Looking into the distance, the towering giant spire rising into the clouds stirred a surge of emotion in one's heart.
Lowering his gaze, massive stone ramparts came into view, their markings clearly proclaiming the city's name.
A metropolis that had existed since before the age when gods descended into the mortal world. The largest city in the world, also known as its very center.
Orario.
The sight before him matched the stories Senji had heard from wandering bards perfectly. No, it was even more overwhelming than he had imagined.
"So tall…"
Beside him, Haruhime lifted her head and stared at Babel Tower piercing the clouds, her beautiful eyes wide with awe.
She loved reading hero tales. Even though many descriptions in those stories were exaggerated, seeing the gathering place of adventurers with her own eyes, a land where countless heroic epics had been born over thousands of years, still left her deeply shaken.
"Let's go. I've already handled the entry procedures. Don't wander off."
Senji gently tapped Haruhime's small head when he saw her spacing out.
"Okay! Senji-sama…"
Haruhime's fox ears snapped upright in tension. Afraid of losing him, she grabbed tightly onto his sleeve and followed close behind with quick, small steps.
Seeing her like this, Senji gave up on the idea of finding her a Familia for now.
If he really suggested finding one that suited her, her answer would definitely be, "Wherever Senji-sama is, that's where I'll be!"
Still, Senji wasn't in a hurry to join a Familia himself. He needed to ask around first and find an exploration-oriented Familia that met his conditions.
He came to Orario for adventure, to carve his name into the history of adventurers. Naturally, an exploration Familia was his goal.
That was also why he wanted Haruhime to have freedom. The Familia he could join might not accept her.
For now, he would take things one step at a time. Who knew, maybe Haruhime's potential as an adventurer was even higher than his. Personality didn't determine everything.
That said, the journey from the Far East had made Senji keenly aware of how harsh this world could be.
The original plan was a two-month trip. However, accidents along the way with the merchant caravan, a kidnapping incident, encounters with wild beasts and monsters, and traveling with Haruhime in tow stretched those two months into three.
Fortunately, Senji had trained in swordsmanship and unarmed combat since childhood, constantly honing his skills. As long as he didn't run into adventurers blessed with Falna or extremely powerful monsters, he could handle things.
Though he took a few hits along the way, those experiences gave him a much deeper understanding of the world.
---
Orario, South Gate.
As the world's center depicted in countless adventure chronicles, Orario saw a massive flow of people entering and leaving every day.
A long line formed at the city gate, composed of travelers of all kinds awaiting inspection by the guards.
At the front, guards held a strange-looking device. Senji knew what it was. A tool specifically used to detect Falna.
An adventurer's blessing was granted by a god, and the device reacted to that blessing. Anyone who had received Falna could not hide it.
This prevented adventurers from other countries from sneaking in. After all, not every god resided in Orario. Gods descended elsewhere in the world as well.
To maintain order and prevent ill-intentioned adventurers from entering the city, this inspection had become tradition.
After presenting their identification and travel permits, Haruhime and Senji entered Orario smoothly.
Once through the gate passage, their view opened up, and Orario's true form unfolded before them.
A level of prosperity that even the capital of the Far East could not match. A fantasy city brimming with western-style charm.
From the plaza at the gate stretching toward the central avenue ahead, neatly laid stone bricks carried streams of passing pedestrians.
Various races filled their vision. Sturdy dwarves, half-beasts rarely seen outside, and elves, born as symbols of beauty and purity.
Since they entered through the South Gate, this area was closest to Southwest Main Street, Orario's so-called gray zone, filled with casinos, grand theaters, and the Pleasure Quarter.
The Pleasure Quarter was the base of the Ishtar Familia. In all of Orario… no, perhaps in the entire world, the largest brothel was located there. A paradise for single men.
Naturally, Haruhime and Senji drew attention as they walked. A refined, handsome boy radiating youthful vigor, and beside him, a Renard girl with natural allure.
Especially the way Haruhime timidly took small steps and hid behind Senji, her appearance alone made people want to protect her.
