Chapter 7

"Is this... the classroom?"

He stopped, looking at the sign that read "Class 1." He felt a bit nervous, but more than that, he felt a strange sense of wonder. He never imagined he would become a teacher when he was a student here.

He opened the door and entered the classroom. The noisy classroom suddenly fell silent, and all the students turned their attention to him.

Soon, whispers began to spread. "Is that the new teacher?" "He seems pretty normal." "He doesn't look very energetic." "He doesn't seem like much." "But he looks like he's in good shape." "But he doesn't look very energetic" — such murmurs continued endlessly.

A few seconds later, the chime signaling the start of homeroom rang out. The students quickly took their seats.

"Stand, bow!"

A girl sitting at the front announced, and the students bowed their heads. As I stood at the front of the classroom, I reminisced about the past, remembering the class monitor system.

"I'm Rekt, and I'll be in charge of this class from today. Nice to meet you."

In front of about thirty students, I finished my greeting. The faces of the students, who were looking at me with their lips tightly pressed, were young. According to the materials provided by the director, the students in this class ranged in age from twelve to eighteen. Indeed, there were innocent, childlike students as well as more composed ones.

The students attending the training school are generally young. The job of an explorer is essentially physical labor. Therefore, it is extremely rare for someone to become an explorer after feeling old. Most aim to achieve results while their physical abilities are at their peak.

To achieve results while young, one must train even younger. As a result, the average age of the students at the training school is in the mid-teens.

"I myself used to attend this training school and worked as an explorer for a while after graduation. Now I've retired and plan to focus on teaching. ...If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

After a brief introduction, a male student raised his hand.

"What subject will you be teaching?"

"Practical skills in general. From elemental studies to dungeon exploration techniques, I'm supposed to teach practical skills."

To be honest, I've only been introduced to this job by Misha recently, so I don't fully understand the specifics yet. I think I'll just have to be flexible... but it will depend on the students' skill levels.

"How long did you work as an explorer?"

"About five years."

"What style did you use during your active years?"

"Basically, I worked solo, so I didn't specialize in any particular style. In the later years, I often explored with companions..."

I looked at the students' faces, recalling the past. They didn't seem impressed or surprised. They were looking at me as if they were testing me.

"Can everyone introduce themselves? Your name, age, and what you want to achieve as an explorer."

As I said this, the introductions began from the front of the classroom.

"Rai Stillb, fifteen years old! I want to explore all kinds of dungeons!"

A red-haired boy said brightly and energetically. It was a vague goal, but it wasn't foolish. Most aspiring explorers are like this.

"Smelk Ithan, sixteen years old. I'm interested in labyrinthology, so I want to obtain the explorer's qualification to conduct on-site research."

A serious-looking boy with neatly styled gray hair said. Unlike Rai, he had a specific vision.

Labyrinthology is the study of dungeons. Currently, many of its so-called authorities are overly intellectual and have never even entered a dungeon, which is a ridiculous phenomenon. But this boy seemed different, and I felt relieved.

"H, Haru Sopria, fifteen years old. I'm interested in monsters, so I want to become an explorer."

A girl with purple hair said in a small voice. Her long bangs hid her eyes, and she seemed shy. However, her goal was clear, which was somewhat unusual.

"Shahha Forward! I'm a lively fifteen years old! I want to earn a lot of money as an explorer to reduce the burden on my family!"

A lively girl with bright orange hair tied in a ponytail said. She seemed to be the most energetic in the class, but her reason for becoming an explorer was serious.

The next student began their introduction. As Shahha sat down, I saw a blonde girl with blue eyes stand up... and my eyes widened.

It wasn't a mistake. That girl was... the student I rescued from the "Spiraling Abyss" just the other day.

"Alice Filaret, I'm fourteen this year. I want to become an explorer to be independent."

She is the daughter of the Filaret Duke, a noble from a prestigious family. She had a bandage on her right arm.

"Is that... an injury?"

"Ah, well... it's not a big deal, so it's fine! The doctor said it will heal by tomorrow."

It seemed the wound she sustained in the dungeon hadn't fully healed yet. However, it looked like the treatment was almost complete, and the bandage would be removed by tomorrow as she said.

"Teacher, this guy went into the dungeon alone recklessly the other day."

"Uh..."

A male classmate informed me, and Alice, looking uncomfortable, bowed deeply to the surrounding students.

"At that time, I caused a lot of worry! But it's fine! I was rescued by the famous party, 'Blue Sword Training'!"

After bowing, Alice stood up straight and announced. The students responded with "Oh!" in admiration.

"Sounds great!"

"A bit boastful, aren't you?"

"Be careful, you're weak!"

Alice laughed and sat down, saying "Hehe." It seemed she was well-liked among the students.

However... the rescue was attributed to "Blue Sword Training." I am already an outsider to the association. If the rumor spreads that an outsider cleaned up after the rescue team, it wouldn't be good for the association. ...Probably, the principal or someone like that manipulated the information. It's not something the serious Misha would do.

The introductions continued for a while... and just as the last student sat down, the chime rang.

"Today's homeroom is over. I believe Class 1's morning schedule is..."

"Geography class, teacher!"

Shahha said with a bright smile.

"Oh, right. It's a field trip. ...Then, go ahead."

One of the themes of Chapter 1 is "When will Alice's misunderstanding be resolved?" I hope you enjoy it!

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