Realm of Opportunity

4: Orario

^^ Races of New Realm (incomplete) ^^

--- Xavier ---

The ride to 'Orario', the capital city of this place we were now trapped in, was interesting, to say the least.

We saw hundreds of those tiny green people that seemed to always want to kill someone, which Sadie informed me were called 'Goblins', (which seemed relatively obvious, but it was good to know for sure,) and were plentiful above ground, one of the only 'Monster Species' that was born in large numbers outside of the 'Dungeon'.

The Dungeon, I was informed, was a massive structure that descended an unknown amount into the earth, and served as a sort of Prison/Hunting Safari for monsters of all kinds, sorted into levels.

The upper levels were about as easy as the Tunnels we'd accidentally explored, meaning we weren't skilled enough to go there yet. The mid- and Lower levels were even worse, but the Deep Floors were the only place that Sadie adamantly demanded that we swear we never visited.

"What's so different between the other horrible places?" I asked easily, chewing on a long stalk of mint-grass, which was Mint Herbs, but it grew in the same size as Wheat, massive stalks of it, and was used for some flours. It also tasted very good on its own.

She sighed. "The Deep Floors... They are like a war zone, while the other floors, in comparison, are simply a bar-fight between four drunken sailors."

I chuckled. "No kiddy gloves, huh? That's what you're saying?"

"Yes. And you need to find a Familia, and soon. Very soon. Don't even think of entering the Dungeon without a God's blessing." She poked my chest.

I hummed. "So what, these gods give blessings that are like super-powers?"

"No, silly. They just amplify your natural Gifts. Also, it allows your God to make you stronger, once you've gained the experience necessary to enhance your skills." She shrugged.

"I see... and who would be the best?"

"All blessings are equal, of course. You're not a doctor of any sort, so the medical gods are out... you're a warrior who practices an art from Thailand, right? The Hindu gods might be receptive to you." She hummed.

I blinked. "You know what Thailand is?"

She nodded. "Of course. You're from Midgard, the place that the Gods abandoned a couple thousand years ago, without starting an Apocalypse to end it. They argue about it all the time, you just have to ask. But they can't use their Godly powers, so they can't send you home, sorry."

I hummed. "I see... that explains why I think Magic is fake. The gods left our realm, and took their gifts with them. That's why we're so... hmph. I understand. What about which familia trains its people the best? Or has the best access to weapons and armor?"

She smirked. "That would be the Hephaestus and Loki familia's. They're the biggest, the richest, and they have the best stuff, that's for sure. And the Loki familia has Finn, the strongest person in the City, a Lvl 8 Hobbit."

I grinned. "I see... Hephaestus... the Forge Familia, right? And Loki the Trickster... hmm... wait... what's with the Levels?"

"Oh! Right. Once you gain enough experience, you complete a task that gets the gods' attention, and you gain a level. When you gain a level, your stats reset, at base levels, and you can continue getting stronger! That way, we're not restricted by human limitations anymore. I'm Lvl 2, and Papa is Lvl 4." She smirked happily.

I smiled. "That seems interesting... surpassing the Human limitations... that explains how you can run a mile in a minute..."

She grinned. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Mr. Dorian."