I had the Basic Knowledge and Skill Control class again today. In my first class, I learned about the geography of the Steelwall surroundings: to the west, there is a large forest called the Mourning Forest, to the northwest a mountain range, Kasharh's Range. To the far east, there is the sea, and finally, to the southeast lies the rest of the Kingdom of Perceval as well as the Kingdom of Ruins, a realm of fallen men that is now considered the territory of abominable monsters…
During the Skill Control class, I continued to explore biomes, and tomorrow, I will have Basic Combat, where I will have to train against earth golems, and Monsterology, where the professor will introduce us to several monsters from the surroundings.
The day after tomorrow, I decide to leave early to train with my musket and return in time for the Dungeon Exploration class. The pavilion for this class is one of the largest in the academy. Upon entering, the room is shaped like a half-circle and overlooks a large door about ten meters high. The face of the door depicts an inverted star in a pentagon which is in turn in a hexagon. On each side, there is a marble statue of a woman in a dress. The one on the left holds a scepter in the air at a forty-five-degree angle, and the one on the right holds a sword in the same position. Above the door, a phrase is inscribed in a language unknown to me: Sequar te nesciente, sed fortes et confidentes redibo. I have no idea what it means, but it doesn't matter because the professor has just arrived.
"Come closer, all of you," indicates a middle-aged man. He has short, gray hair, and his face has firm and serious features.
Quickly like that, he gives me the impression of being a former soldier, at least according to those I have already met with my parents when I was little, I can't help but think.
Everyone comes closer, and he continues. "My name is Aurellius Silverstar, and I will be your professor for this year's Dungeon Exploration class. The objective of the course is to successfully emerge victorious from the dungeon each week. The dungeon is created and will be modified, every week, by the academy, so you will never be bored, and at the same time, you can gain experience."
For those who are not familiar with dungeons, it is a place where monsters are trapped and protect treasures. After being defeated, they reappear after a certain amount of time. Don't ask me how or why, no one knows. They are often thematic and filled with monsters and traps. Some have constraints, and others do not. They are found everywhere in the world of Farran. You'll see, as you grow up, there's a good chance you'll explore them, so that's why you're being prepared for them from the first year. Any questions?" he asks firmly.
No one answers, so he continues, pointing to a blue bin.
"Before you enter, take an amulet from this bin and wear it, because in the dungeon, in addition to finding treasures, you will encounter traps and monsters. If you suffer a fatal injury, the amulet will teleport you here safely. But you won't be able to return until next week.
I know this all seems rushed, but that's the reality. When you have to accomplish your missions or if you have to defend the city from a monster attack, you won't always have time to prepare. Do you understand?" he asks in his strong voice, looking at all of us.
Everyone answers "yes". The excitement in the class is palpable. He asks us to calm down and continues by telling us that each of us will enter the dungeon one by one. Once inside, we will have twenty-four hours to explore and exit. If we fail, the amulet will automatically teleport us back here, and the exercise will be considered a failure.
Just thinking about it, I start to get excited. After all, it's the first time I'm going to explore a dungeon!
We line up and enter one by one. Pepper, who is not too far ahead, turns around and tells me to find her if possible inside! I nod, and finally, it's my turn.