Dungeon Exploration (2)
Korea Hero School is like a university where you can choose a major that suits you. Most people don't even know what they're good at, but this is Korea Hero School. Even those lucky enough to take the entrance exam because they have no idea what their talents are get weeded out for the most part. Exceptions aside, of course.
"Before the first joint class, we'll start with major selection."
Majors are straightforward. Subjects like magic, alchemy, ability awakening, swordsmanship, and so on—you just pick what fits your aptitude.
The kids rose from their chairs at Instructor Seo Wooju's words, gathering in little groups.
"Seoha, what're you gonna do?"
"I'm thinking close-quarters combat."
"Close-quarters?"
Kim Seohyeon looked puzzled.
"...Yeah, trying to build up some stamina this time."
"Ah, training your body since it's your weak point. Covering weaknesses with strengths is one way, but eliminating them entirely is another."
Kim Seohyeon nodded approvingly, as if my choice was spot on.
"Guess you'll be taking Understanding Close-Quarters Combat with me, then?"
"Yep."
I answered half-heartedly. Kim Seohyeon's eyes were sparkling. The class mixes some theory, but it's mostly practical training. Does he really wanna spar with me that bad?
"So just you and me for Understanding Close-Quarters Combat?"
"Nah, me too."
A sudden voice cut in. I turned to see a burly guy—manly, handsome. Park Unhyeok. The second to pass the entrance exam after Hong Yuhwa, a warrior-class type. He's got a knack for spears and comes off like he's got some chosen-one complex, but he's actually a decent guy deep down. The "deep down" part means most people just see him as stuck-up.
In the original story, he'd declare he'd claim the top spot from Kim Seohyeon. But now he's latching onto me, so maybe he's got some rivalry burning against me too.
Nah, probably not. He said he'd take the top spot from Kim Seohyeon—no mention of me. He probably sees me as way above him on the sly.
I nodded along vaguely and jotted down a few more classes. Theory of Magic Disruption, Basics of Alchemy, Understanding Ancient Languages.
Theory of Magic Disruption is for racking up practical scores with my Reverse Heaven Body. Basics of Alchemy? Potions are no sweat—I've got all the recipes memorized. Understanding Ancient Languages is to get closer to Kim Ara.
"Taking that many?"
"Eh, they're all easy."
No overlaps in schedule, and only Understanding Close-Quarters Combat is intense enough to mess with the class's joint sessions.
"Guess I'll take Theory of Magic Disruption too, then."
"No helping it. If you two are going, this body of mine will grace you with its presence."
I stood and handed my paper to Seo Wooju.
"Hm, Understanding Close-Quarters Combat?"
He eyed me curiously for a second, then nodded.
"Good idea. You're perfect in every way, but you've been too lax on physical training. The will to improve that's commendable."
When did he even see me enough to call me perfect? I just nodded politely.
Then I spotted Seo Gayeon heading over to Seo Wooju.
"Hm, Understanding Close-Quarters Combat and Basics of Swordsmanship with Mana. Diving into swordsmanship, are you?"
"Y-yes. S-swordsmanship f-feels right for m-me."
"Is that so?"
I paused. Seo Gayeon wanting swordsmanship was half desperation. A curse-like restriction from some demon. To them, her powers were too dangerous.
I pondered briefly. Her talents were top-tier, but the curse made her flounder early on, shining only mid-game.
"Swordsmanship doesn't suit you as much as magic does."
I said it casually, feigning disinterest.
"H-huh? M-me, m-magic?"
"Yeah, you'd be good at it."
Everyone turned to stare at Seo Gayeon. Slender build, fidgety expression, zero confidence. Their eyes screamed, Who the hell is she for Lee Seoha to care?
"Whatever, if you don't want it."
I shrugged and walked off. Pull her in slowly. Unlike weapon selection, majors can be changed later. It's a hassle, though.
As I headed out, Kim Seohyeon and Park Unhyeok followed.
*
"Now, we'll begin the first joint class: dungeon exploration."
The students gazed at Instructor Seo Wooju with eager anticipation.
"Nice looks on your faces. Naturally exciting, I suppose."
Instructor Seo Wooju grinned darkly.
"Maybe you're thrilled to be at the world's top academy, Korea Hero School. But this place judges solely by 'ability.' It's not kind enough to drag underperformers along."
