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

"Of course. Although it's not quite appropriate to say such things to unchanging beings (gods), it's a pleasure to see you, Goddess Loki. God Baldr is already waiting for you both in the principal's office. Please follow me."

Arisa easily dealt with Loki, who was completely oblivious to the atmosphere, and led the way.

"You're still the same calm class monitor! Awesome! My faction is missing someone like you!" Looking at the incorrigible Loki, Lefia first pinched her waist to shut her up, and then followed her.

The decor here differs from the residential and academic floors. Exposed iron pipes and metal walls are everywhere, and the air is filled with a medicinal smell that is a mixture of lubricant and lemon. This is the core of the "school district," where the control area of ​​the super-giant ship (spirit ship) and the laboratories for "synthesis," "alchemy," and "mystery" are all located. This kind of functional landscape within the control floor was commonplace for Lefia during her school years, and she couldn't help but squint her eyes nostalgically.

Although the students on the school floor did not rush down to greet the two with screams, the crew members and magicians passing by in the corridor frequently glanced at them sideways.

Lefia, who was once an "excellent student," had never been treated like this before.

Although it sounds strange, Lefia's return to her "alma mater" allowed her to rediscover her own position.

Led by Yarisa, the group passed through the control layer and the living layer, arriving at the top-level academy layer.

Then, bathed in the dazzling sunlight and the admiring gazes of the students playing outside, they finally arrived at the bridge located in the center of the "school district"—the "Temple Tower (Breidablik)".

"It's been three years, Lefia."

Stepping into the spacious shrine at the top of the tower, Lefia once again saw that familiar, handsome god.

He was once the chief god of Lefia, and now a gentle smile graced his face.

"It's been a long time, God Baldr. It's an honor to see you again."

"You don't need to be so reserved, Lefia. There are only a few of us here. Just be with me as before."

When they first met, Rafia genuinely felt that he was the so-called "god".

Because the god before us is wise, steady, and handsome, and most importantly, he possesses noble virtues.

Whether it's his always tightly closed eyes or his lips that always maintain a gentle smile.

He had long, darker blonde hair than Ais, and a remarkably slender figure compared to other male gods, while also possessing a height approaching 180C (Sehr). He usually wore a long, sacred robe, exposing his right arm and shoulder. His delicate, fair skin was the envy of even goddesses.

If she were to speak frankly, Lefia believed that there was no one in the world more deserving to be called a benevolent god than him.

He perfectly embodies the image of a celestial being that the inhabitants of the lower realm have held since ancient times, and can be considered the god of light among all gods.

This is the impression that Balde, this male god, gives people.

"Lefia is deliberately keeping her distance from you because she genuinely finds you disgusting, you idiot! I advise you to have some self-awareness, you blond brat! Lefia has long forgotten her former goddess; now she's all smitten with me! You stupid pig!"

"You haven't changed at all, Loki."

Because Baldr is the god of light, and Loki is a god who is a combination of evil and heresy—enough to symbolize the word "unprecedented"—they are naturally incompatible to the point of being irreconcilable.

That being said, it was only Loki who was hostile towards the other side.

Legend has it that they knew each other back in the heavens, and Loki planned to kill Baldr simply because "you always have that fake smile on your face, it's annoying to look at." Incidentally, Baldr, on the other hand, won over Mistletoe and his brother (Hodr) in the heavens, thus avoiding the conflict with a "hahahaha" laugh.

When Lefia first saw Loki so provocatively challenge her beloved Baldr, she was terrified and didn't know what to do. Even after deciding to join the Loki Familia, she still felt uneasy about it.

But no matter how much Loki offended Baldr, he never got angry. Instead, he seemed happy to have a god who liked to cause trouble, and accepted it all.

Regarding the relationship between the two, Lefia couldn't help but have a thought.

"Could it be something like the kind of situation where someone likes to tease their crush?"

So when Lefia was preparing to join the Loki Familia and complete her conversion with Baldr, she couldn't help but ask Loki this question.

"Even if you're the elven beauty I've set my sights on, you're not allowed to say that again~"

Loki smiled quietly.

At the same time, it emitted a "divine power" that seemed to be burning with blue flames.

That should have been the first and last time Lefia felt fear because Loki was a being beyond human comprehension.

"Lefia and I are in a loving, kissing state all year round these days! Or do you want to hear how many times I've rubbed her already developed breasts with this hand?! Hmm~!?"

"If this continues, we won't be able to discuss serious matters. Please be quiet for a moment."

(Illustration 010)

"Puwah!?"

Now, as we can see, Lefia has become able to criticize Loki just like Riveria and the others.

After being struck on the head with a staff, the goddess (Loki) writhed on the ground in pain. In contrast, the male god (Bard), who still maintains a gentle smile, is worlds apart in character.

Lefia could sense from the atmosphere that Yarisa, who was currently standing in front of the door waiting, was stunned and her face was stiff.

"Loki is still the same as ever... but you've changed a lot, Lefia."

Baldr ignored Loki and blurted out those words.

He sat quietly with a smile at the large desk made of ash wood.

"Completely different people."

Lefia inexplicably felt that everything about her was seen through by others.

Even though the male god always has his eyes closed, he shouldn't be able to see anything.

He seemed to have already seen what had happened to Lefia in the past three years, what changes had occurred in her heart, and what she had lost.

"Although I have many things I want to hear from you or tell you... let's get down to business before Loki loses his patience."

"...Just seeing your face makes me extremely annoyed. Anyway, let's get down to business."

After Loki stood up and uttered those words, Baldr nodded in response.

Then he aimed his tightly closed eyes at Lefia.

