Surviving as a Con Artist at the Academy

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103rd Chapter. Are you finally here?

In a garden filled with flowers, the sound of water can be heard. The stream that flows from a gently falling waterfall has a named color.

Walking along the flower path around it feels like any inner wickedness would vanish. It was a place that would not embarrass anyone, even if led royalty.

In the center of the garden stood a resting place supported by marble columns. It was spacious enough to seat a considerable number of people.

Covered by a circular shade, a large round table was set with six individuals sitting around it.

Right next to the gently falling waterfall, this serene spot is a garden where anyone can enjoy tranquility. However, for the person who arranged this space, peace meant destruction.

Pursuing this beautiful landscape while actually desiring ruin—those are the ‘Doomsday.’

Dressed in white cloaks, they are the top powers of Doomsday, the 7th League.

“What on earth happened? If they were confident of success, shouldn’t they show appropriate results?”

Outside the resting place where the 7th League sat, two people were kneeling. Silence fell as they seemed to have done something wrong, uttering no excuses whatsoever.

Their plan to collapse Aligieri through the artificial spirit project ended in utter failure.

“Epsilon, Zeta. I had great expectations for you, and now I’m disappointed.”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing I can say even if I had ten mouths.”

Epsilon and Zeta’s heads drooped lower and lower, their spirits sinking.

“The reason we ordered you to infiltrate the royal family was because of your competence. But at this rate, I doubt I can entrust anything to you.”

“I swear that will never happen again! Please give us just one more chance!”

“O great 7th League! If it comes to it, I’ll gladly die right here. But before that, I would be grateful for at least a chance to make up for it!”

Epsilon and Zeta trembled as if treating the 7th League as deities. It’s an unspoken rule of Doomsday that showing the slightest reluctance would lead to brutal torture, even for a child.

“Did I not warn you before that this was an ineffective method? What if that ‘student’ realizes something and grows from this incident?”

“…”

The one with the number 3 written on their cloak scolded the one with the number 7.

However, 7 merely remained silent, perhaps acknowledging the statement. Seeing this, 3 gained a bit of confidence, only for 5 to scold them as well.

“How well have you performed to be making such a big fuss? What happened to the remnants of Helheim that followed you this time? Did you bring news of the Saint’s assassination?”

“That is still…”

News of 3’s plan to devastate Kreuz using the prisoners escorted through a blizzard had reached only failure without any achievements.

“What does still mean? And I heard you even went so far as to manipulate the Empire’s mercenaries to annihilate the leader’s village. How did that go?”

“…”

3 was left speechless.

The plan was to smuggle valuable relics from the Empire into the leader’s village, framing them while using the savage mercenaries to wipe the village out.

Initially, they received tidings of success, but then suddenly it turned to news of utter failure.

The more he thought about it, the more absurd it became, leaving 3 unable to speak.

“Enough of this!”

It was 2 who shouted and brought a halt to the conversation. When authority was involved, a sudden silence fell.

“Are you really considering internal strife at a time like this? Our great number one, Enviel, is still missing. How well you all are doing is rather impressive.”

All members of the 7th League wore grim expressions as they apologized.

The absence of the strongest individual among them, number one Enviel, became a source of growing anxiety as they had heard nothing about him.

“No matter how absent he may be, being overly sensitive will backfire. It’s best to organize things more now. You there.”

“Yes!” Epsilon and Zeta replied in unison, startled.

“The control over Mosria should have been yours. Did you notice anything strange?”

“While it may not provide meaningful information… we measured Mosria’s biological reactions. They’re emitting wavelengths similar to those of being stabbed with a stick, rather than dying by magic or swordplay.”

“I sincerely apologize for not being able to provide anything better. I assure you we will achieve satisfactory results next time!”

Despite their unwavering determination, the response from the 7th League conveyed indifference, almost like telling them to “just disappear.”

So they left, reflecting that their thoughts were far from ceasing. Once they were gone, 5 finally spoke up.

“But isn’t it a bit odd? That artificial spirit dying merely from being poked by a stick.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve heard it is a being born from the distortion of time and space, possessing high-density skin. To die so weakly by merely impaling, doesn’t that sound off?”

