A Carefree Goddess Joins the Family

The sun was brilliant, and Orario was as bustling as ever, with an endless stream of people flowing in and out of the city gates.

Amidst the crowd, a black-haired youth of about fourteen, carrying a massive backpack, paused to look around, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"There are so many people," Libel Miller said in wonder.

The youth walked through the city, observing the people on the streets.

In the crowd, beast-folk with furry ears and tails conversed with young human women, while a girl with tanned skin chased a human boy in playful banter.

Short-statured men spoke with grave expressions, while elegant elves with pointed ears strolled gracefully down the street.

Men and women of all kinds and various races appeared frequently in this city.

The city streets were lined with dense rows of stalls, their vendors shouting loudly to attract passing travelers.

The Labyrinth City, Orario.

The absolute center of this world, a grand stage for countless characters, and an exceptionally unique city. Beneath this town lies a deep, subterranean labyrinth teeming with monsters. Because it is the source of so much disaster and suffering, this calamitous monster labyrinth has been named the (Dungeon) by the world.

The Labyrinth City suppresses it from above, keeping the monsters that dwell within in check.

Precisely because of this, it gathers countless people seeking adventure and the unknown, making this labyrinth city the premier, most prosperous metropolis in the world, where many stories unfold and wealth congregates.

It is regarded as the center of the world, celebrated and renowned for its bustling commerce, thrilling adventures, and diverse entertainment, drawing in all those who pursue adventure, wealth, and amusement.

In this vast human world, the colorful lives and varied stories attract the gods from the heavens. Seeking curiosity and fun, the gods seal their own powers and descend to the lower world to play, most of them gathering in this city of adventure.

Even with their powers sealed, the gods' experiences and insights far exceed those of mortals. Furthermore, by dwelling on the surface, the gods bestow upon the world a blessing known as (Falna).

The power and wealth that people chase gather around the gods.

Consequently, in this city of adventure, people form groups known as "Familia" centered around the deities.

People seeking power around the gods have different views and understandings of the Familia. Some believe the Familia is an organization, a union for profit; others think it is a group of people helping each other, a close-knit family; and still others see it as a group competing for the affection of the gods.

As these Familia grow and expand, they maintain an orderly appearance while engaging in fierce struggles behind the scenes. Among these groups, the ones at the pinnacle of Orario are the Freya Familia and the Loki Familia.

"Finally, I've arrived. Orario."

Looking at the passing crowds, Libel felt an indescribable excitement in his heart.

"Next is to find out the location of the Loki Familia. I hope everything goes smoothly."

Thinking this, he subconsciously touched his waist pouch to steady his nerves. He then set off again, gradually disappearing into the crowd.

"Has the Sword Princess been a Level 5 for over a year now? It seems there are still about two years left before the main plot officially begins."

Libel pondered the information he had gathered, confirmed the current timeline, and proceeded toward his destination based on what he had learned.

As he moved forward, the surrounding streets were commercially prosperous and packed with pedestrians. As he advanced, the architecture gradually became more ornate and stylish. Turning off a busy street, he looked around as he walked.

Suddenly, Libel stopped. He stared at a massive mansion. It was a complex structure, much taller than the surrounding buildings, featuring multiple high towers and turrets. The various buildings within the estate were layered upon one another like dense, sharp mountain peaks.

A large flag fluttered in the wind atop the tallest building, depicting a jester whose smile seemed to contain a hint of mockery, drawing the attention of passersby.

Libel gazed at the flag for a moment and muttered to himself, "Found it. Is this the Loki Familia?" That jester flag was the very emblem of the Loki Familia, currently the top Familia in Orario.

Libel adjusted his heavy backpack and walked toward the mansion's gate. He stopped beside the entrance and set his pack down, leaning against the wall.

"Now, I wait," Libel thought. Feeling a bit nervous, he took a deep breath to steady his mindset.

Time slipped away, and evening approached.

Orario was gradually dyed a brilliant gold by the sunset. Workers and adventurers returning from the Dungeon walked the evening streets, some exhausted, others energetic. The streets of the labyrinth city began to glow with various lights.

On the brightly illuminated main street, a woman with red hair walked in a languid manner.

She possessed a beautiful face, though her squinting eyes revealed a hint of cunning. Her flat figure lacked feminine allure, and she was dressed casually, her demeanor appearing quite unrefined.

She held a beautifully wrapped bottle of wine in both hands, a look of opportunistic glee on her face as she hummed a cheerful tune.

As she walked, she sighed with a smile, "Everyone is growing up so fast. Since I have some free time while Finn and the others are on a short expedition, I might as well celebrate privately with this good wine I found today. Once I'm drunk tonight, I'll head to Ais's room, hehehe."

As she spoke, she let out a lewd sound, causing nearby pedestrians to recoil and give her a wide berth.

She didn't care in the slightest, continuing to chuckle to herself.

The woman left the dazzling street and arrived at the mountain-like mansion—the [Twilight Manor].

Suddenly, the red-haired woman stopped, looking at the gate with some confusion at the sight of someone standing there.

She strode forward and saw a massive figure standing by the mansion gate. She looked closely and saw a youth leaning against the wall, a large backpack resting at his feet.

The youth appeared to be about fourteen, with black hair and black eyes, regular features, and fair skin.

His frame looked somewhat thin beneath the weight of the large backpack.

"A boy? A human?" Her cunning, squinted eyes opened slightly, flashing with an extraordinary light.

As she approached the mansion and saw him, she also caught the youth's attention. The boy hesitated for a moment upon seeing her, then straightened his posture.

The youth remained by the gate, staring blankly at her, his expression and demeanor filled with determination, which piqued her interest.

"Interesting. So he was waiting here specifically for me." The red-haired goddess instantly saw through the boy's intentions and began to chuckle. Her smile, faintly revealing a sense of cunning, was remarkably similar to the jester on the large flag.

When curiosity and interest arise in one's heart, the impulse to act follows, and the gods of this world never suppress their nature for pursuing what is amusing.

The red-haired goddess walked toward the human boy.

"Hey kid, what are you doing here at our doorstep?" The goddess named Loki greeted the human boy at her entrance in an offbeat manner.

The boy said with calm confidence, "I am here to join the Loki Familia."

The goddess giggled, "We always welcome children who want to join, but joining our Familia is quite difficult, you know."

The boy said confidently, "No problem, bring on whatever trials you have."

"Alright, from today on you are one of our children. You better give it your all."

The goddess spoke without a hint of hesitation, her voice brimming with joy and delight.

The boy was stunned for a moment and said, "That's it? You don't need to test me further or ask anything? Like checking my abilities or asking about my background?"

"Not at all. You're interesting, and that's enough. Everything else isn't that important. As for your background, that's even less necessary, since we~ are the strongest Familia in Orario."

Loki clutched her bottle of liquor and declared ostentatiously, her expression revealing absolute confidence and pride.

"Follow me inside. Let me put away this fine liquor I went through so much trouble to buy before the Mama-san finds out; that would be a disaster." She muttered as she led the boy toward the main gate.

Liber hesitated slightly, then followed in Loki's footsteps, preparing to enter the Familia.

Just after stepping through the gate, Loki turned her head and suddenly said, "There are many cute children in this Familia, so don't go hitting on them as you please. They are my wings, after all."

"Are you some kind of playboy?" the boy retorted, speechless.

Whether the red-haired goddess was confirming the boy's confident words or simply acting on a joyful whim, it remained unknown.

However, one thing was certain.

Liber Miller had been recognized by a deity and had officially joined the Loki Familia.