How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 52

“Payment confirmed.”

The favor I had asked of Professor Phelan was surprisingly fulfilled within the day. I received news through the maid that both my tuition and dorm fees for the next semester had been fully covered by the scholarship fund of Flance Imperial Academy.

“See? It worked out. It was faster than I expected, though…”

Of course, there might be some future issues regarding my relationship with Professor Phelan. But ultimately, if the result is good, nothing else matters.

And it’s not an immediate problem!

“Phew, tomorrow really is the start of a new semester.”

Technically, it was the third semester of the first year, the last of my freshman year at the academy. It felt like a long time had passed, but in reality, it hadn’t been that long.

It just felt long because so many things had happened since I woke up and came here.

“But Kamon Vade, that bastard, really was something. How did he manage to gain such a notorious reputation in just two semesters?”

Actually, it wasn’t even two full semesters. He had committed all sorts of misdeeds and even attacked the princess before the first semester was half over, resulting in his suspension.

Of course, it was due to the author’s forced settings to advance the plot, but now in this fully realized world, Kamon Vade’s actions had become real events.

“Enough. As I’m starting fresh, I should have a new mindset as well. Let’s enjoy this life as a student in a fantasy world.”

Since entering Flance Imperial Academy, my life had been a series of desperate survival attempts.

“Now, I just need to live quietly and comfortably until the end of this novel.”

If I stay put, the protagonist Kyle will take care of all the conspiracies and evil deeds, even dealing with the Demon King.

“…….”

Probably?

I mean, I did get transmigrated before the novel concluded, but what could possibly go wrong?

So, I just need to…

“Lie here and get a good night’s sleep.”

With that thought, I ended the last day of the vacation.

* * *

“Such a perfect day.”

Maybe it was because it was the first day of the new semester, or perhaps my mood was much more stable and cheerful than usual. For some reason, the weather outside seemed incredibly bright and beautiful.

After quickly getting ready and stepping outside, I saw the dormitory hallway already bustling with students.

“Did you hear the news?”

“First day, and we have swordsmanship class?”

“I’m starving, let’s go eat.”

They gathered in groups, chatting and moving around. The atmosphere was lively and full of youthful energy.

‘Why do I feel like an old man?’

I shook my head to rid myself of such unnecessary thoughts.

When I reached the first floor, where most people gathered, I saw a notice posted by the dormitory manager.

There will be a dormitory-wide cleaning session every afternoon and evening during the first week of the semester. A schedule will be posted, so please make sure to attend. Those who do not attend without a valid reason will face penalties.
– Manager –

“Uh? Cleaning?”

I tilted my head, observing the mood.

“Ugh, cleaning again?”

“They do this at the start of every semester. At least it’s only for one day.”

“But I don’t like anyone coming into my room. Shouldn’t we clean our own rooms?”

“Dude, just hide your weird stuff beforehand. Don’t get caught and become a rumor.”

“What? Only someone like you would have stuff to hide. I have nothing like that!”

“Yeah, sure, whatever.”

Listening to the noisy conversation about the cleaning, I nodded.

‘It’s just a regular cleaning session.’

It didn’t seem like anything unusual.

But wait.

‘People coming into my room?’

What about the mini-fridge and the food stash?

Should I hide them?

I found myself empathizing with the students who joked about hiding things.

‘Why should anyone else come into my room to clean?’

My designated cleaning time was Thursday evening.

Growl.

“First, let’s get some food.”

Trying to stay positive, I headed to the cafeteria for breakfast.

“What’s on the menu today? Oh, meat for breakfast? Not bad.”

By now, I was very familiar with the cafeteria. Smiling at the delicious smell, I muttered to myself.

After quickly grabbing my food, I looked around for a place to sit.

“Hmmm.”

Since it was the first day of the new semester, the cafeteria was packed with students. Unlike my first day here, there weren’t many people staring at me.

‘Well, I guess they’ve gotten used to seeing me.’

Clang!

I found a suitable spot and put my tray down.

I could feel the students at the table looking at me.

‘This table is mine now.’

Come on, move.

I want to eat alone.

But.

“So, what did you do during the break?”

“Really? That sounds awesome.”

Surprisingly, they didn’t move away or avoid me.

‘What’s going on?’

The situation was completely different from what I expected, leaving me momentarily baffled.

‘I guess they’ve really gotten used to me?’

I mumbled to myself but couldn’t feel upset about it.

In fact, it was a good thing.

‘Yeah, it’s nice not to feel like a zoo monkey anymore.’

Feeling a mix of slight annoyance and relief, I decided to focus on eating and picked up my utensils.

Just then.

“Kamon.”

Clang!

“Seriously, again?”

Just like the first time I visited the cafeteria, Kyle approached and sat in front of me. I sighed deeply.

“Is it okay if I sit here with you?”

“…….”

“If I say no, will you actually leave?”

“Haha, you’re so witty, Kamon. I knew you’d joke.”

Laughing brightly, Kyle’s response made me scream internally.

‘Why even ask if you’re not going to listen?!’

Despite the sudden rise in irritation, I shook my head.

‘Phew. No need to get annoyed.’

“So, can I sit, Kamon?”

Hearing Kyle call my name again, I waved my hand dismissively and answered irritably.

“Do whatever you want.”

“Thanks. Enjoy your meal, Kamon.”

As always, with a friendly smile, Kyle began eating his food. Then.

