The wagon rattled along the cobbled road leading into Orario. Arthur sat quietly beside the merchant, hands folded over his pack, listening to the rhythmic creak of the wheels and the low murmur of the horses. The sun was dipping toward the horizon, casting the city walls in golden light.
"It's been a rough year in the city," the merchant said, glancing at Arthur. "Bandits, monsters… even some adventurers get themselves killed if they aren't careful. At night, it's practically a different world. Stay inside the walls after dark, if you value your life."
Arthur nodded, his mind turning over everything he had learned in the three years he had spent exploring this world — in the wilderness, surviving monsters, honing his abilities, and meeting people who had shaped his understanding of strength and survival.
Bandits, thieves, corrupt adventurers… I've already seen the worst of it. But the city… the city is a different game entirely. Politics, alliances, power struggles. I'll have to play carefully.
The wagon creaked over the final hill, and Orario sprawled before them, massive and bustling. Its gates loomed high, flanked by Ganesha Familia guards, who scrutinized every traveler with practiced suspicion. Arthur's turn came quickly — his papers were checked, his purpose questioned — and he answered calmly.
"Just passing through… heading to the dungeon," he said evenly.
After a brief pause, the guards waved him through. Arthur inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of the city: smoke from forge fires, bread baking from street vendors, and the faint metallic tang of adventurer blood from those returning from dungeons. The city was alive — chaotic, dangerous, and brimming with possibilities.
Choosing a Familia
Arthur's thoughts immediately turned practical. Which familia should he join? He ran through the timeline in his mind:
Hephaestus Familia: purely crafting; not what he wanted. Freya Familia: flashy, attention-drawing; he didn't want to be a fanboy. Zeus and Hera Familias: wiped out 18 years ago, leaving no options. Astrea Familia: strong, yes, but they would be wiped out 7 years from now by remnants of Evillus.
Ten years remained before the timeline of the anime began — ample time for him to grow, gather allies, and establish a strong foundation.
Loki Familia. Freedom, strong members, adventure… exactly what I need.
With that decision made, Arthur began walking through the city streets. Towering buildings cast long shadows; street performers drew cheering crowds; adventurers walked past with trophies, scars, and magical auras that spoke of their strength and survival.
A Peculiar Encounter
Hours into his exploration, a peculiar sound caught Arthur's attention — a soft, whining cry. He turned and saw a small red-haired, flat-chested girl, staring frustratedly at a shelf stacked with bottles of wine. Beside her stood a tall, silver-haired elf, her posture composed yet exuding quiet authority, clearly trying to keep the red-haired girl in check.
Arthur's eyes twitched in curiosity. The child's presence radiated a peculiar aura — something he immediately sensed as unusual. He instinctively recognized the faint trace of divinity in her aura, subtle yet unmistakable.
Interesting… something about her. That aura… it's not ordinary.
Before he could ponder further, the girl's attention snapped toward him. Her eyes narrowed slightly, intrigue sparking in them, and she walked over without hesitation, ignoring the elf's silent protest. Arthur froze for a moment, surprised by her boldness.
"Hello," she greeted brightly, her voice carrying both curiosity and authority beyond her appearance. "You… you're unusual, aren't you?"
Arthur blinked, caught off guard. Her tone was playful, but there was no mistaking the weight behind her words.
The silver-haired elf beside her finally spoke, calm but restrained, her voice carrying authority.
"Loki… she's curious, yes. But please, do not be alarmed by her behavior."
Arthur's gaze flicked between the two of them. The elf exuded control and wisdom; the girl, though small and youthful, radiated charisma and divinity — a dangerous combination if underestimated.
I see… the elf is Revira, the royal mage of Loki Familia. And this girl… she is Loki herself. No wonder I feel that presence. She sensed me — my aura, my… abilities. Clever.
He forced himself to remain calm and polite.
"It's… nice to meet you," Arthur said carefully, keeping his tone neutral.
The loli tilted her head, curiosity still glinting in her eyes. Arthur sensed that she was already assessing him, determining if he would be worthy of her attention — and perhaps considering whether he would be invited into her Familia.
So, she plans to recruit me… Interesting. Well, let's see how this plays out. I must be cautious. No revealing too much.
Observation and Reflection
Walking along the streets of Orario, Arthur considered his next steps:
Observation: study the city's balance of power, key adventurers, and divine influence. Strategy: gauge potential allies and rivals carefully, including Loki herself. Discretion: do not reveal that he is a reincarnator, or that his power far exceeds any mortal's.
Even though my body is fifteen, my strength is far beyond mortal limits. Still… flaunting it now would be foolish. Timing and patience are everything.
Arthur's eyes swept the city. He noted the adventurer guild, shops catering to dungeon explorers, and districts dominated by powerful familias. Every observation was a reminder of the careful steps he must take to survive, grow, and integrate into Orario.
Anticipation
As the sun set behind Orario's walls, casting long amber shadows across the streets, Arthur's mind was sharp and focused. Chaos, opportunity, danger, and growth — all awaited him.
Loki Familia… be prepared. I'm coming. When I do, I will not be just another adventurer. I will be someone worth noticing.
With that, Arthur stepped deeper into the dungeon city, aware that every gaze might hide opportunity or danger, ready to forge alliances, navigate the politics of Orario, and keep his secret identity intact.
The journey had just begun.