The Water Magician (水属性の魔法使い)

Today will conclude the introductory course.

Over the past five days, you've learned the essentials of dungeon exploration.

This afternoon, you'll be heading into the first layer of an actual dungeon.

We're finally going to the dungeon...

I'm getting anxious.

It's still early, Amon. Get too nervous now and you'll be worn out come the afternoon.

I know that, but...

Before we head out, I'll answer any questions you might have.

Any takers?

Ryo.

Sir, is there any way to instantly travel to a layer that you've previously cleared?

I'm impressed you know about that, Ryo.

There are apparently dungeons with something along those lines in the Southern Provinces.

You won't find anything like that in Lune's dungeon, however.

And I've only heard rumors, so I can't give you details.

I see. Thank you very much.

Wh-What's all this about instant travel?

I'm amazed you know about that sort of thing, Ryo.

No wonder you're rank D!

It's just something I'd heard of.

Lune's dungeon lies at the center of town,

but it's more accurate to say the town was built around the dungeon.

As I explained in the course, every few years,

the monster population in the dungeon multiplies rapidly.

We call this the Great Tidal Bore.

Oftentimes the monsters that spawn during this period reach the surface.

The double walls you see were built to prevent them from getting into town.

I see. So the town's outer wall keeps it safe from outside attackers,

and this keeps it safe from dungeon monsters on the inside.

Th-The Great Tidal Bore, though? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Like I said, it only happens once every few years.

It's not likely to be any time soon, so you rookies have no reason to worry.

Did you notice the guild office near the gate?

Typically, upon entering a dungeon, your name and time of entry are recorded.

Since you're all on the record for this course, however,

we'll be going straight in.

Amon, you really need to relax some.

Come on. Take a deep breath.

I-I think I'm feeling a little better.

Well, we're all here, so don't worry.

Right.

As I pointed out in the lecture,

there are no dangerous monsters here on the first layer.

You're free to explore on your own, but stay within sight of the entrance.

Something's there.

But where?

It's ahead of us, though by a good distance.

I'll hold it in place with magic, then you attack it, Amon.

R-Right. Understood.

A soldier ant...

A monster from the Beginner Edition.

The simplest way to deal with it is to attack the base of its neck.

I'm going to pin it down now.

Ice, pierce your foe with your cold power.

Icicle Lance 8!

Amon, go in and finish it.

Right!

Nicely done!

We did it, Ryo!

Let's grab its magic stone and head back.

Can't forget a trophy from our first expedition, after all.

Is that allowed?

We're adventurers.

It's only natural we earn our living from dungeons.

This is quite the souvenir.

Yeah!

Now then, let's celebrate Ryo and Amon finishing their course

and their first foray in the dungeon!

Cheers!

That's good! It could only be better if it were booze.

They don't serve alcohol here, and we're not allowed to bring any in either.

Maybe it's their way of saying adventurers shouldn't get carried away with drink.

We're celebrating! Where's the harm?

I have to say, I'm impressed you took down a soldier ant in your first dungeon excursion.

Not bad, you two.

Honestly, I just finished it off...

Which was only possible because Ryo held it down.

Amon expertly struck the kill with his blade.

No need for such modesty.

Eh, either way, grabbing the magic stone was great, so who cares?

What will you two be doing tomorrow?

I wanted to head back to the dungeon...

but the idea of going alone makes me nervous, so I'm not sure.

Would you like to go with me, then? I was thinking of heading as far as the third layer.

Really?! I'd love to!

The ant being up on the first layer has stuck with me.

The lecture made that sound unusual.

Yeah, normally the first layer is just bats.

I've heard reports of soldier ants appearing

in the first and second layers in the last few months.

Which begs the question of what they're doing there.

That'd be because soldier ants can dig tunnels all the way to the first layer.

Abel, veteran adventurers shouldn't pick on the rookies.

Pick on them? I was just offering pertinent insight to assuage their worries.

You three are Ryo's roommates, right? I'm Abel.

Ryo's strong but has personality problems, so I'd appreciate you looking out for him.

Abel, are you trying to pick a fight?

A-Abel, as in...

Of the Crimson Sword?!

M-Mr. Abel, sir! I'm a swordsman! My name is Nils!

I'm only an F-rank adventurer who just came to Lune, but you're my hero!

I-I'd be honored if I could shake your hand!

Yeah, of course.

Work hard but don't overdo it, all right?

Survival is an adventurer's primary duty.

Y-Yes, sir! I'll work hard within reason!

What brings you to the guild hall this late, anyway?

Oh, the quest we accepted took a fair bit longer than anticipated.

We actually just got back.

There you are, Abel!

Abel, we're supposed to report to the guild master. Stop trying to escape.

Er, I was just trying to do my duty as a veteran to guide the new crop of—

Warren?

Warren, wait! Really?!

I can walk on my own!

Ryo, say something!

Come on! Don't just stare!

Uh, can I help you?

Lyn...

Coming.

Terribly sorry, Ryo,

but we need to check in with the guild master, so we'll be taking Abel.

Yeah, sure thing. He's the leader of the Crimson Sword after all.

Dispose of him as you see fit.

Ryo! You traitor!

Seriously, Warren, put me down! You're making a fool out of me!

That was... quite a sight.

Oh, Miss Rihya! She's a genuine angel.

Mr. Abel is so damn impressive.

Huh? What about any of that just now impressed you?

Lyn, you really shouldn't stare.

I mean, if Ryo is really some kind of incredible magician,

how couldn't I be interested?

I'm sure you are, too.

True as that might be...

There's no need to rush. You two will see soon enough.

Just how strong he is.

Still trying to sound cool, huh?

Shut up!

I'm heading out!

Amon! There's no need to rush.

Icicle Lance 4!

Got you!

Nicely done!

Right... Thank you.

There's something about your swordplay that reminds me of Abel's.

You said your teacher was a former adventurer from your village?

Oh, yes. An old fellow by the name of Keero.