Chapter 44: An Uproar

Just as everyone was chatting, bragging, and killing time with idle tales of dungeon heroics, a sudden hush spread through the guild hall like a wave. The cheerful buzz dimmed into silence, subtle but immediate. Heads turned, eyes widened, and conversations halted as attention converged on a single figure entering the hall. She wasn't clad in any dazzling armor, nor was she surrounded by fanfare. Yet her presence demanded attention. A simple breastplate covered her upper body, worn over a black undershirt. Her toned legs were wrapped in tight, functional hot pants designed for speed and agility. A short crimson cape hung from her waist, fluttering slightly with each step. The confidence in her gait, paired with her focused, almost fierce gaze, painted a picture of calm authority. Her fiery red ponytail swayed behind her like a burning banner. It was a signature as recognizable as her name. Though her youthful face might not rival the goddesses worshipped across Orario, it carried a spirited charm that had captivated many adventurers. But it wasn't just beauty that drew their stares. She was the captain of the Astraea Familia. A second-class adventurer. A wielder of potent fire magic. Scarlet Harnel Alise Lovell. "Why's she at the guild all of a sudden?" "No clue. Think it's about a new familia moving in?" "Could be some secret mission or a rogue faction issue again..." Whispers swirled but Alise paid them no mind. She strolled calmly to the front counter of the guild, where the staff member stationed there perked up upon recognizing her. A few curious adventurers subtly followed at a distance, hoping to eavesdrop or catch a glimpse of some classified information. Normally, for private matters, one would request a meeting in a separate room, but Alise handed over a form and spoke calmly. A level-up report. Instantly, the whispers intensified again. "Level up? Who?" "Wait—don't tell me it's Gale?" "No way. Didn't she just rank up last year?" "Yeah, and the Astraea familia is full of top-tier beauties. Honestly, joining them is harder than joining either of the two strongest familias in Orario." "No, no—wasn't there a new recruit recently? That guy... what was his name again?" "Oh, come on. He's only been there for, what, a month? There's no way—" Then, an audible gasp broke the room's tension. The werewolf staff, Rose, stared at the document in her hands with disbelief. Her tail stiffened and ears perked, betraying her shock. "W-what...?" All eyes locked on her. Rose quickly straightened her posture and gave an apologetic bow to Alise before regaining composure. She asked in a serious tone, "Captain Alise, is the information in this report accurate?" Alise scratched her cheek sheepishly amd said, "Honestly, I was surprised too. But yeah, it's real. The guild can investigate if needed." Rose stared at the report again, then gave a hesitant nod. "Understood. I'll have this processed right away." Alise had completed her duty. With the report submitted, she turned to leave. But before she could get far, an adventurer—someone she knew well—approached her with a grin. "Hey, come on, give me a hint. Who leveled up? You can tell me, right?" Alise chuckled and said, "You've probably heard of him already. He's the newest member." The adventurer blinked. "You mean... that guy? Already?! Isn't that a little too fast?" "I know, right?" Alise smiled proudly. "If I hadn't watched him grow with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it either." She waved and headed for the door and said, "Anyway, you'll see soon enough. The guild will make the announcement. See ya." Despite her casual tone, the joy in Alise's expression couldn't be hidden. Her radiant smile lingered in the minds of those watching. Rumors exploded. Curiosity reached a fever pitch. Even the guild staff, typically calm and collected, were whispering among themselves. About ten minutes later, the heavy doors opened again. This time, the captain of the Ganesha Familia—Shakti Varma, known as the Ankusha—stepped into the hall. She was a first-class adventurer with a commanding presence, and someone who had previously met the newcomer in question. Without delay, she was escorted to a private room. A brief discussion ensued before she emerged with a group of her members. An opportunistic adventurer boldly stepped forward and asked, "Captain Shakti, is there some emergency mission?" Shakti replied curtly, "Just gathering some intel. Don't overthink it—and stop crowding the place." With that, she left. The room was now so packed that new arrivals couldn't even get past the entrance. Everyone was waiting. And finally, several hours later, the guild's poster girl returned—Werewolf Rose, holding a parchment and a thick clipboard. She approached the largest announcement board and pinned the report in place. Then she vanished into the back as if to avoid being trampled. In a flash, a flood of adventurers surged forward, elbowing their way to the front. Gasps, stammers, and stunned silence followed. [Adventurer: Akira] [Level: LV1 → LV2] [Time: 3 months] [Great Feat: Defeated the enhanced monster "Black Wyvern" on the 12th floor] [Guild Verification: Confirmed – Passed] There was even a record parchment displaying his newly reset stats, stamped with the Astraea Familia's insignia. "Three months...? That's impossible!" "No way... He fought an enhanced monster?!" "Yesterday, wasn't it? He must've triggered the conditions just then!" "Unreal. Even Ais took longer than that..." Far away, in a certain office in the Twilight Manor of the Loki Familia— BANG! A desk trembled under Loki's palm. "Finn! What's with this guy?! He leveled up faster than my precious Ais!" Finn calmly picked up the papers that Loki had scattered with her outburst. "Calm down, Loki. I'm just as surprised. But the report's real." "Wait—don't tell me... you know him?!" Riveria stepped forward and folded her arms. "Actually, all four of us do." She glanced at Ais, Gareth, and Finn. "Hey hey hey, what the heck! You mean it's that divine power incident guy?! The one from back then?" Loki pointed at the report, eyes narrowing. "So why didn't any of you tell me?! You traitors! You're not treating me like your goddess anymore!"