A month had passed since the students first enrolled in Arcadia Academy, and Yuuya's reputation had grown considerably.
For better or worse.
His display of overwhelming magic talent during the entrance trials, his domination over Cedric during the sparring session, and his reserved nature had created a mix of awe, fear, and intrigue among the student body.
Many whispered about him in the halls.
"The commoner who's stronger than nobles…"
"He doesn't even chant when casting magic!"
"They say even the instructors are keeping an eye on him!"
And yet, despite his growing reputation, Yuuya hadn't changed.
He still went about his daily routine quietly. He still sat in class with only Flora and Sena beside him. And, more than anything, he still didn't care about what others thought of him.
Meanwhile, Christina's reputation had also solidified.
She was no longer questioned as the "girl who took first place." Instead, she had proven her strength time and time again, easily besting opponents in duels—earning the reluctant respect of even the most prideful noble knight student.
It wasn't just their individual reputations that were growing, but also their unusual friendship group.
Yuuya, the quiet but ridiculously powerful mage.
Flora, the princess of Araulia, elegant and composed.
Christina, the knight princess, strong and rowdy.
Sena, the timid commoner girl who somehow ended up among them.
They were an odd bunch, yet inseparable.
It was during one of their usual lunch gatherings that Yuuya received a message from a teacher.
"The Headmaster has requested your presence."
After lunch,
Yuuya arrived at Eltharion's office once again.
The elf headmaster sat calmly behind his desk, sipping tea. His golden eyes flickered with amusement.
"You've settled in well, I assume?" Eltharion asked, motioning for Yuuya to sit.
Yuuya remained standing. "Why did you call me here?"
Eltharion chuckled, setting his tea down. "Straight to the point as always. Very well. I have a task for you."
He leaned forward slightly.
"There is a dungeon near the academy—a controlled training ground for beginner students. I want you to explore it."
Yuuya frowned. "Why?"
Eltharion tapped his fingers against the desk, as if considering how much to reveal.
"You've caught the attention of many, Yuuya. Your talent is undeniable, but talent alone is not enough. This is a test I personally given—to see how you handle real combat situations. It also to promote our school to other countries."
Yuuya narrowed his eyes. "And if I refuse?"
Eltharion smirked, unfazed. "You can't."
Yuuya clicked his tongue in annoyance. He hated how right the headmaster was.
Eltharion leaned back, taking another sip of his tea. "Of course, you're free to bring any companions if you wish. I wouldn't recommend going alone—not because I doubt your strength, but because working with others is part of the test."
Yuuya scoffed. "Isn't this just a normal dungeon? A beginner-level training ground?"
"Yes," Eltharion said smoothly. "There's nothing to be too wary of."
Yuuya didn't believe him for a second.
Still, he accepted.
As he turned to leave, Eltharion's voice stopped him.
"Oh, and Yuuya?"
Yuuya glanced back.
The elf's golden eyes gleamed. "Do try to come back in one piece."
Yuuya exhaled. That doesn't sound ominous at all.
Meanwhile in the Noble dormitory, Flora had learned about Yuuya's meeting with the Headmaster.
Her heart sank.
(What if it's about his past? What if Dia sent another letter?)
She hurried back to her dormitory, locking the door behind her before stepping toward her dresser.
She hesitated before pulling open the drawer.
There, hidden beneath layers of neatly folded dresses, lay the letter.
Dia's letter.
The one she had stolen from Yuuya.
Flora bit her lip, staring at the envelope as if it might burn her fingers if she touched it.
(I should return this… I should give it back.)
And yet, she couldn't.
Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress.
(If he reads this, he'll leave.)
She knew Yuuya. If he found even the slightest clue about his past, he wouldn't hesitate. He'd chase it without thinking. Without stopping.
And she would be left behind.
Alone.
Her hands trembled as she closed the drawer.
(Not yet… I can't let him go yet…)
She wasn't sure if she was protecting him.
Or just being selfish.
Either way, she wasn't ready to let him go.
The next day arrive.
Yuuya and Christina stood outside the academy gates, waiting for the guards to approve their dungeon permit.
"Well, this should be fun," Christina said, stretching her arms. "A real dungeon, not just training exercises."
Yuuya sighed. "You're acting like we're going on a vacation."
"Because it is exciting!" She grinned. "Besides, if something strong shows up, I know you'll handle it."
Yuuya shot her a flat look. "And you won't?"
Christina smirked. "I'll take care of the weak ones."
Before Yuuya could respond, a voice interrupted.
"Oh? Going on an adventure without your senpai? That won't do."
They turned to see Leonhardt von Alden striding toward them, his polished uniform catching the light. He looked far too composed for someone who had clearly been eavesdropping.
Christina groaned. "Oh, great."
Leonhardt ignored her and placed a hand on his hip. "I overheard that you two are heading into the dungeon. And as your senior, I simply must accompany you."
