Well, I decided to go with the Lili POV to introduce her and take us away from the the Dungeon for a one chapter. Show the surface developments a bit, although Lili isn't exactly hanging around with the more important characters. End of chapter sets something up though.

I basically have Shakti's next chapter written, but think it best I put an Ottar one before. So, Ottar III next.

Over half of adventurers never reach level 2.

Or, more accurately, over half of adventurers are Level 1.

Although, in reality, even that's rather deceptive. A statement that is strictly true, but purposefully as misleading as possible. After all, that generally refers to active adventurers, and there are many things that can happen to an adventurer. Orario wouldn't need a constant influx of young hopefuls if they didn't lose adventurers constantly.

Only the Guild knew the actual numbers, and they weren't likely to tell anyone since said influx was necessary.

For all that 'half of Orario's adventurers are Level 1' can tell you about the profession, anyone coming to make their fortune in a murder pit was the type of person that would unsurprisingly assume that they were the more fortunate half that would indeed level up.

It would be another thing to find out that three-fourths of new adventurers weren't adventurers in five years. That death, injuries, or mental exhaustion ensure that barely a quarter reaches that point with falna still active. That it was half the remainder never leveled up. That if you escaped horrible death, physical crippling, or mental anguish enough to send you running for the hills, chances were still better that you became a magic stone miner. Coming and farming the uppermost floors and easiest monsters with rote movements, spending vali as quickly as you earned it to indulging in alcohol, sex, and other vices as stress-relief for your job. Knowing truly, deep inside you, that the stories people talked about wouldn't be of you.

Lili honestly didn't know the numbers, but she naturally assumed it was enough to scare too many away for the Guild to ever reveal.

On the other hand, adventurers were stupid, greedy people one-and-all, so Lili figured such facts wouldn't prevent a flow of the stupid and delusional coming to the 'City of Heroes'.

It was all a joke. Lili had experienced the truth enough to know that as a certainty. Born into this horrible life, falna on her back as long as she could remember. First experiences during the Dark Ages between the faded glory of Zeus and Hera and the nascent rise of Freya and Loki. The desperation of weak adventurers to use alcohol and more to endure their fear of monsters. The rapaciousness towards money as dreams of riches faded before reality. The cruelty of those with even a slight bit of power realizing they can at least punch down at those weaker. Lili had tasted and experienced every aspect of the true adventuring life.

Certainly more than the glittery, false portrayal that those blessed by luck and talent tricked the naïve into believing.

So, Lili was not inclined towards romanticism.

Thus, when she heard that the King leveled up once again to Level 8, her reaction was simple and uncomplicated.

Complete indifference. Not even a single thought that this concerned her. She was just Lili. A weak, talentless pallum forced to scrabble and make something of the dirt and shit while people like that stepped over – and on her – without thought.

She wasn't alone in such a reaction either. Amongst the uncared about masses of low-class adventurers, it was the general reaction. After all, what would people struggling to or having given up on leveling up once think when they heard that the King had just leveled up for the seventh time? They certainly weren't going to empathize with him. He was more some unreachable beast than a person, in their minds.

'We don't even live in the same worlds.'

Lili knew that was the truth, and would call anyone who didn't think the same a fool. She just upgraded the distance she felt necessary to keep from him to fifty meters; in case he sneezed in her direction and put her a million vali in debt from medical expenses. Best to ensure he never even looked at her either.

Then she moved on without any further thought.

It was the way. The strongest could hardly inspire the weakest. They were too distant. Too out-of-reach for anyone used to the mud and dirty to even dream of. The low-tier adventurers of Orario were more likely to react to someone reaching Level 2 than any first-class adventurer doing whatever amazing thing their talent allowed that day.

In reality though, there were too many and they were too insignificant for even that to do more than create a slight burst of energy in a portion that soon died out again.

A Level 1 or weaker Level 2 doing something genuinely amazing, enough to spread amongst the disaffected hordes of Level 1's in Orario and make them sit up, was simply too much to ask.

Thus, life continued on for Lili and the low-tier adventurers of Orario. They dived, gathered enough magic stones to support themselves for a few days, and then went to deal with whatever hassles life threw their way while trying to find some hope in it. The same unextraordinary grind that defined the average adventurer.

It was indirectly that her life began to shift.

"Gah, more of 'em," one of the three adventurers she was with stated with an annoyed click of the tongue.

"Where do they keep coming from?"

"At least this one doesn't appear to be from a big familia."

The irritation had been building up for a while. At the beginning of this delve, they had heard the Hephaestus familia had camped and started to dominate the 12thfloor. That had served as justification for this group – which had bragged that they had reached the 10thfloor – to stay to the 8thand 9thfloors. Yet, that hadn't been the only encounter or warning that had started to wear on them.

Apollo familia had a group of Level 2's come by on the 8th, destroying everything in sight before heading deeper. Then more middle-ranking familia followed. Group after group rushing in, clearing the way as they headed deeper. The Magni Familia. The Modi Familia. Ratri. Serket. The stronger familias with multiple Level 2 and 3's that made low-ranking familia like their own shiver in helplessness.

Then there was Level 1's of the Hathor familia staking out the 9thfloor, and then a proper expedition of their Level 2 and 3's.

And Lili wasn't going to even mention the glimpse they got of the Ganesha Familia that was heading down to who-knows-how-deep in the Dungeon.

Every glimpse of the familias and adventurers of a different level to them left the three she was following in worse and worse moods. Forced them away from the reliable hunting grounds. Made her more and more certain they'd take their aggression out on her.

And now, after retreating to the 7thfloor, they found yet another group not familiar to the Level 1 regulars.

Yet, Lili saw the confidence in which they killed off the War Shadows and Killer Ants – despite clearly not being dedicated fighters based on equipment – and chirped with a smile, "It is of no issue. Lili is sure a group as strong as this one can easily hunt on the 6thfloor."

