episode_0094

Before heading to Chloris Forest, we made some preliminary preparations. The three Violets and two girls began a meeting.

According to Irene’s explanation, there were a few things we needed to do.

“There are two tasks we need to complete during this field study. First, we have to go deep into the dungeon and retrieve a designated artifact.”

This was something we had already confirmed during the previous orientation and in various guide documents. According to the explanation, the instructors had hidden several fake artifacts in specific locations within the dungeon. It was a distance that would take several hours to cover on foot.

“How far is it?”

“If we move without stopping, it won’t even take half a day. That’s not even counting traps and monster encounters.”

However, Chloris Forest was a dense jungle where you couldn’t see an inch ahead. This was an environment I had never experienced before.

Inside the dungeon, satellite navigation systems couldn’t be used. Within the otherworldly space, even a compass was useless. We had to utilize small inertial navigation devices, map reading knowledge, and various personal abilities.

“You don’t have to worry about getting lost. According to the academy’s explanation, a wired communication network is installed inside. Though I don’t quite trust it.”

Looking at the data, I saw utility poles installed at regular intervals. Since wireless communication wasn’t possible, they had covered the area with a wired network. It was a crude method, but not bad.

The large red panic button attached to the utility poles in the photos was impressive.

“The second task is easier than you’d think. Regardless of whether we retrieve the item, we just need to stay inside the dungeon for about 24 hours and then come out.”

“So, we have to spend a night there.”

“Exactly. But Violet, you did read the guide document properly, didn’t you? It said to bring sleeping bags, simple cooking utensils, and food as supplies. What do you think that means?”

I got a scolding from Irene. Ugh, how embarrassing.

Anyway, finishing the scavenger hunt for the designated item wasn’t the end. We absolutely had to spend a night in the dungeon.

Fortunately, the academy didn’t make students camp in the middle of the jungle.

The map showed the locations of pre-installed safe zones throughout the dungeon.

These were open clearings equipped with various magic spells to prevent monster approaches, as well as barbed wire and automated turrets.

However, if you didn’t want to sleep on the bare ground, you had to bring your own equipment like tents, food, and sleeping bags.

“Then, we should quickly head to the ruins within 24 hours.”

While Irene was planning the schedule, Daphne, who was next to her, took the baton and asked a new question.

“Violet, about those ruins. How long will it take to get there?”

“24 hours is plenty of time! The place where the fake artifact is hidden happens to be adjacent to the hidden entrance leading into the ruins.”

For the Chloris Forest field study, a set number of teams entered and exited in sequence on designated dates. Therefore, within 24 hours, we had to go to the depths, activate the ruins to strengthen our power, and find the treasure chest.

“Let’s see… Violet is right. If we move in a straight line, it won’t even take 12 hours. What’s the scale of the area where the ruins are located?”

“It’ll be smaller than the overall size of the dungeon.”

Instead, a lot of enemies are expected. But there’s no need to worry. I have the best tank and healer by my side!

Now, only minor things needed attention.

「It’ll be incredibly tough to get to the ruins. Since it’s a jungle, it’ll be hot and we’ll sweat a lot, right?」

「Will we be able to shower?」

「We’ll be hungry. Let’s prepare plenty of food.」

Supply issues weren’t a concern. Daphne and I had inventories. Let’s prepare a large tent too. We’ll be tired after fighting, so I should buy something delicious as well.

***

We bought various items and prepared all the necessary equipment.

「It’s a jungle, after all. It’s not an easy place.」

I decided to ask other people in case I missed any information. Just as this thought crossed my mind, I happened to be having a magic lesson with Professor Albert.

“Professor, Professor!”

“What is it? Did you hit a snag?”

“This time, we’re going to Chloris Forest for our field study. Do you have any tips you could give me, if you know anything?”

The professor placed a finger on my head and shot a stinging spark.

“Ow!”

“You brat, tips are for waiters. Field studies are part of learning; where do you get off trying to get something for free?”

“Ugh…”

He was unnecessarily cranky about things like this. Slightly peeved, I rubbed my forehead a few times.

