A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 36

I don’t know if you remember, but Kara has a unique personality. She’s a ‘loner’ or an ‘outcast.’

Before founding the Tatar Tribe, Hector mercilessly destroyed and plundered neighboring countries, and his infamy spread worldwide.

Even after establishing the nation, his infamy remained intact, and he was often labeled a barbarian. Kara is no exception to this.

Because of this, the Academy students avoid getting close to Kara, and Kara, being aware of this, lives accordingly.

Of course, if any student crosses the line, she beats them up so badly they can’t even speak. This is the main reason for her declining reputation.

Anyway, the fact that Kara is a loner without a single friend remains unchanged. She’s like a hedgehog bristling with sharp spines.

However, hedgehogs tend to retract their spines when they trust someone, and their personality is quite gentle. Kara is the same.

‘Her punches are surprisingly satisfying, too.’

I inwardly chuckled at Kara, who was rambling in an attempt to console me.

Of course, the claim that I was hurt was just a joke. Knowing her personality so well, how could I possibly be hurt?

I was just teasing her for fun. Kara would never know that, even until her dying day.

“Th-that… candy! I’ll give you candy later! So don’t be too sad, okay?”

“Okay.”

It seems Kara is now trying to bribe me with candy. It wasn’t a bad idea, so I gave a positive response.

Kara let out a sigh of relief, thinking my mood had improved. Then she glared sharply at Hector.

Hector was staring at me with a thoughtful expression. Did he perhaps realize I was joking?

“······Father.”

“Why are you calling me?”

“Just to be clear, you don’t have a problem with me being friends with him, right?”

Kara seemed to think Hector was having unnecessary—or rather, rude—thoughts.

Since she mentioned meeting Hector once when Luna was hospitalized, they must have talked about me.

A wildling who entered the Academy. Unlike barbarians who at least have traces of civilization, wildlings lack even that.

“I didn’t say anything, though?”

But Hector replied as if it was no big deal. His tone implied, if anything, that Kara was the one harboring prejudices.

Kara flinched at his words and began cautiously watching my reaction. It seemed she was checking if I understood the implications of his statement.

To be fair, even to the Tatar Tribe, barbarians would probably think, “This is a bit much······.” After all, I can barely speak properly.

“······Anyway! He’s my friend, so just know that. Got it?”

Kara urgently grabbed my hand and declared this to Hector. Her face was still red.

Hector’s expression subtly changed. Stroking his beard, he seemed to be deep in thought.

Whether it was simple curiosity or calculation, it was likely the former.

Generally, people with strong bodies tend to use their brains less, and Hector’s physical condition is among the best even in the Soul World.

‘There’s a reason he’s called the King of Destruction.’

In terms of pure destructive power, there are hardly any beings comparable to Hector. From what I vaguely recall, maybe two.

And those two are beings fitting the title of the strongest in the world, which shows just how extraordinary Hector’s physical strength is.

Although his overall skill falls slightly short of Rod’s, as a member of the Tatar Tribe, his combat prowess is exceptionally high.

“Well······ if that’s the case, then so be it. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to build connections with nobles instead of commoners. They could be of great help to you in the future.”

“No thanks. I don’t want to associate with people who talk recklessly with their loose mouths. I’d rather stick with him.”

“This isn’t advice; it’s a warning. Didn’t I teach you? The more allies you have, and the fewer enemies, the better.”

Contrary to his appearance, Hector is quite wise. It’s just that his explanations often lack clarity.

The reason he founded the nation was that he instinctively knew their tribe would face extinction someday. They must have had too many enemies around them.

Although other nations were annoyed, they acknowledged the Tatar Tribe, considering their geographical advantages and individual combat prowess. That was truly a smart move.

The problem was that it was all too rushed. They should have taken it step by step, but instead, they hastily enrolled Kara in the Academy. That’s why she’s struggling now.

“And who exactly made those enemies? Don’t think about shifting the blame onto me.”

“······I’m just saying not to make any more enemies.”

“Enough. I’ll decide for myself who my enemies are. For now······”

Kara answered curtly and showed Hector the hand she was holding with mine.

“You know Sivar is on my side, right? You’ve seen how strong he is.”

“··· ···”

“So now, just leave. Let me rest for a bit.”

“······Fine.”

At her request, Hector slowly rose from his chair. The act was as imposing as a mountain rising.

Hector alternated his gaze between Kara and me with a still-subtle expression, then fixed his eyes on me.

