It was a simple breakfast, yet it carried a warmth long absent from that little cabin.
The three of them sat around the small wooden table, morning light filtering through the window and bathing everything in a soft golden glow.
After finishing his meal, Faen set down his utensils. His expression turned serious.
"Furina. Robin. I plan to set out for the Labyrinth City, Orario, within the next few days."
Furina, who had been scraping the last bit of barley porridge from her bowl, nodded enthusiastically.
"Orario? I've been wanting to see it for ages! Let's go, let's go!"
Robin considered it briefly before nodding in agreement.
"I have no objections. If we are to operate as adventurers, Orario is indeed the only choice."
Faen inclined his head.
"Monsters exist all over the world, and hunting outside the Dungeon also grants experience. But after centuries of development, the ecosystems beyond the Dungeon have stabilized. The strength and density of monsters can't compare to those within the Dungeon itself. Likewise, Familias that operate primarily outside Orario are generally weaker than those stationed there."
He paused.
"We don't have time to grow slowly. If we're going, we go to the very center of the world's stage."
From the beginning, his goal had never been to become an ordinary adventurer.
He intended to reach the heights Alfia once stood upon—
And surpass them.
For that, he needed the most efficient path possible.
...
Once the decision was made, Faen acted immediately.
After settling Furina and Robin in the cabin, he left alone and sought out an elderly merchant who had long been stationed in the village.
The merchant's name was Boro—a short, stout middle-aged man with a warm personality. He and Faen were on good terms.
Over the past six years, Boro had looked after Faen more than once.
"Uncle Boro, I need a favor."
Faen got straight to the point. "I'm looking for a reliable caravan heading to Orario. I'd like to travel with them."
"Orario?"
Boro raised a brow in surprise, then nodded in understanding.
"Well, you've grown up. It's time you went out into the world. But… that road won't be easy."
He drew thoughtfully on his pipe.
"This is the far north. Orario is thousands of km away—" He corrected himself. "Thousands of miles. Even on a wyvern, it'd take ten days or more. By carriage? Even longer. Ice plains. Snow-capped mountains. Forests crawling with bandits… It's no safe journey."
Faen's expression remained firm.
"I know. That's why I need a caravan strong enough to handle those risks."
What he did not say aloud was this—
He wasn't worried about himself.
Furina was a goddess of the Lower World. Even the boldest criminals would hesitate before openly offending a god.
But Robin was different.
She wasn't divine—
Yet her beauty was enough to make even gods take notice.
In lands where law and order were fragile, beauty was not always a blessing.
Sometimes, it was a liability.
This world was still structured around feudal kingdoms. In certain gray territories beyond firm legal reach, slavery still existed.
Faen did not underestimate the evil that could dwell in the hearts of men.
If Robin caught the eye of greedy bandits, or worse, a corrupt noble—
She would not be seen as a person.
But as a priceless commodity.
To eliminate that risk entirely, traveling with a guarded caravan was their only viable option.
"Leave it to me."
Boro thumped his chest confidently and hurried off to gather information.
Not long after, he returned in high spirits, calling out before he even reached Faen.
"Kid, your luck's through the roof!"
He stopped in front of Faen, slightly out of breath.
"The Artemis Familia—yes, the Familia of the moon goddess Artemis. They were hunting near Dragon Valley recently. They're resting for a few days before returning to Orario. I've already asked around. They're willing to take on passengers for a fee."
The Artemis Familia.
Faen's eyes sharpened.
Of course he knew the name.
A Familia led by Artemis, goddess of the moon, chastity, and the hunt.
Though they had only around twenty members, all women—their captain, Letessa, was an experienced Level 3 adventurer. Several other members were Level 2 elites.
In Orario, they might not rank among the top.
But outside the city?
They were a force strong enough to dominate any ordinary threat.
More importantly, the Artemis Familia was known for strict discipline and a solid reputation.
Under their protection, safety would hardly be a concern.
Faen hadn't expected such good luck.
But on second thought, it made sense. The Artemis Familia specialized in exploration and hunting. They preferred long expeditions over remaining stationed in Orario, often taking on high-difficulty missions from the Guild.
Their presence near Dragon Valley was entirely plausible.
"They'll do."
Faen decided immediately.
---
Back in the cabin, he knelt and retrieved a heavy leather pouch hidden beneath the bed.
It was the money Alfia had left him six years ago.
She had hoped he would take it and move to a prosperous city—live peacefully, like an ordinary man.
He had refused.
Instead, he stayed here—near the last place she had stood, stubbornly waiting.
Over the years, he survived by helping villagers with odd jobs in exchange for food, barely touching the money she left behind.
Now—
That pouch of valis, heavy with unspoken emotions, finally had a purpose.
Faen handed a sizable portion of it to Boro.
"This is the deposit for the escort. I'll leave the arrangements to you."
This money would mark the first step of his chase.
The rest would serve as the initial capital of the Focalors Familia.
...
Another dawn arrived in the northern lands.
The sky was only just beginning to brighten, the air still carrying the chill of night.
Faen finished packing his final belongings—a simple travel bag containing spare clothes and dried provisions.
With Furina and Robin beside him, he stepped out of the wooden cabin for the last time.
As he reached for the door to close it, his hand paused.
Through the narrow gap, he cast one final glance inside.
The empty wooden table.
The two chairs that would perhaps, never again be occupied together.
Fourteen years of this life.
Two lifetimes' worth of memories.
All compressed into that small space.
He knew—
Once that door closed, he might never return.
This cabin was the beginning of his bond with Alfia.
But his future—
Lay in distant Orario.
===================
Support by Dropping Powerstones, Comments, and Reviews:>
300 Powerstones – Bonus Chap
600 Powerstones – Bonus Chap