A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 17

The impromptu sparring match between Sivar and Elvin ended quickly. However, despite its brevity, the impact was tremendous.

Elvin was a figure who had been spreading his reputation even before entering the Academy. A promising talent evaluated as having exceptional skills.

In the Academy, where meritocracy prevails, having a high reputation directly equates to strength.

Yet, Elvin’s attacks never landed even once.

If Sivar had blocked them, it would have been understandable, but he avoided every single attack.

Dodging requires exceptional dynamic vision and agility to match.

This essentially meant that, at least in terms of agility, Sivar was several levels above Elvin.

“He broke it with his mouth earlier, right?”

“I saw it clearly too. Just how strong is he?”

“Strong or not, that’s impossible for a human.”

While his beast-like movements were impressive, Sivar’s eccentric act stood out the most.

Human teeth, no matter how much mana is infused, have clear limits. In the first place, no one would even attempt such a thing.

But Sivar broke a sword with his teeth. The fact that he caught an attack with his mouth was shocking enough.

Could one even call him human? Even barbarians wouldn’t do such a thing.

A beast in human skin. Those who witnessed the sparring could only think of Sivar that way.

“Luna, did you know that man was this strong?”

“······A little.”

Luna, who had been watching the sparring from the spectator seats, answered Grace’s question.

From the moment he swiftly subdued Manki, and during the fight with Ratatoskr, she had suspected it. Just how strong Sivar was.

Thus, this sparring felt overwhelmingly like Sivar was merely “playing around.” A light, casual exchange of taps.

Having grown up in the countryside, she knew how animals played. Especially bears, who often played in such a manner.

Sivar’s behavior was exactly like that. While Elvin struggled with all his might, Sivar dealt with him leisurely.

‘Not threatening at all.’

Elvin’s skills were impressive enough to astonish even Luna, the Academy’s top student. His swordsmanship was clean and unwavering, and it was fast.

It was evident at a glance that he had diligently built up his basic skills. If she had faced him herself, she would have had a hard time.

But Sivar dodged all of Elvin’s attacks and then broke his sword with his mouth.

Such an eccentric act would be impossible without an overwhelming difference in skill.

“Since Zerka’s heir was so easily defeated, people’s attention will naturally shift to that man. Though it might be hard to approach him with the Headmaster nearby.”

“······Grace, are you interested in Sivar as well?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m not.”

Grace smiled faintly and gave a cryptic answer. Luna’s expression hardened at that smile.

For some reason, she had a strong feeling that she would get entangled in this. She wasn’t oblivious.

Moreover, she was worried about Sivar. Although the Headmaster was currently with him, one could never predict what might happen.

Perhaps some organization, having taken note of his strength, might resort to schemes. This was Luna’s greatest concern.

“Sivar grew up in the wilderness and knows nothing. He can’t speak or read.”

If anyone tried to exploit Sivar, she was determined to stop them at all costs. His power was far too dangerous.

Although she hadn’t witnessed the fight with Ratatoskr in detail, she had clearly seen its aftermath with her own eyes.

If that power were used for ill purposes, it would lead to catastrophic results. That was something she had to prevent.

“Then why is he so obedient to the Headmaster’s words? I’m curious about that.”

“He can’t speak, but he can communicate to some extent.”

“Hmm.”

At Luna’s answer, Grace turned her gaze forward. Medical staff were entering to check for any injuries.

Neither of them seemed to have any visible injuries. Sivar had subdued his opponent so cleanly.

Grace stared blankly at the idle Sivar before turning to Luna and speaking.

“If communication is possible, wouldn’t it be possible to build some rapport?”

“What?”

Luna asked back with a flustered expression. Her tone implied she didn’t understand what Grace meant.

At her reaction, Grace answered with her characteristic smirk.

“Isn’t it fine? If communication is possible, you could express it to that man named Sivar. That you’d like to get closer to him.”

“······I don’t see what there is to gain from getting close to Sivar. He’s not a barbarian; he’s a wildling.”

It sounded like she was dissing Sivar, but it was an undeniable fact. Wildlings were often treated worse than barbarians.

While many showed interest, few approached him like Grace did.

