The caravan comes to a stop inside Orario's gates.
Leon stands among the wagons as merchants and guards disperse. Some head to warehouses, others to taverns or homes. The city noise washes over him—voices in multiple languages, cart wheels on stone, the distant clang of smiths at work. Everything is louder, busier, more alive than his quiet village.
Ragan approaches with a small pouch. "Your share. You earned it."
Leon takes the pouch and feels its weight. More coin than he expected. "Thank you."
"You planning to find a Familia right away?"
"Yes."
"Smart. The sooner you get Falna, the sooner you can start diving." Ragan pauses. "If you need a place to stay, there's an inn called The Hearth Stone on West Main. Tell them I sent you. They'll give you a fair rate."
"I appreciate the help."
"You saved lives on that road, kid. Least I can do." Ragan extends his hand. "Good luck. Something tells me you'll do well here."
Leon shakes his hand. "Safe travels."
They part ways. Ragan heads toward the merchant district while Leon turns deeper into the city. He adjusts his pack, checks his bow, and starts walking.
Time to see what Orario really is.
---
The streets are unlike anything in Leon's village.
Everywhere he looks, diversity overwhelms the senses. Elves with pointed ears and graceful movements bargain with dwarven merchants barely reaching their chests. Beastmen with animal features—cat ears, dog tails, fox characteristics—move through crowds with casual ease. Humans mix among them all, no single race dominant.
Above it all, Babel Tower rises impossibly high. Its white stone gleams in the sunlight, piercing the clouds. Leon read about great structures in his past life, but seeing this is different. The tower is a statement of divine power, impossible to ignore.
"Fresh fish! Caught this morning!"
"Potions! Healing, stamina, antidotes!"
"Weapons repaired! Best prices in Orario!"
The merchant calls blend into constant noise. Leon walks slowly, observing everything. The city's layout is organized but chaotic—planned streets overtaken by centuries of growth. Adventurers in armor move past clerks in simple clothes. Wealthy merchants ride in carriages while street children dart between legs.
This is the Center of the World. Where gods descended to live among mortals. Where the Dungeon provides endless monsters and endless opportunity.
Leon feels no excitement, no intimidation. Just calm observation.
A street performer juggles fire. A priest preaches about his deity's glory. Two adventurers argue about dungeon tactics outside a shop. An elf woman sells flowers with a serene smile.
Normal. Despite the gods and monsters, life here is just life. People working, eating, arguing, laughing. The extraordinary made ordinary through familiarity.
Leon's stomach growls.
He ate early that morning before the caravan entered the city. Now, approaching midday, he needs food. His coin pouch has enough for a meal, and the smells drifting from nearby establishments are promising.
He follows his nose.
---
The Sleeping Boar Tavern sits on a corner two streets from the main avenue.
It isn't fancy—rough wooden exterior, simple sign, the kind of place working people frequent. But the smell coming from inside is excellent. Roasted meat, fresh bread, something savory Leon can't quite identify.
He pushes open the door.
The interior is dimly lit, populated by a mix of adventurers and craftsmen. A few look up when Leon enters, assess him as no threat, and return to their meals. The bartender, a large man with a shaved head and a stained apron, nods in greeting.
Leon approaches the bar. "Do you serve food?"
"That's what the smell's for." The bartender gestures to a board behind him listing items and prices. "Stew's good today. Roast is better but costs more."
Leon reads the prices. Reasonable. "The stew, please. And water."
"Coming up." The bartender moves to prepare the order. "New in town?"
"Just arrived."
"Thought so. You've got that look—too clean, too alert. Give it a week and you'll blend in." He sets a bowl of stew and a cup of water on the bar. "Three copper."
Leon pays and takes a seat at a corner table. The stew is good—not as good as what he can make, but honest food cooked well. He eats slowly, listening to the conversations around him.
"—heard a Level 2 got killed on the tenth floor—"
"—Loki Familia's back from their expedition—"
"—Guild's raising the bounty on those escaped monsters—"
Dungeon talk. Familia gossip. The rhythm of adventurer life. Leon absorbs it all, filing information away.
When he finishes eating, he returns to the bar. The bartender is cleaning mugs.
"I have a question," Leon says.
"Most new folks do. What is it?"
"How do I join a Familia?"
The bartender sets down his mug. "You want the official answer or the real one?"
"Both."
"Official answer: find a god willing to accept you into their Familia. They give you Falna, you register with the Guild, then you can enter the Dungeon legally." He picks up another mug. "Real answer: that's the hard part. Gods are picky. They want interesting people, talented people, people who'll make their Familia look good. Most newbies get rejected a dozen times before anyone accepts them."
