The caravan came to a stop inside Orario's gates.
Leon stood among the wagons as merchants and guards dispersed. The city noise washed over him—voices in multiple languages, cart wheels on stone, the distant clang of smiths at work. Everything was louder, busier, more alive than his quiet village.
Ragan approached with a small pouch. "Your share. You earned it."
Leon took the pouch and felt its weight. More coin than he'd expected. "Thank you."
"You planning to find a Familia right away?"
"Yes."
"Smart. The sooner you get Falna, the sooner you can start diving." Ragan paused. "If you need a place to stay, there's an inn called The Hearth Stone on West Main. Tell them I sent you. They'll give you a fair rate."
"I appreciate the help."
"You saved lives on that road, kid. Least I can do." Ragan extended his hand. "Good luck. Something tells me you'll do well here."
Leon shook his hand. "Safe travels."
They parted ways. Ragan headed toward the merchant district while Leon turned deeper into the city. He adjusted his pack, checked his bow, and started walking.
Time to see what Orario really was.
---
The streets were unlike anything in Leon's village.
Everywhere he looked, diversity overwhelmed the senses. Elves with pointed ears and graceful movements bargained with dwarven merchants barely reaching their chests. Beastmen with animal features—cat ears, dog tails, fox characteristics—moved through crowds with casual ease. Humans mixed among them all, no single race dominant.
Above it all, Babel Tower rose impossibly high. Its white stone gleamed in the sunlight, piercing the clouds. Leon had read about great structures in his past life, but seeing this was different. The tower was a statement of divine power, impossible to ignore.
"Fresh fish! Caught this morning!"
"Potions! Healing, stamina, antidotes!"
"Weapons repaired! Best prices in Orario!"
The merchant calls blended into constant noise. Leon walked slowly, observing everything. The city's layout was organized but chaotic—planned streets overtaken by centuries of growth. Adventurers in armor moved past clerks in simple clothes. Wealthy merchants rode in carriages while street children darted between legs.
This was the Center of the World. Where gods descended to live among mortals. Where the Dungeon provided endless monsters and endless opportunity.
Leon felt no excitement, no intimidation. Just calm observation.
A street performer juggled fire. A priest preached about his deity's glory. Two adventurers argued about dungeon tactics outside a shop. An elf woman sold flowers with a serene smile.
Normal. Despite the gods and monsters, life here was just life. People working, eating, arguing, laughing. The extraordinary made ordinary through familiarity.
Leon's stomach growled.
He'd eaten early that morning before the caravan entered the city. Now, approaching midday, he needed food. His coin pouch had enough for a meal, and the smells drifting from nearby establishments were promising.
He followed his nose.
---
The Sleeping Boar Tavern sat on a corner two streets from the main avenue.
It wasn't fancy—rough wooden exterior, simple sign, the kind of place working people frequented. But the smell coming from inside was excellent. Roasted meat, fresh bread, something savory Leon couldn't quite identify.
He pushed open the door.
The interior was dimly lit, populated by a mix of adventurers and craftsmen. A few looked up when Leon entered, assessed him as no threat, and returned to their meals. The bartender, a large man with a shaved head and a stained apron, nodded in greeting.
Leon approached the bar. "Do you serve food?"
"That's what the smell's for." The bartender gestured to a board behind him listing items and prices. "Stew's good today. Roast is better but costs more."
Leon read the prices. Reasonable. "The stew, please. And water."
"Coming up." The bartender moved to prepare the order. "New in town?"
"Just arrived."
"Thought so. You've got that look—too clean, too alert. Give it a week and you'll blend in." He set a bowl of stew and a cup of water on the bar. "Three copper."
Leon paid and took a seat at a corner table. The stew was good—not as good as what he could make, but honest food cooked well. He ate slowly, listening to the conversations around him.
"—heard a Level 2 got killed on the tenth floor—"
"—Loki Familia's back from their expedition—"
"—Guild's raising the bounty on those escaped monsters—"
Dungeon talk. Familia gossip. The rhythm of adventurer life. Leon absorbed it all, filing information away.
When he finished eating, he returned to the bar. The bartender was cleaning mugs.
"I have a question," Leon said.
"Most new folks do. What is it?"
"How do I join a Familia?"
The bartender set down his mug. "You want the official answer or the real one?"
"Both."
"Official answer: find a god willing to accept you into their Familia. They give you Falna, you register with the Guild, then you can enter the Dungeon legally." He picked up another mug. "Real answer: that's the hard part. Gods are picky. They want interesting people, talented people, people who'll make their Familia look good. Most newbies get rejected a dozen times before anyone accepts them."
