Surviving as a Con Artist at the Academy

---

94. Bombshell Statement

As I leisurely rode the carriage back to the Academy, time seemed to stretch out.

There was originally a warp gate that could get us there in a day, but we couldn’t use it right now.

Monsters might suddenly pop out and mess with the magic stone that connects the gate, cutting off the link.

Or perhaps thieves might appear and change the warp point to where my companions are lying in ambush.

There were so many inefficiencies that many people were too scared to use it.

“That’s why the Magical Train is under construction, to deal with that.”

The so-called magical train.

I would be able to ride it once I reached the second year.

But for now, we were riding the carriage on a journey that would take about two days.

Of course, during our breaks for three meals a day, I made sure Jenny and Mary couldn’t help out.

If they got involved, the chances of us collapsing on the street before even arriving were pretty high.

“But hey, friends. Why do you always tie me up when it’s time to prepare food?”

“Are you really asking that?”

“Yeah! I don’t get it.”

Mary chuckled proudly as she said it.

Impressive, really.

At this point, I was starting to think she sold her sanity for her magical talent.

So later, I’d be completely fooled by the illusions conjured by artificial golems.

“How long until Aligieri now?”

“If we sleep tonight, we should be able to arrive by noon tomorrow. That means it’s not too far off, but…”

Trisha had activated the archive feature on her student ID.

The holographic screen connected to the Academy’s information system.

But suddenly, the screen turned black and flickered out.

“At this distance, it should definitely connect, but it keeps getting cut off.”

It wasn’t just hers; mine was the same way.

The archive that should be running smoothly wasn’t responding.

Moreover, the Yellow Stamp embedded in my archive began to darken.

It was a sign that they were slowly turning corrupt for the sake of a mechanical rebellion.

But since I had set it up so that they couldn’t harm humans, it should be fine. Plus, the important Yellow Stamp was in my hands.

The Yellow Stamp. It might just look like a censoring tool to differentiate between impure elements, but it was actually much greater.

Just like how I separated Chandler, who had possessed Director Gamur, it could release and suppress something.

Mosria, equipped with that ability, could actually “nullify” the concept of mana.

In other words, in Chapter 3, magic and aura cannot be manifested within the Academy.

Magical devices powered by mana also become useless and are completely severed from the outside.

“This is why Chapter 3 was quite difficult.”

In fact, countless golems that equate to high-level monsters are mass-produced there.

Since the concept of mana has disappeared, even normal people can’t stand a chance against them.

Without being able to use magic or aura, the only thing I can do now is evade them.

If I weren’t the protagonist, this would have turned into a cosmic horror genre.

Due to the rampage of the artificial spirit Mosria, everyone would be trapped in the unique area it created underground in the Academy.

Similar to the Void Space we entered during practical exams.

Employees were protecting the students from the hordes of golems being produced. However, without mana, they were facing the risk of dying.

At that time, the protagonist Lyman lured the golems away by exuding a powerful killing intent from a different location.

Despite the mana being blocked, Mosria sensed the immense aura and redirected all forces toward Lyman.

True to being the strongest in the world, Lyman was strong even without mana. You could see him smashing golems with nothing but his bare physicality.

“He’s a monster, no matter how you think about it.”

I don’t know what it was, but while the situation was slowly settling, the students reached Mosria’s main body.

However, since it was a non-corporeal being, it couldn’t be eliminated physically.

Only Baimon, who assisted in its creation through alchemy, knew how to deactivate it.

Buying time until Baimon can stop it is the final battle of Chapter 3.

Even though all the powerful golems were focused on Lyman, just one of them wouldn’t be easy to handle.

“At the worst timing, the principal and department heads were away on a temporary trip for the Magical Locomotive Research Proposal.”

The timing was just horrible.

Still, the only one left was Vice Principal Heidern, but… he was gradually darkening and wouldn’t help the students.

The only person who could assist in combat was Professor Radian Versern. As a combat department professor, he showcased ingenuity in dealing with golems even without mana.

Ultimately, he fought until he was covered in blood and finally collapsed. Teaching Assistant Adela stepped in for him, but the result was the same.

