I Became the Academy’s Munchkin Sniper

The next day.

Once I recovered enough to go about my daily life, I was discharged from the infirmary.

My first stop was not my camp but the Loren Trading Company. I gathered some junks from my locker and headed over.

Early in the morning, I found Lien sitting at a desk in the Loren Office, already busy. She noticed me and greeted me with a smile.

“Oh, Kyle. Nice to see you! Are you feeling better? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Walking is fine. Anyway, Lien, I’d like to sell these items at a reasonable price.”

“What’s that?”

I spread the miscellaneous items across the guest table. 

These were nothing other than the junk items I got while doing the special weapon gacha pulls. Mostly weapon-related equipment. 

Though some were in poor condition, there were a few items that could fetch a decent price if sold.

“Some are worn, and some are new. But they’re all iron-based, so they should be usable if repaired. There’s even a Dwarven-made weapon here. Take a look at the stamp.”

“Indeed…”

Lien slipped on her gloves and picked up one of the weapons, a Dwarven piece adorned with intricate geometric patterns interwoven with a distinct Dwarven mark.

If it had that stamp, even a basic iron weapon would significantly increase in price. 

It was more than just functionality—it was a brand. But, since many of these items were worn and cracked, I didn’t expect too much for them.

“Ten silver coins…!”

That would be enough. Dwarven-made items usually start at gold coins.

She was being reasonable here, after all. Plus, since Lien was my creditor, it wouldn’t hurt to foster some goodwill.

“Giving me a pretty good deal here… What if I take you up on it right away?”

“Well, I know the market for Dwarven weapons. Consider it a friendly gesture.”

“Having you as a friend does pay off. Alright, let’s say fifteen silver coins. It’s only because you’re Kyle.”

“Kuh.”

Thank you, Lien…!

It’s give-and-take. The relationship might be a bit transactional, but it works.

“Alright, then, I’ll pay off ten silver coins on my debt. That leaves me with five silver coins.”

“Great. Then you just have 25 shillings left to pay. You’re paying it off quickly. Feel free to indulge a bit! You’re faster than most people.”

“No, it’s fine…”

Debt has to be cleared fast before it piles up, after all.

“Here you go. And remember, you’re always welcome back. Plus, you still haven’t stopped by our Loren booth. We’ve got free offerings, and that still stands.”

“I’ll swing by later today.”

After tucking away the pouch Lien handed me, I left the Loren Trading Company, walked through the garden, passed the main gate, and headed back to my forest camp.

On the way, I reflected on the episode nearing its conclusion.

‘In any case, it’s finally over.’

While it took some twists and turns, Act 1, Scene 3—the Mentee Magic Duel—was done.

Apparently, the academy was in an uproar when I collapsed. This was the first time in Artena Academy’s history that a student had transformed not only into a heretic but into a full-blown demon.

The academy convened a disciplinary committee with all the professors from the Magic Department.

Luin’s case was forwarded to the Imperial High Court, where he would have faced a family-wide punishment. 

However, since he died and his family perished long ago in a famine, the case was closed.

The issue remained with Cathlyn Phaylon, who had provided Luin with the magical enhancer. 

Though she turned herself in, she couldn’t avoid severe punishment. 

Given her clear misconduct and the potential scale of the incident, her grades for the mentor-mentee class were revoked, she was placed on twenty days of probation, and assigned seventy-two hours of community service.

With this, the rankings between Ivel and Cathlyn shifted permanently.

Ivel received the highest score in the Mentee Magic Duel, acknowledging my growth in learning magic dispel, even though I withdrew from the duel. 

Since the mentor-mentee course cannot be retaken, the score gap will remain.

In the end, it was a gap Cathlyn had created for herself.

And so, the academy concluded the recent series of demon-related incidents by tightening security and introducing mandatory anti-demon prevention training for students.

“Those guys… They knew it would come to this….”

In every episode, I ended up dragged through the dirt, and the academy remained the thorn in my side. 

