blue Papilio. these two floors were the same as the above floor, with no pressure on either of them, Regal killed them all from afar while Scathach massacred them when they got close. 

Both's statuses were constantly being updated as well which helped a little 

10th-12th Floor, The 10th-12th Floors keep the same structure as the 8th-9th Floors, however, the light from above becomes reminiscent of morning mist. The mist on the 12th Floor becomes much thicker than on the 10th and 11th Floors. the monsters here are Orc, imps, Bad Bat, Hard Armored, Silverback, and Infant Dragons. 

the first monster they encountered was a three-orc, Regal made a blade of wind and sliced their head off, following them were imps a couple of dozen of them. Regal just throws a fireball at them. Scathach didn't bother as it was more of a waste of time for them than a challange. They encountered no Silverback or Infant Dragons which was a disappointment but moved forward nonetheless.

Middle Floors, The 13th to 17th Floors, known as the Cave Labyrinth, feature bedrock walls, ground, and ceiling, with the entrance to the 13th Floor named the First Line. the middle floors have a more complex layout than the upper floors which includes intertwining upper and lower tunnels. 

And the first monster they encounter is Little Bells aka Almiraj 

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