Traveling through the game world, starting out as a third-rate villain

In some ways, Acadia Hunter College operates much like a university.

Students will take some elective courses based on their major, but the class times are slightly random and not all courses are held at the same time.

But that was after the second semester, because in the first semester everyone needed to take basic courses in various jobs related to hunters.

Eleanor White had just finished her "Basic Fighting Techniques" class as the first class of the day.

Normally, the next class is empty and there are other classes this afternoon. But this time is different, because today we will start the real college life.

“Please don’t leave the classroom.”

Suddenly signaling the students to leave, Eleanor tapped the table to get everyone's attention.

"As everyone knows, we have completed the first month of courses. Therefore, starting from this week, you will participate in random dungeon exploration practice activities." Instructor White's announcement attracted the attention of all students.

The classroom was buzzing with excitement as some students exchanged glances with their friends. The practical dungeon exploration was the highlight of their training, a chance to test their knowledge and skills in a real-life scenario.

In a sense, the one-month wait makes sense, because most of the students who enter the academy are novices who have never seen any type of dungeon. Therefore, they need to be educated and understand the situation before they can take risks.

Looking at their happy faces, I couldn't help but shake my head.

"I wonder what your expressions will be when you see the monsters in the dungeon." I thought to myself. People who always fantasize about being the protagonist are living in fantasy. When reality comes, it will be a big blow.

This actual dungeon exploration is actually the first lesson the academy teaches them, allowing them to understand the cruelty of the real world.

"During these expeditions, you will be divided into different groups based on your level. You will venture into a variety of dungeons, each with its own unique challenges and monsters. The goal is to assess your adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in real combat situations."

She paused to let the significance of the upcoming experience sink in, then continued, "Remember, dungeons can be dangerous, and safety is of utmost importance. Be sure to follow the leader's instructions and cooperate with your teammates. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences."

The students nodded, but at the same time I saw the relaxed expressions on their faces. They all thought it was easy.

After that, she gestured to the blackboard behind her. "The dungeon you are about to explore is an artificial dungeon of the academy. Therefore, you will not be fatally injured. But this does not mean that you will not feel any pain."

She pointed at the camera, and saw a student being blown away by the monster, blood gushing from his chest.

"Just like there, if it is determined that you have been mortally wounded, your course will end. Do you understand?"

A hearty "yes" filled the room, and seeing this, Eleanor smiled.

"The message should have been sent to your bracelets by now," Professor White said, her voice commanding full attention. "This message contains all the necessary information for your first dungeon exploration, including your team's mission, the monsters you will hunt, and the specific goals you need to complete."

She paused, and the students checked their wristbands. Everyone had received a notification. I glanced at mine and saw the message with the details of our group’s exploration.

Professor White continued, "After reviewing the information, gather your team members and head to the entrance of the artificial dungeon. Your team leader will be responsible for guiding your group throughout the exploration. Follow their instructions and work together as a team."

"The dungeon will be monitored by examiners, who will intervene if they detect any potential risk to your safety. I must stress, however, that your performance will be assessed on your ability to handle the situation on your own, so rely on your teamwork and skills."

"Now, form your teams and head to the entrance of the artificial dungeon. Your adventure awaits, and I want you to give it your all."

As the students began to organize into their teams, I saw the main characters gathered together. Ethan, Victor, Julia, Lucas, Irina, and Alice. They seemed full of confidence and ready to face whatever was ahead.

This was to be expected, as they were different from ordinary students, and they almost all frequently entered the dungeon. Even Ethan had been to the dungeon once.

I turned my eyes to my bracelet, opened the message, and saw my team.

————

Irina Phoenix – Student Ranking 3

George Harvey – Student Ranking 135

Nora Berry – Student ranking 521

Morse Scott – Student Ranking 2450

————

Looking at my team, I turned my gaze to the girl who was smiling at Victor. It was obvious that she had not checked her team yet.

"well......"

The first person on the team list is the captain, and our captain is Irina. She was one of the most troublesome people at the beginning of the game, and I believe she is still the same now.

