A Wild Man Has Entered the Academy-Chapter 218

On weekends, I usually enter the forest to gather various herbs, hunt, or mark territories. There's a lot to do.

However, after the hunter appeared and Porori's life force was drained, Rod prohibited entry. This applied to me as well.

No matter how capable I am, if the hunter ambushes me, I'd be helpless. I agreed with this reasoning and complied.

Instead, I decided to visit Jane's workshop. I haven't seen Jane recently, so I don't know how far things have progressed.

It was estimated that Jane had completed more than half of the work, but it was better to inspect it. I needed to understand what obstacles she was facing.

'The completion was originally scheduled after the academy's collapse.'

Even for Jane, inventing an Iron Man suit is an extremely arduous task. Moreover, this world lacks the advanced technology of Earth.

If there are any blockages, I help her brainstorm, and if something is lacking, I fill in for her. That's my job as an investor.

Trusting and waiting should suffice. The most important thing to monitor is her health.

As is often the case with geniuses, they tend to immerse themselves to the point of harming their own bodies.

Especially since Jane's job involves crafting directly with her hands, I need to pay extra attention.

'Historically, blacksmithing is a profession that often ruins one's body.'

Above all, her hands must not get injured. For Jane, her hands are directly tied to her life.

First, I plan to check Jane's condition, and if there's an issue, I'll immediately halt her work.

Jane would argue that it's unnecessary, but her body and mind are her greatest assets.

Crackle! Crackle!

Before long, I entered Jane's familiar workshop.

Normally, the workshop is tightly locked with a key, but as an investor, I can visit anytime.

As soon as I entered, the sound of welding reached my ears. It seems she's diligently working even on the weekend.

'Oh... Looks like she's made quite a lot?'

I walked past Jane, who was welding while wearing a mask, and checked the items she had made.

It might look messy at first glance, but the place was filled with complex mechanical chunks.

Among them, the most eye-catching item was undoubtedly the mask-like object. Although it was more of a helmet than a mask.

'It really looks like a prototype design.'

The thought of this heavy thing flying around powered by magic and mana is exciting.

For reference, this isn't for me to wear but for someone else. I don't know what might happen if I wear it.

"Phew... Huh? Ah! When did you arrive?"

It seems she had just finished her work. Jane was startled as soon as she saw me.

I looked at the helmet-like or mask-like object and then at Jane. Her hair was soaked in sweat, likely from working for a long time.

"Just now."

"I see. Is there a particular reason you came?"

"To check."

"The... the construct isn't fully completed yet..."

When I said I came to check, Jane quickly shrank back. She seemed to think I was here to inspect her work.

Of course, that wasn't the case at all. I shook my head and opened my mouth.

"Not the construct. I came to check on you."

"Me? Are you talking about me?"

"Yes. Your health."

Jane was dumbfounded when I mentioned checking her health. She looked confused, as if she couldn't grasp what I was saying.

So instead of speaking, I showed her through actions. I approached Jane and first checked her most important hands.

"Ah...!"

Jane was flustered when I grabbed her hands. Ignoring her reaction, I examined the condition of her hands.

'Fortunately, her hands are relatively clean.'

Specifically, there were no visible scars or burn marks.

Although her profession requires frequent use of her hands, resulting in calluses and scars, there were no recent injuries.

If I had found burn marks or signs of mishandling a hammer, I would have stopped her immediately.

"You're not hurt anywhere, right?"

"No... I'm not. Thank you for worrying about me."

"No, this is only natural..."

While holding her hands, I looked directly at Jane. But I couldn't finish my sentence.

Jane's distinctively beautiful face remained the same. Especially since she had taken off her glasses, which previously obscured her looks, she appeared even more radiant.

But the problem wasn't her beauty—it was her eyes. Jane, who once had vividly blue eyes, now had a slight reddish tint in them.

"Jane."

"Yes?"

"Are your eyes hurting?"

"Oh... They sting a bit sometimes, but it doesn't interfere with my work."

That's not true. Those are burn injuries in her eyes.

Frequent exposure to ultraviolet light or intense brightness can cause burns to the eyes.

Especially since Jane works close to fire. Even with protective goggles, burns are inevitable.

"No."

"Pardon?"

"Rest. Your eyes are hurting."

"I... I'm fine..."

"No pay?"

"... Okay."

Before Jane could insist she was fine, I immediately used my trump card. Thanks to that, Jane obediently agreed.

For now, I prohibited her from working until her eyes fully recovered. Judging by the slight redness, she seemed quite fatigued.

"How much have you been working?"

