A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 31

If it was unexpected, it was unexpected; if it was inevitable, it was inevitable. The result unfolded before their eyes.

The sparring match ended with Kara’s fist landing squarely on Luna’s face.

Luna’s body floated briefly in the air before falling limply onto the hard training ground.

“··· ···”

“··· ···”

“··· ···”

At the same time, a deathly silence settled over the training ground.

The top student, renowned for her reputation, had been defeated by a barbarian.

And not just defeated—completely overwhelmed. This was bound to cause ripples in many ways.

[The sparring match has concluded. Medical Team, please respond promptly.]

The announcement broke the silence, echoing throughout the training ground. Soon, changes began to occur in the area.

The training ground, which had transformed into a plain, reverted to its hard, earthen floor. Shortly after, the Medical Team rushed in through the entrance.

While Kara had only expended a bit of stamina and remained unscathed, Luna was likely in a sorry state.

Especially her face, which had taken multiple punches—it must have swollen considerably. That must hurt quite a bit.

‘Still, she held her ground better than expected.’

Due to the skill gap, others might think Luna was exceptionally weak. But this was actually normal.

Unlike other freshmen, Kara was what one might call a “warrior”—a fighter experienced in various real battles who knew how to use techniques effectively.

Moreover, Luna hadn’t learned martial arts, so her patterns were inherently limited. Kara had exploited that knowledge to her advantage.

Even so, Luna fought well. She accurately identified her weaknesses and worked hard to block close combat altogether.

‘The entrance exam is meant to assess basic skills, after all.’

Basic skills like footwork, strategic judgment, and so on.

Luna excelled in those areas, which is probably why she was admitted as the top student. That alone must have earned her high marks.

However, her lack of techniques made her response abilities painfully slow. She likely realized something important from this sparring match.

“Hmm. As expected, it seems she’s not quite there yet. Still, her foundation is solid.”

Even Rod, who had experienced numerous real battles, seemed to recognize that Luna couldn’t defeat Kara.

Most top students admitted to the Academy had little practical combat experience, despite their potential.

Their idea of real combat was limited to hunting monsters or sparring matches—hardly worthy of being called true battles.

[There will be a 10-minute break before the next sparring match begins.]

With Luna carried off on a stretcher, the event came to an end. It had been hyped as a big event but ended anticlimactically.

Let me reiterate: this wasn’t because Luna was weak but because Kara was absurdly strong.

To exaggerate a bit, it was like a veteran player stepping into a hunting ground meant for newbies.

‘The Academy will make up for her lack of practical experience.’

While attending the Academy, she’ll encounter various real combat scenarios. One of the most notable will be the Bandit Subjugation.

The Bandit Subjugation has its own related episodes, but that’s not something to think about just yet. It’s an activity conducted from the second year onward, anyway.

For first-year students, the focus is on learning various techniques and acquiring related knowledge under the guidance of nurturers, as well as receiving scout offers.

Whether or not one accepts a scout offer doesn’t matter. If someone wants to take their time, they can easily pass on it.

‘She lost, but she definitely left a strong impression.’

I glanced toward the VIP section where dignitaries from various nations were seated. They were all engaged in discussions.

Even though Luna lost, her swordsmanship and basic skills must have shown them her potential.

Based on their dispositions, the Matra Empire would likely show more interest than the Granada Empire.

“Hey, old man. What do you think? Does she seem promising?”

While I was lost in thought, a gruff voice called out from behind me.

Turning around, I saw Kara’s father, Hector, standing there with a stern expression.

“Are you really referring to your own daughter as ‘promising’?”

“If I don’t, she won’t survive. It can’t be helped.”

At Rod’s scolding, Hector replied with a complicated tone.

Scratching his head, he seemed to acknowledge that he might be in the wrong.

“So, what’s your answer?”

“She’s excellent. Considering she’s still growing, she’ll become an outstanding warrior.”

“Right? Then······”

Hector trailed off, his gaze shifting toward me. His green eyes, identical to Kara’s, were filled with deep interest.

He then pointed at me and asked Rod a question.

“What do you think would happen if she fought him?”

“You’ll see when it happens.”

Rod’s response was ambiguous. But even his lack of a definitive answer was enough to pique Hector’s interest.

Not knowing meant there was a possibility Kara could lose. Hector must have interpreted it that way.

“Hearing you say that makes me feel a bit strange.”

“It’s because you don’t know Sivar’s true abilities.”

“You haven’t even fought him? Then how did you bring him here?”

“The student your daughter just beat up brought him here.”

It seemed the details hadn’t been fully conveyed to him. Well, only those directly involved knew the full story.

