As if rewarding my ingenuity, the 「Mother Caterpine」 left several [Potions] in her wake. In the few seconds I had to collect them -- because that entire debacle cost 17 precious minutes -- I learned three things:

Potions stack between 10~99, depending on your STR value All mobs can drop consumables, though their strength and rarity depends on the monster’s level Healing tingles, and feels vaguely obscene

With my HP refilled, I cut my way through the forest area in literal record time. I used the ‘wrap around the path’ trick I discovered earlier to avoid mobs and quicken travel; sure, I emerged in unfortunate locations sometimes, but dispatching the 「Woodland Jellies」 whose aggro radius I invaded never cost more than 1 or 2 HP. Turns out they share [Attributes] with the 「Sour Jellies」 from back when.

Now that the end is in sight, I realize my confidence’s tripled since the exam began. If there are only 3 rooms to the First Class Trial Dungeon, the [Final Boss] should await me beyond the massive double-doors capping off the path.

“And… Room two, clear.”

As the doors slide open, scraping against the dirt, Antoine swipes one final note into his wingdings chat window. “The [Final Boss] is up ahead. You’ve got ten minutes to reach it, and five to defeat it. Ready?”

My bright red Health bar and recent victories have me nodding resolutely.

“I was spawned ready.”

He chuckles. “That’s what we like to see. Trust me, ten minutes is all you’ll need. Some of our examinees reached the [Final Boss] in five.”

Whoa, there. I don’t think that well of myself. I’m wiser than to get cocky from a lucky break with a 「Mother Caterpine」 and a pointy stick. After all, overconfidence caused the downfall of many Heroes and newbies alike. With a modest chuckle and a trickle of sweat, I reply, “Let’s try for eight.”

Antoine smirks. Without wasting a second, I precede him through the doorway.

I know I said the castle-to-forest transition surprised me, but compared to the forest-to-star-spangled-labyrinth transition, the last one’s rather mundane.

“It’s… dramatic for a newbie dungeon.”

I feel along the smooth black walls of a narrow hallway, perplexed by the iridescent lights twinkling underfoot. Seems the floor’s textured with a projection of a clear, night sky. I crouch and run two fingertips over the surface: Smoother than glass.

Antoine chuckles. “It was much less ‘inspired’ in the Heroes’ day. One wouldn’t know at first glance, but Valeria has the most power over the First Class Trial Dungeon among all of us working here. You’ve seen the alterations made to the tutorial arena. Recently, her endeavours expanded to the rest of the dungeon.”

“Sounds dangerous,” I murmur, half to myself.

Picturing an over-enthused Valeria remodeling the place… the image of a blissful, deranged artist hurling paint and glitter around springs to mind. Did that sound mean? I’m not trying to insult such a kind person, but anyone who spends time adding little crowns to 「Slimes」 must enjoy her creative control.

“Experimentation is complicated.” There’s concern in Antoine’s voice, though he dismisses my unspoken inquiry with a shake of his head. “Anyway, focus. Time waits for no-one.”

The lights streaking across the floor and ceiling make locating traps a challenge. I step over tripwires that don’t exist and stumble on switches that do, making small clusters of glittery「Jellies」 and pink, fluttery creatures fade into reality.

【Observation I】

SMALL LESSER FAIRYBAT Lv. 1

HP: 3 | MP: 0 | SP: 0

Don’t underestimate these innocent-looking monsters! Fairybats compensate for their fragility with startling speed and ranged attacks. Even seasoned adventurers find a swarm of Fairybats inconvenient.

Argh, I don’t have time for this! No sooner do they spawn than I dispatch them with a series of [Concentrated Strikes] and swats with my ‘spear’. I have improved! My spearmanship is still more laughable than my gunslinging, but damn if I can’t smash something upside the head.

「Small Lesser Fairybat」was defeated!

「Small Lesser Fairybat」 was defeated!

「Small Crystal Jelly」 was defeated!

「Small Crystal Jelly」was defeated!

Y’know… for monsters described as ‘fast’, these Fairybats spend more time hovering than flying. It’s conspicuous. Is this the ‘lag’ Antoine mentioned earlier? If so, I hope the exam continues glitching in my favour.

The minutes tick by as I navigate the maze, Antoine thoughtful and silent in tow. With several [Health Potions] to restore any HP lost to clever 「Fairybats」 or 「Jellies」, I’ve admittedly started rushing through the shadowed halls. A faint glow follows our movements, ensuring we see our immediate surroundings while the path ahead remains cloaked in black.

The physics at play here baffles me. With 3 minutes left to locate the [Final Boss], though, nothing short of spontaneous combustion could distract me from my goal.

This better be the last turn...

I skid around a corner. A pulsating light catches my eye, and I perform a [Concentrated Strike] on reflex. The bullet vanishes into my target with a spark and a shwoop. I blink, drink in my surroundings.

An ornate [Warp Portal] spins lazily on the floor, as if awaiting another bullet to snack on. I glance at Antoine. His eyes drift from his ever-present chat window and indicate the portal: Go for it.

So… this leads to the [Final Boss]? The butterflies that lay dormant beneath my ribs flutter back to life. Feels like I’m back in the waiting room, sandwiched between muscular would-be adventurers, fiddling with the hem of my sleeves and listening for my system ID. Perspiration shines at my brow.

Breathe in, breathe out. You’ve made it this far. Don’t give Antoine the pleasure of watching you have a nervous break after all!

I shake my head, turn my focus elsewhere. Remember the bobbing blue lights. Remember Valeria’s foxlike grin. Remember the thrill of defeating the dummy 「King Slime」; of discovering [Makeshift]; of thrusting an improved spear through a 「Mother Caterpine’s」 leathery forehead.

You can do this, dammit.

I consult the timer. 90 seconds until it closes--better review my [Inventory] before heading in.

INVENTORY

Tiny Health Potion x1

Tiny Stamina Potion x1

Crystallized Sour Jelly Fluid x4

Wooden Plank x1

Empty

Empty

Empty

Empty

Empty

Empty

Empty

Empty

My spear is at 15% durability. My HP and SP are all topped up. I straighten my clothes, rake back my hair, and step into the swirling light.

Onward!