The carriage wheels rolled steadily across the stone-paved road as the massive silhouette of Orario grew larger in the distance. The golden sunlight cast long shadows on the fields, and the towering Babel Tower glowed like a divine monument, stretching endlessly into the sky.
Ethan leaned against the side of the carriage, his injured arm wrapped tightly in makeshift bandages. His eyes were locked on the city. Every step closer filled his heart with excitement—and tension.
This is real. The dungeon, the gods, the adventurers… I'm part of it now.
"First time seeing it?" Garret, the swordsman from Dian Cecht Familia, asked as he noticed Ethan's wide-eyed gaze.
"Yeah," Ethan admitted. "It's... incredible."
Garret chuckled. "I remember my first time. Almost walked into a pole staring at the tower."
The others laughed. Even the little girl who'd called him "big brother" smiled brightly from her mother's lap. Her name, he'd learned, was Myra. Her mother, Alina, ran a small item shop near the west district.
Soon, they passed the gates. Guards nodded at the familiar adventurers in the carriage and allowed them through without issue. As they entered the city, the noise of the streets rose like a tide: merchants calling out prices, adventurers chatting excitedly, blacksmiths hammering metal, and carriages rolling by.
Ethan's senses were overwhelmed. Orario was alive.
Everywhere he looked, there were adventurers—young men and women in armor, some with swords, others with staffs or daggers. There were elves, dwarves, cat people, even amazons.
"I really made it," he whispered.
"Where will you be staying?" Alina asked as they turned onto a quieter street.
Ethan hesitated. "I... don't really have a place yet."
"You can stay with us for the night," she offered kindly. "We have a spare room above the shop. Consider it a thank-you."
He blinked. "I couldn't possibly—"
"Nonsense," Garret said. "You saved our lives. Let us repay you a little."
Seeing their sincerity, Ethan nodded. "Thank you. I appreciate it."
That night, after a simple but warm meal and a bit of rest, Ethan sat alone on the rooftop of Alina's home. The city lights twinkled like stars below, and the tower of Babel stood like a watchful sentinel over Orario.
He opened his system window.Quest Complete: First Battle (Dire Wolves)
Reward: +5 Strength, +3 Agility, +10 EXP
New Quest: Choose Your Familia
Objective: Join any Familia within 48 hours.
Reward: System Blessing Adaptation (Grants synergy with chosen god's Falna)
Failure: Random debuff for 7 daysEthan frowned. "No pressure, huh?"
He knew which Familia he wanted to join—Hestia's. But this wasn't the beginning of the anime. Bell probably hadn't even met her yet. And Hestia's Familia was likely empty, or not even formed. That meant he'd need to make another choice… or wait.
Or maybe… create my own path until then.
The next morning, after breakfast, Garret offered to escort him through the city.
"This place can be overwhelming," he said. "I'll take you to the Guild. That's where all adventurers register."
They walked through busy streets, past weapon shops and food stalls. Children played near fountains while adventurers haggled over potions. Eventually, they reached a grand building with a marble facade and a golden symbol above its arch: the Guild Hall.
Inside, it was bustling. A line of adventurers snaked through the lobby, each waiting to check quests, update levels, or receive payments.
"Go to that counter," Garret pointed. "Ask for registration."
Ethan nodded and stepped forward. The receptionist was a kind-looking elf with a clipboard.
"Name?"
"Ethan."
"Age?"
"Eighteen."
"Any prior combat experience?"
"Some," he said simply.
She smiled. "Very well. Please place your thumb here."
She handed him a small crystal tablet. As soon as his thumb touched it, a faint light glowed.
"Registered. You're now an official adventurer of Orario. You may take basic quests, but without a Familia, you won't be allowed into the Dungeon."
Ethan nodded. "Got it."
Garret clapped him on the back. "Let me show you around some Familia buildings. Maybe one of them will take you in."
They visited several Familia headquarters—Hephaestus, Miach, Takemikazuchi—but none were recruiting strangers that day. Some demanded money. Others only accepted those with recommendations.
Hours passed, and Ethan's wound began to throb again. He was exhausted.
"Guess it's not as easy as just walking in and asking," he muttered.
Garret sighed. "It's tough without connections. But don't give up. There's always tomorrow."
Just then, a commotion broke out nearby. A small group of adventurers surrounded a thin, struggling man in priest-like robes. They were shouting and mocking him.
"Begging for members again, huh?"
"Face it! No one wants to join a broke Familia!"
"Go home, Hestia!"
Ethan froze.
Hestia?
He walked closer, heart racing.
In the center of the group was a girl with long black hair tied into twin tails, wearing a white mini-dress with blue ribbons. Her eyes were watery, but she held her head high.
It's really her!
Without hesitation, Ethan stepped in front of her.
"Leave her alone."
The adventurers turned.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Someone who doesn't like bullies."
One of them scoffed. "Tch. Whatever. She's not worth our time anyway."
They left with sneers and laughter.
Hestia blinked. "You… stood up for me?"
Ethan smiled awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. I've heard of you."
"Well, I am a goddess!" she said proudly, puffing out her chest… though her eyes were still red from crying. "But… you don't have a Familia either, do you?"
"Nope," Ethan replied. "But I'd like to join yours. If you'll have me."
She stared, stunned. Then a wide, tearful grin spread across her face.
"YES! Yes, yes, yes! You're my first member!"Quest Complete: Choose Your Familia
Reward: Blessing Adaptation Received
New Title Acquired: First of the Flame
System Integration with Falna: SUCCESSFULA warm light enveloped Ethan's body. He felt energy surging through his veins—different from the system's raw data. This was divine.
"Welcome to the Hestia Familia, Ethan!" the goddess beamed.
And so, his new life truly began.
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