“Don’t worry. It’s okay. That person won’t hurt you. Just relax.”
After a brief commotion, Eli gently comforted me, much like a trainer handling a startled beast.
Well, I can’t deny that my earlier reaction was somewhat beast-like.
After spending so long in the wilderness, I instinctively react whenever someone approaches me from behind.
Normally, I can pick up on the signs, but I was feeling relaxed just now. I guess it’s because we were in civilization and not in the wild.
While I can suppress my desires, this kind of instinct is a different matter. It’s more akin to a sort of trauma than mere instinct.
“Don’t mess around like that. He’s more sensitive after living in the wild.”
“That reminds me of the time you messed with me and I broke your wrist.”
“When are you going to grow up?”
Usually, I would get scolded for my rough reaction, but that wasn’t the case at all.
All the professors scolded the squinty-eyed man, who seemed to know he was at fault and looked apologetic.
“I’m sorry. I got carried away out of curiosity…”
The squinty-eyed man scratched his head and laughed sheepishly, while the professors only glared at him disapprovingly.
It wasn’t that they disliked him. They just disapproved of his childish behavior.
Most people with real-life experience have similar traumas.
It’s that instinctual overreaction when someone sneaks up behind you silently.
The professors all had their own traumas, which is why they critiqued the man’s actions.
In contrast, the squinty-eyed professor seemed to lack that consideration because he focused mainly on theory and studies.
‘But he’s a nice guy.’
The man with gray hair and squinty eyes is Godin Erevus.
At first glance, he might come off as shady and mysterious. It’s quite the trait of a squinty-eyed character.
But that’s not the case. It’s, in fact, the opposite.
He rewards even the slightest act of goodwill with more than what Malboro would.
Is it any wonder he has the nickname ‘easy mark’?
Moreover, the magic he will invent in the future is regarded as the pinnacle of human victory.
The difficulty of a final boss battle can drop to manageable levels simply because of his magic.
However, the process of inventing that magic is filled with despair. Especially when some incident occurs and he gets completely framed.
‘Was it some mishap caused by another professor in magic?’
As far as I remember, Godin has a pretty good reputation within the academy.
Though his shady appearance may count against him, he became a professor purely based on theory.
He can use magic, but the issue is that its power and effectiveness are on par with the average student.
Still, the fact that he was able to invent magic that rivals techniques stems from his disposition.
“Alright. Now that the faculty are all gathered, let’s decide what to do with this man.”
As the situation calmed down to some extent, the professor from the Hwan Empire, Yeonhwa, clapped her hands to gain attention.
The first to speak up, starting with Yeonhwa, was Malboro.
“First of all, we know his name is Sivar. And he has lived in the wild. He can’t speak or read or write, but he can communicate to some degree.”
“We really brought back something troublesome. Didn’t you say that people should live like people?”
Sara asked Eli with her characteristic sarcastic tone.
It seems I managed to convey the situation while I was washing up.
“I agree with that statement, but responsibility is a separate matter. I’m sure you understand what I mean.”
“Uh, that’s why I was going to teach him how to read!”
Eli spoke in a hurried voice, as if she sensed the situation was going south.
But Sara was brutally realistic. I suspect most of those from her country are just like her.
“Are you seriously considering sharing a room with him? That is absolutely out of the question. As you just saw, it’s way too dangerous. And also, there’s the matter of gender.”
“I don’t think Sivar would try to attack me or anything…”
While saying that, she stroked the Porori she was holding. Surely, the moment I tried to approach her, Porori would intervene.
But only Luna and Eli knew that Porori was a spirit creature. To the other professors, he was just a large squirrel.
“You’re being overly optimistic. Regardless, there are too many dangerous aspects.”
“I agree with you, Eli. This isn’t about right or wrong; we need to look at reality.”
Even Yeonhwa, who usually butted heads with Sara, chimed in. Honestly, I’d love to appeal that ‘he’s harmless,’ but it wouldn’t hold much weight. Given the sexual-related issues, cohabitation between me and Eli is impossible.
If a person raised in civilization can get aroused, how much worse would it be for someone from the wild?
Saying this feels odd, but that’s just how it is.
“…So, who’s going to teach him to read? I want to, but…”
“Eli, what is your major?”
“Alchemy.”
“Alchemy requires memorizing a ton of theories. When would you have the time to teach someone?”
A student should act like a student. Godin made an old-man comment, but I can’t argue against it.
The thing I need most urgently right now is a ‘guardian.’ I need to have a guardian with me at all times, as I truly don’t know when things might go awry.
Students need to study and train, and professors aren’t much different. There isn’t anyone available to serve as a guardian.
I could stay in a faculty dorm for a day, but what happens after that is the real problem.
“Or I could…”
“Even if Luna is the top student, this isn’t allowed.”
“I can protect myself.”
“If you can kill a Monkey in under five seconds, then sure.”
“…”
Luna tried to interject quietly but was immediately stopped by Yeonhwa. Eli looked at her oddly.
At this point, we were facing a frustrating situation with no bright solutions in sight.
“Professor Malboro! The principal has contacted us!”
A staff member handling administrative duties delivered the news. There was a message from the principal.
At that, the gazes of the professors and the others turned towards the staff member. The first to ask was Malboro, the on-duty professor.
“What did the principal say?”
“He said to bring the barbar… I mean, the man to the temporary principal’s office. He’ll consider his treatment thereafter…”
“That doesn’t sound good…”
At Godin’s comment, a heavy silence fell over everyone. It was as if they all tacitly agreed.