They excelled at reacting after the incident, but each time a demon incident occurred, they were utterly powerless. 

Though the academy was designed to highlight the protagonist’s role, I could somewhat understand why.

After all, there was a demon collaborator hiding within Artena Academy. It was a familiar face, but it was not yet time for them to reveal themselves. And even if I exposed them, I’d likely be the one trampled for it.

Creak—

I pulled up a wooden chair and sat by the campfire. The temperatures had finally started to warm up, making the morning and afternoon feel less chilly than at night.

Just a month ago, it was bone-chilling if I didn’t keep a fire going. But now, with summer approaching, I could ease up on the firewood. Soon, I’d be hoping for breezy days rather than warmth.

With time, I planned to train my wind magic even more. In the distant future, once my magic responsiveness reached 20 naturally, I intended to try beginner-level spells.

“Yum.”

I tossed a piece of jerky into my mouth and finally opened up my status screen.

 [You have defeated the corrupted fiend, Luin, who had fully succumbed to demonic transformation!]

[5 Level Up!]

[You have points available for stat investment!]

[Respect to your kindness!  You’ve transformed a corrupted soul and saved many lives! You’ve gained 15 Karma points!]

[Your comprehension of skills has increased overall!]

 [– Shooting proficiency has advanced by one level!]

 [– Combat sense has advanced by one level!]

[– Firepower control has advanced by one level!]

[Achievements unlocked!]

[Act 1, Scene 3, Mentee Magic Duel]

[● Shop Points +10] [Complete]

[Remaining Shop Points: 10]

[ Kyle ]

Lv: 25  

Species: Human  

Gender: Male  

Title: The Most Notorious Scoundrel, Demon Slayer  

Mana: 2500/2500  

Karma: 30  

Unique Trait: Sniping Master  

Skills: Perfect Accuracy, Crisis Detection, Rapid Fire, Touch of Death, Iron Man, Indomitable Spirit  

[Stats Details]

Invested Stat Points: 10  

Strength: 16  

Stamina: 15  

Endurance: 10  

Intelligence: 1  

Perception: 14  

Mana Perception: 14  

Spirit Perception: 1  

[Talent Details]

Element: Multi  

Affinities: Multi  

Growth Efficiency: A+  

[Active Skills]

Liberation, Ignition, Water Control, Gust, Dagger Technique, Basic Shield, Mana-Enhanced Strike  

[Passive Skills]

Shooting Proficiency: C  

Combat Sense: D-  

Mana Efficiency: D-  

Firepower: D+  

Firepower Control: D  

Crafting: D-  

Butchery: D  

“Looks like I had dropped quite a bit.”

I murmured, carefully reviewing each log on the screen.

Since I defeated the demonized high-level Luin, I leveled up by five. 

In the final battle, I threw my dagger to secure vision and followed up with sniper shots, which appeared to have improved my shooting proficiency. 

This made sense since I was dealing with a demon.

The surprising part is what leveled up next.

“Firepower Control and Combat Sense both went up…”

These must have increased during my matches with Luin and other students. 

I minimized magic use but maximized its application and efficiency, engaging in close combat with my dagger. 

Given the dramatic change in lifestyle after I started taking Ivel’s lessons seriously, I guess it was not surprising.

“The achievements are also rewarding.”

I currently have ten shop points, and I’m planning to save up to twenty for a targeted character trait or equipment draw. 

Although there was no specific set for a sniper, I trusted the in-game AI would provide something useful. 

Additionally, I’d now met the requirements to upgrade my weapon with karma points. If I could add a mid-level mana stone and charge it with sufficient magic power, I could unlock the next level of my sniper rifle.

I contemplated my final stat allocation.

“Stamina and strength are important.”

While I’d grown to the point where I felt comfortable in daily activities, a sniper often needed to maintain agility while carrying a heavy weapon. However, I considered another stat that might be more beneficial.

“I think it’s time to increase my Intelligence.”

