Chapter 69
"Phyllis-sensei, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to teach our guild members."
"Oh, it's no trouble. I was curious about your guild, too, Zephyrus-kun."
That afternoon, after everyone had leveled up to LV6 with the Slime-Potion Marathon, I went to the staff room to sign up for the Beginner Dungeon Tutorial, and Phyllis-sensei agreed without hesitation.
Just a few dozen minutes later, she had arranged for us to take the lesson.
She kindly offered, saying there weren't many students taking the Beginner Dungeon Tutorial yet. I was grateful for how quickly she took care of everything.
"Actually, this time of year, the teachers are always on standby so first-years can take the Beginner Dungeon Tutorial whenever they want. After all, there are seven thousand first-years at this academy, right?"
That made sense. I could understand what Phyllis-sensei meant.
It explained why they could respond so quickly. Only five people could challenge the Dungeon at a time.
Handling seven thousand students must be a real ordeal.
I really was lucky to get a head start at this time of year.
"Phyllis-san—no, while we're at the academy, you're Phyllis-sensei. Congratulations on becoming an instructor in our 〈Dungeon Strategy Department〉."
"Thank you, Rana-sama. And congratulations on entering the academy, Rana-sama."
"Thank you."
"Oh, this brings back memories."
"It does. You used to help me with my studies when I was little, and now you're actually a teacher and I'm your student. It feels kind of strange."
"Yes. I'd love to see how much you've improved at your studies, Rana-sama."
"W-well, you'll see! Just you wait."
"Oh, I'm looking forward to it."
It seemed Phyllis-sensei and Rana had known each other since they were little.
From their conversation, it was easy to imagine Phyllis-sensei patiently tutoring young Rana, who had been a poor student.
"Phyllis-sama. It's Estelle. Do you remember me?"
"Of course. You were the little knight who guarded Rana-sama. I remember you. But, Estelle, while you're at the academy, call me Phyllis-sensei."
"Yes. My apologies. I'm honored that you remember me. Phyllis-sensei, I look forward to your guidance today."
"You don't have to be so formal. You're a student, so relax a little and act like one."
"Y-yes. I'll do my best."
It seemed Estelle knew her, too.
Maybe it was because of their families' social standing, but as Phyllis-sensei said, I thought Estelle could stand to relax a little more.
Phyllis-sensei was apparently a marquis's daughter. That might make things a little difficult for Estelle, who was the daughter of a knightly house.
Finally, Shiera stepped forward.
"Phyllis-sensei, thank you for accepting our sudden request today."
"It's no trouble. As I said, I was just on standby. More importantly, I'm glad my turn has finally come. Shiera-san, I look forward to working with you today, too."
"Likewise. I look forward to it."
It seemed Shiera had known Phyllis-sensei for a while, too.
Phyllis-sensei sure knew a lot of people.
But Shiera's manner of speaking was rather businesslike. Or maybe she was just keeping her work and private life separate?
Maybe they were actually quite close.
I glanced sideways at Shiera.
"What?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking your gear looks good on you."
"I see. Thanks."
I made up an excuse, but Shiera lowered her gaze to her gear and smiled, looking rather pleased.
Shiera was wearing armor-style gear in white and purple. She'd combined protectors and guards with many of the pieces, so it didn't look much like armor and had a fashionable feel to it.
In 〈Dan-Katsu〉, there were lots of powerful Jobs for girls, and lots of cute gear, too.
Armor usually brought to mind something bulky, but the armor Shiera was wearing had a very sleek look.
Her weapon, however, was quite imposing.
A one-handed mace. That one was pretty ordinary. It was much smaller than the two-handed mace Hanna had used.
But when it came to the 【Shield Princess】, her true specialty was her shield. She had a kite shield large enough to cover seventy percent of her body. It was covered in various crest-like designs, probably something related to the Marguerite family. It looked cool.
It also suited Shiera's beautiful appearance extremely well. I'd been making excuses, but I really did mean it.
She'd put a lot of effort into it.
Rana, incidentally, was wearing a dress with a silver-white color scheme. Her weapon was a magical talisman.
It didn't look like she was wearing gear at all.
It was beautiful, and it must have been proper gear, but it didn't look like something you'd use in a Dungeon at all.
Well, it was the kind of design you only saw in a game.
After we finished greeting Phyllis-sensei, they headed straight for the 〈Beginner Dungeon〉.
Hanna and I had already passed, so we went our separate ways for now.
"All right, see you later."
"Good luck, everyone."
Hanna and I waved them off as the four of them headed for the 〈Beginner Dungeon〉.
"Do you think they'll pass?"
"There's no way they won't. The difficulty's so low that passing is inevitable."
How could anyone possibly fail the 〈Beginner Dungeon〉?
Even back in the game, there was no such thing as failing, so I had no idea.
It was only a tutorial, designed so that everyone could pass. There was no need to worry.
"Well, we've got some time to kill now."
"It's only one o'clock. Everyone's still in class, and it's kind of an awkward time to go into a Dungeon, too."
"Yeah. Senior Marie, who I asked to handle selling our items, probably isn't at the guild yet, either. ...Oh, right. In that case, I'll head over to the Research Tower."
"The Research Tower?"
The Research Tower was exactly what it sounded like: the building where the research institute was located. It was also called the Research Institute.
The white-coated researchers had told me during the entrance ceremony that I could visit anytime.
I hadn't had much time until now, so I'd kept putting it off. But since I had the chance, I figured I might as well go now.
"What about you, Hanna?"
"Um, could I come with you, too?"
"Sure, I don't mind, but I doubt there'll be anything interesting there."
"That's okay. Lately, you've been spending all your time with Rana-sama and the others, haven't you? I think you could pay a little more attention to your childhood friend."
"O-oh. Sorry about that."
My slightly sulky childhood friend was so cute that I was at a loss for words.
We'd been together all the time until recently, so maybe she felt lonely when I suddenly started spending all my time with other people.
Maybe I should've paid a little more attention to my petite childhood friend.
"Then let's go together."
"Okay."