My introduction took a little(ish) longer, but it went on without any problems.

I'm Lara!　Everyone, please be my friend!
'I'm Maryse. It's nice to meet you.

　Two of the most notable were Lara and Marise.

　It couldn't be helped.
　In the examination, Lara and Marise's magic was head and shoulders above the rest.
　You can't blame them for attracting attention.

Now that all 30 of us have introduced ourselves, we have something to say to you. Let's talk about that for today and call it a day.

　Putting her hands on the teaching table, Erika-sensei continued in an even more serious tone of voice.

''You all know that there is a dungeon called the 'Treasure Maze' on the grounds of this school, right?

　What.
　It sounds so interesting.
　I can't help but ask.

It's a dungeon that leads underground to the Treasure Labyrinth. Demons live there, and there are many treasures that have not yet been touched. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get a good deal more than you think.

　I didn't know that.

　But still, a labyrinth........

　The dungeon called the labyrinth existed a thousand years ago.
　I often used it to earn a living and to collect materials for making magic tools.

　The Great Sorlaheese Labyrinth that I trudged through continued to a thousand layers underground.
　It took me three days to complete a mere labyrinth, so I must have had a lot of fun that time.
　This Treasure Labyrinth is not as big as the Great Labyrinth, but I wonder if there are more than 300 layers of it?

It is said that the Treasure Labyrinth, a part of the Great Labyrinth, has up to 100 layers. However, no one has ever set foot in the lowest level of the labyrinth, which is still shrouded in mystery.

　I had roughly expected it to be here but it seems I was wrong.

　And if it's 100 layers, it's a very small-scale labyrinth.

Two months later in the "Treasure Labyrinth". Two months later, an exchange battle with the Imperial Magical Academy will be held in that "Treasure Labyrinth". Who knows about that?

　When the teacher asked, about half the students in the class raised their hands.
　One of them was Marise.
　They said they were well known.

''Then let me explain a little bit about the exchange game. To put it simply, it's a competition against other schools. The representatives of the schools go into the labyrinth and compete with each other to see who can obtain the most materials and treasures within the time limit. That's how we compete.

　What's that, it looks interesting.

''It's basically for the purpose of exchange........For the past few years, the Rosanlila Magic Academy has been losing to the Empire's magic academy - Disualia Magic Academy. If they lose this time, it will be their first ever ten consecutive losses.''

　You're losing a lot.

　Still, the Empire was destroyed by the Demon God a thousand years ago.
　But after so many years, they succeeded in reviving it.
　There were many aristocrats in the empire who didn't like it, so it's not a country I'd like to remember much about.

''We want to win this year, no matter what!　This is how we end the disgrace of consecutive losses!　And I need your freshmen's help for that!

　Feverishly, the teacher clenched his fists.

　The teacher then continued to explain the rules in detail.
　The more I listened to it, the more questions I had.

'Isn't it a bit strange that you've been losing so many games in a row?　Are you that far removed from the Imperial Magical Academy on that level?

　So I asked the teacher a question.

　Then the teacher twisted his face in frustration and said

'No I don't think there's that big of a difference in the level itself, but we had some bad luck and didn't win.

　Bad luck?
　It's kind of fishy.
　It's a cowardly empire thing. It could be something he's doing.

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

''But I believe we can win this year. After all, there are a lot of gems this year. Guys we're going to win!
How does a freshman get elected to the varsity?
'Most of them are juniors, basically... but if there's an outstanding freshman, they'll be selected. I mean, only this year, one of them will definitely be selected!

　I had the impression that she was a bit cold, but I heard that Erika-sensei has quite a hot streak.
　Still, it bothered me that the teacher was glancing at me while we were talking.

　Oh well, that's fine.
　First of all, you need to build up a good track record so that you can become a representative.

　And I have no intention of losing either.
　They say it's for the sake of exchange, but a game is a game.
　You have to win every game.

　◆ ◆

　The doctor's talk was over, and they were about to return to the house they were renting in King's Landing.

'Kurt!　Can I have a moment?

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

'What?'
Do me one favor and teach me magic!

　Lara clenched her fists tightly and said with powerful eyes.

'How could you do that all of a sudden?'
After what the teacher said just now...I feel like I'm on fire!　Besides, Kurt was the reason I had to take the exam. I still don't think I'm strong enough...
I don't think so.
'It happens!　So I want Kurt to teach me magic and make me stronger and stronger. Please, Kurt!　I'll endure any kind of rigorous training!

　Hmm.
　He's a good kid with a lot of ambition.
　I don't hate these kids.

"Me too, please.

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

'Marlies 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 get there was to learn from you.
Are you trying to steal magical skills from me...
You're welcome to think of it that way.

　Even Marise's eyes seemed to have a mellowness and fire in them.

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

'Alright. I'll teach you both, if it's okay with me.
Yay!
Are you sure?

　Lara and Marise's eyes widen.

'However,'

　I hold up one finger and continue talking.

'I need you to do one thing for me, too.
What is it?　If it's me, I'll do anything!
'Eh, no naughty things, you know!

　Marise is blushing, but what are you imagining?

I want you to spend some time with me and put together a party that will be hiding in the Treasure Maze for a while.
"Party?

　The two of them spoke up.

　They could have acted alone, but they knew it was more efficient to form a party to attack.
　Besides, apparently, for a first year student to dive into the 《Treasure Labyrinth》, they had to form a party of at least three people.

　In order to do that, I will train Lara and Marise.
　I thought they had the best plot in this class.

　And I've done so much to conquer the labyrinth alone that I got tired of it a thousand years ago.
　Then - in this world, it would be interesting to form a party and try to conquer it.

''It's unexpected.''
What?
I don't think you'd like that.

　What are you talking about?
　I don't like being alone.
　In a previous life, I just couldn't make friends if I wanted to.

"But but!　Two birds with one stone!　If we were working together in the labyrinth, we could see Kurt up close and personal.
'It's true. Then I'd be the one to ask for it.
It's settled.

　Naturally, I can't help but smile.

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

　I'm not taking so long.

I'm going under now.