As the gates of Orario neared, towering stone walls ca into full view. They encircled the city like an unbroken fortress, majestic and awe-inspiring. The massive iron doors at the entrance were wide enough for a dozen n to pass through side by side.
Luthar lifted his gaze, his chanical eye zooming in and adjusting its focus.
At the heart of Orario, Babel Tower lood—a towering, ivory-white monolith stretching toward the heavens. Even from here, it dominated the skyline, its pristine surface gleaming in the midday sun.
"Amazing, right?" Lyra grinned, noticing his stare. "Babel Tower! The gods live there, you know! And the lower floors have magic shops, blacksmiths, and all kinds of crazy stuff!"
Silent, Luthar's gaze lingered on the tower. It reminded him of the hive spires of the Imperium—where the upper classes looked down upon those suffering below.
But unlike those grim towers, Babel was pristine. Too pristine.
Lyra tugged on Luthar's sleeve. "Co on! We've gotta get inside!"
Entering the City
Lyra and Luthar reached the main gates, where guards in light armor checked travelers. Their eyes lingered on Luthar longer than necessary.
"Business in Orario?" one of them asked.
"Adventuring!" Lyra declared proudly.
Luthar said nothing.
After checking a little bit The guard stamped their entry pass and waved them through.
Inside, Orario bustled with the vibrant energy of its inhabitants. The streets bustled with rchants, adventurers, and travelers from all walks of life. Towering buildings lood over winding alleys, and the sound of distant hamrs rang from blacksmith forges.
After asking for directions, they made their way toward Loki Familia's estate.
Loki Familia's Estate
A large mansion with a gate decorated with a playful emblem stood before them.
Taking a deep breath, Lyra strode forward, clutching a sealed letter in her hands.
"I'm here to join Loki Familia! I also have a letter from my village chief!" she announced to the guards.
One of them, a man with a trimd beard, raised an eyebrow before taking the letter. He inspected the seal, exchanged a glance with his companion, then muttered, "Wait here."
He disappeared inside.
Lyra rocked on her heels, turning to Luthar with excitent. "Okay! This is my big mont! But don't worry—I'm sure they'll let in!"
Luther said nothing. His chanical eye subtly scanned the estate, noting watchpoints, high walls, and strategic entry points.
Then, the doors swung open.
Out stepped Loki.
eting Loki
The red-haired goddess stretched lazily, a yawn escaping her lips.
"Alright, alright, who's making' do paperwork today?" She muttered,"
Her sharp, crimson eyes flicked to Lyra first. A smirk tugged at her lips.
"Aren't you a cutie?" Loki leaned in, inspecting her up close. "White hair, pointy ears—ahhh, what a precious little elf! It's a miracle you made it here in one piece!"
Before Lyra could react, Loki squished her cheeks between both hands, shaking her slightly.
Lyra's face turned red.
"I—I can take care of myself!" she protested, prying Loki's hands off.
Loki grinned. "Bit young, but it doesn't matter."
Lyra hesitated. Her ears twitched, her voice quieter.
"…Well, I did get so help."
Loki's amusent faded. Her crimson gaze shifted—this ti, toward the second figure.
Unlike Lyra, he didn't react. He simply stood there, arms crossed, his entire form wrapped in red robes. The fabric was stained with dust and oil, and where his left eye should have been, a single red chanical lens glowed faintly beneath a tal mask.
Loki's smirk widened. "Well, well, mystery man." She tilted her head, sizing him up. "Ya got a na under all that tal?"
Silence.
Lyra blinked. "Wait…" She turned to Luthar, realization dawning. "You never told your na, did you?!"
Luthar finally shifted. His chanical eye adjusted with a faint whirr as he glanced at her.
"Luthar Ferranus Cogbane."
Lyra pouted. "Hmph! Took you long enough!"
Loki's smirk twitched. "You wouldn't happen to be so runaway noble, would you?"
Lyra giggled. "Oh, I doubt it! He's terrible at talking fancy."
Loki chuckled, her guarded and calculating deanor evident.
Instead, she glanced back at the letter in her hand.
Then, without even opening it, she tossed it back to the guard.
"Alright, Lyra, you're in."
Lyra's ears perked up. "Really? Just like that!?"
Loki stretched, yawning. "Yeah, yeah. You made it all the way here; you're cute. It's enough for ."
Lyra grinned brightly. "I won't let you down!"
Then she hesitated. "Wait… what about Luthar?"
"What about him?"
Lyra frowned. "He's helped get here! And he is strong enough to join."
Loki raised a hand, cutting Lyra off.
Her crimson eyes studied Luthar once more.
"Nah. I'm not taking' him."
Lyra's face fell. "Huh? Why not?"
"Don't get wrong. He's got sothing interesting' going on. But I can feel that instead of joining , he is thinking sothing bad about ." Then, as if making a final decision, Loki jerked her thumb toward direction "just go in that direction, and you can find Guild Headquarters."
Luthar t her gaze for a long second.
Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.
Loki watched him leave. "Weird, guy," she clapped her hands. "Lyra, let's go inside."
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