It was raining in Orario.
This was perfectly normal. Although rain was rarely seen in the anime, that didn't mean it never rained there—it simply wasn't shown.
Raindrops as large as tears fell from the sky, creating the illusion that the heavens themselves were weeping.
The torrential downpour completely blanketed the view, washing away the usual clamor of the city.
Countless citizens took shelter under eaves to avoid the rain. Even many adventurers, perhaps in low spirits, abandoned their plans to explore the Dungeon for the day. The streets became empty.
Even the towering spire that connected to the heavens was veiled by sheets of rain, its form flickering in and out of sight through the mist.
At the top floor of Babel.
No one would have expected that even at a time like this, a certain goddess would still come here.
Freya stood on the balcony, taking in everything below the tower.
Though there were few people within her field of vision, one must not forget—the Goddess of Beauty could see through souls.
"It's already been over a year, hasn't it?"
"And she's grown this strong..."
As if sighing, Freya extended her hand beyond the balcony, catching a few drops of rain in her palm.
"Level 4... what an outrageous growth rate."
Ever since the end of the dark age, Elise had abandoned any thought of recuperation. The direction of her Familia had shifted completely—they had begun establishing new rules for the city.
No one could have imagined that the once gentle Elise would display such sharp resolve.
When it came to the city's affairs, Elise refused to compromise with any Familia. Relying almost entirely on her own strength, she suppressed all opposition and dissent.
Because she had accomplished something astonishing.
...
A few days ago, the Guild convened a meeting, inviting nearly all the Familias in Orario.
Because this meeting was of great importance, those who attended were mostly captains and vice-captains.
From the Freya Familia came Ottar and Allen. From the Loki Familia came Finn, Gareth, and Riveria. In addition, there were countless other Familias with influence in Orario.
The Astraea Familia was naturally among them. However, since they had no vice-captain, Elise brought Alise and Gojouno Kaguya with her. Both of them were already capable of advancing to Level 3, but had held off in order to further develop their abilities.
As for why she brought them along—you'll understand soon enough...
The main topic of this meeting was how to establish new "rules" for Orario.
Although many had gathered, everyone present understood one thing—the right to speak rested with the top-ranked Familias of Orario. The rest were merely there to learn what rules would be implemented and then follow them.
There was no need to be surprised.
In Orario, strength was everything.
The strong made the rules. The weak obeyed them.
Don't agree?
Then keep it to yourself.
If you dared to speak out recklessly, those powerful Familias could crush you with a single finger.
Thus, this meeting would likely be dominated by those four Familias—the only ones possessing adventurers above Level 4.
First was the Freya Familia, with Ottar at Level 7, along with numerous Level 6 and Level 5 adventurers.
Originally, before Ottar's level-up, the Freya Familia only had Mia and Ottar at Level 6. But after his breakthrough, the others seemed stimulated, training frantically to raise their abilities.
Internal competition within the Freya Familia was extremely intense.
After nearly a year of relentless effort, Allen, Hegni, and Hedin had all reached Level 6, while the Gulliver brothers had reached Level 5. It could be said they were the strongest Familia in Orario on the surface.
They were also the first to reach the level of strength seen in the main storyline era.
In comparison, the Loki Familia appeared somewhat lacking.
Compared to their future selves, many of their members had yet to arrive. At present, only the three leaders supported the Familia.
There was no Ais, no Tione or Tiona, no Bete, no Lefiya—not even Raul.
Even though the three leaders had been pushed to Level 6 under the pressure of Ottar's advancement, the gap between them and the Freya Familia remained enormous.
Even so, the Loki Familia still ranked second in Orario. They might fall short compared to Freya Familia, but if any lesser Familia dared provoke them, even someone as rational as Finn would lose his composure.
Next was the Ganesha Familia. Although they currently had no Level 5 adventurers, they made up for it with sheer numbers—the largest Familia in Orario, with strong overall average strength.
It was said that their captain, Shakti, was already at the peak of Level 4 and would soon break through.
Finally, there was the Astraea Familia.
This Familia could be described as a legend within Orario. Though they had the fewest members among the four and were the youngest, that did not make them weak.
Compared to the raw power of the others, what the Astraea Familia displayed was potential.
Every single member possessed the potential to become a first-class adventurer.
Their captain, Elise, had reached Level 4 in just over a year in Orario. Such a growth rate was unprecedented—and perhaps would never be seen again.
Rumors outside claimed that this Saintess of Scales possessed the ability to fight beyond her level.
And not just her—the entire Astraea Familia likely had the capability to battle above their level.
Countless adventurers were curious. How had they achieved this? Even if one fought monsters from morning till night, it shouldn't be possible to improve this quickly.
Most new members of the Familia could reach Level 2 in about a year. Some even suspected they were putting on a show, believing they had actually leveled up long ago.
Not only that, but the Familia also possessed a highly unique industry within Orario—Stigmata.
After so much time, no one underestimated it anymore. It had become a second piece of equipment for adventurers. Most high-level adventurers had come to Elise to have Stigmata installed.
It could be said that the majority of those present were Elise's customers.
In terms of influence alone, the Astraea Familia might even surpass the Freya Familia.
Don't agree?
Then that devil-like pallum in their Familia would teach you who's really in charge—no, who your "mother" is.
Heh.
Dare to provoke them?
Do you believe they wouldn't raise prices tenfold the next time you come to buy something?
After a long period of development, Elise could already produce many fascinating items, and customers came in an endless stream. No one was foolish enough to provoke the Astraea Familia.
Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?