Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Rachel was taciturn, making it difficult to read her emotions; moreover, despite wearing a school uniform skirt, she was sitting on a chair with her knees drawn up, holding a book that looked like a holy book. This sight made it impossible for me to look at her. While desperately trying to wipe the heat from my cheeks, my impression of her was that of a peculiar girl with a rather unique way of speaking.

"Finally, it's my turn! My name is Christia Elvia! Just call me Christia! I'm a sleeping lion who will surely become famous in the future! [Ability Value] is... Lv.2!"

The little human male student who introduced himself cheerfully... no, she was female... no, it felt more like a male student, since he was wearing a boy's uniform. Due to his race, he was the smallest in the group. His light blue hair was neatly combed, and his demeanor was different from the generally insecure little humans; his face was full of confidence.

"Huh! They're clearly a dwarf race, yet they've already reached Lv.2!?"

"Hmm, that's a great reaction! I'm the genius who will definitely surpass the Brave one day! The district's proudest rising star! Heh heh~~!"

This is exactly how Lily survived the "Expedition"!

Although it may be a bit hurtful to say this, the dwarf race is considered the weakest race because they are naturally too weak.

Even if there are indeed first-level adventurers like Mr. Finn and the four Jariba brothers in the world, very few of the little people have actually completed the [leveling up]. Even so, Chris still managed to reach Lv.2 in the outside world, where there are no dungeons... It's hard to tell if the "school district" is particularly good at nurturing talent, or if he's truly exceptionally gifted. Incidentally, including Iglin and Reggie, all members of the "Third Squad" are Lv.2.

Seeing my surprised expression, Chris put his hands on his hips, closed his eyes, and put on a smug look, puffing out his chest and straightening his head.

"More importantly, you super newbie (last place) listen up! Don't cause any trouble during the special (dungeon) internship! Stay put next to that half-elf over there!"

Iglin, already used to being with Chris, completely ignored him and gave me a harsh warning. Nina was furious at his attitude.

"Iglin, you can't talk down to Rabi like that! We've formed a team, we're teammates now, we should get along well..."

"Who are you calling an ally?! This kid is a complete nuisance! What if he randomly self-destructs in the dungeon?!"

Although I feel very sorry for Nina, what she said makes a lot of sense...

As I was feeling dejected after realizing I'd made a huge blunder, my classmate Leiqi, who was still engrossed in reading, whispered to me:

"At this point... what's the point of talking about harmonious coexistence... our understanding... is utterly worthless..."

"That's why we need to have a proper discussion now...! And we can't use those swear words, Rachel!"

"Don't worry, everyone! Whatever direction I'm heading will automatically become a smooth road! So you don't need to be afraid, just follow in my footsteps!"

Nina blushed as she tried to persuade Rachel, while Chris adopted an attitude of "I'm free to do whatever I want" and spoke freely.

...What's going on with this situation where there's absolutely no centripetal force?

Even from an objective perspective, it's clear that this group is acting independently...

"Excuse me... what's the story behind the claim that we're the worst squad in history?"

After I voiced my question, Nina, Eglin, and even Rachel all became more gloomy, but Chris, who was still radiant, remained unaffected.

Iglin spoke with a look that resembled someone who had just eaten a bitter melon:

"It means exactly what it says! We're the worst team in both the Badrband and the Combat Technology Department! All because these guys keep dragging me down...!"

"It's incomprehensible... this squad... hasn't been forced to disband yet... and... the one who's dragging us down... is clearly you..."

"Stop arguing! Just admire my dazzling aura! So sparkly~!"

Although it's not my place to say this, are they really okay?

Faced with the argument between Eglin and his classmates, each holding their own opinion and refusing to yield, I silently looked at Nina.

This kind and understanding girl let out a deep sigh that I have almost never heard before.

I began my campus life, and several days passed in the blink of an eye.

Thanks to Nina's help, I was able to barely keep up with the subjects that required note-taking.

Before breakfast, Nina would help me preview and review my lessons. During the day, I would go to school, and after nightfall, I would ask Nina to help me preview and review my lessons again.

Being slower-witted than other students and unable to grasp the essentials, I could only resort to cramming.

