The Evil Noble Desires A Beautiful Demise - Could It Be That You're Stuck In A Loop? - Episode 22

It has already been a year since I entered the academy. This past year might have been more fulfilling than the several years I spent in the mansion.

I was able to earn the credits without any issues, so I was able to advance to the next grade without any problems. Regular students have more courses available to them, but since that doesn’t apply to special scholarship students, it doesn’t feel much like an advancement.

Tiarola is also getting along well with Krig and Kirisia. Surprisingly, Tiarola and Kirisia seem to get along well, and it looks like they are going on dessert tours together. It’s delightful to see Tiarola’s social circle expanding.

However, I had been distant from Endens all along. Our classes never overlapped, and even when we occasionally passed each other at the academy, we didn’t acknowledge each other. This is not a very good trend. Ideally, I would like to get along with Endens, but it might be better not to provoke him too much for now.

However, an event where we will be forced to interact with Endens is approaching. It’s an extracurricular exercise that starts in the second year. If it’s the same as in the game, I think the first task will be exploring a simple training dungeon. We will have to form a party with five special students and tackle the assignment.

Regarding tomorrow’s drill, has Salifa ever delved into a labyrinth?

“……No, there’s none.”

While having a meal with Tiarola and Kirisia in the academy cafeteria, Kirisia asked such a question.

I’ve dived into the game many times, though.

It was efficient for leveling up.

“Is that so? Then, I suppose I am the senior when it comes to the labyrinth!”

“…I’m counting on you.”

“Oh ho ho! Leave it to me, Kirisia!”

I somehow feel like I’ve gotten used to this personality.

“…What about Tiarola?”

“I don’t have one either. Is a labyrinth something like a maze?”

“Hmm, that understanding isn’t entirely wrong. It’s a large maze with magical beasts, traps, and sometimes treasures to be found.”

Well, I think that’s a rough but accurate description of Kirisia. Dungeons exist all over the world. Since there are valuable materials and ores from magical beasts that can only be obtained from dungeons, towns tend to form around large dungeons. However, there’s also the possibility of magical beast infestations, so it’s a dangerous endeavor.

This labyrinth is for training purposes, so it’s not that dangerous. Of course, if you underestimate it, you might get hurt, but even then, it’s not that serious. Let’s tackle it without putting too much pressure on ourselves.

More importantly, the problem is the evidence.

I hope we can cooperate well…

“Alright, everyone is here.”

On the day of the drill, we gathered in front of the entrance to a small labyrinth in the nearby forest. Endens also arrived properly.

“Alright, I’m going to explain the exercise assignment. I’m only going to say it once, so listen carefully, okay?”

Garondo began explaining in his usual languid manner. It was about conquering the three-tiered labyrinth and retrieving the pass token from the deepest part. This is just like a game.

“Decide on a party leader. The progress and decisions will be entrusted to the leader.”

Hmm, in the game, Endens basically served as the leader, so maybe it’s better to leave it to him. For his personality and for his growth.

Thinking that, I looked towards Endens, and he was also looking at me.

“Do it yourself.”

Saying that, Endens lowered his gaze.

“…Huh, but…”

“Don’t make me say it again. The strongest person here should be the leader. In other words, that means you.”

I was surprised.

I can’t believe Endens would say something like this.

“Isn’t Salifa fine? If you’re worried, I, an experienced labyrinth explorer, can take over for you, if you like?”

“I don’t mind using Salifa either. Actually, I just want to get this assignment done quickly.”

“I think Salifa is good too!”

Since everyone else said the same thing, I ended up being the leader. Well, it’s not like I mind, but with this group, we could probably pass without doing anything special, right?

“Are you the leader? We can discuss our formation… but then again, there’s probably no need to think about it.”

Garondo is right.

In the front line, Kirisia and Endens, in the back line, Krig and Tiarola, and I can provide overall support since I can do both.

“Well, to be honest, with your skills, there’s no problem at all. If you can experience what a labyrinth is like, that’s all that matters. Now, go on.”

I was sent off with an incredibly light feeling.

They give off the feeling that they trust us, but it’s just a hassle.

“Shall we go?”

“Then, I shall take the lead!!”

Following Kirisia, the other members also step into the labyrinth. By the way, since this is my first time entering a labyrinth, I’m quite looking forward to it.

As soon as I entered the labyrinth, I could tell the atmosphere had changed. So, this is the labyrinth.

“Alright, let’s go!”

“I’ll see through all the traps for you, so go ahead and keep moving.”

Krig boasts like that, but with his eyes, it’s understandable why he has such confidence. I’m not worried about the combat, so the only concern was the traps, but it seems like we can manage.

After that, the drill ended smoothly without any trouble. The combat was handled by the two front-line fighters, and all the traps were dealt with by Krig. Tiarola and I hardly did anything.

“Oh, that was fast.”

After exiting the labyrinth, hand the pass to Garondo.

“Alright, that’s the end of the drill. Leader, make sure to submit the report. Okay, dismissed.”

Huh, is the report on me?

Well, since I haven’t done anything, I might as well do that.

“I’ll help too! Um, I haven’t done anything yet.”

“Thank you…”

I will gratefully accept Tiarola’s offer. Let’s hurry back and finish it up.

“Please take care of the report for me, okay?”

“Well then, I’ll be off too.”

Kirisia and Krig have left.

Before I knew it, there was no sign of Endens either.

Regarding Endens, he was completely silent throughout the training exercises. He listened to the instructions and handled the combat well, so there was no problem, but for some reason, I started to worry.

I think the Endens awakening event is still a ways off, so it should be fine, but I’ll keep an eye on it.