A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 42

As previously explained, Nurturer Events are mostly classified into two types unless specific conditions are met.

The Matra Empire, which values justice and honor. The Granada Empire, which prioritizes strength and pragmatism.

This classification applies regardless of profession. No matter the job class, they tend to be divided in this way.

Necromancers are a representative example. The Matra Empire prohibits necromancy, but the Granada Empire readily accepts it as long as it proves useful.

Additionally, the Granada Empire deviates more from morality and ethics compared to the Matra Empire.

However, this is inevitable, as the Granada Empire, unlike the Matra Empire, is not resource-rich.

With limited resources, they have no choice but to rely on technology, where ethics only become a hindrance.

In summary, for a first playthrough, it’s better to choose the Granada Empire, while for multiple playthroughs, the Matra Empire is the wiser choice.

“Today’s class ends here. As mentioned earlier, the afternoon will proceed as planned, so everyone, do your best.”

A day when the weekend passed, and classes resumed.

Godin, having finished the class, stepped outside with words of encouragement. It had been another fruitful lesson.

No matter what, I always paid close attention to Godin’s classes. To learn his magic in the future, I needed to gain his affinity.

“Starting today, you’ll probably have a lot of people clinging to you.”

As soon as the class ended, Kara said this to Luna. I could guess what she meant.

Luna seemed to agree, nodding as she asked Kara in return.

“What about you, Kara?”

“Did you forget I’m a princess?”

“I was just saying. Hmm…”

Luna lowered her head, wearing a thoughtful expression. As a commoner and the top student, it was a rather awkward situation for her.

Although she lost to Kara in a sparring match, she achieved overwhelming victories in all subsequent matches.

A case where her talent compensated for her somewhat lacking basic skills. If she refined her basics, she would transform into a dazzling gem.

Whether it was the Matra Empire or the Granada Empire, they couldn’t help but covet her. Someone was bound to approach her.

‘Someone like Luna would definitely attract the representatives.’

In each nation, nurturers are assigned based on points and their performance in sparring matches.

If the points and performance are mediocre, they just assign anyone, but if it’s the opposite, the representative personally steps in to teach.

With Luna’s current standing, it’s highly likely that the representative would personally instruct her. The reputation of being the top student is no empty boast.

“You seem to have something on your mind?”

While waiting for Luna’s response, a familiar woman’s voice pierced my ears.

Turning my head, I met a pair of sharp, purple eyes. Her gaze was so fierce it felt almost intimidating.

“Isn’t it obvious that our Matra Empire is the better choice?”

It was Grace, the princess of the Matra Empire. She always exuded an air of elegance and authority.

Her very presence felt overwhelming, and her piercing gaze added a subtle sense of pressure.

“The Granada Empire, in its excessive pursuit of strength and pragmatism, faces numerous moral issues. In contrast, the Matra Empire stands for honor and justice. Doesn’t that make your heart race just hearing it?”

Grace elegantly brushed her side hair as she praised her homeland. Her patriotism was overflowing.

Luna wore a slightly awkward expression before glancing at Kara. Kara merely shrugged her shoulders.

“Oh, honor and justice, huh? The Matra Empire acts all noble but does all sorts of shady things behind the scenes, doesn’t it?”

At that moment, a voice directly contradicted Grace’s statement. Naturally, Grace’s brow twitched in irritation.

The voice came from behind me. Turning around, I saw a male student with a disdainful expression.

He had black hair and eyes, and his overall appearance leaned more toward a rat-like face than a snake-like one.

‘Ah, that guy.’

At first glance, he seemed like a random passerby, so I was momentarily confused about who he was. But his earlier comment made it clear.

Ignoring Grace’s scowling face, the male student looked at Luna and spoke slyly.

“In that case, wouldn’t the Granada Empire, which treats everyone equally regardless of status, be a much better choice? Don’t you agree, top student?”

“Who are you?”

