Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Entry into Prynar Academy
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"Time regression?"
"Ahahaha. You're talking about that technique related to time I used in our spar, right?"
Kaics brushes it off.
Then he looks at me with a refreshingly bright face.
It's a face utterly devoid of malice, 100% pure refreshment, so why does it make me want to kill him?
Wow.
This is fucking great!!
That's exactly why I want to mess with him even more.
Still, I hold back.
What good would it do to expose that this bastard is a regressor right here?
This guy's the hero.
I'm just the parachute drop.
If we start digging into each other's flaws, I'm the one who loses.
Fucking deal...
Even if some 'will of the world' exists and empowers me, making the situation way more favorable for me, that's still a problem.
This bastard can just say 'fuck this shit' and regress again.
Infuriating prick.
Thinking about it, regressors are such bullshit.
There was definitely a way to deal with regressors...
Of course, I'm not stopping here.
Where's the fun in overwhelming him all at once?
I'll savor the fact that you're a regressor for a long time.
For now, I decide to play along.
"Yeah, that's right. It was a memorable spar."
"Whoa! So who won?!"
The principal doesn't dwell on my time nonsense, brushing it off without a care.
"It was a draw."
Kaics answers.
His words twist Blurt's face, while Alfred lets out a 'hm' with an inscrutable expression.
The principal pauses for a moment before speaking.
"Whoa? A draw with the hero?"
"It wasn't a serious spar."
This time, it's my answer.
It's not to protect Kaics or my own prestige.
I just don't want to drag this topic out.
Looking at that bastard's face pisses me off enough.
"So, what brings him to this place?"
"Ah, like I said earlier, the auction. Auction. He's a freshman too."
So the student the witch brought was this guy.
The topic of conversation? Probably him too.
Spotlight follows him everywhere.
But...
"Auction...?"
"They're both way too exceptional to fit the freshman mold, right? One's a hero officially recognized by the Holy Kingdom of Narnia of the fanatic cult! The other's a dragon slayer!"
They really are far beyond student level.
Even geniuses can't slay dragons as students.
"No regular teacher could handle them, so we held a meeting to decide who takes them."
"A meeting?"
Uh, this feels like... a bad premonition?
No, not a premonition.
As Yapuno and Blurt said, I'm parachute treatment right now.
Just rumors of dragon slayer, no verification, unproven skills.
Meanwhile, that bastard?
He's the hero.
I don't know the exact value of a hero in this world, but just the title changes people's gazes dramatically. His status must be immense.
Being that hero's mentor? How sweet does that sound?
Compared to that, I'm the suspicious parachute.
Kaics is dying to take anyone, but I have this shitty feeling I'll be cold-shouldered.
If that happens, forget the misery—imagining Kaics smirking pisses me off.
Should I knock Kaics down now to prove my strength...?
But that bastard's stronger than me, fuck.
Already tangled up inside, and Blurt chuckles, scraping at my nerves.
"What's wrong?"
"Hm? No. You seemed full of youthful vigor earlier, but now you look no different from other outsiders inside."
"What?"
"What you said just now. Weren't you ignoring Almiraz?"
"?"
I make a puzzled face, and Blurt looks exasperated.
"You, don't tell me you don't know Almiraz? No way..."
"......"
Silence gets you nowhere good.
So I choose silence.
But you know what?
Silence works when no one's paying attention, but when all eyes are on you, it's idiotic.
I realize it in three seconds from the shifting gazes and open my mouth.
"I don't know. I just heard he entered the floating island."
"......"
What can I say.
Suspicion thickens in their gazes toward me.
Earlier it was just Blurt making a fuss, but now most in the room feel the same.
Exceptions: the principal, the witch, Alfred, and Kaics.
Among them, beaming Kaics speaks up.
"Almiraz. He's an outsider too."
"An outsider?"
Not a monster?
The name didn't sound human; I thought it was some boss monster for sure.
Then why did the system window warn me about him?
That dangerous?
I didn't want to hear from Kaics's opponent, but the shitty bastard starts yapping anyway.
"Yes. But among outsiders, he's treated as an irregular."
I immediately guess why.
"He hunts outsiders?"
"Yes, exactly."
The title Kaics mentioned.
Outsider Killer.
An outsider who kills other outsiders?
Why?
Why did the system warn me about a guy like that?
.....
Maybe I'm Almiraz's target?
Is that why the warning?
No, that's ridiculous. When has that bastard even seen me?
"Even beyond outsiders, he's infamous. And he's invading? Where'd you hear that?"
"......"
Saying a world-managing entity told me would make me sound insane.
I claim personal intel network, and some scoff.
Fuck... I tell you out of worry...
"Almiraz."
Alfred murmurs it.
As if to kindly explain who he is.
