Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Entry into Prynar Academy
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Almiraz? What the hell is that, you perv?
I couldn't help but feel baffled by the sudden system window that popped up.
One of the Eight Monster Kings or something?
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ [This information is for you alone. I have high expectations. -???-] ...?
Something's different from usual.
This didn't feel like a typical system window... Yeah, it was similar to the message the gods sent when I fought Prostia.
Information just for me?
What the hell am I supposed to do with it? Can't they explain it nicely?
In a game, puzzles like this might be fun, but in reality, it's just a pain.
"Anyway, what're ya gonna do 'bout it?"
"Pardon?"
"Old man Blurt's got his eyes on ya, kid."
Why the dialect again?
But Blurt... that stubborn guy from earlier. Why's he gunning for me?
What the fuck did I even do this time?
"Heh? Ya look like ya got no clue."
"Well, I don't."
"Hmm~"
Yaplno sat up and grinned.
"Ya got parachute suspicions hangin' over ya, kid."
"Parachute."
As I repeated it slowly, Yaplno added an explanation.
"Can't blame 'em for suspectin'. Ya bein' an Outsider an' all?"
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"Lordy, ya really don't know nothin'. Outsiders only quieted down lately, but they used to be nobles, rich folk, or stupid strong. Ya think the powers-that-be ain't clashed with 'em day in, day out?"
"......"
I'd kinda guessed as much.
People had talked like unverified Outsiders were scum to be hated.
When Yulis ranted that Outsiders were shitheads, it hadn't really hit home, but maybe negative views like hers were pretty widespread.
"Makes sense, though. Too many Outsiders caused chaos... But leavin' that aside, they get all them privileges."
"Privileges."
Yeah, privileges.
The power that turns Outsiders into overlords.
I apparently didn't get any, but normally, they use it to make a name for themselves.
"Top-tier ones are somethin' else, but the rest? Pathetic."
"Is that so."
"Damn right. Seal their privileges, and they're just dumb muscle."
Yaplno gazed out at the distant campus grounds.
"That's why no Outsider's ever become even a student at Prynar Academy, let alone a lecturer. No teachin' knowledge, no dice, no matter how strong."
"......"
So, I'm the first.
"Outsiders are risky to handle, but most lack the skills... Student status? Maybe with a lotta pull. But lecturer? Dream on. Even that top Outsider with the... what sword was it... Uzart or somethin'. He failed too."
"No idea who you're talking about."
"What d'ya know anyway? And it ain't just that makin' ya suspicious."
"What else?"
How am I suspicious, me, an upstanding citizen?
"The other top clans mighta screwed it up, but Blizha, Graize, and Hart all backed ya together. Them three usually too busy fightin' each other to breathe, yet they unite for a recommendation letter? Bound to raise eyebrows."
I'd sensed tension when they argued over flags with Graize and Hart, but was it obvious to everyone?
"And on top of that."
"There's more?"
"Yep. Simple one: ya got both student and lecturer qualifications. First time ever, just like no Outsiders here before or the top clans' joint rec."
I'm a pioneer in every damn way.
Special treatment, huh? Sounds nice.
But it'll rub others the wrong way.
Thinking of the envious, suspicious glares already made me tired.
And the parachute thing? It hits close to home.
I got no knowledge to teach kids...
"Plus, the reason they gave ya lecturer quals with that rec? Dragon Slayer bullshit. All rumors, no source. So either they look down on ya or suspect ya. Deal with it."
"Got it."
"Damn straight. So expect extra heat from old man Blurt's exam."
Makes sense. My rumor: Dragon Slayer.
Blurt's lecturer exam: probably slicing dragon corpses.
Perfect to verify the hype.
"Long story short: no rumor or skill of yours holds water. That's why everyone's treatin' ya like shit."
"......"
Facts hurt like a bitch, fuck.
I thought everyone was just assholes ignoring my dragon kill, but nah, nobody buys the rumors.
