A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 176

Thanks to Luna’s Wind Release Big Mouth Technique, we were able to quietly return to the village.

Along the way, Erica persistently tried to persuade us, but it was futile.

Whenever Erica tried to preach to us with nonsensical arguments bordering on sophistry, Luna would counter her every time with her chaotic big mouth.

Luna, in her own way, just let it slide as if it were no big deal, but Erica couldn’t. Being directly refuted exhausted her completely.

“This isn’t right… No, but still, taking a life is…”

“You shouldn’t take lives recklessly. But if we go by that logic, wouldn’t all soldiers protecting the country seem like psychos?”

“I-I never said they were psychos!”

“Really? That’s how it sounded to me.”

Just like that. Setting everything else aside, Erica’s ideology stops entirely at the concept of soldiers.

Since ancient times, they have been the ones who give up their personal freedom to protect their country. Moreover, they often face situations involving taking lives more than any other profession.

And it’s not limited to humans. In a world where monsters exist, the role of soldiers is immensely significant.

Although adventurers help share the burden, it’s still not enough. There’s a reason why knights hold such high prestige.

“But Erica, if that’s the case, why do you even live in civilization? Wouldn’t it be better to live in the wilderness like Sivar?”

“W-What?”

“If you live in the wilderness, you can eat all the vegetables and herbs you want.”

“No way.”

Of course, that’s not entirely wrong. This conversation took place in the carriage on our way back to the Academy after finishing everything.

Luna was sitting next to me, while Erica sat across from us. Since it was cheaper, we decided to return together.

We did meet Uncle Rex and submitted our report along the way, which delayed us a bit, but we should arrive by evening.

“No way? Is it because the wilderness is too harsh?”

“Yeah. You can’t survive on just plants.”

Speaking as someone who has lived in the wilderness, I can attest to this.

It’s not an exaggeration—surviving on just plants is incredibly difficult. Humans consume more calories than you might think.

Even on Earth, obesity has only become a prominent issue in the last 200 years. Especially here, where mechanical civilization hasn’t developed much outside of Santia.

In that sense, Erica’s ideology doesn’t resonate much with reality. When people are starving to death, who has the luxury to talk about the sanctity of life?

“You can’t survive because of hunger. Hunting is absolutely necessary.”

“Hmm… Is that so? If you say so, I guess that’s how it is.”

“B-But if you try your best…”

“Then you’ll die.”

“…”

I, too, had no choice but to take lives. It wasn’t something I wanted to do; it was something I had to do to survive.

The wilderness is far from a kind environment for humans. There were countless monsters and beasts constantly targeting me.

Erica’s conviction is extremely idealistic, but ironically, she can only voice such thoughts because she’s protected by civilization.

And for civilization to exist, strong defense—in other words, military power—is essential. Someone has to bear the blood on their hands.

‘Explaining all this would just be a hassle.’

Honestly, I felt like throwing her into the wilderness. Then she’d realize just how flawed her ideology is.

But why bother? I won’t be associating with her in the future, so why should I go through the trouble?

I’d rather leave her in the care of someone I know. Maybe Rize could help her out.

‘Her late-game potential is remarkable, after all.’

There’s a reason why many people dislike Erica but still keep her around until the end.

If nurtured properly, her incredible divine power can annihilate demons. As I mentioned before, her divine power rivals Rize’s.

Of course, raising her is much harder than other characters, and she constantly causes trouble, making her a hassle.

If Ellie is a fragile glass fish that requires care, Erica feels more like a “precious child.”

“My thoughts won’t change. The world may be cruel, but the sanctity of life remains unchanged.”

Above all, she’s stubborn as an ox. Even after being thoroughly defeated, she refuses to bend her beliefs.

It’s frustrating enough just to listen to her. Imagine how unbearable it would be to travel with her. She’d only drag me down.

“Erica, why do you hold such convictions?”

Luna seemed just as perplexed. She asked with genuine curiosity.

Everyone knows life is precious. But Erica is excessively fixated on it.

She must have some special reason. I had a vague idea but chose not to speak up.

“I used to eat meat often when I was younger. Before I joined the Order, I was a noble.”

“A noble?”

“Yes, from the Donas Viscounty, which is famous for its livestock industry.”

“Donuts?”

When pronounced roughly, “Donas” does sound like “donuts.” As I muttered this, Erica frowned and protested.

“It’s Donas, not donuts. I don’t understand why you keep saying donuts.”

“It’s probably because of the language difference. Anyway, why did you join the Order?”

“Well… The head of the household made me experience how the livestock industry works. There were many adorable cows, but… I ended up witnessing the slaughter process.”

That must have been quite shocking at a young age. Especially in this world, where there are no tools like electric stun guns.

Everything has to be done manually. In this world, butchers hold a very high status.

Of course, it’s inherently brutal. Unless the livestock is killed instantly, one has to endure the sight of its struggles.

“The head of the household said, ‘To become the head, you must know how to slaughter with your own hands.’ But I just couldn’t do it, so I turned to the Gaia Order.”

“I understand. It must not have been a pleasant experience.”

“R-Right? I’m not wrong, am I?”

Erica asked with a glimmer of hope. It seemed her conviction had wavered slightly.

In truth, her conviction isn’t entirely wrong. Experiencing such events could certainly leave one with trauma.

The problem lies in forcing that conviction onto others. Trying to impose her beliefs on everyone else is what’s wrong.

“You’re not wrong. But there’s a sense of incompleteness.”

“Incompleteness…?”

“Yes. Like red bean bread without the red bean filling.”

Luna has a knack for apt metaphors. This one perfectly sums it up.

All surface, no substance. It’s a perfect description of Erica’s ideology.