Right. The school evaluates coldly by grades alone. Fall behind, and you're out. Stay out, and expulsion. No appeals.
"Korea Hero School stands at the forefront—fighting monsters, slaying demons, capturing villains. We have endless enemies. One mistake means death, or a lifelong injury if you're lucky. Even if it's not your mistake."
The students' faces grew pale with fear. Still kids, after all.
"Anyway, enough scaring you. For the joint class, we'll form temporary teams based on entrance exam scores. Top ranks lead as team leaders."
Seo Wooju glanced at me. As expected, top spot first.
"First team leader: Lee Seoha."
"Yes."
"Your team is composed as follows."
"...Oh."
I couldn't help but admire it. Solid team makeup. Explosive personalities aside.
"Next team leader: Kim Seohyeon."
"Yes."
"Your team is..."
Time passed. Twenty teams formed, and Instructor Seo Wooju spoke.
"Head to the dungeon with your teams. Follow me."
We trailed after him out of the school, where buses waited.
"We'll take these buses."
Boarding one, it set off soon after. Ten minutes inside the school grounds, and we arrived at a creepy cave mouth exuding chill vibes.
"This is the artificial dungeon 'Nest'. You'll come here often for practicals—memorize it."
Nest. Korea Hero School's creation that put it on the world map. In the game, layouts change each run—fifteen types total. All memorized, of course.
"Teams enter in reverse order from the call."
We were last. I called my team over.
"Let's do quick intros."
Han Wooseong, with his affable face, spoke first. Intros? Brutal.
"Hi! I'm Baek Seolgi! Specialties: pathfinding and trap disarming!"
A cute girl bowed briskly.
"I'm Kim Ara. Sword."
Kim Ara pulled her Giant's Sword from subspace. Blade over two meters, hilt seventy centimeters—made for giants, not people.
"...Not heavy?"
"Lighter than it looks. Plus, subspace inside the blade—pretty convenient."
"I-I'm S-Seo G-Gayeon! S-Specialty: s-sword!"
Seo Gayeon stammered.
"Han Wooseong here. This is my thing."
He grinned slyly, hefting a buckler.
"Lee Seoha. Nice to meet you all."
Intros done, I sat and thought. Decent lineup. Four warriors, one archer. Warrior-heavy, but unavoidable.
They probably slotted me as a mage.
"You and Gayeon know each other already, Seoha?"
"Huh? M-me and Seoha?"
Seo Gayeon panicked.
"You recommended magic earlier. Thought maybe you two knew each other~."
Baek Seolgi drawled. Snow White, huh? Now I want some.
"Just thought she had talent for it. No big deal."
I hid my intentions. Seo Gayeon was a mage—a key puzzle for the happy ending. No need to spell it out, though. Low self-esteem, reliant on others—she'd find the attention burdensome.
"Next team: Park Unhyeok's."
Time crawled. New teams every five minutes, but nothing to do.
"Yawn."
"...Bored already?"
Han Wooseong sounded incredulous as I yawned lazily. Others feared the cave; I knew all fifteen layouts cold—no tension.
"Next team: Lee Seoha's."
"Let's go."
Instructor Seo Wooju called, and I stood casually. The eerie vibe intensified near the entrance. Someone gulped nervously.
Inside, a fork appeared.
Nice luck. Speedrun layout.
"Fork in the road. Which way?"
"Hm."
I ignored it, heading to the right wall. There—protruding stone. Tapped it lightly.
Thud thud. Air hissed oddly. Breakable wall to a path. Thick, though—even Kim Seohyeon hammering it wouldn't crack it.
I called Kim Ara.
"Ara, come here."
"...Why?"
"Break this wall."
"...Me?"
"Yeah."
"I-I'm not good at this stuff."
Kim Ara sounded troubled—not incapable, just singled out. Fair enough. Hotheads everywhere; challenging her could spotlight her, ruining her quiet school life.
I whispered to her.
"Hide here, enjoy your peace—but think Paewang won't notice?"
Her purple eyes shook, staring at me—mixed emotions. How does he know about me and Paewang? Testing? No, he wouldn't name-drop otherwise.
"Break it, and I'll teach you. How to escape Paewang."
I smiled faintly.