It was a city beyond description. Countless buildings of every conceivable style stood shoulder to shoulder, stretching all the way to the horizon.
And at the very center—
A pure white tower, as if crafted by the hands of the gods themselves, pierced through the sea of clouds and rose straight into the sky.
Babel Tower.
It stood there in solemn silence, like a pillar connecting heaven and earth, overlooking the entire world.
The first time he laid eyes upon that miraculous structure, Faen felt his breath catch in his chest. Awe surged through him like a tidal wave.
But that awe lasted only a few seconds.
It was quickly replaced by something deeper. Something heavier.
His eyes shifted, from astonishment to stillness.
So this… was Orario.
The place Alfia had ultimately reached.
And the stage upon which she had chosen to end her life.
"Why the long face? Shouldn't you be smiling right now? You've arrived at Orario—the city every adventurer dreams of."
A cool, composed voice sounded beside him.
At some point, Artemis had stepped up to his side.
She ignored the instantly brightened, overly interested gazes from her own Familia members and simply looked at him.
"Yeah…"
Faen returned from his thoughts and turned toward her. When he met those pure green eyes, a faint smile returned to his lips.
"I should be smiling."
"That's better."
Artemis nodded in approval, her tone firm yet unhurried.
"An adventurer who clings to the past won't get very far."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving behind a clean, decisive silhouette.
Furina, standing nearby, puffed out her cheeks in mild indignation.
She felt like her moment had been stolen—she had been about to say something encouraging too.
On the other side, Robin slowly lowered the hand she had half-raised.
Her intelligent gaze shifted from Faen to Artemis' retreating back. In the end, she simply smiled softly and said nothing.
...
...
When the caravan finally reached Orario's city gates, they were met with a queue so long it seemed endless.
Voices crashed together like ocean waves.
Every race one might expect to find only in fantasy tales stood vividly before them.
A haughty elf impatiently adjusted his ornate robes.
A burly dwarf with a massive battle axe slung over his shoulder boomed with laughter as he bragged to his companions.
Half-sized prums stood alert and energetic.
Beastfolk—wolf-eared, dog-tailed, moved through the crowd, their animal traits impossible to fully conceal.
Some were merchants, wagons filled with exotic goods from distant lands, seeking fortune in the world's center.
Others were young hopefuls, their eyes flickering with both anxiety and ambition—dreaming of becoming heroes in this city of legends.
Countless purposes. Countless dreams.
All converging here.
Guarding the gates were adventurers clad in light armor and wearing distinctive stylized masks.
They belonged to one of Orario's most powerful Familias—
Ganesha Familia, led by the elephant-headed god Ganesha.
Recognized by the Guild as a top-ranked S-class Familia, they boasted eleven Level 5 First-Class Adventurers and over a hundred high-class adventurers above Level 2. With thousands of total members, they were not only a core exploration force but also worked closely with the Guild, serving as Orario's de facto city police.
Though Artemis Familia spent most of their time outside Orario, their reputation preceded them. After a simple identity check, they were allowed through without delay.
As for the newly arrived Focalors Familia, a brief information registration was required.
It was only a temporary record. Official Familia registration would need to be completed later at the Guild.
...
When the three of them stepped fully into the city, the overwhelming vibrancy struck them head-on.
Broad stone streets bustled with carriages and pedestrians.
Shops lined both sides of the road, their displays glittering with products crafted from magic stones—self-illuminating street lamps, water-heating bath devices, decorative trinkets faintly humming with magical energy.
Items that would cost a fortune elsewhere were sold here as if they were everyday goods.
Adventurers filled the streets.
Some exited taverns in small groups, laughing loudly about yesterday's haul.
Others hurried toward the Dungeon entrance, battle-lust burning in their eyes.
Elves carrying carved longbows.
Dwarves resting war hammers on their shoulders.
Humans with finely forged swords at their hips.
Even after living in this world for years, the sheer fantasy of the scene stirred something in Faen. His heart beat faster.
This was the world's center.
---
The escort mission concluded without incident.
It was time to part ways.
"Uuu… Robin-nee, Lady Furina—please come visit us if you get the chance!"
Lanti clutched Robin's hands, her eyes red and watery.
Other girls from Artemis Familia gathered around as well, reluctant to say goodbye to the friends they had made during the journey.
When they looked at Faen, however, their expressions were filled with a very specific kind of grievance.
A disappointed one.
Lanti puffed out her cheeks and complained in a voice just loud enough to carry:
"It's been a whole month, Mr. Faen. You're way too useless. You didn't make any progress at all!"
"Pfft—"
Faen felt like he had been shot through the chest. His face darkened instantly.
Beside him, Artemis' usually calm expression cooled noticeably, a dangerous aura radiating from her.
Realizing their goddess was actually angry, the girls immediately shrank back, sticking out their tongues in exaggerated innocence.
Artemis ignored them.
Instead, she turned to Furina. Her stern gaze softened considerably.
"This is your first time in Orario. If you encounter any difficulties, come find me. We'll be staying in the city for a while."
She handed Faen a slip of paper with the address of their temporary base.
Then, after a slight hesitation, she added:
"If… you're unable to find suitable lodging right away, we have spare rooms. Enough for the three of you."
"Artemis!"
Furina looked so touched she nearly teared up. She immediately pulled the moon goddess into a tight embrace.
"You're way too thoughtful! I regret not spending more time with you back in Tenkai!"
And for a brief moment, beneath Orario's towering skyline, the cool and unyielding goddess of chastity allowed herself the faintest, helpless smile.
===================
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