Shadow's Call in Orario [[Damachi]]

I woke up feeling a weight on my chest, soft and warm. Groggily, I blinked the sleep from my eyes to find Nyx curled up on top of me, her shadowy form purring softly as she slept. Her wooden katana lay propped against the bed frame.

"Alright, Nyx," I murmured, gently scratching her head. She stirred, stretching her tiny frame before slipping effortlessly back into my shadow. I smiled feeling remarkably well-rested, As I got out of bed and stretched, marveling at how the aches and pains of yesterday had vanished entirely. Not a trace of fatigue or soreness remained. It was like my body had been completely refreshed overnight. It was strange but undeniably welcome.

After freshening up, I made my way downstairs to the lively common room of the Hostess of Fertility. The smell of warm stew and freshly baked bread filled the air, and the hum of chatter from other patrons created a comforting atmosphere. My stomach growled and I quickly found a seat near the corner of the room.

"Morning!" A cheerful server greeted me, as I ordered my food and she came back with my hearty breakfast. A bowl of steaming stew and a thick slice of bread. The aroma made my mouth water, and I wasted no time digging in, savoring each bite as the flavors warmed me from the inside out.

As I ate, my ears caught snippets of conversations from nearby tables. Adventurers were gathered in groups, sharing tales of their latest exploits in the Dungeon. Most of it was the usual chatter one would expect but one particular conversation piqued my interest.

"Those new creatures are a real pain," a gruff voice grumbled. I glanced over to see a Dwarf leaning back in his chair, his armor scratched but intact. "Those little rolling ones? What did the Guild call them?"

"Doesn't matter what they're called," another chimed in, a younger Bull guy with cute small horns and a sword strapped to his back. "They're annoying as hell. Hard shells, and they always wait until you're distracted before they slam into you. Best way to deal with them is to flip them onto their backs."

"Yeah, but they're weak," the Dwarf added with a scoff. "Most people above level 1 can slice through their shells easily. It's the new Level 1s who are struggling with them. Poor bastards."

"Still," a third adventurer cut in, her tone thoughtful, "it's strange. Those things just started showing up yesterday, and the Guild doesn't know where they came from. Monsters don't usually act like that, not the ones on the first floor."

I took another bite of bread, rolling creatures with hard shells, that sounded eerily similar to Konchu, the small, armadillo-like bugs from the Monster Hunter universe. They weren't particularly strong, but their ability to roll and ram into you while you were busy with a bigger monster was extremely annoying.

Another table's conversation caught my attention.

"Those blue lizards on the second floor are worse," an elf man with a bow said, shaking his head. "Fast, smart, thank the gods there's not big or the Guild would have a real problem."

Blue lizards? Fast and aggressive but small? That sounded like Velociprey. Small pack hunters, If the Konchu were annoying, the Velociprey were equally annoying but actually somewhat dangerous.

"Yeah, those things are brutal," another adventurer agreed. "I had one jump out at me from the shadows yesterday. Almost tore through my armor. It's like they're learning how to ambush us."

"Good thing they're only on the second floor," the Dwarf added. "If they were on the first floor too, we'd have a lot more casualties from new adventures."

These monsters weren't supposed to exist in this world. The plants and bugs I'd found yesterday were one thing, but this was on a much larger problem. The Dungeon, was now spawning creatures mob monsters. And while the higher-level adventurers seemed to handle them without much trouble, the Level 1s were struggling.

As I finished my breakfast, I mulled over what I'd learned. The Konchu on the first floor and the Velociprey on the second were manageable for now. 

I leaned back in my chair, letting out a slow breath after eating my food. There was so much I didn't know, so much I needed to figure out. For now, though, my next step was clear I needed a weapon, something I could use for now. 

The chatter in the tavern quieted slightly as I approached the group of adventurers. Among them were two humans, a dwarf with a thick, braided beard, and a beastman with wolf-like features. They turned to look at me, a mix of curiosity and mild amusement flickering across their faces.

"Excuse me," I began, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my chest. "I'm new to the city and was wondering if you could point me toward a good weapon shop."

The dwarf chuckled, his deep voice resonating as he eyed me up and down. "An Amazon without a weapon? That's a first. I thought your kind were born with blades in hand."

Heat rose to my cheeks, but I managed a sheepish smile. "Not this one, I'm afraid. I need something simple to start with."

