A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 109

“Everyone worked hard on the midterm exams. The final exams will be simpler and less complicated than this, so don’t worry too much.”

Although Luna’s chatter made both sides noisy, the appearance of Marlboro silenced the room.

Marlboro left a word of encouragement, saying we had done well, and briefly glanced in this direction. His gaze was clearly directed at Grace and me.

Since an unpleasant incident occurred at the Academy, it must have had a significant impact on the professors. This is where the choices diverge.

Either they speak bluntly or focus on their duties. However, considering Grace’s backing, there is only one choice.

“There were many issues during the midterm exams. However, this was a failure on the part of us professors. Therefore, the harm caused by the midterms should be minimal, so there’s no need to worry.”

Briefly mentioning it while directing focus solely on academics—that would be the professors’ best course of action.

Even if Delphoi’s disposition has been decided, its effects will likely linger for quite some time. The professors can’t help but be cautious.

‘In about a week, it should settle down to some extent.’

With the midterms over, there’s some breathing room until the finals. There won’t be any grueling practical training in between; most of it will be theory and exercises.

Every Wednesday, I train with Gloria and Chronos, and on weekends, I take personal time to rest, among other things.

It’s fine to occasionally venture into the forest to gather something profitable. At least until the finals, there’s nothing pressing to do.

“Normally, there would be papers with feedback, but given the circumstances, they’ve been omitted. Also······”

Marlboro’s explanation continued for quite some time. It was about matters related to the final exams.

Most of the scores will be determined during the finals, and they are taking precautions to prevent a disaster like the midterms.

He especially emphasized that absurd conditions, like restricting attack rights, would never happen again. If so, they must have already addressed my situation as well.

“I can’t reveal the details of the final exams, but I can assure you they will be much fairer than before. So everyone can rest assured.”

If that’s the case, then I can feel at ease. Even in unprecedented situations, the professors are veterans among veterans.

Even with a Balance Breaker in the mix, they should be able to manage it well. The midterms were probably unfair due to Delphoi’s interference.

‘So, will the content of the finals change too?’

I don’t remember well, but I think the finals were also divided into teams. Large-scale ones, at that.

As I was wondering how they would balance things, I overheard something I couldn’t ignore.

“Before we start the class, I have one more thing to announce. It’s closely related to the upcoming practical training, so please pay attention. It’s about the Forest of Chaos.”

“Huh?”

When the Forest of Chaos was mentioned—not anywhere else—I stopped pretending to be distracted and looked up.

Marlboro, noticing my interest, explained the reason for bringing it up.

“Some students here frequently visit the Forest of Chaos—for hunting, herb gathering, and other activities. With a specially crafted compass, it’s even possible to venture deep inside. Everyone knows this, right?”

Thanks to that, I met Ellie and Luna and managed to escape that tedious forest.

Incidentally, I also engaged in a bloody battle and a truce agreement with Porori. After that, I thought I’d have no further ties to the forest.

Occasionally, I might have visited to earn money. But I have no intention of living there as I did before.

“However, starting today, individual entry into the forest will be prohibited. The same applies to the outer area unless you form a team of at least three people.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Why the sudden restriction on the forest?”

“I’ve been gathering herbs there every weekend······”

The unexpected restriction on entering the Forest of Chaos left everyone puzzled. I wondered if such an event had occurred even in Soul World.

No matter how dangerous the Forest of Chaos was, it was never ‘restricted.’ But for the Academy to make such a decision, there must be a reason.

Perhaps anticipating the unrest, Marlboro calmly began explaining the reasons one by one.

“The reason for restricting entry is simple. Recently, there has been a significant upheaval in the Forest of Chaos. Due to this upheaval, monsters and beasts that lived deep inside have been pushed to the outer areas.”

“··· ···”

Beasts and monsters that used to live inside are being driven out. This is a change that cannot be ignored.

Most ecosystems achieve a near-perfect balance. Such a phenomenon indicates that the balance has completely collapsed.

While I was contemplating this, Marlboro gave me a subtle glance before continuing.

