3-08: Back To The Dungeon

For once, Veronica was subconsciously aware of Cassidy. The girl that she grew up with. The girl who was by her side all the time.

They were practically inseparable when they were younger. After Veronica's illness, or rather curse, finally took hold, Cassidy was the one to constantly check on her and care for her, as her parents went out and tried to find any semblance of help.

Cassidy was more like an older sister. But now... Veronica felt conflicted. Her best friend was immune to Charm because she was already infatuated.

It's nice to think about it, but does Veronica like Cassidy in the same way? They have kissed, and even had sex. That would make them more than just friends, right?

"...onica."

Should she try and figure it out quickly? Or perhaps just ask her? Ignore it? No, no, stupid!

"Veronica."

But isn't she going to have to do the same with other girls? What would make Cassidy different? Genuine love? But why? When? Maybe Veronica will...

"Miss Dornan!" The teacher raised her voice to the girl whose mind was wandering.

Veronica snapped out of it and looked around. The class was empty, except for the teacher and Cassidy, who had a hand on Veronica's shoulder.

"Y-Yes?"

"You have been uncharacteristically spacing out. Class ended ten minutes ago. Is there something worrying you?" The teacher asked, lowering her stature to match Veronica's sitting position.

"No, no. I'm fine. Just uh... had a weird dream last night."

"I see. Miss Bright was trying to awake you for a while. Anyway, since you were spacing out, I'll inform you about what you may have missed. The tournament is coming up. If you and your team want to participate, you will need to put down all of your names on the participation list in the main hall. This would be your chance to get noticed by an upperclassmen team."

"Um... but we already have Tisha. What would be the point of the Upperclassmen?"

"Your guide is meant to make sure that you are safe in the dungeons, and when you eventually take on quests. Upperclassmen can teach you about tips and tricks they have learned in their years here."

"Interesting. I'll think it over and have a talk with the other girls. Um... goodbye."

Veronica got up and left with Cassidy following closely behind.

After bumping into various objects and people, and multiple times of apologizing, the two made it back to their dorms.

Cassidy placed a hand on Veronica's shoulder again, getting her attention.

"Ver, are you sure you're alright? You've been out of it for a bit too long. It's starting to worry me."

'Her face is so cute when she's worried about me. I could just throw her to the floor and- WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?'

"Y-Yeah! I'm fine. How about we discuss that tournament."

"Well, if all you wanted was more girls, you could have just asked. Let's get the others!"

Everyone gathered in the living room, trying to figure out what they should do.

"So, the tournament will allow us to show off our abilities, and if we can impress the upperclassmen, we could also get some really experienced  upperclassmen to take us under their wing." Veronica began, laying it all bare.

"I'm down." Cass agreed without hesitation.

"Well, it would help us out, especially if they can teach us more about the lower levels. So, I say we should." Aviris agreed, giving her reasoning.

"Don't we already have Tisha though? Why can't she just teach us about them?" Eleanora asked.

"A few reasons. One, I'm supposed to make sure you stay alive. That's all. And two, it's best for you to learn in the heat of the moment, while also in relative safety. The upperclassmen will do that for you." Tisha responded as she leaned on a nearby wall.

"I see. So, then in the pursuit of knowledge, we should." Eleanora sighed before agreeing.

"Then that's four out of four! Let's go sign up!" Cassidy exclaimed.

"Hold it. Do you think you're even ready for that? We're going to train first." Tisha stated.

"But, shouldn't we still sign up first, and then train?" Cassidy asked.

"Shouldn't you believe that you have a higher chance of winning? You're all girls. At level two. The princess might last a while, but the rest of you would be wiped out nearly immediately by other first years who have gotten further in the dungeons than you. So you're going to train until I'm satisfied with your performance." Tisha explained, pushing herself off of the wall.

"Get your crap and let's go. The earlier you get to training, the earlier you get to sign up. You have a week. Let's use it wisely."

The girls all sighed as they got up, grabbed their gear and whatever necessities they could get, and ventured off with Tisha all the way back to the Dungeon.