"What do gods look for?"
"Depends on the god. Some want strength. Some want potential. Some want interesting personalities or tragic backstories." The bartender shrugs. "And some just choose people on a whim. Gods are unpredictable like that."
Leon nods slowly. "Where do I find gods recruiting?"
"Guild headquarters has a recruitment board. Some Familias post notices there. Otherwise, you approach Familias directly and request an audience." The bartender leans on the bar. "Word of advice—start with smaller Familias. Big ones like Loki or Freya won't even look at unknowns. Smaller Familias are more desperate, more willing to take chances."
"Makes sense."
The bartender studies Leon. "You've got skills?"
"Some. Hunting, tracking, combat."
"Village hunter wanting to be an adventurer. Seen it before." The bartender's expression isn't unkind. "Some make it. Most don't. The Dungeon's different from hunting animals. Monsters are more aggressive, less predictable. And some of them are smarter than you."
"I understand. I'll learn."
"Good attitude." The bartender extends his hand. "I'm Grenn. You survive your first month in the Dungeon, come back. First drink's free."
"Leon Fury." He shakes the hand. "I'll survive."
Leon pulls out his game from his pack—two rabbits preserved with herbs. "Do you buy fresh meat?"
Grenn examines them. "Clean work. Ten copper for both."
"Deal."
Grenn takes the rabbits and returns with coins. "You hunt regularly?"
"When I have time."
"Bring more when you can. Once a week, I'll buy." Grenn pauses. "Guild's on Main Avenue, three blocks east of Babel. Can't miss it."
"Thank you."
---
Main Avenue lives up to its name.
The street is wide, paved with smooth stone, lined with important buildings. Leon passes shops selling armor and weapons, potion stores with colorful displays, a large bank with armed guards, and several administrative structures.
The Guild headquarters is impossible to miss.
A three-story building of white stone with wide stairs leading to a columned entrance. The Guild's symbol—a stylized dungeon entrance—hangs above the doors. Adventurers move in and out constantly, some in full armor, others in casual clothes.
Leon climbs the stairs and enters.
The interior is organized chaos. A large reception hall with multiple counters, each staffed by Guild employees processing paperwork. Adventurers line up to register kills, collect bounties, or report dungeon conditions. Notice boards cover the walls.
Leon walks to one of the notice boards and begins reading.
**Soma Familia - Open Recruitment**
*Seeking capable individuals. No experience required. Visit Soma Familia home, Northwest District, near the old mill.*
**Miach Familia - Accepting Applications**
*Small Familia looking for dedicated members. Potion-making and support focus. Visit our shop on Daedalus Street.*
**Takemikazuchi Familia - Limited Openings**
*Seeking warriors with strong moral character and discipline. Training hall, East Main Avenue.*
**Hestia Familia - New Familia Seeking First Member!**
*Goddess Hestia looking for someone with a good heart! Find me at the Jagamaru stand in the evening, North Main!*
Several other notices advertise larger Familias, but those make it clear they only accept exceptional individuals through invitation or trials.
Leon memorizes the information. Four realistic options—Soma, Miach, Takemikazuchi, and Hestia. Each with different focuses and requirements.
He needs lodging first. Making a good impression on a god requires being rested and presentable, not travel-worn and tired.
Leon leaves the Guild and heads toward West Main.
---
The Hearth Stone Inn is a modest two-story building with a glowing hearth on its sign.
Inside, an elderly woman sits at a desk, knitting. She looks up when Leon enters. "Good afternoon. Looking for a room?"
"Yes. Ragan the caravan master said you'd give a fair rate."
Her face brightens. "Ragan sent you? That old friend hasn't visited in months." She sets down her knitting. "Three copper per night, includes breakfast. How long will you be staying?"
Leon counts his coins mentally. "One week to start."
"Twenty-one copper then."
He pays, and she hands him a key. "Room seven, upstairs on the left. Breakfast is served at dawn in the common room. Anything else?"
"Is there a place nearby to buy books? Dungeon guides or monster information?"
"The bookshop two streets over. Ask for Marcus, tell him Hilda sent you." She smiles. "First time in Orario?"
"Yes."
"Welcome then. It's dangerous here, but honest if you're smart. Don't go in the Dungeon without Falna, and don't trust anyone offering easy money."
"Thank you for the advice."
