Sasuke walked into the Guild Hall with an air of confidence, his dark eyes scanning the room before he headed straight to the receptionist's desk.
The hall was bustling with activity, adventurers of all ranks gathered in groups, discussing their latest exploits or seeking new quests. Despite the crowded space, Sasuke moved with purpose, ignoring the adventurers already at the desk. His presence, though silent, was commanding enough to draw a few glances.
Reaching the desk, Sasuke spoke in a direct tone, "I need information on all the items that can be found in the dungeon. Also, I want to post a collection request for these items."
The receptionist, a young woman with a neat appearance, looked up from her records, startled by the abruptness of his request. Before she could respond, the adventurer she had been assisting, a tall man with a brash demeanor, frowned at the interruption. Watching the young boy cut in line, the adventurer's temper flared. He reached out to grab Sasuke by the shoulder, intending to shove him aside.
"Get back in line!" the adventurer yelled, his voice booming through the hall. But before he could lay a hand on Sasuke, his body suddenly stiffened.
Sasuke, unfazed, cast a sidelong glance at the man, his Sharingan subtly glowing beneath his dark bangs and putting the adventure into illusion. "Ignore him," Sasuke said calmly, his voice carrying a subtle command as he cast a mild Confusion Charm on the adventurer.
The young receptionist, though visibly nervous, quickly regained her composure. She glanced between Sasuke and the motionless adventurer, trying to make sense of the situation."Ignore him," Sasuke said calmly, his voice carrying a subtle command as he cast a Mild Compulsion Charm, on the receptionist whe that the young receptionist, feeling a sudden but unexplainable urge to assist Sasuke, quickly scanned her records and handed him a list.
"Of course, sir," she said, her tone steady despite the odd circumstances. With a practiced smile, she handed him a list of items. "Here are the details."
Sasuke took the list without a word, his expression unreadable. As he turned to leave, the whispers of adventurers who had witnessed the scene filled the hall, but he paid them no mind. His focus shifted as his eyes caught sight of a familiar figure standing near the entrance.
Alise stood there, her crimson hair framing her face, still showing traces of the frustration she must have felt after her unsuccessful meeting with the Ganesha Familia. She seemed deep in thought, her brows furrowed in concern. When their eyes met Without hesitation, Alise approached him.
"Sasuke, wait. I wanted to thank you for saving us earlier. I realize I never properly expressed my gratitude." She paused, her tone shifting to something more earnest. "I also want to apologize for any misunderstanding because we dismissed your offer."
Sasuke's expression remained impassive, though there was a slight pause before he responded. "You don't have to worry; there is no misunderstanding," he said, his voice measured. He looked at her face, taking in the sincerity of her apology. "Since I knew about Astraea Familia, I was prepared to be rejected the moment I decided to save you guys."
As they left the Guild Hall together, the bustling noise of Orario's streets gradually surrounded them.
Alise glanced at Sasuke, her curiosity piqued by his calm demeanor and the power he had displayed. "So, what's your story? I've never heard of such a strong adventurer at your age," she asked in a casual tone, trying to draw him into conversation.
Sasuke's gaze remained forward, his expression distant. "My story is simple," he began, his voice carrying a weight that hinted at the darkness of his past. He paused, as if debating how much to reveal, before continuing. "My brother was used in the name of peace to slaughter everyone in our clan—from the old to the newborn. He did it because he was ordered to, to maintain the so-called peace."
Alise listened intently, the gravity of his words settling over her After a brief silence, she spoke, her voice laced with a mix of empathy and frustration. "That's... such stupidity." She shook her head, struggling to grasp the cruelty of the situation. "Is that why you're here in Orario? To find power so you can take revenge?"
Sasuke's expression remained impassive, his voice calm yet firm. "No. I have already started taking revenge. It's incomplete, but it's enough for now. I just need to maintain the current status until I know what to do with them."
They continued walking in silence for a few more moments, the sounds of the city fading into the background. Alise, her curiosity still piqued, spoke up again, her tone now more inquisitive than before. "So, what's your plan now? Are you planning to tackle the dungeon alone? And which Familia are you from?"
Sasuke glanced at her, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Do I have to remind you that I just appeared yesterday in Orario, in front of you? And what good is it for me to join a Familia? I'm not like others who need the goddess' blessing to improve their strength."
Alise furrowed her brows, her expression thoughtful. "It's not all about strength. Most Familia are, at their core, a big family, and people like you need a family the most."
There was a faint flicker in Sasuke's eyes as she spoke about family, a momentary crack in his otherwise stoic facade. "With my skills, I could join any Familia, but that won't make me part of their family. I'm not the most friendly person," he replied, his tone distant.
Alise glanced at Sasuke's face, her expression softening. "Perhaps you have some misunderstanding. Even Astraea Familia would welcome you if you wanted to join. Being unfriendly or feeling out of place would be meaningless once you open your heart."
Sasuke didn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the bustling streets ahead. The vibrant life of Orario continued around them, but it felt distant to him, as if he were merely passing through a world that didn't quite touch him.
"If I remember correctly, Astraea Familia only accepts girls. And just this morning, you refused my help," Sasuke said, his voice calm.
Alise smiled warmly, extending her hand in a welcoming gesture. "It's because you're too aggressive. Ryuu hasn't even recovered from her trauma, and you want her to start thinking about revenge. As for inviting you to join the Astraea Familia..." Her smile broadened, her eyes shining with genuine warmth. "This is my own wish. If you hadn't saved us, I wouldn't be here, and after hearing about your past,i believe you can be exceptions."
Sasuke looked at her expression he could feel Alise's sincerity,but he wanted to confirm so he ask "why?" The simple why carrying mening question.
Alise's wanted to say to take care of you but thinking about his strength she changed her words,"Because you need someone."