As morning arrives, we all prepare ourselves and assemble at the main hall of the castle.

“My name is Crad. Me and my knights will be guiding everyone throughout the round trip to the dungeon, so rest assured.” (Knight)

“We'll be in your care.” (Teacher Ku)

Taiko and Sanna avoid eye contact. Ever since yesterday’s clash, our group has been split between different opinions on the matter. Kiku sighs from the tense atmosphere. I feel the same as Kiku. We won't be able to properly fight against the monsters if our classmates remain too hung up over this... We might even get injuries from stupid blunders that could've been avoided if done properly.

"Hah… Those two still haven't made up yet?” (???)

I heard a voice behind me. I turn my head to find Jane scratching her head as she spoke to Reinp.

“Can’t they realize we won't be able to work together properly if everyone is so highly strung like this? I hope they do realize that they are still representatives of the class.” (Jane)

“I know that guy is stubborn to a fault. It’s partly my fault for not stepping in before it escalated to this point.“ (Reinp)

Reinp scratches the back of his head and looks over our assembled class. Everyone was either receiving advice from the knights about preparations, or was chatting amongst their friends with a mix of anxiety and excitement.

“Haa… Well, I will do as I can to pacify them. Although, I was sure you had a higher chance of pacifying them compared to me.” (Reinp)

“Even I had difficulty butting into that argument, you know? I am aware that Sanna is stubborn, but to that extent... To top it, it becomes more difficult to break them apart when both of them were throwing such reasonably-sound counterarguments, albeit rather extreme examples... If I were to go in-between them, I’d simply be dragged into the argument, forced to choose a side, further escalating the situation. It's too late to be regretting what I could’ve done anyway.” (Jane)

I tighten my grip on Kiku’s hand with worry. As if she understood my feelings, she turns my way.

“Don’t overdo it, Mei. Take care of yourself too, okay? Even I can take care of myself to some extent now. Even if something bad does happen, I also have the magic card I can use to defend myself.” (Kiku)

Kiku smiles warmly trying to reassure me. I nod. Despite that, I still plan on keeping my eyes on Kiku's safety. If Kiku falls into a dangerous situation, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself, him as well. I want to protect his first love in his place until the day we can reunite again. I don't want my first love to be stricken with more regrets, blaming himself once more, ever since that day. As Kiku’s closest friend, and the one currently standing beside her, I have to do my best until then.

“Then, let's depart!” (???)

My thoughts were interrupted by the knight, who called himself Crad. His voice was heard by everyone in the vicinity, signaling our departure.

…

There were six carriages waiting for us in front of the castle. All of us enter along with Crad’s knights, and we begin the journey. We leave the castle behind, exit the city gates, and enter the nearby forest. It took no more than a few hours to reach the so-called dungeon, which was quicker than I had anticipated.

“Uwaa… a real dungeon…” (Male student)

“I wonder if monsters are really inside?...” (Female student)

“Of course there are. We wouldn't be here in the first place if there wasn't.” (Male student)

We stop in front of a humongous cave entrance for a brief moment before continuing. Most of us were anxious as we stroll into the darkness of the dungeon, except for a few particularly excited boys. Rather surprisingly, the interior wasn’t as dark and cold as I thought it was, and there were crystals attached on the walls dimly lighting the open path. Jane slowly approaches us.

“Kiku? Are you faring okay?” (Jane)

Jane watches as Kiku holds my hand as we walk.

“I’m doing okay, Jane. Don’t worry.” (Kiku)

“I am sure the princess and her aides noticed your blindness, but she seems to be under the impression that no handicap would affect a hero.” (Jane)

Jane sighs.

“No, it wouldn’t be right to be the only one left behind after all. I am glad I am able to come along.” (Kiku)

“Did you get a card as well?” (Jane)

“...Y-Yes, I did.” (Kiku)

“You think you’re able to use it without trouble?” (Jane)

“Yes.” (Kiku)

Kiku replied with confident tone this time. Jane smiles happily at hearing Kiku’s reply. It’s exactly because that Jane treats Kiku not as a burden but as an equal, that she can smile like that. This is also partially the reason Kiku trusts Jane and her judgement. My chest warms up from their relationship.

“Sanna is also pretty worried about you as well. You might’ve not noticed, but she always kept an eye on you; ever since our first outing against the monsters on the grasslands.” (Jane)

“Uhn. Yeah. I am really grateful for her looking out for me.” (Kiku)

“Eh!? You noticed something like that, Kiku!? I didn’t notice anything at all…” (Mei)

Sanna was actually looking out for Kiku… Someone other than me and Jane looking out for Kiku, it makes me slightly happy and grateful to hear that.

“I just had a feeling. Not just Sanna, I felt a few worried gazes directed at me from time to time. It could’ve been my imagination, but I am glad to know it really was the case. Now I want to thank her and whoever else was worrying for me properly after this.” (Kiku)

“Ahaha, do that. I am sure Sanna as well as the others will be happy to hear it directly from you.” (Jane)

Jane separates from us and returns to the front group.