Lili's intuition regarding the adventurers before her didn't help with the adventurers she was with, as her words led to a swift cuff on the head as one then spat, "The 6thfloor? Some of us aren't as weak as you and actually have some pride!"

"Lili is sorry. This worthless supporter didn't think enough to control her mouth," she instinctively responded despite the bloom of pain in her head.

"Make sure you do from now on," the adventurer growled, before firming himself with a rough grimace at the group of unknown adventurers before them as he sauntered forth. Quickly focusing on a cow demi-human, the bouncing of the very full chest as she fought instinctively drawing his attention. "Hey, who the hell are you guys? We don't recognize you. You think that you can just come in here and stake a claim here?!"

…he was completely ignored.

It made him grit his teeth, and also for the other two in the party to step to his side. All three clearly now going full intimidation. Using their rough appearances along with the hint of violence to try and get their way.

"Hey, didn't you hear us?!"

"You think you can just ignore us because you have some numbers?!"

"Free up some of the corridor or get lost."

The cow demi-human finally deigned to send a look at them, and the utter dismissal in her eyes made Lili's sixth sense scream again as she told them bluntly, "You leave. You're in over your heads."

The three clearly sensed the derision, and it only got them more worked up.

"C-Callie," a sheep demi-human spoke up though, hesitantly approaching the other and tapping on her shoulder. "S-Should we split u-up? Some of us go deeper while others stay h-here?"

The introduction of the stuttering female sheep demi-human naturally spurred the predatory instincts of the three, and one gruffly said with a gesture, "Yeah, split up and make way. Make this easy."

The stuttering demi-human now looked at them too, and it was quickly clear her stutter was not from intimidation of them based on the way she looked at them like a piece of trash on the road.

The three were too stupid to make the same realization Lili was though, and one spat angrily at the look, "Watch your gaze, bitch, before we get irritated. What familia hasn't taught you to behave like women like you shou-"

"Freya familia."

The simple answer from the cow demi-human did more than shut them up. Lili felt her heart stop. The three also visibly paled.

The sheep demi-human than added, eyes still as scathing as she looked at them, "We're part of the Andhrímnir, healers and supporters of the Freya familia."

Finally realizing what they were dealing with, all of them – Lili included – took a step backwards.

The Freya familia. The most feared and imperious familia in Orario. And these were their healers. It didn't even matter if that left this group of eight weaker than one would expect of a familia so far above them. Familia were notoriously protective of their healers. Anyone to even touch one of these would soon have it turned back on them a hundredfold.

You'd be lucky if your familia was merely destroyed and everyone in your family line only made servants.

It made any words unnecessary – if anything, any hint of their identities would only raise the risk – as the three finally turned and sprinted away. Lili was right there with them too. She had taken many risks and endured much in her life, but she also was still alive because she knew at times when to turn tail and run away.

Thus, with but a name spoken, they fled the entire 7th floor without any hesitation or thought of pride.

Eventually they came to a halt on the 6thfloor, recovering physically and mentally from the close call of a different nature than the Dungeon usually offered.

Lili's mind was already racing with calculations on what they'd managed to get so far and the discouraged looks coming over the three she was following, she spoke cheerily, "Lili is sure you all will be able to have an easy time on the 6thfloor for the rest of today."

Unfortunately, she acted prematurely and the helplessness quickly turned to anger that was directed at her.

A smack this time sent her into the wall, although she forced herself back up quickly.

"It's done," the adventurer snarled, turning and starting away. "Let's finish this damn day."

That was not what Lili had been hoping to hear.

"Your payout comes down to a total of 14,000 valis. Here you go."

And that sealed Lili's bad mood.

One shared by the adventurers, with the one in the lead grumbling as he leaned on the Guild desk, "Bah, 14,000. Pathetic. We would have come out with twice that easy, if we didn't have such bad luck."

"Of course, Mr. Odel. You and your companions are reliable and experienced adventurers," the pretty guild receptionist replied, practiced smile on her face.

"Yeah," he agreed, pleased by the words and soon continuing. "What is with all the familia going deep, anyways? It's never like this. They just create trouble for us that are working hard to improve and build our familia's up, you know."

"It must be extremely difficult for you, but I am confident you can manage."

"Course I will. I'm going to be big; you know. Everyone will know the name of my familia. The-"

Lili had to make sure not to glare at the guild receptionist. It was hard, as she once again felt the intense jealousy rising in her. What an easy job. No adventuring yourself. Just be pretty enough, flash a few smiles to adventurers, act as if they are big shots, and everyone is suddenly trying to impress you. Lili wondered how many presents they probably received from fools like this one who weren't clever enough to see through the fake smile she was giving him.

"Apologies, Mr. Odel. I would be happy to talk to you more, but I must keep working or my supervisor will come and yell at me."

And whenever they got bored of listening to the banal boasts of adventurers, they also had a built-in excuse that no adventurer would go against.

Some people had all the luck.

"Okay, okay. I'll talk to you next time when it is less busy," the adventurer said, smile dropping as he turned and tossed Lili a small pouch. "There. Your pay, brat."

"Thank you, Mr. Adventurer," she immediately said, subtly trying to calculate how much was within based on feel.

Not that she needed to, as he smirked with self-satisfaction and informed her outright, "I cut a bit off from it. I know we agreed on 20%, but we faced so few monsters we had so little use for you that 10% is fairer. I even made it 1,500 since I'm generous."

And Lili had no luck.

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Adventurer," Lili said as she smiled sweetly at him and gave a deep bow. "I am sorry that Lili could not help you more, and grateful you are willing to overlook a burden like Lili on you strong adventurers."

It came easy. She was used to this. Those who didn't steal her own potions or weapons were actually the better ones; as much as something like that could even be said of adventurers.

