After walking for two hours up the mountain, we decided to take a break and rest a bit. At this point, we had only reached one-tenth of the way up the mountain. If we were flying, we might have been close to the top by now, right? But that's the thrill of adventure - to experience the journey, or it wouldn't be as exciting. Moreover, no one is planning to use flying for scouting. If someone does, everyone will surely follow suit, and the skies here would be chaotic. That wouldn't be fun, would it?

Taking our time also has its advantages. After all, this is not a rushed activity. It's a game of who stumbles upon the dragon first, and they'll be at a disadvantage. The forest is vast, so hiding won't be easy. Unless... I really don't want to entertain that thought. I've had enough of those damn underground mazes. Can't they build those mazes elsewhere? Always digging tunnels, what's the point?

As for the situation in our group... Princess Annie and Princess Cher took out a tea table from their storage rings and started having afternoon tea. They even invited Oyado along. Your style is quite unique, you know that? Suddenly setting up a tea table and pouring tea for yourselves… Oh, wait, where did you get the hot water from? I glanced at their table and saw a magical stone-powered kettle and a bottle of pure water. Wait, even this world has a water delivery service now?

On the other side, the aristocratic group consisting of Lima, Madol, Dest, Samehi, Herd, and Melordo stayed together. Even though there are old rivalries among them, I wonder what Mary said to them, or maybe what I said to that Sheldon guy actually worked. Either way, it's a good thing. They seem to be discussing their family matters, especially Melordo. Speaking of... she must have inherited the viscount title by now, right? But she doesn't seem too busy. Does she not have any lands to manage, or is it something else? Who knows.

Another reason they get along well is probably because they've been in the class together for a while, unlike the rest of us who joined in the last week. Next is the arts group: Geraldine, a quiet girl with demonic music always playing around her. Beside her is Keinan, a reserved artist whom I find somewhat dangerous. He's the president of some association, not to be underestimated. There's another person with them, clearly enjoying himself. This guy has been carrying around a chessboard and playing solo. I can't tell if I should feel sorry for him or admire his focus.

The rest... are the bickering Alicia and Beatrice, with Mishua napping nearby. Then there's a unique pair, Ona and Sally, two cute little girls who seem harmless but are actually the strongest DPS in class at the moment. Well, Sally can't inflict any damage right now since there are no churches around. However, both can sense something unique about each other and are currently eyeing each other intently.

In conclusion, harmony is good, just be harmonious.

"Ah~ Drinking in the great outdoors really feels different."

Suddenly, I heard a voice that dampened my mood. I turned around and saw Ms. Mary sitting on a rock, holding a can of beer and surrounded by snacks.

"I mean, can't you at least have some sense of being a teacher? Every time I see you outside the classroom, you're either eating or drinking."

"Who says that? I also prepare lessons and do shopping properly."

Ms. Mary retorted unhappily.

"Or maybe you'd like another bottle?"

She pointed to a mini fridge at her feet.

"What are you having them make using your status at Thane's Gate? Beer cans, fridges, why not throw in a microwave to heat up some snacks?"

Wait, what about the exploration activity we agreed on? This is no different from being at home at all.

Seeing my expression, Ms. Mary probably guessed what I was thinking and said with a smile.

"Don't be so nervous, after all, we're just here as supervisors, it's not really our business, right?"

Who says that? I came here with the original intention of robbing the dragon. Those are all treasures, even if there are no precious metals, the gemstones collected by the dragon are still very valuable. After all, nowadays magic crystals are all synthetic. Natural magic crystals and magic stones have better effects, you know.

So this activity is still very necessary, theoretically.

But it seems that everyone is already used to Ms. Mary's behavior and is selectively ignoring her actions.

"Perhaps others aren't as straightforward as us?"

She glanced back at the spot we departed from.

It looked like an airship exhibition there now, but it was too far away for us to see clearly.

"They should be stationed at the starting point, and let their followers come find them first. Once they find the location, they will depart. However, a few people might explore on their own like us."

Indeed, as Ms. Mary said, from afar, a large green spot was still lingering at the starting point, while a few green spots had already spread out towards the direction of the forest. It's hard to tell if they are students or followers.

But it seems they are all advancing very slowly, probably searching very carefully.

Come on, the dragon is so huge, how could you miss it?

I sighed and then turned to Ms. Mary.

Only to find that she had taken out a few... decks of cards from her backpack at some point?

Enough! Can't you invest in useful technologies instead of manufacturing playing cards? What are you up to with these cards?

"Alright, since we're idle anyway, let's have some fun! Today, I'll teach you all how to play poker!"

"Hey hey hey! What do you plan to teach them?"

"Twenty-one?"

"Isn't that starting gambling right away?"

"Where's the gambling? It's just for fun, that's all~"

"Oh."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ben stood up.

"It sounds pretty interesting, can I join?"

"..."

Ms. Mary and I glanced at each other and nodded.

"Of course, no problem."

"By the way... teacher, you've lost in chess to me about 500 times, right? How about we make it an even 500?"

"..."

This guy...

Really makes me so mad!