Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.
Today was the final day of the novice dungeon.
Every student could only enter once and could only stay inside for seven days. Once the time limit hit, the dungeon would automatically eject everyone.
At the entrance, principals, teachers, and even many parents had gathered early, eagerly waiting for their children to return.
Good morning, everyone! Long time no see. I missed you all so much, hahaha!
He was heard before he was seen.
The principal of Old Shipyard Port High arrived with his trademark obnoxiously cheerful voice. The moment the other principals heard Norton's voice, every one of them instantly looked as dark as burnt pans.
For the past several days, the Old Shipyard Port principal had dragged them out for tea at every opportunity. And the moment they sat down, he would once again brag endlessly about producing not one but two SSS class awakeners this year.
Their ears were already calloused.
Not going out didn't help either. If they refused the invitations, he would harass them in group chats instead.
They had never been this annoyed by anyone in their professional lives.
Don't come over here. We're not close. And what do you mean long time no see? We literally saw you a few days ago, one principal snapped.
Ah, but that's where you're wrong. The ancients say one day apart feels like three years. So really, it's been at least several decades since we last met.
Norton cheerfully squeezed himself into their circle, rubbing his hands together with a mysteriously smug expression.
By the way, how did you all find out that our school produced two SSS class students this year?
The other principals stared at him wordlessly.
Even if you have two SSS class awakeners, so what? Level sometimes matters more than class rank. If someone is suppressed by three or more levels, even an A class can defeat an SSS class, one principal said sourly.
That's right! If class rank alone decided everything, should everyone without an SSS class just go die on the spot?
Historical records show that SSS class students aren't invincible. Many left the novice dungeon only to be overshadowed by higher level students.
Indeed. The highest record for Old Shipyard Port is level eleven. That was set by an S class student, and no one has broken it since.
Omar, if I recall correctly, that student came from Giant Cedar High, yes?
All eyes shifted toward the stern-faced Omar.
Correct, Omar said calmly. Talent is important, but so is effort. That kid is now level sixty five.
The principals inhaled sharply.
Level sixty five was already a powerhouse. In all of Old Shipyard Port, fewer than five people could beat someone like that.
To produce such a student would be an honor for any principal.
I wonder if the record will finally be broken this year? It has been tied many times, but never surpassed.
I believe my students can do it, Norton declared, chest puffed.
Norton, your school isn't the only one with an SSS class awakener this year, Omar said.
Hmph. We'll see.
Just then, a new voice drifted into their circle.
My, my. The principals of Old Shipyard Port truly enjoy their morning gatherings. Would you mind if I joined?
Who?!
They all spun around, startled.
Someone had approached them silently. Not even the principals noticed his presence until he spoke.
A man in a long coat, elegant and refined, wearing gold rimmed glasses and a gentle, harmless smile.
Ah! Mr. Astrachior! Please, have a seat. Right here, please.
They immediately made room for him, their attitudes noticeably respectful.
Old Shipyard Port was a small place with few notable figures.
But Astrachior Zora was an exception.
He was an SSS class Astromancer, able to read the heavens and foresee the world's great tides. Some said that if he exerted himself fully, he could even predict events a hundred years into the future.
Countless powerful figures had traveled from far away just to request one reading from him.
Calling Astrachior the most prestigious person in all of Old Shipyard Port was no exaggeration.
You're all too kind, he said with a warm smile. I simply came to check on my granddaughter Nia.
Of course! What father wouldn't worry for his child? Your love for your family is admirable, Norton said earnestly.
You flatter me. Nia hasn't caused you trouble, I hope? Astrachior asked.
Absolutely not! She is the pride of Old Shipyard Port High.
Norton was glowing like a lantern.
No one knew why, but despite her grades being more than enough for Giant Cedar High, Astrachior had insisted Nia attend Old Shipyard Port High instead. Some whispered that he must have foreseen something.
But that didn't matter. What mattered was that Nia was Norton's student.
Someone is coming out!
A flash of white light flared at the dungeon exit.
No, that's not right. Even the first person to enter shouldn't be out until noon. Did someone get injured?
Every year there were early exits, and sometimes even fatalities. It wasn't strange.
A tall silhouette stepped out of the portal.
Nia emerged with calm grace, her complexion rosy and perfect, not a trace of injury on her.
Dad!
Seeing her grandfather, Nia ran straight into Astrachior's arms.
Astrachior patted her head affectionately. The time isn't up yet. Why did you come out so soon?
It was boring inside, so I came out early, she said, playfully pouting.
Too boring?
Everyone froze.
The novice dungeon was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The monsters were weak and plentiful, leveling was fast, and she… came out early because she was bored?
What level are you? Astrachior pushed up his glasses.
Hehe, level twelve!
Nia flashed a proud grin and willingly revealed her level.
Immediately, the area erupted in sharp gasps.
Old Shipyard Port's record was level eleven.
Nia had reached level twelve.
She had broken the all time record, and she hadn't even stayed the full duration.
The other principals stared daggers at Norton.
This man had truly struck gold.
Good, good, good! Well done, Nia! Norton clapped, face flushed with excitement.
But when he saw Astrachior's calm expression, he wisely shut his mouth.
Nia, if you had stayed until the end, you might have pushed for level thirteen. Why did you leave early? Astrachior asked softly.
I told you already… it was boring, she murmured, clearly guilty.
Is that truly the reason? Astrachior's gentle smile made her heart shrink in panic.
Come on, Dad… would I lie to you?
She certainly wasn't going to admit the truth.
She had come out early to wait for Shadowcaster.
The one who had one shot a Dragonblood Troll. Surely he would be among the top performers leaving the dungeon.
He wore a mask back then, but Nia believed firmly that if she saw him again, she would be able to recognize him instantly.