It didn't stop Lili's face from twisting in bitterness as she bowed. Or her hands gripping the bag of valis tightly. 1,500 valis. Pathetic. Enough for a few days if one lives in squalor, but little more. Certainly not enough to keep up with the 'taxes' of her familia, much less squirreling some away to buy her freedom one day.

Even Lili could have made more than this in a few hours if she'd went in herself to hunt a few monsters on the first few floors.

Lili actually considered that such might be needed after such a mess of a day, but her pounding heart soon made her shake her head in chastisement.

Lili had already failed at being an adventurer herself; she was better off finding a prominent mark in an adventurer.

Lili turned to leave, but a voice came up from behind, "Excuse me, Miss Supporter?"

"Yes, Miss Receptionist?" Lili asked as she spun to look at the receptionist with a wide smile. Trying to hide her own tension. "Is there anything Lili can do for you? Lili can't imagine there's anything one like she can do, but she'll do whatever you want."

Besides her jealousy, Lili tried to keep her distance from the Guild from fear too. If they caught on to her, everything would be over. To avoid that was much of what restrained her.

"Liliruca Arde of the Soma Familia, correct?" the receptionist asked. She clearly checked something. "Dedicated supporter for eight years?"

"Yes, Miss Receptionist."

"There are new missions on the board for independent supporters, especially those with more experienced," the receptionist informed her. "I would recommend you check them out. There's a dire press for manpower starting to arise in the stronger familia."

Lili was confused at that, but thanked her and started walking regardless.

A mission for independent supporters? Lili couldn't recall that ever happening. Anyone with the funds to make a mission through the Guild was in a position to use other methods. They could check in with allies or, more likely, they were of a familia large enough for them to conscript weaker and newer members as their supporters.

Missions would only be necessary if they needed more supporters than their familia or personal network could procure.

Yet, Lili felt her eyes widen as she saw just that. There were several others also looking, but she was able to use her size to get a good look. There were pamphlets for new supporters, but also more experienced ones. Lili quickly skimmed the ones that required several years of experience and Agility at E, the 'highest' she qualified for.

Apollo familia. Hathor Familia. Modi Familia. Ishtar Familia.

They were other aspects that surprised her too. Most actually were for periods of time. Some had set payments, through the Guild.

It was too unbelievable, but she nonetheless found herself grabbing every relevant flyer before fleeing.

Lili made sure to throw off any tails that might have been waiting for her outside the Guild. She moved through crowds while going in circles. Used moments in isolated alleys to transform her appearance with Cinder Ella. Kept going further.

Finally she felt confident enough to use an isolated nook in an alley to look at the flyers she'd grasped more closely.

Her confusion only increased further. Why did such large familias that usually used their weaker Level 1's as supporters suddenly decided they needed to outsource for that role? Too many experiences with the scum of Orario made her suspicious.

The missions were through the Guild, with their moderation of terms being upheld?

Not going to prevent one from 'disappearing' her in the Dungeon as soon as the term of service was ended and they were expected to finally pay her.

Or prevent Zanis from doing something to ensure they paid all her funds to him directly, since she had long since learned how much adventurers cared about some pallum.

Yet, Lili couldn't throw them away. Couldn't force herself to tear them up. Instead, her hands only tightened on them and her mind started wandering to what if.

Instinct told her to throw this away and return to her previous method, but was it smarter? Lili knew more than anyone how much she was struggling. How at risk she was of one adventurer getting too angry. Of someone learning of Cinder Ella. Of her stash being found and years of work saving funds to buy her freedom being looted by some asshole adventurer.

Lili already hadn't made the progress she'd hoped to over the years. The gaining of Cinder Ella three years ago was a great boon that revitalized her efforts, but it wasn't a cure-all. There were enough demi-humans with senses of smell enough to track her down if she tried to flee Zanis. The Guild was also a risk. She needed to be able to exchange magic stones and drops, and that meant keeping up a consistent appearance as a supporter in her true appearance. Only a part of the time could she act under disguise, and she had to keep the times she stole or tricked adventurers for those times as she couldn't have it traced back to her actual name and appearance.

If someone in the Soma familia learned of Cinder Ella, she'd likely be sold to a brothel like they'd once discussed when she'd been younger.

If the Guild managed to learn of her stealing and tricking adventurers, her ability to earn funds legitimately would be shot too.

Lili knew she was dancing on the edge. At times, she even relished it. Finally able to strike back against those who abused and took advantage of her using the same methods they would. She didn't blind herself though and assume everything would be fine. It had never been for her.

Tightening her hands on the flyers, Lili decided to at least investigate to see if this might offer a chance that might not come back.

The Apollo familia, a newly raised D-rank Exploration familia.

Lili moved and checked out their familia house. It was…annoyingly impressive. Wealth beyond what she could imagine.

She instead focused on loitering around the area, picking up gossip with some aid of Cinder Ella. It wasn't too hard either. Apollo familia was big and noticeable, but also not overly respected. At least, not enough to prevent people from idly gossiping whenever members weren't around.

It gave Lili some valuable information, more than what was publicly available at the Guild. The familia had a Level 3 captain and numerous Level 2's. Enough to be a solid middle-ranking familia of Orario. Despite that, they hadn't delved deep for their current ranking. Rumors stated that Apollo liked money and luxury, and the familia members focused mostly on that. Some harsher rumors said their recent rank up from E to D was just from the Guild tiring of it and thus putting them at the rank where they were mandated to conduct expeditions to reach new floors.

Overall, a familia with a pervy god that might fixate on her, especially if he learned ofCinder Ella.

If Lili wanted to have to deal with things like that, might as well go with the Ishtar Familia who offered more money.

Rejected.

Modi Familia, a C-ranked familia.

Much smaller and less showy than the Apollo familia, but also stronger. They had multiple Level 3's making up their executives. They only numbered two dozen, but at least half of that number of new Level 2's or veteran Level 1's. Composed of several races, although no dwarves.

