I was a bit worried he wouldn’t address it or dismiss my information, but I suppose anything related to his family’s technique is significant enough to spark his interest, no matter how outlandish it might seem.
The information I shared was about the Star Rippling Dungeon, a notorious location within the game world.
It was described as a dungeon that manifests only for those who possess sacred star techniques, a description aligning perfectly with Kagami’s clan’s legendary abilities.
This dungeon is supposed to be a training ground designed to enhance the power of those who wield star techniques.
The significance of such a place can’t be overstated, especially for someone like Kagami, who’s always been driven by the pursuit of strength and honor.
In the game, this dungeon was a rare and elusive entity, only revealing itself to those it deemed worthy.
‘But in reality, it’s not nearly as mythical as it sounds.’
The dungeon’s location is actually quite close to the academy.
It’s just that Kagami’s father, the current patriarch of the clan, never actively sought it out, preferring to wait for a miracle rather than actively pursuing the opportunity.
His lack of initiative in searching for the dungeon has been a point of frustration for Kagami, who is determined not to fall into the same complacency.
With this. I’m sure his interest is greatly piqued, likely driven by the knowledge that accessing such a dungeon could significantly elevate his skills and rectify the perceived inadequacies of his current training regimen.
The idea that this dungeon might offer him a chance to surpass the limitations he faces is something he wouldn’t easily dismiss.
In the game, Kagami discovers the Star Rippling Dungeon through a moment of personal enlightenment—a dramatic revelation that guides him to the dungeon’s location naturally. But in this reality, I’ll take a different approach.
I’ll offer Kagami a chance to upgrade his abilities ahead of time, providing him with a potential advantage that he wouldn’t have stumbled upon on his own.
“To be honest, I don’t really know the credibility of the information, but—”
“But?”
“They say it’s a dungeon that emits light similar to the stars above. The location is actually quite close. Do you want to check it out?”
Kagami looked at me with skepticism, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed the offer.
After a moment of hesitation, he simply grunted in response and returned to his bench, resuming his intense training regimen.
His demeanor was reserved, and he didn’t voice much of his thoughts.
A man of few words, indeed.
His reaction was typical of someone like Kagami-careful but not dismissive.
The prospect of exploring a dungeon tied to his clan’s sacred techniques was clearly intriguing, though he wasn’t ready to show much enthusiasm.
As I watched him continue his grueling workout, a thought crossed my mind.
‘I’ll have to go with him’
I couldn’t afford to let another opportunity slip by or risk another mysterious disappearance like what happened with the twins.
If Kagami is going to investigate this dungeon, I need to make sure I tag along.
Not only to ensure that he’s safe but also to keep an eye on any potential developments that might arise from this expedition.
…
After a satisfying training session, I was preparing to head to the training grounds to work on my swordsmanship with Seo.
Lately I’d been focusing on improving my proficiency, and while a dungeon expedition might offer greater benefits, especially given the nature of skill enhancement, training was still crucial.
From what I’ve noticed, training does play a significant role in accelerating proficiency.
For instance, my swordsmanship skills have shown notable improvement with consistent practice. Currently, my proficiency is at:
[Intermediate Swordsmanship (Proficiency 90%)]
As skills level up, the process of improving proficiency naturally becomes more challenging. It’s a known fact that higher levels require more effort and time to advance.
However, I’ve discovered that the more I practice with the sword, the rate of proficiency increase actually doubles.
This explains why defeating A-B-rank monster could substantially enhance my skill level.
The efficiency of training methods contributes significantly to progress, and the rewards are often substantial.
Reaching this level of proficiency has me on the cusp of advancing to Advanced Swordsmanship.
Once I achieve that, I’ll be able to delve into learning more sophisticated sword techniques.
“Watch out!”
The familiar shout pierced through my thoughts, but before I could fully react, something fast and forceful collided with me.
BAM!
“O-ow! That hurts~” A soft, pained voice lamented as I looked down to see Janica sprawled on the snowy ground, her red hair cascading around her like a vivid splash against the white
backdrop.
She looked up at me with wide, concerned eyes.
“Ah- Riley, are you hurt? I’m so sorry!” she said, scrambling to her feet and bowing deeply
in front of me.
Despite the collision, it was clear that she was the one who had taken the brunt of the impact. I wasn’t hurt at all, though her concern was touching.
“It’s fine,” I reassured her, noting her anxious demeanor and the subtle glow of mana that surrounded her. “But why were you in such a hurry?”
