MTLNOVEL Chapter 15
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 15
There was an incident where a teacup was thrown, but it was glossed over. I hoped Rod would notice, but it seemed it would take some time.
Afterward, we went outside to take care of a meal. Rod himself admitted he wasn’t confident in cooking.
He could cook, but it was purely for the purpose of filling his stomach. He said it was because he had lived as a wanderer.
Chomp- Chomp- Chomp-
“Eat slowly. No one’s going to steal your food.”
What can I do when it’s delicious? I ignored Rod’s words and focused on eating.
We are currently eating at a dining hall within the academy. If you think about it, it could be considered cafeteria food.
For cafeteria food, it’s excellent, and above all, it’s buffet-style. Thanks to that, I could eat to my heart’s content.
“······Who is that? They’re eating like they haven’t eaten in days.”
“Shh. Be quiet. The Headmaster is sitting right next to them.”
“Why is the Headmaster with that person? Weren’t they with the top student earlier?”
While I was sitting at the table eating a variety of dishes, I could hear murmurs around me.
The combination of the academy’s Headmaster and a stranger was truly odd, so it was bound to draw attention.
I didn’t care and kept my hands busy. I was already starving from the fierce battle with Porori.
I occasionally used a knife and fork, but they were mostly for show, as I ate with my hands most of the time.
Perhaps because of that, the stares from those around me weren’t pleasant. Rod just chuckled as he watched.
“······Not a shred of dignity to be seen. Even barbarians wouldn’t eat like that.”
“They’re not a barbarian but a wildling, apparently? I heard they came from the Forest of Chaos.”
“They’ll make a great friend with the barbarian who just enrolled. Heh heh.”
I could let it slide when they insulted me for eating ravenously.
But I didn’t understand why they were bringing up the barbarian who had been minding their own business. Their character was remarkable in all the wrong ways.
‘They’ll probably get punched for that later.’
Crunch! Snap!
I chewed the bones thoroughly while glancing around the dining hall. Even though it was the weekend, it was quite crowded since it was lunchtime.
Among the crowd, I searched for someone with skin close to a bronze hue. It was a noticeable color, so I thought I’d find them quickly.
‘They’re not here.’
It’s a shame since they’re a character with significant importance in the story. I’ll probably meet them soon enough.
For now, filling my stomach is the priority. I ignored the gossip around me and moved my hands quickly.
“Excuse me.”
“Hmm?”
While I was busy eating, someone approached us. I glanced at the person while stuffing food into my mouth.
At first glance, he was a man with a pleasant appearance. The combination of blond hair and blue eyes suited him perfectly.
A quintessential noble. I stared intently at his handsome face, trying to figure out who he was.
‘Was it Elvin?’
I remember because of his annoyingly handsome face. I can’t recall his last name, but I do remember his first name, Elvin.
Judging by his noble-like style, he’s definitely an aristocrat. I also know he’s a character who embodies both the light and dark sides of nobility.
He has strong pride and self-esteem, but that also makes his arrogance stand out. He tends to look down on the player, who is of commoner origin.
Of course, after being humbled a few times, he reforms and becomes a reliable ally. But until then, he’s just irritating.
“Who might you be?”
“I am Elvin Martis Zerka of the Department of Knights. I’m a new student this year.”
“Ah. From the Zerka Count Family of the Matra Empire? I’ve heard of you.”
“I am nothing compared to the illustrious Sword Saint. By the way…”
After praising Rod, Elvin shifted his gaze to me. I met his eyes while my mouth was still stuffed with food.
As soon as our eyes met, his brow twitched. Judging by his reaction, he wasn’t particularly pleased.
Then, trying his best to maintain a composed expression, Elvin asked Rod.
“Who is this man? Is he perhaps your disciple······?”
“Not at all. Would you believe me if I said I brought a survivor from the Forest of Chaos?”
“So the rumors I heard earlier were true. But why is the Headmaster accompanying him?”
“Because there’s no one else suitable to take him in. So, what is it you want to say?”
Rod, seemingly uninterested in lengthy explanations, got straight to the point. Elvin hesitated, gauging the situation.
While chewing the meat stuffed in my mouth, I sensed a strange tension and looked around.
Before I knew it, the people in the dining hall were either staring directly at us or sneaking glances. All eyes were now focused on this spot.
In the meantime, Elvin conveyed what he wanted to say to Rod.
“I hate to ask, but is this barbar······ no, is this man also enrolling? As far as I know, mid-term enrollment is possible if the qualifications are met.”
“His skills are sufficient, but he’s lacking in other areas. He can’t speak or read.”
“··· ···”
Elvin’s reaction was priceless. He was at a loss for words, unsure of where to even begin.
Well, it’s understandable. The person the academy’s Headmaster brought along is a wildling with speech impairment and illiteracy. It’s not easy to wrap one’s head around.
Still, he seemed relieved to hear that my enrollment wasn’t guaranteed.
“However, he can communicate to some extent, so I’m considering it.”
