My Borderline Supervillain-Slash-Hero System-Chapter 53 Pudge In The Academy

The Academy—one of the world’s most powerful institutions dedicated to nurturing newly awakened beings—was nestled deep within a vast valley on a secluded island in the Pacific Ocean.

The terrain surrounding the valley was rugged and natural, a defensive barrier that doubled as training grounds. Architecture sprawled across the valley like veins of an organism—an awe-inspiring fusion of ancient magic and futuristic technology.

It wasn’t flashy, but it held prestige. Structures within the academy reflected influences from every human civilization—classical columns, oriental rooftops, gothic spires, tribal carvings, and even hypermodern modules—all seamlessly woven into a unified design. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

A wide river split the valley like a blue artery, branching into three tributaries that nourished the land. Towering spires stood tall across the terrain. Each one signified importance—residences of high-ranking personnel or headquarters of elite institutions.

At the heart of the valley stood the tallest and most imposing of all: the Central Tower, the main headquarters of the Academy.

At the topmost floor of this tower, in a room styled like a European gentleman’s study, a man sat lazily in a reclining mechanical chair. A can of beer was clutched in one hand, while the other flipped through thick piles of documents stacked on his desk.

The man looked middle-aged—salt-and-pepper hair, a strong jawline, piercing gray eyes that held decades of experience. His name was Aaron Evileye, the Director of the Academy and younger brother of the Academy’s legendary founder, Aaron Chaosbringer.

Before him were four tall stacks of paperwork, each containing files of this year’s newly awakened students. For hours, he’d been flipping through the reports, chugging beers as he worked. Now, four dozen empty cans lay scattered across the cluttered desk.

He leaned back with a sigh, eyes still closed. Then he spoke, his voice calm, yet amused:

"It’s been hours, friend. I know you’re here. You’ve had no intention of attacking, just lurking like a shadow. That’s not exactly the behavior of a gentleman. Why don’t you come out?"

A ripple passed through the air. Slowly, a figure materialized—tall, broad, and unmistakably rotund.

If Zane had been here, he’d immediately recognize the man: the jovial tavern owner from the Rusty Mug. But here, he was more than that.

He was Pudge Mordinga, also known by a far more terrifying name—The God of Weapons.

"I’m not here to play games," Pudge said, voice low and direct. "We’ve got matters to discuss."

The moment Pudge appeared, Aaron sat upright, his entire demeanor changing. His body tensed, mana beginning to rise like steam from a boiling pot. This wasn’t just a visitor—this was someone dangerous.

But diplomacy was part of Aaron’s nature. His sharp instincts gave way to a professional smile.

"How could I be calm when the God of Weapons shows up unannounced at my door?" Aaron said with a wry grin. "Please, have a seat. Want a beer?"

Without waiting for an answer, he tossed a cold can of beer toward Pudge.

Pudge caught it mid-air and chugged it down without ceremony. "You know that name’s just a codename. I’m no god."

Aaron chuckled. "And yet, you’re feared more than most deities."

"You’re one to talk, Devil Slayer Aaron Evileye," Pudge shot back. "Little brother to the one and only Chaosbringer—founder of this entire Academy. You’re not exactly low-profile yourself."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "You know that title?"

"Of course I do. Nothing escapes the ears of my master... or mine."

Aaron’s playful tone cooled. "Then you must also know I meant no disrespect. Speaking of your master... is he still on Earth?"

Pudge’s face darkened. The air thickened between them.

"You know the rules. No one is allowed to ask about him. Not you. Not even your brother. Don’t test that line."

Aaron raised both hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. I wasn’t trying to pry into classified matters. It’s just... my brother spoke of him once. He called him the hidden protector—someone who fights in the void of space, warding off threats unknown to the rest of us. I just wanted to know more. Not the secrets. Just... simple things."

Pudge chuckled dryly, then leaned forward, a sly grin creeping across his face. "Everything about him is classified. But today might be your lucky day. I’ll share a piece of information—on one condition."

Aaron’s brow arched. "Alright. If it’s within my power, I’ll do it."

"Good." Pudge’s tone lowered, turning serious. "I’ll tell you about his latest mission. There was a battle royal—location classified. It was a galactic contest for supremacy. The strongest warriors from across the Milky Way were invited, each one representing their planet. But this wasn’t just a tournament for glory—it was a cosmic evaluation. The fate of each world depended on their champion’s performance. If a participant’s performance fell below a certain threshold... their planet would be forcefully colonized."

Aaron’s beer can paused halfway to his lips, his eyes frozen wide.

Pudge continued, his voice solemn. "My master represented Earth. He fought... and Earth passed. For the next three decades, our planet is safe from interstellar colonization."

Aaron let out a long breath. His gaze turned distant as he processed the weight of that truth. The world was oblivious, but the blade had hung over their heads—and someone had silently deflected it.

"That’s... heavy," he muttered.

"Now," Pudge said, voice sharper. "Your turn."

Aaron looked out the panoramic window of the tower, the blue sky stretching endlessly beyond the clouds. He sighed. "Alright. I’m listening. What do you want?"

"I want to join the Academy," Pudge said.

Aaron choked mid-sip, spewing beer onto the paperwork. "What? Am I hearing things?"

"You heard me right," Pudge said with a straight face. "Let me join."

"The great Pudge wants to enroll in my Academy?" Aaron leaned back, stunned. "I never saw this coming. I thought you and your master believed in staying neutral—treating heroes and villains equally?"

"We still believe that," Pudge replied, eyes narrowing. "But I’ve grown tired of so-called ’super-villains’ who think they’re above consequence."

Aaron’s voice lowered. "You mean like Zorro Carter?"

Pudge didn’t respond. His silence spoke volumes.

Aaron smirked, probing further. "Funny you mention that. Word is... his son is among this year’s new applicants."

Pudge stayed calm, but his voice was firm. "I don’t care what sins Zorro committed. But don’t confuse father and son. The crimes of one don’t pass to the other. Speak carefully, Director—I don’t appreciate careless words."

Aaron nodded slowly, the weight of the warning clear. "A fair point. I’ll remember that."

"Now let’s get back to it. I’m not asking again." Pudge’s tone was final. "I want to join. Don’t ask why—I won’t answer."

Aaron stood up and stepped around the desk, arms crossed. "Who wouldn’t want someone like you? With you in the Academy, our strength will multiply tenfold. It would be an honor."

He paused, thinking aloud. "Let’s consider a fitting position... perhaps Vice Director? Just a title, of course—you and I would share equal authority."

Pudge shook his head. "Just make me a Dean. I don’t care about titles or politics."

Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a platinum card, sliding it across the desk. "Take this. Use it to buy every available stake in House Drakon. Don’t ask why."

Aaron took the card, inspecting it with a knowing smirk. "So you want to sponsor House Drakon? No one’s ever done that before... Might not be a bad idea."

If my instincts are right, he thought, this man alone might be wealthier than all the super-families combined. If he’s backing House Drakon, that house is going to rise like never before.

Aaron nodded, walked to the ornate cabinet behind him, and pulled out a black obsidian token—the official insignia of a Dean. He handed it over.

Pudge took it without a word and vanished on the spot, as silently as he had arrived.

Aaron stood still for a long moment, staring at the space where the man had disappeared.

Why the Academy? Why now? Why House Drakon?

Questions swirled in his mind, but one thing was certain.

A storm was coming.

And Aaron Evileye had a strong feeling... he was standing right in its path.

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