A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 29

If the Academy Collapse segment is the turning point of difficulty, then sparring is the turning point of growth.

The nurturer is determined based on the results achieved in sparring and the combat patterns displayed.

As mentioned before, there’s no absolute need to choose a nurturer. If it doesn’t suit your disposition, there’s no problem in choosing a different path.

However, the difference between having a nurturer and not having one is significant. While it might not matter in multiple playthroughs, in the first playthrough, growth halts without a nurturer.

‘Status isn’t particularly an issue either.’

For commoners, unlike nobles, nationality doesn’t hold much meaning. A homeland is simply a place that allows one to live well and prosper.

Therefore, nurturers aim for commoners who exhibit talent and stand out. Luna, who entered as the top student, is the best example.

Unless it’s a distant past, the United Academy has long since transformed into an institution where numerous nations compete.

While it does serve as a deterrent to wars between nations, it’s nothing more than a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.

When the Academy Collapse segment occurs, even the last line of defense crumbles, plunging everything into chaos. For now, this is the most peaceful period.

‘It’d be nice if it developed like sports, but that’s just wishful thinking.’

In human history, war has always taken up half of everything.

If not for the existence of demons as a common enemy, humanity would’ve long since descended into chaos, fighting amongst themselves.

Moreover, one of the empires advocates expansionism, gathering every talent they can find.

By now, they must’ve realized that Luna is a commoner and are likely preparing in advance. But knowing Luna’s personality, she won’t go there.

‘They call it nurturer selection, but it’s really just a faction choice.’

Each nurturer is affiliated with a specific nation, and naturally, the nurturing method changes depending on that choice.

Choosing a nation that values honor and fairness allows one to raise their honor, but mastering techniques becomes slower.

Conversely, choosing a nation that prioritizes strength enables faster acquisition of techniques, but gaining honor becomes difficult.

Beyond that, there are various other choices, and depending on the selection, the nurturing methods will vary.

‘Multiple playthroughs were genuinely so much fun.’

In multiple playthroughs, you can witness powerful nations desperately trying to recruit you.

Of course, due to the nature of multiple playthroughs, things become fixed, making nurturing meaningless. It’s just about exploring the choices.

That’s why many people prefer to start a new game and nurture from the beginning. Along the way, they can also discover new routes.

“Looks like that side belongs to the Granada Empire.”

While thinking about nurturers, Rod’s muttering reached my ears.

Hearing his words, I turned my gaze in the direction he was looking.

Unlike the general spectator seats, a few people were conversing in the well-polished spectator seats.

Among them, one person stood out—a man with a bulky frame and a menacing expression.

‘Ah, that man.’

I might not remember the others, but I distinctly remember that man. He’s one of the nurturers.

As his build suggests, he’s a nurturer who’s well-known for demonstrating how to utilize “strength.”

‘Since that side is the Granada Empire, then on the opposite side······’

I turned my head toward the opposite spectator seats. As expected, the atmosphere there was entirely different.

If the Granada Empire’s side felt heavy and serious, the people I was looking at exuded a calm and noble air.

Unlike the strength-focused Granada Empire, the Matra Empire pursues honor and justice. It’s the homeland of Elvin and Grace.

‘Looks like the nurturer hasn’t arrived yet.’

While there were a few familiar faces, the main nurturer wasn’t visible. They’ll probably show up later.

Various other figures had gathered, but they weren’t immediately important. What mattered was the upcoming sparring.

Currently, I was seated in the VIP section with Rod. Thanks to that, I had a clear view of the entire sparring arena, unlike the general spectator seats.

‘As expected of a Special Sparring Arena, it’s incredibly spacious.’

When describing its size, the same phrase always comes up: as big as a soccer field.

While general sparring arenas aren’t particularly large, special sparring arenas boast a size comparable to a soccer field.

Accordingly, the spectator seats are also massive, capable of accommodating the entire Academy’s student body.

However, the true highlight of the Special Sparring Arena is the arena itself. For now, it’s just an ordinary dirt floor.

Once the sparring begins, that dirt floor will transform into various environments.

‘They call it a fusion of magic and science?’

