Chapter 179 - What The Heck!?
"Join a familia? In other words, you're not an adventurer yet?"
From the start, Eina had a feeling that Mahiro was unlike the adventurers she'd dealt with in the past.
Now, his words confirmed her suspicions.
Though adventurers came in all shapes and personalities, it wasn't unheard of for someone with a calm and mild demeanor like Mahiro's to show up.
Yet, this seemed to be his first step into the adventuring world.
"That's right," Mahiro replied with a polite nod. "I plan to become an adventurer. I heard the guild keeps records on the major familias, so I came to learn more about them."
"I see," Eina said, her curiosity now satisfied.
"Understood. Please follow me."
While the guild primarily served registered adventurers, it wasn't unusual for rookie like Mahiro to seek information.
Eina stepped out from behind the counter and gestured for Mahiro to follow her to the reception room.
"Please wait here for a moment," Eina said, inviting him to sit.
She quickly brought out a cup of tea and set it in front of him.
"Thank you," Mahiro said, appreciating the courtesy.
Eina disappeared into an adjacent room filled with shelves of books and documents.
Mahiro glimpsed the interior as the door opened—it appeared to be a library.
After about ten minutes, Eina returned with a stack of books in her hands.
"Here is the information on the major familias of Orario," Eina explained, setting the pile on the table. "This includes details about each familia's god, prominent members, and some of their notable achievements."
"It might help you decide which familia suits you best."
Mahiro picked up the top document and scanned through it.
The records were thorough, listing basic information about the familia and it's members, along with notable exploits.
However, it was clear that the guild's data only scratched the surface.
This level of information was typical.
While the guild managed Orario and maintained some oversight of familias, the familias weren't required to disclose their secrets.
For someone like Mahiro, the data provided was enough.
He browsed through a few pages before realizing there were seven or eight books in the pile.
"Miss Eina," Mahiro said with a smile, "you must know a lot about Orario's familias. Could I ask for your recommendations instead?"
Eina blinked, slightly caught off guard. "Well, I do know quite a bit."
"It's part of my job."
She smiled warmly and added, "By the way, my name is Eina Tulle. You can just call me Eina."
"And I'm Mahiro Toma," he replied with a smile.
With the introductions done, Mahiro got straight to the point.
"Eina, I'm looking for a familia with a respectable reputation and a reliable goddess. Do you have any suggestions?"
Eina frowned slightly, surprised by his request.
Most newcomers prioritized joining a powerful familia, focusing on strength and opportunities rather than the character of the god.
For most adventurers, the Gods were seen more as parents who granted them Falna.
Yet Mahiro was putting the character of a God above the familia's strength.
"Mahiro," Eina began, her tone gentle but firm, "while the reputation of the familia's God is important, it shouldn't be your top priority."
"For a newcomer like you, joining a powerful familia can make all the difference in your early growth."
"The beginning stages are the most challenging. Without the proper support, the dungeon can be deadly..."
Eina's lecture began in earnest.
Like an older sister, she patiently explained the intricacies of adventuring, the dangers of the dungeon, and why choosing a strong familia was essential.
Mahiro listened quietly, a gentle smile on his face.
He could tell that Eina was genuinely concerned for him, and her advice came from a place of kindness.
Realizing she might have gone on too long, Eina blushed slightly.
She coughed lightly and composed herself.
"Sorry, I might've said too much," she admitted, embarrassed.
"Not at all," Mahiro replied warmly. "It felt like advice from a caring older sister. Thank you, Eina."
Eina's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red at his sincerity.
She quickly looked away, her heart beating faster.
'What am I thinking?' she scolded herself.
Stay professional, Eina!
"So," Eina said after regaining her composure, "are you willing to follow my advice?"
Mahiro shook his head with a determined smile.
"No. I still believe that the character of the familia's God should come first."
Eina stared at him, momentarily speechless.
Why is this guy so stubborn?
Sighing, she leaned back slightly. "Alright, Mahiro. If that's your decision, I'll help."
"Do you have any other requirements besides the reputation?"
"Yes," Mahiro said, his tone light but serious. "I'd prefer a familia led by a goddess, preferably one who is... shall we say... virgin."
Eina blinked.
'This is going to be interesting', she thought.
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