Intelligence enhanced magical efficiency, slightly boosted magic power, helped in developing efficient casting techniques, and reduced magic power consumption. 

While the magic power increase was negligible, reducing magic power consumption was key.

“My sniper rifle consumes up to a thousand magic power per shot. When I use magic beforehand, it reduces my available shots.”

Reducing unnecessary magic power expenditure would mean more potential damage, as each spared unit of magic power equates to another bullet. This issue also affects my weapon’s evolution.

“To upgrade the sniper rifle, I need magic power.”

Currently, magic power was a limited resource each day. Before sleep, I channeled any leftover magic power into the sniper rifle. If I could reduce my daily magic usage, I could allocate more magic power to the rifle.

The decision didn’t take long.

[Intelligence has increased to 10!]

Closing my status screen, I stood up, filled a bucket with water, and wrung out a rag to inspect my camp.

“Let’s see how much it got messed up in a day.”

I planned to finish cleaning quickly and head to the academy. 

The second day of the Mentee Magic Duel was a big event, and today’s semifinals were set to feature some impressive matches: Elena Valencia, Lien Lodran, Lumina Halloway, and another top student.

The chance to watch these duels was exciting, especially from a developer’s perspective.

“Let’s finish this and go!”

Just as I was about to start cleaning, I opened the door to find my furniture and walls sparkling clean.

“Huh…?”

Everything was spotless. Someone must have already taken care of the cleaning. 

A note left on the table confirmed it.

[I figured you’d be worried about the camp when you woke up in the infirmary, right? Was I right? If not, oh well… Anyway, ta-da! (~˘▾˘)~ I cleaned it up for you, so don’t worry! I really hope you’re not carrying a mop and bucket in your condition. I’ll trust you aren’t!  

– Lumina, Mentee Magic Duel, Day 2]

“Ah…”

I quietly put the bucket and mop away.

Lumina’s attentiveness was uncanny. 

Ever since she helped me clean up last time, she had been visiting my place often, which I really appreciated. I’d have to get her a personalized weapon as thanks someday.

“Well then, let’s head out.”

With that worry off my mind, I started walking to the academy.

———-

At the square arena, the second match of the semifinals had just ended.

It was a duel between Elena Valencia and Lumina Halloway. Given the wide gap in their initial scores from when they entered the academy, the outcome was inevitable.

[Elena Valencia wins!]

Elena, with her royal blood and unique magic style, took an easy victory. She possessed a formidable level of magic, one that would be challenging even for a genius like Ciel to contend with.

Lumina had held her own initially, but the magic power consumption of high-ranking spirits was substantial. For a summoner, if they couldn’t defeat their opponent in the time it takes to manifest a battle spirit like Gale, it was game over.

But was Lumina weak? Not at all. She simply hadn’t reached the level of Elena and Ciel. 

The second semester would bring plenty of new opportunities.

“Aww… That was disappointing…”

I walked around with Lumina, who looked downcast, her head hung low.

“Lumina, don’t be too upset. Finishing third or fourth is an excellent achievement. I didn’t even make it past the round of 64!”

“But Kyle, that’s only because you withdrew due to your injuries. I think you could’ve easily reached at least the round of 64, maybe even further!”

“Yeah. I guess we’re both a little disappointed.”

Since my injuries had taken me out of the duel, I was automatically disqualified. 

Normally, being injured to the point of being unable to continue would result in a re-match or a loser’s bracket, but not here.

Honestly, it worked out fine. I never intended to climb the rankings too high. No need to draw unwanted attention. 

Still, having people think, “He’s actually pretty good,” isn’t so bad. It was a way to shift the perception of Kyle’s reputation.

After my duel with Luin, I could tell the students were seeing me in a new light. 

I overheard things like, “Hey, that’s Kyle. Did you see his duel? He held his own against Luin,” and, “Wait. Was he actually that strong all along?” or, “Maybe he didn’t get in on a technicality after all?” 

