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

"There's no need to address us with such respect; we adventurers aren't exactly rule-abiding people."

Just as Lefia was working on her assignment at the library, two other people who happened to be visiting the library approached her and struck up a conversation. According to Alicia and the others, one of the conditions for them to participate in the "Family Recruitment" was that they could use or visit various facilities in the "school district," including the library.

Perhaps finding Lefia's complete panic amusing, Alicia and the others took Lefia to the "Temple Tower" terrace, where there were no other people around, to chat.

"Oh, are you a member of the 'Seventh Squad,' which is known as an 'elite force'?"

"You flatter me! Compared to an elite unit, we're more like a bunch of problem students...! After all, we're always breaking the rules, and I'm actually wondering why the squad hasn't been forcibly disbanded...!"

"Hehe, this part is quite similar to adventurers. Just as Angie said, there are almost no rule-followers among adventurers."

From here, one can see the entire academy. Lefia, whose hair was blown about by the wind, was initially so nervous that her whole body stiffened. But when she thought that she probably would never have such an opportunity again, she cheered herself up and voiced her questions.

"Um, Miss Alicia, Miss Anachiti, why are the adventurers of Orario so dedicated to exploring dungeons?"

"That's a really strange question. You probably don't want to hear an answer like 'because we're adventurers,' do you? Why would you ask that?"

"Um... I know the 'Guild' has sent people to gather information about dungeons and has adventurers collect large quantities of 'Magic Stones' in order to support the Magic Stone trade, which is the main source of income for the city. But even though dungeons are such a secret realm right in front of us, there hasn't been much groundbreaking research on them, which puzzles me..."

To Lefia, whose passion for exploring the "unknown" stemmed from her "school district," the adventurers of Orario seemed "very unnatural."

The "unsolved mystery" that transcends human intelligence is right before our eyes, yet no one wants to unravel its enigma.

No, it should be happening, but it doesn't feel very proactive.

On the contrary, the vast majority of adventurers went to the dungeons to earn their daily living expenses.

Lefia understood the structure of the Familias, of course. The gods bestowed "blessings" upon the Familias to enable them to earn money, and she also knew that the structure of the "school districts" was more unique. Even so, Lefia still couldn't understand why adventurers could ignore such an "unknown" aggregate.

Although Nathan often causes various problems in order to satisfy his thirst for knowledge, his desire to unveil the mysteries of the dungeon is more like the reaction that an adventurer should have.

"What puzzles me... is why the adventurers don't try to unravel the mysteries of the dungeon?"

Is it constrained by Orario's policies?

Or is it the will of the gods that there is no need to unravel the mystery?

Rafia became very talkative, which was largely due to her feeling both nervous and excited, but she was, after all, a student in the "district".

Looking at Lefia's endearing appearance, Alicia gave her answer.

"Because the things we pursue are different."

"what?"

As Alicia said this, a quiet smile appeared on her face, and she continued speaking.

"As you might think, most adventurers are already struggling to make ends meet. Those who pursue wealth and fame, or intend to realize their dreams or ambitions, mostly have to contend with reality."

"..."

"However, some adventurers... including the high-ranking factions such as our Loki Familia, crave 'power' the most."

"strength……?"

"That's right, although the reasons for this vary from person to person—but ultimately it's all about fulfilling the 'world's long-cherished wish'."

"!!"

After hearing this, Rafia suddenly realized what was going on.

"The 'Three Great Adventurers' Requests,' which the world has longed to complete one day, must now be fulfilled by someone, now that the gods (Zeus) and (Hera) have both passed away. And this is the mission of the adventurers of Orario."

Lefia had to admit that she had failed to consider the matter properly.

As Alicia said, the world has always hoped that Orario could defeat the "Incarnation of the End," a sentiment that has remained unchanged for thousands of years.

Indeed, everyone harbors the desire for wealth and fame, hoping to realize their ambitions. However, the reason why the Loki Familia and Freya Familia, hailed as the largest factions in the city, continue to conquer dungeons is ultimately based on this very reason.

