Some time later, it was finally lunch break.
Once Mr. Lloyd had finished explaining the new curriculum, I met up with Lene, Yuu, and Ciel—who were in A-Rank—along with Elysia and Rio. Together, we made our way to the academy’s Grand Cafeteria.
“There are so many people...”
“No kidding,” I agreed, nodding at Lene’s observation.
Given that it was the peak of the lunch hour, the crowd in the Grand Cafeteria was staggering. Not only were the lines at the serving stations immense, but the students packed the tables so tightly that there wasn't a single empty seat to be found.
While a low buzz of conversation filled the air, there was a distinct lack of any frivolous or rowdy shouting. Most of the students I saw were eating while hunched over papers—lecture lists and application forms spread out before them.
“Everyone looks so dead serious,” Yuu remarked.
“Well, a single choice can determine your survival rate,” Ciel replied. “It’s only natural to be cautious.”
The academic structure at the Royal Arcadia Academy of Magic was somewhat unique. Usually, it operated much like any other school, but during the one-year window of the Primal Labyrinth conquest—an event that occurred once every century—the system changed drastically.
The curriculum became entirely elective.
To acquire the specific techniques and knowledge they needed, students would seek out instructors who were masters of their respective fields to ask for their tutelage.
If you wanted to master the blade, you went to a knight.
If you wanted to learn Labyrinth Conquest Techniques, you went to an adventurer.
If you wanted to master Magic Theory, you sought out a wizard.
If you were interested in the creation and handling of Magic Tools, you went to a technician.
It was a special, one-year-only system designed for no other purpose than teaching students how to stay alive. To facilitate this, the number of teachers was several times higher than usual, and the faculty included far more than just scholars and full-time professors.
(The Order of Knights, the Adventurer’s Guild, the Court Magic Tower, the Royal Institute of Technology... experts have been gathered from across the country to serve as temporary instructors for this year, huh? Just like in the game.)
Scanning the room, I could see several adults sitting among the students.
One man had the rugged build of a veteran. Clad in a mantle and sitting with a ramrod-straight back, a well-worn sword was visible at his hip. At the next table, a woman in a robe was tapping rhythmically on a sheet of paper. Several students nearby were listening to her every word with bated breath.
Further away, a man in leather armor had a map spread out. In a corner seat, an elderly man was disassembling what appeared to be a Magic Tool. Even though they were all eating lunch, their hands never fumbled or shook.
(In the game, you could acquire Skills and Special Moves by seeking their instruction.)
While those abilities could sometimes awaken through leveling up, the primary method was through these classes. Between now and the day of the Primal Labyrinth conquest, would you seek a teacher’s guidance, focus on self-study, or dive into other labyrinths to grind for base stat increases?
Choosing what to prioritize and what to sacrifice—this constant pressure was a hallmark of CHOICE//MAZE.
While lost in thought, we finished lining up at the serving area and collected our food. We eventually found a spot at a table to talk while we ate.
“Hey, hey! Rai, whose classes are you going to take?” Rio asked, leaning across the table toward me. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she stared at me with intense interest. “If you haven't decided yet, I totally recommend my grandpa’s class! He can teach you everything there is to know about Magic Tools!”
Albert’s classes were certainly valuable. Taking them allowed a player to use more types of Magic Tools and even craft them while inside a labyrinth. I remembered being saved by his mechanics quite often in the game. Even without Rio’s prompting, I had planned to pay him a visit eventually.
However, he wasn't my immediate priority.
“...No, I think I’m going to seek out the Knight Commander first.”
“The Knight Commander? But aren’t you more suited for the role of a Magic User in the Rear Guard?”
Elysia, who was eating elegantly beside me, tilted her head in confusion.
She was right; my combat style was centered on magic. My basic role was to stay in the Rear Guard, buffing my allies while obliterating enemies with area-of-effect or high-damage spells. I could use Ability Reinforcement to fight on the front lines with my fists and feet, but... well, I wasn't the type to volunteer for the front.
