Chapter 55
HEL SCANS
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The enthusiasm of the children who checked the details from the connector began to boil.
[Extreme / 1st Dungeon Expedition Practice]
Hello, I’m Pia Joyce, the assistant of ‘Extreme.’
Welcome to those participating in the 1st Dungeon Expedition Practice.
This guide has been written to provide you with important rules and information about the practice. Please read the following contents carefully.
1. Practice Schedule
Practice Date: [Imperial Year 297, April 21]
Practice Time: [06:00 – To be determined]
Practice Location: [Rosenstark Dungeon Area, Separate dungeon for practice in production]
2. Practice Objectives
This practice is planned to cultivate adaptability in a battlefield with many variables.
You will lay the foundation to successfully conquer various environments of dungeons that you may encounter in the future.
3. Practice Contents
The enemies you need to be careful of in the dungeon are not only monsters.
Therefore, the 1st Dungeon Expedition Practice includes not only battles against monsters but also human warfare and responses to mechanical facilities.
You will be divided into groups, experiencing cooperation and division of labour, competition and interference operations, and acquiring the correct dungeon strategies.
4. Evaluation and Grades
The method of practice evaluation and grade calculation is entirely based on the judgement of Professor Ted Redymer.
Details related to scoring will be announced before and after the practice.
5. Other Guidelines
Special rewards will be given to individuals and groups who demonstrate excellent teamwork, outstanding skills, etc., at the discretion of Professor Ted Redymer.
We ask for your active participation in the practice.
If there are additional guidelines, the assistant, who is in charge, will provide them.
* * *
“Well, how are the reactions?”
“Overall, very positive. The training intensity has increased by about three times compared to last week.”
Nyhill, who was casually sitting on the sofa and nibbling on pastries, replied.
I don’t know how she can pronounce so accurately and cheekily even with a pastry in her mouth.
Sip.
The report continued even smoother.
“It seems that the condition ‘fighting against each other while interfering with each other is possible’ had a significant impact.”
I nodded my head.
It was exactly what I intended.
The children of ‘Extreme’ are conscious of each other as rivals.
A group formed by the most elite among the carefully selected newcomers.
Demonstrating prowess here is equivalent to certifying oneself as the top talent on the continent.
Moreover, each ranking is likely to be directly linked to the favor of the ‘Hero.’
“This will inevitably intensify the competitive spirit, throwing this number of elites into the mix. Legal opportunities for clashes have arisen. It’s not just a superficial sparring, but a real battle during the practice. Many children will be willing… and for some, it will be a strong stimulus. Since we properly stirred up the external situation this time.”
Ban, Evergreen, and Luke.
These three demonstrated outstanding performances in the exhibition attack incident.
They showcased their excellence even in external situations.
For other children, it’s inevitable that they would feel impatient.
It was a good phenomenon.
Competition typically concludes with growth and development.
If talents that vie for the top are brought together, it is natural to expect excellent results.
“Everyone’s skills have improved a lot compared to the beginning of the semester.”
The situation flowing as calculated was quite satisfying.
I asked Nyhill about the next agenda.
“By the way, have the investigation results for the Escort Convoy Attack come out?”
The news of the complete annihilation of the escort convoy was urgently conveyed last night.
Knowing the scale of the escort convoy, it was difficult to believe such unbelievable news.
To unilaterally annihilate armed forces of that magnitude and escape.
Moreover, they completely removed the bodies and traces, making the investigation difficult.
“For now, it has been confirmed that the Demonic Church is related to the prison break incident.”
“Is there any evidence?”
“Several reports followed, claiming to have witnessed a giant flying-type monster nearby. Above all, the only thing left at the scene was the head of ‘Desmond Lusser”
“…”
A giant flying-type monster.
It was a troubling matter.
“In other words, they came flying on a flying-type monster from Stagnum to the West to carry out this incident. Thanks to the monster, such an absurd movement was possible.”
“As far as we have speculated so far, that seems to be the case.”
“They wield strange abilities, befitting the Demonic Church.”
I was convinced that this incident was related to the Demonic Church.
Throughout history, there was no case where humans tamed monsters.
