"I know that it seems like locks make no sense, but when you get used to it, the pressure you need to feel on the hook becomes easier to notice"
Another class of dungeon exploration, and another class where Enyoll Iaves is teaching concepts I already learned before.
It isn't a bad thing, today I have that special class with Kafka and Goldenlaw, so this extra time is nice to think.
But...
I can't think of a solution to my problems!
Trying to control outer mana is extremely difficult, and I don't even know if I can force mana inside me and break a hidden limiter for my poor current mana pools.
The only thing I can think about is emptying my current mana and creating an outer ring, but I probably won't be able to replicate that.
And replicating is what's make Kafka agree to give me special lessons.
"A-Alen... are you not feeling good?" Liana, the brown-haired catgirl that's my classmate in this subject, tapped my shoulder with a concerned expression "Y-your face is scary, and you look like you're in deep thought"
"Oh, yeah... I just... need time to think about something" I'd rather avoid directly asking for help.
"Well... i-if there's anything troubling you... I can help you whenever you want" she placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a warm smile.
"A-and... b-because I want to help you when you need it... PLEASE!! Help me understand this!!" She held out a practice lock and a set of lock picking tools.
"I don't understand what to do!!"
"Hm! Hm!" Even the other three classmates nodded alongside Liana while holding out their objects.
Our teacher just snickered from his desk.
Now I kinda understand why these characters can use lock picks in the game despite they're classes not being able to use them.
Not as useful as Enyoll unique passive, but they do devalue the thief class' uniqueness.
"All four of you? I guess it can't be helped then" I also need time to relax and come back with renewed energy.
"Thanks Alen!" All four of them said In unison.
I'm glad we get along at least, it makes this class much more enjoyable.
_______
"And now that I have a couple of minutes left, I wanted to talk about something important"
"We'll be going to a dungeon next weak!"
I could feel my classmates' eye widen with surprise at our teacher's announcement.
"B-but teacher! A-are we really ready for a real dungeon?"
"It'll be a low level dungeon with only two floors, there's no need to worry. Specially when both me and Alen will be exploring alongside all of you"
So I'm someone that makes them feel safe?!? Why?
"Oh! Then I think we can do it"
Liana started nodding along with the other guys.
"I'll leave team planning to Alen, any question you have should be made to him. Use these last minutes to talk about it"
All four of them looked at me with expectant eyes full of life.
"Uhhh... seeing as I already have experience, I can start by scouting and let you do the fighting"
There's no way they agree to that.
...
They're not saying anything... should I say something more?
"I can deactivate traps... and I should know how you're styles are..."
"L-Liana here! I-I use lances!"
"Roto! I'm an archer and I'm specially good at riding horses and mounted archery!" A bull demi-human with really big horns yelled, even though there's no need to yell.
"Turo here! I use swords, specially dual-wielded swords" a tan human boy, that's from the dessert kingdom of Viavoule.
"Tarian, the elven beauty with enormous magical talent"
Magic...
"Well... I think our roles are already decided. Liana goes on the front, Tarian and Roto at the back, and both Turo and I'll go in the middle to assist anyone that needs us"
And I'll let turo do most damage, that's what he's used for in game after all.
"A pretty standard team formation can help you guys get used to exploring a dungeon I groups" our teacher added as we heard the ringing of the bell, signaling the end of this class.
After saying our goodbyes between us, I needed to stop Tarian before she left.
"Tarian! Can I ask you some things?" We were now outside our classroom.
"Oh, Alen! I know my beauty is irresistible, but I wouldn't want any problems with princess Von Themys" she mentioned Fran's last names with a shaky voice, clearly afraid of her.
"I just need to ask you something about magic, can you wait for me outside of the classroom? I need to ask teacher Iaves something before he leaves"
"A mere human ordering me?" Her voice tone, while not angry or with any venom to it, did showcase that elven pride "I guess I can wait for you since I have a long wait between this class and my next"
She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall "But be quick, I'm sure that my fans are waiting for me, and I wouldn't like to make them wait"
"Uhh... thanks, it'll be just a moment"
I entered the classroom again, and the elven teacher was still inside.
"Mr. Iaves, I needed to ask you something"
"What is it Alen?"
"I want to ask for a permission to explore dungeons" I need to make money, and start exploring more complicated dungeons "For me and a friend"
"I'll only allow one for you, and that's as much as you're getting from me"
I expected that.
"Thanks Mr. Iaves"
"I'll talk with director Goldenlaw and in two to three days you should have the pass"
"Wait. I'm going to explore alone then?" Why do they only allow one for me?
"No, you'll probably have to make teams with second years because you're the only first year to recieve the pass this early" makes sense that I have to do teams with them.
But second years... that means... Julius Der Botcam, the strongest character in the game, could be one of my partners.
And in two or three days... I'll still be on the second week... which is perfect to explore that dungeon.
______
Now, outside of the classroom, I have a chat with Tarian to clear some doubts.
"Bye teacher!" She waved at our teacher as he left, giving him a smile as we saw our teacher's back become smaller the farther he walked "What do you need the beautiful Tarian to help you with, Alen?"
"It's about magic, you're on the second circle right?"
Tarian Ebenly, the current class A rank two.
"I am, but I still have yet to cast my first tier two spell"
"How did you manage to form a second circle?" I need a different perspective to achieve a second ring on today's special class.
"I guess... I made sure to have my first ring in front of me and use that as a guide" she tapped her chin with her finger as she remembered how she achieved what I needed to achieve.
"I studied my first ring and used that to create my second ring"
"Studied your first ring?"
"Yea, actually... you're not on specialized magical training right?"
"No, only in basic magic training"
"Then it's no wonder you don't know about it"
"About what?"
"A mage's ring is different depending the person, mine is like three strands of hair that form a circle in a braided pattern"
What? The game never went into extreme detail about that, and the children's books I used to learn magic also never said anything about it.
"So... simply creating a circle isn't enough"
"For someone that already reached the second circle like us, it may look like that, but you instinctively made a pattern like your first ring"
"Uh... yes!" She thinks I'm already on the second circle?
"But if you're asking me this... then it means that you're already thinking of going to the third circle!?!?" She yelled but quickly covered her mouth and looked around.
"But only second years are on that level where instincts stop being useful in magic and you need to actually understand it" she said In a low voice tone, as if she was talking about a super secret topic.
This whole thing is getting twisted a lot.
"Don't worry Alen! Your secrets safe with me!" She placed both her hands on my shoulders and gave me a thumbs up.
"Ahem!" That voice!
We both slowly turned our heads to the side, fearing that the person that was next to us was who we were thinking about.
"And what are you doing that close to him!?" Franchesca Von Themys, the villainess of the game, the one that sells her humanity and becomes a monster.
The sounds of her footsteps slowly approaching us as she had a cold, unforgiving death stare.
Tarian quickly let go of me and created a sizeable distance between her and me.
"N-n-nothing princess V-Von Themys! I-I was just... you know.... I..."
Fran got in between Tarian and me, facing her with her arms still crossed "I know what?"
"F-Fran... I think that there's a mi-"
"She was way too close to my friend... and I can't forgive that" although she sounded as angry as you'd expect, I could also feel other things coming from her voice tone.
"Y-yeah... t-too close... I'll make sure to keep my distance next time" the confident and smug Tarian, reduces to scared and sweating girl because of Fran.
"As long as you understand" she quickly turned her head and pouted, reaction that Tarian took advantage off by quickly fleeing.
"I'm glad you're here Fran" despite the awkward moment, I was indeed happy to see her.
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