Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Most importantly, the news that "the labyrinth city was almost destroyed" will only have an impact on the outside world. Just as the departure of the gods (Zeus) and goddesses (Hera) caused the dark faction to trigger the "Dark Ages," if Orario, as the "center of the world," begins to be in turmoil, the chaos it causes will affect the entire Netherworld.

Furthermore, the term "dark faction" is a symbol of fear for the labyrinth city, whose chaotic era only ended five years ago. Many citizens still vividly remember the disorder and fierce struggles of that time, so there is no need to cause unnecessary panic.

Therefore, Lloydman would never mention the words "dark faction" under any circumstances.

Although some people still cannot accept this statement—

"The same thing happened in the port city (Mellen). It's likely that the guy hiding in that stronghold used the underground waterways to eventually emerge from the brackish lake (Lake Rolog)."

"I think many children are worried about not seeing my family lately, because we have also been involved in this incident."

Njord and Demeter agreed to play a role in helping to enhance credibility.

After the mishap of Monster Philia and a series of events such as "armed monsters breaking into the city", the guild's reputation plummeted, but with the testimony of two gods, things changed.

Since Demeter's faction was in charge of Orario's food supply, and as a goddess of love, she was widely loved and trusted by the people, most citizens expressed sympathy and understanding for her statements.

"After all, I've caused everyone too much trouble... If I can't even reduce the chaos in the city, I'll have no face to face those familia (children) who have returned to the heavens..."

That's what Demeter said, and she blamed herself so much that she seemed to want to take all the blame upon herself.

In short, the guild breathed a sigh of relief, especially Lloydman.

Another key point is that the first-tier adventurers, led by Finn, and other powerful factions all speak with one voice.

"That stronghold contained the accomplice god of Icelus. The Dionysian Familia, who was in charge of the investigation, and their chief god all perished. Penea, the god who lived on Daedalus Road, was also caught in the crossfire. The pillar of light that rose up recently was caused by this struggle. It's all our fault for our limited abilities. While apologizing to the two gods, we also express our gratitude for their selfless sacrifice for the peace of the city."

When the topic of the gods being returned to heaven and the resulting pillar of light was brought up, Lloydman spoke eloquently.

When Lloydman silently shed tears to mourn Dionysus and the others, an atmosphere of sympathy filled the room. This was the result of his superb acting skills, honed from enduring immense pressure and constant stomach pain; it was also the art of rhetoric that allowed him to fully utilize all the skills he had learned throughout his life.

This time, however, Uranus, the chief god, did not condemn Lloyd's request for funds to purchase large quantities of stomach medicine.

"The crisis has now passed, and the peace of Orario remains unshakable."

Leuman raised his head and announced this with a firm tone.

Faced with his completely sincere voice and eyes, even those who had initially harbored doubts were persuaded.

And so, the exorcism and calamity-removing ritual targeting Orario came to an end.

"Father, does this mean we'll never see Dionysus again?"

"...Yes, that's right, it's really sad, this is truly heartbreaking news... I'll never be able to drink his newly brewed wine again..."

"I don't want Dionysus to leave us...!"

"...Don't be sad. Dionysus will always be with us from heaven...forever."

The true nature of the mastermind (Dionysus) was never revealed to the world.

The reason given was that this would contradict Leumann's explanation, and also to consider the dignity of the kin and their fear of the gods. Ironically, Dionysus was portrayed as a righteous god who died alongside his kin. The citizens who had associated with the god, and the family, were saddened by his return to the heavens, but whether being kept in the dark was a blessing or a curse was anyone's guess.

Finally, there was the funeral for the deceased.

Needless to say, it is a tribute to the adventurers who died in the man-made labyrinth (Knossos).