The power to wield them was exclusively that of demons.
There were cases of bipeds taming ancient races (such as the Frost Dragons tamed by the Frost Dragon Tribe), but it was only a very small portion.
“…After all, the Demonic Church is closer to those who are more similar to demons than humans.”
Both their bodies and minds were more similar to ‘ma’ (demon).
They were so crazy that they inserted an artificial core into their bodies.
Unlike the traitors, who had different natures, they didn’t care about things like glory or wealth.
They only prioritized the advent of the demon king and acted accordingly.
Naturally, they were quite useful tools for demons.
So, they often bestowed various powers or forces, causing confusion in the human world.
This time, the probability of such a case was high.
‘Monster taming…’
Nyhill nodded slightly.
“…I will report any new information as soon as it is obtained.”
“Sure, good job. Go in and take a rest.”
Although the Emperor mobilized the intelligence agencies to track them down, it would be difficult to immediately find clues about the Demonic Church.
The ones who had just started their moves wouldn’t leave their tails long.
Therefore, it was important to quickly uncover the secret of the statue, which was the purpose of this attack.
▼
[Dangerous treasure left by an ominous adversary is here]
▲
Only then could they know the next move of those guys.
“……?”
Suddenly, I felt someone’s gaze.
When I looked up, I saw that Nyhill hadn’t left yet.
“What’s the matter?”
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Nyhill couldn’t answer my question immediately and seemed to be in thought.
After hesitating for a while, her lips slowly opened.
“You told me to rest just now.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m curious about what you usually do and how you rest.”
I was momentarily speechless. It was an unexpected question.
“Have you never rested before?”
“If it’s before a mission, there were times when I waited.”
“What did you do then?”
Nyhill’s small head tilted slightly.
“I was sitting, looking at the wall.”
“….”
…That doesn’t sound like resting.
Since she seemed like she might just sit and stare at the wall again, I quickly interrupted.
“Usually, when people talk about rest….”
…Mid-sentence, I realized.
I, too, was not familiar with resting.
So, I hesitated a bit but did not stop talking.
“…Some people enjoy hobbies. Some do nothing and relax in bed. Oh, and enjoying delicious food is a must.”
“….”
Maybe my answer was insufficient.
She blinked her eyes and stared at me intently.
“…I like fishing.”
I unintentionally responded.
It was true that I used to fish frequently.
For a doppelganger, sleep might not be necessary, but meals were essential.
Fishing was a good means of self-sufficiency when wandering through changes.
‘I did fish occasionally for real, so it’s not a lie.’
Although now, the feeling of finding a secluded place to avoid people was stronger.
Nyhill nodded only now.
“I see. It was very helpful.”
Before I could ask more, she disappeared into the shadows.
I felt like saying something more, but I kept my mouth shut.
‘…Fishing.’
I closed my eyes and imagined myself leisurely fishing by a secluded lake.
Pia and Kasim chatted beside me as a fish leaped above the water.
Cheers and praises by children followed.
Cooking the caught fish while the children gathered by the lakeside.
‘…Now, even children come out in my imagination.’
It was a pleasantly imagined scenario.
With a smile on my face, I returned to the paperwork.
It might be a story for much later, but I hoped such a moment would come someday.
Early in the morning, Luke, who was stretching in a corner of the training ground, unexpectedly encountered a visitor.
He gazed at the slender boy who approached with narrowed eyes.
“So, what do you want me to help you with?”
“I want to receive guidance from you. Is it possible?”
“Be more specific.”
He added, just in case of misunderstanding.
“Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ll agree.”
“I want to learn to fight properly.”
“Why are you telling me that?”
…Why?
Ban remembered clearly.
The fierce attackers.
Despite the disadvantageous situation due to the absence of main weapons, Luke exploded with determination and rushed in.
It was like a wild animal defending its territory.
The fact that someone of the same age showed such wildness and courage couldn’t help but stimulate him.
“I also want to fight bravely like you. You seem the bravest among the people I know.”
Luke took some time to calm his trembling lips.
The sensitive boy didn’t miss this fact.
‘This might work!’
He quickly spoke up.
