The shifting glow of the campfire danced across the faces of the students, revealing a mix of nerves and excitement as they gathered around its warmth, awaiting Haruka-sensei's instructions.
As Haruka scanned her students, a sense of relief washed over her. It was reassuring to see that they had shed much of their fear of delving into the dungeon. Could it be that their success in dispatching the goblins had lifted some of their trepidation? Haruka mused silently as she addressed her students.
"Alright, everyone, listen up. Now that you've had ample time to rest, it's time to ready yourselves for what lies ahead. But don't get too comfortable just because you've dealt with the goblins and cleared the first floor. That was merely the beginning." Her tone grew stern, causing a few students to shift uncomfortably. "As you progress to the second floor, you'll encounter a range of new challenges. Enemies may ambush us or set traps in deviously hidden spots. Each of you must remain vigilant and be prepared to defend yourselves. Clear?"
"Yes! Haruka-sensei!!"
After receiving Haruka's solemn evaluation of the dungeon's hazards, a wave of apprehension washed over them. However, bolstered by the renowned combat prowess of Keisuke-Kun and Hiroshi-senpai's group, known for their skill in confronting monsters, they found a glimmer of reassurance. Despite Haruka's stern admonitions, they permitted themselves to ease their guard, banking on the notion that trailing behind these seasoned groups would provide safety. They reasoned that the companions of Keisuke and Hiroshi would serve as their protectors in the event they were unable to fend off danger.
"What a collection of fools..." Their expressions left me dumbfounded, as if I were witnessing a display of utter absurdity. What could possibly be going through their minds? Despite Haruka-sensei's thorough warnings about the imminent dangers, they appeared to dismiss her words without a second thought. Did they honestly believe that seeking refuge behind Keisuke-Kun's or Hiroshi-senpai's group would shield them from harm? Such foolish notions! I struggled to grasp the logic behind their decisions, unable to fathom their thought process.
"Hm? Did you say something, Haruto-Kun...?" Asuka woke from her slumber, casting a curious glance at Haruto, who appeared lost in thought, sporting a somewhat vexed expression.
"What's troubling you? Haruto-Kun, you seem rather perturbed. Has something upset you?" Asuka inquired, noticing the subtle signs of agitation on Haruto's face.
"Well, Watanabe-senpai... and why the sudden switch to calling me by my name? Weren't you using my family name before?" Haruto's confusion was evident as Asuka unexpectedly addressed him with familiarity.
"I simply didn't want to feel left out when Ai and Hikari were addressing you by name. Besides, as the one who first engaged with you, I feel entitled to use your name first!" Asuka's tone conveyed a sense of pride, with a hint of haughtiness as she recounted their initial encounter. For her, stumbling upon Haruto was akin to achieving a personal triumph; girls who observed him closely found his quality to be quite captivating.
"I get it." Watanabe-senpai's insistence on using my name first left me perplexed.
"Okay, spill it. What's on your mind?"
Haruto was about to respond when Ai interjected, "Haruka-sensei just briefed the students about the challenges awaiting them on the second floor..." Her interruption halted Haruto's explanation. Ai had woken up before Asuka and, as she observed Asuka sleeping peacefully against Haruto's shoulder, she leaned in closer, her body gently leaning against his, to study Asuka's tranquil expression.
Feeling the weight of her body against his, Haruto couldn't help but feel pressured. He silently lamented to himself, wondering why Suzuki-senpai seemed so unaware of her actions, pressing her soft curves against his arm as if she couldn't sense his discomfort. Haruto grumbled internally, questioning why she didn't realize how uncomfortable he felt. Despite his frustration, he listened to Haruka's instructions, all the while aware of Ai's soft form pressing against him.
As Asuka stirred awake a few minutes later, followed by Hikari, who seemed to have been roused by Ai's movements. "They're far too relaxed given the circumstances," Ai remarked with a hint of annoyance. "Instead of paying attention to Haruka-sensei, they're overly reliant on Keisuke-kun and his group. It's going to be problematic for them later if they continue like this," she concluded, her concern evident in her tone.
"Hmm... I think it's fine. Don't you think that after taking a beating a few times, they'll come to realize that relying on others will only make them weaker, even after leveling up?!" Hikari remarked, leaning her head on Ai's shoulder. Watching the students chatting with their friends, she thought that ultimately, they would have to make their own decisions. If they made mistakes, they could still provide support. As their seniors, it was their duty to shield them from danger, but that didn't mean they needed to constantly babysit them.
"Let's allow them to experience the challenges of dungeon exploration for now. Hikari is right; our role is to protect them from harm. Once they grasp the risks involved, they'll naturally learn to fend for themselves," Asuka remarked calmly, her hands gently caressing her cheeks. She made a conscious decision not to pay attention to Haruka-sensei's students. Apart from Haruto-kun and a few girls who seemed to be giving her hostile looks, she had no interest in them. Oh? They're still staring over here. Heee... could it be that they're interested in Haruto-kun?
