episode_0025

Although the members of the Sineria’s Black Moon organization disappeared and there was a relative sense of relief, there was no change in spending a lot of time attending classes with Claire.

‘Just in case.’

It is highly likely that one of the hounds at the Ardent Academy was wiped out by Iris, but whether there are survivors or not, Sineria will notice the change and dispatch manpower to monitor more thoroughly.

Iris cannot monitor the entire academy 24 hours a day, and if stronger hounds are dispatched, there should be no major problem in monitoring me.

The problem is the possibility that if Sineria detects this incident and tries to push Ardent Academy, the original plan may be completely ruined.

Students, including myself, have not grown much since enrolling, and many students will die in a sudden attack.

The biggest problem is that Principal Iris is facing death.

In the latter part of the Sineria Academy subjugation battle, Iris sacrificed her life to prevent it and died honorably.

If Sineria decides to sweep away the academy, I must somehow negotiate with her to prevent that from happening.

If Iris dies at this point, the academy will be irreparably damaged.

I silently vowed and carefully watched the academy for days to see if there were any unusual news or intruders, but there was none.

Except for attending many classes and meals with Claire.

Being with Claire made me feel comfortable, but I don’t know how she feels.

‘It seems like she doesn’t mind being with me.’

I hope she doesn’t feel uncomfortable around me.

After days of attending classes, one of the main events for first-year students finally arrived.

We received a notice to gather in the auditorium instead of the usual classroom for the Magic Theory class.

When Claire and I moved to the auditorium, there were students present whom I hadn’t seen in the Magic Theory class before.

I could be relieved that they looked just as I remembered.

Carrying swords and wearing armor or training clothes instead of school uniforms, they were students from the Swordsmanship Department.

“Aren’t those guys from the Swordsmanship Department? Why are they gathered here?”

As Claire whispered next to me, two professors stood on the platform.

They were Professor Seigan from the familiar Magic Department and Professor Chris from the Swordsmanship Department.

“I’d like to start by saying it’s nice to meet you all. Some of you may know me from taking my classes, but for those who don’t, let me introduce myself briefly. I am Seigan from the Magic Department, teaching Magic Theory. I believe some students may be confused due to the sudden situation. We have gathered in the auditorium, not our usual space, and with students from another department.”

Seigan was the first to speak.

“We have gathered in the auditorium to conduct a joint examination between the Magic and Swordsmanship Departments. To briefly explain the content of the joint exam-”

“Pair up in groups of two and clear just one dungeon.”

Seigan paused as Chris interrupted, sighed uncomfortably, cast a soundproofing spell, and seemed to say something. After the commotion ended with Chris nodding in understanding, he continued with the explanation.

“As Professor Chris explained, you all need to clear a dungeon. Don’t worry about suddenly breaking into high-level dungeons. Practice will be conducted in a simulated dungeon prepared within the academy. Basically, you will progress through the dungeon in teams of two, and each monster inside the dungeon will have its own points assigned. When you defeat them, your points will automatically increase.”

Professor Seigen raised an artifact shaped like a watch and began to speak.

“This artifact that looks like a wristwatch will automatically record points when you defeat monsters. Rankings will be based on points until the final time. It is possible to steal artifacts from other teams to gain points. If you steal points, return the artifact to its original owner. However, as this is a simulated dungeon, I strongly recommend not launching fatal attacks on opponents. Deliberate damage to the artifact will result in consequences. While the latter may only lead to compensation, the former could even result in expulsion from the academy.”

As Professor Seigen finished his explanation, students focused on the screen displaying profiles with brief evaluations of their faces in the center of the auditorium.

“What you see in front of you is a reference material for forming teams of two to clear the dungeon. You may not know your fellow students well within the same department yet, so this can be helpful. Since there are relatively few opportunities for interaction between the Swordsmanship Department and the Magic Department, it is recommended to form teams across different departments. In reality, teams formed this way have mostly performed well. However, forming teams within the same department is not prohibited, so feel free to come forward once you have formed a team.”

Students were seen concentrating on the screen, immediately forming teams and approaching the professors, or asking outstanding students to join them.

Looking beside her, Claire seemed slightly disheartened. It seemed like she hardly knew anyone except me.

Perhaps Victor, with whom she had shared a meal, was the only one she knew.

I gently took her hand, turned her towards me, and said, “Claire, let’s team up. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to participate in this dungeon test with you.”

Claire, who still seemed hesitant, turned her head.

“…I’m fine with it. But, would it be okay if we don’t form a team with students from other departments? It seems like the professor is recommending forming teams with students from different departments.”

“It’ll be fine. I’ll have your back in the front line. Is there a rule against a mage wielding a sword?”

As I jokingly tapped her with a training sword, Claire smiled.

The two of us went to the professors, received the artifacts, and moved to the completed team formation area.

After some time passed and all teams were formed, Professor Seigen clapped his hands together and shouted loudly.

“Starting now, we will begin the simulated dungeon test! Be cautious as it might get confusing.”

A large magic circle glowing blue under the students’ feet appeared, engulfing everyone in the auditorium.

Soon, only a silent stillness filled the hall.

*

After a moment of dizziness, as we regained our senses, a dark space came into view.

Initially blinded by the darkness, we couldn’t see well, but as we adjusted, we noticed a cave-like structure and Claire trembling nervously beside me.

“Claire, can you hear me? How do you feel right now?”

“Yeah. Except for feeling a bit dizzy and not being able to see well because it’s dark, I’m okay.”

“You need to stay calm. You can relax because I’m here with you.”

“Got it. I can use light magic. Should I try using it to brighten things up?”

“If you suddenly emit light in a dark place, nearby monsters might be attracted, so let’s not do that. It’s better to proceed cautiously. Let’s save your magic power just in case of unexpected situations.”

“Okay. I’ll do my best!”

Since the area where the mock dungeon is summoned is random, it’s important to comfort and proceed with the partner next to you to determine which area it is.

Fortunately, Claire doesn’t seem as nervous as before, except for being a little tense.

“Considering there’s only one pathway ahead, it must be one of the ten starting zones. I wonder which one it is.”

While I was lost in thought, Claire seemed to prepare herself to help me and began chanting.

“Yukal, I’ll buff you!”

“Wait a minute!”

I urgently tried to stop her, but it was too late, and my body was engulfed in a white light cluster, with a familiar alert ringing in my ears.

【Unique ability ‘Blessing’ applied.】

【Agility stat has increased.】

【Be cautious of penalty application.】