"Are you sure this is the way?" Leo asked. He was on the chunkier side, so I guess he was not the best at traveling. He was already covered in sweat, more so that the others.
"Yes. The instructor said it was north, so it is north. Plus, while it may not look like it with how high the grass is but this is actually a path that has been used by humans before." I explained. The path in front of us is narrow, but I have already spotted a few cuts in the low lying branches that hung down off the trees that looked like sword marks. "But even if it has been used by humans you should always stay alert. While it is said that the monsters inside the dungeons can not come out. That does not mean that there are no monsters in the forest itself. So be alert. If you get attacked, call out. Let everyone know so we can get into formation. I don't even care if you are attacked by a slime, just let us know."
This was also part of the test. Getting from the drop off point to the dungeon was just as tricky for everyone. While there was a small trail here, it should have only been recently created. And not many had traveled down it. I noticed that the magic circle for the teleporter had a kind of randomness value in the runic equation. While I did not get to read the entire thing, I can at least assume that everyone will be transported to different positions, and each position has a trail of its own. We will probably end up running into other parties at the entrance.
Although I do have to admit it was very hot. It was not just Leo who was sweating but everyone else as well. While we did have a bit of shade here and there with the other hanging branches higher up, it seems someone deliberately cut the branches to make the sun shine down onto this trail.
I looked around and spotted a good spot to cool off. There was no point in continuing nonstop when we were probably still a bit away. "Everyone stop! We will take a rest. Those with swords help me cut a path over to that area over there where there is dense shade. Everyone else, keep a close eye on our surroundings. "
"Yes!" Everyone answered in unison. Which made me tilt my head slightly because I was not expecting such a united response. But I guess when you say break, everyone is willing to pitch in to help. Even Leo was moving around much faster.
After ten minutes, we were all sitting down in the dark shade of a group of trees. The area under the trees was not as covered in foliage due to the lack of sunlight that reached this spot. While it was sticky and hot, the air was much cooler under the trees, relieving some of the heat.
"Faith, How much longer do you think it will take to get to the dungeon?" This time it was Steven who asked.
"Mmm… Not sure. But if we follow the same path, it will take us there, that much I know. When we reach the dungeon entrance, we will take another break and cool off before entering. We need our energy in case something happens. Always remember to keep on guard. And guys…. protect Haily and Amanda with everything you have." My last words were said with the utmost urgency.
"Huh, why?" Brad asked. I guess he felt confused by my words.
"Just do as I say." I said without explaining further. I mean, how can I give a proper answer? I can't go: due to the novels I read in my past life, goblins are known to make girls breeders! They would all think I was some kind of nut job. I just started the academy. I do not want people saying I am some crazy girl.
After a twenty minute break, we began our journey under the hot sun once more. This time we kept moving forward until we finally reached our destination. And when one says dungeon, they truly mean dungeon. This thing even had large metal doors with strange carvings all over it. But why such a thing exists is still being looked into. But I do wonder. Will there be treasure chests? If so, will there be loot that has a ranking to it? To me, dungeons were always things of video games or the system type novels that were based in video game worlds.
While yes, I do have a system myself, and yes, I can level up. This world, as far as I know, is not some video game world. Unless it is slowly becoming one due to some god finding it interesting.
Even if it is, I would not care. If people could level up and expand their mana pools to extend their lives, then I would be all for it.
"Alright, everyone, gather up!" I stood up. We had just taken a long break and cooled ourselves off. I even handed out some snacks I had in my inventory. I still had lots of food thanks to Annie always making stuff and then having me store it in those just in case situations.
There were already quite a few parties here at the entrance. The gate to go inside did not actually open. I had watched a few teams already enter, and they just placed their hands on the door, and they were teleported inside.
With everyone's attention on me, I decided to go over our plans once more before entering. "When we enter the dungeon, we will probably not have many enemies to fight as other people have already entered. And I know I keep repeating myself, but please do not let your guard down. We only have three people who can cast healing magic. While I can cast a better heal, Adel and Amanda are able to cast a minor heal spell. I will also be doing my best to cast barriers on others. But I want to make a few things clear. If anyone gets hurt we will retreat. If anyone gets taken we will charge ahead and bring them back no matter what. Otherwise we will keep going until we clear the dungeon."
"What do you mean by being dragged away?"