Yuuya frowned. "Must?"
Leonhardt nodded, smiling like a knight in a fairytale. "It would be unbecoming of me to allow my dear juniors to march into danger alone."
Christina rolled her eyes. "We can handle ourselves."
Leonhardt chuckled. "Of course. But even the strongest warriors should not reject the aid of a seasoned knight."
Christina narrowed her eyes. "You just don't want to miss out on the action."
"…Perhaps." Leonhardt's smirk didn't fade.
Yuuya sighed. "You do realize the headmaster assigned this to me, right?"
Leonhardt tilted his head. "And yet you brought Christina along."
"…Point taken."
Christina crossed her arms. "Fine. You can come. But don't start acting all high and mighty."
Leonhardt placed a hand over his heart. "Perish the thought."
Yuuya didn't buy it for a second.
As the guards approved their entry request, Leonhardt casually adjusted his sword belt. "Besides," he added, "I have my own reasons for coming along."
Yuuya glanced at him. "What reasons?"
Leonhardt smiled. "Let's just say… I want to stretch my body."
Yuuya's eyes narrowed. He knows something.
Christina, however, just groaned. "Ugh. Fine. But if you start acting like my babysitter, I will hit you."
Leonhardt gave her a teasing smirk. "I wouldn't dream of it, milady."
"Ugh. I hate you."
"Adorable."
Yuuya sighed deeply.
This was going to be a long day.
And so, their group of three set off for the dungeon.
The entrance to the beginner dungeon was carved into the side of a rocky cliff, its stone archway covered in twisting vines and ancient inscriptions. The academy had long controlled this dungeon as a training ground, ensuring that its dangers remained manageable for students.
But as Yuuya, Christina, and Leonhardt stepped inside, the air shifted.
The temperature dropped slightly, and the torches along the walls flickered with an unnatural dimness. The scent of damp earth and old stone filled the corridor, and a faint, almost imperceptible whisper seemed to hum in the air.
Yuuya frowned. "…Something feels off."
Christina rolled her shoulders, gripping her sword. "Oh, come on. It's just a beginner dungeon. It's supposed to feel creepy."
Leonhardt, however, didn't look convinced. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his posture subtly more guarded than before.
They advanced cautiously.
The first section of the dungeon was exactly what they had expected—narrow stone corridors, wooden support beams holding up sections of the ceiling, and dimly lit torches lining the walls.
Soon, they encountered their first enemies.
A group of goblins skittered out from the shadows, their small, hunched forms covered in ragged cloth. Their beady red eyes gleamed as they let out high-pitched shrieks, rushing forward with crude daggers raised.
Christina grinned. "Finally! Something to fight!"
Without hesitation, she dashed forward, her sword cutting through the first goblin with ease. The creature let out a strangled cry before collapsing into dust.
Leonhardt sighed. "No strategy, as always."
A goblin lunged at him, and with a single, effortless swing of his sword, Leonhardt bisected the creature. He didn't even look impressed.
Meanwhile, another goblin darted toward Yuuya, letting out a screech—only for a sharp gust of wind to slice through its body before it even got close.
Yuuya didn't even move from his spot. "Too easy."
Within moments, the goblins were gone, reduced to nothing.
Christina sheathed her sword. "Well, that was boring."
Leonhardt chuckled. "Don't be too disappointed. We're still in the beginning of the dungeon."
They continued forward.
However, as they descended deeper, something changed.
The air grew heavier—thicker, almost suffocating.
The dim torchlight flickered strangely, casting unnatural shadows against the stone walls.
Yuuya stopped walking.
"…The mana in this place is shifting."
Christina and Leonhardt also paused, their expressions turning serious.
A faint sound echoed through the corridor—a deep, guttural breathing.
Leonhardt placed a hand on Christina's shoulder, lowering his voice. "Stay alert."
Christina scowled. "I am alert."
Then—
The torches sputtered out, plunging them into near darkness.
A low, rumbling growl echoed from deeper within the dungeon.
The walls trembled slightly, as if something massive was shifting in the depths.
Christina's grip on her sword tightened. "…That doesn't sound like beginner-level."
Leonhardt's jaw clenched. "No, it doesn't."
Yuuya narrowed his eyes. Eltharion… you lied to me.
Then—
ROOOOOOOOAAAAARRRR!
A thunderous, bone-rattling roar exploded through the dungeon, shaking the very ground beneath them. Dust fell from the ceiling. The sound was deep, ancient, and far too powerful to belong to anything they should be facing.
Christina took a step back. "What… the hell was that?"
Leonhardt unsheathed his sword fully. "Something big."
Yuuya exhaled slowly. He didn't know what awaited them ahead.
But one thing was certain—this dungeon wasn't as beginner friendly as they had been told.