A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 54

Over the weekend, I met with my team members to come up with various plans. Chief among them was preparing supplies.

What items to bring, how many Detoxification Potions and Stamina Potions to carry for recovery, and what to use as Emergency Rations, among other things.

We did have some other conversations here and there, but most of it revolved around the practical training. It was quite a productive meeting.

Even with me around, individual issues could arise, and on top of that, we needed to assign roles like Night Watch.

In truth, Grace handled most of the detailed planning on her own. Lee Yeonju only shows enthusiasm during special circumstances.

All I had to do was assist from the sidelines. Grace probably preferred it that way too.

“All three of you, take these. Stamina Potions and Detoxification Potions. I couldn’t make much since I didn’t have many materials, but this should be enough.”

On the last day of the weekend, Ellie handed out various potions to us. It was a Trait that only activated while Ellie was alive.

Early-stage potions are relatively expensive. Most weekends are spent hunting or gathering herbs just to afford them.

However, as I’ve repeatedly said, if Ellie is alive, there’s no need to worry about potions. Moreover, their quality improves over time to the point of disrupting the Balance.

“Are you sure it’s okay to give these to us? You’d make quite a lot if you sold them to the store.”

Luna, who received the potions from Ellie, asked with a concerned expression. She probably felt a bit guilty about getting them for free.

If Ellie were to sell these potions to a store right now, she could make a decent profit. But instead, she chose to give them to us.

“Oh, it’s fine. They’re not good enough to sell to the store anyway. Just going herb gathering with me on the weekends is more than enough.”

“But I didn’t go with you. Should I pay you instead?”

That was Kara’s comment. Unlike Luna, Kara essentially got the potions for free.

As someone from the Tatar Tribe, who are sensitive about money, she probably felt a bit guilty about accepting them empty-handed. She’d want to pay something in return.

“Then, how about you join me for herb gathering next time, Kara? That should make it fair, right?”

“Hmm… Alright. That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Me too.”

I chimed in, saying I wanted to join as well. Knowing Ellie’s personality, she’d probably donate potions whenever we needed them.

But now that I’ve received them, I felt guilty. I know how much effort she puts into making these potions.

So, it didn’t seem like a bad idea to go herb gathering and maybe hunting on weekends to earn some money as well.

“Sivar, you’re fine. You’ve got training every weekend, right? Let’s just focus on that for now.”

“… …”

However, Ellie stopped me. Judging by her smiling face, she really didn’t think it was necessary.

It seemed like I’d need to go out with Porori soon and gift her some high-quality herbs. That would probably make Ellie happy.

Rod might scold me for it, but with Porori around, there’s no need to worry. Besides, it’s all with good intentions, isn’t it?

“Alright, everyone, do your best tomorrow! Even though it’s a competition, surviving is the most important thing, right? Let’s not fight and get along well.”

“I hope we can do the same.”

“… …”

Kara smirked at Ellie’s encouragement, while Luna remained silent, subtly glancing at me.

Depending on how I act and whether I survive, the Difficulty of the practical training could vary greatly.

‘I’m not planning to step up actively either.’

To be precise, it’s not just me; our team as a whole doesn’t plan to take the lead.

If we act recklessly, other teams might grow wary and cause unnecessary losses. Staying quiet is the best strategy.

Besides, the longer time passes, the more advantageous it is for us. The activity range will gradually narrow.

“By the way, Luna. What kind of supplies did your team prepare?”

“We brought simple medicines and Emergency Rations. I think we’ll also need to pack Sleeping Bags.”

“Sleeping Bags? That doesn’t sound bad. Maybe I should bring one too.”

There’s no need to worry too much about what items to bring.

“Is everyone gathered? Before we begin, set down all luggage except for the Pouch Bags strapped to your waists. None of it can be taken into the practical training.”

“What?”

“What do you mean by that?”

Aside from the small bags, nothing else could be taken. Marlboro made this announcement in front of the forest where the practical training would take place.