“The fact that you can hold such beliefs proves you’re well-fed. If it were hard to endure, you’d just buy food with money.”

“…”

“Since we’re on the topic, why not try living in the wilderness with Sivar? It might add some perspective.”

“I prefer civilization.”

She rejected the idea outright. I, too, prefer civilization over the wilderness.

Even if it comes with headaches, at least you don’t have to worry about physical suffering.

…Well, except for the occasional physical pain. Like getting beaten to a pulp by Rod for stepping out of line.

I’ll be learning swordsmanship from Rod soon, so hardship is all that’s left for me.

“Ugh… Is that so? Am I still missing something?”

On the way back to the Academy, Erica clutched her head in frustration.

Reflecting on something means she’s realized something was wrong. Surprisingly, her stubbornness broke quickly.

Perhaps she’ll gain enlightenment earlier than expected and be fine. Who knew Luna’s big mouth would shine so brightly?

“I’ll think about it after we return to the Academy. Once I’ve thought it through, I’ll let you know.”

“Alright. By the way, which dormitory are you staying in? Since we’re at it, let’s have meals together.”

And just like that, an unwanted connection was formed. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t mine but Luna’s.

If it were anyone else, I’d be worried, but with Luna, it’s fine. She can counter Erica’s nonsense one by one.

At the same time, I’m curious. How will Luna’s big mouth shine in the future?

“I-I’m fine with that! Eating alone has been difficult, anyway.”

“Ah, that’s right. You mentioned you don’t have friends.”

“…”

Her big mouth is already dazzling.

*****

Our return to the Academy was delayed until the next morning.

The carriage’s wheel broke, forcing us to stay overnight at the station.

The station functioned like an inn, so spending the night wasn’t a problem. There were plenty of rooms.

“See you next time.”

“Yes…”

Erica returned with a weary heart. She had tried to persuade us, but all her efforts were in vain.

No matter what she said, Luna’s dazzling dribbling continued. In the end, even Erica had no choice but to give up.

“Sivar. Are you heading back right away?”

“No. I’m going to Rod.”

“Because of that greatsword?”

“Yeah.”

Luna stared intently at the greatsword in Sivar’s hand.

A sword resembling the ‘Demonic Sword’ often described in books. The eye engraved in the center of the sword hilt was truly eerie.

She didn’t know why Sivar favored this sword, but there must be a reason. After all, he knew the future, so it might be significant.

With that, Luna headed to the Headmaster’s office with Sivar, where Rod resided. Since he had told them to visit upon their return, the chances were high that he was inside.

-Clunk-

“Welcome… Hmm? What’s that sword?”

It was when they knocked and entered the room. The moment Rod saw the greatsword, he expressed his curiosity.

Being a Sword Saint of such renown, it seemed he sensed something unusual about the greatsword at a glance.

Of course, the Bloodstained Greatsword was so unnerving that anyone would feel similarly just by looking at it.

“Teach me swordsmanship.”

“What?”

“Swordsmanship. Please teach me.”

Without even answering Rod’s question, Sivar immediately stated his request.

It might have been a rather rude remark, but Rod didn’t seem to mind.

No, in fact, Rod subtly appeared pleased when Sivar asked to be taught swordsmanship.

‘Come to think of it, I also need to ask him to teach me swordsmanship.’

It was something she had completely forgotten. The promise to teach swordsmanship in exchange for taking care of Sivar.

Could she just learn swordsmanship alongside Sivar? Luna was pondering that when—

“Hmm. Hmm. It’s a good posture, but I need to check that sword first. Could you hand it over for a moment?”

“Ah, Headmaster. Be careful. That sword absorbs mana.”

Before handing over the greatsword, Sivar issued a warning. It had been brief, but the sword had undeniably absorbed mana.

Although Sivar himself seemed unaffected, they would soon understand why. Rod nodded after hearing Luna’s warning.

He then received the greatsword from Sivar. The moment he took it, Rod’s expression slightly hardened.

“It’s true. It’s greedily absorbing my mana.”

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. It’s just very hungry, but its personality is gentle.”

Vrrrmmm!

As Rod said this, an anomalous phenomenon occurred with the greatsword. It seemed to be channeling mana, as an ominous aura emanated from it.

However, it didn’t last long. The vibrations from the greatsword gradually subsided until it became quiet.

Even the eye embedded in the sword hilt closed quietly, as if it had fallen asleep.

“It’s settled now. Where exactly did you get this sword? A sentient sword is extremely rare.”

“I got it from a demon.”

“What? A demon? Could you explain in detail?”

While Sivar explained the situation, Luna carefully received the greatsword back from Rod.

Unlike before, holding the greatsword now gave her no particular sensation. It really seemed to be full and sleeping.

Both the sword and its new owner shared some uncanny similarities. Luna examined the greatsword closely, her eyes narrowing.

[Bloodstained Greatsword: A+]

[A greatsword that craves life and mana.]

[Having traversed countless battlefields, the greatsword eventually gained sentience. If wielded as a strength, it offers immense destructive power; if cursed, it promises a miserable end.]

[Special Effect: Absorption]

[No living being can escape this sword’s curse. Only non-living entities are free from its grasp.]

“…”

Just looking at it was terrifying. Luna finished reading the description and lifted her head.

“Even so, confronting a demon alone is extremely dangerous. Didn’t you say it was blue?”

“It was weak, though…”

“Even if it’s weak, a demon is still a demon. That was reckless.”

“…”

Sivar was getting thoroughly scolded by Rod. His lips were pouted far out, clearly showing his dissatisfaction.

Seeing this, Luna tilted her head in confusion.

‘Does this mean Sivar isn’t a living being? But he seems so alive.’

She couldn’t make sense of it at all.