“Y-You are kind of amazing, Kiku… To notice something like that… and you didn’t even sound surprised when you heard Sanna’s name...” (Mei)

“I’ve gotten used to such feelings ever since I was young, the feeling of when a gaze is directed at me. I have some confidence. It’s also easy to guess who would be worried for me amongst our classmates by process of elimination.” (Kiku)

I smile wryly as I see Kiku puffs her chest out proudly.

"...but I am still surprised when I hear it from someone’s mouth. It still makes me happy to hear definite proof of it." (Kiku)

Kiku smiles to herself.

A portion of Crad’s knights are guiding us, while the rest are behind us. I survey my surroundings with a hint of anxiousness. Suddenly, two wolf-looking monsters appeared with bloodshot eyes.

“Heh, leave this to me!” (Taiko)

Without a second thought, he ran towards the wolves and slash downwards, killing one of the wolves on the spot. He took initiative and ran up to the wolves and killed it so quickly, everyone was frozen in surprise. Not a moment later, Sanna slashed her sword across the air, and icicles flew out in its place silencing the second wolf.

“Those legs of yours… does holding that sword give you some sort of physical strengthening?” (Jane)

“It’s a trade secret.” (Taiko)

He smiles at Jane, avoiding the question.

“You… This is no time to be keeping secr-” (Sanna)

“Okay, okay. We can calmly discuss about this afterwards. We need to remain focused until we are back outside. Alright, Sanna?” (Jane)

“...I understand.” (Sanna)

“Hahh... “ (Reinp)

It seems Jane managed to pacify Sanna. The last thing we need while we’re inside here is another full-blown quarrel. We continue onwards inside the dungeon. We also encountered the same rabbits and mice that we saw in the grasslands except with varied-colored fur, as well as a few odd two-legged reptilians that had harmless appearances. They had harmless appearances, but they were holding spears as weapons, and they threw them right when they spotted us. A few of the quick witted in the front managed to defend against the spears in time, so no one was hurt as we continued to encounter them; which was our saving grace. Combining the offensive ability of the party of nine in the front, the monsters were immediately defeated one after another, which gave them no time for their own attacks to reach us in the back. Before I knew it, there was a large open space ahead of us coming to view.

“Men! We are about to enter a monster space, so protect the heroes with your life!” (Crad)

“Ohhhh!!! Is this the boss room!?” (Male Classmate)

“Heh. Whatever it is, it should be easy if it were on the level of all the monsters up until now.” (Taiko)

Taiko’s tone was confident. Sanna sighs from hearing Taiko’s negligent remark. She pretends she didn't hear anything and remain focused on her surroundings.

"Don’t be overconfident. Remain cautious no matter how weak the monsters are." (Jane)

Although the warning was on deaf ears, most of the work was done by Sanna ,Taiko and two others. Mitsuso, a guy who can increase the length of his sword, and Fukushi who can duplicate his sword and throw them like baseballs. Basically, Taiko had the results to back up his confidence. In return, most of our classmates didn’t get any chance to step into action because of their intiative. We all slowly enter the large space. When everyone finally steps in, the entrance disappears seconds later behind us.

“Eh? T-The entrance… I-It’s gone!!” (Female Classmate)

“Wha-” (Torio)

“What did you say!?” (Jane)

“GRAHHHHHHOOOOO!!!!!” (???)

A monster cry is heard from the other side of the space. It appears from a giant magic circle. It had a larger body similar to the two-legged reptilian monsters, with a head of a wolf and rabbit ears. It felt like we were looking at a mishmash existence of all the monsters we’ve previously fought until now. It was holding a double-sided axe in each hand.

“Tsk, I'm getting bad vibes from that monster.” (Reinp)

It was nearly 2 meters tall. It takes a good look our way, but it stays frozen on the spot. Taiko jumps in which were hard for eyes to follow and aims to slash the legs of the monster, but was blocked by the monster’s axe at the last second before the attack was able to connect.

“Hey! Damn, that idiot provoking it! You guys, support us! Jane! Sanna! Mitsuso!” (Reinp)

Reinp, Mitsuso and Jane follow after Taiko and begin their support.

“Oi! What about the entrance!?” (Torio)

“It'll probably reappear after we kill that monster, so forget about it for now!” (Jane)

“Teacher Ku! Bring everyone together that can also use the fire magic to support us! Please!” (Sanna)

“Leave it to me! Be careful and help your friends!” (Teacher Ku)

“Sanna! A bunch of monsters are appearing from the side!” (Jane)

“Tsk. Oi! Torio! I leave that to you!” (Reinp)

“What do you mean ‘I leave that to you!?’. Gah! Guys, help me out!” (Torio)

“Already on it! Zouki, be careful!” (Male Classmate)

A female student nods, and runs behind after him. Crad acknowledges our swift decisions and gives some of his own orders to his men to support us. Some of the boys that weren't able to get a chance to get any action, quickly moves to counterattack against the incoming monsters. Some of the girls hesitate from taking initiative

“Heroes, I leave that monster to you! Men, engage the hostiles!” (Crad)

“Girls, don’t be afraid! Trust your sword, I am sure you can also hear it! Fuuka, I leave the girls to you!” (Sanna)

“Finally, I get a chance for some action.” (Male Classmate)

“O-Okay!” (Female Classmate)

"Leave it to me, Sanna! Be careful!" (Fuuka)

“L-Let’s go! We have to help too!” (Male Classmate)

Fuuka turns to us. I hesitate from letting go of Kiku’s hand. Feeling that I am not going to let go first, Kiku lets go of my hand instead; and she takes out the card from her pocket. It forms into a sword.

