A "normal" dungeon (4)

[Third-person perspective]

After all the students left the artificial dungeon, Alan Harwey reunited with his team. Mirai Shiva was upset that she hadn't been able to eliminate the sentinel and could only shudder at such injustice.

The girl still doesn't know that even with her help, it was impossible to defeat him alone.

The teachers gave a report on the situation, commenting on two things.

One, the dungeon's internal chambers had burst due to excessive exposure to magical power, and they hacked the machines so no one could escape alive.

Two, some students had been influenced with mind control magic and used a [Sealing Cube] to increase the mana density of the dungeon causing the artificial monsters to mutate.

Some teachers emerged from the dungeon with containers that looked like cryogenic chambers on their backs. Inside were the bodies of deceased students.

Unfortunately, the Daemons and humans were in a sort of war, where each enemy side had to limit the other's power.

In the end, the test was canceled, and the students' grades were postponed until further notice.

-Really, a real sentinel?-

-I heard he was C-rank, but I can't imagine what a B-rank one would have been like-

-No way... Who killed him?-

-It was Hanami and...-

The students gathered outside the dungeon and chatted loudly, while the instructors checked the crowd to make sure there were no victims.

-Uh-

Mirai Shiva sighed deeply, startled by the growing sense of emptiness, then went to find Hanami, who was pacing around the entrance, to ask her a lot of questions, hoping Hanami would answer.

-Hanami-

-Oh, Shiva, what's wrong?-

-Are you okay? I heard the sentry…-

After mentioning a topic that didn't interest her, she would start yawning while the young noblewoman began to rant inside her mind, insulting her in so many ways that even all the students would think she was someone else.

When Hanami wanted to leave, Mirai Shiva made a clever move so Hanami would stay and chat for a while, talking about Alan Harwey.

-Oh, you do know Alan Harwey, right? The guy you mentioned at our last meeting-

-...Alan Harwey?-

-Huh...?-

Hanami's reaction wasn't what Shiva expected. Previously, she would groan whenever she heard that name, to the point that no one could say it in front of her, but now she seemed a bit okay talking about him.

-…Yes, Alan Harwey-

-Oh!! What's going on with him?-

-You haven't forgotten you said he could be…-

Suddenly, Hanami interrupted slightly.

-Oh, that's it. It was just a misunderstanding because I was upset with him-

-What?-

Shiva was so stunned that she gave a polite speech.

-It was just a few days ago that you were spitting blood while talking about him, and now you're saying it was a misunderstanding? I don't think it's a misunderstanding now!-

-It was just a misunderstanding. Well, I wouldn't say he's someone I want to befriend, but he's not as bad as I thought... but I still hate him-

Hanami nodded, satisfied with her own judgment.

Shiva stared at Hanami in a daze, so stunned she wanted to strangle her and force the truth out of her.

«Damn silly redhead! Why aren't you giving me more information?! You're such a fool, you should normally tell the truth, but you're not telling me now!»

Mirai thought indignantly, not knowing the truth.

-Hey, Hajime!-

Suddenly, Hanami shouted loudly, so loud that Shiva covered his ears to avoid hearing her scream, as he felt like his eardrums were about to burst.

-See you later! We'll talk the next day, Shiva!-

Hanami ran ahead of Shiva and disappeared, she was as fast as a dog following its master, Shiva only turned to see who she was waiting for, it was Hajime, Hanami ran towards Hajime who had just left the dungeon, slapped him hard on the back and stood in front of him to block his way

-That surprises me-

-And your team?-

-...I wasn't joking, I almost died of exhaustion-

Hajime chose Route 3, which was so full of monsters and traps that his team was desperately fleeing for their lives.

"It seems like your years have come to you all at once."

"Really?"

Shiva watched their affectionate interaction with interest. She was happy to see them getting along together.

«Now that I think about it, Hajime does look a bit like Hanami's brother, which is why she's become interested in him»

-Oh, I finally found you, Hanami-

At that moment, Isaac stepped between them as if to separate them.

At that moment, Shiva began to sigh. Since Isaac was there, he began to walk toward them. At that moment, he discovered a man looking at Hanami from a distance.

It was Alan Harwey

Who was silently looking at Hanami only to turn around and see the vast blue sky. Shiva stared for a moment into those disgusting blue eyes only to come to a conclusion

-Does she like Hanami? What's so great about a tomboy who acts like a tsundere?-

She didn't know it but Alan wasn't watching Hanami but Nameless having a telepathic conversation.

