For most scholars, it was simply a break from classes and study. For Ruvian, however, this morning marked the day of his first dungeon expedition.
The dark fabric clung closely to his body, around his waist were several belts fastened together, each carrying small adventuring gear such as pouches, and a simple utility knife.
Ruvian moved his arms slightly, testing the fit. The armor shifted a little but remained comfortable. Satisfied, he reached for his wand and slid it into the loop on his belt.
The dormitory corridor outside was still quiet this early in the morning. Only faint sounds could be heard from somewhere farther down the hall, perhaps other scholars preparing for their own trips.
Ruvian opened his drawer and took out the folded piece of paper he had kept inside.
Then he left the room and gently closed the door behind him.
The Expedition Courtyard sat at the eastern edge of the academy grounds, a wide stone plaza normally used for training drills and ceremonial gatherings.
Ruvian stepped into the courtyard and slowed as he took in the scene.
Almost everyone wore the same expedition attire issued by the academy.
Several groups of scholars had already gathered around the carriages assigned to their parties.
Then he saw them.
She rested one hand lightly against the carriage frame while speaking with Rosalin, who stood across from her with an easy posture and a relaxed expression.
’Huh, and here I thought I would be the first to arrive.’
Her eyes brightened when she recognized him, and she raised her hand and waved in a relaxed way.
Ruvian returned the gesture as he came closer.
Silvena lightly motioned her hand as if brushing the concern away. "It’s okay. It’s okay~ No other party has moved yet, and some of them are still waiting for their teammates."
A small, mischievous smile curved on her lips as she said the last part.
For the other scholars gathered in the courtyard, the excitement likely came from the fact that this was their first real dungeon trip outside the academy grounds, a chance to test what they had been learning for weeks.
She was admittedly, somewhat curious to see what unexpected situation might unfold inside the dungeon, and more importantly, what Ruvian intended to do when it did.
Inwardly, he couldn’t help but laugh.
Before he could reply, Rosalin suddenly stepped forward.
"Good morning, Ruvian," she said with gentle clarity.
"Since we will be entering the dungeon together today, I thought it best to greet you properly. I look forward to working alongside you, and perhaps learning more about your abilities during the expedition."
For a moment, even the nearby noise of the courtyard seemed to fade from Ruvian’s awareness.
"Oh my," she murmured softly, raising her hand to cover her mouth.
’Why is she being so formal with me?’
"You really don’t have to greet me like that," he said, raising one hand slightly in a modest gesture.
"No. I insisted." she replied firmly.
"I-I see..."
Rosalin lifted her head, her expression remaining perfectly polite.
Truthfully, yes, she was that sort of person. But there was no reason for her to feel this way to him. Ruvian believed that he hasn’t done anything to earn her respect yet.
"Anyway..."
"Should we depart now?"
"It seems like everyone who has all their teammates gathered is already on the move," she continued. "Since we’re all here, I think we should as well."
She placed one foot on the iron step fixed to the wheel frame and lightly gripped the wooden side rail.
"Try not to stand there all morning," she added with a faint smile.
Ruvian watched her for a moment, a small smile forming on his face.
The morning light reflected faintly off the polished metal pieces of her gear, giving her an appearance that remained elegant even in the practical expedition attire.
"You first," he said calmly.
"Thank you."
Outside, another carriage rolled past them toward the academy gates.
His first dungeon expedition was about to begin. (+100PP)
[Chapter 96: The Deepmarch Dungeon (1)]