Vol. 14 - Ch. 755 - Collaboration & Showcasing New Equipment

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Some might have guessed, the others probably not. But, as the labyrinth academy, the lessons were bound to revolve around the dungeon. Needless to say, the collaboration lesson was also about practical skills. 

In other words, this class was also about the dungeon!

Well, that also meant there would be steps to take before visiting the dungeons though—equipment, and learning about other students.

Hence, the first step was to gather at the appointed training ground where we would spar against each other to know the extent of each other's abilities. Couldn't have a party consisting of complete strangers suddenly venture into a dungeon after all. 

Overall, the purpose of this collaboration class was to familiarise ourselves with students of other classes. Furthermore, Class 1~3 of any grade were typically also the face of the academy. It was possible some students of these classes might find themselves employed in the same workplace, so a prior acquaintanceship might elevate their cooperation. 

As far as our class was concerned, everyone was looking forward to this exchange. 

——«Training Ground No.3».

The entire place was teeming with students, each donning their respective equipment. And truly, that was one visually striking spectacle. So exciting!

Though, while I was thrilled on one hand, I somehow found myself becoming the centre of attention.

"H-Hey, isn't he..."

"Hmm. Zephyr from Class-1... but. No, is that his new equipment?!"

"Huh, new?! Wasn't his previous equipment already terrific!?"

"Yeah, I also heard the abilities of his previous equipment was almost around the advanced-grade equipment. Wait, if he has switched out of them... No way!"

"W-wait, hold on, man. Then what happened to his previous equipment? Did he put them for sale?"

"Ah! I need to check that out then! ...Ugh, but the class!"

"Hmm? I didn't know Zephyr-kun had these equipment. Though he looks dashing on them!"

"S-so gorgeous! I don't think they're training equipment. Maybe his dungeon equipment?"

"I didn't expect to see Brave-kun in his new glory all of a sudden. That must be investigated. I repeat—"

.....I see. It appeared the cause was my new equipment. 

I should've expected. I had yet to wear them in public, so today was their first debut. And since I only acquired them yesterday, my guild members were just as surprised. 

Sure enough, they immediately gathered around me, showcasing their amazement. The first to approach was our Her Highness, Lana. 

"H-Hey, Zephyr-kun. What's the deal with your equipment? They look so good!"

Hehe, just the line I wanted to hear. I slightly posed myself, and remarked—

"Aren't they? These are for advanced dungeons. I just got them yesterday as a fact."

—*Chatter-Chatter*

All of a sudden, whispers intensified around me.

"D-did I mishear, or did he just say Advanced Dungeon?!"

"Huh?! Is he going to challenge it with «King Absolute»?!"

"Idiot, obviously not. I think he mean with «Eden»."

"That's a declaration to challenge the advanced dungeons as a freshman?! But, he did change his equipment... Is this a dream?! No way that's real!"

 "You're telling me Brave-kun has already become that strong?! Then that equipment has to be a-advanced grade!"

"Emergency. Emergency, Investigation Squad, I need something investigated right now. Can you get me the information about Brave-kun's equipm...ment... tch, damn it. My hands are shaking so much I can't even type!!"

"Live news! Brave-kun seems to be discussing his advanced dungeon challenge strategy with what appears to be members that will join him there!"

I didn't expect to get this level of attention. Some of them were typing something in their «Smartphone» furiously. 

Man, it's really tough being brave, eh? Hahaha!

While I basked in everyone's attention, the other members quickly followed after Lana. 

"Is this the «Brave Mithril Armor» you mentioned earlier?"

Sierra inquired what seemed to be in everyone's mind. 

"Yup. Marie-senpai and others just finished it a while ago. What do you think? Does it look good on me? I had asked for some adjustment to make it fit to my preference."

I'd asked for some adjustment on my set, and even I was astonished at the finished product. Truly, «Weapon Seal Sticker»'s reputation wasn't past them.

"I see. Well... mhm, it does look great on you."

Sierra sized me up, her gaze moving from head to toe before settling on my eyes. 

