The rest of the week ended being quite lax, we didn't encounter any cultists at all, and Erika's mother research had been progressing smoothly. She also reported the cultists to the academy's teachers and director, and even Hero Dylan is now making rounds around the whole city every night seeking for anything suspicious. Safety has definitely increased.
Living with her hasn't been anything bad, in fact, it has been a blessing. Her cooking is superb, and each day we get to eat her delicious food. She had said she had the Cooking Skill at a "high level" although she really didn't knew how high it was, she said it was definitely over five, maybe that explained why her food always boosted our stamina so much…
As the week went by, I had more classes with Alberta's uncle in both machinery and blacksmithing, and then had alchemy and sewing classes with Lady Ataraxia and Lady Cecilia. It was only a week, but it felt longer to me, almost like a month, perhaps due to how long the first day ended being…
Naturally, I learned some new Skills related to the classes I've been taking, while also getting to know more our new recruits, Alberta and Elfriedden. In a single week I won't really know them as well as my childhood friends, but Alberta is opening more, and her stuttering is slowly becoming less frequent, perhaps because she's getting used to us.
Meanwhile, Elfriedden is still an asshole, but has become more tolerable.
Nonetheless, I've gotten three new Skills, all related to the classes I've been taking, which means that these classes in the academy are actually worth it, and are made not just to bother students, but to help them better understand magic and learn and understand skills as well.
The three Skills I acquired were [Forging], [Mechanics], and [Sewing]. They were all I was truly aiming for to be honest, and they have come in handy at helping me comprehend the creation of items in this world. Also, thanks to my incessant usage of them since I got them, and thanks to my Hard Worker Skill, the Skills are already Level 2.
[Forging] allows for the better processing of metals and crystals into equipment and other materials and enhance created items quality. [Mechanics] help at the comprehension and conversion of said materials into complex golems and enhance their power and quality.
And then [Sewing] help processing fabrics, leather, fur, and more into equipment, and other types of fabrics, a complementary skill for the other two Skills and even Alchemy.
It also gives some sort of "fashion sense" though I don't feel anything different when I use it. Maybe one day I'll become as proficient as Elfriedden, who only uses clothes he has made himself using high ranking materials. He really likes to talk about them when we are all eating, and often receives compliments from the girls due to his stylish sense of fashion.
But more importantly, a week after we've arrived here, right after enjoying the free day in a small date with Erika (with her mother butting in), we're finally given a "newbie test" for dungeon exploration!
"As I said before, you guys are all going to the nearest Dungeon. Due to this class reporting to have a lot of talents, you're going to a E Rank Dungeon as the bare minimum, but you can actually go up to a E+ Rank if you're feeling bold enough, they're almost as strong as D Rank." Hector, the burly history teacher said. "You have the whole week to complete it, so you can do some trial entries.
However, those that fail to complete the dungeon will be expulsed from the Academy."
His eyes quickly glared down at the younglings.
"We don't want weaklings. It still pretty early, if you think you don't have what's enough to eventually fight the demons, then go back to your home, I won't blame you, nobody will. You could be sleeping your comfortable bed right now instead of waking up so early. You could be given food from your servants instead of having to cook it yourself.
You could be enjoying life in your frugality while others fight to the death to protect what they love. It's up to you. There had been deaths before, be careful. Make sure to read the dungeon manual." Hector said with seriousness clear on his eyes.
The students swallowed saliva, some others only had their resolve even more enhanced as they heard his words, and others were trembling in fear, rethinking their life decisions.
I could tell a few from here might choose to go back home, entering a dungeon is something everyone fears, a nest of dangerous monsters where one could die at every corner, it is certainly not a children's playground, even the lowest ranked dungeons are dangerous.
"…You can go for now, have the rest of the day to train and think about your decisions. Once more, if you want to leave and be a coward, so be it. We won't judge you… Except me, I'll be laughing at you and telling everyone how much of a chicken you are." Hector said almost as if he was trying to intimidate everyone even more.
When classes finally ended, we gathered with my Party in the cafeteria, Evelyn seemed pumped up.
"Fufu, this test is going to be a breeze for you kids! I have already made a reservation for the E+ Rank Dungeon, so all of you can get there as soon as today after we're done." Said Evelyn happily.
"Cool! Sounds like it's about time, I was getting bored already." Chris said while eating a hotdog.
"I am slightly nervous, a E+ Rank for our first dungeon is a bit too much, don't you think?" Eric said.
"Eric we've fought monsters around D Rank and above, we'll be fine." Erika said while feeling carefree.
"Yeah, you're getting too nervous over the details." Erdrich nodded.
"I-I am with Eric on this… T-T-This is a bit t-too much…" Alberta agreed.
"Hm, you're still Level 1, are you not? I guess its fair you're afraid, but Eric shouldn't be afraid." Sighed Elfriedden.
"Don't worry, Alberta, we'll help you level up." I said. "After all that's the only way you can improve your skills long term."
"A-Ah… Ahem! Yeah…" Eric suddenly got braver out of the sudden. "Don't worry Alberta, I'll help you level up as well."
"Eric…" Alberta felt slightly relieved, as she smiled sweetly back at him.
I guess Eric has found someone he has to be brave for.