A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy

Forced plummeting, water torture, explosive vests, and to top it with self-resurrection and accidental nudity.

The nudity was unintended, but it occurred nonetheless.

If all these actions originated from one individual, would you believe it? Even taking just the explosive vest incident into account, it seems like the work of a madman.

Yet, Sivar utilized every tool available to him due to the lack of the right to attack, thereby proving that he's certainly not lacking in wit.

The problem was that his methods were exceedingly ruthless. Having no right to attack, he resorted to all sorts of tactics, most of which were appalling.

"How on earth did he come up with those methods? It's even more questionable considering it's Sivar and not some other student."

"I know, right? There's this saying that humans are innately wicked; could that be the reason?"

"The theory of innate human depravity? I'm somewhat inclined to believe it."

Sivar is a wildling. He has only been part of civilization for about two months after struggling to survive in the forest.

In such a short time, it's impossible to think he ‘learned' those tricks. Didn't he spend his initial time with Rod, after all?

Therefore, it's only logical to assume he came up with these methods himself. However, the real issue is whether his actions should be considered problematic.

"If he had been given the right to attack from the beginning, none of this would have happened. It's questionable whether there was any malice in his actions."

"Malice… He may have been prioritizing efficiency in his own way, so that's something to consider."

"I don't see it as malice. He probably thought it seemed like the best option."

The professors observing Sivar concluded that he does possess a concept of morality and ethics, though it might be vague.

To survive the wild, he must have used all kinds of means and hunted various animals.

It's remarkable that his violent tendencies are low given such an environment. A few even argued that he might be less violent than Kara, who is known to be somewhat barbaric.

"Speaking of which, it was Professor Delphoi who restricted the right to attack, right?"

"Yes, the professor who never really liked Sivar from the start."

"Call that person over first."

Delphoi is the prominent professor in question. Especially opposed to the other professors, Delphoi fiercely contested the matter.

Originally, the plan was to grant the right to attack to Sivar in the name of fairness and equity.

His being too strong wasn't a problem since evaluations could be based on that strength.

Has one's survival ranking increased by avoiding Sivar? Then one could be given a higher evaluation.

After all, it is said the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

The ultimate goal of this test is to gain everything while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

"…Due to these reasons, we all have to write our explanatory reports now. Professor Delphoi, you may have to write a few more."

"… …"

"Fairness and equity vanished when you deprived Sivar of his right to attack. Do you have anything to say?"

Thus began the questioning of Delphoi, who was considered the root of all evils.

Delphoi, who had been idly researching in his lab, was caught off guard and found the situation utterly absurd.

But his astonishment quickly turned to annoyance.

"Wait a minute. Even if I proposed it, you all were the ones who accepted it, didn't you? I'm curious why I'm being singled out."

Delphoi had a point. He had merely proposed it, but it was the other professors who had accepted it.

Moreover, some professors had agreed, finding his viewpoint reasonable, so he was somewhat justified in feeling aggrieved.

"That’s true, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid responsibility. We, who were against it, have to write reports because of this, too."

"That’s…"

"Besides, what did Professor Delphoi say? That Sivar should exercise restraint from violence in order to enter civilization, right?"

Delphoi had opined that Sivar had to be controlled forcibly due to his potentially greater violence than Kara.

His logic was akin to putting a muzzle on a large dog, treating him not as a person but an animal.

Despite objection from professors including Marlboro, the proposal was sadly passed by majority vote.

It should be mentioned that those who voted in favor were from different classes and not directly responsible for teaching Sivar.

Judging merely by rumors, they agreed with Delphoi's opinion through their tinted perceptions.

"Now look at the results. Restraint from violence? Laughable. When other students are utilizing far greater violence, it's nonsensical to enforce this on Sivar alone."

"It's actually causing significant trauma to the students. Particularly those subject to water torture, who might even need counseling or hospital visits."

"Besides, it was amusing that others decided what we were supposed to determine."

Like Serah's cold comment, it was the dedicated professors' job to make these decisions. But it was as if Delphoi changed things on a whim using political maneuvering.

The academy is an institution rife with fierce competition, and professors are no exception. They are all representatives of their respective nations.

To claim there is no politicking in such a society would be nonsensical. Delphoi exploited this to his advantage and overstepped his authority.

"But didn't I tell you? That wildling attacked me unprovoked. I simply extended my hand to greet him warmly when he twisted my wrist."

As the atmosphere turned sour, Delphoi hastily interjected, referencing the incident where Sivar had put him in his place after he pestered Luna.

It was crafty of him to only recount the aspects unfavorable to Sivar, leaving out the rest.

"Did you touch her shoulder from behind, by any chance?"

"That, that's not it!"

At Yeonhwa's query, Delphoi answered with a startled tone. It was true he tried to touch Luna's shoulder, but Sivar didn't see it.

The professors also seemed unsure whether to believe Delphoi's words, tilting their heads thoughtfully.

"It's strange. The Sivar I've observed doesn’t resort to violence wantonly."

"Unless provoked, he tends to keep to himself. While he may cause some disruptions during class, he does follow instructions quite diligently."

The consensus amongst the professors was unanimously positive about Sivar. To them, Sivar was a "well-behaved student."