The beastman nodded, his sharp eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "If you're looking for quality without breaking the bank, try the shop a few streets over from the Guild Hall. Look for a red sign shaped like a sword. Old man Gervas runs it, he doesn't overcharge newbies."

I thanked them, grateful for the advice, and headed out into the bustling streets of Orario. I navigated the winding streets, occasionally stopping to ask for directions from kind-looking passersby, an elf here, a pallum there until I finally spotted the shop.

The red sword-shaped sign swayed gently in the breeze, marking the entrance to a modest building tucked between larger storefronts. The door creaked as I pushed it open, stepping into a space filled with the metallic tang of freshly forged steel. Rows of weapons lined the walls, from gleaming swords to heavy axes, and shields of various sizes hung neatly on racks.

A grizzled man with broad shoulders and soot-streaked hands looked up from the counter, his piercing blue eyes narrowing as he took me in. "Amazon, huh? Looking for something specific, or just browsing?"

My gaze sweeping over the weapons on display. None of them resembled the intricate, oversized designs of Monster Hunter weapons, though a few bore faint similarities. There were great swords, albeit smaller and more practical, and a heavy bow that reminded me of a smaller Hunter's bow, but nothing quite matched what I had hoped for.

"I need something simple," I admitted, stepping closer to the counter. "A short sword and shield, maybe."

He nodded, rubbing his chin as he moved to a nearby rack. "Good choice for a beginner. Sword and shield are versatile, lightweight, easy to handle, and good for some defense depending on the size. Follow me."

He led me to a row of short swords, each one polished and neatly arranged. My eyes scanned the selection, landing on a plain but sturdy iron sword. The blade was just right size, with a simple hilt wrapped in black leather. Beside it was a small round shield, also iron, with a reinforced rim and a leather strap for easy handling.

"This one's durable," Gervas said, hefting the sword and giving it a testing swing. "Won't win you any style points, but it'll get the job done. The shield's light but strong enough to block most Level 1 monster attacks."

I nodded, taking the sword and shield from him. The weight felt good in my hands. As I gripped the sword, a strange sensation washed over me, like a faint hum in the back of my mind. Images flickered before my eyes, the swift movements of a Monster Hunter wielding a sword and shield. It wasn't anything advanced, just the basics, quick slashes, blocking, and dodging but it felt natural, almost instinctive.

"Something wrong?" Gervas asked, raising a brow.

"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "Just… getting a feel for it."

"Good. Better you get used to it now than in the middle of a fight." He crossed his arms, his expression softening slightly. "That set'll cost you 1,200 valis. Fair price for good steel."

Mentally calculating the remaining valis I had. Between the cost of the sword, shield, and my room at the Hostess of Fertility, I'd still have enough left for basic supplies. I nodded, handing over the coins. Gervas counted them with practiced ease, then handed me the sword's scabbard and a leather strap for the shield. "Hey you wouldn't happen to have a bag hanging around you wouldn't mind getting ride of?" I asked him.

He thought for a bit before moving behind the counter and tossing me a old backpack. it was extremely basic but it would work. I Tried to pay him for it but he shook his head.

"Strap that shield to your arm properly," he advised as I adjusted the strap. "And don't go swinging that sword around recklessly. Learn how to use it right, or you'll be more danger to yourself than the monsters."

"Thanks," I said, genuinely appreciative of his advice. "I'll keep that in mind."

With my new gear secured, I stepped out of the shop and into the sunlight. The weight of the sword at my hip and the shield on my arm felt reassuring. The streets of Orario bustled around me, and I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. I knew what I had to do now.

The sun was climbing higher into the sky as I stepped out through the gates of the city. The guards barely gave me a second glance this time, their attention focused on a cart carrying supplies. The road stretched ahead, bustling with travelers, but I turned off the main path after a short walk, heading toward a familiar patch of trees I'd explored yesterday.

The wilderness was quiet, save for the chirping of birds and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. I kept my new sword sheathed at my side, my hand instinctively brushing the hilt every now and then as I scanned the area. My first target was the same herbs I'd gathered before.

The green healing herbs were easy enough to find, scattered among the underbrush near the base of the trees. I crouched low, carefully plucking the vibrant leaves and storing them in my inventory. Nearby, I spotted a patch of Blue Mushrooms growing at the base of a rotting log. Their bright blue caps made them stand out against the dull brown of the bark, and I added them to my inventory with a small smile.