Rivalry with the Magni familia, driving from a rivalry between the two gods that was joked of as almost a brother-like situation.

A more reliable choice, seemingly, but also rather demanding on time with a full three-month contract.

Provisionally Rejected.

Dellingr Familia, an F-ranked familia.

Looser schedule, but smaller and weaker familia with but a few Level 2's.

Which unfortunately meant a lesser salary.

Rejected.

Ratri Familia, a D-ranked familia.

Larger, stronger. Not a reliable reputation, however. A rough and tumble sort of familia.

Rejected.

Serket Familia, a D-ranked familia.

Actually tempting. Many members. A lesser proportion of them being Level 3's or stronger Level 2's, but overall strong. It was also a more dispersed familia, with a number of 'groups' generally living and operating separately.

It made less chance of them prying into a supporter.

Together with a looser contract where she is paid the more she helps them, it was only the lesser incentives that made her put them on hold.

Provisionally Rejected.

It was investigating these familia that Lili learned of why so many middle-ranked familias were starting to move so. The King leveling up. It almost made Lili scoff.

Apparently it was starting at the strongest familias. Movements that someone like Lili never even noticed. Big declarations of expeditions deep into the Dungeon. Equipment and supplies being bought in bulk. All sorts of talk about driving to reach new floors and achieve new level ups.

And as they moved, the ones directly under them also had to. Every familia with prestige worrying on what it would say about them if those above them leveled up. That their value would decrease as those at top pushed higher.

The Apollo familia feared that they would be disrespected if too much a gap formed between them and the more respected middle-ranked familia like Modi or Serket.

The Modi and Serket familias feared what would happen if the Hathor familia rose higher.

All the way to Loki Familia refusing to be a clear second to the Freya Familia, and Ganesha Familia fearing they would become too weak to remain as a force of order between the two juggernauts.

Typical, for Lili's life to be so defined by the mere aftereffects of the actions of others.

Still, she needed to take advantage of it, and she was narrowing down her options.

The Hathor Familia, a B-ranked familia.

Lili approached this familia even more carefully than the others. After all, the Hathor Familia was one of Orario's high-ranking familias. The sort that would look at the Soma familia as trash on the road.

She eyed from a distance their familia home – named Dandarah. It was already a fine, if simple, mansion with attached dorms, but work was being done on it. Construction workers were taking down several of the nearby townhouses, and some foreman and architects clearly laying out expansion options. Around them were numerous adventurers who walked with the air of the strong.

Lili saw a figure on the roof. Her eyes narrowed in, feeling an undeniable draw. It was a dark-skinned woman, with long black-hair. She also had numerous golden bangles and other accessories.

Sitting on the roof, she was merely watching the going-ons with an enigmatic smile.

Before her head turned and Lili's eyes met hers.

Goddess. Hathor herself. Lili felt the realization in an instant, and pulled back beyond the corner in an instant. Shivering at the little knowing smile she'd received in that moment.

Most gods, in her experience, were frivolous and remarkably disappointing, but at times they also did something that made her very much feel like this was a game and she merely a set piece.

Deciding she wanted to make more distance after that, Lili retreated. Believed checking out the area closer to the Hathor familia home would be ineffective. After considering, she eventually entered an inn up the road towards Babel that Hathor and other nearby familias would have to pass by.

Lili entered the inn in guise of an elf, blonde and innocent looking.

"U-Um, excuse me, Lilian would like to know if you might need an extra pair of hands tonight," she spoke, shifting her voice.

"Hmm," the innkeep said as he looked down on her. With changing her size being the greatest restriction of Cinder Ella, she had to stick to younger members of other races. So, his baffled look at seeing an elven child alone wasn't unexpected. "What are you doing here, deary?"

"L-Lilian is meeting someone soon, b-but they were late," she stuttered out, bowing deeply as she continued quickly, "Lilian is willing to work. She only needs enough money to last tonight, she promises. She'll do whatever you need for enough to do that. Honest labor, she promises."

Put off by an elf child bowing to him, the innkeeper looked around at the looks coming at him and shifted before barking, "Kelly, come out here and help me handle this."

Once he called his wife and fellow inn worker forward, Lili found it easy to manipulate them. An extra set of hands for a single night was valuable enough to acknowledge, while the amount it cost was small enough to not need great consideration. Once 'Lilian' suggested a salary that really would only be good enough for the night, they had little reason to refuse.

The appearance also helped.

"Huh, where did you find a little cutie like this to work as a waitress, old man?"

"I'm not old, and she just popped up on her own. Needed some valis and food. She'll just be here for tonight."

"Tonight only? Well, best I drink a lot then and leave a good tip, hahaha."

The response to 'Lilian' only illustrated that. Elves were always attention-drawing, and cute, young elves with a happy smile and innocent façade even rarer. Most were stoic and distant, so all Lili had to do was laugh and flash smiles to win everyone over.

This disguise was one of her favorites. Whenever she used it as a supporter, she inevitably got treated far nicer. Too bad that it was too tempting. Lone elves without obvious comrades were rare. Young elves vulnerable to influence or just vulnerable entirely even moreso. Those she worked with always became too interested in her, trying to properly recruit the elf into their familia's.

Or worse.

It was good to be cute, but to be too cute and desirable while an independent supporter was asking to draw certain types you didn't want focused on you.

This was a good time to make use of it. The valis would be pointless, but it got her into the inn. She was also soon taking food and drink to the customers. The place was even busier than usual with the rare sight of a cute elf serving, and so it was easy enough to guide conversations to tell her about the Hathor familia.

They were well-known in this part of town.

