Chapter 17: Direction

“Hold on a second.”

As we headed toward the dungeon, Ichinose’s voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, puzzled.

“I have a question. Do you all have any experience going into a dungeon?”

At Ichinose’s words, Elena, Carnelia, Prefa, and I exchanged glances.

“During our middle school years, we went to a nearby dungeon for a class,” I answered on behalf of the group. The practical training in middle school was at a low-risk dungeon right next to the academy. There were almost no dangerous monsters, and at most, we only encountered low-level ones. The other three nodded in agreement with my words.

“So you’re all basically novices, then.”

A hint of anxiety crept into Ichinose’s voice. Her gaze fell on me.

“In that case, I’ll take command.”

Ichinose said it as if she had no choice. At her words, the color drained from my face.

“What! No, that’s—”

I couldn’t help but cry out.

This is bad… If Ichinose-san takes the lead now, my plan will be ruined!

Wasn’t there some definitive reason I could use to stop her from taking control? I frantically racked my brain.

Just then, I recalled something Askii had told me about Ichinose.

“Ichinose-san, I heard that you have no sense of direction!”

I pointed a finger at her sharply, like a detective making an accusation.

At my words, Ichinose’s expression twitched. However, she immediately replied with a look of supreme confidence.

“No, that’s not true.”

She denied it, but her eyes were wavering. I pressed my advantage, repeating the rumor I’d heard from Askii.

“According to the rumors, you get lost every time you go into a dungeon…”

Ichinose scowled at my words.

“No, it was only two out of four times.”

She declared it with a smug look on her face. In response, Carnelia’s eyes went wide with shock, Elena’s face paled with anxiety, and Prefa forced a strained smile.

Getting lost two out of four times is well beyond the level of simply having “no sense of direction.”

“Hah. I brought a map, so I’ll take the lead.”

I sighed, exasperated.

“Wait. I’ve gotten better at remembering routes lately. I won’t get lost now,” Ichinose persisted, her brow furrowed in frustration.

“Well, if you’re going to insist, shall we put it to a vote?”

Though I found it a pain, I offered her a brilliant smile.

“Will everyone who thinks I’m the most suitable party leader please raise your hand?”

At my words, Ichinose crossed her arms, looking annoyed. Carnelia, Elena, and Prefa glanced at one another. Timidly, the three of them raised their hands.

“Alright, that settles it.”

At my declaration, Ichinose cried out in frustration.

“Why…?! What’s so wrong with me…?!”

Ichinose turned her eyes to Carnelia.

“…Because getting lost is scary, and I feel safer with Michelle as the leader,” Carnelia said, her tone lighthearted, but her eyes were serious. Prefa nodded, looking uneasy, while Elena gazed at me with complete trust in her eyes.

“Ugh… This is so unfair…”

Ichinose looked vexed, but she offered no rebuttal.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll be the leader.”

I sought confirmation from the group.

“Yes, of course, Onee-sama!” Elena nodded emphatically.

“We’ll be in your care, Michelle-sama,” Prefa replied clearly, though she still seemed nervous. Carnelia also gave a small nod.

And so, I successfully secured the position of party leader. With the leadership decided, we made our way to the dungeon’s reception desk.

ーーーーーー

A tall, bespectacled male attendant was standing at the reception desk. When he noticed us, he bowed politely.

“Your academic year, number of people, and names, please.”

The man said with a smile.

“Altmegia Academy, four first-years. Michelle Starium, Carnelia Liberius, Ichinose Kaede, Prefa Reroriu, and from the middle school division, second-year Elena Starium.”

“Ah, the first-year practical. We also sell supplies for the dungeon and purchase dropped items here, so feel free to use our services.”

He said, seeing us on our way.

We walked down a long corridor leading to the dungeon. At the end of that corridor was a massive, iron-wrought door.

“Beyond that door lies the Dungeon of Sphragis.”

I said, pointing toward the entrance.

Beneath Altmegia Academy lies a colossal dungeon known as the Dungeon of Sphragis.

Its depth reaches 100 floors, and the danger increases the deeper one delves.

It boasts one of the greatest depths in the entire country, and due to its value, it has been registered as a World Legacy. It is not only used for the practical training of the academy’s students, but national research institutions are also attempting to conquer it.

As we proceeded down the passage, I announced today’s objective to the four of them.

“Our goal for today is to reach the thirtieth floor.”

At my words, Elena and Prefa’s faces went pale. For perspective, the thirtieth floor is typically a level that final-year students would challenge with a six-person party.

“Wait a minute, Michelle! The thirtieth floor is way too dangerous! We’re just first-years! Normally, people stop at the tenth floor!” Carnelia’s voice was sharp with panic.

“What are you talking about? You are, after all, the party that defeated me, Michelle Starium. We should be able to manage it with ease.”

I said this as I looked around at everyone’s faces.

At my words, Ichinose watched me with interest, Elena looked at me with unease, Carnelia wore an expression of disbelief, and Prefa cast her eyes downward in fear.

“It will be fine. You have me with you, after all.”

With that, I placed my hand on the massive iron door. A heavy, cold sensation spread through my palm.

As the door slowly swung open, a chill draft flowed out from within. And with that—we took our first step into the Dungeon of Sphragis.