Thanks to Miss Ais's morning exercises and the baptism of the battlefield, I've become very accustomed to waking up early. So I always go to bed later than others and get up earlier to review my lessons, even having nightmares while thinking about schoolwork. The most surprising thing is that I actually manage to fully utilize the fatigue tolerance of a first-level adventurer in this kind of place. Also, I really can't hold my head up in front of Nina, because after she learned that I wanted to study independently, she readily helped me with my studies.

However, I'm more worried about the coordination among the members of the "Third Squad" than about my studies.

In fact, I had taken the initiative to talk to Eglin and others many times during the "skills" course, but I never saw how they cooperated in battle until the very end.

No matter how many times Nina called them, the other three always refused to participate, saying they wanted to practice on their own. Faced with this, Teacher Leon could only observe silently.

And so, the fourth day of campus life began.

The day of the "Special (Dungeon) Internship" has finally arrived.

"Wow────!! This is spectacular────!! I never expected the residents of Orario to welcome me so warmly!"

Chris blurted out those words the moment he passed through the southwest gate of Orario.

With the consent of both the "school district" and the labyrinth city, the students who stepped inside the massive city walls were surrounded by a shower of flowers scattered by the crowd, and the sound of welcoming music could be heard from afar. In short, the scene was so lively that it felt like a celebration was being held, with the entire city welcoming the arrival of outstanding students.

What's the situation now?

"Wow! Orario is such a glamorous city! Even though this is my first time here, it's so beautiful, Lavi!"

"That's what I'm saying..."

Wearing my red and white combat suit, I could only force a smile on my face, which made Nina call out, "Lavi?" and tilt her head in confusion.

Although I was also excited and exclaimed in surprise when I first arrived, this place looked more like an adventurer's city, and it wasn't really this bustling... In any case, I was sure it wasn't a place that was as lively as it was every day.

You can see a trendy dessert shop selling specialty nougat and honey on the side.

And a café displaying rare books.

In short, this Southwest Avenue is completely different from what I remember; it's lined with temporary shops designed to attract students. Furthermore, a quick glance at the side alleys revealed an incredibly stylishly decorated street, which startled me, making me wonder if this was really Oraly.

Aside from the various "familias," almost the entire labyrinth city is eager to recruit outstanding talents from the "school districts"... So, they're using this method in the hope of leaving a good impression on the students, right?

(Speaking of which, some students have already gone to buy things... Could it be that they're targeting students and trying to make a quick buck?)

If Lily were here, I could ask her for help...

"The kids from the 'school district' are here again."

"This year's dungeons are probably going to be just as turbulent~"

...I overheard the adventurers whispering like this in the distance.

Unlike Nina and the others, who were all smiles and looking around, I was the only one who felt uneasy.

"Students must go to the 'Guild Headquarters' to complete the procedures when accepting 'Special (Dungeon) Internship'... Rabi, can I entrust this to you?"

"Huh? I don't care... Nina, what about you?"

"I... I forgot to prepare some items, and I'd like to go to the shop in Orario to get some."

"Then I'll go with you! After all, a future hero should at least show his face at the guild! Come with me, Lavi!"

It was rare to see Nina acting so hesitantly, and although I was a little puzzled, my friends, including Eglin, also wanted to browse the weapon and prop shops, so we split up and agreed to meet at the entrance of the "Tower of Babel".

To avoid being recognized—and most importantly, to avoid running into anyone I knew—I arrived at the "Guild Headquarters" with a heavy heart. I finally managed to complete the necessary procedures at the counter and receive the "Internship Permit" issued by the guild. Incidentally, the person who served us was Miss Misia, who simply smiled and cheered us on, saying, "Good luck to you two juniors~", completely unaware of who I was.

In short, after we met up very smoothly, we entered the "Tower of Babel" together.

After navigating a long staircase leading down into the labyrinth, this "special (dungeon) internship" officially begins.

When entering the underground city from the surface, you can more or less feel a "change" in the surrounding atmosphere for a moment.

While this feeling may gradually become familiar with as the number of explorations increases and one stops paying attention to it, it is a completely different story for students visiting the dungeon for the first time.

Even the most outstanding students will eventually feel nervous due to their fear of the "unknown." Walking on an empty path, they will frequently look around, constantly on guard, wondering if a monster might emerge from the wall. I glanced at the other students' reactions, then put my large backpack back on.

"Super newbie (last place), don't make any rash moves! Just help collect the loot!"

