Following the merchant caravan, Bell stepped into Orario.
The merchants passed through without issue, but Bell was stopped.
"Halt."
Just as he was about to cross the gates, a spear-wielding guard blocked his path. The man's thick armor and the silver glint of his weapon made Bell's hair stand on end. His aura was oppressive.
Through sheer instinct, Bell knew this man was strong. Despite the experience gained during his journey, that feeling of "being utterly outmatched" remained.
The guard scrutinized him. The boy before him—nervous, wide-eyed—was clearly a rookie drawn by Orario's legends.
"Newcomer?"
"...Yes."
Bell nodded honestly. Socially awkward, his mind might race with thoughts, but words often failed him.
Seeing him, the guard felt a pang of pity. "This kid won't last long," he thought, letting his intimidating aura fade.
"Come. We need to verify your *God's Grace."
A test to enter? Bell was unaware of this requirement.
"Keeps the crazies from pretending to be newcomers," the guard explained, cementing his belief: "He'll be dead within weeks."
Orario lured people with promises of wealth, power, and women. But most ended up devoured—whether by Dungeon monsters or the monsters within the city itself.
Bell nodded again. He didn't fully grasp who these "crazies" were, but he complied. He caught the flicker of pity in the guard's eyes but didn't understand why. He only knew to tread carefully here.
The method was simple: a stone hut by the gates housed a translucent green gem.
"Place your hand here. Green means clear. Red means... well."
Bell obeyed silently. A warm current flowed from the gem through his palm, circled his body, then withdrew. The stone glowed green.
"You're clear."
The guard waved him through. Orario tolerated newcomers... though most died.
Watching Bell's pale face, the guard sighed. "A kid like this shouldn't be here." He lowered his voice:
"Head straight to the Guild after entering. Don't trust randoms. This city isn't what the stories say."
Bell blinked. Was that sympathy in the guard's gaze?
"Thank you."
He whispered it, grateful. Then, minimizing his presence, he slipped into the city.
The guard watched him leave and smirked inwardly.
"This one gets it."
Staying unnoticed was the best strategy. Orario only devoured those worth eating; the insignificant survived. Maybe he'd underestimated the kid.
"Those who hide live longer. Might outlast my guess."
***
Inside Orario, Bell observed everything.
Street vendors peddled cheap food, dubious charms, and mid-tier weapons that drew gawkers. But he didn't linger. He couldn't afford luxuries, especially unproven ones.
He walked toward the Guild. No need for directions—the Babel Tower piercing the sky was landmark enough. The Guild sat at its base.
Along the way, he felt stares and caught snippets of conversation:
"Another rookie... and not even worth squeezing dry."
"Orario's full of dreamers. Few make it; those who do rise fast."
"How many d'you think survive a year?"
"Pfft. Not even worth eating. Just trash until they shine... if they ever do."
Bell tuned them out. As someone without value, he knew survival in this man-eating city hinged on one simple thing:
Strength!
---
The Guild, Orario's largest organization, governs the city's operations - managing adventurers, the Dungeon, and trade of magic stones and drop items. Every resident ultimately deals with them, including new adventurers who must register.
As a newcomer, Bell's priority was Guild registration before seeking a Familia. But finding one wouldn't be simple - for rookies, this was the most critical decision. The challenge wasn't choosing a Familia, but being chosen. Powerful Familias only recruited those displaying innate talent: special skills, natural magic, or exceptional traits. Ordinary adventurers rarely joined major Familias, sometimes struggling to even enter minor ones.
Bell possessed the talent to join a top-tier Familia, but intentionally avoided it. First, due to his connection with Hestia. Second, his cautious nature - standing out in a prominent Familia would expose him to Orario's dangers before he was ready.
Approaching the reception counter, Bell met Eina Tulle, an elven clerk with oval glasses whose gentle voice carried professional warmth. "Excuse me, do all gods register their Familias here upon founding them?" Bell inquired politely.
Eina adjusted her glasses before responding. "Yes. The Guild mediates between gods and adventurers. Each registered Familia is documented here. We sometimes recommend adventurers to specific Familias, but cannot arrange placements directly," she explained tactfully, making clear she couldn't guarantee him a position.
"I understand completely," Bell nodded. "I'm not aiming for a major Familia. Just an ordinary one, preferably without existing members... That way, a god might be less particular about someone with my limited abilities."
Eina blinked in surprise at this unusual response. She was accustomed to arrogant rookies demanding entry into legendary Familias like Loki or Freya despite lacking qualifications. Bell's humility and self-awareness made her cheeks flush slightly. "My apologies, I mistook you for that type of adventurer..." she admitted sheepishly.
"No need for apologies, Miss Eina," Bell smiled understandingly. "If you could help me find such a Familia, I'd be very grateful."
Eina nodded and began meticulously reviewing records. After several minutes, her expressive elf ears drooped slightly. "Bell, your request is reasonable, but nearly all Familias currently have members..."
The news gave Bell pause. He recalled Hestia's prolonged, unsuccessful search before finding him in the original timeline. Had he arrived too early? The irony wasn't lost on him.
After careful consideration, Bell reached his decision. "In that case, I'll postpone joining any Familia for now. But Miss Eina, might you notify me if any new Familias appear?"
Eina, impressed by his pragmatism, approved with a nod. "Of course, Bell. I'll contact you immediately if opportunities arise."
"Thank you very much," Bell replied with a respectful bow before taking his leave. He knew the wait might be long, but reuniting with the right goddess at the perfect moment would be worth it.