A biting chill hung in the air above the pre-dawn streets. The tightly shut iron gates of the shops lined up in rows, and the broad avenues were desolate, entirely stripped of their daytime vitality and noise. The towering city walls encircled the district, casting massive shadows that made the already dim light feel even more profound.
However, the atmosphere in front of the Focalors Familia's small two-story house was completely different.
"Do your best! You absolutely must give that disgusting blond peacock a little shock of justice!" Furina cheered loudly, waving her small fists at Aiden and the others, who were fully geared up and ready to go.
Beside her, members of the Takemikazuchi and Miach Familias had also made a special trip to see them off.
"Good luck, brother. I believe in you," Kashima Ouka stepped forward, giving Aiden a firm hug and speaking in a deep, steady voice. As close male friends who frequently drank and bragged together, no extra words were needed between them.
Yamato Mikoto and Hitachi Chigusa also bowed solemnly from the sidelines. After all, Aiden was the savior of their Takemikazuchi Familia, and they had always kept that debt of gratitude etched in their hearts.
"Here, take these." The Dog Person girl, Naaza Erisuis, handed over several faintly glowing vials—precious potions she had synthesized herself. This pharmacist, famously stingy due to her Familia's dire financial situation, appeared exceptionally generous right now. However, her tongue remained as sharp as ever: "These are the best treasures at the bottom of my stash, and they are very expensive. If you dare to lose, you'll be spending the rest of your life working for me to pay off your debt."
"I'll be right here waiting for your triumphant return!" Furina stepped up, spreading her arms wide and pulling Aiden into a solid hug. Perhaps the cold morning wind had chilled her, as a suspicious flush crept up her cheeks. "Listen well, this is the blessing of the God of Water and Justice. Go forth, and deliver the most magnificent judgment upon that Apollo Familia for daring to provoke us. You're not allowed to lose, okay? Otherwise... otherwise, I'll be really mad!"
"Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it," Aiden replied, feeling the softness and fragrance in his arms as a gentle smile graced his face. He casually ruffled the highly spirited ahoge on top of Furina's head, saying easily, "Just wait for us."
Then, the five of them—Aiden, Robin, Tifa, Hyacine, and Jeanne—boarded the carriage that had been waiting to the side amidst the waving hands and farewells of the crowd. The battlefield for the War Game had been designated as the Ruins of Shreme outside of Orario, and the carriage ride would take an entire day.
Just as the carriage was about to start, a familiar figure ran over, panting heavily.
"Please... please wait a moment!" It was Eina from the Guild. She rushed to the side of the carriage and handed a parchment sealed with the Guild's wax stamp to Aiden.
"This is... a Travel Permit signed by the Guild," Eina explained between breaths. "You must keep it safe."
It was easy for adventurers to enter Orario, but leaving—especially for high-level adventurers—was exceedingly difficult. The Ganesha Familia, who guarded the city gates, maintained strict discipline and would absolutely not allow any high-level combatant to leave without the Guild's permission. This was an ironclad rule established by the Guild to prevent powerful adventurers from causing turmoil in the outside world, and to ensure Orario retained sufficient military strength to suppress the increasingly active Dungeon.
Under normal circumstances, obtaining a Travel Permit required going through tedious applications and rigorous screening. But since this was an officially sanctioned War Game, the Guild had approved it swiftly.
"Thank you, Eina. You even went out of your way to run this over to us," Aiden sincerely thanked her as he took the permit.
"No... it's nothing." Eina shook her head, her emerald eyes filled with both worry and hope. "Mr. Aiden... everyone... Please, you absolutely must return safely."
"Of course. With so many people waiting for us here, how could we not come back?" Aiden laughed.
The wheels of the carriage began to turn slowly, carrying the hopes of everyone present as it drove toward the pre-dawn darkness.
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