Orario

The city of adventurers and home to the largest dungeon in the world. With a tower so high some say that it reaches beyond the heavens and stars themselves by the height of it.

Here, many gods and goddesses reside. Creating familias and granting those that follow them blessings as to face the perils of the dungeon. Seeking rewards and fame for what it has to offer yet risking their lives as the crawl down its dark depths.

To which now, in the dungeon's upper floors, laughter and footsteps echoed in the walls. If one were to see with their own eyes, they would've believed they saw a giant rabbit. Running and laughing without a care in the world as it was being chased by a beast.

In actuality, it was a young boy. No older than perhaps fourteen or fifteen with white hair and red eyes. Laughing as he was running away from a monster chasing him. A large beast with horns on its head, standing like a man and roaring similar to a cow crying.

He was being chased by a minotaur; a creature found in much lower floors than the current level they were on.

To others, the mere thought of a minotaur chasing them would even make grown men cry like children and be on the run for dear life. Yet to this boy, it would appear as though this was merely but a game to him.

As he laughed and zig zagged across the fifth floor of the dungeon. With nothing but the clothes on his body, a small shoulder bag and a knife at his hips. Turning into different corridors and pathways. Looking behind and laughing as the beast was being injured by the dungeon's walls and rocks in its way.

However, now there was only an empty space with multitude of paths and corridors, potentially leading to anywhere else on this floor or perhaps back up above, or down below. Panting as he looked around, he also heard the monster's roar coming closer.

"Ahh...guess I can't pick and run now. Guess that means, it's time to kick this things ass!"

With a cheeky grin on his face, he turned and pulled out his knife from his hip. Facing at the corridor where he just exited from and heard the heavy stompings of the minotaur aproaching faster and faster.

"Alright! Lets get this party started, you monster ox!"

"GROOOAAAAHHHH"

"A minotaur?"

A voice from one of the corridors echoed in the space around the young boy. As he turned his head slightly, but his eyes fixed on the one before him. Seeing the charging beast come at him as he slashed at the lower chest of it. Side stepping to the left as he saw the minotaur bleed and stumble a bit.

As the boy again slashed and dodged another charge from the beast. Another set of footprints came closer and closer. To where now the boy saw a large prominent figure emerging from the corridor. He stood quite tall, perhaps over seven feet in height. Carrying a large broadsword on his back as he saw him and the beast in a fight.

"Impressive. Dodging two charges head on and injuring it in the process."

"Ah! You were watching huh? Thanks, though it's my first time with this monste-woah! Nice try!" The boy said as he narrowly dodged the beast's horn as it tried to pierce the boy's skull. Yet narrowly dodging as only a few hairs were cut off from his head.

"Your reflexes aren't that bad ether. How long have you been an adventurer. You look new to me, but have skill."

"Not surprising! I've only been dungeon diving for about a week and a half. Came here two weeks ago."

As he yelled out to the man, he didn't realize how the taller man's eyes widened in shock. In his mind, he couldn't fathom how a kid like him was able to at least dodge and get a few hits in to a minotaur. When they were challenging to freshly new leveled adventurers.

To now, his attention was then brought to the minotaur. Seeing it slumping down as puddles and splashes of blood now scattered at the floor. It was succumbing to the numerous slashes and stab wounds the boy inflicted upon it during the evasive dodging.

It gripped on its lower stomach. Trying to prevent more blood from spilling. Along the fact, that now the creature's left arm was a slump. Unable to lift it up as it too was suffering from large cuts and gashes stabbed into it and odd coloring. Perhaps it was bruised earlier.

"Heh...haaah...finally wore you down you stupid ox. Now, time to hand over your ston-"

"Ariel."

To the surprise of both men, a gust of wind practically blasted around the clearing. The taller man withstood the sheer force of the breeze. But the young boy was hurled to the other side of the wall where he was once standing.

The sound of liquid splashing was heard as the boy opened his eyes from the sudden force injuring him. There where he once stood was a young girl. Long flowing blonde hair and her rapier now trickling with minotaur blood as she stared down at the monster's corpse.