“See? They don’t even care about people they’re not interested in. If you go to the Matra Empire, you’ll just get trampled like a budding sprout.”

If Grace and Elvin were students representing the Matra Empire, then this guy could be considered a student from the Granada Empire.

His name was Antonio. As his sly appearance suggested, he was a cunning character and part of the thief class.

He was also the younger brother of the Granada Empire’s representative.

“If you’re interested in the Granada Empire, just say the word. We’ll gladly welcome you.”

“How amusing. What makes you think Luna would be interested in you?”

“At least we don’t discriminate based on status. If you have the skills, your rank changes regardless of your background.”

Like a tiger and a lion growling at each other, the two of them clashed. Their argument piqued the curiosity of the other students.

It was a situation similar to when Luna and Kara had drawn everyone’s attention before. For Luna, caught in the middle, it was nothing but awkward.

“Wow, you’re really popular, huh?”

“… …”

Kara chuckled, playfully tapping Luna’s shoulder. From her perspective, watching from a distance, it must have been amusing.

While I found Luna’s predicament somewhat entertaining, unfortunately, it wasn’t something exclusive to her.

“Well, whatever. She’ll make her own choice. Before that… was it Sivar?”

“?”

Antonio called out to me. I blinked and looked at him.

He hesitated, seemingly unsure how to phrase his question, then asked tentatively.

“What are you interested in? I don’t know much about you yet, but I’m curious. Oh, and just to be clear, there’s absolutely no discrimination. Got it?”

“Are you reluctant to take Sivar? Our empire is always ready to welcome him. So, which side do you prefer, Sivar?”

The attention shifted to me. Countless gazes were now fixed on me.

This wasn’t entirely unexpected. If Luna was a rising star, I was the hot potato.

A choice too tempting to ignore but too risky to handle easily. A high-risk, high-reward option.

Of course, I wouldn’t choose any of them. I already knew everything, so I had no intention of making a decision.

“Kara.”

“Huh?”

“Kara.”

“…Me?”

So I chose Kara. She pointed to herself in disbelief, her expression blank.

I nodded at her reaction. She looked around, bewildered.

For Kara, this was entirely unexpected. She had been watching from a distance, only to be suddenly dragged into the spotlight.

Antonio raised both hands in surrender, then spoke with a tone suggesting it didn’t matter.

“Well, since you don’t know anything about the current situation, talking a hundred times won’t make a difference. Your strength is still tempting, though.”

“That’s true.”

Grace agreed with Antonio’s statement. From their perspective, I was still a “wildling.”

A wildling who had barely set foot in the civilized world. They likely thought I couldn’t grasp the complexities of the political landscape.

I had deliberately exploited that assumption by choosing Kara. There was no one more suited for neutrality (?) than her.

“Anyway, make a good choice, top student. My brother is very interested in you.”

With those words, Antonio left. His swaggering gait hinted at his origins.

“I can’t understand what the Granada Empire is thinking. Letting someone with such poor character enroll in the academy.”

Grace, clearly displeased, grumbled in a tone full of complaints.

Even in the Soul World, Grace and Antonio were like fire and water. They could never get along.

When they ended up on the same team, the amount of fighting was ridiculous. Mediating between them had been quite a hassle.

“Grace.”

“Yes? Oh, Luna, please go ahead.”

“If I choose one of the two nations, will a leader from that nation be dispatched?”

“Yes. Since you’re the top student and have shown excellent results in sparring, our representative will personally step forward.”

“Could you tell me who that person is?”

Grace’s reaction to Luna’s question was one of surprise! Her eyes widened noticeably.

This made her already sharp gaze even fiercer. Objectively, she was beautiful, but her eyes were truly intimidating.

She then placed a hand on her chest, as if to calm herself, and spoke in an elegant tone.

“Of course. Since you’re in the warrior class, Gloria will likely teach you personally.”

“Gloria…?”

