A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 41

Hector came to apologize to me the very next day. His entire body was covered in bandages, likely from how much I had beaten him while in Berserk Mode.

At first, I thought it was Mira, but I realized it was Hector when I saw his bronzed skin and massive bulk.

“Sivar. That person no longer wants to fight you. So you must not attack him. Got it?”

When Hector arrived, Luna earnestly pleaded with me.

She said it wasn’t the time to fight, that Hector had no intention of battling, and so on.

I didn’t respond and only nodded. If I stared too long, I felt like she’d start lecturing me again.

Then Hector, despite his discomfort, stood confidently before me, slowly knelt down, and pressed his forehead to the ground.

“I’m sorry.”

“··· ···”

“I should have found another way instead of resorting to brute force. It’s all my fault. So······”

Swoosh-

Before Hector could finish speaking, I extended my hand.

Noticing my gesture, Hector slowly lifted his head from the ground. His eyes widened in surprise.

He probably didn’t expect me to offer my hand first. Even though he was the one who attacked first, it would look like I was the one forgiving him.

Others seemed to think the same, as they expressed their satisfaction with various pleased expressions.

Meanwhile, Hector stared at my outstretched hand with a conflicted look before hesitantly reaching out his own.

Smack!

But I casually brushed his hand aside. Not only Hector but also the onlookers who had been watching with satisfaction were taken aback.

Accepting an apology from someone who hasn’t matured mentally is meaningless. He’s probably still feeling unsettled himself, so what’s the point of an apology?

For now, it’s better to just say what I want. There’s only one thing I desire.

“The axe.”

“······What?”

“The axe.”

Hector looked dumbfounded when I asked for the axe. The others were no different.

However, a promise is a promise. He nodded and handed me the axe he had been carrying on his back.

It was closer in size to a fire axe, making it much heavier than a regular one-handed axe.

I’ll probably be using this for a while—at least until I head directly to the Tatars.

When Hector handed over Ragnarok, Kara asked with concern.

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

“A promise is a promise.”

“Hoo······ Fine. Got it.”

After giving me the axe, Hector apologized again. Not just to me but also to Rod.

Rod chuckled and said he understood, but his face still showed anger. Considering how much trouble he went through to clean up yesterday’s mess, it was understandable.

Anyway, after the troublemaker Hector left, only familiar faces remained in my residence.

The atmosphere became slightly awkward, but I didn’t care. I was too engrossed in examining the axe.

‘It’s truly impressive.’

If there’s one thing Hector excels at, it’s design. The axe, Ragnarok, was no exception.

From what I recall, Ragnarok was originally a ceremonial axe.

It was used to offer tributes to Lord Gulak, but one day, lightning struck the axe.

Normally, Hector should have been electrocuted, but strangely, the lightning only surged through Ragnarok.

“How do you use that, Sis? It looks like a pretty good weapon.”

While I was thoroughly inspecting Ragnarok, Luna asked Kara a question. She seemed to have noticed that it wasn’t an ordinary weapon.

Kara, wearing a complicated expression, remained silent for a moment before kindly explaining.

“It’s a good weapon. It’s the only thing that could withstand Father’s lightning. Anything else would burn up the moment it tried to contain it.”

“By lightning, you mean······ Lord Gulak, the God of Destruction, right?”

“Yes. Besides that, it’s engraved with retrieval magic, so you won’t have to worry about losing it.”

Faith doesn’t mean much to me. What I’m interested in is the retrieval magic Kara just mentioned.

In the Soul World, weapons are often dropped during combat situations. Conversely, players can also make their opponents drop their weapons.

In such cases, having retrieval magic allows you to re-equip your weapon easily. That’s why engraving retrieval magic on your favorite weapon is a standard practice.

‘But how do you actually use it?’

In the game, you just press a button, but I have no idea how it works in reality. I can’t even remember the settings.

I quietly placed Ragnarok on the ground and took a few steps back.

People gave me puzzled looks at my actions, but I ignored them.

“··· ···”

Even when I spread my hand wide like Hector did, Ragnarok didn’t return to me.

Using mana didn’t make a difference either. It just lay there on the ground.

“Kara.”

“Yes?”

“This. Axe. Retrieve!”

In the end, I had no choice but to ask Kara for help. It’s convenient that I can now use short phrases.

Kara chuckled as if she found my use of body language adorable. Then she extended her hand.

Ragnarok, which had been lying on the ground, trembled before flying into her hand.

Smack!

“This is what you meant, right?”

“Yes.”

“Engraved retrieval magic······ If I explain it like that, you probably won’t understand, huh?”

For reference, when magic is stored in a weapon or specific item, it’s called an engraving. As I mentioned before, there are artisans who specialize in engraving.

Kara pondered for a moment on how to explain before showing me the axe.

“Do you see these characters? Can you read them?”

“··· ···”

I looked at the characters engraved on the axe handle. I couldn’t read them at all.

They seemed to be written in the language of the Tatars, not the Common Language. That’s why I couldn’t understand them.

