NOVEL WEB Chapter 139: Shreme Old Castle
Chapter 139 - Shreme Old Castle
The Shreme Old Castle Ruins were a distant trek, requiring a full day's carriage ride from Orario.
This prompted Orsted and the Hestia Familia to depart two days early.
The area was notorious for bandits, but the Guild had tasked Ganesha Familia members with clearing them out and maintaining order, barring other Familias from approaching.
War Games attracted meddling from unscrupulous gods, and Ganesha's eleven first-tier adventurers—even just a few—ensured control.
The day-long journey was the most time Orsted had spent with Lili and the others recently.
Since Elenoir, Eina, and the new recruits joined, Lili's team had been dungeon-diving while Orsted, tied up with various tasks, stayed behind.
Nights found him in the workshop, tirelessly crafting magic items and Grimoires for the Familia, leaving little time for bonding.
Lili and the others cherished this rare chance, eagerly sharing their recent adventures.
Orsted listened intently.
Under Lili and Tifa's lead, Eina and the recruits had ventured from the upper to the middle floors.
Their rapid growth, bolstered by Orsted's magic items and Grimoire, made the middle floors manageable.
Even Elenoir and the new adventurers had slain Minotaurs, often teaming up like Lili and Naaza once did.
This prowess led the three elven women, who ranked up just before departure, to choose Leap as their development ability without hesitation, mirroring Orsted's own.
"Leap's a game-changer," Orsted said, smiling. "I'd love for every Familia member's first development ability to be this."
"Yes, Orsted-sama!" Elenoir vowed.
"Won't let you down, Orsted," Eina pledged.
"I'll get it too, Orsted," Aerith chimed in.
The unranked mages—Elenoir, Eina, Aerith, and others—assured him they'd prioritize Leap over Magic, the typical mage choice that boosted magic power and efficiency.
Their trust in Orsted was absolute, bordering on fanatic; they'd likely follow any command, though he'd never demand their lives.
Senie, however, was indifferent, fixated only on Orsted and wine.
During adventures, she played guardian, rescuing trapped Familia members with her superior strength.
Orsted spent the day absorbing their tales.
At dawn, they reached the Shreme Old Castle Ruins' outskirts.
Ganesha Familia guards, led by Shakti Varma—Ganesha's captain, greeted them.
"This is the Shreme Old Castle Ruins. Proceed on your own," Shakti said.
Orsted hadn't expected her presence but shrugged it off.
After they left, Shakti instructed a subordinate to notify Orario of their arrival via discreet means.
With a day before the War Game, Orsted's group set up camp nearby.
In his tent, the Familia crowded together, unbothered by the tight space.
"How do you plan to tackle this War Game?" Orsted asked.
Lili and the others had insisted he stay out unless critical, and he'd agreed.
He wanted to know their siege strategy to gauge their approach.
They exchanged glances, each sporting a faint, cryptic smile. "It's a secret," Lili said. "You'll see, Orsted-sama."
So mysterious. What's the big surprise?
"Orsted-sama, since the War Game's tomorrow, can you teach us magic today?" Elenoir asked, pulling a Grimoire from her bag, eyes gleaming.
Knowing Orsted crafted Grimoires, they trusted his magical expertise to boost their skills.
Others, especially the elven mages, brandished their magic weapons, staring at him eagerly. The day passed swiftly, filled with magical lessons.
The War Game day dawned. Lili and the others rose early, buzzing with excitement, ready for battle.
Orsted noted their high spirits, fitting for the challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, Orario thrummed with unprecedented energy.
The Guild's hype had drawn crowds from beyond the city, packing Orario to bursting for this rare spectacle.
At the Babel's assembly hall, Hestia emerged from a passage. "Hey, you made it," Loki crowed, her grin dazzling with mischief.
"What's your deal, Loki?" Hestia asked, wary of her rival's glee.
"Hehe, thanks a ton," Loki said, forgoing their usual spat. "Here, Soma's finest." She handed Hestia a wine jug, smirking.
"Hey!" The gods in the hall gasped in unison, Hestia included. Loki, unfazed, grinned wider, basking in the uproar.
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