'I don't really need to join a familia, but for appearance's sake, I might consider joining one.'
He thought to himself while the crumpled piece of paper went straight into the bin.
But honestly, Judas wasn't all that opposed to joining a familia.
He spent some time thinking it over; there was no need to rush such a life-changing decision.
He took a leisurely stroll through the streets of Orario, taking in the sights unique only to the city of heroes.
By chance, his feet carried him toward Folkvangr, the home of the Freya Familia.
'This place feels gloomy.'
Judas noticed the sudden change in atmosphere, but he didn't dwell on it.
He stopped in front of a large gate, his eyes catching on a certain symbol—an emblem depicting the profile of a Valkyrie.
'Is this place...'
His senses screamed a warning.
He jumped back, just as someone came crashing down onto the exact spot where he had been standing.
"Agh!"
For a moment, Judas thought the poor soul had died on impact, until he heard a groan of pain escape their lips.
"Hey, you alright?"
"Back off!"
He approached, only to get snapped at.
Miraculously, the person managed to stand, then vaulted over the gate like it was nothing.
Judas blinked twice before shrugging his shoulders.
'I'm guessing that was the Freya Familia.'
He resumed walking forward.
'No one in their right mind would join a familia filled with people like that.'
An environment full of crazy people competing for the attention of their goddess.
His thoughts didn't linger on the Freya Familia for long before shifting back to the previous topic.
"I think there's no harm in getting a falna myself."
With his current abilities as a mage, obtaining a falna had always seemed redundant.
Judas hadn't accepted one because he believed he didn't need it.
It was only now that he changed his mind.
If he was going to live in the world of Danmachi, especially in Orario, he might as well experience the full package.
'Which familia should I join?'
He mulled it over, his thoughts drifting to the various familias operating in the city.
'Hephaestus, Ganesha, Hestia... maybe Demeter.'
Truthfully, it didn't matter which he chose. The falna worked the same, no matter the god.
'A trustworthy god or goddess, and reliable familia members. That's enough.'
Finally, he made his decision.
'Let's go with the Loki Familia. That's the fun option. Not only are they one of the strongest familias in the city, but they're also home to some of my favorite characters.'
His thoughts drifted to a certain green-haired high elf who deserved more screen time.
He admitted that kind of woman was his type.
"Let's just go back to the inn for now. I'm hungry."
On his way back, however, he stumbled upon a familiar and iconic location—the Hostess of Fertility.
"Hmm, maybe I'll eat here instead."
He pushed open the doors, greeted by a silver-haired waitress.
"Welcome, dear custo—"
The waitress, Syr Flova, stopped mid-sentence when her eyes landed on him.
She froze, staring as though she had just discovered a priceless treasure.
'This must be Syr. But why is she looking at me like that?'
Judas frowned, puzzled by her behavior.
"Syr? What's wrong with you?"
Another waitress, the brown-haired Lunoire Faust, waved a hand in front of Syr's face.
"Nyaa? Is Syr alright, nyaa?"
The cheerful cat girl, Anya Fromel, leaned in front of Syr, tilting her head cutely.
The rest of the waitresses—and even some customers—turned to watch the scene unfold.
"What are you doing?! Get your lazy asses back to work!"
A thunderous voice boomed, shattering the air. The fierce tavern owner, Mama Mia, barked loud enough to break windows.
Syr jolted back to reality.
"Ah! I-I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."
She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"Ah... Syr! Your nose... it's bleeding!"
The blonde elf, Ryuu, pointed at Syr in alarm.
"Eh?"
Syr touched her lips, only to find blood on her fingers.
"I need a towel!"
She quickly covered her nose and dashed to the back, disappearing from sight.
Judas just sat there, staring in disbelief.
With Syr gone, every eye in the tavern turned toward him, silently asking, what on earth just happened?
"Um... can I get a table?"
Running away would only make him look suspicious, so he forced himself to stay put.
"Right this way."
