Bab 6: Arrival in Orario
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the rolling plains as Bjorn and his caravan crested a hill. William, riding at the front, signaled for everyone to halt.
"There it is,"
William said, his voice calm but carrying sort of a weight of reverence.
Bjorn nudged Gleip to a stop, his gaze following William's pointing hand…. There, in the distance, stood Orario.
The city was like nothing Bjorn had ever seen. The city was colossal, encircled by colossal walls of stone that seemed almost alive with history, Orario stood defiant against time and any who might challenge it Built with a precision and strength that spoke of centuries of labor, the walls glimmered faintly in the sunlight, an unyielding barrier protecting the wonders within.
But what caught every eye was the Tower of Babel. Rising from the city's heart, the structure seemed almost otherworldly, its white surface shimmering as it reached into the heavens… The tower exuded an aura of power and mystery, a silent reminder of the Dungeon that lay beneath it, a place where legends were born, and countless lives were lost.
The Dungeon's Tower, Babel, rose from its center like a god's monument, piercing the heavens with an almost otherworldly presence. Just like the story from the Bible, it is an attempt that would very well reach the Gods and Goddesses in heaven. Due to that, numerous Gods and Goddesses aim to take it down.
Bjorn's grip on Gleip's reins tightened slightly. He wasn't overwhelmed by excitement or giddy anticipation; instead, a quiet awe settled over him. This wasn't just a city. It was a world unto itself, a place where myths walked among mortals, and dreams clashed against harsh reality.
Bjorn, still in awe, murmured and softly spoke.
"It's... bigger than I thought,"
One of the caravan members chuckled softly.
"That's what everyone says the first time they see it. Orario has a way of humbling you."
Bjorn nodded but didn't reply. His eyes lingered on the Tower, its presence both commanding and foreboding. He'd seen this place before in the distant memories of his past life, stories told through a screen, through an anime. Yet now, standing here, it was all too real. The weight of its significance pressed on him, leaving him both contemplative and quietly determined.
It is finally here… I don't know where and when I am currently but… I will do my best.
William turned in his saddle to address the group.
"We'll be entering the city soon. Merchants, keep your goods secure, and stay close. Orario might be a city of wonders, but it's not without its dangers."
The caravan began to move again, the path sloping gently downward toward the city gates. The plains around Orario were full of agriculture. Numerous flora and fauna can be found within these very plains.
Throughout all this, Bjorn stayed silent, his thoughts swirling as he followed the caravan's slow progress. The closer they came, the more the city's details emerged; watchtowers atop the walls, the distant hum of life from within, and the streams of people and carts converging at the gates.
Orario wasn't just a destination. It was a crossroads of fate. And for Bjorn, it marked the start of a journey that he couldn't yet fully comprehend.
As they approached the massive gates, Bjorn glanced at Gleip and patted his neck, drawing strength from the horse's steady presence. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it, step by step, just as he always had.
Bjorn's heart thudded steadily as the gates of Orario loomed before him, immense and awe-inspiring. The towering stone walls stretched skyward, their surfaces weathered by time yet unyielding, a testament to the city's might.
Guard towers stood sentinel along the ramparts, their watchful occupants scanning the throngs of travelers and merchants streaming toward the entrance.
The path narrowed as Bjorn's caravan joined the flow of people. The air grew dense with the scent of packed earth, leather, and the faint tang of iron from the soldiers stationed at the gates.
The crowd buzzed with voices of all kinds, merchants haggling, travelers sharing tales, and the occasional cry of children pointing at something they'd never seen before.
Bjorn, riding atop Gleip, couldn't help but feel small in the presence of the city's scale. He wasn't excited, not exactly. Instead, there was a quiet awe in his gaze as he took in the sight. He had seen Orario in the distance, like a distant promise, but now that he stood at its threshold, the city felt alive in a way he couldn't have anticipated.
As the caravan approached the gates, one of the guards stepped forward, his polished armor reflecting the afternoon sun.
"Halt! State your business."
William, riding ahead, leaned down slightly.
"Merchants from Karuna, bringing goods for the Merchant Union. Papers are here."
He handed over a set of documents, and the guard perused them with practiced efficiency.
The guard's sharp eyes darted toward the caravan members for a moment before returning to William.
"Everything seems in order. Welcome to Orario."
With a gesture, he signaled for the gates to open.
As the heavy wooden doors creaked apart, Bjorn felt his breath hitch.
The streets of Orario unfolded like a living tapestry before him. Cobbled roads lined with bustling shops and market stalls stretched out in every direction. The hum of life inside the city was almost overwhelming, hawkers shouting their wares, adventurers clinking with gear as they strode purposefully, and children darting between legs with laughter that rose above the din.
Buildings of all shapes and sizes crowded the streets. Some were grand, with carved facades and banners fluttering in the breeze, while others were humble, yet no less alive with activity. The architecture of the city is a blend of different cultures. Some are Japanese in style, some are of Germanic design.
