Orario, a one-of-a-kind labyrinth city, also known as the center of the world. A place where people of all races and ages seek to go in hopes of realizing their long-held dreams.
It is here that the Dungeon is located, a unique structure consisting of two parts: Babyl, a huge tower of 50 floors, which serves as the lid of the dungeon, a shopping center and a home for prominent gods. This tower can be seen from anywhere in the city. And a labyrinth consisting of an unknown number of floors. A place where adventurers descend in search of power and wealth at the risk of their lives.
It is here, under the great walls of this city, among the people standing in line, that you can find our hero. Crowley, a young man of 14, dressed in a black shirt, faded brown pants, leather boots and a dark green cape with a picture of a cat smiling an unnaturally big smile, pale skin, 5'6'' tall, slender build, dark brown long hair braided down to the middle of his back, bright smile and unremarkable brown eyes.
....
- Next!
After three hours of standing in line, Crowley met with a city guard. He was a sturdy man in his early thirties, short light hair, blue eyes and a couple of scars on his face.
-Name? Purpose of travel?
-Crowley, I want to join the familia and become an adventurer.
-An adventurer?
The guard looked at the teenager standing before him with an appraising gaze.
-You look a little old to be starting out at this age. After all, some famous people started out when they were half your age.
Two unwavering eyes looked back at him.
- I know, but I sincerely believe that this will not stop me from achieving my goal.
Something in those eyes told the man that the teenager in front of him had already decided everything.
-*Sigh* .....Okay, come in, the guild building is at the first intersection on the right side. Good luck, kid! Next!
...
After passing the gate, Crowley saw one of the main roads of Orario. It seemed like there was an endless stream of people rushing along it.
Among the crowd you can see pallums, elves, dwarves, beastmen and other races.
On both sides of the street there are dense buildings, mainly shops and workshops. And between them relatively narrow paths go deep into the alleys.
Having reached the intersection and looking to the left, Crowley saw a white building - a pharmacy, and also the home of the Dian Cecht family. As the largest pharmaceutical family in the city, they did business with most of the families, including top-notch ones such as the Loki familia.
On the right side of the intersection was the guild building, also known as the Pantheon. Without thinking twice, our hero went inside.
Once inside the building, Crowley saw a wide area with counters where adventurers could talk to their advisors or exchange the monster crystals they had to obtain vali. In addition, the building contained a library and meeting rooms where adventurers and their advisors could exchange confidential information.
Approaching the free counter, Crowley saw a red-haired female werewolf. She was wearing the standard guild uniform:black vest and pants with a white collared long sleeve shirt underneath and a grey bow tie. Her thick, disheveled hair reaches to the lower back, a serious expression on her face and the sharp gaze of her yellow-brown eyes repels everyone who dares to approach her.
Sighing, foreshadowing a not very pleasant conversation, the novice adventurer tried to start a dialogue.
- Hello! My name is Crowley. I'm here to register as an adventurer.
-Newbie? I'm Rose Fannett.
The woman's face reflected either hatred or pity.
-Go do things more suitable for an ordinary person, the dungeon is no place for unprepared boys.
Her face reflected an emotion well known to every experienced adventurer - the pain of loss.
Noticing this, the young man flashed his unchanging smile and continued the conversation with complete confidence.
- I understand your concerns, so I promise that I will carefully prepare for each dive.
-Is it true? You are not the first person to say such words to me. Just a few days later, many of these people die in the dungeon, imagining themselves as heroes from fairy tales.
{Heroes? I don't think it's that bad to try to be a hero.}
After a short break she continued.
-*Sigh* Okay... If I don't do it, one of my colleagues will.
She took out a paper from under the counter and placed it on the table.
-At the moment, several families are recruiting for their ranks, but considering that you are completely green, I suggest you choose a family of the appropriate level.
Looking at the proposed list, Crowley saw several options, but in his opinion, all of them were not suitable choices.
_________________________________________
The Ganesha family is recruiting aspiring adventurers.
The Hephaestus family is always happy to see beginners and experienced blacksmiths in their home.
The Apollo family needs new members.
The small but friendly family of the goddess Hestia is looking for its first member.
_________________________________________
- Please tell me about all the options, in the end I won't lose anything by trying to get into a big and strong family.
{Seriously, what's the worst that could happen?}
-Okay, fortunately, Loki famillia recently started recruiting new members. If you really want it, I'll tell you where to find them.
{Loki's family is known for their unity, strength and pleasant nature, well, except for one werewolf. If he is lucky, he will be under the supervision of the most experienced adventurers, which means he will definitely not disappear into the dungeon. Otherwise, he will simply be sent back to the guild.}
Suddenly there was a fire in Crowley's eyes.
-Is it true? This very Loki famillia? That would be great! Where should I go?
-So impatient.... Okay, listen and remember. After leaving the guild you should head straight to Babyl Tower. When you reach it, go left along the line of buildings until you reach the Northern Main Road. Then you just have to go to the end of the road until you see Twilight Manor, the home of Loki and her family, on your right. And don't worry, you will definitely recognize him, I have no doubt about it.
-Then I'll go, thanks Rose.
.....
Running out of the Pantheon, Crowley rushed straight to the Babyl Tower and, having reached it, he realized that up close this structure looked even more terrifying and majestic.
{I wonder how the gods managed to build it?}
Realizing that now there was no time to waste, the young adventurer turned left and, having reached the main road, rushed forward.
After 25 minutes of time, "not even an adventurer yet" finally found it. Twilight Manor. Huge structure built on a small area of land. Multiple tall towers overlap and support each other, with the middle tower being the tallest.
Standing in shock in front of the estate, Crowley suddenly heard a perky female voice from behind him.
- Enjoying the view? - voice said.