How to Survive as the Academy’s Villain

Chapter 170

I spent several days hiding out in my dorm room, trying to avoid the endless barrage of people pestering me to recount my experience in the ‘Novice Challenge.’

Then, when the buzz and excitement about the challenge had finally died down a bit, I cautiously stepped out of my dorm room.

But right then…

“Kamon Vade!”

A group of people called my name and approached me aggressively.

‘Who are they?’

*Thud, thud!*

The sound of their heavy footsteps and the intense hostility radiating from them told me who they were.

[What the hell? Are they half-monsters or something? They look like beasts.]

That’s right. It was the *Monster Trio*, a group I had almost forgotten about.

“Kamon Vade, you son of a bitch!”

The one who was notoriously short-tempered, Mork, hurled insults at me the moment he saw me.

“Mork, calm down.”

Then Sol Crensh, their leader, stepped in, his tone cold as ice.

“Kamon, don’t you have something to say to us?”

“Huh?”

[What, did you mess something up with them?]

‘Uh, I don’t think so?’

[They’re giving off some serious killing intent. You must’ve done something. They look like they want to rip you apart.]

As Airsya muttered, I began to think.

‘Sure, we’re not exactly on friendly terms, but did I do something that bad…? Wait, could it be—’

A memory suddenly resurfaced.

“Get us into the student council.”

Back when I was dealing with Professor Beroen and Kyle’s problem, I had made a deal with the Monster Trio and promised to help them with something.

“One last time, Kamon. Do you really have nothing to say?”

“…..”

‘Crap. I completely forgot about that.’

But showing weakness would only make things worse. I straightened my face and replied coldly, keeping my expression firm.

“What are you trying to imply?”

“What?”

“Do you really think I’ve forgotten our deal, or are you accusing me of deliberately ignoring it like some kind of trash?”

“…..”

The atmosphere shifted. Sol’s expression wavered, and a look of tension appeared on Mork and Crollin’s faces.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m disappointed.”

As I spoke confidently, the Monster Trio seemed to sense that something was off.

“W-Wait a minute, Kamon.”

“I haven’t had the proper chance to discuss it yet. You know how many things I’ve had to deal with…”

I trailed off before continuing in a lower tone.

“You really think something like that can just happen anytime? You guys were serious about joining the student council, weren’t you?”

“Y-Yeah, of course.”

“Obviously, we’re serious about it.”

At my question, Crollin and Mork nodded.

“Exactly. It’s not something to be done carelessly. I’ve been looking for the right opportunity for you guys.”

I threw in a subtle hint of a threat in my tone, just enough to make them reconsider their actions.

“S-Sorry, Kamon. We got a little impatient. Please forgive us.”

Sol Crensh was quick to apologize, bowing his head. Following him, Crollin and Mork, who had been scowling moments before, lowered their heads slightly in apology as well.

“I’m sorry for swearing at you earlier.”

“We thought you had forgotten about it.”

Seeing the normally tough Monster Trio acting meekly, I let out a small smile and shook my head.

“Heh, no way I’d forget.”

I turned my gaze back to them, speaking calmly.

“I never forgot. I’ve been trying to find the right chance for you guys.”

Beside me, Airsya tilted her head, puzzled.

[Didn’t you just say you forgot? Are you lying now?]

‘Shut up. I can’t admit that here.’

[You really are just like me. No, you’re exactly like me. Heh.]

Airsya’s mocking comparison to herself stung a bit, but there was no other choice in this situation.

“…..”

The Monster Trio still looked unsure, casting glances at me nervously.

Watching them, I couldn’t help but think.

‘Damn, these guys… I could really use— No, wait. What the hell am I thinking?’

I quickly pushed the thought away. I wasn’t going to stoop to Airsya’s level of manipulation. My method acting as Kamon Vade was starting to affect my way of thinking.

‘Gotta be careful. I’m Kang Hyunsoo, not Kamon Vade.’

Even so, I couldn’t help but wonder.

‘Do they seriously want to join the student council that badly?’

Though I didn’t fully understand their reasons, their eagerness seemed genuine.

“Wait for the right moment. I’ll talk to Cecilia, the student council president. I’m not sure about Rosen, but Cecilia is more likely to agree.”

“Thanks, Kamon.”

They seemed sincere as they expressed their gratitude, and I simply nodded with a smile.

***

A few days later, I found myself visiting the headmistress’s office at Flance Imperial Academy.

“You’re here?”

As always, Beatrice, the Red Mage, greeted me with that peculiar smile.

“…I think it’s time for you to give me an answer.”

“An answer? What answer?”

“Are you really going to keep pretending you don’t know?”

The reason I had risked everything to succeed in the ‘Novice Challenge’—it was to find out the root cause of the chronic problem with my body.

Beatrice, along with my master Jamie, was one of the only two people who had understood the issue with my body. At the time, she had said…

“Yes, I know the solution. In fact, even Jamie wouldn’t know this. It’s something only I know.”

She had claimed to know both the cause of my blocked mana channels and the solution, stating that only she had the answer.