Shiva trembled with frustration deep in her heart.

Although many of the students liked Hanami, Isaac couldn't. With that thought, he quickly approached Hajime, Isaac, and Hanami.

«I definitely won't leave you alone if you're with her, Isaac»

Mirai thought, Shiva ready to make her move, to prevent Hanami from monopolizing Isaac's attention.

***

[Alan Harwey's Perspective] [12:00 p.m.]

I returned to my room 12 hours after the dungeon trial.

Now the Hunters' Association was involved in the investigation into the murder of the five students who had died inside the dungeon, but that was all the information the teachers gave us, nothing more.

In any case, the gym was closed because of this, so I was lounging in my room staring at the egg.

-A pet, huh?-

I had this egg in my room a while back, but I never thought about how to use it.

"The egg doesn't show you its name, so from what I can understand, it's possibly a very powerful beast."

Said Nameless, who came back from the kitchen just to look at the egg.

-A friend...-

—Woof… woof

The barking of a dog sounded in my head

Nostalgia was invading me again; every time I saw this egg, images of a wolf-like dog inevitably came to mind

-Konstantine…-

I whispered in a low voice so no one could hear

"Hey, Alan, what are we going to do about this problem?"

I stared at the egg without blinking, as if hypnotized.

"Hey."

-I'll be able to...-

"HEY!!"

-AAAhhh!-

Nameless shouted in my ear with all his might, interrupting my thoughts.

-What the hell is wrong with you?!-

"You're finally reacting. Now what are you going to do about the blood problem?"

-Ah, about that... this little one has been living off of giving him my own blood, but who will give me a little of theirs?-

"That's the riddle."

For the beast to hatch, it needs two bloods. Mine is guaranteed, but the other one was the problem.

I highly doubt Miguel will give me his blood, and if I ask everyone, they'll surely call me weird... I don't want my reputation to fall any further... I think I'll leave that for now.

At that moment.

[Alan]

I received a message on my video transmitter. When I saw the sender's name, I couldn't believe it.

It was Hajime.

[Do you have time on Thursday?]

-What's wrong with him... is he that kind of person?-

[I'm busy on Thursday, so I won't be able to go with you, but Friday is normal.]

«I need to read John's magic books to learn a few basic spells for myself and, at the same time, create a support spell to compensate for my physical abilities»

[Okay, we can see each other then.]

[Ok]

***

[Island X - West Forest]

It was nighttime, inside a forest.

Dilan was cutting down all the trees in frustration.

Anger and despair were in the air.

As he stood in a magic circle he had made, waiting for a summoning.

And he began to remember, while walking through the halls, he met the president of the study club, Jeremy.

He was a friend who had supported him greatly during the beginning of the year and explained to him how to summon a demon and become a Daemon.

The circle functioned as a link between the physical and mental realms. In the mental realm, demons could influence humans with weak hearts to become their servants.

-Why do I always end up like this?-

The guilt he felt toward his teammates, his self-loathing and inferiority complex seemed to disappear, as peace descended upon his mind.

He had left his country believing he would be one of the strongest students. He wanted to be a source of pride for his family, but... the reality is harsh... there were many students with more potential than him.

—Haha, you poor fool.

—Did you really think you could aspire to be at the top?

—Stay at the bottom, loser.

—HAHAHA

The words that came to his head belonged to the henchmen of Isaac Arden, who earned the title of "the leader" because his gang always bullied the weakest like him.

-Poor boy, everyone looked down on you... you came to this place so everyone would look at you with admiration... but what did you get in return... nothing?-

At that moment, a bewitching voice invaded his heart, causing a ripple in the serene surface. Ian opened his eyes slightly. Two brilliant spheres of light illuminated the dark sky as if they were eyes. The spheres of light curved into an arc before pouring into Dilan's pupils.

-It was very painful for you... I can give you power... a power so that no one will ever see you from below... never again...-

The voice grew clearer and struck Ian's heart. Feeling the wave of emotions surge from the depths of his heart, Dilan cried

-Power... I want to be strong... I don't want to be stagnant... the expectations my parents have that I'll become the greatest hunter, I don't want to disappoint them... I don't want to feel defeated... I don't want to feel this feeling of hopelessness anymore... I don't want to hate myself anymore...-

-Fine... I'll grant your wish. You just have to pay a small price; it's much easier than giving up everything-

Dilan nodded through tears at the warm voice and slowly extended his hand toward the soft light that caressed him.

