As a newcomer, Charlie didn't have many acquaintances in Orario. He also didn't deliberately interact with key plot characters for specific purposes; he let things unfold naturally.
As a result, Charlie had no friends to hang out with or spend his free time with.
His footsteps led him back through the streets of Orario, now wet but bustling again after the rain.
"Speaking of which, I haven't reported my latest level to the Guild. I shouldn't keep putting this off, or Rose will show up at my house."
The last time, Rose, representing the Guild, had reminded him to update his level promptly. After all, it was impossible for Charlie's strength to remain at Level 2 during the commotion in the Entertainment District, especially since he had admitted to being Level 4 at the time.
After the Juggernaut incident and his conversation with Ouranos, it was time for him to officially update his status.
"Alright, let's head to the Guild."
Making that decision, Charlie walked toward the Guild.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The Guild.
At the reception desk, Rose handled Charlie's level update paperwork. Her hands swiftly flipped through the forms, her face, as usual, displaying a sour expression.
"All the procedures are complete. Remember to report immediately if you level up again."
Crossing her arms over her chest, Rose gave Charlie a judgmental look.
"Honestly, you're a strange one. While other adventurers want everyone to know when they level up, you do the opposite. Don't you adventurers want to be famous?"
Her blunt demeanor was why many adventurers preferred to be served by other receptionists.
"Thanks for the reminder, Rose." Charlie said, unfazed by her harsh words, offering a faint smile.
"I didn't do it on purpose, okay? I just forgot and didn't think it was that important."
"Don't let other adventurers hear you say that." Rose said, lowering her voice slightly, glancing left and right to ensure no one overheard. She was genuinely advising him.
"To them, it's not humility—it's arrogance. Leveling up is a significant moment for every adventurer; no one takes it as lightly as you do."
It should be noted that the majority of adventurers in Orario were Level 1. Many retired at Level 1 or never leveled up due to the immense challenge of gaining Excelia.
Even with a party and access to better equipment, leveling up required significant time and extraordinary effort. Many adventurers lacked the talent, potential, or sheer dedication to reach higher levels.
Over 90% of adventurers in Orario were Level 1. So, if Charlie's statement spread, he would undoubtedly become a public enemy among adventurers struggling desperately to level up.
"Things that come too easily end up not being valued much, huh…" Charlie mused briefly, then gave a faint smile. "You're right, Rose. You're a good person."
Charlie sincerely expressed his gratitude to Rose. Though her words were harsh, her heart showed otherwise, revealing a concern she didn't want to admit.
Counting the time since his reincarnation, including his quests in the Planar World, Charlie had lived his second life for about half a year.
His level had skyrocketed from Level 1 to Level 5 in that short time, even faster than Bell Cranel.
Bell reached Level 2 in one and a half months, Level 3 in one month, Level 4 in two months, and Level 5 in two and a half months. In total, it took him seven months to become a First-Class Adventurer.
First-Class Adventurers were those at Level 5 and above; currently, there were fewer than 40 in all of Orario.
Of course, Charlie didn't know this, as he had only watched the first season of the Danmachi anime, so he lacked detailed comparative data.
"Hmph, good that you understand." Rose said, slightly satisfied with Charlie's response. "By the way, you're the first case of a First-Class Adventurer without an alias, right? Though there's precedent for outsiders receiving Falna from gods in other countries, they're usually only Level 2—Low-Class Adventurers—so it's normal they don't have aliases yet."
"But you've been in Orario for about two months and haven't received an alias because the Denatus hasn't started yet."
This was the first time Rose had encountered such an absurd situation. It could only be said that fate worked in unpredictable ways.
"Is an alias that important?" Charlie asked, his tone slightly indifferent.
To him, it was just a way for the gods to entertain themselves, giving chuunibyou-style aliases or names based on an adventurer's achievements or characteristics.
"Of course it's important! An alias is a second name given to adventurers by the gods during the Denatus, usually after they reach Level 2! It serves as a way for the gods to acknowledge and celebrate an adventurer's growth and achievements!"
"O-Oh, I see."
Not expecting Rose's passionate reaction, Charlie wisely chose not to voice his true thoughts.
(The gods have been in the lower world for a thousand years, so it's no surprise that some of their mindsets have influenced people through adaptation and assimilation. The lower world's inhabitants feel honored to receive aliases from the gods.) Charlie reflected inwardly.
He realized how deeply rooted this cultural and belief system was in Orario's society.
"But this abnormal situation won't last long." Rose continued, a faint smile on her lips. "The Denatus will start soon. When it does, I'm sure the gods will fiercely debate your alias."
Rose could already imagine the chaos of the upcoming Denatus. The gods would compete to propose aliases for Charlie, a Level 5 without one, in an effort to leave their mark on him.
(With Aphrodite and Goddess Astraea around, I don't have to worry about getting a weird alias, right? No, Aphrodite can't be trusted. Looks like I need to talk to Goddess Astraea about this.)
Considering Aphrodite's flirtatious yet childish personality, Charlie gave up relying on her, even though she was entrusted by Hera.
He was certain that if Hera had to choose between entrusting him to Aphrodite or Astraea, Astraea would be the one picked.
"How long are you going to keep talking to me? Go on, I'm busy." Rose snapped suddenly, realizing she had been chatting with Charlie for too long. She scolded herself inwardly for getting carried away.
"See you, Rose." Charlie nodded lightly. Turning, he walked toward the Guild's entrance.
"Charlie?"
Suddenly, a young girl's voice called his name, stopping Charlie as he was about to leave.