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Chapter One: My Disastrous Life At The Academy

In this world, there existed the concept of “skills” and “magic.” All living creatures have one the capability to use skills and the affinity to use magic.

“Skills” were unique to every individual, they are special gifts from gods awarded at the time of one's birth. Everybody had at least one to help them in everyday life by the use of it's power. Thus, those with strong skills have been chosen by the gods.

Inside the expansive network of underground tunnels and caverns also known as Dungeon, there are Monsters that are capable of running rampant through the whole city. This monsters can get out of the dungeon caused by an unknown catastrophic phenomenon called “Dungeon outbreaks.” However these monsters were extremely dangerous, and not just anyone could defeat them.

People capable of taking down monsters were called “adventurers” men and women who wielded powerful attacks and skills who strive in the dungeon to reduce the monsters that might run rampage during Dungeon outbreaks , they also made earnings out of it since monster materials like drops and corpses are rare in the outside world, so they fetch a lot of money and they can make a decent job out of it. I was also one of them.

I'm a student in this academy where they thought science and technology to create students who can contribute in the World Developing Project or (WDP), the project that have been rolling around the globe for hundreds or thousands of years. But I'm not attending school just to listen to that crap. I have my own goal and that is to bring back the legacy of magical weapons...

“By becoming the strongest in the world!”

I shouted raising both my fist up and stood up as if trying to make a victory pose.

“...”

The whole class stared at me in silence with a dumbfounded expression. I was sitting on the back corner of the room near the window. So it's not a hassle for them to just tilt their head sideways to look at me.

“Mr. Fenri Hounds, are you perhaps sleeping during my class session?”

The teacher inquired at me in a rather angrily pace.

Crap how Should I respond? I indeed am sleeping during this Literary class. It's boring by the way so I ended up knocking myself out after listening for a few minutes. All the talk about is crap like how science started and how technology is invented but, I couldn't care less about that.

“Umm yes...maybe?”

I respond nervously.

“explain a good reason why did you do that?”

Now the teacher is furious.

“umm...”

Scratching my head, I thought there for a second what should I use as alibi to escape his carnage.

“well speak, before I kick you out of class.”

Welp, better say the truth rather than lying about something which doesn't make sense either.

“Sorry teacher, actually I fell asleep because of sudden boredom in listening to your class.”

“what!? Are you out of your mind?”

The teacher frowned out of displeasure.

“...”

I just stared in an awkward silence.

“did you know that school isn't a place to sleep?”

Should I argue back? Either way, I should really respond to the teacher because it's rather disrespectful to just leave him stared at me furiously without saying anything in response.

“Well teach, did you know that home isn't a place to study either? So why do you always leave us with random assignments?”

Shit, I suddenly said the joke I saw at the internet last night. Oh crap... I'm dead.

The teacher shouted at me with an intense displeasure saying.

“GET THE HELL OUT OF MY CLASS NOW!”

“Looks like I picked the wrong teacher to mess with.” I sighed while muttering to myself as I started walking outside of the room looking down staring at the tile floor. However, the students just stared at me in silence. Some have disgusted look on their faces while looking at me, some felt amused, and there are also people who seem to don't care.

I ended up roaming, walking around the campus since I got kicked out from the class I was attending into. So really don't have somewhere to head to.

“man this sucks...”

I said while kicking a small piece of rock on the ground irritatingly.

My name is Fenri Hounds, I work as an adventurer to earn money and sustain my needs by killing and selling monster drops and corpses from the dungeon. And I'm a High School student in this academy called “Hords Academy of Science Institution” a school where science and technology that's all that matters. I ended up being stuck in this damn school since this is the only High School Institution around here the mortal realm that is capable of teaching high school students science and technology subjects. It is a mixed school where everyone can attend to, humans, demi-humans, and other races that are considered as mortal.

I really wanted to attend in a Magic Academy or something like that to improve my capabilities and affinities in my skill and magic. But man...I can't find one...even around the mortal realm, it has been covered by some random Sci-Tech schools or whatever. That is the reason why blacksmithing legacy has been long forgotten, because it's the modern era. No one really care about stuff like that anymore. Specially when they already had smartphones, guns, and robots that are capable of doing their task much easier.

But not me! I will definitely bring back the golden age of swords and magic! That's my dream...or rather that's what my father want me to become. He died during a Dungeon Outbreak. A giant monster boss from the dungeon had appeared at the city and it shattered half of the country before it got killed by the gathered army force of all Four continents in the world. Dad saved me that day. So I will not let his dying wish to be in vane.

After my mother died out of his sickness, my sister and I are the only ones left. She was a lucky girl because our grandparents, my mothers parents took her and raised her after mother died. As for me? They abandoned me because I'm useless since I was born bearing two skills “Adaptability” and “Blacksmithing.” they find it really useless because of how it works.

The adaptability skill wasn't that good at all. It is a skill that lets the user to be able to adjust in new conditions like adapt or learn others magic or skills, at first you can find it quite intriguing but...the thing is I can only learn attacks that I can deflect. Which is quite a hassle since I don't know how to use barrier magic.

For example:

The enemy decided to throw a flaming fist at me. If I block it with bare hands I can learn it and I can modify its capacity for a new use or purpose such as creating new attacks of my own. Like adding more fire power and force to it so it can become extremely explosive when I use it. Or adding force and throw it at the enemy like a fire ball, of course I will still feel and get damage out of it if I got hit.

So, I resort on using a shield at some point inside the dungeon. But the shield always breaks after a few attacks since my blacksmithing skill can only help me create weapons imbued with magical powers, it's sturdiness is limited only and it depends on how rare the material is used in creating that weapon. Since I'm broke I can only afford and get materials in upper level dungeon such as insect and common dungeon ores.

