The next instant was a blur. In the blink of an eye, we were no longer in a classroom, but at the front of a wall with a gate built into it. Other than the obvious metal doors, the area we appeared in seemed to be a forest.
("Eh? Huh? What was that?") [Solace]
"Response: Activation of the spell |Teleport| has been detected." [Spirit Guide]
("Uh… thanks.") [Solace]
I scanned the surroundings as the light faded from my eyes. The students and Ross were all accounted for, and there were a few other people standing by the gated wall.
("Are those… armed guards?") [Solace]
Two people stood by the metal gate. It seemed like a not-so-fun job considering their expressions weren't very cheerful.
("...I'm going to ignore that. How about Fina?") [Solace]
Just as usual, Fina was top of her game. I didn't really get what she was doing, but she was strapping herself up with the vials we bought earlier and placing random items on.
("Hm. She looks good to go, how about the other people?.") [Solace]
As I looked around, I saw each one hastily put on necklaces, bracelets, and many other items in mere seconds. They pretty much were on par as Fina, but since I'm biased, I'll say that they were a bit behind.
("Yikes… They're way too serious for my liking.") [Solace]
By the time everyone finished gearing up, the teacher took charge.
"Is everyone finished?" [Ross]
A collective nod came across the students.
"Good. Just to explain since Fina is new to this, I will not be joining you all for this dungeon raid. Because of my status, I am only allowed to enter dungeons ranking from B to A." [Ross]
("B to A? ...Now I REALLY want to peek at her status." [Solace]
Ross handed a medallion to Nash, the green haired so-called "Support user".
("That reminds me… didn't he mention something about his hair color relating to his magic?") [Solace]
There wasn't a response from the Spirit Guide, so I just passed it off as a random thought.
"Nash, as the backline, keep this on you at all times. It's the entry permit for the dungeon." [Ross]
"I will." [Nash]
He nodded as he understood her words and placed the medallion in his pocket. Right after, he waved at the others to follow.
"Halt! State your identity and purpose." [Guard]
"We're students from the imperial academy and have come to gather materials from the dungeon." [Nash]
He flashed them the medallion and the guards nodded to each other.
"You may enter." [Guard]
The two guards grabbed the handles of the gates and pulled them wide open. For each inch that it shifted, a low creak came out.
("So that's the dungeon?") [Solace]
What I saw looked like a simple cave, or rather, an entrance to one.
"Before you enter, it is a must that you all acknowledge the risks and dangers in the dungeon. Is there anyone that does not agree with this?" [Guard]
There was no reply.
"...I see. Then may the gods be with you." [Guard]
"May the gods be with you." [Students]
The group repeated the blessing to the guards before entering. Though just as Fina was about to enter the dungeon, one of the guards changed their words.
"As for you, keep your wits about you. Good luck." [Guard]
"Thank you." [Fina]
Nodding her head, she followed Nash into the cave.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The inside of the cave was dark and damp. It was like the air was moist, but not humid at the same time.
("Not only is it kind of... gross… but it's kind of narrow.") [Solace]
The light faded as we went further in, and Nash moved to the back.
"I'll take front." [Jai]
Jai, the brown haired really big dude, moved to the front. It didn't seem that he brought much with him, but I didn't judge.
"Hey Nash, can you give us some light?" [Medley]
And then there was the bi- annoying girl. I didn't know what she had against Fina, but she still irked me.
"Burn brightly, kindle." [Nash]
A small light appeared in the air, floating above Jai.
"You have acquired the spell |Kindle|." [Spirit Guide]
And just like that, I got a new skill.
"Fina, please stand in front of me." [Nash]
"Understood." [Fina]
Speaking in a formal manner, she moved in front of Nash.
"Fina, have you been to a dungeon before?" [Nash]
"Of course not. What can we expect from a forsaken-" [Medley]
"Medley. Let her speak." [Nash]
"..." [Medley]
Nash's words silenced Medley, causing her to click her tongue in irritation.
"Now, Fina. Your answer?" [Nash]
"I have." [Fina]
("She has?") [Solace]
At this point, I didn't even know why I was being surprised. It wasn't even that long since I've entered this world, so of course there are some things I wouldn't know about Fina.
"I was taken on a tour through a cleared dungeon." [Fina]
"Interesting. Were you taught about formations?" [Nash]
The two talked as we traversed the dungeon, but I didn't have the leisure to listen in.
"Alert: Multiple unknown mana signatures have been detected." [Spirit Guide]
At that moment I went on high alert.
("Multiple unknown signatures? Considering the guide usually mentions something like that at a somewhat close range, they must be close.") [Solace]
My eyes darted around the cave, but it was too dark to see. It was worrying how little I could actually react in such a small space.
("Quickly, where are they?!") [Solace]
Though I wasn't sure it would work, I decided to take a shot in the dark.
("|Analyze|!") [Solace]
I aimed it towards the darkness, hoping it would find a target.
"Target not found." [Spirit Guide]
("|Analyze|! |Analyze|! |Analyze|!") [Solace]
"Target not found. Target not found. Target not found." [Spirit Guide]
("Damn it! Just lock on already! |Analyze|!") [Solace]
"Target found." [Spirit Guide]