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

To prevent espionage and intelligence gathering, the city gates have been completely sealed off throughout the entire "Urban Arena Festival".

Since Lady Hestia had already asked the Hermes Familia for help, now was the time to borrow their power.

After all, the Hermes Familia is one of the very few factions granted the privilege of freely entering and leaving the city (or so it is said). With the help of the dog-woman Lulune and the others, I managed to pass through the gatekeeper's check without any major incident.

After thanking Miss Lulune and the others, I headed straight for the foot of the "Beol Mountains," which stretch across the north of the city.

Following the map attached to Lord Badr's "letter," I went to the marked location.

Subsequently.

"Ah, Mr. Lapi!"

"Nina!? What are you doing here?"

In front of the designated deserted cabin, I ran into Nina, who was wearing the same red and white combat uniform as me.

In addition to her main weapon, a staff, she also carried a large backpack.

Her traveler-like attire surprised me a little, and just then,

"I'm the one who asked her to come. I hope she can assist with this matter."

"Professor Leon..."

The man with the lion-like golden hair explained to me.

Seeing Professor Leon, I was speechless. His attire was completely different from his usual self; instead of the black teacher's uniform that resembled a formal suit, he wore gleaming silver armor and a sheathed greatsword. The cloak hanging from the armor fluttered in the wind, making him look like a dashing knight.

I was stunned by his heroic figure and couldn't help but stare at him with my breath, while Teacher Leon spoke with a smile.

"Let's get started. The long-awaited 'field research' is officially underway."

Volume 20, Chapter 3: The World, the Celebration, and the Truth

What is a hero? A 'conqueror' is one.

"Cut off the hill? What are you talking about?"

Standing frozen in place before himself, the warrior clad in jet-black armor spoke calmly.

"Whether it's a castle or a giant, I'll just cut it in two. If you can't even do that, then stop calling yourself a swordsman, you brat."

Deep within the labyrinth. A deep space that spans the entire 36th level.

The man stared at the floor master, who had been cleaved in two by a single blow—the "King of Black Bodies" split in two—and couldn't help but snort.

"Were you persuaded to come by the Gray Witch (Alphia)? I knew you were an idiot, but I never expected you would risk your life like this."

Frustrated by his inability to cut down the hill, he followed the dark figure who had ventured alone into the labyrinth and arrived here.

Within her knowledge, even among the retinues of gods and goddesses, that warrior possessed top-tier swordsmanship. So, despite her great annoyance, she still plotted to steal his techniques. She wanted to use all five senses to experience that 'magnificent slash.' That's why she stubbornly chased after him, embarking on a desperate journey that she could hardly call a duel, and one that almost cost her her life.

Then, unharmed, he himself entered the White Chalk Palace, half-dead—and the Lone King's massive body was cleaved in two. It was nothing more than that warrior wielding his sword. It all happened in a flash, in a single strike.

That's a unique skill.

They had to admit that what they had experienced before was merely a light touch from that 'slashing light'.

When she came to her senses, her trembling lips had already uttered the question.

'Why did you become so strong?'

"You little brat, just how stupid are you?"

The response was a disappointed sigh.

The warrior, who had finally turned around, cast a dumbfounded glance through the gap in his helmet.

"We are adventurers. And this is the 'City of Heroes'."

In that case, there is only one thing to do.

As if he had seen through everything, the martial artist said this.

"To cut down hills, cleave cities, and finally vanquish those behemoths—that's all I can think of."

Everything is an extension of research. Even each day in this labyrinth is a fragment of piecing together a mission.

He stated unequivocally that this special technique was for the process of defeating the three giant beasts.

It was only at this moment that I finally noticed how majestic the figure carrying the aspirations of the mortal realm was.

It even made me feel how lowly and insignificant I was to fight only for my personal feelings.

"I put on a special show for you. Digest every last bit of it."

The man casually informed her, as if he were asking for bodyguard fees.

"Only you and that wild boar are qualified. As for the dwarves, the fairies, and the other earth people, they can either pierce through, eliminate, or pulverize. But only you can 'sever' them."

"In that case," the man said without hesitation.

"Go ahead and try to steal it. After you steal my techniques, it will be my turn to devour you next time. After devouring you, I will turn you into food to cut down monsters."

Warriors are always so greedy.

He was always so thirsty.

Those of us who had unknowingly mastered extraordinary skills were, to martial artists, merely 'food' for nurturing even more powerful techniques. While the truth of this statement remained uncertain, he had indeed sown the seeds for the future.

A hero is a conqueror.

They are determined to embark on the path of domination, and on that path, only harshness awaits.

They are seekers who utilize all existence to the fullest extent and vow to slay the beast of the end.

At least that's true of the heroes who pride themselves on being associated with gods and goddesses.

In the end, the warrior man cut one of the "beasts" in two with a single stroke.

He didn't witness the blow that severed the "King of the Land".

