> "The school promised peace, learning, and healing.
So naturally, they scheduled a dungeon crawl under the name of 'cultural enrichment.'"
— MC, already packing rope and sarcasm
---
[Location: Kuoh Academy – Morning Assembly]
The principal stood at the podium, visibly shaking.
> "To encourage school spirit and cultural curiosity, Kuoh Academy will be hosting a spontaneous field trip to a newly discovered historical cavern."
Student reactions:
Issei: "Why is the school promoting underground tourism?! I'm still healing from the steam demon trip!"
Koneko: "Smells like plot."
MC (smiling faintly): "I already brought a torch."
---
[Scene: The Surprise Quiz – Sponsored by Sona]
Sona:
> "Before we go spelunking, we'll be holding a team-based academic pop quiz.
Fail, and you carry the lunchboxes."
MC's team includes:
Kazuma (argues with the teacher mid-question)
Deadpool (writes "C" for every answer, including the math ones)
Rimuru (answers correctly but in slime language)
Sona (after 7 minutes):
> "You passed."
MC:
> "We never wrote anything."
Sona:
> "Exactly."
---
[Scene: The Reverse Mascot Returns]
Kuoh's school mascot, Kuu-chan, was supposed to be a cute spirit in a plush suit.
Except now he:
Walks backwards
Screams compliments in reverse
Bites anyone who tries to take selfies
Akeno (petting him):
> "He's worse now. I love it."
MC (cautiously):
> "He remembers the Reversal Arc.
He's trying to warn us."
Kuu-chan growls, then scribbles in chalk:
"IT'S A TRAP. THE CAVE EATS PERSONALITY."
---
[Scene: Field Trip Prep – Definitely Not a Dungeon]
Each group is given:
A helmet
A flashlight
A "Character Stability Band" (new school item funded by Rias)
A "Totally Safe Exploration Guide" written in blood and glitter
MC (reading):
> "Page 6 is a warning from my future self.
Page 7 is blank."
Kazuma:
> "Page 7 is always blank. It's tradition now."
---
[Final Scene: The Descent Begins]
The class approaches the cave.
MC stops.
Looks back.
> "This was supposed to be a normal school day."
Deadpool (grinning):
> "That was your first mistake."
They enter.
The cave hums.
Reality trembles.
And deep inside… a voice whispers.
> "You again…"
MC (sighing):
> "Even the cave has beef with me."
---
[System Notification]
> New Sub-Arc Unlocked: "Field Trip to the Cave of Unresolved Character Development"
Warning: The walls reflect more than light.
---
End of Chapter 64: Welcome to Normal