DanKatsu Volume 5, Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Guided to the New Class and The New Students

At the Dungeon Academy, students are sorted into classes according to their Department and Division, where, under their teachers’ guidance, they hone their skills in their chosen Job and strive toward the path they will follow.

One of the places where this important class assignment is carried out is right here: the building dedicated to the Combat Division, known as the "Combat Building No. 3."

This Combat Building No. 3 is primarily where the first-year students of the Dungeon Exploration Department: Combat Division belong. Other Divisions within the Exploration Department, such as the Gathering Division, Survey Division, or Trap Removal Division, are each assigned to separate school buildings.

With a total of over 20,000 students enrolled across all grades, this is less "class sorting" and more like "academy-level population sorting."

Arriving at the building slightly later than intended, I found the place absolutely packed with students.

Since this world relies heavily on dungeon resources, there are a huge number of students enrolled in the Dungeon Exploration Department: Combat Division. In fact, it’s the most popular selection of all; nearly sixty percent of the entire student body chooses the Combat Division.

Which means the number of students gathered here is ridiculous. And naturally, the school building itself is ridiculously large as well.

Alright… I’m definitely running late. Looks like it’s going to be quite a while before they get to my turn.

What should I do?

While I was staring at the crowd with a mildly troubled expression, someone called out to me.

It was Celestan, my attendant and butler. Apparently, he was waiting for me.

"Good morning, Lord Zephyrus."

"…Celestan! Morning. Honestly, I almost didn’t recognize you for a second. That uniform is too refreshing a sight."

Celestan was wearing the Dungeon Academy’s standard uniform: a white blazer and navy trousers.

Since he usually wears a perfectly tailored black butler outfit, it felt a little strange. It still suited him, though.

"You look excellent in uniform yourself, Lord Zephyrus."

"Thanks. And you look good too. Speaking of which, Celestan, you’re also in the Combat Division, right? I figured being a butler, you might choose a different one."

"I am your attendant, my lord, and a combat-capable butler as well."

He didn’t seem to be forcing himself to follow me. Considering his Job as a 【Butler】, he could have easily joined another Division, but if he says this is what he wants, then that’s fine.

"And, Lord Zephyrus, please come this way. Your class has already been decided — I’ll guide you."

"You work fast, Celestan!?"

Thanks to him, it seemed I wouldn’t have to line up in that chaos. As expected of Celestan, always reliable.

Apparently, since we obtained our Jobs early, the teachers’ verification process was mostly waived for us. The huge crowd outside was mostly made up of students who only obtained their Jobs yesterday or recently; they still didn’t have their class assignments. No wonder the difference.

Following Celestan, I entered the building.

"By the way, where are the others?"

"Yes. Miss Shizu and Lady Ester went ahead with the others to the classroom. Lord Zephyrus, you are the last one."

Looks like I’m the final arrival. It’s that thing — Guild Master privilege. It’s not being late.

Hanna just made a tiny fuss, that’s all. No need to mention that, though — I improvised:

"Ah~… I ran into a slight issue on the way here."

"Oya, are you alright?"

"Yeah. Probably. No problem."

Honestly, I’m curious myself whether everything is fine, but I’ll gloss over it for now.

Better to change the subject — I asked about what had been on my mind.

"So, can you tell me which classes the others joined? Aside from Hanna, everyone requested the Combat Division, right?"

"Yes. Everyone is in Combat Division, First-Year Class 1."

"Oh, that’s great."

Everyone in <Eden>, aside from Hanna, wished for the Dungeon Exploration Department: Combat Division — and those requests were accepted. Even better, we were all placed in the same class. A very fine start.

Class assignments are determined by Job type, Job Level, and results. Class 1 is reserved for the highest-ranking students in terms of level and capability. Very merit-based. Though this applies only to first-years who don’t yet have academic performance records, class assignments change for the second year and beyond are a little different.

Since everyone in <Eden> is at Job Level 30 or higher and has cleared a Beginner Mid-tier dungeon, it was only natural that we all got into Class 1. Yes, I aimed for that. Sorry, Hanna.

"We have arrived. This is Class 1."

"Thanks for guiding me."

And so, I arrived at the classroom.