“Such changes usually occur for two reasons. One is when a natural disaster damages the forest. However, there have been no signs of fire or any such indications. In other words, only one possibility remains.”

I had a rough idea of what that one possibility was. The direct cause of the disruption in the wilderness’s balance.

“It happens when the top predator in the food chain disappears. Just like the proverb ‘When the tiger disappears, the fox becomes king,’ the Forest of Chaos is currently undergoing a war to determine its new top predator.”

It occurs when the entity that ruled as the predator for a specific reason disappears. The forest has plunged into chaos because the top predator is gone.

The food chain is inherently complex. If the top predator disappears in an already intricate system?

Creatures suppressed by the predator rise to prominence, and as they fight among themselves, they get pushed out.

“The Forest of Chaos, rich in mana, attracts monsters and beasts. Until a new top predator is established, all sorts of creatures will be drawn in. During this process, some animals will be pushed to the outer areas.”

“Is this happening because Sivar disappeared?”

“It seems······ that way.”

Kara’s question was met with Luna’s hesitant response. She likely hadn’t anticipated this either.

It wasn’t just Sivar who disappeared. Even Porori, another predator, had vanished.

Although Porori’s main diet was acorns, it was merciless toward those who invaded its territory, launching preemptive strikes without fail.

The unconscious prey would then be swiftly dealt with by other animals or monsters. I was truly fortunate to have survived.

‘This will cause severe disruption.’

Not just one, but two top predators have disappeared.

Instead of controlling the population, even predators from outside are likely being left unchecked.

Calling it the Warring States Period version of the Forest of Chaos wouldn’t be an exaggeration. The ones suffering the most are the weaker prey.

“Originally, only weak creatures like hungry wolves or slimes appeared in the outer areas. But recently, goblins and orcs have also started showing up.”

“Goblins and orcs too?”

“That makes it no different from the deeper areas.”

The news that goblins and orcs were appearing caused another stir.

Goblins and orcs are considered among the weaker monsters, but that’s only when they’re alone.

As the saying goes, there’s no winning against sheer numbers. They never travel alone; there are always at least three of them.

Even if one of them just ties up your legs, it can lead to a dangerous situation. That’s why I almost met my end.

What’s more dangerous are the monsters that prey on them. If action isn’t taken quickly, even predators might start appearing.

“Thus, the Academy has decided to involve not only professors but also students to address this issue. Since the Forest of Chaos is close to the Academy, we plan to stabilize it before things worsen.”

“Does that mean we’ll have to fight directly?”

A student quietly raised their hand and asked. Their voice carried a mix of anticipation and concern.

Typically, monster subjugation is something second-year students undertake. From the third year onward, they face humans instead of monsters.

First-year students usually hone their skills through theory and practical training. However, this incident could affect the entire Academy.

“In some cases, yes. But the professors will ensure thorough protection, so there’s no need to worry. Above all, our goal isn’t direct subjugation but investigation and reconnaissance.”

The Academy is an educational institution where valuable talents gather. Each individual could one day bear the future of their respective nations.

In other words, even one casualty could result in tremendous loss.

Thus, it was explained that first-year students with little practical experience would handle simple tasks, while second-year students would participate in proper subjugations.

“Of course, reckless actions are permissible. Even if problems arise, the professors will take responsibility. However, lost limbs or lives cannot be restored, so keep that in mind.”

“··· ···”

In other words, don’t act rashly and end up dying a fool’s death—just follow the instructions.

Given their youthful energy, the professors must exercise extra caution. It’s understandable.

“However, there are individuals who don’t require separate guidance. Are there any students who have repeatedly subjugated large-type monsters like ogres on their own?”

As soon as I heard the question, I quietly raised my hand. Kara, who was sitting on the edge, did the same.

Looking around, it seemed only the two of us had raised our hands. While groups might be common, solo subjugations—especially multiple ones—were rare.

“As expected. During this practical training, you two will be tasked with protecting the other students. Keep that in mind.”

“··· ···”

“If you dislike this, you’re free to move independently. However, you’ll need to write a much more detailed report.”

“Ugh.”

This is how they implement a balance patch. They’re granting freedom but demanding more investigation in return.

