At this moment, Fron gave a light chuckle and voiced his opinion.
Hearing his words, everyone fell into deep thought.
Finn, who had originally been unable to grasp the key point, suddenly brightened up at Fron's analysis. He exchanged a meaningful glance with him and Loki, and instantly had a clearer picture in his heart.
And in fact, their guess wasn't far from the truth at all.
...
An hour had already passed since the alarm bell rang.
Because of the emergency, the entire Orario had grown noisy.
Citizens stopped in their tracks to look around, some gathering together to gossip, while others shut their doors and windows to hide.
At the free market on South Street, the situation was nearly chaotic, with people swarming in to snatch food.
Clearly, the older generation of Orario had long experience dealing with such crises.
In contrast to the citizens, the adventurers' information networks were far more fluid.
They spread the news quickly or gathered in taverns to discuss intel about certain unlucky fellows who had managed to escape from the Dungeon.
At the central square, also known as Babel Tower Plaza, a massive plaza built around the great white spire, every adventurer heading into the Dungeon had to pass through here. It was a bustling place filled with roads and paths.
At the same time, the Babel Tower Plaza also served as the site for festivals, ceremonies, or even as a temporary rally point for large-scale familia expeditions.
Now, with the emergency order given, the Ganesha Familia, assigned to handle this suppression mission, rapidly assembled from all directions of the city.
In no time, a large expedition force of dozens was formed.
Known as the "City Garrison," the Ganesha Familia quickly gathered under the direct command of their captain, Shakti Varma.
Since their destination was Rivira, the town on the 18th floor, it wasn't considered far for first- and second-tier adventurers. Thus, no logistical supplies were prepared, only weapons and equipment. This allowed them to respond so quickly.
Among the gathered adventurers, the atmosphere was tense and heavy.
Standing atop a crate, holding a beast-taming whip, was a blue-haired woman. Seeing her, Bell Cranel recalled the information he had heard about her.
Shakti Varma.
A top-ranked Level 5, first-tier adventurer, and the captain of the Ganesha Familia.
Within Orario, there was hardly anyone who didn't know her name. She had high prestige not only among adventurers, but also among citizens and gods alike.
The Ganesha Familia was not only powerful but also maintained order, acting as the city's enforcers.
Coupled with her exceptional beauty and character, Shakti was an immensely popular figure.
And with the familia boasting eleven Level 5 adventurers, yet Shakti still serving as their leader, that fact spoke volumes.
Thinking of this, Bell felt a chill in his heart. Taking advantage of the commotion, he tugged the brim of his cloak's hood lower to avoid drawing attention.
"Have you all understood the situation? If so, then, move out!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
...
On the edge of Babel Square, within a lush park full of bushes, flowers, and greenery, Fron stood half-hidden behind a tree.
Wearing his gear, hood drawn up, and holding his staff, his blue eyes fixed intently on the mobilized Ganesha Familia. It was unclear what was on his mind.
"Well, well. For a dignified Level 6 Weaver, to be sneaking around like this… is there some shameful secret you're hiding?" A teasing voice came from behind.
A cat-man youth crouched on a tree branch, eyes gleaming playfully.
Whether he had noticed Fron long ago was obvious, the answer was yes.
Years ago, when this person had only been Level 4, Fron had tested him and nearly failed. Now that he was already Level 6, there was no question at all.
"Tch. Isn't this rich, coming from the goddess's little errand boy? Aren't you doing the same thing as me, spying around? What, does that make you nobler than me? Don't dress it up with such fancy words, it's just information-gathering."
Don't think that big shots at Level 6 would disdain underhanded tricks. On the contrary, Fron, Allen, and others were better at it than most.
"..."
Allen's expression stiffened, his gaze turning sharper after being jabbed by Fron's retort.
When it came to verbal sparring, Orario had its infamous duo, cat-man Allen and werewolf Bete.
Now, it seemed, Fron was another contender.
Seeing no more chance to glean information, Allen silently slipped away into the shadows. Fron just shrugged, he had expected him to appear.
If Freya herself wasn't interested in the Dungeon's disturbance, then pigs might fly.
Knowing that Bell Cranel was in the suppression force, that yandere goddess would surely be watching closely. And as usual, when it came to intelligence-gathering for the Freya Familia, Allen was the one to handle it. That explained everything.
'With all this uproar on this side, the other side surely won't let the chance slip either. Time to set my own plans in motion.'
Fron's figure flickered and vanished into the park.
As if sensing something, Shakti glanced in his direction thoughtfully.
"Captain?"
"Nothing. Prepare to depart."
"Yes, ma'am!"
...
"That's the general situation, Finn, Loki."
Having delivered the intel, Fron accepted a teacup from Alicia, sipping with satisfaction before smiling and thanking her.
The small, affectionate gestures between the two weren't hidden at all, making the others roll their eyes.
Especially Lefiya, who was grinding her teeth in anger, cheeks puffed up, if not for Ais showing no reaction beside her, she might have rushed up to beat the two of them senseless.
"As expected, the Guild is definitely hiding information they don't want us to know. And it's certain, that idiot Ganesha is mixed up in it too. Tch." Loki slightly opened her long-narrowed eyes, her tone taking on a sly sharpness.
"By the way, Fron, you said Bell Cranel of the Hestia Familia is in their ranks too? He's the only exception, correct?"
"Correct."
"Heh… well, isn't that interesting. If he's the only special one, then… am I right to guess that the cause of this entire incident is tied to him? After all, he's far too conspicuous."
Fron just chuckled, without giving an answer.
Silence was not confirmation, but neither was it denial, enough to imply the truth.
"Good. Then next, we'll continue with the original plan to search the entrances of the man-made dungeon. In addition, split off a small group to monitor Hestia's base. Meanwhile, Fron, the Dungeon side is up to you. No problem, right?"