Today will conclude the introductory course.
Over the past five days, you've learned the essentials of dungeon exploration.
This afternoon, you'll be heading into the first layer of an actual dungeon.
We're finally going to the dungeon...
I'm getting anxious.
It's still early, Amon. Get too nervous now and you'll be worn out come the afternoon.
I know that, but...
Before we head out, I'll answer any questions you might have.
Any takers?
Ryo.
Sir, is there any way to instantly travel to a layer that you've previously cleared?
I'm impressed you know about that, Ryo.
There are apparently dungeons with something along those lines in the Southern Provinces.
You won't find anything like that in Lune's dungeon, however.
And I've only heard rumors, so I can't give you details.
I see. Thank you very much.
Wh-What's all this about instant travel?
I'm amazed you know about that sort of thing, Ryo.
No wonder you're rank D!
It's just something I'd heard of.
Lune's dungeon lies at the center of town,
but it's more accurate to say the town was built around the dungeon.
As I explained in the course, every few years,
the monster population in the dungeon multiplies rapidly.
We call this the Great Tidal Bore.
Oftentimes the monsters that spawn during this period reach the surface.
The double walls you see were built to prevent them from getting into town.
I see. So the town's outer wall keeps it safe from outside attackers,
and this keeps it safe from dungeon monsters on the inside.
Th-The Great Tidal Bore, though? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
Like I said, it only happens once every few years.
It's not likely to be any time soon, so you rookies have no reason to worry.
Did you notice the guild office near the gate?
Typically, upon entering a dungeon, your name and time of entry are recorded.
Since you're all on the record for this course, however,
we'll be going straight in.
Amon, you really need to relax some.
Come on. Take a deep breath.
I-I think I'm feeling a little better.
Well, we're all here, so don't worry.
Right.
As I pointed out in the lecture,
there are no dangerous monsters here on the first layer.
You're free to explore on your own, but stay within sight of the entrance.
Something's there.
But where?
It's ahead of us, though by a good distance.
I'll hold it in place with magic, then you attack it, Amon.
R-Right. Understood.
A soldier ant...
A monster from the Beginner Edition.
The simplest way to deal with it is to attack the base of its neck.
I'm going to pin it down now.
Ice, pierce your foe with your cold power.
Icicle Lance 8!
Amon, go in and finish it.
Right!
Nicely done!
We did it, Ryo!
Let's grab its magic stone and head back.
Can't forget a trophy from our first expedition, after all.
Is that allowed?
We're adventurers.
It's only natural we earn our living from dungeons.
This is quite the souvenir.
Yeah!
Now then, let's celebrate Ryo and Amon finishing their course
and their first foray in the dungeon!
Cheers!
That's good! It could only be better if it were booze.
They don't serve alcohol here, and we're not allowed to bring any in either.
Maybe it's their way of saying adventurers shouldn't get carried away with drink.
We're celebrating! Where's the harm?
I have to say, I'm impressed you took down a soldier ant in your first dungeon excursion.
Not bad, you two.
Honestly, I just finished it off...
Which was only possible because Ryo held it down.
Amon expertly struck the kill with his blade.
No need for such modesty.
Eh, either way, grabbing the magic stone was great, so who cares?
What will you two be doing tomorrow?
I wanted to head back to the dungeon...
but the idea of going alone makes me nervous, so I'm not sure.
Would you like to go with me, then? I was thinking of heading as far as the third layer.
Really?! I'd love to!
The ant being up on the first layer has stuck with me.
The lecture made that sound unusual.
Yeah, normally the first layer is just bats.
I've heard reports of soldier ants appearing
in the first and second layers in the last few months.
Which begs the question of what they're doing there.
That'd be because soldier ants can dig tunnels all the way to the first layer.
Abel, veteran adventurers shouldn't pick on the rookies.
Pick on them? I was just offering pertinent insight to assuage their worries.
You three are Ryo's roommates, right? I'm Abel.
Ryo's strong but has personality problems, so I'd appreciate you looking out for him.
Abel, are you trying to pick a fight?
A-Abel, as in...
Of the Crimson Sword?!
M-Mr. Abel, sir! I'm a swordsman! My name is Nils!
I'm only an F-rank adventurer who just came to Lune, but you're my hero!
I-I'd be honored if I could shake your hand!
Yeah, of course.
Work hard but don't overdo it, all right?
Survival is an adventurer's primary duty.
Y-Yes, sir! I'll work hard within reason!
What brings you to the guild hall this late, anyway?
Oh, the quest we accepted took a fair bit longer than anticipated.
We actually just got back.
There you are, Abel!
Abel, we're supposed to report to the guild master. Stop trying to escape.
Er, I was just trying to do my duty as a veteran to guide the new crop of—
Warren?
Warren, wait! Really?!
I can walk on my own!
Ryo, say something!
Come on! Don't just stare!
Uh, can I help you?
Lyn...
Coming.
Terribly sorry, Ryo,
but we need to check in with the guild master, so we'll be taking Abel.
Yeah, sure thing. He's the leader of the Crimson Sword after all.
Dispose of him as you see fit.
Ryo! You traitor!
Seriously, Warren, put me down! You're making a fool out of me!
That was... quite a sight.
Oh, Miss Rihya! She's a genuine angel.
Mr. Abel is so damn impressive.
Huh? What about any of that just now impressed you?
Lyn, you really shouldn't stare.
I mean, if Ryo is really some kind of incredible magician,
how couldn't I be interested?
I'm sure you are, too.
True as that might be...
There's no need to rush. You two will see soon enough.
Just how strong he is.
Still trying to sound cool, huh?
Shut up!
I'm heading out!
Amon! There's no need to rush.
Icicle Lance 4!