His green eyes, glowing faintly, were filled with complex emotions. I simply met his gaze.

“See you later.”

His distinctively deep voice echoed in my ears. Hector trudged away.

Thud!

As he walked, he lightly tapped my shoulder before leaving. There was considerable force behind it.

For an ordinary person, it would have been quite painful. But for me, with my sturdy body, it was nothing.

‘I guess I’ve really been marked now.’

I had been marked ever since I defeated Kara, but today probably solidified it.

In the Soul World, if you build Kara’s affinity, Hector also reacts. His reaction differs depending on gender.

If the protagonist is female, like Luna, he smiles warmly and lets it slide. But if it’s a male? Then he starts shooting lasers from his eyes.

It’s only natural. His one and only daughter—who is objectively beautiful—has a male friend. It would be strange not to be wary.

Moreover, I’m a wildling with immense physical strength, so his interest in me is bound to be negative.

Clunk-

Finally, as Hector exited the room, the heavy atmosphere dissipated.

The only ones left in the hospital room were Kara and me.

“Phew······”

“··· ···”

“······Hey. No, Sivar.”

Kara, who had let out a deep sigh, quietly called my name. It was different from when she usually called me “Hey.”

When I looked at her, she seemed hesitant, her mouth slightly moving as if she was chewing on her words.

Her green eyes, always shining confidently, were cast downward, and her face was slightly flushed.

“······Do you know what a friend is?”

Kara finally spoke, but her gaze was still directed elsewhere.

She seemed embarrassed by her own words. It was a stark contrast to her usual confident demeanor.

‘Was she like this in the Soul World, too?’

I don’t remember well, but I think it was something similar.

Back in her homeland, her position as a princess made it difficult, and at the Academy, being a barbarian added to her struggles.

Kara is in a position where making friends is not easy. The more she tries, the more stressed she becomes.

That’s why building her affinity is relatively easy, but if you betray her, it turns into the worst hostile relationship.

Of course, that would never happen. I nodded and answered Kara’s question.

“I know.”

“What a friend is······ Never mind. Asking something like this is stupid.”

Kara seemed like she was about to press further but then chuckled softly and shook her head.

Then she lifted her head and looked me in the eye. This was probably the first time we had looked at each other so closely.

“If nothing else, remember this: Friends can joke around, but betrayal is absolutely unforgivable. Got it?”

I had heard those words in the Soul World as well. They were spoken when Kara’s affinity level increased.

Because of her position as a princess, Kara had experienced all kinds of political schemes in her homeland. Even at the Academy, she saw glimpses of them, which she despised.

“Okay.”

“Good. Then let’s promise not to betray each other. Got it?”

“Promise?”

I tilted my head. I don’t think this was in the Soul World.

While I was tilting my head, Kara quietly extended her hand. It was the arm in a cast, but the fist part was slightly exposed.

She barely managed to extend her pinkie finger. I could roughly guess what she wanted.

“You hook your pinkie finger with mine. That means we’ve made a promise. It’s a promise you can’t break until death.”

This woman is trying to instill strange common sense in me.

As I blinked in confusion, Kara, realizing her own embarrassment, shouted urgently.

“J-just do as I say! Hurry, before anyone sees!”

“Okay.”

It seems best to just do as she wants for now. I can make use of it later if needed.

Following her words, I hooked my pinkie finger with hers. It felt strange, considering it was the arm I had broken.

Kara smiled softly as I complied without resistance. It wasn’t a bright smile that showcased her white teeth, but rather one that seemed somewhat relieved.

Knock, knock, knock—

At that moment, the sound of someone knocking on the hospital room door reached us. Kara and I turned our heads toward the sound.

Clunk—

Soon, the hospital room door swung wide open. At the same time, Kara hastily let go of my hand.

With Hector having just left, there shouldn’t be anyone else coming. Then, who could it be?

“Ah! Sivar, you’re here too?”

“You are…?”

Someone completely unexpected appeared. Kara, seemingly feeling the same way, asked in a bewildered voice.

A short brown bob that suited her and sparkling golden eyes. A particularly noticeable chest.

“El. Lie?”

Ellie had come to visit Kara’s hospital room. It wasn’t Luna, but her, which made it all the more surprising.

Ellie glanced back and forth between Kara and me, then walked over lightly and asked with a bright expression.

“Sivar, why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be resting?”

“That’s what I want to ask. Who are you here to see?”

