Chapter-01 · EP-005

Episode 5: Notes for New Students

After a while, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom.

It seemed that after the entrance ceremony, there had been an impromptu faculty meeting to decide how to handle the uproar caused by Murasakimura's address.

As a result, the academy decided not to punish Murasakimura, and also issued a notice to the nobles prohibiting retaliatory actions against D-Class.

In other words, they were telling both sides to settle things down without making a big deal out of it.

"That was quite a situation for Murasakimura. For our part, the teachers won't say anything more, but I think it's safe to say that the first impressions between you and the other classes are now the worst possible. So for the time being, try not to have any more interaction with the other classes than necessary. Naturally, fights between students are strictly forbidden. Even if a dispute arises, absolutely do not resort to violence. From today, you are dungeon explorers. Dungeon explorers are more powerful than ordinary people, so violence is completely out of the question."

Under the law, the penalty for a dungeon explorer causing injury is harsher than for an ordinary person committing assault.

That's how dangerous dungeon explorer violence can be.

Murasakimura should understand that, but… I was worried.

After finishing the report on the faculty meeting, our homeroom teacher Majima moved on to the main agenda.

"Next is the selection of class president and vice president. Traditionally, this role goes to the student with the highest entrance exam score in each class, and the one with the second-highest. Naturally, the top scorer in this class is Murasakimura, who is also the overall top scorer for the grade. So, Murasakimura, would you be willing to serve as class president?"

"I have no reason to refuse."

Murasakimura replied, puffing out his chest.

"Then, Sendo, as the second-highest scorer, will you take on the role of vice president?"

"Of course. Looking forward to working with you, Kyoya."

"Yeah. I'll be counting on your help again."

"You got it."

They exchanged a handshake.

At the sight, some of the girls in the class let out shrill cheers.

"Kyaa!" is not what I'd say. Honestly, those two were just cringey.

"Well, I hope the two of you will lead the class as its representatives this year. I'm counting on you. Next, I have a few important notes regarding the dungeon. First, tomorrow we will explain and confirm your skills. We'll go to the dungeon entrance, and those who possess skills will be asked to use them. Full-scale exploration will come later. Regarding skills, what skill each person has is considered personal information. Of course, knowing the skills of your party members is important, but in future inter-class competitions, whether your skill information is known or not can make a big difference. You are free to share information about your own skill if you want, but basically, please do not spread information about other people's skills. Also, do not pester those who wish to keep their skills a secret."

It seemed we would finally get to go to the dungeon entrance tomorrow. A chance to see everyone's skills. I was excited.

"Also, while this might be a big deal for you, romantic relationships are forbidden during your enrollment."

"What?!"

A groan of dissatisfaction came from some of the girls, who seemed to find this troublesome.

You should know that; it was written in the enrollment guidelines.

"Now, now. You're not idols, and I know it might be harsh to forbid romance during your sensitive teenage years. However, in dungeon exploration, interpersonal relationships within a party often become problematic. Especially with romance: if two party members are dating, they might blatantly prioritize each other over the other members, causing resentment. Or conversely, if they prioritize non-lover party members, it might upset their partner. This often disrupts teamwork. Even adults struggle with this, so for young people like you with little romantic experience, the likelihood of it hindering your dungeon exploration is quite high. Of course, I'm not saying romance is bad, but this academy has a curriculum designed to get everyone to Level 10 within three years. If you're constantly causing problems, that goal becomes unattainable. If you absolutely must have a romantic relationship, it's not too late: submit your withdrawal papers and then go ahead."

It was a school rule, so it couldn't be helped. Romance could wait until after graduation.

I agreed with the teacher's words.

There were probably still some dissatisfied students, but no one objected.

"For that reason, parties will naturally be formed only within the same gender."

"Whaaat?!"

Again, groans from some of the girls.

"To raise your levels, each of you needs to be able to defeat monsters on your own. If we form co-ed parties, there's a strong tendency for the boys to defeat the monsters while the girls do nothing. Female students, now that you have enrolled in this academy, I want you to defeat monsters and level up on your own, without relying on the boys."

That seemed obvious. But some of the girls still looked unconvinced.

Perhaps noticing this, the teacher mentioned a loophole.

"But that only applies to dungeon exploration during class time. If you choose to explore the dungeon after school, or if you get a chance to dive into dungeons other than the academy's on holidays, we do not prohibit mixed-gender parties in those cases. This restriction is only for exploration as part of the curriculum. So if such opportunities arise, you are free to do as you like."

My heart leaped at the phrase "dungeons other than the academy's on holidays."

That's right. We had become dungeon explorers. So we could dive into any publicly accessible dungeon we wanted. If I got tired of the academy's dungeon, it might be fun to challenge a different one.

Anyway, I just wanted to dive into a dungeon as soon as possible.

"Finally, a note about extracurricular activities. As you know, now that you are dungeon explorers, you are prohibited from participating in all official sports competitions. This is because leveling up significantly increases your physical abilities compared to ordinary people, effectively acting as doping. Therefore, this academy does not have sports clubs like ordinary schools. Instead, there are various martial arts clubs. The largest is the swordsmanship club. There are also spearmanship and archery clubs. These clubs are not for participating in competitions; all of them are for honing skills useful in dungeon exploration. There is also a skill research club, and a magic research club specializing in magical skills among the various skills. You are free to join any club, or to join none at all. However, in the third semester, you will begin fighting goblins—humanoid monsters—on the third floor. That's when many students first realize the need for anti-personnel combat skills, and the martial arts clubs see a surge in members. Whether you join immediately, or in the third semester, the timing is up to you. Please consider it carefully."

Clubs also sounded interesting. But more than that, I was intrigued by the prospect of actually entering the dungeon.

"Also, there will inevitably be students who fall behind if they only participate in the in-class dungeon exploration. For those students, the academy's dungeon is open from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM after classes end, so you may use that time for independent practice or extracurricular exploration. Whether you prioritize club activities or use that time for dungeon exploration is also up to you."

With that explanation, the first day of school came to an end, and we returned to the dormitory.