As we were about to finish our dinner while engaging in lighthearted conversation, a sudden realization struck me. I hadn't yet informed Headmaster Hartley about something important. As we all began to rise from our seats, I mustered the courage to speak up.
"Headmaster Hartley, there's something I need to tell you. Could we have a moment to talk?" I asked, feeling a tinge of nervousness.
The headmaster, with a gracious nod, replied, "Of course, Alex. Follow me to my library."
He shifted his attention toward the two girls in the room and said, "You two may continue with your evening. I have some private matters to discuss with Alex."
Feeling a little nervous, I added with a slight quiver in my voice, "Good night, Sierra, Lynda."
We both walked towards the headmaster's library with me following behind. There was a slight air of solemnity that surrounded us. The silence added to my unease. Trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere, the headmaster turned to face me a little as we walked.
"What is it that you wanted to discuss?" he inquired, his eyes focused on me.
Looking around to ensure our conversation remained private, I took a step closer to the
Headmaster, my embarrassment evident on my face. "Well, I was teleported into a room in a building near the edge of the cliff, and it was locked,"
I confessed, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "I had to break the lock to get out."
Upon hearing this, the headmaster chuckled, turning slightly toward me. "Is that so? It appears that I had intended to have you teleported into my office, but I didn't anticipate you to arrive amidst the college holidays. It was an oversight on my part. I apologize for the inconvenience, Alex."
Relieved by his understanding, I couldn't help but inquire, "I won't have to pay for the door lock, right?"
Amused, the headmaster reassured me, "No, Alex. You won't be held accountable for something that was clearly my oversight."
Feeling at ease, we made our way toward the library. The headmaster then turned to me with curiosity in his voice. "That wasn't the only reason you wanted to talk, was it?"
I shook my head and replied, "No, there's something else I wanted to show you, something the apostles gave me. But I believe it would be best discussed once we're in the library."
He nodded and quickened his pace. I followed suit, matching his stride, and soon we arrived at the familiar location where the headmaster had initially met me. He opened the door, and we entered the library, taking our respective positions as before.
As we settled into our seats, the headmaster's curiosity piqued. "What is it that you wanted to show me?" he inquired, anticipation in his voice.
Reaching into my storage ring, I retrieved the book that the apostles had given me, containing the technique to condense untamed mana into a crystallized state.
Carefully, I explained that the crystal could only be used by me to expand my mana pool, while for anyone else, it would act like a poison, temporarily depriving them of the ability to use mana. Moreover, absorbing a large quantity of the crystal could even lead to a person mutating into a monster.
During the conversation, I learned that untamed mana was more commonly referred to as wild mana in this world.
We delved into the intricacies of the technique, carefully considering its potential risks and benefits. It was unanimously agreed that the headmaster would actively seek out suitable individuals who could comprehend and master this unique method.
To facilitate further examination, the headmaster utilized a peculiar machine that resembled a treasure chest. As I observed, he placed the book inside, and the contents were instantly duplicated onto the papers stored within. It was reminiscent of a photocopier but without the need to copy each page individually.
As our discussion gradually came to a close, my mind couldn't help but wander, contemplating the potential disparities between the worlds.
Even though some things appeared similar, they were in the end different and I still had a lot of new things to explore and discover.
After discussing about the technique, I asked about the thing that has been bothering me: Dungeons.
"I have a question," I began hesitantly, "Have there been any dungeons before my arrival, and when can we expect the appearance of the dungeons? Is their occurrence random, and do we have any knowledge regarding their locations? Furthermore, if multiple dungeons emerge simultaneously, how do we plan to tackle them?"
In an instant, the headmaster's demeanor shifted from casual to serious, and he responded with a somber tone,
"The existence of dungeons is not a new phenomenon," the headmaster began, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "Throughout history, dungeons have periodically appeared in various locations across our world. They appear periodically but the Apostles have told me that a large number of them will be appearing in the near future. Their emergence is not entirely random, although the exact timing and locations can be unpredictable."
