How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 29

“Huff! Huff!”

Despite the finals being over, the lights in the training ground were still on.

Thwack!

“Hey, Kyle. What’s got you so fired up again?”

Fabian asked as he sat down, placing his long spear on the ground. Kyle, who was vigorously swinging his sword, glanced over at Fabian.

“It’s nothing.”

“Yeah, right. You’re swinging your sword this late, and it’s nothing?”

Fabian asked again, with an amused expression. Kyle just gave a faint smile and continued his practice.

“Hah!”

“Kyle, come on. Tell me why you’re doing this.”

“Fabian, aren’t you going to train?”

“Is this because of the Dungeon Studies exam?”

“…”

Thud!

Kyle paused for a moment at Fabian’s question, then shook his head.

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then what?”

“I just feel like I can’t stay like this.”

“What?”

Fabian asked with a confused expression, but Kyle kept swinging his sword in silence.

“…”

Fabian watched Kyle quietly for a moment before picking up his spear and starting his own practice.

After a while, both of them put down their weapons and lay down on the ground, exhausted. Fabian turned his head to look at Kyle.

“Are you upset?”

“Hm?”

“Are you upset that we didn’t get the top score? Honestly, I’m still pissed off that we lost. I can’t believe it.”

“I wasn’t that upset. Just…”

“Ha, if you’re not upset, then why are you swinging your sword like a madman after the exam?”

Fabian chuckled and continued talking.

“I honestly can’t stand Kamon Vade.”

To Fabian, Kamon Vade was an unpleasant figure. Despite his impressive background and potential, Kamon’s arrogant and reckless attitude clashed with Fabian’s own values. If Kyle hadn’t been involved with Kamon, Fabian would have been the first to confront and teach Kamon a lesson.

“Did Kamon do something to you?”

“No, not really. It’s just his whole demeanor.”

“What about it?”

“It’s just…”

Fabian trailed off, then continued as he looked at Kyle.

“He’s annoying.”

“…?”

“Who likes someone who acts all high and mighty just because they’re from a good family and have talent?”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I’ve never gotten along with people like that.”

Fabian shook his head and continued.

“Besides, there’s a rumor going around that he cheated on the exam by getting the test answers beforehand.”

“Cheating?”

“He supposedly had all the items needed to beat the boss monsters in the dungeon. Without that, there’s no way he could’ve beaten us so quickly.”

Fabian shrugged, but Kyle shook his head slightly.

“That’s probably not true.”

“Huh? What do you mean, Kyle? Do you know something?”

“No, not really…”

Kyle trailed off, then got up from the ground.

“Kamon was serious.”

“What?”

“Did you see Kamon’s expression after the exam?”

“No, why would I look at that?”

“I don’t know how these rumors started, but I think they’re nonsense. Ungh!”

Kyle stood up and picked up his sword again.

“That’s why we need to get stronger.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Fabian shook his head with a smirk as he watched Kyle grip his sword.

“Anyway, you’re saying you want to get stronger, right? Then you’re definitely fired up.”

Fabian laughed and picked up his spear, standing up.

“Then let me join you. I’ll help.”

And so, the two of them continued their training late into the night, pushing themselves to their limits.

* * *

Back at the dormitory, I immediately opened the mini-fridge.

Gulp, gulp!

“Ah, finally, I feel alive.”

Drinking a cold apple juice, I felt as if everything that had been weighing me down was washed away.

I nodded to myself, feeling the weight of my pockets.

“Hmm, today’s haul was better than I expected.”

I took out the steak and lobster I had brought from the cafeteria, along with cookies for dessert, and even some Madeleine in fancy packaging.

“With this, I won’t have to worry about food for at least a week.”

I organized the things in my pockets and looked at my secret stash, feeling satisfied.

“This is the life.”

Living wasn’t just about achieving set goals. There needed to be a sense of abundance and fulfillment.

Thud!

I threw myself onto the bed.

“Home is the best.”

There was nothing better than relaxing in the comfort of my own space. Full stomach, comfortable body. What could be better?

I definitely didn’t want to go out and get bothered by others.

“…The outside world is dangerous.”

Alright, it’s just two weeks, but for the rest of the vacation, I won’t leave my bed unless absolutely necessary. It’s a reward for myself for all the hard work.

