The next morning, before training began, Rinyu gathered all of the heroes. Standing beside her were the commanders and vice-commanders of both the First and Second Knight Divisions. After a brief glance at them, Rinyu spoke in a voice that resonated through the room.
"It's been a while since training started, and each of you is beginning to grasp and master your powers. Therefore, one week from now, you will venture into a dungeon. The dungeon is home to creatures called monsters, and by fighting them, you will gain valuable combat experience."
The reactions to her announcement were varied. Some struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation, others chatted with friends, while some looked fearful or even excited. Everyone had a different response, as unique as their personalities.
Yet, most of the nervous faces belonged to the "Lower Heroes," those silver-ranked and below. Among them, even a few "Upper Heroes" seemed anxious, particularly the more reserved girls.
"While it may be daunting to think of battle right away, I understand that many of you may not yet feel confident in your abilities," Rinyu continued, her voice firm but understanding. "That's why we have decided that those of you who are silver-ranked and below can choose whether or not to participate."
This was a suggestion that Chiji had previously made to Raiza.
Chiji didn't care much about the safety of the other heroes. His real goal was twofold: first, to ensure that the "Lower Heroes," who might become useful pawns, didn't die prematurely, and second, to sow discord among the ranks.
While the "Upper Heroes" risked their lives in the dungeon, the "Lower Heroes" could relax in the safety of the palace. Resentment would surely fester.
Conversely, those who stayed behind would feel left out when the adventuring heroes formed tight bonds through shared hardships.
("In short, it's about making the hierarchy between them more tangible, ensuring that the division deepens over time.")
The effect wouldn't be immediate. But with time, even small cracks would become chasms.
"Now then," Rinyu addressed the group, "those who do not wish to participate in the expedition, please raise your hand."
The room filled with murmurs as classmates consulted with one another. Tired of waiting, Chiji decided to raise his hand, but just as he was about to, Setsuna, one of his classmates, approached.
"Chiji, what are you going to do?"
"I'm not going. It sounds like a hassle. What about you?"
"Well, if you're not going, I guess I'll pass too. Training hasn't really sunk in for me yet, and... it's kind of scary."
"Lazy, huh?"
"Shut up! Just say you're not going first. The atmosphere's awkward."
"Yeah, yeah."
Chiji, already intending to pass, stepped forward and prepared to raise his hand, but before he could, a loud, obnoxious voice cut through the room.
"Hah! What the hell? There's no way anyone's backing out! How weak can you be? What a bunch of cowards!"
It was Ooga, the class delinquent, laughing in a crude and grating manner, oblivious to the looks of disdain from his classmates.
His outburst filled the room with a strange tension. No one wanted to be the first to declare they wouldn't participate, fearing Ooga's scorn. The room fell silent.
("This guy is something else—just not in a good way.")
Chiji, unconcerned with Ooga's provocations, calmly raised his hand, taking a step away from Setsuna so she wouldn't get dragged into any unnecessary drama.
"Rinyu, I'm not going."
Rinyu, who had sparred with Chiji daily in training, looked genuinely surprised, and her expression hinted at disappointment.
"You're not—"
Before she could finish, Ooga's voice drowned her out.
"HAH!? Yo, look at this! Our resident emo just chickened out! What a loser! Hah, I knew you were a weakling! Go hide in your room and watch anime or something, freak! I'll show you how a real man fights!"
Ooga laughed maniacally, clearly enjoying the attention as he gestured toward the others for validation, though all he received were awkward chuckles.
("This guy's a complete mess. Total social misfit.")
Unfazed, Chiji turned back to Rinyu.
"Is that okay?" he asked calmly.
"Ah... yes, that's fine," Rinyu replied, having been thrown off by Ooga's antics.
As Chiji had expected, Ooga's outburst made others hesitant to declare their non-participation. Ooga was a loose cannon, unpredictable and prone to lashing out, making the atmosphere tense.
But just when the situation threatened to drag on, Setsuna spoke up.
"I'm not going either," she said with a raised hand. "I don't feel ready, and I'm still getting used to training."
Rinyu nodded, accepting Setsuna's decision, and after that, more hands followed. Nearly three-quarters of the Lower Heroes chose not to participate.
Some Upper Heroes also inquired about skipping the expedition, but Rinyu apologized and explained that gold-ranked and above would be required to attend.