“Hayst” I sighed deeply.

“Uhh...?” I suddenly paused after witnessing a weird signing on a random room in the school. Standing in front of the room's entrance. I squinted my eyes and focused it on the nameplate of the room.

“What...is that?” when I looked at it up close the nameplate read.

“Those who seek shall found what it is that resides.”

What's this? Is someone playing hide and seek? Or are they looking for something? Welp...it doesn't matter.

I was about to walk away out of that shady looking classroom when.

“Uh----a hand?”

Suddenly someone from inside grabbed me by the hand.

“What the hell!?”

My eyes widened after seeing that. The door is still closed yet the hand went through as if making the wooden school door look like a hologram. I can feel the person's warmth from it's hand indicating that this person is still alive and not a ghost.

But what had amaze me more is how does this person doing this? Even so I already know the answer that this person is using magic I still couldn't figure out what spell is it? Or how to use it. The arm suddenly dragged me inside. However, what I saw inside was even more surprising.

“A...research club?”

I opened my mouth as I gasped the situation.

I saw some students chanting magic magic in each corner of the room. Some of them are practicing it, some of them already created magic of the center of their palm, some had floating objects around them, some reading magical books and writing magical circles on a piece of paper. Also, their was a beautiful teacher observing them from the front.

She had blond hair and a pair of round glasses covering her charismatic azure-blue eyes. She is a petite young lady with perfect features, she is a teacher yet she's very young. If I had to guess...maybe she's still around her twenty's? Maybe? But despite all that...she is really beautiful.

“umm...”

Everyone fell in silence as their eyes gazed upon me, the guy who suddenly entered the room.

The hand still holding me though when I looked who is it that grabbed me inside, it turns out to be a girl, with the same age as me. She was kneeling to the floor while grabbing me by the hand looking up at me with a puzzled face. Then said.

“Who are you?”

“Uhh...”

I don't really know what should I respond to that question since I just got caught up in this situation. So, I just fell in silent for the time being.

The teacher looked at us with a rather delight face. She cracked a smile and said.

“Oh, how unusual...Eliza look's like you're magic worked somehow. But, next time please avoid grabbing other people please? If you don't mind.”

“oh- I'm so...sorry about that.”

Saying that she then let go her grip from my hand, standing while bowing her head in a way of apologizing.

“Nah, don't sweat it. just avoid dragging other people into your little experiments next time.”

“uhhh- yes of course, I'll take that advice hehe...”

She said with an awkward smile.

Moving on, I looked around a bit and started reviewing the classroom which really amaze me a lot. I never thought a facility could exist inside this Sci-Tech school.

I tilt my head towards the girl and she has been awkwardly staring at me for some reason. Well this is kinda awkward all of the sudden.

The girl infront of me had beautiful features to begin with. She has white hair and blue eyes which is very rare among humans to have. Her blue eyes glimmers like a magical stone and it's charisma is overwhelming.

One might even fall in love with her at first glance. Along with her petite and slim body she make a perfect model in a fashion show if I do say so myself. Well not that it matters to me. Though I find myself... somewhat attracted by her glance?

We stared at each other for quite sometime until the teacher cut off the awkward moment by clapping her hands.

“okay that's enough, let me talk to the boy for a sec.”

With a small squeak the girl stiffed her body and moved her gaze toward the teacher. With an awkward smile she said.

“Yes, of course Teacher Rose.”

Then the teacher signal at me using her fingers as if he wants me to follow her.

“come here a sec. Kid.”

And so I followed.

“so, what is it that you want to talk about teach?”

We began walking at the hallway away from the classroom as I spoke the preferred question in a situation like this. Though I might sound there a bit casual for some reason but, that's just how I communicate as all.

“To be frank, I just wanted to ask how did you stumbled upon my classroom in the first place?”

Oh boy, I should have known. She is a teacher after all I get it that she's concern about a student wondering off class. Well unfortunately I can't tell her what happened back in my class...maybe I should just make up things? Yeah that's it..

The teacher had this cool and soft voice that really reflects on her character. She had this intimidating aura that gave a glimpse of sexiness on her figure.

Noticing that I'm not able to answer her questions right away. She distracted my thinking there to see if I was spacing out.

“Is something that matter?”

“Oh nothing at all, You see I'm a transfer student and I'm currently looking for a magic class to attend.”

“Now I see...”

“I was walking around and couldn't find one. But then I found this strange writing on the nameplate of your room, it read Those who seek shall found what it is that resides. And suddenly-”

But before I could finish up my sentence the teacher halted me with a loud.

“Wait! You can read ancient writing!?”

Was it called ancient writing? It was common in the city where I came from. After all, it was used to apply magic on the sword.

She had this shocked expression you can see in a person that had just have seen a ghost. I wonder why?

“well, yeah? I guess...if that's what it's called then I guess I can read it.”

I said with a bit of hesitation in my tone.

“Fascinating...” she paused while stroking her chin as if thinking about something. “Say, where did you came from?”

“My mo-” I paused.

Shoot! I was about to say “In my mother's belly.” when I realized if I keep joking around my head will really roll to the floor in no time.

“I came from Eashten teach.”

“Eashten? You mean the city near the dwarven kingdom's border?”

“Umm, yes the Infamous Eashten Land of the Blacksmiths”

“But that country...”

Even though the teacher didn't finished her sentence I already know what is it that she was about to say. I was there after all.

“Yes, the city already fall into ruins. I witnessed it after all, I was there when it happened. The Goliath incident 6 years ago.”

“I'm sorry to hear that.” she said in a low tone.

“it's okay teach, it's already in the past so Let's just move on.”

“Of course.”

With a smile I finally cleared the gloomy atmosphere around us.

