A few hours later the class had ended.
I enjoyed the subjects to be honest, especially that levitation spell lesson. It's kinda handy and I think everyone feels the same. That magic can make any object float in mid air at will. However it consumes your magical energy in the process. But, you will not burn out even after using it countless times since it only consume 2% of magical energy. So, as long as you have that there will be no problem.
"Heya Fenri, wanna grab lunch together?"
Marcus just approached me so casually. He seemed delighted...did something happen?
"Uhh...sure? Why not?"
I can't help but notice the vibe he is emitting right now, which is different from what he was earlier. He's more positive now...I think.
And yep, he's definitely grinning infront of me. I don't know why though!
We decided to take lunch as the school's cafeteria. After entering, we stumbled upon a large number of students from middle schoolers up to third years were eating lunch here today. The place was really crowded, everywhere you look tend to have students eating, chatting, and other stuff that they do during their breaks.
After ordering and paying our food we went out to find a place to eat. We found the perfect place and was near at the cafeteria. There aren't a lot of people there so it was a nice spot.
It had this small round table and a pair of chair in both side. I let Marcus take the first seat and then I sat on the one that is vacant.
"Wow, the food looks great! Don't you think?"
Marcus said admiring the food infront of him with sparkling eyes.
"Yeah I guess..."
What the hell is wrong with this guy!?
It's not like l hate him of anything, it's just he seems to be quite positive for some reason. Is this how people in the capital behave? Or is this a trendy stuff? I feel kinda left out.
"Let's eat! Thank you for the food!!!!"
"Let's dig in."
The food we bought was still hot because it's still newly cooked. Due to the technologies advancements even foods that are processed for hours can still serve like fast foods and it looks really appetizing too.
Anyway, I ordered beef brocolli. It was fried beef with broccoli and was seasoned with black grated pepper and salt.
The texture of the beef is soft with a slice of juiciness on the meat, the nice peppery and yummy caramelized beef combined with the bit of bitterness of the broccoli it is really savory. I also added a slice of sandwich compose with bread, lettuce, bacon, egg, tomatoes and cucumber for my side dish.
On the other hand. Marcus ordered a steak. It was a sliced ribeye and was cook in charcoal where you can taste the char on it. Seasoned by salt and grated pepper and it's usually serve medium rare.
It is soft and juicy and also has an beautiful crust, it is really tender and the caramelized fat of the stake bring the dish to the another level that melts in the mouth.
It was accompanied by a chocolate cookie that usually baked and was sprinkled with some chocolate chips on top for dessert.
It's texture was rough and it has many trenches and crunchy the taste is chocolaty with the slice of crunchiness in every bite.
And lastly we both ordered a drink called honey tea for our refresher. It was compose of cold water combined with honey. it can also be hot and cold so you can even put an ice cube on the drink for your preferences.
"Wow, the chefs really did a great job in cooking this food. Don't you agree Fenri?"
Marcus babbled while his mouth is still full.
"That's a prestigious school for you. They don't seem to have failed a lot of expectations from the kingdom. Anyways, mind your manners we're still eating so don't speak if your mouth is full!" I inquired loudly.
"Yesss!"
Though, I'm not angry or anything...I just feel like.... you know somewhat bothered....? Anyways is this guy really a nobleman? Because he doesn't act like one. Then we continued indulging on the delicious food infront of us.
"Oh, if isn't it Fenri!"
A nostalgic voice rang onto my ears. It was calling me from behind affectionately. It was a sound of an elegant girl.
I looked back toward where the voice is coming from. Yet, it turns out to be an acquaintance of mine.
"Umm...hello again, miss?"
Though we met each other back at the classroom the other day, she was the one who pulled me by the hand after all. I can't seem to remember her name clearly. Was is Lilisa? Lelyza? I never even had much thought of it.
"Sorry about that, looks like I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Elizabeth Von Ashcroft. You can just call me Eliza for short."
He winked at me while stroking her cheek using her index finger acting cute like an anime character.
"Eliza..huh..."
"Do you know her Fenri?"
Marcus asked.
"No, not really I just met her the other day in a certain accident."
