Chapter 7
Chapter 7
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: The Original Troll Appears (1)
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This damn academy was nothing but a hassle.
From the moment I opened my eyes, the thought of classes made my whole body go limp on the bed, as if I'd sprung a massive leak. It had become my daily routine.
Kaaa-ruuung!!!
And I was no exception, jolting awake to the thunderous blare of the alarm clock.
"...What the hell."
The moment my eyes snapped open, annoyingly fresh morning air wafted in through the window.
Today was the day my week-long suspension ended.
Which meant it was time for me to drag myself back to classes.
The class structure at Kingswell Royal Academy was pretty unique.
Apart from mandatory department courses—like Basic Swordsmanship for the Swordsmanship Department or Basic Magic for the Magic Department—
they tailored the curriculum slightly differently based on the class divisions matched to students' skill levels.
No point in lecturing C-Class kids on advanced magic or swordplay; maybe one in ten would even get it.
'It's basically elitism.'
True to form for a brainless academy story, this merit-based system that would've crippled a real school with parent complaints worked like a charm here.
Probably because of the magic and swordplay involved.
If you weren't skilled enough, you could end up roasted alive or missing an arm.
Sure, they were all green eighteen-year-olds, but those kids wielded deadly blades and magic staves.
In short, it was like matching players with similar MMR ratings.
Even in this protagonist-boosted madhouse of a world, they'd put real effort into balancing things.
'And this loser made it into A-Class?'
Surprisingly, even in an academy that educated by skill tiers, Leonard's class was A-Class—the top of the top.
Then again, rifling through Leonard's hazy memories, it wasn't that weird.
Tons of tonics since childhood, sucking down essences from spirit herbs grown on the family estate.
Not quite on his eldest brother's level, but the pampered support had doped his body into shape despite his trash-tier training.
If this freak natural body hadn't landed me in A-Class, the Blackmere Family would've quietly offed me before I even got here.
'Show my cards, and I'd drop to B-Class in a heartbeat.'
For now, I was coasting on the elixirs and herbs force-fed since childhood.
Leonard hadn't lacked talent or potential; he'd just rolled in the gutter without trying.
No talent? All the elixirs in the world wouldn't have gotten him through the academy gates.
Now, it was my job to sharpen that rusty, filth-encrusted talent.
He'd hogged all the playtime, so now I had to grind for his lazy ass too.
"Leonard, you crazy bastard..."
The guy who'd dove headfirst into consequence-free thrills like no one else.
Just your average asshole.
My mutter must've hit home, because whatever lingered of Leonard's ego went dead silent.
But slacking off wasn't an option.
The second I dropped to B-Class, the family would see me as a disgrace and make a move.
'Is this really family?'
Treating me like an enemy for slipping grades felt just like those overzealous parents I knew all too well.
Come to think of it, Leonard had it pretty rough too.
"Sigh... Guess I gotta go."
From here on, it was my turn to hustle.
I had to buckle down in classes, hone my talent, and survive the midterms to stay in A-Class.
I fiddled with the patch emblazoned with a massive "A," then slapped it onto my uniform chest.
Standing before the mirror in my crisp uniform and A-Class patch, my tall, striking figure stared back.
"Damn, kid's handsome."
I grabbed the ornate sword I'd stashed in the corner and slung my Boston-bag-style pack over my shoulder before heading out.
'Let's do this.'
The end of my week-long suspension.
Today was the real start.
Amid the stream of students heading to the academy, one stood out above all.
"That's Amelia Hill."
"The top Swordsmanship Department freshman?"
"Whoa... And it's packed with heavy hitters."
Amelia Hill strode confidently toward the lecture hall, her fiery red hair swaying.
True to her title as top Swordsmanship admittee, she carried herself with unapologetic pride, never hiding her skill or putting on airs.
To the overwhelming minority of commoner students, she was an object of envy.
But to the noble students who dominated the academy, she was an eyesore.
"A commoner topping Swordsmanship? Department's gone downhill."
"No kidding. Stuck swinging swords like kids at our age."
The Magic Department, packed with high-born elites, mocked not just Amelia but every Swordsmanship student outranked by her.
A noble losing to a commoner? Unthinkable.