"I was born in a village near 'Dragon Valley' on the northern continent. I came to Orario to drive away the dragons that often harassed the neighboring villages and forests. Although it would be presumptuous of me to say that I wanted to become like the saintess of my race (Celtia)... I did decide to become an adventurer because I was driven by anger and a sense of mission."

"I feel incredibly honored to serve under Lady Riveria, who shares royal blood with the Saintess (Celtia)," Alicia added with a smile after explaining part of her motivation for becoming an adventurer.

"I can't guarantee that all adventurers fight to save the world, but at least we understand our own 'mission'."

""mission"……"

"Furthermore, perhaps based on the instincts of adventurers... we firmly believe that as long as we keep conquering each floor and reach that distant 'deepest part,' the mysteries of the dungeon will be solved."

Just like in the era when dungeons were still called "Great Holes," the attitude of mercenaries and explorers striving to build human fortresses while constantly challenging the "unknown" is exactly the same.

Alicia concluded with this statement, offering her own answer to clear up Lefia's confusion.

"Thank you so much!" Lefia, finally regaining her senses, quickly expressed her gratitude.

For some reason, Lefia's heart was pounding. Perhaps it was because she had met one of the members of the Loki Familia, a group of adventurers known for their noble character and exceptional demeanor, that she was so excited.

Lefia immediately asked the next question.

"Um, I want to become an adventurer... This, uh... is that strange? How should I put it? It's an option for a future... I absolutely, positively don't have any half-hearted thoughts or improper motives!"

One of the reasons was that Yalisa praised him as "suitable to be an adventurer."

In addition, I was also attracted by the glamorous and beautiful Alicia and her friends.

Lefia didn't expect the other person's approval; she was simply influenced by the dazzling person in front of her, which made her wonder if she could become like him.

Anachiti, with a somewhat bitter expression, spoke on behalf of Alicia:

"...We came here specifically for the 'Familia Recruitment' matter, so we may not be in a position to say such things...but honestly, I don't recommend you do it."

“Eh…”

"After all, I am not a god and cannot make a definitive statement; but the fact that Alicia has noticed you means you are a spirit with great potential. However, I advise you not to decide to become an adventurer just because of what others say, without fully understanding the situation."

As if her thoughts had been read, Lefia couldn't help but feel her abdomen gradually getting hotter.

Annaquite showed no sign of condemnation, but rather spoke in a tone of offering "advice":

"Being an adventurer is definitely not a glamorous profession. Sometimes... no, often you encounter all sorts of painful things. So, judging from your current reaction, I really don't recommend it."

Annaquite then added, "Unless you yourself desire to become an adventurer," which made Lefia feel as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on her.

Annaquite's confident words were absolutely correct; Lefia's motives were incredibly superficial, and she felt so ashamed that her ears burned and she had an urge to find a hole to crawl into.

However, Alicia seemed to clearly see through Lefia's thoughts at that moment.

She placed her hand on Annachiti's shoulder, then went to Lefia and said:

"It's okay."

"...?"

"It's not shameful to be interested in something; if you also have a 'yearning' for it, then you should cherish it even more. The key is that once you recognize reality, you don't stay at the stage of having interest and yearning, but rather, for what you desire, for what you pursue... to find the goal you want, you think deeply and take action."

Alicia took Lefia's hand, placed her other hand on top of it, and then smiled kindly.

She looked like an older sister in the family, or a senior in life.

"So if you encounter anything you don't understand, you're welcome to jump right in and make as many mistakes as possible. Making mistakes is a privilege of youth."

"But that's on the condition that it's within the scope of what can be salvaged." For the first time, Alicia gave a playful, gentle smile.

As Anachia, acting as an elder of her race, comforted the dumbfounded Lefia, Anachiti shrugged and smiled.

"As long as you are within my range of hearing me, I will remind you and guide you back to the right path, no matter how many times it takes."

Lefia has never forgotten those words.

The first adventurer that inspired Lefia's admiration was perhaps Alicia.

After Alicia held her hand, Lefia began to seriously consider her future path from that day on.

After her conversation with Alicia and the others, Lefia began exploring dungeons to earn credits.