Overhead it all, the Babel Tower rose impossibly high, its spire piercing the clouds, drawing every eye in the city.
Bjorn's grip on Gleip's reins tightened slightly as he absorbed the sheer vibrancy of the place. This was Orario, the city of legends, where adventurers sought glory, gods and goddesses walked among mortals, and the dungeon promised both riches and ruin.
William's voice shook him from his thoughts.
"Bjorn! We're heading to the Merchant Union. You know where you're going, right?"
Bjorn nodded, still half-distracted by the sights around him.
"Yes. The Guild."
"Good. Don't get lost, and keep your wits about you."
With that, William and the caravan veered off toward a side street, leaving Bjorn to steer Gleip through the crowd on his own.
As he guided his horse, the weight of Orario pressed down on him, not with dread, but with a profound sense of how much larger the world was than the life he had left behind. It wasn't excitement that filled him, but an awe-struck determination. This city, with all its chaos and promise, will now be part of his life.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, Bjorn didn't forget about his destination. He walked around trying to independently do it himself but… it was to no avail. He resorted to the usual, asking directions from a local.
After asking directions, Bjorn can now confidently walk through the streets of the city…. not. He still got lost. You see, Orario is a fucking maze.
After a good 30 minutes walking around the concrete jungle, Bjorn had now reached the Adventurer's Guild.
The Adventurer's Guild building is a rather small (compared to those around it), 2 storey building. Now, despite it being small, its age can be considered as one of the oldest buildings in Orario.
Going inside, Bjorn can see numerous adventurers drinking and seating on the tables around the guild.
It is hustling and bustling inside. Numerous people are also lined up in order to be serviced by a receptionist. Now, these receptionists are not just simple receptionists. They also are responsible for a number of adventurers themselves. They give guides, reminders, and suggestions so that the adventurer's lives will be much easier.
Going back, Bjorn had heard a rather interesting conversation.
"Hey. Did you know that someone broke the sword's princess record of breaking through level 2?"
"Wait what?! The sword princess's record was broken? The one year one?"
"Yes! And amazingly, the one who had broken it had become level 2 in just a month."
"Seriously?!"
The other people around also gathered on the table to discuss it further.
Meanwhile, Bjorn took a thoughtful look…
So… Bell had just become level 2 huh? So I think I'm at the earlier part of the story, huh?... Now… I need to focus on where to find Loki…
Bjorn lined up in one of the lines leading to a receptionist.
After a while, Bjorn had reached the front…
"Next."
Bjorn moved up and there she saw a long red haired woman, with two wolfish ears atop her head. She is also garbed in the usual guild uniform. She then nonchalantly talked to Bjorn with her usual 'tired' eyes..
"How may I help you…. Hmm, you look new."
"Yes, I came here to be an adventurer."
The red haired woman looked at Bjorn and raised one of her eyebrows.
This is unique…
Yes it is a unique situation for the red haired woman. The wannabe adventurer in front of her is quite calm, devoid of any of the usual excitement coming from would-be adventurers. This is an experience for her just like the sword' princess's… both calm…
"Alright, give me your name. I am Rose Fannett by the way."
"Bjorn Aseldr."
Rose wrote Bjorn's name in a large catalog that seems to have numerous adventurer names. She then went to a rather modern looking device to print out an I.D that would be used for identification.
After printing out the Identification Card, Rose went back to Bjorn and handed him the card.
"Bjorn, this will be your Identification within Orario, may it be inside or outside the dungeon. Also, make sure that you have it on you all the time."
Rose then went under her desk and brought out a large book. This book, as opposed to the earlier book, is still large albeit thinner than the previous one. She then opened the book and there entailed numerous familias and their symbols, with each familia taking one page.
"Tell me, do you have a familia in mind to join?"
Rose then browsed to the numerous pages while waiting for Bjorn's answer… However, she didn't need to wait for long.
"Yes, the Loki familia."
Rose looked straight at Bjorn who was also looking straight at her… She then sighed…
"Can you please repeat it again. This place is quite noisy, you see."
Bjorn gave her a soft smile and said again.
"I want to join the Loki familia."
Rose sighed again… There are numerous adventurers wanting to join the largest and the strongest familias in Orario but…. They would not just take in just anyone. Loki in particular does not take anyone… the only instance she makes someone her child is by her choice… and her choice alone…
"Listen here. Joining a large familia is close to non-existent for new adventurers… They… are…"
Rose lost focus… as well as Bjorn… since he felt someone tapping his shoulder…He then heard this voice, the voice which he hadn't heard since the past 5 years… The voice she yearned for… The voice that captivated him…
"I heard you want to join our family."
….
..
.
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Yow! A rather slow story for now haha. I wanted to explain Orario for a bit. Although most people know it already, I still want it to be properly described in my story.
So yeah haha, next chapters include Bjorn's arrival in the Twilight Manor, and something special haha.
Yeah, thanks for reading my story! If you want, please vote on it or spend some power stones hihi thank you!
Peace out my dudes!
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