Fron and his companions hurriedly passed through the city gates, heading straight for the "market," completely oblivious to the few shady-looking figures brushing past them.
But then again, so what if they had known about those people, or even understood their purpose in infiltrating Orario?
The waters in this city ran far too deep.
Without even mentioning the Loki Familia or the Freya Familia, there were still countless other factions with immense fighting power.
A foolish god like Ares alone could never hope to stir up this city.
Once those people entered, coming back out again would be no simple matter.
Let's not forget, the war between the Ishtar Familia and the Freya Familia ended with one side completely destroyed, even its god forced back to heaven. That left a huge gap in Orario's top-level fighting force. The Guild executives had been racking their brains over where to recruit more adventurers blessed by the gods.
And now, with Ares pulling this stunt, it was like a pillow delivered right when they were sleepy. His troops were all granted divine blessings, and with just a little training, they could easily become adventurers. If that wasn't a gift falling right into their lap, then what was?
Chances were, Ares had no idea. While he was scheming after the Crozzo magic swords, the higher-ups of Orario were already circling, ready to reel in his forces under the table.
The battlefield with the Rakia Kingdom lay to the east of the city. After leaving through the north gate, the group followed the neat stone-paved road southeast.
On both sides of the road, with the Harvest Festival approaching, golden wheat swayed in the breeze, the heavy heads of grain bowing under their own weight, an abundant, tempting sight.
"Wow, amazing!" As elves attuned to nature, Alicia and Lefiya were full of delight, chirping like lively birds in the fields.
"This is incredible. Back in my homeland, there was never such a scene," said Anakitty, her tone tinged with envy. Her words revealed that her homeland's soil must have been barren, and her people likely struggled to get by.
Alicia, however, knew a bit more.
"Don't worry. Even in the homeland of us elves, you wouldn't find wheat of this quality. Don't forget where we are, this is Orario, home to so many gods."
"From what I know, all the farmland outside the city belongs to the Demeter Familia. That goddess has unmatched skill in farming and crop improvement, she's truly incredible!"
"The food, fruits, and vegetables we buy in the markets mostly come from her as well," Fron added with a smile, adjusting his backpack.
"In the heavens, Demeter's divine authority includes agriculture. She's even honored as the Earth Mother. With that kind of domain, it's only natural she'd excel."
"It's just like Lady Hephaestus, though she has no divine power here in the lower world, with her Divine Craftsmanship, she can still forge weapons far beyond human reach."
"Divine Craftsmanship? Eh? This is the first time I've heard that phrase! Now I'm super curious, hurry and tell me more!" Alicia's eyes lit up, leaning in eagerly.
"..."She was beautiful, but Fron really didn't want to look like a fool in front of Lefiya.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the girl's cheeks puffed out, her eyes wide with indignation as she stared at him.
"Ahem. The Divine Craftsmanship, as the name suggests, refers to the realm that only gods can reach. How should I put it... I haven't personally achieved it myself, but it's a level beyond description. In normal words, we can say, it can only be understood, never fully expressed."
"Only understood, never expressed?" Anakitty, Lefiya, and Alicia echoed thoughtfully.
Fron nodded, eyes shining with yearning and ambition.
"In terms of combat, for instance, Lord Takemikazuchi's mastery of the martial arts has reached the Divine. Lady Hephaestus' blacksmithing has also reached that level. And Lady Freya's charm, too, has attained the Divine Level. There are many examples, but I won't go on."
He paused, then looked at them seriously. "You just need to remember this: even among the gods, only a rare few have managed to reach the Divine Level."
"Hissss..." Hearing such a secret for the first time, the three girls gasped, eyes wide.
"Even gods themselves, not all of them can..."
"Exactly. Which makes it clear, how unimaginably difficult it is for us mortals to elevate any technique into the Divine Level."
"I see, so that's how it is... that's what it all means," Anakitty murmured to herself. Fron's explanation had suddenly opened her eyes.
"No wonder whether it's smiths from the Hephaestus Familia, like Tsubaki, or those straight-laced types from the Goibniu Familia, their true goal is this!"
"Unlike us adventurers, their pursuit is the Divine Level," Lefiya added, her eyes shining as the broad plains ahead came into view, dotted with black specks like ants and clusters of white tents.
"That's right," Fron said with a sigh. "Everyone has their own pursuits, so naturally their actions differ. That's why those obsessed types aren't interested in exploring the Dungeon. What excites them isn't the thrill of bloody adventures..."
"But the materials that come from the Dungeon, right? Hmph."
Anakitty rolled her eyes. She was clearly annoyed at those blacksmiths always trying to haggle down prices.
"...Well, yeah, that's about it. Anyway, we're finally here. Are you coming with me, or heading over to our Familia's camp? If I remember right, a few members still haven't withdrawn."
"Since we're here, of course we should greet them. Otherwise, old man Gareth won't be happy. Besides... Ais is here too."
"What?! Miss Ais is here?!" Lefiya's eyes sparkled with worship, as though she would fly straight to her idol that very moment.
"...Alright then, don't worry about me. You go ahead."
"Mm, see you later!" The three girls waved goodbye to Fron and headed toward the camp on the hill.
Watching them leave, Fron turned his gaze to the sea of people in the enemy camp, a dangerous gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Time to use the training elixirs. Can't just let all this capital sit idle. I'll recycle the funds and buy new materials. Once I master the next stage, that knowledge will push my stats up by a huge margin!"
With that thought, Fron eagerly joined the merchant caravans heading into the camp.