There it was, a classroom I definitely recognized. Just like the one from the game.

A wave of emotion hit me, and my head started filling with dreams about my new school life.

Celestan elegantly opened the door for me, so I straightened my back and walked in like I owned the place.

"Ah, Zephyrus is here! You’re late!"

"Morning, Zephyrus."

The first to greet me were Lana and Kalua.

Their voices drew everyone’s attention my way.

There were about fifteen people in the room. Take me and Celestan out of that, and nine belonged to <Eden>. The other five were walking mountains of muscle; even their uniforms couldn’t hide it, the members of <The Machos>. And then there was one girl I didn’t recognize.

A small commotion rippled through the class. Mostly from <The Machos>.

"Hmph, so that’s the 【Hero】."

"His body is slim, but he’s got some muscle."

"Yeah. He’s trained."

"I wondered what kind of guy he was, but he might actually be cool to talk to."

"Let’s invite him to a muscle talk session later."

…Hey. I can hear you. And what the hell is a muscle talk session? I’m not joining. Absolutely not.

Looks like the class assignments aren’t fully finalized yet; only about half the spots are filled.

Well, they are choosing the top students among the first-years, so the academy’s being careful.

Though I still don’t get why 【Muscle Warriors】 made it into Class 1… But apparently, 【Muscle Warrior】 is considered a top-tier job in this world, so whatever.

Also, rumor has it these guys have crazy high levels from nonstop training. Just recently, a party of five 【Muscle Warriors】 finally defeated <Debubu> and fully cleared the <Ghost Cave Dungeon>. I heard they were all 【Muscle Warriors Lv.35】. Honestly, my head spun when I heard that. How much do these guys train!?

Well, anyway, high levels + two Beginner Mid-tier dungeons cleared = welcome to Class 1.

I intentionally diverted my eyes away from the muscle brigade and headed over to the <Eden> crew.

Time to chill and chat while the rest of the students show up.

And no, I’m still not participating in any muscle talk, okay?

I thought we’d have to wait all day for class assignments to finish, but surprisingly, a teacher showed up pretty quickly. And even better, someone I knew.

Apparently, she’s giving us a campus tour.

Makes sense. Leaving us stuck in a room until class assignments finish would be a waste of time. Once most of the class is here, the tour begins. They’re splitting groups because having everyone walk around at once would be too much.

Which means we’re the first group. We might even get off early. Hell yeah!

"I’m Phyllis, and I’ll be in charge of your class starting today. Feel free to call me Professor Phyllis."

Our guide was none other than Professor Phyllis. Nice surprise, and turns out she’s also our homeroom teacher.

A beautiful 19-year-old as a homeroom teacher? Hell yeah!! (x2)

Later, I heard that the assistant teachers would be Professor Radavena, the <Blazing Radavena>, and Professor Mukai, the one from our E-Rank Guild exam. Guess the academy wants some veterans backing the class.

Normally, the roles of homeroom teacher and assistant teachers would be reversed, but I’m sure they have their reasons.

Come to think of it, Class 1 has a bunch of noble ladies, starting with the princess herself. Professor Phyllis is Rika’s older sister and the eldest daughter of a marquis family. So I guess there are political reasons behind her becoming our homeroom teacher.

As for me? Having Professor Phyllis as a homeroom teacher is a total win.

After that, the 17 of us in the first group toured the main areas of the academy together with her.

Since arriving in the real <DanKatsu> world, I’ve basically been stuck in dungeons the whole time, so this was actually my first time seeing the academy properly. It brought back all the excitement I felt when I first came here.

By the time we finished the tour, it was already lunchtime. Even focusing only on important places, the academy was huge.

There was a moment when <The Machos> surrounded me and tried to talk about the best protein drinks sold at the school store. I panicked and pretended not to understand by saying, "I no speak muscle language."

Total lie.

Celestan actually bailed me out. I’m seriously blessed to have such a capable butler.

After lunch, all students in the Dungeon Exploration Department: Combat Division gathered in the Combat Building No.3 training field for the opening ceremony.

Opening ceremony, entrance ceremony… I dunno. Timing is weird, so they probably mashed the two together.

Combat Building No.3 is for first-years only, so everyone here is in our class year.