There was too much uncertainty about what could be gained from him. Most would stop at merely showing interest.

Approaching him recklessly could lead to unexpected trouble, which would be exhausting to deal with.

“I think I understand what you’re worried about, Luna. But what you’re concerned about won’t happen. I’m purely curious about that man.”

“If that’s the case, then I don’t mind······”

“By the way, it’s strange. Why are you so protective of that man?”

Grace’s question came out of nowhere, catching Luna off guard. She blinked at the unexpected inquiry.

“Me?”

“Yes. From what you’ve said, it strongly feels like you’re trying to protect him.”

At those words, Luna rolled her eyes and fell into thought.

She was merely trying to prevent Sivar from being exploited······

‘Ah.’

She realized it too late. Grace’s violet eyes gleamed with interest as she observed Luna’s expression.

Then, with a meaningful smile, Grace asked in a confident tone.

Perhaps due to her demeanor, Luna felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.

“Is there something even more extraordinary about him?”

“··· ···”

“I don’t know what it is, but I’m looking forward to it.”

With a bright smile, Grace stood up. Luna watched her with a sense of helplessness.

‘I walked right into that.’

And she had fallen for it completely.

She had only been trying to ensure Sivar wouldn’t be exploited.

But instead, it had the opposite effect. She had inadvertently revealed that Sivar had secrets.

From now on, Grace would likely approach Sivar. The only consolation was that Rod might keep an eye on things.

‘This won’t be easy······’

Even just having a conversation felt draining. It hadn’t even been a full day, yet so much had happened.

Luna sighed and looked toward the training ground. It seemed that everyone, including Sivar, had already left.

Staying here any longer wouldn’t accomplish anything. Since training seemed out of the question, she decided to rest at the dormitory.

“Hey. You there.”

“··· ···”

“Blonde. Yes, you. Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me.”

Now what? Luna, who had just stood up, frowned at the voice calling out to her.

At least Grace had used polite speech, but this person was speaking rudely right off the bat. Even as a commoner, she knew basic manners.

Thinking that, Luna turned her head. Upon seeing who had called her, her expression softened slightly.

“You are······”

Medium-length red hair. Green eyes reminiscent of a lush forest.

Her cat-like eyes gave off a wild aura, and her bronzed skin left a strong impression.

Her attire was as bold as could be. Despite the cool spring weather, she wore nothing but a black tank top.

Furthermore, scars were scattered across her arms, contrasting sharply with her bronzed skin.

Rough. That was Luna’s first impression of the woman. And she knew who this woman was.

‘A barbar······ no. The Princess of Tatar?’

It was no exaggeration to say she was the most talked-about freshman at the Academy.

Just a few years ago, she had been living a nomadic and plundering lifestyle before finally establishing the nation of Tatar.

However, due to her illustrious background, many people derogatorily referred to those from Tatar as barbarians.

The Academy was no exception. Despite being a princess of a nation, she was often openly looked down upon as a barbarian.

Each time, the woman would beat her detractors senseless, making her infamous in various ways.

‘Her name was······’

Kara.

She didn’t know her surname, but she was sure that was her name.

“What business does the Princess have with me?”

At Luna’s question, Princess Kara of Tatar turned her gaze toward the training ground. Sivar and Elvin had already left the area.

She looked back at Luna and spoke in a curt tone.

“I heard the man sparring over there was someone you brought. Is that true?”

“And if it is?”

Luna replied bluntly. Since the other side was speaking informally, there was no reason for her to be polite either.

Kara, seemingly unconcerned, began to speak sharply to Luna about what she wanted to say.

“Could you tell me where that man is staying?”

“······”

If I had known it would come to this, I wouldn’t have brought him from the forest. Luna sighed inwardly at the continued interest.

She wanted to respond sarcastically, but the etiquette instilled in her by her master held her back.

Moreover, there was no benefit to making an enemy out of the other side for no reason. The more enemies one has, the greater the disadvantage.

“The Headmaster is taking care of Sivar. It will be difficult to meet him.”

“I don’t care. I was just curious.”

“Then why are you interested in Sivar?”