“Yes. She possesses the elegance of a noble swan and unparalleled justice.”

Grace, speaking like a true noble, used metaphorical expressions. Luna blinked, as if to say, “What on earth does that mean?”

Simply put, it meant Gloria was a renowned expert in the Matra Empire. She even held the title of the “Sword of Matra.”

“Is she similar to the Headmaster?”

“······Compare what’s comparable. You don’t know how strong the Headmaster is, do you?”

Of course, it’s unreasonable to compare him to a monster freak like Rod. Just to clarify, Rod is monstrously strong.

He’s the kind of person who slices through space as if it were cheese. You really need to compare things properly. Luna, perhaps embarrassed, wore an awkward expression.

“If you’re interested, feel free to let me know anytime. I’m also acquainted with Gloria, so I can talk to her for you.”

“Hmm······ Alright. Then, who does Grace learn from? I heard mages receive instruction as well.”

“I suppose······ Do you know Professor Delphoi?”

“······Professor Delphoi?”

At the mention of Delphoi’s name, Luna looked slightly flustered. Then she glanced at me.

From the first impression, Delphoi was the epitome of unlikable. Moreover, though Luna might not know, his sinister touch had reached out toward her.

At that moment, I grabbed his hand and twisted it. Delphoi, watching the two of us, hurled insults in response.

“Yes. I’ll probably be learning from Professor Delphoi. Though it’s more accurate to say I’ll be receiving advice rather than formal instruction.”

“Is it alright to learn from him?”

“There’s no reason I can’t, is there? In return, I’ll probably have to assist with his personal research.”

And he’ll likely use that as an excuse to humiliate me. Even if it’s fine for now, Delphoi will gradually bide his time, waiting for an opportunity.

Delphoi is publicly known as a professor with exceptional skills. But no one knows that his character is worse than that of a beast.

Even when he occasionally makes inappropriate remarks, people just dismiss it as him being an elitist professor. Besides, while not as much as Grace, he has solid backing.

“If Luna is also interested in magic, please let me know. I can help you.”

“Ah, I’m fine. Just focusing on martial techniques is overwhelming enough······”

“Really? That’s a shame. Then what about you, Sivar?”

Grace naturally extended the offer to me. A subtle sense of expectation shimmered in her purple eyes.

Everyone probably knows, but I’ll refuse as well. With Godin around, there’s no need to learn from Delphoi.

Instead, I could at least issue a warning. I responded to Grace, who was looking at me expectantly.

“Delpho?”

“Delpho? Are you asking if I’ll learn magic from Professor Delphoi? Of course. He’s······”

“No.”

When I firmly refused, Grace stopped mid-sentence. She seemed slightly taken aback, not expecting such resoluteness.

I followed up with a warning.

“Beast.”

“······Beast?”

“Delpho. Bad.”

What I mean is.

“Beast.”

It meant he’s worse than a beast, so don’t go near him.

Even if others didn’t understand, Luna would get it. Indeed, her expression turned peculiar after hearing my words.

“······Sivar, do you even know what you’re saying right now?”

“······Honestly? I don’t really know either.”

Nope! I was mistaken!

Just as I was feeling deflated for trusting Luna, Kara, who had been silently observing, spoke up.

“I think he’s saying that this Professor Delphoi is worse than a beast?”

“What?”

“He’s saying that guy’s a bad person, so don’t go near him.”

How did she interpret my words so accurately, even though I wasn’t Porori?

As I looked at Kara with that meaning, she flashed her characteristic bright smile and asked.

“Right? If you piece it together, that’s what it means, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

“See? So, what made you call him a bad person?”

At Kara’s question, I gave a short and blunt answer.

“Just because.”

I couldn’t explain beyond that.

*****

After warning Grace, what’s next? It’s time for a delightful meal.

Elvin, still uncomfortable being around us, ate separately. Besides, as a noble of the Matra Empire, he must have a busy schedule.