Students from every class were lined up inside the spacious Training Grounds. Looks like the class assignments were finished while we were on the tour.

Teachers, seriously… great work.

Then the headmaster came up to the podium and gave a short speech. Since he has to greet every Department, he gave us some quick words of encouragement and immediately left. The principal looks busy.

The representative greeting for the Combat Division’s entrance–opening ceremony was done by Lana. Well, that’s only natural. She’s a princess after all. And she's Level 50.

"We are entrusted with a very important duty — supplying resources to the world. Let us learn the knowledge and techniques needed for that role from the academy, from the teachers, and from our seniors, and make them our strength. And—"

For a moment, I genuinely doubted whether that was really Lana speaking.

On the stage, Lana was wrapped in such a noble aura that her usual innocent playfulness was nowhere to be seen. If someone saw only this scene, no one would doubt that Lana is a princess.… Well, except me. I did doubt.

Yesterday, she looked really busy after going home, so this was the reason. I nodded to myself, satisfied.

With that, the ceremony wrapped up, and we were done for the day… at least the first group was.

The second group was apparently doing their campus tour now. We waved off the thirteen boys and girls who were being dragged away. Good luck, second group. We’ll head home first. See you tomorrow in class.

"Afuuhh, I’m exhausted~."

"Lady Lana, thank you for your hard work."

"Lady Lana, here is your lemon tea. Please be careful, it is hot."

"Lady Lana, I’ll place the cakes here. Help yourself whenever you like."

"It's not so bad."

"What the heck is this?"

Instead of going straight home, the eleven members of <Eden> headed to the guild room — can’t waste a good day. But Lana, who had been on full alert for the representative speech, instantly flopped on top of the table like a melted slime. The other three attendants, excluding Pamela, rushed to Lana's side to provide immediate healing.

Ester gently roused her while offering comforting words, Celestan brewed tea, and Shizu set up a serving tower.

…Wait, Shizu. Where did you even get that cake-buffet-tier serving stand?

Just what do these attendants’ <Item Bags> have inside them? I kinda want to peek.

While I was thinking that, the noble tea time setup was already complete. That was fast.

Seeing the scene, Kalua’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Lana.

"That looks tasty. Can I have some too?"

"Of course, Kalua. Everyone, let’s eat together, okay?"

Thanks to Lana’s invitation, we all joined in.

As expected, Celestan’s tea was amazing. When someone has 『Tea Making』 as a skill, the drinks and food items they make are on a different level. I’m definitely going on a cooking-item tour someday.

Everyone but Celestan and Shizu took a seat, and tea time began.

Lana raised her cup to her lips with refined, royal grace and let out a sigh.

"Fuu… But really, I’m exhausted. Doing things I’m not used to is such a pain."

"Still, Lady Lana, you’ll need to get used to it a bit more."

The representative speech must have worn her out. Ester, usually the one who spoils Lana, was surprisingly strict.

"Muu… I need healing. More healing. Kalua, bring the <Lucky Cat-sama> here."

"Mm. Okay."

"Hold it right there, she’s not going anywhere!?"

Lana suddenly demanded something outrageous in search of comfort, so I quickly stopped Kalua before she could stand up.

I sat her back down and volunteered myself as the retrieval unit.

"Here you go. A healing-type plushie — Mr. Pegasus."

"This is NOT the <Lucky Cat-sama>!"

Well, yeah, it’s just a normal plushie Sierra bought for Lulu. My hands will guard the <Lucky Cat-sama> from corrupt influence!

"I’m back~."

"Oh, Hanna! Welcome back! Come have tea with us! Shizu, please get Hanna’s set ready. Celestan, grab a chair."

"Leave it to me."

"Right away."

Hanna arrived at the guild at the perfect timing.

And just like that, Lana’s attention shifted elsewhere.

While Shizu was preparing tea, Celestan gracefully pulled out a chair for Hanna. Wow… that movement was so smooth. I wanna learn how to do that.

"Please, Lady Hanna, right here."

"Uuhh~… thank you very much~…"

Hanna plopped into the seat the moment Celestan guided her into it.

But something was off. The usually tireless Hanna had the same melted vibe as Lana earlier.

