Chapter 347

What do we need to unify a force that’s scattered like bean powder?

A solid goal or a common enemy—one of the two. Especially a common enemy works the best.

Even on Earth, where people fight and bicker every day, you just know they’ll band together shouting “We Are The Other World!” when aliens attack.

Sure, there might be conflicts inside, but during a nationwide crisis, everyone tends to come together.

Of course, this is a story limited to nations or larger entities, and right now, in the classroom I’m in, it’s a bit of a headache.

The faculty, including Dis, asked for my understanding, but I really don’t know if they can pull it off.

‘But I can’t just handle it myself either.’

Corporal punishment and other forms of discipline are at the discretion of the professors, not the assistants. I can’t mess with that.

The only time I can exert my discretion is during practice or free training. During that time, it’s easy to poke at the pride of the students with high self-esteem.

‘Plus, I have to pay attention to Reina too… it’s tough. So tough.’

Politics isn’t my strong suit. I’m confident in using my brain, but I’m notably weak when it comes to politics.

This relates deeply to my tendencies; first off, I don’t want to create ‘enemies.’ Creating enemies just complicates life.

Especially the moment you make a firm believer or a good person into an enemy, your future will get really messy. This has been proven in the Soul World.

‘At least if I have honor points high enough, it’ll be okay… but I can’t even check that.’

I don’t have special eyes like Luna. And my status window seems to be jammed or something.

Occasionally my skill stats go up, but not significantly. It’s become more about faith and just for show.

‘Am I headed back to the original owner?’

The status window belongs to the protagonist, Luna, not me. Didn’t I have it snatched from me once?

My physicality is almost at the top level, and there are no issues with magic power. The basic foundation is complete.

The only problem left is my skills, but I’ve realized something while honing them.

‘Just mastering the basics is enough.’

Look at Rod. The dude only knows basic swordsmanship, yet he has risen to the rank of Sword Saint.

But his basics reach the heavens, which is why he’s a Sword Saint. His ability to read the psyche of the opponents is extraordinary.

If we were to compare him to soccer, it’s like having your very own Messi. Even though he’s older, he’s still fooling around without flashy skills.

He’s just good—nothing else matters. Watching Rod made me realize that if you can fight well, then you have no problems.

‘…it’s also true that I lack talent.’

To be honest, I’m not particularly talented in martial arts. I’ve realized this after a year at the Academy.

I’m more of the style that uses my powerful physique to crush my opponents. I’m far from flashy.

So, I’m gradually developing the ability to read the psyche of my opponents. Wasn’t it Rod who called it a defensive style?

‘The more I hear, the more it feels like an intense fighting game.’

For Rod, it’s probably just a ‘game.’ Most people are weaker than him.

Anyway, that’s all aside; I’m really figuring out how the whole class can unite to see me as an enemy.

It’s more about generating a sentiment similar to competition than true enmity. This is truly puzzling.

“Hmm…”

“Do you have any worries?”

It was just when I was lost in thought that Karas suddenly chimed in.

The students were currently listening to a professor’s explanation, so the assistants had some time to spare. That’s why Karas asked.

I glanced sideways at Karas’s eyes, which were as clear as day, and quietly opened my mouth.

Kara had just gone to the bathroom. We could handle a simple conversation.

“The professors are using me,” I said.

“They’re using you?”

“Yeah.”

To avoid misunderstandings, I explained slowly. Getting advice from Karas should be fine.

The more Karas listened, the more serious his expression became, and soon he nodded. He seemed to have caught on.

“Hmm. That’s quite a difficult concern. Can I speak frankly?”

“Speak.”

“I might not know your firm goals, but I can definitely turn you into a common enemy.”

Upon hearing that suggestion, I thought of one thing.

“Oh. Really?”

Karas is a smart cookie. I widened my eyes and stared at him.

Karas nodded confidently at my reaction. He really is someone who could become the future emperor.

“As you know, this class is a mess and dangerous. It’s not just scattered powder; it’s gunpowder.”

“…Can you really say that?”

“I just stated facts.”

It was such a blunt evaluation that I felt a bit uneasy. But Karas was serious.

What brilliant idea could this madman possibly have? I became even more curious because he’s a crazy person.

“But if you manage gunpowder well, it becomes an incredible weapon. Especially if you can turn it into shells and aim it at the enemies instead of yourself.”

“What do you mean? You want to turn the class into shells?”

“Exactly. I’ll turn this class from gunpowder into shells.”

“How?”

All good and well, but I’m curious about the method. I’m not doubting Karas’s political abilities.

I’m just genuinely curious. If I, who can see the future, am anxious, then what’s going on in this madman’s head?

Just when I was making a curious expression, Karas gave a significant smile and slowly opened his mouth.

“It’s simple. Just spread some rumors.”

“Rumors?”

“Think of it like having a hype man. We’ll recruit some instigators. It’s bringing back old memories.”