“You probably can’t read it. It’s the language used by the Tatars. Its name is Ragnarok, which translates to ‘Fate of the Gods’ in the Common Language.”

“Rag. Na. Rok?”

“Yes. Do you remember that Squinting Professor’s class? He said languages carry immense potential. Since engraving is essentially magic, it draws on the power of language.”

Ah, right. That was the setting. Kara’s explanation jogged my memory.

As Godin explained back then, this world has a Common Language, but each nation also has its own unique language.

When using magic, it’s more effective to use your homeland’s language than the Common Language.

It’s similar to how English is treated as the Common Language on Earth.

The system is designed so that learning isn’t too difficult, making it easy for even countryside-origin people like Luna and Ellie—and even me—to pick up.

“The priority of engraved magic changes depending on how accurately you pronounce it. Moreover, since Ragnarok is deeply connected to Lord Gulak, the stronger your faith, the higher the priority and the longer the retrieval range.”

“Oh······”

“Want to give it a try? You don’t have to say it out loud; thinking it in your mind is enough. Go ahead.”

Kara placed Ragnarok on the ground and cautiously stepped back, seemingly preparing for any unexpected situations.

I looked down at the axe lying there and extended my hand. Then, I quietly called its name in my mind.

‘Ragnarok.’

Smack!

As soon as I called its name, Ragnarok flew into my hand. The sensation of it snapping into place was incredibly satisfying.

“What? You succeeded right away? Our language’s pronunciation can be a bit tricky.”

Kara seemed surprised that I succeeded on my first try.

Just because I can’t speak doesn’t mean I can’t pronounce things in my mind. Saying a name is hardly difficult.

“Wait a second. Ragnarok has five syllables, but Sivar can only pronounce two. How is this even possible?”

Luna, sensing something odd, voiced her thoughts. As she pointed out, I can only pronounce two syllables.

From her perspective, the fact that I managed to retrieve Ragnarok doesn’t add up.

“It doesn’t matter. In language, pronunciation is the most important thing, even if the words are spaced out. The meaning doesn’t disappear.”

“Is that······ so?”

“Yes. Otherwise, mages wouldn’t need to strain themselves to the point of coughing up blood while chanting spells. Even a small injury would render them unable to cast magic.”

Rod’s explanation was spot on. Mages will do whatever it takes to finish their incantations.

As long as they finish speaking, the magic’s effect might be reduced, but the spell itself won’t be canceled.

Language plays an incredibly vital role in this world.

Smack!

I repeatedly threw and retrieved Ragnarok onto the ground. The tactile sensation was so satisfying that it became unexpectedly entertaining.

Since I would be using it regularly from now on, getting accustomed to it was important.

‘Is there anywhere suitable to throw it?’

Holding Ragnarok in my hand, I looked around. My eyes eventually landed on the ceiling, which had a gaping hole.

The ceiling had been pierced due to Hector’s preemptive attack. Since it was the weekend, proper repairs hadn’t been made yet.

It was the perfect place for an experiment. Seeing this as an opportunity, I took a throwing stance.

“Wait a second. Where are you throwing that······”

“Just leave it. The ceiling’s already broken anyway.”

“What if he develops a bad habit? That’s not a toy; it’s a weapon.”

“He’s just curious. Once his curiosity fades, he’ll restrain himself.”

Kara and Luna bickered, but I didn’t pay them any attention. Rod merely clicked his tongue as he looked at the hole in the ceiling.

Whoosh!

Finally, I threw the axe directly at the hole in the ceiling. Since the axe was quite heavy, I added a bit of force.

To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, I aimed toward the forested area. That’s why Rod didn’t particularly try to stop me.

And so, time passed. Thinking it should be enough, I called Ragnarok back in my mind.

“··· ···”

“··· ···”

“Why isn’t it······”

Just as I was about to voice my confusion over Ragnarok not returning, Ellie opened her mouth.

Crunch!

At first, there was an ominous sound.

Crash!

Ragnarok came back, shattering a glass window in the process.

That alone was a major accident, but an even bigger problem remained.

It was Luna, who had been standing between me and the glass window. The moment she heard the sound of shattering glass, she turned her head.

“Uh······”

Her face clearly showed the thought, ‘I’m screwed.’ If things continued like this, she’d get seriously hurt from colliding with Ragnarok.

But fortunately, we had someone nearby who was always reliable.

Thud-

Just before Ragnarok collided with Luna’s head, Rod lightly deflected it with his sword.

Not only was it impressive that he had drawn his sword without anyone noticing, but with just a simple motion, he altered Ragnarok’s trajectory.

Eventually, Ragnarok narrowly grazed past Luna’s head. Rod’s agility was truly remarkable.

Smack!

As soon as I retrieved Ragnarok, I began cautiously gauging everyone’s reactions.

Luna still had a dumbfounded expression. Rod’s face was filled with displeasure.

I had almost caused an accident unintentionally. No, just breaking the glass window was already an accident.

“······Sorry.”

So I apologized carefully. This incident was entirely my fault.

Ellie, who had been quietly observing, smiled softly at my apology and approached me.

