A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

TLed by NolepGuy

Chapter 122

It seems like Rize wanted me to suffer greatly and learn a lesson, but unfortunately, I have no intention of falling for a scam.

To be precise, there’s no reason for me to be scammed. I’m investing in someone whose success is guaranteed, so what scam could there possibly be?

A real con artist wouldn’t approach like that. They’d come with a cleaner appearance than Jane’s.

Of course, if Jane had money, she would’ve come dressed more neatly than she is now.

Moreover, her beauty is hidden because of her glasses, but objectively speaking, she’s pretty.

“10,000 silver coins have been withdrawn. Please check it once.”

I withdrew 10,000 silver coins from the bank. Since Jane needed to use it, it was all in cash, not a cheque.

Even though it was cash, there was no issue as it was neatly bundled in stacks of 1,000 silver coins each.

Due to technical limitations, I had to put it in a pouch, but I liked the heavy feel of it.

“Is this really 10,000 silver coins?”

“Yes.”

“······Gulp.”

Seeing the large sum of money, which is hard for a commoner to even touch, Jane swallowed nervously.

Her expression showed that she wanted to fulfill her dreams with this money right away.

However, simply handing it over like this would look strange, so some measures were necessary.

“Contract.”

“Pardon?”

“The contract. You said it was necessary.”

“Ah, ah! Yes! But before that, there’s something I want to show you!”

Saying so, Jane stepped out of the bank. I followed her, carrying the pouch of silver coins.

Jane repeatedly checked to see if I was following her and then entered a somewhat shabby-looking building.

While I was wondering if such a place existed in the Academy, Jane opened the door for me and spoke.

“This is the workshop I use! It only costs 100 silver coins a month!”

“··· ···”

Hearing the word “workshop,” I was momentarily dazed. At the same time, faint memories resurfaced.

If combat roles handle the nation’s physical strength, non-combat roles are the human resources that support the nation’s foundation.

Therefore, just as combat roles rent training grounds, non-combat roles can rent workshops to sustain their lives.

Ellie, being someone who stood out from the beginning of the school year, uses a fairly good workshop. After all, she’s a talent who researches alongside professors.

On the other hand, Jane, despite her exceptional talent, hasn’t been able to showcase it properly. She’s someone who chases ideals and has gained a reputation as an eccentric.

‘So she hasn’t given up on her dream.’

I couldn’t help but feel increasingly sympathetic. Her efforts to move step by step toward her dream stood out.

I stepped into the door Jane had opened. Although it was a workshop that only cost 100 silver coins a month, it was relatively tidy.

It only had very basic blacksmithing facilities and tools, but it had everything necessary. It seemed she had been living here since the start of the school year.

‘But surprisingly, there aren’t many works here.’

The only things that caught my eye were some iron gloves or boots. She probably barely managed to scrape together enough to make those.

Considering Jane is not a first-year but a second-year student, it was truly lacking.

She’s undoubtedly a talent since she got into the Academy, but something about her is peculiar.

People like her are often called “eccentrics,” and Jane’s type even has genius-level talent to back it up.

‘When she’s corrupted, she treats other humans like monkeys, so…’

Jane is a case where her abnormal level of genius became a poison.

Imagine explaining a smartphone to someone from a time before smartphones were invented.

Naturally, people from the old era would dismiss it as nonsense. But Jane could actually create that smartphone herself.

“Please wait a moment! There’s something I want to show you before we write the contract!”

While I was looking around the shabby workshop, Jane headed somewhere.

Soon after, I heard clattering noises like “thud, bang, crash!” and she returned with something.

It was a gemstone with an overall bluish hue, and I knew what it was.

“Do you know what this is?”

“No.”

Even if I knew, I had to pretend not to. That was a rather important mineral.

Jane nodded as if she expected my answer and began explaining in an excited tone.

“This is a mineral called ‘Magic Stone.’ As the name suggests, it reacts to mana. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this stone allows the fusion of science and magic.”

Hearing that, one might feel a bit puzzled. Isn’t infusing mana into weapons also a reaction?

This needs to be interpreted differently. Infusing mana into weapons is closer to “enhancement,” while the Magic Stone is closer to “connection.”

A sword made of steel cannot contain magic, but if even a small amount of Magic Stone is included, it becomes possible.

Therefore, for the so-called “Magic Swordsman” build, this mineral is essential. If Jane isn’t nurtured, one would have to invest in Magic Stones for a lifetime.

“Santia achieved tremendous progress by combining science with Magic Stones. Furthermore, without Magic Stones, humanity wouldn’t have developed as it has today.”

Well, considering steam locomotives are running just fine, I think that’s not entirely true.

Magic Stones play a role similar to semiconductors on Earth, but they cannot replace resources like coal or oil.

The reason is that they require mana to react. That’s why mana locomotives aren’t being used, and steam locomotives are.

