episode_0069

Monsters are a great calamity to humanity.

During the Chaos Era, the number of people killed by monsters was countless, and even at this moment, many people are being sacrificed to monsters.

Whether claiming to have surpassed the Chaos Era or heralding the arrival of a peaceful era, the fact remains that monsters are dangerous.

Even if only a 4th rank monster appears in a non-magical area, the surrounding area would become a disaster zone, let alone overcoming it.

These days, there are many who are mistaken.

Monsters are still dangerous. Not just high-ranking monsters like 4th rank or 3rd rank, even low-ranking monsters are dangerous.

The danger of dungeons that spawn such monsters goes without saying.

Even a mere puppy can establish dominance in its own home, but monsters in dungeons are a whole different story.

Monsters, and the dungeons that harbor them, are dangerous.

It is common for people to die in dungeons.

‘…’

Artla gently touched her stiff face and lowered her gaze.

In a moment of silence, Ha Yul, who seemed to be cowering in confusion, appeared.

Even though she had done nothing wrong, it felt frustrating to be looked at cautiously. It was like a puppy looking at its owner after being scolded.

She opened her mouth to deny the misconception, but no words came out. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

This profession, which has been manipulating reputations for decades in the Association, is a job that cannot be separated from monsters.

Therefore, it is always dangerously unpredictable. Being a hero is a job where the leash is short and death could come at any moment.

Even those who boast of their skills and shrug their shoulders may disappear without a trace the next day.

Especially in the Magical Realm, and even in non-magical dungeons, it is common.

If like her disciple, even leaving behind a few fragments of a body, it would be considered above average.

“J-just, a word.”

Artla took a deep breath and wiped her face with one hand, trying to narrow down the date.

It was currently the 5th week of Yoram… so, the first week of April.

‘Ha.’

She let out a bitter laugh inwardly. How coincidental, that it was a date similar to a significant event.

How ironic.

“… Have you received permission for external activities?”

By default, unless approved by the academic side, the students’ outings are restricted.

Furthermore, in the interest of the students’ safety, access by outsiders is strictly monitored.

Of course, the conditions for students’ outings are more lenient than expected, and many students go out on weekends.

[Yes, I have received permission.]

Artla asked with suppressed emotions, and Ha Yul, who had been crouching, hurriedly replied.

At that answer, Artla bit her lip.

It seemed that permission had been granted by Yoram. Then, why would there be a reason for Artla to… a reason…

‘…Is there a reason to stop her?’

A sudden thought left her momentarily stunned.

In any case, Ha Yul aspires to take on the role of a hero. The job of a hero is primarily to kill monsters.

Combat-specialized heroes kill monsters.

If specialized in support, they assist those who kill monsters.

If even support is difficult, they develop the skills and equipment necessary to kill monsters.

It is natural for a combat-oriented Ha Yul to enter dungeons where monsters appear, and there was no reason to stop her.

On the contrary, it would be ridiculous to obstruct her.

It is not something to be stopped when someone wants to become a hero.

Therefore, she did not stop her then, and she regretted that choice.

And even now… there was no reason to stop her.

Artla remained silent for a while. After some time had passed, she hesitantly opened her tightly closed mouth.

Uncharacteristically, her voice was cautious and soft.

“…Alright, have a safe journey.”

It was a similar response to before.

* * *

‘…Did I make a mistake?’

I observed Professor Atla’s hesitant steps as she walked slowly. It was different from her usual… feeble footsteps.

She gradually moved further away, eventually disappearing beyond my spatial perception.

There was no one left in the old training ground. I absentmindedly mumbled to myself before letting out a deep sigh.

As I wiped my neck, the sweat that had disappeared came pouring out.

More accurately, it was cold sweat.

Fluttering a hand fan in front of my face, I recalled the recent situation.

After finishing the feedback session, I informed Professor Atla that I would be away over the weekend.

I also mentioned that I planned to visit a dungeon.

I had already received permission from Siyolam. A few days ago, I inquired about it, and shortly after, I received the approval message.

Since I wouldn’t be meeting Professor Atla over the weekend, it would be fine to just return without saying anything, but as she was my major professor, I thought it best to inform her in advance.

‘What was it…’

Professor Atla’s demeanor just now was clearly different from usual.