Their captain and vice-captain were Level 4, and married beside. A rare case of a couple coming to Orario, and neither dying even as they worked their way up the adventurer ladder over a decade. Level 4 for two years now, strong ones, there was already anticipation on when they would level up again. Level 5 meant it was all but impossible to guess when one would manage to jump over that wall that stopped so many high-tier adventurers in their track, but the two seemingly were talented enough there were hopes.

Hopes of the entire Hathor Familia, who were just waiting till they had first-class adventurers of their own. It was clear they had intentions once that happened, even if Lili was far removed from such politics. The Hathor familia appeared to have been spreading their influence among the city's middle-ranking familia for a while. Providing financial aid, coordinating cooperative expeditions into the Dungeon, and more. Considering the gods of that 'region' of the Heavens had always tended to be ambitious towards the established order…

Instead, more relevant to her was the shift that had happened recently. It seems the Hathor Familia had shifted along with the other familias. Lowering their funding of other familias in favor of expanding their familia. Many of the adventurers here were of said familias, grumbling that Hathor was expanding and more. Focusing more on deep expeditions.

It made their need for Lili clear, which together with the second-best contract terms made this the first familia Lili approached.

"Oh, so you are the one that has come forward regarding our call for supporters," was what greeted Lili when she walked in.

Only for a lighter, teasing voice to then add on, "Oh, she's cute. You don't have to be so stern, honey."

"It's best to treat this seriously."

"Boo, but I prefer when you aren't so stiff," the woman of the two said, turning to Lili to wink and whisper, "His voice is so smooth when he is relaxed. ~Dreamy~."

Lili kept her smile on her face, but mainly as she didn't know how to reply to that.

These two were cunning, to use such a ploy to throw off the applicants.

Although it was expected. In her investigation, she had checked the public information of the Guild. So, she could at least recognize the appearances of these two.

The captain and vice-captain of the Hathor Familia.

Meretites Musid, nicknamed Menat [The Dancing Cat]. Level 4. Tan skin paired well with vibrant green eyes and a bob of purple hair. Her atmosphere was light though, already making odd, cat-like motions with her hands as Lili looked at her.

Kahai Musid, nicknamed Alatee [Dragon Tattoo Man]. Level 4. He was…well, handsome. Lili has to give him that. With semi-long hair and a sharp face, he looked good even before he raised a hand to run through his hair. Although the tattoo on his left arm also drew attention.

"Greetings," Lili finally said, trying to continue the conversation to business over…whatever that was. Bowing, she said in a saccharine tone, "Lili saw your honored familia's flyer at the Guild. It would please her greatly to be able to assist such amazing adventurers."

"Hm, really?" Kahai said, clearly not taken in as he ran his eyes over her. "I hope you understand what your duties are and why you are being hired."

"Lili is well-used to the duties of a supporter, although she cannot claim to have any insight to such a strong familia like yours."

"Well, we need to free up our Level 1's a bit," Meretites claimed, grinning. "We'll be doing an expansion with some new recruiting once the new buildings are finished, and we need to make sure to get as many of our Level 1's as high as possible."

Not that unusual. Most familia tried to recruit in batches. New Level 1's in groups that can cooperate in the early floors, with preferably last rotation's Level 1's more veteran and seasoned by then.

It also was the best use of space that familias could offer. Not all were as wealthy as the Hathor familia or Apollo familias, able to create familia homes like this able to house so many. Even the Soma familia was one of the larger familias, due to their alcohol business, and most lived spread out between numerous inns or business facilities. Most smaller familia had one or two townhouses. As time passed and their current members died off, it opened up space for new recruits.

This cycle of recruitment, seasoning, losses, and then recruitment again determined the recruiting seasons of Orario.

Although the fact that the Hathor Familia had chosen to expand their familia home and they were pushing their members so much they needed to recruit outside supporters made clear that this wasn't the usual routine anymore.

"Should you have sufficient basic abilities and prove yourself trustworthy, we also hope to eventually have you support parties of Level 2's deeper in the Dungeon. Such talk is premature, however," Kahai said, sobering the mood again as he met Lili's eyes. She instinctively dropped her own. "So, your name is Lili. Of what familia?"

"Liliruca Arde, if it pleases you. And she is…part of the Soma familia," she said, not having to fake the wince at the admittance and the raised eyebrow it resulted in even from the lighthearted woman. Lili bowed, speaking rapidly, "But Lili promises to aid you as best as possible. Lili has multiple years of experience as a supporter, and she has E-ranked Agility as your flyer requested."

"And yet that isn't the issue here," Kahai claimed, looking at the flyer she'd filled out and turned in before she was brought here. "It says here you are requesting to cooperate every other week?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what about your off week?"

Meretites jumped in playfully with a smile, "Oh, do you have a boyfriend? Fun, nyah~. So many adventurers dance around it."

Lili wasn't sure why she said the nya since she wasn't even a cat person – maybe a parent was –, but she instead said while looking small and pitiful, "No, but I need the weeks off. As you realize, Lili's familia is…troublesome. She promises she isn't trying to trick you either."

Trying to trick from or steal from a group like this would just be suicide.

She made sure to put on a 'determined' look though as she continued, "Lili also is willing to make an agreement to assure you of that. Lili is willing to allow you to hold her pay for three month periods, so long as you notify the Guild of the amount owed. Should Lili abandon her duties per the contract, you can withhold it. My weeks off are to ensure I can support myself. That is all."

It almost hurt to say those words, but they were needed. Not necessarily to get them to agree to her working under them, but for Lili's own circumstances. After all, the other major consideration on whether to take this job is whether she can get away with it despite her familia.

She had little intent on allowing them to screw her over again, and so this was part of what she had come up with.

"That seems like a good deal for us," Meretites said, tilting her head back and forth while having a finger pressed against her chin.

"It does. Almost unnecessarily so," her husband responded though, eyes narrowing at Lili.

Lili tried to shrink and project helplessness.

