Lust System: Monster girl Harem-Chapter 219 - 220 Cave

Ethan knew what was happening and quickly rubbed his eyes as if to act he was asleep "I stayed up all night," he spoke, stifling a yawn.

"I wanted to get some sleep before we leave."

"We’re leaving in a minute," Maria announced, her voice firm as she addressed the group. "Get your things."

There were nine of them altogether, six students, Maria, Dora, and the instructor of the second-year students.

For Ethan, this would be his first time in a dungeon, a mix of excitement and nervousness washed over him, his sword was at his side which he placed in his storage ring.

As they began their trek towards the cave, Ethan wondered what Hal was doing when his thoughts were interrupted by a voice beside him.

"Hi, I’m Sarah, a second-year student," said a girl who walked up beside him. She had long hair tied up in a neat ponytail and a cute face. She was tall, slightly taller than Ethan, and there was a certain calmness about her and she had long ears, she was an elf.

"Hi, I’m Ethan... wait, second year?" he responded, a bit surprised.

"Yes, I’m the only one. The rest of them are third-year students," Sarah explained, her tone casual as she smiled.

"That’s why I didn’t see you talking much with them," Ethan observed. "And you’re walking with me instead of them."

"Yeah, I’m not really used to any of them," Sarah admitted, a slight frown crossing her face. "Even though I’m the strongest among the second-year students, to them, I’m just another person who is weaker than they are."

Ethan nodded, understanding the situation since he just got his ass handled by Cath.

"So, to be in the third year, you have to be as strong as them?"

"Basically," Sarah sighed. "You know the academy drops students, right? Twice a year. That’s another reason there’s a ranking system, but they don’t tell the students about it until the first time."

"Huh! Really?" Ethan was surprised. "And there’s no way to avoid it?"

"I don’t think there is," Sarah said, shaking her head. "And it’s not just one student. Sometimes more than five are asked to leave. Are you among the lower ranks?"

"No," Ethan replied. "I’m ranked 10."

"Then you have nothing to worry about," Sarah said. "Healers aren’t among the ones ranked for combat. But among the third-year students, which rank do you think Cath is?"

"How many third-year students are there?" Ethan asked.

"Thirty," Sarah answered, glancing at him.

"I know she won’t be rank one, that’s a fact. So she’ll be among the top five, maybe rank four or five," Ethan guessed.

"She’s rank 10," Sarah revealed, her voice carrying a hint of amusement at Ethan’s surprise.

"Rank 10? Wait, so you mean there are nine people stronger than her?" Ethan was genuinely shocked.

"There are more than nine people stronger than her," Sarah explained. "After the first year, where ranks are assigned according to duel ranking, the second and third-year ranks are assigned according to contributions in raids and expeditions, like the one we’re on now."

"Oh, that makes sense," Ethan said, nodding. "Students can’t be dueling forever. So, what rank are you?"

"I already told you, I’m the strongest among the second-year students," Sarah replied, a small smile forming on her lips.

"But that doesn’t mean you’re rank one," Ethan teased, a playful grin on his face.

Sarah chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "I’m rank three."As they talked, the group finally arrived at the entrance of the cave.

Ethan, who wasn’t very good at using his sensory abilities, could sense there was something in the cave—something that sent a shiver down his spine.

Before entering, Maria handed out small crystals to each of them. The crystals emitted light , illuminating the darkness of the cave ahead.

"Caves like this might have different paths, so we might split up," Maria informed them as they started inside. "But we’ll only split off into two groups if necessary. Watch yourselves."

The group walked forward cautiously, after a while a thick fog began to build up.

’This place is giving me the creeps,’ Ethan thought to himself. The cave was dark and cold, and the fog made it even harder to see.

He felt something off but couldn’t quite place it. Then, a voice spoke in his mind.

(Dude, what the hell happened?)

’I thought you went on a break,’ Ethan replied.

’I’m supposed to be asking you that question. I think Cath knocked me out after breaking my hands.’

’But they’re healed now, and when I woke up, I didn’t hear your usual talking and complaining. What happened?’

(I guess I was shut down somehow. Is that even possible? Maybe it’s something else. So, you’re in the cave now, right? Did you come alone?)

’’Alone? What the hell do you mean alone? The rest of—’ Ethan stopped mid-sentence, panic suddenly gripping him as he looked around. He was alone in the cave.

(Did you come in with everybody?)

’Of course! Do you really think I’d come in here alone? This cave is sending chills down my spine. There’s something in here that I definitely do not want to come across.’

(Then turn around and leave! If this cave has something to do with what the goddess spoke of, then you’re not strong enough yet. You shouldn’t push your luck.)

’Everyone was walking straight, and somehow I still got lost. Do you think I can just find my way back?’

(Right, so keep walking forward maybe you catch up to them and what the hell is this fog)

’That’s right, the fog...[Heightened senses] that’s what I was sensing, it’s faint but I think there mana in this fog, someone purposely separated us’ freewёbnoνel.com

(You know there are beasts who are capable of magic right, so it’s not necessary someone, it might be something)

’I can’t trace where it’s coming from, I just have to keep moving forward and hope it doesn’t ambush me first’