"What’s wrong, Hanna? You look super worn out."

"That’s right… listen, Zephyrus-kun~"

As I listened to her weak little voice, I learned that Hanna the Prodigy had become insanely popular in the Dungeon Production Department.

She’s smart, cute, approachable — the kind of person everyone wants to talk to. She said she was surrounded nonstop and showered with praise. And everyone kept asking her endless questions about her relationship with the 【Hero】 (me).

It feels like she's experiencing her youth to the fullest.

"So you’re popular now, huh? That’s great, isn’t it?"

"It’s good but… also not good~. Their gazes were so full of respect I thought I was gonna melt…"

And on top of that, she was the representative speaker for the Dungeon Production first-years at the entrance ceremony. Her "mental capacity bar" apparently got maxed out all in one day.

Sounds like she’s stepping firmly onto the "big-sis personality" route.

…Though with tiny Hanna, the onee-sama archetype is a bit of a stretch.

For now, I offer head-pat therapy. She gets healed by these, after all.

"E-Ehehe~"

"Ah! I’m jealous, Hanna! Zephyrus, do that for me, too!"

"Sure, I don’t mind— WAIT, why are you holding the <Lucky Cat-sama>!?"

"You didn’t bring it to me, so I went and got it myself."

"You could’ve given up on that, you know!?"

Turn your eyes away for a second, and this princess has already committed her crime.

"Oh come on, let me have a little! Hanna, let’s get healed together~."

Thanks to the <Lucky Cat-sama>, both Lana and Hanna recovered their energy.

Sorry, <Lucky Cat-sama>, you suffer so much…

◆

The day after class assignments, classes officially begin today.

Combat Division classes are divided into three groups: General, Combat, and Electives.

Dungeon Academy’s curriculum differs by Department and Division, and since we’re in the Combat Division, we have a heavy focus on battle-related classes in addition to general subjects.

General Classes required subjects:

Language, Math, and History.

Everything else is elective, allowing students to develop their skills in areas they wish to pursue.

Combat Classes required subjects:

Dungeon Exploration, Job Studies, Party Coordination, and Specialty.

These are taught in both lectures and practical sessions.

If there’s anything else you want to learn, you pick it as an elective.

The Elective classes are taken together with students from other Departments, without any division by Department. You can freely choose whichever subjects you want to study.

Even if you belong to the Combat Division, you can study production skills or business, and pick up abilities that will help you become whatever you want in the future. You could say it’s a very important set of classes for developing your individuality.

It’s also a chance to meet classmates from different departments.

That’s what the beautiful new teacher, Professor Phyllis, explained from the front of the classroom.

"We’ll be handing out the timetables and elective class pamphlets after this. First-year elective classes will start next Friday, so please choose your desired subjects and submit them to me."

Right now, we are in the morning long homeroom period, while Professor Phyllis explained all the details of school life.

Meanwhile, <Blazing Radavena>, our other teacher, was sitting by the windowside, observing Professor Phyllis and how the students were behaving.

Maybe that was why everyone seemed a little restless.

Well, it is the first official day of our academy life after all, so it’s only natural that everyone’s a bit excited.

"That’s all. Any questions? If not, let’s move on to self-introductions one by one."

With that, Professor Phyllis asked the row of boys seated along the hallway side to start introducing themselves. I’m sitting in the very back seat on that hallway side, with four people in front of me — so I’m the fifth.

Hmm. Self-introductions, huh? Guess this part isn’t all that different from a Japanese school.

The boy at the head of the row slowly stood up, turned toward the rest of the class, and began introducing himself.

"I am Saturn, the 【Great Mage】. You should feel honored, for I will be the one leading this class."

Well… the content of his introduction wasn’t exactly normal. Then the second boy stood up.

"Heh, the guy before me lacks refinement, didn't he? I am Jiron, the 【Great Swordman】. Clearly, I am the one most suited to lead this class. A pleasure to meet you all."

Then the third boy stood up.

"Oi, oi, hold up. I’m Toma, the 【Great War Axeman】. There ain’t anyone more qualified than me to lead this class."

And then the fourth boy stood up.

