Surviving as a Con Artist at the Academy

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113th Chapter: Hell Training (2)

The place where the mental skirmishes between people take place is no different from a battlefield. Interchanging glances is basically the start of a fight.

This applies to any kind of conflict. Be it war, sparring, sports competitions, or written exams, the sideways glances directed at others are inescapable.

The only thing that stands out is the weapons instead of the eyes, which is why the focus shifts that way. If one lacks awareness, they wouldn’t even lift a weapon in the first place.

If one were to choose a place where competition is held purely through gazes, it would be a party hall.

Though it presents a peaceful facade, considering that it’s where many esteemed individuals gather, one can’t say it’s simply peaceful.

When such people gather in one place to exchange glances, the heat is akin to bombardment.

The social gathering continues even after the party ends. Any noble who has already been eliminated becomes a face they cannot show in their world.

The Layered Family found themselves in such a situation. They faced disgrace right before none other than the Saint.

Thanks to that, they’ve been marked unfavorably in the eyes of the nobles in proximity, effectively cutting off any networking relations.

Thus, they are the losers. They’ve been battered such that they can no longer enter such social gatherings. However, miraculously, they still cling to life.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on what happened at the venue.”

A man in uniform spoke while cutting through the chilly air inside the magical train.

He was Jason Baikel, the young commander of the royal family’s first legion, possessing striking looks.

His attire decorated with gold trimmings and a pure white scabbard was eye-catching.

“Hm… I never expected the Beastman Princess to side with the Crawler. If I had known this fact…!”

“If that were the case, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

On the opposite seat, Ates and Anilla said, dejected. Even though they felt humiliated, there was no trace of regret regarding the incident whatsoever.

“ZZZZ… Snore…”

And from Ates’s side, Markray, who had been sleeping, began to snore.

It’s rude to sleep in front of a prince, but Jason himself readily permitted it. He must have been under significant shock from the aftermath of the sparring.

“To be honest, I’m quite disappointed in both of you. I’ve heard there’s some obsession involved.”

“…”

“I thought the ones who gifted me this sword would have some discernment, but I never imagined they’d be this reckless.”

Jason pointed to his own sword with one hand. He had already exchanged glances with the Layered Family when they first attended a royal meeting.

The very reason they could attend was due to that sword.

The artifact they discovered in a secret room devoured by their main household. Among them was the highest holy sword, presumed to be around 300 years old: ‘Palera’.

That sword, offered to the royal family, was handed down to Jason, the current vice commander of the knight order.

“Still, I can’t scold you two too harshly since you made me the owner of the holy sword. How about we continue to work together in the future?”

The Layered couple widened their eyes in surprise at the sudden proposal. Jason continued his explanation.

“Though I have another partner in contention, I just have this strange feeling about them.”

Jason reminisced about Saint Nebia. Even though she was a saint, she was still only in her mid-teens, making her easy to manipulate… thus, she was a being with many side effects.

During our previous conversation, I had felt discomfort at her unusual demeanor.

“We help each other in times of trouble. I can grant any wishes you have.”

At those words, Ates and Anilla exchanged small smiles.

*

At a glance, my academy life seemed smooth. Uncovering hidden talents and even obtaining a chance opportunity, I received compliments from professors and made many acquaintances.

If it weren’t for this damned curse, I had pretty much achieved what I wanted. Maintaining this peace from now on was what lay ahead.

However, in the process of achieving that, I stepped on a landmine I should never have tread on.

It was around the time I presented Mary with a severing gift. Due to that foolish mistake, I find myself enduring hell as I do now.

Day 10 of vacation.

I’m diligently receiving instruction from Master White Tower to make the power of magical devices my own.

Not just anyone, but the head of the top magical organization, Master White Tower, Teilly Ryuledhiel.

Declining the teachings of such a noble individual would be an act of foolishness.

Even if it brought pain, it was worth learning.

Pain… yes, the problem lies with the pain.

“Hah… Hah… I caught them.”

“Impressive. To have captured them all in such a short time.”

What I brought in per his request were bee monsters. While not particularly strong, the challenge was high since I faced them armed only with a single dagger.

The goal was to build rapport with nature to master the magic.

Thanks to that, I bore many stings all over my body. Even in this cold weather!

“Now, let’s eat.”

The Master White Tower eagerly sipped the honey from the captured bees. Just as I was about to take a bite, Mary appeared next to me, holding the corpse of a bee.

“Delicious!~”

Crunch! –

Of course. Mary was munching on the head of the bee.

If what she was eating were not insects but rather chocolate bread, it would have suited her perfectly.

Coincidentally, her father was right beside her.

“Your daughter’s eating habits truly never cease to amaze me. What do you think?”

“…”

For a few seconds, the Master White Tower offered no reply, simply sucking on the honey. As a father, it’s quite understandable. I would have found myself at a loss too.

“You must have had a hard time because of our daughter.”

“Right. I had to force down caterpillars she didn’t want to eat.”

“But wouldn’t our daughter be cute enough?”

“…Yes.”

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[+600 Credits]

“Your answer is rather unenthusiastic. However, she appears to be a child with potential.”

“Puhuh!”

I accidentally burst into laughter, quickly covering my mouth. I can’t afford to laugh in front of the father and daughter duo.

“Did you just laugh?”

“No! In about twenty years, Mary will grow into a grand lady. By then, she’ll be a goddess admired by starving wolves.”

[Erosion Rate Decrease: -5%]

[+500 Credits]

“Hahaha! Our Mary has quite the discerning friend! But won’t she be in her mid-thirties in twenty years?”

“…”

“Anyhow, she’s not born a bad child. Just… never mind.”

