Chapter 15: Entering Orario – A New Beginning (Updated)

I approach the gates of Orario, finding a line of adventurers waiting to enter the city.

Dressed in a blue vest over a black long-sleeved shirt and trousers, I stand tall, carrying Gáe Bolg, my newly acquired P.Legend spear strapped across my back.

My sword turned to ash after my battle with Pegasus, forcing me to find a replacement. Spears had always intrigued me, so I bought one—along with a skill for wielding it, training until my proficiency matched my former swordsmanship.

🔹 Problem: The Entry Fee As I listen for useful information, I discover entrance requires 2,000 valis—a problem, given that I currently have none.

Despite possessing 620 monster crystals, I need merchants or adventurers to exchange them for currency.

🔹 Finding a Merchant Scanning my surroundings, I spot a caravan guarded by adventurers—a merchant traveling alongside them.

Approaching the middle-aged merchant, I offer a polite greeting.

"Hello there, do you have a second?"

The merchant, who appears around 40, smiles in response.

Merchant: "What is it, young man?"

"I was wondering if I could exchange some monster crystals for valis with you."

His curious gaze lingers on me. A high-level adventurer, wielding a weapon worth millions, yet lacking money?

Merchant: "Why does a high-level adventurer like you need money, if I may ask?"

I had anticipated this question.

"I traveled here from the Far East. The journey drained my funds, and I spent the last of it on this spear."

The merchant nods knowingly, understanding the expense of legendary weaponry.

Nearby adventurers, eyeing Gáe Bolg, display mixed reactions—envy, admiration, and greed. But with the city gates nearby, none dare act on their desires.

🔹 The Exchange Merchant: "Alright, young man. What do you have? I'll help."

I smile and exchange a portion of my monster crystals for 10,000 valis.

After the transaction, the merchant invites me to travel alongside them into the city—likely an attempt to establish friendly relations with me. He believes I am strong, and he is correct.

Considering it beneficial to have a guide on my first venture into Orario, I accept.

🔹 City of Legends As we journey inward, the merchant speaks about Orario, providing insight:

"Orario, known as the center of the world, lies in the western corner of the continent. It is one of the three great unexplored regions of the world."

"It is also the strongest city, housing a large number of first-class adventurers. However, few outside nations possess adventurers above Level 3—notable exceptions being places like Telskyura or the Empire."

I listen attentively, refreshing my knowledge about the world.

After a few hours, we finally enter the city.

🔹 The Pantheon – Adventurer's Registration I part ways with the caravan, thanking them, then use the directions given—along with my minimap—to locate the Guild Headquarters, known as The Pantheon.

As I walk, I marvel at the sights around me—the diverse races, the grand architecture, and, most strikingly, Babel Tower, looming over the heart of the city.

"This place... truly is an adventurer's dreamland."

Inside The Pantheon, I observe: 🔹 Wide-open spaces filled with counters—guild employees assisting adventurers. 🔹 Exchange areas for crystals and resources.

Nearby, a young woman in a black vest and pants, paired with a white collared long-sleeve shirt and a gray bow tie, stands at one of the counters.

I approach her.

"Excuse me, miss, may I ask where adventurers register?"

She turns, momentarily freezing, her gaze lingering before reddening slightly.

I fake a cough, snapping her out of the daze.

???: "Oh, sorry! Of course—you can. Ahem—my name is Misha Flott, I work at the Guild. I'll lead you to the registration counter."

"My name is Sora. Nice to meet you, Miss Misha Flott."

Misha: "Just Misha is fine, Sora-kun," she says playfully.

'Wow, she just skipped -sama and -san straight to -kun despite us just meeting—and I'm older.'

'Fine. Two can play this game.'

"Alright, Misha-chan."

She misses a step, momentarily stunned by the shift, but quickly recovers, guiding me toward the registration counter.

As I stand in line, a problem emerges—I can't openly declare my true level.

I rack my mind for solutions.

Then, an idea strikes me.

I glance at Misha.

"Hey, Misha..."