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

Now we move on to the promotional segment.

The main story of DanMachi and the side story "Sword Oratoria" begin in volumes 19 and 13 respectively, and their timelines are corresponding and echo each other.

In particular, the main story volume 20 and the side story volume 15 form an important relationship in terms of story narration.

Readers interested in this are welcome to purchase the fifteenth volume of "Sword Oratoria," which will be released next month.

Even if you haven't followed the side stories before, you can easily get hooked starting with this volume.

The shortest chapter in this series—the fifth part, "The School District"—has now come to an end.

Starting with the next volume, the story will officially enter its final chapter.

Please be patient.

Thank you for reading this far.

With best regards.

──Omori Fujino

Volume 20 Final Chapter: Beautiful World

This was the result the boy and his companions learned after returning to Orario.

The Urban Sports Festival concluded with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw.

In his duel with Bell, Leon held the upper hand from beginning to end.

If we had to give a score, the performance of the "school district" was indeed better.

However, no one said such a jarring thing.

After demonstrating strength comparable to Orario, just as Hermes had predicted, the "School District" withdrew its demand for the complete recycling of the hardest metal under the arbitration led by the gods.

In exchange, the "school district" must participate in the "silo project" led by the "guild".

"Conquering dungeons to save the world—if it's such a beneficial undertaking, we're naturally willing to lend a helping hand. Besides, if the district's prized 'Alchemy Department' could participate in the shaft's design, the risk of accidents could be significantly reduced. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"

Faced with Bader, the school district principal who kept his eyes closed and spoke with a smile, the guild finally gave in.

Coupled with the allure of generous conditions such as 'restarting the recruitment of clan members,' the guild had no choice but to accept.

Only Guild Master Royman, who had originally wanted to monopolize the fame and power of the "Century's Great Cause," remained reluctant to part with it and signed the agreement with tears in his eyes.

Meanwhile, the Divine Society's behind-the-scenes operations continued. In order to dispel the negative public opinion that the 'open conflict between Labyrinth City and the School District' had caused serious impact on the lower realm, they even went so far as to bring out Uranus, the creator god who rarely appeared in public, and have him shake hands and make peace with the school district principal, Baldr, in person. This scene was then published in newspapers in an extremely exaggerated and inflammatory manner and spread far and wide.

Countless artisans, filled with excitement, captured the moment when the two sides forged their friendship and pact on canvas. These paintings spread widely, reaching across the entire continent.

"Uranus won by himself."

When everything settled down, Uranus had successfully secured the full assistance of the "school district"—he had even already learned of the Divine Society's movements. Looking at the old god's composed demeanor, the black-clad magician realized that he was the only one feeling uneasy, and couldn't help but sigh deeply, muttering a soft lament.

At the same time, he couldn't help but complain, "You really can't trust gods and such."

"It went even more smoothly than expected, Badr. Little Bell seems to have improved as well, which is naturally a good thing for me... I've helped you finish this show, so don't be stingy with your payment."

On the city wall, an elegant man whispered a monologue that drifted away with the wind.

Even before the City Arena Festival was announced, or rather, right after the guild decided to collect the hardest metal, he and Baldr had already begun their 'secret plot'. Seeing their lord in this state, the omnipotent familia, like a certain magician, sighed deeply.

"Although Orario... or more accurately, the guild, is still unforgivable, since Leon-sensei has said so, there's nothing we can do about it..."

"After all, we've witnessed firsthand just how terrifying 'Dragon Nest' really is... Now is definitely not the time for infighting."

"Everyone! Stop wearing that 'wanting to accept but unable to let go' look on your faces! I completely understand now! There are tons of super cool adventurers like Lappy... no, like Bell Crane in Orario!"

The young students in the school district were not easily convinced by a few high-sounding words, and quite a few harbored resentment. However, in the end, no one raised any objections to the decision.

These students, who prided themselves on being more aware of the global crisis than anyone else, opted for a slightly more mature approach. Perhaps, as one of the worst squads in history urged, they were also somewhat moved by the white rabbit's astonishingly honest and heroic demeanor, or perhaps they began to look at it with new respect.

However, what is certain is that the number of students who volunteered to participate in the faction experience and actively engaged in dungeon exploration suddenly surged.

Finally, there's Orario.

This labyrinthine city, centered around adventurers and always known for its outspokenness, has made a decision.

That is to 'name' someone.

The subject is Bell Craney.

The name bestowed upon him was "Light of the Lion and Rabbit (Regulus Arneb)".

(Translator's note: Regulus is the name of Alpha Leonis (Leo), while Arneb is the name of Alpha Leonis (Alpha Leonis).)

This is the lingering light passed down from male and female gods to the next generation, and then from the lion to the white rabbit; it is also a symbol of celebrating hope.

Faced with the title bestowed by the gods, the goddess, as the chief god, surrendered with both hands raised, formally acknowledging the naming.

Bell's official title as a Level 5, Level 1 adventurer was thus established, propelling his reputation to new heights.

The city was abuzz with excitement, the school district gave its approval, and the world dreamed of a brand new sequel.

In the dream, a white rabbit joins the ranks of heroes, shielding the world from the dark end.

In the dream, the lower realm was able to fulfill its long-cherished wish and step into the future.

People prayed in unison that the beautiful dream would never end; the gods sang a hymn of hope.

"I'm so sorry, Bell. I forced you to do something so wrong."

"Ah, it's nothing, it's alright. Although it did give me a fright, it's necessary for Orario and the school district to reconcile... Besides, it's been gentle enough... and easy enough compared to the Battlefield... Ha, hahaha..."

