Lord Markham Corebearers Academy...
Outside the F-rank dungeon [Yellow Forest]...
The excited and nervous students gazed at the monkey-like creature restless inside a cage.
"Release!"
The cage was opened along with the sounds of gasps from the students.
*Aaarghhh~!!!*
The monkey-like creature burst out wildly with a bone-chilling screech.
It's eyes and razor-sharp claws finding it's target, a strikingly handsome boy standing in front of the cage.
The boy's expression was of a bored indifference. His hand resting casually on the hilt of the sword at his waist.
Yet, his piercing blue eyes were tracking the creature's movements.
As the monster closed in, his blade flashed!
A single fluid motion and the creature was sliced cleanly in two. Blood sprayed as the two halves of creature thudded to the ground.
A collective gasp escaped from the gathered students. Their faces were mix of astonishment, admiration, fear and envy.
"Excellent work, Max! Truly remarkable. The Strix family's genius streak continues I see."
Miss Greene praised him with a smile.
"Take notes, everyone. That's how you handle a threat with precision and composure."
The students were chattering animatedly, their voices overlapping in excitement and disbelief.
"Did you see that? Max is on a whole different level!"
One student whispered with eyes widening in awe.
"I can't believe how easily he took that thing down. like he wasn't even trying!"
Another added in disbelief.
"His swordsmanship is insane! I wonder what abilities he's awakened?"
A female student speculated.
Among the crowd, a boy with raven-black hair stood silently, his arms were crossed over his chest.
The resentments against Max in his dark eyes were evident. He was the sole heir of the famous Harrington family.
"Bastard!"
Ethan clenched his fists as he muttered under his breath.
He hated how easily Max seemed to excel at everything.
"The demonstrations are over!"
Miss Greene's voice cut through the commotion.
"You've got ten minutes to form teams of five and pick a leader. Remember, teamwork is crucial as individual strength. Begin!"
Immediately students started forming groups.
Some rushed to join with their friends, while others sought out the strongest and most capable classmates.
Max Strix stood out the most, as he effortlessly took charge of the most elite team with calm confidence.
Nearby, Ethan Harrington also quickly rallied his own team, determined not to be outshone.
On the sidelines, a boy with a pale complexion and dark-brown hair stood alone.
No one glanced his way. Not that he cared, he had expected this.
As a "dormant" with no awakened abilities, Marc was used to being looked down upon.
"Let's see which team I'll end up in."
Marc thought to himself.
He would either be shoved into the weakest team or left behind entirely. It was just the way things were here.
"Hey, Marc! Join us!"
The voice startled him out of his thoughts. It was Kevin, waving at him with a grin.
Kevin was one of the rare individuals who had never looked down on him.
Marc raised an eyebrow.
Didn't Kevin already have a team?
Maybe someone had dropped out...?
"C'mon, time's almost up!"
Kevin urged, beckoning him over.
"Why me?"
Marc blurted out.
Kevin blinked, then shrugged, his grin widening.
"You aced every theory exam. We need brains too, not just brawns."
Marc hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Sure. Thanks, Kevin."
Kevin was clearly trying to help him, but Marc knew it wouldn't change anything.
Still, he appreciated the gesture.
Kevin led Marc over to his team, introducing them one by one.
Liam, the tank. Sarah, the healer. And Leah, the ranged attacker.
Marc nodded politely at them, his eyes already analyzing his new teammates.
It was apparent that they didn't cared in the least about his company. Kevin looked apologetically at Marc for his teammates' behavior.
But he couldn't stop them, Kevin also knew that he had just increased their responsibilities by taking Marc in his team.
But he was confident in his abilities. Marc had helped him in the past and he could at least return him the favor.
The time was up.
Ms. Greene stepped forward and addressed the buzzing crowd of students with authority.
"I'm sure you all know the details!"
Her eyes scanned the group.
"Your first dungeon test will last for one week. Your goal is simple... survive and reach the heart of this dungeon. That's it."
She gestured toward the shimmering portal behind her. The students' eyes were drawn to it, some with awe, others with trepidation.
The Yellow Forest was unique among the F-rank dungeons. It was famous for it's immense scale and the sheer abundance of low-level creatures inside it.
It's entrance was situated directly below the sprawling compounds of the prestigious Lord Markham Corebearers Academy.
A perfect nurturing ground for novice corebearers. Which was one of the reasons why this academy was established here.
For many of the students, this was their first time going inside a dungeon. They were excited and nervous.
Mis Greene continues.
"This unique F-rank dungeon is home to a variety of creatures. The strongest among them is about the same level as the one Max took down earlier. So don't let your guards down."
"If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you can activate the emergency protocols using the watches we've provided. A rescue team will be dispatched immediately."
"However, activating it will disqualify your entire team. So, use it only as a last resort."
Her tone shifted, becoming more serious.
"Do your best, and remember... teamwork is key. Now, get moving!"
The teams started stepping into the shimmering portal and vanishing one by one, swallowed by the portal's rippling surface.
Soon, it was Kevin and his team's turn. As they walked toward the towering entrance.
His heart was racing with a mix of anticipation and fear.
This is really happening!
I'm actually going inside a dungeon!
They felt sudden, strange sensation of weightlessness, as if gravity had completed vanished.
It was disorienting, like floating in mid-air but not quit like. Before Marc could process, the sensation was gone as quickly as it had come.
Marc's head was spinning, it took him a moment to regain his senses.
When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in the middle of a dense vegetation.
