episode_0028

The dungeon practice takes place over two days, Monday and Tuesday. To be precise, the time is limited to two days. It should not exceed two days, but if possible, you can clear it quickly and take a break.

The notice for team assignment was posted at 7 a.m. Just as the notice went up, the dungeon practice began.

Now, confirm the team members, gather together, head towards the dungeon mentioned in the notice, achieve the conditions, and then it’s over.

In the original work, when players planned and shortened the time, they could clear the repeat event around lunchtime.

– D.Ding

At that moment, the smartwatch rang. Let’s check it out, it was a notification that I had been invited to a group chat room.

▷’Elia Slayde’ has invited ‘Lee Hayul’, ‘Attila Bolero’, ‘Nam Yeonjung’, and ‘Aiden Reynolds’.

▶Elia Slayde: Hello. I’ve created a chat room for Team 11! (Today 7:02)

▶Elia Slayde: How about we gather nearby with the team leader and discuss our strategy? (Today 7:02)

▶Attila Bolero: Agreed! I’ll leave right now (Today 7:03)

▶Nam Yeonjung: Agreed (Today 7:03)

The dungeons assigned for conquest are all located within Siyoram. The reason for leaving some dungeons untouched after exploration and subjugation is to utilize them for future education.

Siyoram is incredibly vast. Not only because of various educational facilities and commercial facilities for residents, but also because there are an abundance of managed dungeons on the Siyoram site.

▶Me: Agreed (Today 7:04)

After leaving a reply in the chat room, I finished packing my things. Fortunately, all the luggage that Professor Atra had packed fit into the bag, which had been enchanted with space expansion magic.

I put all the books back in their places and checked my belongings again just in case.

Nothing was missed. Everything was packed. Only then did I leave the library and start walking.

* * *

“Hayul, I’m here!”

I arrived at the address posted in the chat room. It was a moderately sized café, and everyone was gathered on the second floor. Thanks to the open layout without glass windows, I could see Elia waving her hand.

[Sorry. I’m late.]

“It’s late. I just arrived. Oh, I also ordered something for Yuhul just now.”

Inside, four people were sitting around a round table. I sat in the empty seat next to Elia.

Elia was smiling brightly, and there were also members who greeted awkwardly.

“……”

“……”

Still, the most awkward one was undoubtedly that person over there.

Aiden Reynolds… He was also looking at this side very awkwardly. When we nodded to each other to greet, for a moment, it felt like we were stiff wooden sculptures.

The woman sitting next to him, Sangdo, was looking at Aiden with great disdain. She was the one who had been scolding him during the last training session.

Fortunately, it seemed that the remnants of the last training session’s resentment had disappeared. I was worried about what would happen if any unnecessary grudges remained, but it seemed to be needless worry.

After a while, a staff member came in and placed drinks and simple snacks on the table. I ordered orange juice, and the other members ordered fruit juice or coffee.

As everyone took a sip, Elia tapped the table.

“Shall we start with self-introductions? Elia Slayde, secondary major. My unique ability is in the recovery category. I’ll be counting on you for the next two days!”

When Elia opened her mouth, everyone introduced themselves in turn.

“I’m Nam Yeonjoong, majoring in combat. My unique ability is in the spear category. I handle both armed and unarmed combat. Nice to meet you.”

Nam Yeonjoong had a strong and agile body. As can be seen from the spear leaning against the nearby wall, his unique ability and main weapon are the spear.

“I’m Attila Bolero, majoring in combat. My unique ability is a combination, focusing on shields and the body. I’ll do my best.”

Attila Bolero exuded a sharp atmosphere and had cat-like sharp eyes. His equipment was not visible. Perhaps he kept it in a pocket dimension.

“I’m Aiden Reynolds, majoring in combat. My unique ability is in swordsmanship.”

And there was Aiden Reynolds, with his imposing figure that I had met before.

Finally, the gaze fell on me. I projected the hologram of the chat I had prepared in advance.

[This is Hayul. My unique ability is in detection. I look forward to working with you.]

The self-introduction was finished, and they immediately got into the main topic. The story was led by Elia, who had opened the chat room.

“Would it be convenient to decide on the leader first? Is there anyone who wants to take the leader position?”

Elia looked around and said.

Nam Yeon-joong avoided eye contact. He seemed hesitant about taking the leader position.

Aiden, who looked puzzled, glanced at Attila, who was drinking coffee next to him.

“Don’t you think you should do it?”

“What?”

As if suddenly saying “What nonsense,” Attila raised an eyebrow. He already had a sharp impression, and with that response, he became even more difficult to approach.

Aiden shrugged slightly and spoke calmly.

“In small party groups, the leader usually takes on the role of a tank. And here, you’re the only tank.”

“That’s true, but…”

Since tanks often play a pivotal role in small party groups, the leader of a small party group usually takes on the role of a front-line fighter, especially the tank.

Attila furrowed his brow for a moment.

“Do you have something to worry about? It’s just for a couple of days. It might end in a day if it’s fast.”

“Are you still talking when I’ve already handed it over to you?”

“Sorry.”

Attila sharply retorted Aiden, who added a few words from the side. Seeing Aiden shrink rapidly and Attila’s familiar reaction, it felt like they were both from the same academy.

“Then I’ll take the leader position for now. I’ve been a leader a few times even at the academy, so don’t expect too much.”

Scratching his head, Attila glanced briefly at Elia. Elia nodded in response, but did not lead the conversation any further.

Perhaps thinking that the leader had been decided, Attila realized this and let out a small sigh as he continued speaking.

