With the rising sun on this cold morning, we finally arrived at the Green Tower to report our exploration and completion of the dungeon.
Originally, this should have been simple: a receptionist writing down our report while we showed her the loot. But upon seeing the mana stone from the troll boss, she immediately called for a superior.
The one available was Tentatrial Croma—the retired adventurer I had met before entering the dungeon.
He questioned us for details, so I repeated the same story I had told my group: the boss room had other monsters that helped kill the troll.
As for the items, while adventurers are allowed to keep most of them, the tower strongly encourages selling any weapons and armor acquired inside.
Since I didn't want to part with certain pieces, I was asked why. On the spot, I made up an excuse—that I had a secret place where I could sell them for a higher price than what the tower was offering.
It was a flimsy lie, but thankfully, I wasn't pressed further. I managed to keep the weapons and armor I wanted—gear I had set aside for the goblins I was now responsible for.
I also kept the mana stone and went through the tedious paperwork to register Bluemar's Hope as my artifact.
Once that was settled, we finally left the tower and headed to our respective houses provided by Aurum Academy.
After saying our goodbyes, I snuck back into Golden Dragon House, careful not to wake any of the still-sleeping students.
The moment I reached my bedroom, I rushed straight into the private bathroom each student in S Class was privileged to have.
"Being in S Class does have its perks," I mumbled, undressing and slipping into a much-needed bath.
I couldn't imagine having to share a communal bath like the lower-class students did.
After my bath, I headed toward my bed but stopped.
The sun was already high, and I could hear the footsteps of my classmates preparing for the day's lessons. That's when it hit me—
The longest sleep I'd gotten was that three-hour nap in the carriage back to the Academy.
"Ughhh…" I groaned, forcing myself into my uniform.
If I let myself collapse now, I wouldn't wake up until tomorrow. Better to power through while I'm still awake.
"I can just sleep in class if it gets too boring," I muttered, excusing myself as the second day of the first week of the first month began.
---
"Oh, Mr. Alen! Morning!" Cecil cheerfully greeted me in the hallway leading to the main room.
"Cecil, Theo. Morning," I replied, stifling a yawn.
"I was wondering which student slipped in so late. Have you been out all night?" Theo asked, eyeing my messy uniform with suspicion.
"We wanted to talk to you after my liege's father left, but no one knew where you went yesterday after the duel," Cecil added.
"I went dungeon exploring with some second-years," I admitted as we stepped outside Golden Dragon House.
That little comment earned me more than a few glances from passing classmates—especially the two walking beside me.
"I forgot you're the only first-year with a dungeon pass," Theo said, his tone a mix of surprise and reluctance.
"I wish I had one! Just imagining us four fighting through a dungeon gets me so excited!" Cecil clenched his fist, practically glowing with childlike enthusiasm.
"Four?" Theo raised an eyebrow.
"Us three—and Princess Von Themys!" Cecil chuckled.
"Mmm… I'd like that," I muttered, just as Theo and Cecil broke into an argument about whether Fran would ever step foot in a dungeon.
"Alen!"
That cold yet gentle voice made me stop in my tracks.
I turned around slowly and saw her—Franchesca Von Themys. Arms crossed, sharp eyes, lips in a frown… but the faint pout and flushed cheeks betrayed her.
"Fran!" I greeted with a big smile, despite my exhaustion.
Her blush deepened, and her stiff demeanor softened for just a second.
"I… who do you think you are, sneaking off after the duel to who-knows-where?" She tried to sound scolding, but her voice cracked. "And the first thing I see today are those bruises."
Thanks to the intense fight against many orcs a the troll boss, I still had some cuts and bruises in my face that I tried to hide away with simple bandaids.
"I went exploring with some friends," I explained.
"Hmph. At least you're not badly hurt?" she asked, stepping closer.
"No. I still have something important to do with you today, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly turned away, hiding behind her long, snowy hair.
"Th-this is why you're my only friend—and not just some random peasant!" she huffed, exaggerating as always.
"Princess Von Themys! We were just talking about you," Cecil said cheerfully.
"And why should I care what you peasants were saying about me?" she shot back, her sharp tone returning instantly.
"Because Alen also is included in our conversation," Theo pointed out, wisely keeping his distance.
"Oh? And what were you talking about?" Fran asked, curiosity slipping through.
"About the four of us exploring a dungeon," I explained.
"Maybe just the two of us. Anyone else is forbidden from tagging along."
"Mr. Alen did say he'd like all four of us to go," Cecil added.
"Hmph! Fine—you can tag along as long as you don't bother us."
She said it reluctantly, but it was still progress.
We continued walking toward the Academy, and though no one else noticed, I couldn't hide the happiness welling up inside me.
What made me happiest wasn't her words to me—it was her willingness to accept others, even a little. This was the first step in changing her doomed fate… the path where she dies alone as a monster.
---
On our way to the Academy, we ran into Atro and Silva, who seemed to have grown close while we weren't around.
The conversation went as expected.
Theo and Cecil expressed regret about Atro's demotion, apologizing that they couldn't do more to help. Fran, of course, stayed silent.
Atro brushed it off, saying he'd keep training until he earned his way back into S Class. His determined gaze then fixed on me.
"I'll see you at our next training session, Alen!" he declared with fiery conviction.
"Training? Don't forget me, Mr. Atro! I'll push the three of us harder than ever—endless training to strengthen our bonds!" Cecil chimed in, bursting with enthusiasm.
As much as I wanted to get to know Silva better, Fran clung to me, glaring daggers at the poor girl whenever she glanced my way.
---
Eventually, we went our separate ways. Silva headed to D Class, Atro to A Class.
As for us, we continued to S Class. Fran, Theo, and Cecil weren't concerned by the arrival of newly promoted students—their own priorities were unaffected.
I wasn't particularly bothered either, though one stood out: Ximuss. He held a grudge against me after I "stole" his S Class spot at the last second.
Worse, I couldn't shake the thought that he might ally with Lyon Alva—who already despised me for the exact same reason.
Two enemies, both demoted because of me… whether I wanted it or not.
---
Our required subjects finally began, with Kafka Crowbell introducing himself to the four new students before starting the lecture.
The class itself didn't interest me—the topic was far too easy.
It was the perfect chance to sneak in a nap and recharge before my date later.
Yet no matter how much I tried, I couldn't fall asleep at my desk. My body was heavy with exhaustion from the dungeon, but my mind wouldn't stop racing—caught up in the possibilities of what this week might bring.
Not only was the test coming up on the fourth day, but the drug dealer event loomed ahead as well.
Because of my interference in the story, Kaida's group never triggered the event. I need them to get involved. Like it or not, these events are what forge Kaida into a capable leader.
If she doesn't grow, if the main character loses the very experiences that give her strength, then who else will be left to stop the calamities—the spiral toward the worst possible future?
Think…
I don't know where the drug dealers' hideout is, and without Kaida's involvement, I have no way to push things forward.
I can't exactly waltz into Aurum Academy's underworld and ask around for directions. I have no way of directly contacting the criminal side of the city to cut a deal.
…Or do I?
An illegal place where scum and outcasts gather. A place where people deal in shadows.
Wait…
That place. The one Teacher Zagressa dragged Cecil and me to as punishment for disrupting her class. The underground den where people placed bets on brutal, magicless fights.
A place ruled by twisted men and hidden power.
Yes. If I want information on the drug dealers… I'll have to go back to that bar.