It might sound funny, but it's true. A student who doesn't slack off and listens attentively during lectures.

Though he may demonstrate eccentric behaviors during afternoon training or practicals, from the professors' standpoint, he was the type they couldn't help but find endearing.

"Professor Delphoi?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you maybe leaving out some of your own wrongdoing?"

It was Godin's question. He did not take Delphoi's words at face value.

It was about the time when Sivar had twisted Delphoi's wrist. Delphoi had openly slandered Sivar at that moment.

Would such a person seek a warm greeting? At least Godin didn't think so.

"…What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting I did something wrong first?"

"Well… That was poorly phrased. Did you possibly exhibit any behavior that could lead to misunderstanding?"

Faced with Godin's probing question, Delphoi flinched once again. He had indeed acted in such a manner.

But admitting it would put him at a disadvantage, so he scowled and raised his voice.

"I never did such a thing! Do I look like that kind of person to you, Professor Godin?"

"Is that so? That's strange."

"What's strange about it?"

Marlboro asked Godin since the story seemed to have inconsistencies.

"Remember the first time I reached out to Sivar's shoulder?"

"Of course, I remember. You were almost turned into a statue."

"Um… Yes. Anyway, after that, I became responsible for Sivar, and he greeted me with a handshake, even seeming pleased. Despite having reasons to dislike me from before."

"Is that so?"

It's somewhat astonishing. Despite likely harboring negative emotions, Sivar greeted him warmly.

And that's not all. If you look at Sivar's acquaintances, you'd only find genuinely kind people.

Even Kara, known to differ from her reputation, surrounds herself with decent individuals.

"Is it truly his wild instincts?"

"I don't know about that."

"Well, right now, we should proceed with the exam and think about writing our reports. I wonder how The Principal will take this."

"Maybe he will just laugh it off? Knowing him, that seems likely."

Given Rod's personality, that’s a possibility. However, he would probably not take Sivar's water torture and explosive vest incidents lightly.

Delphoi, sensing the situation cooling off, gritted his teeth and turned to leave. It felt as if all the humiliation had been heaped upon him.

‘That bastard twisted my wrist first!'

The bitterness remained. The time when Sivar twisted his wrist, even though Delphoi had just reached out to show friendliness.

And though it had a slimy desire nestled within, Delphoi didn't mind.

He only remembered the aggression that humiliated him, committed by Sivar.

"…I'll take my leave now."

"Yes. Oh, Professor Delphoi."

"What now?"

Delphoi retorted without turning around, his voice frosty.

Godin was just as frustrated with Delphoi as Sivar. Delphoi had been disliked by Godin from the start.

"You know Student Grace from the Berche Family, right?"

"Yes, what about her?"

"She wants to learn from me after the exam concludes. Could you perhaps provide me with some information on her later?"

"… …"

The question was free of malice, filled only with curiosity about the student. Yet, for Delphoi, it was deeply humiliating.

It implied that Godin's teaching would be more beneficial than his own—a blow to Delphoi's pride.

Moreover, while Grace spoke as politely as one could, her demeanor came across as condescending.

‘This guy and that one…!'

Delphoi yearned to unleash his anger. But for now, it was difficult.

He resolved to vent this frustration soon, restraining his fury as much as possible.

"…She is a good student. Good enough that even Professor Godin might struggle to teach her."

"Is that so? Then it will be a great experience for me."

Godin responded with a smile, his kind-hearted nature shining through his words.

And that only exacerbated Delphoi's irritation. Without another word, Delphoi stepped away.

The other professors, except for Godin, noticed Delphoi clenching his fists but chose not to voice it.

They had a strong premonition that a major incident was imminent. Likely, an event connected to Delphoi.

"Let's focus on the exam and think about our reports."

"Should we lift the restriction on Sivar’s right to attack now?"

"That would seem to lack principle. For now, observing is…"

Serah turned to the exam screen and began to say something but stopped abruptly. Blue eyes began to tremble ever so slightly.

Maintaining her typically unemotional demeanor, this was an unusual reaction for her. Other professors turned their heads to the screen as well.

Displayed was Sivar, now clothed and returning to his team. The issue was his behavior.

[What are you putting in that bag?]

[Bombs.]

[Bombs? Why? No, before that, why do you like bombs so much?]

Sivar was packing bombs into a bag. A bag meant for carrying various items around.

One of the objects that could be collected in the exam hall. Additionally, capacity varies by item.

[When you open it, boom!]

[… …]

The professors, including Grace, appeared speechless at Sivar's explanation.

When opened, the bag would instantly explode. It was an idea as shocking as the explosive vest.

Where on earth had he learned such things? To assume he came up with them on his own was too ingenious for words.

[…Do you have any other ideas besides that?]

[Yeah. Holes and a bucket.]

[Holes I get, but what for the bucket?]

[Bombs inside the bucket. When you drink from it, boom!]

[… …]

One after another, he came up with ideas brimming with prospective, and even Grace gave up on responding.

The professors gazed vacantly at Sivar’s antics. Finally, Marlboro let out a sigh and broke the silence.

"…Let's grant him the right to attack. This is an academy, not a training ground for terrorists."

A lingering feeling suggested they might have to write many more reports.