“I will take questions now. Is there anything you would like to ask?”
“Does what we learn here work in Orario, too?!”
“Do you think that the Dungeon-diving familias and production familias are balanced?!”
“It feels that many of the political policies underlying the Guild’s city management have come under question! What do you think, Lefiya?!”
She set aside time for questions and answers at the end, and the questions just kept coming.
This was a common sight in the School District, or perhaps it would be better to say that this was its truest form.
The raised hands and questions were unending. Feeling a deep emotion at realizing she had once been on that side, Lefiya did her best to answer their questions.
“My personal belief is that the knowledge you gain, including but not limited to the teachings here, will serve you well in some way. However, transforming that knowledge into wisdom requires effort. Regarding craft familias, they may be less visible due to the nature of their work in the background, but there are many of them in Orario. And regarding the Guild, it is impossible to say they have done a perfect job in upholding public order; however, considering the reason for Orario’s existence, I believe I can express a certain level of understanding.”
“What do you think of the Record Holder?!”
“…Well, he’s working hard.”
“How does the Sword Princess smell?! Haah, haah…!”
“It seems you need disciplining. Report to me later for punishment.”
She could give only vague answers or smiles in response to some of the questions, but the question-and-answer session continued without end.
“What was exploring uncharted territory like?!”
“…Because of Guild rules, I cannot discuss the deep floors. However, if I were to give my personal impression, I would say it was hell.”
“…!”
“It is on an entirely different level from the regions preceding it. The size is different. The level of danger is far too different. They are worlds apart. I learned that setting foot into uncharted territory for an adventurer means having one’s common sense shattered.”
And with time closing in, the final question.
“Is Orario’s current stance regarding the terrible state of the world correct? What do you think?”
The same question as Luke had screamed in the Dungeon.
Lefiya did not immediately answer, looking around at the students watching her.
And then, so that the 7th Squad sitting in the back of the auditorium could hear, she shared her thoughts and the feelings that she could express now, having experienced regret and loss.
“The current state of the world is a result of Zeus and Hera’s failure to complete the Three Great Quests. I do not believe that is a wrong way to look at it.”
“Yes. That is all the more reason Orario has a duty to demonstrate its sincerity and respond—”
“However, that means there are no more second chances.”
“!!!”
As the questioner’s eyes widened, Lefiya continued.
“By all accounts, the sheer amount of strength Zeus and Hera could muster was the greatest that has ever been seen since the beginning of the era of the gods and has yet to be surpassed. And still they failed. The black dragon gathered strength through the centuries that surpassed Orario’s estimates and even those of the deities themselves.”
It was one of the few old stories that Riveria had let slip.
Curious about Zeus, Hera, and the black dragon, Lefiya had investigated the records herself and shuddered.
The downfall of the two great factions who possessed a Level 8 and a Level 9.
What that meant was that no matter how Orario’s present strength was calculated, there was no way they could defeat the black dragon.
Orario’s vaunted Dungeon assault.
It was a strategy for encouraging familias to grow stronger and hopefully give birth to the heroes the world needed. Adventurers challenging the Dungeon, Loki Familia embarking on expeditions, and Lefiya trying to improve herself. They were all connected.
The reason for Orario’s existence was something that she’d also touched on earlier.
Deities who loved their entertainment certainly evoked a certain image. Still, in addition to preventing the conflicts that demolished city blocks, there lurked within war games the goal of forcing familias to struggle against each other and aim higher. At least, that was what Lefiya had come to think.
When she learned of Kali Familia and the land of Telskyura, where Amazons fought and killed each other in their contests of strength, Lefiya felt it repulsive, but it wasn’t especially surprising. That was a poison that existed in Orario, too.
Though the goals of deities intertwined, it could all be called part of the process of giving birth to the promised land of Orario’s next generation of heroes.
“That is why we must be absolutely sure. Failure means the mortal realm’s hope being snuffed out. Most likely, the next attempt will be our last. That is what I believe…”
The auditorium fell silent. Students gulped as they hung on her every word.
“To say this in my position may well invite misunderstanding, but I will say it, nonetheless. I would like you all to see yourselves as involved rather than bystanders.”
Lefiya gave her answer to the question.
“Orario will slay the black dragon. Even if that is true, I do not think that means the people around the world should leave everything to Orario. We must support and help each other. With the barriers between races falling in the era of deities, that is our greatest weapon.”
She thought back to everything leading up to today.
The cooperation of familias facing the unknown Dungeon.
The roars of adventurers from different familias facing Knossos together.
The backs of Aiz and the other first-tier adventurers who possessed the makings of heroes drew in even those who had not been chosen and inspired the whole world.
Lefiya was sure that was one possible answer.
“I am dedicating myself as well. I hope to answer the mortal realm’s plea not with just the chosen few but with everyone joining together. That is all for me. With that, the seminar is over.”
Putting a hand to her chest, she finished with an elven bow.
The students answered her with a thunderous round of applause.