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

The "school district," sponsored and operated by the Labyrinth City Management Organization (Guild), is essentially a collective and community composed of multiple [Familia]. Although Baldr stands at the top as the principal representing the "school district," there is no hierarchy among the [Familia]—each possesses its own unique characteristics.

Additionally, in the "school district" section, "family" is replaced with "class".

Therefore, the "Ito Family" is called the "Ito Class".

The Bragi clan is called the Bragi clan.

The families who receive the "blessings" of the various gods act as students, a unique practice within the "school district."

Among them, Lefia and others belong to [Baldban].

"However, almost all of my former peers are no longer in the 'school district,' so seeing Arisa was a real relief. I remember you often got scolded along with your male friends (Badain and others)."

"Yeah! That lawbreaker Bardine! It's all because you're too nice, Lefia, that you always get caught in the crossfire and become the 'cannon emplacement.' Sometimes that kid even barges into monster lairs."

If Lefia is the "top student," then Arisa is the "class monitor" responsible for unifying everyone's opinions.

Arisa's talent in "alchemy" is undeniable. Although her combat ability is not as good as Lefia's, she is highly regarded among the teachers as someone with a "production function".

"You've become a superintendent, Arisa."

"That's right, I can only say I was really lucky, and I finally got the job."

"Yarisa is the smartest among us, and she definitely got the job based on her abilities. I believe you will definitely achieve your dream of becoming a teacher in the 'school district' in the future."

"You flatter me. I'm just doing my best!"

As the two walked down the corridor, Lefia noticed the armband that Yarisa had tied to her left arm.

The badge, composed of light and a ship—this armband bearing the emblem of Baldban—is proof that only the exceptionally gifted can become "supervisors."

"Supervisors" are representatives of each class who act as mediators between teachers and students. They have the authority to discipline students according to their own judgment, and it is not inappropriate to call them "quasi-faculty members".

If we use the analogy of a "familia," the "faculty and staff" of the "school district" are like the various officers, including the commander, while the superintendents are like the officers in charge, similar in position to members of the second army of the "Loki Familia," such as Raul.

Lefia went to Orario because she dreamed of becoming an adventurer, while Arisa stayed in the "school district" to become a teacher.

The chances of becoming a faculty member in the "school district" are about as high as the chances of joining a powerful faction in Orario. Not only do you need to have the relevant qualifications, but the main reason is that students easily develop an admiration for the great faculty members and gods who have carefully nurtured them.

Of all the pathways, the fastest shortcut to becoming a faculty member is to become a "supervisor".

"Speaking of L.F.C... the 'Leon Teacher Fan Club,' has it still existed?"

"Of course! Unofficial organizations always need public authority to operate! I'm the current president of the fan club! I haven't abused my power! Listening to the students' voices and trying to avoid friction with faculty and staff is also the duty of the student supervisors!"

"Ah, um... please stop now..."

When Arisa first met Lefia, she fell in love at first sight with a teacher in the "school district".

Her initial reason for aspiring to become a faculty member was to get as close as possible to that teacher.

However, even if the opportunity arose from admiration for someone, her desire to become a teacher in the "school district" was genuine.

After being captivated by the silhouette of her first love and developing an interest in the profession, she also dreamed of pursuing the same career.

Arisa continues to work tirelessly to become a teacher in the "school district"—to realize her dream.

After hearing this, Rafia felt genuinely happy for the other person.

The ace of the "Alchemy Department" and the superintendent of the "school district"—

This is Yarisa's current identity.

"By the way, listen to me, Lefia! Before Orario submitted their Familia recruitment application, Bell Craney of the Hestia Familia actually trespassed into the 'School District'!"

"What?"

"The world's fastest rabbit (record holder) is famous in every country and town we've visited, but I never expected him to be so lacking in common sense! It's so disheartening! Lefia, do you know this human?"

"--I don't know him at all~ I've never seen him before. He's the kind of shameless, arrogant, rude, and voyeuristic bad rabbit I have absolutely no connection with."

“I-I see…”

While chatting about their recent situations and everyday matters, the two arrived at the terrace located on the middle floor of the "Temple Tower".

The sky was clear and blue, and below were the school buildings I used to frequent, and students walking around.

Among them was a red-haired goddess who went around striking up conversations with people and whose behavior was suspicious.

"It's only been about three years since we broke up, but I have so much to say to you. What should I do? There's just too much to say."

Yaris squinted her eyes behind her glasses and pressed her hair, which was ruffled by the sea breeze, down with her hand.

Upon hearing this, Lefia silently muttered to herself.

(Yes, three years have passed...)

Whether it's only been three years—

Three years have already passed.

How one views it varies from person to person.

However, Rafia belongs to the latter category.

Her daily adventures in Orario can almost be described as "stormy and turbulent," filled with countless and overwhelming experiences.

Whether it's joy, sorrow, setbacks... or "loss".

When Lefia thought of the beautiful but ugly girl, she couldn't help but lower her eyes.

"Lefia...you've changed so much."

"what?"

"As I just mentioned, I didn't recognize you at first glance. I don't know if it's because your overall demeanor is completely different... or if you seem to have matured?"

Yarisa looked Lefia up and down, carefully choosing her words before speaking.

"No... it's you who has become an 'adventurer'."

Then she gave a forlorn smile.

