Chapter 9

In the morning, the last class of the day began.

After the first-year students changed into their gym uniforms and went out to the field, they lined up in front of me.

“Alright… let’s start the practical class.”

This is the fourth period, a practical class.

For me, who was hired as an instructor, this is my first class. Since it’s my first day, I’m only in charge of this class today.

“First, let’s start with the basics.”

“Instructor, we’ve already learned the basics. What we want to learn in this class are practical skills that can be used in exploration.”

Smelk spoke sharply.

Era-san said, “The students are all serious,” but it’s a bit tricky to determine whether to consider this as seriousness or a lack of humility.

“Alright, alright. First, let’s check if you have the minimum knowledge.”

A few students clearly pouted, but I want to know as much as possible about the level of knowledge and skills the students possess.

“Answer in order, starting from the front. …First, what is a dungeon?”

“It’s a nest of monsters. Generally, it’s a large underground space, but it can also have various structures like towers or temples.”

The first student answered.

“Then, what are monsters?”

“They are elemental beings that spawn within dungeons. They can also come out and attack people. Additionally, monsters are classified into six ranks from E to S.”

The second student answered.

This is the most basic of basics. I expected they could answer this much.

“Then, explain elements.”

The shy girl, Haru, answered this question.

“E-Elements are a type of energy that exists in this world and are said to form dungeons and monsters. There are seven attributes: fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, light, and darkness. Humans can also use this power.”

“Right.”

Nodding, Haru looked relieved.

“Humans can store and use elements in their bodies, just like monsters. …The maximum amount of elements that can be stored is called the internal element level, which can be increased mainly by defeating monsters.”

When humans defeat monsters, they can absorb the elements the monsters possess, and the maximum storage capacity also increases.

Weak monsters have fewer elements, so defeating them results in minimal growth. Conversely, defeating strong monsters can significantly boost one’s level, but this comes with the risk of losing one’s life.

“The internal element level is a measure of an explorer’s strength. In short, the higher this level, the stronger the explorer, and it proves that they have defeated many formidable enemies. …By the way, there is another way to increase the internal element level besides defeating monsters. Do you know what it is?”

I looked at the girl sitting behind Haru, Shaha, and asked.

“Yes! By destroying a dungeon!!”

I nodded in response to her answer.

“Correct. At the deepest part of a dungeon, there is a core. By destroying this core, you can stop the dungeon’s functions. At that time, the person who destroys the core absorbs all the elements within the dungeon. …It’s not for nothing that dungeons are called monster nests. Destroying a dungeon allows you to obtain an overwhelming amount of elements.”

“But Instructor! Destroying a dungeon is super difficult, right!?”

“Yeah. To reach the deepest part of a dungeon, you have to overcome not only monsters but also harsh terrains and environments. …If you only consider leveling up, it’s much simpler and easier to just keep defeating monsters.”

After explaining this, I stroked my chin and said, “Hmm.”

“…You all have more knowledge than I thought.”

“This is normal, Instructor!!”

“I see. …When I was in training, these classes were quite sloppy, and everyone’s knowledge of elements was pretty casual. …That’s why I struggled.”

I wasn’t taught that dungeons have cores or that destroying a core can yield a massive amount of elements. …Well, explorers who reach the core of a dungeon are rare, so the training school probably didn’t expect it.

“If you’ve studied this much, I think you also know this… The use of elements can be broadly divided into two types: direct manipulation, which affects objects you touch, and remote manipulation, which affects distant objects. Those who use direct manipulation are called element channelers, and those who use remote manipulation are called element users.”

The students nodded vigorously, as if to say, “We know this already, so let’s move on with the class.” …Well, if they have this much knowledge, it’s fine.

“Then, let’s move on to using actual techniques. Separate into element channelers and element users.”

As I gave the instruction, the students divided into two groups.

“First, I want to see the skills of the element channelers. Can each of you perform the ‘Element Envelopment’?”

When I asked the group of element channelers, they all nodded.

‘Element Envelopment’ is a technique that wraps the body in elements like armor, significantly enhancing physical abilities. It is the most basic and important technique for element channelers and is always active during close combat.

“Then, perform the ‘Element Envelopment.’”

As I said this, the students activated the ‘Element Envelopment.’ Some enveloped their bodies in flames, while others enveloped themselves in wind.

“Hey, Smelk. Let’s shock Instructor Leck.”

“…Sure. Let’s do it.”

The two students at the front, Ray and Smelk, exchanged glances and smiled smugly. They followed the other students and refined their internal elements to activate the ‘Element Envelopment.’

“On the count of three!”

“Ha—!”

Immediately after, I opened my eyes wide at the sight.

What they activated was not just the ‘Element Envelopment.’

Ray used both fire and earth, while Smelk used both water and wind. They demonstrated the ‘Element Envelopment’ by combining two types of elements.

“This is… ”

· Term Review

Element Channeler: Skilled in direct attacks like punching and kicking, similar to a warrior.

Element User: Uses a variety of techniques from a distance, similar to a mage.