Dungeon Exploration Preparations (1)

Upon hearing that dungeon entry was first-come-first-served, students had already formed a long line at the entrance, some even sitting down in groups while competing to be the next to enter.

After a few quick-witted teams entered the dungeon first, the rest were left competing for the next spots. Watching this scene, I leisurely stepped away from the dungeon entrance with Ethan.

I never expected to enter the dungeon on the first day of the Geology Exploration class anyway.

“At this rate, the line won’t clear for at least two days. Let’s secure lodging first, Young Master Ethan.”

“Alright, Lillith.”

Entering the dungeon in Dungeon City required thorough preparation. Aside from the Return Necklaces provided by the academy, we needed to gather supplies to last us two days inside.

A dungeon map-however vague-of the winding, ever-changing interior, basic information on recent monster sightings, preserved food (since restocking would be impossible for the next three days due to the student rush), and a freshly charged exploration light magic tool.

Without these basics, recklessly charging in would… well, lead to situations like the one unfolding before us.

“…Aaaah! Hot! It burns!!”

“Kyaaah! S-save me…!!”

The screams of a male and female pair echoed from inside the dungeon less than five minutes after they entered.

Likely, they rushed in without proper scouting and got caught in a trap room near the entrance. Judging by their shrieks, they were trapped in something like a Flame Room. How unfortunate.

“They didn’t even last five minutes. Next team, go ahead.”

“……”

The next party hesitated, realizing this dungeon was no joke. As they debated whether to proceed or prepare further, a duo of burly men pushed past the crowd and stepped forward.

“As students of the academy, how can you all cower like this?! I, the eldest son of Margrave August, shall lead the charge!”

“Prince Karaham, please lower your voice. You might attract monsters-especially inside the dungeon.”

“Haha! Worry not, Prince Gwyn!”

“I told you, I’m not a prince.”

The most commoner-like noble, Karaham, and the most noble-like commoner, Gwyn.

An unexpected duo I’d never seen paired in the original story. After all, Karaham should have been on leave at this point, plotting to overthrow the empire in revenge for his sister Lizzie.

Yet here he was, participating in the exploration class-and shockingly, teamed up with Gwyn.

‘Well, Lizzie is the treasurer of Seraphine’s student council, and Gwyn is the vice president, so…’

For some reason, they must have found common ground and decided to tackle this class together.

Normally, entering a dungeon unprepared would get you killed within hours, but… something told me this duo might just brute-force their way through.

As for other notable figures-there was the Hero’s Party.

“First, let’s head into town to prepare before regrouping. Celista, gather as much medical holy water as you can from the church. Seraphine, secure preserved food and water for eight people for a week.”

“Yes, Hero!”

“Understood.”

“Natalie, handle weapon maintenance-your sword, Thomas’ spear, and Luke’s dagger edges. Thomas, prepare camping gear for eight. Three tents should suffice.”

“Understood, Hero!”

“Got it. Three tents, right?”

“Yes. Agnes, buy fully charged light magic tools from the magic shop. Grab emergency magic scrolls too if possible. Lastly, Luke, gather intel on recent dungeon monsters.”

“Confirmed.”

“…So, what are you doing?”

“I’ve got my own preparations. I’ll explain when we regroup at the dungeon entrance.”

The Hero’s Party of Kyetmajosyegigot Bolt was also preparing for their dungeon dive.

Their target dungeon was notoriously difficult, requiring large parties-something only they could muster. They’d likely enter by evening after thorough prep.

In the original story, I would’ve squeezed into their party by replacing Thomas or Luke. But now, my place was by Ethan’s side.

“Hero, what about me? What should I do?”

“Silena… Uh, well…”

“……”

“At the dungeon entrance, if another party tries to go first…”

“Stop them? With arrows?”

“No, that’s not… Ugh…”

“……Am I useless?”

“No-no-no! Not useless! You’re our strongest fighter! I just meant conserving your strength for inside the dungeon…”

…He’s trying his best.

Glancing at the flustered Hero, Ethan and I turned toward Dungeon City.

Most of what the Hero listed were things we needed too-except we were just a duo, meaning double the work.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

After securing lodging, Ethan and I divided tasks for dungeon prep.

He handled weapon maintenance and camping gear; I took magic tools and the dungeon map.

No need for intel runs-my past-life knowledge covered that. Food and holy water would be bought fresh three days later, just before entry.

“What if the line’s still there in three days, Lillith?”

“Then we enter the next day. With thorough prep, one day is enough to clear it. No need to worry, Young Master Ethan.”

“Well, if that happens, I’ll get to spend another day here with you.”

“…Yes, that’s true.”

Another day in Dungeon City wasn’t bad. Just more alone time with Ethan-like an extended date. No complaints.

“I’ll go get the magic tools and map. Don’t forget your tasks, Young Master.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

We split up for efficiency. My first stop? The Adventurer’s Guild.

‘Map merchant Max appears at the guild on the first day, then the info guild afterward.’

The dungeon map had to be bought from Max today-tomorrow, at the info guild, haggling was impossible.

The info guild knew academy students were here for class and planned to cash in. Nobles would pay well for reliable intel, making this prime profit time.

‘They sell cheap at the guild first to spread word, then hike prices later.’

General stores sold maps too-far cheaper-but theirs were century-old junk, missing expansions and hidden rest spots.

Inside the guild, adventurers mingled with a few academy students gathering intel. I ignored them, heading straight for a shabby man at a corner table.

Max the map merchant. A must-meet for this class-and for dungeon clearing.

Which meant…

“Excuse me, I’d like to buy a dungeon map.”

“Could I purchase the largest dungeon map you have?”

…The Hero, following my walkthrough, would come here too.