Surviving as a Con Artist at the Academy

Chapter 12: I Can’t Be the Only One Getting Screwed (1)

Even though I missed the Class A promotion, I sweet-talked to the professors happily. Their expressions were something else, as if to say, “What are you so happy about when you’ve missed out on status?”

Naturally, it made sense. Although the classes were mostly for elites, there were plenty of perks.

Walking around with the Class A title means you don’t have to be cautious about anything. Just look at that mad girl from the first year who causes trouble all the time.

‘But not yet.’

At this point, I should distance myself from the main figures of Class A.

Moreover, given my tendency to live by lies, it would be hard to adapt even if I got caught up with them.

Above all, the assignments are the real headache.

Starting from the second semester, external assignments will come into play. The higher the class, the higher the risk of being assigned life-threatening missions.

I’m not strong or gutsy enough to take on such challenges yet.

‘Even Class A could fail missions like that, what chance do I have…’

Class A… it’s not completely without its worth. Just not the right time yet.

For a smoother school life, it seemed necessary to get a supporter soon.

“Radon~ You’re not daydreaming, are you?”

“No, I’ll just focus on working quietly.”

The day after the practical exam. As soon as I got out of class, I was dragged to the Newspaper Department and was now struggling.

I was cleaning up the misinformation that Radon had spread before my possession. My hands were busy even now.

‘Radon, how much trouble did you cause?’

Thanks to that, I, who was possessed, was suffering immensely. I could understand his frustration due to the curse he bore, but it was tough to suppress my urge to punch something.

“By the way, it’s curious.”

“What is?”

“You, you! Lately, you seem like a completely different person!”

Trisha Marelin, the head of the Newspaper Department, was astonished by Radon’s transformed appearance. She must be wondering why someone so self-assured and prone to exaggeration has suddenly become so diligent.

She must have heard about the results of the practical exam too. Rumors were floating around that Radon nearly made it into Class A.

Just as expected, the questions started pouring in.

“You’re not pretending this whole time, are you?”

“What do you mean pretending?”

“Just as it sounds! Were you acting like a delusional person on purpose? Trying to escape hard work or something?”

“What a pessimistic thought.”

“Can’t help but suspect it! This is like a world falling apart! Or maybe… last week’s prayer at church might have worked. Thank you, Holy Spirit!”

Trisha got overly excited.

Given that she had to clean up a mess caused by Radon’s misinformation last time, it’s only natural she’d be sensitive about it, right?

Or maybe she just had a naturally high-tension personality.

“I’ve watched students from other years, but you’re the first case changing so drastically in just a week.”

“Aren’t you busy with studies? Why bother watching?”

“Did you forget? I’m the department head. Unlike other classmates, I need to know everything happening in the academy.”

In reality, Trisha holds a position similar to a media corporation CEO. It’s annoying to dig through the academy’s ins and outs during news coverage, but it’s inevitable.

That’s how her department operates well and can add bonus points to their evaluation. Being involved in club activities could even get her a scouting proposition from related organizations.

Even if they’re busy with studies, it’s a great opportunity for students lacking connections and talent.

Even if it’s troublesome, it’s a system worth voluntarily participating in.

For Radon, whose family is in ruins and who didn’t recognize his own talent, it’s an excellent chance. Since he lacked power to compete, he had to find a niche to excel.

“Still, in the end, the reactions are positive. Thanks to you, I can think of some major scoop-worthy articles.”

“But you won’t exaggerate for it, right?”

“You cheeky brat, am I you? Don’t treat us the same!”

Trisha went to her desk and rummaged through a drawer. She pulled something out and placed it on my desk.

“Still, I like your current look, so I’ll give you a special gift.”

“A gift?”

The object on my work desk resembled a stone tablet shaped like a book. It had a level of detail that could easily be mistaken for a real book, and it was quite light.

“What is this?”

“What do you think? It’s a Novel Record. These are some of my favorite pieces, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them too.”

A Novel Record is a type of magical device that records the content of a novel. The footage of the observer during the practical exam reflected in the mirror was all thanks to the power of these magical stones.

This Novel Record works the same way, and if you hold it and fall asleep, the content of the novel unfolds in your dreams.

In other words, it’s a magical tool that realizes the visualization of a story. The difference is that it projects it not in a mirror but in your mind.

“You and I’s Tico? King of the Locker Room? Those titles are bizarre.”

Reading the titles written on the record, I frowned. There were no clues beyond the titles, and I couldn’t even get a synopsis.

“I recognize it as the best work. Not many know it, but you’ll get to see a fantastic world.”

“What’s the genre? At least I hope it’s not a trashy work.”

“A trashy work? That’s a huge offense. Since you’re in the Combat Department, you must have many physical concerns, right? But by just watching this, all your worries will disappear!”

“Hmmm…”

Noticing my cautious contemplation, Trisha suddenly looked morose.

“What’s wrong? Did it not please you?”

“No, it’s not like that… I’ll check it out tonight before sleeping. I should receive a gift properly, right?”

I took it, fearing she might look sad if I refused.

The moment I accepted it, a bright smile spread across Trisha’s face, akin to a nerd rejoicing at a successful endearment.

