Ch. 2

With a strict and serious image, a female teacher with glasses walked behind the podium, her heels clicking against the floor as the room fell silent.

It was the same woman from earlier – the one with a nasty attitude.

"Alright, sit down! I'm Ms. Fukushina, your homeroom teacher. I have high expectations for you peasants, so be sure to at least meet the bare minimum especially since you are all D Class. Now then, I'm sure you've all noticed your seat number on your personal watch. It's a gift from the school, so don't worry about leaving it here. However, do not sell it—considering the watch might be the biggest income you'll ever see in your miserable lives."

The class tensed up at her verbal assault.

"Your seating is not fixed. The only way for it to change is by leveling up and raising your stats. In other words, your placement is solely based on your stats. Those in the front row have the highest starting stats in this class."

Looking at the front row there were 10 in total. Some I recognized while others I didn't.

One face stood out—a girl with sharp eyes and a glare that could kill. I remembered her from Ryota's memories. She was one of the girls he'd… never mind. Best not to think about that.

Despite the tension, whispers spread throughout the classroom.

"Whoa, so he's already stronger than average."

"Amazing."

"I'm not surprised she's up there, I heard she's scary to be around."

"Wait, if those at the front are the strongest then the last row must be..."

"Hehe, yea. Look who's in that group."

"Serves him right after everything he did and said I'm happy got what was coming to him."

I remained silent, their jabs and laughter were sharp as knives.

'Damn. Is it just me, or is the teacher also looking down on the class?'

Ms. Fukushina slams her fist, grabbing the class's attention.

"As you all know—hopefully—this school focuses more on the Dungeon than academia. Seventy percent of your curriculum will revolve around Dungeon-related material. What I'll be teaching is the basic understanding and etiquette of being a Delver. We will also be spending most of our time in the Dungeon rather than in this classroom, so I highly recommend you start bringing your gear. The training facilities are available to you, so try to keep up with the other classes."

She adjusted her glasses.

"Anyway, that is all I have to say, let's begin our lesson with the first chapter of Dungeon Resources."

Just like that, I was back in High School.

'At least the materials are interesting.'

As I listened to Ms. Fukushina's lecture I could not help but turn to my neighbor who was clearly panicking. She was rummaging through her backpack frantically before giving up as she looked down at her desk with teary eyes.

It was as clear as day-she forgot her textbook.

'This is a good opportunity to start my redemption arc.'

Feeling sorry for the girl, I lightly tap her shoulder.

The girl slowly turns her attention to me.

I smile before whispering to her.

"If you want, I can share my textbook with y-SMACK"

Before I could even finish, I felt a sudden impact on the side of my face which caused me to sprawl to the opposite side with a loud thud upon hitting the ground.

"Don't touch me you pervert!"

The sudden noise and outburst caused the class to go silent and turn their attention to me who was now slowly picking myself up from the ground with a hand print on the right side of my face.

Ms. Fukushina angrily yelled out.

"What happened?"

The girl wasted no time in expressing her gratitude for my help.

"He touched me!"

She stated while clutching her shoulder with a disgusted expression.

I sat back up while holding my right side which was now clearly warmer than usual.

'I guess I should've just whispered instead of touching her, knowing my reputation.'

Suddenly, I heard loud walking heading towards us and when I turned my head Ms. Fukushina was now standing behind us with an unimpressive face.

"You two. Outside. Now. Class continue to read until you reach Ch.2."

As She walks out of the room, me and the girl both follow close behind her, scared of what she'll do to any of us.

While walking out, the whispers started.

"I knew he was going to cause trouble on the first day."

"Still the same disgusting pervert."

"Can't believe he was bold enough to try that."

"I hope he rots in Hell."

Hearing their comments made me feel shame, so much so that for once in my life I actually wanted to jump down into a deep hole and never come back out.

'This is already starting off on a great note.'

Exiting the room, both me and the girl follow Ms. Fukushina to a private area around the corner out of the classroom earshot before turning attention to us.

"Alright, Ms. Hoshino, can you explain to me what had happened that led you to slap Mr. Kurosawa but, most importantly, interrupt my class on the first day?"

"He touched me on the shoulder."

Upon hearing her reason, Ms. Fukushina glared at me with such malice that even I could feel a sense of danger from just standing in close proximity.

"Now Mr. Kurosawa, please explain as to why you touched Ms. Hoshino without consent, if you could."

Feeling my fight-or-flight instinct rising rapidly, I clear my throat.

"Wh-while I was reading I noticed she was struggling to find her book as she was clearly rummaging through her bag. Feeling bad, I wanted to help by sharing my book with her so I just tapped her shoulder to catch her attention and explain my reason but before I could finish she slapped me."

After hearing my reason, Ms. Fukushina let out a heavy sigh, rubbing her temple before glaring at both of them.

"Ms. Hoshino, while I do understand why you reacted with such violence given we both know of Mr. Kurosawa's reputation and history, it is still unacceptable to resort to such violence before assessing the situation. I would have suggested you respond verbally."

Ms. Hoshino's tone then shifted to become harsher when she turned her attention to me.

