A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 52

The next practical training after the Nurturer Event is survival. As Marlboro explained, it’s akin to a Battle Royale.

However, it’s not absolutely necessary to eliminate your opponents. The most important thing is survival.

Perhaps because of this, a choice appears when you reach the final stage.

Whether to agree with your opponent and choose to share first place, or to survive alone.

Whatever you choose here, there’s no penalty. If you choose survival, your honor increases slightly, and that’s the end of it.

‘They say it’s 12 hours, but in reality, it’s much longer than that.’

Marlboro mentioned that the practical training runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but in truth, it’s far longer.

Does it make sense to provide information in advance when the theme is survival? Absolutely not.

Thus, they’ll reveal the significantly extended time just before the training begins.

Naturally, the students will proceed in a shaken mental state. The professors are aiming for this.

‘The worst part was the team members.’

What’s even more tormenting here is the team members. Team assignments are randomized based on ranking, swinging between heaven and hell.

If you’re lucky, you might smoothly complete the survival. If not, you’ll experience the hellish “Group Project.”

It’s so dreadful that even veteran players resort to the Prayer Meta during this time.

If your “Luck” stat is high, your team members’ abilities improve, but honestly, it’s random, so it doesn’t mean much.

‘At least Luna’s team has Antonio, so it should be somewhat better.’

Antonio has a strategist’s disposition, so he’ll likely work well with Luna. Even if he’s a bit sly, it shouldn’t be a big issue.

Kara is still an unknown, but she seems likely to be decent. The fact that I don’t remember her name makes it about half certain.

Of course, what’s more important right now is my team members: Grace, me, and lastly, Lee Yeonju.

Grace is one thing, but I’ve heard that Lee Yeonju is quite an amusing character.

“Got it, Sivar? Even if we’re not there, you have to talk it out properly. You can do that, right?”

Ellie clung to my hand, earnestly pleading. Her golden eyes were filled with worry and concern.

She exuded the atmosphere of a mother sending her child to kindergarten alone, wondering if her child would adapt well there.

From my perspective, it was a bit absurd, but from Ellie’s perspective, it was understandable. After all, she had to send me off alone without any guardian.

“I’m not sure if this is the right thing to do. Are you really okay with sending Sivar alone?”

Kara scratched her head, asking awkwardly. Naturally, her question was directed at Rod.

Rod nodded at her question and responded in his characteristic calm tone.

“It’s fine. I’ve spoken with Grace, so there’s no need to worry. I’ve told her to report immediately if Sivar does anything wrong.”

“Hmm······”

“It wouldn’t hurt for Sivar to make new friends besides you all.”

At Rod’s nonchalant remark, Kara wore an expression that seemed to question if this was really okay. While his words had merit, it was hard not to worry.

Considering I recently caused a major incident, even I found it puzzling that they trusted me.

They probably assigned someone to keep an eye on me or asked Porori for a favor. Either way, I wasn’t planning to cause trouble.

“By the way, you really do look cool dressed like this. Who dressed you?”

“I did! How is it? Looks great, right?”

Despite everything, the clothes were uncomfortable. Kara’s admiring question was met with Ellie’s enthusiastic reply.

A simple combination of a black shirt and white pants for summer. But as always, the completion of fashion lies in the face.

With both my figure and face complementing each other, anything I wore would suit me well—though that didn’t change how uncomfortable I felt.

‘If nothing else, I wish the shoes were slippers.’

Sneakers are always uncomfortable to wear. I even wore slippers during classes, but not today.

Soon, the adaptation period will end, and I’ll officially enroll. Once enrolled, I’ll naturally have to wear the school uniform.

Ellie persuaded me, saying I couldn’t insist on slippers forever and that this was a process of gradually getting used to it.

Knock, knock, knock-

[Headmaster. This is Grace. May I come in?]

It was almost time for the appointment. Grace arrived at the residence right on time.

Luna, who had been waiting by the door, moved, and Ellie looked at me with an even more worried expression.

While one might say they were treating me too much like a child, considering my actions, their concern was entirely reasonable.

For now, the priority is to listen quietly to Grace and establish a connection with Lee Yeonju, who will be a team member.

Creak-

As Luna opened the door, Grace appeared with a smile.

She wore a perfectly fitted white blouse and a skirt that accentuated her slender waistline. Despite being casual clothes, she exuded an intellectual aura.

Lastly, her confident smile and sharp eyes gave off a distinctly authoritative vibe.

“Ms. Luna, you’re here too. Nice to see you.”

“······Yes.”

Grace greeted warmly, while Luna responded hesitantly, glancing around nervously.

It seemed she was recalling the incident yesterday where she had let out a string of curses due to her outward and inward personas being reversed.

Still, Grace didn’t seem to mind, merely smiling before shifting her gaze to me.

“······You really don’t seem like someone who’s lived in the forest.”

After observing my spruced-up appearance, she gave her assessment. After a moment of surprise, she smiled in satisfaction.

It was likely because I looked neat compared to my somewhat shabby appearance yesterday. I would’ve preferred to dress casually, but Ellie had stopped me.