“······If someone like him enrolls, the academy’s prestige will be tarnished. And now even barbarians are being admitted.”
As soon as Rod mentioned he was considering it, Elvin’s expression hardened.
It was clear he was adamantly opposed to my enrollment. But I had no intention of giving up.
Even if I couldn’t enroll, I planned to follow the storyline.
“Tarnished prestige······ Do you even know the purpose for which the United Academy was established?”
“I do, but the Tatar Tribe only recently founded a nation. Before that, they were raiding neighboring countries. They might become a source of conflict.”
“I believe he enrolled to resolve such conflicts. Didn’t you just say he’d make a good friend with the barbarian? I wonder who’s really stirring up trouble.”
As expected, Rod had overheard that conversation. A Sword Saint wouldn’t miss something like that.
Elvin flinched at Rod’s pointed criticism. It seemed he either made the comment himself or agreed with it.
Of course, the perception of the Tatar Tribe isn’t great. As that man mentioned earlier, they only recently established a nation.
Before that, they frequently raided neighboring countries. Think of them as bronze-skinned Vikings.
This will eventually lead to a branching point in the story and remain a major episode. That’s why I was searching for the notable character earlier.
“······I apologize for that. But this man is even worse. He knows nothing of civilization. He’ll disgrace the academy’s honor.”
“The decision to admit him lies with me. If you’re so dissatisfied, sparring with Sivar wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Sivar?”
Why am I suddenly being mentioned? I widened my eyes in surprise and questioned him, prompting Elvin to look at me.
His expression was filled with doubt and suspicion. Meanwhile, Rod picked up a piece of steak with his fork and spoke.
“The academy is a place where skill is proven. Regardless of status, anyone with sufficient skill can enroll. Am I wrong?”
“······No, you’re correct. But I believe at least a basic level of common sense is necessary.”
“That can be taught. And I only said I was considering it. Your vehement opposition only makes me more determined. Sivar?”
At Rod’s call, I looked at him. His gray eyes were filled with inexplicable curiosity.
I have no idea what he’s expecting. I chewed my food and waited for him to speak.
“Sparring······ I suppose you wouldn’t understand that term.”
Rod glanced around before grabbing a fork and knife in each hand.
He then alternated between pointing at me and Elvin, finally clashing the fork and knife together in his hands.
It seemed he was using body language to explain sparring. I already knew what he meant, though.
“Did you understand?”
“Damn.”
“I’ll take that as a yes. Where shall we spar? General or special?”
“The General Sparring Arena will do.”
As if the arrangements were settled, I swallowed the food in my mouth and faced Elvin.
When our eyes met, Elvin slightly furrowed his brow. It was obvious what he was thinking.
Judging by his talk of the academy’s honor, he might be harboring misguided beliefs. Not that it matters to me.
‘It’ll be fine, right?’
It’ll be fine. Rod will be observing, and I’m not going to kill the guy.
Ah. But if he starts cursing at me, I’ll retaliate in kind. At the very least, I need to show I understand insults.
“Haa······ Headmaster.”
“Speak.”
“If I win, please ensure that man is never admitted to the academy.”
Does he really hate the idea of me enrolling that much?
‘That could happen.’
As expected, his pride must be immense, and he likely wants to prevent that at all costs.
Still, regardless of understanding, it’s equally annoying. Who does he think he is to make such demands?
Perhaps it’s because he’s well-known. Considering even Rod knows of his background, it’s highly likely.
“Then, if Sivar wins, what do you intend to do?”
“I will apologize to that man in front of everyone.”
“Excellent.”
It seems he’s not entirely devoid of decency. He just has an overabundance of pride.
However, I’m slightly worried since this is my first fight against a human. At least I’ve fought a squirrel before, but never a person.
‘Since he’s a freshman, his stats should be low.’
A freshman, and a noble at that, would likely have stats averaging around 70 to 80 based on the Soul World standard.
It might seem lower than expected, but this is normal. Perfectly average, if anything.
To begin with, the protagonist’s stats would be even lower than that.
Elvin is from a noble family, so he must have trained from a young age, which is why I estimated higher.
Of course, since this world is reality and not a game, one must be cautious. Skills are often more important than stats.
‘What were my stats again?’
I slightly raised my gaze to check my stats. I recall my stamina increased after the fierce battle with Porori last time.
[Sivar]
•Strength: 143
•Agility: 140
•Stamina: 148
•Mana: 145
•Luck: 102
•Faith: 0
As expected of the daunting 140 range, it only increased by 1. Still, it’s sufficient.
If I uncover the secrets hidden throughout the academy, my stats should increase. Or maybe they won’t.
‘I won’t lose.’
For now, I should eat.
‘But why is my name listed as Sivar?’
Unbelievable.
*****
Around the same time, Luna returned to the dormitory and lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Normally, she would clean herself up, but too much had happened in one day, leaving no room for that.
She was simply exhausted. She wanted to fall asleep just like this, but there was too much on her mind.
‘If the mural is accurate… the academy will be attacked by demons.’
