Arriving at Orario and waiting in a long line at the gates, I finally found myself here.
"Orario…"
The city greeted me with noise and life. Crowds of people filled the narrow streets and squares, where vendors loudly advertised their goods, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh pastries, meat, herbs, and spices. Adventurers with weapons, rushing toward the tower, seemed to embody the very spirit of adventure, and I, as if enchanted, could not take my eyes off the grandeur before me. Every detail of the city — from the towering spires to the tiniest stalls — felt alive, breathing history, and I felt a thrill of anticipation swell within my chest.
Not wanting to waste any time, I headed to the Guild to gather information and complete my registration.
. . .
High atop the Babylon Tower, in Freya's palace
Freya stood by the window. Her gaze slid over the stream of passing souls as if she were reading each one. Suddenly, one figure caught her attention: the soul was bright and unusual, and the goddess involuntarily lingered on it.
"What a… beautiful soul," she whispered, squinting. "I've never seen it here before."
"Ottar," she said softly, as if addressing an unseen assistant.
"Yes, my lady?"
"Find information on this person for me. Learn everything you can."
Freya pointed her finger toward the window. Despite the great distance, Ottar immediately understood who she meant and nodded briefly: "It will be done."
Freya smiled, her eyes flashing with excitement. "A second soul that has captured my attention… this has never happened to me before. Ah, now I have yet another beautiful prize."
. . .
I was approaching the Guild when a girl suddenly ran past me. Her long hair, soaked in blood, flew behind her in the wind, but part of the strands at the back was pure white. Her clothes and the whole situation were so familiar that I literally froze in place.
"Wait… THIS… IS BELL?!" I blurted out loud.
A few passersby turned, but most eyes were still fixed on the bloody runner. I hurried after her.
"Damn… they really turned you into a girl too?"
We were just approaching the Guild, so I decided to wait a little. While Eina was talking with Bell, I had time to gather my thoughts. Everything was unfolding almost like in the anime, except now Bell was a girl. I wondered if he would be able to acquire his skill, the one born from his love for Aiz. Without it, his path would be entirely different…
When Eina was free, she was already sitting at the registration desk. I waited in line and finally spoke:
"Excuse me, may I register?" I said, removing my hood.
Eina looked at me. She saw me. Despite her professional composure, her cheeks reddened slightly, betraying her embarrassment. I decided to continue:
"How should I address you?"
"Eina Tulle," she replied, slightly flustered.
"What a wonderful name, Lady Eina. My name is Komi Shouko. This is my first time visiting Orario, and I decided to head straight to the Guild. I was told that here I could obtain permission to enter the city and become an adventurer."
By the end of my monologue, the room had grown unusually quiet. I glanced around and noticed many people were staring at me. This instantly made me feel awkward, and I blushed. But noticing my reaction, the bystanders returned to their tasks, pretending nothing had happened.
Eina smiled and said: "Nice to meet you, Lady Komi. Please, follow me."
She led me to a part of the Guild with a small couch and a table.
"Please, wait here," she said.
"Of course," I replied.
A few minutes later, Eina returned with documents and an application form for me to fill out.
"Here you go. Could you please fill out this form?"
I carefully filled in all the information and handed the form back. Eina looked at me attentively and began the conversation.
"You mentioned that you want to become an adventurer. Have you already joined a Familia?"
"No, I haven't," I answered honestly.
"I see. Then you should know: without a Familia and the blessing of a deity, we are not allowed to let you enter the Dungeon. It's Guild law."
"So, I won't be able to go there right away?"
"Exactly. An adventurer must be part of a Familia because only a divine blessing allows one to read and record your abilities. Without it, you won't develop, which means you're at risk of dying."
I nodded, pretending I had already guessed this. "I understand. What else do I need to know?"
"Every adventurer is assigned an advisor. They help with route selection, teach the rules, and ensure your safety. If you like, I can be your advisor."
I smiled. "It would be an honor for me, Lady Eina."
Eina blushed slightly but nodded professionally.
"Very well. I will help you find a Familia. For now, please wait here. I will register you, and you will be able to receive your pass after your identity is confirmed."
After this, Eina stepped away briefly. Once all the procedures were completed, I was instructed to place my hand on a sphere — it confirmed that I posed no threat. But it seemed to me that there was something more to it, though it didn't matter for now.
Sitting on the couch while waiting for Eina, I felt a gaze piercing me to the bone. I turned around a few times but realized that no one was paying attention to me. Still, the strange feeling didn't leave me until Eina returned.
She came back, returned all my necessary documents, and we said our goodbyes. Eina told me to come back tomorrow, as she planned to help find a suitable Familia for me. I went off to look for an inn to settle in for the night, needing a quiet moment to think about everything.
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