I don’t know the principles behind it, so I’ll just accept it as is. This is a fantasy world, after all; common sense doesn’t apply.

Anyway, putting that aside, I quietly sat next to Rod, waiting for the sparring to begin.

The first match already had an extraordinary event lined up: the duel between the top student and the barbarian.

In other words, Luna and Kara would be sparring against each other right from the first match.

‘Kara will probably win.’

I sucked on the Nurungji-Flavored Candy Rod had given me and waited silently.

Honestly, I’d prefer something other than candy. Something like a cold beer, for instance.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t had a drink since coming here.’

Just as I was thinking that and idly sucking on the candy.

“So here you are.”

Someone spoke from behind where Rod and I were seated. It was a deep and weighty voice.

I had already sensed someone approaching, so I turned around without much thought.

“It was a hassle finding you, old man.”

“Hmph. There was no need for you to go out of your way to find me.”

A bare upper body casually covered with a leather cloak. Bottoms that were closer to a skirt than pants.

The outfit, reminiscent of ancient Egypt, was striking, but what stood out even more was his bronzed skin and red hair.

“You look even older since the last time I saw you.”

“And you still haven’t kicked the habit of walking around shirtless.”

His mane-like hair and neatly groomed beard left a strong impression.

To an outsider, he might look like a “barbarian.” But calling him that would likely result in a broken waist.

“And this person······ is he the one I’ve heard about?”

“Let’s just say yes.”

“With those blood-red eyes, he doesn’t seem human. Are you sure he’s not a beast?”

“He may look like that, but Sivar is indeed human.”

Hearing Rod’s response, the red-haired man looked at me as if observing me. I, too, stared back at him.

While he bore no resemblance to Kara, his red hair and green eyes were unmistakable.

‘You’re not exactly one to talk.’

I retorted inwardly as I scanned the man from head to toe. His entire body was packed with muscle.

Kara is also quite tall, comparable to an adult man. Looking at this man, it’s clear where those genes come from.

Furthermore, his exposed skin was covered in scars, proof of countless fierce battles.

Kara’s biological father and the King of Tatar, Hector.

He is also known by another name.

“You didn’t break anything on your way here, did you?”

“Hey, old man. I’m a proper king now. Breaking things would just be a hassle.”

“You’ve mellowed out a lot. When was it that you charged at me?”

“That was over ten years ago.”

The Destroyer King, Hector.

Before Tatar became an official nation, he earned this nickname by plundering and destroying countless cities and villages.

As the nickname “Destroyer King” suggests, his physical strength is extraordinary.

On top of that, he possesses advanced techniques, making him a walking human tank.

However, despite his immense combat power, his “insight” is shallow, lacking depth.

It’s easier to think of him as someone who’s simply become a seasoned fighter.

“Mind if I sit here?”

“This seat is reserved for me as the chancellor.”

“Then what about that guy?”

“I’m protecting him, so that’s why. Stop complaining and go to your assigned seat unless you want political trouble.”

“Tsk······”

Contrary to his fearsome title, he’s somewhat frivolous and talkative.

In fact, most of the Tatar Tribe tends to be surprisingly chatty. It’s part of their unique culture, and Kara is no exception.

‘The problem is that they still get things done while chatting.’

In other words, they can chatter away while splitting their opponent’s head open.

Of course, they’re not always noisy. When serious, they’re deadly serious.

Remembering Hector’s title as the “Destroyer King,” his physical strength is no joke.

“Alright. I guess I’ll have to head toward the Gradan Empire.”

“Do you dislike the Matra Empire?”

“Those bastards look down on me as a barbarian. It’d be a miracle if I didn’t throw a punch first. Ah, but before that······”

Hector locked eyes with me before leaving. His green eyes were filled with deep curiosity.

Then, he flashed a wide grin, revealing his white teeth, and pointed at me as he spoke.

“Try sparring with my daughter once. I’ll be watching closely with my own two eyes.”

“··· ···”

With that, Hector turned around and began walking toward the spectator seats.

His bulk is no joke, perfectly matching his size. How can that even be a human body?

“You don’t need to worry about it. It’s just his way of greeting.”