“Hmm······ I’m not sure if I’ve explained this in a way you can understand. Ah! I’m not being sarcastic, I swear!”

No one said anything, though.

She probably said that out of embarrassment, thinking her words might have sounded rude to me.

In reality, I hadn’t said a word and was quietly listening, but it showed Jane’s personality.

“Ah, anyway, Magic Stones are extremely rare minerals. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re on par with Mithril. It was pure luck that I got this one.”

“Who gave it to you?”

“My grandfather gifted it to me.”

Jane’s parents had already passed away. This is tied to the darker side of Santia.

There’s no significant meaning in discussing it now, so I’ll skip over it. Just as science advances, shadows inevitably follow.

“I need this Magic Stone to achieve my dream, but… as you know, I don’t have money, so I turned my attention elsewhere. If I can’t have a Magic Stone, I’ll create something that can replace it!”

Jane clenched the Magic Stone tightly and exclaimed. Here is where her true nature and genius would shine.

The reason even professors dismissed her ideas as nonsense. The critical reason why demons become significantly stronger when she’s corrupted.

“I’ve found a way to replace Magic Stones! Although the production process is complicated and it’s only a theory for now, I’m confident! I can create a substitute material!”

Iron Man built a small arc reactor in a cave using only scraps. He relied solely on his intellect.

“As long as I can produce a similar effect, that’s all that matters, isn’t it? The professors said it’s impossible, but I just need to experiment.”

And Jane plans to invent a substitute material for Magic Stones in this shabby workshop.

As I explained earlier, Magic Stones are akin to semiconductors on Earth. Jane is personally crafting such a semiconductor.

Comparing the value of Magic Stones to the material Jane will invent, the latter is overwhelmingly superior.

It’s an achievement so monumental that it would cause massive ripples not just in the story but across the entire world.

“Then, I’ll realize my dream. Mechanical limbs for those with physical disabilities! Tremendous strength for ordinary people suffering from monsters! Greater efficiency for those doing manual labor!”

She doesn’t even realize what she’s creating. I can’t tell if she’s a genius or a fool.

Without even being aware of her groundbreaking invention, she’s solely focused on machines.

The sadder part is that Jane’s inventions all have significant potential to be used for “military power.”

A randomly conscripted soldier defeating a knight is impossible. But if Jane gets involved?

Not only would military power skyrocket, but dominating the world’s hegemony would become effortless. The balance itself would be destroyed.

‘Once she truly stands out, she’ll even face assassination threats······’

Though she’s not as fragile as Ellie, she’s undoubtedly one of the individuals who must be protected at all costs.

If it’s not feasible, I might ask Kara to ensure she’s under the Tatars’ protection. Santia is far too dangerous.

“Ahem. Ahem. I apologize. I got a bit too excited. Do you have any questions by chance?”

“No.”

“Understood. Then I’ll prepare the contract.”

Jane said that and brought out two sheets of paper and two pens. Since there’s no printer in this world, we had to write it by hand.

However, an unexpected issue arose here.

“Uh······ how do you write a contract again?”

“··· ···”

Neither Jane nor I had ever written a contract before.

While she probably knew it involved terms like “party A” and “party B,” she wouldn’t know much beyond that. This highlighted Jane’s clumsiness.

“First, party A is Mr. Sivar, and I’m party B, but······ party B pledges body and soul in exchange for receiving investment funds? No, that’s not it.”

Jane struggled for a while, trying to draft the contract. This was a part I remembered even from the Soul World, so I waited patiently.

Eventually, a decent contract would be written, and all I had to do was wait quietly. Most importantly, I wasn’t going to be scammed.

“Hmm······ would something like this work?”

“You don’t know?”

“··· ···”

Jane let out a hollow laugh, her face filled with exhaustion. It clearly conveyed her thoughts—why am I even asking this person?

I could fully understand her feelings, so I didn’t say anything further. First, I needed to check the contract.

‘······But even I don’t really understand it.’

This was the first time I had ever received a contract. Even on Earth, I’d never dealt with one before.

On top of that, maybe because I still hadn’t fully mastered the language, I felt too lazy to read it. Besides, it’s not like she would’ve written anything strange.

With that thought, I skimmed through it and picked up the pen. All I had to do was sign at the bottom of the contract.

“You just need to sign here.”

“Okay.”

“Before you sign, it wouldn’t hurt to think it over again. Just listening to me is enough to make me happy.”

Ugh. She’s really too kind for her own good. I subtly raised my head to meet Jane’s gaze.

Jane wasn’t just making empty words; she was smiling brightly. It was a smile that seemed closer to one of relief.

Honestly, she could’ve just closed her eyes and scammed me, but she was considerate to the very end. This only made me care even more.

Swoosh—scratch—

I wrote my name in the signature field. Instead of ‘Sivar,’ I wrote ‘Damn.’

