Chapter: 304
“Oh, I didn’t expect the Second Prince to come looking for me.”
Jeff Partlan, the heir of the Partlan Duke family, gave a surprised shrug as he looked at the Second Prince in front of him.
“Well, I didn’t expect to be the one looking for a wizard first.”
Cecil, who had trained alongside knights in the royal palace his whole life, tended to underestimate the existence of wizards.
Therefore, Cecil didn’t go out of his way to approach Jeff, and Jeff thought there was nothing to gain by getting close to the Second Prince, who had little chance of inheriting the throne, so he also kept his distance.
Even though they had seen each other often over the past two years, they were practically strangers.
“May I ask the reason for your visit?”
“Can’t you guess? It’s something related to the dungeon.”
“Are you proposing we form a party?”
“Correct.”
Despite not being fond of wizards, Cecil acknowledged Jeff’s skills.
If he teamed up with him, they would definitely be able to speed up their progress in dungeon strategies.
Thinking so, Cecil bent his pride and came to meet Jeff directly.
“That’s unexpected. I didn’t think the Second Prince would have an interest in accessories.”
His tone was laced with sarcasm, carrying the underlying accusation against Cecil, who usually looked down on wizards.
Sensitive to criticism, Cecil quickly realized the intention behind the comment but chose to smile instead of getting angry.
“You’re right. What I’m after is merely the reputation of being the first conqueror of a dungeon.”
“Is that so.”
Jeff pondered, observing Cecil’s expression and demeanor.
Normally, the Second Prince should have been furious by now.
Could it be that he was in such a rush and desperate situation?
Indeed, the Second Prince had focused so much on martial arts that he was clumsy with politics and negotiations.
Exposing weaknesses like this made it far too easy to take advantage of him.
“I’m sorry, Second Prince.”
Joining the Second Prince’s party was now a definite choice.
Regardless of his chances to become king, he was still a man who bore the blood of a duke and a king.
There was no harm in having a favorable relationship.
“It’s an honor to receive your proposal.”
However, he couldn’t nod his head right away.
Otherwise, the Second Prince wouldn’t feel like he was owed anything.
He had to turn him down a couple of times to create a sense of urgency before ultimately agreeing.
“However, there are already people who have agreed to join.”
It would be wise to at least secure some rights regarding the accessories.
Accessories crafted by the Apostle of the Arts Church were known for their beauty.
If he gave one to his sister, she would surely be delighted. Maybe she’d rush at him with “Brother, I love this too!”
Imagining Joy’s charming antics from when she was younger, Jeff chuckled internally while putting on a facade of disappointment, letting out a sigh.
“Please forgive me.”
If it didn’t involve Joy, he could be this meticulous.
*
In the 100th Floor of the Academy Dungeon during the second semester.
Arthur confirmed that an entrance had appeared as the boss defending the place crumbled.
“Have we finally succeeded in conquering the Academy Dungeon?”
It had truly been a long and arduous journey.
Specifically, it had been extremely tough because of one person.
Frey, who met Arthur’s cold gaze, tilted her head as if to ask why he looked like that.
That clueless expression really got on his nerves.
How many crises had they faced due to that guy’s impulsive actions?
If not for the bet with Lucy Allen, that guy would have followed orders, and otherwise, they would still be wandering around the 80th floor.
“Third Prince, you really like small things.”
“I’m glaring at you as a form of reprimand! Frey Kent!”
Arthur shouted angrily at Frey’s nonsensical remark.
“Reprimand? But I did well today!”
“Yeah, you did well today. But before this, you were moving around recklessly and causing all sorts of incidents, weren’t you?”
“Being obsessed with the past is a bad habit.”
“…sigh. I feel like the dungeon boss communicated better than you did.”
As Arthur sighed in frustration, Joy, who was next to him, couldn’t contain her laughter.
“Still, it feels like our teamwork is finally syncing. If we keep this up, conquering the dungeon should be easier.”
“Right. At least until we have to conquer the dungeon created by Lucy Allen, this beast will cooperate.”
Paige cautiously interjected amidst Arthur’s blatant dismissal of Frey.
“Third Prince, even so, calling Lady Kent a beast…”
“Saintess, what else can you call a creature that doesn’t communicate but has sharp fangs?”
“While it’s true there’s a communication barrier… well…”
Paige couldn’t bring herself to argue against Arthur’s point.
After all, the incidents caused by Frey were far from few, and there was no denying that.
“Understood. I agree that calling a colleague a beast is inappropriate.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
As Paige bowed her head, Arthur waved his hand, dismissing her concern, and stretched his body.
Having resolved to conquer the dungeon, they had exerted all their effort in the past few weeks.
And soon, in just a few days, they would see the outcome of their endeavors.
“Let’s stop for today. From tomorrow, let’s focus on managing our conditions since finals are right around the corner.”
*
“Grandpa, we’re in big trouble.”
[Why? Did Lord Jushin deliver another revelation?]
‘No, that’s not it.’
[Then what is it?]
‘I completely forgot to prepare for the finals!’
