Labyrinth 5th floor
Except for the two professors Yujin and Reina, the students were scattered throughout the labyrinth due to the artificially induced teleportation caused by a magical tool.
And in the midst of the labyrinth’s fifth floor, Yujin and Reina were observing the situation while unfolding dozens of mana screens.
Each screen displayed the scenery visible from the perspective of the students who had been enchanted with recording magic.
“Julian Johannes is indeed an outstanding student. I remember his labyrinth experience scores were quite high.”
“I believe he is the second son of a prestigious magical noble family. Naturally, he must have completed elite private education beforehand. Of course, judgment and action are separate from that, but he is certainly a talented student.”
The two quickly monitored and evaluated each student. Although Reina was inwardly very tense about being alone with Yujin, she knew that if he had intended to harm her, he would have done so by now, so she tried to act as calmly as possible.
Of course, part of the reason this was possible was that Yujin was not engaging in any malicious behavior or teasing her, but rather taking the class seriously and only discussing necessary matters.
In fact, Reina, who had initially been highly vigilant and more focused on him than the class, was now paying considerable attention to the lesson as well.
Yujin could sense this too.
If I gradually lower her guard like this, it might work.
Yujin was well aware that her guard had slightly lowered as he showed enthusiasm and seriousness in his work.
Of course, this was only possible because she also knew that Yujin had no intention of harming her, and in reality, she still clearly regarded him as an enemy.
But that was fine. As long as he could sow a bit of confusion by showing her that he was genuinely focused on the class, Yujin considered it a success.
“Student James, I received a report last time that you tend to be hasty. Avoid reckless actions. If you encounter a monster, first assess its strength before engaging in combat.”
“Student Heinya, that area ahead is a trap. Don’t forget to check your surroundings.”
“Student Ezel, focus on the objective rather than gathering resources. Your goal is to safely reach the target point where we are now.”
As she continued monitoring, she rapidly pointed out issues to numerous students. Yujin also watched this and focused on the mana screen of one student he frequently interacted with.
“Student Elly, I can see you’re overly tense. At this point, trying too hard not to make mistakes will only hold you back. Instead, prepare yourself so you can handle anything that happens, and then move forward.”
[Yes, yes!]
Yujin offered advice that was more practical rather than simply telling her to relax. Elly seemed even more nervous due to Yujin’s particular attention toward her, but regardless, she diligently followed his advice.
Yujin nodded as he observed this and began monitoring other screens.
“Professor Sahart, I’ll take care of half of them for now.”
“…Understood.”
Monitoring dozens of students at once was certainly not easy, so Reina reluctantly nodded and handed over half of the screens to Yujin.
From then on, it was straightforward. For a mortal, monitoring dozens of people would have been challenging, but a transcendent like Yujin managed to monitor the students without missing even the smallest detail.
Honestly, he could have taken over the other half without any issues. Reina’s expression grew more complicated as she watched him.
If you only looked at this, you’d think he was just an enthusiastic new professor and view him favorably.
However, the reality was that he was a dangerous figure who even manipulated Ines, the academy’s Headmistress, and someone with unknown motives. If this was all an act, it was nothing short of terrifying.
“Professor Sahart? Is something wrong?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Just look at him now. Even in front of her, who had some inkling of his true nature, he had the audacity to ask with such an innocent face. It was almost disgusting.
She still hadn’t forgotten the conversation between the Headmistress and Yujin. As she recalled it, Reina steeled her increasingly complicated emotions, cleared her thoughts, and continued monitoring.
I need to find evidence… as quickly as possible.
Yet, she didn’t forget to remain wary of Yujin.
***
After a considerable amount of time had passed.
“Phew…”
“Ugh…”
“F-Finally, we made it…”
The students of the Elemental Magic Department soon reached the location where the professors were.
Even though it was only the fifth floor of the labyrinth, which was considered the highest level, moving forward alone in the labyrinth had been a significant burden for them. Most of the students showed signs of relief before collapsing or sitting down as their tension dissipated.
Seeing this, Reina opened her mouth to speak.
