As I walked from the entrance hall to the 1-D classroom, I received glares full of genuine killing intent, heard tongue-clicking, and saw people conspicuously pointing their thumbs downward—all kinds of things. However, given the atmosphere, it seems impossible to go about my school life normally, so I have to do something about it.
What I’m acutely aware of is that I’m a ‘Baggage Carrier’—a low-ranking profession that is widely known, which only worsens the situation.
Since I can’t change the profession itself, what needs to be changed is the ‘School Ranking.’ During the first-period curriculum briefing, our homeroom teacher, Igarashi-sensei, explained about the rankings.
“Starting from the beginning of today’s class, you can view the rankings based on your student data. Please check your student cards.”
Overall Ranking: 2960/2964
First-Year Ranking: 998/1000
I’m not in last place, but this is practically the same as being in last place. There are only two people below me in the same year; I wonder what professions they have.
“The highest-ranked student in this class is Hinata Hyuga-kun. He should already be among the top ranks from first-year to third-year overall rankings.”
As Igarashi-sensei explained this, the class buzzed—especially some of the girls, who have practically become Hinata’s fan club.
“Just as expected, Lord Knight is different…”
“He’s showing his difference right from the start…”
“Initially, it’s just an advantage from his profession. Isn’t that right, sensei?”
“That’s true, but the profession itself is a reflection of one’s talent. There’s no doubt that Hinata-kun is outstanding.”
Even Igarashi-sensei seems to be deeply enamored with Hinata, and it’s not an exaggeration to say the atmosphere is like that.
Sitting at the front near the hallway, Nanami-san’s profile shows no discernible emotion. I wonder what she thinks of a classmate like Hinata—perhaps it’s jealousy to even think about it.
“You can earn evaluation points based on your achievements in the dungeon. This directly impacts your ranking, and depending on your evaluation points, you can take additional specialized classes.”
Specialized classes seem to be lessons aimed at acquiring ‘sub-profession skills’ beyond the skills gained from your main profession.
If the evaluation points are high, there’s a possibility of learning skills other than those of a Baggage Carrier—such as combat skills.
“Sensei, does that mean even a profession like ‘Baggage Carrier’ can use magic?”
The boy who has been provoking me since the first day—Kayama, as I learned today—was trying to make a joke out of me again. He probably got a good reaction yesterday and is trying to repeat his success, but of course, I’m not pleased.
“Yes, it’s possible to learn to use magic through specialized classes. However, as the term ‘sub-profession skills’ suggests, the limit of proficiency is lower compared to the main profession.”
“Wow, so weak people stay weak.”
“Kayama-kun, you shouldn’t say such things. Everyone here is a new student now, a bundle of potential.”
“Even so, sensei, you’re acknowledging how amazing Hinata-kun is, aren’t you?”
“That’s…”
Igarashi-sensei is being pressed—at that moment, Hinata stepped in.
“I’m also interested in the specialized classes. So, if I earn evaluation points, I can attend those classes, right? Will the evaluation start from today’s practicals?”
“Yes. Today you’ll be given simple tasks, and evaluation points will be awarded based on those.”
“Thank you. Then, shall we decide the dungeon practice group soon?”
“Indeed, today we’ll be entering the dungeon in groups of three, so we should start forming the groups…”
“Alright, I want to team up with Lord Knight!”
“Well then, we’ll need to use rock-paper-scissors to decide, since there are more than two people who want to team up with him.”
The girls’ rock-paper-scissors to determine their teams with Hinata began— and the class size is 32, with one person absent due to illness.
“Oh, I lost. I need to invite one more person… Nanami-san, haven’t you decided yet?”
“……I…”
“Let’s team up with us, Nanami-san. Or is there someone you’d like to team up with?”
I had somewhat anticipated this kind of development—considering the class size, there would inevitably be a group with one person missing, and the fact that one person is absent only makes it worse.
“Wow… I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. Just the Baggage Carrier alone…”
“Then, we’ll make a special four-person group…”
Taking up that option isn’t out of the question. It’s not out of the question, but—
“I’m fine on my own.”
There was an intention behind that choice. It means that I’m prepared to be a solo player and that my skills won’t be easily shown to others.
How the class reacts to my words is—first and foremost, surprise. Everyone is looking at me as if they’re seeing something unbelievable.
I might worry Nanami-san, but I’m not doing this thoughtlessly. I’m not doing this because I’m cornered—so I look straight at the teacher.
“…I, I understand. However, going completely solo is dangerous, so I’ll assign a companion. It will be a self-operating automaton called a ‘Doll.’”
“A Doll… Isn’t it unfair to get something like that?”
Kayama complains, but the teacher doesn’t address it and steps out of the classroom—when she returns, there’s a floating automaton following her.
“—Ahahaha! Wh-What’s that? Is it a robot?!”
“It’s an automaton for dungeon accompaniment. This type is called a ‘Cypher.’ It can deal with weak monsters on its own and can execute simple commands.”
“Wow… With that Cypher, Fujwara-kun should feel more secure.”
Hinata really seems to believe that, but there’s still a hint of sarcasm.
I’m not sure how I feel about being paired with an automaton instead of a person, but as the teacher said, it’s probably better than going solo. I want to believe that.
The Cypher floats to the back of my seat. When standing, it reaches about chest height—seeing it up close, the craftsmanship is more detailed than I expected.
“Just having the automaton as a companion will earn you evaluation points, and if it gets damaged, repairs will be handled by us, so Fujwara-kun, please prioritize returning safely.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The Cypher’s head turns and faces me. Even though it’s an automaton, its face has only a single eye camera.
(There’s something like a gun attached… Is this its weapon? I can feel magic power, so the power source is magic and…)
“…………”
This development seems to have surprised Nanami-san as well—she appears to be interested in the Cypher, staring intently at me. When our eyes meet, she doesn’t look away immediately, as if trying to communicate something.
“Alright, we’ll enter the dungeon starting from the next period, so please prepare. You can wear your uniform or gym clothes. If they get damaged, they will be replaced for free up to a certain number of times.”
Since uniforms are fine, I’ll stick with what I’m wearing today. Everyone in the class has the same idea, and we all head toward the dungeon area in our uniforms.
“Looking forward to working with you today.”
“Yes, Master.”
“…You can talk. That’s some impressive technology…”
Since I’m at the back of the group, my interaction with the Cypher wasn’t noticed by my classmates. I wonder what kind of abilities this partner has—besides testing my own skills, it looks like this dungeon will be a good experience.
