"Lord Ganesha! Lord Ganesha! It's terrible! A major incident!"
Something happened in a corner of the sweltering arena.
The Monsterphilia was still underway. A beast tamer rode a long-necked dragon, the excitement reaching a fever pitch.
"I am Ganesha!"
"I know! No need for introductions!"
In the highest section of the arena, Ganesha, observing the festival from a vantage point overlooking the entire arena, struck a strange pose, seemingly showing off his elephant mask.
His Familia member, inwardly despairing at his strange behavior, reported the emergency.
"The captured monsters have escaped! The cages are empty!"
"…What? That's bad!"
"That's why I said it's terrible!"
The member frantically explained the urgency to Ganesha, who had stopped.
The incident involved compromised basement guards, victims among the Guild staff, suggesting an external attacker.
Ganesha, listening seriously, asked quietly,
"How many monsters escaped?"
"Nine… nine. Including monsters even experienced adventurers struggle to defeat…"
Unfazed, Ganesha, "hmm"-ed, nodding his elephant mask.
A sharp cry came from the central arena. A beast tamer, facing a dragon, held out a hand, signaling it to stop. The monster growled, then lowered its head, licking the tamer's hand.
The crowd erupted in cheers. The beautiful tamer, raising her hand with the dragon, received thunderous applause.
"Alright, capture those monsters! Cooperate with other Familias! Ask the Gods present for assistance!"
"Wait! The escape is our failure. Seeking help from others will be humiliating and could give our enemies an opening…"
"I am Ganesha! I can't let the citizens I protect be harmed! Our greatest happiness is the children's smiles; status and reputation are secondary!"
"Yes, sir! My apologies!"
"The festival continues! Don't let the audience leave, or tell them about the escape! Avoid causing panic!"
"Understood. And the search for the person who released the monsters…"
"Don't worry about it. Not all monsters escaped, so the perpetrator didn't intend to cause widespread harm. They have another 'purpose.' A diversion, or disruption… annoying, but let them have their way. Citizen safety is paramount!"
With Ganesha's order, the Familia members rushed out.
Only five minutes had passed since the escape; under Ganesha's command, the Ganesha Familia responded swiftly.
"Monsters escaped!?"
When Ganesha noticed the incident…
Eina and her colleagues, stationed near the main entrance, received the news.
"Yes. The west gate team saw monsters escaping. The Ganesha Familia is responding… what do we do, Eina?!"
Though momentarily stunned, Eina reacted quickly, raising her eyebrows.
With determination, she said to her near-tearful colleague:
"Contact any nearby Familia! And the adventurers!"
"Is that alright? I don't know what the higher-ups will say…"
Eina and her colleagues were lower-ranking staff. Higher-ups, including the team leader, had gone to the west gate to reinforce.
Her colleagues were clearly uneasy about acting without authorization.
"It's better than having casualties! Ganesha prioritizes lives; he won't object to seeking help! It'll be too late if something happens!"
"You're right. We can't let anything irreversible happen."
Eina emphasized Ganesha's willingness to help with the Monsterphilia to persuade her colleagues.
Perhaps her sincerity worked; after looking at each other, they agreed. They quickly discussed their roles.
"…Excuse me, what's happening?"
Suddenly, someone spoke.
Everyone stopped when they saw who it was.
"A… Ais Wallenstein…"
Hearing her colleagues' stunned voices, Eina stared at the girl in shock.
A miniskirt barely covering her thighs, and a short top. No armor, but a slender sword was sheathed at her hip. Her long blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight.
One of Orario's strongest adventurers—someone they desperately needed—stood before them.
A nearby staff member quickly explained the situation.
After listening intently, she turned.
"Loki."
"I heard. It's not date time. Fine, let's do Ganesha a favor."
Hearing Loki's amused agreement, the staff cheered.
Like them, Eina felt relieved, but immediately tensed up again.
"Do you know where the monsters are?"
"Yes, they're heading towards East Street."
East Street. Arthas, who was looking for someone, was heading there.
Perhaps he'd stumbled into the heart of the incident.
"Misha, what kind of monsters escaped?"
"Uh, I remember… a Sword Deer, a Giant, and a Silverback Gorilla."
Her friend's answer made her frown.
Silverback Gorillas were from the 11th floor. Sword Deer and Giants were from even deeper.
None were opponents for a novice like Arthas.
The monsters have appeared, so don't be reckless. Take your Goddess and get to safety.
She looked towards East Street.
Eina could only pray for Arthas's safety.
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