第１６６６堀：意外と授業は得意だったりする (Part2)
Even in Zurable, a dungeon is generally recognized as a place where monsters dwell. The idea that people could live inside one, let alone that an entire nation exists within its depths, must come as a profound shock. But what surprises them most is the sheer impossibility of it all: the vast, open blue skies, the towering snow-capped mountains, and the endless expanse of the sea—all contained within a dungeon.
Well, it’s only natural to be stunned. Even I, in the past, never would have imagined crafting the interior of a dungeon like this. At most, I might have aimed for a well-lit environment—enough to see the corridors clearly without the need for torches.
They watch the footage of Weed’s main districts, the commercial zones, and the adventurer sectors with eyes wide with wonder. It’s the same everywhere; there aren't many places packed with as much entertainment as this. The rare leisure facilities like the pools and hot springs, the coliseum where one can test their mettle, and the adventurer’s guild—it’s all designed to stir the heart. And, of course, the food.
Finally, I conclude the presentation with a brief introduction to Weed’s International Exchange School, inviting them to enroll. Honestly, is this really the standard way to introduce a school? Perhaps not, but I suppose more detailed footage of the school is prepared separately. That was the educational policy, after all.
Setting that aside, the video ends. I switch the display to a looping feed and step forward to address the room.
"So, what did you think of Weed? I’m sure you have plenty of questions. We’ll move to a Q&A session shortly, but first, I’d like to pass out these pamphlets. Please, take one from the front and pass the rest back."
I ensure everyone receives a brochure.
"These are the same pamphlets we distribute to tourists visiting Weed. The presentation you just saw was simply a more detailed version of this. It will be easier for me to answer your questions if you use this as a reference. Of course, you don’t have to ask everything right this second. You can save them for the next class, or feel free to approach Narjia or Wasfi."
I assure them there is no need to rush, and then I open the floor to questions.
"Professor Comet? First off, is it truly a fact that Weed is a nation built inside a dungeon?"
I knew that would be the first one. Even with the explanation, it’s not the sort of thing people can easily accept.
"Yes, that is the truth. We’ve managed to analyze the dungeon core and put it to use."
In reality, it’s only possible because Yuki, the Dungeon Master, is here, but since we are indeed conducting research, I’m not lying. I’ve told Eupia and Showu, but for these lower-level students—if that’s not too harsh a term—restricting information is the safest path.
"I believe you’ve heard in Yuki’s class about gate technology; that is the foundation of our infrastructure. Ah, but I’m afraid I can’t go into the specifics of that, so you’ll have to bear with me."
Manufacturing technology for gates is beyond even our capabilities. We are analyzing it, but as for whether we could actually build one... the conclusion is that we probably could. After all, we are already capable of short and long-distance teleportation through magic. That is the axis upon which it turns. Still, I can’t speak of that. It is, after all, a technology of national strategic importance. For now, we maintain the official stance that it was "luckily obtained from the dungeon." Otherwise, Weed might find itself a target of hostility.
"U-um, then, what about the mountains, the sea, the grasslands, and the fields inside the dungeon?"
"It’s all true. There’s no point in lying to you. We use teleportation to divide the space into different layers. We want everyone to be able to enjoy any kind of environment they desire."
"Enjoy?"
"Yes. When you were children—or even now—don’t you go to the mountains, the sea, or take a walk in the fields to refresh yourselves?"
"Well, I’ve been at school lately, so not really. But before I came here, I did those things."
"Exactly. The thought of being underground makes many people feel suffocated. Dungeon crawling is a grueling business, after all. That’s why we created the sky, the mountains, and the sea. Ah, but how we managed to do it? That’s a secret."
And so, my explanation of Weed continues. Incidentally, after this presentation, I have a magic class to lead. Am I working too hard? Well, I used to look after the Holy Sword users, so this sort of thing is my specialty. I’ve spent plenty of time teaching children various things alongside Hifie.