“So, why did you choose to enroll here in Hords Academy?”

“Like I said earlier, I'm traveling around the mortal realm hoping to find a magic school to attend to. I heard some rumours that they teach magic here and then here we are.”

“Now I see. On that note, Mind if I transfer you to my class?”

“Uhh...Is that really okay?”

“Yeah, since people who can read Ancient writings are very rare among the people on this country. In return, I could really appreciate on lending me a hand on my research for magic.”

Sounds very interesting.

“Count me in teach! I'd be happy to oblige.”

I'm a bit hesitant to do this at first. But when I thought about it thoroughly, I decided to take her offer. It will help me achieve my goal after all.

“Thanks. Anyway, sorry for the late introduction, my name is Malycia Rose Malford. You can just call me teacher Rose just like everyone in the class.”

“Fenri Hounds, a pleasure to meet you teacher Rose.”

And with that, I have found myself a magic school to attend to.

“Huh? The sun is about to set.”

I muttered to myself as I watched the sky above as it's color is slowly becoming more orange as the sun was slowly hiding beyond the horizon.

Many hours have passed since teacher Rose and I have parted our ways. After that meeting I took a nap inside the storage room so that teachers won't freak out if they see me goofing around in an open. And when I woke up I decided to take it easy and head home to prepare for tomorrow.

I live in a cheap, crappy apartment near the campus for easy school access. Since, I can't afford to live on dorms. I can't pay up the expenses there because I'm broke, I can't hang out with the people there since I'm a commoner, and status is what makes a person above the others.

People like the King,the Queen, the Prince, and Princess are the people who have the highest status below them was the Marquess and Marchioness, next is the Earl and Countess, Followed by the Viscount and Viscountess, lastly is the Baron and Baroness. Those where the order of nobility titles and the people whom we call the nobles.

But that is not the end of it all. The ranking was continued with the Nobles on top, the Church, the Knights, the Merchants, the Adventurers, the Commoners, and the slaves. Yes slavery is legal in this corrupted country. Even though it's highly and socially advance they still resort to that kind of stuffs to satisfy their twisted desires.

As I was walking on the asphalt road I saw the tall buildings, the lightings illuminating the almost dark streets, the cars passing by, some students that is about to go shopping to the mall, some other civilians and bystanders. This is just an example of how the city have grown in the past centuries of developing technology.

I also noticed something...or rather someone forcing Demi-human slaves to put boxes inside a delivery truck. They where crying and you can really feel every ounces of tears that sweeps through their faces. But, they couldn't afford to stop even if it's against their will. Since the Human owner will whip them to shape is they do.

Of course I'm not fond in that kind of stuff. As a fellow scumbag I would really punch that guy in the face to show him what it feels to be discriminated. But as fate would not allow it because I'm powerless and useless. Even if I don't agree with that idea. I can't really do anything to stop it. And that's reality.... that's just how hard the world is right now.

I continued my stroll to home with a gloomy face in tact thinking again dreaming.

“How should I bring back the world it was back then if I'm this powerless? How should I bring back the peace that once had take over in this curse world?”

I wonder why god gave such powerless skills to me in the first place... If gods do exist then I hope they heed my call.

After a few minutes I arrived home safely.

I unlocked the door using the key. Then I take off my shoes and put them aside for now, I sat of the floor near the door for about some time, before rushing, running and flew up, jumping onto my cramped bed as if diving in the ocean.

“Hayst....” I then release a sigh of exhaustion. “this is really draining me out.”

It was a really tiring day for me. Even though I never did anything exhausting back then. It's not that I'm tired physically... I'm just mentally exhausted that's all. Looking back to what happened earlier. I found myself grinning while burying my face on my pillow.

“hehehe... tomorrow huh...”

I'm a bit excited on transferring to that magic classroom. Now that I've secure my magic lessons I feel like I've taken the first step in my goal.

“I will return this world one day...to it's original state!”

Dad, mom... please watch over me...

My vision is starting to become blurry. It's already dark outside anyway. I'm not hungry either so I may just sleep for the time. Then my consciousness faded away and fell asleep in an instant.

I woke up in my cramped bed with the worse feeling ever. I then rubbed my bleary eyes using both my hands as I slowly stood up.

“It's already morning.”

I was about to take my very first step when my stomach growled loudly due to intense hunger. Then I realized that I never really ate dinner last night and never even changed my clothes.

“Nah, whatever, I should really prepare first before going to school. I cant afford to embarrass myself infront of my new classmates.”

So I began moving up and started preparing for the day.

After taking a bath I then open and took a quick peek at the small refrigerator I have. As always it only had ready to cook foods like eggs, hotdogs, bacons, and cup noodles.

I don't usually pile up other beverages in the refrigerator since it will just rot if I forgot to cook or eat them when time passes so, I decided storing stuffs like these in the fridge might be a good idea.

It's part of my daily routine to cook for myself using all the ingredients I have in this house. Also, I clean the house a bit to keep it nice and tidy.

My daily exercise was simple. Sleep early to wake up early and then prepare food to eat. After digesting all that food. I tend rest up a bit or do chores like to sweep up the floor or do dishes.

I even have time to wash my worn shirts so I can dry them off early in the morning. Sometimes watch some video's and all.

After a few minutes I tend to do push ups, squats, burpee, and lastly walk or run towards school. As simple as that and because I have stamina to run towards school everyday, I can save a some of my money to pay rent and buy some necessities that I need.

I do this everyday without fail since I have to make sure that I'm physically strong to fight inside the dungeon after all.

Then I arrived at school at exactly seven-thirty and avoided the penalty for being late.

I was walking to the campus when I stumbled upon a crowded area. There was a group of people gathering on the school grounds near the entrance.

“Huh? What are these people up to?”