Truth is, I beat Prostia, you fucks.
At 30% descent, but still...
"Well, Emily says ya got the quals..."
Emily. The witch's name.
Did she vouch for me to her colleagues?
"What do you think? Do I seem qualified?"
"Hm? Hmm..."
He stared at me quietly, then smiled faintly.
"At least ya don't look like a scrub."
"I see."
"Oh, and prep somethin' impactful for the opening ceremony greetin'."
"Pardon?"
What now?
"Some big shot showed up at school. Mess up, and she'll bury your presence completely."
"...Understood."
No clue what he meant, but I acknowledged it.
I'd prepped anyway.
"Anyway, lookin' forward to it, kid."
Yaplno stood fully, stretching.
"Where you headed?"
"Hm? Time to get to my post. Gotta meet my class kids."
"Hold up."
"Huh? What?"
I hesitated a moment.
No idea what Almiraz was, but if the system flagged it, maybe special info like the Eight Monster Kings?
Spilling it might add to Yaplno's list of suspicions.
I'll ask Asitana or Gold later.
"Nah, forget it."
"Lame..."
Yaplno yawned hugely, then kicked off the ground in a massive leap.
No sound at all, yet he soared over the hill, shrinking into the distance.
Insane?
Just a jump does that?
Like watching a green monster bird hop.
Anyway, I knew what to do now.
To avoid a shitty school life for the next few years, I had to prove myself.
Luckily, Gold warned me about the entrance event, so I prepped.
As long as I don't fuck up, should be fine.
But the lecturer qual exam in a week or month? That worried me more.
...Giant fire sword too flashy?
I pondered deeply as I stepped off the hill.
That instant, mana rippled right beside me.
"......?"
I went to draw my sword from my waist but paused. This didn't feel threatening.
Not an attack? What then?
The mystery resolved quick.
A blue hole opened, and a head poked out.
"Yup!"
"......"
"Huh? Not scared at all?"
Yeah. Felt the mana ripple.
Plus, after so many backstabs, nothing fazes me much anymore.
The girl who appeared... yeah, little witch. That's the vibe.
The witch I'd seen before was a classic sexy game beauty. This one's a cute witch archetype.
Twintails and a dainty face, adorable.
.....
That impression lasted till I saw her upper body.
Once she fully teleported out... pure slutwear.
Shoulders bare, navel exposed. Lower half...
...thong...?
Nah, thong with frilly decorations on sides, like a microskirt maybe.
One thing clear.
She's not normal either.
"Seriously! Don't make the staff's life hard, Dre!"
Staff? That priest-like guy following me earlier?
"Sorry."
I'd ditched him on purpose, so I apologized honestly.
The girl blinked, then beamed innocently. Huge contrast with her outfit.
"Let's go then!"
"Go where?"
"To discuss your schedule, pay, etc.?"
Her head tilt was cute.
She's probably older than she looks.
Talking schedule and pay? High up in the faculty maybe.
But trusting a stranger? Nah.
"Let's talk here."
"Wow~ So suspicious!"
She giggled and clapped twice. I drew and slashed the enveloping mana.
Slash!
The blue circle trying to cover me—a portal—shattered.
She'd tried to teleport me.
"Oh dear?"
Her big eyes widened more, blinking like she never expected me to cut it.
"No mana, prayer, or Prynar used. How'd you slice it?"
I scowled at her curious head-tilt.
Caught me off guard.
"Rude, isn't it?"
"Hmm~ Yeah, rude! Sorry!"
She smiled brightly, owning the mistake.
Apologies really work wonders.
My annoyance vanished instantly.
Partly 'cause she's cute.
She clapped again.
I tensed, but portals opened everywhere, furniture popping out.
"Since Dre wants, shall we chat here?"
"...Appreciate it."
I'd pegged her as above average, but no.
She's a monster.
On par with the witch or Apiz.