"I can feel... the gap between us has widened, and it makes me a little resentful. Among our generation, I think you've grown the most. Perhaps that's enough to prove that your decision to join the Loki Familia was the right one."

Lefia understood that Yarisa meant no other than to say that.

Even so, Lefia could only manage a forced smile.

"...There is no right or wrong answer to this kind of thing."

That's right.

Just as Lefia wouldn't have met Ais and the others if she hadn't become an adventurer, she wouldn't have had to experience the taste of "loss".

But even if you choose to avoid it and don't experience that "loss," it can't be said to be the right choice.

Without Lefia, Orario would likely have been destroyed. This is no exaggeration.

Not just Lefia, but if any one of them were missing, the world might face destruction.

Therefore, she didn't know what the correct answer was.

If Lefia makes people feel that she has "changed," it means that she "regrets" herself so much that she cannot easily forgive herself. Only after experiencing the bitterness of regret does she now stand before Arisa.

For Lefia, this was by no means something to be praised.

A self-deprecating, bitter smile involuntarily appeared on her face.

Seeing this, Yarisa perhaps realized that she might have said something wrong and fell silent.

"...However, your reputation has spread all over the world. I've truly heard rumors about you everywhere. Can you believe it? My roommate's fame has even reached the 'Empire' and the Great Chaos Desert!"

"That's not true... It's definitely an exaggeration. I'm not that amazing..."

"I've heard that the magical superpower (Altna) is even so jealous that it's eyeing the [Thousand Spirits]..."

"Ah, that's absolutely true..."

When Rafia felt guilty that Arisa had deliberately changed the subject to cheer her up, she immediately put on a smile.

After a burst of laughter, the two looked out at the view of the "school district" again.

(I took this job because I wanted to be responsible... but I'm already starting to regret coming to this "school district".)

The reason is that there are too many memories in the "school district".

No matter where I look, I always immediately recall the scenes from back then.

Just talking to Arisa like this—simply looking down at the view of the "school district" from the tower—brought back many memories for her.

This is absolutely not Yarisa's fault.

Rather, it was Lefia's sadness and shame that made her feel this way.

Living in the "school district (here)," even if you don't want to, you have to face your past self.

Looking back at that time when I was a student, incredibly innocent, ignorant of everything, and full of hope, hoping and believing that I would have a bright future.

At this very moment, however, Lefia did not want to face the ignorant version of herself from her memories.

At least in the immediate aftermath of losing "her," this is truly agonizing.

—What exactly has changed about me?

After asking herself a question she had no answer to, Lefia's consciousness sank into a sea of ​​memories.

Side Story: Sword Oratoria 13 - Spirit Chase 1

Lefia Viridis is a kind-hearted girl.

She never felt that she was better than others, nor did she have the almost stubborn self-esteem and sense of kinship that elves possess.

With her innocent and naive nature, she finds people of all races and identities fascinating; calling her a curious child wouldn't be an exaggeration. In short, contrary to the common perception of elves, she is a "kind and approachable" elf.

The reason lies entirely in the elven village where she grew up.

Lefia's hometown, "Vissi Forest," is unique.

Among the various elven villages, this place is unusually open to the outside world.

"Visien Forest" is located in the "Sea of ​​Giant Trees" in the center of the continent. It is a vital transportation hub for merchants and travelers traveling between the continent, so many different races come and go in the village.

This is an extremely rare case in all the elven forests.

The once incredibly isolated elven village has gradually opened up to the outside world since the age of gods, keeping up with the times.

However, no place is open to such an extent, because many elves, in order to protect the Great Sacred Tree, strictly adhere to the rules passed down through their race and maintain a clear boundary with outsiders. Therefore, it is common for elves who have left their villages to be amazed by the diversity of the world.

In contrast, the "Visien Forest" tribe is different.

The local elves actively interacted with other races, harbored aspirations for the world, and eventually left the forest to venture out into the world.

Even compared to their own kind, they excel in "magic," have no barriers with other races, and are "socially adept" elves.

These are the spirits of the "Visien Forest".

The main reason lies in the origin of the village's name, which is also related to the "ancestor" of the elves.

"Ugh, so boring, so incredibly boring!"

How could elves continue to hold such boring and rude habits!

Fellow countrymen, step out of this forest and turn your gaze to the whole world.

Connect bonds and expand the world of the spirits.

"O elf, go and understand the true meaning of glory!"

The three greatest poets in the world, whose names will be remembered for eternity.

This is the poem written by "Visien," one of the people in question.

It is also the standard that has been passed down in the village to this day.

"Visien" is a free-spirited elf and a traveler who calls the world home. Legend has it that she is a wondrous person who would never settle down and build a village.

However, a group of elves, admiring Visien, reclaimed his homeland, which had been ravaged by monsters, and established a village there, naming it after him. This is the origin of the elf village now known as "Visien Forest".

Because the local elves followed the teachings of the spirits who yearned for freedom more than any other race, they were all filled with curiosity about the outside world.

Among these fellow countrymen, young Lefia was no exception.

She often went to the village bar and asked the travelers drinking there to tell her stories. Whenever a fellow countryman returned from a trip and brought her local products, she would get excited and her eyes would light up.

"The vast ocean, the majestic waterfalls... the sands of Chaos... and the underground cities... what kind of places are these?"

Ahead lies a "secret garden" where one must crawl across moss-covered ground and through gaps formed by fallen trees.