Chapter 42

Even as a student, the number of people who become dungeon explorers is not so high on a global scale.

Since they are required to clear the dungeon at least once a week, once they acquire the necessary skills, they must walk the path of an explorer regardless of their age—though I think very young children would be exempt, but since there are no precedents, it’s unclear.

When it comes to this, the problems related to academics are almost inevitable. Even in the era of the Great Dungeons, it’s not reasonable for explorers to be exempt from academic requirements.

While they can get a recommendation for advancement, it’s still a given that they need to maintain a certain level of academic performance.

Moreover, if they slack off too much, they might even have to repeat a grade, so for explorers as well as regular students, academics are a real challenge.

In other words, what I’m trying to say is:

Even in the special position of a dungeon explorer, you still have to attend classes properly.

"Alright, this will be on the next midterm exam, so make sure to remember it well."

The teacher writes poorly on the blackboard with chalk, and I diligently take notes. It’s math class now, but I’m particularly weak in numbers, so I’m trying my best.

It’s almost May. Right after Golden Week, the first major hurdle of high school life, the midterm exams, will take place. Of course, my classmates are also working hard, but I’m particularly fired up.

"Yamagata-kun, you’re really burning up, huh?"

"Well, yeah. He’s an explorer, so he has less time to study compared to other students. He wants to do a lot of work during Golden Week, you know."

"I see. He’s a hard worker, isn’t he?"

I overhear Matsuura-kun, who sits next to me, and Kishimoto-san, who sits next to him, talking in low voices. Be careful with private conversations during class, the teacher is giving you a slight glance.

Yes, I am an explorer. I’m a beginner with a low rank, but I still have a fair amount of enthusiasm for dungeon exploration.

During Golden Week, while I plan to spend some time with my friends and Kano-san, I also intend to extend my reach a bit and explore the dungeons in the neighboring prefecture.

So, to be honest, I want to minimize my self-study for the midterm exams as much as possible. That’s why I’m trying to cram as much as I can during class.

Some might suggest cutting down on play or work. But I don’t want to cut down on play, and as for work, I have something I want to accomplish soon.

I know it sounds selfish, but if I can somehow maintain my grades, I can reassure my family, who worry about my academic performance.

What I want to accomplish so badly—put simply, it’s Lieve.

I need to level up quickly to 300 and bring Lieve into this world.

As a system entity, she is well-versed in the backstage of the Great Dungeons, including administrators, operators, and command prompts. I want to bring her to the forefront and make her reveal what’s happening and what I’m supposed to do.

If possible, I want to uncover the true identity of the system. That is currently my biggest goal.

"Well, Lieve appearing in this world with a physical form is itself a kind of trigger. I’ll tell you... if she’s approached so enthusiastically, Lieve will get flustered!"

As always, this AI spirit speaks with a high level of enthusiasm and a somewhat cryptic tone.

And she’s talking during class. Stop talking in my head, it’s distracting. I need to concentrate.

"Okay, do your best!"

Lieve obediently falls silent. Despite her, she actually listens to what people say... though she tends to act innocent when it comes to inconvenient topics, it doesn’t seem to be entirely her own will.

Maybe because I’ve gotten used to it recently, our mental communication is gradually improving. Talking with Lieve is actually quite fun.

It’s like we’re on the same wavelength. The system might have sent Lieve to me for this very reason. Who knows?

"– This formula will also be on the test, so make sure to understand it, including its applications."

"Ah, crap."

I can’t let my mind wander like that. I’m the type who can only boast about my Japanese, so my mind tends to drift when I see numbers and letters.

I start writing with my mechanical pencil. Ah, after this, we have English, then lunch, followed by science in the fifth period and moral education in the sixth. Tomorrow is Wednesday, so we only have five periods, which is a relief.

By the way, what’s the main office of the guild in the neighboring prefecture like? I should ask Kano-san. If there are local rules, I need to follow them; Kankou-kun already has enough trouble on his plate. Oh, I should also go and get some supplies. I need to buy better armor. I’m excited.

...

"You’re not concentrating at all, are you?"

Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry.

This time, I’ll concentrate and listen to the teacher.

As of the time I posted this story, it has received the following rankings:

1st in the Low Fantasy category for daily, weekly, and monthly rankings

4th in the overall daily ranking

1st in the overall weekly ranking

Thank you very much. I will continue to work hard.

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