"Got it, got it. With everything settled, I should get some rest. See you!"
--------------------------
The next day, the sun was still shining brightly, and Orario was still bustling and noisy.
On the main avenue, people came and went, and carriages galloped down the wide central street.
Various beast-human races and humans leisurely enjoyed their peaceful daily lives; while adventurers, in contrast to ordinary people, were just beginning yet another day filled with hopes and dreams!
They carried backpacks, picked up weapons, and set off in groups toward the city center, preparing for today's adventures.
Shops on both sides of the road had already opened early, hanging up new daily recommendation notices, while clerks and owners alike stood at the doors shouting for business, hoping for a prosperous start to the day.
In the northern district of the city, "The Twilight Manor."
Having reorganized his gear and equipment, Fron said farewell to his companions in the courtyard.
"You're just like Bete and Raul, huh? Can't wait to accept a commission and start preparing already." Tiona clasped her hands behind her back, circling around Fron with a dissatisfied expression.
"Ah, we guys aren't like you pretty girls. If we don't work hard, we won't have money, and without money life's no good, you know?"
"Hey, hey, hey, you make it sound like we're rich! I'm still burdened with a huge debt, you know!" Fron shrugged.
"Yeah, if I owed those guys a hundred million valis, they'd already be banging on my door to collect. That's just how it is for you girls."
In every world, there are always people whose values are guided by their looks!
The advantage of beautiful girls is something one can't underestimate.
"Fron, be careful on your way!"
Ais didn't say much, only reminding him to stay safe.
Fron smiled, rubbed her freshly combed golden hair, and arrogantly said:
"Do you know who I am? I'm a executive of the city's strongest Familia, the [Loki Familia], and a Level 5 adventurer, the [Weaver of Night] Fron Argon! In the Labyrinth City at the world's center, I'm among the top elites. Outside, where there's no help from the Dungeon, I'm even stronger."
It's worth noting that because Orario possesses the Dungeon, which endlessly spawns monsters, the average adventurer level is much higher than that of any normal city!
For example, within a kingdom, a Level 2 is already considered a strong man, and a Level 3 might be called the strongest.
In an empire stronger than a kingdom, or in special nations like Altena, the strongest adventurers usually don't surpass Level 5.
As for Level 6 or Level 7 adventurers, those might as well be dreams.
Well, Level 6 still might exist, like in special places such as the Amazoness nation, the Kingdom of War.
But Level 7? That's practically impossible.
And even then, it's not just about existence. In terms of numbers, Orario holds an absolute overwhelming advantage.
Even among adventurers of the same level, those inside the city are far stronger than those outside.
For example, the difference between an adventurer who ascends to a level with an "B-rank" development ability versus one with a "D-rank" is like night and day.
Not to mention Fron himself. Even within the city he's an outlier. Once he leaves for the outside world, he's like a tiger let loose, crushing everything in his path.
"You can rest assured about my strength. By the way, didn't you girls accept any commissions? You all look pretty relaxed."
Tione pouted.
"Tch, isn't it because Loki said us female members have other arrangements? Otherwise she wouldn't have sent all you men away!"
"..." Fron suddenly understood. No wonder Loki had been acting strange since their return from the expedition. So that was the reason!
That woman… Remembering Loki's hobby of collecting beautiful girls, Fron ground his teeth audibly.
"Forget it. Out of sight, out of mind. I'm off!"
"Come back early!"
Without replying, he only waved with his back turned and departed under the rising crimson sun.
...
At the northern city gate, the inspection went smoothly thanks to his Guild-approved paperwork, and the Ganesha Familia members quickly cleared his application to leave.
But Fron never expected that the one responsible for the check would be an acquaintance.
"Shakti Varma?"
"Fron Argon?"
The moment they met, both froze.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why do I smell something unusual? The dignified Level 5, Captain of the Ganesha Familia, Shakti Varma, actually working guard duty at the city gate??"
Even with a backpack, Fron couldn't suppress his instinctive shrug. Seeing Shakti, he spread his hands with a smile.
"You… If you can't say anything decent, then shut your mouth! No one will mistake you for mute!" Shakti glared fiercely at Fron, then slapped the travel documents hard against his chest.
"Speaking of which, since we've fought side by side, can't you at least give me a hint? Has something interesting happened in Orario recently? Or maybe some bigshot came and went? Otherwise, why would they have a Level 5 like you stuck here guarding a gate?"
"Annoying! Stop poking around where you don't belong. Just go do your commission already!" Shakti waved him off impatiently, eager to get away from Fron.
Watching her back, Fron lowered his chin and smirked in thought.
"Could it be… a major noble came to spend money in Orario? Those VIP big spenders are the Guild's favorites. Having the Ganesha Familia's executives and captain handle it wouldn't be strange. But… somehow it feels unusual."
...
"Could it be… they're investigating that incident?"
Thinking of the Dungeon's second entrance, and the Violas transported through the underground waterways to the surface and outside the city, Fron's mind flashed, connecting the clues.
"So that's it. If that's true, then it's almost certain. The Guild really moves fast. We just returned from an expedition, and now they're already taking action… Perhaps the Fallen Spirit and the remnants of the [Evilus] brought such a strong sense of crisis that it forced their hand."
But the Guild's investigation had nothing to do with him. Even if it did, without "that thing," Fron wouldn't throw his life away, nor would he inform his companions.
Climbing the winding mountain road, Fron turned back to take a deep look at the northern gate and the massive city, then sped up, dashing swiftly forward.
Why not take a carriage or ride a horse?
Need you ask? With Fron's Level 5, over-the-top attributes, his own speed was faster.
Besides, he had his own little scheme: using the journey to train his stats. Wasn't that killing two birds with one stone?
Other adventurers might think it's impossible, but, sorry. For Fron, who's basically "cheating," this was just basic practice.
...
And on the day before Fron departed, another Familia had also left Orario.
The Hermes Familia.