Chapter 94

Before leaving for Chloris Forest, we made some preparations. Violet, the three girls, and I started a meeting.

According to Irene’s explanation, there were a few things we needed to do.

“Our task during the experiential learning program is twofold. First, we need to go deep into the dungeon and retrieve the designated relic.”

This was something confirmed during previous orientations and various notices. The explanation stated that instructors had hidden various fake relics in specific places within the dungeon. It’s definitely a distance of several hours on foot.

“How long will it take to cover that distance?”

“If we move without resting, it won’t take even half a day. And that’s without considering traps and fighting monsters.”

However, Chloris Forest was a dense jungle where you couldn’t see a step ahead. This environment was a first for me.

Inside the dungeon, we couldn’t use systems like satellite navigation. Even a compass was useless in such a transmogrified space. We needed to utilize small inertial navigation devices, our knowledge of navigation, and various individual abilities.

“Don’t worry about getting lost. According to the academy’s explanation, a wired communication network is installed inside. Though I’m not sure how much I can trust that.”

Looking at the materials, I saw utility poles installed at regular intervals. Since we couldn’t use wireless communication, they had gone all out with wired networks. It was a bit primitive, but not too bad.

The large red panic button attached to the pole in the photo was quite impressive.

“The second task is easier than I thought. We just need to stay inside the dungeon for about 24 hours, regardless of whether we retrieve the items or not.”

“So we need to sleep there for a night.”

“That’s right. But Violet, you did read the guidelines properly, right? They said to bring sleeping bags, simple cooking tools, and food. What do you think that means?”

I received a scolding from Irene. Ugh, how embarrassing.

In any case, it wasn’t just about completing the treasure hunt for the designated items. We were required to spend a night in the dungeon no matter what.

Fortunately, the academy didn’t make us camp right in the middle of the jungle.

The map showed the locations of pre-installed safe zones throughout the dungeon.

There were various magic formulas, barbed wire, and unmanned turrets set up to prevent the approach of monsters.

However, if we didn’t want to sleep on the bare ground, we had to make sure to bring our own gear like tents, food, and sleeping bags.

“Then we need to quickly make our way to the relic within 24 hours.”

While Irene was plotting the schedule, Daphne, who was next to her, took over and asked a new question.

“Violet, about that relic, how long will it take to get there?”

“24 hours is more than enough! The location where the fake relics are hidden is conveniently close to a hidden entrance leading into the ruins.”

The experiential learning at Chloris Forest is conducted in batches on designated dates, with a certain number of teams entering in order. Therefore, we need to go deep into the area, activate the ruins to strengthen our powers, and find treasure chests within 24 hours.

“Let me see… Violet is right. If we move in a straight line, it would take less than 12 hours. What’s the size of the area where the ruins are located?”

“It will be smaller than the entire dungeon.”

However, we expect there to be quite a few enemies. But I wasn’t worried. I have the best tank and healer by my side!

Now I just had to pay attention to the minor details.

“It’ll be super tough to reach the ruins. It’ll be hot in the jungle, and we’ll sweat a lot, right?”

“Will we be able to take a shower?”

“We’ll be hungry. Let’s prepare plenty of food.”

I wasn’t worried about supplies. Daphne and I both had inventories. We should pack a large tent. After a fight, we would be tired, so we should also buy something delicious.

*

So, we bought various items and prepared the necessary gear.

“It’s a jungle. It’s not going to be an easy place.”

I wondered if there was any information I might have missed, so I decided to ask others too. As I was thinking about this, I just happened to be having a magical class with Professor Albert.

“Professor, Professor!”

“What is it? Are you stuck on something?”

“We’re going to Chloris Forest for experiential learning this time. If you know anything, could you give us some tips?”

The professor tapped his finger on my head and shot a tiny spark.

“Ouch!”

“You idiot, tips are what you give to waiters. Experiential learning is part of studying; you can’t just slack off.”