“Oh, right. I heard you were amazing at the seminar! Everyone’s talking about it, Kamon.”

“What?”

“And that orb you had, what was that? It was fascinating, sucking up all the mana instantly…”

“Hey, Kyle.”

“Yeah?”

Kyle tilted his head with a bright expression, and I couldn’t help but frown.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“I mean, we’re not exactly on friendly terms to be chatting and eating together like this.”

Kyle tilted his head again, then smiled slightly and asked, “Why? Is there a problem with us eating together?”

“It’s just that…”

“If it’s because of Diana, don’t worry about it. I was just following a job then.”

Don’t give me that crap. Who was the one threatening to cut me down back then?!

“The job’s over, and I have no other connections with her. So there’s no need for us to feel awkward or argue.”

Kyle continued to explain earnestly, then looked away and added, “Besides, I lost fair and square that time because I was careless. I’m not going to hold it against you.”

“What?”

“Whether it was a trap or not, I got caught because I was lacking. So we’re even now, right?”

“Even?”

Kyle’s cheerful demeanor left me dumbfounded.

Sure, from my perspective, I should be grateful that you think that way. But frankly, I have no intention of fighting you.

“By the way, can you really cast the ‘Nine Rings of Fire’? Everyone says it’s a really difficult spell…”

Kyle kept talking, a broad smile on his face.

“I mean, to have that kind of skill, no wonder you did so well against Diana…”

“Can you just shut up and eat?”

“Oh, sorry. Yeah, let’s eat first.”

Kyle nodded, agreeing, and started eating. After a few bites, he spoke again.

“By the way, Kamon, our first class is the same, right?”

“What?”

“The swordsmanship class. With Professor Serian.”

I quickly checked my schedule in my bag and saw that it indeed listed a Professor Serian.

‘Damn, why do I have to take a swordsmanship class as a magician? And with him, of all people…!’

I internally screamed, but who was I to blame? I didn’t make the schedule.

‘Damn it! Did this really snowball like this?’

“So let’s go to our first class together, Kamon.”

“No. Why would I?”

“Come on, it’ll be fine. We can go right after breakfast.”

“…….”

Why would I go to class with you?

* * *

“See? It was good to come together.”

Kyle’s cheerful comment made me frown again.

‘Isn’t this a bit too much, damn it?’

“Today, we will start with a one-on-one sparring session with your assigned partner. Don’t hold back just because you’re familiar with each other; show your full abilities.”

Professor Serian’s voice echoed as I covered my face with both hands.

‘Damn it. What is this?’

“Let’s do our best, Kamon.”

Kyle said, oblivious to my turmoil. I gritted my teeth.

The weather was beautiful and dazzling in the morning, but now…

“Good my ass. It’s hot as hell.”

Then, Professor Serian announced the start of the match.

“Alright, begin—”

Before he even finished his sentence, Kyle’s wooden sword was already hovering above my head.

“I won, right?”

Damn it. I almost got hit!

“Pr-Professor, I surrender!”

Trying my best to hide my trembling voice, I raised my hand.

“Alright. Kyle, Kamon, your match is over. Everyone else, continue!”

Professor Serian’s indifferent tone made me glance at Kyle and mutter,

“Can you move that already?”

“Oh, right. Sorry!”

Kyle hurriedly withdrew the wooden sword from above my head.

Meanwhile,

“Hiya!”

“Take this!”

Swish, thud!

All around us, students were still clashing in their matches. Chelsea, who retained the top spot in our grade, moved almost like the wind.

‘She’s impressive, too.’

Watching the other matches, I quietly made my way to a distant chair and sat down.

Thud!

Kyle, of course, followed me quickly.

Can’t you just leave me alone?

“Want something to drink, Kamon?”

“No.”

Can’t you just leave?

While internally complaining about Kyle, he suddenly said something unexpected.

“It was a surprise, though.”

“……?”

“I didn’t expect you to take a swordsmanship class, Kamon. You didn’t take it last semester.”

“Oh, that’s…”

‘The administration added it for me.’

…was something I couldn’t say.

I missed the course selection deadline because I was busy chasing the ‘Orb.’

Phew, this is my burden to bear.

“Still, this class can be fun. Even if your talent lies in magic, you might discover a hidden talent for swordsmanship. Professor Serian is a great instructor. Do your best this semester.”

“…….”

Yeah, mind your own business.

I stayed silent, listening to Kyle’s well-meaning but intrusive advice.

After the exhausting swordsmanship class, we headed to our next class.

“Glad to see you again, Kamon. Everyone, take your seats. The class is starting.”

It was Professor Delon’s Dungeon Studies class.

“Since we haven’t met for weeks, let’s start by reviewing last semester’s content. Dungeon mana conversion operates on [SΩT±V㍶ψ].”

Here we go again, another incomprehensible lecture.

Then, in the evening,

“Welcome to Imperial History class. Through this course, we’ll explore the founding, growth, crises, and triumphs of the Flance Empire, learning how our current empire was formed and has evolved.”

I nearly fell asleep just listening to the introduction.

Thud.

“Ah, finally over.”

I collapsed onto my bed, mumbling tiredly.

Physically, I was exhausted. But it was almost miraculous to think I was back to living a student’s life.

“Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.”

My life satisfaction wasn’t extraordinarily high or anything, but it was enough to think I could manage this for a few years.

After organizing my thoughts, I prepared for bed, looking out at the dark sky through my window.

“I hope the weather is nice tomorrow, too.”