Understandably, the principal of United Academy was famous for being eccentric. If I recall correctly, descriptions of him go something like this.
‘An eccentric headmaster? I’m not sure if that’s accurate.’
While I may not remember much else, the military is something I can recall fairly well. Despite leading a carefree life, he’s someone you can’t easily poke.
That’s just who the academy principal is. Not only is he formidable in strength, but his renown is so high that you wouldn’t dare cross him.
The downside is, when he decides to act on his whims, there’s no one to stop him. It’s easy to see why the professors are anxious.
“…First, let’s head to the principal’s office. Since it’s temporary, it shouldn’t be in the main building. Anyone want to go?”
“Since Malboro’s on duty, I’ll go. What about the rest of you?”
Malboro would stay behind since he was on duty, and Yeonhwa helped him out.
The first to respond to her question was Sara, her cold tone really striking.
“I’ll just stay here and hear the outcome. I don’t think it’s necessary for all of us to crowd together.”
“I’ll hear only the outcome too.”
“Everyone’s avoiding the principal because he makes them uncomfortable, right?”
At Yeonhwa’s blunt question, Sara and Godin subtly averted their gazes. Clearly, the principal had some kind of intimidating effect on them.
Yeonhwa looked at them with a pitying expression.
“Enough. Just be quiet. We have no time, so let’s head out right now. Students, you too.”
“Understood.”
“Yeah, yeah! Sivar, you should come too.”
Eli gestured to herself before starting to walk. I silently followed her footsteps as soon as she began.
Seeing us, Yeonhwa remarked in wonder, “It’s kind of surprising how well he listens to you, huh? Does he really understand you?”
“Perhaps he recognized that we’re of the same kind? Earlier, Professor Godin also reacted harshly, but he settled down afterward.”
“That might be the case.”
You guys talk away. I’ll just keep my legs moving.
As Eli and Yeonhwa chatted away, Luna occasionally glanced my way but didn’t join in the conversation.
When I looked back, she seemed like she had something to say, her lips moving as if she couldn’t hold back.
Eventually, she turned her gaze forward again. It felt like she was waiting for a time when she could actually speak.
“But what’s the principal like? I can’t tell just from the speech at the entrance ceremony.”
There’s a separate building for the principal’s office, distinct from the administrative building. On our way there, Eli asked her question.
Yeonhwa made a face that showed some complexity before explaining in a somewhat awkward tone.
“First, do you know what title the principal holds?”
“Sword Saint.”
“Correct. When it comes to swords, he is someone no one can touch. I doubt even all the professors at United Academy could take him on at once.”
That was a setting I had forgotten about.
Contrary to the nickname of “eccentric headmaster,” the principal’s capabilities are extraordinarily high.
In the Soul World, various titles exist, with the highest being ‘Star.’
It’s certainly not something any Tom, Dick, or Harry can easily achieve. It’s ridiculously difficult.
It’s so difficult that acquiring that title would be easier than reaching the final boss battle at level one.
‘Wasn’t the pinnacle of techniques renowned for having extreme difficulty in the pattern?’
That’s what I vaguely remember. It’s even said to break through issues with sheer technique.
In other words, you must prevail using only straightforward methods. He showcases the true essence of being the strongest.
“If the academy ever faces a crisis, the principal will effortlessly resolve it. The academy, known as a melting pot of races, continues to hold up thanks to him.”
“It seems like the professors are wary of him, though?”
Eli seems to have picked up on how the professors are apprehensive about the principal.
In response, Yeonhwa gave a vague smile, nodding her head.
“That’s correct. Perhaps due to his background as someone from the wild, he has a strong tendency to act on impulse. During the opening ceremony speech, he was obviously bored and wrapped up quickly.”
“Wasn’t that a speech?”
“It was originally much longer. The principal shortened it to suit his whims.”
Was that really the case?
It feels like I vaguely remember him rushing through his speech.
In any case, it’s clear that he’s not an ordinary individual. I just hope his eccentricity doesn’t come back to bite me.
‘But he’s quite responsible, after all.’
He may be eccentric, but I know he gets things done when it matters. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be in such a high position.
Even if the professors are wary of him, they don’t openly express their complaints. This shows that he has a decent level of respect.
Most importantly, he will play a significant role in what will become a major episode and turning point known as the ‘Collapse of the Academy.’
Even without properly exerting his strength due to the demons’ schemes, he displays an overwhelming power.
‘Though he dies because of that.’
After that episode, United Academy will lose most of its reason for existence along with the principal’s death.
Thus far, the existence of United Academy has upheld a precarious balance among the nations, but that will collapse.
All the brewing issues will erupt at once, leading to absolute chaos. It’s a major episode where the difficulty heavily varies; clearing it is essential.
‘For now, I need to neutralize the principal’s poison.’
If I get close to the principal, I can learn swordsmanship as well as give him some gifts.
I must also search for herbs to neutralize the poison. The poison accumulates gradually, so regularly consuming the herbs will suffice.
And I know about these herbs. I may not know much else, but I remember them distinctly as the main culprits of fluctuating difficulty.
They are rare, hard to find even in the Chaos Forest, but with enough effort, I should be able to collect them.
‘But can I become friends with him first?’
I’m not sure about that. I’ll just have to find out once I get there.
As I pondered various thoughts, we reached the principal’s office.
“If it’s not convenient, living with me wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”
“…?”
In an instant, I understood why people call him eccentric.