5/5
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8th Floor of Babel
The manual elevator doors slid open.
An array of dazzling weapon shops lined the spacious floor.
The customer traffic here was even more overwhelming than the 4th to 7th floors—adventurers could be seen everywhere.
Swords, spears, blades, axes, hammers, shields, bows, armor, and all sorts of defensive gear—you name it, they had it.
The gear sold here was crafted by the entry-level smiths of the Hephaistos Familia.
In other words, not everything here was exorbitantly priced.
Raven entered one of the armor shops.
Inside, adventurers of all genders browsed through armor that suited their combat style.
Yes—
Customers could try on the armor freely.
Raven looked around, then picked up a lightweight-looking chest plate.
He gave it a few light taps.
"The defense seems pretty solid," he murmured to himself.
After some browsing, he bought a set of light armor and a longsword.
It was a light, thin armor—perfect for Metelia to wear.
Total cost, including the sword: 100,000 valis.
Currently, Raven had 650,000 valis left.
No doubt about it—
The smithing business was ridiculously profitable.
Possibly even more than healing.
Thankfully...
He started with that 9.9 billion valis magic staff.
"Raven-kun, where's your high-end magic staff?" Eina asked suddenly.
Raven thought for a moment, then replied coolly,
"It's stored in my spatial magic."
"Normally, I don't take it out."
"Your spatial magic is so convenient," Eina said with a bright smile.
"I think so too," Raven chuckled, scratching his head.
Counting Eina, that made three people who'd complimented his spatial magic.
Still, despite their surprise, no one ever pressed him for more details.
Noon.
The two of them went up to the 20th floor and enjoyed a sightseeing lunch at a high-end restaurant.
It was Eina's treat.
3 PM, by the central fountain plaza.
"Raven-kun… here, this is for you," Eina said, pulling out a slender piece of armor.
It extended from wrist to elbow, with the same function as a shield.
Its color resembled her own emerald green eyes—beautiful and gemlike.
"Thanks. I really like it," Raven said, accepting the gift with both hands.
"Raven-kun~" Eina smiled with narrowed eyes. "I'll head back to the Guild to make my report, okay?"
"I had a great time shopping with you today."
Her cheeks flushed as she playfully stuck out her tongue.
"—Same here."
After watching Eina leave, Raven planned to grab some snacks to take home.
Especially…
Fruit.
Since arriving in this world, he hadn't had a single bite of fruit.
In Orario, most of the fruits sold in the market were supplied by the Demeter Familia.
The Demeter Familia was a commerce-based faction focused on agriculture and the sale of fruits and vegetables.
Its influence on the city was enormous.
Despite being a production-type Familia, it was still ranked C-Class by the Guild.
In truth—
If not for this kind goddess's Familia, the city would likely face a large-scale famine, if not outright collapse.
Yes—
The Demeter Familia was absolutely essential to Orario.
Goddess Demeter herself presided over agriculture, grain, and motherly love—a true earth goddess.
In the original story, she was once coerced by Dionysus into admitting she was the cause of the city's destruction.
…
Raven stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Looks like… I need to make some serious money."
"What if I go all-in at the southern street casinos tonight?"
In the South District of Orario—Prosperity Avenue.
There were numerous lavish, high-class casino facilities.
Last time he came here with the Nine Demon Princess Riveria, Raven had gotten a good look.
So…
Why not send his subordinate "Crafty Rat" Laila to gamble instead?
That cunning Pallum girl—gambling was practically second nature to her.
Wait.
Wasn't the casino that Gale Ryuu destroyed in the original story run by a criminal?
Right—
A dwarf named Todd, once a lawless ex-criminal.
Back then, the Astraea Familia had wiped out all of Todd's criminal strongholds.
He had groveled at the goddess's feet, begging for redemption.
Out of compassion, Goddess Astraea forgave him and spared his life.
But now, Todd had trampled on that kindness, driven by greed, and returned to crime.
"That settles it," Raven muttered, enthusiasm surging in his chest.
"I'll become the casino's secret boss."
Yes—
Raven planned to take Alfia the Silent with him and turn the underworld upside down.
He would seize control of the most extravagant casino—the Golden Sanctuary.
And just like that—his money troubles would be solved.
Of course, this was not something Raven intended to tell anyone.
As a transmigrator, he didn't come to this world to play the role of some noble hero.
Justice?
What's the point of justice when you're broke?
Apparently…
The security chief of that largest casino was none other than Shakti of the Ganesha Familia.
Northwest Orario.
Hestia Familia's base – the old, rundown church.
"Let's go, Alfia."
Raven looked at her cloaked figure. "Tonight, we're going to pull off something big."
"You sure you want me to show my face?" Alfia asked.
"—Yes."
"—I figure the casino boss probably knows you. That'll make negotiations easier."
Currently, Raven had Metelia temporarily step back.
He and Alfia didn't want to corrupt her with this kind of operation.
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