Left utterly dumbfounded to the situation. I can't find a quick answer on what's happening here. Also, I'm stuck here outside because they're in the way and I can't enter the building.

“Man, this sucks...” I muttered to myself.

“Ah! They're here!”

A loud sound from a certain girl at the crowd echoes.

“Move! Move! I can't see!”

The other students that also partake to this gathering started talking.

“It really is them! Ah~!”

What a pain!!

I kept barging, forcing myself to insert and make through this annoying pile of people. Yet luck wasn't on my side. Even if I force myself in it was very difficult since due to the large number of people it's very difficult to move.

Also, there a sufficient lack of oxygen in the area making it more difficult to breath and the only was I can enter the building is through this entrance. Which made me more irritated.

What the hell? Should I slaughter each and everyone of them? I really thought of something like that sa second ago. But it also made me more curious.

Why are there so many people gathering in one place? Did the school announced an event yesterday? I was slacking off so naturally I never heard anything.

But, wait, let's see... The situation forced me to use every bit of my brain cells to think what is the cause of this ruckus?

Then a moment of silence arrived.

Huh? Why did they stop moving? I tip my toe to maximize my height and started to see the view on the other side.

“Wait that's!”

I saw fourteen people walking straight and was inside the building headed to the direction of the principal's office. It was a mixed group of people boys and girls carrying weapons I never seen before. But those weapons are not the thing that these people gathering here are after. But rather...

“It's the Hero!”

A certain boy from the crowd shouted.

“Lord Akihiko Masada! Please look at me!”

“Please give me your autograph sir hero!”

“Oh please marry me!”

They awe affectionately and started shouting like crazy. However, I know some of them are but still, the man with an sheathed sword on the waist, has ebony-black hair, and azure-blue eyes wearing an overwhelming aura, I'm sure of it he's the real deal.

His otherworldly features aside, I can tell with just one look. That the Hero Akihiko Masada sure is formidable.

I took a quick gulp of my saliva and then moved on to the others that was following his lead.

“Also...The thirteen Legendary Weapon. Man, they're cool.”

They were legendary people who wielded weapons that beats floor monster bosses back then until now.

But sure these people look young right? That's because they are the same age as me and these weapons were passed down generation to generation.

Not as strong as the hero but anyone can really tell that they're powerful enough to dive deeper inside the dungeon.

“Well, anything sounds cool if you stick the word legendary in front of it.”

Either way I don't really give a crap about those wielders. But rather the weapons they are wielding.

I found some of those when I sneaked in the dwarven kingdom back in the past. I can't really remember what they are called. I also tried copying the technique they do on crafting those weapons. Unfortunately it was skill that they use in making those.

“I hope I can make something like that one day... it'll be a blast if I use it to raid in the dungeon.” I paused. Stroking my chin up. “Anyways I should really get going...But how?”

I never really thought I would be helpless in times like this. I don't even know how should I pass this crown to get onto my new class once and for all. Should I just let it be and wait for them to loose out? Or should I really force myself in to save more time? They say...

“Time is precious than gold. So, there's no time to waste.”

I step a back a little and then spread both my arms as far as I can reach. I apply a lot of force into it to give it a stronger effect.

“ready... One, two, three!”

The moment I counted to three I released a really loud clap that echoed throughout the whole area. Then all that chatter the crowd had emitted stopped and halted for a second. All of them paused and fixed their gaze towards me. Their eyes widened as they started mumbling about something.

“ugh-that guy again.”

“what an eyesore.”

“get lost already punk!”

“the school should have really kicked you out!”

Man this sucks. I didn't gave a crap at their insults to me because it's not like it's the first time in my life.

“Coming through! Move it!”

I just walked in a usual pace pretending not to hear there murmurs. Even the Hero and his thirteen buddies paused, standing there looking at me as I walk by passing them like a car overtaking others. I never really look back or even look on their faces as I move. All that matters to me is to be able to cross without any issue. I don't want to be late in my first day you know.

So without further or do I then headed towards the classroom that I was newly assigned in to with a bit of excitement on hand wondering...

“I wonder what kind of person my new classmates are?”

***

I heard a loud sound from the very back of the crowd following us. I just stood there as if it just halted my movements for a second. I was left utterly puzzled wondering.

“Where did that came from?”

It was a nostalgic sound you can hear in a theatre after the performance or in places like playground where the kids play along with their friends. It was the sound of someone clapping.

“Is something the matter Lord Masada?”

The girl on my team asked. She had beautiful long silver-blue hair that resembles the color of the sky shimmers as the wind sways it. Also, a pair of deep golden eyes. She was carrying a weapon similar to a golden spear. However, she also had a reinforced weapon...a pistol to be exact sheathed on her legs.

If I recall...her name was...

“uh... nothing serious miss Lupuzregina, I was just wondering what's this all of the sudden?”

“oh! Is that so...well the guy sure did cause some scene...”

“the guy?”

I squinted my eyes to look at the person a bit clearer.

“Coming through! Move it!”

He shouted as the crowd full of student slowly moving sideways making him a way as he speak.

Is that guy some kind of big shot? Or so I thought. Then not to long I started hearing some murmurs from the crowd like.

“ugh-that guy again.”

“what an eyesore.”

“get lost already punk!”

“the school should have really kicked you out.”

And many more.

Wha- what's going on? Is this some kind of bullying in this school? Well, it does look like it. Should I stop it? No, maybe I shouldn't intervene since I don't really know the reasons.

The guy slowly approaching to us as he walk. With that his appearance is slowly becoming more clearer to me.

White colored hair, brimming red eyes, and dressed in all black that is similar to the other student's school uniform with a white tie on tact.