She gently patted my head, as if to say I did well, and comforted me quietly.

“It’s, it’s okay. These things happen. You apologized sincerely, just like Hector earlier, so it’s fine.”

“··· ···”

“Don’t be too down about it. Luna, you’ll forgive him too, right?”

“Huh, huh? Oh······ yeah. I didn’t get hurt, so it’s fine.”

“And what about the Headmaster?”

At Ellie’s question, Rod opened his mouth slightly before glancing toward the window. The glass window was completely shattered.

While the ceiling could be overlooked since it was Hector’s doing, there was no way to excuse the window.

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and forgave me.

“Apologizing means you’re acknowledging your mistake. Since Student Luna has forgiven you, I’ll let it slide too.”

“Th-thank you······”

“But!”

Rod emphasized the word “but,” making me flinch instinctively. His voice carried such authority that it was a bit intimidating.

Ellie patted my back reassuringly. Having her always on my side made the fear slightly subside.

Rod then looked at me with a serious expression and spoke in a stern tone.

“There will be no candy for a while.”

“······What?”

The dumbfounded reaction didn’t come from me but from Kara. Her expression seemed to ask if she had misheard.

Since she didn’t know me well yet, it was understandable. She probably thought, ‘How could withholding candy be enough punishment?’

“No candy?”

“That’s right.”

“Until when?”

“Until the window is repaired.”

For me, this was a significant blow. I was already addicted to the sweet taste of candy, and now they were taking it away? What kind of nonsense was this?

While I despaired internally, Rod gave instructions to the rest of the group, who acted as my guardians.

“The same goes for all of you. Until the window is fixed, do not give Sivar any candy or snacks of any kind.”

“But······ Headmaster. Sivar apologized, and Luna forgave him. Isn’t this too harsh······”

“I understand that. But even if the parties involved come to an agreement, it’s important to teach that such actions can still have consequences. Society operates under laws, after all.”

It seemed this was related to what the doctor had mentioned before. While my intelligence was normal, my social skills were severely underdeveloped.

Rod appeared to see this as a decision to help me develop socially, but to me, it felt like an excessively harsh punishment.

“······I don’t get it. Will that even work?”

Kara, who had been quietly listening, muttered softly in disbelief. She seemed to doubt whether this approach would be effective.

But contrary to her doubts, it would undoubtedly work on me.

‘Because I don’t have any money.’

Without money, I couldn’t buy anything, after all.

While I understood the concept of money, I rarely had opportunities to use it.

Since those around me provided everything, I never felt the need for it. But now, that was no longer the case.

‘I need to earn money.’

Whether through hunting or gathering herbs, I now had a reason to earn money.

Coincidentally, Luna and Ellie often went into the forest on weekends to gather herbs, so I could join them then.

Unaware of my scheming, Rod sighed heavily as he looked at the shattered window.

“Sigh. As if I didn’t already have enough to deal with, now this······”

“··· ···”

I’m sorry.

You’re going to have an even harder time from now on.

******

Although Sivar caused an accident by breaking the window with Ragnarok, time passed quickly.

Over the weekend, Luna spent time at Sivar’s residence, chatting about various topics before returning to her dormitory.

Now that the sparring was over, I’d probably see the points by tomorrow. Honestly, I wasn’t too concerned about the points.

‘How exactly does Sivar understand language?’

A question I had been holding onto for a while. Even before learning words, Sivar often seemed to understand what was being said.

Despite having normal intelligence, Sivar was presumed to have had no prior interaction with people.

Yet, he had no trouble understanding language, as if he had known it from the beginning.

‘Ragna······ ugh. Even pronouncing it is hard.’

It was something I had usually overlooked, but watching how easily Sivar retrieved Ragnarok today made me suspicious.

He showed an astonishing speed in understanding language. Yet, he never actually spoke.

It was highly contradictory, leaving Luna with a tangled mess of thoughts.

‘He even defeated Hector······’

She knew how strong Sivar was. But that was only when he maintained his reason; once his berserk state activated, she had no idea.

When he fought Ratatoskr, she only observed from a distance and didn’t get close. All she knew was that he was strong.

I never expected it to be strong enough to defeat the King of Destruction, Hector.

‘Come to think of it······’

Luna suddenly recalled the mural she had seen in the cave. The drawings that were presumed to depict the ‘future.’

One of them showed a person holding an axe high above their head. Lightning striking the axe was just an added detail.

What could it possibly mean? Currently, Hector’s weapon was in Sivar’s possession.

‘······I don’t know.’

No matter how much she thought about it, no clear answer emerged. She would have to ask Sivar directly after all.

The problem was that there was never a situation where she could be alone with Sivar. To make matters worse, even Kara had now become his guardian.

During class, Kara stayed by his side, and after class, Rod or Ellie was always nearby.

‘How can I······’

Luna felt her eyes slowly closing.

Yesterday and today, too many things had happened, leaving her mentally exhausted.

‘How can I······ be alone with Sivar?’

It was a question that could easily be misunderstood in many ways.

‘I wish someone would tell me······’

Without realizing it, Luna closed her eyes.