What do Orario's people love most? Watching a spectacle.
And the gods of Orario loved it even more. Bored in the heavens, they descended to the mortal world to play their Familia game. The most thrilling part? War Games between Familias.
The Ishtar Familia, a veteran powerhouse, ruled the pleasure district. The Hestia Familia, a fledgling group mere months old, boasted the fastest-leveling leader and deputy in the history of the Familia game. Altair was the leader, with Saeko as the second member, becoming deputy leader after Kayo and Tina joined.
A War Game between an established titan and a rising upstart, formalized under the Guild's oversight, became Orario's hottest topic.
Ishtar's demand was clear: if they won, Altair and Saeko would join her Familia. Hestia's counter-demand was bolder: if they won, all of Ishtar's wealth would belong to the Hestia Familia.
With the terms set, the War Game between the Ishtar and Hestia Familias commenced.
Once approved by the Guild, the War Game would be supervised, with the Guild providing a venue and ample preparation time. During the event, Orario transformed into a festival. While two Familias fought for survival, the city celebrated.
Adventurers paused dungeon delves, taverns launched promotions, and crowds gathered at viewing spots to watch the War Game. The gods, usually stripped of their divine powers, were permitted to use them during War Games held outside Orario. They conjured magical screens for live broadcasts, sharing the spectacle with the masses for communal revelry.
The atmosphere mirrored a global sports event, with people crowding taverns, eating, drinking, and cheering. The central square hosted an official watch party with live commentary for those unable to afford taverns. Some watched in person, others via broadcasts, whatever maximized the excitement.
And where there was competition, there was betting. Orario's gambling scene thrived, with War Games as the biggest draw. The Guild, backed by the gods, ran the betting pools, as even they relished the thrill of a wager.
The War Game's venue was an ancient, abandoned fortress city a distance from Orario. Once a bulwark against dungeon monsters, its towering walls were rendered obsolete as Orario's adventurers tamed the dungeon, turning monsters into leveling fodder. As Orario's economy soared, the fortress fell into ruin, now a relic perfect for War Games.
Here, the Ishtar and Hestia Familias would clash. Ishtar's side defended the city, while Hestia's attacked. As the challengers, Ishtar's Familia set the terms, but Hestia's could choose to attack or defend.
Defending a city was generally easier, leveraging walls and height to wear down attackers. But the Hestia Familia, with only four members, risked being overwhelmed if they defended, unable to cover all fronts. Defending also lacked flair, so Altair chose to attack.
When this decision spread, the gods approved, not for its boldness, but because it suited the Hestia Familia's situation. With just four members against Ishtar's hundred-plus, defending would trap them in a losing siege. A stray attack could cost them their flag and the game.
But attacking? That changed the dynamics. The War Game lasted three days. If any of Hestia's four could seize Ishtar's flag in that time, they'd win. They didn't need to defeat everyone, just find an opening. Stealth and speed favored their small numbers.
Still, the consensus favored Ishtar. With over a hundred members, including several Level 3s and a Level 5, they seemed unstoppable. If they can't handle four upstarts, they might as well retire to farming, the gods scoffed.
Preparations complete, Altair led Saeko, Kayo, and Tina to the forest outside the ancient city, eyeing the towering walls protruding from the trees, awaiting the signal to begin.
Inside, the Ishtar Familia's battle courtesans stood ready, their entire roster mobilized to crush four opponents.
Both sides were set.
As the appointed hour arrived, the War Game began!
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