He passed into us without even taking a glimpse to us as he walk it was like he does not care about us at all. We have all the status to rival a noble title and power that became this nation's national treasure and yet, this guy didn't even flinch for even a second.

All we can do is look at him without moving a bit and let him get through.we just stood there watching until he disappear out of sight.

“Who's that, if I may presume?”

The Knight on the corner guiding us spoke to the students and asked them who that guy is. Then headed back to me afterwards and reported.

“They said his name was Fenri Hounds, he is currently a first year student in this school who got kicked out of class because of his uncontrollable behavior. He was a Magic Sword crafter or a Blacksmith as you may call him.”

Wow, a blacksmith. People like that can craft weapons imbued with magical energy?

“Fascinating... I'd like to meet him someday.”

“huh? No-uh! Why sir? He's like a delinquent.”

“Oh it's nothing... Just a personal matter. You said he was a blacksmith right?”

“Yes, but that kind of class have been long forgotten since we don't need inconvenient weapons like their crafts anymore...”

“is that so...well, I would love to give it a try.”

I said this a diligent smile.

“Uh...huh...?”

The Knight was left with a dumbfounded expression.

Maybe he can upgrade my weapon for me in the near future. I might as well recruit him as my personal blacksmith. Now this is exciting. Or so I thought.

I never imagined a guy such as him still exists in this modernity of a world. Even though his class was already long forgotten he still never gave it up. What a great guy.

***

“At last! I'm here!”

I stood to the entrance door of the classroom stiffly. It was a feeling that I never felt before, I was so nervous to the point where I can vomit all those anxiety inside my aching stomach.

Oh no, look's like it's about to burst!

I covered my mouth with my right hand. also, I pressed the other hand to my stomach while curling.

Even though I'm outside I can hear the chattering sound of the students behind this classroom but not that clear.

“Look's like this is a lively class.”

Then I cracked a smile.

In an instance the teacher felt my presence as she fixed her gaze towards the wooden door's small window. She saw the silhouette that my figure emitted from outside, then he clapped her hands three times in a row that caused the students to focus their attention to her and spoke.

“Okay class listen, a new student will start attending this class from now on. He's new here so be kind to him.”

“...”

The students paused for a moment without saying anything in response.

“Okay Fenri, you can now come in.”

With that, the signal of my entry has been set. I opened the sliding door using a little bit of force leaving a clanging sound. I entered as normal as I could to gave off a bit of impression to my new classmates. This is a new environment so I have to be mindful.

While smiling diligently, I stared walking in a neutral pace as I slowly approached the teacher's table and the stood near there nervously. My heart was pounding a lot faster than usual while being there.

Be natural, be natural.

Those where my thoughts.

“Okay class, meet your new classmate. Go on introduce yourself.”

She tilted her head nodding as if saying I should continue.

I bowed my head then closed my eye as I started introducing myself to them.

“A pleasant day ladies and gentlemen, my name is Fenri Hounds and starting today I'll be your new classmate. Pleasure to meet you all.”

I heard that this was the proper gesture to greet a person such as nobles they are esteemed after all.

After that well mannered entry I look up to see how would my new classmates would react. Shockingly, it didn't turn out as much as I want things to be.

“w-what the....they just ignored me.”

The moment I set my gaze on them, no one really paid attention even though I gave it all my efforts to that introduction. Instead, most of them was preoccupied doing things like writing, some was reading, the other guy infront of me was sleeping, and some are chatting on the back seat.

Sweat drips and sways onto my cheeks as I observe my classmates behavior. I felt so embarassed at the moment knowing that no one was really listening.

![](Untitled27_20240715212729.jpg)

What the heck? The audacity of these people!

I screamed furiously inside my brain but still hanging the same neutral calm expression outside.

Teacher Rose noticed my uneasiness and because of that she gave me a little push, motivating that I should hang in there. She tapped my shoulder in the process. Thank you teacher Rose...while imagining fake tears are dripping out of my eyes. They're tears of joy actually.

“Listen Up class, Fenri is going to sit at that empty desk.” pointing her index finger over the empty desk in the corner near the window then called someone.

“Marcus!”

The Guy with golden-blonde hair startled by Teacher Rose calling his name.

“A-ah Yes, ma'am? How can I help you?”

He asked with a bit of hesitation on his tone.

Earlier I noticed that guy playing on his pen, spinning it across his fingers and I found it really cool. Though.

He wasn't listening to anything at all. Maybe he's bored? Again...I can't just judge a book by it's cover.

Wait, feel like I've been through his situation for some reason...was it deja vu? Well, never mind.

I then moved on and sat to my assigned desk. The guy has been awfully staring at me and it feels so creepy...am I just imagining things? Because I find it awful when someone smiled at me for some reason. I wonder why? Though.

I can feel that this guy is decent.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Marcus Arthur Laywin, and you are?”

He approached me with an attempt to handshake.

“Oh- the name is Fenri. Fenri Hounds.” then I paused. “Wait didn't I introduced myself in the front a minute ago?”

“Sorry about that brother.”

What!? Brother!? I gasped.

“I wasn't paying attention actually... it's not like I'm a lazy student... I just can't handle stuff's that doesn't interest me as all. But, I'm a profound student.” He added while grinning in front of me.

Does this guy wanted to show off his accomplishments to me? What a cocky bastard.

“Just forget that I asked that. Anyway, Pleasure to meet you Marcus.”

“Same here. At least cut the formality, I'm a baron anyways so we're cool”

“Uh...huh....”

We exchanged handshakes together and then fixed our eyes to the board. I don't know what lesson will it be in the first session. But, at least I brought my backpack and other schools necessities. However, I'm lacking on books. Since grimoire and other magical books doesn't come to the shop's that often.

“Okay prepare your books for today's lesson. Class is about to start so go back and arrange your seats.”