"Oh, is that so?" he replied then paused. He fixed his gaze towards Eliza who's standing beside me while resting his right hand onto my shoulder. "Say miss Eliza have we seen each other by chance? You seem kinda familiar though." he added.
"Apparently, yes mister Marcus. Where classmates after all."
Eliza smiled gently as he gazed back to Marcus.
"Eh....EEHHHH??"
He flustered shockingly.
Wait!? Why!? I mean you really didn't notice her even though she's just three seat apart from you!
My brain automatically reacted because of Marcus's expression.
"Bruh, are you even paying attention in class? I've started to doubt you."
I frowned.
I never really thought that this guy is such a dumbass. Though, it was true. He did say that he doesn't pay much attention on things that he has no interest into. Well, I think that's acceptable...wait..maybe not?
"Haha, what an interesting fellow."
Eliza giggled.
"Anyway, miss Eliza. Do you need something?"
I asked.
"Oh, that's right! I totally forgot. You see...."
So she explained the situation to me. She said it started when he saw me back in the class, wanting to apologize apologize properly to what had happened yesterday, she was hoping to find the perfect moment to talk to me. That's why when I left the room she decided to follow me.
"Ah, so that's what happened."
"Yes, I'm really sorry about the other day."
She tilt her head down a little, bowing infront of me apologizing.
"It's okay really! It's not even a big deal or something. After all it's thanks to you I was able to transfer to the magic class I've long seeking. So I should be the one bowing right now, thanking you for that."
"There's no need for that really..."
"Yeah I guess..."
The both of us started to feel awkward towards each other.
"Anyways, pleasure to be your acquaintance, Mister Fenri"
Se smiled at me while lifting her hand forward attempting to do a handshake with me.
Just drop the formality we're classmates after all haha, Fenri is just fine."
I smiled at her back diligently as I took her hand.
She's a good person I guess. That's what I thought. Marcus on the other hand doesn't seem to be interested in our conversation so he just continued eating his food at the table. Maybe he's minding his own business? However he seems to be a little anxious, does he want to go to the toilet? Maybe he's waiting for us to finish our conversation then take an excuse...
A minute later Eliza took her leave and decided to head back to the classroom for some other business. As for us, we where left here again eating our lunch while continuing to converse with each other.
"Hey Fenri."
Marcus suddenly called.
"What?"
Does he have some kind of problem? Maybe he's going to argue with me because he had the thing for Eliza. I might just say to him that I'm not going to indulge myself to such trivial matters.
"Say, do you feel at ease at her?"
He said in a serious tone.
"Huh?... maybe I guess, she's not a bad person after all but-"
I was about to finish my sentence when the atmosphere suddenly changed. Did I upset him? Maybe I should apologize if I did.
"Here's a piece of advice. A friend to friend advice. Don't stick your nose to that woman Fenri..."
"Huh..."
My eyes widened, in a moment I stopped thinking, I just sat there... looking at Marcus's cold expression.
"She's really dangerous...."
I stopped my breathing in an instance. It feel so intense like I'm about to burst or something. The feeling of anxiousness is rising over until. A droplet of cold sweat ran down to my cheeks as I was staring at him.
"Oh!"
Marcus noticed that the school bell just rang out of the blue. When I looked at him now he's smiling ever so brightly as if nothing just happened. My uneasiness disappeared once the bell rang and manage to get back to my original pace.
What was that all of the sudden!? I thought. It made my spine chill in an instance. What's with this guy!? I can see that he's not messing around.
Marcus noticed my anxiousness and decided to ask.
"Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?"
"N-no, I'm fine haha, we should really go back to the classroom or else where going to be late on todays afternoon session."
"Yeah, your right Fenri! Let'zzz Gooo!"
He stood up striking his hand forward pointing his index finger at the direction of our classroom then started marching.
I should really forget what happened earlier... And with that I followed him with a gloomy and exhausted pace on tact.
***
"It's here guys! Get ready! Don't lose formation!"
I ordered at my companions cautiously.
"The enemy infront of us is strong that's for sure."
A member of the Thirteen Legendary Weapon Wielder spoke. He's name was Zack, carrying a shotgun on hand and a large battle axe on his back.
