A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 14

“Welcome. You’ve been through a lot.”

The first impression of the Headmaster could be summed up in one phrase: a down-to-earth grandfather.

A dignified yet gentle demeanor, with a sturdy physique despite his old age.

His well-groomed mustache and slicked-back hair exuded a comfortable yet commanding presence.

Even his deep, slightly raspy voice, characteristic of the elderly, left a strong impression.

“It seems that man is the culprit behind your weekend work, isn’t he?”

The Headmaster, seated on the sofa, stirred his tea gently with a teaspoon as he asked, his face full of curiosity.

Though his actions were relaxed, an inexplicable pressure could be felt. It wasn’t just me; Yeonhwa responded in a tense voice.

“Yes. As I reported, these students brought him back from the Forest of Chaos.”

“Hmm.”

Clink—

At Yeonhwa’s answer, the Headmaster quietly placed the teaspoon on the table. He then stared intently at me.

I, too, met his gaze without avoiding it. His gray eyes were as sharp as if they could pierce through me.

As this subtle confrontation continued, the Headmaster smirked and spoke.

“You’re calm.”

“Pardon?”

“I said, you’re calm. Most people would react when stared at this much, but you’re unfazed. It seems you don’t feel any pressure at all.”

Well, how could I look away when you’re the one staring so persistently?

As I thought to myself in disbelief, others also wore bewildered expressions.

Then the Headmaster chuckled heartily, took a sip of tea, and began to speak.

“It’s a joke. Anyway, aside from having red eyes, it’s clear you’re docile. Most with red eyes tend to have nasty tempers, whether they go berserk or not.”

“But Sivar is kind······”

Ellie timidly refuted. At her words, Porori, sitting below, glanced up at me.

His expression seemed to ask what I could have possibly done to make Ellie say that. I was just as puzzled and said nothing.

I couldn’t quite understand what part of me led to such an assessment. Could it be because I saved her from Manki?

“Ellie, the Headmaster was referring to monsters, not people. I’m sure that’s what he meant.”

“Hmm? But I didn’t mean it that way.”

Whether it was a joke or a serious remark, it was hard to tell. Yeonhwa gave an awkward laugh in response.

Judging by her reaction, she seemed to think it was a joke. Perhaps it was because of his eccentric personality.

“Well, since it seems he’s suppressing himself for now, it shouldn’t be an issue. His name is Sivar, correct?”

The Headmaster, seemingly uninterested in elaborating further, stood up and spoke. Then, he began walking slowly toward us.

From a distance, it was hard to tell, but he was quite tall. I’m fairly tall myself, yet our eye level was nearly the same.

“When I heard a survivor was found in the Forest of Chaos, I wondered what it could mean.”

“It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true.”

Luna answered firmly.

The Headmaster looked at her and exclaimed, “Ah.”

“You must be the top student of this year’s entrance. Your name is······”

“Luna Estelle.”

“Ah, yes. Student Luna. Could you explain why you brought this person to the Academy?”

“Yes. Here’s what happened······”

Luna began recounting the reasons for bringing me, just as she had told the professors.

The Headmaster listened silently. Occasionally, he nodded, showing that he was paying attention.

“Ellie said this: Sivar is a person, so he should be taken to where people live. She said people should live like people.”

“Live like people······ I agree with that sentiment. So, it seems a room will be needed for him to stay in······”

The Headmaster trailed off as he looked at us.

After a brief moment of thought, he quietly spoke.

“If there’s no other option, living with me wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“······?”

Was he serious? Judging by his characteristic relaxed expression, it seemed like a joke.

I wasn’t the only one caught off guard; Yeonhwa stammered as she spoke.

“W-What do you mean? Are you saying you’ll take care of this man, Headmaster?”

“Or would you prefer to take care of him yourselves? You’ve only just enrolled, so you’re all quite busy, aren’t you? And it wouldn’t look right to leave him with the students.”

“That’s true, but······”

Certainly, staying with the Headmaster seemed like the best option.

The professors were busy with their work, and the students had to attend classes.

“Don’t you have work to do, Headmaster?”

“Ellie!”

At that moment, Ellie, seemingly curious, asked a blunt question. Luna was startled and called out her name.

