A few days later…
Ouranos sat on his throne, unmoving, his eyes closed as the faint echoes of Orario's distant noise filtered through the stone walls.
He said nothing as the shadows shifted near the chamber's edge.
Fels appeared without sound, as expected.
"Report," Ouranos spoke flatly, eyes still closed. His voice carried no urgency, only expectation.
Fels shook their head slowly. "There's no sign of Evilus coming back, at least not in any organized or obvious way. Ganesha Familia is still patrolling the city like usual, keeping the surface secure. Our Guild informants haven't heard of any strange meetings or hidden messages spreading through the usual hideouts. The main parts of the city are still safe from their influence."
Ouranos exhaled slowly through his nose, eyes opening just enough to glance toward Fels' presence. His tone remained steady.
A faint sound, almost like a sigh, came from Ouranos. "That's good to hear, Fels. But we can't afford to let our guard down — that's when these kinds of threats grow strongest." He leaned forward slightly, the brazier's firelight briefly reflecting off his face.
"The organized Evilus faction—the conspiracy that nearly plunged Orario into chaos—was destroyed years ago. Its leaders were killed, imprisoned, or forced into hiding. But…" His tone grew heavier, ancient experience behind every word. "…scattered survivors still exist. They may not be an army anymore, perhaps not even a proper group. But individuals, maybe pairs, still hold onto their hatred and dangerous beliefs."
"But silence doesn't mean absence."
"Understood, Lord Ouranos," Fels said.
"My informants are still watching. We're keeping track of the adventurers who disappeared after the purges — the ones who might still hold grudges."
"We're also monitoring the merchants who used to support Evilus and now operate quietly in the black market…"
"…We even keep an eye on the abandoned safehouses they once used. There's barely any activity, but we remain cautious. If anything suspicious happens, you'll be informed right away."
Ouranos shifted his gaze down the long, empty hall. His voice remained calm.
"Continue monitoring. Keep the lower levels under surveillance. Watch the black markets, the tunnels beyond Guild jurisdiction. They will surface again… eventually. And when they do, we will crush them before they breathe."
Fels inclined his head once in acknowledgment.
"Understood."
Ouranos leaned back on his throne, his eyes drifting shut again.
"Report anything. Even a whisper. Next."
"I have some updates of the recent activities of the remaining familias."
"Hmm?"
Fels began. "Ganesha Familia maintains their focus on law enforcement and public order. Their patrols are stretched thin, but they remain effective. A minor breach near Daedalus Street occurred last week—likely independent criminals, not Evilus—but Ganesha responded within hours. Three casualties on their side, but the area was secured."
"Do they show signs of internal instability?" Ouranos questioned.
"No, their leadership remains solid. Shakti Varma commands with discipline. Their focus remains external—crime prevention and Dungeon patrols."
"Good. And the Hephaistos smiths?"
Fels nodded. "Hephaistos Familia continues operations at full capacity. Their forges support much of the city, especially Loki Familia's preparations. Welf Crozzo has taken charge of crafting specialized equipment—adamantite armor, magic-focused weapons, and custom enchantments. Orders come not just from Loki, but also from Takemikazuchi and occasionally Freya."
Ouranos asked, "Any concerns of weapon smuggling or secret production?"
"None reported," Fels answered. "Their production is regulated, their leadership stable. Their focus is purely economic."
"Continue watching them regardless."
Fels moved on. "Takemikazuchi Familia emphasizes discipline and training. They specialize in middle-floor Dungeon combat. Their leader, Ouka, drills them daily in small-group tactics. Rumors suggest they quietly monitor fringe groups that may have Evilus ties, but no confirmed incidents."
Ouranos nodded. "Let them continue. Mortal defenders still play a critical role."
"Next is Miach Familia," Fels continued. "They operate on a small scale. Their shop produces potions and medical supplies, but they struggle financially. Their delves are shallow—Floors one to seven—and they rejected a recent contract to supply an expedition beyond Floor twenty due to lack of resources."
"Do they show signs of collapse?" Ouranos asked plainly.
"They survive, barely," Fels replied. "Their reputation for kindness sustains them. Skilled, but lacking manpower."
Ouranos remained still. "Monitor their situation. Small Familias often become desperate."
Fels continued. "Dian Cecht Familia remains dominant in the medical sector. Their advanced clinic serves the city's elite—Loki, Freya, Ganesha adventurers. Their techniques are advanced, their prices high. They rarely delve, except for targeted resource collection from deeper floors."
"Any conflict with Miach?"
"Persistent tension," Fels confirmed. "Dian Cecht pressures independent healers to join, using wealth and resources as incentive. Their methods are disliked, but effective."
"Typical," Ouranos muttered. "Proceed."
Fels continued. "Hermes Familia operates as couriers, smugglers, and information brokers. Asfi Al Andromeda leads operations efficiently. They trade in goods and intelligence from beyond Orario—Melen, Rakia, Altena. Internally, they handle discreet deliveries and obtain rare Dungeon materials, sometimes with questionable legality."