"Okay, I understand..."

This is the first level of the underground city, also known as the "Path of Journey".

As the "Third Squad" surged forward, overtaking the other squads one after another, Iglin gave me this order with an unyielding attitude. Ever since the magic explosion incident, my obedience to Iglin has never changed.

(Nina seemed a little nervous, while the other three looked completely at ease. In fact, the three of them were walking side-by-side, a truly astonishing formation...)

I was at the very back of the group, with Nina in the center position, so the current formation was roughly a T-shape...

Compared to the other students who remained vigilant, the "Third Squad's" reaction was noticeably different; they seemed strangely unnerved. Whether you call them bold or reckless is debatable, but they certainly gave off a sense of "remaining calm." While it's unclear what tactics they would employ, this complete lack of tension might, in a way, be considered one of the "Third Squad's" strengths.

(Mr. Leon once asked me to help guide the "Third Squad"...)

Of course, I want to meet my teacher's expectations, but can I really do it if I have to hide my identity?

Ahead, you can see Iglin carrying a large hammer on his back.

Resembling a dual-swordsman, with two short swords tucked into her waistband, is a classmate named Leiqi.

Chris was wielding a two-handed sword almost as tall as himself and swinging it around.

Nina, who is holding a long staff, is likely a healer.

Putting aside the level, just having a healer in the team makes their combat power almost heaven-defying in the shallower parts of the dungeon.

It means we don't need to worry about any "mishaps" happening... although that's what I think...

I was probably the most nervous of all, constantly checking on the team from the rear to make sure they were safe.

“Gufu!”

"Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh!"

After passing through the main thoroughfare and turning down several side roads—

We finally encountered a monster. We were immediately met with a whole horde of goblins and earth spirits!

Facing the first encounter in the dungeon, when all the team members were in a state of readiness, Iglin was the first to rush out.

"Just stay there and watch! You complete newbie (last place)! I'll show you my brilliant tactics!"

"Ah, yes! Please take care of me!"

Eglin, ready to show off his skills, reached for the weapon on his back.

The moment he gripped the sledgehammer—his attitude changed drastically.

"—Ughh ...

"Huh?!?!"

Upon hearing this battle cry that abandoned all normal tone and behavior, I and the monsters exclaimed in surprise at the same time.

The dwarf, charging alone into the enemy ranks and wielding a massive hammer, had bulging muscles that were clearly visible even through his battle armor. Goblins and earth spirits were sent flying everywhere, screaming in agony as they were smashed to pieces, but the giant iron hammer seemed not to be satisfied and continued to bombard, smash, and crush the enemy!

Uh, where did the brilliant tactics go?!

"W-What happened?!"

"Actually, Iglin becomes a completely different person the moment he picks up the sledgehammer..."

“No way!?”

After Nina finished speaking, looking like she had a headache, I couldn't help but scream loudly.

If Eglin usually behaves more like a dwarf than a dwarf, that's one thing, but it really makes one wonder what his usual elegant demeanor was all about!

"You've got a knack for that, Iglin! But the real hero is me!"

"I made a move too."

As if this was the opportunity, Chris and Rachel also took action one after another.

As for what happened next—it was a terrible sight.

"Ughh ...

Witnessing this still-lasting and horrific scene from the perspective of a supporter, I couldn't help but let out a scream like a frog being crushed to death.

"Eglin! Don't rush ahead! Rachel and Chris, don't rush forward either!"

The squad leader (Nina) at the rear of the team quickly issued instructions.

The problem is, nobody is following orders!

Iglin charged into the swarm of "killer ants" all by himself, while Rachel seemed to be looking for other hunting grounds as she flew over his head. Chris, after shouting "I'll clear the way!!", rushed forward as if trying to take credit.

While the combination of "three forwards" and "one defender" is rather baffling, the biggest problem is that the team has become so stretched that it's impossible to control – that's just ridiculous!

And apart from Nina, everyone else is a forward/attacking player!?

This is no longer a team battle, but a solo fight x4!

"Um, is this really the first time for all of you to come to this floor... or rather, is this your first time in the dungeon?"

"Yeah, this is our first time here... but even after coming to the dungeon, it still turned out like this..."

After I changed my approach to asking, Nina seemed quite frustrated, indicating that this wasn't the first time this had happened.