It didn’t really matter since they were practically the same anyway. Plus, it wasn’t written in Korean, so there shouldn’t be any issues.

Most importantly, the investment fund was 10,000 silver coins. I’d have to extend the contract later, but I could bring Kara along when the time came.

“Thank you. Please keep one copy of the contract, Mr. Sivar. Ah, before that, you mentioned wanting a mechanical arm, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, excuse me for a moment. I need to take some measurements.”

That wasn’t a problem. Following her request, I stood up from my seat.

As I stretched out my arm, she brought out a measuring tape and began taking measurements here and there.

The awkward expression she had earlier was gone, and her serious demeanor while measuring struck me as impressive.

“Hmm······ I noticed from afar, but your arms are quite long. Your hands are large too. Is there anything else you’d like to request?”

“There’s one thing.”

“Please, tell me.”

“Here.”

I pointed to the palm of my hand, marking a circular spot. To explain in more detail, I used the pen.

However, Jane tilted her head, still not understanding my intent.

In the future, she’d be someone who installed laser cannons on demons, but for now, she seemed to lack experience.

“Drilling a hole isn’t difficult, but······ may I ask why?”

“Step outside for a moment.”

When I suggested stepping outside, Jane looked puzzled but obediently followed.

Once we were outside, I pointed my finger toward the sky.

‘Just in case the Lord is watching······’

Pew!

A red beam shot out from the tip of my finger. Since I had reduced the output to the minimum, it didn’t travel far.

As you can see, what I wanted was to shoot lasers from my palm, just like Iron Man.

Of course, to me, it was more like a ‘toy’ and wouldn’t have much practical use.

“Oh······! Ohhh! Ohhhhhhh!!”

But what I was aiming for was Jane’s inspiration. The moment she saw my death beam, her eyes widened, and she let out an exclamation.

As I mentioned earlier, Jane was someone capable of installing laser cannons on demons. She just hadn’t thought of it yet.

“How is it? Do you get it now?”

“Yes! I understand what you want! Ah! And if you don’t mind, could you visit the workshop often? I’d like to research your techniques, Mr. Sivar!”

“Do as you please.”

“Thank you! Truly, thank you!”

Jane kept bowing repeatedly, almost excessively.

With this, there would be no further strengthening of demons. Though it meant I’d have more to keep an eye on, it was worth it.

“If you need money, just let me know.”

“Thank you! I’ll make sure to produce great results!”

With Jane’s enthusiastic farewell, I left the workshop.

Since I’d need to earn money diligently from now on, I should probably start paying attention to stocks.

Hunting monsters was fine, but to make a lot of money at once, nothing beat stocks.

“Sivar!”

“Yeah?”

I was on my way back to the dormitory, lost in thought, when a familiar woman’s voice called out to me.

Turning around, I saw Kara waving at me from afar. Since it was the weekend, she was wearing a simple sleeveless shirt.

Her bronzed skin radiated health, momentarily catching my eye. Before I knew it, she had approached and started talking to me.

“Where are you coming from? Judging by your lack of weapons, it’s not hunting.”

“What about you, Kara?”

“As usual, I just finished offering tributes. But what’s that paper in your hand?”

Kara noticed the contract in my hand and looked puzzled. I suddenly realized my mistake.

I should’ve kept it in my pocket, but I’d forgotten while walking absentmindedly. Now, it was bound to be discovered.

I rolled my eyes nervously and quietly hid the contract behind my back. It was an obviously suspicious move, but Kara might let it slide.

“It’s nothing.”

“······Really? Then why is your name written on it?”

So she’d seen that much. This was going to be a real problem.

After agonizing over it, I reluctantly showed her the contract I had hidden behind my back.

Better to face the music now than later; I might as well try convincing Kara from the start.

Kara raised an eyebrow as she took the contract and began reading it slowly.

Surely, the next thing I’d hear would be her scolding me. After all, she’d repeatedly warned me to be wary of con artists······

“······Sivar?”

“Yeah······”

“Did you buy a slave or something?”

“······What?”

A slave? What on earth was she talking about?

Bracing myself for a scolding, I slowly raised my head to meet her gaze.

Kara reread the contract, her expression puzzled, before explaining it to me.

“Whoever wrote this, it’s ridiculous. Voluntary slavery, or what?”

“··· ···”

“Tear this up immediately and write a new one. It says ‘Party A’ and ‘Party B,’ but this is no different from a slave contract. If anyone finds out, you’ll be expelled on the spot.”

I wasn’t the one being scammed—Jane was. And she had willingly fallen for it.

Now I understood why, in the Corruption Route, all her inventions were taken away. I could see the bigger picture.

“Could it be she wrote this on purpose? To get you expelled because she doesn’t like you?”

Jane’s intelligence wasn’t sharp enough for that. I was certain of it after today.

[Faith Increases!]

Does Lord Chaos want to see me get expelled?