It bursted in a plume of black smoke as from it, a large purple stone dropped, along with a glowing horn. He could only stare at the girl, as her head turned towards him. Her cold golden eyes looked at his ruby colored ones.

To the large man now making his presence known, he was in surprise again today. Knowing the blond girl before, he would've described her as many others do. This girl was that of a doll. Lacking much emotion or airheaded.

Yet, in her eyes he saw emotion. Concerning for the boy's safety. To him, he also thought he saw hints of surprise and her cheeks momentarily glowing pink at the sight of him. His ears twitched as he heard other footsteps coming closer. But couldn't take his eyes off the girl as he watched her approaching the boy, now standing up.

"Are...you alright?" She extended her hand to him, offering to help him up.

"Aiz! Oh you took care of-"

"What the hell was that for! You don't just waltz in here and steal someone's fight! I had it crippled and was about to go for its head!" The boy yelled in annoyance and irritation as he glared at the girl. Startling her for a moment.

"Hey you stupid runt! Be glad Aiz here fucking killed the thing before you would've died! A weakling like you crippling a minotaur!? What a fucking joke you stupid rabbit!" One of the girl's party members, Aiz, called out to the boy as the taller man now saw his eyes twitching and looked behind the girl at the one that insulted him.

"Hah!? What did you call me!?"

"Heh, now now. I apologize for my friend's language. But this was our fault and thus we had to take responsibility for it. You can keep the horn and the stone if it-"

"That doesn't make it any better you moron! I was having fun adventuring in the dungeon and fighting with that beast! I knew I was at a disadvantage so I wanted to fight it using my own skills! And I was about to go finish it off. Until she butted in a man's romance in the dungeon!"

The boy exclaimed as that drew some of the other party members puzzled by his words. The tall man that watched him, the smaller one, that offered his condolences to the boy, a young amber colored hair elf and a tomboyish amazon could understand what he was saying.

"Ohhhh! I get it! Yeah. I totally understand white hair! I'd be pretty mad if someone ruined my fun time testing out my Urga! And when I was about to smash it into some monsters I suddenly have to stop and save this idiot's ass!"

"What did you say you stupid amazoness!"

"Aha! See dog boy! She gets it, and it's annoying for her to have to stop her fun and save your tail! Stop being an idiot and be considerate to your friend's feelings!"

"Hmm...true. I understand wanting to test your skills, but shouldn't you have been more self-considerate about your safety?"

"I do take my life to consideration miss elf. Yet how can I improve my skills and learn about the dungeon if I run away from anything that seems dangerous. Its the adventure in of itself where we can learn to improve!"

"Still...you looked like you were in trouble..." Aiz spoke as the boy looked at her with a dull look in his eyes.

"Thats because I've been running away from it while making it bump into rocks and crashing it in narrow pathways to weaken it. And been dodging its hits so I could stab and scratch its skin to drain it of blood to weaken it more."

"The boy is right. He had it weakened before you appeared and took his duel away, Sword Princess." The tall man spoke as all aside the young boy, were surprised by his words.

"Ottar. You witnessed him fighting it?"

"Indeed. I was impressed by his skills against such a foe. And he had it well under control for someone so new to the dungeon. It wasn't my place to intervene yet. If he was determined to fight it, then who am I to take over a duel."

"Heh, thanks for staying out of it tall guy. Tsk. Well, guess that's it for today. Better head back up and get a bite."

"W-Wait! You forgot the drop items!"

"Take it! I don't want anything I didn't earn with my own two hands and knife!" The boy yelled as he didn't bother to look back at them and continued on with his way back to the upper levels till he reached the surface. Leaving the veteran adventurers there in the fifth floor bewildered and looking at the drop items now in the hands of one green haired elven woman.

"I suppose I'll have to make amends with the boy. I'll exchange the stone for Valis and-" She was stopped as the large man, Ottar, plucked the items from her hands with ease. Surprising them all as he then proceeded to follow where the boy was headed off to.

"Why didn't we stop him from just grabbing those from Lady Riveria?"

"Pride I suppose. Think about it. Would you accept something that you didn't earn from the same band of people that fought your fight and won when you couldn't?"