The Students, who had come thoroughly prepared, were not just confused but utterly dumbfounded by his words.

“What’s with all this luggage? Do you think this is some kind of picnic? Have you forgotten what this training’s Theme is?”

“But the Professor told us to bring potions…”

“Potions would fit in your Pouch Bags. As I mentioned before, it’s best to carry a light Pouch Bag at all times.”

From Marlboro’s explanation, it seemed he had mentioned this during the first week, though I must have missed it.

Even in the actual game, the inventory starts small, with just a tiny Pouch Bag. Gradually, you can upgrade it to expand the space.

Despite their complaints, the Students obediently set down their luggage following Marlboro’s instructions.

Some had even brought large backpacks, as if they were going on a full-blown picnic.

Up to this point, there was only mild grumbling. But what Marlboro said next was enough to spark a flood of protests.

“Also, the content of the practical training has been slightly modified. The original duration was 12 hours, but it has been extended to 36 hours. This means you’ll need to survive from 7 a.m. today until 7 p.m. tomorrow.”

“What?!”

“How does that make any sense? Why change it all of a sudden?”

“You should’ve told us earlier!”

As expected, a variety of protests erupted. The United Academy is an institution that gathers talent from all over the world.

Naturally, many of them have strong Pride and might feel the Professors were mocking them.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Marlboro and the other Professors didn’t even blink. It was as if they were used to such situations.

As the situation grew more heated, Marlboro glared and shouted firmly.

“Silence!!”

“… …”

With just that one word, the noisy crowd instantly fell into Silence. They instinctively realized Marlboro’s presence was no joke.

No matter how talented the Students were, they couldn’t compare to a seasoned veteran.

Only Kara maintained her cheerful smile. She seemed to be enjoying the situation.

“As I mentioned last week, the Theme this time is Survival. Do you not understand what Survival means?”

“… …”

“Survival means using every possible means at your disposal in the worst situations. Survival that relies on preparation cannot truly be called Survival. Ideally, you would’ve entered with nothing but the clothes on your back. The duration would’ve been much longer too.”

His words implied that this was already a considerable concession, so they should shut up and comply.

Since it wasn’t entirely unreasonable, the Students fell silent.

‘I once survived with nothing but a rag draped over me. This is more than enough.’

They have Emergency Rations, tools to start a fire, and potions. How great is that?

On top of that, there aren’t even that many Dangerous Animals, and it’s just 36 hours. Plus, if you’re eliminated, you can rest comfortably.

“This was completely unexpected…”

While I was privately indulging in an old-fashioned mindset, Grace murmured uneasily next to me.

When I looked at her, she was nervously biting her thumbnail—a habit of hers when she’s troubled.

“W-What do we do now? Will we be alright?”

Lee Yeonju already looked like she was mentally breaking down. Considering the Difficulty had suddenly increased, it was understandable.

But surprisingly, all of that was just an act. Her true self isn’t weak or timid like that.

The reason I find Lee Yeonju such an interesting Character is because of her acting skills. The difference is striking.

There are only a few instances where her true self comes out, such as when something involves her nation…

“Alright, everyone. This is the perfect opportunity to apply the First Aid techniques I taught you. Staying uninjured is the most important thing, but do your best!”

…or when it involves her older sister, Yeonhwa, whom she considers a “Traitor.”

The smile on Yeonhwa’s face as she spoke would have seemed chilling to Lee Yeonju.

The timid demeanor she had moments ago was completely gone, replaced by an almost cruel indifference.

While Grace and the others were too focused on the revised practical training to notice, I could see it clearly.

‘The Hwan Empire really is… a ridiculous nation.’

The Hwan Empire’s official name is “The East,” a federation of various nations, much like the Soviet Union on Earth.

The problem is that their behavior is also similar to the Soviet Union. Their concept is essentially a hybrid of China that dominated East Asia and the Soviet Union as a Superpower.

A mix of the Soviet Union’s might and China’s dominance over East Asia—it sounds absurd, but that’s exactly what the Hwan Empire is.

