11 - Orientation

At the Adventurer's School, the focus extends beyond dungeon conquest to encompass rigorous academics.

Specialized classrooms like study rooms, music rooms, and science labs boast advanced teaching materials, experimental tools, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. It was clear at a glance that the resources far surpassed those of the public high school I attended in my previous world. The quality of their sound system alone must have cost a fortune.

This substantial investment stems from a generous government budget and ongoing support from both bureaucracy and private sector donations. These factors contribute significantly to the school's substantial financial backing, setting it apart from typical educational institutions.

The teacher reminded us, "Focusing solely on dungeon exploration won't guarantee promotion to a higher class, so put in the effort."

In this school, "class promotion" divides the academic year into two semesters. At the end of each semester, students are assigned to classes based on their dungeon performance and academic achievements.

To advance from Class E to Class A, students need to successfully advance at least 4 out of 6 opportunities over three years. Conversely, poor performance can lead to demotion.

Graduating from Class A grants a direct entry pass to the Adventurer's College, motivating everyone in Class E to strive hard. Unlike other classes, Class E students begin dungeon dives in high school, presenting a challenge to compete with Class D within their first year. This lack of prior game knowledge puts Class E students at a significant disadvantage.

As I wandered, I eventually reached a vast facility.

"This is the arena. The entire area is enveloped in a magic field strong enough to handle rigorous skill training. We have blunted weapons and various types of metal armor available, but you'll need to arrange in advance to use them."

Here, skill assessments and training in interpersonal combat can be conducted. While outdoor practice is an option, caution is advised to avoid property damage when using powerful skills.

According to the teacher, for those considering entering the arena or Adventurer's College, mastering interpersonal combat is crucial. While fighting prowess against others is essential, I'm focusing on leveling up to strengthen myself, especially starting from a lower level.

Afterward, I was led to a place resembling an infirmary, where a faint scent of chemicals lingered.

"This is the doctor's office. On weekdays, we have a [Priest] who can perform 'medium recovery' and 'simple regeneration'. If you sustain injuries in the dungeon or during training, make sure to come here promptly."

The handsome young [Priest] teacher continued to smile and wave his hand. It's reassuring to know that with enough funds, 'simple regeneration' can even mend lost fingers, although I hope not to rely on it too heavily.

Continuing from the previous response:

Next, we were led to an area lined with factory-like buildings with wide, open entrances. Inside, various types of weapons were on display, alongside jigs and air hammers used for forging metal products. This appeared to be the workshop where steel and other dungeon metals were refined and processed.

"There are also some private shops here, so please be respectful," the guide cautioned.

If you bring materials and negotiate with the blacksmiths in the workshop, they can craft equipment for you at a discounted rate. Some dungeon materials possess magical properties, making it worthwhile to seek assistance from the workshop when you acquire such materials.

You can also place orders at the Adventurer's Guild store, and at higher levels, trade weapons and armor at hidden shops within the dungeon. If you build rapport with Kaworu, you might even ask Tatsu-san for special requests, but... let's leave that aside for now.

"I'm sure you'll find something suitable here. If you don't yet own a weapon, you can always return to borrow one later. While we don't have many advanced weapons, these should suffice for up to the tenth floor."

Glancing over the rental weapons, I saw swords and maces of various weights and lengths available. Renting seemed more cost-effective than purchasing from the store, with better quality options. It was a relief since my bat wouldn't suffice if I aimed to delve deeper into the dungeons.

Following the workshop visit, we proceeded to the club room building for an orientation on club activities. This area featured dedicated club rooms and training facilities, clearly funded by sponsors whose logos adorned the equipment and walls.

"The school's clubs mainly focus on dungeon exploration, categorized by weapon types and roles. Participating in club activities is recommended to deepen your expertise in a specific role or master your preferred weapon. There will be another recruitment ceremony later this week, so those interested should attend and consider their options before joining."

Clubs like the Swordsmanship Club and Archery Club catered to weapon-specific training, with subdivisions such as the First and Second Swordsmanship Clubs. Even within these clubs, different factions and sponsors were evident. While the game offered numerous events tied to club activities, I personally decided to abstain, preferring to dedicate more time to dungeon diving instead.

Well, to be honest, I really want to avoid club activity related events because they are full of troublesome events such as dealing with ugly relationships and violence. It has its own rewards, but I don't think I want to experience those in real life. I left it up to the main character.

