He reached the clearing where the rest of the class was packing up. Tatsuya was waiting by the trail, his sword-shaped pendant glinting in the sunlight as he swung his bag over his shoulder.
"There you are," Tatsuya called out, grinning. "What took you so long? Staring at trees again?"
"Something like that," Seiji muttered, trying to sound casual as he caught up to his friend.
Tatsuya gave him a curious look but didn’t push. "Well, hurry up. I’m starving, and if we don’t move, someone’s going to grab the last curry bread from the vending machine."
Seiji chuckled, grateful for the distraction. "Can’t let that happen. Let’s go."
The cafeteria buzzed with life, trays clattering, voices echoing off the walls, and the tantalizing aroma of curry wafting through the air. Seiji sat at a corner table with Tatsuya, who was eagerly digging into a massive plate of curry rice.
“Man, this place doesn’t mess around with portions,” Tatsuya said through a mouthful of food. “If this is what high school meals are like, I’m never leaving.”
Seiji chuckled, lazily poking at his curry. “Glad to see you’ve found your motivation for staying in school.”
Tatsuya grinned. “Hey, food is serious business.”
Before Seiji could reply, a shadow loomed over their table. He glanced up to see Leon Reinhardt standing there, tray in hand, his golden eyes scanning the two of them.
“Mind if I join?” Leon asked, though his tone made it clear he wasn’t really asking.
Tatsuya blinked, then sat up straighter. “Wait. You’re—”
“Leon Reinhardt,” Leon said smoothly, sliding into the seat across from Seiji without waiting for an invitation.
Seiji raised an eyebrow, glancing at Tatsuya, who looked both starstruck and confused. Hiroshi, sitting beside Tatsuya, nudged him lightly. “Close your mouth. You’re embarrassing us.”
Tatsuya quickly snapped his jaw shut, muttering, “Sorry. Just didn’t expect him to sit with us.”
Leon smirked, resting his elbows on the table. “Relax, I’m just here to eat. No need to roll out a red carpet.”
“Easier said than done,” Tatsuya muttered, shoving a spoonful of curry into his mouth to avoid saying anything else.
Leon’s gaze shifted to Seiji, who was still calmly stirring his curry. “You don’t seem as fazed.”
Seiji shrugged. “Should I be?”
Leon chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I like you already.”
Tatsuya gave Seiji a look, mouthing, What the hell? Seiji ignored him, focusing instead on Leon.
“So, what brings you to our humble table?” Seiji asked, his tone casual.
“Curiosity,” Leon said simply. He gestured vaguely between the three of them. “You guys seem… interesting.”
“Interesting?” Hiroshi asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve got a strange definition of the word.”
Leon shrugged, smirking. “Maybe. But I’ve got a good eye for people.”
Tatsuya cleared his throat, finally regaining some of his composure. “So, uh, what’s it like being—”
“Stop right there,” Leon interrupted, holding up a hand. “If you’re about to ask what it’s like being me, I’m going to walk away.”
Tatsuya clamped his mouth shut again, visibly deflating.
Hiroshi snickered. “Nice save.”
Leon’s attention shifted back to Seiji, his smirk softening into something more genuine. “What about you, Seiji? What’s your deal?”
Seiji raised an eyebrow. “Why does everyone keep asking me that?”
“Because you’re hard to read,” Leon said. “Most people here are all flash and noise, trying to prove something. You’re not.”
“Maybe I just don’t have anything to prove,” Seiji replied.
Leon tilted his head, studying him for a moment. “Or maybe you’re hiding something.”
Tatsuya frowned, glancing between them. “Hey, if you’re here to mess with Seiji, you can back off.”
Leon laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, I’m just curious. No harm meant.”
“Curiosity killed the cat,” Hiroshi muttered, earning a snort from Tatsuya.
Leon grinned. “Good thing I’m not a cat, then.” He stood, picking up his tray. “Anyway, this has been fun. Let’s do it again sometime.”
“Do we have a choice?” Seiji asked dryly.
“Not really,” Leon said, winking before walking away.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Tatsuya let out a low whistle. “What the hell was that about?”
“No idea,” Seiji said, leaning back in his chair. “But I have a feeling he’s going to be a pain in the ass.”
“You’ve got no idea,” Hiroshi muttered, shaking his head.
The three of them sat in silence for a moment before Tatsuya broke it. “Hey, do you think he was serious about doing this again?”
Seiji sighed. “Unfortunately, I do.”
Tatsuya grinned. “Great. Maybe next time I’ll actually get to ask him something.”
Seiji groaned, dropping his head onto the table. “I need new friends.”
Hiroshi patted his shoulder sympathetically. “Too late for that, buddy.”