He covers his mouth with interlaced hands and mutters.
"First, do you know about outsider titles?"
"Not really."
Blurt looks utterly baffled now, but I ignore him cleanly.
Loveheart, you fucking bitch.
The bigger this anger grows, the more miserable you'll be.
"Prominent outsiders—powerful ones—usually have titles."
"Titles."
"Yes. Outsider Killer. Obviously, it wasn't that at first. About ten years ago, he started massacring outsiders."
"Massacre?"
"Yes, massacre fits. Outsider Dre. Do you know how many outsiders appear each year?"
"......"
"I don't know the path you come from beyond the World Tree, or why you don't know each other's starting points. But the numbers are recorded."
Appearance numbers.
Now that I think about it, I'm curious. How many like me are there?
"Each year, confirmed outsiders across the world's nations number roughly two hundred."
"Two hundred...?"
Fewer than I thought?
...Or not.
That magic sword Yulis had. It was originally an outsider's.
Cheats like that appearing two hundred times a year is huge.
"And the number of outsiders Almiraz has killed over those ten years? One thousand."
"......"
One thousand?
......For real?
The number stuns me briefly.
One thousand... half the outsiders who came to this world in ten years?
Not Outsider Killer, but Outsider Slayer.
"Just confirmed kills. And there's something that makes his infamy even greater. He doesn't discriminate."
"Doesn't discriminate... you mean he doesn't just target the weak?"
"Yes. Setting aside if there are weak outsiders, he doesn't go after relatively weaker ones specifically. He just hunts indiscriminately."
What kind of guy is he?
Why's he so desperate to kill people in the same boat?
......Not the same thought for me.
My first thought: how strong is he to pull that off?
How powerful to slaughter that many?
Why.
I'm a bit excited.
"But they say he doesn't touch newbies."
"Newbies?"
Like me?
"Yes. Not completely, but coincidentally, among the thousand he's killed, newbies number only single digits. Records show he mostly targets outsiders active for years."
What's that about?
Like a fisherman who throws fish back? Or 'I only hunt the strong' vibe?
But he just said he doesn't discriminate weak or strong.
Some other criterion.
"Outsider Dre. I heard you came to this country recently."
"Yes."
I ignore Kaics's gaze.
"I heard Almiraz is trying to invade the floating island."
Everyone looks at Alfred in surprise.
Even those who scoffed at me earlier have wide rabbit eyes.
Alfred. You're highly trusted.
Makes me trust you more too.
Thought you were rude at first, but you're an angel now.
I clear my throat and say,
"According to my info, he might have already infiltrated."
The principal sweats bullets, Blurt Grandpa clicks his tongue like it's bullshit.
"The large warp earlier momentarily pierced defenses, so possible. Though aiming for that split-second anomaly—is that even humanly possible? We'll inspect thoroughly."
Alfred narrows his eyes.
"But the chance he's targeting you is low. My guess: he's after the Continent Sword."
"Continent Sword...?"
"You don't know Continent Sword either? And you're an outsider?"
Blurt Grandpa looks pitifully at me.
I ignore.
Cranky old men hate being ignored.
His face reddening is hilarious.
I savor it and tease,
"That Continent Sword guy—I didn't know him even from beyond the World Tree."
Suddenly, everyone except Blurt Grandpa goes silent, staring at me.
.....
Poker face time.
When surrounded by weird looks and you don't know why, act confident.
Might cause misconceptions in your favor.
After what feels like ages, Alfred speaks.
"...No way you don't know. Outsider Dre."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. My intel says Continent Sword is staying with the Hart Clan like you, and has contacted you."
"...Ah."
Strong Sword Day!
Right, that idiot had a stupid nickname like that.
"Contact with Continent Sword?"
Blurt questions suspiciously, but Alfred snaps unpleasantly.
"Blurt. Wait till I'm done."
"Hmph."
Snorting but obedient—Alfred's got clout.
Cool!
I'm savoring quiet Blurt when Alfred suddenly stands and strides to me.
He looms over me.
I'm not short, but...
Thought he was tall sitting, but... giant?
Easily over 190cm.
The height difference reveals an old pendant around his neck.
I look up wordlessly; he steps beside me, surveying the room.
"I'll take him into my class. Any objections?"
Silence.
Except principal, witch, Blurt—other instructors avoid eye contact.
Aren't they same rank colleagues?
No one here to answer my minor doubt. Figure it later.
Just a feeling, but the standing ones seem lower tier than Alfred, Blurt, Emily.
Conference room has only about twenty seats... the many standees aren't instructors.
Probably professors?
Meanwhile, Blurt smirks.
"Then Alfred, you're giving up Kaics?"
"Yes."
Blurt leans back satisfied.
Kaics listens expressionlessly.