“Ugh…”

He sure had a way of being unnecessarily difficult. Pouting slightly, I rubbed my forehead a few times.

“So, what does the basic team composition look like?”

“Irene and one support friend. She specializes in healing.”

“Well, since she’s the daughter of Orion Solstice, the vanguard will definitely be sturdy. You’ve got support too. It’s a traditional combination, but a bit classic. You know how to use ranged weapons, right?”

“I’m familiar with both the crossbow and the gun.”

“Then you’re good. If you use your unique ability, you should be able to handle any situation.”

The professor went on to give more tips. In the jungle, focus not just on sight but also on sound. If you encounter fast-moving barriers, instead of recklessly attacking, it’s sometimes better to just create some distance…

“But the most important thing is different. Experiential learning isn’t a test to see who reaches the target point first. You know that, right?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“That’s a mistake that overly enthusiastic students often make. There’s no reason for teams to compete with each other. So, if necessary, actively cooperate with other teams. I’ve seen plenty of fools getting into accidents out of pride.”

“I’ll keep that in mind!”

I took to heart the professor’s words. I wondered if we’d have to cooperate with other teams, but for now, I should remember that.

“By the way, when will you teach us the next attacking magic?”

“You young one, you’ve just barely learned the basic fire magic; what more do you want to learn?”

Ugh, I have no rebuttal. But magic is way too tough.

*

And then came the day of the experiential learning. Our team was the first to enter on the first day of the program. I traveled early in the morning with other students in a car. When we arrived at the entrance of the dungeon, it was bustling with people.

“Everyone ready? It’s not too late now, so check your belongings. Those who need to use the restroom, go quickly. If you want to know what it’s like to live a day away from civilization, you don’t have to go, but…”

In front of us, Instructor Frederick was checking the students.

The reason being that the instructors who were originally supposed to supervise the experiential learning ended up getting injured by stepping on traps during rehearsal.

The instructor was busily moving around, checking on the students’ statuses. A torrent of criticisms ensued.

“Why the hell did you bring a firearm? You fool. Did you even listen to my words during orientation?”

“Why didn’t you bring a sleeping bag? There’s one for everyone over there, so grab it quickly!”

“There’s no need to bring all your belongings. Are you moving? Leave behind what’s unnecessary!”

Soon the instructor came up to us.

“Let me see… Looks like you have everything you need… Little healer, where’s your backup weapon?”

“Yes, instructor. Here it is.”

Pointing at Daphne, Instructor Frederick directed her to show her dagger and a crossbow the size of a pistol tucked inside her coat.

“Among the support ones, you’re the only one who packed a weapon. Well done. But it’s too small. You slacker.”

“Why is that?”

“Don’t you have a backup weapon? Lend your friend a sword.”

I took out a sword and handed it to Daphne as instructed.

“There’s no backline in the dungeon. Everyone needs to be ready to fight. Your team, in that sense, is a bit classic. Be ready to respond to any situation at any time.”

It was true that there was no backline in the dungeon. I must keep a closer watch over Daphne.

After all the procedures were finished, the gate that had been sealed with complex machinery opened. Beyond the shimmering blue crack in space, a green landscape appeared.

“From now on, we start our experiential learning. In case of an emergency, press the panic button or set off the signal flares you were given. Instructors waiting inside will rush to your side.”

The students lined up and entered the gate in sequence. Our team soon crossed the threshold.

With a single step, the unpaved road transformed into damp earth.

The air was hot and humid, as if we had entered a sauna. The entrance was a wide open space filled with generators, utility poles, and lights. In front of us was a lush green landscape. The student parties disappeared into the thickets one by one. We remained in the open space.

“Let’s head in too. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready.”

“Yeah! Let’s go quickly!”

Before we set off, I activated the small inertial navigation device. Now we could roughly track our position based on the entrance of the gate.

The three girls moved forward into the dense forest.

Three turned into ten, and ten soon turned into a hundred.

Three girls began their expedition in the jungle.