Hector looked at me with a peculiar expression after hearing Rod’s explanation. His face seemed to ask, “What the hell is this guy?”

“Damn.”

So I answered that I didn’t know myself very well either. Hector’s expression grew even more peculiar.

The once talkative man was now at a loss for words.

“······Sivar? What does that even mean?”

“Think of it as a habit. He lost his language while living in the wilderness. But he can at least say one word.”

“Didn’t you say his name is Sivar? Don’t tell me you named him Sivar just because he kept saying ‘Sivar’? That’s utterly devoid of sincerity.”

I agree with you on that, sir. If I had been grunting “Uga Uga,” my name would’ve been Ugar.

While I silently shared this half-hearted agreement, Rod chuckled. It seemed he also found the name lacking in sincerity.

“I didn’t name him. The student who brought him along did.”

“What a peculiar fellow. Anyway, I get it. I’ll see for myself during the sparring match.”

Hector rattled off his words and turned to leave. He was probably going to see Kara.

I watched his broad back for a moment before quietly getting up from my seat. I had somewhere to go as well.

“Where are you going? There are still sparring matches left.”

As I stood, Rod asked me with a curious tone.

I paused to think about my response before carefully enunciating each word.

“Friend.”

“Friend?”

“Hospital.”

Since she had lost consciousness, Luna was probably hospitalized by now. She had also woken up in a hospital in the Soul World.

I planned to check on Luna’s condition there. I was curious to see how swollen her face had become.

Of course, I was a little worried as well. About 1%, to be exact.

“You’re going to the hospital to see a friend? Are you saying you’re going to see Luna?”

“Yeah.”

“Because you’re worried about her?”

“Yeah.”

It wasn’t so much worry as it was curiosity about how swollen her face was.

More importantly, I had no intention of watching the remaining sparring matches. Spending time with someone I knew seemed like a better use of my time.

“What a commendable thought. Very good. Off you go.”

Of course, Rod had no idea what I was really thinking. He was simply moved.

Look at that satisfied smile. He was convinced I was developing social skills.

In reality, I was just starting to communicate a little better and pay attention to my surroundings. It had nothing to do with social skills.

“That spirit beast is proving to be a great help. Since you can communicate, it makes everything smoother.”

“··· ···”

Suddenly, I felt annoyed.

I protested to Rod after hearing him say Porori had been helpful.

“No! You!”

“Hmm? What do you mean, no?”

“Help!”

“You say there’s no need to help? Sorry, but that’s not possible. Please understand.”

“F*ck!”

“Stop complaining and let’s go.”

The frustration remained the same.

******

Luna, who had been knocked unconscious by Kara’s solid punch.

She was immediately transported to the hospital and regained consciousness not long after.

Kara had held back her strength, and Luna’s fainting was more due to her lack of stamina.

Throb!

“Ahh······”

As soon as she regained consciousness, Luna let out a groan from the sharp pain that surged through her.

Her abdomen hurt, but the most painful area was her face, which had been struck by Kara’s iron fist.

Even during the fight, the inside of her mouth had been injured, and after being hit several more times, it must have swollen significantly.

At least it seemed some first aid had been applied, as it only hurt without the metallic taste of blood lingering.

“Oh, you’re awake?”

A woman who had been nursing Luna spoke to her as she winced in pain. It was Ellie.

Animals are prohibited in hospital rooms unless it’s a specific ward. Perhaps because of this, Ratatoskr was not by her side.

Luna met Ellie’s ever-bright eyes and quietly opened her mouth.

“Where······ am I?”

“You’re in the hospital. You fainted, remember?”

“Right······”

Her swollen mouth caused her words to slur slightly. The pain that came with speaking was just a bonus.

Luna grimaced from the pain and turned her gaze elsewhere. Then, her eyes widened at the sight of an entirely unexpected figure.

“······Sivar?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

Surprisingly, it was Sivar. He was looking at her with an innocent face, pure as ever.

While Luna was wondering why Sivar was here, Ellie explained the reason.

“According to the Headmaster, Sivar was the one who asked first. He wanted to come to where you were.”

“Sivar······ asked first?”

“Yeah. Isn’t it surprising? He must have been so worried about you that he came running right away.”

At those words, Sivar glanced at Ellie. He seemed to have something to say.

However, he soon gave up and turned his head back toward Luna. Luna met his gaze with a mix of complicated emotions.

‘He was worried about me?’

He probably just came to see how messed up her face was. But there was no way to know the truth.

Unaware of the truth, Luna looked at Sivar with a subtle expression.

Somehow, it was both touching and endearing. It felt like Sivar had grown.