It was a rather rough greeting, though. That’s what I thought.

Even amidst this unexpected encounter, the spectator seats were gradually filling up with students and staff.

Given the scale of the arena, I thought it’d be hard to fill, but before I knew it, it was nearly packed.

Well, it’s a duel between the top student and the Barbarian Princess, so it’s no wonder it’s drawing attention.

‘I wonder how long it’ll take for Kara and me to start.’

Just as I was thinking that.

“She’s here. She’s here.”

“That’s her, right? The top student. And over there······”

“The Barbarian Princess. You can tell by her skin.”

The already noisy spectator seats grew even louder.

Curious about the reason, I focused on the training ground, and sure enough.

Luna and Kara, each equipped with their respective weapons, were entering the arena.

[The duel will begin shortly, so please take your seats.]

As the announcement played, a translucent barrier began to envelop the training ground.

It appeared to be a shock absorption device, activated as a precaution.

Once the barrier completely surrounded the training ground, it turned transparent.

[We will now create the combat environment.]

With another announcement, changes began to occur within the barrier-enclosed training ground.

The previously hard, barren ground began to glow blue, slowly transforming the terrain.

However, nothing seemed to rise from the ground. It appeared the changes wouldn’t be drastic.

[The environment setup is complete.]

[The duel environment is plains.]

[The duel will begin shortly.]

The blue light faded, revealing Luna and Kara’s duel arena before my eyes.

A plain covered in green grass. A simple and ordinary duel environment.

There were a few small rocks scattered around, but they didn’t seem significant enough to affect the duel.

‘This will come down to basic skills.’

The plains eliminated most variables. The only potential factors were the rocks and cornering against the barrier.

However, given the size of the arena, even cornering someone against the barrier would be difficult.

[The duel will begin in 5 seconds.]

[5······ 4······ 3······ 2······]

Finally, the big event was about to begin. I wish I had some popcorn—where can I get some?

I looked around, searching for something to snack on. The people in the spectator seats already had food in their hands.

[······1. The duel begins.]

The announcement declaring the start of the duel rang out, but they wouldn’t jump straight into fighting. They’d likely start with some probing.

Right now, the important thing was popcorn or some kind of snack. But no matter how hard I looked, I couldn’t find anything.

“Are you looking for something?”

Rod, noticing my unusual behavior, called out to me. I nodded and opened my mouth.

“Snack.”

“Snack?”

“Bored.”

I pointed to my mouth, expressing that I was bored. Rod’s expression turned peculiar.

Well, he probably didn’t expect me to say something like that. Snacks are essential for enjoying such a fun spectacle.

“Didn’t I give you candy earlier?”

No, not that.

I shook my head and spoke again.

“Something. Else.”

“You want a different snack?”

“Yes.”

Finally, communication seemed to be working! Just as I felt a glimmer of hope.

Rod appeared to think for a moment before responding in a stern voice.

“That’s not possible.”

“Why!”

“If I say no, it’s no.”

Could it be that he’s worried I’ll develop bad habits? It’s a fairly plausible theory.

Ellie and others often treat me like a child if you think about it.

‘Not that I don’t understand, but…’

I glared at Rod and protested fiercely. Though I didn’t speak, my intent should have been clear.

However, Rod pressed on with a stern expression.

“Focus on the duel for now. I’ll give you something to eat later.”

“No.”

“Tsk. If I say no, it’s no.”

“Snack.”

“What’s gotten into you?”

While we were in the middle of our back-and-forth.

Clang!

Suddenly, the sharp sound of metal against metal pierced my ears. It came from the training ground.

I stopped arguing with Rod and turned my head toward the training ground.

‘······Why is she lying down?’

And there I saw Luna sprawled on the ground.

Judging by the lack of an announcement, she hadn’t fainted. It seemed she had simply been overpowered.

Or perhaps she had taken a hit. Even from a distance, her bewildered expression was evident.

“Sigh… I missed it. That seemed like a pretty important first exchange…”

“··· ···”

Feeling a bit guilty, I clamped my mouth shut.

******

Luna, the top student who had shown her talent early on, was brimming with confidence.