“Meanwhile, the golems are spawned infinitely in a terrible structure.”

Then, at the perfect moment, the golems came to a stop.

Baimon succeeded in halting Mosria.

Relieved, Professor Stella began to tend to the two fallen, but Mosria, having materialized, launched a last-ditch attack with thrown projectiles.

Stella and Adela were safe, but Radian took the hit and was pierced through the torso.

Adela cried while embracing her deceased mentor, and the atmosphere turned to despair.

Seeing the golems stop and feeling relieved, Lyman arrived on scene leisurely, only to find the cold corpse of the professor he had connected with.

Thus, Lyman was ignited as the fuse of rampage, signaling the onset of destruction across the continent.

“But the Yellow Stamp that limits mana is currently in my grasp.”

Moreover, since the golems cannot attack humans, they wouldn’t be able to shed any blood.

It would turn into a peaceful difficulty where not even a single casualty occurs.

“Easy mode is the best.”

Due to altered settings, they can’t even attack, and the Yellow Stamp is gone too.

Even if they were furious at humans, what could they do about it?

Can’t use their fists; maybe they’ll just flap their jaws?

Honestly, I never expected that, but at the very least, it’s better than Professor Radian dying.

“Dinner’s ready. Eat up.”

The savory aroma grew closer, stimulating our appetites.

Luska’s dish made from wild game was finally served.

Soon, the group sat around the pot of food and eagerly savored the meal.

“It’s super delicious! As expected, my friend’s cooking is the best!”

Mary was the first to express her admiration.

However, Luska, who had been in charge of cooking from start to finish, did not seem too pleased.

“Looks like I won’t be cooking for you guys ever again.”

“Hahaha… I’m really sorry. You’ve really worked hard.”

Jenny tried to cheer up the upset Luska with a nervous laugh, but it was of little use.

Only bitter remarks came back.

“How can you make such terrible food? Even moldy water in a skull would taste like a delicacy compared to this.”

“Isn’t that a bit rude? No matter how bad it is, it’s not comparable to moldy water.”

Jenny felt her stomach churn and her eyebrows twitched.

It felt like a betrayal for a favor done.

Then Luska subtly turned her gaze to me.

“What about you?”

“What?”

“Which of our foods is better? Mine or Jenny’s? You should know being in the same room as me.”

Crack—

I heard a sound of lips biting from Jenny.

She usually pretended to be indifferent, but clearly she was concerned about my shared space with Luska.

“Radon… whose food is better?”

“What?”

“Whose is better?”

Then, with an icy air, Jenny asked.

Though she spoke with a smile, it was evident that her skin was the only thing smiling.

The overwhelming pressure accompanying it couldn’t be hidden either.

“Just be honest. I won’t do anything.”

Won’t do anything?

That was a blatant trivial courtesy line.

She was clearly letting me know that she wouldn’t let it slide if I pointed it out immediately.

Of course, Jenny probably knew her food was horrible.

But what she was currently longing to hear wasn’t valid criticism, but… encouragement.

Please, just pick up on the atmosphere, the ‘detection’ skill was screaming.

Moreover…

—————–

< Jenny Chain Silver >

Species: Human

Occupation: Magic Swordsman

Aura Class: 5 Star

Strength: 59

Mana: 90/90

Disposition: Cheerful/Values Friendship

Feelings Towards User: Favorable (High)

—————–

Her feelings towards me were unexpectedly high.

Hearing any negative comments from me might just trigger a punch.

In reality, there was also a physical difference. Considering my strength was 35, it wasn’t likely I could defend against her.

“Sometimes I think Jenny might be better at lying than I am.”

Well, that’s what I mean.

But still, she’s far from keeping up with me, the master of deception.

“It was delicious.”

“What?”

“Really?”

[Degradation Rate Decreased: -8%]

[+700 Credits]

Both Luska and Jenny reacted at the same time.

The former had a worried expression as if wondering if I had bumped my head, while the latter’s gaze was filled with surprise.

“Like, how do I put it… the taste could lead someone to heaven?”