"Lefia, I want to entrust a small team to you to manage."

Rafia frowned in suspicion at the suggestion.

"Wasn't I here to recruit members or give speeches?"

"Of course, I will still have you hold information sessions to recruit volunteers, but in addition—I hope that you can share what you have experienced and felt in Orario with a few students in the dungeon."

Lefia immediately understood the implication.

I wanted to ask her to lead the students to explore the underground city.

And to train the students' bodies and minds—that is what Balder wanted to express.

"These students are all aspiring to become adventurers, and they are also outstanding talents within the 'district.' The school firmly believes that they are capable of gaining the favor of the Loki Familia and the Freya Familia... Remember, the Freya Familia has already disbanded. In short, I believe that only they have the opportunity to win your favor."

"Of course, I mean 'can be used as combat power immediately'," Baldr glanced at Loki and then added.

In short, besides the team mentioned earlier, there may be other talented or potential students who have the opportunity to transform themselves, as well as beautiful girls and young women whose looks could catch Loki's eye.

Loki, whose thoughts had been seen through because of their ill-fated relationship, snorted coldly.

"Is it like a factional internship?"

"It's a great help that you understood so quickly. If I need to clarify, it's more appropriate to assign you as an instructor rather than sending the students to undergo factional internships."

"I'll be the instructor..."

Baldr nodded in response to Raphia's whisper.

"This year, the situation is quite special compared to previous years. Many students are different from ordinary people, and the school believes that it would be quite dangerous to just send them to Orario for a 'special (dungeon) internship'."

"...Does that mean that among these students, that particular team is in particularly bad shape?"

"Yes, although other students are also quite worrying to us... but thanks to his help, there should be a way to solve it."

"?"

Lefia turned her head away because she couldn't understand the last sentence, but Bald simply smiled and replied, "Please don't mind it."

"I believe they all understand the dangers of the dungeon, and based on that, I hope you can guide them from your own perspective, Lefia."

"..."

"Whether you want to advise or support them, you just need to observe them and then express what's in your heart."

Doing this will also benefit you.

Balder concluded with these words, a calm smile appearing on his face.

Loki did not interrupt during this time.

Even though it was the "school district (Barrd)" that made the request unilaterally, she just stood by silently.

All eyes were on Lefia.

Feeling that the final decision rested with her, Lefia slowly spoke:

"...I understand. After all, I have been fortunate enough to receive the support of the 'school district,' and I have never forgotten that kindness. Although I am not capable of guiding others, I will still do my best to fulfill my mission."

"Thank you, Rafia."

Lefia didn't forget that she was an elf, and after carefully choosing her words, she accepted the proposal.

Baldr expressed his gratitude after hearing this.

"So, Lefia will be under our care for the time being while she's away on business. Loki doesn't have any objections, does he?"

"You don't need to confirm everything with me, you idiot. As long as it helps her, I have no problem with anything."

Lefia is leaving the Loki Familia today—as agreed, she will be staying at the "School District" for half a month. Speaking of Anachiti and the others who previously served as Familia recruiters, they did indeed stay here for a short time. Since Lefia lived in the dormitory here during her student days, she has no complaints about it.

Baldr seemed quite pleased with Loki's almost abusive response.

He first gave a serene smile, then shifted his gaze to Lefia.

"From today onwards, I look forward to your continued guidance, Lefia."

"Yes, God Bald."

"Lyon is currently teaching a class and hasn't returned yet. He'll explain the rest of the details to you later. As for any concerns about daily life... Arisa, you'll be in charge of assisting Lefia."

"As commanded."

After Yarisa bowed respectfully, the meeting came to an end.

Since Loki didn't want to stay a second longer and left the room immediately, Lefia could only quickly bow to Baldr and hurriedly follow him out.

"Ugh~ I really can't stand that fake smile! What's with this stupid god who's radiating such a benevolent aura?! Is he trying to blind me with holy light?!"

"Why do you hate God Bald so much...?"

"This transcends any so-called reason! It's not even related to the physiological level anymore; his existence is simply unacceptable to me!"

Loki deliberately shouted at the door at a volume that Bald could hear, then gave a thumbs-up to Lefia and Arisa, who was in charge of receiving them.

"Then I'll go chat up some of the cute girls in the 'school district'!"

"Then I'll take you down in Lady Riveria's place?"

"Ah~ I was just kidding! I'm going to scout for talent! To scout for talent! So don't make that scary face~ Lefia~! I'm just checking how many beauties and pretty girls the 'school district' has recruited this time~ Hehehe!"

"Ah...Loki!"

Lefia stared in utter disbelief as the main god sped away before her.

At the same time, I also felt that I had caused the Lord God a lot of trouble.

"...So you mean she won't disturb our reunion and will let us chat at our leisure?"

"Hmm, that seems to be the case. Honestly, they're always so considerate in the strangest of situations..."

Lefia met the gaze of Yarisa, whose words were no longer particularly restrained.

Then, someone started laughing, and the two of them began to laugh.

"Long time no see, Lefia! I'm so glad to see you again!"

"Me too, Arisa! Have you grown your hair long?"

"If that's the case, Lefia, you're the one who really cut your hair short all at once! I volunteered to be your host when I heard you were coming, but I didn't even recognize you at first!"

"Oh, you've gone too far!"

Both of them wore expressions befitting their age, sharing smiles with each other.

Because there were no third parties present, the girls could put aside their stance and revert to their former selves.

Arisa Rajast-

She was two years older than Lefia and was Lefia's classmate during their school years.

She is also Rafia's roommate and a close friend she made while attending the "school district".