“I’m fine, Mei. Let's go. They're calling for us.” (Kiku)

Kiku smiles at me. I worriedly looked around at the situation, then I noticed a classmate not far behind Kiku looking at me. She nods reassuring me, as she remained waiting on the spot. If I recall, I did eat lunch with her a few times when Kiku wasn't around, I've also brought up Kiku as a topic while I conversed with her. I've only spoke to her a few times, so I can't say we were particularly close or anything, but we got along. I am aware she is currently dating a boy, Fukushi, from our class. I notice a boy from afar giving us a side glance or two before he moved onwards to obstruct the monsters with his duplicated swords.

“Mei?” (Kiku)

“A-Ah. Y-Yeah, let's go.” (Mei)

I slowly nod at Zouki, showing sincerity as I maintain eye contact with her.

“Okay, Kiku. Be careful.” (Mei)

"My sword heightens my senses, so it feels like I understand my sense of direction. I'm glad I got this magic card. It is perfect for me." (Kiku)

I follow up with forming fireballs in my palm, and begin shooting them at the monsters. I suddenly felt a strong wind from my side, and I turn to see what’s going on. It was Kuuka. She is waving her sword, creating a pinpointed wind-related attack that sliced a few monsters at a time in its path. I also notice another classmate waving around an abnormally large sword as if it was a toy. I-Isn't that Mitsuso...? Wasn't his sword's magic about increasing just the length of it's body? I was in awe from witnessing all kinds of magic in action around me. Suddenly, a fog started forming out of thin air. It looks like everyone has gotten used to using their swords, but… wouldn't this fog place us at a disadvantage? Who created this fog? I quickly turn to my side to check on Kiku but I couldn’t find her. She disappeared. Wait, eh? It's been barely 10 seconds since we've separated, but she disappeared during the time I redirected my gaze for a bit. She also had Zouki to keep an eye on her too. I look for Zouki’s figure instead, but she also disappeared. There are too many monsters at this point which were creating too many shadows within this fog, so it's become too difficult to even differentiate human from monster. It doesn't help when the fog is getting thicker by the second. Really, which of our classmates created this fog!? I am starting to get agitated from losing sight of Kiku.

"Seriously, where are those two...?" (Mei)

I redirect my attention and try to catch sight of Zouki’s boyfriend to see him focusing on defending against a monster. It seems he's too focused to notice Zouki’s disappearance.

"Hey, Mei! Where are you going!?" (???)

I turn to see my classmate worried expression over this situation.

"I’m sorry, Sakushin! Please hold on until I come back! I will be going on ahead!" (Mei)

There are voices of knights everywhere as they yell directions to each other, as well as sounds of swords clashing and cries of monsters. As I glance at my surroundings, I can also hear my classmates’ exchanges; and from the sounds of it, everyone seems to be working in either pairs or trios.

"Kiku!! If you are there, please answer me!!" (Mei)

I kept running without stopping, but I slow down my pace as it suddenly feels hard to breathe. Suddenly, my back felt like it was slashed by something cold from my shoulder.

"E-Eh…?" (Mei)

The force of the slash forced my body forward a few steps. I regain my balance for a moment, but my legs suddenly felt weak and I fell to my knees.

"A-...A-AHHHH!" (Mei)

As my situation sinks in I scream out from pain I never felt before in my life, and embraced myself from the sudden pain emerging from my back.

"Oi! You idiot! Why did you attack her!" (???)

"My hand just moved out of reflex when I noticed something sneaking from our blind spot." (???)

I hear the voices of men near me.

"We’re done. All targets are taken care of. But just when we can finally get the hell out of here, you had to add an extra to the pile. We can't have witnesses, and we're not allowed to kill them or our heads will be flying. You understand where I'm going at?" (???)

The man sighs in irritation.

"This seriously sucks. Quickly, let's go." (???)

"Hahhhhh. Forgive me. I'll be the one to carry her then, alright? ...Wait, she’s still conscious." (???)

One of the men wearing strange armor approached me and reached out to my head. W-What is he going to do?!

"We just need you to sleep for a bit, kid." (???)

Something hits my head, and I lose consciousness. The man’s villainous grin slowly blurs with my vision thinning away. Kiku… I’m sorry...

…

…