1 Chapter 1: Orario's Embrace - A Novice's Odyssey
"This view from another world? It's totally amazing!"
Standing on a slope with one hand on his forehead, the blond young man gazed at the magical city at the end of his vision. His mouth curved with joy, and his eyes were filled with a mix of emotions.
Perhaps excitement, longing, and even the joy reminiscent of fulfilling a childhood wish.
At the edge of the green wilderness, the city that unfolded before him was encircled by enormous walls, their boundaries extending beyond sight.
In its center stood the majestic Tower of Babel, its peculiar sense of existence leaving an impact on the young man's heart, prompting him to sigh in admiration.
"At the western end of the continent, at the world's center, lies the sole recipient of the world's blessing—the labyrinth city of Orario! It's truly astounding."
"Hahaha, little brother. My ears are ringing from your praise. Everyone who lays eyes on this city for the first time will express the same awe as you!"
Standing beside the blond young man, a middle-aged man in linen, wearing a broad hat and carrying a large package, laughed and teased loudly.
"Uh."
The young man, slightly embarrassed by his country-bumpkin-like behavior upon entering the city, touched his nose and then asked curiously, "Uncle, you mentioned there are many people like me?"
The uncle raised his eyebrows, inspecting the young man.
Underneath the black cloak, he wore undergarments of the same color, and a belt bag made of some inferior leather. Mud and weeds covered the boots on both feet, his face was dusty, and there was a package behind him.
"Tsk, young man. Allow me to offer some advice. While adventurers can attain fame, wealth, and power, ah... it's a perilous occupation. If you're not careful, you might..."
The elder's sincere advice left the young man scratching his head in embarrassment.
"Thanks for the heads up. But come on, I'm in this city now. Would it be lame not to jump into the adventurer scene? Elves, cat girls, magic—c'mon, it's normal to be hyped about this stuff. Don't you think?"
"Hey hey hey hey, little brother. You've got it down."
After these words, both the middle-aged uncle and the young man exchanged meaningful smiles.
"If that's the case, then I wish you good luck!"
"Haha, thanks for your blessing!"
With these few words shared, the two bid farewell with a wave.
"By the way, my name is Flon, Flon Algon!"
The middle-aged uncle didn't look back, just waved his hand. Gazing into the distance, facing the clear sky adorned with dark clouds, the fragrance of grass plants wafting in the gentle wind, the young man smiled.
The labyrinth city, at the north gate of Orario.
Flon's curiosity was sorta taking a backseat in this massive city, but he was revving up for a full-on exploration mode.
As he joined the never-ending line on the suspension bridge, made with these massive bricks leading to the city gate, he couldn't help but watch in awe as the folks ahead went through those thorough checks by people in black uniforms.
He noticed these inspectors using this weird magic stone lamp, shining it on everyone's back, only letting them go after making sure everything checked out. Some savvy individuals even flashed what looked like passports, waltzing through the inspection like it was a breeze.
The whole routine gave Flon this weird déjà vu, like he was caught in some time and space illusion. The staff hustled, and before he knew it, it was his turn.
The pallum in charge of the "security check" shot a glance at Flon's blond hair and golden pupils, looking a bit surprised, "First time in Orario, huh?"
"Huh? Can you tell at a glance?"
The pallum pushed up his glasses and explained with a professional smile, "After all, hundreds of thousands of people are tested every day. This is the so-called experience."
Flon was momentarily puzzled, unsure how to agree with the uncle's words. Perhaps pallums among the demi-humans are naturally sensitive to the five senses.
"After all, this is a labyrinth city. It's only natural that people with all kinds of fantasies gather here, right?"
"Uh, seems to be right."
"Here, show your back."
Flon understood and mimicked the way others did, baring his back for inspection.
"Well, I want to ask. Does this check have any special meaning?"
"It's nothing secret. After all, it's Orario. There are always troubles in the center of the world, such as spies from other countries' families, smuggling, etc. You know what I mean."
As a transmigrator, Flon instantly grasped it. Combined with the staff's actions, he immediately thought of something.
"Falna," the only blessing that descended gods can bring to the next generation of people. The function of this magic tool should respond to falna.
"Is it something like scanning a QR code? It looks so advanced..."
After a casual inspection, the pallum youth signaled for him to leave. While adjusting his clothes, Flon asked, "Well, if you want to become an adventurer, should you go to the adventurers' guild, or..."
"Of course, you can only sign up at the guild after finding a god to be your familia and scoring some falna."
Realizing how dumb his question was, Flon cursed himself. Still, he threw out a thankful smile.
"By the way, if you're getting into this adventurer gig, picking the right god is key. Gods have all sorts of personalities, just like us, and if you get falna from a good god, consider yourself lucky."
To the pallum's handy advice, Flon nodded, letting them know he got it.
People have been joining familia for ages, and they've sorta figured out this mystical rule: the god you team up with is usually a bit like you, especially in personality. It's like stand-in messengers are naturally drawn to each other at least, that's the vibe.
"Thanks for the advice!"
"Haha, no problem. Have a blast in Orario!"
Waving goodbye to the lively staff, he finally strolled into the labyrinth city known as the center of the world, Orario!
The sight that greeted him was a bustling street cutting straight through the square, all neatly paved with white stone slabs. Even with four carriages driving side by side, it didn't feel cramped. Shops lined up along the wide street, and at the center of it all, the majestic tower in the distance showcased the city's prosperity and vibrancy with a unique charm.
Even though he'd seen quite a bit in his two lifetimes, Flon's excited heart still fueled his hopes.
On the path, demihumans decked out in all kinds of adventurer gear passed by some fully armored with swords at their waists, others in cloaks with bows and arrows on their backs.
There were also tough dwarves, lively pallums, and pint-sized folks with serious expressions and a dash of humility.
At that moment, the feeling of being in another world truly hit Flon Algon.
"Elves, cat girls, are you ready! Hahahahaha!"
Facing the curious glances of onlookers, the already hyped Flon didn't care where to direct his enthusiasm and laughed with arms wide open.