Kara asked sincerely. Ellie’s visit must have been entirely unexpected for her.

It wouldn’t be strange for Luna to visit, as they had built some rapport through a few conversations, but Ellie was a different story.

They hardly ever met, and aside from Luna’s hospital visits, they were practically strangers.

“Of course, I came to see Kara. I was watching the sparring session.”

“So that’s why you came?”

“Yes. I was a bit late because I was also watching Luna’s sparring session. Oh! Luna said she’d rest for a bit and visit later since she’s tired.”

Ellie kindly shared Luna’s current status as well. Come to think of it, Luna had a sparring session too.

Normally, the atmosphere would have been awkward, but Ellie’s unique liveliness kept things pleasant.

Kara, though perhaps a bit reluctant, didn’t seem uncomfortable. While Ellie’s lack of tact might be a flaw, she wasn’t a bad person at heart.

“But, Sivar, why did you come to see Kara?”

Ellie asked me with a curious expression. Hearing her question, I answered clearly.

“Friend.”

“Friend? Who?”

“Ka. Ra.”

“Kara?”

At my response, Ellie looked at Kara. Kara scratched her cheek awkwardly, looking embarrassed.

“He said he came to apologize for hitting me and considers me a friend.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes.”

I nodded as I answered. There was no room for misunderstanding in my words.

Ellie’s face lit up as she stepped toward me with large strides.

Squish—

Then, she hugged my head tightly. Since I was sitting in a chair, my head ended up buried in her chest.

While I was flustered by her sudden action, Ellie praised me in an admiring tone.

“Well done! You did so well! That’s how friends should be. Sivar, you’re so kind.”

“··· ···”

That’s all good, but could you let go now? I was about to say that but stopped myself.

It was just too soft. How could something on a person’s body feel softer than a bed?

No wonder Porori liked to lean on her like a cushion. I wanted to savor this comfort for just a little longer.

“······Hey. Let go of him quickly. He might suffocate.”

Kara interjected from behind, sounding uncomfortable. Her low voice made her feelings clear.

At Kara’s objection, Ellie gently released my face. Honestly, I wanted to stay in her embrace longer, but it couldn’t be helped.

If I asked, Ellie would probably oblige, but it would make Kara uncomfortable. I’d have to save it for another time.

“I wanted to give you some candy, but I don’t have any right now. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

“Never mind that. Why did you come to see me? Just saying it’s because of the sparring doesn’t explain much.”

While Ellie was apologizing to me, Kara’s question cut in.

Ellie, still standing behind me, answered.

“As you know, Kara, Sivar lacks a lot of common sense, right? So, I came to explain that he didn’t mean any harm.”

As she spoke, Ellie kneaded my face. She even let me rest the back of my head against her chest for comfort.

I relished the indescribable feeling of comfort. How could something be this relaxing?

Meanwhile, Kara looked at me, then smirked as if finding it absurd, and replied.

“No harm, my foot. You have no idea how much he teased me. Whoever taught him did a great job.”

“What? Sivar teased you?”

“Yes. He mocked me, saying I’m weak and would lose.”

“That’s strange. Neither the Headmaster nor I taught him anything like that…”

Ellie said this as she stepped back slightly. Then she moved to stand beside me and met my gaze.

Normally, she would have looked down at me, but her large chest seemed to block her view.

Poke, poke—

By the way, why are you poking my face? As soon as Ellie met my gaze, she started poking my cheek with her finger.

I simply stared at her without reacting. Seeing this, she smiled brightly and then moved back behind me.

Knead, knead—

She resumed kneading my cheeks. She seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

Well, since I got to use her chest as a cushion, I suppose it’s a win-win situation.

“Maybe he picked up something while attending classes. I hope he doesn’t learn anything bad.”

“··· ···”

Kara made a guilty expression at Ellie’s words, rolling her eyes and avoiding her gaze.

Provocation was something I learned on my own, but Kara probably felt guilty about a lot of things.

“······Anyway, are you here to apologize? Since you’re also Sivar’s guardian?”

Kara quickly changed the subject. Ellie nodded.

“Yes. I was the one who insisted on bringing Sivar from the forest. So, when Sivar causes trouble, I feel responsible.”

“Hmm······ is that so?”

Kara seemed to accept this explanation. From Ellie’s perspective, it made sense.

Luna had initially been skeptical about bringing me along. After all, I couldn’t even speak, let alone understand words.