“First, everyone, get up from your seats and stand straight. Even if there are protectors on the highest floor of the labyrinth, showing complete relaxation in the labyrinth is suicidal. Most of those who die in the labyrinth are people like that.”
Reina had already given them some time to rest. Having judged that, she was firm in her words.
Moreover, what she said wasn’t wrong. The death rate in the labyrinth wasn’t high, but it was not zero.
If you’re ambushed before you can even notice or hit by a stray arrow, you can die before you even have a chance to escape. If you remain relaxed and fail to react, no matter how much the gods’ blessings protect you, death is inevitable.
That’s why Labyrinth Academy never taught its students to relax easily. After all, the fundamental purpose of Labyrinth Academy was to train heroes who could navigate the labyrinth.
In that sense, her words were justified, and the students stood up straight without much complaint. Perhaps it was simply because they were afraid of Reina.
Yujin who was watching Reina spoke up.
“I’ve finished checking the headcount.”
“Confirmed. Then, first of all… students, you’ve all worked hard.”
-No, we haven’t!
As Reina spoke, the students responded with disciplined expressions. She continued.
“Perhaps it’s because you’ve gained experience, but from what I saw, each of you performed quite well compared to the adventurers’ reports I heard during the exam. I’ll give you praise for that.”
-Thank you!
“However, there are still areas where you’re lacking, so I’ll point those out before we move on. Let’s start with the student who arrived first.”
After that, she called each student one by one, pointing out what they had done wrong and what they had missed. She also provided suggestions for improvement and direction and didn’t forget to offer her own words of praise at the end.
Of course, Reina hadn’t monitored all the students herself, so Yujin, in his own way, called the students he had monitored and gave them similar advice, much like Reina.
“It’s good to see that you’ve improved quite a bit compared to your first exploration. Especially the way you immediately accepted advice and moved forward calmly was commendable.”
“Th-Thank you…”
Especially, Elly responded to Yujin, who had been monitoring her, with a mix of nervousness and joy. Still, hearing praise that she had improved in her own way made her feel good.
Of course, standing in front of him still made her tense due to fear, but honestly, this was an unavoidable part, so let’s move on.
Anyway, as the brief feedback session passed, Reina who realized it was time to appropriately conclude the class made an announcement.
“Then, this lecture is also over. The next lecture will consist of morning theory and afternoon practical sessions, as before. And when we return to the labyrinth through a lecture someday, you will form parties with students from other departments and advance through the labyrinth.”
-Yes! Understood!
“Then, we shall now return.”
After hearing the students’ responses, Reina led them to the return portal on the first floor, which she had checked earlier.
And so, the academy members arrived at the first floor, the safe zone of the labyrinth, through the return portal.
Chatter, chatter. Murmur, murmur.
They teleported into the midst of the numerous people gathered in the safe zone of the first floor.
The students, finally feeling like they had returned, completely relaxed, and Yujin who was standing beside Reina led them forward.
In the midst of this…
…Hmm?
Yujin sensed something and glanced to the side. It was because he felt a somewhat familiar presence.
“Phew, this exploration went smoothly too.”
“That’s right. Ah, of course, it seems much easier thanks to Mr. Han-cheol.”
“Uh… well, no. It’s not like I did much.”
“Hey, no need to be modest! You’re more skilled than I thought. Hey, pointy-ears. What do you think?”
“Ever since I revealed my identity last time, you keep calling me pointy-ears. Can you stop that?”
Along with the familiar presence, there were also familiar faces and voices.
They were undoubtedly Hugo’s party.
However, Yujin, upon seeing them, felt more surprise than joy…
…Raid Leader?
In the midst of it all, there was someone familiar who shouldn’t have been there.
A man in his early to mid-30s, not exactly handsome or rugged, but with a look that could be described as lively.
His sturdy build, a result of being a physical-type awakener, added to his presence.
He looked exactly like someone Yujin remembered.
On Earth, he had been the vice guild master of the Han-wool Guild, the guild Yujin belonged to, and the leader of the 1st raid team, Lee Han-cheol.
“…Huh?”
When he turned his gaze, he accidentally locked eyes with Yujin.
“…You, you!”
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