Despite having accumulated considerable experience that could be described as that of an adventurer, she couldn't come up with an answer no matter how hard she thought about it.

Should she become an adventurer, or something else entirely? Lefia is so deeply influenced by the labyrinth city of Orario that she thinks in such an extreme way.

"Brother Will! Long time no see!"

"Hi~ Rafia, you really came. From the moment I learned from your mother's (Rafie's) letter that you were attending the 'school district', I was convinced this day would come."

That day, Rafia walked into a coffee shop alone.

This café, named "Vissen," is located in a small alley on the southwest side of Orario.

As mentioned in the text, this is a café run by an elf from the same hometown as Lefia in the labyrinth city.

When Lefia heard the shop's name, the same as her hometown's, she almost burst out laughing, but in fact, she was also very happy. Looking at the shop's atmosphere, so strangely similar to her distant hometown, Lefia couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness, which also eased some of her longing. The reason she visited this place was actually to ask an old friend she'd known since childhood for advice on her future.

However──

"—Will, is she family to you?"

"No, Hedin, she is the daughter of a friend from my hometown."

"That's true. After all, she doesn't look like you at all."

There happened to be one customer in the store that day.

Like the shopkeeper, he is a fellow elf who wears glasses.

He possesses beautiful long golden hair that even women (like Lefia) would envy, as well as porcelain-like fair and delicate skin.

Despite being a man, he possessed an exceptionally beautiful face, causing Lefia to momentarily lose herself in thought.

...Wait a minute. Hedin?

As Rafia tilted her head in confusion at the name, the man closed the book in his hand and actually got up and walked towards her.

"You're a student from the 'school district,' right? Do you aspire to become an adventurer?"

"Huh? Huh?"

"If you haven't decided on your path yet, you can consider my [familia]."

"Wait, Hedin, if it were Lefia's own decision, that would be fine, but I object to her joining your Freya Familia. After all, your faction is too volatile, you understand?"

"There's no way there could be a group of adventurers (familias) in Orario without any tension. Besides, I'm not trying to persuade her, I'm just offering her an option."

Lefia, who was stunned by the sudden conversation, was even more speechless after listening to the man's conversation with the shop manager.

(Huh!? Speaking of Hedin, the largest faction in the city (Freya Familia), could he be Hedin Serand!? He's a first-class adventurer with the title "Hildr Slave"! He's one of the most famous elves, along with Lady Riveria!!)

Rafia thought it was a miracle she didn't scream uncontrollably.

Unexpectedly, Lefia encountered "one of Orario's strongest fighters" here, and was so shocked that she froze on the spot.

The shock I feel now is probably even greater than when I met Alicia and the others.

It's said that this shopkeeper was a lazy, goat-like older brother in his hometown, and it's unclear how he became so familiar with a Level 1 adventurer. In any case, Lefia was quite confused for many reasons. Hedin, watching Lefia flinch at being stared at, said:

"You possess exceptional magical power. You are welcome to come anytime if you are interested. I believe our supreme god would also appreciate you... although this is just my intuition."

Hedin placed the money on the counter and left.

Even though she could no longer see that figure, Lefia could only stare blankly at the door of the coffee shop.

"It's been a long time since we last met. Order whatever you like, it's on me." The manager simply said this, leisurely brewing black tea.

Lefia still finds it hard to believe what just happened.

And she never dreamed that the man she met at this time (Hermann) would later become an enemy of her faction. It was truly an unexpected turn of events.

"Level 1 adventurers...recruit me to join them?"

For Lefia, this was her first memorable recruitment in Orario.

This experience undeniably made it impossible for Lefia to ignore the profession of "adventurer".

*

"It's quite rare for Lefia to come to the staff room alone to see me. So, what would you like to discuss?"

"That...is about...my future..."

Several days later—

Overwhelmed with worry, Lefia decided to discuss the matter with Leon.

Having sensed something amiss, Leon left the room empty except for the two of them. Lefia sat on the chair Leon had brought, rubbing her hands together incessantly, and stammered out the whole story.

Yalisa had given herself advice.

Annaquite had warned herself.

Alicia became her role model.