A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 13

“It’s okay. It’s okay. That person won’t hurt you. So calm down.”

After a brief commotion, Ellie gently soothed me, like a trainer handling a startled beast.

Well, I can’t deny that my reaction just now was quite beast-like.

Having lived in the wilderness for so long, I instinctively react when someone approaches me from behind.

Normally, I would notice their presence, but I let my guard down just now. It must be because this is civilization, not the wilderness.

While I can suppress desires, things like this are difficult. In truth, it’s closer to a kind of trauma than instinct.

“I told you not to play those kinds of pranks. He’s more sensitive because he lived in the wild.”

“It reminds me of when he twisted my wrist after I startled him.”

“When will you ever grow up?”

Normally, they would scold me for reacting so roughly, but this time, they didn’t.

All the professors reprimanded the squinting-eyed man, and he seemed to know it was his fault, judging by his apologetic expression.

“I’m sorry. I was just curious…”

The squinting-eyed man scratched his head and laughed awkwardly. The professors only looked at him with disapproval.

It’s not that the professors dislike him. They just disapprove of his childish behavior.

Most people with extensive practical experience have similar traumas.

Overreacting unconsciously when someone silently approaches from behind.

The professors criticize his actions because they each carry such traumas themselves.

On the other hand, the squinting-eyed professor, being more focused on theory and academics, lacks such considerations.

‘But he’s kind.’

The squinting-eyed man with gray hair is named Godin Erebus.

At first glance, he might seem like a shady mastermind whose intentions are hard to read—a typical trait of a slit-eyed character.

But that’s not the case. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Even a small act of goodwill will earn you rewards beyond expectations. No wonder his nickname is “Push-Over.”

Moreover, the magic he will invent in the future is considered the pinnacle of human triumph.

Depending on whether that magic is available during the Final Boss Battle, the difficulty drops from hardcore to manageable.

However, the process of inventing that magic is nothing short of grim. Especially when he takes the blame for a certain incident.

‘Wasn’t it something another Mage Professor did?’

As far as I remember, Godin’s reputation within the Academy is quite good.

Despite his shady-looking appearance being a negative factor, he became a professor at the Academy purely through theory.

He can use magic. The problem is that its power and efficiency are only on par with regular students.

Even so, his ability to invent magic comparable to artifacts stems from his disposition.

“Alright. Now that all the faculty members are here, let’s decide what to do with this man.”

Once the situation calmed down, Yeonhwa, a professor from the Hwan Empire, clapped her hands to draw attention.

Following Yeonhwa, Marlboro was the first to speak.

“What we know so far is his name, Sivar, and that he lived in the wilderness. He can’t speak or write, but some level of communication is possible.”

“You’ve brought us quite a troublesome case. Isn’t there a saying that people should live like people?”

Serah asked Ellie in her characteristic cold tone.

It seems Ellie explained the general situation while I was washing up.

“I agree with that sentiment, but responsibility is a separate matter. I trust you understand what I mean.”

“Th-That’s why I was going to teach him how to write!”

Sensing the unfavorable turn of events, Ellie spoke in a hurried voice.

However, Serah is a staunch realist. From what I know, most people from her country are like that.

“Were you planning to stay in the same room with him? That’s absolutely not allowed. As you just saw, it’s too dangerous. Besides, you’re of different genders.”

“I don’t think Sivar would attack me…”

She said this while stroking Porori, who was in her arms. Indeed, if I ever tried to attack her, Porori would surely intervene.

However, only Luna and Ellie know that Porori is a Spirit Beast. To the other professors, he just looks like a giant squirrel.

“You’re being overly optimistic. Even without that, there are too many risks.”

“I agree with you, Ellie. This isn’t about right or wrong; it’s about facing reality.”

Even Yeonhwa, who often bickers with Serah, chimed in. I wish I could appeal, “I’m harmless.”

Of course, it wouldn’t make much difference. Due to gender-related issues, cohabitation between Ellie and me is impossible.

If even people raised in civilization experience such urges, how much worse would it be for a Wildling?

It feels odd for me to say this, but that’s exactly the situation.

“…Then who will teach him how to write? I want to do it.”

“Ellie, what’s your major?”

“Alchemy.”

“Alchemy requires memorizing a massive amount of theories. Do you even have time to teach someone?”

“A student should act like a student.” Although Godin’s remark sounded old-fashioned, it was irrefutable.

What I need most right now is a “Guardian.” Someone to keep me in check because I might cause trouble at any moment.

Students are busy with studies and training, and professors are no different. There’s simply no one available to act as my Guardian.

I might be able to stay in a professor’s dormitory for a day, but the problem arises after that.

“If that’s the case, I could…”

“Even if you’re the top student, Luna, this isn’t acceptable.”

“I can protect myself.”

“If you can kill a Manki in under five seconds, then go ahead.”

“…”

Luna quietly interjected but was immediately shut down by Yeonhwa. Ellie gave her a curious look as a bonus.

Just as we were stuck in this awkward situation with no sharp solution in sight, something happened.

“Professor Marlboro! The Headmaster has sent a message!”

A staff member handling administrative work delivered the news. The Headmaster had contacted them.

At those words, everyone’s attention, including the professors’, turned toward the staff member. Marlboro, the professor on duty, was the first to ask.

“What did the Headmaster say?”

“He said to bring the barbar—no, the man to the Temporary President’s Office. He will decide on his treatment afterward.”

“I have a bad feeling about this…”

At Godin’s words, everyone fell silent. It was a silence of implicit agreement.

