What is it to be strong?
That question has echoed in my mind since I was a child.
When I didn't know if my life had any meaning.
I've forgotten so much… no, I don't remember anything, until that moment came.
That was my first memory, the one that began with a voice.
So melodious, so playful, yet intriguing and compassionate.
I remember that when I lifted my gaze in that dark alley and saw the owner of that voice—
Silver hair and a face more beautiful than anyone I had ever seen, even with my limited emotions I could recognize her beauty was unreachable.
But even that paled in comparison to her kindness.
She took my hand and gave me a home, gave me a purpose.
She said I had talent, that my soul had a beautiful color. Honestly at that moment I had no idea.
But even so… I wanted to return at least a tiny part of what she had done for me.
It was harder than I thought. Even now I admit I feel a little embarrassed about my attempts to do anything I could think of to thank Lady Freya, but unfortunately I had no talent for anything.
One day in the mansion's courtyard while I was eating a stew made by Mia Grand—another person I'm grateful to have met—
I took the opportunity since Lady Freya was with us and asked her what she desired from me.
She gave me a smile and looked at me fixedly. Back then I felt something inside me being seen or judged.
I can only say it's something of the gods, or maybe it's just Lady Freya.
My goddess's voice was sharper than the blade of the highest quality sword.
She told me: "Become a warrior, the strongest. Be my sword and shield against my rivals."
"Ever since I descended to the world, almost all my abilities vanished, and that is why I cannot crush Hera with my own hands."
Lady Freya placed her hand on my face with tenderness and gave me what I needed to mark my future path.
"Ottar, my child, you are special, I know it, and that is why you must shine as brightly as you can. I want to see that beautiful sight— it would make me very happy. Fufufufu."
My eyes and ears could only remember that moment, ignoring everything else. I think Mia was scolding Lady Freya, but it wasn't anything bad— I vaguely remember her cheerful and free laughter.
From that moment on, I dedicated myself to the brutal training of the Familia. There was no basic skill practice—only fighting to develop instinct.
It was hours of combat with almost no rest, using whatever weapon I had at hand.
The moment training began, everyone became rivals. We all wanted to make Lady Freya happy.
The war cries and violence were immense. I saw my comrades stab each other or break their bones mercilessly.
I felt fear, but not of dying—fear of not proving myself worthy of my Goddess's trust. Even so, I couldn't run. The flame in my heart burned wildly, and my desire to grow stronger only fed it more, so I threw myself into the fight.
With a newly acquired Falna, my physical abilities had barely improved. It was no surprise that during that time I was crushed—
Again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again.
Even so, I would not give up, because every month Lady Freya updated my Falna, and I felt myself getting stronger. I began to win battles. I felt the progress of my effort— but that emotion was suppressed by one of my Familia members, a level 3.
Jorr, a blond human—his handling of the two-handed axe was devastating. He was very brutal, but I learned many things during my fights with him.
While I was breathing deeply after defeating my opponent, he approached. His voice was disdainful:
"What's wrong, little boar? Already tired? You haven't even gone down into that black pit called the dungeon, and yet you dare to be the Goddess's favorite? Disgusting."
Those words woke me up. I didn't feel anger toward him—honestly, I don't care about him nor what most people think of me. I only want to fulfill my Goddess's wish. Even so… he was right.
I hadn't gone to the dungeon. From what I had heard and learned, that was where most people died— a true forge for warriors who survived.
That same day I went to Lady Freya in her private garden. To be honest, I didn't know back then—it was rude. If it were now, I would hit myself for that. Even so, it seems Lady Freya never minded.
When I approached, I saw her sitting in her flower garden. I heard her laugh like a child while she tickled a brown-haired woman.
I stood observing. Who was that woman? I couldn't know. But what I did know was that she didn't belong to this Familia. And yet…
I focused more on her. I realized how beautiful she was—not as much as Lady Freya of course, but still the closest thing to a goddess among mortals. Or maybe it was because she made my Goddess happy that that was my first impression of her.
In fact, she noticed me first. She seemed a bit embarrassed.
"Oh no no no—Freya, you idiot!! A kid saw me making a fool of myself, whyyyyy—"
The woman covered her face while rolling among the flowers.
Lady Freya laughed more proudly than ever:
"Fufufufu, this is my revenge, Arlene, all according to my grand plan."
She turned toward me and called me with a gesture of her hand:
"My child, come. Let me introduce you to my best friend… and my lov… augh—"
Freya rubbed her head—Arlene had hit her. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Don't lie, Freya. I'm not your lover. Though I won't deny you're my best friend."
Freya pouted: "Hmph, I don't care if you deny it— I still won't give up."
I couldn't believe my eyes. At that moment, despite not being long in the Familia, I understood something—I was not Lady Freya's favorite, unlike what many of my brothers claimed.
In truth, that brown-haired woman named Arlene was the most beloved by my Goddess.
Even so, I wasn't like my brothers. I didn't desire to monopolize my Goddess—she had already given me everything. How could I be so ungrateful? So I stepped forward and introduced myself, as Mia had taught me.
