Highschool DxD: I have a Dimensional Travel System

Chapter 203 - Freya Part 2

Mahiro had no clue that Freya was already pulling strings behind the scenes.

After wandering around Orario, hitting up shops, and gathering a ton of info about the dungeon, Mahiro headed back to the Hostess of Fertility.

He planned to crash there for a few days until he could find a decent place to settle.

"Welcome back, Mahiro!"

As soon as he walked into the tavern, he saw them prepping for the evening food.

Syr noticed him right away, flashed him a bright smile, dropped what she was doing, and bounced over to him.

Mahiro returned the smile.

"So, you've been out exploring Orario all day. Any luck joining a Familia?" Syr asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yeah, it went well," Mahiro said with a nod.

"Went well? So, you found a Familia already?" Syr pressed, tilting her head.

"Yep," Mahiro confirmed.

"Let me guess—it's one of the big names in Orario, right?" Syr said with a sly smile, though her tone had a hint of something deeper.

Most people wouldn't catch the subtle jab in her words.

"Not exactly. It's not famous right now, but I think it'll make waves in Orario soon enough," Mahiro said, his confidence shining through.

Hearing that, Syr felt a twinge of unease.

Something about his answer didn't sit right with her.

"Mahiro, which Familia did you pick? Maybe I can give you some advice," Syr said, her gaze steady.

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Don't underestimate me just 'cause I'm a waitress. I hear all kinds of things working here—stuff even the Guild doesn't know."

In a city like Orario, where adventurers ruled, taverns were the ultimate info hubs.

Adventurers loved to drink, and when they did, secrets spilled faster than ale.

After her little tease, Syr stepped back and winked.

"Some of this intel is top-secret, you know. But I'll cut you a deal and share it for free today."

"Thanks, Syr, but it's too late for that. I've already joined a Familia and got my falna," Mahiro said with an apologetic shrug.

"You've joined?!" Syr blurted out, her composure slipping.

"Syr, why are you yelling, nya?" Anya, who was passing by with a stack of mugs, nearly dropped them in surprise.

"Sorry, Anya, didn't mean to scare you," Syr said quickly.

"Whatever, nya," Anya muttered.

"What's got you so worked up, Syr?"

"Just adventurer stuff," Syr replied with a forced smile.

"Adventurers again, nya? Got it." Anya rolled her eyes.

She heard so much adventurer talk every day that it was basically white noise.

"Anyway, I've got work to do, nya. You two keep chatting."

"I didn't expect you to pick a Familia so fast, Mahiro," Syr said, her tone a mix of curiosity and disappointment.

"I just went with what felt right," Mahiro said simply.

"Felt right? Mind telling me which Familia you joined?" Syr asked.

Meanwhile, high above in the Tower of Babel, Freya was wondering the exact same thing.

She immediately called for Ottar, eager to get the details.

Syr couldn't help but hold onto a sliver of hope, praying that Mahiro's answer would match her expectations.

"The Hestia Familia," Mahiro said with a grin.

"The Hestia Familia…?" Syr's smile faltered for a second before she quickly pulled herself together.

"Wait, that goddess just descended, right? She didn't even have a Familia a few days ago."

"Yeah, she just started it today," Mahiro said.

"Wait, so you joined a brand-new Familia?" Syr asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yep, I'm the first member," Mahiro replied.

"First?!" Syr stared at him, her calm facade cracking. "Why the hell would you do that?"

"With your potential, you could've joined any top-tier Familia."

"A new familia won't give you dungeon support."

"Why?" Mahiro thought for a moment. "I guess… it just felt right."

"Felt right?" Syr repeated, her frustration bubbling up.

"When I was at the Guild earlier, I saw Lady Hestia recruiting."

"Something about her just clicked with me, so I joined," Mahiro explained.

Syr's composure shattered. "That's it? Just like that?"

She was clearly pissed but couldn't let it show.

Meanwhile...

Crash!

Freya's glass slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor.

Wine splattered everywhere, staining the pristine tiles and the hem of her gown.

"Lady Freya?" Ottar, who'd been giving his report, looked up in concern.

Her usual composure was gone.

She looked completely rattled, not even noticing the mess.

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