After finishing their meal, Seiji, Tatsuya, and Hiroshi made their way toward their next class, Dungeon Tactics & Exploration. The cafeteria's noise faded behind them as they walked down the hallway, the quiet hum of conversation replaced by the more serious atmosphere of the academic building. As they reached the door, Seiji felt a slight knot in his stomach. Dungeon Tactics wasn’t exactly the kind of class that made him feel at ease, but it was one of the more practical ones, and that meant it might actually come in handy one day.
The classroom was large and dimly lit, with walls that resembled the stone interiors of a dungeon. The atmosphere was intentionally set to make students feel like they were stepping into a real dungeon environment. In the center of the room was a large, floating holographic map of a dungeon entrance, surrounded by tables where students gathered, preparing for the lesson.
Seiji, Tatsuya, and Hiroshi took their seats in the back, quietly watching as the other students filtered in. A few minutes later, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. The room fell silent, and at the front of the class, a man with short-cropped hair and a long black coat stepped forward. His presence commanded attention immediately—he looked like someone who had spent more time in dungeons than classrooms.
“Welcome to Dungeon Tactics & Exploration,” the man’s voice was deep and steady, instantly setting the tone. “I’m Instructor Kael. Over the next few months, you’ll learn everything you need to know about surviving and thriving in dungeon environments. These places are far more dangerous than any controlled training session. In fact, they’re often deadly. The only way to ensure your survival is strategy.”
Kael gestured to the large map hovering above the table, which zoomed in to show an intricate dungeon entrance surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain.
“Dungeons are unpredictable. Some are relatively safe; others are death traps. They are filled with beasts, environmental hazards, traps, and even magical phenomena. Your first priority, above all else, is survival. It doesn’t matter how strong you are or what job you awaken to—dungeons are equalizers. Overconfidence is often the first mistake, and one you’ll pay dearly for.”
Seiji's mind started to wander, but he forced himself to focus. This was important. The professor’s tone was serious, and Seiji couldn’t afford to slack off.
“Before you even think about stepping into a dungeon,” Kael continued, “the first thing you need is preparation. It starts with gathering intel. Never go into a dungeon blind. Use scouts or adventurers who’ve been there before. If you can’t find anyone with experience, then you need to send out drones or other forms of reconnaissance to get a lay of the land.”
He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.
“Once you have your intel, you need to plan your entry. Never enter a dungeon without knowing where you’re going or what to expect. Look for signs of danger, such as unusual vegetation or signs of past battles. Most importantly, you need to have a strategy for retreat. You don’t have to clear the whole dungeon in one go. If things get too dangerous, retreating to fight another day is often the wisest decision.”
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As Seiji reviewed his notes, a soft ping echoed in his mind, and a transparent notification appeared in the corner of his vision.
Skill Card: Inscription (Passive)
Experience Gained: +5 XP
Current Level: 1
Next Level: 50 XP
Seiji blinked, momentarily distracted from his thoughts. He hadn’t expected his Inscription skill to gain experience just from writing notes. Sure, he knew it could be used for more complex tasks, like creating runes or crafting enchantments, but this was different. He’d barely even tried to improve the skill beyond jotting down the basics.
Curiosity piqued; he focused on the notification as it hovered in his mind’s eye. The system had always been a bit mysterious, rewarding actions that felt so trivial sometimes. But now, seeing the progress from something as simple as taking notes, Seiji felt a small sense of satisfaction. It was a reminder that even the mundane moments of class could contribute toward growth.
He couldn’t help but grin to himself. Maybe, just maybe, he could make this whole "Skill Book" thing work for him after all. If his Inscription skill leveled up this easily with such simple tasks, maybe he could use it to enhance more important things later.
Taking a deep breath, Seiji shifted his focus back to the lesson. His mind buzzed with possibilities as he realized the potential for skills to level up through consistent, focused effort, even when it didn’t feel like much. After all, every little step mattered.
Instructor Kael continued, his voice steady and authoritative, cutting through Seiji’s thoughts. “Let me give you an example from the past—an infamous dungeon that claimed countless lives during the early days of exploration: the Shadowspire Cavern. This dungeon appeared half a century ago and was notorious for its treacherous design and lethal traps. Back then, there was no established knowledge base or strategy for handling dungeons. Teams walked in blind.”
The map on the table shifted, now displaying a crude, grainy image of Shadowspire Cavern. The narrow pathways twisted and turned, leading to dead ends. Treacherous drops were marked with jagged red lines, and faint runes glowed on the map, indicating the presence of magical traps.
Kael pointed to one section on the map. “This was one of the most dangerous choke points. An unstable rock bridge spanned a massive chasm. Beneath it was a magical anomaly—a void that devoured anyone who fell into it. To make matters worse, there were pressure-sensitive traps on the bridge itself. The moment someone triggered one, the entire structure would collapse. Survivors from those early attempts reported that they didn’t even know the traps existed until it was too late.”