“So, what’s the basic team composition?”

“Irene, and a support-class friend. She specializes in healing.”

“Since she’s Orion Solstice’s daughter, the front line will be sturdy. You also have support personnel. It’s a classic combination, but a bit old-fashioned. Can you use ranged weapons?”

“I’m familiar with both crossbows and guns.”

“That’s fine then. If you use your unique ability, you should be able to handle any situation.”

The professor continued to throw out minor tips. To focus not only on sight but also on sound in the jungle. That if we encountered a high-speed movement suppression field, it would be better to simply create distance rather than trying to force our way through, and so on…

“But the most important thing is something else. Field study isn’t a test of who reaches the objective first. You know that, right?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“It’s a mistake hot-blooded students often make. There’s no reason for teams to compete with each other. So, if necessary, actively cooperate with other teams. I’ve seen many fools cause trouble just out of pride and bravado.”

“I’ll keep that in mind!”

I took Professor Albert’s words to heart. I wondered if there would be any need to cooperate with other teams, but I decided to remember it just in case.

“Anyway, when are you going to teach me the next offensive magic?”

“You rascal, you’ve barely mastered magic bullets and basic flamethrowing, and you’re already trying to learn more?”

Ugh, I had nothing to say. But magic was too difficult.

***

And so, the day of the field study arrived. Our team was among the first to enter on the first day of the field study. I traveled early in the morning by car with other students. When we arrived at the dungeon entrance, the area was bustling with people.

“Everyone’s ready, right? It’s not too late now, so check your belongings, and if any of you need to use the restroom, hurry up and go. If you want to know what it’s like to live a day in a world far from civilization, you don’t have to go, but…”

Instructor Frederick was checking on the students in front.

The situation was that the instructors who were originally supposed to be in charge of the field study had accidentally stepped on a trap during rehearsal, gotten injured, and been carried away.

The instructor moved diligently, checking the students’ conditions. A torrent of criticisms poured out.

“You, why on earth did you bring a firearm? You idiot. Did you even listen to me during the orientation?”

“Why didn’t you bring a sleeping bag? There’s one for each of you over there, quickly pick it up!”

“You don’t need to pack up your entire household. Are you moving? Get rid of some unnecessary things.”

Soon, the instructor approached us.

“Let’s see, looks like you’ve packed everything you need… Healer kid. Where’s your secondary weapon?”

“Yes, Instructor-nim. Here it is.”

When Instructor Frederick pointed at Daphne, she showed him the dagger she wore inside her coat and a crossbow the size of a handgun.

“You’re the only one among the support class who bothered to bring a weapon. Excellent. But it’s too small. You brat with no manners.”

“Why are you saying that?”

“You have a backup weapon, right? Lend your friend a sword.”

I took out a sword as instructed and handed it to Daphne.

“There’s no rear in a dungeon. Everyone needs to be ready to fight. In that sense, your team is a bit old-fashioned. Make sure you can respond in any situation, at any time.”

It was true that there was no rear in a dungeon. I’ll have to protect Daphne even more diligently.

After all procedures were completed, the gate, which had been sealed by complex machinery, opened. Beyond the rippling blue spatial rift, a verdant landscape appeared.

“The field study begins now. If an emergency occurs, press the panic button or set off the signal flares provided. Instructors waiting inside will immediately rush to your location.”

Students lined up and entered the gate. Our team soon passed through the gate as well.

With just a single step, the unpaved road transformed into damp earth.

Hot, humid air, as if we had stepped into a sauna, enveloped us. The entrance was a wide clearing equipped with a generator, utility poles, and lights. Ahead, a lush green landscape filled the view. The students’ parties each disappeared beyond the thickets. Only we remained in the clearing.

“Let’s go in too. Ready?”

“I’m ready.”

“Yeah! Let’s go quickly!”

Before setting off, I activated the small inertial navigation device. Now, we would be able to roughly determine our location based on the gate’s entrance.

The three girls advanced into the dense forest.

The three soon became ten, and the ten soon became a hundred.

One hundred and three girls began exploring the jungle.