The Genius of Cloning in the Academy City-Chapter 94: Violet Begins the Ruin Exploration.

Before leaving for the Cloris Forest, we did some preliminary preparations. Violet, along with the two girls, began a meeting.

According to Irene’s explanation, there were a few tasks we needed to accomplish.

“The tasks we need to complete during the field study are twofold. First, we have to venture deep into the dungeon and retrieve a designated artifact.”

This was something I had already confirmed during the previous orientation and through various handouts.

According to the explanation, the instructors had hidden various fake artifacts in specific locations within the dungeon. It would take several hours on foot to reach them.

“How long will it take to get there?”

“If we move nonstop, it won’t take more than half a day. That’s not considering traps and encounters with beasts.”

However, the Cloris Forest was a dense jungle where visibility was limited. This was an environment I had never experienced before.

Inside the dungeon, systems like satellite navigation could not be used.

Compasses were useless in this otherworldly space.

Small inertial navigation devices, knowledge of map reading, and various personal abilities had to be utilized.

“Don’t worry about getting lost. According to the academy, a wired communication network has been installed inside. Though, I wouldn’t put too much trust in it.”

From the materials we reviewed, I noticed there were utility poles set up at regular intervals.

Since wireless communication didn’t work, they had resorted to wiring everything. It was a crude but effective method.

The bright red panic buttons attached to the utility poles in the photos stood out.

“The second task is simpler than it seems. Regardless of whether we retrieve the artifact, we need to stay in the dungeon for about 24 hours and then return.”

“So we have to spend the night there.”

“Exactly. But Violet, did you properly read the guide? It clearly said to bring a sleeping bag, simple cooking equipment, and food. What do you think that means?”

Irene scolded me.

Ugh, embarrassing.

In any case, the task wasn’t just about finishing the treasure hunt by finding the designated artifact.

We had to spend a night in the dungeon, no matter what.

Thankfully, the academy didn’t expect students to camp out in the middle of the jungle without any protection.

The map showed locations of safe zones that had been pre-installed throughout the dungeon.

These were barren areas equipped with various magical wards, barbed wire, and automated turrets to deter beasts.

However, if we didn’t want to sleep on the bare ground, we’d need to bring tents, food, sleeping bags, and other supplies ourselves.

“Then we need to reach the ruins quickly within 24 hours.”

While Irene was drafting the itinerary, Daphne, who was sitting beside her, took over and asked a new question.

“Violet, how long will it take to reach the ruins?”

“24 hours is plenty! The location where the fake artifact is hidden happens to be adjacent to the hidden entrance to the ruins.”

The Cloris Forest field study operated on a schedule, with a fixed number of teams entering and exiting on designated days.

Therefore, we needed to reach the depths within 24 hours, activate the ruins to enhance our strength, and also search for treasure chests.

“Let’s see… Violet is right. If we move in a straight line, it shouldn’t take more than 12 hours. How large is the area where the ruins are located?”

“It’ll be smaller than the overall dungeon.”

On the other hand, the number of enemies was expected to be considerable. But there was no need to worry. I had the best tank and healer by my side!

Now, I just had to take care of minor concerns.

「It’s going to be exhausting to reach the ruins. Since it’s a jungle, it’ll be hot, and we’ll sweat a lot, right?」

「Will there even be a way to shower?」

「We’ll definitely get hungry. Let’s prepare plenty of food.」

The supply issue wasn’t a concern.

Both Daphne and I had inventories.

Let’s prepare a big tent too.

After fighting, we’d be tired, so I wanted to bring some delicious food as well.

***

And so, we bought various items and prepared the necessary equipment.

「They say it’s a jungle. It’s not going to be an easy place.」

Worried that I might have missed some information, I decided to ask others.

This thought came to me while I was attending a magic class with Professor Albert.

“Professor, Professor!”

“What’s all the fuss about? Did you hit a wall with something?”

“We’re heading to the Cloris Forest for the field study. Do you have any tips or advice you can share?”

The professor placed a finger on my forehead and zapped me with a sharp spark.

“Ouch!”

“You fool, tips are for waiters. A field study is part of your education, so don’t think about taking shortcuts.”

