A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 87

Equity and fairness. They may seem like similar terms, but upon closer inspection, they differ in many aspects.

First, equity. It involves helping someone take a test regardless of their conditions.

To put it in extreme terms, it’s like allowing someone missing a leg or an arm to compete in sports alongside able-bodied individuals.

Then there’s fairness. Unlike equity, fairness involves matching like with like, such as pitting able-bodied individuals against each other. It’s about making meticulous adjustments to ensure conditions are equal.

“Why is it that only Sivar isn’t allowed to have attack rights?”

“This was decided after discussions with the professors. I believe you all understand the reason better than anyone.”

The United Academy is known for upholding the principles of equity and fairness.

Social status, origin, age, physical condition, and so on. None of these factors are taken into account in daily life.

However, even at the Academy, mages are not subjected to the same tests as warriors. This is fairness.

Thus, the restriction on Sivar’s attack rights, as mentioned by Marlboro, could be seen in the same light.

“There wasn’t a complete lack of opposition. Some even suggested excluding Sivar from the test entirely. But as you can see, Sivar has fully completed his adaptation period. That means he’s officially enrolled.”

He hasn’t received his admission certificate from Rod yet. Still, it’s expected to arrive within two days.

Once I’m officially a new entrant, I’ll start earning points too. Of course, they won’t be particularly high.

Considering the incidents I’m bound to cause here and there, points? What points? Even a single act of violence would slash them drastically.

“Then does this mean Sivar is only allowed to defend?”

Luna raised her hand and asked. The fact that I don’t have direct attack rights implies, conversely, that indirect attacks might be possible.

It seemed Luna was aware of this and asked to confirm. Marlboro nodded in response.

“The student is correct. While direct attacks are prohibited, counterattacks are allowed. The standard for counterattacks is very simple. Only actions resulting from the opponent’s attack or its effects will be considered.”

Marlboro provided a more detailed explanation. Any attack using my own body is strictly prohibited.

Even when countering an opponent’s attack, the same rule applies. Even if I skillfully deflect an attack, if my fist strikes out, it will be judged as a direct attack.

Remember when Rod’s spatial slash sent his fist crashing into my face? Only in cases like that will it be permitted.

Additionally, throwing objects is also forbidden. It seems they took my throwing ability, as demonstrated during survival training, into consideration.

However, they’re somewhat lenient about cleverly utilizing terrain features. In other words, they’re telling me to use my head.

‘Using my head is such a hassle.’

I understand it’s a balance patch, but isn’t this more like a limb-severing balance patch?

I’m in a situation where I can only defend and must leave the attacking to my teammates.

It’s what you’d typically call a supporter. Of course, if Rize heard this, she’d be genuinely appalled by the idea of such a supporter.

‘Still, I can understand it.’

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not just an ecosystem disruptor—I’m an ecosystem destroyer.

It’s like a giant snakehead fish diving into a peaceful freshwater pond with a splash!

The professors must be racking their brains trying to take measures without outright removing the snakehead fish.

“That’s enough about Sivar. Now, I’ll explain the team-based test. The team-based test is similar to survival training but with differences. First, teams will consist of 3 to 4 members, and the job classes will be similar to those in survival training. However, the decisive difference is that unlike survival training, you must eliminate the opposing team.”

“Does that mean… it’s going to take place in the forest again?”

“No, it won’t. It will be conducted in a specially designed space. The scale is similar to the forest, and the mana field will also shrink. However, the shrinking time will be much faster than in survival training.”

“Phew… Thank goodness. At least I won’t have to eat bugs.”

Grace let out a sigh of relief and muttered softly. It seemed the shock from the last survival training still lingered.

In reality, she didn’t eat any bugs; I was the one who ate them alone. She even vomited after watching me devour a wild boar’s heart.

Frankly, I find it a bit disappointing. I’d much prefer the forest.

‘Was the midterm exam always like this?’

I couldn’t recall clearly. I only remembered the storyline, specifically the demon-related plot, so I wasn’t sure about this.

Still, the more I listened to Marlboro’s explanation, the clearer my memory became. It seemed to be thanks to the presence of the mural.

“Additionally, unlike survival training, there will be collectible items. These range from basic first aid tools to various weapons. The items located in the outer area will be less efficient, but the deeper you go, the more powerful they’ll become.”

Ah. I think I understand what kind of test this is. It’s a true survival test in the literal sense.

To be precise, it’s a battle royale. You drop into a remote area, loot various items, and then fight opponents.

Even if your looting is subpar, as long as you have the skills, you can take down your opponents. The reverse is also true.

“And at the exact center, there’s an artifact that can significantly boost your ranking. While its usefulness depends on the user, it’s undoubtedly a valuable tool.”

“Hmm…”

“Would it be better to head inside?”

“No, it’s probably better to follow the mana field and move slowly.”

There are so many strategic choices available. The students were already racking their brains in deep thought.

They didn’t even glance in my direction, likely because they knew I didn’t have attack rights, making their decisions easier.

I wasn’t much different from them. Lacking attack rights was already giving me a headache.

“The evaluation will consider various factors, such as final ranking, the number of opponents you eliminate, and combat count. One crucial rule to note is that alliances between teams are strictly prohibited. Violating this rule will be considered cheating, and you’ll be immediately disqualified.”