Got you!
Nicely done!
Right... Thank you.
There's something about your swordplay that reminds me of Abel's.
You said your teacher was a former adventurer from your village?
Oh, yes. An old fellow by the name of Keero.
He apparently learned from a major school in the royal capital...
It was some famous style. The Hume School, I think?
That's where my style comes from.
I see. I'm sure once you get your bearings, you'll be incredibly strong.
That's how Abel is.
I thought you were a magician, Ryo, but you seem well-versed in swordplay.
Well, I had a mentor who would practice with me a long time ago, but...
Since my style is original, I don't know if I'd say I'm well-versed.
Caught your breath yet?
Y-Yes! I'm fine!
There's no need to force it, you know.
Your fighting style seems pretty exhausting.
You really think so?
But, once mastered, it will keep you from injury.
It's a very safe fighting style.
The important thing is upping your stamina. I recommend all the running you can stomach.
I-I see!
Doing that consistently will be your path to improvement.
I traveled with Abel for a good while,
and he'd always practice his form first thing in the morning.
He may be gifted with a sword, but even the prodigious need to be diligent.
Even Abel?
I'll do it! I'll put in just as much effort!
That's the spirit.
Well, if you'll excuse me...
Huh, not heading to the dungeon today?
No, I have other plans.
Is this your first time visiting our library?
Yes.
I didn't expect it to be this big.
If you have no prior knowledge of alchemy, I would recommend starting here.
Thank you so much.
Here's a guide to the basics, and here's a recipe book...
I don't know where to begin.
I could really use my own copies if I want to get serious about this.
I wonder how much they'd cost.
An eclipse?
What's going on?
What is this feeling?
The entire world... feels different.
What firepower!
I see. So there's a human mixed up in this now.
Not that it'll matter... once I get rid of you.
This intensity... Could she be an akuma?
She'd be equal to BeheBehe and the gryphon. This is bad.
Really bad! I need to run!
But can I even escape from this strange space?
I need magic reinforcement!
Enough.
Enough already!
What?
It was impressive enough that you managed to guard against Hellfire.
But to dispel Wind Lance instead of being impaled...
Wait, those robes you're wearing...
They're from the Fairy King, aren't they?
That would explain it. I guess I'll have to cut you down the hard way.
Either way...
You're going to die!
Too slow!
She's fast! Is she using wind magic for mobility?
Our strikes are comparably swift.
If I stay on the defensive, she shouldn't be able to get me.
Besides, her blows are nothing compared to my teacher's.
The Fairy King even gave you a sword. Just who are you supposed to be?
How are you casting that fast?
You're a damn monster.
That's rich, coming from you.
You are truly too dangerous.
Die.
Now!
Is that the best you can do?!
This ends here!
She's healing fast!
Don't make me laugh, human!
As much as it pains me, I'm out of time.
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a battle like this.
You are most entertaining, human.
Would you get out of here already?
I thought you were enjoying yourself too.
And though I'd like to continue the fun...
This cloister was a special case. One that I have little control over.
Cloister?
I am called Leonore Urraca Alburquerque.
And you?
My name is Ryo, akuma.
"Akuma"? You know of us, do you?
It would seem I should have done whatever it took to kill you.
No, I suppose you're not the kind of foe who can be dealt with under a time limit.
So be it.
Until we meet again, Ryo.
I'd really rather not.
Oh, come now. Given how strong you are, we'll face each other again, like it or not.
Whether it's me... or another one of us.
"Us" who?
Don't let anyone else kill you now. Your life belongs to me.
And I will be stronger the next we meet.
Until then.
I managed to survive somehow...
Without this robe, there'd be a hole where my shoulder is.
I'm exhausted, hurting, and my head is spinning...
I guess I'll buy those books for now. Which means I need to withdraw some money.
I didn't think my account had that much in it.
The guild master said he'd exchange the wyvern magic stone we brought in short order,
but was a single one really worth so much?
Guess I won't have to worry about money anytime soon.
No need to work myself sweaty to earn a living.
What a wonderful thought that is.
No one's back yet?
I was hoping to get my shoulder treated, but I guess I'll head to the bookstore first.
What's that?
If we weren't exhausted, you worms would be in for a beating...
Y'know, a bluff that blatant is almost refreshing.
Big talk for the guy who ambushed us!
Come on, now. Do you lads expect the monsters in a dungeon to warn you before they attack?
You're exactly right. Lower your guard at your own peril.
Ryo!
You made a great point.
Did you expect me to warn you before I attacked?
Of course not, right?
Bastard...
That's Dan from Room 1!
Oh, so you're Dan. What now?
Ready to turn tail with your friends all down?
Screw you!
That's gotta hurt.
I think I might still be on edge from earlier.
Here's a potion. You're a priest, so let's start with you.
I appreciate it.
You've been joining Amon for his morning runs, right? This is the least I can do.
That might be true, but this still kills me.
Looks like you could all use even more stamina.
I know! Since I'm exhausted too, why don't we go recuperate?
Mother Goddess, lend me your healing hand.
Lesser Heal.
The pain's gone. You really are a priest!
I appreciate it.
The bone wasn't broken, but that must have been one mighty blow.
You'd have been in serious danger if that struck your heart. What happened?
That's actually where it was aimed, but I dodged at the last second.
I'm glad I survived.
Wait, you're that strong and you just barely dodged it?
What exactly were you fighting?
Well, if I get the chance, I'll tell you all about it sometime.
Leonore gets me on the ropes, and then I bully a group of F-rank adventurers...
I'm not looking great today.
An akuma, huh?
That "us" talk probably means there's more where she came from.
Then there's that strange space... I've got a lot to figure out.
But for right now...