“Let’s start planning then.”

After that, they laid out a standard strategy plan. They discussed under Attila’s leadership, understanding the strengths of the members, when to enter, and how to attack.

“Um… I saw the last training, so I was wondering if you’re also capable of combat?”

[I’m learning about combat during my major classes. I’m not very skilled, but I can manage in similar situations.]

“Oh…”

…

“What is that staff for?”

[It’s a staff for storing magic power. I’m not very skilled in combat, but I can handle a few low-level spells, so I brought it along.]

“Ah…”

During the process of assessing the team’s capabilities, there was a strange atmosphere, but overall, the conversation took place in a good mood.

The conclusion came quickly.

The schedule was set for two days without rushing. While there are those who aim for quick strategies to achieve high ratings, this group aimed for stability.

The vanguard consisted of Attila and Nam Yeon-jung. In the center were me, with detection abilities, and Elia, with healing abilities. Aiden was in charge of the rear to prepare for surprise attacks.

“Well then, let’s do a final check to make sure we haven’t missed anything and depart right away.”

It took about an hour or so. Attila swiftly concluded the meeting and led the team towards the dungeon.

Having been in charge of several dungeon conquests at the academy, Attila seemed quite familiar with the task.

They arrived at the dungeon.

After confirming with the Shiyoram personnel who managed the dungeon, they passed through the facility.

As they walked, they felt the flow of magic surging beyond their spatial perception range. That must be the hole in the dungeon.

– Whoosh…

Just as the flow of magic was about to reach their spatial perception, a peculiar vibration was transmitted. I immediately closed off my spatial perception and grabbed Elia’s sleeve as she walked beside me.

“Hayul?”

[I turned off my abilities in case the same thing happened as before.]

“If that happens… Ah.”

I let go of her sleeve for a moment and tapped on my smartwatch. As I did, Elia expressed her doubt and then sighed.

When we used the gate, we didn’t know it was dangerous. Now, although it was unusual, it didn’t seem threatening. However, just in case, I closed off my spatial perception, thinking that if something suddenly went wrong like it did back then, the damage would not only affect me, but also those around me.

I postponed resolving my curiosity for later.

At that moment, someone grabbed my hand abruptly. The sudden contact made me flinch involuntarily.

“Don’t hold onto my sleeve uncomfortably, just stay like this for a moment.”

The touch belonged to Elia. She grabbed my hand as I was about to grab her sleeve and instead held it firmly.

Before I could even feel perplexed by the warmth conveyed through her hand, Elia took my hand and led me into the dungeon.

My eyes closed. Due to magic affinity, I could sense the presence of people and the entrance to the dungeon, but I couldn’t see the unevenness of the floor.

I didn’t loosen my grip on her hand, as one could easily stumble.

Not only was my vision blocked, but all spatial perception was also cut off, making me feel as if I were alone in this world.

Thinking this way, I couldn’t help but marvel at how I used to wander around in the past.

“?”

For a moment, the back of my head felt ticklish. It felt as if our gazes had met.

Before delving deeper into that thought, we entered the dungeon. It felt like the tumultuous sensation one experiences when being engulfed by the sea.

* * *

Yi Hayul’s figure disappeared into the blue whirlpool. His body, which had been wavering like a shadow, suddenly concealed its form. Even the subtle movements that were keenly felt vanished.

“…”

The dungeon is an isolated space from the outside. Apart from the designated entrances, there are limited ways to come and go, and confirming what is inside is difficult.

Therefore, unless there is a blatant surge in the concentration of magic inside, it is difficult to determine what has happened inside.

Even a rapid change in magical concentration is nothing more than a precursor to collapse, so in reality, it is even more difficult to grasp what has happened inside.

“Phew…”

What am I doing? It’s such a pathetic spectacle. A deep sigh escaped me as a sudden thought came to mind. If this is an illness, then it truly is one.

As I reproached myself and tried to turn my head, a gust of wind arose from behind.

Simultaneously, a soft voice mixed with the gust of wind reached my ears.

“Um… I might have imagined something a bit rude. But isn’t this an unavoidable situation? This feels like complete stalking.”

“If you realized it was rude, it would be better to be careful.”

It was a familiar voice, especially one I often heard on the African front. Artla narrowed her forehead, adjusted the fluttering hem of her clothes, and turned her body.

The wind stopped, and a woman landed gracefully in that spot. With a playful smile, Riana said, “Your love is extraordinary.”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Art replied.

“It’s not nonsense when you came to see for yourself. But since you’re here, why not wish me well on my journey?”

A passing comment, but it only furrowed Art’s brow even more.

– Take care. Don’t let your guard down.

– Hmph. Is this supposed to be difficult? Don’t take it lightly! I’ll handle it quickly and come back for more, so wait for me!

Unpleasant memories. It was a past he had long forgotten. Art suppressed his lingering emotions and lowered his head.

“Stop with the nonsense. I’m leaving now.”

His duty was done. He regretted coming out to confirm his actions.

Without hesitation, Art turned away. With no classes for the next two days, he planned to do some personal training.

“Wanna have a drink after a long time? Tomorrow’s classes are empty, and I found a quiet place with a good atmosphere.”

“Drink alone.”

“Oh, and also to talk about Sangdo related matters.”

“…Tsk.”

When he turned his head with a sigh, he saw Riana smiling broadly. Her face seemed to say, ‘You can’t refuse.’

Since he had decided to bring up such a topic while drinking, he would have to bring up that subject. The problem was that he was drinking at the time.

After some thought, Art reluctantly nodded.