How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 28

The next day.

It was already noon by the time I went out for lunch. As I was passing through the academy square, I noticed something unusual.

‘What’s going on? Why are there so many people?’

Curious about the large crowd of students, I focused my attention on them. They were gathered around a gigantic bulletin board in the center of the square, chattering excitedly.

“Wow, look at that. Five A+s. That’s insane….”

“I heard they almost got A+ in every subject. It’s just recorded as P. I overheard another professor talking about it.”

Ah, so the grades are out already?

As I slowly approached and listened in, I caught snippets of their conversation.

“Hey, it’s the top student of the year. They should be getting those grades.”

“Yeah, I heard they got the highest score in Dungeon Studies this semester too. It’s the first A+ in Professor Delon’s class in three years.”

Most of the students were marveling at the incredible grades Chelsea Artin had achieved.

“So, are there less than ten students who got all A or higher this semester?”

“Chelsea, Fabian, Janus, Closer, Kyle… and even Princess Francia.”

As the students chattered about this semester’s top scorers, the conversation soon shifted.

“Wow, but what’s with all the Fs and Ds?”

“Crazy. That Delon guy is a total nutcase.”

The students shook their heads, staring at the report cards showing that more than half had failed.

“So, do we have to retake that course?”

“No, apparently you can’t even retake it if you got a D.”

“Why is he giving such grades in a compulsory liberal arts course, not even a major?”

“Hey, that professor is notorious. Anyone who took his class without knowing that is an idiot.”

“But isn’t that course only for freshmen? Unless you have upperclassmen friends or someone who knows, how would you get that information?”

“True….”

“So, apologize to me.”

“What?”

“Apologize to me, now.”

“What the hell, you crazy? Did you take that class?”

“Yeah, damn it!”

The group of students laughed and cursed at each other. Most of it was nonsense, but there was some truth in what they said.

‘What kind of professor gives out so many failing grades in a freshman liberal arts course?’

I nodded vigorously, deeply agreeing with the students’ sentiments.

At that moment.

“What’s with the C-? Didn’t they get the highest score in the Dungeon Studies final?”

“Hey, you can’t get an A just from the final exam. They skipped the midterms and had a lot of absences.”

“Wow, lucky them. Getting scores for being in the same group as the top student.”

“Jealous? If you wanted that, you should’ve been in Chelsea’s group too. Haha.”

“…”

Oh, they were talking about me?

The group was laughing and discussing my grades.

C-.

A grade that barely avoided a retake and failure.

‘Well, that’s good enough.’

I had no reason to aim for high grades at the academy. I just needed to maintain a score that would keep me from being expelled.

…Seriously.

It’s not just self-consolation; I mean it!

“As long as I keep avoiding failing grades, I’ll be fine.”

Just as I was muttering to myself, one of the students glanced my way.

And then.

“K-Kamon?”

They stammered, calling my name in shock.

“What? Kamon?”

“D-Did he hear us?”

The students who had been laughing and talking moments ago started looking at me with surprise and caution.

I stared at them silently.

“…”

The ones who had been frozen with tense expressions quickly averted their eyes and slinked away as if they were fleeing.

“Hah, what a letdown.”

Gurgle.

“Forget it, I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”

* * *

“Welcome, Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while. I’m sorry I haven’t visited more often, Professor.”

“Haha, no need to apologize. Freshmen are often overwhelmed just trying to keep up with classes. It’s completely understandable.”

Professor Phelan Xavier, the head of the Magic Department, greeted Princess Francia with a hearty laugh.

The old man, with his mostly bald head, white beard, and plump figure, had twinkling eyes.

“So, what brings you here, Your Highness…?”

“It’s nothing special. I heard there’s a magic society seminar happening this vacation.”

“Ah, I see. Just so you know, you are, of course, invited as an honored guest.”

Professor Phelan nodded immediately and responded.

Princess Francia shook her head slightly with a faint smile.

“No, that’s not why I’m here…”

“Then what brings you here?”

“Have the students who will perform magic demonstrations at the seminar been selected yet?”

“Magic demonstrations?”

“Yes.”

At Princess Francia’s nod, Professor Phelan tilted his head in confusion. Despite her status as a princess, the handling of the Magic Society seminar was under his jurisdiction as the chief professor and the head of the society. Her inquiry could be seen as highly inappropriate. However, he maintained his composure and smiled warmly as he responded.

