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

"Hmm. However, we've only fought the dragons in the valley two or three times, and each time we were only responsible for the 'small dragons'... The 'big dragons' were always dealt with by the teachers, and we could only watch from a safe distance..."

At the same time, I also realized something else.

Why are Nina and the other students in the "school district" so strong?

Even though they are still unfamiliar with the underground labyrinth and there are many unfamiliar aspects, this is why talents who have achieved "level advancement" still emerge in large numbers.

This is all thanks to the rapid deterioration of the "visiting dragon" issue in recent years.

The reason why the teachers of the "School District" are as strong as the various factions in Orario, led by Teacher Leon, is also due to their repeated confrontations with the trials (monsters) of "Dragon Valley".

"Even so... I'm still terrified. Those dragons in the 'Valley'... they're so scary I just want to run away."

Nina's hands, clenched tightly at her chest, were trembling.

That look seemed to be speaking out for those who were still suffering.

At that moment, I couldn't even utter a single word of comfort.

"Since Orario is relatively close to here, the damage to this defensive barrier has been put on hold for now. The priority at present is to repair and complete the defensive barrier east of the 'Alph Mountains'."

In the event of an emergency, adventurers from Orario will be dispatched here to handle the "Dragon Visit Problem".

After hearing this, I immediately realized that we were far from having enough manpower and time, and I felt even more guilty.

The lower realm is clearly facing such a crisis, and its situation is deteriorating rapidly, yet I spend all my time exploring underground cities in pursuit of my dreams. I'm like a frog in a well, confined within those massive walls, oblivious to the mournful cries echoing from somewhere in the lower realm. My life is almost laughably naive.

How selfish and sinful this is!

"...Do we really have the leisure and inclination to organize some kind of 'Urban Sports Festival'?"

Caught between self-loathing and the harsh reality before me, I was exhausted and blurted out the words.

Upon hearing this, Professor Leon turned around and smiled at me.

"I'm glad to hear you say that."

"Eh?"

"To know the truth of the world and thereby change one's own consciousness, even if only slightly. Just by doing this, this 'field survey' will be meaningful."

I looked up and saw that Professor Leon was still smiling at me.

"Lapi, I don't intend to tell you about the world's misery. Nor do I have any intention of making you feel guilty. I just want you to know all this, and hopefully, it will help you on your future path."

"Was that helpful...?"

"Yes. 'Transform confusion into understanding. Society is built up through this process...' This is what I often tell my students."

The teacher, exuding chivalry, glanced at the great defensive barrier before turning away.

Facing north.

"The society mentioned here is, in your current sense, the world. Transform your doubts into insights, and after setting your goals, I hope you can clearly see where you stand now. It's not about what you should do or what you should do, but about what you want to do—I sincerely wish you can find your own answer."

After saying that, Professor Leon started walking.

From the vast, stable land south of the Great Wall, one journeys into a completely different, desolate world.

Heading towards the northernmost point, to "Dragon Valley".

I don't know why Teacher Leon is taking me to "Dragon Valley" now.

But I have to go. That's the only thing I'm absolutely certain of.

"Lapi-kun".

At that moment, my hand was gently grasped from behind.

"You can't blame yourself for being completely ignorant, can you?"

"Nina...but..."

Nina shook her head, gently interrupting me.

"Lapi-kun... Senior Bell may not realize it himself, but you have actually become a force in the lower realm."

"Eh?"

She changed her tone in order to convey her message to me as an adventurer (Bell), not a student (Lapi).

"The world's fastest white rabbit, growing stronger faster than anyone else... Even though many people have only heard rumors about Senior Bell, they still hold onto their dreams. Every time you grow stronger, people are filled with hope, thinking that this time, the 'hero' may have truly appeared."

Such words have spread to towns, cities, and countries around the world.

Seeing the girl speaking like this, I couldn't help but widen my eyes.

"Not only Senior Bell, but also all the adventurers who are still fighting in the depths of the labyrinth, determined to become stronger, we have always placed high hopes on them. It is because of the light you uphold that we are able to persevere. Everyone is full of hope... and believes that we will definitely be able to cross the dark end this time."

The world thirsts for heroes.

Those were the words Miss Hill said at the "Heroes' Bridge".

Perhaps it was through this "field survey" that I first understood the true meaning of this sentence.

"...Let's move forward."

Seeing Nina's smiling face, I was no longer confused.

Together with her, they caught up with the knight who had gone ahead.

This is neither condemnation nor atonement. I will no longer blame myself for wallowing in tragedy.

It's not about how to do it, or what to do.

Right now, what I really want to do is go to the far north and confirm the existence of "that" with my own eyes.

The 'End Bell' that announces the countdown to the end of the underworld.

"—We won! We won! Aa ...

"I am Ganesha! Aa ...

"We've stopped a three-game losing streak! Yay ...

Two days after the end of the second round of "large-scale team battles".

To ensure fairness, the third representative battle will be held at the "school district" arena.

The scales of victory tipped in Orario's favor.

“How could this be…”

"Miranda and the others actually lost...!"

"That's the Crimson Panther and the Staff of Ganesha...! Orario's strongest military police!"

Unlike the first battle, which was held on the enemy's home turf, this time the students were greatly affected after witnessing their own defeat, as the battle was being held on their own home turf.

