Chapter 166 Monster villages [ 1 ]

-Asher Frostblade's point of view.

I looked silently at Oriana as she began to speak, and everyone was silent, as were the other teachers.

"We set rules this semester for safety reasons."

The security in this dungeon was, in fact, stricter than any other activity held at the academy.

Due to certain circumstances, security in this dungeon was quite stringent.

It was no joke that rather strong professors were present in this place. Such reasons, known only to the professors, were kept secret to avoid panic among the cadets.

Oriana continued soon after:

"First of all, your goal is to survive and fight if necessary. You will test all your abilities until you reach the center of the dungeon."

It was said that in the center of the dungeon there was a structure.

Asher, however, knew nothing of this, he had heard it from cadets muttering among themselves, due to divulged information.

This information was not always reliable, but it was the only thing you could keep up with at the academy.

Because they wouldn't give you information or they wouldn't give it so easily.

"In the center of the dungeon is a temple. You will be able to see it once you are ten kilometers away. It doesn't matter where you are, as the temple is very large and quite tall, and its surroundings are clear of trees or any vegetation."

"Next, I will tell you some simple rules, but you must keep them in mind."

I stood my ground.

Although it wasn't very necessary to hear this, the cadets, like insects, were still standing firm.

Not long ago, Oriana had proven herself to be a good principal.

Running the academy complicated many tasks to be done at all times.

Oriana was no exception.

Perhaps the director was doing it almost perfectly, but Oriana did not show herself to be useless.

She was capable, and many recognized her as a temporary director until the director returned.

"First rule: no matter how foolish you are, do not attempt to take on a village of monsters alone. If you encounter a cadet, you may attack the village. If it's too dangerous or you think you can't, retreat. You may not always win."

Murmurs were heard.

Several raised their voices to be heard by the teachers.

"Doesn't that mean we're cowards for running away?"

Many came to that thought, and yet....

"How stupid."

Oriana was right.

The biggest mistake is to stay and fight against something impossible to defeat.

It's like trying to make the impossible possible.

If there's someone a hundred times stronger, don't hesitate to run away.

Because you will die with just a wave of their hand, and many perish trying to be heroes by doing stupid things like taking on someone a hundred times stronger.

It's stupid.

However, I looked at the cadets around me.

I realized then that they were very reluctant to understand such simple words.

Still, Oriana and the other teachers remained unperturbed.

Because of their neutrality, they were always like that. And although they were immersed in their thoughts, they probably thought the same as I did: the other cadets were stupid to believe that everything was easy.

Pride is something quite valued, but it's also what can get you killed.

Still, I kept a cold and serious look on my face, and continued listening to Oriana's words.

"Second rule: if you want to form groups or factions to survive, there will be limits on the number of members. The limit will be ten cadets per group or faction."

Groups were essential in these cases where survival in a hostile environment was the priority.

Because of all that could happen over time, a single cadet could not survive two days.

"Third and final rule: if you encounter other cadets, do not interfere with them. Even if you know someone well, the rule is that you cannot hurt them to the extreme or cheat for the purpose of killing them. If you do, you will be expelled immediately."

Of course.

If they kill each other, it will be a big loss.

Not only that.

There are penalties involved in killing each other.

Rules like these must be strictly obeyed.

If you don't understand, you will suffer the consequences of others' reckless acts, such as killing each other.

I frowned for a moment.

Several cadets began to smile in a strangely familiar way.

A feeling ran through my whole body.

"Some of you won't obey the rules."

Asher realized this as he saw the assassin-like facial expressions of some of the cadets. They really loved that idea.

It was understandable for someone to be a madman, but the first-year cadets were barely 13 or 14 years old due to personal circumstances. Still, they were so young that they seemed to think in twisted ways.

This world is disturbing in the younger generations, with obscene thoughts like killing a friend for a trivial reason.

"They are disgusting."

Gloriana, who was next to me, spoke up.

Grey, however, responded:

"You're right, they have no ethics or anything like that."

"They know we're still children compared to adults, right?"

Expressions of disgust rippled through the group of friends.

Asher frowned even more.

"We should give them a scare or something."

When I proposed the idea, they all stared at me.

Asher, however, remained unperturbed, because he knew he was right.

Few knew the current strengths of the group of friends: a third circle, a second circle, and the others about to break the first circle and take the second step.

Still, being a member of one of the ten families and, moreover, of the royal family, they were born strong, and Asher could prove it with simple words.

"With this we are done. The rules and some additional details will be given to you in the information on the watch you are wearing."

"Ah."

I had forgotten the watch I was wearing on my wrist.

I checked it for a moment when suddenly a message came in with the rules and some more details about the dungeon.

It wasn't important to me, however, as I didn't need it.

My memory is so great that I can remember every detail of any moment in my life, no matter how much time passes.

The extra details of the dungeon were not relevant.

Just the amount of biomes and something about the temple in the center of the dungeon.

"You will leave first thing tomorrow morning. Today, save your energy, because you will be alone or in groups surviving with nothing for two weeks."

This was already clear to everyone.

You will receive no supplies.

You will get everything on your own.

These were words that puzzled many at first, but in the end it was understood.

"Since we are leaving tomorrow, let us spend the night together."

The others approached as they planned the night.

It was still daylight, but it was about six hours before dusk.

"Sure."

We all nodded at the same time and the cadets started moving to do their own thing.

***

-Change of scene

[5:52 A.M.]

It was morning and we were about to leave camp.

Several groups of cadets had been formed from the start, and yet....

The night before we discussed some details.

"Let's do it separately."

"Uh..."

"Yes, let's do it separately. It's better that way, because I think we'll learn more if we do it on our own."

It was a long and opinionated discussion, but in the end we came to a decision.

"I agree, but on the condition that, if we meet, we'll stay together."

"Agreed."

Everyone agreed without complaint.

But, of course...

"No cheating at the start of the camp departure."

If anyone did, nothing planned the night before would make sense.

In the end, we split up individually.

As I started to move, I stopped suddenly and turned to meet Oriana's gaze.

"..."

She looked at me with a smile, but with narrowed eyes.

"What?"

She spoke after a few seconds.

"Good luck to you."

"There's no such thing as luck."

"Oh, right, you're right."

"..."

"Would you like to go out for coffee?"

"..."

Oriana gave me a cold look as I turned away, but still....

"Hehe."

I laughed because I remembered what happened three months ago, when Oriana disguised herself as a cadet and I teased her all that time.

In the end, I mentioned to her that, actually, I knew it was her.

And, of course, since then her attitude had been annoying, just like at this moment.

Soon, I heard a few words from Oriana before walking away.

"You little bastard, I'll look forward to you when you come back. You'll be looking forward to some training with me."

"..."

I had no words at that, and, nevertheless, I walked further into the plains. A few hours passed since it all started, and, yet....

Muffled sound!

"Haha... This is really annoying."

Everything that crossed my path was extremely annoying as blood fell to the ground, and I looked at what was in front of me....