She sensed it didn't work as a smirk broke over his face, as he drawled out in an – admittedly dreamy – voice, "Oh~, so that's what it is. Earning enough on your off-weeks, eh. I suppose you'll also be requesting us to tell anyone who asks that we are paying you every other week?"

Lili smiled innocently.

He got her.

"Then I suppose this is worth a shot," he remarked, leaning back with a small grin. "You want to start next week, I assume?"

"Y-Yes, Mr. Adventurer."

"Then arrive here at Danderah no later than an hour after sunrise. We'll be heading for an expedition into the Dungeon and we won't be having a Level 2 with our Level 1's, so you need to be recorded here as showing up alongside leaving and returning with the party assigned to you."

"Yay, I'm sure the babies will be happy. Especially when they see we got a cute one for them," Meretites said, popping off the table she'd been sitting on and all but dancing as she crossed the distance to start poking Lili's cheek. "You can call me Mera. Nice ta meet ya properly. Let's make some funya memories!"

…definitely some cat person heritage.

One half of her plan made, Lili then had to go and settle the other half.

Arguably the most delicate and risky half.

By the goddess, it was hard to imagine she would ever have been willing to do this just several days.

Lili walked into Guild at an appointed time, and searched for what she needed. It wasn't hard to find. An amazon, sitting at a small table near the boards. She looked bored, but also was talking to several others that were clearly supporters.

Taking a deep breath, Lili approached.

It didn't go unnoticed. The amazon looked up before Lili even got halfway there, eyeing her with a purple eye. It made Lili shiver. The amazon was beautiful, and obviously showing it off. Her clothes were little more than underwear styled like a dancer's attire, fully revealing a full figure. Together with a mature face and long hair that covered one eye, most male adventurers would be rendered drooling morons – well, moreso – by her.

Lili felt like that single eye was that of a predator deciding whether to eat the scrawny prey walking up to it.

Lili lowered her head, but continued forth before asking in a small voice, "Mistress Aisha of the Ishtar Familia?"

The Ishtar Familia. In some ways, the familia Lili had avoided the most for years. If they learned of Cinder Ella, Lili would have no chance. She'd have drawn the gaze of something far stronger than Zanis or Conoe.

Yet here she was.

"That is me, although the mistress part is unnecessary," the amazon said. "You another supporter, boy?"

"Yes, Miss Aisha. Levi is ready to work, and is honored that he might assist the mighty Ishtar familia," Lili said.

She had chosen her disguise carefully this time. Firstly, she took the form of a boy. A pallum boy with average looks, and a rather large birthmark on the left cheek. Not attractive enough to draw any eyes for looks. Amazons wouldn't look at a pallum either as a potentially strong person of interest either. Together with some clothes Lili had stolen from a family with a young boy that hung clothes out to dry, she hoped she was as uninteresting to a familia of Amazons and prostitutes as possible.

It seemed to work based on the woman's unimpressed hum, although she quickly asked, "Time frame of contracted work?"

"The Third Plan outlined. The offer for every other week, for one full month with chance of extension at end. Week's pay at end of each day according to listed fixed daily sum alongside minor increase according to percent of total payout should we surpass a certain amount."

It was rather weird that of all the familias putting out missions, the Ishtar Familia one would be the most professionally written.

Although, maybe it shouldn't be. They were partly a business-type familia too. Those used to running brothels and who-knows-what-else probably knew how to write contracts.

Still had forced Lili to read the contract over five times to ensure they didn't slip something in.

Aisha merely nodded though, noting it down while continuing to question, "Highest basic ability?"

"E-rank in Agility."

"Years of experience?"

"Over five."

"Ability to guide other new supporters?"

"I…should."

Nodding, she commented lightly, "Alright. We'll see if what you say is true. We do have a three-day probationary period to ensure you have spoken true and lived up to expectations. Here is 20,000 valis as upfront pay for said three days."

That made Lili's eyes widen as adventurers never paid upfront, and she hesitated before saying, "This is too much for someone like Levi, Miss Aisha. He should be happy merely to be able to help a familia as great as yours. Levi's familia always says he is useless and only messes things up, so he is happy to be given any chance."

"No need for such theatrics, even if I'm more used to other types of exaggeration," she said with a snort though, waving her hand dismissively. "I am aiming for someone able to be trusted in a longer term. If 20,000 valis is enough to make you run, I'd pay you that much just to not have to deal with you."

Lili felt her hands tighten around the money at that. Something that was just pittances for someone like this to throw away, but was days of work for her. More than three days. It was more five to seven decent days payout for Lili.

Yet despite the frustration, it also reinforced Lili's choice.

Of all the offers, the Ishtar Familia had been the most generous. Not unexpected, since they were one of the richest familia in Orario. Lili could make double the amount working under them than her usual routine, at least.

If Lili had only worked for the Hathor Familia, her fellow Soma familia members would have honed in on her. Moved immediately to take her earnings. Lili also had to take her real appearance that was Guild recognized. Hathor Familia had stated they wanted to confirm familia membership, after all. Hiding her working for them was impossible.

She needed to have some way to throw them off. Eventually she had hit on this scheme. Have the Hathor Familia store her earnings from them, and only work every other week. Make it appear she was heading to the Hathor Familia every day, lose any tails, and then come here in disguise to work for Ishtar Familia. The hefty payouts means that Lili could use it to disguise as her payment from the Hathor Familia.

Lili did not believe the Hathor Familia would do anything but drop her if her Familia members started bothering them, so Lili just had to trick her familia by 'losing' a hefty sum every other week and convince them it was all her pay.

It was irritating to have to do, but was necessary if she wanted to be able to build up the reserve to buy her freedom.

"Well, stand with the others," Aisha dismissively said, conversation over.

No one else came though, so ultimately Aisha stood up and escorted their small group to Babel. Where a large number of amazons was present. The Ishtar Familia. A lot of them.