The students shifted uncomfortably; their attention locked on the ominous map.
Kael’s expression hardened. “This is why understanding terrain is vital. In Shadowspire Cavern, it wasn’t the monsters that killed most adventurers—it was the dungeon itself. Traps, unstable terrain, and magical anomalies turned even seasoned fighters into victims. And back then, there were no guides, no warning systems, no strategies. Those pioneers had to figure it out the hard way—often at the cost of their lives.”
Seiji’s mind churned as he stared at the map. How terrifying must it have been back then? Stepping into the unknown with no information, no clue about what dangers lay ahead. No strategies to rely on, no patterns to study. Just raw courage—and probably a lot of desperation. It made him realize how much easier they had it now, with instructors like Kael teaching them these fundamentals. But still, the thought lingered: would he have survived in a time like that?
Kael continued, his voice a little softer now, but no less intense. “Fortunately, you’re not those early explorers. You have access to maps, to records of past dungeon layouts, and to training like this. But don’t let that make you complacent. Every dungeon is unique, and no amount of preparation can replace vigilance. Keep your wits about you.”
The map on the table shifted again, zooming in on a smaller area to show a trap in detail—a rune inscribed into the floor. Kael gestured to it. “Take this for example. A magical snare disguised as an ordinary stone tile. If triggered, it emits a paralyzing field, leaving you vulnerable for minutes. If you're not careful, a trap like this can end your life in seconds.”
Seiji jotted down notes with his Inscription skill, watching the faint shimmer of magic as his writing became perfectly clear. His thoughts lingered on Shadowspire Cavern. He couldn’t help but wonder: would his Skill Book have been enough back then? Or would he have been just another name lost to history? The thought sent a chill down his spine, but also lit a small spark of determination. If those early adventurers could face such dangers without any help, then he had no excuse not to push himself further.
Seiji thought back to the basic skills he’d learned in other classes. Avoiding traps was something that came with practice. But here, the stakes felt much higher.
Kael’s tone grew more intense as he continued.
“Now, let’s briefly touch on the creatures you’ll encounter in dungeons. Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, from the weak and docile to the vicious and lethal. Each type has its own set of behaviors and capabilities. Some rely on heightened senses, like smell or hearing, while others use camouflage or illusions to ambush their prey.”
He gestured to the map, which now showed various dungeon environments with glowing markers indicating potential monster lairs. One area depicted a dense, underground cavern with shadows moving unnaturally, while another showed a wide, open expanse littered with hulking beasts.
“Here’s the most important thing: you don’t always need to fight. Sometimes avoiding confrontation is the smartest option. If you do have to engage, study your enemy. Know their strengths and, more importantly, their weaknesses. For instance, many dungeon creatures are resistant to physical attacks but vulnerable to certain elemental magics. Others rely on their environment to trap or corner you, so use the terrain against them when possible.”
Kael paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. The students were silent, scribbling furiously in their notebooks. The tension in the room was palpable. Every lesson seemed to hammer home the reality that this wasn’t just academic—it was survival training.
“But,” Kael continued, his voice softer now, “we’ll go into much greater detail about monster’s next time. Understanding their behaviors, abilities, and tactics is a lesson in itself. Today, our focus remains on the basics of dungeon navigation and preparation.”
Seiji exhaled quietly, relieved yet intrigued. The thought of facing these creatures sent a chill down his spine. He couldn’t help but wonder how hard it must have been for the early dungeon explorers, stepping into these places with no knowledge of what awaited them. No maps, no strategies—just instinct and guts. It made their own preparation feel like a luxury.
“Now, before we wrap up,” Kael said, his tone sharp once again, “let me remind you: dungeons are not meant to be explored alone. Your survival depends on teamwork and communication. A single mistake, whether it’s setting off a trap or misjudging a monster, can cost not just your life, but your entire group’s.”
The map shifted one last time, revealing a chaotic depiction of a failed exploration—paths littered with traps, symbols of fallen explorers, and monstrous figures closing in.
Kael scanned the room with a piercing gaze. “For your next class, come prepared. We’ll be simulating dungeon scenarios, testing your ability to work together, adapt, and think under pressure. Remember: out there, hesitation kills.”
The students sat frozen for a moment before slowly nodding. The gravity of the lesson was clear.
Seiji leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Dungeon exploration was so much more complex than he had imagined. The idea of stepping into a dungeon felt daunting, but he also felt a small spark of determination. If those pioneers could face the unknown with nothing but raw courage, he had no excuse to falter.
Tatsuya nudged him with an easy grin. “Still think this is just another class?”
Seiji chuckled weakly. “Not even close. This feels like life and death.”
Tatsuya’s grin softened into something more serious. “That’s because it is.”
Seiji nodded, his expression hardening. As intimidating as the lesson was, he knew this was just the start. The real challenges lay ahead, and he needed to be ready.
