I studied the dungeon entrance.
It seemed like a simple cave entrance, easy to miss if you weren't paying attention.
...Hmm, then where?
I used my [Observer's Eyes] to inspect it.
Soon, I noticed something different: a magical, transparent wall separating the inside from the outside.
'This is it.'
In the game, people called this the [Dungeon Gate], the dungeon's entrance.
'Even though many things have changed, the dungeon locations haven't.'
I nodded and turned to my team, all looking nervous.
"We can just walk in. There's nothing special."
Their tense faces relaxed immediately.
Travis let out a long sigh.
"Phew, that's good."
Piel, though, looked thoughtful.
"But what if there's another dungeon close by? Maybe this isn't the one the professor mentioned. I've heard there are many dungeons around here."
"Hmm."
I met Piel's gaze calmly.
The others looked between Piel and me, their faces showing they thought she made a good point.
'Nice question, Piel.'
But I knew how to handle it.
I needed to establish myself as the leader.
Better to clear up any doubts now than face disagreements in the dungeon.
"No need to worry. It's not a concern."
It was a smart question but a basic one for a freshman at the Hero Academy.
If I could convince her, I would strengthen my authority.
"Piel, remember last night. What did the professor say?"
"He told us to explore a dungeon nearby."
"Did you notice anything off about that?"
Piel after a moment of contemplation, let out a sigh, her face showing understanding.
"Ah."
"You got it?"
"I'm not sure, but the professor only said to explore a dungeon near Fosspatil Pass. He didn't say which one."
Piel looked at me, and so did the others.
I grinned and replied,
"Exactly. The professor didn't tell us which dungeon to explore, just that it was in Fosspatil Pass. This dungeon fits that description."
I gestured towards the entrance.
The team nodded, looking convinced.
Now was the moment to seal the deal.
"Sure, we don't know how tough this dungeon is. Only some faculty members might know. But we have... this."
I showed them the magic location crystal we'd all been given.
"The Hero Academy's evaluations may be tough, but they're meant to be beaten. If this dungeon is too dangerous, the teachers will be here fast. Any objections?"
"No, none."
Piel shook her head. Travis and Monica echoed her, and even Andrew gave a nod of approval.
'Perfect.'
This team was now mine.
It had been tough.
In the Hero Academy, students like Travis and Monica were a rare obedient pair.
Top-tier students, naturally, are quite proud.
Travis and Monica may seem easy-going here, but in any other setting, they'd be harder to handle.
Especially with two high-ranking students on our team, I had to take control early on.
If I was top of the class like Neike, being the leader would've been a breeze, no need for extras like heat packs and blankets.
Leadership isn't easy.
After everyone agreed, I announced,
"Let's eat breakfast, then head in. We don't know what the dungeon holds, so be ready."
We ate, then entered the dungeon.
There was no need for a warm-up.
The walk had already loosened us up.
"Strange, it's warmer in here than outside?"
"True. I've heard dungeons can be a different temperature from outside. This one certainly is."
Travis and Monica looked around.
The temperature was definitely higher.
The familiar hard floor from the original game.
Rough, jagged stone walls.
'It's just like the game.'
I dug into my memory for details about this dungeon.
There were three separate paths not far from here.
That was the first branching point.
I decided to remain silent.
I could probably explain how I found the dungeon entrance, but knowing the monsters and the layout would be too suspicious.
Too risky.
We could clear this in a day if we pushed it... but even if we took our time, first place was still in the bag.
The other teams would likely spend just today finding the entrance.
Travis turned to me.
"Theo, we just press forward for now, right?"
"There's no other option right now, so yes, forward."
"Okay! I'll scout ahead."
After my nod, Travis sped off.
...He's really quick.
He knows the survival methods of the weak, contributing in ways that others might find unpalatable.
About 20 minutes later, Travis returned, panting.
"Heuk, heuk... Three paths up ahead. Took me about 10 minutes running... so maybe an hour's walk? Nothing unusual, no monsters."
"Good job, Travis!"
Monica passed Travis some water.
I nodded, replying,
"Alright, let's head for those three paths Travis found."
"Understood, Theo."
"...Okay."
Andrew and Piel also agreed, following without complaint.
With them somewhat under my lead, we could start the challenging dungeon exploration.
A thorough investigation is key in a dungeon.
Knowing the terrain, overall temperature, and monster types is essential.
Dungeons often have traps triggered by specific actions in particular places.
For example, in a ghost-type dungeon like ours, certain areas have wide-spread debuff magic.
Stepping into those places is the trigger.
Naturally, knowing these places and triggers is a huge advantage.
'The first debuff zone is at the center of the three paths.'
This dungeon would be tough for first-year Hero Department students, lacking experience and special equipment, to clear.
But that's okay.
I can nullify the dangerous debuff magic with my [Magic Nullification], and we have Andrew, our mage.
We have a way to deal damage to the ghosts that are immune to physical attacks.
Plus, I brought debuff recovery potions.
After about an hour, we reached the three paths.
Travis exclaimed cheerfully,
"This is what I mentioned earlier! It looked sketchy, so I didn't go in."
"Good job, Travis."
I sincerely praised Travis.
He understands his limitations quite well.
Such quick intuition is a priceless asset, something money can't acquire.
I approached the center of the three forks, announcing,
"I'll return shortly. Everyone, stay put. Don't follow me, regardless of what happens."
As I positioned myself in the center of the paths.
"Gh...gurgh."
As I expected, a debuff crashed into me.
Dizziness brought me to my knees.
Still, I didn't invoke [Magic Nullification] on myself.
Its uses are limited.
It's a last resort for more severe debuffs.
Struggling to regain my senses, I kept my focus on the paths ahead.
The three paths split into six, then twelve, then twenty-four... expanding steadily.
The jagged, rough-cut stone walls seemed to aim their spear-like tips at me.
The hard, coarse floor cleaved apart, spewing forth a frigid gust.
I attempted to touch it with my hand.
But there was no sensation.
'Confusion-type debuff magic...'
Straining to stay conscious, I reached into my bag--
"...Theo, you idiot, what are you doing! Are you done showing off?"
Piel's voice echoed from just behind me.