Teacher Rose inquired.

“Okay teach.”

“Roger ma'am.”

“Yes, yes.”

The students have various of replies as they speak.

“Pst! Pst!”

Marcus on the other hand was hissing at me and I don't know why. Out of curiosity I looked to him to imply that I'm listening.

But, I didn't say anything in respond.

“...?”

“If you don't have books fret not! I'm here to save your day.”

“Uhh...”

Well, this is awkward. Is he some kind of super hero in his own story?

“Let's just move our desk closer and share okay?.”

At least he's a great guy.

Nevertheless I moved my desk closer to his and then we shared books as the class go on...

And with that I have found myself a friend.

A few hours later the class had ended.

I enjoyed the subjects to be honest, especially that levitation spell lesson. It's kinda handy and I think everyone feels the same. That magic can make any object float in mid air at will. However it consumes your magical energy in the process. But, you will not burn out even after using it countless times since it only consume 2% of magical energy. So, as long as you have that there will be no problem.

“Heya Fenri, wanna grab lunch together?”

Marcus just approached me so casually. He seemed delighted...did something happen?

“Uhh...sure? Why not?”

I can't help but notice the vibe he is emitting right now, which is different from what he was earlier. He's more positive now...I think.

And yep, he's definitely grinning infront of me. I don't know why though!

We decided to take lunch as the school's cafeteria. After entering, we stumbled upon a large number of students from middle schoolers up to third years were eating lunch here today. The place was really crowded, everywhere you look tend to have students eating, chatting, and other stuff that they do during their breaks.

After ordering and paying our food we went out to find a place to eat. We found the perfect place and was near at the cafeteria. There aren't a lot of people there so it was a nice spot.

It had this small round table and a pair of chair in both side. I let Marcus take the first seat and then I sat on the one that is vacant.

“Wow, the food looks great! Don't you think?”

Marcus said admiring the food infront of him with sparkling eyes.

“Yeah I guess...”

What the hell is wrong with this guy!?

It's not like l hate him of anything, it's just he seems to be quite positive for some reason. Is this how people in the capital behave? Or is this a trendy stuff? I feel kinda left out.

“Let's eat! Thank you for the food!!!!”

“Let's dig in.”

The food we bought was still hot because it's still newly cooked. Due to the technologies advancements even foods that are processed for hours can still serve like fast foods and it looks really appetizing too.

Anyway, I ordered beef brocolli. It was fried beef with broccoli and was seasoned with black grated pepper and salt.

The texture of the beef is soft with a slice of juiciness on the meat, the nice peppery and yummy caramelized beef combined with the bit of bitterness of the broccoli it is really savory. I also added a slice of sandwich compose with bread, lettuce, bacon, egg, tomatoes and cucumber for my side dish.

On the other hand. Marcus ordered a steak. It was a sliced ribeye and was cook in charcoal where you can taste the char on it. Seasoned by salt and grated pepper and it's usually serve medium rare.

It is soft and juicy and also has an beautiful crust, it is really tender and the caramelized fat of the stake bring the dish to the another level that melts in the mouth.

It was accompanied by a chocolate cookie that usually baked and was sprinkled with some chocolate chips on top for dessert.

It's texture was rough and it has many trenches and crunchy the taste is chocolaty with the slice of crunchiness in every bite.

And lastly we both ordered a drink called honey tea for our refresher. It was compose of cold water combined with honey. it can also be hot and cold so you can even put an ice cube on the drink for your preferences.

“Wow, the chefs really did a great job in cooking this food. Don't you agree Fenri?”

Marcus babbled while his mouth is still full.

“That's a prestigious school for you. They don't seem to have failed a lot of expectations from the kingdom. Anyways, mind your manners we're still eating so don't speak if your mouth is full!” I inquired loudly.

“Yesss!”

Though, I'm not angry or anything...I just feel like.... you know somewhat bothered....? Anyways is this guy really a nobleman? Because he doesn't act like one. Then we continued indulging on the delicious food infront of us.

“Oh, if isn't it Fenri!”

A nostalgic voice rang onto my ears. It was calling me from behind affectionately. It was a sound of an elegant girl.

I looked back toward where the voice is coming from. Yet, it turns out to be an acquaintance of mine.

“Umm...hello again, miss?”

Though we met each other back at the classroom the other day, she was the one who pulled me by the hand after all. I can't seem to remember her name clearly. Was is Lilisa? Lelyza? I never even had much thought of it.

“Sorry about that, looks like I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Elizabeth Von Ashcroft. You can just call me Eliza for short.”

He winked at me while stroking her cheek using her index finger acting cute like an anime character.

“Eliza..huh...”

“Do you know her Fenri?”

Marcus asked.

“No, not really I just met her the other day in a certain accident.”

“Oh, is that so?” he replied then paused. He fixed his gaze towards Eliza who's standing beside me while resting his right hand onto my shoulder. “Say miss Eliza have we seen each other by chance? You seem kinda familiar though.” he added.

“Apparently, yes mister Marcus. Where classmates after all.”

Eliza smiled gently as he gazed back to Marcus.

“Eh....EEHHHH??”

He flustered shockingly.

Wait!? Why!? I mean you really didn't notice her even though she's just three seat apart from you!

My brain automatically reacted because of Marcus's expression.

“Bruh, are you even paying attention in class? I've started to doubt you.”

I frowned.

I never really thought that this guy is such a dumbass. Though, it was true. He did say that he doesn't pay much attention on things that he has no interest into. Well, I think that's acceptable...wait..maybe not?

“Haha, what an interesting fellow.”

Eliza giggled.

“Anyway, miss Eliza. Do you need something?”

I asked.

“Oh, that's right! I totally forgot. You see....”

