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Chapter 14: Pantheon
Being hugged by Furina, Artemis's body noticeably stiffened for a moment, but in the end, she didn't push her away.
Aiden also expressed his sincere gratitude for Artemis's kindness, but he still politely declined the invitation to stay: "Thank you very much for your kindness, Lady Artemis. However, I made preparations before coming, so we won't trouble you."
Hearing this, Lante, who was standing to the side, was so anxious she almost jumped up.
She wanted to try one last time to create an opportunity for her goddess and Aiden. Yet this unromantic guy actually rejected the goddess's proactive invitation.
Missing this chance, who knew how many years it would be before they returned to Orario again?
But in front of Artemis, Lante didn't dare to be too blatant. She could only walk to the side in depression, kicking a small pebble on the ground with the tip of her toe.
Aiden was naturally well aware of Lante's little thoughts. But he wasn't that naive.
A goddess could be pursued, but Artemis was different. Her difficulty level was not standard.
Despite how she almost threw herself at Bell in the movie, that was because she had experienced the tragic tragedy of her Familia being annihilated, all her children dying miserably, and even being devoured by a monster herself.
It was under such massive stimulation that she underwent a fundamental change, deciding to follow her own wish and her children's final wish to fall in love.
But now, none of that had happened.
The Artemis before him, although her heart had begun to loosen due to the conflict with her children and his guidance, was still a hundred and eight thousand miles away from the goddess willing to sacrifice everything for love.
Forcing an approach now would only trigger her divine instinct as a "Virgin Goddess," pushing her further away.
Bidding farewell to the reluctant Artemis Familia, Aiden and the other two took the map of Orario gifted by Artemis and headed toward Adventurer Avenue in the latter half of the Seventh District's old block.
Their next goal was clear—the Adventurer's Guild.
Only by completing the official Familia registration there would the "Focalors Familia" truly have a place of their own in this Labyrinth City.
The vastness of Orario far exceeded Aiden's imagination.
This circular city, centered on Babel Tower, was clearly divided into eight fan-shaped districts by eight main roads, each district possessing a distinct style and function.
They were currently moving along the border of the Sixth and Seventh Districts. On one side was the noise and vitality from the trading district, and on the other was the tranquility and simplicity settled in the old city district.
Aiden and his group's destination was the Adventurer's Guild Headquarters—Pantheon—located in the latter half of the Seventh District's old block.
As they went deeper, the surrounding scenery gradually changed.
Tall commercial buildings were gradually replaced by stone houses of considerable age. The commercial atmosphere in the air faded, replaced by a scent mixing the dust of history with the breath of daily life.
Finally, a building so magnificent it rendered one speechless appeared at the end of their vision.
It was a complex of pure white pillared buildings. Massive Doric stone columns supported the majestic hall. The overall style was solemn and holy, as if not made by mortal hands but moved directly from mythology.
This was the Pantheon, the heart of all adventurers in Orario.
The moment they stepped into the Pantheon, a unique smell—a mix of sweat, leather, metal, and dust—hit them in the face, followed by a deafening clamor.
The vast hall, large enough to hold thousands, was surging with people.
Adventurers wearing leather armor of various colors and holding swords stood in groups of three or five, loudly discussing their experiences in the Dungeon. Supporters carrying giant backpacks taller than themselves stumbled through the crowd, looking for employers.
There were also many young people like them, faces wearing looks of confusion and longing, nervously looking around.
This was the starting point of dreams, and also the end point of countless tragedies—a vortex where hope and despair intertwined.
Aiden's gaze quickly swept across the hall, and he soon found the reception area according to the signs.
Behind a row of busy counters, he locked onto a figure at a glance.
It was a half-elf girl wearing a Guild uniform and glasses.
In the noisy and chaotic environment, she was like a tranquil center, methodically handling business for the adventurer in front of her, a kind and professional smile always on her face. Her sweet appearance and fine figure made her stand out even among the reception staff, all of whom were beautiful young women.
Aiden led Furina and Robin straight over.
"Hello, is there anything I can help you with?"
When it was their turn, the half-elf girl looked up, revealing an impeccable smile.
Her gaze lingered on the three of them for a moment.
The leading young man had white hair and blue eyes, handsome features, and a calm temperament. The girl beside him was lively and spirited, radiating unquestionable divinity. The last person was completely hidden by a hood, appearing somewhat mysterious.
"Hello, Miss Elf."
As the Captain, Aiden naturally took charge of the negotiation.
"We are a Familia from outside Orario. We would like to officially register here."
Although Robin was better at this kind of social interaction, it wasn't suitable for her to show her face right now.
Aiden never overestimated the average quality of the adventurer demographic. This was a profession of licking blood from knife edges; desperadoes and those of poor character were everywhere.
Before the Focalors Familia possessed enough self-preservation ability, any factor that might attract trouble had to be avoided as much as possible.
"I understand. Please follow me."
The half-elf girl was not surprised by this. She nodded and led the three of them away from the noisy hall toward the quieter administration department inside the building.
The person responsible for registration was a serious middle-aged man.
The moment he saw Furina, he immediately stood up and bowed respectfully. Whether he knew her or not, a god was a god. As a neutral organization, the Guild absolutely could not lack the proper respect.
The registration process was quick.
After verifying Furina's divine identity, the "Focalors Familia" was officially recorded.
Next was the Familia rank assessment.
"Two members, both Adventurer Level 1... According to Guild assessment standards, the initial rank of the Focalors Familia is... I-Rank."
Hearing this lowest rank, Furina pouted in dissatisfaction, while Aiden and Robin remained calm.
This was a natural result; they had anticipated it long ago.
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