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

"I understand, it's alright... thank you."

"Won't."

"..."

"..."

"Miss Ais."

"What's up?"

Finally, the boy spoke.

"I... really want to become stronger."

These words touched Ais's heart most deeply now.

“…I see.”

"Yes."

"I'm leaving now."

"OK."

"...See you next time."

"……good."

Ais turned her back to him and walked forward.

This time, however, Ais did not look back at the fading presence of the boy.

Keep your eyes forward.

Align yourself with the place you must go and the path you must achieve.

"I... also want to become stronger."

Upon meeting the boy, Ais received these words.

She didn't get an answer.

I still can't escape the bewildering forest.

But she was indeed inspired.

The boy has already decided on the "path" he should take.

In that case, she must reaffirm her determination to move forward and not fall behind the younger generation.

"I'm so glad... to see you at this time."

The boy is about to start racing.

Therefore, I will once again drive.

Overcome confusion, only now.

(I also want to... follow his example.)

At the same time, Ais gained this state of mind.

The boy's relentless pursuit of becoming stronger is exactly what she needs right now.

She must become stronger.

In order to conquer the man-made maze—in order to never lose to that red-haired monster again.

Ais stepped down the city wall steps and began to run forward.

Instead of heading north to where their main base is, they're heading south, where some "strongest person" is holding firm.

Sword Oratoria 11 Side Story Chapter 2: The Final Battle Interlude

The sun had risen completely above the horizon, peeking out from behind the city walls.

Just as the city was opening its heavy eyelids and slowly expanding the scope of the morning hustle and bustle, Aiss was in the fifth district of southern Orario.

Before her stood a towering gate that required her to look up, and four walls that were far too solid to be called a wall.

Despite being located in the busiest and most bustling area of ​​Orario, the magnificent architecture before me resembles a city wall. There are no guards at the gate, but rather a tense atmosphere, like the calm before the storm. Perhaps it's a warning to visitors: "Don't come near."

Ais completely ignored the atmosphere, stopped looking up at the door, and walked to the door.

With a face that revealed a strong determination and an extremely serious expression, she knocked on the door as if she were knocking on a door.

"...I'd like to learn from you—"

A low, clumsy thumping sound, utterly unlike anything that could be described as a solemn gate, rang out.

Loki, the chief god, told Ais that she was going to "challenge" someone... Correction, that's what you say when you knock on someone's door, so that's probably what she did. The overly serious, naturally naive Ais believed him without question, unaware that in "this situation," she was so wrong that even Loki would foam at the mouth.

Not long after.

With a heavy thud, the door opened to the left and right.

"..."

Ais stepped through the gate, and a green field unfolded before her eyes.

Yellow and white wildflowers sway in the wind. This open field is so beautiful that it doesn't seem to be located in the city; it is also a strong land where flowers still bloom beautifully no matter how much they are trampled.

In the distance of the fields, at the center of the garden, there is a hill with a huge mansion built on it, resembling a "temple" or a "palace." This magnificent and unique scene, detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, is so different from what one would expect, that it looks like a painting.

Just as Ais was gazing intently at the area she was entering for the first time—the door behind her slammed shut with a loud bang.

"!"

In an instant, Ais was "surrounded".

Numerous adventurers appeared simultaneously from the air or from the shadows of cover.

They formed a circle, each holding a weapon with its tip pointed at Ais.

The perfectly aligned encirclement net is an art form in itself, a testament to their excellent training.

At the same time, a dangerous "killing intent" is brewing.

"—How dare you break into headquarters alone? Are you here to start a fight?"

Ais was surrounded by countless weapons, and someone spoke to her in a rough voice with no attempt to conceal their malice.

An orc emerged from behind the netting.

This is a male cat-man with black and silver fur, smaller than Ais, yet exuding a terrifying aura.

Ais remembered this person.

About three months ago, after finishing their training on the city wall, she and the boy were ambushed on the street by men in black, one of the assassins from that group. At the time, he was wearing a face shield and night raid gear; now he was in regular combat clothing.His sharp eyes and piercing face were revealed.

