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

Whether it's academics, fighting, or youth.

Yarisa and her friends enjoy exploring new things.

The same applies to Lefia.

The gods and teachers within the "school district" will impart many things that are "unknown" to Lefia.

At times like these, Lefia's eyes would light up with joy. Gaining new knowledge and learning about the unknown would excite her beyond measure. For Lefia, dedicating herself to learning was no longer a "means," but had gradually become an "end."

So, one day, she was asked that question.

"Lefia, what do you want to become in the future?"

“Eh…?”

"I want to become Professor Lyon's assistant, or more precisely, a teacher in the same 'school district'! Badane is an Imperial Knight, and Nathan is a research scholar from the magical superpower (Altna)... Everyone has already found their future dreams. What about you, Lefia?"

"I...I want..."

In the end, Rafia was unable to answer the question.

Despite having seen scenery from all over the world, talked with many people, and been moved by many things, Rafia was the only one who couldn't find her "dream for the future".

So while continuing to study diligently in the "school district," in order to avoid being left behind by Arisa and the others, she began to re-examine herself and desperately think about what kind of person she wanted to become.

"You don't need to be anxious about this... You probably can't listen to this right now. Since that's the case, try to be anxious about it. This is a 'school district,' a place where people can find their future path and the resources they need. In terms of exploring, I believe there's no better place than here."

Balde said these words with a smile.

At the same time, it also reminds Lefia not to forget to rely on others.

So──

After three years of attending the "school district," Lefia, having been led by the nose by Badain and others, advanced to Level 2—

She arrived at the "center of the world".

*

"We can see her now, Lefia! She's over there!"

"Whoa...!"

The sea surface shimmered.

Under the clear blue sky, Arisa and Lefia, who had come to the deck, cheered happily when they saw the distant continent.

The surrounding students reacted in the same way, excitedly leaning over the railing and staring intently at the same scene.

What came into their view was the towering white-gray tower that seemed to pierce the clouds in the distance.

"That's... Orario...!"

The Tower of Babel, the Tower of God.

It also has an underground city, the "center of the world".

At this moment, Lefia was still completely unaware, her heart simply, innocently, and naively moved by the labyrinthine city of Orario in her dreams.

Gaiden: Sword Oratoria 13 Chapter 3: The Teaching Begins

"How does it feel to return to the 'school district' after three years, Rafia?"

"I feel nostalgic... but my current situation causes me even more distress."

"Haha, you're so frank."

After arriving at the "school district," Rafia stayed overnight in a guest room arranged for foreign guests, and the next morning arrived.

She walked down the corridor with a teacher.

This man possessed long, almost entirely brown hair for a man, covering the back of his neck. He was also very tall, probably around 180C (Sehr). Although he appeared quite slender at first glance, Lefia knew that beneath his clothes lay a well-trained and muscular physique. While she had never noticed this during her school years, after engaging in adventure, she could now see an astonishing sense of balance in every step he took. Even without armor or weapons, Lefia couldn't help but think of him as "like a knight."

This teacher always stood up straight, as if he carried a sword inside his body.

His eyes, the same color as his hair, were as majestic as a lion's.

If one were to witness his unintentional smile under the gaze of those eyes, many young girls would surely fall for him. For example, his old friend (Arisa) is one of them.

He is the teacher representative of the "school district".

He is also Leon Wadenberg, the leader of the Baldban regiment.

"However, one of the key elements for a person to survive is to accept and adapt to the situation at hand. If you can do this as early as possible, you can expand your world."

"So it's about 'turning confusion into understanding, and society becoming a continuation of the above,' right?"

"It is an honor to hear you say those words. If my teachings can enrich your life even slightly, it will be my greatest joy."

Leon glanced at Lefia, his brown eyes narrowing slightly.

You could see the teacher's eyes filled with joy at seeing the student grow.

Lyon lived up to his title as a "teacher representative," being more fair and upright than anyone else.