Still, it’s much better than restricting attack rights. Kara and I weren’t students who needed protection anyway.

I plan to take this seriously, as I bear some responsibility for the situation. Besides, Grace will also be there to guard me.

“The practical training will take place once a week and will continue until the outer areas are stabilized. Does anyone have any questions?”

“What happens to the herbs we find or the beasts we hunt?”

“Most of them will be used for research in non-combat roles. Appropriate compensation will be provided, so don’t worry.”

For Ellie’s sake, I’ll have to work hard. I should ask her later if there’s anything she needs.

Incidentally, I should also consult Porori. That guy frequently roamed the forest, so he might know the details.

Perhaps he even noticed the severity of the situation and preemptively reduced the population. If only the outer areas are dealt with, it’ll be easier.

“I can’t stress this enough, but safety is the top priority. Especially the creatures pushed to the outer areas—they’re different from the monsters you know. Even if they lost in competition, their cunning nature remains.”

That’s an important point. Being at the top in an ordinary school is different from being at the top in a prestigious one.

And the Forest of Chaos is a top-tier region. You can never let your guard down against monsters pushed out from such a place.

‘No matter how I think about it, I can’t understand why they built a school in a place like this.’

From what I’ve roughly heard, the First Hero founded the Academy, but I’m really curious about what they were thinking.

They probably thought it would be good training for the students. At least the monsters rarely come outside.

Occasionally, bizarre spirit beasts like Porori appear, but they don’t leave the forest. In fact, without a special compass, they can’t even come out.

“You may form teams with whoever you wish. However, make sure to inform your guardian. The guardians include the professors, teaching assistants, and the two who raised their hands earlier, making a total of eight.”

It seems even the teaching assistants were included since they were considered ‘guardians.’

Our class has about 30 students, so each team will consist of three to four members. Grace is automatically included, so I’ll have to find the rest.

“Yeonju, would you like to join us?”

“Sure.”

Correction. Lee Yeonju is also automatically included.

Those two are practically a set, like a hamburger and cola. That leaves just one more person.

This practical training isn’t about balance or anything like that. The purpose is strictly investigation and reconnaissance.

As long as you write a report based on what you see and hear, anyone can get a good grade. If anything, this puts me at a disadvantage.

“Since there are students who haven’t entered the forest yet, we plan to go in tomorrow afternoon. Also, we’ll distribute the papers summarizing the weekend’s investigations so everyone can read them.”

Marlboro handed the thick stack of papers he was holding to the front. Then, the papers were distributed row by row.

I received a paper from the front row and checked its contents. I was curious about what was written.

‘Nothing particularly noteworthy here.’

There aren’t any monsters that would be too much for a student to handle. However, there are monsters that would be too much for an individual to deal with.

If you form a team, it’s possible to go beyond investigation and even engage in subjugation. It’s all for safety, after all.

[Discovered a squirrel approximately the size of a large dog. The squirrel fled immediately upon encountering the investigation team.]

“··· ···”

What an incredibly helpful investigation. By the way, what is Porori doing instead of staying by Ellie’s side?

I think I’ll need to meet Porori after today’s class. It would be nice to see Ellie after a long time too.

Ellie has been busy with her midterm exams, so we haven’t met recently. To make matters worse, she’s also under disciplinary action, so she must be worried.

I slowly skimmed through the paper before neatly folding it in half. Aside from Porori, there wasn’t much to worry about.

After all the classes ended for the day, I arranged to meet Ellie after a long time.

“Oh. You’re going into the forest too? I’m going as well.”

“?”

What is she talking about now? Marlboro didn’t mention anything like this.

“The professor recommended me. But they told me to stick to being protected and not to do anything unnecessary.”

I have a feeling she’s going to do something unnecessary. Well, it’s Ellie, after all.

In Soul World, she’s one of the characters famous for dying in every scenario. Now I have something else to worry about.

“What about Porori?”

“Porori? You mean Ratatoskr?”

“Yeah.”

“He said he’s in the forest for his mating season and won’t be coming out for a while.”

“··· ···”

That useless bastard. Just try biting me, I dare you.