She probably asked out of genuine curiosity, but to the listener, it might have come across as somewhat rude.

However, the Headmaster didn’t seem to mind. He laughed heartily and answered cheerfully.

“I may live like a freeloader, but I do have work. It’s just that maintaining neutrality within the Academy is incredibly challenging.”

His answer accurately pointed out the chronic issues of the highly competitive Academy.

It’s not just the students; even the professors are often entangled in political complexities.

Since they are representatives sent by their respective countries, such entanglements are inevitable. If you dig deeper, it becomes incredibly convoluted.

That’s why they would be reluctant to take in someone like me, a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment. They’d prefer to avoid drawing attention.

If an issue arises and attention is drawn, it could escalate into a complicated situation.

“Rather than sorting through everything one by one, it would be more convenient for me to take care of him directly. It would also put my mind at ease. Do you agree?”

“You’re right, Headmaster, but Sivar can’t read or write. Wouldn’t you have to teach him······”

“I’ll teach him. How hard could that be?”

“Hmm······”

Yeonhwa let out a small sigh at the Headmaster’s nonchalant response. Her expression seemed to question whether this was really okay.

But the fact remained that this was the best solution. Even if problems arose, the Headmaster could handle the risks.

While I was unlikely to cause trouble, it was always wise to have a solid backup plan.

“Then I’ll take care of him for the time being. If the opportunity arises, I might even consider enrolling him. That is, if he has at least some social skills.”

“Headmaster, may I also teach Sivar how to read and write?”

Ellie quietly raised her hand and timidly made the request. Unlike before, her voice lacked confidence.

Why was she so insistent? Luna, seemingly sharing my thoughts, asked in a curious tone.

“Why, Ellie? The Headmaster said he would take care of him.”

“Still······ I want to be the one to teach him how to read and write······”

Glancing at me cautiously, Ellie spoke her mind. Perhaps she felt she owed me a debt of gratitude.

However, as long as the Headmaster was taking care of me, it would be difficult. After all, he was the Headmaster.

“Do as you wish.”

“Headmaster?!”

“If that’s what she wants, it’s only right to grant her this much.”

The only unexpected factor was that the Headmaster turned out to be quite eccentric. His easygoing response left everyone with different reactions.

Ellie beamed with a bright smile, while Yeonhwa and Luna wore expressions that were hard to describe.

However, the Headmaster, perhaps not entirely without consideration, gave Ellie a word of caution.

“Just make sure to come only when you have free time. Being leisurely and being idle are two very different things.”

“Yes! I’ll keep that in mind!”

“Hahaha. Cheerful as you are, you’ll make a fine teacher.”

The Headmaster laughed heartily, clearly pleased. Luna, on the other hand, had a complicated expression.

In truth, Ellie teaching me how to read and write wasn’t a bad idea. Language is best learned through conversation.

While the Headmaster teaching me was one thing, Ellie could also serve as an excellent conversational partner. I had a feeling I would pick up language skills quickly.

Swoosh—

“······?”

At that moment, the Headmaster pulled something out of his pocket and held it out to me. I looked at what was resting in his hand.

A round, brown candy. Surely, he wasn’t expecting me to eat it.

“Try it. It’s delicious.”

At the sudden offer, I alternated my gaze between the candy and the Headmaster. He simply smiled.

Hesitating, I carefully picked up the candy from his hand. Then, I brought it to my nose and sniffed it.

A savory yet sweet scent unique to candy wafted up. Not knowing what the Headmaster meant by giving it to me, I looked at him again.

“Sivar, it seems the Headmaster wants to get closer to you. Try it.”

Perhaps interpreting my hesitation as doubt, Ellie chimed in from the side. I wanted to ask if she wasn’t being overly optimistic.

Still, the Headmaster wouldn’t be crazy enough to hand me poisoned candy, right? The moment I thought that, I popped the candy into my mouth.

As soon as it entered my mouth, the sweetness of the candy spread throughout, accompanied by a savory aroma.

The taste was so intense it didn’t just stimulate my salivary glands—it practically made them explode. It was a flavor I’d never encountered in the wilderness, and I chewed eagerly.