No, beyond—gave me Prostia vibes.
"First, today's schedule?"
"Yes."
"In three hours, light greeting to students. Say whatever you want~"
"Got it."
She gestured at a chair with hot! hot! grunts, inviting me to sit. I shook my head.
She pouted, cheeks puffing, and continued.
"Lecturer exam in a week. Score too low, quals revoked~ But first year as lecturer, so no firing."
"I see."
"Yup~ You're also a student, so won't get fully booted~ Dorm's under repair, can't move in yet."
Bummer.
Gold said Hart Clan anytime, but I'm overstaying.
"Papers done, so in a month when dorm's ready, move in with your chosen squire or assistant! Oh, and salary!"
Why drag it out?
I waited as she drummed imaginary beats, producing a drum outta nowhere.
Fun girl.
...How long she going?
Face red, breathless, but no stop.
Why's she glaring like it's my fault?
...Oh.
"What?"
"Sal! Ary! Huff huff."
Gasping girl. Right, pay matters.
Zero expectations, yet my heart raced like magic.
"A whopping! 2! Gold coins!"
"Ooooh... Huh?"
2 gold?
...1 silver's about 100k from my world, 10 silver per gold...
2 million won?
...?
Not bad?
No, livable, but for Prynar Academy faculty prestige? Meh.
"Per week...?"
"Not thrilled like others at daily pay? So plebeian~"
Yeah, lowball.
"Merit-based here!"
"Merit-based."
"Yup! Base 2 gold, plus bonuses by performance~"
Work for it, huh.
"Performance like what?"
"Simple~ Exams that wow outsiders, students acing school or tourneys, recognized research."
She rattled on: crafting items or rituals, boosting academy rep, direct aid like guarding or donations.
TL;DR: Anything glorifying Prynar Academy.
"Donations make sense?"
Donate to get paid?
Good exchange rate?
She smirked at my doubt.
"Lecturers here ain't starving for cash, bar a few. Even the less flush ones don't lack basics~"
What.
Calling me broke indirectly?
"Then what's their goal?"
"The Grand Library, right?"
Her eyes widened slightly.
I'd blurted a lore bit.
Character bible had a Grand Library keeper.
"Did some homework? Good boy."
"......"
"Spot on. But experience it yourself. Higher merits unlock perks you'll learn the hard way."
What, threat? Mood soured... then she hopped over, tickling my gut, and I melted.
Simple? Yeah.
Slutty loli cutie tickles you—who wouldn't love it? Step up.
But why the gut? Feels like she's drawing...
...Magic circle??
"Should greet your colleagues too?"
"Where?"
No harm vibe, so I let her continue.
She grinned mischievously.
"I'll take ya."
"......"
I'd shown no portal rides, actions speak...
But she wasn't talking to me.
"Those kids."
"?"
Slash!!
The world twisted.
That's what it felt like.
By the time I drew for defense, scenery'd changed.
Gym-sized room. Massive round table filling it.
Luxury wood seats at each end.
Dozen or so total.
Most empty, two occupied, ten-ish people around.
Yeah, conference room.
All stared at me shocked.
Some frowned at the girl beside me—irritation mixed with... awe.
Reverence.
...Yeah, I get what she did now.
"Dre hates portals, so~"
This girl left me be, warping the whole floating island, building, and people atop it.
Humanly possible? What realm? No clue.
But damn. Fun.
This is Prynar Academy.
Den of monstrous geniuses.
"Greet them~ Dre. These are your fellow lecturers?"
"Got it."
I answered calmly; her eyes went wide.
I brushed past, straightened my clothes, and spoke.
"New lecturer Dre. I'll humbly learn from my seniors. Eagerly await your teachings."
I was genuinely excited.
What I'd learn, achieve in this monster pit.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Ding! [Variable occurred. Enemy exploited the unexpected situation masterfully. Almiraz has invaded the floating island.] Until that cryptic bullshit.