Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey

Wednesday....

Yesterday was Tuesday, The day when I and Adrian attacked the hidden doungen and cleared it.

Although there were some unexpected veriable, Like Fallen human for example.

We dealt with them too.

Adrian asked for me whether or not we should contact Hero Association and I clearly declined it.

Contacting Hero association means that we would be in deep trouble if they found out that we unauthorised enterd the unexplored hidden doungen.

Since we aren't active heroes, Just Hero cadets, There are something that we aren't allowed to do.

For example entering the hidden doungen, If cadets found hidden doungen they should inform Hero association but we didn't do that.

...And because of that reason we didn't contacted the Hero association and left those two corpses of Fallen Human there and left the doungen.

By now monster inside the doungen would have eaten them.

Anyway, after returning to Nova academy, I just slept and went to class as usual.

The first thing I saw was that Adrian was seated was on his seat as usual.

We just nodded at each other and after doing that I went back to my own seat.

Along the way I noticed that many cadets were glancing at me and whispering among each other

'What's going on?'

Not only those cadtes but Elera, whom I just team up was also glancing towards me.

And soon as I catch her gaze she turned her head away in suprised.

'Really, What's going on here?'

I wanted ask Elera what's going but before I could do that, Miss Lillian Ashbourne comes to class and began the morning class.

So I have to to return my seat on with confusion.

Today's class was about mana theory and Just like that my morning went by just like that.

In afternoon, pratical classes began.

Today's pratical class was about 'Dungeon Investigation.'

It was the first pratical class since the team formation.

Normally, when Heroes find a Dungeon, they would dispatch an advance party first in order to get a rough idea of what's inside the Dungeon. In this combat training, cadets would act as this advance party.

"Ah, it's so cold."

"Auuu, aren't you cold, Lucas?"

My team was currently inside a Dungeon that was covered in ice. The five of us shivered in the cold as we walked onward.

After about 20 minutes, the road suddenly forked into five branches.

"It's here."

Ella suddenly pointed at the rightmost path. I opened my eyes wide and stared at the direction Ella pointed. As expected, there was a trap there.

"No, that's the wrong place."

"What? No, it isn't."

Ella was purposely leading us into a trap. I didn't think there was a fallen human waiting to ambush us, but she must have a set some sort of a life-threatening trap.

"In a Dungeon Investigation, it's common sense to listen to your Archer."

"...."

Ella stared at Elera. Too bad for her, Elera was also on my side.

"Let's go as Lucas says."

"...Don't regret it later."

Ella was a sore loser.

"There's a Frost Bear up ahead."

A yeti was sleeping in the pathway I chose.

The Dungeon's first monster, Frost Bear.

We advanced forward, keeping our guard up.

After that, Ella continued to try to lead us, especially Elera, into a trap. However, I was always there to prevent her.

"Guys, I think it's this way, for real this time. If you see the traces of ice around there...."

"No, it's not."

"No, trust me just this once. Elera, come with me. Wouldn't it be more efficient to split into two groups?"

"No, we can't."

I had to commend her for her constant effort, but that didn't mean I could let her do as she pleased. I grabbed Elera by her wrist, and she followed me silently.

As time passed, Ella's expression grew more and more irritated.

"Um...."

My Mana Eyes found the shortest path in this maze-like Ice Dungeon. There were no obstructions and no difficulties.

By the time we caught a glimpse of the instructor waiting at the exit, Elera spoke uncomfortably.

"Um... Lucas."

"Yes?"

"This...."

As Elera glanced down at her wrist, I realized that I was still holding onto her, a reflexive action born out of my determination to keep her from following Ella into potential danger.

The awkwardness of the situation settled between us like a heavy blanket, and I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck.

"Oh right, sorry," I mumbled, releasing her wrist and taking a small step back, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

"No, you don't need to..." Elera trailed off, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush as she met my gaze.

I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly acutely aware of the closeness between us and the intensity of her gaze.

"I just... didn't want you to get pulled into any traps," I explained lamely, my words stumbling over each other in my haste to clarify my actions.

Elera nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful.

"I understand. Thank you for looking out for me," she said softly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Relief flooded through me at her understanding, and I returned her smile, grateful for her reassurance. "Of course, anytime," I replied, hoping to convey my sincerity.

We stood there for a moment, the awkward tension dissipating as we both took a breath, ready to move forward together.

As we approached the exit of the Ice Dungeon, The instructor spotted us and shouted in a thunderous voice. We hurriedly ran up and stood in front of him.

"Your findings?"

"Yes. A Frost Bear, a few traps set by the environment, but otherwise, no significant threats," I replied confidently, eager to share our successful exploration with the instructor.

The instructor nodded, seeming pleased with our report. "Well done, cadets. It seems you worked together effectively to navigate the challenges of the Dungeon."

" Team Elera, perfect score."

Elera face turned bright. It was the same with the other team members. They clenched their fists and deliberated on the words 'perfect score'.

"...Dammit."

Meanwhile, Ella kicked a rock with an irritated expression of her face.

As the class came to an end and we made our way back to the academy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at our successful teamwork.

Despite the challenges and distractions we faced along the way, we had managed to work together effectively and complete our mission with flying colors.

As we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between Elera and me during our time in the Dungeon. The brief moment of awkwardness between us had opened my eyes to the growing bond between us.

But for now, I pushed aside those thoughts, focusing instead on the task at hand—the team challenge that awaited us in the coming days. With our recent success fresh in my mind, I felt more confident than ever in our ability to overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.

As we arrived back at the academy, I exchanged a glance with Adrian, a silent acknowledgment of our shared victory. Together, we had faced the challenges of the hidden Dungeon and emerged triumphant, and I knew that with him by my side, there was nothing we couldn't accomplish.

With a renewed sense of determination, I headed back to my apartment, ready to rest and recharge before the next day's training.