After a month of hearing disparaging remarks, it felt strangely satisfying.

“Hey, Lumina, want to visit the Loren booth with me? Lien mentioned I should stop by.”

“Lien…? Isn’t she a big deal? You know her well?”

“Yeah, we’ve got a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Well, more like we exchange money.

“Oh, I see… That sounds exciting!”

Lumina seemed a bit nervous but clenched her fists, showing exaggerated excitement. She must really be looking forward to the booth.

We went straight to the Loren booth.

“Kyle, isn’t it? Right this way.”

An attendant greeted us and guided us to a seat, where a pristine parasol and elegant tea set awaited us. It was downright luxurious.

We sat down, feeling a bit out of place. 

Nearby, young noble ladies in extravagant dresses were enjoying tea and chatting, which made us feel a little self-conscious. 

Lumina blushed and fidgeted. She pointed toward the arena to change the subject.

“Wow! Kyle, look over there…!”

“Oh, it’s Lien and Elena.”

This booth had a full view of the arena—the best seats, where you could watch the duel in its entirety. 

Lien and Elena were positioned on opposite sides of the arena, preparing to start their duel.

I overheard the noble ladies chatting excitedly.

“They say the honor of this year’s Mentee Magic Duel rests on this match. A duel between Princess Elena Valencia and Lien Lodran… How fascinating.”

“Who do you think will win? Either way, this will be fun to watch! What about you all?”

“I think Princess Elena Valencia is the obvious choice!”

“But Lien Lodran has a good chance too!”

As exciting as it sounded, I knew the likely outcome.

“If I had to guess, Princess Elena Valencia will win.”

Though she’ll have a close match with Lien Lodran, with Ciel—her main rival—absent, Elena is sure to take the victory.

While we waited, our attendant returned with a lavish meal, hands full with plates.

“Here is the A-course meal.”

They placed pasta, baguette, a glistening steak, and a vibrant, sunset-colored drink on the table.

It appeared like this meal was prepared by Lien. Even though I knew who was going to win, I couldn’t help but root for that one in blue down there in the arena…

‘It’s been so long since I’ve had a luxury like this…’

I started eating, using the knife and fork provided.

“Lumina, feel free to eat as well. It’s our dinner tonight, after all.”

“Mm! It looks delicious…! I’ll have to thank Lien later! Go, Lien!”

We enjoyed the rich flavors of the food while watching the duel unfold below us. 

Lien’s signature lightning struck across the arena, while the princess’s commanding words transformed her magic.

Boom––!

Flames danced, tides of water surged, earth rose from the ground, waves of lightning pulsed through the air, and strong winds ruffled my hair. Yet, my enthusiastic fork and knife didn’t slow down.

‘This is amazing…!’

By the time I’d cleaned my plate, the duel was over.

[Elena Valencia wins!]

The announcer’s booming voice echoed, followed by bursts of fireworks that painted the sky with color.

Bang! Pop!

In the midst of the noise and blazing cheers, I turned to Lumina.

“Looks like it’s over, Lumina?”

“Yeah. Princess Elena won the championship.”

The winner of the Mentee Magic Duel was Elena Valencia, the princess. I’d known this from the original story, but witnessing it firsthand gave it a special meaning.

I’d always thought the highlight of Act 1, Scene 3 was the duel between Luin and the protagonist—a scene where the protagonist truly shined. 

Like in many other games, all the focus and excitement were centered on the protagonist’s journey.

Without them, scenes that weren’t directly tied to their path often felt like unnecessary filler, quickly glossed over or summarized.

But now that this game’s world had become my reality, experiencing this grand spectacle, which had once been a mere background event, felt entirely different.

Fizzzz––

My gaze followed the trails of light.

Bang! Pop! Pop!

Fireworks scattered across the sky. I looked up, lost in the beauty of it all, feeling deeply connected to this world.

This was the end of Act 1, Scene 3.

The Mentee Magic Duel chapter closed with an unforgettable scene.