The boy, who had not yet returned to the labyrinth city, was naturally unaware of what would happen next. At this moment, he was strolling under the clear blue sky with the half-elf girl and the knight.

"Um... Professor Leon."

"what's wrong?"

"Have you seen your separated parents again?"

Unlike the desolation of the northern frontier, this place was filled with a clear, refreshing breeze, and the grass and flowers underfoot swayed quietly. Bathed in all of this, Bell made up his mind to ask a question.

Bell Craney, though raised by foster parents, had never met them. Was that feeling envy or longing? He couldn't say. But precisely because he valued family ties so much, he couldn't help but feel sad when he heard about Leon's separation from his parents. He had always wanted to ask—what happened to Professor Leon and the others after that?

Urged on by the azure sky and inspired by the blooming flowers and green fields, the boy finally mustered the courage to speak.

"Ah... that's true. Since you've heard about those past events, you naturally have the right to know what happened next."

Nina tilted her head in confusion, while the knight in silver armor stopped in his tracks.

He turned his gaze, slightly embarrassed, to the distant Alfred Mountains. After a moment, the once rebellious dwarf answered.

"After becoming a teacher, I visited the town where the two of them lived."

"And then?" the boy asked eagerly.

Under the gaze of those deep red eyes filled with anxiety and expectation, Leon couldn't help but give a wry smile.

"Seeing me like this... they were so moved they cried. I felt a little embarrassed... but I was really happy."

The knight scratched his cheek, revealing the same shy smile he had in his youth.

Upon seeing that face, Bell couldn't help but break into a bright smile.

"I'm so tired... I left the school district without saying goodbye, will everyone be angry?"

As soon as she passed through the towering city gate, Nina stretched and yawned.

The location is the main road on the north side.

Having just returned from the "dark wilderness," Bear Grylls and his crew were once again bathed in the warm sunshine.

"Of course you're worried. But I basically made all these decisions on my own, so don't worry too much about it, Nina. I will personally apologize to everyone."

"Eh? How...how can we let Professor Leon carry this burden all by himself...!"

"Haha... I also need to apologize to Lily and the others."

Even in this situation, Leon remained serious, leaving Nina bewildered and frantically waving her hands, while Bell smiled wryly and expressed his sympathy.

Gazing at the clear blue sky, his deep red eyes narrowed slightly.

This journey made Bell clearly aware of the changes within himself.

In the miasma-filled "dark wilderness," this blue sky was something long forgotten at the northernmost edge of the land. He made up his mind once again, vowing never to let this azure blue slip through his fingers again.

(Become stronger. Surpass your current strength by far. With the power of God, and together with everyone in the [Family]... and Miss Ais and the others, let's move forward side by side.)

After silently making a vow in his heart, he took another step.

With gratitude for Leon's carrying of the three people's luggage, Bell set off for the guild headquarters, intending to give a report on the various events of his journey.

Faced with this popular but troubled child who has once again ignited urban discussions, residents offered words of comfort and encouragement.

However, this scene only lasted for a moment.

It's so quiet.

The entire city is.

Immediately afterwards, the silence was quickly overshadowed by an unusual commotion.

Upon seeing the unfamiliar Orario before them, Bell and his group instinctively stopped in their tracks.

"What's with this atmosphere...? Has Orario always been like this...?"

"...It seems something happened in the city center."

"...? Let's go take a look."

Nina looked around, appearing quite flustered. Leon, however, used his Lv.7 heightened hearing to pinpoint the source of the commotion.

An uncontrollable unease rose in Bell's chest, and he immediately changed direction, abandoning his journey to the guild headquarters in the northwest and heading straight for the city center.

Not just ordinary people. Adventurers too. Even the gods.

In their field of vision, everyone was whispering to each other, their expressions changed drastically, and they were all running in a certain direction.

That was the direction Bell and his party were heading.

—At the foot of the chalk tower.

As if drawn and driven by an invisible force, Bell and his group quickened their pace involuntarily.

brisk walking, jogging, and then sprinting.

The further south you go, the closer you get to the city center, the more the noise tears into a piercing scream.

The unease in my chest was quietly turning into a strong premonition.

My once clear and pure heart is now swallowed up by a deep sense of unease.

(What happened...? What on earth happened!?)

They quickly arrived at the central square.

The plaza, which usually empties quickly after adventurers enter the dungeon, was now teeming with people. There was no room for doubt: something big had happened. Bell pushed through the crowd and rushed straight into the heart of the commotion—the colossal tower of Babel.

Followed by.

"Bell-kun..."

"Sister, what's wrong?!"

Passing through the gate, the first person to be seen was Eina, who appeared at the scene for some unknown reason. She stood there blankly, noticing Bell and his group arriving.

Even though Eina's face was deathly pale, she could only stare at Bell with trembling eyes, her almost pleading gaze silently saying, "Get out of here."

My heartbeat finally lost its rhythm and began to become erratic.

A pungent smell of blood filled the air, and in an instant, red and black illusory lights flickered wildly in my consciousness.

Bell held his breath and widened his eyes. He dodged the outstretched hand of the weakened Eina and plunged headlong into the depths of the screaming crowd.

"────────"

What came into view was the source of the bloody smell.

Those were adventurers stained with blood.

Those were the [Family] covered in wounds, their bodies scarred and horrifying, some even missing limbs.

The tattered regimental flag prominently displays the clown's emblem.

"Expedition failed! Expedition failed!! Floor 60, the allied forces were completely wiped out!!"

Amidst the adventurers plunged into despair, a black-haired youth roared in fury.