A being as tough as steel could not die from being stabbed by a stick.

Of course, a supreme swordsman could do it, but at that time, no one of that level was present at the Academy.

“There must be something in Aligieri. Think about it, even our Enviel has been silent since he made plans at the Academy.”

“Then how…”

After a brief pause, the answer came out of 5’s mouth.

“The new semester’s about to start, right? There’s a perfect chance for a reconnaissance mission then.”

*

That wraps up Chapter 3. Even I felt a yawn coming from how smoothly things have gone.

From the external missions during the early to mid-phase until now. The epilogue of the interpersonal connection has also gone by without issue, ushering in a peaceful finals season.

Considering how the main story went, it felt like it was too easy, almost like a sweet sleep.

Sure, there was a headache when Heidern intervened, but I suppressed him without a hitch.

Afterward, well… I just relaxed. That’s all.

Given that casualties and injuries occurred in the main story, even the troubles in the middle seem trivial.

No injuries, no suffering, enjoying peace both materially and spiritually. It stands in stark contrast to the dreadful incidents described in the main story.

Another detail is Heidern’s fate. While it was literally the end in the main story, that expression has become ambiguous here.

The arrest is the same as in the main story. However, the difference is that he was not killed by Lyman and instead brought to the capital for confinement.

Moreover, there’s the difference between trembling in fear in front of Lyman and being taken away without regret at the end.

Maybe it would have been better to simply eliminate him like Enviel did, but when I saw his face back then, it was one of pure sincerity.

Right before being taken away, I confirmed through `Mana`… and I felt relieved.

– Emotional response towards the user: Friendly (Medium)

Just a few words could flip someone’s feelings 180 degrees.

Just like a single word can repay a thousand debts, if you hit the psychological points of the other party, you can gain tremendous goodwill.

Anyway, whether dead or captured, the result is the same in terms of leaving the scenario. So I felt reassured while getting through each day.

“It’s already getting chilly.”

“You’re not cold at all, anyway.”

“That’s true.”

Jenny, who was walking beside me, smiled brightly. For her, who had a keen tolerance for winter, the cold was nothing at all.

The hot season has passed, and the cold season has arrived. Just looking at the branches devoid of leaves filled me with sorrow.

For us, it’s now time for winter uniforms to protect us.

“Hey, you haven’t been hanging out with Luska lately? You’re roomies, right?”

“She’s not going to see anyone for a while. Suddenly, ears and a tail sprouted, so she’s out of it. She might come for attendance, but she won’t be able to get into her room for a few days.”

“Is that the thing from before?”

It seemed Jenny already knew about it.

The phenomenon where fox ears and a tail temporarily sprouted from Luska, who had opened her power to the fullest. The moment she transformed, her combat power significantly increased.

This is the awakening skill known as ‘Divine Beast Transformation,’ forcefully activating the powers of the Thousand-Year Fox. It’s what created a character regarded as a game-breaking.

Perhaps because of how good her gaming abilities were, the narrative includes a setting where they had to suppress their lust for a certain period.

Otherwise, there’s a concern that they might lose control and bite someone.

“That’s too bad. Isn’t this a good chance for Luska?”

“Weren’t you the one who didn’t want to hang out with Luska? You’re surprisingly concerned about that?”

“It’s not a problem to worry about. Anyway, vacation’s coming soon.”

Currently, my family is in Silver Town, the territory of the Jenny family. Remembering that fact, Jenny ended her sentence with a charming smile.

What that means is, during the vacation, Jenny could claim me for herself. And not only that.

“Moreover, once we graduate, think about where Radon will stay. I wouldn’t be losing anything.”

The reason I could remain unscathed despite sharing a room with Luska was entirely because of that.

Anyway, Luska’s opportunity was limited. In contrast, if she could just hold on this time, she’d enjoy a permanent chance.

I saw a surprisingly calculative side of Jenny.

“Last time, a letter arrived from my father, and it said he liked you.”

“The Duke, too… What would someone like me mean to him?”

