"Sir, I may be wrong, but we've been taught that there's a specific number of ordinary monsters inside a Strayed Dungeon, whatever kind they might be.
"My point is that the other group probably exceeded the number of Magic Stones that can be acquired inside the designated Strayed Dungeon.
"Apart from that, may I ask where's the Monster Core of the Boss Monster inside the Strayed Dungeon designated for your group?"
Without waiting for the other group's words, Jiho took out a circular blackened marble inside his Dimensional Inventory.
Russell listened to Jiho's complaints, which actually made sense because every Strayed Dungeon, except for a few exceptions, only spawned a specific number of ordinary monsters that were normally divided into groups, and rarely, but not impossible, in some cases, there were Strayed Dungeons where players could go in and out without the need to eliminate the Boss Monster of the Strayed Dungeon in question.
It's somewhat similar to the Strayed Dungeon, in the secret facility of the Shadow Guild that Russell, Amelie, and Maya infiltrated, where the Urum minerals were mined.
"Hah-! You talk too much."
Acelyn whispered before pulling out a circular marble that was also similar to the one that Jiho was holding, though there was a subtle difference since the Boss Monster from both Strayed Dungeons were different yet somewhat the same in terms of their nature.
The affiliated adult male guide alternatively glanced at the two groups, seemingly having a short time before something erupts.
'Jiho just probably wants the money prize for the Magic Stones.'
Russell thought, finding the current situation fascinating. Although he knew that this daughter of the Marquis was clearly lying since he casually looked at her Hidden Nature, which then included her current emotional state, Russell was just enjoying the spectacle.
"Everyone, calm down.
"First of all, according to our records, there's exactly eight hundred ordinary monsters in either Strayed Dungeon where each group went it.
"What it means is that both groups didn't manage to find some hidden monsters and went straight to the Boss Monster after concluding by yourselves that everything is now clear.
"Although I do admire the conviction of both groups, it cannot change the fact that both groups didn't manage to subjugate every single ordinary monster because of the number of Magic Stones the two groups possessed.
"So, to quickly end this issue, the result of this small competition will be a draw, and the amount percentage that each group will earn will then be both ten percent of the Magic Stones' total price."
Russell silently commended the way the adult man handled the situation.
'They're really just still a bunch of high school students, after all.'
Russell inwardly muttered as he saw Jiho's expression painted with relief because he'll now have additional money to support himself, while Acelyn gritted her teeth because, to begin with, being the daughter of a Marquis, money was the least of her concern, but pride.
After some time, the issue was then settled, and time quickly passed by as the bluish moon showed itself on the vast, starry night sky while the sun disappeared, retracting the shine it had given off the entire continent.
***
In the Underwater Hotel: Nereian Sea Life, Russell casually scrutinized the hotel room he was in. This time, unlike in the Wanderer Hotel, the guest room was only designated for one person, at least because of this School Trip.
Alone, but not lonely, while slumping down a king-size comfortable bed, Russell contemplated the numerous things that transpired just before the academy classes started, up until now.
After some time, seemingly unable to think clearly for a moment, he stood from the bed and went to the desk just beside it. Sitting on the small chair, Russell took out the purple plain-looking book or the Book of Changes, where every noteworthy mystery to be unveiled was written.
Apart from the changes in the original story, the zeroth mystery was his "Reincarnation." Under that category were the numerous shroud of truth regarding Russell's existence.
Russell, after previously rewriting everything, silently read the contents of the zeroth number in the Book of Changes, trying to attain a sense of enlightenment.
***
0. My Reincarnation
*First Mystery: Exploration
– According to what the Tower of Growth had shown me, I was supposed to have died during my exploration to find the Hidden Dungeon, where the eyes of the Goddess of Night were focused, that contained the Seed of Chaos. But for some reason, the Monster Beasts, who clearly detected my presence from afar, didn't attack and avoided him.
*Second Mystery: Lunaria
– What or Who is Lunaria? Based on the Star Quest entrusted to me by the Goddess of Night, she is one of the keys to remembering who I am.
...Sigh* I think I need to commit the crime of breaking Lunaria out soon, but it'll nullify the Soul Contract because I will be the offender, giving them the justification to attack me, Freya, or use my family as leverage.
...I cannot let that happen, but the moment it happens, I will be hunted, and will be forced into the life of "surviving in my own unpublished novel."
*Third Mystery: Visions and Coffins
– This is something I have no idea about, but apart from the numerous coffins with various, peculiar characteristics such as wings, sun, spade, and so on, one thing is extremely bothering me...
It's when I saw myself looking up at the high, wide stairs, then randomly teleported from where I was looking. Then at that time, I'm looking down at where I just was.
*Fourth Mystery: Last Defector of Reality
– This one is seemingly frying my mind to the soul level. I cannot help myself but think of what it means, especially when I'm alone. Although nothing comes to mind, this book that's supposed to be titled the Forgotten Swordsman of Ruined Star was a book of mysteries.
...This might be the center of everything, but how... or maybe the right question is "why"...?
...And how can Freya flip or even read it without getting electrocuted? The timing wasn't truly timely, was it?
*Fifth Mystery: Goddess of Night
– You barely appeared in my unpublished novel, but... Argh! Nevermind! I still can't believe it.
