Simulated Dungeon

"Mm, I earned my C-class license last month." Caroso said calmly, "My magic power is insufficient for me to create fourth-tier cards, but with Pandora's Eye, I can create epic cards."

"But you mustn't become arrogant because of your talent." Bai smiled. "Talent only means you have the chance to reach that point. It isn't absolute."

"Thank you for the reminder, Teacher," Caroso said.

The two students in the back row looked shocked when they heard Caroso's words.

"Pandora's Eye? He can actually use a transcendent item of that level?"

"That's way too strong..."

"So this is the duke's son?"

"It's fine. I believe I'll have one someday too. My dad's already working hard."

"Alright, sit down." Bai waved her hand, signaling for the two to take their seats.

"At our academy, there are two S-class card makers: my brother and me." Bai swept her gaze over the crowd. "There aren't many S+-class card makers in the entire Alchemy Alliance, let alone S++-class card makers."

"You don't need to know too much about such powerful people yet. Above all, don't aim too high."

"You all have excellent talent, so our courses will move quickly. Over these three years, as long as you score above ninety-five in every card-maker-related subject, I can allow you to graduate early or skip grades. Even if you skip grades, you'll still remain in the S class. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me as well, but only up to the beginner level. Intermediate subjects aren't something you should be exposed to yet."

"If you need to apply for financial aid, you can come to me as well. Our country offers considerable benefits to card makers, especially S-class card makers."

"By entering this class, you have already become elites."

Damn, skipping grades?

Did Boss Caro run into Karei in the dungeon before because of skipping grades?

Skipping three grades in a row? Isn't that a little too casual?

Someone from the plot crew, explain this.

The amount of beginner-level knowledge is actually enormous. Herbalism, alchemy, mineralogy, and so on all lay their foundations during the first through third years. Graduating third year is basically equivalent to graduating high school for us.

Boss Caro might not necessarily score above ninety-five in every subject during his first year. Remember Xilok, Utopia's top student? She skipped grades in her second year with scores above ninety-five in every subject, and that's been hyped since the server opened. Even the old woman had to rely on age to keep her down.

The wildest part is that Xilok is an elf. She's already over three hundred years old—a hidden big shot from the fantasy realm.

"Right now, you only have the most basic textbooks. I believe many of you have already finished them." Bai continued, "Those are all books that can be bought on the market. Naturally, the academy's courses won't be that simple. What we'll explain later are things unavailable on the market."

"The same goes for those card-making-related subjects."

"Today, we won't be teaching any courses. The first lesson is an assessment—in other words, actual combat."

A faint smile appeared on Bai's face. "We can go to the simulated dungeon and fight. Your opponent will be me. Let me see the limits of your strength and your decks. Don't worry, just like you, I'll only use a third-tier deck and thirty points."

"The upper limit of the power I use will not exceed your current upper limit."

Soon, everyone arrived outside a building resembling a factory.

Bai opened the large iron doors, and a metallic scent rushed toward them.

Blocks of magic stones in every color shone brightly, while enormous mechanical gears lay exposed, turning one after another.

Workers dressed in overalls were everywhere. Some were repairing gears, while others were infusing magic stones with magical power.

There were hardly any students at the academy with mechanical arms or mechanical eyes, but there were quite a few here.

Soon, a trace of surprise appeared on Caroso's face. He spotted an acquaintance.

Krumen Hill was wearing work clothes as she seriously repaired something behind a gear.

Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle...

White light shone across her face, and her expression was focused and earnest.

Caroso had to admit that this girl was truly working herself to the bone. How many jobs was she doing at once?

"Alright, this is the simulated dungeon venue." Bai looked toward the deepest part of the room. Streams of energy flowed downward from the magic stones, gathered at the center, and finally formed a magic array.

"As everyone knows, dungeons are currently the greatest threat this world must face." Bai clasped her hands behind her back. "Some say dungeons are miniature versions of ancient ruins. Others say they are projections of other worlds."

"What can be confirmed is that dungeon resources are inexhaustible, making them an important channel for obtaining materials. If a raid fails, the dungeon's monsters will invade this world."

"Of course, even if they invade reality, it isn't as though we have no way to deal with them."

"Even if monsters from a ninth-tier dungeon escape, the United Nations will deal with them. It isn't our concern."

"Brother Caroso, do we really not need to worry about it..." Elena moved closer to Caroso and asked cautiously. "I heard dungeons are very dangerous..."

"Mm, they are indeed dangerous." Caroso lowered his voice. "For now, it isn't our concern."

If dungeon monsters above the seventh tier escaped, it would be a disaster for nearby cities and even some small nations.

Even Azure Wolf Province could only barely deal with a seventh-tier dungeon going out of control.

"This time, when we enter the simulated dungeon, there won't be any danger. You won't need to face any simulated monsters either. You only need to face me." Bai pointed at herself. "Alright, then let's go one at a time."

As Bai spoke, she led everyone to the edge of the magic array.

"The first one... Let's see who checked in first today." Bai casually opened a record on one of the magic stones. "Hm, first up, Adler."

"Alright!" The boy named Adler stepped forward.

Very soon, the two entered the dungeon together.

Less than three minutes later, Adler emerged with a regretful look on his face, followed by Bai. "Next..."

Another boy entered.

While they were fighting, another group arrived.

"Brother." Nimel bowed to Caroso.

"Mm." Caroso nodded.

It was the Magic Academy's S class. The Vice Principal personally taught their first lesson; he was the academy's most powerful mage.

After that, Caroso did not speak to Nimel again. The Vice Principal also led his students in one by one. This simulated dungeon could accommodate more than one battle at the same time.

The Magic Academy students lasted longer, while the Alchemy Academy students, most of whom were not skilled at fighting, came out quickly. Even Rayne lasted only five minutes.

"Caroso, come in." Bai waved at Caroso.

"Nimel, come in."

At the same time, the Vice Principal's side had also finished two battles, and he waved to Nimel.