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Orario — Southeastern District.
In the luxurious hall of the [Dionysus Familia]—
Inside a certain room.
"The [Ikelos Familia] was wiped out?"
"And that first-tier adventurer, the 'Brutal Berserker'—who took him down?"
Dionysus appeared somewhat surprised.
"We haven't uncovered any concrete information yet…" Filvis replied flatly, shaking her head.
"I don't think it was the [Loki Familia]."
Indeed, considering the timeline, the [Loki Familia] was deep in their expedition.
They had no motive whatsoever.
And the city's other top-tier force, the [Freya Familia]?
Impossible.
The city garrison, [Ganesha Familia]?
Even more unlikely.
To take out a mid-tier Familia like [Ikelos] on their home turf—
That meant the assailant possessed overwhelming power.
But—
Dionysus couldn't for the life of him figure out which faction was responsible.
"Filvis, we need to accelerate our plans."
"And no matter what it takes, find out which mysterious faction was behind this."
Dionysus didn't want any surprises interfering.
He'd been laying the groundwork for this operation for far too long.
He wouldn't allow anything to mess it up now.
"Yes."
Filvis accepted the order and turned to leave.
Just as she opened the door—
A silver-haired elf appeared, walking toward her.
"The Death Elf again?" the newcomer sneered coldly. "Where do you think you're sneaking off to this time?"
Filvis didn't respond. She paused, gave the other girl a cold glance—
And then silently walked away.
Filvis Challia, known as the "White Priestess," was actually the Captain of the [Dionysus Familia].
Level: 3.
Race: Elf.
Age: 19.
Black hair and red eyes.
She was a magic swordswoman, skilled in simultaneous chant-casting.
Every party she had ever joined—
Had met total annihilation.
Thus, among adventurers, Filvis had earned the nickname "The Elf of Death."
Even within her own Familia, she was treated with fear and avoidance.
Six years ago, after dying, she was turned into a monster-person hybrid. Her potential was so high, she surpassed even the Level 6 monster Revis.
Don't be fooled by her Level 3 rank—
Her true combat power was closer to Level 7.
…
The ever-gentle Dionysus greeted the white-haired elf with a smile.
"Ola~"
He asked softly, "Any news on the three children who were killed?"
"I'm sorry, Lord Dionysus. We still haven't found anything."
Aura Muriel — Vice-Captain of the [Dionysus Familia].
Level: 2.
Nickname: "Wine Goblet."
Race: Elf.
Age: 17.
Eyes: Deep violet.
She had joined the Familia around the same time as Filvis.
Among their group, she was one of the most senior members.
Yet in her heart, Aura held deep resentment toward Filvis.
(Author's note: Aura's reference image is available this chapter—take her home if you like her, dear readers.)
…
"Not bad! This fruit wine—so crisp and refreshing!"
"And the herb-roasted chicken, grilled fish—absolute perfection!"
Raven praised heartily as he downed another glass of citrus-colored fruit wine.
Fruit wine was the signature specialty of the Hostess of Fertility tavern.
Its taste was totally different from the honeyed beer served at the Fire Bee Inn.
At the moment—
Syr sat beside Raven, refilling his glass and serving him food with warm attentiveness.
Meanwhile, her best friend Ryuu sat at the opposite table, watching.
Anya, Chloe, and Lunoire were all busy bustling around the shop.
This tavern was absolutely packed with business, every seat taken.
"Hey Syr, aren't you going to help them out?" Raven asked, watching Anya hustle around with food and drinks.
As the hidden star of the tavern, it made sense for Syr to sit with him—but why was the elusive Gale Wind Ryuu here too?
"Mama Mia said we're on loan to you tonight. She wants you to laugh, drink, and enjoy yourself to the fullest."
Ryuu glanced at him calmly. "But—do prepare to spend quite a bit."
"I see…" Raven chuckled, raising his glass. "Alright then, let's have a toast!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Syr giggled and raised her glass.
The emotionless Ryuu also lifted hers.
Clink.
Their three mugs of ale clashed together.
Raven and Syr downed theirs heartily.
Ryuu, in contrast, only sipped once before setting it back down.
Her dignified, justice-filled eyes stayed locked on Raven.
He didn't mind having a third wheel at the table.
After Syr refilled his drink, Raven turned to her and said, "Syr, thanks for the bento earlier."
"The sushi was really good."
"—Really?"
Syr's face lit up with joy, her cheeks tinged with a pink glow.
"Of course." Raven paused, then casually dropped a bombshell:
"Thanks to that lunch, I had the strength to defeat a really strong enemy."
Ryuu raised an eyebrow slightly.
Syr, burning with curiosity, leaned closer. "Who was it?"
Raven popped a few peanuts into his mouth and grinned faintly.
"Hmm… probably someone from the Evilus faction."
Ryuu's expression shifted subtly, her sky-blue eyes widening just a little.
But then—
She reminded herself that he was just a newbie adventurer.
He was probably just… drunk and bragging.
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