"Now that everyone has stated their intentions," Rinyu continued, "I remind you that the expedition is in one week. Until then, we will intensify your training. On the day before the expedition, we will give you a break as we make preparations, so use that time to mentally prepare. Now—let's begin today's training!"
And with that, the day's drills began.
The training was the same monotonous routine: basic sword drills at the edge of the field. Simple, repetitive, and far from rewarding, it had grown dull and tedious. The instructors from the Second Knight Division complained openly, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
Most students went through the motions without much enthusiasm, some chatting aimlessly as they half-heartedly swung their swords.
Yet today, something seemed different. In the center of the training grounds, the commanders of both knight divisions were in a heated argument. The First Knight Division's commander, a woman with flowing indigo hair named Selen, stood firm against Owen, the sharp-eyed and scornful commander of the Second Division.
"Your training methods are ridiculous," Selen said coldly. "We need something more practical, more suited to the battlefield."
"Hah, you slum-rat," Owen spat. "Strength comes from mastering the basics. Your rushed methods will lead them to ruin. Proper training takes time!"
"Spoken like a noble who has all the time in the world! These heroes need to grow quickly, or we're all doomed. Your outdated mindset is dangerous."
The venom between them was clear. Selen was from humble beginnings, while Owen, a noble, couldn't stand the idea of a commoner being his equal in rank.
("Ah, so Selen's a commoner, and Owen's a noble. Figures he wouldn't like her being the First Division's commander.")
As the argument escalated, Owen made a fatal misstep.
"Your foolish training methods are what led to someone like Aria Stanfield becoming a monster!"
The moment that name left Owen's lips, Selen's demeanor shifted drastically. Fury contorted her features as she grabbed Owen by the chest plate, lifting his heavily armored form into the air with ease.
"Shut your mouth! Don't you dare speak that name again!" she hissed.
"And what if I do?" Owen sneered. "What are you going to do about it?"
Just as Selen reached for her sword, Rinyu stepped in, delivering a swift, no-nonsense double lariat that floored both commanders with a single strike.
"Enough! This is no place for petty squabbles! Set an example for those you're training!" she barked, towering over the fallen knights.
The students erupted into cheers, impressed by Rinyu's display of strength and authority. Yet as they celebrated, it was clear that both commanders were thoroughly knocked out.
Standing beside Chiji, Setsuna whispered, "Who's Aria?"
"Dunno," Chiji replied. "But it sounds like she's important."
"Yeah… I wonder what her story is."
Despite the unusual events, the day's training continued, and the group fell into their usual routines. Those preparing for the dungeon trained hard, while those who opted out began to think more about how to avoid unnecessary effort.
Later that evening, as Chiji relaxed in his room, he called out to his butler, Raika.
"Hey, Raika, ever heard of someone named Aria Stanfield?"
Raika, who was tidying up the room, nodded. "Yes, Master Chiji. Aria Stanfield was a former member of the First Knight Division, said to have strength equal to, or perhaps greater than, Commander Selen."
"She's dead?"
"No, not quite. She's currently in hiding within the capital."
"In hiding? Sounds like a criminal."
"You're not wrong. About six months ago, she killed five of her fellow knights and severely injured Commander Selen before escaping. Since then, she's been on the run, reportedly responsible for at least thirty-seven additional deaths."
"...Seriously?"
"Indeed. She is now known throughout the kingdom as 'Bloodstained Aria,' a notorious mass murderer."
Taken aback by the revelation, Chiji couldn't help but feel that this information could be valuable. His mind began whirring with possibilities.
Three days passed since the dungeon expedition was announced. Chiji, still recovering from sleepless nights spent on secret preparations in the city, absentmindedly swung his sword. Though he wasn't physically tired from the easy training, the lack of rest was catching up to him.
He wanted nothing more than to slack off, but doing so would likely stir up trouble with his classmates. So, he kept up appearances, pretending to train while keeping an eye on the others.
He'd noticed for a while now that one girl in particular, Fumika Amane, seemed troubled. She often wore a distant, pensive look, sighing as if weighed down by something. Though her friends tried to reach out, she brushed them off with a forced smile.
Seeing that she was finally alone, Chiji approached her.
"Hey, Amane. How's it going?"
Sitting under a tree, she looked up at him with a weak smile.
"Oh, it's just you, Nakura-kun. I'm… fine."
"Really?"
Her bitter smile didn't convince him.
"Well," she sighed, "maybe not."