Chapter 107: Orario's Greatest Tyrant

After regaining her freedom, Ais landed lightly on the ground, brushing imaginary dust from her clothes with a slightly frustrated expression. She muttered, "I understand already..." Before her lay a giant chalk-drawn pattern that stretched across the courtyard's stone pavement—a massive hopscotch-like design made of seven connected squares. From afar, it resembled a grand castle etched into the earth with playful strokes. Riveria stared at the bizarre artwork, her elegant brows twitching as she took a deep breath. With a sigh, she pressed her hand to her forehead and muttered with mild exasperation, "You two really don't let people relax. We took our eyes off you for just a few minutes, and you've already come up with something like this?" Kaguya chuckled as she walked up to Akira and gently flicked his forehead with a playful finger. "Haha, no need to guess who came up with this nonsense. Only our little troublemaker could invent such a ridiculous game right before a dungeon dive." Lyra chimed in next with a knowing grin. "We always thought this boy was calm and mature, but clearly, he's got a head full of mischief." Riveria covered her mouth as a soft, melodious laugh escaped her lips. She teased, though there was unmistakable warmth in her gaze, "Oh? Should I start worrying whether Akira is going to lead Ais astray?" "That said... it wouldn't be so bad if Ais learned to be a little more lively. A smile suits her." As she spoke, Riveria's usually strict tone softened, her eyes landing on Ais with a mixture of fondness and concern. It was clear the Elf Princess cherished the young girl more than words let on. Astraea's expression mirrored that gentle affection as she observed the scene unfold. She stepped forward with a serene smile and said, "To think they're still thinking about playing games before heading to the Dungeon... they really aren't nervous at all about the expedition." Akira glanced around, taking in the sight of his companions now fully armed and gathered together. "Looks like everyone's ready?" "Of course!" Alise shouted, her voice booming with infectious energy. "The whole team is assembled! Now, let's begin our righteous expedition and bring glory to our goddess!" Her clear declaration rang out across the quiet residential street. Though they stood just outside the Stardust Garden, her volume made it sound as though she were addressing the whole city. Passersby began to look over curiously. Ryuu's face turned bright red as she spun around and hissed at Alise, "Ugh! Alise, keep it down! Everyone's staring—it's so embarrassing!" Lyra threw her hands up in defeat. "Here we go again... I really wasn't ready for this part." "Don't worry." Kaguya murmured with a resigned sigh. "I've accepted my fate." Alise, undeterred by the reactions around her, merely giggled mischievously and waved her arm dramatically. "Hehehe, what's there to be embarrassed about? Come on, stop whining and get over here!" Her confidence was so overwhelming that it sparked an immediate storm of groans and half-hearted protests from the group. "This is so childish..." "It's fine to do this at home, but we're outside! In public!" "Waaaah, this is so embarrassing..." "She's too passionate... Can I say no?" Alise's bright smile faded into a stern glare as she crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing like a tyrant imposing her will. "Refusals are invalid! Come here, now!" Seeing no other choice, and well aware that resistance would only waste time, the familia reluctantly began forming a circle. One by one, their hands stacked atop each other's, until a warm pile of palms symbolized their unity. Finally, Akira stepped forward with a grin and laid his hand on top. "Haha, looks like the greatest tyrant in Orario has officially taken over the Astraea Familia." Everyone burst into laughter at the comment—half in jest, half in agreement. "Astraea-sama, your turn!" Alise called cheerfully. With an elegant smile, Astraea stepped forward and gently placed her hand atop the pile, completing the formation. Her presence alone added a sense of sanctity to the moment. Then, in one voice, they shouted, "Mission accomplished! Correct the Libra! Until the day we fall and become stars!" The declaration echoed like thunder in the sky, their oath carried on the wind through the streets of Orario. "Running side by side with the sky, filling this land with star trails!" Everyone turned their eyes toward Astraea, awaiting the final line. The goddess's smile was filled with pride and warmth as she spoke softly but with unwavering strength. "Under the flag of the goddess, we declare that in the name of Astraea—we are the wings of justice!" At those words, the air itself seemed to vibrate. The solemn unity of the Astraea Familia stood out like a beacon in the morning light. As the final syllables faded into silence, the familia members exchanged glances. Smiles, bright and full of anticipation, spread across their faces. It was a tradition—one that bound them as more than comrades, as a family. Just in front of the gate, two travel-worn backpacks lay propped against the wall—one belonging to Akira, the other to Lyra. Riveria approached and offered a final bow. Her voice was warm, but tinged with worry. "Then... I'll leave Ais in your care, everyone." Alise gave a hearty laugh and pounded her chest proudly. "Hahaha! Leave it to me! As the beautiful and flawless captain of this familia, I promise to bring our little sister back safe and sound." She wore an exaggerated expression, lips curled into her signature smug grin. Riveria couldn't help but smile, reassured by Alise's spirit. "Then I'll be counting on you. With your strength... I know you'll return safely." "Astraea-sama, see you in a few days!" "Take care, Riveria!" The team waved in farewell, their voices overlapping as they turned and marched forward, the figures of Astraea Familia slowly disappearing down the road. Riveria and Astraea stood in silence, watching them go. Only when the last silhouette vanished from view did they lower their eyes. A soft breeze stirred their hair. "They always leave with such energy." Astraea murmured, her voice gentle. "And yet every time... it feels lonelier." Riveria laughed quietly. "It just shows how much you love them, Astraea-sama." But unknown to them, far from the cheerful atmosphere of the Stardust Garden, dark eyes were watching. In a shadowed corner of Orario, word of the Astraea Familia's expedition had already begun to spread. "They've moved." A voice reported coldly. "The Astraea Familia has begun their expedition." Another said, "Of course they have. The Guild's record confirmed it. We knew this was coming." From the gloom, laughter echoed. "Haha... Ten years of preparation. It's time we tested the results of our experiment." "Not only did we chip away at the Order-favoring familias, but we've used them to fine-tune our methods." "And now... it's time." "Let the Astraea Familia fall." Another said with venom. "Let their death mark the beginning of our age." Chilling laughter rang out in the dark. "Hahahahaha—!"