But Ellie had insisted that people should live like people, refusing to back down. That’s how I ended up fighting Porori.

So, if I caused trouble, kind-hearted Ellie would naturally feel responsible. Even though she shared the responsibility with Rod, it wouldn’t change much.

‘There are people who might take advantage of that.’

I’d have to be careful about this. Even though Porori promised to stay by my side, he couldn’t always be there.

Besides, Ellie was a character in the Soul World who could die if caught off guard. For balance reasons, she sometimes died in absurd ways.

“I’m fine, so you don’t need to take responsibility for me. In fact, I like people like you who have their heads screwed on straight.”

“Really? That’s a relief. If you’re okay, would you like this?”

Ellie sighed in relief, placing her hand over her chest, and then offered me a small bottle.

Inside the small cylindrical glass bottle was a red liquid.

“It’s a healing potion. I made it myself.”

“Thanks. Can I drink it now?”

“No. Since you just finished treatment, the potion’s effect will be reduced. You can take it after about a day.”

“Got it. I’ll drink it then. Oh, by the way.”

Kara, who had been placing the potion on the drawer, seemed to remember something.

She then addressed Ellie, who was still kneading my cheeks.

“I’m going to be Sivar’s guardian too, so you should know that.”

“What?”

“I’m going to be his guardian. I haven’t gotten the Chancellor’s permission yet, but I’m practically his guardian already.”

“What are you… talking about…?”

Ellie was visibly flustered at the mention of Kara becoming my guardian. Judging by her stammering, she was quite taken aback.

On the other hand, Kara explained in detail with an expression that showed she didn’t think it was a big deal.

“You know I’m in charge of Sivar’s training, right?”

“I heard from Luna.”

“Listening to you, it seems like I should take responsibility too. It’d be awkward if he used the techniques I taught him to hurt someone undeserving.”

“There’s no need to go as far as becoming his guardian······”

“There is. The more guardians, the better, don’t you think?”

“······That’s true.”

The more people who can handle my eccentric acts, the better. Though it might mean more days of Rod clutching his neck in frustration.

When Ellie reluctantly agreed, Kara grinned and decisively concluded the matter.

“I look forward to working with you. I’ll probably visit the Principal’s Office this weekend, so let’s meet then.”

“Understood. I look forward to working with you too, Kara.”

“Feel free to call me ‘sister.’”

“Really? Sister?”

“······I didn’t expect you to go as far as using informal speech.”

Kara chuckled softly. She didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Is there anything I should be cautious about when spending time with him?”

“Not particularly. I’m training him every weekend. Just remind him not to use anything related to combat recklessly.”

“What if someone insults Sivar?”

Kara asked with a slightly sharp tone. She herself resorted to violence whenever someone called her a barbarian.

Even so, she was able to remain enrolled thanks to the Academy’s strict regulations against racism.

Kara’s acts of violence were also deemed self-defense rather than mutual fault, allowing her to avoid severe consequences.

“I’ve already told him. If someone makes discriminatory remarks, it’s okay to hit them.”

“Wow.”

Kara let out an exclamation, seemingly pleased with Ellie’s response. She started to clap but hesitated upon noticing the condition of her arm.

Then, with a broad smile, she spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

“I like you. I thought you’d tell him to endure it no matter what, like someone else I know.”

“It’s a direct denial of the Academy’s principles, so of course. People who lack basic decency don’t deserve to attend the Academy.”

“Hmm. Hmm. That’s how it should be. You’re much more straightforward than Luna.”

Hmm. Is this really the right approach?

As Ellie squished my cheeks, I pondered.

‘Even if it weren’t me, she’d have been influenced in some odd direction anyway.’

Still, judging by how well they communicate, they seem likely to get along.

As for me, I’ll just continue thinking about the story as always.

“But why do you keep touching my cheeks?”

“Huh? Oh, this? I don’t know why, but they’re incredibly soft. Sister, do you want to try?”

“Can’t you see my arm? He’s the one who made it like this.”

“Ah. Sorry.”

And so, the camaraderie between the two women was established, and the Duel Event came to an end.

Despite the ups and downs, what awaited after the long struggle was a weekend as sweet as honey.

Weekends are relatively relaxing, spent studying all kinds of vocabulary.

But someone came to disrupt that weekend.

“May I interrupt for a moment?”

“As long as you don’t break anything.”

“That might be a bit difficult.”

The King of Destruction had arrived.