As I wandered deeper into the forest, I caught sight of something glinting in the sunlight. Moving closer, I found a cluster of honey dripping from a hive high above. A few bees buzzed around, but they didn't seem aggressive, so I reached up with a stick, gently collecting the golden liquid and storing it in my inventory. Honey was essential for making stronger potions, and I wasn't about to leave any behind.

Next, I focused on the insects. Godbugs were tricky to spot at first, their shimmering wings blending into the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. I managed to catch a few, carefully placing them in my inventory as I went. Flashbugs were even harder to find, their faint glow barely visible in the daylight. But after some careful searching near a rocky outcrop, I managed to gather a handful.

Once I had enough materials, I opened my inventory and began combining the ingredients. The translucent crafting screen appeared before me, displaying the combinations I'd unlocked so far.

Herb + Blue Mushroom = Potion

Potion + Honey = Mega Potion

Flashbug = Flash Pod

Godbug + Blue Mushroom + Honey = Life Powder

I started with the basics, crafting ten regular potions from the herbs and Blue Mushrooms I'd gathered. The green liquid appearing in neatly sealed bottles in my inventory. Then, I moved on to Mega Potions, combining some of the potions with honey. By the time I finished, I had five Mega Potions glowing faintly in my inventory.

For the Flash Pods were easy enough to make. The result was three compact pods that could release a blinding flash when thrown.

Lastly, I worked on the Life Powder. Combining Goldbug's, Blue Mushrooms, and Honey. I managed to create two glowing jars of Life Powder.

By the time I finished crafting, the sun was directly overhead. I took a moment to sit beneath a tree, leaning back against the rough bark as I opened my inventory to review my supplies.

Potions: 10

Mega Potions: 5

Energy Drinks: 5

Flash Pods: 3

Life Powder: 2

The collection was small since it hadn't been easy to find some of these. I knew I'd need more eventually, especially if I ventured deeper into the Dungeon or faced stronger creatures outside the city. 

The forest seemed quieter than usual, save for the crunch of leaves beneath my boots. The air was humid, thick with the scent of soil and moss.

I was feeling confident, maybe even a little cocky. After yesterday's brutal fight, having a weapon in hand made all the difference. The weight of the iron sword was familiar now, and the basic movements I'd inherited from the Monster Hunter playstyle were starting to feel like second nature. I'd practiced a few strikes against tree stumps earlier, testing how the blade swung and how the shield felt in my hand. Just getting a feel for the weapon. 

The first sign of trouble came in the form of a low, guttural growl.

My ears straining to pinpoint the source. A rustle to my left, followed by another to my right. Nyx hissed softly, materializing from my shadow with her wooden katana in hand. Her fur bristled, her glowing blue eyes locking onto the source of the noise. I turned slowly, gripping my sword tighter as I spotted them, goblins.

Three of them stepped out from the underbrush, their green skin slick with sweat, their twisted faces were ugly as hell. Each one held a crude weapon, jagged knives, a splintered club, even a sharpened stick. They were smaller than the ones from yesterday.

Nyx growled low, taking a stance beside me. Her wooden katana gleamed faintly in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. 

The first goblin lunged.

It came in fast, its crude knife aimed for my gut. I raised my shield and pashed the attack, the impact reverberating through my arm. The goblin stumbled, momentarily off-balance, and I saw my opening. 

Pivoting on my heel, I swung my sword in a wide arc, the blade catching the goblin across its chest. The iron sliced through flesh with a wet sound, sending the creature sprawling to the ground in a heap. Blood pooled around it, its knife clattering to the dirt as it lay still.

The second goblin didn't hesitate. It darted toward me from the side, its splintered club raised high. I back stepped its swing, the club whooshing harmlessly past my shoulder, and followed up with a quick bash of my shield. The goblin yelped as the metal edge slammed into its face, staggering it backward. Without missing a beat, I stepped forward, driving my sword straight into its gut. The goblin let out a choking sound, its weapon falling from limp fingers as it collapsed.

With a sharp hiss, Nyx darted around me, her wooden katana slicing through the air. The goblin turned to defend itself, but it was too slow. Nyx's blade caught it across the arm, forcing it to drop its weapon. She pressed the attack, her movements quick as she struck again, this time targeting its legs. The goblin crumpled to the ground, and I stepped in to finish it off, driving my sword down into its chest.

Silence fell over the clearing.

