As soon as I left the alley, I continued walking through the area while Nano performed a precise mapping of everything, including the people. Fortunately, I didn't run into anyone else looking for trouble.
"Nano, what time is it now?"
[3:34:32]
"Three in the morning? That's actually a problem. Fortunately, I don't feel sleepy."
After walking for a while longer, I asked Nano if she had found any suspicious locations, and she showed me two.
One was near the alley where I had been attacked by that man, and the other was very close—inside a somewhat discreet bar.
'I'd better check out the bar. I don't want to go back near that alley right now.'
After walking a few more minutes, I reached the bar and went inside.
It was completely empty.
The only person there was an old man with an eyepatch. Despite his age, he had a sturdy build and was extremely strong. I asked Nano to evaluate him, and she said he was stronger than me.
She said he was Level 2 and probably part of a Familia.
Is there really a Familia that allows this kind of illegal business?
[Yes. There are Familias that operate in the shadows and allow—or even encourage—illegal activities such as the clandestine trade of magic stones and Dungeon items. These Familias usually avoid public exposure and use intermediaries to conduct business. However, involvement with such groups presents high risks, including exploitation, coercion, or elimination in case of failure. Extreme caution is recommended when considering any contact.]
Wait, are you serious? Which Familias are involved in this kind of thing? Do you have any information?
[Limited information. Some Familias known for operating in the shadows include those focused on influence, intelligence, and control of the underworld. Identified examples: Soma Familia — history of questionable trade and internal exploitation; Ishtar Familia — involvement with illegal networks and information control; as well as smaller unnamed groups composed of independent adventurers and former Familia members.]
[Note: Most of these operations are not officially recognized. They rely on intermediaries to avoid direct association.]
[Recommendation: Avoid direct contact. Prioritize dealing with individuals rather than entire Familias.]
'I see… that's surprising.'
"What do you want to drink?" the old man asked impatiently.
I must have been standing still for too long reading Nano's information.
"I want to ask a question. Do you buy items and magic stones here?"
The old man heard my question, and Nano immediately warned me:
[Danger approaching.]
As soon as I heard her voice, I went on alert. Seconds later, a blade came toward my neck, and I dodged it. Then I grabbed the old man's arm and pulled him closer to the counter.
I held his head down against it, pressing my knife against his neck.
"What was that all of a sudden? I just asked a question."
"Who sent you here?"
"No one. I came on my own because I need a way to make money."
"You expect me to believe that crap? Which Familia are you part of?" the old man growled.
"I'm not part of any Familia."
"It's impossible for you to have that kind of strength without a falna."
I released him and said, "I'm serious. I just need a place to sell items and magic stones since I can't register with the Guild without a Familia. Judging by your reaction, I think I came to the right place."
The old man rubbed his neck and asked, "Did you bring anything?"
"No. I just wanted to find a proper place to sell. I'll bring things later."
"That'll be difficult. You know you can't enter the Dungeon without being part of a Familia, right? Even if you're strong, they won't let you in."
"Don't worry, I'll figure something out. So, will you buy what I bring?"
"If you're really willing to do this, then sure."
"Alright, I'm leaving then." I walked toward the door.
The interaction was short and strange.
Before I left, the old man asked, "You really don't belong to any Familia?"
I lifted my shirt and showed my back—the place where a Familia emblem would normally be.
"It's true…" the old man muttered. "Then how are you so strong?"
I didn't answer and left the bar.
'Hm… maybe I should've had something to drink? I don't have any money, but I think he would've given me something if I had asked.'
####
After leaving that run-down area, I headed toward the Tower of Babel, located at the center of Orario.
It was approaching four in the morning, and I needed to do this soon.
What?
Enter the Dungeon.
I need to get in there now. There's probably less security at this hour.
'But it really is impressive, isn't it?'
I looked up, but I couldn't even see the top of the tower because of the clouds. It was so magnificent that it didn't feel real.
Since I didn't know how all of this came to be, I asked Nano.
She gave me a brief explanation about how the gods descended to the world and how everything evolved over the years.
But it was a very summarized version.
As I approached the tower, I asked:
"Nano, do I really need to go through a check to enter the Dungeon?"
[Negative. It is not strictly necessary to pass a verification process to enter the Dungeon. However, official access is controlled by the Guild. Unauthorized entry increases the risk of detection, penalties, and lack of support in case of emergencies.]
[Note: Without registration, your activities will not be tracked, but you will also receive no recognition or official rewards.]
[Recommendation: Unauthorized entry is feasible, but must be done discreetly.]
'So it's easier than I thought. I assumed I'd need some kind of verification.'
I just need to be careful not to catch the Guild's attention.
'That old man lied to me. He said I wouldn't be allowed into the Dungeon…'
####
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