Led by the Ganesha Familia, numerous members of the Hephaestus Familia's high smiths, the Deanquet Familia's healers, and the Loki Familia all perished in the "Super Artillery Battle" of the "Fairy Clone." The vanguard of the "Second Wave Offensive," as the name suggests, gave their lives to become the cornerstone of the conquest of the Demon Castle (Knossos). Furthermore, the members of the Demeter Familia, imprisoned as hostages by the "Urban Destroyers (Ernio)," were also among the dead. Their funerals were solemnly conducted by members of their respective factions. The Loki Familia took charge of the Dionysus Familia's funerals.

Whether they were victims of artillery fire or those devoured by the green flesh of the "altar," everyone tried their best to recover the bodies. Even so, many empty coffins remained at the scene. Therefore, they also tried to collect the deceased's belongings and put them inside. However, most of the adventurers left almost nothing behind, to an astonishing degree, leaving their companions dumbfounded and even amused.

This "live in the moment" attitude certainly has the spirit of adventurers (you all), and they all looked up at the sky and laughed out loud. The sky was fairly clear that day, with only a brief shower.

After discovering that someone is missing, those who have connections with the various [families] will surely express their concern.

"What happened to that person?"

Whenever such a question is asked—

The group members would hide their dejected expressions and respond with smiles.

"He died in the underground city."

That's how they would answer.

Just as the residents of the labyrinth city have become accustomed to, everyone understands the meaning simply by hearing this sentence.

Then he might simply say, "Oh, I see."

Or they might silently shed tears.

Or they might just feign indifference and pretend to have lost interest.

But as long as the innocent people living in this city can continue to smile in their ordinary daily lives, these unsung heroes who sacrificed themselves will be able to rest in peace.

Therefore, the adventurers continued to laugh and joke as usual.

They will never forget those who joined the ranks of heroes and ascended to the heavens—these "unsung heroes".

This story, which will not be passed down to future generations, comes to an end with the turmoil stirred up by the destroyer (Ernio) – the "Chronicle of Madness".

No matter how much it is concealed or beautified, this fierce battle still left scars in the hearts of many people.

Whether human or god...

There was another girl as well.

*

The girl lost her sense of time.

She continued to shed tears that never dried, and continued to play her mournful lament, before quietly rising to her feet.

With his back to the space where the halo of light had almost disappeared, he took a step forward.

Then she went about her business and got everything done.

The girl recounted her experiences in great detail to her teacher (Riviera) and the leader (Finn), clearly explaining the whole story. She was also very grateful that after listening to her, they did not show any sympathy or pity, only saying briefly, "I see. Thank you for your hard work."

Although not many of her own faction members had died, she still went to pay her respects to her comrades who had perished in the battle.

Meanwhile, she mourns alone the beautiful but ugly girl whom many would not easily forgive—a lifelong friend to her.

If she were buried in the "First Cemetery," where many adventurers are buried, it would surely attract unfriendly attitudes from others.

Moreover, she believed that her best friend, whom she was about to part ways with forever, would not want this to happen.

So, the girl, carrying only a tiny bit of ashes that she had managed to collect no matter what she did, begged the god (Loki) to let her leave the city and go to the spirit peaks of the elves, the "Orb Mountains".

She arrived at the summit of a very high mountain, and under the clear, cold sky, she let the ashes drift away on the wind.

The girl did not make a tombstone for her friend.

Or perhaps they were unable to do so.

And so they stood quietly on the solemn spirit peak for a while.

Until the sun sets and the moon rises, the morning sun once again peeks out from the depths of the horizon.

When she was blinded by the dazzling morning light, she finally realized that she had been there all night, so she hurriedly went down the mountain and returned to the city.

The thought that he hadn't helped with the city's reconstruction and aftermath made him feel quite guilty towards his fellow members of the Familia.

"Don't worry about such a small matter." However, the human elder waved his hand as if he didn't care at all.

"I thought you were never coming back!" The girl's roommate, whom she cherished dearly, hugged her tightly, her eyes filled with tears.

"Welcome back," the girl she admired smiled faintly.

The girl lost her sense of time.

But in order to finish what she had to do, she refused to let her body stop and rest.

The girl made a brand new set of magic clothes.