"Ouranos's voice sharpened slightly. "Any indication of disloyalty to the Guild?"
"None confirmed, but they push boundaries," Fels admitted. "Hermes gathers information constantly, especially concerning power shifts."
"Maintain surveillance," Ouranos instructed.
Fels nodded. "Next is Ishtar Familia. Their base of operations remains the Pleasure Quarter. Phryne Jamil enforces order with brutality. They traffic in exotic monsters—Sirens, Lamia—and control protection rackets. Their focus remains undermining Freya."
Ouranos asked, "Any cooperation with external forces?"
"Ares of Rakia visited twice this month. Discussions were private, but likely involved mercenary contracts or intelligence sharing against rivals."
Ouranos frowned. "Watch them closely. Ishtar's ambitions are dangerous."
Fels continued. "Hestia Familia is newly registered. Hestia operates a small food stall to survive. No active members, no Dungeon activity beyond recruitment attempts. They are struggling, insignificant for now."
"Monitor their progress," Ouranos ordered. "The weak sometimes surprise us."
Fels paused briefly. "That brings us to the strongest forces—Loki Familia and Freya Familia."
Ouranos leaned forward slightly. "Loki first."
"Loki Familia prepares for a large-scale expedition to the 59th Floor," Fels explained. "Finn Deimne leads, focusing on strategy and risk management. Riveria develops new spells for high-level combat. Gareth oversees physical readiness—equipment maintenance, survival drills. They stockpile supplies and finalize scouting reports."
"Timeframe?" Ouranos asked.
"Departure in ten days," Fels replied. "They are unified, focused entirely on deep exploration."
"Good. Their strength benefits Orario. And Freya?"
Fels's tone lowered. "Freya Familia remains stable. Ottar trains their core members continuously. Routine delves target the lower forties for resources. Freya herself observes adventurers throughout the city. She selectively recruits high-potential individuals from other Familias."
Ouranos's eyes narrowed. "Any forced recruitment?"
"No overt coercion," Fels confirmed. "Transfers appear voluntary—adventurers citing ambition and opportunity."
"Her gaze?" Ouranos pressed.
"Focused on unique talent," Fels answered. "She rarely intervenes directly but maintains influence through subtle actions."
Ouranos nodded. "Continue to watch her. Freya plays a long game. Her interests must not destabilize the city."
Fels concluded. "Overall, no major outbreaks. Loki pursues their expedition. Freya observes and recruits quietly. Ganesha secures the streets. The Dungeon remains stable. Evilus remnants are inactive, though isolated individuals linger underground."
Ouranos remained quiet for a moment, considering the report. Finally, he spoke. "Maintain vigilance, Fels. Watch for changes. Loki's expedition, Freya's interests, the embers of Evilus—they all require monitoring. Peace is temporary if left unguarded."
Fels bowed his head. "Understood. I will continue to observe and report."
With that, Fels faded back into the shadows, leaving Ouranos alone in the vast chamber. The silence returned, but the watch continued.
Ouranos sat still upon the simple stone throne, his hands resting on the armrests, hidden beneath layers of deep blue fabric. His hood shadowed most of his face, but his expression was set in one of quiet exhaustion.
After a long pause, he let out a slow, steady sigh.
It echoed faintly, swallowed by the heavy stone walls.
The god's shoulders, broad and imposing to the outside world, slumped ever so slightly, the weight of the city pressing against them like a constant, unseen burden.
"So many problems… so little change," he muttered to himself, his voice deep but quiet, stripped of the booming presence it carried in council halls.
He leaned back slightly, the cold surface of the throne grounding him as his gaze drifted toward the brazier flames.
Every day brought another issue. Adventurers fighting, gods scheming, merchants bribing officials, rumors of Evilus remnants, and the ever-present threat of the Dungeon itself.
Orario never rested. And as the one sitting at the top, neither did he.
Freya's quiet manipulations. Loki's relentless ambitions. The smaller Familias struggling to survive. The underground black markets, the corrupt businesses, the dangerous unknowns buried deep within the Dungeon.
It never stopped.
Even in supposed peace, the city teetered on a fragile balance — one mistake, one unexpected disaster, and it could all fall apart.
Ouranos ran a hand through his beard, feeling the stiffness in his arm, another reminder that even a god could grow weary.
He'd been doing this for too long.
Guiding the Guild. Keeping the gods from tearing the city apart with their games. Watching the Dungeon's movements. Intervening when the risk of chaos grew too high.
All of it, day after day, year after year.
And despite everything, the problems remained.
"No rest," he said softly to himself. "No peace, not truly. Only the watch, until the end."
With that, his eyes opened again, steady and calm. The exhaustion remained, buried beneath duty.
The problems would continue. So would he.
Chapter 23 end.
Had to do some research on the events 1 year before canon and shit. Was kinda hoping to save astrea familia but that shit happen 3-5 years before canon. So yea.
Ouranos must be tired as hell.