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

"I understand... I'm willing to serve as the 'school district's' family recruiter."

"Thank you, Rafia, you've really helped us a lot."

Finn thanked him.

Rivia, who was sitting to the side, finally said to Lefia:

"Take this opportunity to re-examine yourself, Lefia. Not based on your own subjectivity, but on judging through the perspective of others."

*

This "ship" is so huge that it could easily be called the "world's largest".

Its diameter reaches 700 meters.

This colossal vessel, whose circular shape makes it somewhat unsuitable to describe as a "ship," is more accurately described as a "floating ship." It moves by floating on the sea using five hundred large magic stone devices mounted on its hull—the same buoyancy generators used in the Tower of Babel's elevators. This magnificent, world-traveling behemoth is a testament to the magic stone manufacturing technology of the labyrinth city of Orario.

The ship's hull is composed of three massive circular layers: the control layer, the living layer, and the academic layer. Each cylindrical layer reaches a height of over twenty meters, allowing for the creation of a vast living area even while sailing at sea. With a capacity exceeding ten thousand passengers, its scale rivals that of a large city.

Looking down from the blue sky, you can see the school floor, which is bathed in sunlight on the top floor. In addition to the school buildings, there are various facilities such as a large arena. It presents a perfect left-right symmetry. The building that stands in the center, resembling the "Tower of Babel", is the bridge.

The bow, resembling an owl's head, can rotate 360 ​​degrees and is equipped with a propulsion system.

This is also a magic stone product, and it is currently the only propulsion field generator in the world.

"Three-tiered extra-large pastry (pancake)"

"A clock with a protruding long hand"

And "the majestic dragon's back".

Those who have seen its appearance describe it thus, and it is also a landmark revered by all of the underworld.

This is not only a ship that has traveled the world, but also a temple of learning and knowledge.

It welcomes those who seek knowledge, illuminates the path for the lost, and serves as a guiding light for people to fly into the world.

The official name of this super-giant ship is "Hringhorni".

Also known as the "Maritime Academic Institutions Special Zone" – commonly referred to as the "School District".

"The school district... I never thought I'd be back here again."

A huge ship can be seen outside the window.

Lefia gazed at the floating ship that was now her "alma mater" and murmured to herself.

The "school district" vehicle was parked in "Harbor City Mellen".

The port of Mellen was built along the shore of Lake Rolog, a large oval-shaped brackish lake. From the center to the east, it was a trading port and a fishing port, while the west side was a shipyard and a super-large dock that provided berths for "huge ships"—at this time, it has almost become a port exclusively for the "school district".

"This thing is still the same, except it's incredibly huge~ Sigh~ It's really causing trouble~"

"There's nothing we can do about how huge it is, since it has to travel all over the world to recruit students... By the way, please don't criticize a place that can recommend talented people to join the clan like that."

Inside the slightly swaying carriage, Loki wore a look of utter disgust, as if he wanted to spit at it at any moment.

Faced with the supreme god who was extremely hostile to the "school district"—or rather, who almost loathed the principal of the "school district" like a rat crossing the street—Lefia was dumbfounded as she tried to persuade him.

No matter how vast the world is, it's impossible to find a port that can accommodate ships with a diameter of 700 meters. Therefore, when the "school district" visits other countries or cities, it usually stays near the coast rather than docking at a port and then being transferred by small boats. If the "school district" is to dock, a dedicated port must be built for it, and the only location is the port city (Meyron).

The creation of the "School District" is closely related to the labyrinth city (Orario), and it was built on the shipyard of the port city (Melen). For this reason, a giant port was secured from the very beginning to accommodate it—that is to say, after many renovations and expansions, even the port where it was born is about to be overwhelmed.

Whenever a super-giant ship that occupies more than half of the port's berthing space returns to Melren, it inevitably draws complaints from other ships. This is because the western port area of ​​the city (Melren), which is normally open for berthing, is completely closed, and many entry restrictions are added during this period.