"Yeah, that's why we need to be careful."
We're facing an Infernal Wolf right now. That's why we're on guard.
This happened because the Principal of Hords academy made a request from us with a proper payment in exchange. That's why we're on that school earlier.
"Sir Hero, Lord Masada please lend us your aid."
The principal stood up and bowed her head.
"Uhh...umm...Miss principal please raise your head there's no need for that, let me hear what is need that you're in need me to?"
"Oh- that's right, I want to humble request your aid for the coming Dungeon Dive of the students tomorrow."
"So what do you want me to do?"
"We want you and your party to investigate the floor one to seven in the process. I want to insure my students safety after all. Also, we will pay you with the proper price at most."
A dungeon dive quest huh... I stroke me chin as I began thinking of somethings that I need to consider. First is, whether or not my party will agree.
I glanced back at the people behind me which includes the Wielders. However, I did it in a way they wouldn't notice.
Second is their safety... But since it's a low-level floor I'm sure everything will work out. Traps and irregular monsters are common inside the dungeon since no one really knows what dwells inside it. Still, I'm friends aren't that weak I'm sure it'll work out at the end.
"Okay ma'am principal I accept your condition. Is that okay guys?"
"of course! Well follow you till the ends of the world lord Hero!"
They said in unison.
And so I smiled at them releasing a sigh of relief. Good grief this guys..
"Thank you very much sir hero. I hope your quest will turn out well, I wish you best of luck."
Said the principal with a gentle smile on her face as if she can rest assure.
And so, we departed from the school at the afternoon and was headed towards the dungeon.
The dungeon was located at the center of the city. Since Hords academy is located also in the city, traveling there will be easy. Not that fantasy situation that I've grown to know where a group of people ride carriages pulled by horses and travel there for days. Going there was rather convenient in this generation. Riding a express train will take you there within thirty minutes or less. since the travel route of the train do not have traffics.
"This world is even more high tech than from where I came from."
I frowned.
Traveling engine aside, there are a lot of other convenient things this world has to offer. Especially when it comes to high specs technology.
After riding a train for about a minute we've arrived at the location of our expedition.
"Well, where here."
Infront of us appeared an amazing sight to behold. The Dungeon standing before us is really worth the praise.
At first glance, the Dungeon was nothing more than a gigantic, vast tomb. Though there was something special about it's appearance outside, save an enormous dragon skull had covered the tomb a whole, while inside has various ancient designs and statues that have been ruined ages ago. The people living in this world doesn't seem to recognize the persons engraved in the statues nor have any information about this dungeon. Also, cobwebs have coated the walls, courtesy of the spider's residing in the area.
But that was about it. Other than that, it just looked like a hole inside a cliff once you pass across the entrance. Well, if gamers back in my realworld saw a photograph of it, they would likely pique interest on it while aching for adventure.
Seeing it on person, however, was another matter. Something about it just gave me the sense that there was a lot of dangerous yet powerful monsters hidden within this caves and caverns. It had an unsettling air into it, and yet it was precisely that unsettling air provoked my curiousity. I wonder how many have died inside this dungeon? I kept that question onto myself.
"Okay, team, we're going to do just like what we discussed. Got it?"
"Roger!"
They said in unison.
The formation we discussed was to create a triangular shape pattern where the damage dealers goes infront and on the back, while the vanguards goes to each side for easy rotation, then the mages goes in the center to avoid possible threat like ambushes and traps.
The plan was to let the gun bearers to strike the monsters down first while the the vanguards protect them from if the enemy launches projectiles in mid air. Once the monsters is weakened the weapon wielders will attack and finish them off at once to avoid anymore casualties. While the mages will buff and heal any injured comrades we have.
The Dungeon is not vast inside after all it is consist with caves and caverns so we have to be cautious. Even if it's just a lower level. That's the strategy that came into mind.
We took up the formation just as we had discussed earlier. It wasn't my first time diving in this dungeon, but it wouldn't hurt to be a little cautious right? I didn't feel much excitement. Just the weight of knowing that we couldn't afford to fail.
It was dark inside, but not entirely so. The interior had a dim glow on it because of the magic cristal and dungeon ore that surrounds the area. At least it helped by brightening things up.