At my question, Janica’s eyes widened in realization, and she started frantically searching the snow. “T-That’s right, the letter! Where’s the letter?” she exclaimed, her panic palpable as she scanned the ground.
I spotted an almost crumpled piece of paper nearby and picked it up. “Is this it?” “Ah, yes, thank you!” she exclaimed, her relief evident as she snatched the paper from my hands. Once again, a faint aura of mana enveloped her, a sign of her focus and urgency.
“I’ll apologize properly later; I’ve got to go. Bye!”
With that, she dashed off, disappearing into the distance as she hurried toward the academic
district.
Watching her go, I couldn’t help but smile.
Her hasty departure was a bit amusing, and while she didn’t need to apologize further, her earnestness was clear.
Shaking my head in slight amusement, I was just about to make my way towards Seo’s place
when something stopped me in my tracks.
The paper that Janica had been so frantic about-the one she’d nearly collided with me over-
had clearly been marked with the words “Club Proposal.”
“Is she already moving forward with that club?” I thought.
If that was the case, it meant her progress with Lucas must be going quite well.
But then why wasn’t Lucas with her?
In the game, Janica had introduced the creation of the club alongside Lucas to Professor Luke,
a key character in the game’s narrative.
Yet, she had been alone just now, which didn’t fit the pattern I was familiar with.
Was she meeting with Lucas first before going to see the professor? That could be a
possibility, but I couldn’t be certain.
Without Lucas present, the situation felt a bit off.
My mind was already running through possible scenarios and implications.
I was probably being a bit paranoid, but in a game where every action had consequences, it
was crucial to consider all possibilities.
Haah…!!!
A sigh escaped me as I scratched my head.
I turned around, heading in the direction Janica had taken, trying to piece together what
might be happening.
I’ve already warned Lucas about Professor Luke’s dubious nature, and yet, he seemed oblivious to the potential dangers.
The thought of Janica getting caught up in a problematic situation without Lucas’s support
gnawed at me.
“Lucas, that dense bastard,” I muttered under my breath.
Even with my warnings, he might have underestimated the situation.
“N-no….”
‘Lucas…. Please help!’
The air was thick with tension and fear as Janica’s green eyes welled up with tears.
‘Why is the professor doing this?’
Her breath came in quick, panicked gasps, each one growing shorter as the heat of her fear and
the oppressive presence of Professor Luke weighed heavily upon her.
Her vision blurred, unable to focus clearly through the veil of impending dread.
“No…,” she whimpered, her voice trembling as she looked helplessly at the professor who
was methodically unfastening his necktie.
She wasn’t so innocent as to not know what the professor’s intention was.
The action felt like a grim omen, each movement heightening her anxiety.
The professor’s cold, calculating gaze seemed to ignite something primal within her, turning
her fear into a paralyzing terror.
As he approached her, the professor’s hand reached out, gripping the collar of her dress with a
menacing intent.
With a sharp, tearing motion, he ripped it away.
The sound was like a knife slicing through the fragile veneer of her safety.
“Kyaa!!” Janica’s scream pierced through the confined space, echoing off the walls in a
desperate plea for help.
Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of rescue or escape.
‘Why can’t I use my mana?’
‘No I hate this somebody please…’
Professor Luke’s expression hardened, a cruel smirk forming as he leaned in closer.
“You shouldn’t plead for the impossible, Miss Janica,” he said, his voice dripping with malice.
“No one can hear you right now.
The magical field I placed on the door is quite expensive, you know? Let’s take our time and
enjoy each other’s company, shall we-“
BOOOM!!!
Before he could finish his menacing statement, a violent explosion shattered the oppressive
stillness.
The door to the room was blasted open with such force that the professor was thrown backward, colliding with the frigid gusts of wind that burst into the room. “Agh!” The professor grunted in surprise and pain, trying to recover his footing. But before
he could react, a solid, crushing force struck his head, slamming it down onto the cold floor.
“UUGHHCKK!!!”
The impact left him gasping and struggling as a powerful foot pinned him down, rendering him immobile.
His attempts to rise were futile against the overwhelming pressure.
The doorframe revealed a young man with piercing blue eyes, a chilling gaze that seemed to cut through the darkness of the room and directly into the soul of the professor.
His presence was commanding, radiating a sense of authority and resolve. “Tsk…!” The young man’s voice was low, almost disinterested. “I wonder what decision I made that backfired this time”