Episode 57. Reporting Ceremony
Ruska apologized for what he had done. His actions of going to any lengths to seek revenge were not good.
But as Enviel’s evil deeds spread throughout the Empire, the Academic Council members learned of Ruska’s past.
Why he was so strangely good, why he avoided people, and what kind of thoughts he had inside. I was able to understand it all, even if it was late.
Ruska said she would drop out if she wanted to, but everyone recommended against it.
The choice is yours. But where would you go if you left the academy? Would you settle down in a dirty back alley and fall into the same darkness?
Ruska doesn’t have a proper identity. Dropping out would only make her future bleak.
She needed a place to stay. At the very least, if she could get an Alighieri diploma, she would be able to solve her employment problem, and if that didn’t appeal to her, she could just get a job as an assistant.
The position under Dean Cage is currently vacant. Anyone with excellent skills can get in if they graduate, and Ruska would more than likely be able to fill that position.
“I want to hear the answer now.”
In the office of Cage Revola on the third floor of the Unique Hall. He was discussing future plans with Ruska Mad-Eye sitting on the sofa.
As the place was what it was, it maintained its dignity by wearing neat clothes and pretty decorations.
The bachelor’s trial ended smoothly, and Ruska was able to avoid being expelled. All that remained were the unpleasant stares that still shot at her.
“Everyone who knows you will know that your appearance has changed a lot since the Gumiho incident. However, before that, you were a completely different person. Because of that accumulated vice, there will be many people who look down on you.”
-You have to endure all kinds of pressure.
As long as the karma from my bad days remained, there would be harsh stares from others, but I would not be discouraged by that.
It would be different if my family was in danger.
“I guess you don’t want me to drop out. I don’t mean to brag, but I guess you just don’t want to throw away a talented person like me.”
Professor Cage smiled bitterly. It was a sign that he had not misjudged the matter.
Ruska’s talent could be considered innate. Even considering that they are a warrior race that inherited the protection of the Millennium Tiger, it is not easy to survive on the battlefield.
It was a result of his seasoned experience and the talent that boiled in his blood. Regardless of his lack of virtue, his skills were flawless.
It was a potential that could not be surpassed in the combat department, except for the Dokgo Daiin Lyman Begilius.
She is a talent that we would regret missing. If she graduates like this, the Academy’s reputation will rise.
A fortune has rolled into my hands, so how could I just step on it and pass it by?
“You don’t have to worry about tuition. Considering your unfortunate family history and high grades, the scholarship foundation won’t sit idly by and just suck its thumb. Are you going to just pass up this much benefit?”
“….”
As if she was worried, Ruska put her hand on her thigh.
When the department head asks, it is polite to at least say that you will think about it, but Cage was very understanding.
Because I still felt guilty, I didn’t have the confidence to speak confidently.
Cage Revola was very protective of his talents. He couldn’t help but feel frustrated when he saw a young man unable to spread his wings.
I plan to protect that stereotypical person at any time, even if he finds fault with me.
So how do you spread Ruska’s wings? What is the driving force behind it?
Cage knew what it was.
“Don’t worry, Angela. The Order of the Holy Cross has decided to protect the child.”
“…!”
Ruska looked up in surprise. Cage continued speaking.
“Do you remember when Professor Stella took Angela to the podium? It is said that at that time, a ray of light descended upon Angela and she was granted an oracle. In short, she was designated as a candidate for sainthood.”
When Ruska heard that surprising fact, her mouth fell open and her eyes twitched.
When you think about what kind of being the saint is, it is no wonder that it is more surprising.
“I thought I was going to fall over in surprise. It seems like the god they worship has a close relationship with Shinsoo, so that child was chosen.”
“….”
“Thanks to that, I decided to receive basic education there. And there is a rule that saints must enter this Alighieri for generations. I will be able to enter as a freshman next year.”
Of course, there is something that should not be overlooked. The cause was Enviel, but Angela ended up hating humans.
She also realized this fact and made a deep apology at the trial. Her willingness to accept the appropriate punishment was similar to her older sister’s.
Fortunately, however, there was no way to find out whether that hatred was a result of brainwashing or her true nature. Due to insufficient evidence, she was not subject to public punishment.
However, the cardinals would know about the child’s bad history. How they would treat Angela was the key.
“I see you’re still worried. But don’t worry. Some of those cardinals are my acquaintances. I’ve put a lot of good trust in them, so you won’t be treated unfairly.”
“then….”
“So now relax and choose the path you want.”
My younger brother’s safety was also guaranteed.
There was no need for revenge anymore.
With this, I was freed from all chains.
Although Enviel suddenly disappeared and his life or death is unknown, there was no need to destroy the Kingdom of Papyas because the source of the evil, King Talema, was completely destroyed.
Although he could not achieve it on his own, a demon suddenly appeared and crippled his limbs. Later, there was even an anecdote that he could not even use his Aura properly.