He paused briefly, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "As for the number of dungeons that may arise simultaneously, it can vary. Sometimes we may face multiple dungeons appearing concurrently, while most of the time there have been long intervals between their occurrences. But it is predicted that this time multiple dungeons will be appearing simultaneously."
Leaning forward, the headmaster's gaze focused intently on me. "Dealing with dungeons is a task that requires careful planning, teamwork, and precise execution. The Academy has established protocols and a specialized team known as the Dungeon Exploration Unit, responsible for exploring and neutralizing the threats posed by these dungeons."
He paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in before offering reassurance.
"Rest assured, Alex, the Academy has dealt with dungeons for generations, and we have developed strategies and countermeasures to face them. Our priority is to ensure the safety of both our students and the surrounding areas affected by dungeon appearances."
After a brief pause, the headmaster continued, "The armies of various countries are also dealing with dungeons appearing in the areas under their jurisdiction. There has been no way to remove dungeons until now, so we had to periodically clear the dungeons until the wild mana dissipates."
My apprehension eased slightly upon hearing the headmaster's confident words. It was evident that the Academy and most of the countries had a well-structured approach to handle such challenges, and the Dungeon Exploration Unit played a crucial role in mitigating the dangers associated with dungeons around here.
The headmaster continued, his tone firm yet resolute, "As the representative of the elements, you need to be aware of the existence of dungeons and the potential risks they pose. In due time, you will receive proper training and guidance on how to handle these situations. At the Academy, we prioritize the student's safety and the safety of all the people in the surrounding region."
I nodded, absorbing the information and the seriousness of the situation. It was clear that dungeons presented a significant threat that required vigilance and preparedness. However, I felt a sense of reassurance knowing that the Academy had a dedicated unit and established protocols to tackle these challenges.
With a sense of determination, I expressed my readiness to face whatever lay ahead.
"Thank you for clearing my doubts, Headmaster. I understand the gravity of the situation, and I'm prepared to learn and train diligently to contribute to the safety and well-being of mankind."
The headmaster's gaze softened, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion, Alex. Your enthusiasm and dedication are commendable. Remember, we are here to support and guide you throughout your journey."
Feeling a surge of motivation, I nodded gratefully. The responsibility of facing dungeons was a weighty one, but with the headmaster's guidance and support, I was determined to embrace the challenge head-on.
As we concluded our discussion, the headmaster motioned for us to rise from our seats. "It has been a productive conversation, Alex. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to seek my guidance. You need to wake up early tomorrow to train with one of my friends."
I nodded and said, "I will headmaster, and thank you again for your time.
As we left the room, I traveled towards my room, while thinking about the day and what lay ahead of me on my journey.
When I reached the room and sat on the bed, I cleared my head and thought about what I needed to do. I remember seeing a bag in the storage ring, I had forgotten about it during all that was happening around me.
I took it out of the storage ring and inspected it to see what was in it. When I opened it, there was a glass bottle with a light green potion in it along with a book and piece of paper next to it.
I first inspected the piece of paper, it appeared to be some kind of letter. Upon opening it, I read what was written on it.
"To whoever is reading this,
My name is Henry Menderson. I need to say that I do not currently know what you experienced and when you are reading this letter. I am a simple old man who owes the apostles a great favor. You should be the chosen representative of the Elements and for you, I have prepared this gift. The vial contains the healing liquid of a hundred-year-old Revitalerth plant and alongside it are the offensive spells of the healing element, I personally devised. I advise you to practice them with caution. Lastly, if you ever find one of my descendants in Avaloria, I request you to help them as long as it is not inconvenient.
Good Luck on your journey, Representative of the Elements"
How did I end up with this after a long and tiring day in a new world? I wonder if ill be able to rest today.
But, after pondering slightly and seeing no immediate benefit, I stored all the items again in the storage ring and finally went to sleep.