Earth Dungeon 57.2

Test

Chapter 57.2. Student

"Ugh... I knew it would turn out this way..."

With an expectation already in mind, Tatsuko felt like crying. Her "Castle Wall" skill allowed her to create walls, and she was promoted to level up with the expectation that she could build base walls without needing materials. 

However, the outcome was not a permanent wall, but one with a time limit. She had a promotion with strings attached.

Still, Level 3 was the highest in the academy. The higher-up placed her in the same group as Ashikaga Teru and others who were also Level 3. She hated it, though. Even if she tried to please others, she couldn't rise because she was of a lower class. She wasn't good at talking, either.

Ignoring Tatsuko's displeasure as she pouted and sharpened her lips while looking down, Teru leaned forward to the front seat and grabbed the radio.

"Well then, can't be helped. We'll count on your [Castle Wall" skill. Now, to the soldiers, let's follow the manual and start with reconnaissance."

Using the radio, Teru instructed them to head for reconnaissance in the infantry transport truck.

"It's fortunate you have a decent head on your shoulders. I was afraid you'd suggest we all charge in ourselves."

"It's not like that. Heroes are made by collecting achievements. But I know my limits. No matter how strong I am, it's over once my mana runs out."

"For the enemies at the water source... We should conserve mana by using about half of it; otherwise, it will affect our strategy. We only have a limited number of mana potions."

Feeling relieved, Fuuka let out a sigh of relief. She had feared this man would suggest charging recklessly. If they charged in here and voiced their opinions, people would see them as foolish rich kids even if they achieved something in battle. There was a line they drawn.

Although she didn't want him to mention going to the water source, Fuuka couldn't argue against tackling the Goblin Dungeon. It was just too awful. As Teru had said, even if they joined in on dungeon conquest among amateurs, they'd probably become a laughingstock.

Clans... 20 years. Those who had amassed wealth in just 20 years now aim to establish honor and history. There are 2 different types of clans, they're the distinguished warrior and civil official clans. It seemed similar sentiments had been expressed, even before the world turned out like this. But due to creating walls, narrowing down the world, and visible distinctions among the inner, outer, and abandoned towns, the elitism had grown even stronger, as Fuuka analyzed.

It was trivial, but she couldn't directly criticize this way of life if she wanted to enjoy it. And to continue that lifestyle, she needed to achieve something.

In that case, defeating the monsters at the water source would demonstrate some degree of power, and it would also be a chance for them to confirm how strong they were. 

Captain Marume was capable. He would find a suitable dungeon, and during that time, they would defeat enemies under infantry cover at the water source, while also waiting for communication.

The vehicle stopped, and as she watched two infantry soldiers head for reconnaissance through the window, Fuuka recalled the types of enemies the teachers taught her.

Less than 10 minutes passed before they received communication. Surprisingly, it contained unexpected information.

"Huh? Excuse me. Is the Arakawa River filled with monster corpses?"

Taking the radio in hand, Teru started to shout, then restrained himself and quickly shifted to a gentler tone.

While listening to the communication, Teru looked puzzled and turned his face towards Fuuka. Seeing that something unexpected had happened, Fuuka clicked her tongue at Teru's headless thinking. She inquired further.

"Corpses? Was there a battle between monsters?"

"No, according to the report from the reconnaissance, it seems to be the aftermath of a battle. The type of monster was Sahuagin. However, all enemies seem to be defeated. Someone took them down. All the wounds are stab wounds. It looks like someone with skills."

I see. Fuuka pondered. Kiyoshi smiled without breaking his grin but didn't voice anything. Whether understanding that Tatsuko didn't have much say or not, she remained silent.

"...Are they certain it's safe?"

"Huh? Oh, wait a moment. Let me ask."

Teru communicated through the radio again and nodded.

"It seems the infantry approached the river, but it's quiet."

"I see... In that case, let's head there as well. I'm curious about those corpses."

Even if it's just a few Sahuagin, defeating them implies someone with powerful skills was present. If the conditions were right, scouting might be beneficial. 

Part of Fuuka's job was to scout skilled individuals. That's one reason she chose this place. Fuuka secretly orchestrated this place. 

After this conquest, she intended to scout a man named Amano Sakimori.

Although advised against it, she had gathered information about him; he seemed to possess powerful skills. She wanted to secretly hire him and gain an edge over the other clans.

If he had defeated Sahuagin, it would further cement his reputation as a powerful skill user.

"Got it. In that case, let's all head to the water source. Stay cautious, though."

"Understood."

"Y-Yes. Got it!"

Following Teru's orders, everyone disembarked and headed towards the riverbank.

And they would be in for a surprise.

After all, the riverbank was littered with hundreds of Sahuagin corpses.