Thus, Luna, Kara, and I visited a buffet together. As I’ve mentioned, only a buffet can accommodate my appetite.

Munch- Munch- Munch-

“Eat slowly. No one’s going to steal your food.”

“Mm.”

“You’re good at responding, at least. Here, have some juice.”

While I was devouring my food, Kara placed a cup of juice on the table.

As soon as she set it down, I immediately poured it into my mouth. The meat in my mouth mixed with the juice.

Gulp-

Soon after, I chewed the meat thoroughly and swallowed it down. I always think this buffet is amazing.

Not only is the quantity impressive, but the quality is also top-notch. Truly befitting of the Academy.

Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!

“Again, again. You’re chewing on the bones again, Sivar. Bones aren’t meant to be eaten.”

While I was gnawing on the bones, Luna scolded me. In response, I looked at her with a dissatisfied expression.

Isn’t it too much to bother someone while they’re eating? Even dogs aren’t disturbed while eating. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Kara intervened.

“Just leave him be. At least there’s no food waste left behind.”

“What if he breaks a tooth doing that?”

“It’ll grow back, won’t it? My father said his teeth grew back.”

“······How do teeth even grow back?”

Luna looked at me with a mix of astonishment and curiosity. Of course, I didn’t care.

At the very least, during mealtime, I focus entirely on eating. It’s no different from when I lived in the forest.

If you ask why, it’s because of my ‘Digestion’ trait. Eating with focus allows me to digest quickly and recover mana.

If I eat carelessly, digestion is much slower, and the amount of mana replenished is minimal. It also saves time, so it’s convenient.

Above all, my body is built this way, so I have no choice. Even a single hunt required a significant amount of energy, which enhanced my digestive function.

“May I interrupt for a moment?”

Then, a stranger’s voice pierced through my ears. I looked up while chewing on a chicken leg, bones and all.

As I raised my head, I saw a man with a massive bulk looking down at me. While not as large as Hector, he was still quite imposing.

Moreover, he had a menacing appearance. A chiseled face, a boldly exposed forehead, and a horizontal scar etched across his left eye.

I immediately realized who this person was.

“Apologies for disturbing your meal. I don’t often get the chance to do this otherwise.”

“Uh······ Who are you······?”

Luna seemed more curious about the man’s identity than upset about the interruption. Kara, though silent, appeared to feel the same way.

I, too, was slightly annoyed at having my meal interrupted, but seeing the man eased my irritation.

“I’m late in introducing myself. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Chronos of the Granada Empire.”

“Chronos? The Power of Granada?”

Kara recognized the name and spoke up. Chronos responded politely.

“It seems Princess of Tatar knows my name.”

“It’d be strange not to. You fought my father.”

Come to think of it, he had fought Hector before. That scar on his eye must have been from Hector.

Hearing Kara’s words, Chronos touched the scar on his eye and glanced at me.

I simply chewed my food and stared back. It was clear he was interested in me.

“Would it be alright if I joined you?”

“Ah, yes. It’s fine. We’re almost done eating anyway. Sivar is······”

I shoveled the remaining food on my plate into my mouth. I was nearly finished eating anyway.

After thoroughly chewing to aid digestion, I looked at Luna. She gave an awkward smile and spoke to Chronos.

“······It seems we’re just about done.”

“I see. Understood. Once again, I apologize for the intrusion.”

Chronos apologized once more and sat across from us.

Since the three of us were sitting in a row, no one needed to move to make space.

-Swish- Swish-

While Chronos took his seat, I wiped the crumbs and seasoning off my mouth with a napkin.

Considering how I had practically inhaled my food, it was relatively clean, but I still needed to maintain decorum.

“Is it alright for me to be here?”

“As long as you’re not uncomfortable, it’s fine.”

Chronos readily accepted Kara’s muttered question. It would indeed be awkward for him to leave now.

Meanwhile, I glanced around. A few people were casting their gazes in this direction.

