"Name."
"Shaka".
"Gender."
"Male."
"Adventurer Rank".
"Level 1".
In a dimly lit prison cell of the Ganesha Familia in Orario, a chandelier hung precariously from the ceiling, swaying and casting light over the only table in the room.
Shaka's hands were handcuffed to his chair, his face completely dejected. He hadn't expected his first arrival in Orario to be under these circumstances, certainly setting a precedent among all transmigrators before him.
He looked up to see a blue-haired mature woman sitting with her legs crossed, forming a graceful curve. But he had no mood to appreciate her beauty right now.
Shakti fixed him with calm, steady eyes, gave him a cold glance, and raised her voice to ask again:
"Adventurer Rank!"
"Level 1…" Shaka answered honestly.
"You're lying!" Shakti slammed her hand on the table and shouted angrily.
"I advise you not to play games with us. Summoning monsters, repelling dangerous attackers your accomplices say you're at least a powerful beast tamer with Level 3 strength!"
Damn it, Maize, you scoundrel! You betrayed me! I'll get you as soon as I'm out of here!
Shaka cursed under his breath, then replied truthfully: "I really am Level 1, but my ability stats are a bit higher."
"Higher?" Shakti looked skeptical, took a sip of tea, and pressed further: "How much higher?"
"Around 3500?"
"3500!!" Shakti's eyes widened. Even after dealing with countless criminals making excuses, this was the first time someone had spouted such nonsense while facing serious charges.
"Do you think I'm an idiot? 3500? Ha."
Shaka explained, "They're all real numbers I'm not lying. Listen, I'm innocent. It's all Old Maize's group that's in the wrong. I just took on a job. Besides, I'm from the Astraea Familia I still have my Familia badge on me. We're on the same side, so please show some respect."
"Don't try to get familiar with me." Shakti sat back straight, speaking in a clear, sharp voice:
"We've also captured your Astraea Familia members."
"Ah?"
Shaka looked stunned. Was this about some senior's hidden affair being exposed?
"Hmph." Shakti snorted coldly.
The one who committed the crime wasn't your clan's senior, she thought to herself. But you're an accomplice, and suspected of harboring a wanted fugitive. That kid is always causing trouble! Now look what's happened, if things go wrong later, we'll make you take responsibility and see if you can stay calm then!
When Shaka saw the sinister "hehehe" smile on her face, a chill ran down his spine.
"Hey, Commander Shakti, you're not supposed to be like this. Your character is totally off."
"Shut up and be quiet."
"Okay."
Shaka fell silent. Since she'd acknowledged his Astraea Familia identity, things should be fine. But why had he been arrested?
He glanced resentfully at the older woman, muttering every so often: "I'm innocent..."
"Stop spouting nonsense. Do you know what you've done wrong?"
"No idea."
Shakti clapped her hands, and a guard carried a large metal box into the room from outside.
She patted the box and said to Shaka: "Tell me what is this? What were you planning to bring to Orario?"
Shaka thought for a moment, struggling to find the right words to explain:
"In the gods' terms... this is a limited-time event dungeon..."
"Speak like a normal person!" Shakti's eyebrows twitched.
If I didn't know you were from the Astraea Familia, I would have dealt with you long ago...
Shaka quickly rephrased: "It's a virtual combat training system customized by the school district, can simulate dungeon monster spawns."
"Oh? The school district?" Shakti looked surprised.
Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind about a group of troublemaking kids who'd been causing a stir in the city lately.
Through gritted teeth, she asked: "You wouldn't happen to be connected to that kid who walks around the streets carrying a huge sledgehammer, would you?"
"Uh—" Shaka was left speechless.
No further explanation was needed he already knew what the problem was.
Dejectedly, he said: "I confess. Punish me however you want, but don't make things hard for the children."
"Well said!"
Shakti clapped her hands and declared: "I'll take this to the school district to verify. As for you, stay here for a few days and think about what you've done!"
She slammed the door and left.
Hmph, settled both old and new grudges today!
As Shakti stepped out of the cell, her slight smile quickly turned cold. She asked the guard standing by another cell:
"How is it? Have they confessed?"
"Yes," the guard nodded and reported:
"There are 5 remnants of the Rudra clan who escaped when the attack happened. Another 15 have been involved in transporting supplies for the Dark Faction over the past month."
Shakti nodded and continued: "What about Maize? He's the caravan leader, right?"
The guard checked his records and said: "Investigations show he hasn't participated in any Dark Faction transactions for five years he's been doing legitimate business. But the caravan he runs has always been a mix of good and bad, providing cover identities for those scoundrels."
"Five years... I see."
It was a very telling number. Four years ago was the "Seven Days of Death" how could this man have stopped all related activities during such a critical period?
At least he has some conscience...
A flash of killing intent crossed Shakti's eyes before she thought for a moment and said: "In that case, release those who weren't involved. Send the rest to Bergen the City of Sinners."
"Yes, sir. We've already released them, but..."
"But what?"
The guard looked awkward as he said: "Two merchants were brought back again. Apparently, after going home, they got into a fight with their neighbor surnamed Wang and were sent back here..."
What kind of neighbor is this Wang?!
Shakti rubbed her temples in frustration and waved her hand: "Fine, fine don't bother me with this kind of thing anymore."
With that, she picked up the metal box and headed toward the school district's hotel in Orario.
That night.
The door to the dark, damp cell swung open.
Shaka looked up to meet Shakti's displeased gaze.
"Come on someone's here to bail you out."
Who could it be?
The guards unlocked Shaka's cuffs and led him out of the cell.
Outside the Ganesha Familia headquarters, Leon and Minoru Kageno stood waiting. Shakti was there too, carrying Dekomori like a chick under her arm.
At that moment, Dekomori was still shouting loudly:
"That's my way of punishing evil and upholding justice! Those scum who bully kids deserve no mercy!"
Shakti tapped Dekomori on the head and said coldly:
"Is that what you call justice? Slamming a five- to six-meter-long hammer on the ground is called damaging public property and seriously disturbing the peace!"
Shakti looked helpless.
The city had no shortage of idle troublemakers retired or disabled adventurers, plus thugs willing to do anything for money. And this kid had been taking on the Soma Familia...
The Soma clan had also been bullied, so what started as an internal matter had now escalated into inter-Familia conflict...
Dekomori was oblivious to all this, pouting as she said: "Hmph! It's their fault they were bullying a child! By the way, where's my Mad Moon Thunder Hammer X Resurrection X Second Generation?"
"Confiscated."
"Ehh.." Dekomori's eyes widened, ready to shout again.
Seeing trouble brewing, Shakti immediately tossed the problem child into Shaka's arms.
The two collided Shaka felt a sharp pain in his chest from the impact.
"Hey, you need to drink more milk! You're way too heavy."
"Shaka! You're here!" Dekomori looked him over curiously, temporarily forgetting about the hammer and breaking into a silly grin.
Things might have stayed light, but then Shaka saw Minoru Kageno standing with Leon...
An awkward feeling washed over him as he asked: "So you got arrested too?"
"Guess this makes us... fellow inmates meeting?"