“…”

There are probably a few people feeling guilty about that statement. I could sense someone behind me awkwardly averting their gaze.

The theme of survival training was, quite literally, survival. But the theme of this test is a battle royale.

If you fail to eliminate your opponents, you’ll be eliminated yourself. Fighting is mandatory.

“Now, I’ll announce the team members. First, Luna Estelle…”

The announcement of team members, arguably the most important part, began. I didn’t care who it was, as long as it was someone I knew.

“Sivar. Grace Aria del Berche. Lee Yeonju.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Oh?”

What a surprise. My wish was granted, albeit in an unexpected way.

Not only me, but Grace and Lee Yeonju, who were sitting next to me, also reacted with surprise upon hearing the names.

Even Luna and Kara had similar reactions. They seemed puzzled as to why the team composition was identical to that of survival training.

“That’s all. Any questions?”

“Um…”

If you have doubts, you should resolve them immediately. Luna timidly raised her hand.

However, Marlboro seemed to have already guessed what she was going to ask. He double-checked the team list and spoke firmly.

“There’s no mistake in the team assignments. Unlike survival training, this arrangement took various factors into account.”

“…”

“What’s important in this test isn’t absolute physical strength. It’s about directing that strength toward someone other than yourself. Strategic insight is the most crucial factor.”

So, are you saying my strategic insight is far inferior to others?

I can’t deny it, and that’s truly disheartening. I’ve relied solely on physical strength until now, so strategy is my weak point.

That must be why they paired me with Grace and Lee Yeonju. After survival training, our familiarity likely made communication easier.

Luna seemed to have no more objections as she quietly lowered her hand. Her expression clearly conveyed, “Is this really okay?”

“You’re making it very obvious. If you’re too close, it becomes unfair.”

But Marlboro chuckled as if he found it endearing. It wasn’t a reprimand; he genuinely seemed amused.

Of course, Luna didn’t understand his remark and simply tilted her head in confusion. I didn’t get it either.

“Any other questions?”

“You mentioned an artifact at the exact center. Could you explain roughly what it is? Also, is there a map provided?”

A voice came from behind me. I turned slightly to see Antonio raising his hand.

He’s someone who had a significant run-in with me during survival training. His suicidal charge was somewhat entertaining.

“That’s a good question. As I mentioned earlier, maps won’t be provided initially. You’ll have to collect them yourself. However, if you can’t read a map, it’ll be meaningless. As for the central artifact…”

Marlboro trailed off and paused for a moment. Then, he glanced at me briefly.

“…If someone does obtain it, their bracelet will immediately issue a warning. Since it’s a powerful artifact, the user’s position will also be revealed.”

In other words, they’ll become a public enemy. Just how powerful is it for the user’s position to be exposed?

Did he sense my curiosity, or had he anticipated this reaction all along?

Marlboro scanned the students and provided a very fitting example.

“For instance, there could be something that grants Sivar attack rights. While it’s more of an authority than an artifact… I think you understand what I mean.”

“…Does something like that really exist?”

The mere mention of granting me attack rights caused the atmosphere in the lecture room to plummet.

As they feared, the moment I gain direct attack rights, the game is over. Even during survival training, they all failed despite ganging up on me.

“You’ll have to confirm that for yourselves. As I’ve repeatedly emphasized, alliances are strictly forbidden in this test. However, implicit alliances, or temporary alliances for strategic purposes, are allowed.”

So, they’re telling us to exploit opportunities for a pincer attack. At least, that’s how it sounded to me.

After Marlboro laid out the various rules, the class ended.

Since the test is tomorrow, there won’t be any classes today. I guess I’ll just train instead.

“This must be fate. Last time and now, we’re on the same team again.”

“Y-Yeah… Is there something going on…?”

Since the Survival Training, Grace and Lee Yeonju ended up on the same team again. They looked dumbfounded, as if they hadn’t expected this.

While their expressions didn’t show dislike, the difficulty level had clearly increased compared to last time. The biggest factor was that I didn’t have Attack Rights this time.

“Ha… When will I ever get to team up with Sivar? At least once, I’d like to try.”

“Wouldn’t it be hard for you and me to be on the same team?”

“Someday it’ll happen. That’s what I want to believe.”

Kara’s grumbling voice reached my ears from the side. She seemed genuinely envious of Grace.

If I were to team up with Kara in the future… Hmm… That would be a Balance Breaker in its own way.

Moreover, since our Job Classes overlap, it would be quite troublesome for us to be on the same team.

“And this time, we have to fight. I don’t want to fight her. Can I even break through in the first place?”

“You won’t know until you try. I don’t mind.”

“You have a point. Let’s give it our all. Want to go train for now?”

Today’s schedule was simple: just basic training, and that was it. Since the trial is tomorrow, I couldn’t afford to drain my stamina.

The first day after attending class in my school uniform.

“You’re back. Did you not have classes today?”

“… …”

It was the first day Rize greeted me at the dormitory.

‘Why is she still in Martial Saint Mode?’

Everything else is fine, but I wish she’d switch back to Saint Mode for a bit.