"Mr. Fukushina, despite your reputation, I could understand what you were, supposedly claiming if true, trying to do but be mindful and aware of how your actions whether small and simple might be perceived. Next time, use words instead of hands when trying to initiate an interaction if you can."

The bias is so obvious but it's not without reason so I'll endure it.

"Yes ma'am, this won't happen again."

Upon hearing my apology both Ms. Fukushina and Ms. Hoshino were surprised. Seeing their clear reaction confused me.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Neither responded. Ms. Fukushina fixed her glasses.

"Now that we cleared up this incident, both of you will have to write a one-page essay reflecting on your behavior today. I expect both of you to tell me what you did wrong, how you could have handled it better, and what you have learned from this experience. Now head back to class."

Feeling the intense glare of the teacher, we both responded without excuse.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Yes, ma'am."

As we both walk back to class in silence, I still feel the pain from the slap, and due to the misunderstanding, I know the class is going to use this to further justify their mistreatment and remarks.

Walking into class, as if on instinct, the class started whispering.

"Tch, once again, that pig got off with a slap on the wrist."

"I wish she had slapped him harder."

"Waste of space."

While walking back to my seat, a paper ball was thrown at me. I looked around for the culprit but did not find them. Instead, I was met with endless glares and malice directed at me from the majority of my classmates.

I bite my lips as I could not retaliate since I understand their reason, it just sucks it's justified. Looking over at Hoshino, she had people helping her and some asking if she was alright.

Not long after sitting down Ms. Fukushina entered the classroom, still agitated from dealing with us.

The rest of the lecture continued on, however, I found it difficult to stay focused with the occasional glare and muttered insults.

'First day and already I have to write an essay, lucky me.'

As the first lesson wrapped up, the next subject began—Party Formation & Role Specialization.

The lecture lasted for one hour but I was able to simplify the material.

* Attack, Tank, and Healer is the most basic but effective way of partying inside a dungeon.

* Within each respective role, there are many classes and sub-classes but they are not all equal in terms of rarity and strength.

* There are no rules that limit how many people are in a party nor is there any rule to suggest there should be one person for each role, therefore, going solo is also an option but it's not the most effective or safest option.

* Nobody is fixed into a specific but rather their role is based on their stats, skills, and traits.

As I memorized the information the bell rang-it was lunchtime. The class wasted no time and started creating social circles among each other, as people started introducing themselves, familiar faces welcoming new ones, and plans were being created.

I put my notes away and tried befriending my neighbors with a quick introduction but everyone gave me the same response.

"Fuck off."

"Don't talk to me."

"Gross."

Some even gave me cold shoulders while others just got up and walked away.

The rest of the class took notice of my attempt and took this opportunity to start throwing paper balls at me.

I cover myself with my arms before giving up and walking out into the hallway.

Once outside, I could feel eyes from other classrooms stabbing into me.

'Alright, fine. I got the message.'

I walked toward the nearest restroom and spent my lunchtime in a bathroom stall.

The bell rang again, the end of lunchtime, I could hear the sounds of laughter and chatter returning back to their classes.

I stood up, left the restroom, and walked back into class.

Ignoring their continuous muttering and laughter, I return back to my seat to notice that someone has written all over my notes.

'Classic.'

Ms. Fukushina walked in and clapped her hands to grab everyone's attention.

"Alright, it's time to put what you've learned into practice. Change into your Delver attire and head to the gym. Don't be late."

After changing into the attire assigned to us in our designated lockers, we made our way to the gym.

Walking inside, I was taken aback by how massive the gym was compared to its exterior. There were gym equipment, punching bags, and even sturdy dummy weapons made of some kind of plastic on the walls available to anyone.

Looking closer, the roof, walls, and floor were pure white of what looked to be plastic.

'This is some high-end facility.'

As I continue to be memorize by the environment, a sharp whistle cut through the air, snapping everyone's attention toward the center. Standing in the center was a female who's covered from head to toe with scars with a pixie cut and a cheerful smile. Dressed in a fitted tracksuit, her posture gave off an air of welcoming. But what caught my attention was her artificial left leg-a solid prosthetic made of some kind of metal that looks to have more than one purpose.

"Welcome! I'm Coach Ryoza, your combat instructor. I know most of you believe you are strong just because your pre-level stats are higher than average, however, that means nothing in the dungeon if you don't know how to fight properly. In the dungeon, fear and doubts are the number one causes of a beginner's death you're lucky. Some of you will receive permanent injuries that will force you to retire."

She taps her left leg with a smile.

"But don't worry, once I'm done with you the idea-or, hell, the concept of death might be some made-up myth to scare you. Once again, I'm Coach Ryoza, nice to meet'cha."

She took a step forward, the room was silent except for the heavy steps of her left leg filling the room.

"First lesson: learning to fight as two. Find a partner and we'll move into the dungeon. Get started now; you have five minutes."

Hearing the first lesson, I could not help but feel worried.

'Can this day get any better?'

Turning my head, scanning the room. Students were already pairing up, some eagerly.

Eventually, everyone had a partner.

Everyone but me.

I felt a sturdy hand grab onto my shoulder.

Turning to see Coach Ryoza, a smirk curled her lips.

"I guess you'll be with me."