Abandoned in the mountains, I was adopted by a lizard ~I mastered magic and surpassed my parents, but I didn't know they were legendary ancient dragons~ - Chapter 22

Chapter 22   Dungeon Training – 1

The day after the healer examination.

Today’s class starts from the second period, and the subject is Dungeon Practice.

It’s the start of the week, but since last week’s Monday was before the entrance ceremony, this will be the first class.

Being the initial session, it begins with a light explanation of the dungeon, followed by the practical training.

“First, form a party of three or four people.”

The teacher’s first instruction was… just that.

Hearing it, a wave of anxiety washed over me.

This is bad. At this point, I only know two people in the class. What if I end up left out…?

As I glance around, I catch Ian’s eye first.

“Can I join your group?”

“Thanks. I was about to ask you.”

Ian approached me, securing the first member. Now we need at least one more.

“So, who should be our third member?”

“Ian, do you have any other friends?”

“Well… given my status as a prince, it’s been hard to get close to my classmates. I’m just glad I talked to you before revealing my status.”

I hoped Ian might have connections, but it seems the prince isn’t much help in this regard. That means I need to figure something out.

But the other acquaintance I have is someone I’ve only worked with briefly. We’re not particularly close. She probably wants to go with her own close friends.

…as I was thinking this.

“Hey Hadar… that girl over there has been looking like she wants to join us. Do you know her?”

Ian pointed towards the girl who had been glancing at us hesitantly—the same intern from before.

“Ah, we were interns together—”

“That’s it!”

I tried to explain, but Ian interrupted me immediately. I’m not sure if I have the courage to talk to her though… Maybe I should try something else.

“I really don’t know what to do about finding a third member…”

I whispered this, using wind magic to control the sound waves so that the intern could hear my words at a minimal volume.

If she really wants to join, she’ll react to this. If it’s just my misunderstanding, she can ignore it, thinking it was just a misheard comment. This way, I minimize the risk of any awkwardness.

Sure enough, the intern cautiously walked over to us.

“Um… I thought I heard you say, ‘What should we do about finding a third member?’ Was that just my imagination?”

“Oh, maybe I accidentally said it a bit too loud… No, you heard right.”

“If it’s okay, I’d love to join you!”

The plan worked, and we successfully gathered our third member.

“Hadar… why use such advanced magic for something so simple?”

“It wasn’t a waste.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

“Oh, nothing. By the way… you weren’t using formal language during the internship, right?”

“I mean, how could I use casual speech in front of my lifesaver and the first prince…?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

As we continued this conversation, it seemed that everyone had finished forming their groups. The teacher gave the next instruction.

“Alright, everyone. Work together to explore the dungeon. You can go down to the 10th floor. This limit is based on the principle that ‘no enemies beyond the capabilities of those who passed our entrance exam should appear,’ but don’t let your guard down. Always prioritize safety.”

After hearing the rules, everyone started heading into the dungeon. Our group followed suit.

However, on our way, our group was singled out by the teacher.

I wondered what it could be, but then we received an additional instruction.

“The combat training instructor told me about you, Hadar. You’re not to intervene unless absolutely necessary. If you join the fight, it’ll be over in an instant. You can handle planning, tactical advice, and reconnaissance.”

“What…”

“Understood.”

I thought this was a bit much, but Ian and the intern didn’t seem to mind at all. We were only a three-person team to begin with.

“However, if they are in danger, that’s different. Safety is more important than grades, so step in when needed. That said, if it’s clear that your intervention was required due to their carelessness, their grades will be reduced.”

The teacher explained when I could intervene and how it would affect our grades. I felt more like a chaperone than a team member.

“Understood.”

Again, neither Ian nor the intern looked dissatisfied. Well, if they had no complaints, I didn’t either. As long as I graduated, I didn’t care about the details.

With the additional instructions out of the way, we were finally able to start our exploration.

“Let’s assign roles,” Ian suggested at the dungeon entrance.

“At least let me handle reconnaissance. Otherwise, I’m just a tagalong.”

“That makes sense. So, uh… what’s your name?”

“Cecilia! Ah, I mean… Cecilia. I’d prefer to stay in the rear.”

“Got it. I’ll take the front.”

So, our roles were decided.

The intern’s name was Cecilia. I didn’t even think to ask yesterday. I should have paid more attention during the introductions at the entrance ceremony.

“Even though Hadar will be doing reconnaissance, I’ll stay alert too. I trust his abilities completely, but we don’t want to be caught off guard by something unexpected.”

“Agreed. I’ll be careful too.”

…Seriously? Why are you saying that?