Lyon's lectures are always insightful and easy to understand. Furthermore, if any students have questions about his teaching content, he discusses them with them. He often says, "As a teacher, I'm just a mediocre amateur," and yearns to grow alongside his students. Because he never forgets his original aspirations, his less mature students easily resonate with him and greatly admire him.

He never acted arrogantly because of his talent and always maintained fairness.

He offered earnest teachings and meticulous guidance.

In Lefia's heart, no one was more deserving of the title "teacher" than Leon. Whenever Lefia went to Leon to discuss her troubles during her school days, he would always put himself in her shoes and help her think of solutions.

Besides Lefia, there are countless other anecdotes about Leon. It is said that he once stayed up for five days straight, staying by the students' side to help them solve problems, which earned him the nickname "Ultra Page" from the students.

However, one thing is certain: Lyon is the most popular teacher in the "school district" regardless of gender.

--No, it would be more accurate to describe Lyon's popularity as being on a global scale.

(Mr. Leon... he seems to have become even more handsome~)

(I get it, I get it, Lefia! Because Leon is a role model of a knight (handsome guy) who can grow infinitely!!)

(Please don't speak directly to my mind, Yarisa...)

Facing Arisa, who was following closely behind like an adjutant with a burning gaze (exchanging glances), Leon began to explain the upcoming itinerary when Lefia felt a sense of dejection.

"As mentioned in yesterday's brief explanation, the lecture will be rescheduled for a later date, so please focus on teaching for now, Lefia."

"That part is fine... but why can't I look at the students' grades and resumes first? It would be easier to provide guidance if I checked them first."

"My main goal is to get to know them without any prejudice, and then I'd like to hear your impressions and opinions about them."

Lefia is currently heading towards a certain location.

As Baldr said yesterday, the "high achievers (elites)" that Lefia will be mentoring from today onwards are waiting there.

Leon continued to look straight ahead as he spoke. Lefia first looked up at Leon's profile, then suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Am I truly capable of mentoring students?"

Feeling the gazes of Leon and Arisa as they stopped and turned to look at her, Lefia couldn't help but whisper this.

She wasn't being self-deprecating; it was simply a question.

Are you starting to feel uneasy?

"No, that's not it... It's just that ever since I started attending the 'school district,' and even after joining the Loki Familia, I've always been in the position of being 'guided.' Should I say that I can't imagine myself taking the position of 'guide'...? I doubt whether I can bring any benefit to the juniors I'll be facing next."

(Illustration 013)

Lefia and Leon exchanged glances, and Lefia softly voiced her true feelings. Meanwhile, Arisa, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, seemed to be watching what her old friend, whom she hadn't seen for three years, had gone through and what her current state of mind was.

On the other hand, a smile appeared on Lyon's face.

"I see. The presence or absence of experience is indeed very important. It can give people confidence, but conversely, it can also make people rely on experience to inflate their egos and become arrogant. Just the fact that you have this awareness already shows that you have the qualities of a guide."

After offering words of comfort, Lyon continued, as if providing advice:

"That's why you only need to try to recall the people who have guided you."

"what?"

"What did they say to you? Or even if they didn't say much, what message did their backs convey? Anything they left in your heart will be a model worth emulating when you stand in the position of a 'mentor,' and it will also be the best teaching material."

"!"

"The projection of others is the first step to self-realization... Because you are currently in the position of the 'guided,' it means that you possess the potential to guide others better than anyone else. I hope you will not forget this."

Lefia's eyes widened in surprise.

Yarisa, who was watching from the side, showed an expression of being moved, and also looked inexplicably proud.

In stark contrast to the predominantly white student uniforms, Lyon wore the black faculty uniforms that the "school district" was proud of, and sported a gentle, "role model" smile.

It turned out to be the case.

Lefia felt a sense of sudden enlightenment.

The first people who came to mind were Leon, Rivera, Ais—and that white compatriot who had supported him like a sister, but was no longer alive.

Lefia hid her loneliness and pain in a corner of her heart, and realized something once again.

To the person before her (Leon), she was still a student, and there was still much for her to learn.