“What does it taste like?”

Watching me chew with delight, Yeonhwa asked with a curious expression.

To her question, the Headmaster shrugged and answered.

“Nurungji-Flavored Candy.”

“…Why would you give me something like that?”

“I thought you might be from the Hwan Empire.”

“Even in the Hwan Empire, only elders eat this…”

“As long as it’s tasty, that’s all that matters. You’d never find something like this in the forest.”

I savored the candy until it completely melted. Even though I wasn’t hungry, it was the first time I’d ever salivated this much.

“Judging by your expression, it seems you like it. If you want, I can give you more.”

“You’ll get cavities if you eat too much. Don’t give him too many.”

“For someone who lived in the wilderness, his teeth are surprisingly clean. A little candy won’t rot them.”

That was something I found curious as well. Since I didn’t have the means to brush my teeth, I’d resigned myself to the idea that they’d decay.

Yet no matter what I ate, they never rotted. Even when I lost teeth during rough fights, they grew back.

I wondered if humans in the Soul World naturally regrew their teeth. I’d have to confirm it later.

“Anyway, now that the housing issue is resolved, Yeonhwa.”

“Yes?”

“You can head back now. I have some things I’d like to discuss with these students.”

“…Understood.”

At the Headmaster’s instruction, Yeonhwa left, though she cast a worried glance back.

And so, the remaining people were us and one squirrel. Just as the peculiar atmosphere was about to settle in, the Headmaster looked down.

His gaze landed squarely on Porori. When Porori met his eyes, he tilted his head.

“So you didn’t just bring back people from the wild.”

“Ratatoskr? He’s just…”

“Never thought I’d see not only a Wildling but also a Spirit Beast enter the Academy.”

The Headmaster chuckled as he spoke. Though his words seemed casual, their weight was anything but.

Naturally, Luna and Ellie flinched and stiffened.

He had instantly seen through Porori’s true nature, something even the other professors hadn’t noticed.

Luna glanced at Ratatoskr briefly before cautiously asking a question.

“…Did you already know?”

“I’ve encountered so many things in my life. From the aura it exudes to the way it reads the atmosphere, it’s far from ordinary.”

With that explanation, the Headmaster slowly walked back to the table. He picked up a teacup.

Steam was still rising from it. He took a sip of tea before asking us,

“It seems there are many interrupted stories. Can you share them? If you’d like, I can prepare tea as well.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Alright. Then, take a seat.”

At the Headmaster’s invitation, we sat on the guest sofa in a row.

It was me, Luna, and Ellie in that order. Porori was in Ellie’s arms.

The Headmaster watched me with an intrigued gaze until I sat down. I did my best to ignore it.

Maybe it’s because I seem utterly lacking in social skills but still obedient.

Clearing up that misunderstanding wouldn’t be a bad idea, but now wasn’t the time.

“Shall I start explaining now?”

“Go ahead.”

“Understood. Here’s what happened…”

Luna revealed the parts she hadn’t told the professors. Not that there was much to hide—just that Porori and I had fought fiercely.

But the aftermath of the fight was the real issue. We had poured all our strength into it, leaving the surrounding area completely devastated.

If such an incident occurred at the Academy, it wouldn’t simply be dismissed as an accident.

“I asked them not to fight anymore. They haven’t fought even once on the way here.”

“Interesting. Controlling lightning is impressive enough, but to heed a request as well… It’s certainly a Spirit Beast.”

“So, it’s okay to keep raising him, right?”

Ellie asked nervously, clutching Porori tightly as if afraid of being denied.

Porori’s expression grew even more relaxed. Was he seriously enjoying the soft sensation despite being a squirrel?

‘He must be comfortable.’

Considering how large Ellie’s arms were, it was undoubtedly cozy. Perhaps that’s why strange thoughts crossed my mind.

Having lived in the wilderness, I couldn’t help but be drawn to such things. For now, I could only suppress it as much as possible.

“Since this Spirit Beast has recognized you as its master, there shouldn’t be any incidents. Spirit Beasts usually remain loyal to the master they acknowledge.”

“Oh, then what about Sivar?”

