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

Miss Seele asked Mr. Hegney, her master, and the four Jaliba brothers to take around the clock to protect the area around our base camp (headquarters), with Miss Haruhime's safety being the primary concern.

Furthermore, news that [Swift] was still alive had spread, so it seemed that enemies seeking revenge against Miss Ryu would periodically appear... Miss Seele had also given instructions on this matter, so Master and the others wiped out all of these people. Thus, without our knowledge, all the attackers were completely eliminated.

In other words, all the valiant warriors, including first-level adventurers, are constantly protecting the Hestia Familia. Since the "Battlefield" has been taken over by the guild, Mr. Pan and the others have moved their main battlefield to the dungeon. In addition to exploring the dungeon every day, they even take turns serving as guards of the "Heartworks"—or rather, secretly protecting it.

In other words, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe today's "firewood halls" as the safest places in the world.

We possess what could be described as the most formidable fighting force (bodyguards) in the world.

"This is not for atonement or for any other reason; it's purely about putting an end to things."

That's what Miss Seele said, completely refusing to accept my thanks... But thanks to her, Miss Haruhime and Miss Ryu were able to enjoy a normal life in broad daylight.

To be honest, if it weren't for Miss Seele and the others, Miss Ryu probably wouldn't have been able to join the Hestia Familia.

"So please don't worry, thanks to Miss Seele, there will be absolutely no conflict between us."

"Really? If that's the case, then that's good..."

Miss Eina always wore a mixed expression when she heard the name "Miss Seele".

Miss Eina still harbors some resentment about the "closed world" incident. To be honest, I completely understand her difficulty in letting go of this feeling; after all, none of us are saints.

So I gave Miss Eina an apologetic smile.

"...I'm sorry, but since you've all chosen to accept it, it's not my place to interrupt. So, let's talk about what's to come."

"Okay! Thank you!"

Miss Eina roused herself and spread out the maze guide on the table. I nodded vigorously to her.

The next step—naturally—is the policy of "exploring dungeons".

What is the overall wish of your [family/kinship]?

"After discussion, since we haven't explored the labyrinth (dungeon) since the Goddess Festival, we thought we'd go to the 'middle level' to warm up first, and also consider setting up a base on the 18th floor to stay in the labyrinth (dungeon) for a while."

Lily, Haruhime, and I have all leveled up, and now we have added Ryu, who is at level 6.

Having experienced the Goddess Festival—or more accurately, the "two major festivals" including the Elegia Festival—the abilities of each member of the Hestia Familia are now vastly different. The Familia's current strategy is to explore the safe floors to assess everyone's current strength and see just how much they have grown.

"Whenever a new member joins the team, we must re-examine all tactics and coordination methods."

The above experience was shared by the seasoned adventurer, Miss Ryu.

Lily, who served as the commander, also strongly agreed.

"Yes, I also think it's a very good idea," Miss Eina agreed.

"Miss Rion... What is Miss Astrea's position in the party? Is it really 'Magic Swordsman'?"

"Uh... because she said that if there are any shortcomings in the team, she can generally make up for them, so it wouldn't be a problem for her to play as a forward or a defender... In addition, she also mentioned that although she hoped we wouldn't have too high expectations, she might also be able to play as a healer..."

"Hmm, um... She really is an incredibly skilled adventurer."

After I finished explaining somewhat awkwardly, Miss Eina, who was taking notes with a quill pen, was so shocked that she barely managed to hold her glasses, which were about to slip off her face.

Miss Ryu already knew how to use "healing magic," and since learning "inherited magic (star memory)," she has been able to manipulate all the magic of every former member of the Justice Faction (Miss Alexie and others), including the "wide-range healing magic" needed by healers.

To put it bluntly, Miss Liu has truly become omnipotent.

Even though we are both first-level adventurers, compared to me who only knows how to charge into battle on the front lines, our overall strength is worlds apart.

Thanks to her addition, the team composition of the Hestia Familia has become flawless.

(If we're going to be a little greedier, Lily said she hopes there will be pure "magicians" or "healers" so that Miss Ryu can move around freely... but that seems a bit too greedy.)