"What do gods look for?"
"Depends on the god. Some want strength. Some want potential. Some want interesting personalities or tragic backstories." The bartender shrugged. "And some just choose people on a whim. Gods are unpredictable like that."
Leon nodded slowly. "Where do I find gods recruiting?"
"Guild headquarters has a recruitment board. Some Familias post notices there. Otherwise, you approach Familias directly and request an audience." The bartender leaned on the bar. "Word of advice—start with smaller Familias. Big ones like Loki or Freya won't even look at unknowns. Smaller Familias are more desperate, more willing to take chances."
"Makes sense."
The bartender studied Leon. "You've got skills?"
"Some. Hunting, tracking, combat."
"Village hunter wanting to be an adventurer. Seen it before." The bartender's expression wasn't unkind. "Some make it. Most don't. The Dungeon's different from hunting animals. Monsters are more aggressive, less predictable. And some of them are smarter than you."
"I understand. I'll learn."
"Good attitude." The bartender extended his hand. "I'm Grenn. You survive your first month in the Dungeon, come back. First drink's free."
"Leon Fury." He shook the hand. "I'll survive."
Leon pulled out his game from his pack—two rabbits preserved with herbs. "Do you buy fresh meat?"
Grenn examined them. "Clean work. Ten copper for both."
"Deal."
Grenn took the rabbits and returned with coins. "You hunt regularly?"
"When I have time."
"Bring more when you can. Once a week, I'll buy." Grenn paused. "Guild's on Main Avenue, three blocks east of Babel. Can't miss it."
"Thank you."
---
Main Avenue lived up to its name.
The street was wide, paved with smooth stone, lined with important buildings. Leon passed shops selling armor and weapons, potion stores with colorful displays, a large bank with armed guards, and several administrative structures.
The Guild headquarters was impossible to miss.
A three-story building of white stone with wide stairs leading to a columned entrance. The Guild's symbol—a stylized dungeon entrance—hung above the doors. Adventurers moved in and out constantly, some in full armor, others in casual clothes.
Leon climbed the stairs and entered.
The interior was organized chaos. A large reception hall with multiple counters, each staffed by Guild employees processing paperwork. Adventurers lined up to register kills, collect bounties, or report dungeon conditions. Notice boards covered the walls.
Leon walked to one of the notice boards and began reading.
**Soma Familia - Open Recruitment**
*Seeking capable individuals. No experience required. Visit Soma Familia home, Northwest District, near the old mill.*
**Miach Familia - Accepting Applications**
*Small Familia looking for dedicated members. Potion-making and support focus. Visit our shop on Daedalus Street.*
**Takemikazuchi Familia - Limited Openings**
*Seeking warriors with strong moral character and discipline. Training hall, East Main Avenue.*
**Hestia Familia - New Familia Seeking First Member!**
*Goddess Hestia looking for someone with a good heart! Find me at the Jagamaru stand in the evening, North Main!*
Several other notices advertised larger Familias, but those made it clear they only accepted exceptional individuals through invitation or trials.
Leon memorized the information. Four realistic options—Soma, Miach, Takemikazuchi, and Hestia. Each with different focuses and requirements.
He needed lodging first. Making a good impression on a god required being rested and presentable, not travel-worn and tired.
Leon left the Guild and headed toward West Main.
---
The Hearth Stone Inn was a modest two-story building with a glowing hearth on its sign.
Inside, an elderly woman sat at a desk, knitting. She looked up when Leon entered. "Good afternoon. Looking for a room?"
"Yes. Ragan the caravan master said you'd give a fair rate."
Her face brightened. "Ragan sent you? That old friend hasn't visited in months." She set down her knitting. "Three copper per night, includes breakfast. How long will you be staying?"
Leon counted his coins mentally. "One week to start."
"Twenty-one copper then."
He paid, and she handed him a key. "Room seven, upstairs on the left. Breakfast is served at dawn in the common room. Anything else?"
"Is there a place nearby to buy books? Dungeon guides or monster information?"
"The bookshop two streets over. Ask for Marcus, tell him Hilda sent you." She smiled. "First time in Orario?"
"Yes."
"Welcome then. It's dangerous here, but honest if you're smart. Don't go in the Dungeon without Falna, and don't trust anyone offering easy money."
"Thank you for the advice."