The ideology of the Papyrus Kingdom is the survival of the fittest. Considering this, Talema’s lifespan is not long. He will not be able to die and will live a hellish future.
I don’t know who it is, but in the end I can only thank that devil.
“Why are you doing this for me?”
“Don’t think too deeply about it. I just want to see you spread your wings.”
Ruska thought, Humans are truly strange creatures.
Some people use dirty tricks to prevent others from receiving medals because they are jealous of them, while others help them without gaining anything in return.
Seeing Professor Cage like that reminded Ruska of someone.
Radon Crowler, who protected himself by taking him to his room while he was unconscious. Even though he had caused harm, he always helped him.
If he hadn’t stopped Jenny on that rainy day, this outcome wouldn’t have happened.
‘Because we’re friends… .’
Ruska stood up, recalling a word Jenny had once said.
“Thank you. Then I will take my leave now.”
It was the moment when I bowed my head in greeting, walked to the door, and grabbed the handle.
“Oh, and…!”
“…?”
“That scarf. It’s very pretty.”
There was a time when I entered the Unique Hall wearing this scarf. Compared to that time when he had criticized me for my bad looks, Cage was more generous in praising me.
Then, a strange light flashed in his eyes and his hands twitched. Trying to think it was just his imagination, Ruska thanked him again and left the office.
The hallway of the Unique Pavilion was dark.
It is said that during the final exams, the lights often go out because NBL has touched the important driving force of the bachelor’s degree. However, it is vacation anyway. Everything will be restored by the end of vacation.
When the lights went out, it was so dreary that it didn’t seem fitting for the most luxurious facility in the professor’s building. Ruska, who was walking down the hallway, stepped into a place where there was light.
The bright summer sun was shining down.
It didn’t feel particularly hot.
Because it felt like he was guiding me rather than rejecting me.
“How did it turn out, Ruska?”
The girls standing under the sunlight were welcoming Ruska.
Mary and Crona were also on either side of Jenny, who spoke as if she had been waiting.
At first, the three of them looked confused, but soon their faces relaxed and they looked relieved.
“I decided not to drop out. I’m going to keep going until I graduate.”
“Oh! So we can be friends now?”
“Eight, don’t stick to me!”
Ruska pushed Mary away from her side. Then she continued speaking.
“I’ll tell you, I’m just trying to make it easier for Angela, who will be entering school next year, to get back to school smoothly. Don’t nitpick.”
“Hehehehe! How dishonest!”
“Ah, hey! Ahahahahahaha! Ticklish!”
Mary clung to Ruska’s back like a fisherman, even tickling her armpits and sides with her hands.
“Just shut up!”
Ruska, growing increasingly agitated, threw the tiny Mary into a nearby tree.
Ruska, who boasts extraordinary strength, was able to throw Mary all the way to the top of a tree.
“Ouch!”
Mary, who was otherwise unharmed, just groaned and jumped around like a monkey, hanging on a tree branch.
Ruska looked at Mary with a bewildered expression.
-Is he a real person?
“But isn’t what Mary said right? You’re still not honest.”
“What nonsense are you talking about.”
“Who saved me?”
“….”
Ruska couldn’t refute Crona’s seductive tackle.
She had been thinking about this in the cabin. What kind of woman was Ruska Mad-Eye? And now she was finally able to establish it.
“You’re the kind of woman who always has bitter words on your lips, but in reality, you’re not. Do you get it?”
“Say whatever you want. I’ll fall for your provocation.”
“Hahaha. You’re acting cool again.”
Ruska tried to avoid Crona’s laughter by crossing her arms and turning her head away. However, Jenny was in her sight.
“….”
“….”
The snowball fight lasted for 10 seconds.
That’s because when we met, the thing that came to mind was something that had caused conflict.
“It’s pretty.”
“huh?”
It was Ruska who broke the silence first. Jenny tried to act shy, thinking that she was talking about her own face.
“Not you, but that necklace.”
“….”
Ruska pointed to the blue pendant on Jenny’s collarbone with her eyes. The summer dress was shorter than the spring dress, making it difficult to hide the accessory.
The expectations were shining. But it wasn’t bad.
“Your muffler is pretty too.”
“….”
Jenny hit back in kind. But it wasn’t bad at all.
Although one side was shining beautifully and the other side was dull as if covered in dust and mud, it was a treasure that neither of them could give up.
After praising each other’s treasures like that, they finally smiled.
Friendly laughter spread under the bright sunlight.
Then Mary, who was hanging from the tree, landed on the ground and said.
“Okay, then we should hold the inauguration ceremony!”
“what?”
* * * * *
“hi.”
“Oh, hello.”
“You decided not to drop out?”
“Yeah. But don’t misunderstand, because the Academy hasn’t gotten any better…”
“Okay, okay! You don’t have to say anything more than that.”
I just cut off Ruska’s sharp lines. I know that’s her character, but I can’t help but cringe the more I hear it.
Following their guidance, Ruska sat in the Benz in the square. I was waiting there, having prepared a packed lunch in advance. Because of that damn initiation ceremony.