So she explained the situation to me. She said it started when he saw me back in the class, wanting to apologize apologize properly to what had happened yesterday, she was hoping to find the perfect moment to talk to me. That's why when I left the room she decided to follow me.

“Ah, so that's what happened.”

“Yes, I'm really sorry about the other day.”

She tilt her head down a little, bowing infront of me apologizing.

“It's okay really! It's not even a big deal or something. After all it's thanks to you I was able to transfer to the magic class I've long seeking. So I should be the one bowing right now, thanking you for that.”

“There's no need for that really...”

“Yeah I guess...”

The both of us started to feel awkward towards each other.

“Anyways, pleasure to be your acquaintance, Mister Fenri”

Se smiled at me while lifting her hand forward attempting to do a handshake with me.

Just drop the formality we're classmates after all haha, Fenri is just fine.”

I smiled at her back diligently as I took her hand.

She's a good person I guess. That's what I thought. Marcus on the other hand doesn't seem to be interested in our conversation so he just continued eating his food at the table. Maybe he's minding his own business? However he seems to be a little anxious, does he want to go to the toilet? Maybe he's waiting for us to finish our conversation then take an excuse...

A minute later Eliza took her leave and decided to head back to the classroom for some other business. As for us, we where left here again eating our lunch while continuing to converse with each other.

“Hey Fenri.”

Marcus suddenly called.

“What?”

Does he have some kind of problem? Maybe he's going to argue with me because he had the thing for Eliza. I might just say to him that I'm not going to indulge myself to such trivial matters.

“Say, do you feel at ease at her?”

He said in a serious tone.

“Huh?... maybe I guess, she's not a bad person after all but-”

I was about to finish my sentence when the atmosphere suddenly changed. Did I upset him? Maybe I should apologize if I did.

“Here's a piece of advice. A friend to friend advice. Don't stick your nose to that woman Fenri...”

“Huh...”

My eyes widened, in a moment I stopped thinking, I just sat there... looking at Marcus's cold expression.

“She's really dangerous....”

I stopped my breathing in an instance. It feel so intense like I'm about to burst or something. The feeling of anxiousness is rising over until. A droplet of cold sweat ran down to my cheeks as I was staring at him.

“Oh!”

Marcus noticed that the school bell just rang out of the blue. When I looked at him now he's smiling ever so brightly as if nothing just happened. My uneasiness disappeared once the bell rang and manage to get back to my original pace.

What was that all of the sudden!? I thought. It made my spine chill in an instance. What's with this guy!? I can see that he's not messing around.

Marcus noticed my anxiousness and decided to ask.

“Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?”

“N-no, I'm fine haha, we should really go back to the classroom or else where going to be late on todays afternoon session.”

“Yeah, your right Fenri! Let'zzz Gooo!”

He stood up striking his hand forward pointing his index finger at the direction of our classroom then started marching.

I should really forget what happened earlier... And with that I followed him with a gloomy and exhausted pace on tact.

***

“It's here guys! Get ready! Don't lose formation!”

I ordered at my companions cautiously.

“The enemy infront of us is strong that's for sure.”

A member of the Thirteen Legendary Weapon Wielder spoke. He's name was Zack, carrying a shotgun on hand and a large battle axe on his back.

“Yeah, that's why we need to be careful.”

We're facing an Infernal Wolf right now. That's why we're on guard.

This happened because the Principal of Hords academy made a request from us with a proper payment in exchange. That's why we're on that school earlier.

“Sir Hero, Lord Masada please lend us your aid.”

The principal stood up and bowed her head.

“Uhh...umm...Miss principal please raise your head there's no need for that, let me hear what is need that you're in need me to?”

“Oh- that's right, I want to humble request your aid for the coming Dungeon Dive of the students tomorrow.”

“So what do you want me to do?”

“We want you and your party to investigate the floor one to seven in the process. I want to insure my students safety after all. Also, we will pay you with the proper price at most.”

A dungeon dive quest huh... I stroke me chin as I began thinking of somethings that I need to consider. First is, whether or not my party will agree.

I glanced back at the people behind me which includes the Wielders. However, I did it in a way they wouldn't notice.

Second is their safety... But since it's a low-level floor I'm sure everything will work out. Traps and irregular monsters are common inside the dungeon since no one really knows what dwells inside it. Still, I'm friends aren't that weak I'm sure it'll work out at the end.

“Okay ma'am principal I accept your condition. Is that okay guys?”

“of course! Well follow you till the ends of the world lord Hero!”

They said in unison.

And so I smiled at them releasing a sigh of relief. Good grief this guys..

“Thank you very much sir hero. I hope your quest will turn out well, I wish you best of luck.”

Said the principal with a gentle smile on her face as if she can rest assure.

And so, we departed from the school at the afternoon and was headed towards the dungeon.

The dungeon was located at the center of the city. Since Hords academy is located also in the city, traveling there will be easy. Not that fantasy situation that I've grown to know where a group of people ride carriages pulled by horses and travel there for days. Going there was rather convenient in this generation. Riding a express train will take you there within thirty minutes or less. since the travel route of the train do not have traffics.

“This world is even more high tech than from where I came from.”

I frowned.

Traveling engine aside, there are a lot of other convenient things this world has to offer. Especially when it comes to high specs technology.

After riding a train for about a minute we've arrived at the location of our expedition.

“Well, where here.”

Infront of us appeared an amazing sight to behold. The Dungeon standing before us is really worth the praise.

At first glance, the Dungeon was nothing more than a gigantic, vast tomb. Though there was something special about it's appearance outside, save an enormous dragon skull had covered the tomb a whole, while inside has various ancient designs and statues that have been ruined ages ago. The people living in this world doesn't seem to recognize the persons engraved in the statues nor have any information about this dungeon. Also, cobwebs have coated the walls, courtesy of the spider's residing in the area.

