Chapter 27

The time limit was over, and the students returned to the gathering place.

Most of them looked utterly exhausted, except for a few who had pushed until the very last moment. The majority had returned quite early.

They were sharing the results of their respective parties.

Generally, due to the hastily formed parties, coordination was poor, and many were hunting for the first time. As a result, many groups had a highest record of zero.

Then it was our turn.

"I hunted with Kuna and Anne. Our result is twelve magic stones for the three of us."

The moment I said that, the area buzzed with excitement.

The difference from the other groups was so great that it seemed unbelievable. Achieving twelve in four hours was a number that even veterans, let alone students, could hardly achieve, which was part of the shock.

Considering that they were fighting over only five or six monsters among five hundred people, it made sense.

"Twelve! That's a number even a top-notch full-party would struggle to achieve in this time!"

"Are you kidding?"

"What kind of trick did you pull?"

The commotion didn't die down easily. Nakita-sensei, unable to bear it, cleared his throat, and the students finally calmed down.

"Wow, special student. You're impressive."

Nakita-sensei patted my shoulder.

"I'm flattered."

"No, no, I was keeping track of the pace from halfway through, and you seemed to have a good sense. It looked like you knew the spawn points of the monsters."

"That's a trade secret. Even you, Nakita-sensei, have your own hidden tricks, right?"

"Well, that's true. Asking about someone's magic skills is against etiquette. So, the rest of you, take Soji's party as an example and try harder."

Nakita-sensei said brightly, but the students' faces remained gloomy.

The skill gap was too large to accept. After all, they were all treated as prodigies in their hometowns to get into this academy.

The other parties had already been humbled by the baptism of this floor.

No matter what, they were at the mercy of the experienced veterans. Several groups had their prey snatched away by interference.

If they didn't like it, they had to act as quickly and decisively as I did, striking before the interference could happen.

"Wow, you're not as good as Soji, but that's impressive."

As I listened to the other students' results, Nakita-sensei exclaimed in surprise.

The other students, though not as shocked as when it was my turn, looked at the student with admiration and respect.

"Of course. If I, Lyle, put in my best effort, this is what I can do. I didn't form a party. I only have one person I should team up with!"

The student was Lyle, the fourth-ranked person.

He held up two magic stones high.

The number itself was small, but two alone was quite impressive.

Solo hunting drastically reduced the detection range and elimination speed, and the risk was high.

To have killed two in this floor, where veterans swarmed, was worthy of praise.

Judging from his rapid rank increase, he had been an explorer before entering the academy.

After hearing a few more party reports, it was time for a break. They would share information for a while before leaving the dungeon for the day.

"My princess, my beloved Kuna, I offer you this magic stone."

As soon as the break started, Lyle came to Kuna, knelt, and presented the magic stone.

"No, thank you. Father taught me not to accept gifts from strangers."

Kuna turned her head away. She already had a grudge against Lyle for insulting Anne and was now harboring strong negative feelings due to his persistent pursuit.

"...Stranger."

Lyle seemed genuinely depressed.

It was natural to be hurt when a girl you like treats you like that. However, I didn't feel sympathy. Rather, I felt a surge of anger. To flirt with Kuna in front of me was quite bold.

"Then, let's deepen our relationship. First, form a party with me."

"No, thank you. I love my current party."

As she said this, Kuna hid behind me, grabbing my sleeve and peeking out.

"Wh-What?"

Lyle was crushed. But he didn't give up.

"Then, Soji, you're the leader of that party, right?"

"Yes, but?"

"Let me join. That would make four, the ideal number. Plus, I am—"

Lyle drew his sword.

"Strong!"

He swung his sword with a smug look.

"Smart!"

He raised his palm to the sky and cast a "Fireball" spell.

"Beautiful!"

For some reason, he took a comb from his chest pocket and combed his hair.

"What do you think? With me in the party, there's no reason to refuse!"

I see, that was his pitch.

He wanted to show that he had both sword and magic skills.

"Hmm, your sword skills are barely passing, and your magic is a fail. Beauty is unnecessary. Rejected."

I judged calmly.

Even if he were excellent, I intended to reject him, but this way, I could do it without feeling guilty.

"What!?"

"Besides, I have no intention of letting a man join my party."

"Why!?"

"What if Kuna and Anne attract bad elements? I like them, and even if I didn't, it's not good for my mental health to see cute girls flirting with other guys. I'll nip that possibility in the bud!"

I will never let a man join my party.

Only I can share a tent with Kuna and Anne.

As I thought this, I was slapped on the back of my head.

"That hurts."

"Soji, you said you'd be annoyed if I flirted in front of you in the morning, but now you're saying this?"

"Master, I'm fine with anything you do. But your statement makes me feel conflicted."

"I'm sorry. If the skills match, I'll consider letting a man join the party."

Though I didn't say it, I intended to set very strict conditions.

"Then, I should be included! It's rare to find someone like me!"

"Um, Soji, I can't stand him... cough, he has issues, so can we reject him in the interview?"

"Kuna!?"

"No, that's too cruel. Let's have a proper test. If you can beat me with that sword, you can join the party."

"Simple enough. I won't think of you as my brother. I'll show you the power of my love for Kuna."

I created a spear with "Magic Silver Refinement: First Form Spear - Pierce" and smiled cheerfully.

◇

I easily beat the fourth-ranked person.

Against a mid-rank Rank 1, I wouldn't lose. I've been using a spear for a hundred years.

I never intended to lose to a sword. A spear has a clear advantage over a sword.

"Hey, Soji, can you teach me the trick?"

"Don't cut in line. I want to know too. I'm so frustrated that the veterans took all the prey."

After beating the fourth-ranked person, there was plenty of time left during the break, so other students gathered around.

They must have been very frustrated today. They eagerly sought my advice. Honestly, the monsters in the shallow floors aren't that strong, so dealing with other people is more important. The academy doesn't teach this.

Since I had no choice, I decided to give a lecture.

"It all comes down to finding and defeating them faster than anyone else. To do that, you need to broaden your field of vision. Be aware of everything in your sight, but not too deeply. Also, use your peripheral vision. For example, if you see bushes moving, recognize that something is there even if you can't see it."

I responded patiently.

There might be someone in this group whose talent will bloom and be useful to me in the future.

Besides, since I beat the upperclassmen, I needed to build some popularity among the underclassmen.

While thinking this, I gave a lecture titled "Tips for the Lower Floors ~ Traps of Veteran Explorers ~."