Chapter 69: Departure

The following morning, as early as 6:00 AM, the selected students had gathered near the designated departure area. A bus was parked beside the curb with its luggage compartment open, while one of the professional summoners stood close by with a list. The others were checking the students and their equipment before allowing them to board.

Leon arrived with his side bag hanging from one shoulder.

He looked towards the bus before turning his attention to the students waiting ahead of him. Most had brought much larger bags, with some wearing protective equipment while others had weapons secured at their sides.

Leon recognized several of them from the assembly.

"Leon Carter?" One of the professionals called.

"Yes." Leon replied as he turned towards the man holding the list.

"Identification."

Leon handed it over.

The man checked it against the information on his list before giving it back, then he looked at the small bag hanging from Leon’s shoulder.

"That’s everything you’re bringing?"

"Yes."

"Open it."

Leon opened the bag and held it out.

The professional looked inside. There were several packets of snacks and two bottles of water. He waited for a moment, probably expecting Leon to bring out something else, before looking at him again.

"No other equipment?"

"No."

Leon hadn’t forgotten anything. Those were all the things he had decided to bring.

The man closed the bag and handed it back to him.

"Stay with your assigned group. If you need something, speak to one of the accompanying staff before it becomes a problem."

"All right."

"And listen when they give you an instruction."

Leon nodded.

He had already heard the same thing several times during the briefing and even on the assembly, but saying that would only keep him at the table longer.

The man marked Leon’s name and directed him towards the students who had already completed their checks.

As it would happen, Linda stood a short distance away. She had noticed Leon as soon as he arrived, partly because there were only two first years for her to look out for, but mostly because of the small bag hanging from his shoulder.

’That’s really all he brought?’ She thought to herself.

Linda looked at her own bag before watching Leon put his identification away. He appeared completely relaxed. He didn’t search through his things one last time or check whether he had forgotten anything important.

She adjusted the strap of her bag.

’How does he do that?’

Leon seemed unconcerned about almost everything, though after fighting his summon, Linda no longer believed it was because he didn’t take things seriously.

Just then, he noticed her and walked over. Most of the older students were already standing with people from their own years, and Linda was the only other first year there.

"Morning." Leon greeted.

"Good morning." Linda replied.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"A few minutes."

Leon nodded and stopped beside her.

"You packed light." Linda said while looking at his side bag.

"Snacks and water."

"I saw."

"Did they finish checking yours?" Leon asked as he glanced at her much larger bag.

"Yes."

"Then we’re just waiting for everyone else."

"Looks like it."

They watched another student step up to the table. One of the professionals told him to secure the weapon at his side properly, and after the student adjusted it, the fitting was checked before he was allowed to join the others.

"I’m interested in seeing how the third years fight inside the dungeon." Linda said as she looked towards them.

"So am I." Leon replied after following her gaze.

Linda nodded.

Neither of them said much after that. She stood with her bag resting against her leg, while Leon took out his phone to check the time.

When he put it away, they continued watching the students go through their checks. There was enough happening around them that neither needed to force a conversation. Then again, both of them weren’t the types to bother doing so.

Lex came out from beside the bus after speaking with the driver. He looked over the students who had already been checked before finding Leon and Linda standing together near the edge of the group.

The only two first years.

Linda had packed as though she intended to prepare for everything she might need. Leon looked like he had only brought his lunch.

"At least they’re on time." Lex muttered to himself.

He walked towards the table to see how many students were left.

Seth was among the last few to complete his inspection. He stepped away from the professionals with his bag and looked over the group, pausing for a moment when he noticed Leon.

Leon gave him a nod.

Seth returned it before walking over to join another third year.

Some time later, the man holding the list checked the final name and spoke briefly with Lex.

"Everyone has been checked." Lex announced as he turned towards the students. "Bring your things and get on the bus. Larger bags go underneath, and keep the aisle clear."

The students began moving.

Linda picked up her bag and carried it towards the luggage compartment. Leon had no reason to go there, so he headed directly towards the bus with his side bag still over his shoulder.

He waited for two third years to climb the steps before following them inside.

The bus was ordinary enough, with rows of seats and overhead storage spaces. Several students were trying to decide where to sit while the people behind them waited to pass.

Leon found a seat beside a window and placed his bag by his feet.

Linda entered shortly after him. She gave him a small nod as she passed before taking an empty seat farther ahead.

Lex and the professional summoners boarded last. One of them counted the students again, while another remained outside to check the luggage compartment.

Once the number was confirmed, Lex spoke briefly to the driver before taking his seat. The door folded shut and the bus began moving.

Leon looked through the window as they left the curb and passed the academy buildings. The bus slowed near the entrance while the gates opened, and a few students turned to look back while continuing their conversations.

He rested one hand on his side bag.

Leon leaned back as the bus passed through the gates and left the academy.