"My Lady Freya and Lady Arlene… it's an honor to meet you."
While bowing slightly, I heard Freya laughing at Arlene—why, I didn't know.
"Lady? Wow, it's been years since someone called me that. But don't worry, Ottar— that's your name, right?"
I nodded to Arlene's question. She smiled kindly before continuing:
"I suppose this is the first time we meet, so let me introduce myself… I'm Arlene Grace, former priestess and adventurer."
While she finished her presentation, Lady Freya watched her friend with her cheeks resting on her hands, enjoying the scene.
I was a bit confused—was she an adventurer? She didn't look like it. But how could I be blamed? Back then I was surrounded by aggressive people, warriors. I couldn't conceive someone like Arlene being an adventurer. I was so foolish back then.
I recall expressing my desire to my Goddess—to go to the dungeon. I felt I had to prove my worth. She closed her eyes in thought. I didn't interrupt, and neither did Arlene—she seemed to be thinking as well.
Then my Goddess opened her eyes and showed me another facet of herself that I hadn't seen before. Now as an adult I understand—that was her stance as the Goddess of War.
"Ottar, you've improved, and certainly it would benefit you to enter the dungeon's first five floors."
She fixed her gaze on me while I listened to every word.
"But there is something you must know. More than the dungeon itself, what worries me now are the adventurers. Unfortunately, I do not have enough deterrent power to stop them from targeting you. Even so… do you still want to go?"
I didn't fully understand then. I only knew my Goddess was concerned that other adventurers might attack me. But even so—I wanted to grow stronger. I had trained so much. I needed to thank my Goddess. So I stood, looked her in the eyes, and said:
"It is what I desire, my Goddess."
That moment became an eternal memory in my mind. Lady Freya smiled at me as if she were proud of my answer.
"Ahhhh, how cute! Look, Freya, he wants to make you proud!"
Arlene brought the back of her hand to her eyes theatrically as she collapsed onto the flowers.
Freya pouted adorably:
"Moou, why do you ruin my moment, Arlene? Why don't you give my little one some advice instead of gossiping?"
"Gossiping!? Me!?"
Arlene stood indignantly.
"Let me tell you, the goddess of gossip is someone else—silver hair, and she's standing right in front of me."
"Hmm? Who could that be?"
Freya pretended to think, touching her chin with a finger.
Arlene ignored my Goddess. I only heard a small "rude" from Freya before Arlene began advising me. I really needed it— and for that I'm grateful to that woman.
"Ottar, maybe this won't help much right now since it'll be your first time in the dungeon, but this is something my friends and I used to do…"
I focused completely on her. I didn't know if she was strong, but since my Goddess wanted her to advise me, maybe it was something good. I learned that later.
She looked at me seriously.
"The main thing on this path… is to take the time you need."
"The time I need…?"
I tilted my head in confusion. I thought I heard a squeal of happiness from my Lady, but Arlene interrupted it.
"As I said—when you go on an adventure, you must understand that everything can end very quickly. So analyze and learn everything you can: how long it takes for your weapon to wear down, how many monsters appear, how much equipment you must bring, which places to explore before fighting, learning who has bad intentions toward you down there."
I tried to memorize everything she said. I'm grateful I wasn't stubborn as a child. Thinking back, these were the foundations for growing. I don't want to imagine what would have happened if I'd ignored her words.
"But I must be strong, I must!"
Even though I memorized her advice, I was still reckless. I wanted to be strong quickly to thank my Goddess—I couldn't take my time. Arlene raised her hand and looked at me with a smile, as if she understood my feelings.
"I could tell you more, but what I want to say is… experiment, fail, and try again. I assure you, no one goes down there and does everything right on their first try."
"That's right, my little one, listen to Arlene. She and her friends are the best adventurers in the world!"
My Goddess jumped and hugged Arlene while she tried to get free.
"The best in the world…"
I was incredulous. Was she really one of the strongest? So I looked at her for confirmation.
Arlene glared at Freya while tickling her to make her let go:
"Don't listen to her, Ottar. I admit my friends and I are good adventurers, but she exaggerates. We're still far from being the best— argg!! Freya!!"
My Goddess reversed Arlene's tickling and managed to pin her while laughing.
"Don't listen to her, my little one. She's far too modest. I'll tell you a secret."
Her voice was cheerful, playful, like she was sharing the greatest secret in the world.
It wasn't—but it was extremely impressive.
"Arlene and her friends don't have Falna, and yet they're as strong as level 3 adventurers—maybe even level 4. Fufufufu."
My eyes opened impossibly wide. Even though I was ignorant because of the life I had lived, I understood a few things from what I had learned in my months in the Familia.
You needed a Falna to be an adventurer.
That was the truth I had come to believe after seeing my level 2 and 3 comrades do things I could only dream of. How could that woman and her friends be equal or stronger without a Falna?
Much later I learned the story of her and her group.
