Chapter 342 - Finding Ais...2
"Ishtar Familia?" Mahiro muttered, watching the Loki Familia receive a warm welcome from the Guild receptionist, a wry smile tugging at his
"Ishtar Familia?" Mahiro muttered, watching the Loki Familia receive a warm welcome from the Guild receptionist, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
With one first-class adventurer and numerous Level 2 and 3 members, the Ishtar Familia ranked among Orario's top-tier Familia.
Compared to the second-rate Apollo Familia, led by a single Level 3, Ishtar's group was far more formidable in both reputation and strength.
In Mahiro's mind, they were a prime target for a War Game.
"If I take down Ishtar's Familia, Orario's single adventurers will probably weep," he thought, a mischievous grin forming.
Though both Ishtar and Freya were gods of beauty and love, Ishtar's reputation was far more decadent.
Freya, by comparison, seemed almost restrained. Ninety-nine percent of Ishtar's Familia were courtesans, and Ishtar herself indulged freely, even entertaining clients when the mood struck.
"But first, Ais," Mahiro reminded himself, settling into a quiet corner of the Guild to wait for the Loki Familia to finish their business.
He wasn't overly concerned about Haruhime. Ais' alleged poaching, however, gave him a pretext.
It was a flimsy, even underhanded excuse, but with some maneuvering, Mahiro could spin it to cast himself as the righteous party, not the instigator.
"Who's that God?" Mahiro mused, his memory hazy.
He recalled Haruhime's two childhood friends risking their lives to save her, tied to a God's Familia, but the god's identity eluded him.
"I'll ask Hestia later," he decided, closing his eyes to rest in the corner.
Fifteen minutes later, the Loki Familia emerged and approached him.
"Sorry for the wait," Finn said, smiling.
"The Guild's old geezers are such a pain," Tiona griped. "Repeating ourselves over and over, it's like they've got no memory. Wasted our time."
"It's a new monster type, so the Guild's being thorough," Riveria said, placating her.
"Guild's done. Time to find Ais, Finn," Bete urged, impatient.
"I'm with Mahiro!" Tiona declared, raising her hand enthusiastically.
"Thank you, Mahiro," Finn said. "This is tricky, so we can't send a large search party. It's just us who know Ais best."
As one of Orario's twin kings, the Loki Familia guarded their reputation fiercely.
Ais, their prized Sword Princess, stealing a courtesan from the Ishtar Familia? The scandal would tarnish them. Discretion was key.
"She's a friend of mine too," Mahiro said, smiling and shaking his head. "It's not strange to help."
Finn nodded, understanding. Ais and Mahiro's bond was ambiguous, making his involvement natural.
"Let's split up," Finn suggested.
"I'm going solo. Teaming up wastes my time," Bete said, his face sour.
"I'll stick with the captain," Tione said.
"I'm with Gareth," Riveria added.
They divided into four groups, fanning out to search for Ais.
"Orario's huge. Running around aimlessly won't cut it. Any spots Ais frequents?" Mahiro asked Tiona as they left an alley.
"We hit her usual haunts already," Tiona said, her tone worried.
Ais, a near-emotionless girl, lived a spartan life compared to most.
Her routine revolved around training at the Familia base or delving into the Dungeon, embodying her hunger for strength.
In the city, she stuck to practical spots, weapon shops, apothecaries..avoiding boutiques or accessory stores.
Her only girly indulgence was Jagamarukun.
They'd already checked those stalls, even grabbing a Jagamarukun to munch on. Mahiro found it overly sweet but decent.
"Feels like we're barking up the wrong tree," Mahiro said, rubbing his brow. He'd hoped for a secret hideout, but these places weren't suited for hiding.
He grabbed Tiona's arm. "Follow me."
They soon arrived at a towering, sturdy wall.
"The city wall?" Tiona asked, puzzled.
"Just testing a hunch," Mahiro said, nodding.
In the plot, Ais often retreated to the city wall.
"Let's check it out," he said, leading Tiona up the steps.
They pushed through a heavy gate, ascending the long staircase to the wall's summit. Encircling Orario like an iron fortress, the wall offered a commanding view.
They searched along the ramparts and soon spotted a lone, graceful figure in the distance.
---
Read 20 Chapters In Advance:
patreon.com/heavenlydawn