The other two people in our team were also characters I knew, but they were minor characters. If you haven't played this side quest or the story game, you may not even know their names.

George Harvey is a tank character who is in the front row. His primary weapon is an axe, and his trait "Earth Guardian" makes him a good tank, and he can use earth-based abilities to protect himself.

There is also Nora Berry. She is a girl who mainly uses swords, mainly focusing on strength. Because she has good talent in swords, her ranking will continue to rise and she will have some fame in the later stages of the game. Even now, her level is not too bad, and her strength is at a high level.

But looking at the team as a whole, it's pretty balanced. A tank, a vanguard, a mage, and a support. Since I'm a dagger user, I usually play as a scout.

Just as I was thinking about the students' questions, I felt a stinging gaze behind me. I turned my head and saw a pair of bright yellow eyes looking at me with anger.

It was only for a moment, though, because after that, Irina looked away from me.

Seeing that two other people had gathered in the corner of the classroom and were walking towards where Irina was standing, I walked over too.

As the team gathered around Irina, she smiled at the two.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Irina." Nora's tone was a little stiff. She came from a middle-class family and she was a little afraid of Irina. Although she was usually a very lively girl, she was still very cautious.

"Don't be so stiff. Nora, right? You can chat with me casually." Irina was not a person who liked to be reserved. When she smiled at Nora, her fiery red hair swayed.

"Ah... Thank you. I'll call you Irina then."

"George, right? I remember you during the entrance exam. Weren't you the one who wrapped yourself in dirt?" Nora immediately smiled and turned her gaze to the burly boy next to her.

"Ah... I'm embarrassed now." George looks clumsy and scary, but he is actually a soft-hearted person and doesn't know how to communicate with others.

"By the way, where's Morse..." Just as Nora was about to turn her gaze to me, Irina suddenly interrupted.

"We should head to the entrance now," Irina announced in a cheerful tone, completely ignoring my presence.

Nora and George seemed to have accepted her sudden change of subject without question, and they followed her without a second thought. To them, I was as invisible as a human. Although I could see Nora glance in my direction, she could do nothing about it.

Thanks to my heightened senses, I could hear the conversation between them.

"So, George, what are your combat specialties?" Irina asked with an excited tone.

"I'm the Earth Guardian." Gregor answered shyly, overwhelmed by Irina's attention to him. "I'm good at using earth magic to defend and protect my teammates. With the characteristics of the Earth Guardian, I can create a barrier and absorb incoming attacks."

"Not bad, we have a tank!" Irina exclaimed, patting Gregor on the back encouragingly. "What about you, Nora? What is your combat specialty?"

Nora smiled and straightened her posture confidently. "I'm a swordsman. I focus on strength and accuracy, and aim to deliver a critical blow in close combat. My level may not be high yet, but I'm confident that I can prove myself in dungeon crawling!"

"That's the spirit!" Irina cheered and gave Nora a thumbs up. "With your swordsmanship and George's defense, our front row is very strong."

Irina likes people who are confident, but at the same time she doesn't like people who brag all the time. For her, this is what determines a person's character.

They walked on, completely ignoring me, which was to be expected. After all, that was Irina's way of being. She liked competent people, and liked to show that she was an elite in order to impress Victor.

Even now, I could see her occasionally casting glances toward Victor, though the man took no notice of her at all.

"It's a pity that your humble love has not received any response." I thought to myself, because in the game, Victor never stopped pursuing Julia until the very end of the game.

When we came to the entrance of the artificial dungeon, an imposing stone building appeared in front of us. This huge building imitated the dungeons in the outside world, but its purpose was to provide students with a safer training ground.

Everyone was armed. My dagger was on my belt. After thinking for a while, I decided that it would be more appropriate for me to use two daggers. So, I took another one on the training ground as required.

Irina stood up, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Okay, let's go."

Nora and George nodded eagerly, ready to take on the challenge, but Irina didn't even glance in my direction, as if she had completely forgotten I existed.

And so they passed through the gate that would lead us into the artificial dungeon of the academy.