My self-introduction was a little (...) long, but it went on without any problems.

I'm Lara!　Please be my friend!
"I'm Marlies. Nice to meet you.

　The two who attracted the most attention were Lara and Marise.

　It was no use.
　In the test, Lara and Marise's magic was head and shoulders above the rest.
　It's no wonder they were the center of attention.

"Well. Now that all thirty of you have introduced yourselves, I have something to say to you. That's all I'm going to say today.

　Putting her hands on the table, Erica continued in a more serious voice.

You all know that there is a dungeon called the "Treasure Labyrinth" on the grounds of this school.

　What?
　There's something interesting like that?
　I couldn't help but listen intently.

"It's a dungeon that leads underground to the Labyrinth of Treasures. It's a dungeon that leads underground to the 《Treasure Labyrinth》, where demons live and there are many treasures that no one has touched yet. If you are a freshman and meet certain requirements, you can challenge the "Treasure Labyrinth" and train your skills. ...... However, I'm sure you know that this is one of the main features of Rosangrila Magic Academy, as it is written in the admission brochure.

　I didn't know that.

　But it's still a labyrinth,........

　A thousand years ago, dungeons called labyrinths existed.
　They were often used to earn money for living expenses and to collect materials for making magic tools.

　The "Sorlaheze Labyrinth" that I broke through had 1000 levels of underground.
　I spent three days in that mere labyrinth, so I must have had a lot of fun at that time.
　This "Treasure Labyrinth" may not be as deep as the Grand Labyrinth, but it still has about 300 layers.

The Treasure Labyrinth, which is classified as the Great Labyrinth, is said to have up to 100 levels. However, no one has ever set foot on the lowest level, and it is still a labyrinth shrouded in mystery.

　I had a pretty good idea of what to expect when I got to this point, but ...... apparently I was wrong.

　And if it's 100 layers, it's a pretty small labyrinth.

"In the Treasure Labyrinth, two months from now. "Two months from now, the Treasure Labyrinth will be the site of an exchange game with the Imperial Academy of Magic. Does anyone know anything about it?

　When the teacher asked, about half the students in the class raised their hands.
　Marise was one of them.
　It seems to be fairly well known.

I'll explain a little about the exchange games. To put it simply, it's a competition with other schools. Representatives from each school go into the labyrinth and compete to see who can get the most materials and treasure within the time limit. That's how it works.

　That sounds like a lot of fun.

It's a great way to get to know the people you're working with. If we lose this time, it will be the first time in our history that we have lost ten games in a row.

　They're losing all the time.

　And yet, a thousand years ago, the Empire was destroyed by a demon god.
　But over the years, it's been successfully rebuilt.
　There were many nobles in the Empire that I disliked, so I don't want to remember it too much.

This year, I want to win at all costs!　I want to end the disgrace of consecutive defeats!　I want to end the disgrace of consecutive defeats!

　The teacher clenched his fists with fervor.

　The teacher then continued to explain the rules in detail.
　The more I listened to him, the more my doubts deepened.

The more I listened to him, the more I wondered, "Isn't it a little strange that we keep losing so many games in a row?　Are we really that far off the level of the Imperial Academy of Magic?

　So I posed the question to my teacher.

　The teacher's face twisted in frustration.

No, ...... I don't think there's that much of a difference in the levels themselves, but ...... there was some bad luck that prevented us from winning.

　Bad luck?
　I don't know.
　It's a cowardly empire. It's possible they're doing something.

　...... No, the conventional wisdom about empires being cowards is a thousand years old.
　It may be different in this world, and preconceptions are not good.

But I think we can win this year. But I think we can win this year, because there are so many talented people this year. Let's win ......!
How can a freshman be selected for the national team?
Basically, most of them are third-year students, but some ...... first-year students are also selected if they are outstanding. I mean, I'm sure one of them will be chosen this year!

　I had the impression that she was a bit cold, but it seems that Erika is also quite passionate.
　Still, it bothered me that she kept glancing at me while we were talking.

　That's okay.
　I've got to get some experience to become a representative first.

　And I have no intention of losing.
　I'm saying it's for the exchange, but a game is a game.
　You should win every game you play.

　Yes.

　The teacher's talk was over, and he was about to return to his rented house in King's Landing.



"Kurt!　Can I talk to you for a second?

　Lara came up to me and tapped me on the shoulder.

"What is it?
"Do me one favor ...... and teach me magic!

　Lara clenched her fists and said with a powerful look in her eyes.

Why are you doing this?
I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.　Besides, Kurt was the one who helped me in the exam. I don't think I'm strong enough yet. ......
I don't think that's true.
That's true!　That's why I want to ...... learn magic from Kurt and become even stronger. Please, Kurt!　I'll endure the toughest training!

　Hmm.
　A good boy with ambition.
　I don't mind kids like her.

I'll do it too.

　As I was wondering how to answer, Marise came and said the same thing.

"Marise too?
"Yes. I haven't given up on my dream of graduating at the top of my class. So I thought the best way to do that would be to learn from you.
"You mean you're going to steal magic skills from me at ......?
You can take it that way.

　You can take it as such." Marise's eyes also seemed to have a flame in them.

　I'm not very good at teaching.
　I'm not very good at teaching, because a thousand years ago I was basically on my own.
　But .......

I get it. I'll teach you both, if that's okay with you.
"Yay!
Are you sure?

　Lara and Marise go wide eyed.

"But.

　I hold up a finger and keep talking.

"But I need you to do one thing for me, too.
What's that?　If it's okay with you, I'll do anything!
You can't do anything naughty!

　Marise's face is blushing, what is she imagining?

I want you to form a party with me to dive into the Treasure Labyrinth for a while.
"A party?

　The two of them said in unison.

　They could have gone it alone, but they knew it would be more efficient to form a party.
　And apparently, in order for first-year students to dive into the Treasure Labyrinth, they had to form a party of at least three people.

　To that end, I trained Lara and Marise.
　I thought they were the best in the class.

　I've had enough of conquering labyrinths by myself for a thousand years.
　Then again, it would be fun to try to conquer the world with a party.

That's surprising.
What's surprising?
You don't seem to like that kind of thing.

　What are you talking about?
　I don't like solitude.
　I just couldn't make friends in my previous life even if I wanted to.

But, but!　But! We can kill two birds with one stone!　If we're together in the labyrinth, we'll get to see Kurt up close.
That's true. I'd like to be the one to ask him.
That's a deal.

　I can't help smiling.

Let's dive into the labyrinth as soon as we get used to the school life.
What are you talking about, Lara?
What?

　I don't have time for this.

We're going in now.