Finally, the E class group approached the entrance of the dungeon.

The school's architecture and facilities were strategically positioned to encompass the dungeon entrance, maximizing the use of a 150-meter radius magic field. This magical domain served not only for adventurer education but also for the study and extraction of dungeon resources and materials.

However, access to the dungeon interior required passing through a ticket gate located in the Adventurer's Guild Square. Although the school provided direct access to this area, entry was restricted without proper security clearance.

"You can register for your adventurer's card at the Adventurer's Guild. If you haven't already, fill out this form and submit it to us, and we'll issue your card immediately."

While I didn't need to register at the Adventurer's Guild, my priority was entering the dungeon as soon as possible, so registration wasn't an obstacle.

"Since it's lunchtime, let's take a break. Over there is the school cafeteria. If you plan to use it in the future, make sure to purchase a meal ticket."

Continuing from the previous response:

Glancing at his watch, the teacher gestured towards the cafeteria. The cafeteria resembled a restaurant with outdoor seating available on a terrace. Already, numerous students had gathered near the entrance, studying the neatly displayed sample menu.

The daily set meal is 280¥, and rice and miso soup come with free refills! With such a generous portion at this price, I might as well opt for a bento. My stomach is rumbling!

"Let's reconvene at 13:00 at the square in front of the Adventurer's Guild," the teacher continued. "Since we'll be entering a dungeon, form groups of three to five people while you eat."

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In dungeons, unexpected monsters and traps like pitfalls make it essential to team up with others for safety. Forming a party ensures that if one member encounters trouble, others can provide support.

However, given my past mishaps, I doubted anyone would want to team up with me...

"Anyone looking to team up with me?"

"Recruiting 2 vanguards, 2 rearguards!"

"Can I join? I can use |Magic Arrow|!"

"Looking for a partner?"

"Hey, why not team up?"

"Ah, what should I do?"

Amidst simultaneous recruitment efforts, everyone energetically pitched themselves. Despite it being early in the day, they eagerly sought out partners. It was a relief not to be the only one in this situation.

"It seems those with efficient attack skills are most sought after."

On the lower levels where traps and monsters are less vicious, accidents are rare, emphasizing efficiency. It's no surprise classmates prioritize attack skills over recovery skills when outlining their recruitment preferences.

"Daisuke, want to team up with us?"

Several girls were vying to recruit Daisuke-kun, which made me a bit envious. With his handsome looks and impressive swordsmanship skills, it was natural for him to attract attention.

Meanwhile, Sasaki and Akari were calling out to Renji while holding Akio's hand. They seemed to have their group sorted out. Ugh, jealousy was getting the better of me again. I needed to keep my emotions in check, lest Theo Mind scream in despair.

"Hey guys, that table's free. Let's grab seats and discuss our party over lunch."

Matsuri, taking charge like a committee chairperson, declared, "It's too crowded near the cafeteria entrance," and gestured towards an empty table. Classmates swiftly occupied seats, leaving their belongings behind as they queued up to order lunch.

Seeking refuge from negative thoughts, I focused on my meal. Today's set included rice, miso soup, fried horse mackerel, salad, and pickles—a well-rounded meal. I piled my plate with rice and settled down.

"Let's dig in!" Matsuri announced, and the meal commenced. As we ate, classmates shared their stats on their devices and pitched themselves as potential party members. Initial party formation may not have been crucial, but everyone treated it seriously, aware it was their first dungeon exploration.

Despite only a few minutes passing since we started eating, groups began forming one after another, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Next on the agenda: discussing plans to borrow weapons.

"Is there anyone who still needs a party? Oh... Garcia."

"You can't have someone in your party who can't even handle a slime."

"Did he really lose to a slime, though?"

"Someone should let him join. Oh, sorry, we're already full."

My school life had been a farce from the start. Did I cry? No, but Theodore would, damn it I'm starting to hate Theo weak personality.

'This isnct me, calm down. I'm a grown adult stuck inside a teenager's body, trying to manage my emotions and Theo's. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Relax.'

Yup, I'm feeling better now!

But even in that bleak moment, there was someone who came to my rescue.

"You're a student accepted into this school, right? Would you like to join our party?"

As I looked up suddenly, it wasn't an angel who stood before me—no, it was Kana Matsuri, smiling brightly.

"Oh! Thank you, Matsuri!"

In the game, I was the next in line for student organization responsibilities, but now, I had no choice but to defer to Chairman Matsuri.