In short, thanks to Miss Liu, the team successfully replenished its long-range firepower and healing capabilities.

If Welf's "magic sword" and Miss Nazha and the others also bring enough items, our team will be virtually flawless.

Therefore──

Based on my understanding and the estimates of my advisor (Lily), the Hestia Familia is ready to move on to the next stage.

"Bell, what are your own thoughts?"

After Miss Eina asked me this question as if she had read my mind, I clearly told her what was on my mind.

"I want to go to the next floor... I hope to go deeper into the world than the 27th floor."

Because of the Zagnat incident, we didn't fully explore the "Water City", but it should be fine now.

With Haruhime's level-up (level-up), all party members can reach level 3 or higher. According to the guild's published exploration standards for each floor—that is, the so-called recommended level—our overall combat strength should be able to reach the 36th floor before the "Deep Layer" without any danger.

With the knowledge and experience provided by Ms. Ryu, who once reached the 41st floor with the Astrea Familia, even exploring a floor for the first time shouldn't be a problem—and unlike me, Lily and the others had teamed up with the Heretics (Mr. Reed and others) to break through to the 37th floor on their own, so they had at least personally experienced the atmosphere of the "lower floors"—

Of course, I don't intend to be stubborn.

I cannot put Lily and the others in danger because of my own selfishness.

Therefore, we need to make thorough preparations and re-examine how team members cooperate in the dungeon.

Then, in a safe and reliable way, we will take it one step at a time—I confessed my thoughts to Miss Eina.

"...That's true. Your combat strength has reached the qualified standard—no, it far exceeds the standard. The fact that there are 'two Level 1 adventurers,' including you, means that. As for your desire to bypass the 28th floor safety floor and go to the 29th floor, I don't think there's anything wrong with it."

The floors starting from the 29th floor are named "Dense Forest Canyon".

This place is a vast jungle unlike the "Great Tree Maze", and powerful dinosaur-like individuals, including the "Blood Dragon", can be found here. It is a den of dragons and tigers that can only be entered by players who have reached level 3.

I recalled the floor knowledge I had learned during the lecture, nodded in response—and Ms. Eina, who had been looking serious, smiled.

"I still remember when you were being chased around by the Minotaur on the 5th floor. Those chaotic days were only half a year ago... It's hard to believe now."

...Does this sentence mean to express how quickly time flies?

Or does Miss Eina feel that a long time has passed since then?

Although I couldn't voice my question, Miss Eina continued speaking.

"You've been through a lot during this time, overcoming all sorts of difficulties I didn't know about... So, Bell, you've truly become a capable 'adventurer'."

That gentle yet slightly melancholic gaze didn't seem like that of an older sister who was happy to see her younger brother grow up so much... Instead, it made one think of a mother seeing her child off as he prepared to venture out into the world.

When I came to my senses, I realized that I was deeply attracted by those emerald green eyes.

"Wouldn't it be offensive to say something like that to a level 1 adventurer?"

"Ah, not at all...! After all, I still can't believe I'm a Level 1 adventurer..."

"Hehe... Actually, me too."

Miss Eina smiled subtly, then spoke as if resigning to her own thoughts:

"I think you no longer need me as an advisor."

"!"

"To be honest, I'm probably no longer able to help you. Even if I could impart the knowledge from the books to you... you're now a first-level adventurer, capable of facing problems alone and finding the answers on your own."

Therefore, you should also be thinking about what I'm saying.

Miss Eina's implication was that she could only offer some innocuous advice.

"That's not true at all!!"

"No, I'm telling the truth, because I'm not an adventurer."

"!!"

"My perspective on things is different from that of adventurers... and you, a first-level adventurer."

When Miss Eina said those words while maintaining a smile, I was completely unable to refute them at first glance.

There is probably a "gap" between Miss Eina, who is not an adventurer, and us—especially with high-level adventurers.

"Adventurers cannot take risks."

Although all of Miss Eina's advice is invaluable for novice adventurers, it gradually becomes less reliable as they progress to higher levels.

The reason is that we have all repeatedly experienced the truth that adventurers will one day have to face the day when they have no choice but to take the risk. As we delve deeper into the labyrinth (dungeon) with our set goals, we realize through the instincts we have developed that this is an inevitable path.