Leon took his key and went upstairs. Room seven was small but clean—a bed, a chest, a washbasin, and a window overlooking the street. He set down his pack, checked his equipment, and sat on the bed.
Tomorrow, he would visit Familias. But tonight, he needed to prepare properly.
Leon counted his remaining coins. Enough for lodging, food, and a guidebook. He'd need to hunt soon to supplement his funds, but for now he was stable.
He lay back, hands behind his head, and considered his options.
Soma Familia seemed easy to join but something about "no experience required" felt off. Too easy often meant there was a catch.
Miach Familia focused on potions and support. Useful, but he wanted combat experience more than crafting.
Takemikazuchi Familia valued discipline and honor. That aligned with his principles, but they had limited openings.
Hestia Familia was brand new, seeking its first member. A goddess with no Familia yet would be desperate but also inexperienced at managing adventurers.
Each option had advantages and disadvantages. He'd visit them all, assess carefully, then decide.
Leon closed his eyes. Sleep came easily, dreamless and deep.
---
Dawn broke cold and clear.
Leon woke before sunrise from habit. He performed his morning forms in the small room—slow, controlled movements that centered his mind and loosened his body. Then he washed, dressed in his cleanest clothes, and went downstairs.
The common room held a handful of guests eating simple fare—bread, cheese, eggs, and tea. Leon took a portion and ate quietly, listening to conversations.
"—Loki Familia brought back a fortune from the deep floors—"
"—another rookie died on floor seven yesterday—"
"—Freya's been seen at the tavern district, probably scouting—"
Adventurer gossip. The rhythm of the city waking.
After breakfast, Leon stepped outside. The morning air was crisp, the streets less crowded than yesterday. He had a full day ahead—visit Familias, make impressions, gather information.
First stop: the bookshop.
---
Marcus's bookshop was small and cramped, shelves overflowing with texts. The owner was a middle-aged man with spectacles and ink-stained fingers.
"Help you find something?" he asked without looking up from his ledger.
"Hilda from The Hearth Stone sent me. I need a dungeon guide."
Marcus looked up at that. "New adventurer?"
"Prospective. I need to learn about monsters before I go in."
"Smart." Marcus stood and walked to a shelf. "Most rookies dive first, learn later. Usually gets them killed." He pulled down a worn book. "*Dungeon Survival: Floors One Through Twelve.* Covers monster types, behavior patterns, floor layouts, and basic tactics. Five silver."
Leon counted his coins. Expensive, but necessary. "I'll take it."
Marcus wrapped the book. "Read it cover to cover before you set foot in there. Especially the sections on goblins and kobolds. They kill more rookies than anything else on the upper floors."
"I will. Thank you."
Leon tucked the book into his pack and left the shop. Now he had knowledge to study later. Time to visit Familias.
First: Miach Familia.
---
Daedalus Street was in the older section of Orario, a maze of narrow streets and cramped buildings.
The Miach Familia shop was small with a sign depicting a medical staff and potions displayed in the window. Leon entered, and a bell chimed.
Inside, a young woman with blue hair stood behind a counter, carefully measuring ingredients. She looked up, her expression shifting from focused to welcoming.
"Welcome. Are you looking for potions?"
"I'm looking for the Miach Familia. I saw your recruitment notice."
Her expression brightened, then became cautious. "You want to join?"
"I'm considering it. May I speak with Lord Miach?"
"Of course. Wait here." She disappeared through a back door.
Leon waited, observing the shop. Clean, organized, but sparse. Not many products on display. Signs of financial struggle.
The young woman returned with a deity—a young-looking man with kind eyes and simple robes. He moved with quiet grace.
"Hello," the god said warmly. "I'm Miach. Naaza says you're interested in joining my Familia?"
Leon bowed respectfully. "Yes, Lord Miach. I'm Leon Fury. I arrived in Orario yesterday."
"Please, just Miach is fine." The god gestured to a chair. "Sit. Tell me about yourself."
Leon sat. "I'm from Torren Village, north of here. I grew up as a hunter. I came to Orario to become an adventurer and test myself in the Dungeon."
"A hunter. That's useful—we often need ingredients from the Dungeon." Miach smiled gently. "But I should be honest with you, Leon. My Familia is very small. Just Naaza and myself. We focus on making potions to support other adventurers. We're also in debt, which means resources are limited."
"What would you expect from a new member?"
"Help with the business. Gathering ingredients, making potions, diving for materials when needed. We'd teach you alchemy basics and support your growth as an adventurer." Miach's expression was kind but realistic. "I won't lie—we can't offer much. No fancy equipment, no large support network. But we're honest, and we take care of our own."