"I suppose...no not really. I'd probably see it as pity."

"Exactly. I think it best we leave it in Ottar's hands. Though, he must be something to have impressed him well. Wonder what familia he belongs to. Did he say anything before Aiz? Aiz?"

"He...didn't know who I was..." Aiz muttered as the other were perplexed what she said. But they never saw the glint and stars shining in her eyes as she looked on at the corridor where the boy left off.

Above the dungeon, by the entrance of it was the large building known as the Guild Hall. A building in which adventures come and take any job request or quest for rewards from clientele that need an adventurer to do their job or require items from the dungeon.

Here is where many adventurers must register and be eligible to exchange their magic stones they collect from the dungeon for Valis. Along with learning about the dungeon in their useful library and some familias even connect through the guild to find housing for their members.

Yet, the boy that emerged from the dungeon did not, enter the guild hall to exchange his stones for Valis. Instead, he adjusted his shoulder bag strap tight around his left arm. Feeling the bag resting against the left side of his shoulder blade as he looked ahead past the crowds of adventurers and towards the shop district entrance from the Guild Plaza.

"Hmm...what do I have left for food. I've got a few days' worth of Valis set aside for the inn. And then the price of a cheap knife since this one's close to getting broken. And the fees for trading those stones in from that dwarf broker...Looks about 1800 Valis for lunch today."

"That much for a meal? And those expenses. Tell me, do you not have a familia?" A voice called behind him as he turned to then look up at the tall man from before.

"Oh, it's you...Ottar right? Thanks again for staying out of the fight. But was it that obvious?" He looked around to see if anyone noticed and thankfully many were too absorbed in their own business.

"At first...not actually. You had skills many beginning adventurers wouldn't have. Along with how nimble you were with the minotaur. I thought you might have been a low Level 2 adventurer or had more experience in learning about the dungeon as a Level 1."

"So what gave it away?"

"Listening in on your fees and thinking what you were going for a meal. And you mentioned in the dungeon you arrived three weeks, not including your time in the dungeon. That basically meant you were low on funds..."

"Ah, right. Never did gave my name did I? Bell Cranel. And yeah...pretty hard to find a place to join when I came here to officially start out."

Both men stood in silence as Bell kicked away a stray pebble. Not even hiding his stomach's growling. Nor even looking embaressed about it. With the roar of his stomach, and feeling his about to follow suit, Ottar picked up the boy by the back of his shirt and lead the way.

Bell not even questioning where they were going as he had a gut feeling that Ottar knew where to go. Moments of silence between them as people in front of them moved aside to makw way for the tall man.

Bell's attention was then snapped back as he was now in front of a saloon door as his body was used to open it. And inside the building they entered, he noticed a few customers inside. And the staff members in green dress aprons walking about.

Though a few of them were turned his way as Ottar went closer to the counter bar and hoisted his body up. Bell then saw a large woman wiping her hands on her apron as she smiled at them. Coming closer and leaning on the bar as she looked at the tall man. It was apparent, that this woman was a dwarf.

"Ottar. Mighty surprising you drop by alone without your members. Or without your goddess. And more surprising you brought a rabbit in my pub. Want me to make a stew out of em?"

"What...did you just call me..." Bell said with a dull voice as his eye twitched violently. But was stopped as Ottar let go of his back collar and set him down on the bar stool and had his shoulder on him.

"Don't call him a rabbit if you mind. He almost made Loki's Vanargand less of a man today when he called him that. Start us off with the usual for me and..."

Ottar then looked down at Bell as a menu was handed to him by the dwarf woman. Taking it from her hands. He looked at it for a moment before handing it back to her.

"Get me the same as him if you mind. I'm not that picky of an eater. Though if he gets any liquor mind switching it out with something non-alcoholic?"

"You sure you got the funds for it kid?"

"Don't worry about the funds Mama Mia. I'll pay. Just keep the food coming."

"Hehe, better eat it all or I'll charge you double. *Clap* Alright girls! Come on the back, we got two big orders! Syr! Ryu! Tend to our customer's drinks." She called out as three of her staff members followed her into the back kitchen and two girls came behind the bar and prepared their drinks.