“Have you seen the training content for this week?”
“I have. You don’t want to be a nuisance in group activities, is that it?”
“Yeah, exactly that.”
If he didn’t handle this properly and performed poorly, he might seriously consider dropping out.
So, with the determination to catch at straws, Ban sought out Luke.
As expected, he was facing a not-so-enthusiastic expression.
‘Of course, it must be annoying.’
Ban clenched his fist.
He gathered the courage to confront the awkwardness.
There was no point in backing off now; it would only lead to more regrets.
“I’ll do anything, whatever it is. If there’s a way, I can help. Can you tell me how?”
“….”
Annoying tasks were the worst.
Luke didn’t seem eager to help at all.
However, Ban had already mustered the courage to face the embarrassment.
He knew that backing down now would only bring more regret.
Luke, dressed in his training attire, looked Ban up and down.
‘Hmm….’
Luke was already aware that Ban had a well-trained body.
However, seeing him in the close-fitting training attire was a different experience.
The smooth face and the slightly intimidating physique presented a striking contrast.
The long arms were filled with muscles, and the shoulders spread wide.
Even his back was well-developed, long, and thick, extending evenly from top to bottom.
The pillar-like lower body was equally impressive.
In addition, his height was considerable.
Ban was the only colleague whose eye level wasn’t lower than his.
‘…Innate talent, coupled with intense training.’
Having gone through a similar process, Luke knew how challenging it was to develop such a functional body.
Perhaps even more exceptional than that nameless orphan from the battlefield, Ban, having descended from superior lineage, knew how to appreciate the full potential of his physique.
‘The problem lies in the mental aspect…’
Luke recalled the moment when Ban fainted during the anatomy practical, dropping his sword.
He could easily discern that the unconsciousness wasn’t due to a simple condition or nervousness.
And during the raid at the fair, he became certain of it.
‘What happened to you, Young Master Dietrich?’
Luke was well aware of the fragility of the human mind, perhaps better than anyone else.
The indomitable spirit that never yields to adversity?
Such a thing is rare in reality.
Having witnessed seemingly robust warriors crumble unexpectedly, he knew that the unwavering mental strength was a rarity.
Sighs and sobs from the extinguished mercenary tents were a familiar sound, and the next day on the battlefield, those who turned their backs were inevitable.
The axes of the Executioner’s was often soaked in the blood of such individuals.
‘Damn it…’
A not-so-pleasant memory from a few weeks ago surfaced, and Luke’s face twisted momentarily.
“Weak trash, born losers from the start.”
“You’re a different breed. I guarantee it.”
“The sight of you, who should be my successor, giving your heart to those beggars one by one… This father finds it extremely distasteful.”
It was some time ago.
The Mercenary King had spoken those words, full of disdain, mockery, contempt and scorn.
Handing the hilt of a knife to his less nimble hands.
‘….’
Luke looked at Ban’s face, now a mixture of desperation, and opened his mouth.
“Money.”
“What?”
“If you want to hire a mercenary, you should at least offer a reward, right?”
How can he be so clueless about the basics?
As Luke grumbled, Ban’s expression brightened dramatically.
“Tell me as much as you need! I’ll give you as much as you want! I’ve saved up a lot of pocket money because I have nothing else to spend it on.”
“Is that so? Then let’s start with a trial free trial and see how it goes.”
“Huh? A free trial?”
“I need to estimate how much trouble I’ll be in.”
As Luke finished speaking, his large hand grabbed the handle of the Pike.
“By the way, I don’t know any other methods.”
Click—
The chain tightened, and the Pike began to spin around rapidly.
Boom—!
It was Luke’s cherished weapon, repaired.
A large weapon that seemed capable of causing more than just a couple of broken bones if it hit.
Ban’s face paled.
“By the way, physical pain is a great way to solve a lot of things.”
“W-who said that? I’ve never heard that before.”
“I did!”
Boom—!
Ban dodged, narrowly avoiding the pike’s impact on Adam’s apple.
The centrifugal force of the spinning club changed direction before he could even get up, rushing back at him.
“Ugh, ugh!”
It was the beginning of special training.
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