I remember one night during dinner, when the entire Familia was gathered and my Goddess spoke to Mia Grand about recent events in Orario.
Mia told how the Zeus and Hera Familia continued monopolizing floor 49 as always.
Floor 49—
"I'm still far from that," I thought. I had barely reached floor 10, but I took my time and completed those ten floors entirely. I hoped someday to go deeper.
"Hmph, same old, same old… boooooring. Come on, Mia, tell me about them!"
Freya dismissed the strongest Familias with arrogance, like a child refusing vegetables and wanting the most delicious dessert.
Mia sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"Uff, always so spoiled…"
Many Familia members glared at her, but she didn't care about the hostility.
"I heard they're preparing to face the Udaeus. From what I've heard, Tperie and Gustang have bought many resources—I don't know what they're planning. I assume new equipment, maybe more Lighthouses, and perhaps new medicines—you know how they are. It's also known that Zahard is collecting favors so no one interferes in the hunt for the Udaeus."
"Yes yes yes yes!! Now we're talking! Hmm, I should visit Arlene so she can tell me more!"
Freya seemed to have a sugar rush. Many were delighted by her excitement, while others were shocked at what they'd heard.
I heard whispers of:
"They're really going for the Udaeus?"
"Monsters, all of them."
"Hmph, arrogant. I hope they fail. To hell with Zahard."
I didn't know who these people were. I hadn't heard of them since I spent most of my time at the mansion training, and then in the dungeon alone. But I soon learned they were probably Arlene's friends—those she occasionally mentioned when visiting Freya.
Maybe Mia could tell me later who they were.
With time I realized what true talent was—when I met those people. Those thirteen individuals were all absurd.
Their strength was categorized as level 4, some even level 5, despite having no Falna.
The talent of those people was so great that few were their equals. It was said that , that girl from Hera who became an adventurer around the same time I did, had similar talent. And there was from Zeus. But they chose to carry the blessing of a god—a path different from the thirteen. That made the difference.
There were many discussions about that group. I remember my Goddess was one of their fiercest defenders—perhaps because of her relationship with Arlene. But she didn't want other gods to stain the path of those warriors.
I remember there was almost a war game because Hera wanted Yirang Yeon to join her Familia.
Freya was furious. To my surprise, Goddess Loki was furious too. Despite their rivalry, they agreed Hera was crossing the line.
The conflict didn't escalate because the god Ouranos himself came to the surface and decreed that if Yirang didn't want to join Hera, then the Guild would support her and her companions.
Hera was enraged, but in the end she relented. It didn't help that Zeus didn't side with her or with the Guild.
I know many gods wanted those thirteen. My Goddess said so many times.
She said that if they had a Falna, without a doubt they would become the strongest adventurers in the world. But she also loved to see how brightly they shone following the path they chose.
At that time there were many stories. Although I wasn't fond of them, I can't deny it could be called the golden age of Orario.
As for me—though I never considered myself a hero and felt I lacked talent—when I was level 3 I had an encounter with V, one of the leaders of the thirteen warriors.
That man… he was special. All thirteen were. But maybe because V was the one who trained me for a time, I hold him in such high regard.
I still remember his words:
"Keep advancing, and enjoy your own adventure. One day you'll be greater than me."
Of course I didn't believe it entirely— that guy was a real monster. But with the time he trained me, I decided to trust his words.
Today I know he was right. I am the strongest in Orario, despite not being as talented as those people.
I've surpassed the monsters known as and , those walls I could never overcome.
Only León is my equal, as the only level 7s in the world. But even so, that will be true only for today.
Today I face my new opponent. It's time to continue my adventure and take one more step… to level 8.
As I walked, I approached my adversary.
This moment—I have been waiting for it.
My body was calm, my mind serene, but my heart throbbed with fury.
I checked my equipment before descending to the 49th floor—my axes and hammer, my bag of potions, my supreme black sword.
My Goddess offered me Undecimber Rainbow, but I refused. I had to overcome this obstacle on my own.
I know I was stubborn—so much so that my Goddess told me that if I failed, she wouldn't let me try again. But… my heart beat violently.
I burned inside. This was the first time in seven years that my life was on the line.
I entered the 49th floor. The silence was so sinister— as if the dungeon knew I had come to challenge it.
I took out all my weapons and planted them into the ground, breathing deeply as I closed my eyes.
The horrid, monstrous sound echoed through the floor.
That was my opponent—the closest monstrosity to the calamities spawned by this black pit.
When I opened my eyes, Balor was there.
I knew this would be the greatest fight of my life, and it was very likely I would die. But even so—
I tore my axes from the ground and roared with all my strength:
"Oooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuu!!!"
"RRRoooooooooooowwwwwwwwwww!!!"
Balor answered with its own roar as we charged toward each other.
This is my adventure.
One more step toward becoming the true strongest.
To thank my Goddess for saving me and giving me a home.
To thank V for guiding me and believing in me.
And for myself— to prove that I too can go further.
Today, I will win.