A massive pressure flooded in, having been noticed by a high-ranking power in the Empire.

“And they said your family helped with the railroad construction, making things go incredibly smoothly. It’s only natural they’d grow fond of you.”

Oh, it must be those gentlemen again. I wonder if they’re still good at lying? Is my little sister, Amy, okay?

Ah, I don’t have to worry about Amy. Physically, at least.

“Thanks to that, they’re apparently very close now, and you even shared a drink with your father. As a symbol of friendship.”

“Drinks? Friendship?”

I mean, just how high is their sociability to tame a high-ranking noble?

Considering they weren’t born with such skills, they may have experience since he was once a Count, but at this point, I couldn’t avoid growing closer with Jenny.

Truly impressive in many ways—my father.

“It feels nice that both of our fathers are getting along, doesn’t it?”

“What kind of feeling?”

“That… that feeling!”

“What feeling is that?”

“Um… uh…”

Jenny’s face, once smug, turned red as she stumbled over her words. After throwing out a topic, she ended up being flustered by it, holding her face with both hands and talking in circles.

“The feeling of good means a variety of things! Like adults making good contracts! The upper world has to do well for the lower world to thrive. Right?”

That lower world is us, and if it flourishes… well, I wouldn’t have it bad.

“I roughly get it, but aren’t you overexcited?”

“Excited, please! I have a strong heart.”

“You’re acting all tough yet you’re stiff as a board right now?”

“Hehehe… as expected, you can’t beat Radon with lies, can you?”

“It’s not a lie. You actually…”

“Hey, that was just a joke.”

Come on. Whether it’s a lie or not, does it change that?

Look at how it’s not showing signs of inflation.

While drifting into escapism…

Just then, as we left the Professors’ Building…

“Meow!”

“Oh my goodness!!~”

Suddenly, Mary, who dropped straight down from the roof to the entrance. Jenny let out a shriek and hid behind me.

Don’t do this. I thought my heart would drop, too.

“Hello, friends!”

Mary, hanging upside down, was tied by a magical thread to the rooftop railing. She fell like a ghost, maintaining a spider-like posture.

“You scared me!”

Jenny was getting heated.

Scared? You were just bragging about being brave moments ago!

“Where are you two going?”

“We’re just stopping by the village for some magic practice supplies.”

“Then I want to go with you!”

This time, Mary wrapped her arms around me and rubbed her face into my side.

Instead of forcing her off, I pinched her face. She let out a strange ‘Uweh-eeng’ sound, which was surprisingly amusing.

As I smiled while playing with Mary’s face, I felt Jenny’s watchful gaze on us.

At that moment, when we reached the Academy’s entrance…

“Uh…?”

Jenny’s sulky face, Mary’s flushed face, and my smiling face… all turned stiff.

Because the protagonist of this game had arrived.

“Th-that guy!”

“It’s Lyman! Thank goodness, he’s safe.”

That detestable protagonist returns in no time. Yet, as if it’s none of his concern, he confidently steps foot on the Academy grounds.

“Hmm… what mission could Lyman be on that took him more than twice the time it took us?”

“Don’t you know? It was a mission involving the leader’s village. Among the A-rank missions, its difficulty was unique.”

Since Mary had no idea, Jenny had to explain.

To my understanding, the leader’s tribe is like goblins and, similar to elves, a race subjected to discrimination.

Lyman’s task was to retrieve relics taken by them alongside some mercenaries. He appeared unscathed, indicating he must have succeeded, but…

“Long time no see! Ly…”

“Mary, wait a second!”

“What’s wrong?”

As Mary lunged toward Lyman, Jenny’s eyes widened in alarm, stopping her.

I also stood there, closely observing, not calling out to him.

Just from his expression, an aura emerged that warned against approaching carelessly. Even when he passed right by us, he didn’t acknowledge us.

When he passed, I saw him. The face he wore when he was angry over casualties in Chapter 3 mirrored the one he had now.

Of course, there are no casualties now, but what transpired during Lyman’s mission remains unknown.

Yet, one thing was certain. Just like in the main story, things had escalated dramatically.

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.