It’s no surprise. The Headmaster of the United Academy is infamous for being eccentric. From what I vaguely recall, the description goes like this:

‘Sergeant Major of the Reserves? Not sure if that’s accurate.’

While I don’t remember much else, I do recall bits about the military. He’s someone who lives like a freeloader but is untouchable.

The Academy’s Headmaster is precisely that kind of person. His physical strength aside, his reputation is so absurdly high that no one dares to challenge him.

The downside is that when he acts on his whims, there’s no one to stop him. That’s why the professors are uneasy.

“…Let’s head to the Headmaster’s office. Since it’s temporary, it should be in the Main Building. Anyone want to come?”

“Marlboro, you’re on duty, so I’ll go. Are the rest of you staying?”

Marlboro stayed behind as Yeonhwa volunteered to go in his stead.

The first to respond to her question was Serah. Her cold tone was as striking as ever.

“I’ll stay here and just hear the results. There’s no need for all of us to go together.”

“I’ll just wait for the results too.”

“You’re all avoiding the Headmaster, aren’t you?”

Yeonhwa’s blunt question made Serah and Godin avert their gazes. It seems the Headmaster intimidates them that much.

Yeonhwa looked at them with an expression of disdain.

“Fine. Forget it. Let’s not waste time. We’ll go now. Students, follow me.”

“Understood.”

“Yes, yes! Sivar, you too, come along.”

Ellie pointed to herself and began walking. As soon as she moved, I quietly followed behind her.

Seeing us, Yeonhwa remarked with curiosity.

“He listens surprisingly well, doesn’t he? Does he really understand what we’re saying?”

“Maybe he recognizes us as his kind. Didn’t he react aggressively to Professor Godin earlier but stay calm afterward?”

“That could be it.”

Go ahead and chatter all you want. I’ll just keep moving my legs.

While Ellie and Yeonhwa chatted, Luna occasionally glanced at me but didn’t join the conversation.

When I looked at her as if to ask if she had something to say, she pursed her lips. She seemed like she was dying to speak.

Then, as if giving up, she turned her gaze forward. It feels like she’s waiting for the day I can finally talk.

“By the way, what kind of person is the Headmaster? I couldn’t tell just from the speech at the entrance ceremony.”

The Principal’s Office is located in a separate building, not in the administrative building. On the way there, Ellie asked a question.

At that question, Yeonhwa made a somewhat complicated expression and explained in a hesitant voice.

“First, you know what title the Headmaster holds, right?”

“Sword Saint.”

“That’s right. When it comes to the sword, no one can rival his abilities. Even if all the professors at United Academy attacked him at once, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Oh, that’s part of the setting, isn’t it?

Contrary to his nickname as the “Sergeant Major,” the Headmaster’s abilities are truly extraordinary.

In the Soul World, there are various titles, and the highest rank among them is ‘Star.’

It’s not something you can get as easily as in some fantasy novel. It’s genuinely, ridiculously difficult.

To give you an idea of how hard it is, it’s easier to go through the Final Boss Battle at Level 1 than to earn that title.

‘I remember it being the pinnacle of technique, with patterns that were insanely difficult.’

From what I vaguely recall, that’s true. It’s the pinnacle of technique, so much so that it could even pierce through a nuke.

On the flip side, it means you can only win through straightforward methods. It truly showcases the essence of the strongest.

“Even if a crisis befalls the Academy, the Headmaster will handle it with ease. The Academy, often called the melting pot of races, can remain intact thanks to him.”

“But the professors seem to avoid him, don’t they?”

Ellie seemed to have noticed that the professors were wary of the Headmaster.

At this, Yeonhwa gave an ambiguous smile and nodded.

“That’s right. Maybe because he’s a Wanderer, his disposition is very unrestrained. Even during the entrance ceremony speech, he just said a few words and left, saying it was bothersome, didn’t he?”

“That was a speech?”

“It was originally much longer. The Headmaster changed it as he pleased.”

Oh, was that a thing?

I think there was something about him brushing off the formal address, but I’m not sure.

Anyway, one thing’s for sure—he’s no ordinary person. I just hope I don’t get caught up in any trouble because of him.

‘Still, he has a strong sense of responsibility.’

Even though he’s eccentric, he’s known to get things done when it matters. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to become the Headmaster.

Even though the professors are wary of him, they don’t openly express dissatisfaction. That alone shows that he has decent public trust.

Above all, he’s a key figure in the major episode and turning point known as the ‘Academy Collapse’ arc.

Despite being unable to fully demonstrate his abilities due to the Demons’ schemes, he displays terrifying physical strength.

‘Though he dies as a result.’

After that episode, United Academy loses most of its significance with the Headmaster’s death.

Up until now, the existence of United Academy had allowed the nations to maintain a precarious balance, but that collapses.

All the festering issues explode at once, and the real struggle begins. It’s a major episode where the Difficulty spikes, so clearing it is a must.

‘First, I need to deal with the Headmaster’s poison.’

If you get close to the Headmaster, you can learn swordsmanship and give him gifts as well.

I also need to find the herbs to neutralize the poison. The poison accumulates gradually, so as long as the herbs are taken consistently, it can be managed.

And I know where to find these herbs. If nothing else, I remember them clearly because they’re the main culprit behind the Difficulty spike.

They’re so rare that even in the Forest of Chaos, they’re hard to find, but with enough effort, they can be collected.

‘But will I even be able to get close to him?’

I don’t know. I’ll have to see when I get there.

By the time I arrived at the Principal’s Office, lost in these thoughts.

“If things don’t work out, living with me wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“······?”

I instantly understood why this person is called a weirdo.