It worked out well. In a world without the internet or games, I needed something entertaining to alleviate the boredom.

This would serve well as a substitute for video media.

“Alright, I’m off to head home now, so don’t forget to lock the door.”

“Okay~”

Trisha left cheerfully, humming a little ditty. What’s so good about giving gifts?

“Finally, I’m alone?”

Seizing the moment, I started typing away. Finally, I could write the article I wanted.

Of course, I wouldn’t spread malicious misinformation. Just fluffing up my opinions a bit, which is within acceptable limits.

As long as it’s not at the level of the last misinformation I spread. I just wrote down my personal thoughts as an article.

Do they know? That it can also be categorized as a lie.

‘How lucky I am that Radon is in the Newspaper Department.’

Why am I stuck in such a department even though I belong to the Combat Department?

Isn’t it more effective to just train instead of writing documents?

Such thoughts disappear when considering the curse of the liar.

By weaving in a few lies, the erosion rate will naturally decrease. A lie conveyed to the public is more effective than one whispered privately.

This is also why I haven’t returned to the Combat Department despite having swordsmanship skills.

[Erosion Rate Drop: -2%]

[+200 Credits]

I didn’t do anything, and my score suddenly went down.

It’s evidence that the effects of the misinformation I spread last time are still lingering. Thanks to that, I’m gaining proficiency without doing anything, and my stats are rising on their own.

If it weren’t for that cursed thing, I’d be in a blessed state.

*

After finishing everything, I collapsed as soon as I arrived at the dormitory. Sitting late at the table until dinner brought back memories of the tedious daily life of my previous world.

Though aside from eating, relieving myself, and sleeping, I was just busy working, it was still better than the life I had before my possession.

The slanders I face now as a scammer are justified, while the slanders I faced before my possession were pure chaos.

Even rolling with robbers back then was better. The curse was the only issue.

‘What a relief.’

After taking a shower, I lay on my bed and held the Novel Record that Trisha had given me.

Did she say that this would solve my physical concerns? In that case, no need to think twice.

Flap-

Using the Novel Record is simple. Just open it like a book and either hug it while falling asleep or use it as a pillow, and you’re done.

I received two records, and to enjoy them both at once, I laid both under my pillow and lay down.

This way, as I drift off to sleep, an amusing dreamland will unfold.

As soon as I closed my eyes and was swallowed by sleep… a white background appeared with the logo of the novel, and the story began.

[You and My Tico]

[King of the Locker Room]

Just how entertaining could these works be for her to recommend them so passionately? My expectations were rising.

And then…

“Ugh… Uuhhh… Aaaah!!!”

…It turned into an overwhelming feeling of betrayal.

I spent the night screaming in my sleep until morning. The reason was undoubtedly due to the content of those novels.

First, ‘You and My Tico.’

… I shouldn’t have seen it. It was filled with scenes of guys doing wall-slap— something you’d only find in some second-rate fan fiction. The problem was it was all narrated from the protagonist’s point of view, making me experience it firsthand.

Secondly, ‘King of the Locker Room.’

This one was the worst. The background was literally the locker room, and macho men burst in to engage in friendship battles. What came afterward bloomed into bizarre friendships…

And again, this played out from the protagonist’s point of view. Damn it, it wasn’t even a cute girl; it was a muscular guy blushing as he handed over a sports drink…!

‘Log out! Force close! ALT F4!! Please…!’

Chaos unfolded in front of my eyes, yet escape was impossible.

Each piece had a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. I had to endure three hours trapped in that hell.

“Trisha you little piece of…!!!”

This was supposed to resolve my physical concerns? You’ve got to be kidding, you insane human.

This was just a tool to relieve your sexual desires, and then you give it to me as a gift?!

It’s so unfair. Because of the affectionate expressions that play out from the protagonist’s perspective, my heart still aches.

I want to dispose of this cursed record, but for some reason, my hands wouldn’t move.

Why? It’s not that I’m scared. It’s more like I was enraged.

This fusion of fear over its existence and the frustration at being tricked was summed up in one thought.

“I can’t be the only one getting screwed…!”

In that moment of determination.

____________________________

[Secret Mission: Sense of Justice]

-You’re currently experiencing what it feels like to be tricked in return. Yet, a petty scammer has no room for reflection. As a cowardly scammer, deliver the same pain you’ve felt onto the innocent.

[Clearing this mission: Activate the credit exchange feature.]

___________________________

On the surface, it seems to force me to become a real piece of trash, but the clearing reward caught my attention.

‘Now that I think about it, this kind of system existed.’

Sometimes it appears in games. Clearing it provides conveniences that help with gameplay ease.

If I clear this mission, I can convert credits into cash. Naturally, I have to clear it. But who would I trick?

Knock, knock, knock—

“Huh?”

Just then, a series of knocks echoed from the door.

It was 6 AM. Who could possibly be here at this ungodly hour?

Through the misty door, I saw a small silhouette. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly who it was, but I could tell they had pink hair.

There aren’t many students with such hair color. This is a fantasy world, after all. But the small frame made it seem strange.

“Radon Crawler? I’m Mary Ryudshiel from the Magic Department.”

And just like that, the aura of sleepiness vanished with her voice.

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.