Just what kind of mischief are we pulling by recruiting instigators? Is the Matra Empire safe?

Truly, there’s nothing more dangerous than a talented madman. Just think of the Joker from The Dark Knight.

“However, since there are no instigators here, I’ll need to ask my younger siblings. It should go smoothly if I ask them.”

“Younger siblings?”

“Yes. The rest will depend on your discretion. Just trust me.”

I might trust him, but my skepticism remains. I don’t doubt his abilities at all.

I’m just unsure of what this guy might do. Unexpected situations could spring up out of nowhere.

Moreover, he said it was my discretion, but the simulation must’ve already been completed. A simulation that only left out the conclusion.

‘Thank goodness he’s the crown prince.’

If he were a psychopath terrorist like the Joker, it’d truly be horrific—the true meaning of chaos.

Nonetheless, I still need to gather some hints. It’s about time the students started their training.

“Give me at least a hint. I’m really clueless.”

“You can just speak the truth. State the undeniable facts.”

“… …”

“That’s the look of someone who wants to hit me. I’ll be going now.”

With that, Karas made a swift exit. I stared at his retreating figure in disbelief.

I was just looking at him with a neutral expression, yet he seemed to see through me perfectly. Did I unknowingly project my feelings?

‘He must handle it well, right?’

He’s got one incredible talent, and I should be able to trust him. He wouldn’t hit me in the back, would he?

If he did, I’d hit him back decisively. And I mean that literally.

Time passed, and it was just another usual day. Reina’s language skills had improved a tiny bit as well.

“Sivar-senpai.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you really stronger? Past everyone?”

It was when Wednesday’s free training time was approaching. I was chatting with Reina when strange words popped out.

Reina had been saying odd things from the get-go, but today felt somehow different.

It felt like she was digging up something she overheard. But her devastating language skills made it hard to understand.

“What did you say?”

“Senpai here. Are you stronger than us?”

“Just speak your own language.”

Realizing it wasn’t going to work, I told her to use the Frozen language. Reina’s eyes widened as she asked.

“Huh? You understand? Our language?”

“Pretty much.”

It hit me that I hadn’t mentioned it in advance. Reina’s language abilities were so impactful that I had completely forgotten.

I was also curious. Since Luna was the Mouth of Chaos, then Reina was closer to Destruction.

Still, it would be better if Reina spoke in her mother tongue. Luna’s mouth is a real problem.

“So… there’s a rumor.”

“A rumor?”

“Yes. They say Senpai is looking down on our whole class. That kind of rumor.”

“?”

I tilted my head. Why is such a rumor going around?

But it didn’t take long to guess the source of the rumors—it must be the hype man Karas mentioned before.

Is this how they naturally turn me into a common enemy? It’s not a bad strategy.

‘Feels oddly familiar, doesn’t it?’

Anyway, I need to respond. I looked at Reina, who was waiting for an answer.

“I didn’t look down on anyone.”

“Yeah, that makes sense, huh? Then how strong are you?”

“Well…”

I answered vaguely and glanced around.

I pretended not to notice, but other students were eavesdropping on our conversation.

If it were up to me, I’d want to answer loud and clear, but Reina isn’t my target.

Moreover, since Reina was speaking in her mother tongue, the effect wasn’t guaranteed either.

“Work hard during training. If you need help, just ask.”

“Ah. Yes!”

After chatting with Reina, I quietly left the area. It’s still training time.

“Assistant.”

“?”

It was just before free training was about to end that I was picking up scattered practice weapons from the floor.

Occasionally, thoughtless students leave weapons lying around. They’d be scolded if they acted like that in a gym.

‘They probably think there’s someone paid to clean up after them.’

I wish they’d just mind their manners first. It’s annoyingly tiresome.

“Assistant.”

“?”

Just as I was wrapping things up and about to leave, I heard a familiar voice.

It was Eom Seokdae. And by the way, I still don’t know his real name.

I just call him Eom Seokdae because it feels convenient.

“What?”

“I have a question.”

“A question?”

“Yes.”

I wondered what kind of question it could be. I nodded for him to go ahead.

Eom Seokdae wiggled his eyebrows and let out a breath as if trying to calm his chest.

“It’s just that, rumors have been circulating in our class about you not treating us well.”

“Not treating you well?”

“Yes. That you’re looking down on us… that kind of story.”

“Why are you asking me?”

I asked back in a slightly prickly tone, and Eom Seokdae’s expression froze. Simultaneously, the mood in the training hall went quiet.

It seems everyone is eavesdropping on our conversation. Eom Seokdae is taking the lead in this.

I don’t know how the class’s atmosphere is flowing, but it’s clear it’s heading in the direction I want.

‘That guy really knows how to play politics.’

I couldn’t help but feel a slight admiration. Now it’s time for me to take action.

“No, if the rumors are false, I’d apologize.”

“But no, you’re weak.”

“… …”

I casually dropped the fact.

“More than a squirrel.”

I wasn’t lying.

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