ALL NOVEL Chapter 28
Dungeon practice will be held over two days, Monday and Tuesday. To be precise, the limit is indeed two days. You must not exceed the two days, but if you can, you can quickly clear it and take a break.
The announcement of the group assignments was posted at 7 AM. The dungeon practice began the moment the announcement went up.
Now, we can check our group members, come together, head to the dungeon mentioned in the announcement, and we’ll wrap it up once we achieve the conditions.
Originally in the source material, if the players intended to shorten their time, they could potentially clear it around lunchtime; it was a repetitive event.
– Ding!
At that moment, my smartwatch buzzed. Let’s check, it was a notification that I’d been invited to a group chat.
▷‘Elia Slade’ has invited ‘Lee Ha-yul’, ‘Atila Blerro’, ‘Nam Yeon-jung’, and ‘Aidan Reynolds’.
Elia Slade: Hello! I’ve made a chat room for Group 11! (Today 7:02)
Elia Slade: How about we gather nearby to discuss the leader and clearing schedule? (Today 7:02)
Atila Blerro: Sounds good! I’ll head out right now (Today 7:03)
Nam Yeon-jung: Agreed (Today 7:03)
The dungeon we were instructed to tackle is located within Shio-ram. The reason for deliberately leaving some dungeons untouched even after exploration and subjugation is that they will be used for future education.
That’s why Shio-ram is absurdly gigantic. Not only does it accommodate various training facilities and commercial establishments for the residents, but it is also overflowing with managed dungeons.
Me: Agreed (Today 7:04)
After leaving my reply in the chat room, I finished packing my things. Fortunately, the supplies Professor Atra had packed all fit into a bag enchanted with space expansion magic.
After organizing the books I had been looking at back on the shelves, I double-checked my luggage just in case.
Nothing was left behind. I packed everything. Only then did I exit the library and head out.
*
“Ha-yul, over here!”
I arrived at the address posted in the chat. It was a cafe of reasonable size, and everyone was gathered on the second floor. I could see Elia waving through the open space with no glass windows.
[Sorry for being late. I just got here.]
“It’s fine. I just arrived too. Oh, I ordered for you too.”
Inside, four people were gathered around a round table. I sat in the empty seat next to Elia.
Elia greeted me with a bright smile, while the other group members offered awkward greetings.
“……”
“……”
Still, the most awkward one was undoubtedly that person.
Aidan Reynolds… he was also glancing at me very awkwardly. When we exchanged greetings, I thought we looked like two stiff mannequins.
The girl seated next to him was regarding Aidan with a very pitying expression. She was the cadet who had smacked his back during the last duel and scolded him.
Fortunately, it seemed that the remnants of last duel’s emotions had not lingered. I had worried what would happen if any unnecessary grudges were left, but it seemed that was needless worry.
A moment later, a staff member came in and placed drinks and some light snacks on the table. I ordered orange juice, while the other members chose various fruit juices and coffee.
As everyone took a sip of their drinks, Elia tapped the table.
“Shall we start with self-introductions? I’m Elia Slade, a support major. My unique ability is recovery-related. Nice to work with you for the next two days!”
Once Elia opened the floor, everyone introduced themselves one after the other.
“I’m Nam Yeon-jung, a combat major. My unique ability is spear techniques. I handle spears as my main weapon. Nice to meet you.”
Nam Yeon-jung stood out with his solid and agile physique, which was evident from the spear leaning against the nearby wall.
“I’m Atila Blerro, a combat major. My unique ability is a hybrid, focusing on shields and physical skills. I’ll do my best.”
Atila Blerro had a sharp gaze like a cat, giving off a prickly vibe. There was no gear in sight; she might have stored it in a spatial pouch.
“I’m Aidan Reynolds, also a combat major. My unique ability is swordsmanship.”
And then there was the robust-looking Aidan Reynolds from our last meeting.
Finally, everyone’s gaze fell on me. I lifted the hologram of my pre-written introduction.
[I’m Lee Ha-yul. My unique ability is detection-based. Nice to meet you.]
After the introductions, we promptly dove into the main topic. Elia, the one who opened the chat room, took the lead.
“It would be easier to decide on a leader first. Is there anyone who wants to take on the leader role?”
Elia looked around.
Nam Yeon-jung shyly averted his gaze, seemingly reluctant to take the leader’s position.
Aidan, who had been awkwardly glancing at me, then turned to Atila, who was sipping her coffee.
“Wouldn’t it be better if you did it?”
“What?”
Atila raised an eyebrow as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. With her already sharp features, her reaction made her even more intimidating.
Aidan hesitated, but calmly continued.
“Typically, the tank handles the leader role in small parties. You’re the only tank here.”
“True, but…”
Because tanks often play a crucial role in a party, it tends to be the case that a tank becomes the leader in small teams.
With a frown, Atila pondered for a moment.
“Isn’t that an overthought? You’re only going to be doing it for a couple of days. It could be over in a day at this rate.”
“You say that while trying to pass it on to me?”
“Sorry.”
Atila sharply retorted towards Aidan, who was inserting a few interjections from the side. Seeing Aidan shrink back and Atila respond with familiarity showed that both were indeed from the same academy.
“Well then, I’ll take on the leader role for now. I’ve been a leader a few times at the academy, but don’t set your expectations too high.”
Atila scratched her head as she glanced over at Elia, who merely nodded in response, signaling for her to lead further.
It seemed obvious they expected the leader to take charge now that one had been decided. Sighing lightly, Atila continued.
“Let’s draft a plan now.”
