The Nameless Extra: I Proofread This World - Chapter 89: Dungeon Trip Preparation (3)
After finishing the explanation regarding dungeon scale and classification, the instructor smoothly transitioned into the next subject.
The Voidspawn.
Although every scholar present had already attended the mandatory foundational class that introduced the concept of Voidspawn, and their general threat level, the instructor of this elective clearly did not believe that basic knowledge was sufficient.
And thus, they went on to the next lesson.
Glancing to his left, Ruvian found Silvena already drifting off, her attention long gone as she absentmindedly twirled a strand of Irene’s brown hair between her fingers.
Irene, for her part, sat there peacefully at the front, letting her be, not the slightest bit bothered by the familiar gesture.
’She must be bored...’
After all, the lesson being taught at the front was something she had gone through countless times before.
Ruvian turned his gaze forward at the manaboard.
There were five recognized ranks of Voidspawn by the Magus Spire in total, categorized according to threat level.
[Lesser] → [Wretched] → [Malice] → [Reaper] → [Exile]
However, for first-year scholars, only three types were considered relevant for their studies.
[Lesser], [Wretched] and [Malice].
Anything beyond that was not meant for their current level.
As the instructor began explaining their characteristics in detail, Ruvian listened quietly, his expression calm.
He was already familiar with them.
The Lesser-type was the most common one.
They were often described as mindless beasts. Because they possessed no true will, and no structured thoughts. They were driven purely by instinct.
They also did not possess unique abilities. Everything about them was just primitive and direct.
Ruvian sighed.
’Though, that simplicity is precisely what made most lower their guard. Well, it normally happens in the novel.’
A single Lesser-type could easily kill a Bronze-ranked adventurer, which was at the strength of a Fourth-Class Magus.
Meanwhile, for first-year scholars, especially those from Class C and below, facing one alone was no different from courting death.
Their physical strength exceeded that of ordinary beasts. It often required a coordinated group of Bronze-ranked adventurers to reliably hunt down even one Lesser-type without casualties.
Ruvian leaned slightly back in his seat.
Lesser-types were merely the bottom layer.
The true problem always began after that.
The instructor continued. "For this upcoming expedition, according to the reports, there should be no confirmed sightings of Wretched-type Voidspawn within the mapped layers of the dungeon."
"However, you must always prepare for the unknown."
"The Wretched-type is fundamentally different from the Lesser-type. While Lesser Voidspawn operate purely on instinct, Wretched-types possess a rudimentary form of intelligence."
"In addition to that, every Wretched-type possesses at least one unique ability."
"It may be a corrosive secretion. It may be an enhanced regeneration trait. It may be a mana-based projectile. The exact nature differs depending on the variant."
His voice lowered slightly.
"A single Wretched-type can easily defeat one Silver-ranked adventurer in a direct confrontation."
"And for those of you who are unaware," he said calmly, "most Class A first-year scholars are already evaluated at Silver Rank in terms of combat capability."
Several heads instinctively turned toward the front rows.
"In other words," the instructor said evenly, "even the most outstanding among your year would not be guaranteed victory against a Wretched-type in a one-on-one situation."
However, unlike the rest of Class A scholars, the named extras such as Calyra, Rosalin, Julian, Loden and Silvena were different altogether.
Whether with ease or after a hard-fought struggle, they possessed the strength to bring down a Wretched-type on their own.
After the lectures finally ended, the other instructor stepped forward and handed a stack of papers to the front row, signaling for them to pass it along.
Later, Instructor Veliana walked towards the centre. Holding the parchment in her hand, she calmly spoke:
"This is your expedition consent and liability form. Read every line before signing it."
"And by signing, you confirm that you understand the risks, follow every instruction, and that you will not hold the academy responsible for consequences born from your own recklessness."
Ruvian glanced down at the parchment in his hands.
’Hmm... it’s been a while since I’ve seen one of these.’
