Path of the Extra

After dividing the mana cores, it became clear that there weren't quite enough for all the cadets.

Fortunately, those who didn't receive their share didn't dwell on it, knowing they would have countless other opportunities to gather more mana cores in the Void Dungeon.

However, the mystery of the ten consumed mana cores lingered. Celestina didn't know who had taken them, and she didn't have the time to figure it out.

Instead, she had to focus on organizing the cadets, who were in disarray—all thanks to Azriel, who had effectively dumped the leadership role onto her.

She couldn't blame him, though.

He never asked for it in the first place, and at least he had the wisdom to pass it to her, knowing she was the second-best choice, even though Lumine was stronger.

Still, she wished he would take on some of the responsibility of leading the cadets, rather than sidelining himself.

His absence made everything more difficult to manage.

Morale among the cadets was already low, and she didn't blame them.

Ten cadets had left the Void Dungeon, there was the unresolved mystery of the mana cores, Azriel had sidelined himself, and even Vergil, one of the top students, was doing the same.

He just sat there with his eyes closed, giving off an air that discouraged anyone from approaching him.

Celestina didn't bother him either.

If Vergil wasn't causing trouble, she would let him be—for now, at least.

At least he didn't seem to care about the mana cores, much like Azriel.

But the situation wasn't good.

They hadn't even made any progress, and morale was already low.

Determined to change that, Celestina made her way toward the instructors, drawing the attention of all the cadets.

Even Vergil opened his eyes, looking curious.

"Is it possible for me to ask a question?"

The three instructors hesitated for a moment, exchanging glances before nodding.

"Of course, as long as it doesn't involve us assisting you," Instructor Alicia, a woman with brown hair and brown eyes, replied with a smile.

Celestina nodded.

"What would happen if someone, or everyone, decided to split up?"

The cadets tensed, some even paling at the thought that Celestina might abandon them too.

Instructor Kevin pulled something out of his storage ring.

Celestina narrowed her eyes.

"A drone..."

Instructor Alicia nodded.

"That's correct. Anyone here is free to challenge the first floor on their own. We'll follow you with one of our drones. But keep in mind, you have two days before the other class arrives on this floor. When they do, Cadet Jasmine will be allowed to act as a guide for anyone she wishes. If you're still on the first floor by then, she can choose to help the other classes instead of yours."

Hearing this, Celestina nodded, feeling grateful as she walked back to the center of the group.

'So, everyone can leave if they want, and Jasmine can move freely, guiding anyone she chooses.'

It was a bit strange in her eyes, but perhaps it was meant to speed up the progress of certain cadets.

But that didn't matter.

The instructors had been generous enough to give her information she could work with.

Feeling everyone's eyes on her, she swept her gaze over each student, even Azriel, who looked at her with amusement.

But...

'His eyes...'

For some reason, his eyes reminded her of her father, like when they used to go hunting together for fun.

'Even though he looks like he's being lazy, he hasn't let his guard down... Maybe that's why he's the Apex.'

Shaking her head inwardly, she parted her lips.

"As you all heard, it's possible to venture into the Void Dungeon on your own if you wish. I won't hold you back. You're free to leave right now. If you choose to stay, I will take it as acceptance of my leadership, and you will follow my orders without objection."

Her clear voice cut through the air like a melody, reaching every cadet's ears.

She gave them a choice, and she wouldn't resent anyone for leaving.

If they wanted to go, they could go.

She would understand if not everyone was satisfied with her taking the reins.

Some might think Azriel should still be leading, or perhaps Lumine, who was ranked second.

But...

No one moved a muscle.

They all looked at her with determined eyes and smiles.

They would follow her.

Even Azriel and Vergil didn't budge, boosting the morale of the cadets at once.

'If they're not leaving, it means they'll help us eventually...'

There was no reason for those two to hide behind the cadets.

Everyone knew that, given the incident at the Celestial Arena.

They had just decided to sideline themselves.

For now.

Celestina broke into a smile.

"Very well. Since no one objects, I will hereby take command."

Celestina immediately set to work, dividing the cadets into three groups:

Group One was the frontline assault team, composed of the most experienced and combat-ready cadets.

This team would directly engage the dungeon's creatures and maintain the initial defense. Cadets such as Lumine, Yelena, and Celestina, along with other seasoned cadets, were assigned to this group.

Group Two was responsible for dealing with any Void creatures that managed to breach the frontline.

Their primary role was to handle threats that got past Group One, ensuring that the formation remained intact and the team's advance continued smoothly.

Group Three was the support unit.

This group was tasked with carrying healing potions and other supplies, as well as providing assistance where needed.

It included cadets who were either less experienced in combat, lacked confidence, or were still developing their skills.

There was, however, a fourth group—comprised of the three instructors, Jasmine, Azriel, and Vergil.

This group would stay further back, intending to remain out of direct combat.

The formation went smoothly under Celestina's orders, and fortunately, no one complained.

Several cadets now held the torches that were previously stuck to the walls, providing light. Lumine, due to his fire affinity, did not need a torch and illuminated the area with his own flames.

They stared into the darkened corridor ahead.

Celestina turned around looking at the cadets and nodded to herself, satisfied with the arrangement.

Even if Azriel and Vergil decided not to assist, the current setup would still be effective against another attack by Prowlers.

Celestina held her silver longsword, and Lumine had a similar soul sword.

Yelena carried a sleek black wooden bow, its surface smooth and polished to a deep sheen. The limbs were gracefully curved, with subtle obsidian inlays tracing delicate patterns.

However, unlike the other archers, she did not have any arrows visible on her back.

Celestina would normally have advised against having Yelena on the front lines, but both Lumine and Yelena had insisted that she would be fine.

After one final sweep of the cadets, Celestina turned around.

And so...

They marched into the darkness.