Leon takes his key and goes upstairs. Room seven is small but clean—a bed, a chest, a washbasin, and a window overlooking the street. He sets down his pack, checks his equipment, and sits on the bed.
Tomorrow, he'll visit Familias. But tonight, he needs to prepare properly.
Leon counts his remaining coins. Enough for lodging, food, and a guidebook. He'll need to hunt soon to supplement his funds, but for now he's stable.
He lies back, hands behind his head, and considers his options.
Soma Familia seems easy to join but something about "no experience required" feels off. Too easy often means there's a catch.
Miach Familia focuses on potions and support. Useful, but he wants combat experience more than crafting.
Takemikazuchi Familia values discipline and honor. That aligns with his principles, but they have limited openings.
Hestia Familia is brand new, seeking its first member. A goddess with no Familia yet would be desperate but also inexperienced at managing adventurers.
Each option has advantages and disadvantages. He'll visit them all, assess carefully, then decide.
Leon closes his eyes. Sleep comes easily, dreamless and deep.
---
Dawn breaks cold and clear.
Leon wakes before sunrise from habit. He performs his morning forms in the small room—slow, controlled movements that center his mind and loosen his body. Then he washes, dresses in his cleanest clothes, and goes downstairs.
The common room holds a handful of guests eating simple fare—bread, cheese, eggs, and tea. Leon takes a portion and eats quietly, listening to conversations.
"—Loki Familia brought back a fortune from the deep floors—"
"—another rookie died on floor seven yesterday—"
"—Freya's been seen at the tavern district, probably scouting—"
Adventurer gossip. The rhythm of the city waking.
After breakfast, Leon steps outside. The morning air is crisp, the streets less crowded than yesterday. He has a full day ahead—visit Familias, make impressions, gather information.
First stop: the bookshop.
---
Marcus's bookshop is small and cramped, shelves overflowing with texts. The owner is a middle-aged man with spectacles and ink-stained fingers.
"Help you find something?" he asks without looking up from his ledger.
"Hilda from The Hearth Stone sent me. I need a dungeon guide."
Marcus looks up at that. "New adventurer?"
"Prospective. I need to learn about monsters before I go in."
"Smart." Marcus stands and walks to a shelf. "Most rookies dive first, learn later. Usually gets them killed." He pulls down a worn book. "*Dungeon Survival: Floors One Through Twelve.* Covers monster types, behavior patterns, floor layouts, and basic tactics. Five silver."
Leon counts his coins. Expensive, but necessary. "I'll take it."
Marcus wraps the book. "Read it cover to cover before you set foot in there. Especially the sections on goblins and kobolds. They kill more rookies than anything else on the upper floors."
"I will. Thank you."
Leon tucks the book into his pack and leaves the shop. Now he has knowledge to study later. Time to visit Familias.
First: Miach Familia.
---
Daedalus Street is in the older section of Orario, a maze of narrow streets and cramped buildings.
The Miach Familia shop is small with a sign depicting a medical staff and potions displayed in the window. Leon enters, and a bell chimes.
Inside, a young woman with blue hair stands behind a counter, carefully measuring ingredients. She looks up, her expression shifting from focused to welcoming.
"Welcome. Are you looking for potions?"
"I'm looking for the Miach Familia. I saw your recruitment notice."
Her expression brightens, then becomes cautious. "You want to join?"
"I'm considering it. May I speak with Lord Miach?"
"Of course. Wait here." She disappears through a back door.
Leon waits, observing the shop. Clean, organized, but sparse. Not many products on display. Signs of financial struggle.
The young woman returns with a deity—a young-looking man with kind eyes and simple robes. He moves with quiet grace.
"Hello," the god says warmly. "I'm Miach. Naaza says you're interested in joining my Familia?"
Leon bows respectfully. "Yes, Lord Miach. I'm Leon Fury. I arrived in Orario yesterday."
"Please, just Miach is fine." The god gestures to a chair. "Sit. Tell me about yourself."
Leon sits. "I'm from Torren Village, north of here. I grew up as a hunter. I came to Orario to become an adventurer and test myself in the Dungeon."
"A hunter. That's useful—we often need ingredients from the Dungeon." Miach smiles gently. "But I should be honest with you, Leon. My Familia is very small. Just Naaza and myself. We focus on making potions to support other adventurers. We're also in debt, which means resources are limited."
"What would you expect from a new member?"
"Help with the business. Gathering ingredients, making potions, diving for materials when needed. We'd teach you alchemy basics and support your growth as an adventurer." Miach's expression is kind but realistic. "I won't lie—we can't offer much. No fancy equipment, no large support network. But we're honest, and we take care of our own."