*

While students in the "school district" are highly sought after by small and medium-sized "families," joining a large "familie" is by no means easy.

This is not only because the faction is of a high rank, but also because members and the main god often have unpredictable temperaments.

The most famous of these was the Gubern family, who were dedicated to the study of forging techniques.

Unlike the Hephaestus Familia, Gubernius dislikes the limelight and acts with simplicity and honesty, attracting many students with his superb skills. During his previous return to Orario, numerous students from the Blacksmithing Department expressed their desire to join the guild, and thus went to challenge the "lesson" posed by the old god—but ultimately suffered a complete defeat. At that time, both men and women shed tears of regret, making it a rather famous anecdote.

The Loki Familia is also one of the factions with an extremely high difficulty in joining.

However, there is some inside story to this part. Loki, who unilaterally and extremely dislikes the principal (Bard), rejects all students recommended by the "school district".

If Lefia, who successfully joined the group, were to speak her mind, she had some doubts. It seemed that anyone who met Loki's preferences could join, but there must have been a fairly strict vetting process. Hmm.

After all, there are Finn and others to oversee things, so at least their abilities will be taken into consideration.

Lefia eventually won their favor, a fact she felt immensely proud of—she was indeed quite pleased with herself back then—but joining the band immediately brought a series of setbacks and disappointments. Rather, her own incompetence made her want to die. Because the other members were all so outstanding, she spent every night weeping, thinking, "I'm just a useless little fly…!"

"Wow...! The renowned Thousand Spirit of the Loki Familia is standing right in front of me! I... I'm so touched! From today onwards, please take good care of me, Lefia-senpai!"

—But the younger generation all cast sparkling glances at Lefia, leaving her with mixed feelings.

This is one of the classrooms in the multi-functional school building located on the academic floor.

Lefia followed Leon and Arisa into the classroom, where she was greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the students.

"I joined the Combat Technology Department because I wanted to become a mage as excellent as you! It's an honor to meet you, my senior from the same clan!"

"Ah, Xiaomi is so cunning! I feel honored too!!"

"Senior, your reputation is so great that it's known even in places incredibly far from Orario! I absolutely have to join the Loki Familia!!"

The three students were a female elf who resembled a noble lady, a slightly immature-looking human woman, and a male werewolf with a somewhat androgynous appearance. Faced with such enthusiastic support, Lefia showed no surprise or confusion, but instead responded with a smile.

Watching the three excitedly express their feelings one after another, even boasting that they would definitely join the Loki Familia, Lefia seemed to see her former self, and couldn't help but reveal a look of waiting to see a good show... cough cough, it was a look of gentle anticipation.

The largest faction (Loki's Familia) isn't as glamorous as you might imagine.

Seeing the graduate they admired wearing a smile that seemed to have seen through the world, the younger generation turned their heads away in confusion.

"As a graduate, you are well aware that students in each class who want to specialize in combat roles will form separate four-person teams. This time, I hope you will be in charge of guiding this 'Seventh Team'."

Lyon explained fluently while addressing the students.

Looking at the worn uniforms of all the members of "Squad Seven," Lefia's first feeling was one of deep nostalgia. Her two mischievous friends, eyeing her exceptional "magical power," forced her and Arisa, who were not adept at fighting, to join the "squad." Whether exorcising monsters or fighting criminals, she encountered countless such incidents during her school years.

As Lefia's memories of the past were stirred by these students, Yarisa offered further explanations.

"These kids have all [leveled up], and two of them have even reached Lv.3."

"Two of them are Level 3?"

Lefia couldn't help but widen her azure eyes.

She was very surprised. Really very surprised.

Although there are many Level 2 adventurers within Orario, only a small fraction of them can reach Level 3, making them a dividing line between "top-tier powerhouses" and ordinary people. They are highly sought-after talents not only by Orario's [Familia], but by organizations worldwide.

No wonder Baldr boasted that he could "immediately become a fighting force".

Given their strength as second-tier adventurers, this statement certainly applies to the Loki Familia as well.