Chapter 24: Entering the Fhrosien Dungeon

After navigating through the bustling market, Ray finally arrived back at the garden. The air carried a warm, inviting aroma. The cooking was almost done.

Students sat down on wooden chairs and tables arranged under the shade of towering trees. The golden morning sun cast dappled light across the gathering.

Soon, steaming plates of food were served. Lamb Khichdi, Apple Pie, Hot Chocolates, Chicken Soup, and an array of side dishes.

The chatter among students grew lively as they enjoyed their meal.

"Did you know—"

A voice piped up.

"That there's a dungeon inside the kingdom ravines?"

Ray paused, spoon halfway to his mouth.

"A dungeon Mhm. I could get some loots"

He thought, his brows furrowing slightly. As the students ate, Professor Hasmon arrived, carrying a paper.

Without a word, he handed it to Professor Dunsworth, who was calmly sipping his tea. The other professors continued their meal, the weight of an unspoken discussion lingering in the air.

When everyone finished eating, the professors stood in a line, their expressions shifting into something more serious.

"Dear students."

Professor Dunsworth spoke, his voice commanding attention.

"We sincerely apologize for last night's incident. Due to harsh weather conditions and our negligence, two of our caravans were lost."

A murmur rippled through the students, but before any concerns could grow, Professor Archwood stepped forward.

"Let's put that aside."

He said firmly and tapped Dunsworth's shoulder.

"That was an accident. What matters now is this—King Frhosien has granted us permit to explore the dungeon beneath the kingdom."

Excited whispers filled the air, Dunsworth continued.

"However, we will not be descending past the 15th floor. The deeper levels are far too dangerous for first time dungeon raiders."

A student raised a hand.

"What if some of us can handle the monsters deeper inside?"

Archwood sighed.

"Even if you're capable, none of you have dungeon experience. Going in blind would be like cutting the branch you're sitting on. One mistake could cost you your life."

Another student asked,

"Will we get rewards for killing monsters? Or is it just for experience?"

Dunsworth smirked slightly.

"You may keep any loot you find. But don't get your hopes up, these dungeons have already been cleared many times. Valuable items are near impossible."

Ray rubbed his chin, looking down in thought.

"If I secretly past their eyes… I might be able to snag a decent weapon."

"Are there any students who do not wish to participate?"

Professor Archwood asked. About two hundred students raised their hands. The professors exchanged glances, having a brief discussion among themselves.

"Then it's decided."

Dunsworth declared.

"Professor Waikatsu and Master Baiyun will guide you through the dungeon. If anything happens, follow their instructions."

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After an hour, forty students, including Ray, gathered at the meeting point.

All of his acquaintances had chosen to stay behind at the hotel. The people surrounding him were strangers, their faces unfamiliar.

Following the professors, they walked through underground pathways until they reached the outskirts of Frhosien Palace.

The massive ravine encircling the castle came into view, its jagged cliffs descending deep into the earth. A spiraling stone staircase led downward.

As they descended, the temperature grew warmer. The wind howling through the ravine turned into a low, echoing hum.

At the bottom, the land flattened into a rocky expanse. In front of them lay a massive cave entrance, glowing with Elegant, magical flames.

At the cave's entrance stood a weapons rack—an assortment of swords, bows, staffs, axes, and even tools like pickaxes and shovels.

Professor Waikatsu turned to the students.

"Before entering, pick a weapon. Choose wisely."

The students lined up, grabbing their weapons one by one. swords, bows, axes, staffs, all taken quickly.

Ray, standing near the back, waited his turn. By the time he reached the front, only a few tools remained.

Pickaxes and shovels....

Ray stared at the meager selection before letting out a sigh. With no other choice, he grabbed the pickaxe.

——————————————————

As the students ventured deeper into the first floor of the dungeon, the air grew damp, carrying a faint scent of moss and minerals. The cavern walls shimmered faintly under the glow of magical torches embedded in the stone.

Scattered across the rocky ground were slimes. Gelatinous creatures of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Some were vibrant Coloured, some had swirls of multiple shades.

Others were gooey, almost liquid-like, while some had a firmer, bouncier form. They all shared one thing in common—cartoonishly expressive faces with wide, blinking eyes and exaggerated reactions.

The students instinctively took their battle stances, ready to strike.

"Hold it, Dear warriors."

Master Baiyun raised his hand, stopping them.

"Students."

Professor Waikatsu stepped forward, his voice echoing slightly.

"Unlike most monsters, some are passive. These slimes belong to that category."

A girl raised her hand.

"Are there hostile slimes? How do we tell the difference between hostile and passive slimes?"

Waikatsu gave a small nod.

"It's simple. If a slime has eyes, it's passive. Hostile slimes, on the other hand, lack any facial features. Since slimes have no magic, they cannot disguise themselves as passive slimes either."

A wave of relief washed over the students, and their tense stances softened. With the tension gone, the students began approaching the slimes, curiosity replacing fear.

To their surprise, the slimes responded with excitement, wiggling and bouncing around playfully. Some slimes nudged against the student's legs, while others attempted to climb onto their shoulders.

The slimes were oddly cold—not as frigid as the ice above the surface, but still cool to the touch. The mix of the dungeon's warmth and the slimes chill created an almost soothing contrast.

Laughter echoed through the cavern as students played with the creatures, petting, poking, and even tossing the smaller ones in the air.

But Ray stayed apart from the group, leaning against the warm stone wall with a distant expression. Then, he noticed a light-blue slime cautiously approaching him.

The slime stared up at him, its round, glossy eyes filled with curiosity. It circled him once, Then again, And again. Each time, its pace quickened, as if it had never seen someone like Ray before. Ray exhaled sharply.

"What do you want, little fella?"

The slime froze in place, its eyes widening even further. Then, without warning, it began jumping excitedly, though its small body could barely reach Ray's knees.

A tired sigh escaped Ray's lips. He set his pickaxe aside and, after a brief pause, kneeled and opened his arms.

"Come on."

he muttered.

"Be quick, before I change my mind."

The slime's expression brightened, and in a flash, it launched itself at him.

Thud!

The impact was stronger than he expected, knocking Ray flat on his back. For a moment, he just stared up at the rocky ceiling. Then, with a soft chuckle, he patted the slime gently.

"There there… chilly slime."

The slime hugged him tighter, its cool body pressing against him like a refreshing breeze.