“Ellie, Sivar is a person, not a Spirit Beast. How can you say that after everything you’ve said?”

Ellie seemed to wonder if my calm demeanor was for a similar reason, but Luna’s scolding made her laugh awkwardly.

The Headmaster, finding Ellie’s innocence endearing, chuckled heartily before speaking.

“It’s not entirely impossible. Living in the wilderness with no social skills yet staying calm until now—it does make sense.”

“See? Even the Headmaster agrees!”

“Ha…”

As Ellie puffed up with pride, Luna let out a deep sigh, full of meaning.

It seemed Luna’s hardships were just beginning. I silently cheered her on.

“Will the Headmaster and Sivar be staying here from now on?”

“That’s correct.”

“Oh, so this is the lodging, then.”

“Not exactly.”

Wait a second. Something felt off.

Judging by their puzzled expressions, I wasn’t the only one who found it strange.

Seeing our reactions, the Headmaster let out his characteristic hearty laugh and gave an answer befitting a Wanderer.

“I enjoy wandering around. This place is literally just for sleeping.”

“Uh… So, that means…”

“You’ll adapt quickly. It’s just a change in where you sleep.”

Though the Headmaster’s remark about being a natural Wanderer left me speechless, his explanation made sense.

This wasn’t the real Principal’s Office but more like a Temporary Residence. That’s why it had a shower and even a kitchen.

Additionally, the United Academy’s Headmaster served more as a final line of defense than an administrator, meaning there was little administrative work.

Since the Academy gathered talents from countless nations, there was no higher authority to report to. It was essentially a lock to maintain neutrality.

Of course, this didn’t mean the Headmaster was a figurehead. While there was no one to report to, the Headmaster held the ultimate authority within the Academy.

“That’s why I called you here instead of the Principal’s Office in the Main Building. I never go there on weekends.”

“Have all previous Headmasters lived here as well?”

Luna asked. The lifestyle was so simple it bordered on that of a Wanderer, so it was a reasonable question.

“No, just me. Previous Headmasters had separate lodgings. I don’t have a family and like to wander, so this suits me.”

“Isn’t it inconvenient?”

“There’s no reason for it to be.”

Since all meals and accommodations were handled here, there was no need for a dormitory.

The Headmaster’s Wanderer disposition was the only reason for this arrangement; otherwise, there would normally be separate lodgings.

Since this place was solely for eating and sleeping, it was possible to cohabitate with me.

Anyway, with the housing issue resolved, it was time for everyone to go about their respective tasks.

“Got it? Even if I’m not around, you have to listen to the Headmaster. Sivar is kind, so you’ll do well, right?”

Ellie grabbed my hand and earnestly pleaded. Her light golden eyes were filled with worry.

Since it was decided that I’d stay in the Headmaster’s Office, we’d have to part ways. Ellie seemed concerned about that.

Anyone would think we were parting forever. She’d visit whenever she had time anyway.

“If you understand, answer me.”

“Damn (I understand).”

“Good. Well done.”

Ellie smiled in satisfaction at my response. I would keep my promise, but the future is unpredictable.

More than anything, I have no intention of staying idle here. The Academy is filled with countless items and secrets.

Just from what I can recall, there are constructs set up by the demons to bring about the Academy Collapse.

If I dismantle them in advance, not only will my stats permanently increase, but the difficulty will also significantly decrease in the future.

Besides that, I need to form connections with key figures like Godin, so I can’t just sit still.

‘I’ll sneak out.’

I plan to wander around while the Chancellor is momentarily distracted. However, my memory is hazy, so it might take some time.

Above all, there’s still time before the Academy Collapse part begins. There’s no need to rush.

Until then, I’ll explore every corner of the Academy to revive my faint memories.

“Cough, cough.”

“Chancellor?”

“Ah, don’t worry. It’s just my age catching up to me.”

The Chancellor waved his hand as if to reassure me. Outwardly, it might seem like an illness caused by old age.

However, poison is gradually accumulating in his body. So little that even he can’t notice it.

I should probably deal with the poison accumulating in the Chancellor’s body as soon as possible. His condition will affect the difficulty.

“Cough.”

While Ellie was repeatedly giving me instructions, Porori called me from below.