I stood there, breathing heavily, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. My sword dripped with goblin blood, the metallic scent mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest. Nyx padded over to me, her tail flicking as she gave a satisfied chirp. Her wooden katana was slick with blood, the once-smooth blade now chipped and worn from use. Id need to get her a better weapon, one that wasn't wood.

I exhaled slowly, lowering my sword as I surveyed the scene. The goblins lay motionless around us, their crude weapons scattered in the dirt. Compared to yesterday, this fight had been almost easy and I still didn't want them as my shadows. They were ugly and gross.

The sword and shield had made all the difference, allowing me to fight far better rather than desperation I had before. The movements I'd gotten from just picking up the weapon was great. Id couldnt wait to try my hands on the other weapons, once i could make them.

Nyx nudged my leg, her glowing eyes scanning the area for more threats. I patted her head, murmuring a quiet "good job" before turning back to the bodies. 

There was no time to waste. I wiped my sword clean on a patch of grass and sheathed it, my thoughts already shifting to the next step. The goblins might not have been much of a challenge this time, but the Dungeon wouldn't be so forgiving.

The walk back to Orario was quiet, save for the occasional chirping of birds and the distant rustling of leaves. The sun had risen higher now, bathing the forest in a warm glow that made the path ahead almost inviting. Nyx silently retreated into my shadow as we approached the main road leading to the city gates. My steps were steady, though my mind buzzed with thoughts of the battle earlier. The goblins hadn't been much of a challenge, but the rush of combat was still fresh, my heart thumping.

When the city gates came into view, the line of people had thinned considerably compared to the morning rush. A few merchants were unloading carts, their voices loud as they argued over goods and coin, while adventurers passed through with minimal fuss. The guards stood at their posts, their sharp eyes scanning every individual who approached.

As I reached the gate, one of them stepped forward, his hand outstretched. "Entry fee. Hundred valis."

I dug into my backpack, pulling out the coins and handing them over without a word. He inspected them briefly, my backpack and the coins before stepping aside to let me through. "Welcome to Orario."

 The guild was my next destination. The journey to the tower didn't take long. As I neared its entrance, the bustle of adventurers increased. Groups gathered at the foot of the tower, discussing their plans for the day. Some were fully geared, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight.

The guild's reception area was situated just inside the entrance, a wide hall filled with counters and desks where guild staff assisted adventurers with everything from Dungeon permits to information requests. The room buzzed with activity, adventurers forming lines at the counters, some chatting idly while others argued with the staff. I scanned the area, looking for a quieter spot, and my eyes landed on an empty counter off to the side.

A small figure stood on a chair behind the counter, a female Pallum, her short stature making the chair a necessity. She had light brown hair tied into twin braids and wore the standard guild uniform, her expression patient as she waited for someone to approach. Her large, round eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she seemed almost eager for company.

I hesitated for a moment, then made my way over. She noticed me immediately, standing a little straighter as I approached.

"Hello!" she greeted, her voice bright and cheerful. "How can I help you today?"

I smiled politely, placing my hands on the counter. "I was hoping to get permission to enter the Dungeon."

Her expression faltered slightly, though the warmth in her tone remained. "Oh, um, are you part of a Familia?"

The question caught me off guard. I hadn't expected it to matter so much, not for a first-time entry. "No," I admitted. "I'm not with a Familia."

The Pallum's face fell, her enthusiasm dimming just a bit. "I'm sorry, but only adventurers affiliated with a Familia are allowed to enter the Dungeon. It's one of the guild's regulations."

I frowned, trying to keep my disappointment in check. "Is there any way to make an exception? I just want to—"

She shook her head firmly. "I'm afraid not. The Dungeon is incredibly dangerous, and having the support of a Familia is mandatory. Without one, we can't issue you a permit."

My shoulders sagged slightly, but before I could respond, she brightened again. "Wait here! I can take you to a room where someone from the guild can help you figure out your next steps."

Before I could protest, she hopped off her chair and motioned for me to follow. I trailed behind her as she led me through a side door and down a quiet hallway. The noise of the reception area faded, replaced by the soft click of her shoes against the stone floor. After a few minutes, we arrived at a modest waiting room with a table and chairs.

"Please wait here," she said with a cheerful smile. "Someone will be with you shortly."

I nodded, taking a seat as she left. The silence of the room was a stark contrast to the bustling hall I'd just left. My mind wandered as I waited, replaying the Pallum's words. A Familia, huh? It wasn't something I'd seriously considered. I'd always assumed I could manage on my own, but if the guild required it...