“······Sivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Did you come because you were worried about me?”

At Luna’s question, Sivar nodded. His expression seemed to ask, “What else would it be?”

At that, Luna smiled brightly, overwhelmed with emotion. An indescribable feeling filled her chest.

She didn’t think Sivar was lying. How could someone with such a pure(?) face lie?

“······Thank you. You’re so kind, Sivar.”

“Yeah.”

“Haha. Ahh······”

She seemed to have accidentally irritated the inside of her mouth while laughing. Luna grimaced in pain.

“The doctor said you’ll be fine in about a day. Your teeth are intact too.”

“I’ll recover in just one day?”

“It’s the Academy. High-quality potions are always on standby. I’m even making some myself, you know?”

Ellie puffed out her chest proudly, exuding confidence. Her presence was undeniably impressive.

Even Luna, a fellow woman, found herself momentarily captivated by Ellie’s potion pouch, let alone Sivar.

Luna stared blankly at the pouch before quickly snapping out of it. What mattered now was reflection.

‘She was really strong.’

It was the moment she truly understood what techniques honed through practical combat were like.

Techniques deployed at the right time and place, the ability to adapt, and even improvisation—there was nothing lacking.

If they had fought to the death, her head would have been gone in less than five minutes. Kara was that strong.

‘If someone like her fought Sivar······ No. What is he even looking at?’

Sivar was still staring at Ellie’s potion pouch······ no, at her chest.

One of Luna’s concerns was Sivar becoming aware of “the opposite sex.”

Things were already difficult enough without having to teach him sex education. For now, she needed to divert his attention.

“Sivar?”

“?”

“What do you think? About Kara, I mean.”

She wasn’t sure if he understood the question, but she asked anyway. Sivar blinked in response.

Then, as if deep in thought, he scratched his head and quietly opened his mouth.

“Me.”

“Who thinks about whom?”

Before Sivar could finish his sentence, a familiar voice interrupted.

Turning toward the source of the voice, they saw Kara standing at the door.

Her refreshing smile matched her equally refreshing attire. She wore long pants, but her top was a black tank top.

“Kara.”

“Looks like you’ve been treated well.”

Kara said as she strode confidently toward Luna.

Unlike Luna, whose face was battered, Kara looked perfectly fine without a single scratch.

It was only natural since Luna hadn’t landed a proper hit.

Luna was momentarily startled by Kara’s appearance, but then she remembered what she had said to her earlier and hurriedly spoke.

“Kara, about that······”

“No, no. It’s fine. You didn’t mean it seriously, right? I was provoking you too.”

“But······”

“It’s okay. Just apologizing is enough.”

Her response was as straightforward as her personality. Luna looked at her with a hesitant expression.

Calling her a “Barbarian” must have been hurtful to Kara. Luna had realized this during their time together.

Being scorned as a barbarian despite not being one. That alone must have caused her immense stress.

“The Tatars treat sparring like real combat. No matter what provocation comes your way, you have to maintain your composure, but I failed to do that. It’s my fault.”

“······Are you really okay with this?”

“Yeah. You apologized, and I accepted it. That’s all there is to it. The real problem is people who don’t even apologize.”

Kara said this and then looked at Sivar. Her face still held a smile.

“Next time, it’s your turn to face me, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Can you answer what Luna was asking earlier? Wasn’t it about who would win if we fought?”

“It’s close, but······”

The question was more about what he thought, but upon reflection, it could be interpreted in many ways.

It could be about strength or even about what kind of person Kara was.

With anyone else, it might not matter, but this was Sivar. At least with him, the question needed to be clear.

“Sivar, if you and Kara fought······”

“Sister.”

“What?”

“Just call me sister. I’m older anyway.”

“That······”

“If you call me sister, I’ll teach you some techniques.”

“That sounds tempting.” Luna rolled her eyes dramatically before quickly making a decision.

Even though she was the top student, the overwhelming defeat might have left a strong impression.

Besides, she figured she would be spending a lot of time with Kara in the future, giving her plenty of opportunities to learn techniques.

As these thoughts rapidly processed in her mind, Luna hurriedly corrected herself.

She had already folded up her pride neatly and tossed it into the trash can.

“If you and Kara unnie fought, who do you think would win?”

“Quick, aren’t you?”

Kara chuckled in disbelief from the side. Then, she also turned to look at Sivar.

Everyone’s eyes focused on Sivar’s mouth. The stares were slightly burdensome.

Sivar rolled his red eyes around before slowly raising his hand.

“You.”

He pointed at Kara with his index finger.

“Lose.”

Then, pointing to himself, he answered confidently.