Although he trailed off, the Master White Tower kept his mouth shut. Then I suddenly swatted away flitting insects and said,

“This continent is truly fascinating. Even in winter, insects are still flying around.”

“That’s because of the Demon King who emerged thirty years ago. The Fly King Beelzebub. There’s a hypothesis that bugs have evolved to overcome winter’s weakness due to his influence.”

He was among the few Demon Kings confronted by the Master White Tower thirty years prior.

As the bug king, he was known for being a nuisance, challenging the Master with his speedy magic.

Had it not been for the support of his allies and the former saint, he would have never succeeded.

“By the way, wherever that creature roamed, insects would pop up everywhere. Even through blizzards in winter.”

“It’s just like now.”

“…”

Simply passing by causes the awakening of insects, inciting famine. It was a top target for eradication due to food issues.

That monstrous creature was set to resurrect in Chapter 5. In an unimaginable, worst-case scenario.

“Hey buddy! Can’t you borrow the Nobel Record again this time? I snuck into your house, and there’s so much I don’t know!”

As Mary, having devoured the insects, approached me with her request… the Master White Tower broke into a chuckle.

“The Nobel Record… that brings back unpleasant memories.”

“…”

“Because of that Nobel Record, I’ve lost sleep on numerous occasions. The one who gifted it to my daughter is quite a daring fellow. Wouldn’t you say?”

The Master White Tower turned to me with a grin. Got it, can you please look away from me with that terrifying gaze?

“First, to integrate a magical device as one’s own, you must understand its structure and synchronize with it. The reason you want to learn this is probably to use it as conveniently as others do, right? Isn’t that so?”

“That’s right…”

His words were irrefutably correct, leaving me unable to counter. Even though I hadn’t explicitly stated it, he had great perception.

“As long as it fits your specifications, you can use it as much as you want. However, should you attempt to synchronize something that doesn’t, you might never rise again. That applies even to me. I hope you keep this point in mind.”

“Yes… but what exactly were these bugs caught for?”

The Master White Tower pulled out a Trans Card in response to my question. He had taken one to inspect earlier.

“Just looking at this card, it seems like it was meant to create some insect spirit. To use it more efficiently, you need to accept the bugs’ magic. So brace yourself. You’ll be up against larger insects.”

He still intended to make me fight barehanded. Was the Nobel Record matter that unjust?

“Mary, can you help your father out?”

“Oh, yes!~”

But there was something peculiar; every time Mary followed me around during my training, insect monsters kept appearing.

In this cold weather.

*

After the training ended, on my way home. Now just the sight of bugs made me feel nauseous.

Master White Tower only spared a moment from his rest to come see me, returning to his main duties. I asked if it was tough, but he said teaching a single kid couldn’t possibly wear him out.

“Your father is truly incredible.”

“Yeah! He’s super amazing! He never backs down against our mom, who has a deadly charm!”

Mary trailed behind me, spouting ridiculous things. Is that an indication of her youthful vigor?

No, is that speech a bit too dangerous?

“I believe that comment was premature for you.”

“Premature? What’s premature? I’m already an adult!”

There it goes again. Again! The more I hear it, the more flustered I get.

If I were to argue, I’d probably meet my end amidst a barrage of multi-casted magic spells.

“Right. You’re quite the achiever.”

“It’s not about being an achiever. I’ve reached the top level of adulthood!”

“You’ve only lived sixteen years, what ‘top level?’”

“It’s true! I’ve long been admiring mom and dad’s cozy time during the night!”

What? What did you just see?

“Even though they set up barriers, I secretly observed soon after they lifted them! I couldn’t contain my curiosity!”

“…”

“Plus, I used the super performance parasitic artifact at home to sneak around and check out mom and dad’s bed…”

“Stop! You don’t need to say more!”

If she spoke any further, I felt that a catastrophe of some sort might very well ensue.

And it suddenly dawned on me just how she figured she was mature, when in reality, it hit me hard.

“Mary…”

“Yeah?”

I lowered my head and placed my hand on Mary’s shoulder.

“You truly are an adult.”

At that moment, I reflected on how I had been mocking her as just a kid.

Mary merely tilted her head as if to say, “What’s the big deal?”

*

That night, I was able to lie comfortably in bed. Aside from the hardships, Master White Tower’s teachings were quite useful.

After all, he was a man of character, the father of the protagonist in the story, so I felt reassured.

I should make the most of my time while he resides in Silver Town.

And outside my house, I spotted Jenny and Amy looking quite cozy together.

A subtle tension arose as Jenny’s brother and my sister began to grow closer, but it was still a decent result. It’s not every day one makes connections with the heir of a massive family.

Jenny also seems to be quite fond of Amy. Especially when she transforms into the Hulk, she doesn’t just express surprise but actually gasps in awe.

They appeared to get along famously.

And Luska is…

“ZZZ…”

She was spread out on the floor of my room under a blanket, sound asleep.

For some reason, Luska continued to remain in Silver Town, living at my house while helping out with household chores.

Because of that, Mother seems quite fond of Luska, showering her with praise.

Luska looked as if she was basking in the joy of some extra points.

Her intentions were painfully obvious. It seemed Jenny was currently…

“ZZZ… Bring it on, black-haired girl…”

She was also sleeping with a blanket spread out on my room floor. Odd nightmares were just a bonus.

Excuse me, young lady. Aren’t you supposed to mind the mansion?

“ZZZ… I am a goddess…”

Next to her, Mary was sleeping with a cozy expression, murmuring in her sleep.

If Luska’s presence is one thing, why are the other two here?

I truly hope nothing explosive goes down.

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.