The Water Magician

"Well then, let's toast to the completion of Ryo and Amon's lecture!"

In the cafeteria attached to the Guild, a celebration was being held by the four from Dormitory Room 10.

That said, the cafeteria did not serve alcohol, and bringing any in was prohibited.

Moreover, Amon was still underage, so he couldn't drink alcohol anyway.

Thus, all four of them had juice.

Nils and Ryo had Rindo juice, which was like apple juice, while Eto and Amon had orange juice.

Both were good for the body, making them quite popular among adventurers of both genders.

"Still, to think you both hunted a soldier ant in your first dungeon exploration during the lecture observation... impressive, you two!"

Eto said with a smile.

"No, I only delivered the finishing blow, thanks to Ryo-san stopping its movements," Amon said, shyly holding a piece of chicken that looked like Bandit-style Grilled Chicken.

"Amon was able to take it down because he properly used his blade, so there's no need to be modest," Ryo praised Amon while eating what seemed to be beef steak.

"Well, either way, it's good that we managed to collect some magic stones," Nils said, holding a chicken leg in each hand and laughing heartily.

The Guild cafeteria's food was delicious.

And the portions were generous.

Not only adventurers, but also residents of the City of Run could use the facility, but since most users were adventurers, the basic portion sizes were large.

"Our party has the next couple of days off, but what about you two?" Eto asked Ryo and Amon while finishing their meals and sipping on refilled juice.

Today was Friday night. Nils and his party had time off on the weekends.

"I'd like to dive into a dungeon a bit... but alone might be a bit... Should I look for a random party?" Amon was enthusiastic, not wanting to forget the feeling he had today.

"Amon, you're motivated! That's how a frontliner should be!" Nils seemed to take an interest in Amon, who was like an apprentice swordsman.

"I understand your feelings, but random parties can be hit or miss..." Eto advised against forming a party with strangers.

"Then, why not dive with me? I was thinking of checking out the third layer or so," Ryo suggested.

"Really? Please, I'd love to!" Amon eagerly accepted Ryo's proposal.

"By the way, I’m curious about the ants we saw in the first layer," Ryo said.

"Ah, right. The first layer is supposed to be bats, after all. Speaking of which, didn’t we encounter soldier ants in the first layer once?" Nils chimed in.

"Yes, we did. When I asked the Guild, they mentioned there have been some reports of soldier ant encounters in the first and second layers over the past six months," Eto seemed to have confirmed this with the Guild.

"Why are there ants where they shouldn't be?" Amon wondered.

"That's because the ants have been digging vertical holes up to the first layer," a sudden voice interjected.

Nils, Eto, and Amon were surprised and turned toward the voice.

"Abel, it's not admirable for a veteran to harass newcomers," Ryo said, unfazed since he had sensed Abel approaching.

"Harass? I merely gave a precise answer to the newbie's question," Abel sighed with a stern face.

"You guys are Ryo's roommates, right? I'm Abel. Ryo isn't bad in terms of strength, but he has some personality issues, so please look out for him," Abel explained.

"Abel, I'm up for a fight if you want!" Ryo challenged back, but he was merely bantering.

"Ah, Abel... the Abel of the red sword, right? I'm Nils, a swordsman. I'm still a f-rank adventurer just starting out in Run, but I admire you! If possible, could I have a handshake?" Nils, who was nervously tense, stood up and introduced himself to Abel with a stiff posture.

"Sure," Abel replied and shook Nils's hand.

"Do your best. But remember, don't push yourself too hard. Surviving is the most important thing for adventurers, especially in dungeons," Abel said, effortlessly making such remarks and shaking hands, which was likely why he was so popular.

"By the way, why are you here at the Guild at this hour, Abel?" Ryo asked, noting that it was nearly eight o'clock.