I felt a slight embarrassment catching up to me at her straightforwardness. 

Following Sierra, the other members showered me with their praises.

"Indeed. The new equipment has pushed Zephyr-dono's coolness to another level."

"Hnn. Looks, strong."

"So you finally have them? Umu, you look gallant."

"You look fabulous on them, Zephyr onii-sama! It's like getting a power up!"

"True, the appearance alone is screaming power. And they must be strong if Zephyr has replaced his previous set, which was already top-of-the-line."

"So, what about your previous equipment, Zephyr-dono? Will you be giving them to someone else to use?"

"S-Shizu?! You weren't supposed to ask that! I am not having any good premonitions about it!"

"P-Pamela-san is right, Shizu-san. It's s-shameful trying to use equipment Zephyr-san wore."

Ester, Karua, Rika, Lulu, and Celia offered their opinion on my new equipment. 

I know, right? Even I feel like I'd powered up. It wouldn't be farfetched to say this set was essentially an upgraded version of «Firmament Set». Though, the following question from Shizu seemed to have stirred the air for some reason. But Pamela and Rina immediately stopped her from continuing. 

"Me, me. Zephyr-kun, let me know if you're selling your previous equipment. I promise I will sell them for a fortune~!"

"Woah, so we can get Zephyr-kun's equipment?"

"I am a bit curious about them. I wonder what would be the price?"

"Will there be a guild member discount?"

Ah, some of them seemed to be eyeing my «Firmament Set» as well! Misato, and Harmonic Trio—Emi, Yuuka and Sachi—remarked, and from their expression, they're fairly serious. Wait, no words for my new equipment? What was going on?

Not that I was selling my set though. «Firmament Set» was a unique drop after all. 

"He looks so good in his new equipment, isn't he, Lacritta-chan? Say... you went to the dungeon with Zephyr-kun yesterday. Did you already know, or was he still wearing his «Firmament Set»?"

"N-no, he didn't have them yesterday. So, I-I really didn't keep it a secret from you, Noel-chan! Even I-I didn't know. He looks stylish in them though."

"We really have it as good as Brave Fan. I am so glad I got into the same class!  I am so glad  I am in the same guild! I, I am going to take a look at his equipment from up close. Don't resent me, Maria-chan~!"

In the distance, I saw Noel, Lacritta, and Tomoyo passionately discussing something. Though their gazes didn't leave me. Maybe they're also excited to see my new equipment? 

Soon after that, Phyllis-sensei arrived with 6 other teachers in tow, marking the beginning of our classes.

"Oh, new equipment, Zephyr-kun? They looks good on you~."

"Thank you, Phyllis-sensei!"

I didn't expect to be complimented by Phyllis-senpai. I was so glad to have them!

Then Ladvena-sensei coughed slightly to bring everyone's attention to her as she took the helm, explaining the details of our today's lesson.

"Today, we will begin with practice matches. The matches would be one-on-one before gradually moving on to group matches. Make sure to give your all, and do not fear for injury. We've «Doctor» Citrus-sensei with us, she will patch you up even if you can't fight anymore."

No way we're going down though! We just had to win all the matches.

Putting aside my inward thoughts, I glanced at the teacher in white coat. She must be the school nurse. So young.

I had heard about her. She was a polite and caring person, and a master of her craft. Apparently hundreds of students were brought to her daily, having been incapacitated to fight in the dungeon. She had also saved many who're nearly hanging by the thread for their life. Couple her young age with gentle care, and you'd have a long line of admirers from students of noble ranks. You'd find her name everywhere, whether it was from dorm mothers, or the noble students. 

At her introduction, I could feel excitement among students—boys to be precise reaching another level. 

Well, I myself was seeing her for the first time since I never needed to visit the infirmary. However, Hannah had often been in her care, so I happened to hear those rumours. 

"The opening match will be between Class-2 and Class-3. Take your place by Phyllis-sensei when your name is called. —The first contestants are Adi from Class-2 and Naivis from Class-3."

Hmm? A match between fellow «Bearkin»?