At the same time, the boldly dressed Amazon women were especially eye-catching. Haruhime's cheeks flushed red as she covered her eyes with her hands.
Having received traditional upbringing her entire life, seeing such outfits was a massive shock to her worldview.
"S-So shameless… but…"
Her hand covering her eyes slowly opened a small gap. She peeked through it for a moment, then quickly hid behind Senji again.
Seeing this, Senji chuckled softly and guided Haruhime away from South Main Street, heading in another direction.
Once they were farther from the Pleasure Quarter's entrance, rows of shops came into view.
"This place… it's really different from home. The city from the stories has really come to life, Senji-sama."
Haruhime cautiously peeked out from beside Senji, her eyes sparkling as she looked around.
She was shy and awkward around strangers, but staying close to Senji made her feel safe.
Not only because he had saved her from her father that day, but also because of the three months they had spent traveling together.
Every time danger appeared, Senji stepped in front of her to deal with wild beasts and trouble. It made her feel dazed, reminding her of the hero tales she loved.
Standing in front to protect someone… a hero, just like in those stories. A simple sentence filled with absolute reassurance.
"I've got you."
"Let's go. I asked the merchants before we came. We're on South Main Street right now. Today's destination is Northwest Main Street."
"The Guild headquarters is there. We'll ask about Familias, grab dinner, then find an inn and stay for a while."
Senji lightly patted Haruhime's head, signaling her to keep up.
"Okay! Senji-sama!"
Haruhime nodded rapidly like a pecking chick, looking extremely obedient.
Senji could only sigh at the title. It seemed impossible to change it anytime soon.
He stopped pushing the issue and let the silly fox be herself.
---
Northwest Main Street.
It was business hours, and the shops lining both sides of the avenue were bustling with activity.
Any store that could open on this adventurer-filled street was eye-catching at a glance, their buildings lavish and impressive.
Some storefronts were stylishly decorated with brickwork, others were sturdy-looking item shops built from processed gray stone.
Even the goods displayed behind the windows looked finely made.
Many demi-humans could be seen around. Perhaps it was a rest day for adventurers. They had taken off their gear and walked the street in light clothing.
Some small groups that looked like teams moved together, chatting and laughing loudly.
Ahead, the Pantheon came into view. Beyond it stood the majestic Guild Hall, making Haruhime's eyes shine.
From what he had learned from the merchants, Senji knew that if he wanted information about Orario's Familias, asking at the Guild counter was essential.
After scanning the area, Senji noticed something. The Guild Hall staff and counter attendants were almost all young, attractive women. Not just humans, but also beastfolk and elves.
It seemed the Guild had its own little tricks when it came to emptying adventurers' wallets.
Spotting a Guild employee who was free, Senji led Haruhime over without hesitation.
"Hello. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Seeing Senji and Haruhime together, the staff member couldn't help but feel surprised. A Renard girl… it was her first time seeing one.
The Guild employee who greeted them was a half-elf girl who looked only a year or two older than Senji. There was still a hint of youth on her face, but the Guild uniform gave her a capable, professional air.
She had slender pointed ears and clear green eyes. Her medium-length brown hair shone softly.
Her beauty wasn't the sharp perfection typical of elves, but something gentler and naturally harmonious.
Her slim figure looked particularly good in the Guild's black uniform trousers.
This young woman, dignified yet approachable, was a half-elf.
Eina.
After briefly taking her in, Senji smiled warmly.
"Hello, miss. My name is Senji. My companion and I would like to ask about Familia information."
Hearing this, Eina nodded with understanding, excitement bubbling up inside her.
She hadn't expected to receive a Familia inquiry on her very first day at work. She had to seize this opportunity.
This was her first job after graduating, and Senji was the first adventurer she would assist. It meant a lot.
"Why does she look so fired up? It's just a normal consultation, right?"
Senji paused when he noticed the subtle shift in Eina's mood. He could even sense that… she was psyching herself up.
She adjusted her glasses, light glinting off the lenses, and adopted a serious, professional expression.
"Of course. My name is Eina. I'll be the one introducing Orario's Familias to the two of you."