“Grace, as I mentioned yesterday, report immediately if anything happens.”

“Yes, understood, Headmaster.”

“Sivar, it’s about time for you to get ready to leave.”

“Sivar······ you can do it, right?”

At Rod’s encouragement, Ellie gripped my hand even tighter. Her worried expression deepened.

Anyone would think we were parting forever. To calm her down, I opened my mouth.

“Trust me.”

“······Okay! Make sure to talk things out with Grace!”

“Anyone would think we’re parting for good.”

Kara remarked, exasperated at our behavior. Despite her words, her face also showed signs of concern.

Finally, I let go of Ellie’s hand, turned my back, and started walking. Grace’s smile grew wider as I approached her.

Judging by her expression, she seemed to be planning to coax me subtly this time. For now, I decided to play along.

“Then, we’ll be off now, Headmaster.”

“Alright. I hope nothing happens.”

“Of course. And Ms. Luna?”

“Yes?”

Before leaving, Grace called out to Luna. Luna, who had been trying to slip away, flinched in surprise at the call.

Seeing Luna’s startled reaction, Grace smiled faintly. Then, she spoke the words she had been holding back.

“As you said, Ms. Luna, I’ll work my ass off and come back.”

“Ahaha······ Yes······”

Come to think of it, Grace is known to have a subtly vengeful personality.

******

Grace’s plan was simple: since it would be difficult to recruit Sivar right away, she decided to gradually build rapport.

Sivar, who doesn’t even know what civilization is, let alone the state of affairs in the world. So, it’s best to start with the simplest things step by step.

‘For example, a meal.’

To get closer to Sivar and simultaneously make plans, she had already reserved a dining spot. A restaurant boasting quite a hefty price tag.

It’s a place even commoners and most nobles avoid due to the cost. However, its taste is as excellent as its price.

‘Even if Mr. Sivar eats a lot, it shouldn’t be an issue.’

She had gathered bits and pieces of information about Sivar. From his absurd strength to his enormous appetite.

To satisfy his hunger, he always opted for buffets. According to what she’d heard, he could easily eat five servings.

Without a buffet, it would be impossible to appease his appetite. Thankfully, Grace had the financial means to handle it.

‘The household provides the funds, after all.’

Although the Berche Ducal Family is known for its individualistic tendencies, they are generous in financially supporting their children.

However, Grace focuses more on other matters rather than material desires or the need to show off. Thus, her spending is mostly limited to clothes.

‘There’s no need to rush. I just need to get closer little by little.’

Grace glanced back briefly. Like a baby bird following its mother, Sivar was trailing closely behind her.

Having lived as the Duke’s Young Lady and seen countless handsome men, she found his beauty on another level entirely.

It was to the point where one could believe he was a masterpiece painstakingly crafted by a sculptor. Yet, perhaps because of this, he felt unreal and distant.

‘He truly is a man full of mysteries.’

No one knows who his parents are, he has no connections, and he seems to have dropped from the sky out of nowhere.

Nevertheless, he possessed incredible physical strength, and even his red eyes exuded an air of mystery.

This only fueled her curiosity further. Where exactly did this man’s true value come from?

Would he display loyalty akin to that of a human, or would it be more like the primal loyalty of a dog or wolf?

This was something that would require careful observation over time. For now, getting closer to him was the priority.

“Mr. Sivar.”

“?”

First, she needed to address the sense of distance. Grace, who had been walking ahead, took a step back.

She naturally began walking side by side with Sivar. He wore an expression that suggested he wasn’t thinking much of it.

The beginning of familiarity starts with reducing distance. Even with differences in social status, proximity could make someone feel closer or more distant.

“Mr. Sivar, what kind of food do you like?”

“Food?”

“Yes, food.”

Even a simple exchange of questions wasn’t a bad start. Topics they could mutually relate to were perfect for breaking down barriers.

“Meat.”

“Meat? As expected, you like meat. What about something else?”

“Candy.”

“Candy?”

Grace tilted her head at his unexpected answer of candy after meat. Technically, candy was food too.

She just hadn’t anticipated Sivar mentioning candy. So that’s what he was chewing on occasionally—candy.

“I see. Then what else?”

“Meat.”

“…Is there nothing else besides meat?”

“Candy.”

“… …”

She decided it was best to drop the topic. That’s what Grace concluded.

It seemed he hadn’t had the chance to try much since entering civilization.

Even if he had sampled a variety of foods at a buffet, to Sivar, it probably all fell under the category of meat.

Thinking of it that way, it seemed plausible enough. This was an issue that could be resolved as he gradually adapted to the civilized world.

“What was the most fun thing you experienced coming to the Academy?”

“Fun?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

At Grace’s question, Sivar showed signs of pondering. Grace quietly waited for his response.

It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the question. If that were the case, he would have tilted his head or asked for clarification.

After a long moment of contemplation, Sivar. Just as Grace was wondering if she should move on to another question—

“Ah! Beam!”

“Beam?”

“Death! Beam!”

At the mention of a term she had never heard before, it was now Grace’s turn to tilt her head in confusion.

Death Beam? Even with the extensive education she had received in her household, it was a completely unfamiliar term.