Leon appreciates the honesty. "May I think about it? I want to visit other Familias before deciding."
"Of course. That's wise." Miach doesn't seem offended. "If you decide to join us, we'll be here. And even if you don't, you're welcome to visit. We appreciate anyone who approaches us honestly."
"Thank you for your time, Lord Miach."
"Just Miach. Good luck, Leon."
Leon leaves the shop with a thoughtful expression. Miach seems genuine and kind, but the Familia's financial struggles are concerning. Limited resources mean slower growth.
Next: Takemikazuchi Familia.
---
The training hall on East Main Avenue is easier to find.
Sounds of practice weapons echo from within. Leon enters and finds several people training—all moving with disciplined precision, clean forms, coordinated movements.
A young man with dark hair notices him. "Can I help you?"
"I'm here about the recruitment notice. I'd like to speak with Lord Takemikazuchi."
The man's expression becomes appraising. He looks Leon up and down—posture, bearing, the way he carries his weapons. "I'm Ouka, captain of Takemikazuchi Familia. What's your name?"
"Leon Fury."
"Experience?"
"Hunter. No dungeon experience yet."
"No Falna?"
"Not yet."
Ouka nods slowly. "Wait here."
He leaves through a side door. Leon watches the other Familia members train. Their forms are clean, disciplined, clearly influenced by Eastern martial traditions. They move with coordination and respect—a tight-knit group.
Ouka returns with a deity. The god has a strong presence and traditional bearing, dressed in simple but well-maintained robes.
"I'm Takemikazuchi," the god says. His voice is firm but not unkind. "Ouka says you wish to join us?"
"Yes, Lord Takemikazuchi." Leon bows respectfully.
"Tell me—why do you want to become an adventurer?"
Leon meets his gaze steadily. "To test my limits. To see how far discipline and effort can take me in a world where gods grant power."
"Discipline and effort." Takemikazuchi nods slowly. "Those are qualities we value highly. But I must ask—what are your principles? What guides your actions?"
Leon considers the question carefully. "I believe in self-improvement through work. In helping others when I can, but not seeking recognition for it. In facing challenges directly rather than avoiding them."
"Noble sentiments." The god's expression is thoughtful. "But I sense something unusual about you. You carry yourself like someone older than seventeen. Like you've seen more than your years suggest."
Leon says nothing, but holds the god's gaze calmly.
Takemikazuchi smiles slightly. "I won't pry. Everyone has their mysteries. But I will say this—my Familia values honor, loyalty, and growth through hardship. We train hard, we support each other, and we face challenges together. If that appeals to you, I would consider accepting you."
"May I have time to consider? I want to visit other options before deciding."
"That's wise. Don't rush such an important choice." Takemikazuchi bows slightly. "But don't wait too long—we only have one opening, and others may apply. Whatever you decide, I respect your desire to choose carefully."
Leon returns the bow. "Thank you for your time, Lord Takemikazuchi."
---
The sun is past its peak when Leon leaves the training hall.
Two Familias visited, two possibilities. Miach is kind but financially struggling. Takemikazuchi is honorable but has specific expectations and limited openings.
Both are good options. Neither feels perfect.
Leon checks his mental notes. He could visit Soma Familia next, but something about their notice bothers him. "No experience required" often means they take anyone, which suggests desperation or ulterior motives.
That leaves Hestia Familia—the brand new one seeking its first member. The notice says to find her at the Jagamaru stand in the evening.
Leon has hours before evening. He should use the time productively.
He finds a quiet spot in a small park near Babel and opens the dungeon guide he purchased. Time to learn about what he'll be facing.
The book is comprehensive. Detailed descriptions of monster types, their behaviors, weaknesses, and attack patterns. Floor layouts and danger zones. Survival tactics and common rookie mistakes.
Leon reads methodically, absorbing information. Goblins—pack hunters, weak individually, dangerous in groups. Kobolds—tool users, retreat when injured, more intelligent than goblins. War Shadows—ambush predators, high attack but low defense.
He commits it all to memory, cross-referencing with his hunting knowledge. Monsters aren't animals, but they still follow patterns. Everything that lives has instincts and behaviors that can be learned and exploited.
Hours pass. The sun begins its descent toward the horizon.
Leon closes the book and stands. Time to find the Jagamaru stand and meet this Goddess Hestia.
His second life's path is about to take its next step.