"It seems like this trip was quite an 'adventure' after all..."

Lefia, who possesses Lv.4 vision, discovers numerous large and small damage marks on the hull of the ship that can only be seen by looking up.

The "school district" is often an adventure during its world travels, with frequent encounters with aquatic monsters or involvement in "international conflicts." For example, Lefia, who was even more immature during her school years, was often called upon for help despite her fear—but it was precisely because of this that she had already "leveled up" before joining the Loki Familia.

The "school district" returns here every three years to repair the damaged hull and maintain the floating device.

Even though it is the culmination of the labyrinth city's (Orario) magic stone manufacturing technology, it still needs to undergo regular inspections and repairs. Including replacing the spare floating devices, it must undergo a complete overhaul every three years.

In fact, the "school district" was originally a "sea fortress".

This is a "foothold" prepared to complete one of the three great adventurers' quests—to defeat the sea monster "Leviathan".

The gods (Zeus) and the goddess (Hera) stood up to fight this giant dragon that dominated the seas, thanks to this giant "foothold" and the help of the Poseidon Familia, and were finally able to defeat this ancient monster.

Given this context, the "school district" is unlikely to be easily damaged—although it is said to have been severely damaged during the battle against the sea monster (Leviathan)—but given that it has gone through an adventure, some damage is not surprising. Incidentally, the seemingly magnificent "wings," one of the external accessories, the "dimmer," is actually its dropped item, the "Sea Monster (Leviathan) Azure Fin."

(This is a symbol of completing one of the three great adventurer quests... Although I was completely unaware of it while I was in school, it is hailed as "the greatest ship in the world," and it truly deserves the title.)

The "school district" has now shut down the long-running floating device and landed on the lake surface.

Then the carriage finally arrived at the port where the giant ship was docked.

"By the way... why bother taking a carriage? I wouldn't mind walking here, it's just a waste of money, isn't it?"

"Because I'm here~! It's quite a distance from Orario to the port city (Melen), and it's tiring to walk~ As for another indecent thought~ it's that I can finally be in the same room with Lefia after all this time, so I can sexually harass you to my heart's content! Hehehe!"

"I see, but I managed to defeat them all."

Loki spoke with unusual excitement, while constantly shaking his red, swollen, and painful hands.

This was the result of Lefia's merciless interception. The main god pretended to cry and shouted, "Lefia has become as cold as Riveria and Ais! I'm so sad!" Lefia sighed upon seeing this.

"Let me think... and next up is—"

Lefia ignored Loki and reached for the doorknob—

"Since they are 'celebrities,' they should have some kind of grand entrance when they make an appearance."

Loki smiled and uttered those words.

As Rafia stepped down from the luxurious carriage, a faint scent of the sea and a deafening roar of cheers greeted her.

"They're here! They're here!!"

"It's the Loki Familia!"

"Is that really the Thousand Elf!?"

"You should call her 'senior'! You idiot!"

"Senior Lefia～～～～～～!"

You can see countless students crammed onto the walls of the school grounds in the "school district" directly in front of you.

Some people cheered loudly.

Someone leaned their upper body out from behind the railing.

Someone waved in this direction, their face flushed with embarrassment.

Lefia was stunned by the enthusiastic welcome from the students.

"Alicia and the others received a 'warm welcome' just like that time~ After all, the labyrinth city (Oario) is the 'center of the world,' and we are the [Loki Familia]."

Loki's words say it all.

Among the [Families] recruiting new members, the [Loki Familia] is undoubtedly the most popular. After all, their renowned name is still frequently heard of even during the "School District's" world tour, naturally making them an object of aspiration for students. Whenever the [Loki Familia] achieves new feats, the students are overjoyed, eagerly anticipating the moment they return to Orario. Among the career paths for graduates of the "School District," adventurer is one of the most common and sought-after professions.

