Authorities acted swiftly, dispatching a small team while the adventurer guild reached out to some of its seasoned veterans. Though such events were rare, a few experienced adventurers answered the call and made their way to our school.
_Meanwhile at Our School..._
"Attention, students. The front gate will be closed for a while, so everyone must use the back gate until the situation is under control," came the announcement over the PA system.
As we sat in our classroom, our teachers began outlining new safety protocols. The room buzzed with chatter about the dungeon, but my eyes were glued to the window, watching the adventurers who had gathered outside.
"Quiet down, everyone," our teacher instructed.
Pointing to the commotion outside, she said, "Listen up, kids. There's no need for any of you to get involved. Let the professionals handle it."
Here we go again, I thought. Well, she wasn’t wrong. Dungeons were almost unheard of in our city. People were still on edge from the last monster invasion, but dungeon formations had dwindled to nearly zero worldwide. The remaining monsters were efficiently dealt with using new magical weapons. With fewer threats and advanced technology, most people saw no point in adventuring anymore.
"But it's still a good hobby," I muttered under my breath.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Did you say something, Ray?" Kei asked.
"Ah... nothing. I was just thinking about heading home early today," I replied.
"I know what you mean. I don't feel like studying after all this. Let's skip the second half; we’ve got enough attendance anyway."
As Kei smiled, I realized he had also lost interest in adventuring and fighting monsters. I couldn’t blame him—there was hardly any action left for us. But my reason for leaving early was different.
"I can’t miss this opportunity..."
_School Bell Rings..._
During lunch break, while everyone else was busy eating, Kei and I decided to head home. I approached our class rep to let her know.
"Keith, we won't be in for the second half. If the teacher asks, tell him we had an emergency. We’ll handle it later."
Looking concerned, she replied, "But we have an important class. Your attendance might suffer, and that could be a problem during finals."
"Don’t worry. I’ll get the notes from you later. We still have around 90% attendance," I assured her as I left the classroom with Kei.
I understood her worry as the class representative, but I think I could catch up on my studies. Missing this chance, though, was something I couldn't afford.
Kei and I walked home together. As we neared our neighborhood, I turned to Kei with a request.
"Kei, can you do me a favor?"
Convincing Grandpa and Dad might be easy, but Mom would be worried and furious if I told her I was going to register as an adventurer.
"Don't tell me..." Kei said, piecing it together.
Looking him in the eye, I said, "We’re friends, right? Help me out this time. Just say I'm with you playing games if someone asks."
Kei’s nervous expression betrayed his anxiety, but I hoped he’d come through. I just needed to sneak out with the sword I use to practice with—a sturdy blade that Grandpa had given me after teaching me a few moves. I think that's enough for now.
"It's time for adventuring now!"