However, even they soon lost interest, focusing instead on their meals or their own tasks.

Instead, rumors would likely spread—rumors that the representative of the Granada Empire had personally sought out Luna.

“So, if I were to ask why you’ve come here… would that be strange?”

“If you’re suggesting we get to the point, then let’s do so immediately.”

“Please do. This is my first time dealing with something like this.”

“Understood. We wish for you to accept the emblem of our empire.”

A straightforward recruitment offer. Each empire had events where nurturers personally selected candidates like this.

If one were to accept that offer, they would receive the emblem of that nation. That emblem signified affiliation.

Visiting the nation with the emblem would grant various benefits.

However, entering a hostile nation with it would result in anything but benefits; they’d be eager to exploit you.

“This applies to you as well. We desire the strength you’ve demonstrated.”

Chronos extended his invitation to me after Luna. The power I had shown during the sparring session was more than enough to captivate the Granada Empire.

On the other hand, the Matra Empire’s stance was a bit ambiguous. While they might be drawn to my strength, my background of surviving in the wilderness would likely make them hesitant.

From my perspective, the Granada Empire was the better fit. But I had no intention of choosing.

The reason for that would soon become clear. Since Chronos had come, it wouldn’t be long before that person arrived as well.

“In our empire, we accept everyone regardless of status, as long as they have talent. With strength and ability, you can obtain whatever you desire.”

“How can you prove that?”

“I am living proof of it.”

Chronos was born a commoner. Yet, after joining the military, he showcased his talent and rose to the rank of general.

Such a feat was unimaginable in the Matra Empire, where status dictated everything. If one sought progressiveness, the Granada Empire was the obvious choice.

In fact, even among players, the Granada Empire was a popular choice. Being a game, morality was often disregarded.

“Of course, you’ve likely heard criticisms about us being unethical or lacking morality. But we must fight…”

“Oh my, what are you doing here?”

Chronos was in the middle of his explanation when a clear, feminine voice interrupted.

Hearing that voice, I thought to myself: the person who was bound to come had finally arrived.

“You shouldn’t be cutting in line already, General.”

-Click- Clack- Click-

A refined tone, similar yet distinct from Grace’s elegance. Following it was the sharp sound of heels.

I turned my head toward the source of the sound and saw a woman walking in our direction.

My first thought was simple: pure white.

From her ponytail to her attire, everything was overwhelmingly white.

She resembled a graceful swan, her face adorned with a radiant smile as she spoke with feigned innocence.

“What could be so urgent that someone as esteemed as a general had to come personally? I’m curious too—may I join in?”

“…Gloria.”

Chronos furrowed his brows and called her name, his tone suggesting dismay. At that name, Luna looked at the woman with wide, startled eyes.

An elegance akin to a noble swan. She embodied what it meant to be a ‘noble.’

The Sword of Matra and a nurturer had arrived.

“This is none of your concern. I would appreciate it if you left.”

“And if I refuse? It sounds like an interesting conversation—I’d like to join.”

“Is this how the Matra Empire conducts itself, by causing such disrespect?”

“Rather than disrespect, could you call it a fitting visit?”

A clash with no room for compromise. Though their words were polite, their true intentions were anything but.

For Luna, caught in the middle, it must have been unbearable. She was visibly sweating, unable to find her footing.

But there was no need to worry. To an outsider, the conversation might seem tense.

That is, until they uncovered the ‘secret’ hidden within.

‘Well, this is amusing.’

The Sword of Matra and the Power of Granada.

Renowned rivals, known to be as incompatible as oil and water.

‘Seeing them like this, it’s obvious.’

They were secretly in a romantic relationship.

Didn’t I mention earlier that I didn’t need to make a choice? This is the reason why.

‘It’s definitely different from what I saw in the game. Look at those smirks.’

Once you learn their secret, they make sure to teach you a lesson to keep you quiet.

And they do it together.