“Ugh…”

In times like these, he could be unnecessarily strict. Feeling a bit sulky, I rubbed my forehead a few times.

“So, what’s the composition of your team?”

“It’s Irene and a support member. She specializes in healing.”

“The daughter of Orion Solstice, huh? The vanguard must be sturdy. There’s also support personnel. A classic combination, but a bit old-fashioned. Do you know how to use ranged weapons?” ꭆ𝒶ɴо₿Ěș

“I’m familiar with both crossbows and guns.”

“Then that’s fine. If you use your unique ability, you should be able to handle any situation.”

The professor continued to give small tips afterward.

Focus not only on sight but also on sound in the jungle.

If you encounter a high-speed motion barrier, sometimes it’s better to retreat than to try to break through.

“But the most important thing is something else. The field trip isn’t about who reaches the goal first. You know that, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“It’s a mistake overly enthusiastic students often make. There’s no reason for teams to compete with each other. So, if necessary, cooperate actively with other teams. I’ve seen plenty of fools who caused accidents by being prideful.”

“I’ll keep that in mind!”

I took Albert Professor’s words to heart.

I wasn’t sure if there would be a need to cooperate with other teams, but I decided to remember it anyway.

“By the way, when are you going to teach me the next attack spell?”

“You little rascal, you’ve just learned basic magic bullets and fire spraying, and you want to learn more?”

Ugh, I had nothing to say. But magic is so difficult.

***

The day of the field trip finally arrived.

Our team was the first to enter on the first day of the field trip.

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I traveled early in the morning with the other students by car.

When we arrived at the dungeon entrance, the area was bustling with people.

“Everyone should be ready by now, right? Check your belongings again, and anyone who needs to use the bathroom, do it now. If you want to know what it feels like to live a day far from civilization, it’s fine not to go…”

Frederick, the instructor, was inspecting the students in front.

The reason for this was that the original instructors responsible for the field trip had stepped on a trap during rehearsal, got injured, and had to be taken away.

The instructor moved diligently, checking the students’ conditions.

Countless criticisms poured out.

“You, why did you bring firearms? Did you even listen to me during orientation?”

“Why didn’t you bring a sleeping bag? There are some over there; grab one quickly!”

“You didn’t need to bring all your belongings like you’re moving. Leave unnecessary stuff behind.”

Soon, the instructor approached us.

“Let’s see… looks like you’ve packed everything you need. Healer kid, where’s your auxiliary weapon?”

“Yes, Instructor. Here it is.”

When Frederick pointed at Daphne, she showed a small crossbow and a dagger she had holstered inside her coat.

“You’re the only one among the support crew who brought a weapon. Excellent. But it’s too small. Hey, cheeky brat.”

“What is it?”

“You’ve got a spare weapon, right? Lend your friend a sword.”

As instructed, I handed over one of my swords to Daphne.

“There’s no rear line in the dungeon. Everyone must be ready to fight. Your team is a bit old-fashioned in that sense. Always be prepared for anything.”

It was true that there was no rear line in the dungeon.

I decided I needed to protect Daphne more diligently.

Once all the procedures were completed, the gate, which was sealed with a complex mechanical device, was opened.

Beyond the shimmering blue rift of space, a green landscape came into view.

“From now on, the field trip begins. In case of an emergency, press the panic button or set off the signal flares provided. Instructors waiting inside will rush to your location.”

The students lined up and entered the gate.

Our team soon followed through the gate.

The unpaved road turned into damp soil with each step.

Hot and humid air enveloped us like we had stepped into a sauna.

The entrance was a wide clearing equipped with generators, utility poles, and lamps.

Ahead of us was an expanse of lush green vegetation.

Student parties disappeared one by one into the thickets. Only our team was left in the clearing.

“Let’s go in too. Ready?”

“Ready.”

“Yes! Let’s go!”

Before departing, we activated the small inertial navigation device.

We could now roughly track our position based on the gate’s entrance.

The three girls advanced into the dense forest.

Three soon became ten, and ten soon became a hundred.

One hundred and three girls began their jungle exploration.