Almost forgetting about my team, I utilized my spatial magic to swiftly arrive at the spot where I had mentioned I was going to relieve myself. As I approached our campsite, I noticed Natalie already taking her turn for the night lookout. Our eyes met, breaking the silence.
"So, Natasha said you were just stepping out for a moment, but it's been two hours. What happened?" Natalie inquired.
"Oh, while I was scouting for a suitable spot, I heard someone screaming. I rushed towards the source and found the Earl of the Spear Clan in grave danger, so I intervened," I explained.
"Oh, the prideful guy. It's rare to hear that he accepted help, especially from you. I hope he haven't offended you. He tends to be that way, but he's not a bad person," Natalie said, her expression tinged with concern.
"No need to apologize. I've encountered many like him. In my opinion, he could use some improvement, especially considering the current situation," I replied.
"What situation?" Natalie asked, curious.
Before I could respond, our smartwatch alarm went off.
---
**Emergency Evacuation Message for Students:**
Attention all students currently inside the dungeon,
An urgent situation has arisen, and we must initiate an immediate evacuation of the dungeon. Please gather at the designated exit point without delay. Leave all non-essential items behind and prioritize your safety above all else.
This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill. Follow the instructions of your teachers and designated staff members as they guide you to safety.
Stay calm, move swiftly, and assist your fellow students as we evacuate the premises. Further instructions will be provided upon reaching the exit point.
Your cooperation is vital in ensuring a swift and orderly evacuation process.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
---
"What's happening?" Luna emerged from the tent, prompting Natasha to suggest we follow the alarm's instructions.
"Agreed. Let's pack up and leave our supplies," Natalie added.
Twenty minutes later, we were on our way to the dungeon exit, where we encountered other students injured, being tended to by teachers.
"What happened here?" Natalie asked, visibly shocked and concerned.
"Those cultist bastards targeted our school. Half of our senior students, who were supposed to assist us in case of a distress signal, are part of the devil cultists," one of the injured students angrily explained.
"Yes, they attacked our team. Did you encounter them?" another student, being treated by a teacher, inquired.
"No, we didn't encounter them. We've been at our campsite this whole time," Natalie clarified.
Before further discussions could ensue, the teacher announced that we should evacuate the dungeon after treating all injured students.
Exiting the dungeon, chaos ensued. Students cried while teachers appeared panicked. As I observed our peers, I overheard conversations indicating that only students from our dungeon had emerged, leaving those from the other dungeon unaccounted for.
As the students we aided informed the teachers, they rushed into the dungeon, only to find it inhabited solely by ogres, with no students in sight.
***
A day had passed since the incident. Other students are relieved that they weren't among the first to enter the school dungeon. The survival of other students is credited to Earl's heroic deeds, which spread like wildfire. However, the Sword School faces discrimination due to student disappearances, with many blaming evil cultists. Due to regulations, the school grants us a two-week break until the situation subsides. I feel sorry for the students who were beyond my reach during the incident but i will do everything i can to find them
***
In luxurious room filled with machinery, a guy polishing jewelry.
"Done. Let me see the status."
---
ITEM:Lotus Ring
ITEM RANK:D
TYPE:RING
DESCRIPTION:
Helps you recover 4 mana per minute.
Created by a nameless craftsman.
---
"Not bad. I already have three of these. I have plenty of jewelry in my inventory, like this other ring I'm wearing—a normal-looking black ring. It's one of my rewards from the king, called obsidian void ring. I transfer all items from my dimensional bag, to this ring. The bag is way too big to carry around. The other jewelry with protective abilities, I gave to my sister and mom. So, if something happens, those items can buy me time to save them. But I hope that never happens.
I still have 11 days before classes resume. By the way, Ferdinand is still training in my training room. I should tell him to take a break.
Leaving my crafting room, I saw Ferdinand swinging his sword, drenched in sweat. He's gained some muscle; he looks better now.
Looking at myself in the mirror, as average as always, I said to myself, "Ferdi, that's enough. Do you have other things to do?"
"None, master. I'm free for the whole break. Why do you ask?" he said after stopping and looking at me.
"I won't be able to train you all week. I have something to do. If you don't have anything else to do, keep training and practice the breathing techniques I taught you. Oh, and did you sign up for the school tasks commission? You can gain experience by completing commissions, even low-ranking ones. Ranking up will allow you to take on Subjugation monster-related quests. Real battle experience is invaluable. So, try to rank up," I said.
"Yes master" ferdi reply
"I'm leaving. You know the passcode to my apartment, right? Go home after your training. I have to go now. Bye," I said while heading towards the door.
While walking on the street, I saw a boy about to be hit by a truck. Using my blink ability, I hugged him and blinked out to save him.
"Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.
"Yes, thank you, big bro," he replied.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"My name is Puqer," he replied.
I frowned.
"Is that your real name?" I asked again.
"Yes, big bro. What's wrong?" he asked, looking confused.
"Oh, nothing," i replied. maybe it's a foreigner name i thought to myself.. and after that I noticed a middle-aged woman running towards us. After she arrived, she hugged the young boy.
"Are you Mother Puqer? I mean, are you mother of this puqer. ehem.. i mean his mother?" I asked.
"Yes, I am. Thank you for saving my child. Thank you so much."
After she thanked me profusely, I continued on my way.