He is the city's top-tier adventurer—his name is [Goddess Chariot].Alan Fourmore.

"What are you doing here, doll?"

That's right.

The name of this place is "Battlefield".. "

It is the headquarters of the Freya Familia.

Illustration 52406

"Answer within two seconds if you have something to say. If you want to commit suicide, then keep quiet and stand there."

An ultimatum that leaves no room for argument.

In stark contrast to the clear blue sky and warm sunlight, Ais was locked in a murderous space; Allen pierced her with eyes as sharp as a spearhead.

No, it wasn't just Allen. The other adventurers—the members of the Freya Familia—also glared at Ais with hostility, as if they were seeing a mortal enemy.

After all, it was cadres from an opposing faction who came knocking on their door early in the morning, so their reaction was understandable, but—

(...That's strange. I've heard that when you visit someone, you should say "I'd like to learn from you"...I definitely said that...)

The naturally naive person was thrown into extreme confusion.

She did as Loki instructed.

But it turned out to be an atmosphere of imminent war.

Did I misunderstand the etiquette?

Or is it, God, Loki, that you've framed me?

Cold sweat trickled down her naturally naive face. Since that incident with the dragon girl, the little girl inside her, Ais, who had become distant, only clasped her hands together in a mysterious, nonsensical gesture at times like this.

Just as Ais was completely flustered and unable to reply, her expression unreadable...

"Alright, prepare to die."

Exactly two seconds later.

Ignoring Ais's hidden story, Allen swiftly thrust out the silver spear he was holding.

They were preparing to turn the defenseless, swordless girl into meat skewers.

"What are you doing?"

But just a moment ago.

A beautiful voice, like the sound of a harp, entered the scene.

Ais looked in that direction.

Looking directly ahead, I saw a figure descending the white stairs from the mansion.

Despite still being some distance away, the person calling out was remarkably loud, accompanied by an attendant, and approached Ais and the others with the air of a queen.

The adventurers surrounding Ais immediately adopted a posture of worship resembling that of a ruler and his subjects. However, their wariness towards Ais remained undiminished, perhaps only in name.

Only Allen continued to aim his spear, which remained stationary in front of Ais, at her; at that moment, Freya, the chief deity of the city's largest faction, appeared before them.

"I was just wondering why it was so noisy... Hehe, since such a strange 'guest' has arrived, it's only natural."

Freya was completely covered except for her face with a long robe. The "Goddess of Beauty" would cause a commotion if she went out undisguised, so judging from her appearance, she must have been preparing to go out early in the morning. Looking behind her, she saw a carriage parked by the gate. Perhaps this was the reason why the Freya Familia overreacted to Ais.

"I apologize for offending your eyes, Goddess Freya. I'll take care of her right away."

"Allen, no need. Put down your gun."

"No need, I'll take her head right now."

"Allen".

"..."

Freya smiled and called his name.

However, just like that, like a rabid dog... Correction, Alan the mad cat slowly lowered his spear.

Freya, who prides herself on her immense charisma as a leader, is the queen of her followers and an object of their reverence.

At the same time, she is also the symbol of the faction that must be protected, and her orders are absolute.

Despite the obvious dissatisfaction emanating from the cat-man even after he put down his spear, Freya turned her eyes to Ais.

"So, what brings you here, [Fiora]?"

"...I have a request..."

"You need something from us? Heh, that's interesting. What is it?"

Upon hearing Ais's answer, Freya first showed pure curiosity, then a childlike smile appeared on her face.

Under her persistent questioning, Ais shifted her gaze away from Freya and turned to something nearby, diagonally behind her.

A boarmanThey waited for orders from their attendants.

He is also known as "Top of the City" and is called "The Strongest in the City".

【The Fierce One <King>】Ota.

Ais gave a light bow to the warrior who was staring at her with his earth-red eyes.

"Please engage in combat training with me."

A gust of wind blew by. A clear, gentle breeze that vanished swiftly from the beautiful fields.