“The selection has not been finalized yet. We have a candidate list, though. May I ask why you are interested?”

At his question, Princess Francia’s eyes darkened slightly.

‘Why? It’s because…’

She recalled Sol Crensh, who had visited her a few days ago. Introducing himself as Kamon’s former confidant, he claimed to know all of Kamon’s behavior patterns and principles.

– It seems Kamon Vade can’t use magic. Or, to be precise, there’s something wrong with him.

His sudden visit and absurd claims left Princess Francia bewildered.

However.

– I heard it from a group member who participated in the Dungeon Studies exam with him. He didn’t use any magic during the entire test and only relied on items.

‘….’

He didn’t use magic during the Dungeon Studies exam? Why?

Moreover, he explained that Kamon used to abuse magic as easily as breathing. But since his suspension and demotion, he hadn’t been seen using magic.

‘Could there really be something wrong?’

Though she didn’t fully trust Sol Crensh’s words, it was worth verifying if something had indeed changed with Kamon Vade.

Therefore.

“I was wondering if Kamon Vade, or rather Kamon, is among those candidates.”

“Kamon?”

Professor Phelan’s expression showed brief surprise at Princess Francia’s sudden answer, but he quickly nodded and continued speaking.

“Yes. Kamon is indeed a strong candidate for performing magic at the seminar. Is that what you were curious about, Your Highness?”

Professor Phelan chuckled as he replied, and Princess Francia responded with a bright smile.

“Ah, I see. Thank you for the information.”

“Haha, no problem, Your Highness. If you have any other questions or requests in the future, please feel free to come to me. I am always at your service.”

Though he tried to smile kindly, the old professor’s grin appeared more sly than sincere.

‘Always at my service? He just wants to leverage royal power.’

Princess Francia knew well the true nature of Professor Phelan. Ambitious and power-hungry. She believed such a person could be manipulated to her advantage.

Seeing him act exactly as she had anticipated brought a genuinely satisfied smile to her face.

“Thank you, Professor Phelan. I look forward to your continued support.”

“Of course, anytime! Hahaha.”

* * *

“As expected, it’s Chelsea. Once again, she got A+ in all but one subject… Truly the top student of the year?”

“Thank you.”

Despite Professor Deyan’s praise, Chelsea’s eyes were fixated on the sole A on her report card, from the Introductory Magic subject.

“With these outstanding grades, you will be receiving a full scholarship and a top student scholarship next semester as well.”

“Ah, yes.”

One of the main reasons Chelsea clung to the top student position was articulated by Professor Deyan.

“Your dormitory and tuition fees will be covered by the full scholarship, and the top student scholarship will be issued at the start of the next semester from the administration office.”

“Yes, Professor.”

“You’ve worked hard this semester. Let’s aim for all A+ next semester, alright?”

Despite Professor Deyan’s bright smile, Chelsea responded with a stoic nod.

As she stepped outside after the counseling session, Chelsea felt the cold winter wind against her cheek.

“It’s over.”

The second semester had officially ended, and she had managed to maintain her position as the top student. However…

Clutching her report card, she crumpled it slightly to remove the bothersome A from the Introductory Magic subject from her sight.

‘Kamon Vade.’

While the single A didn’t significantly impact her—only a 0.1 point difference—it was a significant blow to Chelsea, who prided herself on perfection and achieving her goals.

“….”

But Chelsea soon shook her head to quell the anger that had been rising within her.

‘If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have gotten an A+ in Dungeon Studies.’

Chelsea, always harshly self-critical, realized while reviewing the practical exam that without Kamon Vade’s performance, she wouldn’t have surpassed Kyle’s group’s score.

“He takes one and gives one?”

Thanks to Kamon’s erratic behavior, she lost the grade in Introductory Magic but gained the highest score in Dungeon Studies.

“He’s truly unpredictable.”

Whether he was beneficial or detrimental remained unclear.

“Forget it. As long as I avoid getting entangled with him from now on.”

Chelsea concluded her thoughts about Kamon Vade and nodded firmly, speaking decisively.

“I just need to work harder. Focus on that.”

Resolving to keep her top student position in the upcoming third semester and aiming for all A+ this time, Chelsea steeled her determination.