The rivalry between the two powerhouse departments had thickened the air even more.
"Damn it, all because of Amelia Hill."
"What do those wand-waving priests know?"
"Exactly. One real sword thrust, and they'd be begging mercy."
The noble Swordsmanship students' venom ran especially deep.
Always packing blades that could cleave a man in two, and the department attracted hot-blooded types.
The academy had tensed up not long after opening ceremony.
Like an overinflated balloon, ready to pop at the slightest prick.
"Huh? Him..."
Then, amid the charged commute, a mudfish slipped through the tension.
The Knight Department's shameless creep who'd harassed Magic girls since day one.
The lunatic who'd declared "I have no name for lesser beings" at intros, making enemies of everyone.
The mad dog who foamed at any passing commoner, itching to beat them with his scabbard.
Two weeks in, he'd eaten a full combo: week suspension plus 60 hours community service.
The Knight Department's legend.
"Blackmere?"
"Suspension over already?"
"Oh, crap..."
Kingswell Royal Academy certified, original troll authority.
Leonard Percival Blackmere.
Returning after seven days' absence.
The moment I stepped into the Swordsmanship Department hall, a chilling vibe prickled my skin.
"...?"
Gazes laced with anticipation, excitement, overwhelming unease, and disgust zeroed in on me.
I withstood the barrage and quietly took a seat in the corner.
'Feels like I'm a wanted criminal.'
Even fugitives probably didn't get this treatment.
And the academy saw me in much the same light.
Only one path open to me.
'Don't act cocky.'
I set my bag neatly by my feet, crossed my arms, and stared out the window.
I could feel the sidelong glances and whispers, but I acted like I didn't care.
'You all gossip away.'
Haters could trash me all they wanted; I'd just keep grinding my way.
Bonus: If anyone confronted me, I'd apologize.
Forcing my gaze to the window, I suddenly felt some stares burning into my skin.
The fiercest killing intent came from Amelia Hill, my fellow A-Class Swordsmanship student.
Raw malice hit like a slap; I hadn't even looked, but goosebumps rose anyway.
'Insane...'
An overwhelming skill gap she could crush with a glare alone.
Thank God Celestina and Layla were in Theology and Magic, respectively.
All three together? I couldn't have handled it.
Ignoring the stares pinning me down, a presence suddenly appeared right beside me.
Turning, I met bored eyes looking up from a low angle.
"Hey."
"Charlotte."
My one neighbor from Wisteria Dormitory, Charlotte Taylor.
She approached without hesitation, greeted me casually, then plunked her bag and sword down and sat right next to me.
"...?"
What the?
As I stared in confusion, Charlotte rummaged in her bag, pulled out a rough sandwich, and glanced back with a quirked brow.
"Nom nom... What?"
"...Nah. Just think you should sit somewhere else."
"You uncomfortable?"
"Not me, but you'll get dirty looks."
The instant Charlotte sat beside me, eyes snapped to her.
Half were 'Who the hell is that?' the other half pitying.
"What now...! She's sitting next to Blackmere...!"
"Damn, looks like a commoner... She'll quit soon."
"That vicious Blackmere... Wonder how nasty he'll get this time..."
'No, fuck.'
I haven't done shit.
Whispers intensified, but some defending voices mixed in.
"Hmph. Hypocrite. Planning to scrounge scraps by sticking to Blackmere?"
"Blackmere's a brute, sure, but cocky commoner trash needs a lesson."
"Yeah, Blackmere. Go wild like before...!"
Look at these guys.
Even the haughty nobles didn't love looking at me.
They just needed a proxy to torment the insolent commoner without dirtying their hands.
'What now.'
I'm not that old thug anymore.
"Charlotte, overslept today?"
"Mmph... Almost late. Knock next time before you go."
"I'll do that before heading out."
"We can commute together then."
"If you say so."
I chatted casually with Charlotte, even dropping a hint about tomorrow like it was no big deal.
For a moment, silence blanketed A-Class like a bucket of ice water.
Most stares screamed disbelief.
Crunch!
"Blackmere, that bastard again..."
The sharpest glare now burned like I was her parents' murderer—Amelia Hill's.
'Why, though...'
Just existing was a crime, apparently.