He breathed in the scent of earth and greenery. The sunlight was filtering through the canopy above.
Kevin and the rest of the team were already looking around.
"We haven't even started yet, and you're already spacing out?"
It was Liam, there was a hint of impatience in his voice.
'Why Kevin had to bring this dead-weight?'
Liam thought as he looked at Marc.
"Are you okay?"
Kevin asked asked Marc in concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just… getting used to the whole 'teleporting into a dungeon' thing."
Marc nodded, offering a smile.
"Good. Let's get moving,"
The team began their journey. Surprisingly, they hadn't encountered any monsters yet.
As night fell, the team arrived at a large clearing with no vegetation growing inside it.
"What's with this place?"
Leah asked, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
"We'll camp here for the night."
Kevin replied with a reassuring smile.
Sarah pointed toward the center of the clearing.
"And what's that?"
It was a huge gaping hole, it's deep bottom felt like portal to the abyss.
"That's called the Devil's Pit by the students"
Kevin explained.
"But don't worry, it's just a deep hole. Nothing dangerous."
Marc frowned, his unease growing.
"I don't know… I've got a bad feeling about this place."
"Oh, come on, don't be a wimp,"
"Let's unpack already."
"Yeah, we're leaving early tomorrow."
"Unless you're too scared, of course."
"I'm not scared!"
Marc shot back, though his voice lacked conviction.
Just as they started sorting their belongings, the sound of rustling leaves broke the silence.
Everyone turned to see Ethan with four of his teammates emerging from the shadows.
Why him?
Marc's stomach dropped.
"Well, well, look who we have here. Little Marc, the disgrace of LMCA."
Ethan sneered, his eyes locking onto Marc.
Ethan's lackeys snickered hearing his comments. Marc clenched his fists, struggling to keep his anger in check.
"Do you guys need anything?"
Leah asked cautiously, recognizing the troublemakers from their class.
Ethan ignored her, striding toward Marc as if the others didn't exist.
"What do you want, Ethan?"
Marc asked, his voice was steady despite the tension.
"Your total submission."
Ethan replied, a smile spreading across his face.
Marc stared at him in disbelief.
"Are you out of your–"
"Why you little..."
Before Marc could complete his sentence, Ethan's lackeys grabbed him, forcing him to the ground.
One of them quickly yanked the academy-provided watch from his wrist.
Ethan pressed his foot against Marc's face, grinding it into the dirt.
"You think you're so noble just because you have the Thornwell surname? Your mother must be so proud, huh? Oh wait—"
Ethan stopped.
"How could I forget the way she disgraced herself and the mighty Thornwell family?"
Ethan laughed out loud.
Marc's blood boiled.
"You damn bastard!"
He shouted, struggling fiercely. Ethan's words had hit a nerve.
"Teach this loser some manners!"
Ethan ordered his lackeys and stepped back.
"Stop!"
Kevin held Liam back as he reached for his blades. Liam looked at Kevin, confused.
"Ethan! What the hell are you doing?"
Kevin demanded, stepping forward.
"This is between me and this loser."
Ethan snapped.
"If anyone interferes, they'll end up just like him!"
The clearing filled with curses and thuds as Ethan's lackeys started beating Marc mercilessly. Despite Marc efforts to retaliate, Marc was outmatched in every way.
Their kicks and punches were ruthless. Marc's body was battered and bruised. Blood streamed from his nose and even some of his teeth broke from the brutal blows.
Kevin and the others watched with clenched fists. They didn't want to provoke Ethan, but watching their teammate suffer was also unbearable.
Ethan crouched down beside Marc, his voice dripping with malice.
"Tell me Marc, do you want everyone at the academy to know about your mother's scandal?"
"Those are just lies!"
Marc glared up at him.
Ethan's eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure.
"Lies? You think I'm a fool?"
Ethan said, leaning in closer.
"Remember, Marc. You're nothing but the product of a scandal. How do you even dare to show your face at this prestigious academy?"
Laughter of Ethan's and his lackeys echoed through the clearing.
Marc hung his head, his body was trembling.
Ethan grinned, thinking he had finally broken Marc. But then, Marc let out a weak, bitter laugh.
Everyone stared at him, stunned.
Did he gone crazy?
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
"What's so funny?"
"Disgrace? Humiliation?"
Marc lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locking onto Ethan's.
"You're the one to talk. Did you forget your duel with Max?"
"Ethan Harrington, How do you dare show your face at this academy after that?"
Ethan's face twisted with rage.
That duel with Max week ago was a humiliation he wanted to bury forever.
"How dare you!"
he snarled, fists shaking.
His lackeys backed away nervously sensing the shift.
Marc just kept laughing, blood and dirt streaking his face.
"You were crying and pissing yourself in front of Max, and now you act all high and mighty—"
"DIE!"
Ethan roared, his fist shooting forward creating shockwaves in the air.
"DON'T!"
Someone yelled.
Ethan's punch landed with a sickening crunch, shattering many of Marc's ribs.
The force sent Marc flying backward, and coincidentally, the gaping maw of the deep hole was located there.
"NO!!!"
Kevin and Liam sprinted to the edge, but Marc had already disappeared in the dark devil's pit.
His screams still echoing in their ears.
"What have you done?!"
Liam shouted, horrified.
"You fucking killed him!"
Leah trembled, her voic shaking.
Kevin's face was pale.
Ethan stood there, panting.
His lackeys stared at him, their faces ashen.