As if bidding farewell to one's former self—

She also commissioned someone to make a brand new staff.

Pick up your long staff and your friend's short staff—

Then he took his friend's short sword in his hand.

The girl had no intention of returning the belongings to their rightful owner, nor did she want to turn them into memories. Even when accused of being too attached to the past, she vowed to stay with it.

Next—

In the early morning, before the first light of dawn appears on the horizon.

The girl was alone in the dimly lit room.

Wearing brand-new magic clothes, with a brand-new wand tucked into his waistband, he picked up the short sword left behind by his friend—

He cut off her beautiful, thick golden hair.

Side Story: Sword Oratoria 13 Chapter 1 Revolutionary Girl

This is the headquarters of the Loki Familia – the Twilight Mansion.

The restaurant inside the building was bustling with activity from early morning.

The large group of members greeted each other, pulled out chairs and sat down, and then began to enjoy breakfast amidst the clinking of cutlery.

Some time has passed since the "Destroyer (Enyo) Disturbance," and the Loki Familia is gradually returning to its former routine. Looking at the dwindling number of seats, the adventurers know all too well that if they continue to hesitate, they will be letting down their comrades who have returned to the heavens. Therefore, even though they still carry unhealed wounds, they still wear cheerful smiles and stuff their cheeks full of food.

Just then—

"Sorry I'm late."

The sound of the restaurant doors being pushed open from both sides was heard.

The moment everyone turned to look, the restaurant fell silent in utter astonishment.

The person who appeared before everyone when the door was pushed open was none other than the elven girl.

"Lefia...?"

Ais called out softly, but she still couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The clothes covering the girl's beautiful figure were no longer the pink combat suit that represented her tally mark.

Instead, it was a magic robe primarily in red and white.

This garment is infused with "magic" in every stitch, so painstakingly crafted that it would make even the most skilled mage weep. Therefore, it possesses both excellent magical resistance and lightweight construction. Although Riveria's "Elf King's Cloth" uses different materials, it is still a magical garment. Furthermore, she wears a bracelet resembling a magic item on her right hand, and her slender legs are clad in pure white boots that cover half of her thighs.

She had two magic wands on her waist.

The brand-new short and long staffs are tucked into his belt, making him look like a swordsman.

A short sword was tucked into the back of his waist.

When Ais saw Lefia's attire, the first thing she thought of was the term "magic swordsman".

That red and white magic outfit seemed to symbolize the legacy of the White Witch (Philwis Sharia) and the quiet passion (rage) in Lefia's heart.

These are Ais's thoughts.

However—the members weren't so surprised because Lefia had replaced all her equipment.

In fact, Ais was also stunned by this scene, as were the members of the Second Army, including Tiona, Tione, Raul, and Anachiti.

The reason is that Rafia cut her hair drastically short.

All the band members of the same generation envied Lefia for her beautiful, thick, long blonde hair, and she should be secretly proud of it too.

Even Ais, who doesn't know anything about dressing up, would be drawn to that beautiful hair.

Her once long, thick blonde hair, always held in place by a hair accessory, has now become short hair that no longer covers the back of her neck.

"........."

Everyone was so surprised they couldn't close their mouths.

Lefia was completely different at this moment.

Not only her equipment and hairstyle, but Lefia no longer exuded her former gentle aura; instead, she evoked images of icy spring water. As she walked among the tables and chairs, no one spoke to her, except for Loki, who whistled as if watching a spectacle.

"Lefia".

Just as the group members were all dumbfounded, Riveria stood up from her seat.

She stopped in front of Lefia, and Lefia stopped as well.

"Unless there's a special reason, you must have breakfast with your fellow members; that's a rule Loki set for his Familia. You haven't contacted anyone since; where have you been?"

No matter what, the vice-captain (Riviera) is still the vice-captain (Riviera).

Even if the other party's clothing and atmosphere have changed drastically, they still do not forget to step forward and reprimand those who violate the rules.