When I mentioned visiting a dungeon, her face froze coldly.

I felt my breath catch for a moment. It was an adult’s face filled with negative emotions, far from positive.

I managed to hold it in, but her face was so terrifying that my hands trembled.

Fortunately, her face relaxed after a while, but she showed strange signs like chewing her lips or wandering gaze.

‘A dungeon?’

She didn’t react much to going outside, but she had a strong reaction to the keyword ‘dungeon.’

She had shown a particular aversion to the topic of dungeons before.

Yet, she had extensive knowledge about dungeons.

It was a strange contradiction.

Perhaps she had not made an effort to overcome her dislike of dungeons due to some reason.

However, judging by today’s reaction, that reason seemed unsatisfactory.

Professor Liana had also said so.

Despite her rough and dirty demeanor, she was a person with various circumstances.

It was a valid point.

Since Professor Atla was ultimately human, it was natural that she had some circumstances that led her to reject dungeons.

– Tsk

There is no person without circumstances. The moment I recalled that sentence, my feet suddenly stopped.

Everyone has their own circumstances. Not everything in the world follows a clear right or wrong path.

What seemed right at the time could turn out to be a wrong choice in the end, and vice versa.

There is no person without circumstances. Everyone has their own story.

In that case…

Did my parents have circumstances too? Was there a reason they treated me that way? Did they have to… have a reason?

“Damn it.”

It was a premise I didn’t want to think about.

Grinding my teeth, I pulled my legs that had stopped and prepared to go outside.

.

.

.

It goes without saying that Siyolam offers various benefits to students.

Although it’s difficult to list them all due to the numerous regulations, one of the main benefits is rewards based on points… academic rewards based on grades.

Students receive grades based on the education they receive at Siyolam and various evaluations they undergo.

The scores they received during dungeon practice, pop quizzes, or simple practical exams, like the ones from the current tower entry, are examples.

These grades not only serve as proof of achievement but also come with significant rewards.

“1,000 points…”

The grade I received from the Tower of Growth was 1,300 points, of which I had left 300 points as the value of a wish.

While I had obtained scores from dungeon practice and other exams, they were not as substantial as the scores from the tower.

It was currently Friday afternoon.

Since my major lecture had ended, I could go straight to the gate terminal, but before that, I planned to exchange my grades for an artifact.

In the original work as well, I had to make good use of these grades.

The Tower of Growth is an educational institution where top-ranked individuals from the world of rescue gather, so the rewards listed in the catalog are quite diverse.

In other words, there were artifacts that were no less impressive than Hidden Pieces.

Of course, there are differences in grade and practicality for each Hidden Piece. The artifacts listed in the catalog also varied greatly in value depending on the type.

There weren’t many artifacts that could be obtained in a short period of time.

However, it was actually quite dangerous to wander around the external dungeons alone.

Whether it’s a Snowball or whatever, if I die, it’s all over, so I plan to grab artifacts that will help me in my full power.

After looking through the original knowledge and the catalog, I decided on the artifact to take.

Intermediate-grade artifact “Wing of the Sky”

An artifact made of a transparent cloth that flutters in the sky, with the protective power determined by the purity of the infused magic.

It is a selection considering the purity of the magic that is praised as my advantage in the surroundings.

It also has an automatic recovery function that consumes magic and a remote control function that can be operated individually when skilled.

Simply looking at the functions, it is a function that would be positioned at the top even in the upper grade, but maintaining the purity of magic is not easy.

Therefore, since there are smooth operating conditions for the purity of magic, it was measured at a slightly lower grade. It shows a performance equivalent to an intermediate grade for most users.

But if I, with a very high purity of magic, use it, it will show decent performance.

With expectations, I headed towards the Central Administration Office located near the Central Square.

Important matters, including the distribution of artifacts, are handled by the Central Administration Office.

Running at a moderate speed, I quickly arrived at the Central Administration Office.

“Long time no see, Student Lee Hayul. I am Vice Principal Venus Littera, in charge of artifact distribution.”

I met eyes with the Vice Principal, who seemed to be welcoming me. The Vice Principal, who bowed his head once, looked towards me with his faint purple eyes.

Feeling a bit surprised by the unexpected appearance, I bowed in return.

It had been almost a month since our last meeting.