Let me be a mob! - Zetro Translation

[Jin’s PaoV]

“Two third years would participate with two freshmen, however, since this expedition is purely dedicated to educating the freshmen about the dangers of the dungeons, all the upperclassmen would be there for assistance. They would only interfere when the situation gets dire or your life would be at risk.”

Early in the morning of the second day, all the students were gathered in front of the dungeon which we would be exploring.

Last night, whatever happened was something limited to the teachers’ unit and Fiona. Well, I and Aiden weren’t allowed to share information related to demons but who cares if I just tell a trustworthy person?

It’s still unclear to them whether the story we told was true or not…or so what I believed.

However, upon witnessing the blonde sorcerer standing beside Professor Lisa, my theory related to the teachers’ dilemma was instantly dismissed.

Annie Blake, the strongest sorcerer in the academy and also placed sixth in the world ranking. Surprisingly she is stronger than three of the seven sages as well.

People tend to believe that the seven sages who get the delegation to preserve peace in the human domain, should be the strongest seven warriors as well. However, that was not true. A live example was just some meters ahead of us.

I no longer think things according to the plot since from what I remember Annie should have only appeared when the situation with the headmaster arises. However, the blond was already here, diverging the scenario from the plotline more and more.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with her best friend Lisa, her golden eyes roamed around the crowd with a soft smile lifting the edges of her lips.

Annie was a bonafide mage that’s why she’s placed sixth in the ranking. If not for her physical vulnerability then the woman has the potential to maybe become the strongest.

And the most surprising part…

‘She’s isn’t even a hero candidate…’

Yes, Annie, one of the strongest entities in the world wasn’t blessed by the supreme goddesses and has reached such heights due to the spells she has herself developed.

If anything that was naturally provided to her was her ocean-sized mana reserve. She has enough mana that she could fight constantly for three weeks without rest or any external assistance. Only if the opponent is not overwhelmingly powerful.

People have been mesmerized by Lisa already and now when someone more beautiful and refined arrived at the scene, the students were barely able to put their concentration on the announcement of the rules.

I retracted my gaze since I know Annie has sensed me looking at her for a while before I concentrated on the redhead professor—Brian.

He has been appointed as a temporary professor from the first class of third year. Originally Annie was responsible for that class, but her quirky nature and her enthusiasm toward her research left the administration with no choice other than to assign Brian.

“Any questions? ”

“Um….professor, is there any lower limit to how many mana stones should we collect?”

Someone asked from the first year.

“No. You all have a whole day to venture, however, since this is your first time there would be no penalty even if someone comes out with nothing.”

Various sighed in relief at that. Probably thinking that they could remain out of the danger zone and after spending a picnic day inside the dungeon they could return with a happy smile.

‘That’s a misleading assumption… ‘ I couldn’t help but sigh at the thought.

Nowhere inside the dungeon is safe. Those beasts who reside there could trace one’s scent easily that’s why it was noted in bold letters inside the survival manual that no one should remain at the same spot for more than an hour. And also to remove your traces while exploration as well to avoid any surprise attack.

Well, unless the first years aren’t abandoned by the upperclassmen nothing could prove to be fatal.

“Alright, now. Everyone has been handed a wristband of distinctive color. Match it with your comrades and form a team. ”

I have already roamed my gaze around and knew who my partner was.

However…

“Fiona… I am sure my partner earlier was Nelson, no? ”

Upon seeing Fiona standing with the same violet band tied around her wrist, I asked.

“He was generous enough to exchange. Does it bother you? ”

Titling your head without any change in expression…yeah, something to be expected from Fiona. She doesn’t know how to act cute on purpose.

“No, not at all. I would be more assured if you would be protecting my back. ”

This time, the smile that perked her lips was genuine which made me shake my head in amusement.

“Yo, juniors.” We simultaneously turned our gaze to look at the approaching redhead. Her fiery red hair was reaching up to her shoulder and those crimson eyes filled with mischief.

Along with her, was the strongest student of the Excalius Academy, Amanda. Now that I think about it, I haven’t talked to her even once after reaching here.

“Tch.” Despite Fiona’s expression remaining solemn, her tongue click upon seeing Amanda didn’t go unnoticed. But the latter was too uncaring to bother with such rude greetings.

“Myself, Jin Carter and she’s Fiona Lukehart. ”

We introduced ourselves and so did the senior.

“You can call me Eimi. I hope we can work together comfortably. ”

“I also hope so. ” I sighed and so did the senior. She also sensed the wariness Fiona had for Amanda which made the atmosphere, slightly awkward.

“Let’s get going, Jin.” I was slightly startled feeling the suppleness pushed on me as Fiona wrapped herself around my arm and began pulling me toward the entrance.

I apologetically glanced at the seniors before following her to the rest of the crowd.

I took a look around and found Aiden and Brad were teamed up together. Silvie, Dia, and Rena were all on different teams.

Not being able to participate with someone familiar was making it impossible for the half-elf to remain composed.

Students have begun walking inside this human-created gate, and so we were about to as well, when suddenly…

“Can I have a moment of yours?”

The blond-haired professor about whom I was contemplating some minutes ago suddenly obstructed our path.

“Professor Annie. How may I help you? ” Other than Amanda I could feel how the students around us and even Eimi and Fiona turned stiff upon being approached by this woman.

I could understand their stance since even her mere presence was domineering enough to put surrounding people on their guard.

However, I could sense that she was not here with any malicious intent, but rather something more dangerous I could see lurking behind those golden eyes of hers.

She was utterly curious about something. And that something is related to me.

And when she pulled out a certain orb from her spatial storage, I knew I was doomed.

“Can you put your palm over it, dear student? ”

***

A/N: – I wrote this chapter yesterday but I was kinda contemplative about something.

I am not sure about this particular story whether I should fasten up the pace or keep this pace up.

There have been fewer readers nowadays as well, so dunno I kinda felt depressed as well.

Anyway, drop a comment if you liked the chapter.