"Fair warning if you come here for the food kid. Mama Mia's rules are straight forward. Follow them and you won't get your ass kicked. Always have the money for food otherwise she'll work you to the bone. Watch out for the cat girls, they tend to tease customers and sucker in for tips."

"Ahh. So that's her name. And I kinda had a feeling I was being eyes by that brown haired one. But...the silver haired girl?" Bell whispered as he eyed the girl with silver hair helping the other waitress behind the bar with the drinks.

"Hn. Sharp eye kid. That, is Syr. She's quite the minx. And no one seems to notice until its too late."

"How rude Mr. Ottar. I'm a fair and innocent young maiden. Spreading mean rumors about me to someone." Syr spoke as she and her friend came closer to the bar as they placed their drinks down before them.

"Mr. Ottar. Your usual spiced rum. And for you young sir. I present a lemon-berry mixed tea. Please enjoy."

"Mou...Ryu you don't have to be so stiff with the customers. Sorry, I'm Syr Flova. And this elf here is my friend Ryu Lion. Nice to see a new face in the pub. So...what's your name?"

Bell took his drink and tasted it. Smiling as he placed his mug down and looked at Syr in the eyes. Unknowist to him, Syr shivered under his ruby gaze and bit her lip a bit in excitement from seeing him smile.

"Bell Cranel. I'm new to Orario still. Nice to meet you two. And already I can say that you'll see me here more often to get a bite. So, I look forward to enjoying your service here."

"We thank you for your patronage, Mr. Cranel. Though be advise about Syr and Mama Mia trying to take more of your money. A fair warning. As many of our customers have lost a lot."

"Ryu!/I HEARD THAT YOU USELESS ELF!" Syr and Mama Mia called from the kitchen at the elf. Annoyed how the fact she released that tidbit to their new customer. Yet it didn't seem to affect Bell negatively. Rather, they were surprised as he let out a hearty laugh and clapped his hands.

"Hahahaha! You're pretty funny huh? Ah I'll definitely be coming by now then. Besides, not my first time deaking with shifty characters. I bet that Syr here tricks people by dropping coins or magic stones and getting someone in with that." He said as he sipped on his drink.

His answer got Syr and Ryu to widen their eyes in shock. And smirking behind his own mug was Ottar. Finding it humorous the fact the little minx of the Hostess of Fertility was caught without even being seen or having first swindled the boy.

"Mr. Cranel. How did-"

"I'm honestly surprised. I just thought of the simplest way to fool a customer. But the look on your faces practically confirmed it. Gahahaha! She actually does that. What else, does she pretend to sweep and bump into someone?"

"Gck!"

"Serously!? Hehehahaha! I'm not even thinking too hard about it! Gahahaha!"

"Mr. Bellll, that's mean."

"Alright, enough making fools out of my laziest worker-"

"Mama why!?"

"Order's up! Two Hunter's Banquet and some sides. Eat up boys or better have sacks of Valis ready to pay me." Mama Mia said as she and the girls delivered the food as they headed back into the kitchen.

Ottar, Syr and Ryu looked at his plate of food and recalled that Bell ordered the same. It was a large mountain of food with variety of sides to eat with large portions. Including kababs, soups, bread and cheeses and even an extra drink on the side.

The three of them looked back to the kitchen window and saw Mama already working on the next plate. As Ottar recalled he does order about three or four platters for himself. Worrying, the three then turned to Bell and wondered if he was going to need help.

"If you think its a bit much then I can-huh..."

"Huh!?/EHHH!?"

"Hmmghf!? Owwwohhhaaa! Holy crap! *Schlp* This is- *Crunch* so tahshty! You seriously-*Nghmph* order this meal here all the time!? I think I found my favorite pub!"

The three of them were shocked, and a little bit horrified at how a innocent looking kid like Bell could practically scarf down and inhale that large mountain of food and enjoy it without so much as a struggle.

"Hope you're ready for another serving kid. Ottar here eats about three or four of them!"

"If it's this good serve me a lot! I can eat ten of them! Bring the next one Mama!"

"TEN!? How can you eat that much with such a slim body!"