It’s time for you to start getting curious too.
“What on earth is that initiation ceremony?”
“Nothing much. Just enjoy the meal.”
“….”
It really didn’t look like much. What’s different about going on a picnic?
Still, I accepted it obediently since it could be seen as a kind of celebration party.
“Okay, I got it. I’ll hang out with you just this once.”
Look at that embarrassment again.
“So what are all these?”
“Here’s a lunch box I prepared for you. Ta-da!”
“Ta-da!”
Mary and Jenny opened their lunch boxes brightly. Ruska looked secretly expectant.
“Hey, what is this?”
But soon he made a shit-eating expression.
“What is this?”
“What is it? It’s a lunch box.”
“Oh, I know that, but… why is it a little different from the lunchboxes I know?”
They were all bug lunch boxes. I ate them when I was hospitalized.
“Okay, try it.”
“Ah… what the heck! Are you crazy? Who eats something like this?”
“you are.”
“What are you talking about, dog-eating grass? Get out of my way!”
Ruska responded with something like, ‘Are you crazy, human?’
Living on the battlefield, she seemed to eat well at first glance, but in reality, it was the opposite. Ruska was extremely averse to bugs. She also had a girlish side.
‘Yes, that’s the normal way of thinking.’
But it was impossible.
Jenny and Mary stood up holding their lunch boxes. They smiled brightly and ate their lunch boxes.
It was like a demonstration by a skilled instructor.
“Hey, then that’s disappointing.”
“Yeah. It’s really delicious!”
I was swept up in the atmosphere and took a bite. As expected, it was disgustingly tasteless.
“These guys are out of their minds!”
This is crazy. Ruska tilted her head back, thinking she had to get out of here. But then she saw a lunch box that looked fine.
“Huh? This! I’d rather eat this. Is that okay?”
“Huh? Rice balls made by Radon?”
It was the only one I made, so it looked relatively intact. But Ruska took hold of the rice ball and cut it in half to check it thoroughly.
“Well, there’s nothing wrong.”
All she could see was the sesame seeds and ham inside the rice ball.
I took a bite with relief. But something felt a little strange.
The taste is….
“Is this ham and cheese?”
“Ugh… Miss Ruska, you’ve been scammed.”
“what?”
When Crona pointed it out, Ruska confirmed it again.
The ham and the squid were nowhere to be seen. Instead, I saw the corpses of earthworms.
“ah….”
What on earth did she eat? Ruska was clearly at a loss. On the other hand, Jenny and Mary were celebrating, saying, “The initiation ceremony is complete!”
-Fantasy Summon Lv3
Why did I bother using my skills to catch them? It’s simple. Because I couldn’t be the only one who got caught.
[Erosion rate reduction: -70%]
[+7000 Credits]
Lower erosion rate and credit earning are added bonuses.
“This… who put it there?”
Ruska felt somehow familiar with that hallucination. It was the same sensation she had experienced during the practical exam.
As expected, everyone turned their attention to me.
“You little punk!!”
Ruska’s expression distorted and she tried to pounce on me, but there was nothing to be afraid of.
Since this was something we had already worried about, we had already prepared countermeasures.
[Trap Card Activation]
Ruska, who was about to turn to the side of the table and ambush me, suddenly stopped moving.
“What, what is it!”
A little while ago, I placed a magic item on the spot where Ruska was stepping. Thanks to obtaining the ‘Maan’, I was able to predict her behavior patterns in advance.
“You stepped on a trap card.”
“You, you!”
“Sorry! I just wanted to get your attention so you could eat it!”
I got up from my seat and quickly ran away. Trap cards have their limits. After about a minute, they will tear themselves apart and escape.
After running for 10 seconds, I tried to hide myself in a place where I couldn’t be seen.
It was a small building with no one there. If you go here, you won’t get caught… .
“Found it.”
“Ugh!”
Ruska appeared in front of me. My expectations were dashed, and I was terrified.
You solved that in under 10 seconds and are already following me? You’re a total idiot.
“Come here.”
It was not the time to lament that we had underestimated Ruska.
She grabbed my shoulder and pulled my face towards her. I couldn’t imagine what she was going to do.
!?─
Something stuck to my cheek and tickled me. I was lost in thought as it came off, conveying moisture in an instant.
Ruska, who had conveyed that sensual feeling, took a step back, holding her hand on her shoulder in a charming manner.
“Thank you for everything. I hope you’ll take care of me in the future.”
Ruska said with a gentle expression. Then she turned her head and walked away, stretching as if relieved.
Wouldn’t it have been less awkward if I had gotten hit? I still couldn’t come to my senses from the unexpected skinship.
If Ruska had a curse, the erosion rate would have dropped by more than 100.
‘I got a good hit.’
This time, it was not a fox hungry for blood, but a very clever fox.
I smiled bitterly and looked at Ruska’s back.
It’s probably not the sunlight that makes her look so bright.
Surviving as an Academy Fraudster
