CHAPTER 173: 173 - THE FIELD TRIP [6]—A WEIRDO APPEARED

It didn’t take long for Kendy and the freshmen to reach the gate leading outside the Human Domain.

The air felt heavier as they approached, the night still thick with silence, broken only by the faint sound of footsteps and rustling uniforms. Everyone’s attention was fixed on the giant structure ahead.

"Open the gate."

Kendy commanded the guards stationed there as soon as they arrived. His tone was firm but low, the kind that left no room for hesitation.

It was obvious from his expression that he wanted this over with quickly— get the procedure done, send the students off, and return to the hotel for some rest.

"Yes, sir."

The guards responded immediately, their hands moving with trained precision as they activated the mechanisms.

CREEAK—

A deep metallic groan echoed through the area. The towering double metal gate slowly parted, each inch of movement screaming against the silence.

Faint vibrations filled the ground as the mechanism dragged open.

Then—

BAM!

It opened completely, slamming against its hinges as the final lock clicked out of place.

"..."

The freshmen were silent, every single one of them staring ahead past the opened gate.

It was... normal.

No hellish landscape. No ominous creatures waiting. Just nature— quiet and eerily still.

The trees outside were the same kind of green and brown they’d always seen within the Human Domain. Leaves swayed softly as the night breeze brushed past, carrying the faint scent of earth and moisture.

And right outside the gate, a long, straight dirt path stretched into the distance, lined with tall grass and scattered roots.

"Don’t let your guard down."

As the students remained frozen in silent awe, Kendy’s stern voice broke through their thoughts. It was sharp enough to cut through their quiet wonder.

"Once you get out of this gate, the real field trip starts."

He declared that, his eyes sweeping over the students one by one, gauging their readiness.

"There are professors and staff scattered in the area. They will not interfere unless they deem something truly dangerous."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.

"This is a good opportunity to gain experience— so don’t waste it."

Then he ended with that, his tone slightly softer but still carrying authority.

"..."

No one said anything back, but the atmosphere shifted subtly. The freshmen’s faces became more serious, their nervousness replaced with quiet resolve. Shoulders straightened. Eyes sharpened.

Kendy nodded in satisfaction at the sight, then with a faint smile tugging at his lips—

"March out, you brats."

He ordered, his voice half strict, half amused.

TAP-

And everyone started walking toward the gate.

Of course, Raven as well.

"..."

As he walked, Raven’s gaze naturally shifted to the left, drawn by a familiar presence.

And there— he saw Ruby. She stood near the line of instructors, her eyes locked on him.

"..."

Ruby was smiling gently and waving at him, her usual composed demeanor softened.

’Good luck.’

She mouthed that, her lips forming the words clearly.

"..."

Raven couldn’t help the faint smile that appeared on his face. He raised his hand slightly, waving back at her.

’Thanks, I’ll be back.’

He mouthed back confidently.

And at that moment—

Tap-

He stepped outside the Human Domain for the first time. His boot touched foreign soil, and the air felt... different. A mix of freedom and uncertainty washed over him.

...

*****

(Raven’s POV)

B O O M—!

The huge metal gate behind us closed with a thunderous noise as soon as everyone got outside.

The vibration traveled through the ground, making some students flinch. The echo lingered for several seconds before fading into silence.

"W-We’re really outside..."

"I’m kinda scared, not going to lie..."

"Same..."

"Don’t worry, they said there are professors and staff scattered around..."

I heard murmurs ripple through the crowd, quiet but filled with unease. Their voices trembled slightly, betraying the tension they tried to suppress.

"..."

I just ignored them all. There was no point in getting dragged into that kind of nervous chatter.

’Nothing bad will really happen while we’re outside the Human Domain. They’ll all be fine.’

I told myself that, glancing briefly at the students around me. Then my eyes shifted toward Alec and the others.

"..."

They were silent too— but not out of fear. Their composure was steady. They were calm as fuck.

’Their nerves really grew after spending a week in the labyrinth.’

A small smile crept onto my face at that thought. They’d come far.

"What are you guys planning to do?"

I asked, breaking the silence.

"Hmm, I don’t know... Explore, maybe?"

Blake mumbled, his eyes shifting toward me as if still half-thinking.

"Same, I want to look for monsters and beasts so I can measure their strength."

Alec followed, stretching slightly as he spoke.

"Hmm, that’s a good idea. I’ll probably do that as well."

Then Curtis joined in, his tone thoughtful.

I nodded at them before turning my gaze toward the three girls. They looked back at me right away, as if expecting my question.

"I’ll try and look for herbs— and treasures!"

Adelle exclaimed with excitement, her energy lighting up the air around us for a brief second.

"Eve and I will be accompanying her."

Aoi said simply, her tone calm but firm.

"..."

Eve didn’t say anything, but her silence was enough confirmation.

"So we’re all going separate ways, huh."

I mumbled, glancing at the path ahead.

"Yeah, looks like it. What do you plan to do anyway?"

Alec asked, raising a brow.

I just shrugged my shoulders casually.

"Don’t know, I’ll just do whatever."

A smirk tugged at my lips as I replied.

...

...

...

After that short exchange, we all started going our own ways.

There wasn’t much left to say. Everyone had their own plans, their own goals for this trip.

And although we wouldn’t be moving as a group— we decided to meet up again at night near the gate. Just in case. It was a small precaution, but necessary.

Most of the freshmen were still near the entrance, forming groups and arguing about team sizes. Smart move for them, though.

"It’s really dark, huh."

I mumbled, looking up. The sky was painted in deep indigo, the moon large and bright, bathing everything in pale light.

It was still [1:01 AM]. The world felt oddly quiet.

"It’s cold too."

The chill brushed against my face and arms, but it didn’t bother me much. If I wasn’t awakened, though, I’d probably be shaking my ass off right now.

Anyway, I was alone now, walking deeper into the forest a few minutes away from the gate.

Tap-

"..."

I stopped mid-step, frowning slightly. My senses prickled.

Then I opened my mouth.

"Just come out, you bastard. You’re bad at stealth, ugh."

I groaned, annoyed more than cautious.

And as soon as I said that—

"Haha, so you noticed."

A voice answered, low and distorted. Someone stepped out from behind a thick bush just a few meters behind me.

I turned my head, and there he was— a man grinning from ear to ear, his smile twisted in a way that made the air itself feel heavy. His aura was off, thick and unnatural.

[That’s a majin.]

Sariel appeared and told me that, his voice echoing in my head.

"No shit, Sherlock."

I replied flatly, my tone dry.

"Kekekeke—"

Then the majin started laughing like an idiot, his laugh echoing through the forest, cutting through the still air like a blade.