"I've been coming to the workshop after every class."

"When do you sleep?"

"I always sleep at dawn."

"No work for a week."

"What?!"

This is how fatigue builds up and leads to overwork. She probably finds it enjoyable, but that's exactly why I need to stop her.

If this continues, she might need a month of rest.

Especially since Jane has no reliable means of contact except for me. I should find a way to arrange communication for her.

"You're overexerting yourself. Take a break for now."

"B-but..."

"Money."

"Understood. I'll rest diligently."

Just how financially strapped is she to surrender at the mere mention of money?

I chuckled lightly and slowly let go of Jane's hands. Jane, with a peculiar expression, rubbed her hands.

"Don't get hurt. Don't fall ill. What matters most is your health. Got it?"

"Still... I'm in a position where I received investment..."

"I invested in you. If you break down, it's meaningless."

"Oh..."

At my words, Jane rolled her eyes. Her reddened eyes were filled with questions.

Then, while fidgeting with her hands and glancing at me, she quietly spoke.

"... Did you say you invested in me?"

"Yes."

"I've always wondered... What exactly did you see in me...?"

From Jane's perspective, this was a reasonable question. At the time of my investment, Jane was an ordinary student with nothing special.

No, she wasn't just ordinary—she was eccentric. Even among the professors, she was known as the weird student.

It's only natural for her to find my sudden investment baffling.

Back then, she was so desperate that she probably didn't think about it. That's how much she needed it.

"Your hands."

"My hands...?"

"Yes. They're the same as back then. Calluses and scars."

I couldn't outright say it was because I knew the future. Instead, I came up with a plausible excuse.

The calluses and scars, marks of an artisan, were proof of her time and experience.

At this age, having scars like this must mean they've been through countless years. Even a genius cannot defeat the passage of time.

"Many scars. It means a lot of experience. That's why I believed in you."

"... ..."

"Is that enough?"

Jane stared at me with a blank expression after my explanation. She seemed somewhat moved.

At the same time, her fidgeting with her hands was somewhat adorable. Plus, taking off her glasses softened her impression.

"......Mr. Sivar."

"Yes."

"Thank you. Truly, thank you."

Jane clasped her hands together and bowed deeply. She was expressing her gratitude sincerely.

Adding a bit of exaggeration, her head seemed about to touch the ground. I placed my hand on her shoulder and slowly helped her up.

After helping her up, I looked at her face and saw she was on the verge of tears. Her eyes were brimming with tears, and she was biting her lips tightly.

'Is she reacting this much?'

I don't know. Maybe it's because her genius had been denied and she had been oppressed until now.

I carefully wiped Jane's tears. When I wiped her tears, she hurriedly wiped them herself.

"I-I will take a break as you suggested for the time being. I'll return to work in good health."

"Yes. So, what will you do during your break?"

"I plan to visit Professor Godin and study. There's something I want to ask him."

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She fits the perfect case of a truly hardworking genius. That's why, even after repeated failures, she succeeds.

After giving Jane several words of encouragement, I left the workshop. Even as I left, she bowed deeply.

"Oh, right. Jane. Are you free for lunch?"

"Lunch? No, I'll probably be alone in the workshop."

"Then don't eat. Come eat with me. There's one more person joining."

"I don't mind."

Since it's come to this, I'll take the chance to deliver some herbs good for the eyes and introduce her to Ellie.

Both of them are in non-combat professions, so they might have some common ground. In terms of their department, they're senior and junior.

Now, all that's left is to visit Rod's residence to meet Ellie. And to get permission from Rod to enter the forest.

'This time, I'm only gathering herbs.'

I also plan to mark the territory. Last time, I didn't, so another creature might have wandered in.

Regardless, marking the territory is something that must be done consistently. It's a part Rod agrees with, so it should be fine.

"You're here?"

As soon as I arrived at Rod's residence, Ellie greeted me, as expected.

As always, she hugged me tightly and rubbed her face against my chest.

Her sweet display of affection made me hug her warmly in return. The soft sensation I felt below always brought happiness.

"Where's Luna? Not here today?"

"Not now. She might come later."

"Really? What about Grandpa?"

"I'm right here."

Turning to the voice, I saw Rod standing with his hands behind his back.

He was smiling warmly at our affectionate display. I felt a bit embarrassed, but the coziness was too good to let go.

"Grandpa."

"Yes."

"I want to enter the forest. I have a reason."

"A reason? Alright. Then go ahead."

"What?"

Isn't he allowing it too easily without even asking the reason? I blinked in surprise.

However, Rod maintained a generous smile as if it was fine and spoke.