Therefore, I asked the wild boar who witnessed it all, and he told me his story in just a few words.

That was the blow of a hegemon.

A gluttonous eating technique that disregards one's own safety.

That was the end of an ordinary hero who could no longer wield a sword.

The images of the heroes who vanquished the "King of the Seas" were etched into my memory later.

A hero is a conqueror, and the end of that conqueror's path is only destruction.

But even so.

It must also be passed down.

We must get there.

Cut through hills, cleave through cities, and march ever forward.

In order to defeat the only remaining dragon.

That "Light Slash," a technique that can be described as a masterpiece, must never be lost.

Moreover.

Those damned heroes, those overlords, they'd definitely say that.

"Even destruction can cross your path, fledglings."

'That's the style of heroes who survive,' they would say, however hateful it may be.

So-called "field surveys" are a part of the "school district" education system.

Off-campus internships involving traveling to the site where the research subjects are located and carrying out investigation tasks.

In short, it's the act of conducting direct investigations on "unknown" matters where no secondary sources—such as library materials or documents—are available. The resulting firsthand information is then brought back to the "school district" for detailed discussions with teachers and classmates. This seems to be the original process.

To borrow Miss Ming's words, it's like "seeing is believing."

So now, in order to carry out this 'field survey,' we are walking on a plain far from Orario and the 'school district'... or so it seems.

"Why choose this particular time of year to conduct a 'field survey'...?"

"I only heard from Professor Leon that it's 'part of the course' or something..."

Nina and I, walking side by side, couldn't help but tilt our heads.

Nina carried a backpack full of luggage on her back, which swayed with her steps, making her look like a traveler.

Although I offered to take it, she refused, saying, "I'd love to, but no!" It seems like it's because I was always the one carrying the luggage during the special internship, so now it's my turn. She even took away Welf's weapons.

The winter sky seemed exceptionally high and clear, almost frigid. Although the occasional breeze was chilly, the azure sky and verdant fields were so tranquil and serene that one could almost let down their guard.

(The Urban Sports Festival is about to begin, so why are they doing some kind of field survey? Nina, who doesn't know the inside story, must find it very strange and confusing...)

Well, I can't really say I know much about the inside story...

Is this "field investigation" the "adventure" that Professor Leon was talking about?

"I have a research topic I absolutely want to investigate. It's my top priority right now. Don't worry, I'll make it in time for the 'Urban Sports Festival'."

Mr. Leon, who was walking ahead of us, seemed to have easily noticed our furtive glances at him. Nina breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his answer.

After all, as a member of the "school district", Nina couldn't remain indifferent to the "Urban Sports Festival".

"So, Professor Leon...where are we going next?"

Since it was a rare opportunity, I decided to seize the chance and ask further questions.

The teacher, whose posture was upright and dignified even from behind, turned his gaze forward and gave this message.

"north."

north…….

Having long since left Orario behind, we are now heading north.

Looking to the left—that is, to the northwest—you can see a corner of the majestic 'Beor Mountains' standing firmly here; while to the right, to the northeast, you can vaguely see the outline of a huge mountain range.

That's probably the Alfred Mountains, also known as the Fairy Peak.

Even from a distance, the mountain range remains incredibly majestic, stretching northward to the horizon.

What lies hidden at the northernmost end of the mountain range?

"Although it would be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature, this is a rare opportunity, so let me take advantage of this trip to introduce you to my 'problem'."

As if out of professional habit, Professor Leon continued walking while saying this, without stopping for a moment.

Nina, standing beside him, immediately straightened her back without any tension or psychological burden.

"What do you consider to be an irreplaceable treasure? Whether it's an object or a phenomenon, there are no restrictions."

"Treasure...treasure? Uh..."

There is no standard answer to this question. Feel free to answer based on your own thoughts and past experiences.

Just as I was about to voice my confusion, Professor Leon added as if he had anticipated my thoughts.

From behind, you can see a smile on his profile, as if he's enjoying himself.

In fact, during my brief time living in the "school district," I did notice that Mr. Leon seemed to really enjoy communicating with students through this "question and answer" method.

So I also started to think seriously, and after experiencing various confusions and troubles, I spoke up with Nina, who had also thought about it seriously.

"An encounter with someone else...?"

"The bond between people who dedicate themselves to each other!"

I lacked confidence and answered hesitantly, while Nina raised her hand and gave a loud reply.

Professor Leon smiled and nodded earnestly.

"That's fantastic. You both really value the existence of others. For social humans, that's essential. If there were a quiz here, I'd probably give you full marks."

I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that the teacher seemed satisfied, but Nina did not.

"Perhaps this is a continuation of the discussion, or perhaps it's just a routine," she countered.

"And what about Professor Leon's answer?"

"It may seem a bit old-fashioned, but I think... for me it's 'time'."

At this moment, Mr. Leon stopped walking.