Meanwhile, hidden, Jeremy watched the scene with a satisfied smile.

-Wow, I see my plans are going perfectly. Don't worry, Dilan. Mr. Arneb is a very generous person and will grant you great strength-

«Of course, only to later turn you into my scapegoat so no one suspects me»

Jeremy began to disappear from the forest, only to silently laugh at the future fate of the boy who was supposedly his "friend."

***

[Alan Harwey's Perspective] [Tuesday – Tokyo/Hakone]

I'm currently in Tokyo, Hakone training in the mountains.

"Come on, kid, you're almost there."

I'm swinging my sword so many times I think it might separate from my body.

I'm applying the theory of the new magic I want to create. Creating magic or abilities takes some time.

But if I succeed, maybe I can get a B or A rank magic.

Using the lightning element, I should be able to react automatically to external stimuli instead of the normal process where the stimulus is perceived by the nerves, which transmit a signal to the brain, which in turn sends instructions to the muscles.

This ability should send electrical signals to my muscles to react instantly to a threat, avoiding the nervous system, which is completely slower.

-Hey, buddy, I'm getting tired-

"Calm down, you're getting there"

Suddenly, small rays of light began to sprout from my body, causing me to violently swing my sword, creating a strong wind wave.

"You see, creating a skill or magic can be difficult, but if you have the foundation to create it, the process will be easier"

Nameless started to speak with superiority. Sometimes I didn't understand this guy who had been with me for a long time, but... who was he when he was alive? Could he have been a high-ranking hunter or even a spirit from the past?

Suddenly, some enormous birds began to approach. They were Tengu, unlike how they were described in Japanese folklore. Here, they were just giant birds with black feathers and very sharp beaks and claws.

-What a problem! Time to use the prototype on these guys-

"Leave their bodies in good condition to see if Aoki can sell them for a good price"

-Good idea, and I'll be able to increase my money-

I took a deep breath and looked up at my enemies. I used the prototype of the skill.

My muscles increased in strength, and I felt like I could react to anything. After experiencing that sensation, the Tengu began to attack me, but I swung my sword so fast that in the blink of an eye, I separated their heads from their bodies.

My body reacted to the Tengu's attack, which was about to attack me from behind and then cut off its head. After that, I killed the last Tengu who was distracted. Meanwhile, I sent a message:

[Hello, Mr. Aoki. I'd like you to come to a mountain in Hakone. I have the carcasses of about 5 larger than average Tengu. I think they'll sell for a good price... please reply.]

[Now?]

[Yes, please, and don't forget your bag to carry the carcasses.]

[Okay, I'll be there in about 10 minutes.]

**

11:00 p.m.

I returned to my dorm. Honestly, I have to wait until tomorrow for the Tengu to be sold.

I started cleaning the magic sword James gave me until it was completely shiny. I could see slight dents, but it was completely fine. I just needed to fix it.

After that, I changed my clothes and noticed how defined I was. Well, having a ghost who forces you to train every day has its advantages.

**

[Thursday] [4:00 p.m.]

I started running at full speed toward the bus, desperate because it was late. It passed right through my zone, and I could only reach out my hand out of sheer helplessness.

-No!! Please wait!-

"I told you to come early~"

Nameless scolded me for my lateness but now I have to go to a portal that is much more expensive

-What are you doing here?-

At that moment a female voice very recognizable to me was Hanami who apparently recognized my existence and tilted my head with some depressive aura.

-Why didn't you get on the bus?-

Hanami asked with doubts.

-Because I arrived late and the bus left... that's why I'll be late to the club-

-Which club are you in?-

-Hunting-

-Hunting? I'm in that club too, and I don't remember seeing you...-

While Hanami was speaking, the bus arrived. I got on, and the girl followed me.

-I didn't go to the orientation, that's all-

After that, I took the seat in the back.

-I see-

She sat in a corner and then looked at me very suspiciously before opening her mouth.

-How many clubs are you in? From what I know, you were only in the travel club-

-I'm only in two-

-Wow~ what a waste of time~-

-And how many clubs have you been to?-

I spoke reluctantly, not taking my eyes off the girl.

-That's none of your business-

I had to smile forcefully, suppressing my anger, but hey, I deserved it for being a gossip.

I didn't speak to her for the rest of the bus ride, and every time our eyes met, we simply looked away or argued. In the end, Hanami and I arrived at the portal station without saying a single word.