No matter how strong Kara was, she believed that if it came down to swordsmanship rather than combat, she could secure victory.

Sivar was an exception, being an unorthodox powerhouse, but Kara was different. She thought she could win.

‘I don’t understand.’

Why was Kara so confident? Why had Sivar chosen Kara over her?

She couldn’t understand, but she was about to learn that her assumptions were wrong.

If that happened, even Sivar would have to see things differently. He’d have to admit his instincts were off.

‘It’s not that I’m trying to teach him, but······’

One can’t rely on instinct forever. Her master had said the same.

Instinct is crucial for a warrior, but blind faith in it would eventually lead to disaster.

Sivar, having lived in the wilderness, likely had a strong tendency to rely on it. So, she planned to change that this time.

“Wow. The Academy can even do something like this? The world really is fascinating.”

Kara, standing opposite her, looked around in amazement.

The barren ground had transformed into a green plain. Even Luna couldn’t help but agree with that.

However, this was a sparring situation. Luna carefully observed Kara, who was playing with the ground.

Kara, lightly armed unlike during Autonomous Training. Her abdomen was still boldly exposed.

‘Her weapons are… a sword and a one-handed axe.’

The sword was a curved blade, one of the weapons commonly used by the Tatar Tribe.

The one-handed axe appeared to be a secondary weapon. Given Kara’s strength, it was likely to maximize her power.

‘Did they say a protective barrier activates from the bracelet if you lose consciousness?’

Luna glanced at the bracelet on her arm. If she completely lost consciousness, the protective barrier would automatically activate.

It was also said to activate automatically when struck or stabbed in a vital point.

So, they could fight without holding back. After all, this sparring was held to showcase their skills.

‘I have to win.’

Luna gripped her sword firmly with both hands. In sparring, participants could bring their weapon of choice.

Meanwhile, Kara scanned the training ground and soon looked ahead with a smiling face.

While Kara appeared relaxed, Luna’s nervousness was evident.

“Why are you so tense? It’s just sparring, sparring. We’re supposed to enjoy it together.”

“…That’s probably just you.”

“Is that so? For the Tatars, sparring is a kind of play. It’s a culture that naturally developed from frequent practical combat.”

Who asked for that? Luna narrowed her eyes.

One was serious, while the other just chattered away without doing anything.

That must be another way of showing off her composure. Perhaps that’s why Luna’s irritation was gradually rising.

“You talk too much for no reason.”

“Hmm. Do I?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just a habit. Let’s call it culture.”

Her broad grin made her look like a mischievous child. Her white teeth stood out against her bronzed skin.

Just as Luna was about to get increasingly angry, Kara, still smiling brightly, sprang into action.

Step- step- step-

“Anyway, I told you before. Ignoring combat will get you into big trouble.”

“… …”

“I’ll show you what a fight that feels like real combat is. First…”

Before she knew it, Kara had approached Luna and raised her curved blade high. Luna anticipated the next attack and lifted her sword.

To make defense easier, she supported the blade with one hand.

Clang!

Just as expected. Kara brought the curved blade down exactly as she had raised it.

The sound of metal clashing against metal created a ringing in her ears. Still, it was a relatively easy defense.

Following that, Luna smiled and attempted a counterattack, just as her master had taught her.

No, to be precise, she tried to.

Thwack!

“Ugh…!”

That was until Kara’s swift side kick struck Luna’s abdomen.

Using one leg as a pivot, Kara twisted her body naturally to deliver the attack.

She had taken advantage of the moment Luna relaxed her guard to counterattack.

“Ugh…!”

Luna’s body flew backward and landed awkwardly on the ground. The sudden attack left her unable to respond.

How could such a kick come so naturally in that situation? Lying on the ground, Luna barely managed to lift her head.

Despite the pain clouding her mind, she remembered her master’s teachings and kept her eyes on her opponent.

When she raised her head again, she could see Kara slowly walking toward her.

“How is it? Ah, no.”

Kara, still grinning broadly.

“You probably haven’t realized it yet, have you?”

It was more than enough to instill a sense of unease in Luna.