The first level of the Rare Dungeon.

An open-mouthed darkness. A windless underground. Stagnant, damp air.

We’re back here again. Most of my classmates are here for the second time, but for Riona and me, it’s the third. As we reach the bottom of the stairs from the entrance, everyone simultaneously turns on the magic lamps at their waists.

As usual, this is where Lili leaves us.

Once the entire class is lined up, Lili gives the signal to begin.

“You’ve been entrusted with exploring this dungeon, but that does not mean you are to throw away your lives. If you encounter a monster beyond your ability to handle, retreat immediately. Avoid danger at all costs. More so than last time. You must understand that sacrificing yourself for chivalry is utter foolishness.”

Her tone is unusually strong, but I understand her feelings.

This is not something that should be included in a student’s curriculum. The exploration of a Rare Dungeon—its size, depth, and danger all unknown—is a full-fledged government commission. Someone is trying to profit by turning it into part of our curriculum.

Ilga raises his hand and speaks.

“However, Instructor, we enrolled in Lehan Knight Academy to become true knights, the foundation of our nation. Naturally, we believe that learning chivalry is of utmost importance.”

“Do you truly believe that the knightly title you speak of is so cheap that you can claim it proudly as a mere student, Ilga Freiges?”

If you ask me, how dare he spout such nonsense?

Last time, our classmates were nearly wiped out trying to save him.

Ilga, under the War Maiden’s glare, visibly shrinks.

“That is…”

“I will say it again. There is no need to sacrifice yourself for chivalry. As students, you must focus on surviving and returning alive.”

The monetization of this curriculum must be infuriating for Lili. Perhaps we should petition Kilpus to have it canceled.

However, in the Kingdom of Galliant, while the royal family holds strong appointment powers, judicial and administrative matters are under noble jurisdiction. I don’t know which noble oversees education, but even if we replace them, it would take time. Amending education laws would take even longer.

Stopping this curriculum would require an immense amount of bureaucratic procedures and time. The very system designed to prevent the rise of a tyrant is, in this case, working against us.

Furthermore, Kilpus’s connection to the chairman must be kept secret, even from our own nobles. If that information were to leak to the Republic, this school could be classified as a high-value facility and placed in danger by foreign powers.

“And as before, if anyone gets injured, do not hesitate to cooperate across party lines.”

The formation is set: Team three at the center, with Ilga’s Team One and Team Two on the left, and Fix’s Team Four and Seneca’s Team Five on the right.

Something catches my attention.

Most of the male students have switched from rapiers to two-handed swords. After the goblin battle, they must have finally realized the importance of slashing as well as thrusting.

Aristocratic swordsmanship won’t be enough to get by from now on.

“Do your best to ensure everyone returns alive. Understood?”

For the female students, due to the relationship between strength and weapon weight, it’s not as easy to change weapons. However, some, like me, have a spare dagger at their waist. Some girls may appear to have nothing but a rapier, but they might be like Riona, who keeps a weapon strapped to her leg garter.

Both the male and female students’ expressions have changed. This is a good sign.

“Today’s exploration will extend to the sixth and seventh levels. If we cannot complete it, we will withdraw by nightfall.”

Seneca raises her hand to ask a question.

“Instructor Ituka, how do we tell time inside the dungeon?”

“The instructors capable of magic will illuminate the academy crests engraved on your issued weapons.”

I glance at the crest of Lehan Knight Academy engraved on the pommel of my gladius. I had assumed it was merely an anti-theft measure, but it turns out it has this kind of use as well.

It seems that while I was idly reincarnating, the times have advanced significantly.

“Even so, if I judge that our retreat is too slow, I will descend through the levels alone. So if you find yourselves in a situation where you cannot escape, do not panic as you did last time. I will come to your aid. No matter what happens, do not give up until the very last moment.”

Everyone exhales in relief.

Well, last time, that assurance saved our lives. Even Void, Oujin, and I are only considered strong among students. Actually, no, that’s not entirely true—we could probably take on an average knight without much trouble.

However, compared to the legendary Sword Saint Blythe, the War Maiden Lili, or the King’s Shield Mald, we are still just fledglings. As frustrating as it is, that includes Eremia Neu as well.

Lili extends her hand forward, palm open.

It’s the signal. Tension runs through the group.

“Lehan Knight Academy, Advanced Division, Year One, Class One—commence exploration of the Rare Dungeon!”

“Ooooh!” The entire class shouts in unison.

Leaving Lili behind, we step forward. This time, no one rushes ahead. That’s good. If the squads scatter, Team three will be forced to abandon coordinated movement.

But… what is this atmosphere?

The formation remains unchanged—Team three at the center, Team One and Team Two on the left, Team Four and Team Five on the right—moving forward in that exact arrangement.

Even when bypassing the large hole created by the homunculus, Team three merely splits in two while the others maintain their positioning.

And strangely, I hear no cross-squad conversations. Normally, there should be some tactical discussions.

Riona whispers in my ear.

“Hey, doesn’t it feel tense between the left and right sides?”

“Yeah.”

Ilga leads the left side, while Seneca leads the right. They don’t match their pace, nor do they even glance at each other.

Void clicks his tongue.

“So that’s what’s going on. What a pain.”

“Did you figure something out?” Oujin asks Void.

“I’ll say it when I’m sure. But this is gonna cause trouble later.”

“Really? I don’t get it…”

The first three levels are guaranteed to be safe. Even the golems borrowed from the magic academy have been withdrawn. And with the iron doors in place, these corridors are effectively just passageways.

Incidentally, while the doors are unlocked, there shouldn’t be many monsters capable of opening them. Probably.

As we descend to the second level, the dungeon’s scent grows stronger. It’s not the stench of death from the giant hole. Most likely, that slime is still cleaning up the dungeon. The goblin corpses should now be dissolving inside its body, turning into nutrients.

The air carries the scent of earth and water.

Even as we descend to the third level, the dungeon remains quiet.

And then, we step into the fourth level—the battleground of our deadly struggle against the homunculus. From this point onward, safety is not guaranteed.

Seneca turns back and issues a command.

“Rear guard, don’t forget to close the iron door.”

“Oh, right.”

A few students at the rear push the heavy door shut, sealing the path behind us.

Meanwhile, Ilga’s Team One and Team Two take the lead, moving ahead.