"Just make it five Mama Mia. I said I'd treat you but there's a limit. Besides, you don't have the money this time. Even this, is gonna be only worth about two of these." Ottar said as he handed Bell a large and heavy small sack of Valis on the table. And then the minotaur horn next to it.

Bell looking down at the bag and horn. His mood became dull as he ripped off the shrimp and meat off the skewer he had in his mouth and quickly swallowed it. Looking at the items first before leaning over the bar and taking a long drink.

"Pshhh...I told them I didn't want it. If I didn't earn it on my own it doesn't feel right. It's annoying how they just barged in and try to make me seem like a weak idiot. Specially that dumb dog."

Ottar stopped eating his last bite of his meal as he set it atop the bar. Looking at Ryu and Syr coming back with the next plate. He could understand it wasn't about the money. Feeling as though he'd take it regardless.

"True. It was unfair. But don't say you didn't earn it. You're a new adventurer. And faced off a minotaur after your short time. That's something to take pride in. And besides. You said that even loss is a learning experience. So, while this isn't a loss per say. This is an experience for you, so reward yourself every once in a while for it."

"Hmm...well, gut feeling says you're gonna make me take it regardless. So fine. I'll accept this. But you're paying an extra meal for me then!"

"Only one more plate. Mama!"

"I heard!"

"By the way. Was it really that hard to find a famila? I know most are looking for members." Ottar said as he and Bell placed their mugs atop the bar for another refill to be given. As Bell slumped on the counter with his chin resting on his hand.

"Another reason I hate being called rabbit is the fact that it makes me look like a kid to a lot of people. Whenever I requested to join, it was always the same excuse or refusal. 'Sorry but I don't think you'll cut it.' 'Go home kid this ain't an orphanage or a babysitting service.' 'No brats.' Tsk. Jackasses can't tell I'm fifteen."

"Hmm...true. Some go by appearance. But that's mainly because gods see more than humans and other raced with their divinity. Though, you should try at least once more to find one before your funds run out."

"If you're looking for a familia. Why not invite him into yours Mr. Ottar?" Syr's voice brought their attention to her as she replaced the empty mugs with new filled ones. Her suggestion brought both of them to blink in confusion.

"His familia?"

"Yes. The Freya Familia. They're said to be the current strongest in Orario. Though...they have a bit of a reputation to be at heads with each other. And it's rare for them to take new members in. But it couldn't hurt to try with Mr. Ottar's help!"

Bell then looked over to Ottar as even the taller man looked back at him.

"Well, she's not wrong. We do have a lot of rivalries within our familia. Mainly, because we want to do our goddess proud. I can't say for sure you'll be accepted by the others. But the decision of being accepted in is up to our goddess."

"So, you think I should try at least?"

Silence lasted about a good ten seconds before the sound of a plate being dropped down on the bar brought their attention back. This time it was from Mama Mia as she looked down at the boys with a sigh.

"It wouldn't kill ya to help the kid at least see your goddess about joining. Do this and I'll lower the price of today's meal by two plates worth."

That caused her staff and Ottar to pause and look at Mia as if she was crazy. Of all the years coming and eating here. And the time the girls worked for the sadist of a boss. Never, ever, did they expect to hear her say she'll cut cost of a meal before.

"...You're serious. *Sigh* Very well. I can't make any promise about getting accepted. But would you mind waiting a week? I do have to tell her in advance. And for word to spread so the members don't do anything idiotic when you arrive."

"Heh, sure I don't mind waiting. Meanwhile I can keep going at it in the dungeon and get some money in for later. Thanks a bunch Mr. Ottar. And thank you Mama Mia! I'm ready for plate four!"

"How on earth are you able to pack that much food in such a small body kid...tsk. Kinda regret lowering the tab now..." Mama muttered as she went back in the kitchen to make another plate for Bell as he was still scarfing down his third plate of food.

While he ate. Ottar looked at Syr with a hardened look. Wondering why she would suggest that to a boy like Bell. However, as he saw that smile forming on her face, he couldn't even try to argue with her and joined in with Bell in scarfing and enjoying his meal alongside him.