LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 66: 66.
The early morning light filtered through the bustling streets as Hestia led her Familia toward the center of Orario. The energy of the city was vibrant, and Ichigo and the others took in their surroundings with a mix of curiosity and determination. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes moved through the streets, some carrying weapons, others wearing armor that gleamed in the sunlight. This was a place where strength was respected, where every face seemed to carry a story of battles fought and victories won.
"We're heading to the Guild," Hestia explained as they approached a large, elegant building at the city's center. Its tall columns and ornate architecture stood out, a symbol of authority and structure amid the chaotic energy of Orario. "This is where every adventurer registers, where quests are posted, and where the rules of the Dungeon are enforced."
Orihime's gaze wandered over the Guild building with awe. "So this is like the headquarters for all adventurers?"
"Exactly," Hestia replied. "The Guild keeps track of every adventurer's level, skills, and accomplishments. It's also a place where adventurers can seek guidance and support." She paused, her expression turning serious. "But keep in mind, they'll be watching us closely. As newcomers with unique abilities, we'll likely draw attention."
Ichigo met her gaze, his eyes steady. "We're used to it."
Hestia smiled, pride swelling in her chest. "I know. Just remember, this world has different rules and expectations. Be cautious, and listen closely to what they tell you."
As they entered the Guild, the noise of conversation filled the air, adventurers speaking with Guild attendants, others studying notices on bulletin boards filled with quests and rewards. The Familia walked together, their presence turning a few heads as adventurers sized them up, some with curiosity, others with skepticism.
A young Guild attendant approached them, her uniform neat and her demeanor polite. "Welcome to the Guild. Are you here to register?"
Hestia nodded. "Yes, I'm Hestia, and this is my Familia."
The attendant's eyes widened slightly, her gaze shifting over each of them before nodding respectfully. "Follow me, please. We'll get you registered and provide an orientation about Orario's structure and the Dungeon's regulations."
She led them to a quiet room, away from the main hall's bustle. Inside, a set of scrolls, quills, and an official Guild stamp waited on a large table. The attendant gestured for them to take seats and then turned to Hestia. "As their goddess, you're responsible for overseeing their progress and ensuring they understand the risks involved. The Dungeon is dangerous, even for seasoned adventurers, and we expect every Familia to uphold Orario's standards."
Hestia inclined her head, her expression serious. "Of course. My Familia is prepared."
The attendant's gaze shifted to Ichigo, Chad, Rukia, Orihime, and Uryū. "As new adventurers, you'll begin at Level 1, though the Guild may reassess based on your skills and accomplishments. Each level reflects not only power but the control, discipline, and experience necessary to survive in the Dungeon." Her tone softened slightly, her expression turning more instructive. "Do you understand?"
Ichigo nodded, his gaze steady. "We do."
The attendant continued, her voice clear. "Good. The Guild also monitors Familia alliances, rivalries, and any disturbances caused by adventurers. This is a city where strength is respected, but there are rules. Excessive violence, disrespect toward the Guild, and reckless behavior in the Dungeon are not tolerated."
Uryū nodded, absorbing her words with his usual analytical focus. "Understood. Order and respect are necessary in such a system."
The attendant gave him an approving nod. "Precisely. Now, you'll each need to sign this scroll to formally register as adventurers in Hestia's Familia."
One by one, they stepped forward, signing their names on the scroll with a sense of finality. Hestia watched each of them with a mixture of pride and protectiveness. This was their first step into Orario's world, their commitment to face its challenges together.
When they finished, the attendant placed the Guild stamp on the scroll, marking them as official members of Hestia's Familia. She looked at Hestia with a respectful nod. "Welcome, Goddess Hestia, and welcome to your Familia. We wish you luck in the Dungeon and look forward to seeing your growth."
As they exited the Guild, the weight of their new status settled over them. They were no longer just outsiders—they were now recognized adventurers in Orario, bound to the laws and expectations of the city. The Dungeon loomed in the distance, a towering structure that seemed to touch the sky, a reminder of the trials and dangers that awaited them.
Hestia turned to her Familia, her expression both proud and determined. "This is where it begins. The Guild has expectations, and the other gods will be watching us. But remember, we're not here to prove ourselves to anyone. We're here for each other. We move forward as one."
Rukia nodded, her gaze focused on the Dungeon. "Our goal is clear, then. We enter the Dungeon, face whatever challenges come our way, and grow stronger together."
Chad's quiet voice added, "And we stay prepared. This world may be unfamiliar, but we know how to face danger."
Hestia felt a surge of warmth as she looked at each of them, their resolve as unbreakable as the bond that held them together. "Exactly. We're a Familia, and our strength comes from our unity. Whatever we face in the Dungeon, we'll face it as one."
As they made their way through the city, a soft rustle of wings caught Hestia's attention. She turned to see a small bird—a raven—perched on a nearby rooftop, its dark eyes watching them with an intensity that felt almost… sentient. A chill ran down her spine. She'd seen such birds before, familiars used by gods to observe or communicate across distances.
Hestia's eyes narrowed, a suspicion forming in her mind. Was one of the gods watching them already? Perhaps Freya? Or someone else intrigued by their sudden presence in Orario?
She turned back to her Familia, her expression unreadable. "Stay alert," she said, her tone soft but firm. "Orario is filled with eyes. We're not alone here, even outside the Dungeon."
Ichigo glanced at the bird before returning his gaze to her, his eyes steady. "If they're watching, they'll see that we're not here to be pushed around."
Hestia's lips curved into a small smile, her heart swelling with pride. "Yes. Let them see who we are."
They continued toward the Dungeon, their steps steady, their purpose clear. The journey was only beginning, but Hestia felt a fierce confidence in each of them, a readiness that would see them through whatever trials Orario had in store. They were not just adventurers—they were a Familia, bound by loyalty and trust, prepared to face a world that would challenge their bond.
As the towering structure of the Dungeon loomed closer, Hestia felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The Dungeon was vast, mysterious, and filled with dangers, but it was also a place of growth, a place where each of them would find new strengths, new depths to their power.
Standing before the massive entrance, Hestia looked at her Familia, her voice filled with pride and encouragement. "This is it. Beyond these walls lies the Dungeon, a place that will test us, challenge us, and push us to our limits. But together, we can overcome anything."
Orihime took a deep breath, her fairies glowing faintly around her as she nodded. "We're ready, Hestia. Whatever we face, we face it together."
Rukia's hand rested on her Zanpakuto, her gaze resolute. "Let's do this."
With a final, collective nod, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the unknown. The air grew cooler, a faint scent of earth and stone filling their senses as they descended the stairs into the Dungeon's depths. Shadows danced on the walls, the flicker of torches casting an eerie glow over the winding corridors.
Hestia's heart raced as she led them forward, her divine energy steadying her, grounding her as she felt the presence of her Familia beside her. This was more than an adventure; it was a journey that would test everything they were, everything they had come to be together.
And as they moved deeper into the shadows, Hestia knew with unshakable certainty that they were ready.