"...But I'm not a Level 1 adventurer (Miss Ais and the others)..."

Lefia controlled her stiff face and whispered this.

Although I had long been accustomed to it, I now realize that the reputation of the largest faction in the labyrinth city (Orario) is no small matter.

After witnessing the students' reactions firsthand, Rafia deeply understood the stance they represented.

Although Lefia couldn't help but think that everyone was making a mountain out of a molehill—she couldn't help but smile wryly when she recalled that she herself was "one of them" back then.

However, Lefia had never aspired to be an adventurer before, so she shouldn't be that excited.

"The girls' enthusiastic cheers are so tempting!! The girls in this 'school district' are all really good this year! Woohoo!!!"

"Loki..."

"Even though you look at me so coldly, I bet you're secretly enjoying it, aren't you!"

Please don't tease me on purpose.

Lefia looked dumbfounded as Loki kept blowing kisses upwards.

Lefia was indeed surprised, but that was all.

The cheers of the students do not bring her any joy now.

On the contrary, it felt hard to accept.

Because she knew that she wasn't good enough to deserve such high praise from others.

"You can't keep doing this, Lefia. You can't keep wearing that grumpy face. If you're always gloomy and don't like to smile, you'll eventually become someone who can't laugh from the bottom of their heart."

Loki's voice suddenly changed.

Her attitude was no longer as cynical as before, but she looked at Lefia with the smile that a deity (mother) should have.

"Lefia, what brings you here?"

"...is to discover talent within the 'school district'."

"What were the attitudes of Angie and Alicia when you first met them?"

"...They all had beautiful and natural smiles, and looked very 'mature'."

"So what should you do now?"

Loki patted Lefia on the shoulder like a mischievous older sister.

Lefia first met the crescent-shaped crimson eyes, then let out a short sigh, and looked up.

She smiled and waved to the younger students in the "school district".

"Aa ...

A deafening cheer immediately followed.

As if the entire port city (Melon) was shaken, Rafia and Loki headed toward the "school district".

Cheers resounded throughout the halls. The Loki Familia, considered a top priority by the students during the recruitment process and the first group to arrive, received a warm welcome from them.

Rafia is only fifteen years old, and there must be older students in the "school district" than her.

Therefore, Lefia felt there was no need for such a grand welcome to an elf girl—but she had to fulfill her duty as a member of the Loki Familia and treat the students with the proper respect.

Bathed in cheers, Lefia secretly made a vow.

But... well...

Even though I didn’t really care much… I always felt that the female student’s voice seemed particularly loud?

"Senior Lefia is truly exceptionally heroic!"

"And she's even prettier than I imagined! She really has an elven feel to her!"

"I really want to call her 'Big Sister'!!"

"That's right!!"

...I (Lefia) heard nothing. I heard nothing.

*

Fortunately, when boarding the ship, all that was needed was to greet the faculty and staff members who were acting as guards at the harbor.

Entering the "school district" via a boarding ladder resembling a city gate drawbridge, one arrives at the control layer, the lowest level of the three-layered area.

"Loki, Miss Lefia Viridis, welcome. I am Arisa Rajast, here to show you the way."

(—Yarisa.)

Looking at the girl (human) in charge of reception, Lefia couldn't hide her surprise at recognizing her "old friend" at a glance.

She wore glasses that were practically standard, and her long, black hair was pulled back.

Arisa should have noticed Lefia's gaze, but she still maintained the elegant smile on her face, like a secretary.

"...Thank you for sending someone from the school to receive us. Now, I'll trouble you to show us the way."

Faced with her old friend's professional attitude as a "school district" public relations officer, Lefia also demonstrated the demeanor expected of a member of the "Loki Familia".

Unfortunately, her family's main god didn't take it seriously at all.

"Oh! I remember you, Arisa! You're the bespectacled beauty who used to hang out with Lefia all the time! Do you remember me?!"