Orario was neither particularly small nor truly enormous.
With Ritsuka and Ryuu’s stamina, they could tour the entire city in less than half a day as long as they kept moving.
Ryuu only gave brief explanations from outside certain special districts and firmly refused to let Ritsuka enter, making the tour even faster than expected.
Ritsuka had no desire to enter those streets anyway.
The Amazoness warriors might have attractive figures and open personalities, but none were his type.
He would not choose them even if he merely wanted to release some pent-up energy.
More importantly, the Ishtar Familia was hidden within that district.
This world’s Ishtar and the Archer Ishtar from FGO were two completely different creatures.
Ritsuka had absolutely no interest in the former.
However, he was rather interested in the fox girl within the Ishtar Familia.
After all, she was a fox-eared girl, something rare even in the DanMachi world.
Her personality was also quite entertaining.
Haruhime had been born into a noble family of priests who worshipped Amaterasu among the Renards.
Slavers trafficked her to Orario, where she was sold to the Ishtar Familia and forced to become a trainee prostitute.
How could such a vile act be tolerated?
As an Ally of Justice, Ritsuka naturally had to rescue her!
There was no need to rush, though.
The Ishtar Familia’s Level Five captain and its numerous Level Four and Level Three members were hardly easy opponents.
Ritsuka needed time to develop, increase his magical energy, unlock more party slots, and summon additional Heroic Spirits before he could move against them.
By the time they completed their tour, Ritsuka had explored most of Orario.
Combined with his knowledge of the anime’s plot, he now possessed a basic understanding of the city.
With that foundation established, his next objective was to level up and realize the Astraea Familia’s justice!
“So starting tomorrow, you’ll enter the Dungeon every day?” Inside Stardust Garden, Ritsuka and Ryuu sat across from each other at the long dining table, discussing his future plans.
“That’s right.
Since Astraea-sama isn’t here, I can’t check how much my Falna has developed.” “Until I believe my attributes are high enough to level up, I need to gain as much excelia as possible.” “I also need to descend farther, preferably into the Middle Floors.
The monsters in the Upper Floors can’t pressure me at all.” As Ritsuka spoke, he took several pieces of metal from his pocket and placed them on the table.
“I also need better magic stones to create Mystic Codes.” “The stones dropped by monsters in the Upper Floors are fine for powering lamps, but they don’t contain enough magical energy for proper Mystic Codes.” “Mystic Codes?” Ryuu looked at the metal on the table.
Ritsuka had purchased it while she was showing him around Orario, explaining that he intended to use it as crafting material.
“Is that the unusual smithing method you mentioned earlier?” “That’s right.
The things I create are called Mystic Codes.” “By Orario’s standards, calling them magic swords wouldn’t be entirely wrong.
My first creations will probably be offensive Mystic Codes anyway.” Ritsuka pointed at the metal before him.
“I’m not only gathering magic stones for myself.
I also need to collect some for the Ganesha Familia.” “My reform plan includes creating a mobile response unit from its high-level adventurers.
That unit needs vehicles capable of rapid deployment.” “And I fully intend to earn money from that contract.” “You can make vehicles too?” Ryuu was surprised again.
Orario’s professions were highly specialized.
Smiths forged weapons and armor, but vehicles had never fallen within the usual scope of their craft.
“It won’t be difficult as long as I have enough magic stones.” Ritsuka confidently folded his arms.
“According to the plan Ganesha-sama and I developed, they won’t begin reforms immediately.” “First, the Familia will enter the Dungeon and accumulate resources.” “Once they gather enough magic stones and materials, I’ll forge them into vehicles suitable for rapid deployment.” “I’ll handle production, and they’ll pay to purchase everything.” “For now, I need to gather enough magic stones to create my own Mystic Codes while accumulating the excelia needed to level up.” “Once the military police begin their reforms, I can also tag along with their operations.” “Tag along with their operations?” Ryuu did not understand the phrase.
“I mean helping the military police arrest criminals!” Ritsuka tapped the table.
“Didn’t Mama Mia say I needed to earn enough merit?” “I originally thought that might take a long time, but things are different now.” “I’ll help reform the Ganesha Familia and strengthen the military police.” “Then I’ll lead them in purging Orario’s criminals and use that momentum to frighten those still hiding in the shadows.” “If they fear the consequences enough to stop committing crimes, Orario’s overall environment will improve.” “Combine those three achievements, and wouldn’t my contribution be enormous?” Ryuu had to admit that accomplishing all of those things would be an extraordinary achievement.
“It would be incredibly significant.” Ritsuka asked another question.
“Would that achievement be enough to exchange for my senior’s return?” Ryuu froze before staring at him in surprise.
“You’re doing all of this to bring your senior back?” “Of course!” Ritsuka nodded firmly and smiled at her.
“Part of it is to realize my justice and make the Astraea Familia great again.” “But I’m also doing it for my senior.” “She has lived in Orario under a false name for all these years.” “It’s time for her to come home.” Ryuu gazed at Ritsuka, deeply moved.
Her junior was working this hard for her.
As his senior, she could not allow herself to become a burden!
She slammed both hands against the table and rose excitedly.
“I’ll help you!” Ritsuka extinguished her enthusiasm with a single sentence.
“What exactly are you going to help me with?” He folded his arms again.
“You spent the entire day touring Orario with me and didn’t work at all!” “You need to return to the Hostess of Fertility tomorrow.” “Are you planning to abandon your job?
What about Mama Mia and everything she’s done for you?” “Uh…” Ryuu’s excitement immediately collapsed.
He was right.
She could not simply abandon her work at the tavern.
Mama Mia had sheltered her for years, so Ryuu could never disregard her responsibilities and leave without warning.
Furthermore, in front of Ritsuka, she was still Noel—a Level One rookie from the Artemis Familia who worked at the Hostess of Fertility.
Until Ritsuka earned enough merit, she had to continue concealing her identity.
Ryuu weakly clutched her head, her face filled with despair.
She had only just resolved not to hold him back, yet she was already doing exactly that.
“Come on, Noel.
You don’t need to look so disappointed.” Seeing her dejected expression, Ritsuka smiled reassuringly.
“I’ll keep my promise.” “Whenever I return from the Dungeon, I’ll go straight to the Hostess of Fertility to see you.” “All right.” Ryuu looked up and smiled.
“I’ll be waiting for you at the tavern!” …