Lee Yeonju comes from one of the Hwan Empire’s vassal states, modeled after South Korea. Professor Yeonhwa is from the same origin.

‘Coming here as a representative of the Hwan Empire, it’s no wonder she’s called a Traitor.’

If you dig deeper, you’d realize that’s not the case, but it’s impossible to know that right now.

Furthermore, the Hwan Empire, like its inspirations, the Soviet Union and China, is excessively sensitive about censorship, making information control incredibly strict.

Cultural censorship is particularly severe. Even now, they’re subtly exerting cultural dominance.

For instance, even Yeonhwa’s attire is the traditional dress of the Hwan Empire. That must make Lee Yeonju’s blood boil.

“We’ll begin moving shortly. Each group will be led by a Professor or Teaching Assistant. For safety, you’ll wear Blindfolds, so keep that in mind.”

With Marlboro’s announcement, each group began moving blindfolded. This would make it difficult to determine their Position.

I understand that the increasingly narrow spaces are visibly marked. I guess we’ll know for sure when we get there.

“Hello, Mr. Sivar. I’ll personally escort you. Could you start by putting on this blindfold?”

Unlike the other groups, the person assigned to escort me was none other than Godin. It was quite a fitting choice.

I obediently followed his words and put on the blindfold. Honestly, even with my eyes covered, I could still figure everything out, so it didn’t mean much.

There was a time when I severely injured my eyes and had to rely solely on hearing and smell. It made me realize just how important vision is.

Step- Step- Step-

Godin held onto my arm as he slowly guided me. He held on tightly, as if worried I might trip.

Contrary to his suspicious appearance, kindness seemed ingrained in him. He was so kind that people often called him a pushover.

“Alright. Everyone, please remove your blindfolds now.”

After walking for about ten minutes, Godin gave the instruction. Following his words, my team members and I removed our blindfolds.

As soon as the blindfolds were off, we saw trees densely packed together. It seemed we were in the middle of a forest.

“Could everyone please turn around?”

Once we removed the blindfolds, Godin pointed behind us. Turning around, we saw a tall, blue barrier rising high.

“As time passes, this barrier will gradually shrink. Stepping outside of it won’t result in immediate elimination, but after about ten minutes, you’ll be automatically disqualified.”

“So, we just need to stay inside for ten minutes?”

That was Grace’s question. The barrier’s existence alone provided plenty of strategic possibilities.

“Yes. However, it doesn’t recharge, so I recommend staying inside as much as possible. Also, note that it may shrink even during the night, so be cautious.”

“So, we won’t even be able to sleep properly. Let alone rest.”

“Ah, how cruel…”

Indeed, this barrier shrinks even at night. To get proper rest, one must venture deep into the inner area.

If that happens, encounters with other teams become more likely, naturally leading to combat. It’s an inevitable phenomenon.

“On the bright side, the barrier’s shrinkage range will be indicated. How you use that information is up to you. I’ll now distribute these bracelets.”

With those words, Godin handed out bracelets to us. They were adjustable to fit snugly on the wrist.

They felt similar yet different from the ones we wore during sparring. Back then, the bracelets were a bit loose, but these ones fit tightly.

“If these bracelets are removed or get severely damaged, you’ll be eliminated. You all know that, right?”

“But they feel a bit tight.”

“Yes. That’s to prevent others from easily removing them.”

“I see…”

Grace started to respond but trailed off. Then, in a startled voice, she suddenly shouted.

“M-Mr. Sivar! You can’t take that off right now!”

It seemed she misunderstood after seeing me fiddling with the bracelet out of curiosity. I was merely examining it out of interest.

“Haha. Don’t worry too much. There’s still some time before the practical training begins.”

Godin reassured Grace by informing her of the time. There were still about five minutes left before the training started.

He then proceeded to explain how to remove the bracelet. It was indeed designed in a way that made it difficult for others to take off.

