Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen: Loki Familia

The morning mist still clung to the streets of Orario, but the dawn had already broken. Slowly, figures began to emerge from the side alleys and main streets.

As people awoke from their slumber, another day of life in Orario commenced.

Izay first returned to last night’s inn, slinging his backpack over his shoulder that he’d left in the room. Inside was the identification he’d obtained yesterday at the Guild.

After packing up, he bid farewell to the still-yawning elven clerk and cheerfully headed towards the northern part of the city.

On the way, Izay bought a breakfast of fried potato balls for thirty Valis.

Yesterday, while shopping with the Goddess, Izay tried this specialty of Orario out of curiosity. Surprisingly, it was delicious.

And for just thirty Valis!

Truly a great value.

There’s a reason why there are so many Orario-style fried potato ball stalls around.

In the north of the city, beyond the bustling main streets, stood a mansion much taller and larger than the surrounding buildings.

With several towering spires resembling a mountain of swords, its bronze exterior gave it the appearance of a fiercely burning flame.

Atop the tallest central tower flew a flag bearing a jester’s emblem, fluttering gently in the morning breeze.

This was the headquarters of the “Loki Familia,” the Twilight Manor.

At the entrance, the guards were meticulously performing their duties, weapons in hand.

Being one of the largest Familias in Orario, they naturally couldn’t allow just anyone to enter.

What was supposed to be a peaceful morning was interrupted by a figure slowly approaching from afar.

“Please stop.”

When Izay reached the front gate, the guard could not help but speak.

“The area ahead is the territory of the Loki Familia. If you don’t have a valid reason, I’m afraid I cannot let you proceed.”

Saying this, the guard gestured with the weapon in his hand. Beneath his armor, strong muscles hinted at his formidable strength.

Anyone guarding the main gate here was at least an adventurer blessed by divine grace.

Taking a bold guess, the person before Izay might even be Level 2.

“Hmph, I’m here to join the Familia. No need to wave your weapon around, right?”

Izay stopped as instructed, somewhat helplessly explaining his purpose and pulling out the certificate Eina gave him yesterday.

“Look, this is proof issued by the Guild. It seems like it should make passage easier?”

Actually, Eina had said this certificate was merely a pass. Over time, many supporters who noticed Loki Familia’s announcements at the Guild came forward to offer their services.

Especially during the period when Loki had just posted her announcement, the Guild issued quite a number of these certificates, but almost all those people were rejected by the Deity.

That’s why Eina mentioned Loki had high standards.

However, Izay’s situation was somewhat different and couldn’t be lumped together with them.

Upon seeing this, the guard took the certificate from Izay, quickly skipping over the lengthy text and focusing on the seal at the bottom.

Once the unique stamp of the Guild was confirmed, the guard knew Izay’s words were true, and he could indeed proceed.

But after returning the certificate, the guard glanced at Izay, his expression becoming complex.

“Join Loki Familia? Are you sure about that?”

“Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

Tsk, such a confident statement… déjà vu…

The guard felt as if he saw his former self in Izay.

Back then, he too had boldly joined Loki Familia due to its fame, equally confident that he would achieve greatness.

Although he managed to join by luck, over time, he eventually ended up guarding the gate…

He didn’t feel resentment or jealousy, just a clear understanding of reality.

Even entering one of Orario’s largest Familias doesn’t mean he made it. He could only manage being a gatekeeper.

Within the Familia, there were plenty of adventurers stronger and more talented than him, so he wasn’t indispensable.

“If that’s the case, follow me. I’ll take you to meet our Goddess.”

The guard summoned a colleague from nearby to temporarily take over his post, then opened the gate and led Izay into the interior of Twilight Manor.

“Just a heads-up, whether you can join the Familia depends entirely on our Goddess’ decision. If you fail, don’t cause trouble, or even if she doesn’t care, I’ll personally throw you out.”

Having seen this scenario countless times, the guard warned Izay beforehand.

“Alright, I understand. If I can’t join, it’s my own lack of ability and has nothing to do with others. No complaints.”

To this, Izay nodded in understanding.

“Good, understanding is key. Too many arrogant rookies cause trouble after failing to join us, and I personally dislike that behavior. This isn’t specifically targeted at you.”

Seeing Izay answer without hesitation and apparently genuine, the guard’s previously stern expression softened. He then walked ahead, leading Izay into the interior of Twilight Manor.

Perhaps harboring a slight hope for Izay joining Loki Familia, he shared various bits of daily trivia along the way.

Entering through the main gate, the massive mansion occupied nearly seventy percent of Twilight Manor’s area.

Given the limited space, the headquarters seemed to think that since it couldn’t expand outward, it might as well build upward, making the presence of the Central Tower particularly prominent.

Walking through the gate, the courtyard ahead wasn’t very spacious. Between the gates and the estate, only a small garden was set up.

A few plants and flowers swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze.

At this moment, a graceful figure was already practicing in the courtyard of Twilight Manor.

Wielding a wooden sword, the figure continuously swung it, creating a whooshing sound even as it struck air.

Her golden hair flowed behind her, her crystal-clear golden eyes focused and unwavering.

“Sword Maiden… huh?”

Izay couldn’t help but pause to watch as he followed the guard across the courtyard.

[Sword Maiden] Ais Wallenstein.

A powerful Level 5 adventurer, one of the officers of Loki Familia, and currently a level of strength far beyond Izay’s reach.

She had maintained this early morning practice for seven or eight years.

Possessing remarkable talent while quietly putting in effort.

She deserved to be this strong!

“Don’t stare. Disturbing Lady Ais’ morning training isn’t good. Newcomers shouldn’t aim too high. Even if you luckily join Loki Familia, reaching the rank of officer will be incredibly difficult.”

Ahead of Izay, the guard who noticed him lagging behind spoke earnestly.

Officers in Loki Familia were the absolute core members responsible for dungeon exploration, all Level 5 top-tier adventurers.

A rank that most other Familias didn’t even have, yet Loki Familia had four of them.

Envious, indeed.

“Eh, looking won’t make me lose any weight~”

Izay turned his gaze back to the guard beside him, grinning.

“You kid, I get it. Lady Ais’ charm is irresistible, even our Goddess can’t escape it.”

The guard thought he understood something, winking and smirking at Izay.

“…”

You understood that fast? Are you some kind of comprehension king?

Passing by the diligent Sword Maiden, Izay followed the guard through the courtyard paved with red tiles and entered the mansion.