It seemed like he was wishing me well, so I should probably wish him luck too.

“Damn (Take care).”

“Kyaang (You too).”

He’s telling me to take care. What’s with the sudden well-wishing?

Ellie’s endless instructions continued, but they finally came to an end thanks to Luna’s intervention.

Even so, Ellie gave me a worried look. I was just standing there blankly, though.

“Please take good care of Sivar. I’ll visit often.”

“Leave something for me to teach him!”

“Don’t worry.”

With the Chancellor’s farewell, the group departed. Just before leaving, Luna gave me a meaningful glance, but I brushed it off.

And so, it was just the Chancellor and me left in the office. The atmosphere was truly awkward.

“Sivar.”

The Chancellor called my name. I looked at him with a questioning expression.

Facing me, the Chancellor gently tugged at his mustache with his fingers and murmured with a curious tone.

“I wonder if you actually understand, apart from just hearing the words. Are you really similar to that spirit beast from earlier?”

“··· ···”

I told you I understand everything. I’m just keeping my mouth shut because it’s better to pretend I don’t know right now.

The Chancellor stared at me for a long time before smiling mysteriously. He seemed to have thought of something good.

“Parentless brat.”

“······?”

Out of nowhere, the Chancellor threw an insult at me. I was so dumbfounded that I couldn’t even react.

As I blinked in confusion, the Chancellor didn’t stop and continued hurling insults at me.

“Beggar. Orphan. Barbarian.”

“··· ···”

What’s your problem? I raised one eyebrow, expressing my displeasure.

I’m human too, so hearing insults for no reason makes me feel bad. It’s not like he’s trying to pick a fight.

Seeing my reaction, the Chancellor looked embarrassed and quickly apologized.

“Ahem. Ahem. I apologize for the insults. Just think of it as me grasping the general nuance.”

“··· ···”

“My name is Rod Sherman. Can you try saying it? Rod Sherman.”

After apologizing, the Chancellor pointed to himself and introduced his name. So, his name is Rod Sherman.

“Damn.”

“Rod.”

“Damn.”

“Ro······ never mind. I’m the fool here.”

Of course, even though I know his name, I can’t say it.

The Chancellor, Rod, realized that too and waved it off.

“First, let me explain what your future living space will be like. Follow me.”

Rod pointed to himself again as he explained. At his gesture to follow, I silently trailed behind him.

When I heard that the office would be my temporary residence, I honestly didn’t believe it. But it had everything, including a kitchen.

Rod kindly explained everything in detail. Instead of just explaining verbally, he demonstrated how to use things.

“Try drinking this. It’s brewed from good herbs.”

He even brewed tea for me himself in the kitchen after showing me the shower room.

I alternated my gaze between the steaming teacup and Rod, who had a faint smile.

I should probably accept it since refusing might make things awkward. So, I took it with one hand.

“Ah, wait. It’s hot, so hold it here.”

He pointed to the handle, cautioning me not to grab it recklessly.

Following his advice, I held the handle and brought the teacup close to my face.

“······?”

Didn’t he say it was brewed from good herbs? As soon as I smelled it, I tilted my head in confusion.

I had a strong feeling I shouldn’t drink this. I didn’t know why, but my instincts told me so.

‘Come to think of it······’

I remember now. The tea Rod usually drinks was poisoned.

Rod enjoys drinking tea. Even earlier, when I met him, he was brewing tea.

Before finding herbs useful for detoxification, I need to deal with the tea first. With that thought, I immediately took action.

Crash!

By throwing the teacup onto the floor. This was my way of saying it shouldn’t be consumed.

Since I can’t speak, I had no choice but to act this way. Naturally, Rod was startled by my sudden action.

Then, looking at the spilled tea on the floor, he murmured with a puzzled expression.

“Hmm······ you didn’t like it?”

“··· ···”

That’s not it. It’s poisoned. I tried my best to convey this somehow.

First, I pointed at the spilled tea on the floor, then at my mouth. After that, I shook my head.

Rod carefully observed my actions, then chuckled and firmly said,

“You’re not asking for candy already, are you? That won’t do.”

“······Damn.”

A rough road lies ahead, I can already tell.