The top floor of the Tower of Babel.
The silver-haired goddess, scantily clad, swirled a wine glass in her hand, crossed her legs, and leisurely enjoyed the beautiful cityscape.
Though she was born to embody the concept of "beauty," she carried troubles beyond ordinary understanding. Wherever she went, people who met her grew fond or even infatuated with her. Thus, she lived year-round on the top floor of the Tower of Babel, "imprisoning" herself, only occasionally donning a cloak to conceal her appearance and venture out. That was why she cherished her moments as a "girl," using Helen's "transformation" magic to find respite...
"Orario has been breathtakingly beautiful these days, don't you think, Ottar?"
"Um."
The tall, burly warrior stood silently behind her, unsmiling as he gazed at the goddess he guarded, giving a straightforward reply.
"The 'School District'... Brilliant souls from all over have gathered in Orario. Ottar, have you considered recruiting any of them?"
Freya took a sip of wine, her alluring eyes glancing up at the warrior behind her.
"They are not worthy."
Ortar's tone was detached. As a Level 7 warrior the strongest in the city he had every right to say so.
The Freya Familia now numbered over 5,000 members including believers, with only the top officers personally chosen by Freya herself.
"That's not necessarily true, there are many special children among them..."
Freya held up her glass, swirling its contents. Sunlight passed through unobstructed, illuminating her face.
"What a pity... what a pity..."
"The child that Astraea chose,is it lucky or unlucky?"
The warrior remained silent. Having served Freya for years, he knew of the bond between her and Astraea, Moreover, the Astraea Familia's reputation far surpassed that of so-called "city rulers." No lawful god dared offend Astraea, even if her clan was just fledglings rising from the ashes.
Besides, with so many heroic figures emerging during the school district's "comeback season," Freya had little desire to make a scene.
Only...
Her gaze casually fell on a green-haired elf wearing an invisibility cloak, secretly tailing a red-haired boy like a mother hen watching over her chick.
Seeing this, Freya's pink lips curved slightly: "Compared to so-called heroic souls, this development is far more interesting..."
School District Hotel
Leon looked troubled. Shaka, who was supposed to go to the school district with him, had vanished that morning. He'd asked around but found no leads, and was about to head out to check if the guards had locked him up again when...
His star student, Lefiya, appeared unexpectedly.
"It's rare to see you visit alone, Lefiya. What's on your mind?"
"Professor Leon... it's about my future..."
Lefiya was overwhelmed. She'd just received a personal invitation from Hedin, a first-tier adventurer of the Freya Familia.
"Not only that Alicia-senpai invited me too."
"I'm so confused..."
After the incident with Yui, Lefiya had finally accepted the idea of becoming the "adventurer" others expected her to be.
She'd thought that with her talent, she should follow everyone's hopes and pursue her dreams. But now, both the Loki and Freya Familias had extended invitations choosing one had become an impossible decision.
"I see... troubles most students would envy."
"Hmm..."
Leon felt helpless. Normally, being invited by one of the two major Familias was a dream come true it meant rapid growth and access to vast resources. But now, it had become a burden weighing on Lefiya. Choose either, and she'd offend the other; misstep, and the consequences could be severe.
Leon remained calm, discussing her options with her carefully. Leaning back in his chair, one hand supporting his chin, he suddenly poured liquid into a new glass and slid it toward her.
"Lefia drink this."
"Eh…? Professor Leon, isn't this…"
"Keep it between us."
Leon placed a finger to his lips and pushed the glass forward.
"Lefiya, I believe life's path is filled with worry and confusion leading to reflection. If you can't find the answer, take more time to think. Then... when your heart moves you, listen to its voice."
"My inner voice?"
Lefiya remembered the song Yui had sung that night, carrying the same message: Push forward with all your might, soar into the sky, and become who you truly want to be!
Coming to her senses, she wanted to find Yui being around that energetic child always chased away her troubles. Perhaps by staying close, she'd find her way.
Cases like Lefiya's were common. Each time the school district returned, it brought fresh blood to Orario while also taking away children seeking "knowledge" commonly known as "graduation season."
Younger students had received similar invitations too.
That day, Kanade Tachibana and her seniors from the [Harmony Department] visited Orario's largest medical facility the [Dianacht Familia]. Most hoped to join the city's biggest healing faction, so in addition to clan members, the "Battlefield Saintess" Amid personally assessed the trainees.
Kanade stood quietly, watching her seniors brim with passion. She knew she had no chance of changing her clan affiliation nor did she want to and her pharmaceutical knowledge wouldn't pass such strict screening. She only wished to witness advanced techniques she could apply to save more lives.
Her quiet demeanor set her apart instantly, catching the eye of another faction.
Naza, the dog-woman, hid in a corner across the street. Her listless eyes suddenly flashed gold.
That look, that posture she doesn't care about Dianacht! The enemy of my enemy is my ally!
Staring at Kanade, her body moved on instinct. She covered Kanade's mouth, lifted her up, and ran deep into an alley.
Her seniors were busy with their exams and paid no attention. Only an old woman carrying vegetables watched in shock, then rushed into the street to grab a guard wearing an elephant-trunk mask.
"I just saw someone kidnap a child! A dog-person woman!"
The guard asked sternly: "Which way did they go?"
The old lady pointed: "Over there!"
"Alright! Let's move out!"
A Ganesha Familia guard grinned and shouted:
"Ooooooo! We are the Ganesha Familia! Ta-ta-ta!"