“Death Beam? What is that? It doesn’t sound like something you eat. Could you possibly show me?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Rod. Scold.”

Piecing the words together, it seemed he was saying Rod would scold him. Grace’s expression grew even more perplexed.

What on earth could this Death Beam be for Rod to reprimand him over it? At the very least, it was clearly something out of the ordinary.

“Alright. But if the opportunity arises later, please show me.”

“Okay.”

“You promise? You know you can’t break a promise, right?”

“Okay.”

Whoever taught him that did a good job. Grace smiled warmly.

If Sivar said it was the most fun thing he’d experienced, there must be something to it.

Perhaps he’d demonstrate it during the upcoming survival training. Her curiosity about him only deepened.

“We’re almost there. Miss Yeonju… Ah, there she is.”

As they arrived at the meeting place Grace had arranged in advance, she pointed to a specific spot. Sivar also turned his gaze in that direction.

Black hair and eyes, traits typically found only among those from the East. Even her rich apricot-toned skin.

The person Grace had been looking for was sitting on a bench near the plaza fountain, fiddling with something.

“Miss Yeonju?”

“Y-Yes?!”

As Grace approached, the woman startled in surprise. It wasn’t as though Grace had approached without making her presence known, yet her reaction was extreme.

It seemed her thoughts had momentarily wandered elsewhere. What was curious, however, was that even in her flustered state, she hid the object she had been handling behind her.

The Eastern student, Lee Yeonju, looked up with wide, round eyes before hastily opening her mouth.

“Ah, ah! Lady Berche…”

“As I mentioned yesterday, please just call me Grace. We’ll be working as a team, after all.”

“Ah, yes, yes. That’s right. And next to you…”

Lee Yeonju’s gaze shifted to the side. Towering over Grace, Sivar was looking down at her.

With his bright red eyes and the sun at his back, he exuded an intimidating aura.

“Eek…!”

“… …”

The stark contrast between his unthreatening appearance and his overwhelming atmosphere caused Lee Yeonju to gasp in fright. Meanwhile, Sivar simply stared blankly.

He quietly observed Lee Yeonju’s terrified face. Objectively, she was the epitome of an Eastern beauty.

Her delicate features were complemented by a tear mole under her left eye. A mix of cuteness and maturity.

Additionally, her overall slender figure and petite frame gave the impression of a gentle, small dog.

“There’s no need to be so frightened, Miss Yeonju. Mr. Sivar is part of our team too, isn’t he?”

“Y-Yes… I’m sorry…”

Grace silently observed Lee Yeonju, who immediately apologized. She had already gathered information about her.

‘Lee Yeonju. Origin: Hwan Empire. Job Class: Thief. No particularly notable actions, ranked in the lower tier. Blood relation to Professor Yi Yeonhwa. From a prestigious household.’

Her flaws included being extremely timid and lacking assertiveness. This was the information Grace had compiled about Lee Yeonju.

A student who wasn’t passionate, didn’t focus on anything, and simply lived according to the flow of her consciousness.

To be honest, Grace couldn’t understand why this person had been admitted to the Academy at all.

She didn’t put in effort. She wasn’t passionate. Nor did she possess any standout talents.

Normally, she wouldn’t have even bothered paying attention to someone like this. It was only because they were teammates that she had collected information.

‘Still, the fact that she arrived earlier than the agreed time shows she has the basics down.’

That was a passing mark. Many people couldn’t even keep their appointments, but Lee Yeonju had arrived a bit early.

‘Even if a teammate is lacking, guiding them well is also a skill.’

Since she had been accepted into the Academy, she couldn’t be entirely incompetent. Grace felt confident.

Besides, there was Sivar. In the theme of survival, there was no one more reliable than him.

With his skills, he could more than make up for Lee Yeonju’s deficiencies and even carry the team on his own.

‘But relying on him entirely is out of the question. I must ensure my evaluation doesn’t suffer.’

However, being too strong was also a problem. If she wasn’t careful, Sivar might end up receiving all the credit.

In many ways, this was quite a challenging situation. As Grace slowly formulated a plan in her mind, she spoke.

“Shall we head to the restaurant now that everyone’s here? I’m sure it’ll suit your taste, Miss Yeonju.”

“Oh, but expensive places are a bit…”

“I’ll cover the cost. That’s what a team leader should do. Mr. Sivar, you’ll join us too, right?”

“Yes.”

“Great.”

Grace smiled with satisfaction. Both Sivar and Lee Yeonju were passive individuals.

This meant she could lead them exactly as she wanted. What a fortunate situation.

As they say in the East, too many boatmen will steer the boat up a mountain.

There would be no clashes of opinion, the team was reliable, and the trial seemed relatively manageable.

There wasn’t a single obstacle in their way. The only thing to be mindful of was the attention likely to be drawn to Sivar.

“Shall we go? It’ll also be a good opportunity to finalize our plan.”

“Yes······”

“Sure.”

It seemed like only smooth sailing lay ahead. That’s what Grace thought.

‘Hehe. This practical training will be a breeze.’

She was completely unaware that her team members were Group Project Villains.