Therefore, the only options were to subdue the opponent and remove it or to damage it.

“It looks like it’s almost time. Well then, I’ll be taking my leave. Best of luck to you all.”

Godin bid us a polite farewell and left beyond the barrier. As soon as he departed, the barrier’s glow intensified.

This signified the start of the practical training. Grace seemed to catch on to its meaning and addressed us.

“It’s starting now. Shall we begin by moving? We need to check how far the barrier will shrink.”

“Instead of moving, how about sticking close to the barrier?”

As the training began, Grace and Lee Yeonju exchanged opinions. They were debating between camping near the barrier and moving with it.

Meanwhile, I started walking toward a fallen tree, not one towering high into the sky.

I then took out the axe, Ragnarok, which I had been carrying on my back, and swung it down forcefully.

Crack!

“…Mr. Sivar?”

“W-What are you… doing…?”

My sudden act of chopping the tree with an axe left them bewildered. However, I wasn’t cutting the tree without reason.

Rotten trees usually contain a lot of nutrients. Not for me, but for the creatures living here.

Squirm- Squirm-

As expected. After a few swings of the axe, a large grub wriggled out from inside the tree.

A plump, white grub. Its taste varies greatly depending on whether it’s cooked or eaten raw.

I picked up the grub and looked at my team members. Their faces turned pale with disgust just from the sight of it.

“W-Why are you holding that!? G-Get rid of it quickly!”

“Ugh… It’s disgusting…”

Even Lee Yeonju, who usually had remarkable acting skills, seemed genuinely repulsed, taking a step back alongside Grace.

But I didn’t discard the grub. They needed to see firsthand what kind of challenges lay ahead.

With almost no emergency food supplies, it wasn’t an option to starve. This wasn’t even proper emergency food.

Originally, the food was in a large bag, but we couldn’t bring it all. All we had were some candy and chocolate.

“This. Food.”

“…Food? Are you saying that’s a meal?”

“Yes.”

“No matter the situation, eating bugs…! Even for survival, this is too much…!”

Crunch!

So much chatter. Ignoring Grace’s rambling, I put the grub in my mouth.

Normally, you’d remove the head to avoid being bitten, but I didn’t bother and ate it whole.

Crunch! Crunch!

Perhaps I should’ve cooked it. The rich flavor and aroma spreading through my mouth made me momentarily regret it.

Still, it wasn’t inedible. The only thing truly revolting would be an animal corpse.

“Ugh…!”

But Grace seemed nauseated just from watching, covering her mouth as if she might vomit any second.

Lee Yeonju, on the other hand, managed better. Although her face turned pale, she only looked startled.

Chewing thoroughly, I swallowed the grub down. It would serve as excellent nutrients for me.

‘There should be more.’

After finishing the grub, I started peeling away the tree bark in search of more bugs. Before long, I found a tiny insect.

Much smaller than the grub I had just eaten, but it was a decent start for beginners.

Pinching the insect like a pair of tongs, I approached Grace and Lee Yeonju. They backed away as I came closer.

As Marlboro repeatedly emphasized, the theme of this training was survival. Without knowing where the enemies were, eating was essential.

“Victory.”

“…What?”

“Victory.”

I told them. Eating this would increase their chances of winning.

If I were only looking out for myself, I wouldn’t have bothered sharing. Besides, the bug I picked up was safe to eat raw.

Extending the insect toward them, I quietly spoke.

“Eat.”

“N-No! I’d rather die!”

“C-Can’t we eat it later? There’s no need to eat it right now…!”

It was clear they had grown up sheltered, like greenhouse flowers.

Their vehement refusal made it obvious how much they hated the idea.

Honestly, I didn’t expect much. But to stave off hunger, they’d eventually have to eat bugs.

As they rejected it, I tossed the grub I had picked up into my own mouth. It seemed the reality of the training hadn’t sunk in for them yet. They’d come around eventually.

‘It’s not even that bad.’

Having eaten cockroaches before, this was nothing in comparison.