"Go stand with those over there," Aisha ordered them, pointing. "They're the ones going to act as supporters. We'll organize you later."

Lili did so without a word, trying to blend in. This many amazons was intimidating, after all. If there was one race that most consistently leveled up, it was Amazons. The hundred here was a monumental force, if even half of them were Level 2. The sort of thing that would wash over just about every familia in Orario.

The way every other adventurer in Babel was avoiding them only further illustrated this.

This was the force the Hathor Familia was supposedly eying to replace in the Top 5 strongest Familia? No wonder they were hoping to expand. Hopefully Lili would be far out of the way when something happened in that regard…despite inadvertently finding herself putting herself right between them for the near future.

"Okay, you all," Aisha suddenly yelled from up front, making the Amazons look towards her. She was standing with a number of other Amazons that clearly made up the leadership. "Phyrne and Tammuz already headed in with a few others, so let's get moving too. We already went over this the past few days. Samira is taking most of the Level 3's down to the Dense Forest Labyrinth."

The – Lili recognized – Level 4 amazon with short, white haired punched her own palm as she announced eagerly, "You all know the plan. We've basically been given free rein to push our basic abilities as high as possible. As far as I am concerned, the next two months we are being ordered to fight, kill, and eat our fill of excelia as much as our hearts desire. We'll then properly turn towards leveling up. This is non optional, so don't fall behind as I'm not slowing down for anyone."

Aisha rolled her eyes, but then continued, "We've already split the Level 2's and newer Level 3's according to their status into four groups from the Cave Labyrinth to the Water City. Each team leader has been designated. Tammuz shall be checking in on you."

Those gathered nodded, already filtering into more distinct groups.

"I shall also be checking when I can," Aisha continued, before turning to the younger Amazons. "My primary priority is guiding the Level 1's, however. Everyone with a D in basic abilities is going to be pushed towards a schedule to level up in six months. We've arranged as much support as possible so you can focus entirely on fighting. Money is of no issue. We'll be going hard for a full week in the Upper Floors, and you'll then serve as supporters to the Level 2's in the Middle Floors for a five days followed by two days break. The Level 1's previously used as supporters shall then be allowed to train themselves on the off week. Am I understood?!"

A variety of calls went out, the Amazons worked up by this point.

"Uwuuuu," a little whimper went up from behind Lili. She couldn't help looking at the source, finding herself looking at a blonde renard with a large cloak pulled up over her head. Underneath the cloak was a red kimono that was loose enough to show off a full bust. She also looked sick and on the verge of crying. "My stomach hurts~."

"A-Are you okay?" Lili asked, sweat dropping at the sheer contrast between this one and the Amazons. The renard had been here from the beginning, so she was seemingly Ishtar Familia.

"Y-Yes, don't worry about me," the renard answered though, looking down sadly. "I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"It is of no trouble," Lili said. "Levi is the one who might trouble you. His familia members always say so, and they obviously can't be wrong."

"M-My familia members often say the same," the renard responded, nodding at Lili in commiseration. It actually made Lili pause…before she continued. "Well, besides Aisha. She always looks out for me."

That made Lili twitch in irritation.

"Levi is lucky to be able to stand in the presence of you then," Lili gritted out, hiding it beneath a wide smile.

"Oh, you don't need to say such things about me," the renard said though looking down in depression again. "I am not worth such regard."

"Levi wants to say it," she retorted. "He isn't often around such beautiful women."

"O-Oh…thank you. Apologies, we have not been introduced. My name is-"

"Haruhime," Aisha voice rang out, making them both look at the approaching Level 3. She eyed Lili, clearly having seen 'him' talking to the now named renard. "You'll join my group…you too. Best check you out."

"Y-Yes, Aisha."

"Of course, Lady Aisha. This miserable one is honored to be so favored."

Snorting again, she looked between them again before adding, "You said you have experience. Haruhime is acting as a supporter for now, and needs to be shown the ropes. Make sure to watch out for her. If I am not there, you should behave as if her life is yours. Because, as far as I am concerned, it is."

Lili's face stiffened.

"Eh, is that really necessary?" Haruhime asked, looking down. "I don't want to make anyone worry over me. I shall…handle myself…somehow."

Wow, Lili was honestly impressed at how good this girl was at basically crying for help even while saying the opposite.

She was a good actor.

Aisha wasn't amused though, saying, "Your spell is useless here, and you're more likely to hurt yourself with a weapon than a monster. We're just getting you used to the atmosphere while protected for now. We can train outside, but this is necessary."

Lili felt a stone drop in her stomach.

Oh no, a spell baby. Those blessed individuals who immediately had some valuable support spell. Healers or potion makers. So valued their familias they were valued even if they didn't have anything else to offer. Never placed in danger. At least till a level up would be convenient, when they instead receive the support of everyone around them. Even if it meant carrying around a useless sack in the Dungeon. Protected, coddled, and constantly guided by high-tier adventurers.

The complete antithesis of Lili, whose spell – the one saving grace she'd ever been granted in this life – was only something that would have her put in a brothel if discovered.

And Lili had just been saddled with this one.

"Eeep."

"Duck," Lili yelled, barely managing to keep her voice disguised even as she aimed her crossbow. "Duck. Duck. Duck!"

Yet despite her words, the renard spent most of it just running at her in a panic. Blocking the shot on the Dungeon Lizard following her. It was only at the last moment that she finally listened to the order, ducking and just allowing Lili to shoot it through the head before it dived on the renard.

How the hell did a supporter panic so bad…on the3rdfloor! The mere sight of the monster popping up near her had been enough to send her in a panic. First running away, then running past the protecting Level 1's, and only turning back when another popped out.

"Haruhime," Aisha sighed out, clearly having let it play out just to watch.

The others in the group were snickering.

