Starting Dash

At the dungeon entrance, a start line was set up, with students from the Kirin class huddled together like pill bugs.

"Though we didn't get the position we wanted, there's still plenty of opportunity from here," Elize whispered while we jockeyed for a good start position.

"How should we handle the starting dash?"

"We'll cut through the lead group with the whirlwind spell. If we harmonize, we can make it. Otherwise, it's tough to catch up if we fall behind the top group," she explained.

I could only nod in understanding, unfamiliar with the competition.

A hush fell over us; it seemed the exploration was about to begin.

"Get ready—on your marks!"

The sound of the starting pistol echoed.

Holding hands with Elize, we chanted the whirlwind spell in unison.

It almost felt like we were a couple... no time to think about that now.

We quickly made our way to the first basement level of the dungeon.

There were three or four familiar groups of students already there, studying at their desks.

"Did we make it into the top group?"

"I'm not sure. I don't see Allegro and Sonata. Maybe we're not at the top."

"Maybe we're in the second or third group. Looks like we started late."

The slime monsters in front of us had already been defeated, and no new monsters were spawning.

It was clear we weren't far behind; the leading group was only about 30 seconds ahead.

"There's still plenty of chance left," Elize reassured me.

We continued down to the second basement level, then the third, fourth, rapidly descending.

By the time we reached the fifth basement level, we were acting independently, away from any group.

The monsters we encountered were somewhat challenging, but manageable with basic fire spells.

"What's our current ranking?"

"I checked with a spell, and we're in fifth place. The top four are clustered ahead. We need to catch up, but it's okay for now. The groups behind us aren't close. The rankings are pretty much in line with the odds."

"How do we catch up?"

Elize covered her mouth and giggled.

"What's up?"

"I'm just happy to see you're trying so hard."

Damn, she's adorable. But stay focused.

"Is this really the time to be laid back?"

"You're right. Hmm. Keeping the whirlwind spell up non-stop, that's the key to not falling behind. And if we can't make a move by the eighth basement, we'll sprint on the tenth," she strategized.

"The eighth basement floor?"

Right. That's known for its massive undead spawns.

"A new spell, you sure?"

"If it's you, Akira, I'm sure you can handle it. I guarantee it."

Can I really do it?

No, I must do it.

I'll do it and then tell Elize how I feel.