Why is this woman showing interest in Sivar?

When Luna asked with that implication, Kara shrugged and answered.

“He looks strong.”

“What?”

“He looks strong. That’s all.”

At the time, Luna was left speechless by that answer.

“Come to think of it, you were the top student upon admission, right? Since you’re the top student, you must be strong. Are you stronger than that guy earlier?”

“······No?”

“There’s no need to be modest.”

It’s absolutely not modesty. You should have seen Sivar and Ratatoskr fighting.

If I had gotten caught up in that, I wouldn’t be standing here now. That much, I can be sure of.

“Oh, right. What’s your name? All I know is that you’re the top student.”

“I’m Luna Estelle. And you, Princess······?”

“Just call me Kara. I’m leaving now. Bye!”

With a lively farewell that matched her appearance, she left the scene. Contrary to the rumors, there was hardly any violent side to her.

Luna blankly stared at Kara’s retreating figure. Perhaps sensing Luna’s gaze,

Kara briefly stopped walking, turned around, and looked at Luna. Luna flinched but met her gaze.

Then, Kara grinned widely, revealing her white teeth.

“I like you.”

“What?”

“I said, I like you.”

Leaving behind those incomprehensible words, Kara walked away. Luna couldn’t snap out of her daze until Kara had completely disappeared.

What a whirlwind of a woman. The way she said her piece and left left a strong impression.

Yet strangely, it didn’t feel unpleasant. If anything, it seemed to add to Kara’s unique charm.

“Ha······”

Luna let out a long sigh and looked up at the sky.

Though it felt like a lot of time had passed, the sky remained vividly blue. Today, time seemed to flow unusually slowly.

‘······I want to go home.’

She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of events awaited her in the future.

Truly.

*****

Even after the sparring ended, we didn’t return to the residence immediately. Rod had briefly called Elvin over for a conversation.

I just stood by, sucking on candy and watching. He handed me a piece of candy, probably to keep me from wandering off.

It seems Rod thought he could manage me with just a piece of candy.

For now, I plan to go along with what he wants. It’s definitely not because of the candy.

Really.

“······Did you ask for books suitable for children to read?”

“Not just books, but I’d like vocabulary books prepared as well. I’ve never raised a child, so I don’t know what’s good.”

“I’ve never raised a child either, but…”

“Don’t you have younger siblings?”

“I do, but I haven’t taught them myself.”

It seems they’re asking for books I might be able to read.

At this age, I’m going to end up reading fairy tale books. They might as well start with teaching me vocabulary instead.

Whether I grumbled inwardly or not, Elvin glanced at me briefly before speaking hesitantly.

“Can we find fairy tale books at the Academy?”

“There are professors who live with their families, so there should be some.”

“Hmm······ Understood. How many should I prepare?”

“Just books that everyone would have read.”

Elvin probably realized it too. Rod was sending him on errands to teach me how to read.

Elvin glanced at me once more, then nodded. The errand itself shouldn’t be difficult.

“Thank you. Is there anything you’d like in return?”

“No, not really. But I am a bit concerned about that Sivar fellow.”

Why me all of a sudden? Is it because he lost the sparring match?

While I blinked in confusion, Rod seemed curious as well and asked Elvin.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I realized it during the sparring earlier. If that power were directed at people······”

Ah. So that’s what it was. I think I understand now.

Rod also seemed to grasp Elvin’s intention and responded firmly.

“That’s why I’m keeping him with me.”

“What if that power is directed at the Headmaster?”

That would never happen. Even I know that challenging the Headmaster would just get me killed.

The title of ‘Sword Saint’ isn’t something handed out lightly.

Without exaggeration, if I fought him directly, I wouldn’t even know how I died.

“Hmm······”

Rod looked at me briefly in response to Elvin’s words, fixing his gaze on me for a while. I just kept sucking on the nearly melted candy.

Then, with a benevolent smile, he uttered something rather chilling.

“They say that children who don’t listen can be persuaded gently. But beasts, they say, only listen when beaten with a club.”

“······”

“I firmly believe Sivar is a child who doesn’t listen, not a beast.”

I decided to become a well-behaved child.