Arthas pondered this as he walked, then something caught his attention.
Several large cargo crates, fitted with wheels, were placed some distance from the Dungeon's exit.
Ordinary adventurers wouldn't use these; only large Familias used them during expeditions.
They usually stored food, spare equipment, or dropped items.
As Arthas thought this, a crate suddenly jolted. He realized these weren't ordinary cargo crates.
Or perhaps they were; they transported monsters from the Dungeon.
Dungeon monsters weren't stationary; the Minotaur that should have been on the fifteenth floor had appeared on the ninth.
Before the Gods' arrival, the Dungeon was a source of disasters. Monsters would periodically emerge, sometimes in large-scale invasions.
After the Gods' arrival, the Babel Tower was built—the Dungeon's 'lid.' Its purpose was to prevent monsters from escaping.
Now, adventurers, blessed by the Gods, hunted monsters, preventing large-scale attacks… yet, the Adventurer's Guild, managing the Babel Tower, continued to monitor the Dungeon. They were responsible for Orario's safety, constantly devising countermeasures.
Monsters shouldn't be allowed to leave the Dungeon. What was the purpose of transporting them?
As Arthas wondered this, another group brought more crates from the Dungeon. They chatted while working.
"That's happening again this year."
"The Monsterphilia…"
"Holding this event every year… is it meaningful?"
"Bread and circuses… utterly boring."
"Ganesha's got a tough job. The Guild forces this responsibility on him; he has to appease the citizens every year."
"You don't understand. He's 'Lord Ganesha,' hahaha."
Monsterphilia?
The unfamiliar term piqued Arthas's curiosity.
The large crates blocked the passage. Familia members wearing elephant-head emblems worked busily. Arthas, like others, waited, watching them move the crates.
Near the exit, Arthas saw a familiar figure.
Brown shoulder-length hair, the characteristic long ears of an elf.
Arthas wondered why Eina, his advisor, was here.
The half-elf's usually serene expression was serious; she was discussing something with another Guild member.
She looked busy; he shouldn't disturb her. He wouldn't have to listen to her lectures today.
Going to the Dungeon and reporting to Eina had become Arthas's routine for the past half-month.
Though accustomed to Arthas's behavior, Eina still lectured him every time, for a long time.
Arthas hadn't completed his beginner's task, hindering further guidance, making both of them uncomfortable.
Hestia wasn't home; returning was pointless. He was low on money and couldn't afford . Arthas wandered the streets.
"Ooh… finally found you, Arthas!"
A woman stopped Arthas.
Her red ponytail swayed; her narrowed, sly eyes were memorable. Though a Goddess, she seemed unreliable.
"Loki? What do you need?"
Arthas looked at the Goddess curiously. Though he didn't like her, he showed respect for Riveria Ljos Alf's Goddess.
"Nothing much. I need to tell you something."
Loki cleared her throat, speaking seriously.
"Tomorrow, you'll learn magic from Riveria Ljos Alf."
"Eh?!"
Arthas was stunned. He looked at Loki in disbelief.
"You opposed me and Riveria Ljos Alf. Why?"
"I don't want my Familia member with someone else's. But that idiot begged me, so I agreed."
Loki shrugged helplessly.
"Hestia…"
"She really loves you. She sacrificed and worked hard for you; I've changed my opinion of her."
Loki sighed. Hestia's sacrifice and willingness to abandon her dignity impressed her.
"Where is she?"
After a moment, Arthas asked. His tone impressed Loki.
"I'm easy to talk to. Hestia is asking someone else, but she's not easy. If she agrees, there'll be endless trouble."
Loki said, not blaming Hephaestus. If she agreed to make equipment for Arthas, other Gods would ask too.
"I just want to know who."
"Um… Hephaestus. You know her, right? Hey… where are you going, Arthas?"
Arthas turned to leave; Loki called after him.
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