The sound of the door opening pulled me from my thoughts. A tall, elegant woman with chestnut brown hair and green eyes stepped in, her guild uniform neat and professional. She carried a clipboard in one hand and offered a warm, reassuring smile as she approached.

"Good afternoon," she greeted, her voice soft but confident. "My name is Eina Tulle. I understand you're looking to enter the Dungeon?"

I nodded, sitting up a little straighter. "That's right, but I was told I need to join a Familia first."

Eina nodded, taking a seat across from me. "That's correct. The Dungeon is incredibly dangerous, and the guild has strict rules to ensure the safety of adventurers. Being part of a Familia provides not only support but also a safety net in case something goes wrong."

She glanced at her clipboard, then back at me. "May I ask a few questions to get a better understanding of your situation?"

I hesitated briefly but nodded. "Of course."

She began with the basics, my name, race, and level. I answered honestly but kept my responses vague when it came to my abilities and background. Eina seemed to pick up on my reluctance, but she didn't press, maintaining her polite demeanor.

"Thank you," she said after jotting down a few notes. "Based on what you've told me, I think it would be best for you to review your options carefully. Joining a Familia is a big decision, and it's important to find one that aligns with your goals and values."

She handed me a sheet of paper, neatly printed with a list of Familia names and brief descriptions of each. Some were well-known from the anime, Loki Familia, Ganesha Familia, and Hephaestus Familia, while others were smaller and less familiar. I scanned the list.

"Take your time to consider these options," Eina continued. "If you'd like, I can provide more information about any Familia that interests you."

I glanced up at her, appreciating her patience. "Thank you. I'll need to think about this."

Eina smiled gently. "Of course. Joining a Familia is an important step, and the guild is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask."

Eina's gaze lingered on the list in my hand as I scanned through it, clearly giving me time to process everything. After a moment of silence, her soft voice broke the tension. "You mentioned earlier that you're a level one adventurer, and an Amazon, correct?" she asked, her tone as friendly as ever.

I nodded, folding the list and placing it on the table. "That's right."

She tilted her head slightly, her green eyes narrowing just a bit in curiosity. "It's not often I meet an Amazon using a sword and shield. Usually, your kind prefers more aggressive or agile weapons like daggers, spears and such. May I ask why you chose that combination?"

I hesitated, rubbing the back of my neck. "Well, it's not permanent," I admitted. "I can use other weapons, but this setup is more practical for now. Swords and shields are reliable, and... I'm still saving up money to craft my own weapons. The ones I'm really comfortable with aren't exactly common here."

Eina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Craft your own weapons? That's an ambitious goal. Are you a blacksmith, by any chance?"

I shook my head. "Not exactly, but I've got some ideas. I just need to gather the right materials and resources. It's going to take time, but once I can, I'll switch to something more suited to my style."

Eina smiled softly. "That's quite admirable."

I shrugged, trying to downplay it. "I've got a lot to learn, so I figure it's better to be prepared."

Before she could respond, there was a knock on the door. Another guild staff member peeked in, handing Eina a slip of paper. She read it quickly, her expression shifting into something more serious. She glanced at me, then back at the paper, and finally folded it before placing it on the table.

"Miss…" she paused, clearly considering how to word her next question. "By any chance, were you in Orario yesterday selling potions?"

My stomach dropped. Oh crap baskets, was the only thought I could manage as my heart raced. I tried to keep my face neutral, but the sharp look in Eina's eyes told me she already suspected the answer.

"Yes…" I said slowly, my voice careful. "I sold a few potions to some adventurers outside the gates. I needed the entry fee."

Eina leaned back slightly, her expression neutral but thoughtful. "I see. We've received several reports about a girl matching your description selling potions that no one had ever seen before. One report mentioned a green healing potion, which is unusual since Orario's healing potions are traditionally red. And there was also mention of a stamina potion... something entirely new to the guild."

I swallowed hard. "I… didn't realize it would cause an issue."

"It's not an issue," Eina clarified gently. "But the guild has a responsibility to ensure the safety of adventurers and the integrity of what's being sold in the city. Potions are highly regulated here, and the appearance of something entirely new raises questions. We don't mean to accuse you of anything yet, but we need to confirm that these potions are safe."

Her words were firm but reassuring. She wasn't trying to intimidate me, but the weight of the guild's authority was clear. "What does that mean for me?" I asked cautiously.

