A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

"Could this kid actually be a genius?"

After the practice session ended, Marlboro said this while giving his evaluation.

The other professors nodded in agreement at his words. It was an undeniable fact.

"Breaking through the cipher with just a few communications was already unusual. And I hear he even created the cipher himself."

"The decisive response he showed in the critical moment was also excellent. Using a messenger to send false communications, for instance."

"That was what surprised me the most. He knows exactly when to use force to completely turn the tide of a situation."

The professors had a rough idea that Sivar had an extraordinary mind.

Without needing to look far, during the midterms, he demonstrated water torture, a bomb vest, and even Meteor Storm.

These weren't things he had seen elsewhere but were ideas he came up with himself, showing his exceptional improvisation skills.

"Oh. That could be true."

Through this practice, it became clear not only that his improvisation was excellent but that his intelligence itself was remarkable.

Of course, from Sivar's perspective, the cipher seemed to decode itself, but from others' viewpoints, he could only appear as a genius.

"Besides, don't they say geniuses are always eccentric? Maybe all his peculiarities so far are part of that?"

"I don't think that's the case."

"He's just a troublemaker, that's all."

But what's not true is not true. Even if he's a genius, Sivar being a troublemaker didn't change.

Fortunately, he didn't cause any major incidents today, but who knows what kind of trouble he might cause in the future.

Moreover, with signs of genius starting to show, there was a possibility he might cause some extraordinary incidents.

"If his raw talent is this good, imagine what he could achieve with proper education... He might become someone far greater than we expect."

"And he's got excellent connections, too. He's linked to the Saint and is close with the Headmaster. What more could you ask for?"

"That just means he's inherently good-natured. If he weren't, everyone would have kept their distance from him."

The professors found Sivar troublesome, but it wasn't that they didn't like him.

For starters, the fact that he didn't slack off or daydream during class was a plus.

Other students often dozed off or blatantly ignored the lessons, but Sivar had never done that even once.

The same was true for afternoon training and practice sessions. Although he occasionally caused unexpected incidents, he obediently followed the professors' instructions.

With this, there was no reason not to favor him. The professors treated Sivar half like an adorable cat they couldn't hate.

"If not for the penalty points, he would've been ranked first. How many points has Sivar accumulated so far?"

"Overwhelmingly the most, of course. But he lost a quarter of them due to property damage."

"So his rank is roughly..."

Marlboro flipped through the pages to check Sivar's ranking. First place was Kara, second was Luna, and third was Grace.

Sivar was in fifth place, but as mentioned earlier, he lost his position due to accumulating too many penalty points.

For reference, fourth place was Elvin. Quiet but consistent, he managed to climb to fourth place.

"Fifth place, huh. With this practice, he could rise to third."

"His contributions were enormous. He practically did everything by himself."

From the professors' perspective, who didn't know Sivar's full capabilities, they had no choice but to give him high scores.

Not only did he decode the cipher alone, but he also showcased brilliant strategies and combat prowess in critical moments. There was nothing lacking.

"So, the only thing left is the Brawl? I wonder how the Brawl will turn out."

"Is there anything we can do? We'll just have to watch."

Next week, there will be an event replacing the midterms, featuring duels and a Brawl.

It won't just be between classmates but will include other classes as well. The focus here isn't on the duels but the Brawl.

The Brawl lives up to its name with its rules: five participants from each class will enter and fight.

Additionally, after a certain amount of time has passed during the battle, more participants will join.

"Our class will win, right? Honestly, the difference in strength is pretty clear."

"It does seem that way."

The professors firmly believed their class would win. Honestly, the difference in strength was significant.

While other classes had many talented and skilled individuals, none could compare to Sivar.

He was like a massive tidal wave, a calamity in itself. They would fall with just a single throw of a stone.

"What we should be concerned about is how much damage we'll inflict on the opponents and whether or not he'll cause any strange incidents."

"Arrogant, but true."

"The hospital's going to be busy."

The Brawl is a test that's half out of the professors' hands. After all, the academy itself will be observing.

Moreover, like last semester's duels, high-ranking officials will be spectators. The possibility of manipulation is significantly low.

"Still, there are some concerns."

"Ah. Are you perhaps talking about the Saint's disciple?"

At Marlboro's words, Godin quickly caught on and responded. Marlboro nodded in agreement.

"There have been some unusual rumors going around lately. And there's even talk that the Saint personally taught them. Could they possibly beat Sivar?"

"Oh, come on. I hate to say it, but Sivar is a beast, a beast. Even Kara lost to him."

Yi Yeonhwa denied it. Sivar is someone who even defeated Kara, who has extensive combat experience.

So, there's no one among the students who could beat Sivar. They were certain of that.

Marlboro didn't seem to have any intention of denying it either, as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Well. That's true."

*****

After the practice session, I had a simple meal and returned to the dormitory with Grace.

Grace went inside, saying she would shower first. I sat quietly until she finished.

'Next week is the Brawl.'

The Brawl is considered the most chaotic event in the Soul World. To reiterate, it's not complicated; it's chaotic.

It wouldn't matter if it were a one-on-one format between classes, but three classes will be entangled in the fight.

In such a scenario, you never know what might come flying at you. That's why it's called the Brawl.