The scenes and visions that I see now are completely different from those of Miss Eina.

"Although I can't say that's the reason I'm reminding you..."

Miss Eina, who understood this cruel reality far more deeply than I did, seemed to be saying the following words for the last time, in a gesture of "worrying unnecessarily" for me:

"Bell, why don't you try taking a break?"

“Eh…?”

"Because you've experienced more ups and downs and more adventures than others... I think deep down you actually want to relax."

Miss Eina continued, looking at me with wide-eyed disbelief:

"I know your goals perfectly well, don't I? ... After all, when you wanted to become stronger because you admired Miss Wallenstein, you were the first to come to me for advice, right? I know all of that."

"..."

"So, even a little bit is fine. If you never relax and keep pushing yourself, you'll eventually break down completely, without even realizing it. This is especially true when you set new goals and think you're in top form... that's when it's more likely to happen."

The rest mentioned here is not the same as the rest that occurs after the Heretic (Zenos) incident, or after returning from the "Deep" and then exploring the dungeon again after a short period of time.

Miss Eina's idea of ​​rest is a kind of rest that goes deeper, more deeply to the soul...

"You can treat this as a reward for yourself... or try something 'completely new'."

"Something completely new..."

"Well, this is based on my experience. When you experience a major setback or have been working hard for a while, it's best to try something different. Doing so not only broadens your horizons, but sometimes it can even surprisingly connect you with your goals."

Why not try looking at things "outside the dungeon"?

That's exactly what Miss Eina wanted to say.

"Now that the [Hestia Familia] has been promoted to Rank B, they will be assigned various mandatory missions that require 'expeditions,' which will inevitably involve challenging dungeons. In order to give you more energy to prepare for that moment, you should slow down now and broaden your horizons... at least that's what I think."

Since my faction has just upgraded, and I need to deal with taxation issues, I think it will be very difficult to completely stay away from anything related to exploring dungeons for the time being. Also, because I have already reached Lv.5—because I have just caught up with that seemingly unattainable yet incredibly longed-for figure—I have a strong desire to catch up as soon as possible.

Because it is during such a time, perhaps it would be meaningful to try taking a deep breath, calming down and carefully observing the surroundings.

Thanks to Miss Eina, I realized that after the "faction war" ended, I was unconsciously working hard because I was labeled as a "first-class adventurer".

"I'm sorry, you've worked so hard, yet I said something that felt like pouring cold water on you."

"...Please don't say that, that's completely untrue."

Seeing Miss Eina's guilty expression, I quickly shook my head and denied it.

Just as Miss Eina had said, she seemed to feel very guilty that she could no longer offer me advice as I became a first-class adventurer.

Actually, there is no such thing.

No matter how high my level increases, the fact remains that I have only been an adventurer for half a year.

Compared to Miss Ais and other first-level adventurers, and even as a human, my knowledge and experience are overwhelmingly lacking, and there are still many things I need to ask others for advice on.

No one could empathize with me more than Miss Eina, the most immature first-level adventurer.

"Miss Eina...you always manage to enlighten me at just the right time."

Since these words came from my sister, who is like a god and knows me even better than I do, I am in awe.

Then I believe it, and I think this statement must be correct.

"I'm so glad I came to consult with you, Miss Eina."

After I put my thoughts into words, a smile appeared on my face.

Miss Eina first slightly widened her eyes, which were hidden behind her glasses, and then smiled as well.

Our eyes met briefly, and we almost simultaneously burst into laughter, then laughed heartily together for quite a while.

"But speaking of trying new things... what should I do?"

"I don't think we need to force ourselves to look for it. The best approach is to decide to explore something based on your interest."

The immediate task is to get our bodies into peak condition and confirm how the team members will coordinate. As for future goals, we're deliberately leaving them aside for now.

After finalizing the strategy, Miss Eina and I left the consultation room together. Since it was afternoon, most adventurers had already gone to the dungeon, so the guild headquarters seemed emptier than usual.

When Miss Eina looked at me with a beaming smile as I turned my head in distress—

"!"

"What's wrong, Belle?"