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In the northern part of Orario, there is a plot of land adjacent to the bustling main street of the North District.
A massive mansion, taller than the surrounding buildings, stands prominently here as the landmark of this district.
From the several towering spires, the mansion resembles a forest of spears. Its reddish-brown exterior also evokes the image of a burning flame.
At the very center, surrounded by seven spires, the tallest central spire has a flag with a comical jester pattern fluttering in the wind.
This is precisely the base of Loki Familia, commonly known as "Twilight Manor."
After finishing the arena battle and bidding farewell to Shakti, Ryoji followed Tiona through the northeastern district and arrived at the front gate of this mansion.
Before leaving, Shakti seemed reluctant but still graciously offered her blessings.
Members of other familias, seeing this, understood Ryoji's choice. Although they felt helpless, they accepted it willingly since their opponent was Loki Familia, one of the strongest in the city.
Under Tiona's escort, Ryoji left the arena with ease.
In front of Twilight Manor.
"Thanks for your hard work!"
Two guards stand on either side of the iron gate. Upon seeing Tiona, they greeted her respectfully, asked a few brief questions, and then let the two of them pass.
If Ryoji had come alone, he might have been turned away.
After entering through the gate, they arrived at the courtyard. Due to the narrow plot of land, the courtyard was built vertically and didn't feel spacious. It was merely a product of compressing the space between the gate and the mansion to its limit. The few plants and flowers swayed gently in the breeze.
"Everyone! I've brought the rookie back!" Tiona stood in the circular courtyard, cupping her hands like a megaphone, letting her clear voice echo throughout the familia.
At the same time, the entire Twilight Manor stirred.
"Let's go!"
Following Tiona's lead, the two passed through the courtyard and entered the first floor of the central tower, where the reception room was located.
The interior of the reception room seemed to utilize the space of the central tower's first floor to its fullest, not appearing cramped.
The room was adorned with warm-colored decorations in orange, red, and other hues, with many round tables, sofas, and armchairs placed around. In some corners, antiques like music boxes were displayed, giving it a very elegant feel.
"Thanks for your hard work, Tiona." Not long after the two entered the reception room, a short figure walked in from the north door.
It was a male from the Pallum race.
He stood about as tall as Ryoji's abdomen, roughly 100 selge in height. His soft golden hair and lake-like green eyes made him appear younger than anyone else, yet he exuded a deep sense of rationality.
With a friendly smile, he approached the two, nodded slightly to Tiona, and then looked at Ryoji, extending his slender arm.
"Hello, I'm Finn Deimne, the Captain of Loki Familia."
"Hello, I'm Ryoji, a rookie who just arrived in Orario."
Ryoji extended his hand and shook hands with the Pallum man, who introduced himself as Finn.
Before coming, Tiona had briefly explained the current state of Loki Familia to him.
Loki Familia currently had over fifty members, including three Lv.6 and four Lv.5 adventurers. In other words, the familia had seven first-class adventurers.
Most of the other members were second-class adventurers at Lv.4 or Lv.3, with only a few being third-class adventurers at Lv.2.
As for lower-class adventurers at Lv.1, there were none.
This was the strength of Loki Familia, one of the two top familias in Orario— considering Orario is the center of the world, it could even be called the world's strongest. The familia was so saturated that they didn't even need a single rookie.
Among them, the Pallum man Finn Deimne, the Captain, was a first-class adventurer at Lv.6, known as "The Brave."
For a Pallum to reach this level and become the Captain of a top familia in Orario was truly remarkable.
After all, the only notable racial advantage of the Pallum race was their decent eyesight. Due to their short stature and limbs, their physical strength was far inferior to humans, let alone dwarves, who were natural warriors.
Moreover, despite his youthful appearance, he was actually over forty years old.
"Tiona should have already explained things to you, and your presence here likely means you've given your answer, right?"
Finn's lips curled into a kind smile as he actively confirmed with Ryoji. "Yes."
"That's great."
Finn felt a sense of relief upon receiving the affirmative response.
He had been somewhat worried; although Loki Familia was strong, if another top familia, Freya Familia, made a move— especially if Goddess Freya herself intervened— the chances of them securing this super rookie would be nearly zero.
However, it seemed that the goddess had not yet noticed this super rookie, allowing them to seize the opportunity.
"Then, without further ado, let's have Goddess Loki grant you her Blessing(Falna) right away."
To avoid any delays, Finn chose to act decisively.
Fortunately, Loki was currently in the familia, and as long as the goddess bestowed her Blessing(Falna), everyone in the familia would become like family in the future.
"What's going on?"
Just then, amidst the sound of hurried footsteps, a crimson figure rushed down the spiral staircase from the upper part of the central tower.
It was a goddess with fiery red hair, her beauty characteristic of deities. She wore a blue and black striped hoodie paired with extremely short shorts and black stockings, giving her a lively appearance that lacked any feminine softness.
Though she was a goddess, she resembled a male god instead.
Especially her chest, which was as flat as Tiona's, showing no sign of any curves, indicating that there was no connection between her and Ryoji.
She squinted her eyes, her gaze crescent-shaped. Despite her frantic and somewhat erratic movements, she exuded a cunning, fox-like charm.
However, when she spoke, Ryoji was taken aback.
Why was she speaking in a northeastern dialect? For some reason, Goddess Loki's words were heavily laced with a strong regional accent.
"What is this?" Ryoji displayed a rather subtle expression.
After a moment of thought, he figured out the reason.
(End of Chapter)