As I was indulging in my thoughts and enjoying my rest, I heard a knock on the door.

Who could it be? Bren?

“…Bren?”

As I called out his name and approached the door, an unexpected voice responded.

“It’s me, Kamon.”

“…Huh?”

“The supervisor. Open the door.”

It was the voice of the maid supervisor I had become quite familiar with.

But.

‘Why is she here all of a sudden? This feels ominous.’

“I’m a bit tired today…”

“Open the door.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

Her firm tone left me with no choice but to open the door.

Creak!

“Hello, Kamon?”

As always, the maid supervisor greeted me with a bright smile, and I awkwardly raised my hand in response.

“Uh, hi. But, what’s this about…?”

Before I could finish my question, she handed me something and muttered.

“It’s a letter from Professor Xavier.”

“…Professor Xavier?”

Where had I heard that name before?

“Yes, he’s the head of the Magic Department.”

“Why would he send me a letter?”

“I don’t know. You should read it for yourself. I’ll be on my way now.”

She was about to leave but suddenly stopped and looked back at me.

“Oh, and congratulations on avoiding expulsion, Kamon. Goodbye.”

The unexpected congratulation left me speechless.

Thud!

With her job done, she closed the door and left. Holding the letter, I quickly tore it open to see what it said.

**Kamon Vade, I have something to discuss with you. Come to my office by 10 AM tomorrow.
– Professor Phelan Xavier**

“What? All of a sudden?”

Startled by the unexpected content, I stared at the letter with trembling eyes.

* * *

Following the letter’s instructions, I headed towards Professor Xavier’s office. The person who sent this letter was likely waiting for me now.

I could understand someone wanting to see me, but…

‘Phelan Xavier.’

The name alone brought back a sense of foreboding. He was a character from the original story. Not a major one, but significant enough. An old-fashioned stickler for honor and reputation, who tried to use Kyle for his benefit and ended up retiring in disgrace after his plan backfired.

‘In a way, he’s somewhat like Kamon…’

Why would such a character suddenly want to see me?

“Sigh.”

Before I knew it, I had reached his office. I took a deep breath and was about to knock on the door.

Bang!

“Damn it! That bastard!”

From inside, I heard someone cursing in frustration.

“…?”

What the hell?

Was there a fight going on inside?

Just then, the door flew open and a red-faced, white-bearded old man stormed out, only to stop and look at me with a puzzled expression.

“Hmm? Kamon?”

“Uh, hello, Professor Xavier.”

The old man was none other than Professor Phelan Xavier, head of the Magic Department.

“Ah, right. We had an appointment. Come in!”

So, he had forgotten?

Following his lead, I stepped into the office, and he asked,

“Tea? Coffee? Anything you’d like?”

“…I’ll just have water, please.”

“Water’s fine.”

Thud, thud!

Still irritated, Professor Xavier stomped around the office as he fetched my drink.

‘Why is he so angry? And why did he call me here?’

While I pondered these questions, he placed a bottle of water on the table.

“Here, mineral water from McGall Lake. It’s quite expensive, so don’t spill it.”

“Oh, thank you.”

The water had a slight sweetness, confirming its high quality.

‘This really must be expensive water.’

As I enjoyed the refreshing drink, Professor Xavier spoke again.

“So, you have an idea why I called you?”

“No?”

What the heck is he talking about?

Professor Xavier stroked his white beard and continued.

“The guests at this year’s Magic Society seminar aren’t ordinary. We must ensure its success.”

“…What?”

Wait a minute. This doesn’t sound good.

Given that he mentioned the Magic Society seminar, could it be?

“Well, considering your exceptional talent, Kamon, I’m not too worried. But remember, it’s rare for a freshman to get the opportunity to perform a magic demonstration.”

“Cough!”

“Don’t spill it!”

A magic demonstration?

So, he wants me to perform at the seminar?

Out of nowhere?

“Um, Professor.”

“Hm?”

“Are you saying I’ll be performing at this year’s Magic Society seminar…?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s a great honor for any student affiliated with the society.”

What the fuck.

Honor, my ass. What a load of crap.

And why on earth is he suddenly asking me to do this?