Earth Dungeon 57.1

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Chapter 57.1. Student

With a smile, I waved goodbye to Sakimori-san, who had disappeared into the shadows through a [Shadow Move].

I didn't intend to be found by the people to Sakimori even though I had playfully acted that way. 

Shizuku suppressed her fighting spirit, erased her presence, and made sure not to trigger any sensors. However, if there were thermal sensors and such, it would be problematic. She would have to employ the [Shadow Figure] technique. The moment she sensed any such equipment, she resolved to escape.

Knife in hand, I swiftly extracted the cores. Letting out a sigh due to their abundance.

"Priority is the leader's core."

I muttered quietly, devoid of emotion, and proceeded with my task. Like manufacturing products on a predetermined factory line. Extracting core after core swiftly and efficiently, placing them into prepared bags.

"I don't expect it to be rare, so I doubt I can exchange it for something great."

Still, it was a C-rank. I might get valuable items. Snatching them all up quickly, I snapped my fingers, and a Shadow Tiger emerged from her shadow.

"Please take these to my house. After that, come back."

With a nod, the Shadow Tiger dashed off, quickly disappearing. Next, I extracted a Sahuagin's core, the 8th one.

"Faster than expected. Well, there's no helping it. Should I go into hiding?"

Breaking away from the riverbed, crossing through the grassy area, I dove into the forest. I then leaped onto tree branches, moving swiftly and masking my presence.

Soon after, military jeeps and infantry transport trucks maneuvered through the forest. I calmly observed the scene and leaned against a tree trunk.

The military jeep trampled over tree roots as it moved slowly. The road leading towards the river had long vanished, and they were now navigating an untrodden path.

"What a rough journey. Couldn't there have been a slightly better road?"

The one asking the driver was a student participating in this training. Ashikaga Teru, a young man.

Teru didn't seem to mind the driver's struggles and turned his attention to the elven girl sitting beside him.

"Hey, there are powerful monsters near water sources, right? Are they worth the challenge?"

Responding to the cheerful and seemingly refreshing young man with an obvious sigh and a weary look, the elven girl answered.

"Yes, Teru-sama. There are extremely dangerous monsters, so it might be best to avoid them."

"Come on, don't say such dull things. Right, Kiyoshi?"

Looking back to the seat behind him, he sought agreement from a similarly aged young man with narrow, fox-like eyes.

"According to the textbooks, they're classified as highly dangerous monsters. There seem to be several types, but I'm pretty scared about the enemies here. Right, Okubo-san?"

"......"

The man called Kiyoshi turned to the girl sitting next to him and asked. The girl was a petite, timid-looking young girl who seemed to be around 12 years old. With short hair, she timidly looked at the three others, lowered her head, and fell silent.

"It's pointless to ask Okubo-san. She doesn't have her own opinions. Dwarves, are they all so quiet? Tch, it would have been better if Yoko-kun joined our group."

"She's only interested in efficiency. Unlike Teru-sama, who seeks achievements and flashy but meaningless battles."

With a sigh, an elven girl named Fuuka interjected. 

"Fuuka is harsh. But we carry the name of a prestigious clan. Isn't grand achievement necessary?"

Teru grumbled in frustration, but Fuuka remained calm, not altering her tone. 

"Even if we carry the name of a clan that was established just 20 years ago... Why not claim to be a promotional flagship product?"

Looking uninterested, Teru snorted and turned forward. The four students were riding in this jeep. They were a group that came to this region's dungeon for conquest as part of their military school training.

As for their composition, Ashikaga Teru served as the leader, accompanied by Minamoto Fuuka, who possessed elven unique skills, Taira Kiyoshi, who people couldn't quite tell what he was thinking with his fox-like eyes, and Okubo Tatsuko, a girl with dwarf unique skills.

"We, the Ashikaga, Minamoto, and Taira clans, belong to the Golden Generation. Our wealth, power, and skills are splendid. I think it's awkward for Okubo-san to be in this group. Hey, once this training is over, can't you put in a request to the instructor for a group change? I'll back you up."

Teru spoke with a kind tone, but his words sounded more like a veiled threat, causing Okubo Tatsuko to shrink further.

"Um... I've made a request. But it didn't go through."

The dwarf girl spoke in a small voice, and Teru sighed upon hearing her words. Sympathetically, Fuuka offered her words.

"So, you've put in a request too, Okubo-san. This group might indeed be tough for someone of lower-level lineage. But that's precisely why you're here. Others who come from clans like ours, who want to become leaders and make a name for themselves, won't join our group."

"Factional disputes can be such a hassle, can't they? Unfortunately, Okubo-san, you can't escape from this."

In response to Fuuka and Kiyoshi's words, Tatsuko's shoulders slumped further, her spirit seemingly even more deflated.