A consent form that essentially says that ’If you die, it’s your own fault.’
His lips twitched faintly.
Veliana’s sharp voice cut through the air again.
"Since this is your first expedition, you are permitted to form teams of three. Choose your members carefully. You may team up with anyone in this elective. It’s all up to you."
"The completed forms, signed by all three members, will be submitted to my office by tomorrow evening. Late submissions will not be entertained. If you fail to form a team by then, I will assign one for you."
"That will be all."
She gathered her notes in one smooth motion.
"The elective session is dismissed."
*****
The corridors gradually emptied after the lectures ended, and the three of them walked side by side toward their respective Circles sessions.
Walking in the middle, was Silvena, and Irene to her left, who was quietly nibbling on a small piece of bread she had brought along.
And Ruvian was on her right.
"So, who are you going to form a team with?"
Ruvian had expected the question from Silvena, so he immediately replied without hesitation.
"That would be you, me, and Rosalin."
And at that exact moment, Irene suddenly choked on her bread. She repeatedly coughed, covering her mouth with her hand, as the crumbs nearly flew from her hands.
Silvena immediately reached out and patted her gently on the back.
"Hey, hey... are you alright?"
Both Silvena and Ruvian understood perfectly why Irene reacted that way.
The expedition was dangerous, and Ruvian had just decided to exclude Irene, who was practically her guardian.
"I’m sorry, I can’t agree with this roster," Irene managed between coughs, still with a few crumbs clinging embarrassingly to her cheek.
"For something this dangerous, I have to stay around Lady Silvena."
Ruvian looked at her calmly before replying:
"You don’t have to worry about that."
"For your information, the academy hasn’t appointed any adventurers for this expedition yet."
"So, Silvena, inform your guild and Seraphine to volunteer as the guides for this expedition. Make sure the volunteers are exclusively from your guild so we can better manage the risk and reduce unnecessary casualties."
"And ensure Seraphine is the one in charge of our group."
Ruvian glanced at Irene again. "With this, you don’t have to worry about Silvena’s safety."
Irene wanted to disagree, but she couldn’t find the reason for it.
Silvena’s steps slowed just slightly.
’He even knows about Seraphine?’
She did not show her surprise outwardly, but inwardly she felt a bit of unease at his ability. Ruvian seemed to know far more about her affairs than he reasonably should.
After a short pause, she sighed. "That will not be simple... but I can make it happen."
Then she tilted her head.
"But who is going to approach Rosalin to invite her?"
Ruvian glanced at her.
The stare alone was already the answer.
Silvena immediately pointed at herself with disbelief.
"You want me to do that as well?"
She sighed.
"Honestly, you are such a tyrant."
"You are already somewhat close to her," Ruvian replied evenly. "She is more likely to listen to you. It will be easier coming from you."
Silvena studied him quietly.
"Still, why Rosalin, though?" she asked. "I thought you would choose Calyra, especially since you wanted me to pass the necklace to her."
Ruvian’s gaze softened slightly.
"That will be easier to explain once we are on the way to the dungeon."
They had reached a branching corridor where their paths would separate.
"So let’s discuss it later," he added. "Anyway, inform me once Rosalin agrees. If you succeed in all of this, I will share more information on how you can profit more gold."
With that, he stepped away toward his Circle chamber, leaving Silvena and Irene standing side by side.
Silvena watched his retreating figure for a moment.
Beside her, Irene finally brushed the remaining crumbs from her face and whispered, "He really does plan everything ahead, doesn’t he?"
Silvena reluctantly sighed with a grin.
"Yes," she said slowly, her smile still there but thinner now.
"And for some reason, that is exactly what frightens me. Honestly, I cannot decide whether I should feel reassured or concerned that he can see that far."
Then, she added, almost to herself.
"But I would be lying if I said it is not impressive."
──────── ✦ ────────
[Chapter 89: Dungeon Trip Preparation (3)]
Plot Points= 14,080
Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.