The condition she had given was simple: I had to participate in the ‘Novice Challenge’ and successfully complete the given tasks. Only then would she provide the answers I was looking for.

“Our deal was clear, wasn’t it?”

Much like how I had reminded the Monster Trio of our previous arrangement earlier that morning, I was now demanding Beatrice fulfill her side of the bargain.

“Hmmm.”

Beatrice made a strange sound and shook her head.

Then, in a casual tone, she said:

“Let’s have some tea first. No need to rush. We’ve got plenty of time.”

“Headmistress?”

“Oh, come on. What do I always tell you to call me when we’re alone?”

“……”

With a playful grin, Beatrice teased me, and I chose to remain silent.

“Wow, why so serious? If someone saw us, they’d think I was breaking promises or something.”

[Haha, now the roles are reversed.]

Airsya commented, noting that Beatrice was throwing my own words back at me, much like I had done with the Monster Trio earlier. I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh internally.

‘How is this the same thing?’

[Depends on the perspective. Don’t you think those guys felt the same way?]

‘…’

For once, Airsya seemed to hit the nail on the head, and I was left momentarily speechless. Nodding, I picked up the teacup in front of me.

*Sip, clink.*

“The flavor and aroma are nice.”

I sipped the tea slowly, savoring its fragrance and taste. Seeing my composed demeanor, Beatrice’s expression began to change as well.

“What’s this? Your mood’s suddenly better. A moment ago, you were all sharp and cold.”

“With you, Beatrice—no, with you, sis—I’m sure you’ll tell me when the time is right. After all, we do have plenty of time.”

Even though I wasn’t really in a position to be patient, there was no point in pushing her or rushing things.

‘Thanks, Airsya.’

[Huh? What for?]

Airsya’s sharp remark had helped clear the cloud of impatience and urgency that had clouded my mind.

With a cooler head, I realized there was no need to force a resolution here and now.

‘I just need to take my time. In the end, the one who’s desperate will always lose.’

Like with the Monster Trio earlier, the key was to stay calm and in control. Their impatience had handed the upper hand to me.

‘This time is no different.’

As the acting headmistress, Beatrice needed visible achievements, and this ‘Novice Challenge’ was one of her major successes. The team that had the greatest impact on this success was mine, with Princess Francia at the forefront. As she had promised the best rewards to our group, the spotlight was now on us.

If I pushed her too hard now, Beatrice would be the one holding the reins of control.

‘She’s got the upper hand for now.’

Every situation follows a complex chain of cause and effect, and within that chain are subtle power dynamics. I needed to stay mindful of these dynamics and maintain my cool.

“Sip.”

Taking another sip of tea, I sat with a newfound calm, a look of quiet determination on my face. Beatrice, noticing this, smiled softly.

“You really are interesting, Kamon.”

“What do you mean?”

“You just keep surprising me. Honestly, I expected you to get angry or push me for answers right away.”

Beatrice spoke as if she had anticipated my reactions all along. She sipped her tea leisurely before continuing.

“I’ve been observing your actions closely. You’re a real anomaly—always acting outside of expectations. I think that’s probably why you succeeded in the ‘Novice Challenge’ as well.”

“…”

“You’re a wild card, Kamon Vade. And to me, that’s very important—both professionally and personally.”

Still cryptic in her words, Beatrice continued to speak, and I listened quietly, waiting for her to make her point.

*Drip.*

Perhaps satisfied with my silence, Beatrice stood up from her seat and walked over to the window of her office.

“Many things are changing. Complex events are unfolding all around us. In this world, those with power seek to control the unknown because they fear having their authority shaken. That’s why the other professors here are keeping such a close eye on me.”

She laughed, but it was a bitter laugh filled with self-mockery. Then, walking back to me, she added:

“Don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t intend to control you, Kamon.”

“…Why not?”

“I already told you. You’re important to me.”

Her words were filled with mystery, and I couldn’t quite grasp her meaning.

[What is she even talking about?]

‘I don’t know. Let’s just listen.’

I had the sense that there was more to her words than met the eye, so I waited for her to continue.

Seeing my patient demeanor, Beatrice smirked slightly.

“Hey, aren’t you curious why I think you’re important?”

“Should I be curious?”

“No, not really. But usually, people would be, right? I mean, why would the Red Mage, the acting headmistress of the academy, think Kamon Vade is so important?”

“Well…”

I trailed off, prompting her to lean in expectantly.

“And?”

With Beatrice watching me with such anticipation, I opened my mouth.

“I’ll find out eventually. There’s plenty of time, after all.”

“What?”

“Isn’t there?”

“Haha, haha! Yes, you’re right. I just didn’t expect that kind of answer from you. Haha.”

Laughing heartily, Beatrice looked at me with a mixture of fascination and amusement.

“You really are interesting, Kamon Vade.”

Still chuckling, she placed her hand gently on my leg.

“Do you want to know why you’re so important to me?”

“Why?”

“It’s simple. You’re my only connection to my master.”

“Your master?”

“Yes. The reason your mana channels are blocked—it’s a trace left by my master.”

At long last, I learned the reason behind the issue with my body.

TL Note: Rate us on NOVEL UPDATES