“I have my reasons.”
“Reasons, you say...?”
Elysia’s inquisitive gaze pierced me. She was far too sharp; she clearly sensed a specific intention behind my choice to move away from my area of expertise.
“I’ll still be improving my magic. That hasn't changed,” I said, setting my fork down and choosing my words with care. “I just want to be prepared for situations where magic isn't an option.”
A brief silence fell over the group. After a moment, Yuu spoke up.
“You’re talking about dealing with enemies that have high magic resistance?”
“Exactly. Melees, low-visibility environments, or situations where the enemy manages to close the distance. Besides... it seems the labyrinth has taken quite a liking to me.”
When I gave a meaningful smile, the expressions of Elysia and Lene darkened instantly. They were undoubtedly remembering our recent ordeal in the Primal Labyrinth. The Grand Hall stained in crimson. The endless tide of monsters. We had barely escaped with our lives, and that experience had clearly left a traumatic scar on both of them.
Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, the three across from us fell into a somber silence.
“...Did something happen?” Ciel asked softly.
“Just... a lot of things, back in the Primal Labyrinth,” I replied.
I clasped my hands together and looked at the group.
“At any rate, I want everyone to pick their classes so they don't have any regrets later. Yuu, you’re a Vanguard, right? Why don't you come with me?”
“...Wait, really? Is that okay? I’m only in A-Rank.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” I shot back immediately.
I looked at Elysia, who had regained her composure and now nodded with her usual dignified grace.
“The class ranks are merely a guideline for roles,” Elysia explained, smiling as she tapped her application form. “It isn't as simple as A being 'above' and B being 'below.' A labyrinth conquest is like a stage play; the lead actor cannot make the production a success on their own.”
Her voice was gentle, but it carried an undeniable weight.
“Some cut through the front lines, while others support them. Some manage supplies, and others secure the retreat. The roles differ, but their value is equal. In fact, it's those who fail to understand their role and mistake it for a 'hierarchy' who are the most dangerous.”
Yuu crossed his arms, looking only partially convinced. “...But isn't it true that A-Rank is treated as the main force?”
“You're getting too hung up on the word 'main,'” Elysia chuckled. “The main force is at the front, so they stand out more. That's all. If the rear support fails, the main force will collapse in an instant. Neither can function without the other.”
She looked around at everyone at the table.
“We are not pawns, nor are we simple gears. We are individuals who must understand, choose, and fulfill our roles. There is no 'higher' or 'lower' in that.”
Lene let out a breath she seemed to have been holding. “...I see. You’re right.”
“Of course I am.” Elysia shrugged lightly. “Classes are just a way to organize our standing positions. Ability and growth ultimately depend on the individual. Besides, the lectures are open to everyone, so there's no reason to hesitate.”
After hearing Elysia out, Yuu looked back at me. “...So I can really go with you?”
“No problem at all,” I confirmed.
Elysia narrowed her eyes with a slightly mischievous glint. “In fact, it would be a problem if you held back. The stronger you get, the more things you can protect.”
Her tone was effortless, yet firm.
“Have pride in what you do, but do not fall into elitism. That is the basic requirement for surviving this year.”
Her words brought a sense of focus to the group. Yuu let out a small laugh and looked at me with a spark of challenge in his eyes.
“...Got it. Then I’m going for it. But don't get mad if I end up surpassing you someday, Rai.”
“Hah. Give it your best shot.”
When I shrugged and fired back, Yuu blinked in surprise for a second before flashing a fearless grin.
In truth, Yuu’s potential was astronomical. His physical growth, his mana capacity, his combat intuition—he possessed every quality befitting the "protagonist" of a story. It was because of those traits that he had been able to break the cycle of despair in the game.
(You just worry about fulfilling your role as the hero. I’ll be the one to cut down every future where we lose something.)
I made that vow in my heart before picking up my fork and returning to my meal as if nothing had happened.