It made Haruhime look down sadly – once again! – and Lili felt it necessary to step forward and offer her a hand, stating brightly, "It's okay, Lady Haruhime. I'm terrified of monsters too. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Ah…thank you," Haruhime said as she took the hand and slowly stood.

Lili also reassured herself that it was just that. Some spell baby finally being pushed into the Dungeon. Panicking. She'd surely get better.

It couldn't be that bad.

…

Oh, it turned out it could.

"Just cut here," Lili said, showing where to cut the War Shadow corpse to get at the magic stone. "They are thin, so it shouldn't be hard."

"O-O-Okay," Haruhime said back, hands shaking as she held the dagger.

"Just take your time," Lili reassured her, even as she felt her patience straining. "It's dead. It's not moving. There's nothing to worry about."

"I'm going to do it," Haruhime said, hesitating several more times. She eventually closed her eyes though and said, "I'm going to do it."

The dagger hit the stone floor, and Lili felt her heart skip a beat – in relief – at the close miss.

…how did she get closer to stabbing her own leg than the monster corpse?!

"Keep moving."

"H-Hai!"

Despite Haruhime's words, her actions once again contradicted it. In this case, she tripped. Her own staff, ostensibly only to keep monsters away from her, was lowered till it tangled her own legs. Tumbling onto the ground, she also failed the very basic instinct to get up and continue running.

Lili had to start towards her as the Killer Ants closed, calling out, "Lady Haruhime!"

Aisha suddenly appeared in a flash, a one-handed slash obliterating the four Killer Ants instantly before she said shortly, "Get up, Haruhime. At least work on not getting caught by the strays since the girls are handling nine out of ten."

The Level 3 was then gone again, looking over the entire 'battle' against the flood of Killer Ants that had been called by the pheromones of the injured ones.

Lili was reminded that higher-tier adventures were insane.

Who else but an insane person would purposefully injure half a dozen Killer Ants to bring a whole pass parade down on themselves?!

Forced to put aside such complaints, she moved forward and started pulling Haruhime to her feet as she told her, "Come on, Lady Haruhime. Levi will help, but we need to keep moving. Just follow me, okay?"

"Y-Yes."

"Ah~."

Haruhime let out a little surprised gasp as her foot slipped climbing back up some stairs, starting to fall backwards.

"Woah, woah, woah," Lili said as she – right behind her – had to catch her form. If it wasn't for her falna strength, her small form couldn't have even managed it. As it was, she barely managed to support her once she was leaned up against her back-to-front. "Levi's…Levi's got you."

"T-Thank you."

"No problem," Lili said aloud, even as inside she raged at how one could even turn walking up some steps into a life-threatening activity if not protected.

Lili's stamina wasn't so good. It had to be admitted. At Endurance ranked mere H despite all her years, Lili was often the one getting tired first in her parties despite fighting the least.

So, it was very new to have to prop up and support another when they ran out of stamina part way through a dive.

"I'm sorry…again," Haruhime said, arm over Lili's shoulders and draped over her as she was only half-walking. She looked again like she was going to cry. "I've only been troubling you all day."

"N-No, Lady Haruhime," Lili forced out, breathing heavily at how much weight she was supporting. Artel Assist was not meant to be used for this. "This Levi is….honored to be of such help to you."

"…um, Mister Levi…"

"Yes, Lady Haruhime."

"You're head is pressing against my chest."

Lili couldn't help laughing, and not from amusement, as she said, "My height is making this awkward. A thousand apologies for one such as Levi to touch you so. He is not worthy. Please forgive him."

"Ah, yes. I…am not worthy of such consideration. You are already helping me, as it is, so do not worry," Haruhime said as she looked away with a blush.

"Haruhime," Aisha called, walking back to suddenly lift up a yellow potion. "Take this stamina potion. It should keep you going a bit longer."

…Lili found another reason to be annoyed, as 6,000 valis was drunk without thought.

"Okay, that's enough for today," Aisha announced when they returned to the 1stfloor. Near eight hours having passed since they entered. Aisha gestured at the bag Haruhime was carrying, ordering, "Give that to them. We'll be staying down here for a bit longer."

"W-Why?"

"We need to see if we can get you to be able to handle even a single goblin," Aisha claimed, sighing. "I think it's better we keep you learning better suited things like chanting or potions, but Lady Ishtar ordered this."

"Does Lady Aisha or Lady Haruhime need any further assistance?" Lili reluctantly forced herself to ask, since her need for this job to continue surpassed her irritation.

Haruhime looked touched by the words for some reason though, only to deflate when Aisha answered bluntly, "No. You did more than enough to impress today. Keep it up, and we'll have no problems. This is none of your business though, so just move on."

"Yes, Lady Aisha," Lili said happily, although trying to hide it as she turned and bowed to Haruhime, "I wish you a good night, Lady Haruhime. It was a pleasure."

"Y-Yes. Thank you for helping me as much as you have," the renard said as she bowed in return. "I am looking forward to see you tomorrow, Mister Levi."

"…Levi feels much the same," Lili forced out.

"That's enough," Aisha said, turning Haruhime around and walking away. "I'll be giving you several hours of training each day, so…"

Several hours of personal training by a Level 3 too?!

…

Lili thinks she hates this girl.

The Adventures of Lili/Levi and Haruhime.

Enough to hopefully be able to focus elsewhere for a while. This chapter really made me think I need to be careful on how many POV character I make. I don't want to have it so everything happens around Ottar, but I don't write fast enough to balance more than 3, I think.

Otherwise, Lili is too low to even think of the Loki or Freya familias when talking about 'stronger' familias. They are like four levels removed from her. So, instead have some forgettable middle-ranking familia. Hathor familia also being introduced, obviously a bit more important...They could either be of pretty big importance or merely of importance in Lili's story, depending on how things go *cough*Bell*cough*. We'll see.