The issue was that he had been too immersed in creating the dungeon lately.
Normally, he would have at least pretended to study, but he devoted all his energy to constructing the dungeon, neglecting all other subjects entirely.
“I have no idea what the finals are covering! What do I do? What should I do?!”
[What do you mean, what do you do? Just guess like you usually do. With your luck, you’ll get decent marks even if you choose randomly. Or you can start studying now.]
His grandpa’s lack of empathy made him frown automatically.
Isn’t he supposed to reassure me by saying he’ll help?
This aloofness explains why he’s never been popular. What a self-centered old man.
<...You seem to be thinking something strange.>
“I didn’t know you were this perceptive.”
[Your inner thoughts spill out! Just so you know, I’m offended!]
“Oops. My bad.”
[This won't do! Sit down! I’m working hard for your mental maturity while you...!]
*
On the morning of the day the Academy finals began.
Normally, everyone would be holed up in libraries or their rooms, studying, but this time was different.
Those who took pride in having some power at the academy were all gathered at the entrance of the dungeon studies exam location.
“…gasp. Why are there so many people?”
Hearing the long line behind her, Visi was taken aback as she arrived late at the exam venue.
– This is going to make entering the dungeon difficult, isn’t it?
“True.”
Visi had promised her friends to check out what kind of dungeon this dungeon studies exam would involve before taking the final exams, but that seemed impossible now.
At this point, it was evident she’d be waiting to enter and then had to take the exam.
“I guess I’ll have to listen to stories from those who’ve been in the dungeon later.”
Visi scanned the faces of the people in line with a look of exasperation.
Seeing Prince Kurten from the Rahbi Duke family among them meant that side must be the third-year line.
Wow, there are so many third-year seniors who’ve been holed up in their personal rooms preparing for their graduation exams.
They all must be aiming for the rewards of the first dungeon conquest, right?
The accessories crafted directly by the Apostle of the Arts Church are indeed appealing.
They’re items you can’t get even if you spend a fortune unless you’re acknowledged by the Apostle.
Standing at the front of the second-year line was, of course, the Second Prince.
Normally, he would have been with his clique, but this time, he had come along with those who ranked among the second-year leaders, just like Jeff Partlan.
He must be really serious this time.
He didn’t seem like the type to be interested in accessories, so this was unexpected.
And at the front of the first-year line were the Third Prince’s entourage.
Lady Partlan. The Saintess. Lady Kent.
Though Lady Allen was overwhelmingly impressive, those others were no slouches either.
…There’s no way to be the overall first or even the fastest to conquer the dungeon in the first year.
I guess I should cancel my plan to sell accessories for materials needed for necromancy.
I didn’t think it would work out anyway, but with all the strong figures from each grade so enthusiastic, it’s likely impossible.
To speak frankly, would it even be possible to become the first conqueror with Ardy’s assistance, preparing to be found out as a necromancer?
– It depends on the type of dungeon.
“…Ardy, didn’t I tell you to stop reading my thoughts multiple times?”
– I’m sorry. But it just sounds so natural!
As Visi sighed while drooping her shoulders, she couldn’t blame Ardy for their strong bond.
After all, she had been dreaming about the memories of when Ardy was alive—those happy days.
“Anyway, you mean to say that if you can fully exert yourself, we might have a shot at being the first conqueror?”
– Yes! Despite appearances, I’m really strong!
Watching Ardy puff out her chest confidently made Visi chuckle.
“Show that power when you reach second year and tackle an external dungeon.”
– Look forward to it!
“Sure, I’ll be waiting.”
“Visi!”
Not long after Visi answered Ardy, she heard a voice calling her from behind.
Turning around in the direction of the sound, she saw her old friends and a girl who had been more or less forced into their group by Lucy.
“Looks like you came out early. You’re pretty far up.”
“Belma had been waiting in line since early morning.”
“…Really?”
“Yes. I thought I might not get in if I didn’t.”
“Thanks to you, it looks like I’ll get to see the dungeon before taking my final exam!”
“Wow, thanks, Belma! I’ll treat you to something delicious later!”
“Hehe, it’s nothing.”
“If waiting since dawn is nothing, then what does that make my late arrival?”
“Right! Are you saying our Visi is lazy?”
“Ew?! No, no!”
“Belma, don’t panic. These two with bad personalities just want to poke fun at me.”
As Visi said that, she gently patted Belma’s head, making her nod with a silly smile on her face.
“Bad personality, huh!”
“The worst is you acting all innocent after showing up late!”
“Wow. Look over there. The dungeon studies instructors are coming. It seems like we’re about to start.”
“Hey! Don’t change the subject!”
“Seriously, you’re dark on both inside and outside!”
“…What does ‘dark on the outside’ even mean!”
“Everyone? Calm down! Calm down!”
Regardless of whether Visi and her friends were raising their voices, the instructors moved around as commanded by the professors, and the dungeon prepared for the final exam in dungeon studies was opened to the students.
Then, about half a day later.
Those desperately racing for the first conquest of the dungeon realized why this dungeon was open all through finals.
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