Danmachi: Captured by Freya at the Beginning!

Chapter 32: Conflict Between Dwarves and Elves!

Chapter 32: Conflict Between Dwarves and Elves!

In Orario, the status of adventurers is unequivocally the highest, acknowledged by everyone.

This stems from the fact that only by joining a god's familia, receiving the 'falna', can one gain strength and earn the right to enter the dungeon to battle monsters within.

While the dungeon imposes no entry restrictions, the survival rate for ordinary individuals is exceedingly low if they venture in.

Not to mention, without the falna, surviving in the dungeon for half a month continuously might be attributed to luck, but extending beyond half a month, luck no longer serves as a valid explanation.

"Finn, can you confirm?" Loki asked.

"It has been confirmed; Raul knows someone in Daedalus Street. That person has encountered Ethan before and claimed to have seen Ethan return covered in wounds. Given his appearance, he did not anticipate Ethan's survival." Finn looked serious while saying this.

"It seems Freya has discovered a 'gem'."

At this juncture, Loki's eyes shimmered with envy and a touch of concern.

Although the Loki Familia is currently faring well, it falls short compared to the Freya Familia, especially in terms of the strongest combat power, as her familia lacks even a single level 7 adventurer.

In Orario's previous golden age, adventurers of levels 7, 8, and even 9 were present. That was truly a golden era.

Hence, Loki is acutely aware of the significant gap between levels 6 and 7, which has always been a source of worry for her.

As an unscrupulous goddess, Loki has never been aligned with the forces of good. She understands that her current peace with Freya is due to the minimal disparity between their strengths.

Should Freya Familia gain a second level 7 or a new level 8 adventurer in the future, Loki has no doubt Freya would initiate conflict against her.

After all, she has acted similarly in the past, allying with Freya to overthrow the 'Zeus Familia' and 'Hera Familia', subsequently ascending to Orario's summit herself.

Given the chance, Freya would undoubtedly seek to replicate this scenario, and Loki would do the same if presented with the opportunity.

After all, who wouldn't desire their familia to be the sole dominant force? Living in peace is merely a result of the inability to alter the current situation.

If given an opportunity, both Freya and Loki wouldn't hesitate to backstab each other.

"I've also gathered some information; a junior in the guild shared insights about Ethan."

Suddenly, Riviera said something.

"What kind of information?" Finn asked.

"This Ethan, known for his indolent nature, acts on his whims. According to her description, he spends no more than half a day in the dungeon daily, perhaps not even a third."

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing Riveria's report, the others were taken aback.

Especially Finn, well aware of the intense internal competition within the Freya Familia, where everyone is desperate to strengthen themselves.

If the Loki Familia resembles a harmonious and beautiful extended family, the Freya Familia is akin to a fiercely competitive corporate entity, cloaked in extreme rivalry.

"Did Freya allow this?" Loki couldn't help but ask.

"It's uncertain, but he roams around Orario daily and frequents the Hostess of Fertility, spending lavishly, suggesting he isn't financially constrained." Finn didn't know what to say.

"That's peculiar. If he's indeed talented, would Freya truly permit such behavior?" Loki and the others in the room were confused.

Such conduct, if attributed to a promising individual, would signify wasted potential.

Yet, Freya is not known for folly; otherwise, Folkvangr, Orario's most ruthless training regimen for familias, wouldn't exist.

"By the way, he likely resides in the Tower of Babel. It's confirmed by his daily descent from and return to the tower at night."

At that moment, Finn's additional comment nearly overwhelmed Loki's cognitive processing.

Residing in the Tower of Babel, a privilege few, including gods, can claim, raises questions about Freya's rationale if Ethan indeed lacks significant potential.

Loki was perplexed; the information collected was scant, mixed, and challenging to interpret.

"I'm lost in your discussion. If you're keen to understand this individual, why not directly approach him? This roundabout discussion yields little."

Gareth, having remained silent until now, interjected, showcasing the dwarves' straightforward approach.

His comment promptly silenced the room.

Loki, Finn, and Riveria exchanged glances, pondering their next move.

"It sounds straightforward, but who should initiate contact? Considering he's from Freya Familia, wouldn't they misinterpret our actions?"

"So, we just continue discussing here? What progress can we make?"

"Then, propose a solution. Who should reach out? You? Or perhaps I should?"

"Are you seeking trouble? You infuriating elf!"

"Silence, you impulsive dwarf!"

As the exchange grew increasingly heated, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

What began as a strategy session regarding Ethan swiftly devolved into internal strife.

Riveria and Gareth, despite years of camaraderie and trust within the dungeon, couldn't escape their inherent racial prejudices.

Though both hail from the same familia and have collaborated for years, their interactions have been marred by friction, now somewhat ameliorated.

"Alright, alright, calm down, both of you."

Finn swiftly intervened, mindful that both Gareth and Riveria, despite their experience, occasionally let disagreements escalate into conflicts.

Though they exercise restraint, avoiding excessive hostility, their longstanding rivalry occasionally resurfaces.

"Hmph!"

Gareth stepped back at Finn's urging, ceasing his argument.

Riveria, too, managed her emotions, reverting to her dignified elf persona. She didn't want to damage her image meaninglessly arguing with Gareth.

Observing these two long standing friends, Finn couldn't help but lament their unchanged tempers over the years.

"This Ethan maintains a close contact with an old friend of mine," Gareth suddenly disclosed.

"Your old friend?" Finn asked for confirmation.

"Yes, Edward~" Gareth replied.

"And how did he come across Ethan?" Finn couldn't help but ask.

"I'm unsure; it was a chance observation during a meeting with him. I saw the boy chatting with Edward." Gareth started recalling.

Despite the dwarf boss's modest level 3 status, being able to own a large stall in the Tower of Babel is not an ordinary feat.

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