"Hmph. Don’t you dare forget about me. I am Herc, the 【Great Warrior】. I should be the one charging forward at the head of this class."

…Why are these guys trying to one-up each other during self-introductions?

Also, that last guy claiming "don’t forget about me"—who even is he? I don’t know him at all.

Watching the boys glare at each other, I couldn’t help scratching my head.

In the game <DanKatsu>, all the class stuff was just skipped, so I seriously have no idea if this is normal or not.

Maybe that’s just how things go here?

Well, hey—my thirst for knowledge about real-life <DanKatsu> continues to grow.

But then, someone stepped in to speak out. Our dependable princess—Lana.

Sitting near the center of the classroom, she suddenly stood, one hand boldly on her hip.

"Hey, you four—cut it out already! Comparing yourselves like a bunch of acorns lined up in a row, it’s completely pointless!"

"W-what did you say!?"

"Heh. Amusing. Are you claiming there exists someone in this class superior to me?"

The 【Great Mage】 and 【Great Swordman】 both reacted way too strongly to Lana’s words.

Why are these guys so confident? Oh—Lana just turned toward me.

She tilted her chin up, giving me that look—like, Go on. Say it.

Eh? You want me to speak up in this atmosphere? Right now?

…Actually, this is kinda fun. Alright, fine—let’s do this.

"If you’re all that confident, then why don’t you tell us your Levels?"

"Nugh."

"You! You’re the 【Hero】!"

From my spot at the back of the hallway-side row, I stood and spoke. The 【Great War Axeman】 and 【Great Warrior】 immediately turned toward me. I haven’t introduced myself yet, but they clearly know who I am.

Sorry, 【Great Warrior】. I have absolutely no idea who you are.

"This academy is based on merit. You understand what that means, right?"

The four seemed to calm down the moment they understood my implication. They acted as if they were certain they would be above me.

Huh? No way that’s true. I mean—I’m the same Level as Lana, who gave the entrance ceremony speech.

As I was thinking that, the 【Great Mage】, Saturn, boldly stepped forward and declared—

"Hou? Very well. But if the 【Hero】 ends up being below me, be prepared for the consequences befitting that status. Hear me! I am Saturn! Saturn, the 【Great Mage Lv.17】!"

"That’s so low!?"

Way lower than I expected. I actually blurted it out in shock!

But apparently, I was the only one reacting like that. The other three suddenly lost their composure.

"Heh… h- how strange. That doesn’t match my calculations…"

"Seventeen!? Impossible…"

"You’re telling me someone here is above me!?"

Honestly, your reactions are what’s impossible.

Saturn glanced back at the three, confirming their state, then turned to me with smug confidence practically dripping off his face.

"Well then. How about it? Tell me your Level."

He looks ridiculously triumphant! To me, he only looks like a clown.

Ugh, what do I do?

…Is it really okay to say it?

I glance toward Lana—she gives me a radiant smile and a thumbs-up.

I’ve been given the green light. No choice now. Farewell, Saturn.

"I’m Zephyrus. My Job is 【Hero】. My Level is—50."

"…………Hm? Sorry, could you repeat that? I believe I must have misheard."

Looks like he couldn’t accept reality and chalked it up to auditory hallucination.

Fine. I’ll make sure he hears it loud and clear this time.

"I’m Zephyrus! Zephyrus the 【Hero Lv.50】!"

"W-WHAT WAS THAAAAAT!?!?"

Saturn’s scream shook the entire classroom, and a wave of murmurs spread immediately.

All eyes locked onto me as classmates whispered frantically with their neighbors.

…Feels kinda good.

Saturn’s legs were shaking like a newborn fawn. One more push.

"Oh, and by the way—everyone in our guild, <Eden>, is above Level 30, all right? Meaning over one-third of this class is over Level 30."

"W-WHAT WAS THAAAAAT!?!?"

Saturn was hit with another blow. The second, "W-WHAT WAS THAAAAAT!?!?", echoed through the classroom.

Direct hit. Saturn’s HP is definitely zero. The other three behind him, too…

"Alrighty then—let’s move on. Girls’ row, please."

Professor Phyllis calmly proceeded as if absolutely nothing had happened.

The four boys, guided back to their seats, sat down completely burned out.

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