Afterwards, we laid out a standard operation plan. We discussed the strengths of each member, when to enter, and how to tackle the dungeon under Atila’s guidance.
…
“Radius of one hundred meters? Constant activation? Detection ability?”
[Yes.]
“Wow…”
…
“Um… Given the last match, is it possible for combat as well?”
[I’m training in combat during my major classes. I’m still inexperienced but can handle it in emergencies.]
“Oh…”
…
“What’s that staff for?”
[It’s a mana storage staff. I’m still inexperienced with combat, but I can handle a few basic spells, so I brought it along.]
“Ah…”
There was a strange atmosphere during the process of assessing everyone’s strengths, but the conversation went on in a generally good mood.
The conclusion came quickly.
We decided to use both days generously without overdoing it. While some might want to speed things up for a high evaluation, we concluded that we would aim for stability.
The front line was assigned to Atila and Nam Yeon-jung. I and Elia, who had a detection ability and recovery ability respectively, would form the center, while Aidan would handle the rear, prepared for surprise attacks.
“Let’s do a final check to make sure we didn’t miss anything, and then we’ll head out right away.”
It probably took us about an hour. Atila quickly wrapped up the meeting and led us to the dungeon.
She said she had been a leader a few times at the academy, and she certainly appeared comfortable.
Upon arriving at the dungeon.
After confirming with the Shio-ram personnel managing the dungeon, we moved past the facilities.
As I walked ahead, I felt the flow of mana swirling beyond my spatial perception. That must be the entrance to the dungeon.
– Whoooosh…
Just as the flow of mana brushed against my perception, it sent a peculiar tremor. Immediately, I closed my spatial perception and grabbed Elia’s sleeve.
“Ha-yul?”
[I turned off my ability because I was worried something might happen like last time.]
“When you say last time… Ah.”
I briefly let go of her sleeve and tapped my smartwatch. Elia’s expression showed intrigue turning into a little gasp.
Back then, I hadn’t even realized how dangerous it was. While it seemed unusual now, it didn’t feel threatening. But just to be safe, I decided to fold my perception.
If, like last time, I suddenly ended up in the basement, not just me but everyone nearby would be affected.
I decided to postpone resolving my curiosity until later.
At that moment, someone yanked my hand. The unexpected contact made me involuntarily flinch.
“Stop grabbing my sleeve like that; just hold it for a bit.”
It was Elia, pulling my hand away from her sleeve and holding it tightly.
Before I could even feel confused by the warmth of her hand, Elia guided me toward the dungeon.
My eyes were closed. Thanks to the mana affinity, I could feel people’s positions and the dungeon entrance, but I couldn’t see the unevenness of the floor.
If I let go, I could trip; hence, I held on tightly.
With my vision blocked and the information from my perception shut off, it indeed felt as if I were the only person in this world.
Thinking that, I couldn’t help but marvel at how I used to navigate through life without these abilities.
“?”
Suddenly, I felt a tickle at the back of my head. It felt as if our eyes met.
Before I could think deeply about it, we entered the dungeon, accompanied by a sensation akin to plunging into the sea.
*
Lee Ha-yul’s new form plunged into a blue vortex. The body that had been quivering like a shadow suddenly vanished. The subtle presence that had been felt also disappeared.
“……”
Dungeons are isolated spaces from the outside world. Aside from the designated entry points, there are no passages in or out, and there are few ways to know what lies inside.
Thus, unless the mana concentration inside dramatically increases, it’s difficult to determine what kind of incident has occurred.
Even a sudden change in mana concentration signifies nothing more than a precursor to collapse, making it increasingly tough to ascertain any accidents inside.
“Phew…”
What on earth am I doing? What a pathetic state to be in. A deep sigh escaped me as I pondered a thought that suddenly came to me. If this is a sickness, then I must be truly sick.
Just as I was turning my head in self-deprecation, a gust of wind whirled from behind.
Simultaneously, a soft voice mingled with the breeze reached my ears.
“Um… I seem to have imagined something a bit intrusive. But isn’t it a bit unavoidable? This feels basically like stalking.”
“…If you realize it’s intrusive, you should exercise some restraint.”
That voice was familiar. Especially one I’d heard often in the African frontlines. Atra squinted her eyes, brushing off her fluttering attire, and turned around.
As the wind died down, landing softly in front of me was Liana, who wore a playful smile.
“Cadet love is quite special, huh?”
“Stop talking nonsense.”
“Considering you came to check out what I said, it’s not really nonsense. But wouldn’t it have been nice to at least say a word to wish me well?”
Her words felt casually spoken. But Atra only furrowed her brows more deeply.
– Take care of yourself. Always stay alert.
– Hmph! This is a piece of cake for me! Don’t underestimate me! I’ll deal with this swiftly and be back for a re-challenge, so wait for me!
It was an unpleasant memory. A past I would have now completely forgotten. Atra suppressed her murky emotions and shook her head.
“I’ll stop with the idle chatter now. I have things to attend to.”
My business is done. I regretted my actions of coming out to check once again.
Without hesitation, Atra turned away. With no major lectures over the next two days, she thought of focusing on personal training.
“Want to grab a drink after a long time? I found a quiet and pleasant place since I have no lectures tomorrow.”
“Drink alone.”
“Hey, it’s also about the cadet Lee Ha-yul.”
“…Tch.”
As I clicked my tongue and turned away, I saw Liana grinning cheerfully. Her face seemed to say, ‘You wouldn’t say no to this, would you?’
Sure enough, she must have intended to bring up something related to Lee Ha-yul while drinking. The fact that it was amidst drinking was indeed an issue.
After a moment of hesitation, Atra reluctantly nodded.