"It means we'd like to purchase some of your potions for testing," Eina said, her tone professional. "You won't be asked for the recipe, that's your intellectual property, but we do need to examine their effects and ensure there are no side effects. If everything checks out, you'll be free to sell them without issue. In fact, the guild might even offer to buy them in bulk."

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright. I can provide a few samples."

Eina smiled, clearly relieved by my cooperation. "Thank you. The guild will compensate you for the samples, of course."

Grateful I'd bought a backpack earlier, I reached into it and pulled out one of each potion I had made: a green healing potion, a mega potion, a yellow energy drink, and a small jar of life powder. I set them carefully on the table, watching as Eina's eyes widened slightly at the sight of the neatly crafted items.

She pointed to the two green potions, her brow furrowing. "There are two green ones?"

I nodded, anticipating her confusion. "This one is my standard healing potion. It's equivalent to what I've learned is considered a mid-grade healing potion here. The larger one is a mega potion, stronger than the first."

Eina's fingers hovered over the potions, her curiosity evident. "And this yellow one?"

"That's an energy drink," I explained. "It's for restoring stamina. It's something I came up."

Eina nodded, taking in my explanation before moving to the last item. "And this powder?"

 "That's life powder. It has the same healing strength as my standard healing potion, but it's designed for a wider effect. It's useful if you're in a party and need to heal multiple people at once."

Her expression shifted to one of cautious intrigue. "That's... quite innovative," she murmured. "Though I imagine it must be difficult to produce."

I didn't correct her assumption. She didn't need to know how simple it was for me to craft these items if I had the right ingredients. "It's not easy, but it's worth it," I said vaguely.

Eina studied the potions and powder for a moment longer before looking back at me. "Thank you for your cooperation. The guild will test these thoroughly, and I'll make sure you're informed of the results. In the meantime, I'd suggest focusing on finding a Familia. Once you're officially registered, you'll have access to the Dungeon, and I'm sure your skills will be put to good use."

Eina finished jotting down a few notes in her ledger, her expression thoughtful as she carefully placed the potions and life powder into a secure pouch. As she stood, she glanced back at me, her usual warm demeanor returning. "You've certainly brought something unique to Orario," she said, smiling faintly. "These potions could be in high demand, but for now focus on finding a Familia first."

I nodded, folding my arms as I leaned back in my chair. "I figured that much. But it's not like I know much about them aside from what's on this list. There are so many... it's slightly overwhelming."

Eina tilted her head slightly, considering me for a moment before taking a seat again. "If I may, I can offer some recommendations," she said, her tone careful but genuine. "It might help narrow things down for you."

I gestured for her to continue, curious about what she'd say. 

She placed her hands on the table, her fingers interlocking as she began. "The Loki Familia is one of the two most well-known and powerful familia's in Orario currently. They're a large Familia, focused primarily on exploration and Dungeon crawling. If you're looking for a place where you can grow quickly and be part of something big, they're an excellent choice. Their adventurers are strong, their resources are plentiful." She paused, her gaze steady as she added, "However, they can be competitive, and fitting into such an established group might be challenging for someone just starting out as they are extremely picky on who they let in."

I nodded slowly, processing the information. "What's the other option?"

Eina's smile softened. "The Hestia Familia. They're small, very small actually but their goddess is incredibly devoted to her Familia. She's new to Orario, but from what I've heard, she's passionate and kind. Joining a smaller Familia could mean more individual attention and a stronger bond with your god or goddess."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "The Hestia Familia has the potential to grow into something remarkable, but it'll require patience and dedication. You'd be part of shaping its future."

I leaned forward slightly, considering her words. Both options were compelling in their own way. Given what I knew about the anime plus I was glad she didn't suggest the Freya familia as that was one I really didn't want to be a part of. 

Eina studied me carefully before adding, "Ultimately, the choice is yours. It depends on what you're looking for. If you want resources and a larger network, Loki's Familia is ideal. If you value personal connections and want to be part of something smaller but full of potential, Hestia's Familia might be the right fit."

I gave a thoughtful hum, glancing back at the list of Familia she'd provided earlier. "Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."

She stood, smoothing out her skirt as she prepared to leave. "You're welcome. If you have any other questions or need guidance, don't hesitate to find me here at the guild."

With that, she left the room, the sound of the door clicking shut behind her. I leaned back in my chair, letting her words sink in. There was a lot to think about, and while the choice was ultimately mine.