[Degradation Rate Decreased: -8%]

[+800 Credits]

“Are you seriously saying that? Are you saying this hellish stew she made is tastier than mine?”

Luska glared at me with a fierce look of disappointment.

“Listen, if you eat that hell stew, you might taste something heavenly when you ascend to the other world, right?”

“Yeah.”

“But usually, people use that kind of description to talk about great taste. That’s why I said it was delicious. Got it?”

“……”

[Degradation Rate Decreased: -20%]

[+2000 Credits]

Upon hearing that, Luska seemed lost in thought, as if sleepwalking.

Mary and Trisha, who had been munching on dinner, paused to roll their eyes in confusion.

Thus began the silence.

Caw caw—

Even as crows flew by squawking, the tranquility persisted.

To be honest, despite me talking, it was a bit complicated.

To put it simply, it’s about how dying from bad taste and dying from good taste are essentially the same kind of death.

“What kind of nonsense is that?!”

Finally getting it, Luska broke the ongoing stillness.

“Is it that you taste so good you might die or that it’s so bad you might die?”

“I don’t know?”

“Oh forget it! I’m done!”

With an exaggerated pout, Luska turned her head to show her displeasure.

Then, with an irritated expression, she started to gorge.

Crunch crunch— the sound of her chewing was thunderous.

I wondered if she might really be mad at me, so I activated ‘Mana’.

—————–

< Luska Mad Eye >

Species: Human

Occupation: Hunter

Aura Class: 5 Star

Strength: 70

Mana: 75/75

Disposition: Reserved/Inner Strength

Feelings Towards User: Favorable (High)

—————–

There wasn’t anything particularly noteworthy.

However, her top-tier stats in the combat department and the underlying disposition were quite a sight to see.

“So even her fondness is quite high.”

I should have caught on when she was being reserved.

*

The next morning, the carriage started moving again.

Once we arrived and reported to the Information Department, the mission would come to a safe end.

It had been two weeks since the mission started and ended, plus a two-day return trip.

I doubt there’s another group that has a mission that takes this long.

But there was one thing that bothered me.

“Hey buddy, what are you thinking? Is it something fun?”

Mary asked excitedly.

She’s like a child both in body and mind.

“It’s not that. Most groups usually have four or more members, right? But I’m worried because we only have one-to-one.”

“One-to-one? No way…”

Jenny’s sentence trailed off as her attempt at a laugh dwindled.

She, being in the combat department, must have thought of it too.

“About Lyman.”

“Right! Lyman.”

Lyman Begilius, who was assigned to an A-rank mission alone.

I couldn’t help but suspect that the artificial spirit had sensed Lyman’s solo status and decided to spring something on him.

While entering the highest-level mission solo seems romantic, it undoubtedly comes with tremendous pressure. But with Lyman, there was no worry at all.

Of course, other kids didn’t share that sentiment.

“He should be doing fine. I mean, how strong he is.”

“….”

As I reassured everyone, Trisha was once again checking the archive status.

“This is really weird?”

“What now?”

“I stepped foot in Aligieri Town, so why is it still inactive?”

The carriage was already crossing the street into Aligieri Town. Yet the archive’s problems didn’t ease.

In cases like this, I should go to the Information Hall where the main body is located and complain. Just as I thought that, the carriage entered the Academy’s main gate.

“Arrived!~”

The group stepped off the carriage, breathing in the familiar air of the Academy.

While everyone savored their return, Trisha was still irritated about the archive.

The fact that it was inactive even after our arrival meant…

-Welcome. Beep beep.

Two artificial golems approached the return carriage.

They scanned us with their eyes, verifying our identities.

-A-3 Group. Returning confirmation. Beep beep.

-Radon Crawler, Jenny Chain Silver, Luska Mad Eye, and…

It seemed their previously passive tone had subtly changed.

They usually wouldn’t trail off when saying “and.”

-The Magic Department’s Peanut Girl, Newspaper Department’s Perverted Head. Congratulations on your successful mission. Beep beep.

Clap clap clap—

As the emotionless rhythm of the golems’ applause echoed, an ominous energy radiated from the two who had been called names.

Surviving as an Academy Scammer.