The classroom emptied out as students shuffled toward the hallway, buzzing with chatter about the intensity of the lesson. Seiji lagged behind; his thoughts still tangled in the weight of everything they had just learned. He glanced over at Tatsuya, who was talking animatedly to Hiroshi about the teamwork exercises Kael had mentioned.
As the group headed down the corridor, Seiji hung back for a moment, letting his curiosity get the better of him. He opened the Skill Card Book in his mind, the familiar interface flashing before his eyes. With a thought, he navigated to the Inscription (Passive) card, curious to see how much experience he had gained.
[Skill: Inscription (Passive)]
Rarity: Common
Level 1: Grants the user the ability to transcribe knowledge onto surfaces with enhanced accuracy and efficiency. Boosts information retention by 10%.
Effect: Improves the quality and speed of writing or engraving, making it precise and effective.
XP: 35/50
Seiji’s eyebrows rose. "Not bad," he muttered under his breath. A few more uses, and the skill would reach Level 2. He tapped the card mentally, and a small pop-up appeared.
Progress Breakdown:
- Note-taking during class: +5 XP
- Active usage for organized summaries: +3 XP
- Diagram inscription during dungeon lesson: +10 XP
- Bonus for context-specific use (educational environment): +4 XP
- Cumulative daily usage bonus: +3 XP
“Huh, so it even tracks details like that,” he mused, rubbing his chin. He stared at the XP bar, watching it inch closer to the next level. If he pushed himself a bit, he could probably level it up before the day was over.
He recalled Kael’s emphasis on preparation and strategy. Inscription didn’t seem flashy, but the idea of crafting accurate maps, notes, or even dungeon schematics on the fly could make it incredibly valuable in the field.
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder how people back then had managed when dungeons first appeared—without proper information or skills to rely on. The thought sent a small chill through him.
“Seiji!” Tatsuya’s voice jolted him from his thoughts.
Seiji blinked, quickly closing the interface. Tatsuya was waiting at the end of the hall, waving him over. “You zoning out again? Come on, it’s the end of the day, let’s head to the dorms.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming,” Seiji replied, jogging to catch up. The faint thrill of progress still lingered in his chest. At this rate, Inscription would level up soon, and he couldn’t help but wonder what kind of new benefits it might unlock.
As they exited the classroom, Hiroshi fell into step beside them, stretching his arms overhead. “Man, that last class felt like a marathon. I’m mentally done for the day.”
“Right?” Tatsuya chimed in, rubbing the back of his neck. “Dungeon Tactics is no joke. I feel like I’ve already been through one just sitting in that classroom.”
Hiroshi chuckled; his relaxed demeanor masking how serious he’d been during class. “You’ll get used to it. The first few weeks are always like this—information overload. But hey, speaking of overload, did you guys hear about the freshman welcome gathering tonight?”
Seiji raised an eyebrow. “Welcome gathering?”
“Yeah,” Hiroshi said with a grin. “Every year, the upperclassmen throw a little get-together for the first years. It’s a mix of casual fun and… well, let’s just say it’s their way of sizing us up.”
“Sounds like a trap,” Seiji muttered, already imagining a room full of overly enthusiastic seniors looking for ways to mess with the newcomers.
Tatsuya shrugged. “Could be fun, though. What’s the plan for it?”
“It’s at the main lounge near the dorms,” Hiroshi explained. “Starts around seven. Food, music, some light sparring matches—don’t worry, nothing too serious. Just a chance for everyone to mingle. And, of course, the student council will be there to show off.”
“Great,” Seiji said, deadpan. “Exactly what I need. More people trying to measure how ‘special’ we all are.”
Hiroshi laughed. “Relax, Takahashi. Just show up, grab some food, and keep a low profile. That’s what I did last year in middle school.”
“I’ll think about it,” Seiji replied, though his tone suggested otherwise.
They continued walking toward the dormitory building, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the campus. The buzz of students heading back to their rooms filled the air, a mix of exhaustion and excitement from the first day of high school life.
Tatsuya nudged Seiji with a smirk. “You better not skip out tonight. I’ll drag you there myself if I have to.”
Seiji sighed, knowing there was no escape. “Fine, fine. I’ll go. But I’m blaming you if it’s a disaster.”
“Deal,” Tatsuya said with a grin.
As the three of them reached the dorms, Seiji couldn’t help but feel the weight of the day finally catching up to him. The first day had been overwhelming, sure, but it was only the beginning. With so much still unknown—his abilities, the dungeons, even the upperclassmen—he had a feeling that life at Tenryu Academy was going to be anything but boring.
Still, as he climbed the steps to his room, one thought lingered in his mind. Do I really have to go to that gathering? The idea of skipping it and relaxing in his room sounded far more appealing.