"I heard that in this dungeon engraved an regenerative artifact that rebuild and spawn monsters when something is damage and killed inside."
Zack said.
He is a member of the Thirteen Legendary Weapon Wielder. He's name was Zack, carrying a shotgun on hand and a large battle axe on his back. He is a masculine guy and a very trustworthy ally if I do say so myself.
"Is that so?" I paused then stroke my chin up. "Well, that sure explains various of things like why the monsters numbers aren't decreasing and the dungeon crystal and ore doesn't seemed to have been moved. How fascinating"
I was one of the damage dealers of the team so, Zack, I , and Lupuzregina will finish off the monsters once the Gunners weakened them.
We were navigating what looked to be an ant nest here in the first floor. Silken webs were strung up across the walls and ceilings, and further within was a brimming red light.
"Is that...!?"
I squinted my eyes to see what resides in there.
But the scout on our party suddenly shouted.
"It's enemies!"
I immediately gasped the situation and ordered my comrades.
"don't loose formation! Vanguards prepare the defense! Enemies might get close we can't afford any risk here! Our lives are on the line!"
"Roger!"
"Mages prepare buff and reinforce armor spells! The enemies are approaching, cast it immediately on the damage dealers."
"on it!"
With that our team is on the move.
The monsters that headed toward us appeared to be Cannibal Ants. They are ant type monsters that attack using large numbers because they're weak. They are hard to deal with because of how large their groups are. These types of ant tend to kill and eat adventurers without haste. But most of them resort to cannibalism that's why they're named canibal ants. They aren't large enough to swallow a person whole but they're big enough to stand toe to toe with someone.
A barrage of bullets had directly hit all those rampaging monsters as they run towards us. Some of them manage to get close but was immediately blocked my our vanguards. The massacre continue for less than an hour since there are a lot of them and the sound of our guns manage to attract more. After that the gunners exit the firing range.
"Leave the rest to us."
I inquired.
There aren't a lot of them left so the three of us headed for the kill. We cleaved the remaining ant's head, torso, and limbs cutting them in half, killing them until not a single one has left.
A pool of blood drips down to the ground as the fallen ants lay in there. I swung my blood coated sword in mid air to clear the stains.
"Phew." I sigh in exhaustion. "Wow there sure are a lot."
"indeed..."
Said Lupuzregina while wiping off the blood on his cheeks using a handkerchief.
"Haha at least it was worth a while."
Said Zack as he was acting high and mighty.
"Well then shall we move on?"
The team continued up we faced up a lot of monsters along the way. Though, we manage to kill them all like what we did on the Cannibal Ants earlier. At the second floor we fought a lot of undead skeleton monsters that carries weapons and armor of dead adventurers. They're know as Skull Face and is not a very threatening opponent if you ask me. They're slow and weak but they do can fight back and can out number you in an instance. Monsters like skull face is really common inside the dungeon. Though there are strong skull face that can one shot any adventurer in one swing they're called Skull Reaper and evolved on and they are most likely found in traps like teleportation circles. That's why its dangerous.
Back in the third to fifth floor we faced monsters that are stronger than earlier. Like Mud Spider a arachidonic type monsters that has steel wire webbing and resort to burying themselves to the ground to trap pray and use the webbing to prevent them from escaping. They're life threatening since those spider is bigger than an average human and can grow up as tall as a bus in it's adult form. We've also faced monsters like Creepy Crawlers a type of cockroach that is as big as an elementary kid. They aren't that Strong but they do tend to move as group and copy appearance of bigger monsters to hunt pray and avoid dangers.
Over all we did some fighting and the process was exhausting. We did take some short breaks in every floor we step on to rest so we wont burn out ourselves.
Once we've arrive at the six floor more monsters have been appearing and they are most likely groups of Cannibal Ants, Creepy Crawlers, and Skull face. We faced them head on up until we've arrived at the seventh floor.
Where we're currently facing infernal wolves. A type of beast that has red fur and flaming tail. They are superbly agile and can breath fire. They usually move on packs and has an alpha leading them so, where currently struggling on handling them.