While overhearing the conversation among the seniors, I comprehended the gist of their discussion. However, I felt conflicted about whether to view their consideration for the students' safety as praiseworthy or to criticize their approach of exposing them to potential danger to educate them about the risks of dungeon exploration. Lost in this dilemma, Watanabe-senpai discreetly pulled at my shirt beneath my leather armor.
"Yes, Watanabe-senpai, what's the matter? Why are you tugging on my shirt?"
"I wanted to ask you something. Are you close to Mio and Ichika...? And that pretty boy, Hinata? I've noticed them glaring at us for a while now."
"Well, I befriended Mio and Ichika before summer vacation, and I got to know Hinata through them. Why do you ask?"
"They've been keeping an eye on us for some time, and I'm curious about why they're so interested."
Casting a glance their way, it was evident they were glaring at me intensely. I understand why Nakaya-san and Nishikawa-san might be giving me the stink eye, but Abe-san's stare puzzled me. What could be the cause of his piercing gaze? Could it be that he harbors feelings for Watanabe-senpai? If that's the case, then I can only offer my apologies! I appreciate Watanabe-senpai's company; she's quite amiable. I'm sorry, Abe-san, but I won't leave her side!
Mio's frosty gaze was fixed firmly on Haruto and Asuka, emanating an icy chill that sent shivers down Ichika's spine. Who did she think she was, cozying up to my Haruto-kun like that!? Even if she was our senior, she had no right to be so friendly with him! He should keep his distance from her; he belongs to me, and me alone!! Mio's irrational thoughts echoed incessantly in her mind. Despite the situation, Mio's icy stares and sharp eyes were enough to elicit squeals of "kyaaaaa! Kyaaaa!" from onlookers, both male and female.
Ever since junior high, Mio had been tailing Haruto like a relentless shadow. She would forsake her best friend Ichika to stalk Haruto during her free time, observing his every move and interest. Through her clandestine surveillance, she became familiar with his habits and preferences, often hiding behind walls whenever Haruto came close to discovering her presence. If she spotted another girl engaging in lively conversation with him, it would almost drive her mad, although she managed to rein in her emotions after witnessing such scenarios numerous times.
Mio was acutely aware of her intense infatuation with Haruto, and despite her earnest attempts, she found herself unable to rein in her overpowering emotions. Understanding the potential consequences, she diligently sought lessons on emotional regulation during her early years before high school. She dedicated herself to mastering self-control, and upon encountering Haruto in high school, her immediate priority after completing her schoolwork was to forge a friendship with him.
Now, however, she found herself teetering on the brink of losing control over her emotions. Taking a deep breath, she made a concerted effort to steady herself, blocking out any negative thoughts that threatened to overwhelm her.
"Ichika... do you think Asuka-senpai has feelings for Haruto-kun?" Mio's use of Haruto's name signaled trouble to Ichika. She was all too familiar with Mio's patterns; whenever she referred to him so informally, it usually meant she was either furious or smitten. Seeing her friend's stern expression now, Ichika sensed it was the former.
"I'm not sure... but I believe she enjoys eating the food Haruto prepares," Ichika responded after pondering for a moment.
"I... I haven't even had a chance to taste Haruto-kun's homemade dishes..." Mio nearly welled up with tears upon realizing that another woman had savored Haruto's cooking. It dawned on her that Asuka had been enjoying Haruto's meals even before they entered the dungeon. Mio felt foolish for not noticing this sooner.
"Come on, Mio... don't look so upset... I hate to see you distressed over this..."
"I'm not upset, I just feel foolish for thinking I was the only one who appreciated Haruto-kun's kindness."
Ichika sympathized with her friend's predicament. What comforting words could she offer in this moment, other than admiring Mio's charming yet somewhat naive demeanor? Mio's current expression was so endearing that Ichika was tempted to plant a kiss on her cheek, but she refrained, mindful of Mio's potential reaction. Instead, she enveloped Mio in a warm embrace, wrapping her arms around her waist.
"I'll assist you in finding an opportunity to spend time alone with Yoshikawa-san. We have all the time we need here in the dungeon, so don't feel disheartened."
"Really...!?"
"Yes, absolutely!"
Ichika effectively tackled Mio's dilemma, and the two found comfort in each other's arms, momentarily oblivious to the curious glances of those around them.
Witnessing their camaraderie, their peers began seeking out their own friends, engaging in private discussions about their personal lives. Despite having already briefed them on the matter, Haruka chose to remain silent, granting them a brief reprieve. She considered it fortunate that their morale remained intact following their encounter with the goblins. After a bit more rest, they would venture into the second floor, where they would soon confront the true horrors of the dungeon!