But that was about it. Other than that, it just looked like a hole inside a cliff once you pass across the entrance. Well, if gamers back in my realworld saw a photograph of it, they would likely pique interest on it while aching for adventure.

Seeing it on person, however, was another matter. Something about it just gave me the sense that there was a lot of dangerous yet powerful monsters hidden within this caves and caverns. It had an unsettling air into it, and yet it was precisely that unsettling air provoked my curiousity. I wonder how many have died inside this dungeon? I kept that question onto myself.

“Okay, team, we're going to do just like what we discussed. Got it?”

“Roger!”

They said in unison.

The formation we discussed was to create a triangular shape pattern where the damage dealers goes infront and on the back, while the vanguards goes to each side for easy rotation, then the mages goes in the center to avoid possible threat like ambushes and traps.

The plan was to let the gun bearers to strike the monsters down first while the the vanguards protect them from if the enemy launches projectiles in mid air. Once the monsters is weakened the weapon wielders will attack and finish them off at once to avoid anymore casualties. While the mages will buff and heal any injured comrades we have.

The Dungeon is not vast inside after all it is consist with caves and caverns so we have to be cautious. Even if it's just a lower level. That's the strategy that came into mind.

We took up the formation just as we had discussed earlier. It wasn't my first time diving in this dungeon, but it wouldn't hurt to be a little cautious right? I didn't feel much excitement. Just the weight of knowing that we couldn't afford to fail.

It was dark inside, but not entirely so. The interior had a dim glow on it because of the magic cristal and dungeon ore that surrounds the area. At least it helped by brightening things up.

“I heard that in this dungeon engraved an regenerative artifact that rebuild and spawn monsters when something is damage and killed inside.”

Zack said.

He is a member of the Thirteen Legendary Weapon Wielder. He's name was Zack, carrying a shotgun on hand and a large battle axe on his back. He is a masculine guy and a very trustworthy ally if I do say so myself.

“Is that so?” I paused then stroke my chin up. “Well, that sure explains various of things like why the monsters numbers aren't decreasing and the dungeon crystal and ore doesn't seemed to have been moved. How fascinating”

I was one of the damage dealers of the team so, Zack, I , and Lupuzregina will finish off the monsters once the Gunners weakened them.

We were navigating what looked to be an ant nest here in the first floor. Silken webs were strung up across the walls and ceilings, and further within was a brimming red light.

“Is that...!?”

I squinted my eyes to see what resides in there.

But the scout on our party suddenly shouted.

“It's enemies!”

I immediately gasped the situation and ordered my comrades.

“don't loose formation! Vanguards prepare the defense! Enemies might get close we can't afford any risk here! Our lives are on the line!”

“Roger!”

“Mages prepare buff and reinforce armor spells! The enemies are approaching, cast it immediately on the damage dealers.”

“on it!”

With that our team is on the move.

The monsters that headed toward us appeared to be Cannibal Ants. They are ant type monsters that attack using large numbers because they're weak. They are hard to deal with because of how large their groups are. These types of ant tend to kill and eat adventurers without haste. But most of them resort to cannibalism that's why they're named canibal ants. They aren't large enough to swallow a person whole but they're big enough to stand toe to toe with someone.

A barrage of bullets had directly hit all those rampaging monsters as they run towards us. Some of them manage to get close but was immediately blocked my our vanguards. The massacre continue for less than an hour since there are a lot of them and the sound of our guns manage to attract more. After that the gunners exit the firing range.

“Leave the rest to us.”

I inquired.

There aren't a lot of them left so the three of us headed for the kill. We cleaved the remaining ant's head, torso, and limbs cutting them in half, killing them until not a single one has left.

A pool of blood drips down to the ground as the fallen ants lay in there. I swung my blood coated sword in mid air to clear the stains.

“Phew.” I sigh in exhaustion. “Wow there sure are a lot.”

“indeed...”

Said Lupuzregina while wiping off the blood on his cheeks using a handkerchief.

“Haha at least it was worth a while.”

Said Zack as he was acting high and mighty.

“Well then shall we move on?”

The team continued up we faced up a lot of monsters along the way. Though, we manage to kill them all like what we did on the Cannibal Ants earlier. At the second floor we fought a lot of undead skeleton monsters that carries weapons and armor of dead adventurers. They're know as Skull Face and is not a very threatening opponent if you ask me. They're slow and weak but they do can fight back and can out number you in an instance. Monsters like skull face is really common inside the dungeon. Though there are strong skull face that can one shot any adventurer in one swing they're called Skull Reaper and evolved on and they are most likely found in traps like teleportation circles. That's why its dangerous.

Back in the third to fifth floor we faced monsters that are stronger than earlier. Like Mud Spider a arachidonic type monsters that has steel wire webbing and resort to burying themselves to the ground to trap pray and use the webbing to prevent them from escaping. They're life threatening since those spider is bigger than an average human and can grow up as tall as a bus in it's adult form. We've also faced monsters like Creepy Crawlers a type of cockroach that is as big as an elementary kid. They aren't that Strong but they do tend to move as group and copy appearance of bigger monsters to hunt pray and avoid dangers.

Over all we did some fighting and the process was exhausting. We did take some short breaks in every floor we step on to rest so we wont burn out ourselves.

Once we've arrive at the six floor more monsters have been appearing and they are most likely groups of Cannibal Ants, Creepy Crawlers, and Skull face. We faced them head on up until we've arrived at the seventh floor.

Where we're currently facing infernal wolves. A type of beast that has red fur and flaming tail. They are superbly agile and can breath fire. They usually move on packs and has an alpha leading them so, where currently struggling on handling them.