Even if I live for hundreds or even thousands of years, it's unreal.
*Sixth Mystery: Nihility
– What happens to my Age? Why the hell it turned to question marks?
...Not precisely, but I know what it implies... I'm either younger or older than I'm supposed to be. Although it's probably the latter's case.
...In addition, there is also my obscure Race and obscure Profession. Like, am I an alien or something?!
*Seventh Mystery: Mysterious Egg
– I will be waiting for you to hatch.
...This is all I can write about you.
*Eight Mystery: Chaos Dungeons
– ...
*Ninth Mystery: ...
***
The list went on and Russell didn't feel that the time had unknowingly passed, reaching its peak on this serene night. Apart from mysteries, he also wrote some plans regarding the future events he was cognizant of.
"I guess I really do not have a choice, but to sacrifice my introverted personality for these plans to work.
"Well, it's not like peace will be an option in the near future."
Russell whispered in the chilling air provided by the guest room.
Knock-! Knock-
After a minute or two, he was jolted awake by the slow, yet seemingly desperate knocks on the door.
***
"What's bothering you, Fre-, Elizabeth...?"
Russell almost instantly realized that it wasn't his younger sister who came to see him, but rather the princess of Etheria. What appeared in front of him was an elegant woman with light green eyes and blonde hair in sleeping clothes.
"Uh, princess? You have your own room, right?"
Russell asked in wonder, causing Elizabeth to constrict her glimmering eyes.
"You've been in the headlines of rumors just a few months ago with Victoria, the former Student Council Secretary... Are the rumors perhaps true, after all?
"Are you perhaps secretly a pervert?"
Russell turned his back without answering the heavy accusation that came out of the princess's mouth. If Arthur Wolfson wasn't dead and wasn't in Amelie's control, he'd gladly cut his head again because of the psychological problem he did cause.
"Help yourself."
Russell spoke with dullness, giving Elizabeth the sign to enter the guest room. The latter then did what the former intended.
Sometime later, Elizabeth, sitting on a grey couch situated a few feet away from the king-size bed, spoke serenely.
"I know that we barely interact with each other, which mostly happens when Samantha joins you, especially during breaktime, but... when we were on Etheria, the way you talked to me seemed like you know me very well.
"In addition, earlier afternoon, when we were in the Strayed Dungeon, you arbitrarily spoke about some things as though you know what I'm going through.
"I may be reading more about such peculiarity, but can you at least tell me why you're treating me that way? With formality... and...
"...and with pity...?"
Russell, sitting on the bed, looked at the princess with an unknown expression. His gaze though was well-received by the latter. She didn't find him creepy but rather found him mysterious.
"Yes, I know you very well."
Russell seriously spoke. He didn't retract what was screened in his deep blue eyes.
Elizabeth's light green eyes widened, and her mouth trembled. It seemed his words, with something she couldn't comprehend, had more impact than it was supposed to have.
"...But h-h-"
"You're the princess of Etheria.
"Rank 2 in the first year of the academy..."
Elizabeth's serene, wondrous expression turned sullen. She sighed deeply, mentally and emotionally tired of the bubbling Russell.
"Stop! I'm not joking!"
"Princess, I'm not kidding, too. I know you very well because you're a renowned person, and just not some slave from somewhere else."
Russell didn't want to tell her a shocking fact yet, but it would at least give him a foothold regarding his blooming connection with the princess.
"Tsk! I guess I just wasted my time!"
She quickly stood up and was about to leave the guest room where Russell was assigned.
But before she managed to leave, Russell spoke, which caused her to stop opening the door. Turning her head, Russell took out something from his Dimensional Inventory. He then threw it to Elizabeth, which she caught easily.
"It's my token of gratitude for being our guide.
"Bless your night, princess."
***
"I can't believe it worked."
Russell muttered. It's been a few minutes since Elizabeth left the guest room with an expression of puzzlement.
"System, won't it really have consequences that might affect her or the reality itself?"
[Your action will not bring dangerous consequences because you only bestowed it in consideration of the future.]
[However, it is advisable to do it only once a month, or else your partially-sealed Stigma will become more restricted as it would affect the future.]
"Alright. I'll make sure to remember that.
***
Inside Elizabeth's guest room.
The princess scrutinized the artifact that Russell had given her earlier. She couldn't comprehend the reasons behind his peculiar actions.
No matter how she looked at the items in her hand, she couldn't help but remember her role as a representative guide.
It's similar to the artifact from one of the museums of the Royal Palace of Etheria.
"Why did he give me Alakin's Heart?"
***
Inside the guest room where Samantha was temporarily residing.
Standing alone and watching the numerous resplendent aquatic life swimming through the waters, the voice of the entity in her head spoke seriously.
<Be careful in your further journey.>
<It's unusual of you to warn me of something. What's the matter?>
Not surprised by the entity's voice, Samantha curiously asked.
<The humanity's era of peace is coming to an end.>
<I don't understand. Since when humanity is in peace?"
Samantha's question caused the entity to fall silent.
<You really are amusing. At least you won't lose your smile because it's something you barely possessed.>
The words of the entity struck Samantha's heart.
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