Lunoire led him to an empty seat and handed him a menu.
Slowly, the tavern settled back into its usual rhythm.
"So... you're the kid who gave one of my girls a brain malfunction?"
A shadow loomed over him.
Turning his head, Judas found himself face-to-face with the towering frame of Mama Mia, staring down at him with sharp eyes.
'She's strong... but not as strong as that woman who follows Bell.'
Her aura pressed against him, suffocating, but Judas remained unbothered.
If he got scared by this, that would be too pathetic.
"I'm just as confused as you are. Maybe she froze after seeing my handsome face."
His tone was flat, impossible to read, though inwardly he cringed.
'That was cringe. Why did I say that?'
The surrounding waitresses and customers who had been eavesdropping all thought the same thing simultaneously.
'He's dead.'
Mama Mia blinked in disbelief.
She hadn't even been trying to intimidate him, yet she knew her presence alone usually reduced newcomers to trembling messes.
But this boy?
'No... I was wrong. This kid isn't some naive newcomer.'
She narrowed her eyes, finally sensing what her instincts had missed earlier.
Beneath his youthful exterior was a subtle yet threatening aura—danger, disguised as a boy.
'Oh, Freya. Don't tell me you've taken an interest in this one already. He's no puppy. He's a wolf.'
Her lips curled into a grin.
"Hahaha!" Mama Mia roared with laughter.
"You've got guts, kid. I like it."
She turned her head and bellowed.
"May! Prepare the biggest, most expensive dish we've got. This skinny boy needs meat on his bones!"
'I'll get back at you somehow, kid.'
She grinned to herself.
From the kitchen window, the chef May stuck her head out and saluted.
"Right away, Mama Mia!"
"But... I didn't order anything yet."
Judas felt his headache coming on.
"Huh? What are you saying, kid? The chef's already cooking. Are you going to refuse the dish a cute girl made just for you?"
Mama Mia smirked with mischief.
Judas glanced at his pouch.
'I barely have enough... but it doesn't matter. I'll become an adventurer tomorrow and start earning valis.'
Resigned, he let it go.
Soon, Syr returned with the food he hadn't ordered and placed it before him.
"Here you go... and I'm sorry for the trouble earlier."
She bowed apologetically.
Judas looked from the food back to her.
"It's fine. Is your nose okay?"
"I'm alright. Thank you for your concern."
She smiled brightly.
"I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Syr Flova. What's your name, cutie?"
Her teasing tone was meant to fluster him, but Judas responded with the same flatness as before.
"Judas Spade. Nice to meet you."
Then he turned back to his food and started eating.
Syr blinked, a little disappointed.
"Judas Spade... what a nice name. Tell me, what do you do for a living?"
Before he could answer, Mama Mia's sharp voice cut in, making Syr flinch.
"What are you slacking off for? Get back to work!"
"Mama, come on! Just five more minutes—"
One look from Mama Mia shut her down.
"Alright..." Syr sighed, turning back to Judas.
"I'll see you later, cutie."
He gave her a glance, then went back to eating.
Still, he could feel several pairs of eyes on his back—subtle, but not enough to escape his senses.
Ryuu, especially, seemed to be trying to get closer.
"Is there a problem?"
The sudden question caught Ryuu off guard.
She stiffened, turned her head away quickly.
"Nothing... enjoy your meal."
She all but ran off.
Judas shrugged and finished his food quickly.
He left the tavern soon after, much to Syr's disappointment.
"That guy was interesting, nyaa~."
Anya purred, finger to her chin.
"He didn't even flinch when Mama Mia confronted him. That takes courage or maybe he was just stupid."
Lunoire said with a nod.
"His butt looked so cute and delicious... I just want to slurp it up."
Chloe chimed in with a lewd grin.
-------------------------------
For those who had only seen the anime... yes, Chloe is a bona fide shotacon. It's in the wiki and was shown in the manga, even lusting after Bell's ass... the anime just doesn't show it.