To prevent the leakage of classified information from the "school district," particularly regarding the Hardest Metal, only Ibri, who was responsible for the live broadcast, and Ganesha, who was providing commentary, were allowed to enter the arena (Hermes was even given an absolute entry ban by the students). Despite the stands being filled with their own supporters, they couldn't prevent their opponents from winning. The students, who had initially been confident of victory, began to show unease and wavering on their faces.

In the center of the arena, Ilta, who had annihilated both school district teachers, puffed out his chest triumphantly, while Shakti closed his eyes, appearing completely uninterested.

After witnessing their figures, the young students finally remembered.

The enemies he faces are the "world's strongest force" and "adventurers who constantly challenge the perilous dungeons."

"Awesome! This is now one win and two losses!"

"Well done, [Staff of Ganesha]!"

"I'm sorry I always found you guys a nuisance, Miss Military Police!"

The adventurers, who had been holding their breath in the circular arena, were now caught up in a festive celebration.

The oppressive atmosphere of "Am we going to be crushed by the school district like this?" and the gloomy vigil at a funeral were completely swept away, replaced by enthusiastic cheers and applause.

"But even the Staff of Ganesha has been deployed... who's next?"

"Loki's gone on an 'expedition,' and the former Freya group can't participate..."

"Then... only the Hestia Familia remains."

"Is it finally that 'brat's' turn to appear?!"

As predictions about the next match gradually became a topic of discussion.

Even those outside of Modo began to look forward to the arrival of "an adventurer".

To put it bluntly, the north side of the "Great Barrier" is a whole "Land of Death".

As far as the eye could see, there was only barren rock and soil, decay reigning supreme. The sun never shone overhead, leaving only a somber, gray-black sky. Everything was withered and lifeless, with only the desolate earth stretching out before them. Even disregarding the harsh winter, the howling winds were still biting and piercing, making it far from a place where humans could live in peace. One could even clearly feel the miasma on their skin.

There was absolutely no sign of life.

The ground was covered with marks of digging and chiseling, cracked and crisscrossed, as if it had been thoroughly ravaged.

As Professor Leon once said, in ancient times, especially around the land now known as Orario, the landscape was exactly like this "land of death." According to historical records, that world, where land, sea, and air were all ravaged by monsters, was practically synonymous with "hell."

In other words, the scene we are witnessing now is exactly the same as it was thousands of years ago.

What this land at the end of the world presents is humanity's despair before the gods descend.

Facing this 'ancient' landscape that has survived the test of time, I couldn't help but feel a chill.

"Woohoo ...

During our journey, we encountered a flock of flying dragons soaring through the sky and engaged in battle.

Their potential abilities vary.

However, among those dragons, there were individuals with Lv.3 power.

The moment I realized this, a quiet shiver ran through me.

Although this is the surface, to advance on this land, one needs abilities and equipment at least at the level of an advanced adventurer challenging the 'middle' or even 'lower' levels of the dungeon.

I fought while protecting Nina.

Even if the enemy summons reinforcements, I will annihilate them without mercy.

I will fight with all my might, leaving not a single one behind, and will not allow them to cross the "Great Barrier" even a single step south.

Teacher Irene said that our luck didn't seem to be very good.

He said he doesn't usually encounter dragons of that level.

However, he also said that if the "bad luck" continued to accumulate, the dragon horde would eventually easily cross the barrier of the "Great Barrier".

This land, stretching from the Great Barrier to "Dragon Valley," has a name.

"The Dark Wilderness".

Even in this age of divine intervention, this absolute danger zone continues to serve as a warning to humanity, ensuring that it never forgets the name "End" and "Final Destination".

That was a haven of despair, an ominous melody playing in my heart.

Let's camp here tonight.

In the dark, rocky jungle that seemed to be covered in ashes, Professor Leon said this.

Although these towering, pillar-like rock formations were quite eerie, they did indeed provide shelter from the wind. The teacher's assessment was correct. However, ever since entering the 'Dark Wilderness,' the lingering stench in the air—the miasma-like quality—was truly unbearable. It felt as if one was constantly being forced to ingest trace amounts of toxins. Those who had undergone a rank-up transformation were alright, but ordinary people would likely succumb to the damage to their bodily functions simply by staying in this land.

"My name is Alf – Laguler Crystal Sanctuary"

After Nina cast a purification spell and cleansed the surrounding area, this place finally became a place where we could barely rest.

Professor Leon and I ate while remaining vigilant.

Nina's exhaustion was already evident.

Leaving that aside, she was only Lv.2 after all. Ever since entering the 'Dark Wilderness,' she had been under immense pressure, her nerves constantly on edge, and she quickly lost her composure. Although she was initially putting on a brave face, after we persuaded her to lie down and rest, we soon heard her breathing become steady.

Even after nightfall, the sky remained completely dark.

Under the thick miasma clouds, this land never has the chance to bask in the sunlight, and even the moonlight is completely blocked.

"Professor Leon..."

"What's wrong?"

This forest of sharp rocks may be the remains of something built in ancient times.

I looked around and saw that these rock formations, exposed to the biting wind and miasma for years, had long since lost all traces of civilization and their original form. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but turn my gaze to Professor Leon across the campfire.

"Orario... Adventurers, is it really okay to just leave things as they are?"

"Has witnessing the world's devastation firsthand led you to this question?"