I get it roughly.
A guy who usually smiles nicely listening blankly means this situation isn't fun for him.
Whatever it is, snag him, you fool.
Then.
The witch steps forward and speaks.
"I object."
"Emily."
Alfred narrows eyes.
"Object? Why?"
"I'll take him into my class."
"Didn't expect interest in disciples from you. Thought you only cared about that one child."
"Who knows. I just want to give Outsider Dre more time. No rush, right?"
"Other students' assignments are done. This is already too late."
"Hm. What's the hurry, Alfred?"
"Aren't you after something else besides a disciple?"
What.
Why are they suddenly fighting.
Was pissed at the misery premonition, but them fighting over me feels fucking great.
Winner takes my heart!
"Actual classes start in a month. Normally, after touring zones and lectures, students choose division and class."
"Agreed, but I guarantee my class benefits him."
That was to me, not the witch.
Curious.
Why does Alfred want me as student so bad?
Didn't seem to dislike me from start...
My thought: after saying I didn't know Strong Sword Day from my world, he showed big interest.
Whatever Alfred thinks, witch shows no retreat.
Brushes off his words and continues.
"Outsider Dre is an exception among exceptions. Adding one minor exception now isn't weird."
"Minor exception?"
"Mid-semester enrollment, but grant permission to tour zones now..."
"Nooo~"
The voice sounds innocently playful, but different from before.
A chilling tone that raises goosebumps slightly.
Alfred and Emily stop; all eyes turn to the voice, the principal.
"Everyone~ The decision is mine?"
"...My apologies."
"Yes, apologize."
Both yield meekly.
Thought no dignity, big mistake.
Like a lion.
Invisible pressure prickles; hairs stand.
Principal exhales deeply, back to bubbly innocent smile.
"Now, class assignment later. Emily, go to the auditorium with Dre."
"Principal, auditorium...?"
Blurt glances nervously, but principal puts finger to lips for silence.
What's wrong with auditorium, you prick Blurt? Grandpa grumbles about formal name...
He's nitpicking the principal using 'auditorium' casually.
What's wrong with convenience.
"More importantly, today's really important, right?"
"Really important?"
"Dre heard too? The congratulatory wreath presenter."
Congratulatory wreath.
A Prynar Academy opening ceremony tradition.
Simply: teachers' acquaintances hang magically processed wreaths with greetings, as students declare ambitions.
Why important? Reveals the teacher's life, connections.
One way to gain early dominance in noble/genius-filled Prynar.
Anyway, wreath presenter secured.
That's what I prepared ahead.
Considering her status, impact definite.
Just worry how to greet as newbie.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I follow Emily to the auditorium, have some talk.
Wait, watch students enter blankly... soon hear teachers' ambitions.
Suddenly, Kaics prick appears.
Squeals leak from here and there as he does.
Handsome prick.
"Undeservedly titled hero, but I feel I'm far from enough. To learn, I came to the world's greatest, Prynar Academy. Hope to spend joyful years with you all."
Kyaahaha.
Woooah.
Fucking loud.
And Kaics, not even teacher, gets wreath presenter.
Later learn promising students too.
Gold did it.
Soon, woman in white papal robes carries wreath.
"Cardinal?"
"Youngest cardinal?"
Youngest cardinal.
Slightly darker blonde than Kaics, neat bun, clean beauty.
Age close to mine.
In priestess robes, she hangs wreath on Kaics, beaming.
She's a character too.
Stena? Mari? Something.
Main heroine, I think.
Youngest cardinal.
Impressive title?
Students and teachers alike admire.
Only faculty nonchalant at youngest cardinal.
Storm passes, teachers greet.
But Kaics prick and beauty cardinal so flashy, others look shabby. Pitiful.
My turn soon?
......No.
I trust my wreath presenter.
Dozens minutes pass; finally my turn.
I rehearse prepared words mentally.
...Back then, surrounded by crowds, I felt nothing.
That thought sparks 'fuck it' vibe.
"Dre?"
"That dragon one...?"
"Dragon slayer? Rumor?"
"Dunno..."
Murmurs.
Prestigious school? Whispers tiny, stop quick.
They know silence.
This polite quiet broken only by Kaics so far.
"Next, new instructor Outsider Dre!! His wreath presenter!! Come out!"
Cheerful female teacher's call; she steps from waiting room.
World goes still instantly.
That apt—the emerging being beautiful, noble, serene.
"...Hoo."
Alfred and faculty gasp or look shocked unwittingly.
My wreath presenter that special.
I naturally kneel one knee, but she stops me.
"This is Prynar Academy? No royal authority, just equals."
"...Thank you."
Quiet whisper brief. Female teacher blurts shocked.
"Q-Queen Eniris has arrived!!"