"If it's you, then you must have a plan. You wouldn't just barge in recklessly, right?"

"Yes. I prepared some paint."

For reference, the paint was something I brought from Jane's workshop. If a hunter shows up, I'll throw it immediately.

Rod seemed to think I was well-prepared and willingly gave his approval. Now, all that's left is to enter the forest and find the herbs.

'But what were the herbs good for the eyes again?'

My memory was hazy. But fortunately, there was an herb expert right beside me.

I called Ellie, who was still enjoying the warmth.

"Ellie."

"Yes."

Ellie tilted her head slightly to look up at me. Then, she even smiled bashfully.

She truly exuded loveliness. I stroked her face.

There's a saying that a good figure enhances beauty, and Ellie, with her naturally pretty face, made the effect outstanding.

'If I don't fall for her, I'm not a man.'

If I ever cause trouble in the future, it would probably be because of Ellie. Suppressing my desire, I asked her.

"Do you know any herbs good for the eyes? Someone's eyes got burned."

"Burned eyes? Who?"

"A friend of mine. Someone you don't know."

"......Is it a woman?"

Ellie's voice slightly lowered. I flinched at her words but nodded.

Ellie narrowed her eyes and glared at me briefly before shrugging. She seemed to imply it didn't matter.

"Well, adding one more person is fine. Anyway, what did she do to get her eyes burned?"

"She's a blacksmith. But she also does welding."

"Ah, that makes sense. It's a common ailment for blacksmiths."

Rod spoke. It seemed his vast experience allowed him to recognize it immediately.

Ellie also pondered after hearing the symptoms. Soon after, she spoke.

"If it's burned eyes... Yagolt would be the best. Boil it and use the water for the eyes."

"Can you find it?"

"I can. It would be easier if we went together, though..."

Ellie trailed off, starting to gauge Rod's reaction instead of mine.

If I go alone, it's fine, but if I go with Ellie, it could be dangerous.

In the worst-case scenario, a hunter might take Ellie hostage. That's the concern.

"Hmm... Sivar, do you know what the herb Ellie mentioned looks like?"

"No."

"Then go together. It's better to find it with an expert; it'll save time."

"Thank you!"

"But be careful. You never know when or where something might appear."

I was aware of that too. That's why I'll make thorough preparations before going.

'If someone takes Ellie hostage...'

Just imagining it was horrifying. I have to ensure she doesn't leave my side.

Porori is still weak from the aftereffects of having his life force drained. It's an unfortunate situation.

"Then I'll be back as soon as possible!"

"Alright. Stay safe."

"I'll be back."

Leaving Rod's farewell behind, we entered the forest.

With half worry and half anticipation.

*****

Around the time Sivar and Ellie had just entered the forest.

"They've arrived."

The hunter, hiding in the shadows, immediately noticed their presence.

Not through direct sight, but by using subordinates to share their vision.

[Avoid provoking them and just observe. But confirm whether they use red mana.]

The hunter recalled the orders from above. He stroked the chin hidden under his mask.

'For now, I'll just watch what they do.'

He quietly began to follow them. As expected, they didn't notice his presence.

Not only was he completely hidden in the darkness, but it was also thanks to the innate characteristics of a demon. If things went on like this, the mission wouldn't be difficult.

"Ellie. Wait a moment."

"Huh? Where are you going?"

"I have something to do."

At that moment, Sivar, saying he had something to do, briefly parted from Ellie. The hunter seized that moment.

Should he take Ellie hostage to force a fight, or should he just leave things as they are?

'No, that's not it. Observation comes first.'

He decided to stick to observation. He hadn't yet figured out their proper living patterns.

There was no need to act rashly. Didn't the superiors also say to withdraw if it seemed like he'd be discovered?

The hunter quietly followed behind Sivar rather than Ellie. In his hands were a one-handed axe and a greatsword.

Thud-

Eventually, Sivar placed his weapons on the ground. It looked like he was about to do something.

The hunter carefully watched the situation. Seeing him even put down his weapons, it was clear he had something in mind.

'Could it be that I've been discovered? Is he deliberately luring me in...'

While the hunter was entertaining a reasonable suspicion, Sivar placed his hand on the waistband of his pants.

Swoosh-

Without hesitation, he boldly pulled down both his pants and underwear. The hunter was momentarily dumbfounded by his actions.

And then...

'...Ah. Damn it.'

He could clearly observe Sivar marking his territory with his own eyes.

'What a beastly guy.'

*****

[Faith Increases!]

"?"

What the hell. Did someone do something strange somewhere?