At the northern edge of the academic city of Lehan, there is a dungeon prepared specifically for the curriculum. We were instructed to arm ourselves and gathered in front of it early in the morning.

Incidentally, there’s no morning lecture today. Most of the classmates are delighted, treating it like a field trip.

The dungeon's entrance is tightly sealed with a heavy-looking iron door that appears recently reinforced. For something meant for a curriculum, the precautions seem excessive. But considering its proximity to the city, it’s understandable.

Our instructor, Lili, stood beside the iron door and began to speak.

"This dungeon has already been partially investigated by us instructors as a precaution. The creatures inside aren’t real but rather artificial magical beings borrowed from the Royal Lehan Academy of Magic. Still, be aware that this doesn’t guarantee complete safety."

A key was inserted into the iron door. A faint click sounded, and Lili began pushing the door open with both hands. A heavy creak echoed as the iron door began to part.

"Ugh... ah..."

Someone let out a groan. The first thing that came into view was an eerie staircase descending into darkness. A classmate audibly gulped, likely scared. Humans are creatures that instinctively fear the dark, much like wild animals fear fire.

Lili turned to face us.

"We’ve only investigated the first three levels. Beyond that, the fourth floor and below remain unexplored, and another reinforced iron door blocks the stairway leading further down. We will gradually unlock these areas as the curriculum progresses, so keep that in mind."

In other words, beyond the third level lies the possibility of real monsters. Though that doesn’t seem to concern us for now.

Lili entered the dungeon first, motioning for the rest of us to follow. We descended the staircase with Lili leading the way.

"Everyone, light your lanterns."

We turned the knobs on the magical lamps attached to our belts. Unlike torches, which lose brightness over distance and only illuminate a few dozen steps around them, magical lamps cast a steady light within their radius. It was almost as bright as being under the sun.

After a while, the stairs ended, and we emerged into the first underground floor. We scanned our surroundings. It was vast. The light from our magical lamps was swallowed by the darkness before reaching the walls.

I tapped the floor with the sheathed gladius.

"..."

The sound echoed briefly before fading. It didn’t bounce back. This place was larger than our classroom, possibly even larger than the school grounds.

Judging from the uneven, damp floor and ceiling, it wasn’t paved. This was likely a naturally occurring dungeon, with only the stairs added by school staff. Next to me, Miku murmured.

"It’s a natural dungeon."

"It seems so."

In this world, there are two types of dungeons: natural ones and ancient artificial ones whose creators remain unknown. The former holds little monetary or material value and often harbors dangerous monsters. Worse, new threats can easily take root there.

In short, natural dungeons are prone to becoming monster nests.

The latter, ancient artificial dungeons, are thought to have been created by humans from pre-civilization eras. These often contain valuable materials, unrecorded magic tomes, and treasures. Such dungeons can spark wars over territorial claims due to their immense value.

Judging from appearances, this dungeon is the former—a natural dungeon. While it’s perfect for training, its lack of value likely disappointed King Kilps.

The magical lamp’s light couldn’t reach the edges. Darkness seemed to cut the space sharply in two. The air was still, and the only sound was the occasional drip of water. The oppressive silence was so complete it felt like you could hear the breathing of the person next to you.

Everyone, who had been giddy about skipping lectures just moments ago, now wore uneasy expressions. Well, almost everyone.

"Hey, War Maiden, is it cool if I head in first?"

It was Void. The Bundi Daggers that had been strapped to his back when we entered were already mounted on his arms. He wore a mischievous grin, looking entirely unfazed.

"No. As I said before, once inside, you’ll be attacked by magical creatures. Even if you don’t die, you must be prepared to get injured. That’s why you were instructed to form parties of four after class yesterday. And address me as ‘Instructor.’"

"Huh? What a pain... I didn’t bother forming one. Don’t stick me with a bunch of weaklings."

Lili sighed, crossing her arms over her ample chest.

"I told you to form one. You’re quite the troublemaker."

"What? You treating me like some dumb kid now?"

I agreed with the delinquent, though watching him scratch his head with a dagger was nerve-wracking.

Meanwhile, the rest of the students naturally grouped into parties of four. As expected, Miku was by my side, her face completely devoid of tension.

"Hey, hey, should we make a flashy start? C’mon, let’s do it~!"

"Wait, you’re seriously teaming up with me?"

"Of course! You’re so reliable, El-tan! Teehee~"

She clung to my back, rubbing her cheek against mine.

"Rubbing~ rubbing~ Your cheek is so soft and squishy!"

What is she, a cat marking her territory?

I grabbed her face with one hand and pushed her off. Unfortunately, while my body may be that of a child, I’m mentally a middle-aged man. I have no interest in children.

"Knock it off. You’re annoying."

"Aww, don’t be so cold! Is lil’ El-tan too young to handle this much stimulation? Teehee~"

If anything, I’m way past that. Tragically late, even.

"But if you’re too cold, I might spill your little secret~"

"Tsk..."

If it were revealed that I’m this country’s prince, the instructors might exclude me from the curriculum to avoid any risks of injury. That would defeat the entire purpose of sneaking out of the castle and enrolling in this school.

"So, I’ll just take full advantage~"

"At least try to hold back..."

Miku clung to my head again, this time without resistance. I could feel the stares from all over the class—jealous glares from the boys, envious ones from the girls, and a cold gaze from Lili.

Spare me... This is torture...