She recalled the mural she had seen in the cave where Sivar had lived.
Though crudely drawn, its meaning was entirely clear.
And the content the mural conveyed was not something to be dismissed lightly. The United Academy being attacked by demons was no small matter.
Recently, the demons had been quiet. More precisely, the nations had been too preoccupied with power struggles to pay attention to them.
‘Will they really attack?’
Her thoughts were a tangled mess. If, by any chance, an attack occurred, Rod, the chancellor, would likely intervene personally.
Rod held the title of ‘Sword Saint,’ a figure so powerful he could be described as a walking army.
Even so, if demons were to attack the academy, it would likely mean they had prepared some kind of “operation.” Whatever that might be.
‘…No matter how I think about it, it doesn’t make sense. Why would the demons?’
If anyone else had said such a thing, they would have been dismissed as crazy. Especially considering the symbolic significance of the United Academy.
But the person who drew that mural was the problem. Though she wasn’t certain, she suspected it was Sivar.
Why had Sivar drawn such a mural? And more importantly, how did he know about it?
‘What on earth is he?’
The fact that he lived in the Forest of Chaos, his absurd strength, and his ability to communicate even slightly despite being a wildling—all of it was inexplicable.
None of it could be properly explained. Even if he were someone who had lost his memory, it wouldn’t make sense.
Unless he had simply dropped out of nowhere, which was so absurd it wasn’t worth considering.
“Hoo.”
Luna sighed and got up from the bed. Her mind was too cluttered.
Until Sivar fully grasped the language, there was nothing she could do. For now, focusing on her studies seemed like the best course of action.
‘I should go train.’
She had eaten with Ellie, so her stomach was reasonably full for the moment.
Luna stood up to clear her busy mind. She didn’t forget to grab the sword she had brought from the village.
Carrying weapons around the academy was permitted. However, committing a crime with one would result in severe punishment.
‘If demons are really planning an attack, there should be traces of it here and there. I’ll have to investigate whenever I get the chance.’
Given the ability she was born with, she might find something quickly. All she had to do was check any suspicious areas.
Luna stepped out of the dormitory and headed toward the training ground. Each dormitory had its own training ground.
“Did you hear? Apparently, Elvin Zerka and some strange man are sparring in the training arena right now.”
“What do you mean by strange man? Is he an outsider?”
“Rumor has it he was brought from the Forest of Chaos.”
Then, a conversation she couldn’t ignore reached her ears. Luna turned her head toward the direction of the voices.
At that moment, one of the female students talking also looked her way. A girl with purple hair and purple eyes.
Even as a fellow woman, Luna found her to be stunningly beautiful, but her sharp eyes gave off a strong impression of condescension.
‘Who was that again?’
She recognized the face but had no personal connection. She had only seen her once during the entrance ceremony.
But why was she walking toward her so confidently? Luna blinked in confusion.
“Hello. You’re the one who entered as the top student, right?”
“…Yes.”
Luna replied in a bewildered tone. The situation was taking an odd turn.
“I’m Grace Aria del Berche.”
“I’m Luna Estelle.”
Luna was a commoner. Born and raised in the countryside, she didn’t know much about who was who.
Inwardly, she thought, as expected of a noble, her name is ridiculously long. Still, she maintained her manners.
Meanwhile, Grace stared intently at Luna’s face, as if analyzing her.
“Did you hear? Elvin Zerka and an outsider are sparring.”
Having finished her scrutiny, Grace crossed her arms with a graceful smile. Her already large chest became even more pronounced.
‘Why is it that everyone, like Ellie, has such a large chest? Am I the small one?’
Unconsciously, Luna glanced at her own chest before quickly returning her gaze to Grace.
Perhaps due to her sharp eyes, Grace exuded an air of authority even while simply smiling.
For now, Luna felt she had to respond. She focused on Grace’s face and opened her mouth.
“I heard a little about it.”
“There’s a rumor that the outsider was brought here by you.”
“…Ah.”
Luna tilted her head in confusion at first, then let out a small exclamation.
If they were talking about an outsider she had brought, there was only one person it could be. The man she had just been thinking about.
As that thought crossed her mind, the emotion she felt was unease. She spoke with a tone that conveyed her lack of understanding.
“Why is Sivar sparring…?”
“So his name is Sivar. Well, I don’t know the details either. I was thinking of going to watch. Would you like to join me?”
The answer was obvious. Luna, still looking flustered, nodded her head.
At the same time, she recalled how Sivar had swiftly dealt with Manki. It had happened so quickly that she could barely follow with her eyes.
“You mentioned Elvin Zerka earlier. Who is he?”
“Elvin Martis Zerka. He’s a promising talent who was well-known even before entering the academy. The Matra Empire is also showing considerable interest in him.”
“I see.”
She didn’t know how impressive he was, but she nodded along for now. He was probably just moderately strong.
‘What on earth is going on?’
Like a child left by the water’s edge, Luna couldn’t help but feel a similar sense of unease.