'The Brawl is one thing, but the event that follows is the main focus.'

Like last semester's duels, high-ranking officials will visit the Brawl. What does this mean?

It means an event related to Dan Yerin, the Princess of the Hwan Empire, will occur. There will likely be an assassination attempt soon.

Dan Yerin will converse with a representative of the Hwan Empire, and that night, an assassin will attack her.

And it will happen in the dead of night when everyone is asleep. As you might have guessed, Yeohye will be the one threatening Dan Yerin.

'Since the groundwork has been laid, they'll probably have some countermeasures in place, right?'

Dan Yerin is smart, so she'll hold out until I arrive. You never know what might happen, though.

After that, well, I'll have to prepare for the finals. After the finals, the grand episode will unfold.

There's still plenty of time. Once I deal with the remaining Magic Circle at the Stock Exchange, I'll be at ease.

'I also need to confirm if the Hunter is coming.'

The Hunter, being a Demon, won't be able to enter the academy. In other words, I'll have to go to the forest.

Rod advised against going to the forest, but there's something I need to check. Why is the Hunter coming?

Is it really to capture Porori, or is there another purpose? The problem is that it's a Demon, not some other entity.

'Demons can control monsters.'

During the academy's collapse, the biggest role after the Demon is played by the monsters.

Even I can't do anything about it. Since the Demon is determined, there's no choice but to suffer.

After agonizing over it, I shook my head. For now, I should just focus on the upcoming Brawl.

'Well. Honestly, there's nothing to think about.'

The Brawl is an excellent environment for me. All I have to do is smash everything.

The only thing that somewhat bothers me is Erica. Originally, Erica, as a healer, isn't very useful in the Brawl.

But something feels different. She's still a herbivore, but it's as if her species has changed.

It might just be my imagination, so I'll have to wait until next week to find out.

Creak-

"Phew. I'm done showering, Mr. Sivar."

"Okay."

Grace, having washed herself clean, came out. Of course, she was fully dressed.

We're not really a married couple, so it wouldn't be appropriate to wear just underwear or a towel. We haven't crossed that line yet.

"Well then. Shall we enjoy studying again today?"

"... ..."

I don't know about anything else, but I hate studying. Still, since Grace was so insistent, I reluctantly agreed.

I wanted to make her exercise as well, but since she just showered and was tired from today's practice, I let it go.

As always, after studying, I comfortably rested on the same bed with Grace.

"Snore..."

Of course, it was just Grace alone. As soon as I confirmed she was in a deep sleep, I carefully slipped out.

For a moment, Grace's arm flailed around, but when I handed her a pillow, she went back to sleep. She even buried her face in it.

And with a smile on her face. Looking at her sleeping face, the sharp impression she usually had was nowhere to be found.

With Grace asleep, the only thing left was to head to the balcony. I moved my steps toward the balcony.

"You're here."

When I reached the balcony, Dan Yerin greeted me as if she had been waiting. I waved back in response.

In her hand was the liquor she often drank. She had a habit of drinking every night.

'I want to ask if she drinks too often...'

It's inevitable. Dan Yerin needs alcohol to fall asleep.

Otherwise, she can't easily close her eyes due to anxiety. It's a reason similar yet different from Grace's.

"Today's events were impressive. I even witnessed your rumored combat prowess firsthand."

"Am I strong?"

"Stronger than I imagined. You seem even stronger than our empire's generals."

Stronger than a general. Dan Yerin was giving me quite a high evaluation.

The generals of the Hwan Empire are a rank above commanders, representing the nation's elite combat power.

Since I beat Hector, the King of Destruction, to a pulp, it's half true. I didn't bother denying it.

"Just to confirm, were you the one who deciphered the cipher?"

"Yes."

"I thought so. Then, during the final showdown, were you the one who pinpointed Bulgae's location?"

"Yes. It was me."

"How on earth did you figure it out? I couldn't comprehend it at all."

I kindly answered Dan Yerin's question. Honestly, the method is rather famous.

To put it bluntly, it was like fishing, but it was effectively used during World War II. Specifically, in the Battle of Midway.

With that single battle, Japan lost its offensive momentum, and the U.S. counterattack began, so it had to become famous.

"Such a method... It's worthy of being a textbook example. Communications will be used in various ways in the future."

"It's hard without a messenger."

"That's true. But it's a method worth attempting at a critical moment."

Receiving such high praise made me feel a bit embarrassed. At times like this, I should have a drink.

"Next week is the brawl... What do you think?"

"About what?"

"Do you think you can do well?"

"I do."

"Haha. I asked a pointless question."

Dan Yerin chuckled softly. Unlike usual, her smile was deeper.

After the brawl, she'll likely face assassination threats. Starting with Yeohye, followed by Lee Yeonju.

Lee Yeonju is the next person after Yeohye who will pose a threat to Dan Yerin. I'll protect her, but I'll have to tread carefully.

'I hope neither of them gets hurt.'

I was lost in thought for a moment.

"...Mr. Sivar?"

A familiar voice pierced my ears from behind.

Startled, I turned around to look behind me.

"Who are you... talking to?"

Was it because it was night?

Grace was staring at me with pitch-black, lifeless eyes.