Chapter 4: Hestia

The carriage came to a halt in front of the towering, colossal gates. Orario's stone walls stood firm, as if shielding the adventurer's city from the outside world. Reinhardt stepped down from the carriage alongside Bartos and Lily, observing the bustling crowd outside the gate.

Adventurers, merchants, and travelers moved about, waiting for their turn to be inspected by the city guards. Some appeared to be seasoned veterans, clad in armor bearing numerous scratches, while others looked like enthusiastic beginners.

Bartos patted Reinhardt's shoulder. "Well, this is as far as we can take you. From here on, you're on your own, kid."

Reinhardt turned to the old man. "Thank you, Bartos. And for all the information as well."

Bartos chuckled. "Don't mention it. I hope you find a Familia that suits you."

Lily, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke in a quiet voice. "Be careful, Reinhardt…"

Reinhardt nodded with a small smile. "You too."

After saying his goodbyes, he walked toward the inspection queue. When his turn arrived, a guard in iron armor raised a hand. "Name and purpose in Orario?"

"Reinhardt. I've come to become an adventurer."

The guard nodded, scanning Reinhardt from head to toe. "Do you have a Familia?"

"Not yet."

The guard muttered something while jotting down notes on a paper. "In that case, you'll need to register at the Guild first. They'll help you find a Familia."

He handed the paper back to Reinhardt and gestured for him to proceed.

As he passed through the gates, Reinhardt finally saw Orario from within—and the view was far more breathtaking than he had imagined.

Tall buildings with unique architecture lined the streets, while shops bustled with customers browsing various goods. Adventurers walked with confidence—some wielding massive weapons, others draped in long cloaks inscribed with glowing magical symbols.

In the distance, the Babel Tower stretched toward the heavens, the heart of all adventures in this world.

Reinhardt took a deep breath.

"I'm really here."

—

Following the directions, Reinhardt made his way to the Guild. The Guild building was located in the center of the city, near the Babel Tower—a grand structure with a golden eagle emblem above its entrance.

As he stepped inside, he was met with the sight of adventurers seated at wooden tables, conversing with Guild receptionists. Some were filling out reports, while others seemed to be discussing Dungeon strategies.

He approached an empty desk and waited until a woman with short brown hair walked over to him.

He immediately recognized her—Eina Tulle.

Eina was a beautiful Half-Elf with a slender figure, pointed ears, shoulder-length brown hair, and emerald-colored eyes.

"Welcome to the Guild! My name is Eina Tulle. How can I assist you?"

Reinhardt met her gaze. "My name is Reinhardt. I want to register as an adventurer."

Eina smiled. "Alright. Do you already have a Familia?"

"No."

"In that case, you'll need to find a god willing to accept you into their Familia," Eina explained while grabbing some forms. "Without a Falna, you won't be able to enter the Dungeon."

Reinhardt nodded. He had expected this, but hearing it directly made it feel more real.

Eina continued, "If you'd like, I can recommend some Familias that frequently accept new members."

Reinhardt paused for a moment.

"I… want to join the Hestia Familia."

Eina looked surprised. "Hestia Familia?"

"Yes."

Eina hesitated before sighing. "Reinhardt, I understand if you're interested, but… I don't think that's a wise choice."

Reinhardt raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Eina set the forms down and gave him a serious look. "Hestia Familia is still new and has no members. That means you'll have to explore the Dungeon alone. Without teammates, you'll be in great danger."

"I can handle it."

Eina sighed again. "Listen, I'm not trying to discourage you, but as a Guild receptionist, it's my duty to ensure beginner adventurers have a safe start. Entering the Dungeon alone without experience is suicide."

Reinhardt remained silent, his expression unchanged.

Seeing his persistence, Eina tried a different approach. "How about considering a small or mid-tier Familia? I have a list of Familias still accepting new members. They might not be as big as Loki or Hephaestus Familia, but they offer solid training for beginners."

She pulled out a piece of paper and showed it to Reinhardt. "For example, Takemikazuchi Familia and Miach Familia. They aren't large, but they have strong members. They can help you grow safely."

Reinhardt shook his head. "No, thank you."

Eina looked frustrated. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Reinhardt gave a small smile, but in his heart, he had a reason he couldn't say out loud. How could I join another Familia? Hestia was my waifu in my past life!

Seeing Reinhardt's determined gaze, Eina finally gave in. "Alright… if you're absolutely sure." She picked up another paper and wrote something on it. "This is the location where Hestia is. If you change your mind, you can return, and I'll help you find another Familia."

Reinhardt took the paper and slipped it into his pocket. "Thank you, Eina."

Eina gave a small smile, though concern remained on her face. As Reinhardt walked away, she watched his back with mixed emotions.

But she had already memorized his appearance.

—

With Eina's information, Reinhardt made his way to Orario's western district. Hestia's location was somewhat secluded, in an area that wasn't too crowded. As he approached, he saw a petite girl with long black twin tails enthusiastically selling her wares.

She wore a simple white outfit with a blue ribbon tied under her chest. But the most striking feature was the lively expression she wore as she called out to potential customers.

"Jagamarukun Hestia! Delicious and cheap! Only 30 valis per serving! Want to try? Want to try?"

Reinhardt paused, taking in the sight before him.

Hestia was a beautiful and petite goddess with a youthful appearance. She had bright blue eyes and long black hair tied into twin tails that reached mid-thigh. Her hair was adorned with blue and white flower-shaped accessories.

My god… she's absolutely adorable…

Hestia continued shouting to promote her food, but not many people stopped to buy. Most simply glanced her way and walked past.

Reinhardt smiled and stepped forward. "One serving, please."

Hestia turned to him with excitement. "Oh! Alright! Just a moment!"

She grabbed a freshly fried potato snack from the basket and handed it to him. "30 valis!"

Reinhardt handed over the money, took the Jagamarukun, and began eating. The taste wasn't bad—not exceptional, but decent for street food.

As he ate, he looked at Hestia. "You're Goddess Hestia, right?"

Hestia eyed him suspiciously. "Huh? Yeah, I'm Hestia, but who are you?"

Reinhardt swallowed his food and smiled. "My name is Reinhardt. I want to join the Hestia Familia."

Hestia froze for a few seconds, then her eyes widened. "Eh?! Seriously?! You want to join my tiny Familia?!"

Reinhardt nodded.

Hestia looked so shocked that she nearly dropped her basket of potatoes. "Waaah! Really?! Really?! I'm not dreaming, right?!"

She pinched her own cheek and winced. "Okay, this is real! Waaah! I finally have a member!"

Hestia ran in circles around her cart in excitement before stopping and looking at Reinhardt with sparkling eyes. "You're serious, right?! You won't change your mind, right?!"

Reinhardt chuckled. "I'm serious."

Hestia immediately leaped toward him, hugging him tightly. "Waaah! I'm so happy!"

After a few seconds, she pulled away, her eyes filled with hope. "Then let's go to my home! I'll grant you a Falna right away!"

Reinhardt nodded.

Hestia quickly packed up her cart and shouted, "Come on, follow me!"

Reinhardt followed with a smile on his face. Finally… I've found my place in this world.