Leon appreciated the honesty. "May I think about it? I want to visit other Familias before deciding."
"Of course. That's wise." Miach didn't seem offended. "If you decide to join us, we'll be here. And even if you don't, you're welcome to visit. We appreciate anyone who approaches us honestly."
"Thank you for your time, Lord Miach."
"Just Miach. Good luck, Leon."
Leon left the shop with a thoughtful expression. Miach seemed genuine and kind, but the Familia's financial struggles were concerning. Limited resources meant slower growth.
Next: Takemikazuchi Familia.
---
The training hall on East Main Avenue was easier to find.
Sounds of practice weapons echoed from within. Leon entered and found several people training—all moving with disciplined precision, clean forms, coordinated movements.
A young man with dark hair noticed him. "Can I help you?"
"I'm here about the recruitment notice. I'd like to speak with Lord Takemikazuchi."
The man's expression became appraising. He looked Leon up and down—posture, bearing, the way he carried his weapons. "I'm Ouka, captain of Takemikazuchi Familia. What's your name?"
"Leon Fury."
"Experience?"
"Hunter. No dungeon experience yet."
"No Falna?"
"Not yet."
Ouka nodded slowly. "Wait here."
He left through a side door. Leon watched the other Familia members train. Their forms were clean, disciplined, clearly influenced by Eastern martial traditions. They moved with coordination and respect—a tight-knit group.
Ouka returned with a deity. The god had a strong presence and traditional bearing, dressed in simple but well-maintained robes.
"I'm Takemikazuchi," the god said. His voice was firm but not unkind. "Ouka says you wish to join us?"
"Yes, Lord Takemikazuchi." Leon bowed respectfully.
"Tell me—why do you want to become an adventurer?"
Leon met his gaze steadily. "To test my limits. To see how far discipline and effort can take me in a world where gods grant power."
"Discipline and effort." Takemikazuchi nodded slowly. "Those are qualities we value highly. But I must ask—what are your principles? What guides your actions?"
Leon considered the question carefully. "I believe in self-improvement through work. In helping others when I can, but not seeking recognition for it. In facing challenges directly rather than avoiding them."
"Noble sentiments." The god's expression was thoughtful. "But I sense something unusual about you. You carry yourself like someone older than seventeen. Like you've seen more than your years suggest."
Leon said nothing, but held the god's gaze calmly.
Takemikazuchi smiled slightly. "I won't pry. Everyone has their mysteries. But I will say this—my Familia values honor, loyalty, and growth through hardship. We train hard, we support each other, and we face challenges together. If that appeals to you, I would consider accepting you."
"May I have time to consider? I want to visit other options before deciding."
"That's wise. Don't rush such an important choice." Takemikazuchi bowed slightly. "But don't wait too long—we only have one opening, and others may apply. Whatever you decide, I respect your desire to choose carefully."
Leon returned the bow. "Thank you for your time, Lord Takemikazuchi."
---
The sun was past its peak when Leon left the training hall.
Two Familias visited, two possibilities. Miach was kind but financially struggling. Takemikazuchi was honorable but had specific expectations and limited openings.
Both were good options. Neither felt perfect.
Leon checked his mental notes. He could visit Soma Familia next, but something about their notice bothered him. "No experience required" often meant they took anyone, which suggested desperation or ulterior motives.
That left Hestia Familia—the brand new one seeking its first member. The notice said to find her at the Jagamaru stand in the evening.
Leon had hours before evening. He should use the time productively.
He found a quiet spot in a small park near Babel and opened the dungeon guide he'd purchased. Time to learn about what he'd be facing.
The book was comprehensive. Detailed descriptions of monster types, their behaviors, weaknesses, and attack patterns. Floor layouts and danger zones. Survival tactics and common rookie mistakes.
Leon read methodically, absorbing information. Goblins—pack hunters, weak individually, dangerous in groups. Kobolds—tool users, retreat when injured, more intelligent than goblins. War Shadows—ambush predators, high attack but low defense.
He committed it all to memory, cross-referencing with his hunting knowledge. Monsters weren't animals, but they still followed patterns. Everything that lived had instincts and behaviors that could be learned and exploited.
Hours passed. The sun began its descent toward the horizon.
Leon closed the book and stood. Time to find the Jagamaru stand and meet this Goddess Hestia.
His second life's path was about to take its next step.